Currently...

It's been a pretty busy week for me, so I figured I would write a quick post wrapping up everything that is happening currently.

Currently Watching:
Big Brother! This season has worked out to be one of my favorite seasons with the new twist of having 2 HOH's! It is really coming down to the wire. I think I have officially decided that I'm rooting for Derrick, he is playing such a good game without being a total scumbag. Who are you rooting for? And if you don't watch BB, you seriously need to start.

Currently Reading: 
I'm actually reading two books right now, which is really unlike me. I'm reading The Fault in our Stars, which is taking me a while to get through. Cancer is really sensitive subject for me, and I know this book gets extremely sad, so I think I'm subconsciously putting off finishing it. I have a 5 hour flight next week though, so hoping to finish it then! I'm also reading "Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me?" by Mindy Kahling, it's pretty funny so far, and definitely an easy read! I should be wrapping up my reviews of both books within the next few weeks, did you catch my previous "Recently Read" post? You can check it out here. 

Currently Smelling: 
Pink Apple Punch by Bath and Body Works, soooo good, and currently 50% off. I'm on my last day of burning for this one, so I'm looking forward to burning Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun next :)

Currently Looking Forward to:
I'm heading to HAWAII in just 10 days. I am so excited, I've never been to Hawaii and I'm definitely thrilled to be marking this off of my travel bucket list. I'm going with my best friend, and I know we are going to have an amazing week of relaxation, sunshine, and lots of girl talk! (really what more can you ask for?)

Currently Working On:
My application for Graduate School! Such a crazy feeling, but I'm officially applying for grad school. I'm taking it slow and starting with only applying to schools that would be realistic for me to attend right now, and if those don't pan out, then I will start exploring deeper options. If I got accepted into my top choice, I would be starting in January. I have never been so passionate about heading back to school, I think that is a hint that I'm truly pursuing what I love!

Currently Listening To:
A lot of country lately, there is something about driving in the sunshine listening to some great country! I've been loving pretty much anything that comes on the Today's Country station on Pandora. I've been especially listening to "Follow your Arrow" by Kasey Musgraves on repeat.

Currently Wanting: 
A Michael Kors Selma bag.... need I say more?

Currently wanting to say:
Thank you all :) I've been at this blogging journey for four months now, and it's been so fun! I'm now a contributor for Lucky Magazine, and have already met so many lovely ladies who also share the same passion for blogging as I now do. I truly love my little website where I can share my thoughts and opinions, and I love when I can see how many people are viewing my posts and interacting with them. It is so fun for me, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here :)

2014 MTV Video Music Awards - Best and Worst Dressed

Well I just finished watching the VMA's and I figured I would round up my favorite, and not so favorite, looks from the night. Please keep in mind that everyone has a different taste of fashion, but that is what makes it so fun! Leave your top picks down below of who you thought looked the best!

BEST DRESSED 

1. Jennifer Lopez
I loved her dress, it was sexy and risky in all of the right areas and yet she still maintained a classy look to it all. If anyone else wore this, I might think it looks a little obnoxious, but the fact that J-Lo is  45 years old, this just blows my mind with how great she looks in anything she wears!

2. Julianne Hough

She looked so classy, I saw this dress from the front and immediately loved it. I love navy blue, and I love the subtle cut outs, but once she turned around really sealed the deal for me! This look was definitely my favorite. 

3. Kim Kardashian

A lot of people are hating on what Kim wore tonight, but I am totally obsessed! It might also be that she is my ultimate woman crush, but this look is so unique. I think that Kim can do no wrong, and she can pull off designers and looks that not many people can. I love the colors of this dress, and I love the design and the layout of the dress. The shoes really bring it together also, I love it! 

4. Nina Dobrev

If her hair was in a really cute side braid, it would really pull this together, I'm not a fan of the hair, but totally a fan of the dress! Obviously red and black always look perfect together, and I love the leather detailing around the waist that ties the two colors together. The subtle slit at the bottom is the perfect height to showcase her shoes. Love this look on her! Perfect lipstick choice as well for this look.

