Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Mommy Maintenance : EVER Skincare and Make-up

It's been a while since we've written a Mommy Maintenance post, but it's one of those topics that is our favorite to discuss.  All of us mamas need a little "me" time once and a while and doing things for ourselves that help us look and feel better is well deserved for all hard working moms.  


Today we're dishing all about EVER, a skincare and make-up line that is made with good-for-you ingredients, but also has the science to back up it's products.  So not only do they work, but they are made without any of the bad stuff.  We both gave a few of their products and try and couldn't wait to share what we thought!  

What Carrie Beth Tried... 

Some of you might have used EVER's skincare products or at least heard of them before, but did y'all know they now have a make-up line also?  We were so excited to learn this because we are lovers of make-up and beauty products, but want to use products that are not harmful or full of chemicals.  

I tried the Color Quickie set that basically includes an eye and check palette, mascara, and lip gloss.



Our friend, Amy, suggested that the Elegant and Empowered Out The Door palette and then I went with the Rose Nude gloss. I must say, these are colors I never would have chosen for myself because I always tend to go more for the pink blush and lips, but I REALLY love it.



The Out The Door palette does just what the name suggests.  It is made up of eye and check colors that are designed to highlight your natural beauty and get you out the door fast!  It comes with a guide that suggests how to wear the various colors together and how to apply, which I really appreciated and learned something from. I really love how natural it all looks, but I still feel put together and made up.



The Flash power plumping gloss does just that...adds a bit of color and shine to you lips and you an literally feel the plumping action when you apply.  The Whiplash volumizing mascara has been great because it really makes your lashes look longer and thicker, without being clumpy or smearing on my eyelids or under my eyes after a long day.



Last, but not least, I tried a sample of this Daylight Tinted Moisturizer and just placed my order for a full size bottle.  I love that it has SPF and I plan on wearing it as a light foundation all spring and summer.  The best part about it is that it smells AMAZING!!!  

What Jen Tried... 
The last few years I've really tried to pay more attention to my skincare routine, and what I need most to keep my skin in the best shape possible.  I tend to lean towards cleaner all natural products, so when Amy asked if we wanted to try a few things from EVER's line I was so excited to learn more about their popular clean beauty line.


After pouring over EVER's website and information I decided to test out some of their most popular skin care items. Both the Reveal Biomimetic Peel Pads and the Lavish Body Butter have rave reviews!


The purpose of the Reveal pads is to help firm, smooth and re-texturize skin without irritating it. For me this is key! As I (ahem) age, I've noticed my skin is beginning to loose it's elasticity. Anything that is willing to help counterbalance all that damage I did to myself in my 20's (here's looking at you baby oil and tanning beds), I'm in. I've tried a few other products that promise similar results, but let's just say my skin was a little sensitive and those didn't go over too well. 


The pads were named part of Allure's Best of Beauty awards in 2015 and 2016. Between that backing and that they have great reviews for all skin types, I was willing to give it a try. 


I'm so glad that I did! Amy warned me that if I have more sensitive skin to use these lightly and no more than 3 times a week to start. I typically have clear skin with a sightly dryer complexion. I've been using them for about two weeks now, and am loving the results so far. 


I do a quick swipe with one of the pads after I wash my face and then follow up with my night serum and a moisturizer. Even after the first use I've noticed my skin feels firmer and smoother. I tested using the pads on back to back nights, but it definitely made my skin feel a little dryer, so I have continued to use them every other day like Amy suggested and I think that is the perfect balance. 

I'm definitely curious now after giving the Reveal Pads a try - and seeing the great results - what it would be like to do EVER's full Pure Results Regimen. The pads are the second step, but they have a whole coordinating line! 


My biggest skincare complaint is dry skin. In the winter, I'm constantly combatting dry itchy skin between battling the elements and the constant hand washing routine that comes with those germy heightened months. In the summer months, between the chlorine and 1,000,000 SPF I now wear that takes a week to scrape off, my skin also tends to need extra moisture. When I read about EVER's Lavish Body Butter I couldn't wait to try it. 


How has this not been in my life earlier?! Holy moly, I was missing out! Not only does it feel ah-mazing, it smells amazing too! 


The tiniest little bit goes a long way, and my skin has never felt more moisturized. I totally agree with Allure magazine and all the reviewers who rated Lavish a top product. I want to roll in it and soak in it's luxuriousness every single day. 


Lavish is definitely one of my favorite new skin care products, and unless someone else can come up with a better magical moisturizing cream one I think this is one I will now use for life! 

Ways To Save...
We really do feel like these products are priced right for what they are, but if you are like us, you want to try to save money anywhere you can and feel like you're getting a good deal.  There are several ways to save on EVER products so we wanted to be sure to fill you in on the details. 

