The Ravings of an Insomniac

I found this thing on tumblr and I thought, sure, why not do it? I might do this same thing next year. Who knows, it might become a tradition!

Hellllooooooo. Today I've got an Out With The Old Post. This is quite similar to an empties post, but rather than just empty products, these also include products I'm tossing for other reasons. Sorry the pictures are so bright, I'm not quite sure why I couldn't tone it down.

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash - Empty
I love this stuff. I'm really upset that it's out. This face wash is really great - it removes makeup well, deep cleans, doesn't strip the skin, smells nice, and is at an affordable price. Would repurchase.

2 Ponds Deep Cleansing Mud Cleansers - Empty
These are both from Taiwan. They were really good at cleansing the skin, but they left my skin with the "squeaky clean" feeling, which I wasn't looking for. Wouldn't repurchase, but it's not a bad product.

St. Ives Green Tea Scrub - Empty
People rave about this exfoliater. It's a nice product; gently buffs away skin and smells nice, but once again, it left my skin feeling squeaky. Would not repurchase.

Obiqo Gentle Face Scrub - Empty
Wayyyyy too gentle. Didn't do anything for my face except leaving it smelling like ginger. Shudders. I hate ginger. Would not repurchase.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 - Nope
I gave this guy so many chances. Every time I used this, it would leave me with a face of dry, itchy, uncomfortable patches. I gave up with it after a while. Would not repurchase.

Garnier Skin Renew Anti Puff Eye Roller - Didn't do anything
Man, I tried to like this. I really did. Unfortunately, it just did nothing for my skin! Yes, the cooling ball felt nice, but the actual product? Kind of a gimmick and didn't really do much. Would not repurchase.

HABA Sunscreen Stick SPF 35 PA +++
Too light. Smelled too weird. Accentuated dry patches. Would not repurchase.

Earth Therputics Hydrogel Under-Eye Recovery Patch - Empty
These undereye patches were really great! They perked up my puffiness and felt really nice. They weren't wet, smelled really nice, and were affordable. Would repurchase.

The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Shower Gel - Empty
I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm a sucker for anything lemon. The gel of this itself was an average gel, but oh mama the scent... Dear lord it was amazing. Would repurchase.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil - Empty
This oil is a really sweet chocolate scented oil. The oil claims to help with dark marks and stretch marks as well, which I found to be true, but you have to use the oil for quite some time. It sunk in really fast, and was actually decent at hydrating my legs. Would probably repurchase.

Organic Tea Tree Soap from serenityaplaceforeveryone.com - Empty
I used this on my back and chest for my bacne. Damn, I love it. Cleared the area right up. Would repurchase.

L'Occitane Rose Hand Cream - Empty
This cream was really nice! I liked the rose scent a lot. It was silky and sunk in quickly. If it weren't for the high price, I would definitely repurchase.

Kirkland Signature Borghese Mineral Sheer Foundation, Mineral Exact Match Concealer, Powder - Old
These products were good - they're simply old. The powder I almost used up, and then dropped and it proceeded to crack away. Although these products were good, they weren't remarkable and I wouldn't repurchase.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips - Empty
These do work. I was weary that they would make my teeth sensitive, but even weirder - they only made like, three specific teeth sensitive. I don't think I would repurchase because they're really expensive and there are better teeth whitening products out there.

Glisten Mop Shinedrops - Old
I stopped using this ages ago. This was supposed to be a hair oil that was for shine, but it didn't really do much. I wouldn't repurchase.

Que Bella Detoxifying Dead Sea Mask - Empty
Burned my face. A lot. However, it was really good for my back and chest, drawing out sebum and oil. Would not repurchase.

Lollia Relax Hand Cream Sachet - Empty
DAMN was this nice. It was scented nicely, sunk in quick, and felt silky. Would repurchase.

B&BW Fresh Picked Strawberries Hand Sanitizer - Empty
Just a hand sanitizer! I'm not too picky about those, so I don't really care if I would repurchase or not.

