Tuesday Tips: The Right Mascara!

Mascara's are one of the most common and abundant beauty products out there and one of the most important (in my opinion).  However, picking out the right one can be pretty overwhelming because there are so many formulas, price ranges, brands, you name it.  And when your friend or favorite beauty guru swears by a certain mascara it can be frustrating when it doesn't work that well for you.  So today I thought I would share was kind of mascaras you should be looking out for depending on the type of lashed you have.

Short Lashes:

You want to be looking out for mascaras that add length.  This can either be a mascara that guarantees extra length or you can look for a mascara base which adds fibers to the lashes that you coat with your colored mascara afterwards.

Thin Lashes:

Volumizing mascaras are best to use when your lashes are thin.  They extra volume gives the appearance of not only thicker, but more lashes.  For best results, apply 2 coats of mascara, really making sure to focus the mascara at the base of the lashes (but do so carefully because it can start to clump or look over-applied).

Thick Lashes:

Thick lashes are absolutely gorgeous, but also terrible about clumping! To help with clumping focus on finding a good mascara wand when shopping for a new mascara.  You want one that will comb through the lashes and separate them really well.   A thinner formula is also better because it is able to coat each individual lash either without clumping as easily.

Straight Lashes:

Lash curlers are your friend! Buy a good pair of lash curlers that really do their job.  That combined with a curl-focused mascara should help your lashes stand out more!  If you have straight lashes you want to also be looking for a lighter formula because a heavier one will weigh down the lashes and take away the curl that you are trying to achieve. 

Long Lashes:

You get the good end of the stick.  Long lashes work really well with most mascaras, but curling and volumizing ones are probably the most useful.  They will add a extra umph to your lashes to make them really beautiful!

I hope these tips were helpful and that you are able to find the perfect mascara for you! Drugstore mascaras are awesome, so search there first for the perfect mascara, chances are you will find it and not have to spend much money!

Much love,

Rachel

Two Ingredient Pancakes

I generally try my hardest to live a healthy life style, which includes eating the right things, but every so often i wake up with this unquenchable desire for something sweet.  (Like yesterday when I woke up craving Fruitloops... no shame).  However, if I have Fruitloops for breakfast everyday I begin to feel guilty about it, and that is just about the worst feeling in the world.  These "Two Ingredient Pancakes" leave your stomach thinking you had some very delicious pancakes, but your mind feels absolutely no guilt!  Read on to find the method of my madness!

What you'll need:

1 banana 

2 Eggs

1/4 cup blueberries (optional)

dash of cinnamon (optional)

drizzle of Blue Agave (optional)

1.  Mash the banana and eggs in a bowl for preparation

2.  Pour 1/3 of the mixture onto a hot skillet.  (make sure the pan is greased with a light cooking spray)

3.  This is an optional, however encouraged.  Add the blueberries and/or cinnamon onto the mixture directly after pouring.  I love the blueberries because when they are heated the juices are on overdrive when it comes to flavor.  The Cinnamon is a great way to add a healthy dose of sweetness.

4.  Drizzle some Blue Agave (a natural and healthy alternative to syrup) And Viola! Bon Apetite! 

They even cook like regular pancakes! These are just as good without the guilt!  Okay, so if you do the add-ins then its more than 2 ingredients, but it is still healthy and delicious! 

Let me know in the comments if you are trying this!

I hope your taste buds were fully satisfied on this Tasty Tuesday!

Caroline

Makeup Haul

Recently, I have done a lot of damage in the shops.  I may do an accessories and clothing haul later, but this one is purely makeup.  I am loving all of the things I got (many were actually featured in my friday favorites).  Alright, lets jump right in!

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

I actually went into Sephora specifically for this product. I have been wanting it for a while, and so I finally made my way over there and got this.  I am absolutely loving this product as you can see in this post. 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

This stuff has been absolutely amazing.  I am so glad I purchased it, and it seems like this travel size will actually last me a while! I reccomend this for everyone!

 Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids

I got the colors: Coral Crush, Fuchsia Flash, Pink Pop, and Hot plum.  Oh my gosh, I probably could not like any lipstick better then these.  I am in love.  They have the best feeling in the world, and perfect pigmentation.  It stays on your lips the whole night (I tested last night with Pink Pop).  These are pure perfection.  A must have, and only $5-7! 

Milani Baked Blush in Rose D'oro

As you can tell, this is a highly pigmented blush with a luminous glow and tiny shimmers.  It is perfect for making your cheeks pop, and this color is amazing for the summer.  I love this blush, it has such great quality for a drugstore product!

 Sonia Kashuk Brush no. 116 & MAC brush no. 219

Read this post, and you will be totally convinced to purchase this brush too.  I have been loving this brush.  It is dense enough to actually apply a little bit of color if you want to add it lightly, but still is great for blending!  The MAC brush is a thicker pencil brush than I was used to, but I wanted to get one that would be great for applying a crease color, and this is perfect!  Great size and quality!

MAC Coffee Eye Pencil

Last but not least, I have my MAC eyeliner in the perfect brown color.  this applies so well and the pigmentation is perfect!  I am very happy with this color selection!

Let me know in the comments what you have purchased recently!!

Hope you had a great Monday, 

Caroline

Friday Fashions: Clothing Haul!

Happy Friday everyone!

The other day I went to DSW and Target and picked up a few awesome items so I thought I would share those!

I got this adorable pair of shoes at DSW!  They feel like ballet slippers when they are on so they are SO comfy and flexible and they just make me want to dance!  They are from the brand Restricted but I can't find them anywhere on DSW or Restricted's website to link them!  I think these will look adorable with a flowy summer dress and I can't wait to wear them!

At Target I got these really cute denim shorts.  I've been needing a new pair of denim shorts so I went looking specifically for some.  They were out plain denim shorts in my size but they had these in my size so it must have been fate. I think these are absolutely adorable and if you aren't one for loud patterns on your shorts or pants I think these are perfect because it is definitely more subtle.

Also at Target I got these two blouses from the brand Xhilaration.  I've been needing a few more nicer shirts because I have a lot of more casual shirts and tank tops.  I thought these colors were really pretty--a bright pink and a dark navy.  The designs on the front are what really caught my attention though.  I am a sucker for intricate details on clothing and my eye is always drawn to them!

I also got these three crew neck t-shirts.  My grey and white t-shirts have shrunk a bit and are too short now so I picked up these and I love them! They are so soft and comfortable and the perfect length.  I really only needed the gray and the white, but the teal really caught my eye so I just had to get it too!

The last thing I got was this black skater skirt.  A basic black skirt is a great building piece so I was really excited about this.  This has a very subtle pattern in the stitching so it adds a bit more of a flare to the design. The material is so soft and the shape flows so beautifully!

I got a great mix of essentials and trendy clothing items on my shopping trip so I am really happy about all of my purchases!

Caroline and I had a fantastic shopping trip today and I got some more amazing things, so there might be a haul post of that shopping trip coming up!

Much love,
Rachel

A Few of My Favorite Things

I have always loved Fridays, but I especially love them when I get to talk about my favorite things with no one holding me back!  I have had so many new beauty favorites this week so we should just get straight into it!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I spritz this on after my face wash and toner application and before my moisturizer in both the morning and the night.  It is so refreshing and smells delicious.  I was wary about buying it since it is a whopping $49, but I was in the checkout line at Sephora (the one with all of those mini products that are so cute and they just pull you in) and I picked up the $18 travel size!  Such a great deal, and I think I like it in a smaller size too!

Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle

I paint my nails way too often.  And my nails stop growing when they are constantly being painted, this product is perfect for keeping my nails growing healthy and strong even when I wear nailpolish!  I swipe this on bare nails and it acts as the perfect base!\

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Hot Plum

Oh my gosh.  This color is gorgeous.  It looks very purple until you put it on and the pink color comes out.  It is a beautiful purple-pink king of magenta color and is surprisingly wearable!  My new favorite lip color!

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

I love shaping and messing with my eyebrows, and wanted a new product that was meant specifically for that (read this post to see what I did before).  I have only used this a few times, but I immediately fell in love.  I bought it in the color Caramel, and I love the way it brings out the natural colors in my hair!  The powder also works perfectly with the clear mascara I use to set it.

The Original Keds

I just got my first pair of Keds and I am officially obsessed.  I got them in this black (it almost looks navy) and they are amazing!  I am already planning on asking for another pair with a fun color for christmas (hey its only 6 months away...)!

Song Favorite: Bravado by Lorde

Lorde's music is all amazing, you may have heard of their song Royals, which I love to death, but recently, Bravado has been my goto song!  I can't wait until a new album comes out!

Random favorite: Shopping!

There are very few things I like to do more than shopping (is that sad?),  Today Rachel and I shopped for hours while enduring horrendous rain showers, and nothing stopped us.  I may do a haul post later!

Let me know in the comments what your favorites have been recently!

Have a splendid weekend!

Caroline

Cosmetic Corner: Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation!

Hey everyone!

A ton of beauty gurus on YouTube have been using Rimmel London's Wake Me Up Foundation and they have all seemed to love it! I'm not a big foundation wearer, I usually just stick with concealer and/or BB cream; however, I've been really wanting to get a great foundation for not too much money.  This one seemed perfect.  It is completely formulated for my skin--I have dry skin and usually have trouble sleeping, so my face sometimes needs a boost. I was really bummed to learn that this was only sold in the UK, but when I found out it was sold on Amazon I totally went for it!

About a week later it arrived! And I have to say I LOVE it! Everything that I heard about it was true.  It has this beautiful dewy look to it that makes your skin glow, and goes on so smoothly.  After it's blended, I can't even tell that I am wearing foundation; its super lightweight and feels completely natural.  Its definitely a light to medium coverage, which is exactly what I wanted!  The pump makes it super easy to get the product out and makes sure that you don't apply too much.  Having to order this online was a bit of a hassle just because I wasn't positive I was getting the right shade, but I seemed to definitely work out!  Just a fair warning though, I got the shade 103 True Ivory and it seems to be a bit darker than it showed up online.

I am absolutely in love with this product and so happy about my purchase! For less than 20$ I was able to get the perfect foundation for me.  I think this would be a great product, even for people with normal skin (maybe not those with oily skin) who don't think they need to brighten it up a bit. 10 out of 10 would recommend!!

Much love,
Rachel

Bathroom Organization

Yesterday I was going crazy with my overflowing makeup drawer and had no idea what to do.  When I was browsing Pinterest, I found a few organizing ideas and one stuck out.  So I went on my way to Target, purchased a white 24" shelf.  I had my dad drill some holes in my wall and then I got to the organizing.

As for my organizing, I decided to put everything that was on my bathroom counter onto this ledge along with my toothpaste and toothbrush.  From left to right:

Puffs Facial Tissues: I love these for touching up my makeup when I make mistakes.

Rodan & Fields Unblemish Skin Care: The next four items are my face wash.  I love this stuff, but my face has become accustomed to it and so it isn't having as powerful of an effect that I want, so I am planning on purchasing a new face wash very soon.

Boots Botanics Hydrating Night Cream: If you haven't already realized, I am obsessed with this moisturizer.  I highly recommend it for anyone with normal to dry skin.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: Another favorite, this eye cream is so hydrating and perfectly moisturizing for those delicate eyes.

Old Spice Fiji Antiperspirant: I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I use men's deodorant  I believe that it works better than women's and it smells a million times better.  In my defense, the Fiji scent doesn't have that musky scent that most men's deodorant have.

MAC Cleanse Off Oil: Read this post if you want to know how much I love it!

