Drugstore Haul

For the past year couple of years, I’ve been extremely devoted to Sephora and high-end beauty products.  Smashbox 15 Hour Wear liquid foundation is my fave and I can’t get enough of Nars Orgasm Blush and Nars Laguna Bronzer!!  However, lately I’ve been thinking about how much money I actually spend on all of these beauty supplies and how I could honestly be getting better deals elsewhere.

YouTube has been such a great resource for getting reviews on good high-end makeup dupes and what the best drugstore products really are.  So I’ve made it my goal to add to my makeup collection mainly from Walgreens, Bartells, Target, or even the grocery store.  Now don’t get me wrong- two things from Sephora that I absolutely cannot give up are the Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil (my shade is Brown Ash) and the Sephora Liquid Liner in black.  These two lovelies are my holy grail because they work perfectly, are long-wearing, and the shades are just right.  The liquid eyeliner is only $12 and it lasts me around 4-5 months.  The eyebrow pencil on the other hand...but it works amazingly (is that a word?) and is the perfect color!  :-P

  

OK, so let’s get started!

I have combination-oily skin and acne has been a struggle for the past 5 years.  It’s so weird- all throughout middle school and high school I never had pimples or blackheads, but once I turned 18 BOOM!  Acne galore!!  Finding a great face wash has just been a trial and error journey, but I think I may have found a small treasure in the Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser.

I’ve read that for oily skin, you should try to stick to oil-free products and for dry skin, a creamy cleanser works best.  So since my skin is definitely a combination, I thought this would be a great pick!  My acne has been clearing up and I’m seeing fast results!

Now, you can’t forget to moisturize after you wash your face, right?  Since Neutrogena has been working well for me, I thought I’d keep it in the family by trying out their Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen.  It definitely has a fluid consistency, but after rubbing it in for a little bit, it starts to dry.  So far, so good!

Alright guys- I’m sorry I didn’t clean the dispenser before taking this picture, but I was just too excited to get this post up that I was impatient.  Please forgive!  J  I have been loving my L’Oreal Paris True Match LUMI Foundation (shade W4 in Warm Beige) and have been using it non-stop!  If you look up the best drugstore foundations, I’m positive that you will L’Oreal Paris True Match ranked at the top, however I think its sister, LUMI, might be getting forgotten!

The difference between the two is the LUMI foundation promises to provide a soft glow and illuminate your face.  This is great if you don’t normally use a highlighter or if you’re just wanting to have a healthy glow.

If you go with the LUMI foundation, I would highly recommend the L’Oreal Paris Magic LUMI Light Infusing Primer!  This...this...is just awesome.  Go get it.

Next up is my go-to concealer: the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (shade Light).  This concealer works great to cover up any dark circles and doesn’t crease.  I love using a really light shade to add some highlighting dimension.  I only use this for my under-eye area, so if you're actually trying to conceal blemishes, I would just get this in the shade that matches your foundation.

For setting powder, I stay in the L’Oreal line once again and use L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Powder (shade W4 in Warm Beige).  This helps to balance out the illuminating factor in my foundation and creates a nice matte finish.

Let’s talk MASCARAS!!

I love doing a combo of L’Oreal (yes, I know, yet again haha) Voluminous False Fiber Lashes and Voluminous Full Definition.  These little guys act as my one-two punch to achieve the full and lengthy lashes that I love!

I also like to use Maybelline Great Lash in Clear as brow gel.  Don’t ever pay over $5 for brow gel.  Just...don’t.

Now for some hair love!!  If you know me, you know exactly how much I hate getting my mane cut (I’ll have to save my hair trauma stories for another day...), so I do whatever I can to help my split ends (except cut them tee-hee).  ACTUALLY, I did have my hubby cut off an inch and a 1/2 a week ago...my hair was starting to look pretty fracked, so I had to.  Don’t even ask me what that word means...when you see something that fits the word, you’ll use it, don’t worry. :-P  But I love the fact that you can find a great hair mask that can be found right down the aisle of your local grocery store!  

Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle is honestly the best reasonably priced hair treatment that I have found.  When using hair masks, specific to your ends, I recommend only using the product on the tips of your hair and then twisting it into a make-shift bun while in the shower and leave it on for a few minutes.  If you try using the deep conditioner all over your head and roots, you’ll end up with crazy greasy hair that’ll make you look like you haven’t washed your hair in two weeks.  Try this stuff pronto!!

To wrap up this drugstore haul, I’m reminding you beauty nerds to take care of your nails!  I recently started working for a cleaning company, so my hands are constantly getting dry, so not only do I use hand cream regularly, but I also like to use Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.  Be generous when applying and do it at least once a day.  You’ll be left with moisturized cuticles and a refreshing lemon scent to give you a nice pick me up just in time for those 3PM dozes.

Love.  Peace. And buttermilk biscuits.

Nadia

Celebrating My Wedding Anniversary!

Hey guys!  I'm sorry I've been gone for SO long...but I am back BABY!!

Things have been absolutely busy and crazy, but I promise I will try to do a better job of keeping this blog more up to date. I just got a laptop (my very first one!  It's about time, I know!), so I'm hoping to be around on here way more often.

I've been wanting to do a drugstore haul post and a Michael Kors bag review, so there are some fun things to come!

Today's post is about something very exciting though...I just celebrated my 3rd year wedding anniversary! Time has gone by too fast...

People tell me that once you hit your 3rd year, you're no longer considered newlyweds.  So we feel like we have definitely made a huge accomplishment!  :-P 

For my hubby and I, the first few years have been...stressful.  We've dealt with financial troubles, housing issues, and health scares.  However, I can tell you with every ounce of confidence that IT GETS BETTER.  If you and your spouse are committed and maintain and grow that love for one another, then it will get better- I promise!

This anniversary was really special to us and we just wanted to have a good time and enjoy one another.  We celebrated by taking the day off and chilling at home with a big breakfast and later on went out to a nice dinner and made a trip to the Seattle Great Wheel (it was our first time!)!  Here are some pics of the awesome time we had...

Getting ready to head out on the town!

 

 

First stop: FOOD.

 

The Hubs got BBQ salmon with veggies, mashed potatoes, and onion rings.  YUM.



I opted for chicken tacos and cilantro rice.  Aww yeah.

 

____________________________________________________________________

 

 

After gettin' our grub on, we headed straight to the Seattle Great Wheel.  Did I mention that I'm scared of heights?  Well, that didn't stop me!

 

 

 

 All of the lights!

 

It was a chilly night!

 

Inside the cozy ferris wheel car.

A pretty tree that we spotted while on our walk down the waterfront!

 

 

It was a wonderful anniversary and I can't wait for next year's!

 

 

 

Love.  Peace.  And buttermilk biscuits.

 

Nadia





Bumbershoot 2013

I need to get better about my blog posts because GURL. Bumbershoot was like a month ago.


Just in case you're not from Seattle or even the NW, Bumbershoot is the 3-day music festival with tons of food and vendors.  Whether it be pop stars, hipster idols, or up and coming entertainers, this crazy summer event is filled with fun, some good grub, and sweat.  Lots of sweat.  GROSS.

So here's a look at all the good times we had...

Pre-party duck face!

 

Me and the Hubby getting ready to see Death Cab!

 

We're just SO excited!

 

The bromance is very real.

 

Group shot of us in the crowd!

 

 

Death Cab for Cutie.



 

 

 

Bag Review: Michael Kors Grayson Medium Logo Satchel

Hi, I'm Nadia and I have a problem with loving designer purses and occasionally buying them.

For the longest time, I've been extremely loyal to Coach. I got my first one when I was about 14.
My mom had given me a small burgendy edition with a dark leather strap and little did I know, my favorite hobby had just begun.

