Beauty and Blogging: beautyblog

Showing posts with label beautyblog. Show all posts

Friday, July 26, 2013

Let's Give It A Shot!

Hey Everyone! Okay, so BIG news. I finally invested into a camera so I can start video blogging AKA "Vlogging". I'm really excited, except also extremely nervous because I feel like I sound like a man when I hear my own voice...but I am mostly excited because I can't wait to extend my reviews onto YouTube.

I Plan on still linking all my videos and corresponding information here on my Blog but I'm really looking forward to reaching out and attracting a larger audience (fingers crossed)!

So long story short, I've always wanted that beautiful Nikon 1 J1 camera that is always displayed nicely at target. It comes in pink, red, black, white, and silver. Whenever I would pass by the display, I would tell myself that I'll save up to buy it.

Well, lately I've decided I really need a new camera now that I am blogging and taking more photos, so I looked up the beloved camera...

low and behold, it was on sale for $200 off! SOLD.

It was packaged really well and came with a warrenty, an extensive owners manual, a quick reference sheet, battery, battery charger, lens, lens cap, body cap, neck strap, movie editor system, and more!

I really am excited about this purchase. I can tell you pretty much NOTHING about the camera itself because I'm not sure exactly what is exciting and great about it, but if you're interested you can find more information here

What I do know, is I love the color, the size, the screen, and the price that I was able to buy it at. Hopefully I can get going with some videos for you guys because I have some fun ones planned; but who knows, that could take me a day, or several weeks depending on how long it takes me to get the hang of iMovie.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara Review

Tarte cosmetics is one of my top favorite brands. Whenever I walk into Sephora or Ulta I always make sure to check out their little display. I love that their products are paraben free and are not tested on animals. It makes their steeper price tag totally worth it knowing I'm buying a high quality product. Not to mention, I've yet to be disappointed by any of their products.

One of my all time favorite products by them, and all time favorite mascaras, is their Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. It is phenomenal and a really difficult formula to beat. They recently released a new mascara from the same line called Lights, Camera, Flashes, and I simply could not wait to get my hands on it

As usual, their packaging couldn't be more beautiful, I admit it's a little bit extravagant which probably drives the price up but honestly, it looks high end and makes me feel fancy.

The wand on this baby is what makes it so incredible and unique

Although its hard to tell (and even harder to photograph), the brush has two sides. The directions on the box suggest using the dense, soft side of the brush first to build volume, then comb through with the flex-bristles to create length and definition. It also suggests applying two coats, which I always do anyway.

The formula of the mascara reminds me a lot of Benefits "they're real" mascara, it's really wet and can be messy. I find that it does have a tendency to clump a little bit but I'm going to work with it and practice so I can avoid that issue. This stuff means business when it comes to holding a curl. My lashes stay curled, thick, and long all day. It's serious stuff.

Here are some shots of the application process:

Two coats applied to the left side, compared to nothing on the right.

After mascara was applied to both eyes (natural light).

This mascara makes some big claims and promises, and although I may not agree with "+752% volume", I would agree that this mascara makes a HUGE difference. I love the false lash effect that it gives, I feel like my lashes are butterflies every time I blink. I love that it's formulated without parabens, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or synthetic fragrance (yuck!). It truly is amazing and very unique. I was not a fan of Benefit "They're Real" and was skeptical that this would disappoint me since they seemed comparable, but I won't lie, I love this stuff!! If you're in the market for a nice high end mascara, Tarte "Lights, Camera,Flashes" retails at about $23.

PS I found this image online and found it helpful at explaining the brush's technology

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Photo Diary: Los Angeles

So, I thought it would be fun to start a "Photo Gallery" series for when I do fun, interesting things in life. I always enjoy looking at other people's pictures and getting ideas of things to do and places to try. This is my most recent trip to Los Angeles with one of my best friends, Tiffany. The pictures are TOTALLY out of order, so sorry about that! Enjoy =]