Quick Tip Thursday: Mascara Spoolies

          So I wont lie... I've definitely been struggling for new blogging material lately. But after some deep thinking I decided that instead of review new stuff why not show you my own tips and tricks? These short posts can range from beauty to anything in life!
          Today, its all about dem lashes. For years I used to purchase those little plastic mascara wands to help separate my lashes (or sometime take them off of makeup counters haha don't lie, we've all done it). And I would see high end reusable spoolie brushes for over 20 dollars which seems absolutely ridiculous to me. So figured why not make my own reusable one? So, just wash the wand of your favorite mascara, or the mascara that's wand is the bestin your opinion (of course use an old mascara!). I picked Covergirl's lashblast wand because although I hated the mascara itself I loved the wand. It separated my lashed perfectly and got rid of any clumps! I just washed off all the mascara and bam! reusable spoolie brush:

                                          {I saved another old Covergirl mascara just in case!}

Don't forget to wash the brush regularly like any other makeup brush! And enjoy!

xoxo,
   
    Jess

A Not So Silent Sunday: COLLEGE DECISION!

          I feel as though this has become a bit of a trend for me, talking about college. But the weirder part is that as much as it literally seems to TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE as a senior, I secretly am so excited. But seriously though, how many times a day do I have people ask, " So have you decided where you're going yet?" or " How's the college search?" or " You got in to college ?!?!?!" (haha kidding!). And normally i think of some BS practically scripted answer on how I'm still looking blah blah blah blah. LAME. Well, for the first time I can happily say I have finally decided! Just for safety reasons I can't say where, but I'll let you all know that its FAR FAR FAR away from sunny California. I won't lie I was absolutely terrified making the decision. It was one of those things where I didn't want to say it out loud because it felt so final. But now, with 4 more weeks left of school, I can definitely say I'm getting VERY excited. I'm going to be able to live on my own in practically a new world! And is it odd that Im probably most excited to decorate my dorm room.... yes. haha
           I have a lot of fears though too, like what if I don't make any friends? I mean, maybe people there are rude and mean? Or as silly as this may sound, COMMUNAL bathrooms?! uhhhhhhhh problem. Or, What if I get lost? Or hurt? then What? But I suppose being scared comes along with the process. It's just so weird to think that I won't be able to see my family everyday....
          This whole process is both scary and rewarding. As cheesy as this may sound, I feel as though I've gotten a better idea of who I am as a person. Things just sorta clicked I suppose, because I can confidently say that I believe the college I am going to attend this fall is right for me. I think it'll teach me real independence and prepare me for whatever I'm going to do in the future. Plus, its COLLEGE! lie how fun is this going to be?! :)
          So for any of you out there going through this long and tedious process, just remember that the outcome is worth it. You WILL be happy wherever you end up, whether its 10 miles, 100 miles, or 1000 miles away. And remember to have fun! I mean I know people make it seem like this is the biggest decision of your life, but it's not. It's a learning experience for YOU.
So keep your chin up and keep moving forward! because it'll all be worth it in the end :)


xoxo,
 
      Jess

Knee Deep in Spring: How I Styled Knee High Socks

I'M BACK! Spring break is over and I'm ready to get school over and done with! This past weekend I was able to go to the city with my mom for some more boring college talks, but at least it was an excuse to look cute :) I was eager to style the knee high socks I had purchased (see my previous post!) and walking around in the windy city seemed to be the perfect time:

 {Tip: Knee high socks are a great way to not only keep warm, but edge up any outfit! Don't forget to add bright spring colors to balance out the heaviness of the black.}

 {Tip: A jean jacket instantly makes an outfit more casual and more spring appropriate. I love how this one doesn't have a collar, which draws attention to the necklace!}

 {Ignore the fact that my thumb was not painted for some odd reason....}

{This bright turquoise necklace was a perfect way to add color to the black and white striped shirt and contrast the coral skirt!)

Accessories:

Bag: Fossil

Necklace: Charlotte Ruse

Rings: 

    H&M (on Thumb and Right hand pointer finger)

    Mom's Ring (on right hand index finger)

    Forever XXI Cross ring (left hand middle finger

Knee High Socks: Target

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

Pearl Earrings from the Philippines (as always!)

Nails: Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen 

Outfit:

Jean Jacket:  my Mom's (from back in the day!)

Striped crop top: Forever XXI (I know I've worn it in two posts now :P)

Coral Chiffon skirt: American Apparel

xoxo,

      Jess

Mini Target Haul!

