Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Ways to Refresh On the Go! #AnytimeSpa



During the school day I am constantly on the go. From 8am to 6:30pm I am on campus, running around, and in class. So, by the end of class and my extracurriculars I feel gross and tired. But, I carry around a few simple and easy essentials to get you refreshed throughout your school day. 

First is my Evian facial spray! I first discovered this spray at Sephora forever ago. But, I never got around to trying it. When I studied abroad and went to Paris this spray was everywhere, and was super cheap, so I gave it a try. I have to say it is worth the cost! This spray is the perfect mid day pick me up. It refreshes your skin and gives you a burst of mist to cool you down. I love using it in the summer, but it is also great for the fall and winter months to keep your skin from getting dry. Evian facial spray is the perfect solution to refresh yourself on the go and get that #AnytimeSpa feel. 

To use the spray you simply spritz a little onto your face or skin and you feel instantly refreshed! It's also super discrete so feel free to use it anywhere your day takes you. Not only will it leave you refreshed, but it revives your makeup. This size is perfect for storing at the office or in your tote or backpack. But, I also have a smaller size which fits perfectly into any travel makeup bag. 

A few other products I keep with me include powder, concealer, lip balm, and a Tide to go stick to refresh myself throughout the day. My Tide to go stick is perfect for if you have a spill on your clothes, and I love touching up midday with some powder and concealer as my makeup fades and wears. Carrying a hairbrush or makeup wipes can also be helpful to refresh yourself during the day. 


What is your favorite way to use your Evian facial spray to get your #AnytimeSpa? Let me know in the comments! Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post to get your own Evian facial spray. 
XOXO 
Miranda 

This post was powered by Brandbacker and Evian. All opinions are my own. #sponsored

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Hask Shampoo Review


Recently, my hair hasn't been the greatest. It gets super greasy and gross even right after I wash it. So, I've been trying out a ton of different shampoos and conditioners to see if I can find one that works better for me. 

My latest try is the Superfruit Healthy Hair Shampoo and Conditioner from Hask Beauty. This shampoo is actually pretty incredible. After using it for one use my hair felt softer and healthier. My hair was shiny and smooth, but it didn't leave a gross residue behind. 

Rich ingredients like Amazonian cupuaƧu butter and acai berry add richness and a great sent to your hair. The shampoo lathered well and was easy to rinse out, which is important to me. Compared to my old Herbal Essence shampoo, this shampoo seemed to work much better! To add, it didn't leave my hair feeling gross the next morning. 

I know what your thinking, I can't afford this designer shampoo. Wrong! It is actually under $17! So not to worry, this isn't some high end shampoo for $20+. I've learned that trying non-mainstream brands pays off in the long run. 

With all of my hair troubles recently I was happy that this shampoo fixed them! It's crazy how changing up your shampoo and conditioner can change your hair. I always recommend 

What is your favorite shampoo? Be sure to check out Hask Beauty's Superfruit Shampoo
XOXO 
Miranda 

I was sent Hask Beauty's Superfruit shampoo, conditioner, brush, and deep conditioner to review. All opinions are my own and honest. Powered by BrandBacker. #sponsored 

Friday, November 11, 2016

Recent Beauty Buys


Recently I've tried A TON of new makeup products! So, here is a short review of all of the new things I have tried recently... 

Max Factor: Through Influenster I've tried out two products from a brand I haven't tried before, Max Factor. Max Factor is available at Target stores so it is super affordable! I am loving the Masterpiece MAX mascara. It adds great volume and length, if you are looking for a new drugstore mascara I highly recommend this one. I also tried the liquid eyeliner which is a great felt tip with a smooth application. 

Pure Ice: Influenster also sent me a new nail polish to try out! Pure Ice has a new nail polish with a gel coat option. For a super affordable drugstore nail polish I was super happy with the two step combo. 

7th Heaven: I tried out the Orange & Black Lava Smooth & Soften 7th Heaven mask through Influenster. This clay mask helps with keeping your skin super soft and smooth. The smell was great, but it was a little hard to remove. But, that is usual for a clay mask. 

Colorpop: When I heard Colorpop was having a Hello Kitty collection my inner 8 year old self was internally screaming. I was OBSESSED with Hello Kitty as a little girl (still love her!), so I knew I had to pick up a few things from the collection. From the collection I got the eyeshadow quad set plus the two lippie sticks offered in the collection. Per usual I am super happy with all of the products. The shadows are gorgeous and are a little different then what I would usually go for. 

