Tuesday, July 12, 2016

BEAUTY: JUNE FAVORITES

Welcome! This is my very first monthly favorites post!!

First I will talk about makeup favorites

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation
I have already raved about this product but I have to mention in again. I have been loving this foundation and for a good reason. This is the perfect foundation for the summer because it is very light and dewy. It never looks caked and you can build it up to a medium coverage. If you are interested in reading a more in detail review check out this post for my full review. 

Maybeline Superstay Better Skin Concealer Corrector
This concealer has been my favorite for almost 6 months now and I have repurchased it several times. I love this concealer. It is very light but with extraordinary coverage. It is slightly pink which is perfect for my under eye darkness. I don't feel the need to buy any other concealer, that is how good this one is! 

bhcosetics brush #125 and crown brush (no name or number)
Because it is summer I have been reaching out for these two brushes a lot. The bhcosmetics 125 brush I have been using for applying concealer and for setting it as well. I have also used it to apply a bit of highlighter and blush. The Crown brush I have been using to lightly dust face powder and for lightly contouring my cheekbones. Both makeup brushes are super soft and fluffy. The last thing you want to do in summer and with such a hot weather is packing on makeup, and that is why these two brushes have been amazing for a couple of months. I keep both of them on my makeup bag.

Skin Care 
Burt's Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream
I am loving this hand cream. It is thick guys, but in a good way. It is so rich and moisturizing. I have been using it as a cuticle cream, hand cream and foot cream for this past month. I can see the difference in my hands and feet for sure. Also, it smells amazing. Almost like marzipan... It helps that I love anything almond scented but this is so good. 

Bath and Body Works Ultra Shea bodycream in Coconut Sunset
I talked about this lotion on a recent Bath and Body Works Haul and I have been using it ever since I bought it. It smells so good and it is so moisturizing. It takes me to a white sandy beach every time I apply it. If you want to see more of what I got at BBW check out this post

Home
Ultra Downy infusions in Honey Flower
 I had to talk real quick about this fabric softener. I am absolutely obsessed with this product. It smells so incredibly delightful! I love how my laundry smells after I have washed them and how soft our sheets feel. I have repurchased this a whole lot since I just cant get enough of it!!! You definitely need to go to the store and get one of these bottles and try it out! 

Disclaimer: I purchase all of these items and I am not being paid to review them. I only share my honest opinion on these products.

Monday, July 4, 2016

4TH OF JULY CUPCAKES

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him"  - G.K. Chesterton

 I was feeling festive today so I decided to make some yummy cupcakes. 


These were delicious! I have to confess, I did cheat a bit and made a box red velvet cupcake, but in my defense, my son was being a total energetic young boy so I had to take a shortcut. BUT, the buttercream is ALL MINE!

Ingredients: 
4 cups of sifted powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 sticks butter, softened.

Directions:
On a stand up mixer beat softened butter until light in color and creamy. Add 2 cups of sifted powder sugar and beat on low until all sugar is incorporated or you will end up with a sugar dust cloud. Add the milk and beat on medium high for 2 minutes. Add the rest of the sugar and the vanilla extract on low until incorporated, then on medium high for 2 - 3 minutes. Mixture should be light and fluffy. Voila! 



For the blue and red stripes effect, paint a line of red gel color on one side of your piping bag and a line of blue gel color on the opposite side. Then fill your piping bag as usual with buttercream. I used a large star tip to frost my cupcakes. As a little added bonus I found Star-Spangled Sprinkles at HomeGoods and I added a few to each cupcake.

If you are curious to see more of my creations check this post