Winter Favorites! 2014

Hey cuties! I'm trying to get back into the habit of blogging regularly. I've been pretty swamped lately but spring break is coming soon and we need spring sooo badly! I swear, this has been one of the worst winters of my life because we had 6 snow days! And this is Minnesota we're talking about, there is hardly any snow days if we can help it. One time, it got to about -40 degrees with the windchill! But, as Minnesotans, we went to the movies that day. That shows how crazy we are. Funny thing is, we saw Frozen. Best. Decision. Ever!

So there's actually a point to this post, and that's my winter favorites. It's just easier for me to do seasonal favorites rather than monthly favorites. If I did this monthly, they would be super short and really boring and no one wants that. 

1. Dusty Rose Cardigan from Target- I've been trying to wear pieces that are a little out of my comfort zone, and this long, cardigan is something that I wouldn't usually go for because it's long but I love it! I'm so glad I got it because I literally every week. I would pair it with a white tank top (or my next favorite) and a long necklace and some black pants. 

2. Jhameel T-shirt- I mentioned this T-shirt in my Fall Favorites but I'm still in love with it! It's my Jhameel shirt and if you haven't listened to his music, I definitely suggest giving it a try because he is amazing. I can't wait for his new album to come out! I plan on getting his other t-shirt soon, as soon as I can spare the money. ;)

3. Boots from Shoe Department- In my last haul, I told you guys about the absolute bargain I got these shoes for! They were originally $125, but I got them for $19.97! These are definitely not winter shoes because they have no grips on the soles and I slip and slide on the ice, but they're so cute I don't even care. In the spring they will be absolutely amazing.

I've been into nudes this winter, is that weird? I feel like everyone was wearing deep, dark tones and I just wore nudes. I just wanted something that was no-fuss and was easy.

1. NYX Butter Glosses- review here. I feel like I've worn at least one of these every day since I got them. If  you want to know more, I have more information in my review.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Cognito- This is basically the exact color of my lips, but a tiny bit pinker. This formula is nice because it's sheer and it's very moisturizing and shiny. If you are looking for a very simple lip color, this is a good one.

3. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Totally Toffee- One of the many nudes I've been wearing. This a little darker that the rest, but it's still really pretty, especially paired with one of my NYX Butter Glosses.

4. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude- This paired with the Tiramisu butter gloss is a match made in heaven. I swear, they are made for each other. The colors match and the smell of the butter gloss masks the terrible smell of the lipstick. That's probably the only bad thing about this lipstick.

1. Clio Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Golden Black- I did a rave review on these pencils. They are so pigmented and smooth and they stay on your eyes all day. Plus, there's a built it sharpener. There's nothing else to say, it's just great and I've been using it every day.

2. Too Face Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder- Claire Marshall was talking about this powder in one of her videos, and anything that Claire likes, I have to get. And oh my goodness, it makes your skin look so smooth and matte. And it keeps me matte. For an oily girl like me, that's perfect. I was going to do a review on this, but before you know it I hit pan and it wasn't pretty anymore. Once I finish it and repurchase it, I'll do a full review.

3. Vera Wang Princess Perfume- I've been wanting to find a fragrance, and I really want the Prada Candy L'eau but I have to save up for it. So in the meantime I got the Vera Wang Princess rollerball and this smells amazing. It doesn't last really long but I don't really mind. Reapplying isn't a big deal. It's more affordable as far as perfumes go so if you don't want to break the bank but you still want to smell nice, Vera Wang is the way to go.

1. L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Line- My hair has been loving the this entire line of hair products. It makes my hair so lightweight, soft, and silky. The harsh weather has really taken a tole on my hair and this fixes it right up!

2. Hada Labo Replenishing Hydrator- This is a Japanese brand but it's sold in the US. I'm not sure if it's the exact same product but I sure hope it is. My skin has been so dry and ever since I started using this as a toner, it calmed down. I wouldn't use this alone because it's just not enough moisture for me, but as a toner it's amazing.

Mango Green Tea I love mangoes, and I love green tea. This makes me feel like I'm on a cozy, topical vacation and it's a relaxing morning by the beach. 

