Reflections 2019/Almost 34 Years Old

Hello Everyone!

2019 What a year and I don't fully mean that in a good way. I've had so many obstacles this year. I moved, my health hasn't been the best, I've had family drama, my car needed work done more than once, I've gained weight from emotional eating. I've struggled badly with anxiety and depression. This list seems endless, but nonetheless I'm still pushing through.

Never forget...

I've spent a lot of this year overcoming obstacles and being resilient. Even though I know I'm a strong girl, sometimes things became just too much. Life isn't always fair, but that doesn't mean you can quit. I've spent many nights wide awake not being able to sleep thinking about all the things I've had going on in my life. I've spent many nights crying and feeling afraid because of my anxiety.

ER visit for anxiety: July 2019

Sometimes I've been in so much emotional and mental distress that I thought I was on the verge of having an emotional meltdown. I have to constantly remind myself to acknowledge my feelings and or seek help before I let my issues with anxiety and depression get to a debilitating point. I also want to thank everyone once again that kept me in your thoughts and prayers to feel better in terms of my anxiety and depression struggles. That means so much to me that you all are so caring and supportive.

Beautiful sunset

In life you have to remember that you have to help yourself. People can help you, but it's ultimately up to you to put in the hard work and make the effort. I'm learning that anything or anyone that compromises my mental health I need to eliminate from my life. I owe it to myself to be happy and healthy.

Hope

I lost some of the weight I gained during my depressive state. (I went through this a few years ago after I graduated college and gained and lost weight) I'm eating healthier and I'm trying to stick to diet that will help bring my iron levels up. I'm still having nutirent deficiency issues, but I'm continuing to work with my doctor and taking medication to bring those levels up.

Makeup is my passion

I'm here for a purpose. Life can get really hard at times, but I can't quit. I have so many goals that I'm still trying to accomplish and make my dreams a reality. During this year especially the past few months, I've been on a spiritual journey. I'm not a deeply religious person, but I do believe in God. My relationship with God is very important to me. To read more about my spiritual journey, click here

My MUA business has been productive this year, and I've worked with amazing clients.  I've collaborated and reviewed for brands. This year I was also invited to my first brand event for Urban Decay! As an influencer, I will always be honest about the products that I review. Even though I'm an influencer, I still love create my own original content to share with you all.

I'm working on some new projects and business ventures for next year as well. 2019 hasn't been that great, but I'm remaining positive, strong, focused, and looking forward to 2020.

Almost 34 Years Old

I promised myself that I would not be one of these people that focus solely on the number of my next age, but the past few months I've been feeling old. It's funny that I don't see others who are older than I am as old. Around July (the month I had an anxiety attack that sent me to ER) I started feeling like I wasn't accomplishing some of my personal goals. I know that was just depression and anxiety getting the best of me, but I still felt unfulfilled. I've always been driven, but my setbacks and disappointment led me to become that more driven.

I wrote in my reflections part of my post, I owe it to myself to be healthy and happy. I also owe it to myself to have a good birthday.  I had a good birthday last year, but I spent most of my birthday sleeping on Christmas because I was trying to get over a bad cold. Praying for good health as my birthday approaches (and good health in general). I would like to do something for my birthday this year.

I don't have any plans as of yet, but we'll see. Since my birthday is on Christmas Day, there are very limited things and places that are open so if I go out, it will have to be before or after my birthday. 

Update as of December 3rd...I know that many of you look forward to my Christmas Posts, but I think I'm going to sit this year out. Honestly I've been feeling burned out. I will be back in January refreshed, reset, and ready for a brand new year! See you all in 2020! You can always check out my Christmas posts from December 2018! Wishing all of you a very wonderful and safe holiday season! 

Love ❤🎄🎁🍰🎉,


Pilar



My Personal Posts for 2019

What is Love?

A Different Direction

Rediscovery

Courage Believe Inspire

Soak up the Sun

Life Lessons

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

A Mother's Day Message For My Mom

Memories of My Father

Sunshine

Emotional Self Care

Anxiety and Announcement

Mental Health Check-In

Well, That Explains a Lot...

Family

Surviving Domestic Violence: Two Years Later

World Mental Health Day

Spiritual Journey/Thankful

My Life in November 2019

Hello Everyone!

Since Thanksgiving is almost at the end of the month, I decided to post the monthly lifestyle post a little early. November was a slow month for me, that's not always a bad thing. I also recieved a lot PR this month, so there a good bit of review posts.

