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Friday, July 24, 2015

Illuminare Cosmetics Brand Review | Mineral Makeup & Cruelty Free


Illuminare means "to illuminate" in Italian. 
I am very excited to talk about this great brand of natural mineral makeup from Illuminare Cosmetics. A few months ago, I discovered and raved about their mattifying liquid mineral foundation that you can read about here and see in a video here. The company recently contacted me after seeing my review and asked if I would be interested to review more of their products. I immediately agreed (who wouldn't?!) and I have been incredibly impressed with ALL of the products they sent me to try.

First of all, I want to share some info about the background of the company. The company was started by Ruthie Molloy, a makeup artist, who worked out of a surgical facility where she would apply makeup on clients or patients to conceal redness, rosacea, dark circles, and bruises from post-surgical procedures. Her passion was to develop products that would give great coverage, lock in moisture, stay all day, and have a reliable SPF in them. She also had a passion to create products that are natural, cruelty-free, contain no harsh chemicals, fragrance, or anything irritating to those with sensitive skin. Her products contain the fewest ingredients possible. To read more about Ruthie and her company, please click here.

Ruthie's standards, mission, and passion inspires me greatly. I stand behind this company 100% and I'm so excited to share their products with you and express to you how amazing they perform.

I have a special coupon code for my viewers! Use Coupon Code: BMSBlog for 10% off your order from 7/20/2015 to 8/24/2015.

FOUNDATION

Illuminare Cosmetics Foundation Sample Pack

Illuminare Cosmetics Mattifying Mineral Foundation
Now, let's talk about their amazing foundations. I won't go into as much detail here as I did before in my earlier post. But the highlights as to why I like the foundation has to do with the fact that you don't need a primer, it lasts all day, it gives the most beautiful, natural looking coverage, and it does not irritate my skin. In fact, I feel like it helps my skin. Maybe it's the moisturizing factor... I'm not sure, but it makes my skin look radiant and beautiful. All foundations retail for $27 for 0.5fl.

I highly recommend ordering the Deluxe Sample Pack (Currently $5.95 - 9 samples) to try if you're not sure what kind of liquid mineral foundation to try. Illuminare created three formulations to choose from: Moisturizing (for dry skin types), Concealing (great for dry to combination skin types... if oily, I recommend a primer), and Mattifying (combination to oily skin types) and you can sample them in this one great pack. My skin is combination and tends to become really oily in the T-Zone as the day goes on. Oddly enough, my skin favored the moisturizing and mattifying foundation. I'm glad I ordered the sample pack first to determine what worked great for my skin. Once fall and winter come, I will be switching to the moisturizing foundation. The concealing foundation is like a foundation and concealer in one. It can build up to a full coverage look very easily. In fact, I would say all of them build up to a medium to full coverage. For light coverage, take a small amount of your face lotion and mix it with it. To see me use the mattifying foundation in action, check out my current full-coverage foundation routine here.

*Also, very important to note - the colors are darker than the names would apply. Another great reason to get the sample pack is to make sure the shade matches your skin tone. For example, I ordered Florentine Fair which works for me when I am self-tanned and have a medium skin tone*


Illuminare Cosmetics Fast Application Pad
For application, I used their Fast Application Pad (retails for $10) which is a fantastic tool that I am now obsessed with. This large, oval fabric pad really did spread the foundation over my skin so easily and flawlessly. It felt soft to my face and made application of it much faster than I'm used to. Just use a pea size of foundation, spread from middle to outer perimeters, and that's it! The fact that this is reusable is great for the Earth!
BLUSH

Illuminare Perfect Color Mineral Blush in Porcelain
The next thing I received was their Perfect Color Mineral Blush ($18 for 0.25 fl oz).  I asked to be sent the color Porcelain for a natural looking flush to the cheeks. It creates an illuminating light pink/neutral flush to my cheeks and it's incredibly flattering. This blush applied perfectly using the Fast Application Pad. It lasted all day on me and didn't accentuate my pores or lines. I also found that it was a great base to use in conjunction with a powder blush on days I wanted a little more "pop" to my color.

