ULTA, Target, and Bath & Body Works HAUL

Why, hello, lovelies!  It's HAUL-time again :) I've been meaning to post the Bath & Body Works fragrances (and body butter) that I bought for about two weeks, but I haven't gotten around to it until now.  The Ulta and Target products, however, are very NEW, so I'm not as bad at updating as you may think!  Anyways, this is everything, I hope you enjoy!

ULTA

 DevaCurl ::: Ultra Defining Gel ::: $18.95

DevaCurl ::: No-Poo (Travel-Size) ::: $7.95

Alright, so first things first: I have curly hair.  For so many years, I had no idea what to do with it, until last year.  I got a Deva Cut from a trained curly-hair specialist last December, and I've never looked back.  For all of you curly girls out there, I can tell you there is NO OTHER WAY than Deva.  The cut has allowed me to grow my hair five inches longer than it's EVER been, and, on top of that, its healthy and shiny and beautiful.  I've been meaning to do both a video and a super-long blog-post about this for the last 8 months or so, but the Deva system has become such a regular part of my life that I forget.  ANYWAYS, that's all I'll say about it for now...stay tuned for what is to come about Deva.

 NYX ::: Pore Filler ::: $12.99

If you all remember, I tried the Proactiv acne system nearly a year ago, and I found that it's NOT for everyone.  It made my face red, blotchy, itchy, and sensitive, and when I stopped using it, I broke out like CRAZY - I suddenly had a lot more acne than I did before Proactiv.  Anyway, long-story-short, I've developed a lot of acne scars on my face (little dents and discolored marks, mostly on my cheeks) as a result of using Proactiv, and I've had to use some pretty gnarly make-up tricks to cover them up.  I just bought this yesterday, so I haven't used it, but I'm hoping it can fill my acne marks as well as it shows on the back of the box!

 Japonesque ::: Travel-Size Eye Smudger Tool ::: $14.00

Ahhh makeup tools ... how I love thee.  Okay, so I HAD a smudging tool, which I use mostly when I fill the gaps in my eyebrows (whether I use eye shadow or a brush pencil, I still use it), but recently it's simply disappeared - how annoying, I know.  Anyways, I had to buy another, because I've been dying without it, and so have my eyebrows.  When I buy brushes, I usually go for Real Techniques by Sam Chapman, but they don't have a smudging tool as far as I know, so I went for the travel-sized smudger by Japonesque, which is another brand that I absolutely LOVE.  My next project is to get me some Sigma ;)

TARGET

 Sonia Kasuk ::: Brush and Sponge Cleanser ::: $6.99

Okay, so nostalgic moment: the first makeup brush I ever bought (in my LIFE) was a short-bristled angle brush by Sonia Kashuk, so it seemed fitting to bring back the memories with her brush cleanser.  For a while, I've had the e.l.f. brush shampoo, but I wanted to see if there's something that feels more gentle (I always feel like I'm about to "spider" all of my brushes when I'm using the e.l.f.) when cleansing.  Maybe I'll do a review on this one.

 Trim Beauty Care ::: Professional Eyelash Curler ::: $3.00

I'm glad this curler was cheap, because I honestly only bought it for the refills - I have my own eyelash curler, but it didn't come with refills, and it's now discontinued (worst luck ever, right?).  So, I decided to just buy a new one (it comes with FIVE extra plastic things - I'm officially in heaven).

 L'Oreal Paris ::: True Match "Super-Blendable" Liquid Concealer ::: $8.00

There's not much to say about this one - it's a regular buy for me because it's SO amazing, even better than some of the more expensive products I've bought in the past.  The shades are awesome because they come in a range of TONES - warm (yellow undertone) and neutral (pink undertone), so you can get a perfect skin-match every time.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

BATH & BODY WORKS

 Body Mist ::: Coconut Lime Breeze ::: $14.00

This is a new buy for me - I got it, originally, just to put in my team locker (I'd rather smell like citrus than sweat after practice, you know?), but the smell is so amazing and fresh that I've decided to just keep it at home.  I know that fragrances and perfumes are very particular for each person, so not everyone will like this smell, but I LOVE IT - it's clean and island-y and not too strong.

