A Mask for Every Occassion

Well, hello there!  Since the Halloween season is officially over (brb, crying), I decided to give my skin a break.  Several of the Freaky Friday looks involved what seemed like more than a full face of makeup.  Although I properly cleansed every time I wore makeup, I still found my skin needed something extra.  These are the masks I tend to go for if my skin needs a little boost.

Halloween Movies

Hello there, everyone!  To kick off my Halloween week, I thought I would go through some of my favorite Halloween movies.  Nothing gets me in the spooky spirit faster than a good spooky movie.  I have compiled a list of my top ten Halloween films: half of which are scary, half are not.  If you’re having a night in or need something to watch with your friends, read on to see what I’d recommend!

Autumn Arsenal

This week so far has finally felt like autumn on the east coast.  The weather is below 75⁰, leaves are starting to change colors, and the pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere.  The drop in temperature makes me want to switch out my bright summer makeup for the darker tones of autumn.  While rearranging my makeup bag, I noticed I was gravitating towards specific shades for my lip products.  The pinks and bright reds were replaced by dusty roses and plums that are irresistible this time of year.  Here is a list of the types of colors I'll be wearing this autumn.

This and That (Haul)

Well, hello there!  Over the past few weeks, I have visited Ulta, Sephora, and Walgreens a few too many times.  I usually have a legitimate reason: restocking a product I've used up, replacing an expired product, seeing something I absolutely cannot live without for one more second.  Well, maybe not that last one, but I did say I usually have a good reason.

So, here are all the tempting products I've accumulated.

Books with Pictures for Grown-Ups

Well, hello there!  Over the summer I got into a huge reading kick.  I have this horrible tendency to start a book, get anywhere from a quarter to halfway through it, and then stop.  It's a problem, I know, I'm working on it.

The only exception to this rule is graphic novels.  Beautiful art paired with a page turning story is better than combining chocolate and peanut butter.  (Coming from me, that means a lot.) I have read a few graphic novels in the past, but this summer I went a little nuts.  I was asking around for recommendations and before I knew it, I had a huge stack of books friends had loaned to me.  So, if you want to try something different, here are a few recommendations I have.

The Essie Addiction

I have a confession to make.  It's something I have known for a long time, but couldn't really bring myself to admit it.  I... I have an addiction to Essie nail polishes.  There!  I said it!

I knew this was an addiction when I had to have a separate basket for just Essie polishes.  It doesn't help that my mom also suffers from this condition.  It's gotten to the point where we have almost memorized the names of the shades we have so we do not buy duplicates.  Now that that weight is off my chest, let me go into some of my favorite Essie shades!

Summer Makeup Essentials

Summer is in full swing which means a drastic change in my makeup routine.  The full coverage, dark makeup has been replaced with the lighter coverage tinted moisturizers and warm, golden bronze tones.  Instead of talking about my entire summer makeup bag, I thought I'd talk about the products that I cannot go a day without in the summertime.  

Ulta Haul!

A few weeks ago I went to the always tempting Ulta.  I say "always tempting" because I never stick to my list of products to purchase.  Gordon will tell you, I have no self-restraint when it comes to beauty products.  Ulta is one of my favorite places to shop because they have such a wide variety of products that can suit anyone's budget.  There's always a sale or deal of some kind going on allowing you to stretch that dollar even further.  I went during there 21 Days of Beauty and had a 20% off coupon.  Yaaaay deals!  If anyone out there needs some shopping inspiration, here are the products I picked up!

Empties Deux!

Well, hello there, everyone!  I'm so sorry for the absence.  School has been insane these past few months with projects, papers, and tests oh my.  I'm going to make it my mission these next few months to be more regular so you don't have to wait two months between posts.

Despite being absent on here, beauty products have remained a huge part of my life.  (Let's be honest, they'll always be a big part of my life.)  It seems that I never run out of products a little at a time; it's all or nothing.  I ran out of all of these products within a day or two of each other.  It was a bit insane that week, let me tell you.  So, as you might have guessed from the title, here is my second empties post!

I Can't Stop Playing... Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Hi, everyone.  My name is Rachel and I'm addicted to Animal Crossing.  

Since Christmas, I have been playing this game nonstop.  I love it because it's a very stress-free, calming game.  It's great to come home after a day of work or class, switch on my 3DS, and play this for an hour or two.

If you're not familiar with the Animal Crossing setup, it's basically a "life and community simulation game."  This means you, as the player, control the life of your character and the relationships it develops.  This isn't a game where you're given a grand mission to save the world and you have to fight incredibly intimidating monsters.  Instead, you get to know your neighbors, do favors for them, and customize your house.

You're probably wondering why this game is any fun.  Sounds pretty mundane without some grand purpose to fulfill, right?  Wrong.  So, totally wrong.  The thing I love about the Animal Crossing series, especially New Leaf, is how customizable it is.  Every player's experience is going to be different and you can make your experience in the game totally your own.  

In New Leaf, you are mistaken upon your arrival to your new town that you are the new mayor.  With the help of the townsfolk and your adorable secretary Isabelle, it is up to you all to make your town a better place to live.  There are public workers projects that can be funded or ordinances to help maintain the state of the town even when you're not playing.  As with the other Animal Crossing games, there is no main plot.  You go about your day as mayor, building relationships with the townspeople and trying to make your town the best place to live.  I would really recommend this game to anyone, at any age, no matter the experience level of the player.

Is this a game you would play?  Are there any other video games you enjoy?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel 

Tools of the Trade: Base

Makeup brushes are something I didn't really get into until the last year and a half.  I would paruse the aisle in Sephora with all of these amazing looking brushes but have no idea what I needed.  I found foundation/base brushes particularly intimidating since there is so much variety.  This past year I have done some research and bought a few sets to try out.  Having the right brush can make the process of doing your makeup so much easier and (in my weird case) more enjoyable.  Here's a list of my favorite base brushes and what I use them for.

Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush
First of all, can we just talk about how disgustingly beautiful this brush is?  That rose gold detailing is stunning!  Besides looking pretty, this brush is perfect for blending foundation.  Because of its round shape there are no streaks left behind as you buff away your foundation for a natural looking base.

Real Techniques Contour Brush
Spoiler alert: I don't use this for contouring.  Despite the name of the brush, I actually find it best to use for concealer.  It's fluffy, tapered top is perfect for the delicate eye area and blending the product in hard to reach spots.

Real Techniques Duo Fiber Stippling Brush
This is the perfect brush for cream blushes.  Since the fibers are different lengths it gives a very light application of product.  I also like that it is on the smaller side so I can have more control over where the product is applied.

Zoeva 110 Face Shape Brush
Now, this is what I use for contour/bronzer.  I find slanted brushes make bronzer and contour application so much easier.  The (mostly) flat surface helps apply the product right in the hollows of the cheeks.

Real Techniques Duo Fiber Face Brush
I have ignored pretty much all of my other powder brushes for this one.  Again, the different lengths in fibers help give a light application.  This is incredibly necessary for powder because the last thing you want is cake face.  You cannot mess up applying powder if you use this brush.

Sephora #59 Pro Precision Powder Brush
I have had this brush for such a long time (3+ years) and it still performs beautifully.  I mostly use it for powder blushes, but it also works nicely for normal face powder.  I like the size of the bristles and how it barely tapers off at the top.  You can see in my Fall Everyday Makeup Post how I like to hold the brush on its side.  I find this method applies the blush in a very precise and natural looking manner.

I absolutely adore all of these brushes.  What brushes do you use?  Any I absolutely need to get?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

Recent Obsession: Alien by Thierry Mugler

Hello, everyone!  I decided to start a series of posts about things that I'm loving and cannot wait until the end of the month to write about.  There won't be any particular schedule to these.  I'll just write about the products that I cannot get enough of.  To kick off this series, I'll be talking about a perfume that I have been dousing myself in since I got it for Christmas.

Before I get into the perfume, let me mention the way I stumbled across it.  I was in Sephora with Gordon over the summer and we were browsing the extensive collection of perfumes.  I'm always curious as to what scents he likes so we were giving a variety of things a sniff.  I saw this perfume and my first reaction was to laugh.  "Alien?!  What kind of a name for a perfume is that?!"  I have seen some silly perfume names, but this one was just too much.  I was still laughing and joking with Gordon about the absurdity of the name as I sprayed it on one of those sample paper things (anyone know what those are called).  Let me tell you, I stopped laughing as soon as I inhaled this perfume.  It was love at first scent and I was lusting after it for months.

If I had to describe Alien by Thierry Mugler, two words come to mind: warm and sexy.

