December 2013 Favorites

Okay so with the year coming to an end I figure I should post up some favorites! These are products I found myself using at the end of 2013 rather frequently, and products I anticipate using into 2014 as well!

So to start off, I have been LOVING my Bahama Mama Bronzer by The Balm. I love ALL things made by The Balm and this bronzer is no exception. It is a somewhat deep made bronzer that is absolutely perfect for contouring. I think the thing I love most about it is that it is in no way orange. It is a nice brown, so I don't feel like an oompa loompa when I use it. While my primary use for the product is contouring, a light dusting is perfect for an all over subtle bronze. This stuff is incredibly pigmented so a little goes a long way. At $20 this stuff isn't the cheapest, but it is certainly not as expensive as some competitors such as Nars Laguna costing $36. I purchased mine from amazon but you can find it on thebalm's website as well!

Next is an amazing mascara.... Too Faced Better than Sex! This stuff has a strange wand but I find it gives my lashes both incredible volume AND length. I prefer mascaras with wands that aren't rubber. I feel they just don't compare when it comes to volume. This stuff is great and it looks even greater when applied alongside fake lashes (as I did for new years). This product can be bought at sephora and costs $23

My favorite eyeshadows have been the matte colors from my Naked 2 palette, if we're getting specific. I find myself using the shades Foxy, Tease, and Blackout on a pretty regular basis. I love the entire palette but lately I've been focusing in on these shades because I am loving matte shadows. The look these colors give is incredible! As we all know the palette is $52 but it has so many usable colors that its worth it!

My favorite eyeliner lately has been the Eyeko skinny liquid liner in black. It can be purchased at sephora and costs $16. It has a great tip that can create an incredibly precise line and it is jet black. I have no complaints its just the perfect for wing tip and all things liquid liner related. Here is a picture of the tip and one of me with the liner on...

Alright so last is a fragrance. I have been loving the Betsey Johnson by Betsey Johnson perfume and it is beautiful. It is somewhat masculine and fruity at the same time. I can't even put it into words it is amazing and the bottle is beautiful too. I use it pretty regularly and I got a 3.2 ounce bottle at Marshalls for like $20 so you can't even go wrong. I highly recommend this scent to anyone who likes fruity deep scents!

Why I'm obsessed with Birchbox

While the word "obsessed" is a term I seem to over use...I promise I am not throwing it out lightly in this scenario. I am not so slightly obsessed with Birchbox.

For those of you who don't know about Birchbox, it is a company that sends out 4-5 beauty related "samples" each month. I'm hesitant about using the word samples because in many cases I have been sent full sized products as well as sample sized products. While Birchbox has both male and female options, I am going to focus on the female boxes in this post. The female Birchbox costs $10 a month. This is comparable to some other monthly beauty box subscriptions currently out. It seems that Birchbox and Ipsy are the two most prevalent. Both are the same cost, do essentially the same thing, and are great pick me ups each month...so why is Birchbox my favorite?

I have a few reasons. The first and most important reason is Birchbox's points system. For every product you receive each month, you are given the opportunity to do a quick review on the website. This is as simple as filling in some bubbles. After completing these reviews, you are rewarded 10 points for each. This means that each month, you are accumulating approximately 50 points. So why does that matter? Well...for every 100 points you earn, you are given a $10 credit to the Birchbox shop. The Birchbox shop carries full sizes of all the samples you've received, and other great products. There are always way too many things that I want in the Birchbox shop so putting those points to use is never an issue. So since you're getting 50 points a month, you're technically only paying $5 per box. The other $5 is given back to you in credit to use in the shop. And while it isn't given back to you in cash, I'm pretty sure Birchbox points are just as good for any beauty junky like myself. You also get 100 points for EACH friend you refer to Birchbox. I've referred 3 people in my time with Birchbox...which means I've gotten another $30 to spend in their shop...just for telling people about my awesome experience!

Another reason I prefer Birchbox is the quality of the products I'm receiving. Ipsy gives plenty of full sized products, however they are more often then not low-quality, drugstore brand makeup. Don't get my wrong, I LOVE my Revlon, Cover Girl, etc. but in my opinion, the thing that makes Birchbox so great is that it opens my eyes to new and amazing products that I would have NEVER purchased on my own. With Ipsy, yes I may get a full sized NYX blush, but this is something that costs under $8 so I probably would have tried it on my own if it seemed appealing enough. Birchbox introduces me to hair oils that cost $30 a bottle, perfumes that cost $70 a bottle, mascara that costs $23....things that unless I knew for SURE how great it was, I would never spend the money on. Thats the whole point in sampling things isn't it? Not getting full sized products but being able to try new, quality products.

Now don't get me wrong, Birchbox still gives out full sized products every so often. I've been purchasing Birchbox's for almost a year and a half now but just off the top of my head I have received the following full sized products:
-Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen- $18
-Model Co Lash Xtend Mascara- $24
-Model Co Party Proof Lipstick- $24
-Mally Mascara- $20
-Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner- $16
-Incoco Nail Appliques- $9

I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff but thats a lot of full sized products...and that doesn't even mention the great sample sizes that were also included in the boxes. I've also received a TON of generously sized nailpolish samples. Many samples are deluxe sized, meaning they are more then just foil packets. DDF and Stila give out incredibly generous sample sizes for example.

Birchbox also has incredible costumer service. If there are any issues with a sample, or any questions/concerns they are prompt and efficient in responding. While they don't make mistakes often, on the rare occasion they have I have been helped quickly and have been given points or replacement samples. They are always kind and understanding as well. They have such quality costumer service!

I signed up for Birchbox excited for the makeup products, but I've found myself enjoying the hair and skin products most. I've used my points to purchase Beauty Protector hair spray which I can't live without now, DDF brightening cleanser, Orfluido hair oil, Shea Terra Black Soap, and more. These have all become such crucial staples in my beauty regime and I can't thank Birchbox enough for introducing me to such awesome products!

So if you are even slightly interested in hair, skin, makeup, and nails...sign up NOW. Birchbox gives you quality and will introduce you to great new products. And at the end of the day, it really only costs you $5 a month...so give up that Frap from Starbucks this week and treat yourself to something you'll get much more enjoyment out of. You wont be disappointed!

Here are a few pictures of past boxes I have received, just to give you an idea!

What are you waiting for?! Go sign up!

Fall is Upon Us!

Although the weather is still shakey, it is becoming more and more apparent that fall is upon us! To me, this means lots of scarves, boots, layers, and bold colors!

Don't get me wrong I wear bold makeup year round, however there are different colors and hues for different seasons. Fall is perfect for deep, rich colors and I could not be more excited.

I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite products for fall, and hopefully it'll inspire some awesome looks of your own!

Bold Lip:

The trend you will see me taking full advantage of in the fall is a bold lip. This may be my favorite thing about the change in season. One of my favorites is Urban Decay Confession. Now I believe this lipstick is no longer made, however it is still available through ebay which is actually where I got it a year or so ago. This color looks scary as all heck in the tube. It is a deep purple, almost black. However the color is very buildable. I use a lip brush and apply a light coating that way. By doing this a little product goes a very long way. I get compliments every time I wear it, and I think it is perfect for the colder months.

Heres a photo from last night of the product on. As you can see, it really does sheer out when you apply a light coating. I'm in love with this product I can't even put it into words.

Bold Nail:

Nothing is more appropriate in the fall then a deep nailpolish. Reds, purples, blues, you name it. All of these shades have deep, dark personalities that we can bring out in the fall. Some of my favorites are OPI Lincoln Park After Dark (An almost black purple shade), Essie Wicked ( A deep oxblood ), And OPI Suzi Skis in the pyrenees (A beautiful charcol). I highly recommend any of these for spicing up your look! Nothing finishes an outfit like a freshly painted set of nails!

Bold Scent:

Perfumes are another aspect of a beauty regime that change seasonally. For the fall I'd say my favorite scent is FlowerBomb by Viktor and Rolf. This scent is so dynamic. The level of florals and spices and just sheer perfection in this perfume is worth the hefty pricetag.

Baby I'm Back with some favorites

Oh lord its been a while since I posted. I don't even have a good excuse, I've just gotten so caught up with stuff. Anyway! I've accumulated a ton of new products since I last posted (of course) and I have acquired some new favorites!!


