Category Archives: Beauty

Jun29

June 2020 Finishes Pt. 1

Posted on June 29, 2020 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! I have a theory that June seriously dragged because of my family vacation to look forward to at the end of the month. It made each day feel like a lifetime… Maybe that explains why I have so many empties that I had to break my normal monthly finishes post into a part one and two!

The real reason, however, is that I haven’t been wearing makeup in quarantine. Therefore, I’m using twice as much skin care per month because I have a fresh face to apply a nighttime routine on. I can definitely notice the difference in my skin from the daily double whammies of moisturizers and serums. Now, maybe I’ll be more motivated to take my makeup off at night post quarantine. Maybe!

Lol, let’s take a look at these skin care empties and discuss:

Would I Use Again?

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair moisturizer: NO
SkinLab Lift & Firm moisturizer: YES
SkinLab Lift & Firm Eye Gel: YES
Biossance Vitamin C & Rose Hip Serum: YES

Why/Why Not?

Neutrogena Moisturizer: My mom gave me this moisturizer when I was running low at home and holy wow is this stuff powerful. Of course, this product was made with more mature skin in mind and at twenty-six, mine just didn’t meet that mark. After a few days of use, my skin was SO dry and red that I had to put olive oil on it just to breathe some lift back into the painful, burning dryness.

Once I realized it was way too strong for my skin, I mixed a bit of it into my normal SkinLab moisturizer and that felt much better. Waste not, want not as the saying goes. I can’t say I recommend this product for anyone in my age range but I think it would be fabulous for those with more mature skin.

SkinLab Moisturizer: My Lift & Firm moisturizer felt like absolute heaven in comparison to the Neutrogena one! So rich and insanely hydrating, my skin was drinking it up after being so dried out. It takes me one month to finish one jar and I always plan on using it again. In fact, I need a restock soon!

SkinLab Eye Gel: And, as you know, I am all about the SkinLab Eye Gel too. It takes me at least three months to finish one tiny jar and I can’t picture my skin care routine without it, either.

Biossance Serum: I received this little vial of serum as a freebie during my last Sephora haul and, if given the opportunity, I would use it again. My skin looked radiant and felt so nourished after each use. My only qualm, though, is that it never fully sank into my skin and it left a somewhat greasy residue. This is not ideal, especially in the hot summer months. It took me a week and a half of twice daily use to finish the sample.

Now you know all about my skin care empties for the month! Do tune in tomorrow to learn more about the rest of my June Finishes. 🙂

Which products have you used up this month? Have you tried out any new skin care recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun26

New Hair, Who Dis?

Posted on June 26, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hellooo everyone! Now, we all know that “Life is better in red” but I found out that blondes do have more fun. Well, I’m having half more fun anyways! I have been hinting at a hair change for a while and I finally was able to get to the salon so my hair guru, Anna, could work her magic. I always thought that I would look really cute with yellowy blonde hair and my hunch was correct. Behold, the glory of my new “convertible” half red and half blonde hair:

Convertible hair is honestly the most accurate term for my new do because it is the most versatile style I have ever had. Literally any way I fix my hair in the morning could be a little or vastly different than how it was worn the day before. Hell, I could have a different hair style for every hour of the day! How cool is that?

To achieve the blonde half of my hair, Anna bleached it for an hour. I have never had my hair bleached before so we had no idea what was going to happen. And, of course, we both understand the importance of being safe than sorry. Thankfully, my bleached half still feels and looks very healthy!

After washing the bleach out, the toner was applied to give my hair the yellowy hue that I was after. The ultimate goal is a bright mustard yellow and I will be going back in a month to get that taken care of. I can’t wait! I plan on having Anna help keep me blonde until I am more educated about it but I will continue to dye the red part at home. There’s nothing better than a trip to the salon so even getting half of your hair dyed is a treat. 😀

I am so proud of myself for embracing a brand new style after the same old for what seemed like forever. My confidence is through the roof and I’m already thinking of what color I want to compliment my red next. I’m thinking pink! ❤

What is your favorite salon treatment to get? Have you recently embraced a new look? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun25

Face Mask Festivities: Sephora’s The Bubble Mask Edition

Posted on June 25, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Face Mask Festivities: Sephora’s The Bubble Mask Edition

Hi! There is nothing that Lil Red loves more than when I can apply a face mask during my free time in the evening. During my last Sephora haul, I purchased a bubble sheet mask to help me get over the fifty dollar free shipping threshold. The baby blue packaging and the description all looked and sounded so nice and I am happy I bought it because it WAS nice! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

Alright, let’s start off this post by saying that sheet face masks are, admittedly, extremely creepy. The creepier part? I had the intention of putting this face mask on all day and was looking forward to it at work. So, naturally, I had to apply the mask anyways while my boyfriend and I were watching Hannibal. There is something about wearing a sheet mask while watching a show about Hannibal Lector that seems so wrong and we were in stitches when I walked out of the bathroom with the mask on my face. But, hey, limited free time means pampering oneself while… one can? Lol!

