First Impressions: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara

Hi guys,

If you ever need to know one thing about my beauty habits, it's that I can't resist trying out a new mascara. Especially drugstore mascaras.

This weekend I decided to venture into uncharted territory for me: Rimmel mascara.

Don't get me wrong. I've heard fantastic things about the Scandal Eyes line. However, Rimmel is usually a brand that I totally forget about. I'm not sure why, but it's just the way it is.

However, that's changed officially now because I've tried out the Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara and I want to share my first impressions with you.

The promise of this mascara is pretty simple: it's supposed to give buildable volume that leaves lashes soft and flexible.

The first thing I noticed is the size of the brush. It's huuuuuuge. Like insane. Bigger than Benefit's Bad Gal Lash, which was previously the largest I've ever used. It's not the plastic kind of wand either, which I liked a lot.

The left is the Flex Mascara and on the right is The Rocket for comparison sake. See how huge?

Ignore the awkward expression haha

Overall, I think this mascara is really good. I've only used it once, but I can say that so far, I like it. It's definitely more wet right now after the first use, so I didn't want to layer on layers (I could feel it starting to get clumpy). But I can say that it did add volume and my lashes are soft. And it hasn't worn off or made my lashes fall, so I'd say so far, it's meeting my expectations.

What's your favorite Rimmel mascara? What do you think of huge wands?

The Guide to Oily Skin

Hey guys!

When I first started using makeup, there was always one question I was faced with that seemed really daunting: do I have oily or dry skin?

For people that have been using make up, this might seem like a silly question. But when you are new to things, it can be really hard, since this is usually a question that only you would know.

It really helps when you do know the answer, because it can help you pick the right kinds of makeup and skincare product for you.

I thought that maybe I could help out a little.

Signs of Oily Skin:

-You notice shinny spots on your skin: especially on your forehead, nose, and chin.

-You feel like you need to wash your face several times a day.

-You often get pimples

-You have an oily scalp: meaning you wash your hair or need to use dry shampoo often.

-You feel your makeup sliding around your face during the day.

A quick way to tell if you suffer from oily skin: buy a pack of oil blotting sheets (my favorite are the Deep Clean ones by Neutrogena). Press a sheet against your skin. If you turn the paper into something that looks like the picture below: you've got oily skin.

A few tips for people with oily skin:

-Even though you might not want to, moisturize! Skin becomes oilier the more it dries out. I like the First Aid Beauty Daily Face Cream.

-Choose face products that say they are oil free and mattifying. I like It Cosmetics CC Cream and the Smashbox Photo Finish Light primer.

-A good powder is your best friend. I love MAC's Studio Fix Plus.

-Finding a good cleanser that cleans deep into pores is super important. I love the Neutrogena Clear Pore and First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser.

-Blotting sheets like the Deep Clean ones above, are so helpful!

-When all else fails, Urban Decay's DeSlick spray literally works miracles.

Make sure to check out all of my latest posts: My Nail Polish Collection, My Everyday Makeup, MAC First Impressions/Haul, and Covergirl 3-1 Foundation Review.

Spring MAC Haul/First Impressions

Hey guys!

There's no doubt that I love MAC makeup. It was the first high-end makeup that I dabbled in, and I still continue to find that the brand as a whole is great quality and (when compared with other high-end brands like NARS) relatively affordable.

I've been struggling with my face makeup recently. I love the It Cosmetics CC Cream, but I find myself wanting more coverage and something that holds up better with oily skin.

I thought about trying out the Amazonian Clay Tarte foundation, but found myself just wanting to try something really different. Enter the MAC store. I really like the MAC counter that's here in my hometown, but I truly love going to the full-fledged store about an hour away.

Anyway, in the store I received great customer service and walked away spending about $70 more than I was originally planning on, but overall I think I picked up some great stuff.

I picked up five things at the store, four face products and one eyeshadow!

Cork Eyeshadow

Over the past year or so, I've collected enough products to finally exchange for the Back-to-MAC program (which I view like an incentive program). I knew that for my free eyeshadow, I wanted a nice brown color that would look great with my NARS Alhambra duo and this shade is perfect! I can't believe I didn't own Cork before now.

