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Showing posts with label Haul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haul. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Summer Anti-Haul - What I Don't Want to Buy

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I feel like sometimes as a blogger (millenial, female, and just myself) I tend to talk a lot about the things I want to buy. What I want, all the time - can make me envious, self-indulgent, and down on myself. Now, of course I'm very grateful for everything I have and do appreciate the things and the not-things in my life. 

Sometimes we just need a reminder of all the things we don't need. So when I saw The Anna Edit and Phyrra do anti-hauls on their channel I was inspired to do one as well.

Below are the things that I don't feel the need to buy this summer! 


Flat Sandals - anti-haul




#1 - Flat Sandals


Or slides or mules... Although I think flat sandals are really cute, my feet are having none of it. With my plantar faciitis and flat feet, I have to wear sandals (all shoes for that matter) with support. Thank God Burkenstocks are back in fashion... and when they're not I'll still be over here rocking them.


Ruffles - Anti-Haul



#2 - Anything with Ruffles


I've never been a "girly" girl when it comes to dressing. I've been dabbling a little more in the feminine realm these last few years but I just don't feel comfortable in flouncy unstructured clothing. And then they go and add ruffles to everything. I know it's gauche right now but I'll stick to classic, simple sillhouettes and leave the ruffles to other ladies.


Fake Tan - Anti-Haul




#3 - Fake Tan


Oh damn... I might be the only person on the planet to say this but I hate fake tanning! The smell, the sitting, the orangeness, the streaks, getting an even color, and having to do it all again in a week. It's just too much, I'll just stay pastey, thank you!



Makeup - Anti-Haul




#4 - Summer-Proof Makeup


Obviously I love wearing and doing my makeup as much as the next gal. However, summer rolls around and we all become obsessed with our makeup lasting forever. But you know what, I'm going to let my skin shine through this month. I bought a very light coverage Coola BB cream with a matte tint to even me out a bit and protect. Then it's all about a bit of concealer and glow and eyes! I'm into the easy, minimal makeup look in summer so if (when) it melts off I'll look more glowy and less like a child in my mother's makeup after a steamy shower. But one thing that I'll still wear and recommend for regular summer days or events is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. This shit is legit, your makeup will last longer!


Basket Bags - Anti-Haul




#5 - Basket Bags


Is it just me or shouldn't there be more to a bag than a basket? I need pockets and organization and a damn place for my phone! It makes me anxious just thinking about all my possessions jostling around in a basket vying for a position at the top. Nope, just nope, I need pockets and a zipper! 


I hope you liked this post and have thought about some of the current trends you won't be needing this season! Happy summer to you all!
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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

ColourPop Haul and Review - Metallic Eyeshadows and More!

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I have heard about the affordable cruelty-free brand, ColourPop and only just got around to trying them! Geez, late to the band wagon much?!? Oh well I'm here now and I've got swatches and thoughts.

I bought 4 metallic Super-Shock eyeshadows (they have other options than metallic, but...glitter!), a highlighter, and an eyebrow pencil. The texture of the shadows and highlighter is crazy! It's some cream/powder mix of boingy-ness (that's right kids, boingy-ness). The texture is really hard to describe but really cool. 


I went for neutrals, of course, with that metallic sheen. I've really been into that look lately. They are more glittery than I thought they'd be, so if you're not much into glitter, I'd suggest trying their matte shades. 

I would say the longevity on these is pretty good, usually the color stays on through a 10-hour day. However, there may be some creasing in that time, so if you've got the oily eyelids troubles I would suggest a primer. Otherwise I didn't notice any fallout; amazing considering all the glitter involved. And the shadows are very pigmented! I suggest putting down a base on the lids with a flat shadow brush, then go to town with your fingers. And finally blend the edges with a fluffy brush!

See below for descriptions and my review of each product:


Smoke N Whistles

"We dunno about the smoke but you'll definitely get some whistles in this cool-toned pink champagne with silver highlights"

This highlighter is the absolute perfect color for my skintone. It's a champagne that's not too pink or yellow, it's just right. I've been applying it with a dampened or dry Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge on the high points of my face, and love it!!! This product can be made as subtle or strong as you like. Which I like, cuz some days I want to glow like the sun, but others I just want to look alive.


I ♡ This

"Our fearless leader loves this taupe with a silver sparkle SO MUCH that we naturally had to name it "I Heart This"!"

This cool-toned taupe is pretty all over the lid for a light makeup day. It add just the right amount of sparkle to the eyes.


Nillionaire

"You'll be looking rich in this metallic bronze with pink and gold glitter"

Hello bronze goddess!! This is a nice bronze tone that isn't too warm, it's neutral and the gold glitter keeps things interesting.


DGAF

"Everyone is definitely gonna give a f*ck when you wear this medium-toned rusty brown topped with multi-dimensional gold glitter"

A beautiful rose-gold/warm-toned color that makes blue eyes POP! Probably my favorite shade out of the bunch. All you need is some of this on the lids, loads of mascara and your eyes are ready to smoulder with the best of them. 


Drift

"Pop this pearlized true cranberry on your eyes and you may notice some attractive men drifting your way"

This is the only one of the colors that I haven't tried yet. And it's not because it's not gorgeous, it is! But I feel it's such an amazing special color that I need a special occasion to use it (anyone else do this?). I'll be going out dancing this weekend though, so maybe I should give it a try. 



Dope Taupe


I've been skeptical about these micro brow pencils, I have bushy brows and no use for drawing on individual hairs. And, let's be honest, I want the quickest way possible to fill in my brows... so I thought I'd give this affordable pencil a shot to see if I was terribly wrong. 

I wasn't wrong. These types of pencils aren't for me. But for what it is I can see the usefulness. The spooly is really nice, so that's a plus in my book. 

TBH, the biggest drawback for me was the color. It's way too warm for me. When I hear taupe, I think cool-toned. But this is more of a reddish-brown than I'd like. It still works and I've been using it, but once it's out I'll be going back to using an eyeshadow (from It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette) or tryout a new, thicker pencil.

Final ColourPop Review


I've been impressed! The color selection is awesome and there are a multitude of choices for finish, color, and formula. All at a really affordable price, $5-$6 each. Can't beat that! I think next, I'll branch out and try more of their eyeshadow options (matte?), and I really want to try some of their lip products. Let me know if there's anything from ColourPop that you love.

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Trunk Club Review and Try On

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So I'll admit it, fashion and style are not my strengths. I like them and strive to have a wardrobe I love and that's inspiring and exciting, but I'm definitely not there yet. To help me toward my goal, I enlisted the help of a stylist via Trunk Club.


The Low Down


Trunk Club is a subscription service where you get a box monthly full of clothes/accessories/shoes (10 items total). It is connected with Nordstrom so all the brands can be found through the main store as well. The cost is $25 a month (unless you have a Nordstrom Debit/Credit Card, then it's free!). The process is:
  1. Talk with your stylist
  2. Get a preview of your trunk - Choose any items you want to remove (the stylist will provide backups that you don't get an opinion on)
  3. Receive your trunk
  4. Try on clothes for 5 days
  5. Choose which items to keep and return, note online - Include good notes so your stylist can provide great options in the next trunk
  6. Schedule a UPS Pickup for returns

My Experience with Trunk Club


First, you signup and enter all your sizes, likes, attach a Pinterest board, etc... Then your stylist will contact you to ask more specific questions and get a feel for you style. My stylist, Ali was really nice and asked a lot of questions that helped me figure out my style. We chatted back and forth for a few days and I sent her a Pinterest board I liked.

She sent me the preview of the trunk and I nixed two items that I just didn't think would work for me. I provided detailed feedback so Ali would know why I didn't want them. Next, she sent me my trunk and it arrived about 3 days after she sent it. FYI, I found out you have so sign for the trunk so I had to piack mine up at the UPS store.

Then I got to trying all the clothes on. I would like to say that this part was a blast! I loved getting to try everything on with my own clothes and practices my model moves. Take a look at what I thought of my trunk below:

Dresses are for Ladies


Although I'm not really a "dress lady" I asked Ali to send me some dresses as I am trying to find some that I like for those special occasions.



This is a skirt top combo - cute pattern and pretty color but I just didn't think it was very flattering on me.


Wow, this is very girlie! I did think the cut was flattering but I didn't feel like myself in it at all. 

Pants are for Bosses


Much more my taste. I like high-waisted skinny/slim pants to highlight my curvy figure.


I really like these green pants, they're casual and comfy and flattering, but they were about $230 and didn't seem like anything special enough for that price tag. 

I also received this top (sorry for the black bra underneath) and I wasn't feeling the fabric, color or fit.


These high-wasted pinstripe trousers were awesome. I really liked the style and fit and thought they flattered my waist. But they were a little too tight and I hate being uncomfortable, so unfortunately they had to go back.

Flowy Feminine Tops


I for sure need some more fun, feminine tops in my wardrobe so I was excited to try all of these tops. 


One of my favorites in the trunk - stripes and small bell sleeves kept it from being too over-the-top. But damnit, it was too big! I will be searching Nordstrom for a smaller size.


I wasn't sure about this shirt in the box, but on I loved it! Again, there was a small issue with fit - if I even breathed too deep my stomach would pop out from under the hem. It was just too short in the front. But I love it, so now I'm on the hunt for something similar but longer. Suggestions?!?


The pattern on this top is beautiful, but other than that I had nothing good to say. It's a very boxy cut with really wide bell sleeves - how wide am I supposed to look? It was also too big and had buttons down the from with a gap that showed bra and belly (not my look).


I was surprised at how flattering this color was for me, but the shape, again was not. Another boxy cut with huge (I think I could've flown!) sleeves. It was all just too much for me.

And the Jacket



As far as bomber jackets go, this is actually a flattering one, and the lace detail on the back is pretty cool. I'm not sure though that I'd get much use out of it as the fabric was canvas and the back open lace - I'd be hot and freezing at the same time. Also the color kind of washed me out. 

Final Thoughts


As you can probably tell, I didn't end up keeping anything. But I still feel like this is a valuable experience and I'll definitely try another trunk. There were some promosing pieces and I tried some things I would never have in store. I thought I'd love the bell-sleeved tops and I've learned I need to try for a more slimming cut. Also, I never thought I'd look good in paper-bag waisted pants and I really liked them. 

So overall I would recommend giving Trunk Club a try if you, like me, need some style help. If you've tried this or similar services, I'd love to hear your thoughts!




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Tuesday, January 24, 2017

2 Exciting Cruelty-free Drugstore Foudations

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I've been on the search for an amazing foundation, as I'm sure we all have at one time or another. I'm looking for one with light-to-medium coverage, that's a natural finish, and for all-that-is-holy doesn't look cakey. And damnit everything seems to look cakey on me. I'd spent hours in Sephora swatching my hand and found nothing that seemes interesting. It wasn't until I was at Ulta with my mom that I found 2 options that caught my eye.

On a whim I bought them both and I'm so glad I did! These 2 foundations have impressed so much more than the dozen I tested from high-end brands. 

Okay no more gushing, here are my 2 new favorite foundations!


The Everyday Foundation




This is an extremely lightweight foundation that evens out my skintone and provides just enough coverage to make me do a happy dance. Also great pluses; it contains SPF 50 (which is awesome!) and it doesn't look cakey! Also, it seems to last a good 6-8 hours on my skin, which is a rarity indeed. Score! For only around $11, I think this stuff is awesome for everyday wear. 

To use: I use mostly the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (which I wrote about here), I just dip it in the cushion and away I go! 


The Custom Coverage Foundation


NYX - Total Control Drop Foundation

A few years ago I wrote about the Cover FX Cusom Cover Drops which I really liked but I found it hard to justify buying the foundation plus a good medium to mix it with... talk about pricey! So I was very excited to learn that NYX just launched a similar product for around $14 - which is a little expensive for the drugstore. But it's worth it, trust me. 

You can customize your coverage by using more or less drops. It blends and spreads out pretty damn amazingly across your face and provides a nice natural/satin finish. The staying power on this is about the same as the Physician's Formula, though I do find that I get a little extra shiny while wearing this. Nothing some powder can't fix. 

To use: I would suggest a Beauty Blender or Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (That's what I have been using) for a flawless finish. I dot the drops right on the sponge and then dab it all over my face before I blend it in. I use 3 drops for a medium coverage and 4-5 for high coverage. 

Half of me wants to say shit, I wasted my time with all these other products and testing! But the other half of me says yay! If I hadn't tested all those other foundations I wouldn't have recognized the gold on face!

I hope you all find your dream foundations too! And I'd love to hear what you're loving currently in the comments below. 

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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

A Cozy Winter Hat and a Haul

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Oh man Target, you get me every time! I walk in for batteries and leave with a shirt, lamp, hat, foundation, dog toy... and whatever else caught my fancy. Shit, I am officially on a Target ban until December... then it's time for Christmas shopping and well I can't be stopped!

But since I did a little damage and bought a few things I'm excited about, I thought I'd share them with you here. Also there is 1 thing I purchased elsewhere but I'm going to share it with you all here :)

Let's start with this hat, I love it! I have such a problem with hats, they are always too big for my abnormally small head (it's an issue people!). I bought this one in Target's kids section and it fits like a dream, yay! I'm all for the beanie look with my hair poking out, so cute.

Now, before we get to the beauty stuff I have to tell you all about my amazing lamp. I know, a lamp Amber? But yes, a lamp! It's got mercury glass balls (hmmmm) and is lovely. I don't have a picture yet, but if you're in the market for a pretty floor lamp you should check it out HERE.


Okay, onto the good stuff. I am currently using the ELF loose powder to set my makeup and thought I'd try the not-so-messy pressed version. TBH I'm not blown away by either, but they do set makeup and they're cheap, so here we are. Let me know if you know of a great setting powder, especially for under the eyes. 




Finally, I had to buy some jeans and Target's High-Rise Mossimo Jeans are my absolute faves! These are the black jegging version (here) and they are so soft and comfy, perfect for winter. They're more of a faded black/gray which I like. I own a lot of black and these go without turning me into a goth girl, which is just not my thing.

