The Boyfriend Jeans for Beginners

I'm the first one to say that I always have major fashion envy when I see girls walking around campus wearing perfectly ripped up, baggy boyfriend jeans. However, when going to actually try them on, I never felt quite like they suited me. Perhaps it's just perspective, but then I found these at Lucky Brand. While still fitting like a regular jean in the butt and thighs, it loosens around near the knees and ankles. They are rolled up, and even though I never think capri pants suit my shorter legs for my longer torso, it still just works. I pair them with my topshop white shirt and chestnut booties. This outfit is just so casual and chic, but still is comfortable because I feel like I'm wearing normal jeans. 

Little Chat

Hello everyone! So last post I mentioned a new internship, but I never really established exactly what this internship is. I'm doing an internship that is extremely important to me, and also involving something I love. So basically you clue is: 

So yeah, basically I work with sharks. Not directly (yet). I'm a photographer for Shark Research at the University of Miami, where we take groups out to learn about and tag sharks. The work that we do not only gives us a better understanding of a species that is sadly still largely a mystery (for example, a shark species was discovered alive by the human eye a few weeks ago), and also to help these guys with conservation efforts. I can go into the whole shark finning talk of mine, but instead of writing a novel, you can check out this Ted Talk by the leader of the team that gives you all the basic information. 

My life has been pretty busy with this including trips, training, editing, etc. but it really means so so much to me. This hammerhead for example is an endangered species, and also a rare find. We were able to do a full workup, meaning taking measurements, blood sample, sex determination, etc. in a really short amount of time, and the sight for me personally is one I will never forget. We let him go after 4 minutes, and he swam off into a world we know little about. 

Shameless advertising here, but honestly again, it means so much to me to be able to do this work. You can check out a bunch more awesome pictures on Facebook under Shark Research at the University of Miami, and also visit SharkTagging.com to find out a whole lot more information. Sharks need our help, and if one person visits, we can make it one step closer to ensuring their existence for future generations. 

Again, not trying to write a novel (it's hard), but if you have any questions feel free to leave them down below! I'd love to reply, and also I'm a really big geek for this stuff so I love to talk about it. Thanks everyone!

AGH

I should get a prize for worse thought of titles for a blog post. But at the same time, it also is quite accurate. So instead of the average college life week blah blah, I thought that was appropriate. Anyways, I'm going to list a basic rundown of what has happened in the past couple of weeks (aka a lot).

• Midterms (ew)
• Accepted into an internship
• Brother came to visit
• More midterms (more ew)
• Homecoming week
• Keeping up with a running regime
• A whole lot of stuff I can't even think of

So basically there's been a lot. But it's been amazing having a good college experience. I may be busy, but it's the kind of busy that makes moving 1,000+ miles away into an unfamiliar place worth it. Looking forward into the future makes me even more excited, and feeling like I'm more at home bit by bit. If you are still trying to adjust, don't worry. It'll come sooner or later. Just trust your gut, and do what you need for yourself. 

Hope you guys have a great week!

Updated Everyday Makeup

Bad picture quality hits again(college probs)     

I thought since I haven't done what I use everyday and the routine I follow, I'd update you as I have learned more about makeup, my skin, and what makes me feel confident. All the products I use are from Sephora, so if there is something you want to check out, head on over there. 

Starting off with my base, I apply either the Tarte Amazonian clay full coverage foundation in light to medium honey, or the Lancome foundation in warm bisque I mentioned in my haul post (which I absolutely love), depending on how much coverage I want for the day. They both have the same SPF, which is vital in this Florida sun. I spread that all over my face and down my neck. I then put on Too Faced Primed and Poreless face primer around my nose where my pores appear the largest, and on my forehead. I feel like putting it on after my foundation doesn't just strip it away, but make my skin really look tighter and less pore-y.

I then move on to my eyebrows, which I use the Hourglass brow pencil in soft brunette, and just take that through my eyebrows to add a little color and make them look shaped. I then take some Sephora ultra fine black liquid liner, which I've mentioned in my favorites, from the beginning of my iris all the way to the outer corner, and just fill it in as needed to look even on both eyes. Sometimes I'll put some light gold eyeshadow on, but for today I kept my eyes bare, as I usually do. I finish off my eyes with a coat of Benefit They're Real mascara on the top and bottom lashes. 

I go back to my cheeks, and apply either Tarte amazonian clay blush in captivating, or the hourglass blush palette in any of the three colors (although since this is limited edition, I don't think they sell it anymore :( sorry!). I pop that on the apples of my cheeks and sweep that upwards. I also pop on a little bit of Benefit Hoola bronzer, and using a big fluffy brush, I lightly brush that right under where I put the blush so it's not quite contour, but does give some warmth and definition to my cheek bones. 

