November Favorites

I am so happy with the weather today. It has been nice and sunny, so I can take pictures! It is supposed to be really rainy these next few days, so I was surprised it was so nice.

1. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie: This is the book I've been reading this month. It is really good! It has a cute story and very well written. It has been an entertaining, light hearted book this month.

2. Bath and Body Works Scentportables in Frosted Cupcake and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin: I recently discovered these. You can put them in your car. They smell so delicious. I love them. Right now my car is filled with cupcake smell! You can get them in all kinds of scents and they come in different kinds of containers. You can get them in plain colors or cute things, like penguins.

3. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat: This is nice to put on your nail polish to make it last longer.

4. Nailtini in Millionaire: I love this nail polish! The picture doesn't really show how sparkly and cool it is. It has rose gold glitter and green bars, so it reminds me of the colors of a Christmas tree.

5. Suave Kids Detangling Spray in Double Dutch Apple: My hair is pretty tangled when I get out of the shower so I wanted to try something to detangle my hair. This works really well and it smells like apples.

6. Wet 'n Wild Fergie Nail Polish in Flossy Flossy: This is a nice glittery polish. I wore on my ring fingers with a peach color underneath. I like when people do accent nails. It just makes things look a little different and special.

7. Philosophy Caramel Apple Shower Gel, Shampoo, and Bubble Bath: I'm back to using Philosophy again. The other soap was good because it was anti-bacterial but I didn't like the smell of it. This stuff smells delicious! The only thing I don't like is it is red. Sort of weird color to have as a soap in my opinion. It doesn't stain you red or anything. It just comes out red on your skin at first.

8. Maybelline Eye Studio in Cozy Cashmere: I wore these eyeshadows a lot this month. They are really pretty for fall. My favorite one is the 2nd one. It is a dark chocolate color with gold glitter.

9. Jordana In Color FabuLiner Liquid Eye Liner in Black: I used this several times this month. It is inexpensive and is like a pen.

10. Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner: This is what it says on the bottle, "Indulge in a lavish, moisturizing creamy shampoo/conditioner infused with the Hawaiian beauty secret of rich awapuhi ginger extract to instantly mend and soften dry, coarse hair while stimulating the scalp with freshness, rich keratin proteins fortify each strand creating restored, soft, strengthened hair from the inside out." I think it does all that it claims to do. I also like the smell.

Winterlicious Tag

This is a tag by MacBarbie07 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV-ZkATZ9lE. I thought it seemed like a fun tag to do, and I hope lots of other people do it too. Leave a comment below if you did it or if you want to answer a question or two!

1. Favorite Winter Nail Polish? Nailtini in Millionaire: It is a rose gold glitter with green bars. It reminds me of the colors on a Christmas tree. I got it in my November IPSY Bag (Glam Bag).

2. Favorite Winter lip product? Chapstick Fresh Effects Invigorating Green Tea Mint: It feels so nice on the lips. I always keep this in my coat pocket for when my lips are feeling a little dry.

3. Most worn Winter clothing piece? My coat from Land's End

4. Most worn Winter accessory? My gloves and ear muffs. I don't remember where I got them.

5. Favorite Winter scent/candle? No candles (because I'm afraid to light them). I have a lot of scents that I love. I'm going to do a separate post on that.

6. Favorite Winter beverage? I'm going to be boring and say water. I don't really like hot drinks because I don't like to burn my tongue.

7. All time favorite Christmas/Holiday movie? I love watching Elf. Will Ferrel is so funny!

8. Favorite Christmas/Holiday song? I love The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole.

9. Favorite Holiday food/treat? I am on Jenny Craig's diet. My favorite snack on the diet are the Pumpkin Spice Cakes.

10. What is your favorite Christmas Decoration this year? I love seeing the houses lit up.

11. What's at the top of your Christmas list? I would be happy with money or a gift certificate somewhere. I like to be able to choose my present.

