Monthly Archives: October 2018

Best Mascara for Volume and Length

best mascara for volume and length | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

top mascara for volume and length | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

I have played with quite a few mascaras over the past year or so, and today I’m sharing what I consider the best mascara for volume and length.   Actually, I’m sharing my Top 3 in a little beauty review countdown.  One thing to note, I do use Rodan & Fields Lash Boost which increases the length and volume of my lashes pre-mascara.

3. It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara  –  This was my first non-drugstore mascara.  I started using this one pre-Lash Boost too.  After one wear, I was sold on looking into pricier mascaras for the volume and length I craved.  I use two coats of this mascara.  This one is amazing for both volume and length. It really adds a thickness to each lash giving a very full look along with length for days. I ranked it 3rd, because mine started clumping the quickest of the these three.

2.  Benefit BadGal Bang – A friend recommended this one to me.  I wasn’t quite sure of the thin brush, but ya’ll that thin brush packs a good punch.  This one is best at adding length and definition between each lash.  If you do a small side to side movement of the brush when applying, you can also get a little more volume and fullness.  I use 2 coats for day and 3 coats for a more dramatic night out look.  I’m big on mascara clumping because who wants to have to toss a $20+ tube of mascara until you have used every last drop.  I’m almost to the end of this one, and it has yet to get clumpy.  I do wish it provided just a little more fullness, but I do like the definition it provides each lash.   Kind of the trade off.

1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara–  This mascara is what I consider my holy grail of mascaras.  I always have a tube in beauty drawer.  Two coats of this mascara add length and a full volume look.  A third coat just takes it to an even more dramatic level.  I love using a 3rd coat for a night out.  The brush catches ever lash giving great definition between lashes without compromising a look of fullness.  This one does sometimes get a little clumpy towards the end of the tube, but I’m still able to finish off my tube without issue.  Of all the mascaras I have tried, this one provides the best volume and length.  It’s a best seller and has earned its reputation.

I hope this review of my top mascaras for volume and length helped you find a new favorite.  If you have a mascara you can’t live without, leave me the brand and product name in the comments. I would love to try it out!  Thanks for stopping by ya’ll!

 

SHOP THE MAKEUP

Instagram Roundup: September & October

fall outfit ideas | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Hello friends!  How was your weekend?  Mine was productive and busy,  filled with errands and crossing items off my to do list.  It always feels so good to have one of those get all the things done weekends.  It’s been a bit since I shared an Instagram roundup, and I’m hoping to do this monthly or every couple of months.  I love showcasing some of my personal favorite outfits from the gram for those of you who don’t use it or who do and want the outfit details without LiketoKnow.it.

My September and October roundup is filled with fall outfit ideas for work, weekend, and date night.  Our fall so far has been mostly warm and these outfits definitely reflect that!  I share more daily outfits in Instastories.  If you don’t watch or have Instagram, you can see most of these daily outfits on my Shop Instagram page.  You just click the pic and the outfit details will open up.  I upload all the info there for easy access.  Enjoy the fall outfit inspiration and hope you have a fabulous Halloween week!

Fall outfit | polka dot top | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

polka dot blouse  |  c/o skinny jeans  |  c/o bow clutch  |  pave links bracelet  |  similar gold bangle  | gold drop earrings  |  rayban sunglasses

casual fall outfit | buffalo plaid | black dress | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

black dressplaid top  |  brown booties (40% off) |  black backpack  |  long rose gold necklace  | similar earrings

fall outfit | off the shoulder top | gray skinny jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

floral off the shoulder top  |  gray jeans  |  black heels  | black crossbody bag

gray cardigan (40% off)  |  black tee  |  c/o blue jeans  |  tory burch flats  | black backpack  |  david yurman bracelet  |  silver bangle | sunglasses

casual outfit | gray vest | distressed jeans | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

gray veststriped tank  |  distressed denim  |  black backpack  |  long necklace  |  silver cuff | silver bangle | aviator sunglasses

floral off the shoulder top  |  c/o black jeans  |  brown booties (40% off) | black backpack | rose gold necklace

casual outfit | buffalo plaid | quilted rain boots | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

similar black cami  | distressed jeans | quilted rain bootsbuffalo plaid top  |  rose gold necklace  |  black backpack | similar earrings

work outfit | black dress | gray vest | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

club monaco vest black dress | long necklace  |  silver bangle | silver cuff | sunglasses

Casual outfit | rose embroidered top | gray jeans | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

c/o rose embroidered top  |  gray jeans  |  silver earrings  | silver bracelet  |  silver cuff | sunglasses

date night outfit | floral mini dress | fall fashion | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

floral dressblock heel sandals  |  black crossbody bag | gold earrings

Thanks for stopping by!

