June Beauty Haul

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Recently, I needed to refresh some of my beauty products. This time around I decided to treat myself with a few extra beauty goodies!!! Some of these are my go-to products and some are products I’ve never used before (reviews soon to come). Alrighty! Let’s get into the haul!

Revlon Perfect Style round brush: I have been needing a new round brush to use when I blow dry my hair. Using a round brush really increase the amount of volume of my hair, giving it a nice blowout look.

Dove Mousse: I apply a small amount of mousse to my roots before I blow dry. I don’t use this every time, but on days when I want a nice blowout, the mousse and round brush are my go to products!

TRESemme Dry Shampoo: I live on dry shampoo. It’s the first thing I reach for on days where I feel like my hair is less than lovely. I usually go for the Dove Dry Shampoo, however the store was out when I went shopping so I picked up this one! I have used it and I still find myself wanting the Dove brand. This one just sits on my hair a little more than the Dove brand. So my roots do look a little grey when I use this brand, but I will live with it for the time being!

Bella Beauty Beauty Blender: I have used beauty blenders before, but I always feel myself reaching for a foundation brush. It really depends on the day and my mood on if I use a sponge or brush. I just bought this new one cause my old beauty blender was gross.

The next few items I purchased at my work, Francesca’s, and have never tried before! I am very excited to try all of these product! I hope to put up a review of all of them (at some point in the near future). So here is pretty much my first impression of the products before actually using them.

Put Your Face On makeup bag: I absolutely love this bag! I have a weird obsession with makeup bags. I own about 6 of them and  I still want more. I like to use them to organize my everyday beauty products, especially when I travel. It makes it easy to just grab the bag I need and head out.

Nugg Lip Mask: This is a nourishing lip mask. It smells nice and I’m very excited to try it. The weather has been hot and dry, and it has not been very nice to my lips (or skin).

OhK! Avocado Sheet Mask: I am a little nervous about using this mask. I don’t really like avocado…so I am hoping it is nicer than just slapping some whipped avocado on my face.

Lapcos Sheet Masks: I bought a few of these! I got the Pearl, Honey, Charcoal and Milk sheet masks. Each of them have different purposes; the pearl brightens, the milk moisturizes, the charcoal is for pore care, and the honey is nourishing.

All of the sheet masks that I purchased are Korean brands. You can find them online through the Francesca’s website or on the brands website. I am unsure if you can find these sheet masks anywhere else. Again I am very excited to use these and I will be putting up reviews of each of them!

 

xoxo!!!

by centcitybeauty

ACURE Beauty Haul/Review

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Recently I have been trying to change up my beauty routine. I’ve started using products that are vegan/vegetarian, without any harsh chemicals and overall just better for my skin. My mom told me about a website called ThriveMarket. They sell all different types of products that are healthy and natural at a wholesale price. I decide to try it out. ThriveMarket is a membership program, but I just used a their free trial to see if I liked it.

When you sign up (or use the free trial), you receive 15% off your first purchase. So right off the bat I was pretty excited. I went through the beauty section and selected the products I wanted to try. I got all the same brand for two reasons:

  1. My sister has said she loves this brand
  2. I didn’t want to get too many new things just incase my skin didn’t like it

I decided to go with the whole shebang and get a full face routine. I purchased these six products and it cost about $45. I was pretty pleased with that amount. As you add things to your cart it tells you how much you are saving by only paying the wholesale price. In the end I ended up saving about $40.

The products I decided to purchase were:

