5 Things I'm Loving...

Hi there!  Hope you all are having a great summer so far.  For this post, I thought I would share 5 things that I am currently loving for summer.  Over here on the East coast it is HOT, HOT, HOT and all of these products are holding up really well in this hot and steamy weather!

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani - Pink 501 - (Link!)

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick - 506 & 510 - (Link!)

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara - Black - (Link!)

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation - NC45 - (Link!)

MAC Blot Powder - Dark - (Link!)

                          XOXO,
                              Raven

Natural Wonder - Raw Honey

Raw honey, not to be confused with the honey that comes in the little bear shaped jar that you get in the grocery store, but 100% pure unprocessed raw honey that's been extracted right from the comb.

The major difference between the two is that the one you find in the grocery store has been processed with heat which kills the healing enzymes and destroys a lot of the nutrient-rich content.  Raw honey has not been heated or processed, so it still contains all of the essential nutrients and enzymes that will give your skin the healing benefits that it needs.

The different types of skin conditions it benefits are as follows:

 - Acne
 - Eczema
 - Hyperpigmentation
 - Rosacea
 - Sensitive
 - Aging

Its antimicrobial properties make it excellent for treating acne because it kills any bacteria or fungus on the skin.  Raw honey also contains gluconic acid and mild alpha hydroxy acid which help to brighten the complexion, evening out the skin tone and lighten any hyperpigmentation spots on the skin.

Raw honey can be used as a mask and as a cleanser.  When used as a mask, apply it to freshly cleansed skin and leave on for about 10-15 minutes.  When used as a cleanser, wet your face and massage about a quarter size amount onto skin and rinse.

I have noticed a huge difference in my skin since I have incorporated raw honey into my skin care routine.  It worked wonders on a breakout that I had recently.  It lessened the appearance of the breakout practically overnight and I've noticed how much more even and brighter my complexion is now.

I highly recommend adding raw honey to your skin care regimen!





XOXO,
Raven

Rouge d'Armani Lipstick

The Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani lipstick (Link!) is probably one of the BEST long wearing lipsticks that I have ever tried.  And for the price, it better be the BEST!  Yes, I know....it is pricey ($32.00) but well worth it.  It feels great on the lips - not drying at all, and looks just as good later in the day as it did when you first put it on.  I only touched it up once throughout the entire day.  Pretty impressive!

It goes on quite glossy when you first put it on, but once it sets a bit, it turns to a satin finish, and doesn't look dry at all.  I have the lipstick in color # 510. I will definitely be picking it up in other colors for my personal collection and for my professional kit as well.  A great choice for a bridal party!




XOXO,

                               Raven

In The Know

The Stila In The Know palette (Link!) is probably one of the best all matte eyeshadow palettes out there.  It's rare to find a good ALL matte palette these days, and this one is awesome.  The colors have excellent pay-off, blend very well and it comes with a charcoal gray eyeliner too.

What I love most about this palette is that it includes a beautiful warm russet color.  This color instantly adds warmth to any eyeshadow look, which pulls everything together.  Just a touch in the crease to blend the colors together....lovely!

                           XOXO,

                               Raven

My Favorite Nail Polishes

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am completely obsessed with nail polish.  Even as a little girl, I can remember having my mom polish my nails and her teaching me how to do  it.  She always told me "You can have your nails polished, but once it chips, it has to come off.  Chipped nails are not lady-like".  HaHa...my mother....but I have to say.....she is absolutely right!  I hate chipped nails.  You can have a beautiful manicure and just that one little chip completely ruins it for me!

Alright, enough rambling.....below are some of my favorite nail polishes.  I tried to go through them as best as I could, but there are so many others that I  love.  If I listed them all, this post would go on forever!  I grouped them by neutrals, pinks, reds, dark reds, greens, blues, and glitters. Enjoy!

XOXO,

     Raven

Great Drug Store Find!

I bought this powder at the drug store a few weeks ago because I'm constantly hearing great things about it.  It's the Maybeline Instant Age Rewind - The Perfector - Skin Smoothing Powder.  I picked up the color Deep, which is the darkest shade and I must say.....it is absolutely marvelous!  I have used this powder EVERY single day since I've purchased it to set my foundation.

It has a primer built into the powder that helps to smooth the skin, while a subtle radiance brings the most beautiful glow to the skin. It doesn't cake or look powdery at all. My skin almost looks like it’s been airbrushed, but still looks very natural.

I am in love with this powder! A definite must-try!

XOXO,

     Raven

Sleek Cheeks!

Sleek MakeUP is a UK based makeup brand that is sold in the local drugstore (or Chemist as they call it) Superdrug.  It is a brand of excellent quality and color range, all while being extremely affordable. I have purchased several items from them - eyeshadows, lipsticks and blushes - and have been blown away with the color payoff and as I mentioned, the quality.

I wanted to show you a few of the Blush by 3's (Link!) that I purchased from them.  I adore these blushes and use them almost everyday.  I love the fact that you get three blushes in one sleek (no pun intended) compact that you can take with you in your makeup bag.  It's also really great for makeup artists because you will have less to schlep around with you on your jobs.  AND...the best part - these palettes were only $12.49 each!

I purchased three: -  Lace, Flame and Sugar.  They also have a couple of others called Pumpkin and Pink Sprint.  As you can see, these blushes are really beautiful and the colors are so vibrant.

{Flame}

{Lace}

{Sugar}

There are quite a few dupes for other blushes included in these palettes. Lace: The blush on the left is a dupe for Peaches from MAC and the blush in the center is a dupe for Orgasm blush from NARS .  Sugar: The darkest blush on the left is a dupe for Raisin from MAC and the blush in the center is a dupe for Sweet as Cocoa from MAC.

I highly recommend giving this brand a try, you will not be disappointed.  The company ships worldwide... although it takes a few weeks because they are located in the UK, but it's definitely worth the wait!

XOXO,

     Raven