Sample Sunday

Let's be honest, we all have a pile of samples somewhere. I know I do. Every online order comes with them, almost every shop or counter gives them out and sometimes we even get free gift bags chock full of them. A while back I sat down and sorted them out by type in an attempt to get myself to use them all up. To speed up that process and hopefully provide you with some information I'm starting this new series: Sample Sunday. Each week I'll be trying out a selection of samples and giving you my first impressions and thoughts. I'm going to try to do a few different types of samples each time to try to give you good variety.

Here we go!

This week's samples:

Fragrance: Marc Jacobs Daisy

I don't know how I've never tried this before! It's such a popular fragrance and I know quite a few people who love it. It's described as "Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth." It's a fruity floral with notes of Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Jasmine, and White Woods.
I didn't find it overly floral, but softly so. Sometimes florals can be a bit overpowering and this doesn't, it strikes a nice balance. I don't get the note of strawberry particularly, but it could be there in a very subtle way. It's a very clean smelling fragrance and great for every day.

Body Product: I AM Organic Body Oil

So a little bit of background. I was lucky enough to be able attend the Indie Beauty Expo in New York this year and met a TON of amazing brands. Some of those of course stood out to me. I AM Organic was one of the first booths I saw when I walked in and the ladies there were so incredible. The ladies are so kind and are passionate about what they do and the products they offer. I was immediately obsessed. I brought home a sample of their Restored (Lavender and Rosemary) Body Scrub which my mother very quickly kept for herself. I also got this sample of their Energy (Citrus) Body Oil and I LOVE IT! It smells absolutely delicious and makes my skin feel incredible. It hydrates and smooths my skin and I highly recommend it.

Skin Care: Bliss That's Incredi-Peel

I got a few of these to try out and when I feel like my skin is looking a little dull I've used them. According to Bliss these easy to use Peel Pads are described as: "Glycolic acid and vitamin E to target fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and imperfections.Retexturizes and soothes skin in just one step. Time-release technology makes it gentle enough for all skin type." They make my skin a teeny bit pink and tingly at first, but then the next morning it looks good. I think I prefer going for a professional peel versus using these every day which I think would make me too sensitive (I tried using them two days in a row once and I was a little itchy and dry.)

Makeup: Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in 23 Fuschia-In-The-Know 

I had popped into Sephora to grab something for my mom and noticed this little beauty in the rewards case. Normally I'm disappointed in the offerings (and to be honest I think it's crazy that $100 of points gets you the equivalent of a free sample you could just ask for, but that's for another post) but this caught my eye. I've been wanting to try Givenchy lipsticks for a while (that packaging is seriously sleek) and I had heard good things about the formula. This baby is so rich and pigmented and it goes on soooo smoothly. I'm in love. The color pulls almost slightly reddish and not just straight up hot pink. It's seriously gorgeous and I highly recommend it. It is very creamy so it will move around if you aren't careful. You're going to want to wear a liner with this for sure, maybe even blot it to be safe. It's a dream to wear though, so comfortable and creamy.

 Don't mind the picture with my glasses! I've been having some eye issues lately so I can't wear my contacts :( Hoping to be back in them soon though since this prescription is old!


Let me know what you think of this week's lineup and what products you'd like to see in the future!

Healthy Protein Packed Chocolate Banana Pancakes

Yes, you read that title right. Healthy Chocolate Banana pancakes that also pack a protein punch. Big shoutout to my mom for giving me the base recipe (I've added a few little tweaks.)

Such a yummy breakfast and still healthy! 2 chocolate banana pancakes with 3 pieces of turkey bacon and coffee with milk and sugar and it clocks in around 450 calories, even with syrup! The secret is the pancakes. They're made with protein for a healthy twist, but they still taste great. The recipe makes 2 servings of 2 pancakes. Anyone want me to put the recipe up on the blog?

A post shared by Stephanie Texeira (@crashlovesdanger) on Jul 23, 2017 at 7:20am PDT

Protein Pancakes
Makes ~ 4 pancakes (2 servings of 2 each)

What you'll need:

For the batter:
2 eggs
2 scoops of your favorite protein powder (I used chocolate for this, but if you want a plain pancake use vanilla flavored. You can also experiment with other flavored protein powders.)
1 ripe banana
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
***Optionals:
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
and if you want REALLY chocolatey pancakes add 1/2-1 teaspoons of cocoa powder.

