Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween!

Happy day of ghouls, ghosts and frights!! What are you going to dress up as tonight? I love Halloween but will be traveling all day. Luckily I should be home just in time to give out candy to trick-or-treaters and watch spooky movies tonight.

Also, today concludes my month of blogging daily! I can't believe the month is over and, to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure I would make it blogging every day yet here we are. I loved writing a new post daily and I want to thank you all for reading and coming along for the journey. :) I think I will continue blogging daily through November. The fun is not over yet! ;)

Have a fun Halloween and I will talk to you all tomorrow!

xoxo

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Current Obsession: Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte


I am currently obsessed with this Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte! I got mine at Target in the tea and coffee aisle and I'm hooked. Since it's a concentrate you mix equal parts milk or a milk substitute with the concentrate. I like to use coconut milk or almond milk. Then you can either drink it cold with ice or heat it up in the microwave for a hot pumpkin spice chai latte. I'm not typically a fan of chai, but this one is so amazing I am on my second carton and it has replaced my morning coffee until further notice.

Product Description: Cinnamon and cardamom sit by a crackling fire, knitting black tea scarves and catching up over mugs of steamed milk. Ginger waltzes in with a just-baked pumpkin pie, the aroma filling the room with sweet spice.

This is a seasonal flavor so if you're interested head out and pick one up soon.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Manicure of the Day: Quilted Silver

I am a little obsessed with these two nail polishes! While I'm not entirely sold on combining them together, I do love each color seperately. For the metallic silver quilted looking polish, I used an Essie effects polish called "Little Boa Peep." It has an awesome 3-D look to it like it should be bumpy but it's not. (It comes with a magnet on the lid which you hold above the wet polish to make the design.) For the accent nail I used a Revlon polish I'm Urban and it's this beautiful deep navy blue! By the way, I only used one coat and it was completely opaque!!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Drink Up!

As the weather cools and becomes drier, it takes a toll on our skin. Cozy up with a hot cup of tea that will also detox your skin while sipping. I've been sipping on Yogi Skin DeTox tea over the last week and have been really liking it. I love that at the end of each tea bag there is a nice saying.


This tea is meant to cleanse from the inside by reducing internal impurities and toxins to help promote clearer brighter skin. Inside is green tea, rose petals, honeybrush leaf, hibiscus flower, red clover leaf and flower, cardamom seed, grape root, orange peel, burdock root, dandelion root, yellow dock root and stevia leaf.

I have been sipping this tea every day for the last week and have to say my skin does feel a bit clearer but I'm not 100% sure it is due to this tea.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Great App Find

Hi loves!

My cousin told me about this awesome Target app called Cartwheel. Some of you may already have it and be saying "duh Jessica this is old news," but some of you may have no idea what I'm talking about...so this is for you! :)

Cartwheel is a free app from Target that offers exclusive discounts and deals on a variety of items throughout the store. They currently have 20% off deals for certain womens apparel and shoes that are exclusive to the app. You just have to download the app and sign up through Facebook and that's it! The only caveat is that it is currently only availabe for the U.S. and you must use it in store.


Saturday, October 26, 2013

Sensationail At-Home Gel Manicure Review

Want a manicure that will last two to three weeks without chipping without the salon price tag? Look no further than Sensationail Gel Manicure, a fairly easy at home system for customizable gel manicures.

The Low-down:

You have to buy the starter kit which includes the LED lamp (which cures the gel manicure), gel cleanser, gel primer, gel base and top coat, one color gel polish, a manicure stick, buffer, wipes and instructions. Once you purchase the starter kit, you can buy individual gel polish colors separately to use with the system. The starter kit is around $50, which sounds like a lot but you get 10 complete manicure in each starter kit making each manicure around $5. If you are a gel fanatic like me, this will save you a lot of money considering gel manicures at the salon can range from $30-$40 plus tip.



