{Beauty Tuesday} Fourth of July Edition

Tomorrow is July 4th! Woohoo! Yay for no work! oh... and our independence. 

Since tomorrow will be a chilling by the pool, grilling out, beer drinking kind of a day here are some easy beauty recommendations (coincidentally this is exactly what I will be using). I hope y'all all have a great day off tomorrow! I will have some exciting stuff coming up here on Blue Dog Belle.... come back tomorrow for a NEON themed giveaway (I know, I'm kind of obsessed with giving y'all stuff!)

covergirl TruBlend loose powder | laura mercier tinted moisturizer | e.l.f. blush and bronzer duo| Revlon Lip Butter in cherry tart | L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof mascara

Have a great day off tomorrow!

{Beauty Tuesday} Eye Makeup

First of all, don't forget to enter my awesome Rouge and Co giveaway here.

I seriously love makeup. I always have. I love the process of applying it, learning about it, practicing different looks and techniques. I love it all. While some girls just slap something on to look presentable, I really take pride in applying my eye makeup in the mornings. I could seriously spend hours at my vanity every morning. I love how different shades, and tones and blending techniques can change the look of your face so dramatically. I have been on a pinteresting hunt lately for some inspiration and here's what I've come up with. BTW: all of these can be found on my Makeup Board

I love these step by step pinterest tutorials.  I tried this look today. minus the false eyelashes... a tad too much for work.

I LOVE using my naked palette and the half baked (beautiful gold shimmer) to achieve looks like this one.

never underestimate the power of a dark brow and a shimmery smoked out eye. Amazing.

Love. Uber dramatic

 I am dying over this color. silvery green. gorgeous.

I love this drama without a heavy liner

and I LOVE kiko lynn and her makeup tutorials. Look at this stunning cat eye. Purple liner. purple smokiness? amazing.

I love how simple this look is too. with the white that blends out through the rest of the eye.

love. 

This last look could not be more perfect. 

Seriously. This I spend too much time on pinterest. It's kind of an obsession. But a worthwhile one. 

hope y'all have a great day!

Another Thursday Randoms

• Some days you just need to write a blog post in bullet form. So here you go. 
• I stayed at work yesterday until 10 pm. I am DRAGGING today, let me tell you. 13 hour days are for real, no fun. EVEN when drinking is involved.
• I am also suffering from a minor mid week hangover. what the heck? "I don't got time for that"
• I finally broke out the sear sucker for Sear Sucker Thursday! But now I remember why I so rarely participate (this skirt is too short for work. oh well)
• I went to a CRAZY huge UGA reception at Union Station last night. It was awesome.

• Outgoing President Michael Adams (President of UGA) really needs to get his teeth whitened. Come on dude, you make a lot of money, you are making us look bad. 
• I really miss college. 
• I REALLY don't know what to do about Grad School.
• I am beyond over this hot weather that has suddenly invaded DC. I get that it's officially summer now, but seriously? I am not ready for heat indexes 100+, for reals, not okay.
• I wore a dark suit yesterday--> worst decision of my life
• Have you ever swam in a public pool? Something about it just kind of irks me. I feel like they are full of diseases and urine. BUT there is a pool like 3 blocks from my house, and I'd really like to start swimming laps after work. But... eww, I don't know if I can do it. 
• I love jambalaya. (and plan to have some for lunch today, just thought you should know)
• I forgot to put on foundation today. I just forgot. My make up routine is slightly extensive but I have the exact same routine for my face. just about every day. primer. concealer. foundation. powder. blush. more powder. Today I did primer (stila bronze). then cheek stain. then powder.WTH?  I don't even know. I'm tired.
• I might go get gelato for a post lunch snack. I've been thinking about my Sunday trip to Pitango all week. 
• ALL week I've been thinking that the fourth of July is on Wednesday (meaning next week is a very odd 4 day week). NO wrong. We have a whole other week in between. NOT FAIR.
• I really want to take a "mental health day" soon... but I want to plan it to be AWESOME. DC peeps, any suggestions on random day time activities?
• OH. So I had a huge tech victory yesterday! I figured out how to make a blog button! OMG I know right? I'm so impressed with myself y'all have no idea, well... actually most of y'all probably do. If you want my button you can get it here...

