Best of Beauty 2013

Happy New Year everyone! 2013 was such a great year for me; my husband and I truly had a whirlwind of a year. If you would have told me at this time last year just how much my life would change, I wouldn't have believed you. 

In February we moved 90 miles back home to the town both my husband and I grew up in. I started a brand new job which I absolutely love. We spent 7 months living with my parents, and in September we moved in to our very first home - something Jake and I are so proud of. We rang in the New Year with my parents, eating Greek food, putting a puzzle together and flipping between Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve and (my personal favorite) Anderson Cooper & Kathy Griffin's New Year's Eve special. It was nice to have a quiet night in with family.

2013 was so good to me and my family, and I'm going in to 2014 feeling positive and wishing for the best year yet! 

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2013 was not just awesome personally, but there were some great beauty products that stuck out as true gems this year. Here are the items that were my go-to from head to toe all year long.

• Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream -- My #1 this year. You've probably seen it mentioned many times that I was on medication that dried me out completely, and this thick cream was just the trick to keep my face hydrated. I especially love that it has hyaluronic acid in it. 

• Foundation: Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation -- I think I beat this foundation over all of your heads this year. I seriously love this stuff. It's super full coverage, and it doesn't budge. You can wear it all day without it wearing off. Amazing stuff.

• Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder -- I have used this for years, and 2013 was no different. I've repurchased it countless times. It keeps you matte without looking cakey or powdery, and it won't break the bank!

• Eye Primer: theBalm Put A Lid On It -- I received a sample of this in one of my Birchboxes and fell in love with it. This stuff is no joke; if you want your eyeshadow to stay on all day long, this will do the trick. 

• Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked 3 -- Hands down, this is the best $52 I spent all year. I got so much use out of my Naked 2, but Naked 3 has the rose-gold tones that are perfect for my fair skin. Unless something major comes along, this might very well make the best palette of 2014, too! 

• Mascara: Covergirl Clump Crusher by lashblast -- This mascara performs like a high-end brand, and you can pick it up at Target! It lengthens, volumizes and separates but NEVER clumps... even after 2-3 coats!

• Eyeliner: Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eyeliner --For the longest time, Wet n Wild's Mega Liner was untouchable in my world. But this year, Milani's Eye Tech Extreme swooped in and changed my mind. It's convenient and super easy to use.

• Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer -- Oh my gosh, this smells like chocolate!! Even though I've used it for over half the year, I still can't get over the chocolate smell! I have the chocolate soleil bronzer in milk chocolate, the perfect color for lighter skin tones. This is a matte bronzer that warms the face up for a healthy glow. 

• Blush: NYX Blush in Peach -- Clearly I've loved this blush as I've almost hit pan on it! This blush is a gorgeous matte pinky-peach color. It blends really nicely in to the skin and the best part? It's super affordable. 

• Highlighter: NYX Illuminating Bronzer in Narcissistic -- So I guess "technically" this is a bronzer (but what fun is makeup if you don't make your own rules now and then?), but it's far too shimmery, for my taste, to use all over my face. I use this as a dewy pop on the top of my cheekbones . It has a tiny bit of glitter, but it won't leave you looking like a disco ball. 

• Lips: NYX Butter Glosses -- I can't pick just one of these as my favorite... I seriously love them all! I've got a good few of these, but featured in this picture are Peaches and Cream and Strawberry Parfait. These smell absolutely amazing and they leave your lips with a creamy pop of color that's hydrating and exceptionally comfortable to wear.

• Hair Spray: CHI Farouk Royal Treatment Ultimate Control Volume Shaping Spray -- A former boss of mine swears by this hairspray, and she got me swearing by it as well. I dare you to find a hairspray that smells as amazing as this one. It holds without being crunchy and won't make your hair feel weighed down. 

• Hair Care: Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Spray -- My former boss also turned me on to this product and it has stayed a staple in my hair care collection since. It smells so good (I seriously want to bathe in the scent of it) and it will leave your hair silky smooth. Don't let the steep price scare you away; this little bottle will last you ages as a little goes a long way.

What products did you love in 2013? Let me know in the comments below! I love hearing from you!

Gone, gone, gone | Empties #3

There is something so sickeningly satisfying about finishing products. With a stash that is ridiculous rather large, I try to get through things so that I can move on to something new. Especially since I like to use some of my beauty products the same way that I read books -- that is to say, one at a time. I do this for things like body wash, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners, etc. 

It's been just over 2 months since my last empties post, but yet again I've accumulated some trash and so I've got some things to show you with a quick review on each product as well.  Here goes nothin'... 

• Clean & Clear Mattifying Moisturizer - I got this at Big Lots a few months ago, and I have to confess that I didn't use this up entirely. In fact, it's about 75% full. I hated this stuff. It did a horrible job of moisturizing and it would slough off white gunk that wouldn't melt in to my skin. I can't be bothered to get through this tube, and while I think it's discontinued, I wouldn't repurchase it if I saw it again. 

• Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer - I did use all of this moisturizer, and I enjoyed it. It was very lightweight, but it packed a punch and was very hydrating for my dry skin. It lasted me a good 4-5 months, so the ~$8 price tag was totally worth it. I would repurchase it.

• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes - These are my new favorite makeup removing wipes. They smell really nice like cucumber and they're really gentle while still removing all my makeup. They're also super soft and feel lovely on your face. I will absolutely repurchase these again. 

• Studio Beauty Night Calming Makeup Remover Towelettes - Studio Beauty is Walgreens store brand. These were cheap, and the package says these compare to Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I've actually never tried those, so I can't compare. I thought these were fine. They weren't anything special, but they didn't break me out, they had a nice light scent and they got my makeup off well. I'd probably repurchase these because they're a bit cheaper than a name-brand wipe. 

• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser - This is a no nonsense cleanser that is great for people with sensitive skin. It cleans your skin without any scent or fanciness, it just simply wipes the dirt and makeup away! This big daddy size lasted me a good 3 months or so, which is pretty awesome. This isn't the first bottle I've gotten through, and it won't be the last. 

• Boots No. 7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover - Boots is a UK brand that has somewhat recently been introduced to Target. Awhile ago I found this eye makeup remover in the Target clearance bin and figured I'd give it a shot. It worked really well without burning my eyes, and it got all of my eye makeup, waterproof and not, off like a charm. I'd definitely repurchase this.

• Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shea Enriched Shower Gel - I have been trying to finish this since FOREVER. I know I said I use body wash one at a time, but there were a couple times I took this out of the shower to swap it for a different scent. It's a very sweet, autumnal scent, and I just couldn't bear to use it in the spring or summer. I can't say I love this scent (primarily a strong shea scent), and I definitely didn't love the fact that it's not moisturizing in the least. Since there's always something new at B&BW I'd rather try something else next time. 

• Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - I've talked about this so many times that I won't go in to detail. I like this stuff. It gives this pale redhead some color in the summer, and I can build it up to look pretty convincing. I'll buy this again and again in the summer as I always do.

• L'Oreal Power Moisture Moisture Rush Mask - I use hair masks or deep conditioners once a week to keep my hair healthy, and I like to switch around and use something new. This was one I randomly picked up, and I thought it was just alright. It didn't seem to moisturize my hair any more than a regular conditioner. I don't think I'd buy it again. 

• got2be Oil-licious Golden Shimmer conditioner - I hated the smell of this stuff, but the product itself was okay. It's not thick at all, as if the cream of the conditioner was merely just to hold the oil and transfer it to your hair. The one thing I did like about this was that I could actually SEE the golden shimmer in my hair. It wasn't obnoxious or anything, but in the right light there was a nice sparkle that looked awesome in my auburn hair. I'd maybe buy this again, if I can get over the smell. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation - I won't bore you with ANOTHER review on this. I love it. It's my favorite foundation. Period!

• Maybelline Lash Stilletto Voluptuous mascara in Brownish Black - This made it in my August Favorites and for good reason! I really liked it. It separated, lengthened and most importantly, it volumized. It had a cool, curved brush and it applied well. I'd repurchase! 

• Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer - I used to use this stuff religiously on any spots on my face, not that it ever seemed to really clear them up (as it's supposed to). I found this in my makeup stash and I haven't used it in well over a year and it's nearly gone so it's time to toss it out! I wouldn't buy this stuff again as it doesn't have great coverage and it was far too runny.

• Dove Cleartone deodorant - I bought a three pack of these last holiday season and I'm still working my way through it. I'm not overly particular about my deodorant, so this stuff worked just fine for me. I wish I could make the switch to all-natural deodorant but it just makes me smell bad! I'd repurchase this.

• Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste - I received this in an Influenster VoxBox this past summer, and I have to say I enjoyed it. The toothpaste is a bright electric blue color and it foams like crazy. As for whitening, I didn't really notice much. It tasted nice and cleaned my teeth which is good enough for me. I've only seen this at Walgreens and it's a bit on the pricey end of the toothpaste spectrum, so I probably won't buy it again.

• OPI Shatter polish in Black Shatter - I actually only used this a few times, but was cleaning out my nail polish collection and noticed this one had dried up. That's the thing with these shatter polishes, if there's even a tiny bit of air coming in to the bottle they dry up in a split second. I'm not sad about it because I am completely sick of shatter nails. 

• B&BW PocketBac in Raspberry Pink Peony - If you've seen my other empties posts, you'll have noticed these show up in every one. I use these before applying my makeup to kill any bacteria I have on my hands so I don't transfer it on to my face. This one smelled really nice, and I love the design on the packaging. A+! I have more of these in my stash, so I won't be repurchasing this scent any time soon (and I think it's part of the limited edition summer collection). 

• Slatkin & Co. Scented Candle in Autumn Day - Kind of a random empty, but I had to include it! This candle is from B&BW (geez, this is a B&BW heavy post!) and it smelled divine! My whole bag of empties smells amazing because of this candle! It's the perfect autumn smell that will fill up any room you're burning it in. I would definitely purchase this again!

Well, that's it! Another round of used-up products, and I assure you this won't be the last of these posts. Even now I've got a bag started of "new" used things. Stay tuned... and let me know if you've loved or hated any of these same products!

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

I have got to tell you about the foundation I've been using all summer long. If you read Glazed Over often, you might recognize this Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation from my June Favorites. I think this has been my #1 favorite thing this entire summer, and for a number of reasons. In case you're wondering, I'm in shade 805 ivory. 

First off, this formula is magical. It's no joke that this is a primer, foundation and concealer in one. Thanks to this foundation, I use far less concealer, and never use a primer when I use it. It isn't cakey, it isn't thick, it doesn't oxidize on my face - it is amazing. You need very little to get great coverage (I use one pump with a brush, and two pumps if I use a sponge applicator). It covers some scarring I have on my face like a charm. If I have any blemishes, I usually go over them with another concealer for extra coverage, but the redness is zapped very well with this foundation alone. 

The wear time of the Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation is exceptional. I put my makeup on for work around 6:30 am in the morning, and get off work at 5 pm and it is still on and looking flawless. You know a foundation is good when it holds your blush on all day, and that's exactly what it does. I typically set my foundation with a powder of some sort, however this is the one and only foundation I've ever used where I can actually skip this step if I want to. Once applied and dried, it finishes matte on the skin and doesn't require any sort of setting powder on my dry/combination skin to keep me shine-free. 

To top it all off, the pump applicator is awesome. It makes the foundation easy to get out of the bottle, and once it gets low, it's easy to get the foundation off the pump manually. 

Hands down, I would recommend giving this foundation a try. You can find it at most any drugstore, and it can usually be purchased for under $10! You can't beat that!

If you've tried the Covergirl Outlasts Stay Fabulous foundation, let me know what you think of it in the comments below!

FOTD - August 7, 2013

I'm back with another face of the day! A very sweet coworker of mine complimented me on my eyeshadow look, so I wanted to share with you what I used to achieve the look. I hope you enjoy it!

1. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in 805 Ivory

2. Wet n Wild Mega Liner in 861 Black

3. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded (eyeshadow base & inner corner highlight)

4. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk (outer lid and bottom lash line)

5. Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara in 01 Noir Midnight 

6. Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Fair

7. Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Fetish

8. e.l.f. High Definition Powder in Transluscent

9. NYX Illuminating Bronzer in 01 Narcissistic

June Favorites!

June favorites are here and I have some truly awesome things to share with you this month. If you missed my May Favorites and aren't quite sure what this is all about, my "favorites" posts are a selection of products I have reached for over and over again over the past month, and I usually include a mini review as well. Here goes nothing...

 

Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in 215 Watermelon Twist

First up is a lip "balm" (I say that in quotations only because it is far more pigmented than most "balms") that I am absolutely in love with. As you can see, it provides a really good coverage, it's a gorgeous bright pink, and let me tell you - it is perfect for summer. These are hydrating and shiny, and I would highly recommend them. You can find these at most drugstores for about $7-8 each, and they come in 14 different shades. 

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 008 Candy Pink

If Barbie had a favorite lipstick, I imagine this would be it. I hate to share this because I think this might be a discontinued product line, replaced by the relatively new Revlon Lip Butters, BUT I HAD TO. It is seriously so awesome. It is a sheer pink color that is buildable to a good pink coverage. The nice thing about this product is you don't need a mirror to apply it - it's a good one to keep in the purse for apply-and-go lip color.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in Ivory

It's been a while since I've changed up my foundation routine, but after hearing nothing but good things about this foundation from some YouTube "beauty gurus" that I watch, I finally caved and picked it up. What the HECK was I waiting for? This stuff is an instant favorite. The 3-in-1 means this foundation functions as a primer, concealer and foundation. The things I love most about it are that it has full coverage without having to apply a ton of product (total necessity with hot summer weather), it lasts all day long, and the pump bottle applicator rocks. I'm in love. You can find this at most drugstores for around $10.

L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black

Perhaps you've heard others praise the amazingness of the Telescopic mascara line, and if so - you can add me right in to this group of lovers. I'm not sure if you can still pick up the Clean Definition version of this product (I believe Shocking Extensions is the latest version of this mascara) but you can find it at times at stores like Big Lots. This mascara draws out your lashes, separates them, and makes them look so long and full without looking clumpy. The skinny brush makes it easy to apply in all sections of your eye, whether its the inner corner of your lashes or the long outer corner lashes. A must have mascara, for sure.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in 25 Bad to the Bronze

Helllooooo awesome cream eyeshadows! This line rocks my freaking socks off. I own a handful of these colors, but my favorites from this line include this one, Bad to the Bronze, because it is an easy everyday color. (Mix this with Barely Branded and you're set for the day!) These cream shadows are super pigmented, easy to use, and they really do last alllll day long without creasing. These are a great, and much cheaper, alternative to MAC's paint pots. You can find these at drugstores for around $6.

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Nude

Since I bought this blush earlier in June, I have not been able to put it away. This is a seriously great product. The multi-colored aspect of it allows for easy blending and it adds a very natural looking definition to the cheeks. This is a great product to use when you're doing an all-over natural face look. You can find this product at most drugstores for around $10.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil 

When I first heard of this product I was like "put pure oil.... ON MY FACE?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" And then I did my research and found that this oil won't clog your pores, and is actually filled with antioxidants that help soothe blemishes or acne. This is one oil that your face will absorb nicely, so it won't sit on your skin and feel oily and gross. Maracuja oil is also supposed to help with fine lines and wrinkles. I use this nightly, primarily around my eyes to mega-moisturize that area and fight off any future wrinkles and fine lines. Now and then I use it on my whole face which feels divine. This stuff is kind of pricey (I got it in a gift set, which was basically the price of one of these bottles alone), running about $45. If this is too much for your budget, you can get maracuja oil MUCH cheaper if you buy it without a brand name attached.

Lush Lip Scrub in Mint Julips

Lippies are my weakness, and nothing is worse than putting on lipstick with gross peely dry lips. That problem is solved completely thanks to this awesome product by Lush (a favorite brand of mine). Essentially, this is a sugar scrub for your lips. You take a tiny bit out, scrub it all around, and then lick it off (it's all natural, baby!). It tastes just like you would imagine it would, and it works a freakin' miracle on my lips. You can get Lush's lip scrubs at any Lush store, or online at their website. They run around $9 each. 

What products have you been loving this month? And do you love any of these same products? Let me know in the comments below. :)