2019 Spring Beauty Pick: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara

Using the right mascara is paramount to applying your everyday make-up.  This beauty technique can make the eyes appear larger and place emphasis on eyeliner or shadow.

There are so many mascara products; selecting one in the beauty aisle can be confusing!  For someone with smaller eyes, L’Oreal Paris is one of my favorite brands.

The bristles on the wand are small enough to grasp every tiny lash.  This particular mascara does not irritate my eyes and here’s a hint, I wear contact lenses.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara has a deep pigment that truly makes my lids look voluptuous without the use of faux lashes.  My favorite color is Blackest Black.

What’s even better is that this particular product can be purchased at your local Walgreens, Target or ULTA for about $6.99-8.99.  Wow, this great price makes you want to buy an extra tube for a friend.

Apply two coats for a super voluminous look!  Don’t forget to toss after six months.  Check my Instagram Stories page @kwest1908 to see a before and after picture.  This is not an ad.

 

 

Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Collection: A Dynamic Duo

Introducing the NEW Bioré Skincare Blue Agave + Baking Soda Collection. The new Pore Cleanser, Instant Warming Clay Mask and Nourishing Whipped Detox Mask help deep clean and nourish combination skin by leveraging blue agave + baking soda in these new formulas. While Baking Soda deep cleans, Blue Agave provides conditioning benefits—making these ingredients a dynamic duo—for combination skin sufferers who need an exfoliating, deep clean while still being able to condition those dry patches.

 

Featured Photo from Byrdie

 

Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser: Developed especially for those with combination skin, this everyday cleanser deep cleans the oily parts while smoothing and conditioning the rough, dry parts— for balanced, conditioned skin. Not only does it remove deep down dirt and impurities from the pores, but it gently exfoliating away dead cells, allowing healthy cells to emerge. With continued daily use, you’ll achieve softer, smoother skin and a more balanced complexion.
How to use: Wet face, pump cleanser into hands and work into a lather. After massaging over entire face, rinse thoroughly. $5.99.
Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Instant Warming Clay Mask: Sometimes your skin needs a little extra TLC—plus, what better way to take a selfie—if not with a blue mask on! Designed to purify and refine skin by absorbing excess oils, this instant warming mask opens pores and melts away that pore-clogging dirt, oil, and sebum—leaving your skin clean, soft and refreshed. This warming clay mask, formulated to deep clean pores, is pH balanced for comfortably clean skin. This mask has a unique self-healing technology that is activated when massaged into the skin. This thermal formula in conjunction with purifying and skin toning clays optimize the mask’s ability to deep clean and purify.
How to use: Wet face, as the mask is activated by water. Dry hands and apply mask. Massage mask for about 1 minute to help heat it up. Then thoroughly rinse with warm water to remove the mask. The mask does not dry or harden. $5.99.
Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask: Clogged pores seriously need to chill! The menthol in this detox mask creates an intense pore-tingly sensation—that’s the feeling of a good deep clean. Formulated for combination skin, this mask contains natural Blue Agave, known for its ability to soothe and condition, and deep cleaning Baking Soda to help eliminate impurities, leaving skin clean, refreshed, and ever-so-nourished.
How to use: Wet face and apply mask evenly, avoiding eyes. Chill out for 3-5 minutes for seriously purified pores, then thoroughly rinse with warm. $6.49.

Birchbox Beauty Launch at Walgreens Hosted by Lauren Brindley and Co-Founder Katia Bauchamp

Walgreens celebrated the launch of their exclusive Birchbox beauty section and offerings with a kick-off invite-only event INSIDE of the Soho store location in New York City. The event was hosted by Lauren Brindley the Group Vice President of Beauty for Walgreens and Katia Bauchamp the co-founder of Birchbox.

The highlights of the evening included the build your own box station where attendees were able to assemble a custom Birchbox and have personalized by cool girl calligrapher,Steffi Lynn as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony to christen the occasion.

In attendance were friends of Walgreens and Birchbox, influencers, media and premier beauty brand reps who sipped on prosecco, dined on passed hors-d’oeuvre, took photos in a photo booth and jammed to live music.

Starting today, Birchbox is available in Walgreens locations all over the country including New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Chicago with even more locations opening in 2019. With a new and effortless way to discover new beauty brands or to shop indie products, Walgreens has evolved into a beauty destination for all, perfect for those who are still looking for Christmas gift ideas!

 

 

 

The Mane Choice Multicultural Hair and Body Brand: Founder Courtney Adeleye

In the last five years, there has been a 30% upswing in the number of minority- and female-owned brands presenting lines to retailers. Power players from Walmart to Sephora are taking notice and clearing shelf space for the upstart companies. One of the trailblazers in this growing category is the multicultural hair & body care brand, The Mane Choice – who has secured exclusive launch deals with both Walmart and Target in the last year alone! The five-year-old brand that grew from a home-based hobby to a multimillion dollar corporation in just 2 years is growing at a blistering pace.

