April Favorites

Luckily, I wasn't disappointed in any products last month! So needless to say, April was a good month for me haha. I know I'm a bit late on this, but it's been storming lately, and I don't have any studio lights, so I had to wait for the sun to come out. Buuut enough excuses - let's get on with it!

L'Occitane Brightening Cleansing Foam - $26.00

I cannot express my love for this enough! It's very soothing and a great way to start and end the day. I'm not a fan of cleansing foams, because they tend to just thin out instead of actually lather. But this was surprisingly very good. You can't feel it doing anything to your skin until you wash it off. And you see results the first time you use it - which I love! I usually like something that feels like it's working, but this is such a good product, I don't even care how gentle it is.

Pureology Lustrous Volumizer - $24.00

This says it's a "bodifying glaze" but I've never put it throughout all of my hair, I only put it at my roots. But this is seriously the best. I find that a lot of volumizers give you great volume for the first few hours, and then throughout the day (even with a good amount of hairspray), it falls and goes lifeless - That is not the case with this one! The price seems a little steep until you realize you don't need much to get great volume. The smell is odd - not bad, just odd. It smells like Cherry Vanilla NyQuill mixed with kind of an ocean smell.. It's odd, but surprisingly not bad!

L'Occitane Essential Water - $27.00

There's not much I can say about this besides the fact that it's just a really good toner. It makes my face feel extra clean, and leaves behind a very subtle, soothing tingling to the skin. It smells quite nice - very fresh and clean. It almost has kind of a very subtle cucumber scent, and I'm not a fan of cucumbers at all, but it's so subtle that it's actually very nice.

NARS Blush in Deep Throat - $29.00

I really didn't want to buy this because of the name - I didn't want people searching for naughty things and finding my blog! But after months of searching for dupes, I came up with nothing and I caved. And I'm so happy I did! I love this, it's so subtle. It's just a lovely peach with a bit of gold shimmer to it.

BigSexyHair Powder Play - $15.95

I bought this a while ago at Ulta, because it was a cute little travel size and it was on sale for $3, and I mentioned it in a haul back in February. I haven't used it much until recently because I've been parting my hair in the middle, and need as much volume as i can get. I just sprinkle it on my part and gently rub it in, and I don't have to worry about showing to much scalp for the rest of the day - it's great!

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Cat Eyes - $6.99

I bought this a couple months ago - used it once, didn't like it, and it ended up staying in the back of my drawer until a few weeks ago. I love it now! I usually go for more of a full, long, voluminous look, but this is a great change. And it amazes me how just a slight change in brush creates a completely different look - always has, always will.

xx

So what did you guys think of these favorites? Have you tried any? If so, do you agree with my opinions or no?

xx

Givenchy Haul / First Impressions

Hello lovies!

It's been a while since I've posted anything, feels like it's been months! Luckily, it's only been a week, so I don't feel too bad about not updating! So, my parents went on vacation a few weeks ago and decided to spoil themselves with some Givenchy products. And little did they know.. spoiling themselves also meant spoiling me! ;)

Le Soin Noir - $380.00

Le Soin Noir is an anti-aging moisturizer, and it says to use it day and night, but it does not dry well at all, so I only use it at night. The moisturizer is made from Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate is a natural age-defier that "restores communication between the skin's cells", "helps maintain and prolong cellular longevity," and "leaves your complexion firm, glowing, and even-toned" - who doesn't need that?! Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate is very sensitive, you cannot touch it with your hands or it will contaminate the entire jar - so it comes with a little spoon to scoop it out with! Obviously, I don't use it often - a) because of the price, and b) I'm 18, I don't need expensive anti-aging creams. I only use it when my skin's on the drier side and needs a little pick-me-up!

Man Powerful Renovating Skin Peel - $27.00

Obviously, I am not a man. This was for my father, and he still does not use it! But I just wanted to discuss how good this smells. It smells like a manlier version of the Swan and Dolphin hotel in Orlando, which is like a fresh-springy-beachy-floral scent. It smells so good!