First I'm going to start with a couple new foundations that I love. I have used the same foundation for years, and when I say years I mean probably at least 5 years.  I've posted about it before, its the Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse. It has a pump for application, great coverage, and it doesn't make my skin break out. These are all great qualities in a foundation! But I've been mixing it up a bit through the past few months.

First, I splurged and purchased the Kat Von D Lock it tattoo foundation. This stuff is BOMB. It has the best coverage of any foundation I've every used, dries matte, and lasts all day. I know its incredibly costly at $34 per ounce (based off sephoras pricing) but it is worth it. I use it sparingly because I'm so in love with it and want it to last forever. I save it for days my skin is really uneven, I have bad breakouts, or for special occasions. This stuff also has a pump applicator and beautiful packaging. I highly recommend it if there is room in your budget!

A more wallet-friendly foundation I have discovered is the Cover Girl 3 in 1 Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation. This stuff is great! It has good coverage...not quite as heavy as the Kat Von D foundation, but it is good for the days you need medium to heavy coverage! The coverage is also very layer-able. It also applies with a pump which again, I love (I'm so predictable, if a product has a pump I'm sold). I usually apply it with a Stippling brush for a flawless finish. I feel that while this product claims to work as a primer, concealer, and foundation...I still need a bit of concealer. Considering it is a drugstore brand though I am highly impressed and might even consider this a new favorite. It dries matte...what more could a girl ask for?

Another love of mine is the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in translucent. It is no secret by now that I prefer all things matte.  I love finishing my face routine with a sweep of a powder. I feel it really sets my foundation and concealer, allowing for the makeup to stay in place through the duration of the day and providing a flawless finish. This product only costs about $5 and it has become a staple in my makeup routine. 

I am a major fan of a bold lip. This is also pretty evident. Over the past few months I have been loving a few new lip products, some a bit on the pricey side, while others can be found in your local drug store! 

First is Mac Up the Amp. I always gravitate to lipsticks with cool undertones, especially purples. I feel they compliment my face the best and I just can't get enough. Up the amp is beautiful. It is creamy, not drying, but not super shiney either. Its the perfect finish. I can't get enough. At $15 its a bit on the pricey side but its nothing compared to a YSL or Chanel lipstick. Heres a picture of me in Up The Amp, and a picture of the product in tube.

Another great lipstick I've gotten into is the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick. I own a fullsized tube in Aria, and a sample in Beso which I received in my Birchbox. Aria is similar to up the amp, but a bit more of a berry color. The thing I love about these lipsticks is the staying power and the liquid application that dries completely matte. It looks FLAWLESS. It is important to be cautious when applying though, because once its dried into place, the little imperfections will become noticeable. Beso is a beautiful true-red. I love it for a statement red lip (come to think of it, I might wear it out to the bar tonight!). I can't say enough how great this stuff is!!

Last, I am currently LOVING the Loreal Wet Shine Stain in Stubborn Plum. OH MY GOD this stuff is great. I know I am usually not one to go for the glossy products, but I'm hooked on this stuff. I don't know if its the color that makes it so flattering, or if I am just coming around to glossier looks. The staying power of this stuff is amazing. It stays glossy for hours, and even after the gloss diminishes, the color stays true. I wear this stuff to my internship all the time and don't feel that I'm overdone. This product is similar to a YSL gloss stain which I have never tried but I know they have a cult following. I love it and I love the price even more! I want to say this stuff will run you around $8.

I hope this was a helpful post and I hope you stick around because I'll be posting more soon! Have you tried any of this stuff? Do you love it, hate it, agree with me, disagree, or have anything to add? Let me know!!

NARS velvet matte lip pencil- Damned

Ok guys so I have a clear shopping problem...but today was the last day to use my $15 from sephora (I got an email a while back saying that if you spent $50 you could redeem this $15 gift card). I almost bought the Naked 2 palette with it, but then decided that was still too much to shell out right now.