Select Cover-Up Concealer

I've been using the Make Up Forever Full Cover concealer, but when the makeup artist used this on me, I could truly see how much better this is. I love it so far. It looks amazing under my eyes (conceals all signs of dark circles without getting cakey or making my face oily) and is great on blemishes and redness on the rest of my face. It's thicker and creamier than the MUF version. The MAC website says that this concealer blends in to be invisible and I must agree, I don't even notice it on my face. In case you are wondering, I was matched to NW25.

Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder

I'm gonna be honest and say that before I purchased this powder, I had never heard of it. When I asked the makeup artist about a new setting powder, I thought for sure she'd lead me to another Mineralized Skinfinish Natural (which I loved), however, she recommended this one because she said it's great for sensitive skin, blots up oily perfectly, adds little coverage, so no need to worry about a cakey look. So I can use it all day to touch up any oiliness that might appear. Plus, after using it a couple of times, it feels so amazing! I love this stuff. It takes away any shine or oil, but still gives my face a glowy look. (By the way, I'm in the shade Light Plus).

Matchmaster Foundation

Knowing that I was curious about MAC foundations, I did some research before I went into the store and discovered this guy. I thought it sounded promising, but I wanted to see what the MUA would suggest. After telling her that I was interested in a medium-full coverage foundation that would last through-out the day and not make me oily, she brought this one to me. Guys, I've only worn this stuff three days now, but I love it. A lot. I've faced absolutely no problems with oiliness, it looks great and glowing on my face, and literally feels like I'm not wearing anything. But it covers up my redness while still not looking cakey. It's amazing. Plus, it has lasted 8-10 hours just as promised. If you have oily skin, you need to check this stuff out. It has SPF 15 and I'm in the shade 1.5.

Powder Blush in Peachykeen

After having the MUA also apply this to my cheeks, I couldn't help but get it too. It looks so pretty for spring and I think it looks really good with my green eyes. The site describes it as a baby peach with a little shimmer and I'd have to agree. It's natural and perfect for spring.

I'll give updates and do full reviews on some of these products, but I just have to say, that when it comes down to it, I'm always impressed with MAC.

What spring things are you picking up?

Review: Cover Girl Stay Fabulous 3-1 Foundation

Hey guys!

It was within the last month I finally became brave enough to not only try out a full coverage foundation, but to try a drugstore one at that.

I've heard great things about Cover Girl's 3-1 Foundation, especially for people with oily skin, so I decided this was the one I wanted to try.

Let's just say that I loved this stuff at first. It seriously gives the most natural full coverage face. It lasted at least 10 to 12 hours, and definitely had a powdery finish, perfect for my oily skin.

Everything about it is amazing, except for two things:

1.) The color selection is truly awful. In MAC I'm a C3. I'm definitely on the fair side, but I have a slight yellow undertone. Not orange. Not pink. Yellow. This foundation refuses to believe that anyone could be anything other than orange or pink. Everything was way too orange or pink. I went through four colors until finally deciding that 810 (Classic Ivory) was the best match I could get, but it still wasn't great.

2.) This broke me out like you wouldn't believe. At first it was all fine and dandy. And then four (4!!!!!) huge zits all popped out at once. One was the size of a nickel. I couldn't believe it. I've spent almost all of February and March trying to get my skin back to normal. But a couple of weeks ago I wanted to try it out again...thinking maybe it was a face wash or something else that caused it. And proceeded to get another 2 pimples.

Needless to say, I've given up with this foundation. It's not worth the breaking out and it bums me out that they don't offer a yellow toned version of fair.

That being said, if you have any recommendations for a medium-full coverage foundation that doesn't break you out and is great for oily skin, let me know. Drugstore or high-end would be great!

It Cosmetics CC Cream Review

Hi guys!

A little while back, I decided I wanted to try some new face products. I tried the Stila CC Cream and the Smashbox one, but neither were products that I truly fell in love with. Stila's hardly provided coverage and the Smashbox one was still a little light for what I wanted (and the fair shade seemed a tad yellow on me...).

