best beauty: BB and CC Creams

 two skincare items i'm still obsessed with are BB and CC creams. since the fall season has started, it's the perfect excuse opportunity for you {and me!} to change or try a new one. while perusing the InStyle UK website i came across two lists i thought you'd enjoy, which just so happens to feature BB and CC creams.

here are a few picks that stood out to me…

Estee Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF 30 ~ i love the Double Wear foundation, so i can only image this BB to be just as fabulous, but in a lighter, skin-nourishing way.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ~ i've tried this one; wear it alone or as a base. if you're a fan of Smashbox, you'll love this! 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream ~ my daughter uses this one and loves it. i have yet to try it myself, but stay tuned, i will soon enough...

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream ~ this looks great for creating a gorgeous, dewy glow. it's hydrating and also oil-free so it would work well on all skin types.

Bobbi Brown CC Cream SPF 35 ~ i'm a fan of Bobbi's makeup and {from what i've read} this seems like a great treat for the skin.

Cover FX CC Cream Time Release Tinted Treatment ~ i'm a fan of the new BB Mattifying Gel, so i'm guessing this anti-aging treatment won't disappoint.


check out InStyle UK's full list of BB Creams and CC Creams ~ are any of your faves on the list? which ones do you want to try the most? let me know in the comments!

all images acquired via InStyle UK

beauty review: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes

as i grow older more fabulous, i've found myself using concealer under my eyes on a more frequent basis. the use of eye creams, anti-aging serums, gels and the like are not new to me, and i'm a huge fan of highlighting/illuminating products. so, as one might expect, when i was introduced to Smashbox BB Camera Ready for Eyes, i was obviously very curious and excited to try the new multitasker. 

 and it is a multitasker!

not just a concealer, this beauty is also a treatment, a primer, an illuminator and offers spf 15 sun protection. 

love it!

and just when you think it can't do any more, it does. BB for Eyes can also be used to highlight your brow bones, giving your face a more lifted appearance, and you can use it when contouring around the cheeks, creating a more defined look.

have you tried Smashbox BB for Eyes yet? visit smashbox.com for more info. 

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

beauty review: Avon Ideal Flawless BB Cream

 i'm in love with BB creams. i'm not afraid to admit it. i realize they've been around for some time, and yes, i know CC creams are becoming more popular {which, don't get me wrong, i've been using a few of those as well, and they do serve different purposes}, but it seems i've been just slightly more obsessed with BBs as of late...

each beauty brand has its own BB it seems {yes, i've been using a few many}, but the one i've been loving {and using} most recently is made by Avon.

i bought the Ideal Flawless Beauty Balm about 2 months ago and have been so happy with it. no, this BB isn't in the "splurge" category with regard to cost {just $10}, but {and you can probably relate} i'm always happy when i spend money on something i know nothing about, on a whim if you will, and it turns out to be a fabulous product! 

Ideal Flawless is silky smooth, covers gorgeously, keeps my skin looking just glowy enough and, in addition to spf 15, is infused with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin e and other antioxidants. i love that the finish lasts through the day and wears beautifully under my foundation {which i can use less of thanks to it!}

available in 5 shades {i wear medium-deep}, Avon Ideal Flawless Beauty Balm cream can be purchased through your local Avon representative or online at avon.com.

i bought this; pic taken by me :)

happy blogiversary to BGM!! {plus some beauty goodies i want to try in 2014}

happy friday, dolls! hope your week has ended well ~ are you ready for the weekend?

my kids are out of school on break, so weekdays and weekends these days don't differ too much from each other. it's a nice change, not to have to go anywhere, though i do keep my morning routine the same {waking, exercising, eating breakfast at the same time, etc.}. 

 unfortunately, my son came down with a little bug over the last couple of days and is currently sick. such a bummer! on the positive side {i guess}, it's better that he's not missing any school {which happened last school year and he was out for a week}.

so, this is {part of} my life right now, LOL! never a dull moment…

other than that, everything is good. i'm {mostly} healthy and my daughter is well. i'm enjoying the gifts i received at christmas and am looking forward to my 34th birthday {this monday, the 30th!}.

and….

today is the 6th blogiversary of Beauty Girl Musings!

i can hardly believe it! it's been quite a fun experience, and i still love discovering and sharing all the fabulous, beauty-ful goodies here with you in my small space on the web!

with that said, there are some products on my radar that i hope to try firsthand in the coming months. you most likely feel the same and/or already own them yourself! take a look…

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

it's no secret this palette is the it palette right now thanks to its gorgeous rose-hued neutrals. i've been watching and reading many tutorials and it's easy to understand why this unique, versatile mix of matte and shimmer shadows is fast becoming the must-have for beauty fans.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
since i finally joined the Revlon ColorStay fan band wagon {better late than never, haha}, i'm on a mission to not let years go by before i give in and try this highly-rated foundation. i j'adore my Estee Lauder Double Wear {HG!!}, and while ColorStay has been a seriously close second {i've been using it daily, i confess, for well over a month}, i can't help but be curious to find out if i'll be among those who will replace the Revlon with this CG formulation. i just have to find the correct shade. stay tuned...



Stila Masterpiece Series Eye and Cheek Palettes
create a gorgeous look with this "book", featuring 4 beauty volumes {three are shadows and blushes while the fourth volume includes get-the-look tutorials, tips, and tricks from Stila Pro Artist, Sarah Lucero}. inspired by vintage artistry, each book features a look ~ The Minimalist, The Impressionist and The Modernist ~ that promises to help achieve specific looks. only available online

Benefit POREfessional Agent Zero Shine Powder
i've heard so many rave reviews about this powder, and since i'm currently enjoying The POREfessional balm, i'm trying to contain my excitement over trying it myself. the beauty community says  Agent Zero Shine is just fabulous for finishing your look as well as keeping shine at bay throughout the day.

CC Creams
 like a punched-up BB cream {which include ingredients to hydrate, color correct and protect skin from the sun}, the CC creams have more skincare benefits and lighter texture. coverage varies, i've learned, but brands like Cover FX, IT Cosmetics, Pur Minerals, Clinique and Smashbox have had good reviews. i'm excited to experience this this new wave of skincare makeup ~ just as i finally found the BBs i like and match my skin well, LOL!



what products are on your 2014 beauty list?
 here's to another fabulous year, dolls! enjoy your weekend...