Tag Archives: beauty

May22

Bath & Body Works May Freebie

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Bath & Body Works May Freebie

Hi! So Bath & Body Works finally sent me a freebie coupon after months of not receiving anything, so I was excited to run into the store and grab a travel sized lotion or shower gel. I was in a rush when I was in the store, and their new packaging definitely didn’t help, because I couldn’t tell what the idea was for any of their scents. Take a look and you’ll see what I mean:

gel

I really did like B&BW’s old packaging, because it let you know what the product would smell like without having to flip the lid. Now, you can’t tell what their scent would be like from anything and, frankly, I think the packaging looks cheap. I selected a new scent of theirs called Happy Vibes and it smelled okay. It’s a floral/citrus scent and the only reason why I selected it was because I was in a hurry. The flowers in this gel definitely overpowered any notes of citrus that you could smell, so I am not a huge fun. But, hey, it was free! 😀

How do you feel about B&BW’s new packaging? What is your favorite shower gel fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May15

New Black & Lavender Glitter Nails

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New Black & Lavender Glitter Nails

Hi! Last week was such a treat for me, because I got to be pampered two days in a row. I finally was able to squeeze time in for a much needed haircut AND, the following day, I got a much needed fill for my talons. Needless to say, I’m really feeling myself. I even decided to throw some glitter like confetti on my claws for something a little different. Maybe it’s the new haircut confidence?! Check it out:

glitterr

Although I will always love my plain black nails and accent nail, I have to admit, this starry night style glitter is a lot of fun. I would even go as far to say that I’m obsessed! This tiny change was so exciting for me that now I’m considering going the matte route on my next fill for something edgy and cool.

It’s amazing what a confidence boost that a good haircut can give you, and I really think that it had something to do with my decision to switch things up a bit. And, even though change is scary for me, I’m not complaining in the slightest! 😀

What color of polish do you have on your nails or toes? What color should I get my accent nail on my next fill? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May12

Tiny Target Haul

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Tiny Target Haul

Heyyyy! This past week, Target was having a wonderful promotion where you got a five dollar gift card if you bought twenty dollars in self care products including makeup, shaving, skin, hair, and oral care. My mom and I decided to split the lot since she needed to restock on tooth paste and mouth wash and I wound up with these new skin care products:

target!

Although makeup shopping is fun, I live for skin care and trying out new products. I love the St. Ives scrubs more than life itself, and when I saw their newest Coconut & Coffee scrub, I was eager to give it a try. It smells amazing and, according to the container, it offers a deep clean which is exactly what I want when I use a facial scrub. I cannot wait to use this once I finish up the cleansing products that I’m currently using – but, I’m so excited that I might have to try it now!

I also ended up with a bottle of Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water, which came with a mini foaming gel cleanser for free. I am finishing up a bottle of Simple’s cleansing water at the moment and I’m not too impressed by it, but my sister loves the Garnier Micellar Water so I decided to go for it. It definitely didn’t hurt that they offered a freebie along with it, either! Regardless of not being blown away by micellar water in general, it’s a lot cheaper than eye makeup remover, so I’m a fan in that regard, for sure.

Has anyone used either of the products above that I purchased? What are your thoughts on them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May9

April Showers Brought May Flowers

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April Showers Brought May Flowers

Helloooo! May is probably one of my favorite months of the year, because I love spring weather and seeing all of the flowers in bloom. The crummy cold of April with the occasional snowfall and a lot of rain definitely brought us a glorious May in Ohio. The weather has been warm, the sun has been out, and the flowers peppering the neighborhood yards are beautiful and vibrant. Like the following floral delights at chez moi:

flowersflowers1flowers4flowers2flowers3

Both the front and back yard of my home are always overflowing with small wonders once the weather gets warm. Lovely tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils seem to be everywhere you look on ground. Meanwhile, if you tilt your head to the sky, you can see the tenants in one of our many birdhouses flying to and fro.

My favorite part of the yard, though, is our weeping cherry tree that seems to get more magnificent every year. I love being able to see the paper thin, pale pink blooms every day when I make my way to work as they sway in a gentle breeze. It is definitely the crown jewel of our front yard and it makes me happy every time I see the tree standing tall in its glory or even just a tiny petal floating in the air as the flowers begin to shed.

