Andrea Mae's Life & Loves

First Impressions: Milani Lipsticks

2014-08-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

On a trip to Walmart, we recently bought a couple of lipsticks from Milani. I know of bloggers who have talked about the Milani lipsticks, but I don't really know how they actually feel about them. So, I took the opportunity and tried both of the shades for a first impressions review.

Details:

Very creamy, rich texture

Dries matte (I'm sure, this time)

Has some staying power

Only ONE downside...

Sangria - can stain lips after removal

Overall:

I really like these lipsticks, and I think the more I wear them, the more I will like it. Sangria is definitely a Fall color, but we can pull off during the last bits of summer, right? And Teddy Bear is what I call the classic 90's color that is obviously back (Kylie Jenner), but nonetheless, a classic, chic color from the Nudes family tree.

P.S.

Sorry about the lighting where I photographed my lips lol

The bathroom was the only area that had "better" lighting.

OOTD + FOTD: Errands

2014-08-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Ramones Over-sized Screen Tee - Divided by H&M

Dark Washed Skinny Jeans - Gap

White Chuck Taylors

I also took the liberty and curled my hair, first time since forever...I may seem to favor this look. Tools Used:

Bella Curling Wand

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

TRESemme Tres Two Spray Mega Firm Control Hair Spray

Maybelline FIT Foundation Stick

Maybelline Dark Circles Eraser Concealer

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Medium

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Sephora Matte Eye Primer

NAKED 1 Palette: Buck (Crease Color) & Virgin (Highlight Color)

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless

The Face Shop: Design My Eyebrow Pencil/Crayon & Color My Eyebrow Tint

Back 2 School: My Personal Clothing Essentials

2014-08-21T22:23:00.001-07:00

Hey there guys! So it's that time again; back to school! Here are my most basic, versatile clothing options for back to school week. These options can pair together in to an outfit well. I figured, the more simple, the better, especially since it's going to be a pretty busy couple of weeks in to the new school year. And a top of that, we'll be comfortable during that time :D

Bottoms:

Basic Black Leggings - Styles 4 Less

Light-washed Jeans (skinny) - Old Navy

Dark-washed Jeans (skinny) - Gap

Basic Black Jeans - Foreign Exchange

Teal Colored Jeans (go for any color) - Foreign Exchange

Cardigans:

Black Boyfriend - Gap

Green Boyfriend (go for neutral colors; will go with any outfit) - Old Navy

Tops:

Navy Blue Quarter Sleeved Jumper (go for any colored jumper) - H&M

Flannel Shirt (the color combos are endless, pick what color you desire!) - Old Navy

White Buttoned Down Shirt (go for a classic white buttoned down or any tone Chambray shirt) - eBay

Tees:

Grey V-Neck (go for any color) - Old Navy

Basic White Shirt (any color) - Divided by H&M

Screen T-shirt (H&M has MANY different kinds screen tees that you can choose from) - Divided by H&M

Shoes:

White Colored Converses

Grey (or if you have Black) Converses

Nude Oxfords (you can go for any neutral color) - Esprit

Basic Black Flats (must have!) - H&M

There you have it! I hope you liked my picks for back to school. For times like these, going for basic, timeless, and comfortable pieces are my go to's.

Hope your first week of school goes out smoothly and have fun!

Mae

OOTD: Dinner Take Out

2014-08-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

Siracha Print Shirt - TJ Maxx

Black Canvas Shorts - Marshall's

White Converse Sneakers - Converse Online Store

August Ipsy Bag!

