Purely Envy

blah!

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 03:31:00 +0000

Hey there. Long time no blog, but this time I have loads of legitimate reasons - car accidents, surgeries, my dad almost dying... hence the title, "blah"!

Anyway, I've missed blogging so much, and I'm glad to be back! I have a new layout (which will need some tweaking, obviously! anyone know how to make the images not automatically stretch to fit the whole page? ahh!)

As it's March 29th, I'm hoping to get a March Favorites post up before the month is completely gone. Wish me luck!!! (:

Haul - ELF Matte Lip Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:37:00 +0000

I had to stop by the Dollar Store a couple of days ago, and look at what I found while browsing:

elf Matte Lip Colors!

Most elf products are already fairly cheap as it is, so I never thought I'd find them in a store that sells mostly discounted items. (;

They had other different elf products, mostly from their studio line which runs about $3 a piece.

I picked up these three colors:

Coral, Rich Red, and Natural.

I'm really excited to try these out. I don't think I've ever tried a matte lip product before, so I'm excited. They go on nicely, not as drying as I had expected, which is good! I'm a bit worried about how they'll fare during the cold we're having right now - my lips can get dry pretty easily. I can't wait to test these out and do a review! (:

Have you tried out these lip colors? What's your verdict - do you hate them or love them? Leave me a comment and let me know!

xoxo

About Perfection

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 02:07:00 +0000

I haven't been very consistent in posting again, or even really commenting on others' posts lately. If I'm completely honest with myself, it all comes down to the fact that I feel my blog is not 100% how I'd like it to be.

This is completely silly and it's something I need to get out of my head right away. Nothing is ever going to be perfect! If I keep letting this hold me back, I'll never get anywhere! (;

I don't know about the rest of you ladies, but I struggle with confidence a lot. I'm constantly comparing myself to anyone and everyone and I just feel as if I never add up to what everyone else does. How depressing is that?!

I do know better though. We've all heard that everyone is unique in their own ways and such things. But sometimes (or most times) it's not as easy as just hearing/reading something and then believing it - especially when we constantly compare ourselves to others.

So from here on out, I'm going to push myself to write about what makes me happy. The whole reason I started this blog was to share my love of beauty with as many people as possible, and that's what I aim to do drom this point on. No more deleting posts or ideas because I worry how they will compare. That isn't fair to me or the ones who read my blog.

Sorry if this seems like a pointless ramble. It's been eating at me for a while and I really have missed blogging! Now that I've got my head on straight, I can't wait to start my next post. (: What would you like to see? Another haul? Some reviews? Let me know!

xoxox

BareMinerals Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 01:33:00 +0000

A few days ago I visited Ulta after work... I had some gift cards that I needed to use up... here's what I came home with!

This is basically everything I purchased: The BareMinerals 'Get Started Complexion Kit', BareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream, an eyeshadow duo and an eyeshadow quad.

Here's a look at the inside of the Get Started Complexion Kit. (Please excuse my shoddy job of covering up the reflexion in the mirror!!) (:

I didn't necessarily need any of these items, as it comes with everything I already own, but I was sucked in by the packaging. I love the sleek black travel case! (It says "hello gorgeous" inside above the mirror. How cute!!)

I use everything inside on a daily basis (aside from the primer and mineral veil, which I only use here and there). Usually I use the 'medium' shade of foundation, but it's starting look a little too dark for the wintertime, so I purchased this kit in the 'fairly light' shade. I was a little worried about the color having neutral undertones but I really think it suits me.

Inside, there is a an original foundation, a matte foundation, a small all over face color in the shade "warmth", a small mineral veil, a little prime time foundation primer, and a flawless application face brush.

It was $49 and the Ulta's website says that it's a $109 value. (;

Here are the two eyeshadow palettes I picked up: The Dream Sequence and The Enlightenment.

The Enlightenment (on the left) has two matte neutral colors. I picked this up with the intentions of testing out the color on the right to fill in my eyebrows.

I had originally received The Dream Sequence (on the right) from my boyfriend on Christmas, but when I opened it, it was cracked. So technically, I didn't purchase this... just exchanged it for a new one. (;

Lastly, I needed an eye cream, because my beloved Benefit one was causing me to break out. Since I love everything else BareMinerals, I opted for one of their Renew & Hydrate version.

It's such a little jar! (It's pictured above between the eyeshadow palettes to give you an idea of how tiny.) It was $32 for this little guy, so hopefully it lasts a long time!

One of the (many) reasons I love shopping at Ulta are the free samples they have with purchase. I got a few this time for purchasing BareMinerals.

They gave me a sample of the Multi-Wrinkle Repair (hopefully it works as prevention as well, since I'm only 26!) and an adorable little sample of a matte foundation and brush. I'm not sure which brush this is, but I like it for under my eyes and around my nose.

