Nudestix Lip and Cheek Dual Pencil in Mystic/Whisper

Hello Beautiful Ones!

My love affair with the Nudestix brand began a few months ago with their Magnetic Eye Color Pencils, and I'm happy to report the obsession is still going in full force. You guys know I'm a sucker for anything that is portable and/or dual purpose so you can imagine my excitement with I discovered the Nudestix Lip and Cheek Dual Pencil.

If you're not yet familiar with the Nudestix brand (prepare to fall in love), their motto is "nude but better" and every product comes in the form of a pencil. That means that all the shades are very natural looking and not over the top, perfect for everyday wear. Plus it's all super portable, every product comes in their trademark tin (which can be reused for anything!) and is accompanied with a sharpener so you don't need to bother finding one that will fit. 

Now let's talk specifically about the Lip and Cheek Dual Pencil. I picked mine up in the shade Mystic/Whisper. 

I had dragged my Mom to Sephora with me when I picked this up, and when I explained to her that it was a dual pencil that worked for both lips and cheeks she commented that that was a little weird. I guess she might be right, but if I can get something that can do the job of two products in one I'm a very happy girl. I also love that you get two shades in one. Both of these shades would probably fall into the category of nude pinks with Mystic being a berry pink and Whisper being a lighter bubblegum pink. They're both perfect for my fair skin Here's a color swatch (please ignore my scaly hands it's been unbearably dry here in Nebraska!):

I've found myself using the lighter shade Whisper on my cheeks and the darker shade Mystic on my lips, but they could be easily worn the other way around. They are very creamy and blendable. The wear is also good. When worn on my lips they last just as well as any lipstick would. I've been wearing this to work just about every day this last week, but it would also be perfect for class or a light makeup day. And possibly the best part? You can snag this dual pencil for only $24! 

Bottom line: this is a lovely product that just about anyone could find useful!

Have you tried this or any other Nudestix products? Let me know in the comments!

XO- Brittney

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Spring Ready Skin Tool Kit

Hello Beautiful Ones!

I don't care what the groundhog says, I've officially got spring fever. I insist on opening my windows even if the breeze blowing in makes me shiver. It's the idea that counts right? Along with lifting my spirits, the warm weather also means that it's time to prep my skin for those shorts and flip-flops (Ahhh flip-flops!).

I am constantly plagued by dry skin. It seems like any drastic change in temperature wreaks havoc on my skin. That's why I love any product that will give me lasting moisture.

Let's start with the daily moisturizer that I swear by: Cetaphil DailyAdvance Lotion. I know what you're thinking, "that looks like something I would find in my grandmother's bathroom cabinet right next to her dentures and her tubes of 20 year-old lipstick." Your grandma might use Cetaphil, but I promise that makes her a very smart lady! It's not glamorous like other moisturizers, but it's super affordable and gets the job done. I started using this a few years ago when it was recommended to me by my dermatologist (I have very dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin). I apply this to my face every morning and night. You could use it on your whole body though! It is not greasy, smelly, or heavy, and it wears great under makeup. Don't knock it before you've tried it!

The beginning of spring means that we all need to get rid of that dry winter skin. Body scrubs are a great way to do that. I am in love with the Body Shop Early-Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub. First of all, this one smells amazing. Seriously, it's like showering with an actual jar of raspberry jam (but in the best way)! It has a jelly like consistency and contains actual raspberry seeds. It does a great job of removing dry skin without being too abrasive. Just be careful about applying to freshly shaved skin (that goes for any scrub, actually).

Now for my lips... I HATE dry lips. I'm that girl with a lip balm strategically placed in every bag (for emergencies!). I'm a big fan of Maybelline's baby lips, but something else has caught my undivided attention lately: Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips. The only complaint I have here is that you have to dip it out of the tub versus putting it directly on your lips from a tube. First world problems, I know. But the point is, this product is well worth a little bit of hassle. It leaves my lips so hydrated with a little bit of shine and a tiny amount of pink color. I use this during the day, but also at night for luscious lips in the morning.

