REVIEW: Concrete Minerals

Alright ladies, and gents (if there are any reading this) Sorry about my little absence there. I have been busy with work, and the joyous Flu Season caught up to me, and kicked me in the face, so  I haven't been in exactly a blogging mood. But I'm back, and I think it's time for a review!


So, about 2 weeks ago I recieved samples of Concrete Minerals that I requested off their etsy site. For being samples, they came with a nice amount of pigment, and I was very impressed. Definitely got my monies worth with them! So they arrived in a very timely manner, within a week after I ordered, wth no spillage. I was extremely please. So here are the 4 pots as I received them. (Obviously after unpacking them from the mailer.)

Four wonderful pots unopened and ready to be used and loved!

The bottom of the pots, all with labels.

So they arrived in one piece, without spilling, with proper labeling, and in a timely fashion, I think I am in love <3

That's right, it has a label on the bottom that includes: Company name, Color name, Ingredients, Logo, the actual weight(covered by the sample sticker) and their website. (which is a coming attraction. I went there to check it out and it's under construction for now) It's all neat, clean and easy to read. I love labels because it's easier to know what colors you are wearing/putting on that day.

Now, to reveal the first pot. I opened to find my new favorite thing for all make up companies to use:

A sifter sticker... with a TAB on it!!!! I about freaked out and did a happy dance. I love sifters, I love the job of sifter stickers, but whoever invented the ones with the tab that goes up the side for easy access, you are my new best friend sir! No wonder there was no spillage! This is a gift from the gods I believe. (I know, I'm strange, I'm all freaking out over a sifter sticker, but seriously ladies... imagine the delight I had to find I wouldn't have to fight to get to my precious piggies. <3

So the colors I got were:

 So far, I love them all. To show how well they blended together I did a look with Kismet, Jezebel, and Souljourner:

The Above pictures are my little creation using the pigments. I have to say I am super happy with it. The end results was amazing, and I have to say I was worried about adding the blue at the end, but it gave it a nice little fading effect. They blended so easily, and I didn't have to add extra pigment to get any of this effect, this was all from the original application.

There was little to no fallout as well. This comes from pigments that adhere well, as well as practice at application. Either I've gotten really good in the past 2 weeks, or these are amazing pigments.

So My Final verdict... I am in LOVE! They are amazing, they were received in a timely manner, and they work together beautifully! I will definitely be buying again.

Request for products to be reviewed?! Have an product you want a cheaper and better version of found?! Just wanna spam my inbox!?  Email me and I will do my best get to your request ASAP!

Some words of encouragement

So the past few days I've been afk from my blog, as well as from my facebook to think about some personal decisions I needed to make in my life. I've done a lot of things in my life, but I rarely admit that I am wrong, so please relish in this moment as I admit this: I have been totally wrong about myself.

Let me explain. All my life I have always thought I'm too fat, I'm not pretty, I'm not smart enough, or I'm not talented enough. All of that has always held me back from doing what I've wanted to do. I always wanted to be the pretty girl through out my life, unafraid of judgment from others, and unafraid to do anything. I've never been like that though because I have held myself back. It's time to make some changes. I am going to better myself and be honest with myself now, right here, and  share with you all why I'm amazing, and what I hope to be.

No matter what people saw, how they look at me, or what I even think, I am beautiful. 2 weeks ago, I weighed 340lbs and I hated myself for it. That's right, I am willing to admit it. I have lost 15 lbs since then and now weigh 325lbs and feel amazing. It's shocking what a 15lb difference can do for you. My favorite t-shirt gets me harrassed:

Proof that I am a dork, but this was taken about 2 months ago. I'm wearing my fav Shirt that says: It's okay Pluto, I'm not a planet either

The shirt in the picture above and I love it. I'll be honest, I may or may not have at least one drink in my system in this pic, and Yes that is a lime a my mouth. (If this picture doesn't prove I'm a dork... the following ones will.) Now... here's some of me back when I was smaller, and a lot more confident in myself:

In highschool, I was a pagent girl. I ran for Miss Kingston 2 years. I never placed but I was determined to show that girls of any size should be allowed to run, because big is beautiful too. I was proud of who I was, I was determined to show the world that I could easily take on whatever they wanted to say and brush it off.

