Makeup for Oily Skin: Mattify Oil Absorbing Powder Review
Sunday, April 17th, 2011
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could keep your skin from being so oily? Now you can.
Mattify Cosmetics creates makeup for oily skin. And really, let’s be honest, plenty of us have oily skin! So it’s pretty important to have a way to manage that oil.
I had a chance to review the Mattify! Cosmetics ULTRA Matte Powder for Extra Oily Skin. In the summer, my T-zone can get especially oily. I have combination skin, is the thing. Well, even if you lightly brushed this on it instantly sucks up oil due to the kaolin clay, cornstarch, rice powder, silica microspheres (which scatters light to blur fine lines and pores) and tianium dioxide. It looks white in a jar, but applies totally sheer. You can put it on before or after your foundation, or both.
Once I put on this powder and wore it for a day, realizing it worked, I had one concern – would it clog pores? But it doesn’t, the kaolin clay keeps your pores clean. The one thing you don’t want to do is brush this powerful product on dry skin, because (as with any powder) it will cling to the dry skin. ... Read More
Mattify Cosmetics: Reviews of their Loose Powder Eyeshadow
Saturday, April 16th, 2011
Ready for some eyeshadow that won’t smudge or disappear? Mattify Cosmetics has solved the problem for you.
I recently had a chance to try out four different Mattify Cosmetics loose powder eyeshadows. You can use these dry, or wet. I love that you can apply these in three different styles for different looks with the same shadows. You an sweep the color over your eye for a sheer look, pat the color for an opaque look, or apply with water for a highly concentrated color look that turns the color into a liquid eyeliner.
The eyeshadows have Kaolin Clay & Corn Starch to help absorb oil. Your eyeshadows often smudge and fade because of oil, you know? Instead of having to apply primer, you only have to use the eyeshadow. Which is great, to me, for the summer when you want as little on your face as possible.
I really love the names of the colors, and there are plenty of great hues. Even after trying out four colors, I already know tons of colors I want to try next.
Fields of Gold: I love this color, applied sheer it’s a litt ... Read More
What You Don’t Know About Blog Giveaways Can Fill this Page
Friday, April 15th, 2011
What you don’t know about blog giveaways might not fill a book, but it can certainly fill this page.
This is written by a blogger, meant to be read by sponsors, readers who enter giveaways, and other bloggers.
Blog giveaways (How to run them and how to approach them):
POINT ONE:What we know: We know if you visited the sponsor site. And they know, too. Because of Google Analytics and other programs that let us see stats like that, people know exactly how many people clicked a link and where it went to, or where the incoming click came from.
Why does it matter: For giveaways, sponsors want that publicity. And if you don’t visit their site (it’s a lousy click, why can’t you do it?) then they won’t do giveaways with that site again, and maybe not other sites either.
The bottom line: ... Read More
How to Enter Blog Giveaways and Contests (Insider Scoop!)
Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Like many, I started entering online giveaways during a low period in my life that wasn’t very busy (read: unemployed.) So, I started with big sites like giveaways for magazines. Big surprises went along with that – namely the surprise that I never won anything no matter how hard I tried. Then I realized that other websites (and gasp, blogs) had giveaways that were just as good or better than what the magazines offered. Well, within two months I’d won Gilmore Girls season 7 on DVD, and Angel the Complete Series on DVD! I was charmed. I knew there was a real possibility to win these blog giveaways. Even better, I was able to connect and learn about the lives of the people running the giveaways. Say all you want, but human connection in any form is always important. We can’t forget that the Internet is not just used for icky things (I’m not even going to name them) it’s also used for wonderful purposes.
So. Let’s move to today. I’m a writer and I write here, duh. Something I love doing is providing reviews. Whenever I’m making a purchase (or even going to a restaurant) I like to go online and try to find a review of it. Yes, I’m far too analytical, blah blah blah! Offering giveaways is something that I love because it reward ... Read More
Casual Sandals Shop – The Samantha Flojos Reviews
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
Flojos makes fun sandals and flip flops that are chic, casual, and easy to decide to wear during the summer. I had a chance to review the “Samantha” pair from the Shoreline Casuals collection. Flojos means “kick back” in Spanish, and I think this particular pair doesn’t exemplify their mission statement. However, I do see other flip flops on their site that I think would.
The Samantha’s are one of the more fashionable sandals on the website. That’s what I was drawn to. This would be a good sandal for someone, in appearance, that doesn’t love to dress up but sometimes has to wear something nicer than a basic flip flop. My main issue with the sandal is the bottom – and granted, that’s an important aspect. It doesn’t really have enough cushion, and it’s kind of hard. The website describes there being a slight wedge, but I don’t think there is enough to qualify as a wedge. As you might suggest, this is a very flat footed sandal that doesn’t give any cushion or arch support. I love the design, though.
