REVIEW: Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation

Today I'm going to be doing a review for Covergirl's Clean Whipped Creme Foundation. This product was sent to me from BzzAgent, a word of mouth social marketing company, free to review. If you'd like to be a BzzAgent as well, click HERE. The last time I reviewed a foundation it was Revlon's Nearly Naked a while ago and I absolutely loved it. Click HERE to watch that review on Youtube. 

CLAIMS

"Our lightweight whipped crème foundation gives your skin a boost of moisture without the greasy, shiny finish. You’ll love the dreamy, 100% breathable formula that leaves your skin looking smooth, natural, and matte. "

PACKAGING & PRICE

It comes in a little jar container and contains 0.6 fluid ounces instead of the usual 1 ounce of most foundations. It's a bit more affordable though with a price tag around $7-8 instead of the usual >$10. 

COLOR SELECTION

The line contains 10 shades so it's not the biggest selection. I got this online so I didn't get a chance to see the shades in person but since I'm pretty pale, I chose the second lightest shade - 310 Classic Ivory. It has a very pink undertone.

TEXTURE & LOOK

Like the name implies, it has a very creamy, light, whipped texture. Applying it to your skin, it feels super soft - like silk or cashmere. It has a matte finish, and while not super moisturizing, doesn't feel like it will dry out your skin.

APPLICATION & WEAR

First off, let me say I have combination skin - my cheeks, forehead, and temples get very dry while my nose, chin, and mouth area gets very oily. One thing I really worry about with these kind of foundations, is that they'll feel heavy or look cakey, and I prefer a foundation that looks very natural.

This went on very nicely with my Beauty Blender. It was light and easily blendable. I would say the coverage is light to medium but also build able - a little does a long way - you don't want to overdo it or you might end up looking cakey. I don't think you could achieve a full coverage look with this though. I've noticed several people have mentioned it has a poor wear time, but I wore it for over 8 hours without a primer or setting spray and I didn't notice any splotchiness or oiliness. I was actually quite pleased with how it wore over time.

PROS

Affordable

Light, creamy texture with matte non-drying finish

Easily blendable and buildable

CONS

Less product

Limited color selection

Not full coverage
**May cause breakouts

**EDIT: This post and the accompanying video were done after only a "first impression" of the product. I have now been using it for almost a week and have been noticing that I've been breaking out horribly. I can't remember the last time it's been this bad - I usually only get one every now and then around my mouth area but I've broken out around my nose area as well this time. I've been very good about my skincare routine and the only thing that has changed in my makeup has been using this foundation so I can only assume it was the cause of the breakout. I've since decided to stop using the product :(

Have you tried this foundation? 

Tell me your thoughts in the comments & don't forget to check out my video review and demo below!

Get Ready With Me: Christmas

While I spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles, I made it back home to Florida for Christmas! Adjusting to the time difference has been a bit tough (still is!), so I woke up a bit later Christmas morning than usual. This must be a sign of me getting old - I remember when I couldn't sleep at all Christmas Eve in excitement and got up at the break of dawn to peek at presents. As a result of my lateness, my Get Ready With Me video is cut a bit short. My family were literally waiting on me to finish up so we could eat and open presents! I didn't show my hair  being done (but I am planning a hair curling tutorial video in the future!), and I totally forgot to film my outfit, nails, and accessories! Sorry, guys! I did have my sister snap a few quick shots of me though.

Even though I didn't get to film my hair and outfit, I did add in something a little different. I showed my usual just-got-out-of-bed morning look and what shower products I used along with my usual getting ready products. And before someone points it out, yes, I did brushed my teeth and floss - I just didn't film it.

Christmas Morning Shower Products

the balm En Root Moisturize My Hair Shampoo

the balm En Root Moisturize My Hair Conditioner

the balm En Root Conditioning Treatment Mask

Soap & Glory i-Foam Body Wash

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

Hair Products

Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave-In Spray

Herbal Essence Hair Spray

LUSH R&B

Face Products

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF15

the balm Time Balm Primer
Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation in Ivory
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Medium Sand
NARS Bronzer in Laguna
MAC Blush in Pinch O' Peach

Eye Products

Anastasia Brow Duo in Brunette
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
Naked2 Palette
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner Pencil
L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon

Lip Products

LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
Revlon Balm Stain in Smitten
MAC Lipstick in Rebel
NARS Lipgloss in Place Vendome

Other
Nails: butter LONDON in Jack the Lad
Top: Urban Outfitters
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Cami: Forever21
Leggings: H&M

Happy Holidays!!

