Chi Chi Creamy Matte Liquid Lipstick Collection

I hesitated to talk about this product because it's not readily available in the U.S. I mean, the website does ship internationally, but for a price. I eventually decided I had to because I just loved this trio too much not to share. Chi Chi cosmetics is an Australian based makeup brand and I've heard some rave reviews about their products. So when my lovely friend and fellow blogger Rainbow, from Rainbow Rose-blossom, sent me this goody it's no surprise that I actually squealed in joy. Thank you Rainbow for your generosity, you are seriously the bees knees!

I have a love-hate relationship with most matte lipsticks and liquid lipsticks are a whole other ballgame. I like the theory of a long lasting lipstick that is both creamy and matte but in reality, it doesn't really seem to exist. I've found that with most long lasting lipsticks, especially matte finishes, my lips get super duper dry and adding more product only results in a thick, gunky, unattractive mess. If I know I'm only going to be wearing the product for a short time then I'm usually fine but to be honest, most days my makeup needs to last (albeit some touchups) for 10+ hours.

What I loved about these lipsticks were that they were truly creamy. I've never tried another lipstick with this formula, it was definitely matte but stayed creamy, meaning it didn't really dry all the way down...but it still had a matte finish. I know, kinda blew my mind too. The downside to that is that they could be incredibly messy because they didn't really dry. I wore the pink and had no issues but when I tried the red I literally had red lipstick everywhere, from my desk to (randomly) the side of my neck. If you try these you definitely need to watch any contact with the lip area or these will get everywhere. Another plus was despite the creaminess, they were incredibly long lasting. After eating the top (creamy) layer wore off leaving behind a pretty pigmented hue on the lips. The downside to that? When the red did get everywhere it was a nightmare to try and remove. Hence, why I did not swatch my hand...these lipsticks stay on all day and beyond. Since the lipstick goes on creamy I was able to reapply as needed and not have the layers get too thick or dry. Overall, I'm super happy with these lipsticks and am eager to try more products by the brand. Another huge thanks to my friend Rainbow who so kindly gifted these to me! Love you, girl!

Rainbows lovely blog: Rainbow Rose-Blossom
Chi Chi Cosmetics website: Note that all orders to the U.S. have a flat rate $20 shipping fee, with free shipping over $100.
Pink lipstick: Socialite
Red lipstick: Lady in Red
Purple lipstick: Drama Queen
Boxed Set: Liquid Lipstick Trio

*Side note and super important mention...these lipsticks smell like strawberries! XO

Ramblings

Warning: This is going to be a rambly post

I had every intention of doing a makeup post today, but you know what they say, best-laid plans and all that. So I have this thing where whenever I have a great idea, or I make plans, or I want to start something new I always have to do it first thing the next day. Like I can't just drop what I'm doing and start now. It's why I go forever between blog posts or why I feel like after so many days I can't respond to comments on a previous post. I feel like I have to start fresh. I can't decide if this is the only thing I can control or simply out of my control. I start out every day with the intention of finally getting my crap together, only it never really works out that way. Which I'm learning to be okay with. Only it does make planning my life out semi-hectic and actually having any sort of routine near impossible.
Another thing, if I feel like I can't read and comment on posts I hesitate to post on my own blog. I know it's silly, but I dislike engaging if I can't fully commit. I feel like I want my blogging relationships to go both ways, so if I don't have the time to comment on other blogs I feel guilty getting comments of my own. Is this abnormal? Quite possibly. I'm okay with that too. I feel better having friendships than a personal agenda.
Let me know when you guys like to start new plans. Is it weekly? Daily? I hope everyone has a fantastic Tuesday! XO

Milani Earthy Elements Palette

I really, really wanted the Plum Milani eyeshadow palette but low and behold it was all sold out, as most newly released coveted beauty products are. Needless to say, I just couldn't leave empty handed -- you understand. I spotted this Earthy Elements Milani palette in the same collection and the matte orange just spoke to me. Okay, okay, that's a little dramatic, but you know what I'm saying. It was too pretty to pass up. And this isn't just another nude palette...it's got a little twist on it. I love the sleek gold packaging, how small it is which makes it easy for travel and how beautiful and pigmented the shadows themselves are.

Aside from the "base" color, which looks like it's a quite beautiful highlighter but is in actuality a chunky mess, all the colors are smooth, buttery and beautiful. Have you guys tried one of these new palettes yet?

Real Life

The blogger curse. You know what I'm talking about. The idea that everything about your blog has to be perfect. Overthinking every single word you type. Making sure every picture you post is aesthetically pleasing; that the light is perfect, the background amazing and your best side is being captured. Here I am about to go and break all those rules.

