July Drugstore.com Haul

Another month has come and gone, and we are now past the midpoint of 2016. Can you believe it? I actively try not to because that means that I have less and less time to finish writing up my current research. I'm also teaching a course in the fall that I've never taught before, so lesson plans need to be written up for that. Also, this stress reminds me that I still have an IRB application to finish, since I've started equating that with stress.

Anyway, retail therapy always helps, so here is my Drugstore.com haul for the month:

1. Garnier Skin Active Clean Plus Purifying Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes, $5.99 (25 sheets) at Ulta.com

I usually buy the Pond's Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes, but this Garnier one was on sale, so I decided to give it a try since I don't think Garnier has ever let me down.

2. Pantene Pro-V Color Revival Radiant Shampoo, $3.84 (12.6 fl oz) at Walmart.com

When I started coloring my hair in 2012, I started using the Tresemme Color Revitalize Shampoo and its corresponding conditioner because I had recently discovered Tresemme and loved it. I haven't ever stopped using that shampoo and conditioner because they work and they last me a good while, so I never saw a reason to switch brands. Four years is a long time, though, right? That's why I decided to break out of that routine and try this Pantene shampoo, which I've heard good things about.

3. Jergens Naturals Extra Moisturizing Liquid Hand Wash Refill, $3.49 (21.3 fl oz) at Walgreens.com

I bought the Jergens hand wash in May and was instantly hooked. It cleans well but still moisturizes your hands, and that signature cherry almond scent is delightful!

4. Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara in Very Black, $8.99 (0.22 fl oz) at Ulta.com

You can never own too many mascara. That's all I have to say about this, lol.

5. Palmer's Night Renewal Cream, $7.02 (2.7 fl oz) at Drugstore.com

Do you remember the fail in my June Drugstore.com and Walmart haul when I accidentally bought the Nivea Creme, thinking it was night cream? Yeah, it's currently sitting on my office desk, being used as hand cream, so this month, I decided to continue the search and found this! My Influenster Ole Henriksen Voxbox came, and I'm trying those products out at the moment (Stay tuned for the unboxing post!), so I've only tried this Palmer's night cream once since I bought it. The scent is not the best. It smells like how cocoa butter naturally smells, I'm guessing, so it's not necessarily a bad thing. It'll just take some time to get used to, especially after the Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Restorative Night Cream's heavenly smell. Anyway, this Palmer's night cream has a gel-like cream consistency that doesn't apply easily, but it feels great on the skin!

What is your go-to facial towelette, shampoo, hand wash, mascara, or night cream?

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Macy's and Drugstore.com (Mini) Haul

I'm not a fan of collective hauls, so I'm finding it hypocritical and ironic that I'm doing one myself. I have a reason, though! Since I started graduate school, and my income decreased (again), I've enforced a strict budget on myself where I can only buy things I need and skip on things I want. And since I don't usually go through beauty products that quickly, I haven't been buying enough to warrant haul posts. Note that I skipped last month's purchases entirely because I only bought, I think, two beauty products. Anyway, on to what I bought this month:

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown, $23 at Macy's
I have been hearing so many good things about Anastasia Beverly Hills' brow products! Luckily, my current brow powder (Sleek from the Nude Tude palette) is running out, so I can buy this without feeling guilty! I've mainly heard people rave about the pomade, but from past experience, I've learned that my eyebrows hate cooperating with gels. In fact, they hate cooperating with everything except powder. Anyway, I haven't tried this product out yet, but if I end up loving it, I'll do a How I Do My Brows-type post. Otherwise, I'll just do a plain ol' review.

2. Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream in Light/Medium Sheer Tint, $6.70 at Drugstore.com
My current BB cream is the Dream Fresh BB Cream, also from Maybelline, and I like it. I've completely swapped out foundation for BB cream from my everyday beauty routine, and not only does it save time, it's kinder to my face too! I got this one, also because my current BB cream is running out, to see if I'd like it better because it claims to clear acne-prone skin.

3. Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, $8.99 at Drugstore.com (Repurchase)
If you remember from my December Drugstore.com haul, I was enthusing about a new favorite toner, the Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Refreshing Toner. At around the same time, I (accidentally) bought the Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, and I mumbled angrily about it for a while because I completely neglected to see that it's an alcohol-based toner, and my face can't handle alcohol-based toner! What I didn't expect was for my face to not only react very well to this toner, it's starting to really clear up my acne scars and brighten up my skin. Surprise, surpise! Funnily enough, when I ran out of the previous bottle of this, I resorted to the leftover Boots toner I had, and I ended up really disliking it! Sure, it's gentle, but it also leaves a sticky film behind on my face and makes it feel icky when I put moisturizer on. I guess this Neutrogena toner is my new favorite. Sorry, Boots.

4. Boots Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover, $5.35 at Drugstore.com
Fortunately, I still have a piece of my heart with the Boots brand, so I decided to try this eye makeup remover. The ironic thing here is that I swapped my Boots toner for Neutrogena, and I swapped my Neutrogena eye makeup remover for Boots. I wonder if there's some subconscious self-guilt-tripping going on here.

5. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer, $20 at Macy's
Ok, so I had initially wanted to repurchase the Urban Decay Primer Potion because, let's face it, it's the best eye primer out there. But what happened was that I had a ton of Plenti points sitting around that I figured I might as well use. But since I don't have a car that I need to buy gas for, and there's no Rite Aid in Ames, the only place I can use my points on is at Macy's (online, of course). And for some reason, Macy's doesn't carry the Primer Potion standalone, only in a set of three travel sizes. Why?! So, I begrudgingly went for the second best eye primer, which, according to the beauty blogosphere, is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Granted, I've worn it a few times already, and it's not bad, but I'm currently working on a Urban Decay vs. Too Faced-type post where I wear them both at the same time for a day and see what happens. But that's for another day!

Have you tried any of these products?

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The Best Drugstore Beauty Products and a Giveaway (Closed)

Expensive, high-end beauty products aren't necessarily the best, and they don't always work. Along the same lines, cheaper beauty products from drugstores aren't necessarily worse or less effective. Here's a list of beauty products you can find at Target at affordable prices. Then, at the end of the post, you'll get a chance at winning a $100 to spend at Target as well as $30 to Starbucks for your annual PSL fix.

{ Maybelline Great Lash Mascara }

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara | $3.99

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May Empties

I wrote my last Empties post all the way back in January. Even though it's been a while, I haven't collected many empties. This should change soon, however, since I've been using the same products every day ever since I started having to stick to a tight budget.

Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads | $75

You can read my review about this product here. Would I repurchase this product? No because I didn't like it enough to want to pay $75 for it.

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How to Layer Makeup

My style philosophy has always been: simple pieces make sophisticated outfits. Instead of spending paycheck after paycheck on complete sets of outfits, buy simple, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched into different outfits for different occasions. This mantra serves me well especially since Im still on a college budget, so I decided to apply that philosophy into makeup.

With so many beauty trends floating around, it can be very tempting to splurge on hauls to complete those looks. Let us apply the "simple pieces make sophisticated outfits" theory to a few beauty trends.

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Mascaras Under $20!

Hello, world.

If you are like me, you probably have more mascara than you can actually use. I have my favorites that I wear on a regular basis, but I also have a few that I use so that they dont feel left out, lol. Despite having a ginormous stash of mascara, I cant stop myself from looking for more whenever Im window shopping even because I just might find my new favorite. This drains my bank account because mascaras are surprisingly expensive. This may not be true of all mascara, but I find that the more it costs, the better it works.

I still want to satisfy my mascara addiction without breaking the bank, and I want to spend on mascaras that will actually work so I decided to create a list of mascaras under $20 that has all the properties that you can ever want.

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Fall Beauty Trends

Hello, world.

The 22nd marked the official start of Fall, and we all know that the most exciting part about the start of every season is the change in trends. I have already swapped out my clothes, my makeup, and my fragrances, but I thought that Id wait until it was official before I produce a blog post. Besides, with the weather being so temperamental, it could still be warm enough for Summer trends in other places.

