Pretty Squared

Pretty Random - Lifestyle Beauty PostWax Candles

Bees wax candles have a subtle scent (which makes them perfect for some bed time reading)

Miranda's Notes:

Whenever I find myself shopping for our apartment, I always look for scented candles - somehow, candles are perfect for setting a wonderful atmosphere and can remind us of spring gardens, Hawaiian waters, and mountain-top wild flowers.

Although many stores currently sell candles, I prefer purchasing hand-poured candles from smaller businesses. I do not like the smell of strong perfume which is irritating and am also apprehensive about the chemicals often found in some products - for example, some candles may contain paraffin or cheaply made wicks can contain trace amounts of lead. While a candle may smell nice in the store, be sure to check the ingredients - the more natural, the better. For the past few months, I've been using Kaufmann Mercantile candles. Kaufmann Mercantile sells affordable bees wax candles made out of 100% pure beeswax produced in the United States, and the candles have 100% cotton wicks.

My favorite types of candles are pure bees wax candles - bees wax candles do not have added perfumes, but when burned, the scent is absolutely amazing. Just imagine the smell of sweet honey and the subtle floral under tones - these instantly help me calm down!

All natural wax candles with cotton wicks

Bees wax candles can burn up to 20 hours depending on size

Makeup Tutorial - Green and Blue Step-by-Step Tutorial

Bright colors for a fun look, but in a classic application - perfect for those color shy

Mackenzie's Notes:

Since warm weather has finally arrived in New York City, I've been wanting to pull out my brighter colored lipsticks and eyeshadows and play with them more, and this past weekend, I deemed that it was time! After winning this beautiful YSL eyeshadow quad in a recent St. Patrick's giveaway from Vernonika (visit her lovely blog here), I wanted to put those beautiful green shades to work in a Spring Greens inspired look. This look was also inspired by Kelly Rowland's new video "Kisses Down Low" in which she showcases some fun makeup looks (go watch it, I bet you'll get some inspiration).

I tried to recreate a more wearable eye shadow by keeping the fun colors and applying them in a subtle smokey eye fashion. In this Spring Greens look I wanted to similarly use a yellow green shade, a medium green and a pop of blue eyeliner and white eyeliner to make this look as fresh as possible and to make my brown eyes pop. I paired it with a pastel pink and I love the results! Go try it for yourself, I promise it's fail proof.

I kept my outfit relatively simple (think black V neck and jeans) and my hair straight to let this makeup be my accessory

Face of the Day Products Used

Eyes:
Ysl 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes - #6 Garden of Eden
Yaby Eyeshadow (Sand)
NYX Slim Eye Liner (Teal)
Wet n Wild Mega Last Liquid Eyeliner (Black)
L'Oreal False Fiber (Faux Cils) Voluminous Mascara (Blackest Black)
The Balm Meet Matte Palette (Eyebrows)

Face:
Garnier BB Cream (Combination to Oily Skin, Shade Light/Medium)
L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Foundation Powder SPF 19
Physicians Formula Bronzer (Light)
Stila Convertible Color Peony

Lips:
Maybelline Vivids Brazen Berry (outside of lips)
Maybelline Baby Lips (Pink Punch, middle of lips)

The newly released "All About Orange" MAC collection which inspired this manicure

Mackenzie's Notes:

MAC recently released a new collection named "All About Orange", and as you've probably guessed, it was centered around the color orange in all its glory. I picked up three lipsticks from the collection, and well to celebrate, I decided to create a manicure inspired by the the idea of lipsticks, orange (of course) and the lovely mod model in the promotion ad. I used some color blocking and geometric designs to give this manicure a mod look. You can use any colors to recreate this nail art and I hope you try it and have fun with it too!

Polishes used: American Apparel "Poppy", Revlon "Siren", Sally Hansen "Sun Kissed", Nails Inc. "Wellington Square", black and white polish for details.

Revlon's "Siren" polish is a true orange color with a good formula opaque in two coats

(L) American Apparel "Poppy", Revlon "Siren", Sally Hansen "Sun Kissed", Nails Inc. "Wellington Square" (R)

Disclosure: Press Sample product sent for consideration, opinions are all our own.
Osmia Organics Review - Organic Detox Exfoliating Mask, Junipear Shea Soap, Stream Body Oil

Osmia Organics - Detox Exfoliating Mask, Juniper Shea Sopa, Stream Body Oil

The past three weeks have been absolutely busy, busy - my family visited DC to attend my graduation (yay!), I then went to New York City because my fiance was out of town for a business conference, and after that, I again traveled to New York City because our mom was visiting for her birthday. Because of Bolt Bus travels at random hours, running around crowded New York subways, and shopping-a-storm, by the time I returned to DC, I was exhausted and needed some time to relax. Determined to re-create a spa experience, I reached for all my Osmia Organics products - and let me tell you, in just a few hours - I was de-stressed, re-energized, relaxed, and ready to face the day.

When I had the chance to try Osmia products, I was absolutely impressed with the mission of the company, the organic ingredients, the eco-friendly packaging, and the all-natural basis of the products. Osmia Organics, founded by a doctor, seeks to guide in making healthier choices for skin and bodies - all while being naturally effective. The more I learn about the brand (Osmia has a beautiful site and behind the scenes photography on how the products are made!), the more I love it!

Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask - the bottle contains a lot of product and comes with application utensils

Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask (available here) After a full three weeks of being on the road, I needed my skin to be cleansed and fresh. The mask powder, which contains cacao, honey, bamboo charcoal, walnuts, and olive leaves, left my face feeling wonderful - my skin was smoother, brighter, and cleaner. The Osmia Organics detox mask is applied as a wet paste and as it slowly dries, it pulls away skin impurities. The mask does not have a scent to it (which is rare to find!), and the exfoliating agents are finely ground so your skin is not damaged. I was worried about sensitivity, but I should have had faith - Osmia's all natural ingredients worked gently and effectively.
Grade: 5/5

Osmia Organics Juniper Shea Soap - using certified organic ingredients

Osmia Organics Juniper Shea Soap (available here) was my next stop in my home-spa experience - the soap has a subtle scent and it smells ...well, it smells clean (best way I can describe it!). The Osmia Organics Juniper Shea Soap is moisturizing and does not leave skin dry - in fact, I used this as a shaving soap as well. The Osmia soaps are hand made in small batches and allowed to dry more to ensure the soap bar lasts longer - I received a small sample and it's still lasting. Another major plus for this soap is the lack of residue - organic soaps with natural ingredients tend to have left overs (ahem, Lush), but the Juniper Soap doesn't have this issue. Osmia Organics has other scent options available, and between Chamomile, Coffee Mint, and Milky Rose, picking just one soap is a tough task.
Grade: 5/5

Osmia Organics' customer service was impeccable - shipping was fast, and the products were packaged with care in eco-conscious packaging. The best part was receiving the items with a personalized hand written note from Sarah, the founder - her dedication and passion for what she does translates to the Osmia products (and... she's doctor and her writing is wonderful, what more could we ask for!).

Osmia Organics Stream Body Oil (available here) was the final step to get me ready to face my daily errands - the oil is applied to wet skin and leaves skin moisturized without being sticky or greasy (the oils absorbed easily and fast). The scent is wonderful but for some, I think it may be a bit too powerful (hence the grade) - Osmia does have an Unscented Body Oil so there are options for everyone.
Grade: 4/5

Osmia Organics - home spa treatment with a detox mask, shea soap, and body oil

Be sure to visit Osmia Organics website to learn more about the brand (and shop a bit!).

Disclosure: Press Sample product sent for consideration, opinions are all our own.

Pretty Random - Lifestyle Post - 20 Facts about Us - Random Facts Tag

Pretty Squared, as the name suggests, refers to the idea of "two." From our devoted readers who are familiar with our blog to the first time visitors looking for beauty information, keep in mind that when you read a tweet, blog post, or comment response, you may be talking to Miranda or Mackenzie (yup, there's two of us!). We are both equally thankful for our readers and look forward to more happy blogging (now let's get to know each other more)!

Mackenzie: 10 Random Facts

1. I have been playing volleyball since fourth grade and still do to this day.
2. I have two lovely pet rabbits, named Popcorn (Holland lop) and Buttercup (a lion head mix). They are the cutest!
3. My boyfriend is Chinese, and we have been dating for four years this summer (met at volleyball camp). He is the photographer behind the many manicure shots.
4. I almost never leave the house without liquid foundation or at least a BB cream.
5. I love anything sweet (ice cream Snickers, Nutella, Viniero's fruit cake come to mind...).
6. I wear one special pair of keds from Kmart very often - I currently own 12 pairs of them in different colors.
7. I don't know how to ride a bike or swim (floaties it is this summer!).
8. I will be starting graduate school at Columbia University this coming fall to study Painting in their Visual Arts program (so excited and so nervous!).
9. I used to bite my fingernails when I would be stressed, and painting them with polish was my way of trying to stop. So glad I did, because a small polish and nail art obsession ensued.
10. My sister, Miranda, is my best friend (if you couldn't tell!).

Miranda: 10 Random Facts

1. I never leave the house without wearing blush (I skip foundation and mascara, but blush is a must!).
2. My absolute favorite read is a short story by Leo Tolstoy.
3. If I could eat one food for the rest of my life, it would have to be french fries (yumm!).
4. I graduated from law school this past May, and I look forward to real world, homework-free days.
5. I own more pink and white polishes than I can count - those colors are my kryptonite.
6. I've been dating my high school sweetheart for nine years, and we plan to get married on our ten-year anniversary (he proposed last Christmas!).
7. I put 99:99 minutes on the microwave timer so I don't have to press it every time (I'm efficient like that!) ...but my fiance hates it and always resets it.
8. I am a terrible cook because I always overcook food (I keep thinking it's not done).
9. Despite not so awesome reviews, I've bought makeup strictly based on packaging (who can resist the cuteness!).
10. My sister, Mackenzie, knows me best - I can't get anything past her (including awkward smiles ahem!).

Readers' Recommendations: Let us know if you have any questions or just want to catch up (and comment with some random facts about you!).

Osmia Organics Review - Osmia Organics Skincare, Osmia Organics Lip Repair

Mackenzie's Notes:

While many perks come with writing a beauty blog, including lovely makeup, weekly indulgences and pretty and fun looks, there is also the downside of trying out many products in a short period of time on our sensitive skin. Our skin is a beautiful canvas, and we should treat it with care and pamper it as much as we can - that's why I was so excited to hear from my sister that Sarah from Osmia Organics offered to have us try some products created with organic and natural ingredients which are geared toward clean skin care.

After researching the brand, I decided to try out the most popular Osmia products which could help me in my daily skin routine (and there are plenty more popular items which I would love to try someday). Sarah was wonderful enough to send me the Spot Treatment, the Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair, and a bar of the Rose Clay Facial Soap. Stay tuned for my thoughts on all these products and make sure you also read my sister's review of her Osmia Organics goodies here!

Osmia Organics Spot Treatment - $20, 0.16 ounces (available here)

This Osmia Organics spot treatment actually works, it is my new holy grail, go-to product to reduce incoming or existing acne and reduce scarring. The spot treatment works overnight (I promise!) and your acne will be gone in at most three days (for an already there large blemish); I can't recommend this spot treatment enough, it is a serious blemish fighter and if you suffer from acne it really is a must have!

