Rimmel GlamEyes Professional Liquid Eyeliner: Review + Swatches!

I was given the Rimmel GlamEyes Professional Liquid Eyeliner from my mom after she used it one time and decided she wasn't a fan of liquid eyeliner. Since this liner did not convince my mom to join the liquid liner band wagon, I wasn't sure it would convince me to join. I had never tried liquid eyeliner before, since I was satisfied with my gel and pencil eyeliners, but I decided to give this eyeliner a try.

Packaging and Brush

I was somewhat impressed by the brush and the formula considering the reasonable price for the product. The packaging is very compact and takes up minimal space. As for the applicator, the brush is long, but I found that I had some control of the brush, allowing for me to make smooth lines. The brush is also fairly thin and has a very pointed tip, making it easy to create thin lines and wings. Thicker lines could also be made by pressing a little harder when applying the liner.

Application

Although it wasn't very difficult creating thin and thick lines, it did involve a lot of concentration and patience. It may be hard to control the thickness of line, since the brush is sensitive to how hard you press the eyeliner, causing the line to not be the desired width. I found myself going through quite a lot of q-tips with this liner, since it is sometimes easy to mess up the line.

Formulation

As for the formulation, the liner was smooth and went on shiny, but dries matte. The longer the liner stays on the lids, the resistant the liner was to smudging. This liner, however, is not by all means waterproof! It may be water resistant, such as with rain, but I would not recommend wearing this liner to the beach or the pool.

Overview:

Pros:
   - Thin brush
   - Pointed brush tip
   - Can create very thin lines
   - Smooth formula
   - Doesn't flake

Cons:
   - Not waterproof
   - Can be hard to control

Price: $6.29 at Walgreens

Would I repurchase this product? No

Overall Rating: 6 out of 10

I hope you found this post helpful!

What is your favorite liquid liner?

Please comment below! I would love to read your answer!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

3 Outfits for Fourth of July

The fourth of July is right around the corner, which means that it's time to bring the red, white, and blue. Although I don't usually go all-out with the stars and stripes on the fourth, I like to pair together different pieces to create an ensemble that combines the three colors in a wearable way. Below I have created three different ensembles that are appropriate for a range of different occasions for not just the fourth, but any day when you want to combine the three colors.

Classic

Items above: Lush Scallop Edge Camisole / J. Crew Pull-On Skirt / Kendra Scott 'Elle' Drop Earrings / Steve Madden 'Prestine' Wedge Sandal / Kate Spade Cobble Hill Mini Carson Crossbody Bag / Bourbon and Boweties Stone Bracelet

Stripes are always a go-to for a trendy fourth of July outfit. Adding a detailed top, such as a scalloped top, to a navy striped skirt brings a fun twist to the look. Wearing a pair of red earrings is a great way for adding the red to the look. To keep the outfit from looking over the top, wearing a pair of neutral wedges and a neutral bag brings the look together.

All American Girl

Items above: American Eagle Western Button Down Shirt /Abercrombie and Fitch Denim Shorts / J. Crew Factory Tropical Fan Necklace / Tory Burch 'T' Logo Sandal / Essie Nail Polish in "Red Nouveau" / Kendra Scott 'Ellie' Oval Stud Earrings

Chambray or blue flannel shirts are classic "American" pieces and when worn with a pair of white shorts, your look already has two of the three national colors. White sandals and white, simple jewelry pieces further emphasizes the white in the ensemble. For a subtle pop of red, wear a true red nail polish.

Dressed Up

Items above: Lulu's Red Swing Dress / House of Harlow 1960 Leather Station Necklace / BP. 'Springs Wedge' Sandal / Kate Spade Small Square Stud Earrings / LP BLUE 'Bella' Folding Crossbody Bag

If you are looking for something more formal for a special fourth of July gathering, a red swing dress is a fun and flirty way to celebrate the colors. Add white to the outfit with a statement necklace, handbag, and/or pair of wedges. If you want to also incorporate blue into the ensemble, wear a pair of blue earrings to complete the look.

