The Ravings of an Insomniac

Hey, guys! I wanted to apologize for my absence lately. I've had a lot going on, and I've been meaning to blog, but it just isn't happening. Anyways, I'm back today with a haul post. I went shopping today and picked up a few things, so I thought I'd show you!

I really only went to three stores - however, one of them was TJ Maxx, aka the death of me.

I picked up an Alba Botanica Very Emollient Suncreen SPF 45 in Pure Lavender. I've been meaning to get a natural sunscreen and I snatched this up when I saw it. I also got two H2O+ products, the Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment and the Marine Toner (a travel size). I also got the Giovanni Purifying Facial Mask and the Earth Theraputics Hydrogel Under Eye Patch. Of course, no haul is complete without a lip balm or two, two in this case - one is the eos lip balm in medicated tangerine, and the other is the Alba Botanica Hawaiin Lip Balm.


I also got some hair products - very strange for me, usually all I do to my hair is wash and condition it. I picked up the Rusk Sensories Calm Shampoo and Conditioner, in a travel size. I also got the Psssssst Dry Shampoo, which I've been meaning to try for a while. I thought the Sebastian Shaper Zero G Featherweight Dry Finish Hairspray was another dry shampoo, so I got it. I'll probably give this away. And last, not a hair product, I picked up a deo, the Zatik Herbal Refresh Deodorant.


Lastly, I got a few cosmetic bits and bobs. Essie's Chinchilly made it into my cart after one glance. I also got three brushes, two from the e.l.f. studio brush line (the Small Smudge Brush and the Small Stipple Brush). I got a foundation brush from I on Beauty, and two perfumes - Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck and Lady Gaga's Fame.

That concludes my haul! Thanks for reading. Have you been shopping recently?

Today's post is a review! I'm pretty excited to be publishing this review, when I was looking online I could only find a handful of reviews on this particular product. Most of the reviews were on the original, not this shade.

What it is: a brightening eyeliner
Where it is: Target and online
For how much: $17
Anything else: Pixi does not test on animals

Pixi products really interest me. In case you didn't know, Pixi is a British based brand. Their products are sold exclusively in Target stores in the States. All of their products are packaged nicely and the green shade they have is gorgeous. There are also testers at the store, which is great. The only problem is that these products are pretty overpriced. I mean, come on! For a drugstore brand, do you really need to sell an eyeliner for seventeen dollars?  Even considering this, I have a pretty long Pixi wishlist...

So this eyeliner is basically a brightening liner. I've been interested in getting one of these since reading an article over on The Beauty Department.  There are two shades available, I'm reviewing 2 Extra Bright. Extra Bright is packaged the same as the other, but the box it comes in is different. Pixi describes this pencil as "This waterproof precision inner rim liner is designed to brighten the eyes and make the eye whites look whiter. Twist-up, non-sharpening precision point pen makes it easy to use and adds a brightening effect exactly where you want it. The pale white-pink-lavender colour enhances the whiteness of the eye white, giving the illusion of larger, more bright and awake eyes - your own little wakeup makeup secret!" This liner is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, mineral oil free, and suitable for sensitive eyes. It contains sunflower seed oil to "soothe eyes and help skin retain moisture." Sounds lovely, right?

The packaging for this is simple and functional. It's a retractable eyeliner, meaning you don't have to sharpen, but the tip does wear down and it's less hygienic. The cap on my liner is actually pretty difficult to get off, the first time I opened the product I thought perhaps the lid was jammed? Nope, it just catches on so sturdily that you have to put some elbow grease into it just to use the liner. That being said, at least I know for a fact that the lid won't come off and leave me with pink marks on the inside of my makeup bag!



The color of this pencil is really pretty. Like Pixi describes, it's a pale mixture of white, lavender, and pink. I think this liner would be a good match from pale to medium skin tones. There's no shimmer, but this liner reflects light nicely, brightening the areas where you put it. I use this on my lower rim and inner corners for a quick wake-me-up on days where my eyes are looking especially exhausted. It really makes me eye whites lighter and also makes my eyes appear a tad bit larger. I also like to use this on my Cupid's bow for a subtle highlight. Anyways, the texture of this liner is a lot harder than I imagine. You have to warm it up first, which I don't like, but it really wouldn't be a problem for most people. What I like to do is warm it up by drawing on the back of my hand, then dipping my pinky into the product and patting it in the inner corner. Then I draw a line on my waterline with the now-warmed pencil.

