Outfit of the Day - Shades of Green

I knew we weren't back into the cool weather for good yet! For fairly warm days, I like skirts or shorts. I have two of these skirts from Target - the other's grey - and I love them because they're comfortable, affordable, versatile, and because of their shape, they're not prone to blowing around in the wind! That last one's probably the best part. It's windy here pretty often, which makes me not want to wear a lot of my skirts and dresses! 

This tshirt is another one of my very favorites. I just adore loose-fitting tshirts, and this one's especially lightweight which makes it great for hotter days.

I've had these H&M sandals for probably five years - I'm surprised how well they've held up!

Target Summer Beauty Bag - First Impressions

(click to enlarge)

I got my Summer Beauty Bag from Target this week! Mine included pouch-style samples of Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner and Aveeno Living Color for Medium-Thick hair, a tiny sample of Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait, a little bottle of TreSemme Split Remedy shampoo, and a tube of Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock in SPF 70, as well as the coupon book and the bag everything came inside.

In general I'm really pleased with this set! I did see others that received a Split Remedy conditioner as well as the shampoo, but that's not that big of a deal. I love the little bottle - it's actually soft enough to squeeze the product out! I'll definitely reuse that for travelling once I've used it up. I'd been curious about that line after trying a leave-in spray and enjoying it. I've never had good experiences with TreSemme shampoos in the past so I'm thankful to be able to try a sample for free.

I'm also super pleased with the sunscreen! That's the kind I prefer to use on my face, and I like the size of this one! I'll either reserve it for travel or keep it in my bag just in case.

I have very fine hair, so I'm not sure if that'll make a difference in how well the Aveeno shampoo and conditioner work for me, but that's another brand I've been curious about so I'll see how it goes! And I've always had pretty good luck with Garnier products - and I love the scent - so I'll probably like these.

I'm not particularly excited about the Lip Butter sample - I've never been that impressed with them in general and this isn't a color I would have chosen, but I'll still give it a shot - sometimes colors can be surprising, after all.

And of course, the coupons! I'm trying to cut back my spending to almost nothing, so I probably won't use all of them, but there are some great deals in there and some that could be put towards products I actually need.

Target/CVS Haul

Target haul: Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Fuchsia, on clearance for  $1.94
Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow - Pomegranate Punk - $5.99

 Since I have kind of an obsession with hot pink lipsticks, I've had my eye on this particular one from Revlon for awhile, but was hoping it'd go on sale at CVS. It wasn't there, so when I found it on clearance at Target I knew I had to get it! Plus I gave in and got one of the Tattoo shadows from Maybelline because I was curious about them.

CVS clearance haul: Wet n Wild Greed Palette - $2.49, Revlon Colorstay Aqua mineral finishing powder - $3.49, Physician's Formula Organic Wear Bronzer & Blush - Light Bronzer/Soft Ginger - $3.75, Sally Hansen Natural Beauty cream blush - Bloom - $2.37

 Since they're 50% off I finally got the last 6-pan palette from Wet n Wild. The other products I know basically nothing about but I'd been curious about them and for the prices I decided to try them.

If any of you have tried any of these I'd love to hear your thoughts or how you use them! Especially the cream blush as I've never used a cream blush before and don't really know what to expect!

October: Haul and Swatches

ELF glitter eye Beauty Book from Target

Wet n Wild I <3 Matte palette from Walgreens

Milk of Magnesia (to use as a primer) - I am really loving this!
L'Oreal go 360 cleanser for sensitive skin - I don't have sensitive skin but I love this because I can put it over my eyes and it doesn't burn at all, which makes it easier to get all the makeup off.
Bottom left photo: Wet n Wild blushes in Pearlescent Pink and Heather Silk.
Middle set (from CVS) L-R: Milani Infinite liner, Miliani Liquif'eye liner, (accidentally switched the order of the eyeliner swatches but the lipsticks are in the right order) Milani HD Advanced Lip Color in Vivacious Fuchsia, Wet n Wild lipstick in 908C
The lipstick on the right is Rimmel Lasting Finish in In Vogue - LOVE this color! I found this at Walgreens.

