Category Archives: Beauty

Mar19

Sephora Success

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Sephora Success

Howdy! I can’t say that I’m Sephora’s number one fan when it comes to shopping there, because I will always and forever be a drug store makeup girl. However, I have had nothing but success when it comes to purchasing prezzies for my sister for Christmas and her upcoming April birthday. When I can get wonderful products for my makeup queen sis and still score a great deal, I am a happy camper.

Sephora always seems to have some type of freebie promotion going on, depending on what you buy and I love that. One of the gift sets that I got my sister was a Clinique Dewey You collection and I got a free mini moisturizer for myself for purchasing it. I used it this past week and it was FABULOUS! And, speaking of the gift sets, what an amazing value they are! The Clinique set that I got was eighteen bucks and then I got her a Stilla bronzing kit that had FIVE full size products in it for forty dollars. You literally can’t beat that.

I’ve always been a huge fan of gifting gift sets for gift giving occasions (Say gift one more time!), and Sephora has never disappointed me or the giftee with their box sets. 1) They are a great value and 2) The giftee can try out new products that they might not have thought of before. Talk about a win/win.

And, to top the Sephora Success off, when you order online, you can pick out three samples to try at home. I picked out a perfume, a face mask, and a lip plumper sample that came in a mini tube and has a good amount of uses in it for a freebie. I also was able to pick out a free highlighter with the points that I earned from shopping for my sis and restocking my Better Than Sex mascara. I got five free things just for the shopping that I was going to do, anyways – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Who else has had some Sephora Success recently? How do you score the best deals when you shop Sephora? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar14

Highlighter Help!!

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Highlighter Help!!

Helloooo! During a recent Sephora purchase for my sister’s upcoming birthday, I decided to spend some of my rewards points on a Becca highlighter in Opal. The only problem is… I don’t know what to do with it! I liked the idea of trying a highlighter on for size and I love the color so I figured “why not”. Take a looksee:

opal2opal1opal3opal4

(First swatch photo is with no flash, the second one is with the flash on.)

I was hoping that my beauty blogger babes could help me out by directing me to their posts on applying highlighter as well as completed MOTDs featuring a highlighter. I definitely don’t want to overdo it with my new Becca Opal highlighter, but a little extra something something might be nice to try out – especially when it was free!

So, beauty bloggers, now is your time to toot your own horn a little and link me to your best highlighter related makeup posts. Thanks in advance!

What is the best freebie that you have scored from Sephora? Are you a highlighter fan or no? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar13

New Black & Lavender Nails

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New Black & Lavender Nails

Howdy! One color that I am actually quite fond of but don’t wear on clothing is lavender. However, lavender blush is my favorite and you can’t go wrong with a lavender accent nail every now and then. I went only four weeks in between getting my talons filled this time around, but they were in desperate need of some TLC so I don’t feel too bad about it! Take a look and let’s discuss:

lavender

With spring just around the corner, I felt that a pastel accent nail was the perfect way to go. And, I freaking LERVE the heart glitter top coat which makes the nail look like an Easter jellybean treat. Yum! It felt so good to get pampered after what has been a pretty shitty month in between this fill and the last. There’s really nothing better than some time spent just for you with an outcome that is beautiful afterwards.

Which color of nail polish are you wearing right now? What accent nail color should I get next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar11

NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Street Cred

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NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Street Cred

Howdy! Once upon a time, when I didn’t always wear red or nude lipstick, I was a lot more adventurous with the shades that I would purchase. I had purples, silvers, and pinks – but then, the sad realization dawned on me that those colors didn’t look all that great. Now, I am stuck with the colors that I purchased a while ago that I wouldn’t wear in public if you paid me. Like, the following shade by NYX:

street2street1street3

^^^ Excuse the poorly drawn on heart, lol.

When my local grocery store began carrying NYX products, I went a little lipstick crazy. I don’t regret it, though, because that’s how I ended up finding my favorite shade of red. But, as far as Street Cred goes, I am not a fan.

THEN WHY DID YOU BUY IT?!?!

I told you I was more adventurous before! And, actually, pink shades used to look fairly nice on me when I had my natural brown hair. But, my, have the times changed. My complexion naturally has a lot of pink undertones to it. So, to combine my rosey skin with my red hair AND a pink lipstick? Ohhh no, no, no, no, no. I find pink to be a difficult lip color for people to pull off at the best of times – and, believe me, I am infinitely jealous of those who can (Because I sure as shit can’t!).

Although this shade and I will never get along, I will always say that NYX matte lipstick is the best ever. So, if you’re looking for a lovely pink to try out as the spring flowers bloom, then Street Cred might be the color for you!

How do you determine which color of lipstick to buy? What is your favorite drugstore or high end lippie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar9

NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Perfect Red

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NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Perfect Red

Heyy everyone and TGIF! My favorite brand of lipstick, hands down, is NYX – specifically in their matte shades. It is my genuine opinion that every high end and drug store brand, alike, pales in comparison to NYX as far as their lipstick goes. Their matte lippies are budge proof and the rich pigments in each shade is just gorgeous.

