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...

My New Beauty Obsessions from Benefit Cosmetics

like you, any new beauty product is so exciting to have and use, but every once and awhile you get your hands on a product and you can't get enough of it. i just happen to have two new products that i am loving from Benefit: Creaseless Shadow/Liner in Birthday Suit, and their newest gloss, Ultra Shines Lip Shine in Wild Child.

i can't tell you how happy i am to have these in my beauty life!

i was introduced to these, and other goodies (see the pic above of her train case), by an old friend who just happens to be a makeup artist for Benefit! i was thrilled when i found this out because, while i have some experience with the brand, i always like to learn about products from someone who uses them all the time. so, needless to say, i was able to play with the products, ask lots of questions, and buy what i really liked (there were some other gems i picked too, so you'll be hearing about those soon).



these shadows are fab for the summer season-- the cream formula is super blendable, quickly transforms into a powder finish after being applied, and doesn't budge as the day goes on. they'll also definitely work to take me into the fall/winter season. i'm thinking Birthday Suit will keep my smokey eye looks looking fresh and radiant. :)




the Ultra Shines lippies are so lush and yummy on my lips. they aren't sticky and moisturize fabulously. the Wild Child shade is described as a glimmering amethyst and definitely not a color i would have chosen for myself. in its tube it looks so pretty-- not pink, not purple-- and quite bold, but on my lips is a great sheer-but-bright color. love!


me, wearing Wild Child-- excuse the up-the-nose shot, LOL!

of course, you don't have take my word for it-- discover these for yourself. visit your local Benefit beauty counter and have some fun! you can also find the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner (available in 12 shades) and Ultra Shines Lip Shines (available in 5 gorgeous colors) online at benefitcosmetics.com and sephora.com.

xo
pics taken by me :)

What Products Do You Find Overrated?

it's not a surprise that i use a lot of beauty products. i do it in order to bring you what i think is worth spending your hard-earned money on. but these are just my opinions, and you may even find yourself disagreeing with me from time to time. not everyone agrees on what products are amazing. in fact, there are a plethora of products that are surrounded in hype and have just as many people loving them as those who don't share the same sentiment.

i asked my fellow beauty-lovers via Twitter to answer this question for me: what product(s) do you find to be over-rated? see if you can spot the pattern...

@sugarshock: Creme de la Mer!

@ReneeRouleau I second Creme de la Mer! It's loaded with Mineral Oil...the cheapest quality oil on the market.

@fourniercomm I have to agree Creme de la mer

@BeautyBlogger Maybelline GreatLash Mascara. Have no idea why so many gals love it.

@WLCO Eve Lom Cleanser, Creme de la Mer, Strivectin

@BeautyITBag Did anyone already mention Hylexin?

@BeautyChick101 Definitely Creme de la Mer. I've never seen the amazingness behind it!



did you see it? yep, an overwhelming 5 out of 7 of these beauty-loving gals said Creme de la Mer! i admit, i actually like it, although i did prefer the gel over the original.

here are some other products i found while surfing the 'net that have been deemed "over-rated" by people who used them:

Bare Minerals
Philosophy Hope In a Jar
Benefit BadGal Mascara
Smashbox Lipgloss
Proactiv Skincare


out of the above products, i definitely think Proactiv is over-rated. it dried out my skin so much i literally started to get wrinkles around my eyes and forehead, and it did nothing to clear up my skin-- not good! in any case, tell me...

what product(s) do you find to be over-rated? tell me in the comments!

xo
image source

review: That Gal by Benefit

i like to go and have my makeup done at beauty counters so i can experience not only new products, but products i may have heard of but never used. this occurred the last time i went to the Benefit counter and the sales woman used That Gal to prep my face.

"That Gal is a skin brightener and primer," she explained, "but one thing i really love about it is that you can apply it over existing makeup and apply more makeup over it if you don't have time to start from scratch. your make looks refreshed, and know one is the wiser."

what?!

yep, she was right. That Gal is not only a makeup primer, but it is an all around skin brightener and works to smooth out your skin and give it a fresh look. i have to say, it was love at first use. and the smell is so yummy, i knew i had to take it home with me.

and that's what i did. and i've been loving it ever since. the sheer pink formula gives my skin a great glow and my foundation-- whether i opt for a liquid, cream or powder-- stays in place and looks great. i have even done the "over the makeup" trick i first learned at the Benefit counter a few times with no side effect of irritation or breakouts. love this stuff!

find That Gal at your local Benefit counter or store, in Sephora and online at sephora.com

xo

How To Create A Gorgeous Valentine's Day Look

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and since i know you beauty gals love tips and how-to's (i know i do!), i asked my new friend and celebrity makeup artist Melissa Walsh to put together a fabulous V-Day look (complete with tips and product suggestions) that will have you looking flawless in 30 minutes! take a look...




for the best looking skin, prepping it first is key.