Outfit of the Day: Philadelphia

On the last day of my trip to Philadelphia to visit my best friend, Colby. we decided to do a quick little Outfit of the Day video in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing so I was dressed quite simple, but I couldn't pass up the chance to do a video with her before I left. 

I've done three previous "Outfit of the Night" videos with Colby, but this was our first daytime video. Here is the post (with video) from the last time we were together - along with our friend Megan - right after I graduated from Florida State in May.

WHAT I'M WEARING

Necessary Clothing "Seeing Stars Lenon-style" sweater

Forever21 cami, leggings, and sunglasses

Vince Camuto boots

WHAT COLBY IS WEARING

Forever21 shirt

Kohl's leggings and scarf

Just Fab boots

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Olive Green and gold smokey eye

I've always wanted MAC's sumptuous olive but after reading that the natural collection from boots have a good dupe for only £1.79, I picked it up straight away and tested it out. Natural collection Moss Shimmer is a lovely golden olive colour, I don't have sumptuous olive to compare them but they certainly look similar from swatches I've seen online.

This looks great swept all over and under the eye with a gold (I used Half baked from the Naked 1 palette) blended into the inner corner of the eye. I wore this with liquid liner and then kept the blush and lips quite subtle with pale pinks. 

I took over 100 photos of this look and wasn't happy with how any of them turned out so sorry the photos above aren't great! If you have a chance I would definitely suggest swatching shimmering moss as it is such a lovely colour.

Products used -

Eyes - Natural collection Moss Shimmer and Urban Decay Naked 1 Halfbaked with Smog 
          slightly blended into the crease for definition.
         - Collection Fast stroke liquid liner

Face - Rimmel Match perfection foundation 
        - Rimmel wake me up concealer
        - Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzer to contour
        - Bourjois Blush 37 Rose Pompon
        - Illamasqua Gleam Highlighter in Aurora

Lips - MAC Creme Cup
        - Revlon Crystal Lilac lip gloss

Get Ready With Me: Thanksgiving!

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!! I know I did - further details in a later post. Come along with me as in thhis post (and accompanying video) and see how I got ready for my first Thanksgiving away from home (eek!) . 

Makeup Products Used:

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in "150 Nude"

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in "Medium Sand"

NARS "Laguna" Bronzer

the balm "Down Boy" Blush

Anastasia Brunette Brow Powder Duo

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

the balm Nude-'tude Palette

 Bobbie Brown "Jet" Gel Eyeliner Pencil

 L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black

Diorshow Lash Plumping Serum

Maybelline Rocket Volume Express Mascara

NYX "Prune" Lipliner

Revlon "Smitten" Just Bitten Balm Stain

Revlon "Lollipop" Lip Butter

Other Products Used

 Urban Decay All Nighter XL Setting Spray

CHI Heat Protectant Spray

Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

stylesexyhair Spray Clay

Taylor Swift "Wonderstruck"

butter London "Shag" on nails

 Clothes & Accessories

Top: Millau from LF

 Leggings: H&M

Boots: Vince Camuto

Necklace: Unknown

 Bracelets: Brandy Melville

Ring: Forever21

Hope you guys like the look and be sure to check out my Get Ready With Me video below!

How did you get ready for Thanksgiving?

Festive Decorating

Here's a little festive decorating/vlog video of my and my boyfriend putting up the tree and decorating yesterday! I hope you like it as this is my first youtube video and I'm a bit nervous posting it!

xx

REVIEW: Butter London Shag

I love Thanksgiving not only for the time with loved ones and delicious foods but because it also marks the beginning of Christmas time! So for my Thanksgiving day nails, I decided to go with a polish that would transition perfectly from fall into the holiday winter season. I think butter LONDON's "Shag" was just right for the job. It's not a new polish from this year but instead from last year's Autumn/Winter collection. 

