Catching Up

Well, hello, everyone!  I'm so sorry about the lack of posting.  The end of the semester and Christmas season got the best of me and I neglected this little spot.  I just thought I would give a little update today and let you know I'm still functioning (mostly).

Probably the biggest thing was I finished my first semester of graduate school!  I'm so happy to be on break and get re-energized for the next semester.  This is the first time since high school I've had a job and worked, so it definitely took some getting used to.  I learned a lot in and out of the classroom and I hope I can learn from my mistakes this semester and improve.

Also, CHRISTMAS!  I had so much fun this year spending time with family.  My mom's side always has a big gathering on Christmas Eve.  This was the first year Gordon got to see the madness that happens when all the younger kids open their gifts.  It was hilarious and reminded me of how enthusiastic I would be about new toys and goodies when I was that age.  I was very spoiled Christmas morning (anyone want a post on that?) and it was great to relax and enjoy the day.

I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday so far!  Tell me what you've been up to in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

(Also, yes, that is me in a onesie holding a Skyhook.  If anyone knows that video game I will love you forever.)

  

Color of the Season: Red!

Hello, everyone!  For the month of December, a color that seems to pop up more and more is red.  I'm a big fan of this shade all year round, but the Christmas season definitely begs for more of this color.  I decided to make a list of a few of my favorite red things.  There's a bit of everything here, so I hope you enjoy!

Essie in Russian Roulette
This is a classic red shade I adore.  It doesn't lean towards the cool or warm side of the red spectrum, it is just good 'ol red.  As with all Essie nail polishes, it goes on smoothly and gives a great finish after two coats.  I also love that there is no sparkle or glitter in this, making it much easier to wear.

Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Liner in 69
I just recently picked this up and I absolutely love it.  I also chuckled at the name because I'm still a 13-year-old.  Anyway, it works well under the red lipsticks I have that match this shade.  I have also worn this on its own for a more matte effect.  It doesn't dry out my lips either, which is always good!

OPI Nail Polish in Dear Santa
Now, this polish is for those of you who want a little sparkle and glam to your nails.  This is a classic Christmas Party nail color that I will definitely be rocking at some point this month.  I love OPI polishes because they are so easy to apply and last for several days without chipping.  This color is a bright red with a bit of gold shimmer that is absolutely divine to look at.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Very Cherry

This is the best drugstore red lipstick I own.  It has a very creamy and moisturizing formula with a very slight shine.  It is incredibly pigmented for a drugstore product and works like a dream.

Dress- Anthropologie
I got this dress a few years ago when I stopped in a London Anthropologie.  As soon as I saw it on the rack, it was love at first sight.  It hugs my figure in all the right places without being a full bodycon dress.  Also, the little bows on the side are such a cute detail.  I love wearing this with nude heels and a classic trench coat.  Unfortunately, they do not make this dress anymore, but the link above will give you a better idea of what it looked like so if you want something similar you can hunt around for it!

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee in Pink Escape
When I first opened this in a Sephora gift set I was terrified of it.  It is a really  bright red/pink color in the pot.  Do not fear, grab a stippling brush that is near! (Oh, God, that was awful)  I barely tap my Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Contour Brush into the pot and then dab this onto my cheeks.  It gives the perfect just-came-in-from-the-cold flush and will look divine on so many skin tones.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Strawberry
Oh my goodness, this scent is amazing.  I don't usually go for really fruity scents, but I loved this too much to pass it up a few months ago.  I always use body butters during the winter because the skin on my legs dries out slightly (especially after shaving).  The scent is very intense when you first put it on, but after a few minutes it much more mild and wearable.   

Rebecca Minkoff Bag
My mom actually found this beauty hiding in a TJ Maxx.  Go figure!  I don't mind the "B" on the front since my last name is Bell.  This was my first Rebecca Minkoff bag and since then I've been hooked.  It's surprising how much stuff I can fit in there since it doesn't look too big!  It is made so well and puts up with my hectic life beautifully.  

What are your favorite red beauty products?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

Christmas Traditions

I'm finally writing a Christmas post!  I absolutely adore this time of year.  Everyone seems to be in such high spirits and it's absolutely contagious.  The first few weeks of December are always busy since I'm studying for finals, but I thought I would take a little break (more like procrastinate) and share with you my favorite Christmas traditions.  And, yes, that is a Hello Kitty ornament. :]

Empties!

