Update + Collective Haul

Hello, beauties.

You may or may not have noticed that I've poofed from my blog for the past week or so. I don't have too great of an excuse other than being busy. I didn't really have the motivation to blog in the little free time I had. Also, I'm in a musical theater camp that started yesterday and will continue for the next three weeks. I'll be on as much as possible, but my posting may be a little sparse.

In the meantime, though, enjoy this collective haul from the past two weeks or so.

Products:

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup (Foundation) - $13.99 (Walmart had it for $10.97)

Bath & Body Works' Jungle Fruit Hand Sanitizer - $1.50

Set of 3 Spike Rings from Forever 21 - $2.80

Set of 3 Cute Rings from Forever 21 - $3.80

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous - $8.99

TRESemme Heat Tamer Spray - $4.99

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny - $5.24

Maybelline Baby Lips (Quenched, Peppermint, and Peach Kiss) - $3.99 (Walmart had them for $2.97)

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie - $7.49

Moral of the story? Everything is cheaper at Walmart!

If you want a review on any of these products, let me know in a comment! I now have all of the Maybelline Baby Lips flavors and I'm obsessed with the Revlon Kissable Balm Stain. :)

Blog ya later! xx

Have you heard about the Smoked palette?

Hello, beauties.

I get newsletter emails from urbandecay.com and the other day I got one that really peaked my interest. It was introducing the brand new Smoked Palette!

Colors (left to right):

Kinky, Freestyle, Mushroom, Backdoor, Blackout

Barlust, Rockstar, Evidence, Loaded, Asphalt

Now, I'm definitely someone who's drawn to more natural palettes, but walking around Sephora I always find myself swatching the brightest and most colorful eye shadows in the store. That's why a little part of me is super excited to see this palette on my next visit to Sephora or ULTA. I also adore the zip up style of the packaging. I can't think of a palette they've done that's looked like this one.

If I ever do purchase it, I doubt it will be in the near future. It's $50, just like the Naked and Naked2, so I'm not sure if it's worth the splurge. However, I'm sure many other people can't wait to get their hands on this little baby. The site is even claiming that it's "The Biggest Thing Since Naked!" That's a big claim to make!

Either way, Urban Decay isn't one to disappoint, so I'm sure the palette is fantastic and will gather a great response. I don't think much is going to beat the overwhelming love for Naked, but I'm glad to see them try.

Do you plan on purchasing Smoked? What's your favorite color in the palette? I'm really drawn to Evidence.

Blog ya later! xx

Trends of the Week: Maxi Dresses and Fringe

Hello, beauties.

I'm so terribly sorry that I didn't do a trend of the week last Thursday. It slipped my mind and I simply wasn't up for it by the time I realized I had forgotten. However, to make up for that, this week I bring you two trends of the week!

Trend One: Maxi Dresses and Maxi Skirts

My opinion on maxi dresses is probably a little different from the norm and I'll tell you why. I'm short! Okay, I'm not super short. But, as a girl of 5'3" I just don't feel like maxi anything is for me. But! Fear not, the opinion is not final! Just the other day I was being classy over at my local Target and spotted some cute, color blocked maxi dresses. They were comfy looking and pretty colors. It was as if they were calling my name. I didn't buy one, but I may go back and pick one up in the future.

I'm just a little iffy when it comes to maxi dresses. I do think they're cute, but on the right person. Taller girls look better in maxi's for obvious reasons. When you're shorter, like me, the maxi dress can make you look even more stumpy! I honestly think it can look a little silly if the wrong person wears one or someone has the wrong accessories.

(Source)

Above, Lauren Conrad is rocking an adorable blue and purple maxi dress. I think it looks great on her! The loose, effortless hair and plain sandals give that comfy, beachy vibe that I think is necessary to pull off a maxi. Extra fun fact: According to my friend Google, Lauren Conrad is 5'7". That's definitely the perfect height to rock a springy maxi dress.

Trend Two: Fringe

Coming straight out of the 80's, a trend that I simply adore, fringe! I'm more than excited the fringe is in. It's something that I really enjoy on an outfit or accessory. It has a way of making something interesting without making it too busy. Obviously, we're not going as far as acid wash fringed jeans, but fringed t-shirts and purses are something I'm really loving.

I own a black, fringed, Pink Flloyd shirt and I love wearing it. Fringe has the ability to give an outfit a kind of edginess that I think can totally make something bland, ten times more interesting.

What do you think of these trends? Do you own a maxi dress? Maybe some fringed t-shirts?

Blog ya later! xxx

OPI Spiderman Collection

Hello, beauties.

A few days ago, on a little ULTA adventure, I was browsing through the polishes. As per usual, I found a few I liked and ended up putting them back because I didn't need them that bad. The only single polish I bought was China Glaze Re-Fresh Mint. It's a gorgeous pale mint color. But, then I saw it. The $12.50 OPI Spiderman Collection Sample Pack. This I needed.

