Blog Move

There are two primary reasons I’ve decided to move my blog again (not that the move from Kathryn Rose should even count): 

1. My mom pointed out an oversight in my old url (tarynrosexo.blogspot.com) which has been bugging me the past couple weeks.
2. Who the hell am I to have a blog that’s just my name?  I’m not that much of a narcissist.

If you enjoy my ramblings about makeup and life, I hope you'll subscribe to my new blog Lipstick & a Latte.

XOXO, T

Casually Adorable Date Makeup

This look could also work as casually adorable school makeup or casually adorable daytime sporting event makeup, but I'm wearing it on a lunch date.  (Is sushi with an old friend a date?--By "old friend" I mean this boy I've had a crush on since I was like 16.)  The look is quick and perfectly natural looking, as boys tend to hate when they can see you're wearing tons of makeup.

What I'm wearing:

1. Origins A Perfect World SPF 15 Age Defense Tinted Moisturizer with White Tea (01 Light)
2. Origins Silk Screen Refining Powder Makeup (Oatmeal 16)
3. Milani Intermix Baked Eyeshadow
4. Prestige My Blackest Lashes Mascara
5. Palladio Tinted Lip Balm
6. Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink

Lippy update: I slapped on NYC Sheer Red before grabbing Stonewood happy hour with my dad.  A dark lip is a surefire way to turn simple daytime makeup nighttime appropriate in like a minute.

Sorry my room is even more insanely messy than usual.

What do you think about this look?  How would you do your makeup for a lunchtime pseudo date?

XOXO, T

P.S. Is my left eyebrow looking a touch too thin?

First Impression Friday: St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash

Standard shower gels can be too harsh on winter skin.  With this in mind, I was on the hunt for a moisturizing body wash and picked up this little bottle in the sample area on my most recent CVS trip.  Not only does this body wash smell incredible, but it contains good stuff like shea butter and oats which are proven to relieve itch and hydrate dry skin.  I recommend this product to anyone suffering from dry skin.

Have you tried this product?  Do you experience dry skin in the winter?  What body wash do you use?

XOXO, T

November Loves

I don't post one of these every single month because I don't always fall in love with a whole post full of new products, and I'm not going to bore you by going on about the same stuff I told you about last month. So here's what I've been loving over the past couple months:

Origins A Perfect World SPF 15 Age Defense Tinted Moisturizer with White Tea (01 Light)

This has a ridiculously long name, but my skin is loving the hydration and the sheer coverage.

Origins Silk Screen Refining Powder Makeup (Oatmeal 16)

I light-handedly sweep this all over my face, using my Eco Tools duofibre brush.

Almay* Wake Up Undereye Concealer (020 Light/Medium)

This comes with a brush on applicator, which I squeeze along the inside edge of my eyes and tap to blend with my ring finger.

Milani Baked Blush (Dolce Pink)
This applies really sheer but builds to the perfect natural  just-came-in-from-the-cold rosy flush.  I can imagine this shade being really  beautiful on a lot of skintones.

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss (Juicy Peach)
This is the absolute perfect Autumn-Winter lip product, not only because glossy neutral lips are the perfect foil to dark smokey eyes but because the formula is also really moisturizing (unlike most glosses, which tend to dry out my lips).

Wet n Wild Where's the Party Eight Pan Eyeshadow Palettes

I'm kind of obsessed with the original Color Icon palettes, and these new editions definitely don't disappoint.  I've been pretty much living in Sparkle the Night Away (neutrals) and Shine Till Morning (purples and blues).

Wet n Wild Color Icon Lipliner (Brandy Wine)

I don't mind splurging a little on quality skin products, but lipliner is an item I definitely don't believe in spending much money on.  Wet n Wild liners are just as pigmented as higher end versions.  At 99 cents a pop, I'll probably be snagging a bunch more of these on my next Walgreens trip.

Taylor Swift - Begin Again

I haven't gotten ahold of the Red album in its entirety yet, but I love what I've heard so far.  Chad Sugg's cover of Begin Again makes me weak in the knees.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

This was my favorite book for the month of October.  I don't know why I didn't read it years ago.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

I've obviously been reading a lolately.  I got through this one really fast because I couldn't bear to put it down.

Nescafe Memento

These come in delicious flavors like caramel (obv. my favorite) and mocha, magically froth up like cappuccinos and don't require cream or sugar.  They've altogether replaced Folgers as my morning instant coffee.

What do you think of my November loves?
Do you have/want any of these items?

What products have you been loving this month?

XOXO, T

FTC: The Origins tinted moisturizer and powder were both given to me by my momma.

*Update: Almay has been removed from cruelty-free lists, and I don't know what to do with my life.

Santa, Baby

First off, I'm not some spoiled, rich kid who gets a crazy ton of presents, and I certainly don't expect to get everything on my list, but I'm posting it as a kind of guideline for my family and friends who think I'm hard to shop for.  Besides, I think it's fun to see other girls' (and boys') wish lists.  That said, these are the pretty little things I'm lusting after, in descending order (beginning with I might cry if I don't get this):

1. Sugilite Yoga Bracelet
2. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh
3. Nail polish wall rack (not necessarily this exact one)
4. Henna Hand Ring Holder
5. Badz-Maru Sweater
6. Travalo Excel
7. Benefit Cosmetics She's So Jetset
8. BH Cosmetics Party Girl Palette
9. Real Techniques Starter Kit

Do you think wish list posts are boring/bratty, or do you think they're as fun as I do?
Do you have/want anything on my list?
What's on your wish list this holiday season?

XOXO, T

Spotted: New Wet n Wild Displays and Small Walgreens Haul

I went to Walgreens under the guise of picking up a Wet n Wild lipliner but, of course, had to check for the new Color Icon palettes.  The first new display that caught my eye was WnW's Beauty Ambassador Favorites, repromoting products from their permanent line with recommendations by a few of our favorite beauty bloggers/vloggers (Beauty Broadcast, Vampy Varnish and Clumps of Mascara), as well as a couple I'm less familiar with (Makeup by Celly and Everyday Makeup Blog).  I didn't touch this display, as I'm pretty familiar with (and stocked up on) Wet n Wild's permanent line.  I then browsed the regular Wet n Wild section for the new palettes, to no avail, but nearly screamed upon spotting the Best in Show display near the back of the store.

I had to exercise some serious self control around these palettes, as I'm supposed to be "on a budget," and allowed myself to buy only two.  I already have the original four palettes (Comfort Zone, Petal Pusher, Blue Had Me at Hello and I <3 Matte), and Shimmer the Night Away didn't seem that unique to me at the time (I have a crazy ton of purple shadows), so the only two I picked up were Sparkle 'Til Morning and Drinking a Glass of Shine, which I plan on comparing to I <3 Matte and then gifting.

But upon seeing swatches of Sparkle the Night Away, I've decided I need it, if only for that blue shade.  I also realize I didn't even notice the two new (limited edition?) Glassy Gloss shades (Frost Bitten and A Glass of Shine), which means I'll probably be driving all over town trying to get my greedy, little fingers on those three items.

Wet n Wild Where's the Party?
palettes & Color Icon lipliners

What do you think of my haul?  Of Wet n Wild makeup in general?

XOXO, T

Small Mall Haul

This haul is actually from this past Sunday, when (my shopping enabler) Bre invited me out to a local coffee shop and we ended up clear across town at the Altamonte Mall.  I didn't do too much damage, picking up two items: an H&M peplum top and a Forever 21 moto vest.

What do you think of my haul?  Do you shop at H&M and Forever 21?

XOXO, T

P.S. I actually didn't do any Black Friday shopping today.  Did you?

Weekly Giveaway Roundup

1. Brand new website reallygood.com is giving away iPad Minis here.

2. Kiwi Crate is giving away $1000 in gift cards to Pottery Barn, Target and more here.

XOXO, T

P.S. I'm sorry I suck and haven't blogged since last week's giveaway roundup, but I promise to post a ton over Thanksgiving week/weekend.

Weekly Giveaway Roundup

Naturally Curly is giving away $5000 in products designed specifically designed for curly, wavy and natural hair types.  Enter here. (Your entry will also earn me an extra entry, so that's pretty nice of you.)

I ♥ Drugstore Tag

I know this is a YouTube tag, but, seeing as I don't make videos, I've decided to do it as a blog post.  (Am I allowed to do that?)  Anyway, I saw this tag on Beauty Broadcast and Emily says it's okay, so here we go.

1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand?
I think I use a ton of Revlon because it's so readily available (and I do love me some Revlon), but if it didn't involve a thirty minute drive I'd see myself having a lot more NYX.  Its quality and color selection really are unbeatable.

2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products?
Honestly I typically use mid-high end face makeup (because it's the first thing that touches your skin and it can be hard for me to find a good color match in the drugstore), but if I absolutely have to pick a face product I'll say Revlon PhotoReady Concealer.
For cheeks, you really can't beat Milani Baked Blushes, although I also really enjoy the e.l.f. Studio Blushes at $3.
Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect is the end-all, holy grail lip product.  It moisturizes like no other, has spf, and even looks like a gloss on the lips.

3. Least favorite product?
Undoubtedly, EOS Lip Balm (although this easily could've gone as number 8, not worth the hype).  Although these come in cute, colorful little spheres and smell pretty, the balm just kind of sits on top of lips and doesn't deliver any kind of hydration.

4. What is the best makeup bargain?
I would say the e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing powder, if the blush worked better on my skintone, but, since it barely shows up, I have to go with Wet n Wild Color Icon eyeshadow palettes.

5. What is your favorite underdog product? (Something you love that often gets overlooked?)
Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara is insane.  I have never seen this kind of volume from a drugstore mascara.  This product deserves way more attention than it seems to receive.

6. A drugstore product that is overpriced?
Has to be nail polish.  OPI and Essie are absolutely ridiculous (Do they count as "drugstore?"), but even Revlon ColorStay costs like $8.

7. Show your best drugstore dupe(s)!!
It should come as no surprise to anyone who reads my blog that I'm going with Boots No7 High Lights Illuminating Lotion.  I didn't quite believe Liz when she first told me this is an exact dupe for Benefit High Beam, but I became a believer at first swipe.  Boots High Lights retails for $12.99 for 1 oz.of product, while High Beam costs $26 for a mere 0.45 oz.  I'm no physicist, but that makes High Lights half the price for (slightly more than) twice the product.  Side by side, High Lights is a bit less watery than High Beam, but they're pretty much identical once blended out.  (High Lights looks really reflective in my picture; I might have inadvertently swatched it a bit thicker than High Beam.)

Benefit High Beam (left) & Boots High Lights (right)

8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype?
Revlon PhotoReady Whipped Creme Makeup.  I'll admit the texture feels kind of nice (if a bit heavy), but it's near impossible to guess a color match in those clunky glass jars.  Revlon might be able to change my mind about this product if they'd step up their game and provide testers, but until that happens I have to dub PhotoReady Whipped as vastly overrated.

What do you think of my picks?  Do you agree/disagree with any of my answers?

I tag everyone, but, specifically:

April of April, Maybe

Bre of (Skinny) Arm Wars

Krystal of Beauty By Krystal

lovenailpolish of Addicted to OPI-yum

Rose of One Unique Queen

Sophie of Born to Buy

If you do this tag, please leave your link below so I can read your post.

XOXO, T

Win Over $200 Worth of High End Vegan Doggy Spa Products

Vegan Petman is giving away over $200 worth of high end doggy spa products here.

XOXO, T

September Loves

I know I'm pretty late posting this, but when am I ever on time for anything?

Beauty Loves:

Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara
This gives me tons of volume and length.

Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect
This comes as another recommendation from Liz, who I realize is pretty much my life's Yoda.

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Moonlight Path
Fragrance often goes forgotten on my blog, but it's about time I mention this one.  Proper perfumes can be a bit heavy for me during the summer, and I've been turning to Moonlight Path pretty much every day since receiving it in an Influenster Spring Beauty voxbox.

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum
My ex-roommate and close friend Ashlee forgot her bottle of this in my guest room during her visit this past May, and my hair's been loving it all summer.  In addition to its strengthening properties, it's also great in terms of managing frizz.

Rando Loves:

Red Baron Four Cheese Super Slices
I know it's disgusting, but I've been pretty much living off of these.  The best frozen pizza in the world, it's better than a whole lot of "real" pizza.

Good Time by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
This song is just freaking fun.  Don't judge if you see me rocking out to this in my car.

Awkward
This show is completely hilar.  I love that MTV has every episode online.  Put on your jammies and watch it all weekend.

RachhLoves
My favorite YouTuber this month is RachhLoves, who I can't believe I'd never heard of until recently.

Personal tidbit:
Last month, I mentioned that this semester I'd be writing for my college newspaper.  Well, this week I made the front page (below the fold, but still the front page).  I've included the PDF, in case anyone cares to read my article "Murdered by Makeup?" (continued on Page 2) which is about cruelty-free beauty and includes my interview with the lovely (and vegan) Tashina Combs of Logical Harmony:

Open publication - Free publishing

What do you think of my September loves?  What products did you love in September?

XOXO, T

NARS Andy Warhol Sephora Makeover

This afternoon, Bre and I went to Sephora for free NARS makeovers from her friend Jessica.  The Andy Warhol collection is absolutely beautiful, and the palettes' mirrors are cooly inscribed with Warhol quotes.  They disappointingly don't have one with my favorite Warhol quote: "Don't pay attention to what they write about you; just measure it in inches."

Of the three looks on the display, Bre chose the neutral smokey eye and I, of course, chose the crazy colorful drag look, which speaks volumes about our personalities.  I love Jessica's interpretation of the look, featuring NARS Foreplay cheek palette and Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Hollywoodlawn (over a red lip pencil.)
Although it definitely isn't something I'd wear in real life, I can see myself pairing the glossy red lips with just mascara, and I'd rock the heck out of the eye look with a nude lip.

What do you think of our makeovers?  Of the NARS Andy Warhol collection?

XOXO, T

P.S. In an exercise of enormous self control, we managed to leave Sephora without buying a single thing.

Classic Glam Blog's October Giveaway

Classic Glam Blog's October Giveaway features some great decor items from Hestia & Bear.

Collective Drugstore Haul: Walgreens & CVS

I've gone to a couple of the Walgreens' in my area lately, in search of the elusive e.l.f. Villainous Villains collection.  I sadly haven't been able to find it anywhere, but I did stumble upon the Fergie for Wet n Wild collection, which happens to be kind of fantastic.  I picked up the nail color in Going Platinum and the Glamour-Eyes Eye Kit.

From a different Walgreens, I got Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana (which I plan on using as a highlight), WnW Lipstick in 522a Dark Wine, WnW eyeshadow trio in I'm Getting Sunburned, Revlon Moon Candy Nail Art in Milky Way & Orbit, and e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Collection.

From CVS, I picked up Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream, Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum, Revlon ColorStay Lipliner in Plum, Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel in Rich Raspberry & Bare Bones, and Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup in Sand Beige (which I hope turns out to be my right color).

What do you think of my haul?  Do you have/want any of these products?

XOXO, T

P.S. Walgreens seems to have restocked the 8 pan Wet n Wild Color Icon Palettes, so I highly suggest picking up at least one all three of these immeds.

Spotted: Fergie for Wet n Wild

It's no secret that I'm a pretty big fan of Wet n Wild Cosmetics, so imagine my excitement when I found this display near the back of the store.  I obvs wanted to grab all of it but only allowed myself to pick up one eye kit and a nail polish.  (The polishes were over with the regular WnW nail polish in my store.)

Glamour-Eyes, Ferga-vicious & Fergie Ferg Fresh Eye Kits

Pretty polishes with names like Glamorous & Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night

What do you think of Fergie's collaboration with Wet n Wild?  Do you have/want anything from this collection?

XOXO, T

Once a Week Chic

Once a Week Chic is an exciting new shopping website.  What sets it apart from the myriad of other shopping sites is that it isn't a monthly subscription service.  You just buy as many pieces as you want whenever you want.  By browsing styled looks, you can opt to purchase individual pieces or click the green "buy this look" button at the upper right of the page, which I'm really tempted to do for this outfit:

The dress is pretty hot in its own right, but what really sets this look apart (for me) are its chicly understated tough yet girly accessories.  The studded bag and skull bracelet?  I die.

What do you think of this look?  Are you interested in checking out Once a Week Chic?

XOXO, T

Skincare Sunday: Origins Checks and Balances

First off, I apologize for not blogging much lately.  I've been a bit under the weather, insanely busy with the school paper, and generally unproductive.  Have I even done Skincare Sunday yet on this blog? </rambling>

Perhaps as a result of stress coupled with the fact that I never sleep, my skin has been pretty out of control lately.  I have sensitive combination skin that tends to break out on my forehead and around my nose (t-zone) but really nowhere else on my face.  Over the past couple weeks, though, I've experienced breakouts along my cheekbones and down the sides of my face. (What the hell?)

