8 New Limited Edition Maybelline 24Hr Color Tattoos Review & Swatches

So this post is SOO long overdue (talking about september lol) but any who , I stumbled upon these at target (the brighter colored ones) and then another 4 shades at Rite Aid... I already am a big fan of the original color tattoos (See review HERE) and so I knew I had to have these when I came across them.  Luckily I had a gift card to both places (and I believe Rite Aid is BOGO 1/2 off on Maybelline right now).. Maybelline's new Fall 2012 collection is beautiful (new palettes, but I didn't pick any up this time).. 

So Here are some pictures..

The Display at Target - these bright colored ones have a matching colored mascara.  These color tattoos were priced at $5.84.

The Display at Rite Aid - These beautiful fall shades were priced at $6.69 and were accompanied by a variety of new products (from palettes to lipsticks, blushes etc).. 

From the 2012 Jewel Tone (bright colors) Collection:
- Ready, Set, Green
- Blue on By
- Fuschia Fever
- Test My Teal

From the 2012 Fall Fashion Week (neutral colors) Collection:
- Barely Beige
- Gold Shimmer
- Mossy Green
- Rich Mahogany

And bring on the swatches:

Pros:
- inexpensive
- last long 
- can use as a base or wear alone as an eyeshadow
- a lot of product


Cons:
- some colors don't perform as well (some can be splotchy, the really glittery ones)
- some people have complained they crease (not that I have experienced that)
- Hard to find (displays only have a few in stock) - luckily i was literally the first person to grab these at both stores when the sales associate barely just put them up.


Overall, I definitely would recommend these. They are fairly inexpensive and get the job done and last for a long time. These did not make my eyelids feel dry at all despite the long wear.  I did not experience any creasing with these whatsoever (as some people have experienced, and i myself have somewhat oily lids, especially in hot weather).. These are great to wear alone or as a base and they are great to wear together (the bright colors together and the fall shades go beautifully and accompany each other very well)

See how much I LOVE the color tattoos? My Collection! 

Do you have any? if you do what are some of your favorites?

FTC: All products mentioned in this post were purchased by myself. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions.

Video :: Favorite Leg/Glute Exercises

So I mentioned this a few times either on twitter, instagram and youtube - but because I've gotten a lot of requests on what my favorite exercises are etc.. I decided it would be best to break these up into a series.. so starting off with the most asked one - what are my favorite legs/glute(BOOTY) exercises..

These are ALL of our favorite leg/butt exercises that can help build the perfect Booty!

Watch the video (don't forget to like and subscribe!):

Barbell Back Squats:

Keep back straight and knees pointed same direction as feet, bend knees forward and allow hips to bend back behind. Descend until hips and knees are fully bent. Extend legs until knees and hips are straight. Rinse and repeat

When done properly (ATG = @$$ to grass.. meaning not quarter squats/above parallel) but basically when your butt touches your calf or literally your @$$ to the floor or as LOW as possible) these squats target a lot more than just your glutes and quads.. but they target your core as well (because you should keep your core/abdomen tight at all times during this exercise) 

And for those ladies that have asked me what exercises that help "build a booty" these exercises in the video and am picturing here are ALL great exercises to build your legs and butt.  I must say that in order to build muscle (booty and legs).. you need to lift heavy.. no not 20lbs.. but heavy (of course as much as you can tolerate.. i've been squatting for quite a while and have noticed a dramatic change in my legs and butt, especially after having Sophia.. After having her I literally had a pancake butt LOL but now it's getting super perky and round.. I'm definitely going to keep going until i'm satisfied with my butt lol.. so if you want to build a butt and your legs - this is definitely one exercise you'll not want to skip!

Deadlifts (RDL's):

(this is not my max. My Max is 205lbs)

(Xtian's Max is 545lbs)

There are different variations of this exercise (Romanian Deadlift, Stiff-Legged Deadlift etc) and this is a great exercise that not only works out your hamstrings aka "hammies", but also works out your glutes (as you squeeze them together), but also works out your quads, back, biceps and core. This is a complex exercise.. and I also lift heavy too.. but definitely with ALL exercises, you want to perfect and practice on form before adding heavier weight.. Nothing worse than having bad form but lifting heavy.