Pros:

-No chips for two to three weeks.
-Great value for gel manicure.
-Sensationail has a multitude of different colors including French Manicure kits and exclusive seasonal colors.
-No sanding down your nails so they stay healthier than if you were to get acrylics.
-Easy to follow instructions.

Cons:

-Takes about an hour from start to finish (same as in salon but less relaxing than having your hands massaged).
-You need to be meticulous. If you get any of the polish or top coats on your skin they will be stuck there.
-If the polish isn't done well, your nails may not look so great for those two to three weeks.
-To remove, you can either get their removal kit or soak nails in acetone to remove gel.
-You must follow instructions exactly.

The Verdict:

Honestly, I love Sensationail gel manicures. I love gel manicures because they don't chip for such a long time and I like that I can do my nails at home whenever I have free time. Once you get the hang of this manicure system, it becomes pretty easy once you do it a few times. Gel manicures are great for trips and vacations so you don't have to worry about chipped nails or bringing polishes along.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Nivea Lip Butter Review in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss


I finally picked up the much-raved about Nivea Lip Butter and opted for the Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss scent. I had very high expectations based on the countless raving reviews, however this fell a little short for me. The smell is absolutely devine, a vanilla sugar cookie with macadamia type of scent and smells delicious. The biggest issue I had with this product was that it was more of a solid perfume consistency...like it is completely solid, so solid that it's difficult to get the products even to your lips. When I hear the words "lip butter" I want a thick creamy consistency that deeply moisturizes. This butter moisturizes well if you can manage to get it onto your lips (I spend a good minute trying to move the product from the tin to my lips. I also don't really enjoy lip products in pots, they seem a bit unhygienic but this can be overlooked if the product is good enough. Sadly I don't reccomend this product since there are so many better drugstore lip products to moisturize.



Thursday, October 24, 2013

What's in my Bag: Travel Edition

I'm at home visiting family and friends for my birthday and thought I would show you what's in my bag while traveling! Lets jump right in.

Firstly my purse is from Daily Look - my go to website for handbags, they're so cute, well made and affordable.




Inside I have:
-iPhone 4S: I am glued to my phone. I do social media and marketing for companies so between that and my own social media for JessicaHeartsBeauty, I'm constantly online. (Not pictured above).
-Mint Quilted Wallet: I love mint and just got this one from Forever 21 for only $12!
-iPad Mini: While I'm home I'm still working but don't want to travel with my computer so my iPad saves me. I love the mini because it's light and fits easily in my bag and I am currently loving its little pink case.
-Black DayMinder: This little planner is my savior while on trips. I can keep track of my plans and work stuff.
-Black "Beauty" Make-up Bag: I got this make-up bag from Forever 21 and I use it in my handbag to hold all the little items that tend to float around my purse.

Inside I have: my house and car keys, gum, Apple headphones, a snack (I'm always hungry), Hello Kitty hand sanitizer (yucky airports), H&M sunglasses in a cheap case from Forever 21, Jergens Ultra Healing hand lotion (my hands always get dry while flying), and my favorite Covergirl Smoochies lip balm in #Sweet Tweet!


Ta-da! That is everything in my handbag. I try to keep it to a somewhat minimum while traveling so it's not super heavy but I always need the most stuff while traveling, a little ironic huh?

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

It's my birthday!!

Today is my 22nd birthday and I'm traveling home to visit friends and family for a week! This blog post is going to be a bit short, as I am on the road, but don't fret I will be back on track with blog posts tomorrow!! I have some fun posts planned for the next week so stay tuned. ❤️ Thanks for sticking with me loves!!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider Recipe


Who is ready for chilly nights, cozy sweaters and steamy cider? Well today we're addressing the cider aspect of that delightful vision. I found this recipe on this blog and it looked too tasty not to share! I can't wait to make this throughout Fall and Winter!


Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

Serves 12 (for a smaller batch just cut the recipe in half or quarter)

Ingredients

12 cups of apple juice
6 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup of good quality jarred caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
Whipped cream


Directions

Heat apple juice and cinnamon sticks in the slow cooker for about 4 hours on high. Let the cinnamon sticks soften and uncurl. Before serving, stir in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and serve in heat proof cups. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.


