The Merri Mermaid

{Discounts For My Favorite Brands and Websites!!}

Get $10 OFF your first order from Dottie Couture Boutique

Use code SALTYTERIN10 for 10% OFF your order from Salty Mermaid Swim

Use my coupon code TERINTAN20 for 20% off your purchase

of any Million Dollar Tan product(s).

Get $5 off your first purchase in the Amazon App with code TERIN4243N

Use Code TERINBROOKE15 for 15% off your purchase of

Elsa and Rose Swimwear

majority of your online purchases.

Use code HOKUE at sign up for PoshMark App &

receive a free $10 credit.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Oil Control Makeup | My Summer Foundation Routine

Hey Ya'll!

With hot weather approaching (maybe, maybe not... Global Warming is real y'all) I wanted

to share my Summer foundation routine for controlling my inner grease ball.

I tend to be extremely oily in the warmer/ humid months and have found some rideor die products along the way.

All of these products except the setting spray I've been using for years and swear by!

In this little run down of my routine/ must-haves, I'll be sharing my go-to moisturizer, foundation, bb cream, powder, and setting spray, ALL FOR THAT OIL, along with tips for staying shine free throughout the day... You're welcome.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

This moisturizer is geared towards people with combo oily to oily skin.

It's an oil-free product (which is important if you're already oily) and will reduce & suck up your oil production as well as give you an instantly matte base.

I think this is crucial as a sort of "primer" before my foundation. For me, it's like a moisturizer and primer all in 1. (The less products the better!)

I definitely get more oily if I don't use it.

Clinique Stay Matte Foundation in "19 Sand"

I really love this foundation!

This combined with the moisturizer will keep me matte for pretty much an entire day & night.

My only gripe, it's a bit thick for my preference & difficult to apply soooo I mix it with my

bb cream to thin it out.

This makes it much easier to apply with my beauty sponge and it also doesn't appear cakey.

(Anyone know why they call it cakey? It doesn't look at all like cake, but there's layers to that shit! haha Omg is that way it's called that?? MAYBE! Cakey isn't what ya want, but actual cake, I could go for that. Yum)

Garnier Combo to Oily BB Cream "Medium to Deep"

My holy grail!!!

The lighter shade is all that I wear usually during the winter.

I mix this with my Clinique foundation for a few reasons...

It thins the Clinique out, the bb has SPF, and together they're my perfect summer color.

Dreams do come true you guys!

Neutrogena Shine Control Translucent Pressed Powder

I use this to set my foundation as well as a touch-up powder for throughout the day.

This powder has "rice protein" and while I'm not totally sure what that is, I'm convinced it's a miracle product sent from the heavens.

I've tried other powders such as the Maybelline Matte + Poreless, but this is my fave for years.

ULTA Beauty Matte Setting Spray

I picked this up during the winter simply because it said "matte" and had good reviews.

Ulta brand products are usually buy 2, get 2 free, what a steal!

The first couple times I used it I wasn't sold on it and was convinced that they're big fat liars because it actually seemed to make me oilier than before, but after trial and error I've discovered that it has to be applied very sparingly to be effective.

I do maybe 3 sprays to cover my face and no lie, I am matte for the day!

Now, I'm obsessed.

It's a great price and it smells good!

I'm really looking forward to drowning myself in it this Summer.

Additional Tips:

- Be sure to set that t-zone especially!

- Don't pack a ton of heavy products on your face.

- Use powder products rather than cream.

- If you want to do highlight, don't add any near balls of cheeks, forehead, etc

it will just accentuate your shininess.

- Use oil- free products and products that mattify or control shine/ oil.

- If you have oily eyelids, be sure to use a lid primer to make your eye shadow last.

Other Face Products I Love During The Summer:

Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer

Milani baked blush in "Luminoso"

ANY peach lipstick or gloss! Give me them all

Nars blush in "Orgasm"

Benefit blush in "Dallas", "Dandelion", "Rockateur", and "Coralista"

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in "Sun Dipped"

Anastasia Beverly Hills x Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit

Stila eye shadow in "Kitten" - Loreal Infallible shadow in "Iced Latte" is a dupe

Urban Decay eye shadows in "Chopper", "Polyester Bride", "Smog", and "Half Baked"

I hope you guys love this post!
As always feel free to drop me any questions/ comments.

Til Next Time...

