Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Lists :: Things I am desperately in need of

1. a mani-pedi
2. a hot stone massage
3. a hair cut, color, and blowout
4. an eyebrow wax

Since working at a hair salon, I have been a very loyal customer to a few local businesses. When I am able to afford to pamper myself, I go to a certain shop to see a certain person. But lately, I've been itching to try something new. Maybe it's the limited availability of my old favorites with the holidays fast approaching, or maybe I just need to step outside my comfort zone. Either way, any suggestions for local VT businesses that offer great services within my post-grad budget would be greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Lists :: Fall Activities

Because it is finally officially fall (my autumn starts strictly on September 1st, by the way…), I thought I would drum up a list of 30 things I would like to do this season and celebrate the end of my 30 day blogging challenge. To those who may find this list stereotypical, this list is not for you.

  1. hike the long trail to Camel's Hump
  2. hike Mount Mansfield before the heavy snow starts
  3. visit Ethan Allen's homestead
  4. visit Shelburne Museum 
  5. go to the Saint Albans Raid
  6. go to the Food & Wine Fest and Shelburne Orchards
  7. get all my holiday shopping done before December 1st
  8. move into a new apartment
  9. try a wine tasting at a new vineyard
  10. try a flight at a new brewery
  11. gain 5lbs
  12. gain 10lbs
  13. gain 15lbs
  14. go late-season berry picking
  15. go apple picking
  16. go pumpkin picking
  17. carve a pumpkin
  18. learn how to bake an apple pie from Chris' mom
  19. learn how to cook another dinner dish that isn't spaghetti
  20. dress up for Halloween
  21. save $1000
  22. get snow tires before mid-October
  23. get my bangs cut?
  24. build a leaf pile for Lulu to jump in
  25. drive through the White Mountain National Park
  26. get a massage
  27. drink more water
  28. get cider drunk
  29. eat more fall treats than I should
  30. buy a new burgundy sweater

Deal :: Maybelline Color Tattoo


Oh, the Rite Aid clearance section is so good to me. I got this little pot of Maybelline's Color Tattoo 24hr eyeshadow in 400 Rich Mahogany. It was still sealed in it's limited edition wrapper, as well. The price tag was a whopping $4.

I have been using it as a dark brown gel eyeliner on those days when I'm just not in the mood for black. The color is gorgeous, I find myself reaching for it more and more often.

Giveaway Alert :: L'Occitane & The Everygirl


The Everygirl is giving away $500 worth of L'Occitane's brand new skin care line - Divine Collection - to three winners. Check out @theeverygirl_ on Instagram and find more information and enter the giveaway in theeverygirl.com. Best of luck!

Buzz: Saint Albans Raid

We spent the day yesterday romping around Saint Albans to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Saint Albans Raid.

 
Got to try some more wine and cheese (and hardtack!) samples, explore civil war camps, watch a cooking demonstration, poke around the historical museum, and watch the reenactments, of course!

We had a great time, and would love to attend next year if they choose to make this an annual event. Unfortunately, the governors ball has been sold out for two months so we couldn't get tickets. The reenactments themselves were rather amateur, compared to the grandiose performances at Fort Ticonderoga, but the overall atmosphere was worth the trip.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Update :: L'Oreal Paris Nail Polish

I finally redid my manicure, so I wanted to post an update including my new bottle of L'Oreal Paris doutzen's nude. 

The color is a beautiful nude for my skin tone, and I adore the mauve shade. The application was a piece of cake and fully opaque in two coats. Considering I did not apply a top coat (it's still packed away somewhere from our move...) this polish is truly long wearing. It's been three days since and the wear is absolutely minimal. There is the tiniest of chips on my pinky nail, but the rest remain flawless. 


10/10, will become a loyal L'Oreal Paris polish addict soon enough!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Shelburne Orchards Food Fest

photo from shelburneorchards.com/events
We accidentally stumbled upon Shelburne Orchard's 12th Annual Food Fest last Sunday, on a mission to pick up some apples for Christopher's mother to bake a pie with. I was skeptical at first with a $5 admission to an unexpected festival that would surely be very crowded, because they were using the field for parking. I was ready to opt for a peaceful experience and get fresh apples from another Orchard, but Chris convinced me to give it a try. As soon as we got in, I was so grateful that I chose to stay. Yes, it was extremely crowded, but there were discounted wine tastings (for $2 each!) from Shelburne Vineyard, Lincoln Peak Vineyard, and Huntington River Vineyard to help ease any discomfort from the crowds.

At the Food Fest, I finally got a chance to try Shelburne Vineyard's Harvest Widow's Revenge, which I've had my eye on for months. Absolutely beautiful packaging and a clever name caught my eye, and the wonderful autumnal taste absolutely sold me. It was also my first time trying both Lincoln Peak and Huntington River, and both were pretty impressive - I will be visiting those vineyards before the first snow this year. I wish Becca wasn't living halfway across the country now so she could join me. I'll have to continue my Vermont Vineyard Tour solo, unfortunately.

photos from shelburnevinyard.com and citizencider.com

I also got to taste a sample cider flight from Citizen Cider. Their blueberry cider, the bROSé, was very... interesting. I haven't quite found another word for it yet. I will also be visiting their new cider pub on Pine Street as soon as possible.

At this point, I was pretty bubbly on all the wine and cider, so I forgot to take pictures of the vendors and I can't for the life of me remember the name of the amazing sausages and cheeses I tried. The cheeses might have been from Shelburne Farms, but I'm not entirely sure. My memory is a little fuzzy to say the least. We did get to bring home an entire bag of apples for Mrs. Bresnahan. I was entirely happy for the chance to climb trees and pick the highest MacIntosh apples I could reach, and then sit in the warm sunshine to munch on a few.

Thanks for an amazing day, Shelburne Orchards!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Offer Alert :: Origins


I checked my Facebook offers page, and found this little gem that expires today! Origins has launched a new product called the Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum, and are giving away some deluxe samples at their stores and counters. Serums are my new favorite texture, so I can't wait to try it!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Empty :: Senna Barely Base Sheer Mineral Makeup


Now, this definitely isn't a sample size. And it definitely isn't cheap. It's taken me nearly 6 months of almost daily use to finish the entire bottle. Thankfully, I have a second bottle squirreled away from my days working at the salon, so I don't need to repurchase just yet.

I'm conflicted about this product as a whole. On one hand, it is the right amount of coverage for my skin and I always get tons of compliments when I use it. It is quick and easy and light. I feel like I'm wearing next to nothing, but still take care of any unwanted shine. And most importantly, it doesn't cause me to break out.

But, as I said previously, it is expensive, and not at all kind on my post-grad budget without an employee discount. They tout being an eco-conscious and health-aware luxury makeup brand, but I'm not 100% convinced that it's worth it.

For now, Senna's Barely Base will still serve it's post as my go-to foundation and SPF as my summer tan fades and the shade "vanilla" starts to suit me again. We will see how financially stable I am once this second bottle runs dry.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Unboxing :: September Birchbox

I'll let the photos do the talking!

just checked the mailbox this afternoon, so this litte treat must have been tucked in there on Friday afternoon.

Please excuse the quality of my photos today. My camera is not committing on the color of the bedspread.

Noir Cosmetics Long-Wear Eyeliner

Skin and Co Sicilian Light Serum

TEMPTU S/B Highlighter in Champagne Shimmer

Birchbox Find :: Chapstick Hydration Lock Renew & Moisturize

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Gold Couture

dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner

Most anticipated product is definitely the TEMPTU highlighter. I've been playing around with bronzes lately, but I haven't had a highlighter to add into my routine yet, and it's been at the top of my list!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Look what I made!

Im so proud of this finished notebook. I can't stop looking at it, and I don't want to send it away. But alas, I am not the future Mrs. Rouleau, so it will soon be delivered to its proper owner.


I can custom make these notebooks for $13, with complimentary shipping. Send me an email at rachelfitzgerald802 (at) gmail .com for more info or to place an order.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Seeking :: Blank Notebooks

I'm looking for a reliable shop from which to purchase blank notebooks.


Preferences:
- hardcover
- various thicknesses and sizes available
- lined (colleges ruled) and unlined options
- tan (as pictured above), white, or black
- able to purchase in lots of 10 or 12 for a reasonable price

Please let me know If you have any information about a shop that might fit my needs!


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Shop :: CraftsByTK on Etsy

For my birthday, my best friend had this wonderful gift sent to me.


