Makeup Archives - Embracing Beauty

Ulta Beauty 21 Days of Beauty Steals 2014

September 12, 2014 by Ashley 16 Comments

It’s that time of year again! It’s time for the bi-annual Ulta Beauty 21 Days of Beauty Steals! It’s back and you can score some killer deals on the hottest beauty products! The sale started on Sunday and every day they will feature deals in store and online. Each deal and event will last for one day only, so plan ahead and check back often.

You can take a look at the full calendar on Ulta Beauty’s website. I’ll be shopping this sale online since I’m sure the stores will sell out of the items fast. Get your wallets ready, this is going to be good! Here are my favorites from the sale:

Week 1

Friday 9/12 – Smashbox 24-Hour Shadow Primer $10 (reg. $20, Ulta.com) – I love Shashbox primers. They are worth every penny and at 50% off, it’s a huge steal!

Saturday 9/13 – butter LONDON 2 for $15 (reg $15, Ulta.com) – This is great one, guys. I’m a big fan of butter London and this is a phenomenal price. Shop early for the best selection!

Week 2

Sunday 9/14 – Tarte Lights Camera Lashes! Mascara $10 (reg $20, Ulta.com) – This is a great one!! If you don’t buy anything else, buy this! You won’t be sorry. I have a review of this product in the works right now. : ) It’s good, trust me!

Monday 9/15 – LORAC Front of the Line Pro Liner 50% off (reg $23, Ulta.com) – This is a lovely liquid eyeliner with a felt tip. If you’re a fan of liquid eyeliners or if you’ve wanted to give them a try now is the time!

Wednesday 9/17 – Clarisonic BOGO Brush Heads BOGO (reg $27, Ulta.com) – I’ve been putting off buying a new Clarisonic brush head and I’m so glad I did. I’ll be stocking up on Wednesday!

Thursday 9/18 – Too Faced Shadow Insurance 50% off (reg $20, Ulta.com) – I’ve wanted to try this for a while so I might take advantage of the 50% off sale and give it a try. It’s Too Faced, how could I go wrong?

Week 3

Friday 9/19 – Urban Decay Naked Beauty Balm (reg $34, Ulta.com) – I’m all about BB creams lately instead of pure foundations. I think I might have to try this!

Wednesday 9/24 – Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel 50% off (reg $22, Ulta.com) – When it comes to brow products, Anastasia is tops. I highly recommend all of their gels, powders, etc. etc.

Thursday 9/25 – Stila One Step Correct Primer $20 (reg $36, Ulta.com) – This is a fabulous primer that calms your skin if you’re prone to redness and irritation.

Friday 9/26 – IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner $10 (reg $22, Ulta.com) – I absolutely adore IT Cosmetics’ make up and brushes but I’ve never tried their eyeliners. For $10, why not, right?

Check out ALL of the great deals on Ulta.com! Happy shopping!

What deal are you most looking forward to?

Filed Under: Deals, Makeup, Nails, Skincare

Five Beauty Habits to Break for Fall

August 14, 2014 by Ashley 1 Comment

Skipping a few hours of sleep, forgetting to wash your face before bed, not apply sunscreen everyday all seem so innocent right? But odds are, at least one of these habits in your daily routine are the cause of those dreadful breakouts, crow’s feet and flakey or discolored skin. Fortunately, the fixes are simple! By nixing these everyday habits you can take years off your complexion, and leave skin protected, balanced and refreshed:

Mistake #1: Forgetting Sunscreen We know, we know – you hear this a million times but 90% of premature skin aging and discoloration is caused by exposure to sunlight! Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, an SPF of 30 or greater, and are water resistant.

Mistake #2: Applying Makeup with Dirty Brushes This may seem innocent, but applying makeup with the same brush month after month causes dirt and bacteria to buildup which can lead to breakouts. It’s important you wash brushes every two to three weeks (if not daily). An easy DIY quick fix is to mix a couple of drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo with lukewarm water in a cup. Then swish your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay flat on a clean towel to air dry. {By the way, I’m totally loving my new Sigma brushes!}

Mistake #3: Skimping on Sleep Your skin and body go into repair mode when asleep. This is why sticking to a regular sleeping routine will not only keep you well rested, but will help to renew and regenerate new skin cells. For an extra boost, try incorporating just a glass a day of soy milk into your daily routine as this can help improve the structure and firmness of your skin, as well as soften those crow’s feet.

Mistake #4: Not Cleansing Daily Going to bed without washing your face is one of the biggest skin care no-no’s. Leaving makeup and dirt on skin doesn’t just clog pores and cause breakouts, it can also lead to excessive dryness and even skin dandruff. To clear out the gunk without drying out skin, opt for a soap-free cleanser like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam and start cleansing on a daily basis! The cleanser is soap and alkali-free wash that gently cleanses pores to eliminate pimples and blackheads, with a coconut oil-based antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples.

Mistake #5: Waiting To Moisturize Most creams and lotions have key ingredients that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture to maintain a healthy pH balance of 5.5. For optimum moisture, slather on your moisturizer immediately after cleansing or a hot shower, before the skin cools and your pores begin to close.

Filed Under: Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Cleansers, Makeup, Moisturizers, Skin care, Sunscreen

Regency Beauty Institute Contest #ShareBeautyContest

July 28, 2014 by Ashley 29 Comments

I’m pushing thirty {which seems unreal!!} but I can still remember in Elementary school watching daytime TV talk show makeovers with my grandmother. Oprah and Sally Jessy Raphael in the afternoons, and Regis and Kathie Lee in the mornings {during the summer of course}.

Believe it or not I can still remember some of the timeless advice they gave. Some included:

– Apply lotion on your feet, hands, knees, and elbows every night because those are the driest parts of your body.
– To keep your manicure going strong and staying shiny add a thin layer of topcoat every day.
– To fight puffiness and dark circles apply cut potato slices to your eyes while you lay down and rest for ten minutes.
– Use proper posture to appear confident and always cross your legs in the direction of the person you’re speaking with to show you’re interested.

I’ve always been interested in beauty. Outward beauty and inward beauty. Beauty in nature and beauty in friendship. In case you haven’t noticed, this entire blog is all about beauty and embracing it. You can check out my about page to read more about my love of beauty. Sufficient to say, I think it’s a marvelous thing.

Regency Beauty Institute and Refinery29 have teamed up for the #ShareBeautyContest which runs through Aug. 13th. By trying a trend revealed by Regency and Refinery29 and snapping a photo for Instagram with the hashtag #ShareBeautyContest you will be entered to win. When the contest closes August 13th, one lucky participant will be chosen to win a customized VIP beauty treatment worth $2,000. How fun would that be!? I’d love to know if an Embracing Beauty reader wins so please come back and tell me if you do! Feel free to check out the contest’s landing page for more information. Good luck!!

This contest and post is brought to you by Regency Beauty Institute.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Makeup

L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation #VLBlurfection

July 25, 2014 by Ashley 39 Comments

This post is brought to you by L’Oréal Paris and She Speaks.

L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation ($14.99 USD) is a creamy makeup that blurs skin’s imperfections. Plus, it has anti-aging benefits and SPF 18 to boot! It’s available in twelve different shades.

I own the Nude Beige shade, which I found to be perfect for my skin. I found the consistency to be light and creamy. It wasn’t heavy and didn’t leave me with a sticky feeling. I was able to apply it without any issues and I loved the overall softer appearance it gave my face. It filled in my pores and really gave me a good base (or foundation ha!) to built on.

I applied L’Oréal’s Visible Lift with a foundation brush and it lasted all day…all the way through the hot 4th of July picnic and late into the fireworks. I had no issues with it smearing or running off.

Connect with L’Oréal Paris:

-on Twitter
-on Instagram
-on Facebook
-on L’Oréal Paris’ Website

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Foundations, L'Oreal, Makeup

10 Makeup Tips to Look Gorgeous This Winter

February 17, 2014 by Ashley 46 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensBeauty #CollectiveBias

Are you feeling less than beautiful this season? Do you need a few makeup tips to perk up your demeanor? With the dropping temperatures it’s common to have a dull complexion, frizzy hair, and blotchy skin. I’m here to share my favorite 10 tips {and products} to help you banish your winter beauty blues. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

1.) Choose a new foundation. As the seasons change so should your makeup…and I’m not just talking about colors. As the cold weather approaches it’s important to choose a foundation that leaves your skin feeling dewier than the one you previously used in the warmer months. I recommend skipping powder all together. If you’re skin has a tendancy to shine here and there try CoverGirl’s mattifier. It will tame the shine without settling in your wrinkles or drying out your skin. This is one of my new favorite drugstore buys! Products to try: Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Makeup and CoverGirl TruMagic Mattifier.

2.) Swap out your shampoo. Most shampoos contain sulfates, which do a great job at cleaning hair so much so that they can also strip away important oils. Using these shampoos will leave your scalp feeling itchy, flaky, and dry during the colder months. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners to keep your locks looking lovely. Products to try: Yes to Cucumbers, TRESemme, and Organix shampoos and conditioners.

3.) Paint your nails. A new shade of nail polish can brighten anyone’s spirits. You could go with a natural or a bold polish, the choice is yours. When removing polish use an acetone-free nail polish remover to help nails maintain their moisture. {Check out my natural secret to beautiful nails.} Products to check out: Sally Hansen Salon Manicure, Revlon, or Maybelline.

4.) Ban the hot water. Okay, if you’re like me and just can’t give up your long, hot baths, try substituting your regular bubble bath with a few drops of bath oil. You can also swap your old bar of soap for a moisturizing bar or body wash. When you get out of the shower don’t try off completely and apply body cream all over. Body creams are better than lotions. The thicker and richer the product the more moisture it gives your skin. Products to try: Olay moisturizing beauty bar or body wash and Gold Bond Soothing cream.

5.) Cleanse gently. Washing your face with a product that over dries it will cause your face to produce more oil, lots of it, leaving you with shine and if you’re like me, acne. If you can stand creamy facial cleansers that don’t require rinsing those would be great to use during the winter. {I personally can’t use them because it seems so wrong to have a creamy cleanser. It just weirds me out. I know that’s stupid but I can’t get past it.} Instead, I opt for facial cleansing cloths that remove makeup and grime without rinsing. Products to try: Aveeno Ultra Calming Makeup Removing Wipes, Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, or Oil of Olay Facial Cleansing Cloths.

6.) Moisturize your lips. The winter temps and wind can quickly chap and crack your lips. Protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm, not the waxy ones, or enjoy a creamy layer of Vaseline Lip Therapy like I do. {I know it doesn’t treat or moisturize my lips but it seals in moisture and well, I just like it.} {Check out 15 Beauty Uses for Vaseline} I also alternate between Vaseline Lip Therapy, Burt’s Bees colored lip products and Carmex. I love all three brands so much that it’s hard to chose just one. I keep one, at least one, in every diaper bag, purse, and if I’m honest…in just about every room of our house. I hate to be without my lip products in winter! Nobody likes dry lips, nobody. Products to try: Vaseline Lip Therapy, Carmex, or Burt’s Bees lip products.

7.) Hydrate while you sleep. Indoor heat dries out the air in every home so grab a humidifier {or two} to help combat itchy, dry skin. Products to try: Crane humidifier.

8.) Drink more water. It’s no secret that water is good for you but many of us don’t drink the recommended 8 glasses a day. Thinking about why I’m drinking water it a good motivation for me to continue to drink. It helps flush out things that shouldn’t be there, keeps your body hydrated, and drinking water also helps improve the appearance of your skin. Win-win!

9.) Use a primer. A primer will help protect your face and keep those blotchy spots at bay. It also prevents a cakey look that can happen when makeup is applied over dry skin. A good primer will help your makeup go on evenly and last all day. Don’t forget to quickly swipe on a coat or two of your favorite mascara to make your eyes pop. Products to try: L’Oreal Paris Anti-Redness Skin Primer, CoverGirl Bombshell Volume.

10.) Sleep! This advice isn’t specific to winter but it’s a good thing to be reminded of all year long. Wanna know a little secret? Beauty sleep is a real thing. It’s true! Our bodies repair themselves while we’re sleeping so not only is our mood improved with a good night’s sleep but so is our skin.

Because I love affordable beauty products all of the items I suggested above can be found at your local drug store. The items I pictured above were purchased at my local Walgreens which has a great makeup aisle and incredibly friendly makeup department workers. {They always have extra beauty coupons on hand, I love these ladies!} Here’s a picture of my husband making a silly face while shopping with me in the Walgreens beauty department.

What changes do you make to your beauty routine during the winter months? Also, what are your favorite winter beauty buys? I’d love to know!

Filed Under: Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Makeup, Skin care, SocialFabric, Walgreens

Get a CoverGirl Bombshell Look + Enter to Win a $100 Walmart Gift Card!

February 7, 2014 by Emily Ploch 52 Comments

The Walmart gift card and information have been provided by CoverGirl. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Walmart is a great place to shop for the latest in beauty trends and you can find the CoverGirl Bombshell collection including three amazing products both online and in-stores.

COVERGIRL Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara

This entirely new mascara experience, unlike any other two-step offering available, features a first-of-its-kind Boost System that has two brushes and two formulas for MEGA VOLUME and DRAMATIC INTENSITY. First, apply the extreme volume basecoat that loads on the volume with a big brush and mega-volumizing formula to thicken lashes; the result is volume that’s even and clump-free. Second, apply the dark, intensifying topcoat that seals the look with a dark, smooth finish; the proprietary micro-thin lacquer offers maximum impact and lasting power in just one coat.

COVERGIRL Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast

With big sexy Bombshell volume, you need sexy shimmer and shine shadow that lasts all night. Shine Shadows feature reflective pigments that play with light to bring dimension to any look. Available in six buildable, blendable, get-me-noticed shades, each shadow is easy to apply and leaves behind a creamy shimmer finish.

COVERGIRL Bombshell Intensity Liner

Bombshell eyes can be intense – and your liner should live up to the look. Intensity Liner is a precision felt tip pen with a smooth formula that glides on for a little or a lot of deep, dark sexy. The longwear liner provides liquid intensity for 24 hours of sexy Bombshell eyes.

Watch this video tutorial on how to achieve your bombshell look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Add9qv62t0E

I created my bombshell look with the Platinum Club Shineshadow, Chocolate Kiss Intensity Liner, and Very Black Volume by Lashblast. The liquid eye shadow and eye liner was very easy to apply. It’s also easy to remove if you mess up. Here is a better picture of how it turned out.

Bombshell 2

Head to Walmart or Walmart.com to purchase the Bombshell products and create your own bombshell look!

Enter the Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $100.00 Walmart gift card! Enter on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways, Makeup

P&G and Walgreens #OnMyWay2Fab Giveaway Ends 1/6

December 26, 2013 by Ashley 101 Comments

Disclosure: I received complementary products to write this post but no compensation was received and all opinions remain my own.

P&G, Walgreens, and Tim Gunn have partnered to help us get on our way to looking fabulous for the holidays! They’re showcasing some of the wonderful products that can be found right inside Walgreens stores. I’ve received all of these products and you have the opportunity to as well. Check the bottom of this post for a giveaway.

This Fab Bag {valued at over $85} includes the following:

– COVERGIRL Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick
– COVERGIRL Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara: The two-step Bombshell Boost System combines extreme volume with an intensifying top coat for big, sexy bombshell lashes. Step One: Apply the extreme volume basecoat. Step Two: Finish with the intensifying top coat.
– COVERGIRL truMAGIC Pore Minimizer
– Crest 3D White 1 Hour Express Whitestrips
– Pantene Damage Detox Cream: Pantene Damage Detox Cream is designed to reset damaged hair to look and feel like new.
– Crest 3D White Vivid Radiant Mint
– Oral B Toothbrush Advantage 3D White Vivid Soft
– Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
– Venus and Olay Sugarberry Exfoliate Razor: The Venus & Olay razor’s 5-blade technology exfoliates for surface skin renewal, while Sugarberry-scented Olay Moisture Bars help lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness*verses Venus Breeze over time.
– Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream: It penetrates rapidly to deliver anti-aging ingredients 10 layers deep into skin’s surface.
– Delish Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel: Indulge yourself with a taste of creamy German milk chocolate. This chocolate bar is a decadent treat made with real Black Forest milk combined with sweet caramel and a touch of salt -hat are guaranteed to ignite your senses.
– Studio 35 Nail Polish Remover Pads
– Studio 35 Blender Brush: The perfect tool designed to create a flawless look. The foam tip utilizes an exclusive micro-pore formulation that will not absorb too much liquid makeup, while the infused vitamin E provides a superbly smooth surface for application.

One lucky reader will win a Fab Bag containing all the goodies above. Oh, and did you know that this same Fab Bag is the one that will be featured during the People’s Choice Awards?! How cool is that?

~~This giveaway is open to those 18 years and older who have a US address. Enter via the Refflecopter below and if you have any questions feel free to email me. Good luck!~~

Update: This giveaway is now over and out of 800+ entries, Stephanie S. is our winner!! Congratulations, Stephanie!

Filed Under: Giveaways, Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Giveaways

The Ultimate Christmas Handbag Checklist: Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

November 21, 2013 by Ashley 1 Comment

This post is a guest contribution from Sam who happens to know a lot about beauty products. I think you’ll enjoy it!

Have you ever been caught out at Christmas looking far from your best? Perhaps it was the mystery hot single male at your friend’s house, old colleagues who turned up out of nowhere or even an ex-boyfriend you bump into while you are feeling the worst for wear?

We can’t look at our glamorous best all the time and certainly Christmas is a time when we are most likely to be thrown into situations where we’re wearing our fluffy bear slippers, sporting our best bed-head hairstyle and without a spot of make-up on.

But never fear, with these make-up essentials in your handbag this Christmas you’ll always come out looking flawless!

Essential Skin Care Items

If your face is blotchy from too much alcohol and rich foods and those bags under your eyes look like they’ve already hit the shops on the Boxing Day sales, you need a quick fix.

Facial Wipes

Always carry a packet of facial wipes in your handbag just to cleanse and tone and set your face ready for a little fix-up magic.

Concealer

This is a must at this time of year and the brand Soap & Glory have brought out a fantastic Double-Action Under Eye Dark Circle Corrector which reflects the light and instantly transforms your tired looking eyes to give the illusion of someone who’s had one of the best night’s sleep ever!

Finish off with just a dab of foundation. Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse Foundation is ideal for quick coverage.

Blush

If you have time, just blend in a little blusher along the cheekbone for a touch of colour. Alternatively you can pinch both your cheeks, but having some blusher in your handbag spares you the pain and gives more of a professional finish!

L’Oreal’s Touch-On Colour does a splendid job and can be used for both eyes and cheeks.

Revitalising Tired Eyes

Put the sparkle back into your dark and tired eyes by following this simple tip:

Tip for Sparkling Eyes

Apply a shimmering light colour to the inner corner of your eyes for instant sparkle!

As eye-liner is far from quick to apply and can go horribly wrong, we suggest some brown mascara instead for long, full looking lashes that aren’t over the top but which will widen and highlight your eyes beautifully.

Kiss Those Cracked Lips Goodbye

This winter weather can play havoc with your lips, leaving them in much need of some TLC. Having some lipstick in your handbag is a must at any time of the year and in winter you need to plump for bold reds, burgundies and deep maroons.

If you don’t have time to carefully apply some lipstick try a quick swab of colored lip gloss. Max Factor has brought out their Silk Gloss Sheer Frost which promises three benefits in one. Firs, its high moisturization hydrates your lips. Secondly, the balm properties protect your lips and lastly the high sheen adds a touch of color and glamour that will leave lips feeling kissably gorgeous. Plus you have three Christmassy colours to choose from.

These simple winter makeup essentials won’t take up much room in your bag but will prove to be very handy the next time you find yourself facing the man of your dreams whilst you look more like a character from Dawn of the Dead. Oh, and don’t forget your mirror, these makeup items might not require you to concentrate too much, but we wouldn’t recommend you try applying any makeup with just the help of a reflective surface.

This post was lovingly crafted by Vibeglocosmetics.co.uk who believe that beauty shouldn’t be bound by budget and so strive to offer the famous brand names but for bargain prices. If you love beauty on a budget then why not follow us on Facebook?

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Christmas, Handbag, Makeup

5 Ways to Feel More Beautiful

October 24, 2013 by Ashley 7 Comments

I’ve been thinking a lot about beauty lately, as I always do, but this time I was focusing primarily on outward beauty. You know, what everyone else sees and judges you by. You know me, I think that people should spend the majority of their time focusing on inward beauty and developing better character traits, helping others, etc. However, every woman wants to feel attractive on the outside too and that’s okay! Going through life changes such as growing older, an illness, becoming pregnant {yep, that’s me!}, or gaining weight {me also!} can make us feel less than attractive…to put it mildly. I was thinking of a few ways that I try to make myself feel more beautiful and I thought I would share them with you in case you need to feel more beautiful today. Remember that you are beautiful, even when you don’t feel like it!

1. Have something sparkly.
Don’t tell your husband I’m telling you to go out and buy diamonds {Although that might not be a bad idea either! ha!}. Keep something sparkly around you. Lip gloss, nail polish, a sparkly pen, etc. If you’re not into sparkles, then surround yourself with your favorite colors and textures.

In school, I was always terrible in English class. Literature was great, spelling was okay, but grammar was pitiful. {I can see all of you grammar folk shaking your head in agreement. I know, I’m sorry!} Most of my school notebooks were plain white or black but my English 101 notebook was beautiful. My definition of beautiful changed from year to year but it was always something that gave me a little smile inside whenever I looked at it. Surround yourself with things that make you smile.

2. Make someone else smile every day.
I used to have a friend whose goal was to make someone smile every day. This was the end all be all goal of his life and while I certainly didn’t agree with that I did take note of his personal challenge. Obviously, it had an impact on me as I’m still thinking about it and writing about it 10 years later. When you do something for someone else it makes you feel good about yourself. That’s not why you should do nice things for others but it’s a nice side effect and it’s a good habit to get into.