Lastly, and most definitely my favorite part, I put my lipstick on. Pretty much everyday I'll have a different color, but for today I chose Mac's Hug Me, which is a really pretty nude brown color that looks so amazingly gorgeous. I will wear anything from nude to bright pink, depending on what I'm feeling for the day. I do love me some bright lips!

So that's it! It's a pretty simple routine, that usually takes me about 10-15 minutes depending on how early I had to wake up in the morning. I really think I've found products that suit me, and also make me feel good and confident in my own skin. And I really think that's what makeup should be about; expressing yourself and feeling amazing and beautiful. 

Little Goals - Big Improvements

I said a post or 2 ago that I was attempting to run twice a week. While I'm not quite reaching that quite yet, I'm not getting rid of it yet. For the past month, I've run once a week. With only 4 runs, I've gone from running about .7 of a mile to 1.1 miles. That's .4 of a mile that I've been able to improve in just a month. Although to some, that may seem like a tiny amount and to some it may seem like a length that will never be reachable. It doesn't really matter about WHAT the number is, but achieving a goal. And it doesn't matter how long it takes, but staying consistent is key.

I'm unbelievably proud of myself, considering that I was barely out of bed last year, and I really was surprised about how little it took to just improve. If you have an inkling of a goal, I'd say go for it! You'll never know if you'll learn to love something if you don't try it. During the gym years of middle school and high school when we were forced to run, I absolutely hated it. We had to run a certain amount, on certain days, and when the temperature was absolutely freezing which isn't something I enjoy. Now, with my Nike+ app in hand, some music in my ears, and running to my schedule, I've fallen in love with that satisfactory feeling it brings me.  

I have even bigger goals now to improve. I've laid out some tips if you're beginning that goal:

• Write it down: I've written down every time I've ran on my little white board calendar. Having it in a physical presence not only makes me feel good about what I've done, but also comes as a good reminder to keep going. 
• Don't reach too high or too low; know your limits: back when I was doing hard core club volleyball, I was running 3 miles. But that just isn't a good place for me right now, as I am once again learning to get back into shape for running. Saying that, the first couple of runs I did, I didn't set a goal for myself, but instead just ran what I was capable of. From there, I set my goal of a mile, and was able to achieve it pretty quickly. 
• Be positive! There will be good and bad days! If you end up doing worse, it's perfectly okay. In the grand scheme of things, the more you do something the more you'll improve. It'll take patience and effort, but you know it's very much worth it. 

I hope you guys can take away some positivity in this, even if it's not for running. It could be for academics, or cooking, really anything. It's all up to you now to take control, and reach your goal. Sorry, cheesy rhymes are my thing. 

Some More Sephora Stuff

I went home. Also known as I finally had time to look at Sephora, and I had a little spree. 

I got a new foundation, the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 hour foundation in the color 270 warm Bisque is a beaut. It is very long lasting like it says, and although fairly matte it doesn't cling to dry spots which was a nice surprise. Its a full coverage foundation, but I diffuse it and make it a bit lighter with the Sephora Pro Airbrush #55. I love Sephora brushes, and this one is no different. I'm going to talk more about it later, so stay tuned! Lastly, in the makeup category I repurchased the Benefit They're Real mascara. This will continue to be my favorite daytime mascara, it separates and creates such a beautiful long fluttery look. I seriously will always talk about sorry not sorry! 

For my skincare products, I purchased the Clinique All About Eyes eye cream. I've used it for a couple of days, so I haven't noticed anything, which is totally to be expected. It does feel nice on my skin though, not harsh or stinging, and I can tell that it's moisturizing. I will give a full review once I've used it for a month! The next product is the Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment. It's a mud mask that I use once a week. I found this product when it was used during my facial when I visited Charleston, and loved it then. After one use at home, I can say that that love stayed the same (I've been saying love a lot haven't I?) It makes such a difference with a thin layer at just once use. I wore it for 12 minutes while taking a bath to open up my pores, and I really feel like it helped to clear and smoothen my skin. It's a product that I'm really eager to use again, half because I think it does wonders half because masks are really fun. 

I also got 2 reward products, the 100 point 5 in 1 hair treatment from Living Proof, and the 250 point Bite lipgloss and lipstick in a dark pinky purple color. I tried the lipgloss today, and it didn't last very long but it was absolutely beautiful and not terribly sticky. I haven't tried the other products, but again, I will let you know. 

Have a fantastic week everyone! Side note, my normal schedule will also resume on Friday this week. 

Apples and Oatmeal

Hey everyone, sorry for the interesting blog schedule that is happening, but I am home for the weekend and super busy so my posts won't be going up on their usual day for the week. Anyway, to the good stuff. 

