Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara Review

Claims:

"This lash-enhancing mascara instantly builds lash volume by 400%. The patent-pending formula with a touch of olive oil penetrates and helps plump the core of each and every lash. The Visible Volume Brush coats and builds even the smallest lashes with rich, volume-building color. No clumps, smudging or flaking!

Healthy Volume® mascara rinses clean with any Neutrogena® makeup remover or with soap and water. Get beautiful, conditioned and volumized lashes with the sweep of a wand." -Neutrogena

Pros:

• It may have made my eyelashes a little longer and thicker after continuous use, but nothing dramatic.
• The packaging is nice and sleek.

Cons:

• It didn't build up volume...at all. My eyelashes looked almost the same as when I wasn't wearing mascara.
• For some reason it would not coat the tips of my lashes. The mascara would somehow just slide right off (problematic for my slightly blonde-tipped lashes.)
• Couldn't hold a curl...and I have naturally curly lashes so it was surprising when mid-day my lashes looked flat.
• My final complaint is how difficult it was to remove! I even had the non-waterproof version, but it just didn't budge. When I thought I finally removed all of the mascara, I would still wake up with raccoon eyes.

Bottom Line: Sadly, I would not purchase this mascara again. I tossed mine after about a week and a half because it was really not working for me. Sorry Neutrogena, just not a fan of this one!

Online Shopping Hidden Gems

Super cute and affordable clothing and accessories await you at these lesser known, yet still top-notch online shops. Delve into our picks for the best sites that are offering seriously cute and one-of-a-kind buys that won't break the bank!

Spool No. 72

With super trendy and adorable sweaters, dresses, tops, boots and more, Spool No. 72 will have you running for your wallet. Featuring casual, vintage yet chic items, this shop sells out fast and boasts new apparel frequently -- making sure you're getting a one-of-a-kind steal. If you find something you like, snag it before it sells out!

Esther

Have you ever seen a fabulous dress in a magazine and thought, "where do I find a dress that amazing?" Check out this fabulous site. With dresses that look fit for the red carpet with a much smaller price tag. This company is based in Australia but fret not, they offer free worldwide shipping to any country.

Tobi

Tobi features items on sale daily, and not just clearance items, most items are marked down by 30% every day. From trendy fashion-forward tops and dresses to classic accessories and outerwear, Tobi has apparel for any style at a discounted price.

DailyLook

*Obsession alert* Great quality meets fabulous styles for an inexpensive and stylish shopping experience. This is your one-stop-shop for great quality items that hit the latest trends with ease. Right now they are having a discounts on items with a candy corn by them for Halloween. Plus, you get 20% off your first order! What's not to love.

HauteLook

HauteLook features designer apparel, accessories and home decor at a fraction of the cost (we're talking more than 50% off in most cases). How it works: HauteLook puts up a new designer event for a set amount of days and you can shop the deals until they're gone (or when the set amount of days are up). After that a new designer sale takes its place. Shop quickly, some sales sell out within hours.

Top Notch Beauty + Fashion Apps!

Beauty and fashion meets technology to create irresistibly trendy apps for smartphones. There are countless beauty and fashion apps out there, but here are the top notch (not to mention free) finds every beauty and fashion lover will go gaga over.

1. Beautylish

This ultra-handy app is a one-stop shop for all things beauty; From online shopping for high-end beauty products to useful beauty articles and videos to reviews and more.

Pros:
-Useful articles about a multitude of beauty-related topics.
-Access to so many reviews of products all in one place.
-There are beauty forums to talk to other users to get advice and discuss.
-You can shop!

Cons:
-None!

2. Polyvore

A fashion haven on the web, Polyvore offers an app that might be even more amazing than its web counterpart. Polyvore is a site (and app) that showcases different collections of fashionable outfits that users put together. You can then tap on an outfit collection and it will show each piece of clothing, the price, where they're from, a link to buy them, and the capability to like, comment and share the outfit. Whether you're looking to purchase or just for fashion inspiration, this app is a must!

           Pros:                                                                                      Cons:

-So much fashion inspiration.                                                -You may end up with a lighter wallet due

-Easy to buy the items you're coveting.                                  all the amazing items.

3. Trendabl

Basically Instagram but solely for fashion, Trendabl lets users post pictures of their outfits and tag their pictures with the designers/stores the clothing is from. Other users can tap the tags to see all the pictures that have been tagged with that specific designer. You can also heart, comment, repost and share pictures for fashion inspiration. This app also features a shopping section, but it is minimal.

Pros:
-Many designers post their own pictures of outfits.
-Fun to see clothing items organized by designers.
-Great fashion inspiration.

Cons:
-Minimal shopping capabilities.
-Not all clothing is tagged with designers, meaning some swoon-worthy items you see may be hard to find if not tagged.

4. Swackett

Have you ever looked at the weather forecast and thought: okay well I know what temperature it is going to be, but what do I actually wear? Swackett is the answer! Swackett shows what type of clothing is ideal for both men and women depending on the toasty, or chilly, temps outside. Swackett takes it a step further with a UV index and describes what essentials are needed for the day i.e. sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella etc.

Pros:
-Tells you the type of apparel to wear.
-Shows the weather forecast.
-Might be good if you are vacationing and don't know exactly what the weather will be like.

Cons:
-It won't know what's in your closet so you still have to figure out an outfit to wear.

5. Sephora

This one isn't much of a surprise, but this app is amazing for any of the Sephora lovers out there. Users can shop, read reviews, get exclusive mobile offers, check out the latest hot products and more. It even has the capabilities to scan a products barcode in the store and will display product information and reviews. This app is your own personal shopping guide to Sephora.

Pros:

-Super easy to use and navigate.

-You can buy all Sephora products on the app.

-Assists you in making better informed decisions about the products before you buy them. (Nobody wants to shell out a hefty sum of money for products that don't work!)

-Allows you to manage your beauty insider account.

-You can add products you want to purchase to a virtual shopping list.

Cons:

-Only displays the products carried by Sephora.

There we have it! These beauty and fashion apps will have you styling in no time.

Ombrè Manicure

The Line-Up: (L-R) Essie "Marshmallow," Essie "Fiji," Essie "Mod Podge," Sephora by OPI "It's Somewhere in the Purse," Essie "Wicked."

Delicious Baked Zucchini Fries Recipe!

 I am completely obsessed with these. Once on my plate, these deliciously crunchy & flavorful morsels only lasted about five minutes. If only I could eat all of my vegetables this way!

You Will Need:

-1 to 2 Zucchinis
-Almond Milk
-Italian Breadcrumbs (If you want to make your own, blend up stale bread and add Italian seasonings)

To Make:

Preheat over to 450F. Cut zucchini into fairly thin strips (the thinner, the crispier). Dip into almond milk, then into the breadcrumbs. (I found it easiest to shake the zucchini in the breadcrumbs to get a thicker coating.)

Set on a greased baking sheet, I used coconut oil spray. If you want it extra crispy, dip into almond milk again then shake in breadcrumbs for a second coat. Bake for 8 min, turn over and bake another 8 min. Let cool then serve!


Let me know if you try this out!!

xoxo Jess

Vegan "Apple Pie" Chia Seed Parfait

I found this recipe on the vegan recipe site, OhSheGlows.com (which I am totally obsessed with btw). It looked too delicious not to try, and it most definitely was!!

It was a sort of cold apple pie filling layered with a cinnamon oat concoction that reminded me a little of a graham cracker crust (that's healthy!)

I didn't want to copy the recipe onto here since it's not mine, but I wanted to share it! Click HERE to go to the recipe!!

Face of the Day || Filming New Video

Hey y'all! It appears that my "Face of the Day" posts are proving to be quite popular, so I am going to continue posting them!

