October Beauty Favorites

Here's my favorite beauty products for the month of October!

1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in shade 0.5

For the past two months, I've been trying to find a good, holy grail foundation. My skin is so finicky. I'm pale and it oxidizes easily. I also have very pink skin. I swear I've tried them all. I've found that drugstore foundations just don't agree with my skin. I tried Nars, Estee Lauder, Clinique. I swear I've tried everything. I picked this one up and haven't looked back ever since. It does't oxidize on me at all and matches my fair skin perfectly. It's has light/medium coverage, which is perfect for school. I also love that it doesn't have a fragrance or bad 'makeup' smell. I highly recommend it!

2. Physician's Formula Shimmer Strip Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio

It seems like I've also been on a hunt for a good eyeliner! I love the Urban Decay Eyeliners but refuse to spend $20 on them. I picked up these one day at CVS for less than $3 (they always go on sale!) 

I picked up the 'blue eyes' set, but you don't have to stick to what eye color you have. Just get what colors you like best! I love these. They last all day and are so smooth on your waterlines.

Definitely pick these up!

3. MAC Pigment in Vanilla

I should say that I've never been a MAC girl. In fact, until this summer, I hadn't owned anything by them *gasp* 

While I went to this swanky mall in Tampa, I popped in to see what the fuss was all about. 

I picked up this pigment thinking it would be a good multi-use product and would give me more bang for my buck. I use this as a shadow all over my lid and it is absolutely beautiful. I also use this as a cheek highlight, which is equally as gorgeous. It also works great for an inner eye highlight and a brow highlight. I love it and definitely feel like I will get great use out of it and it's so large, it will last me forever!

4. Wet N Wild Fergie Eyeshadow Primer

I have to admit that this was my second time purchasing this. The first time, I squirted a bit on my finger and it was nothing but oil, so I returned it. The second time, after hearing many rave reviews, I decided to give it another try. It did the exact same thing the first use, but after about 3 uses, it was just product, no oil. This is definitely thinner than the Urban Decay Primer Potion, but works just as good. I'm almost out of the Primer Potion, and won't be repurchasing it because this drugstore option is just as good. I can't tell you how it does on oily eyelids because I don't have that issue, but for sure makes your eyeshadows more pigmented and lasts all day. 

5. Time Balm Face Primer by The Balm

My mom gave this to me because I was looking for a good primer under a foundation. (She got it on Hautelook by the way for over half off the orig. price. Definitely check them out if you like The Balm products but don't like paying full price!)

I use this mostly around my nose and the center of my face where product tends to wear off more quickly. It helps my foundation stay forever and it also makes it go on so smoothly. 

Wait for it to go on Hautelook and get yourself one!

What beauty products have you been loving recently?

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!

October Ipsy Bag, 31 Days of LOVE

I have to admit, I get excited every time that pink package comes in my mail.

Overall, I really do love ipsy. I find that there is a great quality and size of product that other subscription services lack. And even though there might be a few dud products for me, I can always find someone to give them to who will really enjoy them.

To sign up for ipsy, click here. I highly recommend it!

Here's what my October bag looked like:

I was really impressed overall this month! I saw a great variety in products, all good!

Plus can I just say that the actual bag this month was adorable.

Anyways, here's a run-down of what I got.

1. Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Gel

What they say:

The Sexy Hair Blow Gel is an alcohol-free gel that thickens hair while adding volume. It also helps retain moisture so your hair never feels dry. Delivers a light to medium hold.

To use:
Apply to damp hair from roots to ends and blow dry to expand volume.

What I say: I actually never blow dry my hair (shocker, I know) because I shower at night. But I gave this to a friend to try and she liked it. She said the volume was ok, but that it really helped the process go much faster. 

2. Zoya Polish in Neve

(swatch with one coat)

What they say: Part of the Fall 2013 CASHMERES & SATINS Collection, these shades are created to work together with this season's most stylish runway designs and luxurious fabric blends. These ultra long-wearing, glossy nail lacquers by Zoya are BIG5FREE - free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). 

ipsy subscribers will receive Neve, Giovanna, or Mason. 