ALL DAY EYE COLORS,  EYELINERS & EYE BROW PRODUCTS

Illuminare All Day Eye Colors in Cafe Latte, Cafe Americano, Cafe Mocha, and Expresso.

I am so impressed with Illuminare's All Day Eye Colors (retails for $18 for 0.25 fl oz). They have several shades available, all in the nude-toned family. I was sent four shades to try: Cafe Latte, Cafe Americano, Cafe Mocha, and Expresso. All of them act and perform like primers as well as eyeshadows. They are so pigmented, creamy, and spread very easily (no blotches!) - making application a breeze whether I used my finger or a synthetic brush. I love using Cafe Latte as an all over eyeshadow base to create a flawless canvas and hide any sort of discoloration on my lids. It works SO well at covering up veins and evening out my skin tone. I enjoy using Mocha for my crease as a transition shade, and to define my outer corner, I will use Americano or Expresso... or even both if I really want a smokey eye look. Expresso can double up as a dark brown eyeliner and Americano can double up as an eyebrow filling product. I was told by Brittany, who is a wonderful rep and makeup artist for the company, to try Americano in place of my current eyebrow defining product and she was right to do so! I applied it with their Eyebrow and Eyeliner brush (retails for $10) I absolutely love it. It stays ALL DAY. These are beautiful and amazing eye and brow products.

BEYOND BLACK EVERLASTING EYE LINER

Illuminare Cosmetics Beyond Black Everlasting Eye Liner & Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush
My darlings, the Beyond Black Everlasting Eye Liner (retails for $21 for .17oz) is SO BLACK I can't handle it. It's beautiful. It has such a solid, pigmented spread and is really easy to glide on your eyelids for that super dark cat eyeliner look that we are all guilty of loving a little too much. This also works as an amazing base for layering eyeshadows on top of in order to make them stand out. This will not budge and I did use some of my cleansing water on a q-tip to get the rest of it off after washing my face, but it is worth it. I love it. I used the eyebrow and eyeliner brush to apply it... and the bristles are stiff enough to keep that line in tact. People with bigger eyes will love this brush for that. For those of us with smaller eyes, it may be a little tricky to get used to and be mindful to use a lighter pressure in order to keep the line thinner vs thicker. 

LIPS

Illuminare Cosmetics Ultra Shine Mineral Lipstick in Flirty and All Day Mineral Lip Color in Love.
There are two kinds of lip products to try! There is the Ultrashine Mineral LipGloss (retails for $17 for .27 oz) and the All Day Mineral LipColor (retails for $16 for 0.2oz). Both of these formulations felt really comfortable on my lips. The Ultrashine LipGloss in Flirty was sheer and felt thicker on the lips...and it wasn't too sticky. There is a shimmer in it, but you don't feel it on the lips. I feel like this is moisturizing as it is shiny. The All Day Mineral LipColor in Love is definitely my favorite. This color is so beautiful and flatters my skintone. This color lasted quite a while and faded nicely when I ate. It was easy to reapply and would stay put until I would eat or drink anything. I will definitely be ordering some of the other colors in that formulation.

Thank you for reading this review and checking out Illuminare Cosmetics with me. I definitely recommend this company and I hope this helped you get a feel for the kind of products you may be looking to try and what to expect. To see my video review on this brand, check below:



Much love to you - Kari of BeautyMindSpirit.
Kari of BeautyMindSpirit wearing Illuminare Cosmetics.




Tuesday, July 21, 2015

IPSY Gems & Target Haul | Makeup, Boho Hat, Hair Accessory


IPSY gems and mini target haul! New makeup from the drugstore - @beautymindspirit
Hey guys! I have some great products to share with you today! First of all, I received such amazing beauties in my IPSY July bag (2015). I absolutely love them. I have been wanting the Tarte Park Ave Princess Bronzer for a while now. I'm so excited to use it and try it on! It has this beautiful glow to it that would compliment light to medium skin tones super well as a bronzer. It may work as a subtle highlight for darker skin tones. Next up is a gorgeous eyeshadow and highlight called Bliss from OFRA (Use code IPSYOFRA for 40% off your order until 8/31/2015). Then I pulled out Be a Bombshell lip tint in Ruby (use code IPSY30 for 30% off until 8/31/2015). This is a pretty sheer tone for your lips that adds nice moisture and a sheer tint of a flattering red tone. Following that I pulled out the mini Avene Gel Cleanser. This looks like a nice cleanser and I am almost running out of my Michael Todd Charcoal cleanser. Couldn't come at a more perfect time! The last treasure in my IPSY bag was the Jar'el Parker Classico perfume which smells absolutely divine... like a sensual floral aroma that is warm and fresh at the same time. I'm impressed that this perfume passed my approval. I am SUPER picky with scents.

If you haven't signed up for IPSY, they started to have opening spots for new subscribers so you should definitely take advantage of this window and join us!! I would LOVE it if you used my referral link: https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=7d9s and if you do, major hugs and kisses and thank you.

Products from Target @beautymindspirit
From target I found some really cool items. I fell in love with a bohemian hat that Tara Michelle from YouTube talked about. I couldn't find it online, but I am sure you will find them at your local target. They have other colors and the brown one was my favorite. Also, I grabbed Revlon's new Photoready Eye Art in Topaz Twinkle which is this really cool dual ended eye product. The one end has a metallic color which would be great for a liquid base, and the other is a beautiful glitter eyeliner. Next up is Loreal's new Brow Styler Plumper which is a tinted eyebrow gel product which will also keep your eyebrows in place while it adds additional color to them. And the last thing I picked up from Target is Maybelline's Superstay Better Skin Concealer. Samantha Schuerman from YouTube raved about this on her channel, so I thought I would give it a try. I'm always looking for the best concealer to cover up my stubborn dark circles and help to conceal my puffiness.

Lastly, Tati Westbrook mentioned these hair ties called Bobbles that are safer for your hair and will supposedly help with less breakage. I usually use claw clips, but figured this would be something worth trying - because I've missed throwing my hair up in a messy bun. Hopefully these work and my hair doesn't hate me.

So there we go! I hope you enjoyed this little mini haul. Be sure to watch the video below to see me talk about these items in live action and to see swatches of some of the makeup items.
VIDEO:


Kari of BeautyMindSpirit :)
Much love and laughter,
Kari




Thursday, July 16, 2015

The NEW Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Plus - Reformulated and Re-Designed!

The new Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes + design. Top: New packaging. Bottom: Old packaging.
Younique just released their brand new, reformulated Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes +. Mine arrived in the mail the day before it released. Yesterday, I posted a video talking about it and comparing it to the old formula. I will also embed the video below on this post if you'd like to see me using the new formula and how it applied.

First of all, let's talk about the difference in design with packaging. The new 3D Fiber Lashes + now comes sealed in a box, that is a lot easier to throw away without feeling a bit guilty. I always felt bad throwing my previous case away since it is made from harder material. The design is more sleek and sophisticated...and I feel really represents and encompasses the Younique image and culture.

Left: Previous design               Right: New design
The new Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara + containers with see-through areas. @beautymindspirit
The mascara containers have also been redesigned to showcase a see-through compartment, allowing you to see when you're running out of product and when it's time to order. I absolutely love this and find it to be very considerate and helpful. The sizing differences are still the same. The transplanting gel will be in a longer tube and the fibers, in a shorter one. This will make it easier in determining which one you've grabbed - avoiding a potential mistake of grabbing the wrong one.

New transplanting gel brush design - Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara + - @Beautymindspirit

Younique also redesigned the brush on the transplanting gel to have a pointed tip which will be better at reaching the inner and outer corner of eyelashes. The brush is also designed to be more equipped to define, separate, and remove clumps. The fibers are now infused with the Uplift Serum, which contains nourishing properties and will help your eyeslashes be more nourished, shiny, and softer.

Here are the bullet points to the changes directly from the site:
+ Volume
Believe your eyes—Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ will increase average lash volume by up to 400%*. 

+ Enhanced Formula
We’re taking our best-selling product to the next level—the new enhanced formula has two international patents pending and is ophthalmologically tested and hypoallergenic.

