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Wet n Wild Review

If we’re being honest, growing up, I thought that you couldn’t get any cheaper or crappier than Wet n Wild. Maybe it was the cringey name, or the fact that they sold lip liners for 99 cents, but I never took it seriously. Until now.

Beyond the fact that they are an affordable, cruelty-free brand, they’ve been putting out some seriously great products that truly deliver and perform. In the past, I’ve enjoyed some of their eyeshadow palettes, nail polishes and brushes. I’ve been test driving a few new Wet n Wild products and I’m excited to share my findings. They are both wet and wild. I’m sorry; you know I had to. So read on to find out how Wet n Wild foundation, liquid lipstick, setting powder and setting spray really stack up. Photo Focus Foundation For my oily girls shopping for a full coverage foundation on a budget, here ya go. Though I am dry, I can attest to this foundation keeping my skin matte for hours and offering great pigmentation. The shade range availability tends to vary by story and can be limited so you may want to order online. Soft Ivory is too light for me while the next warm shade, Soft Beige is too dark/slightly pink. I mix the two and get an ok match but color-wise, for me it isn’t perfect. I really like the formula, the spatula packaging and as weird as it sounds, I love it’s paint-like scent. It reminds me of how Revlon Colorstay smells and the coverage and feel is similar too. I recommend it.

MegaLast Liquid Catsuit in Coral Corruption A fellow makeup artist told me I had to try these. I honestly couldn’t believe how long-wearing Liquid Catsuit was. It’s a liquid lipstick, so it does feel dry on the lips, but is not actually drying. It gives you an opaque lip with real longevity. I wore it while doing makeup and talking for 4 hours straight and had no fading, bleeding or transferring. I tried to get it to transfer by kissing the back of my hand and I couldn’t get it to one bit! The shade Coral Corruption is a beautiful summer shade for yellow undertones like me but shades like Nudist Peach and Pink Really Hard will likely be more appealing to most. I definitely recommend it. Mattifying Powder Translucent setting powder is something I use every single day and liberally. Naturally, I go through it quickly so I like finding affordable options. I was certain this would have flashback, a chalky feel and a white cast. Your girl was wrong. It’s a really solid option for setting and magnifying foundation and concealer. It has a smooth formula with no dusty kick-up mess when you dip a brush in. I’ve applied it both with a brush and a damp sponge and it performs well both ways. I feel like this powder really does keep skin mattified for hours. I recommend it.

Photo Focus Setting Spray  Though I joke with clients that setting spray is “like hairspray for your face”, this actually smells identical to hairspray. Ingredient-wise, it shares many of the same ingredients with one of my favorite setting sprays, Urban Decay’s All Nighter. Most setting sprays are 4 oz., so while this is very affordable at $4.99, it’s less than half the size of most. It just didn’t really blow me away in any way. It’s fine, and maybe some is better than none when it comes to setting sprays, but I can’t rave about it. I don’t really recommend it.

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All products were purchased with my own money and all opinions expressed are my own. Post contains affiliate links.

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O! Wow Brush Review

The O! Wow Brush is a product I’ve been using for many, many months, meant to blog about and for some reason, well, I just never did! I found it a while ago at a TJ Maxx. By “a while ago” I mean November of last year. I had never tried any of these “toothbrush-style” makeup brushes and the price was $13.99 so I grabbed it and sailed away to the checkout. I feel like TJ Maxx and similar stores are very hit or miss. Some trips you find nothing, other trips you redecorate your whole house and get 4 new coffee accessories.

The O! Wow Brush is made by Cailyn Cosmetics who also sells a variety of cosmetics, other brushes and some skincare. Cailyn Cosmetics describes the O! Wow Brush as “an awe-inspiring, wow-inducing miracle” and to that I say, ok, chill out a bit. A miracle? No, but I was very pleasantly surprised with this makeup brush. Read on.

PACKAGING
The O! Wow Brush has a plastic, angled handle and protective cap for it’s dense, synthetic bristles. The handle honestly doesn’t feel that substantial or high quality. I was a little worried it could snap if I applied too much pressure but so far, so good. The brush has a flat bottom so can stand up if you’d like. The bristles are described as “velvet-like” and I would definitely agree. They are super soft and gentle and apply product with more of a sponge like feel than a brush.

EASE OF USE
I’d never used this style of brush until the O! Wow Brush so I was surprised at how comfortable it felt in my hand. It didn’t feel awkward or cumbersome like I thought. I really got great results applying liquid and powder foundations, concealer, cream contours and cream blushes. It performed beautifully. I have sometimes-sensitive skin that will get itchy hives from certain makeup brushes. I’ve also been struck with eczema lately so I’m extra wary of scratchy brushes. This has been so nice to use on my angry skin. I like to use it in both tapping and buffing motions. Because the handle is plastic, it has a bit of flex to it which is nice.

