Summer Glam with Mary Kay!!

Hey everyone!! Who is seriously ready for summer?! Now that spring has finally arrived, I am still unsatisfied and now am craving summer.  Go figure.  I actually am not a huge fan of spring because of allergy season. Yuck.  However, I'm happy that it's reasonably warm and I don't need my boots and coat anymore!

But, in light of the coming season, I've decided to show you a Summer Glam makeup look featuring the wonderful products I received compliments of Mary Kay and Influenster!  Earlier this week I came home to a very happy mail day!  One of my packages was my MKGlam VoxBox!  Included was:

Mary Kay® Bronzing Powder

Mary Kay® Translucent Loose Powder

Mary Kay® Mineral Cheek Color

Mary Kay® Cream Eye Color in Apricot Twist 

Mary Kay® Cream Eye Color/Concealer Brush

Mary Kay® Lash Love® Mascara

Mary Kay® Gel Eyeliner with Expandable Brush Applicator in Jet Black

Mary Kay® NouriShine Plus® Lip Gloss in Mango Tango 

Happy Mail! Top Photo is MK!

Everything in the box was so pretty, fresh, and summery! I was inspired to create my own look using everything! So I'm going to call this my Mary Kay Summer Glam Makeup Mini Tutorial! 

So first up, I primed my face to make it a blank canvas for my makeup. I used my Yes to Blueberries Brightening Eye Roller to de-puff my eyes. This is really great for early mornings! Then I sprayed with my Lush Cosmetics Tea Tree Water Toner. Last I decided to use my Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Now a lot of times I would use full fledged foundation, especially if I was planning on being photographed. But for this look, I felt that a tinted moisturizer was a better summer option. It's lightweight and gives you that sunkissed, dewy glow! Lastly, I put on a bit of concealer to cover any blemishes, redness, and the dark circles under my eyes that never seem to go away.  I used Benefit's Boing concealer (not shown) which is a lifesaver.

So now that we're prepped and ready, next up is powders!  I started off with the Mary Kay Translucent Powder to set the "foundation" and take away unwanted shine.  So here is what I looked like at this point!

Next I put on the MK Bronzer and the MK Blush! Both had great color and pigmentation. I didn't need to use a whole lot for it to show up. For the bronzer, I used the MK Powder Brush to dust it on the places the sun would normally color your skin. Which is pretty much everywhere except your eyes! I also used it to contour just a smidge under my cheek bones and jaw line. As for blush, I tend to be picky about colors. I usually lean toward a more coral tinted color, and this one is right in between pink and coral. But I absolutely love it. It gave me a nice natural glow that doesn't look like I'm wearing too much. And it's even got a bit of glitter!

Now onto my favorite part, the eyes!  I always love to play up my eyes with makeup! Although most of the time I go for a natural eyeshadow and a classic winged eyeliner.  Which is pretty much what I did here. After touching up my eyebrows, priming my eyelids and white lining my waterline, I moved onto the shadow!

Now I'm not really used to cream eyeshadows.  I've used them before on other people, but I actually think this is now the only one I own!  I have to say though, I really love it.  Its a beautiful color: neutral with a bit of shine, and its not slimy or greasy.  The color is very light, but it could definitely stand alone.  But for me, I like to add a little more depth.  So I used my favorite shadow pallet, Stila's In the Light pallet.

Can you tell which are my favorites? Lol.

I put the MK on my lids, then used the Stila "Kitten" shadow to highlight my brows, then dusted a little of the "Gilded" in my crease.  Also to give my eyes a little more brightness, I put some of the "Bubbly" in the inner corners of my eyes.

There are really a lot of different ways to use this cream shadow.  Another great thing about it is that its very buildable.  I used about two or three light coats to get it to the intensity I liked.  But you could definitely make it stand out even more if you want.

Awkward finger swatch

Next for the eyes was eyeliner!  I am basically the eyeliner queen.  I've been obsessed since about 8th grade and ever since I literally won't leave the house without it!  Well, not until recently when I started working 9 to 5. Now mascara is enough to hold me off, since I already look like I haven't slept in weeks.  Not much I can do to cover that anyway, haha.  But I digress.

