No Spend 'til Christmas

I was organizing my makeup and beauty products a couple of weeks ago and realized that I owned way too many for the space that I have. Not wanting to get rid of most of them, I decided that I was going to try to use them all up. But how could I do that if I was constantly buying new face wash or lipstick to try? My solution was to go on a spending ban. 

Starting November 1st (tomorrow), I will not make any beauty or makeup purchases unless absolutely necessary (example: I run out of ALL of the face wash I own). The plan was for the spending ban to last through November, but with the Sephora VIB sale coming up, I couldn't let those savings pass by! So I decided to extend my spending ban until Christmas. Here are the rules:

1. No purchasing makeup of any kind for myself (except the one listed on my Sephora VIB sale wish list). 
2. No purchasing any hair or body product for myself.
3. Exemption to purchases only if it will be a Christmas gift for somebody else.
4. It is okay to make a purchase for myself if all of that product type is finished (example: all face wash are empty).

I believe that is about it. Let me know if you think I am missing anything. Also feel free to join me so that we can be no spending buddies!

With love,
Esty

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Mary Kay Clear Proof Review

Influenster is a review site which offers a free full size box to their most influential and active members. Every month, they release a box with full size products. In order to qualify for these VoxBoxes, you must be active in the Influenster community and connect your different social media to increase your impact score.  You also need to complete a survey that would pre-qualify for a specific Voxbox. To learn more about Influenster click here. One thing about joining Influenster is that you must be invited through email. If you are interested in joining, leave me a comment below!

Anyways, I was recently selected by Influenster to receive the Clear Proof Voxbox, which enclosed a new product by Mary Kay targeted for acne prone skin. It is a 4 step regimen, that when used correctly, promised clearer skin in seven days! The regimen includes a cleanser, moisturizer, toner, and a treatment gel. Now, I don't have a huge problem with acne, but I do break out every once in a while (especially during that time of the month). Luckily I received this box right around that time when I tend to break out (which was about two weeks ago). I started using it instantly! 

One thing that I noticed off the back was the lack of scent. To me, it just smelled like something that has been enclosed inside of a plastic container. To some it may not be bothersome, but I personally did not like it. The cleanser is a gel-like formula and does a pretty good job at cleaning my face. The toner is something I also really enjoyed using. It was not stripping nor did it have a strong alcohol scent, which is something many toners have. The treatment gel is also like a gel, and is the only product that contains benzoyl peroxide (the others contains salicylic acid). 

The moisturizer is the product that I really did not enjoy using out of the whole system. For one, I did not find that it was moisturizing enough. If you have used an acne system before, then you know that it can be a bit drying, and the moisturizer did not do much for alleviating the dry patches I was starting to develop on my face. Secondly, it had a very thin consistency, which was very annoying when trying to apply the product on my face. I felt as though it did not absorb into my skin fast enough and took a while to dry. 

I started using the Clear Proof system twice a day, since it was recommended on the package to use two to three times a day. Twice a day was really drying, and since the moisturizer wasn't helping much, after four days, I started using it only once a day. I washed my face in the morning using this system and used my regular skin care products at night to remove my makeup. As for the breakouts, I do feel that the Clear Proof system did help clear them up a lot quicker than my normal skin care routine. 

Would I repurchase this? Maybe not, only because I am no longer in the age where I am constantly breaking out. This is definitely targeted for those who have more breakouts, but I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a skin care system that is targeted for acne. It can be a little drying, so I would start with once a day and increase from there. The full system is $45 on the Mary Kay website if bought as a set, but about $56 if bought separately. 

Have you used an acne system? What were your results? 

Esty <3 

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*I was sent this by Influenster for review. I am not being paid, all opinions are my own. 

Empties: 01

Hello lovely people! How was your weekend? Mind was not as planned, and I slacked off a little bit, but it's a new day so now I am back on track! Anyways, today I'd thought I'd share with you some of the products I have gone through during the past couple of weeks. I don't like to accumulate too much because I feel as though it takes up too much space (even though it is inside of my closet in a corner inside of a small Victoria's Secret bag.. go figure). 

• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle in Moist: This has to be about the forth or fifth bottle I have gone through, well counting the original 3 Minute Miracle. They recently changed the formulation (or so I believe since they started adding different targeted hair concern like moist) and I am not really a fan. I prefer the original, and for that reason I will not be repurchasing. But if you are looking for an inexpensive hair mask, give this one a try. It is under $5 at the drugstore. 
• Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo: I am not someone who sticks to one shampoo and doesn't change. I like to switch my shampoos (hair mask and conditioners are another story). This did the job, it got my hair clean and smelled really good. Will I be repurchasing? I am not sure, maybe, but for now I will be trying the next shampoo that grabs my attention. 
• Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser: I absolutely love this face wash. It gets rid of all of my makeup and leaves my face feeling clean as can be without feeling dry. This is about my third bottle and am planning to pick up a forth on my next trip to Sephora. 
• Nature Bounty Hair Skin and Nails Gummies: A couple of months ago I got a gel manicure, and if you have gotten a gel manicure, you know how damaging the removal process can be. Ever since removing them, my nails have been very fragile and would chip almost everyday. I picked this up randomly at Target, not expecting any results, and was so surprised by how much my nails grew. Not only did they grow long, but they were strong and did not chip once until I cut them! I have been wanting to try Hairfinity, so I am not sure if I will be picking this up anytime soon, but I will definitely repurchase in the future.
• Garnier Skin Renew B.B. Cream in Medium/Deep: I purchased this a while ago, as you can tell from the packaging as it is their old one. I really liked this product and it is a great drugstore B.B. Cream. However, I am not sure if I will be repurchasing since I am currently in search for my holy grail tinted moisturizer. 
• Julep Quick & Dry Nail Polish Drop: I received this in one of my Julep Maven boxes last year and I fell in love! You apply two to three drops over your top coat and your nail polish is virtually dry in no time! I am definitely going to repurchase this when I get around to making a larger Julep order. 
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: I have repurchased this countless of times. I love this because it doesn't dry out, like some other brands that I have tried, and it removes almost all of my makeup. I use this mostly for the face, since I like to use an eye makeup removers for my eyes. It does like a thin layer over your face, but it does not bother me as I wash my face before bed. 
• Origins Super Sport Remover: (Pictured below since I forgot to include in the above pictures!) I have had this in my makeup bag for the past couple of months without touching it. It is not a miracle gel and does not magically remover blemishes over night. It does help reduce in size with some use, but I am not sure if I will be repurchase just yet. I will keep you all posted on that one!

There you have it. My recent empties.

What have you recently finished with plans on repurchasing? 

Esty <3 

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Kate Spade Haul

So I have a little obsession (besides makeup) and it is stationery. I know, I know, so boring! But I just can't help decorating with washi tape and writing with pretty colored pens!

I've had my eyes on an adorable little paper clips in the shape of bows by Kate Spade and when I realized they were having their Friends and Family Sale, I had to order it! I also picked up a really pretty phone case and cute little pencil case, that, to my surprise, also came with two pencil, a really cute gold pencil sharpener, a ruler, and an eraser. 

I also own a Filofax to keep organized and use all my adorable stationery. If you are interested in a post on my Filofax, let me know! 

Do you like stationery as much as I do?

Esty <3 

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First Impression: Maybelline Browdrama

Hello lovely people! This past week has been a little hectic, from trying to potty train my two year old, to trying to fix my car, I have had very little time to myself. The little time that I had today, I decided to clean out my closet because boy was there a mess in there! 

One thing I did manage to do this past week was stop by target and pick this baby up. I saw it while browsing through a magazine during my downtime at work. I mentioned before that I wanted to try the Benefit brow gel since I love the other two brow products I own. When I saw this, I decided to try this out first before buying the high end one. 

