November Beauty Favorites

Here's what I've been loving in November!

1. NYX Above and Beyond Full Coverage Concealer in shade 01 Porcelain

This school semester has brought me some serious under eye circles. This is the perfect concealer for them! It's definitely full coverage, but isn't thick like most. It's super creamy and doesn't crease under my eye. Not only that, but I also use it to coverage blemishes and it works wonders on those, too. I struggle with finding concealers light enough for my pale skin, and this shade is perfect!

2. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

(The name makes me blush typing it!)

I got a sample of this mascara in this set, and have been wearing it everyday since. I used to believe that paying for high-end mascaras was crazy because the drugstores were just as good, but this changed me! I have never wanted to buy a mascara more in my life. From the second I put this on, my stumpy lashes look amazing. It volumizes and lengthens the lashes without making them clumpy. Normally, I go no where without a bit of eyeliner, but with this mascara, I don't feel like I need to!

This is for sure going on my Christmas list!

(Sorry Santa about the name. I can't help that I love it!)

3. Kirklands Daily Facial Towelettes

I got these at Costco for $14ish (don't know why the link above is so expensive!) because they were such a bargain and because both my mom and I use these nightly. I love these because 

1.They are cheaper than most ones at the drugstore. (You get 150 for $14 something!)

2. They are so moist compared to other brands. I hate some because they are way too dry to remove anything.

3.They take all of my makeup off with one towelette, whereas other times it takes me 2-3. It even removes all my mascara!

I definitely recommend picking these up next time you're at Costco.

4. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

I got this in the set I mentioned above as a little baby sample. YOU GUYS. THIS SMELLS LIKE CHOCOLATE.

Sorry, I didn't mean to shout.

It smells amazing, but it doesn't translate to your face once you apply it. It's a great color for my skin tone and I love that it's all matte.

Although, for $30, I don't see buying the full size. I'll just use up my sample!

5. Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set

I just recently received this set (thanks Aunt D!) and once again, haven't stopped using it since!

I love the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (for foundation) and I now feel the same for these brushes. They are so soft and don't lose hairs like some brushes seem to do. 

The first brush in the picture above I use with my NYX concealer to cover blemishes.

The next brush above, I use for blending in the concealer under my eye.

The 3rd I use for highlighting and the last for buffing in foundation for light coverage.

If you haven't tried this brand before, I'd totally recommend this set!

What products have you been loving this month?

November Ipsy Bag

 I feel like I say this every month, but I swear this is the best bag yet!

I was shocked to get 6 products this month (normally 4-5) and all the products were things I'd actually wear and brands that I like or have been wanting to try!

Click here to sign up for a new bag each month!

Here's what I got:

 Starting from the left...

1. Nailtini Straight Up Nail Color in Champagne

What they say:

Glamour is an attitude as much as a look, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look the part...all the way down to your fingertips! Just in time for the year's most glamorous season, nailtini is serving ipsters gorgeous nails in two shimmering shades - icy golden Champagne and molten pewter Caviar Cocktail. The perfect finishing touch to glam it up head to toe! 

Just one of Nailtini's top-shelf, 3-free nail lacquer, available in dozens of shades, textures and finishes. Wear them alone or layered to create custom looks and effects, each one a cocktail unto itself. Cheers to beauty, and as always, apply responsibly! 

What I say: I have a slight obsession with rose gold recently so I couldn't be more excited when I saw this color!

I've tried Nailtini before and like them, and this is by far the best color ever. 

I even like it better than Essie's Penny Talk. 

Only thing is that I've used it several times already and it definitely shows in the picture above :)

2. Be a... Bombshell Lip Crayon in shade Hot Damn

What they say:

A glossy lip crayon with a smooth texture that is perfect for travel and touch-ups on the go. 

To use: Apply to top and bottom lips for full coverage. For sheer coverage, apply to lower lip only and blot lips together. For more color, apply several coats until you receive desired results. 

What I say: This is a great, classic red. I like the crayon format because it's easier to apply and to stay in the lines per say. This is not only moisturizing (nothing worse than a dry red) and actually stains the lips so it lasts all day. 

3. Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray

What they say: 

The TRESemmé® TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray provides flexible control that gives hair hold without the stickiness. The humdity-resistant formula keeps flyaways smooth for 24 hours. 

What I say: I've actually been buying this for years. It's great because it holds a curl wonderfully but doesn't leave my chair crunchy. This is a great size to throw in my purse!

4.Pixi Bronzer in shade Subtly Suntouched

What they say:

This bronzing powder gives your complexion the warmth and luminosity of naturally sunkissed skin. Hydrating, silky-smooth & long-wearing, it also protects against free radicals. Contains Vitamin E to protect the skin and mica, which provides dense natural pigment. 

What I say: 

I was really excited about this because it's the perfect shade for contouring!

Typically, bronzers are used for contouring, but it looks more natural to use a shade like this for that purpose.

I'm pale (real shocker there) and this shade goes great under my cheekbones and under my neck. I only wish this was completely matte, as it has a bit of shimmer in it. 

 5. Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in shade Amethyst

What they say:

The Starlooks Gem Eye Pencils provide a magnificent metallic finish and are so versatile, soft, and creamy that they can be used as a liner or eyeshadow base! Each highly-pigmented, unique pencil has a gorgeous, micro-glitter finish. 

What I say: I will admit I was a teensy bit disappointed when I saw another Starlooks eyeliner in my bag, but when I swatched this, I quickly fell in love! This shade is going to be absolutely beautiful for the holidays!

I can't wait to glam it up with this eyeliner.

See what I'm talking about in the swatch below :)

5. em By Michelle Phan Pillow Plush Cushiony Lip Balm in shade Creamsicle

 What they say:

Inspired by the girl whose lips deserve as much TLC as she does. This cushiony, lip-smoothing balm gives your lips extra love with a sheer dose of color. Bright pops of color tints for a juicy lip look. 

What I say:

I was really excited to see this brand in my bag. (If you don't know, the creator of Ipsy, Michelle Phan, just released her own makeup brand!)

While I don't think that this is ultra moisturizing, I do think it adds a great hint of color and shine to the lips. I just wished it actually smelled like creamsicles!

 As always, here's the swatches of all the products. 

{ignore the scab on my hand... sorry!}

All in all, I couldn't be more happy with my bag this month! I actually loved all the products (a first for me) and will use each of them. 

If you haven't tried Ipsy yet, you are missing out

Sign up for Ipsy by clicking here!

October Update and November Goals

 January's Goals

February's Goals

March's Goals

April's Goals

May's Goals

June's Goals

July's Goals

August's Goals

September Goals

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

October Goals:

1. Yard Sales!!!

There's nothing better than a good yard sale! They were so-so this year, but I was able to find a couple grey things! (hello brand new with tags sports paraphernalia! Great xmas gifts!) They just make me so happy. 

2. Stop Procrastinating 

I've actually been very good about this! It's been virtually impossible for me to anyway with my school schedule this year. But it's a great feeling when you finished something before the night before it's due!

3. Switch my closet from summer to fall!

bring on the sweaters, boots and coats! Check!

4. Continue on the Couch to 5k

big fail! But hey, I did finish (walking) my first 5K

My 2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods-work in progress. Darn oreos!

-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-I doubt if this is going to happen... ha!

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active

-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-  

-teach myself how to sew-yeah I don't see this happening. 

and now for....

November Goals:

1. Enjoy my birthday!

2. Focus on School

git 'er done.

3. Save up a bit for Black Friday

It's a family tradition to hit up the stores for black friday. I can't wait!

4. Start the Transfer Process for University

This is a huge stress for me right now. I just need to bite the bullet and finish it!

5. Work on Christmas Presents

early bird catches the worm!

I'll check back in at the end of November and tell ya how I did!