Monday, April 30, 2012

Fashion Haul

On Saturday I made a trip to the mall and went on a little spree. I thought I would like to share what I bought there. I stopped by H&M, Garage, and Claire's. I was on a mission, so I power shopped and did it all in under 30 minutes. That's really an accomplishment for me! 

So the first stop was Garage. I'm not sure if Garage is nationwide, but basically its a store where its supposed to be a teenage girl's room in a garage where she is always playing loud music. Its always loud in there, but I love their clothes so I spend no more than 10 minutes in this store. 
The first thing I got were these Khaki shorts. I've been wanting some of these for awhile and I'm glad I got a chance to get some finally! 
 More bandeaus! I feel like you can never have too many of these. 
Did you hear that Aztec prints were in? Well I just love this style. Its a semi sheer top that goes great with one of the bandeau's I got! Pair these with those khaki shorts and you got yourself a nice cute summery outfit. 
The next stop was H&M and this was actually my first time shopping there. I usually shop online and as you know H&M currently doesn't have an online store. But I thought hey why not since I think all their items are cute. 
This is the first thing I got was a body con dress. I actually don't have a body con dress, so I picked this one up. It looks really good on too, thankfully. It has a zipper in the back, one of these days I'll have an OOTN with this dress! 
 The next item was another Aztec print shirt. Again this could be paired with the Khaki shorts. Or even some pink or white shorts. I just love the big arm holes! 
Then the last two from H&M are these black biker shorts and a white shirt with a butterfly on it. I matched these two together because its very 80's. A lot of the things we wear now are definitely 80's inspired actually. This is just so cute and not to mention REALLY comfortable! I wonder if they were this comfortable in the 80's? 
And the last stop was Claire's, one of my favorite accessory stores. 
I got earrings, because I LOVE earrings. The first thing is an ear cuff, which I have NO idea how to wear just yet, but I"ll see what looks good. The next thing is owl earrings. I normally think owls are really creepy looking, but these are just adorable looking. Then I got the set of cartilage and hoop earrings. And that's really it. That's my haul, I hope you guys enjoyed it!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

New Lip Routine + More

Lately I've been really, I guess you could say annoyed with any lip products that isn't chap stick or lip balm. Any lip gloss that I purchase is too sticky and has a gross consistency or smells bad etc. The only gloss that I do wear is the Toki Doki Prisma Gloss in Rocketeer, but sadly they discontinued that color. Lipstick is just not my thing at all and finding a color that looks good on me is a pain; not to mention kind of drying. So what is a girl to do when she runs into this predicament? Well if you haven't gotten the memo, lip liner is not only just to line your lips. It can also be used as a lip color and even last longer than lipstick and lip gloss. Yes you still have to find a color, but for some odd reasons its not as overwhelming as going through the many different shades of lipstick. 

I purchased this Wet n Wild lip liner at the drugstore and the name of it is Brandywine. I can't really explain the color, but its the color of red wine but with a hint of pink. Its almost a flesh color on my lips but a shade darker. I just apply this and put a little bit of rosebud salve over it to give it a glossy finish. 
Its not very noticeable because it is quite subtle. I love that it is just a hint of color on my lips. I have been trying to do this technique for awhile, but I really wanted to find a color that was nice and not super loud. I do want to try a plum or burgundy liner for a more bold look. Any suggestions on good lip liners? 

A few days ago I ordered a contour kit off of Drugstore.com by E.L.F. I only got a nice cheap one, because I have never contoured before and honestly I have no idea what I'm doing.
I think the bronzing powder is my exact skin tone, so it might not really contour anything but I think the blush will come in handy. Once I learn how to figure out this whole contouring thing, I'm going to purchase the Smashbox kit; it comes with a highlighter too. Its also on my wishlist along with the Nars Tinted Moisturizer. So we'll see how this goes, I can't wait.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Hair Update + FOTD

I haven't talked about hair in a month, so why not a little update on my hair. I dyed it last month a medium light brown. About a week after the dye job, I clipped about two inches off because my ends were a bit damaged. My roots have started growing out about half an inch and they are kind of a pain, but I'm going to deal with it because I really am trying to grow out my hair. Right now its a little past shoulder length and my goal is bra strap length. Its going to take awhile, but that's okay. 
Also two days ago, I noticed that my edges were a bit on the damaged side. My mom suggested that I cut straight or blunt bangs so that my edges weren't exposed. 
I have always been reluctant on cutting my bangs like this, just because of what people have always said. Sometimes you shouldn't listen to people's opinions, because I should have done this a LONG time ago. I really like the way that it shapes my face and brings more attention to my eyes. When my edges aren't showing, my hair looks 10x healthier too! 
Shirt from Forever 21


 Sorry for the infamous bathroom pictures, but today was extremely gloomy and rainy; this was the best lighting. I have no eye makeup on in these either, which is something I rarely go without. I felt like I needed a change from my regular hair style. I mean just a little change such as clipping my bangs has given me the biggest boost of confidence.

Now on to Face of the Day. 
So this was actually my FOTD on Friday, but I still wanted to post it anyway. Friday was a really sunny day and I wanted to make my eyes pop but look natural at the same time. So my lid is just a dark matte brown from my Matte Eye Palette and my crease is a vibrant plum from my Coastal Scents Palette. My lower lash line is UD 24/7 Pencil Liner in Ransom and my water line is UD Pencil in Perversion. My lash line is topped up with Almay Liquid Liner in Black and my lashes are curled with Lashgasm from Too Faced. 

So that's all, I really don't have any news coming up, but if and when I do I will be sure to post it!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Clothing Haul

So I finally got around to doing the haul that I promised about three posts ago. I had a little extra time on my hands and the weather was fairly decent to take pictures in my horribly lit room. What I really need is either a full length mirror or a legit photographer that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Anyways, now on to the haul.
I purchased this shirt from Papaya and I think it is extremely cute! I really love the back, because it actually opens sort of like a flap. It was kind of unexpected when I tried it on, but its actually pretty cool.
Next is this polka dot crop top from Forever 21 that I couldn't resist ordering. At first, I thought it was just a really cute sports bra or camisole like top, but it has no support whatsoever. You actually wear it with a bra and it completely covers it, so that's good. This is the type of top I would wear going out with maybe a vest, flannel or even a denim jacket to dress down the polka dots.
Well FaceTime doesn't take very good quality pictures, but as you can see this is a sheer top. It is also purchased from Forever 21. I'm actually kind of stumped on what to wear with this top, although I know I wouldn't wear this bandeau with it. I'm honestly not sure what I should wear with this, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.
I guess I found something to go with the sheer top, which is a possibility. Anyhow, this is my first pair of white pants ever! I've just never been one to wear white pants for some reason. These are from Papaya also.
These are just some colorful lace bandeaus. Pretty self explanatory. It gets extremely hot where I live and bras aren't exactly that breathable. When it gets hot, out comes the big arm holes and the thin fabric. What do you think of bandeau fashion?
Last but not least, some nautical inspired high waisted shorts. I really couldn't resist this Forever 21 purchase. I was kind of disappointed, because they didn't fit around my waist, which is a problem I typically run into with high waisted anything. Since the fabric is somewhat stretchy, I just threw it in the wash and shrunk them a bit. Now they fit perfectly. :) The only thing is, a button fell off in the washer; good thing I know how to sew. So that is my haul that I've promised weeks ago.
In other news my Sigma blush brush came in the mail today and just like I thought, it applies foundation flawlessly!

I think the reason I don't have as many followers as I would like is because, I haven't promoted myself just yet and I write A LOT! I've realized that the way some bloggers blog, they post one picture and a little blurb about their day and that's all. I don't really believe that is blogging, but I think I might minimize my posts just a little bit and put more pictures and less words. We'll see how that goes.

Monday, April 16, 2012

My Glam + More

So its been awhile since I have posted and that is because I have been busy with some family time. Lately I have been spending lots of time with my mom and every Saturday the rest of my immediate family have started trying new things around the DC area (that's where I live). This latest Saturday, we went to a parade/festival. The Cherry Blossom Parade/Festival to be exact. Around here, its really a big deal to attend the events in the area. I was disappointed in the parade though, only because there were so many gaps in between the floats and not to mention there are no more Cherry Blossoms. Other than that I got some pretty good pictures of some of the more uniformed floats.
I know I said that this next post would be a fashion haul, but I've been a tad sidetracked to take pictures of what I purchased. So for now I'll talk more about makeup! I promise next time will be fashion!
The first purchase was the MyGlam Bag April edition. It came with a lot more than I expected.  As you can see, it came with an eyeshadow and eyeliner brush, the UD 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil, DermStore Lip Quench, and the All-Belle Eyelashes. If you're interested in the MyGlam Bag then go to MyGlam and check it out. You might have to wait a month or two before you actually get your first bag, because they have a limited supply so subscribe ASAP.
The eyelashes are what I'm most impressed about, they're handmade in Tawain and extremely soft. I haven't worn them yet because they're super dramatic. Also, the DermStore Lip Quench is amazing! Its been so dry here and whenever I put it on my lips are so moist! I absolutely adore it, I must buy some more.

The second purchase is the Sigma Blending Brush. So I have no idea where I have been without this. I already have a blending brush, but not like this. It actually blends out the color without much effort. Its pretty amazing.
The third purchase, I actually got awhile ago from this QVC offer of Tarte products. I just never did review it or anything. I use it to apply my foundation, but its a blush brush right? Yes it is. I'm sure many of you guys have heard of this method of applying foundation, but if not then here it is. I ran across a beauty guru Michelle Phan who at first I thought was just a Youtube guru. She is actually much more than that though. Shes a very successful Makeup extraordinaire, if you ask me. Anyway she put up a video on her Youtube Channel about her current foundation routine. She uses a blush brush, that actually in my opinion works a whole lot better than a painter foundation brush. It gives full coverage and a more flawless look and you use less foundation. The only thing is that this brush sheds quite a lot, so I end up with brush hairs all over my face by the time I'm done. I purchased a Sigma Blush Brush on Amazon and should be here in a few days.
So next post I promise PROMISE, will be a fashion haul and no makeup!
Oh and aren't my picture much more vivid, well thats because I got an iPhone! The camera is just amazing and I'm so happy to have it.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Eyeshadow Haul + FOTD

I hope everyone had a good Easter! It sure was a beautiful one I might add. I've been kind of behind on my posts because I was waiting on another purchase that I made at Coastal Scents. I purchased a 12 piece palette filled with neutrals and some brights. Once again, I customized it myself and I love it! 
I'm in love with these colors, even the shimmers! There's three shimmers, seven mattes, and two satins. 
1. Chamois Nude - Matte
2. Elven Silver - Shimmer
3. Mauve - Matte
4. Raw Silk - Matte
5. Light Plum - Shimmer
6. Amber Bronze - Shimmer
7. Ash Grey - Matte
8. Olive - Matte
9. Burnt Umber - Satin
10. Coral - Satin
11. Bright Tangerine - Matte
12. Vibrant Plum - Matte

My favorite colors are Amber Bronze and Burnt Umber, they are such vibrant, pigmented colors. I actually used those colors for my FOTD also. 
Crease: Burnt Umber. Lid: Amber Bronze. Brow Bone: Mauve.
I really need to find a good liquid or gel eyeliner, because I feel like pencil completely ruins the eyes and is too thick. I'm really bad at putting on the Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner so that's why I tend to stick with a pencil. If they're are any suggestions for a good liquid or gel eyeliner please do tell! 

I think this is going to be my everyday natural look, I'm glowing very nicely! I could definitely use some bronzer, so if anybody has a suggestion for that then let me know please! 
Maybelline Color Tattoo: Fierce 'N Tangy and Edgy Emerald.
I've heard so much about these! I seriously can't wait to see how these turn out. They actually seem to have the consistency of a base, rather than a cream eyeshadow.

