Hey, y'all! I hope you had a great weekend. I am excited to reveal the third item in my giveaway for 2000 Instagram followers. If you haven't entered, make sure you head over to my blog and read the rules to enter. I am so excited about all of your support. You have all helped me nearly reach 2000 followers, so hurry and enter. Don't forget you get extra entries for following me on all of my other social medias, but you have to leave a comment with your information on my blog so I know you entered.
I've used Klorane's eye mask patches, but I have not tried those from Shiseido. I know Shiseido has a good reputation, so I am excited to give these away, because I would love to try them myself. They are extra soothing when you keep them in the refrigerator.
Make sure you follow me on Instagram for daily updates. Have a wonderful Monday! Also, find me on YouTube for daily mini vlog updates, and such.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Yesterday I got my February 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag. I was so excited to receive this months delivery, because the bag is super cute, and I really wanted a rose gold makeup brush. The brush is so much prettier in person. I really don't have any complaints about the items I received.
The Cargo cosmetics lip gloss is a beautiful light pink. I like the formula, because it is a little stickier, and seems to stay put for a long time. The size of the sample is great, and will last me a long time.
The ModelCo blush is a gorgeous deep peachy pink with a beautiful highlighting shimmer. I'm definitely going to use this color a lot, especially on cold days. The sample is basically full-size, and I can't complain.
The Eva NYC Up All Night volumizing spray is a great sample size and smells amazing. I would use the products just because it smells nice. It doesn't leave any type of sticky residue or anything on your hands when you run them through your hair after applying the product. After it dried, I definitely felt some major lift, so this might just be the next item I purchase once the sample is gone. I am crazy about voluminous hair!
The Pencil Me in Cosmetics pencil is so cool, because it comes with a sharpener on the lid. I think that is just genius! I have never seen something like it before, and I need it because I am so bad at keeping my pencils sharp, since the sharpener wanders off from time to time. I never forget to put the lid back on my pencils, so I might also need to buy these pencils in every color. I do have one complaint, and that is since I have been an Ipsy member back in September 2014, I have received two purple eyeliners, and they really aren't my favorite colors. I do use them, so it's not a waste to me, I would just like a few other colors like brown or gray.
The Luxie Beauty large angled face brush is gorgeous, like I said. Nice brushes are not cheap, and this one is so pretty. The bristles are super soft, and I don't have any complaints about the bristles falling out yet. I would definitely consider purchasing the rest of the brushes that go in this set.
I also want to mention something about the Ipsy bags. I have only liked the size of two of my Ipsy bags as far as personal use, but I love giving the bags away as presents. Each pattern every month is so pretty, I just can't use all of the bags because they are not large enough for the makeup I carry around in my purse. My favorite bag so far is the one from September 2014, because of the bag shape, I can fit a lot more cosmetics in it. I like how it zips at the top and not on the side like this month's bag. I really liked last month's bag, as well, because the zipper was on top. Does anyone else feel the same way?!
Let me know if you are an Ipsy member, or what you think about these items. I included my referral link above, so if you sign up, you can show you were referred by me. I'd love to see if anyone uses it. Let me know! Also, don't forget about entering my giveaway for 2000 Instagram followers. I will reveal the prizes on my Instagram account over the next couple of weeks. Find me @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about my hair care, and the OGX Quenched Sea Mineral Moisture is something I wanted to talk about a little more, just to emphasize how much I like it. I bought this product, because I needed something to tame those little fly-aways that happen right at the top of your forehead when you are way overdue for a haircut. My hair gets too oily if I apply products like this dry, but when I put it on damp hair, it dried so beautifully. It has a nice scent, and the bottle really makes me feel like a mermaid when I use it. You can find this product at most department stores. I bought mine at Walgreen's. It's also super affordable. I think it was under $5.
Let me know if you have tried this or any other OGX products. Also, let me know if you have any recommendations. I love finding great products. Don't forget to check my last blog post and enter my giveaway. There are going to be so many prizes! Find out more about the prizes on my Instagram @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I ordered this sample off of the Jo Malone website because I am obsessed with this scent, as most people are who smell it. It was so exciting when I discovered you can request samples of certain fragrances. Jo Malone is a wonderful store where I wish I could spend thousands of dollars. I want everything!