Bench Step-Ups:

This is single leg (but of course you do both, but not at the same time) can be very difficult if you've never done these before but definitely strengthens your glutes, quads, hamstrings, core and helps build balance. As with most exercises, you want to really squeeze your glutes when you reach the top and drive with the weight on your heels not the ball of your foot. you'll definitely feel these in your butt! The trick is to have a higher bench or a platform, but work with what you have (cause I sure didn't have a higher bench..). I just started incorporating this into my leg routine, so hence why I'm still sorta wobbly in the video!

Pistol Squats:

Another great exercise to work quads and glutes. (this is basically a one legged squat)  Can be done on a bench (like a bench step up), or as a modification can hold on to a chair or wall for support if your balance is not good. 

Good Mornings:

Another great exercise to work hammies (which in turn helps lift your booty!) When you go down, you really want to feel that stretch in your hamstrings (try not to bounce though at the bottom) and like the squat and deadlift - you want hip drive as you go up and down. so when you go back up - REALLY SQUEEZE YOUR BUTT ;D 

Bulgarian Lunges/Split Squats (weighted or not):

You definitely do not want to skip these exercises.. although it's great training both legs at the same time (i.e.: squats and deadlifts etc), these single leg exercises are great to create balance between both legs as well as balance and proprioception. This of course also prevents injury.  I know that some people complain of knee pain when doing these exercises leg exercises.. but when done properly as with any exercise, these can actually strengthen your knee stabilizers depending on how strong your glutes are. So you can do a deep lunge which will target more glutes/hammies.. or shorter distance hits quads more. Although I used an older clip from a few months ago, you get the idea! 

Lying Leg Curls:

this exercise is yet another great exercise to strengthen your hamstrings. The  lying leg curl exercise is the most common exercise to develop hamstrings, because it allows you to fully isolate your leg biceps without stressing other muscles. We often times forget about the back of the legs when we are so used to working on the quads etc.  There are many variations of hamstring exercises that are also our favorites (like glute ham raises etc, but these are just the main exercises we do)


We hope you enjoyed the video! Although we love to do other leg/glute exercises (like glute ham raises, hip thrusts, one legged RDL's etc) these are the usual exercises that we always do on leg days. Please comment, like and subscribe to our channel for more! (next up will be favorite ab, arms, etc - you decide!) 



FTC/DISCLAIMER: NOT a sponsored post. Also, as with any exercise regimen, please consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen/program.  We are NOT personal trainers, so please read these exercise posts at your discretion 

Simple and Healthy French Toast Delight for Two

Title: Simple and Healthy French Toast Delight for Two

Blogger: Abby Tudela

It amazes me how many people prefer to dine out rather than having a home cooked meal. With today’s generation constantly being on the go, finding a quick meal seems reasonable, but as  easy and delicious fast food is, it can be it also can be deadly. The  U.S is the number one leading country dealing with obesity.

There are lots of articles about people dying from obesity, and it is scary to think that people are doing this to themselves. On the other side of the spectrum, there are also those who suffer from eating disorders. it’s sad to know that there are those who are dying to fit in, dying to look like what society defines as beautiful.

Hi, my name is Abby and I blog at Dirt on the Rocks and Big Boy Chronicles. I want to thank Khristine the opportunity to write a guest post on her blog.

I wanted to share with you the beauty of healthy eating and share a simple recipe for two.

Healthy does not always equal skinny. To me it means finding a balance of fitness and eating habits which will lead to a good lifestyle. It’s often believed that if you eat healthier you’re giving up tasty and fulfilling things.  That doesn’t have to be true - there are plenty of foods out there that are both healthy and flavorful.

You can still have your favorite meals. If you enjoy pasta, there are many ways to prepare pasta with healthy ingredients, and a simple Google search can help you discover many of these types of recipes.  It doesn’t have to be hard. It’s really about finding substitutes for the meals you love. Love fried food? There are tons of comfort foods out there that don’t require you to drown it in oil.