So I wasn't going to use the $15...but I read today that if you used it online, there was no minimum. SOOOO the second, less expensive, product I've been lusting over is now ordered and on its way to me.I did have to pay for shipping, and since this lip pencil is regularly $24, it wound up costing me about $16...not bad though! thats $8 off!! I'm so happy!

I visited a friend who goes to the fashion institute over thanksgiving break, and of course we wound up on 5th avenue and in sephora. That is where I fell in absolute LOVE with the nars velvet matte lip pencils. I was instantly attracted to the shade "damned"...its this deep magenta color that I haven't been able to stop thinking about since I left.

These pencils are awesome because they are not only matte, but they also have incredible precision. They are a pencil, and can be used as a lip liner as well as an all over color. Because of this, there is no running or smudging. I love how defined they make your lips. It doesn't feel super dry or cakey either. UGH let me stop because I sent it to my house in New York and I wont be back for at least 5 more days. 

So heres a little picture I took while trying the product in sephora. Let me know what you think!

Revlon ultimate liquid lipstick

I am literally the worst! I can't believe my last post was a month ago. I think I've just been insanely swamped with this busy semester! I'm still just as much of a makeup freak as ever though, so don't worry I've been collecting and obsessing plenty!

One thing that I've purchased in the past month and am slightly infatuated with is the Revlon ultimate liquid lipstick in vigorous violet. Major mouthful, but so worth it. I love Revlon's lip products, they have those Just bitten kissable lipstain balms that are out of this world. This product is even more my style though.

The vigorous violet is the only shade I've tried, but I'm considering buying another color or two. The violet has a bit of shimmer, goes on like a lipgloss, but dries with a matte finish. The lasting power is UNREAL. There are nights where I put the product on around 9PM, go to a party, drink, stay out till like 3, come home and pass out without washing my face (I know how terrible this is, but we all have those moments) and the lipstick will STILL be on when I wake up. Thats just not even fathomable. I LOVE IT.

I think that the color works really well with my pale skin/ blue eyes/ dark hair. It has a bit of a blue undertone (obviously because its a purple). It looks like it would be super harsh in the bottle, but honestly I think its the perfect balance of socially acceptable and dramatic. I wear this to class, to work, to parties, wherever. The revlon liquid lipstick has become a staple and I'm not stopping!!

For those of you who like the stila liquid lipstick (I do!), this product is very similar for like...half the price.

Tricks for Long Hair!

I love long hair. If I could grow mine to be Rapunzel length I would. But I use heated tools on my hair all the time which seriously kills it. 

For the past year or so I've tried some tricks to keep my hair long and healthy and I've had some success!

First Trick: Deep condition

I try to deep condition my hair about twice a week. I do this in place of regular conditioner. I shampoo and then leave the conditioner on for about 5-10 minutes while I shave (I think it says to do this for 3 minutes but I break the rules!). I use the Loreal Everpure deep restorative mask. Its sulfate free so people with chemically treated hair its perfect. I'm also slightly obsessed with the smell, and it lasts for hours. 

Trick Two: Biotin

I've talked about taking biotin before but I love it. I really do notice a difference after taking this stuff!!

Trick three: Oil!!

OH my god I love this stuff. Not only does Orfluido make hair healthier, it makes my hair smell amazing, leaves it silky, AND keeps my frizz in check. It is worth the $30 (although you can find it cheaper on Amazon!) and it is a big bottle so it will last literally forever. I use such a tiny drop and it goes a longggggg way. this is a MUST buy. 

So my hair feels longer, healthier, and I think it looks nicer! What do you think?

Face Base!

In my opinion, the MOST important part of my makeup routine is all the stuff I do to even out my skin and create a nice base for the exciting stuff like eyeshadow, lipstick, and more!

My typical routine involves a few steps including primer, foundation, and powder. Regardless of the look I'm going for, these steps stay constant and I never leave the apartment without at least these basics. 

I call these steps the "base" because it is the base of the rest of your cosmetics. Afterward I apply all the color. I've been using the same base products for a while and I find that once you discover which ones work for you, you'll never want to stray outside of them! 