Despite having such high regards for NYX matte lippies, the shade Perfect Red is not my favorite. But, of course, I have to swatch it for those who might be on the hunt for the perfect shade of red for themselves. Take a look:

perf1perf3perf2

To be honest, this shade didn’t stand a chance against my go to shade of NYX’s Pure Red, anyway. You just can’t beat perfection!! I think what bothers me the most about the Perfect Red shade is the really blue undertones that I feel are lurking below the surface. It’s crazy, because any red that is too orange or blue in the undertones looks like shit on me. Don’t ask me why, it just does. I end up looking like a clown.

Then why is Pure Red so much better?!

I’m so glad you asked. I swear, NYX’s Pure Red has the perfect blend of orange and blue undertones so that neither outshines the other. When it’s those two colors mingling behind the red, I can pull it off like no other. Anything aside from the beautiful balance that is Pure Red does nothing for me. NOTHING.

Obviously, every shade of lipstick isn’t going to look good on me, even though I wish it would! But, I do think that this Perfect Red shade would look amazing 1) On a blonde or brunette and 2) On someone with a darker complexion than Fifty Shades Of Pale. So, in the meantime, this pasty redhead will be sticking to my old faithful, thank you very much.

Do you prefer a red lippie with an orange or blue undertone? Which shades of lipstick can you pull off the best and worst? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

Beauty Tag #2

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Beauty Tag #2

Helloooo! This weekend, lifewithlilred was nominated for its second Beauty Tag by my sweet friend, Claudia, over at New Life – Fresh You. I love Claudia’s page and I’m sure that all of you will too, so do be sure to check it out! Here we go:

Q & A:

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

It’s not exactly a makeup but I had hella LipSmackers chapstick in my youth.

2. Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I am obsessed with Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It’s the jam.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation?

I don’t wear foundation. I never have.

4. Favorite high end brand?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a favorite, because I don’t wear a lot of high end products.

5. What cosmetics brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

None that I can think of.

6. Favorite drugstore brand?

NYX!!

7. Do you wear false lashes?

No, I’ve actually never tried them, either. They seem like such a pain to get on!!

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

Nope, I feel pretty okay about leaving the house with a fresh face.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

My favorite NYX red lipstick.

10. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here and there, or get lots of goodies at once?

I pick up things as I need them, so maybe once every few months.

11. Do you have a “beauty budget” or do you spend freely?

I spend freely. I don’t spend money unless I’m comfortable paying for whatever it is, though.

12. Do you utilize coupons, reward cards, and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

HELL YEAH! I’m all about saving money, so I love utilizing anything that can help me do that.

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

I feel like I purchase skin care more regularly than makeup, so I’m going to say moisturizer.

14. Is there a brand you absolutely can’t stand?

Not that I can think of.

15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics, like parabens or sulfates?

As long as the product is cruelty free, then I’m good.

16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

Target, lol.

17. Do you like trying new skin care products or do you keep a certain routine?

I do have my staple skin care products that I will use for all eternity, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like experimenting if I find a good deal or something new that I’d like to try.

18. Favorite bath and body brand?

The Body Shop.

19. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

The Body Shop, for sure. They’re a one stop shop and I use a lot of their products, anyway.

20. What brand do you think has the best packaging?

Hmm… I really don’t know.

21. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

It’s hard to say, because I don’t really pay attention.

22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

No.

23. Favorite beauty gurus:

I deeply admire the makeup skills behind the local drag queens in my neck of the woods.

24. Do you like multi-functional products like lip and cheek stains?

No. I’d prefer separate items.

25. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I used to be, but not too much any more. Only if I’m really tired am I clumsy. Today, for example, I accidentally spilled one of my facial oils in a sleepy stupor. I was so pissed!

26. Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

Nope. The less products that I use, the better.

27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

I only wash my hair once a month, when I’m redyeing it. I wouldn’t even call it washing, because I just condition it with the product that comes in the box kit. So I don’t own any shampoo or conditioner. However, when I’m straightening my hair I do use heat protecting spray and styling oil.

28. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Neither, because I don’t use them.

29. Would you ever consider taking makeup classes?

Nah.

30. What do you love about makeup?

I love that it showcases the personality behind the person wearing it.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Thank you so much again to Claudia for my Beauty Tag nomination – this was so fun! How would you answer some of these questions? Which beauty products could you never live without? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb25

Blush, Baby – Tarte In Feisty Edition

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Blush, Baby – Tarte In Feisty Edition

Hello! Although I am not huge on buying makeup outside of the drugstore, my favorite brand that Sephora offers is probably Tarte. I love the way that their products work and the variety of colors that they offer. My sister is the makeup queen in my family, and she gave me this hand me down Tarte blush that she never even used a few weeks ago! It is a tinge darker than what I usually go for, but it’s still pretty all the same:

feistyfeisty2feisty3

This Feisty blush actually reminds me of the exact shade that my mom would use when she did my makeup for skating competitions. Can I see myself wearing it in real life? Maybe in the fall, because I feel like this color would be gorgeous during that season. But for spring and summer, it just seems a bit too dark for me. There seems to be a really red undertone to this shade and with my hair and the pink undertones in my skin it all would be too much!

