I'm so excited to have reached 200 followers on bloglovin'! To thank you guys, I have decided to host another giveaway. I am giving away a $50 prepaid gift card to use on whatever you'd like!
This is an international giveaway and will end April 6th. Just enter through the rafflecopter!
I've been under so much stress for the past month. I have started a new job and it is taking up a lot of my time, with a learning curve. I am always extremely busy. When I am not working, I am spending time with my family and friends. The busy-ness has caused several extreme breakouts in the past month. I have been depending on the Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel. It is absolutely amazing - the best I've ever used! It runs for about $15 at Origins stores and counters.
I've used several acne treatments that dry out my skin and sting upon application. This one does not! I use a very little bit on every blemish I have and in a couple of days the blemish disappears. It does sting a bit when you first put it on, but that is because salicylic acid is the main ingredient. I have used other acne treatments that have the same ingredients, yet for some reason, sting a whole lot more. The gel doesn't leave a sticky residue. It dries immediately, as it is absorbed into the skin.
I am not one to get terrible acne breakouts (unless I am stressed), but this has been part of my skincare routine for the last month. I use it on any new blemish I get and it will make it go away instantly.
10/10 I absolutely recommend this stuff. Especially for the price, this stuff is absolutely worth it!
I have done some extensive research on foods that are good for your skin and came up with the following recipes based on that.
****Warning: Please test out recipes on a small area of skin. If redness or itchiness occur, please rinse off immediately and contact your health care professional.****
1. Banana Face Mask
INGREDIENTS:
-1 banana
-2 tablespoons honey
-1 tablespoon of cinnamon
-1 tablespoon of nutmeg
Mix all of the ingredients and leave on the face until dry. Rinse off with cold water.
Banana's have many vitamins that are used for anti-aging products. Honey acts as another anti-aging, complexion boosting agent, as well as helping with opening pores and acne. Cinnamon and Nutmeg prevents bacteria and heals wounds, which would be great for acne prone skin.
For your viewing pleasure....
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers reduce puffiness in the eyes. All you have to do is cut two fairly thick slices and leave them over your eyes for a bit. I find it's best to take a nap with them on. Do not exceed more than 30 minutes with them on, as redness may occur.
3. Green Tea Bags
Green Tea reduces dark circles and puffiness in the eyes as well. It is not bad to combine the cucumbers and alternate them with the green tea bags.
Just boil two bags green tea (drinking the tea is optional), then put the bags in the freezer for 30 minutes. Place them over eyes before a night out to reduce puffiness and dark circles and cold, good feeling will do wonders for your complexion.
4. Oatmeal Face Scrub
INGREDIENTS:
-Two tablespoons of the oatmeal of your choice (blending better)
-1 tablespoon of honey
-brown sugar (as much as you need for the texture you'd like)
Mix all ingredients
Oatmeal is great for acne/general skin problems and this scrub will be great for any complexion.
5. Lemon Body Scrub
INGREDIENTS:
-Half a lemon
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-sea salt (as much as needed to make it feel scrub-like)
Mix all ingredients and scrub all over dry areas.
Lemons act like a toner and will even out your complexion.
****DO NOT OVERDO THE LEMON, AS APPLYING TOO MUCH MAY CAUSE BLEACHING OF THE SKIN****
6. APPLE VINEGAR FOOT SOAK
(no pictures)
INGREDIENTS:
-1 part apple vinegar
-2 parts water
Mix ingredients and soak for 30 minutes for hydrating new-like feet. Don't worry about the smell, as it will do wonders for cracked, rough, smelly feet
7. Vanilla Lip Scrub
INGREDIENTS:
-2 parts sugar
-1 part olive oil
-vanilla extract to taste
This scrub will get rid of rough, dead skin on and around the lips. No one wants chapped lips where you can see the lines under your lip color, so this scrub is perfect!
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Please support my YouTube channel and check out my Winter Skin Care Part 1 and 2. In part 1, I talk about my winter skincare must-haves that are store bought, and part 2 is the video version of this post.
My birthday is next Thursday, 23 January. I wasn't really excited...because who really wants to turn a year older? Then, I realized that it's my golden birthday! You know, the age you turn is same as your actual birth day? I'm turning 23, so it's my golden birthday! My boyfriend has plans to take me somewhere and I'm sure I will celebrate with my family.
As a beauty addict, I decided to compile a list of things I want. My family usually asks me what I want anyway, so I made it easier for them.
To me, BB cream is an absolutely must and I've been dying to try a new one; the Clinique Age Defense BB Cream. Geez, way to tell me I'm old, Clinique. HAHA, no. In all seriousness, I don't look as old as I am. I've been told many times that I look like I'm 18 years old. Anyway, this BB cream supposedly evens out skin tones and takes away red spots and blotchiness.
I'm been lusting over this particular shade of lipstick for quite some time now. The YSL Lipstick in 011 Rose Culte. I think it would look nice and festive for any birthday festivity I partake in.
I now have the MAC Rebel lipstick and lipglass, so why not match it with the MAC Rebel Nail Lacquer?
I am still trying to buy the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. Every time I got to stores, they are sold out! It's ridiculous! Hopefully someone can get this for me for my birthday!
You may be wondering why I have jeans on my birthday wishlist. Well, these jeans are very special and extremely expensive - the Express Stella Low Rise Jean Legging. They are the best quality jeans I have ever owned (not really legging-like, just thin jean material) and I only have one pair. I want the same exact jeans in a lighter color. I love them so much.
I have a MAC double-sided pro palette. I only have one side of eyeshadows (not even filled yet), so I was thinking the other day about how I'd like to fill the other side with MAC pro palette refill blushes. So for my birthday, I'd like the blush insert pan with the blushes "Blush Baby" and "Well Dressed."
The biggest item on my list is the Michael Kors Petite Rose Golden Stainless Steel Lexington Three-Hand Watch. I fell in love with this watch as soon as I saw it. It is gorgeous and I have never owned a Michael Kors watch before. What a perfect thing to want for my golden birthday, a Michael Kors rose golden watch? haha!
I am looking forward to my birthday now, as I think it will be a lot of fun to celebrate with family and friends!
This is just a really short video, showing everyone my favorite winter lipsticks. These are lipsticks that I have worn from October-February and I love them a lot!
I hope you enjoy and if you do, don't forget to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe!
I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by the lovely Melissa at itsmelblog! For the Liebster award, you must:
Mention the person who nominated you with a link to their blog,
Answer their 11 questions
Nominate 11 other bloggers with small following (fewer than 200 followers)
Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer on their blog.
Here are the questions she asked by Melissa:
1. What is your must have beauty cosmetic that you cannot go without?
If I had to choose one, I'd say eyeliner. My look isn't complete without some sort of eyeliner right by my lash line. The reason I didn't choose mascara is because my lashes are so full without it and I don't really need it. I was traveling this past week, and the other day my liquid liner ran out and didn't have an extra liner (like I would I home). I had to go to the store and buy a new one. I just can't go on without eyeliner.
2. What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
As cliche as it sounds, blog. I really enjoy blogging, whether it's here or on tumblr. It's basically the only thing I do on my spare time.
3. Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a dog, two cats and 3 tanks of fish. One tank has guppies, another tank is a smaller one that has a partition with two betta fish (they're separated) and the last tank has a bunch of tropical cichilds.
4. What do you want to be when you're older?
Seeing as how I'm nearly 23 years old, I am already older. I am a public school music teacher and I love every single day of it.
5. What is your favourite topic to blog about?
I really enjoy blogging about anything beauty. Makeup, hair, or even fashion. Whether it is here or on tumblr, I love blogging about beauty and fashion.
6. Got anything special/exciting happening this year?
I'm really just hoping to travel a whole lot. I'm just excited to see what this year brings.
7. How did 2013 treat you?
It was absolutely amazing, despite a few crazy things in the last few months of the year. I graduated college, got a job, I realized that I chose the right career, I made a bunch of friends, and I became closer with a bunch of my family members.
8. Did you have a nice Christmas and New Year?
My celebrations for Christmas and New Year were absolutely enjoyable with my amazing family and friends. My entire winter break was phenomenal.
