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!
What it is: a brow marker
Where it is: Target stores, Ulta stores, and online
For how much: $9.75
Anything else: NYX is cruelty free and their products are hypoallergenic!
NYX is a brand that I've only tried a few products of but really want everything from. Everything's so damn cute and affordable. They started selling at Target stores a couple months ago, so I vowed to try some more products... but there aren't many products there! Anyways, I've been wanting to get my hands on a brow marker, and since they aren't too available here in the States I grabbed this as soon as I laid eyes on it.
In case you didn't know the concept of a brow marker, it's like a felt-tip eyeliner but for your brows. They're supposed to give quite a natural brow look, which is my jam. I love fluffy, natural brows. There are two shades, Medium and Deep, which is the one I'll be reviewing. NYX says, "Sculpt, fill in and enhance your natural eyebrows with our felt-tip Eyebrow Marker. The color resists smearing and smudging, and wears all day long." This marker is opthalmologically tested, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and cruelty free.
The packaging is pretty simple, it looks like a felt-tip pen. The cap locks on securely, so no fear that the tip will dry out. The tip is actually a lot shorter than I expected, especially since eyeliners are so much longer.
This isn't very pigmented, but brow pens aren't supposed to be. The color is supposed to be quite faint, as you can see by the swatch it is. On my hand, it looks to be pretty neutral toned, but on the brows it's quite red-toned. When I remove it the cotton pad comes back as red. It's really odd. The formula is pretty great, it's smudgeproof and so long lasting, but since the tip is so precise you have to really trace over your brows, which inevitably leaves you with brows a lot fuller than expected. Brushing out does no good either since it's budgeproof, but if I apply brow gel the wand comes back red! How weird.
Like I said earlier, I'm all for natural-looking brows. If this product was a bit more hazy and suited my hair color more I'm sure I would love it, but for now I'll just save it for any occasions where I absolutely cannot use powder. I would recommend for anyone who likes a strong brow look.
Thanks for reading! Have you tried any brow markers? Are they all as weird as this one?
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.
The packaging for this is really convenient; it's in a twist up tube. I quite like the packaging. It's functional and simple. The cap locks securely in place so there's no doubt that it comes off in your makeup bag. The color of the tube is correspondent to the shade, this one is golden while Persian Sunset's is pink.
As you can see, this is a shimmery reflective pearly champagne shade. It's easy to blend and the color won't smudge around or disappear, it's pretty much smudgeproof and waterproof although it isn't advertised. I wish it were a little more creamy, it's a tad dry (mine broke off in the tube, I didn't even realize until I was taking photographs for the product) but it doesn't really affect the outcome. And the outcome? A subtle, healthy glow that makes you look fresh faced and bright.
I really like this highlighter! The packaging is efficient and simple, the formula's pretty nice, and the shade is really beautiful as well. I'm itching to get my paws on the other shade. Highly recommend!
Thanks for reading. Have you tried any SK products? If so, do you love them as much as I do?
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?
Oh dear.. The last time I posted anything was three weeks ago. I've got a reason for my absence, but it's a terrible reason. I've been at school. I'm terrible at time management, so lately I've been just too busy doing work to blog. Don't worry, I'm coming back! Hopefully by next week my regular blogging schedule will be back. Many apologies!
Emily xoxo
(Sorry for the photoshop job - I reeeeeally don't want to take pictures today, plus the lighting is weird in my room right now!)
I found this at TJ Maxx just as I was starting to contemplate purchasing one of these facial sprays. There haven't been any drugstore releases and I was going to go out and purchase an $18 bottle until I found this gem for $3. I am in love. I spray this on my face (or body) whenever my skin is feeling a little dull and needs a refreshing pick-me-up. It also works very well as a makeup finishing spray. The spray nozzle itself is very good as well, the spray is fine and consistent.
I was beginning to think I would never find another moisturizer other than the infamous Nivea Soft, which contains things like mineral oil and petrolatum. When I stumbled upon it, I remembered I really liked the Oasis Mist and decided to try it - after all, it was oil free, not tested on animals, and the packaging was lovely. I have to say that I adore this. The gel texture is amazing. It feels soothing and refreshing, and the smallest dab can cover my entire face and neck. It hydrates my normal/dry skin amazingly well and I quite like the scent of it! The only problem I have with it is that it's unhygienic and no SPF - but both of those aren't a big issue.
