Month: September 2017

First Impressions · Glossier

Glossier – First Impressions

MaritzaLeave a comment

Disclaimer: please excuse any typos you may find in this post. Due to Hurricane Irma cutting my power, I am writing this post on my phone. Damn! That’s dedication, right?

You ever get sucked into buying something just because it is so hyped on Instagram? If so, don’t worry. We’ve all been there and some stuff is complete crap and other times you are pleasantly surprised. That’s what happened with me and Glossier.

Every time I go through my Instagram feed, I see at least one post showcasing that cute pink see through pouch and always wondered what all the hype was. I go to their website and everything seems very clinical. Like as if I was buying hydrocortisone instead of lip balm, but still, I was sucked in.

I went on twitter and asked my whopping 46 followers (I know you are all like “She got 46 followers, ya’ll! She’s a star!”) what products they recommend I try out and I was kind of disappointed that all I got were a bunch of people just sending me their affiliate codes. However, a few people actually sent me some good recommendations. It seems, that a lot of you like the Boy Brow and the Milky Gel Cleanser. I decided to go with the Boy Brow seeing as I am almost out of my precious Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow, but passed on the Milky Gel Cleanser. I’m too loyal to my Boscia Charcoal Makeup Melter. That’s the shiznet, right there!

However, seeing that I am lip balm junkie, I did throw the Balm Dotcom in Birthday in the cart at the last minute. How can you not with a name like that? I swear I could create imaginary reasons to whip that out just to say the name.

Stranger: I love starfish!

Me: you want some of my Balm Dotcom. It shimmers like the blue sea the starfish comes from.

When the package arrived, I do have to admit that I was girlishly happy to see that pink see through pouch with its bubble wrap interior. I was also doubly pleased to see that they came with stickers! What is it about school like stationary items that turn me into a giddy mess?

I first attacked the lip balm. Upon inspection, it does resemble a tube of hydrocortisone. It’s medicinal resemblance stops there as it smells just like vanilla cupcakes and although it’s clear, it has a sheen of shimmer that immediately makes me double up on the application. It’s not sticky and it glides on easily. My one complaint would be that you have to apply it with your finger as it’s not stick balm, but a squeeze one.

I then address the eyebrows. I have practically clear eyebrows, so any brow products needs to be able to not only tame these beasts, but also fill and color them in. The ABH Dip Brow allows me to use an angled edge brush to carve out and practically paint my brows. The Boy Brow is just a small wand used to just groom the brows.

I apply my first layer and I’m not really seeing the results I like. My right Brow looks like it got a light wash of color. It needs more power! I dip into the tube once more and go for a second coat and with much determination finally get my brows tamed and to the exact medium brown shade that I like. The only problem now is that they have this wet, sticky consistency that I am not digging.

After about 10 minutes, the brows are dry and although not stiff to the touch, they have a textured look to them. I’m thinking that this product is not necessarily built for colorless brows like mine. Would definitely need to fill them in with using a pencil and then tame them with the Boy Brow.

Is that a problem? No. I know plenty of people who already do this, but I’m inherently lazy and prefer to use one product that can do both jobs instead of two. Why reinvent the wheel, right?

So we are at 50/50 here. Loving the Balm Dotcom and just liking the Boy Brow. Seeing as we are at an impasse, I’m thinking I will give Glossier another try and check out some of their other products.

Cloud Paint looks very intriguing. So may hit that up next.

Send me some recommendation if you can. I like to see what everyone else thinks.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

Beauty Review · Burberry Beauty

Burberry Beauty Bite Sized Review

Maritza2 Comments

Disclaimer: this post was written on my phone as I have no power due to Hurricane Irma. Please excuse any typos.

I don’t really know too much about Burberry Beauty. In fact, the only things I know about the brand is that they are known for their trench coats and beautiful patterned and plaid scarves. Also, once when I went to New York with one of my friends she was prepared to pay $900 for a Burberry clutch in a gorgeous plum color until she saw the look of horror on my face and then told the salesperson she would think about it.

Don’t worry. I’m sure she ended up buying it without me present.

So when I was surfing the Sephora site and came upon a special promo for a Burberry Beauty Box, I decided to hit purchase. Luckily, it was only $35 and the hit to my wallet was negligible.

When I first got the box, I was surprised by how tiny it was. It was bite sized!! Maybe I am delusional, but somehow I thought it would be bigger (that’s was she said..ha, ha!!!).

Nonetheless, it came with 4 items:

  • Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Russet No. 93
  • Light Glow Dark Earthy Blush No. 11
  • Fresh Glow Nude Radiance Luminous Fluid Base
  • Burberry Cat Lashes in Jet Black No. 1

I’ve been playing around with these items for a few weeks, off and on, and I must say that the verdict is still out on Burberry Beauty for me.

Let’s start off with the item I most liked, the mascara. Those of you who have seen my older posts, know that I love feathery curled lashes. When I first saw this wand, I was a bit skeptical. It’s flexible, which means that the slightest pressure with your hand can jab the wand into your eye. However, the mascara is lovely. It lifts and separates your lashes. Gives them a nice bouncy curl and no visible clumps anywhere. My only gripe would be the bristles. They are made of spikey rubber and if you are not careful, they can sting.

My next favorite is the “blush”. Honestly, I’m not sure what the hell this is. It says it’s a blush. Looks like contour or maybe bronzer. However, I use it as eyeshadow. It’s a beautiful tan shade, similar to their traditional trench coat, that I’ve used as a transition shade with other palettes, but also on its own. I particularly love using it to smoke out the lower lid. It makes my green eyes pop!

Falling short on the love list is the lipstick. The shade is a lovely terra-cotta color, but it’s just too damn sheer. It just gives you this wash of color that does nothing for me. I mean, if I am personally going to wear anything red, you better see me from space. Know what I mean?

Last, and for good reason, is the Luminous Base. As a girl with oily skin, I tend to stay away from primers that make me glow, because genetically I’m like a greasy lit Christmas tree, so this stuff just made my foundation slip and slide all over the place. No thank you! I’ll stick to my Benefit Porefessional.

I must say that overall, the price tag for all these full sized items individually is not that bad. Ranging anywhere from $30 – $48, I’ve paid more for less and I do have to admit that the packaging is absolutely gorgeous. All the items have the signature Burberry plaid woven through the packaging and even stamped into the actual side of the lipstick. Nothing can look fancier than touching up your lipstick after dinner with one of those tubes.

However, it’s the actual colors and products that failed to impress me. I suppose Burberry can be categorized as a brand that sells that posh, minimalist look, but if that’s not your thing, then I say skip.

Till next time, my friends.

Maritza

What-EVER!

Tripping Down My Camera Roll Lane

Maritza2 Comments

I feel like Jane Austen, writing this post by candlelight. Hearing the crickets chirping in the moonlight and the wind rustle through the leaves. Then I think to myself, “Holy Shit! I can’t live like this!”

The truth is, I’m writing this post on my phone (so excuse any typos you may find) right after Hurricane Irma paid South Florida a visit. I have no power. It’s hot as balls in this house and the truth is that the fucking candle I have next to me is actually making me hotter. I just came inside less than 25 minutes ago from charging my phone in my car and I’m bored as hell so I started looking through pictures on my phone and thought that I would give my readers a glimpse into my camera roll.

Let’s starts with this outtake from Hurricane Irma. Keep in mind, I’ve had about 2 Rum and Cokes by this time- so did my mom on the right:

I like to call this look Hurricane Chic. Notice the key elements are frizzy hair, unkept eyebrows and sweaty skin marked by no less than 3 zits. I expect this look to top off Fall Fashion Week in New York.

Next are what we here at the Rodriguez house call Hurricane Supplies and is what primarily contributed to the 10 pound weight gain that occurred in the last 3 days.

Anyone else like Bottlecaps? I feel like they are unsung heroes in the candy world.

A car selfie from last week. I have been digging the minimalist look with a bold, red lip lately. I’m a little perturbed by the forehead wrinkles, but whatever. I’m forty!!!

I know it seems like I need a tan too, but I don’t tan. I freckle!!

Logan and Sofia pretending to love each other during Sofia’s birthday celebration at Brio.

Trust me, there is more slapping than hugging with these two.

My new Netflix obsession, Riverdale. Anyone else think that Archie is hot as hell??

I actually sent this pic to my mom because she has a thing for red heads. She agreed that he was “Muy Caliente!”.

Family picture from my 40th Birthday dinner. I love that top. It’s from Old Navy. You’d be surprised how much of my wardrobe is from Old Navy.

My husband had been recently diagnosed with Bells Palsy so that’s why he looks a bit crooked.

The outfit that I ordered from Modcloth for Halloween. I cannot wait till it arrives although with this stupid hurricane, package its probably delayed.

I plan to wear these cute black patent leather heels with a bow and ruffle at the front. I’m going for an updated Wednesday Adams look. I think I may also do a post on this if it looks halfway decent on me.

A sample of some Rodan + Fields Skincare that my friend, Nury, sent me. Between the forehead wrinkles and chin zits, I’m thinking now is a good time to try it.

She also sent me a bag of little mints, but I ate them before I snapped a picture. I’m such a mint whore. The more peppermint the better, I always say.

My kids photobombing my selfie. Sofia is constantly reminding me that I’m no Kim Kardashian, so stop with all the selfies!

Notice Logan in the background looking all sinister. I worry about that one sometimes.

And last, another selfie from Instagram. I was trying to promote on of my blog posts on Insta stories and tried to sound all sophisticated, but kind of just look like the Monopoly guy in drag.

Hope you guys enjoyed a trip down the Camera Roll lane.

Till next time, my friends.

Maritza

MAC · Uncategorized

MAC Girls – Basic Bitch Palette

MaritzaLeave a comment

I feel so naughty owning a palette called Basic Bitch. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t oppose profanity. In fact, I think that dropping the F- Bomb every now and then can be extremely therapeutic. Also, shit and bitch, specifically “That Bitch!” are token phrases in my day to day life.  Admittedly, I am usually referring to my dog, who does happens to be female, and feels compelled to pee all over the floors 2.5 seconds after a walk.

That Bitch!!!

But, you get my point. It’s not that the word Bitch makes me uncomfortable or that MAC has decided to identify certain colors or looks as bitchy. I mean, who the hell cares? It’s just semantics. In the end, no one is going to call you a Bitch just because you used that palette and if they do, then kudos to them for being able to identify a palette on face value. That’s pretty damn impressive.

So now that we are all over the name, let’s talk about the palette. MAC came out with 6 Personality Palettes. I guess the goal is to pick the one that best suits your personality, but ultimately, it comes down to color preference as I, for one, am not Power Hungry, a Rockin’ Rebel, Pretty Princess, Fashion Fanatic, Mischievous Minx or a Basic Bitch.

Did anyone else think of the end of the Breakfast Club movie when reading all the labels?

Anyways, I’m more of a Yoga Pant Mom and, quite frankly, MAC, that was a lost opportunity on your end.  Why do they always forget the moms? Mom’s are the ones who make the most money and can spend more at your counter. Maybe jot that down for next time?

Out of all the selections, the colors I was most drawn to were the smoky silvers, grays and plums of the Basic Bitch palette. I thought it would be a great palette for fall and I could honestly see myself wearing them to work, date with the hubs or drinks with friends. There are a total of 9 shades:

(copied from MAC website)

9-4-2017 5-27-40 PM

I love almost all the colors. Sly Girl is absolutely gorgeous! It’s a glittery, purple metallic BOMB and it’s my absolute favorite quickly followed by Ms. Personality and Text Me Later. However, Tattle-Tale, Game Player and Love this Bitch (highlighter) left me a bit underwhelmed. I couldn’t even get Love this Bitch to show up under any lightening, so I am thinking I may just be too pale for it, which is odd as it is an icy pink shade and those usually suit me quite well.

I see nothing!

The palette itself cost $39.50, which at first I was like “MAC, you crazy!”, but then when I broke down the price, it basically adds up to $4.38/pan, which is very reasonable. All the pans are not exactly the same size, so there may some price discrepancy, but overall, not too bad for MAC.

Would I rush and buy the remaining palettes? Definitely, not. I would recommend you head on over to the MAC counter and choose one that suits your color tastes instead of personality.

Till next time, my friends.

Maritza