Toothpaste and Toothbrush in a Mason Jar and my Retainer

C.O. Bigelo Rose Salve: I put this on every morning and night so my lips stay hydrated!

Adding this shelf allowed me to clear out one of my drawers so that I can have more space for my makeup! 

Even if you do not want to go out to purchase a shelf to organize, there are many other ways to organize.  Make sure you are doing what works for you and what you love!

Happy 4th of July!!  Hopefully it isn't raining where you are like it is here!

Caroline

Wednesday Wonderings: Lip Stains!

Hey everyone!

Today I thought I would explore lip stains and how are they so effective!  I love the staying power of lip stains and the natural appearance they have when used so I thought it would be fun to delve in to what is in them and how they work!

Lip stains are usually formulated with just water/gel, a synthetic dye, and usually alcohol.  The water/gel works as the base of the product for the actual application, but the alcohol and the dye is what really does the work.  The synthetic dye (sometimes even henna!) is what stains the lips and leaves color for the long period of time.  The alcohol is what dries and sets the dye onto the lips.  However, the alcohol often has a very drying effect, so exfoliating and moisturizing is usually necessary after use.

This is one downside to lip stains.  Their lack of moisturizing ingredients can take a toll on your lips, but if you just moisturize they are good as new!

Much love,
Rachel

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

Recently I have been obsessed with shaping my brows and making them the best they can be.  In the past I have experimented with the ELF Studio Eyebrow Kit, and I didn't set it with anything since it was a gel-like consistency.  I also have used the MAC Brow Set which was definitely a step up.  Finally, after even more experimenting I have found one thing that works!  I do want to get a new brow powder, but the Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara is one thing that I am sure will stay consistent for a very long time.  It sets the color and (especially) the shape for the entire day.  When I go to take off my makeup late at night after I have worn it since 8 AM, the shape hasn't budged and the color is as pigmented as in the morning (But it still comes off perfectly with my MAC Cleanse Off Oil).

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

It is something about the consistency in this that is perfect.  I have never been a fan of the Great Lash Mascara, but maybe the problem is that it works better for brows then lashes! This is a must have makeup product, I highly recommend!

Happy almost 4th all Americans!

Caroline

Tuesday Tips: Starting a Skincare Routine!

Hey everyone!

Recently I have gotten really into skincare and my skincare routine.  It was something I kind of let slide for many years because my skin is pretty good and I could get away with it. However, I have come to realize how important it is to take care of your skin and how much better it really does make you feel to know that it's healthy!

The problem I always came across when it came to skincare was actually setting aside the time to take care of it.  I could never get into a routine or always made an excuse because I was too lazy.  I feel like there are a lot of people like me who are too lazy or don't know how to begin. But it's never too late to start taking care of your skin, so I am going to share with you some tips on how to get into the routine of taking care of it!

Tip #1: Remind Yourself!

You want to do some sort of skincare morning and night, so find something that is already constant in your schedule.  What is one thing you always do right before bed?  What is one thing you always do right after you wake up?  Try to associate that thing with your skincare routine in some way. Maybe try a sticky note on the book you read before bed, or put your moisturizer by your computer--something that will stick out to you and trigger your memory!

Tip #2: Get Excited! 

Get excited about taking care of your skin!  Do your research and look up products that you want to try out and experiment with.  There's no better motivation than one's curiosity and excitement!  It might just be the nerd in me, but I absolutely love researching and discovering new products.  The more I look into them, the more I want to use them, and this desire is what gets me excited to try them out! You won't forget to do your skincare routine if you are excited about it!

Tip #2: Set Goals!

Really look at your skin and get to know it.  By taking a good look at it you will be able to pin point the things you want to improve.  Seeing the beauty in yourself and wanting to work towards enhancing that beauty is one of the greatest incentives you can have!  So set goals! Do you see that your skin is dry? Make moisturizing your skin a goal! Do you have dark circles? Make improving those a goal through an eye treatment! Self-competition is one of the greatest ways to get things done!

I hope these tips were helpful!
Much love,
Rachel