About the brand and founder:

  • The business was created by founder Courtney Adeleye, who began her journey by mixing products in her kitchen and documenting her progress on YouTube. As her viewers watched her hair grow from chin length all the way down to her hip, they yearned for her help with their own tresses.
  • Courtney began the business out of her kitchen and grew The Mane Choice from a home-based hobby to a multimillion-dollar business in just two years. Last year, the brand garnered over 6.5 million in sales.
  • In less than three years The Mane Choice has been picked up by major retailers including Sally Beauty Supply, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens, and CVS.
  • In 2017 Courtney debuted two exclusive product launches with Walmart and Target.
  • The Mane Choice has grown almost exclusively through word of mouth and social media. The brand has organically garnered 347K + Instagram followers and 362K + Facebook fans.
  • The Mane Choice made history in Target, being the first hair vitamin to be featured in the hair aisle (they’re usually reserved for the vitamin aisle).
  • The brand has already expanded abroad, with specific The Mane Choice e-commerce sites for Africa and Canada.

Winter Clothing Essentials and Dryel At-Home Cleaning System

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to stock up on winter clothing essentials.  Everyone gets the urge to update their wardrobe, especially with so many after-Christmas sales.

One aspect to consider when purchasing cozy items such as sweaters, socks, and jeans is the laundry/care instructions.  For those that don’t know, care instructions are generally found on the tag of most clothing pieces.

Those small symbols teach us how to keep the longevity of our clothing.  There’s nothing worse than shrinking or fading your favorite pair of jeans!

Some people believe in using the dry-cleaners to ensure the longevity of clothing.  Dry-cleaning can be time-consuming and costly.  This is a limited solution for those with a large family.

Dryel at-home cleaning system will not shrink, stretch, or fade clothing.  The system has simple instructions and your clothing will come out clean and fresh in a matter of minutes!  Dryel can be purchased at Target, Publix, Amazon, and Walgreens.

To learn more, click here:  Why Dryel

SPONSORED POST – DRYEL AMBASSADOR

 


COVERGIRL OUTLAST ALL-DAY Soft Touch Concealer: Review

COVERGIRL has a new collection titled the OUTLAST All-Day product line.  This advanced formula was perfect because I have been searching for makeup that will give a flawless appearance.

Aside from having an unblemished face, I needed something to remove the shine and last for hours without fading away.

COVERGIRL sent the Soft Touch Concealer for a product review.  I was skeptical because concealer is a serious topic for beauty bloggers.  To my surprise, this product is amazing!  After staying up all night I needed makeup to camouflage my under-eye circles.

This concealer has a matte finish and doesn’t require a lot of application.

OUTLAST ALL-DAY Concealer #850 Medium/Deep

MATTE Finishing Powder #850 Medium to Deep | Natural Glow Foundation #875 Soft Sable

I forgot that I applied the outlast concealer (after looking in the mirror) and appeared “refreshed” all-day.  The Soft Touch Concealer inspired me to try the entire collection.  I was impressed with the OUTLAST ALL-DAY 3-in-1 Foundation and OUTLAST ALL-DAY MATTE Finishing Powder.

Bathroom Selfie | OUTLAST ALL-DAY Foundation, Concealer, and Finishing Powder

Visit your local Ulta Beauty, Target or drugstore and see the results for yourself!

Eylure’s Vlogger Series – Four Social Media Stars

Eylure knows faux – the brand has been perfecting the art of false lashes for 70 years, always on the cutting edge of new technology, trends, and styles. Now Eylure is leading the way once again by launching its innovative Vlogger Series, which introduces us to four lash-loving social media stars, each of whom has designed two sets of lashes exclusively for Eylure. Each pair reflects the Vlogger’s one-of-a-kind personality and features two categories per lash type. From clean and sophisticated to bold and glam, there’s bound to be a set perfect for you.

MEET THE VLOGGERS

Unapologetically playful and confident, Nicole Guerriero is one of the top beauty experts on YouTube and social media. She’s renowned for creating innovative makeup and hair looks via tutorials, and always has her finger on the pulse when it comes to the best new beauty products. Her fans also love her inspiring and confident attitude, which is always on full display. Featuring hints of shiny metallic, Nicole’s two Eylure creations, Casually Glamorous, $7.99, and #ONEFOURTHREE, $8.99, are both decidedly luxe and ideal for a night out on the town.
Sarai Jones – also known as KRAZYRAYRAY – may be the youngest of the crew (she’s just 19), but her fashion, lifestyle, and comedy YouTube Channel has garnered her millions of fans. They love the spunky social star for her hilarious sketches and relatable personality, as well as her fun, fearless style. KRAZYRAYRAY’s lash pack – No Filter Needed, $7.99, and #Krazyglam, $8.99 – plays up the star’s fun-loving personality, adding bold volume, serious definition, and outgoing style.
Ann Le has been posting videos on social media for more than five years, creating uplifting content designed to inspire her audience to explore their inner creativity and always see the beauty in life. She produces female-focused content on everything from fashion, beauty, home, travel and DIY. Her two Eylure lash collaborations, #SoFancy, $8.99 (which adds volume) and So Lovely, $7.99 (which lengthens), are clean, simple, and sophisticated, just like this mom, wife, and social media superstar.
click to watch video
A self-proclaimed “girly-girl,” Nikki Phillippis videos focus on fashion, beauty, and health. Her goal is to inspire her viewers to believe in themselves, be the best that they can be, and always keep dreaming. She also loves to teach innovative life hacks, as well as show off her two beloved dogs, Zoe and Bowser. Nikki’s two lash creations, Flirty Feline, $7.99, and #Midnightneow, $8.99, capture her sunny disposition and naturally vibrant beauty.
Eylure’s Vlogger Series lashes are available exclusively at Walgreens.