12. What are your plans for the holidays this year? I will see my aunts, uncle, cousins, cousin's husband, and cousins' children. If nothing is planned for Christmas Eve, I might go to my church's Christmas Eve service. I want to see a bunch of the movies coming out. I will probably do that with my friends. I want to see Anna Karenina, Les Miserables, and The Hobbit.

November Empties

I have seen blogs and Youtube videos about products people have used up. I like them because I know they have used the product enough times that they can give a good review of them. It has taken me awhile to accumulate enough empties for a blog. I seem to use a little of this and a little of that, so it takes me awhile to use up a whole product. I waited until I had 10 products to show, and these are the products I used up.

1. Rite Aid Renewal Cotton Balls Regular Size: These are my favorite cotton balls to remove eye makeup with. I have repurchased this. Sometimes they mash into each other, but I just pull them apart when that happens. I usually only need one to remove all my eye makeup. It is inexpensive.

2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 100+: I liked this because it was the highest SPF I could find in the store. It is also really easy to use. You just spray it on your body. You don't need to experience that gross greasy feeling on your hands. I would repurchase this, after I'm done using the sunscreen I still have.

3. Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Flirty Mango: This has a really nice smell and has a good foam to it. The last time I bought a shaving gel I just got the Rite Aid brand and I'm dissapointed with it. It doesn't get the nice foam consistency that I like. I will repurchase this. I might try a different scent.

4. Lady Speed Stick Invisible Dry in Shower Fresh: I think I got this at a store when I had a deodorant emergency. This was the only available deodorant in the little store that I went to. It worked good. I would repurchase it. I normally like Secret deodorants, but I like Lady Speed Stick too. Really when it comes to deciding what to get, I end up basing it on the scent. I like to try different scents sometimes, but sometimes I'm in the mood for no scent. I always get the solid stick kind, and not the clear ones because they don't work well on me.

5. Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel: I got this because I heard it was good for a face primer. It has been compared to Smashbox's Face Primer, but it is a cheaper alternative. It took me awhile to find this, but I think I finally found it in the Feminine section of Walmart. It was cheap, but it was hard to find. I think it worked good as a primer. I would repurchase it. I am currently using up the primer I already have. Right now I'm using a L'Oreal BB Cream, but I like the Monistat Chafing Relief better than the BB Cream. And I'm pretty sure it was cheaper.

6. Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser: This is my all-time favorite face cleanser. My dermatologist recommended I get a face wash with benzoyl peroxide in it. The only cleanser I have been able to find with that in it, is this by Clean and Clear. When I ran out of it and I went to the store to get it again, I was horrified to not be able to find it. I went to several different stores and still couldn't find it. I thought they might have stopped making it. And I still couldn't find a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide in it, so I was going to call my doctor about it. Someone suggested that I ask an employee if they could order it for me. I normally don't do that, so I felt shy about it for some reason. I got up the nerve and asked the lady at Walgreens if they could order it, and she was very friendly and helpful about ordering it. It didn't take long for it to be available. So when I found it again, I got several of them just in case I ran out. I love this stuff. And it helps get rid of acne. It works for my skin, anyway.

7. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover: I'm starting to notice a pattern with these products. Has anyone else notice the packaging is all purple?! Hmmm...I wonder why that is so. Anyway, this is my favorite product to use to remove my eye makeup. It never stings, and doesn't leave an oil residue. It is more expensive than other eye makeup removers you can find in the drugstore, but I like the way this one works the best. I have repurchased this.

8. Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer Ultra Light Formula: I found this at Walmart. I liked this face primer. There is also a purple version that gives a luminescent glow. I'm thinking about getting that the next time I need a face primer. I liked this just as much as the Smashbox Primer, the Benefit primer, and the Monistat Chafing Relief Gel. It isn't expensive either. The L'Oreal BB Cream that I'm using as a primer right now, isn't as good as the Hard Candy one. I definitely recommend the Hard Candy Primer.

