Pink October | Fashion Friday

ONESIES | PANTS | PACIFIERS* | BLANKETS | PILLOW

I had the idea months ago to do all pink Fashion Friday posts during the month of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, as October drew closer I realized one rather large flaw to this plan. I don't own any pink. In my closet, I have a pink skirt, a dress with pink flowers, a few pink workout tops, and that's it. Nothing that I wanted to do for a fashion post (though my pink skirt has been featured before). 

But in the past few months, my home has become consumed with the color pink all thanks to the two newest additions to my family. So, seeing as I had no pink, I decided to take advantage of my children and the one thing they have that I lack... which is pink. 

Besides, isn't it more fun to see "fashion" photos of newborns than of a boring 26-year-old stay at home mom? I sure thought so. But in all reality, fashion posts are going to become more frequent on this blog, and I'm pretty sure once a month I'll feature these little ones instead of myself. I hope that doesn't bother anyone and if it does, I'm sorry but you'll just have to live with it. 

Anyways, as mentioned, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While my whole "Charity of the Month" idea continues to fail me, making my readers aware of different charities is still something I feel very strongly about. It is becoming nearly impossible for anyone to avoid being affected by cancer in some way. Whether it's a family member, friend, or even yourself, it's something that continually ruins lives and affects all of us. 

I would encourage you to reach out and do what you can for those who have been diagnosed with any sort of cancer. Make a donation. Visit your sick neighbor and bring them a treat. Take toys to a children's hospital. Do whatever you can this month to show that you care. Below are links to two major organizations that bring awareness to cancer. If you are able, make a donation and give hope to those who are in need. Thanks! 

Susan G. Koman - Breast Cancer 

American Cancer Society

MORE CUTE PINK BABY CLOTHES*:

Bonus points to anyone in the comment section who can guess which one is Zoey and which is Makell. This is another one of those tricky photos where I second guess myself... and I took the picture! 

*This post contains affiliate links all marked by an asterisk for your convenience.*

October Ipsy Bag 2017

I'm still just as obsessed with Ipsy and plan to keep up with these posts, sharing what I get in my monthly Ipsy bag. However, starting next month I will go back and give you a quick review on how I've enjoyed the products of the previous month's bag. I think this will be a great way to share what I get as well as giving you my honest opinion on each product.

And if you're wondering, I did get my bag a week ago but have been so distracted and busy with my new babies that I'm not getting around to this post until now. No judgment, please.

The theme for this month's bag is "Spellbound" and honestly, this bag is just gorgeous. I feel like the past few months Ipsy has stepped up their bag game. Every bag I get is so pretty I wish I had more reasons to use these bags on a daily basis. I love that they used a bat as the zipper pull. It's such a subtle Halloween nod but it's beautiful and fun. I also love the texture of the bag. It's a lovely lace pattern in a beautiful red, and it fits in with my personal aesthetic so much. The bag also came with this quote: "In my defense, the moon was full and I was left unsupervised." It's cheeky and fun and would fit in perfectly in a short story.

Here are my Ipsy products for the month of October as well as my first impressions.

My monthly Ipsy advertisement:  Hey, friends, I know I talk about Ipsy a lot, but it's my favorite. For $10 a month I get a cute new makeup bag and five sample size beauty products to test out. I may be poor, but I make it work in my budget to spend $10 a month for new products. I love makeup, hair, and beauty in general and Ipsy allows me to feed my addiction of trying new products without going completely broke. So if you enjoy beauty products as much as I do, then go check out Ipsy by clicking the link below.

PURCHASE YOUR FIRST IPSY BAG BY CLICKING HERE*

Phoenician Secret Scrub - Peppermint*

by Skinvolve

Original Cost: $25 

I am so excited to really test this out. It's meant for cellulite and stretch marks, and I don't really have cellulite but being pregnant with twins gave me a whole mess of stretch marks. If I start to see improvement on my many lightning scars, I would happily purchase this product. I'll keep you all informed. 

Trick and Treat: Active Propolis Cream Concealer

by Hey Honey

Original Cost: $36 for 0.5oz

I love getting concealers from Ipsy. It's probably one of my most common products I get and the most appreciated. It keeps me from having to go out and buy my own and gives me options for when I do need to buy more. I've liked Hey Honey in the past so I'm excited to see how this works for me. 