So I start with a primer. I use the Loreal Magic Skin Beautifier which I've posted about in the past. This can work in leu of foundation, however I find that the coverage is much nicer with a little foundation on top! The magic skin beautifier is a Beauty Balm and is BY FAR the best one I've used (and I've used a bunch!). For more information, feel free to check out my earlier post about beauty balms!

NEXT: time for some foundation! I've been using the same foundation for at LEAST 3-4 years (maybe longer? I can't even remember when I started using this stuff!) A friends recomended it and there has been no turning back since. The Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse is everything you could want from a foundation. It is thick and creamy, has a pump applicator, and doesn't give a greasy gross feeling. I have very sensative skin to the point where i can't use certain primers without breaking out...so you'd think a thick, moussey foundation would wreck havoc on my skin. Maybe its because I've been using this stuff for so long, so my skin is used to it, but for some reason I do not break out from using this! I'm slightly obsessed! A little goes a long way and the pump applicator is insanely easy to use. I don't think I will ever stray from this stuff!!

The LAST step for my base is powder. This helps set the foundation, and creates for more of a matte finish. I don't like for my skin to look moist or dewy so I love powder. I have friends who hate it though, so it really is a preference type of thing! My absolutely favorite Powder is another Maybelline product. It is the FIT me powder. They make a foundation as well, which I've never tried, but I've heard bad things about it (plus I'm already sold on the one mentioned above!). This powder is awesome. I hate the applicator it came with, so I bought my own pack of cosmetic sponges and they help apply the powder evenly and absorb any unwanted moisture. 

So I highly recommend ALL of this stuff. I seriously don't know how I lived without them! What are some of your favorite products?

healthy beauty!

So we all want beautiful soft silky hair, but we blow dry, straighten, curl it on a daily basis! Its silly and contradictory and yet I still continue to do it. If my hair was reallllly long I'd be happy to wear it curly...but because its only just past my shoulders when curly, I insist on styling it with heated tools every day. Of course, it wont grow much longer because I'm constantly needing to cut off the dead ends.

viscous cycle! So here are some of the products I've added to my beauty routines that I'm loving! They promote health and quality and I've noticed a difference!

First of all, I take biotin daily. This is a tiny vitamin supplement that promotes healthier hair, skin, and nails. My hair stylest even said she noticed a difference in the quality of my hair after I had been taking it for about 2 months. I was ecstatic! My hair seems slightly healthier, and seems to be growing a bit quicker.  You can get biotin literally anywhere. I think I got mine at bed bath and beyond!!

Next is Dove heat defense. I spritz a little of this stuff on my hair while its drying if I know I'm going to be applying heat to it. This not only makes my hairstyle last longer, but it really seems to keep my hair protected. I noticed a massive change after using this product and used up the entire bottle! I need to buy more! It also smells really nice!

I've been using DDF brightening cleanser for about 2 weeks now. My skin feels SOOO nice after using this! It does an awesome job of cleansing! It also is amazing because it is meant to get rid of dark spots, acne scaring, and overall create a more even complexion. I have been really enjoying this product! It smells like black licorice but it doesn't leave a strong scent after I wash it off so I don't mind too much! Totally worth the $38 a bottle!

Lastly I am having a love affair with nailtiques formula two! I apply a coat of this protein to my clean nails (every day that I don't have polish on!) and use it as a base coat. I'm not sure if this is how its meant to be used, but I have noticed that my nails seem a bit less brittle and have been breaking way less! They are getting back to a really nice length so I am insanely excited!

Influenster- Beauty Blogger voxbox

OH MY GOD this is the happiest submission I may ever post!
I've posted about Birchbox and Beauty Army in the past, we all know I'm obsessed with beauty box subscription services yadayada...but I'm a broke college student who only clears about $300 a month...so when $30 goes to a cell phone, like $60 goes to gas for my car, and who knows how much goes toward shopping...its difficult for me to justify spending a ton on subscription services.

So I have two...my birchbox and beauty army which comes to only $22 a month... its my treat!

But then theres influenster... now I don't get a box from influenster every month, but it is the coolest site. Let me tell you about it:

-you make an account and complete surveys
-you blog about products and the site (youtube, blogger, tumblr, twitter, whatever you prefer!)
-you recieve FREE products...I repeat 100% free, you don't even pay for shipping
-you review these products and the process repeats!

