Monday, September 28, 2015

Makeup Monday #142

Hello Beauty Babes, and happy Makeup Monday to you! Makeup Monday is a fun linky party dedicated to all things makeup & beauty. ♥ If you are a beauty blogger or have a beauty related post, I'd love to invite you to join in and link up below!
I do ask that if you link up to share the love: visit/comment one or two (or more) other links. 
REMEBER: This link up is for makeup/beauty related posts only!
This includes but not limited to beauty reviews, how-to's, hauls, giveaways, mani's, and hair/makeup look inspirations.

If you do not have a blog, but showcase beauty elsewhere like instagram or flicker, or youtube you are still welcome to link up as well, please just link to a specific photo, though, not your whole account! :) 

You can Subscribe to the Makeup Monday newsletter if you want to stay up to date about the link up, features, challenges and giveaways! 

RULES:    
1. There is NO limit to how many posts you can link up! However, I do ask that you link to a specific Blog Post, not your entire blog.
2. Please grab a button to add to your blog/blog post or link back to Makeup Monday 
3.* Follow your host Agape Love Designs  
4.* Tweet about this linky
 
*Not Mandatory but appreciated

Makeup Monday






Much Love & Hugs,
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Friday, September 25, 2015

Monochromatic Maroon Smokey Eye

 Hello beauties, today I am back with a new makeup look to share with you featuring all MBA Cosmetics Products. Everything from my foundation to brows, eyes and lips is from MBA Cosmetics. ♥ The complete list of all the products I used, along with my discount code can be found below. Now, a monochromatic eye look using a red shade like this can be very intimidating... And it may even border the line of making someone look sickly! So I know its not for everyone, however I just LOVE how this shade really pulls out the green in my eyes. ♥
MBA Cosmetics recently came out with some Pressed Matte Shadows and as soon as I saw them I instantly fell in love with a specific shade - Berry Wood - which is a stunning maroon shade. ♥ And its the star of the show in this eye look! To give this look a little something extra and break up the matte and monochromatic-ness of this look I decided last minute to add the glitter. I really wish I could have captured how truly stunning this glitter is. Its called Mirage and its a warm gold glitter with a holographic effect. ♥
 ♥Makeup Details♥
All Makeup Products listed  can be found at mbacosmetics.com 
Use code AGAPELOVE15 to save on your purchase anytime!

Face:
Velvet Veil Primer
Cream Foundation in Honey
Blushing Bouquet in Pretty in Pink
Shimmering Bouquet Highlight in Angelic

Eyes:
Pressed Matte Shadows: In The Nude, Coffee, Berry Wood & Mulberry
Glitter, Foil & Line FX Serum
Glitter in Mirage
Lash Love Mascara
False Lashes 'Baby Doll'
Brow Whip in Taupe
Brow Fix

Lips:
Luxury Matte Lipstick in Caress

Jewelry 'Hypnotized' Necklace + Earrings set from Agape Love Boutique
Since this eye look features the new Pressed Matte Shadows from MBA Cosmetics, I must tell you, they are amazing! You can purchase them in a little compact ($6) or pan only ($4.50) so you can stick them in your own little makeup palette. I personally love the pan only option! It saves space and I can custom create my own little palette. 

And if you happen to be on the lookout for a more affordable alternative the Z-Palette, I highly recommend Book Of Shadows on Etsy! That's where I bought mine (pictured above) and actually I own two, the other one was gifted to me from a friend. The quality is amazing, there is a nice variety of colors/designs as well as sizes and prices. So you can get just what you need and support an indie biz! ♥

Much Love & Hugs,
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 unique stylish wood watches
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

SkinnyMint Teatox Results + Weight Loss Update!

Hey friends! I am so glad you are today - as I am FINALLY sharing my results of the SkinnyMint Teatox program. I do apologize for delaying this update, I know many of you were curious and anxious to hear my results and how well this worked for me. And I have been excited to share them with you all... However, things just kind of got "crazy" for me and honestly the month of August was not a very good month for me in general. So, as I mentioned in this post, I kind of had to take a step back from a lot of things (my blog & youtube channel being a couple of those things) to be able to re-focus and get some priorities straight. I am sure many of you multi-tasking momma's out there can relate! And while things may be slow going here on the blog for a little longer, its working out for me to post at least 1-2 times a week (not counting Makeup Mondays). 

