Category Archives: Beauty

Oct18

La Marie Brow Club Update

Posted on by
Standard
La Marie Brow Club Update

Hello!!! Just about two years ago, I had my first microblading appointment at my cousin, Laura’s, studio in Pittsburgh called La Marie Brow Club. At the time, she was renting out the back of a tattoo studio to do her amazing work. Now, for the past year, she owns her own shop with multiple artists working there who specialize in permanent makeup.

Over the weekend, my sister and I went on a road trip so Laura could work her microblading magic on Kristen. Not only does my sister look fabulous but Laura’s new shop is so awesome I just had to share it with all of you! Kristen and I are both already itching to go back for our touch up appointments in December. 🙂

Check it out:

Laura’s last studio was the size of just one of her new microblading rooms in the new shop so this is a major upgrade for her and I am so proud. La Marie Brow Club is closed on Sundays and Laura opened up special for us so we could hang out and Kristen could get her brows done. We had the best time having hours on end of girl talk and pampering and it was so fun to catch up because the last time we saw Laura was on March 19th AKA when all of the bars and restaurants in Ohio closed.

After Kristen’s appointment, we all headed to Laura’s parents for a social distanced take out dinner and then we made our way home to flat Ohio from hilly Pittsburgh. As always, I can’t recommend Laura’s services enough and if you are in the area it is a must to get microbladed by the best!

My touch up appointment in December will be my third time getting microbladed and I seriously cannot wait for round three and road trip round two with Kristen. It was a great day! ❤

Do you have any permanent makeup done? Would you ever get microbladed? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct17

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Glacier Water & Pink Peony Hydrating Gel Cream Mask Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Glacier Water & Pink Peony Hydrating Gel Cream Mask Edition

Hello! During one of my previous Amazon hauls, I ordered a set of six new face masks from Freeman. Unfortunately, the first one I tried was a dud and this gel cream mask just didn’t do anything for me, either. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

When I decided to use this gel cream mask, I thought it sounded so refreshing that it would have to be good. I love gel masks because of their bouncy texture and the glacier water/pink peony combo seemed like it would just add to the enjoyment. So, I prepped my bath water and applied my face mask for an evening of pampering.

As I squeezed the mask into my hand, it reminded me so much of one of my favorite gel masks from The Body Shop and I was taken with the pale blue color it was tinted. The gel cream dried fairly quickly and, as per the instructions, I left it on all night.

The following morning, I was eager to wash my face and see how my skin felt as I had the mask on for well over ten hours at that point. Sadly, I noticed no difference to my skin. In fact, after I got out of the shower my skin felt tight and was practically begging me for my moisturizing routine.

I have never used a gel mask that did this little for me before and I was honestly shocked. With some of my favorite gel masks, it left my skin looking so radiant and feeling hella moisturized but, obviously, all of them can’t be winners. -_-

I definitely wouldn’t recommend this face mask and, as of now, I am striking out on my Freeman haul. Here’s to hoping the next few will be better so keep it posted for more Face Mask Festivities coming soon!

Which face masks would you not recommend? Do you have a favorite gel cream mask? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

New Oxblood & Black Nails

Posted on by
Standard
New Oxblood & Black Nails

Hi! This past week, a new set of acrylics was much needed as all of my real nails underneath had grown out the length of the fake ones. I was very much looking forward to getting my claws done with a spooky color palette for Halloween but, naturally, I just had to get the nail tech who manhandles me again. *Massive eye roll*.

Other than the general discomfort of the whole experience, my nails did turn out really good. But, I promise, next appointment I am putting my big girl pants on and asking for a new tech! Lol, check it out:

I honest to god have never experienced a nail tech quite like this woman before. She literally cut into my real nail and it hurt so bad to the point that I half yelled “ouch”. You would think after that she would have been more careful but nope, I had so many ouchies and boo boos after this time at the salon that my fingers ached.

