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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

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While going through my highlighters in my makeup collection the other day, I stumbled upon the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette tucked in the drawer next to my other favorites.  It’s absolutely no secret that I love highlighter and this palette has been an absolute game changer for me.  Last year my husband purchased it for me as a gift and I continue to use it like it’s liquid gold.  As many times as it has been featured in tutorials, I was surprised that I never discussed it or did a full review here, so I decided that I would do that for you today.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

I don’t own many things from Hourglass, I have this palette, the blush palette and a few lippies but I truly enjoy them all and I’m glad they are a part of my collection.  The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ($58 USD) includes three shades of the Ambient Lighting Powders.  These high-tech, soft focus finishing powders are used to recreate the most flattering types of light, giving your skin the perfect glow.  Available at Sephora and Hourglass Online, this palette was once a limited edition creation and has since been made permanent (woohoo).

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

So what exactly does this palette and the powders within it do?  This groundbreaking collection of finishing powders capture, diffuse and soften the way light reflects on skin.  These are different than traditional powders that merely cloak imperfections because the Ambient Lighting Powder utilizes photo-luminescent technology to filter out harsh light and refine the appearance of your complexion.  The powders deliver a multi-dimensional luminescence to every skin tone, making it appear softer and lit from within.  This palette of finishing powders enhances skin in any type of light – including flash photography.

“I learned early on how different types of light can truly flatter the complexion. Growing up, my mother had pink light bulbs in all of the lamps throughout the house. She loved pink light because it was the softest and most flattering, and she always wanted to look good. I used this concept of lighting in Ambient Lighting Powder.” —Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Dim Light is a neutral peach beige powder that blurs your imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Incandescent Light is a shade exclusive to this palette.   It is an opalescent pearl powder that brightens the complexion with a celestial glow.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Radiant Light is my favorite out of the three and is a sun-kissed golden beige that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth, and also extends a summer glow.

These gorgeous powders are so finely milled that they feel like silk against the skin.  I apply each one with a fluffy brush so that it gives a “kissed with highlight” look upon my cheekbones.  But, while that is where I apply it most – I love to literally take these powders and apply all over my face.  These powders add a finishing touch to your skin – completing your look and giving you that “effortless” glow.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

If you were to purchase any of the Ambient Lighting powders separately – you will pay $48.00 for one (0.35oz Net Wt.) I know that unless I use my powder often or daily, I will never get through an entire compact so the choice to pick up this palette was an ideal one for me.  If there are others that I want to try – then I’ll pick them up in full size.  There is a lot of powder in each shade included in the palette and definitely a great buy and worth the price.

I have been enjoying this palette the last year since I first got it and it has easily become a must-have and a holy grail product for me.  As I mentioned previously – Radiant light is my favorite shade as it looks great against my warm skin offering a subtle “lit from within” glow that looks great on me year round.  The other two shades have been getting much use as well.  I would suggest this as a purchase to anyone looking to try Hourglass and I absolutely love it.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

I’ll be sure to stop back and share with you my thoughts on the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette as well – which unfortunately was a Limited Edition.  However, my hope is that they will bring it back & make it a permanent part of their line as they did with the Ambient Lighting Palette.  We shall see.  Have you tried this palette or any of the  Ambient lighting powders within?  What are your thoughts?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The products mentioned in this post were purchased by my husband as a gift to me.  There may be affiliate links through out this post.

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All About The Summer Glow, No Makeup Makeup Look

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Let me be real with you all for a second… when asked, “What is your no makeup makeup look?”  I’ll straight up answer you with… “Um, no makeup – at all!”

But, It’s absolutely no secret that my every day makeup look (if I am using any makeup that is) is mascara and a lippy and on most days.  Since I really do not use makeup, but I want to add a little sexy to the mix, I’ll pull out my big guns, my heavy hitters… my HG products.  So today, in collaboration with a few gals from the Beauty Blogger Collab, I’m bringing to you my “no makeup” makeup look.  This is what I put on when I need a little swag in my look, but still want minimal makeup.  Of course, like I mentioned earlier – if you are looking for a look with literally no makeup, well – that works too 🙂

All About The Summer Glow, No Makeup - Makeup Look http://honeygirlsworld.com

So let’s chit chat a little about what my no-makeup makeup look is.  I definitely want to look polished and put together and it all starts with great skin and my skin care regime.  To give me that fresh dewy look that I love, I make sure to cleanse, add my favorite serums like Hyaluronic Acid and Anti-Wrinkle serum and then finish with a great moisturizer.  These products alone give me a natural glow and really freshen up my face and my look.  It’s essential that I do this each day to keep a youthful appearance.

All About The Summer Glow, No Makeup - Makeup Look http://honeygirlsworld.com

My basic and daily makeup products for me are mascara and lip balm so mascara and a lippy of choice is a definite must have.  My lashes are really short, so if I have clear eye lash glue on hand, I’ll slap on a pair of flirty false lashes, but today I opted for a few coats of mascara to help open up my eyes.  Since I have my eyeliner tattooed, adding mascara to my lashes not only opens my eyes more but also enhances my tattooed liner and makes my lash line look fuller.  My lips are another thing… if I am not pulling for a colored lip balm, I’m reaching for my favorite nude lippies to help enhance my pout.  Usually my no-makeup look would stop there, but if I want to add a little something extra, I’ll add a blush, highlight and a light contour.  Applying these with a light hand are key to get that sunkissed and radiant look that adds a little to your makeup but keeps them guessing if you have anything on.

Here are the products I used on my look today:

  • Brows – For my brows, since they are shaped fairly well and are full, I used my NYX Control Freak Eye Brow Gel.  (Review here)  I swept this product over my brows to set them in place for the day.
  • Lashes – Since I have short lashes, I like to layer certain mascaras to make my lashes stand out without false eyelashes.  Today I used my Covergirl Super Sizer mascara layered with Benefit’s Roller Lash.  These two lashes paired together help to give me some length and volume without looking spidery or clumpy.
  • Lips – One of my absolute go-to lippies for an “every day” or no-makeup look is MAC’s High Tea.  This lipstick is the perfect nude with a gloss texture and offers the perfect color to compliment my pout.
  • Bronzer – To add a little warmth, a light bronze and some subtle contouring I used Laura Geller’s Bronze-n-Brighten Baked Color Correcting Bronzer in medium.  Using a domed bronzing brush I light dust this all over the areas I want to give a subtle bronze look.  It’s not about contouring but more about a light definition.
  • Blush & Highlight – For a little color to my cheeks and a soft highlight I used my Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten in Como.  This combination has a blend of pink and gold to offer the perfect amount of color to your cheeks and a gorgeous peach gold highlight so the sun looks like it is perfectly kisses your cheeks.  With a fluffy brush I lightly dust this on the applies of my cheeks and blend onto my cheek bone.
  • Set your makeup – To set and put that nice dewy look back into my face, I spritz on one of my favorite facial sprays.  Today I used my Evian Mineral Water Spray.  Since it is warm, this is perfect to cool me down but also give my makeup that effortless, no-makeup look.

All About The Summer Glow, No Makeup - Makeup Look http://honeygirlsworld.com

My normal “no-makeup” makeup look is pretty easy and simple to create but it puts a little pep in my step and still gives me that “put together” look without using too much.  If I go with a basic look (mascara and lippy) or add a little blush, bronze & highlight – it’s something you can definitely see me rocking out most of the time.  If I were asked what my go-to look for Summer is, this is it.

So what are your favorite go-to’s to create that “no-makeup”?  When I say “no makeup” I mean it, but sometimes we could use a little style and flair to our look, don’t you think?  Be sure to stop by and check out the links below for the no-makeup makeup looks of the lovely ladies from the Beauty Blogger Collab.

Smooches! xo

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  There are affiliate links through out this post.  Some of the products mentioned or discussed may have been sent to me as Press Samples over the years but nonetheless, all thoughts and opinions are my own and 100% honest & unbiased.

 


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Get a Better, Gentle Cleanse With NEW Simple Micellar Water

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A gentle cleanse that feels like I’m using water?  Yes, sign me up!  Many know that I have really sensitive skin, so I’m always on the hunt for a product that will not only cleanse my skin but remove makeup without stripping my skin or causing any adverse affects.  Simple Micellar Cleansing Water has become a new favorite of mine and I love that it not only feels great on my skin, but no rinsing is required.

Get a Better, Gentle Cleanse With NEW Simple Micellar Water http://honeygirlsworld.com

This advanced, but gentle cleanser is perfect for removing dirt and makeup while unclogging pores.  It is specifically designed to thoroughly cleanse the skin while still giving your face a boost of hydration (by 90%) and has skin-loving ingredients with triple-purified water.  This is the perfect cleanser for someone with dry skin (like myself) as it provides that extra moisture that my skin needs without feeling greasy or oily.  And, I especially love that this cleanser does not require rinsing.

The goodness that you can find in Simple Micellar Water??