Finally, a skin product that is a must for the warm weather season: Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream. I raved about this one last season, but I don't even care. My opinion still stands: this is awesome. I'm pale as a ghost and skin cancer runs in my family, so extended periods of sun exposure or indoor tanning is completely out for me. With that being said, I also try not to blind people with my bare legs. Jergens is the ultimate in drugstore sunless tanning products, in my opinion. The BB Body basically firms your skin, moisturizes, and color corrects. If you're going for serious color you should stick to Jergens natural glow, but the BB Body is subtle yet effective. Perfect for easing into your summer color.

Let me know what your spring skin routine is! BRB going to open every window in my apartment.

XO- Brittney

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Why I'm Choosing to Dance in the Rain

Hello Beautiful Ones!

This is not the post I was planning to write this week, but life is unpredictable which is arguably what makes it beautiful. This week I was faced with a shocking life change. I've been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days, so I thought I would share some of those thoughts with you.

I won't go into the gory details, but the basic gist is that the company I worked for sold the division that I worked in and the new company eliminated my position. I was completely dumbfounded. I've definitely been experiencing all of the emotions: shock, anger, sadness. There have been a lot of tears.

Needless to say I've had some unexpected downtime, and I started thinking about one of my all time favorite quotes: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain..." -Vivian Greene. This quote has always spoken to me. But lately it has never felt more applicable. I walked out of my office building for the last time feeling hopeless.

I soon realized that  even though I was going through something terrible it didn't mean that I wouldn't be able to figure it out. Sometimes horrible situations can still be productive, even if it doesn't feel that way. I feel so bonded with another coworker who was also laid off. We've been calling each other every day with updates on our job searches. And you know what else? I realized how strong I am. As cheesy as it sounds you have to experience the lows to truly appreciate the highs.

We all have to deal with our own personal storms. I know there are a lot of people out there that are dealing with things much worse than losing their jobs (perspective is so important), but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. I'm choosing to dance in the rain though. I let myself cry the first few days, but I didn't hesitate to start applying for new jobs. I think that's the point of the quote: you should acknowledge the storm, but you shouldn't let it stop you from doing what you want. I also took some time for myself. I took a bubble bath in the morning, wandered around the mall in the middle of the day, hung out in Starbucks for an afternoon. It felt good.

I know this post has been heavy, but there is a silver lining... I was offered another position today. I know Olivia Pope is choosing to stand in the sun (I am obsessed with the show Scandal, #teamJake), but sometimes dancing in the rain can feel so good.

I don't know what storms you're dealing with and I don't know how long they will last, but I hope that you choose to dance in the rain.

XO- Brittney

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The Dry Shampoo I Currently Can't Live Without

Hello Beautiful Ones,

It's no secret that I am a complete dry shampoo junkie. Not only do I constantly have a can of dry shampoo in my beauty arsenal but I also like to rotate and try different ones. I've had some favorites along the way, but there is one that stands out right now: Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo.

Dove has really been stepping up their beauty game in recent years. They aren't just all soap and lotion anymore. I wasn't even planning to buy this one in particular I was just scouring the hair care aisle for a new dry shampoo (like I said, dry shampoo junkie.) I'll be honest with you, the sleek white packaging is what caught my attention right away. I decided to give Dove a shot.

The reason I'm a religious dry shampoo user is because I have naturally curly hair. Washing curly hair too often can actually strip it of the natural oils it needs to keep your curls pretty and in tact. I usually stick to a schedule of washing my hair every other day. The problem is, that sometimes my roots can get a little greasy in between washes. That's where the dry shampoo comes in, it can help soak up that grease and add volume.

So what's so great about this dry shampoo from Dove? It does exactly what it says it is going to do. It invigorates your roots while absorbing the grease and giving your hair bounce. The directions suggest you spray your roots a section at a time, then massage the shampoo in, and finally brush it through (I use a comb, cause I don't like using brushes on my curls.) I love this dry shampoo because it really made me feel like I had just washed my hair. Not only did it eliminate the grease but it handled that itchy scalp you sometimes get with second day hair. I have used other dry shampoos before that have given me more volume, but this one still gives you a decent amount of bounce and volume.

I think I might actually be sticking with this dry shampoo for a while... or maybe not, who knows? :)

XO- Brittney

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Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review

Hello Beautiful Ones!