9. Mineral or liquid foundation?
Liquid all the way. It usually has more coverage and you can blend it well with a brush. You can use powder to set it in as well and it'll look great as long as you use a foundation that works for your skin type.
10. What skincare do you use and how often a day do you use it?
I have a skincare routine that I use everyday (day and night). I was actually planning to do a post and video on my current skincare routine. Usually I'll just wash my face, use toner, moisturizer, and eye cream. At night, I'll do the same thing but I'll use makeup remover oil and face wash before washing my face with my normal face wash and then following with the rest of the routine.
11. (Linked with question 10) Does it work for you and would you recommend it? What skin type is it for?
I have combination to normal skin and have some dry/red spots and an oily nose. It is the most complication skin type to have. For the most part, it looks okay, but at times, I really need to up the layers of concealer and foundation. I need to perfect my skincare routine. I don't really like the moisturizer I use.
I know that I am late on this and that everyone and their mother has been using these since they came out last year, but I have to do a review on this! I am so impressed by these and haven't stopped using them since I bought them a couple of months ago.
I usually try to wait a while before writing a review on products. I like to see how my skin reacts to different things; the time of months, different BB creams, different powders - just general, different scenarios throughout time, to figure out exactly what I want to say about the products.
I bought the NARS Creamy concealer in Light 2, Vanilla.
I bought the NARS Sheerglow Foundation in Light 1, Siberia. I will tell you why I bought two different colors in this post.
I bought the concealer at Sephora. I tried this color on in the store. What I really love about the brand NARS, is that there are a wide variety of color options. At the time, I thought I would be the fairest color out of all of them, but when I tried it on in the store, I hated the way it looked on me. I felt like it accented my blemishes and dark under eye circles, instead of covered them. The sales lady suggest I try on Light 2, Vanilla and it worked marvelously.
This is my before/during picture to show you how it looks without anything on and what areas need covering with concealer.
This picture was take after the concealer was blended well. It states that the concealer is "a creamy concealers with hydrating, multiaction skincare benefits and light diffusing technology to create a softer, smoother complexion." It is as it is named - creamy, which is why I was skeptical at first. How could this work for someone that has dry skin if it is creamy? I was scared that it wouldn't blend well and make my dry patches look even drier....but it didn't! It is an absolute miracle, as it is hydrating and not drying. Thin concealers don't work well at covering anything, which is why this concealer is a Godsend. As you can see, it covered my blemishes and red spots quite well. I am still not very happy about my dark under eye circles. I certainly think that this concealer works for red spots, but I am still on the hunt for one that works even better for under the eyes. It takes a lot to blend it well, but when it is really blended, it looks amazing. There are days where I put this under a BB cream and that's all I need for face makeup. It lasts a long time - it keeps my blemishes and red spots hidden all day. I definitely agree that it does create a soft and smooth complexion.
Bottom line
Coverage:
I found this to be light coverage for it being a concealer, but if BB cream is added, it can be made into a medium coverage.
Finish:
The finish is satin, but it can change as you add things over it.
Lastingness:
It lasts pretty much all day. There are days when it comes off if I have touched my face too much. It also depends on the primer used.
Worth it?
Definitely! It covers red spots and blemishes and does help the under eye circles somewhat. It is the best concealer I have ever used.
I also bought this at Sephoraand it runs for about $44. My face is a lot more rosy than this color, but I just loved the way it looked when I tried it on in the store, but I may buy Mont Blanc, the lightest color, the next time I get it.
This picture was taken after the foundation was blended well. It states that it is "a glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage." For the most part, I would have to agree. It is not as creamy as the concealer, but not too liquidy. You can tell by feeling it that it can give you a nice medium coverage, but you can build it as thick as you want, by adding more layers, therefore it is buildable. It is difficult to blend - I use my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to blend and it works extremely well. The final finish, I'd say is extremely satin, depending on your skin type. My combination skin can be dry in the cheeks and oily in the noise, but the foundation works really well throughout my face. My friend, who has oily skin did not like this foundation because it made her face look even more oily than it already was. Again, this foundation is not for everyone.
