April Favorites And The Cutest Song Ever

This month has seriously flown by. It seems like every month has since we first found out we were moving to Italy back in December. It has just been nonstop going! I can't wait for May to be here. We are finally getting all of our furniture on Thursday, and in about two weeks my mom will be here with my puppy! You guys seriously can't imagine my excitement! 

This month I've also gotten a lot of really awesome beauty products! Probably more than one could possibly need, but eh, a girl needs her cosmetics!!!

This month my top favorites have been the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette, Benefit's The Bronze of
Champions kit, Cliniques Take The Day Off makeup remover, KIKO Milan False Lash Concentrate, Benefit's Coralista blush, Revlon ColorStay foundation, and Jergens Natural Glow daily moisturizer.



If you guys have never tried any of Benefit's kits, shame on you! Seriously. Benefit is a pretty pricey brand, and their kits make getting their products very affordable. If you're a makeup hoarder like I am, then these kits are perfect. You get just the right amount of product. I'd say they're all about half of the size of the actual product, and with Benefit, a little goes a very long way. So even though you're getting deluxe sample sizes of these products, you're definitelly getting enough to last you a very long time.

This baby is the Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay. If you haven't heard of this, where in the world have you been? I feel like I really can't say much about this, other than it's absolutely amazing. Just get one for yourself. 

Benefit's Coralista is my favorite blush. Ever. Hands down. I originally got this in one of the kits and I had to get the full size. I have used this almost every day for the past two or three months and I am nowhere near hitting pan.

I found this mascara primer at an Italian makeup store. I belive the name is KIKO. This stuff is just incredible. It makes my lashes about twice as long as they actually are. This is the best mascara primer I have ever used.

I am really loving Revlon lately. I was never a huge fan, but recently I'm just on a kick. This foundation has been my most used for the past month and I don't see myself getting tired of it any time soon.

Clinique has never been a brand that I've tried a lot of or been too interested in. This makeup remover though is something that I've been using for years. It removes waterproof eye makeup effortlessly.

Summer is right around the corner and I am trying so hard to get tan! I don't tan very well in the sun. I don't burn or anything, I just kind of stay the same. I've been using this for the past few weeks and I love it! It really does give you a nice, natural glow. I'd say it's gotten me about 1 1/2 shades darker and it's helped me build a nice base tan so I can tan in the sun. 

I am so madly in love with this song! If you don't know, Hunter Hayes is a Country singer from Louisiana. Just another reason that I love him. This song is so darn adorable, as is all of his songs. But this one is my favorite. Besides the one he wrote for Act of Valor. Since that song is about a military relationship, it just hits home. But anyways, listen to this song and love it as much as I do! PLEASE! And after you listen, go to iTunes and download his CD! It's just perfect and I swear you won't regret it!

Sorry about the length of this post. If you actually stuck around to read all of it, I appluad you! Have an awesome day, ladies!

Rants of an Army Wife: The First of Many

Today, I won't be talking about anything beauty related. So to my readers who come here for those reasons, you may want to just go back to whatever webpage you were at before coming here. 

First of all, I hate the army. Well, not all the time, just at times were they do incredibly stupid stuff. Like today. Actually, they do incredibly stupid stuff all the time, but whatever. Why do I hate the army? Well, because everything has to be ridiculously complicated. Actually, ridiculously complicated is the biggest understatement ever. 

Calling a specific phone number on post should not be this complicated. Why the hell would you have a specific phone number, and then in order to call that phone number, you have to add 4 numbers and drop 3 numbers. And if that doesnt work, you have to change the 4 numbers that you added. Like, how in the hell does that even make sense? 

Oh, and then when the Italians can't understand you, what do they do? They just transfer you to Germany. Because that makes so much sense!

Why did I need to get in touch with an office on post, might you ask? So I could track our shipment of, well pretty much everything we own, that left the states on February 25th. 

Well, after calling sixteen, SIXTEEN different numbers, I finally was able to speak to someone who knew where all of our stuff was. Where was our stuff? In Italy. In a warehouse. How long has it been here? Almost a month. Oh, but they sent out an e-mail. An e-mail that has to be confirmed before they can deliver our stuff. 

There was never an e-mail. 

So now, they have to resend an e-mail that should have been sent three weeks ago. I can't just call the movers and tell them to deliver my stuff, we have to tell them via e-mail. WHAT THE ACTUAL F***?!?!?

Why do I need to tell you in an e-mail when I just told you on the phone?! 

I JUST WANT MY STUFF!!!

So, anyways. This is my day. This is my great, amazing, fantastic day. 

How's your day going?

Product Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

What a mouthful, right? But a wonderful mouthful! Up until this weekend, I wasn't quite sold on the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. But after finding the most amazing color ever, my eyes opened to this amazing product. All I can say is, I have finally jumped on the bandwagon.

The three colors that I own are Smitten (030) Rendezvous (040) and Romantic (045). These balm stains retail for about $8. For you military wives, these babies are sold at the PX/BX for $6! I was browsing around the shelves and saw that there was only Rendezvous left, and the wrapper had been opened, but the product itself hadn't been tampered with. Since it was "opened" I got this baby for less than $5. Go me!

I find that these lip balm stains are very moisturizing. I really like the way that they feel on my lips. They leave just the right amount of color on your lips. I am not a lipgloss girl, because I like something with more color payoff/lasting power, but most days I just don't feel like wearing a full on lipstick So I find that these are perfect for every day wear. 

The color that got me hooked was Rendezvous. I think it's the most beautiful coral that I've ever seen. It's a very true coral, too. Not too much pink, not too much red. It leans more on the orange side, and I've been looking for something like that for a long time. 

This is Smitten. It's a purpley/pink color. I had expected it to be much darker than it actually is, but I guess I like the color. It's growing on me, that's for sure. 

The last color I have is Romantic, and I do believe this is the most red of the shades. For me, it's a very subtle red. It reminds me of the stain that's left on your lips after eating a red popsicle! It's the perfect amount of color for those days where you don't want to be too "out there."

Overall, I like these. I feel that because I wasn't crazy about the first two colors I had bought, I didn't understand the hype. After picking up Rendezvous though, I am 100% hooked and I now highly recommend these. If you're looking for something will full color and that has more than a few hours of staying power, these aren't for you. But if you want a subtle pop of color that will last 2-3 hours, then this is your product! I hope this review helped!

Arrivederci!

E.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadows Review & Swatches

After posting my e.l.f. haul, I had a lot of questions about the mineral eyeshadows. So, of course, I responded! So today, I'll be doing exactly what you asked, by reviewing and swatching the mineral eyeshadows. 

Let me first start off by showing you what e.l.f. has to say about their pressed mineral eyeshadows, "The innovative pressed powder design creates a silky smooth texture that is blendable for everyday, easy wear. Our natural mineral formula is infused with Rosemary, Cucumber and Vitamin E to replenish the delicate eye area and provide anti-aging benefits for a more revitalized look." and their regular mineral eyeshadows, "Bring a touch of natural beauty to your eyes with these natural mineral eyeshadow shades that add subtle highlights for daytime or increased drama for night. With key vitamins A, B, C & E these eyeshadows hydrate and minimize the appearance of fine lines. Available in an array of light-reflecting color options they can be worn wet or dry, together or alone, for countless shimmering styles and trends. The all natural consistency makes them incredibly easy to apply and blend for a flawless finish."  All pretty great, right?

                  

E.l.f. mineral eyeshadows, whether pressed or pigments, are $3, which you cannot beat. All of the shadows come in super chic, black packaging, minus the mineral shadows which come in clear with a black top. I love how e.l.f. left the top clear, so you can always find the color you want.

                  

without flash

                  

with flash

I absolutely love most of these. I only have a complaint with one of the colors, and sadly, it's the one I wish would work the most. The color is Wine Tour. It is a beautiful purple color with gold flakes. I wanted this color to work so badly, but it just wouldn't. No matter which brush I use or how much I use, it just doesn't blend. It just doesn't! You can't imagine how upset I am over this. It's really a tradgedy. All of the other colors I love, and have no complaints. The two lightest colors, First Date and Beauty Queen, are a little chalky, but nothing that isn't bearable. Caffeinated and Sassy are the two mineral pigment shadows and they are so beautiful! They're pretty shimmery, so if you're not into that, I don't suggest the pigment shadows, unless you go with the matte colors.. 

These shadows are all super pigmented and very easy to blend. I highly suggest all of them, besides Wine Tour. I give these shadows an A+ all around! I hope that this review was helpful and I hope that you'll all hurry over to e.l.f. and pick some up for yourself! 

Have a great day lovelies!!!

Quick Check In

Well, it's been a long, busy weekend. But a great one! I'll be back tomorrow with full posts, but in the meantime, I had to share my excitement on a few things with you all.

Last night, I saw that Ulta was having a buy one, get one 1/2 off sale on the Real Techniques brushes. After much frustration with their website, I finally gave up on trying to order them. You can only imagine how sad I was. This morning, I remembered that my mom lived super close to one in her PA town, so I asked her to pretty please head over and see if the sale was going on in store. It was, and she picked me up two sets! I am so excited!!! I've been trying to get my hands on these brushes for the past three months! I'll have these bad babies next week. I can't wait. 

                            

On Wednesday or Thursday I got an e-mail from Sephora announcing 50% off for their Beauty Insiders. So this girl snatched up the Naked 2 Palette as fast as she could. Once again, you can only imagine my excitement. 

You all responded very well to my e.l.f. haul and wanted me to swatch/review a few things, so definitely look out for that this week! And I have something super amazing to talk to you guys about as soon as it comes in! I'm sure you all have heard about it, but if not, hold on to your seats! I'll change the way you shop online! 

Have an awesome night, ladies!

E.L.F. Haul!

If you guys have read any of my posts, you know that I am obsessed with eyeslipsface cosmetics. I'd say it's a problem, but it's not. Especially not with how inexpensive it is. If you haven't heard of e.l.f., I just...I feel very, very, very bad for you. Mostly because you've been spending money that could have not been, had you shopped with e.l.f. 

E.l.f. has many high end dupes. Especially for Nars. If you're favorite high end brand has something that you just can't live without, but you're budget is making you, check out e.l.f. I almost guarantee that you'll find something similar. Maybe eventually I'll post all of my dupes. Until then, enjoy this haul!

 

This is my pile of loot. I actually only paid for eleven things, and as you can tell, I got way more. E.l.f. had a promotion where if you spent $25, you got 10 free mineral eyeshadows. Then, on top of my 10 free items, they shipped me 5 extra items. If you've ever ordered from this company, you know that they're pretty notorious for sending products you didn't order. I'm not sure if this is an accident or if it's some sort of gratis for ordering. I don't know, and I definitely won't complain!

Below are the things that I actually purchased, all for $36:

left to right: *all from Studio line ($3)Glossy Gloss in Funky Fuchsia, ($3)Glossy Gloss in Merry Cherry, ($6)32 Piece Eyeshadow Palette in Everyday, ($3)Eyeshadow Shield, ($3)Pointed Foundation Brush.


left to right: *all from Studio line all $3 Studio Blush in Berry Merry,  Baked Blush in Rich Rose, Baked Bronzer in St. Lucia (x2) Baked Blush in Peachy Cheeky 

These are the things I picked out for free on my own:

left to right: all mineral eyeshadow besides last Wine Tour, Lunch Break, Heart Breaker, What's Your Name, Miss Popular, 
Out All Night, Beauty Queen, First Date, Mineral Pigment in Sassy, Studio Eyeshadow in Wild Wheat.

And these are the things I got sent for free (by accident?):
Left to Right: Studio Makeup Remover Pen, Studio Undereye Concealer & Highlighter x2, Studio Stipple Brush, Mineral Lipstick in Party Pink.

I've actually got a second haul coming next week. I actually wouldn't really consider it a haul. I only got four things, but I got a ton of stuff for free, including the 100 Piece Eyeshadow Palette that I've been wanting for a really long time! I wasn't sure how much I would use it, so I never wanted to spend $20 on it, so when I got an e-mail from e.l.f. saying that I could get it and about 5 other free things I jumped on the offer as soon as possible!
If you're interested, e.l.f. has two offers going on right now, free shipping, and up to 50% off. So head on over here and stock up!!!


