love's a beach.

Happy weekend! I love this color by China Glaze, Love's a Beach. It is from their neon summer collection last year, and I am so glad I picked this up. I just wish I picked up more from this collection. 

A gorgeous color for summer! I hope everyone's staying cool, and having a great summer. 

Do you have any colors from this collection? What is your favorite neon pink?

peachy keen.

I was forever looking for the perfect peach, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this in China Glaze's permanent collection! The only thing I do not like about this is that if it sits for a while not being used, it starts to look old, if that makes sense. It is still a fun summer color.

What is your favorite peach? Do you own/like this one by China Glaze?

a collective haul part 3 - nails, makeup, and random.

Here is the last part of my "haul". There is makeup, nail polish, and some random things. Enjoy!

Physician's Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum: I got all these Physician's Formula items at CVS when they were on sale, and I also used $2 and $3 of coupons so they were really inexpensive. I really like PF, but they are pricey for drugstore makeup. I really like this eyeliner! I don't know if it is boosting my lashes in any way, however. It is such a nice dark line, and it isn't too thin or thick which I like. It is a felt tip, which I also like. I think I will definitely buy this again (when they're on sale, of course).

Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting Mascara: I was wanting an organic mascara so I bought two from PF, and this one is great. The brush is pretty big and makes my lashes dark and full. It doesn't smudge or flake on me, and I have oily skin/lids. 

Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara: This is a good mascara also, but I usually save it for days I'm making my makeup more natural because it doesn't exactly make my lashes full and voluminous. I  also like to use this under Maybelline's The Rocket mascara because it does separate the lashes well.

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara: This mascara is not my favorite. The brush is VERY stiff, and it also gets a lot of mascara on the wand, which can be a bit messy. Because of this problem, I like to use it on top of another mascara (like the PF natural origin mascara) because I feel it helps it not put a ton of product on my lashes, if that makes sense. This is a really dark mascara, makes my lashes long, but it takes to tries to get it all off my lashes when I am taking off my makeup at night. 

NYX Love in Rio Eye Shadow Palette in Amazonian Babes: I like this palette a lot. NYX eyeshadows are really smooth and buttery, but they tend to not have the best color payoff. That is fine with me, because I use these on top of Maybelline Color Tattoos, so they pop a lot better. I use all three colors on my lid for a nice everyday eye.

NYX Stay Matte but Not Flat Liquid Foundation: This isn't my favorite foundation. I was looking for a cruelty-free alternative to my foundations, and this seemed like the perfect choice since I have oily skin. Even the cashier said she loves it and uses it everyday. I feel this doesn't go on very smooth, but as I say that, I think i might try putting it on with my fingers maybe. I don't like doing that, but I know sometimes it makes a difference! 

Essie Sleek Sticks in Stickers and Stones: I haven't used these yet, but I am excited to do so!

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Body Spray in Lavender & White Tea: I know this is pretty random, but I like this. It says you can use it as a body spray, but I just stick to deodorant. I live in a hot place, and this doesn't make me smell bad at the end of the day. It doesn't exactly keep the sweat away, but nothing does for me. It smells good also, and it comes in three (I think) different scents.

Orly Mini Argan Cuticle Oil: I like to use this at night before bed. It can be a tad messy since it's a brush, but that's why I use it before bed. This is lasting me a long time, because I have been using it at least every other day and it barely has made a dent!

NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray: I didn't like this at all when I first got it. It only says to use it when you're finished with your makeup, and that didn't work at all. Finally I used it like I use Urban Decay's De-Slick and put it on before and after my makeup. It isn't the best (not like UD) but it works better than it did when I used it after makeup. It will probably be nice to use in the winter. HOWEVER, it has a funny smell AND it has a horrible spray. It goes on really heavy, which can be a pain. It doesn't have a fine mist over your face, it doesn't even have a medium mist. If I use this, I spray it all over, very fast (I find it works better than just a spray here and there). You can hold this a foot away from your face and it is still heavy. I also wait until after spraying to put my mascara on, just in case it causes it to run or something.

