Friday, June 21, 2013

Packing Nails, Tools and Skincare

So here is post numero dos on my packing! It has been a crazy set of days, but finally I have narrowed down what I'd like to bring with me... and what I'd be happy using.  I like to pack multiple small bags because I feel like it keeps me organized and that I don't lose things.  This first bag will be in my suitcase, and it holds all things that I'd feel ok with leaving in my suitcase (ie things that don't explode)
                                       

In this VS Pink Cosmetic Bag I threw in:
2 dry shampoos: cause there WILL be days I need them
1 Bottle Pamprin: This stuff works...and FAST...I'm not 
gonna mess with cramps.
2 small bottles of a mix of advil & tylenol: To hold me over until
i can get to the Pharmacy.
1 mini First Aid kit: hey... don't laugh...this came in very
hand during my semesters. 
I also opted to take several bottles of nail polish in colors I knew I would wear.
I chose mini's so that I wouldn't waste as much space. 
Nail tools such as a buffer, nail files (Christmas!), cuticle gel and a hand 
moisturizer.  Like I've mentioned before...I love doing my nails...so this is a lil taste of home. 
                                    

My other bag that contains skin, body, and hair care will be in my carry on so that I don't have to worry about little exploding surprises.  I am taking a lot of mini's because I will be purchasing large bottles for the stay...these just tie me over and help for weekend trips to visit family. 
                                    
I hope this helped you guys out when it came to planning out what to pack...the biggest thing I'd like to underscore is that each country has their own brands, so if you forget something or run out during your stay...try something new! (unless you have severe reactions etc...then pack away!)

xoxo,
Emi

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Packing Makeup

Holy Moly... 
Ever try to narrow down the makeup products you might feel like using for the next three months? I was going through my makeup collection and deciding which products I might want to take along...it soon ended looking like this:

Yikes! This reminds me a bit of that Victoria's Secret commercial a few years back for the fashion show where the clothing suitcase is TEEEENY tiny, and the makeup trunk was insanely huge? Yep I had a minor flashback of that one. I know for sure I CAN'T take all of that makeup because I actually need to fit a decent amount of clothes, and now airlines are a lot more strict about weight and size of suitcases and carry ons (no thank you 50 dollar fees).  Needless to say...even Guam has makeup stores so if I realize I need something, I can easily pick it up from a Sephora, Inglot or drugstore.

So this was round two, three,  four and five (yep took that many rounds for my real bare basics) of pairing things down.  Still you can tell I was really wanting to take a LOT of eyeshadow...when in reality I'll be lucky to just finish one or two shadows the next few months.  This is still probably going to be picked through because I'm not 100% sure on some products but it's safe to say that I've got some great eye looks, great combos, etc available.


It took forever to finally narrow down my choices!
The bag I chose is a part of a 3 bag set that I got as a birthday gift a few years back.  I'm using the middle sized bag which compared to my computer is still a decent size. 

So let's really see what I plan to take on my trip:
Lips:
I am taking a good variety of products, but colors that I know I will use. 
I always need a few lip balms because my lips get painfully chapped. 
Products from L-R in top image: Fresh Sugar Rose (x2), Buxom Lip Gloss in Sandy,
NYC Applelicious Lip Balm in Applelicious Pink, NYC Lipstick in Violet Shine, ELF Studio Matte
Lip Color in Coral, Buxom Lip Stick in Two-Timer, Anastasia Lip Gloss in Bellini, Rimmel Kiss Off!
Lip Gloss in First Time, Love & Beauty Lip stick in coral/pink

Face:
When it came to face I knew I needed products that were small, and that would not shatter, 
that is why I went with the blush and bronzer.  I also don't switch those as often so it's really
not a big deal to just use these two. 
L-R: Laura Geller Spackle Primer in Bronze, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer,
Wet n Wild Coverall Foundation in Fair, NYC Smoother Mineral Finishing Powder in Natural,
Rimmel London Blush in Pink Sorbet, ELF Under Eye Concealer in Fair, Benefit Hoola Brozer

                          
Eyes: This is my favorite category!
I had a really hard time trying to figure out which products I would love, 
and which would be less fussy.  While I'm boring when it comes to colors,
there is just something about the packaging and the product itself that makes the application 
so much nicer.  I chose products that I knew would not fail me (even though some are already 
running low).  
L-R: ELF Exact Lash Mascara, ELF Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight, Jordana Fabuliner in Brown, LA Colors Trio
 in Nude, MAC Mineralized Single in Aurora, Physicians Formula Trio in Baked Sands,
NYC Quad in Best of Broadway, NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skintone, Rimmel London Single in Royal
Linen, ELF Cream Liner in Coffee, Benefit Badgal Lash. 
                                    
Now I know this is a good amount of stuff I plan to bring, but I also wanted to have certain extras if I finish a product, it gets lost or stolen or smashes.  If you want to have a review on any product let me know! 

xoxo,
Emi

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Big Move

Hi Everyone!

   So this post has been a long time coming, but I will be studying abroad (in Poland to be exact) for 3 months, and thus got the idea that some people might like to read/ hear about packing for very long trips, differences in culture etc.  I know it's not necessarily beauty, but it still fits into the "lifestyle" aspect of this blog.  I feel like we know how to pack for a week or two vacation, but how to pack into one suitcase everything you need for three months, AND living in a dorm? The packing will also include my makeup and what I will be buying there verses what I will pack and my reasoning for that.

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Anyways, feel free to leave any questions you may have about packing, my upcoming experience, the transition, school etc.  For all my beauty loving people, yes I will be posting plenty about cosmetics there too!

xoxo,
Emi

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Project Pan: May

Hi all,
   So you would think that once graduation passes, things get easier, but with two jobs it's actually pretty nutso.  I'm trying to take on as many hours now because I will be away for a while (more on that in the next post).  Anyways I took these photos on my usual monthly 24th day mark, but until now didn't have a chance to sit down and write about them (boo). Anyways, I figured people wouldn't mind too much (sorry if I offend you?)

I feel like I've been making a lot of progress, especially since yesterday I went through all my makeup and put it into a use up asap/ giveaway and then a core collection.  I have much less makeup in my core collection, but feel much happier.

Anyways, let's get back to the products and my current progress on them.

The first right is actually the Wet N Wild Nutty eyeshadow! Holy crow it looks very different than my last post about it, but I'm so glad that it's basically done.  I'm fairly sure I'll have it done in the month of June, which amusingly enough...was my "expected" finish date (it has taken about 8 months to get this far!)

The product on the top right is the Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Light to Medium, and I finally hit pan on it! I don't know why or how it has taken so long to just hit a tiny corner of the product.  I feel like I'll have this around for YEARS!

The next product on the left is a Physicians Formula Tone Correcting Powder...and sad to say...but I like the ELF version of this much more.  This still leaves a dewy finish and doesn't keep my face oil free for long.  I really can't wait till this is done.

On the right is the Rimmel Blush in Pink Sorbet, and this is another blush I would consider as a dupe for Benefit's Dandelion blush.  I have finally started to wear down the crown design in the middle. It's a pretty sheen of pink on the cheeks that also works great as a highlight.

The last product on the left is the ELF Studio Liner and Shadowstick in Green/Moss.  The "green" is more of a coppered/ antiqued gold black-green.  But this still looks nice.  I haven't started to use the Shadowstick although my swatches show that it's pretty. 

The last product is my Softlips lip balm in Wildberry.  I'd like to take a moment and say woohoo for not losing the dang thing! I have not lost it ONCE this entire month and a half block...THANK GOD. This lip balm has a carmex-y tingle, which I personally love and find that it works great on my lips.  I might actually be sad when I finish this out as I have still so many more to get through. 

What have you finished on your project pan?
xoxo,
Emi

Friday, May 17, 2013

Mini Haul

Hey All!
   Dang it's been a while since I've written here, and I apologize although I feel like I have a valid reason...I've graduated college! So in between defending my Honors History Thesis to faculty and planning lessons...I've been busy to say the least.  Well this week I took some time for myself and went a lil shopping at my local Harmon's Discount (which is a branch of Bed, Bath & Beyond...kinda like a Sally's Beauty) and bought a whole bunch of trial sized products to give a test run. 

I have no idea how this happened, but I picked up a whole bunch of cleansers.  Hmm.   I picked up Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Cetaphil, Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes. Minus the Clean & Clear I have never tried the products, so I figured a sample pack might give me a chance to try them out. Can you believe though, I've NEVER tried Cetaphil? I feel like everyone has tried that!

I have wanted to try also this batch of hair products: Renpure Originals Argan Oil Conditioner and Psssst! Dry Shampoo.  I've used Renpure in the past, although not this specific line.  I've also heard so much about the dry shampoo that I figured I'd give it a whirl.  An additional product I picked up was the Dove gofresh cool essentials Deodorant, which is something I just like to keep in my various purses just in case.  (Hey...let's be honest we don't wanna smell bad)

I was in line to check out when my eyes caught sight of some Color Club nail polishes on an AMAZING discount! They were each 94 cents!!I picked up from the Holographic Line:  Cherubic, Halo-Graphic, Femme Fatale.  Finally I grabbed a top coat called Looks Wet.

I figured I would pick up a bunch of samples, because I'm nearing the end of my full sized products, but since I'll be away for 3 months in Europe... I didn't want to leave it behind.  So the samples will get me through that little chunk of time.Those nail polishes look amazing and I can't wait to wear them.  Have you guys tried these products? What has been your experience?

xoxo,
Emi

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Beauty Blogger Tag!

Hi All! 
So I'm a pitiful mess because I'm currently sick (thanks be to my little sixth graders...I'm so changing where the hand sanitizer and tissues are located when I'm back in my classroom) and was thinking about what to post on here.  I've been a little at a loss at what to write since I've been using a lot of the same products for several months. But I came across this tag on Beauty Broadcast today, and couldn't think of anything more fun to try! I tag anyone and everyone!
 
1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
It depends.  When it's cut short, it hangs pretty straight, as it gets longer it starts to wave or curl at the ends.  But it's also a little frizzy so I usually blow dry it, or at least straighten my bangs. 
2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?
I haven't dyed my hair in a few years.  At least not since my Junior Year of high school (aka 6ish years ago) My hair during the winter turns light brown and during the summer becomes a mix of red and blonde highlights, which I totally adore.  When I dye my hair, I lose those natural highlights.
3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?
I more or less stick to the same hairstyle simply because I need to be up at 5:45am, and need to beat traffic to school, clinicals or my job. I do try to use hair accessories to switch it up, but my hair is usually down with a little teasing at the crown for volume.
4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?
I mainly do my own mani/pedis. Although it is a ritual with my mom and sister that at each season change we go for a girls date for both.  There is a salon near me that does an amazing spa mani/pedi for 25 bucks.  But when it comes to the weekly/ day to day, I will do my own nails because I have such a vast nail polish collection. (Why let that all go to waste?)
5. How often do you change your nail polish?
It can range from 3 times a week to once a week.  I work two jobs, and one I NEED to maintain a polished appearance, so if I'm short on time during the week,right before my shift I'll do my nails nicely.  But when time allows, I love to change my nail color to bright and fun shades for my students. 
6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?
I'm lazy when it comes to winter-time, and will still paint my nails but won't really take as much time on the upkeep of changing it.  Summer time it my main season for switching up the colors.
7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
About 10 minutes...I don't really wear a lot on a day to day basis. If I know there is a special occasion, I might take longer.
8. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
Well, my daily "face" makeup is usually concealer, face powder and blush.  I like to focus more on my eyes because even if there is an imperfection on my skin, the attention is drawn away from there.  I have a weird routine where I start with under eye concealer, then my eyes, then move down to cheeks and finally lips. It's worked for me so far!

9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
I used to just buy buy buy but recently I've been more careful about what I actually need.  After doing an organization of my makeup, I realized I had a lot of similar shades, so I've cut back on going out and buying more.  I have only really purchased products that I've come to need (ie face creams, cleansers).  Makeup is something I think I'm set for the next few years.  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing a lot of products, but I also know I won't get to use it all if I continue on, hence why I've taken this year to focus on finishing my stuff so I have a nice condensed collection of products that I truly love. 

10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?
I don't.

11. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?
Nope, I give my face a day or two to breathe when I can.  I find that helps will keeping blemishes at bay.

12. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?
When I'm with family, yes. When I'm home alone...not really.  I will usually do a spa time when I'm home alone (a rare treat at that!) and will just take the time and effort to ensure I'm moisturized and well cared for.

13. Will you leave the house without makeup?
 I have done that, when it is really just a last second rush to the post office or supermarket because I forgot an ingredient for dinner. I do try to put a little on when I feel like I might run into a longer stretch of time.
14. How many high-end products do you have?
I have a very small amount of high-end products.  I previously couldn't justify the costs (because I would spend so much on drugstore) now I find I can splurge a little...although I will typically hint towards something as a holiday or birthday gift.  I can truly count on one hand the high end products I have. 

15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?
I decide as I'm getting dressed.  I will sometimes plan ahead, but come morning I won't be in the mood to actually wear that particular outfit.  Most nights I do stick a post it and check on the status of certain options for the next day.  

16. How often do you change your handbag?
My main bag is a large, red, Liz Claiborne bag I got from my parents a year back for teaching.  It carries everything and more.  On a going out to the mall or date night I will use my smaller hand bags, typically one from NY & Co. in a classic black.  I like big bags because I always find a need for the extra space.
17. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?
I wake up during the week at 5:45am and go to sleep around 11:30/ midnight (although I have been known to fall asleep at 8 or 9pm ahhh the college life). On weekends I'm usually up at 8 for my job or church, and go to sleep around 12/1.
18. How often or when do you workout?
I don't workout as much as I should.  That said, I'm looking into several programs...from gym membership to at home zumba videos.  (If you have tried those at home Zumba programs please tell me how they are...I need some honest opinions!) I need to improve my health before I travel to Europe in June to participate in several grad school opportunities.

19. Left handed or right handed?
Righty! Although in sports I'm left dominant.

20. How tall are you?
5 ft 1.5 inches...although I try to round up ;)

21. Do you speak any foreign languages?
I speak Polish, and will be focusing this next school year on expanding my usage of it.  I speak a tiny amount of Spanish due to abysmal Spanish teachers.

22. How many pets do you have?
I have part time custody of a Boxer/ Coon Hound rescue (he spends most of his time with his "dad" *ie my fiance*) and also two kitties also rescues and also mainly with their "dad".

23. How often are you on Blogger?
It depends on my schedule.  I try to get onto my blog at least twice a month, but sometimes it's tough because I'm not changing much of my routine. 

24. Do you read comments posted on blogs?
When someone comments on my blog: yes.  I also try to respond because I find it important to keep contact with the ladies who take the time to read my posts. 

25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
Not really, but I do take note of colors and how applied.  I realize that I like certain colors and won't stray far from them.  I don't need 10 of the same shade when in the end it looks exactly the same on my lips. 

26. How did you come up with your blog name?
Food and culinary arts was my original love.  After my plans to go into the culinary arts crashed through, I took time to look at a new career and learned more about makeup. It's still a play on words because I still love food, and want to take better care of myself...but a sense of humor always makes a situation a little better :D

27. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?
Just my IPhone...my laptop doesn't play nice and won't upload regular camera photos. 

28. How often do you clean your house?
I try to clean a little each day.  Planning a one day clean out never has worked for me.

29. What's your favorite color?
I'm a sucker for deep ruby red and deep plum.

30. Do you swear?
Nope.  Working around kiddos keeps me focused on what I say.  I also am often around my 5 year old twin nieces and they parrot everything I hear.  

31. What are you doing with the rest of your day?
Working on a thesis assignment and then having a Nyquil and going to sleep!
Who else wants to take a stab at this?
xoxo,
Emi

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Updated Empties

Hi Again,
   In the continuation of my project for this year, I have another batch of products that I have finished out over the last few weeks.  As you can tell, I'm pretty hell-bent on working my way through all these products.

Vaseline Firming Lotion: I can't really say that I saw "firming" in this lotion, but it was really good quality.  My skin felt soft and it sunk in rather well.  What was most important is that my ashy knees were gone!

Old Spice Fresh Deodorant: Yes, I use men's deodorant.  I don't like the women's scents and just feel that the men's versions work so much better.  I just wasn't the biggest fan of this particular scent.  I kept smelling a toothpaste-mint fragrance and while I love my mint, I didn't like it in this form.

