September 2013 Favorites

l'oreal evercreme shampoo & conditioner // l'oreal telescopic mascara // katy perry 'meow' perfume // brazil nut body scrub // e.l.f. face primer // wet n wild coloricon trio in 'silent treatment'

L'oreal Evercreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner

THIS STUFF! I'd used the Everpure range for about a year & I really liked it but wished it provided more moisture for my curly & color treated hair (the driest combo--oops) so I picked these up at the beginning of the month & have been loving them! They smell rather sweet- sort of a caramel scent so if that's not you cup of tea, definitely smell them before purchasing. I like the shampoo because it makes my hair feel soft but really clean & the conditioner is super thick and creamy and makes my hair so so soft and manageable. The range is made without sulfates and harsh salts so it's good for your hair & prevents product build up. Plus it's affordable! Often time if you time it right you can get BOGO 50% off at CVS or Walgreens. And they put coupons in the newspaper fairly regularly.Definitely try these out if you have the chance!

L'oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black

I was couponing at CVS & bought this on a whim because I had a CVS coupon for Loreal & a manufacturers coupon so I got this essentially for free. I normally go for a very different kind of wand-- I like my mascara wands big and bristly and my mascara formulas on the drier side. This is neither of those things, the formula is rather wet and the wand is thing with little teeth that catch each eyelash. It doesn't do much for volume really (which I need) but wowza does it make your eyelashes look long and flared out. It's not clumpy and you really only need a coat or two for the desired effect. I recommend this for girls with lots of lashes that want more length. I probably won't repurchase it since I want more volume, but I've enjoyed using it and I think it's a really nice mascara.

Katy Perry 'meow' Perfume

Normally I'm not one for celebrity scents but I really liked the smell of this so when I saw it on sale in TJMaxx I snatched it up. I didn't get the full size since I wasn't sure if I would wear it much...BUT I wore it most of September & can see myself wearing it again next spring so it was a good buy. Now, this is a very sugary perfume; it reminds me of cotton candy & a bit of coconut. I really like it but if you're not one for sweet scents, it might put you off especially since it can come across as a scent for younger girls-- but I like it since it's quite different from most of the other perfumes I own. Sometimes you just wanna smell like cotton candy, man.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Scrub

I'm a huge fan of the brazil nut body butter from The Body Shop but after trying the body scrub from the shea butter range, I realized I'd never tried the brazil nut body scrub. What a travesty, am I right? Well, now I'm obsessed. The shea body scrub made my skin feel great and exfoliated and soft but a little greasy (which I personally can't stand) so I was hoping that the brazil nut version would be a little less greasy & I was right! My skin feels smooth and soft and exfoliated without feeling like I'm all greased up. And it smells great! It's got a subtle warm nut scent with a bit of sweetness that makes it so pleasant to catch a whiff of. I love the way the whole brazil nut line smells though so I guess I'm biased? I'm super excited to use this as the weather gets cold and dry because I always need a little extra moisture & this makes shaving my legs a breeze!

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer

I've bought and tried lots of different face primers in my time & this is by far the most affordable. It's also really similar to all of the ones I've previously used. It smoothed over my skin & made my makeup go on smoother and blend better--only difference is it cost $6 as opposed to $30 or $40. It comes out as a clear gel & has a pump which is MUCH preferred to a pot you have to stick your finger or a spatula into. I've only been using it a few weeks but so far I haven't had any acne flare-ups from it or anything so I'm giving it my seal of approval. If you're looking for a budget friendly primer--definitely check this one out!

wet n wild Coloricon trio in 'Silent Treatment'

I don't really wear much eyeshadow but when I saw this in my local CVS I knew I needed it. I mostly wanted it for the greyish-purple lilac color at the bottom of the trio. I've worn it out a few times and I feel like it's a great way to add some color into my routine without going overboard or overwhelming myself. I normally wear very neutral eyeshadow if any so wearing anything this purple is way out of my comfort zone. I think it looks really really pretty with my grey-blue eyes but I'm sure it would look pretty on anyone. wet n wild eyeshadows are always super buttery and pigmented, the only issue I have with them is they tend to have a bit of fall-out but for 2.99 I can't really complain.
 

