Interesting Life

I'm spending the time between work and school tucked away by the fire on University of Washington's campus. I'm trying to finish some homework, but I'm really tired. I didn't sleep all that well and this morning I started having really strange dreams, none of which I can remember.

Would it be weird to curl up and sleep next to the fire? Someone might steal my computer! EEEK. 

Skin Care Routine

Ah, winter not only brings weather challenges, sad gray days, but also sad dull skin. I try my best to keep my skin lookin' supa sexy and save myself some cash. We all know I'm extremely frugal and like getting great quality product for cheap. I posted this video talking about the products I'm loving!

Up&Up Makeup Removing Towlettes - perfect for the gym bag. I don't use these on a daily basis, but I like having them handy for easy makeup removal.

Up&Up Eye Makeup Remover - This is a very gentle eye makeup remover. I only use this when I've put on a ton of makeup.

Neutrogena Naturals Cleanser and Makeup Remover - This is one of my favorite cleansers of ALL time. It has a slight fragrance and removes all of my makeup without stripping. If you're looking for a gentle all-in-one cleanser, this is a great option! And it's got a great price!

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Scrub - I only exfoliate once, maybe twice a week in the winter. The outer most layer of skin holds lots of moisture, so it's important not to strip too much off.

Up&Up Eye Lifting Serum - This eye serum is hydrating and also has light reflecting pigments so it's great for day use.

Alba Botanica Refining Aloe and Green Tea - I love this moisturizer and this brand. I've used many of their products before and always loved them.

CoverGirl AquaSmoothers Tinted Moisturizer - I've used this tinted moisturizer for years. It's light, but hydrating. It also has SPF 15 so that you're never without sun protection. Mixing it with a highlighter, I use the Body Shop's Radiant Highlighter. It illuminates the skin and makes me look alive!


I hope I didn't forget anything!

New Year's Resolution

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions. I don't typically keep up with them. I mean, really, who does?

And I'm well aware that it the 22nd day for the new year already. It's cool. I'm just a little bit behind on the times.

So what do I want my New Year's Resolution to be? Take my pictures. I don't use my DSLR camera all that much. Partly because I'm terrified to take it out of the house. I love it so much, and I don't anything to happen to it. And partly because my life isn't all that interesting. Day-in and day-out, I do pretty much the same thing. So please, if you get tired of seeing pictures of my boyfriend and my dog, please, don't make me feel worse about my boring life!

Here are a few of the pictures I took during our horrible storm last week. Enjoy!

Smokey Eye and Bold Lip Tutorial

I love this look! It's so simple and only takes a few minutes and you can probably use products you already have in your collection! I'll give you a play-by-play here and list the products.

Primer- Urban Decay Primer Potion
Shadows- Jane Iredale 24k Silver, a Stila grey/blue and a soft black (I'm not sure of the names)
Mascara- L'Oreal Millions of Lashes
Lip Liner- ELF Mineral Liner in Peach and NYX in Hot Red
Lipstick- NYX Femme
Lipgloss- L'Oreal Le Glosse in Peach Fuzz
Blush- Bare Minerals True

Julep Maven Review

I decided to try out Julep Maven for a couple of reasons, but mostly because I found this video. She had two coupon codes to share and I figured "why not!?".

Julep is a company that has a few nail parlors in the Seattle area. They also have their own line of nail polish as well as hand and foot care. Julep Maven is a monthly subscription to their boxes, it's similar to Birchbox or JewelMint. You only get nail care products from Julep's line.

The coupon code for a penny didn't work, so I did the one for 5 bucks. It worked, so I decided to buy the box. I did the style quiz and they determine that I was an "American Beauty". I looked at the other boxes and decided that I would try the one that they recommended to me.

Julep Maven: American Beauty January 2012

Included in Box 

• Two Nail Polishes (full size) Anne and Maria (.27 oz)
• Glow-On Lotion

I ordered on a Saturday and the box was on my porch on Wednesday. Pretty quick.

Julep is local Seattle company, so I was instantly interested. I've read about Jane Park in a few different local publications and have loads of respect for her.  I've never been into one of her nail salons because I love doing nails at home, so I'm glad they have a line outside of the salon.

Product Review

Let's review the actual products now I really like the products in as a whole. I'm not fond of the shimmering, metallic nail polish (Maria), but I love the creme color (Anne). The lotion is nice, but I'm not really sure it's something I would repurchase. It's targeted at a different demographic than me, which I absolutely respect. It had a nice texture and smell, but I like really thick hand creams.

The nail polish quality was actually really nice. At first I thought it was a little goopy, but it was goopy in a good way. It allowed the polish to go on smooth and it didn't require multiple coats for great pigmentation. I was really impressed. The more I think about it, the more I like it.

At first, I was thinking that I wouldn't get another box because I didn't want to pay for it, but I kind of want to try more of their products. Maybe I'll get the box that just has polishes if I like the colors.

All and all, I've been impressed with the box. I think it's a pretty good value and the products are worth it! Pictures below!

Pros

• Quality products
• Good value: Polishes alone are $14. The fact that you get two full size polishes means that box already paid for itself.
• Lot's of box options to choose from if you don't like what they chose for you

Cons

• Must log on at certain time during the month to skip month or your card will be charged. This can get really old, especially if you're forgetful
• The  combination of products you get might not be to your liking (but that can happen with any subscription box)
• Products are only from Julep, if you're looking to try multiple brands this might not be the box for you.