Summer Park Meadows Haul

Hey everyone!

My summer school classes finally wrapped up, but I’ve been super busy getting my life together and starting summer in between. But I did manage to sneak in some time and visit a dear friend and do some major shopping recently.

Pretty much all the stores I bought stuff from are ones that I only get to visit a couple times a year, if that. I seriously wish I lived closer to these (maybe it’s a good thing though?). Anyway, let's take a look at some of the fun things I got!

 

 

My friend and I went to the Vera Bradley pajama party launch, and the first 50 or so guests got a free reusable shopping bag! So that was fun to get! I also picked up the set of three cosmetic bags in Summer Cottage. It was 40% off and I really couldn't help it! I think the set of three cosmetic bags are not only cute, but super practical for traveling and makeup storage! Plus the colors are perfect for the 4th of July! (I adore the little daisies on them as well!)

I also shopped around at Lush a little. I had been in Lush only once before, and after sniffing around, I wasn't really impressed. But I decided to try out some products at the recommendations of the salesgirls there. I picked up American Cream Conditioner, Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo, and Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face mask. So far I've tried all these products out and I'd say I liked them pretty well for a first impression!
 

Then I went to Urban Outfitters and picked up a couple more of the BDG V-neck tees. I love the prints on them and I think they are so cute for summer! Both have floral prints and I can't wait to wear them.

And inside Forever 21 I picked up a brush I was eyeing a while back in my monthly lusts post and a little bow necklace that was only $1.80. I don't know if other people feel the same way, but I absolutely hate shopping in the store at Forever 21. I get way too overwhelmed with everything there.



 

Finally what's a trip to the mall without stopping to look at some makeup at MAC and Sephora? At Sephora I decided to finally invest in a nice bronzer (Tarte's Park Avenue Princess) and I got decided I wanted to try Tarte's blushes then many people rave about them. The makeup artist suggest I try Dazzled (which is described as a soft rose/kind of plum shade). So far I really liked both!

I also stopped by the MAC store and picked up another Technakohl eyeliner, which I'm almost out of. I also picked up a couple of eyeshadows in Jest(the one on left and wedge, the one on the right). So I'm excited to try those out!

So overall it was a fun trip and I can't wait to go back!

 

 

 

Tarte's Smooth Operator Review

So almost over a month ago I purchased Tarte’s Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer from Sephora. I had heard pretty great stuff about it on Youtube and I had just fallen in love with the Lights, Camera, Lashes!, so I wanted to try it out. Plus, Smashbox’s BB Cream at the time wasn’t really clicking with me, and I wanted to try something new.

I went to Sephora, was color matched to Agent 08 (it’s for light complexions with pink undertones, but if you look at it, it’s a lot darker than some of the medium complexion colors. It’s definitely a product that I would go into Sephora or Ulta and look at, and one that I think you need to be matched by a makeup artist).

{Source}

According to Sephora’s website, Tarte’s Smooth Operator:

·         Is SPF 20

·         Oil-free

·         Light-to-Medium Coverage

·         It’s free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates

·         And has things in it that are supposed to make your skin look healthy and young

·         It’s 1.7 oz for $36

Here’s what I think:

Instantly compared to Smashbox’s BB cream, it was like fresh air. The cream is very light. And a little goes a long way. Unlike the BB cream, which felt like I needed more than a pea size to cover my face, Smooth Operator really only needs a pea size squeeze.

It’s easily blendable and doesn’t leave any steaks or anything funny. It has great coverage, very comparable to the BB cream, It doesn’t leave my oily skin any more oily, which was especially helpful in the 100 degree days of August. Like the BB cream, I noticed it left a sort of matte, powdery finish. I do cover my face up with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural to reduce oil and shine, but I noticed the matte finish before that step.

Some reviews on Sephora’s site say that there’s glitter, but I’ve never noticed any. It has a great range of shades, unlike a lot of other BB creams or tinted moisturizers.

I absolutely love that Smooth Operator is $3 cheaper than the Smashbox BB Cream and offers .7 ounces more. I know, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but anything that is cheaper and lasts longer is a plus.

I think it has great staying-power. I’d say on me, it’s about 8 hours or so, which is all I really ask out of my makeup.

The only thing that I dislike about this product, is that after using it, I’ve had about five or six more pimples. Which, considering my skin has been really clear the last 10 months, is a bit disappointing. As a result, I’ve just made sure to give my skin a day or two a week where I either don’t put on any face makeup, or just my powder, and that when I do wear this, I make sure to really clean my face off with my Neutrogena Night Calming Towelettes.

So would I repurchase? Yes! I love this tinted moisturizer and it’s one that I love! It’s cruelty free, natural, and the container is cute too! I absolutely love Tarte and I can’t wait to try more of their products!