Despite feeling like a total CREEPER, Sephora’s Bubble Mask was amazing! As soon as I put it on, I could feel the bubbling effect begin to take place. And, within minutes, my face was being treated with luscious, sudsy bubbles popping and fizzing away. This mask was refreshing and it was so cool to feel it actually working instead of just sitting there like a clay mask.

My only qualm with this product is that the sheet mask was SO saturated with the treatment that it would slide down my face. This was not great because the liquid would get in my eyes and it burned. In fact, I couldn’t even leave the mask on for the full fifteen minutes, as much as I would have liked to, because it hurt too bad. Had this not been a problem, I honestly would have rated this mask with a ten out of ten.

Although there was the problem with the eye irritation, I cannot even tell you how shocked I was with the results once I removed the mask. My skin looked SO fresh, it was almost as if I spent all day getting beauty sleep instead of working. It looked radiant and bright and I definitely plan on purchasing it again if I need a little extra something to get me free shipping when I shop online with Sephora. But, next time? No watching Hannibal during my relaxation time! 😀

Do you prefer sheet or traditional face masks? What is your favorite face mask? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun24

Embracing Change & LOVING It

Posted on June 24, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! One of the unique things about lifewithlilred is my fondness for featuring guest bloggers. I love interacting with the blogging community and this has proven to be an amazing way to do it. In the almost six years since lifewithlilred has been live, I have became very close to many of the lovelies who have starred on my page before.

All of these friendships are very special to me and I am always looking to extend my lifewithlilred family. So, obviously, I was thrilled when the darling Sheryl of Sheryl’s Light reached out to me. I have so enjoyed our exchanges and any gal who can rock purple hair is a friend of mine. Check it out:

Embracing Change & LOVING It

I have been waiting for the perfect guest post for my young friend Sarah AKA Lil Red. I told her when we first met through blogging that she reminded me of myself at her age. They say the proof is in the pudding or the color is in the hair dye and that’s what I did. I dyed my hair purple and I love the color. I’ve been wanting this for a very long time!

When trying to dye my hair a few months ago, I discovered after applying the dye that the look wasn’t what I wanted. Plus, when I went over the directions the hair dye company recommended two boxes for long hair, which I have. Taking a deep breath and pinning a towel around my neck and shoulders, I mixed the dye and applied it to the top part of my hair. The second bottle covered the bottom. I occupied the half-hour with taking photos out of my daughter’s albums for scanning so the time flew. I also love the conditioners that come with hair dye! I didn’t realize this was on my bucket list so check that one off! Remember you are never too old to try something new.

Lifewithlilred is a page that celebrates all of the differences that makes people special. And, I am so proud that it is a place where Sheryl can show off her fabulous new look! You go, girl. ❤

Is anyone planning a personal appearance change? Haircuts and color, tattoos, piercings, etc.? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick Swatch In Werk

Posted on June 21, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick Swatch In Werk

Hello! During my last Sephora haul, I ended up with a ton of freebies which included my Beauty Insider birthday gift. This year, there were three options to choose from including some body lotions and hair care. Obviously, I went for the makeup and got a mini Kush mascara and Lip + Cheek stick by Milk Makeup.

I have never used anything by Milk before, but you can never go wrong with a new mascara or a color you haven’t used before for your lips and cheeks. Upon first glance, the Lip + Cheek stick seemed like a color that would be too dark on me. But, after swatching it, I think I will stick to wearing it on my lips instead of the cheeks.

First, take a look at some pics and we’ll discuss further:

After swatching my new Lip + Cheek stick, I realized that I liked the deep apricot hue that it would deliver. I also realized that I just really don’t like stick blushes. I have always been a powder blush girl and this product feels so chapstick-y to me that I really don’t think I have it in me to swipe it over my cheeks! After rubbing it in, the balmy feeling subsided but that initial unpleasantness makes it a no from me, dawg, on anything but my lips.

Is Werk my favorite shade in the world? Hardly. But, it will be nice to keep a mini lip color in my bag for when I feel like I could use a little something something. Do these samples make me more inclined to purchase full sized products by Milk Makeup? Not particularly. At the end of the day, though? You can’t beat free, even if the products are not your favorite!

Which birthday freebie did you get from Sephora? What are your thoughts on Milk Makeup? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun19

Huge Sephora Haul

Posted on June 19, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! I don’t shop in store with Sephora often, unless I plan on purchasing new makeup. Normally, I just get everything I already know I like online because they have amazing freebie deals and free shipping with a fifty dollar purchase… Which, let’s be honest, is not hard to do!

