Hey! Where have you been?

Hi lovely readers! 

I just wanted to update you and let you know that I haven't forgot about you all OR my blog!

I've just been extremely busy with finishing up the semester and finals - but it's almost all over and then I'll be back in action this summer!!! I'm super excited to get back!

So hope you all have been well and I will be back shortly - posting regularly again.

Talk with you soon!

hugs and tired and overworked brain, 

Jess xx

My Roommates Favorites: Part 2

Hi Pretties!

Hope everyone is having a lovely day so far! I'm unfortunately suffering from some nasty allergy symptoms today because everything is pretty and blooming but at least it's nice outside. I had a wonderful birthday and got some awesome gifts that I will share soon, then had dinner with my family and boyfriend at Brio's (I had a delicious steak nom nom nom).

Todays post is the second part of my Roommates Favorites little mini series and I will be sharing Liz' favorites - she has been my roommate since freshman year and is a wonderful friend for dealing with all my crazy since then! She also has recently started her own blog sharing her journey into the duh duh duh...."Real World" - so follow her fun journey as she graduates from college in just a few weeks and moves to New York for her big girl job! Enjoy! 

Here's the link http://becomingareallifeperson.blogspot.com/

Versatile Blogger Award

Hello Dears! 

I've recently been nominated by the beautiful Caitlin from Lifes-Glitters for the Versatile Blogger Award. Definitely check out her blog, she has some lovely swatches of urban decay shadows up! I'm super excited because slowly but surely my blog is growing (54 FABULOUS followers) and it makes me smile everyday that people enjoy reading it! So thank you, thank you, thank you! I really enjoy it and being apart of such a fun community of fellow makeup junkies and smart, beautiful women! (and handsome men of course if you read this)

Rules

• link to the blog of the person who nominated you
• select fifteen new blogs/bloggers you've recently discovered and follow regularly 
• Nominate those bloggers for a VBA, leave a link to their page and leave a comment on their most recent post to let them know they have been nominated
• Tell the person who nominated you 7 things about you

So here are the lovely bloggers I'm nominating: 

Ash @ http://abeautymoment.blogspot.com/

Irna @ http://littlebeautylashes.blogspot.com/

ReNu @ http://mybeautyjunction.blogspot.com/

Hannah @ http://hannahheartss.blogspot.com/

Laura @ http://laurasfashionfix.blogspot.com/

Vicky @ http://northernblush.blogspot.com/

Desi @ http://dollfacedisasterbeauty.blogspot.com/

7 Things About Me: 

1. I have a weird 'obsession' with things smelling good, so I love candles, and air fresheners and such! 

2. I'm a senior in college and getting ready to graduate in December...wow I'm old! 

3. I drive a navy blue VW Jetta and its name is Mufasa (yupp - from Lion King)

4. I love swedish fish - they are such an odd candy but delicious in a weird kind of way! Don't try the mixed flavors just stick with the original in my opinion.

5. I am OBSESSED with dogs and probably will be an old dog lady haha

6. I've been pondering the thought of cutting my hair really short like I used to have it - but they I wussy out because it took so long to grow out. Just wish I could just switch it up a little easier! 

7. Finally, My birthday is on Monday! Whoo Hoo! Tax Day Baby bum bum bum - people always remind me of that when I tell them the date of my birthday. 

Hope you are all having a wonderful day - it's a little rainy here but it's nice a warm so I can't complain! Excited for the weekend and a makeover event I'm helping host tomorrow on campus.

Roommates Favorites Part II with Liz will be up soon! So be on the look out! 

Thanks for Reading, 

xx Jess 

March 2013 Favorites

Happy Hump Day!

Though it's already April 10th (my goodness senior year is flying by - enter sad face) I still wanted to share my March Favorites with you all! I have a lot of random favorites last month but some rediscovered ones that I forgot I loved. Just to warn you there is quite a lot of products this month but I hope you enjoy seeing what i've been using lately. 

