Thursday, February 20, 2014

Weight Loss: 1 Month Recap

Left: January 20, 2014 (149.4 lbs), Right: February 20, 2014 (140.4 lbs)


As one of my New Year's Resolutions (along with every other person in the world), I vowed to be healthier.  Of course, along with being healthy, I'm also trying to lose some weight.  However, I don't just want to lose X amount of pounds and then revert to my old lifestyle - I'm trying to find the right balance of foods to be stronger, fitter, and healthier overall, which I intend to continue with after I've lost the weight I want to lose!

This is where Weight Watchers comes in.  A few years ago, I lost a significant amount of weight (between 30-35 pounds) on my own without any diet plan or specific regime - I simply did what worked.  However, I quickly reverted back to old habits after I had lost all that weight and within two years I had gained about 15 pounds back.  This brings me back to the present - because I hadn't learned exactly what I should be eating and how much, I didn't know how to continue with it.  I decided to join Weight Watchers about a month ago because I just wanted to try it out, to see what all the fuss was about; since then, I think I've started to learn how to manage my diet while still being able to eat foods that I love.  

Within one month, I lost 9 pounds, and I couldn't be happier!  My overall goal is to lose a total of 29 lbs, so I'm nearly a third of the way there.  As you can see from the pictures above, even a month of hard work can start to pay off.  I'm not quite there, but it's a work in progress, and I'm working my way to the finish line.

I started out Weight Watchers on a semi-healthy diet, I generally don't eat too many unhealthy sweets, but I was simply eating too large of portions, which is one thing I've learned how to control.  Since starting the program, I've also gotten back into exercise, which I took a break from for about 18 months.  This was due to spending 12 months in Germany, where I couldn't afford a gym membership, and then the last 6 or so months in the US were due to my hectic schedule and pure laziness.  However, I've stepped it up this year and am now going to the gym on average between 4-6 times per week.

That being said, I don't solely rely on the gym to get me to my health goals - diet is extremely important.  I usually eat three meals a day, with a fairly large snack in the afternoon, as well.  They say that diet is 80% of getting you to your weight goals and exercise is the other 20%.  Simply put, if you're going to the gym and working your ass off, but you're heading to McDonald's afterwards, you're not going to see results.  This is how Weight Watchers keeps me on track.

I'm allotted 26 points of food per day, and then an additional 7 indulgence points on top of that.  Activity points are also added throughout the week, in case you over-indulge.  However, I try to stick to the main 26 points a day, but I will occasionally dip into my indulgence points.  I mostly use Weight Watchers as a way to track my food for the day, as well as a motivational tool.  The way I see it, if I'm paying for it with my hard-earned cash, I'm damn well going to get my money's worth!

I would recommend Weight Watchers to beginners who are trying to find a place and a way to start a healthier lifestyle.  However, if you're well on your way, or if you are able to track your calories/fat/carbs on your own (notebook style), you may not need to bother with Weight Watchers.  However, I've personally found it very useful and helpful to keep me on track, and I think it's helping me to achieve an overall lifestyle, which I can continue to maintain!  

Weight Watchers has different plans for different costs, I'm currently using the monthly plan, which is $18.95 a month.  There is also generally a sign up fee, but I was able to sign up without that due to a special deal that was going on (it might still be going on).  There is also a three-month plan, and you can join meetings, if that's what will motivate you most (but I believe those are more expensive).  However, I've found the monthly online plan to work very well for me.

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NOTE: This is not a sponsored post, I simply wanted to put my experience with Weight Watchers out there for those who might be interested in the program.
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Sunday, February 16, 2014

FOTD: NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette


If you saw my recent Palette Pandemonium post, you may have seen that I've recently added two new palettes to the collection - one of which is the new, limited edition NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette, featuring 15 gorgeous neutral-esque shades.  I won't bore you with the review again, but if you're interested, my full review is here.



As I'm neutral-toned, I often have to mix foundations together to get a good match, and the Armani and Dior mix perfectly together for a light to medium coverage base that matches my skin perfectly.  I also use three concealers for different areas of the face - combating redness with one, dark circles with another, and blemishes with the third (don't worry, I'm not crazy).




I went for a very light, everyday look with this palette - using only All About Eve I (top left of the palette) all over the lid and Madrague II (second from the left on the top) blended through the crease.  I think this look is quite Spring appropriate - meaning this may be a look I'll be wearing more and more as it starts to get warmer!





Because I went so neutral on my eyes, I decided to play up the Spring-tones even more by wearing a bright pink lip - this Chubby Stick packs a punch of color, while still remaining hydrating and lasting.  Two thumbs up!


Have you tried the new NARSissist Palette?  Are you lusting over it as much as the rest of the beauty community is?