Maybelinne Browdrama is a mascara-like formulation with a wand that fans out at the end. You apply it by going over your brows in the opposite direction in which they grow making them look all out of shape and in need of grooming. You then brush them back into place, leaving you with fuller eyebrows. Because I have never used a product like this before, I have nothing to compare it to. However, I will compare to my other brow groom products. With both the Browzing and Brow Pencil by Benefit, I get a more sculpted and defined look as with this, it just coats the hair on my eyebrows. I will admit that it does help with thicken my eyebrows, which I really like. I think this will be a product that I can use layer with another brow shaper, like my Browzing and not really on it's own. After applying it, my eyebrows also felt a little stiff, but it was not uncomfortable and soon the feeling went away. 

So far, I am really enjoying using this product and I will continue to play with it until I find a way that works best for me. I will report to you guys when that happens!

Have you tried brow sculpting mascara like this one before? 

Esty <3 

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My Current Skin Care Routine

Hello loves, how are you spending your Columbus Day? I keep thinking that today is Sunday since I didn't have to work today! Anyways, today I have for you my skin care routine. Like my everyday makeup routine, my skin care routine is very simple. I don't like using too many products on my skin to prevent any breakouts and these products are the ones that have been working for me.

• Clarisonic Mia: About two christmas ago, my boyfriend gifted this to me and I have loved it ever since. There are periods of times in which I take a break from it, but go back to it because the difference it makes on my skin. I find that my pores are smaller, I get less blackheads, and I don't breakout as often. 
• Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask: I love this mask for a little pampering. It leaves my skin nice and smooth. My only dislike about this that it can be a little difficult to remove.
• Origins Super Spot Remover: This little bottle is tiny and seemed a little expensive when I purchased it, but a little goes a long way! This is not a miracle worker and will not eliminate pimples over night, but it definitely helps reduce the size and dry it out much quicker than doing nothing to it.  
• St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub: Repurchased numerous times, this is my favorite scrub. I know some people have had problems with it being a little too harsh, but I don't find it too hard for me. I also love the smell!
• Clean & Clear Continous Control Acne Cleanser: About a month ago I noticed that I was breaking out more often than normal. I was using a cleanser with salicylic acid, but didn't notice a difference. I headed into CVS looking for a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide and this was the first one I found. Ever since, I have noticed a huge difference on my skin. I am not breaking out as often as I used to. This has become my favorite cleanser for my acne and I totally recommend it! Did I mention that it's cheap too!?
• Philosophy Purity: I have repurchased this cleanser about two to three times since I discovered it (and as you can tell need to head to Sephora to pick up another!). I love using this at night with my Clarisonic after removing my makeup. It helps to remove every bit of makeup left and is very gentle while doing so.
• Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer: This moisturizer is really nice. It is inexpensive and moisturizing but not oily. I usually use Clinique's moisturizer, so I will admit that I prefer that one over this, but this one is definitely my favorite drugstore alternative. 
• Neutrogena Alcohol - Free Toner: I don't use a toner every single day, but when I do, I like to use this one. I find that is not too harsh on my skin, but is still refreshing.

I also forgot to include my makeup remover wipes in the photograph. My favorite ones are the Neutrogena ones because they seem to be the only ones to be able to remove most of my makeup. I also like that they don't dry out in the packaging after I open it, which I've noticed with other makeup remover wipes. 

What is your holy grail skin care product? 

Esty <3 

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Everyday Makeup Routine

When it comes to makeup, I am very minimalist on an everyday bases. I barely even wear eyeshadow! I like my makeup to look as natural as possible, with as little effort as possible, hence why I use less than nine products daily. I also want to be able to remove my makeup as quick as possible before bed!

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer:  I have been using this for about a year now and love it! It is not too heavy, have the right amount of coverage for me, and great for everyday use. I am currently running low on it and purchased Smashbox Camera Ready tinted moisturizer to replace it. I didn't repurchase this one only because my nearest Sephora is one within JcPenny and unfortunately, they do not carry Laura Mercier. 
• Garnier Eye Roller: I love this for covering up my dark circles. I don't have really bad dark circles, so it works great for me. If you have really bad dark circles, I would not recommend it. 
• Maybelline Falsies Mascara: My favorite mascara is Benefit's They're Real, but I ran out and this is what I had in my collection. I decided to finish this before I purchased another mascara. It is pretty good, but nothing compared to Benefit's They're Real! Along with my mascara, I have to curl my lashes with my Shiseido eyelash curler. 

