NEW // FEBRUARY & MARCH

February and March were a little indulgent, to say the least!  I went to visit my parents in New Jersey and during my trip in to NYC, I went to MAC and.... well, the rest is history.

On the positive side, however, I did finally find a foundation that works for me!  MAC's Mineralize Moisture Foundation doesn't cling to my dry patches and is actually my color.  It is subtly radiant and I can apply it with my fingers (the tools of choice for most makeup application, tbh).  It's going to last forever, though I probably will stop buying most MAC products (other than my HG Ruby Woo lipstick) because they do test on animals.  There are so many other brands out there that are cruelty-free to choose from, why not just use those! 

My journey to MAC was originally just to pick up another tube of Ruby Woo (which was the first lipstick I've ever finished!), and it devolved in to getting my makeup done by an artist, since I had to wait for the bus.  I also picked up the lipstick in So Select, which is a great dusky rosey greige color.  Very on trend!

I also got another Charlotte Tillbury lipstick in Amazing Grace, which is beautiful!  I love CT's matte lipsticks so much, I wish I could own all of them.  The gold tubes are so luxurious and the formula and colors are SPOT ON.  I actually bought this same color for both my mom and best friend for their birthdays at the same time.  We match!

I also finally took the plunge and bought another bottle of perfume!  I got a sample of Chanel No.5 Eau Premiere from my friend, and I didn't realize how much I loved it until spring!  It has been my perfume of choice these past months since I've bought it.  I tried to love the original Chanel No.5, but it's a bit too heavy for me.  This one is perfect!

I also got a perfume sampler from A Beautiful Life, which is a brand I've known about for a while but kind of forgot about.  Most of the scents aren't really to my liking, but I really find my tastes change depending on seasons and also where I am in my life!  The other samples are are Geurlain.  I got Shalimar pure parfum, l'Heure Bleue EDT, and Apres l'Ondee EDP.  I love Shalimar, and I hope to one day buy a tiny bottle, but maybe next year?  Maybe later this year?  Haha.

I also purchased three items in a blog sale, two of which I forgot to photograph, of course.  I got Burberry lip cover in Oxblood, Charlotte Tillbury Eyes To Mesmerize in Jean, and Burberry Lip Definer in Bright Plum.

I also finally ran out of concealer, so I sprung for NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.  It's pretty great!  It's super light, so it really does a great job at masking anything that needs a bit more coverage.  I also got a tub of Layrite Pomade for defining any vintage sets, curls, or rolls I do,  It's water based, so it doesn't leave your hair with a greasy film, and it's a nice alternative to heavy hairspray, which I find makes my style last less due to not washing my hair all the time.

I also got a sample of Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid, and it seemed like it was working, but my skin was SO dry.  The woman at MAC said that BHAs actually dry your skin out a lot, so I stopped using it for a while and my skin didn't seem any worse for wear without it.  Skincare is hard.

I also purchased three Kiehl's products, one of which isn't pictured.  I really dropped the ball this time, huh??  I got their Creme d'Elegance, which I had tried a sample of.  It's so rich and amazing, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.  I also got a bottle of their Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which I can't tell as of now if it's breaking me out or not.  I've given it a rest right now, but I probably won't return it because I really want it to work.  :(  I also got their mineral sunscreen because I needed a new one.  It leaves a white cast, which most zinc based sunscreens do, but a little foundation or skin tint over top evens that right out.  

I also got a LOT of GWPs this month.  I don't really have much to say about any of them other than that I have a growing bag of samples and I never use them??  GWPs are scams, I tell you!!  Though I did use Bumble & Bumble's Pret-A-Powder and it was really great.  May have to buy a full size bottle of that, haha.  Whelp!

MY LAST SOMETHING

Inspired by Elsa Billgren's list.

My last screenshot of my phone // Accidental screenshot of my lock screen.  It's the romance tarot card art of Dorian from Dragon Age: Inquisition.

My last purchase // When I was at Wegman's on Sunday, I bought a bottle of Aura Cacia almond oil, an Alba Organics acne wash, and a new bottle of Lubriderm body lotion.  On Friday I got Aveda's Intensive Damage Treatment, the Earth Month candle, RMS Beauty's Living Luminizer, and EXO's natural nail polish remover.

My last listened podcast // I go through stages of listening to the RT podcast every week and then taking a break for a couple of weeks.  I'm currently listening as I'm writing this.

My last incoming text message // "Why??" from my friend Lucas, responding to my question if he was busy on Monday.  My work meeting was canceled and it was supposed to go up to 70 degrees.  Amazing!

My last tagged photo on facebook // A selfie I posted a month ago.  I haven't really done much recently.