Today I filmed a new video for my YouTube channel–JessicaFashionFix about the struggles of picking a career after college. Check out the video here.









FACE: 
-Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 150 Buff (I wear this almost every day.) Applied with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.
-Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Highlighting Concealer in Ivory under my eyes.
-Rimmel Stay Matte powder in Natural to set my foundation.
-Urban Decay blush in Quickie on cheeks.

EYES:
-Covergirl Flamed Out shadow pencil in Ginger Flame on the lid, then Urban Decay Naked 2 in the crease, and Urban Decay Venus in the inner corners of my eyes (Brightens the entire eye.)
-I lined my upper lashes with Sephora Nano Pencil Eyeliner in Black and applied Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara (which I don't recommend...review coming in a couple of days.)

LIPS:
-To finish off the look, I used Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm in Sunny Berry (Has SPF 30!)

**Click pink words for links to the products**

Sally Hansen Insta Gel Strips Review

Recently I picked up these Sally Hansen Insta Gel Strips in Pretty 'N Poppy from CVS (for a hefty $15!) they are about $5 cheaper at Target, but I was unaware at the time. Basically what it boils down to is these strips are pretty easy as far as gel goes, and have cute designs but they just don't fit exactly right and are quite expensive. If you're looking for a fun manicure for a night or two, these might be a good option but I don't think they are worth it for solid polish colors. There are so many better gel options at the drugstore like the SensatioNail brand.

Pros:

-Easiest gel manicure (the fewest steps)
-The polish comes in strips that adhere to your nail so you only have to paint on a clear top coat.
-Adorable designs you can't get from typical polish
-Lasts about a week with no chips–not as long as normal gel but better than regular polish.
-Super shiny (as with all gels)

Cons:

-Not cost effective at all, you have to buy the LED lamp (unless you already have one like I did) The top coat and nail strips for one manicure are $15, if you don't have an LED lamp you will have to buy the starter kit also which is pricey.
- My biggest issue with these strips was the fit. As you can see from the pictures below, the strips are too round at the nail bed for my nails–resulting in weird gaps by the base of my nail. Also, I found that almost all of the nail strips were too wide for my nails and I don't have particularly small nails.

The pictures below are after a week. There is a little chipping on the tips but mostly at the nail bed, I think it's because they didn't fit all that well to start with. The photo on the left is a little blurry (sorry!) but it shows how the strips really didn't fit my nails that well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day my loves!! For me, Valentine's Day is another opportunity to express my love for the people around me including my friends and family. I hope you all have a wonderful day and share love and kindness with others. <3

In an attempt at making a post entertaining, I recently uploaded a Valentine's Day tag video on my YouTube channel! Check it out here if you haven't seen it yet.

P.S. Later today there will still be a regularly scheduled beauty post up! So make sure to check back here later today! :D

Fall in Love with Your Manicure || Simple & Chic

Fall in love with your manicure this Valentine's Day with simple yet chic marshmallow white and champagne gold glitter nails. This sophisticated and pretty polish is a perfect alternative for Valentine's Day without being overly pink and red.

Essie Marshmallow (White) & OPI My Favorite Ornament (gold glitter)

Face of the Day || All About Eyes

For today's look, I used the Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil in Melted Caramel Flame on my enticed eyelid and into the crease. I deepened the crease with Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze, then lined the lash line with my favorite black ELF Cream Eyeliner. I finished the eye area with the Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara.

On my face I used Revlon Colorstay foundation in 150 Buff, Physicians Formula Concealer in Fair Light on blemishes, and Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Highlighting Concealer in Ivory under my eyes. I did a little bit of contouring with NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium and used NARS Orgasm blush.

To finish the look, I used Covergirl Smoochies Lip Balm in #Sweet Tweet. 

For hair I did a french braid through the front of my hair, continuing the braid into a high ponytail. My beaded headband is from Forever 21.

What do you think of this look?

Xoxo Jess

Fall in Love with Your Manicure || Pink & Gold Glitter

OPI My Favorite Ornament & Formula X Intensity

Valentine's Day Decor Haul!

Hi Loves!

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and I wanted to share some cute decor I found at Target for super cheap! Let's face it, I love the adorable decoration that come along with Valentine's Day (probably my favorite part) but I don't want to break the bank for one day of the year. *Cue Target's dollar section.* Also known as The One Spot, the dollar section in Target holds hidden gems as long as you're willing to look for them. Almost all of the items I found (minus the chocolate boxes) I nabbed in the dollar section. From heart paper straws to candle votives to owl signs, adorable items await! See this haul in video form here: Valentine's Day Decor Haul.

My Workspace!

Hi Loves! Today I thought I would give you a sneak peek into what my desk looks like because I am constantly decorating and re-arranging it. This is what it looks like currently:

[Note: if you would like to know where the decor is from, just comment below and I will respond :)]

DIY Valentine's Day Garland

 

To make this DIY Valentine's Day Garland, I look index cards, folded them in half and cut out a half heart to make a symmetrical heart. 

After cutting out the hearts, I used matte mod podge and sprinkled rose gold glitter onto the hearts and let them dry.

While the glitter hearts are drying, I took gold paper doilies and folded them in half to cut hearts out of the middle. To complete the garland, I alternated stapling the gold and pink glitter hearts to a pink ribbon. That's it! It was pretty simple and easy and I think it looks adorable hung up over my bed!

Face of the day || Casual Chic

For today's makeup look, I started with the Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 150 Buff then concealed under my eyes using Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Highlighting Concealer in Ivory. 

For eyes I used my Urban Decay Naked Basics palette, more specifically the shades Naked 2 and Faint in the crease. I then defined my lash line with Elf Cream Eyeliner in Black and applied the Covergirl Flamed Out mascara. 

For cheeks I popped on a little of NARS blush in Orgasm. I went a little more colorful with lips today by opting for MAC Viva Glam 1 lipstick and dabbed it on my lips for a more sheer color.

I decided that an easy casual topknot bun would make for a cute but still put together look.

*Click the pink words for product links

January Favorites Video!

Hi Lovelies!

As you may or may not know, I have a YouTube channel featuring different types of beauty, fashion & lifestyle videos called JessicaFashionFix. I recently posted a video showcasing my favorite products/items from the month of January. Want to see my picks? Check out the video here: January Favorites 2014!

Sweet Corn & Scallion Quinoa Recipe

Fall in love February is all about loving yourself and treating yourself (and others!) well. This recipe is not only delicious, but also healthy because you deserve to be healthy!!

 

 

Roasted Sweet Corn & Scallion Quinoa

Yields about 2 servings

You will need:

-1/2 c dry quinoa
-1 cup roasted sweet corn (I buy it frozen from Trader Joes or you can roast your own corn)
-2 tbsp butter (to make it vegan, I like to use Earth Balance)
-1/2 tbsp crushed garlic
-2 scallions chopped
-1 tbsp lemon juice
-Salt & pepper to taste

The How-To:

Cook the quinoa according to the packages directions. In a saute pan, melt butter then add garlic and corn. Saute until warm then add scallions, lemon juice, and salt and pepper, remove from heat. Once quinoa is done, add corn scallion mixture and combine.


Note: I also steamed some broccoli to eat alongside, but that's completely optional. You could sub the broccoli with your favorite veggies.

Check out the adorable Valentine's Day-themed bowl I served it in here.

Let me know in the comments below if you try this out and if you like it!!

xoxo Jess

Queen Helene Mint Julep Face Masque Review

Fall in Love February is all about taking time for yourself and treating yourself to little indulgences while working to become your best self, and I think this face mask fits the bill.

The Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque has been a staple since I was in high school. My mom used it when she was in high school and introduced it to me when I was in my teens. I have have been using it since and have convinced many friends to become avid fans as well.

