January 9, 2014

What I Got for Christmas!

I know, it's already the second week of January and I am just now getting to this! Today I'm going to share with you what I got for Christmas! I had a whole lot of other things that were just super random I didn't feel needed to be included. Thanks for reading!




Something I was so interested in adding to my collection was the Vice 2 palette from Urban Decay! This certainly isn't an everyday palette for everyone - it's more for the bold! But I loved the shades and I have fallen in love with UD so I wanted to have this puppy in my collection for some awesome shimmer looks later!


It might be simple, but I love makeup wipes and they can be pricey when you use them as often as I do. So the fact my mom and sister thought to grab me some of these, it was very nice of them! And honestly, I am super impressed with the power of these! They aren't sopping wet like some wipes but they do the job and are super soft on my skin! I recommend these to anyone needing some remover wipes and don't want to break the bank.


I had this cleanser on my list and was super excited when I opened it from my sister! I didn't even know they made it in a foaming pump version so that was extra cool! After using it for a few weeks I have to say... I'm going to be doing a blog post on my reaction to it. STAY TUNED for a Try-It-Out Tuesday with this cleanser! A lot of gurus on YouTube use the Purity cleanser so I absolutely wanted to try it!


Yes, yes I have it! Naked 3! I have been trying to play around with color combos and certain looks with this palette and I have to say I am favoriting a different one over this one. And I'm favoriting a CHEAPER palette with MORE shades! Keep reading... ;)


It's always nice to get nail varnish as gifts as I tend to neglect this department! These awesome shades were gifted to me from my sister and the glitter is by far my favorite! I am super excited to try out the highlighter yellow once spring comes up!


I. Love. ELF products! If you've been around here a bit you'll certainly know ELF is one of my favorite cheap brands that packs a powerful punch with amazing products! ELF always blows my mind when trying new things and their liquid eyeliners have been favorites of mine for quite some time. The bets thing is that not only did I get a black liquid liner in this pack, I got a midnight blue one too! I was lacking a liquid navy liner so I was super happy! The pencil is pretty sub-par but what do you expect out of that price range for products? I always go into ELF with an open mind not expecting much but 9 times out of 10 am blown away!


No, they're not name brand Beauty Blenders, but they are amazing! I once bought a pink blender (shaped like this blue one) and used it dry for a month until the lightbulb went off and I realized why it wasn't applying my concealer at all like the girls online. Hello Kelly... get it wet! I have been using the green one in this photo for two weeks now and it gives me such amazing coverage and a dewy look. Love love love these! I would definitely recommend testing out a cheaper drugstore blender before shelling out the big bucks on a name brand Beauty Blender to see if you like the application and feel of a sponge versus your fingers or a brush. :)


This thing is pretty awesome! I have only gotten a chance to use it on my sister's thicker short hair and it did the job! This is a ceramic blow drying brush for your damp hair. You're to let your hair air dry or blow dry to almost dry before using this little guy. Then when it's just damp, you want to blow dry with this brush and the ceramic plates heat up from the air and straighten your hair! I naturally have pretty straight hair, especially compared to m sister's, so I haven't picked it up yet for myself. Bonnie and I tested it on her newly short bob and it really did straighten it! Now, don't expect the silky soft results of a straightener but it tamed her curls/frizz and cut down on straightening time!!! It was good enough (in my opinion) to even leave it as is since it really did straighten her curls out. This was from TJMaxx or Ross and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with curly/frizzy hair to cut down on the time you spend getting it poker straight!


This was a perfect little palette my mom got me from ELF that surprisingly has amazing pigmentation! This little guy was super affordable and came with applicators and a pencil liner! The shadows are by far the most impressive ELF shadows I've had a chance to try. I will swatch them in a blog later for you to see just how they compare to higher end brands! If you can find this little black book in a retailer near you that sells ELF, PICK IT UP! Gorgeous shades, quality color payoff, amazing price!


I've been wanting a wand to try out for a few months now so when I saw this one under the tree I got excited. After using it about 4 times now I think I'm going to rate this particular one a 6 out of 10. I love the waves it gives my hair (very cocker spaniel but I like it). It's a new style compared to my traditional barrel curler... but the heat. The glove is NOT heat resistant as it claims. I'm not expecting heat PROOF, no. I am expecting what is advertised - RESISTANT and I cannot touch the barrel without burning myself! The blue handle also gets scorching hot from where the barrel and handle meet down about an inch and half, right below the on/off switch. So I have to hold it lower on the handle without burning myself as well. Overall, this thing is DANGEROUS in my opinion... but I am giving it some time to try to master it. I have no doubt higher end brands are fabulous and safer, but this one from Lux Beauty isn't going to be something I reach for constantly I assume. Who knows, maybe I'll change my mind.


This was #1 on my list! I told my family and fiance if I don't get anything else this year I want this palette! This is my 100% favorite palette of all time! I now have a favorite higher end brand of makeup and Lorac takes the cake! I will go into detail more about these shadows in a later post, but know that if you have thought about a neutral/sultry palette before, spend the $ and grab this one! It's only $42 and it gives you 16 shades! Way more for your money than the Naked palettes! Buy it, buy it, buy it! Don't think about it - buy it!


No girl will ever turn down bath luxuries! My mom opened up her big bar of soap first so once I got to mine I knew what it was! These are always great gifts you can find at TJMaxx and discount stores and they are a favorite of mine! My sister was kind enough to get me a tote with all of these bath products in it! And when I opened a gift form my mom, it was the same tote but larger with a big fluffy towel and other bath products in it! I am a bath LOVER and you can always find me soaking in the tub reading a book or catching up on social networking.

Thank you so much to my family for getting me MORE than I ever expected this Christmas! You are amazing and I love you all. <3 xo

January 7, 2014

Try-It-Out Tuesdays: Burt's Bees Lip Balms


Good afternoon everyone! Today at the Cupcake Blondie I'm testing out a new series. It's a new year and I'm hoping to get a regular schedule with the blog and even more videos this year! So I've decided to make a fun little blog you can always look forward to on Tuesdays!

In today's "episode" I'll be talking about Burt's Bees lip balms!


I recently picked up these two balms at my Walgreens for a great deal! I realize I get a lot of my cosmetics with coupons or on sale and I figured some of you might enjoy those details in case they're still available in your area!

Walgreens:
  • Burt's Bees lip balms - On sale for $3.29
  • Buy 2 get $2 Walgreens Rewards (2,000 points)
  • Manufacturer Coupon - $1.50 off each

I ended up buying 2 for $1.79 each ($3.58) and getting back $2 in rewards on my Walgreens card! So essentially, I bought them both for $1.58! Can't beat that! (Unless it's free, free always beats that!)


I first had a scary experience with Burt's Bees a few years ago when I tried their "honey" flavored balm. Whatever you do... DON'T. TRY. IT. Please take my advice. It tastes like urine, no joke! So when I finally got the guts to try this brand out again I was SO nervous!

I seriously have no clue how they NAILED this flavor combo, but they did! Oh my goodness, this lip balm is EXACTLY what it says: blueberry and chocolate! It smells heavenly and I can't help but continually smell my lips throughout the day. I know, that may sound weird, but if you get this one you'll see what I mean!

Now when it comes to the "revitalizing" aspect of this balm, I'm not sure what I'm really supposed to be looking for. Essentially, I reach for chapsticks and balms because I get very chapped lips very fast! So I'm using them as a form of relief and hydration. I've been using both these balms for a week now so any long term effects aren't going to be detected yet.


Next up we have the Nourishing balm! This one is the one I reach for most often! I am obsessed with all tropical fruity cosmetics and this mango balm is so yummy! I probably lick my lips more than I am supposed to all because of this balm! It is nourishing, and luckily I can distinguish that after short use. Very hydrating and leaves my lips refreshed.

One thing I love to get my hands on is anything organic or natural in the cosmetic industry. Burt's Bees products are 100% natural so you know EXACTLY what you're putting on your body! I have never had a reaction to their products and I am looking forward to continuing trying out their stock. Overall I am SO happy I tried these because the honey flavored balm just scared me to death! These two balms are so yummy, super hydrating, and a great price!

Question of the day: What do you want to see me review?
Comment and let me know!

January 5, 2014

Favorites: December 2013

Current Favorites as of December 2013

LIP PRODUCT: Jordana Twist & Shine Balm Stain in Honey Love
MASCARA: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black
BLUSH: e.l.f. Studio Blush in Mellow Mauve
HIGHLIGHTER: Wet n Wild Fergie Shimmer Palette in Rose Champagne Glow
BRONZER: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in "Sunny"
SKINCARE PRODUCT: Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub and Suave Smoothing Lotion with Cocoa Butter and Shea
PERFUME: Blackheart Beauty "Deadly"



A big giant thank you to +eleventh gorgeous for suggesting the Jordana Lip Balm in one of their recent videos! Oh my stars, this is an amazing product! I actually use it as my regular "chapstick" balm now! I have the Jordana lip balm in Honey Love and I am OBSESSED! 
  • Hydrating
  • Sheer but buildable color
  • Glossy, but not sticky
  • Retractable, no sharpening!
  • Under $4
In the photo the left swatch is one swipe, the right is the built up color. This shade is absolutely a "my lips but better" color and I'm excited to try the others! Try out their other colors and let me know how you like them! I find Jordana at my local Walgreens.