Be sure to check out the blog I found this recipe on for many more delicious recipes, crafts and DIY projects! So fun!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

New Formula X for Sephora Nail Polish Review

I have on "Gravity" with "Hyperactive" top coat

Color Range: 5/5

This new line by Sephora has an amazing array of shades. There are more than 200 colors, topcoats and effects - all look flattering and beautiful, check them out here. The colors with cool effects range from glitter-packed polishes to paint splatter looking effects. The solid color shades were such beautiful colors that it was like the best shades were plucked from every other brand (in a very good way).

Opacity: 4/5

The color I'm wearing in the picture on the left (Gravity) was beautifully opaque in one coat, however my cousin bought a lighter nude shade and found two coats necessary to be opaque. I have not yet found a light colored polish that didn't need at least two coats.


No Streakiness: 5/5

This polish has a way of evening out while drying leaving completely even coverage.

Shine: 5/5

This polish shined beautifully after one only coat and didn't need a top coat.

Packaging: 4/5

I love how these polishes are a little more square at the top because they look different from all of my other nail polishes. However the top square comes off and there is a small round top inside for the actual brush (similar to Butter London). The extra packaging can be a little annoying but since it has a higher price tag, I like getting a little extra packaging.

Price: 4/5

These little babies ring in at $10.50 each which hits about in the middle of drugstore brands and high end brands.

Longevity: 

I just painted my nails with this polish yesterday so I don't have accurate knowledge of how long it will last yet. I will keep you posted! ;)

Overall Impression: 

Formula X by Sephora has some really good solid color polishes, and awesome effects and top coats. They are definitely worth checking out. I know I will be going back for more!




Saturday, October 19, 2013

Sephora Haul!

Hey loves!

Today my cousin and I hit the mall and did a little pre-birthday shopping (my birthday is in four days! So excited). We stopped by Sephora and I picked up another Smashbox Photo Finish Primer in Adjust. This is my absolute favorite primer even though I still can't get over the price tag. If you watched my "Get Ready With Me" video I posted a few days ago, you saw my well loved and just about empty primer so it was time for a re-purchase. We also got sucked into the new nail polish display by the brand Formula X For Sephora. I spotted this gorgeous deep olive green called Gravity and couldn't resist. While perusing  the effects top coat in Hyperactive caught my eye with its fabulous holographic flakes (close up picture below). The last thing I received was a little Benefit kit for my birthday! If you have a beauty insider card you get a free gift the week of your birthday. This cute kit has a sample size "They're Real!" mascara and a little "Watt's Up!" highlighter. 


Close up of Formula X by Sephora in "Hyperactive"

Friday, October 18, 2013

Other Places to Find Me

Hey lovelies!

Just wanted to let you know that aside from blogging, I also have a Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channel! Check out my Facebook here. Don't miss my twitter updates here. And watch some videos here. Talk to you all soon!

Thanks loves I hope you're having a fantastic day!! ❤️

xoxo Jess

Manicure of the Day - Pretty in Pink

Dark rich colors are usually associated with Fall, but a trend hitting the scene this season is nudes and pale colors. I am loving the pretty soft pink of Essie "Fiji." I have a hard time finding lighter colors that are opaque and this pink only takes two coats to become opaque. What nail polish colors are you loving right now?


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Coffee Cake in a Mug

I have to preface this by saying I did not invent this recipe, I merely stumbled upon it a year ago and have been making it ever since. Over the course of the last year however, I have unfortunately lost the link to where I found it. All I can say is that I did not create this recipe but I do enjoy making it very much. :)


Coffee Cake in a Mug

Ingredients:

1 tbsp softened butter
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp applesauce
Splash of vanilla extract
1/4 cup flour
1/8 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt

Streusel Topping:

1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon


Directions:

1. In a small bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Stir until well combined.
2. Next add the applesauce, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir just until combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a mug.
4. In a different bowl, add the streusel ingredients and cut the butter in using a fork until you have a nice lumpy mixture.
5. Place the streusel on top of the batter in the mug.
6. Cook in the microwave for 50-80 seconds. Begin with 50 and then do 5 second intervals until the top looks barely set.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Motivation!

