Would You Rather...Makeup Edition

 Hello beauty lovers!!! I saw this tag on Beauty Broadcast's blog and thought it was too much fun and so here it is!  I hope you enjoy!

 

1. Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lip glosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?

 First off losing any of my makeup pains me but I would much rather lose my palettes and eyeshadows.  Simply because I don't have many full face palettes and I feel like on a good skin day all I really need is eyeliner, mascara and a little gloss and I wold be totally good to go.

2. Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

 Chop it all off, it'll grow back right? Haha

3. Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

 Coral hands down!  I feel like it is a universally flattering shade and can work with so many different looks that this one is actually a no-brainer for me.

4. If you had $1,000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

 Silliest question ever, of course I would spend $1000 dollars on makeup.  Most people would think I was crazy but I don't care.  Thinking of all the possibilities makes me wish I really could have $1000 to spend on makeup haha.

5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner or eyeliner as lipstick?

 I don't like this question haha.  I guess lipstick as eyeliner but I don't want to do either haha.  If i chose eyeliners as lipstick my lip colors would be very limited and dark haha but I can't imagine lining my eyes with my bright red lipstick either, yuck.

6. Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

 I honestly don't own any MAC makeup and it's not because I don't like the brand it's simply because I haven't ventured into it yet but I still have to say I would rather shop at Sephora with all of the different brands then be stuck with just one.

7. Would you rather only use one eyeshadow color or one lip color for the rest of your life?

 One eyeshadow color, for sure.  I love my different lip colors so much and if I chose for example the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze for my lifetime eyeshadow I would be totally ok with that.

8. Would you rather wear winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter?

 Summer clothes in the winter, I could always layer haha.

9. Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

Bright nails!  I do love the look of dark nails every once in a while but I'm usually rocking a bright polish.

10. Would you rather give up your favorite lip product or your favorite eye product?

I guess I would give up my favorite lip product (Revlon Lip Butters) because I am so addicted to my favorite eye product (Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner).

11. Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

I would have to say messy bun.  I can dress it up or down with accessories, wear it high, low, to the side...I don't always love ponytails when it gets hot because I really don't want it sticking to my neck and face so yes definitely messy bun.  Plus done right they are tooooo cute!  

12. Would you rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lip gloss?

I actually don't use lip gloss a ton, usually only on a easy maintenance makeup day do I swipe on a gloss and go.  So I would have to say never use lip gloss again because lord knows I love painting my nails!

13. Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or Sharpie them in everyday?

Omg this is seriously the worst question.  Like really?  I guess I would Sharpie them in, oo yuck the thought of that is so awful haha.

14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

This isn't fair either, I loooooove nail polish but I would say that I would give it up for my makeup.  

So there it is folks! I hope you enjoy and as always thank you so so so so much for stopping by and reading my blog! I appreciate it more than you could ever know! 

Sooooo much love!

Rachel 

Quick Life Update!

Hello beauty lovers!!!!  It's been too long since I've posted but I do have news for all of you. 

I got a new job...and even better, it deals with makeup!  I don't think I'll start blabbing about where and what company until I (hopefully) get the part time position that I want.  However, I promise to give more info soon! 

So yea, it's been crazy going through training and continuing work at my current job and then trying to have a life haha.  I do have posts planned and I promise to start rolling them out soon.

I think that the first thing I will buy with my new funds will be an awesome camera for this little hobby of mine.  Who's excited?!?! I am lol!

As always, thank you so much for stopping by!!

Soooo much love!

Rachel

50 Random Things About Me

Hello beauty lovers!!  I know I've posted quite a few straight up beauty posts that don't really show you a side of me that isn't obsessed with...well...beauty haha.  I used to do random Facebook tags my junior year of college that were similar in concept to the 50 Random Things tag that has been going around YouTube. I loved doing them and reading them, and of course they are some of my favorite videos to watch.  I figured what a great idea for a blog post and I can throw in some pictures too!

So here I go and I hope you enjoy!