Peach Hand Cream

by Tonymoly

Original Cost: $12 for 1.06oz

I had never heard of the brand Tonymoly before, but holy moly, they have the cutest packaging ever! Like, I'm honestly upset I got an Ipsy sample. The actual product packaging is a peach and it's so stinkin' cute. One thing I always lack but desperately need is hand lotion. Getting this product is more than appreciated, especially with how much more often I wash my hands thanks to my girls. Oh, and it smells amazing!! 

Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder

by IT Cosmetics

Original Cost: $29 for 0.31oz

My absolute favorite product I've ever gotten from Ipsy was an IT Cosmetics mascara. This is a company that makes the absolute best in beauty products. And seeing as I've run out of my usual powder, and am too busy and poor to go buy more, I was incredibly happy when I found this in my Ipsy bag this month.

Photo Finish Lid Primer - Light*

by Smashbox Cosmetics

Original Cost: $21 for 0.08oz

I hear such wonderful things about Smashbox Cosmetics from the many beauty bloggers and YouTubers that I'm obsessed with. I don't believe I've ever used a lid primer before, and if I have, I probably used it for something other than its actual use. But since being home with my girls I've experimented with makeup more, so I'm happy to try this out for its real purpose. 

*This post contains affiliate links all marked by an asterisk.

October Leaves | Fashion Friday

OUTFIT:

 JACKET (Similar Match*) | VEST |  SCARF |  PANTS |  SHOES | BAG*

It's my favorite time of year!! Chris and I took the girls on their first real outing to look at the fall leaves in the mountains, but it ended up being freezing so we never took them out of the stroller where they were all bundled up. There was a nice paved trail we walked on, really testing out our stroller for the first time (I'll do an official review on it at some point), and just enjoying the beauty of the mountains... while also nearly freezing to death.

This is my awesome diaper bag. I had so many diaper bags in my Amazon* wishlist for months trying to figure out which one I wanted most. I needed something at a good price, had lots of storage space, I preferred a backpack, and I wanted it to look nice too. I think this bag is so pretty and it holds everything I need for both my girls. I will be doing an official review on this bag soon, but I honestly love it and highly recommend it for anyone pregnant, with small children, or even who just loves backpacks as purses... with insulated pockets for bottles. Because, why not?

PURCHASE THIS BAG*:

MORE BLANKET SCARVES UNDER $50*:

Learn how I did my makeup in these photos by CLICKING HERE.

This post contains affiliate links that I receive compensation for all marked by an asterisk. 

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Mascara | Review

What's up my friends? I have a love of Maybelline mascaras, always have, probably always will. They're my go-to whenever I need a new mascara and I try my best to keep testing out different ones anytime I go to buy them.

My current Maybelline mascara test was on the Colossal Big Shot. So here is my review on this particular mascara. You can also check out my quick video review (if you would rather listen than read) on my YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE.

You can purchase this mascara here*:

PROS:

-Like most Maybelline mascaras (and the reason I love them so much) this mascara does not ever feel heavy or stiff on my lashes. I can brush my finger over my lashes and not be met with hard, stiff lashes.

-The price. Maybelline mascaras are always at a good price point while doing a great job and not feeling cheap.

-The application is easy. The brush isn't too crazy like some where it is easier to get on your eyelids.

-Easy removal. This mascara comes off easily with a little makeup remover or even just soap and water (but, also with tears, see cons below).

-It gives my lashes a darker tone without clumping or making them too thick.

-The brush isn't too thick and can be used on lower lashes without difficulty.


CONS:

-The brush. The product easily clumps onto the bristles, giving you a smaller bristle to work with, making application difficult.

-It doesn't really make my lashes seem any longer, unlike other Maybelline mascaras.

-If you're pregnant and have morning sickness and your eyes water, this mascara will get everywhere. (I've said it before and I'll say it again, mascara commercials are dumb and all I want is one where it shows a woman getting broken up with and crying, but it doesn't look like she's crying because her makeup doesn't move. That's the real test of good makeup, in my opinion, if it stays on well while crying.)

-Comparatively to many mascaras, Maybelline or otherwise, it just isn't anything special. It does its job but doesn't wow me in any way.


MY VERDICT:

I have nothing against this mascara, and it may work out really well for you, but it's just not for me. It doesn't give me the extra length that I crave and doesn't match up to literally dozens of other mascaras I've tried in the past. If you want a good price mascara that does the bare minimum of a mascara, then you should be good with this one. It's just not for me and I will not be using it again.

_______________________________________________________________

So I will be doing a lot more reviews on my blog. This will include makeup and hair products like always, but also baby items that I use with my girls. If you have any requests on what I should review, leave a comment down below. And if you own a product or company and would like me to do a review for you, please email me at thedancingcowblogger@gmail.com. Thanks ever so much!!

Favorite Trend: Oversized Cardigans & Sweaters

I remember growing up I was firmly against sweaters. I would wear a dress to church, my mom would suggest a nice white cardigan to wear over it, and I adamantly refused. Being honest, I don't know what caused my hated of sweaters (perhaps the 90s style of all the ones I owned) but now, I cannot get enough of the cardigan/ sweater trend.

I feel like oversized cardigans and sweaters are everywhere this fall and I want them all. As a woman who struggles with self-confidence, gave birth to twins last month and still doesn't fit in any of her pre-pregnancy pants, anything oversized is right up my alley.

Today I'm sharing with you some of my favorite oversized sweaters. Be they cardigans, turtlenecks, or otherwise, this is a trend I am fully on board with, and hope lasts a while. At least the length of a Utah winter. So, like six more months.

MY DREAM OUTFIT:

SHOP UNDER $50:

MY FAVORITE STORES FOR SWEATERS:

Old Navy

Target

ASOS

H&M

My Post-Pregnancy Body

Dress: Target (Similar)

Cardigan: Nordstrom 

Boots: Kohls (Exact Match)

Socks: K.Bell

Five days before I went into labor I had a baby shower and wore this dress. I wore it with leggings because it barely covered my butt with my bulging belly (I also had to have Chris help me get into the leggings because of how insanely swollen my legs were). But in these photos I'm three weeks post labor and I can wear this dress as an actual dress! Win!

It's my favorite time of year! One of the main reasons I love fall is because of the outfit options. I absolutely love boots, cardigans, and wearing my knee-high socks. I may not get out as much this fall because of the two new additions to our family, but that doesn't mean I still can't obsess over the fashion.

I also just want to say how much I love braids. They're so easy and great for keeping my hair both cute and out of the way of spit-up prone infants. You can learn all about how I did my makeup on my last post HERE.

SHOP SIMILAR DRESSES UNDER $50:

My Autumn Makeup Routine | Fashion & Beauty

Hello friends! I am getting back into the YouTube world because it's something I've wanted to do forever, laziness and self-doubt have kept me from it thus far, but I'm ready to really work hard at it and make one of my dreams a reality.

I made the following makeup routine video for this fall season. I love this time of year! It's so beautiful and fun. This year I'm especially excited for my girls to have their first autumn! I'm honestly really happy they have an autumn birthday like me (though typically in Utah there's snow on mine so it doesn't always feel like autumn). I realize because my twins are so young we won't get to do all our usual autumn activities, but I'm sure we'll still have lots of fun as a new little family.

So without further ado, here is the tutorial of my current makeup routine and down below the video are all the products used in this routine. And please go subscribe to my YouTube channel! I'd really appreciate it.

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
The following may contain affiliate links, however, I only promote products that I use and love. Thanks!

Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer - In The Nude 

Winky Lux Peeper Perfect

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Airbrush Finish - Classic Ivory 

Luxie Dreamcatcher Precision Foundation Brush 660

Bare Minerals Matte Powder Foundation 

Me Me Me Foundation Brush

Benefit They're Real Mascara

Skone Cosmetics Brow Wand*

Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eye Pencil 

Hikari Shimmer Bronzer

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lip Color - Juju

*Two things about this product: Since the label was faded away I was searching through my Ipsy account to figure out what brand this was, I thought I got it recently, but apparently it was almost a year ago. And when going to their website, I just now learned there's a brush on the other end. Who knew?

My Foundation Routine | Fashion & Beauty

Hello friends! By now you should all be well aware of my obsession with Ipsy. It's how I afford makeup. I'm poor but I can pay $10 a month for samples of makeup and beauty products. I'm also a hoarder of makeup, so it lasts me a while as I try to get through it all.

But while about 85% of my makeup routine is probably Ipsy products, my current foundation routine is not... with the exception of my makeup brushes, but that's totally irrelevant.

Today I am sharing with you my three, yes three, foundation products that I am currently obsessed with. These products in combination give my face natural coverage and I'm in love when the way they work so well together.

