A Haul Because I Finally Went Shopping

Today was one of those rare days where I had very few things to do and had some extra cash laying around. As a college student, this is a glorious occasion. I always have a list of things I'd like to check out if I have some money so I knew right where I was heading...Sephora, of course! 

I've not heard too much about the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee because it has only come out recently, but I felt like it was my duty as a blush obsessed girl to check it out. I grabbed the "Poppy Paradise" color because it looked quite natural when I swatched it on my hand. It was hard to decide between this color and "Pink Escape," but I went for the shade that seemed most different from shades I already own. I didn't know much about Josie Maran until I wandered through the aisle at Sephora today, but I was happily surprised to find out that it is a socially and environmentally responsible company. Josie Maran says herself, "I believe in balance. I believe that doing the right thing is glamorous. I believe in beauty without the baggage." This is the kind of company I want to support. A company that uses organic ingredients and doesn't believe in animal cruelty. So it's needless to say that I'm the newest Josie Maran enthusiast. 

While I was in my Josie Maran cloud of happiness I also grabbed the BEARNAKED nail wipes because a portion of the sale goes to Polar Bear SOS Initiative, a project of the National Resources Defense Council. These nail wipes are also made with no acetone and smell like grapefruit instead of nasty nail polish remover. 

With my purchase I was also given a Bumble and Bumble Surf shampoo and conditioner sample. I'm super excited about this because I've been wanting to test out the Surf line from Bumble and Bumble for a long time, but have just never felt like shelling out the 30 bucks to try it. 

In the check out line I quickly grabbed these two ribbon hair ties because my hurling teams are green and pink. It was meant to be!

As with any mall trip, I had to stop by Lush to see if they had anything fun to test. I have read rave reviews about the Ocean Salt Body and Face Scrub (and it smells like summer) so I figured it was necessary on this random beauty day. I am excited to try it out and I'll be sure to report back with my opinions.

Because I'm a frugal and responsible citizen of the earth I turned in five Lush pots today to receive my free Fresh Face Mask. I struck up a conversation with one of the girls working and asked her which face mask was her favorite. We discussed which face masks I'd tried and my skin behavior before she settled on BB Seaweed. It's similar to Catastrophe Cosmetic which I loved, but different enough to make it fun for me. I'll be sure to compare the two and decide which one I'd recommend.

What have you purchased recently? Anything new I should look out for at the mall? 

June Favorites 2013

So another month of summer has passed us by and it's time for my monthly favorites! I absolutely love reading favorites posts so I hope some of you enjoy reading them. It's always nice to know about new products out there, or old products that have become new favorites. Without further ado, my June 2013 favorites:

Blue Diamond Almonds - Blueberry (or Cinnamon!) - These are seriously scrumptious. I discovered them on an endcap at Target while roaming the food aisles and don't know why they're not featured in a stand all on their own. They're sweet and crunchy with the best blueberry taste which comes from real blueberry juice, not just some chemical flavoring. The cinnamon flavor is also amazing. I'm sure if you were to toast them in the oven for just a moment your whole house would smell like a summer festival where they sell the cinnamon nuts. YUM.

Essie's Sunday Funday - This nail polish was recently featured in my Cara Box Exchange post because my lovely new blog friend Samantha sent it to me. It's the perfect summer shade and I've already repainted my nails with this color about 8 times.

One Love Organics Morning Glory Serum - Although the scent of this is somewhat herbal and earthy smelling, the results I've experienced are quite impressive. It's a brightening serum/toner and I love how I feel refreshed after applying it. I don't have the full size because I bought a sample pack of the entire skincare regimen and will probably end up buying it once I finish the sample.

Nike SB Stefan Janoski Shoes - I purchased these in June because I work retail and have long hours of standing and walking to put clothes away. So I must say thank you to the kind girl at Zumiez who helped me find the right shoe with her smart suggestions. Retail girls have to stick together. But seriously, these are probably the most comfortable shoes I own aside from my Birkenstocks which I can't wear to work.