 Body Mist ::: Twilight Woods ::: $14.00

Twilight Woods is the best body mist to ever be on the market, in my opinion - it's sweet and sexy and woodsy and warm and cuddly... it's a perfect mix of feminine and masculine smells.  Simply amazing - I've worn it nearly every day since eighth grade.  Enough said.

Body Butter ::: Sensual Amber ::: $15.00

I believe that "Sensual Amber" is a new scent - in the store, it was in that special area on the wall.  Anyway, it smells amazing.  It has the warm and sweet elements of "Twilight Woods," but is a completely different smell at the same time.  It's very subtle, too, which I like.  Definitely re-buying this when I finish the tub (I hope it's in the store to stay, and not just seasonal).

ALRIGHT, Y'ALL - that's everything, for now.  Hopefully, you've been inspired by my purchases :)  I'll be posting reviews for a few of these, as well as some of the products in my last haul.  Black Friday is also coming up, soon, so stay on the look-out for THAT lovely haul, as well as my Friday File styling tips (I did promise you guys one, didn't I?) and much, much more!  Thank you all so much for reading (I know it was kinda long), I hope you visit again!

Love you all

<3

Super Random HAUL

Hey lovelies! So, I've been shopping around at different stores for very different things, but I decided to bundle it all up into one haul to make it easy.  Clothing, jewelry, beauty products - you'll see it all in here.  Anyways, that's all I have to say for now - hope you enjoy!

 Chunky Gray Cardi ::: Forever 21 ::: $29.80 ::: Size Small

 I know, I live in Southern California, but that doesn't mean I don't need sweaters for the fall and winter!  This was an AMAZING find - I was originally going to buy one for $50 from Cotton On (they just came out with a new line of knits - check them out!), but while I was browsing around, I found this beauty!  The body of the sweater is a bit longer (maybe five or six inches past my pelvic region?), but the arms are a great length, so it doesn't look sloppy or hobo-ish in any way!  Awesome price, too!!!  Love it.

 Cubic Zirconia Studs (2 different sizes) ::: Claire's

Gold Plated Hoops ::: Claire's

Alrighty, so I've bought these studs before (maybe I showed them in a haul? I don't know), but they were stolen over the summer while I was at the pool!  I think somebody thought they were real diamonds :P  At any rate, they're amazing - so classy and versatile.  If you can't afford real diamond earrings, these are a perfect substitute, and a jewelry STAPLE.  Moving on ... I got a pair of gold-plated hoops!  As my regular readers know, I wear tiny silver hoops (about the same size as these) in my second piercing, which have a little wrap-around rope detail on them.  I absolutely love them - I almost never take them out.  So, I decided it was time to have a gold pair, just to complete the cycle.

CVS / PHARMACY HAUL:

 Essie ::: "Stylenomics" Nail Lacquer ::: $8.50

I couldn't resist buying this one - my favorite polish brand is Essie.  The colors are so perfectly pigmented, the packaging is beautiful ... just EVERYTHING about Essie, I love.  Anyway, I've had my eye on this color for a while, but I was always hesitant because I thought it looked too black (if you don't know, "Stylenomics" is a very dark green).  But, I decided, since it was winter, that it was time to take the plunge.  I haven't tried it yet, but I will definitely post a manicure when I do!

Skintimate ::: "Strawberry Tangerine Tango" Moisturizing Shave Gel

Gillette ::: Venus "Embrace" 5-blade Disposable Razors

OKAY, now on to the beauty-related products.  I did a video on shaving tips and tricks a while ago (I'm pretty sure it was the last video I uploaded), so you can check that out on my YouTube channel, if you so desire.  Anyway, these are my shaving products - I ALWAYS HAVE THESE, they are my favorite for the razor-method.  I used to use Veet and Nair, but, honestly, the smell is unbearable, and it takes too long - and I'm lazy.  This shave gel is so awesome - it makes your legs silky smooth, and (I think) prevents you from cutting yourself!  Also, these razors are the best on the market, in my opinion.

