Product Review 2 - Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Foundation

So, I did a review on this foundation. I did enjoy this foundation, but unfortunately I had to return it.

It does give excellent coverage but it wasn't the right shade for me. The one that I ended up buying didn't blend well with my skin tone and looked way too dark, for my liking. I went to return it and even the lightest shade that Sephora carried wasn't light enough and didn't math my skin tone and color as well as I would have liked. Yes, I am that pale. The color I needed, is sadly not carried at Sephora anymore.

My mom however, also bought this foundation and LOVES it. She wears it everyday, and has no issues with it not matching. She's a tad bit darker than I am. I would still recommend this foundation, but it can be easy to look too dark if you're mismatched.

When I returned it, I exchanged is for YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation. I haven't yet tried it but when I do, I will be posting my reviews on it. The YSL foundation is priced a little higher at $57.00 compared to the Kat Von D at $34.

Product Review - aveeno nourish + condition leave in treatment

I found this one sale at Walgreen for $4 and decided why not try it! I didn't know much about this product but aveeno is normally always pretty good and this product didn't disappoint. 

It says to use everyday but I use maybe once or twice a week since my hair isn't that damaged or dry, and normally feels super soft after my shower. The directions are to just spray in and comb through. 

My main concern with this product that it was going to make my hair greasy. It didn't! My hair is thick but fine and most of the time it looks greasy if I don't wash it every day and this didn't affect that. If didn't make it any greasier. I was very thrilled. 

This product did make my hair super soft after using and I could still feel the effects the next day. It wasn't super heavy and was overall a product I would buy again. Like I said, I only use it maybe twice a week just to help and for extra even though I probably don't "need" it. So if you're looking for a leave in conditioner I would definitely recommend this one. It's easy to use and easy to apply. Not messy at all. I normally used my fingers to comb through and then just rinsed my hands off. Nothing major! Great purchase! Although at walgreens it was probably $8-$10 not on sale, but the bottle is maybe 1/3 used and I've had it for a month. So it's a decent value too! 

Kate Somerville - Ultimate Kate Rewards

I'm sure that you've heard all the hype about Kate Somerville and her products. And yes, they can be expensive. Her products are top of the line quality and you get what you pay for.
I recently just purchased her book, "Complexion Perfection" and am reading it now to find better ways to try and take care of my skin. No, i don't have what I would call "problem skin" but I'm realizing that as I enter my 20s this is a time that matters and establishing a skincare regimen now, is in my best interest.
Kate does this thing where you can join for free rewards, which is what I'm currently doing. As a broke college kid, I find ways to get things for free or for cheaper than retail value so that I still get what I want and what's nice and good quality. By joining Kate's reward program, you build points that you can use for a gift card or a free cleanser, which HELLO FREE MONEY OR FREE ITEM? I will take it!
By clicking the link and signing up, you're on your way to earning points and helping me earn some too :)
Thank you to everyone who signs up for email or the program, and I hope that you fall in love with her as much as I am right now!
http://bit.ly/1mR9zPy

If you do sign up, please send me an email or a comment with your e-mail so I can get the points. :) 
blondiegirl.xo26@gmail.com

Speck Fabshell Case Review #2

So, i'm back to do another review on this case! I am IN LOVE. This case has met all of my expectations, and I would buy another in a different design any day :)
So, my initial review was correct! This case does provide adequate drop protection. I have dropped my phone several times with this case on... at home, getting out of my car... and nothing. My screen is fine and I'm assuming the rest of the phone is too. And yes, I have dropped it face down... getting out of my car onto the concrete. But all is good!
The top button/lock button was the only negative thing that I saw with this case... but as time went on, the button became easier to press and I no longer even think about it. It's not an issue at all.
I had seen some negative reviews about the fabric coming off, I haven't experienced that at all.. and my phone is in constant use. My phone sleeps with me, I'm on it almost every minute that I'm awake, and my fabric is still fine. I end up having to charge my phone at least once a day because it's almost dead, yes, I have a small issue with being "Addicted" to my phone.
I have nothing negative to say about this case, and love it. I love the fact that it's cute. I wish speck would come out with new designs, I would totally buy more!

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham

So this week, I had the pleasure of going on a small business trip with my dad. Not the most ideal, but hey, 3 nights in a hotel with most of the day to myself, and time away from the house.. I'M IN!
We stayed at a Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham and I was super impressed! We had a full mini kitchen with pots and pans and even dishes! They had a desk, of course which is where I'm currently residing for this blog and the room was clean! The bathroom was also impressive, with decent counterspace, which is what is always the struggle for me, considering I bring so much stuff and all my makeup :)
If you're traveling, I would suggest checking them out. The rooms are homey, and definitely geared more towards business people, but if you're staying for a few days, they are great!
The only negative I had about my stay was the lack of wall plugs by the bed for my phone, but that's nothing major!
I was very pleased, and can be picky about hotel rooms.. as can most people. I would def stay here again and again.

Broke College Kid.

So... this is more of a rant than a useful blog post. But i'm sure MANY of you can relate.
Have you ever noticed that people say "money doesn't make the world go round" but it totally does? I mean, without money you're homeless, hungry, and have none of your basic needs. Well, I have to say that I am very blessed. I have a roof over my head and simple luxuries - my own car, an iphone, wifi at home, my own laptop, etc.  But, as a college student without a job - because I'm focusing on my studies not trying to do too much at once; I'm constantly struggling with money. I want to shop or get a Starbucks, or get my nails done and I'm BROKE.
I started trying to sell things on ebay and poshmark, but nothing seems to be selling. A lot of people are selling and not buying, and some weeks I make a few dollars but not much. So, if you have any money making tips at home, that aren't getting a real job, I would love to hear them! I have tried to do surveys, but since I'm not the main decision maker in my household, I don't qualify for a lot of them. I've even tried babysitting, but i haven't gotten lucky there either.
So please, let me know if you know anything that I could do!

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

I recently got a sample of the Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation from Sephora, and I recently purchased it also, so that should tell you something.
I am a foundationaholic. I am constantly switching and looking for the next best thing. I like full coverage, because I like the movie star-I'm perfect-flawless-red carpet look. This is my recent baby and love. This foundation is definitely full coverage and according to the Sephora girl it's 21% pigmentation which is one of, if not the highest pigmented foundation on the market. It is AMAZING. It's a matte finish, blends easily and well, and lasts all day. It really does cover everything! Half the time, I don't even need concealer with this because it's so covering. I love it. One pump does more than enough for my face, so the bottle is a great value.
If you're looking for a good full coverage foundation that has many skin tone matches, this is your winner. I even like it better than the Estee Lauder one and I loved that one a lot. :)  

Clarisonic satin precision brush head review.

Recently I bought the clarisonic satin precision brush head. It's a small brush head that's made for delicate areas like the eyes, lips, and nose. It's for delicate and contoured areas. I use it mainly under my eyes and on the eyelid, around my nose and on my lips. The price for this brush head is $30 USD. 

The way I use mine is 20 seconds on each eyelid/under my eye, 10 seconds around the base of my nose, and 10 seconds over my lips. So far I like the brush head. I use it everyday and primarily ordered it because I felt like my sensitive brush head wasn't getting under my eyes which I wanted. It's super soft and easy to use. The only thing that can get annoying is that I switch my brush head everyday. So I will use my sensitive brush head and wash my face as normal, then switch to my satin precision and do that routine, then rinse my face off and dry it. So that can be annoying or time consuming (in reality it takes an extra 10 seconds at most.)

I wouldn't say that I've noticed a change in my appearance because of the brush head but I love the feel of it, and it does get under my eyes to remove eye creams which was important to me. So if you feel like you're not able to get under your eyes, I definitely recommend it because I do enjoy using it and I feel confident that it's getting under my eyes and feels great on my lips as a gentle exfoliator. 

