LITTLE LISTS // I

So, the other day I went in to Walgreens looking to purchase La Roche-Posay's Efficlair Duo (my skin was flaring up, sad face) and I walked out with it.  However, I also walked out with two Revlon balm sticks, two Maybeline color tattoos, and two Essie polishes.  Oops?

I honestly have the worst buying habits when it comes to makeup.  I used to spend hours upon days agonizing over which item of drugstore makeup to buy, only to end up talking myself out of it in the end and then regret it later.  I wouldn't purchase an item for months, even though it was under $10 and I obviously wanted it (see: Revlon Skinlights, Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry, Revlon lipstick in Black Cherry).  I also used to do this with more high end makeup, but would end up never getting an item.  Now though, I go nuts!  Not only did I just get those, earlier in the month I finally got the Tarte blush, Shiseido eyelash curlers, and sparkly powder I wanted from Sephora.  Holy moly, a makeup cool down is in order.

I just really need to start thinking about makeup more like my wardrobe.  Think about things for a long time (especially if they're expensive), really think about if I want them or not, and then purchase if so.  If not, give myself a pat on the back for not going nuts.  Win/win, right?

So here's a little list of some things I've been thinking about purchasing.  Lists make me stop thinking about things, be it the next clothing item I want to add to my wardrobe, the next skin care item I want to try out, or the day's to-dos.  Once it's on paper, I stop thinking and I'm much less likely to buy!

For some things, they're definitely "later on" purchases, as they would be replacing something I'm currently using.  For example, my current facial sunscreen is Elta MD UV Clear and it's fine, but I want to try something different, which is where La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Sunscreen comes in.  I also want to try Maybelline's Waterproof Great Lash, but I'm currently using a sample of Clinique's High Impact mascara or Maybelline's original Great Lash. Both are good, but during the winter my eyes water like nobody's business.  Along with that, now I actually have a way of getting makeup off my face at the end of the day.  Waterproof it is!

On the other hand, there are definitely a couple of things that I've been putting off getting that just need to be purchases.  NARS's Tinted Moisturizer (in Terra Neuve) and Sheer Glow Foundation (in Mont Blanc) are two of those things.  I got samples of both products and loved them both.  Then I'd be set for both heavier coverage and sheer coverage base days!  No more fumbling with drugstore foundations!  Soon, my base life with be easy and fancy free.  (I'm resisting making an "all your base are belong to us" joke.  Anyone?)

I've also still been browsing in relation to my skincare journey, which is still not over.  I always hear rave reviews about Kiehls, so I wanted to try both their Midnight Recovery Serum and their Avocado Eye Treatment.  I also was curious about Hado Labo's Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, which is a hydrating toner that I've heard good things about, and Silk Natural's AHA toner, which is exfoliating.  I'm currently using Aveda's Exfoliating Toner, but it's expensive and I'm curious to see if its the salicylic acid that's making my skin nice or just it being an acid toner in general.  Skin care, man.

Also, since I work at an Aveda salon, of course I want the Air Control Hairspray, and the Be Curly Style-Prep.

Why do I want all the things??  Why is this a thing????

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HAIR & RECENTLY

The most recent development to my life is that I've decided to bleach my hair white.

Hello again to you!  It has definitely been a while.  I've written up a couple of posts over the past weeks and just wasn't inspired to post them, which in part contributed to my radio silence.  I just felt un-inspired and all around just not in love with the ideas I was coming up with, which is why I thought I'd just make up this little hair mood board for what I've been thinking about recently.

I work at a salon, so I'll be able to get my hair done for cheaper than normal and I'll also be a part of the training of some of my lovely co-workers.  I've been thinking of a cool-toned white, which I know will damage the bejeebus out of my hair, but I'm ready for it.  I enjoyed having my natural hair color for the past year, but suddenly I just wanted another hair change.  Especially since I have access to having it done professionally!  So that'll be exciting.  I think it'll happen sometime next month, so I'll make sure to post photos (of course).

Other than that?  I've been el suprimo un inspired in terms of my art.  I've had long conversations with Brian about it, though, and he just told me to draw and create what always comes easy to me: fan art.  That way, maybe I could even sell some stuff as well as getting back in to the art making groove.  By creating fan works, I don't have to focus on creating an entirely new concept, I can draw from ideas that already exist while stretching my conceptual and compositional muscles.  So hopefully, I'll produce some work soon enough.  I've watched two episodes of Peaky Blinders, Netflix's new original series with Cillian Murphy, and it's alright.  I just really like Cillian Murphy, if I'm honest, so I'm just going to draw him a bunch and maybe make a screen print.  It'll be good.

I've also picked the bass back up, but not in any exciting way.  Brian introduced me to the Pixies, and I've been listening to them a lot.  They have some really good bass lines that are reasonably simple to learn, so I've been playing a couple of those.  Maybe I'll create some music at some point.

Work has been good.  It's super strange to be working full time, if I'm honest.  This is the first time this has ever been a thing for me, so it feel super weird but also awesome?  I just feel all adult and strange but also totally ready for it.  Either way, it's satisfying to work and then use that money to pay my own bills.  ADULT STUFF.

I should be putting up an outfit post or two soon.  EShakti sent me a great dress for me to review, so I'm planning on putting up a post about that soon.  It's just been hard to find time to take good photos of myself in said dress, especially since it's been cold here in Buffalo and I work 6 out of 7 days a week.  Brian said he would take photos of me soon, so maybe the first weekend in November.  Halloween weekend is going to be super busy, since it's mine and Brian's one year anniversary!  I can't believe we've been together for a year, but at the same time it feels like it's been forever (in a good way).  Maybe I'll make a nice post about it on sunday.  I also can't wait to share some photos of my halloween costume(s?).  

