The dearest spot of all

Todays post won't be beauty related. I have been trying to write this for a week but it hasn't been coming out right. So here we are! Last Thursday I moved my little sister into her freshman college dorm. And not just any college dorm, the dorm I lived in my freshman year at my Alma Mater.

I will be honest, I did get emotional. It is a very special thing when you realize that you will be able to sing your Alma Mater with your sister and it will mean the same thing to her that it does to you. I am so excited to see and hear about her experiences up there. I know she will do great and make tons of friends!

For anyone familiar with WCU you know that it has something we call "The best damn band anywhere"...Pride of The Mountains Marching Band. I marched for 3 years and now my sister is marching! I could not be happier. For me, band helped me make friends and get accustomed to being on my own before the rest of the freshman moved in. It was my own community full of people who shared the same love of music as I did. Now that my sister is marching I know that it has helped her in the same way.

I have been able to chat with her since moving her and she seems to be enjoying it...maybe a little sunburnt but no worse for wear. I am excited to help, watch, and hear about her journey at WCU. AND I cannot wait to go to Homecoming and watch her perform! 

Not everyone enjoys their college experience, or even likes their school but I loved every second of my experience. I know she will have a wonderful time up there in my lovely mountains. 

Western Carolina University has a special part in my heart. I have such great memories from there and I would never trade my experience I had. 

"Hail to thee, our Alma Mater 

Faithful, kind, and true;

Every son and every daughter 

Offers praise to you.

Hail to the dearest spot of all

Hail to WCU!

Light and life and fond devotion 

All to thee are due."

#AdultLife

Since graduating college and joining the adult work force I have come to be more confident/time efficient in my appearance. I used to think that people would notice if I hadn't washed my hair or that they would care if I wasn't "done up" while out running errands or going to class. These are just a few things that I have come to realize that, since getting a full time job, some things can take a back seat in the morning...

1) Running errands with out any makeup on.

 I used to wear minimal makeup when I had to run errands, and on the occasion I wouldn't wear any (still a little self-conscious). Now I love to take my make up off as soon as I get home from work. As previously stated in my No make-up tag, (go check it out) I enjoy naked face days. And now for a tangent...

 I never have ever purposefully put on make up to go to the gym. Occasionally when in school I went straight from a meeting or class to the gym so I would end up with some make up on, but on those days I brought make up wipes to at least take my foundation off.  When you gym you are just going to sweat it off and lets be real, if you put on make up just to go to the gym who are you trying to impress? Get that work out on and don't pay attention to anyone else girl!

2) Not shaving my legs every day.

As every girl knows winter time is the glorious season where our legs are in hibernation. Minimal shaving, later alarm times in the morning, and lots of pants. But even in the winter I would shave every day. If my boy friend was around and we were hanging out I didn't want to have on capris and look like Chewbacca...not cute. He didn't mind  Now even in the summer I shave every other day and my legs are nice and smooth. I think my legs have grown used to not being shaved every day so my hair doesn't grow as fast (#praisehim). It also allows me to have a few more minutes to do my make up ;)

3) Rocking 2nd day hair.

In college I learned about dry shampoo but I only used it for a texturizer. I have oily hair so I have never been able to go 2-4 days with out washing it, like some of my friends can who have curly or thick hair. It's not until this winter that I was brave enough to attempt real 2nd day hair. During winter my skin and hair is less oily so I thought I had a better chance of it actually looking decent. One cold morning I loaded my hair up with some dry shampoo and let it soak in while doing my make up. When I was done I worked it in and put my hair in a chic top knot. It looked fabulous! I have started to do 2nd day hair about two times a week and while its still only updo's I am proud of my self for trying something new...and giving my hair a break from heat styling.

So there are some things that "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" about anymore (10 points to the house who knows that reference...and this one haha). Growing up has its ups and downs but finding ways to save time while getting ready is totes an up. Try something new in your beauty routine, whether that is 2nd day hair, wearing less or no make up, or even trying that new smokey eye trick you watched a million Youtube videos about. Embrace yourself and rock your self confidence. 

Respectfully

-Elizabeth

The Wonderful World Of Nail Wraps

Well hello there! Very long time no see. I'm only human. July-October is the busiest time of the year for me. For example July 2-8 is back to back family members anniversaries, birthdays, and the BFs birthday (he got a kick ass watch btw!!!). SO needless to say that first week was very full of happiness but also very tiring...and very busy. So. Much. Travel. I wouldn't trade it for the world :)

Today I have something very cool to talk about. The exciting mysteries of nail wraps! About 3-4 years ago ( I think ) I started noticing displays in drugstores about something called nail wraps. Using my awesome context clues I figured out they were basically adult nail stickers. Fast forward about 3-4 years and I have finally tried them! 

I have no idea why it took so long to actually pick a package of these up but I am here to say they are awesome! Very easy to apply and no where near the mess that regular polish can cause. 

About two months ago I was in Walgreens looking at all the Spring/Summer 2014 makeup collections, as you do when you are obsessed with makeup, and I saw some really cute beachy patterns on the nail wraps from Sally Hensen. I picked up a few and for about a month they just sat at my dressing table. Every once and a while I would remember them and think to myself "oh I should try those" but I would chicken out because I thought I didn't have the time. I wouldn't say that these cut your manicure time in half but boy are they much quicker. 

Alright let's get to the good part. Last week I knew I was going to go see my boyfriend at an event he had and then he would be visiting me after (long distance relationships are the pits!). I wanted to do my nails because let's be honest...we all know we feel prettier and sexier if a perfectly executed manicure happens. 

I decided to sit down and try those dang wraps. In my long relationship with youtube I have come across some "How to" videos on the nail wraps but never paid them much attention since I didn't have any and wasn't interested in them. However, when I decided to try them, my brain remembered a video from a youtuber that I enjoy watching. Her name is Leigh Ann from Leighannsays and this is the video that calmed my nerves about the simple process of application. 

You will need: 1 package of nail wraps (any brand will do)

1 soft nail file 

1 wooden dowel 

1 top coat

I followed Leigh Ann's exact process:

 Step 1 clean/shape nails

Step 2 measure and lay out nail wraps to match your finger shape

Step 3 apply wraps (one finger at a time) and smooth out bubbles

Step 4 gently file excess wrap off with soft side of file

Step 5 apply fast drying top coat of your choice

The wraps I picked up were the Sally Hensen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips...too long of a name in my humble opinion. They claim to have a no dry time, (which is true if you don't use a top coat), and that they last up to 10 days. Personally I haven't had them on for 10 days but I can see them lasting that long. I can't remember the style name but they are a super swish (thanks British Youtube slang)  multi green color starfish pattern. 

This is what they looked like right after application. Ok not the best picture but I wasn't planning on doing a blog post about them. I fit the wraps the best I could with minimal gapping. 

Here are what they look like 7 days after application. You can start to see the growth at the cuticle but there is NO chipping or peeling. 

I have only picked up limited edition packages of the wraps so they only come with 12 polish strips, where as the wraps in the regular line come in a box with 16 strips. They also come with a baby nail file and the wooden dowel to smooth out all the bubbles. Since I don't have the dowel I just used my fingers to smooth the wraps out and it worked just fine. For the top coat I used the Sephora Formula X standard top coat and I think it is helping the lasting power as well.

I can honestly say they were no mess and no fuss to use. They are perfect for a full manicure or just as an accent nail...since I don't know anyone who has 12 fingers. 10/10 do recommend. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!!!!

Respectfully

-Elizabeth

Sephora / Formula X

Last Friday a new Sephora opened up in our local JC Penny. I cannot contain my excitement... SO EXCITE. Our town has come up in the world! Me and my coworker decided to meet up Friday before work to check out the new hot spot. 

We made not one...but two stops to Sephora that day. The first visit was packed. There were people everywhere! Since it was a new store opening there were staff members brought in from other locations and everyone was friendly. But it felt like we were being a little pressured to take samples we didn't want...first world problems I know. My coworker felt like every time she turned around there was another staff member trying to give her not so great advice about products she wasn't really looking at. Now Im all about great customer service and I understand that it was a grand opening so they wanted to put their best foot forward but it felt a little too forced. The second visit was wonderful. Less crowded and the staff was lovely. I helped my coworker pick out some things that she didn't get the first time around.

A few weeks ago I was visiting my boyfriend and where he lives there is a Sephora also located inside a JC Penny along with a stand alone store in another part of town. While the BF was at work I went to Sephora to see what they had because I hadnt been inside a store in about 2-3 years (shock horror!). There I had the most wonderful experience with a staff member named Sam. She was so helpful, nice, and very personable. It was about an hour and forty-five minutes before closing time when I arrived so I was the only person in the store... and I was there for about an hour and a half haha. Sam and I spent the whole time talking about skincare and she had great product knowledge about most everything in the store! I asked her lots of questions about how to get started with a Sephora because ya girl loves makeup and I think it would be a great career opportunity. 

Recently I took stock of my nail polish stash, Im not saying collection because I don't intentionally collect them, and I noticed I was about out of a base coat (yellow nails are not cute). I did a little research and settled on the Sephora house brand of nail polish Formula X for my planned purchase at the grand opening. 