This was surprisingly not difficult to clean, despite the bristle density. You just want to make sure to dry it face down so that the water can travel out of the bristles.

VALUE
Now, I got this for $13.99 somehow but the actual price is $32.00. For any makeup brush over $20, I’d like to see a wooden or metal handle, not plastic. The bristles are nylon and the packaging was nothing extravagant so I’m not sure where the $32 comes from. For 14 bucks, it’s a total steal. For $32? Well, I still really like it, but just be gentle, knowing that it is plastic.

WHAT I LIKE

  • The feel: so soft and gentle. Baby butt territory here.
  • The density: the bristles are short enough for buffing but not too long that they flip flop all over the place.
  • The protective cap: this is such a nice, hygienic extra, especially for travel.
  • The shape/size: The angular shape of this allow you to blend concealer in the under eye and around the nose.

WHAT I DON’T LIKE

  • Plastic handle: I really wish this were metal or something more high-quality feeling
  • Price: For $32, see previous point.
  • Punctuation: petty, but shouldn’t it read O Wow! instead of O! Wow. It’s weird to say.

Do I recommend it?
Yes. The O! Wow Brush is a very effective, easy to use makeup brush that is gentle, versatile and makes application easier.

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Carbon Coco Review

I’m obsessed with teeth. It’s the first thing I notice about people. I think white teeth are a basic necessity, not a luxury. Everyone deserves to have a sparkling smile! Carbon Coco reached out asking if I’d like to try their natural teeth whitening powder and I was all about it of course. Keep reading to find out if you can kiss whitestrips and bleaching trays goodbye forever.Carbon Coco Activated Charcoal Tooth Polish contains organic coconut shell activated charcoal, bentonite powder and lemon myrtle. It comes in a flat, plastic jar that my husband has almost confused for his Aveda Grooming Clay on more than one occasion. It also comes with a bamboo toothbrush with gray bristles which is nice. No need to ruin yours!
HOW TO USE CARBON COCO
Simply wet the bamboo toothbrush, dip into the powder and tap off. Brush teeth for 3o seconds, rinse and brush teeth normally with toothpaste.
I asked Carbon Coco if the product is safe for teeth and non-damaging to tooth enamel and this was their response:

“Aside from your pearly white smile, fresh breath and healthy gums, no negative side effects from using these products. 🙂 The products are not abrasive at all and they basically just absorb and pull out toxins and stains away from the teeth. Also, the charcoal powder is very fine so it doesn’t harm the enamel. The tooth polish also has bentonite clay that helps remineralise your teeth. Both have no harmful chemicals as well.”BEFORE
My teeth are already nice and white. I just use a whitening toothpaste but I do drink coffee so I’m not sure how they stay that way. I only drink white wine though, not red, so maybe that helps? DURING
Isn’t it so fun? I love how pitch black this is. I felt like a real-life zombie. If you don’t enjoy looking at this in your mouth while brushing, we probably won’t be friends. It totally looks like I was nomming on some potting soil. AFTER
As you can see above, there are particles of the Carbon Coco embedded under my gums. These are usually gone by morning but if you’re using the product during the day, this can be noticeable and unsightly. When I asked Carbon Coco if this was safe, this was their response:

“Can you please try brushing in small gentle circles (to avoid pushing the products under your gums) at night and oil pull or use mouth wash in the morning? The residue should dislodge overnight and be easily washed off in the morning.”

WHAT I LIKE

  • My teeth are definitely whiter. They already were but now it’s even more impressive when I smile.
  • Simple, natural ingredients
  • Cruelty-free
  • No scent, no flavor
  • Included bamboo toothbrush
  • You can still brush with your usual toothpaste after
  • No aftertaste at all
  • Generous amount. The website says it lasts 1-2 months but there is no way someone would go through this in a month.

WHAT I DON’T LIKE

  • It’s messy as hell. If you like a pristine white sink, forget it. Your gray charcoal spit is going to inevitably splatter all over and it requires more than just a splash of water to rinse it away. I have to use a wash rag and wipe the sink down after every use. I even had to scrub my white quartz countertops because the charcoal powder temporarily stained them. It also splatters on the walls somehow too.
  • Gum particles. I notice black specks actually underneath my gums for an hour or so after using this. Though activated charcoal is natural, it still concerns me. See photo.
  • Grittiness. What feels like sand is left in your mouth afterwards, even with thorough rinsing. Sometimes I still feel it the next morning after brushing my teeeth the night before.
  • Pregnancy. Hold up, what? I just read this article which of course scared the hell out of me. I am not about having a kid for some white teeth. However, the article clarifies that you’d need to injest a large amount.