WORST DRESSED 

1. Amber Rose

I honestly don't think that I have to say much here... The VMA's are definitely one of the few music award shows that isn't a complete formal event and celebs often go on the risky side of things, but this is totally off the spectrum of risky. She is a new mom and I think everyone was expecting her to go on the more conservative side of things, but we all thought wrong ;) 

2. Charli XCX

I feel like animal print was so "four years ago" and it just doesn't even come close to blending in with other looks that people are wearing. If that was her goal, then she succeeded, she definitely stood out! I also am not a fan of the color, if it was a deeper color I might have been a bigger fan. Also, the clutch does nothing but clash with the look. 

3. Rita Volk

I hate putting this dress in my worst dressed category, because it has so much potential. I absolutely love the lace detail. The sheer panels on her arms blend in too well with her skin tone that it almost makes it look awkward because you're unsure if that is material or skin. Also, the way the fabric comes to a point in the front makes it look like she is wearing a unitard because again, the sheer panels just blend in too well. If the dress didn't come to a point in front, it might not be so bad.

4. Taylor Swift

I honestly can't say much here, I haven't been a fan of anything she has worn in a couple years now. This romper isn't the right length for her height, if a few more inches were added on, that would definitely help. She has the body and the legs to pull this off, but rompers on tall girls don't always look the most flattering. Also not a fan of the graphic lettering on the romper, just don't quite understand it. I do love her shorter hair and shoes though!

Well there were my top fashion picks, and the worst of the night for me. Which look did you like the best?

As always, thanks for reading

xoxo, Jaimie

all photos curtesy of www.mtv.com

Birchbox vs. Ipsy : August 2014

Hi Everyone! It is time again for my monthly Birchbox vs. Ipsy post! If you haven't heard of these before, they are both monthly subscription services that deliver a bundle of products to you monthly. The products range from sample size, to full size, and the value of the bag always varies. Each service is $10 a month, and here I am to compare which one I enjoyed more this month!

BIRCHBOX: 
As you can see, birchbox comes in a little brown box every month. If you are interested in trying out this subscription service for yourself, you can check it out here! 

1. Amika Dry Shampoo
Full Size Value: $21 for 5.3 oz
Sample Size: 0.75 oz
Final Thoughts: Amika has the cutest packaging! I've never tried their dry shampoo, but love trying new ones. Since this is a cute little travel size with a really secure lid, I might keep this guy in my purse for emergencies! It smells fine and I'm pretty excited to see this in my Birchbox!

2. Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow
Full Size Value: $27 for 1.6 oz
Sample Size: 0.28 oz
Final Thoughts: I swatched this on my hand and it disappeared pretty quick, which I find some BB creams often do. I will try this on my actual face soon to see if it delivers any coverage. I can't say I'm too excited about this sample since it is rather small, and I prefer foundations instead of BB cream, but I'll try it!

3. theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen
Full Size Value: $17 for .3 oz
Sample Size: .04 oz
Final Thoughts: This is a stain for cheeks or lips, and it is actually really pretty! The packaging is red, and the product is a pink/red so the appearance of the product can look intimidating but it isn't that red when applied. It is a really pretty rosy pink. I tried it on my lips and actually really liked it. I've never used a liquid stain like this on my cheeks but I am excited to try. It dried really nicely on my hand, it is just extremely pigmented so not sure how natural it will look as a blush.

4. Harvey Prince Ageless Body Creme
Full Size Value: $22 for 12oz
Sample Size: 15ml
Final Thoughts: This smells DELICIOUS. I'm really excited to throw this in my purse, and I know I'll definitely use it. It feels really nice on my hands, and again, smells so good. The scent is Grapefruit Vanilla and I really like it.

5. Cailyn Cosmetics Dizzolv'it Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm
Full Size Value: $36 for 100ml
Sample Size: 13ml
Final Thoughts: I have tried cleansing balms before and really like them. You take a small amount and apply it right to your dry face! It will slowly start dissolving all of your makeup off and leaves your skin super soft after you rinse with water. I used this particular one last night, I wasn't overly impressed, but it was nice! I will definitely use this sample up.