I want to share with you a delicious recipe that I tried making at home after having it at my favorite vegetarian restaurant. Keep in mind I am not vegetarian and even I enjoyed this! What if I told you that I found a way to make the ultimate breakfast treat a lot lower in calories and taste just as delicious? How is that possible, right? I’ll tell you how.

Healthy and Delicious French Toast

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of whole wheat bread. (I chose whole wheat bread because it is lower in fat and refined carbs, and has heart-healthy grains.)
• ½ cups of soy milk. (You can use almond milk for extra flavor, or vanilla soy milk. I just use regular plain soy milk.)
• ½ tsp. of ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp. of maple syrup
•  ½ tsp. of vanilla extract
• Sliced fruits of your choice, or nuts for toppings

Directions

1. Mix your wet ingredients together and add the maple syrup and cinnamon.
2. Soak the bread in the mixture - making sure each side is nicely coated.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet on the stove top in low heat. If you’re not using a non-stick pan, melt a small amount of butter or oil to keep the bread from sticking.
4. When the pan has reached a low heat, add a slice of your bread to the pan.
5. Cook the break until it looks a bit brown and toasted, making sure to cook both sides evenly.
6. Once that’s done add your desired toppings over the French toast and serve!

Optional toppings can include other types of syrups and whipped cream. However, keep in mind that these add sugar (calories), so take it easy on the sugary toppings and try to use fruits instead. My favorite is to add bananas.

This is such a simple recipe to make at home for breakfast and it’s flavorful and filling, too!  Eating healthy does not have to be boring and bland.

There is a new healthy, it’s here, flavorful, and in charge.

Abby is 23 and a single mother living in Southern California trying to make ends meet. She is a freelance blogger whose clients include UMoveFree.com, an apartment-finding service for locating north Dallas apartments . Abby loves spending time with her son and is constantly learning new things about him as each day passes by. In her blog, Dirt on the Rocks Abby writes about food and life. Like many single moms, Abby finds that her life experiences are both daunting and inspiring, and her blog reflects these experiences.

FTC: Sponsored by umovefree.com 

Video :: 5 Minute Makeup Challenge Tag!

Hi Everyone! I finally completed the 5 minute makeup tag! I was tagged 2 months ago by my dear friend Christine from TwilightChic143 on Youtube.. and have been lagging on doing this because I was skeptical and was like mann! I'm not gonna make it lol.. cause it literally takes me 5 minutes just to do my darn crooked eyebrows haha..

So of course the end result wasn't perfect, but I think I didn't look that bad.. I did end up going out to do errands like that so.. whatevs!

But thank you so much, Christine for tagging me! I have so many more tags to do and am looking forward to doing them! so stay tuned for more fun! 

Products Used:

MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NW20

MAC MSFN in Medium

Sephora Mineral Blush

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (used to contour)

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil matte bronzer in Original (to contour)

Sigma Large Shader Brush

MAC Blanc Type eyeshadow (highlight)

Crown C200 Blending Brush

MAC Soft Brown eyeshadow (Crease)

Sonia Kashuk Eyebrow Pencil in Haze

MAC 208 Brush

Benefit Brow Zings in Dark

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara in Black

If you haven't subscribed to my youtube channel - please do so - it's FREE! :) 

If you have any fitness or beauty related video/blog requests , please feel free to let us know!

P.S. For those wondering about my fitness videos, I'm almost done with the first series! the editing is a pain in the bootay.. it ended up being super long, so i'm trying to cut it down etc.. but it should be up either on the weekend or that Tuesday the latest!

Video :: My Favorite face Highlighters/Illuminators

So I wanted to share my favorite highlighters/illuminators with you all! Since i've been using these all throughout summer (and occasionally will use these during fall and winter)

Here's the video :) (Don't forget to subscribe!!)

