Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Black Friday Findings

Black Friday is something I never miss, no matter what.  Me, my sisters and my mom braved the Short Hills Mall and stopped at our two favorite stores- Aritzia and Madewell.  Aritzia is a lesser known Canadian store that we in northern Jersey have been lucky enough to have open near us, while Madewell is like a trendier version of Jcrew.  Some deals were better than others but all together I think I got some valuable pieces.

Top - T.Babaton, Blazer - Talula, Scarves - TNA
all 10% off

Necklace - 19.99, Lace dress - 79.99

Saturday, November 27, 2010

The Mascara Challenge

Ever since I've been home for Thanksgiving break I have been on a search for the perfect mascara.  There have been a few new drugstore releases that have caught my eye so when I got home I knew I had to try them.  The first is Maybelline's The Falsies mascara, which my sister tried and really disliked.  When I tried it, I thought it definitely didn't make it look like I was wearing false eyelashes, but it was still pretty good.



The next mascara I bought was Voluminous Million Lashes from L'Oreal.  I'd have to say I like it better than the falsies because the brush is rubber and much bigger, making my lashes not as clumpy.  The only bad thing I'd have to say is the smell is a little weird.



The next mascara I tried is Clinique's High Impact Curling mascara.  I have to say I was pretty disappointed by this one.  The formula is really watery and therefore clumps a lot.


My favorite (and of course, most expensive) mascara has turned out to Diorshow Iconic Mascara.  The plastic brush is really dense and combs through eyelashes nicely.  My lashes were full and thick and still not clumpy at all. 



Wednesday, November 24, 2010

In My Shopping Cart

Shopping on Black Friday can be exhausting and takes a skill that I kind of pride myself on.  I've decided to start off at Urban Outfitters because they always have good sales and it's also just one of my favorite stores.  I got an early start to my shopping by looking at their website.  As always, I had no problem finding things I like.

BDG Cableknit Shawl Collar Cardigan

Lucca Couture Studded Silky V-Neck Top

BDG Pleated Corduroy Skirt

Silence & Noise Raw Edge Smocked Silk Tunic

UO Lurex Tweed Skirt


Staring at Stars Tropical Weave Oblong Scarf


UO Rhinestone Mesh Necklace




Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

When I recently bought some things from Sephora, along with it came a sample of Boscia's Luminizing Black Mask.  I was super excited to get it cause I had heard really amazing things about it and definitely wanted to try it.  I just used it tonight and I think it has lived up to its hype.  Just the experience of the whole thing is fun.  The mask is really thick and sticky and feels weird putting it all over your face.  Peeling it off was the part that was most fun for me.  It gave me the idea that I was pulling out all the dirt from my pores along with it.  The only part I'd complain about would be that some of the edges didn't come off and I had to pick at them afterward.  I considered putting up a picture of myself with it on but I didn't want to risk the embarrassment...

Monday, November 15, 2010

Daily Routines

I'm sort of OCD when it comes to the products I depend on every day.  After what seems like a very long, tedious amount of time, I think I have found a few products that work well and don't irritate my sensitive skin.


Cetaphil is a must.  Whenever my skin gets a little too irritated, I quickly stop whatever I'm using and turn to Cetaphil.  It's so simple and gentle.  Technically I should use it everyday but I get bored and try new washes, which is probably not best for my skin.


I guess I don't use these face products every single day but they aren't any less important.  DDF's sulfur mask and Peter Thomas Roth's cleanser are both purchases I got recently and so far so good.  The mask leaves my pores so tiny it's like nothing I've ever seen before and the cleanser is gentle but I can tell still very effective.  St. Ives' scrub is awesome.  It's not too harsh but still has enough scrubbies in it so that it actually exfoliates my skin.  I also use Retin-A Micro for any spots (not pictured).


As far as make-up goes, I'm obsessed with what I put on my face.  I've been through so many different products that I consider myself an expert on the subject (so come to me with ?'s).  Currently I'm using Laura Mercier's oil free primer and on top of that LM's silk creme foundation.  For under-eyes, Make Up For Ever's concealer is amazing and you barely have to use any.  Definitely the oldest and my most relied-upon product is my cover-up by Amazing Cosmetics.  I've had this tube for years now (probably not very cleanly) and I have never considered replacing it with something else, it's that good.  Honestly all you need is a tiny amount to cover a zit and you're good for the day.



After I've put on all my face products I set it with Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder.  It's a white, loose powder that sucks up any oil on your face and kind of just smoothes everything over.  Next I use Nars' blush in Orgasm (obviously) and a bronzer by Too Faced that actually smells and tastes like chocolate (soo cool).


Generally I don't use any type of eyeshadow during the day, just a little eyeliner and mascara and I'm good.  I go through mascara pretty quickly and I'm always looking for the next good one.  Right now that one is called Supernova Mascara by Fresh.  Eyeliner is something that I always have a ton of.  But no matter what I always rely on Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes brown liner for everyday.


Normally I don't wear anything on my lips.  They're fairly big and if I wear anything too bright or shiny I feel like they're taking over my whole face.  If I do chose not to wear my typical balm, I'll grab Fresh's Sugar Plum balm that gives a tiny hint of color.


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Winter Rituals

When I think of winter, I think of dry, dull skin and staticky hair. Not cute.  The colder months are especially harsh for me because I have naturally dry and super sensitive skin.  Around this time, I always restock on all my moisturizing products with hopes of staving off the cold-weather effects.  In the morning, I start off with Garnier's Refreshing Gel-Cream.  It's really nice and cooling, and has no oil in it, which is why I like it for the morning before applying make-up.  Then, I normally follow it up with Make Up For Ever's HD Elixir.  This serum is also super hydrating.  You may think both these products in the morning is a little excessive but I kid you not, my skin is THAT dry.  



Then at night I step it up a little.  This is kind of funny, but I actually use my mom's wrinkle cream for my main lotion.  She introduced me to Olay Regenerist after a particularly bad dry spell and I've been using it ever since.  It's super thick but not greasy at all.  If I'm feeling especially dry in the morning I'll use this knowing I won't look like a hot, oily mess half way into the day.  Possibly even more hilarious is my last nightly product.  For super, super dry days I actually use Aquaphor all over my face.  It sounds (and looks) disgusting but it gets rid of any dryness overnight.  All I do is exfoliate the next morning, and my skin looks great.  Aquaphor is great to carry around with you throughout the day also.  I use in on my lips and elbows all the time.




For my hair I've been using Joico's K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor.  I'm almost done with it and I think it's time to move on to another product.  It was sort of expensive and just not thick and hydrating as I had hoped, but it did smell amazinggg.  I'm pretty sure Pantene has a good deep conditioner so that will probably be my next purchase.





Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Renting The Runway

I don't know if you've ever heard of Rent the Runway before, but it's honestly one of the BEST websites I have ever seen.  Basically it's like Netflix for dresses and jewelry.  I don't know how many times I've bought an expensive dress for some event, only to wear it a couple times afterward.  This is perfect for times like the prom or a wedding.  You sign up and order the dress you want and the time you want it.  All the dresses are super inexpensive, starting at like 50 dollars.  They even let you order the dress in a size up or down just in case the original doesn't fit.  You get it for four days and then using the pre-paid envelope, you mail it right back.  They take care of dry-cleaning so you don't have to worry if it gets spilled on.  I found out about this website last year and have been waiting for an event worthy of renting something.  Next month my sorority is having a social and I plan on finally ordering a dress.  After looking on the site for what seemed like hours, I narrowed it down to these few choices:







I know, I didn't do a great job narrowing them down..  Which do you think I should choose?
Help!




Thursday, November 4, 2010

Sisterly Celebrations

In honor of my sister's 18th birthday, I wanted to display her style for this post.  Kim is a ginger who's always had an eye for unique, fashionable pieces.  Here's one of her typical outfits.

jacket from Levi's

shoes from Delmans

dress from French Connection, tights from Urban Outfitters


Happy Birthday Kimmy!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Pretty Polished

While studying for an exam tomorrow, I spent one of my many unnecessary study breaks looking aimlessly on Amazon.com.  I love Amazon but it's soo bad how easily I end up mindlessly putting items in my shopping cart because of their great price.  I took a break from studying Shakespeare to study what discounted Essie nail polishes I could find on the site and I think I did pretty well.  Essie's fall collection is amazing and in my opinion there are 2 stand-out shades: Merino Cool and Sew Psyched.  Merino Cool is like a lavender mixed with gray while Sew Psyched is a dull green.  I've seen both muted colors all over the place and can't wait to get them.

Merino Cool

Sew Psyched

Essie just came out with their winter collection and all together the colors are much richer than fall's.  I'm still into dulled shades and I'd have to say my favorite is Hot Coco.  This brown looks a lot like OPI's You Don't Know Jacques, which I love.  

Hot Coco
Aside from this year's collections, there are two regular colors I was thinking of getting.  Chinchilly and Jazz and both grayish beiges and I'm excited to wear these neutrals anytime of the year.  

Chinchilly

Jazz


Monday, November 1, 2010

Borrowing from Grandpa's Closet

With temperatures getting seriously colder, big, comfy grandpa sweaters are a perfect way to keep warm without looking frumpy.  I've been trying to avoid just throwing on a sweatshirt or fleece for the outdoors and opting for this chicer choice.  Recently I'm loving fair isle and cable knit patterns and have already gotten a couple that are superr warm and cute.