Secret Stress Response: REVIEW!

I received this in my Sweetheart VoxBox from influenster.com.  I had seen a lot of commercials about this, but I hadn't had the chance to go and pick it up so I was really excited when I saw it in my box.  This deodorant is made especially to deal with the sweat that comes along with stress.  Apparently there is a chemical difference between stress sweat and normal work out sweat, who knew?  The first time I used this, I used it during the dance call for Legally Blonde: The Musical and I am so glad I did.  I know there was normal sweat, because it was a dance call, but I was sweating more because I was under so much stress because of the auditions.  The scent that I got was something like Serene Citrus, it smells really nice when you initially put it on but when you start sweating and the smell gets a lot stronger.  It got so strong that I was looking around, trying to figure out who was wearing the really strong citrus perfume. This deodorant is a soft solid, where it comes out through these wave like patterns in the top instead of just one solid block.  I've used deodorants like this before and have never had any trouble with the formulation.  With this one though, it got knocked off of my desk and hit the ground and there was about a quarter of the product smashed on the inside of the lid.  The thing deodorant didn't hit the lid, it fell out when it hit the ground.  That would be my only qualm about this product because I have used their other Clinical Strength products and have never had this problem when I've dropped them before.  All in all, I would highly recommend these to anyone who is looking for a stronger deodorant for work or interviews.
Have you ever tried anything from their Clinical Strength line? XOXO

*Disclosure- I received all of the products complimentary of Influenster*

Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid: REVIEW!

In my Sweetheart VoxBox from Influenster (influenster.com), I received the Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid skin cleansing system.  It came with a little battery powered brush and a deluxe sample size of the Shine, Shine, Go Away face wash.

As you can see in comparison to the face wash, which is a sample size, the brush is really tiny but that makes it great for travel! It is much less bulky than the Clairsonic cleansing system, which I would imagine make it not as easy to travel with.  It takes button batteries, they are replaceable and it comes with batteries already.

This is the actual face wash; it's silver which reminds me of alien blood, in my case, this is a good thing.  It's really creamy and doesn't leave your face shiny because of the wash being silver which was something I was actually worried about.  I didn't notice if it took away all of my shine but it did help to control my shine for three or four hours, in midwest humidity on the one day that it was warm and sunny.

Sorry this is a terrible picture, but I couldn't get a good photo of the brush head in any light, but instead of being round it's a triangular shape which really helps get into the corners around your nose.  It pulsates instead of rotating like other drugstore brands that have brushes like this, which I really like because in that sense it is like the Clairsonic.  I think the only thing that I really don't like about this product is the actual bristles.  They are plastic, but the soft and flexible kind of plastic. I find that they are much rougher and irritates my skin quite a lot, so I have to be really careful about when I use it.  Usually I will use it every other night because of this and only at night because I don't want to have red skin after using it.

Have you ever tried this product? XOXO

*Disclosure- I received all of the products complimentary of Influenster*

The Body Shop Body Butter Duo: REVIEW

At Christmas, I received quite a few Body Shop products and I was really excited to try them.  I was not impressed with the mini coconut body butter and mini coconut body scrub, so I figured I would switch it up and try the full sized product I had received.  There are two different body butters in this tub, one that's pretty thick and heavy and the other is really light and creamy.  They both smell really good, and apply really well.  The heavier of the two creams you really have to dig a little bit to get it out.  I have been putting this on after I get out of the shower and it has done a pretty good job at keeping me moisturized during the night and the scent does hang around for a bit and can get a bit annoying.
Now, I have heard a lot of bad things about how they produce their products and how the test them.  I have not dug into the subject very deeply but I know a lot of people who have stopped buying their products because of it.
Have you ever used any Body Shop products? XOXO

An audition look!

Hi guys, you're probably aware of this by now but I'm a theatre major with an emphasis in performance.  This means auditions all the time, and how you look is one of the biggest factors in the real world of whether you will be considered for something.  This is the look I did for 'Legally Blonde: The Musical' auditions, keep in mind I had to take the picture after auditions which involved a dance call so it doesn't look as fantastic as it had that morning.  

 For my foundation, I used Rimmel Clean Finish poreless foundation in Ivory, and then used their Matte powder in the color that's one up from Translucent.  I then used my Stilla convertible lip/cheeck color in Petunia.  I think this blush is so easy to apply and gives such a nice, natural glow.  On my lips I used Revlon Kissable lip balm stain in Sweetheart which is a bright pink.

For my eyes, I used my ever trusty Sephora eyeshadow palette.  I stuck to browns and gold shimmers, since they're more neutral but give the eye still a bit of a pop.  I didn't use and harsh eyeliner, I only lined my water lines with Rimmel Scandaleyes eye liner in Nude.  I then used my Rimmel Scandaleyes Curve Alert mascara for a 'my eyelashes but better' look.  The with my lashes out a bit and gave them just the right amount of OOMPH.
This type of makeup would also be good for a job interview or a meeting because it is natural but you still look very much put together.
How do you do your makeup for important occasions for work? XOXO

February Sweetheart VoxBox!

I know this is a little late, but here is my reaction from when I opened my very first VoxBox.  I signed up for this through Influenster and it's free! You sign up and then wait for your invitation and then you can review things for your blog, you don't get a box every month but if they think that you would be a good candidate for a box then they will send you a quiz to see if you are right for what will be in the box- it's a great way to try out products that are popular or that have just hit the market.  Here's what came in my box :D

There were four products in the box, and they are all wonderful!
1. Not Your Mother's: She's a Tease Volumizing Hairspray- I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but I've heard some pretty good things about this hairspray so I am excited to give it a go.  It's a travel size, so if I like it it will definitely be going in my suitcase.
2. Skinny Girl On-The-Go Bar- I'm not quite sure how I feel about this in the box.  I'm not one who is big on these types of bars but maybe this one will actually be good.
3.  Olay Fresh Effects: VaVa Vivid face cleansing system- This is following the trend of using pulsating or powered face cleansers, like the Clairsonic.  From the image (sorry you can't see it) on the front of the box, it looks like the bristles of the brush are rubber so I don't know if that will really irritate my face or not.  It also comes with a trial size of the face cleanser from the same line.
4. Clinical Strength Stress Response deoderent- This is the product that I am probably most excited about to try.  I have been dying to try this since I had seen it advertised on the television, but have never gotten around to buying it.  I hope this lives up to my expectations!

What product from this box are you most looking forward to me reviewing? XOXO

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

My Three Product Face!!

I know, I know, where has the time gone? I haven't posted since Sunday but I've been really busy this week; the show that I'm sound designing finally opens tonight and there was that little issue of me being in the ER until 3AM Tuesday morning because I had hit my head pretty hard during tech and people wanted to get it checked out.  I'm better now, sort of anyway, and so here's a post to start your weekend off with- My three product face! I'm not much for wearing makeup during the day because mainly I'm lazy and it's been cold but today it was really warm and sunny so after my classes ended at noon I ran back to my room and changed into a tank top and threw a few things on my face!

First, I put on my Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Cream which I love dearly but because of how much it costs, I'm trying to make my sample last as long as possible.  It gives a nice coverage and is really light weight which is why I put it on today.  Just the right amount of coverage with a slight dewy finish.
Then I did two swipses of my Rimmel Scandaleyes Curve Alert mascara on my top lashes.  This gave them a nice fluttery look without looking heavy or fake.
My favorite thing about this look is that the biggest thing is your lips.  Since there is no other real color on your face, you can go with a really bright and vibrant color and not worry about it clashing with any of your other makeup.  I used the Rimmel Stay Glossy lip gloss in number 360 Fuschia Fever.  It's called fuschia, and this picture doesn't help my case, but on my lips it is more of a bright pink color and has great staying power.  I lick my lips a lot so it probably doesn't last as long as it would on someone else with better habits but on me it lasts a good three or four hours before I have to touch it up.  I just LOVE this lip gloss :)
Do you have a three to five product face that you use when spring starts to roll around to look fresh and 'glowey' (for lack of a better word)? XOXO

The Weekend Post #8: The #1 product I'm excited for this Spring!

It's been a week since my last post, Ahhhhh! Bad blogger, bad blogger.  In my defense, we start tech week this week so last week was scramble time and we had auditions this weekend.  Weak excuse, but trust me, totally valid. So here is what I'm looking forward to coming out in drugstores this spring!!

These, right here! *Edit; I do not own this picture* These are Revlon Baby Sticks- Blush in a twist up tube! They come in three colors; a baby/coral pink, a fuchsia/bright pink, and a bright shocking red. These are a part of their Spring 2013 collection.  They definitely mirror the lean toward chubby stick lip colors and eye colors, which I have to admit, is one of my favorite makeup fads.  I have three different twist up chubby sticks lip color, one Clinique and two that are by *shocker* Revlon. Obviously, I have no swatches of these cheek sticks but I'm really excited to get my hands on the baby/coral pink.  I'm hoping they're sheer but buildable.  These would be great to keep in your backpack, purse, or on your carry on for a pick me up on the plane. I love the colors, so bright and spring like! I have high hopes for these, so I hope they do not disappoint. I am beyond excited for these to hit shelves.  I asked the official Revlon facebook page when they would be available and they said they will be on sale in April, so look for a post once I've gotten my hands on one (or maybe two ;D)
Are there any makeup trends you're looking forward to trying this spring?

Exciting News!

Hey guys, just a really quick announcement- I was invited to become an affiliate with shabbyapple.com which sells women's, maternity, and children's clothing.  The link to their page is on my side bar.  The dresses are so cute, and so are their accessories.  I highly suggest you go and check them out when you get the chance :D XOXO

The Weekend Post #7: My Makeup Bible

This book right here, the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, is my makeup bible.  This is one of the things that really launched me into the makeup and cosmetic industry to where I am, blogging and vlogging and tweeting, today.  I only got this a year or two ago as a Christmas gift from my Aunt but I am constantly reading it because there is always something new that I get from it every time I read it.  As it says, it's for beginners and pros, and it is just the best book.  Granted, I only own two other makeup books but they're both for stage makeup and special effects which is a totally different animal.  I don't even know where to start with this book!
It talks about the basics, but also about all skin types, colors, special events, everyday makuep bags, drawers, as well as what you should have in your bag if you want to go a bit more pro with the whole thing.  There is a ton of great advice as well as wonderful diagrams and pictures! I know she has another book out but I haven't been able to get it yet, but once I do I'm sure I won't put it down :D
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!
Do you have any makeup or beauty books that you love? XOXO

February Favorites VIDEO!

Hi guys! So, I'm more than a bit new to the whole 'video' blogging and this is my very first so please excuse the double hello in the beginning! This is actually up on YouTube but it's under a different e-mail, so it won't let me upload it from there so straight from my computer it is! Here is the link to my new YouTube channel just for makeup things: https://www.youtube.com/canvasofaface

Anywho!! These are things that I have been constantly using this month so it is apply titled February Favorites! There have been recent blog posts about the Stay Matte Powder as well as a post on the Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara. If you want to check them out, I've just linked them! Anyway, short but sweet for this post- I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Have you ever done a YouTube video like this before, how would you change what I did? XOXO

It's a new mascara kind of day!

Known to all, I LOVE my Rimmel Glam Eyes mascara and I really really love my Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara- bet's to say it's my favorite mascara ever.  Yet, the other day while I was in Walmart I picked up the new Rimmel Scandaleyes Curve Alert Mascara and I've been pretty darn happy with it!

 It's been forever since I used a mascara that had the actual bristle brush and not have the plastic bristles like my Covergirl mascara, and I was a little bit more than wary because my experience with these types of brushes has been less than lackluster.  My eyelashes would go all spidery and clumpy and it just would look terrible, but this brush is different.  I don't know how or why or maybe it's because I've learned to apply makeup properly but my eyelashes aren't clumping when I use this.

 I didn't take a picture with no mascara, but this is one coat of the mascara on my somewhat curled eyelashes.  In terms of volume or length it's not terribly all that great, but when it comes to curving and giving a winged out look, this hits the spot.  I think this would be great for an everyday mascara because it's not too in your face, it's just a nice natural lash with that tiny bit of extra something to enhance my eyes.  This would also be really good if I do a double coat with this as the base coat and then I finish it off with my Covergirl mascara, then it would be a very nice eye for going out on the town or in my case- being on the stage.

All in all, I'm very impressed with this mascara and I would definitely consider repurchasing it.
What are some of your favorite mascaras? XOXO