Time After Time

First things first, it's my birthday. Alas, I am the year that doesn't count, 19. Haha, just kidding, but seriously, you have to admit that turning 19 doesn't have nearly as much pizzazz as 18 or 20. 

But I digress. So, as the christmas season rolls around, you guys are probably thinking about what you want to put on your list to Santa *wink wink*. I think that one of the most practical, yet highly fashionable things you can ask for is a watch. Personally, I received mine as a gift two years ago, and pretty much haven't taken it off since. So, in the post I will show you my top picks for watches at all price points (except for Rolexes and the like...ain't nobody got time for 7k on a watch). 

Winter is Coming...

Hey Friends. First of all, shout out to anyone who got the GoT pun in my title *air five*. In today's post I thought I would talk about winter, and all the gloriousness that comes along with it. I found a few questions that I thought I would answer just for a bit of fun. Read on and see if you agree! 

I've Lost It: High End

Speak these words out loud: I've lost all my makeup. 

That gave you the willies, didn't it? If I lost all of my makeup, I think I would freak. Also, I'm pretty sure that my wallet would scream at me like a Harry Potter Howler. But, for this post's sake, let's say that I did lose it all *shudders*. Here are the five things I would repurchase from the high end realm before the day was through. 

Sibling Rivalry

The Revlon ColorStay family has long been disputed as the number one, most comprehensive drugstore foundation around. So I decided to put it to the test. When it came to the liquid vs. the whipped, who is the favorite child in my eyes? Read on to find out!

No Need to Apologize

sor·ry--adjective

1. feeling sorrow or regret
2. used to express polite regret
3. used to introduce disappointing or bad news in a polite way

Marriam-Webster defines the word "sorry" as a term used to express regret. However, over the past couple of days I've made it a point to notice when someone uses it. I quickly came to realize that once you start to pay attention, it is probably one of the most overused words in today's world, joining the rankings of "like" and "um". But, I'm here to tell you, there is no need to apologize.

For Your Consideration: College Do's and Don'ts

I am about two months into the whole college thing, so it's safe to say that I am an expert. Jokes. However, I thought I would go ahead and share a few things I did and didn't do when it came to college. Shall we commence?

New Activity: Shop in the Men's Section

Yes, you read that title correctly. Start shopping in the men's section, RIGHT MEOW. It's no secret that oversized sweaters, leggings and boots give any girl life. So, why not make the search easier to find a cute, oversized sweater or flannel that won't break the bank? 

♡ 25 Questions ♡

My apologies for the perpetual crickets chirping on here for the past three weeks. Two weeks ago I left for college, and its been a constant whirlwind of getting acclimated and trying to remember how to be a good student. Do forgive me!

Anyway, I think its time that I share a few things about myself that you may not know. We are nearly three months into this blogging courtship, and thus I feel the need to get a little personal. Here are 25 questions that I found online that will hopefully help you get to know  more about your best girlfriend! Enjoy!

Gel Nails: Are they worth it?

Recently, a friend of mine was thinking about getting gel for the first time and asked me about my experience with it. I thought, hey, I bet others have questions just like her and thus this post was born. So here are the things that you need to know:

Haul: Sephora, Target and Ulta

In a few weeks I will be leaving for college, which of course means I have to make a mad dash to purchase fresh versions of my beauty favorites... of course, along with a few new things I wanted to give a go.

The Month in Favorites: July 2014

Oh, Good Lord, where has the time gone? As the month nears its end, another fast approaches. Ah, August, I see you at the corner of my calendar. The month filled with excitement/nervousness about starting up school again, record temperatures, and sales. I also feel that it is severely lacking in holidays, save for Twins Days in Twinsburg, OH...alas, my home state never disappoints. 

But I digress.

Mixing Foundations

Mixing foundations has been a trick of mine for years. Whether its to add some coverage, darken or lighten the shade, or prolong oil control, mixing foundations can help create the perfect blend for your skin. 

There are a few basics that you should know first before diving in completely.

Combating Oily, Acneic Skin

I have suffered from oily skin for going on ten years now; my first spots started showing up when I was eight (forehead acne caused by those dreadful childhood bangs) and became full-fledged when I was in middle school. When I got to high school, I was on a mission to try to find solutions to my oil, even googling ways to dry out my skin. Yet, I soon came to realize there was nothing I could do, aside from overdosing on apples (the vitamin A in them supposedly helps..? I never did test that theory). Instead, I learned tips to cope, and cope I did. 

The Month in Favorites: June 2014

The month of June came and went in about two and a half blinks, but I must say that it was a very satisfying four weeks. After getting over all the pomp and ceremony of graduation (and the melancholy, bittersweet feeling that goes along with it), I finally got to take a breath and go on a much needed vacation. I also started this blog, which I must say is my first and most important favorite of the month. 

Advice to Those Entering High School

The text I sent right before leaving for my first day of Senior year. 

As I try to cling to the last few days of June (aka, the safe period before you start worrying about school in mid-July), I have been thinking a lot about what the hell I was doing these past four years. Prior to high school, I was outgoing and wasn't afraid to speak my mind. But basically, freshman year through the beginning of junior year,

Focus: The Clarisonic

First off, I must apologize for being M.I.A. this past week. Last time I checked, I didn't want to be an adult yet, but alas this week I had to put my big girl panties on and go into work. A lot. I applaud those who go to work everyday and still manage to smile and not die from exhaustion--you go girl. 

The Definitive List of Brushes You Need in Your Life

In my humble opinion, I feel that brushes are often looked over when people are beginning with makeup. When I was starting out with makeup, I never paid much attention to brushes. However, I quickly realized that one simple brush can transform the way your foundation applies or your eyeshadow blends. Even though they aren't nearly exciting as buying the new Naked palette, they are a necessity.

You're Making Me Blush!

Not gonna lie, I see an awful lot of girls nowadays going without blush. I think to myself that maybe they think its only something for older women, or maybe they just don't realize that they need it. Blush was made for a reason--to bring back or create color in the cheeks. If you are a foundation wearer (especially medium-full coverage), blush is essential. I used to never wear blush. I have high color in my cheeks (S/O to my Norwegian and Irish roots), and in my mind I felt that adding blush would be too much. However, going without blush can make the face lose dimension. Even when using a light hand, blush can make the face look so much more alive and youthful. 

The Succotash Mask: Skin Care Pt. III

After reading that title, I bet you have a serious WTF sign flashing on your forehead. But bear with me; have I ever led you astray? 

From my Polyvore account

As you know, my skin is an six-year-old boy. It gets dirty very easily, and gets angry (I'm looking at you, chin zits) with little to no warning. For years I tried finding a mask that would help deep clean it,all to little avail. I dropped variedamounts of money, like $3.99 on Queen Helene's Mint Julep mask to upper $20s on Clinique masks.

Feature: Benefit's Big Easy

A liquid-to-powder base that countless reviews claim to be a godsend for oily skin? Sign me up! 

Benefit's Big Easy debuted earlier this year, and immediately it was on my radar. I've been dabbling in BB creams for years, testing out Jouer's, Laura Mercier's, Tarte's, Smashbox's, Too Faced's, Maybelline's, Garnier's and L'oreal's. Phew, that's quite the list, no? I had some hits (Too Faced, Garnier and Smashbox) and some biiiig misses (L'oreal and Maybelline). Save for the list above, none really wowed me. That is, until now.

My Two Cents: Recent Purchases

As promised, here are my thoughts on my recent purchases from Lush and The Body Shop. Unfortunately, it seems that things didn't particularly swing in my favor this go around, but as your best girlfriend I am being completely honest with you. But, stay tuned this week because there will be new products to test and review!

