Recent Beauty Purchases ♥

I have to admit that i haven't been buying as much makeup as i'd like, but literally all the money that i've been making has been going toward either saving up for driver's ed, or saving up for my trip to England & France in April.  Since i don't have a job, i've been doing petty chores around the house & spending as little money as possible.

That being said, whenever my mom offers to take me shopping & spend a little money on me - i have to accept!  On one of our recent shopping outings, she took my to Walmart where i bought a couple things :)

♥ Clairol Natural Instincts Rich Color Creme Non-Permanent Hairdye in 31 Coffee Creme (Rich Darkest Brown) - around $5 with coupon
This is my third time purchasing this line of hair dye (i can't bring myself to branch out!), i've done a post before with the result of the last time i dyed my hair, so if you want to read that click here :).  I'm not sure exactly when i'll be dying my hair, but sometime soon for sure!  I'll definitely be doing a post on it so look out for that :)

♥ CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof in 825 "Very Black" - $6 with coupon
This mascara is one of the staples in my collection.  I had a $1 off Covergirl coupon so i thought i'd pick up another tube :).  I've never tried the waterproof version, so i thought i'd try it out for a change.  Three cheers for pretty lashes :)

♥ Tresemme Curl Hydration Lotion Creme - $4-$5
I was strolling down the haircare aisle in attempt to look for a new hairspray when i spotted this.  From what i read on the bottle, it's basically a leave-in conditioner & not exactly 'curl-specific', which is good as i was actually on the hunt for a leave-in conditioner :).  Haven't tried this yet, but i'll test it out & see how it goes!
I also bought a backup of my favorite hairspray, Tresemme Tres Two Hold Hairspray.

♥ Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 025 Pink Please - on sale for about $5
Another repurchase!  This lipstick is one of my faves & definitely my most-worn lipstick.  It gives just the right pop of color, but is still quite subtle.  I have a full review here if you're interested!

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I hope you ladies are all having a lovely week!  Tomorrow's Friday, yay :)
I'm off to go get ready to go see Lady GaGa tonight!  So freakin' excited ♥
xoxoxo

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8 Questions Tag :)

So i was tagged by two super lovely ladies to do this tag, Xsmirage & Holly - i mentioned in an earlier post that i most likely won't do tags, but i thought that this was a really interesting one!  I really hope you girls enjoy this! :)

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Xsmirage's questions ♥:

1. What are three things you love about yourself?

Eek, this is a hard one!  If i had to choose, i would say - my eyes, my open-mindedness & ability to accept different people & different lifestyles, and the ability to find beauty in everything.

2. Where are your favorite places to shop?

For clothes, i love Forever 21, H&M, thrift stores, & Boston Store just because i get a discount there :).  For makeup, MAC, Sephora, & Boston Store again because i do get a discount.

3. If you have a tattoo(s), what is it & why did you get it?  If you don't have one, what would you get & why?

No, i don't have any tattoos!  I think if i were to get one, it would be on my back in the shoulder area (if that makes sense :) & it would have to say something short & sweet, like a saying - something along the lines of "just breathe".  It would have to be something very meaningful to me.

In this kind of area:

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4. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

In 15 years, i'll be 31, so i'd like to think that i would be climbing up in my career & maybe even married?  Hehe :).  I'm not one of those girls who would want to be married in her early twenties.  I'd rather live my life & focus on my career, then settle down later - if that makes sense ♥.

5. If you could live somewhere for a month, where would it be?

There are so many places i would love to experience living in!  I think i would want to live in the woods a la Sleeping Beauty, or the mountains or something.  Maybe in a castle? :).  I think that would be such an amazing experience!

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6. What is one thing you could eat everyday?

The first thing that comes to mind is watermelon!  I've been eating so much of it this summer.  I could also eat toast, cereal, and any breakfast food really everyday & not get sick of it :)

7. What are some things you like most about having a blog?

Blogging for me is such an amazing creative release - it's incredible to think that the photos i take and the posts i write are being seen & read by people around the world ♥.  It also has really opened my mind to the world, i've discovered so much about other places & cultures - it really is amazing.  And to network with girls all around the world, it's honestly really mind-blowing! ♥

8. If you could choose to have all the products of one cosmetics line, which one would you pick & why?

This is a tough one!  I think i'd have to say NARS, MAC, or Benefit.  I really don't own much from any of these lines, but from what people say about each of these company's products, they sound amazing!

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Holly's questions ♥:

1. Did you ever fancy a cartoon character as a child and if so which one?

Hahaha, i love this question :).  I secretly still do fancy cartoon characters!  Shhhhh ;D.  I've always had the biggest crush on Robin Hood from the Disney version of "Robin Hood", Wilbur from "Meet the Robinsons", all of the Disney princes hehe, & i'm sure plenty more i just can't think of!

Here are some pictures :) - none owned by me.

Robin Hood :)

Wilbur Robinson :)

2. If you could look like anyone in the world who would it be?

This probably sounds a bit pretentious & self-righteous, but i think i would choose to look like myself.  Sure, there are girls a trillion times prettier than me, but i get told all the time i look so much like my mom, who i find to be gorgeous.  And who would want to look exactly like someone else?!

If i had to choose to look like anyone in the world, i think it would be Kaya Scodelrio.  I think she's absolutely stunning, even without makeup!  There are so many other girls i think are gorgeous though :).

3. What is your favourite film of all time?

You may have guessed it already but...INCEPTION!  As if i haven't raved about this film enough...hehe ♥.  It's honestly just the most incredible movie i've ever seen.  I do love other films though, i promise!  Haha.

4. What is your holy grail mascara?

I have two, just because i layer the two.  I do a coat of CoverGirl LashBlast in Black - this stuff is amazing, it has been my go-to for a long time.  I then a coat of Clinique's High Impact Mascara in Black, it really lengthens & thickens my lashes and makes them really dark.

5. How would you describe your personal style?

I'm still trying to find my personal style & what i'm most comfortable in, to be honest.  Right now though, i'd say it's more casual, but still put together - i live in leggings, flats, & cardigans.  I absolutely love dressing up though!

6. Who is your favorite Kardashian sister & why?

Haha, i love this question :).  My favorite is probably Khloe, as she's hilarious!  All the Kardashians are so drop-dead gorgeous it should be illegal! ;)

7. What is your favourite song of all time?

I have a few favorite songs of all time ♥.  Music is my life, as cliche as it may sound, it really is.  If i narrowed my long list of favorite songs down, i would come up with six all time faves.  I want to mention that i 

My longest running favorite song of all time is "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance (link), it's meant so much to me for so long.

Two of my other favorite songs of all time are both titled "Closer".  "Closer" by Kings of Leon (link), is an absolutely stunning song - simple, yet incredible.

"Closer" by Nine Inch Nails (link), i definately wouldn't recommend you to click that link if you are younger & don't want your innocence to be violated!  This song is flawless & incredible & wow...never gets old.

My newest favorite song of all time is "In the Morning of the Magicians" by The Flaming Lips (link).  I think this song well represents the other sort of psychedelic music i listen to (eg. MGMT ♥).  This song is so shimmery & powerful, i absolutely love it.

I'll throw two classical songs into this list.."Isle of the Dead" by Rachmaninov (link), which is a symphonic poem - it's absolutely jfwieofja wow, it's such an incredible, beautiful journey.  Another classical fave is the second movement of Elgar's Serenade for Strings (link), it's absolutely beautiful.

8. Which 3 things are on the top of your wishlist?

Three more realistic things (i would say a castle or a Hogwarts letter or something otherwise ;) on the top of my wishlist are a job, a boyfriend, & my driver's license.

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May Faves! ♥

It's that time again!  Time to share with what products we've all been loving this month :)  The year's going by incredibly fast - we're already on the verge of summer!  Goodness... i'm afraid to blink because if i do, it'll be time to put up the Christmas decorations!