So that's it for my BareMinerals haul! What's your favorite BareMinerals product? Let me know in the comments and I'll look in to it. (:

2013 Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:57:00 +0000

What better way to start back to blogging than at the beginning of the new year with a yearly favorites post?

~Favorite Products/Brands~

The Republic of Tea - I love so many different things from this website that it would be impossible to list them all. (I should probably do a review on the teas I have from here!) If you try anything at all from TRoT, I'd recommend getting one of their Custom Overwrap Tea Gift sets... you can pick either 12 or 24 individual flavors to test out first so you don't end up with a container of a flavor you dislike. (:

Cetaphil - Another brand I've loved in general... at the start of winter, I was having absolutely awful dry skin, especially on my face. I tried out so many different lotions and creams (and spent oodles of money) trying to find something that wouldn't break me out, but would still be a strong enough moisturizer to stop my skin from feeling so dry. I had heard about Cetaphil and always shrugged it off because of it being such a common drugstore brand. I am so very glad I tried it!!! I love their Gentle Daily Skin Cleanser and their Restoraderm Skin Restoring Moisturzer and I'd absolutely recommend them both.

T aylor - I love Taylor Swift and her music, but I completely adore her perfume "Taylor". It smells so different from any other perfume I've owned before and it lasts all day long. I always get compliments when I wear this and I love how it smells on my skin. I love layering the perfume and the lotion together (although I'm not sure if the lotion is sold separately... I received mine in the gift set pictured to the right.) I'm terrible at describing scents, but her website lists it as "luscious fruits, blushing florals, and soft woods. If you happen to see this in a store, give it a sniff. I promise you'll love it. (:

BareMinerals/BareEscentuals - Yep, you guessed it; another brand that I've loved in 2013. From their makeup to their skincare, I love it all! They're a little (well, maybe a lot) on the pricey side, but I find that you definitely get what you pay for. And as far as things like their loose foundations and eye shadows, they last practically forever.

OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener (for Sensitive and Peeling Nails) - I'll admit this isn't the cheapest nail treatment, however, this stuff has saved my life. Or at least my fingernails' lives. Haha.

I'd fallen in love with the original Nail Envy, as I have really thin nails that can't grow at all on their own. Thanks to OPI, my nails could grow out a little and not break off. Hooray!

Once I found the "Sensitive and Peeling" version, I don't think I've went a day without having at least one coat of it on my nails. I always hear people talk about their "holy grail" beauty products... well, this is most definitely my "holy grail nail care product". I honestly think I'd cry if I couldn't get this stuff anymore.

Organix Light Penetrating Oil - Although the name is a little misleading (I honestly don't think that there is a single ingredient in this that is "organic"....) I still love it. I have thin, fine hair, that I have been trying to grow the color out of. I ombred my hair to allow the natural color to grow out (so I don't look silly having a solid line between colors across my head!) and I honestly didn't even realize how dry my hair was until trying this out as a sample from Ulta.

I prefer the 'light' version, but honestly, the normal version wasn't too heavy for my hair. As with all oils, definitely start out with a teeny, tiny amount, and add from there, or risk looking as if you haven't washed your hair for weeks. haha.

~Favorite TV Shows~

The Vampire Diaries - Not a beauty favorite, but still a favorite nonetheless. I haven't been caught up with any shows currently airing since I was in middle school. (Which would sadly be about 13 years ago!) I am completely caught up with The Vampire Diaries and am eagerly awaiting it's return on January 23rd. ♥ Delena.

Once Upon a Time / Once Upon a Time in Wonderland - I'm also a pretty big fan of the UOaT series. I love how they've taken all the usual fairy tales and created new worlds and stories with them. I'm caught up with these shows as well. Go me! (;

~Favorite People~

Kim Dao - I love reading about her travels and seeing her fashion posts. If you enjoy Japanese travel vlogs, gyaru fashions, and things like that, check out her blog. (:

Lillian Masie - I always get so excited when I see a Lillian's posted a new video on YouTube. I love her sense of style, her makeup tutorials, and her blogs.

Zoella - I adore Zoe. I've been watching her videos on YouTube for a while now, and I just love her to pieces. It's quite motivational to watch her overcome her anxiety and do things that I could only hope to do one day!

I'm sure there's many, many more things I could add to this list, but I feel like the list is long enough already. I wouldn't want to bore you too much on my first post back. (;

Were any of the things I listed also in your favorites of 2013? Let me know!

And if there's something you really enjoyed that I've not listed that you think I'd enjoy, also let me know!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful 2014!!!!

xoxox

June Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:42:00 +0000

So this is a few days late, but it's better late than never! (;

I figured I'd just do my favorites this month because I didn't really have anything I didn't like this month, and that would make a 'hits and misses' post kind of silly to do. Hehe.