With being at home, the autumnal stuff is at full blast. I thought, why not act upon it and take a very fall like bath, if that makes any sense. I didn't use any fruity bath bombs, but instead this Aveeno oatmeal bath that they sell at any ol' CVS or Walgreens, and my Yankee Macintosh candle, which is that class fall apple scent. Together, they made the most amazing smelling bathroom (if you're like me and love the smell of oatmeal), and also was not too bad for my skin (who says you can't use oatmeal baths even if you're skin isn't itchy). Not to mention, just the feeling of relaxing in a bath while I had the window cracked with cooler air coming in, it was just autumn bliss. 

Speaking of apples, I ate my first orchard honey crisp apple, and it was utterly fantastic. I am obsessed, and especially when you get them fresh, if you leave them in your fridge they can last for a month. Good college snack am I right? 

College Life Week 6

Well it's my college update once again. It's been a rough little while, as things start to really set in and get hard, not to mention the homesickness. College is tough. It's not the party everyday, have tons of free time, no homework type of place. With that though, I have a ton of opportunities that have arisen that truly give me that college adult feel, where I'm pushing myself foward more than ever before. So with some bad, comes some good. I think that's a saying that would really help with any situation in life, and if you've followed me long, you know I'm a huge advocate for positive thinking. I may have lost a friend, but I get to visit my friend from back home at here school. See? Opportunities. Anyways I hope you all have a wonderful week coming ahead. I'm trying to motivate myself to run three times a week (I'm a complete noob), but we'll see how that goes. I'll keep you updated!

For My Fellow Tall Girls Out There...

Rejoice. The perfectly fitting romper is upon us. For anyone, even if you just have a long torso and aren't quite comfortable in rompers, I have found the website of reasonably priced, specialty-made-for-tall-girls, rompers and dresses. 

Asos Tall

Now you may be thinking, "oh just another tall section with 10 items," but no. I'm talking a lot of rompers dresses shirts and pants and even a specific sale section dedicated to tall clothing. I know a lot of you are probably already asos pro's, but it's not as big here in the U.S. It's an amazing amazing site with clothing brands that you can't find elsewhere, and items that fit a huge range of budgets. A haul will most definitely be coming within the next 2 weeks, but for now take a sneak peak at a few items I may have put in my bag...

All images from us.asos.com

6 things I miss about autumn now that I live in the tropics

I promise that I love where I live. Constant warm weather, sunny days and palm trees? It's seriously one of those things that will constantly make you happy. BUT with that comes a lack of a real autumn, which is for sure my second favorite season. Here's 6 things I miss:

1) Changing leaves: I always love my green, but honestly how could red orange and yellow EVERYWHERE not be beautiful? And it's just so autumnal and iconic.

2) Crisper days: again, I'm not putting down my daily upper 80's. However, I do like that time of the year when you pull out some more heavy clothes and layers, and your cheeks just begin to get a little red from the cold. I like this weather too when it's sunny, because it just feels so comfortable.

3) Speaking of crisper days, sweaters and jeans: I'm a fashion lover. And seeing everyone bring out the sweaters in the darker and warmer colors, as well as jeans, well it's just something I kinda miss. I brought way to many sweaters with me to school, and I've not worn any of them, and probably won't until December.

4) Fireplaces: My dad is so good at making a warm and cozy fire. I absolutely adore getting cozy and warm in front of the fire, plus in a weird way it just looks really pretty. It also always means family time and snuggles with my dog, whom I very dearly miss.

5) Autumn smells: So I could just run down to Bath and Body Works and get all of there fall smells super easy, but it's not quite the same. In the north, the smell is everywhere. Here, I still smell humidity and very summer floral smells. I really love the smell of fresh fall-type smells, apples, and nutty smells. 

6) Decor: I miss pumpkins! I know it's such a small thing but we have a bunch of pumpkin patches and corn mazes all around us. They're sold everywhere and they just are so happy in my opinion. I also really like the mums that people put around and leaves and fall colors that are decorated around the house. It isn't such a common thing here in Florida, considering there is so much green.

Well, that's all I have to miss. I really am so happy where I am and I love that it's so warm and sunny and summery, because come November/December, I hate winter way too much. I also get to go home right in the heart of fall, which will give me a good fix. Let me know what you guys like and dislike about fall!

Beauty Firsts

I thought that this would be a fun little thing to answer when I saw it on Youtube. Let me know if you guys answer this!