Every once in a while there is a new beauty product that gets everybody talking. The most recent product to blow up the beauty blogs? Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara. A new mascara that Benefit boasts will make you ditch your lash curlers for good. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this baby and see if it could stand up to the hype!

First of all, let's talk about the packaging. I know it doesn't have anything to do with the product, but when you're paying a decent amount of money for something you want to work as well as look good right? Benefit is always so clever with their packaging, the cap is designed to look like a hair curler (or roller, get it?). 

The real revolution here though is the brush. It is designed to grab each lash and lift it upwards while the formula helps to curl your lashes. I'll be honest, I never really curl my lashes. Mine are pretty naturally long, but every once in a while I get those strays that just want to do their own thing. So I was intrigued by a mascara that would give you lift and curl without actually using a curler (those things just look like torture devices, right?).

The verdict is... THIS IS THE REAL DEAL. Seriously, this is a good one. I've been a big fan of Benefit's They're Real mascara for a while now, but I have to say that this one gives it a run for it's money. The brush does grab on and coat your lashes really well. I would suggest applying slowly so you get good coverage. My lashes really did look curled! It even works for the bottom lashes. Also, the lasting power is great. I didn't have to worry about it budging all day. 

Roller Lash goes on sale officially February 27 (I bought mine with early access for being a Sephora VIB member). You can pick up your own Roller Lash for $24 from Benefit or other retailers like Sephora and Ulta. 

Let me know if you're going to be running out to get this one!

XO- Brittney

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Tarte-Tarteist Clay Paint Liner

Hello Beautiful Ones!

Some days you just need a good cat-eye right? Honestly I've never been that great at it. I'm still working on my steady hand, so any product that makes having amazing eyeliner a little bit easier is greatly appreciated! With that being said I was very excited to try Tarte's new Tarteist Clay Paint Eyeliner.

The Tarteist is a clay liner that comes in a squeeze tube and includes a small eyeliner brush. The packaging is supposed to imitate an artist's palette. You squeeze the tube and the liner comes out onto the round "stage" area so that you can pick it up with the brush as if you were painting (and technically you are). 

The curved ended brush allows you to paint on the liner more easily because it curves the same way that you eye does. The formula is also helpful because it glides on easily. My only difficulty in application was that I learned that it works better if you only squeeze out very little product at a time so that it doesn't dry out and get clumpy while it's sitting on the "stage." Tarte describes this liner as "no-budge" and I would have to agree. It stays in place really well which is ultimately what I want in a liner (there is nothing worse than having a smudgy mess at the end of the day).

I just drew the liner on with the brush and then used a cotton swab dipped in make-up remover to clean up the wings a little. If you have a steadier hand than me you could probably skip the make-up remover all together. For now, the Tarteist only comes in black. You can get it for $24, I picked mine up at Sephora.

I definitely won't be doing a bold cat-eye every day (I would constantly be late to work) but, when I do I will be reaching for this! Let me know if you've tried the Tarteist.

XO- Brittney

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My Current Brow Routine

Hello Beautiful Ones!

I've talked about it before, but my brows have always been a bit of a struggle for me. Having thick and unruly brows can be difficult, but I've finally gotten down a routine that works for me and my brows!

I always used to get caught up in what everyone else's eyebrows looked like. I wanted to have brows that looked like the ones I saw in magazines and on tv. The problem of course was that eyebrows are a lot like people, they're all different (I bet you had no idea this post was going to get so deep, did you?). So when I tried to make my brows into something they weren't it just turned into a mess. It wasn't until I started going with my brows instead of fighting them, that I finally became happy with them.

I currently have two brow products in my everyday arsenal: the Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil and the Maybelline Brow Drama Eyebrow Mascara both in Soft Brown.

I know that a lot of people are big fans of the Brow Whiz by Anastasia Beverly Hills but I kind of prefer a pencil on my brows versus the crayon kind of texture, it just seems more natural to me. I fill in my brows and then set them with Brow Drama. I've said it before, but Brow Drama is the absolute best drugstore brow product I've ever tried. Seriously... it is that good! I use it in combination with the pencil because it won't give you a lot of color. I love it because it sets my brows without being crunchy and lasts all day.

What's your brow routine? Let me know in the comments!

XO- Brittney

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