Sunday, November 6, 2016

Makeup and Beauty Favorites



Makeup and Beauty Faves


If you have been following my blog for some time, since it started almost 7 years ago then you know I started out reviewing beauty, hair and nail products.  I also use to do weekly style steals and fashion find posts for some of the popular shows at the time or magazines finding outfits or pieces worn by Celebs, Reality TV personalities and more, sharing where you could find the clothing and then I did my Style Steal where I would find something similar or that could be styled for a similar look for way less.  I have never been a big makeup wearer, I grew up with a mom who rarely wore makeup so it wasn't in my house and when I was in my early teens I would wear some but went through a huge gothic stage in my mid tees with the colored hair (like I wear now at almost 40) black liner, vamp dark red nails and lips then pale skin.  Around 19-21 I was bartending so I liked to wear light makeup but just some liner, mascara, lip gloss and on Friday and Saturday maybe I would have some of the girls at work do my eye makeup, they use to beg me to let them do a smokey eye or some glitter because I have always had pretty skin, with minimal breakouts and didn't need foundation or cover up.  I have two daughters and my oldest is a huge makeup junkie, she started as young as 3-4 stealing her Mima's makeup and playing with it when they watched her.  I let her buy makeup but she goes to a private type of school where she wears uniforms and at that age makeup wasn't allowed.  She would sneak it but always get caught lol, she always says she gets caught anytime she tries to do anything that most of the other kids do and don't get caught lol.  Anyway, around 14 and the start of high school she went from her middle school wing eyeliner and gloss to wearing a full face of makeup, some days even false lashes, contour, highlight, glow, bronzer, foundation, powder, liner, lips, brows you name it.  I think she is very lucky because I buy her top of the line stuff, I got my friend who has worked for MAC, Nars, and other high end cosmetic brands then also has her own business doing makeup for shoots, weddings and events, as well as doing makeup classes.  I got her a makeup lesson because she had the natural talent just wanted her to get tips, learn the tricks of the trade and also have someone help her with matching her foundation, concealer and other things that you need to match your skin color or tone.  Also being blonde she struggled with finding the perfect brow color, we both use NYX micro brow pencil in Ash Brown it is amazing.  I buy 4 of them every two weeks because she draws in or pencils in her brows daily and I do if I am going out.  Blondes sadly have no brows my hair is so light they are invisible.  



This is the Urban Decay Limited Edition Pulp Fiction eye shadow Palette, lip liner and lip stick.  These colors are amazing and look so good on.  The red lip color is not too bright and not to light just right.  I got this off eBay for under $40


Pat McGrath Flesh lip stick, and then my daughter has the 3 pack of different shades with glitter for amazing glitter bold lips and then they have a nude color, Flesh like mine but she has the 02 I believe and mine is the 01.  Love how Sephora sends all these beauty samples love to try new products always, if you are reading this and have a line or product make sure to email me because I am always happy to send you my rate card, you can have an ad with link, get a blog post feature with links to all social media and your site with photos or many other options available.  I am very flexible and I will let you know that I am a huge supporter of the small business owner and female entrepreneurs so if you have a new business or website please email, let me know the details and most likely I will be willing to do a blog feature and review along with social media share on all my social media pages in exchange of a product or piece from your collection to feature or review.  



This passed week I took my daughter to The Makeup Club in Hollywood, Fl.  They sell Morphe Brushes and we love them so had to stop in and see what they had in stock then which brands they carry,  It is a cute store and they have a lot of brands you don't see at Sephora or Ulta, also their pricing is pretty much retail on the online sites and other stores.  My daughter got these colorful NYX liners and the suede lip colors vault that was sold out online, we got the Lorac 3 Pro Palette which keeps selling out every time they get them in and is a must have.  In eye shadow I have to say Urban Decay and Lorac are my faves and then Kylie Cosmetics is pretty awesome.  You can see here some Kylie Lip singles and I have two kits not in pic, got the KourtK purple for me to match my hair, Spice, Pumpkin and Trick.  


