April Beauty Favorites

This month I've picked up a few new things, and rediscovered some old ones. As always I have tried to pull together some high end products and some drugstore ones (though this month leans heavy on the high end, woops).

1. Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle -- This came in my April Birchbox (post coming soon, I promise) and let me tell you, I will never be caught with out this stuff again. DARE I say it's better than my it's a 10. I don't know y'all. My hair is thicker, stronger, shinier and I definitely have less fly-aways.

2. Kate Spade Twirl perfume-- I got this stuff in a birchbox a long time ago, and it has been one of my favorites ever since. After I heard that this perfection in a bottle was being discontinued and was making its way into TJ Maxx stores across the country I've been on the hunt. Well... I finally found it when I was in New Orleans, and I've already gone through a good chunk of the 1.7 oz bottle. Guess I needed to buy it in bulk.

3. Maybelline Color Whisper in "Who Wore It Red-er"- I just picked this up last week at CVS. Y'all know I'm all about the Revlon Lip Butters, but I was curious... While my allegience still lies with Revlon, this is a great product. Super creamy, decent pigmentation and tons of moisture.

4. Supergoop CC Cream-- Now that warm weather is quickly approaching I'm a bit concerned about my face melting off... ha. Last year it was all about the BB, this year I'm sure it will be the CC, oh and did you hear? The DD creams are coming. While it's starting to get a bit out of hand, I liked what the CC claims to offer a little more coverage while still being lighter than your average foundation. While this one is a bit pricy, I really think it delivers.

5. MAC Paint Pot in Painterly-- I think I'm the last beauty enthusiast to hop on the paint pot trend, but y'all this stuff is awesome. If you aren't familiar, it's essentially a super thick tinted cream shadow/ base. You can use primer with this, but you really don't need it. I can't believe the staying power this stuff has, and it makes my other shadows pop!

6. Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder-- I've actually had this stuff for a while now, but never loved the coverage it gave me. In an effort to shop my stash I reached for this and paired it with the CC cream and absolutely loved the effect! As someone with oily skin this stuff keeps me matte for a good 7-8 hours. Just touch up a bit for happy hour and you're ready to go!

So those are my April Beauty Favorites. What have you been loving this month?

March Birchbox

Another month, another Birchbox. I can't believe it, but we're coming up on my two year birchbox anniversary (something else has an anniversary this week too, stay tuned)! I was absolutely thrilled with this month's box! So many great products and fantastic samples! 

Wish Shave Crave Shaving Cream

This is a blueberry scented shaving cream. Perfect because spring is coming, so I need be a tad more vigilant about shaving. It's super creamy and smells SO good. Plus my legs stay super moisturized after I use it! Loving this stuff so far, but not sure it's really worth $20 price tag for the full size, but I'm loving the sample!

MAKE Satin Finish Eyeshadow

I got this sample in the gorgeous grey color called: great lakes. Now we all know how much I love grey, so this is perfect! Plus I don't have a single mid-toned matte grey in my collection. Thanks Birchbox! I really love the formulation of this shadow. It's not hyper pigmented, but it blends well and is very buildable for more color impact. Plus 30% of every MAKE product goes straight to charity! Love that.  

MAKE Face Primer SPF 30

More MAKE stuff. I'm really impressed with this new brand because this primer is right up my alley. I love that it has 30 SPF, because this girl doesn't want any more wrinkles or skin cancer while were at it.  This primer is awesome. It's kind of tacky when you apply it, so it doesn't blend super well. You need a decent amount to properly cover your face, but I feel like the texture really binds with my foundation, so that stuff is not moving! Definitely considering buying this in full size.

Nick Chavez® Beverly Hills Color-Saver Sulfate Free Shampoo

Once again, birchbox knows me so well. I'm almost out of my super expensive shampoo that I was talked in to last summer. MAN was I stingy with that stuff. 1-2 times a week MAX. Anyways, I'm super excited to try this stuff out!

Plus they send me a great floral emery board! and lord knows I always need more of those. So what did you get in your box this month? Have you gotten it yet?

February Birchbox Brag!

Guess what I'm bringing back?

Yep. That's right. It's been a hot minute since I've linked up with Katie and Tara, but like I said yesterday, I am refocusing the blog a bit-- back to basics if you will. Well, I have a makeup obsession--- and that's really why I started this blog--- but you wouldn't know it if you've been reading lately. #Fail. Oh well. There's no time like the present. So here's what I got in my Birchbox this month! 