I have very sensitive and acne prone skin which can get irritated fast and result in cystic acne. I usually use a prescribed topical liquid to combat it, yet I noticed that the benzoyl and alcohol ingredients dry my skin out. This spot treatment is unique in its oil based formula since it hydrates the skin around the blemishes and seems to be gentler on the skin without peeling. The Osmia spot treatment is a concentrated formula which should only be applied on the acne spot, with the help of the small roller ball of the packaging. The formula is an oil (no tea tree oil) and has a pretty strong smell of herbs and lemon, which if applied to many spots can be a little overwhelming (especially if placed on the chin, nose etc). I apply it at night on a cleansed and moisturized face where I can feel an incoming blemish, and also on already existing blemishes. By the morning, the incoming blemish usually disappears or sometimes it is brought out to the surface quickly (depending on the kind of blemish). This product has calmed my skin down considerably without drying it out, has helped keep it clear, and also helped my acne scarring heal faster. Seems like this bottle will last me a long time but I will definitely repurchase this product many, many times in the future!
Grade: 5/5

Simple and striking packaging for the Rose Clay Facial Soap (packaging is recycled and biodegradable)

Beautiful hand made, artisan soaps - only organic oils, botanical colorants, and essential oils used

Osmia Organics Rose Clay Facial Soap - $22, 2.25 ounces (available here)

This soap contains Australian pink clay, white kaolin clay, wild-harvested mango butter and cold-pressed, organic avocado oil which hydrate and heal the skin. Soap comes with a soap holder which helps to save product and protect your soap from bacteria. I did notice that by using this soap twice a day, you could use up quite a bit of it pretty fast, and thus the price might seem high for how long the soap will last.

To cleanse, I rub the bar between my hands shortly, after which a lot of lather is created, and I wash my face using this lather. This soap smells like herbs, doesn't sting my eyes, is not too harsh, and washes off quickly when I'm done as well. My skin feels very cleansed (no makeup left afterwards) and very hydrated (enough to not even put moisturizer on!). After washing my face with the Osmia Organics Rose Clay soap, I seriously couldn't stop touching my face, it felt so smooth!

Grade: 4.8/5

Osmia Organics Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair - $22, 0.28 ounces (available here)

Filled with manuka honey and myrrh extract, this Osmia lip repair can help restore chapped lips to healed and smooth in a day or two. While I do not suffer from dry lips much, I apply this every night before bed - it's a nice bed time ritual which helps my lips be hydrated and smooth. Formula feels light on the lips, has no taste, and has a very light, pleasant smell which is a nice touch. I apply the Osmia Organics lip repair with my fingers and I actually enjoy the packaging, as it feels luxurious. I usually stay clear from products in pot containers but since this is a night treatment, I apply it after washing my hands (so I am not wary of bacteria as I would be if applying on-the-go during the day). Quick note here, Miranda tried this and absolutely loved it because it helped heal and moisturize her chapped lips, this lip repair product may be tiny, but it has big results!
Grade: 5/5

I recommend you check out Osmia Organics yourself as I bet that you will be impressed and pleasantly surprised - I definitely was! While it's difficult to find effective natural treatments, these products fulfill their claims beautifully. Sarah, the Osmia Organics founder, really does know her skin care, and I am glad she was able to create such lovely products without putting our sensitive skin to the test of harmful ingredients and chemicals. I can only hope for a silicone free liquid foundation to come out next in this line, right (right)?

Be sure to visit the Osmia Organics website for more beauty and healthy skin inspiration!

How to recreate - J.Crew Model Makeup (perfect summer makeup!)

Recreating J.Crew Model Makeup (source: jcrew.com)

Miranda's Notes:
One of my absolute favorite looks for summer is the no-makeup makeup look - and no one does that better than J.Crew. Browsing through the J.Crew catalog, I love seeing how soft, minimalist makeup enhances natural beauty and emphasizes lovely features. While the best suited products may vary, be sure to experiment by emphasizing eyes, adding a berry lipstick, and accentuating a flush cheek color.

J. Crew Makeup - Eyes

1. Define eyes with a shortened cat eye (kitten eye!) using the Mac Liquid Eyeliner - for summer weather, waterproof and smudge-proof eyeliner works best.
2. Using the NYX Jumpo Pencil in Milk shade, underline your bottom lash and add highlights on the inner corner of the eye (this brightens and enlarges the eye).
3. Fill in your eyebrows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and comb the eyebrows with the brush end of the Brow Wiz - eyebrows are essential for framing your eyes.
4. Finish your natural J.Crew eye makeup by lengthening your top and bottom lashes with the Maybelline Falsies Big Eyes Mascara (the mascara's dual end is highly versatile!).

J. Crew Makeup - Face

5. To prep your skin for summer heat, use a long lasting concealer like the Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer.
6. Save the best for last because nothing says "lovely" more than a pretty flush! The Too Faced Sweetheart Blush has three color coordinated shades meant for every skin tone.
7. Finish your natural make up look by adding a pretty pout - berry colored lips are perfect for summer! I love using Maybelline Color Whispers, review here, because of the lightweight application and all the color options available (you may also opt for the official Face J.Crew lipstick).

Busy Girl's Summer Nail Art Challenge - Striped Nail Art Challenge

Busy Girl's Summer Nail Art Challenge - Stripes Nail Art #busygirlnails

Summer nail art means bright colors, lots of glitter, playful shapes, and all around experimentation with designs. When we found out about the Busy Girl's Summer Challenge, we knew we had to join - we have both been definitely busy lately and this challenge was perfect for some summer motivation! The rules for this challenge are simple and perfect for the busy blogger - follow different themes each week, post on any day of that week, and participate in as many or few weeks as you'd like (it doesn't get any easier than this!). The weekly manicures can be shared on Instagram using the #busygirlnails tag or shared in a blog post.

If you're still looking for inspiration, be sure to visit the talented and lovely hosts @beautybykrystal, @drinkcitra, @mirandasmakeup, and @beautybyarielle. For the stripes nail art theme, we picked completely different approaches - Mackenzie created a neon Geisha design and Miranda opted for a pretty Aztec pattern!

Miranda's and Mackenzie's picks for the striped nails challenge

Miranda - Aztec nail art using Essie pastel nail polish

Miranda's Notes:
Because my technique is not that steady with direct stripes, I chose to do an Aztec pattern where texture and lots of lines adds to the nail art (and because it's summer, I also opted for bright colors!). I initially started with small, three level triangles at the top of the nails but feeling more adventurous, I built on the detail. I like varying the base colors to create depth and I sought to balance the various accents. Overall, I'm very happy with my pretty Aztec nail art - and no ultra straight lines required!