This eyeliner is fabulous.  It is the MK Gel Eyeliner, and it came with the little baby brush which is adorable and equally as wonderful. It's also expandable. The liner glides on super smooth and is a really cool texture. It's not really a solid like most gel liners I've tried, but actually "gel" like in texture.  To give you an idea, if I had stuck my finger in it it would have sunk to the bottom!  So really, in this particular case, go light with that brush and less is definitely more. I found myself wiping the brush on the side of the pot even after taking the tiniest bit.  So seriously, don't just dive on in there.  You'll regret it.

Last for my eyes was the mascara. I am a mascara addict. Which is actually funny because I never even used it until my second or third year of college. I always hated the clumpy feeling it gave me. But when I got older, I tried out some different ones and eventually latched on to the Maybelline mascara collection. Seriously I bought like every new one that came out until I found my favorite. But for this look, I used the MK Mascara. I actually really like it. It's not clumpy and it doesn't feel like you're really wearing anything. But it gave my lashes a nice natural boost. I put two coats on my top and one on the outer lashes on the bottom.

I used that little brush for my concealer!

To complete the look, I finished off with the MK lipgloss. I think this is the product I was most excited about when I opened everything up. It's such a fun, bright color and instantly made me think of summer. It's just an overall great gloss!

I had a really great time doing this look! I 100% LOVE all of the Mary Kay products and would recommend them all to everyone! I'll definitely be using them this summer!! Make sure you head over to the Mary Kay website to check out the products I used and the tons of other great things they have to offer! I've been a fan of theirs for many years, as my mom used to be a representative!! So believe me when I say the company is timeless and great quality!

The final look!

I hope you enjoyed reading my first mini makeup tutorial as much as I did writing it! Please feel free to comment below with any questions or anything else! I always love to hear from my readers!

#DWEEB

XO, Briana

#PowerofPlants: The Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask!

Hey everyone!  So today I'm going to tell you a little bit about the Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask that I received courtesy of influentser!  I finally got the time to try it out and it did not disappoint!

First a little bit about the product.  This mask, when used, "actively removes impurities and deeply cleanses." It's also supposed to make your skin less shiny.  In the directions, it suggests that you use it a couple times of week for best results.  So seeing as I've only used it this one time, I'm just going to give you my initial reaction to it and how it made my skin feel.  The mask is made up of mostly organic materials, it's star ingredient being Willow Bark Extract.  Also, all of the Botanics products are free of parabins, mineral oils, parafin waxes, SLS, and SLES.  It's not tested on animals and the packaging is made of mostly recycled materials.  Save your face and the environment simultaneously!

Now lets get to the fun part.  Me and my fails at using new products.  So after reading the directions on the package (which as with anything else are extremely vague) I proceeded to put the mask on.  Now, it failed to tell me to shake well before using, so it was running everywhere and made a huge mess.  So please if you buy this make sure you shake it first to avoid a green goblin esq crime scene.

Next, I just smeared the now appropriately thick mask all over my face and neck, avoiding the eye area and making sure to put enough on.  You want to make sure you use enough to cover your face and not see skin peeking out, but not too much where it takes forever to dry.

Bonus ridiculousness

Once you feel like you've put an ample amount on, you get to sit around for ten minutes with a green face.  I proceeded to sing Defying Gravity for as long as possible before it was too stiff and I could no longer move my face. (LOL)  So don't expect to have a conversation for that short bit.  And don't laugh either. Seriously.

P.S. I wasn't trying to look miserable, i just couldn't make an expression

After your ten minutes are up, your face should have turned a lighter, less putrid colored green and be hard as a rock.  Make sure you touch it because it feels really cool.  Then proceed to your bathroom (if you're not already there) to take it all off.

On the package, it says something about tissues, and whatever.  I just rinsed it off with warm water and that seemed to do the trick.  I would recommend using tissues to make sure you get off all of the slime, I mean mask, as to not get it on your clothes or your white towel.  Luckily, my towel happened to be green.  I patted dry and Voila! good as new!