Zatik Herbal Refresh Deoderant - Awful
Supposedly unscented, but no. No. No. Scented. But scented like crap.

• Stop being afraid. It isn't sexy.
• Have killer eyebrows. 
• Wear clothes that make me happy.
• Stand up straight.
• Drink a buttload of water.
• Listen to music that makes my heart sing.
• Try Project 365.
• Stop procrastinating.
• Stop judging and comparing people.
• Get more sleep, but not too much.
• Get fit. Run, do yoga, meditate.
• Stretch every day.
• Purge negative feelings.
• Eat less processed foods and more fruits, veggies, and natural foods.
• Appreciate more.
• Put a lot of effort into things and love things too much. It's fun to be into something.
• Read more books.

Hi, guys! Today I've decided to show you my favorite everyday styles when I'm not feeling too lazy to do my hair. I'll be showing you a picture of how I do it, and giving you a quick explanation.

The French Braid
The knowledge of French braiding is so helpful. A French braid is a super versatile style that can be dressed up or down by simply loosening/messing it up and bam, you've suddenly got a casual hairstyle. Not to mention that when you shake your locks out of the braid you'll be left with beautiful waves. This braid can be made by crossing strands over another and adding in hair every time you cross. (Watch this video for a detailed tutorial)


The Fishtail Braid
Oh my, this style is the love of my life. It's oh-so-easy and requires no time at all. If you ever look at me in class chances are I'm either looking out the window or doing my hair into this style. I think it's really pretty and (like the French braid) super versatile. This braid is done by simply splitting hair in two and pulling strands over to the other side. Check out this video (PS it's the same one as before!).


The Faux Sidecut
Sidecut styles are a side of the head shaved, for those of you that don't know. Oh my, I would love to have one. My face, however, is too flat and my unflattering profile would NOT look good with a permanent one. So I fake it! This style is super easy, consisting of three Dutch braids pinned underneath the rest of the hair. A Dutch braid is almost the same as a French, except strands are crossed under rather than over.


The Braided Bun
I love this bun. It gets my hair out of my face with a pretty bun that leaves people wondering how I did. Not to mention that the braids can be switched out for fishtail or rope braids. Very pretty and easy. This bun is made by pulling hair up in a ponytail and simply braiding it, and wrapping it into a bun.


The Bow
I made this bow out of a square piece of fabric! If I can find the Pinterest tutorial I used I'll def link you. Anyways, this bow is the cutest thing. Adding it to a simple ponytail amps up your cuteness and makes it look you put a million hours into your hair when really you pulled it up messily when running out the door this morning.


By the way, my arm is like that in every picture because I was pointing a remote at my camera. It looks really weird now that I look at it, haha. Thanks for reading! How do you usually do your hair?

I've got a quick disclaimer about my skintone, I'm cooltoned with a medium to light skintone. It doesn't look very pigmented from my swatch, but that's just because it's about the perfect 'natural flush' color for my skin. This blush is actually crazy pigmented. Blossom is a peachy-pink, once again, the perfect natural look. I think this would look really lovely on very pale gals. The formula is quite nice as well, it's super creamy but quickly dries down to a powder finish. I apply this with a stippling brush, but applying with a finger is super easy because it blends beautifully. This blush doesn't cling to any dry patches or appear patchy after a while. It's not super long lasting, but it'll do fine on a regular day.

I quite like this blush. I'm going to pick up the other two shades when I have a chance. Do you like blush? What's your favorite?

For those of you that don't know, Mary Kay isn't exactly a brand that you can walk into a store and purchase. Like Avon, most products are bought online or through a representative. I got these products from a consignment shop owned by a friend. I've got the Replenishing Serum + C, Firming Eye Cream, and Moisture Renewing Gel Mask.


MK claims that "this antioxidant-rich serum is powered by a potent blend of multiple botanical extracts. These extracts are derived from natural ingredients known for their high levels of Vitamin C, which can help protect skin against free radical damage that can impact skin firmness and definition. The overall effect is positively uplifting! The innovative airless pump bottle keeps air out, so you can be confident that you are getting the same maximized product freshness with every application." This product is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. This product is supposed to contain a lot of botanicals high in Vitamin C, such as pomegranate extract.

