All About My Makeup Routine!

Hi Beauties!

I hope your holidays are going well! I have been hanging out and getting ready around many friends and family this holiday break. Common questions that I have been receiving and have received many times before are "What order do you put your makeup on?" "What highlighter do you use?" "Wait, what is that orange gunk that you're using under your eye?"

All of these are questions that I find myself asking other girls when they are applying their makeup, too. I was going to compile these questions in a "Beauty Chit Chat," but I thought it would be more informational if I dedicated it its own post! 

Disclaimer: I am by no means a makeup expert. I am a regular girl that loves and finds it therapeutic to experiment with new makeup and looks. I have a lot to learn and would love to hear your personal tips! 

What order?

My makeup order depends on whether I am going for a full-face look or a casual daytime look. My full face/night-out look requires more products in comparison to my casual daytime look.

Full Face Order: Moisturizer, primer, corrector, concealer, foundation, concealer again (to highlight), eyebrows, bronzer (to contour), blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, highlight, and lipstick

Casual Face Order: Moisturizer, corrector, foundation, eyebrows, eyeliner, mascara, blush, and lipstick

PS: If you are wondering what I mean by "corrector", please refer to my Beauty Chit Chat post from last month! |HERE|

What brands are you using? 

Primer: NYX

Corrector: Orange Shade NYX

Concealer: Maybelline 

Blush: City Color Cosmetics

Foundation: Kat Von D

Bronzer Contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills

Eyebrow Pomade: Anastasia Beverly Hills

Mascara: Maybelline

Gel Eyeliner: Maybelline 

Highlighter: The Balm Cosmetics

Makeup Tools:

I have realized over the years that your makeup is helpless without the right proper makeup tools. My favorite and most frequently used tool is the Beauty Blender. I literally use this sponge for everything, from blending out my concealer and foundation to applying my contour and blush. I have essentially stopped using face brushes completely! 

For the eyes, I use an angled eyeliner brush to apply my gel liner and to conquer the brows, I use an even thinner angled brush to apply my dipbrow pomade.

I hope you try out some of the products that I mentioned above. If you can only try one, you must try the Balm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter! Please tell me your makeup order and favorites in the comments!

Beauty Chit Chat: Winter Skin Battle!

#13

♥Can I still use foundation on dry winter skin?

No matter how dewy a foundation may be, it will never look good on dry winter skin. The flakes beneath will poke through your foundation and look obvious. Before applying foundation, exfoliate your skin with an exfoliating scrub to get rid of the dry skin and apply a thick moisturizer. The thicker, the better. Leave it on your skin for at least 15 minutes before applying your foundation. If your skin is too greasy after 15 minutes, wipe the excess off with a makeup wipe or toner. 

♥How can I fix my rough, cracked hands?

This happens to the best of us, don't worry. If you need extreme repair, apply a thick layer of hand lotion or body butter and cover your hands with a pair of tight winter gloves overnight or as long as you can. This will help lock in the moisture. For daily care, apply lotion after each hand wash and a little cuticle oil around the nail beds at night. 

The dry winter air can take such a toll on your skin so stay warm and moisturized! 

Timeless Jewels Under $50!

Happy Holidays! 

Last year, I complied a trillion gift guides for anyone in your life. This year, I have really been into quality and timeless jewelry pieces that I can cherish and wear for years. Quality and timeless comes for a hefty price at times, however, I scoured the internet and found pieces that would make perfect presents for a friend or even yourself for under $50. If you accessorize all the time, sometimes, or only once in a blue moon, these pieces will serve you year after year!  

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT

I hope you find something you love from here! 

TOP 8: Fall & Winter Trends!

Happy Thursday!

I have officially finished my third semester in pharmacy school and I could not be happier! Being a busy-bee with school, I was not able to upload as much as content as I intended to. However, I am excited for this break because I have so much to share with you from my favorite skincare line to my thoughts on a popular drugstore makeup brand. Today we will begin with eight Fall/Winter Fashion trends that you should add to your wardrobe...or maybe even put on that Christmas wish-list?

Ponchos: I like to think of them as open-front women capes! The weighted knit is awesome at creating an image of a slender body figure underneath. Style them with a pair of heeled boots and black skinny pants, you'll be golden!

Buttoned skirt: The first buttoned skirt that we all were introduced to was the tan buttoned skirt on Instagram. All the bloggers were wearing it and now they come in so many different styles and colors. 