 L'Oreal ::: Voluminous "Power Volume 24-Hour" Waterproof Mascara

This was a first-time buy for me!  I always always always go for L'Oreal's Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara - it's my all-time favorite, and I have a tube of it not only in my bathroom, but in every bag I own.  I decided, though, that as a blogger, I had to branch out in order to provide you all with valuable information.  Therefore, I decided to go for this mascara.  I'll post a review when I've opened it!

Maybelline New York ::: "Great Lash" Clear Mascara

This is my favorite, dears.  I've been using this to brush my eyebrows since I was a freshman in high school (I'm a senior now!), and it has never failed me.  Amazing price, amazing product.

Alright, loves!  That's everything, for now, I'll be posting a Friday File Outfit this week and a Bath & Body Works Haul very soon, so stay tuned!  Sorry I haven't been blogging - I've been working my butt off trying to finish my college application essays.  They're still not all done, but I'm in a better place now than I was a week ago.  I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Love you all

<3

How I Style: Winter in California

My Style: "Winter in California" by the-saltine-herself

Hi all! So, I haven't posted in about two months (shame on me), so I'm going to use this set as sort of a come-back.  I really love this look for two reasons: First, this outfit something I'd typically wear during the winter.  Secondly, it includes a sweater.  As you know, I have a very steamy, ongoing romance with baggy sweaters, much to the dismay of my mother, who appreciates form-fitting clothing much more (when it comes to style, we don't agree on much, to be honest).  Anyway, I digress.

AS FAR AS THE OUTFIT GOES...

It is very casual, but still stylish.  As I've mentioned before, dark wash jeans hide any over-curviness on the bottom half and slim down thighs (especially saddle-bags, which we, ladies, can't really do anything about), so they are perfect not only in color (darker for the winter), but also in their ability to flatter a woman's shape.  The shoes are classic - honestly, you can't go wrong with oxfords, in my opinion.  Lastly, the sweater, which has a three-quarter sleeve length (feminine and casual at the same time) and just the right amount of bagginess, tops the cake.  Actually, I amend that statement: it's not "baggy," at all, just not form-fitting, so it lays over the chest area in a very relaxed way, giving an effortless quality to the outfit as a whole.  PLUS, it's white (you'll look like a goddess, dah-ling), and it's warm (looks warm, too).  In short, this is an awesome sweater.

ACCESSORY TALK:

1. Bath & Body Works "Twilight Woods" Body Mist: 

WHO DOESN'T LOVE THE SMELL OF THIS?  It's amazing - cozy and sexy and mysterious.  That's my kind of scent ;)

2. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils in "Iced Mocha" and "Yogurt":

I actually own both of these, and I must say that I'm very pleased.  NYX is pretty cheap in comparison to other brands, but their quality is still amazing.  These apply smoothly (even on wrinkly eyelids!) and are so quick to use (perfect for an I-woke-up-late kind of day).  Also, they look GREAT on pretty much any skin tone (I know because I do everyone's makeup, haha).

3. Essie Nail Polish in "Smokin' Hot" and "Good as Gold":

Again, I own these polishes (you've seen "Good as Gold" in other posts), and I absolutely LOVE them.  I only recently purchased "Smokin' Hot" (along with "Angora Cardi") and it's already one of my top-five favorite polishes.  

ANYWAY, I'm pretty sure that's everything...

As a side note, I typed this entire post with a splint on my right index finger (athlete problems), and I'm pretty proud of myself.

Thanks for reading!

