Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray: Review

Hello, Everyone!

It's so nice and sunny here and I hope it is where you are from too!

Because it's so nice outside today, I thought I would share my thoughts on the Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray!

I found this at Target for around 5 dollars.

What I do:

I basically spray it on air-dried hair and tousle it a bit with my fingers. (you can also spray on damp hair as well) This makes it look very beachy, but if I want more definition, sometimes I put a few defined waves in it with a curling iron.  I'll show you both looks!

What I like:

• Inexpensive
• Adds texture without totally drying out my hair
• It makes my hair smell tropical
• Truly looks like I just came from the beach

What I don't like:

• Is it just me or is the Not Your Mother's brand hard to find?

Today with just air-dried hair and Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Spray

(When I was reporting) Air-dried with Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Spray and Defined Waves with a curling iron. 

I recommend this stuff completely.  It's inexpensive and doesn't dry out my hair while still creating that "beach-like" texture!  Just in time for the summer months!

 

Do you have any beach sprays I should try? 

XOXO Mandy 

March Favorites!!

Hi All!!

I can't believe March has already come and gone which means 4 more weeks until I am done at college.... I don't know whether to be scared or excited.... both maybe?

Anyways, the end of March means MARCH FAVORITES!

I love "favorites" posts because I love to know what others have been loving over the course of the month!

My Favorites for this month:

• Elf Powder Brush: This brush is one of my favorites if not my absolute favorite brush to apply liquid foundation.  It's a flat-top kabuki brush that really buffs in my liquid foundation quite nicely! My foundation looks *flawless* when I use this brush.  AND, it's a mere 3 bucks.  3 BUCKS?!  If you haven't tried it, you better run to Target and pick this one up!
• Jordana Fabuliner: This stuff is great, it's so easy to work with because it's in "pen" form. I have been loving the winged-liner look lately and this is perfect to achieve this specific look! It's also only 3 dollars at Walgreens! Total beauty steal! To see my Lauren Conrad inspired look click this link!
• Benefit Watt's Up: I love this highlighter so much! It's the perfect champagne-gold color that just lights up my face! I like to use it on my cheekbones, bridge of my nose, and the cupid's bow! I also like to set it with Wet 'N' Wild's Reserve my Cabana Coloricon Bronzer.  It adds the perfect glow to my face.
• Mac Naked Lunch Eyeshadow: Like I said earlier, I have been loving the winged-liner look, in which I love to pair it with a very natural eye.  I have been loving Mac's Naked Lunch for this.  It's a champagne-pink color that makes it look like the "my eyes but better" look.  So, it's the perfect pair to my winged-liner love affair. 
• Benefit Coralista: This blush is perfect for the spring and summer months.  It adds a pop of coral to my cheeks! I look super glowy when I am wearing this blush! It adds the perfect coral sheen to my cheeks and really is perfect for these warmer months, Not to mention the uber cute packaging! ;)
• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in Honey: I think I'm the last person on Earth to try these babies out and I have no idea why.  But, I am so glad I finally picked some up! I absolutely love the shade honey.  It starts off as a my lips but better shade and the stain leaves a slightly brighter pink shade on me.  I absolutely am in LOVE with this specific lip product!
• Hard Candy Glamoflauge: This is the perfect drugstore concealer! I love it so much because it covers my breakouts and scarring perfectly and it is only 6 dollars at Walmart.  It definitely reminds me of the Amazing Cosmetics Concealer and honestly, I find myself reaching for Glamoflauge much more!
• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Normal/Dry: I know many people love and swear by this foundation in the Oily/Combo formula, but I urge you to try this formulation as well! I like it much better than the one for Oily skin! It applies much better and sets better on my skin! I am absolutely loving this foundation!

 

What are your favorites for the month?  

 

XOXO Mandy 

Easter Weekend Haul

Hello Everyone!

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their weekend whether you celebrate Easter or not!

I have a *very* small haul from this weekend and I thought I'd share because I LOVE seeing what others are buying!

So, let us begin!