2014-08-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Coastal Scents Forever Blush Sample

You're The Balm Lip Balm in Grape

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Lord & Berry Black Silk Mini Kajal Kohl-Liner #1001

Personal: Poem

2014-08-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

When I speak my mind
I get criticized
When I just bottle it all up
Letting it eat away my soul
As my eyes show sign of weakness
I get criticized
It may seem like a no win
So I write this as my outlet
And therefore, I'm still sane

Personal: Poem

2014-08-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

It just has to get better soon
All this waiting for something incredible to happen
All these days of trying to think positive
It all has to pay off
I’m growing tired
Patience is tired
Even though there is still some much to look forward to
I don’t know how much I can take
Nor do I know how long I can hold on

OOTD: Office Work

2014-08-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Over-Sized Grey Jumper/Sweater - H&M

Black Basic Leggings - Styles For Less

Nude-Colored Oxfords - Esprit

Poem: Self

2014-08-04T23:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not selfish

I just strive to be independent

Self-sufficient

For if people

Were to no longer care for me,

Or lose the ability to.

I'll remain strong

So I'll continue to hunger

For what truly makes me happy

At the same time,

I won't leave my family behind

My roots behind

Since they are

And still will be

The base of my being

PERSONAL: My name is Andrea and I'm a work in progress

2014-08-02T23:21:00.000-07:00

This was an entry on my Tumblr blog that I recently just posted. I hope you all read it and get a sense of who I am as a person and that you understand that we're all in this ride together. xx

And that's why I mostly follow and reblog blogs that are encouraging and make a smile on your face. I also TRY to think and act positive, but it's hard. And here's why:

I've once had a job that I've kept for almost 6 years. I gave my heart and soul in to that small little business for that long. My bosses and my co-workers were my extended family, and we left work everyday knowing that we did our very best. It brought up my confidence, socially and that was VERY important to me. Being able to talk to different people everyday while making small, meaningful relationships with customers meant a lot to me. We were a small business, so there was an underlying unique spirit that we had that held us together and gave us just enough strength to wake up and head to work by 6am.

It was a job. And with that, the perks of paying my own way, all the way with nobody's help but my own insured me with content. But not overall happiness, since that job was literally everything I had while school at a local community college was at the back burner of my "5-year plan" stovetop.

But unfortunately for a small business, it doesn't always last. The city that I was working in had better plans for our space (a gym) so were kicked to the curb. All my (our) hard work was pulverized and disintegrated, much like how our old store ended up. Just like that; never to be remembered or refurbished and there was nothing I could do about it.

Ironically enough, we officially closed our store on Halloween of 2013. I said my goodbyes to my old regular customers and colleagues, and just headed home. I dressed up as a Day of the Dead Sugar Candy skull just to keep the spirit up. I bought cookies and cupcakes and passed them out like candy (oh, and we also had candy). As I washed the makeup off my face, I washed away my identity as being an employed, self-sufficient human being. And the insured content I had was gone. I became depressed. Along with that, I was living with my family who had expectations and personalities that were sometimes hard to work around on. But lucky for me, they were (and still are) somewhat sensitive to my place in life as of now.

For the next few months, I literally just lingered around our house trying to do or find something productive to do. I tried (still trying) to find a job. I still had school. And thank goodness for financial aid. One day, during my Fall semester, I decided to look through my transcript. Low and behold, I saw that I was on time to transfer to my dream university. So I talked to my mom about the opportunity and she gave me the green light to pursue my degree. I wanted to talk to my mom because, well, she's mom. I wanted and needed that "parental acceptance" again. We don't always see eye to eye, but I appreciate those kinds of moments with her. Just as long as I still have those moments with her, our fair relationship as mother and daughter will hold. So i shifted my energy to school, I was motivated to get to that next level I was longing for since I graduated high school, many, many years ago.

February of this year, I received my provisional acceptance to SJSU, on Valentines Day. Funny how the two, recent major moments in my life were on Halloween and Valentine's Day. I've never felt so...accomplished in my 25 years of life. I was determined to pass my remaining classes and graduate CC to move on. And I did. When I graduated, I realized that it only gets better. When one door closes, another will open. It just takes patience and reassurance that it will happen. I finally experienced what it was like to be so genuinely happy that it felt like a dream. I was among a plethora of students from different life backgrounds that were awaiting for that next step in life in doing something that they want to put their heart and soul in to.

I'm now 23 days away in to starting university, establishing new relationships, and continuing to self-grow. And I couldn't be happier.

