Friday, August 16, 2013

What's In My Week Roadtrip Make-Up Bag

These are the items I would take to a road trip for a week! I love these products and recommend them to everyone!

Everyday Items: 
1) Lotion!!! I have here a travel sized version of Be Enchanted lotion by Bath and Body Works. This is my favorite scent ever by B&BW.
2) Eyedrops- Whenever I wear my contacts for an extended time, my eyes tend to get really dry, these eye drops work great.
3) Spray hand sanitizer- This works so well because it's not that messy, and it's very easy to use!


4) Got 2B Styling Oil- This is my holy grail hair product. This is an oil, so a little goes a long way. I have a travel sized bottle from a promotional period they had. I love taking it with me when i go somewhere, because whenever I feel my hair getting too frizzy, this just flattens it a little more, defines the curls, and adds shine!
5) Burt's Bees lip balm- This is my favorite lip balm, so I love using it, whenever I can get it on sale!
6) A little hair clip- This one I cannot link, because it's the only one I have, & I have not been able to find any replacement, but I love this size, and I have very crazy hair, so this is a big must have for when I just want my hair out of my face, but I still want it down!
7) Mini white shoulders perfume- I love this perfume, it's mature, but not too much, it just works for us!
8) ELF blotting sheets- These are just oil absorbing sheets, they work pretty okay, don't take off the makeup, and for a dollar, these work super well!
9) Floss- I know this is embarrassing, but I always have floss with me, I hate having something stuck in my teeth, and you can't imagine the difference a little floss can do to your smile!
10) A first aid ointment- I get hurt a lot. So I have this with me recently, just so the wound doesn't get infected, I'm not going to link this either, because I have absolutely no idea where this is from!
11) Tjing Liang Yu balm- I love this balm for when my head hurts a lot!
12) Nail clipper/filer.
Big Makeup Bag:
1) The black profusion bag in the bag holds cotton balls!
2) Neutrogena oil free face wash- I love this stuff, it's good because it doesn't dry out my skin!
3) Secret Deodorant- It's a gel deodorant, I really like this, because I feel like I can control it, and it won't break. It's not perfect, but I like it!
4) Herbal Essences Smoothing Serum- This is for wet hair, so it's perfect for when you're on the go! I love to use it as a mousse, but mousse is just way to big to carry! So this is nice to have because it give shine and curl!
5) Body spray & Shower gel- Makes me smell good!
6) The black container contains Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser- I use to remove my eye make up.
7) Ponds mini bottle contains my Neutrogena Moisturizer- I love this moisturizer, it works great & it's too heavy on my skin!
8) The two Tresemme bottles contain my own shampoo & conditioner, I love these bottles because I can actually squeeze out the shampoo & conditioner!  
Make-up bag



1) This is the Lancome palette in Taupe craze. I love using this for everyday looks. It's nice cause there's a matte brown shade as well. It's good for everyday looks, as well as night looks. The only thing is that the shimmer all over lid shade isn't very long lasting, so it's a must to put on a primer with this.
 2) Wet N Wild Blush in Mellow Wine-  Love, love, love this blush. It's pigmented, lasts long, and is super duper cheap.
3) The Covergirl Professional mascara in clear- I like using this with my eyebrow filler! It sets it and looks great! That pencil is from Germany I believe!
4) Eyeliners- I have just a couple of brown and black eyeliners, as well as my Jordana fabu-liner.
5) Soo, I know I'm a bit crazy for having 4 mascaras... but what can I say, I just love them!
I can do a whole mascara routine, but I basically use The Color Workshop Extra Length Mascara first it separates really well, then I use the Great lash , I do not like this at all alone, but it works super well with the Benefit They're Real. I also use the ELF mascara, non waterproof on my lower lashes.
6) Loreal True Match Concealer- Concealer for my undereyes.
7) L'oreal True Match Crayon Corrector- I like using the dark shade all over my face, well where ever there are blemishes. And I use the lighter shade as a primer or highlighter!
8) Benefit Watts Up- Best highlighter there is!
 9) Loreal true match powder- I love using this straight over my concealer, it makes my makeup look so natural, and light yet flawless!
10) ELF tinted moisturizer- This is so great because it has SPF, & the color is perfect on my skin tone!
11) Maybelline colorsensational lipstain in touch of toffee. It's my lip color but better!
12) ELF Tinted lip balm- It's in Rose, it has SPF 15, it's just beautiful!
13) Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint in Tickled Pink- I love this lip gloss, it's not sticky, but it's got great color pay off!

Brushes:
I brought brushes from the Real Techniques Core & Starter collections. A couple of eye shadow brushes, and the Ecotools eyeshadow brush! I'm going to be doing a brush collection soon, so for now I'm just going to leave it as that.

I hope this was helpful! Thank you for reading! Be sure to comment, share and react!
<3
Riya 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Back To School: Organization, Supplies, & Tips

I am not a big fan of taking around a ton of notebooks & binders individual to every class, I like to downsize... A LOT. Here's what I do to remain organized throughout the year!!!

Textbooks: I don't take all of my text books back and forth everyday. Many of my teachers don't even require you to bring it, so I either leave it at home, or in my locker. There are some I have to take back and forth, but with online text book codes available, I can choose not to bring them to and from home.
Binders: I only have binders for classes that require me to get them. I hate carrying around the bulk of them, and find that unnecessary with these other tips.

