Friday, July 31, 2020

Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette and Urban Decay Lash Freak Mascara

Hello Everyone!


About a week ago I shared my Sephora Haul that included Urban Decay's Naked Ultraviolet Palette. Today I'm going to review that palette along with the Urban Decay Lash Freak Mascara Disclaimer: The Lash Freak Mascara was sent to me for review purposes. Thank you Urban Decay for sending this product. All opinions are 100% my own.


Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette 




Details

Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette comes with 12 purple and neutral eyeshadows in matte, shimmer, and glitter eyeshadow finishes alongside a holographic pearl transformer.



A vivid addition to the Naked palette lineup, these peachy neutrals, lavenders, violets, and deep purple eyeshadows create endless eye looks. With iridescent shimmers, light-reflecting shifts, and a holographic transformer, these eye shades blend seamlessly for eyeshadow looks from soft to bold.

Benefits:Cruelty-free




Eyeshadow Shades and Swatches:


Trippin' (warm ivory satin)

Mind Slip (soft peach matte)

Dazed (golden pink shimmer with gold micro-pearls)

Hacked (nude mauve matte)

V.R. (raspberry sparkle with iridescent micro-shimmer)

Lucid (holographic green pearl shift)


Optimized (lavender matte)

Warning (bright pink satin with purple shift)

Cyber Punk (violet shimmer with pink micro-shimmer)

Euphoric (cool-toned light purple with blue shift)

Purple Dust (ultraviolet with iridescent micro-shimmer)

Digital (smoky black with red micro-shimmer)



My Thoughts



Many brands have tried creating a purple toned palette that has pigment, and blends well. If you were unaware purple is considered a difficult shadow to create. Urban Decay has successfully achieved creating a beautiful purple toned paletted that has minimal fallout. Not only is this palette beautiful, the shadows blend very well.


My apologies for the swatches, the lighting wasn't the best even when I turned on the flash. The colors are pigmented, but I suggest using a white base to really make the colors pop. In my opinion this palette is easy to work with when creating eye makeup looks. If you're new to color or like vibrant color shadows rather than neutrals this is a good palette to try.






*Disclaimer: The Lash Freak Mascara was sent to me for review purposes. Thank you Urban Decay for sending this product. All opinions are 100% my own.

Get the boldest lashes of your life with every swipe of Lash Freak’s dramatically volumizing and lengthening mascara.


This ultra-pigmented, flake-proof mascara creates 23.6 times more volume and 40% more visible length for the boldest lashes. The asymmetrical brush was designed to load every eyelash with the max amount of formula for extreme volume and definition. The tip defines and separates even the tiniest of individual lashes, while the curved side adds lift at the lash root. The intensely black longwear formula lasts up to 20 hours; it’s smudge-proof and sweatproof.

Ingredient callouts:

Gluten-free

Cruelty-free



My Thoughts



I don't have any mascara in my makeup collection that is anything like this Lash Freak Mascara. I really love how this mascara gives my lashes a volumizing look with no clumping. The wand is also different. The wand does wonders for my lashes since the wand shapes to my lashes. Finally a wand that can separate my smallest lower lashses! My lashes look even longer! Since I have long natural lashes this mascara makes I've worn this mascara for about 15 and I didn't notice any smudging and this mascara is sweat proof. I've used UD Perversion Mascara for years, and now I can add Lash Freak to list of favorite mascaras.



Monday, July 27, 2020

Happy 7th Blogiversary to Beauty and More By Pilar!

Hello Everyone!


Today is an exciting day for me! It's my 7th Blogiversary!!! I know I say this every year, but it's still surreal to me that I've been blogging for 7 years. When I set out to do something, I try to accomplish my goals. To blog for 7 years is an accomplishment that makes me proud of myself.


Not many people in my personal life know that I blog. It's not really secret lol, I just have a small inner circle. To my biggest supporter, my mom thank you for always being there to support and encouragement me in life and my social media journey. Thank you for the Blogiversary gifts!


Blogiversary gifts!


Since social distancing is still in full effect, I wanted to keep things simple at home and had pizza hut for dinner. Thanks again mama!


Sephora Haul


Sponsors /Collaborations


I want to thank all the brands that I have worked with past and present. I appreciate you sending products, sponsoring, and valuing my opinion to share with my audience. You can view my latest PR Haul HERE

PR Samples 2020


- Derma E
- Zoya
- Pixi by Petra


PR Samples 2020


- Benefit Cosmetics
- Chique Tools
- Pacifica

The Gift of Giving Back 


June 2020 Nurses Giveaway feat. Original Beauty Box 

Givin back has been one of the most special events for me this year. I wanted to create giveaway baskets for 3 nurses. I wish I could do more, but their happiness and gratitude made my day. I want to thank Original Beauty Box again for Vanity Mirrors in the giveaway. You can read all about it HERE


Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank you all for taking time to visit, read, and comment on my blog! I appreciate you all! Over the years I shared personal posts dealing with anxiety and depression, and my overall passion beauty. I hope that when you visit my blog that you enjoy and find inspiration from my posts. Here's to another wonderful year of blogging!


