For shampoo, right now I'm switching between the Redken Extreme and the Garnier Pure Clean. The Redken one is opaque, and contains a lot of protein, making it great for damaged hair. When I need my hair to be squeaky clean, I switch over to the Garnier one, which is clear and clarifying.
Whenever I use the Redken shampoo, I also use the matching Redken Extreme conditioner. This particular formula isn't very hydrating, so it doesn't leave the hair feeling very soft - it's just enough to untangle the hair. Even though it doesn't soften, this formula definitely strengthens my hair and I will continue to use it. When I want my hair to be soft, I use a little bit of the Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth conditioner, which works extremely well at softening. About every two weeks I use a deep conditioner, and the one I'm currently using is the Naked Rescue Hair Treatment. I coat the length of my hair and leave it on for about ten minutes.
After I get out of the shower, I usually choose between a few treatments and styling products. The Redken Extreme Anti-Snap treatment is a great leave-in conditioner, but if I need more smoothness, I'll go with the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny serum. The super skinny serum smells amazing, and it really does help dry my hair faster! Another product that I really like is the Garnier Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk. I've used this in the past and always gone back to it, but if I'm using it, I'll use it by itself, since too many products can cause buildup. That product is great to apply right before a blowout, since it really takes care of any frizz.
Dec 28, 2011
Dec 27, 2011
Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush: Review & Photos
I first discovered the Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer #57 brush when one of the beauty consultants at the store used it on me. I was originally interested in the actual concealer, but as soon as I felt this brush on my skin, I knew I had to have it. I've always had trouble applying concealer under my eyes, because the traditional flat brushes would leave the area looking streaky. If I applied with my fingers, it always ended up looking splotchy and uneven, and I'd end up using more product than necessary.
After the beauty consultant was done, I took one look in the mirror and was immediately sold. As the name states, this brush definitely gives an airbrushed finish. My concealer had never looked so good, and the best part was that I barely felt it to the touch, so it's extremely gentle (great for the delicate eye area).
The beauty consultant at Sephora also mentioned that with this brush, it didn't matter what concealer you chose to use, you were going to get a perfect application every time. I find this to be absolutely true, and I'm glad that now I'm able to use all my neglected concealers!
This brush is made of synthetic fibers, which make it great for applying concealer as it won't absorb the product. I find that when using this brush, I only need a fraction of what I used to use before. At first it might appear too big, but the round shape allows it to get into the contours of your face effortlessly. I bought this brush primarily for under-eye concealer, but I find that it works great around my nose as well.
This brush retails for $24 USD and can be purchased at any Sephora store or at sephora.com. Thank you for reading!
Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush
After the beauty consultant was done, I took one look in the mirror and was immediately sold. As the name states, this brush definitely gives an airbrushed finish. My concealer had never looked so good, and the best part was that I barely felt it to the touch, so it's extremely gentle (great for the delicate eye area).
The beauty consultant at Sephora also mentioned that with this brush, it didn't matter what concealer you chose to use, you were going to get a perfect application every time. I find this to be absolutely true, and I'm glad that now I'm able to use all my neglected concealers!
This brush is made of synthetic fibers, which make it great for applying concealer as it won't absorb the product. I find that when using this brush, I only need a fraction of what I used to use before. At first it might appear too big, but the round shape allows it to get into the contours of your face effortlessly. I bought this brush primarily for under-eye concealer, but I find that it works great around my nose as well.
This brush retails for $24 USD and can be purchased at any Sephora store or at sephora.com. Thank you for reading!
Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush
Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush
Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush
Comparison: Sigma F70 Concealer Brush (left), Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush (right)
Dec 26, 2011
Quick Tip: Garlic Nails
If you have trouble with weak, short, and peeling nails, this is for you. Buy the cheapest clear polish you can find. Next, take a small garlic clove and cut it into itty bitty pieces, and stuff them into the polish. Try to paint your nails with this concoction every week or as soon as you see a chip, and your nails will thank you.
Dec 22, 2011
Tip: Determining Your Skin's Undertones
Many people become very confused when faced with products labeled for "warm" or "cool" skin tones. An easy way to determine this is to look at your arm - if your veins appear greenish, then your skin has a yellow undertone, or is warm-toned. If the veins on your arm look blue, then your skin has a pink undertone, or is cool-toned. If you can't see the veins under your skin, try to determine whether you look better in gold or silver. Warm skin tones tend to look best in golds, while cooler skin tones look best in silver.
Hope this was helpful!
Hope this was helpful!
Dec 21, 2011
Tag: If I Had To Start Over
So there is this tag that has been going around YouTube that asks you to name the ten items you would purchase first if all of your makeup disappeared. I don't make YouTube videos, but I thought it would be fun to share this anyway.
The first item on my list is a cheap clear mascara. I use a clear mascara every single day to keep my crazy eyebrows in place, and I think it makes all the difference in the world. I don't bother buying expensive tubes of "brow gels" because a $2 clear mascara from a drugstore works just fine!
The second item is actually a dark grey eyeshadow, which I use sometimes to fill in the gaps of my brows. My hair and eyebrows are black, and I find that dark grey looks more natural than a brown shadow. I apply it using an angled eyeliner brush for a natural finish. The one I currently have is Kiko Eye Shadow in 175, but when I run out I'll have to get something different unless I go to Italy to get it :)
My next item is the Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliner Pencil in Black, and so far this has been the darkest, creamiest liner I've found that doesn't move around in my inner rims/lower lash line.
I would have to buy a mascara, and although I don't use one every day, I like to have one for when I'm doing night looks or if I feel like wearing one. I've tried many before, but so far I really love the Clinique High Impact, L'Oreal Voluminous, and Rimmel The Max Volume Flash mascaras.
The first item on my list is a cheap clear mascara. I use a clear mascara every single day to keep my crazy eyebrows in place, and I think it makes all the difference in the world. I don't bother buying expensive tubes of "brow gels" because a $2 clear mascara from a drugstore works just fine!
The second item is actually a dark grey eyeshadow, which I use sometimes to fill in the gaps of my brows. My hair and eyebrows are black, and I find that dark grey looks more natural than a brown shadow. I apply it using an angled eyeliner brush for a natural finish. The one I currently have is Kiko Eye Shadow in 175, but when I run out I'll have to get something different unless I go to Italy to get it :)
My next item is the Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliner Pencil in Black, and so far this has been the darkest, creamiest liner I've found that doesn't move around in my inner rims/lower lash line.
