October Monthly Favorites

Holy smokes! It's already the end of October! That means there's nine (NINE!) weeks left till Christmas!!! I'm always amazed at how quickly the year seems to fly by even if the days seem slow. But backing away from that I've been loving a few things this month and I'd thought I'd share them all with you!

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Beauty-

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette- Do you guys have a product that you'll love for awhile then stop using it and suddenly rediscover it and realize why you loved it so much? This palette by Too Faced was something I loved when I first got it but I stopped using it awhile back because I wanted a change (note to self: DON'T DO IT). I found this product again at the begginning of the month and oh my, how I still love it. It's awesome for everyday looks and such a great multi-tasking product. I not only use the shade Nudie as a crease shade but also as a contour shade. And I use the shade Heaven to set my under eye concealer (this probably won't work unless you're as pale as me....) Such a holy grail product for me!

beautyblender blendercleanser solid- Like most people in the world I hate cleaning my makeup brushes. Seriously though, I'll happily go and use a different brush if the one I want to use it too dirty, but I got fed up with this. I have some pretty awesome brushes and the infamous beautyblender itself, which we all know is a pain to get clean. I decided to take the plunge and buy the beautyblender's own brand of cleaner because I figured that they'd obviously know how to clean their product! Holy smokes, I don't know how i lived without this product. It gets all of my brushes (beautyblender included) clean in less than 20 minutes. How amazing is that?

NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Isolde- I bought this because I hit pan on the shade Push Up in the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette (seeing a pattern?) and I thought theses might be a great option. These two, while not a direct substitute (or dupe) for the color in the Two Faced palette they're awesome shades. These work perfectly together or alone (I love wearing the darker shade to bring out the green in my eyes and the gold to bring out the blue)! I think this is perfect for fall and certainly everyday looks, if you like a bit of shimmer, that is!

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Hair-

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Multi-Tone Revealing Shampoo- While the name and premise of these two is definitely a bit gimmicky I love this. I can't tell if it's done what it says when it comes to tone revealing because my hair is such a dark brown but I can say that when it says moisturizing it means it. After I use these two my hair feels so soft and luscious for hours and even days. Also these smell like shea butter (and look like it too) so that's an awesome plus, as well!

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Books-

Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone Illustrated Edition- I did a brief review on this book here but I'm still loving it now. The pictures are so vibrant and it just makes the story I love so much come to life. I honestly can't wait for the rest of the series to come out!!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- When I'm writing this I actually haven't started reading this yet but I thought I'd put it in here because I've heard some pretty good things about this (even some comparison to HP).

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Fashion-

Blanket Scarf- Despite calling myself a style blogger I've only got one fashion favorite this month and I've been wearing it non stop. It's this navy/maroon/hot pink blanket scarf. This thing is humongous, snuggly and yet still fashionable. I've been wearing it almost everyday with anything from blue dresses (here) or maroon cardigans or chambray tops. Go snatch this scarf up if you are near a Target-it's amazing!

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What have you been loving this month?

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My Top Five Favorite Youtubers

There's two things that suck up all my free time, Twitter/Instagram stalking and getting sucked into the never ending vortex that is YouTube! I mainly watch beauty videos but once in awhile I like to watch comedic videos. So just in case you're like me and spend too much of your not-so-free time on YouTube I rounded up five of my favorite youtubers.

1. iiSuperWomanii (subscribe)- Lily is one of my all time favorite people ever...not that I know her personally... Lily shares rants, she's the queen of "types of people" videos and just some of the funniest relatable videos on the web!

Must watch videos:
1. Types of Crushes
2. 5 Reasons Your Phone Sucks
3. Annoying People on Facebook

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2. Lisa Eldridge (subscribe)- GAH! Be still my beating heart. Lisa was on of the first people I ever subscribed to and since then I keep turning back to her. She's a makeup artist and currently works at Lancôme but her tips and tricks (like pinpoint concealing!) can be used during your everyday life!

Must watch videos:
1. Marilyn Monore Iconic Makeup
2. Grown Up Girly
3. Naturally Flawless Skin - The Eldridge Technique

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3. KathleenLights (subscribe)- This is my only American vlogger that I watch regularly (There's a few Canadian vloggers in my subscription box but mainly I vere towards Bristish vloggers). Kathleen is funny, gives great reviews and is honest about the price of things.

Must watch videos:
1. Disappointing Products 2015
2. September Favorites
3. How I Whitened My Teeth & KEEP THEM WHITE

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4. HelloOctoberxo (subscribe)- I almost put Suzie (HelloOctoberxo) and Alix (ICovetThee) together because when I think of one the other pops into my head! Suzie's videos are so light and airy, she's easy to watch because she doesn't spew too much info at once and her dog, Nala, is adorable!! I really love her tutorials!!

Must watch videos:
1. Autumnal Rose Gold/Vampy Makeup Tutorial
2. Bold Summer to Autumn Makeup
3. GET READY WITH ME: Sunday Morning

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5. ICovettThee (subscribe)- I'm sure if you've watched any of Suzies videos you've probably seen Alix. Alix's videos are very similar to Suzie's in the way that they're light and airy but she doesn't keep on one topic too long! I just love her videos!

Must watch videos:
1. Everyday Drugstore Makeup Routine
2. Makeup Haul and First Impressions
3. September Favorites

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Who do you watch on Youtube? Do you watch any of the ones I mentioned? Tell me below!

April Favorites

Another month, another set of favorites. This month a lot of my favorites are new products that I'm loving or things that help perfect a lazy day makeup routine. I've also been loving a few shows; Dig (on USA) and Dancing with Stars! I'm so excited for May and then June, mainly because I have senioritis bad.

Watch the video here:

Shop My Favorites Here:

March Monthly Favorites

I am beyond excited that March is over and we're finally moving into Spring. I'm ready for warm weather! Today though I thought I'd share my favorites from March (& February) so you could see what I'm loving!!

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January Favorites

Ahh! It's February already and I'm ready to share my January favorites. It was a good month, but I don't think I can contain my excitement that we're one month closer to spring/summer. I picked out a few of the things I used most including my favorite creamy eyeshadow, a downright inspiring autobiography and a tattoo!

November Favorites

Hellooo, everybody! Can you believe it's December? Last night I posted my November favorites on my YouTube channel, if you'd like to take a look!

October Favorites

October was a great month but for some reason I can't quite put my finger on it. I didn't really do much different but I think some months just put me in a better head space than others and October was definitely one of those. Here are the things I loved in October!

Nike Flex Trainer 3 - I don't love sneakers, in fact I kind of hate them but after a long, hard decision I came to the realization that I need sneakers. In a true blogger fashion I made sure my sneaks stood out with their orange/pink color scheme.
Target Blanket Scarf- It's officially fall here in Western New York and despite a hatred for cold weather (and it's fashion) I'm starting to like layering a little bit. This blanket scarf from target is super soft, has similar colors to the infamous Zara one and rang in at $16.99!
It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product- This product is a bit hard to explain but in it's most basic explanation it's a leave in conditioner that makes your hair so silky. I love this stuff.
L'oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder- I bought this stuff back in August and didn't start using it until my homecoming at the beginning of the month. This is the perfect foundation for fall and winter because it's matte without drying (it does highlight dry spots if you have any though) and it's incredibly lightweight because it is liquid to powder.

Bite Beauty Fruit Scrub in Whipped Cherry- If you've never heard of Bite Beauty, they are a company that is run out of Toronto who specializes in lip products that are healthy enough to eat, because we'll eat a lot of lipstick in our lifetime. I think that's cool. Now to the product it's a softer, gentlier lip scrub which I like but it still does the deed. The only thing I don't like about it is that it smells and tastes  like Cherry Starbursts and I hate that flavor.
1989 DLX Taylor Swift- I am so in love with this album that I had to have the physical copy (DLX so I could get the 3 bonus songs)! It's different than what Swift has done before but it's still great. She's growing and evolving and it shows in her music. It's something that I know I'll be listening to for a long time.
Nestle Crunch Caramel and Coconut bar- Do I need to explain the goodness of Crunch and  Samoas together?
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Sassy Mauve- This is a Kylie Jenner lipstick that's definetly more mauve than brown but it's still in the 90s lip trend and for me, it works in fall!