Nowadays, I've branched out a little to Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs. Don't get me wrong- if I had the scrilla to buy Prada, Louis Vuitton, or Chanel, I WOULD. Buuuut I'm a normal girl who makes normal money, so let's just be real here.

Right now, I've renewed my love with this satchel that I got about a year ago. It's actually really roomy and durable. It's great for nice dinners and I have to say, I'm really impressed with the gold plating- none of it has worn down. Honestly, the straps will probably be the first thing that'll start to fall apart, but so far so good. Even if you're having a casual, laid back kinda day, this purse adds just enough polish to bring everything together. 

I'm sure a lot of you will notice the similarity and look-alike between the MK Grayson Satchel and the Louis Vuitton Speedy.  MK has a really nice selection of well-made bags for a waaaaay better price, so this was my way of fulfilling a small dream of rocking the Speedy one day.  :-)

My only word of caution is to not over stuff it. Now that's not because the bag can't handle it, rather because the crook of your elbow might not! Of course, this is the style of the bag, so you should probably already be prepared for that.

All in all, this is great, fun bag, and I give it an A-.

SEPHORA- Need I say more?!

If I could live at Sephora, I think I would.  Just make sure there's some sort of food stand right outside the door and I'm good to go!

Now, I don't want to sound like a snob or anything, but I do get most of my makeup from Sephora.  Before you judge me, hear me out! 

My skin is really sensitive and I tend to get bad acne and dry spots, so I try to use higher end products that I know have good ingredients, are cruelty free, and help with my skin.  If I can buy drugstore makeup or beauty products, I definitely will.  Like mascara and lip gloss?  Girl, Walgreens is where it's at.  But I'm not hear to talk about makeup in particular today (that is a whole other post to come!)- it's about Sephora sales and how awesome they are!!

Right now they're doing 3 nail polishes from Sephora by OPI for $10!!!!  Did you hear me?!?!  3 polishes for 10 bucks!!  So you better go and get it while supplies last...haha, sorry I had to say it like that.

National Sister Day- Belated!! My bad!!

I totally remembered this day for Facebook and Instagram, but didn't even think to make a post on my blog about it!  Terrible, I know.  :-P

Today's post is dedicated to my little sister!!

I don't want to ramble, but long story short, my aunt and uncle raised me starting when I was 8 years old.  When I moved in with them, they already had their first child- a sweet, cute, annoying little girl.  haha

Oh you know.  Just takin' pics in my closet.

 

Throughout the years, she and I have gone from sharing the same bedroom to living cities away from each other.  There are times when we share everything with one another and there are times when we go weeks without speaking, but you know what?  Regardless of how often we actually talk, we know that there's always gonna be something between us: sisterly love. 

 

Even though she's actually my cousin, we were raised as sisters...so that's how I view her.  As my BABY SISSY.  *tear*

She's growing up so fast, (look out Seattle!!  We've got another crazy teen driver on the road!), and just has this crazy personality, and is turning into a beautiful little lady.

 

So here's to you Butt Munch.  Love ya!  XOXO

Michael Kors- How I HEART Thee!

Remember when we were kids and having a Rugrats Velcro wallet was the thing?  I mean, you knew you were legit if you were carrying one of those...or maybe that was just all in my 7 year old head. haha

Well, I am that 7 year old no more...I FINALLY got myself a big girl wallet!!  I can't even begin to describe how excited I am.  :-)

Say hello to my beautiful little friend.

Check it out online!

 

I'm sooo happy with this purchase!  My new wallet is made of saffiano leather and has golden hardware.  It actually fits quite a bit of change and is really durable.  This wallet comes in different colors, but I went with black just because it's so classic and will go with any handbag that I use.

 

Definitely recommend this to any of you gals who are wallet shopping!!

Dogs of Summer- Pet Safety This Season

Hey Dog Lovers,

We are right in the middle of summer and I can't help but think about how to keep my little Sophie safe as it get warmer and warmer. Sophie is my 2 year old Yorkipoo who is really just my hairy, four-legged child. My husband and I have had her since she was 8 weeks old and she is so precious to me.  I know.  I'm THAT person.