So because of the amazing reviews of the It Cosmetics CC Cream, I wanted to give it a try. At $38, it was an investment that I really needed to think about. But, it's at Ulta, which is a good thing because I think they have a much better rewards program (I got this product for $30 because I cashed in $8 worth of points). And occasionally they offer coupons that can be used on anything.

Ulta

Let's just jump right in with what I think about this stuff.

First off, I love the packaging. I love the fact that it has a pump but is still a tube. It makes it really easy to deal with. There's not much else to comment, but it feels substantial and I think sometimes that's all you can ask.

Moving on, this product guarantees everything just short of the kitchen sink:

"Why did IT Cosmetics create this product: To finally give women an all-in-one multi-tasking beauty miracle that truly gives full, flawless, perfect coverage, protects your skin with SPF 50+ from the harmful rays of the sun and is clinically proven to improve skin texture and hydration. IT Cosmetics worked with plastic surgeons to develop a multi-tasking correcting cream that is true scientific breakthrough. It's packed with anti-aging ingredients that is clinically proven to improve skin and works on all ages, that doesn't crease or crack!"

Guys, that's promising a lot out of a CC Cream. Not only is this SPF 50, but it's supposed to give me anti-aging benefits, serve as a primer, moisturizer, and full coverage foundation, and works on everyone. Wow.

Now, I think if you compare this product to what it claims, it will fail. Nothing can live up to a description like that.

You can see a tad of redness, a little bit of scarring, but overall I'd say it's a good medium coverage. An hour into wearing it.

This is after 10 hours of wear.

Honestly, I think this is the best CC/BB Cream I've used. Without a doubt. It feels nice, it isn't too oily or dry. I have some dry patches that it of course clings to and I have oily patches that don't go out of control. I've found that to make this product successful, I need to do three things:

1. Use a beauty blender. Forget fingers and brushes. They will leave this product clinging in the weirdest ways possible. The Beauty Blender is the only way to go.

2,) Moisturize. I have oily skin, and I still need to moisturize because this. stuff. will. cling.

3.) Use a primer. Because the staying power is about 6-8 hours...with Smashbox Photo Finish Light. Though I'll admit, when this wears off, it isn't like "OMG my face just melted off and I look like a beast." It actually still looks nice, but I can definitely see my redness and scars poking through.

But, I think it feels great on the skin, looks great (especially with a good concealer). And I think it smells like lemon cheesecake in a non-obnoxious way. More in a subtle fresh way.

I think your best bet is seeing it in person when it comes to color. Both the makeup artist and I thought I'd be light and it was kind of dark on me, so I had to get fair. The light was really yellow toned and the fair is much more neutral colored.

Will I repurchase? I think so, at least I'm 80 % sure. I really like it a lot. It beats the Stila and Smashbox versions hands down.

Check out a few of my other latest posts: MAC Haul/First Impressions, Covergirl Foundation Review, Guide to Oily Skin, My Everyday Makeup Storage, and my Nail Polish Collection.

Review of Smashbox CC Cream

Hey guys!

Let me just say, it seems like within the next month, my life is going to just explode. I have this big capstone project (the biggest and final of my career) due on April 14, and right now my entire life revolves around trying to make it work as well as dealing with all the stresses of state testing and getting the students to actually pay attention to me instead of wishing it was spring break.

But anyway, in between preparing lessons and sleeping, I've been testing some new face products. One of those is the Smashbox CC Cream. This was recommended to me by a makeup artist and Sephora and I've been trying it out for a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you.

As you've probably heard, CC creams are great for people with problems with redness and dark spots. They offer a little bit more coverage than a BB cream, but are still usually a light to medium buildable coverage.

According to Sephora, this Smashbox CC Cream is supposed to be a color correcting cream that "fades imperfections, even complexion, and prevents future discoloration." It has SPF 30, supposed to be lightweight, neutralizes and brightens skin, as well as primes, perfects, and protects. It adds moisture without creating extra oil.

