LOTD

It's a boots, pearls, and sweater kind o' day!

I got this Lauren Conrad sweater from Kohl's taking advantage of the after-Christmas sales. I got it for $26 when it was retailed at $54. I love the color! It's name is "Harbor Grey" but it's a pale robin's egg blue. They also had a blush colored one I debated about getting. I may decide to go back! :) I got my boots from Macy's. Love them!

LOTD: Balm Jovi Palette

Caitlyn's Corner gave me these for a Christmas gift:

Today I finally got a chance to use them! The concealer worked great. I'll definitely do a review about it once I've used it more. I used UD Primer Potion and then pat Third Eye Blinded on my lids as a base. Next, I used Alice Copper in the outer half of my lid and brought the color into my crease. I then used Too Faced's Silk Teddy as a highlight and Too Faced's Cherry Cola over the Alice Copper to make it more bold. Here's the look:

I finished the look using the Balm's blush in Pop Pop Don't You Want Me? over my Maybelline Bouncy Blush. For lip gloss I used Neutrogena MoistureShine gloss in Wine.

I'm looking forward to creating more looks soon! Merry Christmas!!

LOTD: NAKED 3 Palette

This is my LOTD. I think it's a nice and simple everyday look!

I used UD Primer Potion, then Burnout on my lids, Mugshot in the outer third of my eyes and then pat Darkside over Mugshot. I used Strange as a highlight and wanted something shimmery so I put Too Faced's Silk Teddy over it. I think that’s my only complaint about this palette—I like shimmery highlights, so I usually have to use one from one of the other palettes.

Give this look a try and let me know of any looks you may have come up with for this palette! Have a great day!

Empties

Sorry this is so late! I decided I would do these each month, but Dec. 1st was chaotic with finals and I am just now getting around to getting things in order again. Don't hold your breath for a New Years Day post either!

Here's what I've emptied over the last month or so:

These Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioning treatments are amazing! They are sulfate-free and have a wonderful smell. I loved the way my hair would smell and feel after I would get it cut, so I had my hairdresser purchase some for me to use at home. I bought this around this time last year and I can't quite remember how much it costs for the set, but I want to say it was around $50. I only used it once a week to stretch it. As much as I love it, I won't be repurchasing this for a while because of the frightening price tag!

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Moisturizer is something I've used for years. I frequently buy the Equate brand and can tell a slight difference, but not enough to always buy the more expensive brand.

Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel in Lavendar Kiss. This is another product I've been using for years and don't mind paying a little more for the quality. It leaves my skin so soft and I am able to get a really close shave, which is so important to me.

bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer in Normal to Dry. I don't know how long I've been using this because I haven't looked back! I mostly use this in areas that get especially dry like my under eye area and around my nose. It's so lightweight that it doesn't feel greasy or heavy.

Reach Total Care Floss is something I got from the dentist the last time I went and I thought it was weird at first, but I liked it after I got used to the stretchiness. It's available at Walgreen's so if they don't offer it to me again when I go in February, I'll be sure to pick it up!

These were definitely random empties, but I think that's part of the fun! Comment below if you have used any of these products and what your experiences have been with them! And as always, thanks for reading!

LOTD: NAKED 3 Palette

This look really makes my blue eyes pop! I used Primer Potion, pat a combo of Trick and Buzz and Dust in the inner one-third corner of my eyes, and then packed Factory in the crease and on the outer two-thirds of my eyes. This was a base for making the outer portion of my eyes pretty dark. I then put Darkside over Factory and then put Blackheart over that. I love Blackheart! It really helps create a soft smokey look. I finished by using Sin from the original NAKED palette as a highlight.

Thanks for reading!

LOTD: NAKED 3 Palette

I first used Primer Potion, then packed Liar on my lids, bringing it into my crease slightly. I then used Blackheart in my crease and Strange as my highlight. Super easy, everyday look.

Thanks for reading!

LOTD: NAKED 3 Palette

I got this in the mail:

And heard this was coming out during the time the coupon could be used:

So, Caitlyn's Corner and I made a special trip to get ours!

And, I love it!!! Today I got to use it and this is the look I came up with:

First, I applied Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lids and then pat Mugshot from my lashes to crease. Then I put Buzz and Dust over it in the inner one-third of my eye. Next, I used Sin (from the original NAKED palette) as a highlight in my tear duct region and below my brows. To intensify the look, I took a creas brush and applied Darkside in my crease and then took a flat shadow brush and pat Blackheart from the outer corner of my lids in slightly. This made a small V of packed color. Lastly, I took a clean, fluffy crease brush and blended my highlight and crease colors. I finished the look with mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss.

Winterizing My Body

I wanted to share what I do to "winterize" myself/what I do to survive winter. I think it's really important to change up routines and products as the seasons change. This would also be the case if you moved or traveled to a different climate. Listening to your body is so important. I am one who doesn't change products much, as I have been using the same body washes, shampoos, lotions, etc. for years, but I do have a few tips for this transitional period.