Melissa says, "start by cleansing your face thoroughly. i love the Clarisonic Brush and combine this with a good face wash by Murad (i use the clarifying wash as i have oily skin but there are many different types to suit every skin type). the brush not only gets rid of any dull dry skin but also gets the circulation going and gives it an instant healthy glow!"








"next, moisturize with a good moisturiser. as anyone who has read any of my previous features will know, i adore Alpha Derma CE by Janson Beckett as it creates a tight smooth base, just perfect for putting makeup on."







"now that your skin is prepped you can start your makeup. i love Hourglass Fluid Veil foundation and use this on all my celebrity clients as it creates a perfectly even, flawless base that doesn't look at all heavy. blend this well with a sponge and then apply an undereye concealer- Jouer Age Repairing Brightener is amazing. cover any blemishes with a concealer that is perfectly designed for the job - Murad Acne Treatment Concealer hides and treats at the same time."









"for a really romantic glow, use cream blusher and blend onto the apples of the cheeks (Josie Maran make some lovely natural colors). finish with a light dusting of powder over the t-zone, omitting the cheeks so as not to dull the natural sheen of the blush."





"for your eyes, a light look with some definition is all that is needed. i really like cream eyeshadows for this as they are easy to apply and the right ones stay put all night. i really like Tarte Lock and Roll. just use the cream for this look (there is a powder on the other end). smooth the cream eyeshadow over the lid and into the crease, making sure it feathers out and doesn't have a hard edge. then, taking Laura Mercier's Smoky Eye Brush, dip the tip of it into a dark matte powder eyeshadow (dark brown or black preferably) and lightly line your top lashline."







"line your lower lids with a metallic eyeliner in gold or silver for a bright eyed look. once again a light hand is essential - Urban Decay has a great selection and they stay on all night! now, a few coats of mascara- Lash Venom by DuWop is my choice of the moment - and your eyes are done."






"for a soft kissable mouth use a rosy tinted stain- Benefit Benetint is the original and still one of the best. finally, top with Beautifull Lips by Janson Beckett; it plumps up the mouth instantly and makes your lips rosier without leaving gloopy lipgloss on your man!"



thanks Melissa!

want to create a look in 15 minutes or less? check out my feature that Melissa helped me out with for a Style Bakery Beauty feature by clicking here.

xo

Cyber Monday: Free 'Miss Popularity' from Benefit!

if you've been eyeing that certain product from Benefit, but aren't completely convinced you should splurge, here's an excuse to hit that "add to shopping bag" button!

Benefit is offering a free Miss Popularity with the purchase of $30 or more today only*! just enter code PARTYGAL when you check out.

happy cyber monday!

xo
*offer valid until 11:59 pacific time

fabulous gift idea: Benefit Sexy Stash

wrapped up and ready to give, Benefit Sexy Stash will look darling wherever you put it! the makeup-lover that opens this will be thrilled at the contents...

Sexy Stash includes three of Benefit's sassiest best-sellers: thrrrob, the pulse-racing pink face powder, that gal brightening face primer & BADgal mascara for lush, sexy lashes!

this is such a fabulous set, you may just want to buy one for yourself! a $75 value, Benefit Sexy Stash retails for only $58!

find Sexy Stash at your nearest Benefit counter and benefitcosmetics.com

xo

Get Vanessa Hudgen's Glowing Look

summer may be over, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your bronzed look. chances are you still have a tan (real or fake), so your makeup should compliment it accordingly.

makeup artist Brett Freeman created a fabulous look for Vanessa Hudgens for her appearance at Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood Party last month, and the makeup was flawless. as you can see, he kept the High School Musical star's look fabulously radiant.

"Vanessa was still bronzed from touring in mexico, so we wanted to play up her glow with make-up and hair that would suit her luminous skin,” said Freedman.

foundation: Neutrogena Visibly Even liquid makeup in True Beige blended to even her skin tone

bronzer: Stila Sun in shade 2 used to set the foundation

blush: to warm up her cheeks, Freedman lightly blended Rosie Jane Cheek Gloss in Peony and swept Benefit 10 all over as a highlighter.

eyeshadow: M.A.C. Spiced Chocolate Eye Shadow X4 was swept all over her lid to create a pale, matte eye.

eye liner: Freedman lined her lashes with Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner in Love Metal after applying eye shadow.

brows: “i cleaned up her brows with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Dual Sided Tweezer, then added a bit of drama and definition with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Powder in Milk Choco,” said Freedman.
mascara: the makeup artist coated her lashes four times with Vanitymark the LASH Mascara

lips: Benefit Her Glossiness in Who Are You Wearing

highlights/countour: after applying all the make-up, Freedman misted Vanitymark SHIMMERSKIN Body Glisten “on her arms, chest and back to really amp up her natural glow.”

you can easily mimic this look with most of these products, regardless of your skintone. for the other products, like blush and foundation, be sure to choose what suits you.

xo
photo: Jason Merritt/FilmMagic via instyle.com

Benefit Introduces BADgal plumb

hold on to your hats dear beauty girls (and boys)...