My Thoughts:

Overall, I think this is a pretty good product. It feels pretty nice on my skin (by the way, this month I've been STRUGGLING with combination skin, both insanely oily with dry patches around my nose and chin). I find that toward the end of the day, it can get a little oily (what doesn't?) and it can cling to dry patches as well. But it is lightweight and doesn't make me feel like my face is caked with makeup.

I'd say this is a light to medium coverage, but very buildable. One thing that I have noticed, is that after wearing for about 15-18 hours, this can still be on my face in some of my less oily places. I'm shocked that it lasts that long for just a CC cream. Of course, in my red areas, I do notice it starts to wear in the 6-8 hour area, but that's pretty decent.

This is after about 10 hours of wear

It covers my redness pretty well without any concealer, and I usually just wear some powder over it. I do use a primer underneath, because I find that it really clung to my dry spots without that. I also use a moisturizer and apply this with a Beauty Blender to make sure that I didn't get any of those awful patches. This definitely applies patching and awful if you don't blend it in well.

I haven't noticed any long term skin benefits, but I've been using it two weeks, so it's tough telling on that. I wear the color fair and I think it might be a smidgen yellow on me, but I think it blends pretty well into my skin color.

However, I do think $42 for 1 oz of product is ridiculously steep. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase just because of that fact alone. But I am enjoying it right now and I'm going to continuing using it in a rotation with other products. Is it better than the Stila CC Cream? Yes, without a doubt. I think it offers much better coverage and feels so much better on the skin.

Have you tried out the CC Cream rage or do you think it's too gimmicky? Also check out my Stila CC Cream review too.

First Impressions of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Hi guys!

Recently I picked up this little Beauty Blogger sample kit from Too Faced. I mostly picked it up because I wanted to try the Better than Sex mascara. Honestly, I wanted to try this mascara mostly because of the name. Hey, that's pretty much the sole reason why I went out and bought NARS Deepthroat and Orgasm (they are great blushes though, besides the names).

Let me tell you, the name might make you cringe (or giggle if you are me), but this mascara is amazing! I've tried it twice, and already I am contemplating throwing out the $23 for the full size. It's that good.

I've been loving the Rocket, which I thought was the bee's knees, but this just might be better. The brush is super similar to the Cover Girl Flame Out mascara. Which sucked in my opinion. But something about this brush is just better. It somehow reaches all my lashes and just defines and lengths them, while making them huge!! Seriously! Three swipes and I thought my lashes might hit my eyebrow!

So here are a bunch of really bad pictures taken with my Iphone, but I just want you to know, that I'm super obsessed with this stuff. It's perfect!

This picture shows that one eye has mascara, one doesn't.

So as you can see, I love taking pictures of myself. And I really think Better than Sex is a great mascara. Yes, I can see how it can get a little clumpy, just if you have the Rocket or Clump Crusher on hand in case things get crazy, I think it's fantastic. It might be my all time favorite high-end mascara.

The Rocket Mascara--Revisted

Hey guys!

I've been crazy with getting lessons together for teaching and bouts with the stomach flu.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted to retry Maybelline's The Rocket mascara.

Looking back to last year, I had pretty mixed reviews about this stuff. I thought that it was hard to remove, and not that amazing.

Fast forward a year, and now I must admit, that I really love this mascara. It might not be quite as good as the Jordana Best Lash Extreme or Benefit They're Real!, but I think it's pretty good without a doubt.

A couple of things that I really love about it:

-It cleanly defines my lashes while adding volume (Jordana definitely doesn't do that).

-It's not as hard to remove as I remember

-Holds a curl really good

-Doesn't clump easily

-Adorable packaging

-Adds a little bit of length with the volume

-Amazing for lower lashes

Overall, I think this is one of my favorite mascaras. There's nothing I really hate about it. I even would say that I like it more than Maybelline's Cat Eyes and Cover Girl Clump Crusher, both of which I really like. I must say though, that I prefer this the first week after opening. After that, it can be a little too dry for my taste.

Have you ever revisited old products and found out that you love them? Have you tried The Rocket?


   

Foruma X Nail Polish in Perfection!