Do I recommend it?
Gosh, I’m on the fence here, friends. It does work. However, at $40, the mess it makes is just such a damn hassle. A little goes a long way so I do think the value is good, but I’d recommend it without hesitation if it didn’t look like a zombie got murdered in my bathroom every time I use it. If you decide to try it, you can enter your email to save 20% off your first order or use code JULY20 right now.

Product provided by Carbon Coco for review purposes. No financial compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSaveSaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

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Ittse Glambition Collection Review

I don’t usually run out and buy the latest beauty influencer collaborations. The hype doesn’t really get to me. Until this one. My blogger friend Jess, of Love for Lacquer, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with through the PRIMP network collaborated with Ittse on a 4-piece glow kit called the Glambition Collection. The shades looked so versatile, universally flattering and wearable that I had to have it. Plus, I used this as a chance to try out Ittse, a brand which I’ve not yet used until this collection. Ittse is based in San Francisco and their products hit lots of important marks for me:

  • Cruelty free
  • Paraben free
  • Palettes are vegan leather
  • Made in America
  • Gluten free
  • Affordable
  • Customizable

The Glambition Collection You can buy the pans as a set of 4 for $35 or with a palette for $50. The palette itself says it’s a $59 value. I chose to buy them without the palette as I want to use them in my freelance makeup kit and already have a cheek palette I’m inserting them into. The palettes are very cute, vegan leather though so I kind of wish I would have just gotten one! I love these for a lot of reasons but here are a few takeaways because I just love bulleted lists.

  • Versatile: can use these as highlighters and eyeshadows
  • Smooth: they apply and blend out really nicely
  • Flattering: these warm shades look good on most skin tones and can be suitable for everyday wear
  • Quality: the formula feels luxurious and none of the colors apply dry or patchy
  • Affordable: the $35 price breaks down to $8.75 each, which is cheaper than drugstore at far better quality.

Clockwise, from top left
Goal Digger: My favorite shade for eyeshadow, a beautiful rose gold
#GIRLBOSS: Gorgeous satin finish peachy blush. Basically perfect.
Run the World: Beige champagne highlight or eyeshadow.  For some reason, I probably use this one the least?
Hustle & Glow: Light golden highlight, great for yellow undertones and inner corner highlight.

Below is a look I did with all of the colors in the Glambition collection. #GIRLBOSS in crease and on cheeks, Hustle & Glow on cheekbones, cupid’s bow, brow bone, Goal Digger on lid, Run the World inner corner, lower lash line and center of lid. Make sure you check out my teen tutorial using this collection as well as this video, showing you swatches and telling you more of my thoughts about the Ittse Glambition x Love for Lacquer Glambition Collection.
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InStyler MAX Wet To Dry Review

I’m back with another hair tool/gadget review! I’m a beauty lover and also a little techy. I like when beauty fuses with new technology and promises to make life easier. InStyler recently sent me their InStyler MAX Wet to Dry to review, which claims to dry and straighten your hair in one. Sound too good to be true? Read on to find out if it is, as well as if it’s safe to use on your hair with input from a hairstylist.
The InStyler MAX Wet to Dry shares the same design and features as the original InStyler MAX. You’ll notice it has the same size 2-way rotating heated barrel on one side and ionic bristle brush with tourmaline ceramic plate on the other. In addition, it also has the swivel cord, 4 heat settings up to 425 degrees and auto shut off. The price is the same at $99. It’s available at Ulta and Target, as well as online. The InStyler MAX Wet to Dry claims to “whisk” water out of the hair and vent it away. Being that the only visible difference between the InStyler MAX Wet to Dry and the regular InStyler MAX is the barrel color, I’m not sure what makes this unique and able to dry the hair in addition to straightening it? So…does it?
Even on the highest heat setting (I have healthy, virgin hair), it didn’t fully dry nor straighten my hair. I don’t feel that it saved any time and it was annoying to listen to the rotation each pass, which there were many of. This can still be used as a straightening tool on dry hair, just as you would the regular InStyler MAX. In my original review, I said that it was nice for a not-stick straight style so you might like it for that.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Swivel cord
  • Easy to use
  • Included heat pad
  • Auto shutoff
  • Moderate price point

CONS

  • Noisy
  • Does not fully dry hair
  • Does not fully straight hair
  • Does not save time
  • Potentially damaging to hair
  • Hard to get close to the root


Hairstylist Perspective
Brittany Reed of Brittany Reed Salon, LLC.

