YSL Black Opium Review

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the new perfume, YSL Black Opium. +Influenster sent these out recently for reviewers to try and I was somewhat intrigued by this black, glitter blasted bottle. I'm a little shamed to say but, the packaging of my perfume matters to me almost as much as the fragrance itself! Perfume should be a luxurious experience from start to finish. When I lightly spritz myself in a scent, I want it to come from a bottle to speaks to me on and personal level. Weird, and maybe a little pretentious, I know! But why spend that much on a bottle if it doesn't express me?? 

Oddly, enough YSL Black Opium Speaks to me a bit. Sure, it's a bit more dark and sultry packaging-wise than a majority of the perfumes I go for, but I dig it. Now on to the scent. 

Description & Notes According to YSL:
"Black Opium is the new highly addictive feminine fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent. Fascinating and seductively intoxicating, the opening notes of adrenaline-rich coffee and the sweet sensuality of vanilla recline into the softness of white flowers for a modern, young, and vibrant interpretation of addiction. Get your dose. "

Notes: 
Coffee Accord, Orange Blossom, Cedar Wood Essence, Patchouli Essense. 
Style: Addictive. Floral. Energetic. 

My thoughts on the scent:
I typically prefer perfumes that are clean, fruity ,or light floral scents. This does not describe YSL Black Opium at all.  However, I can still appreciate a fragrance for  it's intended  aura, even though my preference usually lies elsewhere.
I can definitely agree with the descriptions of this seductively intoxicating, sweet, and  sensual fragrance. There is a complex woodsy musk that carries just a hint of orange blossom. The strongest note I sense in this fragrance is vanilla, which is unfortunate, because I view vanilla as being an overpowering, "filler fragrance". But then again, I'm not fond of strong vanilla. If you enjoy that type of sweetness to your scent, you may love this.


**If you are interested buy Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium HERE** 


*Note:  
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
Anyone can receive free boxes to review from Influenster if they're active in social media.
Find out more or apply for Influenster here:

http://www.influenster.com/r/68953

**Links marked with this symbol are affiliate so to speak, meaning I make a small percentage if you buy from them. However, if they don't list a good price (meaning retail or better) for said item, I don't provide a link.   

31 Makeup Looks, Improving My Makeup Skills,

After making my video entry for the NYX Face Awards this year, I  recently decided to challenge myself for the month of July by posting a makeup look each day on my Instagram. It was important to me to try this in order to improve my makeup & artistry skills. 
For years I've been creating soft, wearable makeup looks on my Youtube channel while occasionally doing wedding makeup for brides, usually in the summer season.  Although I did include some more "wearable" looks recently on my channel, my main plan was to branch out of what I've been doing more for the last few years and be as original, creative, and inspired as I can be. I also hope to vastly improve the quality of my channel & the content of my videos. 

*My 2014 NYX Face Awards Entry as mentioned. Be warned, I had just purchased a new voice-over mic and had no idea how to use it. I have since improved my audio. Thank GOODNESS! 

One Months of Makeup Looks:
*There were a couple of days I was sick (or had a devastating sunburn rather) so I posted a "throwback" look picture. Here are the looks I did in order of when they were posted:

1/30 Alien Avant Garde

I own an Urban Decay Electric Palette and I really decided to put it to use in this challenge. Starting with creating this other worldly being, that ends up looking unintentionally tribal. 
*This is one of the few photos taken with my Iphone 6 rather than my Canon Rebel T3i. I couldn't find my sim card this time. 

2/30 Rainbow Treasure Makeup

I had purchased a new Gold Eyeliner by Jordana Cosmetics and I apparently wanted to try it everywhere. Even on the tips of my lashes and in my eyebrows.
Used@urbandecaycosmetics Vice 2 Palette, Electric Palette. @jordana_cosmetics Gold Liquid liner in "Future".
3/30 Robotic Inspired

This one started off with a strong contour around the nose and clean eyebrows, but due to the fact that I had just bought a few of my first body paints I ended up dramatically carving out the edge of my cheek bone. I learned that it's not always easy to create clean lines, especially when you're in a hurry. But this was my first try with them. It's not a favorite, but it's not bad. Used @loraccosmetics Pro Palette for the eyes and @urbandecaycosmetics"Chaos" & "gonzo" for the blues.@nyxcosmetics Macaroon Lippie in "Earl Grey" & their older candy Glitter liner in "Lavender as an inner corner highlight. Used @bellapierreofficial Loose pigment in "Exite" as a cheekbone highlight again (I actually got this from a @boxycharmBox and I use it a TON!) I am blue dee Aba die. 

4/30 Lazy Wing Dots

This was my makeup for the 4th of July. I wanted a little but of fireworks inspiration without wearing anything too heavy on a hot day. 

5/30 Feathery Lines & Lip Art I decide to play with white liner and go with the flow, giving a sort of feathery bird look. This was also my first full try at lip art! Which left me wishing I had a bigger upper lip to work with. :P Either way I loved doing it! Used: @nyxcosmetics white liquid liner, purple liner, Pigment in "true purple pearl", Prismatic eyeshadow in "mermaid" and@jordana_cosmetics cat eye liner in "Twilight".

I DO VoxBox | Influenster | I Try Wedding Thangs!

Despite the fact that I'm not getting married anytime soon, I recently received the "I DO" VoxBox from Influenster. This time there were soooo many intriguing products I was eager to try but my stomach overruled lead me straight to the snacks first. 

The box and all it beautiful, snacky glory. 

Skinnygirl, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Nutrition Bar:

YSL Mascara MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS Review

As some of you who already follow me may know, I'm partial to my drugstore mascaras. I personally prefer to mainly use drugstore because mascara is product we go through the most. Therefore, I figure I'm spending less over my lifetime on my lashes and getting similar or equal quality. The average mascara only lasts a month or two so for me and most should be replaced by the 3rd month.

Although I'm very interested in saving money, there are some special occasions where I use more amped up/luxury mascaras.

I recently received a YSL Mascara in my Influenster box (and this is probably one of the more expensive mascaras I've had in my possession besides Lancome or Dior Show). So I figure I'd let you all know how it wears up close and personal.

This is YSL's Product Description:

"FALSE LASH EFFECT MASCARA 

REMASTERED FORMULA

The most emblematic "false lash effect" volume mascara, now with an all new Lash Care formula. Its secret is the Triple-Intensity Formula: intense volume, intense color and now intense care. The nylon fiber brush coats each lash in deep color and maximum volume from root to tip, while B5 Pro-Vitamin strengthens and protects lashes."

My Experience:
The good news is that it made my lashes noticeably longer. Longer more so than my regular mascara seems to, which impressed me. The formula was thoroughly efficient at making my lashes look truly dark. This may seem like an obvious observation, but some black mascaras do not dry a truly rich black shade. They come off as a more dusty grey tone. The fiber brush was simple enough to use, but despite it's claims I didn't see a significant amount of volume.

The bad  news is that this mascara is $30 and it didn't exactly perform miracles. I did see a lot of length, but it left me wanting more. Another issue I noticed was that within 3-4 hours this mascara smudged under my eyes. So if you normally gravitate towards water proof mascara, I do not suggest using this one on the lower lash line. I also noticed that that this mascara only worked halfway at keeping my lashes in place after I curled them. By the end of the day my lashes would droop somewhat. This is why I normally use waterproof mascara because it would hold a curl better and prevent smudging. So it's very likely had I tried a waterproof version of this, I would've a better experience.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
This is quality stuff. I can tell in the packaging. I can see it in how the formula dries. But it's not my cup of tea simple because the the price range and because it wasn't the right formula to keep from smudging on my eyes. I will be using it on my top lashes, and on top of my waterproof mascara until I run out because I like the way it coats and extends them, but I won't be purchasing a replacement.

If you would like to see me talking more about this mascara & demo how I put it on check out my Video Review below:

* This mascara was sent for testing and review by Influenster. If you are active in the social media community and would like to be considered to receive free Vox Boxes for review join HERE.

Battle of the Boob Sweat! New Degree Motionsense"DRYSPRAY"

So Influenster recently sent me this to review:

(yes, sometimes I still wear pants with holes in them..They're comfy ok?)


I've never tried a "Dry Spray" before and I already had a favorite deodorant I've used for years that smells great. I haven't been particularly dissatisfied with it. The deodorant I've used for years is Dove Go Fresh in "Cucumber & Green Tea". I use it sparingly because I'm usually cold and not sweating very much.

   However, it never occurred to me that I am in someway dissatisfied with my go-to deodorant  because there is one sweaty place I never expected to use it..
           ...My area that receives the most chaffing..
                ...The sweaty place below my face.
   
                                                                               ... My tatas!

Influenster #ModaVoxBox Review

I recently received the #ModaVoxBox for review from Influenster. If you have any kind of social media influence and you don't know what Influenster is you should probably check it out asap because it gives you the opportunity to try and review products for free.
Thus far, and in between moving I have had the opportunity to try most of the products in my box. So here are my thoughts so far on what I have tried:

(Unboxing the #ModaVoxBox)

Clairol Hair Food-Moisture Mask Infused with Honey Apricot Fragrance:

Notes:
-parable free

-mineral oil free 

-approximately $12.99 in drugstores

The sitch: 

This mask goes on damp/towel dried hair and is recommend to set for up to 5 minutes.
I usually use it after I've washed my hair and gently squeezed it out to my fullest ability without using a towel (what can I say? I'm lazy). I typically like working a half dollar sized amount through the ends of my hair while ignoring my roots. This way I avoid my hair getting too greasy with most conditioners while also rationing product for my ends that need it.
Thoughts:
I'm actually pretty impressed with this conditioner/mask. So far I've managed to get several uses from half the container and I've noticed a little goes a long way. At a price of $12.99 and with easy availability in drugstores, this may become one of my go-to hair products. It leaves my hair feeling moisturized, but not weighed down at all. One thing I have noticed is I do have to rinse a bit more thoroughly than needed with some of my other hair mask type products, but I'm used to rinsing for ages because nothing takes FOREVER to rinse quite like Extra Virgin Coconut oil.

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Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in "Red Alert" 

There was no need for me to receive this product. Why? Because I already LOVE Rimmel's Moisture Renew Lipsticks and I love their new packaging even more. In fact, one of my favorite drugstore lipsticks is "Vintage Pink" from Rimmel's Moisture Renew line. Unfortunately, with the updated line, they got rid of that exact shade. I'll be finding a new beau soon though, I promise. As soon as I've got more time to prowl the lipstick isle. ;)

Anyway here's the sitch:

-Creamy and moisturizing (no lie, I ain't so worried when I forgot my chapstick if this baby is in my purse.. Unless I wore a non-coordinating eye-look :P)

-Smells pleasant and floral

-Only long-ish lasting. I got about up to 3-4 hours of wear out of mine 

-This particular shade = awesome, classic bright red

I'm tempted to see if this shade is a near MAC dupe for "Ruby Woo" once I'm done unpacking, but I only own "RiRi Woo". It's probably a little bit brighter than either, but I'm eager to compare. 

Either way, I got compliments on it all day long when I wore it at work and it felt great on my lips so I'm impressed with my new red weapon of makeup badassery. 

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Jergens- Ultra Healing Hand Lotion (Tried for a Week)

-For Extra Dry skin

-With an "Illuminating Hydraluence (is that a real word?)  blend & Vitamins C, E & B5

The sitch:

This hand lotion is relatively light-weight, given what this lotion claims it's for. I noticed that about 60 seconds after applying it's almost fully absorbed. However, this does leave the tips of my fingers a bit greasy for a short while after application. I find that's common with most hand creams. 

(notice no shiny, greasy film just moments after use)

Thoughts:

I like it. Just like it. I like that it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave behind a forever lingering greasy film. I like that it works and continued usage keeps my hands from cracking in this cold, hand-shriveling winter weather. I actually saw improvement in the dry spots on my hands (particularly my knuckles) within a a few days of usage.  I also like that it has a petite opening to let out product because it's way to easy to go overboard, squeeze out too much and then consequently create a lotion slip-in-slide at your work desk. 

I do not however like. the. smell. It's smells sad and old. Like a nursing home. At first sniff it almost smells pleasant and then it immediately changes! Just a general sad, old cheap hotel soap smell. Yes, I am far too picky about smell because it's very important to me. Other people may not smell what I smell but when it comes to lotions, I'm all about the clean scents (usually) and this is just too musky to be one of my favorites.

NEW Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa
Yeah, I'm not even gonna bat around the bush. I LOVE THIS STUFF! It's better than the original! It's richer. It takes more like momma brewed it. So we switched and soon as Ty and I tried one packet. We've already been through 2 and a half boxes. We use it with Vanilla Flavored Almond Milk (we only drink almond milk) and it's so dreamy.

First try. (Note: I added mini marshmallows from the other cocoa mix packet.)

Now we have these several times a week and we're preferring it topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. (please ignore the fact that I focused on my Wii-U screen instead of the cocoa.. maybe my mind was just on some good ol' Nintendo fun.) #SwissMissSimplyCocoa yo!

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That's all that I've had time to fully tested from the box so far. Expect a more additions to this post over the next week as I hope to go through ALL of these products and review them. *** I will probably be finish by 11/26/14 

Navy Blue Smokey Eye ( Featuring Miliani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow)

So I've recently started purchasing more drugstore eye shadows in hopes of creating some commendable tutorials for those of us that might be on a tight of a budget. One eye shadow single  that has caught my eye is the Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow single in "Bella Navy". These singles retail around $4, but I bought a few using a Bogo coupon at CVS and ended up getting mine for about $2.75 each after taxes.

I originally became more interested in the Milani Belle Eyes Singles after seeing a blog post by Rikki Poynter about them which can be found here:
MILANI BELLA EYES GEL POWDER EYESHADOWS REVIEW
Be sure to check out Rikki's Youtube. She regularly uploads reviews and amazing tutorials so be sure to subscribe to her while you're there.
Rikki Poynter's Youtube

After buying a few of these shadows, it was clear that Bella Navy was my favorite shade so I put together a Navy Smokey Eye look I've been wearing to work paired with Christina Hendricks-business-professional-yet-sultry-ass-kicking type outfits. I normally have a hard time deviating from wearing just neutrals,but now this it one of my favorite looks to wear out!

Bethany Fae

TheBethanyFae Youtube Channel