Happy updates! 

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THESIS RED

I figured it was about time I post what I wore to my Senior Thesis show.  Being home for summer and trying to figure out what I actually want to blog about has made me come to a little standstill in terms of posting.  This summer has been really relaxing so far, lots of ups and downs, getting some sun, and just generally having a lovely time at home with my parents.  It's strange, because I feel like I'm at a turning point in my life (which I suppose I am)!  I'll be going back to Buffalo in a couple of weeks to stay with Brian, and then August first I move in to my first "real" apartment, paid for by yours truly!  Nutso.

For my Thesis show, I knew I wanted to wear a red dress.  I saw the Lady Lovesong dress on Modcloth years and years ago and it was love at first sight.  Only when I was thinking about getting something special for the show, however, did I even consider actually buying it.  I did, and it was amazing!  This dress gave me such a confidence boost and I felt like a hundred bucks!  I even pin curled my hair to go with the look.  My biggest problem now is trying to figure out other opportunities to wear the dress without feeling too fancy, which is kind of dumb.  As Oscar Wilde said, "You can never be overdressed or overeducated."

I suppose if I start dressing nicely more often than not, it'll become more regular to the people I surround myself with, and then I won't feel as uncomfortable.  One day!

I can't remember what makeup I wore other than that my lipstick was Kate Moss for Rimmel in 10.  Of course, with all my red lipsticks, I swatched them all to find the perfect match.  Blue-toned reds, yes!!

xxTanya

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PIN CURLS

The past couple of weeks I've been putting my hair up in pin curls wednesday evening, hopefully getting better at it so when my senior thesis opening rolls around, I'll be adept enough not to look awful.  This was the first time I slept on them (the first time I ever attempted it I took them out that night, and basically nothing had happened), and though I was a little self conscious in the morning, they grew on me as the day progressed.  They also relaxed a bit, which was better in the long run.  After brushing them out, I sprayed them with a bit of salt spray to get the texture back, pinned up one side, and was ready to go!

xxTanya

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RECENT PURCHASES

Recently I've limited myself on the makeup front, but in exchange started to buy skincare products.  One extreme for the other, I suppose.  While the shampoo and conditioner were necessary (I'm almost out, and haven't used conditioner regularly ever), some of these were frivolous purchases.  I feel better knowing that they were relatively cheap, so that's good.

TRESemmé Healthy Volume Shampoo & Conditioner // I've always loved Tresemmé, as we've had huge salon size bottles in our home shower for years.  The smell just makes me think of home (just like Head & Shoulders, surprisingly) and is lovely since I'm living away from my parents.  I've used this for the past week and while I think I need a bit longer to properly review, I've been really enjoying this combo!

St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Wash //  This was on sale for something like $1.29 at Wegmans, and it smelled so good I just had to pick it up.  I'm pretty sure I'm completely set on body wash for months by this point!

Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Face Masks // I've been wanting to start using face masks as a once a week treat for a while, and when I saw the price of these I just couldn't resist getting two!  I bought them at CVS, where they're $4 or 2 for $7.  They smell great and are a lovely treat, especially for the price!  You don't need to use much per use, so I'm sure they're going to last me a while.  I have the Facial Anti-Stress Dead Sea Minerals Mask and the Facial Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask.

St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Facial Scrub // Along with masks, I've been wanting to explore the world of exfoliation.  I've heard so many good things about the St. Ives facial scrubs (especially the apricot one!) so I just had to try it out.  I love my citrus scents, so this one is absolutely perfect.  The couple of times I've used it so far, it's left my skin feeling bright but not dry.  You also only have to use the tiniest bit to get a great scrub going!

Nivea Creme // Isn't this tin so cute?  It was only $1.19, So I picked it up to give it a try.  I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I plan on it!  It's been sitting on my bedside table just waiting to be used.

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Coconut Foot Creme // These were also on sale at CVS so I just had to pick them up.  I never splurge on Burt's Bees so I felt like giving these a try would be fun.  They're currently sitting on my bedside table as well and I've been using the Milk & Honey Body Lotion on my hands before bed some nights.  The Coconut Foot Creme comes next!

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic // I love this lip color!  Everything about it is wonderful: the color, the scent, the feel, the lasting power... everything!  If I could I'd buy every single one of this line, but I must limit myself to just one or two more... eventually.

Kate for Rimmel lipstick in 107 // I've wanted this lipstick for so, so, so long, and now I've finally got it!  First seen when Zoella raved about it being one of her favorite lipsticks, I've wanted to pick up my own for months but it wasn't sold in the US.  Finally it's started popping up in a couple of places, and I snagged up my own!  I don't think the berry red will be getting a lot of use during spring and summer, but once fall rolls back around I can't wait to start wearing it!

xxTanya

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OOTD & FOTD

Today my boyfriend is coming to visit for about a week!!  I'm actually going to hop on the subway to go meet him really soon, but I just wanted to show you what I put together for my outfit and face today!  I also finally got around to trimming my bangs, and I did them a little shorter than normal, but that's what I was going for.  I like how they look!  Kind of retro.  I can't wait to wear a red lip and winged eyeliner!

I want to do a post or two about what we end up doing this week, since I want to take him to some museums and see some sights.  I've been wanting to do photo based blog posts, so here's my chance!

xxTanya

black sweater -- thrift shop

patterned leggings -- Plato's Closet (thrift shop)

thigh high socks -- American Apparel

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Light

Urban Decay Naked2 Pallet in Bootycall and Busted (lid), Verve (highlight)

Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara in 003 Extreme Black

Maybelline Baby Lips in 01 Peppermint

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