If you have any questions on my thoughts on any of these products, let me know! I'd love to know what you think about any of them too.

Outfits of the Day: Black Skirt 3 Ways

Since I've accumulated quite a few photos of my 'outfits of the day', I decided to get a bit more creative in how I put them together than just by date.

I've worn this skirt frequently since I got it earlier this summer. It's just so versatile and comfortable. I got it from Zara.

In the outfit on the left (from August 4th), I paired the skirt with a No Doubt tshirt and the TOMS-like shoes from Payless. Basic, lazy, and very comfy.

For the middle outfit (from August 23rd), I kept it basic but a bit classier with a grey tank top from Target and sandals from Zara. These sandals are a bit lacking in comfort - I haven't quite broken in the strap near the toes to where it doesn't pinch my pinky toe!

The outfit on the right (from September 2nd) is a more fun look. I paired the skirt with a tshirt from Target that I cut to hang off the shoulders and my All-Star imitations from Payless.

Updated Makeup Storage!!

The way the top of my "vanity" currently looks. It's just a table from IKEA. There's a large drawer set underneath, but it's not interesting so I left it out.

I didn't take any closer photos of the things stored in the turntable. If you would like to see some, let me know! I got the utensil container at a rummage sale and the turntable is from Walmart. 

The newest additions! The bottom two drawers are the men's shoe drawers and the top one is the women's shoe drawer. All are from The Container Store: http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000103&amp;N=&amp;Ntt=men%27s+shoe+drawer. On top are my eyeshadow palettes stored in a desk organizer from Target. If you'd like any more detailed photos of those, let me know! 

Top drawer. In an empty cookie package, I have my loose eyeshadows, gel/cream liners and shadows, bases, and single shadows that are not depotted.

Middle drawer. I got a divider set for this drawer, which can be found at the same link. The back left has backups, back right is random products, middle left is eye makeup removers, right is brush cleaners and guards, front left are Wet n Wild palettes that aren't depotted, right are liquid foundations and my primer.

Along with the drawers, I picked up two of the lipstick organizers (found here:http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10009899&amp;N=&amp;Ntt=lipstick) I put all the lipsticks and glosses that could fit upright in there, then lipliners and taller products down in front, along with my lip scrub and Sonia Kashuk sharpener.

The top drawer of the larger drawers is just my hair stuff (headbands, clips, bobby pins, etc) and it's not cleverly stored at all. If anyone is curious, I can post a photo however.

The middle drawer now has my face products. This is where my lip products used to be stored. I got this divider from Target awhile back. I got it in store and I'm not sure how to find it on their site - sorry!
Back left is an NYC loose powder (that I never use), middle left are my blotting sheets, and the front is my lash curler and Sonia Kashuk sharpener (this thing is AMAZING. GET ONE! http://www.target.com/Sonia-Kashuk-Cosmetic-Pencil-Sharpener/dp/B00333U1D2/ref=sc_qi_detaillink) The middle section is pressed powders and a cream foundation. Back right are concealers, front right are highlighters, bronzers, and the one blush that's not depotted.

The bottom drawer. The cookie package on the left is all brow stuff. The one on the right has moisturizers, cream makeup remover, lip balm, and contact stuff. The container in the back is extra contact stuff. It's one that comes in 3-packs at Walmart or the dollar store.

 I hope this was interesting and helpful to some of you! If there is anything at all you want to know about more specifically or see different photos of, please let me know and I'll do it!

End of July Outfits

July 22nd
Shirt: The Gap
Skirt: H&M
Earrings: Wet Seal
Necklace: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless

July 28th
Dress: Target
Shoes: Payless

I just got this dress and I LOVE it – it’s so nice and lightweight for summer, but it could easily be worn in the fall also with tights and/or a sweater. Plus it has pockets! (Why all skirts and dresses don’t have pockets is beyond me.) Meanwhile, I’ve had those shoes since 2006 I think.