1- Clarisonic Mia : Ever since I purchased my Clarisonic, I have been in love with it. It cleans your face sooo much better than just a wash cloth/bar soap. I have the standard brush head on it right now, but I purchased the blue brush head for my next replacement and I can't wait to try that one out!
2- Mario Badescu Drying Cream : This is by far my favorite overnight acne treatment product!! (although it's not an overnight treatment, lol) Whenever I use this, any breakouts that I have are significantly reduced by the next morning!
3- Simple Eye Makeup Remover : I got this little tester size towards the end of the month, but I love it so much I had to include it in this post.

4- Julep Nail Polish in Daphne : This color is so pretty!! It's like a Tiffany blue, but with more green in it. Love it.
5- Julep Nail Polish in Kate : I have been looking for a white nail polish that wasn't super sheer for so long. This one is perfect - it's really opaque and you can get away with one coat of it, but I usually go with two. (;
6- Julep Nail Polish in Jessica : Since I already had two Julep polishes, I figured I'd go aheaed and throw in another one of my favorites. I love that this polish has my name, and I love that it's a robin's egg blue! I have the Zoya polish called 'Jessica', but it's not a fun color like this one, lol.
Anyone else love Julep? Let me know your favs!

And last but not least, I had to include a non makeup/beauty item because I can't seem to do a monthly favorites post without having at least one of these included, lol. I've been absolutely loving my Village Candle in Lemon Pound Cake. It smells just like lemon pound cake - yum!! Even if it's too hot outside or I have a fan on and I can't light it, just leaving it sit open with the lid off is enough to catch a hint of the tangy lemon scent.

Sorry this post is so late!! I had originally hoped to have it up Independence Day (and I even had the basic gist of the post laid out in my drafts) but I just haven't had time to finish it up until now. D:

Anyway, I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Independence Day, and I'll see you in the next post!! ♥

Quick Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Hey everyone! (:

I haven't been able to post much again lately, and I apologize for that!

I just wanted to do a quick update and let you guys know that I changed my layout today. I'm not completely satisfied with the header, but it's a lot better than the one I previously had! (;

Also, I recently hit 70 followers.... wow!!! Thank you all so much! I will be doing a giveaway/contest soon for you guys! (:

I hope you're all staying cool in this hot summer weather!

DIY Urban Decay Palette

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:34:00 +0000

UD palettes can be so bulky!

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've had a chance to post anything. ):

I'm really excited because I have a DIY tip for today. I love doing DIY things, but I haven't ever had anything that was original enough to share... until now.

I love Urban Decay palettes but they can be pretty bulky - Book of Shadows, I'm talking to you!! (; So I decided to save a lot of space and make it easier to access the shadows. If you want to see how, keep reading!

Things You'll Need

Palettes - I used Urban Decay, but any brand will do! (Shown are the Rollergirl palette and the Midnight Cowboy palette.)

Any sort of stick with a thin, flat end. (the one I used is something for pimples, I think? ew.)

An empty palette to put the eyeshadows in once they're removed. I got mine from Coastal Scents.
(I forgot to take a picture of it before, but you can see it
later on in a picture once it's filled. (; )

Any sort of label to put on the inside of the new palette. This is optional, but I wanted to remember the names of the shadows!

The Actual Process

In all honesty, the actual process is really simple; you just need a lot of patience. I had to loosen the shadow up by running the stick around the edging and wiggling it a little bit - otherwise it would start to crack the eyeshadow. Once it's loosened up enough, just slide the stick underneath and lift it out as shown on the right.

Voilà! Now you should have a single eyeshadow pan, ready to be inserted into your new palette. (:

The palette I got from Coastal Scents (buy it here!) is already magnetized, so the shadows stick right to it. It also had an insert with spaces to put your MAC sized shadows in, but that was easily removed using the same tool I used above. (; Without the insert, it's basically a Z-palette, but cheaper.

Ta da! After you remove all of the shadows, just pop them in the empty palette in any order you'd like. I just put them in the order they were in the original palettes, but you can do it however you'd like. (: I'm still on the hunt for better labels - I used two lined post-it notes and drew a grid on them to write the shadow names on - it's not very pretty, but it works for now!!

So that's it for my very first DIY tutorial! Let me know if you guys like it and if you'd like to see more. Also, please let me know if you try this out - I'd love to see how it works for other people!! (:

First Impressions : Smooth'n Shine Hair Tamer

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Hey everyone!!
I got accepted into a new BzzCampaign and I wanted to go ahead and do my 'First Impressions" post for it.

