This will be my version of the "In and Out" or "Sexy vs. Skanky" topics. The 'Aces' are things I'm excited about, have been loving, or want to try. The 'Disgraces' are things that I'm just over or that are bumming me out. Not the best title but, that's all my creative-less brain could come up with at the moment. Let's see how many I can think of!
Aces
Fall! I'm so excited for the fall season I can't even stand it. It's not just fall, it's everything that goes along with fall. My whole personality changes in the fall time. I know spring is supposed to be a time or new beginnings but I really feel that way in the fall. I'm so excited for the things coming up that I'm just a happier person all around. I love the football games, the sound of the marching band and chanting the Michigan fight song, I love eating Panera Bread on lazy Sunday afternoons with my boyfriend. I love the colors that change in our makeup, nails and clothing. I love starting a big pot of chili in the morning and sprinkling the cheese on top with a dollop of sour cream right before I devour it. I love bonfires with big fleeces and a Bud Lite, I love sleeping with the windows open letting a nice cool breeze in, I love the smells and colors of all the leaves falling and the pumpkins and gourds ready to be picked, I love going to Three Cedars Farm and Cider Mill and of course, I love the upcoming holidays. There's nothing not to love about fall time. Ahh I can't wait! Ok, moving on...
Gel eyeliner. I have four of them. E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Midnight and a Wet 'n Wild Mega Eyes Cream Liner in Eggplant and MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and Dipdown, They all work well, and I've neglected them. I've been so into smudging my eyeliner out that I forgot what my eyes looked like with a nice straight liner all the way around them. I think gel liners make the easiest winged out line and you can make the as thick or thin as you'd like. I wore it today for the first time in months and I really liked it. Plus, I don't want them to dry out so; I better get crackin'.
Routine. I've been running every morning and I'm really proud of myself for sticking to it. Even if I don't have a lot of time or energy, I still do my work out. I think getting into the habit of it is going to be the hardest part. I hate running, I really do but when I'm done I feel so accomplished. Not only am I going to be healthier for it, I'm hoping to lose a great deal of weight before Christmas...updates to follow.
Nude Nails. I'm not talking clear nail polish here. I love nude colors like Desert Haze by E.L.F. and Grey Suede by Revlon. They perform the same task on your hands as nude pumps would for your legs. They make them look longer and leaner. These colors also look so different on different skin tones so everyone looks unique.
D.I.Y. I am totally in to home renovations right now. I always have been, I watch HGTV and DIY Network religiously but I've only had my own place for about 8 months. I've been consumed with wanting to update this place for so long. When we first moved in, I made some minor changes, like reorganizing and painting the main rooms (living room, bathroom and kitchen- in that order) and putting up pictures and what not. Our next renovation will be the bathroom on the first floor and the kitchen. The boyfriend and I have been staying up late at night, just talking about what we want in the kitchen, measuring things out, researching galley kitchens online...basically dreaming. We don't want to do so many improvements that we go above the value of our home because we plan on selling within 10 years. I've always wanted an apron front farmhouse sink. I had all but given up on that, though, because of the hefty cost. However, I went to Ikea today with my sister and while we were walking around the model rooms, I heard her say "Ew, I hate this sink!" I walked over to see what she was looking at and BAM! It's an apron front. Now, I'm used to seeing sinks like this one priced anywhere from $500-$3,000. The price tag on the Ikea sink: priceless. Nah, I'm just kidding it was $299.00 Yes! A 36" apron front porcelain sink for under 300 dollars!
Whoa, did I just go on a tangent or what? Needless to say, I can't wait to get started on this remodel. :)
Now time for the Disgraces.
The vampire craze. I cannot even put into words how annoyed I am with the whole vampire scene. I don't care about Twilight, let alone all the other shows that are made to resemble it. I'm sick to death of hearing about True Blood, The Twilight Saga and Vampire Diaries. How long will this trend continue? Now I know how my step brothers felt when I was obsessed with *NSYNC and Hanson. The worst part is that it's not only kids that are engrossed in this movement; there's teenagers, twenty-somethings, even adults impatiently waiting for the next installment of Twilight to emerge. Blood sucking creatures were cool for a second when I was younger and Interview with a Vampire came out. Come to think of it; wasn't that when Tom Cruise was cool too? I can't stomach the hype that comes before, during and after these wretched movies releases. I don't care to see those "actors" from the movies anymore. I honestly feel that I'm the only one who isn't into it. I better just leave it at that.
