OOTD

What I'm wearing: Sweater (PacSun), Jeans (Levi's), Boots (JCP)

Hope everyone is having a beautiful day!

Thanksgiving OOTD!

 

Top: black tank top (target), gray sweater (macy's)

Bottom: jeans (american eagle)

Necklace: borrowed from my mom!

Shoes: brown riding boots

I hope everyone has an excellent Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for everything in my life, especially my family and friends! Enjoy your day and remember to count your blessings. Stay pretty xoxo

Top 5: Favorite Nail Polish for Fall

 

My favorite part about fall is watching the color scheme change in the leaves, my wardrobe, and even on my nails. I love to wear darker and neutral colors on my nails to fit the season. Pictured above are my top five favorite polishes. Starting with the color on pinky is Revlon's 570 Vixen. I really love the oxblood trend (oxblood? What every happened to burgundy?) and this color is perfect if that is what you've been looking for. It's a really beautiful, deep blood red with blue undertones. Next up (ring finger) is a color from Avon called Midnight Plum. Purple will always be my favorite color and I tend to wear this deep plum on my nails the most during fall and winter. On my middle finger is a color I just picked up from Ulta: OPI's The World Is Not Enough. I believe this is from their new James Bond Skyfall collection. It is an extremely shimmery steel color full of pretty red, silver and blue glitter. It is a very complex shade - something I love about OPI nail polishes. I find that the brand comes out with the most unique formulas and colors. I can see this being everyone's go-to color as we move closer to the holidays. On my pointer finger is a nice neutral color called GlamourPurse by Essie. It is a true taupe that I reach for when I want something classic. Last but not least is Sally Hansen's Shiny Penny. I don't think it looks like a penny at all - it takes on a really pretty orangey tone. I find this to be a wearable orange when neutrals get boring, and the formula holds up really well. I hope you enjoyed my post and have a wonderful week :) Stay pretty xoxo

CVS Haul: Wet n Wild & Revlon

Hey guys! I just made a quick trip downtown with my roommate and we stopped at CVS. I picked up some really pretty things that I'm excited to share, so here they are:

This is Wet n' Wild's I'm Getting Sunburned ($2.99). Although this is kind of a summery name for these shades, I definitely can see them being worn in the fall. I did a swatch on my hand for you, and they feel buttery smooth. I was so impressed with the quality and pigmentation and can't wait to see how they wear on the eyes. 

This is an old favorite of mine: Wet n' Wild's 908C Sugar Plum Fair ($1.99). I LOVE this berry color. I remember buying it when I was in high school and loving the color pay off for the dirt cheap price. The pink tones make this sweet plum color so wearable, and it really pops against my dark features.
 
Next up is Wet n' Wild's Mellow Wine blush ($2.99). I continue to be floored by the quality of Wet n' Wild's products given how affordable they are. The swatch on the right looks a little washed out, but these blushes are very pigmented. A little really goes a looooong way. In the packaging, the blush looks slightly orangey pink. But when swatched the pink and peach tones really come through. I think this blush would suit a variety of skin tones.

So reflective! Last is Revlon's 932 Copper Penny ($5.49).  I have been eying this color for a while and today was the day I finally picked it up! I was between this and another color called Gold Coin, which my roommate actually decided to buy for herself (hooray for sharing!). Revlon's nail colors are so easy to fall in love with. They have a lot of unique shades to choose from, and they're pretty long-wearing.

So that is it for this little haul! So excited to be trying out some new products as well as old favorites. Stay Pretty xoxo

I'm back!!

So I've been absent on here for quite some time. I've just been having so much fun getting reacquainted with school. Move-in was a breeze and classes are going well. I am actually going home this weekend to spend time with friends and family. I'll probably be making a few trips to MAC and Ulta, and maybe Harmon, so I will be sure to report back any purchases made there. I know the Marilyn Monroe collection is out at MAC for a limited time and I'd really like to check that out. I'm loving this fall weather. I love the change of color on the leaves of the trees, wearing riding boots, wrapping a scarf around my neck, and cupping a mug of hot chocolate. There is just something so peaceful and comforting about the fall season. Until next time, stay pretty :) xoxo

First purchase EVER at MAC

Excuse me as I geek out over something so small - this is the very first thing I have ever bought from MAC! Recently a counter opened up in my local Macy's, making it much more convenient for me to get to. I tried on a number of lip glasses and plumpers, from ones with sparkles to ones with shine, until I found this one. It is the plushglass lip gloss in Ample Pink. It goes perfectly with my skin tone and works as a nice everyday color. It is VERY sticky (MAC lip glosses often are), but the stickiness makes it so long wear. There is a slight tingle (not uncomfortable at all) when you first apply it. It is a lip plumper, and I thought it did a nice job of filling out my thin lips! The woman at the counter threw in some sample mascaras that I will be trying out soon. I'm very pleased with my first MAC purchase and I anticipate it will be the first of many!