Which kinds of flowers are growing in your yard? What is spring weather like where you are located? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May8

Beauty Tag Questions

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Beauty Tag Questions

Hi everyone! A few months ago I filled out a really fun Beauty Tag that I shared with all of you. Recently, my friend Anushka over at Vogue & Vibes tagged me in the same questionnaire to complete. The post was such a blast to do and it had some really good questions in it, so I am going to repost my original Q & A to reintroduce you guys to it and maybe you’ll want to fill it out for yourself! Here it is, and thanks again to Anushka for tagging me!

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.

If you think that this questionnaire looks like fun, please feel free to fill it out and let me know so that I can see your answers! Much love. -Sarah

May2

Face Mask Festivities: CVS Avocado Oatmeal Clay Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: CVS Avocado Oatmeal Clay Mask Edition

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! If there’s one thing a Lil Red loves, it’s a clay mask. I don’t buy them too often because I don’t use them too often, but the one that we’re discussing today was a hand me down from my beauty queen sister. It wasn’t the best, but it certainly wasn’t the worst, either. So, take a look and let’s get to it:

facemaskfacemask3facemask4facemask6

Okay, so a major pro of this mask was that it smelled awesome. It had a nice and creamy texture thanks to the avocado, but it’s scent was rich and sweet from the oatmeal. I have a love/hate relationship with the overall feel of this mask, though. I liked that the consistency of it was lighter than a standard clay mask. But, at the end of the day, I love a really thick texture. It’s a matter of preference, though. I love being able to take a bath and let a thicker mask soak in. It was impossible to do that with the CVS one, because it dried so quickly!

Although this product smelled really good, I am glad that I didn’t go out of my way to purchase it for myself. When I use a face mask, I’m only genuinely concerned about one thing: Blackhead removal. And, unfortunately, my blackheads were none of the better after using this mask even though it’s supposed to be a purifying one. Don’t get me wrong, my skin felt soft after using it and it will be nice to apply every once in a while. But, don’t expect a miracle in this face mask, because you aren’t going to get it.

What is your favorite face mask to use? How do you like to pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May1

Bouquet Beauty

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Bouquet Beauty

Heyyy everyone and happy Mayday! With another lovely month of spring upon us, it only seems right to plaster lifewithlilred’s walls with a floral frenzy. It’s hard not to see a huge field of flowers, a lone rose, or a freshly picked bouquet and not smile. That’s basically how I’ve been feeling for the last few days since my hopeless romantic dad gifted my mom with this here bunch of flowers:

bouquet

Seeing this bright pink delight every time I walk into the kitchen is always a treat. Seeing the blooms of daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths all over the neighborhood is always a treat. And, spending another month with my beloved readers here on lifewithlilred is the best treat of all!

Happy May! ❤

What is your favorite month of the year? Are you doing anything special in the month of May? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr26

April 2018 Finishes

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April 2018 Finishes

Howdy! I hate to say it, but 2018 is moving at a rapid pace. With April drawing to a close, warm summer days will be on the horizon before we know it. As much as I’d love for time to slow down dramatically, that’s just not the way things work! Lovely May is just days away and that means that it’s time to see which beauty products I am saying bye bye to this month. Check it out:

aprill

Would I Use Again?

  • Bath & Body Works Country Apple body spray: YES
  • Tresemme Botanique Damage Recovery hair product: YES
  • Jones New York body cream in White Tea: MAYBE

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Spray: We all know by now how much I love anything apple scented and Country Apple by Bath & Body Works will always be one of my faves. I buy this body spray in bulk for a whole three dollars during B&BW’s summer sales and it usually lasts me close to five months. Talk about a teeny tiny cost per use!

Tresemme Hair Product: I really, really liked this spray. 1) It smelled awesome. 2) It made my hair really shiny. And 3) It provided protection from heat while leaving my hair feeling soft and fresh. It took me at least six months to finish this product and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. In fact, I plan on it once I finish up the oil that I’m currently using. I would definitely recommend this!