Quick tip on how to achieve straight lines (thank you for the reader comments!) - we used a Kiss Nail Art kit which is very affordable (available here). The brush should have a really long end so you do do not have to actually drag the brush to create a line - just lie it on the nail and the straight stripe shape comes naturally.

Mackenzie - neon nail art using Color Club London Calling nail polish

Mackenzie's Notes:

This stripes nail art challenge was a way for me to experiment with techniques I've been dying to try, and the outlined nail look was one of those! I eventually chose outlined nails, some bold stripes in a sunshine pattern, and semi moon accent details in bold and fresh colors. I think of stripes as being very dramatic and chic - I decided to really have fun with a graphic manicure inspired by geisha culture and bright, confident neon colors.

I've seen the outlined nail art turn out so beautiful and striking on long talon shaped nails, but no one said us short nailed girls couldn't try it out. Just keep in mind to keep the outline very fine, maybe slightly thicker at the base of the nail to achieve that long nail effect. If you're looking to be creative - think black roses, neon tips, and sunshine stripes - I hope you get inspired by this neon geisha nail art.

Mackenzie used Color Club London Calling (swatch) and Miranda used Essie Muchi Muchi (swatch)

MAC All About Orange Collection - MAC Lipstick Swatches

MAC All About Orange - L Razzledazzler, Sweet & Sour, Tangerine Dream R

Mackenzie's Notes:

MAC recently released a new collection for summer, "All About Orange" - this MAC collection contains seven lipsticks, three lipglasses, three blushes, three nail polishes and one eyeshadow quad. I was so excited for this collection since I wear a variety of orange and coral hues in my daily makeup routine, be it a pretty peachy pink blush, a pop of bright eye shadow or a striking orange creme lipstick. Orange complements my yellow skin tone beautifully, and looks great with or without a tan, (even on many other complexions). This All About Orange lipstick collection does contain some true orange colors as well some pinker leaning colors, in a variety of finishes. The lipsticks retail at $15 a piece and you can find them in store at Macy's or stand alone counters; this collection is also available on Mac's website as well as Nordstroms. The three MAC lipsticks I picked up were: Razzledazzler (Lustre finish), Sweet & Sour (Cremesheen finish) and Tangerine Dream (Lustre finish).

I will include both face and lip swatches (paired with a smokey grey look inspired by the MAC All About Orange quad) and provide small reviews on each of these lipsticks. I would recommend checking out this collection and trying on some pretty oranges, as they are on trend and can look chic and flattering on everyone!

The colors on aren't similar to what they look like in the tube so I strongly recommend you try these on if you get a chance to

The classic MAC packaging; I was a little disappointing they didn't debut a special packaging for this collection (just think of all the possibilities)

MAC All About Orange Swatches - L Razzledazzler, Sweet & Sour, Tangerine Dream R

1. MAC Razzledazzler - A Lustre creme finish, but quite pigmented, feels very comfortable and moisturizing on lips. Coral is a soft orange coral leaning pink. Razzledazzler is a very wearable color and it is the one that I reach for most, flatters my light/medium skin tone beautifully!

2. MAC Sweet & Sour - A Cremesheen finish, so it is a more pigmented and thicker formula than the Lustre finish. The color is similar to Razzledazzler but much lighter, and white based. Could be worn as a pretty nude with orangey pink notes. I wear it with a darker lip liner as it is slightly too light for my skin tone, but this color looked beautiful on my sister who has a lighter skin tone (so she kept this one!).

Miranda's Notes: If you still haven't found that perfect lipstick for the smokey eye look, MAC Sweet and Sour should be the winning pick. I absolutely love this shade and feel very glam when wearing it.

3. MAC Tangerine Dream - A Lustre finish, less pigmented than Razzledazzler but still very moisturizing and lightweight formula. The color is definitely unique, as it is a yellow based orange; the color can be layered an intensified. I was most excited for this color as it is very unique and it does look great on a medium yellow based skin tone, but I find it difficult to wear due to its yellow tint.

L MAC Razzledazzler, MAC Sweet & Sour, MAC Tangerine Dream R

Readers' Recommendations: Were you able to try anything from this collection and what are your thoughts on it? What's your favorite lipstick from the MAC All About Orange line?

b.liv Japan silk mask and b.liv youth preserving serum

Miranda's Notes:
In my continued search for the perfect skincare routine (which I'm sure exists, it must!), I recently had the opportunity to try several b.liv products. The b.liv company, pronounced "believe," is a comprehensive range of products meant to tackle different skin issues like pore reduction, black heads removal, anti-aging, and skin brightening. The items are laboratory-formulated for premium salon administration, but offered as part of an easy to use, at home personal skincare regimen. The b.liv representatives are very helpful in assisting with recommendations and what products would work work best for your skin specifically - it really does feel like you are visiting a virtual salon ready to tackle your skin concerns.

b.liv Japan Silk Masks - affordable, effective and easy to use

b.liv Bright is Right Masque (available here) and b.liv Knock off Age Masque (available here)
These b.liv masques are quite different from the usual masks I've tried (different in a good way!). There are no stiff paper materials that make you look like strange Frankenstein characters and there is no product to actually paste to your face - the b.liv Japanese silk masks are a very sheer, very soft, and malleable material that actually stays put on your face. There are open holes for the eyes and nose and mouth but because of the material you can actually easily widen or even tear the mask to fit your face (that's a big plus for b.liv because I want my eye area protected). After trying both of these masks, I definitely noticed my pores shrank and my face just felt tighter all around. Using the b.liv Bright is Right mask also helped with skin brightening and redness - my sensitive skin responded wonderfully to the ingredients and had no reaction (the masks have no scent, but some ingredients list fragrance so be sure to check the full ingredients list).