Incendio Beauty is a new line launched by a friend of mine's makeup artist that she uses from time to time when she is in LA.  I was so excited to get some products for my daughter to try because she always loves to have brands or new stuff her friends don't have or other makeup lovers so she can share with them.  This is the Incendio Beauty lip colors in Allure, the raspberry inner color, the outer top color is Empress and then the pod is pigment called Aura in pink with a gold shimmer, my daughter loves it cause it is a pale pretty pink with a really pretty iridescent gold shimmer.  Her products are priced really good and everything we used above is amazing, the pigment is really good. Lip colors aren't streaky and go on nice, smell good and last really long.  My daughter used the pigment on her eyes and then as a highlight she said when using as a highlight she used a product she got that is similar to a glue, but isn't really glue glue, anyway it helps with shimmer and glitter staying in place versus some highlight and glow kits you end up with a pretty mess on your shirt or counter.  I will share the name of the product she uses tomorrow.  Promise to add the name of the product when she wakes up.


LiveGlam has a monthly club for makeup lovers where you get Morphe Brushes each month.  These were my first month.  Love this and Morphe brushes are amazing if you have not tried them, they are affordable and a lot of makeup artists use them.  Also quickly Walgreens had these white and pink Wet n Wild makeup brushes, and yes I know Wet n Wild is a cheaper brand but they had them in all sizes and shapes for .99 to 2.99 so I got them for my youngest, I have to say if you see these pick some up because they are amazing and I found an amazing blending brush and under eye brush for blending in concealer or foundation if you use it.  I use it for adding Laura Mercier powder.



I started purchasing Kylie Cosmetics when she launched her first time.  I only was able to get one lip kit but we were excited, ever since I buy each launch or restock if there are colors or new products we need.  We have a large collection of lip kits, singles and in Matte, Gloss and Metals.

Our Collection Includes:

Trick, Pumpkin and Spice

Love Bite, Maliboo, Ginger,

Mary Jo K, Candy K, Kourt K, 

Rosie K, Exposed, Dolce K, 

Court K, Dead of Knight, Literally

All the above are Matte or Gloss, some I have the kit and then others we have just the single lip color

Then we also have the Metals ( love these solo but I really love them layered on top of mattes and other colors I own) below:

King K, Reign and Heir



They smell amazing and have not found one yet that I don't love the pigmentation, how long it lasts and the quality.  We started loving the kits but now I buy the singles a lot if the color is available because we don't need a bunch of liners and you can find something close enough to match some for cheap in the drugstore or Walmart.  I love Kylie's line for sure and think we support her a lot with all the money we have spent so I doubt she would be mad to know we try to save some here and there lol.



When Kylie released the KyShadows and liners we had to have, I was out of town missed the first release but she did a restock very soon after and got it on the road, love this Bronze palette has some amazing colors and the pigment is amazing, the shimmers are actually really good quality also.  The liners are really good too if you like the pod with brush application, which is my favorite way to apply liner, I find it easier but it is all personal preference. 



My daughter had to have the birthday limited edition set because of the creme shadows and then got a metal at the time.  She loves the creme shadows and how the apply rose gold is our favorite.



Here are some of my daughter's finds she loves to watch makeup vlogger videos and she is always hearing about new products so she spends her allowance on makeup or beauty supplies.


Love Bite Kylie Lip Kit, this is a favorite of my daughters and mine, love the vamp reddish brown tone really is pretty on.


My last Morphe of the month of October shipment, always worth the money for sure.  In October there were only 3 brushed because they are the gunmetal instead of the regular brushes, they did this with the rose gold also.  If you have never used Morphe brushes this is a fun way to try them just visit LiveGlam.com for more details.