I asked her more about its origins today. It was purchased from the CraftsByTK shop on Etsy. It is handmade with a Lilly Pulitzer pattern, including my name written on the bottom right in script. When I say handmade, I don't mean hand painted. I believe it is printed, with hand painted details. The quality is good though, with minimal peeling on the corners. Perfect for the excellent deal and the amazing treatment Becca got from CraftsByTK, including the customization, and a truly wonderful and personalized gift indeed!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Empty :: Benefit's Fake Up

Well, there goes the very last of my concealer.


I somehow managed to destroy this sample the first time I tried to use it. I also somehow managed to use almost all of it anyways. "Impressed" is an understatement for the feelings I have toward Benefit's Fake Up, considering it was my first successful use of concealer in general and also my first introduction to the Benefit line.

Overall, I'm excited to try more Benefit products in the future. I'm not going to purchase a replacement for Fake Up at this time, because I need to reach out for more experience with other products, starting at the drugstore, now that I think I've got a handle on how this whole concealing thing works. This doesn't mean that I won't be back someday. Other concealers have got some big shoes to fill.


Monday, September 8, 2014

Deal :: L'Oreal Collection Privee Nail Polish

The Rite Aid near my boyfriend's parents house has the best clearance beauty section. Because it isn't right in the center of town, the makeup on clearance doesn't look like it's been through World War III and it is almost almost full of limited edition products for half price.

I found this L'Oreal Collection Privee Doutzen Nail Polish in doutzen's nude 600 for $3.49.


It is a very mauve toned nude, which I love. I've been holding out on buying a mauve polish, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this one for such a reasonable price! Manicure post will be coming later, once I change my pedicure for the fall.

Cut :: Laqa & Co Lip Lube


I'm cutting this product from my lip collection. I've tried it numerous times, and it's just not working for me.

The primary reason is the color. I don't think this bright peach color suits my olive-based skin tone, and it's a little too intense for my style.


The secondary reason is the texture. It feels a little too much like lip balm, which is great for moisturization, but not so great when it doesn't seem to set evenly.

Although I love the packaging, including the twist up bottom and the minty scent & flavor, this product just doesn't suit my current lifestyle. I have a feeling my little sister will love it, though.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

App :: Lovely

My boyfriend has officially taken over the apartment search so I can focus all of my attention on finding employment for the time being. Before I hand over the reins, I would like to highlight an app I've recently fallen in love with. Lovely brings listings from craigslist into a more attractive and interactive platform on your phone. There are lots of awesome extra features, including alerts for fresh listings that meet your needs, in-app email and call options, and even a way to help you pay your landlord.

If you or someone you know is about to be on the hunt for an apartment in the near future, I highly recommend using Lovely to help you find the next place to call home. Search for them in the app store, or visit their website at livelovely.com for more information.


Instagram :: beautyempties

I have been following beautyempties on Instagram for a while, and I wanted to share her with my readers. I love her style of blogging, her honest opinions, and her beauty auctions!





Thursday, September 4, 2014

Seeking :: Makeup Remover Wipes

I'm starting to get a little desperate for a good facial wipe that cleanses, exfoliates, and removes my makeup without costing a fortune. I recently ran out of the ones I got from Target, and after a few days of not wearing makeup or sleeping with makeup on, my skin is starting to actually hate me. There's a blemish threatening to surface next to my nose and my right eye is on the verge of major irritation. I need help!

Perhaps my standards for a facial wipe are impossible to reach. I would like something that is strong enough to remove all my eye makeup without scrubbing or stinging, preferably unscented or a light scent of aloe, cucumber, or lavender. Any sort of leftover residue or burning sensations are absolutely unacceptable. As much as I love the Olivella wipes, they are incredibly expensive and my tight budget can't accommodate them.

I feel like I've already tried everything else out there, but I could be missing something. What facial cleansing wipe do you swear by? No judgements, I just want to find a product that will work for me too!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Empty :: Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave in Conditioner

I am very disappointed that I've used all of this up, now that this unseasonal humidity has settled into my tresses.


Scent: I can't describe the scent of this spray, but I can say that I can't get enough of it. It is pretty strong, so beware when mixing with other fragrances.

Texture: This spray conditions and detangles, but it is also light enough for everyday use. A small amount of product is enough to detangle all of my hair post-shower, so I only use two or three pumps.