ULTA:

• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
• Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in Light

BATH AND BODY WORKS:

• Aruba Coconut Lotion
• Beautiful Day Lotion
• Be Enchanted Travel Lotion

WALGREENS:

• Milani Brow Fix in Light 
• Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Nude Creme

KMART 

•  Wet 'N' Wild Drinking a Glass of Shine

 TARGET

• Not Your Mother's  Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
• Maybelline Instant Age-Rewind in Radiant 
• Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel (Primer)

Like I said, I love hauls and I hope you enjoyed mine!

Let me know if you'd like in-depth reviews on any of these products!!

 

What have you bought lately?

XOXO Mandy

Lauren Conrad Inspired Eye Look: Tutorial

Hey, Everyone!!

It's almost Friday and that's something to be excited about!

I wanted to do a quick tutorial on a Lauren Conrad eye look.

I love her simple makeup with a black-winged liner.

I've read on different forums saying she doesn't like to use eyeshadow much, but without it I feel naked. So, I used natural colored eyeshadows for this look but still very simple!

Hope you like it!

What I used:

• Mac Painterly Paint Pot
• Mac Naked Lunch (Lid)
• Wet 'N Wild Drinking a Glass of Shine Palette 6th shade; the orange-toned brown (Crease)
• Mac Dazzlelight (Browbone)
• Jordana Fabuliner 
• L'Oreal Full-definition Mascara

I read that her favorite blush to use is NARS Luster, but I am too fair at the moment to pull that off, so I just used Benefit Coralista on my cheeks!

Are you a fan of Lauren Conrad's makeup?

XOXO Mandy

Self Tanning Routine and Favorite Products

Hey, Everyone!

I've been getting some requests to do a self-tanning post and I thought; what better time to do a post about self tanning than after this spring snowstorm?! That's right, there is no better time!

Being very light-skinned and blonde, I like to have a good tan so I'm not totally washed out!

What I do:

First, I use a homemade scrub to exfoliate my skin in preparation for self-tanning!

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Olive Oil (measure to preference)

Awwww isn't that cute?

I then use the Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid.  I LOVE this stuff, it's so simple and quick to use and gives me a natural looking tan! 

Just spray different sections of your body and blend in circular motions with the glove. I'd advise you to use the rubber gloves provided as well so it doesn't have any chance to turn your hands orange! 

PROS:

• Natural-looking tan
• No stinky self-tanner smell
• Dries super quick
• Fades naturally
• Easy to use

CONS:

• Semi-expensive ($25+)

I totally love this stuff and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a easy to use, natural self-tanner!

For upkeep on my tan, I use the Malibu Hemp Golden Glow Bronzing Moisturizer from Wal-mart! It's like 5 bucks and amazing!  It doesn't smell gross like normal gradual tanners (cough cough Jergens) it smells tropical! It's the perfect upkeep to my tan! Highly recommend!

I love all of these products and I highly recommend trying them all! Amazing products in my opinion!

 

 What is your self-tan routine or are you all natural?

XOXO Mandy 

Say What? A Toothpaste Review?

Hi, All!!

This may seem weird, but I wanted to do a review on a recent toothpaste I have picked up.

I know what you're thinking, toothpaste? Um.....

But, just hear me out!

I have a semi-hard time keeping my teeth white because I actually have a fake front tooth.  (hahahahahaha) So, I have to be careful using whitening products because my fake tooth can't whiten (Crest and other whitening brands specifically say it won't whiten crowns on the box) ...which sucks because I am obsessed with perfect white teeth....

I was browsing the "teeth whitening section" at Ulta about a month ago and saw the Supersmile toothpaste and became interested. While reading the back of the box, it said it will restore the original whiteness in crowns! I got my fake tooth about 6 or 7 years ago so I'm SURE it's not its original whiteness....

So, I bought it.

I have been using it for about 2 weeks now and I notice an amazing difference in my teeth!! I actually had people comment on my teeth looking whiter! AND, it was a boy who mentioned it...So, you know it has to be drastic!  Score!! 

