Sassy Saturday #18: What I'm Reaching For

Lately I've been in  bit of a slump. I'm trying, to work it out. But I keep reaching for the same things. Because honestly, if it requires more than a hairclip to do my hair, it's not happening. Makeup, is at a minimum. Three products, are the max, on most days. I'm just not that into makeup...right at this second.

 



And where I might lack in caring about makeup...sunscreen and moisturizer are never a place I skip. This is my daily pal. We have been BFFs, for years. I've tried others, but this is ALWAYS, where I come back to. I LOVE you Healthy Defense!

 

Along those same terms, Nivea's Berry Swirl is my BFF. I like the little hint of flavor. The texture is amazing. Ladies, I had chronically dry lips. Like I had the bad habit, of peeling the dry skin, off of my lips. It all changed, when I found this gal. And as you can see, she is well loved!

Along the "lip lines," I'm still reaching for Covergirl's Lip Perfections. I have so many colors! I like the light feel, that they have. And the color is nice. Especially, when you are not wanting too much color. But they are buildable. So it's all up to you!

And if we're going to stay in the lip family, we have to talk about Wet n Wild's lipsticks. These Megalast Lip Colors, were a total "boredom buy." I was at Walgreen's one day. Looking at nail polish. When I heard the "Makeup Girl" talking about these. And they were on sale, for $1.

So I went and picked up 5. Because, what was there to lose? Honestly, I couldn't narrow down the colors. When I went to pay, the cashier gave me some coupons. $1 off Wet n Wild lip products. So they were free! :)

And they have been a favorite of mine, ever since. Not because they were free. Although, that made me smile. But because of their staying power. The darker colors, are AMAZING! No smudging. They last. And they are not drying.

My favorite color, happens to be Wine Room. I was joking with Manders, that when I wear it, I feel like I have Selena lips. But honestly, the color is gorgeous. And looks good, on many different skin tones. I probably wear Wine Room, 5 days a week. It's easy. And fast. And so affordable!

And along with a good lip color, there have to be nice eyelashes. Most days, I only wear 3 products. Moisturizer, lip color, and mascara. I've tried so many different types of mascara. High end, to drugstore. And Covergirl's Lashblast...is still my favorite. The orange tube. Waterproof. Blackest black. Nothing else will do. Oh, and ladies don't forget to curl your eyelashes! It makes a world of difference.

 

One of my favorite Christmas presents this year, would have to be this body cream. Well, not this tube. I've been through about 8 of them, since Christmas. Because I lather my body, from head to toe, in this beauty!

My Goddaughter bought it for me. Because she knows I like strawberries. And well, I LOVE this scent! And the way it makes my skin feel. Oh, I LOVE it so much! I have a tube in my desk at work, in my car, and about 10 at home. Honestly, where has this been, all of my life?

 

Lastly, Essie's Minimalist. I adore this light color. I've been wearing this, for months now! I try other colors. And other brands. But there is something about this color, that keeps drawing me back in. I recently bought a new bottle. Rarely do I go through an entire bottle, of nail polish. But this beauty, is a regular for me!

There you go. What I've been reaching for lately. Maybe, as the weather warms up, I'll be reaching for more products. And trying to get some use, out of all my eyeshadows and blushes. But who knows. I'm a pretty bad creature of habit. Let me know, what you've been reaching for too. ❤

Sassy Saturday #6: Afforable Makeup Brushes

I get a lot of questions about makeup. Back in the day, I used to make YouTube videos. Lots of things happened, that made me stop. But it was a fun way, to interact with people. To talk about things, that I enjoy. And to share products, that I really like.

Some of the ladies, that used to watch my videos, now read my blog. And I still get tons of questions. And I welcome them. You can ALWAYS send me an e-mail at SweetNightingaleSing@gmail.com. I'm no expert. I don't get paid to do this. It's just honest. And real.