March Favorites

1. Dove Clear Tone Deodorant - I got a sample of this a while back and I had ran out of my normal deodorant, Secret Clinical Strength in Fresh Powder, so I thought I would try this out. Turns out I love  love love it! It really did help keep razor irritation to a minimum and 'stank' (stank just sounds so much smellier huh?) during the day either! Which is always a good thing, I will definitely be trying a full size one of these because I used it all up! 

2. Boots Expert Anti-Blemish Scrub - I know they say sometimes not to irritate your acne skin with a scrub, but since mine breakouts usually come in spots it really doesn't irritate my skin. I really like using a scrub every other day just because I feel like it helps my skin get extra clean and gets deep into the pores. This scrub is pretty gentle because it is for acne prone skin and has willow bark to calm your skin. love it! 

3. Tanda ZAP - I saw this in Sephora last month, and at the time I had a monster mountain of a zit on my chin and thought why not try to zap it away and try this out. The lady at Sephora said that she has heard great things about it and of course I looked up reviews like I always do. I have to say that I really think it works and helps speed up the process of healing and reduced the size of my pimple overnight. 

4. Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara - I saw this product being used by the beauty blogger Emily at  Beauty Broadcast and thought I would pick it up too. It's amazing because I like to use mascara with big brushes and always make a mess out of my bottom lashes if i'm in a hurry. This mascara has a tiny brush that is perfect for your bottom lashes - and a cheaper alternative to Clinique's bottom lash mascara. 

5. Aquage Silkening Oil Treatment - This is the product I am currently trying out in place of my Kenra Blow-Dry Spray and am really enjoying it. I just put it on after I have towel dried and brushed my hair and I think it makes styling my hair easier with less frizz! 

6. Victoria's Secret Fabulous Perfume - Lovely light summer fragrance, I really encourage you to try it out next time you are in a VS store. I've literally been wearing it everyday since I got it and have gotten lots of compliments on it. Nice to know when you smell good! 

7. Smashbox Brow Tech in Brunette - This is a rediscovered product because i've been using my beloved Anastasia brow pencil for a while now and for some reason wanted to try powder again. I really like the soft look powder gives on the brows, it can be easier to over draw them with a pencil and the powder can look a bit more natural. 

8. Burt's Bee's Cuticle Cream - This stuff is INSANE, I put it on my cuticles at night and in after just a few nights of using it, my cuticles look way better and not as dry as they were. They have really never looked so good haha It also has a lovely lemon smell to it and doesn't leave your hands feeling all greasy like some cuticle creams can.

9. Concealer from Japan - I apologize for not knowing the name and brand of this concealer but that's all it says on the front and everything else is in Japanese. My best friend from Japan sent this to me (so I will ask her) and I couldn't believe it when she told me it was a drugstore concealer. It does WORK on any spots that you need to cover! Example: my roommate ran into a tree (yea yea I know, the branch was hanging low and she wasn't paying attention, she's gonna punch me for telling this by the way. Anyways I gave her this concealer and she covered that bad boy up under her eye like the Shrubbery had never attacked her in the first place.) 

10. MAC Fix + - I got the mini travel bottle to try it out before I bought a large bottle and i've been using it as a makeup setting spray and really like it. It feels refreshing and leaves a natural finish to your foundation. Definitely will purchase a larger bottle. 

Hang in there, last but not least...

11. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation in Nude - Another rediscovery from last summer, I forgot how beautiful this foundation is on the skin. It gives a light to medium buildable coverage and makes it looks like you're not even wearing makeup. It does have a slight dewy finish so if you have super oily skin this might not be for you, or just try using a matte powder to set it. 

Well that's all I have for now - I will be posting a tag soon and my Roommates Favorites Part II later this week. Oh and my birthday is coming up on Monday, so I am getting excited for that - I think my family might come up to school and take me to dinner. I love holidays and birthdays when my family gets together! 

What products did you love in March? Have you tried any of the products I mentioned, what did you think of them? Look forward to reading your answers in the comments!

Also, let me know if you have any request or suggestions of future posts you would like to see! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Thanks for Reading 

hugs & pretty cuticles, Jess 

Too Faced Summer Eyes Palette: Review & Swatches

Hi lovelies! 