“Have you ever had a really hot skillet and gotten some water droplets on it? It sizzles/steams away? You’re kind of doing that to your hair. The steam you see is the water vaporizing (and possibly product – if you applied any, which I hope there’s something on there), but it’s being forced out with high heat. Think of it like you’re boiling the water inside of the strand.

Most people don’t know, and they think “Hey, that might save me time!” I’m here to tell you to save your money. Use it as a flat iron if you like how it works for you, but please don’t dry your hair with this. From what I could tell from the video, you have great natural texture in your hair – take care of it! I see a lot of people that damage their hair in various ways, and they then end up fighting their hair even more (frizz, dryness, etc).

If I had a client tell me they were using this (I’ve had a few over the years ask me about wet to dry irons) my answer is always the same – stay away from them. I know the allure of the convenience/time saving seems nice, but it didn’t even seem like to me that you save any time with that tool.

On a similar note, aside from the damage – take a normal Iowa summer. Humidity. How does your hair react to humidity? Most people with similar texture generally frizz. If I’m doing hair for an event, my biggest concern (besides the right products, of course) is that the hair is BONE DRY – absolutely no moisture left in that hair. Why? because if there’s a drop of water left inside those hair strands, as soon as that hair comes in contact with humidity, it will react how a dry sponge reacts to water – it expands!

I’m ALL about trying out new products and tools, and do so often (much like yourself). But this isn’t something I’d like to see you (or anyone) doing to your hair!” Do I recommend it? No. It does not dry your hair, and I learned it really wouldn’t be good for your hair even if it did. It does not straighten your hair fully either. I suppose someone with fairly straight hair would do ok with this, but that is not me.

Product provided by InStyler for review purposes. No financial compensation was received nor was a positive review encouraged. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Loving Lately: Glow n’ Go

Hey, remember when I was like, Friday Favorites! Imma do it! Yeah, girl can’t get her life right over here so it’s just “lately” in general ok? I’m super into a new glow kit, concealer, sheer lipstick and cleansing oil and I think you might just need them in your life too. Read on to find out what I’m loving lately and why. Clockwise from top left
 Ittse Glambition Collection My blogger friend Jess of Love for Laquer collaborated with newish San Francisco brand Ittse on this set of 4 shimmering pressed powders. This was my first time trying Ittse so I had no expectations and just wanted to support Jess. Ok, wow. I was blown away by these glow powders. Not only are they beautiful, smooth formulas but the colors are so versatile that I’ve been using them as both highlighters and eyeshadows. I used them in this teen tutorial and have pretty much been wearing them on the daily. I’ll be reviewing them in a separate post soon because they deserve their own moment in the spotlight.

LimeLight by Alcone Perfect Lipstick in Prim and Proper I’ve been wearing this sheer formula lipstick lately to test it out for my clients and I love it. You can do one swipe for sheer color or several for more. It feels hydrating on the lips but isn’t slippery or oily. Prim and Proper is a warm pink on some, or very muted red perhaps. I have a few other colors I’m trying too, including the opaque formula.

Dermae Rose Cleansing Oil Strangely enough, I hate rose scent but I love this. The scent doesn’t bother me because I love the way this cleansing oil works and feels on my dry, recovering-from-eczema skin.

Glossier Stretch Concealer Totally thought this would be slippery, crease up like crazy and not offer enough coverage. It blew all of those concerns out of the water. This is one of the easiest to apply concealers I’ve ever tried, it doesn’t crease, feel or look dry and it actually covers dark circles while still looking like skin. It takes me no longer than 30 seconds to apply and blend under both eyes. Click here to save 20% on your first Glossier order.

EXTRAS
Occasionally, I like to throw in a few non-beauty related items, just to let you know that I’m a real person and not a robot.

My husband and I have been totally loving the new incarnation of Love Connection hosted by Andy Cohen.

Despite some reviews, the new Imagine Dragons album is awesome in my opinion and I’ve been playing “I Don’t Know Why”on repeat.

When I’m not drinking wine, I’m usually drinking sparkling waters, and though I’m a La Croix fan from way back, the Perrier strawberry sparkling waters are my fave lately. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

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Makeup for Teens

I’ve wanted to put together a fresh, youthful, age-appropriate teen makeup tutorial for a while now. I’m not a mother, but I have a real soft spot for the young ladies of the world. I can’t imagine growing up in this social media-influenced era that they are. I remember being a teenager; it was hard enough sans Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube. I feel worried when girls seem to be growing up too fast, looking too adult.