My skin now feels tighter, softer, and cleaner.  It's also more even in color and less oily.  It kind of feels like getting a mini facial!  This is definitely one of the best masks I've used.  I don't know about you guys, but I like to see/feel results right away and this one for sure hit the mark.  I would recommend this to just about anyone who needs a little R&R for their skin!  Enjoy!

XO, Briana

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Workout Ready! (Influentser Violet Vox Box Pt. 2)

To complete my series of Violet Vox Box posts, I'll be reviewing the last three products in my box: the Cranberry Soy Joy, the Goody Athletique Yoga Headband, and the Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo.

All of these products are great for your time before, during, and after the gym! So here is the Workout Ready review and how you can implement these great products into your routine!

Pre-Workout: Soy Joy Cranberry Bar

I'm not sure about everyone else, but I know that when I'm about to go to the gym I sit for a good 10 minutes trying to decide if and what I should eat before working out.  Now, I know something with proteins and nutrients will give you energy, but I don't want a heavy stomach and I need to get going.  Enter, Soy Joy. These bars are your new favorite pre-workout snack!  This little bar not only fills you up, it gives you a boost of energy and it tastes great! Not like those yucky protein bars health nuts are always pushing.  Step aside kale shakes, we're having soy!

Soy Joy bars are made with all natural ingredients: ground whole soy and real fruit!  They also fit into just about any diet.  The bars are gluten free, vegan, and low in carbohydrates.  Soy Joy bars also have several health benefits: they are packed with nutrients, they help keep your hunger in check, and they also help maintain weight. 

In my Vox Box I had the cranberry flavor bar and I absolutely loved it.  The taste was great and it kept my appetite down for a good deal of time. I would recommend anyone to try it!  For more information about Soy Joy, check out their website! 

During Workout: Goody Athletique Yoga Headband

My whole life I've had issues with fabric headbands.  Whenever I put one on, they seem to slip right off of my head, usually resulting in me throwing it across the room and grabbing a toothed one.  That was until I tried the Goody Athletique Yoga Headband.  The headband has a Velcro closure that helps to find that perfect size, especially if you have a little head like me.  While working out, the headband stayed on and did its job of keeping my hair out of my face.  It also looks super cute and will make you feel good during your work out.  The last thing we want to worry about is hair in our faces and all over the place, right ladies?! The other awesome thing about this headband is the moisture-wicking fabric. Unlike other fabric headbands, this one doesn't make your forehead hot, it actually helps to keep it cool! Perfect for a great workout!

For more hair ideas, check out my Good Hair Day! Pinterest board.  For more information about Goody products, check out their website!

Post-Workout: Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo

I know how much I hate the post-workout sweaty hair.  I'm guessing everyone else feels the same. I've tried many different ways to make my hair look decent when it obviously is not and I have failed more often than I've succeeded.  Failed being I wind up with a hat on my head.  Through my endeavors, I've concluded that dry shampoo is my best bet.  The next step was finding the right brand.  Thanks to Influentser, I have found it.  The winner is Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo.  

If you don't already know, dry shampoo is a gift from the beauty gods.  It's like washing your hair without all of the pain of actually washing your hair and re-styling it.  It takes about 10 minutes total and doesn't require your full attention for about 9 out of those 10.  You can use it in three easy steps:

Step 1: Spray.  Keeping the can about 3 inches from your head, spray the area where your hair is greasy until it turns slightly grey.

Step 2: Wait.  For about 8-10 minutes, leave the spray in your hair.  Do something else while you wait.  Have a snack, fix your makeup, check Facebook, whatever floats your 10 minute boat.

Step 3: Brush.  After you've done your waiting, grab a brush and brush the area where you sprayed until all of the grey is gone.  I used the Goody Tangle Fix Hairbrush (another product that I absolutely loooveeee.)

And viola! Your hair looks shiny, but not greasy! Like you just did it!  This dry shampoo is great and really gets in there to get out all the gunk in a pinch.  

For more information about Clean Freak and the other great Not Your Mother's products, check out their website!

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That's a wrap on my Violet Vox Box courtesy of Influentser! I loved all of the products I received and will probably purchase some of them myself!  Keep an eye out for the possibility of future Vox Box reviews!

