September Favorites

I completely missed August Favorites last month. With so much going on in my life, not only did I not get a chance to try any new products, but I also found myself too busy to even put together a somewhat small list.

But because of the month without doing favorites, that means that this month I have a few more to talk about, which is great.

CG Toasted Almond, Stila Kitten, Pumpkin Cupcake Handsoap, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel, Macadamia Healing Oil Spray, Tarte Dazzled Blush, Pumpkin Cupcake Candle, Cider Lane Candle

Cover Girl Toasted Almond Nail Polish

I picked up this polish last winter, so I was super excited to wear it again this fall. I absolutely adore this color. Where Chinchilly is kind of gray and neutral, this polish is more of the brown spectrum, which I think looks amazing with my skin tone and perfect for fall. I love the lasting power of these polishes. My one complaint: Cover Girl needs to put names, not just numbers, on their products!! This is one number 220 if you're wondering!

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow

I've talked about this so much, but I truly love this eyeshadow. It's perfect for all over the eye and I can't get enough of this pinkish champagne color.

Pumpkin Cupcake Foaming Handsoap

I love the Pumpkin Cupcake Scent from Bath and Body Works. So I was super excited this year to see it was extended into handsoap and car scentportables (you know I stocked up on everything!). This handsoap is great! It smells heavenly and leaves my hands soft and clean.

Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel

This month I definitely invested in any and all things pumpkin. And that includes my shower gel. While I prefer the home fragrance version of Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin more, I adore this shower gel. It's spicy and sweet and perfect for cooler nights. I've been obsessed with this soap this month.

Macadamia Healing Oil Spray

My friend Maggie purchased this for me last spring and this month I've fallen in love with it again. Since I've been curling my hair more often, I find that I need to be as kind to my hair as possible. With this spray, I spray it first about two or three times in my hand, then rub it over both hands, and then really focus on my ends. It's made my hair so much more shinny, smooth, and healthy looking despite the awful amounts of heat I use on it.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dazzled

I bought this blush during the summer, but felt it was more of a fall color. Well, during September I pulled it out and fell in love. It's described as a soft rose, and it definitely has  a subtle purple color to it. It looks amazing with my green eyes and perfect for fall and winter.

Pumpkin Cupcake Candle

As I mentioned earlier, this is my favorite fall scent from Bath and Body Works. I've had the Wallflower and candle going for most of September, making my room smell like the most amazing fall bakery ever.

Cider Lane Candle

When I ran out of Pumpkin Cupcake, I decided I wanted to try something different. What I love about Cider Lane, is the strong notes of caramel! That's what makes this scent irresistible for me. I love the sweet mixture of apples, spices, and caramel!

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?

Sorority Picture Frame Craft

So I know for many sororities, it's getting close to big-little week, so I thought I'd share a craft with you that I made my Pearl last week.

This was such a simple, inexpensive project, and I absolutely love the way it came out. I bought the picture frame from Walmart (I think it was $5 or less). It already had all the frames connected.

I just painted each frame a different color, using the middle frame with one of those circle sponges to make polka dots (I was tempted to try chevron too, which would be super cute). Then once all the paint dried, I use puffy paint to write and tied a small bow out of ribbon and attached it to the top frame.

If you are giving it as a gift, I'd recommend either putting photos in it, or using scrapbook paper that matches the frames (like I did) to give it a complete, finished look.

Happy crafting!

What Beauty Products Are in My Shower?

On Youtube, I always find it super entertaining to watch the "What's in my Shower?" videos. It's like a look into people's lives showing what products are important enough to crowd into their tiny showers, and I find that totally fascinating.

So I decided to finally share what I store in my shower! Here's a look at it!

 

The first thing we'll take a look at is my all time favorite shampoo and conditioner. I absolutely love Suave Professional's Moroccan Infusion shampoo and conditioner. My hair is super silky and smooth after using it!

Next to that in my shower, I have my razor and some body wash. I absolutely love the Schick Hydro Silk disposable razors. They worked amazingly and make my skin feel smooth and so hydrated. Next to that I have my Philosophy I Love Candy Corn body wash that I bought last fall. I adore this sweet scent and think it's perfect for fall.

In the next little cubby, I have first my Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner. When I want to switch up my hair products, I usually opt for this pricier pair of hair products. While I think that it doesn't work nearly as good as the Suave ones, it does a great job of gently cleaning my hair and making it frizz free.

Beside that I have my EOS Vanilla Bliss shaving gel. I'm honestly not a shaving cream person (I usually use body wash), but I love the scent of this.

Next up is my Bath and Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin body wash, one of my favorite fall staples. I adore this stuff. I've used this body wash almost entirely throughout the month of September.

Then I have my Cetaphil Oil Control Foam Wash. I don't use this super often, but it does make my skin feel pretty clean and it doesn't make my face any oiler. Plus it's foamy, so that makes it fun to use.