I degress...so with the sun showing it's face a bit more and with the air being more hot & humid, the products i choose to use everyday is changing, and i'm also using more products to keep my skin healthy and looking great!  This will be a long post, so i apologize in advance....Let's get onto it!

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1. Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof deodorant
Sure, this may be a bit embarrassing to put in this post, but i don't care because i have been totally loving it!  I have tried the regular Clinical Strength, but it doesn't work as well as the waterproof version, which makes sense.. ew, right?  Haha.  I'm just going to go straight into talking about sweat i guess, that's the only way to really say how effective this product is!  Ever since entering my teen years my hormones have gone crazy, and a side effect of that is sweating.  So that, along with the hot weather, is just a recipe for embarrassment & being uncomfortable.  Ever since using this, i have noticed that my underarm area is significantly drier & smelling fresh!  I believe i found my new favorite deo :)

2. Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion
With the sunlight beating down, it's extremely important to protect your skin.  I have been using this sunscreen since last summer, and i really love it for everyday use.  It has an SPF of 30, which isn't too high, but again, it's great for everyday use - however, if i were going to the beach or planning to be outside all day, i would definately use a sunscreen with a higher SPF.  Since my skin is really sensitive to fragrances (esp. in lotions), this is a fragrance free lotion, but it still has that amazing, summery smell of sunscreen :)

3. Lush Vanilla in the Mist soap
You might've seen that i bought this delicious soap in a recent haul (link here), and since then i've gotten to use it quite a bit :)  I'll be writing up a full review on this product soon, but i wanted to include it in my May Faves because it's absolutely divine.  The scent is super warm vanilla, and almost coffee - it's incredible.  It's also quite moisturizing, which for a solid soap isn't something you come across too often.  I absolutely adore this product ♥.  Look out for a full review!

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1. Clinique High Impact Mascara in 01 Black

I did a review on this way back in the day, i kinda stopped using it since i discovered CoverGirl Lash Blast, but i've since rediscovered it.  I still use my Lash Blast, but i use this as on top of it, on the outer corner lashes - it really gives my lashes even more length & volume, and creates more of a cat-eye effect.  Love!

2. Double-ended eye brush

Whilst walking through a cosmetic aisle in Walmart looking for a blending brush, i came across some Revlon brushes, as well cheaper ones - of course i went for the cheaper ones.  I'm not sure what brand this one is exactly because the the label came off of the packaging... but if you spot the Revlon brushes in Walmart, i'm sure you'll find these right next to them.  I already own the MAC 217 brush, which is great for applying color to the crease & blending, but i wanted to find another one to use for when i'm using a look with multiple colors.  This brush is great for blending, i still prefer my 217, but this is a great brush - reminds me of the MAC 224!

3. CoverGirl Cheekers Bronzer in 104 "Golden Tan"

Before i got my Bare Minerals Warmth, i was running low on my favorite Clinique Bronzer ("Sunkissed"), so i went to Walmart (i'm noticing a pattern here...) & tried to look for a nice, inexpensive bronzer.  I landed on this CoverGirl bronzer, and i really like it!  I'll put a little swatch of it above here, it looks like the name sounds, goldie-brownie, but it comes up more orangey-brown on the skin - kind of annoying, but you can always blend it out a bit :)

4. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lipbalm

I'm pretty sure you've all either tried this stuff, or at least heard of it - with good reason too, it's really nice!  I have been using these for years, but went off it a couple months ago because i was trying to use up some other lip products.  Since i've used them all up, i repurchased this & have fallen back in love :)

So minty & fresh feeling on the lips!

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Urban Decay Eyeshadow in "Mad Hatter" (Original name: "Twice Baked")
I absolutely adore this color.  I use this in the outer corner & blend it into the crease, and it looks really nice!  I've tried using up other colors, from Urban Decay & other brands, and i always come back to this.  There are glitters in it, but it really isn't noticeable once applied - still a nice little touch :)

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1. DIY Sailor Button Earrings
So i was having a crafty day a couple weeks ago, as you may know (I did a blogpost on it!  Link here :), and on that crafty day, i made these earrings out buttons & old earrings!  I wore them so much this month, they go with soo many outfits!  Love, love, love - and they were free, eeeee!  Guilt-free accessories :)

2. Sally Hansen Teflon Tuff 10 Day Nail Color in 06 "Violet Frost"
This gorgeous color has been on my nails for the majority of the month!  It's a very pretty, uhh... violet frosty color?  Haha :).  I rediscovered this baby while taking photos for my recent nail polish collection post (link herezzz).  I received many compliments on it - that's always nice, right? :)  The formulation is so-so, probably because i've had this for years & years - it's still a very pretty & somewhat easy to work with polish.

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Say cupcake five times fast if you actually made it through this post!  Hahaha :O
What have you ladies been loving this month?


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FOTD: Girly Nautical - Lush Times & an Award!

I feel like this posts contains waaay too many photos of me...hope i don't seem conceited :O

So as you may have read in my previous post or on Twitter (same on you if you don't follow me! Click here if you don't already! ;), i dyed my hair!  I'm still loving it & i've really enjoyed styling it :)  I thought i'd show you all one of my favorite looks i've had this week.

I felt so girly wearing this & actually had an "i feel pretty today" kinda day ♥  I wore my sailor shirt (i haven't worn this in for.ev.er.) which is fitted & very flattering and i wore my anchor earrings to match which i actually made myself, as well as a bow i made.  My hair is messy & looked better IRL than these pictures show..haha oh well.

I feel like my FOTDs are pointless because i pretty much do the same makeup look everyday..i just thought i'd post this anyway.

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F A C E

Bare Escentuals Prime Time primer

Revlon Mineral Mousse Foundation in 010 Light

Bare Escentuals Foundation in Fair to set

Bare Escentuals Warmth as bronzer

CoverGirl Cheekers Bronzer in Golden Tan to contour

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in 110 Classic Pink

Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

E Y E S

L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum

UDPP

Urban Decay "Midnight Cowboy Rides Again" e/s (all over lid & into crease)

Lancome "Lezard" e/s (outer corner blended into crease)

Sephora "Aspen Summit 23" e/s (inner corner & eyebrow bone highlight)

Bari Cosmetics liquid eyeliner in Black Tie (upper lashline)

Love My Eyes by Bari Cosmetics Kohl-Kajal Eyeliner Soft Crayon in 808 White (lower lash line)

CoverGirl Lash Blast masacra in Black

Maybelline Define-a-Brow Gel

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in 006 Hazel

L I P S

Maybelline Color Sensational l/s in Pink Please 025

H A I R

Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray

straightened with Remington straightner

pinned shorter layers up with bobby pins

Tresemme Tres Two hairspray

DIY bow

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I was flicking through my Lush Times the other day and came across this!  I LOL'ed & just had to take a picture to show you guys :).  It's a spoof on Twilight featuring one of Lush's Massage Bars!  Too funny ♥

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I also was given the Sweet Blog Award from Brooke, she's such a sweetie!  Thanks sooo much dollface :)

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My April Faves :)

1. Keds!  I have been quite literally living in these babies.  They look great with everything...jeans, leggings, jeggings, you name it - they look adorable.  These are the Champion Canvas Originals (link).  I bought mine at Foot Locker i believe and when i got home i sprayed them with Kiwi Select Rain & Stain Protector, in attempt to keep them as white as possible.  If i get a bit of dirt on these shoes, i just wipe/rub it with a wet cloth and it comes right out.  LOVE.  ♥

2. Urban Decay's "Midnight Tea Party" (Midnight Cowboy Rides Again is the original name) eyeshadow (third e/s on top row pictured).  I rediscovered this shadow & have fallen in love again.  It's super glittery and brings a bit of interest to the eyes.  I put this all over my lid & a bit into the crease, it looks super pretty & i've gotten compliments on my makeup while wearing this!  I have a full review on the Alice In Wonderland BOS, so if you want to check that out, link HERE!  ♥

3. Lancome Sensational Effects Quads.  I have three of these, but these are the two i use most.  I use these just about everyday and really like them.  I believe i got them in gift sets at Boston Store a couple months ago.  The pigmentation in these varies and the shadows themselves aren't extremely long lasting, but i really like the colors and they're fantastic for travel.  (link to Lancome's eyeshadows)  ♥

4. L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum - i'll just start by saying this stuff is amazing for the price you pay.  It was a little over ten dollars ($13 i believe) and definately worth the value.  I've been using this for about two weeks & have already noticed a difference.  My lashes are naturally short & stubby, and fall out easily.   I've noticed my lashes are stronger & don't fall out so frequently while removing my eye makeup, and i've definately seen an improvement in the volume of my lashes.  I haven't really noticed at difference in the length, but for around thirteen bucks, i didn't expect to end up with false-looking lashes - they may be starting to curl a bit though, so i suppose the length could be improving (haha sorry for confusion...).  ♥

5. CoverGirl Cheekers blush in 110 Classic Pink.  I got this after recommendation from EGheartsSCC on YouTube & have been loving it!  I hit major pan on my favorite blush, Clinique Iced Lotus, and have been trying to find less expensive dupe for it, well i've found it!  This blush is pretty well pigmented, is fairly long-lasting, and it's such a pretty color - i'm a sucker for pink blushes :).  The only thing i don't like about it is the smell, a lot of people seem to like it, but i hate it!  The scent also seems to invade my nose, even if i'm trying to keep it at a distance...good thing you can't smell it while you have it on your cheeks!  I apply this blsh with a MAC 129 brush.  ♥

6. Love My Eyes Kohl-Kajal Eyeliner Soft Crayon in 808 White.  I absolutely adore this eyeliner!  Ohmygoodness.  I wear this on my waterline & it really brightens up my eyes, makes them appear bigger, and makes me appear more awake.  This eyeliner was only about $3 at Wal-Mart and it's probably the best $3 i've spent in a long, long time.  The pigmentation is really great, it's really creamy, & it's also very long lasting, even on the waterline!  Definately a product to check out.  ♥

7. Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 070 Soft Nude.  I'm usually the type of girl to go for a light pink lipstick, but i wanted to try out a nude lippie for a change (this is the first nude lipstick i've ever owned...sad isn't it haha).  I think i've found the perfect nude!  It's kind of a more peachy-toned nude, which i thought i wouldn't like, but it turned out to be really nice!  The lipstick itself is very moisturizing and very pigmented.  For the price, what's not to love?  ♥

8. CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume in Black.  The first time i bought this was several months ago and when i ran out of it, i was upset but kind of forgot about it after a while - i had a ton of other mascaras to use up so i didn't think to repurchase.  I was walking down the cosmetics aisle in Wal-Mart (the same trip as when i purchased the CoverGirl Cheekers) & spotted it, and just couldn't resist but to throw it in the cart.  This is my all time favorite mascara, it gives amazing volume to my lashes - i usually do two coats with this and it makes my stubby lashes look like falsies!  I don't know what i did for the past couple months without this mascara.  ♥

9. Vera Wang Princess perfume.  I've had this stuff since March 2009 and it's still going strong.  The scent of it is super girly & pretty and i just love it.  I actually rediscovered it about a month ago and have been using it constantly since.  I actually first tested out this perfume because i was reading a magazine and Joe Jonas said he loved this perfume on a girl...haha i was having a major Jonas Brothers-phase :).  Although my love for all things Jonas isn't as strong, my adoration for this perfume is still going :) ♥

10. Katie, Dollybowbow on Youtube.  This obv. isn't a product & isn't pictured, but i've been loving this girl & her videos!  I discovered her channel just this weekend and just thought i'd mention her.  She is super sweet & adorable, and i love her style!  You girlies should deff check her out :)

What products have you been loving this month?
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