  1. Sensitive Facial Cleanser: This cleanser is made with peony extract and sunflower amino acid. The bottle says that it is good for dry and sensitive skin. It is vegan, sulfate free and paraben free. I have only used this a few times, but I really enjoy it. It goes on nicely and makes my skin feel great! It also smells really good, so that’s a plus.
  2. Facial Toner: This is a balancing rose and red tea toner. This is good for all skin types. I really love this product. It is extremely refreshing and it makes my skin feel healthy and hydrated after using it. There are two ways to apply it, spraying it on a cotton pad or spraying it directly on your face. I like to spray it two or three times on my face after it has been washed. This product also smells lovely.
  3. Day Cream: This cream is got kola extract and chlorella. After I wash my face in the morning I use this. A little goes a very long way when it comes to this day cream. I use about a pea sized drop and it covers my whole face and neck. It has a nice light scent that is amazing first thing in the morning.
  4. Night Cream: The night cream is argan stem cell and chlorella. This one says it hydrates and restores. It is also for normal to dry skin types. I really, really like this night cream. I put it on right before bed (again only a pea sized drop) and in the morning my face feels smooth and happy. It has a very soothing scent to it that is nice to fall asleep to.
  5. Brightening Face Mask: This face mask is argan extract and chlorella. It is for all skin types. I haven’t used this mask too much, but I use it when I feel stressed. Sometimes I will put it on my whole face, other times just in my T- zone. It is green and it smells green (like aloe mix with mint). My favorite part of this product is that the directions state “Apply evenly over the face until you look like a green sea-monster.” That just makes putting it on even more fun!
  6. Acne Spot Treatment: This one I got in the maximum strength treatment. This does have 2% salicylic acid in it. I am amazed at how quickly this treatment works. I put it on a problem spot of mine at night and in the morning it was half the size. I have tried a lot of different products in my life to get rid of my acne and all of them left my face feeling tight, dry and just gross. I really enjoy using this product knowing that it is actually working!

I have had such a great first impression with this brand and their products! I am definitely going to be placing more orders with them and trying some of their other products. I absolutely love that all of the products I received are vegan, sulfate free, paraben free and cruelty free. After just a few uses, I can already tell that they are helping my skin.

Let me know in the comments what products you have been loving or if you have tried anything in the ACURE brand!!!

xoxo!!

 

by centcitybeauty

Date Night Nails

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I love a manicure as much as the next girl, but sometimes I just don’t have the money to get them done! Luckily I have found a cheaper (slightly less permanent)  way to get my nails looking amazing! imPRESS nails have been my savior on days I need a little confidence boost! This are stick on nails, that means no glue and no mess. I picked up a few of these nails at Walmart, however I know you can also get them at Target. They are super cheap, so you can buy 3-4 packs of theses for less than a trip to the salon! The thing I love most about these nails is that the sticky part allows for them to move around a little on your nails if you accidentally bump them. They fit comfortably on my nails and they come in so many different colors. I have found that they stay on for about a week and a half (which is about how long I can put up with long nails). I reach for these every time my boyfriend and I decided to have a date night or go out of town. When it is time to for them to come off, they peel off easily and don’t leave any residue on your nails. These are definitely my go-to nails for any occasion.

Let me know what your favorite date night nails!!

xoxo!!!

 

by centcitybeauty

January Favorites

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I know that it is the middle of February, but I still had some favorites in January! This past month I had a variety of favorite things and I want to share some of them with you! I hope you enjoy!!

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The first thing I have been obsessed with in January is this HUGE pink blanket scarf. I love this scarf so much because 1) it is a pink ombre, 2) it is the softest thing I have ever felt in my life! and 3) it is GIANT. I got this at H&M on sale. It has kept me extremely warm in the freezing temperatures. I adore it.

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My second favorite in the month of January is Anna Kendrick’s book. I absolutely love her as a person and an actress and this book has made me love her even more. I enjoy reading these types of book because I like getting a look at their actual lives. I like learning what made them want to get into the acting industry. They always give great advice that is applicable to everyones life!

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I love my aviators. I got these at TJ Maxx and they are Tommy Hilfiger. I just think they are super cute and they go with pretty much anything.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 presetI have a few makeup products that I gave a little extra love this past month. This adorable makeup bag was given to me for Christmas by one of my friends. It is rose gold (which everyone knows I am OBSESSED with) and it is the perfect travel size! The fist product that I reached for everyday was my Rimmel Match Perfection concealer in the shade 230 Fair/Light. This concealer is super light weight but has great coverage. In the summer I sometimes only wear this because it blends really well into my skin. The next thing I was loving is the Covergirl + Olay “The De-Puffer” under eye concealer. I get this in the shade 320 Fair/Light. This product is amazing. It covers the dark bags under my eyes and makes me look like an actual human being. It has a metal applicator which feels great under your eyes in the morning when I feel less than alive. Next is the mini Smashbox X-rated mascara. I usually use multiple mascaras to get extra volume but after using just a few coats of this, my lashes are looking long and full. And last we have the L’oreal Voluminous Superstar liquid eyeliner. I have been using this eyeliner FOREVER!!!! It is by far my favorite liquid mascara. It has a nice felt tip that makes application easier and more precise. It does smudge a little during the day (but I have weirdly oily eyelids…), but if I do a wing it stays all day.