September Favorites

Note: this post got lost in my drafts :( but I thought it was still relevant to post!

 Holy cow, September has flown by! I know we all say that every month but it's honestly true! I feel like just yesterday I was going into my last first day of school and now I'm prepping for my first and last homecoming! So crazy and exciting! Here's my favorites for September.

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Brandy Melville Hoodie- Brandy Melville is a brand loved my stars (here's a quick google proof for ya) and it's easy to see why. This hoodie is so dang soft and comfortable it's like I'm wearing a cloud.
J.Crew Flats- I've been looking for a good pair of loafers to replace my DV Dolce Vita pair that I've nearly run into the ground. I found these while searching, obviosuly they won't be replacing my loafers but they will give 'em a run for their money.
Rebecca Minkoff Mini Affair Bag- I've been looking at Rebecca Minkoff bags for awhile now. To me they're some of the most asthetically pleasing bags on the market. When I found this one at a discounted price I threw a mini party!!
Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner- I love Lush. Their products are so heavenly and this was no exception. It's kind of like conditioner for your hair but for your body. You use it the same way and it leaves your skin smelling wonderful and feeling like you've just walked out of a spa.
My Charger Portable Charger- My phone has a battery worse than the iPhone's so it dies often. To combat this I bought a portable charger with a cute print!
Benefit Gimme Brow- I have semi-good brow game but my bangs hide them. So instead of fixing them up everyday whisk this baby on to them and they do a tiny transformation into something lovely-even hidden by my fringe.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes- I love mascara that gives me defined, voluminous lashes and this one is it! I've been wearing it non-stop since I bought it!
Nivea A Kiss of Milk and Honey Soothing Lip Care- I carry this around with me and is super nice to throw on before I put on some lipgloss or lipstick or just by itself.
Beauty and The Beast iPod Cover- How cute is this? Hmm? I just got a new iPod and I've been dying to get this case, it's so adorable! I love it!!

What have you been loving lately? Is there anything I should try? 

Thanks for reading!

Jess

Recent Beauty Favorites

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Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette: I'm a huge fan of natural eyes mainly because it brings out the color of my eyes (they're blue-green). This palette is everything I look for in a palette. It's got shimmer shades, matte shades, that one perfect brightening shade and cutesy names. Basically, it's my new favorite palette. (I'm also a huge fan of the Naked Basics Palette).
Dior Diorshow Mascara: I tried this mascara last year when I got it for my birthday in my Sephora purchase as a free sample. I loved it then and I love it now. Once you get past the smell of this product (it smells like the Dior perfume) it's a wonderful mascara that provides a lovely daytime look. | For other references I use three mascaras to get a full stage look without falsies. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée in Poppy Paradise: You guys, I have been looking for this stuff for about a month now and I saw it when I stumbled into Sephora on Thrusday behind the counter and dashed over to buy it! Boy am I glad I did. I'll admit it's a little different. It's definitely scary in the pot and leaves a an imprint on the finger you use to apply it (easily remedied by washing your hands) but when you put it on it is wonderful! The color pay off is great, it's build able and it just glides on! So happy with this purchase!
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in True Love: It's time to blame Esteé for another purchase (it's a total of two in this post). She raves about the Tarte blushes and I have to say that she is right on the money with them. The color I have, True Love, a red-pink, is a bit stiff but with a bit of brush work it transfers wonderfully.  My next one will be in Fearless, its a gorgeous pink color that is calling my name!!
Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush: This is the product I liked least of this bunch but that's not to say that I didn't like it. It's a lovely color, has a nice shimmer but up against the Tarte and Josie Maran blushes it falls short. It's wear time isn't as long and it's color power just doesn't match the other two.
Urban Decay All Nigther Makeup Setting Spray: This is another product Estee has raved about (here) and I love it. I'm not one to powder set my foundation because I like the look of a dewy face so this stuff is perfect. It keeps my makeup set perfectly and still gives me the dewy look I love.
Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Rollerball Perfume: I wish I could send you things to smell because this, my dear readers, smells so good! I love it to pieces. It's edgy, sensual and musky yet it's still feminine and elegant. It's a change from my Dot by Marc Jacobs rollerball but I love it! (Thanks Esteé, Fleur and Amelia for the recomendation)!
Bonus Buys: Sephora Lipstick and Maybelline Color Whisper: I have no other explanations except that I'm a lipstick lover.


