Sunday, June 30, 2013

Google Reader Is Gone, Here Are Some Great Ways We Can Stay In Touch




As of July 1, 2013 Google Reader is no more.  But we can still stay in touch.  BLOGLOVIN is a great way for you to follow my blog.  If you haven't already, please add Beauty Moxie to your Bloglovin reading list so you won't ever miss a post.  

You can also follow me on any of these social media sites:


Like youtube videos?? Be sure to subscribe to my channel.  New videos go up three times a week.  


Thanks for staying in touch with me!!

Kristen
xx

Maybelline Eye Studio in Cooper Chic Swatches: My New Love

Follow my blog with Bloglovin


Beauty on a budget doesn't have to be boring.  This is probably one of the most beautiful eye shadow quads I have seen a the drugstore.  This is part of Maybelline's permanent collection so you can find it almost everywhere that Maybelline is sold.  Depending on where you shop, you'll find it for anywhere from $6 to $10.  I suggest Walmart of Target for your best price.  While drug stores are convenient, they always jack up the price a bit.

These colors have been so perfect for a colorful summer look.  But at the same time, I look at it and see fall and autumn leaves. I can already tell it's going to be a quad I go to all year long.  The only thing that is missing from this quad is a matte shade for the crease but I have so many that it wasn't a problem for me.  This quad creates beautiful looks with or without an additional shade.  


Photos taken in natural light.



You will most definitely see a tutorial with this quad soon.  


Thanks for checking out one of my  new favorites!!

Kristen
xx

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Say Goodbye to Waxing and Razor Bumps and Inflammation: The Vajacial Soap By Stript Wax Bar

 "Ready.  Set.  Smooth"

Attention LADIES!! This review is for you.  For those of us who wax, we all know the issues that come with not having to pick up a razor for a few weeks.  We deal with bacteria, inflammation,  and ingrown hairs.  Some of us, with a darker skin tone, may even deal with discoloration.  Stript Wax Bar has created a treatment solution for us all!


The Stript Wax Bar first opened in 2009 and it was San Francisco's first waxing-only salon.  Stript Wax  Bar now has six California locations and several new salon locations to be announced in 2013.  The Stript Wax Bar offers a varitey of waxing, makeup, and tanning services and just recently formulated it's own line of soap.  The Vajacial Soap!!

What is Vajacial Soap??
This therapeutically indulgent soap clears away dead skin cells while reducing bacteria and inflamation and treating ingrown hairs, dry skin, bumps,  and discoloration. The Vajacial soap retails for $9 and is exclusively sold at Stript Wax Bar Locations but is soon to launch on StriptWaxBar.com and other internet retailers. 


Benefits:
Made specifically for your lady parts.
Clears away dead skin cells.
Reduces bacteria.
Minimizes inflammation and discoloration.
Soothes sensitive nether regions.
Adds a healthy glow to the bikini line.
Free of paragons, preservatives or sulfites.
100% Vegan with tea tree and apricot. 

Ingredients:
Tea tree oil, Avocado oil, Camelia oil, Olive oil, Palm oil, Shea Butter, Glycerine, Hyaluronic ACid, Apricot powder, Color. 

My Experience:
I have extremely sensitive skin and I get ingrown hairs a lot easier while I'm pregnant.  While I haven't been waxed recently, due to the my ultra sensitive skin during my pregnancy, I have noticed it has made a huge difference using it after shaving.  I have had less razor bumps, no ingrown hairs, and no inflammation.  That is HUGE for me.  
The soap smells AMAZING.  You can smell the Tea Tree oil immediately.  It's very relaxing and super indulgent.  It's like having a mini spa treatment in your shower.  Who doesn't want that??


The Vajacial Soap will soon be available online at Stript Wax Bar.  I will be repurchasing it as soon as I can.  This is a product I don't want to be without.  Spending $9 to help prevent bumps and inflammation is a no brainer for me.  


You can find Stript Wax Bar on:

Thanks for reading!!

Kristen
xx


  
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Bump Nest Body Pillow: My First Good Night Sleep In Months



There comes a time in every women's pregnancy that sleeping becomes difficult.  It's harder to get comfortable and your body requires more support than from just your bed itself.  I sleep with a snuggle pillow to begin with but, my point is around the 6 or 7 month mark where a body pillow is absolutely necessary in order for me to get a good nights rest.