With that said, lately, I've gotten plenty of e-mails...about makeup brushes. I will be the very first one, to tell you, good tools...make for good makeup! Honestly! I've been blessed, to have worked with various makeup artists. My friend, being one. But others as well. They all say the same thing!

And I've been blessed, to have a large variety of tools. Everything from an ELF $1 brush, to a $200 brush. Yeah, they are out there. But the most expensive brushes, aren't always the best. And the least expensive brushes, aren't always the worst.

I guess, I could go through all these brushes. All the brands. Which I love. Which I hate. Which I reach for daily. But instead, I'm going to say this. If you are on a poor girl's budget, don't be ashamed. Been there, done that! Actually, right now, Wal-Mart sells a nice line of makeup brushes. They are not terribly expensive. And over a couple of paychecks, you can have everything you might need.

Also, don't be ashamed to try different brands out. My favorite eyebrow brush, happened to come in a Christmas makeup set. The kind you buy at Walgreen's, for $5. There also happens to be, a nice line of brushes sold at Target. I'm sure you've all heard of them before. I have brushes from this line, that are nearly 12 years old! And my favorite face powder brush, is one of those. I think I paid $6 for it.

But with all of that being said, a nice middle ground is Sigma. I first heard about them, on YouTube. I didn't wait for them to contact me. I ordered a set. And kept ordering. The more products came out, the more brushes I bought. I tried everything. And I've purchased so many gifts from them!

So if you are just starting out in makeup. Or maybe you've never had proper tools. Maybe you are looking for a gift. You need to turn to Sigma. I bought my Mom a set, just a couple of years ago. My Mom is not really into makeup. Uses her fingers, for most applications. Or the little brushes, that I want to through away. You know, the type that come in drugstore makeup. So this was definitely an upgrade, for her.

I've also, very recently purchased a set for my niece. She's not new to makeup. But all 21 years of her, is on a tight budget. And I wanted to give her something nice. Something I know she would love. And something that she would make good use out of.

Here are a few sets, that I think would be a good buy. Either I'm picking them, for "value." In terms of, getting a good set, for a decent price. Or in terms of tools, to help you navigate through makeup application. Sometimes, when you think you are horrible at applying makeup, it's really just the tools you are using...

The Best of Sigma Brush Set, includes 7 brushes. For $92. I think a good value, with a variety of brushes. For someone just starting out in makeup. This set includes a smudge brushes, a domed utility, diffused crease, firm shader, soft blend concealer, precision flat angled, and a flat Kabuki brush. In my opinion, you are only missing a good face brush.

The Essential Kit, is another good value. For $160, you get 12 brushes. You get 7 eye brushes...eye liner, pencil brush, tapered blending, eye shading, large shader, small angle, and medium angled shading. You also get 5 face brushes...large powder, large angled contour, duo fibre, foundation and concealer brushes. This would be my first choice, if I was purchasing brushes for the first time.

Actually, this might be my first choice. Hello! I LOVE purple. I know, it's just purple handles. But what can I say? This is the Make Me Crazy Essential Set. Essentially, it's the previous set. Just in a different color. Sigma also offers it in pink, and blue. The pink set is what I got my niece.

Better yet, Sigma is currently having a sale. This set is usually sold for $180. But right now, It's $125.30. Honestly, I might just buy this, and save it. For traveling. To keep at work. Just to have as an extra. This is the set for me!

The Premium Brush Set, is a bit more, of an investment. It's the kind of set, you might buy as a splurge. Maybe a tax refund, kind of present. You get 15 brushes, for $219. A GREAT deal if you ask me. It's the one, I turn to most often.

With this set, you get a free brush case. You also qualify for free shipping. And if you sign up for e-mails, can get 10% off your purchase. Yes, a GREAT deal, if you ask me!

This my friends, would be the largest set of brushes, that Sigma offers. The Complete Set. Available in chrome and copper. For $411. That's $411, for 29 brushes. Yes, I said 29! It comes out to, just around $14 a brush. Now that's a deal!

