Ipsy Glam Bag for June (Plus Video)

• So, prepare yourself for a long intro and some chit chat. First, how are you? I'm ok--we had some crazy weather last week, with a tornado warning. I didn't think it was a big deal but to experience scary weather outside made it seem like a big deal. I was walking Charlie when the sky got dark and the wind started like nothing I've experienced. I felt an immediate panic, grabbed Charlie, and ran for my life, because in movies the tornado appears and chases the actor, but here I was right in the middle, as it unfolded. Scary. Anyway, how was your weekend? Mine was great! I was in the mountains and the weather was amazing; a nice break from the Atlanta heat. Charlie loved all the new things to mark sniff. Did you see all my pics on Instagram?
• As requested by y'all for years, I started a YouTube channel a couple of months ago. This is huge for me, as I'm the most awkward person you've ever met. I tend to post a video a week and I have about 13. I embed them in the post, but if you want to subscribe to my channel, it's here. I'm ElleSeesYou over there and I always take requests.
• I had anonymous comments turned off on my blog last week, since spam has gotten out of control, but I've turned it off. Everything is back to normal. If only the spammers would leave!
• Last week was my annual Summer Week (did you see?) and next week is my annual Beach Week. I've got no-heat waves, my annual recipe for beachy waves, a beauty diy, and a nail tutorial. I hope you stop by.
• I also wanted to let y'all know this week I'm doing a few product reviews. One is sponsored, one is purchased by me, and the others are sent for review. I don't like having more than one pr review in a week, but that's how the timing worked out. I don't ever want this to become the "everything you see is sponsored or sent for review" blog, so no worries. My reviews are genuine, as you know. I know, I'm over-analyzing and worrying over nothing, but my integrity is so important to me. Just wanted to get that off my chest. Now onto the fun stuff! :)

This month's Ipsy Glam Bag theme for June is On the Wild Side. I took this to mean that I would receive products a little out of my comfort zone and "wild." I think I did! Let's see what I got:

• Animal print bag with chartreuse accents--cute
• Starlooks Lip Pencil (bare)--This taupe brown lip pencil would work on many skin tones, but not mine. I gave my already purple lips an even more purple look. But add some lipstick or gloss over it, and it's fine.
• Nyx Blush (sand)--I was convinced this was a shadow! This brown blush with golden shimmer again would look better on a skin tone other than mine. I chose to wear it as a blush in the pic and video below, but it's virtually undetectable. But I love to look at products in a different way, so I've used it as bronzer (not to contour), eyeshadow, blush, and polish.
• J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette (volta) --A glitter cream palette that is helpful for Halloween, fantasy or cosplay, recitals or competitions (or the club, I ain't judging!), but not really for me.
• Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil--I love a highlighter pencil because it has so many uses! It's creamy and doesn't drag on the skin. I use mine to highlight my brows, inner corners, tightline, and my lips.
• J. Cat Beauty Eyelash (47)--These are some extreme lashes! I'll keep these for Halloween. I like that it came with latex-free glue and the glue is black.

Me, wearing some items from this month's bag!

Video time! Enjoy me, squinting at the camera because my glasses are off, as well as cheesy sound effects and a Charlie cameo. But seriously, here's my review of what I received in my Ipsy Glam Bag for June:

If interested in joining Ipsy for $10/month, click my affiliate code here: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-h050fba0slgrqh6

What did you receive in your Ipsy or Subscription Box?

Check out Coastal.com

This post brought to you by Coastal.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

I admit I was never a glasses kind of girl. I always thought I looked bad in glasses. I usually wore them in the mornings and anywhere I wouldn't be seen. But it turns out, all I needed was the right pair! And thanks to Coastal.com, I found some cute ones. Check 'em out:

Thanks, coastal.com

Coastal.com is the largest online retailer of eyeglasses and contact lenses in North America, first because they offer an alternative method of purchasing eyewear online, and by supplying the same designer brands for half the price. They deliver to home/office, so you can order anytime. And they ship internationally. They have an amazing range of Designer Eyeglasses!

The ordering process was easy, and there's an online try-on feature to see how the glasses will look. The hardest part is making a decision! They have a little something for everyone, and offer sunglasses, contacts, and eye glasses. I chose a pair of glasses from the Derek Cardigan line. Derek Cardigan eyeglasses are vintage-inspired and have been seen in Flo-Rida's and Alicia Keys' videos. They're bold, yet subtle and make an impact. I chose the 7027 glasses in black, which retail for $98. I think they're cute, but there are over 50 styles to choose from, just in the Derek Cardigan line alone!

