Friday, February 24, 2012

Weekly Loves, Likes & Losers

Hello, Everyone!


My original idea was to do weekly "Loves & Losers," but after making this week's list, and realizing I had no 'Losers', but a few 'Likes'....... I decided to name it accordingly.


I rarely hate things. Products especially. Unless they break me out or are genuinely terrible. So I think including 'Likes' will provide a way for me to include other items that I didn't love or hate but that were just......meh.






*Loves*


Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer




Price: I paid $8 at Walgreens
My Color: Buff


This stuff is great. It's very brightening and good for all over the face but particularly the under-eye area. The coverage is not great, but it is build-able without creasing or looking cakey. Also my go-to for touching up during the day.



NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer






Price: $32. I got a sample size with purchase at Sephora.
My Color: ........one size fits all?


It's not so much that I like this particular primer, although it does minimize pores and reduce oiliness throughout the day, but it is this primer that has opened the primer door for me. I was never a primer user until I tried this. It helps makeup go on better, and keeps it on longer.....you know the story. I'm converted.





Love & Beauty Gel Eyeliner 




Price: $1.50 (!) from Forever 21
My Color: Black


The swatch above is from one swipe of the liner using an angled brush. This stuff is AMAZING. I purchased it at Forever 21 on a whim because it was only $1.50! I ended up loving it because of it's surprisingly awesome pigmentation, consistency (no, it's not dry), and the overall fabulous value for money. I've used it everyday this week, and I can't get enough.



St. Ives Naturally Indulgent Advanced Body Moisturizer


Price: $4 from Target
Scent: Coconut Milk & Orchid


The skin on my body is practically flaking off in the Winter, so I am always on the hunt for a good body moisturizer. I found it in this. I don't think I'll ever use anything different. It is so rich and moisturizing but sinks in surprisingly fast and leaves all day smoothness. YAY!




Starbucks


Price: Anywhere from $3.50-$5
Drink of Choice: Lately I've been getting the tall Skinny Iced Caramel Macchiato with soy milk.


I have a love / hate relationship with Starbucks. I think their prices are extortionate and every time I drive away having paid $4.50 for a drink and am able to finish it within a minute, I feel cheated. The quality and convenience is what I love and I have fallen prey to these aspects over the past couple of weeks...... Damn you drive throughs!


Pineapple


Price: Cups are $.99 at Walmart! Fresh-sliced at Trader Joe's are around $3 I think......


I used to HATE pineapple. In fact, I've never been a fruit girl. But recently I have been eating my 5 a day and then some. I crave pineapple the most out of any fruit. It all started when my mum bought the Del Monte fruit cups of pineapple in 100% fruit juice. They got me hooked. Now I'll eat the cups or the Del Monte spears from Trader Joe's. Mmmmm délicieux!

Apples


Price: Varies, but a small bag at Trader Joe's is around $3-4
Apple of Choice: Small Gala from Trader Joe's 


Just call me Snow White. No, actually don't. 
Again, been having fruit cravings lately and apples have been on the list. They are also great when running late to work or class which let's face it, most of us usually are. 
Side Note: I hate green apples. 

Fiji Water


Price: Way too much for water. 


I'll admit it, I drink this to look cool. No, but really, It's actually great quality and tastes smoother to me than other bottled waters. No, but really.....it's a pretty cool water to be seen with. 



*Likes* 



Makeup Forever HD Foundation 




Price: Full-size is $40. I'm testing out a sample from Sephora. 
My Color: 120 


I want to love it, I really do. The texture is great and the color match is nice. I'm just not 100% sold on it yet. I have been liking it so far but I'm not as floored as I thought I'd be. The only thing is that I think it might be breaking me out.......Granted I haven't taken pictures with it on and I've only worn it twice. I'll keep testing it and then decide if I want to splurge. 




Forever by Maggie Stiefvater 



Price: $15 from Walmart.... damn hardcovers. 


This is the third book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefavter. I will say that I loved Shiver & Linger, the first two books. But this one is a little hard to get into. I'm trying, but I can always think of a million other things I could be doing when I read this book, which isn't a great testament to the story. I do want to know what happens to the characters but the slow-moving plot of Forever is making it less of a priority for me to find out. 
*Full review of the series coming...... if I ever finish Forever* 




Like I said before, I have no 'Losers' this week. Let's hope it stays that way! 




Jusqu'à la prochaine fois...






Jade 

Monday, February 20, 2012

Chit Chat: Brainstorming

Hello, Everyone!

Ok, it's not that I don't have anything to write about, I am just having a hard time organizing my thoughts. Terrible excuse. 

I have an abundance of ideas, all of which I am thrilled at the prospect of writing about. But it's just getting started......That being said, recently, during a sudden boost in motivation, I began writing a long list of possible future posts. Today's post is an example of such proactivity, as I bring you.......a brainstorming session. AKA what to expect.. 


iTravel: 
* How to Plan a Long-Haul Trip (around Europe); This will probably be a mini-series in itself.
* Packing Tips
* Individual posts about the countries/ cities I have travelled to

Rave or Reject?
I'm going to start a new series. A review series. Rave or Reject: (Insert Product here). 
But, in an effort to keep this blog open to whatever topic I feel like discussing, I am not limiting the reviews to only beauty products. These reviews will include things like restaurants, food items, fashion accessories and trends, stores, books, movies, current issues etc... 

Chit Chat: 
General banter and stuff.......

Weekly Loves and Losers:
My favourite and least favourite products of the week. Should be every Friday or Sunday. Again, not just limited to beauty......

That's all I have for right now. I'm really excited about these new categories and such, in fact, I'm having to restrain myself from getting started now since it is almost 2 am.


Tomorrow, maybe...... 



Jade