Notebooks: 
Mead Five Star Hybrid Notebinder
I only use notebooks for the classes that need them, I use one subject notebooks in the college ruled. I've tried to use 5 subject notebooks, but I usually end up with a lot of extra paper in one subject, while running out in another. I also keep a lot of loose paper with me, so if I ever do run out, I have some.
I use notebooks to actually take notes, I use loose paper from homework, it's much easier because I have to turn it in a lot.
I also like to use graph paper notebooks for math & science, those are the two classes I get a lot of homework in & it's turned it usually, so it keeps it organized.

Folders: I don't use individual folders, I use the Mead Five Star Hybrid Note Binder in 1 1/2 in. Although it's expensive, it lasts years, and truly fits everything in it. An alternative would be to get a 1 1/2 inch binder, and put in folders for each subject, or sheet protectors. I did the sheet protectors last year.
TIP:: Keep all the papers you don't need anymore (you've already had the test for this unit) in an expanding file folder. They're super affordable, around $2 at Target, Walmart, or Walgreens. This way you have all the materials organized and ready for when you have to study for finals, and since you're not carrying it with you, you're less likely to lose it! **Make sure that your teacher is truly done with this topic before you put it away, I suggest waiting a couple of days after the test**

Planner: I've tried to make my own planners, using my own calendars, so I have enough space, however it just doesn't work. Last year, what I ended up doing was keeping a print out of all the months in my everything binder, and loose paper for daily to do's. This is a very disorganized method for most people, while I liked being able to make a busy to do list, I bought a planner this year from Walmart.
TIP:: Walmart has the cheapest, and biggest varieties for planners. I don't like getting super busy planners because I find that I get tired of them after a while. I also go for a bigger planner to get more space to write.
Other Supplies:


Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils- These are the best old school pencils I've come across, they're most expensive than the average, but they are worth every penny. I use these occasionally, but I mainly use them for standardized testing, they have such a great eraser too!
TIP:: Buy random pencils too. The ones that are like $.25 for a pack of 12. Whenever someone asks you for a pencil, give them those, so that if they don't give them back, you haven't lost anything.
Post-its- I suggest getting three kinds: The regular sized ones, for bigger notes, and reminders, the flags, for text books, and highlighting, and the mini ones for annotating. These help you stay organized so you know exactly what to study.
TIP:: Also buy some Index cards for studying, they go hand in hand with the post its, best way to study vocabulary.
Highlighters- Honestly, any kind will do. I like to get a pack with lots of colors, but just buy the cheapest ones you can find. I use them to high light my notes when I'm studying.
Colorful Pens- Again, buy whatever brand you want. I don't go crazy with the color, but I like to have some variation for my notes. Now my favorite brand is Paper Mate, so that's what I've linked, I find that their pens write the smoothest.
TIP:: Don't go crazy with the color, it's makes it harder to study. Use black and blue pens and then use the colored pens to emphasize words or sentences, or to separate things.
Mechanical Pencils- I refuse to use regular pencils throughout the year. I find that the expensive mechanical pencils are definitely worth the investment. These are my favorite, they are the Pental Energize pencils. They last longer than a year, and retail for around $3 in staples, but buy the two pack in store for more color selections.
TIP:: Also stock up on extra lead right now, it's usually on sale somewhere, so you save money buying it now than later.
Erasers: These are the best erasers I've come across. They erase the most, are smooth, and last the whole year.

Biggest Tips::

  • Buy all your school supplies now, they're all on sale, even the pretty ones. Stock up!! & SAVE THE RECEIPTS. After you get your list, supplies will no longer be on sale, buy binders and extra notebooks for now, and then if you find that you don't need them, save for next year, or return them! 
  • Shop around, Staples, Walgreens, and Walmart are my favorite places. They have the best deals and the largest selection. I find Amazon, Target, & online sites to be over priced. They don't have the same jaw dropping deals. 
  • Sometimes the prettier supplies sacrifice quality. Look for materials that will last you all year. At the same time, the quality sometimes costs a lot more. IT'S WORTH IT. 
Purse? Tote? or Backpack?:
Personally, I use a large crossbody bag. Last year I got mine from Forever 21. I'm still searching for a new one. I like to have one that fits my lunch and planner. 
I also have a back pack though, I use it on days I have lots of things to bring to school or from school. I use the Jansport Big Student Backpack. I got it for $25 from Marshalls, it's such great quality, and an amazing value. 


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Mom's Got Mail: Giveaway Prizes!!! YAY




Plantain Chips
Nutrition Facts
Hi Fashionistas!
Thank you to Jennifer from Mom's Got Mail for sending me these goodies! I won her July Giveaway, and it came at the perfect time!

I am so excited to style the Bauble Bar necklace for the fall! I will also be doing a makeup look with the Benetint, Elizabeth Arden bronzer and the Sephora eyeliner, so stay tuned!

Also check out Mom's Got Mail, she's got a great blog! Posts a lot of great deals, giveaways, and monthly subscription boxes!
~~~~
I did not purchase any of these items. This post is an irregular surprise haul post. 

Friday, August 2, 2013

Summer Playlist 2013

Blurred Lines- Robin Thicke 
I Want Crazy- Hunter Hayes 
Here's To Never Growing Up- Avril Lavigne 
Clarity ft. Foxes- Zedd
Ready for anything- Landon Austin 
Young Blood- The Naked And Famous 
Lovesick Fool- The Cab
Downtown GIrl- Hot Chelle Rae 
Classic- Cisco Adler 
The Mango Tree- Gareth Bush
WaterWeight- Gareth Bush
Grow- Gareth Bush
Upside- Gareth Bush
Big Parade- The Lumineers