The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream: I got this because it was only $10 at Ulta, and I love rose. It is for mature skin, but I don't care. It makes my hands hydrated and soft. I also use this before bed, but there is no reason for that other than I forget about it until I am sitting in my bed and see it on my bedside table. It also comes in Hemp (which is also for cuticles) and Almond. 

Tweezerman Toe Nail Clippers: These are fantastic for those who like their nails square cut! I have only seen Tweezerman make these style of clippers, and they are a pretty pricey brand, but I think they're worth it. I got these at Walgreens, but I have see them at Target for cheaper (and not with the big ugly flower), and Sallys has them in a two pack with fingernail size clippers. Even though these are toe nail clippers I use them for my hands. I might get another set for my toes because I have problems with cutting my big toe nail and these would be perfect for them.

Essie Miss Fancy Pants: I got this on clearance. I was a little mad when I got home and saw that it is similar (not identical, though) to Chinchilly, which I have. It is pretty though, even if it is a little thick. I will have swatches posted at a later date!

Essie Come Here!: This was really pretty at Ulta until I got home and looked up swatches. For some reason I was seeing it as a really red coral color, but it is more of an orange/red..Then I wore it on my nails and I really liked it. It wasn't what I expected, but it is still pretty! 

Essie No Baggage Please: I haven't used this yet because I have been wearing a lot of pinks/reds lately, but when I do I will post a picture. The swatches I've seen online are pretty, though!

Wet n Wild ColorIcon Diamond in the Rough: I was excited to see these again at Walgreens, because I missed buying them the first time around. I will probably be getting more of these when I get more money because they're really fun!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Mermaid's Tale: I had a $4 off coupon for Sally Hansen, so I finally was able to buy this! As many probably know, this is a dupe for Deborah Lippmann's Across the Universe.

Sinful Shine Most Sinful: I was excited to try these, but I didn't care for any of the colors they have right now. I got this one because I don't have anything like it, and it is pretty, but I wasn't blown away. The gold polish in the picture is Maybelline's Bold Gold with OPI's Golden Eye on top of it.

NYC Grand Central Station: I LOVE THIS. Every time I use this (all the time) I get asked if it's gel color. It is also cheap at $1.99 a bottle (unless you get it at Target/Walmart, $1.79). I love how great this is and how inexpensive it is considering I go through top coats really fast.

This was the last of my "haul"! I hope there are things you want to try now (or not try) now. Any questions about any product, from any day, just ask, I'll be happy to try and answer .

a collective haul part 2 - hair and soap.

Well this weekend was super hot, a high of 100 degrees. I think I may have had a heat stroke at some point! I stayed as cool as I could, but Friday I had gone out with a friend to First Friday (as I mentioned in my previous post) and while it was fun to get out and see who was showing their craft downtown, it was just so hot. Luckily my friend has super cold A/C in her car.

This post is my second part of my "haul". I guess it's not really a haul, but I don't know what else to call it. This one is hair products and bar soaps. I realize that is technically body but since I didn't want the previous post to be any longer, I made them their own category.

Anything in the first row (the back) I also have a companion conditioner that I didn't picture.

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo Fortifying Shampoo/Conditioner: I bought these at Target for $2.99 each, but then there was a BOGO Free coupon in the Sunday paper, so I actually got both of these for $1.99 total (because when she scanned the coupon, it took off $3.99)!! I got them because a blogger I follow kept saying the shampoo was a clarifying shampoo, and I had just finished up my old one (Neutrogena). While I do like this shampoo, and the conditioner as well, I don't see anywhere on the bottle that says it is a clarifying shampoo. But I still like it, and as most of Garnier's shampoos do, it smells really good. This shampoo is described as "the only shampoo and conditioner in a clean conditioning formula that is also 92% biodegradable...no silicone, paraben or dye.." which is all amazing. It also comes in a 2-in-1, and I think there are hair styling products in the PURE CLEAN.