If you are uncertain what to get your sweetie for Valentine's Day, this is certainly a great idea. I believe you can find it at stores, such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom's, and if you are in New York, I believe you can get same day delivery in certain locations. It's not too late to get something your loved one will certainly enjoy.
Let me know if you have tried this scent and/or other Jo Malone fragrances. Also, don't forget to follow me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. Have a wonderful evening!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I always get dry lips in the winter, much like most people. And as I'm sure most people do, I search for a lip balm that I don't have to apply all day long, but will actually heal and moisten my lips. Several years ago I jumped on the natural bandwagon, and tried looking for more products with less chemicals. And L'Occitane is one of those brands with less harsh chemicals.
I love L'Occitane products all around. When I visited New York City last March, I stopped in the L'Occitane store in the SOHO neighborhood. I bought the Immortelle face cream, along with this lip balm and hand lotion set. This lip balm is amazing. Not only is it very simple and doesn't have any strange flavors, it actually seems to heal my lips and keeps them smooth all day long. I don't have to apply it very many times in a day because it lasts and lasts. Not only that, but I received so many freebies. It was worth it. I still have several of the products I rotate with other items. If you have never tried any L'Occitane products, I highly recommend it. And it's name dropped in Gossip Girl! Lol!
I hope y'all enjoyed this review. Let me know of any other L'Occitane products I should try. Also, follow me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
If you haven't made plans for Valentine's Day, I have a few ideas for you. Especially if you live in the Dallas area. This year I was inspired by a luxurious French-theme for Vday. Having a theme for Valentine's Day is fun to help mix things up. This year I thought a French theme would be fun. I happened to come up with a few ideas to have a fun and romantic evening.
The first idea is to wear something either ridiculous Vday themed with cupids and French-style patterns, such as polka dots and lace. You can find the red sweater above at my Etsy shop at AnotherUse. If you need an idea on what to purchase your love, gifts from Lush are wonderful. Although this is not a French-themed item, you could certainly purchase L'occitane or some other French bath product. For dinner, make a date at a lovely French restaurant. In Dallas, I recommend Le Bilboquet or Mercat Bistro. I am sure there are plenty of other French restaurants in Dallas, but these are the only two I have been to and love them. After your dinner date, you could drive around and look for your dream home and get to know one another better. I always find it so exciting to talk about what you dream of in a home and yard, etc.
I hope y'all have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Even if you don't have a date, you could still do all of the above by yourself. If I were single, you bet your bottom I would be enjoying a French-themed bath with a bottle of French Rose. I'm still not certain about my Valentine's Day plans, but I think this year the boyfriend might be bringing food home instead of taking me out. Eatzi's is doing some Valentine's Day specials on Lobster tail and other deliciousness. Either way, there will be photos. Check back for last minute Vday ideas, and what I actually end up doing. Let me know what y'all have planned!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
If you saw my Ulta beauty haul post last month, I said I am going to try and do an Ulta and Sephora beauty haul every month. I'm not sure if I am going to continue to do the same store, or just change it up with different beauty hauls each month, but we will see what happens. Let me now if you have a preference. I'm sort of obsessed with Ulta and Sephora right now, so I think I will be purchasing plenty there in the next year.
I have been wanting a stippling brush for a little while now, and decided to buy the Real Techniques stippling brush at Ulta, since I like the eyeliner brush from the same brand, which I received in my Ipsy bag. It's a decent brush, and I like switching it up between using my fingers or a sponge (although, I usually end up using all three for better coverage). I'm not sure if there are brushes that don't lose their bristles, but when I was washing the brush, I noticed a lot of the fibers falling out, and there were a few on my face. This always happens with my larger brushes, so if anyone can suggest better brushes that don't lose their fibers as often, let me know. Fleur Deforce mentioned the Sephora stippling brush is really nice, but she didn't mention whether or not it loses many fibers.
So I went to Ulta yesterday with the intention of purchasing a makeup remover, and decided to wander around a bit more since I never knew there was a discount aisle. I dug around when I found the discount aisle, and was about to walk away when I saw piles and piles of plushy fabric. Upon closer inspection, I saw they were robes on sale. I had to double take the price, because I was impressed when I saw they were discounted from $60 to $5.97. Not only were the robes on sale for $5.97, but I had a coupon for $3.50 off $10 or more. So, when the above was all said and done, I ended up paying $4.74 for the most plushy robes I have ever felt. I bought the first robe as a gift for my boyfriend, since I didn't see any size small robes (and knew I would borrow the robe anyway). But after I got back home, I decided I wanted to go back and get more robes for gifts before they were gone. I was so excited because I don't find many deals that are that good. So far I have given away three robes, and I plan on getting more. The coupon for $3.50 off ends on the 14th. So get to your local Ulta and see if you have these robes on sale near you.
I also bought Rimmel London lippies on a whim. There was a sale on Rimmel London products, buy one, get one 50% off. I didn't need them, but I was curious how they work, since I have not tried many Rimmel London products. I really love the Lasting Finish Kate Moss collection color I bought in 08. I bought a nude color in 113, but I am not certain if I like it alone, although I do like it under the 08 as a base. The finish is more on the matte side, which I like, or will add a gloss on top for shine. The packaging is adorable.
I also bought the Provocalips because they are cute, and I don't own any long-wear lip products. I was bummed when I got home because the nude Provocalips was open and leaked everywhere in my bag, but I am thankful I just bought a cosmetics organizer, because if you leave it standing up you won't have that issue. I tried shutting the product tight and holding it upside down, but the color still seems to seep out just the slightest bit, which is gradually wasteful. I like the formula, and it really does stay on your lips well, but I have not timed it yet to see how long. I will be sure to follow up about this product in a later blog post. I have not opened the pink Provocalips, because I do not want it to leak everywhere.
The last two products I bought this month is the Maybelline Fit Me concealer and the Color Elixer gloss. I wrote an earlier blog post about these items, which I am loving right now. Be sure to look through some of my prior posts to find more beauty loves.
I know this is a long post. If you made it to the end, good for you! I don't normally write this much, and I might need to start making YouTube videos for these hauls. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. Let me know if you would like to see a video versus a blog post about my beauty hauls.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I bought the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara after seeing a commercial for it on YouTube. The commercial made me laugh, and I really wanted to see how awesome this hyped-up mascara was. I have to say I love it! Especially once I learned three coats was best. It bothered me how it was a bit flaky like most mascaras, and I had to brush black chunks off my face from time to time, but it certainly makes my eyelashes look unreal. I wear it so much I probably need to buy a new one. It is definitely worth purchasing if you love long lashes.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I have been a Julep member for about two years, and I really like their lip balms and glosses. Both of the lippies I tried were free items in my Maven box. So that makes them even better!
Julep's Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment has a nice metal applicator. I love how it feels on the lips. The formula is rather liquidy, but feels great on the lips. A little goes a long way. It feels conditioning, and there is a sort of very faint grittiness to the formula, which makes it feel like it is subtly buffing your lips. I am not sure how to describe how it tastes or smells, but it is very pleasant. I also like how it has a slight tint by of color. I highly recommend using this lip treatment, especially in the frigid winter-time.
If you decide to sign up for Julep, let me know and I can give you a referral link. Also, find me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I am absolutely in love with this lipstick and color! I have never tried any Too Faced lip products before, but the Melted lipstick is simply splendid. The color is gorgeous and long-lasting. I love the sponge applicator, and how a little bit goes a long way. I've worn this lipstick with a red dress before, and received many compliments.
This color arrived in my Allure Beautybox a few months ago, and I will definitely be purchasing the full-sized bottle when this one runs out. I have been starting to carry more and more lipsticks on me, but it's great because they are all sample-sized. I usually carry between five and ten different lippies. Who else does this? I wasn't sure if monthly subscription boxes would be worth the cost, but I absolutely love every box I have received. Discovering new products is so exciting!
