Wedding Files: Tampa Bridal Show

Roses, Calla Lilies (in eggplant, which I love, but I seem to be the only one), and feathers

I was recently at a bridal show here in the Tampa Bay area, and I took a lot of picutres. What an experience! Bridal shows are a mad house. No amount of warning could have prepared me. I was exhausted by the end of it. I'd been hoping to go and get a chance to talk to some vendors, but really, the only thing you were able to do was grab their business cards and packets and move along to the next booth. There were people everywhere, and it was impossible to really talk to anyone. But, it was fun to get so see some of the things people can do. 

I just wanted to share some pictures. I've always loved calla lilies and the more bouquets of them I saw, the more I love them. I'm especially smitten with the eggplant calla lilies, but I seem to be the only one. The future hubs thinks its a bit morbid to use black (eggplant!!) flowers. That's fine. But maybe the next time he gets me flowers, he'll surprise me with some eggplant calla lilies (one year anniversary anyone?)

Calla Lilies

I am also obsessed with cupcakes. I know, I know, wedding cakes are stunning. I really do think they are beautiful. But there is just something so playful and lovely about cupcakes to me. Every time I go to a wedding, the slice of cake I end up getting is so thin. I think with cupcakes people will get a nice helping of yumminess. I know I'd appreciate it. Heck, I'm hoping there are some left over, so we can take them home. I'll be off the pre-wedding healthy eating by then. Well, I'll still be eating healthy (I like being in shape), but it will be a bit more relaxed. So, I'll be thrilled to have some cupcakes around. Can we say post-wedding, late night dessert? Yes please! I'm not totally unreasonable. I want to make sure that cupcakes are a budget-friendly item (read: comparable to what it is to have a cake). If they are going to be way more than a cake, then I'm open to having a cake. But all things being equal, I'll choose the cupcakes. I've got my heart set on them.

Gigi's Cupcakes Tower

I really like the idea of a small cake topper (the one we get to keep and eat later, is that how it goes?) with some cupcakes, kind of like this one below.

Publix cupcake tower

We saw a lot of cake pops at the event. That's just what it sounds like, cakes attacked to a lollipop stick. How fun! And what a great favor! I always find that I end up tossing favors away, but the edible ones, those I appreciate. These were cake pops for a bachlorette party. They were a little naughty. Be forewarned, they are risque.

Naughty Cake Pops

New product: e.l.f. Eyelid Primer Collection

e.l.f. Eyelid Primer Collection $3 at Target

I was wandering around Target, as I tend to do, when I stumbled upon this little package. It's a new e.l.f. Essential Beauty School Eyelid Primer collection. Three primers, with varying finishes, for $3. I couldn't resist! It comes with the original nude formula, and two new ones: pearl and champagne. Check out the swatches below. I did not blend them in so that you could see them more easily.

Champagne, Pearl, Nude

I used them all this week, and I have to say, they were absolutely fantastic. They worked like a dream, just as good as my Urban Decay Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance. So here is the skinny:

• The pearl finish primer is white, but blends away to an light iridescent shimmer. The glitter in it is fine and it does show through under your eyeshadow. I used it with shadows that had a little bit of a shimmer finish because I wanted to enhance it, and I did notice it. Be careful when applying, though, because the first time I used it, I got it under my eye while blending, and then I had glitter on my face. Not really the look I was shooting for to go to work. 
• The champagne finish is similar to Urban Decay's Sin, however, it's not quite as shimmery or champagne. It's a little darker, which I liked. I'd say about a shade darker than Sin. But definitely not as shimmery. I liked this. I used it, again, under champagne toned shadows to enhance them. They stayed put all day long, and I'm talking I applied at 7 a.m. and did not remove until after 9 p.m. and my eyeshadow was still fresh. 
• The nude works just like any primer. It's pretty much the same as the original formulas of Urban Decay and Shadow Insurance. 
• Each tube is 0.08 oz, small, but great for travel, and at only $1 each, I can't really complain about the size. 

