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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

SPRING WISHLIST

     Spring is creeping in on us with only 24 days left till the flowers are blooming and the dresses come out. I am super excited for spring for the pastel colors, the spring dresses, sunshine and vacations! I decided to put together a list of things I want to buy for the spring season.

Zoya Swatches | Buy Zoya Triangl Swimwear / F21-Couldn't Find Link / Nars Concealer / NYX Lip Cream / Jada Dress / BBW / Any Kimono

Whats on your spring wishlist?

Friday, February 21, 2014

BLOGGING TIPS: TIME MANAGEMENT


         Time management is something every blogger struggles with whether they post everyday or once a week. Life just gets in the way sometimes. I really struggle with time management when it comes to blogging so I decided to share with you some of my tips for staying on top of your blog.

1. Schedule Posts
  This feature on Blogger is the most amazing thing ever (I'm not sure if they have something similar on Wordpress) It lets you write up a whole blog post then set an exact date and time you want it to go up. It is a huge save timer. All you have to do is write up a post, go to the right side and click schedule, choose the date and time you want then press PUBLISH. If you've never used it, really do!

2. Set Blogging Days
   Choose a day of the week when you have nothing to do and just sit down and write, write until you can't write any longer. This saves a ton of time throughout the week because you don't have to try and fit it in between school, work, homework or extra-curriculars. You can write all your posts for the week and schedule them to upload or go in and do it manually. A lot of popular bloggers do this from what I've seen.

3. Plan Out Posts
  Go out and buy a journal or simply grab a piece of paper. Write down some post ideas you have then write them in on the dates you want to put them up. This will remind you to get started on a post a few days before if you look at it daily. This will avoid the panic of trying to think of what to write and taking and editing pictures.

4. Choose a Posting Schedule Fit to your Life
  Some people try to post everyday because they think thats what people want but they end up without time and putting up not so great posts. If you know that you only have one free day a week to write then only post once a week. If you have time for twice a week then write twice. Set a schedule based on your life situation. This is give you lots of time to write posts well.

5. Don't Procrastinate
  If you procrastinate and leave writing, editing and picture taking all to one day then it will stress you out and not give you enough time to write a quality post. Manage and prioritize your time so you don't keep putting of blogging because you don't have any time to.

6. Get Guest Posts
  This is a really great thing to start doing if you find yourself without time or inspiration. You can go on twitter or in a post and ask for people willing to guest post. You write up all their posts and draft them until you are ready to use them or just keep the people on a list and when you need one email them. But remember to tell them that it won't be going up right away. If you know someone that can write up a post fast then you can even ask them for a post in the next few hours.

7. Draft Posts
  My last tip is similar to the previous one. If you want all content on your blog to be strictly yours then just write up a bunch of general post, not related to any certain holiday or event, then draft them all. If you are stuck for time or inspiration then grab one of those and post it. Drafting it is different then scheduling because when you schedule you know the exact date you want it up but drafting can be used anytime.

Whew. That was a very long and wordy post but I hope you enjoyed and got some pointers. I am going to be doing some more posts like as part of a mini series on a multiple of blogging topics. That's it for today. Bye everyone!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

FEBRUARY IPSY BAG








So I have had an Ipsy subscription for quite some time now but I've never posted about it. I loved this months bag so I thought well why not post it. I always just felt it was so repetitive so I was never inclined to write about it. 

I received 5 products and am in love with every single one of them. I haven't given them a proper use as I just received it in the past few days so this is more of an overview but if you'd like a full review on any of these products.

Overall I am very happy with this bag. Are you happy with your bag this month? Sorry this is a very picture heavy post but I don't have anything to write about the bag.

Get your own subscription here

That's it for today my loves! Until Friday, Mwah!


Sunday, February 16, 2014

2014BLOGGERCHALLENGE- FAVORITE HIGH END PRODUCT





Welcome to the fourth installment of the 2014 Blogger Challenge. This week is all about high-end vs low-end but since the topic is open-ended I decided to do a post on my favorite high-end product.

I got the Naked Basics Palette about 6 months ago and I am in LOVE with it! It has the perfect an everyday school day, work day or just running some errands. All the shadows except Venus are matte which is one reason why I love this palette so much. When I bought this I was looking for some matte shadows and this was just what I needed. So if you are in the market for some mattes go for this!

All the shadows are amazingly pigmented even the pale colors which is rare to find. The are buttery, smooth and easy to blend. If all Urban Decay eye shadows are like this then I am definitely going to be buying some more in the future. And with primer they last all day and crease free.

Venus is a white shimmer color perfect for an inner corner high light, Foxy is a yellow toned brow highlight, Walk of Shame is a slight pink all over lid color, Naked 2 is a pale brown perfect for a subtle crease color, Faint is a deep brown color amazing for a harsher crease or outer corner and Crave is just a dark black which can be used for anything.

That's all for today my loves, I hope you enjoyed this small review. If you are in the 2014 Blogger Challenge then leave your post link below, thanks!

