Budget Beauty {{Primers}} Reviews

If you are like me, then you LOVE face and eye primers. Even when a product says that it has a primer in it, I still use a primer. I love the way that they can make your skin feel and the wearability they provide for eye shadows. I have rounded up a group of primers that I have personally tried to give you my honest reviews.

ELF Eyeshadow Primer is a primer that I love to use on a daily basis. It costs $3 and you can find it anywhere. It helps eye shadows to keep their pigmentation, not crease throughout the day, and not bleed or flake. Definitely worth the $3 price tag.

Mica Beauty Eye Primer is something I received in my ipsy bag. I have to say, it has not disappointed. It retails for $45, but on their website is on sale for $22. I use a minuscule amount every day, so it definitely gives you bang for your buck. Much like it's $3 counterpart- it helps eye shadows to keep their pigmentation, not crease throughout the day, and not bleed or flake.

NYX Studio Perfect Primer comes in a variety of shades and is supposed to be a dupe for smash box primers. I bought it in the green color, which corrects redness. For me, this foundation primer dried my skin out and did not help my foundation go on smoothly. Worth the $13? For me, no.

ELF Mineral Primer is another dupe for the smash box primer. Again, it comes in a variety of shades to fit your skin needs and I bought it in green. It comes in a large pump bottle, which is nice. The primer itself goes on smoothly, feels light on the skin and does help even out the skin tone. The only con I had was that the bottle is large, but the amount inside is approximately 25% of the bottle. It has a tube inside filled with product. Worth the $6 price tag? Yes, but don't expect it to last too long.

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer retails for $8 and can be found anywhere. It promises to smooth, resurface, brighten, mattify, and protect. For me, it came out gritty and didn't have the staying power to keep my foundation on all day looking dewy fresh like expected. I would assume the gritty feeling was the smoothing and resurfacing power at work, but I didn't particularly enjoy nor like that.

Benefit Stay Flawless is a product I wanted to try after seeing it around the blog world. It retails for $38, can be found at specific makeup retailers (Ulta, Sephora, Beauty Brands), and is a stick form. Again, the packaging on this is misleading as it holds product  approximately 50% of the tube size. For me, the formula was sticky and the stick was hard to use. I wasn't able to get the product into the nooks and crannies of my face, where I feel as if I need product the most (around the nose, under the eyes, etc.). Not worth the $38 to me.

What primers have you tried? Which do you love?

How to Style 1 Skirt 3 Ways

When I got contacted by eShakti to do a review of one of their items, I knew that I wanted to pick a skirt. For me, a skirt makes sense. I can wear it one hundred different ways and style it to fit my mood, which is exactly what I did. 

eShakti works based on the belief that all women have the right to wear affordable fashion that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best. For me, that is something I want in all my clothes, so I knew this would be a match made in heaven. Super simple, super easy concept--- clothing that is made based on your measurements so that you look your best, all at an affordable cost. 

Cotton Poplin Pleated Skirt 

This skirt is perfect for wearing every day. It has pockets, sewn into the seams and is the perfect knee length so you can wear it to work or play. I gave them my true waist size and was able to choose what length I wanted the skirt. I wanted to show you guys 3 different ways that I styled this skirt, so that you can see how truly versatile it is. My favorite look? The Kansas City Royals t-shirt. That outfit is an amazing blend of my style mixed with work appropriate. 

I love how you can take one skirt, add more formal booties, tights, and a button down and it becomes work formal. Take the same skirt, add your super trendy (mine is from Target) chambray top, some bling, and more causal boots and you can wear the same skirt for work or to a girls night. For me, what makes this winner, winner chicken dinner is that I can wear my sports shirt, a statement necklace, and casual shoes to take this from casual Friday (we do sports themed) to happy hour. 

The best part? You can use code "tracieeveryday" to get 10% OFF when you shop at eShakti through 12/10/14. You all need to at least try out a custom piece of clothing. It's not the same as when you buy something and take it to get altered. The possibilities are endless with eShakti, you can take a dress shorten it, add cap sleeves, and change the neckline to suit you. Where else can you do that? Not at the tailor. 

Please note:

Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive.  

Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. 

It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.

This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.

Not applicable on previous purchases.

Have you ever ordered custom clothing? Was it worth it?

#VowVoxBox

I was lucky enough to receive a Vow VoxBox from Influenster. I was super excited to try these items! 