The most fragrant notes in this perfume are vanilla and amber.  They blend perfectly together creating a very sultry scent.  A big factor for me when it comes to perfumes (especially ones that have a hefty price tag) is the lasting factor.  This perfume lingers throughout a long day at work and dinner with a friend beautifully.  It doesn't stay as potent as when you first put it on, but it settles nicely into your skin and clothes.  I think this scent is great for this time of year when all you want is a warm drink and someone to snuggle up with.

What type of scents do you look for in perfume?  Do you have any recent obsessions?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Rachel

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

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

Review: ipsy November Glam Bag!

Hello, there!  One thing I love about the beauty world is the ability to try so many different things without having to buy the full size of a product.  Most beauty stores have some kind of rewards system where you get to try a mini or deluxe size of a product (mostly) guilt free.  It's such a great way to expose yourself to different brands and break out of your comfort zone without the commitment of a whole new product.

That's also why I'm a huge fan of mail beauty services like Birchbox and ipsy.  In case you aren't familiar with these types of services, you are able to customize what type of products you would like to try.   You can get skincare, hair care, makeup, or even snacks in these boxes.  Each month you will get a variety of samples sent right to your door!  The mail services vary in price to fit every budget, even us broke post-college girls.  

I have been an ipsy subscriber since August and I have really enjoyed it so far.  I love the variety of products you get in each bag.  Most of the brands I get I have not heard of, which is exactly what I want out of a beauty mail service.  I love anything that enables my addiction. ;]

Anyway, after all that blabbering, let's get on to the review!

The Bag

Every month, ipsy sends the products in a different makeup bag.  While I love this idea, the bags can be very hit or miss for me.  I understand it's hard to cater to thousands of people's tastes, but I was a tad disappointed in this month's bag.  The silver glitter with bright pink seems a little tacky.  The bag itself is decent, I'm just not a fan of the design.

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hairspray
I haven't used this enough to give a full review, but I have enjoyed it so far.  The smell is amazing and doesn't leave my hair feeling crunchy or sticky.  Has anyone tried this?

J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint in Mad Splatter

As soon as I took this product out of the bag I gasped.  The color is stunning.  It's a perfect dark magenta color that can be built up to look a little more on the purple end of the spectrum.  They remind me of the OCC Lip Tars in terms of the packaging and consistency.  Not sure if the staying power matches up as well, but this product still lasts a long time.

Starlooks Gem Pencil in Ultra Olive

Now, don't be intimidated by the name like I was.  I was afraid the color would be too yellow for me and make my eyes look all weird and zombiefied.  My goodness, I was wrong.  This liner is so pigmented and shimmery that I can't even.  Yes, white girl can't even level.  I'm also pretty sure this is a full size which is a nice plus!

SeaRx Birchsap Moisturizing Lotion
This product is a tad confusing.  It says on the tube that I should not put it on my face, but various things online are saying that's okay.  Just to be safe, I have only been using this on my hands.  It has a lovely mild smell and absorbs incredibly fast into the skin.  I like it well enough, but it's not something I will be running out and buying the full size of. 

it Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye in Neutral Medium
I have always wanted to try this product so I was really happy to see this in my bag!  This is an incredibly thick concealer that works well under the eyes and on other areas of the face.  Even though the tube is super small, you only need the tiniest amount of this stuff.  It has wonderful staying power and matches my skin tone really well.

All in all, I really liked this month's bag of goodies.  Are you a subscriber to any mail beauty services?  Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Rachel

Recovery Nights

Everyone has busy weeks that require a fair amount of recovery.  With Halloween weekend came three parties, all of which were amazing.  However, after several days of only a few hours sleep and a hangover resembling the movie "Drumline", I needed something to help me bounce back.  Here is my routine for a recovery night.

Perk Up, Honey

As I sit and type these are the things closest to me/on me: I am wrapped in a fuzzy white robe with two blankets on my legs, cold water, throat lozenges, a constantly growing pile of tissues, and reruns of old British detective TV series.  Sounds super attractive, right?  This, ladies and gents, is what happens when I get sick.  Since I am very well acquainted with the common cold (I swear I get it, like, 8 times a year), I decided to list my tricks for recovery as well as some "sick day makeup" tips.

• It is okay to stay home.  I know this seems obvious, but for a workaholic like me pushing myself to the limit is all I do.  Challenging myself to do better and be better was how I got through undergraduate.  This method can be productive, but it can also set you several days back on the road to recovery.  Your bosses, friends, and professors will understand if you need a day off.  More often than not, the best medicine is a day of rest and relaxation.