Buy this palette here

Have you tried Naked Basics? Do you want to?

**UD is cruelty free**


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

EM LASH GALLERY MASCARA REVIEW


If you've been following along with the beauty community at all for the past few months, whether it be through blogs or youtube, you would know about Michelle Phans new makeup line EM. I know for me I never ordered anything because it was too expensive for my budget and they didn't have international shipping. So when I received this full size in an Ipsy bag quite a few months ago I was beyond ecstatic. I tried it out a right away and for a while so I could get a good review on it. I had low expectations because her line didn't get very good reviews but I was pleasantly surprised. 

Note: They have recently lowered their prices slightly and got inter. shipping!



Packaging: The packaging really isn't all that special, plain white with silver accents and a small symbol. It is nice but don't something to go raving about to everyone.
Rating: 3

Brush: Its a bristle brush NOT plastic. It is sort of pinched in at both ends then flares out in the middle which gives more product on center of the eye. The top collects product so it can make a huge mess if you accidentally get to close to your inner corner. The brush also has a curve to it making it good for curling.
Rating: 4

Formula: The formula is very wet  making it a messy application process if you aren't careful. It's not a put on and go type its more of a sit down and take your sweet time type. The mascara can be very natural but it can also be very dramatic, its all about the coats. It gives decent length but pretty good volume. I wouldn't say its dramatic volume but its close. The biggest thing for me is that it doesn't flake or smudge throughout the day yet its easy to take off. It is also low on the clump meter, again depending on coats.
Rating: 4

Final Thoughts: Overall I would recommend this mascara to anyone. Especially if you have more time in the morning for that true dramatic look but if you just want a little definition then you won't need a ton of time. Its flake free, easy to remove, little clumps and voluminous.
Overall Rating: 3-4 (more on the 4 side)

Thanks for reading my loves. Hope you got some insight into whether or not you will be purchasing this EM Mascara, buy here. Until next time my loves!


Saturday, February 08, 2014

DEAR DIARY #3

             Well it certainly has been awhile since my last Dear Diary post, I have idea block so I decided to just write from my heart. Today's' topic is a little controversial in the blogging community but I have a strong feeling towards it so I figured I would just go for it. I am going to be talking about SPONSORED POSTS! My thoughts, feelings and ideas toward them.

          A lot of people say they don't mind when people do sponsored posts as long as they are honest but for me I feel weird reading one and trusting it. It's not that I don't like them and I understand why people do them, heck, I want to have the opportunity to do one. I just noticed that peoples tone of writing changes. If I  read a non-sponsored fully positive review and I am instantly hooked but as soon as its sponsored I can tell and its not good. They just flat out write like an ad you would see on t.v or the companies website.

        I am not going to mention any names because it would be quite rude but I have noticed that happening in some of my favorite blogs. I just recently read a post by a fellow blogger which was sponsored and was pleasantly surprised in the way she handled the sponsorship. She sounded honest and it was like reading any of her other posts. But I also read another post by someone else and their whole writing style, tone and voice changed. They were just stating facts like they copied and pasted from the company website, they didn't say one negative thing about it not even a tiny thing. Its kind of hard to explain exactly what I mean but I can just tell.

Sometimes sponsored posts are done tastefully, honestly and they still stay true to themselves but other times they are over the top, dishonest, different then who they really are as a blogger and way to excited. Some of you may be getting angry saying who are you to judge, you don't what you're talking about, you are just jealous and what if they actually just love everything about the product. But this is just my opinion and I will never be able to fully explain what I mean.

What are your thoughts on sponsored posts? Let me know in the comments below!


***Disclaimer: I am not in anyway saying I will never do a sponsored post but that I will be 100% honest and write everything from my mind. I am not trying to bash anyone but just stating some things I have noticed that I am not a fan of. Everyone has their own way of doing things so if you write like this then go right ahead. Do You.***








Tuesday, February 04, 2014

2014 BLOGGER CHALLENGE- BOOK WISHLIST

Last Post: MUA Velvet Lip Lacquers | Advice Series: Here

We are now officially a month into the 2014 Blogger Challenge and I am going strong. Every topic so far has been interesting (well at least to me...) This week is something I've never done before but I like it. Its all about books! I was going to show my favorite book but I just haven't found a book that I think is worth sharing so I have decided to compile all the books new or old that I have an interest in buying.


The Fault in Our Stars: "Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten." (Chapters.com)

I've heard so man great things about this book, that I am really intrigued to read it. I am determined to read it before the movie comes out!

Where Beauty Lies: "Step behind the velvet ropes of Fashion Week and enter an exclusive world of opulent parties, hot guys, designer style…and new lies"(Chapters.com)

This book is written by youtubers/bloggers Elle and Blair Fowler. I have loved them for about 3 or 4 years so I am beyond supportive of everything they do. I read the first one so I am excited to read the 2nd installment.

Hunger Games Series: No description because I'm sure everyone knows what they're about. Believe it or not I have never read the Hunger Games. Before I watch the 2nd and 3rd movie I want to read the books. They are supposed to be 10x better than the movies!