While we're on the 'pop culture' phase of disgraces, I have to include the "anyone-who-was-ever-famous-for-anything-in-their-life-can-have-their-own-reality-show-about-nothing" thing that's currently going on. Who doesn't have their own show? Come on! Ochocinco? Don't even get me started on how that's not really how you say 85 in Spanish. Gene Simmons? Who cares about you anymore?! The TO Show? Boring slash weird. I'm sure he has a really hard time finding a mate. And why on earth do people still pay attention to Paris Hilton. Over it! Along with this is all the celebrity competition shows. Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice...Don't get me wrong, I love reality TV. I mean if I didn't watch that, what really would I watch? Real Housewives and Teen Mom are personal favorites...celebs need to give normal people the chance to shine.
Perez Hilton. I don’t really need to elaborate on this one…but I will. I cannot stand him. Now, does that mean I’ll “unfollow” him on Twitter? No. I need to know what’s going on gossip wise, even though lately, he hasn’t said anything worthwhile. I’m beyond sick of this person. He is one of the most annoying people on the planet. I was actually happy when the guy from Black Eyed Peas punched him. Doesn’t he know how stupid he looks when he addresses Lady Gaga as “Wifey”? Seriously? She never ever responds. He needs to stop acting like a fool and keep to himself. Most of Hollywood can’t stomach him. He doesn’t even report facts as much as his stupid opinion on everything and everyone. He acts like he is a celebrity himself only no one is supposed to pick on him at all. He can pick on everyone else, draw inappropriate things on their pictures and act like they are all best friends. Like famous people just come over his house for pizza. The thing that makes me the most frustrated is that he is becoming a celebrity because of all the hatred toward him. He’d accept any form of attention; which is sad because all he does is sit on the computer all day on Twitter and his blog. Someone needs to knock him down a peg…or just knock him out. Ok, got that out of my system.
The last “disgrace” I have for this time around is free samples. Of course I love most of them, who doesn’t? The ones I have a problem with are the ones that don’t give you enough to actually try the product. I recently received a sample of Frederic Fekkai Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner. I was excited because I’ve been itching to try it and it’s pretty expensive to buy, not knowing if you like it or not. But the little packet the product came in was barely enough to do half my hair. Don’t get me started on the packaging. I know it’s just a sample but those packets are nearly impossible to open! I have to open them and then set them upright in the shower until I’m ready to wash my hair because you can forget about trying to open them when your hands are wet. I must have 8 other sample packets in my bathroom drawer. I think samples need to be a little bigger with easier to open packaging because it would make me more apt to try them and purchase them if they’re what I’m looking for!
Well that’s all for me, I’m off to take a shower and get ready for work. It’s Friday the 13th so maybe a horror movie is in order for tonight? Thanks for reading!
-Liz
Friday, August 13, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Updated Go-To Products!
I am going to post my "Go-To" Products again because the last time I did this was April. A lot has changed in 4 months, including the weather, trends and of course, my tastes. So, here we go:
Primer
Currently, I'm not using a primer at all. If I do, it's rare but I'll either use my Rimmel Fix & Perfect (which I used to loathe) or Loreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base on my t-zone. But typically, I apply my foundation right over my moisturizer.
Foundation
My foundation is ahhmazing. I cannot say enough good things about it. I'm currently using Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse in 110 Porcelain Ivory. Not Dream MATTE Mousse, but Dream SMOOTH Mousse. This foundation came out about a month ago, I'd say, and I'm in love! It provides medium to full coverage and leaves your face with a healthy, dewy glow. I apply it with a 187 brush and it looks flawless!
Concealer
Ahh, finally I end my battle with concealers. I've found my concealing soul mate and it's name is Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque. This concealer has a peachy tone to it, which helps cancel out dark circles. I also found it at the CCO so I saved a few bucks, which is always nice. I apply this concealer with either a fluffy brush or a flat concealer brush, both work wonders. I'm not saying this is forever my HG concealer, but for now, we have a winner :)
Setting Powder
I really have been loving my CoverGirl TruBlends Mineral Powder in Translucent/Fair. It looks dark in the jar but it's a perfect match. It isn't completely matte, so it leaves a good finish on top of my Maybelline foundation. I really like this powder for setting my makeup!
Blush
I absolutely love my MAC Stereo Rose MSF. It is such a pretty coral/pink color and gives a glow at the same time. I want to use it everyday, but I'm afraid I'll waste it if I do!! I can't imagine getting my hands on another!
Contour/bronzer
I really like my Milani Sunset Duo in Sunset City. I have never used the blush from it because it's rather small. But I love the bronzer part. It looks like it would be too dark for me but it really isn't. It's not muddy or orange either, which is a big deal. There are minimal sparkles but they work with the glowy face I've got going on this summer.
Cream Highlight
I gotta give LolaMarie7 (on YouTube) a shout out right now. She created this tag and I love that she put "Cream Highlight" and "Highlight" in separate categories. Now I don't have to choose between the two! For a cream highlight, I'll go with my E.L.F. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal. I've heard this is a dupe for a Benefit product but I'm not sure. Lilac Petal is a taupe/lavender color and it gives a really nice glow on the nose or cheekbone. Blends really well too.
Highlight
I'd say MAC Perfect Topping MSF. This Mineralize SkinFinish is a cream color with gold, orange, peach and purple veining throughout. It does an excellent job at highlighting and doesn't look too powdery.
Mascara
My Go-To mascara of the moment has to be MAC Zoom Lash. I never thought I'd like a MAC mascara, I've only heard negative things about them, but I do. I got this as a free sample with a code I had for free shipping one day and I really ended up liking it. It reminds me a little of Maybelline Lash Stilettos, so maybe I'll have to give that one another go.
Eye Shadow
This is hard, I'm going to have to pick more than one. The eyeshadows I reach for most often are Stila Kitten, MAC Shroom, MAC Wedge and MAC Warming Trend. All neutrals, as usual.
Eye Liner
Has to be Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon. A deep chocolate brown with gold flecks. It doesn't irritate my eyes like other pencils can.
Lip Liner
I still never, ever wear lip liner but if I do, I'd say NYX Rose. It's a bright vivid pink color that makes your lips pop.
Lipstick
Probably MAC Shy Girl. It's the perfect coral-nude color. If I'm not sure what to wear, I wear that.
Lip Gloss
The lipgloss I find myself reaching for most often is probably Loreal Colour Juice in Bubble Gum. It smells great and the color is a milky, opaque peachy color. It's a similar color to Revlon Peach Petal Superlustrious Lipgloss from the new collection, only difference is the applicator. I like the tube better than the wand. This looks great over a lot of different lipsticks or alone.
Eyebrow
I don't do anything to my eyebrows so...
Makeup Brushes
The makeup brushes I use nearly every day are 187, 150, 194, 239, 224, Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush, E.L.F. Blending Eye Brush and E.L.F. Studio Powder Brush.
Nail Polish
I have been really into nudes, greys and muddy browns lately, much like everyone else. My favorites are E.L.F. Smoky Brown, E.L.F. Desert Haze, OPI You Don't Know Jacques, Essie Playa Del Platinum, Revlon Grey Suede, Rimmel Steel Grey...you get the picture.
Well, those are my Go-To Products as of August, 2010. What are yours?
-Liz
Primer
Currently, I'm not using a primer at all. If I do, it's rare but I'll either use my Rimmel Fix & Perfect (which I used to loathe) or Loreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base on my t-zone. But typically, I apply my foundation right over my moisturizer.
Foundation
My foundation is ahhmazing. I cannot say enough good things about it. I'm currently using Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse in 110 Porcelain Ivory. Not Dream MATTE Mousse, but Dream SMOOTH Mousse. This foundation came out about a month ago, I'd say, and I'm in love! It provides medium to full coverage and leaves your face with a healthy, dewy glow. I apply it with a 187 brush and it looks flawless!
Concealer
Ahh, finally I end my battle with concealers. I've found my concealing soul mate and it's name is Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque. This concealer has a peachy tone to it, which helps cancel out dark circles. I also found it at the CCO so I saved a few bucks, which is always nice. I apply this concealer with either a fluffy brush or a flat concealer brush, both work wonders. I'm not saying this is forever my HG concealer, but for now, we have a winner :)
Setting Powder
I really have been loving my CoverGirl TruBlends Mineral Powder in Translucent/Fair. It looks dark in the jar but it's a perfect match. It isn't completely matte, so it leaves a good finish on top of my Maybelline foundation. I really like this powder for setting my makeup!
Blush
I absolutely love my MAC Stereo Rose MSF. It is such a pretty coral/pink color and gives a glow at the same time. I want to use it everyday, but I'm afraid I'll waste it if I do!! I can't imagine getting my hands on another!
Contour/bronzer
I really like my Milani Sunset Duo in Sunset City. I have never used the blush from it because it's rather small. But I love the bronzer part. It looks like it would be too dark for me but it really isn't. It's not muddy or orange either, which is a big deal. There are minimal sparkles but they work with the glowy face I've got going on this summer.