Having 2 other children, I know the drill.  I  have purchased body pillows in the past and to be honest I thought they were amazing.  I used the Snoogle pillow with my first pregnancy, and I used the Boppy total body pillow with my second.  They both provided me with comfort and I was able to get a decent night's sleep.  But when I pulled out my Boppy pillow to reuse, it had flattened.  Washing it made it lumpy and bumpy and uncomfortable to sleep with.  So when I came across the Bump Next body pillow, I was thrilled to give it a try.



My First Impression:
The fabric is vibrant and beautiful and super soft.  The pillow is very plush and a joy to cuddle up with.

My First Night Sleep:
Heaven.  I felt like I was surrounded by clouds that gave me incredible support for my belly, back, and my legs.  I didn't feel the need to constantly toss and turn and readjust myself in the search for relief.


The fabrics are insanely soft and the prints are so modern and beautiful.  




Lastly, I love companies that give back.  Bump Nest takes the remaining fabric from each pillow case and turns it into baby beanies.  These beanies are donated to Bump Nest's charitable partners, Stitched From The Heart and The Hope Venture, to reach newborns in need across the Untied States, Africa, and India.  


I highly recommend Bump Nest if you are in need of an awesome body pillow.  I suggest if you are early pregnant or trying to conceive that you go ahead and invest in this bad boy now.  You will need it before you know it and you won't be disappointed by it's plush comfort. 


You can find Bump Nest on

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  =)

Thanks for reading!

Kristen
xx









Thursday, June 27, 2013

Flower Cream Blush in Pure Petunia




Today I'll be reviewing the Flower cream blush in Pure Petunia.  This is going to be very similar to a previous post on the Flower cream blush in Peach Blossom.

The packaging is simple and beautiful.  The white and rose gold colors just speak to me. It has a flip top, which for me is always a plus since I feel like I'm always dropping my lids.  

This cream blush is creamy in consistency and blends out beautifully on the skin.  I have used both my fingers and a Real Techniques Stippling brush to apply it.  I love it equally both ways.  But I do prefer the to use the brush on days I'm wearing this blush on top of foundation.  The use of the brush prevents any movement of the foundation.  

The size is compact and the product size is very close to the same size as a MAC eyeshadow.



Photos taken in natural light.


This color is simply beautiful.

Beauty Moxie Approved!

Kristen
xx




Wednesday, June 26, 2013

NYX Blush in Summer Peach: The Perfect Summer Blush


NYX Blush in Summer Peach is one of my new favorites! It's the perfect summer blush color.  It is a beautiful peach that provides such a gorgeous flush to your cheeks. 


I have recently developed a love for many NYX products and this blush is no exception.  I have gotten so much use out of it already.  I feel like it goes perfectly with the bronze eye looks that we all love to wear during summer time and looks equally as perfect if it's only a mascara, blush, and gloss day.  


Photos taken in natural day light.  


Summer makeup is meant to be light and easy.  I love this blush for a beautiful pop of peach on my cheeks and an every day summer glow.  

What is your favorite NYX blush?

Kristen
xx

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Maybelline Color Whispers in Pin Up Peach and Cherry on Top: My Current Go To Shades


First, I love the packaging.  I'm always drawn to the packaging and I love this.  I love that it's thin and sleek and they easily fit in to my back pocket or in a small clutch. 

Both of these shades are perfect for me for summer.  I love wearing Cherry On Top for an easy everyday bright pink lip.  Pink Up Peach has been my go to color on days I'm wearing a bronzed or golden eye look.  They are both simply beautiful.  

The formula is smooth and comfortable on the lips.  They have a shorter wear time than a regular lipstick, which I don't mind.  I actually enjoy getting to reapply these.  


Left: Pin Up Peach , Right: Cherry On Top



 R to L: Cherry On Top, Pin Up Peach

These are my current go to shades from the Maybelline Whisper's line.  I have been getting so much wear out of the both of them.  

What are your favorites from this line? I would love your recommendations.  