&<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt</span>;center>&<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt</span>;a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span>=”http://<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">bluedogbelle</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span>.com/“>&<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt</span>;<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">img</span> border=”0″ <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">src</span>="http://3.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">bp</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">blogspot</span>.com/-I6gvhPIq3Ts/T-IPA4SmDZI/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">AAAAAAAADKE</span>/7jbp_sqtl0A/s1600/button.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span>" />&<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt</span>;/a>&<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">lt</span>;/center>

• Does anyone want to do a button swap? leave a comment or email me at thebluedogbelle@gmail.com 
• I. AM. SO. EXCITED. FOR. FRIDAY. these weeks just keep getting more and more painful
• Pretty sure that's all I've got for you today. Maybe I'll double up tomorrow since I feel like my posts have been lacking the last few days. Summer cocktail and a Friday Fancy? I think yes.

Have a great day lovelies.

Birchbox Brag

Holy Heck. Two blog posts in one day? What is the world coming to? Well. I forgot that today was the wonder Tara's monthly Birchbox Brag. woops. I've had this post ready to go for a few days now, but didn't know when to pull the trigger. Hope y'all enjoy a double dose of Blue Dog Belle today :)

stila one step bronze

Birchbox Breakdown: The formula uses a trio of complementary pigments: coppery bronze adds warmth, pink-toned bronze evens out skin tone, and Kitten (one of stila’s best-loved shades) brightens and conceals with its soft shimmery champagne hues. When you push down on the applicator, these pigments swirl together to create a lightweight serum. In addition to sheer coverage, it delivers an anti-aging mineral complex that helps regulate oil production while shrinking the look of enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Blue Dog Belle Breakdown: Okay. SERIOUSLY. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS PRODUCT. It's an all in one primer, bronzer, oil control, pore minimizer, life changer. I cannot express to you how much I am LOVING this product. AND. Birchbox gave me a full size sample. y'all are the best. seriously. 

tili bags

Birchbox Breakdown: Made of durable plastic, each quart-size zip and seal bag can hold a variety of belongings—from paper clips and sandwiches to makeup and toothpaste. Especially great for those on the go, they make life easier by keeping things organized.

Blue Dog Belle Breakdown: they're cute, but aren't you supposed to use clear bags for the airport? so they can see whats in them? I guess I'm just not that much of a diva. I'm not concerned about cute zip lock bags for my exotic travels. 

comodynes self tanning towelette

Birchbox Breakdown:  Made of natural viscose fibers, these napkin-sized towelettes come pre-soaked with a paraben-free, moisturizing formula that works with the natural proteins in your skin to give you a convincing tan. Dehydroxiacetone—a naturally occurring sugar with a fancy name—acts as a pigment-depositing agent, while transcutol helps with penetration. The individually wrapped wipes offer a safe alternative to sun bathing or (worse yet) lying under a tanning bed, and they’re also way easier to use than messy bottles of lotion. 

Blue Dog Belle Breakdown: other than a minor mishap during application I'm in love with these. I guess I had gotten used to a self tanner that you could see as it goes on. I don't know. but I missed major swatches on both arms, and one of my legs. I was a tad pre-occupied when I was applying it, so I'm sure it was my fault, but the product itself is great. It dries quickly, which is wonderful, but that means you have to move quickly too so the towelette doesn't dry out. While the price tag is a little too high for me ($15 for 8 applications) I do think this is a great product. 

John Varvatos USA colgne for men

Blue Dog Belle Breakdown: I don't really need a Cologne for men, birchbox. I get that you're trying to plug your other product, but this box is for me. okay?

masqueology pore minimizing masque

Birchbox Breakdown: Each single-use mask may look like, well, wet paper, but it's actually dripping with complexion-saving ingredients. For starters, sodium hyaluronate prevents water loss and enhances your skin’s ability to soak up moisture. Next, panthenol calms red, irritated skin, while mushroom extract is a natural brightener that fades the look of acne scars and brown spots alike. Finally, ceramide 3 hydrates and helps skin look smoother, with less visible pores.