First off, you should subscribe to save. We know you might be kind of weary of subscribing to something that you have never even used before, but you'll immediately save 10% off your order AND get a 10% credit in your account to use for future purchases.  You can select 30, 45, or 60 days for your reorder and push that back as many times as you would like (or even end up canceling if you don't want to reorder the product).  So, you'll get an email before it is ready to ship and you an push it back another 60 days if you would like and do that as many times as you want. If you subscribe you also get a $30 credit in your account on your birthday month!  

Another way to save is by contacting us!  We have unique links that will save you $10 off of your first order of over $50 or more. That's a pretty big savings if you ask us.  Each link is unique, so simply email us at themagnoliamamas@gmail.com and we will send you a link to save! 

Have more questions about EVER?  Want to learn more?  Our friend, Amy, can help! 
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Have you used EVER products before? What are your favorites?! 



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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Mommy Maintenance: LipSense

It's been a while since I've had a post in our Mommy Maintenance series, but I'm so excited about what I'm sharing with y'all today!


First up though, here is a look at the other posts in this series so far: 


Now onto today's topic of lipstick!  I'm a girly-girl and have always loved make up.  I think it started with me always admiring how beautiful both of my grandmothers always were.  They were true southern belles and it may speak to their generation, but they were always perfectly polished with their hair curled, wearing pearls, and lipstick on.  When I was a little girl I loved playing in their jewelry and accessories, dabbing some of their powder on my nose and begging for some lipstick that they would always share with me on the way to church when I was little.


It is pretty rare for me to be seen without makeup.  Not because I'm self-conscious without it, but because I feel more complete and put together with it on.  When my cousin, Bryn, texted me a while back and asked if I had heard of LipSense I was kind of surprised I hadn't.  Mostly because with social media I see a lot of the trends and new products early, but this was completely new to me. 

LipSense is a long lasting lip color that literally stays on all.day.long. I thought it was too good to be true, but I was excited to try it out for myself.  

I watched THIS VIDEO and was instantly intrigued.  Obviously some of these colors are WAY out there, but there are a lot of regular everyday colors for everyday mamas just like me and I actually had a hard time narrowing it down and picking just one to try.  

I had so many questions, including how in the world does this actually work and how is it possible.   It is waterproof, kiss proof and smudge proof.  Seeing this graphic helped explain a lot. 


The first color I tried was Champagne Beige.  I loved it because it was similar to something I'd wear on an everyday basis.  Whenever I want to give my little Boo-Boo a kiss he makes me pause and then he checks to see if I'm wearing lipstick because he does NOT want any of it on him.  However, with this he doesn't have to worry because it stays put on my lips and does not transfer all over his cheeks!! 


You are supposed to apply this product in three layers to ensure longevity and you put it on in very thin layers. When I first started wearing it I think I missed that step so my color was a lot darker than expected, but that was because I was putting it on thicker.  Basically it should look like you don't have anything on the applicator when you put it on.  



When you first put the lip color on it does feel kind of sticky and weird, but it doesn't transfer.  Then you are supposed to put on the glossy gloss right after the lip color has dried. It kind of helps lock in the color and give you the moisturizing your lips need.  It lasts a while, but when my lips start to feel dry I reapply a few times throughout the day.  I'm obsessed with my lips being moisturized so I love this gloss.  It isn't thick or goopy and I feel like it lasts and stays on a very long time.  


I have LOVED using LipSense and have ordered two more colors from Bryn...Pink Champagne and Lexie Bear-y.  There are so many colors it is hard for me to narrow it down, but if you don't like something you can send it back, no questions asked.  I loved that and it made me stress a lot less when trying to pick out a color!  And not to blow your mind or anything, but because this is worn in layers, you can wear different colors for each layer to create unlimited color possibilities!


I love having my lipstick on and feeling polished and put together, even if I'm just having a regular day.  It has been so great for me because I get ready first thing in the morning and don't have time to reapply, touch-up, or even care about my make up until I'm ready to take it off that night.  It takes me through my workout classes, through running errands, through lunch, afternoon carpool, homework help, sports practices and games, dinner and beyond.  It truly does last all day!


Last Friday we went to a Billy Joel concert at SunTrust park and I knew I didn't want to bring a big purse.  When picking and choosing what to put in my small clutch it was so nice not hot have to bring a bunch of different lipsticks and glosses. I just brought my glossy gloss with me because I knew my lip color would last all night.  Through dinner, drinks, singing, dancing and enjoying the show, it never faded and was perfect all evening.


Another perfect example of why I love LipSense occurred yesterday.  I was being officially inducted as secretary of our PTA.  It was part of a brunch and while I knew a lot of the people in the room I was still kind of dreading getting up in front of them all.  However, I felt confident when I did have to stand in front of the room because I knew that even though I'd eaten my delicious brunch, I didn't have to worry about my lipstick rubbing off or getting all over my face!