Of late, I've really been enjoying Sephora's Formula X nail polish line. Mostly I love the packaging and their wide range of colors, but I've also found that they are a pretty solid line of good quality polish (do they beat Essie? No, Essie is still my favorite, but I do think these are better than OPI and China Glaze).

I currently own three colors, and this past week I picked up a sample size as a 100 point reward. It's in the color Perfection, and I couldn't agree any more with the title. It's so pretty!

It reminds me a lot of OPI's You Don't Know Jaques. It's kind of a moody gray purple (unfortunately my poor lighting makes this look more brown, but it's definitely a neutral gray purple.

This polish I managed to get about 5-6 days without chipping, which is really good! And it applied really well (probably the best out of the Formula X polishes that I've tried). I'm already looking forward to painting my nails this again!

I love neutral colors and I can definitely see myself buying the full size of this soon!

Have you tried Formula X polishes? What's your favorite color?

Review of Stila CC Color Correcting Cream

Hi Guys!

A couple of weeks ago I had a pretty big Sephora gift card haul that I talked about on the blog.

One of the most exciting things that I picked up was the Stila CC Cream. To be honest, before the makeup artist suggested this product, I had never even heard of it. And besides the Kitten eyeshadow (which I adore), is the only Stila product I've even tried. So I was a little skeptical of using it.

I've now used it for about two weeks, so I thought that was enough time to give a pretty good review of my thoughts about it.

So according to the Sephora website, the description says that this CC cream is a "skincare meets cosmetics hybrid, offering the ultimate in color correction while creating a flawless, natural looking complexion."

It also says that this CC cream has:

-SPF 20 with broad spectrum protection

-Color corrects to reduce hyperpigmentation

-Softens fine lines and wrinkles

-Adapts to skintone

-72 hours of hydration

-Brighter, more youthful looking skin

-Without Parabens

-Oil Free

-Sheer-medium buildable coverage

-Matte to Satin Finish

So as you can see, that's a lot of stuff.

First Impressions

So when I first tried this, I wasn't really impressed. See, I have pretty oily skin. I wouldn't say it's as bad right now as the height of July, but I can still get pretty oily if I don't use Urban DeSlick spray or powder.

And the very first thing I noticed when she put it on me in Sephora, was how oily it is upon application. However, when she set it with powder, that went away instantly, which was nice. It became a very nice matte finish. In fact, it was even less oily than the Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily skin that I had been using previously.

So as far as the application goes, the description isn't lying when it says that it comes out green. It does, just like one of the primers that is green. The makeup artist told me that this would be great on the redness in my cheeks and nose area. From what she told me and from what I've observed in using it, it works much better if you kind of warm it up and rub it in place for a couple seconds before spreading it. The makeup artist claimed that this was to perfectly match to your skintone, and maybe that's true, but I see it more as just making the pigment come out instead of having the weird streaking green color correcting stuff stay caked on your face.

It's thicker than the Garnier BB Cream, but average to what I've seen from brands such as Smashbox.

This is definitely a sheer coverage CC cream. I feel like it kind of blurs and it sorta tones down my redness, but it's not medium coverage, even when layered with a second layer (I haven't tried a third layer yet because A.) it's $44, so I treat it like liquid gold and B.) it is really oily upon first application and I'm not ready to see if a third layer makes it really really really oily.

My recommendation with Stila's CC Cream, is that you find a really great coverage powder. Currently I'm using the Sephora Collection 8 Hour Mattifying Foundation (jury is out on the that as well, but that's a different review for a different day), but I've also used the MAC Stuido Fix Powder and both are really good in conjunction with the CC cream. I like to think that this CC cream is more of a color correcting primer in actuality, making your powder the real star. Which is not the purpose at all, but it's how I feel it works best. If you want light coverage, you need to use powder with it, preferably a foundation powder.

As far as scent, it smells kinda sunscreeny, but nothing obnoxious that would deter me away from this product. It fades pretty quickly. And so far it hasn't broken me out either, which is great.

