Review: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Skin Perfector

Many drugstore brands have been releasing their own version of the uber-popular Asian favorite Beauty Balm 'BB' Cream for Spring and Summer 2012. Read on for my thoughts...

This product claims to be an 8-in-1 skin perfector with eight benefits for your skin. 1. Blurs Imperfection 2. Enhances 3. Brightens 4. Adjusts to skin-tone 5. Smoothes 6. Hydrates 7. SPF 30 protects 8. 0% oils and other heavy ingredients.

I think it does a good job of achieving numbers 2, 3, 5, and 6- and I don't doubt numbers 7 & 8. I didn't see a difference in concealing dark marks, acne spots, etc; nor did I see the BB Cream adjust to my skin tone. A little product doesn't go very far, so I often find myself using a nickel sized amount of product, which isn't too bad.

Coverage: Sheer to Light

Price: $8.99

Recommendation: For a sheer and luminizing fresh-faced glow, try this BB Cream out. But, if you want a BB Cream with fuller coverage, this may not be the one for you.

Size: 1.09 fl oz

Availability: Drugstore

If you're interested in a review another drugstore brand BB Cream- check out my review of Garnier Fructis's BB Cream.

Sweet Sale: Tarte Friends & Family Sale

Tarte's Friends & Family Sale has begun! Get 30% off your purchase + free shipping on purchases of $40 or more with code FFAUG now through August 6th.

Beauty Sales: Week of July 29th

Gilt:

• Perfect Pairs for Lips & Nails Feat. Exude & Deborah Lippmann at Gilt (Sale begins Noon ET 8/1)
• Pangea Organics (Sale begins Noon ET 8/2)

Hautelook:

• Deep Penetrating Light (Sale begins 8am PT 7/29)
• NYX Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 7/30)
• Amir Argan Oil, Corioliss (Sale begins 8am PT 7/31)
• TruDerma, Vincent Longo (Sale begins 8am PT 8/1)
• Hairdo & POP by Hariuwear (Sale begins 8am PT 8/2)
• Hydroxatone, Terax Hair Care (Sale begins 8am PT 8/2)
• Beauty for Real Cosmetics, Epilady, Pixi Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 8/3)
• Rock Your Hair (Sale begins 8am PT 8/4)

Ideeli:

• Kardashian Fragrances (Sale begins Noon ET 7/29)
• EVA NYC (Sale begins Noon ET 7/30)
• Tweezerman (Sale begins Noon ET 7/31)

MYHABIT:

• Sonya Dakar Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 7/29)
• Proliss Hair Tools (Sale begins 9am PT 7/30)
• Amal Oils (Sale begins 9am PT 8/1)
• Repêchage (Sale begins 9am PT 8/3)

All Things Pretty: Silky Scarves

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight

Five Ways To Utilize Silk Scarves:

1. Wrapped around your ponytail or top knot

2. As a sarong around your hips

3. Around your neck as a pop to an otherwise plain ensemble

4. As a shawl on a chilly night

5. As a piece of art inside a frame

Review: European Waxing Center in Horsham, PA

With summer in full swing, many girls and women flock to the drugstore regularly to stock up on razors, shaving cream, and various depilatories. But what if there was a way to avoid razors and shaving cream, at least for a little while and you still have smooth skin?

European Wax Center uses a unique hard wax that is not as rough or painful on your skin as typical wax. Their hard wax is applied warm, has no alcohol, and is even in a pretty purple hue.

The wax center was pretty and clean and felt like the extremely professional studio I had heard about. I chose to have a free eyebrow waxing, and also a sideburn wax, and I couldn't be happier with the services. It didn't hurt at all and left my skin feeling smooth and this feeling lasted for about four weeks.

EWC's first time offer is definitely something to take advantage of, even if it doesn't sound right for you, what can you lose because it's free! Women can get a free eyebrow, bikini, or underarm waxing and men can get a free eyebrow, ear, or nose waxing at any location in your state (must be a resident of the state where the EWC is located).

The bonuses keep on going, the first being on your second visit get $5 any service by filling out a courtesy card you should have received at the end of your first visit. Also- for any friend you refer and they mention your name on their first visit, you will get a $5 credit for your next visit. Another added perk? Ask about their reward program where you receive 100 points per pre-scheduled visit, and every 500 ($5) or 1000 ($10) points, you can redeem the points you earned for a cash credit.

EWC has nearly 350 locations in 28 states, and their affordable and extensive services plus all the additional bonuses mentioned above add up to a great place that I definitely recommend.

Beauty Sales: Week of July 22nd

Fab:

• Le Angelique (Sale begins 11am ET 7/25)
• urth (Sale begins 11am ET 7/28)

Gilt:

• Mario Badescu (Sale begins Noon ET 7/25)
• GO SMiLE, Pro Hair Care Shop (Sale begins Noon ET 7/26)

Hautelook:

• Enzo Milano, TEI Spa (Sale begins 8am PT 7/22)
• Evodia, Mai Couture (Sale begins 8am PT 7/23)
• Erno Laszlo (Sale begins 8am PT 7/24)
• Orofluido (Sale begins 8am PT 7/25)
• Acneclear, Genie Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 7/26)
• Crown Brush, Tan Towel (Sale begins 8am PT 7/27)
• VERABELLA Beverly Hills (Sale begins 8am PT 7/28)

MYHABIT:

• Colorful Styling Tools by NuME (Sale begins 9am PT 7/22)
• Institut Karite Paris (Sale begins 9am PT 7/23)
• Tammy Fender Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 7/24)
• Kevyn Aucoin (Sale begins 9am PT 7/26)
• Dayna Decker (Sale begins 9am PT 7/27)
• Michael Todd True Organics (Sale begins 9am PT 7/28)

Rue La La:

• Freeze 24-7 (Sale begins 11am ET 7/26)

Link Love: July 15-21

Birchbox: Discover Beauty Better [BirchboxTV]

10 Steps To Feeling Extraordinarily Irresistible Everyday [The Gloss]

Breaking: Here are the 10 Finalists for the 2012 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund [Fashionista]

Primp Tip: The Smart Girl's Guide to Shaving [Lauren Conrad]

Some Thoughts On Confidence [already pretty]

Too-Light Foundation? There's A Fix For That [Allure Daily Beauty Reporter]

Review: Maybelline Volum' Express the Mega Plush Mascara

Maybelline's latest mascara the Mega Plush is in the Volum' Express family, read on for my thoughts.
After reading some negative reviews, I was skeptical of this mascara, but figured I would try it and disregard the reviews to form my own opinion. I really enjoy this mascara for days where I am not doing 'full face makeup' and wear minimal makeup. It separates and lengthens your lashes and makes your eyes look awake and bright especially when applied on your bottom lashes.

It holds a curl to your lashes with or without an eyelash curler and lives up to it's name because it leaves your lashes looking plush. The gel-mousse consistency is visible on your lashes because it doesn't flake or make your lashes look hard or 'crunchy' as many other mascaras do when several coats are applied.

Price: $7.99

Recommendation: Looking for a great lengthening and separating mascara? If so, pick this up and give it a try. If you don't think this will work for your top lashes, try using it on your bottom lashes for an easy perked up effect.

Availability: Drugstore

Sweet Sale: Stila LA Warehouse Sale

Review: July 2012 Birchbox

This month's box includes:

fresh Soy Face Cleanser- Whisk away dirt and makeup with this soap-free gel cleanser, which is formulated with moisturizing soy proteins and calming rosewater.

Laura Geller Doubled Dipped Lipstick in Caribbean Kiss- This double-sided lipstick makes it easy to switch between (or layer) two golden pink pigments.

Manna Kadar sheer glo shimmer lotion- This illuminating liquid gives your complexion a supermodel-like sheen. Mix it with your foundation, or apply as a highlighter. (This was missing from my box!)

Oscar de la Renta live in love- This elegant floral layers notes of hyacinth and orchid over a rich base of sandalwood and cedar.

Lifestyle Extra: Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds- We designed these neon headphones just for you. Pair them with your best playlist.

Check out Birchbox:

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Beauty Sales: Week of July 15th

Fab:

• Uptown Soap Co. (Sale begins 11am ET 7/21)

Gilt:

• Summer Skin-Care Shop (Sale begins Noon ET 7/18)
• Sprayology (Sale begins Noon ET 7/19)
• StriVectin (Sale begins Noon ET 7/20)

Hautelook:

• LA Fresh (Sale begins 8am PT 7/15)
• American Crew, Christopher Drummond Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 7/16)
• KOR Professional, Lotus Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 7/17)
• myfaceworks (Sale begins 8am PT 7/18)
• StriVectin (Sale begins 8am PT 7/19)
• Rapidlash & Shick Hydrosilk Razor, theBalm (Sale begins 8am PT 7/20)
• Alex Cosmetic Skincare, Whitening Lighting (Sale begins 8am PT 7/21)
• Enzo Milano, TEI Spa (Sale begins 8am PT 7/22)
• Evodia, Mai Couture (Sale begins 8am PT 7/23)

Ideeli:

• Basq (Sale begins Noon ET 7/17)
• Michael Todd True Organics (Sale begins Noon ET 7/19)

MYHABIT:

• Summer Skin: Sunblock & Tanners (Sale begins 9am PT 7/15)
• Dead Sea Spa Care (Sale begins 9am PT 7/16)
• Pharma Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 7/19)
• Panier des Sens: Luxurious Soaps (Sale begins 9am PT 7/21)

Tip du Jour: Neon Nails

Neon nails are one of the top beauty trends for Summer- follow these tips to get celebrity inspired nails without paying to go to the salon.

1. Prep Your Nails: File, use cuticle oil, put on a base coat- whatever you do to prep your nails. This set from Earth Therapeutics comes with everything you will need to make your nails look pretty without any polish!

2. Use a White Polish: Start by using a white polish, this will not only prevent stains, but make the color pop against your skin. Try using Revlon's White on White Nail Enamel.

3. Use a Top Coat: Finish your nails with a top coat; my favorite is Seche Vite's Dry Fast Top Coat. It leaves your nails glossy and smooth and dries them in very little time.

Recipe: Chocolate Sheet Cake

This is not just any chocolate cake, this is one of the best chocolate cake's I have ever tasted, and I don't usually like cake. I made this for the first time about three months ago with my cousin and it came out perfectly when I made it again a few weeks ago- it's basically foolproof!

Meeting Shay Mitchell & Ann Shoket

On Saturday June 7th, my sister and I headed to the Union Square Barnes & Noble in New York City for a magazine and book signing hosted by Seventeen Magazine with Shay Mitchell from ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars signing her August cover, and Ann Shoket the editor in chief of Seventeen Magazine signing the new Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Beauty Book.

The backdrop for the event

We arrived to the shooting of Seventeen's Beauty Smartie Showdown around 11:45am and stood in the 'mosh pit' area while they filmed the finale episode of Seventeen's Beauty Smartie Showdown. After some cleanup, they began the signing around 1:45pm and we stood until at least 3pm where we were seated and were so close to meeting Shay and Ann!

Shay filming the finale with the contestants

They announced that anyone who had a Ultimate Guide to Beauty Book could go up to meet Ann because she had another commitment she had to get to since the signing was running so late because of all the people there, so we headed up and spoke with Ann for a few minutes before she signed our books and we took photos with her.

Ann and I

Finally, at around 4:15pm, our row of seats got called up to meet Shay, we were both shaking and stood in line to meet Shay. When we finally got up there she greeted us both with a big hug and you could tell from talking to her that she is genuinely a sweet and amazing girl! She looked radiant in a flowy yellow Erin Fetherson dress paired with a sparkly silver belt and silver heels. She signed our magazines and thanked us for coming and we left with big smiles!

Shay and I

We were thanked by an attendant at the end and were each handed a gift bag filled with two Seventeen bags, a Cover Girl mascara, and a headband.

The goodie bag

Thank you Shay, Ann, Barnes & Noble, and to everyone who made the event possible and so fun!

My signed magazine and book

Beauty Sales: Week of July 8th

Fab:

• Australian Scent (Sale begins 11am ET 7/13)
• Juniper Ridge (Sale begins 7pm ET 7/14)

Gilt:

• StriVectin (Sale begins Noon ET 7/10)
• Tanda (Sale begins Noon ET 7/12)

Hautelook:

• GLOSS Moderne, LightStim (Sale begins 8am PT 7/8)
• Playboy Sun (Sale begins 8am PT 7/9)
• Votre Vu (Sale begins 8am PT 7/10)
• Crush Styling Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 7/11)
• Alterna, Om Aroma & Co (Sale begins 8am PT 7/12)
• Orly Nails, Supergoop!, Tweezerman (Sale begins 8am PT 7/13)
• e.l.f cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 7/14)

MYHABIT:

• ME! Bath (Sale begins 9am PT 7/8)
• Beaute Basics (Sale begins 9am PT 7/9)
• Unique Skincare by Belvada (Sale begins 9am PT 7/10)
• StriVectin (Sale begins 9am PT 7/11)
• My True Nature (Sale begins 9am PT 7/14)

Rue La La:

• AHAVA Skincare (Sale begins 3pm ET 7/12)

Link Love: July 1-7

LA IMATS Haul: Fashion, Jewelry & Accessories [meghanrosette]

Healthy Fresh Popsicle Recipes [Women's Health]

Let's Analyze The New Miley Cyrus Song For Clues That She's Pregnant [Crushable]

Shopping 101: Pop-Up Shops Explained [The Budget Fashionista]

Show Your Red, White, and Blue Pride with Vintage Ads [TresSugar]

Study Shows British Ladies Love Pricey Purses More Than Everyone Else [Style Ite]

Review: Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup

The latest addition to Revlon's ColorStay Collection is their whipped creme foundation, read on for a full review...

This foundation was a definite [pleasant] surprise from the drugstore. The foundation is water-based, making the texture very creamy and easily applied with fingertips or also with a foundation sponge or brush such as a Beauty Blender esque sponge or other brush. It delivers medium to full coverage that's slightly dewy and doesn't exactly feel like a liquid or cream foundation, and leaves your skin feeling light and even slightly moisturized.

The finish is semi-matte keeps your skin looking natural and fresh, while it's creamy consistency which is not overly thick or heavy keeps it from accentuating any dryness. I have pretty fair skin, and the color 150 Buff ended up being the perfect match for my skin tone. The large glass packaging is fairly heavy and bulky, and not necessarily good for traveling.

Coverage: Medium to Full

Price: $13.99

Recommendation: It's lightweight and has medium to full coverage, looks natural and never heavy, and wears well throughout the day.

Size: 0.8 fl oz

Availability: Drugstore

Jet-Setting Essentials

Traveling is a big part of summer, and you don't want to be 'that girl' on the plane who is wearing a full face of makeup, jewels on every part of your body, and tight uncomfortable clothing.

Clothing: a simple loose-fitting outfit in breathable fabric is easy and comfortable in flight

1. Wildofx Couture Warm Heart Harley Wide T $77

2. Vince Ponte Legging $195

3. TOMS Pink Plametto Neon Canvas Shoes $66.28

Beauty: unless you're heading straight from the plane or train to a meeting, less is more

1. Garnier Fructis Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream $10.59

2. Essie Bikini So Teeny Nail Polish $8

3. Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer $14

More: a few items to make your traveling experience a little easier

1. Longchamp Le Pliage Turquoise Small Shoulder Tote $125

2. Stella McCartney Hazelnut Sunglasses $225

3. Derek Blasberg's 'Very Classy' $10.98

Beauty Sales: Week of July 1st

Fab:

• Metropolis Soap Co. (Sale begins 11am ET 7/1)
• NPW (Sale begins 7pm ET 7/4)

Gilt:

• Morgane Le Fay Fragrances (Sale begins Noon ET 7/2)
• Prestige Skin Care Up to 70% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 7/6)

Hautelook:

• Royale USA (Sale begins 8am PT 7/1)
• Sibu Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 7/2)
• Skinn Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 7/3)
• Organic O2CH (Sale begins 8am PT 7/4)
• Julep (Sale begins 8am PT 7/5)
• Crush Styling Tools, Likewise Skin Care, VIOlight (Sale begins 8am PT 7/6)
• H2Pro Beauty Tools (Sale begins 8am PT 7/7)

Ideeli:

• Best Tressed (Sale begins Noon ET 7/1)

MYHABIT:

• La Curico (Sale begins 9am PT 7/1)
• Goldfaden (Sale begins 9am PT 7/2)
• Love Me Baby Me (Sale begins 9am PT 7/3)
• Makeup Palettes by 29 Cosmetics (Sale begins 9am PT 7/5)
• 360 Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 7/6)