Last off for tonight ending this post, which is funny I have 7 posts that I have uploaded all the photos from my phone just been waiting for the time to post some words into the posts.  My life is hectic and chaotic but soon enough cheer ends for my girls and then I have a lot of exciting things coming.  Working with a lot of the same brands, designers and online shops, a couple have changed their programs and I have some fun new offers or exciting cool things to share.  Will be doing a couple of contests, announcing something really huge for me for now can only tell you that when I started my blog almost 7 years ago I dreamed of being a brand rep/ambassador for designers and labels.  I have been blessed to work with my favorite jean brand Silver Jeans Co for almost two years and can't wait to share what they have in store for 2017.  All the amazing brands, shops and designers who have reached out or accepted me to their programs are amazing, I am so grateful or for the brands that send me boxes of samples and goodies just because they like my girl next door style and authentic posts, I am always wanting to step up my blog to post full length photos using a photographer or my tripod but have people beg me not to change anything because they love the vibe my social media and blog gives.  A real woman with curves and flaws, with no fancy camera crew and wearing clothing that they too can afford to wear and find.  When I started this blog it was directed to the every day woman, the girl next door, the entrepreneur, stay at home mom's, single moms, working and career moms or ladies, then of course all my creative, artsy girl bosses out there.   I want women of all ages, races, styles and walks of life to enjoy my blog.  I want you to find the hottest or latest styles or trends here, and be like wow check this out those are just like those shoes I wanted for over $200 for only $39.99.  I want you to do the happy dance when you are done buying the items I share because you just got something you really love and have wanted but for less.

So now that I got off subject, I am ending this post with the most recent launch from Kylie Cosmetics, her Burgundy palette.  This is amazing and a must have for fall and if you love a natural neutral look or a vibrant and fun look, you can achieve both depending on how much you apply, and blend.  The shades are all amazing fall tones and love the way they all go or blend together.  Kylie nailed it again,

Off to bed have an insane weekend and two weeks ahead.  Have an amazing Sunday fun day and please excuse my next couple posts I am going to share with no writing or text with just photos.  I will sit down on Monday and edit them all the type up the details as well as where to find.  Have an amazing night and please be thinking of my little sweetie who is competing in her first ever cheerleading competition, luckily big sister is her coach.  

Peace love and light always xoxo 


Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Social Media Outfit Roundup for end of October


Some of my favorite posts from social media to share here with everyone on my blog.  Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween,


Spell and the Gypsy Collective Panther graphic tee, Free People white maxi skirt I got off eBay.


Necklace is from Precious Heart Shop, you can follow them on IG @preciousheartshop, and my gorgeous handmade cuff is by one of my all time fave Etsy jewelry designers, Fawning In Love.  Her pieces are always unique and so well made, not to mention the best customer service and cutest packaging ever.  If you are looking for some gorgeous jewelry and accessories, or the perfect gift for someone for the upcoming holidays Fawning in Love is the perfect Etsy shop with a large selection of beautiful handmade high quality pieces that will come wrapped in amazing packaging ready to give as a gift with no wrapping needed.


Wanderer Bracelets hold a special place in my heart,  love being a brand rep for this brand because of the amazing work they do supporting and empowering Bali artisans as well as just being involved with so many amazing people from the employees at Wanderer Bracelets to the amazing group of reps.  Each bracelet tells a story and has special meaning to me, from my custom coordinates for where I met my husband over 23 years ago, to my love for the beach with my sand dollar, star fish, mermaid tale, big wave, shaka, and shell, then of course I adore the Feather and VW bus bracelet representing my love for road trips and the wanderlust at hear I feel daily.  You can use my code MELISSA20 for 20% off your purchase at www.wandererbracelets.com.


My blanket scarf is from Ily Mix and love all the ways you can style these plus they are so soft.  My burgundy sweater is from Ivy Revel and paired it here with my Silver Jeans Co Girlfriend jeans.  Love all the new Silver Jeans Co styles with their new WeFit technology with the stretchy waist band and slight stretch denim to hug all the right curves.  These jeans make you look amazing no mom jeans here my friends.  


My latest Rocksbox with these two gorgeous Kendra Scott necklaces and rope style cuff bracelet.  You can get your free month trial using the code MELISSASBFF10 now.  Visit www.rocksbox.com and take the style survey then add some jewelry to your wishlist, at checkout make sure you use the code MELISSASBFF10 to get your free month trial and remember you get unlimited rentals for the month so try out the jewelry, wear it, keep what you love and send back the rest when you are ready for your next box in the postage paid envelope.  I have gotten 3 boxes a month lately and have kept several pieces.  The box is $19 a month a you get a $10 shine credit each month to put towards any pieces you want to purchase, remember too that you get all the jewelry at a discounted price as well.