Got to give a big shout out to +Nicole Guerriero as well for this one! I've heard great things all over the net about this mascara and I finally got it! Best part, I got the last one - queue evil laugh! ;)
  • Extreme volume, well duh! ;)
  • Thickening
  • Thick, fluffy brush
  • Under $10

Only downfall I'd say is that my tube either is broken or it gets sloppy after a week of use because now when I pull the wand out it's COVERED in thick mascara! I don't know if the squeeze part is broken or what but now I get wayyy too much product on the stick and the brush. But, that doesn't impact the fact this formula is amazing!



I realize my swatch on my hand isn't very noticeable, but it's there! ;) The e.l.f. Studio Blush in "Mellow Mauve" has been my go to all month! It's a deeper pink perfect for the winter and isn't too bright. I've been going lately for neutral eyes, nude lips, and mauve cheeks and I love it! This blush is only $3 and adds just the perfect flush I was going for in December.



Oh holy night... Fergie, you've done it again! This Champagne Glow baked highlight is the only thing I reach for anymore! I have used it all month and am still using it daily! It adds the PERFECT light highlight to my cheeks to let the light reflect, so flattering. Pick this up! It is so worth it! It has just a light pinky tone and is shimmer city!



I am NOT a bronzer kind of gal but this NYC Sunny matte bronzer is perfect for warming up my pale complexion in these cold months. I can't contour, I'll admit that, but this is certainly helping me learn! It is not too harsh at all so if you are looking at the package in the store don't be scared. This works beautifully on light complexions.



This scrub is so gentle on my skin, I love it! I use it maybe twice a week and it leaves my face so clean! Only complaint: the smell. It's a little... "plastic-y" if you will. Other than that, the scrub itself is so gentle on my face I never have to worry about a breakout or damaged skin. Look, even "kind to skin" is on their label! Simple is a skincare RITUAL in my collection!



Some of you may have read my review on this lotion and will understand why it made the list! Surprisingly, Suave has stepped their game up and have really improved the quality of their products while keeping the extremely affordable price tag! This lotion is one of the ONLY lotions I have ever made such a dent in so quickly. I'm already nearly 1/4 done! (That's a lot for me as I swap around lotions all the time!) It runs about $2.50 at Walmart and the drugstores so pick one up!!! I haven't tried the other scents but I am sure they won't disappoint!



Lastly, we have my favorite perfume this month! I snagged this adorable guy at Hot Topic. It is the Blackheart Beauty "Deadly" perfume and smells like vanilla musk. Yes, I said musk. It's a deep smell with just the nicest hint of femininity! It's only $15! I was able to get mine for 50% off during on of their sales this month. So worth full price!

What were your December favorites? Let me know! Thanks for stopping by! xo


Let's be friends!
Subscribe to my YouTube to stay up to date with new video posts!
TWITTER & INSTAGRAM: kellykumse
FACEBOOK: /thecupcakeblondie
EMAIL: kkumse@gmail.com
♡

January 2, 2014

10 Under $10: Mascaras

On this 'episode' of 10 Under $10... MASCARAS! Every girl needs their signature mascara to plump their lashes for an everyday look or those dramatic date nights! Check out my list of 10 drugstore mascaras that won't break the bank but deliver amazing results!

Products are listed in NO SPECIFIC ORDER! I hope you enjoy!
* All photos gathered from their respective websites, credit to the companies. *
10. Maybelline Great Lash
$5.99 various drugstores


It's no surprise the world's biggest selling mascara would be on this list! That's right... this mascara has sold more tubes than any other one on the market! It's a fabulous price for any makeup user and now it's sold in many different styles! You can never go wrong with the classic original Great Lash or try out their new brushes like Lots of Lashes, Great Lash BIG, or even the limited edition colors! I will always repurchase this mascara as it's the perfect everyday formula.

$2.99 Walgreens


I am in love with this mascara! +Lauren Curtis turned me onto this one after mentioning it in nearly every tutorial I saw of hers! And thank goodness my Walgreens FINALLY starting carrying Jordana! I picked mine up for about $3 and I've never gone back! I would dub it one of my all time favorites as well. Super voluminous and NOT clumpy! Pick this up - even if it isn't your goto formula, you will be reaching for it when you want crazy drama to your eyes!

$7.50 various drugstores


Okay, it's no surprise I watch the gorgeous gurus on YouTube and started this blog because of them, so when I say +Nicole Guerriero you probably know this product through her. I just recently purchased this mascara for the first time and it is right there next to the Jordana for me. I love the results of this mascara! It does exactly what it says and this is the most recent one I've been using daily. Crazy awesome mascara!

$6.50 various drugstores

I could just tag people all day really. Leave it to +eleventh gorgeous to suggest some awesome drugstore products! Just check this mascara out online and you will see rants and raves about how amazing it coats lashes and literally crushes those clumps! It's affordable and offers a perfect formula for daily use.

$7.99 various drugstores

Rimmel delivers an amazing mascara that offers a built-in growth serum! Right now I'm actually using the clear growth serum from Rimmel and it's been about two weeks and I do see thickness at the base and length on the corners of my eyes. I've also used the clear serum on my brows for a section I plucked a little too much from and it's growing back! So my personal use with the serum is that is does work! So being built into a mascara, you've got the total package! Yes, $8 for a mascara can be a bit pricier for a drugstore mascara but when you also get the growth complex you've got a winner!

$5.99 various drugstores

PHOTO CREDIT: POLYVORE.COM
Revlon's Fabulash not only gives great volume but also separates each lash for a bold pop on your eye. Great price, great color payoff, and great results! The brush is something I probably would change because it looks a bit 'weak' if you understand what I'm getting at (look at photo), but it works! Because it's smaller, you are able to get into the inner corner lashes and the bottom ones with ease.

$6.99 various drugstore

Collagen, keratin, big plumped lashes - promises right from the website! Rimmel's Scandaleyes Mascara gives you the intense volume for any dramatic look. You can plump your lashes to nearly three times their natural size! I think Rimmel gets overlooked a lot in the drugstores and it truly is a gem, especially this super voluminous mascara!

$6.99 various drugstores


Maybelline steals the show with ALL of their mascaras and their "Falsies" collection doesn't flake out. This mascara is super popular, as it should be. It lifts lashes from the base and defines while plumping up each lash. I have bought this mascara myself at least four times over due to just how feathered and big it makes my lashes appear! Definitely one I keep on hand.

$7.99 various drugstores

And another Covergirl show stopper: the classic Lash Blast Volume! Normally I'm not a fan of plastic applicator brushes but these short "teeth" define and separate each lash while applying the formula. Covergirl knocks it outta the park with mascaras between the results and their affordability. Just read the reviews of women who use this tube - it not only adds volume but it lengthens, defines, and darkens! Try it for yourself!

$8.99 various drugstores


Lastly, I have a big hit here in the Blogosphere! The L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes is claimed to literally be one of the best mascaras people have ever used. I have seen this in countless videos, reviews, blogs all over this cosmetic world and it is very much worth it's higher price. Another collagen infused formula that is buildable without clumps. It defines each lash as well as provides the extreme volume we all look for!

If your goto mascara wasn't on this list, share it! I'd love to read about other drugstore/under $10 mascaras that stop traffic!

Happy New Year! ♡ Enjoy the day!

xo K

January 1, 2014

Unboxing: Julep Maven "Bombshell" Welcome Box

Julep Maven is a monthly subscription box where you get full sized nail varnishes or beauty products sent right to your door! There are FIVE "style profiles" to choose from based on a quick quiz identifying which look is right for you: Bombshell, Classic with a Twist, Boho Glam, It Girl, and Modern Beauty! You don't have to stick with the profile you're given, so choose which style YOU love most! I snagged my Welcome Box for only $3.99 in December and I love the products!

If you're interested in signing up or just reading up on it, click here and visit their website! (More info at the end of the blog!)



Opening the box it is just like your other fabulous monthly subscription boxes: products, information card, TONS OF CONFETTI STRIPS!


You're given an information card which tells you a little bit about Julep and your products!


Fancy little quote thrown in. ;)


And this is what my Bombshell box looked like! The top is the Luxe Repair Skin Serum, the right are the two polishes, and the left is an eco-friendly mini-tote.