• Olay Regenerist Tone Perfect Cream: is a lightly-scented, fast-absorbing moisturizer that hydrates your skin. Over 8 weeks, its formula with a brightening complex fades the look of dark spots, age spots, sun spots and discoloration – evening your overall skin tone. I love this! It goes on super creamy and smooth. I have to admit, I didn't use it every day, as you are supposed to. I use it a few times a week and use my Clinique most days. 
• EcoTools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge: The new, unique Pure Complexion Facial Sponge is handmade with 100 percent natural ingredients, including Konjac* vegetable fiber, for a better clean that reveals smooth, refreshed skin. It is dermatologist tested for use both morning and night to wash away dirt, oil and makeup, leaving skin glowing without over-drying or causing redness. This was one of my faves! I loved how soft this was. It definitely exfoliated, but did so without being abrasive. For me, the one con is that I was only able to use it a few times before having to get rid of it. 
• Pure Silk Shave Cream: Pretty self explanatory. It was shave cream. Nothing too extraordinary. 
• Tide to-go: Tide to Go is not a pretreater , it is an on-the-go stain remover . I have always wanted one of these, but have not had the opportunity to use it yet. I am hoping when I do have a chance, it isn't on my white pants!
• Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure: Skip the salon, get the results. Don't settle for just color when you can get a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, salon-inspired color, top coat, chip-resistance and a gel finish all in 1 bottle. I was super excited to receive this, but super disappointed to get this specific color. It is a light blue... which makes sense, being in the Vow VoxBox... but still, it looks horrible on me. 

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Have any of you tried any of these products yet? What did you think?

Who NOT to Send a Card to

Due to the nature of being a twenty-something, I send cards all the time. Thank you cards, party invites, birthday cards, congrats on the baby cards, wedding cards---- you name it I've bought it in the past six months. All my friends are getting married and having babies. Since we all know who we would send a card to, let's think of who we WOULDN'T send a card to. I've got some ideas.

• Your ex's new boo. I mean what are you gonna say? Hey girl, let's get some drinks and compare notes? If you were going to send one, I suggest the one below. Why this one you ask? Because obviously you both have something in common or he wouldn't have picked you both. LOL!

•  The cashier at the liqour store. Don't get me wrong, if someone was worthy of a bff card, it would def be this guy because he knows more about you than you think. He knows that when you tailgate you buy beer, when you have a girls night you buy wine, when you had a bad week you buy vodka. He knows you better than anyone, yet not at all. On second thought, maybe it is a good idea to get him a card. I have the perfect one.

• Your lady doctor. Again, they know you so well, yet not at all. They do get to see your lady bits more often than most (and for some more often than their man!), so they have a special place in your heart, if you truly wanted to send a card my suggestion would be this one.

My work wives, Amy and Angie, hosted a bridal shower for me with a Stock the Bar theme last week, so I gave them these cards as a thank you/ I appreciate you. Oh, and yes the party was after hours.

Angie received this one:

Amy got this one:





Where did all these awesome cards come from? This amazing website Treat, which is a part of the Shutterfly brand. It is totally legit. If you create an account you can set up reminders (hello birthdays I always forget!), schedule ahead so you know it'll get there, and mailing services so that the card can be directly mailed to the person. What's not to love!



Monday Must Haves

It's winter and my skin is dry and I feel sorta blah overall. I decided to change some things up in order to boost my spirits. I get used to things and I am lazy- once I find something that I like I stick with it. Unfortunately, that doesn't always go well. So, I decided to try some new things and here is what I am loving right now!

• StudioGear Impactfull Pro T.L.S. Mascara* is high impact mascara delivering maximum fullness and flare. I generally wear Covergirl and decided to try this instead. I love the extra-large, fluffy brush. It really gives my lashed some va-va-voom!
• StudioGear Prime Objective Face Primer* is a silicone-based face primer that has optical diffusers further enhance the complexion by lightening and brightening! I have Benefit Flawless 15 hour primer now (the stick) and I actually like the Studio Gear better. It goes on really silky and smooth, only takes a tiny bit for the whole face and makes my make up look fab!
• CliniqueMoisture Surge Intense is an oil free cream-gel that gives 24 hour hydration. I usually wear normal Clinique moisturizer, so I also love this. It gives my skin that little added dose of hydration it needs during the winter.
• Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Foundation* gives 12 hours of silky, breathable coverage.  I usually wear Covergirl, but I decided to change it all up! I am loving the texture and look of my skin when wearing this. I feel like it provides great coverage, but looks and feels light. The only drawback is the pour bottle. It is hard to get the product out!
• While I prefer to be a wooly mammoth during the winter, my man friend doesn’t really enjoy that. Since my skin has been really dry and tight this winter, I have been using the Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Care razor*. And ya’ll this shit is awesome! It has 5 blades (which I prefer) and this awesome moisture serum. Even without lotion, my legs felt better after getting out the shower! I was shocked and impressed.

Even more awesome? If you go to Studio Gear's website and use the code Tracie13 you can 10% off!

*I have received these prodcuts for review purposes. As always, my opinions are honest and uniquely my own!

