Product Review: Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum

For months now I have been looking at eye last growth serum reviews and which ones are the best. I came to the conclusion that the drugstore brands were not nearly close to the quality that others were. And then....

Thanks to Influenster, I was sent one for FREE! How awesome is that?!!

I have big eyes, and my lashes aren't that thick or long. I would say they are about average. Either way, there is room for improvement. I mean who wouldn't want long, gorgeous lashes?! 

I just started applying the Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum to my lashes last week. The instructions said that it takes about 4 weeks to see results. 

It's really simple to apply! It's just like liquid eyeliner. I put it on right before I go to bed everynight. The applicator brush gives the perfect amount of serum. 

I would eventually like to use it on my eyebrows. But I am going to wait to see how well it works on my lashes first. I'm really looking forward to my results!! 

Here is a before picture so I can compare in a few weeks:

Please ignore my puffy eye, I just woke up haha. 

At my fourth week, I will do another review. For those who are ahead of me, leave a link so I can see your results! 

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.*

Ultra Mini Lip Butter Haul/Review

So last week I had to go to Walgreens to get mascara. 

I hate when my mascara is drying up and and it makes my eyelashes stubby and clumpy. I do NOT want to be that girl. 

I guess there is a trick to rescue your mascara by adding a few drops of saline solution and moving the wand around. But, do not pump it! It will just get more air in the tube and you are back at square one. 

Now that I have a backup mascara, I'll give it a try and see how it works!

Anyways, I was walking around looking at all of the goodies and couldn't stop myself from walking over to the new Lip Butters display. In my previous posts, I mentioned how I am a lipstick junky. I love all sorts of colors. I own only 5 lip butters, but that is just because I am exercising my self control. 

But this time they got me. They got me good. 

I made a secret promise to myself that I would't buy anymore Lip Butters until I finished my favorite one. But then I misplaced it, so that's the same right? Right. 

So I got two to fill the gap that my missing one left in my heart. 

I mean it was buy one get one 50% off. Which means I spent a little over $3 on the second Lip Butter. 

Score.

"Juicy Papaya" is a soft coral/pink with orange undertones. I have really pigmented lips so the color doesn't show up that much, but it does add a little somethin somethin.

"Wild Watermelon" is a pink/red with blue undertones. I 

I've worn "Wild Watermelon" three times and love it! I really like how bold it is and it would go with a lot of different skin tones. 

Once again Revlon, you did good. You did good. 

Post Workout Snack

After a good workout at the gym, I come home and am ready to eat whatever is in the fridge. I am one of those people who is starving literally right after I walk through my front door.

To avoid pigging out, I have a solid, healthy snack that will stick to my ribs. 

It includes:

1 apple, a small spoonful of peanut butter, a few strawberries, and a big glass of water with fresh lemon juice. 

I love peanut butter. I could eat half of a jar in one sitting. Plus it's delicious with an apple! 

Strawberries are basically like dessert for me, so it helps calm my sweet tooth. 

Lemon water is a great way to detox your body. I have started drinking it in the morning and I will write and update if I notice a difference.

What are some post work out snacks you eat?

Until next time

OTD: Green Chinos

I have come to the conclusion that I need a new camera. I am really sad because it's really not that old. But technology has put my camera to shame. I may need to invest in a better quality one in the near future. Or just borrow Parker's haha. 

I have been in love with my green chinos from Gap. They are the most comfortable pants in the world. 

why hello there.

Shirt: Forever 21 {old}// Pants: Gap// Shoes: Nordstrom Rack// Glasses: Gap// Watch: Target

Necklace: My Grandma's

Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in "Candy Apple"

Note to self: choose a more creative background. The garage door and stained cement from cars and motorcycles being worked on is not the business. Better luck next time! :)

Europe Packing List: What I am Bringing With me...Officially!

Yes, I know I am not leaving in about 20 something days, but what can I say? I'm a planner.

I did a practice run of packing my backpack. 

Needless to say, I am taking A LOT less than what I thought I would. It took me four tries to get the perfect layout of clothes. This whole time I thought rolling and folding clothes would leave me with a lot of space...I was incorrect. 

This is what 3 weeks worth of clothes and toiletries looks like. Not really. I will be washing my clothes a lot. And wearing the same outfits many many times. But I am willing to sacrifice variety if that means I can bring home more stuff...clothes included!

All of this fit in my backpack. It took very little skill, but a crazy amount of patience and creativity. I am not bringing my nicest clothes because I will be washing it in the hostel's washing machines and sometimes sinks. I do not want to risk ruining my favorite shirt.

The outfit I will be wearing on the plane is not included. But I am bringing my F-troops, Toms, shower sandals, a microfiber towel, cotton sheets, wind breaker, 2 pairs of chinos, 1 pair of shirts, a long black skirt, a floral scarf, 1 long sleeve black shirt, grey and white short sleeve shirts, and a white tank.

1 shirt and 1 pair of pj bottoms, my toiletries, jewelry, makeup, and two E-bag packing cubes. 

This is the jewelry I will be bringing. Minus a few pairs of studs because I kind of forgot to add that in. The two necklaces, from Forever 21, will hopefully make my very similar outfits look different. My watch is a cheapo one from Target and my bracelet is from Forever 21.

This is my E-bag packing cube that is filled with more delicate items such as my underwear, bras, bathing suit, and headbands. 

I am only bringing 7 pairs of underwear. I am bringing light cotton ones and Victoria's Secret Yoga underwear {they will dry fast after being washed}. I am also bring a slip to go with my skirt, 2 bras and one sports bra {to sleep in}, one bathing suit, and 3 headbands from Forever 21. Luckily all of these items will squish down to be pretty small. A backpackers dream. 

As of right now, my toiletries will be in a Ziploc. Once I get there I will put them in my packing cube and makeup bag. I am bringing a travel size lotion since I will buy a bigger one when I get there, Lush's Grease Lightening to prevent breakouts, Woolite to wash my clothes in the sink, perfume samples from Sephora so I don' t have to bring a travel size one, toothpaste, wrinkle release spray, BB Cream, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, and shampoo.

This is my second E-bags packing cube contents. It includes antibacterial wipes, face wipes, personal wipes {for the overnight trains and if you can't shower}, a bar of soap from Lush, solid shampoo and conditioner from Lush, clothesline, deodorant, Q-tips, lint roller, sunscreen stick, and my Baggu bag. 

You also cannot forget your sink stopper and a journal. I am a total nut about documenting everything exciting that goes on. My parents got me this journal for my 21st birthday when I first expressed being interested in traveling. It came with maps for the metro for Paris which will come in handy!

I recently posted about my essential makeup items. Since it's not posted, click here to check it out. And if you were wondering where I got some of my supplies, click here. 

Stay tuned for my next post of my packing list!

Friday Favorites

Is it bad that I still have Rebecca Black's voice in my head every time I write something about Friday?

I say yes. 

Any-hoo, here is a list of things I have been loving this week!

1. Essie Button

 

One of the coolest Youtube beauty gurus EVERRRRRR! She is adorable. And I love her humor. I feel as though we would be great friends, but that could just be the creeper coming out of me. She has the best videos and great reviews on products. Click here for her blog and here for her Youtube channel.

2. Real Housewives of Orange County

The bitches are back! {am I allowed to say that??} But really, I have been looking forward to this for the longest time. The Orange County series was the original and it takes place near my house so it's somewhat exciting to me. After the premier, I'm already hooked and can't wait for the rest of the season. And Vicki, I'm sorry but that chin implant is just no bueno. I am now going to go into hiding after confessing my love for horrible reality TV.

3.  My new bracelet

I got this at Forever 21 while hunting for statement pieces that will help hide the fact that I am going to be repeating outfits a million times in Europe. Click here to check it out.

4. Dove Chocolate Bunny

Since it is after Easter, I have slowly been munching on my chocolate bunny. He currently does not have a head, and will probably not have a neck by the end of the day. I did resist buying more when they were on clearance. I gave myself a pat on the back for the self control.