1.  My middle name is Louise, which came from my Great Grandma on my mom's side.  I used to not like it at all because I thought it was weird but as I grew up I fell in love with it and hope that one day I will have a daughter and carry on my Great Grandma's name.

2.  I live in a small town that no one has ever heard of really in Illinois about 30 minutes north of St. Louis.  

3.  I got married when I was 21 and moved with my husband to El Paso, TX.  It was my first time living more than 45 minutes away from home and I was honest to goodness terrified.  My marriage didn't work out and we have since divorced but I am very happy to say that there are no real hard feelings between my ex and I anymore and I have grown so much going through something so life changing.

4.  Driving from El Paso, TX, is the longest drive ever! Haha!  I always hated that drive but the second I saw St. Louis city signs I felt like I was home.  For this reason (plus Cardinals baseball), St. Louis is one of my favorite places ever.

Me in St. Louis

5.  Although I love makeup and nail polish and hair products, I would say that I'm not your every day girlie girl.  Yes, I enjoy looking good.  I also enjoy almost every sport.  I have always been super comfortable being around guys in typical guy settings I guess?  I have been told many times that I am almost like a guy in certain aspects of my life.  Which is also strange but I guess really means that I don't like drama that goes along with the typical girl stuff.  My guy friends get it haha!

6.  I am a huge book worm!  I love to read...to be honest I was leaning towards reading before writing this post, but I thought I wouldn't get to it today if I started haha.  Once I start a book that I like, I will read it every available second until it's finished.  I also read super quickly and can finish a decently long book in about 2 or 3 days, depending on my work schedule.

7.   The proudest moment of my life thus far is the day I graduated from Blackburn College with my Bachelor's Degree in History in 2010. 

Me after walking across the stage at my college graduation.

8.  Speaking of college, I absolutely love the college I attended.  It was small and close knit and sometimes full of drama but it still feels like home every time I am there.

9.  My best friend, Julie, I have literally known my entire life, she's a year older than me, and I love her soooo much!  She has been so incredibly encouraging on this whole blogging journey and is so wonderfully supportive. She totally rocks my world, just saying!

Me and Juls

10.  I am not much of a sweets person, my tummy doesn't really handle sweet things too well, especially not in the mornings.  However, the sweets that I do enjoy include cake, Twix bars, and Starbuck's Java Chip Frappacino Ice Cream.

11.  I have traveled to several really cool places that I never would have dreamed that I would travel to.  I have been to Germany and Paris.  I lived in El Paso Tx, which was crazy.  I also got the opportunity to travel to San Francisco, CA and the University of California - Berkley through a grant I was awarded in college.  I have also been to Atlanta, GA and no not just at the airport haha!

12.  While I do love going new places and exploring and learning new things, I always find that the best part of travelling is coming home. 

13.  The trip to California was the first time I had ever traveled that far away completely by myself as well as the first trip that I had ever actually planned from start to finish.  I used to be afraid to go anywhere alone and that ended quickly once I got on that plane haha!  It was a scary but amazing experience and I will always remember and cherish that opportunity.

Pretty self explanatory haha

14.  Foodwise, I like to try new things.  However, there are certain things that I really do not like and some of them are marshmallows, tomatoes and bananas.  I also literally gag at certain textures of food.  For instance, if I know something is supposed to be creamy or something like that and I bite into something crunchy, it takes everything I have not to hurl.  Sushi was an interesting experience for me haha.

15.  I am about to turn 25, on July 18, and evidently that's me getting old.  I would like to know when that started haha.

16.  I have no children but I do want to have them some day in the future.  For now, my dogs are my fur babies and I am just fine with that!

17.  I am really good at remembering people's names.  I have no idea why this is but it's true. 

18.  I have been told I can talk to any one no matter their age.  I think that's an excellent quality to have and not a sly way of telling me that I talk too much haha.

19.  I really enjoy doing research.  It's probably why I love history so much.  

20.  I love singing.  I have sang since I was a child and I know for a fact that there are multiple home videos of me singing some random songs when I was a child.  I sang in choirs throughout my schooling up until my sophomore year of college.  I still sing in my car, at home, in the shower, at work, while shopping, etc.  I am obsessed with music.  I have always said that if you can't find the words you are looking for there is probably a song out there somewhere that can say it for you.