En Root Give Me Volume Shampoo/Conditioner: I haven't tried this yet, but it smells so yummy. I bought this at Ulta when it was on sale. I have a lot of things I've bought that I haven't tried because if I see something I want to try and it's on sale, I don't like to wait! But this is by the company The Balm, a makeup brand I see in a lot of different blogs, so I have high hopes for this shampoo and conditioner. I also hear their hair sprays are really good as well, and I think this brand is BOGO Free at Ulta right now, so it is the perfect time to try!

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Shampoo/Conditioner Body Builder: These were in a pack together at Target and on clearance for under $7 so I bought it. I have used this once, and I don't care for the shampoo. It does not lather at all, which I can understand since it doesn't have a lot of the ingredients that would make a shampoo foam up. It is just kind of a pain to use a ton of shampoo just to get through my medium-length hair. The conditioner, however, makes up for it. It feels thick, and goes nicely through my hair. At first I thought it was weird how thick it was considering it is supposed to be a "body builder", but it doesn't weigh my hair down.

Eva NYC Clean it Up Shampoo/Soften Up Conditioner: This is another set of shampoo/conditioner that I bought on sale but haven't tried yet. I think this brand is again on sale at Ulta, and is also BOGO Free. It smells so yummy, and reminds me of American Cream by Lush. I have tried their hair mask, but that comes up later in this post.

Not Your Mother's Way to Grow Long and Strong Shampoo/Conditioner: Again, on sale, haven't used! I got this at Ulta, but they sell this at Target now and I've seen it at CVS..however, I don't know if they sell the shampoo as I have only seen hair products like the Beach Babe Texturizing Spray.

Herbal Essences Shine Collection Shampoo/Conditioner: I was so excited to see these are back! I don't like the newer HE products and was really sad when these left the stores. I bought the shine collection, and they smell just as amazing as they always did. My hair also loves them, so I use them almost every other time I get into the shower. They're also silicone free which is great as well!

Redkin Diamond Oil Shampoo/Conditioner Travel Size: I have used these once, and I don't see what the big deal is. I'll use them since I have them, but I don't think I'll be buying the bigger bottles. Maybe if I use them a couple more times I'll love them. We'll see.

Lush Seanik and NEW! Shampoo: I haven't used these! I really want to, but as I've mentioned before I don't have a Lush nearby. The Seanik is supposed to be a clarifying type of shampoo, that makes you have volume in your hair. The woman in the shop described it as a solid version of Big, if anyone has tried that. They have ocean salt in them that is supposed to volumize your hair. The NEW! shampoo is made with cinnamon cloves, and it even has two pieces on top of it. It is supposed to grow new hair on your head basically, which is why it is called NEW. I love the idea of these because they're solid, which is great for traveling. Lush even has a few solid conditioners that I am definitely going to try.

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo: I really like this dry shampoo! My hair usually is a little greasy the day after washing, and when I use this my hair is nice and fluffy again. It does make my hair matte, which I was expecting because it says that on the can. The day after using it, my hair is still matte! But then I know it is time to wash it because I can't go that long without washing.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray: I have used this on wet hair and on dry hair, and I like it better on wet. I let my hair dry naturally after towel drying it, and once dry I spray this all over. I find it makes more of a difference on dry hair. I have also sprayed this and then brushed my wet hair, and then used it again on dry hair. It gives my hair a light wave, and gives what waves I naturally have more definition. It's not the best beach spray I have used, but it smells good and I like that it is not tested on animals.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave-in Conditioner: Ulta recently did a 21 days of hair products, and this was from one of the days for only $6.99. I missed it on the day it was on sale, but at the end of the 21 days, whatever they had left over they put up front and gave them the sale price! I was really excited since I've been wanting to try anything from this line of products from Sexy Hair. I like spraying this on my hair and then brushing it through. I find my hair is not as dead-looking in the back. Sometimes my layers in the back can get really bad and dead, but this makes them calm down and not stick out. 