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Fall Beauty Must-Have Products

The weather’s cooler and that means it’s time to change our beauty arsenal.  I had the opportunity to visit Talk of Alabama and share Fall Beauty Must-Have Products.

This was an important lifestyle segment because we should alter products with the change of each season.  Thankfully, cosmetics companies are here to help us maintain our look (in-between professional appointments) with moisture enriched products and items that save time.

Faux Wrap Dress from New York & Co. All Eva Mendes on sale starting at $39.

The products I shared on ABC 33/40 included L’O’real Lip Palette, Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation, Flower Lip CremeCirca Lip & Cheek StainCirca Lip Polish, Circa LipstickFlower Hydrasilk Lip Butter, Evian Facial Spray Midst, and Hawaiian Tropics Weightless Sunscreen.

All of the beauty products listed can be purchased at Walmart, Target or a local drugstore.

Personally, my favorite product is the L’O’real Nude Lip Palette. This is a must-have item and I will explain more during the lifestyle segment.

Here’s the breakdown:

FACE

Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation

BODY

Evian Facial Spray Midst

Hawaiian Tropics Weightless Sunscreen

LIPS

L’O’real Lip Palette

Flower Lip Creme

Circa Lip & Cheek Stain

Circa Lip Polish

Circa Lipstick

Flower Hydrasilk Lip Butter

Dryel Wardrobe Solutions – Saving Money At-Home

There are so many reasons why purchasing the right fabric cleaning products will save you money.  Number one, it helps to retain the color density of your clothes. Number two, it preserves the garment from everyday wear and tear. Number three, you have the freedom to wear an outfit without saying, “This blouse should go to the dry-cleaners.”

All of the reasons listed are very simple solutions when purchasing a Dryel Kit.  It’s easy to use and can be found at a local drugstore or Target.

Dryel not only saves money but it also saves time!  The directions for using the kit includes: treat stains with the booster spray, place the garment inside of the bag with an ultra cleaning cloth, and put the bag inside of the dryer for 30 minutes. Afterwards, remove from the dryer and place on a hanger.

What an easy process to help us with our wardrobe needs! Check out the price comparison below:

Dry Cleaner Price List [ Per Item]

Dry Cleaners

Pants – $3.25

Shirts – $3.95

Suits – $6.95

Winter Coat – $7.95

Dryel | At – Home Dry Cleaner  [ Use with 4 Loads]

14711590

Cleaner Starter Kit $9.99

Stain Pen $2.95

* Garment Bag holds up to 4 items per Load*

Dryel adds moisture to clothes, making them wrinkle-free with a chemical solution for cleaning fibers.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dryel. The opinions expressed are from the author.

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Summer Beauty on a Budget

I was thrilled to visit Talk of Alabama and share beauty tips on a budget.  With so many products in stores one has to ask, “are they budget-friendly?”

There’s also a misconception that one must spend hundreds of dollars to look amazing.  This is not a true statement!

Beauty can be accomplished with a $10 purchase; we must use self-awareness and research our individual needs. For example, I suffer from eczema and constantly seeking products that will retain hydration and reduce skin irritation.

The products I shared on ABC 33/40 included Remington Electric ShaverBanana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning LotionRevlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure KitSelf-Tanning TowlettesEOS Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm, Spa@Home Oxygen Bubble Sheet Mask, ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color, Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser, Aloe Glow Organic Water, Coconut Beach Water, Brahmin Travel Tote, and Clear Cosmetics Bags.

All of the beauty products listed can be purchased at Ulta, Amazon or a local drugstore.

Personally, my favorite product is the Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit. This is a must-have item and I will explain more during the lifestyle segment.

Here’s the breakdown:

FACE

Spa@Home Oxygen Bubble Sheet Mask

EOS Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm

Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser

Aloe Glow Organic Water

Coconut Beach Water

BODY

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion

Self-Tanning Towlettes

Remington Electric Shaver

HANDS/FEET

Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit

ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color

TRAVEL

Clear Cosmetics Bags

Brahmin Travel Tote

Summer Beauty on a Budget Segment