I would have to buy a mascara, and although I don't use one every day, I like to have one for when I'm doing night looks or if I feel like wearing one. I've tried many before, but so far I really love the Clinique High Impact, L'Oreal Voluminous, and Rimmel The Max Volume Flash mascaras.
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| Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Mascara |
For foundation, I'd like something that I could use as a powder and that's portable. Right now I'm using the Mark. Powder Buff Foundation in Buff, and I really like it. I haven't found my holy grail foundation yet, but I'm working on it!
I think my favorite makeup item is blush, so I actually picked two from my current collection. If my makeup actually did disappear, I'm not 100% sure if I would repurchase these specific ones, simply because I love blush and I want to try every single one out there, but for now MAC's Dame and Benefit's Dallas would definitely have me covered.
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| Benefit Dallas & MAC blush in Dame |
For eyeshadow I had to pick a palette, and of course I went with my new boo, the Urban Decay Naked2 Palette. This palette is amazing, and I can create so many different looks! If you want to know more, you can read my review here.
I have oily skin, and thus I have oily eyelids. Without primer, my eyeshadow would crease badly, and then just disappear somewhere, and that's not a very good look. I haven't tried many primers, because the one that I tried first was amazing, and that was the Urban Decay Primer Potion. I currently have the original, but I'm really interested in trying the Eden one.
Lastly, I had to pick a lip product, so I decided to go with Clinique's Superbalm Lip Treatment in Currant. This is a balm/lip gloss that leaves some color and is super moisturizing, and I've actually repurchased it twice. Most of the time I wear lip balm, but this one can act as a lip gloss as well.
That was all, thank you for reading!
Dec 20, 2011
Urban Decay Naked2 Palette: Review & Photos
Why hello there! I know I haven't posted in forever, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about this blog. I have many reviews, tips and routines coming up that I think everyone will enjoy, so stay tuned.
If you are somewhat interested in makeup and beauty products, you've probably heard of the ever-so-famous Urban Decay Naked Palette. UD eyeshadows are known for their amazing texture, pigmentation, and overall quality. Last year when they released a 'Naked' palette full of wearable neutrals, everyone went nuts and it sold out everywhere. The palette became so famous that this month they have released a sequel called the Naked2.
This new palette is already famous by association. I managed to get my hands on it, but so far only the Urban Decay website is carrying it and it keeps selling out at a ridiculous rate. This palette deserves five stars just for the fact that it includes twelve full-size shadows, when a single UD shadow usually retails for $17. The packaging of this version is made of plastic and resembles a metal tin, which might make it more durable and definitely easier to clean. It comes with a bigger mirror, a double ended brush (a flat shader and a fluffy blending brush) and a mini lip gloss. All of this for just $50 USD is just too good to pass up.
The real question would be, is it worth to have both? In my opinion, I actually prefer this new palette over the old one. On the UD website it says that this palette was created with more 'greige' and cooler colors, which I definitely like. Many of the new shades lean more towards the cooler side and there are many shades of taupe. There are also three matte colors: a cream highlight (Foxy), a mid-tone beige/gray (Tease) and a really intense black for liner or defined crease work (Blackout). I have light, cool-toned skin, so this palette will definitely get more use than my original Naked.
If you are a makeup collector and can afford it, it's definitely OK to have both palettes. My older Naked palette was barely used, so I actually sold it to a friend who prefers gold and bronze shades. If you have neither and are considering purchasing one, I'd say go to the store once it's released and swatch the shades. Although they look very similar in their packaging, the difference is quite notable. However, I definitely like the Naked2 better than the first. :)
This palette is currently available at UrbanDecay.com and I believe it will be available at Sephora.com after Christmas. This palette retails for $50 USD.
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| Urban Decay Naked2 Palette |
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| Urban Decay Naked2 Palette |
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| Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, & Snakebite |
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| Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, & Blackout |
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| Double-ended brush |
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| Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Naked |
This new palette is already famous by association. I managed to get my hands on it, but so far only the Urban Decay website is carrying it and it keeps selling out at a ridiculous rate. This palette deserves five stars just for the fact that it includes twelve full-size shadows, when a single UD shadow usually retails for $17. The packaging of this version is made of plastic and resembles a metal tin, which might make it more durable and definitely easier to clean. It comes with a bigger mirror, a double ended brush (a flat shader and a fluffy blending brush) and a mini lip gloss. All of this for just $50 USD is just too good to pass up.
The real question would be, is it worth to have both? In my opinion, I actually prefer this new palette over the old one. On the UD website it says that this palette was created with more 'greige' and cooler colors, which I definitely like. Many of the new shades lean more towards the cooler side and there are many shades of taupe. There are also three matte colors: a cream highlight (Foxy), a mid-tone beige/gray (Tease) and a really intense black for liner or defined crease work (Blackout). I have light, cool-toned skin, so this palette will definitely get more use than my original Naked.
If you are a makeup collector and can afford it, it's definitely OK to have both palettes. My older Naked palette was barely used, so I actually sold it to a friend who prefers gold and bronze shades. If you have neither and are considering purchasing one, I'd say go to the store once it's released and swatch the shades. Although they look very similar in their packaging, the difference is quite notable. However, I definitely like the Naked2 better than the first. :)
This palette is currently available at UrbanDecay.com and I believe it will be available at Sephora.com after Christmas. This palette retails for $50 USD.
Dec 2, 2011
NAKED?! AGAIN?!
The NAKED2 palette from Urban Decay is officially out, but it's already sold out! Word is that the colors are very similar, although this new palette has a few more matte shades and an amazingly intense matte black color. From what I've seen so far, it doesn't look that different from the original palette, so if you already have that one, I wouldn't necessarily suggest purchasing it. However, if you never got the chance to buy the first edition, I definitely recommend buying this palette!
This palette comes with a dual-ended brush (regular shader and crease/blending) and a mini lip gloss. There are twelve shades, and five of them are exclusive. The shades are:
The palette is currently sold out at urbandecay.com, but you can sign up on the website to be notified of when it is back in stock. As for other retailers, sephora.com will start carrying the palette after Christmas, and it will be in stores as of January 2012.
Happy Holidays!
Photo and information courtesy of urbandecay.com
This palette comes with a dual-ended brush (regular shader and crease/blending) and a mini lip gloss. There are twelve shades, and five of them are exclusive. The shades are:
- Foxy
- Half Baked *
- Booty Call
- Chopper
- Tease
- Snakebite
- Suspect
- Pistol
- Verve
- YDK
- Busted
- Blackout
The palette is currently sold out at urbandecay.com, but you can sign up on the website to be notified of when it is back in stock. As for other retailers, sephora.com will start carrying the palette after Christmas, and it will be in stores as of January 2012.
Happy Holidays!
Photo and information courtesy of urbandecay.com
Nov 6, 2011
Quick Tip: Shiny Hair
Sometimes our hair can become dull and flat due to all the products we're constantly using. Once a month, take about two tablespoons of regular white distilled vinegar and add it to about a cup of warm water. Pour this concoction over your wet hair before shampooing, and let it sit for about five minutes. The vinegar cleanses all the buildup from your hair leaving it shiny, voluminous and super soft. After the five minutes are up, rinse, shampoo and condition as normal.
Nov 4, 2011
Babyliss PRO Nano Titanium 1 ¼ inch: A Review
Today's review is a little different. This one is what I'm going to call a 'guest review', and was written for the Babyliss PRO Nano Titanium 1 ¼ inch by my good friend. Enjoy!
I chose to get this flat iron because a hair stylist did my hair with it and I was amazed. It straightens or curls my curly, thick, coarse hair with one pass. It works great on other hair types too; you just have to be careful with what temperature you set it at. I purchased this flat iron a little over a year ago from eBay for about $90, but the normal price is at least $130.
There are many pros to the Babyliss. It gets extremely hot in less than a minute-- up to 450 degrees; therefore it can straighten and curl very easily with one pass. My most favorite feature would have to be the thin, extra-long plates to allow for wider sections of hair and for getting really close to the roots of your hair. And also because the plates are made from titanium, I feel that they are easier to clean than the traditional ceramic plates. This flat iron is also really lightweight. I find that with this flat iron my hair turns out smoother, and shinier than with other irons, and my hair stays frizz-free even in the most humid conditions.
There are a few cons. The temperature dial uses numbers from 1 to 50 instead of the actual temperature, but the flat iron comes with a guide on what setting you should use depending on your hair type. The power button can be pressed by accident because its location is right where you would hold the iron. This flat iron can alter your hair texture (i.e. take the curl out). I was straightening my hair every week and my hair became permanently straight as if I had gotten a relaxer, but after easing up on how often I straightened my hair, it has slowly started to get its curl back especially in the roots where my hair has grown. The biggest con for me would have to be that you can very easily burn your hand because there is no “grip” on the top of the flat iron.
Overall, the Babyliss Nano Titanium is the best flat iron I have ever used. Having used Chi and Solia flat irons, the Babyliss is still my all-time favorite and would recommend it to anyone looking for a professional flat iron, and would definitely repurchase it.
Oct 31, 2011
October Hits and Misses
Hello there readers, Happy Halloween! It is that time of the month again where I share with you what I've been using, loving, and hating for this month, so I hope you enjoy!
Hits:
Clinique All About Eyes Rich
This cream does wonders for under-eye circles and puffy eyes. If you're looking for an eye cream that's not necessarily anti-aging, give this a try. Leaves the eye area unbelievably smooth.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
I originally used the gel version of this product, but my new skincare regimen called for something stronger. I love Clinique products in general because they're very gentle and fragrance-free.
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
I was prescribed Tretinoin (a form of Retinoid) for my acne this month, so it was mandatory that I use a sunscreen if I was even thinking of being outside. This sunblock smells amazing and it didn't sting my delicate skin.
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
I LOVE this stuff! Smells amazing, and it's one of those products that actually delivers. I will be posting a full review on this soon.
eos Smooth Stick Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry
This balm is clear and tastes pretty good, and I'm trying to finish it :).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
Been using this to line my inner rims. I don't usually like to line my lashlines because my eyes are already really big. Placing the liner on my inner rims looks more natural on me, and it just looks like I have more lashes.
Tweezerman Slant-Tip Tweezers
I had sent in my tweezers for the free sharpening like in the middle of July, and I FINALLY got them back! I was so excited! These are the best tweezers I've ever used, and I confirmed this when I was forced to borrow different ones from a friend while I waited for mines to arrive.
Kiko Eye Shadow in 175
I use this shadow and an angled liner brush to slightly fill in and darken my eyebrows. It is a dark grey shade (my eyebrows are black) and it has the tiniest bits of silver micro-shimmer. I prefer the shimmer because this mimics the natural shine in your hair, instead of the obvious powdered matte-shadow look. I bought this on a trip to Italy, and I don't think it's available in the U.S. (yet!) but hopefully one day it will!
mark. Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Buff
Being that I'm on Tretinoin, my skin basically peeled off, taking whatever hint of a tan I had left. This made my skin so light that none of my foundations matched anymore, so I ordered this one. So far, I love it!
Misses:
No misses this month!
Hits:
Clinique All About Eyes Rich
This cream does wonders for under-eye circles and puffy eyes. If you're looking for an eye cream that's not necessarily anti-aging, give this a try. Leaves the eye area unbelievably smooth.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
I originally used the gel version of this product, but my new skincare regimen called for something stronger. I love Clinique products in general because they're very gentle and fragrance-free.
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
I was prescribed Tretinoin (a form of Retinoid) for my acne this month, so it was mandatory that I use a sunscreen if I was even thinking of being outside. This sunblock smells amazing and it didn't sting my delicate skin.
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
I LOVE this stuff! Smells amazing, and it's one of those products that actually delivers. I will be posting a full review on this soon.
eos Smooth Stick Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry
This balm is clear and tastes pretty good, and I'm trying to finish it :).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
Been using this to line my inner rims. I don't usually like to line my lashlines because my eyes are already really big. Placing the liner on my inner rims looks more natural on me, and it just looks like I have more lashes.
Tweezerman Slant-Tip Tweezers
I had sent in my tweezers for the free sharpening like in the middle of July, and I FINALLY got them back! I was so excited! These are the best tweezers I've ever used, and I confirmed this when I was forced to borrow different ones from a friend while I waited for mines to arrive.