Don't get me wrong, I love looking at pretty pictures as much as the next blogger and am always looking to improve my blog, whether it be my pictures or content. But, to be honest, you guys are my friends. And in real life everything isn't perfect. So when you really make it a goal to post when you said you would, and all you can squeeze in is some pictures of you in sweaty makeup after doing errands all morning and working for 5 hours in a cafe that's about 100 degrees then you just post anyways because you'd feel worse if you didn't. And since your readers are your friends you know they won't mind.

So here you guys go, my Sunday, sweaty makeup, working all day outfit post. Also, right after these pictures were taken I ran out into the rain and spilled coffee all over myself, so it definitely could have been worse.

By the way, my husband has definitely turned into a full blown blogger hubby. Pretty sure my face in the last picture is in response to his, "are you sure you want this to be your background?" Speaking of real life, I wear my hair like this probably 6 out of 7 days out of the week. It's why my husband chose the picture he did when creating my banner. #reallife

I hope you all have an amazing Monday my beautiful friends, I hope it's the start of a great week! XO

Another cute orange owl sweater here
Hair scarf similar here
Shoemint Daz boots similar here

Weekly Roundup : Friday Faves #25

What is it about the weekend that makes us so giddy? Even if I'm working at the shop (like I am this weekend) it just feels different and more relaxed. The whole weekend vibe is real and whatever it is that makes our brains so excited for it I'm definitely ready for it. Here's another roundup of what I'm loving this week!

I've never tried the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water but when I saw this version which removes waterproof makeup, cleanses and refreshes I knew I had to give it a go. This cleansing water does feel a bit oily but it does remove all my waterproof makeup without a lot of rubbing and tugging which is always a good thing. It's also on the affordable end of Micellar waters so there's that.

I originally purchased this scrub because it contained peppermint and jojoba beads. I was sick at the time and the thought of a cool peppermint-y scrub on my face sounded like heaven. While this does smooth, cool and refresh the skin, I can't say much for the smell. It smells of Windex, which is both disgusting and concerning. The product itself, however, has proven to be effective so glass cleaner smell aside, it makes the cut.

This NYX blush claims to be a blush+illuminator+bronzer. What? This is definitely an illuminating blush...I don't see bronzer anywhere in this product. That being said it is a gorgeous, shimmery pink with just the right amount of punch to it. Mine is in the shade Pink Fetish.

This bh cosmetics creme luxe lipstick in the shade Vixen is seriously stunning. It's a bit magenta, a bit purple and with some blue undertones. It's just freaking gorgeous. The staying power is also ridiculously long lasting, even through meals. It's also super affordable so there's really no excuse for you not to have this!

Last but most certainly not least is my fellow blogger and friend Johnna, who you'll find over on The Sentimental Cynic. Her blog is extremely magical; her photography is amazing and her posts are pure poetry. Some of my favorites are this one here and this one here. Go over and have a peek at her blog, I know you will fall in love!

Well guys, that about does it for this week. I hope you all have a most wonderful weekend! XO

Spiked Thai Coffee

I am a huge coffee lover and this spiked Thai coffee is not only amazing first thing in the morning (advisable only on your day off or vacation) but it's also super decadent and makes the perfect dessert after a long Friday.

You'll need:
Kahlua
Sweetened condensed milk
Coffee
Whip Cream
Nutmeg

First brew a cup of coffee. I used a K-cup for a couple reasons. First is that it's the easiest way to make a single cup and I generally am the only one who drinks coffee in my house. The other is that I love adding layers of flavor to drinks and starting out with a flavored coffee base just adds to the deliciousness. To your freshly brewed coffee add in an ounce of Kahlua (a coffee flavored liquor) and a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk. You can always add more or less depending on how sweet or strong you want your drink. Add as much or little whip cream as you'd like and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Or cinnamon if you prefer. Or even sugar or sprinkles. It's really up to you. It's also nice to add in a flavored syrup or extract for even more flavor depth. This is really a drink that can take so many different turns, which is why I love it so much. I've given you a base to start with but what you do from there is entirely up to you and your tastes. Happy mixing! XO

P.S. Leave me a comment if you make any variations of this and let me know how it goes!

Basically...

I've been a terrible blogger lately. No, it's true, I have been. I could come up with a million reasons why but it doesn't really matter. What I can say is that I hope to be more organized and stick to my schedule this month, even if I'm sleep typing.

It's also true that I'm what could be called a basic bitch. I like vanilla lattes, white backgrounds, copper decorations, and my clothes consist of a mostly black color palette. This, however, will not be changing. It's true, my style is basic, but I like it that way. I like the fact that 9 times out of 10 I can grab a top and pants and look put together without putting much thought to it. I can throw on any type of jewelry and it will go with my outfit because my outfit will be simple. I like that I can buy a shirt with fun details but because it's in white it still "fits" into my wardrobe without me giving much thought to what I'm wearing. Basically, I like being basic.

Top: Forever 21 here
Bag: Forever 21 similar here

I hope all my friends are having a lovely week so far! XO