Julep Maven Unboxing June2013 My first Maven box :)

I got my first Julep Maven box and I thought I would do an video . I personally love watching these videos . Hope you enjoy it . I would love to see your box this month so be sure to leave it as a video comment on YouTube or leave me a link on this post . Hope everyone had a great fathers day .

Melissa
xoxo

Two Years and Going Strong!!!! (Giveaway Time)

Much like last year i am late to my own party . Its been two years since i started my blog and its great to see where its at now . I have loved writing what i am passionate about and thank you for taking the time to read it . I have launched my Youtube channel , worked on getting the Fan Page up and launched my own website . These are all things that i never anticipated doing when i first started blogging but are all defiantly because of the friendships and positive response i have gotten since .

Just like last year I am hosting a Giveaway , Its the best way i know to say thank you . This is open Internationally .

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Google Shut's Down Google Friend Connect PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!!!!

Taken of Bloglovin website 

I came across this wonderful blog run by Laila . Her most recent post is something that hits home with a lot of the blogger community . Much to my surprise Google is doing away with Google Friend Connect (GFC) and working off Google+ . Now I have tinkered with Google+ and find it a little confusing and not exactly user friendly . 

I am writing this post more to ask you please Follow my blog with Bloglovin . I want to at the end of this still have a way of knowing who my followers are and be able to connect with you guys .

Thank you and be sure to share this with your readers and friends .

MelissaJ

Melt Cosmetics Lipstick Review

If you follow me or any other makeup junkie on Instagram you are sure to have come across Lora Arellano & Dana Bomar . They are the founders of a up and coming cosmetic's company called Melt Cosmetics . There line consists of five lipsticks . All matte in a stunning range of colors .

I Purchased three out of the five . I have Summer! , Belladonna & Stupid Love . When i got the Package on Saturday I was sad to find that Stupid Love was broken off at the base and was all over the inside of the tube . I contacted there customer service and they gladly shipped out a replacement for me . (The pictures are of the three in my original purchase box) 

On to the review , the formula is ultra matte with a outrages pigmentation . They are incredibly long wearing and smell of macarons . I love the fact that they are true to color so if your looking for a true hot pink Stupid Love is it , orange cream Summer! has you covered and Belladonna is as true red as it gets . 

Now these being the first in what i am sure is going to be an outstanding line of cosmetics there are bound to be some cons . For me its really just one , when i first saw them on the site (image above) I was thinking they would be some what of a satin matte really . They seem like they would go on smooth and be easy to work with . For me that was not the case . They are exactly as described ULTRA MATTE . I found that they go on patchy and you need 3-4 applications to get an even color , Summer! being the worst of all . They are defiantly trickier to work with then a standard lipstick . I recommend first and foremost to exfoliate and use a good over night moisturizing lip balm before you try them , also put down a lip primer something to help keep your lips moisturized yet the lipstick its true ultra matte finish like Too Faced Lip Insurance and lastly use a lip brush when applying . You will get a more even coverage with out having to layer it on as much and you wont have as much of the patchy application problem . 

I do love these lipsticks for multiple reasons one being that the line was created by two of the most inspiring and talented Makeup Artist out there today , two the colors are true and not watered down , three they out last a lot of other lipsticks that claim to be long wearing , they smell like cake , there packaging is sleek and easy to store . I defiantly recommend trying them out for yourself . If you do i would love to know what you think and what your experience was . Support a great new company , I am all about variety and its refreshing to see a new kid in the lip stick box . 

MelissaJ
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Look Of The Day - Cora Coral

This look is inspired by Cora from Once Upon A Time . 

Face:

• By Terry Hyaluronic Face Glow in Nude
• Mac Pro Longwear Foundation in NC42
• Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer on blemishes in Med.
• Benefits Erase Paste in Med. under the eyes & set with Prep & Prime Powder
• Wet n Wild Brown Brow pencil brushed threw 
• Mac Pro Cream Color Base in Brown as contour
• Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in Med Deep around outer portion of the face 
• Mac Prep & Prime Powder on T Zone 
• Mac Peaches blush mixed with Prizam on apples of the cheeks and swept up to temple 
• Nars Orgasm on apple of cheek to brighten up 
• Mac Rose Ole Special Reserve Highlight Powder on Cheek Bones (LTDED)

Eyes:

• Light dusting on MSF in Med Deep Over eye lids 
• Curl lashes 
• Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara (top & bottom)
• Mac Fascinating Eye Khole in lower water line 

Lips:

• Too Faced Lip Insurance Primer 
• Mac Hibiscus Lipstick (LTDED) 
• L'Oreal ColorRiche Caresse Stick in Fiery Veil in Center or lips 
• Blot & Repeat Previous two steps 

Hope everyone is having a great week , be sure to link you take on this look . 