This one came in an actual box... I feel as if I'm moving up in the BzzAgent world! hehe.

The actual product and the contents of the box.

Okay, so I'm not going to lie - this one makes me a little bit nervous! I don't like to put chemicals or other harsh things on my hair, so this is a big deal for me. My hair is really fine and thin and I'm usually terrified that things like this will ruin my hair... I used to bleach my hair and dye it crazy colors, so I can't say I've always treated it the best. /:

Other than my initial fear of hurting my hair more than helping it, I'm also not expecting much from this product because it is a tamer. My hair is already pretty 'tame', so I don't think it will do much for me. But, we shall see!!

Here is what the kit comes with - Step 1: The Protein Smoothing Treatment, Step 2: Neutralizing Milk, a pair of gloves, a packet of Nourishing Deep Recovery Conditioner, and the instruction booklet.

I got more nervous as I looked through the contents... Why do I need a 'nourishing deep recovery conditioner' if the product is supposed to already be so much less damaging than others? *panic-mode* haha.

That's all for my first impressions... Have you ever tried this product or one like it?? What was your experience with it?

Wish me luck!!!

Share The Love

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:51:00 +0000

Hello there! (:

I was browsing around on The Art of Beauty's website and I thought it'd be a great idea to write a post about their rewards program. I'm not sure how many people know about it, but since I've ordered a few Zoya polishes offline before, I'm subscribed to their email updates and I figured I should share. Sharing is caring, right? (;

Everything is laid out for you on the Share the Love page - it's super simple and easy to understand.

Basically, all you need to do is create links to your favorite Zoya/Qtica/Smart Spa/Callus products and share them with your friends. When someone clicks your link and creates an account on the site, they get a coupon for a free bottle of Zoya polish! (if you add two more polishes, you qualify for free shipping, and are only paying for two bottles - sweet!) Once they place their order, you get 100 "Share the Love Points". Those points can then be redeemed for coupons and freebies.

Here's a few of the things I've got my eyes on!
(I've created 'Share the Love' links for these, so if you don't want me to get the credit, please don't click!)

Zoya 'Beach' Collection - I love every single one of these colors. So gorgeous!

Zoya Mini Color Lock System - This is how I first tried out the Zoya Color Lock System, and I definitely recommend this product to anyone who hasn't tried it out. It's awesome! (:

Anyone else obsessed with Zoya polishes like I am? They're definitely one of my favorite brands of nail polish!!!

xoxo

Quick Update

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Hey girls! I just wanted to do a quick little update post. (:

First off: I added disqus to my blog for comments - I think I prefer this to the regular Blogger version, but please let me know what you guys think!

Secondly, I got another BzzKit in the mail!! This time it's for Smooth'n Shine's Semi Permanent Hair Tamer.

I can't really say that I'm expecting a lot from this kit, simply because my hair is already pretty "tame". LOL. But I said yes to the kit to test it out for you guys!
(I also have to admit that it kind of makes me nervous to apply something like this to my hair... it says it has "up to 5x less damage than relaxers", but that still scares me! I prefer using products that are WAY more natural!!!)

Lastly, I found a fun little web app and I wanted to share.

I love cute little things like this! (:

It's a drag-and-drop doll maker, and I think they're so much fun. This one is done really well, and it has hime-gyaru themed clothing and accessories.

(The artist who made the game, koruldia, also has a bunch of other flash games posted. Fun!!)

Here is the doll I made :

Click here to make your own, and then show me in the comments how yours turned out!

Disclaimer - I'm not affiliated with this artist/anything to do with this game at all - I just thought it was fun and really well put together, so I wanted to share! (;

Another Award Post (:

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:06:00 +0000

A few days ago, I was awarded the Versatile Blogger award and the One Lovely Blog award by Miss6 and also by Czarina at Her Merriment. Thank you both so much!!! Go check out their blogs if you haven't already!! (:

For the award, you post 7 random facts about yourself, and then nominate 15 more people.

(I don't know if I have 15 people who I follow regularly just yet, so I might have to just do 10?)

Random fact #1 - I don't consume dairy products of any kind. Firstly, it makes me so sick, and second of all I think milk is gross. haha.

Random fact #2 - In addition to random fact number one, I just recently made the decision to start eating vegan. I'm not planning on being super strict about it (I like cooking with meat sometimes, just as long as it's from a good source, etc.) , but I really like all the health benefits of it!

Random fact # 3 - If I could have unlimited money/easy access to the brands I would dress in a LOT of gyaru-kei clothing. I freaking adore everything about that style.

Random fact # 4 - I used to draw all the time when I was younger... I should probably start doing that again because I sort of miss it.

Random fact # 5 - I hate when it's super hot outside! I get so frustrated when I get all sweaty - especially my face. I really, really don't like that feeling!!

