The Hunt For the Perfect Mascara: Summer 2014

June 2nd, 2014

Past Posts:

•   Get Clear Skin for Summer
•   Spring Break 2014: Travel Tips and Tricks

       Summer is finally here, which means much more free time for blogging! I have so much in the works and I'm beyond excited to announce everything! For my first challenge this summer, I'm going to be hunting down the perfect mascara! Personally, the makeup product I'm willing to splurge on, is more times than not, mascara. Mascaras and eyeliners are the key to the perfect eye look! And I love highlighting and accenting my eyes! I'll be trying out drugstore mascaras, high end mascaras, and anything and everything in between. I currently use Urban Decay's Lush Lash Mascara, and I love it, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it's perfect. I'm so excited to try out all types of new mascaras and I'm looking forward to trying out Benefit's Push Up eyeliner when Sephora releases it! I hope you'll join me on my quest for the perfect mascara! If you have any suggestions or mascaras you'd like to see a review on, let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Tips for Getting Clear Skin

4/23/2014
    Past Posts

• Spring Break 2014: Travel Tips
• Spring Break 2014: Getting Bikini Ready

      Recently, I've been experimenting and I've found a couple great ways to clear up your skin quick! Some are quicker, others take time.

• Aloe Vera

   I have a couple Aloe Vera plants that I use, but the gel that you can get from Target or Walgreens will work too. The gel from stores won't work as well because of all the other chemicals in it, so if you can get an Aloe Vera plant, that works best. For the plant, cut off a BOTTOM leaf, then cut it open, and either apply it to your problem areas straight from the leaf, or you can get some on your fingers. The plant doesn't smell the greatest, but it works wonders! Put this on before bed and (DO NOT WASH THIS OFF!! LEAVE IT ON, IT'LL SOAK INTO YOUR SKIN!) This will help reduce swelling, and decrease the redness. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to the plant, so I can't do this that often, but if you can, then go for it! You'll see a difference overnight and over time, your skin will clear significantly. 

• Tooth Paste

  Using a whitening toothpaste (Crest 3D White, or Colgate Optic White) put a dab of this on a breakout, leave it on overnight, and it'll decrease the redness. This is not to be used every day, but if you need to get rid of a blemish overnight, it'll do the trick. This will dry it up and clear it up.

• Face Wash

  This is mostly common sense, but using different face washes will make a difference! Switch between 2 different brands or between cream and gel. This one will take time, but it'll clear your skin.

• Exfoliate!

  Exfoliating your skin every week will clear skin quick! Dead skin can clog pores and cause breakouts. And getting rid of that, will make an easier foundation application because there will be no dead skin for your foundation to catch on to.

Until next time, 

xoxo

Spring Break 2014: Tips and Advice for the First Time Traveler

March 13th, 2014

             I just arrived home from my Spring Break trip today, and I have seen some pretty interesting things on my flights to and from my destination. At the end, I'll add in a couple odd or funny things I saw. And since I had a relatively early Spring Break this year, I will continue posting my Spring Break posts. KEEP IN MIND, THIS IS FOR THOSE FLYING ONLY!

•  Do not bring your meal onto the plane!!

          Please do not sit down to your McDonald's feast or your leftovers from the diner in the terminal, if you want to eat your meal at the airport, ARRIVE EARLY! Most of us do not want to be stuck on a plane for hours smelling whatever it is you ate. Keep in mind, some people DO get motion sick, and smells do NOT help with nausea. A simple food that doesn't bring undesirable scents with it (A brownie, some fruit, a muffin/cupcake) if fine, but unless food is served on the plane, leave your food off.

• Check your bag!

          The airline I fly with, offers a free first checked bag. So if you have your roller bag that you refuse to check at check-in, at least check it at the gate. More times than not, the overhead storage gets full, just save us all the hassle and check your bag.

• Board with the correct zone!

          The boarding area is for those who are called up to board. My airline calls you up in "zones" So it goes first class, sky priority, zone 1, zone 2 and so on. If you are supposed to board in zone 4, WHAT ARE YOU DOING STANDING IN LINE FOR FIRST CLASS BOARDING?! Please just wait for your zone to be called, THEN go up

NOW ON TO THE STORIES!!
       When I was leaving to go to my destination, there was an announcement on overhead when we were boarding. They announced "Do not put children in the overhead compartment. I know it may look comfy, but please keep them with you!" I'm so surprised they even have to make an announcement for that! It must have happened otherwise they wouldn't announce it!

       I saw a lady boarding at the gate next to mine, and she was wearing a purple jacket, purple pants, purple shoes, pulling a purple suitcase, and she had purple highlights in her hair. All were the same -or close to the same- shade of purple. I'm guessing she likes purple!

       The lady in front of me getting off the plane today got her suitcase caught on a seat belt while trying to exit the plane. She turned around and asked if "anyone has a scissors or knife or something" that she could cut the seat belt with. Yes, because TSA would definitely let us through security with a scissors or knife.. (Keep in mind I'm from the US, so I don't know if other countries have as strict rules as far as security goes.)

       

Have a safe and fun Spring Break!

xoxo

SPRING BREAK 2014: Getting Bikini Ready

February 27th, 2014
        
         With Spring Break fast approaching, I (as well as many others) have put off getting in shape until the last minute. I'm naturally skinny to start with, so I (personally) see results very quick, but for others, it could take months. So I decided to put together a couple quick and easy workouts to get in shape and get the bikini body you've always wanted. I'll be dividing this up into parts, meaning what part of the body the exercise focuses on.

** THE ONE MINUTE RULE: When you start feeling like you can't hold it anymore or you feel a burn and your legs/arms feel like jell-o, go for one more minute to really make the exercise work.**

ARMS:

• Planks

               This can actually work your arms and core. The key is to be COMPLETELY flat. Have a spotter if that helps you, otherwise look in a mirror or in anything that you can see your reflection. To start out, I like to hold it for 30 seconds, then build up the time as you feel more and more comfortable. Just know if you aren't pushing yourself, its not doing anything for you. 

• Push Ups

              Pretty self explanatory. Start with 20 and build that up. Add on 5-10 each day to push yourself. If you're sore, you're doing it right.

• Side Planks

              Lay on your side, now use your legs and arms to push yourself up, your entire right/left side should be in a straight line. Now extend your arm that is NOT supporting you straight up so you are making a 't' shape. Hold for 30 seconds and build on 10-15 seconds each day.

CORE:

• Planks and Side Planks

             (See 'Arms' section above)

• 'L' sit ups

             I'm not quite sure what the correct name for these are, but basically you lay on your back, and put your legs straight up in the air. MAKE SURE YOUR KNEES ARE NOT BENT. Also, make sure you are not resting your legs on a wall or door. To get the full affect, you have to be holding your legs up on your own. Now, do sit ups, as you normally would. Start for 30 seconds and build up the time as you feel more comfortable. Try to use the One Minute rule for these too. If 1 minute feels too long, keep going for an additional 30-45 seconds.

LEGS:

• Wall Sits

            Find a wall with nothing on it, now leaning against the wall, bend your legs so they are at a 90 degree angle, you'll notice this is the position you would be in if you were actually sitting in a chair. Hold for 30 seconds and build up the time. The One Minute rule should be rather easy to apply here.

• Bicycles

           Lay on the ground on your back, bend your legs and lift your feet off the ground. Now move your (flexed) feet and legs in the motion you would as if you're peddling a bike. Start with however many you can do, then when you feel tired out, apply the One Minute Rule. (I'm not 100% sure what is normal to start at for this, the first time I tried to do these, I did 500 effortlessly, so either they're easy, or I have strong legs, which wouldn't be a surprise considering the sport I play involves a lot of leg work.)

BUTT:

• Squats

           Pretty self explanatory, this is the most common butt exercise. Try spreading your feet farther apart and closer together after each set, you'll feel the difference. Make sure you go down where are knees are at a 90 degree angle, going all the way down does nothing for you. Hold 1-2 seconds when your knees are at a 90 degree angle. To make this harder, add weights.