July 29th
Shirt: The Gap (different color but same shirt as the 22nd)
Skirt: Forever 21
Earrings: gift – unknown
Shoes: thrifted

Outfits!

Since I haven’t been blogging for a few weeks, I stored up a few of these! I’ll split them up into a few posts and I’m not posting outfits from every day so it won’t be too crazy. I’ve been wearing primarily skirts and dresses, especially when it was really hot and humid for several days in a row.

July 16th
Tank Top: The Gap
Skirt: Zara
Necklace: American Eagle
Sandals: Zara

I was in Chicago July 11th-15th and got the skirt and sandals while I was there. The shoes are really challenging to get on, but I like them once they’re on. The skirt is arguably one of the best things I’ve gotten in awhile – it’s lightweight but not sheer since it’s black, but it’s perfect for the summer heat!

July 18th
Tank Top: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Hair Clip: a shop called O’Day Cache. I got it at the one in Fargo but there is also a location in Minneapolis
Sunglasses: Forever 21
Sandals: Born, via Marshalls

July 21st
Dress: American Eagle
Earrings: Wet Seal
Hair Clip: O’Day Cache
Belt: H&M
Sandals: Payless

New Nail Polishes! Haul and Manicure

After about two months, I bought some beauty products! In addition to two Wet n Wild palettes, I picked up these two nail polishes. I had planned on getting the glitter, but the blue was on clearance and I’d been looking for something similar. I got everything at Target. The glitter is Milani Gems and the blue is Sally Hansen Insta Dri in Blue-Away.

I was so excited about the Gems that I knew I wanted to use it right away, and since I’ve never used the Insta Dri line from Sally Hansen I figured I’d try that one at the same time! I like the way they look together, but I think that Gems could be paired with just about any color and be amazing. I would also wear it by itself. This manicure was two coats of each polish.

Outfit of the Day: July 5th

Tank Top: Target (I’m wearing a teal tank top underneath the white since it’s kind of transparent)

Skirt: Forever 21

Necklace: Maurice’s

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Payless

I swear my hair isn’t as crazy as it appears in this picture! It’s actually in a bun and the top of it is sticking up at the back, it’s not just the top of my hair being lumpy, I promise.

4th of July Look

For my eyes, I started with the Palladio eye primer, then put the NYX jumbo pencil in Milk on the lid and the one in Cherry on the crease. I used the white shadow from the Covergirl Drama Eyes quad on the lid and the NYX single eyeshadow in Cherry over the red. I used the Milani Infinite eyeliner in Infinite and Covergirl Lashblast waterproof mascara in Glam Black.

Tank Top: Express

Shorts: Target

Shoes: Payless

Outfit of the Day: July 3rd

T-shirt: The Gap

Shorts: Target

Earrings: Wet Seal

Shoes: Payless

Outfit of the Day: Paramore Purple

T-shirt: Paramore fall ‘09 tour

Tank top (underneath): Target

Jeans/Jeggings: American Eagle

Shoes: MIA, thrifted

Earrings: H&M

Outfit of the Day: 6.20.11

Sorry for getting this one out late! Somehow slipped my mind to post yesterday.

Top: Old Navy

Jeans: Express

Earrings: Wet Seal

Shoes: Target

I seriously regret not having bought this shirt in a million colors. It was $5 last summer and it really is one of my favorite shirts – lightweight and comfortable without being totally transparent.

Outfit of the Day - June 16th 2011

Tank top: Target (spring '11)

Pants: Aerie (early spring '11)

Necklace: Antique Consignment shop

Shoes: Born, via Marshalls (spring '10)

Earrings: Target

Certainly not going for anything fashionable today! I got ready for the day in about 5 minutes because I was craving a McDonalds breakfast and they quit serving at 10:30...but I got up at 10:05, and I was planning to spend most of the day cleaning my apartment. So rather than dress nicely, I went for lineny pants - my version of sweats - and one of my trusty Long&Lean tanks from Target.