My Beauty Firsts Tag Questions:

1. What's your earliest beauty memory? 
My mom doing makeup for me when I was dancing in the dance recitals. The bright red lipstick would always be last, and I looked absolutely horrific in stage makeup. I just remember having orange eyebrows from this awful eyebrow pencil, but at the same time I never had to wear fake lashes because mine were always insanely long. It's funny to look at pictures of me looking so much older and only being 6 or 7 because of how much makeup I wore. 
2. What was your first beauty purchase? 
Definitely lip smacker chap stick. Plum was my absolute favorite. Real beauty/makeup-wise, the classic Maybelline mascara was probably my first I remember buying with my mom.
3. When did you first wear makeup?
7th grade, when I was 13. Oh it was really bad. I went through a black eyeliner around the entire eye phase.
4. What was your first beauty disaster? 
See above. Not to mention it didn't get better until about sophomore year in high school.
5. Who was your first beauty crush?
Me mummy. I always think she does her eyeshadow so beautifully and tasteful, and when I was first getting into makeup I'd steal her Bobbi Brown palette and try to recreate it. 
6. What was your first brand crush?
Covergirl, when I got to try all the different mascaras.  
7. What's your longest standing beauty love?
My Tarte 24 hour amazonian clay eyeliner in golden tigers eye. So far, I'm on my third stick!

Coral Gables Spotlight: Books & Books

If you are ever in Miami, I highly recommend coming down to Coral Gables for a day. It's no more than a half hour drive, and it has some really awesome things to see. My inner book junkie came out today when my friend showed me this absolutely adorable bookstore, Books & Books. Not only was it a huge bookstore, where one part even goes up to 2 stories with a gigantic classic library ladder, it includes an outdoor courtyard and a small cafe. I couldn't try the food, but I seriously want to. They also have live music every week and a whole host of other things that sound really fun. And of course tons, and tons, and tons of books, with a lot of signed stuff and first editions for the collector! Also, next to the bookstore is a really good chocolatier and tea shop. What else could you want?

Mid-Month Makeup Favorites

I haven't done a makeup favorites in forever, and I found so much good stuff that I couldn't wait for the month to end. So I'm going agains the grain and doing it mid-month. I'll start off from the top: 
The Benefit Creaseless Shadows are cream shadows that are soo pigmented and pretty. They are all shimmery and a beautiful range of colors. Here I have sparkling champagne, which is a color just as it sounds, and holy smokes, which is a deep grey. They stay on so long and blend beautifully. I find that using a natural hair brush, or even just your good 'ol fingers is the best way to apply them. 
This beauty product is sweeping the nation, and my love for it is no different. The Urban Decay Naked Weightless Concealer is another really good concealer. The tube and applicator is much like that of a lip gloss, and so it applies pretty thickly, but that's why it's full coverage. I wear the medium-light neutral, and it's a perfect match. It stays on, is a nice texture, and my overall everyday concealer. 
The Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil is another product that was really popular not too long ago. The pencil shape itself is a kinda long triangular shape, with a tiny point at the top going down to a little thicker on the bottom. I find it works great with my brows, because unlike the Anastasia pencil which was hard to really fill in my brows, this pencil does the job really well. I have extremely light eyebrows, so in the shade Soft Brunette, it really does a good job at adding just the right amount of color so they look natural, but it also looks like I have brows. Plus, since it's not a powder, it's not quite as messy or hard to apply.
For those who can't get the hang of the classic cat-eye flick (me), this is your pen. The Sephora Fine Waterproof Liquid Liner is amazing. The pen is extremely thin, and also a little stiffer so it's really easy to control versus other felt tip liners. I can proudly say that with this pen, I've mastered the cat-eye. Other than its easy use, it's a nice dark black and waterproof, so it stays on all day. I am unbelievably glad I found this, because I am a huge fan of the flick. 
And lastly, Tarte's Full Coverage Airbrush Powder Foundation is a great, and easy way to apply a nice layer of foundation. I may have mentioned it earlier, but I'm mentioning it again because it is really that good. I wear the shade light-medium neutral, and use the kabuki brush that Tarte specifically made for the foundation. What comes out is a beautiful light layer of a pigmented foundation, but it doesn't look like you have a pound of powder on your face. It covers even sunburn, but still feels breathable. The little brush fits perfectly in there, and it's so quick and easy to apply. The only thing I wish this had was some sunscreen, but hey it's still really awesome. 

Got any mid-month favorites? Let me know! Have a great week!

Advice for Handling Failure and Letdowns

Okay I just first off want to say that I really don't like the word failure. It has such a negative connotation, and maybe not achieving something that you had wanted or hoped for is far from a failure. I mean, not to be that person who writes inspiring quotes but at the same time I'm going to be that person who writes inspiring quotes (if that makes sense?).

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

Thomas A. Edison

(That guy that invented the lightbulb and a bunch of other stuff we don't even know about but use a ton)

I think he nails it in the head. Failure is not a negative thing, but a thing to learn from, and even rise up in the future. I don't believe there is a way to be successful without making mistakes, and without having a lot of people tell you you're wrong. It's part of life, and sometimes it really sucks, but by putting a positive spin on it, it'll make you that much more accepting of failure. I recently didn't get a position in my schools club, and even though that made me feel really upset, I applied for the position because I wanted a greater part in the club. Now, I just need to have a strong voice, and enjoy my time there and I don't have to worry about making certain fulfillments and putting more pressure on myself. See? Positive spin. 

I struggle with let down's everyday in my life. It doesn't even have to be jobs, or school, but also friends and people and even a coffee machine that won't let you brew your coffee. (It failed giving you your caffeine!). The best thing to say to yourself is "It's okay" and if you need to put a swear word in there, by all means go for it. And now for another inspirational quote because I actually do love inspirational quotes (thanks pinterest). 

College Life Week 3

Hi everyone! So this is kinda my mini college update which I don't know if you even want to read but hey, you never know and I enjoy writing them. 

My classes are challenging, but I knew the would be so at least there wasn't a surprise factor. Chemistry is especially tough for me, but like I said I'm getting through it. On a more fun note, I'm getting scuba certified, and will hopefully become fully open water certified by the end of this week! I have yet to go to a frat party, but I'm okay with that because I am just swamped with work. I miss my dog now more than ever but I'm lucky that campus has a lot of dogs that are totally open for a good pet. Other than that, the weather has been great if you like it hot and with lots of storms, which I do. It storms nearly every day in Florida, which is great if you aren't running to class though it. I think one of my favorite parts is sitting under a palm tree looking out into the lake.

If you're also curious, here is a little peek at my dorm room decor. It basically includes lots of string lights, polaroids, and little motivational sayings. I think I might go more into detail, but that'll be for later. 

I hope your school year is going well so far if that is applicable. Have a great week!

Easy Pink Shadow - Tutorial

Hello everyone. I thought for today, I'd show you how I use pink/magenta shadow on the eye. I was always afraid to do this for the longest time because I thought that it just made  me look like I was crying, but with the right colors it can look absolutely gorgeous. 

I used my Mac warm palette for this. I started with brushing Vanilla Extract (1) all over the lid. This color just has the slightest pink hint, but is more of a shimmery ivory color and is a go-to for everyday. Then, using a large fluffy crease brush I take Gingersnap (2) into the entire crease of the eye, making sure that it blends well. It doesn't have to be the neatest strokes, and in fact I think it makes the look better if it's a little messy. Lastly, I take Dark Brew (3) with an eyeshadow brush that has a more pointed end (such as the hourglass shadow brush) and put that in the outer crease of my eye, stopping just as my iris begins and taking that to the outer corner. I also blend a little under my eye, which just gives it such an elegant twist. 

I love these colors, because they are absolutely pink, but not overbearingly pink. They still have a nice brown/gold tone to them, and are perfect for any kind of skin tone, pink or yellow. I finish off the look with a bit of bronzer (I use the hoola bronzer from Benefit) an a pinky nude lipstick (this one is Mac patisserie). I don't use any blush, because my cheeks are pretty pink to begin with, and otherwise it would just be too much pink. The bronzer still gives a little color without being overwhelming. 

Practice makes perfect, so if you don't get the look you want the first time keep trying. I think my biggest tip is just to blend really really well, and just experiment! That's how I find some of my favorite ideas. Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial! Also, excuse the lighting. Dorm room lighting is not the best!

A Virtual Walk Through Charleston, SC

Hello everyone! So if you read my post from a while ago, you would have noticed that I spent a few days in Charleston. Aside from the temperatures being in the mid 90's, it was absolutely lovely and I want to go back so much. Here's a few of the highlights of the trip, including some cool pictures of the classic houses of Charleston. 

We stayed at the Belmond Charleston Place which is right in the heart of old Charleston. It is absolutely stunning with good classic vibe but still modern and nice. It also has a nice pool, and a wonderful spa that we took full advantage of.

The weather was hot but near the coast, there was a park where there were multiple fountains to dip your feet in cool water. The view is also amazing with tons of benches and a beautiful place just to take a seat and enjoy the outdoors, plus the views of sailboats, forts, and ships in port. 

Walking through the old neighborhoods of colorful houses with beautiful colonial architecture was absolutely a highlight. Cobbled streets and beautiful rose bushes just added to the feeling of being back in time. 

And finally, the shopping from modern stores to the antique district, where little treasures await, to finding restaurants off the beaten path was a huge goal of ours. Our favorite restaurant was probably Sermet's Downtown, which offered classic southern/Mediterranean food, and also Bocci's Italian Restaurant which offered homemade classics. 

College Life Week 1

So the college life has started. I've had most all my classes, gotten annoyed with my floor but at the same time met some incredible floors, had some of that classic college fun, and also have slept a total of 16 hours in a day. So far I've had a pretty typical experience, other than potential of classes being cancelled due to a hurricane and the fact that I have a single room on the 12th floor. 

I've decided to just add a few things I've learned that if anyone is going into this experience you can check out. 

One is that it doesn't matter if you are or are not the partier. If you are, use your time wisely. Don't be going out every night. You are going to college for an education, and that should still be your priority with how much you spend. If you're not a partier, don't worry because there are always so much to do, that you can find that you never have to be alone or bored. 

Another is that you'll come to realize that there are so many more little things that you'll find you have to do that take up a lot of time. Whether it's laundry, sending a letter, or school stuff including tutoring or studying, it'll take up time. Don't get overwhelmed, because eventually it'll become a routine that becomes easy, just as it did at home. 

Lastly, try to do as much as you can without overwhelming yourself. While I'm doing volunteer work, some marine clubs, and hanging out with my friends, I still have a balance of enjoying my own time and enjoying all that college has to offer me.

Good luck, and have a great time!

Oh the Places You'll Go…

I've been thinking about this post for a long time, especially now since I'm packing to head to Charleston, South Carolina soon. I absolutely love traveling, and it's a passion of mine to travel to new places and experience different things. So far, I've been lucky enough to visit about 14 states, 9 different countries, and the numbers get to keep growing. 

So what's the point of all this?

Pick a place in your mind where it would be your dream to go. Currently, mine would be Australia/New Zealand. It is my absolute dream to be able to travel there. Now save money. Start young, and keep saving money for this certain place in your head. Don't cheat and say that TV would be better or something else, because from my experience, a trip of a lifetime is just that. The memories will last a lifetime. I think there is so much to learn from traveling, and so much that can come out of it that it is absolutely worth the wait. I wish you the best of luck in your travels, and I hope that your dream place can become a reality!

…And 1 "Do" Hair Product

Um, holy crap. This stuff is good. And I mean gooood. Okay weirdness over. The Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield is some really good stuff. As far as luxury hair care, the travel size (above) is $14, and the full size is $22 which is not a bad price for the amount of product. You spray this stuff on dry, already styled hair, and take a comb or your hand and just smooth down the fly-aways and watch them instantly disappear. It's sooo good! I have extremely frizzy hair, and this is probably the best and most long lasting product I've used in the lovely humidity. I highly recommend this product if you don't already have it (I am a little late to jump on the bandwagon myself). 

2 "Don't" Hair Products…

I am a sufferer from very dry ends in my hair, and a very oily scalp. It becomes quite difficult finding hair products that will nourish my ends but don't make my scalp an oil slick that I need to wash twice a day. Yes, I just put the product on the ends but sometimes I seriously think hair products can travel on their own. 

Anyway, these guys were actually good products. From what I could tell, they were doing what they were supposed to be doing. The Lush H'suan Wen Hua (pronunciation is per your interpretation) is a mask that I would put on during a shower and wash off at the end, then shampoo normally. Unfortunately, I could only use this guy once because the smell was absolutely horrific. It was so incredibly strong, and I think I may have even gagged once from it. I smelled it in the store but even then I didn't realize how strong the smell was. Not to mention, it expires in less than a year. That smell with a very steep price of $21 and that expiration date? No thanks. 

R&B from Lush was not that much different. At $23, it did last longer than the other one, and I could tolerate the smell without feeling like I needed to throw up. However, it was still a very particular smell that I didn't like and there's so many better (and cheaper) (and better smelling) products to put in the ends of your hair to moisturize it. Overall, just not worth it. 

Of course, these are my opinions and you could end up absolutely loving the smells of these. Your best bet is to give it a good sniff in the store and see if you can really tolerate it for that long, because they both linger. I really wish they did have better smells because they were pretty good products! Such a disappointing "don't"!

Sephora Birthday Review

It's that time of year again (although for many of you it's probably past that time) where I review the sephora birthday gift. This years brand was Nars and let me tell you it didn't disappoint. 

Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien: This lovely pencil is a pinky nude "my lips but better" kind of color. It's got a sheen to it but its definitely not a gloss, just a like you licked your lips. I like the color, it's a very unique one, but the formula itself is so-so. It's very similar to tarte lipsurgance, but comes off on everything and isn't quite as moisturizing. 

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella: Staying power!! This pencil is a very finicky one to get on, because it's so bright and matte. Just use a precise hand and follow the contour of the lip. Otherwise, I love everything about it. Hours of wear, and my lips don't feel dry, and the color is just slightly darker than a firetruck red which I think is very elegant. I would very much recommend this one! Just be careful because like the satin, it can come off on things fairly easy. My favorite of the set!

Larger than Life Longwear Pencil Eyeliner: (only for rouge members) This is a very nice (twist up… yay for no sharpening) black eyeliner that is up there with the rest of them. Even though it says long wear, the staying power isn't fantastic, but it's very easy to use and not at all smudgy compared to other eyeliners I've tried. With a little eye base, I'd say that this is pretty good!

Overall I'd say better than last year in terms of products and quality. I do really like the lip pencils and they are a nice little travel thing or just everyday wear. You can find the kit here. Can't wait to see whats for next year!

The Top Things I've Learned in High School

I keep trying to tell myself I'm done with high school but it hasn't quite hit yet, even though my graduation was nearly two weeks ago. I've compiled a few things that I think are most important that I've learned from both my perspective and my parents perspective:

Talk to people: Whether that's getting help from a teacher, making friends, or talking to a counselor I found that talking to people and having a mutual understanding is very important. People want you to be successful. 

A bad grade doesn't necessarily mean its "bad": I constantly hear the "Crap I got a D my parents are going to kill me." But my parents and I had the understanding that as long as the long term grades were better, than short term grades that don't matter as much aren't bad. 

Enjoy it: I sometimes thought that I skipped out on the fun experiences of high school and focused too much on the work and stress. I wish I got involved more, and even spent more of my time on after school activities than I did on worrying about getting stuff done. 

These are the three best things I can think to say in a very generalized category. If you're going into high school or already there, or even a parent wondering about a child, I hope this helps!

Cute Room Decor Idea

It's almost summer and this room decor that has been going on since December is almost to a close. This is one of the ideas that I had for my room which I absolutely love. It's a bunch of cute unique motivational sayings that are hung up right behind my bed, so I can see them every time I go to bed at night. They are 9 card stock pictures, and I purchased them on ModCloth which has some of the most unique vintage-y home products. The frames were bulk purchased from Amazon and are just cheap 8x10 frames. You can lighten up any room with them, and I highly recommend it!

Beauty Hacks: 3 things to do with Q-Tips

I am ALWAYS the girl to skip steps, quicken my routine. I've discovered three ways to use Q-tips, and I thought now is the time to let the secret out.

1. Take off that under eye mascara smudge with a Q-tip. Simply cover it in some moisturizer, preferably for eyes, but any works, and lightly sweep it under the eye. It not only takes off that stubborn makeup, but you don't have to wipe off the excess product on your skin, because it will actually help moisturize! Not to mention, this is great for those with sensitive skin, and you don't want to use a wipe to quickly get the makeup off, because I find it can sometimes burn a little. 

2. Apply a smoky eye. Take the cotton swab, and either press or twist it into powder, and shake off the excess. It creates the perfect amount of shadow for under the eye, as well as a great blending tool if brushes are too much of a hassle, or too much money. I find that it also doesn't have as much fallout than some brushes, saving time from having to clean all the excess powder up. This also works great for cream eyeshadow too. 

3. Take off excess mascara and clumps. Use the stick of the Q-tip and basically brush it along the lashes. It takes of excess wet mascara without taking off any of the volume or length, and it doesn't get all over your hands and clump if you just try to use your fingers. It's sanitary, and a fantastic tool to use when you just want to quickly set your mascara. 

Travel Pictures: Hawaii Part 2

So yeah, I finally got around to posting some Hawaii pt. 2 photos. All above water photos, and some are very simple, but I still love them. Hope you enjoy!

All work here is my own. Please do not print or distribute without permission. Contacts about prints can be found in the Contact Me page. Thank you!

Little Thoughts

So time for another inside Alex's head time. Recently, my very good friends have been having a lot of relationship complications with guys, other friends, and parents. Not anything detrimental and relationship breaking, just some small things that kinda hits them a bit. And while trying my hardest to not sound superficial, I think that sometimes it's difficult to be the one who is always giving the advice. 

I'm actually a bit older than all of my friends. Less than a year, but sometimes I think it makes a difference. Either that, or I have a really old soul. But when you have to be the one trying to make people feel better all the time, it becomes a bit difficult to care for yourself as well. I've reached the point where sometimes I wish that I can have some of the smaller problems that can be solved with some loving friend advice, instead of the bigger ones. 

But enough of the complaining, because I am a pretty lucky person. 

Well those are my thoughts! Feel free to share your experiences, similar or not, in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!

It's Been a Year…

WHAT?!

It's amazing when you think about how fast time really does go by. It's been a long and trying year, but I think I've gotten a bit of this blogging thing down by now. I'm still learning, but I've definitely learned to be patient with myself, and accept quality over quantity. What will you continue to see? Everything you have been, and continued growth (hopefully). It might be hard to believe this small accomplishment means so much to me, but it really does. It's like an online journal that I want people to read. I get to put down what I want to say into words, but also share it to the world. If you've ever had any urge to blog, absolutely go for it. It's not about the views or comments that you see in the hundreds on big bloggers. It's about you. Your thoughts, that people will see. 

So yeah, that's my year 1 thought. Thanks to everyone who has even stopped by and even just read one word. It means the world. 

Best Brushes for Beginning That Smoky Eye

I think I've finally gotten a handle on the perfectly blended smokey eye, something I've been trying to achieve for a while. While choosing shadows is a whole different story, I've come down to three brushes I think are great for getting the look:

Blending Brush: (Step 1-left brush) I think this is a great brush for any eyeshadow look, but even better for blending that darker shadow in the crease and under the eye to get a good gradience in color, rather than a line of light color and a line of dark. The Mac 217 brush is a great option, with cream or powder shadows. A more budget friendly brush is the Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush, which is very similar in size and density of bristles. 