I'm honestly not sure how often you receive a box from influenster. I do know that it depends on whether or not you qualify (based on your surveys). But I was just chosen to receive my very first box and it is the beauty blogger box! I got it in the mail today! Let me show you!

I hope you enjoy my bedding that the box is sitting on...haha!
But look at all that stuff! Is it the most high end brands...no. Is it worth trying at no cost? Absolutely!! So now let me go through everything and tell you how I'm feeling!

Vitabath fragrance- This stuff retails for $10 and is a fragrance. I received the scent "citron leaves". Now, this was an extra added to my box. Not everyone was given this, but for some reason I was specially selected. I looked on the website and while I don't hate this scent I also don't love it. I'm a perfume girl. I've been wearing Escada rockin rio lately. I enjoy either sweet or musky scents, so a citrus isn't totally my style. Like I said it smells nice...but after looking on the site I think there are some scents I would have much preferred (lavender and chamomile, orchid and coconut, grapefruit and vanilla). Regardless, this is something I will try, maybe it will be more my style after its settled on my body (stuff never smells the same on as it does in the bottle after all!).

NYC palette- This retails for $5.  I actually have a different NYC palette already and I was not super impressed with it. The colors just don't seem to blend as well as higher quality makeup, nor do they have the staying power that I prefer (even with primer). I will give this one a shot though, I'm always happy to have more options when it comes to makeup so its a nice addition to my collection! This also includes a primer and highlight. I am very excited to try it!

Boost Health & Energy supplement- I'm excited to try this on a day when I need a pick me up! I HATE everything that is orange flavored (with the exception of orange juice) so I doubt I'll love the flavor, but if I feel like I enjoy the product I'd look into purchasing other flavors (if they make them?)

Not your mothers Kinky moves- I actually own the dry shampoo by the not your mothers brand. The thing I enjoy most about this brand is that every product I've seen has smelled AMAZING. The Kinky moves creme smells like grape and Jasmine and it is AWESOME. I haven't tried it in my hair yet, so who knows how it works (the dry shampoo is just okay) but I will get back to you when I do!

Kiss ever pro lashes- I HAVE NEVER WORN FAKE LASHES. I blog about beauty products and have never tried fake lashes, how is that possible?! Well my natural lashes are decently thick/long so I have never really needed to...but looking back I wish I had for prom or something. I have been meaning to try them but just never committed to purchasing them. Now I don't have to! These look like nice ones, not anything weird or hoochie. I think they seem like they could appear natural with a little oomf. I may wait to use them until halloween (if I can hold out!)

Goody twist pins- I'm not sure if this is what they are actually called, I threw out the packaging for them...but I'm SOLD these are awesome. They retail for about $8 (for the set of 2). This seems steep considering you can purchase like 60 bobbie pins for $1 but its worth it! These can hold SO MUCH HAIR. I played around with them and put my hair into a bun and the two pins completely supported all of my hair. I have a friend whos sworn by these since she first tried them and now I understand why. This is a product I've been meaning to purchase, but again, never got around to buying. I am sooo happy to have these!

Lastly...

A bath and body works mini candle in Black Pepper Bergamot - First of all, I'm not even going to ask WHY there is a candle in this universe that is scented "black pepper". Who wants to have their home smell like black pepper?! I don't know who created the fragrance behind this candle but I want to know what black pepper they use because it smells NOTHING like black pepper. THIS CANDLE SMELLS AWESOME. It has a kind of musky/manly smell. I'm a sucker for all sorts of man smells (axe, old spice, UGH don't get me started). This is no exception, I'm obsessed. I don't think the name matches the scent but with that being said, this may be a new favorite B&BW scent of mine!


So thats my influenster box! I think its awesome, I got a ton of products and it was free! I'm so excited to start really using the products! Feel free to ask me specifics about anything I've mentioned, or let me know about your experiences with this stuff!!

Wet n Wild Spoiled Polishes

I have an infatuation with nailpolish. I have SOOO many polishes, and can not walk into a drugstore without buying at least one more!