Shipping was so fast! I had my glasses in no time. Their goal is fewer than 3 business days and fewer than 10 business days with priority delivery. I'm pleased with my glasses and would highly recommend Coastal.com to anyone. And you know I wouldn't say that unless I was completely satisfied.

I love the satisfaction guarantee. If your glasses aren't what you want, simply call and an exchange or refund is headed your way. I also love the fact that for every pair of glasses purchased, they donate one to those in need! That's one thing that definitely makes them stand out from the rest. Thanks, Coastal.com!

Post sponsored by Coastal.com, all opinons are 100% mine!

Summer Week: DIY Moisturizing Lemonade Sugar Scrub Cubes

This week flew by for me! I'm wrapping up my third annual Summer Week with a sweet treat for your body: Lemonade Sugar Scrub Cubes! 

These handy cubes are just the thing to exfoliate the body for summer: think shaving, before self-tanning, at-home pedis, and more. I'm using lemon, which smells amazing and makes me think of summer. I'm also making these extra moisturizing in this recipe (from an old soap making book I used to own), but customize scents/to your liking. Oh, and my annual Beach Week is coming soon. Enjoy! 

N e e d:

1 part carrier oil

2 parts soap

3 parts sugar

Essential oil

Soap colorant

Soap making mold

Glass bowl

D o:

Grate and melt your soap, preferably over a double boiler. 

I used one bar of natural, organic soap melted in the microwave that I loosely chopped.

Carefully add and stir oil (examples: olive, coconut, sweet almond), sugar, lemon essential oil, and soap colorant. I added Vitamin E and some grapeseed oil, so it was closer to two parts oil, to make this even more moisturizing than a traditional sugar scrub cube.

Press into mold. I used old ice trays and a loaf pan. 

Ice cubes tray

Allow to set overnight and then pop out of the mold, or cut into squares, if in a loaf pan.

Keep in a sealable jar.

Rub onto wet skin to use. Or break into pieces and add water for a lather.

F Y I:

• These Lemonade Sugar Scrub Cubes make an adorable gift, and they're portable for travel, if desired.
• If needed, you can press the cube into sugar for extra exfoliation.
• Depending on the oil(s) used, this could be used on the face but I suggest the body only.
• The soap helps it to stick together, as opposed to a regular sugar scrub, and keeps you clean. Use a soap base if you prefer. 
• The lemon brightens and exfoliates. I react to citric acid, so be warned if you have sensitive skin. Never use an essential oil without diluting it in a carrier oil first.
• The sugar acts as an exfoliant as well. Brown sugar works too.
• The oils moisturize, and could leave your tub slick. Be careful.
• Do not use food coloring. Soap colorants, in liquid and powder form, can be found online and in craft stores. The same goes for soap making molds. I find them to be expensive, hence my "molds."
• This is just one version. I'll share more variations soon. :)

Loaf pan

Have a great weekend!

Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

Summer Week: Textured, Loose Waves (Video!)

Today on Summer Week I'm sharing my Textured, Loose Waves. These take me about 5-10 minutes and are pretty any time of year. This post shares the highlights of the video, so for more details, please watch the video. Enjoy!

N e e d:
Heat protectant
Brush/comb
Texturizing Cream
1 inch curling wand
Heat resistant glove (optional)
hairspray (optional)

D o:
Spray hair with heat protectant and allow to dry fully before applying heat.

With the curling wand pointed down (I'm using one from Herstyler I got on Amazon) take a 1 inch section and make sure the curling wand is behind it.

Wrap the hair around the barrel making sure the barrel can be seen.
Hold 5-10 seconds.
On the next section of hair, place the wand in front of the section of hair and wrap around the barrel.
This will curl hair toward the face. I like to vary the size of sections and the curl direction to make the waves look more natural.
Repeat all over your head.

Take about a quarter (thick hair) or dime (reg-thin hair) of texturizing cream and distribute through hair. I'm using Not Your Mothers, which smells amazing by the way! I like using a cream as opposed to a spray because it helps to define, give texture, and it isn't crunchy. I like scrunching it (as I attempted to photograph above) or defining pieces. That's it!

Enjoy the video below:

Summer Week: Quick No Heat Hairstyles With a Twist

Today on Summer Week I'm featuring some no heat hairstyles...with a twist! Yes, these super easy hairstyles are fast and feature a twist or two to give a "twist" on the traditional. I'm using twists as an example here, but feel free to sub the twists for any type of braid. Enjoy.

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Side Twist (aka Bangs Twist)

You'll need a couple of bobby pins for this. Take two sections on one side of your part and twist them together. Secure with a bobby pins. This works well to get your bangs out of your face, especially if you're growing them out.