Love you all

<3

OOTW: First Week of Senior Year

Hey all!  So, tragedy has unfolded: my iMac has been having some serious mood swings lately, THEREFORE, the making of YouTube videos must be put on hold for now (which sucks, because I already pre-filmed about three of them).  ON A HAPPY NOTE, I have a post for you today: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL IN OUTFITS.  I'm now a senior in high school (I know, right?), so I decided to start out right by documenting the beginning of the end.  BEFORE I BEGIN, THOUGH, I first need to explain my philosophy when it comes to dressing for the first week of school.  Many people who are not me try to wear as many new, trendy outfits as possible during the first few days of school - dress to impress, right?  WRONG.  Well, it's not wrong, it's just NOT MY STYLE (I'm different, yeah, I'm different).  My method is to try to keep my outfits stylish yet simplistic during the first week.  The reason for this is that I'm pretty observant, and over the years I've noticed that over half of the girls who show up looking fabulous during the first week start to decline and then plummet into a sad, dark pit of mediocrity during the second week.  TO AVOID THIS, I have developed my philosophy: 

1. Dress well the first week (well enough to keep up with the first-week-frenzy)
2. Dress even better - about 85% of your fashion capacity - the second week (people will start to notice that you have killer taste, now)
3. Dress incredibly the third week (all the girls be like: oh my gosh, I, like, totally want her whole closet)

USING THIS METHOD, you will soon be known as one of the best dressed.  People will look to you for inspiration, which is a very cool thing.  Please know that I'm not encouraging materialism or telling you to become consumed with societal acceptance when it comes to your wardrobe.  I just want you all to look good.  Really good.  AS A MOTIVATIONAL SIDE NOTE: knowing you look amazing makes you feel awesome, giving you a major confidence boost, which, one of these days, might be exactly what you need :)

First Day of School (Tuesday):

Foreign Exchange Top ::: PacSun Jeans ::: PacSun Bandeau ::: Target Sandals ::: Claire's Earrings (Hoops and Studs)

BLURB TIME: Notice the balance.  I paired an open-back tank top with mid-rise (nearly high-rise) jeans.  The show of skin on the back is balanced with the higher waist on the jeans, so you're not looking too scandalous on the first day.  AS A SIDE NOTE: Dark wash jeans slim curvier thighs and a curvy butt (yes, that's why I'm wearing them).  Also, the tank-and-jeans deal is perfect for both the warm weather and the air-conditioned classrooms.  

 Second Day of School (Wednesday):

Brandy Melville Sweater ::: Foreign Exchange High-Rise Shorts ::: Target Sandals ::: Heavenly Couture Black Bandeau ::: Claire's Earrings (Hoops and Studs) ::: Claire's Cross Necklace

BL-BL-BL-BLURB: Here we go again with the balance.  Shorts with a light sweater (seriously, its Brandy, so it's nearly equivalent to just wearing the bandeau), in my opinion, are a little bit classier and more appropriate than short shorts and a strappy tank top during the first week of school.  You want to make a chic first impression, yes?  Good.  Another note on the outfit: sweaters and shorts paired together are marvelously effortless, which is very attractive, indeed ;)

QUICK NOTE: 

I woke up late on day three, and didn't have time to take pics during my open periods (my school does block scheduling) either, so I don't have that outfit posted here.  SORRY EVERYONE.

Fourth Day of School (Friday):

Windsor Top ::: PacSun Jeans ::: Windsor Bandeau ::: American Eagle Outfitters Belt ::: Soda White Slip-on Shoes ::: Claire's Earrings (Hoops and Studs)

BLURBIN' IT UP: I know what you're thinking: shut up about the balance.  To that, I say: never.  Okay, so it's not about showing skin or anything this time.  ON THIS EPISODE OF THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ME, it's about femininity and simplicity.  The shirt is very light and intricate and girly (which I completely am in love with), so I paired it with white slip-on shoes, which are very casual and cool.  That way there's not an overload of daintiness, allowing the top to stand out :)

That's all, lovelies!  Thanks for reading - I hope you enjoyed :)

BEFORE I SAY GOODBYE, THOUGH, I would just like to say that I made all of these three-part photo collages on a website called Photovisi.  It's GENIUS, I encourage you all to check it out!

Love you all

<3

Ulta Beauty HAUL and REVIEWS

Hey gals! I haven't posted in AGES because I've been updating the overall look of my blog (you like?) and stressing over NOT ONLY the currently half-broken state of my iMac (I use iMovie for my YouTube videos - you see the problem, yes?) BUT ALSO the currently not-even-close-to-done state of my AP summer assignments.  Anyway, my life has been crazy, but I'm back now :) So here's a few things I picked up about two days ago from the fairy wonderland that is ULTA...