Long vest: Reminds me of one person, Victoria Beckham so, I mean, it's definitely in. 

Faux fur stool: I just love the way the hair and makeup can glisten neck above a faux fur stool, is that kinda weird? I don't care because it is so true! The warm and fuzzy stool is very elegant and formal and would look great on a cold winter day with a heavy coat. 

Turtle Neck: These sweaters are back and look comfier than ever.

Open- Front Coat: The coat was inspired by classic mens blazers. I have one without the flaps in the front and it looks so clean and proper with a basic color ensemble.

Formal Satin Joggers: Perfect for a night-out look for the cold chilly nights. I love wearing my camo-green pair of joggers with a solid colored top and a pair of wedges, open toe heels, or even small booties.

Over-the-knee boots: They are in, everywhere! I especially love the skinny over-the-knee boots that give any outfit a classy touch.

My favorites from this list have to be the faux fur stools, open front coats, and buttoned skirts! What are yours? Let me know down below! 

Bearpaw & Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse Holiday GIVEAWAY!

Hi Fashionistas!

First off, there is a SURPRISE giveaway at the end of this post, so stay tuned!

I hope you all are conquering the cold and staying warm this fall. I have learned to appreciate the fall weather over the years. It is that conditioning period before the winter blizzards smack you right in the face. Living in a city without a car, walking is the best source of transportation so it is important to have comfortable and warm shoes to accompany me on my travels.

For the past month I have been on the hunt for a certain pair of gray BEARPAW boots (Emma) that I was eyeing on www.Bearpaw.com. After searching online for nearby stores, I was so lucky to have found a store called Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse that not only carried BEARPAW boots, but also a wide range of other shoes!

OBSW seemed like a perfect store for someone like me who hates shoe shopping and is on a tight budget. I prefer everything to be under one roof, all brands, all styles, and all for great prices. Google maps told me that there was an OBSW store near me, but I had no idea what to expect.  Their website is the epitome of shoe heaven but I could not imagine all those shoes under one roof.

But boy, was I wrong...

I knew immediately that this was going to be the most dreamy shoe shopping experience when I saw the following:

1. an endless tundra of heels greeting me at the door
2. a pair of gray Converse for $26!
3. a plethora of high-end brands on clearance for 40-70% off!
4. best of all, a fully stocked BEARPAW boots display front and center

I literally ran in and grabbed all the BEARPAW styles I could find in a size 8 and mocked my own little runway (see below lol). Overall, I am now a proud owner of the gray EMMA boots that were for sale for a ridiculously low price of $59! Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse is definitely on the top of my list for all my shoe shopping necessities. The store was incredibly organized, up-to-date with the trends, offered awesome brands like BEARPAW, and this was all for discounted prices! Definitely check out their selection. They offer coupons and discount codes as well so you're definitely going to be saving on your next pair of shoes -- CRAZY SAVINGS HERE!

GIVEAWAY BELOW! 

After I bought the boots, I had to wear them the very next day. The weather was beautiful, but a little chilly, so I decided to take the Emma boots on a little stroll to a historic part of Philadelphia near the Liberty Bell. Yes, my bun is cray...please look past it, whoops! 

           

GIVEAWAY TIME! 

Now for the fun part! BEARPAW and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse wanted to give all my readers an opportunity to have the same great shopping experience that I had by sponsoring a giveaway! They will be giving one (1) reader a pair of Bearpaw boots AND a $250 gift card to Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse! 

Rules: EASY, just comment underneath on this blog post with your holiday plans, favorite christmas song, or whatver! 

The giveaway will run till 12/04/15 and a winner will be chosen SATURDAY 12/05/15! 

WINNER IS:
Candace Lynn!
Thank you all for entering! Sorry for not interacting much, finals week is taking over my life but I had a great time reading all of your comments. This was the first time I hosted a giveaway on my blog, but it definitely will not be the last (HINT: Keep a look out within the next couple of months!!) PS: A random number generator (picture below) was used choose the winner. I counted down on the comments to verify!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Don't forget to enter, good luck! 

Black Friday Sales!

Hi Beauties!

Black Friday is here but if you are like me, you like the Cyber Monday and online deals better. I know, I'm a lazy shopper but I refuse to fight through the crowds if I can get similar deals online. I am just not strong enough for that life.

Currently, I'm not in the market for anything, but it's always fun to look around at the deals that stores are offering. Here are a few that you may want to check out before your credit card calls it quits this weekend.