Random fact # 6 - I have a cat named Gizmo (this might not be such a random fact if you follow me on facebook or instagram... He finds himself making appearances there a lot!)

Random fact # 7 - I would die without my iPhone. I do everything on it - from email, to blogging, to my to-do list... everything - I love it so much!

My nominations!

1. A Beautiful Life
2. Something Beautiful
3. Beauty By Emma
4. A Prince and Prozac
5. Miss Bitch
6. Lolita in the Mix
7. Beauty She Wrote
8. Scribble N Dash
9. Clara-nee
10. It's a Girl Thing

I did end up only tagging 10 people, but because I was running out of time!! lol!

Final Impressions : Dr. Scholl's

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:48:00 +0000

Hi guys!

I know that I said my next post would be on the versatile/one lovely blog award that I was nominated for, but I'm having a some trouble thinking of 7 random facts about myself! Haha. That post will still be up soon though

I figured since I just received another BzzKit yesterday that it's probably time for my final impressions on the Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Inserts. (;

I've worn the inserts every day for 10+ days now and I'd have to say that my final verdict is that they're alright. They're not an amazing miracle product - but I didn't hate them either.

I give them 3 out of 5 stars because as I'd mentioned in my Initial Review, they did take some getting used to, and because the few problems I had with the product were easily resolved.

The main problem I had with these inserts was that they always moved around in my shoe - especially when I was putting my shoe on! I'm the kind of person who likes to just stick my foot in my shoe and go... I don't want to spend 5 minutes trying to make everything settle right in my shoe. (I realize that this is probably a trivial thing, so I decided for 3 stars instead of 2! lol)

I'd recommend these inserts to someone who has mild to moderate foot discomfort at the end of the day, but anyone experiencing something beyond a slight discomfort should look elsewhere for relief because these will not help.

The price point is really good if you're interested in these - they're only $9.48 at Walmart.com.

(Click here to purchase!)

You're Giving Me a Complexion!

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:51:00 +0000

As promised, here's my review for (part of) my haul from The Balm!!

This kit is probably my favorite that I picked up. For $20, it came with:

Time Balm concealer
(originally sells for $18)
Sexy Mama anti-shine, translucent powder

(originally sells for $19)
Liquid Time Balm spot concealer

(originally sells for $20)
Balm Shelter tinted moisturizer

(originally sells for $25)

Total savings = $62

I'd say that's pretty awesome!! (:

This little guy is awesome for under-eye circles! The Time Balm concealer comes with a sponge (for application, I'm assuming?) but I just use my finger to dab it on and that works just fine. The shade is in light/medium and it's very blendable so I feel like it could work for a wide variety of skin tones.

I was going to take a different picture of the Sexy Mama anti-shine, translucent powder but I like this one because you can see part of my Rilakkuma phone case in it. Hehe.

I really don't have much to say about this one... It's a decent setting powder and the packaging is really cute, but it's just a setting powder... lol. It says on the back of the package that it contains "tiny oil absorbing spheres" and I don't know how true that is, but it does keep my face pretty matte so it works for me!

As I had mentioned in my initial post, I had tried the Liquid Time Balm spot concealer before - one of the makeup artists at Sephora had used it on me and it looked really nice on my skin tone. I had originally purchased the shade "fair" because I'm pretty pale, but this kit came with "nude", and it's not that much darker - it'll be perfect for summertime when I get just a little bit darker. (;
I love this concealer because not only does it match my skin tone really well, it blends nicely and most importantly - it contains tea tree oil. I have to admit that sometimes I'll skip out on concealer when I break out because I'm worried about clogging my pores/feeding the breakout, but this concealer is great because tea tree oil is really good for treating acne, so this is like a concealer and treatment in one. Yay!

Finally on to the Balm Shelter tinted moisturizer! This came in the shade "light/medium" but it seems more on the medium side than the light side (though, this could just be because I'm pretty pale)... Overall, I like it - it has nice coverage for a tinted moisturizer and it doesn't leave my face feeling greasy like some of the tinted moisturizers I've tried in the past have.

Left to right - Balm Shelter tinted moisturizer, Time Balm concealer, Liquid Time Balm spot concealers (in 'nude' and then 'fair')

It's hard to swatch products that match my skin tone so well. Haha!

Overall I'm very pleased with this kit!! Next time I'll review the eyeshadow kits from The Balm that I picked up. (:

Have you ever tried anything from The Balm? What's your favorite product from them?

The Laine Blogger Award

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:54:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

I was nominated for the Laine Blogger Award by the lovely Johanna Perez over at A Beautiful Life - she is so sweet! You all should go check out her blog!! (:

So here are the rules -

- Tag the blogger who awarded you.