Stay Pretty :)

Vamp it up!

Hey y'all! I'm so ready to head back to school! And even MORE excited for fall football, fashion, and fierce make-up. This look is more daring than one I would normally do, and I've loved dark lips ever since I used to watch Gossip Girl (remember Lil' J? She had the whole gothic barbie thing going onnnnn). I recently saw this look being done in Seventeen magazine - they called it "Vampire Lips." It's super sexy and requires minimal make-up. That's the great part - the lips are (obviously) the main attraction so the idea is to make the rest of your face look bare.

First I moisturized my face, then applied Clinique's Even Better foundation to my entire face using a Real Techniques stippling brush. No bronzer. No blush. No need! The idea is to look like a washed-out vampire (but a sexy one!) Then I quickly curled my lashes and applied one coat of L'Oreal Voluminous Full Definition mascara. Next up came the lips. First, line your lips with a nude liner. A nude liner is your best investment. It works with every lip color. I chose Revlon's Colorstay in Natural. For the color I chose Rimmel's Lasting Finish lipstick in Bordeaux. Look for deep, rich wine colors - I find them to be the most flattering. If you're darker in skin tone, try a color with blue tones instead of red. First use your finger to apply a sheer wash of color to the lips, starting in the center and then blending out. Use a liner brush to apply the lipstick to the edges (they are the most tricky area and require the most precision!). You can build the color using the finger method or just apply the lipstick straight from the tube to the center of your lip and then blend it out with your finger.

And that's it! I think this look is so pretty for a night out in the fall :) stay pretty!!

Great Buys of July!

Happy August! This summer is just flying by - I go back to school in three weeks! Here are some of my favorite items from the month of July. These range from hair products to body lotions and just plain ol' miscellaneous stuff! Hope you enjoy!

This is a pretty, pink beaded necklace I picked up while on vacation. My parents and I went to Colorado for a week. It was beautiful! I always love to get unique pieces while on vacation (and always look for ones that are locally made!) This necklace has little wooden beads breaking up the pink every inch or so. I think it will be perfect to throw on a casual outfit.

It's MiO!! If you haven't tried MiO yet, you're seriously missing out! I've been trying to drink a lot of water this summer, and this little guy adds a perfect burst of flavor! I got it in mango peach flavor. Although the packaging has yellow on it, it actually turns the water a deep orangish color. It tastes like heaven, and the best part is that it's calorie FREE!

These flip flops are from Old Navy. I also picked them up in black with silver accents, just because the price was fantastic. I love the color of these flip flops. I think this has to be the perfect color for summer - I even bought two shirts in a fluorescent version of this shade! I always find that Old Navy flip flops are very reliable, comfortable, and best of all - affordable.

Time for some actual beauty products! I wasn't really expecting to love this blush, just because it is such a fair, pinkish color (it's much lighter in person than in the picture) and I didn't expect it to have as much pigment as it does. It came with a bonus gift I got from Clinique when I made a few purchases there last month. The shade is called Cupid. It just adds the perfect pop of pink to my cheeks, and it looks so natural. Such a pretty shade!

Okay, so technically this Origins GinZing Refreshing eye cream wasn't a real purchase. I got a free sample when I ordered online from Sephora (so I guess that means the blush above wasn't a purchase either - oops!). But I am so happy I tried this! I never used eye creams before, because I didn't think they were necessary for young skin. But I LOVE this cream. It really brightens my eyes and wakes them up instantly. I use it when I apply my normal moisturizer. I will be buying the full size of this in the store!

I AM SO EXCITED I BOUGHT THESE BRUSHES! Can't you tell?! I have been researching quality make-up brushes for a while and I saw reviews RAVING about Real Techniques brushes. I was so happy when I saw them being sold at Harmon (I'm telling you - Harmon has a GREAT selection of stuff!). I've only used these a few times, but man are they soft! I am especially excited about the stippling brush - it really helps my foundation make-up look streak-free. Can't wait to buy more from Real Techniques!

Okay...I admit it...I did not purchase this nail polish either. I borrowed it from my friend, Katie. Guilty as charged! But it's beautiful. I was really feeling a nice yellow color for my nails and when I found this in Katie's collection, I couldn't wait to paint! In person, the color is the perfect amount of brightness (I'm usually not into neon or super bright colors. I don't want to hurt someones eyes when they're trying to look at my manicure!). I have found the formula to be thick and streaky (like most pastel or lighter colors) and it chips like crazy. I may try and find a color similar to this one in another collection.