Nordstrom
An Extra 25% off on sale items
*Now through Monday

J.Crew
40% off of some styles & 30% off everything else (including stuff that's never on sale)
*Now through Sunday 11:59 PM
CODE: HOLIDAY

Tory Burch
Spend $250 and Receive 30% off
*Now through Monday
CODE: THANKS

H&M
20% off purchases over $60 & Deals starting from $4.99 (online/in-store)
Free Shipping on website - CODE: 3265
*Now through Monday

Anastasia Beverly Hills
25% off BROW products & Free Shipping over $25

Kendra Scott 
15% off everything
*Now through Monday
CODE: SALE15

Macy's 
Free Shipping over $50 & an extra 20% off of purchase
*Till Tomorrow
CODE:THANKS

I hope you find some awesome deals! 

Beauty Chit Chat: Correct, Don't Conceal!

#12

♥What is color correcting? How is it different than using a regular concealer?

Color correcting in makeup is using a colored concealer to cancel out odd pigmentation on your face. Regular concealer only layers to cover up the color pigmentation without correcting it. 

♥What is the best way to conceal dark circles?

Using a regular concealer underneath or over a foundation works for many people. However, to achieve the most "flawless" and even-tone face, I color correct (yes, this is different). Before I apply my foundation, I use NYX's orange color corrector underneath my eyes in an upside-down triangle. This cancels out the bluish purple tones from my dark circles and makes it look natural, you won't even need the extra concealer. 

♥There are so many different color correctors at the drugstore, which one do I need? 

Simple, think of the color wheel. The color of the corrector will cancel out the color across from it. For an example-- if you have a red pimple or hormonal redness, use a green corrector. If you have dark pimple scars use a orange corrector. 

I hope that these were helpful tips and that you give color correcting a chance!

Weekender Bag's Must-Haves!

Hi Beauties!

With the holidays approaching, I am sure many of you are going to be traveling to the homes of family and friends quite often for the next month of so. Sleepovers, popcorn, and late night talks are the best with the people you love. I am always so excited to get into the car that I forget the dreaded part of packing...I HATE packing. Short weekend trips are the hardest to pack for because I always forget about those least-used but crucial items. To help you avoid leaving those back at home, I have complied a list of my must-haves that I keep in my weekender bag at all times, just in case!

**Excludes: clothes, shoes, makeup, and the basic thangs that the host either provides or you cannot leave the house with a.k.a: your wallet**

The bag:

 Henri Bendel Weekender Bag

The stuff: 

• Keep an extra deodorant, travel size perfume, and contacts/contact case in your bag at all times. You cannot be blind or smelly during your weekend stay, you will definitely regret it.
• Always have hair ties, safety pins, and bobby pins in the little side pocket of your bag. Girls probably lose an average of 321 hair ties a day so you never know when it will be handy.
• A great face moisturizer and lip balm is a must. They can literally make or break your skin so leave with great skin and make sure you come back with it too! 
• Socks and a cozy scarf---it's not your house and not your thermostat, bundle up!
• Sunglasses. It's probably just me, but I always end up using my spare in my weekender bag, super handy! 

Beauty Chit Chat: Q/A False Eyelashes!

#11

♥I want to wear fake lashes but they always peel off or just don't set right. How can I achieve the perfect lash look?

I absolutely love fake eyelashes! They make the world's difference and are perfect for special occasions. Achieving the look is easy if you follow these tips:

1.) Makesure the eyelash fits the width of your eye, you may have to trim it if it is longer

2.) Hold the eyelash with a tweezer, not your fingers

3.) Apply the glue to the back of your hand and dip the band of your eyelash into the glue

4.) Always apply more glue to the ends of your lash band

5.) Let the glue dry for 30-45 minutes on the band before sticking it on. Letting the glue "dry" will allow it to become tacky

6.) Place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as you can. You can adjust and slide it to the perfect spot with your fingers

♥What are the best brand of lashes?
Ardell, for sure! They carry many different styles and even after an abrasive cleanse with face wash, they stay true to their form. My personal favorites are the Demi 120s! ($4)

Disclaimer: I have not tried the high-end brands like Velour lashes, so I cannot speak for them.

♥Should I apply eyeliner and mascara before or after? 

I always apply both before I put on my lashes, so much easier!

Phall In Philly!

Hi Beauties!

As soon as I saw my first yellow leaf, I smiled to myself....FALL is officially here! Fall fashion is my current obsession, I love the staple fall peices and find myself looking for more clothing pieces that my wardrobe clearly does not need. As many of you know, in-trend fall items can be pretty expensive during the on season fall time. But do not fear, incorporating your summer or spring pieces with fall staples can make any outfit fall fashion approved.

