My Favorite Makeup Dupes of 2014!

Hey Everyone!!

Pinterest was my best friend this year when it came to makeup dupes. I created a Makeup Dupe Pin Board, followed other makeup dupe boards and an addiction was born! These are my favorite products of 2014 that are similar or dupes of high end makeup:

 Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette- dupe of Urban Decay Naked 3. See swatches and comparisons on this PIN.

 L'oreal True Match Powder in C8 Cocoa- dupe of MAC Blunt blush- See the PIN for details!

 Black Radiance Perfecting Eye Shadow Primer- Too Faced Shadow Insurance 

 Colour Pop Lippie Stix in Grind- MAC Heroine lipstick. See this PIN for details!

 Maybelline Just Beige- MAC Soft Ochre. Check this PIN for details!

Maybelline Matte Brown- MAC Quite Natural. Check this PIN for details!

 NK Indigo lip liner- MAC Nightmoth lip liner

Revlon Really Red-MAC Russian Red. Check this PIN for details!

Revlon Berry Haute- MAC Up The Amp. Check the PIN for details!

Rural Glamour Makeup Dupe Pin Board

A Fresh Coat of Polish: China Glaze So Blue With Out You......

Hey Everyone!!

I hope your Christmas was good.:)

I wore China Glaze So Blue With Out You for Christmas as my Christmas mani. This color is from China Glaze's 2013 Holiday collection....oh, and up until last Thursday, I have never worn it. Yep, brand new polish, sitting up in my collection. 

Gotta love it! #shopyourstashtoday

 Two coats of this polish produced a brilliant metallic blue. I love it!! It's wearing well too, just a bit of tip wear on both hands....

Walmart Winter 2014 Beauty Box Unboxing!

Hey Everyone!!

I wanted to quickly put up this post on the Winter 2014 Walmart Beauty Box I received on Saturday.

This is my 2nd Beauty Box from Walmart and I believe they come out quarterly. You can see what I got in the 1st box HERE. It is a subscription, so if you sign up, your signing for a subscription of boxes and not just a one time only box. I found this out when my Paypal was hit for $5 from Walmart out of no where.

 Same box as the 1st box. It comes via USPS.

 I guess these are the big samples: Ponds Wet Cleansing Wipes, Pond's Anti Wrinkle Cream, Aveeno Daily Moisturizer, Olay Tone Perfecting Cream. BTW: These boxes are based on the age your put in your profile when you sign up.

Some hair and skin card samples from L'Oreal, John Freida and Nivea.

It's definitely worth $5. Seriously, it's a box of junky samples. None of this stuff I'm remotely interested in. I'm cancelling the subscription.

If you want to sign up, here's the link..... www.beautybox.walmart.com  ( watch the birthday you put in.....it could be the difference between something cool and wrinkle cream.)

Did you sub to this box? What did you get in yours??? Let me know in the comments!

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Quick! What Should I Buy? Holiday Gift Guide 2014: The Girl Talk Chronicles E-Book on Amazon.com!

Hey Everyone!!

I have a great gift suggestion for my book lovers, collectors and tablet readers. The Girl Talk Chronicles: Advice on How To Manage Love, Lust, & Situations is a great gift and nice quick read for the 20-something in your life that is struggling with love and life. Or that 40-something that's still stuck in her 20-something ways and wondering why things haven't changed in love in a two decades. Both ladies could use this e-book sent directly to their Kindle or Kindle App! Check out what the author, Ariel C. Williams says about her book:

Chronicles was written to dispel the myth of being 'single and lonely' by sharing real life experiences of relationships (and situationships) gone wrong! It's hilarious, relatable, and penetrates your conscious in a way that makes you unapologetically put you first. It's laced with Girl Talk Gospels, Lessons Learned & Chronicle Questions that have been said to make one "reevaluate" their actions when it comes to love. You can find this book in the self-help section, but still be able to read aloud with your girlfriends on a comfy couch. The best part is that it's $2.99 for a limited time and can be downloaded to the device of your choice in 60 seconds! 


I agree totally with Ariel, it was a fun read, filled with the stories, I could totally relate to, especially in my 20s, pre-kids.

Slide through and download your book to your Kindle or your Kindle App HERE for ONLY $2.99. Then, send all your girlfriends one and plus that 40 year old co-worker.:) All the girls deserve a piece of the Chronicles!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for the review and received a loaned copy of the book to read. All opinions are my own and honest.

Pin of the Week! 25 Easy Fixes to Annoying Beauty Problems....

Hey Everyone!!

Whew! It's been a week already. The holidays are so busy, especially when you stir and add kids to the recipe. They have more to do than you!

Anyway I spotted this neat infogram pin on Pinterest about easy fixes to annoying beauty problems. The solution for quick dry top coat is my favorite! You would be amazed at people who actually still let their nails dry naturally.

Check out these tips, here's the PIN, and follow me on Pinterest HERE!

Review & Swatches: Colour Pop Cosmetics Lippie Stix......

Disclosure: I purchase all these items on my own.

Hey Everyone!!

I placed an order with Colour Pop Cosmetics on Thanksgiving. After watching a zillion hauls and swatches on the brand and I wasn't impressed. It wasn't until I saw a IG photo of vlogger/blogger Ellarie wearing the shade Ellarie, I was sold. 

 I picked only four colours of the Lippie Stix, just to feel them out: Grind, Dalia, Ellarie, and Brink.

 Grind, Dalia, Ellarie, and Brink

Top Row: Ellarie and Dalia

Bottom Row: Grind and Brink

Review!!

Quality- great coverage, one layer of color did the trick, they go on like a satin lipstick but have a dry down quality that turns them matte. They last ok, not through eating and drinking though, but I didn't expect them to.

Color- I love all the colors except Brink. It just doesn't flatter my complexion. Grind is a MAC Heroine dupe.  Check it out below.....

Left: MAC Heroine  Right: Colour Pop Grind. Grind maybe slightly darker but you be the judge.

Overall:

I will be getting a couple (3 or 4 more colors) and the next order will be some their shadows to try too!

OHHH!!! I FORGOT TO TELL YOU!!

My shipping took about a week in a half, about 6 business days. I did order on Thanksgiving night. I also wasn't sent a shipping notice for 4 business days. So, be mindful if you order, your goodies may not come as fast because of the popularity of the brand now and the holidays. I was told that by a CS agent from Colour Pop in a email. :)

Pin Of The Week: The 5 Piece French Wardrobe Basics List.....

Hey Everyone!

I've always been obsessed with the basics of a wardrobe list starting with the Color Me Beautiful book I used to check out all the time at the local library when I was little girl. It wasn't until I worked for Ann Taylor in the early 2000s that a lot of the pieces on this list made perfect sense! I was in my  20s and had tons of throw away, trendy, HOOCHIE MAMA clothes and I was working at the store that I was sell a $400 black suit several times a week! Plus, I had to tone it WAYYYY down to dress for work. Buying the basics like a black cardigan, a black blazer, a white button up, black pumps then mixing and matching with accessories and some of leftover clothes really help me pull it together day after day.

After I became a mommy, my lifestyle and my job situation changed drastically and I found myself with actually very little clothing. Me, the "fashion diva" with very little clothing. But, I worked at two places that I wore an uniform and I was at home a lot with the boys, what did I need with a new pair of black stilettos for? Now it's time to build the basics back up, not for anyone else, but for ME. It's sort of difficult to shop for me, that damn mommy guilt.But if I don't look good, I don't feel good and a bad feeling mommy is not a conducive mommy! lol!

Pin this list HERE!!! Follow me on Pinterest. :)

I'm like the guy who never leaves Starbucks, just drinking coffee refills all day and using the Free WiFi, over there.:) I'm holding down the fort!

A Fresh Coat of Polish: Rimmel Pro in Balmy Blue.....

Hey Everyone!!

I wore another one the Rimmel Pro polishes in Balmy Blue last week. I can safely say that the formula and quality of those polishes are some of the best in the drugstore. The quality is OPI quality and I'm so serious about that. OPI polish loves my nails but not my pockets. I still have several old OPIs because I've only wore a $8 polish once and I refuse to throw it away.

But at $3, I must go and get a couple more Rimmel Pro colors. But trust, I'll be wearing a $3 polish more than once. The principle is the same for me.

Quick! What Should I Buy? Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Thirty-One Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote + Free Goodies! .....

Disclosure: These products were sent to me by a Thirty-One Independent Consultant for consideration of review. All opinions are mine and I was not compensated for this post.

Hey Everyone!!

So,  you have a "Bag Lady" on your shopping list this Christmas?  You know, someone who has a lot things in separate totes, her handbag, carries a separate bag with her lunch to work, has crafting projects with no where to store them, books she's carrying in her hands from room to room??

I think the Thirty-One Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote would be in perfect order for this person. 

As a recovering "Bag Lady", I needed something for my school work, blogging binder, Kindle Fire and current reads to go from room to room. I also needed a bag to take with me when I have a actual class at school or I get the occasional bug to go and sit at Panera or Starbucks to read and study.

My dear Soror Crystal sent me the Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote ($35) in the Navy Lotsa Dots print.

 I played around with the tote, filling it up with books, magazines, and bags. I took it to the library during a rainy day and nothing inside got wet and the bag stayed pretty dry. Very cute pattern and super easy to carry even heavy with books. Plus, there are several prints to choose from to personalize the bag. See?!? This is great gift for your resident Bag Lady from a recovering bag lady!

Right now....there is a Rural Glamour Special FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE when you buy the Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote or any items over $35....check out the details below from Crystal!!

Now through Wednesday (December 10, 2014) at noon, for every organizing utility tote that you purchase OR for every $35 you spend, you will get a FREE Littles Carry All Caddy! 

How to get your FREE Littles Carry All Caddy:

1. Go to www.mythirtyone.com/cwdixon 
2. Click “My Scheduled Parties” and then “Shop Now” next to the “RURAL GLAMOUR SPECIAL!!!” event!
3. Have fun shopping! Add at least $35 to your cart and check out
4. Once I receive your order I’ll email you asking which pattern you’d like.
5. Get excited knowing that you just scored an AMAZING deal!

It’s really that easy! No crazy lines to wait in, no pushing people out of the way trying to get to the product you want. You get to shop from your seat instead of your feet! Just a few more things…

• Cannot be combined with any other offer
• $35 must be spend before adding shipping and tax
• If you’re local to Spartanburg, SC, you can select “ship to hostess” to save on shipping cost
• There is no limit to how many FREE Littles Carry All Caddys you get! (Spend $70 and get 2 free, spend $105 and get 3 free, etc!)
• Your Credit or Debit Card will not be charged until after noon on Wednesday. You might see a $1.00 authorization charge on your card when you submit your order

Want to shop without having to order online? You can email me at Crystal56_2@hotmail.com, message me on Facebook, or call/text me at 814.964.2560 or 803.983.5508 and I will gladly be your personal shopper!

Get over to the party and get the Rural Glamour Special before Wednesday so that you will get your gift in time for Christmas!! Come back and let me know what you bought in the comments. I can't wait to hear about your shopping "trip"!

5 Ways To Save On Buying Fragrances!!!

Hey Everyone!!!

source

In my previous post, I talked about my favorite fragrances for the Fall. Well, all those fragrances, I got at a steal of a deal! The whole lot didn't even cost $100 all together! I'm going share some of my favorite ways to buy fragrances for a great deal. Here we go... :)


#1 Buy gift sets at Christmas/Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Day After Christmas....

This is the time of the year to stock up on your favorite perfume or try a new perfume by buying gift sets. Most sets will come with the scent, a lotion and maybe a shower gel. Some sets I've seen even have a extra scent in a rollerball. I got Beyonce Heat Rush set and Rogue by Rihanna ( that's still sold in department stores at regular price) set at CVS on Black Friday for $14 all together. They were BOGO Free for sets over $19.99 and I used a 30 % off coupon. Even at the department stores, Ulta and Sephora, you get free gifts with fragrance purchases, giving you even more incentives to buy fragrances during this season.


#2 Shop fragrances at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington.....

If you are a higher end fragrance lover, these stores are amazing when it comes to finding your favorite scent at a lower cost. And if you are like me, one of your favorite scents is a discontinued scent, these stores are REALLY GOOD at finding that diamond in the rough scent you can't buy at the counters anymore. So before you head to Sephora, Ulta or the department store, check these stores first for a better deal


#3 Buy body sprays and layer with lotions.....

When you can't justify buying a $60 perfume or you can't afford one, try a body spray with a matching or similar scented lotion. I learned this layering trick wayyyy back in a college and it still works for me today especially when I just want be lightly fragrant or I'm craving something pricey and my pockets are empty.



#4 Store your scents properly for longevity.....

Make sure you keep you fragrances out of heavy light or damp bathrooms so they won't evaporate. Store fragrances you don't wear much or scents you wear seasonally in a dark, dry space. I have my summer scents in a decorative hat box on a shelf. I have my Granny's Chanel No 5 with matching powder in there too.  Replace the top on your scents after your wear them too! The better you care and store your scents, the longer you can wear them and not have to replace them.


#5 Try designer "inspired" fragrances.....

Not counterfeit fragrances but "inspired by" scents. I see these fragrances in places like Rainbow and Cato. I have a great sense of smell, so if I smell something once, I will remember the notes and how it smells. This helps greatly when buying the inspired fragrances. Plus, alot of those scents smell EXACTLY like the real deal. The only downside is that they don't last long but it is a great way to get a new scent or replace a favorite for far less than retail.



I hope these tips help you when buying fragrances on the low...cost.:))

My Favorite Fall Fragrances!!

Hey Everyone!!!

I thought I would share some of my current favorite fragrances with you. I'm definitely not the girl who wears the same scent each day, but I do have a signature scent and I have a signature SMELL. My SMELL is warm, sweet, a bit musky and sexy. Even in the summer, I find some way to incorporate this combo.

Here are my current favs:

Beyonce Rise

Rogue by Rihanna

M by Mariah Carey

Victoria's Secret Scandalous

Victoria's Secret Fearless

Bath & Body Works A Thousand Wishes

Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Vanilla

What are you favorite scents right now????  Let me know!

Long Lasting Painted Party Nails......

Disclosure: Compension for this post was provided by The Salon Outlet. All opinions expressed are those of The Salon Outlet.

The party season is almost upon us so it’s time to take a long, hard look at your nails girls. Don’t worry, you don’t need to grow talons in the next couple of weeks, shorter nails can look just as glamorous and be more sensible during the working day.
The chicest nails this season are short and square or oval, just so long as the tips of your nails are all of equal lengths and only slightly longer than the tips of your fingers then you’re doing fine.

So what about the “in” colors for the party season? It really is a case of anything goes but if you really want to be stylish then opt for reds with lots of sparkle or glitter, metallics, deep  plumy reds or brownish reds, fire engine reds or go all out for the vamp look. The bolder you are the better your nails will like it.  If you are a little bit of a nail perfectionist then add a French manicure line in silver or gold along the tips for the ultimate glamour.

Another great idea is to go for deep, dark and luscious red polishes then spot it with dots of gold or silver – you could use some of the fabulous trendy nail jewelry if you want to.

So how can you make sure that your painted party nails are going to last for more than one party?
Here’s the deal:

• Always apply a base coat first, this will protect your nails and stop them from drying out or staining.

• Apply a thin layer of your chosen nail polish and leave it to dry thoroughly – then apply another coat over the top. This will give a fabulous depth of color which is impossible to achieve in just one coat, even with the most expensive nail polishes.

• When you apply your final coat of nail polish color take it slightly over the tip of the nail, this will help to prevent chipping.

• After your nails are completely dry apply a top coat which will not only protect the coat but also make it brilliantly shiny.

• If the color starts to look faded or you do notice any chips appearing you can simply apply another thin layer of polish to make your nails look good as new.
And that’s really all that there is to it. Shorter nails can carry off dramatic colors without looking over the top, and shorter nails really do stay chip-free for longer as they are less prone to splitting and cracking.
Follow this guide for a super polished, fashionable look which really does take only the minimum amount of effort.

There are some really beautiful nail jewels available these days which can help to lift your nails to an entirely new level. They are available online and in many drug stores and department stores. They are easy to apply and can make a big difference to the overall appearance of your nails and your party look.

For more information about beauty products and equipment why not visit thesalonoutlet.com. There’s a great selection of products and tips for both the professional beauty therapists and amateur enthusiasts who like to enjoy a professional make-up at the minimum of cost. Check out the website at http://thesalonoutlet.com/ for all of the latest fashions, styles, products and great prices. If you want to really stand out this party season then it’s time to start planning your wardrobe and your make-up now, and this is a great place to start.



 

A Fresh Coat Of Polish: Ruby Kisses Pink Flirts Red........

Hey Everyone!!

I applied Ruby Kisses Pink Flirts Red the day after Thanksgiving as a well deserved manicure after cooking Thanksgiving dinner. lol!

Pink Flirts Red reminds me of a beautiful pink lipstick. It looks like a glossy lipstick on the nails.I picked this up at the local beauty supply.

Also, my nails are taking off in the growth section! The first photo was two weeks ago for my college homecoming( the scar is from cutting my finger with a razor. smh.) and the second is Pink Flirts Red from last week. I see the difference. I finally figured it out.....if I don't pamper and stay on top of my polish and manicures, my nails will start to break and split. My nails are like my hair, they like top notch care. So I can't skimp around on the manicures just like I can't miss a weekly deep condition on my hair. I did two full blown manicures on those two weeks instead of my regular 'polish change' and the truth showed up!

Pin Of the Week! How To Wear A Necklace With Different Necklines.......

Hey Everyone!

Isn't this "Cheat Sheet" ingenious??? How to accessorize popular necklines by Charming Charlie. As a big accessory junkie, this is right up my alley.

Click HERE for the original pin!

Click HERE to hang out with me on Pinterest!