Update: Now a couple months later, there are a few other things I've noticed about this tinted moisturizer. First, it seems to break me out after wearing it, no matter what. And not just a tiny little pimple. I got pretty much a quarter size one on my cheek, which was frustrating (and painful!!). So now I pretty much avoid it. I'd still be tempted to wear it when I'm looking for better coverage, but it's really not worth breaking out over.

Do you have a favorite face product? Ever tried any of Tarte’s other products, and if so, do you have recommendations?

Quick and Natural College Makeup!

Hey! Sorry for the lack of writing this past week! My sorority's work week kept me busy from 9-7 (at the earliest) every single night since last Sunday! I'm super excited to have that out of the way, but schools does start today, so I'm just jumping into that!

So a lot of girls think that when attending class, natural makeup, or none at all, are the ways to go. It's definitely up to personal preference. I know that I kinda like to go all out if I'm gonna do it. However, there is one exception to that, and that is when I see my boyfriend. See, he hates makeup. Especially if it's on me. I love it that he thinks I'm beautiful in my natural state. And I'm glad that he loves the real me. Only problem is: I love makeup and like wearing it!

For the times that I'm hanging out with him, or days where I don't want to do a full look, I've made this routine that is the perfect balance between the completely makeup free look he likes, and the made up look I favor.

1. Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream/Very Lightweight Foundation

When it comes to choosing face products, I liked it keep it light and as natural as possible! I hate the feeling of stuff on my face, so I always lean toward things like BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer. These aim just at evening my skintone, but still helps me look natural (I have a chicken pox scar next to my eye, and usually products like these won't touch that. I don't mind though because I love the scar!). Currently I'm using Tarte's Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer (which has SPF 20, perfect for walking to class) and am really liking it (full review soon!).

 

2. Pressed Powder/Setting Powder

As you probably already know, my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is one of my favorite products I use. It feel amazing on my skin, giving it an airbrushed quality after I put the tinted moisturizer on. It's light and I hardly feel it. Plus it keeps my face oil down. I haven't looked into the world of drugstore powders, so if you have any suggestions, comment! I'd absolutely love to know some good ones!

 

3. Blush

There is nothing like a nice natural blush to make you look awake and ready to go! I personally favor NARS Orgasm because of it's peachy glow (it does have small little golden glitters in it!) and how easily it's applied.

 

4. MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

When I'm meeting up with my boyfriend, he absolutely hates any eye makeup. So basically, I stick to things that he can't see, just ones that I can. And sometimes, my eyes look like they desperately need some shadow. When that's the case, I use my Paint Pot (which is usually my eyeshadow base) lightly across my lids. It's a quick, easy way to open up your eyes, to reduce red and puffiness, and any other little bumps or veins. Just be sure to either choose a color that's your skin color, or accept the fact it won't be completely natural.

 

5. Eyelash Curler

I love mascara. I love big lashes. I love my eyelashes touching my brow bone. Only problem: my boyfriend hates it. Which is sad. But through time, I've learned a way to naturally define my lashes without coats of mascara. And that is simply just curling them! I know. It's really innovative, right? But I've found that my eyes, once again, just pop so much more once they are curled. Now I've been blessed with better than average lashes, so this works for me. However, I can't emphasis enough how naturally pretty this is! I use my MAC Lash Curler, but of course Revlon makes an amazing drugstore one!

 

6. Lip Balm

If you need more color on your face, go for a tinted lip balm! However, I keep it even more natural by just going with a couple swipes of just plain chaptstick. Lipstick and gloss are definitely not happening on most days for me, which is good because my boyfriend finds it weird haha. I prefer either the tinted Baby Lips from Maybelline or just my yummy and smooth Eos (the little egg shaped guys...definitely love the lemon!).

 



High Five for Friday!

It's Friday again, so that means it's time for the High Five for Friday!

 
1. Tomorrow is move-in day at the sorority house! I'm a little nervous, excited, and can't believe that I'm about to start my junior year of college! Ahhh, when did I get so old!!

2. My trip to Sephora I took yesterday! I don't see how anyone could ever not like that place. I think I spent over an hour in there, messing around with all the makeup. After all that testing and playing, I picked up two things that I've been eyeing for quite some time: Philosophy's I Love Candy Corn 3-1 Cleanser and Tarte's Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer. I'm in love with the smell of the Candy Corn! If you haven't already noticed, fall scents are my weakness, and this is one of them (although it had some serious competition with the Cozy Cabin gift set, that Pumpkin Spice Late scent is AMAZING!).

{Isn’t the packaging of the Candy Corn adorable?! I can’t get over it!}

3. Fast shipping! I was so worried that the new (and super affordable) cute bedding I bought last Saturday wouldn't arrive in time before I moved. However, it came only five days after I ordered it! From Canada! Isn't that damask cute, though?! I can't wait to see it on my bed! (this bedding shows that there's been a slight change of plans in the decor of my room this fall, so stay tuned haha).