I apologize for being away from my blog for the past week, school has been crazy busy lately and might be for the next month until the semester is over - so please hang in there with me! I'll be back in action posting more regularly soon enough! 

Anyways, we're finally getting some beautiful spring weather here where I am and it's getting me so excited for summer and sun! I tried on something swim suits with my roommate this weekend and I found the cutest one (okay well she found it and suggested it to me - so i'll give her the credit) It's by Jessica Simpson and here is the top - this style is so cute and flattering for especially people like me who wasn't exactly blessed with huge boobs just normal-ish ones haha

So enough catching up and blabbing about the weather...here is some swatches on the new Too Faces Summer Eyes Palette so get you ready for all the lovely weather! 

cute packaging!

March Empties

March 2013 Empties

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter, and if you don't celebrate Easter then hope you just had a wonderful, relaxing Sunday! 

Today's Post is a few of my most recent empties - I always like looking at what other bloggers post as their empties. I also love the feeling of using an entire product up and knowing it didn't go to waste! 

1. Salma Hayek Nuance Makeup Remover - I got this originally because I was out of my Mary Kay makeup remover and was in a crunch to get something that wouldn't irritate my eyes. I actually really ended up loving this product, I liked that it didn't make my eye area feel oily after removing my makeup and almost felt like I was using water to remove my makeup. 

Would I Repurchase? Yes, absolutely planning on getting some more this week.

2. Kenra Blow-Dry Spray - I really enjoyed this product and honestly thought it did help speed up my dry time. It also smelled super delicious, kinda like summer or yummy coconut. I would definitely recommend this product if you're looking for a heat protected spray that helps cut dying time. With long crazy locks like mine it tends to take a while to get it all dried and styled - so anything to cut drying time is good with me!

Would I Repurchase? I think I would, but right now I am trying out another product that claims to give similar benefits and will finish that up before buying more. 

3.  Bath & Body Works Candles (Sandalwood anda Vanilla, Lavender Chamomile) - Love Love Love these scents! Did I mention that I loved them? haha Anyways I burned them all up and of course then BBW got rid of these scents and I can't find them anywhere! Don't you just hate when you find something you like and then go back to get more and they discontinue it? Oh well, i'm sure i'll find other that I like

Would I Repurchase? YES!!!!! If I could ever find them! 

4. Make-Up Forever Smokey Lash Mascara - Love this mascara, I think i've gone through three tubes now. I think it gives both great volume and length and is super black. I do think this mascara gets better with time though, the formula gets a little more thicker and easier to work with in time. 

Would I Repurchase? Yes, I already have a back up that I got a while back but I would like to try some other kinds of mascara now and maybe something a little cheaper. I have been wearing my Covergirl Clump crusher as my everyday mascara, and like it a lot. 

**I also forgot to add to my picture that I finished another bottle of my It's a 10 original and my small Boscia Clear Complexion Tonic Mist. I already have another It's a 10 because it really help detangle my hair and keeps it healthy. I'm still deciding if I think I should get the bigger bottle of the Tonic Spray. Any Suggestions on other toners for Blemish prone skin?

Hope you enjoyed seeing products i've been using up :D 

Talk with you all soon!

Jess 

OH! Anyone watch Real Housewives of Orange County ? I just watched the season premiere while writing this post yay! So fun to watch their wild drama! 

Off to do homework now! 

April 2013 Wish List

Ello! 

Hope you all are having a wonderful day! 

Finally all the snow has melted and it's sunny at 40 degrees outside! Spring is near!

Here is some of my new wish list items!  

Has anyone tried any of these items? What do you think?

I'm thinking about filming a look with the new Too Faced Summer palette while i'm home for break so be on the look out! 

Talk to you all soon! 

Easter Break giddy,  Jess 

    

Benefit Triple Glammy High Shine Gloss

Hello Everyone! 

Today is a little post and review about Benefit's Trio of High Shine Glosses with a little mini motivational monday quote added to the end of it! Even though it's already technically spring, we got a bunch of snow last night...who's with me when I say I'm ready for spring and for the cold to be gone?! Hope you enjoy and stay warm if it's chilly where you are! 