My first haul post! And quite honestly I feel like there really isn't anything to show... But hey! who knows :) Anywho, I went to target awhile ago with only one thing in mind that I needed, and of course I added a few other items to the cart (it's a sickness I'm tellin ya):

1. Elf waterproof Eyeliner pens for $2 from the new line

 I have an addiction to Elf. Not only is it dirt cheap, the products are surprisingly good quality (minus the few bogus ones....) If you guys would like Elf product reviews let me know! I most likely have it... Anyways, These eyeliners were originally priced at $1 with black packaging.They recently have brought some of their other online products to drugstores and have increased the price on the eyeliners because of new formulation and packaging. I love these eyeliners because they are WATERPROOF. Like they don't budge AT ALL. The black one is crazy pigmented too, but unfortunately the brown eyeliner in "Coffee" is a little more watery (however, I still use it). These eyeliners have a new brush too and I can't say that I like it... but maybe I just need more time with them to figure it out! 

2. Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover ($7.32; saved $0.82 off the original $8.14)

3. Aussie Moist Three Minute Miracle Leave in Conditioner ($2.84)

 I needed a new cleanser to use at night and since I normally wash my face in the shower I figured I might as well be cleansing as well as removing my makeup. Multitasking at its finest, and saving $$$. (side note: IT SMELLS DELICIOUS). 

 I recently ombred my hair and was in desperate need of a leave in conditioner. I've used this Aussie one before and I absolutely love everything about it (especially the price :) ) It hydrates to the max and smells really really really good. 

4. Champian Sports Bra ($5.08; marked down A LOT, but I don't know the original price )

5. Xhileration Black Knee High Socks ($2.50)

 Honestly, This bra was marked down so much I just had to buy it. I really don't know why I didn't get more because I love these sports bras and the colors they had. And I really don't care if a sport's bra is Nike or just a generic brand, as long as it does its job. I love the dark speckled grey with the pink lining on the one I got.

I've been trying to break out of my comfort zone with fashion so I picked up the black knee high socks. I know styling these socks for everyday wear has become a daring trend and I'm anxious to try it out. I figured Target was a good place to search for inexpensive socks (compared to Urban Outfitters $14 a pair)

So here ya go! Quick and simple :) Hope you enjoyed!

xoxo,

      Jess

A Not So Silent Sunday: Happy Easter!

This ANSS Sunday is once again going to be short and quick, because its EASTER and I'm running all over the place!  Here's the schedule for today:

10-11-We had some family friends in from Auburn, so we had a HUGE breakfast/brunch feast ! I wish I had taken pictures!
11-11:30- My dad and his buddy kindly created an easter egg scavenger hunt for all the kids with surprisingly witty and tricky clues. The clues led us to the easter egg baskets filled with Easter candy and gifts! Then, of course, your traditional easter egg hunt :)
11:30-12- Our family friends hit the road back to Auburn :(
12- 2:30: Cleanup and cook for the fam bam to come over for Easter Lunch/Dinner (whatever you want to call it)
2:30- 4- Visit my Grandma and Grandpa.
4-7- Easter Party with the entire family!
7+ - See the boyfrannn before I leave to LA tomorrow!

Thats just a quick summary :) Easter hold a special place in my heart because for many years its allowed the entire family to come together again and celebrate. Although there are less little kids and less members of the family still living in California, the day is still filled with easter egg hunts and laughter. I hope everyone is having a great day whether you celebrate easter or not!

xoxo,

     Jess

Sunday Surplus:

• Just a heads up! Next week I'll be in LA touring colleges! So posts will be less frequent, but I'll definitely fall right back into habit as soon as I get back :)
• I'm so excited to break out the high-wasted shorts, crop tops, and bikinis 
• I'm wearing so much mint green and turquoise right now it's laughable hehe.
• How would you guys feel about a Haul?
• It's literally so hot in my room right now....
• I'm seeing all these college decisions on instagram and facebook.... I don't know how I'll ever decide!
• lalalalala!
• bye!

