NOTD: WnW On a Trip

Hello Lovelies,

I just bought a new polish, and I thought I would share it with you.  This was mentioned in Tati's (Glam Life Guru on YouTube) favorite nail polishes video, and it was so pretty, I decided to pick one up for myself.

Tati's Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-CVMGIfUlc

The color is WnW Megalast Salon Color On a Trip.  This beautiful purple shade retails for $1.99 and makes me feel ready for spring.  It applies really, really well.  The coverage is great!  It is completely opaque with two coats, and the wide brush makes application a breeze.  My biggest gripe with this formula is that it chips quickly (usually within a day or two).  While that may make it too much of a hassle for some girls, I don't mind too terribly much because I like to change my nail color.

What do you think of Wet N Wild On a Trip?  Have you tried any other shades from the Megalast Salon Color Line?

Talk Soon,

T.

Favorite Red Lipsticks- Under $6 Each!!!

Hey Girls,

Who doesn't love to occasionally rock a statement lip?  When that statement lip is under $6, what is not to love?  Here are three of my favorite drugstore options:

L to R: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 111 Kiss of Life, Wet 'N Wild  Megalast Lipstick in 911 DStoplight Red, NYX Round Case Lipstick in 569 Snow White

L to R:  Kiss of Life, Stoplight Red, Snow White

All of the pictures below show the lipsticks without liner or lipgloss.  

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate- 111 Kiss of Life ($5.49)

I love the original Kate Moss lipsticks from Rimmel, and so far, the collection of mattes does not disappoint either.  Kiss of Life is an orangey-red with a pleasant fruity scent.  I think it is more of a satin finish than a true matte, but it is a beautiful color that would work on a variety of skin tones.  Of the three, Kiss of Life lasted the longest on me.

Kiss of Life with Flash

Kiss of Life without Flash

Without Flash

Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick- 911D Stoplight Red ($1.99)

I am a huge fan of Wet N Wild.  Everything is under $5, and the quality on most products is great.  In general, the Megalast lipsticks have a very dry formula, so I definitely recommend a lip balm under this lipstick or a lipgloss on top of it.  That said, the color payoff is amazing.  The swatch at the top is just one swipe!  This is a true red, and it is definitely bold.  The price is so right for a color that won't be worn everyday but definitely creates an impact when you do wear it!  This lipstick has a nice shine and no smell.  It does smear, so definitely opt for a liner.  Jordana Easyliner in Sedona Red is my personal favorite :)

Stoplight Red without Flash

Stoplight Red with Flash

Stoplight Red with Flash - The shine is so pretty!

Without Flash- Smiling it up for you :)

NYX Round Case Lipstick in 569 Snow White ($3.99)

Snow White is definitely the darkest of the three.  The color payoff with the NYX Round Case Lipsticks is insane. This is a gorgeous deep lipstick with a mostly matte finish.  It does have a bit of an odd minty smell in the tube, but once it is on the lips, it is not noticeable.  Snow White wears well and fades evenly.  For $3.99, it is a steal!

Snow White without Flash

Snow White with Flash

Smilling (No Flash)

Alright girls, those are my faves!  You can have them all for less than the price of a movie ticket :) What are your favorite affordable red lipstick options?  Have your tried any of these?

Talk Soon,

T.

LUSH Love: Ice Blue Soap

Hello Lovely Ladies,

I am a huge Lush fan.  I tend to stick to their bath bombs, bath melts and face masks, but lately, I am loving their soap.  Ice Blue is a peppermint scented soap that makes me feel so fresh and so clean, clean.  It is actually my boyfriend's soap, but sometimes, I find myself reaching for it instead of my girlier alternatives. 

Photo from Lush

It lathers incredibly well, and the scent is very gender neutral.  The best part is that the scent lingers for a very long time.  G always smells so amazing after using this soap.  I suspect it will be a favorite for us both for a very long time.

What is your favorite LUSH soap?  I am also a fan of Sultana of Soap.  Have you gotten your guy into any LUSH products?  It always makes me smile when G says, "Hey babe, can we go to LUSH this weekend?"

Talk Soon,

T.

Under the Weather

Hello Lovely Ladies,

I am sick :(  It is miserable, and I do not feel up to blogging.  I am hoping to do a post over the weekend on my favorite red lipsticks, but we will have to see how I feel.

I hope all of you are doing much better than me!

Talk Soon,

T.

Four Beauty Favorites

Hello Ladies,

So, I am randomly doing a favorites post in the middle of the month :)  Here are four beauty items I am loving right now:

1) Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment- I love the lemony-y smell and thick formula of this lip treatment.  During the winter months, when my lips are taking a beating with brutal winds and cold temperatures, I use this every evening to soften and smooth. 

$22.50; http://www.sephora.com/sugar-lip-treatment-spf-15-P57002?skuId=1448372

2) L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush- I recently rediscovered this shade, and I am loving it more and more.  It works great as an all over lid color or a liner.  The formula of these shadows is great.  They are very creamy and pigmented, and Amber Rush has a beautiful shimmer that makes it perfect for any time of day.


Pic from Drugstore.com

$7.99; http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4070031#sku2240524

3) Korres Body Butter in Mulberry Vanilla- I love this body butter because it is not at all greasy.  My skins soaks it right up, and the smell is amazing.  I always feel so sexy after I use this lotion because I smell great, and my elbows are not scaly like a reptile. 

$39.50 for two full-size body butters and a shower gel; http://www.hsn.com/products/korres-guava-and-mulberry-vanilla-ultra-hydration-trio/6892265

4) L'Oreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5- I have been using this new shampoo and conditioner for the last few weeks, and I must say I am impressed.  My hair feels softer and bouncier since I started using these products, and I am blown away by the shine when I see the back of my head in the elevator mirrors at my building.  This line is definitely worth checking out!

$3.99 each; Target stores

Have you tried the above products?  What are you loving right now?

Talk Soon,

T.

Feeling of Accomplishment

Hello Girls,

I don't regularly watch QVC, but I have tuned in a time or two and receive occasional e-mails about cosmetic products.  Yesterday, when I looked in my inbox, there was a message from QVC about this amazing Tarte kit. 




Picture from QVC

I LOVE Tarte's blushes and eyeshadows, and I would like to try more of the line. This kit seems perfect because I really want to try the foundation (reg. $38), and all the products are full-size!  Prior to my "no-buy," I would have been all over that in no time flat!

BUT... I took a step back and really thought about the purchase.  I don't need foundation.  I am currently working my way through two different ones.  I definitely don't need blush, even if it is gorgeous and makes me ready for summer.  The lipstick looks great, and bloggers and YouTubers are already raving about the formula.  That was hard to pass up, but again, I don't need it.  I already have 38 tubes of lipstick.  As for the mascara, I am not a huge fan of Lights, Camera, Lashes, so I don't expect I would be blown away by Lights, Camera, Flashes!  Finally, the brush is so cute (but I already have a ton of brushes),  and the brow thingy would be a rarely used item for me.

I decided to stick to my guns and skip the Tarte kit.  The best part is that I feel really good about it!  Less than two months ago, I would have whipped through the checkout without a second thought.  Now, I am much more hesitant to lay down my hard earned cash on products I don't need.  I am really proud of myself, and I think that is a feeling that will last much longer than the instant high of a new purchase!

Have you ladies done anything you are proud of lately?  Let me know! 

In other news, I went to my second bellydancing class last night. I am definitely feeling it today, but in a good way :)

Also, if you need any of the above products and love Tarte, here is the link:

http://www.qvc.com/tarte-Journey-to-Natural-Beauty-6-pc-Collection-with-Bag-Search-Results.product.A231029.html?sc=A231029-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-2-_-A231029&catentryImage=http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/a/29/a231029.001?$uslarge$


Talk Soon,

T.

No-Buy Tips #3

Final Thoughts 

7) Explore Other Interests- I love watching makeup reviews and tutorials, blogging about new products and experimenting with different brands, but the "no-buy" was a great way to take some time away from my shopping (i.e. spending) habit and focus on something else.  My dad purchased me art classes for Christmas, and I have gotten really into painting.  Sure, there are costs associated with that too, but for about $50, I got everything I need to continue painting for at least three or four months.  I really enjoy working on my art and find it is an excellent way to fill the time that would ordinarily be occupied by shopping.  So, whatever passion you have outside of makeup, use your "no-buy" as a time to pursue it.  You can spend time with your dog at a local dog park, volunteer or even exercise.  All of those activities will make you feel good, and they don't cost a single penny!