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Saturday, February 15, 2014

NARS The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette - Review & Swatches


Everyone and their mothers seem to be going on and on about the new NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette ($79), and with good reason!  This limited edition offering is taking the beauty world by storm with 15 of its most popular shadows housed in the brand's typical sleek, black, rubber packaging.  Ranging from pale beiges to dark browns, even including some purples and blues, this palette is the ultimate eyeshadow palette for the ultimate eyeshadow lover.

This palette has gotten quite a few mixed reviews, but I can say that I'm impressed.  I've found the shadows to be beautifully pigmented - sheerer than some high-end brands, but I personally prefer that.  Let's just say I don't want a bright blue eyeshadow packed on my lids, but a bit of a sheer wash?  That's something I could get on board with.


One thing I will say against the palette is how much smaller it is than I expected.  Having only ever owned eyeshadow duos from NARS, I was expecting the shadows to be a bit closer to full-sized.  The top photo shows a comparison in the size of the NARSissist palette in comparison to the Kalahari duo and the And God Created the Woman Palette.  The second photo shows a comparison in the size difference between the NARSissist palette and the eyeshadows between the Kalahari duo.

Yet, at the same time, it's not the worst thing, either.  I rarely hit pan on eyeshadows, and I doubt I'll hit pan on more than a few of the shadows in this palette!  Even if I did, 14 of the 15 eyeshadows are readily available in duos and singles from NARS, meaning I can easily buy a replacement if the need were to arise.

SWATCHES


 As you can see, some of the shades are more pigmented than others in the palette, the mattes especially don't swatch as nicely.  However, I have found these eyeshadows to overall be very pigmented once applied to the lid.  They also blend like a dream, making it easy to achieve a daytime look as well as a smoky eye from this palette.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this palette.  However, I would say it's only worth it if you love at least 5 or 6 shadows, as you can buy almost every single shade at any NARS counter.  

Longevity: 4.5/5
Pigmentation: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Texture: 3.5/5
Application: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4/5 
Overall Rating: 8.17/10



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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Palette Pandemonium!


Although I am starting a spending ban, I purposely chose to start the ban the day after a certain palette was being released to Sephora - tricky, I know.  Despite not needing another neutral eyeshadow palette, I somehow justified buying two in one go.  However, these two hyped-up palettes were some things I couldn't not add to the collection.

This eyeshadow palette has been the talk of the beauty world for the past month, so once it was released on February 1st, I couldn't say no.  I own the NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Kalahari and it's one of my most used and loved eyeshadows.  That being said, a convenient palette filled to the brim with 15 shades that I don't own was bound to be a purchase I was going to make.  From blues to neutrals to purples, this palette is filled to the brim with gorgeous hues!

The second palette I purchased was a bit of a mix between an impulse buy and a purchase in the making.  After it was released in the limited edition spring line last year, I desperately wanted to get my hands on this bad boy.  However, I was living in Germany at the time, and there are no NARS counters in the entire country, so I had to miss out.  Once I saw that it was being brought back out, I wanted it even more!  After months of restraining myself, I quickly added to my digital cart - and I sure don't regret it!  I should add that this set also includes a sample of the NARS eyeshadow primer (my favorite) and a travel-size fluffy brush (which isn't half bad).

 Reviews for both of these palettes will be up within the next week (Saturday and next Wednesday, respectively), so be sure to check back!

I will say that the spending ban is officially in full swing!  I think I'll even extend the ban until April, as I really need to start saving up for my vacation this summer...

What are your opinions on NARS eyeshadows?  Do you own either of these palettes?  Do you think you'll get either/both (no judgement) of them?
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Saturday, February 8, 2014

February Beauty Wishlist


Due to my recent Spending Ban that I've just put into place, I've decided to share some items that I would gladly have in my make-up stash!

Josie Maran Argan Tinted Moisturizer ($38)
Despite not needing another base product in my life, I feel like this is the end-all and be-all of tinted moisturizers.  I love Josie Maran products and I desperately want to add this to my mix of products I own!  However, it's just going to have to wait a few months, until I finish up an old foundation.

 Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil ($46)
I'm almost to the end of my beloved Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil, and although I would gladly repurchase that bad boy, I think I want to try something new.  This Boscia beauty oil looks like the perfect mixture of hydration and replenishment.  Plus the bottle is a gorgeous vibrant red, not that that's a factor or anything...

 NARS The Multiple in 'Copacabana' ($39)
Even though I'm a bit of a highlighter fiend, I actually only own one liquid highlighter and zero cream highlighters (along with a fair few powder versions).  That being said, there seems to be a bit of a void in my highlighter wardrobe that Copacabana would fill perfectly.  Easy application, convenient for travel - this has me written all over it.