Bottom line? I like this liner, but I wish it was softer. I recommend for anyone who doesn't mind having to warm it up first.

What it is: a facial moisturizer
Where it is: Target and online
For how much: $20
Anything else: Pacifica products are natural, cruelty free, and vegan friendly! A portion of the proceeds also go to support clean water.

Shortly after purchasing the Sea Foam Complete Face Wash and loving it, I figured I'd pick up the moisturizer that Pacifica makes, as they come together in the Good Karma Skincare Set. The moisturizer came in a red cardboard box that I tossed, figuring I wouldn't review this (I usually don't review skincare on my blog). If I'm not mistaken, the box pretty much said the same thing as the bottle.

Pacifica claims that this moisturizer is "a highly effective anti-aging everyday natural moisturizer.  Proven peptides, high potency antioxidants, floral stem cells and advanced natural extracts come together in our exclusive superpower Fleuracell Complex® with ingredients shown to improve the overall appearance of skin and help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles deeply moisturize and protect help support collagen promotes a lifting effect, and brings back skin's natural radiance." This moisturizer contains a very hefty list of skin benefiting ingredients, including sunflower seed oil, kelp extract, and coconut water. It's formulated without petroleum, parabens, SLS, or phthalates. It has 1.7 oz of product, although the website's picture says it has 1.



The packaging is really nice. The moisturizer comes in a white tube (why don't all face products have pumps, they're much more sanitary) with claims and directions. It's fairly simple but effective. One pump gives you the perfect amount for your face.

This cream is a white, very light and fairly runny cream. Since it's so light, it's not nearly moisturizing enough for my normal/dry skin. I've had a dry, tight, itchy patches on my face since I started using the product. It smells a little funky, not unpleasent but a little strange. To me, this scent is so familiar but I can't place it. It smells like a natural product, if you catch my drift. It spreads very easily over the skin and absorbs in a matter of seconds. I quite like the texture. It hasn't broken me out or left me with any kind of negative reaction. Since I've started using this, my skin has looked a bit brighter, but it's not like I radiate light. I honestly can't say anything about the anti-aging benefits of this product, because at my age I hardly need these types of products.

Bottom line: I'm pretty partial to this product. It's nice and light, but not moisturizing enough for my skin. I would recommend to anyone with normal/oily or combo skin. I'll finish this moisturizer, but I won't repurchase.

Hey, everybody! Today's post is a review on a cleanser I've been using for a couple weeks now. I thought I'd share my thoughts on the product. Quick disclaimer, this is a face product. Everybody's skin is different, so I'm not certain if you will enjoy this product as much as I do.

What it is: a facial cleanser
Where it is: Target and online
For how much: $11
Anything else: Pacifica products are natural, cruelty free, and vegan friendly!

For those of you that don't know, Pacifica is a vegan perfume and body brand that has recently expanded to makeup and skincare. Their skincare and makeup is formulated without "animal testing, animal ingredients, FD&C color, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, benzene, mineral oil, petroleum, peanut oil, triclosan, and other ingredients you do not want on your skin." Already sounds great, right?

Pacifica claims that this product will "harness the power of the ocean with marine extracts.  Coconut water and natural actives come together in our gentle sulfate-free foaming cleanser that removes daily toxins and make-up. Deeply cleanse, balance and refresh tired skin. Remember, one of the best defenses against aging skin is daily cleansing." It is formulated with papaya extract, coconut water, and sea algae extract. This cleanser contains 5 oz of product.

Click on the picture if you want to read the text!

 The packaging is simple, a pretty blue squeeze tube with a flip top. The product is a clear gel. It smells wonderful, like coconut with a dash of vanilla. Whenever I use this cleanser I am taken to the pool, the ocean, a lake, anywhere bright and summery with water. The scent is a great pick-me-up in the morning.