I've had very mixed feelings about this product. While I like the product itself, the claims are just ridiculous and that really puts me off. Anyways, it's nice and light, perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. It's also very convenient, very nice for quickly slapping it on and running out the door. I'm enjoying it lately mainly because it's really easy to apply. I dab a bit on the inner corners of my eyes, by the crops of my nose, on my chin and bridge of nose, and I can blend as I make the mad dash out my door and to the car. Although most of the coverage fades away after just a few hours, the concealer never creases or gets cakey.
This nifty little palette is something I use on a regular basis without really thinking about how nice it is. It's a cream concealer with a very creamy (duh) consistency that has medium coverage, is very blendable, and not at all drying. It contains a green toned concealer so you can cover up any red spots with ease, and two shades so you can mix your custom shade. Very handy, quick, and a lovely product in general.
Seriously, this brush is amazing! It's a small stipple brush, as the name would suggest. Why use a small one, you ask? Well, it allows you to have more control and reach areas you wouldn't be able to reach with a larger one (like around the nose and under the eyes). I wouldn't recommend for foundation simply because it would take too long, but you could do it. It's a very multipurpose brush - I can use with liquid, cream, or powder products! I use it buff and blend out my undereye concealer, which gives a very natural but beautiful finish. Fair warning though, stipple brushes give light, airbrushed coverage. This one does so as well. Anyways, it looks sleek, doesn't shed, and dries quickly!
No7 Beautiful Brows Pencil - review here
This brow pencil is a savior when I'm in a hurry. It's a hard, waxy pencil, which means that I can skip out on brow gel because not only will the color last all day, the wax base of the pencil will tame my brows to an extent. It's also got a spoolie on one end for quick brushing. Like I said, savior!
This is a very very VERY thick cream. I wouldn't recommend using this on your face, but I find that it's great for moisturizing my neck. I often forget to moisturize my neck, because it's too high for my body butter but too low for my face moisturizer (what terrible reasoning). Lately I've been slathering this on my neck after my shower and I've found that my neck feels... tighter. It's hard to explain.
Triple Threat Facials
I've been LOVING VDM's Triple Threat Facials! I did a post on some products that I've been using for these facials - basically you exfoliate, then deep cleanse, and finally hydrate. I find that after one of these bad boys my skin just feels amazing.
Misc favorites now!!
Little Alchemy
This is an app on the Google Chrome store, but now that I think about it is it available on the Apple store? Update: I just checked and it isssssss. Anyways, this is a cute little game where you start out with four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water, and you have to make more elements. For example, if you combine fire and earth together you'd get lava, see?
Supernatural
Oh dear lord, please don't get me started on this. I crammed eight years worth of 45 minute episodes into six weeks. What an amazing show. Very suspenseful and each season has an amazing plot. The actors, writers, and directors are amazing. I highly encourage you to watch... Wait, don't. It's so painful...
Thanks for reading! What have you been loving?
I wear very little makeup on a daily basis. After all, I really see no reason to get dolled up. I'm getting up early in the morning to go sit with a bunch of other children who also get up early in the morning just to stare at an adult who asks us to answer questions. You can see that I really care how I look during school (sarcasm, for you slow ones). However, I do wear some makeup everyday and since I really enjoy reading these types of posts, I thought I'd write one too.
So usually, I use five products, but on some days I feel like dolling up I toss some more into the mashup. The first thing I do is fill in and define my eyebrows. I like using powder for a more natural look. Who wants to look like they have drawn on eyebrows for school, anyways? I pull out my trusty Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral palette for this purchase. Then I set my brows with brow gel, the No7 Lash and Brow Perfector being my card of choice. After brows, I move onto concealer. I use two different concealers, a light coverage liquid for my undereyes to brighten, and a heavier cream on my chin and around my nose to conceal imperfections. I like the Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller for my undereyes and the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette for my face. After that step, I slap on some color on my lips and I'm good to go. I always have a billion colors floating around in my bag, the one I'm using most at the moment is the Sonia Kashuk Moisture Luxe Tinted Lip Balm in Hint of Pink.
Now for the more complicated days, I'll add a little more to the mix. Sometimes I'll throw on a little eyeshadow. I prefer matte ones because there's no fallout and they look more natural. The eyeshadow look I go for is a contoured eye, I put a darker shade on the outer edges of my eye and into my crease. Once again, I love the Eye on Neutral Palette. Then I apply liquid liner, very close to my lashline. This just makes my lashes appear more defined. My favorite is the Physician's Formula Eye Booster, the nib is so fine and precise. I love applying liner to my lower lashline and smudging it out, so I'll grab a brown liner and do just that. I love the NYX Slide On in Brown Perfection. I almost never wear mascara (only because I hate the hassle of removing it), but when I do, it's usually the No7 Exquisite Curl, sometimes the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide.