+ New Brush + Enhanced Fibers
We’ve redesigned the brush for a more even application—and to reach even the shortest lashes on the corner of the eye. And the fibers? The clinically tested rayon fibers are now fortified with Younique’s Uplift Eye Serum, which hydrates and softens lashes.

+ New Packaging
Wondering when it’s time to order your next set? Now you’ll know, with the new packaging’s clear windows. It all comes in a beautifully redesigned box made of recyclable material, and the new travel-friendly bag holds both bottles, with room for a few more cosmetics to toss in, as well!

+ Incredible Value
More volume for the same price?! Yes, please! Retails for $29 USD, $35 CAD, $38 AUD, $40 NZD, £23 GBP, $505 MXN.

My overall opinion:



I loved it. I was a fan of the old formula, and now I am even more of a fan with the new one. After wearing this all day, I didn't have any issues. It performed similarly with staying curled and volumized all day as the previous formula did, but my lashes were more defined, volumized, and less clumpy. I also noticed that my eyelashes were less dry and felt a little softer while the mascara was on them. Since this is a brand new tube, I will be sure to pay attention and notice if the formula changes at all the more I use it and it is introduced to the air. Sometimes that can affect the formula. If I notice any change or difference, I'll be sure to make a note in here and update the blog post.

Thanks for reading! Here is my video review and my comparison between the old formula and the new one. Enjoy!

To purchase the mascara, you can do so by clicking this link: https://www.youniqueproducts.com/beautymindspirit/products/view/US-11101-02#.ViE7pSuwGSo

*I am a Younique rep and if you purchase through me, I will receive a small percentage of the sale (so thank you!) and you will be supporting my effort and hard work to go into my reviews. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can also search for this mascara online. I am 100% honest in my reviews and quite critical of the products I try. FYI - I just wanted you to know* ❤

Sunday, July 12, 2015

LUSH Cosmetics Haul - Body Conditioner, Dry Shampoo, Makeup

Lush Cosmetics Haul - BeautyMindSpirit
I made a little stop at LUSH today and picked up one of my ultimate favorite products EVER and a few new things to try out.

First thing is my favorite: The Ro's Argan Body Conditioner. This dream-like creation moisturizes my body and keeps it soft and smelling incredible for HOURS and HOURS. I picked this up again after not having it for months (It's a little pricey - $32.95 for 8.2oz), because I wanted to see if it would do a good job covering up the inevitable self-tanner scent... you know, the one that every company claims you won't experience, but you do.... yeah, that one. I hope it works for that! If there's anything that would, it would probably be this.

The next thing I wanted to try was their dry shampoo called, No Drought ($6.95 for 1.9oz). It is made with cornstarch which is great at absorbing oil and water. You will also notice this ingredient in some natural deodorants. I am looking forward to trying it out!

I wanted to give some of their makeup a try. I've been fascinated by it for a long time and haven't really dove in quite yet. I picked up the Feeling Younger Skin Tint ($18.95 for 0.7oz), which is like an illuminating product. It has iridescent shimmers in it which will brighten the skin. You can mix it in with your lotion or foundations to create a luminous effect. You could also use it on top of foundation on the areas of the face you want to highlight. I'm excited to work with this and see how it performs. This reminds of the L'Oreal Magic Lumi Primer.

The Light Yellow Colour Supplement ($16.95 for 0.7oz) is a foundation which is very light and creamy to the touch. This can be used alone, or mixed in with a lotion to become a tinted moisturizer. I've been looking to have something like this that I can just throw on my face for days I don't wear a lot of makeup. I've been using a lot of BB or CC creams for this - but most of them contain dimethicone and I've been trying to find products to use that don't contain it. I plan to use the Feeling Younger Skin Tint and this together, to see what happens. I'm especially curious to know how both of them will perform on my oily t-zone skin.