Another major problem with this nail tech is her constant need to complain about my hands and the difficulty I have moving them. I was in a car accident a year ago that left nerve damage in both of my arms. My hands tend to get very stiff and rigid and they are usually even worse after my day at work. I explained my accident to her but to have her constantly poke and prod my hands and say “relax” after the fact is just offensive when I can’t.

I decided that the next time I call in for an appointment is when I ask for a different tech because I am so sick of this. Lol, my nails look awesome but I hardly even mentioned it in this post because the situation is so off putting. But, yes, I love my dark and spooky oxblood and black nails and they are just what I wanted for October. I just wish a different nail tech did them! 😀

What color of nail polish are you wearing? What is your favorite Halloween activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct1

Wigging Out

Posted on by
Standard
Wigging Out

Hi! For as long as I can remember, I have been sporting short hair. From uber short to now short/mid and everything in between the two, I just can’t be bothered to grow my hair out. Mind you, this is not for a lack of trying. Every once in a while I make a sincere effort to lengthen my hair but by the time it grows a few inches, I find that it totally takes away my edge and all of the angles in my face that pop with short hair are instantly dulled down.

This is all fine and dandy because I know now that short hair will always look best on me. The only problem with permanent short hair? You can’t do anything with it. No ponytails, no messy buns, no braids – just lots and lots of headbands, hair straightening, hats, and beanies.

Don’t get me wrong, I love headbands, hair straightening, hats, and beanies more than the average Joe. But, damnit, I just want to wear a long ponytail for the first time since grade school. Growing my hair out just to wear a ponytail and then cut it is not feasible so, for the first time in my life, I am considering getting some wigs.

I have quite a few friends who love experimenting with different wig styles, cuts, and colors and I am enamored with the idea of putting one on and having a totally new look. Playing around with all of the up-dos is also something on my agenda! However, I really don’t know anything about reputable brands, application, and best practices for taking care of the “hair”.

This, is where all of my fabulous beauty bloggers come in. If any of you gurus out there are wig experts, please link me your posts on the subject in the comments so I can learn more and give your page some love. Many thanks in advance! ❤ 🙂

Who has worn a wig before? Do you have any advice for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

Bath & Body Works Online Haul

Posted on by
Standard
Bath & Body Works Online Haul

Hi! Both Johnny and myself freaking love the foaming hand soaps from Bath & Body Works. We have an excellent system in place where we switch off on who’s paying when we need more but the treat is that even when Johnny is paying, he still lets me pick out which scents we get. 🙂

This past week, our soap shipment arrived and, overall, I am pretty pleased with the fragrances I chose. It’s hard to pick which scents you want when you can’t smell them so I tend to stick with things we’re both more than likely going to enjoy. A trip to B&BW is a lot harder than you would think when your county is in a threat level red for COVID. -_-

Anyways, take a look at these soaps and I’ll let you know which ones I love and would leave if you are ordering online too:

Love Or Leave?

  • Beautiful Day: LOVE
  • Don’t Stop Be-Leafing: LEAVE
  • Cranberry Peach: LOVE
  • Peach Bellini: LOVE
  • Afternoon Apple Picking: LEAVE
  • All About Fall Y’all: LOVE

Lol, a lot of these picks should be no surprise to all of you! Everyone knows I love my peach and apple scents. So why did I not care for the Afternoon Apple Picking soap? Cinnamon, cinnamon, cinnamon. I HATE cinnamon. This soap has all of the scents of juicy apple and pear but, unfortunately, it is laced with cinnamon and I just can’t get down with it. It makes me feel like I am washing my hands with Big Red gum and I definitely wouldn’t have purchased it if I read its description a little better!

The Don’t Stop Be-Leafing scent of orange vanilla swirl is also one that I could do without. Originally, I thought a creamsicle fragrance would be nice and light but, unfortunately, this one is heavy to the point that it’s almost musky. When it comes to hand soaps, both Johnny and I detest a perfume-like heaviness so this is one that I will also not be buying again.

