Moving Day: July 26th 2016 and Update

Hello Everyone!

If you've been following me on Instagram and I blogger you probably know that I just recently moved into a new home :) I call this a two part move in day because I originally moved on July 26, but the moving company has been so booked up most of my stuff didn't get moved until this past Tuesday. Well that's understandable since a lot of families and people move during this time of year. I've been trying to keep up with blogging, but I have to admit moving and unpacking is very tiring lol. I just wanted to let you all know what been going on incase you haven't been following me on Instagram. Here a few pictures from my Instagram page.

A sneak preview to my makeup set up :)

I'll probably be taking a little time off the blog to continue to get settled in. I have drafted posts, but I want to be able to interact with you all, but I'll be back soon! I have so many new ideas I want to incorporate into my blog as well. Maybe a few home decor DIY projects etc ?! During this time I'm going to try and visit your blogs and comment. Thanks for your patience and understanding!


Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Affordable Makeup: Back to School Edition

Hello Everyone!

Since school is about to start I thought this would be a perfect time to share a few affordable drugstore makeup products. I remember when I was in high school, but more in college I used to like to wear makeup that didn't break my budget. You know I'm really proud of some drugstore makeup brands for stepping up their game on some of their products. As much as I like high end makeup, I love finding good brands on sale or for reasonable prices. I tried to compose a list of products that were at least $20 and under.

Face Sprays and Primers 

If you live in the South, like I do you already know that our Summers are EXTREMELY HOT. If you want to bravely wear makeup when school first starts back. I reccomend using a setting spray so your makeup will stay in tact. Depending on your preference you may want to give these Cetaphil or Maybelline products a try for your face primer. 

Eyeshadows/Transition Colors and Eyeshadow Bases

I'm a little unsure of why I didn't show the eyeshadows bases on the left side lol, but NYX are some of my favorite eyeshadow bases to use. If you're working with a shadow that isn't all that pigmented. Try using a white eyeshadow base to make the color pop. Colourpop has really good transition shades that I like to use in my crease. As you can tell I have some light to darker brownish shades. I also like that Maybelline 24 hour Color Tattoo Eyeshadow works double as an eyeshadow or as a base. Im showing the two out of my collection since these can be used to create a neutral eye or smokey eye

Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Collection 

I think these are good to use for everyday makeup looks and I even included the Vital Brights Palettes if you like to incorporate color into eye makeup. 

Mascaras and Eyeliners

Very good eye products for about $6.00 or less

Foundations 

I forgot to add the Milani Concealer + Perfect Foundation. If you refer back to my intro picture in the post, you can see it there. You probably can tell that Maybelline is one of my favorite drugstore foundations. 

Concealers

Both of these concealers work well with covering dark circles, but I prefer the FitMe Concealer. 

Face Powders and Bronzer

My apologies for including the Victoria's Secret Bronzer. It has been discontinued, but you may be able to find it on Amazon. All these Maybelline face powders provide medium to full coverage and feel lightweight.

Blushes

I didn't really use blush that much in high school or in college, but these are good to have in your collection, especially the Glamorous Blush Palette since it has a variety of blush shades.

Lip Care

Whether your looking for a lip primer or basic lip care here are a few products

Lip Pencils and Lipsticks

In my opinion, Milani has some of the best dupes for MAC lipsticks and the quality is pretty good as well. I just started buying Colourpop liquid lipsticks a few months ago and for about $6.00 each you get amazing quality especially with their Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsicks.

Makeup Removers

These are some of the best makeup removing products that I've tried so far. 

Makeup Brushes 

This isn't a list of my favorite brushes, but I did list a few of the brands I like. These brushes Eco Tools, Real Techniques, BH Cosmetics, and Avon

Did you see my previous post below?!

Eco Tools Mattifying Makeup Brush

Also I'm still in the process of moving and getting settled etc. in my new home. I plan on posting, but commenting, reading, and responding may be delayed. Thanks for your understanding :) This also my 400th post! :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog! 

Eco Tools Mattifying Brush

Hello Everyone!

I recently jumped on the Eco Tools bandwagon to try a few of their brushes. A few months ago I picked up their Mattifying Brush. A mattifying brush?! I was very curious of how this brush would work on controlling oil and my skin when it feels oils. Who knew such a brush existed?!


