These Are a Few of My Favorite Things... ♪

I'm back today to share with you a few of my recent favorite items. These items are all fairly new (except for the curling iron) but they are things that I love to wear or use. 

These cute cat-eyed sunnies are from Target. I had been looking for a pair of cat-eyed sunnies that flatter my face shape for a while. Every pair I found didn't seem to fit right but then I found these. They aren't too small and are just big enough to not make me look like I have bug eyes. They're perfect and for about $12, why not?

This is the latest Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain that everyone has been talking about. The name of this shade is Sweetheart. I love it. This product actually holds up to all the hype around it. This is the perfect bold, bright pink lip color for summer. I would definitely give these lip stains a try if you haven't already.

I managed to find this gold chain link necklace at Forever 21 for about $10. Once I spotted it, I ran and snatched it up! I was so happy to find this because I was just about to pay waaaay more than $10 for one that looked very similar online. Thanks for coming through once again Forever 21.

I've had this curling iron for a long time now. I stopped using it for a while but lately I've been in the mood to wear my hair curly. Instead of using it like it's intended, I've been wrapping my hair around it and using it like a clamp-less curling iron (wrapping my hair right over the clamp and holding for a few seconds.)

I recently purchased this Michael Kors gray snakeskin/light brown reversible belt from Marshalls a couple weeks ago. It was $20 and I love it! I love the snakeskin print and the gold hardware. It fits around my waist/hips and around my ribs, which makes this belt easier to wear with more outfits.

This is the MAC blush in the shade Blunt. It's a pretty dark shade but I use it with a light hand to contour my face. I love it and think it's a perfect matte shade to contour your face with.

I recently went shopping with my "Mama" (bf's mom) and we went into Banana Republic. We tried on several tops but this top stood out to the both of us from the rest. This top may look simple but it fits me like a glove which is why I love it. It tapers in at the waist and slightly flairs out around my hips. I also love the full-length zipper that runs down the back. It's a great basic piece that can be paired with anything.

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They're Real!- A Mascara Review

Hey guys! Today I thought I'd share my thoughts on Benefit's They're Real! Mascara. There was a lot of hype over this mascara and I had heard tons of good things. Some people claim it's their Holy Grail mascara! After hearing all this, of course, I wanted to see what all the craze was about and decided to try it out for myself. 

Here's what Benefit claims this mascara does:

"They're real! lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates. Our jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!

94% saw dramatic length & volume*  

90% saw base-to-tip curl* 

94% saw visible lift* 

100% saw long-wearing results* 

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey"

Also, this mascara is priced at $22 and gets a 4.5/5 stars on their website.

Now, for my opinion...
I was really excited to try this mascara and my expectations were high. First off, I love the name of this mascara- very original. I also think the packaging is really cute- it's reminds me of a sleek bullet and the font is creative.

When I initially tried it, I felt that it glided on easily and the wand seemed to separate my lashes fairly well. I don't particularly like this type of plastic wand, but it's OK. The color is also really black, which is something I look for in a mascara. But, if your a girl who likes to wear a lighter shade of black or some type of brown, keep looking. This mascara comes in one color- jet black.

The pictures below are with 2 coats of mascara. The results are ehhh.. but not a total bust. I've gotten better results from drugstore mascara. In the picture (I'm not sure if you can tell) but on the outer-half of my lashes it's uneven. The base of my lashes look thicker with mascara while the tips look like I hardly got any mascara on them. 

By the end of the day I noticed that when I pinched my lashes, they didn't feel as if they ever dried. When I touched them, it felt like a sticky mess. The picture below shows after I pinched my lashes and rubbed my two fingers together. You can clearly see that the mascara has rubbed off. I also noticed by the end of the day that mascara had smudged a little underneath my eyes but nothing too terribly noticeable. 

Overall, in all honesty, for the money I don't think it's that great. It's definitely not my Holy Grail. I think that this product was a little overrated but it's not the worst I've tried. Maybe you'll like it (it did receive 4.5/5 stars) but for me, I won't be repurchasing this again. 

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Sunday Social

Hey everyone! This week I've decided to link up and do a "Sunday Social." This weeks questions are music-based. Feel free to join the link-up party for yourself. Lets get started!

What is your all-time favorite song?

I love the song "Apologize" by One Republic and lately "Sail" by Awolnation. Every time I hear those songs I want to dance!

What is your favorite singer/band?

I really love all of Kelly Clarkson's songs! There's not a single one I dislike.

What is your theme song/song that best describes your life?

"Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson

What songs put you in a good mood?

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper 

"Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj

What is your favorite roadtrip music?

When on a road trip, I only like to listen to songs I can sing to- it keeps me preoccupied. lol

What song are you embarrassed to admit you love?

"Shake Your Bon Bon" by Ricky Martin

"I Saw the Sign" by Ace of Base

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Beauty Blog Hop

Want to find new people and blogs that have your same interests? Click on the Beauty Blog Hop button to find new people and share your own blog's url with others. :) Hope to see you there!

Versatile Blogger Award!

Happy Friday!! I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Ashley from Pink Margarita Pearl! 

The rules are as follows:

                            -Nominate 10 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging

-Let them know you have nominated them

-Share 7 random facts about yourself

-Thank the bloggers that have nominated you

-Add the versatile blogger award to your post

7 Random Facts About Me:

1. I love to sing! I am quite the song bird. I always listen to music and know nearly every song that's played on the radio. You can always catch me singing! I love it. I was in honor choir when I was in the 4th grade but other than that I haven't had any professional training. 

