Showing posts with label Essentials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essentials. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

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. 


Monday, April 15, 2013

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!




Thursday, April 11, 2013

Festival Packing List:

Coachella is this weekend woohoo!!!
{and next weekend. double woohoo}

I am a sad girl. I will not be attending this year because all of my money is going to Europe. But it's totally worth it.

I went to Coachella last year and it was one of the best weekends of my life! I'm not over exaggerating. I met so many people from all over the world. I played beer pong with girls from Australia. They were awesome! We almost made the greatest decision of getting a car camping pass. Yes, it was hot during the day, but like I said, you meet so many people! Plus you can just feel the energy and it is amazing. 

Fun Fact:
Growing up, I always laughed at the girls that were crying their eyes out during a concert. I became one of those girls. My weekend was actually quite emotional. Friday I was having a blast listening to the Black Keys, Saturday I was calm with Radiohead and Bon Ivor, and then Sunday I could not stop crying during Florence and the Machine. {one of my favorite performers}. Seriously I couldn't even sing along because I had such a cleansing emotional breakdown. But it was a positive! Then an hour later I was having an amazing time at Snoop Dog and Dr. Dre. It was an amazing roller coaster haha. 

Okay so let's get down to business. Coachella is hot. Plain and simple. They do have some spots with shade but there are pretty spaced out and most of the stages don't have shade. So help yourself and wear the right clothing! Leave the cute jeans at home and stick to loose and comfy clothing. You don't have to sacrifice fashion to be comfortable!



1. tank
2. dress
4. shoes
5. shorts
6. bag

These inspirations are a perfect example of what's functional. Add cute accessories and BAM!! You don't want your outfit to hold you back from being comfy and having the time of your life!

xo
-c



Monday, April 1, 2013

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

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Europe Packing List: What I have so far!

I leave for Europe in 42 days. 
I AM SO EXCITED!!!

I am slowly getting things together so it's not as expensive. 
Every week I have checking things off my list.
The past couple of days, I have got a lot done.

Parker is really great about getting our reservations and train schedule figured out. He is a life saver in that department! I, on the other hand, excel at getting our packing together and finding places to go. So I guess we make a good team? haha.

Here is a list of what I have so far. It's not everything I need, but it's a good start!
*note: we are backpacking, so we are bringing the minimum. This list isn't for everyone*

1. Backpack
Parker and I got the same backpack, just in different colors. This is our most important purchase because it is going to be on our backs for 3 weeks. It's from REI, and you can find it here. I love this one because it is spacious, extremely functional, and so comfy. I have back problems and I don't even realize that they exist when I am wearing it. It distributes the weight perfectly. 
HONEY MUSTARD

2. Packing Cubes
I am so excited to use these babies. I got a 3 pack in the skinny size, but in pink. I am going to roll my shirts and underwear so I can fit as much as possible. Plus rolling your garments prevents wrinkles! Each cube is going to be categorized so I can just grab whatever cube I need, instead of digging through my whole entire backpack for one specific item. I get my excitement from my mom and the weird organizer addict gene we have. Buy them here.


3. Microfiber Towel
Because we are staying in hostels, we are bringing our own towel. Some places charge for towels, so to save money, we are buying our own. Plus it is going to come in handy when we are on an overnight train. It's a full body towel, which will also double as a hair towel. It dries extremely fast so you don't have to carry a wet towel in your backpack. Get yours here

4. Luggage Locks
Sadly, theft is a huge problem when it comes to traveling in Europe. I have heard so many horror stories, but if I truly listened to them, I would never leave the country. Instead, I am going to be overly cautious. I purchased these locks for the zippers of my backpack. This is mostly for when I am on a train or leave my backpack in the hostel locker. I chose the combination lock so there isn't a way to pick it. Like I said, overly cautious. But I would rather feel secure than be paranoid when I am there. Buy yours here.



5. Laundry Pack
Since we are backpacking, that means I will not be bringing my whole wardrobe. Which also means a lot of repeated outfits. Some hostels have a washer and dryer you can pay for, or you can just hand wash your smaller belongings (undies, bras, socks etc) in the sink. Lucky me, because there are ready to go packs sold on Amazon. It comes with laundry detergent, a sink stopper, and a small clothes line. How perfect is that? I could wash things at night, then hang them up in my bed area and they will be dry in the morning. Purchase it here.

6. Flip Flops
I have always had a cheap pair of flip flops for camping showers or even at the gym. I do not like the idea of my feet touching who knows what. The hostels we are staying in have public showers, so my feet are NOT going to be touching any sort of tile. Nice thing about these, you can dry them off and spray them with an antibacterial spray and throw them in your backpack. They take up very little room and are extremely handy. Get your flippy floppies here 


7. Small Day Bag
I wanted to find a cute, cheap day bag that would go with a lot of my clothes. I found this bag at Old Navy for a decent price, and the material is great for traveling. If I get something on it, I can just wipe it right off. I must admit, it is not the cutest thing in the world, but it is functional and is exactly what I need. I got this one at Old Navy here.




This is the first installment of many. These are just my latest purchases that I am really excited about. I will do another post on the toiletries and clothes I have purchased so far. Hopefully you find this helpful!

xo
-c