Large Crease Brush: (Step 2-right brush) I think this is great for getting that smudged darker shadow in the crease, and creating that initial smoky look, without getting to precise that its hard to blend, and ends up being wiped off and starting over. My favorite for this is the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush (part of the same set as the base shadow brush), which is oversized, and starts of light, but can really be built up. Another great option is the Hourglass Crease Brush, both which are very similar in shape, density, and feel.

Medium Precision Brush: (Step 3-middle brush) This brush is perfect for adding that last bit of dark shadow straight into the crease right at the corner of the eye, or right under the eye in the corner. It's not too small where it looks like you're drawing eyeliner, but not too big where the powder gets lost when blending. It's a perfect middle ground, which is why I called it a medium precision brush. I always reach for Sephora Precision #61 Brush, which is precise, but also gets that perfect amount of blending that is signature for that smoky eye. 

Bite Agave Lip Mask Review

I'm a sucker for lip products that say they are miracle moisturizers. The Bite Agave Lip Mask was no exception, reaching it's way right into my Sephora basket. I picked up the champaign color, thinking it would be a subtle way to get major moisture while preventing the "I have petroleum jelly smothered over my lips and it shows" look I sometimes wear. I can officially say that after a month of use, I am extremely pleased. The color is a light sheer pink with golden shimmer, which makes it look like a high end gloss (Nars Orgasm anyone?). And while I normally try to stray away from the excess sheen, this just looks gorgeous and natural. Now besides the beauty bit of it, it really works well as a moisturizer. It's extremely thick and sticky, which is to be expected, but works like magic. I instantly feel a difference, and it keeps my lips moisturized far longer than the EOS balms, or regular ol' lip balm. The price is absolutely worth the product, because a half-a-pea-size amount sets me for the whole school day (and I'm talking about small peas here). I 100% recommend it if you hate dry lips. I want to try the other color too, which is a brighter fuchsia pink, but for now, I say go for the champaign.

Why do we struggle with confidence?

A while back, a friend of mine who was in a long term relationship told me that they best way to get a person to like you is to show them that there is something that gives you confidence. For her, it was her jack-of-all-trades personality, in which she was on varsity soccer, one of the smartest students, and totally outgoing and personable. The type of person who never got acne, the ones we envy our whole lives. And I kept thinking, I'm never going to be that person. 

But at the time, I completely missed the point. I was still comparing myself to her. I was still saying, I'm terrible at sports, I'm an average student, there are people who are being far more successful than I. I never really looked at my own accomplishments in comparison to my own accomplishments. I only looked at others. 

I'm not the only one who's asked why I feel like I need to compare myself so much, which drains my confidence, and overall, my self-esteem. But whenever they ask, I never had an answer. 

Why do I struggle with confidence?

Because I compare myself so much. I never looked at my own growth, which when putting it into perspective, has been far greater than I could ever imagine to achieve. I suck at sports, I'm not the smartest, and I'm the girl who always sticks with the dog at parties, rather than try to be social. 

Also…

I got into university. I take college level photography classes. I have an amazing family, amazing friends, and you know what? Some pretty cute dogs around town love me. 

Is this my absolute switch to total badass confidence? Absolutely not. It's an uphill battle that very few people have seen the peak of. If you struggle with confidence like me, and yes, the rest of the world, I want you to at least know two things. One, you are there with 7+ billion other people. And two, look at one small achievement that you've had in your lifetime. It can be as simple as you finished reading a book. You've said a kind word to someone, or held open the door. Find something simple, and build on that, and you'll realize that there has been far more accomplishments in your life than you thought. 

Quick Movie Review #3

The Theory of Everything: Absolutely adored this movie. The story it captures is one I don't think many people actually know about, and it's not exactly for the light hearted. But the cinematography and Eddie Redmayne are absolutely brilliant, and being the science nerd I am, I have an even greater respect for Stephen Hawking and the barriers he pushed past. I especially liked how it kept flowing with the different conflicts, such as university, then love, the disease, and trying to continue the work he wanted the world to see. A+ in my book. 

Throwback- Star Wars Films: Well this just pretty much set my nerd level to new precedence, but anyways, I watched all six movies over a week. Some are better than others, but I honestly love the quirky world and not so great graphics that make up Star Wars, and I think you should see them at some point in your life if you haven't! Am I excited for the 7th movie? I'm very wary, but I do think it has potential. I'll get back to you on that one. 

As part of a class assignment, we are also watching The Matrix, which is so far very intriguing. I haven't watched much, but I will give a quick update on that later. Have a good week!