I try to purchase from the brands that work best, but that can get expensive. I'm obsessed with OPI and Essie, even Julep, but these run anywhere from $6-$14 each! I am a broke college student, that just doesnt work out!

But Spoiled polishes by wet n wild are AMAZING. They sell at CVS for about $2 each and they work so well. The colors are also awesome and dry super quickly!!

I personally own three (papa paparazzi and steel the show as pictured below...and another blue sparkle that isn't shown)

If you're like me and love cheap and beautiful nailpolish RUN to cvs and pick some of these up! There are a ton more colors!

NYX matte lip cream- monte carlo

So I recently purchased an NYX matte lip creme in the shade monte carlo!
Honestly, I'm still not sure how in love I am with it, but I do enjoy the product!
Monte Carlo is a deep blue toned red. It is beautiful on, and I love how it looks, but it doesn't have the best lasting power. NYX matte lip cremes go on like a gloss, and dry into a bit of a matte finish. I LOVE THIS. I'm always searching for the latest and greatest matte lip products.

Pros:
Beautiful color
very pigmented
nice matte finish
easy application

Cons
a bit streaky
drying to the lips
not the best stay-power
feels cakey after drying


I love this for the first hour or so I wear it...but after that it feels very caked on and flakey. If you are planning to eat with this stuff on...be ready to re-apply! It didn't last great after I ate/drank. I felt as though other matte lip products leave more of a tint, while this one leaves a layer on top of the lips.

For the price, this is a great product. It may not be my ABSOLUTE go to matte product, but I like it for a once and a while thing! Try it out!

New Products!

I'm expecting two new lip products to be here in the next weekish. If I don't get them before Friday I'll have to wait until Wednesday to try them out because I'll be home for break. I'm so excited though!!

Chi turbo 1 inch hair straightener

Ok so I have naturally crazy curly hair...

told you! Its wild. I'm not really the type to leave it naturally curly, if I'm going to wear it curly I use my Remington pearl curling wand (thats a review for a later date!) for looser, beachier waves. The majority of the time though, I straighten my hair. I've been doing this pretty much since 8th grade (7 years...don't I feel old...).

I remember it was right before my 8th grade graduation and confirmation. I wanted to be cute and have straightened hair. I only had a couple of days before my confirmation and so I rushed and ordered a Chi turbo 1 inch straightener...well thats what I thought I ordered....

but then 3 of them showed up. 

I'm still unsure as to what happened, I guess I accidentally clicked to order 3 instead of 1. Dumb. So I kept one, my older sister kept one, and the other sat in a box. I used and abused mine for a solid 5 years and then the cord got snagged and it stopped working (RIP). So I popped open the 5 year old unopened backup. I've been using it for about 2 years now and it still works just as well as the day I ordered it (and its two siblings). 

Chi's are great for people with crazy, curly hair. I find that it makes my hair look silkier than it is naturally and manages frizz very well. My hair stays straight all day with little to no product. I have honestly no complaints about just how great Chi straighteners are. 

The ones they make now are much sleeker than the one I have. Being that mine is from 2006, there are much newer models available that I'm sure work even better and are much thinner. 

Basically, if you have curly hair and want a reliable straightener, I highly recommend investing in a Chi. You can get them at Harmons or bath and body works or any other place you can use coupons for under $100. 

So I guess the only appropriate way to end this post is with a picture of my straightened hair...

See? No kinks! Just shiny, straight hair. Gotta love my Chi!

September MUST Haves!

Okay so I know I've been totally slacking with posting lately but I've been swamped! Between taking 17 credits at school, my job, and my volunteering I barely have a minute to myself! But I decided to get back into things now that I'm getting into a better routine, and what better way than with a MUST HAVES list?

These are all things I own and absolutely LOVE.

So first things first, my newest absolute FAVORITE. For you girls with curly hair, you need to buy Miss Jessies Curly Pudding. This stuff works wonders. I know it seems a little pricey (about $22 for 8 ounces, $38 for 16) but its so worth it. I discovered Miss Jessies when Birchbox sent me a sample of their Quick Curls. I loved that so I went on the site and signed up for a sample of the Curly Pudding and Super Sweatback Treatment. Both were amazing, but I honestly don't think I can live without the Curly Pudding! I got a ton of compliments on my curls the day I used it. I'm a girl who never leaves the house without either straightening my hair, or running a curling iron through it...so finding a product that turns my natural frizz into beautiful long curls is a God send. It smells great too!