I could be a dork, wear something like this, and people just said "Oh, that's Markie... she's a spazz" and people loved me for it. I can say one thing with certainty... I have spunk, I have an award-winning personality, and I am damn proud of it.

I hammed it up for the camera, but I always acted like this. I was crazy, I jumped over chairs in school, I made funny faces in almost every picture taken of me, I photo-bombed people before it was cool, I made jokes about myself because I didn't care, I sang in the hallways at school at the top of my lungs and didn't care when people told me to shut up.

I had friends that made me signs like this one. I would hold them up and act like a dork and have photos taken just because I loved being in front of a camera. I always put on a smile, act like a dork and enjoy myself in front of a camera. I was a tomboy, and it never bothered me to be a girl at the same time.

When it came time to put on a dress, I cleaned up well though. I love this picture. We were doing a masquerade ball, and I went all out. I got my hair done up, got this beautiful pink dress, and made my own mask for it as well. I went out, and had the time of my life. In this picture, I was a size 16... I am now a Size 24/26 and working on getting back down to a 16. I can say that without a doubt, I am amazingly beautiful in this photo. This is what I want to be, and what I am on the inside. I'm that dorky, awkward, photo-bombing, joke-making, beautiful woman somewhere, and I'm just working on digging her out.

Over the past 2 months... I have met some amazing women that have empowered me. I'm about to tell you why

#1-- Carolyn Setina

It may be on old picture of her, but this girl has some moxie. She's beautiful, she's funny, and she is inspiring. Her blog is geared towards inspiring women and letting them know it's okay to be who you are, no matter what others say. She shows me on a daily basis now that I should be proud of who and what I am, and I'm going to do that. Thanks to her, after I've lost more of my weight and I am more comfortable with myself, I will be joining the Suicide Girls and indulging in some tasteful, semi-nudes of my own.

#2- Elizabeth Chrisjansen

She is a photographer, and slowly but surely becoming someone I look up to in that field. Her blog is a mish mash of things, but shows her talent as a photographer, and I want to be like her in that field someday. I'm working on it but it will take some time. You also have to love the pink hair.

#3 Amanda Moline

Amanda is so sweet and an amazing mom. She has a daughter and a son that are both preemies, and both have disabilities. She loves them unconditionally, and would give them the world if she could box it up and put a bow on it. Her blog documents her life with them, the frustrations and hardships of being a mom of two children with disabilities, and gives reviews on various products and brands. Once I have children, if I am half as dedicated as Amanda, I will be happy.

#4 Heather Frost

She's beautiful, unique and wonderful. She's a lesbian, proud of it, and unashamed to admit to it. I love her to death, and would kill for her hair. Really I would do anything to have hair like hers, I miss mine being long terribly, and seeing her photos reminds me why I'm not cutting it. Also, her go-get-em attitude she gives off makes me think of why I am trying to better myself. Love this girl <3

#5 Ashley Blankenship

Ashley is there for me when I need her, she's always willing to listen to me rant about the stupid boys I live with, and she reminds me of how it's not always about me. She thinks of others first but can stand on her own two feet and defend herself when needed. I love that quality in her, and I want to take it from her.

All of these women are amazing in their own unique way. If I could bottle up their strengths and sell them, I'd be a millionaire. I love them and hope they are going to where they want to be in their lives because God only knows, they deserve it.

My reason for writing all of this: My intention for this blog was to be about beauty tips, tricks, and products. The most important one is realizing you are beautiful. If you don't think you are beautiful, inside and out, then you will never be happy with yourself, and no matter what I write, it won't help you. If you take anything from this blog, take this piece of advice: Love yourself, because you are beautiful as you are, and any tips and tricks I give you, will only enhance what you already are. A beautiful, amazing, and independent woman.