Again, all the savings from above, apply. Free shipping. 10% off, if you sign up for e-mails. It really is a good deal! And you get a case, to carry your brushes.

Like I've said, these are all investment pieces. If you go to a place like Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreen's...small brush kits start at $20. If you go to MAC, most brushes are $20 and higher. That's for a single brush! I know, I have plenty of them.

But sometimes, we need to invest in ourselves. Maybe you get a larger than normal tax return. Or some unexpected birthday money. Maybe you win a couple of dollars, playing the lottery. Whatever it is, I would try and get a set of these brushes.

Honestly, good makeup brushes, have changed my life. Do I still use brushes from the drugstore, or even MAC? Yes, but time and time again, these are the makeup brushes I'm reaching for. For me, my first purchase, came from money I had saved. I was saving to redecorate my bedroom. Makeup brushes seemed more important at the time. :) And that was a few years ago. Daily spot cleaning, and weekly deep cleaning...they are still like new! ❤

Sassy Saturday #4: Leopard Print for My Puppy

OK, so if you know anything at all, about me...you know I LOVE leopard print. Just about anything! I own many pairs of leopard print shoes. And shirts. And purses. If I see something, and it comes in leopard print, that's usually the item I'm going to buy. Why? I have absolutely no idea!

 

I do remember when I was little, my Dad hating the print. It had something to do with a picture my sister brought over, one day. With my Mom, her ex-husband, my sister, and brother. My Mom had on a leopard print bikini.

Maybe it was because my Dad didn't like it. Or just because I LOVED it! But leopard print, has ALWAYS had a soft place, in my heart. I even remember, trying to convince a certain Mariachi Boss, to get us some trajes...or at least monos, that were leopard print. I lost that fight. By a long shot!

 

But something about my puppy, snuggled into my leopard print blanket, every single morning...had the wheels turning! And I started a search, online, for my puppy.

 

My girl, could really use a harness. I bought her one yesterday, at PetSmart. She has a bad habit, of jumping out of shopping carts. Because our bigger dog, is crazy around people, it gets my puppy all wound up!

I need to make life a little safer, for that sweet girl. And I went to all the poodle websites. To find out, collars are bad for them. There went the 2 collars I bought her, when I first got her. So I've been looking at harnesses. And who doesn't think, my white bundle of puppy fur, would look totally adorbs in one of these!

Oh, girl is ALWAYS cold! I first got her, when she was about 6 weeks old. Baby girl, always needs some sort of clothes on. And she loves them! For a very long time, the only thing that fit her, was a sock, turned into a puppy sweater. Then I hit the jackpot, at the Dollar Tree. And found her a bunch of little shirts.

At the beginning of December, I found a whole bunch of fun Christmas clothes for her. Sweaters, costumes, dresses. All of which she loves! But it is way past Christmas. And those little T-shirts are getting small. And every single store I go to, has clearanced out, their dog clothes. Which means, I usually find 100 XXXL sweaters. And maybe a pair of  XS shoes.

So I usually leave empty handed. And my dog is shaking, from the cold. And maybe perhaps, I'm too embarrassed to put her in a Christmas sweater. So this little guy, might be hitting my Amazon cart, in just a few minutes!

This jacket is also very cute! My puppy LOVES to be outside. ALL. THE. TIME!!! Morning, noon, and night! I'm not lying, when I say a 2AM potty break, turns into me chasing her around our yard for 20 minutes.

But she is ALWAYS cold! This jacket would be so cute. And it's lined in red. Come on folks! Who designs this stuff. Not to mention that cute little ruffle. Another item, that might be delivered to our home, very soon!

Oh, this dress! I told you, Miss B, just adores getting dressed up. Funny little girl! We even put a bow in her fur. And she gets so excited! I think this would be a cute dress. For her, and my Mom's dog. They like to get dressed up. And go visit people. Anyone in town, want some visitors?