• Benefit Hoola Bronzer: I absolutely love this bronzer! It is so easy to apply and blend, and great for bronzing/contouring. I was using Nars Laguna before this bronzer, and am so happy I made the switch.
• NARS Amour and Tarte Magic: Currently, these are my two favorite blushes. I switch back and forth between the two. They both have a bit of coral in them, but I find that the Tarte Magic is a little bit more toned down than NARS Amour. Both so pigmented and go on very smoothly. NARS Amour is a little dry, but I don't mind it over my wet tinted moisturizer. 
• Benefit Brow Zings and Instant Brow Pencil: I cannot leave my house without doing my eyebrows! My eyebrows are not very full so if I don't fill them in, it can look like I don't have any. Okay maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but that's how it looks in my head! Anyways, I like using one of these two products everyday. I use the Brow Zings when I am looking for a more bold eyebrow, and the Instant Brow Pencil when I want something that is more natural looking. 

As you can clearly see, I didn't include any lipstick because that is the one thing I change everyday. 

Is your makeup routine as simple as mine, or do you like to wear a lot more makeup? 

Esty <3 

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My go to Fall Lipstick

Hello lovelies and happy Friday! Not only is today Friday, but it's the start of a long weekend for me; very excited! I thought that for today, I'd share with you guys my go-to fall lipstick! If you didn't already know, I love fall, and I also absolutely love lipsticks! I wear very simple and minimal makeup so a good lipstick is a must for me!

• MAC Love Goddess: This lipstick is a limited edition (sorry) from Mac's Marilyn Monroe collection. It is a beautiful pinkish red with a satin finish that is very long lasting. To be quite honest, this color is great year round. I am so sad that it is almost finishing! :(
• MAC Plumful: A pinkish plum with a lustre finish, MAC Plumful is a great everyday lipstick. It is not as long lasting as other MAC lipstick, but because of the finish, it is so easy to apply and build. 
• MAC Russian Red: Another beautiful color that is pretty good year round, Mac Russian Red is, as the name suggest, a red lipstick with a matte finish. Even though it has a matte finish, I don't find it to be too drying on the lips. 
• MAC Rebel: This is my all time favorite dark lipstick! Rebel is a plum lipstick with a satin finish that looks amazing on any skin tone. This lipstick is so versatile, making any look more dark or as great pop of color. 
• Urban Decay Hush: This is my second lipstick from Urban Decay and I cannot wait to try more! Hush is a pink nude for those days when you want to tone down the lipstick. It still has a bit of color, it is extremely moisturizing, and long lasting!
• Tarte Hope: Last, but certainly not least, Hope is a rosy matte lip tint. It is suppose to be lip plumping, which I don't really see the effects of it, but it is a beautiful color nonetheless. Just another great lipstick for when you want to tone down your look.  

What lipsticks have you been loving this fall?

Esty <3 

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review | NARS Amour

About a month ago, I stopped by Sephora looking for a new blush. I had my eyes on Benefits Rockateur, but it was out of stock. While walking by the NARS section, I came across Amour. NARS Amour is not talked about as much as their other popular blushes, but I instantly loved it!

NARS Amour is described as a peachy pink. In my opinion, it is more of a muted pink with a hint of coral in it. I wish my lighting was better so that you could have a better idea. Amour is pretty dry, which to me, is not a bad thing. I find that it goes perfect over my foundation, even when it is still a little wet. It is also pigmented, but not so much that you can over do it with one swipe. 

When using this blush, I find that it wears off around the 8 hour mark, which to be frank, is okay with me. But if you are looking for a longer wearing blush, this is not the one for you. I think this blush is a gorgeous color that would look great on any skin color.

What blush are you currently loving?

