Chic Essential

What I Got For Christmas - 2016

12/30/2016

I love watching you tube video's of the "What I got for christmas", they are always fascinating to watch whether they are luxury items or thought out heartfelt gifts or gestures. Since I enjoying reading the holiday's blog post and watching the holiday YouTube video's, I thought I would share with you the things I received for christmas. I am truly grateful for friends and love one's that not only thought of me to purchase a gift, but the holiday's are the times that I cherish spending time with friends and family whether its sharing a conversation, or with dinner and casual gatherings.

Miss Dior -Blooming Bouquet Perfume

Ulta Gift Card

Zoya - Nail Polish and Lipstick Gift Set

Starbucks -Ceramic Tumbler

Berkshire -Travel Watch & Jewelry Roll

Sephora Gift Card

Bath & Body Works - Buttered Rum 3 Wick Candle

Salvatore Ferragamo - Signorina Perfume & Body Lotion

Current Foundations

8/23/2016

I wanted to share a couple of my current foundations that I have been using, my skin type is Normal/Oily. I tend to get oily in my t-zone area and I'm always on the hunt for foundation that works with my skin type and last all day. My preference is medium coverage, that I can build to full coverage if needed. I have two drugstore foundations in which I have been enjoying more then the high end foundations. Check out the items listed below, and if you have normal to oily skin what are the current foundations that you have been using, I would love to hear them !

Mac Matchmaster Foundation - This foundation contains SPF 15, it is described as foundation that is formulated to adjust to your skin tone for a demi matte finish and also has long wearing up to 8 hours. This is my second time purchasing this foundation and it does give your skin a smooth finish with the bonus added of SPF , as with any long wearing foundation tips are to use a primer before applying and set the foundation afterwards.
(My Shade7.5)

Loreal Infalliable Pro Matte 24 Hour Foundation
This is has to be my most favorite drugstore foundation. This foundation is a matte foundation with serious staying power. If you need a foundation that last all day, this is it. Works great for oily skin. If you use this foundation don't mix it with any mattifying primer, otherwise it will make the foundation apply cakey, learned that through trial and error. My last pro about this foundation is that the price point. (My Shade - 111 Soft Sable)

Cover Fx Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation - This foundation I was seeing and hearing about it on YouTube #YOUTUBEMADEMEBUYIT and decided to give it a try. As in the name it is an Oil Free liquid foundation, for my skin type I do have to apply a mattifying primer first and then apply the foundation and set. A little goes a long way, you can easily go from natural to full coverage if you apply too much. I do find that I have to use blotting powder as touch ups throughout the day, I think this foundation will work wells in the fall winter months, but not necessary with summer if you have oily skin. (My Shade - N80)

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation : Normal to Oily. This foundation is another favorite, this foundation best match my skin tone. It is long wearing and has a nice light-weight feeling. The price point is very reasonable as well which is also another plus. (My Shade - 340 Cappuccino)

Tarteist x Shayla - Contour Palette

6/26/2016

Makeup Shayla Contour palette is finally here, I was lucky enough to grab this palette from the Tarte Cosmetics website on June 19, since then the palette has sold out on their website and currently not listed, but recently it was mention through Makeup Shayla snapchat that the palette will be available with Sephora in July, in which the contour palette retails for $45. I am such as fan of Makeup Shayla snapchat, instagram and youtube account (@makeupshayla) and was happy to hear about her collaboration with Tarte. This contour palette is curated with deeper contour color shades, along with highlighter and correct shades. I'm excited to use this product, who doesn't love a good contour right? Also this palette can be used as eye shadows as well which makes it versatile. I have purchase Tarte Cosmetics products in the past, and I felt comfortable purchasing a collaboration product. What are some contour palettes you are currently using?

* Disclaimer: All products and opinions are my own. This is not a sponsored post.

PopSugar Must Have - May

6/10/2016

May's PopSugar Must Have box included ...

Concert Inspired OOTD - Express

6/02/2016

The hunt for the perfect concert/festive outfit .....

PopSugar Must Have Box - April

5/30/2016

April's PopSugar Must Have Box included.............

Kylie Cosmetics - Metal Matte Lipstick - Heir

5/19/2016

Finally had a chance to catch the restocking release of the Kylie Cosmetics Metal Matte Lipsticks. Purchasing any lip products from Kylie Cosmetics is like a race against the clock to purchase before they are instantly sold out. This purchase I brought the metal matte lipstick in heir, this metal matte is described as a "Pinkish Gold Metallic".