Kiko Eye Shadow in 175
I use this shadow and an angled liner brush to slightly fill in and darken my eyebrows. It is a dark grey shade (my eyebrows are black) and it has the tiniest bits of silver micro-shimmer. I prefer the shimmer because this mimics the natural shine in your hair, instead of the obvious powdered matte-shadow look. I bought this on a trip to Italy, and I don't think it's available in the U.S. (yet!) but hopefully one day it will!
mark. Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Buff
Being that I'm on Tretinoin, my skin basically peeled off, taking whatever hint of a tan I had left. This made my skin so light that none of my foundations matched anymore, so I ordered this one. So far, I love it!
Misses:
No misses this month!
Oct 30, 2011
Benefit Dallas: Review & Photos
I love pink blush, the lighter the better. I love how it gives me a flush of color that looks extremely natural on my light skin. However, if I had to pick one blush to use for the rest of my life, it would probably be Benefit Dallas.
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| Benefit Dallas |
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Dallas is one of Benefit's boxed powders, and my favorite one. When you look at this blush in person, I'll admit it looks pretty scary on the box. The shade is like a combination of brown and pink, and it gives the most beautiful color on the cheeks. It makes you look like you just came from a day in the sun - tanned, but with a hint of red to mimic the skin's actual color. It is extremely realistic, and it makes my skin glow like I just came from the islands, even though I haven't seen the sun in ages :(. You can dust this very lightly all over your face, then add a bit more on the apples of your cheeks for an extra glow.
This product retails for $28, but the amount you get in the box is about 4x the amount of a standard blush, so it works out to be very affordable. Next time you pass by a Benefit counter or a Sephora, don't forget to swatch this!
Quick Tip: Winter Skin
If you live somewhere where the weather gets extremely cold, you've probably experienced the painful cracked skin that can occur when you lose moisture. This is usually most common on the corners of the nose, around the lips, and the webs of your fingers. Dab a little Vaseline or Aquaphor on these spots to smooth the area and reduce the itching. If you're on the go, a clear lip balm will work the same way.
Quick Tip: Cleaning Makeup Brushes
Whether you only own one eyeshadow brush, or you're creating a look that involves multiple shades, it is a good idea to clean your brushes between colors. This allows for the colors to show up true to their shade instead of blending with what was already on the brush. Take a folded paper towel and a spray bottle with the highest concentration of alcohol you can find (i.e. 99%, the higher the concentration, the faster it dries). Then spray the bristles of your brush a few times and sweep them back and forth on your paper towel to remove all the excess pigments. Your brushes should be dry and ready for use in about two minutes.
One 'N Only Argan Oil: A Review
Hello there! This is a review of the One 'N Only Argan Oil, which is probably Moroccanoil's biggest competitor on the market right now. Compared to the Moroccanoil, this one is considerably cheaper, being that I got my 3.4oz bottle for about $12 from folica.com.
The main reason I purchased this product was because I was running low on my current hair serum. I had heard a lot of hype over Argan oil, and many people compared this product to the more expensive Moroccanoil, some even saying that this one was way better. Reviews were promising smooth, healthy hair that was completely restored and even grew faster.
To my disappointment, this product didn't deliver as I expected it to. I have fine hair, so a little went a LONG way, and it was very easy to overdue it. Often I'd end up with stringy hair, which was frustrating since my hair is already on the oily side. This oil is definitely more suited for those with thick, coarse hair that can absorb a heavy product. Instead of taming my frizz, it just made my hair look flat and oily.
Bottom line: if you have fine, thin hair that gets flat easily, or if you like volume, you might want to stay away from this product. On the other hand, if you have tons of thick hair that you'd like to tame, this product will probably work just fine.
Thank you for reading!
-Z
To my disappointment, this product didn't deliver as I expected it to. I have fine hair, so a little went a LONG way, and it was very easy to overdue it. Often I'd end up with stringy hair, which was frustrating since my hair is already on the oily side. This oil is definitely more suited for those with thick, coarse hair that can absorb a heavy product. Instead of taming my frizz, it just made my hair look flat and oily.
Bottom line: if you have fine, thin hair that gets flat easily, or if you like volume, you might want to stay away from this product. On the other hand, if you have tons of thick hair that you'd like to tame, this product will probably work just fine.
Thank you for reading!
-Z
Oct 19, 2011
EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm: A Review
If you're all about packaging and into quirky things, you've probably tried (or at least heard of) the EOS Sphere Lip Balms. These balms have a lot of things going for them: they're cute, colorful, come in an array of flavors, and they're crafted out of 100% natural and 95% organic ingredients. Sounds great, right?
One thing I noticed is that I find myself re-applying constantly, and its not because it's fun, it's because the moisturizing properties don't last nearly as long as I need them to. I find that after the balm wears off, my lips feel drier than when I first applied. This is the same reason why ChapStick doesn't work for me. If you have normal lips, this will be a great balm for you, but my lips are very dry, so I need something more potent.
You can find these balms at most drugstores, Target and Walmart for about $3, so if you're intrigued, give them a try!
Oct 17, 2011
My Favorite Lip Balm
Ever since I could remember, I've always had extremely dry lips. Weirdly enough, the rest of my body is the opposite - I don't really apply body lotion, and my hair and face are on the oily side. I have to apply some kind of lip product constantly, to the point that I sleep with one under my pillow. There were even cases where I'd forgotten to take one with me, and had to buy one ASAP before my lips started peeling and burning.
This was the first lip balm that made my lips feel extremely soft and moisturized, and I didn't have the need to re-apply so often. I also felt like it was making my lips softer over time. After buying this, I basically neglect all of my other lip products as this gives you just the right amount of sheer color and glossiness. One tin lasts almost six months, and you can find it at the Sephora checkout line for $7. I hope they never discontinue this!
Oct 12, 2011
Mark. That's Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser: A Review
The Mark. That's Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser is a great choice for those with combination/oily skin. It is soap and fragrance free, and has a slight minty feeling to it, so it tingles a bit. It contains black willow bark and sugar maple to encourage natural exfoliation and keep skin clear. This leaves my skin extremely clean and soft, and removes makeup well. Also, one bottle lasts me about four months! The formula rinses completely clean, and its great to use with a Clarisonic brush because it doesn't leave buildup on the brush head. I've been using this cleanser for over a year, and it's the best one I've tried yet.