Packaging: I like the soft plastic of the bottle. I don't feel like it is going to crack if I accidentally drop it or it gets thrown around in my luggage during travel. I do recall that the pump was very hard to get started in the beginning, though.

Comments: I have a couple other similar product samples hanging around to try first, but overall I really liked this product and I will likely be purchasing the full-size. I am looking forward to trying the Beauty Protector shampoo and conditioner.


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Empty :: BeeKind Body Lotion

I've been taking this lotion from BeeKind with me while traveling in lieu of any regular size body lotions.


Scent: Honey and chamomile, which combines into a very fresh and clean scent that isn't overpowering or harsh.

Texture: This is definitely a "lotion" versus a "cream". It is very thin and runny, and soaks into the skin quite rapidly.

Packaging: I absolutely love that this brand supports honey bee and sustainable pollination research. Every time I use this product, I think of fuzzy little honeybees and how sad it would be to live in a future without them.

Comments: I'm more of a "cream" person myself, but I did love the scent and mission of BeeKind. If I could continue to purchase this product in a 30mL tube, it would become a staple in my travel bag.

Empty :: Whish Shaving Cream

I have finally squeezed as much of this product from Whish as I can out of its tube.



Scent: Acai grapefruit, but smells a little soapy and acidic.

Texture: A "thick whip", and little goes a long way! I like the cream over a gel or foam, now that I've tried it.

Packaging: I don't like the tube, and that's just a personal preference. I feel like I miss out on some of the product left inside.

Comments: I was rather unimpressed with this shaving cream. I didn't notice a difference in the softness or smoothness of my skin post-shave like I did with the exfoliating scrub from Whish. That being said, I don't think I will be purchasing the full size product.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

List :: Bad Beauty Habits

This might get a little up-close and personal, but I am trying really hard to break these habits. Putting it out there on the Internet is one way in which I am holding myself accountable. I am focusing on my poor beauty-related habits, including, but certainly not limited to:

- picking at my skin (my face, my ears, my fingertips, and my feet are the real problem areas)
- biting my nails
- chipping off my nail polish, whether or not I paid someone to put it there
- touching my face and mouth absentmindly (which spreads germs)
- leaving my makeup on while I sleep
- not maintaining a proper daily routine for showering, washing my face, or brushing my teeth
- slouching constantly
- being unprepared without tissues, hand sanitizer, lip balm, etc in my purse car

I'll add more to this list as I come across other bad beauty habits, and I'll keep you updated on my progress in breaking them. If anyone would like to join me in breaking bad habits, comment below with whatever you might be tackling today.

"Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny."

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Results :: Polish Pairing

I think my polish pairing dilemma turned out quite alright in the end.



I did change the polish on my toes. The skin on my feet has been so terrible lately, so I decided it was worth the extra service to get another pedicure. OPI's Big Apple Red is on my toes, and Essie's Imported Bubbly is on my hands (I think...). We went to Simply Perfect Nails in Ashland, MA. Perfect seaside combo for our last-hurrah of summer on the Cape this weekend.

Friday, August 29, 2014

New Ink

I wanted to share a picture of my brand new tattoo. Its about 18 hours fresh, so still looking pretty rough.



The phrase "fola sorella" is roughly translated into "blood sister" in mixed Irish/Gaelic and Italian. My baby sister and I have used this as sort of a pinky swear for the past five years, as a promise that no matter what, we are always going to be sisters by blood and by heart.



For her 18th birthday, we got these tattoos done together at Coastline Tattoo in Provincetown.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Seeking :: Polish Pairings

Oh, the complex art of pairing your manicure and pedicure. It is basically advanced color theory. Some just have an eye for it, and some, like me, require lots of research and quite the headache before I head to the parlor. I never want my fingers and toes to match… but I want them to complement each other.

Here's my current dilemma:


Last week, I got a pedicure with OPI's Coca Cola red (boyfriend's choice, pictured on the left). Now, I'll be getting my manicure done with my little sister today, and I have no idea what to pair this bright red with. This pedicure is still going strong, so there's no real reason to get it done again. Pinterest research turned up some solid suggestions: gold (although it's still summer and that seems like such a holiday-time pairing to me) and hot pink (and I simply can't imagine myself with hot pink nails, it just isn't me).


Finally, I found a suitable combination on Purewow. Their "Meet Your Match" quiz turned up the seemingly obvious combination of a bright nautical red and a sandy nude.

Now that's a summery match I can really sea myself in.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Warning :: EOS lip balm

I am honestly more than a little disappointed to be writing this post. I have loved EOS lip balm since before I even started using it. They have established such an amazing brand in a short period of time, and I admire the seamlessness of their marketing, graphic design, and public relations departments.

A Facebook friend shared yesterday that she thinks there might have been a formula change in EOS products. She had been an avid user for a long time, and developed a nasty rash when she started using a newly purchased Sweet Mint.

I did a little research online to see if I could find any other relevant conversations, and mostly turned up people describing their allergic reactions. Not very informative in this case, when a product has seemingly turned against you out of nowhere. But when I saw a pictures of these reactions, I realized that I had this same experience earlier this summer.

I thought I had skimped on the SPF in my balm, and ended up with sunburnt lips for a week. But I stopped using my EOS after that, simply out of convenience. I didn't have another problem all summer.

Stranger yet, I've had this same lip balm since October 2013 and never before experienced a negative reaction. My friends EOS was newly purchased and gave her this reaction right away.

I have so many questions... Do they expire faster than usual (and can therefore expire on the checkout shelves)? What is in this product that I am reacting to, when I have no other known allergies? Is it safe to purchase EOS again?

Have you been affected by this?

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Seeking :: Dress Shop

I am in need of some recommendations. I am attending a wedding in January and I want a stunning dress to wear to the event, of course. I am looking for something in a deep color - like navy, burgundy, or emerald. Preferably with a sweetheart neckline and a classic silhouette, possibly with some elegant embellishments. This needs to be one of those "I might see my ex-boyfriend at this wedding and he needs to regret every decision he ever made when he sees me in this" dresses. You know what I mean? Of course you do.

I would love to support a small online shop this time around, rather than falling back into my spiral of settling for less-than-perfect at the mall. 

If you have any recommendations for great clothing retailers on Etsy or elsewhere around the internet, please leave a comment below so I can check them out!

Monday, August 25, 2014

App :: Happier



I am back from my all-consuming seasonal job at summer camp, so that means my iPhone is fully charged and back online. I've taken this opportunity to clear out some apps that I don't use anymore, and I wanted to take a brief moment to highlight a rock-star application that I've rediscovered.


 Happier is an app that gives you a place to share all the things in your life that make you, well, happier! You might remember those 100 day gratitude challenges that were circulating on Instagram in the spring, and have seen a recent revival as part of a Facebook "challenge". What I like most about Happier is that it can be a totally separate community from my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. I can maintain my privacy, and in this generation of over-sharing and social media noise - that is really important to me. Happier is like a virtual gratitude journal that I can keep by my side while I'm going through my daily activities. The interface is bright and bubbly, the inspirational quotes are on point, and my intense need-to-organize is thoroughly satisfied with their post tags.

The app is free, and they have recently introduced a couple of courses that you can pay for. They center around topics like meditation, yoga, and gratitude for $19.95. I am so tempted to give one a try… If anyone has taken one of Happier's courses, please let me know if it was worth the money! And if you download Happier, feel free to share your own thoughts.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Buzz :: Vermont Women's Expo



I was putting off this mini-haul of samples for so, so long... Watch my video above to check out the goodies I picked up at the Vermont Women's Expo on March 15th!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Haul :: Bath & Body Works

In February and March, I picked up quite a few free samples from Bath & Body Works through the offers posted on their Facebook page. It's a good day when the little "Get Offer" button is the first thing I see on my newsfeed. I've quickly rounded them up into this master post. Bath & Body Works is a company based primarily on their scents, so that's what I'll be focusing on here.




The first offer was posted on January 19th to welcome spring very, very early with a free 3 oz Body Lotion in their new scents: Sun, Sky, or Air.

As you can see, I picked up two! After briefly trying all three scents at the store, I decided Sun and Sky were my favorite of the bunch. Air was "pear blossom" scent, and something about pears I'm not very fond of. Sun is "golden magnolia", so it's very warm and sweet. I've already carried this around in my purse a bit as my on-the-go hand lotion. Sky is "violet lily", so it's got a very fresh and clean scent, which is perfect for springtime. I'm glad these little bottles don't have the scent descriptions on the back, so I get a chance to train my nose.








For Valentine's day, February 14th, Bath and Body works posted an offer for their Mad About You Diamond Shimmer Mist, which was a one day offer and meant that I dragged my very patient dinner date to the mall before they closed. When I asked the sales representative about the offer, she said it was for the full sized bottle and caught me by surprise. The scent is sugary sweet, and reminds me of a cotton-candy-esque perfume I had growing up. I'm very skeptical of shimmer mist, so when the sun comes back out I'll have to pull this out again for a test run to see if my boyfriend asks why I'm covered in glitter. So far, swatches have looked not-so-subtle to me. I do appreciate that Bath and Body Works were willing to give away full sized products to their dedicated customers. - that's generosity and I like that!







Last but not least, this fan exclusive offer for a free 3 oz sample of the new Hawaiian-inspired scents was posted for one day only on March 10th. The scents were Hawaii "passionfruit kiss", Oahu "coconut sunset", and Maui "hibiscus beach". I finally settled on Hawaii "passionfruit kiss", but Oahu "coconut sunset" was a close runner-up. Coconut always reminds me of summer without fail, so I was impressed with Hawaii's summery scent without coming across as too beachy. Make sense? My mom loves this new collection, as she pointed out while we were shopping this weekend. Likely that's because of their inspiration more than anything else, considering she's irritated by fragrance.







 

My favorite so far? Of the new scents that I've tried, I think my favorite is Sky. It's so perfect for the time of the year, with such a late spring finally unfolding and the sky gradually turning from it's wintery grey into a clear blue. I'm excited to take home some new products that caught my eye at the store yesterday, including the new French Lavender & Honey and the Morocco Orchid & Pink Amber.

Keep checking in - I'll always try to post an alert when I see a Bath & Body Works Facebook offer!

Monday, February 17, 2014

Buzz :: Origins

After we visited Shelburne Vineyard last week, Becca and I headed over to the mall for our facial appointments at the Origins counter in Macy's. We took advantage of the Facebook offer Origins posted for a free mini-facial and 3 free samples on the very last day it was available. Becca and I alternated our facials and makeup applications, so we were both able to sneak a few pictures in!


I was really surprised at how much I was able to relax and block out the Saturday afternoon bustle. The mini-facial was absolutely amazing.

Here's the list of products the lovely Wendy used for my combination/dry skin:
cleanser - A Perfect World
scrub - Modern Friction
mask - Drink Up (10 minutes)
toner - Make A Difference
serum - A Perfect World
eye cream - Ginzing
moisturizer - Make A Difference Moisturizer

Oh, my skin was soaking up all that much-needed moisture. I kept wanting to touch my face, but I've been trying to stop doing that so much. Apparently it's bad for your skin, and I touch my face all the time.

I've got 3 itsy-bitsy pots of Drink Up overnight mask, A Perfect World serum, and Make a Difference Moisturizer to try at home, plus new knowledge on how to take care of my skin in the long run. Did you know that it isn't recommended to use a scrub or exfoliator every day? (I didn't… oops!)

After my facial was complete, Chrystie went to makeover heaven with a full makeup application. I was taking mental notes the entire time about my biggest weaknesses, including foundation, bronzer, and highlighter application.

foundation - Stay Tuned Foundation in "Fair"
powder - Very Light-Cool
bronzer
highlight - #05 Pink Chiffon (eyeshadow!)
eyeshadow - #10 Shell Pink
eyeshadow - #02 Cocoa Powder
eyeliner - Mulberry
mascara
eyebrow pencil


The makeup felt so light. I never wear a full face, but it didn't feel like I was wearing any more than usual. Excuse the potato iPhone camera quality and the department store lighting, but I felt too gorgeous to not take a selfie on the way back to the escalator. You can bet I went home, put on a dress, and dragged my boyfriend out to dinner.

I'm looking forward to trying those samples at home in my current skincare routine, and to see if anything is worth picking up a full size of. The serum is what I'm most excited for, and the mask is what I'm most afraid of. I'm just imagining waking up with Drink It Up mask covering everything - my pillowcases… my boyfriend… my cat…




My overall first impression of Origins: I'm willing to find out if the natural brand will be making a more permanent appearance in my box of skincare products.