L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner - Smoothest, creamiest, longest lasting eyeliner ever. 'Nuff said.

Batiste Cool and Crisp Fresh Dry Shampoo - One question. Why did I not discover dry shampoo years ago? This would have made high school a breeze! Anyway, I've heard YouTube beauty gurus and beauty bloggers all over the world rave about Batiste dry shampoos so I jumped on the band wagon to see what it was all about. I'm in love. A lot of dry shampoos have a weird aerosol can scent that isn't what I want my hair to smell like, but Batiste dry shampoos have fun scents and the product itself does the job well.

What were your June favorites?

Influenster VoxBox Review

****I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.****

I will be completely honest with all of my reviews of these products because I am not being paid to say anything. I am happy to receive this box, but it will not sway my opinion of any brands or products.

I was so excited when I opened my mailbox to find this pink box peeking out with an array of new products for me to test out. 

I have not yet tried out the Broadway Nails imPress Press-on Manicure, but am quite skeptical. I've never actually worn fake nails and don't think they will be very comfortable. I will give it the old college try and if I like them it will be a nice alternative if I'm in a rush. They are pink which is nice because it's one of my favorite nail colors!

OSiS Dust It is a mattifying, texturizing hair powder. I don't especially love it because it leaves my hair feeling tacky, but it does really work. I have quite flat hair and this pumped up the volume. It makes my hair feel like second day hair which will be great for days when my hair is feeling too slippery for styling. Overall, it's a good product, but I recommend it with minor reservations. 

The NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm smells just like apples. It has a pleasant taste, gives sheer color, and doesn't feel sticky. If I'm looking for a lip balm I usually lean toward the non-tinted shades, but this is nice and I will end up using it for days when I want something that smells yummy. 

I should have tested the Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant yesterday during the MHC Opening Day hurling matches when I was running all day, but forgot and used my regular deodorant. So I tested it on a normal day and was pleased with the results. I probably wouldn't repurchase this because I prefer solid deodorant, but it does work well. The scent is a bit stronger than I like for deodorants, as well. 

Lastly, I received the Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake. I wasn't actually the one to enjoy this, but instead I let my friend help me out. His direct quote was, "It was good. I'd eat another one." So if that says anything I'm guessing it was good. 

I had a fun time testing out these products and am happy to have been a part of this Spring VoxBox!

Me Without Makeup: A Post About Loving Yourself

In the midst of all the concealers, cleansers, treatments, and creams I sometimes lose sight of what is truly important: loving myself without any of the additions. Loving my skin blemishes, freckles, moles and all. So drumroll please...here I am in all my bare-skinned glory.

As all of you must know by now, I love beauty products. I stroll down the aisles of Target looking for the newest skincare treatments hoping that I will find a life changing product to end any and all skin issues for the rest of eternity. Because that will change the world--kidding! Recently I've been thinking about the kind of person I am and the kind of person I hope to be. I want to inspire, motivate, and instill hope in future generations (or really anyone!). I want to be someone people can look up to. I want to, dare I say, change the world. And although talking about beauty products can't change the world, perhaps I can inspire just one person to be confident and love herself. No one is perfect, no one looks flawless all the time, and everyone has bad days.

I've always looked up to strong female athletes like Angela Ruggiero, Cammi Granato, and Wilma Rudolph because they're strong and fearless and have paved the way for women in sports. To be as successful as they have been they had to be confident and love themselves every step of the way. I'm sure there were times they didn't feel beautiful or confident, but guess what? They went out and fought tough battles and are now legends.