That was a ton of background information, but I think my skin is finally back under control (knock on wood) thanks to Origins Checks and Balances Frothy face wash.

I believe this retails for $20, but I received it as a gift from my mom, who also has sensitive skin and is pretty much always right about everything.  Twenty bucks seems a little expensive for five ounces of product, but it honestly only takes like the teeniest, little pearl-sized amount to lather up my entire face so I see this bottle lasting me forever.

Have you ever used anything from Origins?  What's your favorite facial cleanser?

XOXO, T

Weekly Giveaway Roundup

1. Makobi Scribe is giving away a Samsung WB150 WiFi Smart Camera here

.2. PureWow is giving away $1,000 gift card to the Foundary here.

August Loves

I guess I haven't done a monthly loves post in quite some time, so these are kind of like my entire summer's worth of loves (in no particular order):

Beauty Loves

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in basically every color (Honey pictured)

I'm sure we've all seen countless raves of these, so I'm not going to spend much time on them except to say that they're fantastic and I'm basically obsessed.  Let me know if you'd like me to swatch and/or review these.

e.l.f. Essential Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara

This is great for taming my crazy eyebrows just a bit when I want to appear slightly more polished, which is the only use I'm interested in.  (Why would I ever wear clear mascara?)

Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow Mascara

If you're an o.g. Kathryn Rose follower, you might remember me being really into this mascara forever ago and then kind of forgetting about it.  So it's a rediscovered love for me, and you really can't beat it in terms of cruelty-free, clump-free volume for the price.

Wet n Wild Color Icon eyeshadow in Silent Treatment
The quality of these shadows is incredible, and this particular trio can be adapted for either daytime or nighttime.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny
This cult bronzer is every bit as good as everyone says it is.

Boots No7 High Lights Illuminating Lotion

Liz was right (per usual) about this being a dupe for Benefit High Beam, and I'm certain this pearlescent liquid highlight would be beautiful on any skintone.

Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo and Intensive Moisture Mask

Since switching to this sulfate-free line, my hair is noticeably softer and shinier with less breakage.

There's no non-awkward way to arrange these eight objects.

Fashion Loves

Jorts
I'm sure any Floridian will tell you that denim cutoffs are an absolute summer staple.  (Is this true all over the south?)  I've been especially into these white ones from American Eagle.

January Jones Versace
Who doesn't love a pair of huge sunnies?  This Betty Draper inspired retro gorgeous pair has scarcely left my face since receiving them for my birthday (May).

Random Loves

Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Skins: Favorite ever; I'm rewatching because I've seriously watched everything on Netflix.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Can't believe I waited so long to read this; it's perfection.

Personal Update

I completed my "general" A.A. degree this summer but missed the deadline to transfer to UCF for this fall, so I'm currently taking a couple Journalism classes at SSC, just to keep my brain from falling out my ears during an unintentional semester off.  So I'll be working on the school newspaper which is kind of exciting, as I've never really been an extra-curricular kind of person.  I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but this journalism thing just might end up making sense for me.  (Watch out, Anna Wintour.)

What do you think of my August loves?  What were some of your favies this month/summer?

XOXO, T

Small Mall Haul

This is actually from when I went shopping with Chrissy last Thursday.  It's kind of that awkward in-between season time when stores have begun selling autumn-winter clothes but it's still like a million degrees in Florida, so I can't bring myself to start buying sweaters just yet.  What I did end up picking up was this cool turquoise floral and skull necklace from Claire's (I had a gift card.), two bandeau bra type things from Wet Seal (to wear under my vast array of tank tops), and Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten from the little Sephora inside JC Penney.  (I also got a free skincare sample.)

What do you think of my little haul?  Have you begun shopping for cool weather clothes, or are you still stuck in a summer mood like I am?

XOXO, T

Beauty by Miss L's Nail Polish Giveaway

Beauty by Miss L is giving away 5 nail polishes of your choice here.

Smokey Eye Saturday

I promise I'm not naked; my hair is hiding my straps.

I'm heading out to my friend Henry's house party, but I got ready freakishly fast so I thought I'd share my FOTN.  I didn't do anything too fancy as it's just going to be a lot of sitting around playing drinking games with the usual suspects, but since a couple of cute boys Facebook RSVP-ed I obvs want to look casually gorgeous but not like I'm wearing too much makeup.

I opted to not wear foundation (or even tinted moisturizer), as my skin is actually in pretty good shape lately but applied Revlon Colorstay Concealer only where absolutely necessary as well as Boots No7 Illuminating Lotion to the high points of my cheekbones.  For my eyes, I'm wearing Wet n Wild Color Icon eyeshadow trio in Silent Treatment and Almay Get Up & Grow Mascara in Black waterproof with e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara to set my brows. I also swept NYC Sunny Bronzer along the underside of my cheekbones and blended into my temples and around the sides of my massive forehead. I finished my look with just a touch of Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink and Burt's Bees tinted lip balm.

Wet n Wild does such a great satiny taupe.

What do you think of this look? What makeup do you typically wear to parties?

XOXO, T

P.S. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I got my conch punched on Friday the 13th, but I guess I haven't blogged since then so I made sure it's visible in the first picture.

Beauty Tidbits' Giveaway

Beauty Tidbits is giving away all these beauty products, many of which are cruelty-free.

I hope y'all are having a lovely week.
XOXO, T

Collective Waterford Lakes Haul

This afternoon, my mom and I had lunch and did a bit of shopping.  I had a $10 Banana Republic perk (which can also be used at Gap or Old Navy) as well as a Victoria's Secret coupon for a free lace waist hiphugger (love these).  I ended up getting three tank tops from Old Navy (They're having their end of summer sale), just my free lace waist hiphugger (in a cute fishy print) from Victoria's Secret, and a pair of blue-green raw crystal drop earrings from Francesca's.

What do you think about my haul?

XOXO, T

P.S. We're redoing the flooring in the guest room (where I usually take my pictures), so I had to resort to using my actual bedroom which, aside from being obnoxiously colorful, is always an awful mess.

Weekly Giveaway Roundup

Makobi Scribe is giving away a Sony Bloggie HD Sport Camera.
Baghaus is giving away their Urban Expressions Tres Chic Bag.

XOXO, T

Project 18 Pan: Real Talk

Bre recently reminded me that I'm "supposed" to be on project pan.  I think I kind of forgot about it during the blog move a few weeks back.  But excuses aside, I really need to stop blowing all my money on cosmetics, toiletries and the like because I'm obviously out of freakin' control.  So, as of today, I'm on a strict, serious beauty budget.

My Rules:

1. I will not buy any cosmetics, toiletries, or other beauty-related products until I finish the contents of every item on my list.  (Notice I said finish, not simply hit pan on.)

2. The only exception is if I finish a necessary skincare or shower product that I don't have a backup/replacement for.

My Products:

Cosmetics

1. Benefit Realness of Concealness Palette

2. Pixi Sheer Cheek Tint in Natural

3. Boots No7 High Lights Illuminating Lotion

4. NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss (1 tube, any color)

5. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain (2 sticks, any color)

6. e.l.f. Studio Golden Bronzer

7. e.l.f. Studio Translucent Mattifying Powder

8. e.l.f. Studio Translucent Loose Powder

Skin Care & Shower

9. the Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

10. the Body Shop Cucumber Water

11. Yes to Blueberries Eye Roller

12. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizer (Fair to Medium)

13. Gud by Burt's Bees Body Wash

14. Up & Up Shaving Cream

Hair Products

15. Redken CurlConditioner
16. Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo

17. Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intensive Moisture Mask
18. Organix Moroccan Argan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

Don't worry; this definitely doesn't mean I won't still be posting reviews, swatches and the like, as I have tons of products I've scarcely (if at all) touched, much less blogged about.

Do you adhere to a beauty budget?  Have you ever participated in project pan?

If so, do you have any advice for me?  If not, would you ever do it?

Wish me luck.

XOXO, T

P.S. Stay tuned for pictures of all the products I plan on finishing, in the next day or two.

What's in My Cross-Body Bags?

I've recently acquired a veritable slew of cross-body bags.  I bought myself a purple Target one back in early May then received two more for my birthday.  (Great Terminally stylish minds think alike.)  My mother surprised me with this petite white one from Coach over my birthday breakfast of homemade french toast, and my gorgeous ex-roommate Ashlee gave me the blue elephant-print Vera Bradley during my belated birthday dinner at Bone Fish Grille.

While it may sound a bit excessive to need three of the same style bag, I've managed to find specific uses for each of them.

1. The Coach one is tiny--I mean, tiny--and thus perfect for brunch, coffee dates, and the like.  I can pretty much only fit my iPhone, the absolute makeup necessities, my keys (and keychain i.d. thingy), and  a pack of Orbit Sweet Mint gum.

2. The Target one is essentially the same size as the Coach, but I prefer it for going out, in case I drop it, lose it, spill my drink on it, etc.

3. The Vera Bradley is close to double the size of the previous two, making it perfect for extended daytime outings.  It easily fits all of the above mentioned as well as my wallet, makeup bag and Kindle.

Do you have a cross-body bag?  Do you want one (or more)?  What do you think of my bags?

XOXO, T

Collective Beauty & Random Target Haul

 I typically go to Target at least 1-2 times a week.  I mean, seriously, it's out of control.  Here's the random stuff I got on my last trip to Target (clockwise from top): green Glow Necklaces (which I typically wear as headbands), a super necessary Little Miss Princess notepad, Sharpie Pens, a six pack of assorted stud earrings (which I'll probably be allergic to), a three pack of small purple baskets (for makeup storage), Krazy Straws, and a little cardboard book called Pinkie Pie Throws a Party (for my cousin's little girl, who is almost as obsessed with My Little Ponies as I was as a kid still am.)

Then we have the beauty products and toiletries I've amassed over the past few days, mostly from Target (though a couple things are from Walgreens).  I have (from left to right): Schick Hydro Silk blades (which I got for crazy cheap--printed out Target coupon + manufacturer's coupon), gud by Burt's Bees Natural Body Wash in Vanilla Flame (smells amazing), BioreTrial Pack Deep Cleansing Pore Strips,  e.l.f. Studio Small Angled Brush, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Darling, Boots No7 High Lights Illuminating Lotion (which Liz swears is a dupe for Benefit High Beam), Yes to Carrots C Me Shine Lip Gloss in Cocoa Loco, Sinful Colors Professional Nail Enamel in Neon Melon, Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in Purparazzi, NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny, and Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel in Natural.

What do you think of my haul(s)?  Do you want/have any of these items?

XOXO, T

Weekly Giveaway Round Up

1. Birchbox is giving away $200 worth of Summer Essentials from Supergoop!

2. The ladies over at Beauty Crazed in Canada are giving away a big bunch of makeup.

*Image belongs to Beauty Crazed in Canada.

Trendy Tuesday #1: Summer Brights

A lot of bright colors have cool undertones, which is part of what makes them so beautiful with a bit of a tan.  If we tried wearing neon in the winter, it would completely wash most of us out.

The key to incorporating brights into your look, whether in the form of clothing, accessories or makeup, is pairing a single pop of color with an otherwise very basic, neutral look.  The most surefire way to pull off a bright lipstick, eyeshadow or blush is by wearing almost no other makeup.

It helps to wear a white base underneath brights to help the color pop, especially on darker skintones.  For example, I typically apply NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk under bright eyeshadow or liner and a white nail polish before a bright (or dark or weird) nail polish, to keep it from staining my nails.

These are a few of my favorite bright cosmetic items:

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Lollipop and Tutti Frutti

NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Shangri La

Wet n Wild eyeshadow singles in Fuchsia and Lagoon

Milani Liquif’eye Eyeliner in Aqua

Wet n Wild Lipstick in Fuchsia with Blue Pearl

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Pink Passion

July It Girl Julep Maven Unboxing

My Julep Maven box arrived yesterday, and this month it contains four polishes instead of the standard three.  Apparently the bonus polish is an Independence Day gift from the ladies at Julep.  (I believe Canadian mavens received a Canada themed glitter instead.)

Julep's packaging is usually impeccable, but it arrived a bit disheveled this time, as the ribbon had slid off and the cute star tissue paper was unwrapped (I hope the mailman wasn't playing with my nail polish).

Anyway, the polishes I received are:

Mila: charcoal, multi-colored glitter

Kate: soft white pearl

Daphne: fresh seafoam green creme

America: shiny red with royal blue glitter and sterling silver stars

Kate, Mila, Daphne, & America

XOXO, T