5.  Lush's Happy Hippy

I stopped using this body wash towards the end of winter because it dried my skin out a little bit. But I recently picked it back up because the weather isn't so dry and cold. Holy cow, I missed it! I love the fresh citrus scent. It wakes me up and makes me feel, well, happy. So I guess it does what it's supposed to!

That wraps up my Friday Favorites! I hope everyone had a great week, and will have an even better weekend!

xo

-c

Save the animals!

The other day I went shopping for some supplies for my trip, and I stopped in at Lush. 

I love Lush for multiple reasons, but mostly because their products are hand made and they do not do ANY testing on animals.  I signed the petition that they had at the register and I was so excited that there were so many pages already filled out.

A few days previously, I received the Lush email that showed a brave woman in the U.K. demonstrate what animals are put through when they are forced into being lab animals. 

A woman was inside a Lush store, wearing a nude body suit. She was in the window, so all of the tests were easily seen by the public. What was done to her will forever be in my mind. 

*Warning: this image may be disturbing to some*

But I think we all need to see it. 

Her mouth is forced to stay open while she is getting creams, injections, and drops tested on her. All sorts of animals, including cats and dogs, go through this daily. For most, this is the only life they know. They are born in the lab, and die in the lab. 

Reading this article helped open my eyes. Let me tell you, I am forever doing my research on my cosmetic brands and if animal testing is involved. It is a subject that many don't like to talk about or even think about, but it is a big problem. 

I came across a video that made me cry. 9 Beagles were rescued from a lab and they never stepped foot outside of their small crates. They never were able to feel the sunshine or the grass. They only knew of the living hell they were put through everyday. It makes my stomach hurt just to think what they are tested with. 

No animal should go through this. It is disgusting that humans can inflict pain on an innocent living being. 

To take a stand and make a difference, click here to learn more and spread the word. 

xo

-c

Europe Packing List: My Must Have Makeup Products!

I mentioned in my previous post {here} that I am backpacking through Europe for three weeks, so I am bringing the bare minimum. 

Obviously that includes my makeup products.

Luckily, I am not much of a beauty product girl as it is, so I really don't have a problem with packing few items. 

For those of you who are, hopefully you can use these tips so you can pack light. Remember, you are carrying around a backpack...on your back...for long periods of time. 

Also, most of these items are found at your local drugstore, so you can save some money.

1. BB Cream/Foundation

I recently purchased the Revlon Photoready BB Cream just to try it out. I thought if I didn't like it, I would return it and I could try something else. Well, I didn't get too far because I love it! I have oily skin, and I was surprised that it didn't make my skin worse. In fact, I have noticed since I have used it, my skin has improved. I'm sure there are other factors, but this stuff has not broken me out. What I love most is that it is really light coverage and also has SPF 30. Anything above 15 is a winner for me! My bottle is only 1 Fl. Oz so it is perfect for traveling! 

2. Powder

I recently made the switch from a colored powder to translucent. It really made a difference in the way that my face makeup looked. I am currently using Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil, but because it is a loose powder, I will not be bringing it with me to avoid a complete mess. I am on the hunt for a good pressed powder, so please let me know if you know of any good ones that are inexpensive!

3. Concealer

I love my Mac Studio Finish Concealer. I have had the same one for over a year, and have not used it all up. It will be a sad day when I do, but I know I will purchase a new one right away since it lasts so long. Because it is a cream concealer, I don't have to worry about traveling and it spilling or TSA requirements. Plus it is SPF 35. More sun protection=happy Cailee. 

4. Eyeshadow

Two words: Naked Basics. Urban Decay has done it again ladies and gentlemen! This palette has a shimmery nude, a cream nude, a pinky nude, a soft beige, a brown, and black. The amount of looks that can be achieved from this little palette is unimaginable. My day to day look requires no eyeshadow unless I am feeling fancy, but when we are out and about at night, I am going to put in some extra effort. 

5. Eyeliner

Luckily, eyeliner isn't that big. So I am going to bring three: brown, black, and black liquid. Simple as that! To avoid packing a pencil sharpener and risk the shavings spilling all over my backpack, I am most likely going to purchase the retractable kind. I currently use NYX pencil liner and love them. 