JNY Cream: I got this as a gift from my BFF for Christmas and I ended up really liking it. At first, I wasn’t too wild about the White Tea scent, but it ended up growing on me and by the time I finished my cream, I totally loved it. I love the texture of this product. It was thicker than a normal lotion but not as hard as a body butter by any means, which made applying it so easy. Despite the pillow soft texture, my skin still felt really hydrated and supple after each use and I got as least five full body uses out of the jar. I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it again, but if I was gifted with it, then I would be really happy. 😀

Even though I didn’t finish up too many goodies this month, I enjoyed using all of my empties, which makes April a definite success!

Which beauty products did you finish up this month? Have you ever used any of my empties before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr21

Frugal Flowers

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Frugal Flowers

Hi everyone! One of the things that both my parents and myself love having around the house is fresh flowers. Whether they’re picked from our yard or selected at a farmer’s market or store, there is nothing like a huge bouquet sitting on the kitchen table to make you smile.

We never look to spend too much on satisfying our flower fascination, and my mom seriously took the cake with the last bouquet that she bought when it comes to saving money. She got four bunches of the flowers seen below for ONE DOLLAR at the store. You definitely can’t beat that!

four

When it comes to the little odds and ends that make you smile, I always say:

treatyoself_main01

Whether it’s a dollar bouquet of flowers or that new color of lipstick that you’ve been dying for, a little pick me up certainly goes a long way!

How do you like to treat yoself? What is your favorite flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr18

Beauty Scenario Tag

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Beauty Scenario Tag

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! While browsing through my WordPress beauty feed, I noticed a Beauty Scenario Tag post by Fridoline and it looked like so much fun that I had to join in! Here we go:

You have to get rid of all your foundations and you can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep?

Much to everyone’s shock when I tell them this, I don’t wear any type of foundation or concealer products. I consider myself very lucky and my pasty pale complexion is one of my favorite things about myself.

You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

Oh wow… I have no idea how I would handle this. I actually don’t think that I would say anything. If a total stranger told me that I had lipstick or food in my teeth, I would feel so embarrassed. I think that it would be better if she found out herself or if a coworker who she knows better pointed it out. But, that’s just me.

You’re not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which lipstick do you put on to make yourself feel beautiful?

NYX’s Pure Red Matte Lipstick, of course. It’s my go to shade and is fifty percent of the reason why my nickname is Lil Red. (The other half being my red hair, obvs lol.)

You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently?

When I was a teenager, I actually didn’t wear a lot of makeup. Maybe if I did, I would be better at applying it now! Ha. But, I had long hair as a teen and I wish that I dyed it red, because I think that it would have been so pretty. I’d love to see what it would have looked like, because it is so difficult for me to grow my hair out now.

You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott hair cut, but they hear wrong and give you a pixie cut.

Do you:

A) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your mom hysterical.

B) Cry in the chair and things get awkward.

C) Complain to the manager and demand a refund.

OR D) So, I had no idea who Pixie Lott is and I had to Google her. Her hair is very pretty, but it’s not me at all AND I look great in a pixie cut (#humblebrag) so I don’t think that I would have been too upset.

HOWEVER, since that’s not an option, I would probably go with C. I would be very nice about it and say “this is not what I wanted at all and I don’t think that I should have to pay for it”. At the end of the day, it’s your hair that got messed up, so paying for someone’s mistake just adds to the suckery of it.

Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which ‘do it all’ palette do you pack in your makeup bag?

I don’t own any palettes aside from my Elf Nude Rose Gold one, so I guess that’s the one that I would be bringing, lol.

Your house has been robbed, don’t worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What’s the product you really hope is safe?

Since 99% of my makeup is drugstore brand, besides for my Better Than Sex mascara, I wouldn’t be too disappointed about anything. But, I would be kind of pissed if the Tarte Lip Paint sample that I got for my birthday from Sephora got messed with because it’s an exclusive shade for the Beauty Insider members and I freaking love it.

Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition.

Do you:

A) Just pretend you haven’t noticed.

B) Ask them to repurchase it.

C) Secretly do the same to something of theirs.

Can option D be “none of the above”? Lol, I’m not really keen on letting anyone but me use my makeup.

Thanks again to Fridoline for this fun tag! It was a hoot. How would you answer some of these questions? What is your holy grail beauty item? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah