The Blush Brush

2 Nudes I love for Spring – 1 High End, 1 Drugstore + 2 dollar lipgloss

Holly — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:55:25 +0000

I’m still loving my bright lipsticks for spring but the past 2 weeks I’ve routinely been reaching for my more neutral lipsticks. My 2 favorite at the moment are Mac’s Blankety and Rimmel’s Kate Moss lipstick in shade 113. Blankety is slightly more pink and 113 has more of a peach tone. At first I was a little put off by the scent of the Kate Moss lipstick but the color is so pretty I can get over it. The lipgloss I am obssesed with wearing over both of these is a Forever21 lipgloss called Banana Split. This is the perfect creamy pink nude shade to finish off your pout and the best part is it only costs 1.80! If you can’t find it at the store, it is still available on the Forever21 website here . It’s called Dusty Pink in the swatches, and I am buying multiple backups because I don’t want to ever run out! Check out swatches below:

Top to Bottom: 113, Blankety, Banana Split

Shop Below:

Mac lipstick

Rimmel 113

Review: Rimmel ScandalEyes Show Off Mascara 003 Extreme Black

Holly — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:06:42 +0000

After trying out the new Rimmel ScandalEyes Show Off mascara I have mixed feelings about it. I really liked the intensity and drama from the original ScandalEyes mascara but the brush for that particular formula was a little hard to work with. This newer version has a much more user-friendly brush but unfortunately the formula doesn’t have the same impact.

This product gives very pretty definition and volume but I really have to layer it and apply multiple coats to get the look I want. I purchased the shade extreme black but I feel like this is definitely not a dark black mascara. The domed tip is great for shaping and reaching every little lash but I wish the actual mascara was darker black and a slightly wetter formula.

Another wierd thing I have found after using this a few times is I feel like it disappears throughout the day. It doesn’t smudge or flake but when I look at myself a few hours after application my lashes just seem to look blah. Where did the product go? I have no idea, but my lashes definitely don’t look as pretty as when I first applied.

Below is just a quick picture of the mascara on my lashes.

Overall, I don’t think this is a mascara I will repurchase again.

Show Below:

Rimmel Mascara

Skin Care I’m Loving: Mario Badescu Almond and Honey Non-Abrasive Honey Scrub

Holly — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:45:51 +0000

I’ve been interested in trying out some products from the Mario Badescu skin care line and thought this gentle scrub would be a good introduction to the line. This product contains chopped almonds and corn meal to gently slough away dry skin and honey and almond oil help retain moisture. This product has a lovely smell and makes my skin so smooth and soft after use. They suggest using this 2-3 times a week so I find it’s easiest to work into my skin care routine by using it in the shower. Not only do I apply this to my face I also use it along my decollage and shoulders to buff away dirt and dead skin. I’ve been using quite a few serums and products containing salicylic acid and wrinkle reducers so I’m really loving how gently and refreshing this product is on my skin. Sometimes I get so caught up in the hype of fancy face washes and masks that I forget how wonderful a simple and natural product can work and feel. The packaging and branding for Mario Badescu isn’t particularly pretty or interesting and I think that’s why I always overlook it, but I’ll definitely be purchasing more products soon!

Shop Below:

Mario Badescu

Back On Track Challenge + My Gym Playlist

Holly — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:26:46 +0000

Since January I’ve lost 26 lbs, pretty happy about that , but the past month I’ve really hit a plateau and haven’t lost a thing in about 3 weeks.

So, I’m starting a 6 week challenge for myself with a small goal to lose at least 10 more pounds by May 27th. I’m going to incorporate my Green Smoothies back into my diet and morning and evening gym sessions at least 4 times a week. My gym sessions usually consist of 30 minutes of cardio and then strength training.

I use the myfitness pal app to track my excersise and diet, my username is hollyelizzabeth, add me if you use the app too!

In preparation for the gym I updated my music playlist, these songs really help me get through my cardio:

Passion Pit: Take A Walk

Rita Ora: RIP

M83: Midnight City

Swedish House Mafia: Save the World

Childish Gambino: Heartbeat

Avicii: Levels

Calvin Harris: Sweet Nothings

Matt and Kim: Daylight

Macklemore: Can’t Hold Us

Imagine Dragons: Radioactive

Justin Timberlake: Mirrors

Bring Me The Horizon: Can You Feel My Heart

Bring Me The Horizon: Crooked Young

Zedd: Clarity

Krewella: Alive

One Republic: Feel Again

Of Monsters and Men: Mountain Sound

Shopping Wish List!

Holly — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:28:19 +0000

Things I wish I could own ASAP

Free People Boots

Linen Jacket

Georgette Top

Estee Lauder Electric Pink Blush

This Watch!

