Saturday, August 31, 2013

Back to School Drugstore Makeup Kit


Whether you're going back to school, work or just looking for affordable, everyday makeup, I'm hoping you'll find something you like in this makeup kit! In choosing what to include, I picked out neutral, versatile products that could be worn every day and look good on just about anyone. 

Also, thank you so much for 500+ subscribers on my YouTube channel!

FACE
 Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation 
 Revlon Colorstay Foundation 
 Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
 Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
 Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen
 NYC "Sunny" Bronzer
 Rimmel Blush in "Pink Sorbet"
 NYX Blush in "Peach"
e.l.f Kabuki Face Brush

EYES
 Covergirl Shimmering Sands Eyeshadow Palette
 Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette
 Maybelline 24hr Color Tatto in "Bad to the Bronze"
 L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in "Carbon Black"
 NYC Liquid Eyeliner in "Black"
 Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara
 Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express
 NYX HD Eyeshadow Base
 NYC Browser Brush-On Brow Kit

LIPS
 Revlon Lip Butter in "Pink Lemonade" and "Sugar Frosting"
 Maybelline Color Whisper in "Petal Rebel"
 NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in "Beige"

What drugstore products are in YOUR Back to School Makeup Kit?

Sunday Social: Summer


1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?
Definitely going to San Diego and Los Angeles. I can't wait to move to California!

2. What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer?
Crop tops! Especially paired with maxi skirts or matching skirts.

3. What is one thing you wish you’d gotten to do this summer?
Travel more :(

4. What was your favorite song of the summer?
I've been a little bit out of the music scene this summer, but I've really liked Macklemore's "Thift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us".

5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer?
Movie was probably Star Trek Into Darkness and show Bates Motel.

What were your summer favorites?

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Feel Unique Sale

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - £9.78 and Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm - £7.60 both in the sale.


Here are my picks from the Feel Unique sale, I also had a Korres lip butter, Aromatherapy Associates oil and The Balm Mary lou manizer luminizer in my basket but resisted in spending too much and ended up just getting these two! I've wanted both of these for ages now but couldn't justify buying them before. 
Both Caudalie Beauty Elixir and Nuxe Rev de Miel have been highly raved about in the blogger world so I'm really excited to try them, I've read mixed reviews about the smell of them both but I'm pretty in love already.

On another note - I've been a bad blogger. Work/Life has taken over the past month and I always seem to go through a slump in energy in Summer and so haven't blogged as much recently. But I've taken a lot of photos and I've done a few make up looks and so hopefully I will be back to normal posting again now :).

(I also cannot wait for Autumn/Winter - Especially candles, fairy lights, hot chocolate and fluffy socks!)

xx

Monday, August 26, 2013

TAG: I Heart Summer!


The Questions:

1. Favorite bronzer for summer?
My go-to everyday bronzer is my NYC "Sunny" Bronzer (which I've actually hit pan on), but for more special occasions, I still use my trusty NARS "Laguna" Bronzer.

2. You're relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on? (Favorite summer drink)
I've been all about fresh fruit in my drinks this summer so probably some freshly made strawberry lemonade or some kind of frozen cocktail.

3. Favorite summer lip product?
I've been loving very moisturizing and bold colors for summers. Some of my favorite products have been the Revlon Lip Butters, Maybelline Color Whispers, and Maybelline Vivids.

4. Pool or Beach?
A couple years ago I probably would have said beach because I liked the privacy, but I now I have to say beach. Living in New York, it's something I realized I took for granted in Florida and really miss it. I'm not the biggest fan of sand but nothing's better than a nice beach breeze. Sadly, I haven't been to either all summer but I'm hoping to change that on my return trip to LA in a week.

5. Summer = crazy hair! What's your must-have styling product?
The Wet Brush for easily and painlessly getting rid of my tangles and Batiste Dry Shampoo for those days when I'm just too busy to wash my hair.

6. Sun bathing or fake tan?
Haven't had time this summer to do either so I've been embracing my pale skin haha. Definitely would have to go with fake though!

7. Favorite summer nail polish?
Essie's In the Cabana BY FAR! I've been absolutely obsessed with this color all summer!

8. Any summer traditions?
The only one I can think of San Diego Comic Con with my family in July! It started as a high school graduation present and now we've been going for seven years!

9. Favorite summer scent?
Marc Jacobs' Daisy! First off, how cute is the bottle? It reminds me more of summer than spring, but I still love it anyway. The scent is very light, floral and girly and is great for everyday wear.

10. Favorite BBQ food?
I LOVE BBQ!! You can't go wrong with pulled pork and baked beans - yumm.

11. What's your favorite summer-proof product?
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - I am so impressed with how this stuff keeps my makeup on all day and night! So great for those hot, sweaty summer days when your makeup just want to melt off your face!

12. Any summer vacation plans this year? No plans? Tell us about your dream summer trip!
My big summer vacation plan was Comic Con in July, but I'm super excited about going back to Los Angeles in a week! Along with being reunited with my dad and sister, I'm planning on hitting up some beaches, going to Six Flags for the first time, and maybe doing a little bit of shopping!

Have you done the I Heart Summer Tag?


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

August 2013 Ipsy Bag


It's August so you know what that means! Everyone is getting ready to go "Back to School" including this month's Ipsy bag. The theme is Glamour Academy which Ipsy claims is "full of beauty essentials that are perfect for stashing in your school bag or when you're prepping for your next big party." Well, let's check it out.


This month's bag is pretty standard especially after last month's cylinder vinyl bag. It's a purple color with gold "Ipsy Glamour Academy" crests printed all over it. Usually I hate it when companies plaster their logo all over a product but here it works with the theme and I think it's actually a cute design with the various makeup products in the coat of arms (I think that's the right term) design. As with past bags, the outside of the bag is made with a satin-like material and the lining at the top is a reinforcing vinyl strip.


In the Bag:

Noya Cherry Lip Balm - I'm not a big cherry lip balm fan, but I'm definitely intrigued by this product - especially because it's made of all-natural ingredients (Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, etc) and preservative-free. It also has a very nice scent that I'm sure if I liked the smell of cherries more I would be all over. Finally, while the box with its water splashes make it look extra refreshing, I can't help but think it's a bit unnecessary and waste of resources. Receive 20% off any purchase at noyabeauty.com with code: IPSTER.

Pixi Beauty Lash Booster Mascara in Blacket Black - Gave this mascara a try and while it certainly didn't "boost" my lashes or give much volume like I was expecting, it didn't clump and gave a very natural "my lashes but better (and darker)" look. Receive 20% off any purchase at pixibeauty.com with code: PIXI+IPSY.

Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Pencil - I have only used powder on my brows, but have been considering buying a pencil so I was very happy to see this in my bag. My brows are VERY dark and this was a bit lighter but actually blended pretty well to give a natural look. The formula is very smooth and creamy and the mechanical design ensures an always defined tip. Also, while I'm not used to seeing such a skinny brow pencil, I do love the size - makes it very easy to handle and create precise brows. Receive 20% off any purchase at chella.com with code: BROWPENCIL.

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream - I've been getting a lot of Pacifica in my bags recently, but I don't really mind because so far I've liked everything I've received. This BB Cream claims to have "specialized mineral pigments that instantly adjust to your skin shade" - well, it's not instant, but with some good blending it eventually does. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and with a natural and dewey look, but there's VERY light coverage and it leaves a little bit too much shimmer for my liking. Would have been nice if it came in a slightly bigger tube (I'll probably only get 2-3 uses out of this) and included SPF as well. Receive 20% off any purchase at pacificaperfume.com with code: IPSY20.

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub - I've been wanting to get my hands on some Michael Todd Skincare products so I was probably most excited about this product. I've heard people say Michael Todd products are the best thing since sliced bread and also that they're overhyped and not all they're cracked up to be. Who's right? Well, I haven't tried this out yet because I'm saving this for my second California trip in two weeks, but I'll definitely let you all know. What I can say is that it's a decent sample size, has no overpowering fragrance, and claims to gently exfoliate, remove impurities, and leave skin feeling fresh and smooth. We shall see... Receive 30% off any purchase at michaeltoddtrueorganics.com with code: AUGIPSY.




What did you get in your bag?

Thursday, August 15, 2013

July Favorites!


Another month has come and gone and I gotta say July was pretty awesome, and I am sad to see it go...if I could repeat it, I definitely would...but on to the future and August! For this month's Favorites video, I decided to spotlight 10 things that I've been loving in July!

1. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes 
I love these wipes! They are made for people with sensitive skin but can be used for all skin types. They are soft, moisturizing (it contains Pro-Vitamin B5 and won't dry out skin or feel greasy) and always leave my skin leaving clean. Plus,  there's no artificial perfume (although it does smell very nice), dyes, oil, or alcohol in it so it won't irritate your skin. Also, it is very good at removing waterproof makeup! My favorite part is probably how they stay wet as you remove your makeup - I've used so many facial wipes that tend to "dry out" as I use it and then I have to wet it with some water to finish removing my makeup.

2. Olay Complete Moisturizer with SPF 15
After washing my face and before applying makeup, I've been using this all month. It applies very easily and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and smooth and not greasy at all. Plus, it has SPF 15 to protect my skin on those sunny days. There's a subtle scent that some say is very sunscreen-y but it doesn't bother me at all. It might seem a little thick at first when you squeeze it out of the bottle but it smooths out nicely on your skin. There's also a SPF 30 version if you want more sun protection.

3. Benefit Coralista Blush
I believe I have found my perfect summer blush! I love this - it's a super pretty coral pink blush color with just a subtle enough shimmer to it that it gives you the look of having the perfect summer glow. The brush it comes with isn't really the best for blush but makes for great contouring. It's a little sheer but I think that makes it great for everyday wear although I would probably recommend it then to those with light to medium skin tones. I also love that it has a very light rosy floral scent and the packaging is adorable too.

4. Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Fuschia Flash
I have been in love with the Vivids line this summer! The colors are just so bold and absolutely true to color. I'm actually shocked at how super pigmented these lipsticks are. They are also very longlasting - after the initial glossiness fades, it leaves a nice stain that stays on for hours. They are very moisturizing when you first apply and will eventually dry out a bit - when that happens I just put some gloss or a Lip Butter on top. There's a bit of a light scent - much more pleasant than the usual lipstick smell. This particular color is a beautiful fuschia color that I've been pairing with a lot of neons lately (it looks fantastic with orange) and I think is just perfect for summer. A lot of people say it's a dupe for MAC's Candy Yum Yum. The ONLY negative thing I have to say about this line is the packaging. While I like the clear red boxy tube, I wish they weren't ALL the same and actually showed what color the lipstick was - much like the Revlon Lip Butters. 

5. Revlon Lip Butter in Sorbet
Speaking of which...everyone knows I LOVEE my Revlon Lip Butters so I won't go on raving about them too much here but this particular shade (which was 1 out of 4 new shades to come out this summer) is one that I've been pairing with my Vivids Fuschia Flash lipstick a lot. It's definitely one of the more pigmented lip butters and can certainly be worn on its own. Amazing for summer.

6. The Wet Brush
The search for the perfect brush has ended! I have very long hair that tangles easily and this brush is the answer to my prayers. It's super painless and quick. I use it during the shower, after, as a I blow dry and even when my hair is dry and just needs a good de-tangleing. It's only $9 on Amazon which is definitely worth it. It comes in a variety of colors, but you don't get to choose what you get. I got purple, but I'd still love this brush no matter what color it was.


7. Brandy Melville [Store]
I visited this store for this first time while in LA and am now obsessed. The store is one size fits all (I was so confused when I first walked in and couldn't find the size on anything haha) - although it's more like one size fits all petite girls - but as a petite girl myself who has a really difficult time finding clothes that fit me at most stores, this place was heaven. The clothes are super cute and comfy - the materials are seriously amazing. The style is very young, laid back Cali trendy. I'm in love with their accessories which are super affordable and their maxi skirts...oh my goodness, I probably bought every one of their maxi skirts I love them so much. The only downside is their horrible customer service =/ I've been to two stores now, and while no one's ever been rude to me, the girls are very unhelpful and all appear so...sullen? Just smile!

8. This Is the End [Movie]
I haven't seen very many movies this summer, but I really wanted to see this one and got the chance to see it in LA. It's about the apocolapyse that comes along during a party at James Franco's house. One of the two directors in Seth Rogan who stars in it along with Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, and Craig Robinson (there's also a TON of celebrity cameos) who all play fictionalized, over-the-top versions of themselves which I thought was genius. I can be a little picky when it comes to comedies as I am not a fan of gross out or crude humor, but I actually found myself laughing out loud in this one. I found it to be super entaining, dare I say smart, self depreciating, truly funny and outrageous, and without giving anything away, I love how it's not just an apocalypse film but actually fits in several genres and you honestly have no idea what is going to happen next. A great piece of satire (which is actually my favorite kind of comedy).