Blue Dog Belle Breakdown: Ehh. It feels really strange on. I felt compelled to lie down so it wouldn't slide off. With that said it was super moisturizing (but I don't really need a ton of moisture). My skin was noticeably glowing the next morning, but I'm not loving it so much that I'm jumping to order it again. cool idea, but not the right product for me. thanks. 

Stainiac by the Balm

Birchbox Breakdown: The tinted gel leaves a lasting stain on lips and cheeks. Since it’s water-based, it has a longer setting time than most quick-dry stains, which means it won’t leave any unsightly streaks behind as long as you take care to blend well. Use a single coat for a subtle look or layer it on for a more visible (yet still discreet) hue.

Blue Dog Belle Breakdown: LOVE IT. I've been wanting a cheek stain for a hot minute, but just haven't been able to justify shelling out $30 for a tarte one when blush could kinda do the same thing. Well let me tell you, this is not blush. The color blends into your skin so well and it stays on for a LONG time. I'm seriously going to cash in some bb points to get the full size of this puppy. 

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I had so much fun linking up with Jaime last week, so I decided to do it again. Here's what I'm loving this Wednesday.

I'm loving that it's already Wednesday! Four day weeks are the best.

I'm loving my new Stila Custom Color Blush I picked up last week with my Birchbox points.

I'm loving this TJ Maxx find

I picked up this skirt from Talbots. TJ Maxx is always hit or miss, but I have to say the last few times I've gone I've found some great things. Anyway, found this skirt for 90% the original price! It's beautiful, and real quality silk. Love it.

I'm loving that I've finally discovered how awesome twitter is. You should totally follow me here. 

 I'm loving that I finally got my Starbucks Gold Card in the mail last night! I'm so legit right now, you have no idea.

Another TJ Maxx find. Uber-Prep Ralph Lauren Boat shoes in pink. I totally wore them to yoga last night and got a few looks when I walked in. But as we left class the skies opened up... sucks for all y'all in your TOMS. Haha. jk, but not really.

I picked up a few Aveda samples at the girls night out event last week, and I'm loving how soft this leave in treatment has made my hair. Watch out It's a 10. You are in danger of being replaced.  

Do you have Pot Belly near you? OMG they just came out with a new Mediterranean Sandwich. AND. IT'S. AWESOME. This is gonna get bad y'all.

I'm loving all of you who've entered my giveaway! There's still some time if you haven't entered yet!!!

So that's it. What I'm loving this Wednesday. Go to Jaime's blog and link up!

{Beauty Tuesday} Coastal Scents

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

This beauty Tuesday I want to talk to you about one of my go to makeup palettes. The Coastal Scents 88 Original. 

via

I know right? It's a tad bit crazy. I was turned onto coastal scents by the one and only Emily Eddington of Beauty Broadcast. I've been lusting over their crazy colored palettes for months, and with a recent 30% off sale, I finally pulled the trigger. 

I went back and forth on which palette to get a whole bunch. I was down to the Original and the Neutral, but decided to go out of my comfort zone a bit and try the colorful original. When I first received it in the mail, I'm not going to lie, I was horrified. The colors are SO pigmented and bright. Some are matte, some are shimmery. There aren't too many neutrals, and SO many blues? who wears blue eye shadow besides a prostitute from 1985?  

Well apparently this girl does, because I have to say I love this palette to death now. I just had to learn how to use it. 

1. Use the color sparingly: I like using the blue/greens/purples as a light accent in the crease
2. Use lots of neutrals to balance: you can deepen the crease with some of the great blacks, or use the lighter colors for an all over shadow.
3. Use the darker colors for a smudged liner- do a light smokey eye and instead of liner thinly apply to upper lash line (I love the greens and dark blues with my blue eyes).
4. Have fun with it: go crazy with the color, but as long as you're rocking it, I promise you'll pull it off. 

I will say, I'm still not really sure how to use the reds (and the yellows for that matter). They just do not work with my skin coloring.