My sister, on the other hand, could get away with this shade because she is a bronze goddess so I’m not sure why she gave this to me. But, it doesn’t hurt to experiment and maybe come autumn I’ll have a new favorite shade.

What is your favorite brand that Sephora carries? Do you prefer dark or light blushes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb23

February 2018 Finishes

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February 2018 Finishes

Hello everyone! Another month is drawing to a close already, and you know what that means. It’s time to discuss my February finishes! This month, it was all about products from The Body Shop. I used up two skin care goodies and one body butter in February and I felt so pampered to be using such wonderful products from my favorite one stop shop for all things beauty. Take a look and let’s discuss:

febb

Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

TBS Body Butter: Although The Body Shop has many amazing fruity scents to choose from, and I love them, I am always partial to their softer collections. I love their Shea and Cocoa butter and, of course, their Almond body butter! There is nothing better than taking a nice, warm bath and slathering on this body butter before putting on your jammies. I love the nutty scent and how good it makes my skin feel after using it. It took me about seven full body uses to finish this product.

TBS Face Mask: When it comes to skin care, I love all charcoal everything and this mask is freaking EVERYTHING. Within one use, this charcoal face mask eliminates every single stinking black head on my nose and leaves my skin simply glowing afterwards. Despite this mask being an absolute pain to clean up in the shower after using it, it is so worth it and I am so happy to have another one of these in my hoard for future uses. I got about ten uses out of this container.

TBS Moisturizer: My sister actually gave me this hand me down from the Oils Of Life collection because she couldn’t stand the smell. And, I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of it, either. This moisturizer smells very herbal and some people really like that, but me – not so much. Although I’m not huge on the way it smells, I would use this product again because it left my skin feeling so hydrated and well taken care of. I didn’t notice any immediate changes in my skin from using this moisturizer, but I would like to try it again to see if anything magical happens to my face from it. It took me one month to finish this product.

February was a great month for finishes and even though I didn’t care for the Oils Of Life scent, I would still like to use all of these products again. Those who love The Body Shop as much as me can definitely see why I enjoyed this month in beauty products as much as I did!

Which products did you finish up this month? What is your favorite product from The Body Shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb22

Blush, Baby – Maybelline Dream Bouncy In Fresh Pink Edition

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Blush, Baby – Maybelline Dream Bouncy In Fresh Pink Edition

Howdy! After trying many a different brands of blushes over the years, my all time favorite would have to be Maybelline’s Dream Bouncy blushes. It is a cream blush and the best word to describe its texture really is bouncy. It’s soft, cushiony, and feels barely there lightweight on the skin. I have quite a few Dream Bouncy blushes in various shades, but my go to color from the start has always been Fresh Pink:

bouncy2bouncy1bouncy3

Besides for its seven dollar price tag (give or take) and its pillow soft texture, what I like best about the Fresh Pink color is that it’s great for layering and mixing. As I mentioned yesterday, I like to apply my lavender blush over this color for a flower field effect. I also enjoy layering a peach blush over top of it for a sweet mimosa shade. The Dream Bouncy blushes blend effortlessly and the color doesn’t budge all day, which is a wonderful bonus.

The nice thing about this blush is that, despite its brightness before applying, it goes on quite light – which is great. Too bright of blush looks clown-like on me and that is never a good look! The cream texture and soft pink coloring leaves my skin looking dewy and fresh. I always keep Fresh Pink well stocked in my makeup hoard and I use it every day that I wear makeup. Maybe she’s born with it? Maybe it’s Maybelline! 😉

What is your favorite drugstore brand of makeup? Do you prefer cream or powder blush? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb21

Blush, Baby – Clinique Pansy Pop Edition

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Blush, Baby – Clinique Pansy Pop Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Aside from lipstick, my favorite makeup is probably blush. Creams, stains, powders – I love it all. As a pale princess, I can always benefit from some added color to my cheeks and I think that it is such fun to pick out different shades to apply. I love pinks and peaches, but the color of blush that I am most fond of is lavender, like my favorite one seen below:

pansy2pansy3pansy

In August of 2016, my sister surprised me with this blush from Sephora, because she knew that I desperately wanted a new lavender blush to replace my fallen favorite. It was the sweetest thing and here I am in February of 2018 with a decent amount left and still loving it every time I blend it from the apples of my cheeks to over my eyebrows for a beautiful band of color. I like to wear my Clinique Pansy Pop blush over one of my go to pink shades so that the color has a strong base, because without it, the shade is a bit too light. It works like a charm!

There is something about lavender blush that just speaks to me. I like it, because it is more interesting than your basic pinks and nudes – it really adds some flower girl fun to my face. I also like how shades of purple bring out the green in my hazel eyes, which makes for a change in my eye color for the day. I am usually not one to buy high end makeup, but this twenty-two dollar Clinique blush has lasted me a year and a half so far – and you really can’t beat that. 😀

What is your favorite shade of blush to wear? How do you make your eye color pop with makeup? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah