IT COSMETICS CC+ CREAM IN LIGHT REVIEW | IS IT WORTH IT?

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream. For my first It Cosmetics purchase, I wanted to try the CC+ Cream, because first, I needed a good SPF, and second, I've been wanting to see what this CC hype was about. You all know I love my travel sizes, so of course, I picked up a travel size at Ulta.

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream claims to be like "your skin but better" with color correcting full coverage, anti-aging and hydrating properties, topped off with SPF50, which is a natural sunscreen free of any chemicals and parabens. Sounds good so far. A tube of the CC+ Cream costs $38 for 1.08 oz, and the travel size costs $15 for 0.406 oz. In the long run, it would be cheaper to buy the full size, considering you plan to use it all up, because you love it so much. If you're just looking to try it out, give the travel size a go first.

The full sized tube has a pump, but the travel size is a squeeze tube that dispenses as much product as you need. The formulation is smooth, creamy, and very easy to blend. The finish is very dewy, almost greasy, as is typical with most sunscreens and sunscreen-based products. It feels light on the skin and doesn't weigh it down, and coverage is medium to full. It covers up my dark spots, hyperpigmentation, while allowing some of my freckles to show through. The lasting power is good. I've worn it whole days (with naps) and through the evening without touching up, but I do use quite a bit of powder to set all of my foundations. It settles into my fine lines, especially around my eyes, so keep that in mind.

The shade Light is a bit dark and orange-toned, which was disappointing. I felt like an oompa loompa. However, if you only use a little bit, you can blend it out and look decent, which is what I've been doing. There is a slight fragrance that I can't pinpoint. Somewhere between citrusy and essential oil-ish. It doesn't smell bad or too strong, but it is noticeable. 

IS IT WORTH IT?

I wouldn't buy the full size It Cosmetics CC+ Cream, but I will try to use up this travel sized tube. The formula is too greasy, and the shade is too dark. I might fare better with the shade Fair, but I don't know if I want to shell out $15 to try it out. I really like the coverage it provides, though, so I might try out some of It Cosmetics' other offerings like the Bye Bye Under Eye or the CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation. 

IT COSMETICS CC+ CREAM (before & after)

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MY CURRENT EVERYDAY MAKEUP ROUTINE (Featuring It Cosmetics CC+ Cream) 

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DIY ROSE GOLD 3D PRINT

DIY Rose Gold 3D Print. In an effort to beautify my little abode, I took to the craft store to buy some things that could instantly add a little spice to my room. Being addicted to Pinterest lately (follow me here), I wanted to tackle a super easy custom DIY project to make my room more of... well, mine. 

Ikea had some ridiculously cheap white frames (cardboard type) for $2, so I picked up 3 of them. I also hit up the local craft stores to pick up some crafty things (duh). I purchased some goodies from Martha Stewart like Glitter (Smoky Quartz) and Multi-Surface Acrylic Metallic Paint (Rose Gold). I also picked up some wooden phrases (like these), but you could do individual letters or make your own words. That would be fun too! I also bought a jar of Mod Podge Gloss, because everyone needs a jar of this stuff. It's magical, and it can be used as a sealer, glue, or top coat. I used it for all three, wee! I applied the glue with a foam brush like this, and I also used pearlized textured paper for the backing, since the frame's original backing is a dark gray shade. You can use whatever colors your heart desires for this project, but let me show you how I did it. 

DIY ROSE GOLD 3D PRINT

What do you think? Easy peasy, right? How do you like to add character to your rooms to make them feel more homey?

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L'OREAL TRUE MATCH LUMI HEALTHY LUMINOUS MAKEUP | REVIEW

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup. Winter weather is wreaking havoc on my skin and hair, so anything that's luminous or moisturizing immediately has my attention. I used to love mattifying foundations, because the climate where I used to live was terribly hot and humid (can you tell I hate summer?). The time for change came, and I picked up the L'Oreal True Match Lumi, because I had heard so many good things from fellow bloggers. Of course, I had to give my two cents. 