ANYWAY... With that explanation out of the way, lets get to my SkinnyMint TeaTox results! I started the 28 day program in early July and shared my first impressions 2 weeks into it. You can find that post (here) in case you missed it. If you did miss it, I do encourage you to read it to learn a little more about the teatox program, the taste, my thoughts, my progress, struggles as well as expectations of the program. Plus I also included a fun makeup look inspired by the packaging! ♥
So, lets cut to the chase... What are my results after completing the program? 
Well, I did end up losing some weight! However, it wasn't a consistent weight loss... I started out with a small weight loss, then gained a few pounds back, but then ended up losing some weight again. And over all I ended up losing 6 pounds total while doing the Teatox program.

While that may not seem like a major weightloss success to some, it still gave me something I absolutely needed. And that was a kick in the pants to finally get past this plateau I had been stuck on ever since I had gained and maintained an extra 10 pounds over the Holidays last year. I mentioned that weight gain in (this post) about feeding my food addiction. Since writing that post I still hadn't been able to lose anymore weight until I started this SkinnyMint Teatox Program. Now, since I had this weight loss boost from the teatox, I have been on a roll and my weight loss has continued! Yay!
So here is the official weight loss update... 
I am down to 159 pounds!! The lowest I had been able to get down to, previously, was 163/165 pounds, (cant remember for sure - I do believe I have it written down in one of my weight loss posts) which I maintained for a while. However as I already mentioned (again in this post) I had started to gain weight - about 10 pounds. And while being 173-175 pounds isn't an awful thing, because I still felt pretty good, I know myself and how quickly unhealthy habits can take over. I know how easy it is to gain weight and I how hard it is to lose it. I have worked SO hard to get to where I am today, I dont want to go back to the old unhealthy me. So it feels amazing to be back on track.

Moving off that tangent here is what I have been doing to help my weight loss since finishing the teatox program. I have been being even more careful about how much I eat, since that's one of my biggest down falls. I loved how the teatox helped to suppress my appetite... Honestly, anything that helps keep me from thinking about food is a good thing for me. I have been making sure to drink a lot more water - especially in the morning right after having my coffee and before a "big" meal. Also very often I will supplement 1 or 2 meals with a protein shake. I like the Premier Protein shakes the best, or when I dont have those I will use SlimFast shake powder mix with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. On those days I will try to snack extra on fresh fruit and raw veggies. 

I know that for some people, doing the "weight-loss shake" or meal supplement shake seems too much of a fad diet kind of thing. But it works for me because of my food addiction. It helps keep me in check, and helps to keeps me from stretching out my stomach! So when I do eat a regular meal I feel fuller faster and am less likely to over-indulge (which has always been my struggle). 

And lastly since my calf injury (mentioned in my first SkinnyMint Post) I am finally able to workout in the gym again! I was out for about 2 months - and it felt like forever! And unfortunately I have not been able to go as consistently as I had been previously, but its a start and it feels great. The ball is rolling and I'd like to keep it that way. :) Now my goal - more than hitting a specific number on the scale is just to be as healthy as I possible can, be as active as I possibly can and honestly I'd like to build some muscles on this smaller-but-still-soft body of mine. If only the weight room at the gym wasn't so intimidating! I'll get there though, I know I will.  Believe it and achieve it - right!? ♥



Much Love & Hugs,
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Monday, September 21, 2015

Makeup Monday #141

Hello Beauty Babes, and happy Makeup Monday to you! Makeup Monday is a fun linky party dedicated to all things makeup & beauty. ♥ If you are a beauty blogger or have a beauty related post, I'd love to invite you to join in and link up below!
I do ask that if you link up to share the love: visit/comment one or two (or more) other links. 
REMEBER: This link up is for makeup/beauty related posts only!
This includes but not limited to beauty reviews, how-to's, hauls, giveaways, mani's, and hair/makeup look inspirations.

