Top 10 Signs You're A Beauty Junkie

I'm Caroline and I'm a beauty-holic. "Hi, Caroline." 

For those of us out there who are well and truly addicted to all things beauty, it is easy for things to get out of control.  Today I am counting down the top 10 signs you may have a problem, all of which I am guilty of. 

1. Any time you find yourself with some spare cash you spend hours on beauty websites deciding what products to spend it on. 

2. Sales people drive you insane because you know more about the products than they ever will.  

3. You frequently throw out terms such as "dupe," "color-payoff," "finely-milled," and "acid mantle" much to the disgust of your family and friends. 

4. Your friends know that asking you one question about eyeliner, etc. will cause you to go on an hour long lecture and recommend at least 3 products to them.

5. You have had someone physically restrain you from making another purchase. 

6. You must constantly resist the urge to tell someone they are doing something wrong! 

7. You have been judged/had people comment on the amount of swatches covering you hands and arms. 

8. You mean business in Sephora and consider it a battle-ground in which its every man for himself. 

9.  Your worst enemy is the phrase  Out of Stock.  

10. And, finally, you have looked at stranger's blemishes just wishing you could take some concealer to that. 

But its okay. At least you will look fabulous no matter how crazy. 

The Best Beauty Bargains Going On Right Now

1. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: This sale is like no other due to how long it lasts, how much is marked down, and the wide variety of sale items.

My Birthday Wishlist | AKA A List Of Candles

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara | Who Needs It And Who Doesn't

Clinique's Bottom Lash Mascara is in a category of its own.

My Julep Maven Experience

Over the last several months I have been subscribed to the Julep Maven beauty box. For those who don't know, this is a monthly box I receive in the mail with Julep items inside. I chose the program that gives me only nail polish as that is what I was interested in. After careful consideration of polish colors, formulas, packaging, the whole schbang really-I have decided that I am not a fan of Julep and here is why: 

1. Lack Of Product: The first thing one notices when looking at a Julep nail polish is how small and slender the bottle is, and how little product there appears to be. Julep nail polishes contain 8 ml per bottle. OPI contains 15 ml per product. Julep costs $14 per bottle, OPI costs $9 and below. That's far more product for far less money. I know Julep isn't a drugstore brand, but thats no excuse for giving me far less than most other brands. For reference here is how much you get per bottle from several other brands: 

Essie-13.5ml

Deborah Lippmann-15ml

Chanel-13ml

Revlon-11.7ml

Dior-10ml 

Average Per Bottle Including OPI= 13 ml 

This is a mixture of both drugstore and department store brands. The cheapest, Revlon retailing at around $5.99, giving us 11.7, and the most expensive, Chanel retailing at $27, giving us 13 ml. C'mon Julep, step it up. 

2. The Application: Because the Julep polishes are sold in such tall, slender bottles, the stem that attaches the cap to the bristles is quite long and wide. This means that the second you finally get that nail looking perfect a giant glob of nail polish has trickled down onto your nail and ruined your masterpiece. 'What on earth am I going to do with all of this polish?' you wonder, horrified.  After forfeiting and leaving it there, you are left with a manicure that takes forever to dry, and most likely chips within a few hours. 

3. Their Customer Service: After hearing all of this you are probably assuming that I have cancelled my Julep Maven subscription, right? Wrong!! After calling Julep to cancel and being fed up with bad hold music I tried emailing them. Two weeks ago. I have yet to here back. I have attempted to contact them to cancel several times. No success. Do yourself a favor and don't become a Maven with Julep. Trust me, its a trap. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder Review

As a normal to oily girl, I am no stranger to post 12:30 t-zone sheen. Nor am I a fan.

Is it time to trash your makeup?

   You share the best memories together. When you had the bubblegum pink lips on your first date, the pink tint on your cheeks during hot summer days and don't forget the how you rocked those lashes at your birthday party last year. But ladies lets face it, sometimes you have to go through your hoard of makeup and do a little spring cleaning. Makeup and skincare products past their use-by date can contain bacteria that put your health and beauty at risk! Not only can this affect their application (clumps) it can also affect the outcome of the product. To eliminate these problems, I have created a list of how long you should keep products and when you should toss them.
   Mascara: Although I know it can get expensive, mascara should be repurchased every 3 months. This minimizes bacteria in the tube and clumps from forming. 
   Liquid Liners: Liquid liners should be replaced every 6 months or so to keep from becoming to dry on your eyes and flaking off giving you a strange half-lined eye look.
   Lipgloss: By pumping the wand of your lipgloss to receive the most amount of product, you only embed more bacteria. because if the liquid consistency, lipgloss must be replaced more often than lipstick around every 12 months.
   Lipstick:  Lipstick is a girl's best friend! You can keep lipstick in your collection for 2 years! Dispose of the product though if it becomes dry, changes colors or smells funky!
   Concealer: when to trash concealer depends on the consistency. Liquid concealer can be kept for up to 1 full year while powder concealer can be kept for 2 years.