Oh Honey! Feat. Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette 

Early Morning Beauty Routine 

Glitter Inspired Thanksgiving Makeup 

It's never too early or too cold for ice cream lol

Beautiful Fall evening

Derma is so sweet to send over these products

Zoya Twinkling Collection 

Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel 

Drunk Elephant Goodies

Affordable Beauty Stocking Stuffer Ideas 2019

Always thankful for the Derma E Team and their amazing products! Thank you!

At the beginning of the month, I discussed all the things that I'm thankful for. Please see that post, Here. Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!

November 2019 Posts

Spiritual Journey/Thankful

Oh Honey! Feat. Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette 

Fall 2019 Urban Decay Must Haves

Early Morning Beauty Routine

Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel Campaign

Glitter Inspired Thanksgiving Makeup

Zoya Twinkling Collection: Winter/Holiday 2019

Drunk Elephant: The Littles

Affordable Beauty Stocking Stuffer Ideas 2019

Affordable Beauty Stocking Stuffer Ideas 2019

Hello Everyone!

* Disclosure: This posts contains PR Samples from CVS Beauty, Evian Facial Spray, and Lip Monthly. Thank you for sending these products for review. All options are 100% my own. #GiftEvian

I typically post Christmas related posts shortly after Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving is so late this year, I'm going to get started early. Today I'm going to share a few affordable beauty products that would make great stocking stuffers for beauty lovers.

CVS Beauty 

From now until December 7, CVS is giving out a FREE beauty bag to customers when they spend $30* on qualifying products. The adorable pink or silver bag is filled with all the essentials, from brand favorites like Bliss, Oh k! Hask, The Crème Shop and Wunderkiss!

Such cute packaging for this beauty sponge!

I love using sheet masks during the colder months.

This is my first time using an under eye mask. I can't wait to try this product!

I love a good makeup remover that doesn't leave my skin feeling dry.

Argan oil has so many great quality for skin and hair. My hair frizzy which can cause dryness, so hopefully this mask will help my hair.

Lip Pumpling Gloss

The perfect holiday makeup bag! You can fit so many products in here. The bag may not fit in a Christmas Stocking, but you can easily place the products into a Christmas Stocking. You can gift this to yourself or to a beauty lover! Don't forget this bag is free when you spend $30 on qualifying products until December 7th.

#giftEvian in your Stocking! and Physician's Formula

 I've used Evian Spray before and I really like the quality of this product. I found this spray rejuvenating and it definitely woke my skin up when I used it on my face. This travel size spray is perfect take along with you. #giftevian I love receiving makeup products in my Christmas Stocking! These Physician Formula makeup products are a great addition for makeup lovers!

Lip Monthly 

Lip Monthly November 2019 Subscription Bag

Information courtesy of lipmonthly.com

This is a buttery white/silver eyeshadow. The color is pretty and it looks festive for this time of year. 

The lip scrub smells so good, and leaves my lips feeling soft.

This is one of Lip Monthly Products and it's a beautiful nude color. This liquid lipstick isn't hard to apply and for it has a creamy texture. 

I have a love hate relationship with this Lord & Berry Lip Crayon. The color is highly pigmented, but the lip crayon has this overwhelming wax scent. 

This is the cutest Fall themed makeup bag!

Overall this is a pretty good bag for $12.95. The subscription is called Lip Monthly, but I like the brand added an eyeshadow. Bags are shipped out during the third week of the month, but once shipped I received my bag fairly quickly. The size of the products appear to be full sized except for the lip scrub. The lip scrub looks like a sample size.

 This monthly subscription is good for those that are new to makeup and want to test new products. If you're on a budget and want to gift yourself a bag or gift this bag to someone else. The bag is sleek, so you probably could fit it inside a average sized Christmas Stocking. For more information and subscription options visit lipmonthly.com

*Extra Christmas Stocking Stuffer Idea: Zoya Holiday Gifts

Zoya is one of my favorite brands. These sets would make great stocking stuffers. Gift sets range from $15-$30

Have you started Christmas Shopping? What are your favorite stocking stuffers?


November 2019 Posts

Spiritual Journey/Thankful

Oh Honey! Feat. Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette 

Fall 2019 Urban Decay Must Haves

Early Morning Beauty Routine

Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel Campaign

Glitter Inspired Thanksgiving Makeup

Zoya Twinkling Collection: Winter/Holiday 2019

Drunk Elephant: The Littles

Hello Everyone!