If you want a review or swatches on any of the products please let me know!

FOTD: Thursday, April 11

It's a rather gloomy day here in Italy. Imagine that. I am stuck at home waiting for the housing department to deliver my washmachine. And thank God that is finally happening! I haven't been able to do laundry in almost a month. My supply is running a bit low. I have a photography class tonight at 5, but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to make it unless these guys deliver my appliance soon. Being that it's in the Army's hands, they probably won't show up until midnight. That's just how they work.

So, anyways, that's my day. Nothing too special. At all. I decided instead of being a complete and total shit bag that I'd get up and shower. That of course led to me doing my make-up, and that of course led me to a huge mess that I just have no desire to clean up. I also wasn't planning on blogging today, hence the really horrible Instagram pictures. But hey, at least I got something up.

Today's look is nothing special. Little bit of cat eye, little bit of contouring. I did discover a new trick to enhancing my cat eye. I'm sure most of you already know this, but incase you didnt, here it is: When applying your mascara after drawing on your cat eye, bring the wand out towards the wing, not up. It really helps to enchance and thicken the cat eye. It also helps make your wing look a bit more precise. 

I'm just curious, does your floor/desk/make-up area look anywhere near this bad after putting on your face? I just have a problem with staying neat and organized whilst applying my make-up. 

I hope that wherever you are, the sun is shining more brightly than it is here. 

Possible Collab!

After watching countless YouTube Beauty Guru videos, I've decided I wanted to try a little something out. If you watch guru videos, I'm sure you've heard about collab channels. If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, let me explain:

A collab channel, or in this case blog, is where a group of beauty gurus get together and each week they have a topic to discuss and hey each contribute their own video for the weeks' topic. It is a great way to gain a following and to just connect with other girls! 

*disclaimer: I know I'm not the first to come up with this, so by no means am I trying to steal someones idea. 

I was thinking about doing something similar with two other girls, starting in May. I was hoping to have a weekly topic and from there, do "guest posts" on each others' blogs. The reason I am calling this a collab and not just asking for guest bloggers is because I would like to keep the same two girls for an entire month.

 ***I am only asking for two other girls to do this with, because I feel like more than two guest posts a week is a little much.***

I would hope to have every Tuesday and Thursday dedicated to the collab posts. I think this would just be a really awesome way to make blogging friends, help to build our followings, and maybe even give us insight to some really awesome beauty products! I think the last is the one that I'd be most excited about!

If you're at all interested please e-mail me at armywifestylelife@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

NOTD: Wednesday, April 10

For the past two weeks, I haven't painted my nails at all. I've been rocking the natural look, trying to let my nails "breathe." Ha, actually, I've just been super lazy. Excuses, excuses. After spending most of my day on SheSaidBeauty, I decided it was time to get rid of that lazy bone of mine and work on these nails of mine.



I opted for bright, pastel colors. I mean, being that it's Spring, what else would  I go for? To give this mani a little something extra, I decided to give my new matte coat a go. Needless to say, I'm in love. I feel like a lot of people aren't too crazy about the matte trend, but I'm loving it. I'll be wearing it quite often now that I finally found a matte top coat that actually works. I bought one from e.l.f.  a few months ago, and the formula just wasn't "right."

left to right: O.P.I Can't Find My Czechbook, Revlon Matte Top Coat, e.l.f. Coral Dream, e.l.f. (no name)

I am so seriously in love with this color combo. I think that blue, coral, and yellow are the three perfect spring colors. These three colors will be my go-to's for spring. 
What are your favorite nail polishes for Spring? Will you be following the pastel trend?

FOTD: Tuesday, April 9

Having not much planned for the day, I really didn't have a reason to get super dolled up. For some, a regular trip to the post exchange may call for a fully made up face, but not for this gal. In fact, the only reason I opted for putting on my face today was out of pure boredom. What else is a lonely wife supposed to do when her husband is pulling an all nighter doing Army crap? Clean? Psh. Cook? Hell no. Be Productive? I'd rather not. Let's play with make-up!

I figured I'd keep things pretty neutral today, minus that nice red lip I'm rockin'. For the most part, though, I always keep things pretty neutral. I normally like to be a bit heavier on the blush and I also haven't been too into eyeliner lately.I just rediscovered my e.l.f. waterproof eyeliner pen and I just can't resist its precision. It's seriously maybe the best eyeliner pen I've ever used. But I may very well be the only one obsessed with it. I'm also ridiculously obsessed with my e.l.f. 32 piece eyeshadow palette. I got this last month on one of my e.l.f. hauls and it's been sitting in the box ever since. Today when I opened it I just fell in love. I have a lot of products in that haul that have yet to have been opened, but I'm still working on my storage situation in the new house. So until that's worked out, it'll all continue to sit in the box in which it came.
My red lip is all thanks to the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. I'm still not too sure how I feel about it. I think it's just "so-so." I've definitely used better. But, I guess they aren't that bad. However, I'm not sure that all of the hype is worth it. Maybe I just need to keep using them. I guess they'll grow on me.



Left to right: Benefit Fine-One-One lip and cheek color, Sonia Kashuk Beauty Sponge, e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara, Revlon PhotoReady Foundation, MAC 213 Fluff Brush, MAC 217 Belnder Brush, e.l.f. Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette, e.l.f. eyebrow kit, Sephora Foundation Primer, Revlon PhotoReady Concealer, e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.

Well, after a pretty long day of PX shopping, eating horrible Taco Bell food, and playing with my friends super cute puppies, it's about time for this girl to wash off her face of the day and catch up on her YouTube videos. I hope you all have/had a wonderful day!
Until next time,

XOXO,

Megan

"Like" Me On Facebook!

Army Wife. Style. Life. is now on Facebook! Have you "liked" me yet?

DO IT! 

After finding Krystal's amazing blog, I decided to finally do a tag. I thought that this I ♥ Drugstore Make-Up Tag was perfect for me and my blog. As an Army wife, living life on a budget is completely and totally necessary. As an Army wife living OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) this is especailly true, as Italy is about twice as expensive as the U.S. Okay, enough boring Army talk; on to the tag!

I wouldn't say that I'm a drugstore make-up connoisseur, as most of my most loved brands are higher-end, but I do have quite a few drugstore favorites. And if you know anything about me, you know that my most favorite brand ever is e.l.f. So, maybe I love drugstore make-up a little more than like to let myself believe? The answer is probably yes. 

1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand?

     E.l.f. Duh. 

2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products?


      E.l.f. Studio Blushes, Revlon PhotoReady Foundation, and the Revlon Just    
      Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

3. Least favorite product?

     E.l.f. Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick. Just. No. These didn't work for me AT ALL!

4. What is the best makeup bargain?

     Anything by E.l.f., obviously. Or anything by NYX- another super   
       awesome/affordable brand!
5. What is your favorite underdog product? (Something you love that often gets overlooked?)

     Wet n' Wild lip sticks! I personally don't think that this brand gets enough   
      recognition. I remember using this brand in 5th and 6th grade, when my mom 
      would buy me "play" makeup. I recently re-discovered this brand after seeing 
      so many raves about it and I am so glad that I did!

6. A drugstore product that is overpriced?
     Hmm, I can't think of any particular product, but I definitely think that Revlon  
      itself is a pretty pricey brand. I recently got a new foundation (which I love, but   
      $12 is a bit steeo for drugstore foundation.)


7. Show your best drugstore dupe(s)!!

     E.l.f. studio pressed powder is a pretty decent dupe for Benefit's Hello 
      Flawless.  My other favorite would be NYX Matte Lipstick in "Indie Flick", which 
      is a VERY close dupe for Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in "A-Go-Go."

8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype?
     Revlons Lip Butters! Seriously, I DON'T understand the hype for these! Yes, 
      they're moisturizing, but for me, the color pay off is horrible and the staying 
      power of these is no longer than twenty or thirty minutes. I don't know if it's 
      just me or what, but I really can't say that I like these too much.
9. Favorite drugstore mascara?
       I'm pretty picky when it comes to mascaras, but I do LOVE The Rocket by 
       Maybelline. 
10. Favorite drugstore nail polish?
       I have to go with Essie on this. I mean, who wouldn't? My next favorite would 
       have to be e.l.f. polishes. Imagine that...

Whew! For whatever reason, this post took forever to write! That being said, I hope you enjoyed it. I tag YOU to answer these questions! Let me know if you do this tag! I added  the last two questions, so don't be afraid to add your own! 

As always-

XOXO,

Megan

Ikea: A Very Magical Place

Yesterday, I was finally able to convince my husband to take me to Ikea. I've never been to one before, so I was pretty stinkin' excited about it. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it definitely exceeded all expectations that I might've had. I have found my heaven, you guys. Seriously. 

Having just moved into a new house, there were many things we needed. Well, things that I, as a housewife, needed. I'm sure my husband could have done without. But nonetheless, we got quite a few wonderful things. 

The first thing that we desperatley needed were curtains. In our living room, we have windows that are about  twelve feet wide, and the land lord had up these God awful white doiley curtains that I just had to get rid of.  One either end of our windows, we have the white and grey patterned curtains (14,99), and the grey ones(7,99) in the center window. I'm in love with the way they look!

The next thing we got for our living room is this gorgeous grey floral rug. Hubs actually picked it out all by himself! At 19,99 this was a steal! Online, I had thought that this rug was just the typical doormat size, but it's actually about 6' x 4'. 

Next on my list were curtain panels for our kitchen window and some type of utensil holder for my spatulas, spoons, etc. I could not for the life of me find curtain panels, so I had to get creative. I found these large rectangle cloths (2,50) that are apparently dish towels, and decided to somehow make them work as make-shift curtains. I got two, hung them with curtain hooks long-ways, and ta-da! Theyre perfect curtains. For my cooking utensils, I got this white candle holder (5,90). It fits everything perfectly and looks super cute!

I am looking forward to our next Ikea trip. I already have a list of things to get, one of those items being a desk so I can start blogging properly! I'll be posting photos of all of these items and how I used them soon. Our house is still in the process of "coming together" so it may be a few weeks. But pictures will be up sooner or later, I promise!

For those of you back home, have a lovely day! For my readers here in Europe, I hope you have the sweetest of dreams! Ciao! 

XOXO, 

Megan

Product Review: Benefit's Fine-One-One

If you saw my Spring must haves post, you already know that I was dying to have Benefit's new lip/cheek product, Fine-One-One. Not being in the States, I wasn't sure if I could find it. But low and behold, I found this pup at Sephora. I had no idea that Benefit was sold worldwide! You can only image my excitement!

   

The packaging on this product gets an A++ from me. It's seriously gorgeous! I love how it kind of has a 1920's feel to it. Benefit did an outstanding job with the rose gold color. It's so "in" right now!

        

 Fine-One-One has two blush (or lip color) shades and one highlighting shade. Benefit describes it as  "sheer brightening color for cheeks & lips." I think they nailed the description spot on! The bottom shade is quite orange, the middle is a very coraly-pink, and the highlighter is a shimmery white/pink shade. The color combo goes so incredibly well together. 

To use, hold the product upright with the orange shade at the bottom cheek bone, the highlighter at the top. Glide across your cheek, then blend together with your fingers.

 

After gliding the product on, it looks like the image on the left. You'll have three stripes of color, but once blended, it becomes a super natural looking flush of color. Fine-One-One is very soft and almost velvety, so blending is no problem. If you want a more pigmented outcome, I suggest going over your cheeks twice. Also, I am wearing no foundation, so what you see on the right is nothing but Fine-One-One. In person, it's about a shade darker than it is in the photo, but still very natural looking.
I am in such love with Fine-One-One! It is definitely something that I will be using quite often. It is a tad bit pricey, but that is to be expected from the brand. All in all, yes, I do suggest buying this product! Personally, I will be using it a lot, so I will definitely be getting my money's worth. If you're interested, you can get your own here or here. I definitely suggest doing so!


XOXO,

Megan