Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Battle of the Sheet Masks

Sheet masks have absolutely taken over the skincare scene in the US. You can't go to Ulta or Sephora these days without seeing complete aisles dedicated to them. These moisturizing beauties for their start is Korea, and have thankfully made their way to North America. 

Let's be honest, sheet masks make you look like a crazed serial killer which I find hilarious...Does that make me weird? They may make you look crazy, but they are packed with a ton of moisture and other awesome ingredients that make your skin go from dry and dull to having a glow like JLO. No joke! 

I recently purchased 3 different sheet masks from Sally Beauty, Ulta, and Sephora to test out in an epic battle of skin moisturization. I'll be judging the packaging, my experience wearing it, and the overall results. I decided that it would only be fair to use 1 mask at a time and to wait a week in between using the next to really see which one gave me the best results. 

All three that I purchased promise to brighten skin, and I sure hope that they can because my skin is looking dull honey. The three that I will be reviewing are the When Travelmate, Sephora Pearl Fiber Mask, and Dermactin-TS Brightening Facial Sheet Mask


Mask #1: When Travelmate
I love the material that the mask is made of. It has an almost gel consistency that really helped the mask stay on my face instead of slipping off like other masks have in the past. The consistency also gave the mask a cooling feel that was almost magical after a long day of running errands and doing stuff for work. The mask is meant to help soothe damaged or tired skin.
Okay, this is most definitely not the sheet mask to try out around a guy that you are trying to impress. I came out of the bathroom wearing this, and my father jumped back and told me I looked like a burn victim. I know, what every girl wants to hear. The mask itself has a slight citrus scent that is pretty refreshing. There was just enough product on the mask for it to be moisturizing without dripping down my face.
Stunner. 
My skin did feel soothed the following day. I have redness in my skin naturally (thank you Irish ancestors), and this mask helped to calm it down a bit. This didn't add any brightness to my skin, but the relaxing time I had when wearing it would make me purchase this again. 

Mask #2: Sephora Pearl Fiber Mask
Sephora knows what they are doing when it comes to packaging. They revamped the packaging of their Sephora Collection products awhile back, and I love the simplicity and how colorful it all is. I've used masks from this line before, but never the pearl one.
The mask comes in a small satchel, and come completely saturated. I did have to squeeze out some of the product due to the fact that it is dripping off of my face. I was a bit of a mess for a few minutes. The pearl mask claims to brighten and even out skin tone. I will admit that my skin did look brighter the entire week after I used this mask. I had a subtle glow that made me not even want to wear makeup so that I could show it off. I will definitely be purchasing this mask again in the future. It will be perfect to use in the summer when I go without makeup frequently.
I have no idea what I was looking at in this photo. Get it together, Meaghan!

Mask #3: Dermactin-TS Brightening Facial Sheet Mask
Okay, I'll be the first one to admit that I am a bit of a package snob. I like products with pretty or interesting packaging, and this mask certainly doesn't have either of those. However, the mask inside is freaking awesome.
I love how the mask comes completely saturated in product, and comes in two pieces. This helps to really helped me to fit the mask to my face. The mask itself has a light floral scent, and the product it is saturated in didn't bother my sensitive skin at all (a bonus). I noticed results the next day, which was impressive. My skin looked tighter, plumper, and more refreshed. I didn't notice much on the brightening front though. Overall, this is a good mask for a quick refresher when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Excuse the vaguely dead look in my eyes. I promise I was enjoying this mask.


The Winner
I have to choose the Sephora Pearl Fiber Mask as the winner. The packaging is simple but colorful, the mask was nicely saturated, and the product itself followed through with its claims. My skin was more vibrant and bright after only one use. Honestly though, I would purchase each of these masks again, but for different occasions. Basically, the real winner here was my skin.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Review: Covergirl Plumpify Mascara (Waterproof)

My name is Meaghan, and I used to be a mascara snob. For the longest time I would only wear ultra expensive mascaras, because I was convinced that they worked better than drugstore mascaras. Oh man how I was wrong. I started wearing drugstore mascaras about 3 years ago, and I have discovered so many amazing options. I've been using Covergirl's The Super Sizer Mascara for a little over a year now, and I thought it was time to switch it up. I have seen so many people online talking about Covergirl's Plumpify Mascara, so I decided to pick it up the last time I was at Target.
Let's get down to the nitty gritty. The Plumpify Mascara is a part of the LashBlast line. It promises to volumize lashes by up to 50x. Volumizing mascaras tend to attract me more than lengthening formulas. 
The wand for this mascara looks so freaking cool. It has a rounded spiral design that is meant to grab each lash at the root, and spikes (is that what they are called?) at the end that can be used to individually target and separate lashes. The wand did take some getting used to since it is quite large, but I don't mind it now. My favorite feature is the spikes on the end. They really help me to reach those inner corner lashes, and separate each of my lashes to give the appearance of more length. 

I'm going to start discussing the formulation now, but please keep in mind that I have the waterproof version due to the fact that I can't wear normal mascara because of my oily ass eyelids. Okay, I really like this formula. I find that it is a bit wet, but it dries pretty quickly. I put this to the ultimate test recently and wore it for almost 15 hours, and it didn't smudge or flake at all. I was so impressed, and it even held a curl really well. I will say that I didn't see a drastic amount of volume added to my lashes, but I did notice some at the root. I did notice some length as well, which was nice. Also, it didn't leave my lashes feeling crunchy, which I appreciated. Overall, this is a nice everyday mascara that I can use when I want something reliable. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Popsugar Must Have Box: January 2017

I'm back today with a Popsugar Must Have* unboxing for all of you. Popsugar always includes an interesting variety of products that are pretty luxurious and that I would never usually splurge on for myself. I'm a pretty frugal girl now that I have a grownup job, so it's nice to be pampered when I receive this box. I swear, Popsugar is like that wicked chic and cool friend that always know about the latest products. I look forward to receiving my box each and every time.

All of the products in this month's box revolve around motivation, revitalization, and leading a health lifestyle. This box screams 'New Year, New You' to me. Usually I'm not drawn to things like that, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the items included this month, and I see how they do fit the theme. Let's jump right in!

Excuse the awful lighting. It has been overcast all week, and it doesn't look like it's changing any time soon.
The first item I saw in my box was the  Manduka eQua Yoga Mat Towel ($38) in the shade Playa. This absorbent yoga towel is lightweight and would be the perfect way to freshen up during or after a workout. This is something that I know I will use. 

I shower each and every night, and it can be annoying at times to have to sleep with wet hair. I was happy to see my box included a Daily Concepts Your Hair Wrap Towel ($18). This microfiber towel claims that it will help to eliminate frizz and flyaways. I don't have a huge problem anymore with frizz, but I am prone to flyaways. I'm putting this wrap towel to the test tonight. It says that it will stay put, so I'm curious to see if it will if I sleep in it...

I was so excited to see an item from Goldfaden included in the box. I have never heard of this brand, and I am always thrilled when I get to try new things. The Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel Multi Acid Resurfacing Peel ($85) uses lactic acid and multi-fruit enzymes to exfoliate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores. I have sensitive skin that gets mad ALL THE TIME, so I'll test this out on a small patch of skin before I commit to fully using it. I'll keep you all updated on how my skin reacts. I know it can be challenging for people with sensitive skin to find good skincare products that don't cause irritation. 

Popsugar always hits a home run when it comes to the home decor items they include in each box. The May Designs Desk Calendar & Note Card ($25) are stunning. The calendar comes with different colored and patterned monthly prints that can be placed on a metal stand that is included. It is an interesting take on a simple desk calendar. I probably won't use this at work, but I will find a place for it at home. The note card included is simple with the word 'Merci' on top in a black font.

The idea behind the Sourcebooks Inc Instant Happy Notes ($8.99) is so positive an uplifting. I like to leave little notes from time to time for my family to show my appreciation for them. These sticky notes have kind messages on them that would make it easy to spread some happiness around.

I'm an avid tea drinker, and I have been getting more and more into loose leaf teas recently. The Dean & Deluca Peppermint Loose Leaf Tea ($10.75) comes in a cute little tin, and smells absolutely divine. Peppermint tea is very calming, and can be great for an upset stomach. I find that I reach for peppermint teas a lot in the winter, because they remind me of candy canes and the holidays. I can't wait to give this a try.

There was a candle in the box this month! I love a good soy candle, and the Glade No3 Coconut & Beach Woods Candle ($4.99) certainly fits the bill. It smells just like the tropical vacation I wish that I was on. I'm going to light this tonight and dream about the beach.

This was a great box this month. I am especially excited about the candle, tea, and wrap towel. Overall, a great box, and totally worth the $39.95 price tag since the box retails for almost $200!


Want to subscribe? Click here and use the code 'SHOP5' to get $5 off your first box!



*I was sent this box by POPSUGAR for review purposes. All opinions are my own and honest.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Fragrance Review: Elizabeth and James Nirvana White

Did anyone else watch the Mary-Kate and Ashley movies when they were little? I seriously loved Passport to Paris. I always wished that my grandparents lived in Paris, and would whisk me away for a Parisian vacation. Unfortunately it never panned out for me. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! Anyway, to get back on track with this review, Mary-Kate and Ashley have become fashion and beauty moguls with their own line of fragrances. 

I received the Elizabeth and James Nirvana White rollerball for Christmas as a gift from my mom. Mom's are the best, am I right? I've wanted to try this perfume for awhile, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. I have been reaching for this perfume every day for the past month, and I cannot get enough. 
I really like the clean white and gold packaging of the rollerball. It makes the perfume feel sophisticated and grownup. I also like how it isn't the typical clear glass packaging that most rollerballs have. It makes the perfume feel unique and special. 

The main notes of White Nirvana are peony, muguet, and tender musk. This fragrance is the perfect mix of feminine and masculine. The peony is the main note that I smell when I apply it, and it slowly fades to a nice combination of floral and deep musk. I honestly cannot stop smelling myself when I wear it. Like, I walk around sniffing my wrist all morning when I'm getting ready. I'm just going to leave you all with that mental image. 

The only negative I have for the fragrance is that it does fade away after about 4 hours. This doesn't bother me too much since I have the rollerball and I can touch up on the go, but I can imagine that this might annoy someone that only has the larger bottle. 

The  Elizabeth and James Nirvana White rollerball retails for $25, and the 1oz size retails for $65.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Women's March: Why I Marched

Unless you have been living under a rock you have hear about the Women's March. If you disagree with the march than this post is not for you, plain and simple. If you want to learn more about my experience than please keep reading. Also, feel free to share your experiences down below in a comment. I would love to read them!
I knew from the first second that I learned about the Women's March that I wanted to go. I detest everything that President Trump stands for, and I knew that I needed to make my disgust known by participating. I went to a sister march, and spent the day being surrounded by like-minded individuals that wanted to show their support for everyone that Trump discriminates against. I won't be bringing up his name again in this post, because even typing it makes me sick to my stomach and he simply isn't worth my time. 

During the march I was able to witness older women and young girls interacting and uplifting one another. It was a beautiful thing to see. I applaud all of the parents that brought their daughters. It is vital that children learn about the political and democratic process at a young age. It also made my heart happy to see so many future feminists. I also enjoyed seeing how freaking creative everyone was. Their posters were on point! 

Everyone in attendance had their own reason for marching. I have many reasons why I was there, but primarily I was there to speak out against the vile treatment of women in this past presidential election cycle. I was absolutely appalled at the attacks that were waged against women. Women were treated as sexual objects that are incapable of thinking for themselves or contributing positively to society. It is time to take a stand against sexism and other forms of bigotry within our society. I cannot tell you how many times I have been on the receiving end of sexist comments and catcalling. It is a demoralizing experience that no one should ever have to go through. It is disheartening that so many politicians in this country participate in hateful rhetoric and believe that women should just except these atrocities. I will not remain silent when women of different backgrounds, color, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status are marginalized. We need to take care of our sisters and ensure that EVERY woman is treated with dignity and respect.

I appeal to all of my readers to get involved in their communities. Volunteer with an organization or charity that revolves around an issue that you are passionate about. Be vocal when you see injustices within your community. Call people out when they use hate speech or use derogatory language. Take a stand!

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. See you all soon! Xo 

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Netflix Favorites

I did not jump on the Netflix bandwagon until last year, and I was seriously missing out. I have discovered so many new and old favorites over the past year that I cannot stop raving about. I’ve compiled a list of my absolute favorites that you NEED to binge. So, get your sweatpants on, pop some popcorn, get a glass of wine, and get ready to kiss your weekend goodbye.
Jane the Virgin
How have I not been watching this show already?! This series is about a girl named Jane that is *accidentally* artificially inseminated. It is this description that turned me off of the show originally, but now I’m totally kicking myself for judging it. The telenovela style that the show is shot in makes it easily one of the funniest shows I have seen recently, and the cast of actors is seriously amazing. Team Michael 4 life!

Reign
I originally started watching this when it first came out, but due to being in college I fell behind. Over Christmas break this year I dedicated time to sit down and catch up. I’m so glad that I did. I completely forgot how stunning the costumes and scenery are on this show. I would give anything to wear one of the gowns featured on the show. I won’t spoil the plot for anyone that isn’t caught up, but I will say that the 3rd season was intense.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Anyone that knows me knows that I have a weird sense of humor. The weirder the better in my opinion. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is about a woman that escapes an underground doomsday cult and starts her life again in New York City. I mean, I was sold at doomsday cult. I cannot tell you how many times this show had me in complete tears. Lillian and Titus are my favorite characters on the show. Peeno Noir, anyone?

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
I had ALL of the feelings when I heard that Netfix was creating a season of The Gilmore Girls. I loved this show when I was younger, and I was crushed when it ended. Now that I have seen the updated season I am left loving certain parts of the show, and wanting way more. I want Rory and Jess to be together so damn badly. I loved the Melissa McCarthy cameo,  Kirk and his weird self gave me life, and I’m loving independent Emily. My thoughts about this series are all of the place. All I know is that I want more.

Land Girls
I’m a huge history nerd, and I was thrilled when Netflix recommended this series to me. It takes place in England during the second World War, and focuses on a group of girls that are a part of the Women’s Land Army. If you don’t know about the Women’s Land Army I suggest that you research it NOW. It is such an interesting part of women’s history that rarely is discussed in history classes. I love the plot of the show and the badass women featured. The vintage fashion is a huge bonus as well.



Until next time. Xo


Monday, January 16, 2017

Leggings Are Pants...Deal With It!

I overheard a girl around my age talking to her friend yesterday at Target about how leggings aren't pants, and how only 'skinny' people should wear leggings in public as they have the bodies to pull them off. Now, this delightful woman said this to her friend while looking me up and down. Hint, I was wearing leggings. Okay, I had to hold myself back because I had SO MANY questions for this poor misguided soul.
#1
Who in this girl's life led her down the dark path of believing that majestic leggings could not be worn as pants? Leggings are pants. Don't try to tell me I'm wrong, because this is something that I am oddly passionate about. Leggings are stretchy pieces of fabric that are sent from heaven to make a lazy gal's life easier and more comfortable. I'm not ashamed to say that I dress more for comfort these days. I cannot be bothered to wear something that may look good, but makes me feel like I am being squeezed by a boa constrictor. Give me a pair of stretchy leggings any day of the week. Enough said.

#2
Did this girl have a bad leggings experience, because in my experience I find that leggings go with literally everything! They come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and patterns, and look good on everyone from toddlers to elderly women. Seriously, I came into this world wearing them and I am leaving this world wearing them. My pants drawer is bursting with leggings that range from basic black to kinda out there cheetah. I'm pretty much covered for every occasion.

#3
I had no clue that only certain people could wear leggings. Is there a test that I need to take or a club I need to join to qualify? Does this girl have a magical "leggings wearer" card that she keeps in her wallet that she shows to the leggings police? Again, I have so many questions. Joking aside, I know that this girl was referring to that fact that there is an absurd idea that curvy people can only wear certain things. Excuse me, but my fat ass is rocking leggings all day erry day! They make my butt look good, what can I say?

If you have stuck with me until the end of this rambling rant then you have the patience of an angel. I'll see you soon for what is hopefully a more normal post, but I can't promise anything. Xo


Sunday, January 15, 2017

Love With Food: January 2017

I’m back today with a Love With Food unboxing. I’ve been a subscriber of Love With Food for a year now, and I still am in love with the company. LWF is a business with a conscious. They donate 1 meal to a food bank for each box that they sell. It’s such an easy way to give back and still receive a little something for yourself.  I have seen first hand how hunger can impact a child's life, and I am happy that Love With Food is using their company to do some good.

I’m a foodie at heart, and I always love trying new and interesting things. I always say that I am game to try anything once. Each tastings box included 8 snacks that are either non-GMO, gluten-free, organic, or just plain healthy. There is usually a nice variety of sweet and savory snacks, so there really is something in there for everyone. I have been known to share snacks from time to time with friends from work or family...I know, I'm just a giving kind of person. Haha!
The theme this month is Seize the Day. Very fitting for the new year. I already tested a few of the products in this month’s box (lack of self-control, anyone?) and I can tell you that this box is a winner!
The first product feautred this month is Pirouline’s Dark Chocolate Rolled Wafer Cookies. These wafers are so delicious. I can get a large tin of them from time to time at my local Christmas Tree Shop. They are a serious indulgence.
My box this month included quite a bit of chocolate. I received Dave's Sweet Tooth Milk Chocolate Toffee, Dilettante Chocolates Coffee Trio Truffle Cremes, and Lily's Sweets Original Dark Chocolate Bar. Of course, I won't complain about having an excess of chocolate in my house. I already tried one of the milk chocolate toffees, and it is literally amazing.
The only savory item in the box this month is the Lundberg Family Farms Sea Salt Rice Chips. I've been a fan of rice cakes my entire life, and I think these will be similar. I'll have to save them for work one day this week. I'll also be saving the Bakery on Main Peanut Butter & Chocolate Granola Bar. Granola bars are usually pretty filling, and perfect for days when I don't have the time to sit down for a meal.

My box also included some Truvia Natural Sweetener. I actually already use this, so it's nice to have some more around the house. I also received some cookies this month! They are the Honey Heroes Whole Grain Cookies from MySuperCookies. I'm always game for a cookie.

I won’t lie, I was a bit nervous when I saw the Aloha Chocolate Protein Powder. I’m not one to really use protein powders, but I am always game to try anything once. I tried it out this morning, and I have to say that I am not a fan. It was a texture thing for me. I'm sure someone who is into these types of powders would have loved it though.


If you are an avid snacker like me and want to subscribe, feel free to click here!

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Messy Buns & Roses

It has been way too long since I sat down and wrote something. Writing has always been a therapeutic experience for me and I have missed it as a part of my daily life. I've always been an anxious person, and I find that writing down my thoughts and feelings can be a release for me. I stopped writing my previous blog because it no longer felt like a reflection of who I was. I wasn't happy when I was writing, and the joy was gone from the experience. I was attempting to form myself into something I am DEFINITELY not, and that was when I knew it was time for a break. I spent most of my life trying to be something I'm not, and it took me a long time to embrace who and what I am and have to offer. 

My life has changed quite a bit since I first started blogging. I am no longer a carefree college student that has the time to obsess over the latest makeup releases and celebrity gossip. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy those things from time to time, but my priorities have shifted. I now have a career that I love, issues that I am passionate about, and things that I have to say. I have been told by family and friends that I have an opinion about pretty much everything, but for some reason I was hesitant to share those opinions on my blog for fear that I would offend someone. Welp, times are changing.

I grew up wanting to be one of those girls that seemed to always be put together and have her life completely figured out. I busted my ass trying to be that girl, but guess what, I'm not. My life hasn't exactly turned out the way I had envisioned it would, I wear leggings more often than a normal person probably should, my eyebrows are NEVER even, and I always feel like an awkward hot mess. Well, I have come to accept that this is me. I will most likely never be that girl that I had hoped to be, but to be honest, I'm not really interested in being her. I may be a hot mess, but I am a happy and content hot mess. 

I want Messy Buns and Roses to be my place on the internet where I can be unapologetically myself. The name for this new blog came to be one night while I was getting ready for bed. I had my hair up in a big messy bun (a signal to everyone around me that I am done with the day and to leave me alone) and I was reminiscing about my first tattoo, a pink rose on my wrist. I was planning my next tattoo (a story for another time), and the name for the blog kind of hit me.

My hope for this blog is that it will reflect where I am currently in my life. I'm a woman in my mid-twenties that has A LOT to say about A LOT of things. I'll still feature fun beauty themed posts from time to time (because I still love that stuff), but I'll also be sharing my thoughts on the things that are happening in my life and things that I am passionate about.

See you all soon. Xo