The Bombshell box came with Kendra (an olive army green color) and Zelda (a shimmery gold metallic shade). I am in LOVE with Zelda! I wore it for Christmas and plan to wear it a heck of a lot more this year!


Here are the swatches - don't mind m tin nails, I just clipped them because they were getting way too long! The Kendra color is a deep army green with a tin bit of metallic and the Zelda shade is the PERFECT metallic sparkly gold! Extremely fine shimmer and a gorgeous wearable gold tone (not too yellow)!


The other beauty treat included in the Bombshell was this Luxe Repair Skin Serum and I have to say, it's pretty awesome! I wasn't sure exactly what it was supposed to do when I got it and since I tend to break out with new products I checked out the website to see what it was. This serum is an oil and it completely helps my super dry face! I use about 2-3 drops and rub it in my hands to get it warm and apply all over my face after washing but before moisturizing. It's helping my skin get hydrated and I'm assuming it's anti-aging with it's Power Cell Complex. This is totally something I'd buy full price in the future - it's that good!


MORE INFO:
Each polish alone is about $14 but with the Maven box you can get 2 polishes AND a beauty item for only $19.99! Best part: your first box is FREE with the code "FREEBOX" at checkout! You can get your first month for just the cost of shipping ($3.99). And if you decide it isn't for you, you can cancel ANYTIME before your next box ships! It's that easy! Find out more at julep.com!

* I was not sent this box for review. I bought it with my own money and the thoughts are 100% my own. *

December 30, 2013

Blondie Babble ♡ Episode One

Blondie Babble ♡ Episode One

It's late, I'm curling my hair for no reason, I'm not going anywhere at this hour. But hey - come hang out with me! Let's gab! If you enjoy these types of videos, +1 and let me know on the other social networking sites!



It means the WORLD to me when I get that email alerting me someone new subscribed!
Take a moment to become a follower & I'll give you a shout-out! Thank you to all of my readers!


Let's be friends!
Subscribe to my YouTube to stay up to date with new video posts!
TWITTER & INSTAGRAM: kellykumse
FACEBOOK: /thecupcakeblondie
EMAIL: kkumse@gmail.com
♡


What I'm Looking Forward To in 2014

2014 is literally right around the corner (it's 2 days away!) and I couldn't be more excited to try out new products coming to the beauty world this year! Here's a quick list of some products I have on my wishlist! (Products in no specific order.)


Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser

PHOTO CREDIT: MAYBELLINE.COM.HK
I have never had the pleasure of testing out Benefit's Porefessional and supposedly this is going to be just like it at the bargain of a drugstore price (under $10 to be exact)! Rumored to refine pores, smooth fine lines, AND mattify, Maybelline's Pore Eraser is guaranteed to disappear from shelves FAST!


Flower by Drew Lip Suede Crayons

PHOTO CREDIT: BUZZFEED.COM
A big shout out to Buzz Feed writer Chanel Parks for tipping me off about this! I just stumbled upon the Flower cosmetics line in my Walmart last week and had no clue it even existed! I am so excited to finally get my hands on Ms. Barrymore's products and especially this lip crayon in January! Retractable balms are headlining the lip trends in beauty this season and leave it to this talented actress to pull out a show stopping product! This will definitely be in my cart when it hits Walmart.


Bumble and bumble. Surf Shampoo

PHOTO CREDIT: ELLE.COM
It might already be available on shelves, but I am stoked to test out this new shampoo by B&B! I have heard nothing but FANTASTIC reviews of their Surf line and hope this becomes my guilty [shower] pleasure! ;) Hey, it won Elle's beauty awards for the year so it's gotta be a winner, right?


xoBeauty Lashes by +Shaaanxo

PHOTO CREDIT: XOBEAUTY.COM
At a steal of only $6.99 who the heck wouldn't want to try some of YouTuber Shannon Harris' new lash line?! I know I am super excited for these to drop January 6! I'm especially looking forward to the Flirt (which is only $5.50) and the Innocent lashes!


Glamglow Mud Masks

PHOTO CREDIT: GLAMGLOWMUD.COM
And last but certainly not least, another Elle beauty award winner for 2014: Hollywood California Glamglow Mud masks! Jam packed with vitamins and minerals, these masks are infamous for working wonders on skin! I will get my hands on the Supermud Clearing Treatment if it's the last thing I do! My birthday is April 1st friends and family... whataya say? ;)


There you have it! What are you looking forward to this coming year? 
Have a safe and Happy New Years!