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Birchbox says: To fully appreciate this dermatologist-quality scrub, a mini skincare lesson is in order. Let’s start with enzymes: these potent ingredients actually dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Microderm crystals, on the other hand, are ultra fine minerals that buff away tired skin. Vasanti’s multi-action exfoliator includes both enzymes and micro crystals, plus healing natural ingredients. The result? Renewed, decongested skin without any redness. A single tube will last you four to six months.

Blue Dog Belle says: I adore this stuff. I have been using it daily since I got it and I can tell such a huge difference. The micro-scrubbing power of this stuff is like nothing I've ever come across. It's definitely expensive, but a little seems to go a VERY long way. I'm so happy with this! I'd definitely recommend it!

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo

Birchbox says: if you’re a devoted Birchbox reader, you’re probably well aware that we have a serious infatuation with dry shampoo. Our latest obsession is this game-changer from hip brand TIGI. A couple of quick spritzes instantly zaps excess oil, perks up flat locks, and lets us go an extra day (okay, four) without shampooing.

Blue Dog Belle says: game-changer is not an understatement. Smells amazing. So effective. Dare I say it even lets me rock day 3 hair. Eww. I know. But its happened. I will DEFINITELY be buying a full size. 

Juicy Couture Couture La La 3.4oz

Birchbox says: Created with the fearless free spirit in mind, this brand new scent from Juicy Couture is a punk rock update on the original Juicy Couture. One part fruity, one part tart, and one part floral, it’s neither too sweet nor too girly. Plus, the glam bottle is worthy of a front-and-center spot on your vanity.

Blue Dog Belle says: I'm a big fan of Juicy perfumes, and this one is lovely. But it's not my favorite. It's a little youthful for me, but I think the birchbox description is definitely accurate. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

Birchbox says: Ever since we discovered Jouer’s best selling Luminizing Moisture Tint, the skin perfector has been our secret to getting a healthy, glowy complexion. We never thought anything could come between us and our beloved LMT—until we met this brand new mattifying version. The oil-free formula controls shine all day long and gives skin a soft, velvety finish. It blends in easily and keeps your face protected with SPF 15. We don’t see anything wrong with having two favorites.

Blue Dog Belle says: again, love the brand, not this particular product so much. I like fuller coverage foundations so this product is automatically not what I'm looking for. I felt that the pigment wore off quickly (with in 6 hours or so) and it didn't really keep me matte for long. If you're looking for a matte verion of their tints, this is definitely it. Just not the right formulation for me or my preferences. 

Ghirardelli Milk & Caramel SQUARES

Birchbox says: As Mary Kate and Ashley, Simon and Garfunkel, and Mickey and Minnie would probably attest, it takes two to make a thing go right. Enter our latest Birchbox Find: Ghirardelli’s melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate squares filled with velvety caramel. The individually-wrapped squares are perfect for snacking, and each is just under 75 calories. If you can be convinced to share, they make thoughtful treats for fellow chocolate-lovers.

Blue Dog Belle says: Okay. LOVE these, and I guess this month was valentines with lots of chocolate around, but I really want my birchbox to introduce me to new PRODUCTS not random chocolate I can buy at any corner store in North America.

That's all she wrote. I was a little disappointed in my box this month. I had some really great finds, but I'm not sure, I just wasn't wowed.  What did y'all think? Do you get birchbox too? 

You need this brush

Do y'all remember when I did a brief overview of my essential makeup brushes here? Well I'm back for a quick (because I have no time in my life to actually blog) addition. 

I was contacted by Sigma Beauty about some of the reviews I've done, and the generously sent me some brushes to test out. Their brushes are great, and honestly rival my MAC brushes. They hold up to cleanings, are dense, soft, you name it. I honestly love the products and the prices are even better. So today I want to introduce you to one brush in particular I think you NEED to add to your brush collection.

The E25 Blending Brush.

This has seriously become my go to brush lately. In recent years I've become makeup obsessed. I spend way too much time reading makeup blogs and watching youtube videos, and if I can take anything from my hours of practicing, blending is the key to a great makeup look.  

PS. I cleaned every single one of my makeup brushes the other night. What's a reasonable number of brushes to own? 

I have 27. and I use EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. 

Hi my name is Emily. I am a makeup brush hoarder. 

Happy Thursday Ladies!