The sample pack comes with four samples in mini sizes. Side note; can someone explain to me why you wouldn't just buy sample packs? You get four polishes for the price of one and a half. Plus, no one ever really uses up a polish anyway! Okay, focus... Back to what I was saying. The pack comes with four polishes; Into The Night, Number One Nemesis, Just Spotted The Lizard, and Your Web or Mine?. The box is also soft of flashy, complete with Spiderman on the front.

I had previously checked out the colors online and Number One Nemesis was a stand out from the beginning. I don't understand why Your Web or Mine? is even in this collection. When I think Spiderman, I don't usually think shiny pink. Just Spotted the Lizard is an amazing duo chrome color with greens and yellows. According to other reviews, it's an exact dupe for Peridot by Chanel. Finally, Into The Night is a sparkly blue. This color is something I'm usually drawn to, but it's not unlike many other colors that have been popular lately. It wasn't really a stand out for me.
Overall, I think that everyone should go check it out though. For the price, the sample pack is definitely worth your while. You can find it at any ULTA store or online.

Have you tried OPI's Spiderman Collection? What was your favorite color?

Blog ya later! xx

Maybelline Baby Lips

Hello, beauties.

Over the last couple of days, I've become obsessed with the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms. I know I'm a little late to the party with this product, but it's better late than never. As of right now, I own three of them (Pink Punch, Cherry Me, and Grape Vine) and plan on purchasing all six in the near future. I'm especially excited to get one of the clear ones because I'm the type of person who will sit with a lip balm and mindlessly swipe it over my lips for an hour. If you weren't aware, four out of the six Baby Lips flavors are tinting. I find myself getting up from my laptop with bright pink lips. :P

(Image Source)
Featured: Pink Punch, Peppermint, Quenched

Once I get one or two more, I will do a review. I'm also considering doing a comparison of Baby Lips vs. the Revlon Lip Butters. So many people on these here interwebs have talked about each of these products, so I'm anxious to see if the Lip Butters can live up to the hype. I've never tried them. Just based upon first impressions, however, (and watching lots of review videos) I feel as though I'm still going to end up liking the Baby Lips slightly more. From what I understand they're more moisturizing than the butters, have SPF whereas the lip butters do not, and, although not as pigmented as the lip butters, they're very buildable. I can't wait to add a few more products to my makeup collection so I can do that review for you all.

What do you think of the products I've mentioned? Let me know!

Blog ya later! xx

Creative Gradient Nails

Hello, beauties.

Today, I wanted to show you a quick, cute idea I had for summer nails. Let's get started!

I like to call this gradient nails because essentially you're making a gradient across your nails. It's a great idea if you're someone who, like me, has tons of nail polishes and don't use all of them. First, you're going to want to choose two colors that are similar. I chose blue and green. This was especially easy for me because my favorite color is aqua/teal so I have a lot of polishes that shade. Next, pick out five different polishes that create a gradient from one color to the other. Finally, paint your nails and make sure to keep the colors in order. Add a top coat and you're done!

Enjoy this simple, easy nail and let me know if you try it out. :) Blog ya later! xx

P.S. I know I missed a trend of the week this week. I'll make up for it next Thursday! Make sure to check back for it. :)

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox 2012

Hello, beauties.

I'm super excited to make this post, so let's get right into it. If you don't know, Influenster is a free website that sends VoxBoxes (boxes containing samples of beauty and other products) to select members based upon how they influence others. You earn badges based upon your life and what you do. I was extremely happy to be selected for my first VoxBox, The Summer Beauty VoxBox for 2012.

I received my box this morning about an hour ago and opened it right away.

This box included the following products:

Hawaiian Tropic Sick Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30: $8.99 for 6oz. Bottle

I just got my box today, so obviously I haven't had a chance to try this out. I did however, smell it and put it on my skin. It says it has a "light, tropical fragrance" and that's how I would describe it. This product does a pretty good job of masking that heavy sunscreen smell. It also goes on extremely smooth. The fact that it has lotions mixed in makes it hydrating and it also eliminates a lot of the oily effect you get with other sunscreens. In stores, it comes in SPF 12, 30, and 50. Based on first impressions, I'd say I'm going to get a lot of use out of this sunscreen, especially since I'm as pale as a ghost. :P

Tampax and Always Radiant Collection: Prices vary per box

I'll have to wait a few weeks to really try out these products, if you catch my drift. But, I do love the cute, little bag that the products came in. I'll definitely be using it as a makeup bag to keep in my purse. The packaging of the feminine products is cute and twinkly. It comes with a sample of 1 pad, 2 tampons (one super and one regular), and 3 liners. I can't wait to try this 

Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread: $3.29 for package of bars

I opened up my voxbox shortly after I woke up, so I hadn't eaten breakfast yet. I opened this product before I opened any of the beauty products and tried it right away. It's small enough that you feel healthy, but large enough that it really filled me up. The bars only contain 140 calories and come in different flavors as well. I will definitely be buying more of these next time I go to the grocery store.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color: $9.99

I've seen this nail polish in stores recently and have definitely noticed the hype. When I found out there was one in the voxbox I was anxious to try it. The bottle I received is in 906 Ionic Indigo. The color reminds me of denim. After trying it out, I was sad to find that it hadn't worked well. I think you need to really get the hang of following the directions to get this polish to do it's job. It's meant to end up looking sort of like the image that you see around the top of the bottle. Maybe I'll get it to work in the future. Even still, I genuinely like the color of this polish and will probably still wear it as it. I don't know if I'd be willing to pay $10 retail for it though. I'm sort of up in the air with this one.