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This next one is very random but it also makes me so happy! I got a new sticker for my laptop that says “Say no to drugs & say yes to pizza”. I found this sticker at Zumiez and I think it was about $3. I saw it and it just made me so happy so I had to buy it. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it when I bring my laptop to class, which makes it even better!

I love hearing what you guys love every month so feel free to share!!!! I hope you enjoy seeing what I am into each month and I hope to continue these posts! Let me know what you think!

xoxo!!!!

 

by centcitybeauty

My Planner Set Up

Processed with VSCO with hb2 presetAt the beginning of each semester I take a few hours after all of my classes to reorganize my planner. I put in all the due dates for my assignments in each class, I schedule out time for going to the gym and when all of my new posts go up. This helps me stay on track throughout the rest of the semester.

What I usually do is pick one color for each class. On the top of the syllubus I color the corner of the page with the pen I chose for the class. Then I go through, class by class, and I put in all the due dates for my assignments. For bigger projects I schedule time to get with my group or work on the project alone. I do this as a reminder from the beginning that a project is due. Nothings worse than rushing to do a project last minute.

Along with all my assignments I use my planner to schedule times to go to the gym or any plans I have with my friends. I am horrible at over planning myself, so I always end up cancelling on my friends to do homework.

With everything happening all at once (classes, projects, outside work) I try to set aside time, generally on the weekends, to work on this blog. I have been slacking pretty hard recently. However, I feel that allowing myself to actually see when I need to start working on things makes it easier for me to stay on track.

Ever since I started scheduling my life like this and keeping my planner with me at all times, has really helped me keep my life in check. I hope this has helped you in any way! Let me know if you know of any tricks or tips that have helped you stay organized in your life!!!

xoxo!!!

by centcitybeauty

Semester Favorites

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One things I love about my university is that we get about 5 weeks off for winter break. That is over a month of relaxing and hanging out. When it is finally time to start classes again I reach for a few of my favorite things. For all the years I’ve been in school Ive used a variety of these items and I think I have finally gathered the perfect combination to help me get through the semester.

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Sugar Paper Planner:

It has taken a while to find a planner that I really like using. Some were too small (I have big handwriting), some were too big. It wasn’t until I went to Target that I found the perfect planner. The first thing that caught my attention is the color, a light blush pink with gold edges. Sign me up!!! When I opened it up it won my heart. It has plenty of room to write in as well as a basic calendar at the beginning of each month. I would say that it is medium sized, so it fits in any bag I bring to school.

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Rose Gold Travel Mug:

You may not know this about me but I have a very strong weakness to anything rose gold. It might be the basic in me, but it just screams my name! So not only is this the perfect travel mug because of the color but it is also the perfect size. I don’t drink coffee, so any hot beverage I want to bring with me is hot chocolate 99.9% of the time. This mug was in the cute little $1,$3,$5 section at Target. Although it was fairly cheap it works really well. It keeps my drinks warm for an extended period of time and it is easy to wash. It holds enough for me to drink it all without it getting too cold. I really do love it!

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Bluetooth Beats Headphones (rose gold):

Now I did not purchase these, they were a free gift when I bought my MacBook. I know how expensive Beats can be and normally I wouldn’t spend that much on a pair of headphones. However, I will recommend these to everyone. I am the type of person who will have headphones in walking across campus because I don’t like talking to strangers. These headphones really do cancel out any background noises (which can be really awesome but also sometimes terrifying). I love the fact that they are bluetooth because I don’t have to worry about doing something weird and ripping the cord out.

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Sugar Paper Portfolio:

I found this portfolio at the same time I found my planner. Again the color grabbed my attention. The outside is light gray and is a pleather-y texture. They had one in the same pink as the planner but I liked the gray and pink together. I bring this basically everywhere with me. I like to keep important papers inside and it came with a super cute pink legal pad on the inside. I used this for notes or lists or anything I need to write down. It has really helped me stay organized throughout the semester. I keep all of my syllabi inside so I have them any time I need them. This was a tad bit pricy but I definitely use it enough for the price I paid. I encourage anyone who needs to get organized to purchase one of these. It is a life savor!