XO,

Terin

Connect With Me:

Business Inquiries: TerinBrooke@gmail.com

{Discount Codes}

Get $5 off your first purchase in the Amazon App with code TERIN4243N

Use Code TERINBROOKE15 for 15% off your purchase of

Elsa and Rose Swimwear

Use my coupon code TERINTAN20 for 20% off your purchase

of any Million Dollar Tan product(s).

majority of your online purchases.

Use code HOKUE at sign up for PoshMark App &

receive a free $10 credit.

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Top 5 Most Underrated Products | Beauty + Skincare

1. ULTA Brand Clear Brow Gel - Click To Shop

This brow gel is everything you need in your life. Enough said!

I don't fill my brows in, but they are wild & crazy and this keeps them locked in place

all day errr day!

Probably for days if I didn't wash it off. lol

I already have a stash pile of backups.

It's not given the love it deserves and I am personally offended that it doesn't have

better ratings on Ulta.com.

2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads - Click To Shop

These aren't usually (well sometimes they are) a part of my daily skin routine, but they

are when I'm taking my mask off. *future voice

They're double sided, 1 is bumpy to exfoliate and the other is smooth.

I use them at the end of my little routine, and they're great because they're white and you

can see that your skin is clean, or any additional mess they clean off.

I've repurchased it a shit ton of times and will probably use them for life.

3. Palmer's Skin Therapy Face Oil - Click To Shop

Face oil is all the buzz these days, and this 1 is such a gem at an affordable price.

I apply it with a Real Techniques face brush and y'all! YESSS!

During the winter, this was a life saver for dry/ chapped skin.

I'm combo to oily skin and I've even worn it under makeup!

It doesn't break me out, it helps blemishes, texture on your under eyes, and solves all of life's problems.

4. Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser - Click To Shop

Sooo charcoal on the face, seems a bit suspect, right??

But apparently it's great for you.

I don't really know, but I do know I'm a lover of this face wash and I've repurchased it multiple times.

It's my "step 2" in the life long makeup removing process.

I rub it all over my face and then scrub it with my Sephora dual sided face brush and let me tell you, it works wonders!

I do think if you have any underlying dirt/ blemishes it will pull them to the surface and cause a pimple from time to time, but overall it's awesome and makes my face feel smooth and clean without that gross filmy feeling leftover afterward.

5. Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Conditioner - Click To Shop

Now.. I use this in a bit of an unconventional way.. Lol

Yes, it's a hair conditioner, but I use it to shave and it's AMAZE BALLS!

I have the shampoo & conditioner and have used them in my hair- while they were

great for dry scalp in the winter, they're so moisturizing that they just leave my hair "too soft", un-manageable, and lifeless. Ready for the grave I tell you.

I will continue to purchase the conditioner to shave with though. It's better than any shaving cream or soap I have ever shaved with. Super moisturizing pre & post shave.

Give it a try for sure!

And there you have it...

My top 5 most underrated products!

I tried to keep this post a bit more short and sweet.

Hope y'all enjoyed.

Til next time...

XO,

Terin

Connect With Me:

Business Inquiries: TerinBrooke@Gmail.com

{Discounts & Affiliates}

Get $5 off your first purchase in the Amazon App with code TERIN4243N

Use Code TERINBROOKE15 for 15% off your purchase of

Elsa and Rose Swimwear

Use my coupon code TERINTAN20 for 20% off your purchase

of any Million Dollar Tan product(s).

majority of your online purchases.

Use code HOKUE at sign up for PoshMark App &

receive a free $10 credit.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

My Current Sunless Tanning Routine | Million Dollar Tan

Hey Hey Hey!

So with warm weather rapidly approaching,

my summer bod is not ready *she types as she eats a cookie

and chances are you're just as pale as I am soooo I wanted to share my self tanning routine.

Sunless tanning is safer (depending on your product of choice) than a tanning bed or good ol laying out and baking like a rotisserie chicken and won't have such intense premature aging effects on your skin.

Truth be told, sunless tanning isn't my favorite, it's actually kind of a pain in my entire ass, I'm not sure there's anyone who 'loves' it, BUT you gotta do what cha gotta do!

(This is the least painful way I've discovered. *wink)

Sunless tanning isn't something I do regularly, but when I'm aching for some color or have a special occasion it's my go to!

Million Dollar Tan is the brand I prefer after many trials and errors.