Whats next? Eos lip balm of course! I'm not a lipgloss girl. I've said it a hundred times. But I do like keeping my lips moisturized, and I use a ton of drying lipsticks and lipstains so I need a reliable chapstick! Eos attracted me (and lets face it...probably everyone else) because of its cool egg-like shape. Applying it in public just makes me feel like I'm awesome. But it actually does a great job of moisturizing my lips and leaves a slight strawberry taste. Its pretty cheap too, only like $3 and you can get them at CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, wherever! It comes in a ton of varieties so try whichever one works best for you!

Next is an eyeliner. We all know I'm a fan of winged dramatic eyes. The Physicians Formula Eye Booster is a marker, which makes application a breeze. Its like drawing right onto your eyes. It also comes on very nicely, not streaky...so one coat is enough. The design makes the application so easy...great for beginners! Best of all...its an eyelash booster! The liner has a formula that is meant to make lashes fuller which is what sold me! For only about $8 it was a must try! I have been using the product for about 2 weeks and I have to say my lashes do seem a bit thicker! 

Well I think thats all for now! But thanks for reading and I'll check back soon!

NYX matte lipstick

So I've been swamped getting back into the swing of school lately and haven't had a chance to post BUT I have about 20 minutes until class so I figured I'd get back into things!

I've discussed it before and I'll discuss it again, I'm obsessed with matted lips.

The issue is, most drug store brands (aka affordable makeup) don't make matted lip products. I always struggled finding affordable and attractive matted lipsticks...until this summer. While shopping at harmons I discovered the brand NYX. I believe I've posted about them before, they are an affordable drug store brand that is comparable to mac. They make amazing matted lipstick

This is one of the three colors I have. It is called shocking pink and it is very shocking...almost nicki Minaj-esc. Its bold and bright and feminine and I love it. The matte finish makes it wearable and not look like you just left the circus.

If you are looking for matte lipstick i HIGHLY recomend trying an NYX product prior to shelling out $14-$30 on a more expensive brand. You wont be sorry!

Fresh Faced Vs. Made up

So it is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I love makeup. I'm the type of girl who does not leave the house without at least a 5 minute makeup routine in place.

I feel like once you get into the routine of wearing it, its almost impossible to be comfortable sans makeup. 

A lot of people think this is wrong, I have a ton of friends who rarely wear makeup and think I'm crazy for always putting the stuff on. People think its an issue regarding insecurity, when in reality, its just a comfort...like a night light.

When I am wearing makeup I feel as though I look my best. This makes me stand a little taller, smile a little more, and be the more outgoing and confident person then I would otherwise be. It makes me feel my best and gives me the courage to do anything.

Nightlights don't keep the monsters away, they are just a little glow that adds comfort and security...same deal with makeup.

I'll admit I sometimes go a little crazy with it, wearing vibrant pink lipstick and Amy Winehouse inspired eyeliner, but if thats what makes me feel best then I'm doing it! So heres a before and after...one side made up and the other fresh faced. Enjoy!

OCC Lip Tar

So recently I have discovered this product by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I'ts called Lip Tar and I've heard wonderful things. basically, it seems to be a lip product that goes on almost like a gloss, but has a matte finish and long lasting wear. They say a little goes a long way, so even though the tube isn't huge it lasts for a while.

They cost about $15 and have a huge variety of colors. I am DYING to try some. When I was younger, I was a huge fan of lip glosses. I'd pick them based on the smell or flavor. As I've gotten older, I've come more and more to despise lip gloss. I am way more into color with a matte finish. I hate the way glosses live your lips sticky and tacky, lets be real thats not going to benefit anyone in any way.

Thats why these Lip Tars appeal to me. Even the word tar just sounds so... dramatically effective. I love vibrant colored lips and these come in pretty much every color from white all the way to black.

Please let me know if you've tried these! Give me your feedback on whether they are worth the $15 or not! Tell me the best colors, places to purchase, whatever!