Kristen
xx

Friday, June 21, 2013

Pink Lining Yummy Mummy Diaper Bag: My New Best Friend


Since I'm due to have another baby in September and I'm currently still using a diaper bag for my just barely 1 year old, I have been on the hunt for an awesome diaper bag that would meet more of my needs with 2 kids.  With 2 kids under 2 years old, that requires a lot more stuff for me to carry around when we leave the house and while I love my current JJ Cole Diaper Bag, it just won't cut it.  

I discovered Pink Lining diaper bags just recently after doing some research.  I found that they had so many options ranging from diaper bags made for twins to bags that were made for mini trips on the go and the color choices are beautiful. They also have a line specifically for children that includes overnight bags, backpacks, lunch boxes, and much more.  If you have toddlers or older children, these are absolutely adorable.  

When I received the Yummy Mummy Diaper Bag, I fell in love! I already knew I liked the design and I choose the Navy Bows because I love neutrals and I adore anything navy.  The majority of the exterior fabric is a laminated canvas and can be wiped down very easily.  I love that the bag has so many storage compartments,  interior pouches and hooks for keys, and I can really appreciate the 2 strap options.  You can wear this with the one large adjustable shoulder strap or carry it with the 2 smaller handle straps.  

The adorable cupcake embroidered on the front marks a small exterior pouch.  This is a great place to stash your cell phone, snacks, or anything else you'll need quick access too.  There are two elastic side pockets (one on each side), which are perfect for bottles, juice cups, or bottles of water.  



The pink lining inside is such a special touch, for me especially.  I have 2 boys and I am due to have my third in September.  I haven't had many opportunities to have girly baby items.  I loved that it was cute and feminine on the outside while still having masculine colors and the pop of pink inside just makes me happy.  The little details in the design of the Pink Lining Diaper Bags make them all the more special and fun to carry.


This little pouch can hold all your little goodies for baby that are small and that you'd need to see quickly.  I am loving the adorable cupcake details.  I have mine stocked with infant tylenol, baby orajel, wet ones, and teething toys.  Since the bag is vinyl, you could probably get away with also using it as a slim wet bag to put any soiled baby clothing in.  


The diaper changing bag changing pad is the thickest changing pad that I have ever seen come with a diaper bag. Most that I have owned are much thinner and offer very little cushion for baby.  This is a super thick, lush pad for baby to rest on while he or she is having there little bum cleaned.  

While I'm still 12 weeks away from having little man #3, I have already starting using my Yummy Mummy bag and can see that it's going to work perfectly carrying all the essentials for a newborn and a 15 month old.  This bag is sure to make my life as a mommy of 3 a bit easier.  

Be sure to stay tuned, I will have a what's in my diaper bag video up on my second youtube channel Blonde Life Daily soon.  Subscribe so you won't miss it!

Pink Lining Diaper Bags can be purchased on their website by clicking here.  I highly recommend them! They are definitely worth looking into if you are in need of an awesome diaper bag.

Thank you so much for reading! 

Kristen
xx

*This post does not contain affiliate links.*





Wednesday, June 19, 2013

COOLA Calm Glow Eye Gel Review


Today I am bringing you a review on another amazing product from COOLA.  This is the Environmental Repair Plus Calm Glow Eye Gel.  

First things first, let me note the packaging.  I love the sleek design and the calming colors.  Kudos to COOLA for yet another amazing packaging design.  

This oil free eye-gel moisturizes your delicate skin without being heavy or greasy.  This is a major plus since I need an eye product that will work well with my concealer.  This eye-gel is designed to reduce redness and inflammation.

COOLA Calming Eye Gel is:
Cruelty Free
Green Friendly
Made with Organic Ingredients

Amazing Ingredients:

Rose Flower Water: Acts as a soothing and hydrating toner to calm and balance irritated skin.

Rye Seed Extract:  This is a natural skin protectant that also helps to improve your skins elasticity,  reduce fine lines, and promote collagen production.  

Black Currant Extract:  This is a antioxidant that nourishes the skin while reducing inflammation.  

Linseed Extract:  An anti-inflammatory that restores skin and shields it from irritants.  