Scoop Back Tank

CK One Color Lipgloss

Holly — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:04:48 +0000

Ulta recently added CK One cosmetics to their prestige brand collection and so far I’m loving most of the products this brand has to offer. The CK One Color lipgloss is a great formula with nice color payoff, a great scent, and comfortable wear. This gloss gives your lips shine plus color and isn’t too sticky. The applicator is great and as I mentioned, I love the smell and feel of these. The smell reminds me of the Lorac lipglosses, if you like those. The colors I have been wearing most often are Quirky, which is a soft pink with slight shimmer and Show off which is a pinkish deep berry. These are 15 dollars at Ulta and definitely a great introduction to this brand. I didn’t have time to take pictures of any proper swatches but I’ll try and get those up in the next few days!

Shop Below:

Ck One lipgloss

Natural Smoky Eye and Purple Lip Using BA Star

Holly — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:00:17 +0000

I was recently sent a 5 pan shadow palette from the brand BA Star. This brand specializes in makeup for Dancers, Cheerleaders and other competitors. The products are reasonably priced and you can create your own kits with a discount for bulk orders. I recieved the Natural Shadow palette which came with 3 shimmer shadows plus 2 gel glitters. The packaging was surprisigly sturdy and I liked that the palette came with shadows plus glitters. The shadows applied slightly patchy without a primer, but over a base these had nice pigmentation and blendability. For this post, I applied the shadow without a primer so you could see the color payoff of the actual product. I applied the darkest shade from lash to crease and then applied the medium shade in my actual crease. I blended with a fluffy brush and then applied a small amount of the clear glitter over my lids. I didn’t want to go with a typical nude lip so I applied a smashbox lip gloss in the shade mulberry. If you’d like to try this palette you can check them out here I also have a 50% discount code you can use, just enter the word BBSMOKY when you order!

Disclosure: This product was sent to me. I do not receive any compensation if you click any of the links above. My opinions are honest as always!

March Favorites

Holly — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:53:48 +0000

Here’s a quick list of all the products I reached for the most this month

1. Rite Aid Renewal Dark Spot Corrector: This moisturizer was only $12.99 and has really helped improve my skin tone. I use it the morning and at night as my daily moisturizer.

2. Milani Baked Bronzer in 06 Golden: I use this as a blush on days I want a neutral cheek.

3. e.lf. pressed powder: This was a redisovered favorite and is the cheapest and most beautiful powder. It leaves my skin perfectly matte with no powedery or cakey finish while minimizing my pores.

4. Covergirl 3 in 1 Foundation in Nude beige: This is such a quick foundation since I don’t need to apply primer or concealer. Great drugstore buy! See this product on my skin here

5. Too Faced Natural at Night Palette: I’m obsessed with the shades Nightcap and Spotlight

6. Maybelline Rocket Volum’ Mascara

7. L’oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara

8. Benefit They’re Real Mascara

9. NYC 16H lipstain in Persistent Pink

10. Essence XXL Shine lipgloss in 19 Nude Candy : This lip gloss looks great over any nude shade

11. Mayebelline Vivids Lipstick in Fuschia Flash: See this product in action here

My Healthier Version of a Banana Split

Holly — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 01:20:00 +0000

I know this isn’t beauty related but I always love finding easy recipes on blogs so I thought I would share this! Part of my goal for 2013 was to become a tinier, stronger, healthier version of my self. I previously mentioned this in my 30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge post and I’m proud to say I haven’t faltered in my goal yet! On nights when I’m craving somethine sweet I like to make this very quick and easy treat. I add about 3 strawberries and half a cup of frozen pineapple to a bowl. I thaw this in the mircrowave for about 2 minutes. Then I throw in some sliced banana, half a cup of low-fat greek yogurt (plain but you could use vanilla) and a small teaspoon of nutella. I sprinkle some flax seed on top and mix it all together. Then I stick the whole bowl in the freezer for about 20 minutes and enjoy my dessert!

Drugstore Skincare I’m Loving

Holly — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:14:36 +0000

I wanted to share with you some products I’ve been using since January and really loving for my problem skin.

These Say Yes to Carrots blemish clearing facial towelettes are great to keep in my gym bag. I use them before and after my workout and I think it really has helped keep me from breaking out after all my gym sessions. My only complaint is they are a little dry. I always keep the package flipped upside down in a sealed container to keep them moist longer. If you have problem skin and spend a lot of time at the gym I would definitely pick these up.

Next is the Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight and Fade Toner. This is supposed to help fight breakouts as well as fade post-acne marks. It contains Salicylic acid which I find works best for my skin. I use this in the morning and at night before bed after cleaning my face. I like that it doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry like other toners I’ve tried and the price is affordable. I think this is a great drugstore addition to any skincare regime if you have issues with breakouts.

Lastly, I have a Rite Aid serum from their Renewal Skincare line. This was given to me as a Christmas present from my mom after I had been complimenting how beautiful her skin looked. I apply the nightime Regenerating Elixir at night before bed as the final step to my routine. In the morning I rinse my face and my skin looks glowy and soft. This doesn’t feel greasy when applied but can be slightly sticky until it absorbs in. If you are on a budget and looking for a nice nightime product I would give this a try.