Sorry I've been pretty much MIA on my blog this summer. My interest in makeup really waned when Ryan moved out. I just got into a slump where I was just wearing the bare minimum and stopped purchasing makeup because I was sort of depressed and didn't really enjoy talking about it or wearing it or anything. I was more focused on trying to make sure I ate and slept enough and made it to work on time. I'm feeling much better as I've started a new medicine and Ryan is living with me again so things should slowly get back to normal. I've already taken a bunch of photos and started writing posts so expect new content soon!

-Becca

Ensembles: Forest Green

With Fall rearing its head all I can think about is the color forest green. It's been a favorite color since high school when I bought my first Smiths tee-shirt & paired it with my dark green cardigan. So stylish.

Anyways, I've been attempting to get better at using my wacom tablet (I've had it since 2003, you'd think I'd have tried at some point before now--ha!) and I'm starting to get the hang of it. I can draw just fine on it--it's pretty intuitive. I'm mostly having difficulties painting since I'm used to physical paints and this is quite a bit different. Though it's SO much easier to fix mistakes. What took me so long to get on the digital art bandwagon? Not sure, probably stubbornness.

So here are three outfits I thought would look amazing and pay homage to my favorite color...


smiths shirt // cardigan // faux-leather skirt // clogs


dress // heels


sweater // jeans // loafers

Hope you enjoyed these! I had a blast overlaying clipping & my art. Hoping to make this a more regular feature on my blog!



-Becca

New Art : Boudoir Series

So it's been nearly a year since I last did any real painting. I was doing portraits for various people on and off and once my etsy listings expired, I decided not to renew them since I'd been feeling less than enthused about painting. Or doing anything besides watching Netflix and going to work honestly.

I'm not entirely sure what has sent me spiraling into drawing/painting work mode, but I'm glad it finally happened.










If you're interested in purchasing a print of any of these, they're available in my etsy!

I also have custom portraits available again in my shop, so check that out if you're interested in getting a custom portrait done of yourself or a loved one! I'm planning on listing a couples custom portrait in the next few weeks, so check back!



-Becca

California Part 2: The Vineyard/ The Redwoods

So here's part 2 of my trip to California! We had dinner at Francis Ford Coppola's Winery one night while in CA & the food was really good but the land was beautiful and his giftshop/mini museum was the best part! This is where I bought most of the gifts for my family.






The grounds were so beautiful & there was even a baby bunny! It was quite the hit since there was a group of women taking photos together while I was checking out the back patio & my ears perked up when I heard one of them gasp and aww "baby bunnnyy!!!". And that's how I spent 10 minutes taking photos of a baby bunny.






desk & chair from 'The Godfather' // costumes from 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' // Coppola's awards etc // close-up shot of awards // how the t-shirts were packaged (cute!!)


A few days later Ryan, Ryan's brother and I went to a redwood forest with Ryan's uncle since he lives in northern CA & knows the area fairly well.













I'm really missing the views in California. It was really beautiful. Part 3 will be up next week.

-Becca

Deborah Lippmann's "Mermaid's Dream" Nail Laquer Review

Ok, first off, I have to be honest. I've wanted this nail polish for about two...maybe three years now. It was the first thing I really really wanted when I started heavily getting into beauty products-- but at $19 USD I just couldn't justify it. So I spent FOREVER looking for a dupe. Supposedly there's a dupe they sell at Urban Outfitters but the closest UO to me is all the way in Dallas. So spend $5 on a nail polish and $10 on gas seemed stupid or just say yes when your mom offers to buy it for you since she has a $10 off coupon at Beauty Brands. The answer is the latter.

I'd sworn off glitter polish because I HATE removing it but when mom said she would buy it for me, I buckled. When we got home I immediately applied it to every toenail and fingernail on my body (there's 24-- juuusss kiddin) and there it has sat for the last 5 days. I haven't had any chips and when applying you have a solid application after only two coats. The only thing I haven't been crazy about is the texture. It took two coats of topcoat for my nails to stop feeling rough.