Ivory One Shoulder Sweater

fall outfit | ivory one shoulder sweater | stuart weitzman boots | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

winter outfit | ivory sweater | white jeans | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

winter outfit | taupe slouchy boots stuart weitzman | python clutch | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Fall outfit | monochromatic outfit | taupe suede boots | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Hello Ladies!  Anyone else super excited to see Friday arrive?  It has been the busiest work week, and I’m so excited for a fun and relaxing weekend.  It is officially boots and sweater season here in Houston, so I’m excited to pull out some old favorites and a few new loves this weekend.

If you put away your white jeans after Labor Day, pull them back out!  A monochromatic winter white look is one of my faves after my black and gray looks.  It has a chic and sophisticated, dressed up feel to it.  This ivory one shoulder sweater is so cozy and soft!  I’m obsessed with all things one shoulder right now and trying not to buy all of them.  You could also pair this sweater with black or dark blue jeans.  If you are a fan of colored jeans, I think burgundy and emerald green would go well with this ivory color.  This one shoulder top also comes in black.

At the time I wrote this post yesterday, these boots were on sale!! Stuart Weitzman boots are definitely an investment piece because of the price.  Right now, these slouchy boots are 40% off which makes them the same price I paid during the Anniversary Sale!  I love these boots.  I have worn them a couple times now, and I’m really happy I splurged on them.  I’m 5’3 and I think the shaft height is perfect for me landing just under the knee.  I’ve worn them with dresses and jeans, perfect with both.  If you would like something similar with a lower price, I found this one with a slightly higher shaft height but pretty identical.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Photography by: Banavenue

casual fall outfit | ivory one shoulder sweater | white jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

winter outfit | ivory one shoulder sweater | jemma sands majorca earrings | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

winter outfit | pave links bracelet | david yurman classic cuff | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfit | ivory one shoulder sweater | stuart weitzman boots | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

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DIY Hair Mask to Promote Hair Growth

DIY Hair Mask to Promote Hair Growth | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

diy hair mask with essential oils | castor oil uses | hair growth tips | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

diy hair mask | jojoba oil | hair growth tips | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

Diy hair mask to grow hair | castor oil benefits | hot oil hair mask | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |
c/o Castor Oil  | c/o  Jojoba Oil  |  Small Bowl  | Hair Tie  | Shower Cap
OPTIONAL ITEMS: Peppermint Oil  |  Coconut Oil

Late last year while working on an outfit round up for the blog, I noticed my hair hadn’t really grown in a couple years.  I’d been trying to grow it out, but the pictures proved that was not happening.  I started doing research about products to help with hair growth and learned a little about castor oil.  Castor oil has several uses for hair from stimulating hair growth to repairing existing damage.  My friends over at Sky Organics sent me a package of oils including a few to make an amazing DIY hair mask to promote hair growth.

Ya’ll it’s a super easy mask to toss together and apply.  You add in 2 parts castor oil and one part jojoba oil.  I usually do about 1/4 cup castor oil and 1 tbsp jojoba oil.  Microwave this combo for about 15-30 seconds, and then let slightly cool so you can touch it.  Then use your hands to apply the oil to your scalp and roots.  If you run out, you can always mix up a little more.  You can also add peppermint oil to the mix for added stimulation and a great smell.

This mask is mainly for your roots and scalp to help promote hair growth from the base.  With this mask, I use coconut oil on the rest of my hair to help heal existing damage and condition my hair.  I found the coconut oil rinses out the best verses using the castor oil on all of my hair.  Once I have all my oils applied, I pull my hair up with a hair tie and apply a shower cap over it to prevent transferring oil to clothes and furniture.  I also carry around a paper towel or small towel, as sometimes the oil will slightly drip around the hairline.  I leave my mask on for 2-3 hours.  I like to do it on days when I’m going to be working on my computer or reading.  I have also taken a nap while the mask was on.

Once your time is up, I rinse off the mask in the shower.  I shampoo twice to make sure I get all the oil out and then lightly condition.  Occasionally, my hair will be a little oilier than normal after that initial washing.  I find a little dry shampoo helps with this issue, but you do want to be sure to thoroughly rinse and shampoo all the oil out.

I try to do this mask once a month, and I definitely noticed a difference.  I also started having friends comment recently about how my hair is looking longer.  It’s not an overnight process.  I have been doing this mask for about 6 months.  Castor oil can also be used on your lashes to help them grow!  I have not used it for this, but I have a friend who does and loves it.  Let me know if you have any questions about this hair mask!