Double Side Twist

Same as above, but do a twist on each side of your part.

Extra Twist: Do two twists on each side. 

Messy Bun Twist

Add a twist or two, like mentioned above, and then gather hair into a messy bun.

Pony Twist

Gather your hair up for a ponytail, but leave a section from your underneath/bottom layer out. Finish putting your hair in whatever ponytail you like: high, medium, low, side, slick, etc. Take that section you left out and divide it in half. Either twist the pieces together or twist them in opposite sections and wrap around the elastic . Secure with a bobby pin.

Bun Twist

Following the same idea as above, but put hair into a bun of your choosing, wrapping the twisted section around the base of the bun, and securing with bobby pins.

Side Pony Twist

Move your hair over one shoulder. Twist each side all the way down and secure with a clip until you're ready to join the two into one pony.

Extra Twist: Do this in a regular low pony.

Rope Braid

I give more in-depth instructions here, but essentially you pull your hair to one side and divide it in half. Twist each section in opposite directions. Secure with an elastic.

Tips

• To make sure your bobby pins stay, spray them with a little hair spray or dry shampoo (my choice) and then make sure they are criss-crossed (forming an "x") in your hair.
• Instead of twists, try braids--regular, French, Dutch, fishtail, etc.

Tomorrow on Summer Week, a video tutorial on loose, textured waves!

Summer Week: Sweat-Proof Makeup Day to Night

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I know. Your summer makeup routine consists of tinted moisturizer and some lip gloss. That's me some days too--click here for 5 Minute Makeup. But that's not what today's post is about. I'm talking about those occasions when you're wearing a full-face of makeup in the heat, like work, graduations, weddings, reunions, picnics, dog blessings (ok, maybe that's just me), parties, sporting events, nights out, concerts, etc. Some of us even wear makeup at the pool/lake/beach (I did to just to test out these looks)! I'm talking about Sweat-Proof Makeup, with looks for day and night. Remember, these are just suggestions, and use what applies to you! Enjoy.

P r o d u c t s:

D a y:

• Start with a spray on your face of a makeup setting spray. Model in a Bottle works so well for me. Then apply primer. I love Benefit's Porefessional. Alternative: NYX Shine Primer
• Next, apply a matte foundation, (preferably one with SPF) and I always hesitate suggesting foundations since they are such personal choices, due to skin type. I used Wet N Wild. Alternative: Cover Girl 3-in-1
• To make sure concealer doesn't crease, try Benefit's Stay Don't Stray. If your concealer doesn't crease for you, skip this step.
• Apply NYX Waterproof Concealer and set face with Ben Nye Powder or Rimmel's Stay Matte.
• For blush, use a cream and set with a matching powder blush. Or try a stain, like The Balm in Staniac or Benetint. Feel free to skip blush, if you blush when it's hot out, like me!
• Optional: Bronzer by Too Faced Chocolate Soleil or Rimmel; Highlighter by The Balm in May Loumanizer or Wet N Wild Reserve Your Cabana. I suggest a powder highlighter as opposed to a liquid or cream one, since the powder is least likely to melt away. If you have oily skin, you'll skip it.

• For eyes, try a primer, like Benefit's Stay Don't Stray or Milani's Eyeshadow Primer. Then apply Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Shadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige--it's waterproof. Alternative: Maybelline Color Tattoo or Milani Shadow Eyez. These light shadows make the eyes look more awake. I didn't wear eyeliner, but check Night for suggestions. 
• Curl your lashes and finish with your favorite waterproof mascara (I used one by Maybelline), and once your mascara has dried, apply another spritz of Model in a Bottle.
• For lips, I used the Stainiac. Alternative: NYC or Revlon Lip Stains

N i g h t:

• Follow the same steps as above, except for eyes, I used Rimmel Scandal Eyes Color Stick in Bad Girl Bronze. I rubbed all over my lid and then smudged Blackmail into the outer corner, making smokey eyes. Alternative: Maybelline Color Tattoo or Milani Shadow Eyez.
• If you fill in your brows, I like the ELF Eyebrow Kit and then setting it with Anastasia Brow Gel. Alternative: Cover Girl clear mascara

• If you want eyeliner, try Mirabella Permanent Liquid Liner or Milani Eye Tech Extreme--these are waterproof. I would also suggest a gel liner (like from Wet N Wild) and then setting it with black shadow. I used Blackmail on my bottom liner. I know it's intense, but I was going for a dramatic look.
• For lips, I used a stain, then lined my lips (try Jordana or Wet N Wild), and finished with Rimmel Matte Lipstick in 104.
• BONUS: If you have roots (like me) and didn't make it to the hair stylist in time, try Color Wow Root Cover. It's water-resistant!
• Don't forget: Blotting papers! Alternative: Starbucks Napkins

Natural Day & Dramatic Night

What are your favorite waterproof or water-resistant beauty products?