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Target Spring Beauty Box

5/17/2016

Walmart Beauty Box - Spring

5/02/2016

Sephora - Mini Haul

4/18/2016

PopSugar Must Have Box - February

3/24/2016

The February PopSugar must have box was geared towards a Valentine's theme in which inspirations were derived from hearts, confidence, and indulgence. This month's box included.

Tilo Heart Print Scarf (Suggested Retail $125) www.tiloscarves.com

Beauty Counter - Nourishing Cleansing Balm ( Suggested Retail $50) www.beautycounter.com

Jewelry Storm - Endless Arrow Bag (Suggested Retail $28) www.jewerlystorm.com

Fringe Studio - Hello Beautiful Square tray (Suggested Retail $14) www.fringestudio.com

Victoria's Secret - Coconut Milk Hydrating Body Lotion (Suggested Retail $18) www.victoriassecret.com

Foodstirs - Heart Cookie Mix (Suggested Retail $12.95) www.foodstirs.com

Special Extra's

Victoria's Secret Reward Card $20 www.victoriassecret.com

Victoria's Secret Sport Socks www.victoriassecret.com

Overall this was a great box in my opinion, which the majority was Victoria's Secrets products in which I have enjoyed. The $20 reward card has went towards the ever so expensive Pink hoodie which was a plus. I have worn the Victoria Secret Pink brand long crew socks before, but the sport socks are very comfortable and the material feels of good quality. The coconut milk hydrating body lotion has a nice scent and the lotion has a thicker consistency which is good for a moisturizer. The Foodstir heart cookie mix was such a great way to incorporate the February's theme, it include a heart shape cookie cutter. Also the Fringe Studio "Hello Beautiful " tray is a nice catch all tray that can be use for jewelry, that leads to the Jewelry Storm endless arrow ring, which is a dainty jewelry item that can be worn versatile on its on or stack with other rings. The beauty counter beauty balm is a product that I haven't heard of but curious to try, it's described as a makeup cleanser that also moisturize the skin. The Tilo scarf has a pretty heart shape design throughout the scarf, I like the fact that it wasn't red, but a nice gray color which you can wear it throughout the spring and summer. It seems with subscription boxes a scarf item is common once a year. The PopSugar Must Have Box is $39.95 per month subscription service in with each monthly box product value totals over $100. The monthly box is curated by themes that includes beauty, home, health and snack products. As a disclaimer this box was purchased on my own. If you would like to check out the PopSugar Must have box I do have an referral link:

https://musthave.popsugar.com/p/monthly-subscription?utm_source=account-referral&utm_medium=referral-page&utm_campaign=referral&utm_content=u:15622042

As always please comment if you received a PopSugar Box, I would love to know your thoughts, also I am curious about what other subscription services are out there, so if you would like to comment your favorite subscription box that you are enjoying, please share !

31 Bits

3/21/2016

31 Bits features handcrafted jewelry by artisans in the small town Gulu, Uganda. Their mission is to use fashion for good and empower people to rise above poverty through purchases made from their website. They are featured in the Spring Fab Fit Fun subscription box containing a $25 gift card in each box. The bracelet shown below is called "Brookyln Nights", in which it comes in 3 color options. The product is very well made and has a unique clasp that is easy to fasten. This bracelet can be worn dressed up or dressed down. I love the gold accent, also what I like is that it's unique, and adds a little more to what you are wearing, its not the same bangle or bracelet accessory, giving your outfit character. When viewing their website there are definitely a lot of options from necklaces, bracelets and even accessories for kids, also the 31 Bits website discuss more of their story and their strive for giving back . I encourage you to check out the 31 Bits site listed below.

http://31bits.com/

Disclaimer: This bracelet was received through 31 Bits, I was not paid for this post, all opinions regarding the product are my own.