Le Soin Noir Yeux - $185.00

Le Soin Noir Yeux is the eye cream version of the Le Soin Noir moisturizer. It promises what most eye creams promise: "reduce puffiness", "brightens dark circles", "smoothes and evens out the entire eye contour area." I've only used it once, I didn't notice a difference like I did the first time I used the Le Soin Noir, but that is because it's an eye cream, I just didn't want to keep using it when I didn't really need it that much.

Hydra Sparkling Velvet Luminescence Moisturizing Cream - $56.00

Umm.. Where do I start with this? It's not bad, it's just not that great. You know? It's okay. I think I just expected more from it. It doesn't have a strong scent, which is good, but I'll definitely be sticking to my Hope in a Jar.

Hydra Sparkling Luminescence Moisturizing Eye-Reviver Gel - $49.00

I honestly haven't tried this one, and considering what the Hydra Sparkling moisturizer is like, I probably won't be impressed. Also, funny story, I've lost it since the day I took these pictures.. Can't find it - but it's somewhere around here! When I find it, I'll try it.

Dahlia Noir Eau de Toilette Spray - $70

This came as a free sample, and it smells so good. I'd definitely say it's a scent for all ages, because it's light and floral, very pretty and feminine, but it's also mature. I'm someone who sticks to one perfume until I'm sick of it. I like to have a scent that really captures my personality, so I'll change my perfume when I feel it doesn't fit me anymore. But I know a lot of people collect perfumes, and wear one during the day and a different one at night, or for different occasions - and for those people, I'd say this is a great day perfume, and definitely great for work!

Green - N/A / Black - $86.00

These were also free samples, we got two of each, and I have not used them yet. I can not find the No Surgetics Plasti Sculpt Lifting Mask anywhere online - so if you know what it does, please tell me! As for the Black For Light Mask, I'm really excited to use it. It says it is a "unique mask with a black, velvety foam texture and luminous particles that purify the skin," and promises that "after use the complexion becomes amazingly brightened and bursts with freshness and vitality," and "the skin radiates a new glow, as if illuminated from within." And that just sounds nice, and I'm just excited!

xx

So have you tried any of these? If you have, make sure you leave a comment, telling me what you thought of them!

xx

April Wishes

1. Topshop Knitted Legend Crop Sweater - Let's be honest, I don't need anymore sweaters, especially spring sweaters! The next time I'll be able to wear sweaters is in the winter (maybe fall, if I'm lucky). BUT IT'S JUST SO CUTE! - $72.00

2. Kimchi Blue Spectator Colorblock Satchel - I've been wanting a colorblock bag for a while now, and I really like this one. It's a good price for the size, but it is at Urban Outfitters, and I've had bad experiences with a lot of bags from there. I'm going to an Urban Outfitters next week, so I'll see if it's good quality or not. - $59.00

3. Topshop Knitted Barcode Motif Jumper - Don't need it for weather conditions, but I'm pretty sure I need it for my heart. I know if I don't buy this, I'm going to regret it, and I'm going to hate myself every time I wear black and white when it's cold. (Got a bit dramatic there haha) - $68.00

4. BDG Acid-Washed Button-Down Chambray Shirt - This is just the cutest chambray shirt I've seen. The color's Peach, but it is an acid wash, so peach mixed with the blue makes it come out more a purple - which I love! - $59.00

5. Topshop Bright Flower Cami Top - I just think this is really cute for spring. And it's really just so simple, that you can wear it any other spring, no matter what the trend is! It's pricey for a tank top, so I'm going to wait until it goes on sale. - $72.00

6. Ever Rose Crown - I can't think of a time where I would ever wear something this big and bold on my head, but it's so cute, and if I were ever given the opportunity to wear it, I would! - $110.00

7. Topshop MOTO 'POW' Bleach Joni Jeans - I can't remember the last time I absolutely fell in love with a pair of jeans before I put them on, but Topshop never fails! - $84.00

8. Topshop Knitted Letter Motif Crop Jumper - I've mentioned these before in another wishlist, but I still don't have them, and I still want them! - $64.00

9. Topshop Lips in Saint - I got a Topshop lip tint in the mail yesterday, and I already need more! I love pink lips, a neutral/ baby pink is something I've been looking for for a while now, and I hope this is it! - $16.00

xx

Let me know in the comments if you guys own or want any of these - especially the lipstick! If you have this lipstick, let me know if it's neutral or bright, please :)

xx

The Versatile Blogger Award!