Next up: Hair!

Summer Week: Sprinkles Nails

Welcome to Summer Week! This week I'll be sharing makeup, hair, beauty DIY, and nail ideas--all summer-themed! I hope you like it! First up, Sprinkles Nails. Enjoy.

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Ice cream (or froyo) with sprinkles--always makes me think of summer! Back in the day, before caviar nails existed, I used to do these nails with actual sprinkles! Yikes! So maybe that wasn't the best idea, but this version is much better. Check it out:

N e e d:
Base/top coat
Several polishes
Dotting tool
Paper plate

D o:
Paint a base coat and allow to dry.

Paint a white coat and let dry.
Using a paper plate (or something that won't absorb the polish) pour out a little of each polish you're going to use.

Using a dotting tool (a toothpick or bobby pin work too) to make "sprinkles" by dipping the tool into the polish and dotting on the nails.

Continue with each color, placing dots all over the nail as desired. Vary the size of the dots. The "sprinkles" dry super fast. It helps to clean the tip of the dotting tool after a few dots.
Seal with a top coat.

T r y:

• Instead of white, try a brown (chocolate), pink (strawberry), or mint. Or all!
• Instead of dots, try stripes, like traditional sprinkles, instead of the nonpareils.
• If you mess up, just add white dots over the mistake(s).
• To make this even easier, use fake nails (like these) for your design. I used them in this tutorial.

Beauty Blender 101 (Video!)

Hey you! Happy weekend to us! I hope you have exciting plans (relaxing totally counts as exciting!). Not sure what I'm up to, but it will involve enjoying some sunshine! When the weather's hot, my makeup routine changes--tinted moisturizer replaces my full-coverage foundation, for example. And a beauty tool I use to apply it with is a Beauty Blender. If you saw yesterday's post, I used it to apply my makeup. I've recommended these to friends/family/you, but some of you weren't pleased with the results. Hopefully, I'll answer all your questions today! This is a brief overview with more detail in my video below. Enjoy.

• What is a Beauty Blender?
• It's the brand name for a makeup blending sponge, loved by professionals and makeup lovers alike. I personally use the knock offs.
• Where can I get one?
• Sephora and online, $20+, comes in 3 colors
• Dupes?
• There are good and bad knockoffs. I've been pleased with mine (because they are latex-free like the original BB) that I've purchased on Ebay, TJ Maxx, Wal-greens, Wal-Mart. I find that they work similar. The ergonomically-shaped ones (Ulta, Target) gave me an allergic reaction, presumably from latex. If those work for you, then that's awesome, but they didn't work as well as the BB for me. 
• What does it do?
• Blends and sheers out makeup; gives a natural, flawless, airbrushed, finish; light-med coverage
• It works best with liquid and cream products, such as liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, bb and cc creams, cream blush, liquid/cream highlighters, liquid/cream luminizers, concealers, and correctors,
• It helps to remove that cakey look from foundation 
• stops creasing under the eyes from certain concealers
• Who shouldn't buy one?
• those who need full-coverage
• those who don't like cleaning brushes regularly--a sponge harbors bacteria and this one needs to be cleaned after every use. The original BB is treated with an anti-microbial, but still needs to be cleaned after each use. Take note if you suffer from acne!
• How do I use it?
• Using distilled or running tap water, squeeze and release the Beauty Blender under the water until it fully expands. Squeeze out excess water until the sponge is damp.
• There are two techniques: dabbing/patting and the press-roll. These are demonstrated in the video below. My 10th video! :)
• The pointy end is great for around the eyes, nose, and lips. You can pat the BB onto skin that has product on it.
• The rounder end works best on the face. Either have product on the face or dip the BB into product. Then dab all over the skin. Remember your coverage will be light to medium, if more than one application is used.
• How do I clean it?
• Baby shampoo or brush shampoo work well, but they take awhile to clean the sponge. I've used rubbing alcohol in a pinch or to disinfect, but I fear this could cause breakage in the sponge. The Beauty Blender makes a cleanser that works well, but what I've found is the absolute easiest and fastest is the Beauty Cleanser Solid. It's around $16.50 and is a soap, sans the slip. Just wet the sponge and rub it into the soap. Rinse and remove excess water.

all pics via Sephora.com

Check out my video below for everything 

you've ever wanted to know about the Beauty Blender, with tutorials! 

And Charlie makes a cameo!

Have a great weekend!

Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle