Hey There!

It's been a long time, right?

So after my last post, life got even crazier.

I interviewed for a teaching position and was offered that job hours later. It's in a city about an hour away from my hometown, so it began this whirlwind of planning my classroom, finding a place to live, and decorating my townhouse.

And then the rest of the year was blur of surviving my first year teaching, learning a new city, living on my own, and maintaining my relationship with my boyfriend!

It's been crazy, but thanks to everyone who has visited my blog!

It's Been Awhile

Hey guys!

So it's been awhile since I've been blogging. I know, I know. What happened to me? Well, it seems like a lot. 

I wrapped up student teaching. 

I was treated to more letters, pictures, and heartfelt gifts than I knew what to do with. 

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. 

I applied to just about a million summer and teaching jobs. 

I graduated from UNC. 

I interviewed for jobs at Bath and Body Works (two of them) and Target. 

I was offered a job from all three, but settled with the first one that called me: Bath and Body Works. I love this job. A lot. I also worked an insane amount of hours because of the Semi-Annual Sale. It's just now slowing down a little. 

My boyfriend underwent surgery. He's good. 

I've had three teaching job interviews, and have been the runner-up in all of them. I don't think principals understand that hearing you were number 2 doesn't really help the feeling of disappointment. 

I've applied to tons of other teaching jobs. 

I've started an unhealthy relationship with Preztel Maker Pretzels, Great American Cookie, and Sephora in JC Penny's. 

I've used the heck out of my IPad.

And I've tried my best to enjoy summer in the meantime. 

So yeah. I feel like I've been so busy and not at the same time. I think summer definitely has a habit of doing that to you. By the way, if possible, think good thoughts for me about upcoming teaching jobs/interviews and stuff. I guess I need to just be patient and see what the world has in store for me, but at happy as I am working the rest of my life at Bath and Body, I'd also like to go on to things that can help me afford a month's rent or a mortgage. So any positive thoughts would be great!

May & June Favorite Products!

Hey guys!

So....I'm back! And I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite things from the last two months! I'm kinda embarrassed about just how long it's been since I last blogged. But, let's just dive into my favorite things so far this summer!

Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut Candle, Pink Apple Punch Candle, Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner, Pantene Sheer Volume Shampoo, China Glaze Too Yacht to Handle, Butter London Ladybird, Formula X Brazen, Urban Decay De-Slick Spray, It Cosmetics CC Cream, Moroccanoil, French Lavender and Honey Shower Gel and Body Spray, Too Faced Chocolate Bar, Stila Smudgestick, Jordana Best Lash Extreme, NARS Orgasm, and Tarte Lights Camera Lashes

Bath and Body Works Candle: Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut

Let me say, that I have an unhealthy obsession with this candle and it has only gotten worse by working in the store during the June Semi-Annual Sale. I LOVE this candle. I can't describe the amount of love I have for it. It's perfect. I've heard people say it smells like churros, but I think it smells like heaven. 

Pink Apple Punch Candle

Part of the Summer Sips collection, this was the first purchase I made mostly because I love the strong hint of apple. It's also been the most popular in store. If you love strong, fruity scents, try this out because it can't be beat. 

Pantene Sheer Volume Shampoo & Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal

My new favorite hair combination, this has impressed me SO much the past two months. It makes my hair feel clean, look shinny, feel soft and sleek, and healthy. I haven't used Pantene in a few years, but I've always loved their stuff and I'm so happy I came across this combination. 

China Glaze Too Yacht to Handle

A newer purchase, I think this is gonna be my summer nail color. It's bright, it's fun, and it's the best turquoise I've yet to find. Plus, I always find China Glaze applies beautifully every time. 

Butter London Ladybird

This is my go to red for the summer. It's a brighter red with a little orange in it, and I'm so impressed by it's staying power and how pretty the color is! Plus I love the name!

Formula X Brazen

I've never been much of a fan of pink nails, but this color has definitely changed my mind. This is the perfect blue-based pink that I've ever tried. It stays on the nails forever and it's the most girly, pretty color. 

Urban Decay De-Slick Spray

I've said it a million times, but this makeup setting spray is one of my Holy Grail items. It makes my skin so much easier to handle and deal with during the summer. If you have oily skin, you need to try this out. I use it before my makeup, after I apply, and all throughout the day anytime I'm feeling grimy or oily. 

It Cosmetics CC Cream in Fair

I raved about this stuff a few months ago, but then I abandoned it. However, I went back to it and this time, instead of using a Beauty Blender, used a Real Techniques brush and got totally different results. I love the way it looks and feels on my skin. It's light but provides at least medium coverage. It has tons of sunscreen in it, which is great for summer, and I feel like it just makes my skin look glowy and happy. 

Moroccanoil

My all-time number one hair Holy Grail, I've gone back to using this almost every other day and once again, it never fails to let me down. I love the smell of this stuff and I love how smooth, shinny, soft, and manageable it leaves my crazy poofy hair. 