(Not talked about: Naked Beauty Balm, will update soon!)

My Favorite Spring Lipsticks

Spring time is my favorite time of the year to wear lipstick. For me it has to do a lot with the temperature factor, it's not too hot so it doesn't slip right off but it's not too cold so these lipsticks don't look crazy. Here are a few of my favorite lipsticks-mainly pinky-reds and corals!

In order of the swatches in the above picture.



MAC Candy Yum-Yum: This color is so bright that when I wear it I absolutely have to keep the rest of my make-up simple. It's a pretty blue-toned color that stays for hours because of the matte formula and it's not super drying (but it does have some drying effects).

Lush Lemony Flutter: So this isn’t a lipstick but I use it with the above product and any other drying lipstick I have. This is technically a Cuticle Butter but when I bought it the saleswoman told me that she used it on her lips and made them so soft and moisturized. I agree with the saleswoman, it’s great at moisturizing everything from my lips to my elbows. I highly recommend it. And if you’re a smeller (thanks Estee for that word) it smells like Lemon Pez when applied!!

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic (#esteemademebuyit): This color one of the reddest and it’s the drugstore dupe of the other reddest one in the collection of lipsticks, MAC’s Impassioned. This one is a little bit drying since it’s a matte formula but it’s great after I put Lemony Flutter on underneath.

L’oreal Paris Colour Riche in I Pink You’re Cute: This is my favorite light but bold pink color. There is only one drawback about this color and that is its staying power. It doesn’t last forever like my MAC and NARS lipsticks but it does last at least an hour without needing a touch up.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu: The color of this one is my second favorite out of the whole lot (Candy Yum-Yum is in 1st). It’s such a different color than I normally wear but I love it- it’s such a fun spring color.

Maybelline Color Vivid in Shock Coral: I feel like my picture doesn’t do this justice because it’s next to such similar colors. It’s more coral than Unapologetic and Impassioned, that’s how it looks in the tube and on my lips but I guess my arm just wasn’t up to showing it’s true color today. Anywho, this color is one of my favorites to wear with a sundress or a simple spring/summer outfit.

MAC Impassioned: This color is the original to the dupe I talked about above. I love this one, it’s an amplified formula so it’s super creamy and hydrating. I can’t say enough about this one!!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Now that it's the start of the new year I thought it'd be a great time to share a few of my favorite things from 2013. While I loved a whole lot of things in 2013 (i.e. meeting certain people, performing in three cities, visiting places I've never been) these are the tangible things that I loved, adored really, in 2013!

It's so FLUFFY! 

This blanket was bought on Black Friday because it was on sale and I knew that I was getting a new comforter set soon. But right after I opened it on Christmas day I fell in love with it's softness, it's size (it's a twin blanket not a throw) and it's warmth. I love it soooo much! And Missy approves.

Nars Blush! 

Guys, this stuff is the holy grail of blush! I own two shades (Orgasm and Deep Throat) and they are by far my favorite blushes. I reach for one of them every morning because I love how natural they look. And as a plus, they seem to last pretty well (I wore Orgasm for any performance I had this year and it stayed even in 90 degree weather with humidity)!

Pucker Up, my deary!

 This year was a year for lipstick. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and just go for it. I tried three lipstick this year and I really liked two of them, Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu and Candy Yum-Yum Matte Lipstick by MAC. These two are the perfect pop of color!!

Read and Weep!

This year I read some books but my favorites were these three John Green books. John Green writes books that make you cry (TFiOS), laugh (An Abundance of Katherines) and just love (Paper Towns).

These were a few of my favorite things in 2013. I can't wait to see my favorite things of 2014 in 364 days!