This is kind of a double post, a Friday Favorite and a Budget Beauty. I did not like the original Maybelline Dream BB but once I saw they had a bronze one, I had to try it out of curiosity.

The first thing I thought of was, oh could this be a dupe for Stila's Bronze Beauty Balm (which I love but it's $32)? Well so far I wouldn't say it's an exact dupe but maybe the darker shade would be. I really like this so far. It's the perfect amount of glow for a quick makeup look during the week or just a touch of sun for a laid back weekend.

I would say this has very sheer coverage. It adds more of a veil of warmth to the skin. I think this would be nice in the Winter too for some life during those pale sunless days. It is available in two shades, Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. I chose the Light/Medium shade. I think the Medium/Dark would be nice to use to warm up a lighter foundation in the Summer so I might try that out.

My friend Kendall and I try and make it to the NYC IMATS every year. This year tickets sold out before we could purchase them so we decided to have our own makeup day in the city! This trip included a lot of firsts for me... my first trip to Saks on Fifth Avenue, my first trip to Macy's at Herald Square (at least that I can remember), and then my first time getting my makeup done at a high end makeup counter!

These department stores were so cool inside! It was a makeup lovers heaven. Saks even had an orchestra and opera singer live while you shopped, what!? We ended up getting our makeup done at the Burberry counter and it was awesome! I truly felt pampered. Below are some of the pictures from the day and my haul of products, including the street art I bought for my hubby!

Face:

Neutrogena Pure and Free Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50 - This is a golden find! I love this sunscreen. It doesn't feel heavy or tacky and it totally sinks in! I have been using it on my face, neck, and chest for the past two weeks and have not had any problems with breakouts or sensitivity. It is a concentrate formula so you only need a small amount to cover your whole face. Holy grail material here!


Body:

L'Oreal Advanced Suncare Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 30 - I hate the feeling of a heavy sunscreen. That greasy film it leaves is not comfortable nor is it pretty. I've been on the hunt for a light feeling formula but also something that protects my fair skin. So far I've been really liking this spray oil from L'Oreal. It absorbs but leaves a glow in its wake. I don't feel any residue and it doesn't stain my clothing. It is scented so I hope one day they will release an unscented version but it is a light pleasant scent so it hasn't bothered me so far.

Here are some things I've been eyeing this week!

Sigh... this gorgeous and outrageously expensive Coach bag

This choker from nomaticstore.com

Mac's Chromagraphic pencils!

We all know or at least should know the saying, "you are what you eat". Fountain Beauty takes it to another level with their beauty molecules. Beauty molecules are liquid supplements that are for targeted ailments such as lackluster locks, a dull complexion, and even to perk up a frown.

I saw these in a couple different places and the packaging alone makes them intriguing. I love the graphic design here and the colors! For those of you that don't know, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. I take an extra microscope to art and design when looking at different products. It's definitely part of my passion. Cosmetics and makeup artistry are a form of art and I love the fact that art is such a broad topic just like the beauty industry.

But I digress....

Hyaluronic acid is found in almost every single one of these elixirs. After spotting that I decided to look up the ingredient, here is what WebMD had to say, "There is also a lot of interest in using hyaluronic acid to prevent the effects of aging. In fact, hyaluronic acid has been promoted as a "fountain of youth." However, there is no evidence to support the claim that taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin can prevent changes associated with aging. Some people apply hyaluronic acid to the skin for healing wounds, burns, skin ulcers, and as a moisturizer."

I have not tried or tested any of these yet. But I just couldn't help sharing with you guys because they are an interesting idea for supplements and "the fountain of youth" theory of beauty. Has anyone tried these yet?

Fountain - The Beauty Molecule is a concentrated beauty supplement with Resveratrol and Hyaluronic Acid to promote health, youth and longevity.

Fountain - The Hyaluronic Molecule is a concentrated beauty supplement with Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin looking plump and happy from within.