Oh and in case you are curious about application, I have tried this with mattifying primers (samples of the Becca Ever Matte and the Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer) and using my Urban Decay De Slick spray as a base and all three work pretty equally, with my findings being that the De Slick using leaves me the most matte. Of course, no matter what primer I use, I always follow after the CC cream, powder, and blush with the De Slick spray.

I also use my fingers and haven't tried any other way of applying this. Also, I'm the color fair if that helps.

But my final thing that I have to say about this product is the price. It's $44 for 1.3 oz. That's a lot, especially considering this is sheer coverage. I'm still weighing the price, but I'm pretty sure it's not worth it. I'm not sure at this point whether I'll repurchase, but if I do (or don't), I'll let you know.

(Interested in more CC Cream reviews? Take a look at this one about Smashbox CC Cream!)

First Impressions of Benefit's They're Real! Mascara

So thanks to Sephora's free birthday gift, I recently got to try out Benefit's super popular They're Real! Mascara.

I've heard so many rave reviews about this mascara, but because I thought the $23 price tag was a little steep, plus my hesitancy to try Benefit products (just because I've never tried any before), I just avoided it.

When it comes to higher end mascaras, I find it so hard to justify using them. It's something that I go through super fast, like usually it takes a month or so for me to finish one, and I can't justify spending that much money on something that dries out so fast or gets used up so quickly.

But I love free samples, so I'm excited to tell you guys my thoughts on my first couple uses of this mascara.

On Sephora's website, it says: "A jet-black mascara that lengths, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separtates for a spectacular 'out to here' look."

Basically, it's supposed to be long wearing, black, and very dramatic.

So what do I think about They're Real!?

I really like it! It definitely defines and separates my lashes big time. And at first I kind of scoffed at the dramatic look it claims to have. But after building t up, it was a clean dramatic look. You know how many bold drama mascaras are super gloopy, clumpy, and messy? This isn't.

It doesn't smudge, flake, or budge at all during the day. It's even kind of difficult to take off for a non-waterproof mascara. Which isn't a positive, but you know.

So would I purchase this mascara once this insanely small sample size runs out?

Ugh, that's so tough. If I had an extra $23 laying around, then yes. I loved the way it makes my lashes look. I'm all about volume and length, and this definitely provided it. It's an easy mascara to use. But the price is so hard to overcome.

Have you tried this mascara? What are your thoughts? When it comes to high end products, what are ones that you will buy and others you don't think are worth splurging?

Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner or MAC's Technakohl

Over the course of the last couple of months I've been testing out a new eyeliner: Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner in Perversion. If you are at all familiar with the eyeliner world, Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner is pretty much everyone's holy grail.

 

Now if you are familiar with my blog, you know that I completely adore MAC's Techankohl eyeliner in Graphblack. It was the first black eyeliner I've ever used consistently, and obviously, the first high-end eyeliner I've ever used. I could go on and on about how amazing this eyeliner has been for me over the course of the last year and a half.

But I was beyond curious to see what all the hype over the 24/7 Liner was.


Source

Here are my thoughts on the Urban Decay pencil:

It's super creamy, super black, and goes on effortlessly. I've said in the past how impressed I was with the Technakohl liner being so effortless. The 24/7 Liner is easily the most effortless eyeliner I'll probably ever use. It's so black and pigmented, I literally can't explain it. It's the most dramatic black you can think of. I once that the MAC Graphblack was black, but it's a much softer, grayer black in comparison (both are good, it just depends on what look you are going for).

So while I was majorly impressed with the depth of color, ease of use, ability to get both a precise and soft line, there were some major drawbacks to the 24/7 Liner. One of the biggest problems: the fact it needs sharpening. I didn't know my hatred for sharpening eyeliner until it flaked off and stained a favorite shirt of mine. That was beyond annoying, let me tell you. I also realized that the staying power was not my favorite. I had my hopes up because I swatched it on my hand and it stayed on...even after a shower! That's impressive! But on my eyes, it would somehow wind up all below my eyes, my nose, my inner corner...everywhere. I don't touch my eyes. It was August and September when I was wearing it, so it was hot. But if an eyeliner can't hold up to August heat, I don't think it deserves a place in my makeup routine...especially if it's $19.