3. Smile, smile, smile.
Studies have proven that smiling people are more attractive. That’s a good enough reason to smile, isn’t it? Plus, I read somewhere that your brain gets an instant mood boost when your facial muscles contract and that boost of happiness is maintained as people smile back at you.

That reminds me of a poster that was in our high school cafeteria that read, “Smile. Start an epidemic.” If smiling doesn’t come natural to you practice while you’re alone and then practice in front of others at least once a day. Try it and see if you don’t feel more beautiful and confident.

4. Work out.
I know people are groaning as they read this step. How? Well, because I’m groaning too. I don’t like working out, at least in the formal sense of the word. I don’t own tennis shoes or yoga pants. Crazy, right? I like music though and dancing silly with my daughter, I like taking exploring walks with her, I like swimming, and I like shopping. Those aren’t typically things people consider exercise but every bit of activity helps keep you healthy and boost your spirits. Any safe activity that raises your heart rate is exercise in my book.

When you exercise it gives you a spring in your step. You’ll smile easier, you’ll feel good about yourself knowing you’re taking care of your body, and your face will just glow.

5. Surround yourself with smells.
Smells are the biggest triggers of memory. The sense of smell is powerful. Surround yourself with scents that make you feel good. Wear your favorite perfume {discount perfume is okay too}, light a candle that embodies the current season, or keep your favorite Wallflower plugged in at work. Be mindful of those around you that may have a sensitive sense of smell but if you can, allow yourself embrace different scents. Wearing perfume will help you feel better about yourself and smelling it through the day will make you smile a little on the inside.

Those are my five favorite ways to make myself feel more beautiful.

What about you? What do you do to make yourself feel more beautiful?

Filed Under: Body, Fragrance, Makeup, True Beauty Tagged With: beauty

Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Products – Shop for the Cure!

October 19, 2013 by Ashley 24 Comments

Each October I have mixed feelings when I see the color pink flooding the stores. On one hand, I think it’s great that Breast Cancer Awareness is raising money and reminding people to get their regular check-ups. On the other hand, I am sickened by all of the companies that promote a pink item in October and donate 0% of the proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness. Because I like to be an informed shopper and I like beauty products I’ve created a round up of beauty products that donate a portion of the proceeds {or a set $ amount} to breast cancer awareness or research foundations. I do have my affiliate links included in this post because it took me hours to research and put together. Trust me though, it won’t cost you a penny more if you buy anything after clicking the links on my site.

I have a few dozen more to add but I’ll get started with the beauty products that donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Check back on this post tomorrow for even more beauty products that “pay it forward.”

Breast Cancer Research Foundation:

This year Bobbi Brown is donating $10 for every French Pink Set ($45) they sell. You’ll get a lovely pink shade that can blend with many different skin tones and it comes with a brush too. The $10 of the purchase will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Esteé Lauder is donating 100% of the profits from the Dream Perfume Compact ($50) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The embossed compact is filled with the popular Pleasures fragrance.

Clinique’s Dramatically Different Lotion ($38) recently got a formula makeover to give even more powerful hydration. This new moisturizer comes with a pink ribbon key chain and with each purchase $10 will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Själ skincare’s Rose Aura Cleansing Set ($140) will donate 10% of each purchase to The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

30% of each purchase from the Sole Goddess Limited-Edition Blister Protection Balm ($10-$19) will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation this month.

With each sale of Sonia Kashuk’s Proudly Pink 5-piece Purse Brush Set ($16) 15% of the purchase price goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Coach’s Signature Scent ($68) is going with a colorful design for the cure. 20% of the proceeds are going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this month.

With every purchase of the limited-edition La Mer Hand Treatment ($40) $10 will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The very popular Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36) is donating $5 of each purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Sephora Brush Set Breast Cancer Awareness

Sephora has released a limited-edition five-piece brush set in a beautiful pink snakeskin travel bag ($36). $1 of the sale of each set goes toward the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Ahava has a limited edition hand cream which is on sale from $31.50 for only $21 during the month of October. Plus, 10% of the proceeds are being donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation:

MATRIX is offering a selection of hairsprays for women with any and every hair type ($11-$16). MATRIX is providing 10% of sales to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

My absolute favorite tweezer brand, Tweezerman has produced a limited edition “Precision in Pink” set ($22) and $1 of every sale will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well as to the CEW Cancer and Careers organizations.