Top 10 Beauty Favorites of 2012

It's been a while since I did a beauty review, and after reading so many "favorites of 2012" I thought I would hop on the bandwagon with my top 10 favorite beauty products of the year. It was surprisingly hard to narrow the list down to 10, but I did it! Woohoo! I tried to include a mix of high end and drugstore products, but I may try and find some dupes for the high end products-- if that's something y'all think you'd want to read! So with out further adieu, Blue Dog Belle's top 10 beauty finds of 2012.

Urban Decay Naked Palette was definitely my #1 favorite of 2012. I can honestly say I used it every single day I put shadow on my lids last year. AND even better than that- I have yet to hit the pan on any of the colors! I got Naked 2 for Christmas this year- and so far I'm loving it... it's definitely on it's way to being a favorite of 2013. 

Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation  I picked this up in the "How to look the best at everything"  kit and I can tell you it's the best foundation I've ever used. While it's on the expensive side I am amazed at the coverage. I have don't have great skin. It's splotchy, oily, a few noticeable acne scars, etc so I need a medium coverage foundation at minimum. Then I struggle with cakiness so it's an on going battle. This foundation has such a light feel, but the coverage is insane! 

Stila One Step Bronze was introduced to me this summer in a Birchbox and it quickly became the favorite of the summer. It's a great primer and ads a subtle depth of color and a little shimmer. On good days I would just wear this with a little powder, but I've been pulling it out lately to bring a little glow to my super pale winter face. 

NYX Retractable Lip Liner- I just discovered the awesomeness that is lip liner this summer, and this one is a great one. I have a few colors and the stay power is great. Super creamy and great pigmentation. I'd highly recommend these. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain -- This is probably my biggest find of 2012. I think I own seven. It's getting a tad excessive, but I have yet to find a shade I don't love. These are all matte, buildable, super pigmented, hydrating and long wearing. I love that it offers a lot of color impact with out having to worry about color bleeding or constantly re-applying.

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara- I absolutely love this mascara. It makes my nonexistent blonde lashes transform into these dark soft and thick beauties that I only dream about.

Stila Custom Color Blush I cashed in some Birchbox points to pick this baby up and I'm SO glad I did! While it's hot pink in the pan it goes on very sheer, but is super buildable so you can have a bright pink glow or just a subtle hint of warmth. Plus it's matte, which I love. Shimmer is great, don't get me wrong, but when you do a shimmer highlight, shimmer in your powder, shimmer on the eyes, the lips, bronzer, etc. it's nice to balance it out with a little matte here and there. 

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Berry Smoothie-- I was introduced to the lip butters in 2011, but didn't pick up berry smoothie until this fall, and I am in love. It's the perfect berry color, and I love the pigmentation of this shade. There's no glitter but it doesn't seem to be totally matte either.  

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner another Birchbox find. I love eye liners in marker form and this one is great. Doesn't dry up, really easy to control, great staying power and awesome pigmentation. 

{Day 10} and My Christmas List

So I know every other blogger on earth has put together a gift guide, but if anyone I know reads the blog... I thought I would share a few things on my Christmas list this year. 

Dress  |  Monogram Necklace  |  Gold Earrings  |  Post Earrings  |  Monogram iphone case  |  Kate Spade Twirl Perfume  |  French Press  |  Yoga Mat Journey  |  Business Card Holder  |  Antiqued Mercury Glass Votives  |  Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera  |  Starbucks Card  |  Naked Basics Palette

While my Christmas list this year may not be entirely realistic, a girl can dream right? 

I always need new dresses for work (or colorful pencils skirts and cardigans). And a few bobbles and sparkly jewels to go with it are always appreciated. 

I got the naked palette last year, and I still use it every single day. However Urban Decay just released their Naked Basics Palette-- which has some gorgeous matte colors and at $27 it's much more affordable than other UD palettes. 

A cute monogrammed business card holder.

A french press and starbucks $$$  (you can't go wrong)

A new yoga mat (that get good traction)

I've been lusting after a monogram cut out necklace for years now. I think it's time. 

Kate Spade Twirl Perfume

and.... if anyone REALLY loves me they can get me the Nikon D3100 I've been lusting after. 

What's on your christmas list?

Now... 

songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

I have a pretty eclectic taste in music-- in that I don't know a lot about the music scene, and I pretty much only listen to the songs on my favorite top 40's station. There. I admit it. I have lame taste. Judge away. 