My Take:

I LOVE it! I have thoroughly enjoyed using this cooling eye gel every morning.  Between being pregnant and the hot summer heat, the COOLA Calming Eye Gel is just what the doctor ordered.  It provides just the refreshment my eyes need when I wake up.   It's super hydrating but absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving my skin perfectly ready for me to apply my makeup.  It is equally comforting on the skin at night, after a long day.  

I am seriously obsessed with this product.  I highly recommend it and the COOLA brand in general. This is a great natural and organic brand.  I will definitely be disappointed when this little baby is gone, but will be quick to repurchase it. 

COOLA Calm Glow Eye Gel is .46 fl oz and retails for $56.00.  It can be purchased at COOLA by clicking here. 


Thanks so much for reading!

Kristen
xx


*This post contains not affiliate links.  

Monday, June 17, 2013

NYX Blush in Natural: Swatches and Review



With a name like "Natural", I expected this to be more of a taupe color.  Well it's not! It's quite possibly the most beautiful light rosey pink color I've seen.  

I can wear this blush almost every day with just about any makeup look.  It gives my cheeks the perfect natural flush and I seriously can not get enough of it.  


Natural is a matte finish blush and the texture is silky, but not powdery.  I found that this blush had amazing pigmentation and I only needed one layer to achieve the color I desired.  I think this blush is best suited for lighter skin tones, as it may not show up as well on those of you with darker skin. 


Swatches taken in natural lighting.  


What is your favorite NYX blush??

Thanks for reading!

Kristen
xx

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Skincare, Bath, and Body Products I MUST USE UP!


Recently I have been on a skin care and bath and body product buying frenzy.  I have purchased way too many things and I keep wanting to open my new things and I end up leaving the older items half way used and toss them under my cabinet.  I'm done doing that.

I am now going to make the effort to use up these products before opening anything else of it's kind.  I have to use up the body wash before I can open another one.  I have to use up both of my face washes before I can open or use a newer one, and so on and so forth.  


Bath Products


 Body Products


 Skincare Products


The only item I see myself having a problem using up is the body spray, because I like to have a coordinating lotion when I use a body spray.  So, when the lotion is gone, I will probably end up giving the spray to my 16 year old sister but I am going to be using it everyday until the lotion is gone.  

Do you have any products that you need or want to use up this month?

Kristen
xx

Friday, June 14, 2013

Illamasqua Powder Blush in Naked Rose: Swatches and Review


Illamasqua blush in Naked Rose retails for $26.00 for 4 grams of product.  It can be purchased at some Sephora stores, Sephora.com, and Illamasqua.com


Naked Rose is a soft pink with a matte finish.  I was drawn to this blush because it appeared to be universally flattering and a blush color that I could wear all year long.  This was my first purchase from the brand and I wanted to be sure I was getting something I would get good use out of.



For me, this is the perfect everyday blush.  I can wear this with almost any eye and lip combo and it adds a soft flush of pink to my cheeks.  I also think this is a perfect color for brides.  It's a very soft and romantic color.

The formula was soft and buttery and blended beautifully into my skin.  I am fair and I can get away with only one application for the perfect flush but for those of you with a darker skin tone you may need an additional layer. 

I 100% recommend this blush to anyone in the market for the perfect everyday blusher.  

I am so pleased with my purchase and the next time I splurge on a blush it will on at Illamasqua.

Thanks for reading!

Kristen
xx

Thursday, June 13, 2013

My Target Beauty Box Has Arrived


A month or two ago, I ordered the Target Beauty Box through a Target Beauty Facebook link.  The cost of this box was $5.00 and after receiving it I think it was worth the price.  I would have been a little happier to see one more sample sized item and one less packet but none the less I am pleased.  

I love Fekkai hair products and the Venus razors are my favorite.  I think the Sally Hansen Salon Effects will be fun to play around with.  They aren't something I would have purchased on my own, but will be fun to try.  

The $3.00 of $15.00 coupon is always great to have.  I'm eyeing a Sonia Kashuk product that I can now get a little discount on.  

The note in the box said it's the first edition, so think we may see these again.  

Thanks for reading!