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Mud Pie #namasteinbed Mug:

Along with my rose gold obsession, I have an addiction to coffee mugs. And as I mentioned above, I don’t drink coffee…that still hasn’t stopped me from buy every single cute mug I find. I found this one at TJ Maxx and it speaks to my soul. Although this is fairly new I’m still including it in my semester favorites to represent all the mugs I own. I will drink anything out of mugs. I have a few of the mugs that look like bowls with a handle that I use specifically for soups. If it is cold out, a mug will be in my hand.

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MacBook Air:

Last but not least my MacBook. I have wanted one for YEARS! I love my iPhone and I just kept hearing how wonderful MacBooks are. I saved up for this purchase for a while. I have never been so happy with a laptop in my life. I love that my phone syncs up to it so I have all my information connected. This is one of the best purchases I think I have ever made. It has made my life so easy and I tell everyone I know to purchase apple products.
As classes start we all get ready to face new challenges and new experiences. With a few staple items your semester can be in your control. Try not to stress too much and make time for yourself. If all else fails, take a deep breath and live one day at a time. I hope all of my semester favorites help you pick a few of your own!

xoxo!!!

by centcitybeauty

Reds

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For those who know me know I ADORE a red lip. It is the best way to dress up a plain outfit or to just make you feel better! I generally wear red lipsticks during Christmas time (for obvious reasons) but I am bringing the reds into the New Year. So if you would like to join me, here is a list of my favorite red lipsticks.

From left to right:

*Rimmel 124 Bordeaux- This has been my go to dark lip color for a few years now. I have about three of them in my collection at the moment. A beautiful dark berry color.

*L’Oreal 726 Divine Wine- This one has more of a brown/nude tone to the red.

*Rimmel Kate 107- This is the red of all reds. Love. Love. Love. I recommend this color to anyone in need of a red lipstick.

*Milani 67 Matte Confident- Like I mentioned before, I live for a matte lip. This is a beautiful red color that drys matte. It drys super quick and stays on for such a long time.

*Rimmel Kate 01- Again, Rimmel just knows how to get my attention. Love. This red is a tad bit darker that the 107, but I will reach for it just as often.

*L’Oreal 590 Blushing Berry- This one is nice for when you don’t want a crazy red lip or a crazy dark purple lip. It is the perfect middle shade.

 

All of these brands are fairly cheap and easily accessible. All of these colors are on the darker side because that is what goes with my skin tone. I do know that a lot of these brands have more orange/red shades that are also gorgeous, I just try to stay away from those. I really like to use red lips as a mood booster. No one can be sad with a killer wing eye and a red lip!

xoxo!

by centcitybeauty

Coffee Table Books

 

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I love seeing what books people like to keep around their house. It helps me get inspiration into how I want my home to look, as well as, allowing me to understand that person better. These are the three books I currently have on my coffee table (amongst the piles and piles of magazines I have laying around my apartment haha).

The Fashion Book- Phaidon:

This book is like my bible. It is the A-Z guide of all things fashion. This book shows every person who created and inspired the fashion world. This book spans over two centuries with the whole industry represented. This book is a guide to over 570 clothing and accessory designers, photographers, stylists, schools, models and editors. As well as, the icons who instigated or symbolize an entire style or movement. This is great for those who really want to know the fashion industry inside and out.

14,000 things to be happy about- Barbara Ann Kipfer:

I have wanted this book for such a long time. Even just skimming through the pages you find things that make you happy! Whether its watching the sunset/rise, going to the beach, watching the snow fall or things  as small as Aunt Jemima  syrup, sipping a coke or getting the answers you want from a magic 8 ball. This book is just a friendly reminder that despite anything that goes wrong in your life, there is always something to be happy about.

101 Things I Learned in Fashion School- Alfredo Cabrera with Matthew Fredrick:

My mom got this book for me. This little book is super helpful for anyone in fashion. The book starts with “Fashion was born in the 12th century” and ends with a quote by Yves St. Laurent “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Throughout the book there are little tips about how to illustrate, how to tie a tie, how to cut fabric, the measurements of average models and other helpful tips!

 

Anywhere you look in my apartment you will find a book or a magazine that has to do with fashion or the industry. I love when my passions bring out a passion in others! Let me know what books you like to keep around your home!!! Like, follow, comment and share!!

xoxo!!!

by centcitybeauty

Mini Beauty Haul

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It’s 2017 and you know what that means; New Year, New Me!!! Except in my case its the same me…but now I have a few more beauty products! I have been so excited to try these products and I hope my mini haul helps you in any of your 2017 beauty endeavors!