Cream Highlight
I gotta give LolaMarie7 (on YouTube) a shout out right now. She created this tag and I love that she put "Cream Highlight" and "Highlight" in separate categories. Now I don't have to choose between the two! For a cream highlight, I'll go with my E.L.F. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal. I've heard this is a dupe for a Benefit product but I'm not sure. Lilac Petal is a taupe/lavender color and it gives a really nice glow on the nose or cheekbone. Blends really well too.
Highlight
I'd say MAC Perfect Topping MSF. This Mineralize SkinFinish is a cream color with gold, orange, peach and purple veining throughout. It does an excellent job at highlighting and doesn't look too powdery.
Mascara
My Go-To mascara of the moment has to be MAC Zoom Lash. I never thought I'd like a MAC mascara, I've only heard negative things about them, but I do. I got this as a free sample with a code I had for free shipping one day and I really ended up liking it. It reminds me a little of Maybelline Lash Stilettos, so maybe I'll have to give that one another go.
Eye Shadow
This is hard, I'm going to have to pick more than one. The eyeshadows I reach for most often are Stila Kitten, MAC Shroom, MAC Wedge and MAC Warming Trend. All neutrals, as usual.
Eye Liner
Has to be Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon. A deep chocolate brown with gold flecks. It doesn't irritate my eyes like other pencils can.
Lip Liner
I still never, ever wear lip liner but if I do, I'd say NYX Rose. It's a bright vivid pink color that makes your lips pop.
Lipstick
Probably MAC Shy Girl. It's the perfect coral-nude color. If I'm not sure what to wear, I wear that.
Lip Gloss
The lipgloss I find myself reaching for most often is probably Loreal Colour Juice in Bubble Gum. It smells great and the color is a milky, opaque peachy color. It's a similar color to Revlon Peach Petal Superlustrious Lipgloss from the new collection, only difference is the applicator. I like the tube better than the wand. This looks great over a lot of different lipsticks or alone.
Eyebrow
I don't do anything to my eyebrows so...
Makeup Brushes
The makeup brushes I use nearly every day are 187, 150, 194, 239, 224, Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush, E.L.F. Blending Eye Brush and E.L.F. Studio Powder Brush.
Nail Polish
I have been really into nudes, greys and muddy browns lately, much like everyone else. My favorites are E.L.F. Smoky Brown, E.L.F. Desert Haze, OPI You Don't Know Jacques, Essie Playa Del Platinum, Revlon Grey Suede, Rimmel Steel Grey...you get the picture.
Well, those are my Go-To Products as of August, 2010. What are yours?
-Liz
A Little Update...
Wow, May 11th? The last time I wrote a blog post was May 11th? Unacceptable.
Moving on, today is August 9th, 2010. A good day to document since a date like 8-9-10 doesn't happen very often. I'm lying on the couch watching Real Housewives of New Jersey. Gosh I hate/love this show. These people are ridiculous, but I must stay tuned.
I'm pretty proud of myself because I made tomato, basil and mozzarella pasta for dinner, with no recipe. It turned out really good, if I don't say so myself. (And got Josh's stamp of approval as well.) I want to start cooking dinner more often. I think I will when the weather starts cooling off. It has been so unbearably hot here; I haven't wanted to use the oven or stove. Anytime we cook, we grill. Speaking of grilling, we are hosting another bbq this weekend. I'm excited because we've had it "planned" for almost a year. This is our first year with our own house, patio, backyard, firepit, outdoor table, grill, etc., and I've come to realize we love to entertain. We also have a smoker, so maybe we'll use that too.
I honestly cannot wait until fall. Fall is by far my favorite season. I love absolutely everything about it. Wait, I love everything about it except the fact that it means winter comes next. But I really love fall because of the colors, the smells, the crops, cider mills, pumpkins, and the holidays starting and of course, FOOTBALL. I think we're going to skip the UofM games this year, save some money and watch from home. I have a feeling they won't be doing excellent this year anyway...but we can hope.
So that's what I'm looking forward to; fall (and everything that comes along with it), hosting parties and actually not being in school for the first fall season since I was four years old. I will be in school again, but I'm definitely taking a much needed year off. I accomplished my degree, but still have no idea what I'm going to do. So, there's that...
Hmm...what else is new? Oh! I've been running in the mornings before work. Ok, well, it's only been 2 weeks but I plan to keep doing it, 4-5 times a week. I really want to get healthy. That being said...I ruined whatever good I did today with my pasta and about 4 Paula Deen cookies. I know, I know. Tomorrow is a new day. I have also been considering switching from coffee to tea. We'll see how that goes.