This is a particular Flojos that I would not recommend to you guys. But the company on the whole is worth checking out. I appreciate the quality leather, but would rather have comfort.
Check out other c ... Read More
Mindful Shopping – 5 Questions to Ask Before Spending Your Hard-earned Dollar
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Are you doing mindful shopping? I would wager that over the past few years, since the whole economic crunch and all, everyone has tried to find ways to tighten their belts and pinch pennies in whatever way possible. From clipping coupons to trying store brands, these are little ways we all have survived, right?
However, for me, I have found that despite my efforts, I still find myself (pardon the pun) short every now and then. I wouldn’t be surprised if you would be agreeing with me right about now, correct?
It then occurred to me that perhaps the reason why we find ourselves in that position time and again is because we tend not to be mindful about the way we spend. Yes, we cut down on non-essentials. We go for the sales. We look for the best bargains, but still, there’s something still missing in the equation that leads us to asking ourselves once again: what else can we do to live within a shrinking budget and an inflating market.
These fancy shorts designed by Sienna Miller are cool, but are they worth the nearly $300.00 price tag?! (Click image for product page.)
I have found that asking myself these questions b ... Read More
Moon Phases | Illustration with Lace
Monday, April 11th, 2011
These are the 16 phases of our moon. This 8×10 inkjet print of these Moon Phases is printed on Epson Matte paper.
“Within the faces, I added my own patterns, polka dots and gingham! This would be a lovely print to put in a classroom, a kid’s room, or just by your bookshelf! Made especially for the backyard astronomers, such as myself.” – Katie Daisy
Moon Phases Illustrated by Katie Daisy on Etsy: Here
... Read MoreShari Wacks Jewelry Giveaway
Monday, April 11th, 2011
Do you recall the poll I had you guys take part in about whether to base an upcoming jewelry giveaway on TV characters from The Vampire Diaries or Pretty Little Liars? Well, The Vampire Diaries won in a landslide! And it’s time to follow through on this giveaway with Shari Wacks Jewelry! True to what I said earlier, I picked out some jewelry pieces that I felt corresponded with a few different TVD characters. This is another pick your prize contest / pick your prize sweepstakes where you’ll get the prize you ask for! Yes for blog giveaways 2011!
To kick off, here’s a picture of TVD’s very own Katerina Graham (Bonnie) wearing some Shari Wacks jewelry!
The GIVEAWAY PRIZE: One (1) winner can pick one of three offered jewelry items from Shari Wacks Jewelry. ARV: $90
Elena Gilbert Inspired Piece: $92 ... Read More
Comfortable Stylish Shoes for Women by POE Footwear
Sunday, April 10th, 2011
I’m willing to brag here: Sheri Poe personally sent me a pair of shoes to review. And why is that bragworthy? Because POE Footwear creates amazing shoes that women love. An the reason women love Poe shoes is because they merge cute and comfortable in a way that you don’t often get out of a single pair of shoes. When it comes to POE Footwear, all I needed was one pair to become a convert.
Of course, for my story, we have to go through two. I’ll explain with my POE Footwear review.
Sheri Poe personally agreed to the review, and then had her people (yes, she has people! she’s a busy woman!) send me a pair. They were beautiful and shiny and girly and comfortable as anything. The only problem? My shoe sizes range from 9, 9.5 or 10, and I asked for a 10. Turns out that in POE Footwear, I’m not a 10. So those first shoes didn’t work for me. Sheri Poe then said she’d send me a true 9.5 in a style that is her current favorite. I was hoping I’d like them, and when they arrived I really did! I wear these with a light sock, though – so I’d suggest maybe going down a half size. They WILL accommodate a wide foot because they adhere to your foot.
My ... Read More
GLEE Emma Pillsbury Jewelry Style Feature
Saturday, April 9th, 2011
I know I’m not alone in loving that prim and proper Emma Pillsbury style on Glee. But it’s more than just prim and proper!
When I saw the Brittany Chavers Studio on Etsy, I immediately thought of Emma Pillsbury. I knew I’d found someone taped into that Emma Pillsbury style of jewelry. It’s … let’s see, preppy, pretty, girly, prim, cheerful and whimsical.
Her shop offers all sorts of necklaces, especially wonderful asymmetrical flower necklaces. I was lucky enough to have a custom piece made. It has a large light blue flower with some mustard yellow and white beads, then white lace-like beads. Brittany was able to do exactly what I asked for, and she has good instincts about what colors go together and how the necklace composition should be. These sorts of luxe statement necklaces are great to wear with just a plain top!
I love the silver filigree detailing, especially the little bauble on the end of the extended chain. These details are what make it so special and you know it was handmade with care.
Brittany Chavers Studio also offers tiny flower earrings and hair pins. They’re colorful and sweet, perfect for a little fun! They give your hair that extra litt ... Read More