Nail Polish Collection/Storage

I store my nail polishes in a snapware container with dividers inside. I got the Snapware at Target. The white dividers I got from the dollar store and the clear one I found at my parents' house, but I think it is from Target a few years ago.

The top level is where all my China Glaze polishes are, plus other brands that are "higher end" such as OPI, Sephora by OPI, Orly, Sonia Kashuk, and Zoya.

The second level is everything else, and it's where the cheaper polishes are. Revlon polishes over on the left. The top bin has Finger Paints and Milani. The bin in the middle has Essence on the left, Sally Hansen in the center, and Sinful Colors on the right. The bottom bin has Claire's and Covergirl on the left, ELF in the center,  then Wet n Wild and Maybelline on the right.

These really help me keep my polishes organized. The only issue is that Sephora by OPI and Covergirl polishes are a bit too tall for the lid or other level to fit properly so they have to sit on their sides. I also wish these were available in smaller sizes of the same height or one level at a time.

I have base and topcoats as well as my swatch wheels and nail art supplies in separate, smaller containers. They aren't Snapware but they're a similar idea. I keep polish remover, cotton balls, and all other manicure tools (nail clippers, cuticle pushers, etc) in an open-top bin that I also got at Target.

If anyone is interested, I can take photos of the other bins and do another post. They're not as specifically organized as the polishes so I didn't photograph them originally, but I easily can if you'd like to see. I could also do more specific photos of the actual polishes.

Nails of the Day–Green Stripe Manicure

Without flash

With flash

 

For this manicure, I used China Glaze Entourage as the base (the bright green), waited for it to dry, then applied strips of regular clear tape diagonally across all my nails. On top of that, I applied a generous layer of Zoya Ivanka (the darker, sparkly green) then immediately peeled the tape off. After it had dried a little, I put on a top coat. Currently I’m trying out China Glaze Fast Forward. I like it so far, although I don’t like the smell much; it’s different from regular nail polish and Seche Vite.

This manicure was really easy and only took awhile because I let the first green dry for quite awhile before putting the tape on. I definitely recommend trying it! Regular clear tape (I have the cheapest version I could find, some generic brand from Target) worked much better than the electrical tape I tried last time I did a tape manicure since it’s easier to get it pressed flat onto the nail, resulting in less of the top color seeping through.

Sonia Kashuk Small Duo Fibre Multipurpose Brush

When I noticed Sonia Kashuk had duo fiber brushes, I had to get one! I’ve been curious about this type of brush for awhile but I never wanted to pay a lot and didn’t see any affordable options. I decided to go for the smaller size because it seemed more versatile, and it was $10.99 instead of $12.99.

Side by side size comparison with the ELF Studio Flat Top Powder Brush

Sonia Kashuk Foundation Brushes

Since I love my regular Sonia Kashuk foundation brush so much, I was excited to try this new foundation brush! I think it will make blending around the nose and under the eyes easier. It’s really densely packed, just like the regular foundation brush.

Pointed Foundation Brush

Side by side comparison of the pointed foundation brush I just got with the regular foundation brush I’ve had for several years. Apparently they’ve changed the shape and size of the brush handles. I’m not sure if it’s for the better yet. They seem kind of thick, but it might not be too bad.

The pointed foundation brush is AMAZING. I have never gotten my foundation to blend so well - I have tried my fingers, the foundation brush pictured above, a duo fiber brush, and a blending sponge. It fits around my nose and under my eyes perfectly and is really dense, but yet soft so it doesn't hurt or irritate the skin at all. I highly, highly recommend it!

ELF Eyeshadow Quad–Silver Lining

Upon my return from spring break I noticed my Target finally got an ELF section! I picked up a few things, including this $1 eyeshadow quad called Silver Lining.

It has very good color payoff. I just got it so I haven’t used it on my eyes yet, so I don’t know how well it lasts, but so far I’m impressed! Gorgeous and fairly unique colors. And for only $1!?