True Blood - Blood Will Spill

I'm so excited for season 6 of True Blood to start this weekend.  When this show first started, I wasn't the least bit interested.  About halfway through season 3 or 4, I thought I'd give it a look to see what all the fuss was about & I'm so glad I did.  I watched every episode from the beginning and then read the books, backwards I know.  Since then, I've rewatched the entire series at least 3 times.  It's that good, at least in my opinion.

The idea for this mani came from the promo picture, Blood Will Spill.

Let me start off by fully disclosing that my cuticles are in horrible condition, this I know.  I also did this mani at 4am during a bout with insomnia, so my clean-up skills were totally lacking.  I attempted to smooth some of the issues out in photoshop, but totally failed at it and decided to post anyway.  I've never claimed to be perfect, and never will be....but I do try.  Also, I'm totally jealous of those of you who can get your thumbs in pictures.  It hurt my hand and wrist to do this.

For this I used Sinful Colors Snow Me White, as a base....2 coats.  I applied a topcoat to help it dry faster.  Then I used the Fantasy Makers(WetNWild) Vamp Red...which was a gift from Destany at Confessions Of A Sarcastic Mom along with KleanColor Blood with a straw as the blood splatter.  My first successful splatter art also. :D  To help with the cleanup of the blood splatter, I used chapstick around my nails first.  It really does help.  Then once I had the blood on, I let it dry in front of a fan because for this art it really doesn't matter if there are bubbles.  Once that was close to dry I applied topcoat again so it would make sure that the white acrylic paint for my letters wouldn't bleed into the red.  I used a tiny tiny brush and freehanded the words "Blood Will Spill" with the white acrylic paint.  Let that dry in front of a fan then finished off with a final topcoat. 

That was a LOT of steps, but so worth it.  I really like the splatter and will probably do that color combo again on its own.  I think the Blood over top of the Vamp Red really works nicely together. 

Are you a Trubie?  Who is your favorite?  I have to admit, I love them all. 

Perlier Shower & Bath Cream Travel Kit

* #PerlierOnHSN products provided for review*

I'm so stinking excited about today's post.  I've literally wanted to try Perlier bath products for AGES....well since they first started selling on HSN, but always seemed to forget(I'm bad about that).  So, when the opportunity came up with iFabbo, I jumped on it.  Now I literally want to try every product they have. 

This is what I received.  The Perlier 8-piece mini set with bag.  This retails on HSN for $19.95(plus S&H) and includes 4 shower creams & 4 lotions(body balm or body cream) in some amazing scents.

Learn to lavish yourself with wonderfully scented, moisturizing, silky-feeling-skin products.  Each mini is moisture-rich and divinely scented. Too many superlatives? Not for this set — and certainly not for you. When you lavish yourself with these products, it's easy to learn to love the experience.

What You Get

• 1 oz. Honey Body Balm Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. Honey Shower Cream Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. Olivarium Bath & Shower Cream Mini
• 1 fl. oz. Olivarium Body Cream Mini
• 1 fl. oz. Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Body Balm Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Cream Shower Mini
• 1 fl. oz. White Almond Body Cream Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. White Almond Shower Cream Mini
• Clear Zip Top Bag
  

Good to Know
Not food products.
For adult use only.

 First up is the Honey shower cream and body balm.  This literally smells like honey, and is absolutely amazing.  The shower cream has a stronger, but not overpowering scent while the body balm is very lightly fragranced.  It moisturizes and has some amazing ingredients including 100% Italian organic honey.

Next is Olivarium shower cream and body cream.  Both are made with 100% organic Italian Olive Oil while the body cream is also made with tomato lycopene.  I was kinda iffy about this one at first.  I really wanted to try it because I know the benefits of olive oil, but I'm not fond of the smell of it.  Boy was I pleasantly surprised.  They both have a floral/herbal smell that I absolutely love(though I wish it smelled like basil, I'm weird). 

This one is Shea Butter with Citrus Extract shower cream & body balm.  This smells totally amazing.  It's got all those citrus notes, but isn't overpowering.  It's like someone peeled an orange in another room and you can smell it, not right up your nose but pleasant.  I'm afraid to let the kid smell it as he loves citrus scents. 

Lastly, we have the White Almond shower cream and body cream.  This is scented with soft Italian almonds from Sicily.  If you've ever smelled sweet almond oil, this is a much lighter version of that scent.  Something about it reminds me of my grandmother, which is probably why out of all of them this is my most used scent. 