IPSY:
As you can see in the main picture, Ipsy delivers their products in a makeup bag monthly. I wasn't crazy about the bag this month but I usually find some kind of use, or I will pass it along to a friend!

1. Klorane Extra-Gentle Dry Shampoo
Full Size Value: $9 for 3oz
Sample Size: 1.06 oz
Final Thoughts: I've tried this dry shampoo before and I liked it. It was a little too "gentle" for me, meaning that it didn't do much in the cleaning department if my hair really needed it, but it was great for when you only need  a little dry shampoo, and created a lot of volume! I got a dry shampoo in each box this month which I thought was pretty funny!

2. Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Anti-Aging Lip Conditioner
Full Size Value: $5.50
Sample Size: FULL SIZE
Final Thoughts: I love any kind of lip balm, so it is always a plus to see a lip balm in a subscription box. This one smells really good, the flavor is Mandarine Green Orange Ginger. It just smells like citrus to me, and is really moisturizing.

3. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara 
Full Size Value: $22
Sample Size: .1 oz, sample size.
Final Thoughts: Urban Decay is one of my favorite brands, so I was excited to see this sample. I hadn't tried this mascara before receiving it here, so that was exciting. I really liked this mascara, but I don't know that I like it enough to purchase the full size, I feel that it is too spendy for me. I was genuinely happy to see this sample though, I love receiving samples from well known brands.

4. J.Cat Single Eyeshadow in Half Naked
Full Size Value: $2.99
Sample Size: FULL SIZE
Final Thoughts: I really like this. We don't usually receive a lot of eyeshadows in subscription boxes, and often when we do, they are obnoxious colors. this is a very practical color that would be great for day-to-day wear. I haven't tried this yet but I definitely appreciate a good packaged eyeshadow, in a great neutral color.

5. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer
Full Size Value: $45 for 1oz
Sample Size: 0.25 oz
Final Thoughts: Excited for this! I love primer samples because I wear a primer daily, and the one that I really love is $30 a bottle. Having samples laying around of primers let me to try other ones out and help my favorite primer last longer when I'm not using it daily. I haven't ever tried anything from this brand, but from the swatch on my hand I think I will really like this! By the way: this has amazing reviews on Sephora.com!

FINAL VERDICT?!
I'm going to have to call it a tie this month. If I absolutely had to pick, I would pick Ipsy, but this wasn't a great month for Ipsy. They usually have way more full size products. I am excited for about 3 products from each box, and I'm not completely turned off by any product. This month was pretty average for each box, and I'm already looking forward to what I get next month!

Want to see previous battles to see which box comes out on top?
- May
- June
- July


As always, thanks for reading
xoxo, Jaimie

My Everyday Makeup Routine

Hey everyone! Today I wanted to do a post that really rounds up the products that I use daily. I am always experimenting with makeup, and trying new products, but I definitely have my "go-to" makeup look that I wear to work daily, and most days unless it's a special occasion or I have extra time to get ready and try new products.

Please keep in mind, everyone views/likes makeup differently. I genuinely enjoy doing my makeup and this might look like a lot of products to some of you, or not that many to the rest of you, but it works for me and that is all that matters! : )

Step 1: Eye Makeup

I always do my eye makeup first, I have always done it that way so that I don't have to worry about budging my face makeup while working on my eyes.

The first thing I do is apply a cream eyeshadow all over my lid. The one I use daily is by Benefit Cosmetics in the color R.S.V.P, it's a really nice champagne color, which really just looks like my normal lid color but with some shimmer. As you can tell by the photo, I am running out of it!

Next I go in with a crease color. For my normal makeup look day to day, I don't go too crazy with the eyeshadow. If there is a special occasion or I really want to get "glammed up" then I will go in with multiple shadows to achieve a really nice smokey eye, but for everyday I just want some dimension to my lid. I use a mid-tone brown color, and just put that right into my crease. This is just going to add a little bit of dimension so that my eyes look alive! Pretty much any makeup palette is going to have a mid-tone brown color for a transition shade.

