Morphe 35O and 35P Palette Review and Swatches! 2015

Hey everyone! So it seems like lately all the rage is Morphe, Morphe, Morphe! Thanks to Jaclyn Hill mostly. You go girl. So after seeing many posts, blogs, and YouTube videos on these gorgeous eyeshadows, you know I had to get my hands on them. Plus the price is too reasonable not to! 

Morphe eyeshadows are pretty amazing. They are very pigmented, bendable and smooth. There were a few shadows I noticed that weren't as pigmented as others, and some were "patchy". I put a "#" symbol next to those. I starred my favorite shades.. but they're all very pretty. Each palette comes with 35 eyeshadow pans, about 1" in diameter. They retail for about $22.99 for each eyeshadow palette. Sometimes they have sales on them. They have a wide range of eyeshadow palettes, cheek & foundation palettes, empty palettes, brushes, and more. You can find Morphe Brushes company at www.morphebrushes.com. Should we get on to the swatches now?! :)

I first will show the 35P as this was my first palette I purchased. It's filled with lots of purple, plumy / mauve tones, some neutral browns and a few lighter browns. This palette is perfect if you're into these types of colors! There's many to choose from. I love doing a neutral eye with a pop of purple on my lower lash line. I've gotten many compliments when I've done that. Row 1, the first color I starred is awesome for just the middle part of your lid, like a "spotlight" effect. If you want to see this palette in all it's glory, check out Megan McTaggart on Instagram. She recently did a BEAUTIFUL look with it. I love watching her on YouTube as well. ;) 

Next is the ever so famous 35O! This one I didn't star any as my favorites because really, their all my favorite. It's such a perfect palette. If you're on the fence about this palette at all....GET IT! (As soon as it's back in stock ... ) In this palette I didn't notice any colors that were patchy like a few in the 35P. In Row 2 the second shade up from the bottom is a "duo chrome" type color, it fades from a shimmery gold to a shimmery pink! Row 3 second shade from the top is one of my ultimate favorite shades...so beautiful all over the lid! I love this palette so much, it screams Fall and Winter! ;)

Thanks so much for reading! Hope you all had a great 2015. I can't believe 2016 is in 4 days! Stay safe.... Until next time, bye! ;)

XXOO, Lyss

Mall Of America HAUL 2015

Hey everyone! I recently went to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. I didn't go too crazy but I got a few makeup items I wanted to share and a few swatches to show! :) 

I'll start with what I got at Sephora...

I had been dying to get the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix palette and they have been sold out online and while I was in Sephora they didn't have any in stock, but as I was checking out - the one girl (who worked there) said to another girl that they just got a return on one that was still brand new in the box and everything, and my friend said to me "They have one left! .....She wants it!" so I ended up getting the last one! I was so excited!!! :) Thanks to my friend for paying attention! 

 ....... Just look at it in all it's glory! 

I got 2 Sephora brand face masks - (one isn't pictured because I used it) but it was the Rose one, for ultra moisturizing and brightening. It worked very well and my skin felt really moisturized. You leave them on for 15 minutes then just pull off. No need to peel, wash or scrub. They have 8 different kinds, each for different targeted areas. Their only $6.00 each. They have eye masks that are similar that I want to try. 

 I got a travel size of the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in the color Vanilla. I like it so far, but personally it doesn't seem as amazing as I've heard it is. Maybe because I have dry skin right now since it's winter. I'm glad I tried it though. 

I got the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder that I have been wanting! It's super finely milled so it's very silky, and is actually brightening! I really like it, a little goes a long way. 

Lastly I got the Smashbox Pore Minimizing primer in the travel size. I really like it so far. I have the full size in the Smashbox Photo Finish primer and it's just so-so...but this one targets pores and I have larger pores on the tops of my cheeks so I thought I would give this a go! 

There were a few other items on my list to get but they were out of them! A few of them were the Kat Von D liquid lipsticks.... And has anyone seen or tried Lolita II?! It's so pretty, I want it so bad but they only have it in the travel size along with the first Lolita and I already own that... I hope it comes out in the full size! If you love warm nude, terra-cotta colors, you need it! :)

I tried a sample of Peter Thomas Roth VIZ-1000 hydrating serum too for my ridiculously dry winter skin and it seems to be magic! I will keep using my sample but it really did smooth my dry patches  over and they seemed way less noticeable today when I put my makeup on! It's pretty pricey ($60ish) but if it works I would purchase. Especially because you don't need much so it would last me for a super long time. 

Next place I went to was Sigma. I only got a few brushes. I got the E35 Tapered Blending brush, and the E47 Shader Crease brush. I like to use this for my brow bone highlight or my inner corner highlight. Sigma brushes are great, very high quality! 

Next place I went to was Mac Cosmetics. I got 4 blushes that I've had my eye on for awhile. They're soooo beautiful! I got Harmony for my bronzer/contour. I wanted a cool toned color and I've seen my girl Carly Humbert use it on YouTube and she's fair/light skinned like me so I really wanted to get it!

I know it's kinda hard to see in the lighting but in the swatches below you can see better. 

Lastly I went to Lush. I only got 1 item this time! I always get their lip scrub when I visit Lush. I got the Bubblegum. It smells really good and works well. Also I tried a sample of their super moisturizing face lotion called Skin Drink. I actually really liked it.

I placed an order on Morphe Brushes before I went on my trip, and when I got back it had arrived! I got 3 brushes. I got the famous M439 Deluxe Buffer brush for foundation, the M509 Deluxe Pointed Blender, and the M562 Tiny Crease Blender. I haven't tried them yet as I just got them yesterday but I can't wait! :)

Thank you so much for reading my blog post today! I really appreciate it. I hope you learned something new or just had fun killing some time. :) Have a great day or night wherever you are! 

XXOO, Lyss <3 

B U I S I N E S S  I N Q U R I E S contact me at Californiabrunet@aol.com

My MAC Eyeshadow Collection

Hello world! Today I wanted to share my MAC eyeshadows with you. These posts are meant to be helpful if you're in the market for any of these eyeshadows. You can see the color better than on the website. I don't have a ton but I am slowly collecting. A lot of the browns I have are similar, and if I could re-buy I would skip a few, which I will mention later on. I don't have a MAC Cosmetics near me, so I either buy online (90% of the time) or get the product (that I stalk online) at a MAC when I visit somewhere that has one. 

Each shadow is 1.5 grams. You can buy either just the pans (like I have) for $10.00 or buy the shadows in a compact for $16.00. MAC eyeshadows are very pigmented and smooth. Very good quality for the price. 

FIRST ROW: {From Bottom to Top}

ORB - Satin finish: soft peachy - beige 

NYLON - Frost finish: a pale gold with icy shimmer * this is one of my favorite colors for a brow highlight or all over the lid. 

SHROOM - Satin finish: a soft beige with shimmer 

NAKED LUNCH - Frost finish: minimal pink with shimmer * this color I would not repurchase or have bought if I saw in the store first. Not much color payoff. 

MALT - Matte finish: soft pinkish - beige 

SOFT BROWN - Matte finish: soft golden peachy -brown * great crease color for fair or light skinned girls.

SECOND ROW: {From Bottom to Top}

CORK - Satin finish: muted golden brown 

BROWN SCRIPT - Matte(2) finish: warm chestnut brown * I love this shade..the perfect reddish brown. 

SWISS CHOCOLATE - Matte finish: muted reddish brown

SATIN TAUPE - Frost finish: taupe with silver shimmer 

PATINA - Frost finish: taupe brown with golden pearl * Another shade I really like. It reminds me of an old vintage sheen you would see on a photograph from the 50's.

WOODWINKED - Veluxe Pearl finish: warm antique gold 

THIRD ROW: {From Bottom to Top}

EXPENSIVE PINK - Veluxe Pearl finish: pink with duo chrome *  I personally don't see the hype about this color.. I would have skipped this also if I would have seen in store first.

RULE - Matte finish: Vivid orange * One of my faves also. I love a warm orange color for the fall.

RED BRICK - Matte finish: Orange red * Also, one of my faves. Just a little more rich than Rule. They go great together.

FIG.1 - Matte(2) finish: eggplant purple 

SCENE - Satin finish: muted blue - grey 

CORDUROY - Matte finish: muted reddish brown * This is a really pretty brown, maybe I like it so much because the name reminds me of a snuggly teddy bear with corduroy bibs. :)

ROW FOUR: {From Bottom to Top}

HANDWRITTEN - Matte(2) finish: rich chocolate brown 

EMBARK - Matte finish: intense reddish brown * this is a good color to smoke out the outer V or lashline if you don't want to go as dark as black.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read todays post! I hope you're all staying warm where you're at as the weather gets colder! As always feel free to comment below! Have a great day! 

XXOO, LYSS

B U I S N E S S  I N Q U R I E S at californiabrunet@aol.cm

Fall Favorites Tag!

Hey everyone! Hope you all are enjoying the cooler weather. I know I am. :) I am sure most of you have heard or seen videos on the Fall Favorites Tag going around that Jaclyn Hill from YouTube started. There are 9 questions/favorites. I'm however changing the last  2 and making them non holiday related, just fall related. 

1. Favorite Candle
2. Favorite lip color
3. Favorite Drink
4. Favorite Blush
5. Favorite clothing item
6. Favorite movie
7. Favorite TV show
8. Favorite nail polish
9. Favorite perfume 

Let's get started! For most of these I couldn't pick just one so yeah, bare with me please.

For candles I chose Bath & Body Works "Cider Lane" and Signature Soy "Pumpkin Cheesecake". Cider Lane smells like caramel apples and cinnamon. It's so appealing and such a warm cozy scent. I love it! The Pumpkin Cheesecake candle I randomly found at Target while looking around. It also smells amazing and literally just like cheesecake. I like to burn these two together and it's just the perfect combo.

My favorite lip choices got a little out of hand. I chose 5 - ha! :) I love dark, vampy lips for fall time. It's just what I like. I don't wear them everyday, but more often for sure. I chose a variety of darker colors, and a few neutrals. My top choices are MAC Diva, MAC Rebel, Gerard Cosmetics Fire Engine, Colourpop Beeper, and Colourpop Solow. Diva is a matte formula, and is a reddish burgundy color. Rebel is a satin formula, and is a midtone plum shade. Fire Engine is a matte formula and is a bright blue based red. This is just an original color you can wear year round! Beeper is a liquid matte formula and is a taupe - muave color, and Solow is also a liquid matte formula and is a neutral pinky muave shade. As you can tell I like matte formulas. I don't like worrying if I have lipstick on my teeth! 

From bottom to top is: Fire Engine, Diva, Rebel, Beeper, Solow 

My favorite fall drink would have to be either White Chocolate Mocha (hot or iced) or Pumpkin Spice Latte (hot or iced) as far as coffee goes. And also Ive been loving the "Not Your Fathers" Root Beer. It's amazing! It tastes just like root beer but with alcohol. It's a really warm and cozy type drink. 

For blushes I chose 2. I love muave tones esp. in the fall / winter months. I love Blushbaby by MAC which I've talked about before on my blog. It's one of my all time favorite blushes ever. The formula is a sheertone. It's a neutral beige pink shade that would flatter pretty much any skin tone. Also I love Blushing Bride by Tarte. Again, kind of a rosy pink - muave shade. It just gives you that healthy awake sheen on your cheeks, like you just woke up from a nap. 

For favorite clothing item I really enjoy wearing scarves ALL fall and winter long! I pretty much always have one on. I have waaaay too many and always mix it up. They are so versatile. Also I love boots, or booties. I love wearing skinny jeans with boots. I wear them all season long almost every day. I have lots of pairs of but here's just one pair I wear a lot that I love. I think I bought these at Payless last year. 

For a favorite fall movie, that's hard because I don't have a specific movie I always watch during this season. A few all time favorites of mine is Mean Girls, and She's the Man. I like a lot of animated "kids" movies. For example Big Hero, Toy Story, The Croods, Up...ect.

Same kinda goes for favorite fall TV show, I don't have cable anymore so I just watch Netflix. It varies what I watch and I usually binge watch a season and then once I am finished find something else to binge watch. One show I love is  Grey's Anatomy. 

I love fall nail colors, they're like lip products to me. I always gravitate towards darker colors for fall. My favorite brand of polish is Essie. I picked just 2 colors I wear a lot which is a black and a burgundy shade. The black is called Licorice and the burgundy is called Sole Mate. 

Lastly is favorite scent / perfume. I have many I love but I chose Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy and Victoria Secret Bombshell. The Viva La Juicy is a blend of wild berries vanilla and jasmine. I've gone through several bottles of this because I love it so much. Bombshell smells fruity floral with notes of passion fruit, Shangri-la peony and vanilla orchid. Both are award winning fragrances and for good reason! 

I tag all of you! Please tell me your favorites in the comments! I would love to read them. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my blog! It means a lot. Until next time, stay polished! :)

XXOO, Lyss 

B U S I N E S S  I N Q U R I E S at californiabrunet@aol.com 

A Random Collective Haul and Swatches!

Hey all! I hope everyone is doing well... I wanted to share with you all some recent purchases I've collected over the past few months. As you all know, I am a HUGE makeup junkie...and I got my hands on some things I've been wanting for a while. I'm going to swatch some stuff too. :) And there's a non makeup related item as well. (*Gasp, say what?)

** Disclaimer: By NO means am I at all bragging or "showing off" these items. I am just a beauty product lover, who wants to share swatches and deals with you all to help in any way! :) **

I love Colourpop products, and I made my second purchase recently. If you spend $30 you get Free Shipping, so I like to do that since it's not too expensive and you get about 5-7 products! I bought 2 eyeshadows and 4 lip items. The "Leather" color is just a "Lippie Stix" and the three others are "Ultra matte" lip. 

I finally bit the bullet and bought some much *needed* Becca products! Of course I had to get the Limited Edition Champagne Pop, and then another I've had my eye on - Moonstone. 

They are amazing and totally worth it!!! I want a backup of the Limited Edition one. Eeeee! 

I also bought the Kat Von D Lock-It powder foundation I've been wanting forever. I have the liquid form and love it. I bought the shade Light 46. Next, I picked up a new favorite MAC lipstick in the shade Please Me. It's a matte formula which is my fav, and it's very comfortable to wear, not drying. Last is my first Becca blush in the color Songbird. It's an orangey-brown color. I love it! It caught my eye at Sephora and I had to get it. 

I wanted to try the new(ish) Elf matte lip colors I had been hearing good things about, so I got Tea Rose and Natural. They are very matte but comfortable on the lips. The Pixi tinted lip balm my cousin bought for me. I love these mauve colors.

I also had been wanting to try some Morphe products. I started out small, I only bought 2 eyeshadows. Petals and Bridesmaid. I saw a makeup tutorial from Babs Beauty and she used these colors along with a few others from Morphe and I just had to buy them. They were so beautiful on her. The best part is they're only $2.29 a piece! 

Now for my non beauty related item, surprise surprise! I heard good things about this food box subscription website called Graze from some people on social media including Carly Humbert (who I loooove) from You Tube. So I gave it a go! You get 8 different snacks, a variety of sweet and salty. It can come once a week, or once a month for $11.99. It comes in a cute little box, as shown below and yummy snacks I like to take on the go! You can check them out at www.graze.com. 

 Hope you all had a great August and a great summer. Can't believe tomorrow is September! I am ready for fall. How about you? :) 

XXOO, LYSS 

B U S I N E S S  I N Q U I R I E S : californiabrunet@aol.com

Meet MONAT!

Hey everyone! Today I am VERY excited to share with you all a new company that I am happy to be a part of. It's called Monat. It's an all natural-based, safe, pure and sustainable hair care line with 9 products. 

All Monat products are WITHOUT: Parabens (that could be linked to chronic disorders), sulfates (irritating to skin & scalp), DEA/MEA (can be irritating to skin & eyes, and can be linked to chronic disorders), PEG (can be linked to chronic disorders), harsh salt systems (can cause dryness & dehydration), harmful colors (can be toxic to skin & scalp and linked to chronic disorders), harmful fragrances (can be irritating and linked to chronic disorders). 

All Monat products are WITH: REJUVENIQE Oil {which is a blend of 11+ unique molecular ingredients, which includes vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-6 fatty acids, nutrients and amino acids that's suitable for all skin and hair types. These ingredients have been proven to mimic the body's own natural oils to reduce hair thinning, prevent oxidative stress, and add volume and shine.} Capiyxl (powered with Red Clover Extract, a gentle emollient that reduces scalp inflammation, strengthens and thickens hair, and hydrates the scalp to stimulate hair growth.) Procataline (features Pea Extract, a rich source of secondary metabolites, which deliver healthy nutrients to promote hair growth, plus power antioxidants to combat premature thinning, as well as protect color and shine.) Cordasorb (a powerful formula that packs intense protection from the sun's damaging rays and resultant UVB damage, Cordasorb also preserves hair's natural pigmentation and keeps strands stronger and locks in moisture.) 

As I mentioned earlier, there are 9 products Monat offers:

• REJUVENIQE Oil {1.0 Fl. Oz}
• Revive Shampoo (Part of the Volume System) {8 Fl. Oz}
• Revitalize Conditioner (Part of the Volume System) {6 Fl. Oz}
• Reshape Root Lifter (Part of the Volume System) {4.5 Fl. Oz}
• Renew Shampoo (Part of the Balance Treatment System) {8 Fl. Oz}
• Restore Leave-In Conditioner (Part of the Balance Treatment System) {4.5 Fl. Oz}
• Replenish Masque (Part of the Balance Treatment System) {5 Fl. Oz}
• Men 2+1 Shampoo & Conditioner (Men's Treatment System) {8 Fl. Oz}
• Intense Repair Treatment (Men's Treatment System) {2.5 Fl. Oz.}

I also just want to point out, as for the Men's line - anyone can use it, men or women. Anyone who is thinning and needs regrowth. I personally rotate all 3 lines for myself, I love all of them. The men's smells amazing, it's minty and cooling. 

I want to share some pictures of people who use and love Monat products.... 

The first one is of a beautiful old co-worker of mine, Susan

Next is my wonderful, and beautiful Monat Partner, Mary 

The next few are testimonials from people around the world enjoying Monat!

If you are interested in learning how to enjoy this product yourself, there's 3 ways to do so. Market Partner, VIP, and Retail. First, is to become a Market Partner - which is what I am. This allows you to purchase all products always at the lowest cost - 30% off, and always receive Free Shipping with autoship. You purchase the start up kit for $99 which comes with all your samples, brochures, and a website. This way you can sell the product yourself if you choose to, build your own Monat business earning commissions, bonuses, or other incentives, or you can simply just sign up as a Market Partner for the discount and not sell, and just use the samples for yourself, and always replenish once you're out at lowest cost. Second, is VIP. Your membership fee is only $19.99 and all product is always 15% off for you and Free Shipping with autoship. VIP get to enjoy flash sales, Happy Birthday surprises, bonuses, and more. Lastly is Retail. You pay full price for all product, and basically it's "no strings attached". How do you want to join?! :)

Please feel free to check out the products at:
www.alyssahiebert.mymonat.com 

I will continue to do updates on my exciting new journey with Monat and let you guys know when there are sales and specials going on. :) 

Thanks for reading and Have a great week!!! 

 XXOO, Lyss

B U S I N E S S  I N Q U I R E S : californiabrunet@aol.com

Beat the Summer Heat! * Budge Proof Makeup *

Hello Beauties! With the weather being hot lately, I thought I would share some items that will help you beat the summer heat! 

Lotion: An oil control lotion is perfect for the summer months. I love this one by MAC.

Primer: Primer is a Must to ensure your makeup will last all day and not budge. A few I really like are 1. Smashbox Photo Finish (oil-free) and 2. Benefit PoreFessional. The PoreFessional is really good at hiding bigger pores, while helping the longevity of your face makeup. 

Foundation: I have combination skin, and get mostly oily in my T-Zone. The Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation is awesome and totally budge proof! My mom is very oily, and she is hooked on this foundation. I wear the color "2N1 Desert Beige". 

Powder: You will want to make sure you have a mattifying setting / face powder. Urban Decay "De Slick" is great for keeping you matte and flawless. They also have this product in a spray form if you prefer that instead. 

Setting Spray: This item is also a Must. There are several out there that work just fine, but one of my faves is again by Urban Decay, and it's called "All Nighter". (This is the old packaging). It's a long-lasting makeup setting spray. Spritz all over your face either before makeup, after makeup, or both! 

Eyeliner: Finding a good eyeliner that doesn't run or smudge can be very difficult, especially for the hot summer months. For long lasting liquid liner, I love Kat Von D's Tattoo liner in "Trooper" or a cheap alternative is NYC liquid liner from any drugstore. Both are very black and stay all day! 

 Even though it's hot out there, we still gotta look good, right!?  :) Hope this helped you girls out! Keep on the look out for my next blog coming soon. Thanks so much for those of you reading my blog, it means a lot. Until next time, stay polished!

XXOO, Lyss 

B U S I N E S S  I N Q U R I E S : californiabrunet@aol.com