Today has been one of those days where you lack motivation, but force yourself to get work done anyways. That being said, the one thing that really helps to motivate me is to read motivational quotes (a little obvious I know). Here is one that resonated with me today and I hope you find it motivating as well. Let's conquer the world Lovelies.


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Get Ready with Me!

Hi Loves!

I filmed a "Get Ready with Me" video today and am pleased with how it turned out, and also learned how to make future ones better. Take a look here: http://youtu.be/_0ZoCC3tRCo


Monday, October 14, 2013

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

The Rundown:

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation is said to wear up to 24 hours while giving your face a flawless look with a lightweight feel.
In the shade 150 Buff

The Reality:

Packaging 3/5 stars

The glass tube is a little heavy, but does have a nice substantial feel to it. The packaging loses stars when it comes to the top, there is no pump making it the standard pour-out tube of foundation. This makes it difficult to get the right amount (foundation comes gushing out of the bottle) making it messy.

Staying-Power 5/5 stars

This is where this foundation outshines others. It stays put all day even on the most oily skin types. Because it is so good at staying put, it can be a little difficult to remove. I use the Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water to take it all off.

Shade Range 5/5 stars

This brand has two lines, the combination/oily skin line which has 15 different shades and the normal/dry skin line which has 12 different shades. (I have combination skin and have used both the combo/oily and normal/dry ones and have loved both.)


Coverage 5/5 stars

This foundation is a medium to full coverage foundation and is very build able. It is very easy to blend and I recommend using a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to buff it into the skin seamlessly. it takes a bit to dry so I wait a few minutes for it to set before apply powder over the top.





Price 5/5 stars

As far as drugstore foundations go, this one comes with a little higher price tag. It costs about $13-$14 depending on where you purchase it.

Lives up to its claims 4/5 stars

It doesn't feel as lightweight as other foundations I have tried, but that's expected since it is a medium to full coverage foundation. Other than that, this foundation is longwearing, blends well, has great coverage and stays put all day.

OVERALL 5/5 stars

Revlon Colorstay Foundation is my go-to foundation and I have been completely obbsessed with it for the last four months. I have tried a variety of high end and drugstore foundations but this one is argueably my favorite.

xoxo Jess





Side note: How pretty is this tree outside my window?! I love how bright red it is turning, it makes it feel more like Fall. 


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Protein Shake

This shake was inspired by a peanut butter chocolate shake my dad and I would make when I was little, except this one is healthier. Trust me-it tastes like a something you would eat for dessert.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake


Ingredients:
-one banana
-a spoonful of natural peanut butter
-coconut milk (or you could use almond or soy milk if you prefer) use enough to cover your ingredients
-one scoop of chocolate protein powder (I have the muscle milk s'mores flavor that works really well too)

Blend all ingredients and enjoy!! :)

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Outfit of the Night/Day

Outfit of the Night

Last night my cousin and I went out to dinner and here's my outfit of the night!

On top I am wearing a new sheer blouse from Target that has a beautiful design on the chest and a key-hole opening on the back. For the bottom half I am wearing dark skinny jeans from American Eagle and my new suede booties I mentioned in yesterdays post. My bracelet I got from H&M a few years back, but it's just a stack of chains.
Closer detail of the top of shirt
























Outfit of the Day

I was having a laid back day today and was just going to the movies so I wanted something casual and comfortable.








I'm wearing a cream Henley top from H&M, dark wash jeans from Forever 21, dark brown riding boots from Target (also appearing in yesterday's blog post), a grey geometric patterned scarf from Target (it was only $7!), a juicy couture gold bracelet and my rose gold Michael Kors watch.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Cheap and Trendy: Fall Boots

I took a little jaunt to Target today on the prowl for some fabulous finds in the boot department, and I struck gold.