9. Too Faced Shadow Insurance: This is hands down my favorite eye primer I have tried. I have really oily eye lids, and this does a good job priming my eyes and keeping the eyeshadow on for a long time and keeping it pigmented. I have tried lots of different eye primers. I like the Urban Decay primer too, but the Too Faced one seemed to work better. I tried the Palladio one, you can get at Sally's Beauty Supply Stores. That didn't work as well. I have also tried the Elf one. It's not as good. I have recently purchased the NYX eye primer, so I still have to try that out. I have eye primers I still have to use before I will repurchase the Too Faced one again. But I still find it my favorite of them all. You need to make sure you put this on first, when putting on your makeup, so you can let it dry on your lids before putting on your eye makeup. I will put this on my lids and then do my face makeup, so it has a chance to dry on my lids. Then I put my eye makeup on. I don't remember where I heard this tip, but the primer works better when you allow it to dry.

10. Rembrandt Whitening Toothpaste for Canker Sores: This is my favorite toothpaste and the only one that I get. When I use a different toothpaste, I get canker sores! Maybe my mouth is addicted to it. I'm not sure. I have to repurchase this, so I don't get canker sores. If you have a problem with it, I would recommend this toothpaste.

Let me know, if you thought this post was helpful. Comment below if you have an empties blog post. I liked doing this. I will save my empties, and probably do another empties post. It may take a long time though.

Favorite Fall Looks Part 3

I found some more Fall/Autumn looks on Youtube that I tried and liked. I hope you like them too! I kept track of what the makeup artist used and what I used from my collection of makeup to copy them. I also found looks off of Covergirl's website. Every season they have three looks by makeup artist Pat McGrath. I like to copy them.

1. Enchanted Plum Fall Makeup Tutorial by xeverygirlx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M38m2OlCG6M
a. Maybelline Tattoo in Barely Beige from lashes to brow and lower lash line
b. Elf Baked Eyeshadow in Enchanted on lids: I used Physicians Formula Brown Eye Candy, 7th shade
c. Elf Baked Eyeshadow in Toasted on outer corner and crease: I used Physicians Formula Brown Eye Candy, 3rd shade
d. Elf Baked Eyeshadow in Burn Plum on outer 1/3 and outer crease: I used L'Oreal HIP in Electrified, right side
e. NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker on upper lashes: I used a black liquid liner.
f. Mascara
g. Elf Baked Blush in Rich Rose as a blush: I used Milani Baked Blush in Coralina
h. Elf Baked Blush in Passion Pink as a highlight on top of cheekbones: I used Wet 'n Wild Ultimate Minerals Loose Blush in Barely Peach
i. Mac Lipstick in Plumful: I used Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sugar Plum

2. October Favorites by LoveMelisaMichelle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzCEqVMkQjw
She mentions her lip combo she is wearing and I happen to have both products. It looked good on her, so I decided to try it out. She has on Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Fig Jam, and then on top of that she is wearing Revlon Lip Gloss in Rosegold. Her eye makeup is very natural. I wore Wet 'n Wild Walking on Eggshells eyelid, crease, and brow bone colors. For blush I wore L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Bare Honey. I ended up loving this look.

3. Covergirl Fall 2012 Looks "Browhaus: Give that no-makeup-makeup look a modern edge with bold brows and dewy skin." http://www.covergirl.com/makeup-look/makeup-trends/browhaus
a. Covergirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation: I used my own foundation.
b. Covergirl Brow & Eyemakers Pencil in the shade that matches your eyebrows: My eyebrows are already dark so I skipped this step.
c. Covergirl Intense Shadow Blast in Beige Blaze under brows: I used Maybelline Tattoo in Barely Beige
d. Covergirl 1-Kit Shadow in Tapestry Taupe on lids and lower lash line
e. Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers in Caramel Apple Splash: I used Bonnebell Liplites in Cappuccino
My Thoughts: It doesn't say about blush, so I used Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso because it is my favorite blush. This is a really simple, pretty look.