I hope y'all are having a wonderful weekend!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I have never been to this event before, but it could be something worth checking out. If anyone has been to this before, please let me know if it is worth attending. I'm a little late on finding out about this, but I will be sharing upcoming events here in Dallas. I plan on attending more events this year, and reporting on them. Let me know if you think of any events I have not mentioned. Thanks, y'all!
I am so excited to find out about Beautycon here in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, March 14th at Fair Park. And Fleur Deforce will be there! I was watching her latest vlog last night, which I always forget she does, and she had just revealed coming to Dallas for her new book tour.
I am so excited for Fleur. I have been watching her videos for about a year now, and I really love them. She is so funny, and she's British, so she says the cutest things. I love her style, and she really let's you see a play by play of her life, which is so precious. It's just great to see a strong, confident woman following her dreams. It's very inspiring.
If you haven't seen her YouTube videos, I highly recommend it. I think it would be a good idea to watch some of her first videos and then her newer ones so you can see her transformation. Way to go, Fleur!
-xoxo-
Hey, y'all! If you follow my Instagram, you might've seen this picture yesterday. I subscribe to Memebox emails, and this caught my eye. If you're already a blogger or would like to start, here is some wonderful motivation.
If you follow the link I have included, you will find clear instructions on how exactly it is you can get free products. Better hurry, though. There is also an example of a blog and YouTube post, so you know exactly what's expected. I already purchased a box, and I will let y'all know what happens. Keep an eye out for the post.
The boyfriend and I have been busy looking at new homes to rent. It's a new month and that means new listings. We have seen so many neat places, I could live in them all. That's why in the end it is the boyfriend's choice because he's more practical. I love change and new beginnings, so I will be content wherever we go. We've looked all of the way downtown here in Dallas to all of the way out towards Plano. We'll make a decision soon. Can't wait to share pictures. Have a great rest of your day!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I love watching a few particular Youtubers once a month, such as Michelle Phan, Essie Button, and Fleur Deforce. These girls are so fun and hilarious, and they know the best of almost everything. If you have not watched any of their videos, I highly recommend you do so. You won't be disappointed. They were a lot of my inspiration to start a fashion, lifestyle blog. But we will get back to that another day.
So my whole point to the paragraph above is that I heard about the Maybelline Fit Me concealer and the Color Elixir lip gloss through Fleur Deforce. Fleur has a video called, "Top Ten Concealers Under Ten Pounds," in which she states the Fit Me concealer is one of the best drugstore concealers under ten pounds. I know Maybelline is an affordable drugstore product line, so I decided to give it a go. At this point I would have to say that I will always have a tube of the Maybelline Fit Me concealer unless I can no longer obtain it. It has some of the best coverage I have ever seen in a concealer, and it is not cakey at all! I love how it looks and feels. It is so weightless!
Also, Fleur mentioned people have not always said the best things about the Maybelline Color Elixirs, but that you have to work the product into your lips a bit, and it lasts a long time. I just dab it in with my finger. I love the packaging, so I decided, what the hey, I'll try it. It really is a wonderful lip gloss! I purchased the 100 Petal Plush, and I absolutely love it. For one, the color looks like cotton candy on your lips, and it also smells like a mix between cotton candy and SweeTarts. It's so pretty, and you really can layer the color to make it more intense, or just put on one layer to keep it sheer.
Both items came to about $13 at Ulta, and I even used a 20% coupon, and received rewards points. I didn't think of also taking advantage of the buy one, get one 50% off Maybelline items, but I will start paying better attention. Right now they are having double and triple rewards points. I also have a $5 off $15 or more coupon, which I will definitely be using on the new NYX The Curve eyeliner. I know there are other brands using this new ergonomic concept, but I think I want to try The Curve, since it is so affordable. We will see!
Anyway, thank you so much for checking out my blog. I hope y'all have a great night!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
About a year ago I heard about the First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy, and sort of forgot about it. When I started watching Youtubers blogging about cosmetics, this product popped back up again. I found it at Sephora, but I believe I have mentioned this product in my Sephora beauty haul article, which mentions how it might be cheaper to buy it online through your favorites list at Dermstore, combined with an Ebates return.