Speck Fabshell Case Review #1

I just got the Speck FabShell case in FreshBloom Coral. So far, I like the case! The design is really cute, it looks like it's going to provide adequate protection, and it's different.
The Speck FabShell is a hard rubber case? I'm not quite sure with a fabric material which provides the design. It's a harder material so it doesn't bend and does have the part that comes over the sides some to protect your screen if it falls. Because of this, it should provide adequate drop protection but I normally don't drop my phone that often to begin with. The Canvas material that provides the design definitely feels odd at first but not in a bad way. It's very unique and easy to grip. The top and side buttons are covered and there's a cutout for the vibration switch, headphone jack, and charger jack. The speakers are also covered but I haven't noticed an issue when playing music and videos. The sound is still extremely clear.
The only initial thing that I have noticed that I don't like is that the top bottom is hard to press down, although it might get easier to do in time. The side buttons are easier to press but the lock button is hard to press down. That's kind of annoying if you use it a lot, which I occasionally do.
So out of everything that I've noticed so far, I do like the case. When I do drop my phone and have used it for a few weeks I will post another follow-up review!

Clarisonic Mia 2 Review.

I had been looking and drooling over the clarisonic face brushes for months. I had done all my research, read some reviews, but couldn't get over the hefty price tag for a facial cleansing brush. I had first heard about the brush when reading an interview with Kate Walsh. She swore by it, so I looked it up. When I started reading about it, it sounded amazing, and I'm not the best at washing my face so I thought maybe this would motivate me. Well, the only bad things that I noticed about this brush was the price tag. The cheapest one is $125, and the most expensive one is $225, the brush heads are also kind of pricey at $25 each.  I finally asked for the Mia 2 for Christmas which is priced at $150, and it's absolutely amazing. 

The Mia 2 has two cleansing speeds, Universal and delicate. I normally use the delicate in the morning when I first wake up or am in the shower since normally all I have on are my night creams, and then I use the universal at night since I might have makeup on, have my day creams on, and I do more during the day than when I'm asleep. I don't know that it makes a difference, I could probably use the universal both times a day, but this is just my way of doing it. 

The Mia2 also has a pulsing t-timer which is fantastic. The brush automatically shuts off after one minute but with the timer it pulses at 20 seconds to remind you to switch from your forehead to nose/chin, then again after 20 seconds to switch to your cheek, and then after 10 seconds to switch to your other cheek, and then after 10 more seconds it switches off. You can do another round, but I always just stick to the one minute unless i'm continuing onto my neck. 

My Mia2 is easily my favorite facial product right now. I have large, dark pores on my nose and I'm seeing a little bit of improvement after just two weeks. I've tried the biore pore strips and even those don't work so this is very exciting for me. My skin always feels super soft after using this because it does gently exfoliate so they tell you to cut back on the exfoliating products that you use because you can over-exfoliate. I'm only using a exfoliating mask once a month now but will continue my Origins Clear Improvement mask once a week since it's just a clearing mask. Makeup does stain the brush heads a little, but I take my makeup off with this (except for my eye makeup) because I personally like to see what it gets off, although I might start using a makeup remover wipe, to see what gets left behind. I do feel that it's worth the money though, and it's so easy and fun to use. It takes a minute to clean my entire face, and I honestly just feel like it's so much cleaner. I hate to clean my face but now i'm cleaning it twice and day. I'm seeing small improvements and I would recommend this product to anyone. 

I would compare all of the clarisonic brushes before purchasing. At first I wanted the Plus, which is $225, but then after thinking realistically and debating it, I narrowed my choice down to the Mia 2 because it would ideally and realistically be the best for me and I don't regret my choice at all. I would rather invest in a great product, than to invest in a cheaper version that doesn't last as long. If you're debating a clarisonic purchase, make the jump. Take the leap and welcome yourself into the world of sonic cleaning and fresh skin.