How amazing is this packaging?? There's a little window on the side that allows you to see how much you have left. Mary Kay recommends using three pumps of this, but I thought that was a little much. Using three pumps twice a day gives you six weeks of using this serum. Every day the product will move up to the next little slot, which I thought was really cute for some reason. Anyways, I used the recommended amount for about a week and then decided it was way too much serum (I ended up slathering most on my neck and chest) and dropped the dosage down to one pump.


This serum has a light and runny texture, like most serums. It has a pleasing scent that reminds me of baked goods. It sinks in relatively quickly, and the smell doesn't linger. I didn't have any sort of reaction to this, good or bad. I used about half of this before I decided it didn't do anything for my skin. I used it for quite some time, much longer than the three weeks the bottle indicates. It was pleasant to put on, but I felt like it just wasn't benefiting me in any way. If you've got mature skin or dull skin this might do something, but I don't think I'll repurchase, or even finish.


Now onto the eye cream! MK claims that "this luxuriously rich eye cream is so advanced, it improves firmness and brightens while providing intense moisturization. It also minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with the combined power of a collagen-enhancing peptide duo that restores the supporting structure to revitalize cells for firmer skin." This cream is hypoallergenic. 

The packaging for this cream is simple but aesthetically appealing. The pump is really nice, but it pumps out way too much. One pump would be enough for my face. I would always end up with way too much cream and end up using it on my cuticles. 


This cream is a light texture, making it ideal for day use. It's not fast to sink in, but you don't have to wait ages. This didn't aggravate my milia, but also didn't calm it down. This cream is hydrating, but it's not as rich as I would like it to be. Personally, I didn't see any difference in any fine lines. Other people have said the same thing, but it is lightly moisturizing. I would recommend for anyone in their twenties who don't require a lot of undereye hydration.


MK claims that this mask "instantly hydrates and locks in moisture. Skin appears less stressed and feels purified, nourished, calmed, firmer, smoother and softer. This product also helps minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. It features an aromatic scent of botanical extracts including chamomile, rosewood and lavandin." It's oil-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and non-comedoginic.

The packaging for this product is really simple but nice, a simple squeeze tube. The squeezy part is really easy to control, because it's small and allows you to squeeze out as much product as you want. 


The formula for this product is really nice. It's silky and really nice to spread over the face, not to mention you can leave it on overnight if you want. I would really like the product, but the alcohol content in this stuff is high. Not to mention it smells like alcohol too.

Overall? These products are average. I don't think they're worth the rave reviews I've seen, but they're not bad. They def aren't worth the price, but I don't dislike them. Try them if you want, but there are better options.

Thanks for reading!

Hi guys! I'm currently taking a break from my homework to write this. Today's post is a review on the No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick.

The texture of this is pretty unique for a blush. The powder is packed really densely (it doesn't kick up any powder in the pan!) which gives you a pretty sheer application (it's supposed to be sheer) although the pigmentation of the blush isn't at all bad. It's quite easy to build up and lasts pretty well. The colors of this blush though... The bronzer is so metallic. It's a really shimmery bronze, not for contouring at all. It's much more suited to be an eyeshadow, and it can be used as such because this product is baked! The blush has a satin finish, neither matte nor shimmery, and is a peachy shade. Together, they form this sort of shimmery tan peach shade, which is great for summer, but it's December. 

This duo isn't bad. I seem a little confused in this review, and that's because I am. I don't love or hate this, it's just not my style - shimmery things aren't my favorite. Perhaps the other shades will please me more. Anyways, I would recommend this for those looking for a sheer, shimmery and glowy application. This is definitly more of a summer product.

Thanks for reading!

That's right, that's all you need! A drop of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and a blob of your favorite face wash.