Overall, b.liv masks have quite the interesting ingredients - think caviar extract, pearl powder, and pure Swiss apple - all of these combine to effectively rejuvenate skin. Now, I wish I could give this product a full grade because I absolutely noticed the results but there are some issues - some of the masks have parabens so if you are looking for all natural products, you may not be able to use some b.liv products. Both masks made my skin feel too dry, and I ended up having to apply moisturizer immediately after. However, if you have oily skin, these masks should work great (I took a look at the b.liv section for dry skin and dehydration issues which has several items, so I recommend experimenting with products from this section).
Grade: 4/5

b.liv Youth Preserving Serum

b.liv Dump off Drawn Youth Preserving Serum (available here)

Because I have noticed some fine lines and laugh lines, I have also been trying different anti-aging serums. The b.liv Dump off Draw is meant to energize, brighten, and firm complexion quickly using ingredients like Resveratrol, Soy Isoflavone, and pure L-ascorbic acid. The serum is a clear, odorless liquid that applies hygienically from a quite-inventive bottle (the packaging also keeps the serum contained and thus more potent). When applied, the serum feels a bit tacky to the touch but quickly absorbs into the skin. Unfortunately, I did not notice any anti-aging results with this serum - my skin felt somewhat more moisturized and less dull, but there was no impact on the fine lines. Coupled with the high price of the product, I recommend actually trying the b.liv silk masks, you can actually feel those tightening skin and diminishing fine lines.

Grade: 3/5

b.liv Dump off Drawn ingredients

Visit the b.liv website and b.liv official Facebook page to learn more about the available products - b.liv tackles everything from aging to pore issues and spot treatments (and also contact b.liv as they are very helpful in giving recommendations that work for you - I plan on trying other products that are better suited for my skin issues).

Disclosure: Press Sample product sent for consideration, opinions are all our own.

Ipsy June Glam Bag - "On the Wild Side" included some fun makeup products and a dry shampoo

Subscribe to Ipsy here (referral link)

Mackenzie's Notes:

I recently received my June Ipsy Glam Bag and I wanted to share with you all the goodies included as well as how they swatch and how I wear them. This month's bag was titled "On the Wild Side", and the bag included fun makeup products (such as cream glitter), vibrant shades (bright lip liner) and a dry shampoo fit for those big hair days or long nights.

Ipsy is a monthly subscription service at $10 for which you receive five full size or deluxe sample products, curated by YouTube makeup gurus. Make sure you check out my original post on Ipsy here as I have additional details on this subscription service.

I will include swatches of all makeup and a small tutorial on how I use the highlighter pencil, as it is one thing I have incorporated into my daily routine. I was very happy with this month's bag as all the products are new to me and I have heard many good reviews about all of them. Also, this month's cheetah and fluorescent make up bag was great quality, made of a sturdy material and lined, so many thumbs up on that! I hope you enjoy this post and that you get to know Ipsy better to see if it would be a good match for you. So far, I recommend it, and will keep you posted next month as well.

Ipsy June 2013 "On the Wild Side" TOTAL - $44.50

One swipe swatches of each shades

1. NYX Mosaic Powder Blush in "Dare" - $7 (0.20 oz, full size)
I was excited to receive this mosaic blush since it includes several shades in a mineralized finish. This NYX Mosaic product is a pigmented blush that looks good on my skin. I tried using the bottom orange shades as a bronzer, but these were too shimmery and golden for that purpose. I either swirl all colors for a natural shade or only the pinks for a pinker toned blush. If you like depth in your blush, the NYX Mosaic Powder Blush is the way to go!

After applied, I blended the pencil with my finger as the warmth helps blend the product in better

2. Chella Lace Highlighter Pencil - $18 ( full size)

I love this pencil and I am so glad this was included in the bag, as it's something I really wanted to own but never justified spending that much money on a skin toned product. The formula is really creamy and blends in easily, while still providing you with results! I use the highlighter pencil around my brows to define them and hide any stray hairs I might have; I add it to inner corner and top of eyelids to give myself a more awake look. The color fits me perfectly and is light enough to show up without being too stark. I use this daily now, but my only disappointment is the fact that the pencil has to be sharpened and it's not twist up.

3. Starlooks Lip Pencil "Tickle Me Pink" - $12 (full size)

This Starlooks lip pencil is very pigmented and creamy; it applies on like a dream! The color is very opaque, and it is a bright mauve-pink, it almost reads dusty. I would wear this alone or with a bit of gloss on top for extra shine, this is a nice quality lip pencil.

The glitter stuck to my fingers and I applied it in a circular motion to my skin to deploy all the glitter onto my hand

4. JCat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette in "Suzie" - $4.50 (full size)
I was excited to receive something sparkly, as I don't own much glitter based products in my makeup collection. These glitters come in golden based colors and include different variations of glitter (chunky, smaller copper pieces, a mix, etc) in a clear, jelly (or oil) base. These contain a lot of glitter which I'm happy about, but I still need to figure out the best way to apply them in a more even fashion. I want to use these around the eyes, on the face (maybe Halloween) or on the lips but as a heads up, JCat specifies to be careful when applying this product to not get glitter pieces in your eyes if you do decide to apply it on the face.

Love how this is air travel friendly, perfect to carry on you as you're traveling

5. Pssst Dry Shampoo - $3.00 (travel size)
I have heard so many good things about this particular dry shampoo and couldn't wait to try it. This Pssst Dry Shampoo smells so nice and fresh (not a hairspray smell) and I am glad it doesn't add lift, as I just want to get rid of the extra oiliness in my hair. I have used it a couple of times, and so far I don't see it removing the extra oil as efficiently as say baby powder, but maybe I'm applying it wrong. I hope that changes as I really like the scent and the powerful aerosol application.

If you want to learn more about the program, be sure to visit Ipsy - Subscribe to Ipsy here (referral link)

Reader's Recommendations: What did you receive in your July Glam Bag? Let me know of any tips on how to apply the glitter shadows or dry shampoo!