I want to be like these strong women who are beautiful and passionate and happy with their bodies and their lives. I've never been unhappy with my body, but as a girl I do sometimes feel pressure to look a certain way. I've hidden behind concealer for years and it's time to stop. I'm almost 21 years old and it's time to feel proud and beautiful and happy with who I am when nothing is covered up. I've picked at blemishes leaving scars, another issue I'm currently working on. I'm no where near cured of this habit, but I've gotten exponentially better. I have finally realized that most people will not notice if I forgo the makeup for a day. If I don't wear concealer to cover up my imperfections, the world does not end. As much as I love makeup and the way I look all done up, I've come to love myself not wearing makeup as well.

I dare you to go a few days without any makeup at all! It's scary and it's revealing, but I promise you'll feel more confident and love yourself just a little bit more!

Products I Regret Purchasing

I don't often buy a product I don't love, but there will always be a few where they just don't work out. Occasionally I'll have an impulse buy, or something will not work well with my skin, but for the most part the other products from any of these brands are great.

Smashbox HD Concealer, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream, The Body Shop DeoDry Deodorant, Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara, Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream

If you've read any of my previous posts you'll know I'm a concealer fanatic. I'll try anything once, and I'd heard so many good things about this Smashbox HD concealer. Magazines dubbed it "Best Concealer," my friends raved about it, and I trusted that a high end brand could do no wrong. Unfortunately, this product didn't work out for me. The color is too yellow, I find it goopy and hard to work with, and it does not blend very easily. For me, this concealer was much too heavy. I know many people love this product, but it was just not the right match.

The Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream wasn't a huge disappointment for me because I only got a free sample in a Sephora order, but I thought it was going to work wonders. Instead, it stung my eyes and made them look puffier than before. I do have sensitive skin, so I'm sure this eye cream would be great for those with less sensitive skin.

I love The Body Shop and all of the more natural products. This was a non-aluminum deodorant that actually kept me dry and smelling fresh all day. The only downside for me was that I had an allergic reaction to the eucalyptus in this line of products. If you're looking for a natural deodorant, and are not allergic to eucalyptus, then I highly recommend this. I only regret purchasing this because I cannot enjoy it.

Mascara is a must have item for me everyday. I heard so many beauty gurus on YouTube talking about this mascara and how much they loved the brush. Being the sucker for beauty products that I am, I went out and bought the coveted mascara. I got home and tried it on only to be disappointed with the flimsy brush. I need a sturdy brush to really work the mascara onto my lashes. I like to have a bit of force behind it and this brush took away any sense of force. The formula is great, like all Maybelline mascaras, but I do not like the brush.

The biggest beauty disappointment for me recently was this Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream. This was an impulse buy and I hadn't heard much about it, but I'd always wanted to try BB cream for its wonderful benefits. Unfortunately my sensitive skin couldn't handle this product and it broke me out. I am too afraid to test it out again so I'm just giving up on it. I wouldn't recommend this to those of you with sensitive skin.

Are there any products out there that you think I should try? Let me know in the comments below!

L'Oreal Wear Infinite Eyeshadow - Golden Sunset (Eyeshadow Perfection)

So I know this eyeshadow is a little worse for wear, but it's been well loved. This L'Oreal Wear Infinite Eyeshadow in Golden Sunset is an ultimate favorite eyeshadow for me. I've probably had it for almost two years now, but I still love it as much as the day I purchased it. Some eyeshadows lose their magic with me, but not Golden Sunset. Now I'm almost positive this color has been discontinued (*tears*), but I scoured the web searching for places to find it online and they do still carry it here.

This has become an everyday staple for me because the golden shimmer is not at all chalky or chunky. It sweeps over the eyelid effortlessly and creates a bit of dimension for my eyes. It's subtle enough for everyday, but bold enough to be layered and worn out at night. I think this is a beautiful shade perfect for any complexion. If I ever see more of these eyeshadow singles at Target I might just have to grab every single one.

Bursting with Blushes

My makeup bag has been bursting with blush lately. Perhaps it is because there has been no sunshine to give me a natural glowing flush (yes, it is STILL snowing in Minnesota). So I've been turning to these lovely blushes to keep me smiling even though it's dark and gloomy outside.

Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface, Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush in Coral Reef, Laneige Gradient Blush in 02 Light, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, Origins Pinch Your Cheeks Cheek Stain in Raspberry

I've obviously been loving the Tarte blush in Dollface because I've hit pan on it. It's a pink that is flattering on my fair skin because it brings out a natural blushing look. It's been my everyday blush and I don't think that will be changing even into summertime.

The Revlon Coral Reef blush is a recent purchase for me. I've only worn it twice, but I know it will be a favorite for spring and summer. It's a cream blush so it will have a nice staying power for those warmer days and it gives that dewy fresh faced look. I used to be afraid of brighter colors like this orangey shade, but it's fun to mix it up. There's no reason I should be safe with natural colors, we should all go for the fun ones occasionally!

I posted about the Laneige blush recently because it was a gift from my brother on his trip to Korea. It's a shimmery gradient and gives a different look every time I wear it. It's a very smooth consistency and I love how it has a built in highlighter. I've been taking the lightest shade on my ring finger and using it as my brow bone highlighter as well.

For a very different look, I've been using the Milani Luminoso blush because it's such a departure from my normal blushes. It's shimmery and coral, but has a dark tone to it. I'm not big on contouring, but I've been placing this in the hollows of my cheeks and creating some dimension.

The Origins Raspberry Cheek stain is a holy grail product for me. I love that it is a stain because I feel like the saying power is stronger than some powder blushes. It's a beautiful natural color for my cheeks on those "No Makeup" makeup days. I love it and will always repurchase it. Just be sure to work quickly when applying or it will stain your fingers instead!

Do you have any fun blush recommendations for me? I'm always looking to try something new!

Empty Product Review #1

I always love watching Empty Product videos on YouTube because I feel like they really inform the viewers on what products are worth buying. If I make it through a product (and I'm scraping at the remains), then it comes highly recommended by me. I love testing beauty products and skin care items so more often than not I'll discover a new item that I love before I've used up a similar product.

These are items that I've been collecting for the past few weeks!

Hair Products

Paul Mitchell Smoothing Serum, LUSH Veganese Conditioner, Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray

The Paul Mitchell Smoothing Serum smells great and really does smooth your hair. I usually applied this right after I got out of the shower so it could double as a detangling product. It something I enjoyed using while I had it, but would probably not repurchase because in full size it is a bit pricey.

The LUSH Veganese Conditioner "smells like 7-Up" according to my roommate. I agree, but there are also hints of lavender that make it smell like a spa. This is a very light conditioner and claims to be "exceptionally good for limp, fine, or lack-lustre hair." I have limp hair and am always looking for voluminizing products, but this was not exceptional for my hair. I've been using the Clear Long Lengths Conditioner and have been very happy with the results. I did enjoy the scent though, so props to LUSH.

I wish I would have grabbed the full size version of the Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray. I had run out of my Bed Head Masterpiece spray and wanted to repurchase it, but Target was sold out so I grabbed this thinking it was just a stand-in until I could find the Bed Head spray again. I was wrong. I fell in love and can't wait until I'm out of hairspray again so I can buy the full version. It smells great, it has all day power, and doesn't make my hair crunchy.

Random Samples

Fresh Picked "Beautiful Day" Lotion, Ange ou Demon Eau de Parfum, Daisy by Marc Jacobs

I love beauty products; therefore, I also love beauty samples. I received a perfume sample in an order from Sephora and quickly ran out of Daisy by Marc Jacobs. I'm not usually one for floral scents, but this doesn't smell overpowering and has hints of vanilla. I also used up a sample of the Givenchy Ange ou Demon Eau de Parfum. I'm not a huge fan because it was a little too strong for me and smelled very spicy. 

I also used up a sample of the Bath and Body Works Beautiful Day lotion. I have already purchased the full version so I guess that pretty much speaks for itself. I love the fresh spring scent and I believe it will transition well into summer.