4. This dottie bin from Hobby Lobby. How adorable is this? And I got it for like $12.50, half off! This is either going to store textbooks or snacks in my room.  

5. Some new school clothes! This has been collectively building, but of all the things I've bought, this lace dress has been my favorite! I needed a black dress for sorority recruitment, and when I spotted this one, I fell in love! And because it was only $25 (for an ALL lace dress!!), I actually bought a white one too, for sorority rituals as well! This just in...it's currently, at the time of right now, on sale for $20!! Click your way over to Target, because that is a deal!

 

Hope you have a great weekend! Wish me luck for moving in tomorrow! And for all of next week, which is my sorority’s work week!

College Make Up Must-Haves

Wondering what make up to wear to college classes? Well, it's all personal preference really. If you like makeup and being all prettied up, then you'll probably wear it on a daily basis. If you only really wear it on special days, well, you'll probably not wear it as often. However, I decided to list some of the make up that I think is essential to every college girl, not just ones that love makeup.

BB Cream: I think this is the perfect daily, go-to face product for the college girl! Why? First, it has SPF (depending on brand, it can be as high as 35!), moisturizer, priming capabilities, the ability to reduce redness, and even skintone. Pretty good for just one product. Plus, there are BB Creams in every budget!

Pressed Powder: Not only is it great to set your BB Cream, it's also a great touch-up for when you feel your skin is looking dull. It sops up any oilness, and can add an airbrushed look. My favorite is MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

Favorite Eyeshadow Palette: Even if you don't wear eyeshadow everyday, I think it's really important to have a good eyeshadow palette that can work for class or night. If you can, look for a palette that offers you the most looks. My favorite is the original Naked palette by Urban Decay. First, it comes with a brush, Primer Potion, and 12 pigmented colors that work for a ton of different looks. I love that you can go from a very natural look, to a very dramatic one with just a few different colors and techniques. Plus, if you are needing inspiration, there are a ton of great tutorials on Youtube using it! Other favorites come from Wet N' Wild's "Walking on Eggshells" and Covergirl's "Shimmering Sands."

Natural Pink/Peachy Blush: I think this is a great touch for those early morning where you look paler snow. Either providing a sheer wash of color, or a bold blending, blush can make any college girl go from dragging to alert and pretty in seconds! Of course my go-to is NARS Orgasm, but I also love NARS Deep Throat, and Tarte's Dollface. A great budget friendly alternative is ELF too!

Versatile Masara: My favorite must is mascara. Whether you have short or long lashes, just a couple swipes of a good mascara can really open up your eyes and make you looks instantly put together. My favorite go-to for definition, length, and volume is Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! Some great drugstore alternatives is L'Oreal Voluminous Millions, Maybelline's Colossal Volum' Express mascara, and Maybelline's Falsies.

Tinted Lip Balm: I'm definitely not a lipstick sorta girl, and lipgloss is usually much too sticky for an everyday look, so I tend to stick to good old tinted lip balm. Why? It has SPF, shine, color, and of course because it makes your lips soft! I love Burt's Bees, but there are tons of others!



Lights, Camera, Lashes! Review

Hey everyone!

If you read my last Friday Night Five, you know that one of my favorite things of late, is Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara.

{For more information, see Sephora!}

A few weeks ago (or maybe more?) I cashed in my Sephora Beauty Insider Points (whatever it's called) for the small sample of this. Well, at that time I was so into my L'Oreal Voluminous Millions, that I had no desire to try out a new mascara. So it got lost in the shuffle understandably.

Well, last week I decided to finally give it a try. Let's just say, I wasn't expecting to be impressed. However, it has completely rocked my mascara world. And still is, actually.

I Love:

-That this mascara has great staypower! It's not even waterproof, but it doesn't smudge, flake, wear off. However, it's super easy to take off at night!

-Fantastic lash definition!

-Hasn't clumped once!

-Kind of a dry formula, which I am a huge fan of!

-Buildable! Can be as natural or as dramatic as you want! In fact, I think that it gives a dramatic look that isn't spidery, creepy, or just gross looking like the Falsie's I reviewed.

-Cruelty Free! (I love this!)

-Makes my lashes actually soft! Not crunchy, crispy, or wet!

-Defines, adds length, and volume. So, it does everything!

-Is formulated without stuff like: Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes, Sulfates, and other things (that I have no clue what they are, but sound yucky haha)

-Has an average looking brush, but it works wonders!

Basically, it's perfect! And I urge you all (that have the extra $19) to try it out. Because, it's absolutely amazing, and so worth that kinda steep pricetag. And the thing that I love most about it, is that it is cruelty free.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, I did buy it in the full size today at Ulta, so now I'll have beautiful lashes for even longer!

Hope you all have a great day! What's your current mascara love? Do you think that high-end mascaras are worth it? Are you a drugstore sorta girl?