I want to be honest with y'all, so I will give you one more critique. The colors are are very pigmented, so if you are buying blushes, bronzers, or even the eye makeup and you are super fair (like me), make sure you use a light hand. These products are really better for someone with a slightly darker complexion (if you're already tan you'll love this). This may be a positive for you, or a negative. But I feel that you should know, I have to use the face products sparingly (I still use and love them though!)

If you are looking for something fun to add to your collection, with out breaking the bank I would highly recommend Coastal Scents. They even sent me a few samples with my first purchase, and it got here SO fast! They are even having a sale right now! 

P.S. Happy Birthday to My Mom! We are currently relaxing by the pool in Puerto Rico. I know, rough way to turn 60. 

Beauty Tuesday: NYX

Between my birthday drama, work, and just living my life I feel like I've gotten off track with this little blog. When I created blue dog belle a few months ago I wanted to focus on the two things I love most: Makeup and Politics. I haven't talked about either in weeks... woops.

Getting back to basics I want to introduce you to NYX Cosmetics. Call me dumb, but I whenever I saw a review of these products I thought they were part of the New York Color (NYC) brand. I haven't had a great experience with many of those products, and even though they are cheap I love me some ELF. 

Well all that has changed now, thanks to my IRL BFF LoRay. For my birthday she sent me a BUNCH of NYX products, and honestly I'm in love with all of them. Let me show you what I got. 

So this is the 10 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Versus, I can not tell you how wonderful it is for me. This is the first thing that has made me put down my naked palette. and that is saying a lot y'all. The shadows are buttery soft, have great pigment and blend well. I've been using it with my elf eye primer and it stays put for hours. It's a great combo. I love the purples! and at $10 how could you not pick this up at ulta? I mean really, you need this.

Next, Mega Shine Lip Gloss. This product really lives up to its name. It smells great, but don't try to eat it as it tastes gross. *I may or may not have licked it off my lips to test it for y'all. I'll let you decide if I did or not. Anyways, I have Chandelier, which is a sparkly medium pink color. It goes on sheer, which I love, and it layers beautifully over lipstick.

This next product is my new favorite. I've gotten SO many compliments on this lip color I'm debating which one to pick up next. As you know I have a love affair with lip products, and this is a new one for the list. The mineral based Round Lip Stick is great for every day. Lauren knows me so well, and gifted me a color I probably would never buy myself, but now I can't put it down.

NYX Round Lipstick 

This is Peach Bellini, or as my roommate BW says, Barbie Pink. It's a VERY BRIGHT orangy pink, that glides on smooth. I will say, make sure you moisturize your lips when using this product or at least exfoliate. It can get slightly cakey if your lips aren't super smooth.  

Peach Bellini

The NYX Slide on Pencil is AWESOME. It rivals my Stila smudge stick, like really. Lauren had brilliant foresight to get me black shimmer, because I had just run out of my black pencil liner, so now I'm set! Thanks LoRay.

If this wasn't enough motivation for you, I don't know what is. NYX has great products, at even better prices. I really love my high end products, but do not  have the budget to spend all my money towards my birchbox finds. Now I'm scouring the website, trying to decide what to get next. Have you discovered NYX yet? Do you have any product recommendations?

April Birchbox

It's that time again!

I'm linking up with Tara and Katie for another round of...

My April Birchbox arrived early this month woohoo!! After an AWESOME box in March I was pumped. Then I opened it and saw this...

Dropps: laundry detergent
These small squares pack a big punch: each is filled with a fabric-friendly detergent that keeps colors bright while respecting the environment. Fresh Scent has a light, spring-inspired fragrance, the packs are great for those who want to go the odor-neutral route.


hmm... laundry detergent. okay. I tried them, but I'm not really sure they would be worth the cost. I actually make my own laundry detergent, I'll do a post on that another time, but I personally think mine is better.

WONDERSTRUCK: by Taylor Swift

Wonderstruck is that awe-inspiring feeling that comes from experiencing something magical. Eclectic and traditional with whimsical flair, every element of the brand is authentically Taylor.