XO, Briana

SPA NIGHT with Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spas & Sally Hansen Triple Shine Polish!

Hello again!! Back with my first set of reviews for my #InfluentserVoxBox !!  As you no doubt guessed from the title, this post is a review on the Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa and the Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish that I received!

The MJ Red Earth Clay Spa

In my Violet Vox Box, I received the MJ Red Earth Clay Spa.  It's a mix of Mediterranean clay, pomegranate, and cinnamon! This is the first time I've ever used one of these spa masks and I have to say it was a very positive experience!  I've seen these around different stores for years, like almost as long as I can remember, and I'd only ever thought about buying one.  Personally, I don't tend to do masks in general so that's the only reason I didn't buy it.  But it did stand out to me enough to make me want to buy it.  Apparently, Influentser beat me to it.  

The masks are pretty easy to use.  The only thing that was a pain was positioning it.  That kind of threw me off, but in the end it didn't really matter.  So here is the easy step-by-step!

Step 1: Wash your face.  I recommend a gentle cleanser just to wash away any excess oils.  Also if you're wearing makeup, make sure you get that off first!

Step 2:  Put on the mask.  When I took it out of the package I was surprised.  I initially thought it would be like a cream that I had to squeeze out, but then I realized it was actually a "mask."  So once you get it out, just position the holes in alignment with your face as best as you can.  Like I said, I had a little trouble but it still worked.  Make sure you smooth it down to get maximum coverage!

Be prepared to look ridiculous. Did I do it right??

Step 3: Relax!  Leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes and just chill out! Listen to music, read a book, stare at the wall, whatever floats your boat!  I recommend not doing anything that will make you laugh.  I had this happen while I was wearing mine and it kept peeling up and tearing on the open areas.  So stay serious.  Very serious.  

Step 4: Massage.  First remove the mask, then just rub the remainder of the mask goodness into your face.  Do this until your satisfied and then rinse your face with cold water, and pat dry.

And that's it! You're done!  I really enjoyed my time with my spa mask.  It felt really good on my face and smelled amazing!  And as I'm writing this it's been about an hour since I did it and my skin still feels smooth and taught.  Like I had some botox done. (haha)   I 100% recommend this product and I will definitely be trying the other spas that Montagne Jeunesse has to offer!!  

Keep up with Montagne Jeunesse!!

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

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Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish

Also in my Vox Box, I got the "Pixie Slicks" Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish!  It's an adorably girly bubblegum pink color and I'm in love.  I decided to paint my toe nails using the polish, and it looks so nice!!

The polish has bright color and great shine!  I also decided to top it off with my China Glaze "Pizzazz" glitter polish!  I call it my Pink Candy Pedi! I even made an Instavideo of how I did it!  

As you can see, the polish is wonderful! I will probably go and buy myself some of their other colors! You can never have enough nail polish!!

Stay tuned for the rest of my Vox Box goodies!! :)

XO, Briana

The Influentser Violet Vox Box!

At the beginning of the month, I had the honor of receiving my first ever Vox Box from the Influentser team!! After signing up for the site and completing all of the necessary tasks, I made the list!! So now I have a little box full of wonderful products to try out and review to all of you!! I'll be splitting them up a bit, so here is how the whole shebang is going to go:

In my #VioletVoxBox, I got one #GoodyAtheltique Velcro headband, one #SoyJoy Cranberry baked soy bar, one #SallyHansen #TripleShine nail polish, one #NYMCleanFreak Dry Shampoo, and one Montagne Jeuness Clay Spa Mask (#MJClaySpas).

So, I'm going to review the headband, the soy joy, and the dry shampoo together and then the spa mask and nail polish in a separate post.  That totals to three Vox Box posts (including this one!)

On every post with products from Infulentser, you'll see this little badge.  This just shows that, "Hey, I got this from Influentser! Yay! Thanks!"

So that's basically it for this introductory post.  Don't want to give away all of the fun stuff!! ;) In the meantime, here are all of the links to the Pinterest boards I made for this box! Have fun, and check back soon for post number 2! 

Vox Box Board

Spa Day Board

Good Hair Day Board

XO, Briana