Afterglow Cosmetics - Organic Infused Blush (Cozy)

Hello Everyone! I hope all of you are having a terrific day so far. I just recently tried a new blush for the first time, and I have to share with you about it! Their Organic Infused Blushes are really something spectacular. However, before we get into that, this is the first time I have ever wrote about Afterglow Cosmetics. 

So I was excited to learn a bit about them first....

Who is Afterglow Cosmetics?

From Kristin the Founder & CEO...

"The Afterglow Cosmetics line was developed out of my personal need for healthy color cosmetics that not only out-performed traditional cosmetics but were also natural and fashionable.

All the women in my family are sensitive to food, cosmetics and perfume. I started using make-up at an early age to cover up acne but it seemed to only make my skin feel and look worse. I have always been aware of washing my food well, eating organic and avoiding pesticides. However, for many years I never drew a straight line from this mode of thinking about my food and caring for my body to thinking the same way about my personal care products and the effect they have on my body both inside and out.

Though there were other natural and mineral cosmetics already out there calling their products natural, they still included objectionable ingredients like petro-chemicals, parabens and bismuth oxychloride. These alternatives also fell short in the color selection department. Instead of continuing the frustrating search for the ideal cosmetic line, I decided to create the solution for myself. I started by making cosmetics for myself, friends and family and quickly realized that there was simply nothing else out there that could compare to the luminescent finish, gentleness and the quality of pharmaceutical grade and certified organic ingredients. In 2004 Afterglow Cosmetics was born. Now I work with some of the most innovative and creative chemists and other experts, developing new and exciting natural, organic and mineral cosmetics. I truly believe that quality can be achieved naturally without the standard, and often toxic, petro-chemicals and synthetics found in traditional cosmetics. You can create naturally glamorous looks without sacrificing color palette or product effectiveness. Afterglow's unique blend of minerals and natural pigments has been very carefully formulated with your style, health and beauty in mind."

I find it appalling that their were companies calling their products natural, yet included all these harmful ingredients! I am not familiar with all the harmful ingredients, but one thing I do know is Paraben's is not something you want in any product. 

I love that she had an idea and brought it to life to make better cosmetics for not only her friends and family, but for everyday people like us. 

The Product/My Thoughts

Organic Infused Blush 

"Our velvety smooth, feather-light, Organic Infused Blush is perfect for every aspiring blushing beauty. Whether in a soft or glowing finish, every color goes on as innocent as nature intended or builds to high drama.

Triple–milled minerals allow for flawless blending as well as color layering to create the most exquisite looks. Organic botanical extracts like calendula flower oil, rose petal oil and pomegranate seed oil nourish the skin while improving it. Anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and sooth the skin while promoting healthy collagen."

• Available in 7 wearable shades: Cozy (AS SEEN HERE!), Tickle, Smitten, Majestic, First Blush, & Dusty Rose

(CLICK to ENLARGE)

• Layers and blends easily without settling or creasing
• Infused with soothing organic botanicals (Rose Petal, Pomegranate, Calendula Flower)
• NO parabens, nanos, bismuth oxychloride, gluten or talc
• 100% natural ingredients
• Weight: 3 gr / 0.10 oz

Each blush is $26. To purchase this blush or any of the Organic Infused Blushes go here: Afterglow Cosmetics Blush.

The first thing I noticed about the blush is the packaging. I love how each of the blushes come with their own individual mirror. The next thing I noticed is when I put it on was how light the blushes feel, and how the formula feels as if it was made with quality. 

Some blushes you buy it just cakes on. That or it takes forever to rub in. Then what has happened to me A LOT and one of the reason's why I don't wear blush is because, it doesn't look good on my fair skin. I am very critical when it comes to blush and bronzer. So, I was really impressed with how great it blends. It blends so well in fact that you can actually layer it. What I mean by that is the more you put on the more color is added to your skin.

I was a little apprehensive about the $26 price tag, but once I actually tried one of the blushes it all made since. It's now one of my favorite blushes in my collections, and I will go as far to say it's quality is that of my Benefit Hervana blush. 

I am very happy that I got to try this, and I am hoping to be able to try their other shades along with their other cosmetics to see how they compare.

Overall Product Score: 4.8*

Here is a quick look I did with the blush...

What do you think of Afterglow Cosmetics? Have you ever tried their blush or any of their product's? If not do you think you would in the future, and if so what would you like to try? I love hearing your questions and comments, so feel free to leave them below! 

As always REMEMBER to STAY BEAUTIFUL by STAYING YOU! XOXO ~ Amy

*overall rating is based on a 5 point scale based off of product, pricing, texture, application, and longevity.

One Direction Limited Edition Beauty Collection + GIVEAWAY

(click to enlarge any of the pictures in this review)

Happy Holiday's Everyone! 

Today, I want to talk to you about another wonderful Limited Edition One Direction Beauty Collection. There are five in the group total, since there are 5 members in One Direction, each with different artwork but all of the same makeup. So, your only hard choice is figuring out which face you want to adore everyday, lol! 

I was given 3 of these wonderful beauty collection's, and thought it to be a little selfish to keep all of them. So, not only will I be keeping one for myself, giving one to a family member, but also giving one to yall as well (and YES shipping will be payed for) so you can think of it as a late Christmas gift. 

**NOTE: I am going to try and mail it out on the 22nd, but no promises it will get there by Christmas (but I will try if requested!).** 

Now, before we get started and I show you everything in the collection if you would like to get more info about this kit and keep up with the makeup line, they have a facebook page you can go to located here: 

https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyOneDirection

You can get this kit at Sears, Kmart, Target, and if your in Canada at Walmart. You may be able to find it else where but please make sure you buy it from a trusted retailer!

The Artwork

The Contents

Each of the collection's come with 6 eyeshadows, 1 eye pencil, 4 lip glosses, 1 gloss top coat, 2 nail varnishes, 1 lip brush, and 1 eyeshadow applicator.

As you can tell the colors come off a little different because of the lighting, so I labeled the colors of each one. I love all of these colors, each one is sooo pretty. I would also recommend trying these wet as well, it enhances the color that much more. 

My favorites are "Same Mistakes" which is a silver metallic color and "Summer Love" which is a deep plum color in my opinion. Both of them bring out my eyes (I have blueish-green) and will bring out any eye color, really. Metallic's are also great go-to's during the holiday's as well. 

What I really enjoy most about these lip colors is that they have a color for everyone. From the brightest pink in "Loved You First," to a complete nude in "Heart Attack" it has it all.

"Alive" is clear color with a TON of sparkles, and then there is "Stole My Heart." "Stole My Heart" is a wonderful POP of pink with a little bit of shimmer, and is just stunning.

I have never hear of a lip top coat, but I think it's a really cool concept. This one is called, "Once Again" and is a clear silver color that would look great on top of a bright pink or red lipstick or even on it's on in my opinion. 

Then what would a makeup collection be without a black eyeliner in the shade "I want," which is a true matte black. It really does complete the look. 

Just when I thought I saw everything this collection had to offer, I lifted the collection and found this wonderful inspiring note. I love all of the detail in this collection, you can really tell the creator's put time into it.

What do you think about the One Direction Limited Edition Beauty Collection? I would love to hear your thoughts on it! Even if you're not a fan of One Direction, I think it can offer the makeup lover a little bit of everything. Feel free to leave your comment's and question's below. 

Also, don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below so you can WIN your very own One Direction Limited Edition Beauty Collection. This giveaway will run from 12/6/2014 - 12/21/2014. Please only 2 set's of entries per IP address. US Only! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mia Mariu - Reveal Your Glamorous Look + GIVEAWAY

Hello Everyone! Today, I am super excited to bring back another review/giveaway from Mia Mariu! I fell in love with their foundation, primer, and concealer the first time I tried them. This time I am bringing to you a collection of items to - Reveal Your Glamorous Look! 

          Who Is Mia Mariu?

"The Mia Mariu philosophy makes the connection between beauty and health inside and out. Mía Mariu’s high performance products are formulated with the most natural ingredients available helping you achieve vibrant beauty and health inside and out.  Each unique product fuses nature and technology by combining the highest quality botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and peptides.  The result? Healthy products that provide a perfect balance that reflects itself through youthful, healthy, beautiful, glowing skin and renewed energy and vitality, at an exceptional value.  Mía offers natural skin care, professional makeup artist quality mineral cosmetics and brushes, fine fragrances and nutritional supplements to Reveal Your Unique 

Shade of Beauty!"

If you wish to check out any of their other products you can do so by going to their official website located here: Shop Mia Mariu or go straight to their catalog here: Mia Mariu Catalog.

The Products/The Review

"Our Mineral Bronzers protect and highlight your complexion with a beautiful, sensual tone. Made with pure minerals and silky shimmery pigments, use it to sun-kiss your face or any other part of your body. Contains Vitamin A, C and E." 

You will see in the final look, but this was my favorite product out the bunch. Being such a pale complexion, I was terrified of this product at first. I usually just use solid bronzer's that turn into powder. However, using just a little bit and a kabuki brush makes it go on perfectly. I love the sun-kissed glow it gives me. 

Price: $17

"Our Volumizing Mascara extends and separates the thinnest, shortest, hard-to-reach lashes by lengthening each lash while delivering just the right amount of mascara without clumping.  Our formula contains rich dark pigments to enhance lash color for maximum drama.  It is clump-free, fiber-free and is suitable for contact lens wearers.  Enriched with vitamin B5."

More than anything, I liked the way this mascara felt in my hand. I was able to get a good grip on it, so that I could get to each lash. Some mascara's are so top heavy, and this isn't anything like that. I also appreciated the fact that it wasn't too thick, so I had NO clumping. It's defiantly a mascara, I will get good use out of.

Price: $13

"Our Intense Black Eye Liner Pencil is a smoothly textured eye pencil that provides precise definition and easy, smooth application.  The pencil applies evenly without "dragging" or pulling the delicate eye area which produces a clean precise line without smudging."

I don't know if it was the way it was sharpened or just the fact that it's a really great formula, but I was impressed with this eyeliner. If you don't know by now, eyeliner is my favorite makeup product, as well as the product I am most critical of. This will be one of those eyeliner's however, I can see myself using down to the nub...ha-ha. 

Price: $11

"Our Mineral Shadow Liners are made with pure minerals and luxurious color pigments.  Their creamy powder texture provides an immediate release of intense luminous color with superior blending for a long-wearing, crease-resistant application. When mixed with water, you can use it as a beautiful long wearing eyeliner."

I got the choice to choose 1 of the eye shadow duo's or 2 of the shadow liners. Since I prefer brighter colors, I went with the shadow liners. What I love about these is that you can use them as regular eye shadows or as an eyeliner. This was the perfect shade of what I call Sea Green, however you may think different when you sea it. It was also my favorite of the two.

Price: $14

"Our Mineral Shadow Liners are made with pure minerals and luxurious color pigments, thin silky formula provides long lasting coverage while gliding on softly and easily. Build color intensity and blend effortlessly. Apply as an eye shadow with our Multipurpose Brush No. 15, use the Petite Brush No. 18 to highlight your accents. Use wet to create your own custom liner, using our Precision Eyeliner Brush No. 25."

This shadow looks green, but it's actually a VERY dark blue. A little too dark for my liking, but I think as an eyeliner it would be okay. It also has a LOT of sparkle, when the light hits it right. 

Price: $14

"Our Hydrating Stick Gloss is a revolutionary hydrating product combining color and hydrating gloss in a stick form.  It has a buttery, creamy feel that nourishes your lips while delivering color in a sheer and sophisticated finish."

I love this gloss! It's just like described, it is a very creamy and has a buttery feel yet very sheer. I can see this being a lipstick that you can wear everywhere, rather it be the office or for a date. There's so many pretty colors to choose from, and I can't wait to try them all. 

Price: $15

I was really amazed at the quality of all of these products. I am glad I had the opportunity to try them, and I can't wait to try more. What do you think of all these "Glamorous" products? Which one is your favorite? Feel free to share below!

There's only 1 last thing to share...

Want to win a Glamorous Look of your own? You will get the same items, in your own color! 

Enter Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Logona Cosmetics - Part 1: Makeup

       Hello all my beautiful readers! Today, I want to talk to you about a company I recently had the pleasure of coming across called Logona Cosmetics. For this review their will be two parts to it. The first review will be just about their makeup line and the other about their skin care line. 

Who is Logona Cosmetics?

"In 1975, a group of inspired and like-minded friends opened a shop, Lorien Goods, in Hanover, Germany. Their shop featured the few products available at the time that fit the values of the new, green movement. To expand their shop’s selection and to wholesale to other stores, the group began to import products from outside of Germany. In 1977, they decided it was time to begin manufacturing their own body care products and LOGONA was born.

LOGONA’S commitment to manufacturing and packaging body care products in an ecologically responsible manner resonated with their customers and the product line steadily expanded over the years. Today, LOGONA offers more than 200 natural personal care and cosmetic products.

In 1990, the company (now called Logocos) added a new line of natural care products, Sante, to appeal to a younger consumer."

I found their whole background very interesting. I hope to try their Sante products one day, but today we will keep our focus on Logocos products. However, if you wish to check out either line you can go to their official sites here:  www.logona.us or www.santeusa.com

Wish to connect with them on any of the social networks? Just click which network you would like to check out below.

twitter | facebook | pinterest | instagram 

The Products/My Thoughts

Eyeshadow Trio No.4 Ocean - "Trio Eyeshadows come in alluring color combinations. For every eye color and every day and evening look - from unpretentious and elegant to sophisticated and extravagant." 

I absolutely have fallen in love with this eyeshadow trio. The camera covers the colors well, but how it looks in person is amazing. You can layer it which is what I did, or you can just use one or two colors from it. There are a lot of different possibilities.

Price: $24

Double Lip Pencil No.5, Ruby Red  - "The wooden lip pencil gives lips a delicate sheen or matte shine. Two complementary shades in one pencil." I am not much of a lip pencil kind of girl, but the more I get comfortable with makeup, the more I have been wanting to try them. I must say I love the way this one glides on with ease. What I like the most is it has the two colors that I wear most (red and pink) so its very versatile. 

Price: $20

Double Eyeliner Pencil No.4, Steel Gray - "Dual eyeliner pencil. For highlighting the corner of the eye in various shades." To me one side is grey and the other side is a dark blue. I love the formula itself, but I am however confused on the naming of this particular pencil, that would be my only complaint. It glides on nicely though, and while I am a black eyeliner kind of girl this dark blue color fits my eyes well. 

Price: $15

Double Eyeliner Pencil No.5, Rosewood - "Dual eyeliner pencil. For highlighting the corner of the eye in various shades." On this pencil to me one side is a pinkish brown (rosewood is fitting) and the other side is a dark brown. What I love about these pencil's from Logona are the colors I have never seen before. I like that they fit my eyes quite nicely, and am looking forward to experimenting with different looks in the future. 

Price: $15

Lipstick No. 1 in Rose - "For stylish, silky-soft lips in irresistible shades with an extra creamy texture and high anti-aging care qualities." This was my FAVORITE lipstick/product in the whole lot of makeup. It's one of those colors that just screams for attention! Check out the picture below to see what I am talking about. If your looking for that showstopper lipstick, this is it.

 Price: $22

Lipstick No.2 in Pink - "For stylish, silky-soft lips in irresistible shades with an extra creamy texture and high anti-aging care qualities." Another wonderful creamy lipstick! It's a lot like the one above but this is called "Pink" instead of "Rose." I would take a picture of it, but it comes up exactly the same on camera. The only way to truly see the slight shade difference is in person. After trying their lip products, its the one product I have to say I will be coming back for more of! 

Price: $22

Liquid Eyeliner No. 1 in Black - "Makes the eyes stand out: Liquid eyeliner for highlighting the lid." Ahh, now this is more me! I have to say when it comes to eyeliner, I have a strong passion for black eyeliner. This is completely random, but you know one of my favorite things about this eyeliner? The smell! Most eyeliners have this weird chemical smell, this formula however does not and almost has a fragrant to it. Besides the wonderful smell, I love how quickly this eyeliner dries, and how easy it is to apply. Liquid eyeliners always make me nervous, but this one dries so fast you don't have to worry about smudging or getting in in your eyes! 

Price: $22

Overall Product Score: 4.1*

Well, that concludes Logona Cosmetics - Part 1: Makeup! My next blog post will be about their wonderful skincare line, so be on the lookout for that tomorrow. Have you ever tried anything from Logona Cosmetics or is there anything you would like to try from them? I would love to hear your feedback/questions, feel free to leave them below!

*overall rating is based on a 5 point scale based off of product, pricing, texture, application, and longevity.

Allure By Amy's 100+ LIKES GIVEAWAY!!!

I am so proud of what this blog has done in the last year. So, as promised I have decided out of my own pocket to do a 100+ "Likes" GIVEAWAY!

You can find the bigger picture by clicking on the picture above or by going to our Facebook page for those of you that are interested, I will also be making it Allure By Amy - A Beautiful You's profile picture. I wanted to give products away that not only I liked, but are safe for my reader's as well. I hope you enjoy. To enter the giveaway all you have to do is go HERE. Contest Ends 8/24/14

        Below is what is included:

• Maybelline Color Show Nail Stickers (18) - color "Polka Dot"
• Nailene Daily Wear Naturals Medium Length
• Impress Press On Manicure Nails - 240 "Tweetheart"
• Impress Press On Manicure Nails - D120 "TGIF"
• 3 Little Chicks Soap Bar - Strawberries & Cream Soap Bar
• Julep - Rock Star Hand Creme 
• Libras Botanicals - Honey Bee Lotion Bar
• Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips - 430 "Tri-bal It On"
• Julep Nail Polish - color "Lauren" (pink)
• Julep Nail Polish - color "Camille" (clear with sparkles)
• Sinful Colors Nail Polish - color #962 "Ocean Side" (dark blue)
• Ciate Paint Pot - color #019 "Mojito" (lime green)
• Cedar Creek Soaps - Blue Raspberry Ice Lipbalm
• Benefit - Ultra Plush Lip Gloss "Sugarbomb" 
• Benefit - Benetint (rose-tinted lip & cheek stain)
• Benefit - "They're Real!" Mascara
• Orglamix - Pure Mineral Perfecting Corrector in "Cerise"

Disclosure: This is no way in any shape or form associated with facebook, twitter, or any other social media sites. Allure By Amy - A Beautiful You is responsible for shipping of the prize. However, Allure By Amy - A Beautiful You is in no way responsible for damage or loss of the prize a tracking code will be provided though. Chance's of winning is based on number of entries. This is for the US Only. No substitutions may be made.