Disclaimer: Drunk Elephant sent these products for review purposes. I want to thank Drunk Elephant for these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information provided by drunkelephant.com

I recently received a few Drunk Elephant products to try. I've tried the jelly cleasner and Polypeptide cream which I really like. Today I'm going to share information

THIS SET CONTAINS:

-30ml Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
-8ml C-Firma™ Day Serum
-8ml B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum
-8ml T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum
-8ml Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
-NEW! 15ml Protini™ Polypeptide Cream
-NEW! 15ml Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
-NEW! 5ml C-Tango™ Multivitamin Eye Cream
-NEW! Bright Aqua Waterproof Travel Bag

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUGGESTED USAGE:

Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser Squeeze Beste™ No. 9 into palm. Add water to lather and gently massage over face, eyes and neck. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. Use nightly or in alternation with the other Drunk Elephant cleansers.

Tip: We recommend skipping the morning cleanse, as it’s not necessary if you’ve cleansed your skin the night before.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C-Firma™ Day Serum In the morning, apply evenly to clean, dry face, neck, chest and backs of hands. Immediately follow with Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 for unsurpassed UVA/UVB protection.

Tip: C-Firma™ contains pure L-ascorbic acid and is best when fresh, so use immediately and don’t stock up.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum Apply B-Hydra™ to face, neck, chest, hands or any place on your body needing increased hydration. Mix with any serum, cream or oil to lock it in.

Tip: Vitamin B is well-known to complement vitamin C, so try mixing it with C-Firma™ for an extra shot of hydration.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum At night, apply to a clean, dry face, neck, chest and backs of hands, avoiding the eye area. Mix with Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil for maximum effectiveness.

Note: Very slight tingling may be experienced, particularly for the first few days of application. This typically dissipates as your skin becomes adjusted. Start slowly. Use the product every other night, alternating with Virgin Marula Oil as necessary.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil Apply 2-3 drops to face, neck, chest, hands, cuticles, or any place on your body needing increased moisture or soothing nourishment, without any greasy residue. Try mixing Marula, a carrier oil, with any Drunk Elephant product to enhance penetration and results.

Tip: Smooth over hair to tame frizz, nourish and add shine.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Protini™ Polypeptide Cream Apply morning and night to clean, dry skin for a vital dose of protein and replenishing moisture the skin needs to retain its youthful appearance.

Tip: We like to mix it up so add a shot of Protini to any Drunk Elephant serum, cream or oil.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 Every morning, apply evenly onto face, neck, chest and backs of hands.

Tip: Use in conjunction with C-Firma™ for an added boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every two hours. Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C-Tango™ Multivitamin Eye Cream Gently pat a pump of C-Tango™ around the eye area using your ring finger.

Tip: Leave C-Tango™ in the fridge for a cooling, soothing treatment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts

I'm familiar with the Jelly Cleanser and Protini Polypeptide Cream. I have a few Samples of both products and they work well for my skin. I like to use the Jelly Cleanser with Clarisonic to help deep cleanse my skin. The Protini Polypeptide Cream keeps my skin feeling replenished.

For the past two days I've been mixing  the C-Firm Day Serum and B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum for extra hydration for my skin. We've had some cold mornings in South Carolina and to prevent dry skin these two serums have kept my skin hydrated throughout the day.

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is one of my favorite products in The Littles Set. I love that the oil has multiple uses and you can even use it in your hair! Since I have frizzy hair, I'm always looking for products to control frizz. I notice the oil did add shine to my hair and helped control my frizz. I would like to purchase the full bottle of this oil.

Glycolic Night Serum is okay.  I did notice tingling, but that was to be expected. If you see in the description it stated you may experience slight tingling as your skin gets adjusted to the serum. The tingling does dissipate after a few uses. I started using the C-Tango eye cream at night and I've noticed that the puffiness under my eye has decreased.

Umbra Tinte is good sunscreen to use. Please remember even thoug the weather is cooler, you still need to protect your skin from the sun.

Overall The Littles is a great set. This set is good for trying out products without committing to purchasing the full product first. The Littles come with a big price tag $90.00. Drunk Elephant is a prestigious brand, so I'm not that surprised the products are expensive. If a brand is going to be expensive then I expect great quality products and Drunk Elephant truly delievers great quality. This is a brand you're getting your moneys worth. I just wish the products in Ths Littles Set were a little bigger. I know this is a sample set, but for the price, the products could be a bigger.

What is/are your favorite Drunk Elephant product(s)?

November 2019 Posts

My Spiritual Journey/Thankful

Oh Honey! Feat. Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette 

Fall 2019 Urban Decay Must Haves

Early Morning Beauty Routine

Neostrata Smooth Surface Glycolic Peel Campaign

Glitter Inspired Thanksgiving Makeup 

Zoya Twinkling Collection: Winter/Holiday 2019