Love ❤❤

Pilar



Friday, July 24, 2020

Pixi Clarity Collection

Hello Everyone!


* Disclaimer: This posts contains PR Samples from YCC Agency for Pixi Beauty to review. Thank you YCC Agency for sending over these products. All opinions are 100% my own.



Today I'm going to share my thoughts on Pixi's latest Clarity Collection. I have been curious about the line since I Pixi first announced the collection.


The Clarity Collection features the benefits of Salicylic Acid in skin-perfecting formulas: Clarity Cleanser, Clarity Tonic, Clarity Concentrate and Clarity Lotion.

Infused with Glycolic and Lactic Acids, Probiotics and soothing Aloe that work effectively together with Salicylic Acid to purify, balance and help minimize the look of pores.


Suitable for all skin types, especially those with oily or problematic complexions, the collection can be used as a full regimen or in conjunction with other Skintreats.

Clearer days are ahead with the new Clarity Collection!

CLARITY CLEANSER




A clear complexion cleanser that hydrates while gently and effectively cleansing the skin, visibly minimizing breakouts.

  • Salicylic Acid purifies, unclogs pores & removes excess oil
  • Glycolic Acid exfoliates, clarifies & reveals brighter skin
  • Lactic Acid gently renews, detoxifies & rehydrates
  • Probiotics protect & strengthen
  • Aloe Vera hydrates & soothes





My Thoughts

Cleansers are a major part of my skincare routine. This Clarity Cleanser works well for my combination skin. I think this is a good cleanser for all skin types because it's a gentle gel cleanser, but if you have oily skin you should definitely give this cleanser a try. The cleanser reduces helps reduce breakout without leaving my skin feeling dry or over stripped. I use my Spa Sciences Nova to cleanse my face with a coin quarter size amount cleanser. The quarter size amount is enough to lather my face with the cleanser. I almost forgot to mention the cleanser has a pleasant light tropical scent.

CLARITY TONIC




Clarifying formula with potent AHAs, antioxidants and balancing probiotics helps to clear skin and minimize the appearance of pores.
  • Salicylic Acid purifies, unclogs pores & removes excess oil
  • Glycolic Acid exfoliates, clarifies & reveals brighter skin
  • Lactic Acid gently renews, detoxifies & rehydrates
  • Probiotics protect & strengthen


My Thoughts

My skin loves this tonic. Out the Pixi Glow Tonics that I've tried, Clarity is my new favorite. I've been using these products for about a week and my skin is looking healthier and very soft. My skin has been stressed lately due to allergies so my pores have been appearing larger. Thankfully the Clarity Tonic has reduced my pores significantly over the past few days.

CLARITY CONCENTRATE


An effective, problem-solving water-based serum that helps minimize the look of pores, resulting in a clarifying effect. It quickly exfoliates, as well as hydrates and balances, helping to refine and promote an even skintone for a smoother, less breakout-prone complexion.
  • Salicylic Acid purifies, unclogs pores & removes excess oil
  • Glycolic Acid exfoliates, clarifies & reveals brighter skin
  • Lactic Acid gently renews, detoxifies & rehydrates
  • Probiotics preserve & balance
  • Aloe hydrates & soothes


My Thoughts

This berry scented serum is so lightweight and absorbs quickly. I haven't noticed any new breakouts on my forehead or cheek area. My cheek is acne free and my forehead is almost cleared of fine bumps. If you have oily skin I think this would be a good product to use especially for reducing pores.

CLARITY LOTION



A light textured, water-based and oil-free formula boosts hydration of the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores and keeping complexion matte and shine free.

  • Willow Bark Extract clears & reduces the appearance of pores
  • Ceramide NP provides time-release moisture
  • Kaolin absorbs oil & mattifies
  • Aloe hydrates & soothes


My Thoughts

Last but not least the Clarity Lotion. This is a tropical scented soothing cooling gel lotion. I like thar this lotion has aloe vera which is known for hydration and soothing. This lotion is oil free and gives a non drying soft matte feel and appearance to my skin. This lotion is perfect for Summer since it's hot and humid here. Overall I think the Clariry Collection is worth trying. I like the results that I'm noticing with my skin. This collection is for every skin type, but it works well for my oily combination skin.


Have you tried the New Pixi Clarity Collection?  Also don't forget to check out my Glowy Summer Makeup feat. Pixi Beauty

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Glowy Summer Makeup feat. Pixi Beauty

Hello Everyone!