If you've been curious about primers, especially the ones with different finishes, check these out. It's a risk-free way to see if you like it. 

MAC Double Feature Palettes Review & Tutorial

Swatches of two of the MAC Double Feature eyeshadow palettes that I purchase at Nordstrom. They are $25 each.

Check out the tutorial at the end of the video!

Get Sigma brushes featured in this video here.

Brushes used: Sigma E40 (fluffy blending brush), E55 (flat shader brush), E30 (pencil brush)

MAC 217 dupe from Sigma is the E25

Tips on Buying Beauty Products from Discount Stores

Everyone likes to find a deal. But like everything else, when hunting for cosmetics bargains at discount retailers you must be a smart shopper. Discount shops like dollar stores, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc. get their deals when merchants have excess inventory they need to unload. That means, some of the products that you find may have easily been sitting in a warehouse for a while. Cosmetics do go bad. They expire and some items are affected by heat. Not to mention, rough handling can land you with damaged products. That means, you have to be savvy shopper to make sure you are not sacrificing quality when you amass savings. Don't buy a product just because it's a name brand at a deep discount. Inspect your products so your bargains are worth your while.

I have my own rules of thumb that I follow, and recently, there was an article on the MSN.com homepage (courtesy of Allure Magazine) addressing this topic as well. So, I thought this was a great opportunity to share these tips with you. A lot of the tips I follow when shopping for beauty deals were listed in the article, with a few here and there that I'm now adding to my repetoire. Here's what you should know when beauty-bargain shopping:

• Make sure products are sealed.

This may seem obvious, but it's worth saying. You use cosmetics on your face. You don't want them full of bacteria. Make sure they are sealed before you buy. Sometimes places like TJ Maxx will put items that are not sealed (like high-end eyeshadow palettes) in security containers to keep customers from touching the product or breaking it. You can always go to the counter and ask that they open the container so that you can see the product. The sales person can make sure you don't mess with the item, and you can look at it before you buy it.

Try not to buy products that are not sealed, especially cream or liquid products (e.g., foundations, lipgloss. facial wipes). But if you must, say you inspected it and to the naked eye it looks like it has not been touched, make sure you disinfect it when you get home. Makeup can harbor bacteria, and you don't want to end up with a nasty case of pink eye or cold sores. If a powder product is sealed, give it a light shake by your ear to listen for damage. If you hear moving crumbles, the product might be broken (they can be dropped afterall).

• Disinfect. Disinfect. Disinfect.

Yes, it's possible to do. I purchased a Clarins compact bronzer, three Nars blushes, and some Estee Lauder and Model Co lipsticks at TJ Maxx. All of these products, while in their containers, were quite easy for me to open and look at, which means others could too. So, I made sure that (1) they looked clean (both the packaging and the actual product), and (2) did not look like they'd been touched to the naked eye. When I got home, to be safe, I disinfected them as well. Here's what you do:

• For pressed powder: Take isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and put it in a spritz bottle and spritz it over your pressed powder product (e.g., eyeshadows, blushes). Use rubbing alcohol (same as isopropyl) because it evaporates quickly so that it doesn't damage your product and it kills bacteria (that's why you need 70% or higher). Don't douce it with alcohol, you don't want it to be all wet and get all gooky (is that a technical term?)
• For lipsticks: Take a small container (like the alcohol bottle's cap or a shot glass), add rubbing alcohol, and dip the tube of lipstick into the alcohol. With a clean tissue paper, wipe down the top layer of the tip of the lipstick (the part you touch to your lips).
• For eyeliners and lipliners: Dip the tip of the liner into a small container of rubbing alcohol (like with the lipstick) and then sharpen the liner (use a clean sharpener), then dip it in the alcohol again, and wipe it with a clean tissue.
• For cream products (e.g., shadows, foundations) that come in a jar: Wipe down top layer then lighly spritz with rubbing alcohol. Note: It is a lot harder to make sure these products are disinfected. I would avoid buying them if they are not sealed. If you will use them on others, I recommend using a spatula to remove product rather than double dipping. It's the most sanitary way to do it. If you have touched the top layer, wipe it down, and spritz, and try not to do it again (unless you will only be using it on yourself).