Concealers

NYX HD Concealer in Light, Almay Clear Complexion Concealer in Light

I usually go through concealers pretty quickly because I don't use foundation so concealers are my base, but these ones were not my favorites so they took a long time to use up. The NYX concealer may have been a bit too light for my skin (if there is such a thing because I'm very fair skinned) and the Almay concealer had a gloppy consistency. I raved about my favorite concealers in a post here.

Hygiene Products

Top: Dove GoFresh Deodorant in Plum and Sakura Blossom, LUSH Charity Pot
Bottom: Method Hand Soap in White Nectarine, LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel, Degree Sexy Intrigue Deodorant

Deodorant is deodorant. I liked it, it kept me smelling fresh. Enough said.

I adore the LUSH Charity Pot lotion mostly because the proceeds go to charities. It's very moisturizing and the scent is sweet like honey and sticks with you. A little goes a long way so this $5 container was definitely worth it. I have already repurchased this and have been using it!

Method Hand Soap is my favorite because it isn't full of antibacterials or chemicals that can actually harm your skin. This has a nice fruity nectarine scent and I will be sticking with the Method brand, but perhaps trying another scent because they're all very nice.

I received this LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel as a Christmas present and it smells like cotton candy. It's also a lovely pink color and really brightens up a dull winter morning. I enjoyed using this, but because it is special addition I will not be repurchasing it right away. Maybe I'll get it again next year!

Another normal deodorant. Degree in Sexy Intrigue. I love this scent, but will be searching for a more natural deodorant.

 Face and Shower Products

Alba Even Advanced Sea Algae Enzyme Scrub, The Body Shop Vitamin E Illuminating Moisture Cream, LUSH Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask, The Body Shop Cranberry Joy Body Wash, Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer, Bath and Body Works Pink Chiffon Lotion

I love the Alba Even Advanced Sea Algae scrub. It's been a favorite exfoliator of mine for a while and I've already purchased another. It smells kind of herbal and really gets deep into my pores for a deep clean while sloughing away all the dead skin.

I'm not a huge fan of this moisturizer from The Body Shop. It had a nice subtle smell and was very moisturizing, but it is illuminating and had too much pink tone for my skin. I am very fair and have pink undertones so this was not the right illuminating product for me. It made me look too pink.

I've raved about the LUSH Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask before and I will hopefully be repurchasing it again soon. It smells like blueberry muffins and works wonders on my skin.

I bought this Cranberry Joy body gel from The Body Shop around Christmas time, it smells like the cranberry candle from Bath and Body Works. The perfect smell for winter time. I loved it, but will be using more spring and summer scents until winter hits again.

The Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer is my everyday moisturizer and I've already purchased another. It has SPF in it, it clears dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and it's not too think for every day wear.

I love Bath and Body Works lotion and Pink Chiffon reminds me of the Pink Sugar perfume from Sephora. I haven't repurchased this, but it's a possibility in the future because I love the smell.

Candles

Bath and Body Works Slatkin & Co. Candles in Island Nectar and Pineapple Mango

The Island Nectar candle smells like a fancy cocktail that you'd drink on a beach and the Pineapple Mango (my favorite BBW candle) smells like a fresh cut pineapple covered in mango juice with a hint of vanilla. Best. Smell. Ever. And reminds me of summer. I highly recommend both of these candles.

Treats from South Korea

My brother recently visited friends in Jeju, South Korea and brought back some skin care goodies for me! I have the best big brother in the world; he even ventured into beauty related stores to find these masks for me.
I wish I could post all of the pictures from his trip because South Korea is such a beautiful place. I've definitely added it to the list of places I need to visit. He had a spectacular time and I enjoyed hearing about his travels.