Spell and the Gypsy Folklore blouse with the maple gypsy dancer skirt.  My Feather cuff bracelet is by The Rabbit and the Raven you can follow her on Instagram @Therabbitandtheraven, my Indian headpiece necklace is by @Fawninginlove on IG and Etsy.



Feelin' Fine graphic tee by @ElectricWest on IG paired with my faux suede fringe skirt I got for under $8 on sale at Maurices.com, faux suede wrap choker with feather charms from Tilly's, brown leather cuff with my girls names from Disney World, and then my Bison hand made ring by Fawning In Love.  My hair color was recently touched up and my stylist used Goldwell Hair Color versus Pravana, loving the tone of the purple dye and my hair feels so healthy.  Think I really like this dye versus what I have been loyally using for years, it has a pretreatment and lock in treatment they use after rinsing, with a leave in conditioning treatment that really has made my hair so shiny and healthy feeling.  I have noticed a huge difference and can say my hair is finally getting back to its old healthy state now to just get my length back.  For the record also, my hair is all mine no clip in or extensions over the summer I briefly used a braid made out of old extensions but was trying to dye my hair less, and not use styling tools like flat iron or blow drier.


All these gorgeous tees are by www.electricwesst.com.  Love the styles and graphics of them all, the tees all fit amazing and are super comfy.


Wanted to share one more angle of this outfit to see the fringe detail on this amazing skirt that was under $8 on sale at www.maurices.com.


Charged Jewelry has these amazing hand made beaded bracelets all charged in Sedona.  I am wearing the Amazonite, blue stone with + and - charms for balance this one charges your peace and then the rose quartz charges your heart.  You can use my link: http://chargedjewelry.refr.cc/8HFX6FP for $5 off your purchase and then you can enter to win here:  http://woobox.com/fouwue/i1807c, daily entries allowed and encouraged to increase your chances of winning.  Good luck to all and happy shopping.



New Sand Cloud wanderlust tie dye towel bag, you can order your own at www.sandcloudtowels.com using my code CR8TIVEWANDERLUST25 for 25% off.



Spell and the Gypsy, Gypsy Dancer singlet tank, with Silver Jeans Co Girlfriend jeans, my statement 2 piece necklace is from Forever21 and then my mule perforated shoes with western style buckle are from www.alrisco.com.


Pam & Gela graphic tank paired with a army green military style hooded vest from Kohl's and some drawstring, jogger style motto pants with scrunched bottom, ripped knees and zipper detail in camouflage from eBay.



Gypsy Dancer tank from Spell and the Gypsy with my Jagger skirt and double buckle belt I got off eBay.   The necklace was also an eBay find a couple of years ago now but you can still find the same ones on there now under $10.


Love my custom made denim jacket by @my_hippy_heart on Instagram, she also has custom tees available on her etsy shop.  


So happy I found this skirt had been searching for a S or M for months love the colors.


Last up scored the Kylie Cosmetics KyShadow Burgundy eye shadow palette for my daughter and I on release day, have gotten down scoring the release items.  Got the new fall lip kits and some restocked singles last week also.  We have been supporting and rocking Kylie Cosmetics since her first launch.  

Hope everyone has had an amazing couple of weeks and have some really exciting announcements coming up for some new brands I am working with then some fun giveaways coming just in time for the holidays so keep an eye out here and on my social media.  Peace love and light always xoxo.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Sunday, Rock N Roll Gypsy Soul



Happy Sunday Funday from South Florida, where it is gorgeous and feeling like fall today.




Rocking my Ettika Lady in Charge earrings available at www.southmoonunder.com.  My hair is Goldwell color in purple.  Necklace I have had for sometime I can't remember if it came from Beall's or Loft.