Next I go in with eyeliner and mascara. I love a perfect winged liner, but it just isn't realistic on those busy mornings. I usually just go in with a normal pencil liner for a pretty thin line on the top lash line, as well as my waterline on the bottom. I know some people can't stand putting black in their waterline, but it is what looks best on me and my brown eyes! I feel like I look so weird without black in my waterline! The best eyeliner that works for me in my waterline are the 24/7 eyeliners from Urban Decay!

I am constantly trying new mascaras, so this step is constantly changing in my routine, but my holy grail is the Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara. I've also been currently loving the Essence I Love Crazy Volume Extreme mascara! The small mascara on the right is the Bottom Lash Mascara from Clinique, it is the smallest brush and really gets in and coats every single bottom lash.

Step 2 : Face Makeup

For day to day wear, I definitely like my complexion to be even and matte. I am very oily so I definitely want to apply some good coverage to keep those oils at bay throughout my day but I don't like to pile on makeup when it is just day to day.

I first always apply a primer, my favorite is the PoreFessional by Benefit. I have an entire post rounding up my favorite primers and a lot of information about primer, you can find that here!  Primer isn't necessary for everyone, but like I said I have combination to oily skin so using a primer helps my makeup stay on longer.

I then go in with my foundation. I have a few favorite foundations but the one that I reach for daily is Loreal True Match foundation. It is lightweight, and gives a really thin natural coverage to my skin! I use a Beauty Blender to apply my foundation. I run it under water and then squeeze all of it out so it remains damp. I apply a dot of foundation on each cheek, my forehead, and my chin. I then use the beauty blender to blend it out over my whole face. I use a concealer under my eyes to help brighten my face up, and also help conceal my dark circles. I am constantly using different ones depending on what kind of coverage I'm wanting, but a good daily go-to is the NYX HD Concealer. It has great packaging, and is affordable from the drugstore!

Like I've had to state a few times, I have really oily skin so it is absolutely necessary that I use a powder to set my foundation. I use MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural. It is really finely milled and provides a little extra layer of coverage. It keeps me matte (to an extent) and works really well with my foundation.

Step 3 : Cheek, Lip, and Brow Products

This is the part of my routine that can change up the most depending on what I'm wearing and how I'm feeling, but on a normal day to day I usually reach for the same products. For bronzer, I wear an extra dimension bronzer from MAC, unfortunately it isn't available anymore, it was from a limited edition collection. For blush, since it's summer I've been exclusively reaching for Melba from MAC, it is the perfect peach color and works really well with my skin tone!

For lips, I don't do much on a daily basis. Usually I just apply lip balm when I am going to work. If I'm doing something important and need some color on my lips, it really just depends what I am feeling like. The NYX Lip Butters are seriously so amazing, I'd recommend any color! They stay on your lips for a long time, and provide a really good color pay off for the price!

Brows are something that I can't forget regardless of what kind of look I'm doing. I have really full brows to begin with, so it's not that I'm extremely self conscious or anything of my natural brows, it is just so true that having well groomed brows can make a HUGE difference in your appearance. It frames your face so well and balances out everything on your face. I don't like to pencil in my brows, I just fill them in a little with a powder. I use Milani brow fix, which is the ONLY drugstore products that I've ever tried that can compete alongside my high end brow products.

Well there you have it, my everyday makeup routine. It seems like a lot since it is all written out and explained, but it's fairly simple! I would recommend every single product in this post and have been using them all for well over a year so I can recommend them with confidence! These products are all holy grail for me and I will always continue to repurchase them (unless something better comes along).

ALL PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil
Essence I love Crazy Volume Mascara
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Benefit PoreFessional Primer
Loreal Tru Match Foundation
NYX HD Concealer
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural
MAC Bronzer (not available anymore, sorry)
MAC Blush in Melba
Milani Brow Fix
Fresh Sugar Advanced Lip Therapy
NYX Lip Butter in "Creme Brulee"

As always, thanks for reading!
xoxo, Jaimie

Stock Up On Candles NOW! Bath and Body Works Sale and Promo Code

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to quickly share a really good deal that I just found online, and figured it would be easier to post all of the details here instead of posting a huge facebook status.