There are days when it can get frustrating due to family issues and my mental state of mind. And who doesn't have that? That's LIFE. Everybody goes through their tough situations in a different way. So it's easier said than done to drop it and keep going. But at the same time, it's not impossible to do that. People like me who are in similar situations just go through progress slower than most, and that's fine. I just have to keep on going, absorb positive signs in any which way they come and look forward to tomorrow.

I'm never going to say that I'm better off now than before because that's not fair to say. I know there are more people out there who are going through more than I am right now or I ever have in life. And I just want to say to them too that I have your back. It does get better.

Positivity may seem inanimate. You may not grasp it with your hands, hold it in your arms, or kiss it with your lips. It's a spirit that lives in all of us that can be awaken and kept. We just need to realize that we have it and using it will make a world of a difference.

Girls Day Out: What I Ate

2014-08-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Sis and I went to Erik's Delicafe just near the nail salon that we went to. They have a great selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads along with a nice comfy atmosphere. We shared a bowl of chili, the Erik's "Burger" sandwich, and a side of potato salad

Hope you all are having a relaxing weekend!

FOTD: Girls Day Out

2014-08-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Boo-Boo Cover-Up Concealer

M.A.C. Mineraliza Skinfinish in Medium

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Too Faced Lip Primer

The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow Penci

The Face Shop Color My Eye Brow Tint

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Color: Naked 2

The Face Shop Face It Extreme Brush Pen Eyeliner in Black Force

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless in Black

Too Faced Lipstick in Spice Spice Baby

And as for what we did today, we got mani/pedi and opt in to get a black shellac with a small flower detail :)

Small Sephora Haul

2014-08-01T23:36:00.000-07:00

Did a small purchase spree on Sephora's online store, and here's what I've got:

Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess

Love the feel of this bronzer; feels rich, soft, and very pigmented. It's definitely more shimmery than I'm used to, but I'm game on trying Tarte products in general.

Too Faced Lip Insurance

Self explanatory ;)

Too Faced Perfect Lips Lip Liner in Perfect Spice

Been browsing for a bunch of lip liners that are of beige/nude tone since I've also fallen in to the 90's lip/Kylie Jenner lip color phenomena.

Too Faced Lipsticks in Spice Spice Baby & Naked Daily

Speaking of beige/nude shades, I thought these lipsticks would be paired well with the lip liners. Very creamy texture, pigmented, and I believe they dry matte (but not drying). Spice Spice Baby has a beige with a mauve undertone to it while Naked Daily has a peachy nude tone. And you gotta love the all gold packaging...

Sephora Nano Lips Lip Liners in:

Native Nude

Queen Quartz

Royal Rose

Pleasant Plum

And here are the rest of the lip liner flock. These actually came in with a set along with the other Two Faced lip products as a special. I do fancy the Sephora products; they are just as good and great quality. We definitely have a perfect representation of colors from the lip spectrum when it comes to what shades are popular these days. From nudes to plum, I have a lot of choices to choose from :)

Happy weekend

FOTD

2014-07-25T15:57:00.001-07:00

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser/Concealer

M.A.C. MSF in Medium

E.L.F Contouring Blush and Bronzer

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Excess

The Face Shop Face It Creamy Matte Lipstick in BR801

The Face Shop Style My Eyebrows*

*not pictured

Breakfast: Fried Egg on Cheese Toast

2014-07-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

2 Toasted Slices of Bread (any kind)

2 Slices of American Cheese on each slice of toast

(put the cheese on right when the bread comes out of the toaster so it'll melt)

1 Fried Egg

**any side of meat if you like; I had Pork Tocino

Enjoy

Lunch Idea: Veggie Sandwich

2014-07-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

2 Slices of any type Bread; toasted

1 TBSP (less or more to your liking) of Cream Cheese on each slice of bread

2 Slices of Cheddar Cheese on each slice of bread

2 Slices of Tomato

2 Leaves of Romaine Lettuce

1 TBSP of Balsamic Vinaigrette

** add avocado if you like as well

Enjoy

FOTD

2014-07-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

UD Naked Original & Naked Basics Palettes

UD 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner in Black

Maybelline FIT Foundation Stick

M.A.C. MSF in Medium

Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

The Face Shop Style My Eyebrows

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Excess

Sephora 24/7 Eyeshadow Stick/Liner

July Ipsy Bag

2014-07-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Be fine Food Skin Care Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