Hello lovies!

Thanks to both Jenni and Charlotte for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award! They're both so sweet, and their blogs are definitely worth checking out. Thank you guys!

Rules:

1. Thank the ones who nominated you and make sure to add their link.

2. List 7 facts about yourself.

3. Choose 15 new bloggers to nominate.

4. Comment on their latest post, telling them you nominated them.

Let's get to it!

1. My Nana let me taste her iced coffee when I was like 1 or 2, and then I was obsessed with coffee until 2 years ago, and now I prefer tea.

2. I blame my Nana for me being only 5 ft. (4' 11.8" actually, but let's just round it off).

3. I enjoy reading, but I can never find a book that I enjoy reading. I guess that's why I like blogging so much!

4. I'm very picky when it comes to chocolate, and I only crave it on rare occasions.

5. Personally, one of the worst things is when you crave soup in the middle of summer. Because why would you eat soup when it's like 90 to 100 degrees outside??

#firstworldproblems

6. I will never understand how fast food is cheaper than fruits and vegetables. Like, yeah okay, that may not be real chicken, but it's still an entire meal that's cheaper than one avocado!

7. I was planning on taking a year off from school, but I actually ended up just taking a semester off, and now I'm starting college next month.

Blogs:

xx Vicky xx

xx Chloe xx

xx Beka xx

xx Bella xx

xx Tanya xx

xx Athena xx

xx Becki xx

xx Hannah xx

xx Pippa xx

xx Hannah Louisa xx

xx Latisha xx

xx Amy and Louise xx

xx Georgia xx

xx Katie xx

xx Mandy xx

Giveaway Winner! And New Giveaway...?

Hello lovies!!

I just wanted to make a quick post to congratulate Sophie on winning my giveaway! And I recommend you go check out her blog, it's great, and she's such a sweetheart!

I also wanted to talk about my next giveaway, as I am close to 100 followers now!

I was thinking of doing a makeup bag filled with a bunch of American drugstore products that are raved about throughout the Blogosphere, and it's going to be open everywhere except for US/Canada, obviously haha.

But if you guys could tell me what you would want to see in that bag, and what you suggest could go in there, that would be great because I'm not positive on what we have that you can't get anywhere else!

xx

What American drugstore products would you like to see in the bag? And have you check out Sophie's blog yet?? :)

xx

Artist of the Month: 5 Seconds of Summer

L-R: Michael, Luke, Ashton, and Calum

5 Seconds of Summer (or 5sos) is an Australian band that is now the opening act for One Direction's Take Me Home world tour. A tour I wasn't even planning on going to until I came across these guys! (I mean, I love 1D, but I went to their last tour and tickets for this tour are ridiculously expensive!)

The band consists of Luke (vocals/guitar - 16), Calum (vocals/bass - 17), Michael (guitar/vocals - 17), and Ashton (drums/vocals - 18). 5sos got their start by posting covers on Youtube in 2011, and have already gotten the chance to write with McFly, and as I said earlier, open for One Direction for the entire world tour! I'm not sure about what kind of following they have, because The Vamps have just as many on views their videos, but haven't accomplished nearly as much as 5sos has, so I have no idea where they stand with fans.

I would love to go see them in Atlanta, but as I mentioned earlier, ticket prices are too expensive. When I saw One Direction in Orlando last year, I was sat 7th row for 300-something dollars. Now nosebleeds are going for the same price!

I'd love to see them live, but the more I look at tickets, the more I realize that it's just not going to happen.

xx

Have you heard of 5 Seconds of Summer? And are any of you going to the Take Me Home tour? Also, if you haven't yet, go enter my giveaway! :)

xx

March Favorites & Disappontments

Hello lovies!

I only have one disappointing product from March, so that's good! Not all of these are new, but I've rekindled my love for them. So let's get to it, shall we?

Favorites:

1) Ocean Salt Face/Body Scrub - I got this Lush product a couple months ago, and I just love it. It smells SO GOOD! When you first get it, you have to stir it all together because the salt is on the top, and I was so scared to stir it together because I thought the bottom half wouldn't smell as good - but it does, all is good! It's a little harsh on my skin, so I only use it twice a week, and that's all I need. - $21.95

2) Hope in a Jar moisturizer - First of all, I apologize because it's torn and not pretty - but it is a sample, and that's a big problem with sample packaging. This moisturizer is SO good! I have combination skin, so I don't have to use very much of it for it to do the job. It smells a little.. weird. Not necessarily bad, just an odd smell. It smells kind of like a spray tan or hair bleach, but luckily it's not a scent that's strong enough to stay for a while. It's been a few weeks since I ran out of the sample, and if it wasn't so expensive, I would've already gotten the 2 oz! - $40.00

3) Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! - I would have never thought of trying this mascara if I hadn't gotten it as a sample along with an eyelash curler (mentioned in this haul) because the sample is always so hard to open in Ulta. But I'm very glad I got to try it because it's a very good mascara! It says it's "clinically-proven to increase lash volume by 424% and lash curl by 90.2%." If it did that, I wouldn't be able to open my eyes and I'd have to hold my lashes up with my hands. It'd be like having bangs in your face but your eyelashes instead, like "Oh, hold on, let me lift my lashes out of the way." But despite the exaggerated promises, it's a very good mascara, and with different packaging, I would definitely buy it! - $19.00

4) Naked Basics palette - I've had this since it came out and never really used it. I used Venus a few times, but that was about it. But I used it almost every time I put on makeup last month. I got to experiment with it, and ended up using it a lot more than I thought I would. - $27.00

5) Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express - I did a review on this early last month (which you can see here), with much better pictures. You can see what the wand looks like, and what it did for my lashes as well. - $7.99

6) MAC Powder Blush in Springsheen - This color is absolutely gorgeous. I was looking for something similar to Nars' Deep Throat, and it is close, it just has more of a shimmer to it. Springsheen is a lovely peachy-coral color with a fair amount of gold shimmer, and it is absolutely gorgeous on. I'd say it's closer to Nars' Orgasm rather than Deep Throat, they are quite similar in color, just not in shimmer. Although I do love this MAC blush, I will be picking up Nars' Deep Throat next time I stop by Sephora. 'Cause a girl can't have too many blushers, right? - $21.00

7) MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner in Desires & Devices - I came across this at the most perfect time possible! I was looking for an eyeliner similar to the Urban Decay eyeshadow color Darkhorse (brown with dark green undertone), and I found Desires & Devices which is even better! It's dark green with a brown undertone and kind of a shimmer to it, and I have hazel eyes that are basically brown because its really hard to bring the green out, and this makes the green in my eyes show a bit more! - $19.50

8) Stila Lip Glaze in Guava - I bought this last year when I had dyed my hair red, because stupid me decided to make a huge commitment to dye my hair red and didn't have any lip colors that wouldn't clash with my hair! So I went to Ulta and asked one of the girls there what would look best with my hair color, and she came up with this and an Urban Decay color. I found it hidden away in my armoire a few weeks ago, and I haven't stopped using it since. And let me just say: This. Smells. So. Good! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Stila's lip glazes are all supposed to smell and taste like the name? If so, I'm going to be buying so many more of these, despite the fact that I hate the applicator. - $22.00

9) Essie's Sand Tropez - This is a gorgeous nude that is absolutely perfect for spring! I love tan and black together, so sometimes I'll put black stripes over them, and it's really cute. I was kind of worried about what it would look like on me, because I'm quite pale, but it actually doesn't look bad at all! - $8.00

Disappointments:

I'm lucky enough to only have one product that I was completely disappointed with this month and that is Revlon Photo Ready 3D Volume. I'm not putting a link to this one for obvious reasons. But I did a review on this last month, which you can read here, and the only good thing about it was how black it was. To this day it is the blackest black out of all the Blackest Blacks I've tried. And that's it. - $8.99

xx

I realized about half-way through this post that I didn't do any swatches, so if you guys would like them, just tell me in a comment below, and I'll do some swatches and add them to this post sometime this weekend.

xx