This past online order, I really needed more of my favorite hair product: IGK’s Mistress Hair Balm and I also was in the mood to order some treats. So, I decided to scour their sale section and ended up with some darling new fake eyelashes, a face mask, a butt mask (lol!), and a whole lot of freebies. Check it out:

Okay, let’s start out by addressing the elephant in the room: THE BUTT MASK. I did not go on Sephora’s website specifically to buy this! I was literally one dollar away from free shipping and didn’t want to make a huge purchase, so I bought the mask on sale for four bucks to get me over the limit. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t curious and obviously I’m looking forward to using it. Since when is there a beauty product just for the booty boo?!

Anyways, I planned out this purchase to get the maximum amount of freebies, as you can see. Not only did I get my birthday freebie by Milk Makeup but I also got eleven additional samples with a twenty-five dollar purchase and two extra ones just for online shopping. It was a great deal and I have been enjoying testing out all of the high end skin care I got samples of.

It has already been established that I’m looking forward to trying my face AND butt mask but I think I am the most excited about my new eyelashes. The Museum Of Ice Cream and Sephora collab introduced the world to the most adorable, feather adorned fake eyelashes I have ever seen. Of course, there’s nowhere to flaunt them now but once I get my hair done it’s photo shoot time so be on the lookout to see a super funky and cool MOTD!

How do you get the best deals when shopping Sephora? Which beauty products do you love to treat yourself to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun18

Bath Bomb Blitz: Da Bomb Galaxy Bomb Edition

Posted on June 18, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Da Bomb Galaxy Bomb Edition

Hello! For my twenty-sixth birthday, my bestie treated me to some bath and body care goodies including a salt soak, bath bomb, and face mask. This past week, after my long day at work, I returned home to an empty apartment because my boyfriend was at band practice. So, I figured it was the perfect time to treat myself to a nice, cold bath.

Yes, I did say cold! Lol, it has been hot, hot, hot in Ohio. Therefore, it is simply unbearable in my apartment and cold showers and, now baths, have become the norm. It’s funny, because just as one sinks into the steamy bath water, I did the same in the cold and it still felt just as good! The bath bomb just added to the ambiance! Haha, check it out:

Despite being labeled as “Fun Size” on the packaging, this Galaxy Bomb by Da Bomb (Love that name!) packed a huge punch. In under two minutes, my bath water achieved the inky black hue that I love so very much. The amber scent, which I am normally not a fan of, somehow added a touch of warmth into the cold water and taking an evening soak turned out to be one of my biggest treats of the week.

My best friend, Lea, knows me so well. Obviously, I love bath bombs. But, she always knows how to incorporate my favorite color of black into everything, which made it an ideal fun sized surprise. Speaking of surprises, a small prize was added into each bath bomb and I fished out a tiny golden shield from the water after the bath bomb fizzed out. It still smells like amber! 😀

Da Bomb is a company formed by two sisters and I have never heard of it before. But, this bath bomb was definitely one of the better non-Lush ones that I have used and I would recommend it! Overall, I rate this bath bomb with a: six out of ten stars and was really impressed with the color and scent of my bath water. Thanks, Lea! ❤

What is your favorite bath and body care brand? Do you prefer hot or cold showers? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun4

New Hot Pink & Charcoal Grey Nails

Posted on June 4, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! After over a month of not wearing acrylics due to the quarantine, I finally made my way back to the salon under guidelines that I was comfortable with. At Elysian Nails, I was able to come in for their very first appointment of the day. To be let inside the building, you had to text upon your arrival, get your temperature taken, and be wearing a mask. Check, check, and double check.

Once I was in the salon, there was only about six people there in total with well over six feet of distance between all of the customers. Plexiglass barriers were placed between the nail tech and client as well as between each station. Although these guidelines may feel over the top to some, I felt very safe with them. In turn, this made me feel like it was okay to treat myself to these beauties:

Despite being in a face mask and Elysian being nowhere near its full capacity, I felt right at home as soon as I walked in. Seeing all of my favorite nail techs, hearing the trendy music, and melting into one of their comfy chairs was just what I needed after working the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. It was amazing to be back and I was proud of all of the measures being taken by the owners to keep their customers and employees safe.

While acrylic-less, I already had the colors I wanted to use planned out – flirty and sassy pink in Summer Fling paired with the edgy and cool charcoal grey in Put The Kettle On. Both of these polishes are by Londontown and I highly recommend checking their page out for more beautiful colors and nourishing products.

My nails turned out exactly how I wanted them and, MAN, did it feel good to type with them! Going acrylic-less for the first time in years wasn’t the fondest time of my life but I got through it. I think I’ll stick to my monthly fills from now on, though. 😉

Have you been to a salon recently? What was it like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May29

Bath & Body Works Online Haul

Posted on May 29, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! During the coronavirus pandemic, the foaming hand soap from Bath & Body Works has been a godsend. They leave my hands feeling so clean without being stripped of moisture in any way. And, when you’re washing your hands way more frequently than usual, you have no idea how nice it is to have a soap that won’t turn your hands into bright red lobster claws!

I began purchasing B&BW soaps when I moved into my apartment last year and have not looked back since. My boyfriend, Johnny, loves them too and I love being in charge of which scents we pick out! Like all of these ones, when we had to restock online:

Which Scents?

Sunwashed Citrus
Peach Bellini
Shell Yeah (Peach Passionfruit)
Stay Pawsitive (Iced Vanilla Cookie)
Pineapple Mango
Pomegranate Lemonade

Bath & Body Works was running a six for twenty-four dollar promotion on their hand soaps and you just can’t beat that. Of course, shopping online for scents is hard so I just went with what sounded good to me. I had to grab another Peach Bellini because it’s my favorite but I decided to get all new scents for the other five choices.

I absolutely love the adorable marketing on the Shell Yeah and Stay Pawsitive bottles and they both smell awesome. The Iced Vanilla Cookie one smells so much like the real thing that you just want to eat it, lol. I also am a huge fan of tropical/citrus scents, as is my boyfriend, so the Pineapple Mango and Sunwashed Citrus were easy choices to make.

The only scent that I am not thrilled with is the Pomegranate Lemonade. The lemonade part isn’t noticeable and the pomegranate portion is so overpowering and it just smells… Not great. Very old lady-ish, actually, so I definitely won’t be getting it again. But, five out of six ain’t bad and having clean, smooth hands makes one disappointment one hundred and fifty percent worth it!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? How do you keep your hands from drying out after a lot of washes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May28

May 2020 Finishes

Posted on May 28, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! May is just about over, which means that it’s time for my monthly beauty finishes. Despite being stuck at home pretty much all of May, it went by surprisingly quick and before I know it, my birthday of June 7th will be here in which I am turning the big 2-6. YIKES! I am not particularly thrilled about this increase in age so I’d like to stay in May for a bit longer please and thank you.

Unfortunately, we all know that this isn’t possible so I guess I will just have to really savor these last few posts in May! *Deep breath* The savoring has officially commenced so let’s get to discussing these empties:

Would I Use Again?

Wonder Therapy Vanilla Coconut coffee cream scrub: YES
Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple shower gel: YES
Evoluderm micellar water: YES
ValJean Labs Revive day serum: NO
Clinique Moisture Surge face spray: YES

Why/Why Not?

Wonder Therapy Scrub: I got acquainted with the Wonder Therapy brand through TJMaxx and I am obsessed with their coffee scrubs! The Vanilla Coconut scent is delicious and the creamy texture is so rich that I don’t even have to put lotion on after shaving. And, speaking of shaving, I get the closest shave when I use this scrub first to prep my skin… We’re talking crazy smooth and it doesn’t get better than that. Plus, I got at least fifteen uses from one bottle, which is a great value too.

B&BW Shower Gel: Love the Bath & Body Works shower gels, love the apple scent, and love that I got it for about three bucks during their semi-annual sale. One bottle takes me over one month to finish and my skin definitely feels a lot softer and healthier from their moisturizing formula. And, did we mention the apple scent? Yum!

Evoluderm Micellar Water: I also got acquainted with the Evoluderm brand from TJMaxx and their micellar water is literally the best. It beats the Garnier micellar water by a long shot and I always have to snag a few bottles if I find it in the TJ’s beauty aisle. Not only does this micellar water take off my makeup perfectly but it also feels so good to use as a toner before I put my creams on. It took me over one month to finish the travel sized bottle.

ValJean Serum: This day serum by ValJean was a massive disappointment and one of the few times that the TJMaxx beauty aisle did me dirty. It was so strange because the consistency of the serum was thicker, which I like, but it felt like it did nothing every time I applied it. It was just kind of there and I noticed no difference in the feeling or appearance of my skin one way or the other. It took me one month to finish one bottle.

Clinique Face Spray: I received the Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray as a freebie gift from one of my Sephora online orders. For a while, it just sat there unused in my bathroom cabinet. But, then, I used a super powerful cream that my mom gave me which was definitely intended for more mature skin. It dried my face out completely and, throughout the day, I could feel it becoming more and more parched.

Then, I decided to start taking the Clinique spray with me while I was out and about and couldn’t get cream on immediately. It was such a refreshing… Moisture surge, lol. Seriously, it was like getting a drink of water for my skin every time I used it and I can see myself buying it again this winter when my sensitive skin suffers. It took me two weeks of use to finish the travel sized bottle.

Overall, May was a great month for empties. I finished a lot of the products that I was working on for a while and that is always exciting because it means I can start something new. So, who knows what I’ll have used up next month… Keep it posted! 🙂

Which products did you finish up in May? What are some of your favorite beauty brands? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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