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Monday, March 18, 2013

Decor :: Instagram Wall

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Ever since I upgraded to the IPhone almost 2 years ago, I'm always looking for new apps to download. I'm obsessed with Instagram (you can follow me @saternusl) so when I came across other bloggers creating Instagram walls, I wanted to make my own.

Untitled Download the app, PostalPix to make this project easier, and it's free! Upload your favorite Instagram pics and order what size you want printed. I ordered 26 2x2 pics and with shipping it came to $10. The paper is thicker and the I k is great quality so it won't fade. The package was delivered within a week of ordering, and I was so impressed with the quality. It makes it easier so that you don't have to alter photos, or cut them yourself.

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I placed my photos above my long mirror with painter's tape. I've seen other bloggers make collages, hearts, and out them on cork board. Since I wanted my bedroom to be simple, I just placed the photos equally apart in 4 rows. You may think it's boring, but it brings a pop of color to my all white bedroom.

What are your favorite apps lately? You can find PostalPix and Instagram on the app store so download them today!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Trend :: Sneaker Wedges

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Ok, so I don't wear sneakers. The only time I do is when I decide that for a week that I'm a fitness expert. Besides that, my running sneakers sit in my closet. When the sneaker wedge trend popped up, I couldn't tell if they were ugly or cute. I was afraid I would look like I'm trying to hard, or it didn't fit me. So when I spotted a pair at Target, I couldn't resist! Here are 3 ways I am wearing them this spring:

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With skinny jeans
Sweatshirt: Proenza Schoeler Nieman Marcus for Target // Jeans: Mossimo Target // Necklace: F21

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with leather leggings
Top and leather leggings: Papaya Clothing // Necklace: F21 // Spiked Braclet: Wet Seal

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with a dress
Dress: Urban Outfitters // Necklace: F21 // Tights: Target How are you wearing this trend this Spring? Tumblr and Pinterst are great sites for inspiration too, especially for street style!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Decor :: Makeup Storage

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When I moved into my apartment, I promised myself that I would become even more organized, and not let my room just become a junk pile. I wanted my bedroom to be the one room that was exactly what I wanted. The theme is all white, playing with different textures, and shades of cream in the mix. I built my own vanity because I refused to spend hundreds of dollars for a simple desk, and I didn't want any chunky furniture in my room either. The shelf and mirror I bought from Target, and the chair is from TJ Maxx Homegoods. I am still working on he lighting, luckily it's right by the window so I have some natural lighting. Blog

To hold my brushes I placed them in a coffee mug and flower pot I found in the dollar section at JoAnn's. They were already white, I just placed pebbles in them so my brushes stand straight.

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As for the rest of my makeup, I bought the Muji 5 drawer acrylic organizer. Gurus have ranted and raved about this all over YouTube, so buying this wasn't a hard decision. I payed about $30 for it,but it organizes everything perfectly. Some people have complained that the drawers are thin so it doesn't fit foundations, or bigger blushes. If that's something that concerns you, search Amazon for other makeup storage systems. I love my Muji and it shipped within a week and arrived without any chips or scratches. I have each drawer categorized, so it is easier to find what I need. The top drawer is lip glosses, lipsticks, and lip liners. I probably am going to purchase a lipstick storage system on Amazon just because my collection is growing so much, and one drawer is not cutting it! The second drawer is face primers and samples of foundations. Third drawer is mascaras and eyeliners, mainly samples from beauty box subscriptions. In the fourth drawer is all my eyeshadow palettes, like all my Wet N' Wild palettes and my Naked palette. The bottom drawer is all blushes, bronzers, and highlighters. Now that everything is organized, it's easier for me to create different looks, and to use different makeup.

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I personally hate how nail polish racks look like. It just looks like a spice rack and take up too much space. I keep mine in a glass vase that I bought from Walmart for a few bucks. It's in expensive, but looks like something you would see in a boutique. I keep this on a vanity tray I made from a frame I found at Amvets for one dollar! Also on the tray is my favorite candle, and perfumes that I am using currently.

Eventually I am probably going to expand an getting a bigger storage unit, but for now I love how everything has turned out. I do keep everything else in a clear plastic bin system, but that's hidden in my closet haha. Definitely check out Amazon and Muji if you are looking to organize, and happy Spring cleaning!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Product Review :: Flower Lip Service Lipbutter

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There has been a huge hype for Drew Barrymore's Flower cosmetic line that hit Walmart stores and online in January. I'm a little late to stop and check it out, but better late then never, right? I feel like every celebrity has branched out and created perfumes, cosmetics, or a clothing line. Drew's focus is more different, where there is no advertisements for the first year. So instead of being bombarded with Drew's face in every magazine, the line will grow from word of mouth. The cosmetics are not tested on animals, and all products are under $20! Now I know that your thinking, "well isn't every drugstore brand under $20?" Flower's packaging looks expensive with the rose gold accents. The only downside is once the label is taken off to open it, there is no sticker with the shade number or color left on it.

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I was expecting to see whay more, but I think nothing stood out to me as a buy me product. Since I'm buying lipstick like there is no tomorrow, I picked up one of the Lip Service lip butters to try. I've been buying pinks and corals for Spring, but I gravitated towards the shade, LB5 Haute Honeysuckle from the line. I love Revlon lip butters, so I thought it would be a great product to add to my collection. It's not a nude, but it's not a coral as you can see from the swatch. It's not sticky or tacky, but it's not as moisturizing as I need. I'm giving the lip butter a 3 out of 5 because it was only $6.98, and I will just have to layer this productbwith a lip balm for extra hydration.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

DIY :: Cleopatra's Milk Bath

I suffer from the worst dry skin during the winter months, and take regular baths to help hydrate my skin. Usually, I go to Lush for their bath bombs, because let's face it no one has time to make their own. And I am obsessed with Lush as you will find out haha.I came across an article online about at how milk baths have so many benefits for dry skin, and decided to give it a try.

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Cleopatra was most known for her reign of Egypt has Queen, her scandalous love affairs, and her ahead of the time beauty routines. Cleopatra took milk baths daily to preserve her beauty and youth, but milk has more benefits than just those. Not to sound like a Bio teacher, but milk contains Lacitic acid which has amazing anti-aging properties, exfoliates skin, rebuilds collagen, and acts like as an astringent to sensitive skin. Who would have known something that you eat your cereal with, could make you look younger too! As for the other key ingredient, honey, it locks in moisture, and is anti-bacterial. Now with the essential oils, it is completely up to you for what you want to add. Cleopatra was said to use rose oil and jasmine oil, but there are more affordable essential oils for like lavender (to relax) and orange (to energize). Dozens of recipes are floating aroun on the internet, so find the best one for you!

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I am going to make a fresh milk bath, meaning I can't save any leftovers because it will spoil. There are recipes using powdered milk, that way you can make a bigger batch and save it in a mason jar. I have more then enough bath powders, so that's why I decided to make a fresh batch. That and the fact that there's not anymore room in my bathroom cubby for anymore stuff.

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All the ingredients I bought from Target, and was about $10 all together. Besides the whole milk, e drugging else can be saved for another bath. I added rose petals leftover from Valentine's Day for a bit of luxury, but it's completely optional. I added the mixture to running water, and soaked in it for a half hour. My alligator skin is gone, and I'm left with silky, soft skin!

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Monday, March 4, 2013

FOTD :: Maroon Eyes & Coral Lips

I can not stop using the Wet 'N Wild eye palette in Winding Woods. I mentioned it in my February favorites, and I will probably use it until spring gets here. I balance out a dark eye, with a coral-pink lip, and finish with a strong contour. Here is the breakdown of my favorite face of the day.

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1. I start with moisturizing my face with Josie Maran argan oil, then apply Pixi Prime and Poreless to my t-zone area.
2. with a stippling brush I apply Revlon's Whipped foundation in my shade, 320. To conceal, I use a yellow toned concealer under my eyes to hide my dark under eye circles. My favorite has been from the Coastal Scent Eclipse palette.
3. To contour I use Laguna by Nars, followed by a highlight. I use Hard Candy's So Baked Bronzer in Tiki on the top of my cheek bones, down the bridge of my nose, and a little above my cupid's bow.
4. I fill in my brows with the Anastasia brow kit, and pat the Tiki highlight all over my eyelid as a base.
5. For the eyes, I use Naked from the Naked palette in the crease, so that I have a transition color. Also, it works as a base, so I know not to blend the darker colors too high. Next, I take the burgundy color from the Wet 'N Wild palette, and use a flat shader brush to pat it all over my lid. After blending it in, I blend Hustle from the Naked palette in the outer third in a "V" shape. To finish, I line my eyes with NYC liquid liner, and coat my lashes with Loreal Telescopic mascara/Covergirl Lashblast.
6. The lip combo is a mix of Revlon's Primrose Pink lipstick and Coral Reef gloss on top. It's that easy!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Product Review :: TheBalm Cosmetics

The beauty brand TheBalm wasn't a brand I was familiar until I saw it on the flash site, Hautelook. I have been a member of Hautelook for over a year, and honestly forgot about it till most recently. I kept coming across posts from other bloggers about how great the products were, and how they got them half off on Hautelook! So how could I not check it out. By the way Hautelook is a free to join flash sale site, meaning for a few days they will feature designer duds, and high end beauty products for fractions of the cost! Check it out!

I purchased two blushes off Hautelook, because I barely have any blushes, and wanted to expand my makeup collection. TheBalm was featured in the beginning of February, so if you missed it, they will be on there again, don't worry! I am a sucker for packaging, and theBalm remind me of Benefit's packaging. Each blush is about the size of my palm, but flat enough for easy storage. Both blushes are matte, which I prefer because I will go in with a highlighted to add that "glow" effect.

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The first blush I picked was this light pink, matte blush called Down Boy. The packaging features a Marilyn Monroe-esque girl surrounded by classy men. The color is so pigmented, so a little goes a long way, but when blended, it's the perfect color for a low maintenance makeup look. It's not frosty, and goes on smooth. It retails normally for $21, off Hautelook I paid $10.50!

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The second blush was a coral color perfect for spring, called Frat Boy. The packaging has the vintage flare just like Down Boy, but this time features the star quarterback getting a kiss on the cheek. The color color is so flattering for all skin tones, and almost reminds me of Nars Orgasm, minus the shimmer. With a summer tan I know I will reach for this more, and can't wait to use it. This blush was also $10.50 instead of the usual $21.

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Here are the swatches for each of the blushes. The upper swatch is Frat Boy, the bottom swatch in each picture is Down Boy. The top photo is in natural lighting, and the bottom photo is with flash. Aren't they so pretty! So check out Hautelook for other great deals, because these were a great find (two for the price of one)!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Monthly Favorites :: February 2013

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Here are my most reached for makeup products this month. I try to branch out each month and try something new, and this month, pink was my color. I'm not someone who normally gravitates towards pink, but hey, maybe it was the Valentine's Day spirit!

The first three were lip products. During the winter I suffer from constant cracked lips, and Lush's Mint Julips lip scrub has saved them. I use this exfoliate my lips before applying lipstick, and it works perfect. And it's edible! I am obsessed with the Revlon Lip Butters! I recommend them to anyone who wants to wear color on their lips, but doesn't want something too opaque. I've been using Revlon Lip Butter "cotton candy 045" almost everyday, and it hasn't left my purse this whole month. It's flattering, but not frosty looking like some pink lipsticks. And since Revlon keeps making amazing products, I couldn't stop myself from getting the Revlon Colorburst gloss in "016 Bourdeux". It's a really flattering burgundy gloss with fine shimmer. It's not sticky at all and last through dinner, so how can you go wrong?

I'm usual a neutral eye girl, but this month I found something to use instead of my Naked palette. I hopped on the Wet N' Wild bandwagon and picked up one of their eyeshadow palettes. I peeled off the label, but it contains a beautiful burgundy, a brown crease color, and a barely there pink for a highlight. It brings out my green eyes, and doesn't crease. Not to mention it was less then $3!

I change my nail polish at least weekly, but I keep repeating using Nailtini's "104 Frappe". It's a flattering sheer pink, and the best part is it lasts a week without chipping! I received mine in my January Ipsy, but Nailtini has a website. To keep my nails looking healthy, and not have dry cuticles, I use J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve. I received this in my Birchbox, and it has a permanent place on my night stand now.

If you haven't tried E.l.f. blushes, you are missing out! I have high end blushes, and there is something about these blushes, that I had to buy all of them. They are so pigmented, and are close dupes for Nars blushes. So this month I have been using the E.L.F. blush in "twinkle pink", which is a pinkish-brown, that goes great with bronzer.

What are your monthly favorites this month?

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

FOTD :: Amanda Seyfried's Oscars Look

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This past Sunday was the Oscars, and it's one of my favorite award shows to watch. Even though I was it sweats eating pizza, I sat their and analyzed everyone's hair, makeup, and dress choices. I personally think that Amanda Seyfried killed it in Alexander McQueen, but some critics said the dress made her look old. Any who, I really loved Amanda's smokey eye, which was a soft lavender, paired with a matte light pink lip. Here is my version of her Oscars look!

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Face: Revlon Colorstay Whipped, Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette, Nars Laguna to contour, Elf blush in Twinkle as blush, and Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki for highlight
Eyes: Coastal Scents eyeshadow in Purple Panic and Lavender. I put Purple Panic on my entire eye lid stopping on the crease. In the crease I put Lavender, then blending Virgin from the Naked palette on my brow bone and inner eye. In the outer "V" I used Hustle from the Naked palette to give it some depth. I used NYC liquid liner to make a real thin cat eye, and just used Loreal Telescopic Mascara to lengthen my lashes. I only used one coat because I wanted the look to be romantic and soft.
Lips: Revlon Primrose Pink dabbed on with my finger to give a washed look.

Excuse my messy hair and red nose because I have the worst head cold the past few days. I just didn't want to wait to try recreating this look.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Product Review :: Lush Big Shampoo

I was on the hunt this month to find a shampoo for my thin, flat, damaged hair. For me it is hard to find the right combinations because, most hydrating shampoos weigh down my hair. And volumizing sprays and shampoos strip my natural oils out, leaving me with frizzy hair. On top of that, I color my naturally blonde hair, so my hair in general needs some extra TLC.

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I've heard really greats reviews from other bloggers about "Big", but was afraid because it's made of salt. When I think of hair products with salt, I think of all the beach sprays I've made that made my hair a nightmare during the summer time. Even though I want volume, I still want shiny, healthy hair. Is that too much to ask?

Lush's Big shampoo is said to "give limp hair more volume than you thought possible with clarifying sea salt, seaweed infusion to soften, and fresh citrus juices for incredible shine". Just by that I was sold, and also by the sales associate who swore up and down this would turn into the only thing I'll ever use. So I made the plunge and spent the $27 on the tub of grains and hoped from the best.

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I'm in love! All I needed was about a dime size amount for my hair length. It doesn't seem like a lot, but once lathered, it creates enough suds for my entire head. The grains weren't left in my hair, and it washed out easily. I didn't use a conditioner following that because I wanted to see how my hair felt. The girl at Lush gave me a sample of a lighht weight conditioner, Veganese which I did use twice. I blow dried it only using a heat protecting spray and argan oil at my ends. And OMG did I have volume! With my hair curled it actually looked like I never had this hair in my life. My hair was shiny, but full, without having to tease. Even on second day hair it still looked full in a ponytail.

The only down side is that it does strip hair color. For me it is ok because I am currently in a transition of going from red, to brown-black. But if you have a difficult hair color, I do not suggest this. I use this daily and my hair is not dried out, which was my biggest hesitation into buying the product. I've had it for a month now, and I finally have big volume, without the damage! Order online here or stop into your local Lush store!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Dupe of the Day :: Matte Nail Polish

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Every time I go to Ulta or a drugstore I searched for Essie's "matte about you", and failed miserably. So when I was in CVS this past week and saw the new Sinful Colors display, I was so excited. SC made a matte topcoat, so the search is over! Not only was it a score, but it's a great dupe! Essie's version is going on Amazon for up to $10 a bottle, whereas SC has it at an affordable $1.99! Stop into your closest drugstore to pick this matte topcoat this week :)

Friday, February 22, 2013

Updated Skincare Routine


I completely caved in and bought a Clarisonic earlier this month. I kept going back and forth if I really needed to spend over a hundred dollars, for a tool to clean my face. After reading almost all the reviews on Sephora, and talking to a few people who have it already, I couldn't say no.

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For those of you who aren't familiar with what a Clarisonic is, let me fill you in. The brush rotates gently in semi circles to gently exfoliate the skin. It claims to clean skin six times better then using your hands. And let me tell you, they are telling the truth. I always thought what I was using was removing all my makeup, but my Clarisonic begs to differ. Along with just cleansing the face, it reduces size of pores and fine lines, which I can't complain. Now that I'm getting older I need to take care of my sun damaged skin, and I have already seen a huge improvement in the last month. I will warn you, since it is a gentle exfoliater, it's going to bring anything trapped under the skin to the surface. In other words, youre going to breakout, but in a good way. At first I was worried, but my skin's complextion has improved so much. So be patient and give yourself a month with the same routine.


I use my Clarisonic twice a day, when I first wake up, and before I go to bed. I was afraid it was going to dry out my already dry skin, but it didn't. I purchased the Clarisonic Mia with the sensitive brush head. There's specific brush heads for every type of skin, so make sure you purchase what's best for you. To pair with the Clarisonic I use the Philosphy Purity Made Simple which gives me a deep cleaning, but doesn't leave my skin itchy, or irritated. I picked this up because this is the most popular pair tonuse, but you can use any cleanser you prefer. I only need about a pea size amount, so if you're hesitant, try the small travel size version, because it will last you at least a month.