 Real Techniques Stippling Brush

The Real Techniques brushes are my absolute favorite.  Starting with the most shallow reason why, they look awesome - sleek and high-end while still looking young and fun (orange, purple, and pink? Hell yeah).  Secondly, they get the job done right, and there are many jobs to be done with a single brush - you can honestly use them for whatever you want, and the result is still fantastic.  I haven't used it yet (the packaging is just too beautiful, I didn't want to open it haha), but I plan to use it for my face (following the Real Techniques Foundation Brush) just to get that perfect, smooth finish.

  

 Burt's Bees Natural Face Solutions: Intense Hydration Night Cream

So I've always loved Burt's Bees, but because of their slightly-more-pricey products, I've never actually tried anything other than their hand salve (amazing) and their lip balm (ten out of ten).  I bought this out of panic and necessity: I've changed my acne routine (I'll do another post about that later!) and it's begun to dry out my face around my nose and mouth.  Believe me when I say that white crust around the outside of your lips IS NOT CUTE.  I saw "Intense Hydration" and instantly picked it up for this reason.  Also, it has clary sage, which, if you don't know, is an herbal plant (I think it's part of the mint family, which explains the fantastic smell of this product) known for its high anti-oxidant content and ability to clear infection.  FUN FACT: If you get it in an essential oil, it can even help to balance female hormones :)

REVIEW: Simply put, this stuff is incredible.  When I first opened it, there was a bit of product on the underside of the cap (you know how that happens), which I just dabbed with my finger to use for the first time (I tend to be very cautious because my skin is so sensitive).  The next day, I woke up and the skin around my mouth and nose was 95% repaired - no white crust, no look of dryness, only a SLIGHT roughness in the previously-affected areas.  Last night I used it again, and I woke up this morning with ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS skin, and I haven't even used the product from the tub yet (I'm still using dabs from the underside of the cap)!  Extra Plus: it made my lips super smooth and plump-looking.  Anyway, I highly recommend - after all, it isn't technically expensive, just a bit pricier than your run-of-the-mill drugstore lotion or cream.  Then again, this is NOT just a run-of-the-mill product, so it's totally worth it.

Andrea EyeQ's Makeup Remover Pads

I hate taking off my makeup - no, I don't think you understand how much I hate it.  It's late (I'm talking LATE) at night, and I'm about to fall over from my explosively exciting day, and I have to turn to the mirror and basically scrub my eyelashes off with make-up remover wipes that claim to remove waterproof mascara and liner.  I bought this as a test, just to see if the results (and the laborious process) would be any different.  A few things that specifically drew me to this product were the words "Oil-Free," that they're "Extra-Gentle," (who wants wrinkles, right?) and the fact that they claim to be "Perfect for contact lens wearers."  Makeup remover that if safe for contact lens wearers seems to be pretty standard, but it's actually tougher to find than you would think, so this product was a great find for that reason.

REVIEW: I used to pull away my makeup remover wipe and see at least three eyelashes (so sad) and a bunch of black residue, but when I looked in the mirror, the job was not even close to being done.  I CAN SAY NOW THAT I WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO ENDURE LATE-NIGHT DISAPPOINTMENT OR THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF MY EYELASHES.  I used this last night (I had a ton of makeup on yesterday because I had places to be) and the eye-makeup, for lack of a better word, melted off.  It only took about three swipes (on each eye) before my eyes were almost completely clear of makeup, and I hadn't even thought about grabbing a standard makeup remover wipe yet.  HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 

How I Style: Maxi Skirts!