Ebay.

If you know me, you know how much I love ebay. And this is going to be all about my experience and success with ebay... I don't know if it's a success considering I'm still broke and just use the money to buy things, but hey! It works!

I started selling on ebay probably about 6-10 months ago, maybe. It's been great! I've made probably between $350-$400 dollars in just that amount of time. Keep in mind that most of my stuff has been older clothing, and not worth very much. It takes patience, that's for sure. If you have a lot of designer clothing or nicer items, you will probably attract more bidders. One thing I have learned though is set your bidding at the absolute lowest you will take! If not, you can really screw yourself out of some money if only one person bids that week. 

It's super simple to list things and I actually prefer listing from my iphone than doing it on my laptop. The only thing is shipping, always ask for more for shipping if you're not sure but I found that buying a $20, 5 pound scale has saved me a lot of worry and it helps me keep my shipping prices low, which everyone loves! And if you're selling a nicer item that will probably attract a lot of bids, free shipping is a great thing to offer. Listing things is easy:  take some good photos, set a price, write some stuff about what you're selling, give it a name and put it in a category, and set a shipping price. It's very simple and not that time consuming. Then you just have to wait. 

I am not one who researches the hell out of what I'm selling, but I'm a frequent buyer on ebay so that definitely helps me. A lot of the time, I will start the bidding and if in two to three weeks if it hasn't sold than I will lower it. Most of my stuff sells for maybe 0.99 but it adds up and it's great for extra spending money. That's what my ebay account is. A way to recycle my used clothing, and buy other things.

If you haven't tried ebay, I highly suggest it. It's one of my favorite things to do to get rid of things, and to make a little extra spending money.

My Amazon Experience. Horrible Customer Service.

So, as we all know college textbooks are expensive. I paid about $200 for a Spanish textbook that I would never use again, and my bookstore wouldn't buy back. I searched online and found Amazon's Trade-In program. The program is simple... You search your textbook and see if they have a need for it, pick the best price, print out a shipping label, send it in, and then once it's processed they credit your amazon account with a gift card. Simple, right? Well, I though so I tried it. I figured I could use it towards a purchase that I was saving for and getting some money for that book was better than nothing.
Well, I sent my book in and it sat there without being processed for 8 days. It's now been processing for 4 days and I still won't get my gift card for 2 more business days so 4 days total because of the weekend. From when they actually received my package it has been 12 days and 9 business days. In total, this process will take them 16 days and 11 business days. That's absurd.
I have been on the phone with them a ton. At least 6 times during this ordeal. I have been told different answers. Once I was told that I would have it on the 27th, then I was told I should have it no later than the 31st, than I was told I would have it by the 2nd, and now I've been told that I should have it by the 6th. They finally issued me a promotional certificate but it can only be used on products sold by Amazon which totally doesn't help me, because most things on amazon are gift cards which you can't buy, or the item has to be sold by amazon and not through another seller - which is most items on amazon. The most frustrating part is not being able to make a purchase that I've been waiting on to make because my credit hasn't been issued, and I have gotten different answers every time I have called.
With this experience, I'm not sure I will ever use Amazon again. I'm terrified to try their return department because of all of this hassle so I'm really hoping I don't have to. I'm almost ready to just take my business somewhere else but then I'm wasting $60 and that's a lot of money to just waste. Amazon's customer service overall, has been very poor. I felt like I was run in a loop and I don't understand why if there was a demand for my textbook why it sat there for so long before anyone even checked the package. And, on their website it says generally two business days after processing and then when you call they tell you oh, well no it's at least five. There is a lot of miscommunication and misguidance. I'm very unsatisfied and if you are using amazon, and like them, then good for you. But as for myself, amazon seems to have been the worst decision I have made. It's been more of a hassle and problem than a benefit for me. I seriously doubt that I will be using Amazon services anytime soon.