Despite two duds, I had four successes and that isn’t too bad when it comes to online soap shopping! Bath & Body Works is almost always running a six for twenty-six dollar deal on their foaming hand soaps so do be sure to get some delicious smell goods of your own. 🙂

What is your favorite B&BW scent? What is your favorite fall fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep27

September 2020 Finishes

Posted on by
Standard
September 2020 Finishes

Hi! So it’s already the end of September, which is mind blowing to me. I know all of you think I’m crazy for starting Christmas shopping so early but, damn, the countdown feels on now! We’re coming in hot to 2021 and all I can hope with each passing month is that things get a little better, lol.

Because times are so stressful, it is very important to me to continue doing all of the things I love to pamper myself. I revel in my bubble baths and face masks and still stick to a strict skin care regimen. These empties are the fruits of my labor to keep me from going insane and I’d say they served their purpose well. Check it out:

Would I Use Again?

  • Bath & Body Works Champagne Apple & Honey shower gel: YES
  • SkinLab Lift & Firm moisturizer: YES
  • Azure Lux Rose Gold serum: YES
  • Azure Lux 24K Gold serum: YES

As you can see, these are my “usual” finishes for the month and you can read more about them by clicking the link. For more of the best beauty on lifewithlilred, how about checking out the following?

It’s easy to feel down and out about everything from COVID to the election and all of the craziness of daily life. It’s also easy to take some time just for you to help sooth your nerves and relax. Soak your feet, paint your nails, or get dressed up for the first time in forever. Or maybe use up that bubble bath that has just been taking up space so you can have some empties too. 🙂

Which products did you use up this month? How do you destress? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep25

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask Edition

Hi! During my last Amazon haul, I purchased some new face masks for myself. Experimenting with different kinds of face masks has been my quarantine treat as it is a cheap way to get some pampering in after a long day at work. This past week, I tried out a peel off clay mask by Freeman and, suffice it to say, it left a lot to be desired. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

When I saw that this Freeman Clearing face mask was a peel off one, I was so excited. I tried out a peel off mask for the first time a few months ago and I LOVED it. There was honestly nothing more satisfying than peeling the mask off after it was dried and I was very much looking forward to doing that again.

Unfortunately, this Freeman mask never dried! The clay formula was so thick and sticky that even well after the fifteen minute recommendation time, it was still wet. Knowing that it was going to take at least another fifteen to twenty minutes to dry, I washed it off. That was also a hassle, though, because of its consistency and I had to rub and scrub with warm water until my face was clean.

Although I wasn’t able to peel the mask off, I was still eager to see the results. Unfortunately, again, they were really nothing to sneeze at. Did my skin look more radiant? Slightly. The only thing I was really happy about was that my blackheads on my nose were gone.

I wouldn’t recommend this Freeman mask because, at the end of the day, it wasn’t a peel off mask. It was just a really sticky clay mask, lol. Had the results been mind blowing, I might have a different opinion. However, that wasn’t the case, either, so I think it’s safe to say that all of y’all can skip on the Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask.

How do you pamper yourself? Which kind of face mask do you prefer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep22

Face Mask Festivities: Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Face Mask Festivities: Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy! During my last Amazon haul, I picked out some new face masks for myself as a little treat. After a long day, I love to unwind with a sheet mask and my favorite show. Like on Wednesday, for example. Wednesday is my long day at work as I see multiple clients. However, when I get home, Johnny is gone because he’s at band practice so I get the apartment to myself.

I take full advantage of my Wednesday evenings by my lonesome because I watch all of the shows that Johnny refuses to watch with me like America’s Next Top Model, My 600 Lb. Life, and now Dancing With The Stars. I had myself a pampering party by tucking into the new season of DWTS and enjoying this new face mask:

Obligatory sheet mask selfie lolol.

I have been curious about the Moisture Bomb masks by Garnier for a while because they are definitely not the newest one on the market. I like their products well enough and it seems difficult to mess up a hydrating mask so I decided to try it out and I am so glad I did. This sheet mask rocked!