Bath & Body Works French Lavender Honey Shower Gel and Body Spray Minis

Let me start by saying that I don't honestly like the smell of lavender normally. So for the longest time this scent didn't even appear on my radar because I thought it would be like all the other lavender scents in the world: either too herbal or too artificial. Well, I was totally wrong about this stuff. It hardly smells like lavender! With the sweetness of the honey and apricot this smells like the prettiest, floral and sweet scent. I'm so in love with this scent that I can't wait to buy the larger sizes. I can't recommend this stuff enough. 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

This was the first purchase I made from my first paycheck and I'm so happy I did. I wanted something that would last and be an investment and it truly is. First off, it smells amazing. Second, I love the colors Marzipan and Milk Chocolate. I find myself always opening it up and using at least one of those shades. I especially like Stila Kitten with Milk Chocolate in the crease. 

Stila Smudgestick in Stingray

I've had a love/hate thing with this mechanical pencil liner. First off, I love how black it is. I might be the darkest mechanical pencil I've ever used. Second, I think it has a pretty decent staying power. Third, it glides like a dream across my lashline. However, I find the consistency very much like Urban Decays 24/7 Liners, which I didn't like because they were so messy to use. But, I keep finding myself going back to this and I love the packaging.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara

I went back to this mascara recently (I'm currently on a mission to find the best mascara ever and am really struggling). I really do love this stuff. It's so dramatic, affordable, and applies easily. 

NARS Orgasm Blush

I went back to my first blush I ever used this month and have refallen in love with it. I think Orgasm is just the best color for summer. I find that it goes with all of my makeup, and on my skin at least, looks so natural and glowy!

Tarte Lights! Camera! Lashes! Mascara

Another old favorite, I've been using this mini this month too. I like it a lot and love how it defines each and every little lash I have. It lengthens great and the packaging is adorable. Plus I just generally love Tarte as a brand. However, if I know I'll be sweating this is not a great choice because it loves smudging and flaking. 

So those were all my favorites! Let me know what products you've been loving!  

April Favorite Beauty Products!

Hey guys!!

I'm pretty excited to share my April favorites with you. This past month I tried a ton of new things, especially makeup. So let's get started!

So here is an overall overview of my favorites for this month. I decided that it would be fun to take pictures outside. This was good in theory, except my golden retriever Murphy insisted on helping...

It ended up being a long process with his help.

Makeup

Clean and Clear Night Relaxing Makeup Dissolving Wipes

Because it was new and has cool packaging, I was lured this month to try these wipes. Overall, I think they are really good. Just like the white package of the original version, it's just as amazing at removing mascara, just with an extra scent added. It's super strong scent, so if that bothers you, this probably isn't the product for you. But it's really nice overall and I've already repurchased for when I run out.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP

This month I've been obsessed with shimmering champagne eye looks. First, I gotta say that this cream shadow has the prettiest packaging ever. Beautiful. Second, this is a really subtle cream shadow. I definitely recommend you pack it on with a synthetic brush for more color, but I've had no problems with it creasing when I put a powder eyeshadow over it.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer

This is a super hyped up product and this month I picked up the travel size that costs $18 to see what all the fuss is about. The Sephora makeup artist warned me that this leaves a blue-ish cast on the skin at first, but does a great job of concealing redness. I have to admit, this is the BEST primer I've ever used for my face. It makes my pores disappear, redness invisible, and makes my foundation last all day. It's truly amazing, although the pricetag makes me flinch a little bit. (Okay, a lot)

Beautyblender Solid

I can't believe I've lived my life without this soap. Basically it's bar of soap made to clean Beautyblenders and makeup brushes. What I didn't expect was for this to be utterly life-changing. It gets out the toughest stains in brushes and leaves them feeling and looking amazing. It beats the Sephora and MAC cleansers, it beats baby shampoo, and it's definitely a lot better than the handsoap I tried previously on my beautyblender.

Benefit Gimme Brow

Recently I wrote a review on this product and I'm still loving it. It has made my brow routine so much easier and faster and I'm going to be forever thankful for that. It's fool-proof and makes my brows look amazing.

Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer

While I love my MAC Select Cover concealer, this is a better color match and I've been obsessed with it the later part of this month. It definitely helps cover up blemishes, my undereyes, and redness around my nose. It's kind of hard to blend unfortunately, and I find that it likes to blend off rather easily, but for the most part it's a pretty good concealer.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Flex Lycra Mascara

This might be my new favorite mascara of all time. Yes, I went there. I've been using this all month and it's still wet, it's still going off effortlessly. And it still gives my lashes a huge, volumized look. Plus it makes them look a million miles long. If you are in the market for a new mascara, you need to try this one out. I'm so surprised that I had never heard anything about it on Youtube, because it's amazing!