Esty <3 

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My Fall Reading List

As you may have, or may have not, noticed, I love fall! The clothing, makeup, TV shows, and of course the upcoming holidays. Because of the weather, it's also the perfect season to cozy up with a good book and catch up on some reading. I was inspired by Lauren Conrad to write this post on my current fall reading list (link to her post). I have quite a few books that I have been dying to read, and the list just keeps growing!

First up, the book I am currently reading: The Husband's Secret written by Liane Moriarty. This is the first book I read by this author so I am still getting used to her writing style. The book follows the lives of Cecilia, Rachel, and Tess, as their lives unravels after Cecilia finds a letter that was meant to be opened after the death of her husband. Yes, I know, woah! I recently started reading this so I have not discovered the secret yet but I am very anxious to find out what it is!

Next, I have Big Little Lies also by Liane Moriarty. This book is about, surprise, surprise, lies! It also follows the lives of three women, Celeste, Madeline, and Jane. The book insert reads "Sometimes it's the little lies that turn out to be the most lethal... A murder... a tragic accident... or just parents behaving badly? What's indisputable is that someone is dead. But who did what?" I am really excited to read this book and cannot wait to start it!

Next on the list if Paper Towns by John Green. John Green, if you didn't know by now, also wrote The Fault in Our Starts, which I absolutely loved, so I decided to pick this book up. To be completely honest, I'm not too sure what it's about, just that it's about a boy who has a huge crush on a girl in his school. 

Lastly, I purchased Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. Another book that I picked up because I loved the authors previous books, both Gone Girl and Dark Places. I absolutely love Gillian Flynn's mind! Her books are so dark and intriguing with a major plot twist! I am sure that I will love this! 

 What books are on your reading list?

Esty <3 

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Current Nail Polish Rotation

So I have a thing where I rotate between four to six nail polish every month or so. It helps me make use all of my nail polish so that I am not constantly applying the same ones. It also lets me appreciate the ones I have, which reduces the likelihood of purchasing new ones. Lastly, reminds me to actually find time to paint my nails because, lets be honest, sometimes I just becomes hard to find time with a toddler!

From L to R: Essie Midnight Cami, Essie School of Hard Rocks, Essie Carry On, Julep Laura 

Anyways, I'd thought I'd share with you my current nail polish in my rotation for the month of October!

I usually stay away from bright colors, so naturally, autumn is my favorite season because of darker nail polish are in. Essie Midnight Cami is a deep navy with shimmer. I love this color because its not your ordinary blue; the shimmer in it gives the color dimension. Next, Essie School of Hard Rocks is a beautiful teal cream. It is a beautiful color, but I will admit that I was very disappointed after discovering that Essie had created a very similar color last year called Vested Interest. Essie Carry On is my next polish, a deep plum. It is the perfect fall color and I come back to it every year! Last, but certainly not least, Julep Laura, an olive green creme. I love almost all of Julep nail polish that I have tried and think they are definitely worth the high price tag. Laura is opaque and applies smoothly with just one coat, I do, however, like to finish it off with a second coat to make it even more opaque and long lasting.

What nail polish have you been using for this fall season?

Esty <3 

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haul | TJ Maxx

Hello lovelies,

A new TJ Maxx recently opened up around my house and I decided to stop by today. I picked up a couple of things because, well, I just couldn't resist!

I was undecided between these shoes and another booties by Guess. I decided to go with these by Jessica Simpson because they seemed a lot more versatile than the booties. I can dress these up for a night out and dress them down a bit for work. Did I mention that they were only $50!

I also picked up a shower cap, mostly because I forgot to buy one at Target while I was there. This one was really cute, however, and I am so glad I purchased it! Time to shower in style!

While I was looking around the hair and beauty section of TJ Maxx, both of these Macademia Natural Oil products caught my eyes. I have used the Macademia Deep Hair Masque before, but have never tried any of their other products. They had a couple more Macademia products, but I decided to stick with these two. I am very excited to try them! Expect a review soon on these babies!

Anyways, have you guys recently purchase anything exciting? I don't know why, but I am super excited to try everything I picked up!