This outfit was the epitome of just that! I paired a few fall staples with a dress that I got on sale this past summer at H&M. Military jackets have been around for the past few years but burgundy shoes are popping up everywhere this fall.

Fall tip: Pair your favorite dress from the summer (avoid neon colors) with tights and leg warmers for that perfect cozy fall look. Leg warmers and tights scream fall and with a cute pair of heels you can have your trendy fall look without having to buy a new sweater dress.

I hope you enjoyed! See you soon!

Beauty Chit Chat: In-trend Fall Nail Polish Shades!

#10

♥What are the current, in-trend fall nail polish shades?

Nail polish colors are going to be the perfect accent color to your look. Fall colors represent a sense of boldness with the dark stellar shades. Shades to acquire include: deep reds and burgundies, stellar navy blues, olive green, opaque burnt golds and bronze, orange, dark purples, and grays. 

♥How can I keep my nail polish chip-free for longer?

1.) Invest in a good-quality nail polish; Essie, OPI, China Glaze. Essie is my personal favorite but you can get any of the three brands for cheaper at TJ Maxx or Marshalls (almost 50% off)! 

2.) Always apply a base coat and a top coat.

3.) Let your nails completely dry between coats.

4.) Paint right up to and over the ends of your nails.

5.) Apply a fresh layer of top coat each day.

♥How can I make my nails look longer?

Though the gap drives me crazy, leaving a gap at the side of your nails when painting them can make them appear longer and thinner.

Fall Trend Alert: Long Outerwear!

Hi Fashionistas! 

Is it just me or has everyone been stepping up their outerwear this fall? I am sooooo in love with the new styles that I have found myself wanting the coat off of people's back..I know, embarrassing...

A main theme that I am seeing with outerwear and jackets this fall are the long length! Whoever created this craze was a genius because the long length adds just the right amount of extra posh. The last time I went shopping however, I could not anything I liked for under $90 and I definitely did not have the heart to spend that much on a fall coat!

So I did what any budget-wise college girl does, I headed over to the trusty Forever21.com and browsed through their selection in hopes of finding something similar. I was seriously impressed! I was not expecting such a large trendy selection. The outerwear on their website is not only affordable but also in trend, you cannot even tell that it's from a budget friendly store like Forever 21.

Here are my favorites:

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN

I hope you find something for yourself! 

Current Drugstore Makeup FAVS!

Hi Beauties!

Long time, no post! Sorry for my absence. This past week was way too hectic! I had a family wedding which was awesome followed by a wave of exam which were not.

Fortunately, I am off for 4 whole days due to the Pope's visit to Philadelphia so I am back on TheCC because I missed you all!

Today I want to share my favorite drugstore makeup products. I use a mixture of both "high end" and drugstore. As a college student and makeup fanatic, it get can pretty expensive to get a full face of makeup from Sephora. I have always loved makeup and even though I do not get the chance to doll up in grad school as much as I would love to, I am still a crazy makeup hoarder. This may sound crazy but I just love collecting all things makeup! When I do get the chance to do my makeup nowadays, I find it therapeutic. I sit in front of my mirror with my whole makeup stash and do my makeup slowly while watching It'sJudyLife on youtube.

Now, to be honest, there are still two items that I have not found to love from the drugstore--  a good foundation and contour palette. I am certain that there is something that I haven't tried, but for now I swear by my Kat Von D foundation and Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour palette. When I find something I like, I shall update you!

Here are my 7 favorites! Click on the category names for the link!

Blush
City Color Cosmetics is a brand that most people are not aware of. Truthfully, I only became aware of it when I received this blush in my IPSY bag last February. I am almost done and ready to purchase again! This brand is super inexpensive but there products are so pigmented yet easy to use. At first I wasn't sure about it but it soon became my everyday must-have. It blends so perfectly and stay on as long as your foundation is on! 

Eyeliner
This has been my go-to eyeliner for two years now. I have not been able to get the same color with the same smudge-free payoff from any other gel liner. I favor gel liners in general because they are easier to build up (I like my eyeliner super black), and with an angled liner brush I have so much control, especially when I need to do that wing.

Face Primer

Face primer is a must, not a maybe. My mom called me the other day to tell me how face primer has changed her life. A primer not only helps your makeup stay put all day long but it also brings out the best in foundation. This primer is only $13 and in my opinion it is comparable to the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer which retails for $36! Anything you put on top of this primer will glide on effortlessly.