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask: I bought this at Ulta because I had used up my previous hair mask by Dove that I thought worked well, but I don't like the way Dove products smell. This smells really good, however. I slather it into my hair and, as I mentioned before, smells a little like Lush's American Cream. I am a little disappointed in this, though, because I feel it doesn't give me a deep condition like the Dove hair mask did. It is still good to use, but just as a normal conditioner.

The Wet Brush: This is my favorite hair brush! It is, as it's name describes, for wet hair. I was very interested in this when I saw it because I do have fine hair, and I do have more fallout than I care to admit. This brush is made especially for wet hair, which is when the hair is more prone to breakage, I guess. The bristles aren't firm, so they move with your hair instead of charging through..That seems like a weird description..But anyway, I got this at Sally's Beauty Supply, but I have seen it at Ulta. Next I want to try the Tangle Teaser.

Sunfeather Handmade Bodycare Vanilla Almond Oatmeal: This soap smells really good. It is dark brown, which kind of put me off at first, I don't know why. It even lathers brown, which I thought was weird, but it smells good so I don't care. It has actual oatmeal in it, which is good for exfoliating. It is also paraben free, soy free, gluten free, and vegan..all good to me. I got this at Lassens, but if they don't sell this at your local health food store, you can get it online here. I don't know if they sell it in singles, I haven't really gone all the way into the site. Also, try Amazon, they sell pretty much everything.

Soaptopia Rozilla vs Dry Skin-ea: Ever since I got my own shower (meaning, I had my own bathroom and no longer shared with anyone) I stopped using bar soaps. I liked liquids much better. It wasn't until I got a shower caddy which allowed me to actually keep a bar soap in my shower without it being hit by water all the time, that I started toying with the idea of using bar soaps again. I saw this brand at Lassens, and I love their different scents, names, and the fact that their soaps are vegan. This brand started in someones house in Venice Beach, California, and is now a shop there (one I will travel to hopefully this year!). Anyway, I bought this because, as I said in the previous post, I am having a little obsession with rose anything. This smells so yummy. I also love that there is a body butter called the same thing from this brand, and I will definitely be trying it soon. I feel like their soaps are fun scents and look fun, kind of like Lush. I have never tried a bar soap from Lush, mostly because the one time I went there after I became into bar soaps again I was sick and couldn't smell ANYTHING. Oh well, next time. According to their site, they sell them at Whole Foods, and I got this at Lassens. But because they don't sell all their products at these stores, and I'm sure not everyone lives near Venice, you can check out their website and see all their wonderful products here. When I type Soaptopia into Amazon, a lot of other brands come up, but that might be a good thing because while they're not this actual brand, some of them look kinda fun. 

Urban Seduction Wine and Roses Soap: I haven't tried this at all. It is a handmade soap made locally that I bought recently at a Farmer's Market. I am a little scared to try it! It smells good, though, and while I thought it was a little pricey, I am all about supporting local "businesses". You can look at her site here. She also makes solid shampoos that I want to try, and they are for specific hair colors because some have henna in them.

Just Soap Lemongrass Ginger: This soap I bought at a local shop called GreenShops, which is such a great shop. The owner is really nice as well, which always makes me want to come back for more. The shop is described on their Facebook as being "a company that prides [themselves] on offering organic, re-purposed, easy on the environment products with a strong focus on gifts that give back locally and abroad.." Anyway, she sells this brand of soap, and they mix their soap by using a bicycle..yes, a bicycle. I can't describe it well, but definitely check out their site here for more information. They also make solid shampoos, which I have the one for Normal/Oily hair and I like it, but really have to use a conditioner afterwards. They all smell good, is organic, and blended with a BICYCLE..still can't get past that haha.