My last pinned image // Really liked her hair and the hair comb.

My last sent text message // "Busy today?" to my friend Irene that I haven't seen in almost a year.  

My last video game played // Fallout: New Vegas.  Ever since I changed the difficulty back down to very easy it's been way more fun.  I'm all about the story and not about trying a situation over and over again.

My latest find // A couple of weeks ago I got a tube of Weleda's Skin Food and I have been absolutely loving it.  Not much of a find if everyone has already found it, but it is seriously worth the hype.  HG product right there.

My latest television obsession // I caught up with Elementary yesterday, finished Breaking Bad two weeks ago, and now I need to finish Peaky Blinders.  Loving that Peaky Blinders.

My latest favorited photo on instagram // Tanya Burr is pretty cool.

My most recent expensive purchase // I bought three items of clothing from Pin Up Girl clothing last month and I love each thing, but it was definitely way more money I usually spend.  I should post photos of them within the next two months, once I move!

My last film seen in the theatre // There's an indie theatre called The Screening Room in Buffalo and during March they were showing Aliens.  Seriously amazing.  It's a completely different experience seeing that movie in the theatre in comparison to on my laptop, which is how I originally watched it.  I was so tense!!

My last listened song on spotify // Talk to Me by the Pleistocene's.  I saw them opening for Screaming Females on Saturday and they were really great.

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ARTSY THINGS

At the Dirty Dozen Print Show I was lucky enough to get my hands on two great pieces.  Drive By Press was printing shirts right there, so of course I had to get one.  It was hard to decide what to get, but I'm glad I went with my gut and got this one.  Brian also got one as well, and it's super sick.  I also got an amazing print from Cannonball Press, who was having a 5 for $80 sale.  Four of my friend and myself pitched in so we all got prints for cheap.  The quality is amazing for the price!  I'm super happy with this stuff and it was totally worth it.

xxTanya

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GLADIATORS

Michael Antonio Donte Gladiator Sandal

I have the pickiest feet.  If something is too tight, rubs, or is uncomfortable, I can't wear it.  Shoes are one of my most favorite wardrobe items, but I hardly own any because I can never find any that I like that are also comfortable (and that are reasonably priced).

A couple of weeks ago, I though I'd just take a look at the DSW website to see if there was anything I liked.  I saw these sandals.  Most sandals now are awful.  Their soles are so thin and they all look cheap.  These, however, were in a style I liked and also had thick soles.  They weren't in store, however, so my picky feet couldn't try them out before purchasing.  I saved them to my vollow, but wrote them off as a non-obtainable item, due to the lack of testing.

I went on the website a few weeks later to show them to my friend Lucas, and I noticed there was only one more black pair in my size.  So I bought them.

They came in last week, and I absolutely love them!  I had to poke new holes in the ankle straps to make them tighter so there was no rubbing, but it worked out and they're great!  I love how they look and the fact I finally, finally have a pair of sandals (and summer shoes that aren't my beloved, but casual TOMS).  Yes!!

xxTanya

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TREATS

Over spring break, I broke my spending ban (oops!) and bought quite a few items.  I do think that I got some great bargains, however, and I'm really happy with everything I purchased!

Forever21 Everyday Maxi Dress ($9.80)

Forever21 Off Duty Striped Crop Top ($5.80)

Forever21 Favorite Scoop Neck Cami ($1.80)

Forever21 Rose Petal Nail Polish ($2.80)

The Body Shop White Musk Libertine Eau De Parfum ($30)

The Body Shop Mango Eau De Toilette ($12)

e.l.f. Essential Eyelash Curler ($1)

e.l.f. Essential Lipstick in Flirtatious ($1)

 

For clothing, I went to Forever21 and went away with the three items I initially brought in to the dressing room.  That's the first time shopping has ever been that easy!  I initially went in to the shop to check out their camis, since I needed a replacement black one, but I couldn't help but look around.  I also picked up a maroon maxi dress, since I didn't own one, and a cute striped crop top.  I always found I didn't like how maxi dresses looked on me, but I think part of it was not being completely happy with my body.  The dress fits really wonderfully as well, which helps.  I've wanted a crop top for a while and the striped one just called to me.  I've already worn it with shorts and it looks great.  I can't wait to wear it with my disco pants and some skirts!  

I also bought a pair of high-waisted jean shorts (which used to be pants) from Salvation Army.  I was super proud of my DIY result, as it kept me from spending about $60 on shorts from American Apparel!  I wasn't able to take a photo of those, however, but I'm sure they'll be in an outfit post soon enough.  Another DIY I achieved was I finally got around to altering a striped shirt that used to belong to my dad.  I wanted to cut off the mock turtleneck for a while, but never got around to it.  I finally cut the neck and the sleeves off to make a nice slouchy shirt.  It's a little long, but we'll see how it'll work out with my new love of high-waisted bottoms.  Maybe I'll finally get the tuck-in-front method down! 

