August UN-Favorites

This month I haven't experimented much with makeup because I've been trying hard to use up what I have so I don't waste. 

So instead of doing my monthly beauty favorites (which would be a bunch of repeats) I thought I'd do something different: my UN-favorites for the past month or so.

Actually, most of these are products I've tried throughout the year that just didn't work for me. 

Without further adieu:

1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (in shade 10)
I really really wish this one worked for me! (I even talked about it in my everyday makeup!)
Overall, I actually adore the foundation. It smells nice, but not overpowering, it blends easily and feels like you don't have anything on your face at all. So why is it an Un-favorite, you ask?
My only issue with this is that it oxidizes so badly on my skin. If you don't know what that means, basically the foundation goes on one color, but as it sits on the skin, it turns darker or more orange. Initially, it looked wonderful on my skin, but about 15 minutes after I'd apply it, it looked like I had these horrible orange splotches all over my face. Like I said, I'd absolutely love this foundation if it didn't oxidize on me (and wasn't $45).

2. Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara
I got this mascara in a sample and was so excited to try it, as I've never tried anything by Bobbi Brown before. It so disappointed me! It did absolutely nothing to my lashes even after several coats. If you want a natural lash, go for this, but if you want so high impact (I do!) then skip it.

3. Mabelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Gel Shadows
After all the hype these received, I wanted to try them. I loved the idea of just quickly swiping this over the lid and going.  Not only do they go on splotchy, they are hard to apply and dry up so quickly! I was so disappointed that after only a few uses, they dried up (yes, I screwed the lid on tight).  With the extra time it took me to attempt to blend it out, and how fast they dried up, I got about one use out of it. Bummer.

4. Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash
Again, I got a sample size of this just to try it out. The purpose for me was to be able to use this once or twice a week to exfoliate and really get off dead skin. This product is barely gritty at all and barely even cleansed my skin. Normally, products like this are very gritty to get in deep in your pores. I wouldn't even call this an exfoliater, but more of a face wash.

5. Mabelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara
Oh man, I have an immense hatred for this mascara. Not only is it grey (not blackest black like the tube says), but it leaves my lashes so hard and crunchy that it literally pains my eye to blink. When I go to remove it, I end up losing more lashes in the process. It doesn't add any volume and clumpy. I hate it. Period.

Do you have any beauty products that you dislike? Let me know!

August Update + September Goals

 January's Goals

February's Goals

March's Goals

April's Goals

May's Goals

June's Goals

July's Goals

I'm back for another update on my monthly goals!

August Goals:

1. Be Kind. 

I kinda forgot about this one. Not that I haven't been kind to anyone, but I just forgot to put more effort into being kind to people who really need it. I think that instead of getting hurt, angry or upset, I need to stop and just be kind. So... kinda. Work in progress, how about that?

2. Use up products before opening new ones.

You should have seen my trash can before I left the mountains. 

I literally used up 3 hairsprays, 4 body washes, two mascaras, and several other miscellaneous products. Check!

3. Live in the Moment.

I'm trying. I am starting stop and relish in the now. Life goes by so fast and I hate to think that I'm wasting it. I've also started a weekly wrap up to help me remember the small things. 

4. Read "The Fault In Our Stars", "Beautiful Ruins", "The 

Spectacular Now" or "Gone Girl" 

I read "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Gone Girl." 

I made the mistake of reading The Fault during an emotional transition. Warning:

 DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE.

I was bawling, but it was so good, probably one of the best I've ever read. It is very heartbreaking and I was a wreck for a good three days after I finished it. I read it in a 48 hour period It was so good I couldn't put it down (I read it entirely in about 2 days)  but once I got to the end, I knew what was coming so I didn't want to read as fast (as if I took my time, "it" wouldn't happen). Does that makes sense? I don't know... but take my advice. Read it, but make sure you have a box of tissues.

As far as Gone Girl, like I said, it was great! I read it right after 'Fault' and it kinda helped me get over all my emotions! hehe :) It was awesome too, and I once again, couldn't put it down. 

I can't wait for the movie, too!