Patriotic Nail Art - Fourth of July Nail Art

My friend Hope modeling the Mix and Match 4th of July glitter nail art; I loved the thumb design the most

Mackenzie's Notes:

This July 4th, I had my perfect chance to create a USA Independence Day manicure, full of stars and stripes, bold graphic designs, glitter and rich hues of red and blue. I have always adored stripes and stars manicures, as they are the perfect Americana touch for a retro inspired manicure. My friend Hope kindly agreed to be my (very patient) nail model for this look, and after about two hours of nail painting, we were both pleased with the final result! This nail art design is a continuation of the the Busy Girl Nails challenge (click here for the challenge rules and previous designs!), and as this week's theme was "Glitter", it was the perfect chance to incorporate glitter polishes for extra sparks and celebration.

I hope you sport some fun designs on your nails this Fourth of July, as nails are the best accessory during this hot summer weather. I will be watching the New York City fireworks (from my roof) and will enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and his family; my sister, Miranda, will be lucky enough to watch the beautiful DC fireworks (which one day I hope to see as well).

Polishes Used: Revlon Superstitious (blue swatch), Wet n Wild Wild Shine (red swatch), Wet n Wild Fast Dry Rocking Ruby (red glitter swatch), Kiss Nail Art White (white).

We wish you a fun filled Fourth of July and that you enjoy the day with your family and friends, wherever you are! Happy Independence Day!

These designs work just as well on short nails; I used a striper brush to draw in the stripes and stars

Glitter placement gives the manicure some dimension - I chose an Old English font as it fits the patriotic theme

All American Nail Art - blue jeans, stars and stripes - Happy Independence Day!

Nars Angelika Blush Review - Nars Blush Swatch and Review

Nars Angelika Blush Review - beautiful, sleek packaging

Miranda's Notes:

As evidenced by my continued silence these weeks, I've been tackling some bar exam extravaganza. My days are starting to fuse together, I'm using Latin words in random conversations to force myself to memorize, and I've been snacking on everything that comes my way. My sister Mackenzie has come to the rescue with blog posts and I look forward to taking small breaks to catch up on her reviews and nail art (that's right, I'm our blog's most devoted reader hehe!).

In the past months, we have been fortunate to be sponsored by SkinCareRx - SkinCareRx, and sister sites Apothica and Skinbotanica, are one-stop shops for everything pretty. And I mean, everything! From organic candles, to hair care, affordable makeup, beauty best sellers, and effective skincare, SkinCareRx has it all. We were also excited to promote SkinCareRx for all the amazing sales that happen frequently - we can rely on top notch customer service and great deals! As part of the sponsorship, I had the chance to try this Nars Angelika blush - shipping was fast, packaging was secure, and I was ready to enjoy this lovely pink blush! Be sure to visit SkinCareRx and Apothica to snag some deals!

A little bit of Nars pink to brighten everyone's day

Nars Angelika Blush Review

Pros: Nars blushes are legends in the blush world, and for a good reason. Nars Angelika has strong pigmentation, blends easily, and lasts long. I wore Nars Angelika through the hot DC summer and the color lasted with no patches and very slight wear. Angelika is a cool toned pink that reminds me of cotton candy - as you can see from the photos, it just livens up the face and adds a lovely flush. I adore pink colors so this hot candy pink, with silver shimmer, was the ideal summer color!

Cons: Nars Angelika is crazy pigmented so I recommend applying just a bit at the beginning (on the plus side, this means the product can last a long time). If you prefer matte blushes only, keep in mind this has shimmer. If the price is a deterrent, because Nars blushes are expensive, you should take a look at ELF blushes which are often dupes for Nars blush colors (but keep in mind the quality may not be the same).

Grade: 4.5/5

Nars Angelika Swatch with shimmer (nails are Pretty Aztec design)

Nars Swatch - I only applied a little bit of the product (the pigmentation is crazy strong!)

Nars blushes include a mirror which is quite helpful - the packaging makes it easy to carry as well

Visit SkinCareRx and like SkinCareRx on Facebook for giveaways, sales, coupons, and awesome beauty products!

Disclosure: product sent for consideration, opinions are all our own.

Limited Edition Maybelline Baby Lips - Electro Baby Lips Swatches, Electro Baby Lips Review

The new limited edition Electro Baby Lips from Maybelline - such a fun collection, colors, scents, packaging and all! (these twist all the way down, but I wanted to show you the tube colors)

Mackenzie's Notes:

Maybelline recently released a new limited edition baby lips summer collection centered around neon colors and appropriately named Electro Baby Lips (fluorescent colors continue to be a huge trend this season). My sister Miranda is a big fan of the Baby Lips line, and got me into them as well when she gifted me one as a present. I really enjoy wearing these due to their moisturizing ability, color, ease of application and totally scrumptious scents! I find myself applying Maybelline Baby Lips often during the day as they have become a fun part of my daily routine.

The new Electro Baby Lips shades have new packaging (cue the fluorescent text on a black tube), yet claim they have a similar moisturizing formula and fruity scents as the previous Baby Lips, minus the SPF. I purchased the three shades I thought would have the most color pay off at my local Rite Aid for $3.89 each. The Maybelline limited collection includes two sheer balms and some other pigmented colors, out of which I picked up Berry Bomb 80, Oh! Orange! 85 and Strike a Rose 95 (lip and face swatches below).

The size of the Electro Baby Lips balms - they apply easily and quickly on the lips

Maybelline Electro Baby Lips - matching color caps with a black twist up tube

Pros: Such a refreshing price on these! I can't remember the last time I got a lip product at the drugstore for less than $5. And for that price, these Baby Lips give you good pigmentation, glossy shine, are moisturizing and smell divine! The packaging of the Baby Lips is adorable, sturdy and perfect for on the go. This collection had some really original colors and had a nice range of hues.

Cons: For a summer collection, I am very surprised these don't contain SPF, and I really wish they did. While the scents are enjoyable, I can discern a chemical taste when applying and wearing these balms. The Electro Baby Lips (similar to previous releases) have a wet, glossy formula and therefore don't last very long on the lips (about an hour or two on me).