Comment below with who inspires you... I would love to know

Avon Products Review

 Alright, as promised, here are my four favorite Avon products, that I use on a daily/weekly basis.

1) Solutions Plus Total Radiance Eye Gel- 0.5 oz jar
This product is intended to reduce bags and dark coloration around the eye area. It instructs to apply gently under the eye in the morning and evening. I have used this personally for 2 weeks now, and it's amazing. A small amount goes quite a long way with this product. It goes on smooth, and absorbs quickly. (As long as you don't apply too much product.

This is the container it is in. It may be only half an ounce, but it lasts forever!

This is the color and texture. It's smooth, and gel like, but you only need a small amount!

After using this product for 2 weeks, it has reduced the dark circles under my eyes. Considering there are nights I only get 3-4 hours of sleep, that is a small feat in itself. I though that they would NEVER fade. I really am impressed with the results in such a short period of time. I wish I had taken before and after pictures like I would normally, but I didn't. Shame on me.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works well, and works as it is intended too 5/5

Consistency: Is smooth and appears the same as advertised 5/5

Ease of use: Is easy to apply, but there is a lack of how much to use 4/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 19/20

Ingredients: Water, Witch Hazel Extract, Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Propylene Glycol, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Bupleurum Falcatum Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Marshmallow Extract, Lupin Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Sweet Almong Extract, Linseed Extract, Chamomile Extract, Cornflower Extract, Bitter Orange Extract, Ginseng Extract, Elderberry Extract, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Hyluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Squalane, Caffeine, Retinol Palitate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Methyl Paraben, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 5

2) Avon Solutions True Pore-Fection 3.4 oz tube

This mask is intended to "lift away pore clogging dirt and oil. Help control shine over time. Visably reduce the appearance of enlarged pores" I will say that the application is simple, but the small sized bottle means that you only have maybe 10 applications if you have a large face. Once on, you are instructed to leave it for 10-15 minutes for it to fully dry. For that to work you also need to realize you need to have a very thin layer of this on, or it will take upwards of an hour to dry. You don't need to cake this on, you just need to make sure it covers your face with a thin layer.

 This is a thing layer freshly applied to my hand.

This is after 10-15 minutes of drying.

This mask has an evident change is appearance once it is dry. Your face does feel as though it's getting tightened up somehow has it dries, and that is normal with this product. Removing this is just taking a face cloth soaked in warm water and  washing it away. It's stubborn sometimes and you have to scrub, which is a little bit of a pain, but it works well, so a little issue like that doesn't bother me. I have noticed it cleans well, haven't noticed my pore getting smaller though. I have huge pores on my nose, and it bugs me, so I tried this to reduce them. Although I haven't noticed a large difference with that, it is a great face mask.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works well as a cleansing face mask, but I have not seen any pore reduction as of yet 4/5

Consistency: Appears the same as advertised and from container to container it appears to be the same 5/5

Ease of use: Is easy to apply, but a pain to get off sometimes and too east to use too much 3/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 17/20

Ingredients: Water, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Polysorbate 20, Polyethylene, Salicylic acid, Ammonium glycolate, Bisabolol, Bamboo extract, Spiraea ulmaria extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Retinyk palmitate, SD alcohol 40-B, Grape seed extract, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, Tocopherol, Pumice, Xanthan gum, Butylene glycol, Acrylates copolymer, Peg-60 almond glycerides, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Rice starch, Oleanolic acid, Ammonium hydroxide, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Chromium hydroxide green, Blue 1 lake, Bentonite, Glycerin, Silica, Sorbitan laurate, Calciun sulfate, Glyceryl stearate

3) Nail Experts Grow Potion 

This small vial of product is one of my favorites. It is a serum you put on your cuticles and rub into the nail and skin around it. Your nails grow stronger than usual, and look nicer as well. it just take a small amount to cover the needed area, and you use it once a day. you place a small amount on ,rub it in and voila! You have wonderful beautiful nails again. It does leave a little bit of a residue on your fingers, but tends to absorb quickly for me. Don't wash that off because then it may not work!

