Allegresse 24K Gold Golden Touch Night Cream

When I was contacted by the folks at Bibasque asking if I would be interested in trying products that contain 24K gold, I couldn't respond "YES" fast enough!  24K GOLD people!  I love the jewelry, but I never knew I could actually WEAR it-like on my face!  I have been using this religiously at night for 3 weeks now, and I am quite impressed both with the product and the results!  The most noticeable effect is how my skin looks & feels in the morning.  To say it feels like silk would be an understatement.  It literally feels like I went to sleep and had a facial done and woke up with the awesome results you can expect from a good quality facial.  Smooth, perfect-looking and blowy skin that is as soft as a baby's bottom.  My skin also appears smoother and evened out as well.

The consistency of the product is a thick, rich cream that glides on effortlessly.  Its almost as if I want to keep adding more (don't be fooled, a little goes a long way), it feels that good. It also has a very soft and subtle, yet extremely pleasant smell!

Aside from the 24K gold that it contains, it also includes botanical extracts, and different essential and natural oils.  A HUGE bonus is that it is free of parabens, mineral oil, sls, petroleum and synthetic color.  All of the yummy ingredients are said to help skin appear firmer, improve elasticity and lift your whole look.  All you have to do is sleep and the product does the rest.   The only negative I see is the price point, which is quite steep.   I know a lot of people are huge fans of La Mer's infamous cream, but I could never justify the price for a product that contains mineral oil.  Point being, if you are looking to treat yourself to a luxury face cream, make it one that is full of all the good things and free of all the bad.

Now for the BEST NEWS! Not only do I have a 50% offer code to offer my readers, but I am also giving one away for FREE!  Enter ALLEGRESSE50 at checkout for 50% off any order and you can enter the giveaway below and check back here in a week when I post the winner!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easy Summer Day.

Hello there!  Sorry for being so bad with updating lately.  I am making it a point to make this blog more of a priority and I have a lot of fun posts planned, so stick with me!  

This outfit is my idea of a perfect one.  Easy, comfortable and it still looks put together!  When I want to dress-up a simple tee, a statement necklace is my go-to.  It gives a boring old shirt an extra little something and pulls it all together.  I have to HIGLY recommend these shoes.  As the Birkenstock trend is upon us, they are not something I can get into.  Both my Mom and Dad wore them years ago, and to this day, they just scream "old people shoes"!  My friend Dara recommended that I check these out as a more fashionable alternative, and I am so happy she did.  Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but the gold metallic helps them look more like stylish shoes and less like a pair you would catch on my Mom's feet!  Hope you all have a great day ;).

xo,

Itty Bitty Blog Sale!

When I can't close the drawers in my make-up cube anymore, its a huge red flag that its time to part ways with products I forgot I even had or no longer use, to make room for recent purchases and products I use daily.  Here are the products in search of a new home, I hope someone can give them a better life than I have, lol.

Michelebell21@gmail.com - the items you are interested, your paypal email and if you live in the US or are International. Everything is first come, first serve.

Shipping: 

US - $3 first item, $1 each additional

International - $5 first item, $1 each additional

Benefit Hervana - $18
Stila Countless Color Pigment in Finale- $16


MAC Improvise Mineralized MSF - $13
MAC Mineralized Blush in Buddy Up - $19


MAC Just a Pinch Gel Blush - $19
Perfek Gel Blush (used 1x) - $20
Benefit Fine One One (used 2x) - $16
Sephora Cream Blush in Golden Spice - $7
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Calypso Coral (used 2x) - $19


Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Blush - $5
Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Natural - $5

NYX Terracotta - $3 

NYX Cinnamon - $3

NYX Raisin - $3

Sephora + Pantone Duo - $20

 MAC Petticoat MSF - $30

MAC Notoriety Quad - $35

NARS Eyeshadows
Ondine - $17

MAC Pigments (never used) - $10

Softwash Grey

Silver Fog

Bite Beauty Pastille Lavender -$18

Ravishing - $12
Costa Chic - $12

 Studio Gear #11 - 15

Japonesque Kabuki Brush - $20

 MAC Margin Blush - $9

 Bare Minerals First Class Blush - $10

 MAC Coral Crepe Paint Pot - $8

Things I'm Loving Lately - volume 1

Since I love doing monthly beauty favorites each month, I thought it would be fun to also cover some random "things" other than make-up that I have been a fan of recently!  Most of these became favorites on my recent vacation and I have new found appreciation for these fun accessories!

Kensie Biggie Caged Dress Sandals - Not only are these freaking SEXY, but they are super comfortable (after you break them in once) and go with EVERYTHING.  They also come in black, but I love the nude and have been pairing them with all my flowy maxi skirts.  I also plan on wearing them with my high waisted denim shorts and a cute top to dress up a casual outfit for girl's night out!

Louis Vuitton Toiletry Pouch 26 - I brought this to store all my make-up on our cruise, and it ended up doubling as an evening clutch for dinner!  I would have never thought to use this as a clutch unless the SA gave me the idea back when I bought it - Genius! I had my LV Eva Clutch packed originally until it dawned on me that I already had one packed.  Can't beat multi-function pieces when you are shelling out some cash.

Blair Ritchey LuLu Tassel Clutch - I have sort of a sick obsession with pouches.  I have about 3 in my handbag at any given time, had them in my diaper bag, use them for storing/traveling with accessories, and most commonly as an evening clutch.  The one I have is in a light nude metallic that I've had for years.  I used it almost every night for dinner.  Not only is it the perfect size for the necessities (lipstick, camera,mirror,tissues,cash/cards), but it fit diapers and my travel wipe container perfectly.  I also used this in my beach bag each day to hold all my personal belongings as well as sunglasses and sunscreen.  The tassel adds the perfect girly touch!

Mossimo Lula Flip Flops - Every year it seems (at least for the last 3 or 4) Target releases some version of these in different colors / jewels.  I have them in gold and rose gold and wear them interchangeably.  As a HUGE fan of Havaianas, it takes a lot for me to wear any other flip flops besides those.  Truth be told I reach for these a heck of a lot more than my Havainas since they are a bit prettier and more dressy.  I have had mine for years and they still look brand new.  Super comfy too! 

Glamglow Thirstymud Mask - This baby SAVED me and my sun burnt face.  I fell asleep one day in the sun without putting any spf on (I didn't plan on being in the sun that long and as bad as it is, I wanted a little bit of color on my face, which seems to never tan). The next day, my face not only hurt, but it began to peel and let me just say...it wasn't pretty.  I was so glad I packed this little jar.  Instead of using it as a 10 minute mask, I actually used it as an incredibly thick and hydrating treatment 2 nights in a row and layered it on top of my moisturizer and slept with it on.  It worked wonders and really saved my whole face from completely peeling off-gross huh?!  This is a MUST for dehydrated / suntanned / peeling / flaky / dry / sensitive skin.  The application feels AMAZING, cooling and thick, but the results are even better!

What are your latest loves?

xo,

Michele 

Addison's Easter Basket!

I just got done putting together Addie's Easter basket for Sunday and thought it would be fun to share with you the goodies I put in it  The Easter Bunny left her (he came a little early ;)) Though she may not quite understand Easter yet, I included things I know she will love and get a ton of use out of.

 Easter Basket | Tulle Liner 

(All Easter is ON SALE - AND "KDRT-8XT8-MXMG will get you an additional 15% off through 4/17, so you can stock up for next year)!

I found this adorable Fairy doll at Buy Buy Baby when I was there for a shower gift last week. She has a few "dollies" that she sleeps with and carries around, but this will make for her first rag doll! It is super soft and made out of all natural cotton that is free of any toxic chemicals (there is a blonde one too!).

 I always love an excuse to get her more books, as she loves when we read to her, especially now that she has learned how to turn the pages!  

Fairy Doll | Sippy Cup | Eggs | I Love You Honey Bunny | Where Are Baby's Eater Eggs

To fill her pretty Easter eggs, instead of chocolates and candy, we opted for yogurt melts and her favorite puffs (Plum Organics Strawberry & Beets), and a new hair wrap.  I hope you all enjoy Easter with the little minis in your life!

What kinds of things are in your love bug's basket this year?

xo,

Michele

My Love Affair with GlamGlow Supermud Mask

Where do I even begin with this product? After hearing all the buzz and rave reviews on this, I felt compelled to try it out for myself.  And so my love affair with GlamGlow's Supermud began....

The first time I tried this I saw immediate results - and that my friends, is something I can't say about too many products.  It has a spa-like menthol and black licorice smell which I really do enjoy (and I HATE black licorice).  I apply it with a flat synthetic brush and find that it helps to distribute the product more evenly and waste less.  Once you apply it, it immediately starts to harden (literally, good luck trying to smile) and dry.  It dries completely in about 7-10 minutes and as it starts to dry, the magic begins.    I was shocked  horrified to see the amount and size of the pores all over my face. I guess I never looked that closely to my skin before to notice them all, but after using this, well I am quite aware of their existence!  It wasn't even completely dried yet and BOOM they were everywhere!  Whats even better is the amount of dirt that came out of them.  While some may think this part is gross, I happen to love seeing the spots all over my face in a sick and twisted way.  It was fascinating and if I'm being honest-freaking AWESOME!

Taken right from GlamGlow's website - "NEW ACNECIDIC-6™4.4% the first 6-Acid AHA & BHA Blend for mind-blowing faster results. NEW Pore-Matrix™ with Activated-X Charcoal & New K17-Clay™ for deep pore vacuum extraction, encapsulation & seemingly poreless skin."

SPOILER ALERT - Scary Pictures Ahead....

Feel free to click on the pictures (at your own risk) to really get a close look of all the beautiful pores and dirt removed on my face thanks to this baby!  All of those "pieces" are who  knows what, but my guess is dirt, grime and everything else that has been stuck deep inside my pores for a long time.  After I rinsed it off with warm water, my skin felt super soft and very supple.  I couldn't wait to do it again and counted down the days for my next treatment.  I was even more amazed the second time around to actually see less dirt and smaller pores!  Needless to say, I am forever a fan and will continue to not only repurchase it, but shout it from the rooftops to everyone and anyone.  I've even gotten my husband hooked!  Oh, and if you can't a few days to do your next mask, you can actually use it as an overnight spot treatment - amazing!

Have you guys tried this? What are your thoughts?

xo,

Michele

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes!

As soon as I heard Hourglass was set to release correlating blushes to their ever-so-popular Ambient Lighting Powders, I could not WAIT to get my hands on them!  They released 6 different shades of blush each of which has a corresponding lighting powder swirled in with color and baked.  They look very similar to MSFs from MAC. The packaging is a smaller version of the powders and set in gold rather than bronze.  To compare, each blush retails for $35 and contains .15oz., whereas the powders contain .35oz and retail for $45. I decided to go with Mood Exposure and Diffused Heat.  I thought these were the most "bang for your buck" as far as color payoff.

I use the Diffused Ambient Lighting powder on a daily basis (major HG status), so it was only natural for me to go with the partnered blush.  It is described as a "vibrant poppy" and let me tell you-it.is.freaking.gorgeous.  It is definitely one of the more pigmented of the 6 and gives off a very bright coral color on the cheeks.  I love that if it goes on a little too dark I can go right over it with the powder to "diffuse" the color and soften it a bit.  I have been waring it a ton, however I think it will look even better on sun-kissed tan skin.  Spoiler Alert - his will most likely be in every month's favorite's video throughout the summer!

Mood Exposure is a gorgeous deep neutral flush.  It is described as "soft plum".  However, it doesn't really read plum on my skin.  I would describe it as more of a dusty rose.  I would put it in the same family as Tarte Exposed or NARS Douceur.  I think it is a must have Fall / Winter color, but its definitely one I would feel completely comfortable wearing in the Spring and Summer.  I find myself reaching for this when I just want something more natural or on days where I want to skip the bronzer but still want some defined cheek bones.

It fascinates me that these blushes give off such a glow to the skin, without any kind of shimmer/glitter/satin finish.  I have been switching between these 2 for the last 3 weeks and have had no desire to reach for any other blush (and if you've seen my blush collection, you will know how serious my love affair is)!  I'm thinking I may need to go back for Radiant Magenta eventually, but I'm not really into the other 3.  I swatched the others in store and they didn't have a great color pay off  nor do I think they would show up too well on my skin-especially with a little bit of a tan.  If I'm paying $35 for a blush, you better believe I want the blush to actually show up!

Have you picked up any of these blushes recently? If so, which are your favorites?