I ended up getting these Merona dark brown riding boots for $31.99 (reg. $39.99). If you have a smartphone, download the app Cartwheel for plenty of Target coupons. I used a 20% off coupon to save $8 on this pair!

These boots are so comfortable, have a little heel and gold accents, and hit just below the knee. I love this rich dark brown for Fall. They also have a zip up on the inside for a better fit.





I instantly fell in love with these suede booties. I'm adoring booties this season and these light brown studded booties stole my heart. They have a good size chunky heel which makes them super comfortable to walk in.

I picked up these for $44.99. Unfortunately no coupons for these bad boys, but they are worth every penny.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

My Fall Skincare Routine

Hi Loves!!

I have been using all new skincare products for the last few months and found a routine for the drier Fall and Winter seasons that has really been working for me. I thought I would share it so check it out on my YouTube channel HERE.


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Easy and Delicious French Fries at Home

At-Home Baked French Fries

Whenever I make these french fries there is never leftovers. They are that good and super easy to make.

Ingredients:

2 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Lawry's Seasoning Salt (you can use sea salt if you would like, but the seasoning salt makes it extra delicious)

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Cut potatoes in half horizontally then proceed to cut into smaller frie shapes. Tip: the smaller the fries (about 1/3 in thick) the quicker they will cook and the crispier they will be. No matter what frie size you decide to make yours, just be sure that they are all the same size so they will cook properly.
-Place the cut potatoes into a bowl of cold water.
-Remove from water and dry thoroughly
-Toss with oil and seasoning salt and place of a lined greased baking sheet.
-Roast until cooked through and browned. Turn fries over about halfway through cooking. (about 25 minutes cook time)


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Motivation

You may not have a choice in the bumps that come up in your path, but you do have the choice in how you let them affect you. The most important thing to tell yourself is that you CAN get through anything and you can be happy and deserve to be.

Spread the love. 
xoxo Jess

Monday, October 7, 2013

Target Haul!

I made a little shopping trip to Target today and wanted to share with you Beauties what I got!

One of the reasons I took this Target trip was to pick up the Boots No 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water for Normal to Oily skin. This cleanser is meant to dissolve face makeup, gently cleanse and balance oily skin. I have very sensitive skin and this product promises to hydrate skin with vitamin and minerals while still being gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. I have big hopes for this product, keep an eye out for a review in the coming weeks.

I was running out of the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream sample my dermatologist gave me and needed to pick up more. Low and behold, this moisturizing cream comes in a whopping 16 oz vat. I am notorious for using too much of products, but I literally use less than a pea size amount of this moisturizer at night. The best way to use this on your face is to apply a pea size amount to a DAMP face, not dry. This keeps it from being too heavy while still moisturizing without grease.

I also picked up some soft Cotton Rounds to use with my cleansing water. I love the exfoliating rounds,  but they are a little too harsh to use on my overly sensitive skin on a daily basis so I opted for the softer ones  this time.

Maybe it's TMI, but I also got the Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant in the ooh-la-la lavender scent. I am excited to try this one out and so far love the lavender scent. This deodorant is a bit interesting because it says to apply it at night so it can work to block sweat before the sweat starts during the day. I figured if I'm going to apply it at night I might as well have a calming lavender scent.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Covergirl Smoochies Review


(L-R) #Tweet Me and #Sweet Tweet

A glossy balm, the Covergirl Smoochies provide the perfect tint of color while still moisturizing like a pro. The balm consistency leaves lips feeling smooth, glossy and hydrated. The packaging is fun, bright and a little young and the smell of the balm is somewhere between pink lemonade and watermelon. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the scent, but that mixed with the packaging makes it seem more geared towards a younger crowd. 