- Award five more bloggers.

- And then Jasmine added a few questions to spice it up!

1. What is your current beauty obsession?
2. What is one beauty item you wished you owned?
3. What kind of posts are your favorite posts to write, and read?
4. What inspired you to become a blogger?
5. What color nail polish are you wearing right now?

1. What is your current beauty obsession?

I'd have to say that my current beauty obsession is winged eyeliner. I've been wearing only winged eyeliner and mascara lately and I love it.

2. What is one beauty item you wished you owned?
I guess this counts as a 'beauty item', but I really wish I owned some henna... That's probably a weird answer but I've been wanting to try using henna as a natural hair dye, and it's the first thing that came to mind when I read this question! (;

3. What kind of posts are your favorite posts to write, and read?
I love to write review and tag posts! I find them both really fun to plan out and then actually write. My favorite kind of posts to read are reviews and fashion posts.

4. What inspired you to become a blogger?
I've had this blog since I got my first Sony Ericsson phone - it had a Blogger app and I thought that was the coolest thing ever - haha! What inspired me to actually use my blog would have to be the beauty community on YouTube. I've always wanted to make videos, but I don't have the proper tools/courage to do so! lol

5. What color nail polish are you wearing right now?

Right now I have on "No Room For the Blues" from OPI, but I'm getting ready to try out my new 'Hot Ticket' polish from The Balm (it's in "Petunia")

The five people I nominate are:

Something Beautiful

See it, Love it, Swatch it

The Light In the Attic

Her Merriment

Beauty By Emma

Have you read my recent review on some products from The Balm?

Click here to check it out!

My Makeup Story (tag)

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Hey everyone! I got tagged by Jenessa at Something Beautiful to do this tag - go check out her awesome blog!!

My Makeup Story Tag

1. How old were you when you started wearing makeup?
I started wearing foundation/concealer when I started middle school because I had really bad acne and I wanted to cover it up. ): I didn't start wearing eyeliner and other things until I started high school.

2. How did you get into makeup?
Once I started wearing eye makeup is when I really got into makeup. I just loved playing in the colors and lining my eyes dramatically!

3. What are some of your favorite brands?
I love Stila, Urban Decay, The Balm and MAC for higher-end brands.

NYX and Wet n' Wild (color icon!!) for drugstore brands.

4. What does makeup mean to you?
I see makeup as an outlet for creativity. There are so many different products, colors, etc. The possibilities are endless!

5. If you could only wear 4 products on your face what would they be?
Unless I'm feeling fancy, I usually only wear 4 products a day!

My foundation (mixed with Fix+ Rose), eyeliner, and mascara.

6. What is your favorite thing about makeup?
My favorite thing about makeup would be again, the creativity. I just love playing around with new looks!

7. What do you think about drugstore makeup vs high end makeup?
There's definitely good and bad to both. Just because something is from a drugstore brand doesn't mean it's going to suck, and vice versa - just because something is higher end doesn't mean it's going to be amazing.

8. What is one tip of advice you can give a beginner?

Definitely start out with a little bit and work your way up to wearing more. Practice makes perfect! (;

9. What is one makeup trend you never understood?
I'm not sure if this counts as a 'makeup' trend, but I really, really do not understand those 'caviar manicures'. I've only seen one or two that I'd ever even consider wearing...

10. What do you think about the beauty community on youtube?
I love it. Watching makeup gurus on YouTube is more-or-less what inspired me to make my blog. Maybe one day I'll have the courage to make videos too!!

I love tags! They're so much fun to do! (:

Leave a note in the comments if you'd like to be tagged in any upcoming tags I do. I tag everyone who's reading this to do it. Leave a link in the comments if you do it - I'd love to read your answers!!!

xoxo

The Balm Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Hey girls! (:

A few weeks ago while I was shopping at Marshall's, I noticed that they had some boxed sets from The Balm. The only products I'd ever tried from The Balm was their Liquid Time Balm Spot Concealer - which I had purchased from Sephora a year or so ago, so I was curious to try some new things out!

I decided on the "You're Giving Me a Complexion" set and the "Smokey Eye Kit"

After I got home and tested them out/looked up the prices and realized what a steal these were, I went back and picked up some more!

Second time around I got the "Brown Eye Kit" and the "Green Eye Kit"

(and another 'Complexion Kit' because I really like the products included!

The eye kits were $9.99 - definitely a great deal considering one of their Overshadow Loose shadows sells for $15!

The complexion kits were $20 and contain four products - The Liquid Time Balm concealer that I had purchased a while ago was $20 by itself.

