My Top Three Golden Globes Outfits

Top Three Golden Ladies by rena-blank on Polyvore

Award season has finally began and there is no better way to start it than with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on The Golden Globes. Those two are completely hilarious and I am so sad that last night was their last time hosting The Golden Globes. As always the red carpet was filled with amazing glamorous dress and sexy man in suits. Honestly, I probably enjoy the pre show red carpet more than the actual awards. These three ladies stood out to me the most along the sea of beautiful dresses. 

Emma Stone In Lanvin: No one but Emma Stone can make pants look so chic and glamourous. From the sequin top to the side bow to the black pointed toe shoes, Emma looks elegant and sleek.  I thought her make up and hair perfect complemented her amazing outfit. 

Sienna Miller In Miu Miu: The plunging necklaine and the dramatically parted hair look perfect on Sienna's petite frame. The detailing on the dress are also so stunning. 

Leslie Mann in KaufmanFranco: Yellow is definitely a hard color to pull off but Leslie Mann looks stunning in the bright yellow strapless dress. The dress fits her like a glove and the earrings are a perfect addition to the look. 

Who did you think looked great at the Golden Globes? 

Lots of Love, 

Rena 

Review: Urban Decay Shadow Box

Walking through Ulta, you can't help but be drawn to Urban Decay's new exclusive to Ulta, Shadow Box. From the travel friendly size to the vivid colors, this palette is definitely an eye catcher. 

This palette comes in a sturdy purple and black orchid petal designed cardboard packaging with a metal UD magnetic closer. The box the palette comes in had the same design with a cute little paragraph on the back talking about the shadows and pictures of what the shadows were. 

When you open up the palette, you see a large mirror with "beauty with an edge" written in the right corner and two rows of 6 colors each. The paragraph on the back of the box packaging says there is a wide range of finishes from matte to sparkly but really there is only one matte color in black with the other 11 being sparkly. The top row colors are Sin, Indo, Bordello, Tarnado, Smog and Black Out. The bottom row colors are Flash, Mushroom, Lost, Freelove, Moonshadow and Baked Cowboy.

Top Row: Top to Bottom: BlackOut, Smog, Tornado, Bordello, Indo, Sin

Bottom Row: Top to Bottom: Baked Cowboy, Moonshadow, Freelove, Lost, Mushroom, Flash

A lot of these colors are well known and loves such as Baked Cowboy. Urban Decay definitely does sparkly colors better than matte colors as you can definitely see that in this palette. The 11 sparkly colors are much better quality than the matte black. The black is hard to work with while the sparkly colors are all smooth, silky and buttery. The colors is the palette are beautiful. You get some nice shimmer golden browns such as Smog and Lost as well as some bright colors as such Flash, a bright lilac purple, Indo, a deep teal, and Moonshadow, a bright navy blue. 

Overall, I think this palette is a great add on but you definitely can't travel with just this palette since it is mostly sparkly colors. I think this makes an awesome gift to any UD lovers. The colors in this palette are definitely going to be fun to play with!

Have you checked this palette out? What is your favorite UD color? 

Lots of Love, 
Rena 

Review: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

My international giveaway is still opened! Click Here

It happened guys, I discovered the perfect contouring bronzer. Yes I am talking about the much loved Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer. I recently purchased the Ulta Summer Glam Set and this was one of the gems in it. I highly recommend this set! I received a deluxe sample size in medium/deep and I will definitely be getting the full size one after this one runs out. I think this has changed the whole way I look at contouring. Definitely going to be a staple make up item for me this summer.

Let's start off with the smell. It smells like hot chocolate. Yum I almost want to eat it! There is something about make up that smells like chocolate that makes me love it 100 times more. The packaging is also really nice for a sample. It is plastic with Too Faced carved into it in gold. It also has a good sized mirror in it. The formula of this bronzer is contouring perfection. It is a matte bronzer that looks absolutely amazing when the sun hits it. It goes on like butter and gives you amazingly sculpted cheeks in one swipe. I use this with my ELF Small Stippling Brush (review here) to contour my cheeks, my nose, my jawline and on my temples and oh my goodness my face looks so sculpted! It looks like I've been at the beach for the last week and the sun hit me perfect on my cheeks, jaw, and nose. I honestly don't think I can go back to any other bronzer for contouring ever again. However, I don't like it as much for a whole face glow. I feel like my NARS Laguna (review here) does a better job of giving a full face bronze effect.

Overall, I think this is one of the best bronzers I have ever tried. If you have an Ulta by you, I highly recommended picking up the Summer Glam Set with this amaizng bronzer in it!

What do you use to contour?

Lots of Love,
Rena

Review: The Body Shop Lip Butters in Shea, Coconut and Mango

Hello everyone!

I hope you've been enjoying the nice weather. I think I actually got a bit of a tan over the weekend!  With the hot summer weather and working all day at the pool, my lips end up really dry a lot. I always have at least two or three chapsticks in my purse. I went into TJ Maxx the other day (as always) and I came by this little trio by The Body Shop for $5.99. I thought this was an awesome deal because these kind of lip butter trios are normally around $14.00. The three that come in here are the Shea Lip Butter, Coconut Lip Butter and the Mango Lip Butter.

The packaging is adorable. It came in a little candy wrapper looking box and the tubs themselves are so cute! They look exactly like the body butter tubs except they are mini. These all smell absolutely amazing. I think if I had to pick a favorite, I would go with mango just because anything mango is automatically a favorite with me. The other two smell amazing too. They are all very summer scents. As for the formula, these go on just like butter. They are super smooth and very hydrating. I really like how you can feel them soak into your lips and hydrate. I hate when chap sticks just sit on top of the lips. These definitely give long lasting results.

Overall, these are perfect for the summer! They are super easy to through into your purse and they are perfect summer scents. Definitely give them a try if you can find them on a sale!

Lots of Love,
Rena 

Review: Beauty Concepts Clear As Mud Masks

Hello Everyone!

With the stress of finals and the end of the semester, my skin has really been suffering. Because of this, I felt that it was time to pamper my skin. In comes these little gems that I completely forgot that I had. The Beauty Concepts Clear as Mud Masks come in 1 package with 4 individual mini mask tubs. I bought them last month as TJ Maxx for $2.99! Yes! $2.99! I felt like I had to get it since it was so darn cheap. This product claims to detoxify skin, minimize pores, refine texture, balance oils, smooth and refresh. I don't know about you but this sounds pretty promising to me! I finally put them to the test.

First off, I'd like to say I got about two full masks out of each mini tub and I like to layer my masks pretty thick. I think $2.99 is a great price for 8 mud masks. I applied a thick layer of this to my face about ten minutes before I shower. I then go into the shower and allow the steam to slowly start melting the mask and then washed it off. Right after the shower, my skin did feel much softer! I have done 4 masks since and I have enjoyed this mask very much. I haven't really noticed a different in my pores or texture but I don't have any texture problems to begin with and my pores are pretty small as well. My skin has just really soft and smooth and my skin has been acting up less since I started using these.

Overall, for the price, the quality is great. If you can find these somewhere I highly suggest getting these! They are a really nice little treat.

Lots of Love,
Rena

Review: Benefit's High Beam and Sun Beam

Sun Beam and High Beam

Sun Beam and High Beam

Hello Everyone!

I am currently on spring break visiting my mom in Boston. One of my favorite things about traveling is that I get to use all the cute little mini make up that I own and you know how adorable mini products are. Two of my favorite mini products are Benefit's High Beam and Sun Beam. These are two beautiful  liquid highlighters. I personally love highlighters because I feel like they just add a warmth to your face. Anyways, on to the review!

Lets start of with High Beam. High Beam is said to be a multi tasker, that it can be used as a highlighter or a illuminizer.  Personally, I prefer it as a highlighter on my cheekbones, cupid's bow and sometimes the inner corner of my eyes and if I want a illuminizer, I would use Girl Meets Pearl by Benefit.  I would describe the color is a milky pearl pink with lots of sheen. It is not glittery or sparkly yet it gives a growing affect to your face. It looks really soft and dewy. However I definitely feel that it works better on lighter skin because it is so milky and light. I think it could look harsh on tan skin so for me this is much more of a winter or early spring highlighter.

Next we have Sun Beam which is a complete opposite of High Beam in which it is definitely more of a late spring or summer highlighter. Sun Beam is a warm, golden, sun kissed bronze highligher. This highlighter is amazing at making you look radiant and glowing. It really looks like you went to beach and the sun hit your face perfect on your cheekbones. This is definitely more all skin tones friendly. I think it would look great on naturally tan skin or on paler skin that wants to look more sun kissed.

The formula of both of these is super creamy! They go on really smoothly and a little goes a long way. With that being said, I think these minis are going to last me a very long time and honestly, I think I prefer the minis to the full sized ones because the full sized ones seem like a pain to fit into makeup storage since they are almost like nail polishes. The full sizes retail for $26 at Sephora. You can get the mini ones is different sets from Benefit. Overall, I love these both and they are definitely worth checking out!

Have you tried them out? If so, which do you prefer?

Lots of Love,
Rena 

Review: Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lip Crayon in Grape

Hello Everyone!

I don't know if it is just me but purple lips have really been something I have been dying to try. I have seen purple lips  pop up everywhere from  NYFW to Vogue. However, they are definitely pretty intimidating. I been trying to find a nice starting purple color to get myself more comfortable with purples in general and I think I have found that perfect introduction color. Bite Beauty's Matte Crème Lip Crayon in Grape is a perfect starting color. Don't let the name scare you!

The color advertised at the end of the stick looks like a very bright purple but once you open it up and actually look at it, it is much more pinky toned then expected. It is described as a "muted violet" on the Sephora website but personally I think it is much more of a pinky cool toned lavender. It is absolutely gorgeous on and I think it will look amazing on a lot of different skin tones.

My absolute favorite thing about this is definitely the finish and formula. As you probably would've guessed by now, it is a matte finish. However, it is not drying what so ever and it actually feels rather moisturizing. When I was talking to the girl that works at Sephora about it, she was telling how Bite is all natural brand and that is why it is not as drying as a lot of other matte lip products. It glides on really easily and you don't have to worry about it sticking to dry patches on your lips.

Overall, I am super impressed with Bite Beauty and as this is the first product I have tried from them, I definitely want to get my hands on more. You can pick up this lovely lip crayon at Sephora from 22 dollars. If purple isn't your color, it also comes in five other colors! I honestly cannot wait to try more Bite Beauty products!

Lots of Love,
Rena 

Review: Tanya Burr Lipgloss in Let's Travel the World and Afternoon Tea

L to R: Let's Travel The World, Afternoon Tea

Hello Everyone!
Today I am going to talk about the very new Tanya Burr Lipglosses. I am so happy that I was able to order these before they became out of stock. You can get them on FeelUnique.com. Tanya is one of the first youtubers I started watching and it is amazing to see how far she has come. I am so proud and happy for her! Above all else, us make up lovers get other line of make up to try out and play with. I was so excited when I saw the box in my mailbox.

First of all, I love the packaging. It feels really high end especially the glass tube. I love the soft rounded square shape. It just feels luxurious. The two colors that I got are Let's Travel The World and Afternoon Tea. Let's Travel The World is a red with orange undertones. It is a bit sheer so it is nice for adding some color to different lipsticks. Afternoon Tea is a more opaque rosy pink color. Afternoon Tea is my favorite of the two because it is just that perfect everyday lip gloss color. I also think it would look nice on just about every skin tone. As for lasting power, I would say they last as long as the average lipgloss does around 2 hours.

My absolute favorite thing about these lipglosses is the texture. It goes on so smoothly and doesn't feel sticky at all. It is honestly a dream come true. I would go as far as saying that these are as smooth as my MAC glosses.

Overall, you can't go wrong with these. From the cute names to the smooth texture to the affordable prices, these glosses are lovely. I highly recommend these to everyone out there! If you have tried these, let me know your favorite color!

Lots of Love,
Rena 

Review: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume

Hello Everyone!

Normally when it comes to drugstore mascaras I am very loyal to Maybelline. I feel like Maybelline just does some amazing mascaras for wallet friendly prices. However last month when I was in CVS, I felt a little risky and wanted to try something different. I have heard lots of great review on the CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara so I picked it up and I am so glad I did! My favorite thing about this mascara is the brush. It allows for really nice separation of the lashes and it gets right into the inner corner nicely. LashBlast gives lots of volume so if that is something you are looking for, this is the drugstore mascara for you! It does give some length but not as well as some of my other drugstore mascaras such as Maybelline's Falsies. Overall, for the price you pay for it (under 8 dollars at CVS), it is an amazing mascara. It gives volume, it thickens, and it adds drama to your eyes. Also it holds a curl well and it hasn't smudged on me! If you are currently on the hunt for a new drugstore mascara, I highly recommend you check this one out!

What is your favorite drugstore mascara?
Lots of love,
Rena 

Review: NYX Powder Blushes

Hello Everyone!  I hope you are all having a great week. It is already Wednesday so the weekend is near! Anyways, I have really been loving blushes this winter. I think they give a very nice finish to the pale snowy winter look ( if that makes any sense). I have especially been loving my NYX Powder Blushes. They are great quality and wallet friendly. I have three of these in the colors: Mocha, Terra Cotta, Desert Rose. Lets talk about how beautiful all three of these colors are. Terra Cotta is a gorgeous bronze shimmer color that looks amazing with taupe eyes. I am especially looking forward to wearing it during the fall. Mocha is a beautiful almost matte rose blush. It leaves a lovely natural look. Desert Rose is that perfect "I was just outside in the cold" blush. It gives a really nice rosy tone.  

L to R: Mocha, Terra Cotta, Desert Rose

L to R: Mocha, Terra Cotta, Desert Rose

They have amazing lasting power. I put some on with a blush brush in the morning and even after going to class, lunch, class again and work, it still looks amazing. They really last at least 7 hours. They are also very pigmented. A little bit goes a very long way. I honestly just gently tap my brush into it and it is more than enough color. The packaging is not bad either. I mean it is not as pretty as the Benefit blushes or as sleek as the NARS blushes but they are small, cute and clearly show the color. Also I like how the top is see through. It is so much easier to find the color I am looking for.  Overall, If you have not checked out these blushes yet, you have to! They retail for around 5 dollars at Ulta. If you already own some, let me know your favorite colors! I really want to expand my NYX Blush collection.  Lots of Love,   Rena 

Born Pretty Store Watch Review*

Hi Guys! 
Today, I am going to be doing a little review on this beautiful new watch I received from Born Pretty Store. I was contacted by the lovely Lynn to see if I was interested in reviewing a watch for them. I checked out their site and saw how cute all their watches were so I just couldn't say no. I picked out THIS lovely little watch in #4 green. This is their Punk Retro Fashion Bracelet Watch which is available in 8 beautiful colors. I loved the studded wrap around bracelet and how it isn't bulky. It retails for $5.99 which is such a steal for a great watch! It was delivered pretty quickly, well packaged and came in an adorable little box. 
Here is me wearing it the other day. I wore my Victoria's Secret leggings, tank for TJ Maxx, maroon faux leather jacket from Forever 21, skull scarf from Cottonon, studded boots from Steve Madden and my watch from Born Pretty Store. 

You guys should go check out their WEBSITE, they have lots of great things from watches to clothing. You also can get 10 percent off by using the code RENAC10. Who doesn't love great prices plus ten percent off?
How would you wear this watch?  Lots of Love, 

women's watch, wrist watch, bracelet watch, LED watch

Rimmel Apocalips/Show Off Review

Hi Guys! 
Today, I am going to review what I think is the most hyped up drugstore product of the summer. Yes, I am talking about the Rimmel Apocalips or "Show Off" as they are called in the States. Personally I think Apocalips sounds a lot better than Show Off. Everyone from FleurDeForce to Zoella to every other British blogger were raving about these "lip lacquers" and for the American readers, it was just unfair that we couldn't get them. These little babies finally came out in the states about three weeks ago and oh boy, they went go fast. They are exclusive to Walgreens at this moment and are sold for $4.99 each.I couldn't just get one so I got four! I picked up three on a little Walgreens haul (read here) and then another one when I went back a week later. I own Nova, Big Bang, Celestial and Aurora. 

Left to Right: Big Bang, Aurora, Nova, Celestial

Packaging: Chic and Sleek are the best way to describe the packaging of these lip lacquers. It is a graphic black packaging with a clear end so you can see the color in the tube. It's a very unique design that looks extremely high end. The applicator is great too! It has a little pocket in it that allows you to pick up a lot of product at once.
Color:
Big Bang: This is a classic bright red with blue undertones. It reminds me a lot of "Old Hollywood" and Marilyn Monroe.

Aurora: Aurora is a deep pink. A lot of people say it's red but I really see a lot more of a warm pink than red. 

Nova: This color just screams Barbie. It is a bright pinky mauve color.
Celestial: This is the lightest color I got and I think it is a pretty rosy pink that looks nice on everyone and is good for everyday wear. 

Formula: The formula of these lip lacquers is my favorite thing about them. They are so creamy and  buildable. They go on super easy and are very opaque. I would use a lip balm underneath of these because they can be drying but with a little balm you should be fine! Only thing is the darks colors like Big Bang tend to transfer a bit so I would give them a bit of time to set and use a lip liner with darker colors. 
Pigment: These are crazy pigmented! There is absolutely nothing sheer about them and they last for a good 3 or 4 hours without any need of touch up.
Finish: A lot of reviews say that they have a matte finish personally, I don't think they dry matte. To me, they have a satin finish to them which is very lovely.
Overall, these are a time saver since you don't need gloss after and look amazing! They last for a really long time and are only $4.99! Have you tried the Apocalips? What did you think?
Lots of Love,

Lush: Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub Review

Hi Guys! 
Slowly but surely, another Lush product is becoming a Holy Grail product of mine. First the lip scrub then the honey shampoo and now the Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub. I only use it a face scrub but I'm sure it would be awesome as a body scrub too. It is available in two sizes and I have the smaller of the two but I'm positive I will get the bigger one next time. This scrub contains coarse and fine sea salt, lime juice, avocado butter and vodka. Yes, you read correctly, I did just say vodka. Some how these ingredients mixed together make up the best face scrub I've ever used. It is able at Lush for $21.95 for the smaller size. 

This is definitely a very coarse scrub. If you have super sensitive skin, I would recommend getting a sample and trying out first. I use it about three times a week on days that my skin just feels really greasy or on days I've been in the pool and in the sun all day. I wouldn't use it on an everyday use just because it is a very strong scrub and might dry your skin out a bit if used everyday. I swear my skin feels like heaven after I use it! It cleans out all my pores and takes off the dead layer of skin and leaves me with a fresh smooth new layer of skin. Also It smells just like the beach. Think of the beach right now and how it smells and that's exactly how this scrub smells. It is bright blue and very coarse however, the longer you have it the lighter blue it gets. That's why mine isn't bright blue anymore. Only down side is that you need to be careful to avoid your mouth because it has a salty taste to it.
Overall, this is a great scrub and I would highly recommend it to anyone! Especially in the summer if you want to really exfoliate your skin. 
What's your favorite Lush product? 
Lots of love,