About the Product

Complexion Collection — Mattifying Finishing Brush

Control shine and oily skin all day with the Mattifying Finish Brush. A unique duo-fiber design creates a flawless finish with either pressed or loose powder by blending long, straight bristles and short, wavy bristles. The short bristles pick up the perfect amount of product, while the long bristles disperse product evenly and smoothly for complete control and buildable coverage. Use the brush on its own for a fresh, matte look or use it to finish a full makeup look that stays shine-free all day.

Here's a picture of the brush before I applied powder to my face. This brush picks up face powder well.

My Thoughts

Hands down one of the best brushes I own. My skin tends to get oily during the Summer and when it's not super hot and humid outside, I've been using this brush to apply my makeup. I have to admit, this brush does live up to it's claims. My favorite feature of this brush is that it gives my makeup a matte finish. I guess the best way to describe more of what I mean is that this brush give me more of an airbrush soft matte finish. In a nutshell a flawless look. I also noticed that throughout the day my makeup does look shine free.  This brush doesn't shed, and so far it's pretty durable. If you have oily skin or like me normal to oil skin, I recommend giving this brush a try!



Did you miss on Glowy Skin and Makeup Week? If so, you can check out my links below!

Vita Liberata Luxury Tan Body Blur

Carli Bybel 14 Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette 

Glowy Skin and Bronze Eyes

Tree Hut Body Scrubs and Body Butter

Makeup for the Perfect Summer Glow

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula: Coconut Oil Body Oil

Golden Goddess Makeup Part 2

I also celebratated my 3rd Blogiversary last week on the 27th, if you want to check that post out click on the link below!

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Blog!


Also I'm still in the process of moving and getting settled etc. in my new home. I plan on posting, but commenting, reading, and responding may be delayed. Thanks for your understanding  :)

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Blog!!

Hello Everyone!

July 27th :)...Today is a very special day for me, today is my 3rd Blogiversary! I know that I say this every year, but It's so surreal that I've been in the blogging community for 3 years! I still remember sitting at my laptop 3 years ago contemplating hitting publish on my very first post about sunglasses. I think in various ways blogging has a huge impact on my life and in some ways I find it very therapeutic. It warms my heart when I receive emails from my readers saying that my inspirational posts help you cope with life obstacles or how reading something positive and encouraging makes your day a little brighter. When I first started blogging I knew that I wanted to talk about a variety of subjects besides my love of  the world of beauty, hence my blog Beauty and More by Pilar was born.

For the people that I know I blog, ask me do you ever run out of ideas? My answer is always a quick no. Seriously I don't run out of ideas. I don't know what it is, but I'm always coming up with ideas and topics to discuss on my blog! I've always been so thankful about having things I like to share and discuss with you all!

Every year I write my thanks you's so let's get started

First I want to thank my mom. She has always supported my dreams and aspirations in life. Anytime that I felt discouraged or frustrated she is always my voice of reason to help me see things clearly. I love you mama! <3

My mom is super sweet! She had this for me for weeks and kept it from me until my blog's anniversary! <3

 I also want to thank my best friend. He's been a major supporter of my blog and the things I want to do in life. Like most guys he may not understand my makeup and candle addictions, but nonetheless he respects them lol. He as been a contributor to my Urban Decay Collection over the years. I love him too <3

Second, I want to thank all the companies that I have worked with throughout the years and currently working on collaborations. It means a lot to me that you value my opionions, thoughts, and ideas to share with my audience. I appreciate all the products that have been sent to me for reviews.

Last but not certainly not least, I want to thank my audience. I appreciate all your comments and more importantly the time you take out of your day to read and comment on my blog! I have made some wonderful friends though blogging.

To celebrate the 3rd anniversary of my blog, I decided to treat myself to a few things.

These are then 15 piece brush set that recently came out on originalbeautybox.com Thanks for the amazing discount! Don't forget to use my code LOVEPILAR to receive a 10% off discount on your order! 

I've had these for a few weeks and I've been wantingto try these Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Eyeshadow for the longest time! I love their pigmentation! Look for a future review!

I felt like I couldn't end this post without some advice and encouragement for bloggers. Everyone has a dream and has to start from somewhere. Keep going because hard work, passion, and dedication pays off in the end.


As always thanks for stopping by my blog!  I love you all! <3


P.S. Yesterday was moving day. I've been super busy with packing etc. That's why I've been a little absent around social media. Hopefully I can catch up on your blogs over the weekend! :)

Colourpop Goodies Part 2

Hello Everyone!

You know I totally forgot to do this post until recently on my second Colourpop Haul. I did this haul when Colourpop had that 20% off sale (the end of May I think). If you're following me on instagram miss_pilar,  you may have already seen the items and swatches I showed on my page.

