Face: Dupe/VS Makeup products

                         VS/Dupe for: 

When I was a true makeup junkie I was introduced to MAC's Fix+ Spray. The mua suggested this product to me years ago and advised that it would keep my makeup in place throughout the day. Years later I must say that I love the product. I have found that it works well when also applying highlight and foundation to the skin by spritzing a beauty blender sponge for a flawless application. 

While shopping in Target, I came across ELF's Makeup & Mist Set which is suppose to perform in the same manner as Fix+. ELF's spray has Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumbers and Vitamins A, C, & E which caught my eye. Guess what? It was a whopping $3 bucks. I really do love the ELF Makeup line because not only is it affordable but the products are of good quality. My favorite Bronzer of all time is created by the line. 

So, my thoughts you ask? I have been using the ELF product for three days exactly. I really like how the product sets my makeup but one con is that my makeup does not stay on all day. Now, I must say that I am only using my Iman BB Cream right now and no primer because the season is warmer and I try to apply minimum to my face. But I would recommend it to all my new and guru makeup lovers. And even if you don't wear makeup it is a great hydration for you skin when you're out in the sun. 

Have you tried the product yet? 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Lipstick Canvas: Lifestyle Inspiration

I absolutely loved this quote as soon as I seen it. Isn't it crazy how when you are struggling or not in the realm of where you should be, you see how others don't believe in you. They may downplay your motives, kill your dreams or belittle you. You can tell them of your dreams or the actions of your life plans and you see how they brush it off like she will never do it. 

But, as soon as you surpass to a new unexpected level you have people questioning how did you achieve this and that, now they are intimidated by your ambition and hard work. They question your achievements and accomplishments. You know why, because they didn't believe in you in the first place. 

Make sure to surround yourself by people who truly care about you and your life. Many don't want you to succeed and are only there to hear of your downfalls. 

I asked myself the same question after reading this quote. Erica, why are you stuck in the same position and feeling how you are when you the sky isn't even the limit, you can go above and beyond. It's time to change and transition my life. 

This quote speaks directly. Just reflect on it for one moment. It screams my name all over it. 

Photos: IG 

Day 7: Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge, COMPLETE!

We are closing out the weekend and I am ending my Seven Days of Happiness Challenge. But it does not end here today because this is only the beginning. Each month I will start the challenge again for seven days and I hope that more people will join me. Not only to empower ourselves but to inspire others as well. 

Tough times do come but they do not last, but Tough People do. We can't wait for happiness in our obstacles or when circumstances arise, WE HAVE TO CREATE HAPPINESS EACH DAY! Clear your mind of clutter, sweep out all of those negative thoughts and speak only of happiness. 

Happiness will be achieved! 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Day 6: Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge

What's up, What's up? It's Day 6 party people and it's the freaking weekend. While typing this post I feel a sense of joy!  I can't believe I've been this consistent in my Seven days of Happiness Challenge. By consistent I mean posting to my social network sites and creating happiness with every ounce of my even through tough times and challenges. I'm proud of myself. Today is dedicated to ME! I create my Happiness, I can't depend on anyone else to do that for me or I will constantly be let down. 

I woke up and put positive words and thoughts in the universe and I will continue to speak them into existence constantly. 

Enjoy your weekend loves! 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Day 5: Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge

Today was a better day, let's just say Thank God For Friday's. I'm going to be short and sweet with my happiness post. 

My happiness is dedicated to my parents. I am blessed to still have an active mother and father in my life, and to still have healthy living parents. They have been the mold of my being. My parents have instilled so much in me. My childhood was amazing, filled with such worthy values and morals. I love these people because they made me who I am today. 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo, Erica 

Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge: Day 4

I'm here laying on my couch thinking to myself that I'm a tad bit late getting this post up. Today has been very busy but nonetheless, better late than never. 

It's Day 4 and I dedicate my happiness to LOVE! I dedicate it to my other half. My relationship has been one of the best things that has happened to me and I'm appreciative of the love we both have. It's not easy at all times, but nothing worth having comes easy and I'm all for the fight of unconditional love. My other half pushes me to my limits, he genuinely cares and he is always there to count on. He has made me into a better person. 

It's weird that most people contribute the woman to making the guy a better man but what's amazing is I met the better man who has helped me to become a better woman. I'm getting all mushy here now. 

What did you dedicate your day 4 too? 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Lipstick and Love Happiness Challenge: Day 3

It's Day 3 and I could not be more honest with you all. My spirit is flustered right now due to my career role, and other minor factors. I'm pushing through Happiness. They say when it rains it pours and I feel like thunderstorms are pouring on my parade. Please direct me to the sunshine!! 