I feel this bears repeating: If you are able to open a product, and it is obvious that someone touched it, put it back. It's really not worth getting an eye/lip/face infection.

• Know your brands and products

Every bargain shopper knows this rule: Be an educated shopper. You want to be sure you don't end up getting ripped off, but also that you are indeed getting a good bargain. If I see a Nars product at TJ Maxx I know that I can expect that the color I see is the color I'm going to get. I am also familiar with the price I'd pay retail (or at least the range) so I know whether I found a good deal. I have aquired four Nars gift sets at TJ Maxx. I got them all for less than $30 each, which I knew was a steal.. I know the quality of their products are good, so I was able to purchase them with confidence. The more you educate yourself about products in general, the more armed you will be when faced with a bevy of different options to fish out the good deals. You don't need a Ph.D. in the subject. When you read magazines or online articles, look at prices. You'll eventually notice pricing trends. You will also learn what products others have tried and reviewed for you (something you could easily access with your phone these days). Don't think you have to learn it all at once. The more you peruse magazines, blogs, YouTube, and other sources, and the more you peruse the isles of discount stores, the better you will get. Remember: You don't have to buy. You can always just look around. If you miss out on a deal, there will always be a different one down the road.

• Beware of heat damage

Heat can affect a product's performance, specifically cream products like lipsticks, cream blushes, and cream foundations. Lipgloss and powders a less susceptible to heat damage. Be familiar with your store's return policy especially when buying products that could under perform due to heat damage. You want to be able to return a product if its a dud.

• Stock up on beauty tools

I purchased a set of Tweezerman tweezers for less than $20 (the retail value for one of this brand's tweezers). They have a lifetime warranty. Nail files, some brushes (check them for softness, density, etc. and be sure to wash them before use, if you can open the package and touch it, so can others), sharpeners, mirrors, etc. are all things that you will likely need. If you can get them at a good price. Get it (especially items you will need to keep replenishing like nail files or makeup sponges).

•  Make sure you can read the labels

Sometimes you might find products from different countries that might look like an awesome deal. But, if you can't read the label, how do you know what the ingredients are? If it is expired? Is there anything in it you are allergic to? If you can read multiple languagues, then you'll be in luck, you have some more options. If not, be wary, it's your skin.

• Check the packaging

Is the box in bad shape? Does it look like it's been manhandled and had it rough? Chances are, whatever is inside took a beating as well. With powder products, that could mean a huge mess. With hair tools, like blow dryers, that could mean internal damage you won't know about.

• Visit bargain stores often

This is one of my favorite rules. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Big Lots, and the dollar store (to name a few) get new products regularly. While you might not find the same things over and over again, they do often get repeat products. I had missed out on a hair product I wanted to try but several months later they had it again. But the best part, they get new stuff all the time. The more often you visit, the better the chance you'll catch a deal. But remember, you don't have to buy every time. You are basically taking inventory. If you find something good, if not, it's ok. Don't fall into the habit of having to get something every time just to get something, that will defeat the purpose of saving money.

What are your tips for bargain shopping for your beauty products? How about bargain shopping in general?