6. Mascara

This is another one that is normally somewhat small. I love Covergirl Lashblast Fusion. 

{it's the purple one} It makes my lashes look great and not clumpy. This baby will help me look more awake after spending hours on the plane and also on overnight trains. 

7. Eyebrows

I, unfortunately, have very thin and light eyebrows. Most girls feel naked without eyeliner or mascara, I feel naked without my eyebrows being colored in. I got this problem from my mom, and we both hate it. I do have a small palette that I stole from my mom quite some time ago, that is so old that the labels rubbed off, so I am not sure of the brand. But I am going to see if the brown in my Naked Basics palette will work okay, so I have one less thing to haul around. 

8. Lipstick

I am a lipstick junky. I love it. I am sacrificing makeup brushes 

{meaning I will be buying cheap little ones instead of bringing a few good ones} so I can have more room for lipsticks. I have heard rumors that people in Paris dress amazing and to dress your best, well lipstick is included under that category for me. I am going to bring a classic red, a deep red, a berry, and a vibrant pink. Unless I come up with a few more of my favorites, haha. NYX have a lot of great colors for cheap. Also Revlon Lip Butters are perfect for traveling!

*because I am bringing just the essentials, I am leaving the bronzer and highlighter at home. I don't want to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror, so they have been sacrificed.*

Well that pretty much wraps up my makeup must haves for a trip. What I am truly looking forward to is  seeing just how great my packing tips are once I come back to Europe. It's a learning experience and I want to share it. 

Keep an eye out for my third installment of the Europe Packing List series!

xo
-c

DIY Face Scrub

I decided to venture away from my normal face scrub and try something I found on Pinterest. 

The best part of this scrub is that it calls for two common household ingredients:

Milk and Baking Soda.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Recipe:

1 tablespoon of baking soda

1/4 cup of milk

*As with anything, before you spread this around your whole face, test it out on a small section to see if you have any reaction to it. *

1. Mix milk and baking soda together

{I didn't use all of the milk because the baking soda just sank to the bottom}. 

2. With a clean makeup sponge, dip into the mixture and apply on face section by section

3. Once face is covered, scrub lightly with fingers to prevent over scrubbing

4. After your face is scrubbed and smooth, rinse with warm water and pat dry

5. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer or oil

{I used jojoba oil}

I made sure to massage my oil in thoroughly and took some extra time to massage a little longer than usual. 

Every night I massage my face.

In my mind, it brings blood to your skin and hopefully will prevent wrinkles. 

I'm not sure if it truly works, but l I guess I will find out, right? Haha.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and let me know if you try this out!

xo

-c

Valentines Day

Yesterday was pretty busy for me. I woke up, cleaned, did homework, got ready and went to visit with Parker. On Wednesday's I have tried to show what I eat. Well, I took a picture of my breakfast and that's about it. I ate my lunch in the car, and it wouldn't be safe to drive in 405 traffic, eat, and take a picture, right? Then dinner was at a pizza place and I forgot to take a picture. Woopsies! I will pick back up next week!

I wanted to take a timeout from 30 Days of Blogging. I realized my blogging days revolve around it, so I wanted to switch it up a bit. 

Today is Valentine's Day

{how can you not know, the red and pink hearts are EVERYWHERE}

Parker left this morning to go to Arizona for a tournament so I will be solo tonight. I plan on having a date night by myself. And I am totally fine with that! Sometimes you need a night to yourself to regroup and focus. 

My night will consist of a little bit of last minute homework, Netflix, maybe a glass of wine, and whatever I feel like cooking myself. If I could have shopped before this, I would have worn this:Va

bottoms- how comfy looking are these?!!?!?!?!

sweater-although it's not really a pajama shirt, it looks soft and you need something with a heart on it!

I hope you have a great Valentine's Day!!

xo

-c

5 Products I Can't Live Without

After not really being active, I reevaluated the beauty items in my life that I use the most. I want to get rid of some clutter in my life so I wanted to know some of the things that I use most. Here are the top five:

1. My Hot Tools Curling Iron

I have had this thing since I was 16 years old. I LOVE it. Sadly, the cord is starting to short out, so I may need to replace it. But I will get one just like it! I love how I can somehow manage to get a bunch of different curls with it. Don't ask me how it works, but it does. 