We live in the city where the dogs out number the kids, so pet safety is definitely a priority for us urban parents. Read on to find out my top 3 tips in keeping Fido safe and happy for this sunny season!

#1 Make sure your dog has an updated name tag or is microchiped.  Not gonna lie- I've been procrastinating getting an updated name tag for Sophie, but it is on my to-do for this weekend! Just in case your doggy gets loose or lost, having proper ID will help someone in bringing them back home safely!

#2  Bring water.  Nowadays, there are so many travel options as far as compact bowls or a bottle/bowl carrier.  Make use of these convenient and fun items and your pet will thank you for it!

#3  If it's too hot outside, don't take your dog outside.  Easy enough, right?  Dogs have hair and fur...I mean, how would you feel in 90 degree weather with a wool sweater on??  This is definitely something that I keep in mind when I want to take Sophie to the park or on a walk.  Yes, she would love to be outside, but at the risk of her getting heat stroke?  I don't think so.

I've noticed that the hottest part of the day is between 1PM-4PM.  It's a good idea to get out early in the day to take your pup on a nice long walk and then a couple of potty walks throughout the afternoon if needed until evening time when it's cooler.

Outside of these three suggestions, the biggest reminder that I have for you dog owners is to NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR.  If it is warm out, please reconsider taking your dog with you shopping or to run an errand.  Even if you leave the windows open, ask yourself if it's really necessary for your furry friend to tag along. 

Sophie keeping cool in my air conditioned office.  Spoiled brat.

 

Bag Obsession!!



(Via)

MUST.  HAVE.

 

Product Review: Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh

I'm just gonna come out and say it- my lips are weird. I don't even know how to describe what's going on there. When they're not dry, they're peeling. When they're not peeling, they're cracked. It's just really gross. My lips have been like this ever since I was younger and I've tried all kinds of chapstick and lip balms, but nothing has been able to fix the mess that was happening...until NOW!!

I first heard about lip scrubs while browsing the Sephora website. I was desperately looking for a good lip balm and purchased one from the line Fresh. It was amazing, but it wasnt making the peeling go away. I decided to visit the local Sephora and a sales person showed me Fresh's lip scrub. At first, I thought it smelled disgusting and I didn't know how I felt about having to go through all this work just for my lips. However, after years of being embarrassed by my lips and constantly checking my compact mirror, I figured it'd be worth a shot...and I'm so glad I took that chance!

This lip scrub is made from real brown sugar crystals that buff away any flakes, dry skin, or in my case, peeling skin (grosssss).  It's also really nourishing since it has natural oils and shea butter.  Another interesting ingredient it has is Vitamin E.  This helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen, so your lips will definitely maintain that full appearance. After using this, my lips feel smooth and look renewed! 

All in all, I can definitely say that if you use this product, you'll be looking FRESH!!  Get it?  Haha, no?  Just me then?  Alright.

Playing with Nails

When it comes to my nails, I've always been a pretty simple girl.  I've experimented with acrylics and shellacs, but I always come back around to the basics: base coat, one color, and top coat.  However, a fun trend right now is having multi-colored nails and designs, like stripes and shapes.  One style that's really popular and easy to do is painting one nail a different color from the rest.  Now, I'll be honest with you- I was a little apprehensive about trying this trend since I do try to keep my nails office appropriate...but I finally broke down and gave it a shot.

The first time I tried this, I kept all my nails one color.  I started with my ever loyal base coat Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield.  Then I used a great Spring/Summer color by L'Oreal called Tangerine Crush.  Before applying my favorite top coat (Sally Hansen Inst-Dry Top Coat) , I used a pink sparkle polish by Essie called A Cut Above on my ring fingers.  I really wanted to go for a subtle look and I definitely think that's what I achieved.  It looked put together, but with a fun little twist.