These products are all totally amazing.  Not heavily fragranced and it doesn't linger around all day.  They all nourish the skin so well and leave it feeling so soft.  No greasy feeling, no itchy reactions, no hate for any of these.  I honestly can't say one bad thing except they're not full size and I don't have every product they make in my bathroom. 

At $19.95, you definitely need this set.  Use them for travel, break them up into gifts, share them with your friends.  It also couldn't hurt to pick up a few extra's as Christmas presents.  AND, if you use promo code: ifabbo5, you can get $5 off any Perlier purchase on HSN. 


*Products provided for 100% honest review*

Essence Jacob's Protection

As I try to get back into the swing of things, here's one I drafted before my unexpected break.

Today I have another from the untrieds vault.  This is the 2nd polish from the Twilight Breaking Dawn Pt.2 collection that I picked up on Black Friday.  The other was Alice Had A Vision - Again.  I wasn't too impressed with the others, so I just stuck with these.

Below is 2 coats of Jacob's Protection with topcoat.

Jacob's Protection is similar to Alice Had A Vision in that it's a dark almost black base and has flecks.  This one is a deep blue, almost black base with purple, blue, and a few green flecks.

I don't know if it was because I was swatching & photographing this at like 3AM or what, but I had a hard time capturing the full beauty of this.  It's so unlike the other deep blue based glitter polishes that I own.

May Empties (and an apology)

*some products(noted) in this post were provided for review*

I'm back, and hopefully getting into the swing of things.  Make sure to check the end of the post for why I've been sorta MIA.

Anywho, to my May empties.  I completely forgot to take a pic until I put everything in a bag to take to the trash and did the video while I couldn't sleep the other night.  If I'm sorta scatterbrained with this post, it's because it's almost 3AM and I can't sleep & currently have a migraine trying to show its ugly head.

Urgh,the watermark didn't save.

Mainstays Peach & Mango 3 wick candle - ALMOST as good as the Market Peach(my fav) from BBW.  My neighbor picked it up for me as a thank you gift for making sure one of their UPS packages wasn't stolen off their porch.  I believe Mainstays is a Wal-Mart only brand, but I'm definitely going to have to get more of this scent as this one jar was only $3.50.  

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - The first product, in ages, that I've hit pan on.  I've barely hit it, but I've done it.  I like how well this works, it could work better....but I have extremely oily skin and nothing is going to totally work on me.  The only thing I hate about this is the lid doesn't want to stay on and always pops off, so I can't travel with it.  It's a good product for the price, but I think once this is gone I'm going to try something else.

Pantene Color Preserve Smooth Shampoo - I'd previously finished off a sample bottle of this and was so pulled in by the smell that I remember from my teens.  However, this stripped my hair color so very badly.  I think worse than any other shampoo...even those that aren't color preserve specific.  I love the smell, and wish I could have it as a hair perfume, but I can't purchase this again knowing it'll kill my hair.

Downy Unstoppables in Lush and Spring - I absolutely love these.  They're just an in-wash scent booster, but boy do they smell great.  I tried the spring first and fell in love with it.  It's amazeballz.  THe first time I used it was a while back when we'd gotten new mattresses for the beds & I washed like every piece of linen in the house.  I didn't care so much for the lush, though I love lavender.  I'm currently using the Fresh and loving it as well.  I think next I'll try the Shimmering that Sam Schuerman loves to much since seeing these in her empties videos prompted me to try them.

Peach Sparkle Bath & Body Works Shower Gel - Ack, I can't find this even listed on the BBW site anymore, so I think it's discontinued, which I hate when they do that.  I got this a year or more ago on clearance & loved that I didn't have to moisturize after showering with this.  The smell wasn't as in your face peach as I'd have liked, but it was nice.  I really need the Market Peach scent in a shower gel.  IJS.

Cinnamon Heaven PocketBac sanitizer from Bath & Body Works - I'm shocked I haven't emptied one of these sooner.  I literally have these everywhere in my house and purse.  I actually need to put one in my truck too.  I'm obsessed & at $1ea(when they run their 5 for $5 sales) you can't beat it.  The scents are awesome.  I just hate finding one (I'm looking at you red velvet cupcake of Christmas 2010) that I'm absolutely IN LOVE with and then they disappear.  

Castor Oil - I use this in my OCM(oil cleansing method) blend.  I actually need to get back on that regime 100% as my skin is currently hating me for some reason.  

Mixed Chicks hair products - That link will take you to my review & these samples were provided.  I'm totally in love with that line of haircare.  :D

Bic Comfort 3 Advance razor - I got these for the man & he didn't care for them.  SOOOOO I use them.  I find they don't rust as fast as every other razor I've ever tried, but I'm not totally in love with them.  I still have a 4 pack to get through, but I've got some others as samples that I'm going to try first.