If you do not have a blog, but showcase beauty elsewhere like instagram or flicker, or youtube you are still welcome to link up as well, please just link to a specific photo, though, not your whole account! :) 

You can Subscribe to the Makeup Monday newsletter if you want to stay up to date about the link up, features, challenges and giveaways! 

RULES:    
1. There is NO limit to how many posts you can link up! However, I do ask that you link to a specific Blog Post, not your entire blog.
2. Please grab a button to add to your blog/blog post or link back to Makeup Monday 
3.* Follow your host Agape Love Designs  
4.* Tweet about this linky
 
*Not Mandatory but appreciated

Makeup Monday






Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Azure Smokey Eye | Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow Couture


Hello beauty babes and welcome! I am so thankful you have come by today. ♥ I've got a new look to share with you that is a kind of different for me. I decided I needed to try something new rather than always going for the same warm smokey eye look over and over. I was started to bore myself and feel uninspired! When that happens, you just have to change it up! So, I took a step out of my "color box" for this one. I never felt I looked good in cooler toned shadows (especially blue), so I hardly wear them! But I must admit, I am glad I decided to change it up, because I am actually LOVING this look... As I am sure you can tell from this photo heavy post. ;) haha What do you think?
To create this look I used one of Anastasia Beverly Hills' newest eye shadow palettes. The Shadow Couture | World Traveler Palette. ♥ Isn't she beautiful! I was actually very fortunate to WIN this palette via an instagram giveaway from a beautiful Makeup Artist Tanya (@tanyakasaev). I highly recommend you check out her IG account and follow! ♥
Pairing this cool toned eye look with this gorgeous mid-tone coral lip is what really helped me pull this look. At least I think so, it just gives it a little balance.
♥Makeup Details♥ 
Face:
-MBA Cosmetics Cream Foundation in the shade 'Honey'
~use code AGAPELOVE15 for 15% off your MBA Cosmetics purchase~
-Milani Baked Blush 'Rose D'oro'

Eyes:
-ABH Shadow Couture | World Traveler Palette Shadows Morocco, Fudge, Azure, Spoiled & Soft Peach 
-Mink Lashes ' Lash Named Desire' c/o Esqido
Lips:
-Colourpop lippie stix 'Topanga'

Jewelry:
-Faux Septum 'Fiery Opal' from MBA Cosmetics
-Earrings from Forever 21


**Please note this post includes embedded revenue links. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission.
Do you ever feel bored with your typical makeup looks or routine?
Do you like to switch it up by stepping out of your comfort zone a little?
If not, I definitely recommend it, you never know what you might actually like until you give it a go! ;)  I'd love to hear your tips on switching things up and getting out of a makeup routine rut. ♥

P.S. If you enjoyed this look and feel inspired to re-create it or a similar look - please share with me! You can share via a blog post and just link it in the comments. Or you can post to my FB page or Twitter/Instagram - just use my hashtag #AgapeLoveGirlLooks so I can see it and share! ♥


Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
 unique stylish wood watches
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

MBA Cosmetics Luxury Matte Lipsticks


Hello, hello beauties!! I got some lippie swatches to share with you! ♥ Recently MBA Cosmetics has been coming out with a TON of new products... Literally it feels like every time I refresh their site, there is a new product listed. haha OK maybe I am exaggerating just a touch. ;) BUT, its been just 2 months since my "Whats New With MBA Cosmetics" post where I shared an update of their new products, and many new products have been added to their website since then.