 

January Ipsy Bag

 

I love me some ipsy, if you haven't tried it and like trying new makeup and beauty items you def should. It is no secret that I hoard makeup, so this is like a dream for me. I have so many samples stashed away that I will never run out of anything but toothpaste and deodarant. And with the way my cheap ass coupons, I will never run out of that shizz either. I digress, this is all about ipsy and the awesomeness I got this month. It was not all eyeshadow and nail polish this month! That made me soooo excited!

• The Coastal Scents Classic Small Foundation Brush is the ideal size for creating a smooth, even finish giving you full control when applying and blending liquid and cream based foundation. I got this and used it immediately. While it says it is a small brush, it is the same size as my "full" size one that is worn out. The bristles are soft and give a smooth finish that I love.
• MicaBeauty's 24 hour Tinted Lip Balm conditions your lips without smudge while delivering sophisticated finish. Kiss-proof and smudge-proof! I started using this immediately as well. I love that it is not as thick as a lipstick and does go on smooth, so my winter chapped lips aren't noticeable.
•  Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissues are formulated to reawaken and soften skin, while helping to reduce puffiness. Made of delicate spun lace, our convenient, effortless 1-step tissues are gentle enough for use on sensitive skin and around the eye area.   Honest, I haven't used these yet. I have a pack already opened so I stored these away. I love that they are water based and will def use next.
• Nourish Organic's Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion provides continuous moisture throughout the day while replenishing essential skin nutrients. The advanced, non-greasy formula is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants to boost skin's defenses and leave skin healthier and younger-looking every day. 100% Natural. USDA-Certified Organic. Fragrance-Free. Alcohol-Free. Ultra gentle for sensitive skin. Meh. This is a take it our leave it item for me. I am not a stickler for organic products, so this was just another face lotion.
• The yaby Liquid Foundation leaves an unbelievably natural, super smooth texture and is extremely easy to apply. Mimics the skin's natural sheen to create the most realistic flawless skin. Oil-free. Hmmm. I am still withholding judgement on this one. Did you get this? If so, what do you think?

Who all gets a monthly bag? What did you get?  I would love to hear!

 

Beauty Box Five Review

I am super excited to test drive a new monthly subscritption box! Beauty Box 5 sent me a gift of a box to review, so I thought I'd let ya'll know more about it. Beauty Box 5 is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month.

How It Works
For $12/month subscribers will receive a box filled with a carefully selected mixture of five travel-sized, deluxe-sized and full-sized cosmetic products from luxury, commonly known brands, niche brands, eco-conscious and even vegan brands.

What You Get

Every month you will get a box filled with cosmetic products selected by our beauty editor. You'll receive a mixture of luxury, commonly known brands, niche brands, eco-conscious and even vegan brands. Your beauty box will include a selection of makeup, hair care, skin care, nail care, fragrances and beauty accessories.

What I Got

 

•  Spongeables pedi scrubber infused with doothing lavendar-tea tree oil a soft side cleanses and soothe, while a rougher side massages and exfoliates. This product smelles good, but not too overpowering of a scent. It can be used 6+ washes before it starts to melt away like bar soap.
• Coolway shampoo and conditioner  gently cleanses with a luxurious lather free of damaging chemicals and Sulfates so that your hair won’t be stripped of any of its natural beauty and the conditioner focuses on softening and polishing hair for improved hydration and shine. I love, love, love that it gave both the shampoo and conditioner in a large travel size. I liked and enjoyed how the Coolway products made my hair feel, but not any better than my daily shampoo/conditioner.

• Nubar nailpolish was founded as the healthy alternative for beautiful nails. All polishes are free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (phthalate). The color I received is straight up sparkles! It can be used as a stand alone nail polish or to create wild and crazy looks. Since I love to put glitter over colors, I really liked getting this full size nail polish.  

• Be a Bombshell eyeshadow in Starlet is highly pigmented long lasting formula for all day wear. It can be used use as eyeliner, a base color, accent color, and a highlighter.  Go to their website and sign up to have Bombshell consultants create and email you personalized looks each month.Of everything in the box, this was my absolute favorite. It is a full sized, single eye shadow in a slightly shimmery dark chocolate. I have used this sooo many times since getting the box. It really lasts all day and doesn’t crease. It makes my blue eyes pop when used as a base color!

For a few dollars more ($2) you do get larger products than other monthly beauty subscriptions (ipsy, birchbox). This box contained 3 full size items and 2 large travel size, which is an amazing value! Also, it is more of a lifestyle box than a cosmetics box. I loved that it had a foot scrubber, which was a nice change. I would definitely recommend checking out Beauty Box5!

Hippy Dippy Style Soap

Disclaimer: I received this soap free as part of the Purx Insiders group.
I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

I don't know about you, but I have the most sensitive skin in the world. Just as my doctor, I have seen that biotch twice in the past month because I've had a rash/the itchy scratchies. Gross, right?! One of the things that I noticed is that if I use store bought soaps that have dyes and scents in them I itch or feel scratchy from those. So, my solution was to figure out how to make my own soap. Sounds awesome, right? Well, it actually is pretty awesome sauce because not only do I know exactly what I am putting in my washer, but it is also dirt f-ing cheap. I spent some time over my long 5 day weekend purchasing and making the recipe below. I highly recommend!