9. Bates Motel [TV Show]
One of my newest favorites shows! It is a modern prequel to Hitchcock's Psycho (one of my all-time favorite movies) that takes place in a little town in Oregon that is a lot more than it seems - very Twins Peak-esque. It follows the story of Norman Bates played by a grown up Freddie Highmore (remember him as Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?), and his mom Norma played by Vera Farmiga. The cast and acting are top notch and there's a great team behind the scenes as well including former Lost producer Carlton Cuse. It's intriguing, smart, and well-paced. I can't wait for the second season!

10. 615carebear aka Carrie [Person]
I discovered this lovely girl not too long ago and just fell in love with her. Upon watching her first video, I honestly felt like we could be very good friends. She's gorgeous, super down to earth, funny, relatable, and the sweetest, nicest person ever. She's also very well spoken and very consistent with her videos unlike myself haha - I'm working on it, I promise!  She does a wide variety of videos - Favorites, Tags, Hauls, Empties, DIYs, Reviews, and as of this week she just posted her first Get Ready With Me video (watch below!). This girl's killing it, and I wish her all the best on Youtube and life, and I feel so lucky to be able to call her my friend - love you, Carrie! <3 Be sure to check out her channel and subscribe HERE.


What did you love in July?

Friday, August 9, 2013

3 Minute Makeup Challenge

I was tagged to do the 3 Minute Makeup Challenge by my YouTube sister, Carrie aka 615carebear
The rules are simple: do your makeup in three minutes!

I couldn't believe how quickly time passed! I felt like I was making pretty good time, but the liquid eyeliner was definitely something I couldn't rush. If I had a little more time, I would have done my brows and set my eyeliner with black shadow but, otherwise, I did everything I wanted to do and was happy with the outcome!

To see the challenge and results, check out the video and pictures below!



PRODUCTS USED
- Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation
- Bobbi Brown Corrector
- Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen
- Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
- Benefit Coralista Blush
- L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black
- Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in Shocking Coral
- Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme


Have you tried this challenge? Can you do your makeup in 3 minutes?

Friday, August 2, 2013

July 2013 Ipsy/Myglam Bag


Whoo! Perfect timing! I received my July Ipsy bag right before I left for my California trip which means these photos and video were from beautiful San Diego! The theme for the month was Beach Beauty which couldn't be more appropriate as I did hit up a couple beaches during my stay in Los Angeles. Overall, I really liked the variety of products in the bag and how well it worked with the theme!

The cylinder-shaped bag was a clear hot pink vinyl - very different from bags of the past! It definitely feels very summery and would be perfect to throw in your beach bag! Since it's vinyl, you don't have to worry about getting it wet and it's easy to clean off makeup stains.

In the Bag:

Healthy SexyHair Soy Renewal Beach Spray - I love this brand, and a spray that can condition and give me textured beach waves is a win in my book. It also smells really nice and is the perfect travel size for future trips.

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Fuchsia Flirt - Loved this. I love how it feels and it's super pigmented. I'm also so glad I got this color as I've been on a fuchsia kick recently haha.

Nailtini Nail Polish in Mai Tai - Another polish from Nailtini! I prefer this one over the last one I received since I'm not a huge fan of sparkly polishes, but I do love summer colors, especially coral.

Coola Mineral Sunscreen - This is a nice little tinted moisturizer/sunscreen with SPF20. The tube size is a little small and will probably only last me a couple uses. Ipsy must know I love scented products because while I've seen a couple people get the unscented version, mine was scented "Rose Essence." The fragrance is very light and doesn't completely cover up the sunscreen smell, but it's pleasant nonetheless.

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Palette - I found it funny that I just happened to get a "California" themed palette while I was visiting the state. All three colors looked really nice, but once swatched, I was very disappointed with the purple "Hollywood" shadow. It wasn't nearly as dark and rich as I was hoping which is a pity because it was the one I was most excited about. "San Francisco" was quite nice, but my favorite of the trio was "Malibu" which was almost the most pigmented.




What beach products did you get in your bag?