One of the more popular products that have been added are lipsticks in particular. MBA Cosmetics has added 3 new shade to their Matte Liquid Lip Colors, and has added two more types of lipsticks to their brand. The Mega Matte Liquid Lipsticks - 8 Shades available. I only have 1 of those so far, but will be buying more soon! And then the Luxury Matte Lipsticks - 6 shades available, which I am sharing with you today. ♥
Now, I am sure you all know this by now, but if you are new (welcome!), here is a bit of info. I am the Social Media Manager for MBA Cosmetics. So yes, I work for this amazing indie biz! And I am a HUGE fan - have been for several years now. ♥ With that, I do have an affiliate code - AGAPELOVE15 - that saves you 15% on your purchase at http://mybeautyaddiction.com. This code can be used as many times as you like, it never expires... And even better it can even be used during sales, so you can save an additional 15% on already marked down prices. Woot Woot!


Alright, moving on... The Luxury Matte Lipsticks are described as "very matte & pigmented without being too dry. The color glides on smooth without feeling dry on lips. Truly a luxurious feeling lipstick with amazing, rich color payoff." This is a very accurate description of the lipsticks, but I feel there is a slight exception for two of the lipsticks. I will explain more about that specifically under each swatch. And just something else to note is that each of these lipsticks does a faint vanilla scent. I personally love that - vanilla is my favorite scent - But I know not everyone does! The scent is not over-powering at all though. Its very faint and cant be noticed once applied to the lips. 
First swatch (pictured above) is Caress. Site Description: "Caress is a gorgeous neutral mauve/pink that looks great on just about everyone!" This is definitely one of those "90's grunge" type of colors, only I'd say its slightly softer and more mature. I agree its a color that will look beautiful on everyone. ♥ As you can see this shade is very opaque and pigmented, and out of each of the shades this one is the most creamy and luxurious feeling! It glides on so smooth it almost feels like butter.

Next up is the shade Just Peachy, described as "a gorgeous light Peachy/Coral shade". While I do find this to be such a pretty color in the tube or swatches on the hand, I dont find it to be a good color on me personally. It sort of washes me out. This is also one of the lipsticks I mentioned feeling a slight exception to the Description of the Luxury Matte Lipsticks. While it is very pigmented its not as opaque as the other lipsticks. It was the only one that kind of applied differently. Not sure what it is... I wouldn't say its "patchy", but  it just doesn't look as good (in my opinion) as the others.

Pictured Above is Mardi Gras! "Mardi Gras is a vibrant purple with a red/pink undertone". The description is very accurate - its a very pink based purple and is beautiful!

For those of you who love a true dark and pigmented BLACK lipstick - Raven is for you!! "Raven is deep, dark & matte black. Exquisite!" Now, this was the other lipstick I felt was a slight exception to the description... While all the other lipsticks do "glide on smoothly" Raven did tug at my lips just a little bit. Its the driest of these lipsticks, however it doesn't FEEL dry or drying on the lips once applied. As well, if you do another coat it does glide smoothly on over itself.

Next up is Red For Real. "Red For Real is RED RED RED! Gorgeous, intense and true red!" Yes, this red is GORGEOUS!! Not sure if I like this one or Salsa better - they are both amazing shades of red! ♥

 Last up is the Shade Salsa, which reminds me of a hot chilly pepper red! So its got the perfect name. ;) Salsa is described as "a beautiful red with a bit of warmth." I feel like this photo shows this shade a touch lighter and warmer than it actually is. Believe it or not, this color is a lot more "rich" in person. Its just a gorgeous red shade. ♥


I hope you enjoyed these swatches and mini-reviews of each shade! Over all I would of course highly recommend these lippies. They definitely live up to the name of being Luxurious! Even though they are "Matte" lipsticks, they are still very creamy and comfortable to wear. Something else I like is that they have the long lasting benefits of a Matte Lipstick without the extremely dull dry look of a typical Matte Lipstick.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that with the exception of adding my watermark, and blurring my skin... Each of these swatches are completely unedited - meaning no color/lighting touch ups. These are close up shots, taken with my Canon Rebel t3i, using studio lights. I wanted to give you all the most accurate representation of these lippies as I could. So I hope you found these helpful.

Let me know your thoughts, I always love hearing from you! And if you have any questions on something I may have left out, please dont hesitate to ask. I try to always reply to comments as often as possible. ♥ Also - let me know which shade is your favorite?



Much Love & Hugs,
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