Bath and Body Works is currently having their 2 for $22 sale on some of their 3 wick candles online. These candles are usually $22 EACH, so when this sale happens, it's a great time to stock up! They also just released some of their fall line, which is included in this sale.

On top of the 2 for $22, I have a promo code for you guys that gets you $10 off $30 or more, and also free shipping.

PROMO CODE : FALLINLOVE


So, to break that down. You can get four candles (originally $88), for $44. You can then use the promo code to take off an additional $10, and receive free shipping on top of that. You can get FOUR candles for $34! This is a really great deal, seeing as that is only $12 more than ONE candle on it's own. I definitely took advantage of this opportunity and picked up four yummy smells for the fall time! Here are the candles that I got!

1. Limoncello. This is a new one, but an employee told me that it practically the same as a previous candle called Lemon Drop, which is my absolute favorite smell ever. If they didn't have so many other options to choose from, I probably would have just gotten 4 of the Lemoncello one, so excited for it!

2. Sea Salt Maple Popcorn. I smelled this one in store the other day and it is super strong, but smells exactly like the name! I'm so excited to burn this one when fall gets closer.

3. Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun... Need I say more?

4. Bourbon Butterschotch. This is the one that I'm the most scared about. I've never smelled it in store, so we will see how I like it. I love butterscotch as a flavor, but I'm not sure if I'll love it as a scent.

Here is what the deal breakdown should look like if you use this promo code.

So there you go! Just wanted to quickly share that with you all in case you want some new candles for the fall time! I know I did ;) I seriously love knowing that I just saved over $50! Happy Shopping!

As always, thanks for reading :) 

xoxo, Jaimie

Recently Read : Chapter 1

Giving you something new on the blog today! I really want to blog about all things that I enjoy, since this is a beauty and lifestyle blog. I love reading blog posts about books that people have read and enjoy starting a conversation about book recommendations based on books I've recently read. I am a pretty slow reader, so these posts might not come as often as I plan, but anytime I finish a book I will be sure to share my thoughts on here :) Also, don't worry, there won't be any spoilers in this post. If you haven't read any of these books I won't ruin it for you I promise!

1. Stolen by Lucy Christopher

This book was recommended to me by my good friend Kaitlyn. It is a really affordable book for the Kindle (under $3) if you use one and it's a pretty quick read! It is about a 16 year old girl named Gemma who is traveling with her parents and is currently on layover at Bangkok Airport. She heads to grab coffee and meets a guy named Ty, who was an older guy who appeared very rugged. Not your typical "hot guy at the airport" you bump into. He offers to buy Gemma's drink, and then he drugs it.... Then before she even knows it, she was Stolen. This story unfolds an obsession that has been developing for years as a result of Ty stalking Gemma. The story follows her being brought to literally the middle of nowhere in the Australian desert. This is a story of survival, and whether she can come to terms with her situation. The story was written in a letter format, as if Gemma was writing a letter to Ty. It was really good! The ending was a bit rushed, but I would still recommend it for sure! It isn't too "scary" or anything, but it definitely keeps you on your toes! 

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This WAS SO GOOD! It is a story about a couple, Nick and Amy, who appear to have a picture perfect life. On their 5th wedding anniversary, Nick comes home to find his wife Amy missing! The story follows both sides of the story, the chapters bounce back and forth between Nick and Amy's individual point of view. There is two parts to the story. Part one follows Nicks point of view in present time, while his wife is missing and you are constantly going back and forth as to whether he is the good guy or the bad guy. Part one also follows Amy's point of view, but it is in the past which gives you an idea of the events that lead up to Amy missing. It can be kind of confusing to follow along since it is constantly jumping back between present time and past time, but it's not too bad! Part two is where it gets REALLY good, I read the second part of the book in one day. Everything starts coming together and making sense and you start to find out answers. I can't say much more without spoiling the book, but it truly is amazing and I'd highly highly recommend it if you're into mystery/thriller type books! This is also being made into a movie, and Ben Affleck is the main character ;) I'm super excited to see the movie and I highly, highly recommend this book!