   Eyeshadow/bronzer/blush/powder: with clean brushes and proper storage, powder based products such as eyeshadow, bronzer, blush and powder can be kept anywhere from 2-3 years.   

Foundation:  Most foundations can last up to 1 year but if you have oily or acne prone skin, it is best to ditch this product every 6 months.  
 Hope you enjoyed! Have fun cleaning out your makeup compilation! Take care!!
XOXO, Sarah C.

Hand Luggage Essentials for Brief Flights

Burt's bees Beeswax lip balm smells minty and feels tingly. 

Name Reveal & Get Ready With Me!

   Hey y'all! Today is the first official day of summer!! Today is a very exciting day! C and I are proud to announce that we will start going by our first names!!! My name is Sarah and I will be going by Sarah C from now on! I am so glad that you guys know even more about me now and hope that it will allow us to connect even more! Anyways, now on to getting ready with me!
   I usually get up every morning around 8am but recently I have been sleeping in until 10!! Once I wake up, I make my way upstairs, put my hair in a ponytail and brush my teeth/ wash my face. I use Avar cleanser in the morning to wash my face. After washing my face, I apply my Cetaphil moisturizer.   I then proceed to make breakfast. Usually I can be found eating half a bagel (cream cheese or peanut butter), 2 scoops of greek yogurt with granola and some type of tea. (usually english morning tea, earl grey or mint) in my british mug while watching the news. About this time I decide I would no longer like to stay in my pajamas and travel back down stairs to do my makeup and get dressed.

   Every morning I have trouble figuring out what to wear. I have so many options and so many thing can affect what I wear. i.e., temperature, today's activities, how lazy I am feeling etc! :) Today I decided to wear a plain white shirt with the polo logo on the front accompanied with black J.crew shorts to match the logo. Once I figure what I am wearing, I proceed to makeupify my face! I walk out to my makeup table outside my room.

    Everyday I use Covergirl Outlast 3-1 foundation in the shade ivory. Since I am so pale, it is hard to find a foundation to match my skin tone but this foundation matches it perfectly! After foundation, I use my Covergirl concealer in creamy natural to cover up under eye circles and blemishes. I use my elf pressed powder and Clinique blush in Smoldering Plum. Then I use Maybelline eyeshadow singles in the color Earthly Taupe followed by my Le Crayon Yeux Chanel eyeliner on my tight line in the shade Violet Smoke (given to me by Caroline). I quickly curl my lashes and apply 2 coats of whichever waterproof mascara I grab first. Then I take a spool brush dipped in vaseline and shape my brows.
   Though it seems like a lot, I have this routine cut down to a total

8 minutes! For a quick hairstyle you can do while running out the door, I grab a 1 1/2 inch section of hair on the frontish side of my head and braid down to the ends and voila! You are ready to leave the house looking stylish, confident and ready to conquer anything that comes your way!
I hope y'all have a wonderful summer! If you have any suggestions for future posts then let me know in the comments below!
                                                                                  XOXO, Sarah C

"Your Skin Is Glowing!"

When it comes to highlighters, for me, there is only one option. thebalm's Mary-Lou Manizer is truly one of kind in many regards. This champagne toned beaut is extremely pigmented with a similar texture to that of the Urban Decay eyeshadows-its buttery! A little goes a long way with this bad boy, theres a fine line between a healthy glow and a disco ball effect. I like to apply this with the Real Techniques Duo Fibre Contour Brush on the tops of my cheeks for a fresh look. Bare in mind that those who like a subtle effect may want to look elsewhere-this product is all about glow factor. The size of the compact is quite large and since it contains a whopping eight and a half grams, I don't have to worry about hitting pan any time soon. A quick swipe of this on across the high points of the face are sure to make you look nice and dewy all day long.

The One Where C Likes Mascara

It would appear that I must retract my previous aversion to mascara.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer | AKA Good Skin In A Tube

Nars is a brand that, until recently, has never appealed to me.

May Favorites | May 2014

     As you've probably already guessed, monthly favorites are just one of many new series that will be popping up 'round these parts.

Obsession Overload

   Hello lovlies! With the summer having just begun, I have had more down time to read, watch tv, and shop. I thought today I would share my current obsessions with you so that you may join me in obsessing.

   Seeing Seersucker: Okay, seersucker just might be the death of my bank account! I am obsessed with this pattern. I am am trying to find some inexpensive navy and blue seersucker pants so if any of y'all know where to find some let me know! I think seersucker shorts are oh so cute and seersucker pajama pants are even cuter!!!!

   Monogram madness: I used to be very opposed to monogram. My thoughts were, "do you really have to initial everything to make sure you don't loose it???" I was completely wrong! My aunt bought me a small seersucker pouch with my monogram on it and I was in love. I then proceeded to order a 36 inch wooden monogram that should be coming very soon in the mail (I am so excited) that I am going to paint and hang in my room (pictures to come). I purchased mine at mintjulepmonograms.com I am also looking into a white tank top with my monogram (in an american flag print) on it from the shop DarlinMonograms on Etsy.

   BB Cream: My new favorite skin care routine now includes BB cream! My current favorite is Bare Minerals BB cream. Unfortunately, I am way too pale for the lightest shade they offer. I blend this product into my skin that you don't really notice but I hope to get a rockin tan this year! (which will never happen because I am pale enough to be Edward Cullen's sister)

   Youtubers: I have been scouting youtube for my next favorite youtuber and I have found her!! Her name is Glamourkate08. She has more of a preppy style and is so talented at what she does! She has inspired me to beg my parents to let me create a youtube channel! *Fingers crossed*

   Lovin Lilly: I have recently been obsessed with the spring/ summer lilly prints! Which is your favorite? I really like Watch Out which has cute red light houses on them and Lobstah Rolls with little lobsters!

   Adorable Aviators: I recently picked up a pair of super cute aviators from target! They are rose gold on the front and the sides are a salmon color, my favorite :)

   Since it is summer, I plan to upload once a week if not more! I have a big ballet recital with C tomorrow, wish us luck! If you have any comments, concerns or would like us to get to know you, comment away!

                                                                                         XOXO,

                                                                                              S

Covergirl Outlast 3 in 1 Foundation Review | The One That Depends

For the last two months or so, I have been trialing Covergirl's latest face offering. It has taken me so long to review this because in the beginning we weren't a very good couple. We started off the relationship with quite a large fight, we wanted different things. I was a bit overwhelmed by it all, Outlast came on a little strong and I just wasn't ready for it. We broke up immediately after our first date, only to try again very soon. The second date was much better, we decided to be a bit more casual, take things slow, and boy am I glad we did. If you are looking for something that is going to give you medium to full coverage and has pretty good lasting power you may  have found your match. I apply less than a full pump all over using my Real Techniques Buffing Brush which I find works it into the skin nicely. A full pump with a smaller brush made me look much too cakey, but buffed in I'm quite fond of this one. It looks quite flawless without appearing as if you're wearing an inch thick layer of the stuff. This foundation claims to have the lasting power of a primer and the coverage of a concealer. While I can't say I support the latter, it does have a good no fuss matte finish that keeps us greasy gals from looking like an oil slick in the t-zone area. I have the shade 805 which is the lightest shade, this can wash me out a bit if I go in with a heavy hand, it's more pink toned while my skin is more yellow. The next shade up is too dark for me so I warm my face up with bronzer when wearing this. All in all a good face base for those on a budget, and we all know that when it comes to makeup I need to be on a budget! Have you tried the Covergirl Outlast 3 in 1 Foundation? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector | Product Rave

I'm sure at some point on this blog I have mentioned that I am not a lip gloss person. This may have you saying- C, the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors are lipglosses and this is supposedly a product rave. Well, dear readers, I'm afraid I must make an exception for the Clarins ILNLP's. After picking one up at Nordstrom yesterday, I am already looking at swatches of other shades. I am very impressed! 

All right first of all, the packaging  of these is bloody gorgeous!! Now, onto what's inside. I picked  up the shade 01 Rose Shimmer which is very similar to my natural lip color. A "my lips but sheenier" if you will. The formula of these is unlike anything I have ever tried. It's best described as a liquid lip balm. Not at all sticky or slippy, no hair stuck to your lips! It does give a nice sheeny glow to your lips, but not at all shimmery or insanely shiny.  And, as if you needed another reason to pick one up, the scent is definitely the best scent of any makeup product I have EVER tried. I'm not usually too fond of vanilla scents, but ,

blimey, these smell incredible! I have to resist not licking it all off to see if it tastes just as amazing! The applicator is also quite unique. It's a foam tip that squeezes out little bubbles of this magic lip wear. The price tag is a little steep- it retails for $23. If you find yourself struggling with the price, ask yourself this- am I willing to spend the same amount on several cheep lip products? If the answer is yes, then I say go for it! 