Source article: How to Score Amazing Dollar-Store Beauty Steals

Dupe Alert: MAC 217 Blending Brush

Photo credit: MAC website

If you are a beauty junkie, you have probably heard all the fuss over MAC's 217 blending brush. I'm in the camp of people who adore it. I think it's the perfect brush. It's stiff enough to pack on color, yet fluffy enough to blend to perfection. I can use it with powder shadow and creams. It's the one brush I reach for that I can use for a complete eye makeup look. For me, it's a staple. For the longest time, I couldn't find a cheaper alternative. For all my other brushes, I could easily find an alternative that wouldn't cost as much. Fluffy blending brushes, shader brushes of all sizes and densities, angle brushes, liner brushes, pencil brushes, you name it, I could find one that I didn't have to spend a fortune on. As much as I love MAC, I just couldn't bring myself to shell out the money for a brush I could find somewhere else (that was also a good quality and friendlier on my wallet). In fact, the only MAC brush I own is the 217, and that was after an intense (and failed) search for a suitable alternative.


But now, I'm happy to report, you don't have to pay $22 for one brush. If you are like me, and just love your 217, or if you've been wanting to try it but just couldn't justify the price (what if you didn't like it after spending that much?), you are in luck. There are now some great dupes out there that will save you lots of cash.

The first one I ever got was the Sigma E25 ($9) is less than half the price of the original MAC brush. I have the travel sized E25 and I think I may actually like it better than my original 217. Here's why, it's softer and a bit fluffier. Yep. As much as I adore my 217, I feel it can sometimes be a bit scratchy (not crazy scratchy, but just a tiny bit). Now, I have discovered that if I wash my brush often, it doesn't get scratchy, but I have to do the deep cleaning (as in using baby shampoo not brush cleaning spray). I don't have a problem with this, but sometimes I'm in a hurry and forget to clean it. I use the brush so often, I can't have it on the counter drying and not be able to use it (Gasp! Unthinkable!). Enter the new brush. With two of them (and one at a fraction of the price) I can alternate between the two while the other one is being cleansed. But I digress; the E25 is definitely softer, even when it's not as ideally clean as it should be.

Photo credit: Sigmabeauty.com

So I thought I was in heaven when I found a dupe for $9. It was a price I was much happier paying (especially compared to $22) if anything were to happen to the brush that I would need to replace it. But, call me cheap, I'd still prefer to pay less (if I can).

Imagine my joy when I received my weekly email from Coastal Scents announcing its sales and saw that brushes were on sale and in the photo I saw a brush that looked just like the 217. I had no idea that Coastal Scents had this brush! I'd been on their site many times before and had never seen it. Turns out, it's relatively new (about 6 months). I immediately clicked on the link and went to find out if this brush was in fact a comparable dupe. There were tons of reviews on it. Apparently it had been out long enough for the legions of 217 fans to try to get their hands on it, so it was always out of stock (how had I NOT heard of this until now?). Most reviewers were saying it was a comparable dupe. And here is the kicker. Are you ready for the price? Wait for it… $4.95. Yes! And it was on sale for 20% off. Even without the sale I could get 4 of these brushes for about the price of one 217 (I'm counting shipping). I jumped on it.

Photo credit: coastalscents.com

I got them in the mail two days ago. I have to report, it really is a close copy. The 217 is definitely denser (fluffier, more hairs) and a little rounder, while the CS Pro Blending Fluff Brush is a bit flatter and stiffer. But don't let this fool you. It still does an amazingly good job at blending your shadow and packing it on if needed. It's excellent quality at a fabulous price. I washed mine, and it didn't lose shape. However, when I did wash it, it looked like it might lose shape (the bristles started drying all wide). I fixed this by folding my towel in half and drying the brush wedged inside the fold (to help hold the shape since I don't own brush guards). I then put a small container (I used an eye shadow) over the bristle side to keep some pressure over it, and that worked just fine. When I unfolded the towel and got my brush the next morning, it looked just as it did before I washed it.

UPDATE: I recently urchased more of these brushes and have more to say about them on this post. 

Here are photos of my brushes so that you can compare them side-by-side. Apologies for the one dirty brush. I'd used it (obviously). As you can see, the Sigma brush is fluffier and fuller, while the Coastal Scents brush is a bit flatter. However, they are all so similar, the distinctions are truly minor.