Sephora finds: While I was at Sephora picking up my Urban Decay setting spray I gave into the checkout line mini products. First I picked up a Hourglass highlighter, which I have heard a ton of good things about. It isn't the most pigmented powder highlight, but I like the glow it gives. I also tried Two Faced's Better Then Sex mascara. I've heard a ton of hype from this mascara, and I would say it lives up to the hype. This is a great mascara that gives the best of volume and length. 

What are some beauty products you've bought and tried recently? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Influenster did not sponsor this post. Influenster sent me the Pure Ice nail polish and Max Factor products to review. All opinions are my own!

Friday, November 4, 2016

October Ipsy Bag REVIEW!


This past month I subscribed to Ipsy which is a beauty subscription service. I decided to go with Ipsy versus Birchbox because Ipsy includes cute makeup bags AND based on Youtube review videos I think the products usually featured in Ipsy are more my speed. 

For $10 a month you get a few sample or full size makeup items! This month I had a pretty good variety of items. I got a blush/ eye shadow, liquid liner, lip pencil, nail polish, and leave in condition. The nail polish and liquid eyeliner appear to be full sizes, which is awesome! But the other sizes are good for a sample. The Balm blush may seem small, but I've already used it and it is manageable! 

As for the products themselves, I am OBSESSED with the blush! I've worn it everyday since getting the box in the mail. It is a great coral shimmery color, which I think works well with my skin tone. I am also a fan of the simple matte lip pencil that was included. It's a great color and I think would work well on a lot of people's skin tones! 

The rest of the products I haven't tried, but I am very happy with my first month's bag! 

What did you get in your Ipsy or Birchbox subscription? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Makeup Forever Product Review


Since I picked up this palette in Paris I haven't stopped using it! Now my Makeup Forever palette is by far my favorite palette when it comes to my everyday makeup look. While I was studying abroad my program took a trip to Paris with our class. Our study abroad coordinator knew someone who worked at Makeup Forever headquarters, in Paris, so we got to shop at the employee store which was AMAZING! I picked up a limited edition palette as well as a gorgeous red lipstick. In this post I will tell you my thoughts and review each of the products. 


Makeup Forever Artist Palette Volume 1- Nudes: This palette has easily become my go-to palette in my every day makeup routine!! It has shimmery neutral shadows that are perfect for everyday wear. There are three columns of colors and they all have different tones. The far left column is more cool while the far right column is more warm. I tend to stay with the middle and right column because I like shades that are more warm. But, I like using the dark black shade as an eyeliner with a small brush. It gives a softer look than normal eyeliner when I want something more subtle. Makeup Forever individual shadows are kind of pricey. So, this is a great way to get very high quality well pigmented shadows for the price of a normal neutrals palette. I think the price is very comparable to the Naked or other palettes like that but it has a better quality. Also, this one is great for travel! I used this while studying abroad and it was perfect. It has anything you could need in one, including a mirror, in a pretty small packaging. But, there is plenty of product. I don't expect to hit pan for a while (at least hopefully!). 
Colors included- I-528, S-556, S-102, I-514, D-562, I-544, ME-512, ME-644, D-652 


Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural Moisturizing, soft shine lipstick- Red Cherry: I love this lipstick! I picked this out in Paris as well and it is a classic red lipstick. It isn't as vibrant as some other reds, which I like. Although it is a red lipstick it is neutral enough to wear on a daily basis. This lip color is quite moisturizing and won't dry out your lips. Normally I apply lip balm before applying just to have some extra moisture. Overall, this is a great lipstick for everyday use! 

I hope you enjoyed this review on some Makeup Forever products! Do you like beauty reviews? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Lipsticks of the Moment


I LOVE wearing lipstick. I practically feel naked if I don't have some sort of color on my lips. With the weather changing I love wearing darker shades like maroon, dark red, and occasionally an oxblood. Since I am in London I don't have access to my entire lipstick collection (which is quite large), but I picked up two new lipsticks while I was traveling through Paris and Italy that I am in love with! I've been wearing my new KIKO cosmetics and Makeup Forever lipsticks on repeat. I have also been occasionally wearing more pink tones from Revlon and Mary Kay. Lipstick, for me is something that ties a whole look together. Most often I try and pick out tones in my look to help choose the lipstick of the day. But, these four colors are for sure my favorites of the moment!


What are your favorite lip colors of the moment? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Monday, September 14, 2015

Sew Cute Abroad: Build your own Birchbox


Selfridges a department store in London, was having a Birchbox pop-up so naturally I had to go! They have a special section in the beauty department where you can build your own Birchbox. Many of you may know Birchbox from the States but it isn't as popular over here. 

To build your own Birchbox first we picked out our boxes and pouch. Then, you get to fill it with products from 5 categories: beauty, makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty treat. They had a lot of choices of products you could pick. From mascara, face masks, oil, hairspray, and other great samples! It was great to pick what samples I wanted to try out because then I could create my own personal box! 



Each category was clearly marked so it was super easy to pick our products! Like I said they had a good selection of products and most I have never heard of! So it will be nice to try out some new things. 




Here is everything that I got in my Birchbox! All of the product names and details are below: 
Glossy Kiss in perfect kiss- Mirenesse 
Huile Prodigieuse multi-usage dry oil- Nuxe 
Yogi Flow foaming shower gel- Rituals 
Reassuringly firm session hold hairspray- Percy & Reed 
Birchbox key ring 



Do you have a Birchbox subscription? Do you think it's worth it? 
Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Spongelle Body Buffer REVIEW!







Body buffer: A body buffer is infused with luxurious shower gel which gives a fabulous shower experience.

A few days ago I was sent these awesome body buffers from Spongelle. Beyond the adorable packaging and amazing smell these body buffers are fabulous. Spongelle body buffers are like having a spa in your own shower! They are such a unique and exotic product unlike anything I have seen before. 


Basically, these hard shapes turn into soft and luxurious sponges once they meet water. Once you add water you can lather yourself in amazing scents like mandarin mint and ginger bergamot. I love these because they leave your skin feeling great with a light gorgeous scent. It's the perfect way to pamper yourself after a long day. 

Particularly I am in love with the pedi-buffer. It exfoliates like a foot stone but leaves your feet softer and smelling great. 

Spongelle is a body care brand that strives to give their customers a luxurious experience and I would say they succeeded! I would highly recommend these products to someone who loves indulging in shower goods like Lush or H20.  These body buffers are the newest way to cleanse and reveal amazing skin. The best part? You can use these body buffers more then once! The body buffers last around 14 washes while the pedi-buffers last around 30. 




Be sure to follow Spongelle on Instagram!
Have you tried any Spongelle products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

This post is powered by Brandbacker. All opinions are my own. I was gifted these items by Spongelle.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Fresh Face


Recently I have been trying out new face products and I thought I would share them with you. Through my Campus Voxbox I recieved the St. Ives blemish control acne scrub. I have used this product before and I will say, this is the only scrub I like! It's super gentle and the scent is to die for. If you are looking for a simple everyday scrub I highly suggest this one! 


Also, I was sent these two products to review and use. I have been using this OZ Naturals ocean mineral cleanser a lot recently. It leaves my skin super soft and it is made with very natural ingredients. 


In addition, I have tried a new face mask from Adovia. This mask is a purifying dead sea mud mask and it is supposed to minimize pores and remove toxins from your skin. It also helps reduce acne and improves your skin's appearance. Usually I don't find success in masks but I will say, after just using it once I thought I saw some small results. If masks aren't your thing I would still suggest you try out this one! I think masks are great to just use once every two weeks to change up your skin routine. Click here to buy this mask!


What skin products have you tried recently? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda

I received these products from Influenster and Brandbacker. All opinions are my own. 


Monday, May 11, 2015

Beauty Counter Event




A little while back I attended a Beauty Counter event downtown Des Moines. The event consisted of cocktails (well for the 21 year olds), their new product line, and a presentation from one of the Beauty Counter district managers. 

Before the event I didn't know a lot about Beauty Counter products. But, I did learn a thing or two after the event. Basically Beauty Counter is a line of cosmetics and other products that are made entirely with natural ingredients. In the presentation, they talked a lot about how cosmetics have a lot of harmful chemicals and ingredients that can harm your health. 