I've tried a few things from them but Cabana Tan Extreme & Mermaid Mousse Extreme are my favorites & I mix them together.

I apply both with their "Blend Friend Mitt".

Y'all seriously though, the mitt is everything... It's a total game changer for a flawless tan.

Quick Run Down of the 2:

Both are sunless gradual tanners that last anywhere from 1-2 weeks, CTE is a white lotion with no color guard while MME is a mousse and has a color guard that gives some instant color while the rest develops.

Mermaid Mousse is Cruelty Free, Vegan, Natural Ingredients, and Paraben Free.

I'm not sure about Cabana Tan Extreme because it doesn't say. *shrugs

If you decide you'd like to try my favorite products or anything else from MDT,

use code TERINTAN20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order. XO

CLICK HERE to visit their website.

Tips:

Shower, Shave, and Exfoliate Prior (Because you don't want to be furry and because it rubs off dry/ dead skin so you don't look like a patchwork blanket!)
Allow your pores time to close after showering before applying tanner
Shaving the day prior to tanning will reduce the chance of ugly brown spots. (This is from the tanner settling into your open pores, it isn't cute.)
Make sure you're dry before applying
Apply a barrier cream or extra lotion to extra dry spots (elbows, wrists, feet, etc) to avoid tanner buildup/ orange areas.
Wear dark/ loose fitting clothing (If the product has a color guard it may transfer but will wash out.)
Do NOT sweat or get wet in any way while your tan is developing (Any wetness may make your tan blotchy/ patchy.. So better stay away from that porn too. lmao)
Give your tan at least 6 hours to develop (I let mine marinate overnight.)
Once it's done developing, shower to rinse the color guard & any excess off.
In the week(s) a head reduce how often you exfoliate your face/ body to expand the life of your tan.

My Routine:

I shower, shave, and exfoliate... I actually exfoliate before I shave but whatevvs it's your thing do what you wanna do, girl. *Currently my favorite scrub is by Soap & Glory and it's "The Breakfast Scrub" smells so good!! Mmmm
Once I get out of the shower I towel dry a little and then air dry for about 10-15 minutes to let my pores close and make sure my skin is good and dry.
I take some coconut oil (better than any barrier cream you'll ever use.) and rub it all over my knees, elbows, wrists, the bottom of my feet, toes, heels, and then I rub it all over my hands before putting on the "blend friend" mitt. (So no tanner seeps through and I end up with orange palms.)
I slip the mitt on (I rotate back and fourth from my left & right hand to get a good even application) and put a few pumps of CTE & MME on the mitt, dab a few spots over the area I'm working on, and then I begin to rub and blend it in. *I usually start up top and work my way down but do my face last. i.e.: arms, chest, stomach, legs.. you get the idea.
As I'm doing my body I rub majority of the tanner in before hitting any of the spots I applied coconut oil to so that there's minimum product on my mitt and I don't get any buildup in those tricky areas. *I go over my chest, arms, and legs twice.
Once I've done my body, I apply my usual face moisturizer- then using the opposite side of the mitt (because in my head that seems more sanitary) I pump some of the CTE FACE lotion and a half pump of MME then apply that all over my face and down my neck. Don't forget the back of your neck! I just rub over it with whatever is left on my mitt after doing my face,
Once you've completed those steps you're pretty much done. Just to be safe I usually walk/ dance around my room for 10 minutes or so just to make sure it's all dry before dressing.

The next day.. Makeup sold separately.

I hope y'all enjoy this!

I know it may seem like a lot but I promise it takes me 20 mins tops to apply!!

Of course I'm not saying this is the right or only way to self tan, it's just my way and I wanted to share... Sharing is caring after all.

If you have any questions/ comments drop them in the comments section below.

Be sure to subscribe for email alerts on future posts!

{Box is at the top of the right sidebar.}

Til next time...

XO,

Terin

Connect With Me:

Business Inquiries: TerinBrooke@gmail.com

{Discounts & Codes}

Get $5 off your first purchase in the Amazon App with code TERIN4243N

Use Code TERINBROOKE for 15% off your purchase of

To Die For Swimwear

Use my coupon code TERINTAN20 for 20% off your purchase

of any Million Dollar Tan product(s).

majority of your online purchases.

