instagram/youtube spotlight: amandaf10/collegemakeupgirl

Meet Amanda!  Amanda is another one of my favorite people to follow via YouTube & Instagram who was oh so sweet to answer our interview questions! I have been a YouTube subscriber of her for ages as her videos never disappoint!  She loves beauty products, cats, and spending time in the pool so she’s pretty fabulous in my book!

Questions:

Favorite Starbucks beverage? I'm not a huge Starbucks person. I'm not addicted to coffee haha.

Favorite drugstore cosmetic product (brands and items?) So many to list but I will say my favorite brand would probably be Rimmel or Revlon. 

Favorite high end cosmetics (brands and items?) I love Tarte and Nars.

Favorite foundations? Right now I am loving the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation. It's light but still gives great coverage. 

Favorite mascaras? I'm not super picky when it comes to mascara, I find they all kind of perform the same for me honestly. But I would say one I always seem to go back to is L’Oreal’s Telescopic. 

Favorite face wash? I swear by the whole Clean and Clear line. I love everything they have. It's totally saved my skin.

Favorite blushes? I am hooked on Tarte's blush in Natural Beauty. It's a strawberry red color and it totally livens up your whole face. It's gorgeous. Perfect for summer.

Favorite lipstick, chap stick, gloss, etc? I love the NYX and the Essence Stay with Me glosses. I literally love all the colors.

Favorite makeup primer? Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer is my holy grail. It's expensive but an amazing primer. It really is worth all the hype.

Favorite hair products? Styling tools? I curl my hair almost every day. I haven't worn my hair straight that much since high school. I find it just looks better and healthier curly. So I love clipless curling irons. I find they give me the perfect waves.

Favorite websites? Youtubers? Blogs, etc My favorite YouTuber would have to be MissJenFabulous. Whenever I see her in my sub box she's the first I click on. 

Career goals? I plan to finish school and hopefully break into the PR makeup industry. Top beauty tips? Less is not always more. :)

What does a typical day look like for you? Weekends? I work and have school during the week. And on the weekends I usually just like to hang out with friends and relax. 

Favorite movies/tv shows? Right now I just got hooked on Scandal. I caught up on the first two seasons in about a week. It's so addicting. I can't wait for it to come back. 

Favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage? Well since I am 21, I usually order a cranberry and vodka. And for non-alcoholic I usually just go with tea or water.

Biggest weakness/challenge? I hate confrontation. I'm not the girl to confront someone she hears talking about her. I think it goes back to my childhood and being bullied. I'd rather just ignore the problem and hope it goes away which isn't always the best option. It's something I have always had trouble with and something I'm working on.

Favorite quote? "Lying in the most fun a girl can have without taking her clothes off" Marilyn Monroe 

If you could live anywhere? California! 

Guilty pleasure? Chocolate Chip Cookies

What does a perfect day look like to you? Anything involving a bathing suit and pool, oh and a margarita please :)

Favorite animal? Pets? I'm a huge cat person. That's probably pretty obvious if you follow my instagram! :)

Thanks so much, Amanda, for taking the time to answer my questions!! It means a great deal to me.

You can check out her YouTube channel and Instagram here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/collegemakeupgirl

http://instagram.com/amandaf10/

Enjoy! J

camping date night-double lake, coldspring.

Blake has had camping on the brain for a few months now and I'm so glad we decided to go when we did. The weather was absolutely beautiful.  We adventured to Double Lake in Coldspring, Texas.  You can check out their website here.  You can also see their Facebook page here.  

I have been camping before but this location definitely takes the cake.  Blake and I had our own little "nook" in the woods and it was so fun! What a great way to spend time together, get away from internet/tv, kick back, and just decompress with nature. 

We had lots of friends with us- a cardinal, a snake, and an adorable, friendly raccoon that was especially interested in spending some time with us (he came back several times.) 

Ya know, the necessities. 

Everything was gorgeous.  Blake took me on a walk and showed me the ways as he has many wonderful memories at these campgrounds with friends and cyclists.  

The next morning Blake went for a ride to check out some familiar trails.  We then cooked breakfast before heading back to Houston.  

I can say with great confidence that we will be returning to Double Lake. Where are your favorite camping spots?  Have a safe Memorial weekend!

instagram/youtube spotlight: beautymoxie

Time for another “Instagrammer/YouTuber” spotlight—meet Kristen! I initially found Kristen through Sarah (from BeautyBuzzHub on YouTube) as the two of them did a beauty swap.  After seeing the goodies Kristen sent Sarah, I knew I had to check out her channel. From there, I had one of those marathon YouTube moments where I watched several of her videos back to back...to back..to back. And, with that, I was hooked!! I love that she features a combination of drugstore and high end beauty products.  Kristen is also great about posting on a regular basis, which, naturally, I love J Let’s get started with the interview questions!

Favorite drugstore cosmetic product (brands and items?) L’Oreal Lumi Foundation, Maybelline Rocket Volume Mascara, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart

Favorite high end cosmetics (brands and items?) Nars Larger Than Life lip gloss in Paris Follies, Hourglass Ambient Powder Dim Light, MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Natural

Favorite foundations? Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation, L’Oreal Lumi

 
Favorite moisturizer? Oil of Olay for Normal Skin with SPF.  It's a great affordable day time moisturizer.  

Favorite eye cream? Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Eye Balm

Favorite face wash? Philosophy Purity Made Simple 

Favorite blushes? There are seriously too many to list but I my current favorites are Sonia Kashuk's Melon, NYX Natural, Tarte Magic and Tarte Doll Face  

Favorite lipstick, chapstick, gloss, etc? I love baby lips from Maybelline.  My favorite lipsticks are by MAC and currently my favorites are Peach Blossom and Cream Cup.  My favorite glosses of the moment are the NYX Butter Glosses, MAC Angel, NYX Beige, Urban Decay Crush, and NARS Paris Follies.  

Favorite makeup primer? L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base and Hourglass Mineral Primer

Favorite primers? MAC Painterly Paint Pot

Favorite meals/snacks/bars/protein powders/supplements?  My new addiction is the KIND bars.  =)

Favorite hair products? I love my Healthy Sexy Hair leave in conditioner, It's a 10, and Joico Body Luxe Shampoo and Conditioner.  

Favorite websites? Youtubers? Blogs, etc Temptalia's blog is my favorite site! =) My favorite you tubers that isn't a friend of mine would have to be either Pixi Woo's or Jaclyn Hill. They are all amazing makeup artists and I have any makeup tips from them.  

Favorite author?  James Patterson and Nicolas Sparks

Top beauty tips? Coconut Oil has so many uses from taking off makeup to clearing up an Eczema rash. It's a great product to have on hand all the time.  

Favorite music/bands? I love all types of music.  I typically listen to country music.  But my musical heart will always belong to Adam Levine.  

What does a typical day look like for you? I get up and get my oldest off to school.  I have my coffee while feeding my littlest guy breakfast.  I usually film and edit a video during his nap.  Then the rest of the day is play time with errands thrown in there.  

Favorite movies/tv shows? Greys Anatomy, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory

Favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage? I LOVE the strawberry mango margaritas from Chili's, with sugar on the rim.  

What are you most proud of? My little family.  

Future aspirations?  My goal is to get my Masters of PA and to become a Physicans Assistant. 

Favorite vacation spots? Anywhere there is a beach. 

If you could live anywhere? Hawaii

Do you prefer to work out in the morning, afternoon, or evening? I'm definitely a morning workout person.  I like to get it out of the way and have my day ahead of me.  

Guilty pleasure? The Real Housewives

Something you want the readers to know about you?  That I'm a mom to two amazing little boys with the third musketeer due in September. =) I'm a military spouse and a Biology major.  

Kristen, I cannot thank you enough!!  I’m so thankful to have found your channel and for the opportunity to get to know you better. 

Please check out her wonderful channel!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/beautymoxie

Instagram: beautymoxie
www.beautymoxie.com

youtuber spotlight: Aglitterylife.

Hello lovely readers!

Meet Trisha!  ShadesofKassie (YouTube) has always been one of my absolute favorite channels/people to watch. Back in January, she did a “Best of 2012” series of videos featuring Trisha.  It was very clear that Trisha knew her stuff and would be such a fun person to follow if she ever started up a channel.  I remember seeing in the comments, “where is Trisha’s channel? Will Trisha start up a YouTube channel?” etc.  Sure enough, she did!  I was thrilled when I first realized this and have watched everything she has posted since.  Lucky for me, Trisha was gracious enough to answer my interview questions.  As you will see in her responses, she is such a happy-go-lucky kind of gal. I adore her demeanor and love for all things beauty.  Here we go!

This picture above is Kassie (from ShadesofKassie) and Trisha together. Love!

Favorite Starbucks beverage?  Well I don't drink coffee but I do like their strawberry lemonade refresher poured over ice.

Favorite drugstore cosmetic product (brands and items?) Right now it's Revlon Colorstay Whipped foundation, L'Oreal Miracle Blur and Maybelline Vivids lipsticks!!!  Obsessed with them!

Favorite high end cosmetics (brands and items?)  YSL lipstick, MAC shadows, anything by Benefit, Hourglass finishing powder and primer

Favorite foundations? UD Naked, MAC Pro Longwear, MUFE HD, Revlon Colorstay Whipped, Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer!

Favorite mascaras?  Dior Iconic or Dior show...but mascara is the thing I am constantly looking for and always unsatisfied over...
Favorite moisturizer? 40 Carrots Mango+Carrot

Favorite eye cream? Haven't found one yet

Favorite face wash? I change my mind on skin care all the time but I like the Mario Baduscu and Dermalogica lines

Favorite blushes?  Hands down Holy Grail blush is Dallas by Benefit

Favorite lipstick, chapstick, gloss, etc?  Fresh Sugar or Burt’s Bees original

Favorite makeup primer? L'Oreal Miracle Blur, Hourglass primer, Benefit That Gal

Favorite makeup look?  A light eye and a really bright lip!!!

Favorite meals/snacks/bars/protein powders/supplements?  Luna bars

Favorite hair products? Styling tools? Argon Oil, anything by Redken!!!

Favorite websites? Youtubers? Blogs, etc Blogs: Temptalia, The Beauty Dept, Amarixe.  Fave YouTubers: Shades of Kassie, Mrs. Lola Lynn, Gossmakeupartist, Pixiewoo, Bethelmusic, Macbarbie07, and Melissa Parada.

Favorite books?  I love to read...I read about 100 books a year, but my fave book is Pride and Prejudice. 

Top beauty tips?  Be yourself, smile, play up your favorite assets, and wear sunscreen!!!

Favorite music/bands? U2, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Bonobo, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5,

Favorite movies/tv shows?  Hart of Dixie, Nashville, Big Brother, Vampire Diaries, Chicago Fire, Duck Dynasty and Gilmore girls (I watch every season of Gilmore girls once a year!  I love that show and recently became friends with one of the writers on it and had a total fan girl moment at the beginning of our friendship!)

Favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage?  Well...I love water...like a lot.  But right now I'm also really into the blood orange San Pellegrino over ice from Coffee Bean. My other favorite thing to drink is fresh juice!

Biggest challenge?  Finding enough time to be creative.  I'm an artist so finding time to paint and create when you work full time is tricky! 

Favorite quote?  "Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed.  Maybe the just need to run free till they find someone just as wild to run with them"

Future aspirations?  To finish the art collection I am in the middle of, to make a difference in Africa, to get married.

Favorite vacation spots?  Anywhere there is a beach with a good book and good friends

If you could live anywhere?  Hands down I would live in London!  But LA is a pretty cool place to live!

Do you prefer to work out in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Afternoon, but that's nearly impossible with my work schedule

What do you do if you are lacking energy/motivation and still need to get a workout in? ummm...LOL, honestly...I'm horrible at working out.  I'd much rather go for a walk with a friend or get a quick run in.

Guilty pleasure?  Chocolate.  I think I eat chocolate everyday...and staying in bed!  Sometimes my life is so hectic and full that I will take a Sat and be so lazy and just stay in bed as long as possible!

Something you want the readers to know about you?  Oh gosh...I don't know...well, I think I am super funny...and I collect shoes.  :)  Something I'm really proud of is my education.  I have a BA in Psychology and an MM in in Theology. Something else interesting about me is that I've been to 20 countries and in July will add 3 more after a trip to Africa. 

I am an auntie to 8 nieces and nephews and a sister to 3 brothers, 1 sister, 1 brother in law and 2 sisters in law.  Which means I have a big amazing family!  But I am closest to my mom!

Favorite animal? Pets?  I'm not an animal person...at all.  But I think unicorns are interesting.

Thank you SO very much, Trisha. I appreciate the time you took to do this and I know the readers/followers do as well.  

You can check out Trisha’s channel here.  Enjoy!!!

holy grail makeup products may 2013.

Happy Saturday evening! It's been ages since I have done a "holy grail" makeup products post.  If you missed the first one back in 2011 you can view it here.  Most likely I'll do these a bit more frequently going forward (at least once annually.) As you know, if you have followed this blog for any period of time, my cosmetic/beauty product favorites change on a fairly regular basis. However, it takes quite awhile for my holy-grail-status-products to change.  I would also like to do another holy grail (non-cosmetic) post focusing on skin care, shower/hair products, and other things of that nature. 

♥ Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation 3 in 1: This is the best.foundation.ever. and it's from....the drugstore! Score!  Honestly, I like this even more than any of the high end brands I have tried. I mix these two shades-- 805 and 810.  However, I'm sure as I get a little color throughout the summer, I'll just wear 810 (and then bounce back to 805 when I get all ghostly white again ha!)  This glorious foundation lasts forever and has fantastic coverage.  I never have to touch up throughout the day when wearing this.  This product claims to fuse a primer, concealer, and foundation all into one.  Believe it or not, this claim is legit.  

