Brighter, Darling

It Just Takes One: Our IVF Pregnancy Story

April 19, 2018

SURPRISE – I’m pregnant! Although you may have known already if you follow my Instagram or Facebook page. Besides sharing my braces journey, which was kind of beauty-related, I don’t typically share personal details on the blog because I like to keep it about beauty and style. However, in order to understand a bit more about me and my blogging journey (and blogging future), it’s imperative that I share this pregnancy story. It’s also for the millions of other women AND MEN who are too embarrassed, ashamed, scared, angry and/or in too much pain to know how to formulate the words around this disease. #BrighterDarlingBaby is an IVF baby. I am one in four women who struggle(d?) with infertility and this is our IVF pregnancy story.

*Warning: this is a VERY long post.

Shopping the Sephora Spring Bonus Sale Recommendations

April 9, 2018

*Affiliate links and/or PR Samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
It’s that time of the year where Sephora holds their 10-15% off everything sale in April! Starting this weekend, April 13, VIB Rouge will get 15% off their purchases and then the following weekend, VIB and BI’s will get 15% and 10% off, respectively. You can shop the sale as often as you want – it’s not a one-time use code – so shop early to ensure you get your must-haves first… then shop later for some treat-yourself moments. If you’re shopping the Sephora Spring Bonus Sale this week, here are my top picks and recommendations for your list…

NEW BareMinerals BarePro Concealer + Foundation Chit Chat GRWM [YouTube]

March 29, 2018

Recently, I got to attend the launch party for the new BareMinerals BarePro concealer, Gen Nude Blushes and Gen Nude Lip Lacquers in New York. Lucky for us, they sent us home with our perfect shade to test on our own. I figured since many of us started dabbling in higher-end makeup using the OG BareMinerals, it would be fun to see how the brand has grown up and test a bunch of their new releases on camera.

A Moisturizer That Saves Time In The Morning: Olay Whips

March 22, 2018

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine. #feelthewhip #ad
I know there are still friends and family of mine out there who don’t apply moisturizer daily. It’s a travesty all skin care junkies like myself hear regularly. But I get it. With everyone trying to get out the door in the mornings ASAP or dealing with crying babies (or both), applying a moisturizer (forget about using a primer!) is just a hassle. I’ve been using Olay Whips for the last week or so, and this moisturizer hydrates deeply, dries instantly, and perfectly primes for makeup… all while treating my skin to amazing antiaging ingredients in a flash. Let’s get into the technology behind this new release and why I’m loving this moisturizer that saves time in the morning…

PIXI MatteLast Liquid Lip Review

March 20, 2018

*Affiliate links and PR Samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
Pixi Beauty is known for being effortless and accessible and one of their latest releases – the MatteLast Liquid Lips – are no exception. When I saw the curated collection of completely wearable, everyday-appropriate, pretty shades, I had high hopes these would be a solid release. Continue reading to see if this launch met my expectations and to check out the swatches in my Pixi MatteLast Liquid Lip review.

RIMMEL Lasting Finish 25hr Breathable Foundation + Concealer Review [YouTube]

March 15, 2018

Despite this being one of the longest names in foundation history, I decided to give this newly reformulated product a try – along with the concealer. After I saw one of my favorite beauty bloggers really like the concealer particularly, it totally intrigued me, so let’s see if I felt the same in my Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr Breathable Foundation and Concealer review/wear test.

BOXYCHARM February 2018 Review | Three Month Final Analysis

March 12, 2018

*Affiliate links used. Full disclaimer details here.
Ok, so this is the final installment of my three-month Boxycharm beauty subscription box trial. That means I’ll be sharing with you what came in my February box, as well as, provide a final evaluation on if I think Boxycharm is worth it and if I’ll be continuing the subscription! Ready to dive into the Boxycharm February 2018 review? Let’s do this…

NEW K Beauty Brand To Try: It’s Skin

March 2, 2018

I participated in this sponsored campaign for It’s Skin on behalf of One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own. #ItsSkinUSA
Always trying new K Beauty brands is a legitimate hobby of mine. I am constantly scouring the new items on websites in their K Beauty selection to see what unique offerings are going to give me that glowing, glass-like skin on all the K Beauty websites! I was doing some ingredient research lately and started down the rabbit hole of CICA-based products. From there, I discovered It’s Skin. It’s Skin offers a Cica Gel Cream, Cica Balm, and a few other high-performance skincare products I’ve been testing. To learn about the secrets of Cica and what products from It’s Skin I think you need, continue reading!

What’s In My Bag? | Radley London Bow Lane Zip-Top Large Tote [YouTube]

February 21, 2018

*Affiliate links and Press Samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
Combining a little style and beauty today, I recently posted a What’s In My Bag video on my YouTube channel and featured my new Radley London Bow Lane tote that I LOVE. If you’re a fan of Kate Spade or Ralph Lauren style, more structured bags, I think you’re going to love this brand. Plus, if you’re curious what I carry around with me on a daily basis (because we’re all a little nosey, amirite?), then set aside some time today and check out what’s in my bag!

Time To Glow Up | New Beauty Habits For 2018 With Olay

February 19, 2018

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine. #ad
A couple of months ago, I weaned myself off of my daily three-cups-of-coffee-with-a-little-too-much-creamer, along with really conscientiously increasing my water intake (I unofficially dub myself a cactus because I’m terrible at taking care of myself – internally). Now that my life is starting to be in a bit more of a stable position, I wanted to make a few more *internal beauty* changes. Improving the way I take care of myself on the inside is just as important (if not more) than how I take care of myself on the outside, so let’s get to these five new beauty habits for 2018 I plan on incorporating immediately.