Have you tried the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors? What do you think? 

Could you be the one?|I think I'm in love...

That was quite the anticipation generating title, and let me assure you that what. I am going to talk about today will not disappoint. Ladies and gentlemen I give you the one, the only, the Rimmel London Show Off Lip Laquers! 

*please excuse the lack of a photo, blogger and I are having a disagreement. Feel free to swoon over google images though!*



       I recently picked up the shade Aurora at my local Ulta, and words can not describe how hard  I have fallen. While this product is new to me,  I have been not-so-patiently waiting for it to arrive near me hear in the States. These have been known as the Rimmel Apocalips in the UK for about a year now. The only thing I dislike about this product is the name change, I mean c'mon,  Show Off?! You can do better, Rimmel. These long lasting, creamy, non-drying, highly pigmented, opaque glosses make me want to belt out At Last along with Etta James. It's perfect for those of us who have been searching for the pigment of a lipstick in the smooth texture of a gloss. These bring all new meaning to the term liquid lipstick.  So, the only question is-Are you ready to fall in love?

December Must haves

Hello Chums! Today I wanted to share what I have been obsessed with during the December month!

Makeup Must haves 

Mascara- I'm just a tad bit particular with my mascara. My favorite for this month would be Revlon's Waterproof Lash Potion in the color Blackest Black. This product promises to give spellbinding volume and supernatural length and it absolutely does. It holds a curl for about five hours and does not clump. I usually apply two coats on my lashes before curling. Though this product is a bit pricey ($8.49 at your local target) I will absolutley repurchase. All in all, this product is brilliant :)

Blush (Blusher as they call it in England)- My favorite blusher this month is Clinique's Blushing Blush Powder Blush in the shade Smoldering Plum. Though it is not a new blush, I have recently discovered it and am in love. By barely applying, I am given a subtle pinky plumb color. It makes me look naturally rosy and gives subtle shimmer. The texture is very soft and with a primer, this product can last all day. The packaging is a little plain but very portable. On Clinique.com Smoldering Plum is selling for $21.00. This product was given as a gift but I will no doubt repurchase.

Concealer- C introduced me to L'oreal's True Match Concealer. I am never buying another type of concealer in my life! This product is all around perfect. I am in the shade Light/ Warm 1-2-3. This product hides my blemishes, evens out my skin tone and is SUPER blendable. This product stays on for about sixish hours so if I find it needed, I do apply again. I purchased this product at Ulta for $8.95.

Lip Products- C and I are a little obsessed with Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. I decided to pick up the shade Crush from my local grocery store for $6.99. Boy was that a good buy! I have worn it everyday since! It's creamy, it makes my lips soft, and lasts for hours. The color is perfect for winter because it isn't too dark and is the perfect touch to any look. My other lip product is The Body Shop's Lip Butter in the scent Pink Grapefruit. I cannot stop sniffing the container. I know it sounds weird but it just smell that stinking good! It smells like a real grapefruit and makes my mouth water! I picked it up from ulta today for $6 and am already planning to go back and get different scents. This product does not have color. It is buttery and creamy and leaves my lips feeling soft for hours. I know you aren't supposed to "taste" lip balm  but if you were wondering, this product taste yummy.

Non-Makeup Must Haves

Movie: For my dad's birthday, I took him to go see The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (rated PG-13 for violence). I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie! The dwarves and Bilbo continue to try and reclaim Erebor (their stollen land) from Smaug (a large dragon). I won't spoil the movie but it was a well spent 161 minutes, ending with a cliff hanger.

App: My favorite app this month is Quizup. It is a free app that quizzes you on about any topic imaginable. You and another player, selected at random from around the world, compete to try and answer the most questions right. You earn points by answering the question correctly and as quickly as possible. With 7 rounds of detailed questions, the matches are usually neck and neck. As you rank up from winning matches, you receive different titles pertaining to the topics you choose. My favorite topic is Harry Potter and I am a Quidditch Seeker currently at level 20.

Song: My favorite song this month have been Say Something by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera. This song is about a breakup where the singer can possibly say something to reverse plans to go separate ways. With powerful lyrics and Aguilera's delicate voice, this song is very soothing. My other favorite song is Story of My Life by One Direction. This song is much more powerful than any of 1D's other music. With deeper lyrics, it seems One Direction has had a turning point in their music (in a good way). Both Songs I would give a 4 out of 5.

Website: Lastly, with finals creeping up my favorite website is finalexamcalculator.com. This website has you enter your current grade, desired grade and percentage the final counts as. Once filled out, you receive a percentage of which you need in order to achieve the desired grade. 

All Opinions are my own! Stay safe over the holidays!

                                      Love, S

Daily Beauty Routine|Makeup Monday

Hello all! Today I'm going to share with you the makeup products that I wear on a daily basis and how I get on with them.  Please keep in mind that my opinions are just that, opinions. Just because I do not care for a product does not mean that it is bad.   Here are some photos of my makeup:

   

      1. Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll On ~

   When I first got this I was so excited to try it. I have always had puff under- eyes so I was hopeful that this product could help combat that. After using it for several months, I'm still not sure its doing anything. What's more is that recently it has been stinging my eyes. Overall not very impressed by this product and I don't plan on repurchasing. 

2. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer ~

This product and I get on very well. This cult classic is perfect for anyone who likes light coverage. I have had to use more concealer on day where I have spots or am extremely oily, but most of the time this gives me just enough coverage. This is a very expensive product so when I run out I may be trying something new.  

3. L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer ~

One of my favorite drugstore finds. Its creamy, and is perfect for under eye circles. Not at all cake and it won't make you look like you are wearing a mask. The L'oreal True Match line has an amazing shade selection. 

4. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matter Bronzer ~ 

I am absolutely in love with this bronzer for many reasons. Its matte, it looks great on fair skin, and it smells like chocolate. Yes, you read that right. Too Faced puts actual cocoa powder in this, hence the scent. Looks fantastic and smells yummy, its a win win. 

5. Tigi Glow Blush (shade is brilliance)~

I am not too impressed by this blush. I received this in a beauty box and decided to test it out. In general I avoid bright pink makeup because it can make me look like a clown. While this blush is not too pink for my skin, it is extremely glittery which i do not care for. The texture isn't great. All in all this blush isn't anything special. 

6. Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter~

One of my new favorites! I have a miniature sample size of this and I love it. It's creamy, blendable, and is subtle when applied lightly and bold when applied heavily. Great way to wake up you face and glow. 

7. Guerlain Météorites Teint de Rose ~

My current favorite finishing powder. You simply swirl the brush over the pearls and dust over you face after applying foundation. These pearls leave my face brighter, and luminous. This does keep my face matte, however, I'm not sure if it is heavy duty enough for those with extremely oily skin. 

8. Benefit Creasless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit ~

Perfect for my oily lids, this cream eyeshadow needs no primer to stay all day. This shade is a beautiful nude with just the right amount of shimmer. Lovely and natural looking. 

9.Covergirl Natural Lash Clear Mascara ~

I get asked about this all the time. ever since I was little I have had extremely dark, long eyelashes. Because they are so long, mascara makes me look like I belong in an insane asylum. Thus, I never wear black mascara. I hate the way it clumps, it makes me look like a raccoon  I have yet to find one thing that I like about black mascara. I was so happy when I tried this product! This clear mascara defines my lashes, holds a curl and i great for those who need something a little more natural. 

Hope you enjoyed reading this. Please leave comments with posts you would like me to do in the future and let me know what you all think! Happy Holidays! ~C

                               

Current Obsessions| Monday Madness

      Hope you all had a lovely holiday and got to see your relatives! I've got several things to talk about, so lets get started.  While spending Thanksgiving with my family I stopped by Walmart and decided that *shakes head in dismay* i needed more lip products. Surprise, surprise all of them are from Revlon. I have a problem and I freely admit it.

     The first thing I grabbed was courtesy of my favorite beauty blogger, Essiebutton, she is in love with this and now i know why, its the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in the shade Tutti Frutti.
As you can see the shade is rather orange based, but it isn't at all in your face, you won't look clownish, I promise. My love for lip balm was very satisfied by just how soft and moisturizing this is. There is a faint scent of vanilla, which I happen to love, though it may not be good for those with extremely sensitive skin.  I will be looking into new shades soon.







My second pick is the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart. After loving Smitten, I couldn't resist another shade. This is very pink and i do enjoy that, though on days when I wear it, I wear less blush so as not to look like a pink balloon.  For a more detailed review of the Balm Stains refer to my Sunday Funday post.

And the last new lip product is the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade Fire & Ice. Normally I hate lipstick, it settles into lines and is very drying. However, something about the Super Lustrous formula doesn't give me as I like to call them "granny lips". While its definitely not moisturizing, this doesn't settle into lines and crack and is very long lasting. This cherry red shade is absolutely gorgeous and will look good on just about anyone.

                                                                           Have a great week! ~C