Cleansing wise, this is wonderful! It's very gentle and doesn't strip my skin, but leaves it feeling clean and wonderful. It takes off makeup like a charm. You wouldn't need a separate makeup remover if you only wear a little makeup. It foams up very well, and although foaming cleansers are supposed to dry the skin out, this one doesn't. I haven't had a bad reaction to this yet, and I've been using it almost daily for about a month or so.

Bottom line: this cleanser is great! It's gentle but powerful, non-drying and foams up well, and it smells great. I highly recommend.

What it is: a face mask
Where it is: I purchased mine at Marshalls (it always seems to be in stock there) but Elizabeth Arden products are available in department stores and online.
How much: around $13
Anything else: Elizabeth Arden products are tested on animals

This is basically a mask that you put on your face. It's no longer available on the website, so I can't find any claims for you... Apologies, apologies! You're supposed to leave this mask on your face for five to ten minutes and then rinse off.

Click on the image to enlarge if you want to read the info!

The packaging is fairly simple. It's a pale pink squeeze tube with directions in and ingredients on the back.



The product itself is a semi-opaque light pink color. The texture of this mask feels almost clay based, it's very solid and takes a bit of work to evenly spread around on the face. It has a bit of a strange but not unpleasant smell, the best way I can describe it is herbally. The mask feels very refreshing and tingly on the face, however some have said that the tingling turned to burning after just a few minutes. I have not had this issue with the mask, but if you have sensitive skin this mask could be a bit of an issue. Although the directions say to rinse this mask off after five to ten minutes, I leave it on as long as I want. This is because this mask doesn't really do anything for my skin. It feels nice and tingly, that's it.

I'm partial to this product. It's not hydrating, but it does feel really nice on the skin.

Thanks for reading! Have you tried this? What do you think?

What it is: a brow pencil
Where it is: Target stores and online
How much: $7
Anything else: Boots products are not tested on animals

So basically this is a brow pencil. It's available in three shades, mine is in the brown color. The other two shades are black and blond. Boots claims that this pencil "helps shape and define brows without smudging of flaking." Not very many claims, Boots!


I really like the packaging of this product. It has a spoolie on one end, and the pencil itself on the other. I don't understand why some brow pencils don't have spoolies, I really don't. It just makes life more convenient and easy. Anyways, this pencil isn't retractable, so it must be sharpened. This can waste product, but it's also more hygienic as you get untouched product every time you sharpen it.


The texture of this pencil is fairly hard. The color is a little dull, which is what I prefer in a brow product. Brown is a dark brown. Because this pencil is pretty hard, it's difficult to overfill your brows, which I think is great. Even if you do overfill, you can use the attached spoolie to blend everything out, quick and easy. It lasts all day and doesn't require any sort of touching up. It lives up to its claims... although there are only two. It doesn't smudge or flake away.

I really like this product! It's a basic brow pencil that functions very nicely. I recommend to anyone looking into another brow pencil! Have you tried this product? What do you think?

Hi, guys! Today's post is a review on Wet n' Wild's Walking on Eggshells trio.

Welcome to the third and final installment of the Sephora Wishlist collection! Today I'll be talking about eyes and the things that I want with eyes.

Lash Stash To Go - This is basically a set of mascara samples. You get to sample five mascaras, and when you pick your favorite you use the voucher given and you get to receive the full size of that mascara for free! Isn't that such a great idea?

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - I have a feeling I don't need to explain why I want this, but I'll explain anyways. 12 beautiful shades, a mix of mattes and shimmers. Well pigmented, versatile, buttery shades. Sounds amazing already.

Shiseido Eyelash Curlers - I spelled it wrong in the picture above! I'm very very sorry. Apparently these curlers are amazing for Asian lashes.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Eyebrow Pencil - Apparently this pencil is beeeeeeautiful!


Thanks for reading! What's on your wishlist?

I hate shelling out money for brush cleanser. I see no point in it, especially if won't even do the job well! So today, I thought I'd show you an easy-peasy DIY brush cleanser. It's quick, easy, and very affordable. You have all of these ingredients, I promise. This is how I always clean my brushes!

What'd I tell you? Super simple. A drop of olive oil + a blob of your favorite deep cleanser and wah-lah, squeaky clean brushes! Remember to put only a drop of oil - think of ratio of 1:8.

Why use olive oil? Olive oil breaks down and dissolves makeup with ease, and it will condition your brushes as well. Why use face wash? Well, it's going on your face anyways. Pick your favorite one that really cleanses your face well.

I get a tad bit obsessive when I fall in love with a product... It's the first thing I think about in the morning. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but there are definitely products I place by my bed so they're there when I wake up, or by my side when I sleep. These coveted products are my necessities for the dead of the night or at the crack of dawn.

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch - this product is basically a luminizer that can be used as a highlighting concealer. Everyone who has this absolutely loves it, and I don't think I'd be any different. I would adore this pen. The finish it gives! So beautiful.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 - this is apparently "the primer" if you're looking for a primer. Like the one above, everybody who has it raves about it. Who can blame them? It claims to even out the skintone, minimize shine, absorb oil, reduce the appearance of pores, the list goes on and on.

YSL Le Tient Touch Eclat Illuminating Foundation - you have no idea how badly I want this product. It looks so amazing and natural and beautiful.

Thanks for reading! What products have you been lusting after?

I tend to spend a lot of time cooped up at my desk, doing schoolwork or tapping away at my computer into the early hours of the morning. Seeing as I spend so much time at my desk, I put together a collection of of essentials on my desk to care for my constant beauty needs.

A lot of people suffer from dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and scars on their faces. There are a lot of products targeted towards people concerned with that. However, what about us with dark spots on our bodies? I know how you feel, if you  have them. I pick at my scabs... don't do that. It'll leave you with a scar. As a result of that, my legs are scattered with scars. I figured I'd just let them sit by themselves until they eventually disappear for years, but a while ago I grew tired of looking at my legs and bought myself some scar removing products.

Bio Oil is a cult favorite in the beauty world. People rave about this being Holy Grail status and amazing. To be perfectly honest, I haven't used it yet. I got it as a backup for the oil I'm using right now. I will say that it smells a little odd.

Speaking of the oil I'm using right now, we have here the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil (the label peeled off, sorry!). It smells like chocolate (the scent lingers, by the way) and hydrates my skin really well. I haven't seen much impact that this has on my scars. It has, however, helped with my stretch marks. They've all but disappeared. The bottle recommends to use this three times a day for maximum impact. I use it once (or twice, if I remember) a day and the stretch marks are disappearing nonetheless.

The Yes To Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Body Creme is the first product I've seen designed specifically for correcting dark spots on the body. It's like a body butter, but a tad bit more whipped in texture. It smells diving (like grapefruits!) and sinks in quickly. The creme also claims to reduce spots in four weeks. I found that it took me more than four weeks to see significant results, but there were definitely results in a few weeks.

This one might seem a little out of place... Vitamin E (these are Costco brand). I squeeze the oil out of the capsules, but drugstores do sell vitamin E oil. This works, however, I can't stand it. It takes forever to absorb into your skin and you can never really get it off your hands from spreading it over your skin. However, if you have the patience, using straight up vitamin E does work.

Sorry, this product isn't pictured. Mederma is a scar treatment that my doctor actually recommended to me. I went through like, three tubes of this stuff. Full disclosure, after about six months my skin did grow immune to it (which is why I haven't repurchased), but it worked like a charm for those six months. My dark spots were reduced greatly. I used to put it on before my lotion, and then when I got lazy I started mixing it in with my body lotion, which worked all the same.

Another unpictured item: aloe vera. This might seem strange, but with continued use of this superplant, your scars will start to fade. Aloe vera gel can be purchased at most drugstores for a pretty affordable price, or you can scoop the meat out of the plant itself (also affordable). The only problem is that the plant's leaves don't grow back, so be wary if you're using the plant directly.

Some quick tips to helping body spots fade faster:

• Sunscreen. Some of your spots might be sun spots, so always be sure to apply sunscreen!
• Hydrate. I'm not sure why, but whenever my lets are soft and hydrated the spots seem to disappear faster.
• Don't overload your spots with products!

Ayo, so I hope this post was of some help to you. I know it can be a little difficult tracking down products designed for dark spots on the body. Thanks for reading!

Hey, guys! Today’s post is a review, specifically on Sephora’s Triple Action Cleansing Water

Thanks for reading! What have you been buying recently?