Why EVOO? It breaks down and dissolves makeup, also working to keep your brushes nourished. Why use face wash? Well, it's going on your face anyways! Make sure the one you use is a deep cleansing one.

Thanks for reading! Try this out and let me know how it goes.

I've been wearing this eye look a lot these days! I'll post the shimmery version in a few days, haha. First of all, I apologize for the shakiness - either way, it's quite a simple look. This is my first post with a picture of me, so don't laugh! My eyebrows look a bit patchy, I know, but they looked fine in person.

It's a nude eye with a very slight wing - I was never good at wings, so I'm actually really proud of myself.

I used:
Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Palette
Physicians Formula Eye Booster Liquid Liner

No mascara on! I wore the look to school and ran out of time getting ready, so I skipped out on that. Thanks for reading!

Hi, all! Happy December. For all you Americans, I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. Today I'm going to be showing you some of my favorite hair products from the drugstore. I'm not a big hair person (I haven't used any heat on my hair for over a year now - woot woot), so there won't be a lot of products, but I've still got a few for you, enough for a basic hair routine.

Shampoo - Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo
I've been using this stuff for years and years. It's great, very affordable and effective. It's not stripping or drying on the hair and the scent is really nice and fresh.

Conditioner - Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Conditioner
This should really be a lot more expensive than it is. It's a great daily conditioner. It works to hydrate your hair without weighing it down

Leave-In Treatment - Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccon Sleek Oil Treatment
This is a really nice oil. It's lightweight, and smells great. It's also a mulitasking product, acting as a leave in, detangler, serum, and eliminates frizz in one go. Highly recommend!

Detangler - Not Your Mother's Knotty To Nice Conditioning Detangler
This shit. Is great. It really works to smooth out knots and detangler my mane. The name is also quirky and cute, huh?

Dry Shampoo - Batiste Dry Shampoo
This is something that EVERYBODY raves about. I quite like it, it smells nice and doesn't leave my hair with a gray cast. The stuff itself is also really good at absorbing oil and making your hair look a lot cleaner than it is.

Hairspray - L'Oreal Elnett Satin
This hairspray is legendary. It is a lighthold spray, but does hold your style with a lot of movement and zero crunchiness. The packaging is also really luxurious and nice.

Heat Protectant - TREsemme Heat Tamer Spray
This product has also been used by everybody and their mother. It's great - it works to protect your hair (obviously), minimizing the damage a hot tool can do. It also smells like green apples and is super affordable.

Thanks for reading! Have you ever tried any of these?

I'm always having problems with blogger, whether it be technical or mental (like not posting, but don't worry, I'll be back next week!). Right now my theme (or template) won't let me reply on comments, and I keep thinking "I'll get to it tomorrow" repeat x infinity. I like this theme, but if this problem is big enough I'll change it. Can anyone help? If you know how to fix the problem or know of a theme garden please email me at theravingsofaninsomniac@gmail.com

Thanks so much!

Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water $12 | Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash $11 | Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash $5.49 | Eclos Skin Prep Cleanser $14.99 | St. Ives Green Tea Scrub $1 | Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner $6.99 | No7 Rapid Spot Rescue $11.99 | Burt's Bees Sensitive Eye Cream $15 | H2O+ Oasis Mist $17 | H2O+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment $36 | Nivea Soft $5.39 |

All this adds up to... $117.87!! Damn, this is high. Especially for a cheap student like myself... This stuff isn't even including the masks I use.

I don't think it's any secret that I love Sonia Kashuk Makeup. Everything I've tried from the Target exclusive brand is amazing! Today I will be raving about my new love, the Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlighter Stick.

What it is: a cream highlighter
Where it is: Target stores
For how much: $11
Anything else: Sonia Kashuk products are not tested on animals!

I don't think this is the first time I've advocated an SK product. From the affordable price to the luxurious packaging, everything from this brand is downright lovely. I've had my peepers on this little guy for ages now, and I was thrilled to finally spot it in stores.