2. I love spicy food. I always add jalepenos or hot sauce to food. I just think it makes food so much tastier.

3. I went to New York in H.S. While in New York, I was on Good Morning America and met Diane Sawyer, Chris Cuomo, and the famous chef Emeril Lagasse (he made us muffins to eat.) I also got to go to a dance workshop and dance with the Rockettes. 

4. I have a younger sister who is 6 years younger than me. Every time we are together we act so silly. :) We constantly laugh at everything and nothing. She means to world to me. She's such a beautiful person inside and out. 

5. I live with my boyfriend who I've been with for a little over 3 years. He means everything to me. He's always been so supportive and he's such a strong-willed person (which I love.) 

6. I have a ridiculous obsession with makeup and shoes. I always buy one or the other when I go out shopping. 

7. I love reality T.V. I always watch the Kardashians and shows like American Idol or Teen Mom. 

Hope you enjoyed! And let me know what things we have in common or some of your interests!

Here are the people I want to nominate for this award:

1. MissMeliss

2. TheModMermaid

3. BlowARainbow

4. WithLoveFromKat

5. SavvySpice

6. BaysStyleDiary

7. 15MinuteBeauty

8. AlwaysMaylee

9. NailVarnishVixen

10. IllicitFashion

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Neon + Arm Party

I was feeling pretty crafty and wanted to do a few DIYs. I decided to make these cute, colorful bracelets and paint my nails something fun for summer. I love all the color! Let me know what you think! :)

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Tagged Again!

I was tagged again! These are so fun to answer. lol This time I was tagged by the sweet Miss Meliss. So, I guess, lets get started!

1. What is the one beauty item you wished you owned?

I wish I had Chanel's Soleil Tan De Chanel bronzer. I guess I can't seem to justify spending $50 on a cream bronzer... watch it be my next purchase- that's usually how it goes.

2. Whats your fall clothing must have this year?

I love knee high boots and jackets. I have a little obsession with jackets. I have way more than I really need.

3. What's your favorite movie?

It's hard to pick one but I really like Step Brothers. Haha just thinking about it makes me laugh.

4. What are your summer plans?

Well, as of right now, I am trying to finish my 2 summer classes and then the rest of my summer is free. I would like to go a on little vacay later in the summer but we'll see. :)

5. What makeup item can you not leave the house without it on?

I have to have on concealer and mascara... At least mascara. It makes the biggest difference to me. 

6. What is your favorite scent?

I love fresh, clean scents. I also like the smell of vanilla. Typically when I buy candles they are vanilla scented.

7. Why do you love to blog?

I love to blog because I have the freedom to post whatever I want. I post things that I especially like and can share my ideas with others and get their feedback. I like to interact with others who have the same interests and also don't think I'm crazy when I get excited about a new makeup product that comes out.

8. What is your staple nail polish?

Pink. I LOVE to wear pink on my nails. I especially like Barbie pinks- it just makes me feel so cute and girly. I love to look down at my nails and see my favorite color. I think wearing your favorite colors just puts you in a happier mood.

Strawberry Margarita

9. What's your hair styling tips?

I'm not very good when it comes to hair, but I know that when my hair is not wanting to mold in the shape I want it, I can use a little volumizing powder in my roots. This seems to give me texture so it's easier for me to shape.

10. Who is your inspiration?

This is hard for me... I can't think of a single person that truly inspires me all the time. I am mainly inspired by other's creativity. I also get inspired by really "chic" things (which really consists of anything I think looks expensive.)

11. What is your most worn piece in your closet?

My most worn piece in my closet has to be my blazers. I love the way blazers take an outfit from casual to pulled-together. Blazers are such a versatile piece and can change the look of any outfit.

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Summer Bronze Smokey Eye

Summer is here and who doesn't want to look like a bronze goddess? Having a beautiful glow is so desirable during the warmer seasons. This is how to create a golden bronze smokey eye perfect for summer. Enjoy!

Apply Mac Paint Pot in Soft Ochre all over entire lid. You can use any eyeshadow base for this step.

Apply Half Baked to the lid (from lash line to crease) and underneath the entire bottom lash line.

Apply Naked into the crease and bring up slightly above the crease.

Apply Buck directly into the crease but do not blend up as far as Naked. This is subtle but will add depth.

Apply Smog onto the outer half of your lid. Also, line the bottom lash line half way with Smog.
Do not go into the crease and stop in the middle of your upper and lower lid. 

Apply Darkhorse into the outer third of your upper and lower lid. Creating a sideways V.  < >

Gently line your lash line with Whiskey eyeliner over where Darkhorse was applied.

Curl lashes and apply a couple coats of mascara and Voila!

Face:
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation in 310 Warm Golden
Merle Norman Dual Action Concealer in Medium Light Warm
Merle Norman Ultra Powder Foundation in Ultra Cream
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep to warm up face and lightly contour
Wet N Wild Color Icon Blush in Heather Silk
Makeup Forever HD Powder to set everything
MAC Fix Plus

Eyes:
MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey
L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara (waterproof)

Lips:
Maybelline NY in 200 Nude Shell

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Look Book: Chic in the Heat

Bandage Skirt & Shoes- Macy's,  Chiffon Blouse & Black Jewelry and Rings- F21, Watch- Walmart,
Panther Bracelet- Charming Charlie's 

Look how sweaty dewy and glowy I am! ;)

I love this top. I think it's perfect for the summer because it's lightweight and keeps you cool. This is a great way to dress up but still stay cool in the warmer temperatures. What are some things you like to do or wear during the summer that keep you cool?

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