Worth It: Random Yet Essential Products

I thought I'd share with you guys five (super random) products that are essentials in my life. Basically, I either use or carry these items around with me on a daily basis.

Let get into the descriptions!:

Philips Sonicare Healthywhite Rechargable Electronic Toothbrush: You don't know what clean teeth feel like until you've used this toothbrush; believe me its freaky! The amazing results I've gotten with this toothbrush is totally worth the hefty price (around $100-$120). I purchased mine at Walgreen's, but you can easily find them online. It came with one brush head, a plastic travel case, and the charger stand. It has three settings: Clean, Sensitive, and Clean & White. In the morning I use Clean & White, and at night the just Clean mode. Apart from leaving your teeth squeaky clean, it doesn't make them sensitive (in my experience). Also, it has a timer and stops when you're done.

Steripod Toothbrush Sanitizer: Ok, so I admit it, I'm a germaphobe! Once I read a study that showed that keeping your toothbrush uncovered exposes it to airborne bacteria that accumulate in your bathroom. Yea, so? That's why you rinse it before you use it right! It gets worse, when you flush your toilet bacteria can travel up to six feet and land on you toothbrush. GROSS!!! So this germaphobe immediately went online and found the answer to the problem: the Steripod! Here in PR, I was able to find it at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. They come in packs of two and each pod is individually wrapped. Their claim is that not only does it cover your toothbrush, but it kill the germs on it (cool!). They basically work on any toothbrush (I use it on my Sonicare!).

Michel Mercier Detangling Brush: Another product I purchased at Walgreens. Before I chopped my hair… I had long wavy dehydrated hair, which meant lot and lots of tangles! The reason I opted for this brush was the claim that it is pain free, and it actually lived up to it. I would use it on my wet hair and start detangling from the bottom. It comes in three models: Fine Hair (pink), Thick Hair (blue), and Normal Hair (green).

Travalo: I can't believe I didn't buy this sooner! It is such a pain to travel with you're bulky perfume bottle and worry about it spilling or worse, breaking (perfume's expensive!). This little gadget is great! I bought mine Perfumania in Plaza Las Americas, although I've also seen it at Sears and JCPenny's. I have the "Pure" version, which looks less elegant than the other version, but hold more product (5 ml / 65 sprays). It is very easy to fill and doesn't spill.

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit for Her: This little guy is a life saver! It retails at Sephora for about $15 and comes in different stylish packaging. It's super tiny, yet hold so much… you won't believe what's inside (I sure didn't). It contains: bandage, pain reliever, double-sided tape, breath freshener, mending kit (needle, threat, and button), dental floss, clear polish. hair spray, emery board, lip balm, clear elastics, stain remover, nail polish remover pad, deodorant towellette, earring backs, safety pin, & a tampon. Impressive right? This is actually my second kit… can you say accident prone? They even make a version for guys (unfortunately not available at Sephora).

So there you have it! Some of my random finds that I can't live without! I hope that you found this helpful in any way, shape or form.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!


Chimes

Review: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

I recently wandered into my local Sephora in search of more shades of my favorite lipstain, Stila Long Wear Lip Color. To my dismay, it appears that Sephora no longer carries this product anymore and its only available on Stila's website.

Being the true shopaholic I am, I didn't want to leave the store empty handed… So I asked one of the sale representatives if they had a similar product that he could recommend. That's when he guided me toward the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. I had never heard of this product. But, it's to my understanding that it launched last year (I haven't been able to corroborate that).

Another (really sweet & nice) sales representative helped me swatch some of the colors on my hand. The first thing I noticed is that they're extremely pigmented. They're about twelve shades to choose from (I swatched about six of them). After contemplating for a while, I decided on Vampira (a dark vampy red) and Mau5 (a dark pink).

It seemed like I would get the most use out of these two particular shades. They have some very vibrant and funky shades in the line. However, (pretty as they are) they're just not practical for my style… So, I made my purchase and left. As soon as I got home I immediately tried them on & HOLY COW are they amazing!!!

Here are some of my favorite things about this product:

• Great pigmentation (as previously mentioned)
• Dries completely matte
• Does not bleed (no lipliner required)
• Does not budge (it's actually a bit hard to remove… but that's perfectly fine since I don't have to constantly reapply it throughout the day)
• It's build-able (if you do decide to reappl, it still looks smooth and flawless)
• It has a doe foot applicator (surprisingly good for precision)

I actually think Vampira might be my favorite lip color now! I really look forward to purchasing more shades of this product. I think my next purchases will be: Lolita (a dusty rose) & Outlaw (a beautiful bright red). 

Have you tried this product?

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Chimes

Review: American Rag Ponte-Knit Skinny Pants

As a plus size girl it has always been a struggle for me to find the a good pair of leggings. Now, I know that many people are against leggings being worn as "pants"… but the they're so comfortable! How could you not be tempted to wear them out? The key is to do it with class!!!

A couple of months ago I came across a pair at Macy's that turned out to be the American Rag's Plus Size Ponte-Knit Skinny Pants. I was immediately drawn to them because of how thick they are. Like I said before, finding a good pair of leggings is almost impossible. The biggest reasons being that they're too sheer and they don't hold anything in place. However, these "pants" really do the trick!

Here are some of its amazing features:

• Very comfortable & flexible
• Thick material (mixture of rayon, nylon, and spandex)
• Slim fit
• Stay in place all day (don't ride down)
• Wide elastic waist band (great tummy control)
• "Equestrian" style seams (gives them a more sophisticated look)

I should also mention that I currently own three pairs of these. Yeah…! I loved my first pair so much that I went back to Macy's and got two more. They're that great. You can dress up or down. I've literally worn them to the work, college, and the gym. 

I personally like to style them with flowy or baggy tops (sometimes layered with a jean shirt or jacket). They also look great with a sweater and boots (for cold weather). And, as a general rule: whatever top I'm wearing has to cover my derriere. This way I feel more comfortable, covered, and classy!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Chimes

Worth It: Makeup Products

Today I wanted to bring you guys some makeup products that have become staples in my everyday routine. These are products that I think are totally worth a try. Also, I added a link to each product so you can go check them out for yourselves. So, lets get into it!

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation: This is by far the best drugstore foundation I have ever used. Actually, it's one of the best foundations I've ever use period! Not only does it have great coverage, but it blends easily, and stays on all day (a definite plus because of my oily skin); just remember to use a bit of powder after application.

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder: Another great drugstore product. This powder works ten times better at keeping me matte than the Chanel powder I was previously using (I couldn't believe it!). I use the shade Transparent (#001). This way I get the shine control without any additional coverage or "cakeyness".

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder: I love to use this powder as backup and for touch-ups. By backup I mean that if I'm going out for the night, I'll lightly dust this on my T-zone over my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. This powder could leave a white-cast; so when I say lightly I mean lightly! Nonetheless, it will totally keep you matte.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer: I've been using this product for what seems like forever. I think I might be on my third tube of this stuff! Although it's not great at concealing… it does wonders as an under-eye highlighter! I just love how it can highlight, yet seamlessly blend into your skin-tone (nobody likes the reverse panda eye look…).

NARS Laguna Bronzer: My holy grail bronzer! I can't imagine my life without it (it's so well loved I couldn't include an picture of it open). This products is amazing for contouring (despite it having tiny gold specks). I find that it is totally worth the price, especially since you get a great product that will last you a while.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Natural Beauty: I'm not really one to wear blush, but man do I love this one! One word, pigmentation. It's the perfect color for my light-medium skin-tone, it blends like a dream and it stays put!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette: I basically haven't put this palette down since I got it! I love how most of the colors are matte compared to the Naked 1,2, & 3 palettes. It is the most practical for everyday looks. And, I'm totally in love with Venus (I use it to highlight under my brows & in the tear-duct area).

NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Veneto: This is the blackest eyeliner I have ever owned! It literally glides on and does not budge. It's the only thing I use to tight-line (apply to the upper water-line) my eyes. Plus, its retractable!

Benefit They're Real! Mascara:  An absolutely amazing mascara! It lengthens and volumizes, but most of all it hold the curl of my stubborn straight eyelashes. Oh, and did I mention that it washes off with no problem (unlike Maybelline's The Rocket Mascara).

Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Daring: I have to say that this is probably my favorite lip product! It is creamy, but matte, and very long wearing. It actually stays on all day, no joke! I especially love to wear it with my darker clothes.

Covergirl Outlast Lipstain in Plum Pout #425: I have no idea why these lipstains aren't more popular… I happen to think they're very cool. They're just like a marker, so you have a lot of control and precision. And, they really are long wearing. This particular shade I love to layer with the Stila in Daring to achieve my ideal "vampy" shade.

Naked Basics Palette, Tarte Natural Beauty, Covergirl Outlast Lipstain, Stila Long Wear Lip Color

So, there you have it! These are just some of the makeup products that I love… I hope to share more with you soon.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!


Chimes