Mermaid's Dream is a sea foam-turqouise based shimmer polish with micro gold, silver, and turquoise glitter with bigger bits of dark blue glitter. It gives off the appearance of scales or ocean waves. I bet you could do really neat beach/Animal Crossing themed nail art with this nail polish. Imagine adding a little coral seashell & a nude for the sand! Aw, I know what I'm gonna spend my empty weekend doing!



Otherwise it's so beautiful and makes me feel like I'm a mermaid or really put together or something else silly to think when you've only just changed your nail color. I love love it, BUT I haven't tried taking it off of my nails yet, so this may be a short-lived love affair.

Apparently Deborah Lippmann has released a whole line of mermaid themed polishes in different colors! I still chose this one but for those who feel like they look sallow when wearing greenish blue polishes, now you have options!

Removing glitter nail polish really is one of my least favorite things to do. Ranked alongside going to the doctor, picking up dog poo, & chocolate cake. All things I really don't like.

Does anyone have some sort of technique when removing it? If you do, I would LOVE to hear it. I have so many beautiful glitter polishes that I only OCCASIONALLY use when I'm feeling really patient or there's some sort of party or fancy event.

Are there any beauty products that have haunted you for over a year? Share in the comments!

-Becca

Top 5 Favorite Lip Products

I was getting ready to review a lip product that's been a favorite of mine for about a year & I realized it would be so much easier to just do a top five!


left to right: 'peach parfait' revlon lip butter // 'pure zen' mac cremesheen // 'stormy pink' revlon // 'rose' fresh sugar lip treatment // 'dolce vita' nars
I prefer my lip products to have a light - medium wash of color rather than bold bold bold and thick. I think part of this is because I'm a redhead with a very pink skin-tone & it's very easy for my lipstick to look gaudy or wash out the rest of my features. My eyebrows & eyelashes are basically invisible without makeup so I try to naturally enhance them but even after makeup they don't exactly stand out. I don't even wear black eyeliner because it just washes me out so bad.

So if you're looking for bold opaque lip colors to try out, I am not going to be ANY help at all. I would suggest these resources:
a thunder heart // essiebutton // temptalia
All ladies who love some bold lips & have the features to carry them off without a hitch!

Anyways, back to my favorites! These are in no particular order. I wear all of them equally as often.



revlon lip butter - 'peach parfait'
I have SO MANY lip butters. I actually have a post that I'm currently working on about the stupid amount of lip butters I own. Only half of them even look sort of okay on me. But that's what happens when there's a sale and you have a coupon and you don't do any research before wandering into the CVS at midnight. Sigh. Anyways, 'peach parfait' was the third or fourth lip butter I tried & has been my favorite and most used by far. Normally I really hate lipsticks and glosses with any sort of shimmer or glitter in them but this just looks so pretty and flattering on the lips. It's fairly moisturizing and feels more like a chapstick than a lipstick. There are so many reviews for lip butters out there you probably don't need one more from me.



mac - pure zen
I reviewed this lipstick in a favorites post & something else but it's such a great peachy-nude lipstick. Honestly, do yourself a favor & go try it on at a MAC store. Make sure you're wearing a neutral dusrty blush or something semi peachy or it will clash & you won't like it. I made that mistake the first few times I tried to wear it. Also I know this has the limited edition Marilyn Monroe packaging but they sell this lipstick year round normally.



revlon - stormy pink
I had this lipstick almost 6 months before I figured out how to use it. It definitely requires a lip primer or a balm before putting it on because it's a matte formula & can look bad if your lips are dry or patchy. But I LOVE IT. The color is so flattering & isn't too milky so it's easy to wear & this is an excellent dupe for NARS 'Roman Holiday' -- BUT they have completely different finishes. 'Roman Holiday' has a glossy finish & 'Stormy Pink' has a matte finish but you could definitely run a gloss over 'stormy pink' and it would look identical to 'roman holiday' since they're nearly the exact same color.