Use code HOKUE at sign up for PoshMark App &

receive a free $10 credit.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Silver Smoke | 1 Palette Eye Look

Hey Y'all!!

So fun story... I attempted to step outside of my comfort zone for today's post with some magenta/ MAUVEulous shades because they're so gorg and I want to wear them desperately, but once I was deep in it (omg is that what he said? I think it is!) -it was a horrendous tragedy and I looked like a rabid deer with pink eye..

Any whoooo... I did manage to create something blog post worthy on my second go round AND it's all from 1 palette. So there's that.

Impressively enough I was able to create this only using about 3 brushes, but I really want to rave about this Real Techniques "Accent" brush!!! Holy shit you guys!

I've only ever used it for highlighting my inner corner and MAN have I been missing out. It's so perfect for applying precise eye shadow! Especially metallics and glitters.

Since this look focuses primarily on the eyes- they're the deets I'll be going in depth about, but full face products will be below as well because I've got your back girl! Or guy. 😊

So here we go folks...

EYES:

Urban Decay Original Primer
Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette

*As you're applying and blending these shadows leave as much of your lid bare as possible until you get to #4.

"Undone" -Crease as a transition shade.
"DTF" -Into outer half of crease more inward as there's less product on your brush. (Blend blend until your arm breaks.)
"Defy" -Outer v, blended into crease shades. *(I also blended DTF & Defy onto my lower lash line from the outer corner inward about halfway.)
"Angel" -All over lid, blended edges into other shades. I applied about 3 layers of this shade & sprayed my brush with Fix Plus.
"Last Sin" -Inner corner
"Truth" -Browbone

Mac Fix Plus Spray (Sprayed Brush to apply "angel" to make it POP!)
Black Eyeliner (Half of water line from outside)
L'Oréal Carbon Black (Top & Bottom Lashes)
Maybelline Falsies Push-up Drama (Top Lashes)
L'Oréal Telescopic Carbon Black (Bottom Lashes)
Essence Clear Brow Gel (To tame those unruly suckers.)

Face:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Foundation in "Nude 40"
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in "Light"
Benefit Hoola Quickie Contour Stick
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder in "Translucent"
Nars Blush in "Orgasm"
Anastasia Beverly Hills x Nicole Guerriero Palette "Glo Getter" & "Kitty Kat"
Ulta Lip Liner in "Bare"
Bite Beauty Lipstick in "Honeycomb"

And there it is! Wham, bam, thank you ma'am...

I hope you guys enjoyed!!

Please leave any comments/ suggestions for future posts below!

I'd love to hear y'alls thoughts.

Please Subscribe!!!
{Box at the top of the right panel.}

Til Next Time...

XO,

Terin

Connect With Me:

Business Inquiries: TerinBrooke@Gmail.com

{Discounts}

Get $5 off your first purchase in the Amazon App with code TERIN4243N

Use Code TERINBROOKE for 15% off your purchase of

To Die For Swimwear

Use my coupon code TERINTAN20 for 20% off your purchase

of any Million Dollar Tan product(s).

majority of your online purchases.

Use code HOKUE at sign up for PoshMark App &

receive a free $10 credit.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Toasted Eyes | Naked 1 Palette + Full Face Details

Hellloooo Lovely People!

I wanted to share a quick rundown of my makeup deets from the other night.

Super simple look and all 1 palette besides a single shadow.

The goods on this full face are below y'all!

*All liquids blended with a Real Techniques Complexion Sponge

FACE:
Garnier BB Cream for Combo to oily in "Light/Medium" (All over that face.)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Foundation in "Nude 40" -I like to use this to make my bb cream a bit more full coverage when I'm struggling with blemishes.

Garnier Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller Concealer (Under those eye balls.)

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in "Light" (Under Eyes, Bridge of Nose, Chin, Forehead)

Fit Me Matte + Poreless Translucent Powder (To Set Entire Face)

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Bronzer in "Bronze 04" (To Bronze Face, Obvi.. Cheek hallows & temples.)

Benefit Cosmetics Blush in "Dandelion & Rockateur" (On my cheekies.)

Anastasia Beverly Hills x Nicole Guerriero Palette "Glo Getter & 143" (Cheekbones & Tip of Nose.)
*Everyday is the full face highlighter challenge, let's be real here.

