Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara Review

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*** GIVEAWAY DETAILS AT THE END OF THIS POST! ***

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen that @mascara_mum recently sent me this Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara in the mail as a thank you for putting a smile on her face with my posts!  Wow, so generous...she definitely put a smile on MY face because mascara is my favorite makeup product!

My first impression of the product was good because it was like no other mascara I'd seen before.  It came in this beautiful case and had two wands inside.  I'd never heard of Younique products... what a cute, clever name!

I looked online to see how to apply it and found her instructional videos on how to apply and remove it.  It's completely waterproof... but comes off easily with any cleanser!  I never buy waterproof mascara because it's so hard to remove completely...so I was skeptical.  I do use false lashes on very special occasions because I love how big they make my eyes look, but I think they are difficult to apply.  If these can give me that look anytime I want, I'm in!  Here goes...

First, I put it on one eye to see the difference.  Wow.  Huge difference.

You first apply the "transplanting gel", coating all the lashes on one eye (I just did my top lashes).  While the gel is still wet and sticky, you immediately follow with the "natural lash fibers"... applying halfway up the lash to the tips.  It looks a little "feathery" at first as the fibers attach, but it will smooth out.  That's because they are actually tiny fibers being attached to lengthen and go beyond your natural lashes!  Take an up close look...

Follow with one more coat of gel to set it.  If you're satisfied, you're done!  If you want a more dramatic effect, keep going and apply as many coats, alternating gel and lash, until you achieve the look you want!  I put a little gel on my lower lashes to give them a subtle look...I just like the lower lashes enhanced, not longer, but you could put the fibers on the bottom too if you like.  Tip:  Hold both tubes in one hand and apply with the other hand.  Recap as you go so you don't mix up the tubes!  This gives a crazy cool false lash look and they are very black!  It's fun...lash galore!

I mentioned earlier that mascara is my favorite makeup product.  I actually don't wear a lot of makeup.  If I'm just running errands, my "go to" is some powder for shine, some mascara on my lashes... and lip gloss.  I think mascara makes the biggest difference, for me, to feel "done"...it makes my eyes look a lot bigger.  I love this t-shirt that I've seen on Pinterest a few times...there are days I can relate;)

So what else do I use?  If I'm spending a little more time on myself or going somewhere special, I use bareMinerals Complexion Rescue foundation (yes, I did a blog post about it too!).  It's the lightest, most hydrating, foundation that I've tried.  It smooths out my complexion...without a heavy, cakey feel.  I love it.  I also might do a little contouring with eyeshadow under my brow bone with a darker color to create more depth on my eyelids.  (I learned that trick from one of my favorite people in the world, Stevie Nicks...she has always done that trick;)  I love highlighter too.  I use Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! which creates a beautiful glow to my cheekbones, brow bone and bridge of my nose.  It looks really natural compared to others I've tried.  Ok, I'm getting off on a tangent here...back to the mascara.

The big test was to see how my husband liked it.  I came out and blinked at him a few times and asked him what he thought.  He loved it.  He said it looks like I have false lashes on...but better.  He definitely thought it made my eyes look bigger.  :)  Good, must be husband approved!

I've used one other drug store brand "fiber" mascara before.  It was a while ago, so I don't remember the brand, but it came in one tube that was double ended...one wand on each end.  The first step coat went on white and then the second coat was black, which was strange.  All I remember is I didn't really like it.

So, the next tests for me were... Is it really waterproof? and Does it come off easily?  Yes, and yes.  I splashed my face with water a few times and it didn't budge.  I rubbed my eyes a little while wet and it started to smudge a bit, but not a lot.  I proceeded to wash with my regular cleanser that suds up as I normally would.  It came off so easily.  It didn't take any more effort than regular mascara and left NO residue.  That's a first for me with waterproof mascara.  :)

So, the final test for me was the ingredients, of course.  Being the health advocate I am... I always look at ingredients, not only in my food but in my products too.  I was very pleasantly surprised.  There are no junky ingredients in this.  The 100% Natural Fibers are actually taken from Green Tea!  The Transplanting Gel has ingredients like water, beeswax and collagen.  The black color comes from Iron Oxide which is a natural-occurring mineral, giving the gel it's striking black color.

Oh, and in case you're wondering... I decided to review this mascara because I loved the product.  I only review product that I love, use and would recommend to you.  I in not way am being compensated for this review.  I know some bloggers are compensated for writing positive reviews, so I want to take a moment to make that clear;)

I have close personal friends who have gotten eyelash extensions, but they're difficult to maintain.  I've gotten my eyelashes dyed black before.  I loved it, but it didn't last long.  I'm excited about this fun product that can help boost women's confidence.  The woman who sells this told me that since she's been using this product, she's started wearing more dresses!  That's fantastic!  It shows how little things that make us feel pretty can make a big impact on our lives.

I'm excited to have this product to play with.  SO EXCITED....that I contacted the person who sent it to me and we have partnered up to do an Instagram GIVEAWAY.. for one lucky winner to win this product...along with a few other goodies!!!  She is going to donate the product and I am going to host the giveaway!!  Maybe that winner will be you!  Keep an EYE on us over on Instagram!  HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Go to Instagram... follow @happywifestyle and @mascara_mum.
• Look for this pic on my page:

• Repost this pic (by screenshot or regram app) with the "#HWSLashes" hashtag so I can see your entry.  (Don't forget to tag me if your account is private or I won't see it)
• Enter as many times as you like, limit once per day.
• Extra karma points for tagging friends in the comment section of the pic that you think would like to enter!  Thanks for helping spread the word as this is my very first giveaway! :)

Details of giveaway:  Only open to US residents.  Only enter on Instagram.  This contest will be open until Sat April 18, 2015 at 9pm PT.  Winner will be announced the following day on Instagram.  Good luck!!

Can't wait?  Want to transform your lashes from "okay" to "oh, wow!"... you can learn more and find the product, among others, at mascaramum.com.  It sells for $29.  I hope you've enjoyed this review!  Have a fantastic weekend! :)

FYI ---Yes, these photos have been touched up.  Airbrushing does wonders to skin and is a girl's best friend when posting a "close up" at 43 years old, so bear with me... LOL!  But the lashes are NOT TOUCHED UP and I focused on the eyes to make that area stand out.  

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

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I want to tell you about this new make up I got recently.... bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream with SPF 30.  Why?  Because I hate liquid foundation... until now.

First, let me tell you about how I stumbled upon this amazing product... I went into Ulta yesterday looking for some self tanner because I am going to Maui soon and every year I look for a new, better way to get a natural "glow" before I go... as I don't bake in the sun anymore like I used to when I was a teenager.  I've tried many different ones including Mystic spray booths and professional airbrush tans.  I'm still on the hunt to the perfect one.

The young lady who helped me told me about bareMinerals Faux Tan Body Sunless Tanner.  She told me that many self tanners actually have the same ingredient in them as Cheetos that turns them the orange color... the same ingredient!  Yuck.  No wonder some self tanners make you look like a freakish orange color.  She said this one does not contain harsh ingredients and gives a more "natural looking tan".  Ok, sold.  I decided to try it.  They have one for face too... but I told her I don't really like the look of self tanner on my face.  I hate liquidfoundation.  I hate a heavy feeling powder foundation because it's too matte.  I've tried BB creams and tinted moisturizers and I like the coverage, but even those look too heavy for me and feel thick and sticky going on,not moisturizing.  I end up making my own concoction mixing them with moisturizers!  I asked her what would she would recommend...  She knew just the thing...

I sat in a chair and she color matched me for bareMinerals Complexion Rescue.  Out of the 10 colors, she tried 3 different shades on me before we decided on the right one.  "Tan" which was too dark.  "Natural" which was too light and a little yellow.  "Suede" was perfect.  She put it on with a brush that felt very light and moisturizing.  She explained how this unique brush's bristles apply this product lightly and correctly and how you can layer it for more, or less, coverage.  It felt like she'd mixed it with water, but hadn't.  It gave great coverage... without the heavy feel.  It left a really nice dewy finish, without being shiny.  It's $29, but considering she did my whole face with a small pea-sized amount...this is going to last forever!  The smoothing brush is $28, so they get you there...but worth it in my opinion;)

Since I had mentioned my upcoming trip, she also recommended the veil powder in "medium", just to touch up shine because of the tropical weather there.  She put it on me and it was very light and didn't make me look too "matte", perfect for just touching up T-zone shine in humidity.  Then she showed me what the bronzer could do.  When I saw "The High Dive" color... it scared me because it looked way too dark, but when she applied it lightly and sparingly in just the right places... Wow.  I looked sun kissed!  Way better than face self tanner that looks dark all over my face!  It looked great.  I didn't see the make up like I've always seen when I've had it put on by someone else in the past... I saw me, just better!  The sheer to medium coverage was fantastic, not thick.  The bronzer would add the perfect glow for Maui.  

So you've heard what I have to say about Complexion Rescue... here's what the company has to say about the product...

What is it: The best of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturizer, bareMinerals Complexion Rescue is a whole new way to think about makeup! This Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 formula offers skin-care benefits infused with naturally radiant color--in one easy step.

Who is it for: Formulated for all skin types and complexions, especially anyone looking for lightweight, sheer-to-medium coverage with skin-care benefits and broad-spectrum SPF 30.

Why is it different: Introducing a multitasking genius where hydration meets radiant, healthy-looking coverage. This lightweight, skin-quenching gel cream smoothes on effortlessly with just the right amount of coverage. Instantly, your complexion appears dewy with a healthy-looking glow.

The new dual-fiber Smoothing Face Brush provides control and diffusion for a soft, smooth application.

In a clinical study, 100% of women experienced improvement in skin texture after one week, and again after four weeks, of product use.

In a clinical study, 100% of women experienced improvement in hydration after one week, and again after four weeks, of product use.

How do I use it: Squeeze a pea-size amount onto the Smoothing Face Brush, and apply onto clean skin in a gentle buffing motion. Layer for additional coverage at home or on the go. You can also use fingertips to apply to the skin.

About bareMinerals® Now considered one of the leading prestige cosmetic brands in the United States, bareMinerals offers a full line of makeup and skin care. Every product is designed to bring out your true beauty. They only use the finest-quality ingredients to give you everything you want without any harsh chemicals your skin doesn't need. Their proprietary formulas represent the ideal mix of makeup and skin care. It's makeup so pure, you can sleep in it.

I hadn't tried bareMinerals since they introduced their "mineral" powder foundation years ago...I'm loving their products again.  I hadn't realized they'd expanded with so many make up and skin-care products.  The fact that their products contain no oil, no silicone, no parabens and no fragrance...I love that.

This short Complexion Rescue Tutorial video helps you see how it appears on the skin and also the difference between the fingertip application and the smoothing brush application...

http://youtu.be/D4wV4MhlREc

Watch this short video about the difference between Complexion Rescue and other tinted moisturizers...it's pretty cool.  I feel even better about putting this on my skin after watching this.  :)

http://youtu.be/bj47Q5aMi0o

I am turning 43 years old in less than 2 weeks and I'm not one to hide my age from people.  My 40's have been the best years of my life yet!  I think we, as women should be proud of our ageand not try to hide it.  But we do need to update our arsenal of beauty "tools" every so often that enhance our natural beauty... to give us confidence!  These products are helping me do just that.  I would definitely recommend this Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue to keep your skin hydrated, to provide a broad-spectrum SPF, for sheer to medium coverage with added skin-care benefits... and mostly, to obtain a "natural", healthy look.  :)

P.S.  If I love the Faux Tan Body Sunless Tanner as much as I loved this product... I'll be sure to let you know;)

How to Make Lemon Coconut Body Scrub

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I know it's still winter, but it's going to be in the 70's this weekend here in California...what?...it's February!  This is why I love California so.  This got me thinking about wearing shorts and skirts already after having my legs covered up this winter!  If you're on the east coast...this can help with dry skin that can come with the cold weather!  I was in NYC last year at this time, so even though I'm a California girl...I remember that dry itchy skin that can be uncomfortable!

Every once in a while, I buy an exfoliating scrub and I'm always disappointed with the "beaded" kind...it just doesn't exfoliate enough.  The only ones that really work are the sugar or salt varieties.  Sure, you can buy some, but why not make your own with what you already have in your kitchen!?  I decided to make my own yesterday and it was easy and FABULOUS!  It worked so well.  Exfoliated wonderfully, then left a coconut oil softness on your skin.  Be warned though, it smelled so good...you kinda want to eat it;)

Ingredients:  

• 1/2 cup coconut oil  (if it's really hard, soften it a bit so it's "stirable"...is that a word?... but not melted completely)
• 1  1/4 cup sugar
• juice from one lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• lemon zest (optional, will make it smell even better!)

In a small bowl...I used a (2 cup) Pyrex measuring cup...mix the coconut oil with the sugar.  Add the lemon juice and lemon zest and combine.  That's it!  You're done!  How easy is that!?

This Lemon Coconut Body Scrub smelled so delicious, I tried it right away and put the rest in a small mason jar.  In the shower, after washing, rub all over your body and rinse.  Shave your legs, then reapply to your legs and rinse again.  Your legs will be so silky soft!  Remember...Valentine's Day is this weekend!  Wink!  It's the perfect time to get those legs super soft;)

Keep a small jar of this by your kitchen sink to use on your hands every so often to keep them moisturized.

Use it to exfoliate before self tanning!  Just remember, it will leave a coconut oil residue, so some spray tans don't want any oils or lotions on the skin before tanning.  Just use it, then wash it off if that's the case.

We are headed to Maui in less than a month...this is definitely going to help get my skin in great shape for that!  :)

This would also make a wonderful gift!  Put them in cute small mason jars and decorate them with pretty labels....your friends will love you;)  Enjoy!

Does Your Bra Fit?

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Ok ladies, this is a really important conversation to have:  UNDERGARMENTS!  Does your bra fit?  Statistics say that most women are wearing the wrong size bra.  What you thinkyour bra size is and what your bra size actually is....is two very different things.

I know this because I was wearing the wrong size bra for decades.  I even got measured at Victoria's Secret once...I questioned whether I was in the right size because it never seemed quite right.  She measured me and confirmed my size as the same.  What I learned from that experience is don't get measured at Victoria's Secret because I continued to wear the wrong size.  (Maybe I just got the wrong salesperson, because I happen to like Victoria's Secret.)

One of my very best friends surprised me about a year ago and took me to a boutique called "For the Girls" to get professionally sized!  Well, from that day forward, my life changed.  I can't believe it took me this long to find out I was that far off on my size!  I wore a 34B forever.  She sized me at a 32D.  I'm not a noticeably big breasted woman, so I said NO WAY!  But here's the thing ladies....it's just a number, and when it fits, it fits!  Your undergarments shape your clothes and can make such a huge difference in how you look when you find your correct size.

It was such an amazing experience.  She was so nice, knowledgeable, and covered all the bases.  Once she got us in the right size, she showed us everything.  Comfortable T-shirt bras, sexy bras, soft bras, workout bras...really educated us.  Then she put me in the bra.  She told me that this bra was featured on Dancing With The Stars.Well, I could see why, this bra made me feel like dancing around too!  It was the prettiest bra I'd ever tried on and made of thin memory foam.  She said, "Every woman needs a bra like this...because if you're having a bad day, this is the kind of bra you can put on and walk around your house with a glass of wine, and instantly feel better...it's that pretty."  This is the Le Mystere Isabella bra in the picture above.  I couldn't believe a bra could look that great on me!  Trust me ladies, getting sized can boost your confidence.  You'll look so much better...and feel so much better when you're in a bra that fits.

I was never excited to go bra shopping before....but now that I know my correct size, it's enjoyable!  So where do you start?  If you can find a boutique that specializes in this, great.  If not, go to the nearest Nordstrom.  I'm sure any higher end department store would have the same free service, but I've been to Nordstom recently for sizing, and they were just as knowledgable as the boutique.  They said you should actually get sized every six months, because your size can change from time to time.  Mine did...again!  The next thing you need to know is you will be getting undressed in front of another woman.  She is going to come right in that dressing room with you and help you into every bra.  Trust me, it's not embarrassing so just get over it.

This process will help you also find out which brands work best for you.  This is important because quality bras aren't cheap.  Here's what I do... I go get fitted for free, find some bras that I like, buy at least one from them, then go look for bras online where they may have better deals.  That's how I got that Dancing With The Stars bra, I got it later on Amazon for half the price as it was in the boutique!

There are all different price points for bras.  I'm not going to get into the really high end brands like La Perla, because I don't believe in breaking the bank for underwear.  If I'm going to splurge, it will be on shoes.  But there are some higher end brands out there if you choose.  It's mostly about finding your correct size, then try on different brands to see what works for you.  I happen to like Le Mystere, Natori, Cosabella, Chantelle and Simone Perele.

Another thing I learned is that you should be keeping "the girls" supported all the time!  I know how comfortable going bra-less can be...but we shouldn't be doing this, even when we sleep!  Get yourself some non-underwire, soft bras to wear around the house.  I like Cosabella,  they're not too tight, just comfortable...this is the Never Say Never bralette...

This brand isn't cheap, so a great way to get what you love at a great price is to keep your eye on sites like Gilt.com.  They have lingerie sections that feature this brand at a discount all the time!  Their underwear is the best...the only comfortable thong I've found.  They have 3-packs on Gilt.com all the time at a discount!

Another thing to think about is sleepwear.  Get rid of the over-sized T-shirts ladies!  Wear something that supports you, even when you're sleeping and it will help with not sagging as you age;)  Cosabella and Natori have some beautiful, comfortable baby doll type nighties like this...  (Your significant other will thank you too.)  Again, you don't have to pay full price if you keep your eye out for deals online!

When it comes to working out, you don't have to succumb to the "uni-boob" with those smashing sports bras!  Brands like Panache have some great looking sports bras that keep you looking great while keeping you supported as you run and jump around!!  There are also some great fitness brands out there that keep you supported!

Also, don't forget the other undergarments.... Spanx!  There are so many brands out there today, it's important to have the correct slips and shapewear that is sometimes necessary.  You know what I'm talking about ladies.  Shapewear has changed.  It used to be kind of shameful, like that scene in "St. Elmo's Fire" when Rob Lowe feels it and says "What's THAT?  Scuba gear?"  Horrible!  Everyone should own shapewear in my opinion because it can make you look better in clothes.  They even make it for men nowadays! Shapewear can boost your confidence hugely when worn correctly!  Give it a try, you won't regret it.

Ok, the last thing I'll discuss is taking care of your new fancy investments!  It's important to wash your delicates often because the oils from your skin can damage the elastic and fabric.  Washing more often will actually make them last longer.  Hand wash and use a quality product made for your delicates.  I love this one that I found that works with enzymes and doesn't even have to be rinsed completely....it's very safe.

Have fun with this and your confidence can skyrocket!  Get your basics first...Nudes and blacks.  NOT white, it will show more than nude underneath light colors.  (I learned this the hard way.  I will never forget walking into a bar with "black lights", seeing my white bra GLOW like it was all I had on...I was mortified.)  Once you have your basics....venture into some new territory and see what it does for your self-esteem!  Get some bright colors and sexy lingerie...even if it's just for you.  Maybe you'll be wearing jeans and a black T-Shirt, but only you will know that you have an extremely sexy red bra underneath!  Do this for you, you're beautiful and you're worth it!  Does your bra fit?  GO GET SIZED!!  I just saw this in a magazine....perfect!...

Happy Frenchie Friday!

Happy Frenchie Friday everyone!  We had a beautiful day in Sonoma today wine tasting and shopping....we even stopped into our favorite Dog Bakery and got Stella a new toy... a Flying Pig!

We met "Axel", this awesome bulldog who comes to work with his owner at this amazing furniture store in Sonoma.  He plays with this BUCKET and gets it stuck on his head.  He was so HILARIOUS.

They even sell these T-Shirts and little statues of Axel!...he was so cute.  He's SO dense and compact!  Stella's only 18 pounds and this guy was 80 pounds!!

If you ever find yourself on Highway 121 in Sonoma, stop off at "Sonoma Cornerstone"...they have great food, small tasting rooms and an AMAZING garden!  Plus, it's directly across the street from Gloria Ferrer Winery...one of our favorite stops;)  This was me today enjoying the gardens....this was a beautiful lily pond.

They had really cool artsy installations in the gardens...like this one full of cactus.  It had nets above that looked like clouds with crystals hanging down that looked like rain...

Hope you are enjoying your Frenchie Friday as much as we did!  I'm going to go give Stella her new "pig"!  :)

-Thanks to Natashia, my friend who sent me this "Happy Friday" picture this morning from 'Dogington Post' - it was perfect for my Frenchie Friday post today!  It looks just like "Stella"!

The best Champagne stopper - keeps it fresh for a week!

My friends know I love anything that has to do with Champagne.  I was given this gift recently and it's AMAZING. It's a CapaBubbles Champagne Stopper...a reusable cap... that keeps your sparkling wine bubbly for a whole week!  This is not my first champagne stopper I've owned...I have found some that work GREAT...but this one is special!

First of all....I opened it and it said this on it, SO cute...

The bottom section unscrews from the top section... and the bottom part opens and closes around the flange of the bottle.  The top then screws on!!  It literally turns your bottle into a SCREW CAP!!  Genius!  It's totally air tight too...the rubber lid actually balloons up a bit as it's tightened, creating a pressurized cap...it's very secure because it screws on.

I like this one better than my metal one I have because that one can pop off if you're not careful!  I've heard it pop off in the fridge before!  This one comes with handy instructions right on the cute container...

They have such cute sayings on them!  There are 4 different sparkling ones to choose from.  The company is called CapaBunga and they also have very cute regular wine stoppers with different sayings on them, among other products.  When I looked up their company I saw that they are located right near me!  They are right up the road in Windsor, California...near Healdsburg.  I'll have to go find them!  I know what I'm getting all my friends...now that I've turned them all into Champagne lovers too;)

To learn more about the company....click here on capabunga.com  They also have a video on how to use it!  They will customize items for you too...I see some CapaBubbles stoppers with "Happy WifeStyle" written on them in my future!!

Now you can enjoy Champagne anytime!  "Always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge for special occasions.  Sometimes the special occasion is that you've got a bottle of champagne in the fridge.  -Hester Browne

-Purple cap pictures taken by me, that's my stopper!  The others were taken my CapaBunga.