The second time around, I decided to do something a little more noticeable.  I did all of the same steps that I mentioned above, but for my ring fingers I used SEPHORA by OPI's color Seriously, It's A Naan-Issue.  This is a really opaque deep purple color tha I like to use in the Winter, but I wanted to see how the contrast would turn out.  Sometimes trial and error is the best way to learn, right?  I covered the purple with the same pink sparkle polish, top it off with my Insta-Dry magic and called it a day. 

Overall, I think I prefer the more subtle look that you'll see in the first picture, but it really just depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.  I might try to contract my coral colors with a nice elephant grey color...I'll have to get back to you on that!

What are your favorite trends when it comes to doing your nails?  Are you big on DIY or do you like to go to the salon?  Do you prefer staying classy and simple, or do you like to get a little more wild and fun?  Sound off in the comments below!

May Favorites

This has been such a great month of trying new products, but I also stuck to my beauty staples. Going into the summer months, I've been looking for products that are fun and refreshing so read on to hear about my May faves!

Here are the essentials that I absolutely  can't go without:

Liquid Eyeliner

I LOVE me some liquid eyeliner girl! I get mine from Sephora and wear it almost everyday. It lasts me about 2 months and at a steal of $8 how can I resist?!

Makeup Wipes

These things are literally a life saver! No need to break the bank on these bad boys- you can totally find some at your local drugstore for around $6. I like the Rite Aid brand that's infused with calming chamomile, green tea and aloe...the perfect way to prep my face before using a cleanser.

Now for some new products that I've been loving:

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Oh so fresh indeed! This fragrance is amazing and since I bought the rollerball, I literally keep it in my purse and take it with me on the go. Great for touch ups before a meeting at work or a surprise date night with my husband.

Vaseline Total Moisture

Not only does my skin feel so smooth after application, but it smells FABULOUS! I loved this product so much that I even bought a compact version to keep at my desk to moisturize my hands throughout the day.

Dove Dry Shampoo

It's really tough to find a dry shampoo that doesn't leave white streaks in your hair or that doesn't make your hair feel even dirtier, but Dove has blown me away! It works and smells sweet and fresh.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation

I have to say that I'm very impressed with this foundation! I am very faithful to my Studio Skin Smashbox foundation, but it kills me to have to spend $45 every month on just one beauty product. With that being said, I've heard some great reviews on this drugstore foundation and thought I'd give it a try. It has SPF 20 and has a pump. It's more of a fluid consistency, but isn't too oily. I think I've found a new staple for my beauty routine! Bonus is that it's only $12.99!!

NARS Concealer

I'm just gonna get to the point with this one- it does what it says and is of great quality. I use the shade Biscuit.  This will definitely be a little splurge that I'll have to indulge in on a regular basis!

  

Product Review- Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Top Coat

Ladies, listen up! If you're into DIY manicures, then I have the top coat for you! Sally Hansen's Insta-Dry is seriously the best around.

I paint my own nails a couple of times a week and I've used a variety of anti-chip polishes...none of them have proved as true as this one! It dries in about 30 seconds or less and makes your color last as long as 4 days without chipping- not even kidding! You can find it at your local drug store for $7.99 and the bottle lasts for months.

To really finish off your at home manicure, I would go over your cuticles and fingers with Josie Maran Argan Oil. Adds the perfect finish!

In the photos:

Cover Me in Petals, Sephora by O.P.I. (Bought @ Sephora)

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base Coat (Bought @ Rite Aid)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Top Coat (Bought @ Rite Aid)

Josie Maran Argan Oil (Bought @ Sephora)

First post!!

Hey guys-

Welcome to my first ever blog! I started this at the strong suggestion of a co-worker (you know who you are! Check out her blog here). I'm constantly chatting about new beauty products that I'm trying, my love of dogs or just life, so what a better way to gather all of my thoughts than on a BLOG.

I'd really like to use this to share my beauty tips and recommendations, but you will probably find random posts about anything and everything.

Here's to many more blog posts to come!

Love. Peace. And buttermilk biscuits.

Nadia