• Kardashian Butt Exercise

            I saw this in a magazine awhile ago about how Kim and Khloe get their butts. Go down on all fours, (use one leg at a time for this, do NOT switch.) Extend one leg straight back, then swing it around to the side, then fold it back in. Continue doing this WITHOUT LETTING YOUR FEET/LEGS TOUCH THE GROUND!! Start at 30 seconds or 1 minute and build on 15-30 seconds each day.

• Wall Sits

         (See the above 'Legs'section.) 

I hope you all have a fabulous Spring Break!

xoxo
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a fitness specialist, this is what I do, I'm not saying you have to do this or that this will work for you. This is just what has worked for you. Do not push yourself farther than what you can handle. 

FIRST IMPRESSION: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Blam Stain

December 21st, 2013
    UPCOMING POSTS:

• First Impression: Eco Tools Retractable Kabuki
• What I got for Christmas 2013 (Maybe)
• Highlights: Christmas 2013

PAST MONTHLY POSTS

• Holiday Gift Guide 2013

Brand: Revlon
Product: Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain
Shade/Color: Charm
Price: $6.79 at Target
Stars: 1/5

Pros:

• Minty Smell
• Glossy Finish

Cons:

• Not true to color
• changes color
• accentuates dry spots

I've been meaning to buy a nude lipstick for a long time now and saw this product. I thought it was so cool because its in a crayon or pencil shape! I bought it in the color 'Charm' and was so excited to try it out! I am so unbelievably disappointed with this product. I put it on after I had on chap stick and it actually dried out my lips! I've never had a product do that before! For being so pricey compared to all the other lip sticks sold by Revlon, I was expecting much higher quality! But it doesn't stop there! Oh no! It CHANGED COLOR! It became a dark very unflattering orange-y color. I thought maybe it had to do with the cold that it changed color so I tried it again after getting home, and it did the same exact thing! I would not recommend this to anyone. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!

xoxo

**PS: My phone and computer currently aren't connected with iCloud (I don't know why considering it was just linked a couple weeks ago and I haven't done anything with my computer or phone since) so my pictures are coming off Google until I get it fixed.)

Holiday Gift Guide 2013!

December 19th, 2013
   Happy Holidays!!
       I know everyone doesn't celebrate Christmas, so I made this a general gift guide! This will be divided into sections. 2 sections are Pricey and Cheaper. I hope this helps!

                                   PRICEY
                                    GIRLS

• Urban Decay 'Naked 3' Palette
• Price: $50- $52

If you know a girl thats very into makeup or that loves doing neutral eye looks, this is the PERFECT gift! It has 12 neutral eye shadows and comes with a brush and built in mirror. Click HERE to view it on Sephora's website!

• Too Faced 'Jingle all the Way Palette
• Price: $25 ($96 value!!)

2 for 1!! This eye shadow palette comes with a Too Faced iPhone case for the iPhone 5! It has a variety of colors and is the perfect gift for that makeup lover on your list! Click HERE to view it on Sephora's website.

• Make up For Ever '12 Flash Color Case'
• Price: $99 ($216 value!)

This is quite pricey, but you get a lot of product  for the price and these are VERY pigmented! These are all brighter colors so this would be ideal for people that are more daring with their makeup. This is a professional palette so its very high quality. Click HERE to view it on Sephora's website. 

• Bare Minerals 'Kiss and Tell' 
• Price: $29

Do you know a girl who loves lipstick? Then this is the perfect gift for her! It comes with lipsticks, 3 darker shades, a pearly color and a bright pink. Click HERE to view it on Sephora's website.

• Sephora Collection 'Smoke Machine Smokey Eye Brush Set'
• Price: $38

This set comes with 5 eye shadow brushes, a mascara and a sparkly silver clutch. Its SO cute and the clutch makes it perfect for a night out AND you can do emergency touch ups! I'll be putting this on my Christmas list! Click HERE to view it on Sephora's website.

                            GENDER NEUTRAL

• Apple iPad Air
• Price: $499

This gift is sure to please everyone! Featuring a 10 hr battery life, iOS7 and retina display, this is the perfect gift for the Apple lovers out there! It comes in 2 finishes: Silver and Space Grey. Click HERE to view it on Apple's website.