Okay.... this might be worse than the laundry detergent. Don't get me wrong. Love me some T Swift. But I'm generally not a fan of super sweet floral perfumes (especially if they're made by a celebrity). Not good friends. not good.

willa Lavender Facial Towelettes 

Sometimes you want to wash your face when there’s no sink in sight. Since it’s not always a good idea to stop what you’re doing and run to the nearest bathroom, keep these super cool towelettes by your side. Perfect for girls on the go, they’re made to cleanse and refresh skin. Each 30-pack comes with a month’s supply of sweetly scented lavender wipes. Store them in your backpack, your locker, or your purse, and take them out whenever you want to remove all signs of oil and debris. Even the packaging is as cute as a button.

The Willa towelettes are awesome. They smell super fresh, are really soft, and they're natural! What's not to love?

ZOYA: TRUE Spring Collection in BEVIN

Zoya’s latest collection of polishes has us even more excited to brighten up our wardrobe and show off fun mani-pedis this spring. If you’re looking for a subdued shade, check out Bevin, a sage green with faint teal undertones. 

I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE this Zoya polish. It's a beautiful muted mint green color.

J.R. Watkins: Hand & Cuticle Salve

From hangnails to dry knuckles, your hands are subject to a whole slew of issues. Luckily, this intense salve provides long-lasting relief to delicate, over-worked hands. Formulated with over ten natural oils and plant extracts, it penetrates deep beneath your skin’s surface, revealing softer skin and revitalized cuticles. Plus, we love how all its ingredients are ethically sourced.

My thoughts on the J.R. Watkins salve: ehh. I could take it or leave it. smells good. moisturizes well, but I'm not drawn back to it.

Not the best box I've ever gotten... but as always I will continue on with the Birchboxes.

PS I heard from Krista that next month will be a Gossip Girl themed box. So excited.

Seven Deadly Beauty Sins

I've seen this on a few blogs and figured I'd jump in on the band wagon.


1. Greed : What’s your most inexpensive beauty item? What’s your most expensive?

My favorite inexpensive item is by far my elf blush and bronzer combo. For only $3 dollars you get this amazing combo. I LOVE the blush so much. I'm almost out and need to re order. My splurge product is probably my Arbonne Nutrimen C RElease Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. It's not crazy expensive at $31 for this bottle. But I use it once a week and I think it's made a huge difference in my skin.

2. Wrath : What beauty products do you have a love/hate relationship with?

After years of battling acne my skin is far from perfect. I need foundation, and rarely go a day without it. But I am rarely happy with my foundation, and I feel like I've tried them all. I've mixed them, tried different applications, tried powder foundation and liquid. I just haven't found the perfect one for me. Suggestions are greatly appreciated!

3. Gluttony : What is your most delicious beauty product?

This is strange. I don't think I really eat any of my beauty products. Maybe my Eos lip balms. They smell amazing and have a great buttery texture.

4. Sloth : What beauty product do you neglect, due to laziness?

I know, I know. For a girl with very light, short and sparce lashes I should be curling them daily. But I am usually running too late lazy so I skip this step more often than I should.

5. Pride: What beauty product gives you the most self confidence?

Nothing makes me more confident than some sick eye makeup. A perfect liquid liner and some false lashes really amp up a normal look.

6. Lust : What attributes do you find most attractive in the opposite sex?

This is kind of a strange question... I would think they would have gone for more of a "what are you lusting after" kind of a question, but whatever. I'll go with it. Nothing is sexier than a good pair of sunglasses ala brad pitt. A guy with a sense of style, especially when it comes to suits/ties/socks, etc. A great watch. FLAT FRONT PANTS-- no more pleats boys, please! A trimmed yet scruffy face... or just George Clooney in general. Oh, and I have a weakness for cologne.

7. Envy: What items would you like to receive as a gift?

What wouldn't I like to receive as a gift is probably easier. Tarte LipStain, Stila custom blush, Stila Shadow Stick, Benefit Benetint, Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel, Revitalash growth enhancer, Bvlgari Jasmin Noir, Beauty Blender, Benefit HighBeam,  Deborah Libmann polishes, Caudale Cell Renewal Creme, Bronze and Brighten, Kate Spade Twirl and Stila Prime Pot. ALL available at Birchbox



This was fun! What do you think of my seven deadly sins of beauty! Send me the link to yours!