I am so appreciative of Logan for being a part of this tutorial. She is 14 and made the perfect model for this dewy, summer look. Logan loves makeup herself, but her own daily routine is pretty light and fresh and I loved hearing that. I created this teen makeup look to feel balanced, youthful and glowing. I focused on using products that are affordable because if you’re like me at 14 years old, you’re working drive-up at a grocery store part time. While I did fill in Logan’s brows, I made sure that you could still see space between individual brow hairs. We don’t want to completely block out her brows, creating a heavy distraction. I’m not about that Insta-brow life. I did a winged liner look but instead of black, used a dark brown and then went over it with a dark shadow to soften it. I think this is a great way for teens to do winged liner that isn’t so severe. I adore Logan’s pronounced cupid’s bow so I made sure to highlight that. Literally. For that dewy look, we used liquid highlighters and blushes over a foundation mixed with a face oil. I also used powder highlighters from Ittse’s new Glambition collection with Love for Laquer. I am absolutely loving this collaboration. The powders can be used as shadows and highlighters as we did in this look.

The video will show you the breakdown of exactly how I created the look. PRODUCTS USED
Urban Decay Eden Eyeshadow Primer Potion
TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Trimony Matte Eyeshadow Palette
 NYX Professional Makeup Doll Eye Mascara
 Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre
 Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk, Beam
 e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Highlighting Dewy Drops
Ittse Goal Digger, Glambition Collection
Colourpop Brewhaha
LimeLight Perfect Eyeshadow-Brownie Points
 Urban Decay Brow Beater Microfine Brow Pencil and Brush
LimeLight by Alcone Botanical Foundation: Shinto2+Porcelain
LimeLight by Alcone Must Dew
LimeLight by Alcone Perfect Bronzer
Savanah Jane Naked Lip Liner
LimeLight by Alcone Signature Lip Gloss-Wish
 Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

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Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara Review

I love Thrive Causemetics so I was super excited to see them unveil their Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. I knew I had to try it out and give you the scoop! People seem to be as divided about mascara as they are about politics. There have been mascaras that I have absolutely hated that others profess their undying love to. It’s really a matter of your end goal and what you’re starting with. For example, I have a decent amount of lashes, so I don’t look for volume but length and separation. I am super adamant about separation, almost more than anything. Read on to find out if the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara gave me all of that and more.PACKAGING
The first thing I noticed about the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara was the hefty tube. It has a very substantial feeling in your hands, almost as though it’s made of metal? I like how it feels. It has a little more product in it than some mascaras so perhaps that is why. The brush is plastic and looked as though it would lend itself well to the feathery, separated lashes I’m after. Just a note: this brush style tends to work best on those with a decent amount of lashes but if you have short stubby lashes, sometimes they can dump too much product on them. INGREDIENTS
Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredient list. There are a few key things in the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara that encourage lash health and growth like castor oil, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate. It also contains shea butter and an orchid stem cell complex meant to stimulate lash growth too. I was surprised to see it contained caranuba wax as it behaves like a tubing mascara in my opinion. Tubing mascaras forego traditional waxes in place of a polymer. The Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara does contain a polymer as well so this appears to be a bit of a hybrid formula. Though Thrive Causemetics describes Liquid Lash Extensions as a fiber mascara, I cannot detect any visible in the formula. I would classify it as a tubing mascara, even if they do not, as it wears and removes like one. More on that to come. RESULTS
Here is my eye one coat of the Liquid Lash Extensions applied. As you can see, it’s a nice, rich black, adds length and volume but with one problem. The separation ain’t happenin’. Several lashes are clumped together and that really bothered me. If you don’t have a ton of lashes to begin with, perhaps the lack of separation won’t bother you as much. It was the main reason I don’t love this mascara though.

WEAR
As far as wear time goes, I was very impressed. I didn’t experience any flaking or smudging and it even withstood some tears without a single streak. True to tubing mascara formulas, it slides off in pieces with just water. I honestly think that is my favorite thing about it. It’s so fun to stand in the shower and pull off clumps of mascara. If this mascara had better separation, I would like it a lot. I suspect that the short-bristled plastic brush is depositing too much product onto the lashes and the bristles aren’t long enough to effectively comb it through. I wanted to love this mascara but due to the overly-thick lashes it creates, I can’t say I do. I do like it and I will wear it on days that I don’t mind fatty lashes, but it won’t be a go-to fave necessarily. If you have oily eyelids, watery eyes or just find that mascara runs and smudges on you easily, tubing mascaras like this one may be your friend.

Though it does contain some wax, it contains more polymers which form around each individual lash and unlike waxes and oils, don’t melt down. If you don’t mind a little clump n’ dump, the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions might be worth trying!

Click here to see some of the mascaras that are tried-and-true for me.

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