Left to right: Sigma E25, MAC 217, Coastal Scents Pro Blending Fluff Brush

Close up shot of brush heads (same order as above)

I'm so thrilled. I now have four of the same style brush. Excessive? Maybe, but I'm telling you, I use this brush a lot and I'm tickled that I can now find it at a better price (and share those savings with you) and can always have a clean one ready and on hand.

So, what do you think? Are you a 217 fan? If so, will you be getting either of these brushes? If you have them already, was your experience similar to mine? Tell me what you think!

Makeup Tutorial: Easy Gray Smokey Eye

Products:
NYX Single shadow: Greyish brown
MAC Vanilla
Sonia Kashuk creme liner : Ebony
Sephora flashy liner: black

On face:
e.l.f. Mineral makeup (foundation, concealer) Medium
e.l.f. mineral blush: Coral
e.l.f. lip gloss: Flirt

Nail polish: Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Purple Rain (#410)

Dry Shampoo: Skip the suds for healthy hair

Photo credit: Sephora.com

Friends and family have often asked me about dry shampoo. In fact, some have even suggested I write a post about it. The whole dry shampoo topic usually comes up when I'm asked how I keep my hair healthy since I often use heat styling products, have had many straightening treatments (though I'm currently a keratin girl, which is much gentler), throw in coloring from time to time, and go for months between haircuts. Not to mention, my keratin treatment always last way longer than the estimated time frame (I can easily go six months or longer between treatments).


My number one answer is: I don't wash my hair every day*. In fact, I don't even wash my hair every other day. I'm going to make a confession: there have been weeks I have gone five days without washing my hair. Yep, I said it. And to make my confession even more shameful, I work out almost every day (at least 4-5 days a week, all during the work week). And I sweat, not glisten. Granted, on the last day or two of my five-day no-hair-washing-stints, my hair has been pulled back into a ponytail or some other such style. But I still managed just fine.

When I divulge this information, it is usually followed by a contorted face of disgust. But hey, you all asked. You want healthy hair, you gotta lay off the suds. Not everyone has to go to the extremities I've gone to. I can get away with it for two main reasons:

1. I have dry hair, not oily hair. So by day five, my hair is not clean, but it's not greasy. My bangs might be a little oily, but it's not anything a cute braided style can't easily hide.

2. I use dry/waterless shampoo to absorb any sweat from my workouts and keep my hair smelling clean and fresh.

I don't always go without washing my hair for five days, but typically, I can easily go three to four days without batting an eyelash. If I've had a particularly long work week, you can bet I'll push it out as far as I can, preferring to zone out on the couch when I get home to having to wash and style my hair. I have to do this task at night/after work because I just can't fit it into my morning routine (i.e., after my workout) and still make it to the office in time. So that's my excuse. And to be honest it's been working out.

• I get more bang for my buck when it comes to expensive hair treatments (e.g., keratin, coloring) because my infrequent washing keeps them from fading away.

• Save money on shampoo and conditioner (especially if you like your salon brands)

• Skipping washes keeps the natural oils from my scalp on my hair nourishing my strands and making them strong, which I think has something to do with why I can extend the time between haircuts (unless I want to keep my hair short, then I just have to go get it cut) because there is less damage to curtail.

• I keep my scalp from over producing oils by not washing them away all the time therefore managing oiliness. For gals with oily hair, use dry shampoo every other day (on the day you don't wash) and your hair should become less oily over time. You'll either be able to use less dry shampoo or add yet another day between washes.

Now that you have all my reasons for skipping the suds. Here is how you can do it without looking like you haven't washed your hair. That's the trick after all. People who compliment my hair often are completely unaware that the shiny hair they are commenting on is usually on its second or third day sans wash.

