Quick Review: Urban Decay Stardust Sparkling Lip Gloss

These glosses really got me excited (and curious) for a few reasons. 

• I had never heard of them before (I didn't even know UD made glosses) 
• I only paid $9 on Ulta's beauty steals
• I wanted to see what else the brand had to offer besides amazing shadows 

$18 - Ulta

I ordered these online last minute as an impulse buy from Ulta.com as one of their beauty steals. I apparently couldn't pass them up for nine bucks. Which is a great deal, but I don't even like lipgloss that much. 

These glosses make your lips look plumper and fuller if thats what you're going for. 

These lip glosses have a slightly minty feel to them which I really enjoy, but these glosses are sticky. Adding a lip balm underneath really helps to minimize the sticky feel.

 The color Glitter Rock looks very intimidating, but in reality, its not at all. It gives your lips a slight tint if a pink purple color to your lips and is very wearable. 

The color Andromeda gives your lips a more gold toned look with a few pink sparkles. 

 The color Glitter Rock is prefect for wearing over an oxblood or burgundy lipstick for fall and Andromeda is amazing for placing over a nude.

Fall Candles!

A recent trip to Bath and Body Works has caused me to go a little bit candle crazy.

Pumpkin Caramel Latte:

This is the candle I am currently burning and I LOVE it. Out of all the pumpkin candles that they had at B&BW, this is the only one I liked. Shocking because I am obsessed with pumpkin.
The scent of this fills my room in a matter of minutes, due to the triple wicks, and I smells just like the name. This is a very sweet smelling candle which smells like a Caramel Latte from Starbucks with just the right amount of pumpkin, but it is definitely there.

These are the other candles that I purchased, but haven't yet to burn them.

Flannel: A very musky scent which smells of a mixture of cologne and a Christmas tree. I was weirded out that I actually loved the smell of this, but I do think I will save it for the colder months.

Marshmallow Fireside: This candle smells sweet and sugary, like a marshmallow, but also smells like a crackling fire on a cold night. I was so close to getting the Summertime S'Mores candle but I love the scent of this one a lot better. It smells less like burnt wood and more like a marshmallow.

Autumn: The scent of this is very much like a crisp apple leaves falling. If you were to go apple picking, this is what that smells like. Spot on.

Leaves: This candle is more spicy and smells like cinnamon, a little twinge of apples and also a cool fall afternoon. This candle is pretty popular and I've heard so many people talk about it, but now I can see why.




  

Ulta & Bed Bath and Beyond Haul!

I guess you could call me an obsessive shopper..

A brand new Ulta opened up close to me, how could I not go?!

Benefit - The Sizzlin' Six - $27
This is a set of six travel sized very popular Benefit products that I personally have always wanted to try. I thought this would be a great set to try before committing to full sized products.

Dandelion: Brightening Face Powder 
Before I start, can I say that all Benefit products smell AMAZING but aren't too overpowering. This is a light pink slightly satin powder that can be used as a blush or a highlighter. This is a gorgeous powder that I adore and may have to splurge on the full size if this one runs out too quickly.  

Dandelion: Ultra Plush Lip Gloss
 Normally lip glosses aren't my favorite, but the texture of this is really different form many others  that I have tried. This is smooth, not sticky and looks amazing on.  

Benetint: Rose-Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain
I have wanted this SO badly and for SO long but I had wanted test how good it really was first. This really is a cool and different product for me so I really enjoyed playing around with it, but it came in such a tiny package which was really disappointing. 
Bad Gal Lash: MascaraThis mascara has a very large bristle wand which is good for defining lashes, but doesn't do a great deal of volumizing. This gives you a really natural look. This mascara, though is really great for layering with others, which is what I normally do anyway. 

Girl Meets Pearl: Liquid Pearl for Face
This liquid highlighter is pink toned with gold shimmers and when used correctly, can really brighten up your face. This is perfect for cheekbones, noses, or mixing a little bit with your foundation. 

the Porefessional: Pro Balm to Minimize the Appearance of Pores
Along with the Benetint this is a product I have been really wanting so I was SO excited to get it. This is such a creamy consistency but goes onto a powder finish once rubbed into the face. This really does fill in pores, so its perfect for a quick fix.

Dermalogica - Clear Start Toner All Over Toner - $19
I ran out of my other Dermalogica toner and I missed it too much. I needed to replenish. This doesn't seem to be making a huge difference, but it does make my skin less dry after washing so that is a definite plus. I am really looking into getting the whole line because I am obsessed with it.

Paul Mitchell - Smoothing Super Skinny Serum - $5.75
This was a quick impulse buy at the register (those always get me). This is an oil serum for calming down frizzy hair and I need all the help I can get. This is for when your hair is dry and a little too fluffy at the ends. I haven't really gotten a chance to play around with this too much because more often than not, I style my hair when it's wet.

Maybelline - Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Tinted Lip Balm - 40 Pink Me Up & 50 Soothing Sorbet - $2.99

I decided to pop into Bed Bath really quickly today with the sole purpose of checking these out. When I saw them on display right toward the front of the store I grabbed them, browsed around for a minute and I was on my way.
I'm actually in love with these. They feel minty and tingly on your lips, but it's not overpowering. The color is pretty sheer, but its still there which is perfect for constant reapplication. These are also perfect for super chapped lips thought out the cold fall and winter times.

Brush Cleaning!

Hey guys! I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while! I haven't has as much time to myself lately, but that will not stop me. 

Anyway, here's my recepie for an easy DIY brush cleaner and how I clean my brushes. 

      All you'll need:

• Dish soap
• Olive oil 
• Plate 
• Paper towel 
• Dirty brushes

1. Pour the soap and the olive oil onto the plate, about equal amounts. 
2. Wet your brush
3. Dip it into the mixture
4. Swirl it around on the plate until you can see the makeup on the plate 
5. Rinse off your brush making sure you get all the soap off 
6. Squeeze the brushes into the towel and lay flat to dry 

Depending on how many brushes you have and how dirty they are, you will have to remake the mixture on the plate a few times because your plate will be dirty.

The method behind the madness: 

The dish soap is antibacterial, so it removes all of the makeup and germs from the brushes, but can also strip your brushes. The olive oil acts as a conditioner to keep the brushes soft. Just think of it as your hair, it's the same concept. 

September Ipsy!

This is a very exciting post because I've been waiting for this bag anxiously to come in the mail! 

This month's theme is Classic Beauty and I'd say that the products fit the theme very well. 

The bag: I really like this month's bag! I like the pattern on it and also really enjoy the colors of it. The colors are fall inspired but not an overwhelming amount. 

Nyx Single Eyeshadow in Pure Gold
$4.50 - Nyx
The bronze gold color is gorgeous! I would wear this color for sure. This shadow is soft and highly pigmented. It blends well. I wore this shadow today with a concealer and liner underneath it and it didn't stay on all day to be honest. I never have this problem so I was very confused.  

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Rose Romance
$4.17 - Ulta
I am currently obsessed with lip products of this kind and am excited to try something other than my beloved Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. The color is a mauvey pink and is very nutral and subtle. It has a slightly minty smell and is a pretty color on. This is more opaque than the Gloss Balms and is still moisturizing.  

Its So Big Volumizing Mascara
$8 - Elizabeth Mott
This is my second travel sized mascara in a row, and I really don't mind that, especially so I can take them on the go. This mascara is very curling, defining, and doesn't clump. The formula is very wet and not sticky, which i really like for some reason. The wand has a regular bristle wand and has a shape that protrudes and inverts which helps focus on the inner and outer lashes which helps if, like mine, yours are very stubborn.  

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter
$18 - Chella
I'm excited about this product. This is a great concept. It glides on so smoothly with minimal pressure and blends well. This is matte and a very beautiful product. I don't know how much I'll actually use this product, maybe only for more dramatic looks. 

I have used this product every day this week and I love it! It is so convenient for me to not have to find an eyeshadow when I'm in a rush. 

Starlooks Kohl Eye Pencil in K01 Obsidian
$12 - Starlooks
I was least excited about this product to be honest. This is a good black eyeliner and stays on for most of the day, but not the WHOLE day. This is also great for beginners because it smudges easily, so if you mess up when applying this, you can smoke it out and diminish little mistakes. Although this smudges during application, it doesn't once it sets. This is a pretty good liner, it applies smooth and doesn't tug, but I don't find it to be anything too special.  