I've already used the Tea Tree face mask and it was a lovely experience. It wasn't at all what I expected, but I definitely liked it. The mask wasn't a paste or a cream, but instead it was a cloth with eye, nose and mouth cut outs soaked in the fresh essences. I wouldn't say it changed my skin dramatically or made me feel like a new person, but it was very refreshing and soothing for my face.

I don't know how I'll live without this Laneige blush once I've used it up. I have it in the shade 02 Light, but there are other shades as well. I'm so proud of my brother for picking this up for me because he didn't even know what he was looking for! It is gradient blush and looks slightly different every time you wear it because the brush will pick up a different mixture of the colors. It is shimmery so I think it will be great for summer and add that extra dewiness to my skin. 

I'm so lucky to have a big brother as great as mine. Not just for bringing me treats from his trip, but because he's an all around great person and an inspiration for me everyday. I'm sure you'll hear more about him soon. He's my role model and one of my best friends.

Beauty and the Beast

As a little girl I found it hard to walk the line between being a strong athletic girl and a fashion obsessed sweet girl. I played hockey with the boys and spent little time on makeup, clothes, and hair because I didn't know I could be both tough and pretty at the same time. I guess I just hadn't had the time to explore both realms. But after years of practice, I've merged the two into my own style. I've decided to call it "Beauty and the Beast" because we can all be both. I can be a beast on the pitch, but I'm a beauty once I step off. Here are two looks - one beauty and one beast.

Beauty

Dress, Headband, Ring, Shoes, Bag, Nail Polish (Angelic)

I don't often wear dresses, but when I do I love to have it look as girly and sweet as possible. Dresses make you feel like a modern day princess! I like soft muted colors and this dress is a perfect periwinkle blue with ruffles to enhance the girly feel. I paired it with accessories that are simple and classic so they would not take away from the main piece, the dress. This dress looks floaty and fabulous for a beautiful day.

Beast

Top, Pants, Bag, Sports Bra, Yoga mat, Shoes

This beastly outfit would be perfect for a Pilates session, a hard training run, hurling practice, or even just a day when you want to look like you are going to kick butt. The bag fits a yoga mat, but could easily fit running shoes and whatever products you need for post-workout touch ups. Personally, I always need dry shampoo if I'm going to be running off to my next class!

Don't think that just because you're a kick butt girl it means you can't throw on a dress if you want to! Be you. You can be both the scary beast on the field and the sweet innocent girl off!

Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask Review

Face masks are one of my most favorite activities for a lazy night at home. I've never tried the Lush Fresh Face Masks, but have always been intrigued because I'm a fan of pretty much all of the other Lush products.

While smelling my way through the Lush store last week I came across the Fresh Face Mask table and, of course, stopped to smell each product and read about the benefits I could reap from using the masks. As you can see, I'm a sucker for products that claim to keep facial disasters at bay.

I chose this mask in particular because of the blueberry scent. It's as if you're smearing a blueberry muffin infused with chamomile tea all over your face. It actually has bits of mashed up blueberries in it! And I love chamomile because it is calming as a tea so I figured it'd be great for my face. The description reads, "When disaster looms Catastrophe Cosmetic calms and cleanses the skin. Blueberries rich in beneficial anti-oxidants, soothing chamomile, Irish moss, and the gentle cleansing action of calamine to save the day." 

I always think that I've come across the next Holy Grail skin care product, and I'm usually just loving something because it's new. Not this time. I'll definitely be heading back to Lush as soon as I run out because it has really calmed my skin and it just feels so darn great!

Face of the Day

A sunny day! What a crazy thing that has happened in March! It's in the 40s today which makes me smile. It also inspired a sunny makeup look for me today!

I decided to play up a more intense lip color today because it felt so bright outside. It isn't quite as bright on camera, but it's a perfect color for spring and summertime. It is a coral pink color from Revlon Kissable Balm Stains called Rendez Vous. I've talked about it before because I'm in love. This is definitely going to be a go-to lip color for summertime. I just get so excited thinking about how it will be getting warmer and warmer in the coming weeks!

For eyes I started with a base of Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded. It's my new favorite everyday eyeshadow. It brightens up any color added on top.

I then layered this L'Oreal bronzey shade (the name has been rubbed off because I've had it for so long) and this Urban Decay shadow in Scratch. I find that these two blend together so nicely and create a "sunset" look which I absolutely love for spring and summer because it reminds me of the beach.

I filled in my brows with Benefit's Brow Zings in Light, lined my eyes with an old stand-by Almay Wake-Up liner in Black, and brightened up my cheeks with Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour blush. I'll be moving my makeup into spring cleaning mode so maybe I'll post about empty products and things I no longer use!

A New Concealer That Stole My Heart

Until recently, I've been in a long term relationship with Netrogena Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer. The number 05 Fair is my perfect match and I think I repurchased this product about 800 times. I've previously mentioned that I don't particularly like foundation so this product took the place of foundation and was my lifesaver, especially in times of breakouts (which have recently been sparse!). I love the liquid consistency and the build-able coverage. If you have a minor red spot or a giant massive volcano, this concealer was my go-to holy grail product. Now that I've raved about this product I'll explain why I had to venture out to new concealer territories!
This amazing perfect spectacular concealer has some downsides. First of all, there is not much product in the tube. If I'm using this product to cover all of my imperfections then I need more than a smidge. Obviously this is a concealer so some people don't use it the way I do, but if you're a no foundation girl like me, it's a problem. Second, it is a whopping $8.99 for a tiny tube of concealer that only lasts me about a month. When you're an on-the-go college student with no car, you need a concealer that will last a bit longer and not run out on you in times of emergencies. I speak from experience, don't run out of concealer. That's my motto.

Here's where my new love comes in. I've heard a lot of talk about the L'Oreal True Match blendable concealer crayon and am always skeptical when it comes to products that aren't liquid. (Aside from Benefit Boiing Concealer which is much too pricey for me when it comes to everyday use. But if you want to spend a bit more I highly recommend it.)
I always assume a crayon will not be blendable enough to suit my skin or cover blemishes to my liking. Alas, I was completely wrong. I have been awakened to a new love affair with concealer.




This crayon is almost more blendable than my beloved Netrogena concealer and has a tacky characteristic that makes it easier to cover spots. I am in the shade N1-2-3 Fair/Light which is the more pink toned shade of the fair options. I appreciate the options for different undertones because I always end up choosing whatever concealer is lightest because I am so fair skinned and sometimes that means the shade has a more yellow undertone which shows up and does not blend into my skin. This line has different undertone options and there will be a shade to match you!

I am in love.

First Day of Spring Nails!

Happy Spring! For all of you out there who, like me, live in climates where it has not yet started to look like spring I hope it's coming soon!
I decided to brighten up my first day of spring by painting my nails a shocking shade of coral. There is still quite a lot of snow on the ground and today I think it might have hit 20 degrees. That's March in Minnesota for you. But anyway, this is the shade Trout Pout by Butter London and it sure did make me think of bright sunny days ahead!

When I first purchased this nail polish I was disappointed with the formula. I thought it felt sticky and streaky on the nail so I had shied away from using it. It's also a very summery shade so it didn't move into my "nail polish of the moment" bag. I grabbed it today and was really happy. It didn't feel sticky or streaky and I only applied one coat before a topcoat and it was completely opaque. So here's to second chances! And here's to spring! Let's all hope for some warm weather! 

Skincare Routine

My skin has dramatically improved with some recent dietary changes, but I truly believe in the power of a great skincare routine. I used to be am a product hoarder and love trying out new face masks, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, but I have found that keeping it simple is what my skin likes best (who would have thought?!).