Hang Ten SPF 08 Dark Tanning Oil

WHET Refined Nail Color in Facetious

- three free

- vegan formula

- 7 day chip resistant

Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Unique Pink

bareMineral 5 IN 1 BB advanced performance cream eyeshadow in Broad Spectrum SPF 15

June Ipsy Bag!

2014-06-15T22:03:00.002-07:00

Here is another YouTube video on the June Edition of the Ipsy Bag

Enjoy

Current Beauty Favorites!

2014-06-15T22:01:00.001-07:00

Here is a "live action" post from my YouTube channel on my current beauty favorites as of now.

Enjoy

Homemade/DIY Detox Water

2014-05-28T12:44:00.001-07:00

So, I've decided to eat AND drink a bit more healthier since I'm anticipating a busy Fall season this year. And with that, I want to feel healthier and better about myself. Im finally transferring to a University full-time and so I feel that a bit of a lifestyle change is in order. So far, I'm a bit more cautious of what I'm eating and now I want to accompany that with a healthy drinking habit as well. And I would like to share with you an easy DIY Detox water "recipe" I put together with "home" ingredients that anybody can make and try. I'm aware that their are many renditions to detox water and I find that convenient and useful as well. The more, the better, right? But I think it's also important to use fruits and vegetables that are already in our homes and put them through another beneficial use as well. So experiment! Definitely look up your favorite fruits and veggies online and read over their many benefits and adapt that in to your healthy regimen :)

What I used:

1-2 L Glass Mason Jar, washed

Boiled then cooled, water

2 packs of Green Tea

6-8 Slices of Cucumber

4-5 slices of Lemon, cut in halves

6-8 pieces of any berries you prefer

(I happened to use frozen ones since I don't have fresh ones)

Go ahead and pour your water in to the mason jar.

Insert both green tea packets first to start steeping them in to the water.

Add in your:

Cucumbers

Lemon wedges

Berries

Then take a big spoon and swirl everything inside the mason jar to start mixing all the flavors together.

If your mason jar comes with a lid then go ahead and pop it on and make sure it is sealed tightly (with green tea bags still inside; hang the tea strings out while screwing the lid on). Then carefully position the jar to a horizontal position then proceed to slowly mix the water by moving it up and down with your hands.

*If you don't have a lid, grab some plastic wrap and/or a rubber band and cover it with that.

Finally, stick the jar in the fridge overnight and enjoy the next day for a refreshing, yet healthy drink :)

Thanks for reading!

Mae

April Ipsy Bag

2014-04-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the slight delay, once again...But here's is the April Edition of the Ipsy Bag, ENJOY!

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil

City Color Mousse Eyeshadow in White Gold

Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Teddy Bare

Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-acne Treatment

Demeter Roll On Perfume Oil in Jasmine

Thanks for reading, and happy Easter!

Mae xx

New The Face Shop Haul!

2014-04-13T19:07:00.001-07:00

Long time no blog! Really sorry, guys, honest...Just been busy with school and the whole transfer process (from CC to Uni). But I'm back with a new post and it's for The Face Shop haul. We literally just when there today before we picked up lunch. So here it is, enjoy!

FACE it Lipstick Creamy Matte BR801

Beautiful bright coral shade that is matte, but not drying at all. Like what it says on it, it's CREAMY. It's on the light side when it comes to pigmentation, but it's very build able where the color can become more vibrant.

FACE it Extreme Brush Pen Eyeliner in Black Force

Needed a new liquid liner, so bought this little guy; more just to try it out than replace my drugstore one. It's one of those "shake than apply" pens in which I haven't used in a while. The tip of the pen is smaller than my old one, so I'm excited to try it out for I'm gearing toward more of a defined look nowadays. When I swatched it on my hand, the texture and pigmentation of the black color is a bit liquidy, which worries me. But after it completely dried, which didn't take long at all, I rubbed on it vigorously, and to much awe, not a smear in sight! The lady who helped us did say that this was the popular liner and it is long lasting.