21.  Due to this love of music and song, I have a pretty random collection of music and cds.  

22.  My mother is amazing and nothing short of an angel.  She sacrifices soo much for my family and others.  I admire her so much.  She has instilled in me so many wonderful things that I know I owe to her and I love her so much for it.  I know that the things she's taught me will take me so far in life.  She has been there for my highest highs and my lowest lows and I know she will continue to do the same forever and ever.  

One of my favorite pictures of my mom and I

23.  I am a firm believer in standing up for yourself and what you believe in.  I used to be a pushover and my mom told me to stop letting people treat me that way and boy did I listen.  I won't delve into my personal beliefs and what I think is right and wrong but I do believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness and I try my hardest to do that everyday.
24.  My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
25.  I am a huuuuuuuuge Chicago Bears fan and a huuuuuuuuuuge St. Louis Cardinals fan.  It's a contradiction of loves and some around me may consider this sacrilege but I can't help, I love the teams I love.
26.  If I had to pick over the two sports I just mentioned I would choose football.  I love it so much!!!  I also firmly believe that the Superbowl should be a national holiday. ;)  (PS in case you were wondering, it's less than 100 days to preseason!)
27.  My dorm room in college could have easily been mistaken for a guys room if you hadn't noticed that you were on the girls half of the floor.  It was completely decked out in Chicago Bears fashion and with the exception of the excess of pictures it totally looked man-ish haha.
28.  I was a cheerleader in college and it quickly became one of the greatest things about my college experience.  One of my best friends to this day was co-captain with me for my senior year on the squad and I love her sooo much! 

I'm the one in the air! haha

Another pretty self explanatory one

29. I rarely sleep in.  I'm almost always up at 6 maybe at the latest 7.  It's kind of ridiculous but I also appreciate that I don't sleep most of my day away.
30.  I am left handed but can do almost anything with my right hand if I'm taught that way. 
31.  I am super stubborn, seriously.
32.  Other than remembering names, I can't remember anything.  I don't remember plans unless I put them in my phone or write them down, I never remember to call people back and I forget what I'm doing in the middle of actually doing it.  It's a problem lol.
33.  I hate clowns or pretty much anything that is covering someone's face.  It's not funny to me in any way shape or form when someone is a jerk and uses that fear to terrify me.
34.  I think that food in bulk is really gross.  I have no idea why but something about huge vats of food makes me want to hurl.
35.  I have a tendency to dance while driving.
36.  I'm very competitive.  However, I usually only compete with myself in terms of goals that I set for my personal life.  I don't like to feel disappointed myself at all so I strive not to.
37.  I am a smart person and I know that I am, but sometimes I really feel like my brain shuts itself off and I do and say some really stupid stuff.
38.  My sister is the most awesome sister anyone could ever ask for. Just saying.

My sister Megan and I after the Color Run 2013 in St. Louis

39. I am incredibly clutzy and due to the terrible memory issues that I have, I'll get a nasty bruise somewhere and have absolutely no recollection of how it got there.
40.  I can be brutally honest.  I really don't think you should ever ask me something if you don't want my honest opinion because your going to get it and you may not always like it.
41.  I cannot stand rude people.  I literally want to smack them.
42.  I truly believe that being nice to someone can change their day completely. I try to make that happen to at least one person every day.
43.  I have several "brothers."  One is my half brother, he's older than me and rocks pretty hard haha.  Then there is my older "adopted" brother and he kind of stumbled into my life and boy is he annoying and then there is my actual full on blood brother who is younger than me and just graduated high school.  I love them all.