In the morning I start out with the Alba Botanica Even Advanced Sea Algae Enzyme Scrub. I like to exfoliate right away in the morning to wake up my skin and slough off the dead skin. This product is certified organic and hypo-allergenic. It is not tested on animals and does not include parabens.
I like using natural products on my face because they are coming in direct contact with a very sensitive area. This product is all natural, but it doesn't smell offensive like some natural products do; it smells a bit like aloe. I have repurchased this multiple times and it is my favorite exfoliator, believe me, I've tried many.

Before I apply any makeup, I like to spritz my skin with this Lush Tea Tree Water toner. It smells like tea tree oil, and if you've ever smelled tea treel oil you know it can be a strong scent, but this is quite relaxing. This is a very refreshing mist and does not have an overpowering tea tree oil smell because it is mixed with grapefruit and juniper. I haven't noticed any remarkable changes in my skin from using this product, but I do enjoy the refreshing qualities. I occasionally use this as a makeup setting spray, as well.

Moisturizer and serum, what can I say? I've been using The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Serum since July and fear the day I run out of it. I love the packaging because the pump is so handy, but it's hard to tell how much product I have left. I really don't ever want to be without it. This adds a glow to my skin because there is a shimmery factor to it, but I'd never call it shimmery once it's blended in. It looks very nice on the skin and I use it as a primer for my makeup in the morning.
I have recently fallen in love with the Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer. After I ran out of The Body Shop Vitamin C Moisturizer I had to find a drugstore alternative that wouldn't cost me twenty-some dollars to replace. Although I'd love to repurchase The Body Shop moisturizer, this Neutrogena moisturizer has impressed me. It claims to reduce the appearance of dark spots within four weeks, I believe it is correct! I have been using this for over 3 months now and see a visible difference.

Can I say "Holy Grail" product? This Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel is my favorite cleanser of all time, ever. I use it at night to remove my makeup and the dirt from my day, but I use it in the morning sometimes, just because I love it that much. It's gentle, it smells like an herb garden, and it takes off any sort of makeup I put on my skin. I've repurchased this twice now and I think it is safe to say I'm in love. None of the Boscia products have ever broken me out and my skin is very sensitive. This is a gel consistency so it may be different than some other cleansers out there. It doesn't get very sudsy if you're into soap, but it lathers up into a nice layer on your skin. I always feel refreshed after washing my face with this cleanser.

Bioderma is a love it or hate it product. I LOVE it. I know it isn't available in stores here (it's a French pharmacy product), I purchased mine on Amazon and don't think I'll be able to again due to the fact that the prices are ridiculous. It removes all traces of makeup and is very gentle for sensitive skin. It has no scent and has the consistency of water. I use a cotton pad to use this product all over my face. It feels incredibly cleansing; even after I wash my face, this removes dirt and grime. Gross, right? Regardless, it is very gentle and is a must-buy for anyone who has had skin issues or is suffering from very sensitive skin.

After washing my face at night I always apply a moisturizer, especially in the dryer winter months. This is the Korres Rose and Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial and I have been using it since September. It smells like roses and is a very thick moisturizer. A little goes a long way with this product because it spreads like butter. Weird reference..I don't know if you'd want to spread butter on your face, but anyway, this is a smoothing moisturizer and I kid you not, you will wake up with brighter, glowing skin.

Freeman's Superfruits Revealing Facial Mask is my face mask of the moment. I'm not very loyal to face masks because, as I mentioned before, I'm obsessed with all things skincare related. I usually do a face mask about once a week, depending on how busy I am. This is a fun mask because once it is dry you peel it off and it looks like you're peeling off a layer of your skin! It smells like fruit and maybe a hint of mint (that might just be me making something up), but I think there's mint in there. This face mask is pretty gentle and I quite like it. I don't know if I'll repurchase it, but for the time being I enjoy using it and it reveals glowing skin, which I appreciate.







So there's my skincare routine of the moment. Trying to keep it as simple as I can and using natural products whenever possible. Any suggestions for a face mask that I could try when I run out of the Super Fruits Peel-Off?