Favorite highlighters/illuminators:
- Milani Illuminating face powder  - Amber Nectar 01
- MAC MSF - Perfect Topping
- MAC MSF - By Candlelight
- MAC Extra Dimension MSF - Superb
- Dior Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond 02
- Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter
- The Balm - Mary-Lou Manizer

Honorable mentions that didn't make it in the video, but are definitely worth mentioning:
- MAC All That Glitters E/S
- UD Sin E/S
- Nars Albatross

Here are swatches of the highlighters mentioned in the video :)

Milani Amber Nectar illuminating face powder

Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder

MAC Perfect Topping MSF

MAC By Candlelight MSF

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Highlighter

Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter

theBalm - Mary-Lou Manizer

Do you own any of these? if so do you like them

If not - what are some of your favorite or which

ones would you recommend?

Gym Session :: 08/15/2012

Since Hubby was scheduled to go to work later in the day, he asked if I wanted to go to the gym with him.. of course I said YES! cause it was leg day.. and I love going to the gym with my husband on leg day :P

Anywho.. this is what I did today:

Leg Extensions:
50lbs x 10
50lbs x 10
50lbs x 10

Wide Stance Barbell Squat:
45lbs x 10
65lbs x 10
95lbs x 10

Bench Step-Ups:
BW x 10 (each side)
BW x 10 (each side)
BW x 10 (each side)

Single Leg Barbell Deadlift:
15lbs x 10 (each side)
15lbs x 10 (each side)
15lbs x 10 (each side)

Lying Leg Curls:
30lbs x 10
30lbs x 10
30lbs x 10

Seated Calf-Raise (machine):
102lbs x 10
102lbs x 10
102lbs x 10

Standing Calf Raise:
65lbs x 10
65lbs x 10
65lbs x 10

Afterwards, got home and decided to do some other workouts (calisthenics.. like abs etc.. tried doing hubby's ab wheel roll out.. yea total fail haha..)

Gym Session :: 08/12/12

Just another leg day at the gym :)

Went for a P.R. (Personal Record) today.. my max previously was 155lbs (while on a cut) and so today i decided i'd try to do 165lbs.. well not only did I do that and smash it.. but I was able to squat 175lbs!

Very proud of myself for hitting that P.R. today despite being on a cut (losing weight)... I am definitely trying to build my booty! (for those of you ladies who want to build a booty - these are great!)

Here is my workout for today:

Barbell Back Squats:

45lbs x 5

95lbs x 2

115lbs x 2

135lbs x 1

155lbs x 1

165lbs x 1

175lbs x 1

185lbs x 1 (this was a fail though.. soo you bet that's my next goal!) 

Good Mornings:

30lbs x 12

30lbs x 12

30lbs x 12

Lying Leg Curls:

40lbs x 8

40lbs x 8

40lbs x 8

Seated Leg Extensions:

40lbs x 8

40lbs x 8

40lbs x 8

Seated Calf raises:

90lbs x 12

90lbs x 12

90lbs x 12

Bosu Ball Sumo Squat:

BW x 12 (each side)

BW x 12 (each side)

BW x 12 (each side)

Bench Step-Ups:

BW x 12 (each side)

BW x 12 (each side)

BW x 12 (each side)

That pretty much ended my workout for today! I went to the gym yesterday and did chest/back/shoulders and triceps.. but of course i forgot to write it- and honestly forgot what I did haha cause there were so many exercises i did.. but anywho! till next gym session! :P

Gym Session :: 08/08/2012

Hi Everyone! AHH! It's been soo super hot this past week.. today and tomorrow are supposed to be the hottest days of the week being around 109-110ish =(

But anyway - Decided to hit the gym with hubby as soon as he got off work.. I was worried about the gym being super packed - but luckily although it was packed, I was able to do what I needed to do..

It was a leg day for me... and decided that I wanted to try to squat my PR (personal record) of 155lbs.. I had done this in June (video HERE) But at that point I was a little heavier than I am now.. And yes I am quite aware that when you drop weight (especially the amount I did) I was sacrificing some muscle and strength.. but that's why i'm trying to work back up to it.. and thankfully - I was able to! :) 

This is ONE of my favorite leg/glute exercises.. I'm going to be doing a series on my favorite workouts (videos) because a lot of you (on blog, twitter and instagram) have asked and i'm so excited to share my favorite exercises with you all! so stay tuned for that!

But okay - enough blabbering - my workout for the day!