Me, my half brother Travis, my sister, and brother Lucas

My brother Lucas, me, and the "brother" John

45.  I am a firm believer that hugs can cure almost any bad day.  I love them!
46.  Animals are the best ever!  I love my two wonderful dogs, they are so incredibly precious and my life would not be the same without the little stinkers!
47.  I went to my sister's house today and held her guinea pig and now I want one haha.
48.  I am planning on going to cosmetology school this fall and making a career out of this crazy passion that I have.
49.  I have always had a general plan of how my life would turn out and life has decided to change my plans haha.  Never would I have thought that I would be where I am now 5 years ago.  Despite that, I am so glad that I have gone through all that I have and I have absolutely no regrets because no matter how bad things may have been I have learned and grown.
50.  I really and truly am shocked every time I log onto my Blogger main page and see that people have read my blog.  I cannot express how much it means to me.

That's all everyone.  Thank you so much for stopping by and reading this forever long post and I hope it gave you some more insight to me.  

Soooo much love!

Rachel

Let's talk Sunscreen!

Hello beauty lovers!!! I am going to be out in the sun allllllllll day today and while I was getting ready I thought I'd throw out a super quick post about my favorite sunscreen products because I am a ghost and burn like a crazy person.  Most people's skin retains some level of color after a sunburn....not mine.   I go from pasty white to bright red cooked lobster back to pasty white.  Therefore, I am a huge believer in using some kind of SPF every single day and today I'm going even more hardcore than normal haha.

My favorite all over body sunscreen is the Aveeno Hydrosport in SPF 30.  I usually reach for a sunscreen with higher SPF because I don't exactly love the feel or smell of sunscreen.  However, this sunscreen smells so good that I don't mind reapplying and it sprays on in absolutely any angle.  I'm telling you I love this stuff!

As for my face, I have been loving this Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock with SPF 70.  Now I know that there are those who say that nothing more than 30 is effective but I haven't gotten my face burnt yet since using this stuff so I'm going to stick with it.  If I feel especially crazy, I also like to use my Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer because it also contains a small amount of SPF.  I use both of these products all over my face, including my eyelids, neck and chest depending on how much is uncovered.  I also trust the old standby Chapstick, this one happens to be Raspberry Creme, which also has an SPF 15.  Sunburnt lips are no fun at all.

Since I also color treat my hair, I have products to protect that too.  Red hair tends to face especially fast so I have the Ion Sun Protection Spray.  It is like a sunscreen for your hair and while I don't love the scent I sure to love the protection it gives.  In addition to that product, I have been using the L'Oreal Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray which is a heat protectant and preserves color.  It also adds a nice shine without making my hair look like a greaseball.  Yay!

Random fun fact: You're nails can burn too.  Crazy right?  The easiest way to prevent nail burn is by painting them.  So now there's an excuse to have your nails done ;)

Well lovelies, I'm off to finish getting ready for my fun in the sun!  Stay sun safe this summer!  

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Soooo much love!

Rachel

May Favorites!

Hello beauty lovers!  It's been a crazy week for me this week and I totally had planned on having this favorites post up earlier but clearly that didn't work out for me.  However, I'm ready now! So without any further ado.....my first ever Favorites post!

Number 1: ELF Beach Beauty Palette

As you may have seen in my previous haul post, I haven't had this little lady for all of May, but man do I wish that I did haha!!! I am sooo in love with it!  The blush and bronzer are amazing!!!!! I even love both of the highlighters (which I wasn't one hundred percent sure that I would, especially the golden one).  I also am madly in love with the eye shadows!  They are just so pretty!  And BONUS it only cost me $6!!!!!!!  I love ELF products that surprise me like this one!  On a side note, I have my little brother's graduation party to go to tonight and I will most likely do a look with these.  I will most likely post it on Instagram when I'm all done, so just a heads up haha.  

Number 2: Covergirl LashBlast Volume in Very Black

I am so the last female on earth to discover the wonderfulness that is this mascara!  I had been using the same mascara forever and I never thought I would ever switch until I noticed that it had been flaking on me and it never had before.  I took it as a sign that it was OK to move on and went for a mascara that has pretty awesome reviews all around and I love it! Makes my lashes look awesome but not stiff and holds a curl pretty well.  Bonus no flaking and it washes off really easily plus it is like a couple bucks less than the mascara I had been buying for years.  Love love love.

