September PopSugar Must Have Box Review

Happy Wednesday! I received the September PopSugar Must Have box #MustHaveBox and I am super excited to review it for y'all today!

This is my first PopSugar Must Have Box. It is a monthly subscription box with over $100 worth of merchandise in each box, costing $39.95.

Let's get to the awesome products!

1. Jack & Lucy Bicoastal Wide Brim Hat | $58

I have never been much of a hat person, however, I am kind of liking this one. I love that it is adjustable! I am going to try and wear this hat with some super cute fall outfits!

2. NCLA Mani-ER Tool Kit | $16 

I was actually super excited to see this in the box because I am constantly in need to nail supplies when I am out. So, I plan to throw this in my purse to have whenever I need it.

3. Briogio Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask | $36

Since I have curly hair, my hair is prone to dryness. I know I am going to use this mask so many times during these coming fall and winter months. I love that is has no sulfates, silicones, or parabens. Also, it smells amazing!

4. Flint Lint Roller | $9.99

When I saw this in the box, I literally screamed. I mean, how convenient is a retractable lint roller that is small enough to fit in your purse?! The other day, I walked out of the house with a TON of dog hair all over my black shirt. Unfortunately, I didn't have a lint roller handy, so I had to go out looking like a dog groomer. I am going to use this SO MUCH.

5. Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer in The Warning | $22

First off, I love the sleek gold packaging. Secondly, I love the scent! It is a super light vanilla scent. The red color is super pretty and it is not too bright. It also has little flecks of gold glitter that give it a super pretty, non-sticky shine.

6. The Gluten Free Bites Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites | $4.99

These were so yummy! I tend to eat gluten free and sugar free, so I was super excited when these came! I loved the chocolate coconut flavor. I do think they could be a little sweeter, but they were not all that bad.

Overall, I loved this box! Also, there is a coupon that never expires for $5 off your FIRST Must Have Box! The code is SHOP5.

Disclaimer: POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try, however, all opinions are my own. #sponsored

See where I link up here.

My 8 All Time Favorite Makeup Products

Happy Wednesday! Everyone has those products that they just can't live without. Today, I am sharing eight of my all time favorite makeup products.

also, you can see how to make a marble backdrop just like this here!

1. e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette in Light

I received this blush palette from a special offer that e.l.f. was running. I had been wanting to get some more blushes, but I hadn't yet, so it was perfect timing. It has 3 matte shades and one shimmer shade. The three matte shades are a Barbie pink, an orange color, and a mauve-y pink. The shimmer shade is a deep coral and it is my favorite. These blushes are super pigmented and blendable, also.

2. Makeup Revolution Vivid Shimmer Brick in Radiant

I use this shimmer brick as a highlighter--I just use the top to lightest shades--but it can be used as a bronzer or eyeshadow as well. It is super sparkly, so I just use a little bit which makes it last really long. With all of the shades in one, it can be used so many ways.

3. e.l.f. Cool Bronzer

This bronzer is exceptional because it has four colors all together. I usually just swirl my brush in and pick up all of the colors, however, it is super easy to just get a couple or even one of the colors. It can also be used as eyeshadow which is an added plus.

4. e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Satin Lipstick in Touch of Berry

I have never been a lipstick person because lipsticks have always been dry and way too bright for me. But, this lipstick feels like butter. I'm telling you, it's so smooth! Also, the color is pigmented, but not overpowering or too bright. It's literally the perfect lipstick.

5. e.l.f. Lip Exfoliater in Mint Maniac

My lips are prone to get dry. When I found this lip exfoliator, I knew I had to get it! It works so well and I love the mint scent/flavor! It's also super convenient that it is in lipstick form. 

6. Makeup Revolution Essential Mattes Redemption Eyeshadow Palette

This eyeshadow palette is so amazing! All of the colors are matte and are super pigmented, blendable, and they don't crease at all and last FOREVER!

7. ULTA Super Blender Sponge

I have wanted a beauty blender for some time because they make it so much easier to apply makeup. ULTA has a line of blender sponges and they work so well! They are super spongy and soft!

8. e.l.f. Mineral Infused Mascara in Black

THIS MASCARA! I love this mascara so much because it doesn't clump at all! It is super easy to apply, and doesn't smell weird. The only thing is that I wish it came in brown or at least a brownish black because it looks more natural on blondes like myself.

What are your favorite makeup products? I'd love to know!

See where I link up here.

The Battle of the Balms: Which Tinted Lip Balm You Should Buy

Happy Wednesday, y'all! Today, I have for you a tinted lip balm battle to show you guys which tinted lip balm you should buy. 

There are so many different tinted lip balms out there. I have tried five drugstore and one high end tinted lip balms in order to show you which ones to buy. 

I swatched each of them below:

1. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia $5

This was my first tinted lip balm, and when I bought it, I absolutely loved it. But now that I have a few more to battle with it, it's not really my favorite. Here's why: this balm has too much of a slip. It's not moisturizing enough, or thick enough. However, the color choices are great and long-lasting.

2. e.l.f. Lip Kiss Balm in Smoochy Spice $2

I just got this lip balm, and I love it! It is thick enough to apply without slip everywhere. Super moisturizing, I could wear this balm all day. The one problem with this one is that I had to layer the color a bit, but that's not really a big problem in my opinion. 

3. Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm in Grape Vine $4

Maybelline makes some really nice products and Baby Lips doesn't disappoint either. They have a super great range of shades. My only concern is that they aren't very pigmented. If you want a tinted lip balm that's super rich in color, these are not for you. On the other hand, if you don't mind the light color, you would love these.

4. Arrow Boost Color Enhancing Lip Balm $14.00

This lip balm is the one high end one that I tried. I got it in a Birchbox once and I was so intrigued by it. The "color enhancing" part is so neat. This lip balm has no color, but it changes with the pH in your skin in order to make the perfect pick color for each person. It's also super shiny.

There is one con to this lip balm, however. It can be a bit drying. Just beware of that if you purchase it.

5. L'oreal Colour Riche Balm Pop in Fiery Red $7.99

Contrasting the previous balms, this tinted lip balm is super pigmented. Each color choice (btw, there are six choices) are bright and seem to give your lips a pop, just as the name implies. These also have a bit of a sparkle that I love. These are super velvety and they work really great.

6. e.l.f. Gotta Glow Lip Tint in Perfect Berry $6.00

This e.l.f. lip balm is just like the Arrow one above in that it reacts with the chemistry of your lips to create the perfect shade. It comes in three colors: berry, pink, or peach. I was so tempted to buy it in peach, but since fall is on its way, I went with berry. 

This tint is very smooth and easy to apply. I love the color that it gives me. I can't get enough of it!

All in all, I love each of these, but my favorite is the last one. e.l.f. products are unbeatable!

What are your favorite tinted lip balms?

Linking up here.

Random Rambles | 2 & Grace + Lace Link Up

So, I often have stuff to tell y'all that isn't lengthy enough for a whole blog post. When I have enough of those small little tidbits, I compile them into a Random Rambles post like this one.

What do you guys think of the Instagram stories? I have really been thinking about using them. Snapchat is super popular for bloggers right now, but I don't do Snapchat. I'm thinking that I'll use the stories in the way other bloggers use Snapchat.

What would y'all want to see if I did use the Insta stories? Style tips, outfits, and beauty stuff? Or, the things that I do throughout my day? Or, maybe both? What are your thoughts?

I talked about liquid lipsticks here, but I really can't stop talking about them. I am seriously considering getting Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in "Nude Flush". I really want a nice, good quality, inexpensive, matte, natural colored liquid lipstick. I'm really not particular at all. Haha!

Also, in other makeup news, I am impatiently waiting on a package from e.l.f.. It has a few super great lip products that I can't wait to share with y'all!

I am a big music person. I always have music playing or I am playing it myself. A couple of songs that I have been loving lately are Simple Pursuit by Passion, Halfway by 3for3, and Who You Say I Am by Among the Thirsty.

Am I the only one who can't wait for Fall?! Fall is my favorite season, so I always look forward to it. The best part, in my opinion, is the fashion, food, cooler weather. . . okay, I guess I just like it all!

See where I'm linking up here.

Now onto the link up!

1. Megan of No Small Life linked up this post about a man who has a vision for a hotel where everything would be connected to a cause or need. It's called The Purpose Hotel. "Linking arms with globally recognized organizations such as Compassion, Fashion.Able, IJM, The Giving Keys and many others, The Purpose Hotel is seeking to put together an incredible experience where each night’s stay changes the world." How cool is that?!



2. Emily from Darling, Dearest linked this post of an outfit featuring the perfect dress for summer. Isn't it the cutest?!

-Link back to Spreading His Grace, Bows & Clothes, or both

-Subscribe to both blogs and follow each of us on at least one social media.

Mackenzie: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Sarah: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

-This link up has no theme, so we encourage you to link any of your recent posts. Also note that we have to right to delete your link if it is inappropriate. However, we are super excited to read about your passions, and are so glad that you've decided to join us!

An InLinkz Link-up

Currently | August

Happy Wednesday!! Today, I am talking about what I have been currently up to. Thanks Anne and Dana for hosting!