Sonia Kashuk claims that "the creamy, pearl-infused formula housed in a portable stick creates an illuminated effect, making it easy to selectively highlight features or add a healthy glow to bare skin. Triglycerides ensure that the stick blends smoothly and adheres perfectly and comfortably to the skin for a long lasting, brilliant shimmer effect." There are two shades available, a pink toned one (Persian Sunset) and this gold toned one that I'm reviewing today, Sparkling Sands.

Hi, all! I'm back today with a favorites post. I've been enjoying a variety of products lately, and I thought it was time for another favorites post.

Giovanni D-Tox System Purifying Face Mask
Are y'all tired of me talking about this yet? I kind of really love it. It's basically a clay mask that draws out impurities and deep cleanses your skin. It doesn't leave my skin feeling dry, but rather clean from the inside. And the color (it's chalk gray) is also strangely satisfying to smear over the face.

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
I've been using this toner for over two years now. For me, this is a product that I've never really thought about how much I like up until now. It's gentle and helps balance out my skin and tighten pores without drying.


Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlighter Stick in Sparkling Sands
I won't go too much into detail about this (full review coming soon), but basically it's a lovely stick highlighter that gives a subtle and beautiful glowing sheen. The stick makes it super handy as well, and the shade is a very nice champagne/gold/pearly shade.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Inked in Pink - review here
I've had this eyeshadow for a few months now, but haven't really used it much until now. It's slowly becoming one of my everyday makeup staples. It's quick and easy, and makes me look like I spent ages on my makeup when really it took me ten seconds to slap some on my lids.

NYX Slide On Pencil in Brown Perfection
This is a simple brown eyeliner, but it's so lovely. Doesn't smear, smudge, or run anywhere. It's easy to smudge out before it sets though, so that's what I've been doing - marking the edge of my lower lashline and smudging it out for a hazy yet defined look.

Favorite Lip Combo
I've been loving the Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Unique Pink with the NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Tea Rose. Both are a very natural pink color, which is hardly remarkable, but together they give me a pouty just-been-kissed esque look. Both are also super hydrating and the scents (minty and candy) make for a sweet smelling scent that wear comfortably.




Bath & Body Works Sea Island Cotton Hand Cream (I think this has been discontinued but I've linked you to the scent, something still worth smelling)
I've never really taken time to appreciate this cream, but I'm doing it now. It's a thick, luxurious feeling cream that absorbs in SO fast and really hydrates my hands. The moisturized feeling lasts for hours afterwards. The scent of this is also really lovely, relaxing and soft.

Boots Extracts Coconut Lip Balm
Yet another product I've hardly raved about, this is one of my favorite lip balms. It sinks in quickly, but the moisture given lasts for quite some time. It also has a pretty matte finish, which is strange in a lip balm but something that I appreciate.


Essie Buy Me A Cameo
I totally forgot to photograph this, sorry~! This is a beautiful rose gold shade, the website describes it as a "frosted satin mocha" if it helps you picture it any better. This was on my nails for the longest time!f

Time for random favorites! Warning - there's a lot. A lot are TV shows too. Don't laugh.


Nokia Lumia 521
Yes, I'm including a phone in my favorites! Haha, I just got this a week or so ago and although its got some faults, it's a nice phone. Windows 8 is a really nice platform for cell phones. Very customizable! I love it.



Supernatural
This was in my last favorites post... can you blame me? It just came back. Too good. I can't finish this thought, this show's just too much.



Parenthood
I've talked about this before! I love this show. It's a show about a boisterous family. It's quite realistic and humorous, but there are also underlying messages of love and family.



The Walking Dead
Man, this show got popular really quickly! I started watching when it first came out, and it was a quiet show. But by halfway through season 2 EVERYBODY was watching. I love this show. I love dark shows, and a show about the zombie apocalypse? Daaaaark.



Parks and Recreation
Parks has actually been back for quite some time, but this season is amaaaaaaazzzziiiiiiiing. Very funny and unexpected.



The Office
Dwight. 'Nuff said.

Thanks for reading! What have you been enjoying recently?