Fountain - The Super Green Molecule is a concentrated beauty and lifestyle supplement of alfalfa chlorophyll, kelp and our Hyaluronic Acid matrix.

Fountain - The Phyto-Collagen Molecule is a concentrated beauty supplement with Hydrolysed Collagen, Wild Phytoplankton, L-Glutathione and our Hyaluronic Acid matrix to supplement your own collagen and support new collagen formation to keep you looking youthful from within.

Fountain - The Hair Molecule is a concentrated beauty supplement with our liquid complex of Silicon, Biotin and our Hyaluronic Acid matrix to support your hair from within to grow strong, healthy and full of shine and brilliance.

Fountain - The Geek Molecule is a concentrated beauty and lifestyle supplement with Zinc and Gotu Kola to support cognitive function and mental stamina.

Fountain - The Happy Molecule is a concentrated beauty and lifestyle supplement with a very happy GABA carrot complex and our Hyaluronic Acid matrix to keep you happy and counteract the effects of chronic and short-term stress.

Fountain - The Energy Molecule is a beauty and lifestyle supplement with  a concentrated energy complex of Creatine, Vitamin B12  and our Hyaluronic Acid matrix to provide sustainable lasting energy.

Fountain - The Glow Molecule is a concentrated form of a reactive type of Glutathione that is completely stable with extraordinary bioavailability and no sulphur after-taste. The high concentration of our reactive Glutathione in pre-oxidized form brings out a bright, youthful-looking glow within a week of use with continued improvements.

Fountain - The Beauty Extra Strength Molecule is a concentrated beauty supplement with Resveratrol and Hyaluronic Acid to promote health, youth and longevity.

Allure's "50 Beauty Products to Buy Before You Die" is an inspiring list comprised of high end (some very high end) and basic beauty products you need to try before you "kick the bucket". Find the article here. I found this list to be pretty good but I have some of my own to add,

Younique's 3D Fiber Lash - The best mascara for the false lash look, period.

Eve Lom Cleanser - An at home spa treatment plus gentle cleanser.

Josie Maran Argan Oil - A Perfect Winter and Summer skin savior.

AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion - Hands down the best lotion for all skin ailments, including those pesky bumps on the back of your arms!

Coconut Oil - Unrefined, cold-pressed, organic coconut oil = world's best multitasker!

Bite Agave Lip Mask - Silky smooth lips in minutes with the delicious scent of vanilla. The first lip product I have tried that actually heals my lips.

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub - The perfect lipstick prep product made from natural sea salt and other good stuff that you can eat!

Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow - Looking for the perfect natural white polish mani color? Look no further than Marshmallow.

Keratin Complex Repair Therapy Ionic Intense RX - A perfect way to extend your keratin treatment and keep your locks smooth as silk, even in the humid weather!

Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow - Love these in the Summer for a quick eye look that lasts!

Mac Lip Pencils in Stone and Whirl - Best pencils for bodacious lips!

Mac Lipsticks - They listed Russian Red but I think any shade in their lipstick range is amazing. I especially love the matte formulas. The Vanilla scent is iconic on its own.

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I know I could list probably 50 more on my own since this doesn't even include things I have on my own bucket list to try. What is on your beauty bucket list?

Lately I have been finding myself becoming more and more curious about all natural beauty and skincare. More brands are coming along with amazing products that have ingredients as organic as what is in your fridge. If you don't want to purchase pre-made products there is also the world of homemade beauty products and skincare. We are talking food grade skincare people! Oatmeal for my face? Sure!

I have my mother in law and one of my best friends Kendall to thank for getting me more involved with healthy skincare and cosmetics. It's such a huge part of the beauty world and I am just touching the surface of this wondrous place! This series of posts will concentrate on homemade and all natural products from lipstick to facial oil. I hope to help people become aware of this growing industry and find great products along the way!

Now I am not planning on going full on organic/natural in all of my beauty products. I do still have tons of items in my collection that I love which are not organic or natural. I am expanding my horizons and dipping into healthier products. All types of beauty interests me so this includes the natural section as well!

