Last week, I let you guys know that the name of my blog was changing to Beauddiction, and it still is...that hasn't changed. But I ran into a hiccup with my domain names and hosting.
My original plan was to just change the web address of this blog and keep all of my old content in the same place but the way things are set up, I'm not able to do that...so basically I have to start a brand new blog.
On the one hand, it really stinks because it's like starting from scratch with search engine rankings and traffic numbers...things like that. But on the other hand, starting from scratch can be a really good thing!
I have a brand new site and I'm loving the clean, crisp new design. It also allows me to add more features than I had on this blog and I will be adding them in the following weeks.
I plan to keep this one out there so you can reference all of my old posts if you need to (and I'll still be linking to them from the new blog as well).
So to all of my loyal readers...I hope that you'll follow me over on Beauddiction.com. I will be posting the same regular content and nothing will change except the site design and the name. :) **Please note that for the moment my comments are working on the new blog, but you have to scroll down to the bottom of the post to see them (there's no comment count at the top). I'm working to try and get them up and running ASAP.**
Love you guys!! Thanks so much for understanding and being so supportive. You're the best!
Friday Faves!
Every Friday going forward, I'd like to start doing a "Friday Faves" post, highlighting the products I've been reaching for a lot over the past week. These products might be ones I've talked about already here on the blog or they might be something I haven't posted a review on yet. I end up trying and reviewing so many different products, I thought it might be fun to share the products I'm personally using this week.
Let's take a look!
City Color Hypnotic Palette Review & Swatches
While I'm not a fan of creating bright, bold eye looks on myself per se, I've seen lots of gals I follow on Instagram rocking absolutely stunning colorful looks. So I wanted to grab this palette and swatch it for you guys, as it could be an affordable alternative to some of the palettes I mentioned earlier.
Let's take a look!
10 New Skincare Products I Want to Try in 2017
I've been adding products to my mental shopping cart the past couple of weeks and I wanted to share the ones I'm most excited to try in 2017. Let's take a look!
Emjoi eRase e60 Epilator Review
You may be familiar with Emjoi (I've blogged about their foot smoothing devices here on the blog in the past) and I was so excited to find out that they make epilators too! I don't know why, but I never hear about this method of hair removal...and it's totally underrated. Everyone I know either shaves or waxes, both of which have their own unique drawbacks.
The Budget Beauty Blog is Changing to Beauddiction
Hey Guys!
I just wanted to take a few minutes to talk about a big change coming to my blog...I'm changing the name! I know, it's a huge risky step but it feels right.
Why I needed a change:
When I started this blog in 2009, I had a very narrow focus on drugstore makeup only so the name "Budget Beauty" made sense. Over the years, I've heard a lot of feedback from you guys and the overwhelming majority wanted to see a broader spectrum of makeup reviews that included more mid-range brands (not necessarily high-end like Dior or Charlotte Tilbury...more like Tarte, Too Faced, and Lorac) in addition to my drugstore reviews.
Many of you understood that the word "budget" didn't necessarily mean I should only talk about drugstore products. A lot of people on a budget will still splurge on a more expensive product if they feel that it's worth the money.
Unfortunately, there were quite a few who didn't agree and as a result, I've been spending a lot of time trying to explain myself lately...especially as my blog and social media accounts continue to grow. Whenever I post about a non-drugstore brand, I would get a lot of comments and emails saying things like:
"It's kind of hypocritical to post about a $40 palette when you're supposed to be a "budget" blog"
"You need to stay in your lane"
"Why are you posting about this when your readers can't afford it?"
"A lot of people aren't following you anymore because you talk about higher-end products now"
I realize that I can't please everyone and I should ignore the negativity, but the reason it bothered me so much is because their words somewhat echoed what I had been feeling for some time now. I did sort of feel like a hypocrite when I posted about something more expensive. I worried that I would lose followers because of it, even though I've had steady growth and so many people were begging me to post a wider range of reviews. I felt really torn and it gave me quite a few sleepless nights...especially since I've worked so hard to get where I am.
I guess it all comes down to this...when I started the blog, the name fit, and it was awesome! But now it really doesn't. I tried to "make it work" by saying that I was a blog for "all budgets" but that wasn't really too successful and created some confusion since different people interpret the name "budget" to mean different things.
Choosing a New Name:
I talked to my husband about it and he suggested changing the name to something a bit more universal. Something that would stand the test of time and would fit with anything beauty-related I wanted to talk about. I struggled with the decision for many months because I've been The Budget Beauty Blog for the last 8 years...that's a long time! It's become my online identity and it's how people know me. But I decided that if I was going to make a change I should do it soon because my blog keeps growing and it's only going to get harder the more readers I have.
I've been trying to think of a name since the fall, but nothing was coming to me. I wanted it to be simple, easy to remember (preferably one word), and to describe my blog content in a broad sense. I thought of so many names but they were all taken...that was the most frustrating part. One of my favorites was "BeautyFix" but the web address and social media accounts are owned by other people.
I kept telling my husband Eric..."so many people have told me that they visit my blog and Instagram to get their 'daily beauty fix' and that's what I want to convey but the name (and similar names) are all taken". That's when he reminded me of the name he's been using for a while now to describe my little habit of collecting beauty products...Beauddiction. We'll be sitting on the couch at night while I browse the Ulta website for new products and he'll lean over and playfully say, "ugh, are you feeding your Beauddiction again?". Or when we go to the mall and I have to make stops at Sephora, Ulta, and CVS, he'll groan, "come on, your Beauddiction is taking over our shopping trip".
It's been our little inside joke for the past year or so, and as soon as he reminded me of that it was a lightbulb moment! Duh, why didn't I think of Beauddiction!?
One of the reasons I started this blog in the first place was because no one in my personal life really understood my beauty addiction (Beauddiction, haha). I wanted to share my beauty finds with like-minded beauty junkies like myself and I have definitely found an amazing community that loves beauty just as much as I do. The name just makes sense because it encompases all types of beauty products at all price points...and it pays homage to the reason I started my blog all those years ago.
Going Forward:
I've already switched over some of my social media accounts to Beauddiction (if you're already following me, you still are...nothing has changed except the name). In the next few days, I'll be changing the name and web address of the blog too (the old budgetbeautyblog.com will redirect to the new one so you'll still end up here if you type in the old name by accident).
Also, I'm keeping the Budget Beauty Blog name (because I love it) and who knows? When my son starts school and I have a lot more time, maybe I'll start two blogs...one completely drugstore focused and one on higher-end beauty.
But for now, I want to assure you that nothing else is changing...just the name. My content will remain exactly the same- a healthy mix of drugstore and mid-range beauty product news and reviews. I'm really just changing the name to match what I've already been posting for some time now.
I hope you love the new name as much as I do and will continue to support me here and on social media. I love you guys! XOXO
I just wanted to take a few minutes to talk about a big change coming to my blog...I'm changing the name! I know, it's a huge risky step but it feels right.
Why I needed a change:
When I started this blog in 2009, I had a very narrow focus on drugstore makeup only so the name "Budget Beauty" made sense. Over the years, I've heard a lot of feedback from you guys and the overwhelming majority wanted to see a broader spectrum of makeup reviews that included more mid-range brands (not necessarily high-end like Dior or Charlotte Tilbury...more like Tarte, Too Faced, and Lorac) in addition to my drugstore reviews.
Many of you understood that the word "budget" didn't necessarily mean I should only talk about drugstore products. A lot of people on a budget will still splurge on a more expensive product if they feel that it's worth the money.
Unfortunately, there were quite a few who didn't agree and as a result, I've been spending a lot of time trying to explain myself lately...especially as my blog and social media accounts continue to grow. Whenever I post about a non-drugstore brand, I would get a lot of comments and emails saying things like:
"It's kind of hypocritical to post about a $40 palette when you're supposed to be a "budget" blog"
"You need to stay in your lane"
"Why are you posting about this when your readers can't afford it?"
"A lot of people aren't following you anymore because you talk about higher-end products now"
I realize that I can't please everyone and I should ignore the negativity, but the reason it bothered me so much is because their words somewhat echoed what I had been feeling for some time now. I did sort of feel like a hypocrite when I posted about something more expensive. I worried that I would lose followers because of it, even though I've had steady growth and so many people were begging me to post a wider range of reviews. I felt really torn and it gave me quite a few sleepless nights...especially since I've worked so hard to get where I am.
I guess it all comes down to this...when I started the blog, the name fit, and it was awesome! But now it really doesn't. I tried to "make it work" by saying that I was a blog for "all budgets" but that wasn't really too successful and created some confusion since different people interpret the name "budget" to mean different things.
Choosing a New Name:
I talked to my husband about it and he suggested changing the name to something a bit more universal. Something that would stand the test of time and would fit with anything beauty-related I wanted to talk about. I struggled with the decision for many months because I've been The Budget Beauty Blog for the last 8 years...that's a long time! It's become my online identity and it's how people know me. But I decided that if I was going to make a change I should do it soon because my blog keeps growing and it's only going to get harder the more readers I have.
I've been trying to think of a name since the fall, but nothing was coming to me. I wanted it to be simple, easy to remember (preferably one word), and to describe my blog content in a broad sense. I thought of so many names but they were all taken...that was the most frustrating part. One of my favorites was "BeautyFix" but the web address and social media accounts are owned by other people.
I kept telling my husband Eric..."so many people have told me that they visit my blog and Instagram to get their 'daily beauty fix' and that's what I want to convey but the name (and similar names) are all taken". That's when he reminded me of the name he's been using for a while now to describe my little habit of collecting beauty products...Beauddiction. We'll be sitting on the couch at night while I browse the Ulta website for new products and he'll lean over and playfully say, "ugh, are you feeding your Beauddiction again?". Or when we go to the mall and I have to make stops at Sephora, Ulta, and CVS, he'll groan, "come on, your Beauddiction is taking over our shopping trip".
It's been our little inside joke for the past year or so, and as soon as he reminded me of that it was a lightbulb moment! Duh, why didn't I think of Beauddiction!?
One of the reasons I started this blog in the first place was because no one in my personal life really understood my beauty addiction (Beauddiction, haha). I wanted to share my beauty finds with like-minded beauty junkies like myself and I have definitely found an amazing community that loves beauty just as much as I do. The name just makes sense because it encompases all types of beauty products at all price points...and it pays homage to the reason I started my blog all those years ago.
Going Forward:
I've already switched over some of my social media accounts to Beauddiction (if you're already following me, you still are...nothing has changed except the name). In the next few days, I'll be changing the name and web address of the blog too (the old budgetbeautyblog.com will redirect to the new one so you'll still end up here if you type in the old name by accident).
Also, I'm keeping the Budget Beauty Blog name (because I love it) and who knows? When my son starts school and I have a lot more time, maybe I'll start two blogs...one completely drugstore focused and one on higher-end beauty.
But for now, I want to assure you that nothing else is changing...just the name. My content will remain exactly the same- a healthy mix of drugstore and mid-range beauty product news and reviews. I'm really just changing the name to match what I've already been posting for some time now.
I hope you love the new name as much as I do and will continue to support me here and on social media. I love you guys! XOXO
New Makeup Revolution Products Launch at Ulta
Head on over to Ulta.com now to shop the collection...nothing is over $18 and the entire brand is currently BOGO 50% off!
Disclosure: Affiliate Links
Please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
Lorac California Dreaming Eyeshadow Palette Now at Ulta
Chunky sweaters and jewels, wind and white plush clouds, the glow of the sun and your toes in the sand. Lorac Los Angeles brings you an eye shadow palette that was inspired by all the things we love about the sunny city in late winder. This soft, universal eye shadow palette contains 12 matte and shimmer shades with a variety of highlight, crease, lid, and liner shades. Grab your sweater, sunglasses, and sandals and experience what Lorac has dreamed up for you.
Shades:
- Button
- Starfish
- Cozy
- Bonfire
- Overcast
- Bonfire
- Hot Toddy
- Cable Knit
- Seaside
- Sand Castle
- Boots
- Kitty Cat
- 65 Degrees
I'm loving this mix of warm and cool-toned shades...it's a breath of fresh air from the all-warm toned palettes we've been seeing recently. It looks like it has a great mix of mattes and shimmers and the colors are totally wearable (but not the same old boring browns).
I'm definitely picking this one up...what about you? Grab it now at Ulta.com and be sure to activate the 5x points on Lorac that's available now in the Bonus Offers section of your account!
Disclosure: Affiliate Links
Please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
Disclosure: Affiliate Links
Please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
It Cosmetics New Year, New Confidence QVC Today's Special Value
I'm so excited to finally be able to share the entire It Cosmetics New Year, New Confidence In Your Skin Collection with you...it's the Today's Special Value on QVC today (only until 11:59pm tonight).
This collection includes:
- New Confidence in a Compact Solid Serum Foundation that I reviewed the other day (see that post here)
- Heavenly Skin Skin Smoothing Complexion Brush
- Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream
- Confidence in a Cream Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream (all full-sizes).
Read on for all the details!
NEW J. Cat Beauty Now at Ulta
Happy Weekend guys! Several new J.Cat Beauty products have just dropped at Ulta.com and I'm so excited to see the new highlighters and the beautiful Sunset Boulevard Palette!
I purchased the Sunset Boulevard Palette ($14.99) from the J.Cat website back in early December and quickly posted swatches on my Instagram page. But it sold out before I could write a proper review for the blog (and I hate posting a review on something if you guys can't buy it!). Now I'm excited to finally share my thoughts on it with you guys, and I'm going to get to work writing that review. But in the meantime, here are my swatches (these are not over primer...it's super pigmented!).
Also available now is the White Goddess Highlighter (plus two other shades), which I reviewed back in October (see that post here).
Head on over to Ulta.com to see all the new goodies! They're available online only right now, so you won't find these in Ulta stores. :)
Disclosure: Affiliate Links
For More, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
NEW Sephora Lip Balm & Scrub Now Available
Here are the details:
Available in balm or scrub format, these addictive scents will meet any lip concern and boost every mood. Each of the five balms feature targeted ingredients for specific benefits. The lip scrub features gentle sugar exfoliants to smooth and soften lips, priming them for lipstick and other lip products.
Coconut Lip Balm:Nurtures and soothes.
Rose Lip Balm: Nurtures and imparts shine.
Goji Lip Balm: Nurtures and protects.
Tangerine Lip Balm: Nurtures and Tones.
Almond Lip Balm: Nurtures and Moisturizes.
Honey Lip Scrub: Exfoliates and smooths.
The coconut balm and the honey scrub have my name on them! Plus, if you're a Beauty Insider, these qualify for 2x points through Sunday 1/22 (all skin care is included).
Are you getting one (or more) of these? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below! :)
Grab the Lip Balm & Scrub now at Sephora.com
For more, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
NEW! Lorac California Dreaming Cheek Palette
This LORAC California Dreaming cheek palette contains four limited-edition shades to use as a highlighter, blush and bronzer.
PRODUCT FEATURES
- Includes: Sunlight, Wavelength, Ray and Golden Hour shades
- Contains four limited-edition shades to add highlight, color and glow to your complexion
- Versatile highlight, blush and bronzer palette
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Includes: 4 cheek colors (.48 oz. total weight)
According to Lorac's comments on social media, this won't be hitting stores (Ulta and Kohls) until 1/19 but will be available on Lorac's website before then. So I was surprised to see it already on the Kohl's website (it's not at Ulta yet as of the time of this post).
I already ordered one so you can expect a review & swatches next week when it arrives! :) Will you be getting one?
For more, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
For more, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
It Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact Solid Serum Foundation Review
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact is a "brand new skin-transforming, full-coverage solid super serum" that's launching this weekend on QVC as part of a set (presale is live now on the QVC website here). If you love IT Cosmetics' CC+ Cream then read on, because chances are, you'll love this too!
Let's take a look...
Stila Matte 'N Metal Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
I had a little bit of money left over on an Ulta gift card from my birthday in November so when I walked into my local Ulta and saw the new Stila Matte 'N Metal Palette ($49) I grabbed it without a second thought! I have always been tempted by the Kat Von D Metal Matte Palette, especially since I know her formula is amazing, but there are some shades in that palette that I know I'll never wear. Looking at this palette, on the other hand, I knew that I would wear every single shade which is important, especially when you're dropping almost $50 bucks on it.
Let's take a look!
Book Review + Giveaway: Make It Up by Marie Rayma
I've been interested in DIY makeup & skincare since I was a teenager...in fact, years ago my sister and I attempted to start our own lip balm company but life events got in the way and we never ended up doing it. I still like to dabble in creating my own formulas here and there, mainly as a hobby so when I had the opportunity to check out a new book filled with DIY beauty recipes, I jumped at the chance!
Make It Up: The Essential Guide to DIY Makeup & Skincare was written by Marie Rayma, the creator of HumbleBeeandMe.com. Her site is a wealth of information on all things relating to making your own beauty products at home and the book puts her years of knowledge right at your fingertips.
It includes step-by-step how-to's and recipes for creating your own makeup formulas such as eyeshadow, foundation, eyeliner, blush, highlighter, bronzer, airbrushing powder and lip products as well as skincare products such as lotions, face masks, body oils, and more.
Where to buy: Amazon.com and also for Kindle
After reading the book I was so excited to start creating, because her formulas are so easy to follow, even for a beginner! Marie was kind enough to send me the ingredients I would need to make my own loose eyeshadows, including the base (which she pre-mixed herself), mica colors, measuring scoops, and sifter jars along with detailed instructions.
All of the ingredients she sent to me can be found at TKB Trading, which is a website I have ordered from many times in the past...they have a huge selection of ingredients and tools for creating your own makeup.
I ended up making three more shades including a dusty lavender, teal green and olive green.
Overall, I'm really happy with how they turned out...they have nice pigmentation that's easy to build up for more intensity.
I was so inspired by Make It Up that I can't wait to start creating my own products again. Next I'm planning to order some liquid binder and eyeshadow pans from TKB to try making pressed powder eyeshadows (which is also detailed in Marie's book). Maybe I'll even try my hand at blush and highlighter! :) I also plan to dive into lip products again...she has recipes for lip scrubs, tinted balms, long-wearing lipsticks and more.
If you'd like to check out Make It Up, please visit Amazon.com it's available in Paperback and also on Kindle.
I'm also happy to announce that I'm giving away copies of Make It Up to four lucky readers (U.S.A. only please)! You can enter below...good luck! :)
For more, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
Make It Up Book Giveaway
Flower Beauty Shimmer & Strobe Highlighting Palette Review
I've been a fan of Drew Barrymore's makeup line Flower Beauty for a while now, but the new Spring 2017 collection has taken me straight from like to looove in one fell swoop. They are stepping up their game in a major way and kudos to Drew for creating affordable makeup that performs like high-end! I recently reviewed the new Flower Pots blushes (see that post here) so today I wanted to talk about the new Shimmer & Strobe Highlighting Palette ($12.98). It's an amazing quality palette at such an inexpensive price.
Let's take a look!
New Lorac Light Source Illuminating Primers
They come in two shades...Dawn (pearly white) and Dusk (golden bronze).
Instantly bring luminosity and life to your face while preserving your makeup throughout the day with LORAC Los Angeles Light Source 3-in-1 Illuminating Primer. This paraben-free, high-pearl primer is infused with light diffusing, soft focus pigments for a silky smooth, luminous glow.
3 ways to use:
- Alone as a face primer under your makeup.
- Mixed in with your foundation or moisturizer.
- Applied on top of makeup to brighten and highlight.
I need the Dawn shade in my life! It looks like it'll be stunning on fair skin.
Are you getting one?
Pixi Beauty Spring 2017 Available Now
Pixi Beauty has just launched a slew of new products for Spring 2017 including brand new Skintreats formulas and collaborations with four beauty influencers.
Let's take a look!
New in the Skintreats line:
- Peel & Polish Resurfacing Concentrate ($24)- A radiance-revealing enzyme peel.
- Glow O2 Oxygen Mask ($24)- Revives dull, tired skin providing an immediate anti-fatigue effect.
- Vitamin Wakeup Mist ($15)- Boosting treatment toner gives a revitalized, awakened look.
- Sun Mist ($18)- A broad spectrum SPF30 in a sheer mist.
Also new are the GelTint and SilkGloss Duos ($12)...they have a gel lip stain on one side and a complimentary lip gloss on the other.
Pixi is also collaborating with four beauty influencers!
- Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse ($24)- One side contains a solid cleansing oil and the other side has a cleansing cream.
- Aspynovard Glow-y Powder ($16) and Eye Accents ($16)- The Glow-y Powders are velvety soft highlighters made to compliment all skin tones, while the Eye Accents set contains Pixi's Lower Lash Mascara and Brow Tamer.
- ItsJudyTime Get The Look- ItsEyeTime ($24) & ItsLipTime ($24)- Eye and lip palettes that contain 12 shades each.
- Maryam Maquillage Strobe & Bronze ($20) and Strobe & Sculpt ($20) Palettes- Two different shades to highlight and contour your features. Strobe & Bronze appears to be for lighter skintones, while Strobe & Sculpt is for deeper skin tones.
These products should be hitting Target this month sometime so keep your eyes peeled! What's on your list?
Wet n Wild Lash Renegade Mascara Review
I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and am ready to share my thoughts with you!
Algenist Genius Serum & Eye Cream 50% Off Today Only!
The Ulta Beauty Love Your Skin Event kicks off today and features Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum and Eye Cream at 50% off!
I haven't tried the eye cream, but I've been using the Genius Serum (reg. $118, now $59) since October and I love it. I have a lot of sun damage under my eyes and on my cheeks from my teenage years sitting out in the sun. I have always needed more coverage in that area when applying foundation and concealer but since using this serum I noticed that I don't need as much...I can get away with much lighter coverage because my skin looks lighter and brighter and the dark spots are much less noticeable.
This serum is also supposed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and I have noticed that my skin has
been looking younger lately. But to be totally honest with you, I can't say whether or not that change is attributed to this product because I'm using several different anti-aging serums right now. However...I do know that this product alone has lightened my dark spots because I stopped using the one I was previously using and have only been using this for that purpose.
Also, I want to add that there are some reviews on Ulta.com claiming that this product has a bad scent...I have no idea what they're talking about because it smells like chocolate to me! :) It also fades within a few seconds of application so if you're wanting to try this product, don't let those reviews scare you (especially if you like sweet, chocolatey scents).
Have you tried any of the Algenist Genius products yet? Will you be picking either of these up today?
Visit the Love Your Skin event at Ulta.com
For more, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
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