Real Techniques Powder Brush

I thought I could never love a powder brush more than my Sigma one, but that changed this month. This brush is super affordable, applies product perfectly, and it is really easy to use.

MAC Matchmaster Foundation

I wrote a review on this too, and I can't say enough amazing things about this. If you have oily skin, you need to try this. It makes my skin glow while still being matte, and leaves me looking naturally beautiful. I love this stuff.

MAC Careblend Powder

This with my foundation is amazing. It's perfect for sensitive skin and doesn't cake on. I'm so glad I invested in this powder.

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

In addition to the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow, I also purchased the Urban Decay version too. This is amazing too. This is not a cream, but a primer, but also gives a great champagne pink glow to the eyes. It stays on all day and gives a strong hint of color.

MAC Peachykeen blush

I've worn this blush everyday since the end of March and I still can't get enough of it. I love this stuff. It gives a perfect pink color to the cheeks for spring.

Nail Polish

Deborah Lippman Blue Orchid and Flowers in Her Hair

These spring colors have been amazing this month. Blue Orchid is like a periwinkle blue that is just beautiful and applies great. Flowers in Her Hair is the perfect mint green and is probably my favorite mint green I've used yet.

OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender

I didn't expect to like this color, but I think it's my favorite of spring this year. It's absolutely gorgeous and very unique.

Zoya Remove Nail Polish Remover

I got this free in an order I made earlier this month and tried this purely out of curiosity and was so pleasantly surprised. This just melted the nail polish right off of my fingers and toes, even easier than acetone, but better because it's not nearly as harsh.

Haircare

Suave Humectant Moisture Conditioner

I love using this along with the Herbal Essence Body Envy Shampoo. It makes my hair super shinny, smooth, and soft. Plus this smells really good too.

Moroccanoil

This is an old favorite, but I've used this on my ends this month and I just love the smell and the huge change it makes to my hair. It's amazing.

Body and Skin

Olay Refreshing Nectarine Body Wash

I picked this up on a whim earlier this month and I'm obsessed with the amazing scent and how soft it makes my skin feel. It's even better than Bath and Body Works shower gel.

First-Aid Beauty Blemish Patrol Pads

I don't know how much of a difference these are making to my skin, but I love how refreshing and clean they are. Plus I've had a much better skin month, so I'd like to think these have something to do with that.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Delight

This is my go to spring scent. It smells fruity and floral and simply amazing. Plus the packaging is super cute to look at too.

Candle

Last but not least, I need to include my Market Peach candle. With spring comes the need to constantly have this burning and I still am obsessed with this scent. I love it.

So there you have it. What have been your favorites this month?

First Impression: Benefit Gimme Brow

Hey guys!

I have another quick first impression today on Benefit's Gimme Brow. When this product first came out, I was a little skeptical. For me, it's really hard to spend so much money on my brows. But after using products from Anastasia and seeing that some of the higher end products do make a difference, I was really drawn to this product. In particular, I was intrigued by the lure of a fast and natural brow. I personally don't like super defined brows, so Gimme Brow sounded great.

Overall, after my first impression of Gimme Brow is really positive. Within two swipes on my first brow and it was instantly transformed. I was shocked by how great it looked with so little effort. Usually with my brow powder, it would take 10 minutes of work to make my eyebrow look that good. Here's a comparison of one brow done and the other not:



Left is the one with Gimme Brow, the right is untouched



As you can see, it made a significant difference. Just like the first brow, the second brow was also transformed. This one I had a little bit more trouble because it got a little gloppy, but it was nothing combing through couldn't fix.

So right now I'm super impressed. I can't believe I scoffed at this before now.

Have you tried Gimme Brow? Let me know your favorite brow products!

April Beauty Haul

There's something that just makes me so excited about new beauty products.

I'm super excited to try all of these things out. Some are old favorites (Clump Crusher Extensions and Becca Ever Matte Primer) and others are things that I can't wait to use (Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, Beautyblender Solid, Deborah Lippman Blue Orchid, Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP, and Benefit Gimme Brow).

Graduation Dress Help

Hey guys,

In about two weeks, I will be graduating from college! I'm so ready to be done, let me tell you!

Anyway, I've been trying to decide on a graduation dress. Of course, I've been eyeing some Lilly Pulitzer dresses but I can't decide. So if you can help me pick one, that would be awesome!

First, is the Shianne V-Neck Dress for $148:

Then, the Briella Fit and Flare dress for $188 also really tempts me too.

The third dress is the Bella Fit and Flare for $188.

 

Another dress that I really like is the Becky Dress for $188.

 

 

The Ollie Fit and Flare is gorgeous, but I kinda worry about wearing a bra with it. It's also $198

 

 

Next, is the Lexington dress for $198.

 

 

Finally, if I decide against Lilly Pulitzer and want to go a more affordable route, I have this cute Target chevron dress already.

 

 

So tell me what you would wear! I'd love to hear your thoughts.