You've probably already seen this product before (at the salon perhaps? I know mine uses it!) and wondered if it REALLY is a miracle product. Well ladies, here's the deal: I enjoy the It's a 10 miracle leave-in product for it's sweeeeeeeet and decadent scent, and because it is the best de tangler I have ever used. You know how soft and knot-free your hair is right after a cut? This leave-in product makes my hair feel like I just stepped out of the salon (cheesiest line ever - sorry! It's just so true!) When I wear my hair curly, it gets especially knotty at the back of my neck - I hate that! But when I spray this on damp hair, it really does keep my hair softer, knot-free, smelling nice, and all-around healthier looking. The only thing I hate is the price ($16 for 4 fl oz. WUT.)

Perfect skin in a bottle. I'm serious. Have you ever heard of the trick to put toothpaste on a zit to make it go away? Well I think this mask was made in spite of that tip. It makes your whole face tingle and tighten up. I wear it overnight on problem areas and wake up to flawless skin. Seriously - it just works.

A coworker suggested this John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Creme to me. The nice part about it is that it can go on dry hair without making it look greasy. The smell is lovely too, which is nice after using styling tools as they can make your hair smell burnt and icky. I was already a big fan of John Frieda products and I'm glad I got reacquainted with his hair products!

Last but not least! I mean, what is a summer without a really yummy smelling lotion? I got this from Bath and Body Works - it's called Bali Mango. I am always in favor of tropical smelling body products. They just smell like paradise. I went back and bought the body spray because it smells that good. Like all of B&BW products, I have found this lotion to be super easy to rub into the skin and non-greasy. Great for my summer skin!

That's all! Until next time, stay pretty :) xoxo

TJ Maxx Mini "Haul"

Sorry for my absence! Life has been a little hectic lately. I was up at school for the weekend to see some great friends and my boyfriend. It made me miss being up there! Anyways, I heard that TJ Maxx recently increased their beauty inventory and I went to take a look. I picked up (above, counterclockwise starting on the left) It's Green! Natural Solid Shampoo ($2), Fekkai Luscious Curls Cream ($9.99), bain de terre infinite hold flax seed finishing spray ($2) and Precision Beauty Eyelash Curler ($3.99). I needed to buy a new eyelash curler and this one came in a pretty cobalt blue shade. My family and I are taking a vacation next week to Colorado and this hair spray is airplane approved! I'm also really pumped to take the solid shampoo bar with me - I've been wanting to try one, but have been skeptical about solid shampoos. When I saw the price of this one I couldn't resist. I definitely need to get back to TJ's again -- I was THOROUGHLY impressed with their selection! I'm going to go read this month's Glamour while a storm rages on outside. Stay Pretty!!

Winner Takes All!

Left: Clinique Moisture Surge tinted moisturizer (shade 03)

Right: Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Perfector BB Cream (medium/deep)

I am ready to lay the SMACK DOWN on these two products! I heard all the buzz about BB Creams over the past few months and was really excited to see that a few drugstore brands had come out with their own (Maybelline, Garnier and L'Oreal). BB Creams, otherwise known as "Beauty Balms" are supposed to be a supreme tinted moisturizer. They are supposed to smooth, hydrate, cover imperfections flawlessly, protect skin, and perfect skin. I compared the two products (although Clinique does have their own BB Cream, I had this tinted moisturizer on hand). I'll compare the two, starting with Garnier:

Pro's: 

Hydrates REALLY well (I can totally skip a moisturizer)

Blends well 

Nice, build able coverage. 

No harsh smell

Really keeps skin smooth and soft

Spf 15

Cons:

Only available in two shades (light/medium, medium/deep)

Leaves my whole face really shiny

Here's the deal: The fact that only two shades are available works against this product. While it does blend well, the end result leaves my face looking slightly darker than the rest of me. For this reason, I have to use a bronzer to blend out my neck/chest area. This product is a great moisturizer, but it leaves my skin so shiny that I have to use pressed powder to matte it down. Those are really the only two points I have against it. Other than that, it is a nice make-up product and covers well.

Next up is Clinique! Pros:

Less is more - a little bit can go a very long way

Shade matches flawlessly

So easy to blend

spf 15

Very "natural" look

Cons: 

Can't really build up to full coverage (while I don't really care for full coverage, this may be a concern for some people)
hydrating, but a moisturizer underneath is suggested
Not the greatest staying power

Overall, I love this product. I have been using it for years and it is the perfect amount of coverage for someone like me. I never feel greasy when I have it on. Clinique's products always do wonders for my skin.