Top row: Nail Cleanser, Base Coat, Top Coat

Bottom row: Fahrenheit, Riotous, Super Sonic, Chaotic 

I purchased the Formula X The System starter kit. Hearing so many wonderful things about these polishes that I thought I might as well try the kit out.  It retails for $32 and comes with a nail cleanser, base coat, top coat and one polish of your choice. My polish of choice was Fahrenheit along with the black and white glitter. I decided to step out of the box and get a red, since I don't wear a lot of red and this is a blue based which I feel looks better on me. The glitter is beautiful! It has long stick glitters, hexagon glitters, and regular small dot glitters.  

The kelly green and magenta polish were purchased on a different day. They are the colors I currently have on my nails. When I got home that Friday I layered the glitter on top of the red and it looked very classy. The polishes apply very smooth and opaque with no streaking. I didn't keep the red polish on because I was to anxious to try the other colors. Im testing the staying power of the polish right now with Riotous on my left hand and Super Sonic on my right hand. 

Supposedly if you use the system it should extend your polish life to a week to two weeks with very minimal chipping. I normally only keep my polish on two to three days (I like color) but I am going to see how long this will last. I have had this polish on for about 2 days so I will update you guys with wearing time later. So far I am really loving the system and the polishes. I have yet to try the system with polishes other than Formula X colors so I am interested to see if it prolongs the wear of those polishes as well.

Respectfully 

-Elizabeth

SO MUCH LOVE!

No make-up tag

Todays post is from tag video I came across created by the lovely sisters of Eleventhgorgeous on Youtube (stepping my blogging game up with links!). Its called the No Makeup Tag, and in case you don't know what a tag is...its where you are tagged by different people to answer questions (very original explanation I know). 

1. Whats your full face routine and minimal makeup routine?

Minimal: Its either nothing (most of the time) or foundation, mascara, light brows, blush, lip gloss, and bronzer.

Full face: foundation, concealer, brow powder, eye primer, eye shadow, bronzer/contour, blush, high light, and either a lip stick or lip gloss. 

2. Do you wear makeup around the house?

HECK NO. The only time I wear makeup around the house is when I have just gotten home from work. I do not like to wear makeup longer than I feel is necessary and if we live together I trust we have some sort of close relationship so get used to the naked face. And bonus answer, I dont even wear makeup running errands! If its my day off work, its a naked face day for me...unless I am playing around in my makeup or want to get dressed up for a girls day with my grandma.

3. Any crazy beauty rituals?

Does using coconut oil to take my eye makeup off count? Oh! I always need some sort or tissue with me when I am getting ready so I can wipe off extra product. I do not like having stuff on my hands.

4. Whats one product you can't live without and one product you can live without?

MASCARA. It makes such a huge difference...refer to my first post. And I can totes live without liquid eyeliner. Im more of a gel or good ol' fashion powder liner gal.

5. Take a no makeup #selfie and post to Instgram. 

BAM. I didn't post to Insta, because to be honest Im not quite on that level yet, but I have no problem rocking the no makeup face :) Even with some scaring from some crazy face aliens I don't care showing my skin because we are all friends right?

Respectfully

-Elizabeth 

The sponge!

Almost 4 years ago I started watching my first beauty video on Youtube. I don't know how or why it happened, but I do know when. It was christmas break of 2010. My sophomore year of college. I was at home anxiously awaiting a big cross country trip that I took with my college marching band. It was late at night when I stumbled upon a channel called Pixiwoo. Now I must admit I have watched a lot of Youtube since then but I will always look forward to their new videos. 

Pixiwoo is a channel created by sisters Samantha Chapman and Nic Haste. They are based out of Norwich, England and their channel contains videos from avante guard to everyday makeup looks. Both are mothers, make-up artists, bloggers, vloggers, and teach 5 day intensive make-up courses. Needless to say both are very busy and very successful ladies. Now to top all of that off they also have a synthetic brush line called Real Techniques. 

 

I want to tell you about one product in particular, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. 

Being a firm believer that brushes make a huuuuuuge difference (emphasis on the u) in applying makeup this is my number one must have in any makeup kit. This is the sisters take on the highly popular, highly expensive (for a sponge) Beauty Blender. The Beauty Blender is $20 while the Real Techniques sponge is $6 and can be found at the glorious Ulta. 

How is use the sponge is, run it under water and squeeze the excess out (most importante!).  It will expand to twice its original size which is normal. Then, using whatever foundation, "bounce" or "bump" the foundation into your skin instead of buffing it in with a brush. I have noticed that with the sponge my foundation lasts longer, has a beautiful finish, and makes application a breeze. Make sure you clean your sponge (or any of your brushes) on the reg to ensure optimal performance...mine is grungy and due for its weekly wash. 

