Coming back and My first adventure with high end makeup

Hello there lovelies! Long story short I have been MIA cause of school, work, and just life. I've been super busy ( and not gonna lie very lazy) but i am finally pushing myself to get back into the blogging bandwagon! I quite missed it!

Anyways, I've never been much of a high end product girl, mostly because I couldn't really afford to splurge on 48$ dollar products. But I've got a summer job with a few extra bucks to spend and you best bet I'm haulin' my ass to Sephora!

I've been on a huge hunt for a good sheer or light bb cream/tinted moisturizer. Really. I've been reading reviews, watching videos, ya know doing my research. I've narrowed it down to 4. 

1. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30
2. Bobbi Brown BB cream SPF 35
3. Dior Diorskin Nude BB creme SPF 10
4. Kiehls Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB SPF50 PA++

I've only tested out 2 of the 4 so far. I really don't want to have a huge stash o' makeup sitting in my room so I'm really trying my hardest this summer to make makeup dream team! 

The next picture was my first account with the Nars Tinted Moisturizer. The makeup artist (who was so lovely!) that tested it out on me used a pretty heavy amount which I didn't really prefer but the end result was flawless! It wore really nice throughout the day which was super promising!

//Tinted Moisturizer/Nars//Lips/Marc Jacobs Heartbreaker//Blush/Nars Liberte//
Eyebrows/Urban Decay Hustle //Mascara/Maybelline Falsies//

I only caught a selfie on my phone with the Bobbi brown bb cream but nothing to show you the beauty of it. Here's me with the Nars tinted moisturizer.

Full reviews on whichever i buy are to come VERY soon! Maybe a comparison if i'm feeling spendy!

Also here is a quick OTD! Couldn't resist, this is by far one of the most comfiest outfits I have ever worn. I need multiples of this dress ASAP. It looks cute with anything and it's not too long for my short self!

//Jacket/Oldnavy//Shirt Dress/H&M//Shoes/Vans//

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GRWM: Amanda tries to talk to a camera

About a month ago I had to send my nikon d3200 through geek squad to get it fixed. There were blue and purple lines showing up on the screen every time I wanted to make a video and it got super frustrating. What was even more frustrating was that geek squad's product tracking system said that I wouldn't get my camera back for another month...WHAT? About 20 days passed until i finally got a notice that my camera was "beyond repair" and that i could bring in my repair receipt and either get a gift card for what I paid or replace the camera with something of the same value. So i did just that. I was in luck that day cause not only did I get an entirely new camera, I got two lenses, 2 uv filters, AND a big ass camera bag. The guys who helped me were also super sweet! I rushed home, popped the charger into the wall and tried to think of what my first youtube video would be. Now, I am absolutely not a makeup artist, but I decided to go with a "get ready with me" kind of video. That way you guys could see how I really am and i'm not just telling you what products made the cut. My next video will probably be something along the lines of ~favorites~ but for now let's see if youtube doesn't ban my video for being too embarrassing or something. 

Try not to cringe too much from me being me. ALSO my hair was air-drying hence the super frizz mess thing going on around my head. Woops.

Here's the final product (of me looking like a goofy goober per usual).



         





Products Used:

_Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfecter ($8.99)

_Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Brown($4.49)

_NYX Retractable Eyeliner in Aqua Green ($4.49)

_NYX Cream Blush in Tea Rose ($6.99)

_Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss ($7.99)

_Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm ($8.99)

_Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil in Deep Brown ($7.99)

_L'oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara ($8.99)

A Collective Haul: Amanda gets her first tax return

Alright, let me make it clear that I did NOT get a ton of tax return money and I DID NOT (it took a lot of power within me) spend all of it! I got enough back that i kept 1/3 to spend and put the rest in savings. I still have some left that I put aside for beauty and skincare but I really need to calm down (ha.). I had been craving some new products for both skincare and makeup. My stash (very tiny stash) was looking sad and wintery so I needed to spring and summer things up. I stopped by Ulta, CVS, The Body shop and Whole Foods to make my purchases. I'm pretty content with everything I bought but it left me with 2 things I absolutely have to return! Read on to see things I didn't really need but wanted.

-1-

_The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion ($19.00)

_The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum ($21.00)

-2-

_NYX Cream Blush in -Tea Rose- ($5.99)

-3-

_Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in -Sorbet- & -Watermelon- ($7.99)

_Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs Lip Color in -Storm Sahara- ($7.49) (this one smells funky)

_Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in -Sultry- ($8.99)

-4-

_Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum ($20)

-5-

_L'ORÈAL Infalliable Silkissime Eyeliner in -Highlighter- ($8.99)

-6-

_Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfecter in -Medium- ($8.99)

-7- 

_Whole Foods Citrus Grapefruit Conditioner ($2.99) (not pictured but it smells like straight up freakin' ORANGES in a bottle!)

Swatches:

:(

I bought two things that did not work out. Since I was in a rush at CVS I grabbed the first cleanser that had benzoyl peroxide in it and after I used it last night it left a weird film on my face. Of course. It had mineral oil. That stuff clogs pores and makes my skin angry. So return it is. At Ulta I also purchased this Revlon Brow Fantasy pencil and gel duo. Alright. If you have light skin then this is for you. Personally, this stuff, even in the darkest shade (Dark Brown) did NOT show up on my skin at all! And i don't have bushy brows or thick pretty brows. My brows are pretty sparse and super thin. The gel is hardly noticeable if even at all and the pencil doesn't even show up on my skin! Super bummed about this product. I've been wanting to invest in a higher end eyebrow product but I don't know if i'm ready to hand over a 20. I don't really see the worth in a 20$ brow product. Eh. I'll stick to my Maybelline eyebrow pencil thing for now and play it safe. 

Any who, i'll check back in with how all these great new things are going. Hopefully it's all good. I hope. Tax returns only last so long...

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Skincare Wishlist

My face is stuck in a rut. With hormonal changes and weather changes, my skin is going every which way but good. I've been doing some super heavy research on skincare on what I need and I have to say it's quite enjoyable. I pretty much failed all science classes in high school but for real, reading all these skincare posts and articles is pretty much redemption for my past.  My skin is mostly oily but it's super dry and sensitive with the slightest overdose of anything. My acne is pretty hormonal related but also bacteria related. I had to try and look for what I needed without literally spending my tax refund all in one go... Here's what i've been eyeing. 

*Starting from the top left, going clockwise*

Protect

1. Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum $20

2. The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Lotion $19

3. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum $21

Moisturize

1. Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial $48

2. The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Moisture Lotion SPF 15 $19

Cleanse

1. Ole Henriksen Truth (to go) Vitamin C Wipes $8

Treat

1. La Roche-Posay Effclar Dual Acne Treatment $36.95

2. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask $26

I need to really stay in touch with my SPF this summer. I've been really bad about it and the marks on my face are starting to show. I have a ton of red acne marks that just wont go away and it's only going to get worse if i don't start acting upon it now. Also- WATER. I've been drinking tons and my skin's texture has been improving, which is exciting. But alas water cannot get rid of my lady problems and so the viscous cycle (literally) will have to be hopefully soothed by the products i hope to get. Or i might have to painfully book an appointment with someone i absolutely do not want to visit. Blegh. Someday soon i'll make a post on all the things i've learned as far as skincare for my type of skin goes. 

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Drugstore Dash: Reviewed

I recently did a "drugstore dash", in which I stopped by the drugstore to pick up ONE THING, and came out with two extra items. That isn't *that* bad, but when you're a college student and money is on the front line of everything...it's bad. But to counteract my supposedly dumb mistake i did kinda need these things. Walgreens of course sucked me into buying something that wasn't on sale by telling me i'll get 2,000 points. I better get to 5,000 soon cause this girl needs a point break. Read on to see what I purchased. 

1. Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution $6.30 (at time of purchase)

Just your good 'ol basic contact solution. I don't feel a difference compared to the other contact solutions i've used. I may want to look into something thats super duper hydrating but at this point I'd have to get entirely new contacts. Solution wouldn't really help. I chose this one over the other, solely because of it's eco-friendly look and it cause it looked fresh and clean! Basic 7$ price for a biggish bottle when it's on sale. Sold.

2.  Simple Exfoliating Facial Wipes  $5.79

I bought these on account of two things. I ran out of my yes to cucumbers face wipes and i knew simple products haven't done any harm to my skin. I've used their moisturizers before and nothing drastic happened. My skin was simply moisturized; no more, no less. I picked the exfoliating wipes because i've been feeling the Chicago air penetrating the lowest level of the insides of my skin (shh just go with it). My face had been feeling icky and this seemed like something that would help me rip through the nasties. Verdict: They're alright. They are "exfoliating" but it feels almost a bit too harsh. It's not wet enough so it just feels like a somewhat wet rough towel getting rubbed around my face. Gonna finish these and keep searching!

3. Simple Soothing Facial Toner $7.29

I ran out of my so totally clean deep pore cleanser toner that I buy from Ulta. It has salicylic acid so I used it morning and night after I had washed my face OR (forgive me) i'd use it on a pimple i popped during the day.... Anyways I ditched it cause I was starting to use 10% benzoyl peroxide on my skin and I didn't want those two to fight and make my skin all flaky and dry. This toner, as the brand's name suggest, is simple. It re-cleanses my skin after I wash it and it makes sure there's no leftovers. It has witch hazel which i believe aids in fighting acne. I might stick with this one for now but if my skin ever gets worse i might have to keep on searching.

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Being in a sea of shit is being at home. every single wall and every single picture reminds you exactly of where you are. You bring regret and remorse to the house. Your parents scold you for everything you are and for everything you want. Yeah i want that but no i can't handle a job. Yelling is a common mode for transportation between their mouths and hopefully to your head. I take all of their words and let them flow right on over. Like a wave. In a sea of shit. 

A sea of shit is getting hit. A sea of shit is your best friend leaving for the summer. A sea of shit is feeling depressed. A sea of shit is your parents voice telling you how shitty you are. A sea of shit is me. 

Start a sara mclaughlin fucking fund for my well being. Tell everyone how depressed and shitty i feel. Let them donate to my protein bar and yogurt eating self. I wanted to take summer classes but i won't have time to with a job. And with a job i'll be more depressed. Good one mom and dad. 

At this point i've stopped kicking. Wading. Waiting. I'm not flailing and i'm done yelling SOS. Why haven't i drowned yet, in this sea of fucking shit. 

FOTD_1

Simple and clean. Fresh faced and school appropriate. I've been wearing this "face" quite often. It's not a very difficult look and I don't really know why it's worth posting but my skin was being quite nice to me yesterday and I needed to document this rare occasion. 

Products used will be listed at the end. But basically all that was on my face was; eyeliner, mascara, a bit of concealer on one blemish (!!!!), a bit of eyebrow work and lip gloss! What?! Yeah.

It was in the 60's yesterday, hot weather for us Chicagoans. It did rain a bit after lunch so there was a lot of clothing confusion on campus. Shorts and sandals included. 

My outfit was not something to document, looking quite frumpy i was super duper comfortable. Who knew high waisted jeans could be so comfortable?! I was going to be in the wood shop for class today so functionality and proper shoes were a must. The weather didn't bring us any sunshine so dark clothes with a hint of spring is what i went with.

After class i was in need of a little drugstore shopping. Makeup purchasing. You know. The kind where you want new makeup products but also don't want your bank account to scream in terror. I stopped by Ulta and CVS in which i picked up a few things! I'll be stopping by again today and see if the CVS i'll be by today has something i wanted in stock! A mini drugstore haul will be in the works for tomorrow!

Products Used:

Maybelline Eye studio lasting drama gel eyeliner ($9.99)
Maybelline Volum' Express the Rocket Mascara ($7.49)
Revlon ColorStay Concealer ($9.99)

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil ($7.99)

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Rose Pearl ($7.99)

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OOTD_1

Chicago had absolutely gorgeous weather today. It was sunny, the wind was on the down low and I didn't have to wear a jacket! WEIRD. I know. I am so completely over cold and wintery weather. I'm ready to ditch my docs for a bit and wear some flats! Here is my ootd...prison dorm room included.

                                                       

Here is the full outfit, (beautifully posed in front of a dorm door -_-)

                                                       

My favorite part! The shoes and hat! I scored the hat at H&M, they had 15% off for students!

Ahh, the shoes. I've been craving a good pair of flats and alas i've managed to get my hands on a pair! On a recent trip to Marshall's I spotted this Betsey Johnson pair. They were in the sale section too (YES). Originally 82$, i got them for 23$. They are totally worth the current heel pain.

Details: Glasses, backpack, mom's necklace. 

All that I am wearing cannot be found online but there are similar items circulating around since spring is here and bright colors are in!On my face i simply wore a winged eyeliner look, I had some work to do in the wood shop so going all out on the face wasn't on the menu. I didn't mention the jeans above but they are from H&M and they fit like a DREAM. They were 9.95$ and are still available in store. S C O R E.

That's it for my lil ootd, nothing too fancy. Just wanted to let the world know about my shoes. heh heh. ......

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Mini Beauty Haul- spring break 2014

  Spring break has got me forgetting about school and has me focusing on the dry patches of my legs and the oily patches of my forehead. At school I rarely have time to or even remember to put lotion or body oil after I shower. AND, forget about washing my face at night! It's an extremely rare occasion when I actually finish my homework and can muster up the strength to head over to the bathroom. Ugh. 

Buying new products to try out always get me excited to get back to the sink or shower and take care of my body. My hair and skin is in much need of TLC, so what better time to get down to business than spring break?! I'm holding off on buying cleansers and other things since I have some other products I need to finish before I go off and buy more! Here are the things I've recently picked up.

-Products explained L-R-

1. Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes ($8.49) - I've been a fan of simple's kind to skin cleansing wipes for a very long time now, they're basic get everything off your face wipes. But in the beauty world I've been seeing constant love going to these wipes, so i thought i might just give 'em a go! So far so good!

2. Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner ($4.99)- I was on the hunt for shampoo and i stumbled upon this one! I originally thought it was a "value size" of the naked conditioner line but it wasn't! It's what it says it is! On the bottle it says "...let this low lather hair cleansing conditioner go to work, combining the conditioning properties of a nourishing oil while gently cleansing the hair, for touchably soft hair" So in short you only use this product instead of shampoo AND conditioner. I thought this was a pretty neat concept,, or a cool way of telling the consumer it may be a 2 in 1 hair product! But- this may be the answer to keeping shampoo away from my head one more day. I've been trying to be nicer to my hair and this may be the answer!

3. Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($4.99)- This coconut oil was so much cheaper than the oil I've found at whole foods! I've been trying to become a coconut oil user but prices had me holding off but i finally did it! I tested it on my hands last night and they feel so incredibly soft! You can only purchase this puppy in-store. There are other sources such as vitacost.com that can deliver right to your doorstep (prices may vary) if you so desire! I can't wait to try all of the things this power product can do!

4. Pure Rosehip Seed Oil ($6.79)- I have combination/oil and acne prone skin. So i have breakouts more often than i should for my age. So, always in search for products that can help me clear my skin, I've heard many good things about this specific oil. Properties that increase cell turnover and diminishing dark spots and acne scars got me hooked. I hope these claims are true! I'm super excited for it to work wonders.

5. Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion ($18.00)- Wow-that is quite the mouthful! I was in search of a toner since my salicylic acid based toner had run out i kinda wanted some change in this part of my skincare routine! This lotion was found under their oily skincare line and claims to deep clean and remove bacteria. So far it feels great and non-stripping on the skin!

6. Herbal Essences Naked Moisture Shampoo($3.99)- No parabens and sulfates...for 3.99? I'll give it go! Hoping this shampoo lives up to all the hype and it's claims! 

7. Biotin 1000 mcg's ($2.49)- I used to take biotin everyday about 2 years ago and that's when i had my  longest and healthiest hair. Why did i ever stop taking it? Biotin is supposed to be a super supplement that aids in the healthy maintenance/growth of your hair, skin and and nails! Trying everything i can to get these locks back in shape!

8. L'oreal Infallible the Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in Black ($8.99) - Another mouthful (and not skincare related!). I'm a big "cat eye"- or flick if you will- person. Winging out my eyeliner is must for me. The nib on this eyeliner is super tiny (0.4mm) and is nice for getting that clean line. It gives me a more feminine and put together look! I stopped trying with the eye makeup since my glasses did not allow for fanciness like this (not even i could tell how much effort i put into my lashes) but now that i got me a fresh set of contacts i can revive my love with liners! 

I'm still in the market for a new body wash, body polish and serum... all of which the body shop seems to have! And of course their sales protect my wallet from having a nervous breakdown! Excited to see what it brings me! See ya soon!

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03_25_14

My days have been fast and slow. Fast in the nice parts and of course slow in the not so happy parts. Nights leaving me anxious for the next day but the light of my phone keeps reminding me only a minute has passed in the last 20 minutes of my mind. I've been having a lot of conflicting things going on in my mind. I'm going to see a therapist tomorrow and see if we can sort some things out. I really want to transfer schools again and start new, but when you've got no money and you're not poor enough to the government to receive enough financial aid...you're kinda stuck where you are. And as for my major...who knows what i want anymore. I'm 20 and i feel like i should have these things somewhat sorted out better than what it is now. I'm missing Andrew more than ever and i feel like if he was with me all of the time i wouldn't have these issues of not knowing what to do. I don't need anything but him to be ok, to be sound and safe feeling. ANYWAYS, i went thrifting this weekend and i took photos of things i didn't get. Why? Cause you'll see photos of me in things i did buy. I kinda regret not making these purchases, but alas the bank account only allowed for a lunch at native foods. But i also did buy a cute black hat! ^_^ Before heading home for spring break my sissy came over and we celebrated her 5:09 mile in wicker park! It was super cold but we managed to have a grand 'ol time!

This lil guy had a hole in the back :(

Both of these pieces had rips in them and weren't reasonably priced for super worn out items!

Glazed and Infused!

Native Foods!

Italian Meatball sub <3 

Probably the only fake meat meal that fills me up alll the way. 

bad picture of me and ma new hat (¬‿¬)

So, today hopefully I'll head out to find me so face products for this weather. Meaning,,,,the warmer it gets, the oilier my face gets...thus breaking out more often.ugh. Can't wait to actually go out and do things! Ah! It's gonna take lots of shopping and good food to make me finally start my homework...See ya 'till next time~

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