To make my soap all I need is:

1 Fels-Naptha bar (grated)
1 cup Borax (I use 20 Mule Team Borax)
1 cup washing soda (I use Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda)

Just mix that shiz up and you are ready to go! I use 2 -4 Tablespoons per laundry load, I use the top of a purex crystals cap as my measuring spoon and it works well for me.

What household cleaning tips do you have? I also love using vinegar as a household cleaner! I try to avoid harsh chemicals if possible.

Holiday Nails with Kiss Nail Art

 

 

I don’t know about anyone else, but attempting to paint my nails at home is akin to torture, especially if I am attempting to do any kind of trendy design.

 I diligently paint every digit.

 

 

I patiently wait for them to dry. This is where shit gets real.

 

Lastly I attempt any of the following—adding glitter, ombre, or French tip. Instead of turning out beautifully I wind up with a streaky mess of crap on my hands.

 

 

Fortunately, Kiss has come up with a clever way to make your nails look perfect.  Kiss Gradation Polishes gives you a set of three polishes that all work perfectly together to make glittery ombre nails. The bottles are clearly labeled (1, 2, 3) to let you know what order to apply. It also comes with instructions so that you can achieve a salon look at home. The polishes also dry insanely quickly, which pleasantly surprised me. I was totally dry within 30 minutes, which for me is perfect because I can paint my nails and have them dry in less than one episode of Real Housewives. I call that a win.

 

Yummy in My Tummy

I don't know about you , but I loves me some mexican food. I will eat chips and queso, fajitas, tacos any day of the week. Because of this unnatural love, when I received  a free sample of Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips from Bzzagent, I was insanely excited.

I knew immediately that I wanted to try out my Fiesta Nacho Casserole from Good Housekeeping. It was simple, quick, and easy to make all with ingredients I keep in my house. I used the FSTG Jalapeno tortilla chips to give it a little extra oomph. It was delish! The chips stayed crunchy, had a great texture, and added the extra flavor I was hoping for. next time, I will serve with lime slices and extra salsa though, as I needed a little "sauciness".

In case you haven't tried them yet, FSTG chips are gluten free, cholestorol free, have zero trans fat, are certified Kosher, and many of the flavors are certified vegan. The tortilla chips come in more than 15 varieties (I also really, really like the multi-grain, blue corn, and sweet potato) and the sweet potato kettle chips come in four flavors. Yum!

Grease is my favorite movie ever!

I was contacted to do a review on the cutest dresses around! I love, love, love vintage and vintage inspired clothes, mostly because Grease is my favorite movie EVER. Oh, and the Sandlot. Oh, and all the Mighty Ducks. But mostly Grease. I feel like vintage inspired clothes truly flatter a woman's body and fit in a way that make everyone look beautiful. If you love clothes like this too, you should go check out hip hop 50's shop they carry some of the cutest dresses and if you are wanting to do a theme party this is the place to get your needs met! I'm thinking I may dress in a poodle skirt for Halloween this year (which is an outfit I wore one year growing up). My favorite dresses are the two below. I love that they both are fitted in all the right places and would make your boobies (and everything else you got) look great. I would wear either of these dresses to dinner or a party, they are dressy enough to go formal and cute enough to be on the more casual side as well. What do you think? Would you wear either?

Skinnygirl Review

I've had the pleasure of reviewing a variety of products for the word of mouth marketing agency Bzzagent. When I was asked to participate in a review of the new line of "ladies" debuting from Skinnygirl, I was insanely excited. We all know Mama likes some booze. As part of this, I was given a discount on the ladies of Skinnygirl and asked to honestly review. 

Skinnygirl describes their new Sweet 'N Tangy Grapefruit Margarita as a refreshingly tangy twist on the original Skinnygirl Margarita, adding a grapefruit splash to the classic recipe of premium Silver Tequila and agave nectar. DAAAMN BOO! That sounds amazeballs! I loves me some margaritas. 

Let's just cut straight to the chase here, mkay. Going in expecting a refreshingly tangy twist on a classic margarita, I was let down. The consistency was unexpected, slightly thicker than I want in a marg. The taste cloyingly sweet with tang, I wouldn't say Sweet 'N Tangy per say, but there was a definite tang. As this was already a mixed drink, I didn't add or change anything. I think that for the price, you can buy a different light marg mix and add a splash of grapefruit to suit your taste. Or find a recipe for light, flavored margaritas. 

I'm holding out hope that the vodka will be better! Have you tried Skinnygirl? What's your fave flavor or drink? Let me know, so I can try too!