Kristen
xx

COOLA Mineral Cucumber Matte Finish Sunscreen Review




COOLA is an organic sun care and skin care line.  They have a wide range of products ranging from mineral sunscreen to eye cream to lotion bars. The product I have to review for you today is the Cucumber Matte Mineral Sunscreen.  

The Specifics:
Certified Organic
SPF 30
Matte Finish
Antioxidant Infused
Vegan Friendly
Gluten Free
Cruelty Free
Green
Great for Normal to Oily Skin
Natural Light Cucumber Scent
1.7 fl oz/50 ml Retails for $36.00


My Thoughts:

I didn't realize I could be so "in love" with a sunscreen.  First off, I love that it has a matte finish.  I hate that after applying sunscreen you tend to look like a greasy mess.  That is not the case with COOLA Cucumber matte finish.  

When testing this product, I noticed the light cucumber scent and it was actually enjoyable.  It quickly faded, so if you are someone who doesn't like scents, this shouldn't bother you.  

I currently have melasma (hyper pigmentation) from my pregnancy.  Every time I go into the sun, even with my regular sunscreen my dark spots get darker.  I have noticed a difference since I started using COOLA.  I have been able to go outside, wearing COOLA, and at the end of the day my skin and my hyper pigmentation looks the same as it did at the beginning of the day.  I feel like COOLA is actually better protecting my skin.

This is one of the best facial sunscreens I have ever used.  I highly recommend this sunscreen to anyone with sensitive skin or anyone just looking for a matte finish sunscreen.  I am eager to try more from the line and look forward to bringing you more reviews.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks for reading!
Kristen
xx

Click here to check out the COOLA brand.    


*This post contains NO affiliate links. 


Monday, June 10, 2013

FLOWER Cream Blush in Peach Blossom: Swatches and Review



Here we have the Flower cream blush in Peach Blossom.  The packaging is beautiful, simple, and compact.  I'm always drawn to anything white, add rose gold and I'm SOLD.


This cream blush is creamy in consistency and blends out beautifully on the skin.  I have used both my fingers and a Real Techniques Stippling brush to apply it.  I love it equally both ways.  But I do prefer the to use the brush on days I'm wearing this blush on top of foundation.  The use of the brush prevents any movement of the foundation.  

The size is compact and the product size is very close to the same size as a MAC eyeshadow.


Swatches taken in natural daylight.


This is a gorgeous light peach.  It looks beautiful on it's own and pairs well with many blushes in my collection.  I found that this wore very well and I believe that even if you're not a huge fan of cream blushes that this still might be appealing to you.  

This blush gets my approval for sure.  I'm going to be picking up more shades in the near future.

Flower is not tested on animals and is made in the USA.

Thanks for reading!

Kristen
xx





Sunday, June 09, 2013

Sunday Stars and Stinkers 6/9/13


Hey Everyone!! I hope you all had a great weekend.  Thank you so much for watching my Sunday Stars and Stinkers.  Fortunately, I didn't have any stinkers this week.

Products Mentioned:

Products Mentioned:
Elf Crease Brush
Physicians Formula Eye Booster Liner Pen
NYX Single Shadow in My Favorite Color
NYX Sand Pink Lip Liner
Revlon Pink Pop Lip Gloss

Kristen
xx

Friday, June 07, 2013

Simple: Radiance Cleansing Wipes Review


I have been a lover of the brand Simple for about a year now.  When I saw these new cleansing wipes on the shelf at Walgreens, I was quick to pick them up.  

Simple is an amazing product for sensitive skin.  When I originally started using them, my skin wasn't as sensitive as it is now.  I have tried many makeup remover and cleansing wipes and always go back to Simple.

Simple is:
Dermatologist Tested
Ophthalmologist Tested
Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Hypoallergenic
Non-comedogenic

Simply put, Simple is good stuff.  They are alcohol free.  They don't contain any artificial perfume or dyes and they are made with Mango Extract, Glycerin, and Bisabolol, ingredients your skin will love.  While I don't notice a "radiance" effect, these wipes leave my skin feeling clean and refreshed.  They don't leave a film on my skin and  don't burn my eyes which are major bonuses.  

I love these wipes and I will continue to repurchase them.

Thanks for reading!

Kristen 
xx