There are obviously more trends than is included in this list, but I would only be covering my three favorites: bright lips, smokey eyes, and coordinated colors.

{ Bright Lips }

Fall Beauty Trends: Bright Lips by Sockwun

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Color | $39

Nars Jungle Red Lipstick | $29

Anthropologie Albeit Lipstick | $18

You may remember this that bright lips were around in the summer as well, but the key difference in transitioning this look into the fall is to think: dark bright. Yes, I do realize that that is an oxymoron, but it was the only way to get my point across. The summer was all about neon lipstick, but "bright" in the fall is better described as "standout." You want your lips to stand out, and that doesnt necessarily mean neon.

{ Smokey Eyes }

Fall Beauty Trends: Smokey Eyes by Sockwun

Lord and Berry Couture Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in Black | $17

Victorias Secret Eye Shadow Duo | $15

Ilia Shadow of a Doubt Mascara | $29

I am super stoked that this trend is back! When the fresh faced look was all the rage last season, I felt out of my element without my dark eyeshadow. Please do keep in mind that it is still a no no to walk around campus looking like Taylor Momsen. It may be acceptable for a night out, but you would still need to keep your smokey eyes subtle during the day. I rely heavily on my trusty greys and silvers.

{ Coordinated Colors }

Fall Beauty Trends: Coordinated Colors by Sockwun

By Terry Power Eye Shadow in Lavender Muffin | $40

Sisley Phyto-Kohl Perfect Eyeliner in Purple | $51

Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer in Purple Gem | $5

This may sound like a backward trend, but coordinated colors are making its way back into the mainstream. By keeping it subtle, you can still look classy. I picked a purple palette because purple has always been a color that I want to experiment with. It isnt my favorite color, but I would still want to give it a try. If I ever do, I would probably start with a purple dress paired with purple eyeliner.

Which one of these is your favorite? Are you sporting a trend that wasnt mentioned? If you leave a link in the comments section, I would love to check it out!

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FOTD + Tutorial: My Cousins Wedding

Hello, world.

I attended the wedding of my cousin a couple of days ago.

I was debating between a neutral eye and a black smokey eye (Yes, I know that they are on the opposite ends of a spectrum, lol), and I couldnt make up my mind so I decided to go with the middle ground: a soft pink eye.

I started with my usual foundation routine.

First, I primed my face with the MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer. Then, I buffed on the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Sunscreen Makeup Foundation in Ivory. Then, I contoured and bronzed with the Benefit Hoola Bronzer. Then, I added some color to my cheeks with the Benefit Dandelion Blush. I blended the bronzer and blush with the Lunasol Skin Fusing Powder Foundation to get rid of any harsh lines. Last, I highlighted my chin, the bridge of my nose, on the highest part of the apples of my cheeks, and my forehead with the Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer.

In case you were wondering, yes, I do love Benefit.

For my eyes, I started with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Then, I applied the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Too Cool to the center of my eyelids.

Then, I take the shade marked "1" above from the BH Cosmetics 120 Color Eyeshadow Palette 2nd Edition, and sweep it all over my lids. With the shade marked "2," I pat it on the edges of the pink to blend it out.

I did all of the above eye steps with my ring finger.

For my signature thick eyeliner, I start with the NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker, then draw out the wings with the ELF Liquid Eyeliner. With the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Zero, I tightlined. For mascara, I swiped on one coat of the Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara.

On my lips, I just dabbed on a little of the Peripera Peris Tint Jelly.

If you would like me to make a video tutorial for this look, please let me know! I'll gladly do it!

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Drugstore.com Haul

Hello, world.

I stumbled across the best online drugstore in the known universe: drugstore.com, the uncommon drugstore. I have a haul to blog about.

The first product is the NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Black. If you read about my ELF haul, you would know that the eyebrow powder that I got is in too light of a shade for me. The NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Black is the perfect color for my black hair. Ive only tried it on, I havent really used it yet. The gray shade that comes with it is gorgeous! Ive never really used eyebrow powder so itll take me a while to get used to wearing it.