Givinchy Le' Jardin Perfume: I had this perfume for a while and had a complete love-hate relationship with it.  I bought it and used it for a month or two, then hated the heavy floral scent.  Thus it wasn't used for about 6 months. I kept bouncing back and forth until this winter where I finally said "to hell with it" and used it up.  But guess what? I actually liked it, but I won't repurchase it.

Dove gofresh in Green Tea Cucumber: This was an "ok" scent, but it just didn't fit me.  I ended up using it as a room mist, but towards the end it started to smell sickly sweet (I guess it was going bad).  Overall I won't repurchase.

Olay Night Cream: I love this cream because it was thick but not greasy.  It was calming enough that it could repair damage or drying but light enough that I didn't feel like Mrs. Doubtfire when she smashes her face into the cake.  This is a cream I might come back to.

NYC Nail Polish in 219: This was before the NYC nail polishes even had legit names for their colors.  This was from their "nail glossies" line, and it was so pretty.  It was a light enough pink that it made your nails look healthy, clean and polished while being able to cover any stained nails. (too many dark shades used!) I don't think they even make this any more.

NYC In a New York Minute in 248B Manhattan: This was one of my favorite colors this year.  I can't tell you how many times I would repaint my nails consecutively with it.  Towards the end it got very clumpy and so thick that the air bubbles created actually puffy nail polish.  I would get acrylic thickness nails when I put this on towards the end! If I didn't have about 4 other same colors, I would repurchase it.

Colgate Mini: It's a toothpaste. It kept my teeth clean.  I don't know what else to say about it because this was just about as basic as they come.


Renpure Organics I love my hair! Conditioner: This smelled really good and was pretty thick consistency, but it didn't out perform any of my less expensive conditioners.  So while it lasted a while, I just don't see myself picking this up anytime soon.

Amika Hair Oil: Oh my goodness, this was something that sparked a love for hair oils.  This smelled so lovely, almost like a light perfume but was so pleasant when I caught a whiff of it.  I would consider purchasing a full sized bottle of this.

L'Oreal EverCreme Shampoo: I used this for a while, then when I came back to this I disliked it.  I don't think I'll repurchase because I'm not extremely concerned about using organic shampoos.  Since my hair is fine and greasy the sulfates seem to keep it dryer for longer. 

Oscar Blondie Protein Mist: What can I say other than I used it more as a detangler.  I didn't see any improvements in my hair strength.  It smelled good though, but to pay the price for an Oscar Blondie protein mist and use it like my much cheaper drugstore detanglers doesn't seem to make any sense.

Organix Moroccan Argon Oil Conditioner: I was so disappointed in this product.  I thought it would leave my hair in beautiful condition, but instead it looked like a rats nest, and I'm sure I lost a few too many hairs from all the yanking of my hair brush.  Not going near this stuff ever again.
Bath & Body Works Lavender & Chamomile Body Wash: I love the scent of this stuff and it always lasts me between 2-3 months, so even when I buy these at the 50-75% off sales, I feel like I'm getting an awesome deal. I'd repurchase this fragrance over and over too. 

Desert Essence Face Wash: This was a really good cleanser, but it took a little while to get used to a purely liquid product versus gel or cream cleansers.  I'd repurchase this product because it didn't alter my skin and kept it pimple free. 

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Face Scrub: This was a life saver when I went through a pizza face month.  It was awesome for killing all the bacteria and just getting rid of any additional bumps.  I'd repurchase this one.

My FaceWorks I Need to Heal Face Mask: So one thing I'll give this mask is that it is VERY saturated in liquid. I actually had to put it between a towel to dry it off a little bit, and it was cooling and relaxing.  I just didn't see enough improvement in my skin to make me want to splurge to see if a few more would help my skin.  I feel like there are many other great products you can buy and still keep a low budget. 

L'Occitane Body Wash: This smelled of an awesome spicy ginger and was perfect as a wake up body wash.  I just don't know if I love it enough to purchase a full size.  I also have so many body washes, that I'll still need to work through those before adding more in.

So how has your project empties been going?
xoxo,
Emi