1. I notice that my skin gets dry in the summer after a lot of exposure to the sun, but winter brings on a whole new meaning of dry skin for me. What has been helping is putting Vaseline on my lips and under my eyes at night before bed. The skin under my eyes is super wrinkly and is prone to drying out quickly. In an attempt to prolong the inevitable, I try to keep that area moisturized well in general, but winter really does a toll on my skin. I also put a thick cream or lotion on my hands before going to bed as well because it's the longest time my skin won't be put through the ringer of being washed or sanitized. It just helps me to get ahead in the constant battle of moisturizing vs. drying. I also have bad allergies, so I will also put some Vaseline around my nose so it doesn't get chapped from blowing my nose. Vaseline carries a wonderful Cocoa Butter body lotion that I love and I just apply a little more than I would normally.
2. My hair. Oh, my hair. There are no words for my hair sometimes! Mostly, I focus on growing healthy hair and I do that by nourishing my scalp. I am constantly using random shampoos that I love, but have added Equate brand dandruff shampoo to my regular shampoo regimen. I lather my hair with my shampoo and before I rinse it, I take a dime size amount of the dandruff shampoo and rub it into my scalp. This technique really helps! In the past I have found myself blow drying my hair more when it's cold to avoid forming icicles from my hair follicles. Another tip is to turn the water heat down when rinsing your hair. I tend to use the shower as a way to warm up, so it can get quite hot. If I leave it hot when I wash my hair it dries my scalp out beyond repair. You can turn it back up after, I promise! This winter I have put my hair up in messy buns more than I have in the past and have used my blow dryer, straightener, and curling irons on my hair less, which has helped a great deal as well.
3. I'm fair skinned anyways, but I am super fair during the winter! I have been using the Olay CC Cream in Fair to Light, but I have recently accepted the fact that it's too dark now. I started mixing it in my hand with my bareMinerals Skin Rever Upper and apply the mixture to my face and neck like I normally would the CC Cream. Even though I'm using the same amount of each product, the Rever Upper really thins it out and it goes on a lot more smoothly. I have also changed my bareMinerals foundation from Medium to Fairly Medium. I have also stopped using my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer on a daily basis. Sometimes I'll just lightly brush it all over to give myself some added warmth.

So, those are my tips! Thanks for reading! And stay warm!!

LOTD: Hunter Green

My makeup mess today:

I specifically wanted to try out this product:

This is what my eyes liked like with just LORAC Lt. Bronze on the lid and Urban Decay Loaded (from the Smoked palette) in the outer corner and crease:

Now with Sephora's Color Cube in Emerald over Loaded: 

Finished look:

I'll do a full review on this color cube once I see how it holds up through the day, but so far I'm impressed! This will be a great holiday look!

NOTD: OPI I Theodora You

I love this classy neutral! It always reminds me of movie stars. They always have an off white/pinky white polish on to look really...well, polished, if you will. In an attempt to look polished this holiday season I put this on today. I love it! Give it a try!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ipsy

I got my Glam Bag today! I'm in love! I was in love from the moment I saw the hot pink envelope!

And just look at this cute clutch the products came in!

This subscription is $10 each month. There is not a contract or commitment, so it can be canceled at any time. I think it's a great deal because it allows those of us who are makeup enthusiasts to try a wide variety of products without breaking the bank. I'll be reviewing all of these soon, so keep checking back! :)

No Bueno: Bobbi Brown Sequin Shimmer Brick

I bought this during Sephora's VIB sale and I was super excited to try something other than lip products from the Bobbi Brown line. When I got it yesterday I was astonished that it fit into the palm of my hand. This product is $48.50. From the many pictures I saw on Pinterest, I was under the impression that this palette was closer to the size of the NAKED palettes. I still opened it up and was even more disappointed. There are 10 shades and as you can imagine they are pretty narrow. They are so narrow that a brush can't even be swiped into one shade without swiping the shades next to the desired shade. I am so disappointed and will be returning this once I get off of work tonight.

Organization: Bedroom

Currently my bedroom is part office, part bathroom, and part bedroom. This is not the most ideal arrangement, but this is a post to show how I'm able to balance everything in one room. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! I'm always looking for ways to make my life more organized and functional!

With that being said, I didn't realize how much stuff I had until I bought this drawer and pretty much filled it! I had a lot of things sitting out and I hated that they were never really put away, so I ran over to Target and bought this rolling drawer set. I have loved it! I will also show you some of the baskets I have purchased this summer in an attempt to organize my many things a little better. Plus, I think I'm equally obsessed with baskets as I am with make up! Ahh!

In the bottom drawer I store my scrubs for work on the left and my scrubs for clinicals on the right. I'm able to fit 9 complete pairs, 2 holiday scrubs tops, and a lab coat in this drawer with room for another holiday top or two.

This drawer is full of random things like check books, Kleenex, stress balls I've collected over the years (?!), floss, blow dryer attachments, paper work for school and work, portable hard drive, Q-Tips, Flonase, etc. Gotta love a good junk drawer!

In this more shallow drawer I have everything I'd ever need for my iPhone and iPods, such as cords, cases, cleaning cloths, headphones and other accessories. It's a perfect depth! This works much better than shoving cords and such into other places in my room. It's nice that all of this has its own place and is so easy to find now, because when I need something for my phone or iPod, I'm usually in a rush.

In the top drawer I have more make up and back-up items. This drawer is also shallow but is tall enough to put my bareMinerals Getting Started Kit and small perfumes.

I told you I liked baskets! I got all three of these from Target. The top two I purchased a couple years ago with another I'll show below, but the bottom one I bought this summer.

I put all of my lotions and full size perfumes in here. I also have back up hairspray in here because I love it so much! I often like to switch out the travel-size lotions I throw in my purse, so when they're not in rotation this is where I store them. Things like Aloe Vera and bronzing lotion are seasonal, and aren't daily-use items, so it's been working out to have them off of my desk.

Just like my mantra "blending is a girl's best friend" in regards to makeup, stacking is also what helps me keep my life in order!

I may or may not have gone through a headband stage haha. I collected these while I was in school a couple of years ago and had to have my hair up for clinicals. I was also growing out my bangs, so these proved to help with the awkwardness that comes with that. I will still wear them occasionally and this seems to be the best way to store them, as long as I quit adding to my collection!

Bobbie pins, fake hair piece, clips, flower clips, hair ties--you name it, I've got it in here!

All of these palettes fit great in this desk drawer! I used to have random junk in here and one day I just threw it out and filled the drawer with things I didn't want sitting out collecting dust. I have lots of things stacked and it has seemed to function quite well!

I found this basket at Bath & Body Works last fall and put all of my daily use things right where I can get to them straight out of the shower. Yes, that is a printer in the background. Haha

This basket I got at Hancock Fabric and I put all of the newly purchased products and samples in there that I need to still try out.

This basket with a mirror was given to me years ago from my late grandmother and I have used the heck out of it. I plan on painting it soon since it has become so worn over the years.

I got this at Target in the office aisle, but it has served as a great way to store the hair brushes I use everyday!

If it wasn't obvious, I totally made this in ceramics class in High School. It's been perfect for storing my makeup brushes upright--along with mascara and eyeliners.

Again, I made this. I use Q-Tips everyday and this is a great size for them.

I got this as a High School graduation present from a sweet family and I have used it the heck out of it since. It is from Target.

This is not my style, but was given to me by the same grandmother a long time ago. I have rings stored in the top part, store my daily-use products on top, and some more makeup products in the bottom drawer.

This is also something I've had forever, and stores more than you might think!

Yes, I have two of the same palette. I have hit pan on quite a few of the shadows, okay?!

And the bottom drawer just has some office stuff like a giant paperclip and paper weight.

Can you tell I love these rolling plastic drawers?! I've had two of these smaller ones for years. In one I keep camisoles in and this one I have makeup in the top drawer, office supplies in the second, and cards I've saved over the years in the bottom.

I made this "bowl" and like to throw hair ties in here at the end of the day and have chapstick in it to make getting into bed at night a little faster.

Lots of nail polish and other personal care items in here.

I got this at Target this past summer and have filled it with lip gloss. I like it out so I can quickly scrounge through it on my way out the door. I believe it also came in black and hot pink.

And here's my jewelry shrine! I like it near my door so I can throw my jewelry on on the way out!

I bought this at Target. I absolutely love it for its purpose and it's so pretty too!

I made this and it holds my rings perfectly!

Same basket as my hair stuff ones shown above. It's great for bracelets!

This was a gift from my Aunt years ago and believe it or not it started out pretty empty. It has been filled over the years, but still has room for more earrings. It's fabulous! I have seen something similar on Amazon, so check it out. I highly recommend it!

I bought this from somewhere like Claire's in the Mall and it's been great! My necklaces used to get so messy and tangled--not anymore!

Above my many clothes I have these baskets. (I warned you of my obsession!!!)

I don't use a purse when I go to work, so I like to be able to store them away. Plus, I have so many! I also store camera cases, my laptop case, makeup travel bags, wallets, sunglasses, etc.

In this one I have bulky sweatshirts and sweaters that become misshapen from being hung up. I like that they will no longer take up so much room in my closet, especially during the summer months. 

So that's it! Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have a great way of storing shoes! So far mine have poured out of the shoe holder I have and I'm just stacking them. It becomes quite messy! :O