I generally listen to music when I'm getting ready in the morning (while my emotions generally run through the stages of grief because I have to get up from my comfy bed and go to work), right now I'm all about southern rock from the 70's. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band and the Allman Brothers.

Then I get in the car and listen to Christmas music or top 40's. 

Then I listen to CNN all day. I know it's not music, but I feel its necessary to include. 

Then I listen to All Things Considered on NPR as I drive home. 

So that's my musical taste of the moment. 

Novemeber Birchbox

stila all over shimmer liquid luminizer 

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Review: LOVE LOVE LOVE. This is a gorgeous cream highlighter. And you can get all three for just $20! This would be a perfect stocking stuffer or just little just because gift. They're all gorgeous shades too!

Masqueology 7D Moisture Cream

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Review: really gentile scent. Super creamy. but other than that... ehh. A solid moisturizer but for me, it's not worth the $$.

MCMC Fragrance Phoenix Eau de Parfum

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Review: I think I'm one of the only people who LOVE getting perfume samples in their birchboxes. They are always big enough to last a few weeks and now I have so many I can switch up my daily scent all the time (which I love). This has to be one of my favorites. Ever. It's super floral, but it's very light at the same time. 

Masqueology Revitalizing Eye Mask

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Review: Okay--- I got this weird face mask from these people a few months ago--- and was less than impressed. Needless to say I was disappointed when I saw this in my box. but OH how I was wrong. These are this cool gel pad that you put below you eye and let it dry. First of all, I was obsessed with looking at these. They're like a mesh surrounded by gel and it's awesome. Second. They totally worked. I've been fighting fatigue like no other lately (mostly because my body hates me because I've put it through the most ridiculous sleep schedule the last 4 months), and bags are gone! Yay!

One Love Organics® Aromatic Body Serum

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Review: I'm kind of obsessed with this body serum. It's essentially just a scented oil but I've never really used an  oil to moisturize. I'm in love for real. AND, I apologize if this is TMI, but I've been dealing with some winter eczema on by legs and after only 3 days of using this... it's gone! That has NEVER happened to me before. 

Masqueology Masque Cleanse

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Review: More Masquology? I mean--- I know you're trying to sell this stuff in the store Birchbox--- but three products in one box is a little much. I want more of a variety. Needless to say this was a bit of a miss for me. Lightly scented. Cleaned my face. Not worth the price. But I appreciate the sample.

Purple Smoke

It seems every time fall rolls around I'm itching to switch up my makeup routine. I'm beyond loyal to my naked palette, but lately I've been reaching to a few of my standby clinque shades. I'm obsessed with purple lately. Eggplant liners, purple mascara, burgundy shadows... I can't get enough. 

Today I have a few of my favorite pins for you to get you excited.  

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Happy Monday Ladies!

Lets Start Shopping

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet... but a girl can start to hunt right? After browsing Sephora I'm positive the majority of my Christmas list is going to be made up off of that site. Friends and Family... just go ahead and register for the rewards program now. k. thanks. Here are a few sets that will certainly make an appearance on my list this year. What's on your Holiday shopping list?

Sexy Little Stowaways

Snow Angel Palette

The Master Class Palette

Give Me Some Lip

Red Red Wine

Lately I've been obsessing over red lips. I've been rocking them the past few days and I'm loving the look. It can be tricky to find the right makeup look for the office. You need to balance looking put together, while not looking overly made up. I am definitely guilty of overdoing it on the eye makeup every now and again, and I often pair a bright or super shiny lip with heavy eyes. Seems great at the time, but it's probably better suited for a Friday night... not 10 am on a tuesday. I've been playing with lighter makeup looks lately (mostly because I hadn't been getting enough sleep because of that stupid test who shall not be named), and I've been loving how a bright lip can pull together a look without requiring a ton of other effort.

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I know red lips are a little scary for some of us, especially if you're not accustomed to wearing lip color, but I've discovered that it's actually easier to pull off a darker lip than a bright one. So if you're wanting to be on trend for fall, but a little afraid of the whole red lip thing... why not try a wine lip 

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Loving Lately: New Eye Shadow Palettes

Now that I've been the proud owner of the Naked Palette for a year I am convinced that high end eye palettes are 100% worth the investment. I'm feeling like I've hit a bit of an eye makeup rut lately, so I'm debating about investing in a new palette. (Or maybe my Mom will read this and get me one of these for an early Christmas present. Just kidding Mom, but if you want to send me one I'd totally be okay)

These are the three palettes I've narrowed it down to... 