Swatches

I swatched these lipsticks on an index card to show the true colors of the lipsticks 

I wanted these Super Shock Shadows to use as transition colors

What are some of your favorite Colourpop items? 

If you missed my first haul you click on my link 

BH Cosmetics and Colourpop Goodies

Want to keep up with? Don't forget to follow me on Instagram miss_pilar

Did you miss Summer Makeup and Skincare Week on my blog? If so, click on the links below to check out my posts!

Vita Liberata Luxury Tan Body Blur

Carli Bybel 14 Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette 

Glowy Skin and Bronze Eyes

Tree Hut Body Scrubs and Body Butter

Makeup for the Perfect Summer Glow

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula: Coconut Oil Body Oil

Golden Goddess Makeup Part 2

Also don't forget to check out the posts from this week!

Purell Hand Sanitizing Products

Inspirational Post: Happy Places

Thanks for stopping by my blog! 

Inspirational Post: Happy Places

Hello Everyone!

Have you ever stopped and thought about a place that you like to go that makes you happy? Whether it's the turn of the key to your home or visiting your local Starbucks, everyone needs a happy place that they enjoy.

Where are my happy places?

Well that all depends. Sometimes I like to go to a park (even though I haven't been to a park in years). When I did go to the park, I found it very peaceful and relaxing. When my allegies don't bother me, I like to enjoy and explore nature. Sometimes the fresh air and beauty of nature makes me feel happy. 

This next place may not come to a surprise to many of you...Bath and Body Works. I don't always make a purchase when I go to Bath and Body Works, but I do like to go in the store to look around and check out new products, especially candles. I like to go to Bath and Body Works during the morning hours or when it's less crowded so I can look around without a lot traffic and noise in the store.

Another one of my happy places includes being in the kitchen. I love to bake and cook, so being in the kitchen gives me a sense of peace and serenity. I love making homemade dishes and desserts, especially to share with others!


How to Find your Happy Place(s)?

What do you like to do? Where do you like to go? I that you should start with those type questions in order to find places that make you the happiest.



Thanks for stopping by my blog! 

Purell Hand Sanitizing Products

Hello Everyone!

* Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for review purposes from Purell. I want to thank Purell for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own.

Before you know school will be back in session and with that being said, protecting yourself from germs is very important. However, protecting yourself from germs in general is important whether your headed back to school or not. One way I love to protect myself from harmful germs is to use Purell Hand Sanitizing Products.

About the Purell Brand

PURELL Hand Sanitizer was invented in 1988 by GOJO to meet the needs of healthcare providers and restaurants operators looking for ways to reduce the spread of germs. Healthcare workers needed to kill germs on their hands when they couldn’t get to soap and water. And restaurant operators needed extra germ-fighting protection to reduce the risk of food contamination.

PURELL Hand Sanitizer was a great success, not only because it was effective at killing 99.99% of most common germs, but because it was convenient, gentle and a pleasure to use. The dispensers and bottles could be placed anywhere, so hand hygiene was no longer restricted to the confines of a sink. And people enjoyed using PURELL Hand Sanitizer because it was refreshing and gentle.

Soon its popularity grew. People who used it at work also thought it would be great to use when they were at home or on the go.

In 1997, PURELL Hand Sanitizer was made available to consumers, forever changing the way the world stays well. It soon became America’s #1 hand sanitizer and a significant part of popular culture.

Today, PURELL Hand Sanitizer remains one of the most recognized brands in the world. It defines the hand sanitizer category and is the brand most preferred by doctors, professionals and consumers everywhere.

And now we’ve taken the next step and introduced PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer, the ultimate in germ-killing effectiveness.

I received some of these last year, so I'll link the descriptions to each scent near the end of this post.

By far my favorite hand sanitizer!  I remember a bottle of this sanitizer was always around in my house growing up! I also kept bottles of this hand sanitizer during my time away at college!

These are products are new to me. I don't think that I've used a hand sanitizer that primarily contained aloe, and the other hand sanitizer contains natural based ingredients. I can't wait to use both of these products! 

What are your favorites products from Purell?

As promised, here is the link for information and my descriptions for some of the Purell Products I previously discussed

Purell Products Review 2015

You also find more information on Purell and it's products check out the following links!

Website:

http://www.purell.com/

Facebook Page:

https://m.facebook.com/purell

Thanks for stopping by my blog!