The next cutout has my Country Chic body wash from Bath and Body Works. I love this scent so much! Next that is my all time favorite face wash and mask. I love Neutrogena's Clear Pore Cleanse and Mask. It keeps my skin clear and definitely helps with oil control. I always start with this every time I get in the shower.

Finally I have a pink loofa from Bath and Body Works, Lush's Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo, and Lush's American Cream Conditioner. These Lush hair products are really great (super strong smelling though). I usually use these maybe once every other week.

So that's what is in my shower. These are all products that I use quite frequently and really like!

What items are your most favorite in your shower?

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.


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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.

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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!
 

My Senior Year Apartment

I’ve been missing here for the last few weeks. It makes me kind of sad because I’ve just been so busy with school, sorority recruitment, and basically just enjoying the beginning portions of my last semester of living away at college. September is literally my favorite month, and I can't believe it's almost over! Where in the world did it go?

For the most part, I think my bedroom in my apartment is completed and I wanted to share it with everyone! Of course all rooms are always works in progress, but so far I'm in love with all of the space I have and how it's coming together. If you follow my blog, you know that I've been obsessing over decorating this space for months, so it's so much fun to see how it's come together.

 

We'll start with the view from my door! This is my bed. As you can see, I have the black and white chevron bedding from Urban Outfitters. So far I love it. It's a heavier fabric (more of a denim) and it holds up so well. I have red sheets from Kmart (finding red sheets are so hard!).

I hung up a vinyl monogram decal above my bed, and I love the interest it gives that wall. It's so classy!

 

My mom made the three dot pillows on the bed. One of my favorite details on the red and white polka dot ones, is that they are lined with crochet lace trim!

 

Looking at the nightstand (by the way, all the dark wood furniture was included with my apartment!), I have a chalkboard that I'm attempting to do some awesome chalk art on. This was my first attempt. My lamp came from Target two years ago and of course I have my alarm clock. Sorry for the cords you see, those are my phone charger and the cord to my little mini fan. It gets so hot sometimes!

From my past rooms, you probably remember my PB Teen dottie bins. One holds my Bath and Body Works collection (wallflowers, soaps, Scentportables, and other random odds and ends). The other holds my DVDS.

 

Here's another look that shows a few of my sorority paddles.

 

I've learned that I am most definitely not a handy person when it came to hanging my curtains. Keeping the intense eastern sun out of my face in the mornings were a huge priority, but hanging these curtains was way passed my limited about of DIYer skills. But, they are still hanging, not too crooked, and hung almost perfectly where they touch the floor. I bought them from Walmart.

 

 

Looking at the other wall beside my bed is familiar wall art: IKEA Wildflower wall decals! I had them in my room last year and adored them, so this year I bought another set. I just love them! You can also see Dottie, my ladybug Pillowpet hanging out on my red storage cube.

 

Turning around, here's the look at the other side of my room. I have my dresser and desk over there. And in case you are wondering, the leopard print box underneath my dresser is my nail polish collection! This proves to be the most convenient hiding spot for the box!

Here's a closer look at my dresser:

 

 

My TV is a Christmas present a few years ago from Target. I hung up chalkboard bird garland from World Market (I think they are adorable). I have a mason jar with fake fall flowers, a pumpkin candle from Bath and Body Works, my bird tray with my favorite perfume. And a bird from with a picture of my dog (also from World Market). In case you are curious about my dresser organization, the top drawer is dedicated to underwear and socks. Second drawer is pajamas and camis. Third drawer is shorts. Fourth drawer is jeans and pants.

 

Beside my dresser is my desk. Of course I have my laptop and my printer. But I also have a couple of Vera Bradley magazine holders that hold my textbooks. A red desk lamp, a couple decorative cupcake photo holders, chevron frame, Anthropologie mug with pens, and my Victoria's Secret mini dogs hanging out on my printer. Of course I also have a Pumpkin Cupcake candle too!

 

I also have above my desk my Vera Bradley ribbon board in Poppy Fields (boy do I miss this print!). I just have some photos and important things displayed there.

 

 

Beside my desk I put up my full length mirror, bought another storage drawer set to hold my school supplies, and on top of that I have my makeup collection. So essentially, this is my makeup area.

 

I'm lucky enough to have a walk in closet too! Here's a quick look. It's not the most organized, although I do like the hanging shelves for my cardigans and shoes.

I'm also lucky enough to have my own (huge) bathroom. I seriously don't even know how to handle this much space.

 

 

I absolutely adore my shower curtain from Ikea. I wanted to match my red dottie rug and towels that I bought from Walmart a couple of years ago. No matter where I looked, nothing matched. But Ikea had this super cute one.

I also really like having my wire shelf in my bathroom too. It hold three dottie bins that hold haircare products, makeup removing things, and body washes.

Overall I love my room! It's so spacious and it's fun to have a room to myself. I love having a walk in closet too.

What are you loving about your dorm room?

 

Just a Peek

Since there’s still a few finishing touches left for my new room at college, I thought I’d give you guys just a sneak peek of what it looks like…

 

Hopefully you like it! Of course it has chevron and dots!