1. Urban Decay Naked 3- This is not pictured in the collective favorite picture because I forgot to include it. But I could not do a favorite post without it. Urban Decay has set my standards for eyeshadow very high. Nothing compares to the color payoff and the texture. If I could marry makeup, I would marry the Naked 3 palette. The rosy tones are gorgeous and they make my green eyes pop.
2. Essie Nail Polish in Muchi, Muchi- I went to target looking for a nude polish, but when I saw this polish, it was just too cute! Muchi, Muchi, that's the name. How could I resist? My friend noticed and I told her the name and she ran out and got it the next day. This has basically been the nail polish we've both been wearing for the past month or so.
3. 4. and 5. Maybelline One by One, L'Oreal Butterfly Effect, and L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extentions mascaras I have 3 mascaras. Let's be totally honest, I haven't been wearing a lot of makeup lately, especially eyeliner. Having great lashes makes up for most of my laziness. I will use my Telescopic mascara and then either layer my One by One or Butterfly Effect on top. Both the Butterfly and the One by One are very volumizing on their own, but Telescopic gives in that extra length that I want on top of the volume. I got them all in the black, waterproof formulas because the regular formulas smudge on me, and I will not deal with panda eyes! No!

Okay, that is a super long post. I hope it wasn't too boring for you. I'm just so ready for spring. I'm already planning on a the makeup I'm going to get to with all of the fun, bright colors. Especially lipsticks! I just started getting into lip colors last year and it's gotten so out of hand, but I just can't help my self.

Tell me what you've been loving this winter and what you're excited for spring? I love hearing from you guys!XD

My Friends Made Me Do It Haul

Hey cuties! You know when you go shopping with your friends and they convince you to get more things than you actually need? Well, that kind of happened to me this weekend. But just for the clothes, the makeup is my own fault. I have a problem. . .

So, there's an overview! I feel like I keep buying lippies and boots whenever I post a haul, but you'll find out why I had to get the boots later on.

My friends and I went to the mall and while we were wandering, we found the Shoe Department, and me being the cheap person I am, I walked straight to the clearance section. When I saw these boots I gasped because they were soo pretty! They are brown ankle booties with distressed detailing and it reminded me of an explorer or an archaeologist. Weird, I know, but these are the things that appeal to me. I was sold right away, and they were only $19.95! Then I saw the original price, $125! I love them, but I don't know if I love them enough to pay $125.

I have an obsession with red plaid. I guess I want to look like a lumberjack or something. But hey, I'm Minnesotan! That's just what we wear. ;) And at Rue 21, I found one that makes me look really small, which I love, and the floral shirt does the same. But when I got home, I was a little iffy on the floral shirt and I already tore off the tag. Stupid me! Should I keep it? Or will it go to my sister? I just wish I could get my money back if I do. Also, at Rue 21, they have a ton of stud earrings that were super cute and my mom's coworker gave me an earring tree so I've been trying to fill it up.

If you guys read my Fall Favorites post, then you know that I love Jhameel's music. It's been basically the only thing I've been listening to for two months. So I bought one of his t-shirts! He even included a thank you note in the package.

Onto the lippies! I'm not going to say too much about these because I might be reviewing some of them, so stay tuned! 

From left to right, Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Honey, MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Shanghai Spice (my first MAC lipstick!), Maybelline Color Sensation Lipsticks in Totally Toffee and Warm Me Up

NYX Butter Glosses in Eclair and Creme Brulee, NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Thalia

This is kind of a mess, so I'll just list everything off. Maybelline Age Rewind Under Eye Concrealer in Fair, Clio Eyeliner Pencils in Beige Shine and Golden Black, review here. NYX Eye shadows, NYX Roll On Glitter, NYX Glam Eyes Liner, Urban Decay Eyeliners in Rockstar, Zero (not shown), and Demolition, Anastasia Brow Pencil in Medium Ash (review coming soon), MYX Wonder Pencil in Light.

So! That's it. There's probably more that I've bought over the past few weeks. When I get a lot of school work, I like to celebrate my hard work with shopping. Is anyone else like that?

Let me know if you tried any of these products or what you're wearing lately because I really need some new clothes. Maybe you guys can help me reinvent my wardrobe for the new year. ;D See you next time!

Catching Up: I Bought A Lot of Lipstick

Hey cuties! I've been gone from the blogging world for a while, and it's time to play catch up. In that time, I've collected 10 lip products! That's ridiculous! But to be fair, this is a few months worth a purchases and almost all of them (with the exception of one) are from the drugstore drugstore. Does that justify it? I might have a problem. But, these are all the products that I haven't reviewed or I was just too excited and started to use them without taking pictures first. Bad beauty blogger, I know. But, hey! Better late than never!

Let's start out with Revlon! My entire lipstick collection is probably 80% Revlon. That just says how much I love them. I reviewed the Revlon Lip Butters a super long time ago and they still are fantastic. Hence why I bought three more shades. :P Since it was November, I wanted some darker colors that would be fall-appropriate. (You'll see swatches and names below). For the next two, I had a $2 off coupon, so I bought the lip gloss. I love Revlon's lip glosses as well as their lipsticks. They aren't too think or sticky, and they have decent pigmentation. They came out with two new lines, The Matte Balm and the Laquer Balms. Sadly, I only got one of the Matte Balms.

I just can't resist NYX lately. I've never tried any of their products until they came to Target, and now I want to buy everything. So many people rave about their lip glosses and they are so right, because they are awesome. What I like is that they don't just have one formula of lip gloss, they have like three different lines you can choose from. (I'm not sure, don't quote me on that). I got the Butter Gloss, which is thicker and a tiny bit sticky, but the color is amazing. And the Xtreme Lip Cream which is very light and crazy pigmented and really long wearing. And as for the actual lipstick I already did a review for you guys.

Only two more! Bare with me. My birthday was is late November and my friend bought me the Etude House Dear My Blooming Lipstick that I've been wanting for the longest time. Everything about it is just adorable. But I did find that the formula accents dry patches on my lips but if you exfoliate and use a lip balm beforehand, then you'll be fine. My friend also had the L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude and she let me swatch it and it was so pretty! And she said that she loved it so I, naturally, had to get it. The color is amazing and I love the formula, but it smells horrible! I mean, it's bad. I'm hoping that it's going to fade a bit over time, but it's kind of steering me away from using it. Does anyone else have that problem?

That's all 10 lipsticks! Can you believe it? Let me know if you have any of these lipsticks or if you liked these little baby reviews. See you next time! XD

Fall Favorites!

Hey beauty junkies! It just snowed where I live and that means it's winter to me. I don't know about you guys, but I love the changing seasons. Maybe because we experience drastic changes and when it's winter it's like BAM! Winter is here overnight.

Since I'm not one who tends to do monthly favorites, and I love favorites posts, so I thought I could do seasonal favorites! What do you guys think? It'll just be a big pile of stuff that I show you and it will be extra long with lots of pictures. I don't know, we'll see how it plays out.

Here's an overview of all the stuff I've collected. There's a mixture of a whole bunch of things and I'll go into depth about each of them.

I've been loving these Real Technique Brushes that I got in a beginner set. These are all of their eye brushes, and I don't know if all of the brushes that are in the set are pictured here because I don't keep them in the holder that they came in. But these brushes are really inexpensive and they don't shed and they are just worth all the hype that they get. I'm definitely going to pick up some of their face brushes. (maybe after the Beauty Blender? If you have a review, link it below! I'm looking into getting one)

I did reviews on both of these products if you want to know more about them, click the link. But Oh, my goodness, Holika Holika Aqua Petit BB Cream is so freaking amazing, I already purchased a backup and it's on it's way. I don't think I can live without this stuff because it just feels so light and it makes my skin look sooo good. If you haven't tried it yet, I suggest going and getting it right now. And for the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Pact, this is the only powder that actually helps with my oil and it just makes my face look brighter and more awake. And with those late night study sessions, I need it. I hit pan on this and the label is rubbing off. That's how you know that a product is well-loved. ;)

You guys know that my first lipsticks were the Revlon Lip Butters and I did do a review on them. But I did pick up some extra shades that were more fall appropriate and they are just freaking gorgeous. 

Red Velvet is just a deep red that looks really scary in the tube and by the packaging, but the Revlon Lip Butters make it really easy to pull off. And since this fall was all about deep colors, I though it was perfect. Now, Candy Apple is a really bring orange-red that will suit people with a yellow or neutral undertone beautifully. If you're scared to rock a red, this one is also really easy to pull off.

These products are basically the only things I put on my cheeks for this fall, mainly because I didn't have anything else. I don't have many blushes but I did pick up the Wet N' Wild Blush in Pearlescent Pink. For $2, thing stuff is amazing. The pigmentation is great, the color payoff is nice, and the color suits me very well. I don't know what else to say about it other than I think it's great. I did a review on the Benefit Hoola Bronzer so I'm not going to go into too much detail, but this is really pigmented, it lasts a long time, and will fit a lot of skin tones.

I have a lot of eye makeup to talk about. I got the Urban Decay Naked Basics Pallet which has the perfect shadows for everyday wear. The reason why I didn't do a review is because the darkest color shattered and it's not pretty at all, and you guys probably have already seen a ton of reviews on this already. Maybelline has been knocking it out of the park with their eyeshadows lately. I did do a review on the Maybelline Color Tattoo In Barely Branded and love it. But the Color Tattoo Pigment in Breaking Bronze is a fairly new purchase and it is soo pretty! If fall was an eyeshadow, this would be it. The L'Oreal Lacquer Liner in Bronze Bronze has been the only eyeliner I use for months. Whether it's to tight-line, wing out, or just my normal liner, I'm using this. It's not actually bronze, it's a brown, I don't know why it's called bronze. But this is perfect for everyday use. Finally, I picked up the ELF Eyelid Primer and for $1, it's amazing. I really do notice a difference in the longevity and pigmentation in my eyeshadows when I use this.

I never talk about fashion on this blog, but I've been slowly getting into it. The Red Plaid Button Up is from Forever21. I usually wear it open with a tanktop underneath or tie the bottom in a knot. The Cozy Cream Sweater is from Target. This sweater is so comfortable. I would wear it every day if I could. It's a little bit over sized so I can wear it with leggings and not feel weird because it covers my bum! And the Brown Detailed Combat Boots are also from Target. I actually bought them with my very first paycheck and I don't regret it. The flaps do have a serape fabric in the inside, but they do zip up to look like a normal brown combat boot. I like that I can wear them two ways and paired with these two tops, I look put together without any work.

And now for the random picks! Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin is my favorite book this fall. It's really intense, magical, sexy, and gory all in one. There's too much sex for my taste, but it's still a fantastic book and the characters are amazing. The plot, don't even get me started on the plot, just go read it or even watch the TV show. (I haven't seen it yet). My friend's mom works at Bath and Body Works and I get discounts on everything I get there and Sweater Weather smells absolutely divine. It's got a very cozy, fresh scent that just makes you want to put on sweatpants and lounge on the couch with some tea.

There is one thing that I have to add before I let you go, and that is my favorite music pick for fall! I have discovered Jhameel a few weeks ago and have been obsessed. He has his own youtube channel and makes his own music. He's super nice and he even retweeted my tweet! My all time favorite song is Come and Lie. It is so freaking sweet and calming and sad at the same time. I listen to it in my art class and it's just beautiful. Go and listen to it. I'll have the link here. Another song that I absolutely love and I think that a lot of other people will, too is White Lie. I showed this song to my friend and she fell in love with him and his music right away.

That's it! All of the products and random things I've been loving fall of 2013! What do you guys think? If any of you have tried these products or did a review on them, let me know! I love hearing your opinions. I'll see you next time! XD

What's In My Travel Makeup Bag + Cabin Fun!

Hey cuties! I think I've mentioned before that I kind of like these "what's in my bag" posts because I'm a little nosy. I'll admit it. So I wanted to do this post where I stuffed all of my makeup and skincare into one small bag. I hope you guys like long posts, because this is one of those posts. There's also pictures and information about my cabin trip at the end!

P.S. I forgot to include my face primer, but I definitely brought that along with.

Being a beauty blogger, this was hard picking only the essentials to bring. Especially for me because I'm one who tends to over pack. Does anyone else have that problem?

1. Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant Deodorant Cream- Deodorant, not much to say. It was 90 degrees out the whole time we were at the cabin.

2. Cetaphil Moisturizer in an Etude House Moistful Cream Sample- I pumped some of my Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion into the empty Etude House sample because it has SPF 30 and I didn't want to bring the whole bottle.

3. Biotera Long and Healthy Shampoo- Got this at Sally's in the discount section.

 1. Covergirl Eyebrow Pencil- My eyebrows are transparent because they're blonde. I need to fill them in.

2. Up & Up Eyeliner Brush- A cheap brush I used for my eyebrows. It's not so good for liner.

3. Mystery Eyebrow Powder From Sally's- I don't know the brand of this powder, but it has two shades and I use it to darken my eyebrows in some parts with the liner brush.

4. Sally Girl Eyeshadow- For my brow bone and inner corners.

5. Loreal Eyeliner Brush- Came with the gel eyeliner

6. Loreal Gel Liner in Brown- This is great for tight-lining your upper lash line for the allusion of fuller lashes.

7. Sonia Kashuk Spooly Brush- To blend out eyebrows.

8. NYC Liquid Eyeliner- This is actually a really good liner for the price. If you're in a pinch, I suggest getting this.

1. Holika Holika Petit BB Cream- Don't think this needs an explanation. Review here

2. Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer 125 Fair- My favorite drugstore concealer.

3. Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara- To set my brows.

4. Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya- Review here

5. Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer in Medium Bronze- Not a good bronzer, but it's the only one I own right now.

1. Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara- Gotta have mascara!

2, Nevia Lip Butter- Review here

3, Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Pact- Review coming soon

4. Palladio Rice Paper Blotting Sheets- If you're an oily girl, blotting sheets are a must.

5. Epiduo Sample- My prescription acne medication. 

6. Makeup Sponge- To blend BB cream

7. Calvin Kein Perfume- So I don't stink.

Here's a sneak peek into my cabin weekend!

So, I went up with only my sisters and we got to hang out in the cabin that we share with my (very large) extended family. My great uncle actually built it and we've been coming back for generations. Because we are very Finnish, we have a lot of traditions like going into the sauna (yep, Uncle Wayne had to build a sauna), playing Finnish card games, we even have Finnish sayings plastered all over our walls. Some of my family members speak Finnish, but I can't so I don't know what it says. 

Anyway, here's the view from the dock. Like I said before, it was 90 degrees or higher the entire time we were up there so we hung out in our swim suites most of the time because we were going to end up jumping in the lake sooner or later. It was fun because I got a little bit of sun and I didn't have to wear pants the whole time! It was too hot for pants anyway.

I thought this was cute. My uncle always used to tell us stories about the trolls that lived on the island, but they always changed every year. Do you see my reflection in the window? That is probably the only appearance I will make in this post because I didn't have any makeup on and I didn't do my hair for two days. Who needs to look pretty at the cabin?

My favorite part was probably taking the canoe out onto the lake and there's this one part where it's almost all lily pads. The first time we went out, the blossoms were already closed up for the night. So we went out the next morning so I could get some pictures. They were soo pretty!

In the far left part of this picture, you can see a little bit of green on top of the lake, those were the lily pads. This was also taken from our dock.

You can never have enough pictures of the lake at sunset. We actually had to take the canoe out again to paddle around the island that was blocking the view. But it was totally worth it because I got a ton of pictures and the water was so calm because the wind died down and it was before all the night fishermen came out.

My sister and I both agreed that the tip of the canoe was a nice touch.

I have more pictures, but I thought that this post was long enough. The pictures of the makeup and skincare products were taken at my house because I knew I wasn't going to have enough time to take pictures at the cabin. We only stayed there for about two days but we got a lot done in that time frame.

Let me know how you liked this post! Do you prefer a beach or a lake getaway? I'm from Minnesota (A.K.A. The Land of 10,000 Lakes, but we have a lot more than 10,000) so I can't have a beach getaway. Or at least at this moment I can't. ;) See you next time!

Product Review: Rovlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait, Berry Smoothie, and Juicy Papaya

Hey lip junkies! My collection of lip products is continuously growing because of all the bloggers I read. It makes me want to buy a ton of different brands, colors, and finishes. My wallet has been depleting very quickly since I started blogging. You guys make me want to buy everything!

Revlon seems to have a knack for lip products because once I got one lip butter, I wanted more. Over the past month (in between trips to the gas station and online shopping) I had collected three shades, Peach Parfait, Berry Smoothie, and Juicy Papaya.

First of all the packaging is very convenient because the cap is a similar shade to the bullet and the top is clear so you can see the actual product in the tube. So you know what shade you are getting and it's not just the name and sticker that's telling you what color it is.

I'm not sure where this product stands on the lipstick scale because it has the texture and moisturizing factor of a lip balm, but looks like a glossy lipstick. Since I'm not a huge lip junkie, I need the formula to be light or else I won't wear it.

Since the formula is so light, I found that the color payoff is only about 4 hours. I kinda let that slide because I think of it as a lipbalm instead of a lipstick, and my lipbalm does not last 4 hours.

Out of these shades, Peach Parfait will probably be my favorite. It's the perfect everyday color that has a bit of shimmer in it. Berry Smoothie will be used in the fall time when it's more appropriate to wear a slightly darker color. What I like is that it's not an in-your-face kind of color. And, Juicy Papaya is what I'm probably going to wear a lot in August because it's the last bit of summer and I can pull off a fun, bright lip.

Sorry I couldn't include pictures of what the colors look like on my lips, my camera was being stupid and wouldn't pick up the color. But the constancy is really build able so you can wear a little for a hit of color, or apply more for better vibrancy.

Pros

-Moisturizing

-Sheer color

-Light

-Nice packaging

-Cheap
-Build able

Cons

-Doesn't last very long

Overall- Love, love, LOVE these things. I think every girl (or guy) should have one in their collection. It's great for everyday wear and I will be using the heck out of them

Let me know if you've tried any of these lip butters and what you thought of them!