Now for the apology.  I know not everyone can see my posts on Facebook, because of how they want pages to pay for everyone to see....so only about 1/2 of y'all may have seen....unless you also follow me on Instagram.  I didn't plan to drop off the face of the blogosphere.  I'd originally just taken a few days to kinda get things done and I didn't feel like doing anything.  Between some personal issues, hitting a depression slump, and an ER visit for migraines I've had a blah few past weeks.  It could've been worse and I'm thankful that it hasn't.  I've pretty much spent the past few days in bed, with the exception of chatting with my neighbor for a little bit, as some of the medicines that help one issue make another one way worse.  

Now, as it's 3:30AM, if I could only go to sleep and drop kick this migraine I'd probably feel better.  So, hugs to all of you who may need them regardless of your situation.  Thank you for sticking around.

FOTD with Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream

*some products in this post provided for review*

Please excuse me if I'm all over the place with this one.  It's been a while since I've done a make-up post, but today I'm here to tell y'all what I think about the Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream(sent for review) that I've been trying out for the past few weeks.  I've heard about this brand a LOT on the radio, but just recently discovered that they're also available HERE at Ulta.  

From the box:

Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen is your all-in-one multi-tasking perfecting cream that hydrates, conceals, protects, reduces the look of aging, and brightens the skin in just one step.  Hides uneven skin tone and minimizes the appearance of imperfections.  Works perfectly under foundation, or all on its own.  Skin looks naturally flawless.  Effortlessly perfect.  Overall more youthful.

The shade I received is Medium, which is described as light-medium.  I "think" I am around a NC25, and this matches very well.  Plus, BONUS, it has SPF40.  It's light and creamy, & smells like an orange creamsicle(the smell does go away).  I haven't tested this alone, yet...but have been using it as I would a tinted moisturizer or foundation.  I have noticed no irritation and it has a light coverage.  I'm sure you could apply a 2nd layer to build it up to medium.  I've also only applied it with my beauty blender instead of my fingers.  I'll be sure to make an edit to this post once I have tested it alone and applied with my fingers.  

please excuse my brows

This is my face after one application/layer, no powder.  It dries to a semi-matte finish with a beauty blender application.  I did have a few shiny spots, but nothing horrible.  I didn't use a primer, as I've had issues with it sliding off my face when I do.  I have extremely oily skin and have noticed those areas getting shiny about 4-5 hours after applying this BB Cream.  Blotting my face with a tissue(I'm sure oil blotting sheets would work too, I've never used them) seemed to take away the shine without removing any product.  I have a few facial scars, some of which would need a dozen layers of foundation to cover, and this does make most of the areas less noticeable.  

As far as concealing, there were a few imperfections that stuck out which still needed concealer, but I'm sure just dabbing a little bit more Hydroxatone on them would've covered just fine.  It looks very natural to me.  It covered redness without covering my freckles and making me look like I actually had anything on my face.  That is very rare for me to find.  Even with adding powder on top it's my skin but better.  I can't wait to use it at the pool this summer.  SPF plus weightless feel = AMAZING.  

Now I'll show y'all my face once I finished putting the rest of my make-up on and all that jazz.

Products used:

• Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream - medium (product provided for review)
• Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer - 125 Fair
• Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder - 020 Light
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder - Milk Chocolate(product for review - will do a full separate post on this later)
• LA Colors - Pink Blush
• ELF Studio Blush - Peachy Keen(as highlight on my cheeks)
• Urban Decay Primer Potion - original
• Urban Decay Naked Basics palette - used every shade on my eyes with Crave over top of my liner
• Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner - Zero
• Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara - Very Black - lower lashes(this also works great on my top lashes)
• Josie Maran GoGo Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara - Pitch Black - top lashes
• Maybelline Define-A-Brow - Light Brown
• MAC RiRi Woo

Overall, I really like this.  I think it would work beautifully on every skin type. I can definitely see myself getting more when I run out since it's a one step product.  If you're heading to the beach this summer, you definitely need this, but be advised shades run kinda light.

Key Benefits:

Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and overall skin aging as it visibly firms and lifts; make skin instantly look flawless and more youthful

Contains a potent antioxidant to reduce free radical damage in the skin

Evens out skin tone and visibly brightens dullness and discoloration with active Vitamin C and an advanced encapsulated peptide

Contains a special blend of plant extracts to help calm and sooth irritated skin

Shields the skin with powerful broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 40

Hides uneven skin tone and minimizes the appearance of imperfections

A perfecting cream designed to visibly firm and lift the skin, brighten, moisturize and protect

Works perfectly under foundation, or all on its own

Contains a highly effective level of Vitamin C

Vitamin C help stimulate collagen used during the skin's own regenerative process

For a complete 3-step beauty regimen, partner with Hydroxatone Milky Cleanser and Hydroxatone Age-Defying Toner.