Personally, I really like the contrast between the Light 2 concealer and Light 1 foundation.
Bottom line
Coverage:
It starts off as medium, but you can build it to maximum coverage by adding more layers and blending well.
Finish:
The finish is satin for combination-dry skin, but it is too oily for oily skin.
Lastingness:
I found that it lasted the entire day, more so than the concealer.
Worth it?
Absolutely! No other foundation will do the same things! I absolutely recommend it. For oily skin, try the NARS Sheer Matte Foundation.
Final makeup look.
This picture was taken at the end of the day. I didn't do much that day but, as you can see, the concealer and foundation did last pretty much the entire day.
I've decided to start a "Sunday Chatter" series on my blog for as long as it wants to run. It'll basically be a kind of diary post full of what has happened throughout the previous two weeks. I don't really want it to be done weekly, as my weeks can be boring at times. I want there to be enough juice to fill you guys in on.
Firstly, let's start with the New Year. I got to spend it with my boyfriend and his family, as I have stated in a previous post. It was lovely! His mother thought we were crazy for running around the house with suitcases when the clock struck midnight. There is myth that it brings good luck for future travels for the year and I need them as much as I can, as I want to be really well traveled.
In trying to be positive, I have turned to blogging again. I have schedule posts for weeks now. I also enjoy my morning makeup routine and, in turn, feel the need to take 'selfies' in order to show off my makeup look.
For the start of this year, I wanted to be inspirational, so I decided to look up hopeful quotes that will get me through these tough times. One of them has been mentioned in an earlier post. The picture full of a list of numbers above, is also very inspirational. I have decided that that is how I would like to live my life from now on.
I spent several of the evenings of my winter break watching Harry Potter movies with my nieces. They are so entertaining and I love that the girls are starting to get into them. I want to reread them, but I have a long list of new books that I'd like to get through first.
Last Friday, I spent the day with my boyfriend. We had lunch at a delicious sushi place "Sushi Joe" by the airport. We then, hung out at the mall for the rest of day. It was a lovely relaxing day.
I spent the day at my boyfriends house last Saturday. His sister was in town from central Florida and we rarely get to see her. It was so much fun hanging out with her and starting to plan her wedding (I'm a bridesmaid!). The wedding will take place in late October of this year and her theme is Tiffany blue, black and white. I think it's going to be such a classy wedding!
Last week, I started my YouTube Channel. I am very excited to start uploading more frequent videos! I want to do anything from makeup tutorials to vlogs and lifestyle videos with DIY videos mixed in there too. I'm so excited! You can find it here. Please support my new channel!
The BCS National Championship football game was last Monday. It was so thrilling that my University played....AND WON! It was such a nail biting game and we really won in the last few minutes. Auburn played really well and really deserved to be there, but I am SOOO glad we won! I lost my voice after that game! I only wish I was in Tallahassee for all of celebrations that probably occurred after that game! GO NOLES!!
I was in Tampa Tuesday through Saturday for a Florida Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference. I learned so much from that and I also got to see people from my University that I haven't seen in months. I got to spend much needed time with my best friend, who I stayed with along with my other best friend. It was a lot of fun!
I've finally gotten around to this post! Sorry that it has taken so long, I have been celebrating the holiday quite a bit. I am very fortunate to have such a loving family to give me all of these things. I know I will be enjoying them as much as anyone would.
One of my aunts got me the Bare Minerals Go for the Glow set. Somehow two boxes got mixed up into one (I remember opening two boxes on Christmas Day), but I only have one filled with things that don't belong in there. I'm assuming the other box was just he original basic Bare Minerals set that came with powder foundation and mineral veil. The other kit was a highlighting kit. Now I have tried these kits before and I wasn't extremely fond of them, but I will give them a chance again, having been given this as a gift, and of course, having more knowledge about makeup.
The lipglosses that came with in the kits look great! They are not sticky and are extremely pigmented and I love the colors.
Prime Time also looks good. It's not too thick and also isn't sticky. I can't wait to continue trying it.
I already have this brush from the first kit I owned. I wasn't too fond it then, but I will try them both and see how I like it this time.