4. Covergirl Fall 2012 Looks "Gypsy Smoke: Add some old-world beauty to the classic smoky eye." http://www.covergirl.com/makeup-look/makeup-trends/gypsy-smoke
a. Covergirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation: I used my own foundation.
b. Covergirl Brow & Eyemakers Pencil in the shade that matches your eyebrows: My eyebrows are already dark so I skipped this step.
c. Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Brown Blaze to line upper and lower lash lines. Use the smudger tip to create a soft, blended line.
d. Covergirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Brown Smolder on lids: I used Wet 'n Wild Sweet As Candy, brown shade
e. Covergirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Swiss Chocolate to the crease and lower lash line
f. Use a clean brush to blend it out.
g. Mascara
h. Covergirl LipPerfection Lipcolor in Darling: I used Revlon Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon
My Thoughts: It doesn't say a blush, so again I used Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso. I really love the Revlon lipstick. It is one of my favorites. This is a pretty, flattering look.

5. Covergirl Fall 2012 Looks "Velvet Vixen: Warm, soft, and oh-so luxurious, try a look that turns up the heat as the weather gets cool." http://www.covergirl.com/makeup-look/makeup-trends/velvet-vixen
a. Covergirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation: I used my own foundation.
b. Covergirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Tapestry Taupe on lids
c. Mascara
d. Covergirl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor in Vixen. Apply the burgundy cream shade to the lips, starting at the center and working outward toward the edges. Next, apply the mauve shimmer shade to the center of the lip only. Use the pad of your finger to blend the two shades together, keeping the shimmer shade concentrated in the center of the lip. I decided to buy this because I didn't have either lip color. I'm glad I did.
My Thoughts: The lip is bold. Wearing the lighter shade in the middle does make my lips look fuller! It is a cool effect. And the eyes are subdued so it doesn't look like I'm wearing too much makeup. I like it. I put Covergirl Cheekers Rose Silk Blush with it.

6. Fall Makeup: An Easy Way to Wear Colours by Grete Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVxi8awGRNk
a. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk under eye brow, lid, lower lash line: I used Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese
b. Orange on lid and lower lash line: I used Wet 'n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Flora
c. Mac Omega blend out the orange in crease: i used Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 2nd color
d. Mac Dazzlelight under brow: I used lightest color in Maybelline Enchanted Forest
e. Light Champagne color from an Elf palette in the tear duct and inner corner: I used Wet 'n Wild Baked, Not Fried, middle right color
f. Bourjois Metallic Eyeliner in 55 upper lash line with a wing and outer corner of lower lash line: I used Jesse's Girl Kohl Formula Eye Liner in Emerald City
g. Black Gel Liner, same as above and waterline
h. Mascara
i. Powder
j. Lip Balm
k. Sleek Contour Kit in Light, hollows of cheeks bronzer, highlight top of cheekbones and cupid's bow: I used Mac Pressed Studio Careblend in Medium Deep and The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
l. Peggy Sage Blush in Rose Satin: I used Covergirl Blush in Rose Silk
m. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo: I used Revlon Pink in the Afternoon Lipstick
My Thoughts: At first I wasn't sure about the eyes. I normally don't like orange on the lids with green eye liner, but when I finished the whole face it did come together for me. It is different, but I think it's pretty.

7. Simple Eyes, Bold Lips by ciaoobelllaxo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0wNcDMylqE
a. Concealer
b. Foundation
c. Powder
d. Bronzer
e. Mac Blush in Melba: I used Elf Candid Coral
f. Mac MSF in Soft & Gentle: I used Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Vegas Strip, run your brush through all of it
g. Mac Brule on lashes to brow bone: I used Wet 'n Wild Brule
h. Mac Wedge crease and outer half of lower lash lines: I used Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 2nd
i. Mac Soft Brown, crease: I used Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals, 2nd shade
j. Black Liquid Liner with a wing
k. Mascara
l. Different choices for lipsticks: Mac's Diva, Dark Side, or Rebel: I used Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie
My Thoughts: I like this look. I chose to use the lip butter, so it wasn't as bold a lip as she did, but I feel more comfortable wearing it.

