August Favorites

This post is a little early since we still have about a week and a half left of August but I have all of my favorites already. I didn't really have anything during the month of July that was a new favorite but this month I do.

Neutrogena Fight & Fade Toner

I was a bit skeptical about what this product could do but after reading so many glowing reviews I figured to give it a try. It rightly does deserve the praise it gets because I did see a marked difference on my acne marks. It visibly reduced the size of a lot of my marks and reduced the appearance on some so much that you could barely even tell they are there. As for preventing and reducing acne it also did a good job because I have had almost no breakouts all month. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of any acne marks. I used this product twice daily right after washing my face and not only where there were marks but all over my face. Neutrogena also sells a Fight & Fade gel which I will also buy to test out for next month and switch out with the toner. You can buy this product in any drugstore, I got mine from Duane Reade for about $10 but Neutrogena's site sells it cheaper here. 

The Balm Nude 'tude

I am so glad that I bought this palette because I absolutely love it! The color pay off is very good and it has  really nice shades for a neutral smokey eye. I personally love Snobby, Schitzo and Sultry for a neutral eye and I use Sultry alot to blend my shadows together. This palette is comparable to the Naked 1 palette or Two Faced Natural Eye palette. The packaging is cute and is worth trying out whether or not you have the UD or Two Faced palettes. You can purchase the palette here.

BH Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner

This is such a great inexpensive product and easily comparable to drugstore liquid liners. Being that it is in pen form it makes applying eyeliner so much easier. The felt tip is thin enough that you can make a fine line or a thicker one once angled slightly. The liner dries fairly quick and comes with alot of product. I have been using it about everyday and it is still as good as when I first opened it. Originally the price is $5.95 but since BH always has sales you can get it cheaper, for instance it is on sale at $3.27 now here.  Definitely give this a try if you are an eyeliner junkie or just looking for a good liquid liner.

Real Techniques Crease Brush

This crease brush comes in their starter kit that includes 4 other brushes. I am always looking for good crease brushes and I have added this to my list. At first usage I wasn't exactly keen on it, because it is a thicker fluffier brush it can blend out the shadow a little higher up than intended. I kept trying it and figured out how to get it to blend out the shadows with out extending it so far up into the brows. It's really soft and the brush picks up the shadows really well. I would recommend trying this brush but if you do not have that much space in between eyes and brows this brush might be too big for you. You can purchase the starter kit from Ulta here.

Cat Print

Last favorite of the month is all things Cat print. In general I love cats but this month has been about wearing them on some article of clothing or other. Not sure what sparked the cat craziness but I think its one of those prints that are cute and depending on the design do not have an age restriction. Pictured above is a fun Cat Print Laptop case from Asos. Simply searching for cat print things will lead you to a multitude of different site.

So that is all for my favorites for the month of August. Thanks for reading and have a beauty-full day!

Makeup Monday's: Memory Lane

I've decided to start a segment that I will call Makeup Monday's where I will recommend or discuss 1 or a few products every Monday. For today I'm actually going to be a bit nostalgic and look at products that I have been using for some years. Anyone looking to start building their makeup collection without wanting to spend alot of money should consider these products.

NYX Cosmetics Single Eye Shadow $5

I have been using NYX eye shadow in black for around 9 years, it was one of my first most repurchased item. When I was first starting out with makeup I solely used it as a liner, then gradually as an eye shadow. It brings a lot of product for the price and will last a long time. I love that it is very pigmented and affordable.

L'OREAL Hip Shadow Duo's Average around $7-8.50

These shadow duos are another longtime favorite of mine. They were the reason I started buying L'Oreal products. The color pay off is really good (especially on their metallic duos), you get a good amount of product as well. I have never finished using one in its entirety but I have hit pan on a few after many many usage. The price is a little bit pricey but most often than not there are always sales which lower the price. Still would recommend it because of the color pay off and the fact that you do get 2 eyeshadows in one package.

Revlon Illuminance Cream $7 

This was one of the first creme shadow palettes I bought. The shadows were slightly sheer but I mainly used them as a primer of sorts. The palette I had I don't think the sell anymore but it was a nice palette with the colors I liked. For the price I think its a good purchase and recommend it to anyone starting up their makeup collection who might not want to spend alot. 

Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner $5-6

When I first started out using eyeliners I would try and use those cheap pencil liners that are like $1. They always ended up hurting my eyes due to the tugging that I would do using those hard pencils. Thankfully I quit those and decided to get soft eyeliners. Maybelline was one of my most used eyeliners because it was so easy to apply (it glides right on) and it was affordable. My only qualm about this product is the amount you get but otherwise I still love it.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $6.50

This product was something I started using purely because I grew up seeing it part of my mothers makeup collection. So by default I began buying and using it. I still do use it but not as my sole mascara, more for the nostalgia that it brings. It works well enough for everyday use if I don't care about making my lashes look longer, fuller or anything like that. I would recommend it and in fact I bought one for my little sister as part of her makeup kit and it will be her first mascara.

July Haul

Rather than do a video I thought I would do a blog post instead for the things I purchased in July. I purchased some beauty products and some clothing items as well.

Beauty

This is a purchase I have been wanting for some time. When I saw HauteLook had it on sale I bought it right away. The original price is $36 and Hautelook had it for $18. So far I've been loving it but will do a review much later on. You can purchase the palette here.

Another HauteLook purchase, I ordered in July but won't be getting until the end of August unfortunately. I bought a 3 piece brush set for $12. If you wanted to get some Crown Brushes they are affordable and pretty good quality, you can get it here.