Oh and another really annoying problem with this eyeliner? It would somehow find a way to get stuck in my lashes, and then when I'd go to curl them, it would rip them out. Yet another huge downside of a super creamy formula.

In case you are wondering, I eventually got so fed up with dark black goop being all over my face, that I switched back to my deeply loved MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack. Yes, it's not as black as the Perversion liner (the only thing that the Urban Decay kind had over my MAC favorite). But it's easier to layer on. I don't have to be as careful. My eyes can be as watery and sweaty as they like, and still have the eyeliner on at the end of a 12 hour day. It's easy to remove with a good makeup wipe, it doesn't rip out my eyelashes, and my favorite thing, it doesn't need sharpening. Plus, it's $16 and part of the Back to MAC program.

Source

I know that a lot of people would disagree with me, and maybe testing it in the hotter, more humid parts of summer wasn't so smart, but now I can't imagine not using my Technakohl liner.

I do plan in the future to try the NARS eyeliner that's in the mechanical pencil form. Also, feel free to recommend your favorites!
 

A Review of My Large Lilly Pulitzer 2013-2014 Agenda

As you know, I'm obsessed with my Lilly Pulitzer agenda. I can't wait to use it not only because it's super cute, but also because it's great for keeping me organized for college.

I thought it would be fun to take a look at the inside of this year's agenda, especially for those that are wondering about whether they should buy it or not.

First of all, my agenda is the large size agenda (with the hardback cover) in True Navy Tiger Lilly. I love the design on the cover (with all the little tigers) and love the sturdy feeling of the hardcover.

 

 

Inside the cover is a little white folder page (I like to keep little notes or important papers in this when I attend my sorority chapter meetings) and then there's a page covered in cute little pictures. The little bunny is definitely my favorite!

 

Then of course, there's a page that tells the story about Lilly Pulitzer, which I think is super fun to read when you are stuck in a really boring 2 or 3 hour class. That's from my experience at least.

 

 

Then the next page shows a quick look at every month for the next 17 months. Which can be pretty handy if you are wondering about a date in the future. I don't find that I use this feature a whole lot though.

 

 

 

Following the multiple month views, is the entire month at a glance pages. So basically it shows all 17 months up close so you can plan things like sorority recruitment, finals, vacation breaks, and other things that help when looking a month view. Once again, these are super helpful for me, because at the beginning of each month, it has one of these too.

 

 

 

Next up is a cute little page that has lines where you can write Days to Celebrate. So if you need to remember all of the birthdays of those important people in your life. This also is something that I didn't use last year.

 

 

A sort of helpful page that follows this is the important dates page, which includes even the Kentucky Derby in true Lilly fashion.

 

 

 

Then multiple note pages follow.

 

 

 

A new, fun page that is included in this year's agenda is the horoscope page. Once again I see this being something really fun to read in a boring class. But the illustrations are adorable and it all keeps with the cute, light-hearted theme of this agenda.

 

 

 

Okay, so now comes the fun, meaty part of the agenda: the actual months and agenda portion. Each month opens up with a cute little design page (my favorite parts) and a little quote. Below I show all 17 months, so if you want to be surprised, don't look too far below!

 

 

 

Following the design page, there is a month-long glance at the days. Once again, I think this comes in handy when you need to map out your time or plan for stuff in advance. So I like to include philanthropy events, recruitment events, sisterhoods, big tests, papers, and cancelled classes to this page. This is a really handy part of the agenda.

 

 

 

And following that is the more detailed, day views. I love that each day has a lot of lines to write down assignments and due dates. One thing I wish they incorporated was a box for notes. So instead I usually just post a sticky note on the right side of the right page and right down my to-do lists there. Of course my sticky notes are Vera Bradley because they have to be cute!

 

 

So that is the conclusion to the tour of the agenda. I think it's a great investment for the money and something I'd recommend all college students to have. Plus the designs always brighten my day too.

 

And like I promised, below are all the month designs! There are some really cute ones this year! Which month is your favorite? Personally I love the September with the foxes!