8. Autumn Makeup Look - some current favorites by AModelRecommends http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX6sEnL2K-s
a. Face Primer
b. Foundation
c. Powder
d. Concealer
e. Bronzer
f. Dior Palette in Night Golds, bottom 2 on the lid: I used a combination of Covergirl Tapestry Taupe with Physicians Formula Brown Eye Candy, 2nd color
g. Dior Palette in Night Golds, top right color in the inner corner: I used L'Oreal HIP Duo in Dynamic
h. Dior Palette in Night Golds, middle color in the outer v, outer corner, crease, and lower lash line: I used Maybelline Eye Studio in Cozy Cashmere, the rich chocolate with gold sparkle color.
i. Pixi Liner in Black Cocoa upper lash line
j. Mascara
k. Dior Lipstick 418: I used Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight
My Thoughts: It is pretty. It reminds me of the falling leaves.

9. Easy Fall/Autumn Makeup Look by PixiwooMadness http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2DWCLQO12k
a. Face Primer
b. Foundation
c. Mac Paintpot in Constructivist all over lid: I used the 4th shade in Revlon Illuminance Cream Eyeshadow in Not Just Nudes
d. Dark Brown Liner on top and bottom lash line
e. Mascara
f. Concealer
g. Powder
h. Avon Russet Color Blush: I used L'Oreal True Match Blush in Bare Honey
i. Clinique Chubby Stick in Broadest Berry: I used Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick in Mocha Berry
My Thoughts: It is very easy and pretty. The lipstick looks like a "My Lips But Better" shade.

10. Glamour Doll Eyes Fall Metallics by barbiedlux http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm6_-fdOAjo
a. Milani HD Concealer
b. Eye Primer
c. Prankster, right above pupil on lid: I used Maybelline Eye Studio in Cozy Cashmere, 2nd shade
d. Chocoholic, inner corner of eye: I used Physicians Formula Brown Eye Candy, 8th shade
e. Lovers' Lane, inner corner in between Chocoholic and Prankster, outer corner: I used Wet 'n Wild Knock on Wood, red shade
f. Chocoholic, pencil brush, outer corner, little bit into crease, 1/2 of lower lash line
g. Doll House on the lower lash line inner corner: I used Elf Beauty Book Bright Eye Edition, yellow color
h. Obscure in the crease: I used Covergirl Tapestry Taupe
i. Inglot 351 under brows: I used Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 1st color
j. Doll House under brows: I skipped this step.
k. Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Lucky on the waterline: I used Wet 'n Wild Eye Liner in Copper
l. Foundation
m. Mac Embark in the outer corner of the crease: I used Wet 'n Wild Vanity, 3rd shade
n. Bronzer on temples, hollows of cheeks, and jaw
o. Tarte Exposed Blush: I used Rimmel London Lasting Finish Mauve Cool
p. Gratobian Lip Liner in Natural: I used Boots No.7 in Nude
q. Hour Glass Lipstick in Grace: I used Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Creme Brûlée
r. Mascara
My Thoughts: This is really pretty. I don't have the same kind of metallic eyeshadows like she used, but it still ended up looking good. I think it brings out the green in my hazel eyes. I know I've mentioned that before, but I just really appreciate when an eyeshadow look does that.

November Birchbox

I saved my Birchbox to open last because I usually like it better than the IPSY bag, but this month I like what I got in my IPSY bag better than the Birchbox.