(L-R) #Tweet Me and #Sweet Tweet
My favorite color is #sweet tweet (yes the names do include a hashtag). This particular color is a pretty sheer pink and enhances your natural lip color while creating a slightly glossy effect.

#Tweet Me is more of a red stain tint. EleventhGorgeous on YouTube said it best, it looks like you've been eating a cherry Popsicle that stained your lips.

All in all, these are good lip products to throw in your bag if you're looking for a Chapstick/balm that will add a little color and shine.

xoxo Jess

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Perfect Pout

As the weather begins to cool off, the air gets drier and our skin follows suit. To keep your lips soft and silky look no further than the Elf Lip Exfoliator. For $3 this little guy gets the job done and even smells like vanilla sugar while doing it. The packaging is sleek and looks like a tube of lipstick making it so easy to slough off the dead skin on your lips. Goodbye messy pots of lip exfoliant! Unlike some lip exfoliants, you can't actually eat this one so you have to wipe or rinse it off after exfoliating.

Overall: 4.5/5 stars



Tip: When starting a new tube, it takes a couple of uses to rub off the top layer of wax so the exfoliating beads can do their job.

xoxo Jess

Friday, October 4, 2013

Say Ahhh with an At-Home Spa Night

Want to slip into a soft robe and be whisked away to relaxation without the price tag? Look no further than this guide to a complete spa night that will have you feeling blissed out by the end of the night. I once worked at a spa and learned the ins and outs of creating the "spa experience." 

Step 1: Hydrate

The key to healthy skin is hydration. Stay hydrated with this delicious and easy spa water recipe.

Spa Water:

-A pitcher of cold filtered water
-Plenty of ice
-Four slices of lemon
-Five slices of cucumber

Mix all ingredients in pitcher and enjoy! The longer it sits, the better it gets.

Step 2: Shower, Exfoliate and Moisturize

Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub
Next step is either a shower or bath, whatever your preference is. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse your face BEFORE you shower so your pores can breathe. During your shower or bath, the steam will help to open your pores so your skin will benefit more from your exfoliation and mask in the proceeding steps.

Don't forget to exfoliate your body while in the shower. I have been loving the Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub. The lavender helps to relax and soothe while the sea salt sloughs off the dead skin for glowing healthy skin.
Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter

After exfoliating your body, apply a thick body cream for ultra-rich moisturizing. The Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter smells amazing, hydrates deeply and leaves skin soft and smooth.


Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant & Michael Todd Tropical Fruit Exfoliant
For facial exfoliation, I love the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It's made from rice powder, making it very gentle for sensitive skin. Another great exfoliant is the Michael Todd True Organics Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub, an all-natural fruit scented product that uses fruit enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells.

Step 3: Treat

After exfoliating, it is time for a face mask! Pop in your favorite DVD or show and let the mask do its job.

For oily-acne prone skin types, the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque can't be beat. A thick green clay mask, this cult-classic mask works to dry up blemishes and help control oil.
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque


Charcoal Detoxifying & Avocado Mango
If you find your face is oily in some spots yet drier in others, try the Michael Todd True Organics Charcoal Detoxifying Mask. More of a lotion consistency, this light gray mask is moisturizing while still balancing oil production. The activated charcoal in the mask draws out dirt and oil that clog pores and gives congested skin a nice "detox."

Have dry skin? Test out the Michael Todd True Organics Avocado and Mango Hydrating Mask. It smells like a delicious tropical smoothie while nourishing and hydrating the skin for a dewy and glowing complexion.


After rinsing off the face mask, be sure to moisturize with your favorite facial moisturizer!