Grade: 4.8 / 5

Berry Bomb 80 swatch, Strike a Rose 95 swatch, Oh Orange! 85 swatch - Swatched four times for maximum possible pigmentation

1. Maybelline Berry Bomb - A true blue toned purple hue, it applies with light-medium opacity. This might be my favorite color out of all the Baby Lips, as blue toned purples are so hard to find. This looked very pretty with the gold eye shadow I was wearing, and I can't wait for fall to really break this baby out (get it!). Product scent is similar to grape jelly.

2. Maybelline Strike a Rose - A bright pink hue leaning coral, it applies with medium opacity and is the most pigmented out of all the shades I purchased. It's the most wearable and fresh color out of the three, and I now carry it in my purse for daily use. Product scent is similar to fruit punch candy.

3. Maybelline Oh! Orange! - A true orange hue, it applies with light opacity; it is the least pigmented shade I bought but still does show up on my lips. This particular color is a wearable orange shade that doesn't lean too yellow and gives you a light wash of orange. Product scent is similar to orange creamsicle.

Readers' Recommendation: Have you purchased any of the new Maybelline Electro Baby Lips? What are your thoughts on them, are you a fan?

Dot Nail Art Tutorial - Ombre Nail Art Tutorial

Mackenzie's Notes:
The theme for the third week of the Busy Girl Nails Challenge is Dots, and I wanted to create a look that was soft, summery and flattered short nails, so I am hoping that these Frosted Gumdrop nails do just that. I applied dots in colorful pastels over a natural base color, and finished it off with a white ombre and glitter. This is a very soft and girly look, and it also elongates your nails due to the french tip effect.

I am including a step by step tutorial below on how to achieve this dot nail art. All you need are your polishes, some nail polish remover, a dotting tool (or hair pin) and a cosmetic sponge. For more inspiration, search Instagram for the #busygirlnails community and see all the creative manicures other fellow beauty bloggers came up with. For more detailed info about this nail art challenge and to see what stripes nail art we came up with click here; for our glitter nail art challenge click here.

Polishes used: Sation "Love at first Byte", Sally Hansen "Lacey Lilac", Sally Hansen "Mellow Yellow", Sally Hansen "Green with Envy", Revlon "Passionate Pink", Revlon "Dreamer", Sinful Colors "Pinky Glitter", Sinful Colors "Snow Me White".

I really enjoyed this polka dot manicure for summer: it is subtle and has an elongating effect

I liked the idea of having the bare nail be part of the design, as it is chic and more demure at the same time

Little army of polishes I used! I fell in love with Sinful Colors' Pinky Glitter, a beautiful glitter in a fluorescent pink jelly base

Polk Dot Nail Art Tutorial and Ombre Nail Art Tutorial

Reader's Recommendations: Hope you enjoy this tutorial and try it yourself at home! Let me know if you have any questions or any other nail art ideas you would like to see in a tutorial format.

Mary Kay Makeup Review - Influenster Vox Box Review

Influenster Vox Box - Mary Kay Influenster Vox Box Review

Miranda's Notes:
Whenever I come across ads or photographs from the 1960s, I'm always amazed at the beautiful, classic makeup and the way the models look put together while still being chic. The whole 60s era beauty trend relies on strong features, rose and pink colors, doe eyes, and bright accents. Mary Kay makeup, founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash, has the perfect products for creating classic looks. When I received this beautifully pink curated box from Influenster, I was intrigued - I was familiar with Mary Kay makeup but didn't have big expectations (spoiler, alert! these exceeded my expectations).

Mary Kay packaging is sturdy and non-bulky

Mary Kay Cream Eye Color Review - Violent Storm is a soft, creamy, long wearing eye shadow. The color is highly pigmented and lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours without creasing. While this purple glitter eye shadow isn't as wearable for everyday and is better suited for going out, Mary Kay also carries several other lovely shade options.

Mary Kay mascara - brushes close up (the large mascara tube holds a lot of product)

The Mary Kay Lash Love Lengthening Mascara is a new favorite! Oh my goodness, this mascara lengthens, separates, enhances, lasts long, and creates wide, doll-like eyes without clumping. The plastic brush is perfect for any type of eyelashes and two quick coats give you that 1960s chic look.

The Mary Kay Lash Primer is a clear liquid meant to add dramatic definition and fuller looking lashes. I did not notice any effect, and the Lash Love Lengthening mascara did the job all on its own!

Mary Kay True Dimensions Pink Cherie Review (opening the lipstick is different from all other lip products I've tried, but I'll let you figure it out, it's part of the fun!)

Mary Kay True Dimensions Lip Stick Pink Cherie - you know the saying you can't love it, 'till you try it? Well, that saying was made for this lipstick. The Mary Kay Pink Cherie lipstick has taken its place of honor in my purse - this lipstick has a moisturizing formula with strong pigmentation and lasting power. The rose tinted pink shade is a lovely color that is perfect for all occasions and would look flattering on anyone.

Thank you to Influenster Vox Box and to Mary Kay for helping me discover new favorites from beautiful classics!

Disclosure: product sent for consideration, opinions are all our own.

Ipsy Glam Bag Review - Ipsy July Review

July Ipsy Glam Bag "Beach Beauty" and Bonus Bracelet - California Collection BH Eyeshadows, Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Hairspray, Pouty Pop Crayon, Nailtini Polish and Coola Mineral Sunscreen.

Subscribe to Ipsy here (referral link)

Mackenzie's Notes:

It's that lovely time of the month when a surprise package arrives, filled with surprise goodies in my mailbox. I was very excited to receive July's Ipsy Glam Bag, as in the midst of moving, with boxes and my apartment pretty much flying, the opening of some pretty makeup products would be a calming and exciting event, if only for 5 minutes. This month's bag is titled "Beach Beauty", and rightfully so, as it is a neon pink jelly bag filled with products perfect for the summertime and for beach going. There were 5 products included and I also received this beautiful dainty bracelet from Bauble Bar since at least two lovely followers signed up to Ipsy using my referral link; thank you, and I hope you're enjoying your new Ipsy subscription as much as I am.