First YouTube Video EVER!!!! LIVE!!!!

Just a quick post to let you guys know my first ever You Tube video . I have been wanting to make videos for a long time now and just never could get the courage to do it . I cant tell you how many times i have filmed and just nit picked it till there was nothing left . So to prevent me from doing that I filmed a gorilla style short 2 min. vid on "Whats in my makeup bag" on my Iphone and posted it .

Please know i am very much aware it is low quality , i tried to upload it in HD and it wouldn't post so needless to say i was determined to get it up and standard was all i could do . This in all honesty was more for me then anything else , to rip the band aid off in a way and just jump in head first . I hope you like it and please bare with me and PLEASE be sure to subscribe and let me know what you would like to see got up next .

Thank you and have a great weekend :)

Etsy Haul : Hand Made Soaps from False Nostalgia

I am a sucker for anything hand made , colorful and smells of what i think heaven smells like . So its safe to say Etsy is like crack to me . I can spend hours looking at all the cool things unbelievable creative people come up with . I came across False Nostalgia and immediately fell in love with her soaps . They are tailored to the geek in me . Shannon creates and names her soaps after some of my all time favorite T.V shows and movie franchises . These are the ones i picked up and best believe I will be ordering more . :) 

Hey Catnip
 The Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen

Hogwarts Express
Herry Potter 

Aim to Misbehave
Firefly 

Hello Sweetie
Doctor Who 

Shannon was sweet enough to add a free gift with my order and a little thank you card . 

Spoilers Lip Tint
Doctor Who 

If you get a chance stop by her store and check it out . All the soaps are a cold process and made from scratch . If you end up ordering be sure to post a pic and let me know your thoughts . Would love to see what you get .

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Review : Mac Pro Palette Large/Duo Sided

 

I have been holding out on writing this because i didn't want to make any rush decisions on it . I have been working with it for about a month now . When i first heard of this palette (what felt like century's ago) I couldn't wait to get my hands on them . When the day finally came i ordered two right off the bat . I wanted to love them so much but unfortunately that's not the case . 

I'm going to start with the negative only because i feel like non of the reviews i have read and seen seem to have the problems I have encountered with this . The magnetic bottom/lids , Knowing this a duel sided palette i would think they would be a bit stronger then its predecessor especially when the you can opt for not inserts . That's not the case , my pro pans are sliding around and end up flipping on to the clear lid and breaking . Makes it near impossible to travel with them . The same thing with the blush pro pan , though i have noticed they have used different magnets on the bottom of the blushes recently there larger and a bit thicker . 

My second issue with this palette is the clear lid itself . If you don't have nails or just maintain your nails short it's unbelievable difficult to open/flip to the other side . When your working the last thing you want is to be slowed down ever time you need to accesses the other side of your palette . It gets very annoying . 

The palette itself is made very well , super sturdy and the storage space is wonderful . I love having that many shadows in one spot and clearly visible at all times . The hinges are just as well made opening and closing very smoothly . I feel that this could have been the holy grail of palettes for me and i wanted to fall in love with it but i am sorry to say its a miss of me especially when i am having to dish out more money to fix the poor magnet problem . I hope you find this helpful and i would love to know your experience with this and what your thoughts are . Hope everyone is having a great week .  

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer Review

I have been testing these out for about a month now and i have to say i am in love with them . So much so that i have purchased a whole new set and added them to my kit . They are 12 shades in a full range of colors .


Knowing that L'Oreal owns YSL I figured it would only be a matter of time before they came out the there take on the Glossy Stains  . I do not own any of the YSL stains as i could not bring my self to pay $32 for one , but god knows i have have played with them every chance i get at Nordstrom's .
Plus side to YSL they smell like fruit punch where as L'Oreal has there o so familiar floral (grandmothers makeup) kind of smell . Also there nude shades are much more pigmented then the L'Oreal .