These jeans were a little too long though, so I snipped off the bottoms (I'm a rebel like that) and created my own frayed hem jeans #stylin!

For a long time (years?) I've been searching for the perfect concealer and foundation... and have yet to find it. But on my search I heard about this Bare Minerals concealer (mine is in fair) and I thought maybe it would help with my massive dark circle problem. I look like a gorilla kicked my ass every morning. Rough.

Ok so there's good news and bad news with this concealer. Bad news first... it is no good under the eyes. It settles into lines, moves around and creases even after powder and a setting spray. Onto the good news - this is awesome as a quazi-foundation. I put it on my forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin and blend. It has about a medium coverage and blends into the skin so beautifully and I feel it last really well too (after some powder and setting spray of course). 


Overall I'm really happy with my purchases and feel a little more prepared for Winter and the cozy months.

Join the Conversation

What's on your shopping list for Winter?
Do you have a favorite concealer or foundation?

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Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Cruelty-Free at the Drugstore – Walmart

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Cruelty-Free at the Drugstore – Walmart

|| Originally Published for Denver Style Magazine Blog ||

Last month I found cruelty-free brands and products at Walgreens (see post here). This month I thought I'd write about a discount store that may be intimidating for those looking to use cruelty-free makeup, Walmart. I shop quite a bit at Walmart for household needs, but after perusing their beauty section I realized what a great option they are for cruelty-free beauty!
Walmart's beauty department has expanded over the last few years or so and they have a good offering of cruelty-free brands, such as:

Physician's Formula
ELF
Wet n Wild
Flower
Burt's Bees
Hard Candy (unfortunately my Walmart didn't have this in store to try)



When I stepped into the Walmart beauty department, the 1st brand I had to checkout was Physician’s Formula. I love their liquid eyeliners and have heard wonderful things about their Shimmer Strips. After using it for a while now, it’s one of my favorite products! Following along those lines, I nabbed this shimmery pink blush from ELF and I love it! It’s a subtle color but really brings my complexion to life. With these great steals I started to put together my look!



After foundation and concealer I multi-tasked with the Shimmer Strips as a bronzer, highlight, and eye shadow. It’s so versatile and lasts really well throughout the day. I really wanted to define my eyes and make them pop for this look. For this I used a felt tip eyeliner to do a dramatic wing (well if my eyes weren’t hooded it’d be dramatic!). And brought a little shadow and liner to the lower lash line to accentuate my eyes.

I added my mascara and the ELF blush to finish everything up. And then, totally like me; I forgot to do my brows! Oh well, it is what it is, right?! I would recommend that step though, eyebrows complete a look. I finished off with the Burt’s Bees lip balm and a touch (I really mean a touch) of the Wet n Wild Lipstick in this blue-pink neon color.
As you can see, Walmart has a plethora of cruelty-free makeup options for the budget buyer!


Photos by Zanib Flynn || Facebook Instagram

Below are the products I used:
*products not from Walmart

Face
ELF Blush - Glow (not available at Walmart online)

Eyes
*Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - Waterproof

Lips

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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Cruelty-Free at the Drugstore - Walgreens

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Cruelty-Free at the Drugstore - Walgreens

||Originally Published for Denver Style Magazine Blog||
I have been using only cruelty-free beauty products for four years now. And the first question I get asked is, "How hard is it to find products?" And the answer is, it's easy! You can find cruelty-free brands almost anywhere that sells makeup; both high-end and drugstore. To show you just how easy it is (and buy new makeup, let's be honest) I've showcased makeup from Walgreens below.


Walgreen's has a wide variety of cruelty-free makeup products, my favorites are:
Milani Wet n Wild Burt's Bees Jordana
They also have a newer brand, Circa which is also cruelty-free though I have yet to try it.


For my face I created this summery look with lots of glow! This new Milani foundation is great, it covers and lasts. I do have to tone down the glow sometimes by mixing in another foundation, but it looks beautiful on it's own - especially for you all with dryer skin. Also, one of my holy grail products is the Milani baked blush, it does double-duty as a blush and a highlight.
The eyes are all by Wet n Wild, with this nice trio palette I found. Love these colors for summer, they are fresh and easy to use.


Finally, I finished off the look with a spritz of the Wet n Wild setting spray and some pink gloss from Jordana. This gloss is awesome! It lasts a decent amount of time, tastes like watermelon, and provides just enough color.


Photos by Zanib Flynn || Facebook Instagram
Below are the products I used: 
*products not from Walgreens

Face 
Milani Conceal + Perfect - 01 Creamy Vanilla 
*NYX HD Concealer - Fair 
*NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette 
Milani Baked Blush - 05 Luminoso 

Eyes 
*Ulta Super Stretch Fiber Mascara - Black Brown 
*NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

Lips

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