The grow potion and applicator.

The applicator come out with enough on it to do one hand. It doesn't take much at all, and it really really effective. I love this product and I can say it has really improved my nails since I started using it.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works as intended 5/5

Consistency: Is as advertised and consistently works time and time again. 5/5

Ease of use: Is easy to apply, but does leave a residue that makes you want to wash it off. Waiting 10 minutes though and it will disappear. 4/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 19/20

Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Trisodium Phosphate, Carbomer, Nettle Extract, Acacia senegal gum extract, Adansonia digitata Pulp extract,  Sodium Palmitoyl proline, Algin, Magnesium Palmitoyl glutamate, Sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate, Serine, Benzophenone-4, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium-Ascorbyl, Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Red 33

4) Silicone Glove
This lotion is AMAZING. Enough said really. It help keep your hands from getting dried out after constant washing and drying. (like is you are a nurse, or work in the food industry) It remains there even after washing your hands once! No starange smell, a little bit of residue left over like any lotion since you need to let it sink in..

This is a photo of silicone glove. I did not take a picture of the package 

since mine is a travel size and has a seasonal pic on it.

I love this product. Love it, and use it, all the time.

OFFICIAL RATING:

Functionality: Works as intended. I mean, come on, it stays on after washing hands! 5/5

Consistency: Is as advertised and consistently the same formula 5/5

Ease of use: works like any lotion, does leave a small amount of residue behind though.4/5

Packaging: Packaged well, and if closed as it should be, avoids any contamination 5/5

Total: 19/20

Ingredients: Water, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Dimethhicone, Mineral oil, Imidazolidinyl urea, Fragrance, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Disodium edta, Methylparaben

 *******

The reason why all the Avon? Thanks to my last post, I had enough interest in people buying that my mom/dad reopened their online Avon store for you guys to shop at! The link is here:

--------> Mark/Judy Rustad's Avon Shop <-------

Please feel free to make orders whenever. All proceeds collected from that store are going towards my mom's medical bills and her new wheelchair accessible car so she can get out of the house more <3

Ladies, I need your help

Alright, some of you have heard me talk about my mother in chats, but for those of you that haven't here is a quick run down. My mom is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to an electric wheelchair. My dad works for Boeing and works 6 days a week, sometimes for 12 hours a day to pay for a house and save for a van so she can actually leave their house occasionally. Today I heard some sad news.

My mom has sold Avon for almost 30 years on a join sales rep account with my dad, and has been trying to get customers again because her social security is not covering medical bills and other expenses. She need customers, but can't go about getting them the normal way considering her disability. That's why I am here. I know we are all dedicated to our own brands, but I ask if anything, try some Avon products. My mom is willing to open up an Avon Representative Website in order to cater to people all over the US, and it would be shipped right to your door. I will be doing some reviews tonight of some AMAZING products Avon has for skincare that I think everyone should try. Avon has make up, jewelry, bath stuff, skincare products, hair care products, perfumes, gifts, and so much more.

What I am asking is that you comment below on if my mom opened a site, do you think you would be willing to try out their products based on my reviews in order to help her out? I'm practically on my knees begging. Comment, and let me know. If I get 5 or 6 people willing to, I will help my mom set up her site tomorrow and I will post the link to it in a blog with the biggest most amazing thank you letter ever.

Cheapskate Shopping- Hair Care

Alright my wonderful readers! It's time for the first official Cheapskate shopper guide! I will be doing these occasionally where I find expensive name brand or Salon products for cheap. This time, it will be on Hair Care products. You'll see some styling things, some shampoos, and some styling tools. Best of luck, enjoy!

The Products shown here were found on Salon Savings

1) Bed Head Ego Boost Leave In Conditioner/ In Salon: $16 + , Here: $11
This item is described on the site as " a no-rinse conditioner that rescues your dry hair. Restore your hairs' split ends and create a silky protective layer, with TIGI Bed Head Ego Boost."

2) Bed Head After Party Cream/ In Salon: $19+, Here: $15
This item is described on the site as "a softening cream that creates a natural and fresh look. TIGI Bed Head After The Party Creme gives you great shine and leaves hair feeling fuller, thicker with beautiful bounce. Join the party!"

3) It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask/ In Salon: $37.50 +, Here: $18.50 (review coming soon)
This item is described on the site as "works wonders in your hair. It Detangles, restores moisture and elasticity. It softens, smoothes and adds a luminous shine. Its a ten also improves color vibrancy."

4)  Healthy Sexy Soymilk Shampoo/ In Salon: $9+, Here: $4 (review coming soon)
This item is described on the site as " the first-ever haircare line based on soy protein. Soy delivers ultimate strength and moisture to rebuild the hair, restore its shiny, healthy appearance and keep it looking great."

5)  Big Sexy Hair Spray and Stay Hairspary/ In Salon: $6+, Here: $4
This item is described on the site as "a hair spray that delivers control, manageability and volume while giving hair shine and sealing out humidity."

6) Sexy Hair Organics Moisturizing Treatment/ In Salon: $20+, Here: $5 (review coming once it's back in stock)
This item is described on the site as " formulated to repair dry, damaged hair and protect against future environmental stresses. Made with 76% organic ingredients, it protects and de-tangles when applied to wet hair. Sexy Hair Organics Moisturizing Treatment provides an intense moisture boost to even the driest hair."

7) TS-2 Detailer Mini Tourmaline Ceramin Flat Iron 1/2 inch/ In Salon: $36+, Here: $20
This item is described on the site as "only 6 inches long with 1/2 inch plates. Heats up to 400 degrees, tourmaline/ceramic/ionic technology. Great for short hair, bangs, roots, touch-ups and travel."


 I have to say, Salon Saving impressed me. I've used them before, but their prices seem to have only gotten better. There is much much more on the site, and I highly recommend checking it out. Shipping for anything under $30 is only $6, which is pretty cheap. Compare that to the savings, and the gas you'd spend to go pick these items up at a salon, and I'd say that you have quite a deal here.

******************

Upcoming things:

 ~ A Full Review on Glittersniffer Cosmetics

~ A Full review on EcoTools Make up Brushes

~ Next Cheapskate shopping will be on Make up!

~A Full Review on MADD Style Cosmetics

~ A Full Review on Healthy Sexy Soymilk Shampoo/Conditioner

~ A Look an whitening your teeth, the cheap and easy way!

So, listed above is what I have on my plate for the time being, there may be some other things thrown in there as well from time to time. ALSO!!! The Giveaway for the basket is still going until Feb 1st! Please recommend this blog to family, friends, coworkers, and whoever else you can think of! Good luck and stay classy ladies!

Giveaway... I think so!

Alright ladies! So, time to list a giveaway a friend of mine is doing, as well as Prepare my own giveaway for you all to do!

A fellow Glittersniffer gal is doing a give away on her blog here--- Confessions of a Glitterholic

All you are required to do is follow her blog and post a comment on the blog to be entered! Read more on her blog for details.

TIME TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY!!!

What is it you might ask?? Well it is simply this.. I am going to do a gift basket of some of my FAVORITE products, and send them to YOU!! Free of charge! The basket will include--- Ecotools eye brush set, 5 random Glittersniffer pigments, small bottle of the Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner, an Almond Sugar Scrub (I will be doing a review on it in my next blog <3), AND Make-up remover pads. All together it will total a gift basket worth about $40. Who knows... maybe I'll throw in some other random goodies later on too!

How to enter this wonderful giveaway? I want you, to comment below, show me your favorite look with eyeshadow/pigments! Post it on your blog, or on your facebook, and link me here! This is not a competition for best look. I will choose a winner at random at the end of the month! That's right. You have until Feb. 1st to do this! Why? Because I know some of you are waiting on getting GS trades and purchases off the discussion boards, and to give you time to create the best look possible!

Good luck guys, and I can't wait to start seeing entries!! Pass this along to friends, family, whoever you'd like!

Also, should you win and certain scents are ones you don't like, feel free to suggest another and I will do my best to compromise! <3

Some at Home Beauty Recipes

So, Looking for some wonderfully cheap ways to create bath products/spa-like products at home. Well guess what! Here are some great suggestions!

Sugar Scrub:
Most sugar scrubs can be expensive, and you pay more for the packaging than the product so try this. Take equal amounts of sugar and veggie/canola/olive oil and mix together. For extra moisturizing effects, try adding aloe vera as well. Now you have a nice sugar scrub that is cheap and works just as wells as the others! Sure, you may not have amazing scents from this, but that can be remedied by using essential oils or some type of fragrance. I put in fresh lavender in mine, and it smells WONDERFUL!

Facial Masks:
There are a large variety of these out there, my favorite has to be an apple cucumber one that I found. You take 1/2 a cucumber peeled and seedless, an egg white, 1/2 teaspoon of lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 think slice of apple, and some mint, put it all in a food processor and process until it is smooth. Once it's done, scoop it out, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. After that, apply to you face for 20 minutes, and wash off with warm water. It's cheap, effective, and feels amazing!

Hair treatment for Damaged hair:
So, I'm a swimmer and was given this idea because of the chlorine damage your hair is prone to when you swim. So you take 1 egg, half an eggshells worth of olive oil, and a quarter of a cucumber peeled and seedless. Throw that all in a blender or food processor, and blend until it's smooth. Put it on your hair and work it through your entire head. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. This treatment is great for anyone, and only has to be done once a month!

I know that everyone is attached to their favorite products for the above things, but there are easy ways to do them at home, for a fraction of the cost. Check out Home Spa Recipes for more scrubs, lotions, shampoos, chap stick, facials and more. That's where I got 2 out of the 3 above, and they work wonders! Love them oh so much.

A New Year

Welcome to 2011 everyone! Lets start off the year right, with some new ideas. I believe in introducing yourself, so here I am. My name is Markie Rustad, and I am your Beauty Cheapskate guide. I am a known fanatic of noticing, and preventing fashion mishaps with my friends, and a lover of make-up and general beauty supplies. But, How do you know what's good, and whats not? Things vary on opinion, and I figured, why not put my opinion out there because when you are online shopping, who are you going to ask? If I can help even one person save a few bucks by shopping for something elsewhere, it'll make me happy. Also, if you want an opinion on something specific, let me know and I will look into it, or test it myself. So let's get this started off right. Some of my current faves!

#1: Glittersniffer Cosmetics

These pigments are my new addiction. There has been some drama as of late around the company, but I still support them whole-heartedly and will reccommend them to anyone that asks. They are bright, last all day, and are full of glitter!! (which happens to be one of my favorite things.) Look in my links area for a link to their website. Once they are reopened for business feel free to order and give them a shot yourself.


 #2: Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner      

This stuff is amazing, and cheap! I buy mine at the local Walmart for roughly $2.50 a bottle and it lasts me a month or 2.  It smells great, feels great on and in your hair, and really helps with correcting damaged hair. I had a terrible dye/perm job a few months ago, and started using this, it fixed my hair and prevented further damage. Love it so much.

#3: Ecotools Eye brush kit

I just bought this on a christmas day sale, and recieved it the other day. The brushes are soft, and sturdy. I've used them, washed them, and have yet to have any of the hairs fall out. On top of that, they are eco friendly, made out of bamboo, recycled aluminum, 100% cruelty free taklon bristles, and comes with a nifty cotten and hemp carrying case.Oh, and did I mention they were only $7.00!


Those are my top 3 favs for the time being. I will be trying to post everyday with a tip, trick, or shockingly good deal I've found.  If you have any requests for reviews, or suggestions, feel free to comment below and I will look into whatever you have!