If you read my post about the things I bought from Lush, you would know that I was crazily obsessed with trying the solid shampoos. Do they live up to the hype? Will this gimmick actually work? In my case, its an uneasy "yeah" said with zero eye contact. I wanted them to work,

My Thoughts: 2014 Allure Reader's Choice Awards

Every year, the coveted Reader's Choice Awards comes out in Allure. Essentially, it is a seal of honor for a cosmetic brand--their version of Michelin stars. So, as your best girlfriend, I thought I would share my thoughts on the products I have tried. They say these are the best of the best, but are they really? Keep reading to find out!

The Tip Jar: Skincare Pt. II

TIPS, TIPS FOR ALL!

In this post, I will be sharing all the tips I have come across in all my eighteen years. Enjoy and be prepared to be amazed. And also be prepared for my sassiness and shouty capitals. I'm taking the tough love route in this one. 

The Basics: Skincare Pt. I

Ahhhh, skincare. As I mentioned with haircare, there are 1001 products claiming that you will walk on water. 

Skincare is EXTREMELY subjective. We are talking, like, 1000x more subjective than haircare. Your hair is one thing, but your skin, now that is a completely different subject. Its an organ. It breaks out--hair doesn't do that it. It gets red and flakey--hair doesn't do that (the scalp does, which is, you guessed it, skin). It hates us for a period (pun intended) of time each month--hair doesn't do that. Hair can take a beating (I'm looking at you, bleach). But, have you ever heard of a person bleaching their face and it turning out even remotely OK? Haaaale Nah.  

Shopping Spoils: The Body Shop

Every so often, I fall prey to a sale. Once again, The Body Shop has sucked me in with their seemingly innocent offer of buy three, get two free. I simply went on their for a new toner, and bam! four other products wiggled their way into my online cart. However, I am making light of this recent purchase; it is the perfect segue to my new series on skin care. 

Nails for Breakfast...

Trader Joe's Cookie Butter for snacks. Haha, gotcha. On the real though, have you tried that stuff? I read the back and the first two ingredients are Angel Tears and Rainbow Dust. Serious.

Anyway, I recently went to Target to get a new bottle of my favorite nail polish EVER, Essie's Pink Diamond and a new bottle of Seche Vite. But, as everyone knows I am a beauty-inclined girl, and so, we beauty-inclined girls cannot be held responsible for our actions when in a cosmetics section. So, I might have gotten a few more colors than I intended. Sue me. 

Tutorial: The 5 Minute, 1 Brush Eye

Let's face it, the mornings are a necessary evil; a burning, horrible one at that. It seems our beds are our only salvation--until you realized you overslept by 30 minutes.

This look is something that I do when I want something more than just mascara, and it can be completely altered for day or night. You can skip the liner, or you can add a darker brown in the crease for more smokiness. It really is quite simple, but I think that every girl needs this in their repertoire. 

Outing: Diana, A Celebration

When I was fourteen and about to graduate from grade school (remember how it was like, the biggest deal ever?) my class made a book that contained things like our favorite song, favorite movie and favorite memory throughout the years. We were also asked to name our role model, with everyone of course naming either their mother, father or both. I, too, chose to write my Mom, but I also put Princess Diana. 

Shopping Spoils: HauteLook and Lush

HauteLook: the website you have all heard of. Some of you might of been on it, some of you might have made an account. Maybe some of you peruse it on the daily, and have the app on every piece of technology you own *raises hand with gusto*.

Spotlight: Do You Wash Your Hair Properly?

After reading the title of this post, you might be thinking, "Of course I know how to wash my hair properly! I've been doing it on my own for two decades now!" 

But do you really? Like, really really? 

I never thought that there was any form to shampooing. Wet hair, squirt product in hand, lather all over, rinse. Little did I know that I was doing it all wrong. Here are the steps that you should actually be taking to insure optimum hair health.

The Basics: Haircare

First things first (I'm the realest)--sorry, I had to. 

So, where to begin in the world that is blogging? I thought I'd start with the head and go down. And while writing this intro to my fabulous first blog post that's to come, I thought I'd explain a few things.