Well, hey there, everyone!  I don’t know if anyone else has this problem, but when I run out of products, I seem to run out of several at once.  It feels great when I use something up because I’m such a hoarder when it comes to beauty products.  I feel like I can also give a more in depth review of something after I’ve used up the entire thing.  So, without further or do, here’s my product empties!

Fresh- Soy Face Cleanser

I got a sample of this several years ago as a 100 point perk from Sephora.  I was in need of a new cleanser and thought I would give this a try.  Since then, I have not used another cleanser.  This is a gel-like cleanser that lathers beautifully.  It’s suitable for all skin types and even removes makeup!  I usually use this after my cleansing balm to make sure my skin is makeup-free.  It does a great job of removing everything I need it to without stripping my skin of moisture.  I would highly recommend picking this up!

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Just as a warning, my review of this product is going to sound a bit odd.  I love this specific can because it does not leave a white cast.  The smell is also amazing and not overpowering.  However, I find after several days of using this there is a distinct build-up of residue in my hair.  Batiste in general is a great brand because the product is around $7 and does do the job well.  However, if you want a dry shampoo that is a little lighter, I would go for something else.

RImmel Fix and Perfect Primer

The only way to describe this product is a shrug of my shoulders and say, “Eh.”  I liked the texture; thick with a definite silicone feel.  Unfortunately, I do not feel it does a good job of extending the wear of my foundation.  Since my skin is on the oily side, I need something a little more heavy duty than this.

Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream

I got this little wonder in my ipsy glam bag a few months ago.  The smell is very spa-like.  It's fresh and light with a hint of floral notes.  This absorbs fairly quickly and does a wonderful job at keeping my hands soft.  I won’t be running out to buy it soon since I have so many hand creams to get through, but I would definitely recommend this.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

Everyone in the beauty world has talked about this at some point or another.  It really is worth the hype.  It smells wonderful, works well, and this tiny bottle is great for travelling.  This stuff is a little too intense for my face, but it works splendidly on the ends of my hair.  Since my hair is thin, I get split ends very easily.  (Random Tangent: Looking at split ends under the microscope is horrifying.  Would not recommend for the faint of heart.)  Using this every time I wash my hair has helped with that and adds some needed hydration.  It is very expensive, so depending on your budget, that can be a con.

Not Pictured: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash- PinkGrapefruit

Something I have struggled with since my teens is body acne.  It’s not something anyone likes to admit they have, but it happens.  I have been using this stuff on and off since high school.  I love the pink grapefruit smell and it lathers beautifully in the shower.  I have found that this product does not fix current breakouts, but helps prevent future ones from happening.  I use this everyday and it does not dry out my skin.

Aaaaand, that's it!  What are some of your recent empties?  Would you recommend them?

Until next time!

Rachel

Giving Thanks

I know most of us are in the full swing of Christmas season, but I want to take it back a bit before I jump on the bandwagon.

This past weekend was Thanksgiving here in the US.  I had all of these grand photo ideas to go with blog posts, instagram, and twitter.  Gordon and I were on pie duty and I wanted to photograph our success and/or struggle with the recipe.  I also wanted to write a nice post for Thanksgiving Day talking about all the people in my life I appreciate.  As you can see, I did none of that. 

I’ve seen a few bloggers talk about “switching off.”  Sometimes we get so caught up in our online life that it’s hard to be present in real life.  I think it’s so important to take some time to be with those you love and do the things you love without feeling the need to document every second.  Now, don’t get me wrong, making a permanent record of certain memories is very valuable.  It’ll be fantastic to look back on those photos or blog posts when you’re older and remember details that may have been otherwise lost.  There are times, however, where our full attention is needed.  We can’t spend 20 minutes setting up a shot or picking the perfect filter.  Take moments as they come, the good and the bad, and fully experience them.

I will cherish the moments I had this weekend with Gordon and my family.  The conversations, the meals, and all of the love that was felt was incredible.  Even the boring moments where I was doing work and Gordon was keeping me company were amazing.

So, I challenge all of you lovely people to look up from your screens and log out of your social media accounts.  There’s a big world out there for the taking.

Until next time!

Rachel