Step 4: Nails

Let's talk nails. No spa night would be complete without prettily painted nails by the end of it. For Fall, I am loving these darker colors!
Sephora by OPI in "It's Somewhere in my Purse" and OPI in "You Don't Know Jacques"


Voila! Now you're fully primped, pampered and relaxed. Happy spa night! :)

xoxo Jess

Thursday, October 3, 2013

New Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation

The Rundown:

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is a gel stick foundation with an anti-shine core, supposedly leaving a natural matte finish. The lightweight powders in the anti-shine core are meant to instantly dissolve excess oil.
Shade: 115 Fair

The Reality:

Packaging 5/5 stars

The black tube with metallic light pink writing is so cute and durable! The packaging feels a little cheap but looks nice and is very easy to travel with or throw into a handbag. While it is a small tube, the gel-stick formula makes it much easier to transport and makes putting on foundation a breeze. The only caveat is you end up going through the foundation pretty quickly.

Staying-Power 3/5 stars

This is where I had some trouble. It does stay on and shine-free longer than most foundations however, I found that after about 4 hours my foundation was looking a little patchy. I've been spoiled by the Revlon Colorstay Foundation that stays on 8+ hours. This foundation is lighter feeling, stays matte longer than most, and feels powdery almost instantly after applying (in a good way).

Shade Range 4/5 stars

There are 12 shades in this line which isn't bad. There are a wide variety of lighter/medium shades, but the line is lacking deeper shades.

Coverage 4/5 stars

This foundation works best as a light to medium coverage foundation. The foundation is buildable, but the more you build the cakier the foundation starts to look. This gel formula works best as a light coverage foundation.

Price 5/5 stars

As far as drugstore foundations go, this one rings in at an average price of about $8 depending on where you purchase it.

Lives up to its claims 4/5 stars

The anti-shine powder core does as it claims, it makes the foundation go on silky and smooth. The gel stick foundation also works to keep the shine at bay without looking powdery.


OVERALL 4/5 stars

I would say if you're looking for a gel based stick foundation to keep you fairly matte and have combo/oily skin, you would be in good company with this foundation.

xoxo Jess

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Fall Outfit of the Day

Hey Fashionistas!

This outfit was inspired by my love of layering in the Fall. I love to achieve a worn-in, comfortable look by pairing many basic items together to create a cohesive and cute look.

To get this look:
Start with basic black leggings and a cream color tank top then build from there. I paired a striped long sleeve top with a black statement necklace both from Forever 21. I have been loving this olive/gray colored utility jacket (also from Forever 21). To finish off I have gray (I know they look black in this picture) low-heeled, leather boots from Cathy Jean.

I love that you can make simple changes to this look like swapping out the shirt and accessories to create an entirely different, but still super cute, look.


xoxo Jess

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Fall Essentials!

Hi my loves!

My absolute favorite time of year has "fallen" upon us once again (cheesy I know, but I couldn't resist). With colorful falling leaves and cups of steaming cider, Autumn is magical in my eyes. From the perfect Fall drinks to get your morning rolling, to seasonal decor to undoubtably classy fashion trends, welcome to your guide for a fabulous Fall.

Autumnal Decor


Leaves candle
Lets talk candles: Bath and Body Works is my go-to store for seasonal candles. My personal favorites are Autumn, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Leaves. These scents perfectly embody everything I love about Fall.

Candy Corn Lights






I am also mildly obsessed with these little candy corn lights that you can find at CVS. My Fall decor tip is to hit the Dollar Store and Target's sale/dollar section at the front of the store. You will find inexpensive festive items that won't empty your wallet.


Seasonal Drinks


Pumpkin Spice Coffee
TAZO Baked Cinnamon Apple
Start your morning with a Fall-inspired drink! My personal favorites are Pumpkin Spice Coffee k-cups to kick off my mornings and the TAZO Baked Cinnamon Spice Caffeine-Free Tea to cozy up with on cold evenings.



Fall Fashion Trends


Photo from Dailylook.com
Photo from Forever21.com


Cozy up with knitted cardigans and comfy sweaters sitting pretty over neutral colored layers this season. Top with a scarf and accessorize with long necklaces, plenty of simple rings and riding boots. My current obsessions are this parka jacket and girly faux leather jacket from Forever 21 and this classy structured handbag and knitted cardigan from Daily Look.




What are your Fall essentials?

xoxo Jess