Photo taken before makeup outside checking out how cool the weather was, my tee is Spell and the gypsy Ziggy tee with the Folktown maxi skirt.



My leather cuff is made by @Rabbitandtheraven on IG.


Love this tee so soft


Close up of my Rabbit and the Raven handmade feather leather cuff.

Have a wonderful Sunday and week, Peace, love and light always xoxo


My Gypsy Vibe Outfits of the Week





Hope everyone had a wonderful week, I know mine was full of activities and fun.  It was also full of some amazing Spell and the Gypsy outfits that I wanted to quickly round up and share here with all my blog followers.  



Above is my Spell and the Gypsy Babushka Mid floral skirt with the Smokin Dreams singlet tank.  My denim jacket is a custom hand embellished gem from @my_hippy_heart on IG.  I will include a link for anyone interested in ordering one of amazing designs.  You can pick a jacket or vest and then let her know what colors and style or designs you like, she will then custom make you an amazing one of a kind creation.  I love one of a kind styles that you won't see everyone wearing.  My turquoise squash inspired feather and silver necklace was a set with matching earrings I ordered off eBay for under $25.


My lilac Spell and the Gypsy Boho Skirt from the Oracle collection, paired with the new Gypsy Dancer raglan, which is my new favorite raglan by Spell.  A couple of years ago I ordered a raglan with the truck on it and it was so soft, then have a eagle and dream catcher, and Folk town raglan they are all gorgeous but love the colors of this one, plus it pairs so nicely with my lilac skirt and my purple hair.  My necklace is part of a two piece set from Forever21.com and the double buckle wide belt was part of 4 belts I got from a shop on eBay,  I also have the thinner style, brown and then one has the antique gold hardware where the other 3 have silver.  These belt were under $15 I will post the link below where you can order your own if you like these.  My bracelet is the rose quartz bracelet hand made and charged in Sedona by Charged Jewelry.


Necklace here is by IlyMix, it is a large statement necklace with crystal rhinestones and pearls in silver and gold metal.  Love the large statement necklaces, I have been a member of the Mirina girls for a couple of years and own one of their amazing necklaces, the Gia and have one on it's way for fall.  IlyMix.com has some great styles of necklaces, chokers and gorgeous blanket scarves for fall.  My graphic tee, Adventure Awaits is from Society6, being a graphic tee lover and collector I love this website cause they have tons of graphics and popular sayings/designs you can pick from then you can pick the style of tee/tank and the color.  I know if you love tees/tanks like me then you know how many white, black or grey tees are out there this is the perfect option for adding some more colored tees and tops to your collection.  I went with the unisex v neck to in heather blue.  Love it and it matches so nicely with my Spell and the Gypsy indigo Oracle boho skirt.  Wearing the same belt as above but in the thinner style black with silver hardware.  Love these belts they have a leather front and then button closure stretchable back for all sizes.  The thinner looks great and fits through the loops on your jeans while the wider belt looks nice with skirts and high waisted styles.  My blue beaded bracelet is from Lacey Ryan Jewelry and the other item on my wrist is a blue Hairslinky.


Floral bohemian style top by Gypsies and Moon Dust, love the colors and fit of this top.  My jeans are the Elyse light wash boot cut jeans by Silver Jeans Co.  Love the fit and comfort of these jeans, all Silver Jeans fit amazing but these have their new wefit technology to reduce muffin top on the waist and it really works, along with being super comfy.  These jeans have a distressed look with ripped knees but not over distressed.  My bracelets are Alex and Ani romance wrap and Charged Jewelry rose quarts charge your heart bracelet. 


Graphic tee, Mountain Dweller is from Scout and Cloth paired with Gypsies and Moondust maroon long cardiganwith patches, Tilly's bolo style faux suede wrap style choker with crystal accents.  My black jeans are Silver Jeans Co Tuesday ankle jeans with distressing and frayed cropped legs.  Bracelets are Whsikey + Bone on Etsy use WANDERLUSTBABE to save off your order.


Ettika Lady in charge long chain earrings available at www.southmoonunder.com.  