LORAC PRO Palette

The LORAC Pro Palette is GORGEOUS. Half matte and half shimmer, I think there are a ton of looks that you could create with this. There are a few similarities to the naked palette though, so I'm a little hesitant.

Too Faced The Return of Sexy Palette

The Too Faced The Return of Sexy Palette is shimmery and fabulous! I love the idea of this combo of three palettes in one. Browns, Purples and Grays. All are go-to color combos for me, plus I don't have a ton of these colors in my collection, so it would be a great way to expand.

Urban Decay The Vice Palette

The UD Vice Palette was just released, and from what I hear it's going to be the next big thing. I'm more of a neutral girl, so the bright colors are a bit scary. However I love UD shadows and they are all super blend-able so the pigmentation isn't super scary if you tone it down with some of the neutrals. 

 

This is a weekly link up hosted by the fabulous Carly, Kristen, Niki & Rachel!  Join us and link up what you're loving lately! Whether it's fashion, color, crafts, interiors, beauty products, yummy and delicious, or really anything else, we want to know!

Rules

1. Follow Your Hosts and Co-Hosts

They are the first 8 in the linky! Carly @ Lipgloss and Crayons Kristen @ The Wright Stuff Niki @ Glossy Blonde Rachel @ La La Lists This week's co-hosts are: Angela @ Head To Toe Chic Emily @ Blue Dog Belle Harmony @ Thistles & Things Whitney & Nicole @ Something Brought You Here

2. Grab a Button

Or link back to one of your hosts, and help us promote Loving Lately!

3. Link Up!

Link up your post on what you're loving lately! Please do not link up your entire blog or any posts that are not "Loving Lately"!   We are so happy to have you link up, and we do go through and read all of the posts, so if you do not give credit, we will have to remove your link.  And we don't want to have to do that!  So please share the love and include a link back!

4. Mingle

It's a linky party after all!

Visit some of the other posts in the linky and say hello!

5. Tweet!

Help us promote and grow this party! Send a tweet and let everyone know you linked up!

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Let's get this party started!

What I'm Loving Lately

Happy Tuesday Ladies. I feel like I've been a little lazy in recent weeks when it comes to the blog. So many guest posts... and link ups. I kind of hate that I'm turning into one of those bloggers who doesn't really create anything, and just publishes pretty pictures she stole off of pinterest. I promise, come October 6 I will be back full force. In the mean time, one of my blogging favorites Niki has started a new linkup, so I thought I would join in for the inaugural edition. It's called

"What I'm Loving Lately" and it is giving me a wonderful excuse for an instagram drop. Get excited ladies. I have some good ones.

I've become obsessed with the starbucks refreshers--- my favorite is to mix the berry and the lime together! AWESOME. 

Loving this Coffee House Brew from the Williamsburg Ale Werks. Coffee in Beer? You know they won me over with that one. Good thing I'm stopping in the 'burg this weekend on my way to Charlotte!

Loving wearing my hair curly lately. I cannot believe how well it's been holding up in the August humidity of the swamp that is Washington D.C.

Benefit's How to Look the Best at Everything kit

Naked Palette and a few other fun toys :)

I've been loving playing in my ever expanding makeup collection. I did some damage in Sephora this weekend, and I'm completely obsessed with this new Benefit kit!

Loving having blonde roots again. PS. Thank you for your input on twitter and instagram yesterday!

New favorite snack. Roasted chickpeas. They are AWESOME. and pretty much idiot proof. Turn on your oven. Take a can of chick peas. coat in olive oil and some of your favorite spices (I used yellow curry, some chili powder and a tiny bit of cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste). Bake for 45 minutes-an hour (shake the pan every so often to prevent burning). Thank me later.

I've been doing a little too much shopping lately. I almost bought this dress Friday night, but didn't. and I'm still thinking about it. Should I go back?

Now, question for y'all. I've been doing a little closet cleaning lately. and I have some good stuff that I'd like to sell, not just donate. Do any of you have online shops for your clothes? I've been using Poshmark, with little success so far. Would y'all be receptive to a blog sale? DC area ladies, know of any good consignment shops that take plus size clothing? help!!! 

That's it for today! Happy Tuesday Ladies!