The mascara seems amazing because it's hypo allergenic, which I need and the wand looks like it's great quality. I have tried it out and it makes my lashes voluminous.
If I really like these kits, I will do a detailed review.
In my stocking, I had two liners and a cute eye shadow palette.
There was also a Sinful Colors nail polish but I forgot to take a picture of it. :(
I love Jordana pencils because they are so affordable (perfect stocking fillers) and they are pigmented and last a long time. I love that I got a blue eye liner, so that it could be an accent, maybe on the bottom lashes. The very neutral lip pencil will go with my everyday lipstick, which is also a neutral color.
The eyeshadow palette is the Revlon Photo Ready pallete in #540.
Again, the colors are really pigmented and aren't your everyday colors. I will definitely do some eyeshadow outfit matching with this palette. I love it!
One of my other aunts got me the Real Techniques Core Collection set. It comes with contour brush, Pointed foundation brush, detailer brush and buffing brush.
The buffing brush has been perfect for blending powder into the foundation.
I have been using the detailer brush for concealing red spots and blemishes.
I don't really like foundation brushes at all, but I'm hoping to give the pointed foundationbrush a chance in the near future. I have been using the expert face brush, which I already own for foundation.
I actually prefer to use the contour brush for highlighting. The MAC 168 brush is perfect for contouring and together, these make the perfect duo.
The case that the Core Collection came with is not the best quality, but it is perfect for travel.
I went to the mall and bought some things for myself for Christmas. Everyone is entitled to it! I bought myself the Naked 2 palette (I only own the original Naked palette), and as you know from my previous post, the MAC natural mineralize skin finish and a dual-sidedMAC pro palette.
The Naked 2 palette is amazing as you all know. I love the taupe-ish neutral colors. I have already created some looks with this palette, so stayed tuned for that.
The mineralize skin finish (which fell on the floor and broke shortly after this photo *cries*) is also amazing. It is the perfect setting powder for any foundation. I love it and it was worth it. I am going to repurchase one that is whole very soon.
I absolutely love my MAC pro palette. The colors I have so far are:
Left to right: Sketch, Woodwinked, Espresso, and All that Glitters.
I am looking forward to filling this palette throughout the year. I want to use this palette for the daring colors that don't come in the UD Naked palettes. I can't wait!
Of course I got a ton of clothes for Christmas. Some I bought for myself, others were gifts.
My mom bought me these cute pink sparkly flats.
...and the flats match the B. Makowsky purse she got me. I love it! It is the perfect size and great quality. The brand isn't one I've heard but I did research and it is reputable and a tad expensive.
I bought myself two skirts. The one on the left is from the Bethany Mota Collection and Aeropostale. The leopard print skirt on the right is from Forever 21.
I also bought myself this adorable blazer and leggings from Forever 21. I can't wait to use them for work! The leggings are thick, so they can be worn alone, which I love!
I also bought myself a Lauren Conrad blazer from Kohls. I love her line and this blazer is also perfect for work.
Seems like someone knows my love for Lauren Conrad. My brother and his wife bought me a shirt from her line for Christmas and I love it!
My grandmother got my a nice jacket. It doesn't really get cold where I live (it is today though!) but I will definitely use this when I travel.
A huge surprise was the Michael Kors purse and bracelet from my boyfriend. He is so thoughtful. These are the first items I own from the brand and they are amazing!
I also bought myself shoes from DSW. The Steve Madden flats on the right will be perfect with my brown toned professional clothing for work. The Anne Klein shoes on the left are so cute! They have a tiny heel, which I love. I can't wait to walk around a little taller at work!
My mother also bought me ALL of the Harry Potter movies. Most of them are extended edition. I have spent much of my break watching them all.
One of my aunts bought me the book Triangles by Ellen Hopkins. She is one of my favorite authors and I love her books, so this is a great addition to my collection!
That is everything that I got for Christmas. There is a YouTube video version of this coming soon. It'll be my first video on YouTube, so I would appreciate the support.
Please let me know in the comments what you got for Christmas. I hope you all had an amazing holiday! xxxx