After many hours the color does eventually start to wear off or if you want to remove it sooner you just use the Oops Remover and wipe it off.  Easy as that!  I've been so happy with my LipSense and wouldn't recommend anything that I didn't really love. Right now Bryn is offering a special for a first time collection.  


If you are interested in learning more don't hesitate to leave questions in the comments and I will try to answer.  You can also see all sorts of application videos, colors, and other information on Bryn's Facebook page. I'm always learning something new or seeing new fun colors I want to try!

You can also contact her by email (LipsWithB@gmail.com) and she is on Instagram.

I'd love to know what you think!  Have you tried LipSense?  Do you think it is too good to be true?  Leave me a comment and let me know!
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Friday, March 31, 2017

Friday Favorites

It's no secret we love Fridays around here, but we love Fridays before Spring Break even more.  That's right...we are turning off our alarm clocks for a week.  We've been on the go so much this winter that I'm excited about enjoying a stay-cation next week.  It will be full of some birthday celebrations, some downtime, some fun outings around town and some sleep.  

Today we're linking up with some of our favorite bloggers for Friday Favorites and I'm sharing a random assortment of my recent favorites. 



Before we went to the Super Bowl I ordered two new make-up products from Amazon that were recently recommended to me.  One is a primer and the other is a setting spray, both of which I have never used before.  The primer is a base for foundation that allows it to go on smoother and last longer.  The setting spray acts kind of like a hair spray. You spray it on after you are done applying your make up and it should help everything stay looking like it did when you first applied. 


I've really loved using these two products and think they really help with keeping my makeup looking great all day.  I put it on first thing in the morning and go hard all day long so whatever I do in the morning has to last me all day.  The primer is amazing. It seems watery when you first pump it out onto your hands, but when you put it on your face it totally transforms. It's hard to explain, but it is so silky and makes your face feel so smooth. I'm obsessed with it!  The setting spray smells really good and I think seems to do the trick.  I've really enjoyed using both! 



My DIY denim shorts have got to be my new favorite shorts. I've worn them several times so far and can't get enough. 


In fact, I wore them last weekend to Little Mama's cheer competition and when the Mr. saw me later that evening he asked if I got new shorts. 


I asked him if he read the blog or looked at our Instagram (he doesn't) so he was impressed to learn I had made them myself.  Let's be honest though...he was probably more impressed that I saved money by finding the denim at Goodwill and making them myself.  To see all of the details and directions to create some of your own check out the post HERE



To pair with those cute denim shorts I shared this adorable ATL tank I found at Target of all places.  Their whole line of local pride tops are amazing. They remind me of something you'd find at a local boutique instead of in your local Target.  The price is right (less than $15 each) so I ended up buying 3 different styles (HERE, HERE & HERE).



Not only does it look cute with my DIY denim shorts, but it also works out great for a top to work out in.  I usually wear a medium in tops for the length, but sized up to a large for these and I'm so glad I did. They shrank quite a bit when I washed/dried them and I honestly like the roomier fit.  Target is offering these featuring tons of cities so see all of the options HERE.



OK, I have to share these new protein bars that I recently discovered. I usually eat some sort of protein bar every afternoon between 3-5 PM because I'm usually getting hungry about that time and just need something to get me through to dinner.  It's usually the time I'm running kids around from place to place so I always throw one in my purse for on the go.  


Years ago I started using the term "cookie on a spoon" because I love to eat cookie dough that much.  I used to LOVE a cookie dough flavored bar that isn't made anymore. Last week I was determined to find something similar so I bought several different varieties and was pumped to find a winner.  Many were too grainy or too rubbery or didn't even taste like cookie dough AT ALL. But friends, when I took a bite into the Zone Perfect bar I needed the both hands raised emoji.  They are THAT good.



These are creamy, have the constancy of real cookie dough and are such a treat.  Seriously after lunch I start thinking about them and wondering when it will be time to have my afternoon snack.  My only complaint is that I wish they were bigger!  I've had the cookies and cream flavored one and the chocolate chip flavored one and both are amazing.  I stocked up on both because now my kids love them, too!  

Ending on a fun note, I have been listening to this song on repeat for a few weeks now.  This is pretty much how I do new songs. I'll download the ones I love, listen to them on repeat for a couple of weeks and then get over them, but not this one.  I can't get enough!


Have you heard it? Do you love it like me?  I like to play it loud, sing along, and pretend I have a good voice.  #CantStopWontStop

We hope everyone has a great weekend!  
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Friday, February 24, 2017

Better Beauty with Beautycounter

Happy Friday, friends!  If you follow along on Instagram you will know that my family has been on a winter break ski trip in Colorado.  We got home at 3:30 AM this morning and are all dragging a bit. I plan to share lots and lots about our trip next week, but today I wanted to share about some amazing beauty products that we recently tried from Beautycounter.  I'm sure most of you have heard of Beautycounter, but if you are like me, you might not really have known what they were all about.  My childhood best friend and the maid of honor in my wedding, Kristen, started working with Beautycounter a few years ago and since then I have learned a lot of information.  