I dedicate Day 3 of my Happiness to me because even when I feel in such a rut I know that happiness can be achieved and I promise you I won't stop until I feel pure bliss! 

At times we pretend that we are happy, everything looks amazing on the outside but on the inside we are crying aloud. But if we only know that these times are momentarily it gives us pleasure to look towards happiness greater than ourselves. 

Let me know how your day is going so far.... 

Lipstick & Love,

Xoxo Erica 

Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge: Day 2

So Day 2 has arrived and all I want is Happiness not only for myself but for everyone else as well. With that being said, I THINK ITS TIME TO BE HAPPY AGAIN!! 

Today I am most happy for my struggles. They've made me stronger. I'm happy for my change, it has made me wiser. I think back to the old me and and say WOW! I love the new me. I'm far more settled and    Structured than before. My relationship has made a tremendous impact on my lifestyle. I have someone who pushes me sometimes more than I would like to be pushed. Having a child at a young age 

has also changed me for the better. I no longer care only for myself but my family as well. I'm still overcoming obstacles day by day, just as I write this I have challenges standing in my way but I'm only navigating towards happiness. How is Day 2 for you?

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge: Day 1

Well Hello to Day 1 of my #LipstickandLove HAPPINESS Challenge. I created this challenge not even knowing and still not knowing if anyone will even participate or care but it's one that I believe will not only be very beneficial to myself but I want to inspire others as well. 

Happiness is a state of being, it is what we need to practice each and every day so that eventually it can come natural in our life even in discouragement and frustration. Happiness is a fulfilled connection with ourselves and our relationships with others. 

I want to experience true Happiness. At times I'm so overwhelmed with life that I have so many feelings balled up inside and it results in unhappiness. 

Day 1 is dedicated to my son. A talented, amazing, mannerable kid. He's so bright and full of imagination. My child shows unconditional love to me at all times. When I'm down he always lifts me up. He is such a happy camper and I love him. I'm getting happy just thinking about this amazing gift from God. I'm glad to be his parent. 

What are you happy for today? Join me I'm the challenge :) 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Emptiness into Happiness: 7 Day Challenge

    

                   Image:Google 

This is my Sunday thoughts from the bed. Currently I'm trying to catch up on some rest or let's just say relaxation because I've been on the go lately. 

Friday night I attended a birthday dinner and afterwards we went over to a coworkers house for drinks and fun. We were all talking about many different subjects. The one that stuck out the most was about how we as individuals can feel so empty, so powerless, and questionable of ourselves even when we have support of others. 

They talked about how our childhood really affects and shapes us in our Adulthood. You know there are situations that we dwell on and never forget? Isn't it crazy how someone can compliment us and we still never believe it? Why are we so critical of ourselves? 

 

We don't realize that as much effort as it take to feel emptiness we can change it all into happiness. It begans with us and our thoughts. I challenge you all and I challenge myself that this week each day we will find one or many things that make us happy and write it down or share it with a loved one!! READY.... SET.... GO.... Day 1 starts tmrw!! So plan ahead and start smiling now :) 

 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxoxo Erica 

Health and Wellness

Sunday is the day that I wind down from the festivities and errands of the weekend  and try to take it easy. I've been wanting to create this post for awhile but I still needed more time for results. So, here we are today. 

Let's talk about health, detox, diets, fads or whatever you would like to name it. 

I've been working on making a change to my lifestyle through better eating habits and exercise since January. I have made progression but nowhere near where I really could be if I stayed consistent. I start and stop and it's usually a continuous never ending cycle. I'm ashamed to say how many pounds I've lost because I'm not past two hands yet. 

 

Let's just talk about this last attempt. So my mom told me about the JJ smoothie cleanse book and I lucked up and found a PDF file on Pinterest that I downloaded.   It's a 10 day detox where you can do a full cleanse or a modified cleanse. Basically you replace two meals a day with smoothies and then the full meal you eat a big healthy salad or something very healthy of your choice. See this is where I went all wrong, I replaced my breakfast and lunch with smoothies but I was not eating a healthy meal of choice but more so what I had a taste for. Talk about discipline, huh. I finished this cleanse Thursday before last and I must say I could see a huge difference in my skin but I managed to only lose 1 pound where if you really work at it you could loose 10-15. I felt so discouraged but I knew it was all my fault. I have to applaud the initial try but I have to criticize myself for not being disciplined. 

Changing your eating habits and incorporating physical activity can be one of the most beneficial things we can ever do for ourself but keeping the motivation and consistency is the hardest. What do you do to maintain your weight or stay healthy? 

One of my favorite smoothie recipes I want to share with you all is called Pineapple Spinach, try it out. I promise you will want to make it over and over :) 

Lipstick & Love, 

Erica.