Monday, November 21, 2016

Makeup De-clutter/Collection - Purple Lipsticks

Okay, so one of my goals for November was to organize and de-clutter, and if you haven't already guessed I am a ridiculous hoarder, especially of makeup. It's always on my to-do list to go through it all and get rid of things, but it's a really daunting task. I also really enjoy snooping and seeing what others have in their collection so I thought I'd do a de-clutter/makeup collection post series so I can actually get rid of things and also show you my collection, if you're interested. I started with purple-berry lipsticks because they are my favorite, but also the smallest part of my lipstick collection so hopefully the easiest. Keep reading if you want to see what I kept and what didn't make the cut!




These two were super similar so I couldn't justify keeping both. I ended up getting rid of the Milani Violet lipstick on the left because I didn't love the formula



I'm not a huge gloss person but these 3 are so pigmented and beautiful. The Black Radiance in Plum and the NYX Butter Gloss in Devil's Food Cake were super similar so I ended up keeping the NYX one as they are some of my favorite glosses.



The NYX Butter Lipstick in Hunk and the Milani in Sangria were very, very similar shades. Again I decided to part ways with the Milani lipstick. I'm not as big of a fan of the formula as I thought I was when compared with other lipsticks.



I love these 3 colors, especially the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania I did decide to give up the Milani gloss in the middle because it's super sticky and I'm not a huge fan of sticky lip glosses.



I am a really, really big fan of bright purples, they are so fun, vibrant, and make a big statement. I ended up keeping all but the Maybelline Color Elixir, it was really similar to the NYX Butter Gloss in Raspberry Tart.




I love all these beautiful berry pink colors so I kept them all. The formula on the Revlon Kate in shade 29 is one of my favorites.



These two Makeup Revolution lipsticks are some of my favorites, especially the true purple on the right called Make It Right. I have nothing else in my collection like it.



I ended up keeping all four of the shades above. Although the e.l.f. lipstick is in the Shade Beautiful Berry, it really leans towards nude, so I moved it out of my purples/berries, but I love it all the same.


All in all I got rid of six lippies and all my purples now fit in one lipstick holder so I'm definitely happy with my progress.

Did you guys enjoy this type of post? Let me know if you want to see my next de-clutter! Hope you all had an amazing weekend! XO

Monday, November 7, 2016

November Goals 2016


I didn't intentionally skip October's Goals, I just never got around to the post, but it's like the universe knew I wouldn't have time to do any as it was. It was a whirlwind of a month and I didn't even have time to blink, if I'm honest, but hopefully things (fingers crossed) are slowing down and I can actually do some planning. My November goals aren't unlike last years and they, of course, involve the upcoming holidays, but last year was pretty successful so maybe I can have a similar outcome this year.

- First goal is to start Christmas shopping. I was slightly farther along last year but I definitely feel like I have a better general idea this year of what I want to get people and with me and the hubs foregoing gifts for spending some time together this year I don't feel as much shopping strain.

- Second goal is to maintain a healthy schedule. I struggle with this all the time, but especially come holiday season. I find I have a hard time sticking to a routine this time of year as I'm constantly making excuses to blow my diet or stay up late and I'm going to make more of a conscious effort to avoid that. Not entirely, mind you, but more often then not.

- Third goal is, as the weather has turned quite cold lately, to spend my time indoors doing some major organizing. Since the move, all my stuff is kind of helter skelter and I'd like to take the time to go through everything and start deciding what to give to charities, throw away, etc. I hope to really pare down what I have by half before the end of the year.

What are your goals going into this holiday season? Is there anything you really want to accomplish this month? XO

Friday, November 4, 2016

Feel Grateful Friday #8


Happy Friday guys! I am so grateful we are almost at the weekend. It's been a cold, long week, I don't know about you guys, but I always have a hard time adjusting right when the weather turns. 

-I'm grateful for husbands who let you cry, be crazy, be angry, but still love you anyway. I've been a rollercoaster of emotions lately and I'm grateful to have a husband who lets me do what I need to do, gives me a big hug, and tells me he loves me.

-I'm grateful for life running smooth this week. Everything seemed to go with the flow this week, from my train being on time, to meeting all my deadlines, and still being able to post 3 times this week. Woo hoo for the little things!

-I'm grateful for being able to chase my dreams, because that's what life is all about. I'm lucky I'm in a position right now to make changes, and changes are good, no matter how scary they seem!

I hope you all are having a great week and happy Friday! XO

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

October Favorites


 I don't even know what happened to October, but it's come and gone and I had a few favorites I thought I'd share with you here on the blog. To start, October was technically my first favorite, as it's my favorite month and I'm sad to see it go.



Another favorite is the Wet n' Wild gel eyeliner in the shade bronze. I shared a pencil version in a similar shade by the brand in my last post, so this is clearly a favorite. I use the e.l.f. Small Angled Brush to apply it and they work perfectly together.



This Model Launcher wax eye pencil in Taupe was a gift from a sweet friend and I am in love. I forget how easy brow pencils can be, especially because this one is in a triangle shape so it's still precise but covers a lot of ground. It's definitely made doing my brows super easy this month.



Just look how beautiful that bronzer is, even in pan! I love a great baked product and this bronzer by e.l.f. in the shade Bora Bora is so perfect for this time of year, when I'm not as tan. It's a gorgeous golden bronze and adds the perfect amount of color and warmth into my skin.


I've talked about this Makeup Revolution Ultra Blush Palette in a previous post but I'm especially loving these bottom two shades this time of year. The one on the left is a neutral tan that adds life to the cheeks while still looking undone. The left shade, a beautiful berry pink, is perfect for a fall flush. The palette is in the shade Sugar and Spice.

That wraps up what I've been loving this month. It's been kind of crazy over here so I haven't had a lot of time to enjoy the little things (sad, I know) but I'm hoping things will calm down a little going into the new month. Let me know what you guys loved in October! Happy Wednesday! XO


Monday, October 31, 2016

Perfect Set for Skin Care Lovers from #SkinMedica

You guys know by now I love my AHA and Retinol products. For the last couple of years taking better care of my skin has been high on my list and anti-aging has definitely been a high priority in my skin care products. This little set from SkinMedica is designed for just that. Not only is it perfect for travel, but it would also make a great gift, and if you're anything like me, you've tried to start shopping for Christmas (Yikes!) and this would be a great set for those looking to get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles.



I love this Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 sunscreen. As someone who is an avid wearer of sunscreen I'm always looking for a good formula for wearing under my makeup and this one is so nice. It's not greasy and it sinks right into the skin, which makes it easy to wear. This is one from the range I will most certainly purchase once it's gone.


Another favorite from the set is this AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. I've used AHA products for years now and the difference to my skin is so noticeable. My skin is a lot brighter and smoother using products like this. This one is particularly nice in the morning for a little pick me up to the skin.


I'm a fairly new user of Retinol, but when I started seeing those lines between my eyebrows (my mad face lines, I call them) I knew I needed something to combat them. Since using Retinol there's a noticeable difference. This one is stronger then the ones I've used previously but it's a nice formula and really works.


Last, but certainly not least, is this Rejuvenating Hydrator. For the longest time I was scared of moisture because of my super oily skin, but now I'm grateful for all the moisture I can get as I realize it's what keeps my skin supple and smooth. This one is super nice and definitely hydrates, as the name suggests.

Whether you're purchasing this as a gift for a loved one or for yourself, there's no denying this set packs an anti-aging punch. These 4 products work together to dramatically change the look and feel of your skin and to me, that's worth every penny! You can find this gift set here or check out other SkinMedica products at www.skincareheaven.com. They have free US shipping with no minimum purchase and a TON of skin care products to choose from. Have you guys ever tried anything from SkinMedica before? Let me know what your favorite anti-aging skincare products are ... Help a girl out! XO

*This post contains products that were sent to me free of charge for my consideration. 
I am not obligated to like the product.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Makeup Favorites : Wet n' Wild Edition


I haven't shared what makeup I'm currently loving for fall yet and when I looked through my stash I realized a whole heck of a lot of it was Wet n' Wild stuff, so I grabbed what I've been using to show you guys what I'm loving right now.



This lipstick in the shade Dark Wine is just that, a beautiful sangria colored lipstick that costs a buck. The formula is creamy and beautiful, a steal for such a gorgeous autumn color.



This one in Cherry Bomb is one of my favorite colors for fall; a deep burgundy red that goes on smoothly and is comfortable to wear despite being a matte. At only $1.50 you really can't beat the pigmentation and quality. These two reds will seem me through the colder months.



One of my favorite color combinations is berry and gold, like above, and the bronzy eyeliner is perfect paired with top two lippies. It's in the shade Pros and Bronze and I love how creamy it applies. It's gorgeous in the waterline or even smoked out on the lid for a gorgeous bronze glow.



Since I always go bold with my lips and eyes in the fall, I love to keep my cheeks neutral so I love Champagne Rose for a healthy glowy look without being too in your face. Super gorgeous and super affordable.


This palette in Comfort Zone is so pretty for this time of year. There are so many deep, gorgeous colors and so many different ways to wear it, I'll definitely use this again and again for the next few months. I featured swatches on this palette here

What makeup have you guys transitioned with into fall? I hope you all had a wonderful chilly weekend! XO

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

#Instanatural Vitamin C Serum

I find myself all of the sudden obsessed with serums. I know, they've been a thing for a while, but I'm only now starting to really use them consistently and really seeing results. Maybe it's specifically the Vitamin C ones I'm so taken with as they truly do brighten the skin. Either way, I seem to be getting quite a collection going as far as these serums are concerned. My latest addition is the instanatural Vitamin C serum that contains hyaluronic acid (one of my personal favorite ingredients), ferulic acid, which is an antioxidant said to really help with anti-aging, sea buckthorn oil, and plant stem cells. You guys know I'm a major fan of instanatural products and this is no exception. Aside from the fact that it brightens and smooths my skin, it smells of oranges, kind of tangy and sweet, which is incredible. The consistency is thin and sinks in fairly quick and really seems to moisturize the skin.




Have you guys tried any serums? What're some of your favorites?

This serum goes for $17.97 for 1 oz which lasts quite a long time as you only need a small drop or two for your entire face. You can purchase it here if you're interested.

*This post contains products that were sent to me free of charge for my consideration. 
I am not obligated to like the product.