I like it. I picked up the shade W1-2 Warm/Porcelain Light Ivory because of my yellowish skin tone (thanks, gramps), and it is a pretty good match to my skin. Formula wise, it still feels a bit dry to me, so I like to add a drop of Rosehip Oil and mix it into half a pump of foundation. This gives me such a nice glowy finish without looking like an oil slick. I always set with a powder, and these days it's been the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light. I like to apply this using a buffing brush or a beauty sponge to create a flawless, even finish. It has SPF 20, and it doesn't break me out, which also a really good thing, as my skin as been hating everything lately. The coverage  is medium and buildable without getting cakey, and it lets my skin shine through without all the discoloration and blemishes.

You can find it at Ulta or your local drugstore for approximately $13, which doesn't break the bank. 

L'OREAL TRUE MATCH LUMI HEALTHY LUMINOUS MAKEUP

Have you tried out this foundation? What foundation/base works best for you during the colder and drier months?

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BOSCIA KONJAC CLEANSING SPONGE WITH COMPLEXION CLEARING CLAY | REVIEW

Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Complexion Clearing Clay. I remember hearing about Konjac sponges several months back, but I never really thought to get one. However, I saw it at Sephora for $15 near the Danger Zone (checkout aisle). There were a few different types of sponges, but I chose the green one, which has Complexion Clearing Clay to help get rid of those darn breakouts that I kept having for some unknown reason. 

Essentially, the Boscia Konjac Sponge is a light and gentle sponge that aids in exfoliation while infusing your face with a healing green clay. To use it, you hold it under running warm water until it becomes soft, squishy, and a bit slimy - I assume it's the green clay. You can either apply cleanser to your face or to the sponge, and then massage your face to gently exfoliate. It helps to slough off slightly dry patches, but it won't work on really rough spots like the Clarisonic or other rotating brush type mechanical thingymabobs (oh yes, I got technical, lol). If you're looking for a very gentle exfoliator, you might like this. It feels something like a porous marshmallow. Imagine that. To dry, just hang it by the string included, and let the air do its magic.

BOSCIA KONJAC CLEANSING SPONGE WITH COMPLEXION CLEARING CLAY

Have you tried any of the cleansing sponges that have popped up recently? Any favorites?

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FINDING INSPIRATION | READING

Finding Inspiration in Books. Where, oh where, did my blogging mojo go? I have no idea. I think it has a lot to do with the stressful situations we're dealing with right now, but hopefully soon, I'll be back in full force (cross fingers). For now, I thought I'd share a bit of my life outside of blogging and makeup - what do I do when I'm not engulfed in the beauty world? I read. A lot. Here's a snippet of my book collection while I was on Guam. I've given everything away due to the move, but I do still have a bunch in Kindle (pheww)!

I love how stories can take me to other worlds to live other lives. Readers are able to envision completely different existences in a span of hours, and that is amazing to me. My imagination is pretty crazy and extremely vivid, which really draws me into the stories even more. I can be a renegade vampire kicking strigoi ass one day and a hopeless romantic reinventing a new life the next day. The options are endless, and I could be whoever I want to be. The downside is that every story comes to an end, but you can always start again with a new story or reread your favorites. 

Inspiration comes to me in all forms. The way characters are portrayed, what they wear and how they carry themselves. The book illustrations are also inspiring - the colors, the fonts, and the positioning of the characters. I take these elements and create from them, whether it be a new piece of jewelry or my #MOTD looks. Take me away to the next world!

Do you guys like to read? What are some of your recent favorites? Also, we might get controversial here, but what are your thoughts on Fifty Shades of Grey (movie & book)? Let's be nice, please! :)

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JOLYN SLOUCHY MID-CALF BOOTS | PINK BASIS

Jolyn Slouchy Mid-Calf Boots. I've always loved a good pair of comfortable slouch boots, but living in an island climate really didn't allow me to indulge in them. Good thing I moved to a much colder climate. Now, I can really wear these beauties around without looking like I've lost my mind. 