Firmoo Trendy Glasses: Review

Yippee It's Thursday and almost the weekend - can I get a woop woop?

I have a super exciting post today because my lovely readers can a little something to snaz up your eyes from it. I was contacted by the glasses company Firmoo to try out a pair of their glasses and then do a little review about how I liked them. This is my first company that has contacted me and I wanted to add a little disclaimer in here: I am NOT being paid to review this product and all opinions in this post are truly my OWN and how I personally feel about the product. I did receive my pair of glasses for free - However, I wanted to do the review because they offered a program that will let my readers get their first pair of glasses FREE and all you have to do is pay shipping! How awesome is that!!!! 

So what is Firmoo anyways? 

Firmoo - www.firmoo.com, is the world's most popular online eyeglasses store. We have always been committed ourselves to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices which start at 8 dollars.

I was in the market for a new pair of glasses anyways, so I was so excited about this opportunity. Glasses can be SO expensive and this is a wonderful way to try new looks without breaking the bank for just a silly ole designer label. Since, I already have glasses - I decided to go ahead and try a trendier (nerdy, hipster,stylish, whatever you want to call it) pair that I might have not normally chose when I have to buy them for $300 or more with prescription! And the best thing about this is that you also get your lenses with YOUR personal prescription in them! None of that buy your glasses and then pay a million dollars for your lenses tricky stuff !

So anyways, here are the glasses I chose!

I feel so odd taking selfies - but guess i'll have to get over that for this blog huh? haha

Belated Motivation Monday! #3

Hello! 

I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to post yesterday - it was one of those run around like a chicken with your head cut off kind of day. But just to make sure I stick with it I thought I would still post a little something motivational today. I found this video a while ago about a rescue dog - and thought it was so a great way to show a story of the power of faith and believing in something. 

Even though this situation is about a human helping and animal I think the lesson from it can be applied to any situation and the power of believing in one another and not giving up. 

Here is the link to the video: Hope you enjoy it as much and I did! 

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=5cd_1361685775

I have an exciting post for later this week that includes a little special something for you all AND I just received my first Birchbox (me really exciting jumping up and down) in the mail yesterday and will be doing a post on the products inside it! So look forward to those posts soon! 

And as promised here is my St. Patty's Day attire! 

Lauren, Liz, Me, Ross (boyfriend)

thanks for reading guys! I have lots of beauty posts coming soon I promise! 

Enjoy your Tuesday! 

with hugs and blustery day woes, 

Jess xx

Confessions of a Blogger Tag

Hello Loves!

I was tagged by the beautiful Jasmine from the Green Eyed Monster to do the "Confessions of a Blogger" tag! I enjoy reading why others started their blogs and their experiences with it so thought it would be a great way to also share mine! Thanks Jasmine! You should definitely check out Jasmine's blog - my favorite of her most recent posts is her Silly Saturday which made me sit and laugh out loud myself like a weirdo. 

When did you start your blog?
So I technically started my blog February 2012 - but I finally kicked myself in the butt and decided to dedicate myself to it starting the beginning of this year, and I'm so happy I did. 

Have you had any past online presence before? 

I guess if you consider facebook and twitter a presence haha then yes but not a blog or anything like that, no. 

Why did you start a blog?

I enjoyed reading others blogs so much that I thought I would love to join a community that enjoyed my passion as much as I did. I also found that my friends were always asking me advice on products, or taking them shopping, or doing their makeup (which I love and wouldn't have it any other way) that I thought this would be a nice way to share my thoughts to more people. 

When did you become serious about starting a blog? 

Like I said above, I started the blog last year but really became serious about dedicating my time to it this year and have loved every minute of it thus far. :)

What was your first post?

haha oh goodness, it was basically saying that this was my first attempt at blogging and that I was very new to it so bare with me...and it had a lovely picture of a cat with photoshopped makeup on - which I thought was pretty cute! 

What has been your biggest challenge about blogging?

Probably keeping up with posting regularly - because I am also a full time student with two internships and a part-time job that my time needs to be well thought out, hence the reason most of my posts are published in the wee hours of the morning! Also, learning the correct lighting with photos and such has been a challenge. 

Where do you see your blog in one year? 