All in all, I'm super happy with these purchases! I plan on doing a review for them if anyone is interested? Let me know in the comments!! (;

Get Your Freak On (tag)

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 17:39:00 +0000

I had seen this tag going around on YouTube a while ago but then I had forgotten about it. After reading Johanna Perez's recent blog post on the tag, I got inspired to do it myself. (:

(if you don't already follow her blog, you should! It's definitely worth checking out!!)

I tag anyone reading this! (:

Now, on to the tag!!

1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?

My mom used to call me "sunshine" all the time when I was little, but that's started to catch on at my work now - so I really don't have a nickname that only my family calls me.

2. What's a weird habit of yours?

I don't think I have any 'weird' habits... but maybe that's because I've been doing them for so long that they seem normal to me? Haha.

3. Do you have any weird phobias?

I am terrified of the little suction cup things on octopi and starfish. I don't know what it is, but the way they move around all in unison completely freaks me out!!!

4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast and belt out when you're alone?

Oh gosh. There isn't any song that I secretly love to blast - I have no shame when it comes to music and if I'm loving a song, I will blast it in my car/at home/wherever. (;

5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

I have a few really big pet peeves, but I think the one that bothers me the most is when people are so fickle-hearted. It drives me insane when people are telling someone they love them after they've only known them for a month-- you can't possibly even know them after a month!!

6. What's one of your nervous habits?

When I'm nervous, I become even more fidgety than usual. I usually have a hard time sitting completely still, but if I'm nervous, it gets waaaay worse. Hehe.

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

I sleep on the side closest to the wall. I remember telling my boyfriend that it was 'the most comfortable place in the world'. (I know, I'm odd.)

8. What was your first stuffed animal and its name?

I can't remember my first stuffed animal or it's name, but I do remember my first/favorite/only Barbie doll that ever mattered to me. She went to the pool with me and everything, haha. I named her Amigo because I had just learned in school that 'amigo' meant 'friend' in Spanish. (Too bad I didn't learn the feminine vs. masculine part, haha.)

Amigo looked really similar to this:

(image found here)

9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at Starbucks?

Nothing, lol! I very rarely go to Starbucks. I had worked in a Seattle's Best cafe at one point so anything to do with fancy coffee drinks annoys me to some point. Haha.

10. What's the beauty rule you preach… but never ACTUALLY practice?

I really dislike it when people have the attitude of "do as I say, not as I do," so I try really hard to not 'preach' things I don't actually practice. (;

11. Which way do you face in the shower?

I face both ways, but the majority of my time in the shower is spent facing away from the water.

12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?

I can pop my right shoulder blade out of socket. It looks really weird - but it doesn't hurt and it goes right back in place.

13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food that’s 'bad' but you

love to eat it anyways?

Oh goodness... I've been munching on "pizza munchies" from the Health is Wealth brand lately. They're not too terribly bad for you, but they're definitely not good to eat all the time.

14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?

"Oh crap," or "what the eff?"

I've been trying not to curse as much, so I say "eff" instead of the actual word. It's still not the best, but it's better than the other option!

15. Time to sleep—what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

It honestly depends on the weather - if it's hot outside, I'll be wearing a tank top and shorts. But if it's cold outside, I'll be wearing pj pants and (at the very least a tshirt). But never socks, no matter what the weather! (;

Follow me on Bloglovin!

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 31 May 2012 22:12:00 +0000

Click here to follow my blog with Bloglovin!

xoxo

Quick NotD

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Thu, 31 May 2012 16:46:00 +0000

Hello lovelies!

I wanted to post a quick picture of my nails today. I love the color combination, but I'm not sure if it looks right on me though...

Anyway, the colors used are Zoya Jancyn (orange)

and Zoya Robyn (blue).

xoxo

May Hits & Misses

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Since May is just about over, I figured I'd go ahead and do my 'Hits & Misses' for the month!

I'll start with the 'misses' since there's only two this month -

I had really hoped this 'Wet N Wild Juicy lip balm' would be like the Revlon Lip Butters, but for a fraction of the price. The color payoff is about the same, and they are much cheaper, but this product leaves an awful taste on my lips and it tastes so bad I can't bring myself to overlook it.

Next is Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid toothpaste. I love Crest products, and I really like this toothpaste. The problem is the package design. They made it so that the product comes out in two different colors but in order to do so, they had to put (what I'm assuming is) two tubes inside of one. The product is fine until you're nearing the end and then it gets really hard to squeeze the last bit out, and I'm thinking that's because of the two-tubes-in-one bit. Otherwise, I like this toothpaste!

On to the hits of the month!!!

This is a product I've had for probably a few years but I just recently rediscovered how much I love it. Rimmel Lycra wear in Pure Sin is the perfect slightly sparkly nude color for my skin tone.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I really love Mario Badescu products. My favorites this month were the Aloe Moisturizer, the Ceramide Eye Gel, and the Drying Cream. I plan on doing a review for these products later on!