Mark. That's Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser
Unfortunately, for the past few weeks I've been using a retinoid cream. As a result, my face has become very sensitive and dry, so I'm going to have to stop using it for a while. This cleanser is definitely not for those with dry skin, because it will leave your face feeling tight. There is another cleanser by the brand, called Calming Effect, that is catered to those with drier skin types, so I will be switching to that for a while. However, when my skin returns to normal, I will go back to this in a heartbeat!
This product retails for $8 USD, and can be purchased through your Avon or Mark. rep, or at shop.meetmark.com. What cleanser works best with your skin type?
Oct 8, 2011
MAC Face and Body Foundation: A Review
I always wanted a foundation that made my skin look completely natural, as if I had no foundation on at all. I heard of MAC's Face and Body through YouTube reviews, and I was really excited to try it. However, I had never owned a MAC product before, so I was a bit scared to pay such a high price. About a month later, after extensive research, I learned that I could get a sample before buying the full-size, so I did, in the color C3.
MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3
As soon as I tried this foundation, I fell in love with how it made my skin look. I have very cool/pink undertones on my face, and this foundation managed to cancel those out, so my face looked completely neutral. However, it still looked like my skin, just better. It gives this particular sheen that makes your skin look almost wet, but not shiny. This foundation is water-resistant, and as a result it dries extremely fast, so its best to work in small sections. I find that it's best to apply it with my fingers or a synthetic brush.
The makeup artist at the counter who assisted me also gave me a few pointers regarding this product. He said if you apply it to your legs, it will make you look like you have stockings on. He also said that if you want to extend the shelf life, you should store the bottle in the fridge, this way it can last up to two years.
This foundation has a very light coverage, so its best for people with fairly clear skin. You can build it up to your desired coverage as you please, but if you have any bumps, they will show through. This foundation is available at the MAC freestanding stores, or at maccosmetics.com. Also, this comes in a 4oz bottle - about 4x the size of a regular foundation, so it can last you a very long time. For $32, that's not bad at all!
Oct 2, 2011
e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths: A Review
I am always on the market for new makeup-removing wipes, so I was really excited when I heard good things about these e.l.f. ones. One of the most attractive aspects of this product is the price, since they're only $3 for 20 wipes, and they're easily found at Target stores.
These e.l.f. wipes are good, but not the best I've tried. The packaging is great, because it has the standard re-sealable flap, but it also has the added plastic lid to keep the cloths from drying out. They do a great job at removing face makeup, but lack power when it comes to eye makeup. My eyeshadow comes off easily, but sometimes there's a bit of liner and mascara residue. These wipes also require you to rinse your face afterward, but I find that this extra step also helps remove the last traces of eye makeup. My waterproof mascara, however, doesn't even budge.
Overall, if you are looking for some cheap wipes to travel with, or when you need to quickly remove makeup, I would recommend these, but if you use waterproof makeup it's best to try something else.
Thank you for reading!
Quick Tip: Body Acne
If you get acne on your face, you probably use some sort of toner or astringent. To prevent the occasional flare-up on your chest or back, after you're done applying the astringent all over with the cotton pad (or whatever you use), apply what's left on your chest and back. This will remove excess residue from soaps, conditioner and lotions and keep the areas clear.
Oct 1, 2011
Quick Tip: Touch-Ups
If you have oily skin, your face probably starts looking really shiny within an hour or so after applying makeup. Before covering up all the shine with powder, make sure to blot your face first. Blotting will remove the excess grease, allowing you to use less powder and minimize the chance of clogged pores. Your face will also stay matte longer, and you don't risk your powder turning darker once it gets in contact with the oil.
September Hits and Misses
October is here! OMG! Before we know it, 2012 will be knocking on our doors. Many of my favorite products for August were the same for September. Here's a list of items I fell in love with, or hated, whether I purchased them recently or already had them in my collection.
Hits:
Mac Face and Body Foundation in C3
This foundation is very sheer, but you can build it up to provide the amount of coverage you need. Also, it's water-resistant, and I find that it's still on after a full day of wear.
Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara in Very Black
One of the current makeup trends for fall are spider lashes, and this mascara definitely helps me achieve that effect. I'm not saying that it clumps easily on its own, but with enough coats my lashes were almost touching the tops of my brows. The only drawback with this mascara is that I got the waterproof version, so its pretty much impossible to remove.
mark. Matte-Nificent Oil Absorbing Powder in Natural Buff
I've had this powder for a while, but lately I've been getting way more use from it. My skin has always been normal/oily, but since using the Clarisonic it has turned oily all over. This powder mattifies my skin perfectly, but doesn't look like I have powder at all.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Dollface
This blush is the longest-lasting blush I've ever encountered. 'Nuff said.
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau De Parfum
This perfume smells amazing! Its very sweet and feminine, and I just love it! I have both the big size and the rollerball. Definitely try it if you get a chance!
Misses:
Givenchy Gelée D'Interdit Smoothing Gloss Balm in 10 Icy Peach
I got a deluxe sample for free with one of my Sephora purchases. Although I give it a 10/10 for packaging, there's really nothing special about this gloss. On the tube it looks like this gorgeous peach color, and it smells pretty good, but it goes on clear and all you see is a bunch of glitter. I can also feel the glitter as tiny particles on my lips, which is kind of annoying. The full size retails for about $26, and I honestly don't know why anyone would pay such a high price for glitter in a bottle.
Skintimate Extra Gentle Moisturizing Cream Shave
I've been a fan of Skintimate for years, but this product SUCKS! Not only does it smell repulsive (to me, anyway), it is very creamy to the point where it clogs and dulls my razor after just one use. I also find that it clogs the pores on my legs. Never again!
Thank you for reading!
Hits:
Mac Face and Body Foundation in C3
This foundation is very sheer, but you can build it up to provide the amount of coverage you need. Also, it's water-resistant, and I find that it's still on after a full day of wear.
Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara in Very Black
One of the current makeup trends for fall are spider lashes, and this mascara definitely helps me achieve that effect. I'm not saying that it clumps easily on its own, but with enough coats my lashes were almost touching the tops of my brows. The only drawback with this mascara is that I got the waterproof version, so its pretty much impossible to remove.
mark. Matte-Nificent Oil Absorbing Powder in Natural Buff
I've had this powder for a while, but lately I've been getting way more use from it. My skin has always been normal/oily, but since using the Clarisonic it has turned oily all over. This powder mattifies my skin perfectly, but doesn't look like I have powder at all.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Dollface
This blush is the longest-lasting blush I've ever encountered. 'Nuff said.