FACE it Designing Cake Eyebrow

This is actually for my sister :) I use The Face Shop eyebrow pencil to shape and fill and brows since they're so "dark".

Color My Eyebrow in Gray Brown

It's a brow tint and setter. I applied it on my already done brows, and it lightened and shaped/set my brows. And I love the result of how it looked after I applied it. We're officially out of our Anastasia brow gel, so this is the perfect replacement for it. It doesn't lighten the brows TOO much, but it toned down how harsh my brows were and it looks so much more natural.

And since we spent a buttload of money on the products, the lady gave us a free product and samples. We were given the Herb Day Cleansing Cream in Fruit Mix and a few samples of Mango Seed Heart Volume Butter, Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Lotion, and Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Toner.

Thanks for the read ;)

Mae

March Ipsy Bag!

2014-03-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay of this new Ipsy Bag post, but, I think I was the only one who got there's sent LATE to them. I started to get worried haha

Chella Eyeliner Pen in Indigo Blue

Just in time for Spring/Summer, a beautiful blue color of felt-tip liner. I especially prefer this type of shape of a felt-tip, so it'll be easy to control and overall give that nice, sharp, line.

Be A Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in Bora Bora

There are 3 other color themes to these quads as well. Again, being Spring, great combination of colors that go well together. Very soft and pigmented.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie in Get Ready

It said on its pamphlet that it's from their long wear collection, so a great attribute to have. Just a nice, rose-y pink color that is great on any skin tone. Looks and feels moisturizing as well.

Vita Liberata Luxury Tan 2-3 Week Tan Lotion in Medium

Perfect timing, right ladies? Honestly I have never tried self tanner before, so this will be a good opportunity to start. Since the color looks pretty dark, Ill probably see significant color off the bat (My skin, especially my legs, are pretty pale right now :))

As always, thanks for reading :)

Mae xx

February Favorites

2014-03-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Real Techniques Buffing Brush - This helps blend my BB Cream/Foundation out perfectly

Real Techniques Contour Brush - Love using this for applying my bronzer to contour my face

Art Net Pro Paris N 801 - I use this to apply a "harsh" line of bronzer to the hollows of my cheeks to my hair line, and then afterwards I use the Contour Brush to buff it out

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - I never thought I really could get use out of this palette since I have the original Naked as well as the Basics one. But just looking at it, made me want to experiment or try out the colors. And so far it has been my go-to :) What you have to love about the Naked palettes in general is that all the colors go well together.

Loreal Magic B.B. Cream - A no brainer ;)

Too Faced Matte Bronzer in Chocolate Soleil - This product has grown on me the more I use it. A nice, buildable bronzer.

Nars Blush in Deepthroat - A cult classic shade of a blush that I love to pair with the Two Faced Bronzer. A perfect, natural shade of pink.

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in Rossetto - This is always going to be a favorite of mine. A creamy, pinky nude that won't look "dead" on you; great everyday color.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Creme Brulee - Perfect go-to lip shade that won't make you feel guilty. I love to pair this too on top of the Rimmel lipstick previously mentioned.

Style My Eyebrow Pencil in Lovely me ex - I just started filling in my brows recently, and I have been using this one since my sister wasn't satisfied with it. Definitely did the trick in enhancing my brows :)

Phoenix - Bankrupt

Been a fan of Phoenix for awhile, and absolutely love their new album. The right mix of mellow and upbeat, no matter what kind of mood you are in. SOS in Bel Air and Drakkar Noir are two of my fave tracks on their.

Breaking Bad - Season 5

In honor of Netflix putting the rest of season 5 on their program, I can finally say this is my all time favorite show. I can't say enough good things about Breaking Bad and for the sake of you guys, I won't get in to it haha ;) Bravo Vince Gilligan