DREAM LIQUID MOUSSE

AIRBRUSH FINISH IN CLASSIC IVORY

BY MAYBELLINE

Now if you're a long time follower of my blog, you may be aware that I also have an obsession with Maybelline. Because of my lack of money, Maybelline is my go-to affordable makeup line, not just for the price but for the quality. I honestly believe it is the best product quality for the price of any drugstore makeup line. 

I am, however, new to this particular foundation. While the next product has been a staple for me for years, I decided to try this product after running out of a particularly wonderful Ipsy foundation. But I am loving it. 

This foundation does a fantastic job at covering my pores and imperfections, giving my skin a smooth finish. It's very lightweight and doesn't weigh heavily on my skin, nor does it look heavy. Best part, a little goes a long way so it'll last a long time, making it worth the cost, not that it costs that much to begin with. 

I highly recommend using a foundation brush to apply it though. If you use your fingers, you tend to get uneven coverage and, in my experience, end up using more to get the coverage where you really need/want it. I'm currently obsessed with my Luxie Dreamcatcher Precision Foundation Brush 660 that I got from Ipsy and love the softness of the brush and how easy it is to blend with. 

INSTANT AGE REWIND 

DARK CIRCLE ERASER IN BRIGHTENER/ILLUMINATOR

BY MAYBELLINE

I've talked about this one many times before and even have a review you can READ HERE (though it's not the best review and I may write up another since I've been very into reviews lately). This product is literally my favorite beauty product of all time. I cannot live without this and some type of mascara. 

I currently have the highlighter version, which is weird for me, since I used to often use this as an all-over foundation in a pinch, and I can't really do that with this shade. But regardless, it works well to cover the dark circles under my eyes that are always present. 

My favorite thing about this product is that it lasts all day and blends ridiculously well. I never have to worry about my dark circles popping up again later in the day. I'm ridiculously in love with this product, you don't even understand. 

I use this after the liquid foundation so I just dab it on under my eyes and blend it out a bit with my fingers. I will sometimes use the same brush from my foundation to blend the colors of the two a bit better, but typically just dabbing it on does the trick. 

MATTE POWDER FOUNDATION

IN FAIRLY LIGHT

BY BARE MINERALS

If you're looking for a good powder foundation, this is the only one you need. Bare Minerals is a more expensive brand and it is the most expensive beauty product that I consistently purchase. But it's something that I feel I always have to have around. 

This powder has fantastic coverage, hides pores and imperfections, is super lightweight, blends with your skin tone well*, and often doesn't even look like you're wearing makeup at all. In fact, I've worn only this powder without the foundations underneath and it gives me the imperfect look I crave with little work. 

(*If you really want to be sure it'll work well with your skin tone I recommend going to their store and having them find your correct shade. I did that a few years ago and it has made all the difference, and the guy was bored and gave me a whole makeover, bonus!)

Because I use the liquid foundations, I use this powder to help keep the liquid foundations in place as well as giving a final blend to my look. I use the C427 Duo Fiber Crown Brush from an Ipsy bag to dab and blend on my powder in the areas I know tend to fade (this is technically a blush brush, but it has worked well for me thus far). I have fairly oily skin so I use the matte version of this powder to keep my skin looking natural. Honestly, this powder gives me a more natural look, which I love. 

If you would like a video on my full makeup routine, leave a comment below and let me know. For now, you can check out my previous makeup routine video HERE. 

THANK YOU FOR READING!! 

June Ipsy Bag 2017

 

I'm still just as obsessed with Ipsy. I'm loving this bag, it's adorable. I also love that everything is black (yes, I'm aware the nail polish isn't, I'm ignoring it). Anyways, here's my list of everything in my June Ipsy Glam Bag. As always, if you want reviews on any of these products please leave me a comment down below and I will do one in a few weeks, you know after I've actually tried the product. (Don't expect one on the nail polish. I don't typically wear nail polish, especially if it's not black, but I did learn it is pregnancy safe so if it was black I would probably test it out.)