The Real Techniques line as a whole is fantastic. A budget friendly brush line that is wonderful quality. The price ranges from $20 for a kit with 4-5 brushes to the $6 complexion sponge. I would suggest trying out some of the line if you are looking for some new additions to your brushes but aren't quite comfortable shelling out $300+ for Wayne Goss brushes (love you Wayne). But if you are unsatisfied with the way your foundation is looking or just want to try something new I totally 100% recommend checking the sponge out first.

Now for some exciting updates! I would first like to say thank you to everyone who read the first post and for the great responses I had! Like I said before I am very excited to be starting this journey into the blogging world. In the next couple of months this cite will be going through some design changes so stay tuned (SO EXCITE!). 

Let me know what you want to know next about any tips and tricks. I have so many ideas!

Respectively 

-Elizabeth 

Hello.

Hello Blog world. My name is Elizabeth and I am here to give my opinions on the vast ever growing world of cosmetics. Before we get started I would like to dedicate my first post to my wonderful Aunt Chris for her support and motivation of me starting my blog. Thank you.

I write this first post as the sun is setting on a long afternoon of trying to get this ship up and sailing. I am excited and nervous to start this crazy journey after so many years of watching and collecting Youtubers in my ever growing subscription box. Having learned so much about beauty I would like to share/give my take on the tips and tricks I have learned with whoever is interested. Its fun and very pleasing for me to give advice to the random people in stores, family and friends who ask my opinion. Not really being very great in my writing courses growing up it will be very interesting to see how writing a blog turns out. It will be full of silly jokes, sarcastic comments, interesting stories, and not so great grammar. So now that I have given what I feel like is a sufficient enough introduction, onto the first post! 

The one item of makeup that makes me feel the best is mascara. I look forward to putting it on every morning because it completes whatever makeup look I happen to be wearing that day. It ties everything together. It makes you look more awake and even if it is the only makeup thing you have time for it will make a big difference on your face.

"Can I ask you a question?...Are your eyelashes real?...What mascara do you use?" Those question are what I get asked the most, even by random strangers. I have never had any troubles finding mascaras that work for me but maybe thats because I am naturally blessed in the lash department haha. I take great time and effort while putting on my mascara, coating each individual lash while making those weird disgusting faces...you know what Im talking about people. When women notice my lashes I get a boost of confidence knowing my efforts are noticed. But lets get something straight. I do NOT wear makeup for other people. I wear it specifically for myself because I enjoy it. But lets save that topic for another day. 

The current mascara I am using is Benefits They're Real! I got a sample in a recent beauty purchase and for the longest time I was against the hype I've read on blogs and watched on Youtube...because those who know me know I can be stubborn. It has a cool spiky ball tip to get in those pesky inner corners, and to fluff out those outer corners. So far Im liking it. It does everything I want in a mascara: no flakes, no eye watering, its very black and it comes off semi-easily. When the time comes and the runs out I will seriously be considering purchasing the full sized version, but the one thing that might stop me is price...$23...wtf?! 

From the time I have been wearing mascara I have used drugstore ones because they are easily accessible, have always performed great and they are cheap (ahem They're Real!) *Fun story, the first mascara I ever had was L'oreal Voluminous Original Mascara. The youth group I was apart of, when I was in 6th grade, went to clean out the local K-Mart that closed down for a service project one Saturday. While everyone was wandering about taking the signs down for their bedroom walls, as you do when you are a "cool" hormone ridden teenager, I looked down and noticed one single tube of mascara (still in its packaging, might I add) left behind like a lonely puppy meant for me. My mother wouldn't allow me to have makeup because I was too young, which I agree now that Im older and wiser ha!, so I snatched it up because it was free and it was my own secret treasure hidden in my bathroom away from my mom. I vaguely remember having it for waaaaaaay longer than the now suggested 3 months but I didn't know any better at the time. That was my first ever beauty product and I guess you can say that I have never been with out mascara since.  

So while I do recommend They're Real! I do have some great drugstore options. Maybelline The Rocket in the blue tube is my personal fav right now and Im also trying out Maybelline The Falsies. Both are very black and I can get up in my lashes with them, which is a big stipulation for me. But I will say The Falsies has flaked on me but I have oily skin which might have something to do with it so you should still give it a try!

Well enough rambling for today. Im not sure what the uploading schedule for this will be like so we will take this one post at a time. Please give me suggestions on what you would like to read/learn in future posts!

My grammar and web design might not be great but lets take this journey of growth together. Thank you for taking the time to read this...it turned out longer than expected, and if you have any tips for the web design feel free to share...I will need all the help I can get.

Respectively,

-EPRIODE