Friday First Impressions


Happy Friday friends!! My week started out in the best way possible with a great company outing and is rounding out with seeing my cousin and her kids that are visiting from Italy!  From this weekend it will be jam packed and while I hate to see time fly by so fast, I love so many of the events coming up! 




I wanted to share a few first impressions of some new products I’ve been using non-stop – a new little series I started last month. 



Benefit | Dew the Hoola – matte liquid bronzer




Through Sephora’s Play Box, I tried out the matte liquid bronzer – the first time I’ve ever actually tried a liquid bronzer and I was intimidated. What I liked is that it’s the same color as the hoola bronzer I’ve used in the past, but I didn’t really know if I should try contouring with this liquid one – which I’m awful at- or if I should apply it all over like I normally do with my other bronzers. I opted for mixing it in with my current skin tint by NARS and it created the prettiest finish. I didn’t use a brush to swipe it on – I prefer to use my fingers – and it didn’t add a layer of cakey-ness or the extra makeup feel. It was a winner! 



Kat Von D Lock-It line




I’ve only ever tried one of Kat Von D’s products and funny enough it was through another Sephora Play Box – her ink liner which was super intimidating to apply, but went on really easy. When Influenster sent me her newest Lock-It line I was intrigued, but also a little nervous since the makeup looked like it would be really heavy and cakey. When I think of Kat Von D – I think of heavy makeup because I think she has a few things that are strong enough to cover up a tattoo – I’m happy to report, that with this line, the makeup is anything but heavy! 




For the last two weeks the crΓ©me concealer is the only that I’ve been wearing. Light 5 Neutral & Light 3 Warm are very thick & provide full coverage under the eye area (or where ever else you’re trying to highlight or conceal) – to maintain the airy makeup look I used my sephora airbrush sponge, that I like way more than the beauty blender – and dabbed it underneath the eye area until it was blended. I didn’t use the concealer brush that they sent because I don’t like using brushes under my eyes, but I imagine you’d get a similar effect. 




The key was definitely setting everything with the setting powder. I’ve never used a loose powder for setting my makeup before – only pressed ones and now that I’ve used loose powder I’m never going back!! The finish is so much nicer – for me at at least and you don’t have any weird white residue after. I really liked the setting brush that it came with as well. Both brushes were sturdy, but the loose powder brush has long and tapered bristles and is super soft on the skin. I’m excited to try it in a different way once I get the courage to contour. 



I thought I’d share a photo from last weekend before heading out – I used all of the products mentioned in today’s post and the makeup stayed put! 


JBL Pulse Speaker 


We’ve been on the hunt for a bluetooth speaker & of course anything techy, Gary researches and found theJBL Pulse! We’ve had it for a few weeks now and are loving it! It’s kind of like having your own mini party – you can choose the light show that you want it to play – or none at all and the bluetooth range is pretty stellar. I love how portable it is & we’re actually taking it to Florida next week for a party we’re throwing for my grandmother!! 



Have you had any great first impressions lately? Hope you all have a great weekend and hope you come back Monday for weeknding! 


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62 Comments

  1. Girl Meets Bow
    August 5, 2016 / 10:58 am

    You looked beautiful when you went out last weekend, so I'm thinking I need to try those products too! I love pretty much anything Benefit! Have a great weekend girl!!

  2. Andrea Nine
    August 5, 2016 / 11:31 am

    I want a Bluetooth light show….how FUN!! And yep, beautiful beyond belief you are.. I bet, no, I know…prettiest gal in all of Boston!! Happy weekend love, have fun!

  3. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    August 5, 2016 / 11:39 am

    Aren't bluetooth speakers the best? We have a Bose one and I love that I can move it throughout the house and outside. Have a great Friday!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  4. a little bit of emily
    August 5, 2016 / 11:42 am

    That speaker looks so neat – it's like it's own little party with the lights!

  5. Stacy G
    August 5, 2016 / 11:58 am

    You always look flawless and that speaker looks like so much fun! I'm pretty sure my kids would love it!

  6. Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
    August 5, 2016 / 11:59 am

    That bluetooth speaker sounds awesome! We need one! Have a great weekend girl!