Master the Trend: Maxi Skirts! by the-saltine-herself

Hey ladies! Here's just a quick guide to how I would style maxi skirts, since they are a very particular trend.  Sometimes, when you have a piece thats so flowy (something that floats AWAY from your body, in other words), it's hard to style and not look "frumpy" or "baggy."  I happen to like when things float away from my body, so maxi's are some of my favorites :)

How I Style (Left to Right):

1. Lace Crop Top + Dotted Skirt: In this outfit, I mixed print and texture.  A combination like this always makes for a visually interesting outfit, and will almost always turn out beautiful (unless you make some crucial mistakes).  In order to avoid a fashion mishap, try to match the colors, keep them complimentary, or keep them in the same color palette (different shades of blue, etc.).  For accessories (the pink necklace), I used a color that wasn't otherwise seen in this simple outfit.  I kept the shoes and accessories complimentary so that they would pop but not seem out of place (pastels always complement eachother).  Overall, this outfit shows how you can connect colors and how you can mix prints and textures.

2. Print Skirt + Solid Top: This outfit is pretty easy to put together, because it's showing a print with a solid.  The thing about this outfit that makes it special is obviously the skirt, making that the focus.  At the same time, though, the top is not without detail - there is a scalloped hem on the tank, allowing it to hold its own and not fade completely into the background.  The skirt is so visually busy that the solid top tones down the outfit, which is good because it creates a BALANCE.  This outfit exhibits the "matching colors" idea as well as the "print and solid" trend, because black is in the skirt.  Black IS A NEUTRAL, though, just like white and beige, so it would work with this skirt even if it didn't have black.  Simple sandals top off the entire ensemble.

3. Floral Bustier + Solid Skirt: This outfit exhibits one of this year's newest trends, which is the bustier.  Bustiers are cut very close to the body (they are also referred to as corsets), and so the combination with the skirt that floats away from the body, again, creates a very appealing BALANCE.  Balance is always the goal in creating a perfect outfit.  Also, the top is cropped, so you're going short on top and long on the bottom.  The shoes are a neutral, allowing the colors in the top and skirt take the main stage, but (just like the black shirt in the last outfit) are not completely boring, as they have the sparkles on the toe to keep them looking interesting.  The colors match between the top and the skirt, both having a pale pink shade.  I added the short cross necklace simply to fill the space between the face / neck and the chest, although this isn't necessary to perfect the outfit.

4. Starbucks Tank + Chevron Skirt: In this outfit, I used a printed skirt and a shirt that can be considered printed OR solid.  Many times, shirts that have a big print (you've seen shirts with large cat-faces, right? Haha) like the Starbucks logo here, are considered solid because that print embodies the whole shirt.  Anyway, because of the "solid" shirt, the printed skirt doesn't seem overpowering or overdone - it looks very casual.  The colors are pretty much the same top to bottom, creating a very put-together vibe as well as allowing the green in the tank to stand out.  When you have black and white, usually, it's already a statement in itself, so accessories don't need to be the super-standout pieces, which is why I've chosen simple sunglasses and black sandals to complement this outfit.

ALRIGHT that seems to be everything! I hope you took a few style tips from this so that you can wear your maxi skirt with killer confidence :) They are such beautiful pieces - honestly, everyone should own at least one .... or four ...

Thanks so much for checking out this post!  Make sure you follow my blog and comment below which outfits were your favs! I personally like one and four the best ;)

Stay tuned for my YouTube videos, blow some extra time on my Polyvore, and feel free to stalk my Pinterest EVERY SINGLE DAY, haha ;)

Love you all

<3

Manicure: August Grapevine

Hello all! I haven't posted my manicure in a while because I've been terribly lazy (as in, I've been giving myself quick french manis for the last 2 weeks or so) and haven't had anything on my nails worth posting.  The wait is over, though! I pained my nails a dark purple with some mint on the tips, hence the "grapevine" reference, haha.  Anyways, I hope you enjoy! 

Unfortunately, my pictures didn't do the colors justice (sometimes the lighting in my house goes super funky).  The dark purple was Revlon's "Bold Sangria," and the mint was Sally Hansen's "Mint Sorbet."  Both are absolutely beautiful alone but I decided I would combine them just to switch things up a bit.  Also, the mint brightens up the purple so the manicure doesn't look too winter-y.  Anyway, that's everything :)

Thanks so much for checking out this post! I'll have 2 Haul videos posted shortly, so keep your eyes open on my YouTube channel :) 

Love you all

<3