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Last steps are to apply my favorite moisturizer, Josie Maran Argan Oil and Benefit's It's Potent! Eye Cream to reduce my under eye circles. For the argan oil you want to get the specific concentration for your skin. You can use a drugstore version if you want, but when it comes to you're skin you only have one. It can be pricey, but it's all how you apply it. I use only 5 drops, and pat it on my face when it's still damp. That trick will save you product, and allow the oil to spread easier on the face when you rub it in. And that is how I am getting clear, glowing skin!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Battle of the Boxes :: February 2013

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For those of you who live under a rock and are not familiar with Birchbox and Ipsy, check out those links for what they are about. I really enjoy my beauty box subscriptions each month, because it's an inexpensive way to try new products. And who doesn't like get a little snail mail once and a while?

Even though each of the subscriptions are only $10, I like to compare them each month to see which of them provide this most bang for my buck. Birchbox has had some hits and misses with me, leaving me disappointed more then just one month. Ipsy has blown me away with products that I love, and never have jipped me of barely there samples. So let's compare this month's boxes?

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Let's start with Ipsy. First off it came right on time this month in the beginning of February, unlike Birchbox which arrived today after getting lost in storm Nemo. The theme was "red carpet ready" with products to channel your inner celebrity. I thought it was perfectly themed for the season of award shows, but then I got my Birchbox, which had the SAME exact theme. So I give them an -F for originality. But back to the Ipsy bag and what it contained. The bag this year was black patent leather, with red lining. Kind of reminded me of a classic Louboutin. I threw out the card that had discount codes on it because I could barely read it, and if I wanted the codes they are on the website. So here is the breakdown of contents:

Pixi Prime and Poreless
I have been using Benefit's Porefessional as of lately. Even though I only have larger pores on my cheeks, I use a primer more for smoothing out my skin before foundation. This hydrates my dry skin, but doesn't leave me shiny like other primers I have tried before. I have never boug anything from Pixi before, but after really liking how it make my skin look, I will be sure not to pass it the next time I go to Target.

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Coastal Scents Shadow Palette
I have a concealer palette from them and love it. I was thinking about getting one of their eyeshadow palettes, just because tons of gurus use the 120 color palette for their tutorials. The colors are pigmented and didn't crease. I'm glad I got the colors I did because some subscribers received a yellow and green color scheme.

MicaBeauty Gel Eyeliner
I prefer liquid eyeliner, and really can't step away from my NYC liquid eyeliner. I am happy I got this because I was about to buy the Maybelline gel liner, so that saves me a few bucks! And this is full size wooooo! The swatch on my hand took me about five minutes to scrub off, so you know it's not going to budge when on your eye!

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Pop Mascara
You really can't go wrong with mascara samples. I switch up what I use all the time, and as long as it makes my short, blonde lashes look long and dark I am a happy camper.

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Lash Cards
I can't even tell you how many time I do a perfect smokey eye, and then forget to let my mascara dry. Then I look in the mirror and there's black smudges all over my eyelid. So I'm waiting for a day where I do more then just my everyday makeup to try these, but I know that they will go to good use.


Now for the Birchbox contents:

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Jouer Matte Moisture Tint
The most frustrating thing about samples, are when the samples are too small to even get the idea of how the product works. The sample is pretty much air, and it's the size of my pinky. Not only that,io but I already received this sample in a previous box. So that alone really made me question if I still want to stay a subscriber.

Skin&Co Roma Cleansing Body Gel
haven't tried it yet, but the gel is really strong, and more on the masculine side. It's smells kind of like Neutrogena cold cream, but I'm going to give it a try my next shower.

Vasanti Brighten Up!
I love exfoliates, I just need to make sure it's not to harsh for my dry skin. I use a Clarisonic, so I am going to see if using this product would be ok to huge, and not over process my skin. All the reviews on the website says that it doesn't dry out skin and leaves skin glowing.

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Lancôme Hypnôse Star Mascara
like I said in the Ipsy review, I'm a fan of masacaras, and I'm really surprised this was in my box. Haven't tried it yet but I will do a review down the line of mascaras I use.

There was a Ghirardelli square in my Birchbox, but I totally ate that before actually seeing what else was in my box, whoops! Ipsy had a value of around $62 and Birchbox had a value of $12. I mean I know it's just $10, but Birchbox can do a little better with their quality of their samples. So who wins this month? Ipsy for having great samples that I know I will use and not just go in my makeup storage. How did you like your box or bag this month?

Saturday, February 16, 2013

I'm back !!!!!

So I quit blogging for a while to focus on work and everything else going on in life. But now I am back and inspired to keep up with blogging. I got rid of most of my blog posts and only kept a few that would come in handy. To fill you in on my hiatus, I moved into an apartment with two of my friends, and got promoted at work. Now that everything is more settled, I am ready to blog again. Yay!