HEARTING

Lately, I have been hearting liquid lipstick and eyebrow products. I am always looking at beauty products and makeup, but recently, I have really been into the look of liquid lipstick. I love how opaque, and pigmented it is. I am also thinking about getting my eyebrows reshaped and filling them in a bit. Good eyebrows can totally change your makeup game.

WATCHING

I have been watching Girl Meets World, The Middle, and Reba. I don't watch that much TV, but I can always watch an episode, or two of each of those shows. I also just recently watched Miracles from Heaven, which was really good and inspiring!

EXPLORING

Lately, I have been exploring the art of flatlays. I have photographed a couple of good flatlays, but I really do need to work on my flatlay game. I saw this pin on Pinterest and it reminded me how much I need to work on my photography skills.

This is one that I've done before.

CREATING

I've been creating different outfits with my new capsule wardrobe. I love mixing and matching my clothes, so this is super fun for me. 

EATING

Ice cream! Ice cream is my favorite food and my mom made some vanilla ice cream with chocolate peanut butter chunks mixed in. Yum!

What have you been up to? Also, don't forget to link up at Monday's post!

See where I link up here.

High Five for Friday | YouTube + Capsule Wardrobe

Happy Friday! How was your week? It was really quiet at my house this week. Not too much happened, I'm glad for restful, quiet weeks. Read down to see the five high points of my week.

1. The prompt for Five Minute Friday is hidden.

I think sometimes a lot of us feel hidden. Like we feel that no one sees us or knows us. I also think that a lot of the time, we make it that way. We don't reach out. We'd rather just hide in our little shell.

But that's not what God has called us to do. God has called us to go and reach out to the others that also feel hidden. Those that also feel like they're nothing. And tell them that they are something. That they are known and loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

2. This week, I noticed just how many summer clothes in my closet that I haven't worn yet. In order to get some use out of my unworn clothes, I created a capsule wardrobe of sorts. Most times, when a capsule wardrobes is created, whomever is creating it will make sure that the pieces can be worn many different ways. However, my capsule has 23 pieces which only include shirts and dresses because I wear all of my shorts. The point is that for the next two months, I must wear either a top or dress from the capsule in some way.

3. For a while, I would show you guys one outfit from the week, but I got out of it. Today, I'm changing that. Here is what I wore on Wednesday:

4. I've never really been a YouTube video watcher, but ever since I got really into makeup, I started watching some. This week, I've been watching some super great makeup videos in my free time. My absolute favorite YouTubers are Tati of Glam Life Guru and Emily Noel.

5. My posts from this week were:

SUMMER TO FALL TRANSITION WISHLIST & GRACE + LACE LINK UP

BEST NATURAL DRUGSTORE MAKEUP

See where I link up here.

Best Natural Drugstore Makeup

Happy Wednesday! I love makeup. I love makeup because it's like art. It's a way that I get to express myself. That being said, when I wear makeup out, especially during the day, I like to keep it natural. I want my makeup to look like my face, just enhanced a little. Below are my picks for the best natural makeup that can be bought from your local drugstore.

1. Almay Smart Shade Skin Tone Matching Makeup $13.99
This foundation is super great! It is easy to apply and is light coverage, which means that it adds a bit, but not too much, of color correcting and smoothing.

2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser $7.94
This concealer is my absolute favorite. I rave about it all the time! Easy to apply and medium coverage, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is perfect for a natural makeup look.

3. Coty Airspun Translucent Extra Coverage Loose Face Powder $5.67
This face powder is my favorite because it is finely milled and has the perfect amount of coverage. It also works great to set concealer.

4. e.l.f. Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette $10
This e.l.f eyeshadow palette has plenty of beautiful natural colors. The formula is super blendable and pigmented as well.

5. e.l.f Cool Bronzer $4
e.l.f. makes three different bronzers in this type of packaging. I have the Warm and Cool, and they also make Golden. The Warm is shimmery and the Cool is completely matte. I like the Cool one better for natural looks.

6. CoverGirl The Super Sizer By Lashblast Mascara $6.85
This mascara is top rated and supposed to give you 400% more volume. When I choose a mascara, especially for natural makeup looks, I purchase ones that are a brownish black color because I have blonde hair. Most black mascaras are just too black to look natural.

7. e.l.f. Precision Sponge Trio $12
I have a makeup sponge similar to the biggest one is this set and I absolutely love it! I use it every time I apply my makeup. I love that this set has three all in different sizes.

8. e.l.f. Gotta Glow Lip Tint $6
This lip balm from e.l.f. is tinted and adjusts with each wearers lips to create the most flattering color. How cool is that?!

9. CoverGirl Cheekers Blush $4.49
Side note: for some reason in this picture this blush is white, but I like the "Pretty Peach" color. This blush is such a pretty color. For me, blush is perfect for adding a natural glow to anyone's face.

What are your favorite products for a natural makeup look?

Linking up here.

6 Absolute Best Curly Hair Products

Happy Wednesday! Today, I am sharing my favorite products for curly hair:

1. CLEAR Scalp & Hair Shampoo + Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner is perfect if you have curly hair. It is gentle and sulfate free. I love that it keeps my hair hydrated and nourished while getting it super clean as well.

2. Old T-Shirt

Instead of using a towel to dry your hair- curly or not- it is so much better to use a t-shirt. When you use a towel to dry your hair, the rough terry cloth causes breakage and frizz.

3. Ouidad VitalCurl Define & Shine Styling Gel-Cream

I got a sample of this in my Birchbox {full review here}. I have loved using it! It is a great styling product that is not too heavy, but also has great hold and keeps away the frizz.

4. No-Crease Hair Ties

With curly hair, even though it's already kinky, when you use regular hair ties, a crease shows right where you had your hair up. These hair ties are crease-less, so you don't have that problem anymore.

5. TRESemme Flawless Curls Extra Hold Mousse

This is my all time favorite, holy grail mousse. It is stinking perfect! It holds curls for over 24 hours. It says 24, but I'm serious it holds longer. This mousse isn't drying and it doesn't create too much oil either. Literally, it's perfect.

6. DevaCurl Mist-er Right

I just bought this product a couple of weeks ago, but I'm already in love with it. It revitalizes curls and smells so amazing. It works well and you really don't need much.

What are your favorite hair products- curly or not?

Linking up with these lovely ladies.

Currently | June

Happy June, y'all! I cannot believe that it's already June! Wow, this year is flying by! Today, is the monthly Currently post of Anne and Jenna's that I participate in. This month, the prompts are planning, enjoying, buying, craving, and pinning.

PLANNING
Right now, I am planning for a beach vacation that I will be taking later this summer. I am a huge list maker, so I always have plenty of lists for vacation.

source

ENJOYING

Lately, I have been enjoying the beautiful summer weather and some pool time. Summer is one of my favorite seasons mostly because it is beach and pool season. I so enjoy getting a golden glow and then cooling off in the water.

BUYING

Technically, I didn't really buy these since I got them for my birthday, but just go with it. 

For my birthday, I got a navy vest for fall, Coty Airspun Powder in Naturally Neutral, DevaCurl Mist-er Right, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment & Concealer in Neutralizer, Makeup Revolution Essential Mattes Redemption Eyeshadow Palette, Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter, ULTA Beauty Blender, and CoverGirl TruBlend Primer in Combination.

CRAVING

Since it is now summertime, I have been making slushies with a high powered blender. I usually make a strawberry lemon one, but on Monday, I made a watermelon lemonade slush, and boy was it good. I cannot wait to make it again.

PINNING

On Pinterest, I usually pin lots of quotes, which I have been doing, but I have also been pinning some fun summer activities like this yard yahtzee idea.

What have been currently up to?

See where I link up here.

6 Perfectly Pretty Pastel Nail Polishes

Happy Wednesday! Today, I am sharing with y'all 6 nail polishes that I have been loving lately that are all pastel as well:

1. Sinful Colors Lavender

I have had this color for a while now, and I have loved it ever since I laid eyes on it. All around, it is the perfect color not only for spring and summer, but for fall and winter as well.

2. Sinful Colors Cinderella

Cinderella is one of my absolute favorites because it is simply called Cinderella. The subtle sparkles add the perfect touch.

3. Maybelline Color Show Pink Embrace

Coincidentally, I am wearing this color on my nails right now. It is quite light, but if you just do a few thin layers (I did three) it will turn out a very pretty pale pink.

4. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure I Lilac You

This shade is absolutely gorgeous! Unfortunately, it is no longer available, but Sally Hansen does sell a very similar color called What In Carnation.

5. Maybelline Color Show Go Nude

Like the pink shade above, this polish is pretty transparent. However, when you add a few coats, it turns out a beautiful, flattering neutral.

6. LA Colors Color Craze Meadow

This color is the perfect in between green and blue shade. I love it and it applies quite well for a polish that is under $2.

That's all! Each of these nail polishes are fairly inexpensive. If I were to recommend a nail polish brand that seems to be pretty consistently great in color options, application, and long lasting, it would be Sinful Colors. They are super awesome!

What are your favorite nail polishes right now?

Linking up here.