What will you be wearing this fourth of July?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

Recipes I Want To Try For Summer

Some people can't wait for summer because of resting in the pool or sleeping in, but I'm always most excited to start cooking again. If you know me well, you know that one of my favorite things to do on my downtime is cooking. Whether it's cooking up a pasta dish for dinner or baking a batch of cookies (that are most likely to fail), I always seem to find enjoyment in cooking. I am actually thinking about starting a food blog where I post some of my favorite recipes that I have around the web (the blog can be found here once I have it running). Here are some of the recipes I want to try this summer!

Breakfast

Recipes above: Blueberry Pancakes (sweetpeaskitchen.com) / Spinach Artichoke Egg Casserole (twopeasandtheirpod.com) / Oatmeal Brown Sugar Muffins (averiecooks.com) / Glazed Lemon Sticky Buns (melskitchencafe.com)

Main Courses

Recipes above: Greek Feta Zucchini Turkey Burgers (skinnytaste.com) / Green Chile Enchilada Quinoa Bake (twopeasandtheirpod.com) / Kimchi Fried Cauliflower Rice (insonnetskitchen.com) / Spring Panzanella Salad (twopeasandtheirpod.com)

Desserts

Recipes above: Berry Crumble Bars (averiecooks.com) / Grilled Peaches (via skinnytaste.com) / Swirled Berry Yogurt Popsicles (smittenkitchen.com) / Lemonies (melskitchencafe.com)

What is your go-to summer recipe?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

My 5 Reminders Of Summer

Photo credits: Watermelon / Sunscreen / Shorts / Blueberries / Porch Swing

There are always those things that bring us back or remind us of a certain feelings. For me, there are a few things that can remind me of summer in an instant, whether it's part of my annual summer routine or brings me back to past summers. This post will feature five of the small things that remind me that it is summer.

1. Watermelon

There's something about biting into a crisp slice of watermelon that brings me back to sitting on the deck during a hot day. Nothings as refreshing as cold watermelon, and I am always surprised with how much I can eat in one sitting. Plus it's a great way to help stay hydrated!

2. Sunscreen

Nothing smells like summer like the smell of sunscreen. Since it's applied everyday when the sun's out, it's no wonder that it always reminds me of just not summer, but also when my parents applied heaps of it on me before I headed off to summer camp.

3. Shorts

Since I live in a place where the only time that you can wear shorts is in the late spring and summer, it is not a surprise that bring out the shorts reminds me of summer.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries remind of summer particularly because when I little, my mom would always take my sister and I blueberry picking in near-by "U-Pick" farms. Nothing tasted better than blueberries fresh off the tree!

5. Porch Swing

When I'm in school, I don't get the pleasure of sitting on a porch swing right out on the deck. When I come back home though in the summer, the porch swing is my go-to spot, whether it's for reading, napping, or writing blog posts (which is where I am right now).

Extras: The summer is always the perfect opportunity to get into a classic book or good beach read!

What things remind of you that it's summer?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

Pretty in Pale Pink

Items above: Topshop 3D Stripe Crop Top / BP Stone Statement Necklace / Lulus Keepsake Restless Heart Light Pink Dress / BP Stone Stud Earrings / Topshop Crossbody Bag / Topshop Layered Camisole / Tobi Crochet Trim Top

Outfits for Inspiration

Photos above: Katies Bliss /Southern Curls and Pearls (romper) / Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes Blog / Southern Curls and Pearls (shift dress)

I've always gravitated towards pale pink ever since I started getting into shopping and clothes. When I was in middle and high school, it was a color that I was drawn to because it added subtle color to a look. Pale pink, though, is not just for those who are younger. The above inspiration photos prove that pale pink is a great addition to your spring and summer wardrobe.

Pale pink not only adds color to a look, but also looks adds a sense of youthfulness to an ensemble. Since lighter pinks are subdued, they can be paired with neutral colors pair nicely with other colors, such as blues and oranges. In particular, I love the look of lighter pinks with white or coral, making it a perfect summer ensemble.

What do you think about light pinks?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

Summer Bucket List 2015

This week is my first week of summer and I'm pretty pumped for the sunshine and longer days. Although I'll be working for a lot of the summer, I'm excited to have more time to do activities that you can fully appreciate in the summer. Here is a list of some of activities on my summer bucket list this year, however, it is of course not limited to the ten listed below!

1. Visit the Zoo
2. Find a good restaurant (or two) for lunch 
3. Go to the Rose Garden
4. Post more often on my blog
5. Go on a hike
6. Go to a free summer concert in the park
7. Cook something new at least once a week
8. Run more often
9. Go to a county/state fair
10. Prep for study abroad

What's on you bucket list this summer?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

5 Summer Fashion Must Haves!

Jeans:Articles of Society  / Sandals: J. Crew / Tank: Lush / Bag: Kate Spade / Dress: Lush

There is something about the warmer months that makes me want to give my wardrobe a good ol' summer makeover. Creating a summer wardrobe though doesn't require a new closet of clothes. With a few summer pieces, you can mix and match the pieces you already own to make the perfect summer outfit. This post will feature 5 of my summer essentials to make your wardrobe ready for summer without buying a full new closet!

White Jeans

Don't fear the white jeans! While it may seem like they attract every bit of dirty within a two-foot radius, with just the slightest bit of caution, white jeans are a clean and crisp way to brighten any outfit. Plus they go with anything!

Minimal Sandal

Sandals are the perfect go-to shoes during those warmer days when you don't want to feel like your feet are sitting in a sauna. Minimal sandals in particular are perfect if you want a shoe that goes with any outfit and without breaking the bank.

Colorful Tank

Nothing says summer like bright colors. A colorful tank can go a long, whether it's worn during the day with a pair of distressed jeans or during a night out paired with a skirt and heels.

Bright Crossbody

Another way to add a fun pop of color to an outfit is with a bright crossbody bag. A bright crossbody bag is great for those who want add some, but not too much color to an outfit. They are also perfect for the summer because they are easy to carry and can be dressed down or up.

Maxi Dress

If you're like myself and think that the most annoying thing about summer is pulling out the shaving cream and razor everyday in the shower, a maxi dress is a must! Maxi dresses are not only a great excuse not to shave, but also give a causal, beachy look and comes in many colors and patterns.

What are your summer must haves?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

Good Bye Sophomore Year, Hello Summer!

Another year has gone by and I can honestly say that I have no idea where the time went. This year went by incredibly fast, despite many parts of the year seeming to go by ever so slowly. It's hard to believe I'm half way done. That blows my mind.

The strange thing that I'm a little sad to be leaving school for the summer, even though all year I wanted nothing but to leave my school. I'm not sure if I have opened up about my college experience in the past on this blog, but college has not been difficult for me. For some reason it is something that is hard for me to talk about, but in short, this year has been full of confusion and uncertainty. Despite these feelings, I find leaving a little sad, despite knowing that I'll be returning next year. Maybe it's because I'm a creature of habit, even though I know these feelings will disappear a few days after returning home.

I think I'm more sad and worried that I'm halfway down with college than the fact that I'm done for the year and headed back home. There are definitely things I would change when I look back over the year. Chances that I wish I would taken. However, I know that only stress comes from these thoughts, even though it's hard not to think "what if".

All of this being said, I'm sorry if this post seems all over the place. Even in my head I'm confused about the feelings I'm having and I sometimes wish it was five years ago when things seemed so much similar. However, I know that I must move forward and in order to grow we can't remain in the same place all our life, even if I know that the future will never be same as it has been for the past two years.

(Side note: I wrote this a few days ago when my emotions were high, so I apologize if everything was all over the place.)

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

How to Dress Up Chambray for Spring/Summer!

One of my favorite go-to pieces for the spring and summer is a chambray shirt. Not only can it be dressed down or dress up depending on the occasion, but it is also a piece that goes with nearly everything. While I enjoy wearing chambray during my laid-back days, I also like incorporating a comfortable chambray shirt into a chic outfit. Here are three outfit ideas for how to style chambray for those who also style into the look.

Outfit 1

Top: J.Crew / Earrings: BP. / Jeans: Articles by Society / Neckalce: BP.  / Sandals: Steve Madden

One of my favorite chambray looks is when a chambray shirt is paired with a pair of white jeans. Adding a pair of nude heeled sandals adds length to your look while also keeping the outfit simple and chic. Add some subtle pops of color with your accessories, such as by wearing a pair of light pink earrings and a light pink statement necklace.

Outfit 2

Top: J.Crew / Shoes: Sam Edelman / Tee: H&M / Earrings: Forever 21 / Pants: Jolt

This next outfit is classic with a sparkling twist and is perfect for those who want something a little more laid back. Pair an unbuttoned chambray shirt with a white tee. Add a pair of black pants to help keep the look neutral. Next, for a pop of detail, add a pair of embellished sandals and finish the look with a pair of simple stud earrings.

Outfit 3

Top: J.Crew / Lipstick: Clinique / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Skirt: Frenchi / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Shoes: Steve Madden

Last, but not least, a perfect way to dress up a chambray shirt is by pairing it with a white lace skirt. To add a pop of color to the outfit, add a pair of mint earrings. Next, to dress up the outfit a little more, wear a chic, neutral crossbody bag and a pair of nude heeled sandals. Finish the look with a fun, bright lip color!

How do you wear chambray shirts?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

Sunshine Yellow | Summer Trend 2015

Items above: Jella c. Skater Dress / Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Tote / Lulus Shifting Dears Dress / J.Crew Factory Necklace / Tory Burch York Card Case / Joes Robbie Sandals / Dirty Ballerina Woven Skirt

Outfits for Inspiration

Photos above: For All Things Lovely / Southern Curls and Pearls / Twenties Girl Style / The Sweetest Thing

If you think about one, bright color that reminds you of summer, you may immediately think of yellow. While a bright yellow is usually associated with summer and sunshine, it is not a typical color that people wear. I had previously thought that yellow was a color that would wash you out and didn't flatter many skin tones. However, yellow is becoming one the "it" colors for this summer and I am beginning to wonder why I was so close-minded about yellow before.

A bright, crisp yellow piece can add life to any outfit. Bright yellow alone is a statement color and looks especially nice when the rest of the outfit is neutral, since there are few colors that complement yellow without clashing. Yellow looks particularly nice against white, which helps draw more attention to the yellow. If you are unsure about wearing the bright color as a top, there are also many other options to incorporate yellow into your outfit, such as through statement necklaces, shoes, and even clutches.

Will you be wearing yellow this summer?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

Friday Favorites! Finals Edition

This post features a third "f-word" that's not as positive as the first two words. Finals are coming up for me since I am on the quarter system, and I'm starting to feel stress of overloading. I already finished two finals, but I still have one more and papers to finish. The finish line is so close! Here are some of my current favorites that I used for inspiration this week.

Favorite Fashion Inspiration: Casual and Effortless

Photos above: Kendi Everyday / Pink Peonies / Crystalin Marie / Classy Girls Wear Pearls

Favorite Hair Inspiration: Double Braids

Favorite Food Inspiration

Recipes above: Half Baked Harvest: Ginger Hibiscus Watermelon Popsicles / Handle the Heat: Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies / Lemons for Lulu: Lemon Poppy Seed Sugar Cookies / Mels Kitchen Cafe: Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Favorite Line

What inspired you this week?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

My Empties #2

Body and Skin Care

Caress Daily Silk Body Wash: This body wash has a very nice fresh and sweet scent. As for the actual product, it foamed up quickly, which is one of the few things I look for in a body wash.
Purchase Again? Maybe

Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo: I have bought this shampoo several times and decided it was a steal when I got the extra large size for the same price as the original amount of shampoo. This shampoo was moisturising without making my hair oily. I didn't think that this shampoo was amazing, but for the price, it does the job well.
Purchase Again? Yes

Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo: This dry shampoo did do the job of absorbing the oils in my hair. It was a little harder to absorb all the powder, especially since the white powder can easily be seen on brown hair if not entirely absorbed.
Purchase Again? Maybe

Skintimate SkinTherapy Moisturizing Shave Gel for Dry Skin: Due to the dry months in the winter, I decided to try a shaving cream that is supposed to be "extra" moisturising. I didn't think that this shave gel is a lot different than the regular Skintimate shave gels and I found that I still sometimes needed lotion after shaving.
Purchase Again? Maybe

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin: I bought this moisturizer during the winter when I needed help with the dry patches on my oily skin. Although this moisturizer would be good for normal skin, I would not recommend this moisturizer if you have oily skin. This moisturizer was standard and left my skin slightly oily.
Purchase Again? No

Bath and Body Works Pocket Hand Sanitizers: Living in the dorms, hand sanitizer is a must if you don't want whatever illness is circling around. These hand sanitizers come in many delicious scents (including a neutral scent) and are the perfect size for you handbag or backpack.
Purchase Again? Yes

Beauty

Essie Nail Polish in "Better Together": I bought this nail polish in a set of four from Essie's wedding collection years ago from T.J.Maxx. It's very sheer (I prefer my polishes to be opaque) and lighter than Essie's 'Fiji'. It was still, however, a very pretty, subtle color and unfortunately dried up after owning it for a few years.

Purchase Again? No

E.L.F. Sheer Eyelid Primer: For being only $1, this primer did the job. It's not as long lasting as the Urban Decay Primer Potion, but it did help make my eyeshadow last long. After 6 hours, I would find that it would crease on my oily eyelids, but for most people and beginners, it is a good primer to check out!
Purchase Again? Already Have!

Covergirl Cheekers Blush in "Natural Rose": This was the first ever blush I owned and even though it brings nostaliga from being one of the first makeup products I ever owned, the product is not pigmented or very good quality. I had to scrap to get the product and when it later cracked, little was left since some pieces fell out. Since I did buy this product around four-five years ago (I know, kind of gross), the formula may have changed.
Purchase Again? No

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter

Chambray | Summer Trends 2015

The Shirt: J. Crew / The Skirt: Loft / The Dress: Lulu's / The Sleeveless: Thread Supply

Outfits for Inspiration

Photos above: Southern Curls and Pearls / Twenties Girl Style / Bows and Sequins / Gal Meets Glam

Chambray has been a growing trend over the past several years and doesn't look like it's steering away from the spotlight anytime soon. I remember first seeing the chambray trend becoming popular several years ago and it's awesome that the trend hasn't died down. Chambray shirts in particularly seemed to have replaced the denim jacket, since it is more versatile while also being chic. Chambray also comes in a wide range of colors, depending on the look you want to achieve.

The Shirt: One of the great things about a chambray shirt is that it can be dressed up or dressed down. An unbuttoned chambray shirt is also a great, lighter alternative to a demin jacket. Pair with a white tee and dark wash jeans for the perfect class or causal outfit. The same chambray shirt can be buttoned-up and paired with a skirt and necklace for a more sophisticated look.

The Skirt: A chambray skirt is an unexpected, but chic way to incorporate the chambray trend into an ensemble. Chambray skirts especially look cute with a simple white or patterned top and can easily be dressed up with a statement necklace. 

The Dress: Whether it's worn with a pair of sneakers or a pair of strappy sandals, the shirt-dress style is perfect if you want to achieve an "effortless-chic" look. 

The Sleeveless: The sleeveless chambray top is perfect if you like the chambray shirt trend, but feel it covers too much for the warmer months in the summer. A sleeveless chambray top is a fun twist compared to other summer tanks and can be worn over a pair of white skinny jeans or tucked into a fun circle skirt.

Will you try out chambray? If you already have, how do you like to wear chambray?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Twitter