Review: Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask

So this week I tried another mask from my local Walmart.  This one caught my eye because the base was charcoal and it was polishing...I felt it would be perfect for my dry skin!  So here is the packet:

 

Like with the banana mask, it was just a couple dollars, so I figured it was worth a try. 

Here is the back of the packet, along with what the product looks like:

 

 My first impression, is that it smells awesome!  It reminds me of something from LUSH, but I can't remember what...maybe BIG shampoo or American Cream?  I don't know, but it smells really fresh and nice.  The directions say that you can get 2-4 applications from this one packet...I don't know how you can get 4, but I'll definitely be able to get 2.  Whoever can get 4, please let me know! =)

Here is my lovely before:

  

I have just showered and washed my face with my Mary Kay 3-n-1 Cleanser.  Please ignore my horrible shirt...it's comfortable to sleep in, haha.

So the directions are to apply it, leave it on for 5-7 minutes.  Then gently message for 1-2 minutes and rinse with warm water.  Here I am with the mask on:

 

The mask was pretty messy to apply, it was clumpy and kept falling off my face.  So be warned!  You'll need to apply this one over your bathroom sink for sure.  My face, especially around my nose got a little itchy about 2 minutes in...then it turned into wanting to scratch my nose off because it was so itchy!  I left it on for just a little over 5 minutes...I didn't want to push it too far like I did last time.

My cheeks got a little red during the massaging part, and I don't think I could do much longer than a minute of the massaging since it started feeling a little rough.  The mask was a little difficult to remove because of the sugar, but not horrible.   Once I fully rinsed my face, my skin wasn't sensitive or red at all...in fact, it felt amazing!

Here is my after photo:

 

Overall, I loved it!  My skin felt so smooth!  I can't wait to use it again, and I probably will be purchasing the full size very soon.  If you have dry skin, I would for sure recommend this mask!  I don't think I can say more great things about it.  Even today, about 2 days after doing the mask, my skin feels so smooth and soft!  I'm even going to have my boyfriend try it.

Thanks for reading!  Don't forget to check out my YouTube page, taryn205.

Until next time...stay awesome! =)

~TARYN

Pic from today...my skin looked and felt awesome!

Review: Banana Oatmeal Smoothing Mask

Well it's review time again!  This one I found at my local Walmart for just under $2! I have really dry skin, so I'm always looking for good exfoliants and moisturizers!

So this is the one I tried:

 

This mask is pretty easy and short.  You apply it to a clean face for up to 7 minutes, then rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer after.

 

It's a yellowish color and smells awesome!  And even better...you can get 2 uses from this $2 packet! 

Here is my before (I know everyone loves these fabulous no makeup selfies!):

 

I'm straight from the shower, where I washed my face with my Mary Kay 3-n-1 Cleanser

And here I am after I just applied the mask.  It's pretty clear once it goes on, and I applied a pretty thick layer.  At first it feels kind of cooling, and then after the first minute or two it gets to feeling tighter.  Since I knew I had really dry skin, I opted to leave it on the full 7 minutes, which may have

been too extreme.

Here I am right after washing off the mask and putting on my moisturizer.  My skin was definitely red and very warm!

 

And this is a few minutes after...my skin was on FIRE and my face bright red...this doesn't even do it justice!  You can see the distinct red line along my jaw where the mask ended.  I was really worried at this point I had hurt myself, haha.

 

Thankfully about a hour later, the heat had left my skin, and the redness had went almost completely away.

Overall, my skin felt amazing after this.  The next morning when I woke up I was really happy with how soft and smooth my face felt.  I had a few panic moments, but really that was my fault for going for the maximum the first time.  Next time, when I use the remainder of the product, I'll probably leave it on like 5 minutes or less!  I would definitely recommend this product for you fellow dry skinned girls!  Just use caution, it's better to start out with fewer minutes and work up then potentially harm your gorgeous selves!

Thanks for reading!  And btw...I think I'm starting back up my YouTube channel, Taryn205...I'll hopefully be filming my 2015 favorites this upcoming week, so check it out!

Until next time...Love you guys, and thanks for reading!

~TARYN

Trying to Organize My Life

So about a month-ish ago, I decided that it was time I fully clean out my bedroom.  There was no box or corner that I wasn't going to go through and decide what to do with.  Over the course of two full days, I pulled everything out of my closet, drawers, and under my bed.  I got rid of around 9 garbage bags full of clothes, donated several bags of "stuff", and got to re-organize things to really become more functional for me.

I thought I would take a little bit of time, and post a few after pictures, and hopefully someone will stumble upon this little post and decide that one of the things I did would benefit them as well.  I unfortunately have no before pics, but take my word for it...it was horrible!  There were times in the past I felt I had no carpet, but rather just many, many piles of clothes just thrown everywhere.  I decided I didn't want to live like that anymore, and I bit the bullet, worked super hard for a couple days, and now I'm just ecstatic with the results.

First up are my dressers.  I had clothes shoved in every drawer, to the point where I could barely open them or close them.  My worst fear was having all the laundry done, because I knew there was no way I had the space for all my clothes at one time.  To some, the hardest part may be to get rid of clothes, and with some pieces it was, but I really asked myself with each piece, if I had worn it in a year or if I was planning on wearing it.  I also had to be brutally honest with myself about my age and my size.  No more keeping clothes just on the hope I'd lose weight or because I still wanted to be like 21, haha.  I wanted to be able to go to anything in my room, know it fits, and know it works...no more "what ifs".

After really going through my clothes and getting rid of a lot, I knew I needed a better system to organize all my folded clothes.   So with the help of the YouTube channel, Home Organizing by Alejandra.tv ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcvu0uB6SzugED_5FEC7Z0Q ), I was able to come up with the above ideas.  With all my shirts and tanks, I folded them in small rectangles so that I could put them on their sides.  This way I can easily see what each shirt is, grab it, and it doesn't mess up the whole drawer. For my leggings, I folded them in half, then rolled them up so they would fit in my smaller drawers.  I also separated the long leggings from the short ones for easy picking.  Finally, for my colored "jeggings" and other pants I folded them very similar to my shirts so I could see what all I had and pick them at ease.

To fold a shirt: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcvu0uB6SzugED_5FEC7Z0Q
*I just did it on my own instead of the tool she used

To fold the pants: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyQHBj_HUBQ

Next up...the closet.  A few years ago I had a horrible mishap with my closet, when the rod bent and broke off the wall.  It was a horrible mess, and I told myself then that I wouldn't let it get that bad again, but sure enough I was on the path again!  Enough was enough, so I got to work!  Once again, I really thought about each piece...did I really like it, was it age appropriate, and does it work for my size.  If any answer was no, it went!  I cut the clothes in my closet to like half of what it was before, and I treated myself to those amazing thin velvet-like hangers for my clothes.  I purchased mine at Home Goods for around $12 for a pack of 25.  I love them!  My shirts and cardigans no longer slip off, and they just fit my closet so well.

Then came the shoes...my huge weakness.  I went through my shoes, getting rid of a few that weren't in style, or were very worn, then I went to organizing.  I had already started the process a couple years ago, but I finished putting each pair of shoes in its own clear box, bought at Walmart, and then I taped a small description to the front so I could see all my shoes and pick them quickly.  Yes, I have a lot of shoes...but I love them all!  For my flip flops, I bought a single drawer from Walmart and placed them all in there.  Once again, it's all about being able to quickly see all that I have and choose easily.

For my scarves, I had seen this idea a lot, but I just never could get them in my closet with all my clothes.  Since that wasn't the issue anymore, I tied each scarf to a hanger so I could pick one with no fuss.  I have scarves on 2 hangers...one for anytime scarves, the other for heavier/winter ones.

And finally...some accessory organizing!  I organized all my hair items in small bins and containers.  I was so tired of not being able to find what I needed when I needed it...or finding things laying everything.  Invest in just a few helpful items...it's worth always knowing where my bobby pins and ponytail holders are!!

For my lotions and perfumes, I got a couple of spice racks from Walmart, put some adorable zebra print duck tape on them, then organized the items...one rack has lotions, the other has perfumes.  I can see what I have, pick quickly, and just head out the door!  Plus, I really like the way it looks...almost like actual decor on my bookcase.

Shew!  That was a long one, but as I said before, I hope that it is helpful to someone.  I'm loving my room now...it's organized, I know where everything is, and it just feels great!  I put a laundry basket at the foot of my bed, so that I can put clothes there instead of the my floor when I'm between laundry days, and I also have a 3-drawer organizer that holds all my cleaning supplies and candles.  As I said...everything is organized and everything has a place.

I force myself to pick up a little everyday, and I make sure to plan a cleaning job each week so that I can keep it looking this nice.  It's all about picking a time and just getting things done!

I hope you all have a great day!
Taryn

Review: Sephora Rose Eye Mask

Hey everyone!  So I'm back today with a small review of an eye mask I purchased at Sephora.

I purchased this mask for $5 at my local Sephora, the packaging says that it is ultra moisturizing and brightening, so I knew I had to try it!

From the website:

Rose Eye Mask: Replenishes the delicate eye contour 

and gives an immediate radiance boost for 

a plumper, fresher, and brighter look.

I used this mask after my shower, and upon opening it, I wasn't sure about the smell.  It wasn't disgusting, but it wasn't the pleasant flowery smell I had in mind.  The patches are super wet, so be warned that they may dribble on your counter as you remove them from the package.

The patches are very easy to place and stay put the entire 15 minutes that you keep them on.  They had kind of a cooling sensation while they were on, so I liked that a lot, very relaxing.

I thought someone would like this pic, haha

 

Once your 15 minutes are up, you just pull them off your face...very easy!  Pat under your eyes a little to make sure it absorbs and your done!  No washing after.  After, there is more of a cooling feeling.  My under eye area stayed feeling sticky/tacky several minutes after I took the eye masks after, so that was weird, but I did think my skin was more moisturized afterward.

Another makeup free selfie-oh my!

 

I guess overall, I did like the product, but I kind of doubt I'll repurchase.  I mean, for $5 I could buy several masks, or put it towards an eye cream that will have lasting moisturizing effects rather than this mask that I couldn't tell a difference by the next night.

So, if you're looking for just a nice cooling eye mask before bed, it's great...but, if you're wanting the mask to make a huge difference, you should probably skip it.

Thanks for reading!  I'll be back next week with another review!

Taryn

Starting a New Me

This is a difficult post for me to say at the very least.  It's something that makes me very uncomfortable to talk about, but yet I know I need to talk about it and make some changes, and I figure if I post about it, then maybe I'll be more motivated to stay with it.

I have been overweight my whole life, that's nothing new. However, now that I am getting older, I've noticed some alarming physical changes that just need to end.  I hate being so tired all the time, I hate not being able to go for walks and such with my boyfriend, and I hate that after working an 8 hour shift, that my feet and hips hurt so bad and I wake up hurting the next day.  I'm only 30 and something has to change.

A few months ago I had joined a gym for the first time in my life.  That was pretty short lived though since I just couldn't get the motivation to go after working all day, and then having to drive like 20 minutes to get there.  So I've decided to look at myself and make small changes that will hopefully lead to a larger outcome in the future.

This first week was just about getting it in my mind.  I weighed myself on Monday, and haven't really done anything different except for tracking what I eat.  I've also started taking Lipozene to see what affect it will have.  I haven't taken diet pills in years, so we'll see if it does anything.  I look forward to tracking my progress and my thoughts and emotions.  I've always been someone that benefits from writing things down, so hopefully this will continue.

And just so you know everything...I do have a thyroid problem and will be starting back on that medicine, as well as I have medicine to help my PCOS that I will be starting back to taking too.  I don't want to just lose weight and look better, but I want to feel better as well.

Thanks for reading my first entry, any advice or positive thoughts are welcome, but please no negative ones!
Taryn

This picture was taken in July 2015, and I'm hoping that my next July I'll look more like the self I want to be.

Top 10-ish Mary Kay Products!

 

Hey everyone!   So I know I haven't posted in awhile, but I'm hoping to start my little blogging adventure up again.  As most know, I have been a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant now for about 2 years.  Along the way, I have tried several of our products and have absolutely fallen in love!!  I wanted to take a few minutes and share these great go to products.  As always, if you have any questions, please leave them below!  Also, if there are some products you've been wanting more information about, don't hesitate to leave that below, too.  Thanks for reading, and be sure to subscribe!!

Number One: TimeWise Moisturizer and Cleanser

 

I absolutely LOVE these!!!  The cleanser has a slight exfoliate to it, so it leaves your face feeling so smooth and clean.  The moisturizer is great, too...I have really dry skin and I find that it helps keep my skin feeling soft without being too thick and heavy like with other moisturizers I've used.

Number Two: TimeWise Liquid Foundation

 

As with probably every woman, I have used so many foundations trying to get the right match, the right look, and the right feel.  I have used high-end (MAC) as well as low end (Revlon), and have never been truly happy.  Either they leave my skin feeling dry, or it looks like I'm wearing a mask, or it disappears after a short time.  Finally, after trying MK, I know I won't try another brand.  I get so many compliments on my skin when I wear this liquid foundation, it just seems to melt into my skin.  I have tried both the luminous and the matte formulas and like both, but I usually reach for the matte more often.

Number Three: TimeWise Even Complexion Essence

 

This is probably my little secret to having my skin look so great.  With the pink and purple reflects it even outs your skin tone and just makes your skin glow.  

Number Four: Eye Primer

 

Like with foundation, I have tried several eye primers...most on the high end.  I loved my Urban Decay for years, and didn't think anything could be better...until I tried the Mary Kay one.  It's white, so it tends to create a better blank canvas for the eye shadows. And it's cheaper!!

Number Five: Cleansing Cloths

 

Now, I know what you are thinking...what's so great about these cleansing clothes, can't I just get them at Walmart?  I totally thought the same...until I tried these!  Instead of being moistened already, and therefore drying up in a couple weeks, these have cleanser on them and you wet them so they foam and cleanse your face!  That means they don't dry out and you can keep wetting it to make sure you get all your makeup off!!!  This comes in handy for those nights you go out and have a full face of makeup on.  You can't fully know how great these are until you try them for yourself.

Number Six: Facial Highlighting Pen Shade 1

 

 

So you have some dark circles under your eyes?  You want your eyes to be a bit brighter?  This is your product!!  The Shade 1 pen is a pinker base shade, so it will help cover your dark circles without being as heavy as a concealer if that has been a problem for you.  It really helps to reflect the light and make your eyes look more open and bright.

Number Seven: Makeup Finishing Spray by

Skindinävia

 

I have gotten so used to using a finishing spray!  Especially having such dry skin, it helps lock in moisture into my skin as well as helping my makeup look more airbrushed and smooth.  It's such a great, cool treat for your skin...I love throwing it in my purse and using it throughout the day.

Number Eight: Mineral Eye Colors and Ultimate Mascara

 

More specifically, my favorite eye colors are Truffle, Granite, Sweet Plum...and if you combine Sparkling White with Crystalline, it creates such a gorgeous highlighting color!  The colors blend really well and can create a really pretty everyday looks.  And at about half the cost of those high end shadows, you can't go wrong!!

The mascara is one of my all time favorites!  It gives great volume and some lengthening, too.  It's a Mary Kay best seller, so obviously people know what they're talking about. 

Number Nine: True Dimensions Lipstick in Pink Cherie and Clear Lip Liner

This is a beautiful bright pink color!  It even has a blue undertone to it so it makes your teeth look whiter.  The True Dimension lipsticks are great.  They go on so smooth and have a buildable coverage to them so you can wear them more sheer if you like.  They're shiny like a gloss on their own, but stay like a lipstick...perfection!

Now, with clear liner, I'm sure you're thinking I'm crazy...but the great thing about a clear liner is that it'll be the only liner you need!  Since it's clear, it goes with everyone lipstick you own, but it still lines your lips and gives the perfect pout.

Number Ten: Brushes!!

 

Our brush set is such a wonderful value!  Five really good quality brushes for such a low price.  My favorite in the set is a toss up between the eye color brush, which is a great lid color brush, and the crease brush, it helps blend things so nicely!  Another brush that I use daily is the Eye Smudger brush.  It's not included in the brush set, but it's definitely a necessity.  It works great to smudge out your liner, or to deposit color along the lower lash line.

BONUS New Favorite: Belara Mignight Perfume

 

This is quickly becoming my favorite scent.  It has a floral tone to it, with some vanilla and woody tones mixed in as well.  So light and great!  

Well, I guess I've wrote enough for tonight.  I hope I've sparked something in you to want to try something new from Mary Kay.  If you'd like to purchase anything and don't have your own consultant, you can shop my website anytime at www.marykay.com/tarynjb

Have a fabulous night!

~Taryn

 

 

 

Lipstick Collection

So, I'm being lazy and making a blog post about my lipstick collection rather than making a video, haha. I figured this way though, I can put in tons of pictures and swatches, so that makes it better, right? =)

MAC lipsticks:

From Left to Right: Viva Glam V, Myth, Way to Love, Hue, Cute-Ster

2nd Row of MAC lipsticks:

From Left to Right: Viva Glam Gaga, Saint Germain, Bubblegum, Blooming Lovely, High Tea

Another dose of MAC lipsticks:

From Left to Right: Viva Glam Cyndi, Fresh Salmon, Show Orchid, Petals & Peacocks, Pink Plaid, and A Rose Romance

More MAC Lipsticks =)

From Left to Right: Snob, Warm Me Up, Ever Hip, Colour Crafted, and Utter Pervette

These are all of my Victoria's Secret Lipsticks:

From Left to Right: Malibu, Guilt Free, Whisper, Muse, VIP, Kiss Me, and Limelight

Here are some random high-end lip products:

From Left to Right: MAC Bare Slimshine, Clinique Pink Blush, BeeLuscious Frost #177, Benefit Lana, Benefit Betty, and a YSL Duo

These are all my MaryKay lipsticks:

From Left to Right: Intensity Controller, Simply Pink, Pink Ice, Mauve Elegance, Mocha Freeze, and Golden

Finally, here are my drugstore lipsticks:

From Left to Right: LOreal Red Rhapsody, Wet-n-Wild Cherry Blossum, Maybelline Make Me Pink, Maybelline Pink Please, Cover Girl Pink Chic, Rimmel Pink Blush, NYX Opal, and NYX Harmonica

So that's it! Hope you all enjoyed, and if you have any questions about any of them, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!

TARYN