Benefit has launched BADgal plumb! yes, you read right.

the cult favorite mascara, BADgal lash, has had another child (the first being BADgal blue) so we can add another mascara to the arsenal!

i love BADgal lash for it's dramatic eyelash effect, but never even attempted to try Badgal blue (sorry, baby #1, i just wasn't interested). now this warm plumb color has me tapping my fingertips on the table impatiently waiting for it's arrival...

maybe it will be an early delivery....

Badgal plum is now available at benefitcosmetics.com

xo

find a mascara you will love with The Lash Stash

searching for a new mascara can be a difficult task if you blindly purchase without any sort of plan. packaging can be so misleading, so how are you to know if this ginormous lash mascara is (or isn't) better than this mega-ultra big lash mascara?

Sephora (who else?) has taken it upon themselves to help you out!

The Lash Stash is a collection of 7 black mascaras, and are in a travel size. all are best-sellers, so you can rest assured you'll find at least one you absolutely adore.

this limited-edition kit includes a 0.14 oz Benefit A Little Bit BADgal Lash in Black, a 0.02 oz Blinc Kiss Me Mascara in Black, a 0.15 oz LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes in Black, a 0.12 oz Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Black (stay tuned for my review of this one), a 0.24 oz Stila Multi-Effect Mascara in Black, a 1.0 oz Sephora Brand Lash Plumper in Black, and a 0.17 oz Too Faced Lash Injection in Black.

this is so ingenious! why didn't i think of this? no worries. at least now if you don't like a mascara, you don't have to feel guilty about throwing it away! find The Lash Stash exclusively at Sephora.



xo

i'm so close to a spa experience, but there
are still many days until i know for sure. please
continue to click on the icon! thanks!

photo: sephora.com

summer beauty: try a liquid bronzer

it's summer, as you may have noticed, and bronzers are very popular. but what if you are afraid to use them?

you may be asking yourself, how do i apply this?

if you're a little scared of powder bronzer, a great way to add a glow to your skin is by using a liquid bronzer. like their powder counter-part, liquid brozers help to give yourself a just-out-in the sun glow.

these formulas can be applied with a makeup sponge, or foundation brush, and blended for a natural hint of color. mix it with your foundation for an quicker, two-in-one step, or with your face and body moisturizer for an all-over glow.

on their own, these give no coverage, and unlie a self-tanner, they do wash away at the end of the day. it sounds pretty fool-proof to me. what a great way to get your glow on!

some liquid bronzers to try:

Giorgio Armani Bronze Mania Skin Tint











Talk to the Tan by Benefit











Estee Lauder Amber Bronze Liquid for Face












have fun and be fabulous!

xo

help me win a spa experience and featured review!
click here:

images: benefitcosmetics.com, giorgioarmanibeauty.com, esteelauder.com

review: benefit b spot

fresh. light. flirty. fruity. floral. all of these words describe the new fragrance b spot by benefit.

i love everything about this scent! it's not too over-powering, but manages to attract attention. it's sensual and bold, yet playful and chic. with it's mixture of freesia, mango, black current and tangerine mixed with white orchid and amber, i think this would be an amazing summer fragrance, as well as an everyday fragrance for the cooler months.


available now at benefitcosmetics.com and a benefit counter near you!

xo

help me win a spa experience and featured review!

photo: benefit.com

create a lit-from-within glow

each month ELLE magazine publishes their "Top 5" must haves. i love highlighters for summer as they help to create such a beautiful appearance on the skin without having to use alot of makeup. check out the "Top 5" highlighters:




Origins Halo Effect-- this lightweight pearly potion, gentle enough even for sensitive skin, casts a subtle shine over skin to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.










Benefit High Beam-- the celeb makeup artist's secret weapon creates beautiful illumination with just a hint of shimmer.








Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact-- sweep on cheeks just on top of the cheekbones, after blush, to give yourself the most flattering, natural look.









Yves Saint Laurent Touche Elcat-- like a touch of magic, this take-anywhere pen adds a touch of light, banishes shadows and eliminates signs of fatigue.