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau De Parfum
This perfume smells amazing! Its very sweet and feminine, and I just love it! I have both the big size and the rollerball. Definitely try it if you get a chance!
Misses:
Givenchy Gelée D'Interdit Smoothing Gloss Balm in 10 Icy Peach
I got a deluxe sample for free with one of my Sephora purchases. Although I give it a 10/10 for packaging, there's really nothing special about this gloss. On the tube it looks like this gorgeous peach color, and it smells pretty good, but it goes on clear and all you see is a bunch of glitter. I can also feel the glitter as tiny particles on my lips, which is kind of annoying. The full size retails for about $26, and I honestly don't know why anyone would pay such a high price for glitter in a bottle.
Skintimate Extra Gentle Moisturizing Cream Shave
I've been a fan of Skintimate for years, but this product SUCKS! Not only does it smell repulsive (to me, anyway), it is very creamy to the point where it clogs and dulls my razor after just one use. I also find that it clogs the pores on my legs. Never again!
Thank you for reading!
Sep 10, 2011
Quick Tip: Sharpening
Before sharpening pencil products such as eyeliners, lipliners, shadow sticks, concealers, etc., pop them in the freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the tip to harden, that way you lose less product when sharpening and also prevents breakage!
Sep 2, 2011
August Hits and Misses
Hello everyone,
Another month has flown by, and the fall season is finally approaching. With that said, I've compiled a list of beauty and personal items that I used throughout the past month. As the title of this post suggests, there are items I liked, and others that I didn't like as much. This is my first post of this nature, but I plan to continue posting monthly and sharing my new discoveries!
Hits:
MAC Powder Blush in Dame
I've been wanting a pink blush for a long time. Not a peachy pink, not a bright pink, just a regular pink blush. This shade happens to complement me perfectly since it has some blue undertones, and my skintone is on the cooler side. It doesn't look like I'm wearing blush, but that I'm blushing naturally. It also lasts almost the whole day, which is more than I can say for many blushes.
Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine
This lip butter smells like sugar cane, leaves lips extremely soft, and it's the perfect nude-pink shade to use on a bare face, or if you are wearing a smokey eye look.
Burberry Brit Sheer Eau De Toilette
This scent was perfect for summer, and I definitely intend on wearing it during fall as well. Light, clean, fruity and fresh, it's definitely a new favorite. Fragrances are hard to describe and recommend, so you'll just have to smell it for yourself when you get a chance.
Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara in Very Black
I bought this mascara because I wanted something with a tiny wand to use on my bottom lashes. Works pretty well, doesn't smudge, and also works well on my inner corner top lashes that are practically invisible to the naked eye. Gives a very natural look.
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
This chubby eye pencil is quite pigmented. The color payoff is a rich, matte white, and while many use it as a base to make colorful eyeshadows pop, I prefer to dot it on my inner corners and smudge it a bit with my fingertip to get a bright look and diffuse my dark circles. Those with darker skin tones might prefer to use a champagne or a more warm-toned shade.
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in r.s.v.p.
I've been cursed with having oily and double-fold (i.e. droopy) eyelids. Due to this curse, I can't ever dare to wear eyeshadow without help from my trusted primer. Even then, cream shadows have always been a danger zone, because they tend to crease on even the driest of lids. So when I got this shadow as part of a Benefit kit from Sephora, you can imagine my concern. The first time I tried it, I didn't even wear it outside because I was afraid it would crease badly and eventually disappear. Not the case! I am happy as ever to inform that this shadow stayed on, just as if it was a high quality powder applied onto primed lids! This became my go-to shadow of the month. Since summertime calls for simplicity, a simple wash of this gorgeous champagne color was enough to add some sheen while not looking too overdone. I should mention that I applied this to my bare lids, with no primer. Also, it smells kind of like caramels.
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Face Lotion SPF 30
I am a devoted Allure reader, and in every issue there's always that article reminding us that we must wear sunblock daily. However, the problem with me and sunblock is that we don't exactly get along very well. I have an oily complexion, and most sunblocks feel like I just applied a nasty coat of Vaseline (or some kind of heavy oil/cream) all over my face. They sting like crazy around my eyes, they stink, and I end up getting tiny bumps all over as a cause of clogged pores. Instead, I try to wear makeup with SPF, but that's not enough. In a moment of desperation I came across this product from Aveeno. It still leaves my face looking quite shiny and dewy, but it doesn't feel heavy at all. The smell is light and pleasant, and to my surprise, it doesn't sting my delicate eye area. Win!
Secret PH Balanced Deodorant in Shower Fresh
This deodorant smells great, but not too overpowering where it acts as your main perfume. Also, it might be the PH-balancing factor, but I haven't experienced any sweating, and the smell lingers until you're ready to wash it off at night. It's completely invisible on the underarm, and I don't really have a problem with white marks on clothes. Definitely will repurchase.
mark. No Place to Run Longwear Eyeliner in Jet Set
This eyeliner has been a favorite for some time now. I've never found a liner that stays on my lower lashes/water line as well as this one.
Misses:
Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask
I purchased this cleanser because I have oily skin, and even more so in the summer months. I don't know if it was because I was using it with my Clarisonic, but I felt like this wasn't really cleaning my face. It was a bit too thick, and I noticed breakouts after about a week. Also, the smell is pretty strong, and it didn't really control my shine at all. Hopefully one of my friends is luckier than I was, since I plan to give it to one of them :).
Neutrogena Makeup Removing Towelettes
I am in the search of the perfect makeup removing wipes, and these definitely weren't it. Luckily, I purchased the travel-size pack that only brings seven wipes, so I forced myself to finish them, but I didn't like them one bit. They left my face feeling like I needed to wash it, and after using them my eyelids and the surrounding area was red and sensitive even though there was barely any tugging. They removed the makeup pretty well, but my skin wasn't happy.
Thank you very much for reading!
Another month has flown by, and the fall season is finally approaching. With that said, I've compiled a list of beauty and personal items that I used throughout the past month. As the title of this post suggests, there are items I liked, and others that I didn't like as much. This is my first post of this nature, but I plan to continue posting monthly and sharing my new discoveries!
MAC Powder Blush in Dame
I've been wanting a pink blush for a long time. Not a peachy pink, not a bright pink, just a regular pink blush. This shade happens to complement me perfectly since it has some blue undertones, and my skintone is on the cooler side. It doesn't look like I'm wearing blush, but that I'm blushing naturally. It also lasts almost the whole day, which is more than I can say for many blushes.
Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine
This lip butter smells like sugar cane, leaves lips extremely soft, and it's the perfect nude-pink shade to use on a bare face, or if you are wearing a smokey eye look.
Burberry Brit Sheer Eau De Toilette
This scent was perfect for summer, and I definitely intend on wearing it during fall as well. Light, clean, fruity and fresh, it's definitely a new favorite. Fragrances are hard to describe and recommend, so you'll just have to smell it for yourself when you get a chance.
Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara in Very Black
I bought this mascara because I wanted something with a tiny wand to use on my bottom lashes. Works pretty well, doesn't smudge, and also works well on my inner corner top lashes that are practically invisible to the naked eye. Gives a very natural look.
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
This chubby eye pencil is quite pigmented. The color payoff is a rich, matte white, and while many use it as a base to make colorful eyeshadows pop, I prefer to dot it on my inner corners and smudge it a bit with my fingertip to get a bright look and diffuse my dark circles. Those with darker skin tones might prefer to use a champagne or a more warm-toned shade.
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in r.s.v.p.
I've been cursed with having oily and double-fold (i.e. droopy) eyelids. Due to this curse, I can't ever dare to wear eyeshadow without help from my trusted primer. Even then, cream shadows have always been a danger zone, because they tend to crease on even the driest of lids. So when I got this shadow as part of a Benefit kit from Sephora, you can imagine my concern. The first time I tried it, I didn't even wear it outside because I was afraid it would crease badly and eventually disappear. Not the case! I am happy as ever to inform that this shadow stayed on, just as if it was a high quality powder applied onto primed lids! This became my go-to shadow of the month. Since summertime calls for simplicity, a simple wash of this gorgeous champagne color was enough to add some sheen while not looking too overdone. I should mention that I applied this to my bare lids, with no primer. Also, it smells kind of like caramels.
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Face Lotion SPF 30
I am a devoted Allure reader, and in every issue there's always that article reminding us that we must wear sunblock daily. However, the problem with me and sunblock is that we don't exactly get along very well. I have an oily complexion, and most sunblocks feel like I just applied a nasty coat of Vaseline (or some kind of heavy oil/cream) all over my face. They sting like crazy around my eyes, they stink, and I end up getting tiny bumps all over as a cause of clogged pores. Instead, I try to wear makeup with SPF, but that's not enough. In a moment of desperation I came across this product from Aveeno. It still leaves my face looking quite shiny and dewy, but it doesn't feel heavy at all. The smell is light and pleasant, and to my surprise, it doesn't sting my delicate eye area. Win!
Secret PH Balanced Deodorant in Shower Fresh
This deodorant smells great, but not too overpowering where it acts as your main perfume. Also, it might be the PH-balancing factor, but I haven't experienced any sweating, and the smell lingers until you're ready to wash it off at night. It's completely invisible on the underarm, and I don't really have a problem with white marks on clothes. Definitely will repurchase.
mark. No Place to Run Longwear Eyeliner in Jet Set
This eyeliner has been a favorite for some time now. I've never found a liner that stays on my lower lashes/water line as well as this one.
Misses:
Neutrogena Deep Clean Long-Last Shine Control Cleanser/Mask
I purchased this cleanser because I have oily skin, and even more so in the summer months. I don't know if it was because I was using it with my Clarisonic, but I felt like this wasn't really cleaning my face. It was a bit too thick, and I noticed breakouts after about a week. Also, the smell is pretty strong, and it didn't really control my shine at all. Hopefully one of my friends is luckier than I was, since I plan to give it to one of them :).
Neutrogena Makeup Removing Towelettes
I am in the search of the perfect makeup removing wipes, and these definitely weren't it. Luckily, I purchased the travel-size pack that only brings seven wipes, so I forced myself to finish them, but I didn't like them one bit. They left my face feeling like I needed to wash it, and after using them my eyelids and the surrounding area was red and sensitive even though there was barely any tugging. They removed the makeup pretty well, but my skin wasn't happy.
Thank you very much for reading!
Aug 24, 2011
Solia 1 inch Flat Iron (Purple) - A review
I purchased the Solia 1 inch Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron almost two years ago on folica.com. I had never even heard of folica before, but my cousin, who has very unmanageable hair, had recently gotten the 1 1/2in version and her hair was looking regal. I had also never purchased a professional-quality straightener, so after trying hers out, I ordered my own. I was certainly pleased that they had such fun colors to choose from!
I won't go into the technical details too much, but know that this straightener has very smooth plates, which allow for flawless straightening. I noticed that my purple one also has a smoother exterior than the one my cousin owns (she has the black one with the blue plates), which makes curling the hair easier as well.
One of the best perks of this product is how smooth it leaves my hair. It only takes 30 seconds to heat up, and I usually put it on the highest setting (450°F). If I want a more voluminous, natural look, I can do my entire head in about 5 minutes! But if I want a super sleek, extra-straight style, I can finish in 10 minutes top - and I have curly hair. Once my hair is done, it is considerably shinier, softer, and it doesn't poof up in humid weather. It also doesn't get curly unless I actually wet my hair again.
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| Before |
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| After |
Overall, I would give this product a 10/10. It's been almost two years and it still performs like a beast. The only wear and tear would be that the Solia logo has rubbed off on the sides, but that's normal. Other than that, this is a great, affordable professional-grade flat iron, and if you purchase it on folica, I believe you get a 3-year warranty and a free heat-proof pouch. Hope this review helped, and thank you for reading.
Aug 23, 2011
What To Pack For College: Dorm Essentials
It's college season! As exciting as this is for every freshman out there, there are many of you who have no idea what to expect, or what to actually pack. You've lived at home all your life, and now it's time to move out of your personal bedroom into a tiny dorm that you'll share with a stranger...yikes! No worries. Here, I have some tips that will help make the best out of this situation, based on my own experiences.
Contrary to popular belief (and what all the stores advertise in their "back-to-school" campaigns), you really don't need to purchase THAT many items. What you need to buy are the important things that you might've not even added to your list.
Most dorm rooms supply you with the basic furniture you'll need, including a bed, desk & chair, and drawers.