Alexa Chungs "IT": "The darling of the fashion world and co-host of the music TV show Fuse News shares her inspirations, musings, and her own very personal and eclectic style"(Chapters.com)

I'm not necessarily an Alexa Chung fan but I've heard great things about the book so I've decided to take a looksie!

Lauren Conrad Books: I'm not really sure what they're about but a lot of my friends and onliners have raved about them. They look really girly and fun so it will be a light read!

Perks of Being A Wallflower: "The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a story about what it's like to travel that strange course through the uncharted territory of high school. The world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends"(Chapters.com)

I still haven't seen the movie but I am waiting till I have read the book. It seems like a relatable book so I am interested in reading it. 

Divergent Series: "In Beatrice Prior''s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue-Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent)."(Chapters.com)

This is also another well loved series that has received a lot of hype. The story line seems really interesting and different!

Those are all the books I am looking into for the next couple months. I am determined to finish them by the end of Summertime! Lots of Love, 

Bloglovin: Head 2 Toe Vogue


Saturday, February 01, 2014

MUA VELVET LIP LACQUER- FIRST IMPRESSION


 I've heard a ton about the brand MUA London so I decided to pick up some products that jumped out at me. One of the products that really intrigued me was their Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer. This is what the website describes them as:
         "Smooch your way to red carpet glamour with MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquers. Long - lasting and kiss proof, these intense formulas come in five rich, vampy shades. Encased in chic frosted glass packaging, these lacquers glide on with the ease of a gloss, drying in seconds into a matte velvety texture. They are the ultimate make-up bag must have" 

Instead of me trying the product out for a week or two then doing an extensive review on it, I thought I would try something a little different. I decided to do a First Impression type post like ItsJudyTime, Casey Holmes and many others. I kind of cheated a little because I couldn't help but open it up and swatch it. oops..

*F.I Rating = My rating on first sight/use. Out of 4 stars. It may change after handling product a little more*


Packaging
         I absolutely adore the packaging! At first sight I fell in love. Its sleek, classy and simple. The frosted glass adds a different touch then just a plain clear glass. It also represents the actual product with it being a matte packaging and the product being matte as well.

F.I Rating: ****


Brush
      There isn't really anything special about the brush. Its just a basic doe-foot applicator. I will say it does work well with this product. It didn't streak the product or make the application uneven. If it was more of a brush I feel like the product would be hell to put on.

F.I Rating: ***.5



Formulation
         I absolutely love this formulation so far! When I first applied it I was kind of put off because it wasn't matte and it transferred. I thought I just  got scammed but the MUA Marketing team but I left it on anyway. Note: It only took one thin coat to get full color payoff. I left it for a few minutes without touching it and to my surprise it was fully matte and didn't transfer AT ALL! I I kissed my hand, I rubbed my lips, I drank water and it didn't budge. Even the swatch on my hand didn't come off, I even used makeup remover! So far its a yes for me!



F.I Rating = ****

Check up 2: After wearing it for about 1-2 hours I'd say I rubbed my lips again and it started to flake off a bit. I look at my finger and there was bits of the color. I looked in the mirror and in the center of my lips were patches where the product came off. It wasn't from water or food but just from touching my lips. I was still pleased though because it wasn't feathering, mostly all of the product was still on, it still didn't transfer and I could drink and eat w/o it all coming off. Still a yes!
F.I Rating = ***.5

Check up 3: For the next few hours I wanted to see if you are able to reapply this product over your previous coat. Since it started peeling and flaking off I though it would be appropriate here. It still applied evenly and covered the patches perfectly. It evened smoothed over the flaking and stopped it for a little bit.  Its a go for reapplying! Shortly after the reapply my lips started to feel more dry than before. I ate, checked and was shocked to see that almost half of my lip was bare. The product peeled off and not in a flattering way. My lips are very patchy now. Almost all the product has peeled off. Still doesn't transfer though!

F.I Rating = **

Last Check up: The product faded more and more. It stopped peeling though, it only started to fade and get worn off. It didn't fade evenly at all! There was still a light amount on my top lip. It left a stain on my bottom lip that made it look like I was just wearing lip liner. It stayed like this until I washed it off at night.

F.I Rating = .5/*

Overall, I would recommend this product if you have the patience and time to maintain it. You would get a couple hours of wear then you'd have to remove and reapply. Little bit more work than a tinted lip balm but if you want a matte, pigmented lip product then you have to deal with it. All the colors in the range are quite bright so beware. Buy Here

Tips: Prep your lips before- exfoliate and moisturize!(I didn't but I could tell it would help)
        Don't reapply over a previous coat- makes the peeling worse 
         Avoid liquid foods like juices, soups, smoothies- lowers the wear time of product

Thanks for reading my loves and remember to check out my previous post, here, if you are a blogger wanting to give advice!

Twitter: @head2toevogue
Email: beautylover1290@gmail.com       
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Bloglovin: Head 2 Toe Vogue