Stila All Over Shimmer-- allows for added application control and will last longer than traditional powder or cream shimmers. use alone or mixed into your favorite foundation for an all-over glow.











choose any of these or find your own highlighter to create a sensational glow any time of year!




xo



source: ELLE

hot beauty trend: indigo liner

i love indigo liner as a fun spring/summer alternative to black liner. it adds color to your face without being too bright or overwhelming. try it for yourself, and see your eyes take on a new vibrancy!

for fair skin: e.l.f. Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Midnight (1) and CK Calvin Klein beauty Eye Definition Defining Eye Pencil in True Navy (2).

for medium skin: Benefit Kohl Pencil in Royale (3) and Givenchy Magic Khôl Eye Liner Pencil in Indigo Blue (4).

for dark skin: Korres Eyeliner Pencil in Blue 8 (5) and Max Factor MAXeye Liner in Jean Jacket (6).



don't be afraid of color! it is so pretty...and remember that you can always start subtly if you are a newbie to it all (think: blend, blend, blend!).

have fun and be fabulous!



xo


source: allure

Fragrance Preview: Benefit B Spot

the Benefit girl is playful, sexy and loves to have fun. this summer, you'll not only be able to spot this girl by her attitude, but by her scent as well. Benefit Cosmetics is launching B Spot, a sensual, fruity floral.

complete with a body map, B Spot is perfect for misting those special parts of the body. the back of the knee, the inner curve of the ankle and the bend of the elbow are only a few examples.


co-creator Jean Ford said, “as eight year-olds, Jane & i were mesmerized by our mother’s fragrance ritual. she applied it to the inside of her wrists then tapped them together before putting on her jewelry. her explanation, ‘this fires up my fragrance…and my attitude!’ that was our initial experience with ‘b spots’.

B Spot is made up with notes of freesia, mango, black currant, tangerine, peony, apple flower, watermelon, white orchid, sandalwood, amber, and marine.

it smells like it’s going to be a fabulous summer! i know i'll be in line for this one. B Spot will retail for $38 and will be available at Benefit counters and Benefit Stores this july.



xo


source: We Love Beauty

gifts for the rock star mom

i've given ides for the sophisticated mom, now it's time to show your rock star mom some love...










a cute pink matching sweater set? forget it. mama's got a serious case of rock n' roll in her soul! pushing that stroller in vintage designer duds, with smoky eyes and deep, crimson lips, no less, she's the epitome of effortless chic. a knockout with a touch of 'tude—just like the oh-so-edgy beauty she covets—this pop princess tops the style charts time after time. one-hit wonders ask: how does she always get it right?

check out the video for a rock star look, then scroll down for fabulous gift ideas...










Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum-- flirtatious. romantic. precious. this floral is fun anf fabulous, just like your rockin' mom.













Benefit BADgal Blue Mascara
this eye brightening, blue-violet mascara give eyes a deeper dimension of color: blues more blue, browns more golden and hazel eyes appear more lush green.












Smashbox Shockwave Fusion Eye & Cheek Palette this palette allows the user to create a range of looks with four shimmering eyeshadows and a multi-hued fusion cheek powder in one double-tiered, mirrored palette. it's portable, so keeping gorgeous eyes and a glowing complexion at home or on-the-go is no problem. the chic metallic fabric and shockwave press make it a fabulous addition to your train case.









Hard Candy Delinquent Mini Nail Kit
why commit to one nail polish when it so exciting to have seven?! this kit is a perfect sampling of upcoming trends in nail color. the formula is toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP-free, with technologically advanced plasticizers to prevent chipping. plus, each bottle is still garnished with a matching Hard Candy jelly ring!




here's to the rock star mom!


xo


source: sephora

poof..your perfect!

Benefit presents a new ingenious concealer that camouflages and brightens.

Erase Paste claims signs of stress & fatigue are a thing of the past with this innovative formula. this concentrated, creamy, blendable concealer instantly brightens & camouflages all-in-one. the three brightening neutral shades (fair, medium and deep) give every gal correction perfection. it also includes a step-by-step lesson and little spatula.

receive free shipping when you order Erase Paste. enter promo code BRIGHTEN at checkout.

xo

pink to please a woman....

one of my favorite cosmetic companies, benefit, has introduced a new product. and in the tradition of quirky, fun benefit product names, they now have (drum roll, please...) pink to please a woman...gold to get the guy!
according to benefit,..."shades of tender pink and seductive gold are made for mixing & matching to create a warm, soft, ethereal look. Pink always... gold forever!"
i don't know about you, but pink is my all-time favorite color, and pairing it with gold will surely bring a beautiful glow to us this spring!
**an added bonus: enter promo code PINKGOLD when you add pink to please a woman...gold to get the guy and get free standard shipping on your order through jan. 28, 2008.

here's to looking fabulous!

xo