Pink Basis is an online shop that brings some of the hottest fashion pieces under one roof. Their site is easy to navigate, and their prices are the main selling point - super affordable! I was contacted by Kimberly, who has been such a sweetheart throughout the drama of my big move. I was able to choose something to review, so I picked the most practical thing - boots, because I knew I was going to need them. 

JOLYN TAN SLOUCHY MID-CALF BOOTS - TAN

The Jolyn Slouchy Mid-Calf Boots* retail for $17.99, but they do have special discounts often, so check back during holidays and special occasions. The boots are true to size and wear a bit snug. If you like a loose fitting shoe, I recommend ordering a half size up in this model. The faux suede is soft and slouches nicely, perfect for wearing over leggings or skinny jeans. The color is a nice warm tan, and it goes with almost anything (says the person who doesn't care to match outfit pieces). I'm also loving the butterflies on the sole - too cute! The sole could be softer, but for $17.99, I'm ok with it. 

Have you shopped at Pink Basis before? I love finding affordable shops to feed my fashion cravings. What are some of your favorite places to shop online?

*Product provided for review. All opinions are my own.

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JACLYN HILL FAVORITES EYESHADOW PALETTE | MORPHE BRUSHES

Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette by Morphe Brushes. Did you guys get caught up in the craze too? The day Jaclyn Hill broke the internet. It was nuts. On New Years Eve, I went online before the release time at midnight, and the Morphe site was already crashing. 5 million refreshes and 24 hours later, I was able to shove my order through the system. Now that this little beauty is here, do I think it was worth it?

Morphe Brushes is known for their affordable but great quality makeup brushes, but they also make really great eyeshadows as well, for $2 each. The Jaclyn Hill Favorites palette holds 28 eyeshadows for $27.99. Dollar shadows, you guys. You can't beat that. BUT WAIT! Are they any good?

JACLYN HILL FAVORITES EYESHADOW PALETTE

The packaging is nothing special - thin plastic case, similar to BH Cosmetics and Coastal Scents palettes. The shades though! Perfect for any neutral lover, and I love that there are a few pops of color and different finishes.

Can we talk about buttery smooth?!?! I'm in LOVE. The pigmentation of these shadows is so good, and the formula is on point. The matte shades are typical of any other matte shadows - good quality ones, and I'm not complaining. Some of the lighter shades don't show up very well on camera, but trust me, they are gorgeous! My favorite shades are ES11, ES48, ES19, ES68, and ES74!

Ok so here's the bad news - this palette is extremely limited edition. Morphe released the palette on New Years Day, and it was on sale until it sold out. Since their site was hacked, and the internet practically broke for a day, they decided that they will be re-releasing the palette once again. However, there is no definite date as to when that will happen. Check back on their site for updates, if you're still interested in picking this up. If for some reason, you can't get your hands on the palette, I've included the shade names along with each swatch - you could build the palette yourself! Just a suggestion. I would I almost did just that. It would cost double the price, but I think $2 for an eyeshadow is definitely a steal.

So was it worth it? It was. I really love this palette, and I'm very impressed with the quality of the eyeshadows. Impressed enough to give a couple of them away. One here on the blog - the other one is still a mystery. :)

GIVEAWAY

*UPDATE* WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN AND CONTACTED. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR ENTRIES! 

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The winner's identity will not be released to protect this person and myself from the drama that's been circling the blogging world lately. I hope you understand, and please help spread the peace and love. <3
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- Open Internationally!

- Must be at least 18 years of age or have parental permission to enter and receive prizes.

- Giveaway entries will not be accepted - real followers only, please.

- All entries will be verified.

- Subject to change without notice.

*This is not sponsored in any way by anyone. Prizes were purchased with my money. 

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