What I say:

If you've been reading these posts for a while now, you'll know that I love Zoya's polishes! They're really pigmented, dry fast and last a while. I like the shade I received, it will be perfect for winter! I'm definitely building my collection. 

3. Wet N Wild Fergie Photo Op Eyeshadow Palette in Desert Festival

What they say:

Part of the Fergie Centerstage Collection, the Wet n Wild Photo Op Eyeshadow is a palette containing ultra-pigmented, intense shades that are silky-smooth and longwearing. This palette contains translucent highlights, subtle mattes, and shimmering glitters

What I say: Overall, I think this is a good drugstore palette. The pigmentation is really good on some and just ok on other shades. For the price I think it's a good option. 

Below is a swatch of the shades with no primer.

For some reason, this picture makes my arm look weird and disgusting, sorry!

4.

LA Fresh Eco Beauty Oil Free Facial Cleanser Wipes

What they say:

The La Fresh® Eco-Beauty® Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wipes gently cleanses and detoxifies skin. Contains pineapple, vitamin E, cucumber, marshmallow, oat, aloe and chamomile extracts. These wipes are biodegradable, compostable and are packaged using clean, renewal solar energy. Paraben-free. 

What I say:

These smell great and are really refreshing. I don't think they are strong/wet enough to remove eye-makeup, but they are great when you just need a little refresh. 

I'm keeping these in my purse!

and the last thing couldn't fit inside the bag...

5. Costal Scents Medium Shadow Brush

What they say:

The Coastal Scents Shadow Brush is a medium sized brush made out of natural fibers that is wide in shape and condensed to allow an even distribution of eyeshadow on the lid. This professional cosmetic brush can be used for shading the crease and highlighting the brow bone with complete precision.

What I say: I'm slowly building up my brush collection, so I was really pleased to see this!

It is really great quality. The bristles are smooth and soft and don't seem to fall off easily. This brush is perfect for really packing on the shadow. I'd definitely be interested in buying more!

That's it! I really feel like I got a lot for my money (just $10!) this month. 

Again, if you want to sign up for ipsy,  click here.

September Update + October 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

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

September Goals:

1. Keep up with Algebra

I am terrible at math. There's no other way around it. I'm working hard, doing all my homework and quizzes. I got a 66 on my first test, so that kinda stinks. I will definitely be going in for tutoring. 

2. Work on my Migraine Experiment

I can report that it's inconclusive. I don't think they correlate, at least not for me. I exercised and still got headaches. So who knows.

3. Use my planner!!!

I can't live without my planner! With 5 classes but work to keep up with, I have a lot to remember. I love being able to know exactly what I need to complete and when. Like I said, can't survive without it. 

4. Catch up with my Online Shop 

I added lots of new items (lots of jewelry), so that's exciting! I can't wait for fall yard sales to get some great deals!

5. Read More, Watch less TV

Check! I've read two books this month: Lunch in Paris and Sarah's Key.

Lunch in Paris was ok, and I liked Sarah's Key (although I thought it was dumb how they compared a woman's pregnancy drama to the Holocaust. I would've loved it if that aspect of the story was gone and it just focused on the war.) I haven't seen the movie yet, and I'm not sure if I want to :)

this pic sums it up well

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- tracking my calories and also started the Couch to 5k program.

-make new friends -work and school! Yay!

-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

and now for....

October Goals:

1. Yard Sales!!!

There's nothing better than a good yard sale! Fall is the perfect time of year for them. There's something about waking up early in the crisp fall air with a cup of coffee, whilst driving around town searching for deals that just makes me so happy. 

2. Stop Procrastinating 

I don't know if I can actually do this, but we will see. 

3. Switch my closet from summer to fall!

bring on the sweaters, boots and coats!

4. Continue on the Couch to 5k

The Color Run is on the 26, and I need to be prepared!

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