• Keep the makeup light.  If you absolutely have to go out, save the dramatic eyes and lips for another day.  Tinted moisturizer, concealer, powder (if you need it), brows, blush, and mascara are the only things I bother with.  Even though that sounds like a lot, it takes me less than five minutes to put all this on.  Occasionally, I will put on some highlighter to give my skin a little more life.

• When you think you've had enough water, drink one more glass.  This is something I've had to learn the hard way.  It may sound odd, but I do not get thirsty very often.  I have to think about keeping myself hydrated even when I'm not sick.  Water is so important because it helps flush those nasty toxins out of your body.  The last thing you need on top of your other symptoms is dehydration, so drink up!

• Give your skin a little TLC.  Even though I have combination skin, I pick a moisturizer that is slightly more... moisturizing.  (Was that redundant?)  My nose area especially needs this since it gets dry from constant contact with tissues.  Lately I've been using the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream Moisturizer, making sure to use a little extra around any areas that are particularly dry.  This stuff is great because it gives me that moisturized feeling without feeling like a grease monkey.

These are my main tips, but please share yours in the comments!  I hope all of you are well and stay healthy!

Till next time,

Rachel

Travel Makeup!

Since I mentioned I went on a little trip in my last post, I thought I would talk about the makeup I brought with me.

It was a bit difficult packing for this since I wanted to be able to do a heavy concert look as well as a light everyday look.  When picking out the products to take, I found I was picking things that I knew would work and have tried multiple times.

The Base
Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Primer- I desperately need to go buy a full size version of this.  It's a bit of a strange texture that's hard to explain.  It doesn't have that super silicone feel (which I don't mind) and it dries to a more matte finish.  It works well with all of my foundations which can be a problem for me with some other primers.

Rimmel's Match Perfection (True Ivory)- Remember how I said about six lines ago I picked tried and true products?  I'm about to contradict myself.  I bought this foundation earlier that day to try out.  I'm sure most of you know about this/have it, so you know that it is a great product.  I was able to build it up to medium-full coverage for the concert and sheer it out for the everyday look.  All in all, I love it!

Bobbi Brown's Corrector (Porcelain Peach)- I bought this a few weeks back and I have completely fallen in love with it.  As you will see in future posts, I struggle with dark circles and this really helps tone down that darkness.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Fair)- Even though I'm based in the US, I had a friend who lives in Ireland mail this to me since the UK blogging/YouTube scene loves it so much.  I like it, but I do find it can crease under my eyes if I wear it for too long.  It is great for covering blemishes or areas that need extra coverage the foundation didn't give.

Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder (Transparent)- This stuff is sent from the heavens for people like me with combination/oily skin.  It's a drugstore price with a high end result.  I'll sing this powder's praises until the end of time.

Benefit Dallas Blush- I love using this product as a blush as well as an interesting contouring technique.  The muted plum/purple tone of this blush is what makes it work for a contour.  For the concert I put this right below where I would normally put blush and it gave such a nice effect.

The Eyes
Lorac Pro Palette- This is the perfect travel palette for me with a row of matte shades and a row of shimmer shades.  The combinations are endless for this palette and the super sleek structure makes it easy to travel with.  I won't ramble too much about this since you all have probably heard other people sing its praises.  Count me in on that choir.

Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner (Black)- Ever since I bought this, I haven't used any other liquid eyeliner.  It lives up to its name and does not budge until you decide to wash it off.  Perfect for the concert in the hot venue!

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Duo- When it comes to mascaras, I go through phases.  Right now I'm feeling the I-want-my-lashes-to-look-like-falsies-all-the-time phase.  This gets the job done.  As a word of caution, I will say this can sometimes make your lashes sticky.  I found that putting the white mascara on the middle to tip of the lash works better than going from root to tip.  That might just be me, but I thought I'd pass the knowledge on!

Tying It Together
Anastasia's Brow Whiz (Soft Brown)- I don't think there's a blog out there that hasn't talked about this product.  This amazing brow pencil is worth all of the hype and the shade selection is perfect.

MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick- This is one of my only MAC lipsticks and I use it constantly.  It is a peachy colored cremesheen formula that pairs well with almost any look.

Now that you've read this novel of a post, what are your travel makeup essentials?  Comment below and share!

Until next time!
-Rachel