My (unfinished) art!!!

8) Reward Yourself: Big and Small- This was one of the reasons I was so successful with my "no-buy."  I promised myself that if I stuck to it for January, I could spend $20 on cosmetics at the start of February.  As of February 1, I am the proud owner of 3 Maybelline Vivid lipsticks.  Yay!  I will do a full review on those for you soon.  Now, I am ready to resume my "no-buy" for the rest of the month.  I feel good knowing that I accomplished something in January, and I am very excited about my new purchase.

Since I have decided to continue my "no-buy," I am giving myself a big reward at the end.  I am going to IMATS in NYC!  It is not until the first weekend in April, so I am going to steer clear of cosmetics and clothing for another two months.   Then, when I go to IMATS, I can buy makeup without feeling guilty.  And buy I shall!  I am so excited!!!

Bonus Tip- Have someone hold you accountable.  For me, it was you guys... and my boyfriend.  I didn't want to cheat on my "no-buy" because I would have to tell you, and I would feel bad.  Plus, I would tell him, and he would give me a disapproving look (never fun).  So, whether it is your sister, your best friend, or you beloved cow, Bessie, tell someone what you are planning to do and own up to it if you fall short.  Of course, if you do slip up and buy an eyeshadow, it is not the end of the world or an excuse to end your "no-buy."  You can always return it.  Just get back on the horse!

Have you tried a "no-buy?"  How did it go?  Do you have any tips to add to my list? 

Don't forget to check out the first two posts:

http://thelifeofyouraveragetwenty-something.blogspot.com/2013/01/no-buy-tips-1.html

http://thelifeofyouraveragetwenty-something.blogspot.com/2013/02/no-buy-tips-2.html

Talk Soon,

T.

No Buy Tips #2

More Handy-Dandy "No-Buy" Tips

3) Use Cash (or at least debit)- I have learned the hard way that credit cards are not my friend.  It is so easy to rack up debt when you don't actually see money trading hands or disappearing from your bank account.  While it may be tempting to pick up nail polishes because they are buy one get one half off, remember that you are not doing yourself (or your budget) any favors if you put the purchase on a credit card with a 26.88% APR and don't pay it off at the end of the month.  The best budgeting advice I can give is to only purchase items you can pay for then and there.  If you are trying to build your credit, pay the card off (all the way to $0) every. single. month.

4) Pick an End Date- All good things must come to an end, including a "no-buy."  It is unrealistic to say I will never purchase cosmetics or clothing again.  However, saying I won't purchase them for a month is an attainable goal that will leave me with a sense of accomplishment.  In my case, I feel so good about my January "no-buy" that I have decided to extend it for a couple more months.

5) Shop Your Stash-  There are certainly products within my makeup collection and closet that I gravitate toward more than others.  A "no-buy" is the perfect opportunity to take a second look at things you already own and give those pieces some time to shine.  I found myself going back to some old favorites (hello, NYX lip glosses) and finding some stuff I had forgotten I even owned.  In particular, as I rooted through my wardrobe, I found clothes that had never been worn!  I reorganized and decided that if I haven't worn any of the seasonal items within six months, I will sell or donate them.

6) Take a Picture with Your Phone- Just like with clothes or jewelry, it is easy to forget just how much makeup you actually have if you are not looking at it everyday.  I like to be super organized and have all my makeup stored in neat containers for easy access.  However, this means I don't actually see my collection unless I am using it.  During my "no-buy," I took each category of makeup out and photographed it with my phone.  It was a great opportunity for me to see just how much stuff I own (who needs 53 nail polishes?!?!), and it will also stop me from purchasing a third or fourth bright red lipstick next time I am at the drugstore.

Current Lipstick Collection (excludes glosses)

Tomorrow, I will post my final "no-buy" tips.  Have you tried any of the above tips?  Did they work for you?

Talk Soon,

T.