 ♥ Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Glisten: This blush reminds me a lot of Nars' blush in "Orgasm."  It's that same shimmery-peachy-pink. Tarte's Amazonian line is extremely long wearing and formulated without all those crummy parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.  Per Sephora's website, "Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish for an amazing 12 hours."  True story, Sephora. True story.

 ♥  Laura Mercier Mineral Powder, SPF 15 in Tender Rose: In my opinion, this is basically the new and improved version of Bare Minerals.  The Laura Mercier mineral powder lasts longer, has stronger coverage, and provides a flawless finish.  It's tricky to describe but it gives off this radiant, luminous glow.  Ironically, I last posted about this in May of last year (click here if you would like to read that review.)   I own it in a few colors as I wear it year round  (especially preferring this during the hot summer months in Texas!) 

♥ Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture SPF15, Pure Colour Satiny Radiance in LeOrange #13: I previously mentioned this product/color in my May Favorites of 2012 here.  This is hands down the prettiest orangy-red I have ever tried.  Absolutely in LOVE with this color.  Unfortunately, a certain Kardashian (darn you, Kourtney!) mentioned this was her favorite brand/color of lipstick and, since then, it's been near impossible to find.  However, I promise it will be worth the hunt if you are in the market for a poppy red/orange.  

♥ Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Hope & Tarte Natural Lip Stain Pencil with LipSurgence in Enchanted: These are my favorite "everyday" lip colors.  Hope is my top matte, while Enchanted is my top gloss/stain.  I reviewed Hope here.  No CLUE how I have never mentioned Enchanted as I have worn this one for years! 

 ♥ Maybelline Master Duo by EyeStudio: This liquid liner claims to "go to thin from thick with the twist of a wrist."  It has a dual end which is incredibly thin on one side and thicker on the other.  Therefore, you can really achieve a lot of looks with this product.  

♥ Nars Blush in Albatross, Angelika, and Oasis.  It's been since October of 2011 when I posted about Albatross here.  This highlighter is a sheer, light golden, sheen.  It's safe to say I have worn this every day, and been through several of them, since I first purchased it a few years ago.  Highlighters are my favorite cosmetic category :) I have tried many and always end up going back to this favorite.  Surprise surprise, Angelika was mentioned in my first holy grail post here.  Anything that has been a favorite since 2011 is pretty awesome in my book.  On Sephora's website, this is described as a "cotton candy" pink.  That is absolutely the best way to explain it. A true barbie, sparkly, pink! Love! Lastly, we have Oasis, which was featured on my January favorites from 2012 here.  I switch between Angelika and Oasis (and cannot forget about Tarte's Glisten mentioned above) as my main blush with Albatross over.  If I had to narrow it down to one blush that I wear the most, it would be Oasis.  Oasis is described as a sparkling pink champagne.  This blush would look incredible and flatter ANY skin tone--it's gorgeous.  You cannot go wrong with the Nars blushes.  

♥ Benefit's POREfessional: This product was last mentioned in my February Favorites from this year here.  If you have problems with your pores showing their lovely selves when you wear foundation or powder, I highly recommend you check out this primer. Not only does it make your makeup last longer, it truly hides the appearance of pores without clogging them.  It essentially "blurs" imperfections and even has a light skin-toned tint to it.  Incredible! 

♥ Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in Light & Rachel K's CC Cream in Original/Light: Clearly I have an issue narrowing down my favorite primer.  Honestly, these two and the Benefit POREfessional, mentioned above, all serve a different purpose.  The Smashbox primer was mentioned in my May Favorites of 2012 here.  This is wonderful for sensitive skin and has been rumored to be "the secret" for those with problematic skin.  I learned of Rachel K from LisaLisaD1 on YouTube (you can check out her amazing channel here.)  Like Benefit's POREfessional, it does a wonderful job at hiding the appearance of pores.  Unfortunately, I haven't had this for too long. However, it's THAT good. Love at first sight ;) The difference between Rachel K and the other primers I mentioned is the fact that it neutralizes your skin tone and creates a more evened out look before you apply your foundation or powder.  The finish is flawless, matte, and radiant all in one.  I also feel strongly that this primer makes my foundation last longer than any other primer I have ever tried.  Thanks so much, Lisa!  She knows her stuff ;) Lisa has her own website where you can order Rachel K directly here.)  Lisa is one of my favorite YouTubers who I hope to feature on the blog in the near future.

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out this post.  I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Mere