Their company was started by woman who learned the truth about many of the toxic chemicals in beauty products...from shampoos to soaps to make up and even baby products.  There is little regulation in the United States when it comes to these products and she wanted to help develop products that were still just as effective, but that were safer for your health.  I absolute loved that and learned so much from this video HERE.  

I've tried a variety of products from Beautycounter and wanted to share some of my favorites with y'all!  Plus, make sure you read to the bottom of this post for a special discount offer from Kristen

I love make-up, especially lipstick and lip gloss, but I'm really picky about my lipgloss.  I don't want it to be too thick and sticky, but also, not to watery and runny.  Also, I can't stand when it gets all goopy around the edge when you twist the top back on. All of that to say that I just LOVE the Beautycounter lip gloss.  It is the perfect consistency and it has Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant with hydrating ski and conditioning elements.  This one is Blossom, which is a perfect pearly pink!  Also, the applicator tip is at an angle, which makes putting it on that much easier. It's the little things people!  


While we are on the topic of lips, I have a confession to make. I am obsessed with chapstick. I can't stand to have my lips dry and I am constantly adding some sort of moisturizer to my lips.  About a year ago I started having all sorts of problems with my lips. At first I thought my lips had gotten sunburned at the lake so I kept applying more chapstick. The problem didn't get better and it became so painful that after a few months I finally went to the dermatologist and they confirmed what I had already been suspecting...I was having an allergic reaction to something in one of the many chapsticks/lipsticks I was using. Because I had them stashed everywhere...in my car, in my desk, in my purse, on my nightstand, everywhere...I had no idea which one was causing the problem. My dermatologist suggested that I stop using all products on my lips except one so that I could figure out what was causing the problem.

All of that to say, now I am VERY careful about what type of products I use on my lips and this lip conditioner has been wonderful. It soothes and softens my lips with peppermint and rosemary oils and I don't have to worry about having any awful allergic reactions.  I've really been putting this to use this winter when my lips are even more dry than normal.


Another thing that I have loved using this winter is this nourishing cream exfoliator.  I feel like my skin is always a little dry and blah this time of year and this exfoliator helps take away impurities with non-abrasive jojoba beads.  Doesn't that just sound luxurious?!  It's like a spa treatment in the comfort of my own shower.


I mentioned that we were skiing earlier this week and we had the best time!  We were lucky because it was actually really warm for skiing (like upper 40's warm) and very sunny most of the time we were there.


Those are always the times that the sun sneaks up on us and causes sunburn though. I made sure to bring the Beautycounter stick sunscreen with me on our trip so I could easily apply and reapply on the kids and myself.  I use this stick face sunscreen all year long.  It goes to the beach, pool and lake with us all summer and it was spotted on the ski slopes with me this winter.  I'm sure you have all read the articles about all of the unsafe sunscreens out there, but I have found the safe ones usually are very thick, white, and hard to rub in.  It drives my kids crazy, but actually this stick they love because it goes on CLEAR!!!  Yes, it is the best stick sunscreen I have found and it smells great, too! An added bonus is that it was small enough to keep in my ski jacket pocket all week long.


My vacation just ended as Jen's was beginning.  She was so happy to have this jet set travel pack to take with her so she knew she would have safe products to use for her family, even while away from home!


And one last product I am super excited about is this Lustro Shimmer Oil.  Here's the thing. We just got done with a cold winter vacation and next week we're going to be on a little warm weather weekend getaway.  I already dreaming of warm, sunny weather and I'm planning outfits with shorts, tank tops and sandals. BUT, my skin is pretty pale and plain after winter so I'm excited about getting a little hint of shimmer with this dry oil.  It creates sun-kissed radiance and a bronzing effect that can be used on the face and body.  My white legs and arms are going to NEED this. 


Side note...these sandals are a Jack Rogers look-alike from TARGET! I could never wear Jack Rogers because the soles are so hard, but these Sam and Libby ones are SO comfortable and I love that the gold color will match practically everything.  They always sell out so fast so I would order quickly if you want to find them in your size! 

If anyone is interested in ordering any of these or other Beautycounter products from my friend, Kristen, she is offering 15% cash back on all orders (pre tax and shipping) for our readers through the end of February.  No promo-code needed, but for all orders she will either PayPal or Venmo your cash back!  Can't beat that deal!

For anyone interested I would highly suggest you like Kristen's Beautycounter Facebook page.  She is always sharing lots of tid-bits and special offers.

Learn more about Beautycounter: 

Have you tried any Beautycounter products?  Which are your favorites?  I'm always on the hunt for more products to try!  
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