fresh sugar lip treatment - rose
This is probably the lipstick I wear the most. Granted this is more of a tinted chapstick than a lipstick, but whatever. I use it too frequently not to mention it. I've already blown through two mini sample versions of this lip treatment & I've just started on the full size that my dad bought me earlier this year. This is a super moisturizing balm with the prettiest rose tint I've ever seen. It basically just makes me look like I'm not wearing anything on my lips, my lips just naturally look that pretty and hydrated which is something I feel like most everyone wants when they're going for a subtle look. I wear this even when I'm not wearing makeup because it's so subtle but so so pretty. HOWEVER at $22.50 a pop, I could see why this isn't something you would run out and buy --but if you've got a birthday coming up & you have a Sephora VIB card, you should be able to get mini versions of this and the clear one for free as a birthday gift from Sephora. DO IT. And if you don't like it, SEND YOUR MINI TO ME.



nars - dolce vita
This is the ultimate 'my lips but better' lipstick. This is a bump up from the Fresh Sugar Rose lip treatment in that it's an actual sheer lipstick with the ability to build up more color. I definitely would recommend this as a gift for someone just getting into makeup or for someone who likes subtle neutral colors on their face as it is a universally flattering & easy to wear lip color. I love this lipstick so so much & the formula is amazing. It's another sheer lipstick similar to NARS 'Roman Holiday' & both spread so easily onto the lips with a really intense wash of color. I love these lipsticks! I want more but $26 is a lot for a lipstick (which is why I only have two).


Welp, that's it!

Hopefully you enjoyed this & won't mind another feature similar to this, I really like these mini reviews!


-Becca

California Part 1 : The House

I just returned from a week spent in beautiful Santa Rosa, California. Ryan's family invited me along for a family vacation at a house they rented in the mountains. It was so beautiful and scenic and I imagine anyone who lives there is so bored of the views but in flat and dry Texas, it was a welcome change of scenery.

I'm breaking my California posts into 3 parts because I took A LOT of photos. And while I love overwhelming myself with too many photos, I don't imagine the average person wants to be bombarded with a gazillion random photos of stuff. Here we go!





We landed in San Francisco and drove for an hour and a half to Santa Rosa in a rental car. I snapped a few shots but mostly I was tasked with being the navigator. It was SO FOGGY! Poor Ryan was driving a car he's never driven & we were on foggy windy roads for the beginning of the drive until we hit the main highway we rode along.



This was a shot I took hanging out of the window a bit on our way up the hills to the house we were staying at. It was so beautiful! There were deer & wild turkeys all over most of the time.




This is the front & side of the driveway of the house we stayed in for the week. It was so beautiful & big. We had 9 people staying there part of the week & Ryan and I got to have our own room & bathroom which was so nice! The kitchen (which I managed to get absolutely no good photos of) had a huge AGA stove in it which was really neat to use but made the house so HOT during the day since it's on 24/7. Seems more advantageous for a colder climate. The house was really really nice.



This is part of the backyard area. There was a huge multi-level garden leading up to the pool & pool house and off the right of the stairs there was an outside kitchen & a botchi-ball court & more land with a small hiking trail. The second photo is the view from the botchi-ball court. This photo honestly doesn't do the view justice at all but I tried my best. Down below there was this tree with purple flowers covering it that was always swarming with hummingbirds during the day. It was awesome but impossible to photograph.



The trail led to this little area where the owners had kept chickens & goats when they lived in the house but apparently a mountain lion kept getting in and eating everything :o I avoided this area after the word 'mountain lion' came up. Close up of the wheat (I thought it was so pretty!) that my mom was really baffled by -- "What is this?? Why did you take a photo of it??". I really like taking detail shots of things because it helps me remember things better. Maybe it's weird but I don't care!



Hope you enjoyed this! I'll have more photos in a few more days after I finish editing and organizing all of my photos. I feel like I took a million photos over the course of that week!

-Becca