 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light ($45)
Hello gorgeous!  I've been attempting to use up all of my powders, and although I still have two full-sized powders to use up, I'm trying very hard to resist this purchase.  This cool-toned powder would be amazing for neutralizing my foundation, which always tends to be slightly too yellow-toned.  I don't have a cool-toned powder and I feel like this could become a new daily staple for me.  Justification, justification.


What are you wishing for this month?
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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

January Beauty Favorites


Another month has come and gone!  I don't know about you, but I'm already struck with Spring Fever.  I watch with anticipation as the thermometer slowly but surely gets above 0 degrees!  Moving on from that, besides a *slight* increase in temperature being a favorite of mine this month, I have found some gorgeous beauty products that I've been loving, too!

 Wayne Goss 'The Holiday Brush' ($85)
A bit of a splurge buy on my part, but after owning and completely loving his brush collection, I simply couldn't resist.  I also really love Wayne Goss, as a YouTuber, as well.  He's the only YouTuber that I've actually had the pleasure of meeting in person - so I always get a little inkling of the memory of meeting him whenever I use his brushes.  Moving on from that story, this is a beautiful brush.  It's quite large, which makes it perfect for just about anything relating to the face.  I tend to use it for contouring/blush work; however, it would also be great as a powder brush, too.  Very expensive, very much worth the price!  I believe this is also limited edition, so snatch it up, quick!

 Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in 'Espresso' ($9.99)
I'm a massive fan of gel liners, I find them easier to use than liquid liners and pencils.  However, there aren't too many wallet-friendly options for gel eyeliners out there, so when I saw this - it was love.  I have gotten a fair few compliments on this eyeliner, and it's so easy to use and long-lasting.  Even better - it comes with a pretty decent brush (two for one!).  The consistency and ease of use is also quite similar to MAC Fluidline, for about $6 cheaper.

 Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara ($9.99)
Another drugstore find - this mascara does its job flawlessly.  No clumps, no brittle lashes, it just voluminizes and lengthens my lashes!  I would highly recommend this mascara - it's a little more expensive than other drugstore alternatives, but it's well worth it!

 MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot ($20)
I bought MAC Painterly (review here) about a year ago and absolutely hated it.  However, once I ran out of my beloved NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (review here), I decided to simply use this paint pot up.  What I didn't anticipate is that this paint pot works almost, as well as the NARS one!  My eyeshadow can sometimes start to crease towards the late evening, but that doesn't even happen too often.  I also love how much product you get with this - it will definitely last me for about a year!  Nonetheless, don't use this as a base for other cream eyeshadows, it will crease like no other; but if you're using powder eyeshadows, this is gorgeous.

 Burberry Body EDP Rose Gold Edition (LE)
This beautiful perfume (review here) has been getting me compliments left and right for the past few months.  I'm on a mission to finish all of my perfumes up, and I'm on the last few spritzes of this one.  It's a warm, floral scent that is perfect for the cooler months!  I should also mention that I have the limited edition rose gold packaging; however, it is the exact same perfume as the regular Burberry Body EDP, just with different packaging!  I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a new perfume, and I will definitely be purchasing a new one very soon.

 What have you been loving this month?  List them, or post links to your favorites, below, and I will definitely check them out!
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Saturday, February 1, 2014

FOTD: Study Saturday


The semester continues to drag on, meaning homework, homework, and more homework.  However, a few new items have made their way to the front of my make-up drawer and were begging to be used!



This foundation is quickly becoming a favorite of mine - the hydrating, light-weight formula is everything I look for in a foundation.  Unfortunately, the color isn't the best match for me - it's a tad too warm-toned; however, 0.5 seems to be a bit too pale for me - beauty problems, right?  Nonetheless, with enough blending I can make this shade work for me!
Burberry Sheer Luminous Powder in No. 01 Porcelain
This is another new addition and I'm in love!  Thanks A Latte has quite a sheer pigment, but it gives a slightly dark, shimmery cover to the lids - it's beautiful.  It's a golden taupe sort of color, which is perfect for everyday.  It's also the type of color that looks great on it's own, no need to add more unnecessary shadows, saving time and money.
This jelly-like blush gives the sheerest pigment, but can easily be built up.  I prefer to use a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to blend it in to the cheeks for a perfect flush, but the fingers can also be used with equal success!
This lipstick is the perfect nude for my skin-tone (fair, neutral).  It's described as a 'spicy warm beige', but I'd describe it as more of a pink-beige, as it doesn't look full-on beige.  It simply looks like a natural, glossy shade.  The formulation is also really lovely, as it is so glossy, it fades all in one, as opposed to fuller-coverage lipsticks that fade in the middle first!

How are you spending your weekend?
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