Personally, I don't understand the buzz about the BB creams. To me, they do the same thing that tinted moisturizers have been doing for years. While I do enjoy Garnier's BB Cream, I have to say that I will be sticking to Clinique's tinted moisturizer for years to come.

Fresh Face and Urban Decay

Todays face: Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer (shade 03),  Avon GLOW bronzing powder (P02 light bronze), Sephora light touch highlighter, Bobbi Brown creamy concealer (warm beige), Maybelline Color Tattoo by eye studio (bad to the bronze) and Clinique lash doubling mascara.

Today I'm headed off to the mall with my friends. I wanted a look that was simple and natural but still pretty enough for running errands!  A little bronzer and highlighter work wonders when paired together, and it allows you to totally forgo blush for a change-up. I also love the way Clinique's tinted moisturizer blends and hydrates simultaneously. I am one of those girls who has foundation-phobia and I HATE full coverage make-up. I always find myself coming back to this tinted moisturizer. A little goes a very long way in terms of coverage, and that's the way I like it. I just recently bought this creamy, bronze eyeshadow from Harmon and it works as a great, easy splash of color on my eyes when I want something simple. The color is perfect for brown eyes, but I can definitely see it warming up blues and greens. I can't wait to use it as a base with the colors in my new Urban Decay Naked Palette! I purchased it as a birthday gift for myself and it just came in yesterday :) I wanted use my favorite Sephora eyeliner, but I can't seem to find it. I'll have to pick one up when I'm at the mall today, even though I know it will turn up once I purchase a new one! I'm going to go enjoy the sunshine, stay pretty :) xoxo

Happy Birthday to ME!

This past weekend was super busy! Saturday was my 19th birthday, and I spent the day doing a little bit of shopping with my parents in PA and then drove up to surprise my boyfriend (his 21st birthday was sunday - so crazy how we're precisely two years apart!) A lot of people don't realize how much great shopping can be done in Pennsylvania. My parents and I love to go to the outdoor shops at the Promenade center in Saucon Valley. There are always unique boutiques along with more familiar brands. I grabbed this shirt at PacSun. I had been looking for one of these sweet, delicate tops for a while. This one ties in the front, comes in a lovely lilac shade, and has a interesting cut-outs on the back. I wore it last night to my birthday dinner at the Macaroni Grille with my friends. While in PA, I found a spa that was selling Aveda products!!! This made my day, as Aveda is one of my all time favorite hair brands (if not THE favorite) and I was so excited to purchase the Shampure shampoo and conditioner! It smells so refreshing and clean on my hair. I had such a nice time celebrating with Tyler this weekend and seeing all my friends! I'm going to replicate the "face" I wore last night to dinner in a post later before I head off to work. Until then, stay pretty :)

Recent Purchases - from Harmon!

As if I'm not enough of a beauty-nut already, I've been working at Harmon Beauty Discount since March of 2011. I go to school in Pennsylvania, and no one out there has ever heard of Harmon. This really upsets me, because I find Harmon to have THE greatest selection of drugstore beauty products (and they run special deals every month!) The company is owned by Bed Bath and Beyond, but only a few states have Harmon stores (NJ, FL, CT, CA, AZ, etc.) The one I work at happens to be a free standing store, but some are attached to BBB. ANYWAY, I always make a purchase whenever I'm at work. Over the past few weeks I have bought the products pictured above and have been using them regularly to test them out and see how they perform. I will be giving separate reviews on them in upcoming posts - I know there has been a lot of buzz about the BB creams and the EOS lip balms and I will be sure to give my two cents on those! Look for them in the following days. Until then, stay pretty :) xoxo

From Left to Right:
Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eye Studio 24hr eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze
L'Oreal Infallible eye shadow in Amber Rush
EOS lip balm in strawberry sorbet
L'Oreal Lineur Intense liquid eye liner in Black Mica
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovestruck
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream in Medium/Deep

Getting Started

Hi! I'm Catherine, a college student from New Jersey who loves everything beauty related - hair, nails, accessories, and especially make-up. My love for all things pretty and girly started at a young age (I was always digging into my mom's make-up bag and smearing her lipsticks all over my face). I spend hours on end looking (more like obsessing) over different brushes and tools and palettes on the internet and loyally follow many beauty gurus on YouTube (I will give a shout out to some of them in future posts!). I've always been told I had an eye for aesthetics; I took many art courses in high school and still keep up with my hobby. In my past I've done make-up for friends, proms and such. Experimenting with new palettes and products is one of my favorite things to do - and I love to share my passion with those who feel the same! I hope you find my posts helpful, fun, and enjoyable! Now, let's get pretty :)