I recommend wearing this product alone or in very light layers. I have sensitive skin, so I keep the products on my face as simple as possible. Sometimes when I mix certain products, it irritates the skin around my eyes, particularly in the outer corners. It is soothing to use the metal applicator to rub in the product. A little goes a long way.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I bought this concealer at Walgreen's on a whim, because it was on sale for buy one, get one 50% off. It has a cool metal applicator and the depuff drew me in. I have used it all up at this point, so I really enjoyed it.
Apply a dot under each eye and massage the product around with the metal applicator. Blend with your finger or brush. It is definitely soothing and helps calm the skin around your eyes. The product solution is great for blending. I think this is a great department store concealer.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I bought this face mask a few months back and finally took the time to use it. I have tried makeup by It's Skin, but this is the first face mask I have used. I was lured by the beautiful packaging and the title, Prestige Syn-Ake. It is amazing the ingredients you can find in beauty care. It says this product contains snake venom. How cool!
I had to laugh when wearing this face mask. I've seen pictures of others using similar products, and they look a bit spooky. I'm not sure I'd recommend wearing it next to your boyfriend or husband. My boyfriend was a bit scared to look at me. I just kicked back in bed and applied the mask. You'll want to lay back on your pillows or in a bath because it will take 15-20 minutes, and you don't want it to fall off. Once finished, peel off, toss, and let the excess product absorb in your skin. It's as simple as that!
I like how tight my face felt after I used Prestige Syn-Ake face mask. I will definitely use them again. It would probably be best to use this product before you start your day, so it can work its magic all day long. It's Skin is an awesome brand I highly recommend looking into. Check back for more upcoming articles on It's Skin products.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Last Sunday I went to Ulta for the first time. It was so exciting, but since I went in with a plan, I didn't get too distracted. I stuck to a few particular items, and in the future I would love to wander around the aisles for awhile (preferably with a limited amount of money in my wallet). I'm so bad, because my bf gave me $50 spending limit for my first Xmas, and I bought everything for well under $50 until you got to that little stand right before check-out, and since I'm such a sucker, I bought the StriVectin in the center of the photo above without knowing anything about it. I just saw under-eye wrinkle cream, and I grabbed it. And when I got to the register, the sample size of this stuff cost $15. I haven't decided if I like it. It burns a little if I use other products under my eyes first. I know there are certain ingredients that shouldn't mix, so I will have to get some education on that. I think it was mentioned in an Allure or InStyle magazine article a few months ago. If anyone knows what I'm talking about, let me know what facial cosmetic ingredients you shouldn't mix. I'll do some research, as well, and do a follow up article with the information.
We finally got the BF's truck today. It's looking good, and they washed it up, so it's sparkling. We did really good with that, and then on the way there, we realized we locked both of our keys in the house with our house key. So we were locked out, and had to go get the key from the landlord. It was a little stressful, and comical at the same time, because I was about to buy one of those stash rocks to hide spare key. So guess what I'm buying tomorrow? A spare key and a stash rock. You can buy the stack rocks on Amazon for like $5. It's worth it now that I tore up my arm trying to use a hockey stick to unjam our door jam. Lol! You should've seen us!
NIGHT!
On Saturday I went to Home Goods for the second time. I am obsessed with that store! I scored the cosmetics organizer by Clearly Chic for about $20 and a hamper for under $20. There were so many types of hampers, it was fun. The bf and I went back and forth for a good ten minutes over size, pattern and convenience. We really do overanalyze everything!
Today has been a busy day. The bf and I went to pick up his truck with the replaced tires after they were stolen, and the insurance company put 17 inch tires on when it should've been 20 inches. His truck looked really funny and we have to wait until tomorrow to pick it up. It's been such a hassle and almost a thousand dollars after the deductible. It's really sad all of the hassle because of the greed of others. If anyone out there has expensive tires, keep your cars locked up or insure them. It will probably be worth it if you live in a city.
Hope y'all had a great day!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