Hugo Naturals Rosehip: I haven't used this yet, and I haven't seen this anywhere they sell Hugo products except for my locally owned health foods store. It smells so good (unless you're my dad, who thinks it smells bad and always says YUCK). This is shaped like a heart, has the brand's name stamped into the soap, and has something molded inside the soap. There isn't a sicker on the plastic it is wrapped it except for the bar code and name of the brand..So basically I know nothing about this soap, like what is in it!! I only know it is rosehip because the box they were in at the store..a bit frustrating. I guess I don't care, since it smells amazing (to me).

Well that is all for part 2 of my "haul". Tell me if you've tried anything I've talked about, want to try something, have a question about a product, or just to say Hi! I have one more part of this haul I will post soon, and it is nails, makeup, and miscellaneous stuff..and stuff that didn't make it into the picture with other products I've already posted. Look out for that, and stay cool!

a collective haul part 1 - face and body.

Well, summer is definitely here for me, everyday hotter than the last. I babysit for my friend while she goes to school, and thank goodness her mom has a nice pool at her house! I've also been battling a cold, which always sucks in the summer because it makes me hot and annoyed at everything..Bleh. On the upside, tonight is First Friday, which means local artists and crafts people are converging downtown to sell their stuff,  and even though it'll be hot, it is always fun to see what is out there. I also love to stop at the cafe downtown :)

Here is part 1 of my haul. I started getting everything together and realized there was a lot of stuff to share, so I made it into three parts! This is all face and body products I've bought recently. 

Derma E Exfoliating Mask with Fruit Enzymes and Dead Sea Salt (old tube called Cleansing Enzyme Mask): I bought this recently at a locally owned health food store, but Derma E is a popular brand. You can buy this at probably any health food store like Whole Foods, Lassens, etc. I have also seen this brand at Ulta! Anyway, I love this mask because it smells amazing (like pineapple), and it doesn't leave my skin tight and dry after using it. Learn more about it here and you can buy this on iherb.com for 30% off!

Caramance Rose Facial and Body Water: I got this at Ulta on sale. I found it on the shelf next to the Evian sprays, and was very interested in them. They have three different kinds - Pure, Rose, and Chamomile - but I've been obsessed with anything rose lately so the decision as to which one to buy was out of my hands. It doesn't really do anything that I can tell, of course I haven't tried it to set makeup or anything. I live in a dry, hot area so it's really refreshing to come home and spray this on my face. It is great because it doesn't mess with my makeup.

Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray For Normal to Dry Skin: I've said before I've been obsessed with anything rose, so that's why this purchase was made. The sad thing about products with rose anything in it is it is for "Normal to Dry Skin" or "Mature" skin, both of which I do not have! I have "Normal to Oily Skin" and I am only 24. That doesn't stop me from buying it, though. This doesn't make my skin oily at all. It's refreshing, smells good, and doesn't make me breakout - all a plus in my opinion! I don't know if it has done anything to my skin, but I do feel like I wake up refreshed with I use it at night, but it could also be the oil I use at night, too. I bought this at Lassens, but I'm sure you can buy it at any health food store, and even Ulta.

Boots Botanics All Bright Gentle Cleansing Cream: I don't know why I bought this, but I did. I have only tried it once, but I think I need to try it more than that to see if I like it. I still don't know how I'm supposed to use it. If you're interested in this, let me know and I'll do a follow-up! Can get at Target.

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes: I got these on sale at Walgreens along with the Radiance wipes (and got 2000 points, woohoo!). I don't use them everyday, but they do well to take off my makeup, including mascara, and I like to use them at the end of a day where I don't wear makeup as a refresher.

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil: I got this on sale at Lassens. I bought this, and then, as I usually do, I looked up reviews on it. I have seen nothing but good things about this whole Sea Buckthorn line! This is the oil I use after Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray and I feel like my skin is glowing in the morning. I only use it at night, but I have used it in the morning and it didn't make my oily skin oily at all, and it also did well under my makeup. A lot of people have used this on pretty much everything wrong with their body and has done wonders for them. It is also supposed to be great for KP, but because this product isn't exactly cheap, I think I am going to buy the cleansing bar to use on my arms where I have KP. I got this at Lassens, and I haven't seen it anywhere else in town (but I don't have a Whole Foods in town, so they probably sell it there).