Hopefully with more friendly followers reading it and I would love to get enough followers to start making videos!!! I love blogging and the fact that even one person tells me they read it and enjoys it - it keeps me going. It's definitely hard putting yourself out there! 

What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?

Definitely friending so many wonderful people who share the same interests as I do. I enjoy so much when you all leave comments and share your opinions with me. It's very rewarding to know that even if just one person smiled while reading my blog and tells me that they read it - that pushes me to continue it and even lose sleep to post and 'hangout' with you all through my blog. : )

What is the most discouraging thing that happens to you?
I'm really happy to say that I haven't (knock on wood) had really any negative things happen yet during my blogging experience - and not to say there isn't people out there who think it's "silly" or stupid. But who cares about their opinions, I enjoy it and that's all that matters! 

What's your lasting inspiration or motivation?
Absolutely, hands down, those of you who take the time to come to my blog and read what post and comment and share your thoughts with me, I try to reply to everyone of them and truly cherish those little comments! Knowing that people read it is my motivation to keep posting...so thank you to everyone who supports my blog. Also, to my wonderful boyfriend and roommates and family who share my posts and encouraged me every step of the way. Like I said before it's difficult to put yourself out there in this big ole internet world haha 

So there ya go! Thanks for reading my answers and to Jasmine for tagging me! Hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about me as a blogger! 

I would love to hear the Confessions of you all as well...so I'm tagging:

Vicki @ Northern Blush

Jenny @ Jeneral Rambling 

Nadja @ Throw Me Something Beautiful 

And anyone else who wants to do it I would love to read your answers!

thanks for reading and I will be posting a new beauty post soon! We are also throwing a St Paddy's Day Training/birthday party for my roommate party tomorrow so I will post something about my Green Paddy's attire and makeup! (p.s. St. Patty's Day is a pretty big deal at my school...we go big haha)

Have a great day!

Jess :) 

My Roommates Favorites: Part 1

Hello There Pretty Readers! 

Today I am posting part 1 of a mini series called "My Roommates Favorites" so that you can see the favorites of other people with different skin types and such. 

So here are my lovely roommates 

From left to right: Lauren, Megan, Liz, Me

Motivational Monday #2

Happy Monday Everyone!

It's been a rainy, dreary day here but luckily it's getting warmer so it doesn't bother me as much. I can't wait for Spring any longer! For the second motivational monday I have a pretty long quite, but I think every line of it is inspiring and true. I have had this hanging on my bathroom mirror since probably my junior year of high school (i'm a senior in college) because reading it really reminds me to believe in myself. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

You're good, but you're going to be great. 

You're the best, but you're going to get better. 

Sometimes the paths we take are long and hard, but remember: 

those are always the ones that lead to the most beautiful views. 

Challenges come along, inevitably; how you respond to them determines who you are - 

deep down inside - and everything you're going to be. Increase the chances of reaching your goals by working at them gradually. The very best you can do is all that is asked of you. Realize that you are capable of working miracles of your own making. Remember that opportunities have a reason for knocking on your door, and the right ones are there for the taking. You don't always have to win, but you do need to know what it takes to be a winner. It's up to you to find the key that unlocks the door to a more fulfilling life. Understand that increased difficulty brings you nearer to the truth of how to survive it - and get beyond it. Cross your bridges. Meet your challenges. Reach out for your dreams, and bring them closer and closer to heart. Get rid of the "if only's," and get on whatever you need to do to get things right. Go after what you want in life, with all the blessings of all the people who care about you.

And find out what making your wishes come really feels like.

- Collin McCarty

I think it's important to surround yourself with people who believe in you. I am lucky and blessed enough to have really wonderful friends and family who constantly remind me that they know I can do anything I put my mind to. Know that even in your lowest point (which i've definitely been there) there is no where to go but UP and I definitely believe in you!

Hope you enjoyed this weeks bit of inspiration!

Later tonight or tomorrow I will be posting a little mini series 'What my roommates are loving' because I thought since we all have different skin types it could be helpful to see what they like too!