My 2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods-work in progress. So far Costco is winning for food with less than five ingredients!

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more-

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog-again, work in progress

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big-My very own car!!! just starting though :(

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active-starting to track my calories and also starting to work out 4x a week

-make new friends

-work on my scrapbook

-go on a road trip

-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years

-go camping

-read at least 8 books- 6 down, 2 to go :)

-teach myself how to sew

and now for....

September Goals:

1. Keep up with Algebra

I am terrible at math, no surprise there but this semester I am taking algebra (required to graduate). There's a lot of homework so I know it can be easy to get behind. I want to make sure I keep up with everything and go to the math lab, call my grandpa, get help etc when I need it. 

2. Work on my Migraine Experiment

I want to keep up with my exercise and healthy eating and develop a routine to my new schedule. I also want to get some help from my sister-in-law who's a personal trainer.

3. Use my planner!!!

I can't be the only person who buys a new planner with good intentions to regularly use it. 

Sometimes I just get so behind, I just give up on it all together. But I am taking more classes this semester so I know I need to use it to remember everything I need to do.

4. Catch up with my Online Shop 

My poor shop needs some serious attention. I haven't been able to list more items, so it's looking pretty bare. I really really need to play catch up with it!

5. Read More, Watch less TV

I feel like I always end these post with a book I want to read. Oh well, I guess I really need the encouragement. It's so much easier to just flip the TV on and mindlessly spend all my free time. I genuinely enjoy reading more than TV, so I need to set my priorities straight.  

There you have it! I'll check back in at the end of the month!

August's Ipsy Bag

Whew, so after the drama with July's Ipsy bag, I was so relieved to get this month's on time.

I feel like I always say that this was the best one yet, but it really is!

I am so impressed with this bag :)

{sign up for Ipsy here}

1. Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

What they say: The Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream hydrates, primes, illuminates, and perfects leaving a sheer bare skin finish. Specialized mineral pigments instantly adjusts to your skin shade allows one color to work for many and can be built up for just the right amount of coverage. Your skin will look natural, dewy, youthful and radiant without looking like you are wearing heavy make-up. 

What I say:

Unfortunately for me, the 'shade matching technology' didn't work and this ended up being way to dark for my skin (even with a tan!), so I gave it to my mom. 

I did try it on my arm and was amazed at how smooth it was. I was really bummed I couldn't use it because it'd be perfect for my days on campus.

2. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub

What they say:The Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub is formulated using the powers of Jojoba Wax Beads and Activated Charcoal. This mask effectively removes dead skin, impurities and toxins, but is gentle enough for sensitive and acne prone skin types. Jojoba Wax Beads provide gentle exfoliation without leaving microlacerations on delicate skin. Highly absorbent Activated Charcoal penetrates deeply into pores to draw out impurities and toxins. Also refines texture and encourages skin renewal, leaving skin smooth and refreshed. 

What I say: I was most excited to see this product in my bag. Michael Todd has become so popular, so I was really excited to be able to sample some. I love charcoal products for my skin because it really helps get rid of my black heads. I haven't tried this yet, but I plan on using it tonight!

3. Pixi Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black

What they say: This unique mascara truly boosts your lashes, giving them a "push-up" effect that lasts all day. The dense, rich formula coats lashes with maximum pigment, for long-lasting full color and the cone-shaped brush coats each lash evenly. Long lasting, smudge-free and waterproof. 

What I say: To be honest, I haven't tried this yet because I literally have several other mascaras I need to use up before they go bad. I like the brush on this, though, and it appears to be a more dry formula, which I like. We will see :)

4. Mica Beauty Eyeshadow Shimmer Powder in Bronze

What they say: MicaBeauty Mineral Eyeshadows are extremely gentle, free of preservatives, chemicals, dyes, talc, oils, and other fillers. With this unique formula, the eyeshadows will look ultra smooth and stay put for hours without creasing or pulling the delicate eye area. Can be mixed with clear lip-gloss, clear mascara, and clear nail polish to add pigment to lips, eyelashes and nails! 