 

This is another cute dress! One that I think would be so cute, on Miss B. Just because she is white. And the contrast would look good! That big 'ol bow, just kills me! Only a Puppy Momma could appreciate it!

 

This carrying bag, would be perfect too! Miss B, is terrified of the car. I have no clue why! My idea is, she had to travel 4 hours, to get to me. Her and about 5 brothers. I'm thinking that is the reason she hates the car!. Or maybe she is terrified, that I'm taking her to someone else. I have no clue.

But it makes driving, very difficult. My Mom's dog is usually with us. And she just LOVES going in the car. I roll the window down for her, and she is in Doggie Heaven. My puppy, is crying, running, and jumping everywhere! This would be so helpful!

Lastly, would be this beauty! I used to laugh at friends, that would spoil their dogs like this. But let's be real, I'm worse! So much worse! I just bought my puppy a new bed, because she likes to hang out of the one she has. It's not too small for her. She just likes to hang out.

So I bought a bed, meant for XL dogs. She still hangs out of it. Maybe it's her way of sleeping. I don't know. But the bigger bed, has meant, a warmer place for her to play. And she is the Queen of the Couch! She has a spot. It's hers. Don't try and sit there.

This little couch bed, would be perfection! I tell you, I could go broke, raising this sweet girl. But she is my whole world! And she needs to have some style. I'll probably refrain. And get her 3 or 4 things. Maybe add the rest to a wish list or something! ❤

Sassy Saturday #3: The Nudes

I'm all about having a little fun! Especially when it comes to makeup. And I'm not into brands. Rather, into products that I feel work. And work well. I don't want to waste my money. Whether a product costs, $2 or $60.

 

It's been a hot minute, so I've just cruised the aisles of Walgreen's. It used to be a place, I'd visit at least once a week. Sometimes more. Much more! You see, during my Dad's battle with the Big C, I spent many hours waiting for prescriptions. It didn't matter if I called them in, or not. Rarely, when they'd call, that they were ready, were they actually ready.

 

So I'd cruise the aisles of Walgreen's. I made fast friends, with the lady that worked the makeup area. I also became good friends with a few cashiers. Did I mention, I have 2 cousins that work there? So there was ample amount of time, to find some new products.

 

I became addicted to Sinful Colors. I mean, the addiction was real people! I own every single color, that was out! I ALWAYS got a heads up on upcoming sales, new products, and well anything interesting that you could find in those few aisles.

 

It was not unusual for me to go pick up a prescriptions, some essentials, and a bag full of makeup. When you hit a sale, and the cashiers give you a bunch of coupons, it really is a good deal. There were many times, I'd buy $200 worth of makeup, for $20. No lie! Become friends with every single person in the store!

 

It never mattered to me, that in 5 years, I could count how many times I wore makeup. Or nail polish. Or managed to do my hair. I felt like I needed everything new, that came out! It didn't hurt, that there were all these ladies, pushing products and coupons my way. Women that clearly knew how to do their makeup. And made drugstore products, look like they'd spent hundreds of dollars on their beauty products.

 

So I'd troll the aisles. I'd buy all these products. And once in a while, I'd really check out something new. But pass it up. Why? Who knows. It just didn't interest me, in that very second. And I'd put it on my mental list, for next time.

 

Maybelline's "The Nudes" were one of those products. I kept going back to them, but would never purchase them. I was always drawn to something else. Maybe another palette, from another company...

 



But let's be honest here. Of all the drugstore makeup, Maybelline is probably the one I lean to most, for eyeshadows. Mostly buying the singles. But to be completly honest, I own quite a few of their quads. I like the texture. The fact that most eyeshadows, have little to no fall out. And well, I just like the product.

So I bit the bullet, a little while ago, and bought The Nudes. I think they are regularly $12. There was a sale going on, and a coupon to use. I walked out, buying The Nudes and The Blushed Nudes, for $8. That's for both! Remember, make friends with the staff.