I found this amazing J.R. Watkins lotion in Lemon Cream at Cracker Barrel a week or so ago. It smells exactly like lemon meringue (yum!!) and it doesn't leave a greasy feel when you put it on.

This one might be silly, but I don't care if this is a winter-time scent, I am loving my Mint Chocolate anti-bacterial hand soap from Bath & Body Works. They smell exactly like mint chocolate chip and the scent lingers just long enough on your hands after you wash them. I had bought them last year when they were on a crazy sale (something like, 8 for $20?) and I still have a few left. (:

Lastly, I am in love with my Victoria's Secret Pink water bottles. I carry one with me every day because you only need to drink two of these (correct me if I'm wrong) to get your 8 glasses of water. Plus, they're super cute!

xoxo

First Impressions : Dr. Scholl's

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Wed, 30 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

So as I posted yesterday, I got my BzzKit in the mail for the Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Inserts. (What a long name!!) I wanted to go ahead and post my initial reaction to them (and sort of explain the BzzKit, as a few people had asked me about BzzAgent). Then I'll do a follow up post after a week or so of trying them.

Here's the entire contents of this particular BzzKit:

Everything came mailed in the manilla envelope!

Included were:

The 'Official BzzGuide' for the campaign - which contains all kinds of useful information you might need while "bzzing" (spreading the word) about a product,
A letter containing any tips or hints BzzAgent has for you,
Last but not least, the product

The inserts were super easy to fit into shoes... all you have to do is cut off the little increments on the tip of the foot until you get to your size! (I recommend going one at a time and testing in between each 'notch', just in case!!)

Here's a picture of what the insert looks like fresh out of the pack (on the left), and what it looks like after it's trimmed (on the right).

Now on to my first impressions!

I have to admit, I was very weary at first. I was talking to my mother as I put my shoes on this morning and I remember telling her that 'my first impression is no'. Haha. Luckily I stuck it out and let them situate in my shoes - it took about an hour for them to fit themselves into my shoe where they didn't aggravate me every time I stepped down. (;

I don't usually have aching feet, but they are occasionally uncomfortable after a long day. My feet felt alright today after work, but they didn't feel any less uncomfortable than usual. (If that makes any sense, lol)

Anyway, I shall be wearing them to work for the next week or so to test them out more, and then I'll post my final verdict on them. Right now they're okay, but they haven't won me over entirely!!

xoxo

Read my final review for this product here!!

Coming Up Next

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Tue, 29 May 2012 22:33:00 +0000

I got bored with my blog today and changed the layout. It's still not anywhere near what I'm planning on it looking like, but I think it's nice for now. (:

I have a few ideas for upcoming posts and now all I need is time to put the posts together. I'm excited about it being the end of the month so I can do a monthly "hits and misses" post.

Also, I got a BzzAgent package in the mail today! I love it when I get to participate in one of their campaigns. The kit is for Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Inserts and I can't wait to try them and review them. I've already fitted them in to my work shoes so I can start testing them out tomorrow morning! I'll be posting on here how they work out for me and after I test them out for a bit I'll do a review.

I hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day weekend!

xoxo

Best Company Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Mario Badescu is my favorite company ever.

I adore a lot of their products, and they have EXCELLENT customer service. They have been so polite any time I've had to contact them, and they are extremely generous!

If you fill out a little bit of information about yourself on their website, they will send you a completely free sample skincare regimen - customized to your specific skin type. This is what initially got me hooked on their products... they give really good sized samples so you can test out the product for a few times to see if you actually like it or not. Click here to fill out the form and get some samples!! (It's a really short form and only takes a minute or two. I believe you get a confirmation email a day or so afterwards.)

My favorite products from MB (so far!) are the Drying Cream, the Aloe Moisturizer, and the Ceramide Eye Gel. If you sign up to get free samples or have already tried MB, let me know what products you like because I'm always looking to test new products out! (:

xoxo

Scarf!

noreply@blogger.com (Sica) — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:14:00 +0000

One reason I wanted to start blogging again was to do 'outfit of the day' posts. I love looking at other people's outfits and I think it would be really fun to share mine... when I actually have time to put effort into an outfit, of course. (; When I have to get up super early for work, I usually just throw on some jeans and a tshirt (I've actually been living in hoodies lately, since it's been kind of chilly), but if I have somewhere to go after work, I'll pure a little more effort into it, lol.

This probably doesn't count at all for an 'ootd' post, but at least you can see my awesome scarf I wore. (;

What would you consider your style to be? I'd have to say mine is really comfy/casual. I would live in a pair of skinny jeans, flats or flipflops, a plain J Crew tee shirt and a scarf if I could!