Thank you, Ms. Washington

First Impression: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Just a few weeks ago, the talented Kerry Washington posted a photo of the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel on instagram, talking about how obsessed she is with this product. The world heard her and many others followed suit with this obsession. My mom wanted to try it because she has incredibly dry skin so she bought some and I decided to give it a try myself. 

I was very skeptical to try this especially with my oily skin, but I have to say, I'm impressed. You hardly need any product, literally just a dab on your finger and you are set to go. It does feel greasy going on, which made me weary but to my surprise, within minutes it absorbed into my skin leaving my skin feeling soft and refreshed. 

One MAJOR problem I have with any sort of moisturizer: a few hours later, my face is back to feeling greasy and disgusting, making me skeptical of whether the product has even absorbed into my skin or is just sitting on top adding to my grease. It has been a few hours since I applied the water gel and my face still feels great, I'm pretty shocked to tell you the truth. I was expecting this to be like other skincare products I have tried, but so far, it is blowing me away. 

Since this is only a first impression post, I cannot definitively say that this is going to be a new favorite, but so far, I'm loving it. I will definitely keep you updated on if this product is working out for me. I am very excited at the prospect of potentially having a fantastic way to keep my skin hydrated without feeling greasy and oily hours later. 

Have you tried it? What do you think? 

Timing is Everything

Book Synopsis

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State - and she would do it alone. 

Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her. 

Book Review

I came across Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail back in 2012 when I was browsing through a magazine and read an excerpt from the novel. Something struck me and I knew I had to read the book. I got busy with school and life, but got the book for Christmas in 2013. I began reading it immediately, but found that I could not make it past the first chapter, not because it wasn't well written, but because I am very close with my mother and when reading about Cheryl's mother's death, I found myself unable to make it through without sobbing uncontrollably. I simply didn't feel strong enough to read it at that point, so I put it aside saving it for a later date. I finally picked up the book again in December 2014, read it and was irrevocably moved.

Wild beautifully portrays the deeply honest and humbling journey Cheryl takes along the Pacific Crest Trail to find herself after being lost for a long while. Her raw account of the personal struggles she faced and the road leading back to herself is inspired. It is rare to find writing as honest as Cheryl Strayed's in Wild and it is done exquisitely.

I would recommend this book to everyone, but particularly to those feeling lost or confused about their own life. I was feeling somewhat lost when I decided to pick up the book and give it another shot and it moved me to my core, creating a new found awareness on situations in my own life that I was struggling with. I believe that timing is everything in life and for me, this novel arrived right when I needed it.

Quotes

For those who want a small sneak peak into some of the wisdom Cheryl offers in Wild: 

"Fear to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me." 

"The universe, I'd learned, was never, ever kidding. It would take whatever it wanted and it would never give it back." 

"I'd finally come to understand what it had been: a yearning for a way out, when actually what I had wanted to find was a way in."

I'm back!

Where have I been? 

It's been ages since I've blogged and I have missed it very much! I finished up my senior year at my university, getting my undergraduate degree in Psychology. Since graduating, I've moved straight into my master's program and let's just say, it's a lot to adjust to! Now that I've found a balance and gotten things settled down, I want to get back into the blog grind because it is something I thoroughly enjoyed. 

What's next? 

I am changing up my blog a little bit, still keeping the beauty part but adding on other interests of mine! I adore organizing, so I'll be featuring my home organization projects as well as my organization for school and life in general. I also plan to do a few posts catering just to getting through graduate school. I plan to do book reviews, when possible. With my busy school schedule, I don't typically have the luxury of tons of leisure time to read what I want, but I do spend my breaks with my nose in the books! 

I am going to try to post once a week, it may not always be on the same scheduled day of the week because that's a little hard with my schedule, but I am aiming for once a week! :) If you have any posts you'd like to see, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know. I'm very excited to get back into my blog and share my crazy, but amazing life with you! :) 

OOTD: Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving, like many holidays, can go two ways for dress - casual or dressy. I put together this outfit on Polyvore, which is one of my favorite sites! I think it's pretty casual with some touches of glam! I feel like the dark red is a nice color for winter holiday's and this is an outfit that can be dressed up or down. This outfit is easy to duplicate in your own way which is great for people who can't spend almost $500 on a bracelet, like myself! But the inspiration is lovely to have! 

Peplum Top - $34.00, find it here

Skinny Trousers - $9.99, find them here

Black Flats - $18.00, find them here

Vintage Black Clutch - $37.00, find it here

Carolina Bucci Gold Bracelet - $470.00, find it here

Kate Spade Bow Bracelet - $78.00, find it here

Red Nail Polish - $11.00, find it here

Have a wonderful holiday!

Thanks for reading! :) 

Winter Essentials

As the cold weather months are upon us, I thought what would be better than to share my winter essentials! Before I started walking everywhere in college, especially on windy freezing cold winter mornings, I didn't find some of these products absolutely essential because I was outside for a few minutes walking from the parking lot to the building. Before I venture out into the cold, I must have my Day Moisturizer which is the Aveeno positively radiant with SPF. Even though heavy moisturizers can make my skin feel very gross, I prefer something a bit heavier in the winter to protect my skin and this moisturizer is a happy medium for me! The skin around our eyes is extra sensitive, so I make sure I put an extra thick layer on this area to ensure maximum protection. My other main daytime essential is my EOS Lip Balm. I adore this lip balm, it goes on so smooth and creamy, it's super hydrating without being greasy (which we all know is one of my favorite things)

The rest of my products are all night-time essentials for me, but you can use them as you like! You can't have cold winter months without super fuzzy cheesy socks and Warm Pajama's (at least in my world!) It's so much fun to slip on warm pajama's after a long day and just cuddle up under the blankets with a good book. I love the cozy Socks, they are so soft and keep my toes really warm! When I want to keep my feet warm, but they aren't feeling super cold, I like to use the Slipper Socks because they keep my toes warm without smothering my entire foot, plus look at how cute they are! :)

As for skincare, I like to use an extra hydrating Night Moisturizer. Even if winter moisturizers make my face feel a bit oily in the morning, I'd rather just suck it up and deal with the oil than risk damaging my skin. My skin is especially sensitive to the cold, so I like to keep all my bases covered. My legs especially hate the chill of winter, so I make sure I put on Body Butter to keep my legs happy and hydrated. I do have to say I don't use the Warm Vanilla Sugar body butter that I have pictured, but that is because I cannot use scented lotions/butters. If I could, this would definitely be my pick for winter, as it smells incredible! Last but not least, I use Nivea Lip Butter on my lips at night before I go to bed. I usually do this all year around with different products, but I like a good lip butter for winter to avoid chapping!

What are your winter essentials?
Thanks for reading! :)

Makeup Myth Buster: Storing your Makeup

Makeup storage seems like such an easy thing, just throw it in a drawer or in your bathroom cabinet and make sure you have access to what you need. Now, I know that sounds like a great plan and you're probably sitting there like "what could go wrong?" well, quite a few things. So I wanted to debunk some makeup storage myths and share my tips with you!

Makeup Myth Buster

MYTH 1: Store your makeup products in the bathroom. 

This is the biggest thing I hear from family, friends, and colleagues. I know, the bathroom seems like the perfect spot for storage and it is in the case of skincare products, but not makeup. We all shower (at least I hope so) and that means a steamy bathroom, even if you have the fan on. Makeup products do not like heat! Believe it or not, your makeup can grow bacteria that can be harmful to your skin or eyes. That's really the number one reason why I don't suggest storing makeup in the bathroom because no one wants an infection or breakouts. 

Makeup can be expensive and storing your makeup in the bathroom can actually cause you to spend more money on makeup because your products do not last as long as they could. I'm not saying you should count on keeping the same mascara for a year, but if that's something you're spending money on once a month because you find it dries out quickly or starts to develop a smell, that is money you could be saving just by changing it's location. 

MYTH 2: You don't have to clean your makeup brushes.

Have you ever noticed when you are putting on your makeup that colors start to blend together and all look the same? Product will build up in your brushes! This is especially problematic for liquid based product because the product will harden on your brush making it difficult to work with. The hardening will not happen after one use, but you will probably start to notice it after a while and if you go without cleaning it you will eventually be saying bye to your brush. I did a DIY post on cleaning your makeup brushes on the cheap, which you can find here. 

MYTH 3: I can keep my makeup forever!

I'm very sorry to be the one to break the news to you, but you cannot keep your makeup forever. You can keep it for a long time, but makeup must be replaced. Eye shadows can last a while, so you are welcome to keep those for up to a few years...unless you've had an eye infection and used them, then you've got to part. The same goes for face powder products, they can last for up to two years but most people have to replace them before then anyway. 

Many people know to replace their mascara, but a ton of people don't know that it's crucial to replace your eyeliner as well. Both of these should be replaced every 4 to 6 months in order to prevent infections! Foundation needs to be replaced every 6 to 8 months, especially if you dip your finger in the bottle, if you avoid this method you are able to keep it for a bit longer. The general timeline for lipsticks is two years, unless you've used it when you've been sick...think of all that bacteria...ew! So my advice, unless your makeup is unopened, dump it after the appropriate time. 

Thanks for reading :) 

Top 10 Under $10: It's All About the Eyes!

1. Costal Scents Elite Blender Brush
Blending brushes can definitely change an entire look in the best way! If you aren't able to afford a Mac or Urban Decay brush, this is an excellent dupe. Plus, it's very soft which is always nice on the eyes!
2. CoverGirl LashBlash Mascara in Very Black
 I have been using this mascara for so long, I try new ones but always end up back with this one. This is a perfect everyday mascara, I prefer the water proof year round just because I feel like it holds better throughout the day, but the normal kind works well too!
3. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Clear
Even though this is technically mascara, the perfect use for it is as brow gel. I don't always do my brows, but if I do, this holds them in place perfectly and helps to make the added color last longer.
4. Ulta Eyeshadow in Cashmere
I really like Ulta eyeshadows, they aren't as pigmented as high end brands but for a drugstore brand the pigmentation is great! This color is great for a brown smoky eye with a hint of golden glam! 
5. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
If you've never tried Color Tattoo's, do it! You will not regret it, these are the nicest drugstore cream shadows! They do not crease or feel greasy going on like other one's I've tried tend to do. I like neutral colors that I can play with to wear everyday, which is why this is one of my favorites! 
6. Ulta Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Blackout
This gel liner is perfect for everyday looks! It stays on my waterline which other eyeliners have trouble doing, so for me it's worth it just for that! 
7. Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler
I don't really think eyelash curlers are that different depending on the job they do, the only major difference between drug store and high end is the frequency in which you will need to replace them. I've been using this one for about a year now and it's been working great! 
8. Ulta Eyeshadow in Iceland
The perfect highlight color for the corner of your eye or under your eyebrow. It's shimmery but not overwhelmingly so which makes it great for everyday.
9. Revlon Expert Tweezer
 I love Revlon's tweezers! It's kind of the same thing with the eyelash curlers, they essentially all get the job done, it's more down to personal preference of how you like your brows looking. If you don't know where to start or which product to get as a beginner, I'd say these would be a great buy for you.
10. L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover
 This is an eye makeup remover that I've been using for years. There is no residue left behind and it takes off all of my eye makeup without tons of scrubbing. If you don't want to buy the L'Oreal, the equate brand works just as well.

Thanks for reading! :) What are your top 10 under $10?