I read on a few different blogs and Pinterest that lavender essential oil is great for keeping your lashes long and strong by adding it to your mascara. Of course I had to go out and purchase some to get started. I will put putting a tiny bit of lavender and possibly the rose hip oil into my Younique 3D Fiber Lash mascara and will definitely keep you guys updated on my thoughts/results. So exciting!

Have some natural beauty and skincare favorites of your own? Share them below, I would love to check them out!

This is going to be a new series of posts! I know everyone looks for budget friendly makeup whether it be dupes for high end products or just an affordable favorites. When you are able to find a mascara or lipstick that is just as good as the high end brands it is worth sharing! So here I will share with you good quality, affordable makeup finds.
Hard Candy has been around a while and their brand has grown to include a huge line of products, everything from lip gloss to body illuminators. You can find their products at your local Walmart in the beauty department.

The following eyeshadow palettes retail for $6 a piece and contain 10 eyeshadows. These palettes are great starter products for younger girls as well as nice collection additions for my fellow makeup addicts. I picked up Guilty Pleasure, a palette of neutral sparkle shades and Birthday Suit, a palette full of neutral mattes. I would recommend a primer with both palettes to get the full pigmentation and staying power of the shades. Although all swatches below are done on bare skin.

I really love the mattes shades in Birthday Suit. They have great pigmentation and the colors included are just really pretty. Guilty Pleasure is a nice collection of sparkle. There is definitely fallout here but with a good primer I think it will be awesome for a night out or when you need a little glitter in your workday. And who wouldn't love this adorable packaging?

"The Limited Edition Special FX Brush Set was created by internationally acclaimed makeup artist and founder of the Hollywood Makeup Lab, Bruna Nogueira. Bruna is emerging as one of the top makeup artists in the entertainment industry. She has hand-picked 11 exclusive brushes inspired by Hollywood TV and movie makeup characters she creates on set. Each brush is specially designed for detailed artistry and special effects. Patent No. D718060"

• FX 1
• FX 2
• FX 3
• FX 4
• FX 5
• FX 6
• FX 7
• FX 8
• FX 9
• FX 10
• FX 11

Special FX Functions:
FX1: The two different lengths of brush fibers allow for creation of scratches over any area of the body. 
FX2: The density of the synthetic fibers are perfect for adding latex and glue to the skin when applying prosthetic pieces.
FX3: Best used with latex and glue remover to make the prosthetic removal process effortless.
FX4: The soft and fluffy brush head is perfect for applying translucent setting powder to any makeup application.
FX5: The small brush head allows for precise application of setting powder to hard to reach areas.
FX6: The densely packed bristles make it easy to stamp out larger bruises on the skin.
FX7: A bit smaller than the FX6, the shorter bristles are perfect for creating and blending out smaller bruises. 
FX8: Similar to the FX1 brush, the different lengths of fiber are perfect for creating small scratch marks to a more concentrated area.
FX9: The shape and angle of the brush provides the perfect size and application of large veins, age spots and glue application.
FX10: Smaller than the FX9, this brush is ideal for creating fine vein lines and age lines onto the face.
FX11: The small silicone tip is perfect for precisely adding facial hair and hair prosthetics to the skin.

Everyday Beauty Functions:
FX1: This brush is ideal for softly applying cream products onto the face, such as cream blush or highlighter.
FX2: The shape of this brush allows for a sharp, defined contour to the face.
FX3: The length of the fibers work great for applying foundation primer seamlessly to the skin.
FX4: The smaller fluff shape fits perfectly under the eye to set concealer.
FX5: The duo fiber allows for a sheer wash of color when using a damp brush to apply loose shimmers. 
FX6: The round, compact shape of this brush is great for blending out cream or liquid concealer.
FX7: The short, densely packed fibers are best used for diffusing lip liner for a precise finish.
FX8: This unique brush will feather brow powder onto the brow for a wearable runway look.