Look at this little cutie from Bath and Body works! It's one of those little clip on air fresheners - I keep mine in my car! 

thanks for reading

Jess xx

Mini MAC Haul

Hey there! Happy Weekend! 

Over break I went to Nordstrom to finally spend the gift card that my boyfriend's wonderful family got me for christmas to by what other than...some makeup?!

They took the MAC Store out of our mall (and replaced it with the art of shaving store for guys...yawn) so Nordstrom's is the closest place to go and actually test the products.

So here is what I picked up on mini MAC haul

Liebster Award!

A big thank you to Laura from Laura's Fashion Fix for nominating me for the Liebster Award! You should definitely check out her blog, she is quite the fashionista!

For those of you who don't know what the Liebster Award is... (because I didn't know before I was tagged in it even though I had seen it on other blogs) The Liebster Award is an award going around where people nominate other up and coming bloggers who have 200 or less followers. It's a nice way for everyone to get to know one another a little better! 

THE RULES ARE...

1)  Each person must post 11 things about themselves

2)  Answer the questions that the tagger set for you

3)  Create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer

4) Go to their page and tell them

5) No tag backs :) 

11 THINGS ABOUT ME 

1) My favorite color is green...of all shades and tints

2) I'm from Kentucky 

3) I'm a senior Visual Communication Design major - Graphic Design basically 

4) I have two precious dogs that I adore

5) I love traveling and have been to Japan, England, Ireland, and France and want to go everywhere!!!

6) My birthday is April 15th (tax day haha) 

7) I am an only child 

8) I love sleeping with a sleeping mask

9) I usually write a to do list everyday - or else I would forget everything

10) I misplace my phone probably about 5 times a day 

11) I have blue eyes 

MY QUESTIONS TO ANSWER

1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Wow this is a tough one, I think Paris would be a lovely place to live for a bit - but I can really make a home anywhere!

2. Celebrity Crush

I've had a crush on James Franco for years but I also think Chris Hemsworth is one smexy hunk of man! ;) 

3. Favourite type of music

I love all kinds of music - it depends on what mood I am in (pop,musicals,country,rap...etc.)

4. Favourite nail varnish colour

I really love nudes and light pinks for my nails and brights for my toes - Essie's Guilty Pleasures for my toes and I forget the name of the OPI nude...something ballerina?

5. Favourite mascara

Definitely MUF's Smokey Lash 

6. What is your favourite pair of shoes? Take a photo!

7. What shampoo do you use for your hair?

I use Redken's Blonde Glam and Herbel Essence originals they just cam out with again! I switch on and off every other wash because the Redken can be pricey! 

8. What is your guilty pleasure?

Probably makeup, reading blog/vlogs, and Raspberry Lemon cheesecake from the cheesecake factory with my girls! 

9. You're given £100 to go shopping on either a clothes spree or for make up, which one would you pick?

Probably makeup spree! 

10. What are you excited for this year?

That I graduate from College in December and hopefully have an exciting internship this summer

11. If you could meet anyone famous, who would it be and why?

I would have really loved to have met Marilyn Monroe - she seemed like such a complex person and would love to have been her friend and get to know her when she wasn't in "Marilyn" mode 

MY QUESTIONS FOR NOMINEES 

1) If you were stuck on an island and could bring three things what would they be?

2) If you could be any disney character, who would you be?

3) What is your dream job?

4) What is your favorite dessert?

5) What is your most used makeup product?

6) What is your favorite holiday?

7) Why did you start blogging?

8) What is your most embarrassing moment?

9) What is your ideal vacation spot?

10) What is your ideal 'chill/comfy' outfit?

My Nominees are...

Vicky - http://northernblush.blogspot.com/

Nadja - http://throwmesomethingbeautiful.blogspot.com/

Rina - http://rinasbeautyrinas.blogspot.com/

Jen - http://jeneralrambling.blogspot.com/

Jodie Marie - http://whatwouldaudreywear.blogspot.com/

Jasmine - http://formosacandidus.blogspot.com/

Taylor - http://heyimtaylor.blogspot.ie/

Rachel - http://www.thefab411.com/

Hope everyone can participate!!! I have fun reading everyone's answers! 

Jess :)