Weather Confused : Transitioning Winter Pieces into Spring

Sometimes transitions suck. It's a period of change that sometimes seems to drag on and on and on. When looking at fashion that means trading in you winter boots for bright sandals or that scarf for a chunky floral necklace. But hey! We can all be fashion rebels right? Who said we can't bend the rules now and then? This winter, one of my obsessions was my fur vest, but now spring has come and I sadly stuck my vest in the back of my closet.... or did I? Here's how I styled this fur vest for spring!:

 {Tip: Pair a heavy piece like the vest with a looser more "flowy" top to balance out hard and soft}

{Tip: Roll up the sleeves of a long sleeve shirt for a more casual look.
Oops! my bag was backwards. }

 { Tip: Use a bright necklace to pull more color into a look. This necklace also ties back in with my floral oxfords}

               {These shoes are my go to shoes for spring and totally "spring-ify" any outfit}

{ Unfortunately by the time this was posted I already messed my nails up :( I love the geometric shapes with the pastel colors. I was too lazy to do all of my other nails :P}

{ A Jimmy Choo purse?!!? Nope. It's a knockoff from the Philippines :) Shhh! }

Accessories:

      Watch- ESPIRT (I actually found this on the sidewalk in LA...}

      Purse- Jimmy Choo (knockoff... hehe)

      Pearl Earrings from the Philippines

      Jade Necklace- My mom's :)

      Shoes- Forever XXI

      Belt- Thrifted

Outfit:

     Fur Vest: XXI

     White Blouse: Forever XXI

     Dark Wash Skinny Jeans: Forever XXI

     White Tank Top (under blouse): Forever XXI

     ( I was all in Forever XXI.... weird....)

Makeup:
    Nails: Go Go Pink by China Glaze (All)
             Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen
             Blue Nailpolish (It doesnt have a name) by Kiko ( got it in Italy!)
    Lips: Visionary by Lancome
    Hair: please ignore it... it's in it's natural state haha

xoxo,

      Jess 

PS. The funny thing is... I bought the fur vest two years ago for a costume. I was the bird in Little Mermaid and I was trying to find the ugliest fur/feather thing at Forever XXI. 

PPS: I'm still trying to work on the photo quality! Hopefully it will get better in time :)

Makeup Mondays: Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo 24H Eyeshadow Review

Another makeup review with another Maybelline product! I picked up Maybelline's Color Tattoo Eyeshadow earlier this month due to the incessant amount of talking about the product. I myself have never tried wearing an eyeshadow base before (I'm usually ok with just a primer) and the makeup shelf seemed to be calling my name. The reason I purchased the product (besides not have any self control) was specifically because I wanted something I could swipe over my lids if I was in a rush. So I grabbed Number 20 in Barely Branded from the Metals collection:

 

Price: At my Walgreens it was priced at $6.99. Which I find ridiculous for a single shadow.

     RATE: 2/5

Color Pay Off: The color swatches so beautifully. It's VERY pigmented and highly reflective so it stays true to the "metal" collection. It's buildable and can definitely be sheered into a highlight for the brows or cheekbones or layered into an opaque reflective shadow. Barely Branded is the perfect champagne color to use as a highlight on the face, browbones and inner tear ducts (my fave). 

      RATE: 5/5

Texture: Has a very creamy yet dense texture and can be easily blended out. Maybelline called it a cream gel and rightly so. Even though its says it's a gel, it doesn't feel heavy or wet! Yay! However, I learned that you cannot leave the pot open without a lid for long period of time because it will begin to dry up. When that happened the consistency of the "top level" of the shadow changed where it was not at all creamy and produced chunks of product when swatched. I had to rub off the exposed layer for the product to go back to its original state. Also, I've noticed that to get an even and opaque finish on the eyes you do have to apply a few coats. However, I tend to sheer it out anyway.

     RATE: 4/5

Smell: I don't detect any smell!

     RATE: 5/5

Lasting Power: Now on it's own I wouldn't say it last 24 hours (which seems ridiculous anyways... Who wears makeup for 24h?) but under a powder shadow the base does have a very long lasting power. From what I've noticed it lasts up to 10 hours! Job well done Maybelline! By itself it still lasts for a surprisingly long time, but not quite as long. I wore it today to test it out but I sheered it out a bit more than usual. It seemed to have lasted in perfect condition up to 6 hours and that was with a light application!

     RATE: 4/5

Packaging: I love how its in a glass pot, however I wish the cover was more than just plastic. But it doesn't make a huge difference to me.

     RATE: 4.75/5

Average Overall Rating: 4.1 out of 5!

Would you Repurchase? 

Yes! and I plan too! I find that this is a perfect on the go shadow for a quick eye pick-me-up and also when I'm just in a rush. I also think it'd be absolutely perfect to wear in the summer for a long lasting look that appears almost waterproof (I'd have to try that out). I plan to get Bad to the Bronze and Tough as Taupe next! As for Barely Branded, I cannot be more please with this color choice. It's the perfect champagne color that is so versatile and looks so effortless on the eye.

Hope this helped!

xoxo,

    Jess