Shag is a beautiful metallic burgundy brown shade. The color reminds me of autumn leaves and the shimmer adds a touch of Christmas. It's very pretty, and I can see it being flattering on all skin tones. The formula is very nice and applies well. I used 2-3 coats to achieve full opacity, then topped with Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat. Definitely one of my favorites!

Retails for $14 at ULTA, butterlondon.com, and Amazon ($15 Prime, not an affiliate link).

What nail polish did you wear on Thanksgiving?

White Liner, Fluttery Lashes

I've been loving wearing pale, frosty colours at the moment - especially frosty pinks and silver highlighters and so I thought I would create a wintry eye to go with it. I'm not sure if I would wear this look out but I really like the idea of using white eyeliner around the eye and then really blending it out to brighten the area and make the mascara stand out!

Firstly I applied foundation and concealer, I then used Fashionista white liner all around the eye and then smudged it out a little to blend the line. I applied some eyelure top and bottom lashes to give me fluttery long lashes and then added a little mascara to blend my lashes into them.

It's similar to the S/S 2013 trends which was worn with orange lipstick but I think it works well with red or pink stained lips for winter too!

Products used:

- Rimmel match perfection foundation

- Collection lasting perfection concealer

- Revlon Grow luscious mascara

- Fashionista white eyeliner

Essie Luxe Nail Polish

Left - Essie 'A Cut Above' Right - Essie 'Stroke of Brilliance'

These are my picks of the Essie Luxe nail polish collection. It's the time of year when all I want to do is paint my nails with glittery nail polish, drink hot chocolate and listen to Michael bublé's Christmas album. I was also tempted to get 'Set in Stone' which is a very pretty silver chunky essie glitter polish but I settled on getting these two as I don't own anything else similar.

Essie A Cut Above is a pretty pink nail polish with various sized chunky glitter, it looks great worn layered on its own, or over a mauve/grey colour.

Essie Stroke of Brilliance is a Frosty blue chunky glitter and perfect as an accent nail over navy nail varnish.

These don't disappoint and both look great over another colour, as an accent nail or layered on their own, the only downside is they are so hard to get off! 

Which is your favourite?

Lush Pumkin bubble bar

Lush 'Pumkin' - £2.75

This little guy smells amazing! Like Figs and Leaves soap, it has a Orange flower and Ylang Ylang scent which is sweet and spicy - perfect for this time of the year. 

Crumbled under running water this gives the bath a pumpkin orange colour and creates soft bubbles, it's definitely one of my favourite bubble bars from Lush.

I've only bought one this year but while they're still available from the Lush website I'm tempted to stock up!

xx

Autumn Make up

I've been wearing this look all throughout September and October and only now am I finally starting to change up my make up! As Halloween, Bonfire night and my Birthday have now all passed, I'm getting pretty excited for Christmas! As I've loved wearing this Make up so much I thought I would share what I've been loving and constantly wearing.

Face - Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation

        - Collection Lasting perfection concealer

        - Sleek Blush in Pixie Pink

        - Mac Soft & Gentle Highlighter

Eyes - Eyeshadow - MAC Naked lunch all over eye, Mac Satin Taupe in crease and Mac Nocturnelle blended under the eye.

        - Loreal Superliner in Black Vinyl

        - Fashionista white eyeliner

        - Revlon Lash Potion Mascara

Lips - Maybelline Babylips in Cherry Me

Nails - My Halloween nails

Halloween Skull / Ghost Nails

I love this little skull design for some halloween nail art, it's easy to do and looks sweet on the nails! I did my nails like this for the weekend and got so many compliments on it! 

This is how I achieved the look:

Step 1 -  Paint the whole nail in the colour of your choice, I chose an oxblood colour but  

             black or grey would also work well! I used 2 coats of OPI Nail Varnish in Mrs 

             O'Leary's BBQ.

Step 2 -  When base has dried, use a dotting tool to make 4-6 large polka dots on each 

              nail, for this I used Barry M Nail paint in 66 Matt White.

