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It is not secret that I have some crazy sensitive skin and do everything in my power to keep it in control by using natural products and pretty costly serums and products to keep my face and sensitivities at bay.  About a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with eczema after having one of the most horrendous flare ups I could have ever experienced, so I have been very leery to try anything in fear that my skin would have a serious reaction again.

I have used Murad products in the past (cleansers and moisturizers) and while I did like their products, I never continued to use them after the first bottle was used up.  It’s not because the product didn’t work, but because I just transitioned to something more readily available for me.   But after receiving the Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum from Murad and using it the last 10-11 days, I really think this will be one I’ll continue to use.

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Here is what my face looked like prior to my first use:

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Don’t judge, lol – I know I look like a hot mess.  I took this photo the day the Murad Serum arrived in the mail (October 20, 2013).  This was taken earlier in the day before I applied any makeup.

This image was taken with my phone (Samsung Galaxy Note 2) and no editing has been done.

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I took the photo above a few hours later before putting my makeup on since the lighting was a bit better.  Again, same camera and no editing.  In the image you can see some of my freckles on my cheeks as well as pigmentation from my eczema near my mouth area.

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The photo above was taken on Halloween (10/31/13).  The lighting was not as harsh so there wasn’t as much dark cast on the image, but you can tell that my face had lightened up quite a bit, enough so that it was noticeable by people I hadn’t seen for a few days.  My husband even noticed the change. It was not dramatic enough to where I looked odd, but enough to where my skin had added luminosity and looked vibrant and pretty.

Check out my video review below where I discuss all that the product does, some of its key ingredients as well as demo the product for you to show you what my face looked like on the first day of use and then 10-11 days later.  Overall, I’m very impressed by this Serum.  It is backed by one of the leading Skin care companies but it also holds its own as it has definitely proven to be a favorite in my skin care arsenal.  I would like to think the pictures show the results for you as well as the video.

The Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum retails on Murad’s site for $60.00 for 1 fl oz.  Even with daily use, since you need only a thin layer, the product will last you for quite some time.  I do think it is costly, but what skin care products aren’t these days?  I think it will make an awesome addition to any woman’s skin care regimen, regardless of age.

Like I mention in the video below, please be sure to use sunscreen when using this product (or at anytime).  Due to the ingredients it can cause sensitivity problems.  Be sure to watch my video review for more detail on the results I received as well as my experiences.  You can also watch the video here.

This product was sent to me for consideration for review courtesy of BeautyStat.com

All opinions are my own are 100% honest and my own and I was not influenced in anyway to provide a positive or negative review.  I was not compensated in anyway to provide this review.

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Let’s face it – I love a plain and natural face… but there is nothing wrong with a little color on the lips
and some awesome lashes to boot.
I wasn’t going anywhere special today, just my normal every day weekday routine, so there was no need for a full face of makeup – or shall I say full eyes of makeup.  We all know I’m not a foundation girl (any longer) so that is not a part of my makeup routine.  But, I have been trying out a new product from Younique that really has been enhancing my natural lashes, so I just love to rock it out.
So – on my eyes I’m using Younique’s 3D Fiber Lash (review coming soon) and to set my brows today, I’m using Benefit’s Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep.  For my lips, this time of year especially… you won’t catch me in very many bright pink lip shades.  So, I have Cocoa Lip liner from Milani Cosmetics and Milani’s Dulce Caramelo Lipstick.  When I first got this lipstick I was not particularly keen on it because of it’s shimmer/metallic look – but blended with Cocoa lip liner and it looks pretty darn awesome.
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My awesome necklace is from Glint & Gleam off of Shoplately.
I swear, this necklace is such an awesome statement piece and definitely easy to wear without feeling like you overdid yourself.  And, if you all know me, I absolutely love love love gold & black together.

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Oh – do you see my little pinkish red tint peaking through in my curls.  That’s a whole other story – I’ll talk about that later 😉  Hope you guys are having an awesome week so far.
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Since my first fashion post on YouTube in 2010 I have been told by many that plus sized gals must be dressed a certain way or that I can’t pair this with that.  Honestly, while I understand the concept of what works for some may not work with others (i.e. putting me in spandex pants with a tube top) and I also know about body shapes and pairing outfits, I also believe that a person’s Fashion is their STATEMENT.  Be it a little bit quirky or different from others, it’s what makes them unique and an individual.
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Purple Open Sleeved Top – 599 Fashion
Black Pencil Skirt with back slit – Jeans Warehouse Hawaii
Platform/Wedged Black Flip flops – Colin Stuart via Victoria Secret
Beautiful Crystal Bib Statement Necklace – Shoplately and Opaque Lion
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This past Friday I attended a Ceremony for my Husband.  #proudwifestatus  And original had planned to use a pair of wedged heels… but knowing I was going to have all three of my sons with me and that running after them was pretty much on the agenda, I wanted to be comfortable.  I think that platform/wedged flip flops are super cute, dressy and stylish enough to pull off for such an occasion and I have the luxury of being comfortable.  I love these so much, I have 2 different types of pairs from this brand… one with sparkles on the straps and one without.
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I say that you can “forget the rules” because I have been told on many occasions that wearing flip flops is one of the biggest fashion faux pas.  Let’s face it, here in Hawaii… everyone uses them because they are not only comfy but readily available everywhere.  I think they are cute if paired with the right outfit and definitely help to make an overall statement with whatever you decide to wear with it.
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With a simple and sleek knee length pencil skirt and a cute open shoulder top – anything is possible.
I also love that this outfit (with a pair of pumps or heels would be a great work ensemble.
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 I especially love that this gorgeous necklace really gives the whole outfit a pop of glam.  When I first seen this necklace on Shoplately, I thought to myself… “I must have that!”  I’m glad that I decided to get it because it is dressy but yet can be paired with anything casual for a touch of sophistication.
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Want to add a little more glam to a similar outfit?  Use a pencil skirt that is calf high – omg… show stopper!
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Makeup of the day… Super simple and easy to create in 5 minutes
Eyes… Lorac Pro Taupe, Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner
Lips… Milani Naturally Chic Lipstick
Mascara… 3D Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique and Elizabeth Mott It’s So Big Mascara as a base
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I hope you all enjoyed this outfit post.  Have a wonderful weekend!
xo ~Honey
In my most recent Friday Favorites video – I stated that a favorite lip combination for me last week was the following products:  Milani Color Statement lip liners in True Red and Fuchsia and Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Naturally Chic.  Pairing them together would probably not be the normal choice for some, but playing around with my lipsticks last week had me come up with the following lip combination which I am completely in love with.
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To create this lip look – I first line my lips completely with Milani’s Fuchsia lip liner.  Then I apply Naturally Chic lipstick (Milani) all over the lips in a medium coat.  Since Milani’s color statement lipsticks are so creamy and highly pigmented, you really only need one sweep over your lips to apply the color.  Once that’s done, I take True Red lip liner and use it to slightly color in the outer corners of my lips, blending inward towards my pout and fullness of my lips.  If you need to, you can also use a lip brush to blend the colors effortless.    Use your lips like (matte), or apply your favorite gloss over.
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My eyeliner of choice for this look was the Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner.  I really really love the brush on this liner and it has been super easy to create winged eyeliner looks with it.  Furthermore, it doesn’t budge all day which I absolutely love.    To line my waterline/tightline I used my Jordana 12 Hour Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Espresso Last.  You can certainly just wear the top winged liner, but I like to use a brown liner to tight line because it helps to make my lashes look a little fuller and the dark brown doesn’t make my eyes look completely lined.  I apply the liner in my waterline and since it is brown, it only gives the subtle look of having a liner there.   If you haven’t tried these Jordana liners (newly released) definitely check them out – they are awesome.
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For mascara, I went with one that is starting to really grow on me and become a favorite.  It is the Elizabeth Mott It’s So Big Mascara.  I am using the deluxe sample size, though I’ll be running out very soon.  When I first started using it – I really wasn’t sure about the formulation.  But after using it for the last couple of weeks, it is becoming a favorite of mine.  It takes a little finesse to get it to work, but once you do – it’s pretty awesome.
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If you haven’t had the chance to watch it yet – check out my Friday Favorites from last week.  The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner and Milani lippies are featured in last week’s favorites as well as a few others.  So check it out… watch the embedded video below or click here to watch directly on YouTube.  I am using this makeup look in that video.
Hi Loves… This is my Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial.  It is my second time creating a look like this, the first was last year and while last years came out okay, I wasn’t completely happy with it.  This year I chose to pick colors that I love like Purple (of course) and Teal.  I thought it would be awesome together.  The look itself is easy to create, but it did take me a while to complete because I stopped and did all kinds of things while doing the look.  If you want to see how I created this please check out the embedded video below or click here to watch it directly on YouTube.
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Products used:

  • Mary Kay Medium/Full Coverage Liquid Foundation in Ivory 105.  I took this foundation out from my MUA kit – but you can also use cream Halloween makeup if you would like.
  • Starlooks HD Mineralized Translucent Powder
  • BH Cosmetics Blush/Contour Palette
  • HoneyXO Loose Mineral Eyeshadow in Sprinkles
  • HoneyXO Loose Mineral Eyeshadow in Epik
  • NYX Retractable Eye liner in black
  • Milani Liquif’eye Pencil liner in Black
  • MAC Black track fluidline
  • Kat Von D Spellbound Palette – Babe
  • Urban Decay Glinda Palette (the deep purple)
  • NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in black Bean
  • Mica Beauty Gel liner in Black
  • Avon Glimmersticks Chrome Liner in Electric Pink
  • Black Liner pencil from Wet n Wild
  • Milani Violet Volt Lipstick
  • Milani Felt Tip Liner – black
  • Milani Haute Flash gloss – In a Flash
  • Benefit They’re Real Mascara
  • Elizabeth Mott It’s So Big Mascara
  • Craft Store clear crystals
  • NYX Glitter liner in purple
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