Hope you guys enjoyed my first "chapter" of book reviews! I just started "Is everyone hanging out without me?" by Mindy Kailng so the next review will be more on the funny side! If you have any other good book recommendations please leave them down below! I really like anything, but mostly thriller/mystery books.

As always, thanks for reading
xoxo, Jaimie

Summer Essentials

Summer is definitely happening in full force right now, and so I thought it would be the perfect time to share with you all some of my favorite products that I just have to have in the summer. Don't get me wrong, I love these products all year long, but these products help everything stay in place and I especially reach for them in the summer!! 

1. Sunscreen!

A good SPF is essential year round, but especially in the summer time. There are plenty you can grab from the drugstore that are a very reasonable price. I have found that a lot of the drugstore options break me out, and this one by Philosophy is pretty much the only facial SPF that doesn't break me out. If you don't currently own a sunscreen then it is your best interest (and your skin's) to go grab some and get in a good habit of applying it daily after cleansing and moisturizing.

This one isn't available on the Philosophy website anymore or else I'd totally link to where you can purchase it! Regardless, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen, so make sure you try your hardest to form a healthy habit of applying it daily! 

2. Bright Nail Polish

Of course there is no right or wrong time to wear a certain color of nail polish, but there is something about Summer that makes bright nail polish seem so appropriate! It was pretty tough to narrow it own to my top three favorite bright polishes but here they are! From left to right we have "Watermelon" by Essie, "Pool Boy" by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and "Kerfuffle" by Butter London. 

3. Facial Spray

Facial spray is one of those products that you are either going to love or hate. Some think they are just a gimmick and a waste of money, but I obviously love them if I'm mentioning it here! My favorite pictured above is so refreshing on my face and it is really affordable! I purchase mine at Ulta and will continue to repurchase this guy. I spray mine in the morning after cleansing, after doing my makeup, at night before I go to bed, and anytime throughout the day that my face feels dull or like it is lacking moisture, I don't do all of that everyday, but just whenever I fell like I need a refresher I use this! It smells great, and makes me skin feel so refreshed. I wish they made this in a little travel size so I could keep one in my purse.

4. Primer

I use a primer whenever I wear makeup, year round, but in the summer it definitely moves into the "essential" category. It helps my makeup stay on longer and stronger (whew, a rhyme), but for real, it works wonders! My favorite is by Benefit, pictured above. It really evens out my skin tone, fills in fine lines and pores, and makes my skin matte. There are some great options from the drugstore that you can pick up also if you're interested in making your makeup stay on through the heat! I have an entire post all about primer, you can check it out right here!

5. Bright Lips! 

Along with the nail polish, summer is also the perfect time to try out different bright lip colors. My favorites are up above, and as you can see I prefer to dive into the bright lips with glosses and stains. I find that bright lipstick is a little too intense for my skin tone and can really wash me out. As you can also see, I really gravitate toward a fuchsia lip in the summer when I want a bright look. Most people would look at this picture and say "those are all identical" but I promise that they all look and feel totally different when applied!

From left to right we have ... "India Intrigue" by Revlon, "Priscilla" by NARS, and "Dolly Girl" by Nyx.

And...Faux Tan Face
In the main picture, there is a product called Faux Tan Face by BareMinerals. I forgot to take an individual picture of it, and it is currently dark outside. This a recent purchase for me, but after just a few uses I really love it! I apply it on clean skin at night, and I wake up with a nice glow. It doesn't make my face "orange" or "too tan" to where my makeup doesn't match, it just gives a really healthy glow to the skin. I absolutely am loving this! Its $24 from Sephora or your nearest BareMinerals counter. I would recommend it if you like having a nice warmth to your skin!



Well, there are my Summer Essentials. I probably could go on and on about things that I love in the summer, but these are the things that I especial love ; )

What are your summer essentials?

As always, thanks for reading
xoxo, Jaimie