Total Value: $46.67
The prices are for how much product I received. Some products came in sets and some came  in travel sizes so I calculated the price as close as I could based on how much was sent to me in the bag.

What I wish I got:

Butter London Nail Lacquer in La Moss:
$15 - Butter London
I love these polishes and this oxblood color is absolutely GORGEOUS for the fall time.

Cailyn Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm in Big Apple:
 $19 - Cailyn Cosmetics

This color is so pretty and fits really nicely with the theme. I am always looking for new lip products, especially now for the fall and winter time. 

OOTW 9/9/13 - 9/13/13

September 9, 2013 - September 13, 2013

Monday

9/9/13

Today I wanted to go for an out fit that was a little more dressy but still keep it "season friendly" and comfy by adding the sweater. 

Dress: Brandy Melville 

Sweater: Brandy Melville 

Shoes: Converse 

Tuesday

9/10/13 

Today, I wanted to go with something more casual, but still look nice and put together.

Flannel: Bloomingdales 

Shirt: Target 

Shorts: & Now 

Shoes: Local Store

Wednesday

9/11/13

Today was a really hot one, so I decided to wear something more summery. I added multiple bracelets for a pop of color.

Shirt: Diesel

Shorts: Wallflower

Shoes: Havianas 

Thursday

Today, I braced myself for another scorcher, but added color in my shorts instead of accessories. 

Shirt: Brandy Melville

Shorts: Pacsun 

Shoes: Macy's

Friday

I had to leave early today, so I needed an outfit in a pinch.

Sweatshirt: Brandy Melville 

Shorts: Ralph Lauren

Shoes: Target

CVS Haul!

While checking quickly through the Sunday paper, I found some REALLY good coupons to CVS, so I decided to take advantage of that and pick up a few things over the weekend. 

#1: Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Pencil in 005 Nude

$4.49 - CVS

I had heard a few good things about this eyeliner so I had to test it out for myself. Never trying a nude eyeliner before, I thought this would be great for highlighting and lining my waterline. This is a regular pencil liner, I wish it would be automatic, but that's just my preference.

Regardless, this is the BEST drugstore liner I've ever used. This is so creamy and glides and so smooth without having to apply pressure. It dries pretty quickly and does not smudge for anything. Also, this is very waterproof, so you don't have to worry about that. 

#2: Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in 255 Jam Twist

$8.99 - CVS

Being a lover of these moisturizing, pigmented balms, I had to get another. This is my third one of these and I wanted to get a deeper color that is more acceptable for the fall time. (Besides my 3 coupons for Covergirl it was also buy 1 get 1 50% off soooo...) But, expecting this to be the deep oxblood/ purple color that it showed on the packaging, 

I was disappointed when it was a dark fuchsia and pretty sheer. It's still an ok color and I'll still wear it, I was just expecting a bit more color.

#3: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Perfume

$12.99 - CVS

A LOT of people love this perfume and when I saw it at CVS for my "Pick 3" I was astonished. I didn't even know CVS sold high end perfume.... Am I late on this? I mean I've spent about half of my life in that store, but I guess it was never really what I was looking for, so I was always indifferent about it. This perfume smells sweet, with a little bit of flowery, and a tiny hint of musky. It. Smells. So. Amazing. After my 5ml sample is done, I may have to find a way to buy the $90 full size... Anyway, I love this and the scent lingers all day. The scent description form the website is "With top notes of wild berries and juicy mandarin, gently tempered with honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine. Underlying it are all warm tones of amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline." If thats not enough to win you over, the packaging is so cute and girly. 

#4: Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in 210 #c u l8r

$5.99 - CVS

When looking at these prior to this visit to the store, I always just cringed and walked away. Nothing ever attracted me to them or made me want to get them. After heearing countless good reviews about these, I just gave in and decided to try something new. (I also needed another Covergirl product to get my 50% off so there was really nothing to lose.) This lip balm is super moisturizing, which is a big plus. This color is very pearly and glowy; it can be sheer, or built up to an opaque-ish pearly mauve- pink. Also, this smells like Jolly Ranchers, lollipops and all things sweet and sugary. I'm so so happy I tried this out, Covergirl is really impressing me lately!