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser: I got this for free at Ulta for being a Platinum Member. They were giving out Healthy Sexy Hair hair oil but they were out of it so I got this instead. I like it a lot, but I haven't been using it because I want to use up my other products I use to remove makeup. I may just have to buy the big one!

Lush Fresh Farmacy: I LOOVEE this. It smells good, it makes my skin soft, and I feel it helps keep my skin clear. I don't have a Lush in my town, but there is one about an hour away, so I like to stock up on products when I go, and this is one I will have to buy again. A lot of their products you can buy in any size you want, so I bought this as small as I could so I could try it.

Lush Aromaco Deodorant: I haven't tried this yet, but I've heard nothing buy good things about it!

Yardley London Skin Softening Bath & Shower Gel Mango and Lily: This was on clearance at Walgreens. It smells really yummy. It doesn't lather a lot when I put it on my loofa, but I still like it. 

Aubrey Creme de la Shave Raspberry Honey: I don't really use shave cream when I shave, but I thought I'd try this out because it was on sale at Lassens, and it works really well. It also smells good.

Tree Hut Olive & Shea Sugar Body Scrub Coconut Lime: I got this at Target, but you can also get it at Ulta. They do look different, however. The one at Ulta doesn't say "Olive" on it just "Shea", but they smell the same. I have been lusting after this at Ulta forever, but I don't use scrubs a whole lot so I just couldn't see spending $7.99 on it (but it is a pretty big jar, so now that I think about it, it is a pretty good deal). I have never seen this at Target before, but I went to one I haven't been to in a while and there it was, on sale for $6.49 AND there was a $1 off coupon on it. SOLD! I love it! It is a little rough, but having just used it on my hands, I think it'll be great on my body. I love the smell so much, also, but I have smelled the body butter and it doesn't smell the same. I don't like the smell of coconuts, and the body butter smells more like coconuts then the scrub does.

Lush Buffy: I like using this in the shower a lot! I scrub it all over my arms, wash the grains off, and then rub in the shea and cocoa butter that is left behind. I don't use it all the time to preserve it, but I think I'm going to buy the bigger one next time I go to Lush. 

Look out for Part 2 soon. If there is anything I have talked about that you have more questions about, just let me know! Or if there is anything you've tried on here that you also have liked/disliked let me know, I like to know what everyone's opinions are. Have a cool weekend.

mojito madness.

It has been quite some time since I last posted (almost a whole year). I really have no excuse for this hiatus, but this blog has never been far from my mind. Every time I'd buy something new I'd think "I love this and need to share it with the world!!"

That being said, I'll probably start out slow with this blog. I have a big "haul" I'm going to post in the next couple days of products I have bought within the last 3 months, and it is a lot of stuff. A lot of the products I have used I will be doing some sort of reviews..that's a new thing I want to do on here, review products! I've been buying a lot of things that aren't just nail polish, so I thought I'd write reviews on them (shampoo, face wash, etc.), so look out for that.

Onto the polish, I bought Essie Mojito Madness when it first came out, and I think it is the perfect green. I'm usually not the biggest fan of green polish (it'd have to have something unique about it for me to buy it), but when I heard it described as a Starbucks green, I felt I had to buy it.

I like this color so much that I've worn it more than once! That might sound weird, but I'm sure most who have hundreds (yes, hundreds) of polish understand what I mean..having so many polishes in your stash it's rare you wear a polish more than once unless you really like it.

I realize this is an older color, but I posted it because I think this is a perfect summer color. And it will get worn again soon, I'm sure!

Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying their summer..I am dealing with 90+ degree days where I live, and I hate that, so I'm staying inside as much as possible. Unless, of course, I can find a friend with a pool!!