2. My Face Wipes

I have gone through about 8 packs of these this past year. I use them for removing makeup, after a work out, just to freshen up, pretty much whatever. They don't irritate my skin and they aren't full of bad chemicals. Plus they smell great!

3. My Face Scrub

Again, I have gone through about 4 jars of this stuff. It's magic in a jar. It exfoliates, but is somewhat milky so it is soothing to your skin at the same time. I use this every morning and it leaves my skin so smooth without drying it, which is great for my oily skin. 

4. Dry Shampoo

I have two favorite brands: Lush and Tresemme. They save me when I am running late and my hair looks like a grease factory. Plus they both smell good! Tresemme smells more like hairspray, and is easy to grab and spray. Lush has a citrus scent to freshen up your locks, but takes more time when it comes to blending in. Both are gifts from the heavens.

5. My Oils

I am in love with jojoba and coconut oil. I rave about them. It's a way better alternative than crazy moisturizers and lotions that have mineral oil and who knows what else in them. I use coconut oil for lotion, a deep conditioner, conditioner after a crazy streak of heat styling, deodorant etc. I use jojoba oil for my hair as well, my eye "cream", facial moisturizer, makeup remover when I am out of my wipes, cuticle oil etc. My skin would still be in freak out mode without these!


Hope everyone is having a great week. It's almost the weekend, yay!
xo

Very Sticky Trial and Error

This may be TMI for some, but I love waxing. I think it is way better than shaving. 

I have no problem waxing myself.

I actually feel as though I am a stronger woman for waxing myself. 

Because I am literally causing the pain I feel. 

It is a little intense when you think about it.

But anyways, a while ago I found a recipe on Pinterest for sugar waxing.

I have been intrigued with the process because

1. It doesn't stick to your skin, so it hurts less

{BINGO!}

2. It's made with food so there is a less chance of irritation.

Anything made with food or is natural is alright in my book!

I tried to today. The recipe was simple:

2 cups of sugar

1/4 cup of lemon juice

1/4 cup of water

To cut to the chase...it was HORRIBLE.

It did not cook the right way, and it was as thick as honey, instead of wax.

I suggest you do not use this recipe. There are other poor reviews on it too, that of course, I found after the fact.

{kinda looks like pee here, haha}

I researched a little more and then found a better recipe 

{this one actually worked!!!}

it's...

2 cups of sugar

2 teaspoons of lemon juice

3/4 cup of water

You let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium so it is at a constant simmer.

The mixture's end result is supposed to be a golden brown, kind of like a honey color.

Well I lost track of time and burnt it. Pretty bad.

It is a dark brown. A dark, dark, brown. 

I need to find a happy medium.

I will try again and once I am successful, I will have a review to see how much better this works!

xo

Say goodbye to expensive whitening products

In July I went to the dentist and got my teeth whitened with the "Zoom!" system. I walked out with super white teeth but they were irritated. And so were my gums. And so was my wallet because it was expensive. 

It's common for your teeth to go back to normal within a week so they gave me an at home whitening kit for the upkeep. I get a new syringe every cleaning. I use it about once a month or so overnight and they are white, but not very bright...if you get what I mean. 

So I did some research and found that baking soda is a great substitute for whitening strips and all of those other products that try to lure you in.

I love it! I used baking soda for so many things, and didn't know that it would work so well on my teeth. 

For the best results, I use it every other night. I keep it in an old Burt's Bees scrub jar, and just dip my toothbrush in it. I don't put too much in it so I can avoid all of the germs. I floss, then use the baking soda, then brush with just regular toothpaste.

If you want to try it, I suggest you do it on a small area first, because of how it is very gritty. It may irritate your gums. And make sure not to scrub hard! It's not going to get your teeth any cleaner, you are just injuring your gums. 

I will do another entry with my before and after pictures. I'm so excited!