Now that the inevitable band aid of negative has been ripped off , the positive . First and for most is the price . These little gems retail anywhere from $7.99 to $9.99 and a lot of places (cvs , walgreens , ulta) will throw out a buy one get on 50% off deal . The packaging on these are super sleek and i like them much better to the Glossy stains . there small fit great in your pocket (even in shinnies) , give you the color window so you can see what color your grabbing with out having to open it . The applicator is ingenues it is a large doe foot shape but with a hollow center so when you remove the wand you have a pocket of product in the center . What does this mean ??? Less dipping into you product meaning less air and longer life span of your stain . (won't dry out in 2 weeks WOOHU)

1st application no flash

First application leave your lips with the usual lip stain feeling of numbing/plumping , keeping in mind they do not claim to be lip plumper's its just what i can closely relate the feeling to . When it drys its an almost velvet appearance . With the base layer down you can build it up to the color intensity and glossiness you desire . They leave you lips feeling super moisturized, the gloss is not stick but at the same time you feel like its not going anywhere if you lick your lips or sip on a drink . If those are reasons enough to love them they pair great with you favorite lipsticks and and the lasting power of that is unreal . The only thing that in my opinion could be better is if they came out with a clear one that you could top any lipstick with to really seal it in and give that great shine and staying power . (HOLY GRAIL GLOSS)

Stain left over after removal of first application 

Give them a shot if not for anything else there a super affordable dupe to YSL . Have fun and if you get a chance to try them leave me a pic i would love to see how you pair them and what you guys think .
MelissaJ

Healthy Eats

Fruit and veggie smoothie with Rice protein and Omega 3 eggs

Plane Vegan Rice protein & Chocolate Whey protein .
Organic flax seeds      

 I have found my self  posting a lot on my Instagram what i am eating and also going there for inspiration on recipes and ideas . I love food , having a background in the food industry including Culinary arts diplomas , I don't think its ever something i am going to not care about or enjoy . What i can do tho is make a conscious effort to know what i do eat and if its really worth consuming . 

I know for me personally if i call it a diet and tell me self constantly what i CAN'T eat i get discouraged and give up . Instead now with social networking i think of it as trying new things and learning new recipes , tips and tricks .
 I focus on keeping things fresh and interesting so i don't get broad with me meals . I have a been loving smoothies . They help me with eating more fruits and veggies and less starch  .

Its has turned into a game for me and that's what is helped most of all . Not thinking of it as a chore but rather a game .

Raw Trail mix

Grilled chicken and tomato salad 

 I am thinking of starting a weekly post of my favorite smoothie or meal . Even feature some of your ideas and recipes .

I hope to inspire some of you to submit a recipe idea or what helps you stay in control or your eating habits . I know one of the biggest support systems for me is reading what helps others and implementing what i can into my life and everyday . 

I hope everyone's having a great week so far and i look forward to reading your comments . If you are interested in submitting something please feel free to email me your post and i will gladly post it . Be sure to link your blog if you have one . 

 Melissa 

Movie Nite with Sephora

This is following up on the last post i did . The Sephora Movie night event was yesterday . I live about an hour away from where the event was being held so i was forced to leave straight from work . When i got there i was told to head to theater number 8 and that my print out would be taken there . When i got there i was greeted by an old women that looked like she didn't even know what a sephora's was and an elder gentlemen that work for the theater . I took my seat next to a very nice young girl and who i think was a her boyfriend . We talked for a while , mostly about the drive the collection . To my left was a little girl about 6 yrs old that was very excited for the movie . I had a feeling all three of us where on the same page with excitement lol .

At about 10 to 7 the greeter decided to walk down the isle and yell at everyone to shut off there phones . The movie started promptly at 7 with no sort of previews or intro into the upcoming releases (dvd or makeup line) . I loved the movie of course . At the end we were told that our goodie bags could be claimed as we walked out .

In all honesty it was not what i was expecting . It felt very thrown  together for a company like theres and i have a faint feeling that the event would not have been the same had i lived in NY or Cali (any major city really) . I would have thought a rep for Sephora would have been there with the new line and would have talked about them . I was really hoping to have had the chance to play around with them for a while prior to the movie . Now for the so called goodie bag , It was a tiny Sephora bag with a flyer for the line and dvd and a gift card , that's it . The card was for $5 .

All in all i am glad i went i talked to a few very nice girls but for the most part it was a waist of time . Especially when your driving an hour to get there and an hour to get home . I would have much rather hold on to my 250 points and perches the movie on Blu-ray . If you went to the even in your area please let me know how it went , I would love to hear your experience .

Have a great weekend and ill see you in my next post .

MelissaJ

Watch Disney's Cinderella with Sephora

So while doing my weekly stroll of Sephora (online) i saw an ad for Beauty Insiders , for 250 points you get to see Cinderella in theaters on September 27 (next Thursday) . You can look up to see the theater closes to you that will be hosting the event . Along with that you get a gift bag and other goodies . Each pass is good for two entries .  If you are not a beauty insider now would be the perfect time to sign up .
If you are in the South Florida area be sure to let me know if you going i would love to meet up .

Here is a sneak peak at the upcoming collection that is to debut in a sephora near you on October 2.

Doctor Who : Your inner Doctor

“Always take a banana to a party, Rose: bananas are good!”

The Tenth Doctor, The Girl in the Fireplace

Hello again , I decided to do another Doctor Who post . I have found myself working backwards as i hadn't planed on making this a series . But never the less , The Tenth Doctor was played by David Tennant from 2005 - 2010 . All the pieces are pretty easy to come by , here is where i found them . 

• Brown Long Trench Coat
• White Button Down
• Tie
• Dark Blue Blazer
• Dark Blue Pants
• White High Tops
• Black Glasses
• Sonic Screwdriver

Have fun with it and if you put this together please be sure to share a picture i would love to see it and remember  

 

Doctor Who : Channel the 11th Doctor

There has been much talk about Doctor Who in my house the past month or so due to there 50th anniversary in November (this year) and the season premier that was last Saturday . I myself am new to the show . It is very inviting and keep you on your toes . The Doctor (that being his full name) doesn't die he regenerates , Changing everything about him from looks down to fashion style . That brings us to the point of this post . If you are looking to channel a little Doctor in your day to day i have a a few links you might find helpful .  

• Black Pointed Toe Three Buckle Ankle Boots
• Gray Skinny Jeans  
• Light Pink Button up Shirt
• Plaid Tailored Blazer
• Red Suspenders
• Burgundy Bow Tie
• Sonic Screwdriver

I also just realized it cant come at a better time with Halloween right around the corner. If you do put this look together please be sure to send me a picture i would love to see it . Thanks for following and if you like this sort of post and find it helpful let me know ill put a few more together . 

MelissaJ

Contest Time

My 2ND favorite time of year is here Fall . To welcome it with open arms i am hosting a contest . Unlike other times this is to be held on my Facebook Fan page . Its very simple :

• Be a fan of the page 
• Follow the blog with either Google friend connect or Bloglovin 
• Post your fall look on Facebook (your own work please) and tag us on the picture . 

That's it , the winner will receive a surprise gift bag with some of my favorite fall colors and must have products . 

Happy fall and be sure to enter i am looking forward to seeing all the great work . 

MelissaJ

Blog Sale

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:

• Open to the US only
• It is first come first served 
• Payment is PAYPAL only 
• Paypal Fee's are the responsibility of the buyer , i ask that you add 3% to your total to cover this . 
• All Orders are to be emailed to Boldbrashbeautiful@gmail.com . Be sure to add your paypal email if that is not where you are writing me from . 
• You have 24 hrs to pay other wise items get relisted . 
• Shipping is as follows $3.00 for the first item .50 for each additional there after. 
• Shipping will include delivery confirmation .
• NO RETURNS ALL SALES ARE FINAL  

I have done my best to provide pictures and detailed descriptions . If you have any questions feel free to ask.

HAPPY SHOPPING <3 

The Balm Balmsaway NEW IN BOX $18

Mary Kay eyeshadow pan NEW IN BOX $4

NYX roll on shimmer New $3

Victoria Secrets Beauty Rush gloss NEW $3

Victoria Secrets Liplicuous gloss NEW $3

Burts Bees lip balm used x1 $1

Cover girl Naturelux gloss balm Swatched x1 $2

Stila lip balm used x2 $4

Stila ghel cheek color used x2 $6

Covergirl blendable lip duo NEW $4  

Mark (avon) Check stain Used x3 $3

NYX lip pencil Pink nude NEW $3

NYX Lip pencil hot red & hera used x1 $1.50 each

Ulta dual end gloss NEW $3  

Got2B Texture Powder NEW $4 

The Balm eyeshadow in Work is over rated New $15

Betty Lou Manizer New (no box) $15

Mary Lou Manizer New (no box) $15

Time Balm Spearmint mask Used x1 $9

Kevyn Aucoin Elegant lip gloss NEW $15

MAC eyeshadow pro pan NEW $10

Power Flex Wrist band NEW $2

The Balm and the Beautiful Pallet (LIMITED EDITION ) NEW $60 

Thank you again for stopping by . Be sure to check back as i will be adding to this . 

MelissaJ