                        CHEAPER
                               GIRLS

• Sephora Collection 'Sparklers Brush Set' **LIMITED EDITION**
• Price: $10

This comes with 3 brushes (Powder brush, shadow brush, liner brush) and a Pink glittery case! How cute! I'm actually thinking about getting this after Christmas! Get this for the girly makeup lover on your list! Click HERE to view it on Sephora's website.

• Essie Nail Polish
• Price: $8.50

 I've tried so many Nail Polish brands and Essie is by far my favorite! They have their Winter and Holiday collections out now and they have so many shades and colors to choose from! This is the perfect stocking stuffer or little gift.You can order from Essie's website or they also sell Essie polishes at Target but not all of the colors are available at Target. Click HERE to view all of their nail polishes. 

• Touch Screen Gloves
• Price: $3.00 (On sale this week ONLY for $2.40)

 Unfortunately these are only sold in stores. But they come in many colors and patterns and are perfect for those who live in colder climates. I have 2 pairs of these and use them ALL THE TIME! I also gave these to friends last year and they all love them and use them everyday in the winter! And its so affordable! There are also better quality more expensive touch screen gloves sold at Target. Click HERE to view them on Target's website. (Near the scarves, hats and other outerwear accessories)

  Happy Holidays!
         xoxo,
           

August 2013 Favorites

September 9th, 2013
    I'm going to start out this blog saying that I'm getting VERY busy and my blogs won't be as consistent... I had some free time so that's why this one is going up now :)

UPCOMING POSTS:
REVIEW: Gel Nails

                                                             HAIR & BEAUTY
Physicians Formula's Organic Wear Mascara
  This has been a long time favorite for me! I know that Physicians Formula's products are organic and don't have the harsh chemicals other makeups do. I am NOT a tree hugger or a "Save the world" kind of person, but I want to know what I'm putting on my skin and don't want it to be any chemicals that might not be the greatest in the long run... This actually helps get thicker and longer! It really works! The first time I tried it out, I HATED it! But after using it about 3 times, I fell in love! It is by far the best mascara I've ever used and I will never use anything else!

**This is pricier for a drug store mascara ($10.99 at Ulta) but its worth it!**

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-In-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner and Serum
   I love this! It goes on like a liquid eyeliner and looks like a pencil eyeliner! And the best part? IT DRIES ALMOST INSTANTLY!!  I would highly recommend this! 

**Again, it's pricier for a drugstore eyeliner ($10.99 at Ulta) but it's worth it and it lasted me 7 months!!**

Rimmel London Stay Matte powder
     One word: Amazing! I bought this because my foundation (Click HERE for my First impression and HERE for my check in) gets very oil-y looking in the heat or after a long day. So I decided I should probably get this as I've heard really positive reviews and so far.. I love it!!

Baby Lips

  I feel like everyone loves these! I go through them so quick though! I can go through one of these in about 1 or 2 weeks... I actually had to go buy 2 back ups at Target the other day. 

Paul Mitchell Awapuhl Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil

   Before this, I used Moroccan Oil, but since I have blonde hair, it can slightly darken the color and build up so I was told to switch to this. I love it!! It makes my hair SOOOO soft and it smells so good! I can notice a difference in the softness of my hair whether or not I use this! It's not as pricey as Moroccan Oil (Moroccan Oil is around $45 and the Paul Mitchell one is around $24 at the local salon I go to)

MISCELLANEOUS

Bath & Body Works lotions and body sprays in "Secret Wonderland", "Country Chic" and "Plum Lily Swirl"

   These have been a favorite for me all summer. They all smell so light and floral-y which reminds me of summer :)

Bath & Body Works candles in "Pumpkin Cupcake" and "Black Pepper Bergamot"

  I actually just got these at a sale last weekend but ya know... I wanted to include them. "Pumpkin Cupcake" just smells so much like fall and I just love it! And "Black Pepper Bergamot" Smells like Axe which reminds me of my old school's hallways at passing time.. But I think it smells good. But, it's not for everyone.

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte

   It's back and I'm still in love with it! If you haven't tried it, YOU NEED TO!! It tastes like pumpkin pie! It's so good! I can't use enough words to describe it! I actually got it 2 days in a row over the weekend because I love it so much!

xoxo