For best results combine with Hydroxatone Microdermabrasion one to two times per week.

Why is Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream so effective?

Vitamin C: Support optimal skin health by promoting the skin's own regenerative properties help stimulate collagen used during the skin's own regenerative process

PhytoCellTec: Formulated with an ingredient that help skin stem cells maintain their natural renewal capacity

PhytoCellTec & EMortal: Formulated with ingredients that increase the vitality of the skins' stem cells.

Contains ingredients that support the natural renewal process of the skin

SPF 40: SPF 40 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protects the skin from the elements including harmful UV rays and oxidative stress

Directions

Apply once in the morning and once at night to face and neck, away from eyes by using a gentle, upward motion with fingertips.

This retails on the Ulta website for $39.00 for 1.5Fl Oz

I think I remembered to cover everything.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  :D

*some products provided for review (noted in post)*

Amazing hair with Mixed Chicks & Agadir

*samples provided for review*

Recently I received some products from Mixed Chicks and Agadir to try out.  And let me tell y'all, my hair needed it.  I was a bit shy to try these out, but once I did I fell in love.  I need EVERYTHING from both of these lines, like NOW!  

My hair has a mind of it's own.  Naturally, it's curly(and color treated) and depending on what products I use depends on how curly it actually is.  Lately, it's been more straight, simply because I brush it that way and put no product in.  If I actually attempt to make it curl, it most definitely will but not as much as it does when I use products designed to help with curl.  That's where these come in to play.  And, let me apologize for being a total fail and forgetting to take pictures of my hair while using this.  I was so excited that I forgot before I used it all up.  

Lets start out with the Mixed Chicks trial & travel trio.  

Image from mixedchicks.net

Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo - This definitely did clean my hair, and did so without making it brittle and straw-like.  I can't even begin to pin down the scent, but OMG I absolutely love it.  

image from mixedchicks.net

Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner - The smell on this is amazing as well.  This moisturized perfectly and didn't leave any residue behind to weigh the hair down or make it greasy.  Definitely a plus in my book, as not many conditioners completely rinse out so easily.

image from mixedchicks.net

Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner - This little product right here multi-tasks like a boss.  I've used very few products that moisturized, controlled frizz, AND defined my curls all at the same time.  Usually I have to use multiple products to do all of that.  It looks and feels like a lotion & is applied to wet hair, but it doesn't get goopy or greasy at all.  This right here, is worth the price and then some.  

Mixed Chicks products can be found at Target stores and some salons, you can find a location near you HERE on their website.  I will definitely be getting these products in full sizes and want to try the sulfate free shampoo for my color treated hair.

Now, to the Agadir products that I've been using as well.  Before this, I thought I had a moisture treatment that I loved and was kinda leery about trying any oil on my hair.  These have completely broken that way of thinking.  

image from agadirint.com

Agadir Argan Oil Moisture Masque - This does everything it says it does.  It is sulfate free, made with argan oil, and keratin protein.  It gave me smooth & shiny hair.  It says to apply this on wet(clean) hair, leave on 3-5 minutes, and rinse.  When I do treatments like this, I generally wash my hair & apply it, then sleep with it in my hair and rinse out in the morning.  I've used this a few times, overnight & a few hours, and found using this overnight to be more beneficial to my hair.  The smell may be a little off putting to some, but I actually loved it.  The product itself looks kinda like glue, but I swear it doesn't act like it.  It is perfectly fine and I LOVE it.

image from agadirint.com

Agadir Argan Oil Hair Treatment - Usually I run the other direction from anything with "oil" in it for my hair.  Mostly because it makes my hair look horrible.  Now that it's shorter, my roots get oily so quick, and adding oil is not helpful.  When my hair is longer, everything is dry and adding oil just makes me look like a greaseball.  NOT with this.  It really only takes a few drops & voila.  This works without making me look like I dumped a bottle of oil on my head.  

I will definitely be looking into getting more of the masque as I think this is my new holy grail product......the hair treatment too.  I might even try a few other products since I'm so much in love with these.

You don't have to have curly or coarse textured hair for any of these to work.  Take a chance and try them out.  You might be surprised like I was.

*samples provided for review*