I normally wouldn't buy into getting this product but after reading so many great reviews I decided I would give it a try. So far I've used it less than a week but I want to try it out for around 3 and then possibly do a review on it. In stores I bought it for $10, If you wanted to get this product go here.

Clothing/Accessories

I have wanted red jeans for some time but never felt like committing to an expensive pair. These red jeans I bought from Walmart for $16. Although they stretch they do feel more like pants than jeans but probably because they are pretty thin. Nonetheless I'm happy with the color (they have other bright colors to choose from). You can get it here.

I have never bought any pants/jeans from forever21 before so I was a bit hesitant about doing so. The materials they use for some of their clothes aren't the best sometimes but I decided to give it a try. I love the jeans so much that I'm definitely buying more jeans from them for fall. They have some stretch, are thick (not bulky) and they are long. These skinny jeans are better made than the ones I own from Old Navy. If you are any size over a 10 shop in there plus size section for bottom pieces. I paid $24.50 for them and you can get these jeans here.

Another forever21 purchase  I was wary of but really like. Whenever I buy any forever21 piece I like to get it in store so that I can try it on because things always look different on. For the price, color and type of shirt I wanted I decided to buy it online not knowing how it would fit. I love the hi-low tops and its true to that and sheer. My only minor complaint would be that it was a tad too tight in the arms for my taste but nothing that was bulging or uncomfortable. I decided to keep the top because it did fit and the color was beautiful, I paid $12.50 for it and you can get it here.

Normally Animal print isn't my thing but I saw this high-low top that was reasonably priced and figured I would see how I like it. I bought it at Conways for $14.50. You can check if you have a store near you here.

By far my favorite purchase of July was this cat print headscarf from Asos. I'm a bit of a cat lady and becoming obsessed with headscarves so couldn't resist buying it. I paid $6, and you can get it here. 

Also purchased but not pictured were two tank tops from H&m, one burgundy the other a semi-sheer black both were priced around $6

If you want to see what I bought in June you can check out my video here.

Have a Beauty-full day!

OOTD: Red Pants

I haven't done an OOTD in quite awhile so here it is. Video included!

Red Jeans here from Walmart, White tank top from H&M

 Jean Jacket from the Gap, White Sneakers here from Target

Head scarf here from Asos, Jewelry I've had for years

Lipstick is Nyx Chic Red here


Video can be seen here!

Possible Next Tutorial?

I haven't done a tutorial in some time and am stuck debating which one of the following four looks should my next tutorial be on. 2 out of 4 are inspired looks whilst the other two are my own.

Relieve Puffy Eyes

Puffiness of the eyes is attributed to trapped fluid underneath the eye. We can get puffy eyes due to lack of sleep, water retention, crying etc. I will be talking about a few natural ways to reduce naturally occurring puffy eyes for those without any eye conditions that cause the eyes to become puffy. Below are a few natural ways to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes.

Black, Green or Chamomile Tea are all good options for reducing puffiness underneath the eyes. Herbal teas (Chamomile)  are best for soothing redness and irritation because they contain anti-irritants. While caffeinated teas (Black and Green) reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels. Simply steep the tea bags and either use them hot or put them in the refrigerator to get cold. While reclining or laying down keep them on the eyes for 5-10 minutes. 

I'm sure everyone has heard at some point or another to put cucumbers on tired eyes. Rich in water, vitamin E and some natural fats, this vegetable has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply cut medium-thick slices and place them on eyes for a few minutes (5-10). You will immediately feel how cooling it is.

Potatoes have anti-irritating, de-congesting and soothing properties.They also are good for eliminating dark circles. Vitamin C, starch and various enzymes are good for re hydrating the skin.They are neutral at holding heat or cold so they are good to use as compresses. You can grate into a pulp and place in a clean cloth over eyes (or skip the cloth and place as is). The alkaline properties in the potato juice have antiseptic properties as well (good for getting rid of bacteria). Another way to use it would be to cut thin slices of potatoes and place it on your eyes for around 15 minutes.

Egg whites naturally have astringent properties which will help to tighten pores and reduce any puffiness around or under the eyes. Simple take about 1/2 teaspoon (or as more if needed) of egg whites and using a brush or a cloth apply it underneath the eye. You can also add a few drops of witch hazel (which helps to sooth and shrink) to the egg whites and mixing them together place them under the eyes. Leave on eyes for about 15 minutes or until it has dried stiffly, then thoroughly wash it off. 

Cold water, something so simple yet effective. If you don't have the time use any of the things I've listed so far, water might be for you. Simply splash cold water a few times on your face (especially your eyes) and besides perking you up it will help reduce any puffiness around the eyes. The cold water will constrict the blood vessels found under the eye and reduce swelling.

Another quick way to relieve tired, puffy eyes is using some cold spoons. Pop two or more spoons into your freezer for about a minute or two and then place face down over eyes. Similar to the cold water it will restrict the vessels around your eye and reduce any puffiness. Once the spoons get warm simply pop them back into the freezer to get cold and reapply.

These were only a few of several ways that you can reduce Puffy eyes naturally. An important tip to remember would be to make sure you are hydrated enough and reduce the amount of sodium you consume. Sodium (salt) makes you retain water which will leave you bloated, so if you do consume a lot of sodium try to cut down on it. Making sure you are hydrated is always important in the health of your skin and body.

Also make sure you get plenty of sleep during the night at least 7hrs of sleep and make sure your head is elevated while sleeping. Elevating your head while you sleep will help drain any liquid from pooling underneath your eyes.

Don't live with Puffy tired eyes if you can help it, try some of these tips out and you will be on your way to a more rested looking you.

Have a Beauty-full day!