It's the perfect whitener, or upkeep whitening toothpaste I have ever tried! You MUST try it!

There are a few cons:

• It is pricey for a toothpaste, I paid around 25 dollars for it
• You have to use a *dry* toothbrush and I can easily forget and run my toothbrush under the water
• Not as *minty* as other drugstore toothpastes

Long review for toothpaste, but I CAN'T recommend this product enough!! It is AMAZING!!

 

Do you use any products to keep your teeth white?

XOXO Mandy 

Glowy, Flawless Face!

Hey, Everyone!!

In my early days of wearing makeup, I always wanted a completely matte foundation look.  (Think Carrie Underwood style) I wanted a completely *flawless* full-cover look.

Recently, I have really been loving Lauren Conrad's makeup look and that of the Victoria's Secret models which obviously complete opposite of matte.  Think glowy and fresh!!

(Excuse the towel turban, I was in the process of getting ready) 

The products I use to complete the foundation look are as follows:

• Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel
• Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation 
• Glamouflauge Concealor
• Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealor
• Revlon Nearly Naked Powder (Just on T-Zone)
• Nars Laguna Bronzer
• Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter (On cheekbones, bridge of your nose, and cupid's bow)
• Wet 'N' Wild Reserve Your Cabana (to set highlighter)

(Also, excuse the awesome pose I am doing in this, I was off to a photoshoot and sent a picture like this to my boyfriend, loser I know)

 

This creates a very dewy, sunkissed, and fresh look!! I am totally loving wearing my makeup like this lately!!

 

Do you like dewy makeup or a matte flawless look?

 

XOXO Mandy 

Perfect Nars Orgasm Dupe!!

Hello, EVERYONE!

I am SO excited to share my recent discovery because I know I am going to be loving this product to death in the spring and summer months.

AND, I may have found the best Nars Orgasm dupe I have ever come across...

It's called the L'Oreal Visible Lift Cream Blush in the shade in Peach Gold.

Oh...my...goodness...ya'll....

I am loving this cream blush and it is an exact dupe of Nars Orgasm in cream form! It's everything I wanted the Nars Multiple in Orgasm to be!  It is the perfect shade for the spring and summer months, and I have been wearing it so much lately!  The texture is a mix between a mousse and a cream.  I just use my fingers and blend the product out on the apples of my cheeks and it looks AMAZING! And it lasts all day on me!

Seriously, swatched side by side with Nars Orgasm, I couldn't tell a difference!

Left picture: L'Oreal Peach Gold / Right Picture: (left) Nars Orgasm (right) L'Oreal Peach Gold

I would definitely try this product out!!


Loving it!!

 

What makeup discovery have you been loving lately?

XOXO Mandy

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation: Review

Hello!

I recently picked up a foundation and a powder from the Revlon Nearly Naked line. 

These products have been talked about SO much in the beauty world ever since it released!

I tried to resist but failed....and I wanted to give you my thoughts on these two products.

I bought the foundation in 120 Vanilla and the powder in Fair.

The Foundation:

When I hear "nearly naked" I would think *very* sheer coverage.  I have acne scarring around my chin and I feel like one layer covers decent.  A second layer of foundation, I may just need a tiny bit of concealer.  This foundation covers very well, yet looks natural on me.  I also like that this particular shade is yellow, which I personally like, unlike Colorstay which many of the shades are pink. It gives a sheen as you can see in the pictures below, but contains no glitter (which I hate).  This foundation stays on me all day too! 

PROS:

• Good coverage
• Lasts all day
• Gives a nice dewy glow
• Looks natural and flawless on the skin
• Can find at the drugstore

CONS:

• No pump... why, Revlon, why?

All in all, I would definitely recommend this foundation if you are looking for a drugstore option that gives good coverage but looks dewy and flawless!

Powder:

I love this powder because it is finely milled and works perfectly to set any foundation! It doesn't have the powdery look that some pressed powders can give; it just looks like a second skin! *However*, I bought the lightest shade Revlon offers and it is WAY to dark for me.  Now, I am fair, yes, but I'm not the palest of the pale.  I have never had a problem with the lightest powder in a line being too dark for me!  This is very disappointing to me and I wish they had a lighter shade because I LOVE this powder other than the poor color selection!

PROS:

• Finely milled
• Sets Foundatin
• Looks like second skin

CONS:

• Lightest shade too dark for my skintone

I would recommend this product for those looking for a nice setting powder and are darker than an NC20.  This really is a nice product and I will definitely be using it when I have more of a tan!

 

Have you tried any of the Revlon Nearly Naked line?

XOXO Mandy

How I Make My Green Eyes POP: Tutorial

Hey Everyone!!

Hope ya'll are enjoying your week so far!!

I wanted to do a look that I have been loving lately because it makes my green eyes look much more vibrant! Not only does it make green eyes stand out, but it is a very simple look that would look good on all skintones!

Hope you enjoy!!

Products:

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded
• Urban Decay Toasted (All over the lid)
• Urban Decay Chopper (in 2/3 of the lid)
• Urban Decay Naked (Blended in the Crease)
• Urban Decay Virgin (Browbone highlight)
• Benefit Gilded (lower lashline)
• MAC Bordeaxline (lower lashline)
• L'Oreal Voluminious Full Definition Mascara

The golds and the purples really make my green eyes stand out, but like I said, this look would look lovely on all eye colors!

 

What eye look have you been loving?

XOXO Mandy

A Little Something to Brighten Your Day

Hey Guys!

So, if you're having a bad day, or even if you're not, hopefully this might put a smile on your face!

If you read my other post, I want to be a news anchor, and I do well with it.

But, last week, I tried my luck at being a weather girl...

Not so good... Actually not at all good...

I live in Indiana and clearly, I'm not pointing to that... or anywhere where anyone lives for that matter....

And honestly throughout the entire weather, I truly don't think I ever pointed to Indiana...

Blonde much? Maybe a tad...

Loving it!!

 

Any embarrassing moments happen to you lately??

XOXO Mandy

Collective Makeup Haul

Hello, Ladies!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, it's midterms week... dun dun dun.... But one more midterm and class to go and then it's spring break for me! Woohoo!

So, I bought some makeup over the weekend, shocker, and I wanted to share it with you!

I love seeing what other people buy!

What I bought:

• Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid
• Supersmile Professional Whitening toothpaste
• Mario Badescu Whitening Mask
• Josie Maran Argan Oil Lip Balm
• Josie Maran Argan Oil
• Benefit Watt's Up
• Nars All About Eve
• Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface
• Too Faced Blush in Who's Your Poppy?
• Urban Decay eyeshadow in "X"
• L'Oreal True Match Lumi foundation
• Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick in Warm Me Up
• L'Oreal Colour Riche in Fairest Nude

Let me know if you want reviews on any of these products!

 

What have you bought lately?

XOXO Mandy

A Simple, Natural Makeup Look: Tutorial

Hey, Everyone!!

I'm more of a natural makeup kind of girl! I feel as though I don't look good in a heavy smokey eye, or a bold red lip.

I wanted to show you a simple, easy, natural makeup look!

I like the look of glowing skin and neutral eyes!

This look is perfect for mornings where you just don't want to take the time to do an intricate look!

WARNING: I apologize for my crazy unruly eyebrows... I haven't been home from school in weeks to get them waxed, but lucky this weekend I'm getting them done! :)

What I used:

• L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation (Loving this thanks to Doctor Pretty's recommendation)
• Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer
• Garnier Skin-Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller
• Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
• L'Oreal Visible Lift Blush in Peach Gold
• Wet N Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve your Cabana as a highlight
• Mac Painterly Paint Pot
• Nars All About Eve Eyeshadow Duo (the darker pink on the lid, and the shimmery pink on the browbone and inner corner)
• Mac Soba in the crease
• Mac Bordeauxline eyeliner on the upper lashline
• Dior Diorshow mascara
• Mac Lipglass in Pinkarat

Hope you enjoyed this natural, every day makeup look!

 

What is your favorite makeup look?

XOXO Mandy

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel: Review

Hi, Folks!

A quick review on the famous Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel bronzer formally known as Chanel Bronze Universal.

I wanted this product for so long after seeing endless rave reviews on it.  I finally splurged on it a couple months ago, it was around 50 dollars + tax... So definitely not the cheapest...

Is it worth it?

The packaging is gorgeous with a black lid embellished with gold Chanel emblem. Although, I would expect nothing less than beautiful packaging from Chanel.

The product itself is different from anything I've tried... It's like a putty texture if that makes sense which makes blending a breeze!

The best part is that there is SO much product that this will most definitely last me for years, do definitely loving that!

Make sure to keep the plastic cover, it will help prevent the product from drying out!

What I do:

I use the Real Techniques Expert Face brush to blend under my cheekbones, up through my hairline, and down my jaw to contour.

This does create a beautiful, natural appearance to the skin! And lasts all day on my skin!

The downfall being it isn't *perfect* on fair skin just because you may have to blend a bit more, but that isn't a big deal to me!

I think I will like this product even more during the summer when I'm not basically translucent....

PROS:

• Natural looking bronzer
• Adds a glow to the skin
• Perfect for contouring
• Gorgeous Packaging
• No shimmer

CONS:

• Not ideal for fair skintones
• Price

All in all, is this a must have? Not really... It's quite expensive! But, I think if you have the money to spend and looking for a natural looking bronzer, perfect for contouring, I'd give this a try!

What is your favorite bronzer of the moment?

XOXO Mandy

25 Facts About Me: Trust me, You want to know!

Hey, Everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

I saw many blogs doing a "25 Facts About Me" post and I thought it would be a fun idea, and I hope more people do it! I like knowing random facts about people!! :)

So... let's get into the wonderful life of Mandy....

1. I'm from Indiana, born and raised, but I have only been on a farm once.... we ain't all hicks 'round these parts ya know!
2. I have a fake front tooth... I chipped it when I was 7 and had half a fake tooth, and then when I was a junior in high school, I knocked it completely out... Lucky it was the same tooth right? What a loser...
3. My biggest fears include: Children, the dark, frogs, and people touching my big toe... 
4. If you want to take me out to dinner, all you can eat buffets will be your best bet...
5. I love sports cars, and actually drive one!
6. My biggest insecurity is my nose
7. I go to Ball State University and majoring in Telecommunications and Journalism
8. I am such a bad driver, so bad in fact, that a couple weekends ago, my car was stuck on the median, yes a concrete median... my wheels weren't even touching the ground...

 9. I am a 5th year senior and rockin' it!
10. Seriously, 25 facts?
11. I really REALLY like strawberry flavored fruit snacks... actually anything gelatinous is amazing
12. If it's pink or glittery or both, I will own it.
13. I can't cook, like at all... I make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches pretty much, oh, every single day.
14. I originally went to school for business... Uh, Mandy? Sorry, but no, just no...
15. I can't drive in parking lots, at all, so I park really far away so I don't risk getting in a parking lot accident... (again)
16. I want to be a news anchor one day!
17. I can fart with my leg pits
18. I have a major MAJOR crush on Ross Geller on F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
19. Nerdy awkward guys are my weakness

20. I was a cheerleader in high school;  my parents made me try all sports when I was little but I sucked at everything so I became a cheerleader from then on out.
21. I obviously like makeup, when I see a good review, I have to have it! I just have to!
22. I eat a lot, I'm that person at the table everyone gives the food they can't finish to...
23.I have one sister who is a freshman in high school and is 6 foot... I, am a mere few inches over 5 feet, psh love that...

24. My first makeup product was Mac Glitter, like legit the stuff in middle school you put on your face and totally tacky... I thought I was cool though...
25. I like 80's music best!


Hope everyone enjoyed getting to know the weirdness that is me!

 

What is a random fact about you?

XOXO Mandy

Victoria's Secret/ Beachy Waves Hair Tutorial

It's the weekend folks, hope y'all are doing swell!