After removing the mask from its packaging, I was pleased to see that it was smaller than some of the ones that I have used before and it fit so nicely on my face. This always helps add to the relaxation because slipping and sliding face masks are never any fun and when it gets in your eyes it makes it even worse.

The directions instructed me to keep the sheet mask on for fifteen minutes but after just one minute of it on, I could feel my skin just soaking up all of the moisturizing goodness. I have never seen a mask described as “comforting” before on the package but it really was. I felt exhausted after my long day and lounging with my show and face mask on was just the pick me up I needed.

Once my fifteen minutes were up, I removed the mask and I was eager to see the results which just happened to be… FANTASTIC! I don’t know how this mask did it but I shit you not I looked like I had just woken up from a night of beauty sleep even though I had been working all day. And, even after taking it off, I could still feel the product doing its thing as it promised twenty-four hour hydrating.

When I woke up the following morning my skin was still glowing and it felt fresh as a daisy. I am so impressed with the Moisture Bomb mask by Garnier and I would absolutely recommend it. In fact, I think I’d like to get a few more for myself!

How do you unwind after a long day? What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep20

Face Mask Festivities: Amazon Haul Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Face Mask Festivities: Amazon Haul Edition

Hello! Since COVID, I have taken to ordering all of my skin care from Amazon instead of taking a trip to TJMaxx. The prices aren’t as good and it isn’t nearly as fun but it’s safer and more convenient. It also is never hard to find an extra treat or two for myself, so I decided to get some more face masks because nothing is better than a pampering party after a long day! Check it out:

After experimenting with many different face masks, I have found that the sheet and peel off kinds are the best for me. I love that there isn’t any messy clean up and it keeps my clutter of half used bottles of clay face masks to a minimum. I also kind of like that the sheet and peel off masks are single use because it gives me the option to try out something new every time.

During this Amazon haul, I ordered a Garnier Moisture Bomb sheet mask because I have always been curious about them. I also decided to go for a set of six different masks by Freeman. I thought this was a steal because I got six masks for around eight bucks while a bottle of their clay masks are around five to six dollars each. Nice. 😀

I am very much looking forward to testing out all seven of my new face masks so keep it posted on lifewithlilred for brand new Face Mask Festivities coming soon! ❤

Do you have a favorite face mask? How do you do your shopping in COVID times? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep16

Scent Memories

Posted on by
Standard
Scent Memories

Hello! Ever since moving into my apartment, the foaming hand soaps from Bath & Body Works have been a staple for my kitchen and bathroom sinks. I love all of the delicious fragrances and how clean and moisturized my hands feel after each wash. Recently, I had a huge online haul from B&BW and I have been enjoying testing out all of the different scents.

A couple of days ago, I ran out of soap in my bathroom and began using the Orange Sunrise option seen below:

I pumped the soap into my hands and I don’t really know what I was expecting – maybe a Creamsicle like scent? But, I took a whiff and was nearly blown over by a scent memory. Do you ever get those? When you smell something that takes you back to when you first experienced an amazing or nasty aroma?

Luckily for me, the Orange Sunrise soap wasn’t a sickening scent memory but quite the opposite. Because, holy cow, this soap smells exactly like the orange bath beads that used to be sold at The Body Shop. In case my fellow nineties kids don’t remember bath beads, they were basically like little jelly spheres filled with scented and moisturizing oil to add into your bath.

When my siblings and I were little, my mom used to take us to The Body Shop all the time and all I wanted were the bath beads. I loved the green ones but the orange Satsuma beads were my favorites. I have so many memories of bath times with those beads and squishing them with my fingers and toes and letting the delicious aroma wash over me.

For a second when I first pumped the B&BW soap into my hands, I was right back in The Body Shop with my mom filling up a huge bag of bath beads to take home. It was one of the best scent memories I’ve ever had and I am so happy to be taken back to that moment that I had almost forgotten every time I wash my hands! ❤

Have you had a scent memory recently? Where can I find bath beads? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah