Happy New Year!

Hello, my Pretties!

Technically, we are 11 hours and 33 minutes away from 2012 here in Texas.  But, I know we will all be out and about celebrating and welcoming in the New Year.  So, I just wanted to take the time right now and wish you all a very Happy and Safe New Year!

I wish for all of you to have an even better year in 2012 than you did in 2011.  I know I need a new, fresh and clean slate.  I will not lie, 2011 was a rough and tough year but I do have high hopes for 2012.  No pressure 2012!

I have so many goals I wish to obtain in the new year.  Whether or not they will be accomplished is only something time will tell.  But my main New Year's Resolution is to start making YouTube videos.  That is the one thing I want the most and the one thing that scares me the most.  That is part of the reason why I need to do this in the upcoming year...just to prove to myself that I can do anything!

And you can too.  Whatever your hopes and your dreams may be, if you want them bad enough, I hope they come true for you.

And since I wanted some photos to go along with this post, I decided to post some of my favorite looks I did on myself in 2011.  Maybe you can use one of these looks to inspire your New Year's Eve look.

Shooting Star

Simply Seductive

Happy Thanksgiving

Profusion Exclusive

Mar y Tierra

Before and After

E.L.F. 100 Eyeshadow Palette

E.L.F. Mineral Eyeshadows

Blue Had Me at Hello

Silent Treatment

Perpetual

Red and Blue Make Purple

Wildflowers

♥ All photos include links to the blog posts in which they were featured. ♥

Well, my dears, that is all for this year.  This will be my last blog post for 2011.  Tomorrow January 1st, will be my one year bloggerversary and I am so excited!  Starting up a blog was last year's New Year's Resolution and I think the only one in my entire life that I actually followed through with.  I am so proud of myself.

My goal was so have 200 subscribers and 200 blog posts.  As of this post, at 3:51 p.m., I have 206 posts (this one makes 207) and 198 subscribers.  I hope my wish comes true and there are 200 subbies in the morning when I wake up!  Oh, subbie fairy, hear my cry!

Thank you all so, so very much!  I cannot find the right words to express my gratitude.  You all have made this blog was it is, better than I thought it would ever be!  I started this blog for myself and now, I do it for you.  Again, thank you all so much for all the sweet comments you have left behind for me to read and for taking the time to view my blog in the first place.

I pray that you all will have a wonderful night filled with friends and family, laughter and love, and most of all, faith and hope for the New Year.  Be safe.  God bless you all, tonight and always.

All my love and gratitude,
--Lisa Martinez

BIRTHDAY GIFT: ULTA Complete Color 73-Piece Collection

Hello, my Pretties!

If you follow me on Twitter, you would know that I lost my camera so I haven't been able to take any new pictures which is driving me crazy because I wanted to do some specific posts before the new year.  Oh well.

Such posts that will be missing, will be:
December Favorites
December Empties
Favorite 2011 Products
My Collective Birthday Show and Tell
and more...

I'm not happy about that.  But hopefully I will find it soon and get back on track as soon as I possibly can.  So, since I can't do a collective birthday haul (I took some pics of my gifts as I got them but not of the later ones I received) I will just show you in detail this one gift I just loved.

ULTA Complete Color 73-Piece Collection

My birthday was on December 21st and it was a big one for me.  I turned 30.  I was excited at first, then depressed, then excited again.  Since I officially became 30, I've been happy.  I still feel the same.  Just more mature.  Like they say in the movie 13 Going on 30, I'm "thirty, flirty, and thriving."

My mom was the one who got this nice little gift for me.  She knows I love makeup and I was really surprised that she got me makeup because she always gets me a sweater.  Bad thing about having a birthday in the winter, you always gets sweaters!

Opened up.

Here it is all opened up.  It's really nice and compact.  Up top is the mirror and the brushes are on the bottom.  The sides open outwards to reveal even more makeup goodness.

Tools included.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not loving these brushes.  I know I won't use them.  I have a nice set of brushes that I always use.  I might just give these to my daughters who love to pretend to put on makeup.  That way, they won't go to waste.

Eyeshadows part 1.

The first part of the eyeshadows are all purples and plums with a couple nice highlight shades thrown in.
Top Row, Left to Right:
Iceland, Sweet, Love, Eye Candy, Impulsive, and Flirty
Bottom Row, Left to Right:
Bloom, Zephyr, Majesty, Wisteria Lane, Heiress, and Plum Noir

Eyeshadows part 2.

The second part of the eyeshadows is larger because it is the part in the middle.  This palette includes more earthy tones of browns and reds.  Love the cream shadows which can also be used as highlights.
Top Row, Left to Right:
Cocoa Bean, Mystical, Organza, Cafe Latte, Calla Lilly, and Naked.
Middle Row, Left to Right:
Molten, Brown Sugar, Truffle, Camel, Stardust, and Silk.
Bottom Row, Left to Right:
Cherry Bomb, Firework, Flame, Sun-kissed, Sunburst, and Au Naturel.

Eyeshadows part 3.

The third part of eyeshadows are cooler tones of blues and greens and some blacks and silvers to do a smoky eye.
Top Row, Left to Right:
Moonbeam, Seaside, Sapphire, Platinum, Gunmetal, and Galaxy.
Bottom Row, Left to Right:
Key West, Green Machine, Oasis, Sage, Shamrock, and Glamazon.

Lip glosses.

Also included are 18 shades of lip gloss.
Top Row, Left to Right:
Charmed, Princess, Pink Sugar, Bellini, Buff, and Shimmer.
Middle Row, Left to Right:
Orchid, Cosmo, Ballerina, Poppy, Hot Coral, and Radiant.
Bottom Row, Left to Right:
Sublime, Miami Pink, Lovely, Siren, Cutie, and Caramel.

Blushes and bronzers.

I love these cheek colors.
Top Row, Left to Right:
Flush, Infatuation, and Light/Medium.
Bottom Row, Left to Right:
Afterglow, Adore, and Bronzer.

Lip gloss, lipstick, eyeliner part 1.

Lip gloss in Flirtini.  Lipstick in Precious Pink.  Eyeliner in Black.

Lip gloss, lipstick, eyeliner part 2.

Lip gloss in Mischief.  Lipstick in Toast.  Eyeliner in Deep Brown.

Now can you see why I love this gift so much!  It's really nice.  I love the black and leopard trim case.  I love how it all folds up neatly into a small cube.  The eyeshadow selection is really great.  The cheek colors too!  I really love how all the makeup has names.  I love using makeup with names!

I have yet to try this.  I wanted to make sure I took pictures of untouched makeup first!  First rule of being a beauty blogger, can't use anything until all photos have been taken first!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All items mentioned in this post were given to me as a gift. ♥♥

INFLUENSTER: Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask

Hello, my Pretties!

As you all know, I received my Influenster Holiday VoxBox on December 13th and I have slowly been using the products included in my package.  If you want to see my post on my Holiday VoxBox arrival, click HERE.

I will be doing individual posts on all the featured products in the Holiday VoxBox.

INFLUENSTER: Mentos Pure Fresh Chewing Gum
INFLUENSTER: NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine
INFLUENSTER: imPRESS Press-On Manicure

Next on the list is Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask.

I have no idea how to pronounce this brand but I do know that this stuff is amazing!

What the Influenster information card had to say about Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask:
"Montagnue Jeunesse's face masks are jam packed with the most delicious natural ingredients and are bursting with luscious juicy fragrances."

Warning label and Ingredients.

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks are described as beauty treats that are paraben free, vegetarian approved, and never tested on animals.  I think we can all appreciate that.

Directions.

This is the sample I received.

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks are available in:

• Cucumber Peel Off
• Passion Peel Off
• Dead Sea Mud
• Fruit Smoothie
• Strawberry Souffle
• Chocolate Mud
• And many more!

Trial Size of 0.17 fl oz.

After my shower and before my mask.

You can see the tiny strawberry seeds!

I cut the tip off the packet and squeezed out all of the product onto my fingertips.  This was all that was inside the packet.  A very decent amount.  The color was the palest shade of pink and scattered through out were tiny strawberry seeds.  Oh, and it smelled just like real crushed up strawberries!

Waiting my 20 minutes...

I applied this so fast.  It spreads out easily and smoothly.  I got it all over my brows!  Make sure to stay away from your eye area but if you do happen to get it in your eyes, just flush it out with water.

After a few minutes with it on, I could feel it dry and tighten.  I couldn't smile this big once it was fully dry.  And the funniest thing, I scared my daughters when I walked out of the bathroom.  So funny!  "Mom!  What is that?  Is it going to come off?"

And after.

My skin wasn't horrible before but the after was so much better.  My pores were a lot less visible which is my most favorite thing about this mask.  And you can't tell from the photo but my skin was silky smooth to the touch.

I had never tried this brand of face mask before and the last time I used a face mask was probably back in high school--11 years ago!  I most definitely will be buying this again!  And I'm definitely going to try the other masks as well.

You can purchase these Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks at:

• ULTA Beauty
• Walgreen's
• Claire's 
• Wal-Mart
• Kroger
• CVS Pharmacies 
• And other retailers across the US

Remember, these masks are suitable for all skin types so I highly suggest you pick yourself up a couple!

Check out their official website at http://www.montagnejeunesse.com.

Luv & Luk,

--L.

♥♥ All the products mentioned in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox series were sent to me free of charge for review purposes through Influenster's VoxBox program.  These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥

SWAP: Makeup Swap with JazminHunter87

Hello, my Pretties!

Last month, my good Blogger/Twitter friend, Jazmin and I decided that it would be fun to do a makeup swap.  It was both our first time so we didn't know what to expect.  We didn't set any rules or anything, we just had fun with it.

We sent out our packages the first week of December so that was just another thing to add to my list of things to be anxious about in December--her package, my birthday, Christmas!

I can't tell you exactly what day my package arrived because now it feels like it was a long time ago.  She posted her end of the swap rather quickly.  I'm just doing it now.  I'm so sorry.

But nonetheless, I loved my package and everything in it.  Thank you so much, Jazmin!

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This was the top of the little cardboard box that she sent my goodies in.  I loved it at first sight!  I mean, she took the time to decorate it for me and personalize it.  Now that was sweet.

Here is how it was neatly wrapped up with this berry colored tissue paper and a cute star sticker.  I laughed when I saw this because I thought it was so weird how that "berry" color is my favorite color and that I have a thing for stars.  We never discussed that and that's why I thought it was so funny that she decorated my package like this.

And here is the sweet little letter she wrote me.  I thought it was a nice touch.  I appreciate that she took the time to do this.  And yes, Jazmin, we should do it again!

I got two perfume samples.  Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum Spray by Juicy Couture and Attimo Eau de Toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo.  I've never tried the Juicy Couture perfumes before but I do have a Salvatore Ferragamo perfume which I love!

Left to Right:
Physicians Formula Plumping Lip Color Plum Palette in 2462 Spices:  I am new to the Physicians Formula brand and I love their cream liners but have never tried their lip products.  The colors in the palette are beautiful and I can't wait to try them.

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm in 25 Pink Punch:  Finally, I got something that was all the rage on YouTube and in blogs!  I've heard great things about this lip balm here and I'm so excited to try it out!

Kiss Nail Dress in pattern KDS04:  I have never tried these dry nail polish strips before.  Not just this brand but nail polish strips period.  And these are so fun!  They are black based with multi-colored and multi-shaped jewels scattered about.  You can feel the tiny jewels!  These are so unique, I love them.  Again, I am really excited to try these on.

St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub:  I have tried this before but such a long time ago.  But I do remember loving it!  It's oil free and exfoliates with all natural exfoliants.  I had forgotten all about it so I'm glad she brought it back into my life.

Left to Right:
Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque for Normal, Dry, and T-Zone Skin:  Just yesterday I tried Montagne Jeunesse masks for the very first time in my life thanks to Influesnter and their Holiday VoxBox and I really liked it so now I'm really happy I got some more to try out.
Befine Food Skin Care Single Serve Exfoliating Cleanser:  I saw this and at first I thought it was a snack!  Leave it to me to always be thinking about food!  But it might as well be with ingredients such as brown sugar, sweet almond, and oats.  It's natural, paraben free, vegetarian proteins and allergen free fragrance.
Montagne Jeunesse Mud Pac for Normal, Dry, and T-Zone Skin:  Now this one is going to be fun!  I'm so happy to have received so many face products.  I never purchase face products.  I should though.  I really need to start taking care of my skin and thanks to these goodies here, I will be able to start.  I told my sweet-tart, "how cool, I got so much face stuff" and he tells me, "it's because you're 30 now.  Maybe she's trying to tell you something."  I had to laugh out loud at that one!

Oh and yay!  I got some new nail polishes to add to my collection!  I got Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish in 944 Innocent and Confetti Long Wearing Nail Color in 085 Pop the Cork Purple.  Such fun colors!  I need to try that purple ASAP.

So that's it!  I love all my stuff and I just wanted to say thank you to sweet Jazmin for all the wonderful presents she sent to me.  I would love it if you would visit Jazmin's blog and show her some love.  She's such a sweetheart.

Visit Jazmin's blog, My Pursuit of Happiness, HERE.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All items mentioned in this post were sent to me, free of charge, as part of a makeup swap with a fellow blogger. ♥♥

INFLUENSTER: imPRESS Press-On Manicure

Hello, my Pretties!

As you all know, I received my Influenster Holiday VoxBox on December 13th and I have slowly been using the products included in my package.  If you want to see my post on my Holiday VoxBox arrival, click HERE.

I will be doing individual posts on all featured products in the Holiday VoxBox.

INFLUENSTER: Mentos Pure Fresh Chewing Gum
INFLUENSTER: NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine

Next on the list is imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails.

imPRESS Press-On Manicure
by Broadway Nails

What the Influenster information card has to say about the imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails:
"Introducing imPress, the recolutionary way to apply nail polish!  Featuring advanced technology, you will get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds--simply peel off, press on, and you're done (no drying time!)  ImPress comes in 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, fun prints, classic darks and animal prints."

The press-on nails sent to me were black and white zebra print nails.  D100 Dancing Queen.  So cute!  And the finish on these nails is so glossy, killer shine!

Before I applied the press-on nails, I had to cut off my natural nails since my natural nails were much longer than the falsies.  I got a lot of comments on Twitter asking how I could have done such a thing.  I had to review these the right way.  They're nails, they'll grow back.  The things I do for beauty.

Press-on nails in packaging.

I loved the packaging!  Never seen anything like this!  I'm a sucker for packaging and this one had me at hello.

Instructions.

The instructions are simple.

Everything included in kit.

24 nail covers in 12 sizes and a prep pad.

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First, find the correct size for each nail.  It is advised to use the smaller sizes for best results.  Then lay out the 10 nails in the correct finger order.  This makes the application much more quick and easy.  Next, use the prep pad to cleanse your natural nails.  Make sure your natural nails are free of any nail polish.

After nails have been prepped, take the press-on nail and remove the plastic tab provided which will reveal the pre-applied glue.  I will say that removing the plastic tab proved to be quite a chore for me.  It was hard to take off.  My press-on nails were slightly damaged by the cuticle where the tab is located as I removed the plastic tab.

The photo above is to show you the length of the press-on nails.  It's a very comfortable length.  And, also, on the tip of the nail is a tiny little number used to identify each nail size which will make it easier to match the sizes for each finger.

Finished hand.

It is recommended that you apply the nails starting with the pinkie and finishing off with the thumb.  That worked perfectly for me.  From start to finish, the entire process took me 9 minutes.  Not bad!  Product claims to last up to 7 days!  We shall see.

First nail pops off.

Twenty minutes after application, I lost one nail after washing the dishes.  I let the glue on the back of the nail dry and reapplied it.  It worked!  It adhered as if it was a brand new nail.

The next day.

That first nail that popped off and was reapplied held on through the night.  All nails feel secure at this time.  Now time to start my day and see how they hold on.

By 3:30 that afternoon, I lost 2 more nails on my left hand.  I reapplied them and they held on for another half hour or so but then, off they went.

By 5:00 p.m., I lost 2 more nails.  This time they did not reapply.

So, 24 hours later, I had lost 4 nails.  I did a lot of washing dishes, changing diapers, washing my hands, and the list goes on and on.  I am a housewife and mother of 2 small children and I am also a full time nanny for my nephew so I have my hands full all the time.  My nails go through a lot any given day.

So, no, these did not work for me.  But they might work for you.

I think these would be great for a special occasion you are going to attend such as a wedding, a party, a first date.  Why spend $30+ at the salon to get your nails done for one evening when you can spend around $8.00 for a set of these that will hold up nicely if you aren't doing manual labor.  I don't think these were designed for housewives to wear while scrubbing toilets and washing dishes.

MY EXPERIENCE:
Nails popped off when I would wash dishes.  Maybe wearing gloves would have prevented this.
Nails did last through a shower.  Including washing my hair.
My hair would get caught in the gaps at the cuticle when styling and washing it.
Removing my contact lenses at night was tricky.  Putting them in, not a problem.

Removal was quick and painless.  Did not require nail polish remove.  Natural nails were undamaged.

But the designs are excellent.  The application is quick and neat.  The price is decent.

Would I purchase these with my own money, if I was going to said wedding or party for one night, yes.  I spend more money on buying a new outfit, shoes, and jewelry to go to a wedding so adding another $8.00 to that seems harmless.

SIDE NOTES:
Retail Price: $5.99 for colors, $7.99 for prints.
Available in 36 colors/patterns
Available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart, and more.
For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit www.impressmanicure.com.

Try and you decided!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All the products mentioned in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox Series were sent to me free of charge for review purposes.  These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