  7. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    August 5, 2016 / 12:28 pm

    I adore Kat Von D they have such great pigments and staying power. You look gorgeous in your selfie!

  8. Veronica-VeroSays!
    August 5, 2016 / 12:36 pm

    We have the Bose speaker and love it so much. It was a wedding gift and they gave us the mint one to go with our "mint to be" theme. So sweet. Florida? Can I come? Jk, hopefully Lucas will be here by then.. Haha sounds like fun. Happy early birthday to grandma!!

  9. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    August 5, 2016 / 12:47 pm

    Liquid bronzer? I would be nervous too πŸ™‚

  10. Zelle B.
    August 5, 2016 / 1:20 pm

    Such a fun speaker! And you look so pretty! Have a wonderful weekend, gal!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  11. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    August 5, 2016 / 1:23 pm

    That liquid bronzer sounds amazing! Definitely going to have to check that out! And I love the Kat Von D eyeliner so I'm glad to hear her other makeup is good! Happy Friday love! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  12. The Fashion Folks
    August 5, 2016 / 1:24 pm

    Haven't tried liquid bronzer but am curious after reading this, sounds like a good change compared to all the powder formats! Xx

    thefashionfolks.com

  13. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    August 5, 2016 / 1:24 pm

    Your make-up looked absolutely gorgeous! I have never tried a liquid bronzer before–only a powder or cream! Glad to hear you liked it!! Have a wonderful weekend girl!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  14. Brandi Jo Little, Author
    August 5, 2016 / 1:27 pm

    I love Kat Von D's products!! You look gorgeous in that photo! Happy Friday! πŸ™‚

  15. kerri @ cheshire kat
    August 5, 2016 / 1:36 pm

    that speaker is so cute! i love the lights. and kat von d has totally been on my radar lately. i love her tattoo brow and her everlasting lipsticks. glad to hear the foundation is just as good as i hear! happy weekend chica!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  16. Unknown
    August 5, 2016 / 1:47 pm

    You look great!

    Lou of, Steal the Style

  17. Kate at Green Fashionista
    August 5, 2016 / 1:55 pm

    Gorgeous as always! I'm so happy to hear that you didn't feel Kat Von D's Lock It line was heavy at all. I just found out I'm getting the voxbox for it, and am excited to try it out. I'm always looking for great coverage without that heavy cakey feel, especially during the heat of the summer. Happy Friday gurlie and have an amazing weekend with your cousins <3
    Green Fashionista

  18. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    August 5, 2016 / 2:08 pm

    I got the Lock It Influenster box too and am loving the concealer!

  19. Straight A Style
    August 5, 2016 / 2:17 pm

    I didn't even know liquid bronzer existed! Need to check that out.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  20. Unknown
    August 5, 2016 / 2:17 pm

    I got that Hoola liquid bronzer in the Play box too! But I haven't tried it yet because I'm not sure how to use it?!?! I'll have to try it.. Glad to hear you liked it!!

    theritzyglitzy.com

  21. Aiko
    August 5, 2016 / 2:18 pm

    I needed a new speaker and definitely will look into that! thanks for sharing your thoughts <3

    Sincerely,

    aikocunanan.com

  22. A Dash of Pretty
    August 5, 2016 / 2:30 pm

    That speaker looks so awesome! I also have heard such great things about Kat Von D's makeup line. People swear by her products!! Hope you have a great weekend!

  23. Kayla MKOY
    August 5, 2016 / 2:33 pm

    I love that your speaker has pretty lights! Last year for my birthday, Caleb got me a Bluetooth/wireless speaker and its AMAZING. It's so loud, we played it once Downtown, outside at a tailgate and people across the street were rocking out with us! Haha! We truly play it ALL the time at home, too, and its so fun for when guests come over. Enjoy your weekend!

  24. Missy
    August 5, 2016 / 2:37 pm

    You look gorgeous! I love Kat Von D liner, glad you had a good experience with it. I just went to loose setting powder too, it is great! I was always scared of liquid bronzer too, thanks for reviewing it! Have a great weekend!

  25. Pamela @ alittleglitter.com
    August 5, 2016 / 2:58 pm

    You must keep using that makeup! You look totally flawless and gorgeous in that pic with it on!

  26. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    August 5, 2016 / 3:07 pm

    That pulse is fun! It makes me think my mini bose speakers are boring. LOL

    Have a great weekend!

  27. Unknown
    August 5, 2016 / 3:15 pm

    Ooh that speaker looks so fun!!

    Enclothed Cognition

  28. Nadine
    August 5, 2016 / 3:22 pm

    I have been wanting to try that tattoo liner by Kat Von D for awhile now because every beauty blogger raves about it. I think that make up is looking awesome on you!!! I look at the JBL speaker every time we are in best buy. It is so memorizing!!! Chris is very much into tech stuff, especially audio, and he is a big JBL fan so I am sure it sounds fantastic too.

  29. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    August 5, 2016 / 3:28 pm

    Those Kat Von D products sound so amazing. We have a JBL speaker, and it gives the best sound! Great pick ups girlfriend…enjoy your weekend!

  30. Jalisa
    August 5, 2016 / 3:32 pm

    Such a great review post, girlie! I've never tried any of Kat Von D's products before, but have heard how awesome and full coverage her products are. You look gorgeous in the photo and quite honestly, I don't think you have anything to contour because you're features are naturally gorgeous! I need to look into that bluetooth speaker because we're in dire need of one. The one way have, you have place your phone on top of the device in order for it read the music. Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend spent with your cousin!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  31. Sierra @ Beautifully Candid
    August 5, 2016 / 3:44 pm

    So glad you had such a good week! Have so much fun visiting with your cousin. I'm the same way, I don't want to rush summer but also have some fun things coming up. Your makeup came out great and you look fabulous as always xo Beautifully Candid

  32. Sparkles and Lattes
    August 5, 2016 / 3:51 pm

    I love the idea of a liquid bronzer, but I wouldn't know how to put it on either. I do love the products you showed us and want to try some, but some seem intimidating.

  33. Rebecca Jo
    August 5, 2016 / 3:53 pm

    In from Italy? That will be fun to be the tour guide for them πŸ™‚
    My husband has an obsession with wireless speakers. I wish I could tell you how many we have. When things have to sync up, the list is SO LONG on which to hook up to. Its ridiculous.

  34. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    August 5, 2016 / 4:55 pm

    I've tried a few products from KVD and I've loved them. Now the foundation is definitely heavy…I wasn't a huge fan of it, but interested to see how the new formulation is. The loose powder is something I definitely want…along with the concealer!
    We have a JBL but it's not fun like this one…we had no idea they had one that changed colors! So fun! Hope you have a great weekend girl!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lilyο»Ώ

  35. Lindsay's Sweet World
    August 5, 2016 / 5:28 pm

    We have that same JBL speaker but ours doesn't have the lights. Boooo. Now I want that one!! Haha.

  36. Unknown
    August 5, 2016 / 5:28 pm

    This is so inspiring! I love the post:)

    irenethayer.com

  37. Ashley Lillis
    August 5, 2016 / 5:45 pm

    That speaker looks like so much fun! Chris is also the one that does all the research if there's technology involved, and I'm so glad that he enjoys doing that! So I feel like the worst subscription box subscriber because I still haven't tried out that liquid bronzer yet! I think that means that I need to try it out this weekend!

  38. Erika Powell
    August 5, 2016 / 6:14 pm

    Love that speaker! That would make such a great gift for my husband!

  39. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    August 5, 2016 / 6:41 pm

    The JBL Pulse sounds awesome! We have a Bose but maybe we'll get one of those in the future!

  40. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    August 5, 2016 / 6:44 pm

    how cool is that speaker! so fancy. i am horrible at contouring as well, i love my hoola bronzer so i might have to try that liquid stuff and mixing it like you did. so smart. have a good weekend girl!

  41. Unknown
    August 5, 2016 / 7:27 pm

    This is so inspiring! I love the post:)

    irenethayer.com

  42. Meg Taylor
    August 5, 2016 / 7:52 pm

    I am so intrigued by that liquid bronzer – definitely adding it to my wish list. That speaker looks so cool, too and something I could see myself buying for Mike! Have a great weekend!

    Meg, Borrowed Heaven

  43. Anonymous
    August 6, 2016 / 2:49 am

    I need a good speaker, I may have to check in the one you guys bought !!! Happy Friday Biana !

  44. Cat Chat With Caren and Cody (Caren Gittleman)
    August 6, 2016 / 3:13 am

    Ohhh you look GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!! Hoping you have an amazing visit with your family! So exciting!!! xoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

  45. Unknown
    August 6, 2016 / 3:23 am

    Your makeup looks flawless! I'm so glad to hear about a good speaker, I will have to check it out this weekend πŸ™‚

  46. Julia
    August 6, 2016 / 9:31 am

    Thank you for the review of makeup you use! The setting powder is the best. I love it!

  47. The Girl who Loved to Write
    August 6, 2016 / 1:35 pm

    Your makeup looks gorgeous!

  48. The Lilac Press
    August 6, 2016 / 4:21 pm

    Ah you are just stunning! Look the make up look! I've been wanting to try sephora's play box – seems like you've gotten to try some great products with it!

  49. Unknown
    August 6, 2016 / 7:12 pm

    Great post! I love the makeup!!
    Adi xx
    fancycorrectitude.com
    instagram.com/fancycorrectitude

  50. juice
    August 7, 2016 / 8:58 am

    such a great speaker! have a wonderful day πŸ˜‰

    The White Ocean

  51. Amy @ Getz Girl on Fire
    August 7, 2016 / 12:58 pm

    I love having bluetooth speakers . . . people say I always bring the party because I always bring the music. I even have one that's sand/water proof I take to the beach!!! I don't have one with lights so that looks super fun!!!

  52. Karly @ What Karly Said
    August 7, 2016 / 11:05 pm

    How awesome that you got all that Kat Von D stuff from Influenster! Your makeup looks gorgeous in the photo that you shared.

  53. CubicleCouture
    August 7, 2016 / 11:59 pm

    Can't wait to try the Dew the Hoola– just got a sample of it from Sephora!! πŸ™‚ have a great weekend!! πŸ™‚

  54. Laura Darling
    August 8, 2016 / 2:22 am

    That speaker is amazing! Hope you had a good weekend!

  55. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    August 8, 2016 / 2:24 am

    I hope you had the best weekend with your visitors from Italy! I'll have to check out that Benefit liquid bronzer cause I'm all about getting that extra hint of color

  56. My Vogue Style
    August 8, 2016 / 3:05 am

    All of these products sound great but I think I would pass on the liquid bronzer. I am horrible to put anything liquid on my face that is not foundation!

    My Vogue Style | myvoguestyle.com

  57. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    August 8, 2016 / 12:47 pm

    You look lovely as always! The struggle is so real for me when it comes to makeup….every 10th time I get it completely right and then can't figure out what the heck I did..ha! I am super excited about this speaker. Carly Jo has asked for something like this for her birthday or Christmas and this on looks like so much fun!

  58. According to Kiki
    August 8, 2016 / 2:46 pm

    Something better than the beauty blender?! I need to get my hands on this Sephora sponge and see what it's all about!

  59. Tess Felber_Sequins are the New Black
    August 8, 2016 / 5:13 pm

    I am in LOVE with that print!!! I know I'm late for the Friday post but hope you had an amazing weekend πŸ™‚
    xox Tess | Sequins are the New Black

  60. Elle Sees
    August 9, 2016 / 5:42 pm

    I want that speaker!! And I love the Hoola liquid bronzer!

  61. Tanya Dufour
    August 10, 2016 / 9:30 pm

    I have a sample of the Hoola liquid bronzer but haven't used it yet because I really wasn't sure how to apply it. I only use powder bronzers. That is awesome you got to try the Kat Von D Lock It concealer and powder! You got me really interested in that. I think I have a JBL speaker but its not as portable in the one above. I think that one looks really nice!

  62. Meghan @ I'm Fixin' To
    August 19, 2016 / 6:47 pm

    I love Hoola! I received the liquid in a Birchbox and have loved it! Your make up looks amazing! xx, I'm Fixin' To