Thanks for reading! What's your everyday makeup routine?
For many of us, school is starting - or has already started. One of the infinite issues I have with school is that I'm in a controlled environment with hundreds of other kids. These few words are not a good sign. Emergencies could happen anytime. For this reason, I've collected a few items over the years that I find are a good quick fix for anything that might happen during school.
- Hand sanitizer - self explanatory. I always carry around a hand sanitizer. More often than not, it's on of Bath and Body Works's Pocketbac ones because they smell lovely!
- Hand cream - I have sad, dry skin so hand cream is a must for me. This L'Occitane Cherry Princess Hand Cream is luxurious and lovely, and hydrates my hands.
- Lip balm - I freaking love lip balm. I have one everywhere, so it makes sense that I would have one in my bag. And it makes for a good cuticle balm if you have a cuticle emergency during school (if that's even possible?). I currently have my Nivea Lip Butter tossed in the bag.
- Perfume - I wear perfume almost everyday. Whenever I forget I whip out this Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange rollerball. It smells tangy and unoffensive, I love it!
- Tinted lip balm - because I need more than one lip balm. This usually gets rotated around, but right now it's the Boots Botanics Tinted Lip Balm. Good for a subtle tint of color to really wake up your complexion if you're looking sallow or pale.
- Makeup remover wipes/pads - personally I don't carry these around because I don't wear much makeup to school (just brows and a bit of concealer) but I think these are great to have in case you have an eye watering experience and your mascara gets messed up or something.
- Eye drops - this isn't something everybody needs, but I definitely recommend for contact wearers or people with sensitive/dry eyes like myself!
- Gum/mints - nobody likes to have bad breath, but these also hold off my hunger until lunch!
- Hair ties/bobby pins - also self explanatory.
- Band-aid - I always manage to cut myself during school, and sometimes I'm just too damned lazy to ask the teacher for one or go to the nurse.
- Tampon - alllllso self explanatory.
- Tylenol - in case myself or a friend gets a sudden headache!
- Tissues - another self explanatory thing. Gosh Emily, could you be any more boring?
Thanks for reading! What's in your school/travel makeup bag?
I enjoyed writing the last skincare post so much I thought I'd bring you a version about masks. I normally don't write skincare reviews on my blog because what works for me might be a disaster for you, but I do enjoy sharing products and giving my opinion, so these mini-reviews are perfect! Today is a face mask edition. I used to use masks quite frequently, and then got a bit lazy with the process because I found it too slow and tedious. Recently I've been using them again and really enjoying the process I used to find boring.
Starting from left to right, this Petal Fresh Botanics Aloe & Cucumber Facial Peel Off Masque is something I found in Taiwan and I cannot find and proof of this brand anywhere other than Ebay. But basically, it's a gel that you apply to your face, and it forms a film that you can peel off about ten minutes later. It's cool and satisfying, but alcohol denat is the second ingredient in this product and I'm trying to back off from products with high alcohol content.
The Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask is something that I actually wrote a review on. I don't feel as if it actually hydrates my skin, but I like the scent and it's tingly and cooling on the face. The consistency is very nice too, it feels almost clay based but it doesn't harden.
This third mask I got recently, and I've been really enjoying it. The Giovanni D-Tox System Purifying Facial Mask is quickly becoming one of my skincare staples. The mask isn't very opaque, which is nice because I don't look like a serial killer, it smells quite fresh and natural, and really helps my skin feel cleansed from the inside. It doesn't dry out my skin, nor does it bring blemishes to a head (although I know that's good I cannot stand it).
Probably my favorite mask of the bunch, one that I always use is the Origins Drink Up Intensive. I'm sure you've heard of it, it's exploded over the blogosphere. I've had this sample size since February, and it's still going strong! This is a hydrating mask that you leave on overnight. But don't worry, it absorbs into your skin so it doesn't end up on your pillowcase and sheets. It smells like apricots, feels luxurious, and in the morning the skin just looks and feels beautiful.
This Yes To Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask is something I'm pretty partial to. It smells too strongly of cucumbers, but otherwise I can't find any faults. It works fairly quickly, the clay drying within ten minutes, so if you're in a hurry and you need a quick detox mask than this will do the job. I don't think it's anything amazing, but I don't dislike it.