Walmart Beauty Box

3/15/2016

Anastasia Brow Definer Review

2/28/2016

Anastasia brow definer is a recently new product that I was curious to try, I am a big fan of the Anastasia brow wiz and must admit I had a sad face when the last of the product is used. Currently, being out of the Anastasia brow wiz is what prompted my curiosity to try this product. There are a few noticeable differences, the brow definer has more of a wider angle of product, and the eyebrow spoolie is much bigger and in my opinion more sturdy, there has been times in the past in which the spoolie attached to the Anastasia brow wiz hasn't held up, which prompted another sad face when it broke. The other noticeable difference is with the product it's more wider thus you have to be careful if you have a heavy hand when applying, it can easily be over applied which does not help a more natural look. The Anastasia brow definer you have the ability to make wider strokes and narrow product strokes, which are shown on the pictures below. So far I have mixed feelings about this product, I have thought about just only repurchasing the Anastasia brow wiz, due to I think it is more user friendly as a beginner, you really have to use a lot of product to overuse. In comparison with the Anastasia brow definer, it is quite easy to apply a lot of product as mention so you have to have a light hand. If you are debating which one to buy I would recommend Anastasia brow wiz for an everyday eyebrow look and the Anastasia brow definer for a more dramatic look.

PopSugar Must Have Box - January

2/22/2016

Happy New Year,

I wanted to share the January Pop Sugar Must Have box of the new year, a little late I know, but I wanted to upload the January before I go right into February. This month box theme is all about the new year starting fresh with organization, refresh and renew.

This month PopSugar Must Have Box included:

Pehr Designs - Pebble Speck Bin ( Retail $40)

Spark Joy by Marie Kondo ( Retail $18.99)

Patchology FlashMasque Tro (Retail $20)

Blue Sky Day Designer Weekly Planner (Retail $15.99)

Not Soap, Radio Bath & Shower Gel Gift Set (Retail $22)

Project 7, Inc Summer Snow Sugar Free Gum (Retail $1.99)

Chapstick Total Hydration 100% Natural Soothing Vanilla (Retail $2.99)

This was an amazing start of the new year I will use all the items in the box, the Pehr design bin can be used as a catch all bin when it comes to adding a little storage. I also have heard many great things regarding the book "The life-changing magic to tidying up by Maria Kondo" and the book "Spark Joy" is an illustration companion to the book with the art of organization. I have tried the Patchology FlashMasque and so far so good, its refreshing. Also the Project 7 Inc gum taste exactly as described as Snow Cone which is different take on the range of gum flavors. I was curious with The Not Soap, Radio Bath & Shower gel scents and they all smell amazing the first one I tried was labeled as luck. Overall this month box was worth it, the cost of the PopSugar Must Have Box is $39.95 per month with each month product value total over $100. Each month's box is curated by themes that includes beauty, home, health and snack products. As a disclaimer this box was purchased on my own. If you would like to check out PopSugar Must have box I do have an referral link:

https://musthave.popsugar.com/p/monthly-subscription?utm_source=account-referral&utm_medium=referral-page&utm_campaign=referral&utm_content=u:15622042

As always please comment if you received an PopSugar Box, I would love to know your thoughts, also I an curious with other subscription services, so if you would like to comment the one's you are enjoying, please share !

Fab Fit Fun -Winter Box

1/07/2016

I love getting my subscription boxes during the holidays, feels like non-stop presents throughout the month of December, and the Fab Fit Fun Winter Box did not disappoint!

This winter box included :

Candlenut Body Creme by Juara

EJH Brand Diffuser: The scent I received was sugar cookie

The Donna Earbud by Frends

Wine Stopper& Charm Set by Fab Fit Fun

Fingerless Gloves by Whitney Eve x Fab Fit Fun

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, Multi-Active Toner and Skin Smoothing Travel Set

Zoya Nail Polish

$40 Gift Card by Sweet & Spark

$25 Gift Card by Shoptiques

Fab Fit Fun is a quarterly subscription service in which each box received will contain home, fitness and beauty items curated by each season. The Fab Fit Fun box is $49.99 and this winter box retail value is $312.00. I definitely will use all the items in the box with the exception of maybe the gift cards. I haven't checked out the gift card retailers websites to view any items as of yet. Gift cards with subscription boxes can be a hit or miss, due to some sites does not have items at the gift card value which you may have to add a little more money towards the item you may want, but regardless of the gifts card this was a good box. I also happen to purchase an additional box for a friend as a secret santa gift and she totally love it, like never ending gifts. I would recommend that you check out their site, also I would like to mention that I do purchase my own boxes but I also have a referral link which offer you $10 off your first box!

http://xo.fff.me/do0C0

If you received the Fab Fit Fun box I would love to know your favorite items?