  • Triple Purified Water – the purest possible water to minimize potential for irritation from particles or contaminants that can irritate the skin
  • Vitamin B3 – known to restore, soften and smooth skin
  • Vitamin C – An antioxidant known to soothe skin

Get a Better, Gentle Cleanse With NEW Simple Micellar Water http://honeygirlsworld.com

Using the product is as easy as any other.  With a cotton round or a cotton ball, apply a generous amount of Simple Micellar Water to the pad and wipe the cotton around your face.  There is no need to rub, scrub or anything harsh.  I use this on my eyes (eyes closed of course) and on my entire face and neck and there is no need for rinsing after.  I especially love that this product has been great for daily use, awesome for me to cleanse with in the morning and my eyes do not burn or have any sensitivities after use.

Get a Better, Gentle Cleanse With NEW Simple Micellar Water http://honeygirlsworld.com

While I have used Cleansing Oils as well as your general cleansers, this is the first time I have used a Micellar Water to cleanse my skin and I’ll be honest – I really enjoy it.  My eyes and skin are very sensitive, so I am always on the hunt for products that not only clean my skin but hydrates and moisturizes.  Products with harsh chemicals and artificial perfume and dyes can be difficult for me to use and I love that Simple brand is not only Sensitive Skin Experts but the Simple Micellar Water is without those items.

Image 1
 

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water can be used both day and night for cleansing.  If you use waterproof makeup, it may take a little more of the product or effort on your part to remove it, so I normally will take off my makeup with my normal makeup remover and then cleanse my face and neck with Simple Micellar Water for an all over and all around clean.  Since I don’t use makeup every day, I find that this product is great for an every day cleanser and I have been using it as such.  Another note, the product says to avoid getting into your eyes… I have very sensitive eyes, and while I did use to remove my mascara, my eyes were closed.  I do enjoy the fact that my eyes did not burn or have a burning sensation as other products can do to me.  Overall – I would use this product again.

Wanna test the waters out for yourself? Visit Simple at Walmart to get a $1 off coupon.

Image 1
 

So tell me, have you tried any Micellar Cleansing Waters before? Are you gonna be checking out Simple’s Micellar Cleansing Water or have you tried it already?

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lunchbox.  All opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.

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Sexy Lip Couture – LA Splash Liquid Lipsticks

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Liquid lipsticks are definitely all the rage lately.  I remember a few years back when I had tried some 12 hour lippies and hates how they felt on the lips, so trying out anything new was not on my list of priorities.  Last year I had gotten my hands on some Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks and LOVED them and I really enjoy some from Stila as well, but I didn’t think that I would find any others that I would covet until now.  If you google, search or even do a hashtag search for #lasplash you will see that these liquid lipsticks are taking the World by a storm.  I picked up eight of LA Splash Liquid Lipsticks and decided I would share them with you.

LA Splash Lip Couture liquid lipstick

LA Splash is a brand that is sold online and at a few retailers (which I do not have near me).  While it is a makeup brand with a varied product line from pigments to lipsticks and glitters – they also offer a very wide range of liquid lipsticks.  A few of these liquid lipsticks I’ll be sharing with you today come from the Lip Couture, Smitten LipTint Mousse and StudioShine Waterproof Lip Lustre lines.  The range in price between $11.98 and $13.98 and come in a wide variety of not only fun and funky shades, but cool names.

LA Splash Lip Couture liquid lipstick

Charmed, Love Good and Nymph-Adora are from the Smitten LipTint Mousse collection.  These shades retails for $11.98  and the names of this collection are fun.  I’m a huge Harry Potter fan so I enjoyed seeing this collection from the get-go.  If you are into dark or vampy shades, fun, bright hues or even blues or greens, you will definitely enjoy the color range in this particular collection.

Belle, Alice and Tiana are from the StudioShine Waterproof Lip Lustre Collection.  This collection retails for $13.98 each and the shades in this collection are fabulous.  Some of the colors have a metallic look with micro shimmer so while the liquid lipstick dries matte, it has almost a sheen to it giving it a really cool metallic finish.  This particular collection includes nudes and neutrals, bold pinks and plums and gorgeous vampy reds and burgundy shades – it’s gorgeous.  As you can tell from this particular line, it is named after Disney princesses or ladies from Disney which I love.

Ghoulish and Rose Garden are from the Lip Couture line that retails for $11.98 each.  This line also has a broad color range from purples and nudes, pinks and even a fun gray-ish blue and a black.  That I know of – each color in this line leaves a matte finish as do all of the other collections.

LA Splash Lip Couture liquid lipstick

These colors are fabulous and offer a wide range for anyone to use and any skintone which I absolutely love.  The price point is reasonable considering that there are so many other brands that offer similar for over $20 and drugstore brands that are coming out are starting to really increase their price point.  If you are someone that really wants a lippy that will last – I definitely suggest checking these out.  They are simply made with a lip gloss like tube and doe foot applicator – but application of these products are really simple.  I do suggest apply from the middle of your lip and work outwards to best coverage.

There are many pros and a few cons to this product that I want to share with you.  After testing out the shades, I noticed the ones I have from the Lip Couture and Smitten LipTint Mousse collections last the longest on the lips.  They have great staying power and if you are not going to be eating much that is oily you can expect these to last a really long time.  The StudioShine Waterproof Lip Lustre Collection does last on the lips, but I find that it does come off faster than the others, though I think it may have some to do with that metallic sheen I mentioned earlier.  These liquid lipstick do have a chemical like scent to them – but I didn’t find it as overpowering as some have said – which is interesting since I have fragrance sensitivities and I found that once I applied it to my lips, the scent dissipated almost immediately.  These lip products dry quickly so I do suggest you work fast – but not quick enough that if you make a mistake you can’t try and fix it.

Wisteria Purple Eye Makeup
On my lips – Love Good Smitten LipTint Mousse

Love Good is my absolute favorite of the eight liquid lipsticks that I own and I find that it lasts fairly long on my lips.  With eating and drinking (nothing really oily) I have gotten 10+ hours of wear and in some cases, longer using these products.  They definitely are kiss proof and it has been nice because I can kiss my hubby without him freaking out.  Details for that makeup look can be found here.

Removal – if you order from their website 5 or more you will receive their lip butter that will help to remove the lipstick and leave your lips soft… supposedly.  This product didn’t work for me so I didn’t even photograph it.  The easiest thing to take off these liquid lipsticks is some good ol coconut oil.  I take a little and dab on my lips and then light rub my fingers on my lips and it comes right off.  Makeup removers and makeup wipes didn’t even budge any of this stuff for me and I found that coconut oil worked the best at dissolving and breaking down the product with little effort.  Best thing is that after using the coconut oil, my lips were perfectly fine, no dryness or issues after.

Details, Details – When applying these liquid lipsticks, they will be pretty much full opacity at first application.  Try not to apply too heavily – one layer is more than sufficient.  The more layers you pack on will cause the lipstick to start to flake and come off.  I find that one layer of this lipstick is more than enough with a full punch of color.  If you have any fading on the inner part of your lips, you can apply a light layer in those areas just to touch up – but I find that these fade fairly well, depending on the boldness of the color.

LA Splash Lip Couture

One question I have gotten a few times is “are these drying when on the lips?”  They dry matte and can feel dry on the lips, but found that they did not leave my lips feeling dry – if that makes any sense.  The texture of the product on my lips is dry – but my lips do not feel dry like they are screaming for moisture.  I was pretty amazed by that honestly and that is why I have enjoyed using these.

Overall – I’m impressed with these lippies, especially for the cost.  The definitely are long lasting.  I swatched them on my hands the first day I got them and through washing dishes and everything else in between, it took almost three days to get it off my hand completely.  However, if you are looking for a lipstick that you know will last all day or longer – through eating, drinking and a whole lotta kissing (teehee), then I definitely suggest you try these out.  I’m quite impressed and looking forward to picking up a few more shades to play with.  Should I do so – I’ll definitely will post swatches for all to see.

Purchase these and  more at LASplash’s Online Site.

Have you been seeing these around the net?  What are your thoughts on liquid lipsticks?  Do you have a favorite or have you tried any of these yet?

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  All products discussed and mentioned were purchased with my own money.  All opinions stated are 100% honest and unbiased.  There are affiliate links listed through out this post which I do make money from.

 

 

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5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 – Beauty At Any Age

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When I was in my 20s, I remember thinking… “drat, my 30s are just a few years away!”  It’s not that I was afraid of getting older, but I always assumed that my life couldn’t get any better than 20.  Boy was I wrong, because my “Dirty Thirties” came into my life and I’ve been loving and enjoying it!  Now that I’m 35, I have learned so much about who I am as a person and kind of embraced my love for life, instead of always wondering about what others were thinking of me.  With my knowledge of proper skin care and techniques, I am happy to say that I am not only happy in the skin I’m in, but also excited to be the age I am.  However, if I had to turn back the clock – there would be some things I wish people would share and divulge with me to prep for my thirties.  There are 5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 and while each person may have their list of things, here is mine.

no makeup selfie

How’s my no makeup selfie? (pictured above)  Let me be straight up and honest with you – if you live with me, near me or know me, this is my every day look.  I leave the house like this to go shopping, run errands and everything in between.  Hair in a bun, bare face (with exception to my serums, moisturizer, SPF, lip balm) and a hoodie or t-shirt.  Unless I really feel like dressing up or have some place special to be, besides Mascara and some form of lip product, this really is my every day all day!  Five or more years ago, you couldn’t catch me leaving the house if I didn’t at least have a powder or mineral foundation on.  I was not only self conscious of who I was and how I looked, I also would have constant breakouts.  Which leaves me to my #1 thing no one tells you about turning 35.

1.  Embrace your skin – love your skin – take care of your skin.  A few years ago I wore foundation often, eye makeup, primers, etc. for years before I was diagnosed with severe Eczema in 2013 and was told by my Dermatologist that I was not taking care of my skin.  “Not taking care of my skin?” I said, “How is that even possible?  I use all the best products on the market today!”  I didn’t realize that the cosmetics I used on my skin to hide my imperfections were causing my reactions and I was breaking out and having flare ups because of it.  Now two years later, foundation free, and I’m happy to say that besides my little break outs from my monthly friend, my skin looks good and feels great.  Skin care really is EVERYTHING to me and while I don’t necessarily invest in all the expensive products (I don’t find the need to sometimes), I find that as much love that I put into my skin care routine and my skin, the more love I get back from it in return.

plus size fashion

After having three kids, two of which are twins – every part of my body went array and even five years later of a consistent battle with my weight, I can honestly say I will never get back to that size 8, 125 lbs. that I used to be.  While it saddens me sometimes, I know that my size doesn’t define who I am as a person and I’m still proud of who I am.  My number two thing that no one told me about being 35…

2.  Society does not define who you are as a person – YOU do!  I have always been the type of person that considered myself a leader, but after having my children and putting on my weight, I did feel a little insecure.  Let’s face it – who doesn’t?  I’m constantly working on my body and being healthy, but I’m doing it for ME, not for society, not for people who think I need to lose weight and certainly not for any other reason but to be healthy and happy.  I walk or run two miles a day, five days a week and feel GREAT.  I’m still a plus sized gal, with scars from my stretch marks, surgeries and thunder thighs that would stop traffic, but I feel good.  The stereotype of being a plus size girl no longer bugs or bothers me.

glam makeup look

3.  Embrace Your Inner Glam Whenever and Wherever.  Red lips?  Smoky eyes?  I think that if you are feeling a glam look that day, even if you are just rocking it out around the house, do it!  I remember being told in my 20s that using makeup is all about going to the club (mind you I live in a small town and hardly anyone dressed up), but that is not the case… wear it when you feel like it.  I went to the grocery store using a red lipstick and bold winged liner and was asked by the cashier if I was going somewhere special.  My response:  “Yeah, to pick up my son from school!” Red lips are not just for the red carpet.  Like a smoky eye, red lips are used whenever and where ever you feel like it.  Embrace your inner Glam Diva.

bold makeup selfies

4.  Bold, Colorful Makeup is Beautiful!  Makeup is a form of expression, creativity and whatever else you want to call it.  I posted a look a few weeks ago where I had been wearing Barbie Pink lips and neon eyeliner (pictured above – lower right) and was told that it looked great.  Sometimes, while a neutral makeup look or none at all is my choice for every day – I love to pull out the bright bold lip colors and eye shadows that I love.  Purple lips?  Bold, colorful smoky eyes? Candy Yum Yum Neon Lips?  They are okay to use and have fun with.  Makeup is about self expression and art!  It’s fun, funky and I like to wear it now and then.

beauty at any age

5.  Wrinkles, Gray Hair (oh – did I mention I have both of those?) and anything else which would normally define age, does not make you any less beautiful.  YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL PERSON – EMBRACE IT!  Due to some crazy genes, I started to develop gray hair in my early twenties (if not sooner) and since I was a smoker in my late teens, early 20s (so glad I quit at 24), I developed wrinkles – but that doesn’t mean that I am any less beautiful.  Sometimes we forget that beauty is at any age, any body type, any skin type, any person and we put so much pressure on ourselves to be the best.  The truth is, we are all beautiful – no matter what.  Our lives and futures are not determined by how we look or what we put on, but the impression we make in people’s lives and the path and legacy we leave behind.

“When I leave this World, I want to be remembered as the person who made everyone feel great about themselves and the one that gave them inspiration to persevere, not just the person who taught them how to do a smoky eye.” – Honey

My legacy would be that you don’t have to give up anything.  You can be chic but have a sense of humor, you can be sexy but comfortable, you can be timeless but fresh. – Michael Kors

So what does beauty mean to you at your age?  What tips would you give yourself if you could turn back the hands of time?  Stop on by and check out my dear loves from The Beauty Blogger Collaboration and see what they have to say about Beauty at any age.

xo

Signature Honey


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