Review: Too Faced Beauty Balm

Too Faced Beauty Balm in Creme Glow

I've been hearing a lot of raves for beauty balm {also known as bb cream} over the past year but I wasn't sure how to incorporate it into my daily makeup routine.  It's basically a tinted moisturizer and primer packed with added skin benefits like SPF, antioxidants and anti aging properties. After browsing the selection at Sephora, I found many of the bb creams only came in one color option which usually had a pinkish tint to it {something that would not work well on me}. I decided to go with the Too Faced Beauty Balm in Creme Glow because it most closely matched my skin tone {light with yellow undertones, tans easily}.

Pros

6 color options to choose from.

Contains SPF 20 UVA/UVB.

Has a soft, subtle shimmer which gives the skin a nice glow.

Kept my skin oil free all day.

Cons

The packaging {a plastic tube with screw cap} could be improved on.

A little on the expensive side {$32 for a 1.5oz tube}.

Overall, I'm really happy with this purchase and liked how it held up throughout the day. It's great for everyday use on it's own for someone who likes sheer to medium coverage and it also adds a nice glow under foundation. I would love to try the Dior Diorskin BB Creme once this runs out to see how it compares. Have you tried a beauty balm yet?

P.S. Thank you for all of the great concealer recommendations, I have a lot of options on my list now! XOXO

Hudson: Week 3

Both outfits from Baby Gap + Aden + Anais Star Swaddling Blanket {set of 4}.

Baby boy turned 3 weeks old on Wednesday the 23rd! Hudson has finally grown into his 0-3 month clothing and is starting to sleep a little bit {key word little} longer at night. Check back next Friday for a giveaway with one of my favorite baby brands... a hint is on my Instagram page! Happy weekend. XOXO

Review: Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Light

My all time favorite concealer is Cle de Peau in Beige and while it lasts a really long time the price is not so great. I've been searching for a cheaper alternative for awhile with zero luck. After reading a lot of reviews of Maybelline's Age Rewind Concealer online, I had high hopes and decided to test it out for myself.

Pros

Easy to apply and cute packaging. 

Great for on the go touch ups.

The thin coverage prevents the product from settling into fine lines.

Under $10.

Cons

The brush attached can't be cleaned.

Not an ideal product for problem skin or blemishes.

The coverage doesn't build up very well.

I'd recommend this if you are looking for something to cover light spots or circles {plus the price is great!}. However, this is not a good match for someone who likes full coverage or who has problem skin. My search continues...do you have a favorite concealer at a decent price that you'd rec? XOXO

Giveaway: Diptyque Or Nest Candle

 Gap Vanilla Kisses Candle : Diptyque Ambre Candle : Nest Tahiti Vanille Candle : Voluspa Muscari Candle

As a thank you for all the well wishes the past few weeks, I wanted to give a reader one of my favorite things! I love having candles around the house {especially ones that are vanilla scented} so the winner of this giveaway can choose any in stock scent of their choice of a Diptyque mini candle from Barneys {view choices here} or any scent of a Nest 8oz candle from Bloomingdales {view choices here}.

Mandatory Entry:
- Become a follower of Nicole's Guide To Style through Google Friend Connect on the right sidebar.
- Leave a comment with the brand of candle and scent you would like if you win!

Additional Entires {please leave a comment per extra entry}:
- Follow on Facebook.
- Follow on Instagram.
- Follow on Pinterest.
- Follow and tweet about (mention @nsguidetostyle) the giveaway on Twitter.

I'll announce the winner on my Facebook and Twitter pages this Friday, January 25th. Good luck and thanks so much for reading! XOXO

Hudson: Week 2

A handmade blanket from his Great Grandma.

Hats from Little Hip Squeaks... giveaway coming in a few weeks!

 Baby Gap onesie + Jacadi hat.

Hudson turned 2 weeks old on Wednesday the 16th! We've been having so much fun watching him change from day to day! Thank you for continuing to check in while I take a little break from a somewhat regular blogging schedule... hoping to get a few giveaways together for the upcoming weeks! In the meantime, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Thanks again for all the sweet comments and well wishes, have a great weekend! XOXO

Hudson: Week 1

We got to take you home from the hospital on Friday, January 4th after a two night stay.

You got to meet Nala Riggins who had been patiently waiting for you! 

She was a little confused at first but is getting used to you being around. I think you're going to be the of best pals.

:Serena & Lily Blanket, Baby Gap Onesie, Baby Gap Striped Hat, Kissy Kissy Safari Gown + MoMa Creates Boppy Cover:

You rocked your first outfits and we had so much fun taking pictures of your sweet face.

:Maxi-Cosi Prezi Car Seat, Aden + Anais Bamboo Swaddling Blanket, Little Hip Squeaks Chevron Hat + Blanket + Cloud B On The Go Giraffe:

We also left the house a few times and thankfully you loved the car and your stroller... they put you right to sleep. We went to Babies 'R Us for some supplies, Target, out to lunch and to the Dr.'s for a check up. You've already gained weight from being such a good eater and are now 8lbs 1oz!

Our friends and family sent you some beautiful flowers upon your arrival...

... And you also had so many visitors in the hospital and at home who wanted to come and snuggle with you!

Thank you for all the sweet well wishes and congratulations on the Blog, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. I have been so touched with all the love! I can't believe that our baby boy turned 1 week old on Wednesday the 9th, time is going by too quickly. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! XOXO

Baby: Hudson Duke

Hudson Duke

Born January 2, 2013 at 2:20am

7 lbs 12.5 oz + 20 inches

Happy 2013 everyone... my heart has never been happier! XOXO