Lastly, I was given a sample of a hair treatment to try. This is called H'Suan Wen Hua (try to pronounce that one! Or just watch me try in the video below and laugh at me). This is a mega moisture hair treatment/masque ($20.95 for 7.9oz) that is meant for overly dry hair ...aka my ends and highlighted hair pieces. You are supposed to put this on dry hair for several minutes and then wash it off with shampoo and then condition as usual. I hope this brings a punch of moisture back to my dreary locks.

My Video: 




I hope these work out great! If you have tried them or recommend something else, let me know. I'd love to hear your recommendations.

Xoxo,
Kari

Friday, July 10, 2015

JULY MYSTERY BOX OFFER - JULEP MAVEN

JULEP MAVEN


Hey Guys! I received another email regarding a deal and special from Julep Maven to share with you! As always, these links are affiliate links. Special reads as follows:

Is your style like Night and Day? Take your pick with the July Mystery Box! The Holo Nights Mystery Box features Christa, a purple twilight liquid holographic and the Holo Days Mystery box features Hallie - a bay blue liquid holographic. There is no overlap between the two boxes and each box contains at least $100 of nail and beauty products for only $24.99. Get your July Mystery Box today!

Offer expires on 7/13/15 at 11:59 PM PT, or while supplies last. Every Holo Nights Mystery Box will include Christa (Bombshell). Every Holo Days Mystery Box will include Hallie (It Girl). Other products vary. Purchase of multiple Holo Nights Mystery Boxes may result in polish or product overlap. Purchase of multiple Holo Days Mystery Boxes may result in polish or product overlap. Offer may not be combined with any other promotional offer or discount (e.g Maven 20% discount). No exchanges or returns are possible on Mystery Box, individual items, or add-ons. Estimated full retail value is at least $100. Taxes vary by location.

Bright and Easy Nail Art Tutorial



Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

I'm sure you have seen photos of beautiful nail art everywhere and a lot of them look difficult. Many nail art designs are actually very simple and with a little experimentation, you can create new designs of your own. Our friends at Julep have a fresh new nail art tutorial that shows just how easy it is to give yourself a bright and fun mani using three of your favorite colors.

JULEP MAVEN

1. Apply one coat of pink polish and let dry completely.
2. Use Striping Brush to apply lemon-lime at an angle on lower portion of your nail. Let dry completely.
3. Use Striping Brush to apply purple on the tip of nail. Apply a top coat and you are done!
Wasn't that easy?
If you join Julep Maven now, you get all three of these bright and beautiful summer shades (Sam, Polly and Denise), two buffer blocks and two nail art tools perfect for creating your favorite nail designs as your free welcome gift. The limited-edition Treat Me Nail Art Welcome Box is valued at $58, but is yours free (just pay $2.99 shipping) when you sign up for a Julep subscription.
As a Julep Maven you’ll receive a box of brand-new, full sized nail color and beauty products each month – and you deserve it! A few of my favorite reasons for being a Maven:
  • Julep Maven is affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of full-size products for just $24.99 per month (tip - prepay for three months at a time and save $15).
  • Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don't like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don't want.
  • Julep Mavens get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your polish, that adds up to some amazing savings!
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW TO SEE THESE STEPS IN ACTION:

JULEP MAVEN
Get started now! Join Maven and get the Treat Me Nail Art Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) - just pay $2.99 shipping using the code NAILS. Want an even better deal? Pre-pay for your first three months of Maven and get the Welcome Box and shipping FREE. Either way, you are going to LOVE being a Maven.


Monday, July 6, 2015

Monochromatic Sky & Vivid Forest Painting | Meaning


One of the things I do, that relaxes me and centers me, is to paint. I let whatever feeling guide me to the canvas and from there, unravels this comprised subconscious creation of those feelings. The other day I painted this seemingly surprised forest that flowed along with a river that sort of appears out of nowhere. The back is painted as a monochromatic gray sky with clouds, even though the forest and water stand out so vividly. It is to remind myself that no matter what is transpiring outside of me in the world...that I will always find what I need inside of me...carrying me through all the ebbs and flows of life....reminding me that I add color to monochromatic phases of my life, even if I feel so alien or unseen, and that change is always going to require new color for new canvas. πŸ’—πŸŒΊπŸ’–⭐️

You add color, too. All of us.