This is what the card says: "Hi there, Thanksgiving has always been our favorite holiday, and not just because of the obvious food reasons. We're all so busy - with work, with friends, with mastering our makeup techniques - that we sometimes forget to stop and be mindful of how lucky we are. This month's box is all about giving: giving thanks, giving back, and of course giving treats. Inside, you'll find exciting products that we think you'll love. And instead of our usual tissue wrapping, we've included a reusable gift envelope. Fill it with a treat - a cute bauble, or perhaps a beauty product - and give it to someone special. See? You can have your cake (ahem, pumpkin pie?) and eat it too."

Then at the bottom it says, "This month, Birchbox is supporting The Art of Elysium, a non-profit that encourages actors, artists, designers and musicians to dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling various medical conditions. Learn more and shop gift picks from The Art of Elysium's celebrity supporters at birchbox.com/TheArtofElysium." I like how they are supporting a good cause.

1. The first thing I saw in the box after the card was a holiday gift guide. This is just a catalog of stuff you can buy from their website. I haven't bought anything from their website yet.

2. Masqueology 7D Moisture Cream: "Use this patented cream day and night to increase production of vitamin D and stimulate collagen." I'm funny about my face. I like to use the stuff my dermatologist gives me.

3. Masqueology Masque Cleanse: "Who needs champagne when you have this bubbly face wash? It whisks away debris to leave skin pure and clean (cue celebration)." Again, I like what I already use.

4. Then I found this package. On the other side it says, "Give Instructions: Choose someone special. Empty pouch. Load it back up with something that will make that special someone smile." Then on the other side (if you can't read it) it says, "A Little Something For You! Because...you're the cat's pajamas, I thought you'd love it, why not? sharing is caring, today is special. And P.S. xoxo, thanks! see you soon." I don't think I will use this for a package for anybody. I just don't like the way it looks, I guess.

5. One Love Organics Aromatic Body Serum: "Made with pumpkin seed and sea buckthorn oil, this fast-absorbing oil keeps skin supple and hydrated. Bonus: it has aromatherapy benefits!" One thing to know if you are thinking about getting a subscription to Birchbox. You will get tons of oils and perfumes!

6. MCMC Fragrances Phoenix: "We convinced our favorite Brooklyn-based perfumer to create exclusive samples of this warm feminine scent use for you." The notes are aldehydes, peach, neroli flower, and vanilla. I can really smell the peach. It's a nice fragrance.

7. Masqueology Revitalizing Eye: "No matter how sleep-deprived you are, these under-eye gel masks will de-puff and brighten your eye area with hydrolyzed collagen, adenosine, and marine actives." Another thing from Masqueology?! I guess it's ok. I don't really need this. I will probably give this to someone who will be happy about it.

8. A coupon from it appears to be a shoe company. I don't think I will use it.

9. Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer: "Add a touch of this luminescent fluid to your cheekbones or décolletage, or mix with your foundation for an all-over glow." This looks pretty. Sorry the picture is blurry.

November IPSY Bag (Glam Bag)

I got my glam bag and Birchbox on the same day again! It's so fun to open the packages. I liked what I got in my glam bag or IPSY I guess is the new name.

The Bag: I think it looks sophisticated. I'm happy with it.

1. Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Dare Devil: This is a pretty berry color. I like that it is from Bare Minerals too. I think they have good quality products.

2. Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel: I'm disappointed about this. It says on the card I could have gotten Benefit They're Real mascara. Aw! :( I want to try that mascara too. I already have a brow gel that I'm happy with. Oh, well.

3. Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Millionaire: This I was surprised to find in a black box. I pulled this out! This is beautiful! Not like any nail polish I own.

4. the Balm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow in Matt Batali: This is so cute! I've seen this before. I love the Balm packaging. It is a nice matte dark brown color. I'm happy with it.

5. Starlet Cosmetics Intense Eyeliner in Chocolate: I haven't heard of the brand before. It is a nice brown eyeliner, but I have so many already.