I wanted to do a very quick and VERY simple hair tutorial for everyone!

My friend actually always comments on my hair whenever I wear it like this and I thought, well gee, why don't I just explain how to do it in my blog? Duh!

So, I would say this hairstyle is sort of loose beach waves a la Victoria's Secret models? Now, if I only had the body of one... (Chyea in my dreams, sorry Mandy, newsflash you're 5'3"....)

But, basically this hairstyle is super easy!

Granted, my hair naturally has *some* wave to it so it helps.  But, honestly anyone could create this look using these steps!

You need a 1 inch curling iron and a teasing brush to create this look.  ( I prefer the curling iron by Hot Tools)

Basically, curl a 1 inch section of your hair by starting about 8" down from the root. Curl your hair by gradually turning the iron and adding more of that 1 inch section into the iron. 

THESE ARE THE KEY POINTS!  Leave a little tail out of the iron, don't curl your hair all the way to the ends if that makes sense.  And then as soon as you let the curl drop, finger comb it out! IMMEDIATELY!

Then, after all your hair has been curled, and finger combed, tease it to make your have a *bit* more volume!

And Voila! Sexy!

NOTE: I should seriously start making YouTube videos... Explaining this would be MUCH easier broadcast form.....

Hope this made sense, and you will try it! Be ready to get lots and LOTS of compliments!!

 

Do you like to straighten your hair or curl it?

XOXO Mandy

Exciting News and a Shopping List!

Hello!

So, I didn't post anything yesterday and I apologize, but I have a legitimate excuse....

I am actually going to school studying telecommunications and journalism in hopes that one day I will become a news anchor.  Well, the other night was my FIRST real newscast and it went FANTASTIC!

So, last night it was uploaded online so, naturally, I sent it to my family and friends! I was on the phone much of yesterday with people congratulating me!

So, all in all, I was pretty excited!

Here are a couple pictures of the show:

So, like I said, pretty excited to get out of school and begin my career hopefully as an up and coming news anchor!

Beauty related...

I am going to Indianapolis this weekend and thought I'd do some shopping at Sephora and Ulta while I'm there!

I thought I'd show you what I intend to purchase!  Let me know if these are worth-it products!

Nars All About Eve Eyeshadow Duo

  Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Glisten

 

 NYX Cream Blush in Glow and Tickled

 

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer 

  Urban Decay X Eyeshadow

 

Like I mentioned, please let me know if you have tried and loved any of these products or any other recommendations! 

 

 What have you been wanting to purchase lately?

XOXO Mandy

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse: Review

Hey, All!

I went to Walgreens today and L'Oreal products were buy one get one 50% off.

SO, I had been wanting to try the Colour Riche lipsticks for quite some time because they reminded me of the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy. (L'Oreal is owned by YSL so this made me even more excited to try them)

I ended up buying the colors 172 Blushing Sequin, and 174 Rose Taffeta.

Let me just tell you folks, these are simply AMAZING. I personally like them better than the YSL version because these are *much* more pigmented. 

They are shiny and have great color payoff! I love them so much!  I am definitely going back for more!

I also like these more than Revlon Lip Butters because the L'Oreal ones are much more shiny and moisturizing!

Blushing Sequin:

Is a bright pink color with a very tiny amount of gold shimmer that is undetectable in my opinion.  This will be an awesome color for spring and summer! It reminds me of YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in NO. 4 Succulent Pomegranate. But, like I said I like this even better because of the color payoff!

Rose Taffeta:

A mauvey- my lips but better, nude color that just adds a little color to my face! I wanted to try both ends of the color spectrum so I opted with this shade and I am loving it!

PROS:

• Color Payoff
• Moisturizing
• Packaging
• Pretty good wear for a Balm

CONS:

• Slightly expensive for a drugstore product ($9.99)

I DEFINITELY recommend these products and I will surely be buying more soon! I recommend buying them bogo for a better deal! I am so happy with these lip colors!

 

Have you tried the L'Oreal Colour Riche lipsticks?

XOXO Mandy