It is the classic thick green clay mask that dries to look like a desert on your face (if you have used clay masks you know what I'm talking about.) It dries out any blemishes, shrinks your pores, and makes skin soft and smooth while also helping control oily skin. I love this mask because while it dries out blemishes, it doesn't leave your face feeling tight and dry afterwards.

The best part? It is only about $6 at the drugstore so it will help you put your best face forward without breaking the bank.

xoxo Jess

Charming Stationary for $1

I HAD to share this absolutely adorable stationary that Target had in the $1 section!! I limited myself to these few lovely items, however now I want to go back for the rest of the ones they had (all $1 each). The large to-do list notepad in the middle has a magnet on the back for the fridge and has perforated edges to tear off sheets. Next to it, the little to-do sticky notes were too cute I couldn't pass them up–especially since I am a fanatic list maker. Just below those, are little sticky page flags that I will admit, aren't all that sticky but they are adorable.

ALSO, if you have the Cartwheel app on your smartphone there is a 20% off discount for everything in the One Spot section (aka the dollar section). Making each of these $0.80!! And these would make perfect little Valentine's gifts for friends in my opinion.

CVS Nail & Skincare Haul

Hi Lovelies!

Yesterday I had a few coupons and extra bucks to CVS and decided it was time to (finally) pick up some much needed eye cream and to try the Sally Hansen Insta Gel Strips in Pretty 'N Poppy. I used the Insta Gel Strips yesterday and so far they're cute but a little frustrating to use, I will post a full review later this week. I was on the hunt for a drugstore eye cream to help with the dreaded dark circles since I had run out of my Michael Todd True Organics one and couldn't justify the $40. This Yes to Grapefruits Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream had pretty good reviews and I have loved everything I've tried from the Yes to lines. I've only used it twice so far but it's nice, smells like grapefruit and is fairly moisturizing. If you would like a full review in a couple of weeks (once I've really put it to the test) let me know in the comments below!

PS Today is going to be a double post day, so check back for tonight's post around 8 pm PST. :)

New Chevron Duvet Set!

I've been on the hunt for a cute new duvet and shams that wouldn't break the bank for awhile now. I have scoured Target, Mashalls, Homegoods, Ikea, Pottery Barn clearance sections and the like. However, I finally found one that I love!

It's a little beachy with the colors, (which is my favorite decor theme lately) while still being fun. I picked it up at Target and it was on sale at the location near me for $20! See it online here.

I have to say you get what you pay for, meaning it isn't the softest duvet and shams around but I find they get softer as you use them and wash them. But for $20 I am not complaining.


xoxo Jess

Fall in Love with: Vegan Mac & Cheese!!

We're kicking off Fall in Love February with the delicious and healthy Vegan Mac & Cheese!! I love mac and cheese, but have been looking for healthier alternatives (as I am trying to cut back on my dairy intake) and this mac & cheese fits the bill! Check out the recipe below!

You Will Need: 

-1/4 c Nutritional Yeast (Find at health food stores)
-3 t Fresh Lemon Juice
-1 1/2 c Raw Cashews
-1/2 Clove Garlic
-Pinch Tumeric
-Pinch Cayenne Pepper
-1/2 tsp Chili Powder
-1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
-3/4 c Water or Almond Milk
-1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
-8 oz of pasta (I used organic brown rice pasta from Trader Joes)
-Breadcrumbs to bake on top (optional)


Directions:

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Then add all ingredients (except for breadcrumbs) into a high-powered blender or food processor and mix until it's a creamy sauce texture. Drain cooked pasta and add sauce. Mix well then place in a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top–this step is completely optional, you can eat the pasta as it but I thought toasted breadcrumbs would be yummy. Place under broiler for a few minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!!

Let me know if you want more recipes for Fall in Love February in the comments below!!

*Disclaimer: I didn't create this recipe, I found it online then changed a couple of things to make it my own.

Also, can we just talk about how cute this apron is?! It was only $12 at Homegoods and I had to have it! I mean, it will encourage me to cook more right?



xoxo Jess