Bedding:
The bed that comes in your dorm will be either a twin, or a twin xl. You can purchase bedding in twin xl to be safe, but you can always check with your school. Dorm beds are notorious for how uncomfortable they are, so a mattress pad is a must, and there are many you can pick from.
As for the actual bedding, try to find a bed-in-a-bag set that comes with everything. There's no need to bring multiple sheet sets and comforters, because you really won't have anywhere to put them. There are tons of designs and colors to pick from, so you can choose something that will match the rest of your decor. Better yet, get in contact with your roommate beforehand so you can coordinate!
All you really need is a sheet set, pillow, fleece blanket and a comforter, but if you want to go all out and get the accent pillows, there are some cute sets by Roxy that include them. While it's cute to have an accent or two, don't bring your entire stuffed animals collection from home and expect to put it on your bed - when it's time to sleep, you won't have anywhere to put them!
As far as the bedside caddy or the bed chairs, or any other items that ad campaigns persuade you to buy, they are not necessary, and you won't really miss them once you're there.
Desk Accessories:
Sometimes, we get so enveloped in buying things to decorate our new, tiny homes, that we forget that we're actually there to study. The most important thing that will occupy your desk will be your laptop. If you don't have one, it is possible to bring an entire desktop set; however, this will be very inconvenient as you often have to take your laptop to class, the library, lounge, and sometimes even the laundry room while you wait for your clothes to dry! It is also EXTREMELY important that you have an external hard-drive where you can back up everything on your computer, as well as USB sticks for when you need to print out papers, take presentations to class, etc. Computers love to crash the night before your ten-page paper is due, and sometimes the internet is down. Professors expect you to take the necessary precautions.
Sometimes, we get so enveloped in buying things to decorate our new, tiny homes, that we forget that we're actually there to study. The most important thing that will occupy your desk will be your laptop. If you don't have one, it is possible to bring an entire desktop set; however, this will be very inconvenient as you often have to take your laptop to class, the library, lounge, and sometimes even the laundry room while you wait for your clothes to dry! It is also EXTREMELY important that you have an external hard-drive where you can back up everything on your computer, as well as USB sticks for when you need to print out papers, take presentations to class, etc. Computers love to crash the night before your ten-page paper is due, and sometimes the internet is down. Professors expect you to take the necessary precautions.
Aside from the electronics, you also need to take some standard school supplies, such as a notebook, pens, pencils, a graphing calculator if you'll be taking math or econ classes, post-its, and folders to put all your handouts and syllabi. Some professors don't allow laptops in the lecture room because they feel like students are on Facebook instead of actually taking notes (hey, I don't blame you, those lectures can get pretty boring!). Highlighters and sticky tabs will be your best friends when you are cramming for that exam, and a small stapler is crucial for when you need to hand in those massive papers. I remember many of my professors refused to take papers unless they were stapled!
It is up to you whether you want to bring a printer or not. If you want the security of printing your paper in your own room, instead of risking the computer clusters being crowded, etc., then it might be a good idea. I personally didn't have one, and my desk was too small for one, so keep that in mind.
If your desk has a drawer, you can get a drawer organizer so you can keep all your supplies neat and easily accessible. I like the ones from The Container Store, because you can arrange them however you want. Also consider an alarm clock...sometimes you're so tired that you need something louder than your phone to do the trick. Also, if you're a germaphobe, bring a bottle of hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes like the Clorox ones for the desk surface. The last thing you want is to get sick.
Dorm rooms are also very hot. You might be lucky enough to live in a new building where there is AC included, but most of the time this is not the case. A small clip-on fan is probably a good idea, or even a bigger one if you get hot easily. Also, you need a desk lamp, for those nights when you have to stay up late to study, but don't want to disturb your roommate. Most come with a built-in organizer. Don't forget an extra eco-friendly lightbulb! :)
Lastly, you might want to get a small trash can and a power strip/surge protector. Most likely, your dorm room will not have enough power outlets for all your electrical devices, and extension cords probably aren't allowed.
Bath:
Unless you're in a suite, where you only share a bathroom with a few people, you will be using the floor's community bathrooms. I know this grosses a lot of people out, which is why flip-flops are crucial. No need to get fancy, just run to Old Navy and pick up some of their 2/$5 flip-flops that come in every color you can imagine. You will also need a shower caddy to tote around all your stuff. Bed Bath and Beyond has a cool one that has an insert that you can use when you're not taking a full shower, such as in the morning when all you need is toothpaste, face wash, etc. Of course, don't forget your usual toiletries, hair dryer, and two towels.
Dining:
Your dorm may or may not come with a mini-fridge, but if it doesn't, it is definitely worth getting one, as well as a microwave (check with your school first). These particular items you will share with your roommate, so check to see who will bring what. In college they don't trust kids with fire, so forget about a toaster, hot plate, or even candles...they will get confiscated! Make sure to also ask your parents to adjust some of your favorite recipes and make them microwave-friendly. As for the actual food, the most popular college diet includes the likes of Cup Noodles, Easy Mac, popcorn, canned soup, Spaghetti-Os, oatmeal, cereal and pretty much anything microwaveable. Make sure to get a microwaveable bowl, fork, spoon, cup, and a cheap can opener. Also take a bit of dish soap and some tupperware for left-overs. If you want to be eco-friendly, also consider purchasing a pitcher filter like the Brita or the Pur, so you don't spend so much on water bottles. Caprisun is also a college favorite!
Closet/Storage:
Keep in mind that your dorm closet will probably be narrower than a door, so don't attempt to take your entire wardrobe with you. Invest in those really thin felt hangers so you can make the most out of your space. Also it's a good idea to get one of those closet shelves like the ones from Target to put any extras. An under-bed storage bin, crates to keep snacks and text books, and a laundry bag/basket are also useful.
Other Items:
Some items you might not even think about are an umbrella, cold medicine, painkillers, and pictures of your friends and family. Good headphones are useful for when you want to listen to music/watch TV and you're roommate is studying. Wall hooks and mounting tape like the Command ones are good for hanging up a full size mirror, towels, coats, etc., and they are very easy to remove. Posters, wall decor, or even a pretty scarf, can really add some color to a bland dorm, but remember, you are there to study, so anything too loud and crazy might actually cause a distraction.
I really hope this article serves all the clueless freshmen, parents, and anyone out there who needs help packing for their college dorm. I think I covered all the basics, so I'm hoping this comes in useful. Thank you for reading.
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