For more details on the Ipsy subscription service and to see what I received in the past, check out our post on the months of May and June. The July Glam Bag was really cute and its contents retailed approximately $25 (monthly subscription is only $10), so Ipsy continues being a winner in my book. For more thoughts on the products, keep reading!

July Ipsy Glam Bag 2013 - California Collection Eyeshadows from BH Cosmetics: Hollywood, San Francisco and Malibu

1. BH Cosmetics Eyeshadow Trio - Happy to see this included, as they are packaged nicely and include some fun colors (the Malibu color is so lush!).

2. Nailtini Polish "Mai Tai" - Full size polish with great formula. It is an orange color leaning red.

3. Coola Mineral Sunscreen SPF 20 - This is my least favorite product out of the bag. It goes on very easily but sits on top of my skin and looks like I'm wearing a white mask! It says it is unscented but it has a chemically, rubbery smell - yuck.

4. Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof hair spray - This hair spray smells nice and it feels light on my hair.

5. Pouty Pop Crayon "Coral Crush" - Love these pencils - they are twist up, offer great pigmentation, a cooling sensation when they apply and a soft shine.

July Ipsy Glam Bag 2013 - Wearing Coral Crush Pouty Pop Crayon from Pop Beauty (you can find them at your large Duane Reade stores)

Subscribe to Ipsy here (referral link)

Reader's Recommendations: What did you receive in your Ipsy bag this month? Were you happy with it? Do you have any other recommendations for other subscription services?

Miranda's Notes:
While summer may be all about sandals, I always end up purchasing some type of a ballerina shoe. From geometric, asymmetric bows to satin and patterned finishes, a bright flat makes a whole outfit lovely. I may not be as adventurous in my personal style and outfits, but be sure I go over the top with my shoes - I mean, who can turn down polka dots and glitter (oh my!).

I've noticed that a lot of stores rarely carry colorful or ornate flats, so most of my shopping adventure extravaganza takes place online. Shops like J. Crew, Sole Society, Kate Spade, Zappos, and LeBunny Blue carry a wide variety of bow flats online (which you can't find in stores). Add helpful customer service and easy returns, and you're ready to add a new bow flat to your summer shoe collection. I recommend going for bright colors, metallic finishes, crushed glitter, pastel accents, and polka dots galore (basically, anything your bow loving self desires!).

Summer Bow Flats for Summer (and in all price ranges)

I've lived in New York City for a long time now, but this summer, I had the opportunity to experience a different New York - a more vibrant and exciting New York, full of absolutely wonderful people (who share my love of nail art!).

Out of 16,000 contests, along with 4 other participants, I was chosen as a finalist in the Sa lly Hansen I Heart Nail Art Contest. As the first winner in the Sweetheart category, I was ecstatic – when my sister called to tell me I won and would go on to the final event, a screaming fest of happiness ensued. Because the prize also included a trip to New York City, I had to start an official countdown in anticipation of the competition.

Sally Hansen went above and beyond on hosting the I Heart Nail Art event. From a stay at the historic Carlton Hotel, to a trip above the clouds in the Empire State Building, and a delicious dinner at award winning ABC Kitchen, I'd need pages and pages to describe the experience. The tour we were also given of the Sally Hansen headquarters was something out of a movie - bright lights, minimalist design, and glass displays of beauty products. Sally Hansen representatives Catherine and Lauren were wonderful and clearly put a lot of work in hosting the event (and when I say a lot, I mean a tremendous lot with great attention to details!).

The three days I spent in New York with Sally Hansen were different from the time I've spent so far in the City - different in an amazing, always-tell-stories-about way!

I've never been to the Olympics, but I'm pretty sure I just experienced that feeling. As a finalist in the Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Contest, I competed alongside four other talented girls to win the Sally Hansen Grand Prize.

As mentioned in our previous post, the whole event was planned to perfection! Held on the rooftop of the Gansevoort Hotel, we sipped on pink cosmos created exclusively for Sally Hansen and we marveled at beautiful arrangements of bright Sally Hansen polishes and nail art supplies (it was quite the sight!). That summer day in New York City, I'm confident that the hotel had the largest gathering of nail art aficionados, nail polish lovers, and beauty fanatics. The competition itself was both exciting and stressful - we had to create nail art designs inspired by "New York City" and "Color Destinations," all in under thirty minutes. I was more than grateful for the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polishes - those bad boys dry very fast and work perfectly for nail art.

The best part of the whole experience was meeting the Grand Finale Contest judges (get ready to be star-struck) - thank you to Sally Hansen Ambassador Tracylee of Luxe by TracyLee, Sarah of Chalkboard Nails, Nola from Glam.com, and Leandra from Man Repeller! These ladies were absolutely wonderful, had a wealth of knowledge, and were thoroughly inspiring (and they were all around awesome!).

Thank you to Sally Hansen and everyone who was a part of the Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Contest!

Honey Beeswax Candles Review - Pretty Random

Spring Greens Makeup FOTD and Tutorial

Mod Nail Art - MAC All about Orange Inspired

Osmia Organics Review - Organic Skincare

Pretty Random 20 Facts About Us - Lifestyle Beauty

Osmia Organics Skincare - Product Review, Part 2

J.Crew Model Makeup - How to Look Like a J.Crew Model

Striped Manicures - Neon Geisha and Pretty Aztec Nail Art

MAC All About Orange Lipsticks - MAC Swatches, Haul, and Review

Skincare Review - b.liv Products Review

Ipsy Glam Bag June 2013 - Review, Swatches & Tutorial

July 4th Glitter Nail Art - Mix and Match American Manicure

Nars Angelika Blush Swatch - Nars Blush Review

NEW Maybelline Electro Baby Lips Summer Collection - Review and Swatches

Frosted Gumdrops Nail Art Tutorial - Dots, French Tip and Ombre Manicure

Influenster Vox Box - Mary Kay Makeup Influenster

Influenster Vox Box - Mary Kay Influenster Vox Box Review

Ipsy Monthly Subscription Glam Bag July 2013 - Review, Swatches

Summer Bow Flats and Ballerina Shoes

Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Contest - Part 1

Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Final Competition - Part 2