Number 3: Revlon Lip Butters in Juicy Papaya (L) and Sorbet (R)

 

I have loved the formula of the lip butters since they first came out and possibly because of the season these colors are simply the ones I reach for.  Sorbet looks really bright and fresh but it's not hard to apply and have it look nice on the go.  Juicy Papaya is kind of my neutral go to right now.  It gives my lips just a hint of color that happens to make my natural lip color look just a little bit better.  It's kind of hard for me to describe...maybe I'll use this tonight too so I can show you on Instagram haha.

Number 4: Out the Door Topcoat

As a nail polish lover, this topcoat is by far the best thing since I discovered fast drying top coats.  It doesn't shrink my nail polish as much as others, makes my manicures last much longer than others, and the shine is amazing!  I have had people ask me where I get my nails done at and I swear I never used to get asked that before this topcoat.  Don't walk, run to go get this stuff! 

Number 5: Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer in Total Moisture

I will be the first to admit that I am lazy when it comes to lotions.  I know that I need to moisturize my body but there's so much of it haha so I normally focus on the parts that get seen the most, my arms and legs and of course my face.  This product is so awesome!  I get out of the shower and towel dry then spray it all over and rub it in.  It's absorbed within a minute and my skin feels awesome all day.  They have other formulas as well as this one which I plan on trying when I finish this one off.  So awesome!

Number 6: Michael Todd Organics Blue Green Algae Toner

This little sample that I got is so close to being empty, it makes me sooooo sad!  I love this stuff so much! I use it after I wash my face with my Clarisonic Mia and it makes my skin feel tingly and wonderful!  I'm going to be so upset when it's all gone but I will most definitely be buying a full size when my No Buy June and July is over.

Random Favorites

Mahogany Teakwood 3 Wick Candle from Bath and Body Works

I go crazy for new candles at Bath and Body Works and I always buy them on sale because who would pay full price when every other week they are on sale!  I passed by this one several times.  I judged it by the title and was like well how can that even smell good?  Until I opened the freakin' thing and the most amazing aroma hit my nose!!!  I swear it smells like a Hollister cologne or someplace like that lol.  It is amazing!!!!!! I love it sooooo much!  I have been trying not to burn it a lot because I love it so much and don't want to burn it up before my no buy is over but I really don't need to burn it a lot because after an hour or so of burn time, my room smells like it for a day or so.  It's soooooooooooo fantastic!  I love this candle!

Superheroes by Ventura Lights

I may be slightly biased about this song because one of my wonderful friends is a part of this fantastic group but that doesn't mean that this song hasn't been playing in my mind since they released it two weeks ago.  The song is awesome and the story behind the band is amazing!  It started with an idea to create a band using YouTube as it's platform.  Auditions were uploaded, the band's creator, Cobus, chose the final group and it was financed by normal people who wanted to see this project flourish.  This whole idea to me is so incredible!  I think it's genius!  And bonus, the band is amazing and this song is just a taste of what's to come!  I am so incredibly happy for these guys and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  For more information on how the project got started check out http://myyoutubebandproject.com/  or check them out on Facebook or Twitter or their website venturalights.com.  I don't think that you'll be disappointed.

As always, thank you so much for stopping by!

Sooo much love!

Rachel

Last Haul until my Birthday...

Hello beauty lovers!! You read that title right, this will be my last haul until my birthday! (PS it's July 18th).  I am doing a No-Buy June and (1/2 of) July.  It's going to be major...just saying!

So what did I decide to do? Go out and buy a bunch of things now! 

 haha!  

 

For those who don't know, I will be 25 this year.  It's kind of a big deal for me and I am taking four days off of work to celebrate in style :).  I have this problem spending money on really expensive beauty products that I'd like to try because (1) there are such good products at the drugstore and (2) I should spend my money on other things or simply just save it for something that "matters to normal people."  But since I'll be saving all of my money for a month and a half, I'll feel better when it comes time to have a Me Birthday Shopping Spree.

Onto the haul!

  

L'Oreal Paris Dual Protect Spray  (Target) and Aveeno Hydrosport Sunscreen SPF 30 (Walgreens)

First up, the L'Oreal Paris Dual Protect Spray for color treated hair.  This product is supposed to help prevent fading while in the sun while also adding shine.  I have never used this before but I can't wait to try it.  Red fades too quickly so.  Aveeno Hydrosport Sunscreen with SPF 30 is an awesome sunscreen that I have been obsessed with since last summer.  It honest to goodness smells so good.  No sunscreen smell.  It's wonderful. It also dried relatively quickly so you can get to the fun or work which ever you happen to be doing that day 

Revlon SuperLustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal and Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Peach Petal (Both from Walgreens)

These lovely lip products were both on sale at Walgreens so I snatched them up.  Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal is a wonderful nude gloss.  I love the formula of these glosses and I'm pretty sure that the only reason it was on sale was because Revlon introduced some new colors and packaging.  This color is also available in the new packaging and I can't wait to try some of the new colors.  They have a new berry shade that makes my think of EmilyNoel83 and a red shade, both of which I am dying to try out!  And yes, I got another Color Statement Lipstick!  It's in the color Fruit Punch and it has all the same wonderful qualities of the selections from the brand in my bright lipstick favorites.  I cannot wait to wear it!

Milani Baked Blush in Corallina (Walgreens)

 This is a product I have never tried from Milani and looked so pretty that I couldn't pass it up.  It is the Milani Baked Blush in Corallina.  It is a bright peachy-pink swirled with a shimmery white.  I thought it was going to be amazing until I got it home and started doing some preliminary swatches and I'm so glad I did instead of just slapping it on my face.  It is very glittery.  I don't love glitter in eyeshadow and I've never owned a glittery blush.  I don't want to look like a disco ball and this is very very disco ball-esque.  I think that I'll be returning this or maybe giving it to someone who does enjoy glitter.  Other than the glitter though, it is very pigmented and the color itself if gorgeous.  I've heard great things about other blushes in this line so I won't give up on them.

Milani Shadow Eyes in Almond Cream (Walgreens) and Rimmel Scandaleyes in Nude (Target)

Milani Shadow Eyes in Almond Cream is a great nude colored base or nude highlight.  It's a wonderful texture and I can't wait to use it in a look for you guys.  The Rimmel Scandaleyes is also in Nude and I plan to use this as a inner rim or waterline brightener.  I've never played with a nude eyeliner before so I am super excited about it.

Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Light Brown, Maybelline Master Drama in Vibrant Violet and Bold Brown (All from Target)

I have already talked about the Maybelline Define-A-Brow and the Master Drama eyeliners in previous posts but not in these shades.  I haven't figured out my perfect brow product but I do really like these pencils and this one is in the shade light brown.  I'll let you know how I like it.  As for the eyeliners, I got the shades Bold Brown and Vibrant Violet.  The brown is replacing the one I used to have and the purple just looks like fun to play with.

ELF Beach Beauty Palette (Target)

The ELF Beach Beauty palette was a complete surprise for me.  I have played with several ELF products.  I own their warm palette and I love their eye primer and the blush and bronzer duo.  This cost me $6.  They say there are 2 blushes and 2 bronzers.   I feel like the bottom two would be much better highlights so I'm ok with that.  There are 8 lip glosses (the bottom 2 rows).  There are also 16 eye shadows and as I was playing with this one too, there isn't a bad one in the bunch.  All of them are pigmented and smooth and I can't wait to use this palette.  I figured that like other palettes that ELF puts out that there would be some misses but I promise you that these are all gorgeous.  The blushes and bronzers are wonderful too.  The only bad part of this palette are the glosses.  The bottom right one is decently pigmented but the rest are super sheer.  Also there is nothing to keep the powder products out of the lip glosses and that is bothersome at least to me.  I wish they would have left them out and given me bigger eye shadows but what can you do. As you can see, this also comes with a double ended applicator, a sponge tip on one end and a tiny lip brush on the other.  

So there you have it! My last haul until my post-25th birthday celebration! It's going to be challenging!

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Soo much love!!!

Rachel