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LORAC eyeshadow palette: 

I got this palette from Ulta Beauty. I picked the LORAC Tails and Top Hats palette because the darker colors have a purple tint to them. I have been really into purple tones because they are supposed to accent brown eyes. I have no idea if it is really working but I’ve been into it. They had another palette like this one but in lighter shades. I like that it is a small palette but it still offers seven colors. It is easy to travel with and fits in almost all of my smaller makeup bags.

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Stila Liquid Lipstick/ Blush:

I was beyond excited to get this product. I absolutely love liquid lipsticks, or really any matte lipstick. This is a travel size Stila Liquid Lipstick in the shade Serenata. I have worn it almost every day since Christmas. I recommend putting chapstick on before you apply the lipstick because it will dry up your lips a little bit. The chapstick definitely helps keep your lips hydrated and helps make the lipstick last longer.

The other product that came with the liquid lipstick was the Stila Aqua Glow Water Color Blush in the shade Water Lily. This is the first liquid blush I have tried…I don’t know how I feel about it yet. I like that it has a sparkle to it and that despite the color it looks like in the container, it applies much lighter. I have tried it once and I just applied it with my hands, so I think when I try it again I will be using my beauty blender.

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Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser:

I heard about this product from my older sister and my mom. As I’ve shared before, my skin is a hot mess and a half. It has been very hard for me to find a cleanser that doesn’t cause my skin to break out even more. I completely adore Burt’s Bees products. Their chapstick has saved my lips in the freezing temperatures of winter. So I was pretty excited to try this cleanser. I really like that my skin doesn’t feel dry or tight after using it. It also doesn’t leave my face red or irritated. I only use this once a day and my Simple Micellar Cleansing Water for the other time.

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Zoella Beauty Bath Fizzers:

This was one of the best gifts I have ever received. I am, and always have been, a huge supporter of Zoella (Zoe Sugg). When she came out with her beauty line I was trilled, however none of it was sold in the US…until now. This is the only product sold at the Target closest to me. I haven’t used any of it yet (too excited to actually have it in my beauty collection) but I have heard only amazing things about it. I can’t wait for more of her products to be sold in stores and I hope that soon Target extends to her Zoella Lifestyle line!

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Bare Minerals Glow set:

Bare Minerals is a newer brand to me. I have tried their powder foundation and I thought it was great for the days where I don’t really want to wear too much makeup. This Glow set includes two powders; the vanilla sugar radiance and the original mineral veil. The vanilla sugar radiance is a light pink, sparkly highlighter. The original mineral veil is just a finishing powder. Both are very pigmented and light. I don’t use the original mineral veil on my entire face. I use it mainly in my T-zone or where I feel I get a little oily during the day. The highlighter is light enough to have a very natural look.

 

This has been my mini beauty haul! I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my growing collection. Please comment and share some of your favorite products! I love expanding my collection and hearing what other people are loving. Have a very happy New Year!!! Subscribe to be notified when all my new post go up!

xoxo!

by centcitybeauty

Autumn Binge Watching

Although its not officially autumn, its close enough for me! With autumn comes school, shorter days and longer nights, colder weather, trees changing colors and new shows coming onto Netflix. So in celebration of this upcoming season of binge watching, here is a list of my favorite shows to binge watch, as well as a list of shows that I am planning on watching! Let me know what shows you like to watch too!!!
These are the shows that I watch pretty regularly and I plan on re-watching or have more seasons coming to Netflix.
Favorite shows to binge watch:
1. Friends
2. The Following
3. Gossip Girl
4. The Vampire Diaries
5. Parks and Recreation
6. 30Rock
7. That 70’s Show
8. Scandal
9. How I Met Your Mother
10. Arrow
These shows are coming to or already on Netflix, that I haven’t watched before but am going to start!
Shows to binge watch:
1. Stranger Things
2. The Strain
3. Mad Men
4. Homeland
5. Narcos
6. House of Cards
7. How to Get Away with Murder
8. The Tomorrow People
9. The Pyramid Code
10. Shameless
Autumn is by far my favorite time of the year! I can’t wait to be able to curl up in a cozy blanket, with some hot chocolate and my boyfriend by my side, and start our binge watching sessions. If you guys have any yummy snacks you like to make during the autumn or eat while you watch your favorite shows let me know in the comments!!! I will most likely keep all of you updated on my Netflix addiction.
by centcitybeauty