Brighter, Darling

Spring Sephora and Ulta Haul 2018

April 30, 2018

*Affiliate links and PR samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
It’s been quite awhile since my last haul post! I usually don’t share every time I pick up new beauty products (because that’d be disgustingly frequent), but with the recent Sephora 15% off and Ulta 20% off sales, I definitely collected a decent amount of new goodies to share. Since I’ve had a couple of weeks to try most of it out by now, I will be sharing some initial first impressions, too. Interested in seeing what I picked up in my spring Sephora and Ulta haul? Continue reading to find out all the details…

Thoughts On The Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector…

April 24, 2018

*Affiliate links and/or PR Samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
10 years ago, I never would have thought putting acids on my face every day would be the standard in my life for clearer, smoother skin. But I do, and I’m always trying new ones. Recently, Glossier released their version of a chemical exfoliator and, in the name of blogging, HAD to try it myself. Chemical exfoliation is using an Alpha Hydroxy or Beta Hydroxy Acid to remove the dead skin cells instead of using a physical exfoliating method – such as a scrub. Here are my thoughts on the Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector and if I think it’s worth it…

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!