Shirt Purchased at Papaya.
Just a random picture of the shirt I wore today. It was pretty chilly, but I really love this shirt. The fabric is nice and soft and thin, perfect for summer. I've been into really loose shirts lately, because I've had problems with irritable armpits. I thought it was razor burn, but apparently you should exfoliate before you shave anywhere to loosen up the follicles. Growing up is hard! Anyway I purchased a bunch of shirts that don't go anywhere near my pit area and I actually ended up liking this style.
I have yet, ANOTHER haul coming up, but next time it'll be a fashion haul! YAY! :)

Friday, April 6, 2012

Coastal Scents Mini Haul

On Sunday night, I was watching makeup videos on YouTube and I came across a makeup artist named Leina that uses the cosmetics Coastal Scents. They sell tons of their products for a nice affordable price. Apparently they make their prices affordable, because its for aspiring makeup artist and those who are on a budget (that's me.) The main thing that I was looking for was eyeshadow and they have lots of it. I also went on to read many reviews and there is nothing but good things said about it, so of course I had to see for myself. I wanted to start small and sort of "sample," so I went on ahead and got an empty four piece eyeshadow palette. I customized and got four bright eyeshadows also called Hot Pots. Tuesday evening, my order was in my mailbox. That's the fastest anything has ever shipped for me!

So that's the palette above, pretty colors huh? My camera washed out the actual colors sadly. I got too excited to wait until there was sun in my room, so I used flash. 
The colors from top to bottom:
1. Indigo HP-CM09
2. Neon Bright Pink HP-CM06
3. Vibrant Blue Green HP-131
4. Deep Grape HP-CM07

As you can see all of the colors are matte, because I think the shimmer takes away from the brightness of the color, but that's just my own personal opinion. And also because on my skin tone bright shimmers are over the top and again that is just my own opinion. If you haven't noticed these are basically the same colors from my NYX I Dream of St Lucia Palette. I wasn't happy at all with that purchase at all. You literally have to pack on the color in order for it to be vibrant and there was only one matte color in that palette also.
My favorite is the blue green and the deep grape. I can't wait to see what looks I can come up with.
Since I was so happy with my purchase, I ordered a 12 piece palette and customized it with more neutral colors. I can't wait for that to get here. I have a big-ish haul coming up maybe next week so that should be fun!


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Nail Polish Challenge Pt 1 and Party Outfit

So I thought since its the start of a new month, I would do the nail polish challenge in two parts. Mainly because I don't have very many followers and I'm still debating which my favorite nail polishes are. I did pick five so far and those are just the main ones I wear. I'm not going to show what they look like on until I'm done with the challenge.
In order from left to right
1. O P I Fly: I am SO in love with this color. Its so bright and just pretty! Its the Nicki Minaj line which pretty much explains the brightness of it. I looked for this color for months but it was ALWAYS sold out EVERYWHERE. Then I finally went to Ulta and there were about three left! I do want to try her other colors one day.
2. Butter HRH: I like this color because well purple is my favorite color and its the best purple that I have used and is very long lasting. Usually purples comes out black looking or too light and this is perfect for me.
3. Essie Lilacism: Pastels are in this Spring, so I had to go and get me a nice lavender nail polish. The other pastels weren't really me so I stuck to what I knew. I mainly use this one for my toes.
4. Sally Hansen Celeb City: You'll see me rocking this color during a special occasion or during winter time. It last about a good two weeks on your nails with minimal chipping. I had this on my toes for a month in half without any problems.
5. Sinful Colors Rise and Shine: I bought this maybe a month before I bought the OPI Fly. Its pretty much a dupe of it, except that its a little bit greener and its not as bright. Sinful Colors is priced at one dollar so you can't expect it to be super long lasting. They do have many dupes of the more expensive brands.
Part Two Coming Soon

This weekend was a wild one. I sort of went to a party at the last minute. When I say last minute, I mean I didn't even get to do my makeup the right way or even wear the appropriate outfit. At a house party I expected leggings and a nice cute shirt, but no all the girls were dressed up like they were going to a dinner party or to the club. I think I was the most casual person in there. I was in my favorite jeans, a cute shirt (at least) and my Ugg Boots.
What I would have worn. Dress: Arden B, Necklace: Bday Present
 To my advantage, I was the most comfortable in there. It seemed like ever girl was sitting down complaining about their aching feet. I know to NEVER wear stiletto heels to a house party or any kind of heels for that matter. I also think I had the most fun. I met new people and danced my booty off. I have to say I really love meeting (friendly) new people every now and then; its refreshing.
Speaking of new people, I need some more followers!