Step 3 - Using a smaller dotting tool draw either a squiggly ghost tail or a square on the

             base of the polka dots, again using Barry M Matt White Nail paint.

Step 4 - Eyes! I used the thinnest dotting tool to dot little eyes on my Skulls using Sinful

            colours in Black on Black.

Step 5 - Once the eyes are dry, use a Topcoat to set and to give the nails a nice shine. I

            used Sally Hansen Insta-Dry.

Let me know if you try these!

xx

My First Trip to Philly: Day One

Since I'll be leaving NYC and the East Coast in only 3 weeks, I thought it was about time I went to visit my best friend (who I hadn't seen since I graduated in the beginning of May) who recently moved to Philadelphia. After I move to LA, I may not have a chance to see her again until we're reunited for her 21st birthday next June in Vegas - yes, we're already planning it.

To go visit her, I decided to travel by bus for the first time. I had heard horror stories about buses so I was a little worried, but after looking up the crazy cheap round trip prices (less than $20 there and back!), I figured even if the conditions were absolutely horrible, at such a low price, I could bear it for 2 hours. After looking at a couple options, I went with Megabus - reviews weren't great but it seemed every bus service had less than favorable reviews.

The night before my trip, I went out after work with friends and co-workers and had a pretty late night and had to quickly pack aka throw random items without much thought into my suitcase and hope for the best.

I took a taxi to the bus stop, passing several New York Comic Con attendees along the way. After going to the one in San Diego for the last 7 years, it felt odd not to be attending this one ocurring in the city I currently lived.

To my surprise, the bus was quite lovely! It was clean, comfortable, and spacious - something I was not expecting. It also had power outlets to charge your phone - thank goodness too because my phone was literally dead as I boarded the bus. ALSO, it had free Wifi and it actually worked!! I read plenty of reviews and all of them complained about the usual non-working wifi. My phone is often very unlucky when it comes to free/public wifi but it had no problem on the bus. It was also exactly on time. So maybe I just got lucky with this particular trip, but after this experience, I would certainly recommend Megabus and look forward to using them again!

After my bestie, Colby, and her boyfriend, Justin, picked me up, we drove back to their apartment so I could drop off my things. For only having moved in in August, their well-furnished and organized place had a very cozy, welcoming vibe that seemed like they had been living there far longer. After some BFF catching up, we went out for a dinner at a little bar/restaurant called The Blarney Stone that operated a food ordering service called Fatboy and Slim's out of it's kitchen. I ordered the Fatboy sandwich which consisted of Buffalo chicken fingers served with bacon, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks on a long roll topped with American cheese and chipotle ranch dressing along with Old Bay fries. It was delicious. 

Before the night ended, we visited a little get together with a couple other Alpha Phi Omega (the co-ed service fraternity we're both in) brothers then went back to her apartment and caught up some more before falling asleep. All in all, a very nice, low-key introduction to this lovely city and I can't wait to see what else the next couple days have in store!

Sorry for the lack of photos in this post! Totally forgot to charge my camera/phone >.<

September Favourites

Maybelline Babylips in Cherry Me - You can see my full review on these in my previous post , this has been perfect as the weather has been getting slightly colder, keeping my lips hydrated whilst adding a hint of colour.

OPI Nailvarnish in Mrs O'Learys BBQ - I have been loving wearing Burgundy nails and this was the first colour I chose to wear in September. It lasts well on the nails without chipping and its a lovely colour for Autumn.

MAC Eyeshadow in Nocturnelle - I've been wearing a small amount of this under my eye and blending it out to give definition, I love wearing a hint of purple under my eyes especially in the run up to halloween!

Revlon Lash potion Mascara - I really like this mascara, its very lengthening and quite conditioning on my lashes. The only downside to this is it can be quite flakey, so I would recommend getting the waterproof version if your mascara tends to flake.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - This has been my night time saviour recently, it plumps the skin, helps to reduce fine lines and leaves my skin feeling really soft the next day. I've had this a while and have recently fallen in love with it again. I'm so temped to buy the ANR ll now though!

What have you been loving in September? 

xx