Mi.iM strappy booties in Taupe with low heel.  Love these have the taller ankle boots in Brown and Slate from last fall and had to get this new style.  Love this brand shoes they make amazing styles that look like all the hottest or latest trends for each season at a fraction of the cost.  I got these from Red Dress Boutique because it was hard to find this color or Khaki in my size.  The grey, slate color was easier to find.  These run a 1/2 smaller due to the pointed toe I think so I recommend sizing up a 1/2 size if possible. 


Spell and the Gypsy Ziggy tee and Folklore peasant style blouse, have the Ziggy blue bells, a couple of dresses, the gypsy dancer tank and the same top in blue coming from their Australia site.  Love Spell and the Gypsy this is a brand I came across a few years back when I first became addicted to wearing kimonos with all my graphic tees and ordered several kimonos from them, I then started purchasing skirt, and graphic tees and for several years a large part of my skirts and tops have come from this Australian based designer that now has a US site that was launched this summer.  I have met so many amazing ladies in the Spell groups over the years and recently love all the free spirited and gypsy loving ladies.  


Bad photo but have not had a chance to style this top yet but wanted to show it to you on, I went with the L usually a M in Spell tops unless they run small, wanted a looser off the shoulder baggy look now wish I had maybe sized up to a XL was worried it would be huge but this top runs on the shorter side, I will decide once the blue arrives and I have had time to wear it or style it if I am going to sell the L or exchange for a XL if they are still available.  


Last up wanted to share a quick pic from Saturday so you can see my hair color.  I had my makeup done by my daughter so my lips are over drawn to appear larger and then eye color is a mix of smokey and natural tones, with some contour and glow.  Necklace is from Ily Mix you can find their feed on instagram @IlyMix and that has the link to their amazing online shop.  I will put together all the links for the items above this week and add to post.

Hope everyone has a great week and weekend, I am excited since we finally have some cooler weather here and it has been in the 60-70's with no humidity.  Love this weather.  Have a great upcoming week and hope you enjoyed my gypsy inspired weekly pics!  Peace, love and light always xoxo


where to shop:






Thursday, October 20, 2016

Receive $5 off at Charged Jewelry

Charged Jewelry





Use my exclusive link for $5 off at Charged Jewelry.




I am wearing the rose quartz to charge your heart, they have lots of amazing stones and colors all with different meanings.  You are sure to find one that speaks to you or a favorite color.  I know I want one of each, love a nice arm stack and these are gorgeous stacked together.


The Gold symbols are a + and -, plus and minus for balance.  Each bracelet is handmade then sent off to Sedona to be charged, then delivered to you with amazing good energy and vibes.



These make amazing gifts also for your friends and family.  I got my mom her birthstone and then an onyx for strength.



They have the Orange, Carnelian for charging your creativity and this will be my next purchase,
Fossil Jasper for your health, Dalmatian Jasper for your truth, Amazonite (my first choice in light blue) charge your peace,  Lapis for you luck, Amethyst (third choice after the above rose) charge your dreams, Aventurine (forth choice) charge your possibilities, Opal to charge your journey, Rose Quartz charge your heart, Tiger Eye for your mind, and Onyx mentioned above to charge your strength.  Right now if you go to their site to use my $5 off code you can get the Onyx for free with your order, A code will pop up once you add it to your cart.  See lots of choices and lots of great charges for everyone you care about and love.  XOXO


Happy Shopping, and remember if you can not find a stone that stands out you can always pick the mystery stone, then leave some info about yourself or the person you are ordering the stone for they will pick out one of the stones they think is best for you and send as a surprise.  Love that especially for ordering a present.  Enjoy the $5 off and these amazing new bracelets.  I will be sharing more photos once my other colors arrive.  I have the light blue and green, amethyst, onyx and fossil jasper coming my way soon.  These take about six weeks right now to be made then charged and delivered to you.  Peace Love and Light always to everyone xoxo.  Thank you for your support to everyone for entering the contests using my links and using my codes or links when shopping.  It means the world to me.  Muah xoxo