The second product is the GeoGirl EraseScreen Cream Concealer in Deep Nature. I swatched it on my arm and unfortunately, it is in too dark of a shade for me.

The third product is the Wet & Wild Eye Makeup Remover. Im still using the makeup remover that came in my February Birchbox, so I havent gotten around to using this one yet.

The fourth product is the Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks. My September 2012 Birchbox came with a Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover that is pretty much this product from a different brand. I absolutely loved it so I decided to get some while I was on Drugstore.com. These Almay ones have also gotten really good reviews so I thought Id try it out.

The fifth product is the ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer. I guess the name shouldve tipped me off that this is more on the shimmery side. I like my face to look matte, not dewy, so I didnt really like this primer.

The sixth product is the CoverGirl Queen Collection Jumbo Gloss Balm. This is my current favorite lip product. It is a tinted lipbalm. Its a pink thats in between sheer and opaque. If youre friends with me on Facebook (Which I encourage you to do so that you will be notified when I make a Facebook page for ExtraExtravagant), you would probably see a bunch of pictures with me wearing it.

The final product is the Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo. I havent tried this out yet but I'll probably be using it as either an eyeshadow base or a white eyeliner.

The blue/green Bazaar thing is just a small makeup pouch complimentary of Harpers Bazaar magazine for Drugstore.com.

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January 2013 Wishlist

Hello, world.

It has probably been made obvious by now that I will not be sticking to a weekly schedule after all. When I first decided to start this blog, I didnt think that Id have this much stuff to blog about. So, now, I'll be posting whenever I have something to blog about. There will, however, not be more than one post per day.

Todays post is my January 2013 wishlist.

It is a really small wishlist mainly because I just bought a bunch of stuff from ELF. I'll write a haul post once I get them.

1. Lancome Hypnose Star mascara in Noir Midnight: This is a fairly new product from Lancome. It boasts both volumizing and lengthening properties, things that everyone looks for in a mascara. Im interested in trying it out for an embarassing reason. I really like the design on the tube, LOL. Of course, I also look for the properties in the mascara but come on, you have to admit that its kinda pretty.
2. Maybelline Baby Lips tinted lip balm in Pink Punch: So, Ive heard a lot of good things about this tinted lip balm. My lips have been acting out lately because of the below-freezing temperatures so wearing lipstick has been taking serious tolls on my lips. Because of that, Ive been wearing tinted Chapstick. Speaking of which, Chapstick does wonders, you guys. Its amazing. When my lips are super chapped, I just coat (And I mean COAT) my lips in the original one before bed and I'll wake up to completely healed lips. True story. Anyway, digression aside, I want to try out Baby Lips because I need the moisturizing property that my lipsticks/stains lack.
3. OPI Liquid Sand nail polish in Get Your Number: The reason this nail polish is called Liquid Sand is because it supposedly is made up of tiny particles that give it the glitter. Get Your Number is a blue shade. This product promises super glitter on your nails so I definitely want to try it out.

Before I end this post, there is one other product that Ive been wanting for a while.

This is Ianti nail polish in Natural Red. You may not be able to tell from the (shitty) picture but its just a normal red.

In 2010, before I started college, I was working full-time at a financial advisory company. One of my colleagues was selling these so I bought this shade from her to show support. Little did I know, this is the BEST NAIL POLISH EVER. Even now, two (three?) years later, I still love it. I regret not having bought more shades from her because I cannot find these anywhere! I even tried EBay but theyre just nowhere to be found.

So, one other thing that I want to get my hands on is more Ianti nail polishes. Why do I love them? They have the easiest application, highest pigment, shortest drying time. Im serious, Ianti is the nail polish of all nail polishes.

Aaand this concludes my January 2013 wishlist post. Thank you for reading. Follow me if youre waiting on that ELF haul post. (;

Do you have a January 2013 wishlist? Put your link in the Comments section and I'll check it out!

Have you tried any of the products in my wishlist? Tell me what you think!

Also, if you know where I can get some Ianti nail polishes, let me know!

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