Since this is a makeup/beauty blog, I guess I should talk a little about it. I'm really excited about the Eye of the Day I came up with for work today. I tried something a little different, putting MAC Bare Study Paint Pot (a shimmery white/beige colored base) all over my eye. I topped it off with MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow (Shimmery off white) from lash line all the way to the brow bone. I used a 224 Brush to put MAC Wedge Eyeshadow (a medium toned brown) in the crease, just to add a little dimension. Then I used my new E.L.F. gel liner in Midnight (a deep navy) and made bold line on my upper lash line with a winged out edge. Then I used a Rimmel eyeliner (I can't remember the name but it's a navy color as well) on the lower lash line. Finished with MAC Zoom Lash Mascara and I was good to go. Took me all of 5 minutes but I really loved the way it turned out. Note to self: Experiment More.
I also need to invest in a night time eye cream. I’ve heard you are supposed to start using them in your early 20’s and I’ve already noticed some fine lines around my eyes and nearly panicked. I need to also look for a face wash containing Benzoyl Peroxide because I know I’m going to break out with the weather changing in the next month or so and I don’t think my skin reacts to Salicylic Acid. Benzoyl Peroxide is a harder ingredient to find than Salicylic Acid so this should be fun. Very interesting, I know.
I think I may do one more blog post before bed, perhaps an updated Go To Products? Lots have changed since April :)
Talk at you soon, Forensic Files just came on.
Liz
Moving on, today is August 9th, 2010. A good day to document since a date like 8-9-10 doesn't happen very often. I'm lying on the couch watching Real Housewives of New Jersey. Gosh I hate/love this show. These people are ridiculous, but I must stay tuned.
I'm pretty proud of myself because I made tomato, basil and mozzarella pasta for dinner, with no recipe. It turned out really good, if I don't say so myself. (And got Josh's stamp of approval as well.) I want to start cooking dinner more often. I think I will when the weather starts cooling off. It has been so unbearably hot here; I haven't wanted to use the oven or stove. Anytime we cook, we grill. Speaking of grilling, we are hosting another bbq this weekend. I'm excited because we've had it "planned" for almost a year. This is our first year with our own house, patio, backyard, firepit, outdoor table, grill, etc., and I've come to realize we love to entertain. We also have a smoker, so maybe we'll use that too.
I honestly cannot wait until fall. Fall is by far my favorite season. I love absolutely everything about it. Wait, I love everything about it except the fact that it means winter comes next. But I really love fall because of the colors, the smells, the crops, cider mills, pumpkins, and the holidays starting and of course, FOOTBALL. I think we're going to skip the UofM games this year, save some money and watch from home. I have a feeling they won't be doing excellent this year anyway...but we can hope.
So that's what I'm looking forward to; fall (and everything that comes along with it), hosting parties and actually not being in school for the first fall season since I was four years old. I will be in school again, but I'm definitely taking a much needed year off. I accomplished my degree, but still have no idea what I'm going to do. So, there's that...
Hmm...what else is new? Oh! I've been running in the mornings before work. Ok, well, it's only been 2 weeks but I plan to keep doing it, 4-5 times a week. I really want to get healthy. That being said...I ruined whatever good I did today with my pasta and about 4 Paula Deen cookies. I know, I know. Tomorrow is a new day. I have also been considering switching from coffee to tea. We'll see how that goes.
Since this is a makeup/beauty blog, I guess I should talk a little about it. I'm really excited about the Eye of the Day I came up with for work today. I tried something a little different, putting MAC Bare Study Paint Pot (a shimmery white/beige colored base) all over my eye. I topped it off with MAC Phloof! Eyeshadow (Shimmery off white) from lash line all the way to the brow bone. I used a 224 Brush to put MAC Wedge Eyeshadow (a medium toned brown) in the crease, just to add a little dimension. Then I used my new E.L.F. gel liner in Midnight (a deep navy) and made bold line on my upper lash line with a winged out edge. Then I used a Rimmel eyeliner (I can't remember the name but it's a navy color as well) on the lower lash line. Finished with MAC Zoom Lash Mascara and I was good to go. Took me all of 5 minutes but I really loved the way it turned out. Note to self: Experiment More.
I also need to invest in a night time eye cream. I’ve heard you are supposed to start using them in your early 20’s and I’ve already noticed some fine lines around my eyes and nearly panicked. I need to also look for a face wash containing Benzoyl Peroxide because I know I’m going to break out with the weather changing in the next month or so and I don’t think my skin reacts to Salicylic Acid. Benzoyl Peroxide is a harder ingredient to find than Salicylic Acid so this should be fun. Very interesting, I know.
I think I may do one more blog post before bed, perhaps an updated Go To Products? Lots have changed since April :)
Talk at you soon, Forensic Files just came on.
Liz
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