Pick a dry shampoo that works well for you! I am partial to the kinds in powder form, I think they work well for all hair types. I feel like they absorb any excess oil without leaving a film on the hair that makes my hair feel sticky and, well, unclean. I'm partial to the Oscar Blandi brand, but I'm aware it's a bit pricey. I tend to buy the travel size to mitigate the cost, but it's still not cheap. I've heard people will use baby powder as an alternative to expensive dry shampoo brands. I have not tried this method myself, but have heard many people tout it as an option. The thing to be wary about with powder dry shampoo is that you have to make sure you blend it into your hair well or else you have obvious white powder on your hair. This is especially true if you choose to use baby powder. Apply with care or you will look like someone dumped flower on your head! I am still on the hunt for a dry shampoo in powder form in a drugstore brand (or at least a drugstore price). If anyone knows of one, please tell me!

Dry shampoos also come in a spray form, which pretty much works the same as an aerosol hairspray. The only one of these types I have personally tried was the Tresemme brand, and it just did not work for my hair. I felt like it left too much of a residue-like film on my strands, which made them sticky and difficult to manage. This would have been OK if I was going to put my hair up, but on the first day I use dry shampoo, I usually still leave my hair down. However, the Tresemme dry shampoo in the aerosol can says it is geared more toward oily/straight hair, so maybe that is why it did not work for me. While I style my hair straight, it's certainly not oily. I gave it to my sister, who does have oily hair, and she had a similar experience. I'd be interested to know if anyone has tried and liked an aerosol dry shampoo.

I've recently started using the Tresemme waterless foam shampoo, which is marketed for dry or curly hair, and I like it alright. It has a fresh scent and I don't feel like it leaves a lot of residue. It's light and doesn't totally ruin my straight strands (though I still need to do a flat iron touch up after I use it, which is OK with me). It's about half the price of the travel-size Oscar Blandi dry shampoo (pictured above), so I can save my travel sized one for when I go on trips now. I also like that the Tresemme one is more easily accessible. I think the mousse waterless (it's not dry since it’s a mousse) shampoo would work really well for someone who wanted to perk up next-day curls. It certainly won't weigh them down, and may even help tame some unruly frizz.

Dry shampoo isn't a new thing on the market. Women were using talc in their hair to get through the week back when it was customary to go to the beauty parlor once a week to have your hair done (washed and styled). These days, dry shampoos also give the added benefit of a fresh scent and some formulas also help add volume to your strands to help you stretch a blow dry out for a few more days.

Alright, so here's what you do with any dry shampoo:

• Lift your hair and apply the shampoo to the roots so that it can absorb oil and sweat

• Hold for a few seconds to let that powder/spray do its absorbing

• Brush your hair to remove any residue or chalkiness (from powders). Do not brush if you are restyling curls, simply run mousse product through strands with your fingers

If after using a dry shampoo, you still feel awkward about leaving your hair down, take advantage of the texture you've just added in to your hair to create a cute style, like a volumized ponytail, or a pretty braided style. The texture in your hair (or product build up if you are just going with unwashed strands sans dry shampoo) will help hold the style in place. This is usually what I do on the last day or two of my wash-free cycle.

What are your thoughts on dry shampoo? Did you find this blog post helpful?


*This is one of the main things I don't do, but its not the only thing I do for healthy, shiny hair. I also use good hair products (shampoos, frizz fighting products, heat protectant) and tools (e.g., professional flat iron) and try to eat a healthy diet.

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

It's friends and family discount time at Urban Decay. That means time to stock up on your favorites, like the always coveted primer potions. Sadly, if you were hoping to get your hands on the Naked Palette for a cheaper price, you're out of luck, since it's excluded from the sale. It's still a hot ticket item.

Alright, so here is the skinny:

• Sale runs 7/5/11-7/10/11 at 11:59 PST
• Coupon code: FFSUMMER11
• Limit to five pieces of the same item/shade per purchase (that means you can't buy 10 of the same exact thing. You can buy more than five items total, they just have to be different things)

Happy shopping!