Monday, March 31, 2014

BB Cream Showdown and $30 Sephora Giveaway!

I am a BB cream addict. I love being able to throw on this magical cream and have fairly flawless skin. I am still looking for the holy grail of BB creams, though. I found some good ones, but I am still on the search for the perfect one. Here's the beginning of my journey.

BB Cream Showdown 1 by veggielawyer

Stila HD Illuminating Beauty Balm: This cream has really no coverage and I didn't really notice much of a difference in my complexion. I think this qualifies more as a tinted moisturizer.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm: This cream is very pigmented. You don't need to use too much to get full coverage. It's not oily at all, but it has absolutely no shine control. Because of it's great pigmentation, I would love to be able to use this cream by itself for a casual makeup look. However, you absolutely need a shine control powder on top of it.

Boscia BB Cream: I really wanted to like this cream. It's like and fluffy and has the best shine control of the group. However, it's a self-adjusting shade and turned my skin a little orangey. I think this cream might work better on those with darker complixeions.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream: When I put this on my makeup sponge, it seemed really watery; however, this cream had the best coverage of the bunch. Unfortunately, it had absolutely no shine control.

Dr. Jart BB Cream: This cream was the full package, It had great coverage, was light and went on smoothly. And it had pretty good shine control. None of the other creams even compared. The only downside is that it's a little pricey at $39.

So, the clear winner of the group is Dr. Jart BB Cream, but honorable mention goes to Smashbox for best coverage and Boscia for best shine control.

And now, you can get your perfect BB cream courtesy of my sponsors with a $30 Sephora gift card! Enter to win below.

Verdana Lane | Hearts & Stuff Blog | Penniless Socialite

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Linking up with Monday Morning Gossip, Monday Mingle, Funday Monday

Friday, March 28, 2014

Favorite Fashion Friday Linkup #46

photo FavoriteFashionFridaylogo_zpsf66ade9e.jpg

This week's favorite outfit comes from Janelle in Real Life. It's not a fancy outfit, but this outfit encapsulates everything I am hoping to get out of my weekend. It just oozes relaxation, while being adorable. Adorable comfort, that's what I want out of my weekend.

(Please follow all the rules. If you don't we'll have to delete your post from the link up...and we really don't want to have to do that)

1. Follow your hosts

Follow your hosts via GFC or Bloglovin' and leave us a comment letting us know so that we can return the favor!

2. Grab a button

Grab a button, put it at the bottom of your post, on your sidebar or in your linky list. (or a text link works fine too!)

3. Link up

Link up your favorite outfit post of the week. Please only link up outfit posts from the current week. Posts that don't fit these guidelines (such as giveaways or old posts) will be deleted from the link up.

4. Comment & Hop Around

Comment on your host's blog and on at least one other linked up post. Visit as many of the lovely blogs that are linked up. Comment and let them know you found them from Favorite Fashion Friday!

Tara @ Penniless Socialite

Bonnie @ Delusions of Grandeur

An InLinkz Link-up

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Look What I Got: Cheap Florals and Stripes

Floral Print Blazer: Banana Republic (exact) | Mixed-Stripe Puff Sleeve Top: Banana Republic (exact)

Skirt: J. Crew via Poshmark (similar) | Shoes: ShoeDazzle (worn, similar) |

Necklace: StyleLately (worn, similar) | Glamour Link Bracelet: Banana Republic (worn, exact)

Bangle: C. Wonder Store (worn, similar) | Rings: Vintage Avon

If this outfit was int he showcase showdown on The Price is Right, just the blazer, sweater and skirt would be valued at $315. If The Price is Right only featured clothing from J. Crew and Banana Republic, I would totally rock that game. But, alas, my knowledge of prices of home goods and jet skis is limited. Because that's what's really holding me back from winning the showcase showdown....not the insurmountable task of actually getting on the show. Well, anyways if Bob Barker (Drew Carey?) told you to "Come on down," you'd probably win the first round by guessing that the bulk of my outfit is worth $300. (Remember, you can't go over....and I hate those people that would guess $301). However, if you were on the Penniless Socialite Price is Right, this outfit would be valued at $60. Yes, shopping sales at Banana Republic and Poshmark is pretty worth it. Maybe I am just not cut out to be a contestant on The Price is Right. I mean, they pay retail on that show....yuck!

1. follow your hosts

Tara @ Penniless Socialite

Sharon @ The Tiny Heart

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Or link back to one of your hosts, and help us promote LookWhat I Got!

3. link up!
Link up your post on what you got (for cheap)!
(Please don't link up your entire blog or any posts that are not "Look What I Got"! )

We love having you link up and we will be reading all your posts! So, if you don't follow the rules and link back you'll be put in time out (i.e. we'll delete your link).

4. mix and mingle
Visit some other blogs and let them know you found them through the link up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking up here: Mix and Match Fashion, Steals and Deals, All Things Thursday, Lovely Blog Hop, Style Elixir, Passion for Fashion, Simply Just Lovely, Vodka Infused Lemonade, That Friday Blog Hop, Fashion Informant Link Up, and Perfectly Coutured

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

In the Caboodle: March Ipsy Bag

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready (full size, $18): I love this lipstick! It's super smooth, moisturizing and even smells nice. It has a lot of pigment, so one swipe provides full coverage.

NYX Love in Rio Eyeshadow Trio (full size, est. $4.50). Although I am a big fan of NYX eye shadows, I am saving this one for a swap on eDivv. I have several brown palettes and there aren't just enough days in the year for me to wear all of that eye shadow.

Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer (mini, $9). I was pleasantly surprised with this primer. I typically don't like Pixi's products. However, this primer is really silky and doesn't sink into pores and wrinkles. it leaves a really nice smooth finish and could be worn without foundation.

Chella Eyeliner in Indigo Blue (full size, $24). Seriously, I'm not my mother in the 80's. I have no use for navy liquid liner. I do have to say, this liner makes a really nice pigmented, clean line. If this was black or brown, I would totally be keeping it.

The Glam Bag Deets

$10 per month
5 beauty products, some full sized (2-3) in each bag
1 cosmetic bag

**Full Disclosure: Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription services. I am in no way affiliated with Ipsy and have not received any compensation for this post. However, I do receive points to redeem for product if I refer new subscribers with my referral link here. All opinions are 100% mine.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Spring Brights with SheInside

Dress: c/o SheInside (similar) | Booties: Macy's (worn, similar) | Necklace: StyleLately (worn, similar) |

Link Bracelet: Banana Republic (worn, exact) | Spike Bracelet: SiraMara (worn, exact)

Spring finally arrived in New Jersey on Saturday. However, it's been cruelly ripped away from us after a mere 24 hours. However, I had just enough time to bring out this bright and cheery bee dress from SheInside. I still had to wear tights with it because 45 degrees is not quite bare legged weather. And because this dress is a tad bit on the short side. I am pretty sure my mother would not have let me out of the house in this dress. It's a good thing I am an adult now with my own house. But seriously, no one tell my mom I wore this dress.
Linking up with Little Miss Monday, Mix it Monday, Funday Monday, Monday Morning Gossip, Monday Mingle, Trend Spin Link Up, Stylish Tuesday, Syle Sessions, Afternoon Style, The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Whims Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So, I Feel Pretty, I do deClaire, Be.You.,tiful Link Party, Mix and Match Fashion, All Things Thursday, Lovely Blog Hop, Friday's Five, Passion for Fashion, Simply Just Lovely, Glitz and Gold, Vodka Infused Lemonade, That Friday Blog Hop, Fashion Informant Link Up, and Perfectly Coutured

Friday, March 21, 2014

Favorite Fashion Friday Link Up #45

Carylee of More Pieces of Me is rocking those sparkly sweatpants! I feel like I don't really need to explain why this was my favorite outfit of the week.

(Please follow all the rules. If you don't we'll have to delete your post from the link up...and we really don't want to have to do that)

1. Follow your hosts

Follow your hosts via GFC or Bloglovin' and leave us a comment letting us know so that we can return the favor!

2. Grab a button

Grab a button, put it at the bottom of your post, on your sidebar or in your linky list. (or a text link works fine too!)

3. Link up

4. Comment & Hop Around

Comment on your host's blog and on at least one other linked up post. Visit as many of the lovely blogs that are linked up. Comment and let them know you found them from Favorite Fashion Friday!

Tara @ Penniless Socialite

Bonnie @ Delusions of Grandeur

An InLinkz Link-up

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Look What I Got: Anjolee to the Rescue!

Anniversary Ring: c/o Anjolee

Blazer: Calvin Klein (worn, similar) | Top: Banana Republic (old) | Jeans: Old Navy (worn) |

Shoes: Just Fab (similar) | Monogram Necklace: c/o Onecklace (worn, exact) |

Bar Necklace: Kate Spade Saturday via TJ Maxx (similar) | Bracelet: Banana Republic (worn, exact) | Watch: Michael Kors

If you know anything about my life, you know it's weird that I'm wearing an "Anniversary Ring." The Scot and I don't yet have an anniversary worthy of sparkly jewels (i.e. we're not married yet). You will also notice that my ring finger is missing a bit of antique sparkle (i.e. my engagement ring). Well, tragedy has befallen my pretty.

There was an unfortunate accident with a faulty showroom sofa bed and my engagement ring. (Ok, the sofa bed probably wasn't faulty. It could have been user error.) I was able to retrieve the tiniest little diamond from the depths of that monstrous apparatus. (Again, it probably is not a diamond-eating monster, but I have a little anger toward that sofa bed). However, the setting was jacked up. (Did I use that phrase properly? Are the kids still saying that?) I dropped the ring off at the jewelry doctor the very next morning and was sad to learn the repair would be extensive and time consuming because the ring is antique and because I did such a good job of breaking it.

After a whole day of longingly rubbing my ring finger. I received an email from Anjolee asking if I would like to review one of their Anniversary Rings. They saved my naked finger! Within a few days I had some new sparkle to sport. Not just any ring could take the place of my beloved engagement ring, but this topaz encrusted little beauty is doing a darn good job! The quality is fabulous, the fit is fantastic, and it adds just the right amount of sparkle.

Anjolee is a online retailer that literally let's you customize any piece of jewelry you want! They have engagement and anniversary rings, bracelets, necklaces....all types of jewelry.

Although this little ring will never take the place of my engagement ring, I think I might sport it sometimes instead for more casual occasions....or when sofa beds are involved.

1. follow your hosts

Tara @ Penniless Socialite

Sharon @ The Tiny Heart

2. grab a button
Or link back to one of your hosts, and help us promote LookWhat I Got!

4. mix and mingle
Visit some other blogs and let them know you found them through the link up!

An InLinkz Link-up