What I say: I'm not a fan of 'loose' products because they are so messy! I really wish this was a pressed eyeshadow because it really is gorgeous. It's almost a metallic bronze color that would look great swiped all over the lid. 

5. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in "Anarchy"

What they say:Urban Decay's Pigment Infusion System™ delivers insane color payoff with creamy shine, Maxi-Lip™ plumps and nourishing oils leave lips cushiony soft. Get the color you crave. Addictive to apply (and even more addictive to wear), this creamy formula glides on without dragging or skipping, hugs every curve and gives you a BIG laydown of color. There's a wide range of colors - from gorgeous nudes to bold brights, there’s something for everyone. Our luxe, custom-designed gunmetal tube (lined in dark purple) features organically shaped facets that practically beg to be touched. You’ll want to keep pulling it out of your bag—whether it’s time to reapply or not. 

What I say: OK, so I may have lied earlier because I was super excited when I saw this! I am a big Urban Decay fan, and this lipstick certainly did not disappoint. They don't lie when they say the pigmentation is insane, it really is! The color is pretty and bright, and it feels so good on the lips (like chapstick!) I'm adding these onto my birthday list!

Here are the swatches of the products:

Ipsy, you did it again! It was an awesome bag and I really think I will get good use out of all the products (except the BB cream, but my mom will!)

{You can sign up for Ipsy here}

July Update and August Goals

 January's Goals

February's Goals

March's Goals

April's Goals

May's Goals
June's Goals

I'm back for another update on my monthly goals!

July's Goals:

1. Do my daily devotional

Check! My favorite one being this:

In the scripture, it says that God didn’t lead the Israelites by the shortest route to the Promised Land; He took them the long way on purpose because they were not prepared for war. God knew that if He would have taken them into the land too quickly, they would have been easily defeated. Their enemies were much bigger and much more experienced. I’m sure they prayed many times, “God, we’re uncomfortable out here in the desert. We’re hot. We’re tired. Where’s our Promised Land?” But God didn’t answer that prayer, not because He was trying to make their lives miserable, but because He knew what was up in front of them. He had to prepare them to step into the fullness of their destiny. In the same way, God has already laid out the plan for your life. He knows exactly what you need and when you need it. If you are in a difficult situation that’s taking longer than you had hoped, know that God is preparing you. He is strengthening you. Stay in faith and keep praising Him as you move forward into the Promised Land He has for you!

  

2. Continue doing something active for at least an hour once everyday.

Check! I'm not sure about at least an hour, but there is lots of hard work that's been done at my grandparents!

Especially this:

cutting down trees is hard work!

3. Stress less

I don't know if I'll ever be able to fully do this, but being up here with my grandparents is a nice break from reality. I love it. 

4. Read more (and pick better books!)

I always think that I should be reading more because there are so many books I want to read, but I've finished one book "Always Something There to Remind Me" that I randomly found and decided to read. I really enjoyed it!

Oh, If you're wondering, I gave up on "Love Walked In." It stunk.

2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more-a perk of living near farmers!

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch-So picking my own blackberries didn't turn out so great, so I'm making it with frozen instead. Bummer. 

-eat better and be active-

-make new friends

-work on my scrapbook

-go on a road trip-Sarasota, Daytona, Rainbow River, Florida to Georgia!
-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years
-go camping
-read at least 8 books- 4 down, 4 to go :)
-teach myself how to sew

and now for....

August Goals:

1. Be Kind. 

I often find myself getting too absorbed in the moment, and forget to be kind. Does this happen to anyone else? I just snap with my pre-programmed answers and forget to truly listen. I want to change that!

2. Use up products before opening new ones.

I may be the only one that does this but I have like a million different hair sprays, 40 billion different soaps and I feel like I am wasting so much stuff! I want to use what I have first, then try others. 

3. Live in the Moment.

Life is too short not to, right? I

4. Read "The Fault In Our Stars", "Beautiful Ruins", "The Spectacular Now" or "Gone Girl" 

I can't make up my mind! 

There you have it! I'll check back in at the end of the month!