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Crème: $5.99 for full size bottle

Lately, my cuticles have been horrible, so this product was also intriguing for me. I applied it about 2 hours ago and I can still feel a difference in the softness of my hands. I'll need to use this product more to really decide my opinion on it, but right now I'm loving it. I also noticed the smell right away. It smells sort of fruity and I really, really enjoy it. As of right now, I give this product a thumbs up.

That's it for the products. I hope my reviews and reactions gave you some insight into the new things you're going to see popping up in stores. Once again, Influenster is completely free and totally fun. I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to get free things in the mail. I encourage you to go sign up right now! What're you waiting for?

Blog ya later! xx

FOTN: 4th of July Edition

Hello, beauties.

I hope you're all having a great American Independence Day! I've spent mine watching makeup organization videos..It's a boring life I lead. I decided to check in and do my first ever FOTD (well, night) for you all. I use a lot of drugstore brands because I'm a broke teenager, so prepare yourself. :P Also, in addition to what you see in these pictures, I'm wearing tiny blue diamond studs in my ears and blue and white bracelets.

FACE:

CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Concealer in Classic Ivory

CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers Foundation in 715 Natural Ivory

CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder in 105 Translucent Fair

Bonnebell Blend n' Glow Natural Blush Face Powder

Revlon Wet/Dry Shadow Duo in Cocoa Bean

CoverGirl Professional Eye Enhancers in Crushed Blueberries (under my lower lash line)

Wet n' Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner in 861 Black

CoverGirl Fantastic Lash (I believe this is discontinued. It's really old)

Wet n' Wild Red Lipstick in 906D (lightly)

Bonnebell Liquid Lip Smacker in Sugar Crystal

HAIR:

Simple Teased Pony Tail with a Blue Sequined Headband Wrapped Around It

Thick Red Stretch Headband

OUTFIT:

There's no point in telling you about my outfit, but I will anyway. I'm going super casual to be comfy at the fireworks, with a red and white t-shirt and white shorts.

Alright, I think that's all! And just in time, I'm leaving for the fireworks right now. Everyone have a wonderful night!

Blog ya later! xx

P.S. After tonight, I can cross "watch fireworks" off of my Summer Bucket List!

Bucket List Accomplishments

Hello, beauties.

I haven't mentioned it in a while, so I figured I would bring you up to speed on the most recent bullets that I've crossed off my Summer 2012 Bucket List!

Number 45. Go Boating. A week or two ago, a group of friends and I went out on the lake. My friend Amanda has a boat and we spent the day soaking up the sun. Now, I'm the first to point out how un-outdoorsy I am, but even I had a good time. And I didn't get burned! When you're as pale as I am that is a huge accomplishment. Some of the group went out on the jet skis. Being a wimp, I stayed on the boat and had a good time taking pictures of the adventure.

Number 41. Go to a midnight movie showing. On June 22nd, I went to see the new Disney Pixar movie, Brave. Being a crazy Disney fanatic, I love love loved the movie. I thought it was amazing and interesting, seeing as it was unlike anything Pixar's ever done. If you haven't, I recommend you go see it as soon as you can. If ye' had the chance to change yer fate, would'ya?

Number 15. Go to a Carnival. and Number 16. Get a temporary tattoo. Every year, the town I live in throws a 4th of July carnival and for the past four years a group of my closest friends and I make an outing out of it. It's extremely fun and just what you'd picture for a carnival in an Ohio suburb. For over six years, I've gotten an airbrush tattoo each time I went. It's become a tradition. Here's what I got. So cute, right?

(Told ya I was a crazy Disney freak! :P)

I hope this didn't bore you too terribly! Come back Thursday for this week's trend of the week and have an awesome 4th of July (Americans..). If you're not American, have an awesome Wednesday!

Blog ya later! x

Scissor Happy

Hey, beauties.

Lately, I've been super into cutting t-shirts and making my own creations. It's a super fun thing to do in the summer and an easy way to create summer-wear yourself. I was inspired by a few DIY videos I saw on YouTube. I'll link those videos HERE and HERE. Seeing as I've been crazy busy the past couple of days, this will be a short post. But, I wanted to know if you would be interested in seeing my shirts? Maybe a more in depth description and some tips I've learned through creating them myself. Let me know down below!


Blog ya later! xx