Barbell Back Squats:
95lbs x 5
105lbs x 5
115lbs x 5
-- at this point wanted to try for my max (i have done it on sunday, but wanted to try again)
135lbs x 1
145lbs x 1
155lbs x 1 - I could've easily done more - but decided not to kill myself tonight since I still had more exercises to do lol.. but i'm so glad i hit my PR again while on a cut! my next goal is to squat 160lbs, then 165lbs, ultimately working up to 185lbs .. small goals.. :)

Barbell Dead Lifts:
135lbs x 8
135lbs x 8
135lbs x 8

Bench Step Ups:
BW x 12 (each leg)
BW x 12 (each leg)
BW x 12 (each leg)

Seated Leg Extension:
50lbs x 12
50lbs x 12
50lbs x 12

Seated Calf Raises:
50lbs x 10
50lbs x 10
50lbs x 10 

Leg Raises on Dip station/Roman Chair:
BW x 12
BW x 12
BW x 12

Crunches:
3 sets of 25

I'm pretty happy with my workout :) til tomorrow! 

Gym Session :: 08/05/2012

Went to the gym with Hubby and My brother in law.. 

It was leg day so this is what I did.. ;) I'm also working on a video featuring my favorite leg/butt exercises are -- since a lot of you have been requesting some more fitness videos! (thank you all btw!)

Barbell Back Squats:
** trying to work up to my max of squatting 155lbs since i've lost over 20lbs..**
75lbs x 5
95lbs x 5
105lbs x 5
115lbs x 5
135lbs x 4 

Bench Step-Ups:
BW x 12 (each leg)
BW x 12 (each leg
BW x 12 (each leg)
BW = Body Weight

Barbell DeadLift:
135lbs x 5
135lbs x 5
135lbs x 5
135lbs x 5
135lbs x 5

Lying Leg Curls:
40lbs x 8
40lbs x 8
40lbs x 8

Hip Thrusts w/ Barbell:
40lbs x 12
40lbs x 12
40lbs x 12

Pistol Squats on TRX:
BW x 8 (each leg)
BW x 8 (each leg)
BW x 8 (each leg)

I'm so glad that Hubby has been more active on Instagram, so if your not following us on instagram your missing out on more fitness pictures! :) Hubby has been on a roll posting pictures! :) here's some of his pix he posted!

So don't forget to follow us on Instagram (@BeautyAndBrute) is our username!  the way you can tell if it's him or me.. will be at the end of our caption.. it'll either say -Xtian (him) or -Xtine (me!) :D 

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend! Stay tuned for more videos on our YouTube Channel! :)

Gym Session :: 08/04/2012

I'm such a busy bee today! Barely slept a wink last night.. been having insomnia the past few weeks.. ugh! maybe school is stressing me out.. 


anywho - I had to hit the gym early today since I couldn't go with Hubby (I have to do makeup on a friend as well as I have a darn CPR class to attend so I can renew mine and then I have a baby shower to go to! busy, busy, BUSY!) 

So.. I got ready at about 6:30AM.. so glad no one was at the gym - so I was super quick!


Decided to do shoulders and abs today!


Seated Dumbbell Press:
12.5lbs x 12
12.5lbs x 12
12.5lbs x 12


Side Lateral Raise:
7.5lbs x 12
7.5lbs x 12
7.5lbs x 12


Seated Bent-Over Rear Delt Raise:
7.5lbs x 12
7.5lbs x 12
7.5lbs x 12


Landmines:
45lbs x 8
45lbs x 8
45lbs x 8


Exercise Ball Crunch:
BW x 12
BW x 12
BW x 12
BW = Body Weight


Air Bike:
BW x 12
BW x 12
BW x 12


Leg Lifts on Roman Chair/Dip Station:
BW x 12
BW x 12
BW x 12


and that completed my short workout today! :) I'm super excited about tomorrows workout because I'm going to be doing Legs! :D and possibly going to be filming a "My Favorite Leg/Glute exercises video" (as requested - more fitness related videos!) 


:) If you have any other requests please feel free to leave them here in the comments, on our twitter or on our facebook page! 


Thank you all for the support!