Want to get your own Ipsy subscription? CLICK HERE! (Affiliate Link)

NAIL POLISH IN GREEN DAYLILY

MARGARET DABBS LONDON

Original Cost: £14 (about $17) for 9ml 

UNCOVER DETOXIFYING MUD MASK

HEY HONEY

Original Cost: $54 for 17oz

MAXLASH VOLUMIZER MASCARA

DOUCCE

Original Cost: $22

MULTIUSE BLACK PRIMER

PEEK BEAUTY

Original Cost: $22 for black and white eye primer duo

Also, if anyone knows how to open my Ipsy sample PLEASE let me know.

AQUA XL EYE PENCIL WATERPROOF EYELINER

MAKE UP FOR EVER

Original Cost: $21 

Summer Wishlist - Maternity Edition | Fashion & Beauty

What is up my friends?! How is the beginning of your summer going? Mine is filled with lots of work. And feeling my little girls kicking, which is super exciting. I'm in the process of redefining and changing up this blog, so slowly you'll see changes. I will be a mother come September/October so my mindset has changed, therefore, this blog will change. But it will still be about all the things that make me happy.

Like clothes.

For today's #FashionFriday I have made my summer clothing wishlist! Now, these are all maternity clothes, so if you're not pregnant, I'm sorry to not cater to you too. Next year you'll get your shot. All of these are shoppable if you click on them and all are under $50 (which is kind of difficult to do, but it's been done).

So enjoy shopping some of my summer maternity favorites!

By clicking and purchasing from the above links you are helping me receive a small commission to go towards my twin girls. Thank you! 

May Ipsy Bag 2017

Hi friends! Here is a list of all the products in my May Ipsy Glam Bag! I will be doing a comprehensive review on Ipsy as a subscription that should be coming out soon, so please come back for that if you've ever considered getting Ipsy for yourself. This post is a no-frills kind of post, but I hope you enjoy it anyways!

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR OWN IPSY SUBSCRIPTION!

LUXIE BEAUTY

LUXE DREAMCATCHER PRECISION FOUNDATION BRUSH

BARE REPUBLIC

UV PROTECTING DRY SHAMPOO

KVOSS NYC

MACAROON LIP BALM IN LIGHT CREAM

URBAN DECAY

AFTERGLOW IN SIN

PIXI BY PETRA

ENDLESS SILKY EYEPEN IN BLACKNOIR

My Snow White Skirt | Fashion Friday

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: Kohls (Similar Match)

Shoes: Ross

Wow, looking at these photos I can't believe I thought I looked fat. Especially now that I'm 14 weeks pregnant with twins and have a real belly now. I took these photos months ago and recently found them on my camera and decided to post them because I am obsessed with this skirt. I got it for Christmas from my mom after she saw me fall in love with it at Kohls. It's part of their Lauren Conrad/Disney Snow White collection. Unfortunately, this skirt is not available anymore. But they do have another super cute one still available and that's the one linked above.

I also just love my hair in these photos. I hope my pregnancy sickness goes away and I can start doing more with my hair again because currently, I'm just too tired and lazy.

Below I've linked some other amazing tulle or tulle-similar skirts (as always, $50 or less) because I grew up in ballet and tulle is like my life. (Did you ever see my wedding dress??) I really want to make a tulle skirt of my own, but I'm just so lazy. I also I'm really hoping at least one of my babies is a girl so I can make them tutus all the time. I'm good at tutus.

Bows

OUTFIT DETAILS

SHIRT:  Store: Ross, Brand: Siren Lily Maternity

SKIRT: Store: ???, Brand: Promesa

SHOES: Store: Ross, Brand: White Mountain

Yay! Fashion Friday! I love this outfit and a wear it a lot. It's a go-to dress up outfit for me because it's actually super comfortable and looks great. Please ignore how pale my legs are. It's winter. Forgive me. Also, it was not warm enough for me to not be wearing no coat or tights, but I sacrifice my warmth for fashion photos. Yep.

Fun fact, this top is a maternity shirt that my mom bought for me back when I was pregnant in 2015. I'm in love with this shirt and it looks great, pregnant or not. So it's a win all the way around. I'm loving my hair in these photos. I'm trying to find more ways to make my hair look naturally wavy, but I can't figure out how without using heat all the time. My hair is so fried.

Anyways, I did take a couple different outfit photos on the same day so my hair and makeup will be the same in the next few #FashionFriday posts, but considering I do the same thing most days anyways it's not too far off from my real life. I'm trying to do weekly outfit posts so we'll see how it goes.

Love this outfit. Love you guys. See you soon!

SIMILAR SHIRTS UNDER $50