ULTA Brand Matte Setting Spray (To Set Face, AFTER EYES)

EYES:
Naked 1 Palette -My Ride or Die for Life!
"Naked" (In Crease as a Transition Shade)
"Hustle" (Into the outer v and crease to deepen it up & outer corner of lower lash line into the middle)
"Smog" (Center of the lid, blended into the edge of Hustle & in the center of lower lash line)
"Toasted" (Inner lid, blended into the edge of Smog and on the inner corner of lower lash line)

Stila "Kitten" (Inner corner, inner lid over toasted, lower lash line blended into toasted, and to hilight browbone)
*I used a fluffy blending brush by Sonia Kashuk to blend my crease and blended each shades edges into the next so that the look was seamless.

CoverGirl Black liner on water line

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara (Top & Bottom Lashes)

Maybelline Falsies Push-Up Drama (Top lashes over the Carbon Black)

ULTA Brand Clear Brow Gel -Gorilla Glue for brows!! AMAZING, only $7. Ulta brand is usually buy 2 get 2 free.. WOOP!

LIPS:
*There's a lot going on for the lips because I wasn't feeling the liquid lipstick color on me and I'm far too lazy to take it off and start over.

ULTA Brand Lip Liner in "Bare"

NYX Liquid Lingerie in "Corset"

Bare Minerals Butter Gloss in "Groovy" (Over the NYX)

....I still wasn't happy and so I then added Maybelline Baby Lips Gloss in "Lifes a Peach"? I think that's the name... Idk. Lol Still not an uber fan of the lips but what are you gonna do?! *shrugs

And that's a wrap!!

Please Subscribe!!

Til Next Time...

XO,

Terin

Connect With Me:

Business Inquiries: TerinBrooke@Gmail.com

{Discouts}

Get $5 off your first purchase in the Amazon App with code TERIN4243N

Use Code TERINBROOKE for 15% off your purchase of
To Die For Swimwear
CLICK HERE

Use my coupon code TERINTAN20 for 20% off your purchase
of any Million Dollar Tan product(s).
CLICK HERE

Sign up for EBates & receive cash back on
majority of your online purchases.
CLICK HERE

Use code HOKUE at sign up for PoshMark App &
receive a free $10 credit.
CLICK HERE

Monday, April 3, 2017

How I Groom My Brows | In Under 10 Mins + Under $10

Hey Y'all!

Today I'm sharing my brow grooming routine.

I've been doing my own eyebrows for years and I've finally found a way that is the absolute best & easiest!!

This kit by Sally Hansen makes life so simple! You literally could wax your brows as you're getting ready. I've found that 1 eyebrow wax strip (which really is 2 because you pull them apart) is enough to do both brows top & bottom and in between.

Super easy prep & cleanup.

So let's get into it.....

What You'll Need:
1. Sally Hansen Face Wax Strip Kit
(This kit contains 3 sizes of wax strips, the smallest is for brows; however, all of them could be trimmed down and used for brows. 😉)
2. Scissors (I use a little stainless steel pair. I think they're from CVS.)
3. Tweezers
4. Eyebrow Spoolie

What You Do:
1. Brush your brows & shape them to your liking with the spoolie. Place the strip over your eyebrow- DO NOT pull them apart yet.
2. Take your tweezers and press into the strip and make an outline of your arch from underneath.
(I trace my "good brow"}. Then take your scissors and cut along your trace.
*-This shapes both strips so that your eyebrows match.
3. Now pull apart the strip, wax will be on both sides creating 2 strips.
4. Starting with whichever brow you want, just place the cutout of your arch under your arch, and rub over the strip while pressing it onto your skin. Your body heat warms the wax and helps it stick to your hairs.
5. When you feel like the wax is good and melted, rip that sucker! Rip in the opposite direction of hair growth.
ie: Right brow you rip left, left brow you rip right, and center you rip downwards.
6. Once you've waxed them to your liking, you can pluck any strays with your tweezers and trim them if necessary with your handy dandy scissors.
7. After all that is done, I squeeze a little of the oil provided with the kit onto a cotton ball and rub it all over. It helps soothe them and removes and wax residue.

And then you're done. Easy Peasy.

If you have any questions feel free to drop them in the comments.

I hope you guys found this little how to guide easy & decide to give it a try!

You definitely won't be disappointed. 😊

Til Next Time...

XO,

Terin

Connect With Me:

Business Inquiries- TerinBrooke@Gmail.com