* Disclaimer: This posts contains PR Samples from YCC Agency for Pixi Beauty to review. Thank you YCC Agency for sending over these products. All opinions are 100% my own.   

Glowy Makeup is one of my favorite looks to create during the Summer. It extremely hot and humid outside these days, and with social distancing I'm still creating mostly in the house makeup looks. Today I will be sharing new Pixi Beauty Makeup Products that I used to create this makeup look.




These are the recent Pixi I used to create my glowy look. To create any glowy makeup look you need a good highlighter and primer. In this case I used this Priming Oil which I absolutely love. A little of the priming oil goes a long way. It gives me a dewy look without being too shiny. The highlighter powder gives the look a glow that is perfect for Summer.  I wanted to keep this look neutral, so I used the Pixi Hazelnut Haze Palette. The shadows are so pigmented, and provide the neutral glam I was looking for.


Lately I've have been wearing a red lip. Red is such a beautiful and classy color. I used Pixi Naturelle Lip in Raspberry. This is a moisturizing cream lipstick. I like to wear cream lipsticks more during the Summer since cream lipstick provide moisture.



To hydrate my skin, I added Pixi H20 Skin Drink. I've been using this product for about 2 years and it works well with hydrating my skin before I apply my makeup. I started using Pixi Glow Mist last Summer, and it's been one of my holy grails to achieve a glow makeup look. I mentioned earlier that I also used Pixi's Priming Oil, but the priming oil and glow mist doesn't cause my makeup to be overly glowy. (I use the glow mist to finish the look)




Today's products focus on Pixi Beauty, but here are the other products I used.


Happy Glowing Summer Days! 


Monday, July 20, 2020

Sephora Haul

Hello Everyone!


Since my 7th Blogiversary is next Monday (July 27th), I treated myself to a few makeup products from Sephora.


I ordered my items online since I'm still only going to essential places.


I've heard about this foundation for years, and since I'm trying new products I thought it would be a good time to give this Double Wear Foundation a try. 


I have been a fan of UD Stay Naked Foundation and Concealer since its release last Summer. I usually wear 60 WR, but I also wanted to try 60 NN since I also have neutral undertones.


The newest edition to the UD Naked Palette Collection, Naked Ultra Violet. I didn't receive this in PR, but the colors are so gorgeous I want to create new looks with this palette. 

Have you tried any of these products? If so what are your thoughts?



Thursday, July 16, 2020

Mental Health/Wellness Check-In

Hello Everyone!


Today I wanted to a mental health/wellness checking in. For the most part I'm doing well. I'm not sleeping much at night and I've been waking up early in the mornings. About a week ago I starting having an anxiety attack, but I think it was due to not sleeping. I've also been having allergy and sinus issues so I've been feeling a little tired. I actually had a virtual counseling visit with my counselor on Tuesday. That session was therapeutic and we also discussed the possible reasons and solutions for my lack of sleep.


I took this screen shot with my phone on Tuesday. South Carolina has over 63,000 Covid Cases now.


This screen shot is from today. As you can see the Covid cases have increased steadily in just two days.

The number of Covid cases are rising steadily here in South Carolina which has me a little on edge. I absolutely hate wearing masks, but you won't catch me outside without wearing one. This virus is serious, please take care of yourselves.


I've mentioned several times since this pandemic the importance of self care. I try to have a full self care routine at least twice a week. It really helps with relaxing and clearing my mind.



Sephora Haul Sneak Peek 

Since my 7th Blogiversary is coming up, I wanted to treat myself to a little Sephora Haul. Stay tuned for an upcoming haul post!


Since I've been at home more, I've been doing a bit of organizing. I'm an organized person in general, but I have areas in my home I want to reorganize. I picked up a few Room Essentials Y Weave Baskets from Target. I had a few extra acrylic trays, so I'll probably use those as well.


In speaking of reorganizing, I replaced my door wreath about two months ago with this beauty. I love that I can use this wreath all throughout the year.


Last weekend I decluttered some of my old makeup and reorganizing my temporary vanity set up. I have a new vision for my beauty space in my room.



I haven't been cooking that much, but I Sunday I had a craving for Spaghetti, so I went grocery shopping.  Thankfully the grocery store had most of what I needed.  I wanted salad to go along with the Spaghetti, but produce was scarce again.  I love making Spaghetti in the crock pot, it was so good! You can view the my Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatball Post HERE


I don't always eat breakfast, but the mornings that I do, I'll usually have one of the following cereal, oatmeal, or eggs and toast.


UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 17th


Thank you CVS Beauty for sending these products over to promote health and wellness!


How are you doing? Remember to take of your mind, body, and spirit.


The Holidays are Coming!

Hello Everyone! It's that time of year again! We're almost at the holiday season. I said almost because Thanksgiving isn't here ...