Mascara
This mascara is no secret to anyone. You have probably heard so many people rave about this for years so I will spare you the rant and write two words -- Bold and Big. 

Luminator

I absolutely love NYX products! They are always updating their collection with new items and staying "in trend" with the higher end brands. This luminator is awesome, layering a little bit of this on top or underneath your foundation will give you that perfect yet subtle glow. It look amazing in pictures and adds a "wow" factor to your makeup.

Glitter
A little glitter is needed in every makeup collection. It can serve as a trusty companion for your bottom eyeliner, a perfect eyeshadow color for a night out, or as a highlight for the inside corners of the eyes. Wet n Wild glitters are only 99 cents and do the job just fine.
Tip: Apply the glitter with a wet eyeshadow brush, the intensity of the pigment will be even bolder.

Concealer

I use this concealer underneath my foundation to cover up the dark circles and blemishes, as well as on top of my foundation in a "V" shape to add some highlight. The best features of this concealer are it's smooth application (not chalky like the other guys), generous quantity, and color match. With a little blending, their color selections will match almost every skin tone! 

Beauty and Fashion Magazine Favs!

Hi Beauties!

My favorite pass-time activity, especially when my shows are on hiatus, is to flip through my favorite magazines! Subscribing to magazines is fun, I feel like I am receiving a present every month in the mail. I usually like to subscribe to magazines instead of picking them up at the check out line because it is honestly so much cheaper! Issues that cost $4-5 at the stores would only come out to be $2 when you subscribe. I don't have to feel bad anymore if I don't get to read them cover to cover of every month.

Subscriptions can also be a regret if the magazines are bogus month to month. I get so many beauty and fashion inspirations from magazines but I want to share with you my two favorite subscriptions that I think are worth subscribing to for your beauty and fashion insider....

I have held a subscription to pretty much everything at one point or another, but I find that Glamour and Allure are the best magazines out there if you are into beauty and fashion. Both are different with their content and have everything a women would ever need.

In my opinion, Allure is more beauty driven (I mean duh, the cover says "The Beauty Expert"), so if you are a makeup junkie, this should be your first choice!

Glamour is fashion, beauty, and a dash of everything. I know what you are thinking. "Fashion? Why not Vogue?" In my opinion, Glamour is practical for the everyday gal. Vogue has gorgeous fashion to stare at but I would probably never wear anything in there in my plain jane life.

I hope you enjoyed this post! 

Beauty Chit Chat: Perfect Brows!

#9

♥How do I get the perfect eyebrow shape?
Usually your eyebrow beautician will know the perfect shape for your face and you can simply talk about it with them. However if you are tweezing on your own, ensure that the highest point of the arch falls at the outer third of the eye as you go towards the ears. The brow should follow the natural curve of the eye, beginning at the corner and not overextending into the temple. Good brows can act as a natural facelift!

♥When is the best time to pluck my eyebrows?
After the shower when the skin is more supple and the pore have been opened. Avoid tweezing during the week before your period when your skin is more sensitive.

18th Century Garden!

Hi Beauties!

Last Saturday, I wandered off (only a few blocks away) to the historical part of Philadelphia. A plus side to starting school again is that I get to have so much our nation's history just walking distance from my apartment. On a stroll to Starbucks, the weather was so beautiful that my friend and I decided to walk a few more blocks before turning back. On our walk we noticed a large gazebo in a small garden on our left. By the entrance there was a sign that said "18th Century Garden" and we knew we had to stop by (& take pictures)! It follows the colonial era-style gardening that was brought over from Europe by the early settlers.

More info here: http://www.nps.gov/inde/18th-century-garden.htm

As I was wearing a floral jumpsuit, this run-in was clearly meant to be! I love jumpsuits but this one is my new favorite. I got it on super sale from Forever21.com a few weeks ago. I appreciate how it doesn't bunch up near the thighs or ride up when I sit. If you are in need of new jumpsuits, start searching now! Since we are not in prime-time summer anymore you will surely find a favorite in your budget.

Outfit Details:

Jumpsuit: Forever 21 $14 (BOGO)

Purse: Aldo ($25)

Shoes: Forever 21 $14

Watch: Kate Spade

Cuff bracelet: Nordstrom 

Rings: Rocksbox (code: collegecatwalkxoxo)

Sunglasses: Forever 21 $7

Hope you enjoyed!