Back to The Nudes. I'm really enjoying this palette. One of my New Year's Resolutions, was to get ready. At least once a week. Honestly, I've had some fun playing with makeup again. Lots of fun! Around the holidays, this is what I kept grabbing.

Everything is in it's place. I don't have to look for a variety of pots. I've got all the colors in one place. I do enjoy my more high end products, but there is something about this palette. A little more affordable. It just feels accessible to many.

The colors are pretty long lasting. That being said, I have pretty oily skin. Eyelids included. So to say that about a drugstore product, is saying a lot! I like how easy these shadows blend. And like I said before, I don't get a lot of fall out. Or chunky glitter, all over my face!

The Nudes are my go to palette. The Blushed Nudes is the palette I like to play with. Definitely much lighter tones. Most of the top row, are colors I use as a highlight. Some of the deeper colors, are something I'd use in my crease. But again, definitely a good quality product. Something most people can afford.

Then I walked into Walgreen's after New Year's. I was so incredibly sick! Stumbling about, trying to find some medicine, and I saw this beauty. Calling my name. Regardless of how I felt, or even looked at that moment, I had to have The Rock Nudes. I picked one up. And it sat in the bag, for nearly 2 weeks!

But as I began to feel better, I wanted to play. And I will say this. This palette is a little more on the dark side. And has a bit more shimmer/glitter to it. But it's still very wearable. Not one of those palettes that you only reach for, if you are going out.

Maybe all the colors aren't work appropriate. But they are still nice. Honestly, you can mix in one of these colors, with something from one of the other palettes. And make it more work appropriate. They work very good together. But it's definitely a purchase, that I'm excited about!

How excited? My niece, got the first 2 from me. As a Christmas present. She LOVES makeup! Quite possibly, more than I do. And she's 21 years old. Hair, makeup, and clothes are at the top of her list. She was very excited about this gift. That's to say, last year, I got her a couple of MAC palettes. She told me, she likes these more.

Why? Because even on her college student, fast food working budget, she can afford them. And they work good. Always good to hear, someone else enjoys a product that you love! And yes, Auntie didn't disappoint. I just dropped one of The Rock Nudes, off at her work. Girl has to look good, well selling the burgers! ❤

Sassy Saturday 1: Julep's Shelly

It's Saturday. I'm tired. But also feeling sassy. I know! It's like day 100 in the hospital...no really, day 11. But who's counting. ;) And I should be sick of this place. Especially since I didn't go to sleep until 3:30AM...and I just woke up. But it's life. And I'm looking for something good, to start my day off with...

So as I made my peppermint hot cocoa. Hot chocolate with a candy cane. I save this hot treat, for the weekends. And everyone watches me, because I guess it's strange to see someone walking around with a candy cane in their hot chocolate. But it puts a smile on my face! And then, I spotted my nails.  And my smile grew. Because they are pretty wonderful, at the moment. So I have to share...

Julep's Shelly. I got it in my Julep box this month. Hello! January 3rd...that's today! And I already have this month's box. GREAT service if you ask me! That also includes a couple of days, for this guy to pick up the mail. At my parents' house, and bring it to us at the hospital. I'm telling you, Julep has great service!

Besides all these reasons, this color is gorgeous! And it's a crème finish. $14 or $11.20 if you are a maven. Or if you are lucky like me, part of your monthly box! But really, I'd buy this color, if it hadn't come in my box. It reminds me of those Dove mint chocolates. The ones that I polished off 2 bags, by myself, since our Christmas Party. Yum!

Julep's description of the color is "wintermint." To me, it's more of a "wintery" mint color. Think Spring...and the perfect mint green dress. But a little more "Winter Wonderland." Then you have it! I guess it just brightened up my morning. And I had to share. Between the dreariness of the hospital, and the freezing weather outside, this is the perfect distraction for me! ❤