Then I wondered, what is in the products I use everyday?

Here is the video they played at the event which I found super interesting! 


So, how can you change your beauty habits? Well as a college student I don't have all the money in the world to replace every makeup and beauty product I use to high end natural products. But, I think you should just take the time to look at your products and see what is in them. I think it might surprise you. 





If you want to switch to more natural products check out Beauty Counter's line of products! From foundation, blush, to shampoo and conditioner the Beauty Counter has a wide variety of products to choose from. 


Here are some of the ingredients on Beauty Counter's NEVER list: animal fats, oils, and musks; benzalkonium chloride; benzophenone and derivatives; bisphenol A (BPA); butoxyethanol; BHA and BHT; coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients; 1, 4-dioxane; ethylenediaminetertraacetic acid (EDTA); ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA); formaldehyde; hyrdroquinone 


At the event I was given some samples of their new face line and I have to say I do like them! I've tried the face moisturizers (am and pm) and I have noticed a difference in a short amount of time. 


If you are interested in any Beauty Counter products feel free to visit Gregge Anne Lowe's page
or feel free to contact her at: gregganne.beautycounter@gmail.com 

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

My Skincare Routine + Oz Naturals Review!




Today, I am telling you all about my skincare routine! When it comes to skincare, I am a fairly simple person. Usually I only use face wash and moisturizer. Sometimes if I feel lazy I will only use a makeup wipe to remove my makeup.

When it comes to face wash I usually ALWAYS stick with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. I also use a Clean and Clear night time wash in addition to St. Ives apricot scrub! For my moisturizer I use the Clean and Clear dual action moisturizer. Then for my makeup wipes I use the Neutrogena makeup remover cleansing towelettes. I keep my skin care super simple and easy because most often I don't have a lot of time to fuss with much else! But, I haven't had issues with my skin in a long time. So clearly simple products and routine works!

But, I recently added OZ Naturals serum to my routine. You use this serum after washing your face and before you apply your moisturizer. When I first used it I noticed that my moisturizer felt more absorbed into my skin which is great. 

OZ Natural serum was created to give people a dewy and moisturized look. Not only does this help your skin overall but it helps with wrinkles. I know I am only 19 but this serum does more than wrinkle protection! I have noticed my skin is softer and overall better appearance. Not to mention this product is made in the USA. 


Want to try it yourself? Click here to order it off Amazon!


What is your skin routine? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

I was sent OZ Naturals skin serum to review from Brand Backer. All reviews on Sew Cute Style are my own opinions and thoughts.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Pretty in Pink


In honor of breast cancer month I collected a few of my favorite pink things. A few include Hunter boots, Lilly agenda, and monogram earrings! 

XOXO 
Miranda 

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Let's Getaway!

Going away this weekend? 
With 4th of July this weekend I'm sure a lot of people will be heading off to fun destinations or to visit family & friends. I will be heading off to Iowa to see a few Pi Phi sisters so I am super excited! Not to mention I will experience my first "small town" 4th of July. It shall be interesting.... 

Anyways, here are a few of my travel must haves. These are some of the things I will be taking with me on my little weekend getaway. 




  1. Cosmetic bag | I always need some type of cosmetic bag to hold all of my toilet trees. This one form Forever 21 is adorable! My friend gave me one of there makeup bags a little while back and it is actually perfect for traveling. Not to mention they are super affordable and come in a variety of prints and colors. 
  2. Foundation | Foundation is a must for me. If I don't have foundation on there is something severely wrong with me! So, it is for sure an essential if I am going away for a long weekend.  
  3. iPad | Instead of carrying around a laptop I can now just bring my iPad. I recently got an iPad so I am excited to travel with it! 
  4. Cha Cha tint | If I had to take one blush with me it would probably be my travel size Cha Cha tint. It is great because you can swipe it on and go. No brush needed! So if you are tight for space this is a great option. 
  5. Stud earrings | I don't like to bring a lot of earrings when I travel because I'm afraid I will loose them! So, I just bring one pair of neutral studs that I can wear with anything. 
  6. Fun phone case | I can't go anywhere without a fun phone case. Kate Spade ones are my favorite. 
  7. Deodorant | Since it is super hot now and days deodorant is a must. I don't want to be smelly! I use Secret clinical strength. 
  8. Travel size products | Whenever I travel I always bring travel size products. I usually go with Bath and Body works for lotion and body wash then Herbel Essence for shampoo. 
  9. Chino shorts | As you may know, chino shorts are my go-to summer piece. They are super comfortable and come in fun colors and prints. 
  10. Jack Rogers sandals | If I had to take one pair of shoes it would probably be my Jack Rogers. They go with everything I wear and can be casual or dressy. 
  11. Longchamp tote | I love this tote bag! It is the ideal purse to travel with because it is so light and easy to carry. I highly suggest one if you just need a quick bag to throw your stuff in. 






Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Beauty Bar: Pink Lids

Punch of Pink

I have been loving Rebecca Minkoff resort 2014 collection! Especially the makeup look. The light pink lids, bold pink lips, and glowy face is perfect for the summer time. So, there is always to ways to do your makeup. Using drugstore products and saving a bunch of money or using high end products. Well, I gave you a list of products for both ways! 


To recreate this look all you need is some bright pink lipstick and pink eyeshadow. You can either sweep one shade of pink over your whole lid or make it more dimensional and use multiple shades. Either way you can get this off the runway trend for your makeup look. 




Thursday, May 29, 2014

Favorite Makeup Products!

Makeup is a girls best friend
I thought I would share my favorite makeup products! Most of these I have been using for at least a year. I love them all dearly. Also, basically all of these I use everyday.
Enjoy :)

Face Products: For face products I usually stick with either Maybelline or Covergirl. My favorite foundation of all time is the Covergirl outlast stay fabulous. It is considered a three in one foundation so it has foundation, concealer, and primer. I am VERY loyal to this foundation and highly recommend it! My current powder that I have had for a while is the Maybelline Fit Me powder. I don't think there can really be a bad powder, unless its chalky, but I really do like this powder! For bronzing products I have used Estee Lauder's bronze goddess for ever. This bronzer has probably lasted me at least 3 or 4 years. It's really good and is matte which is nice. Recently, I picked up Maybelline's Master Hi-Light in nude and I love it. It is a nice mix between a bronzer and a highlight. For concealer I use either my Physicians Formula stick concealer or a liquid Mary Kay concealer. Both work great and cover up blemishes well.
My shades: Ivory Covergirl foundation , Ivory Maybelline powder, Light Physicians Formula concealer,  Nude Master Hi-Light, Bronze Goddess bronzer.
Fit Me powder | Master Hi-Light | 3-1 Foundation | Concealer (similar) | bronzer 



Eye Products: For eyes I mainly use three palletes. One is a Mary Kay trio that has a shimmery creme, plum, and dark purple shade. It is from the Mary Kay Play collection. Another palette I use a lot is a Lorac pallette. I'm not sure the name of it because it doesn't say on the package. But I love the neutral tones it has! Another palette I use often is the Stila watercolor palette (limited addition). It has great green and smokey eye tones. For mascaras I like Rimmel London and Covergirl products. My current favorites are the Covergirl clump crusher and the Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Flex. For eyeliner I either use a gel Rimmel London liner or Maybelline's master precise liquid eyeliner. For my base I usually use a creme eye shadow. My all time favorite is Benefit's R.S.V.P. It is a gorgeous pearl shimmery shade and looks good under basically everything. I am also a big fan of the Maybelline color tattoo's, my favorite color is Inked in Pink

liquid liner | Covergirl mascara | Rimmel London mascara | gel liner |
Lorac Downtown palette | Mary Kay trio | Stila Watercolor palette 
Benefit creme shadow | Maybelline creme shadow 





Cheek Products: I am a blush person! I love the different shades of pink you can get with blush. Three of my favorite blushes are from NYX. Their stick blushes are great! They last a long time and are easy to apply. I simply apply it with the applicator then blend it in with my finger. I also love their powder blushes. Two other blushes I love are Milani's Luminoso and Physicians Formula's Happy Boost blush in Pink. All of these are great light shades and are perfect for everyday wear.

My Shades: NYX stick blush in Orchid and Tea Rose, NYX powder blush in Pinched, Physicians Formula powder blush in Pink, and Milani's powder blush in Luminoso.

stick blush | NYX blush | Physicians Formula blush | Milani blush



Look out for a most on my favorite lip products! (There is too many top put in this post!)