For cooking the pancakes:
Cooking spray, coconut oil or butter. I personally prefer butter as a small but delicious splurge.

I personally only added the vanilla and cinnamon, but if a chocolate craving really kicks in I may add the cocoa powder.

In a bowl mash the banana until most lumps are gone and then add the 2 eggs and vanilla if you're using it. Mix just until combined. Next add protein powder, baking powder and any dry spices. Mix until batter comes together.

Heat a frying pan over medium-low to medium heat. Add your cooking fat of choice and add about 1/4 of the batter. I noticed these brown a little faster than regular pancakes and are usually ready to flip much sooner, so keep an eye on them.

Et voila! Chocolate Banana pancakes that are pretty healthy.
 
Per serving? 256 calories for me, might vary slightly depending on your choice of fat as well as the protein powder itself. I had a cup of coffee with milk and sugar as well as some turkey bacon and a little (imitation, hey no judgement) maple syrup and still clocked in around 450 calories which is great in my book. These also take almost no time to make which is a real win in my book. I hope you enjoy them!

Leave comments below for other recipes you'd like. I may start doing some cooking videos on YouTube soon.

- Steph

MAC on Hautelook

I love MAC and I've never seen it on HauteLook before so this is really exciting.

There's loads of gorgeous lip colors on there for really great prices.

Use my link for a special offer: http://www.hautelook.com/invite/STexeira785

Get 3 Full Size Kat Von D Lipsticks!

Big thank you to Isabella from Musings of a Muse for giving us all a heads up on this. If you spend $75 on Kat Von D's site you can get 3 free Full Sized lipsticks and free shipping! Just use code: STUDDEDKISS

Original post: http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2017/05/3-free-full-size-kat-von-d-lipsticks.html

MAC is finally at Ulta!

If you're like me and keep your finger on the pulse of the beauty world you heard the whisperings of MAC coming to Ulta in the last couple months. I'm so excited to share with you guys that it finally happened! Currently it's available online only, but will be available in select stores starting next month. A list of the stores that will be carrying it is up already, but they're adding new stores all the time. So far none near me, but I'm excited to be able to earn my Ultimate Rewards while buying MAC. They seem to have a really great selection of the products and I'm very excited!

To see a list of locations and the dates they will be open check out this link: http://www.ulta.com/mac-cosmetics-locations/

Ulta Beauty Steals Spring 2017 Day 11

So today's deals include a product I use, one I know a little about and one I've never heard anything about. I've tried Benefit's They're Real Tinted Lash Primer a few times in the past. I own a travel size of it and I've had mixed results. Sometimes it makes my lashes look lush, full and long and then sometimes I get a bit clumpy. I'm going to chalk it up to user error and still recommend it. You can grab it today for only $12 plus there's a Gift with Purchase: FREE deluxe Watt's Up! Highlighter with any $45 Benefit purchase and FREE Hoola Bag with any $45 Benefit purchase. Now I've embraced my paleness wholeheartedly, but I have some friends who use St Tropez products with great results. You can grab the Gradual Tan Classic Everyday Body Lotion for just $12.50 and get ready for Spring outfits (if we ever get the weather to match!) Last up is a Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser I know nothing about unfortunately so I can't make a recommendation on it, but you can pick it up for $19 today. You can also get a Gift with Purchase: FREE deluxe Daily Detox Essentials Gift with any $75 Murad purchase.

Ulta Beauty Steals Spring 2017 Day 10

I own one Laura Gellar baked blush and it's actually pretty nice, it's also pretty pigmented. You can snap up the Laura Gellar Baked Blush n Brighten for just $14 today. I haven't tried any of the products from It Cosmetics, but this palette looks SO pretty and for just $21 it's a great deal. It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Vol 1 Matte Luxe Transforming Eyeshadow Palette
I've never tried anything from Dr. Brandt and I actually haven't heard anything about the Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer, but it seems to have gotten great reviews. It's a little on the pricey side but at $22.50 it could be worth trying.