For beauty, I had wanted to check out The Body Shop's perfume lines for a while and give them a little sniff, so I went in with a friend to smell them all.  I was torn between the new Smoky Rose and Libertine, but in the end I chose Libertine for it's musky sweetness.  I've been absolutely enjoying wearing it so far and I plan to do a little post on it in a while.  It's amazing!  The Body Shop was also doing a buy 2 get 2 sale, so my friend Celina got a body mist as well and we each got a free item!  I chose the mango eau de toilette because I wanted to try something fruity in contrast to the musk of the parfum, and I love the mango scent.  I can't wait to try it once it gets a little warmer!

I also stopped in to e.l.f. as my friend Anna wanted a little coaching on what brushes she should buy (and it was right next to The Body Shop).  I restrained myself for the most part, but I bought an eyelash curler since I don't own one.  I know a lot of people say that this is one of those items where you should buy expensive one, but I don't even know if I'll end up using it that often, and I don't have unlimited spending money.  I also tried one of their lipsticks as I've heard good things, but it was awful!!  It broke in the tube as soon as I went to apply, and the color is sheer and hard to apply.  Maybe it'll work as more of a wash of color once the summer months arrive, but I have a feeling I won't get much use out of it.  Whelp!  At least it was only a dollar.  While in Forever21, I also purchased a nail polish at the register as an impulse buy.  It's not great, but it's not awful either.

Overall, I'm really happy!!  I'm basically done with purchases for a while, though I was thinking about buying a new dress for my Thesis show in May.  And maybe a MAC lipstick?  I went in to the MAC store for the first time and fell in love.  Help!  They're so gorgeous and they smell so good, which is so important to me.  Maybe as a treat?

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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DRIVE JACKET

Photos by the lovely Erica.

Hey everyone!

It's finally getting a little warmer outside!  I think it's going to dip back down in to the twenties soon enough, so I'm taking full advantage of the forty degree weather to wear my new coat!

The boyf got this jacket for me for christmas and to my dismay I wasn't able to wear it until now since it was so cold out!  So yesterday was my first day wearing it and I absolutely love it, despite the fact that I know many wouldn't dream of wearing something like this.  I love it and I think it matches my style really well.

Bonus to all of you who know where this is from!  The coat is a replica of the one that Ryan Gosling wears in the movie Drive, which I totally recommend.  I love the movie to bits and pieces so having this coat is so awesome (it's just a bonus that it makes me look like i'm in a sick girl gang).

The film is utterly fantastic in terms of the cinematography, which is one of my favorite things about film (probably because I'm a visual artist).  I also love weighty silences in film, also seen in Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds, to name one.  A lot of people said that Drive and Taxi Driver were almost the same film, or that Drive copied Taxi Driver, but I don't agree at all.  They may have the same main character who drives for a living, who does things to protect the woman he loves (platonically or romantically) but that is where the similarities end.

I really recommend this film.  I might actually rewatch and post a couple of screenshots, which is something that I've been wanting to do for a while to keep track of some of my favorite film cinematography.  Having a blog is good for that sort of thing.

xxTanya

What I'm Wearing //

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Light

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer & Highlighter in 125 Fair

Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara in 003 Extreme Black

Max Studio duo eyeshadow in brown, copper

Kate for Rimmel Matte lipstick in 111 Kiss of Life

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WHAT I GOT FOR CHRISTMAS

Hi everyone!

This is a bit late, I know, but I wanted to get all the straggler gifts in before I made a post/filmed a video.  This was in vain, of course.  I still have more late presents coming.  C'mon people!

However, I wanted to try something different for this post!  I did film a youtube video talking about each of my gifts, but I also wanted to make a little bonus for the blog lovers, or people who just don't fancy youtube very much.  I took some photos of my favorite gifts from this Christmas as well!  Enjoy!

Self explanatory.  I love this pallet!

The Joy Of Cooking was actually a birthday gift, but I lumped it.  The rest are all queer literature, since that's a lot of what my art focuses on.  Fun fact, if I had discovered queer studies earlier, I would have gotten a minor in Global Gender Studies.  Alas, by the time I considered it, it was too late and I didn't have enough time to complete the required courses.  I recommend all of these books!

My cousin got this peppermint hot chocolate set from a friend, and gave me the tin when I complimented it!  I can't wait to use this to hold things.  I just don't know what these things will be just yet!

Broaches from my grandmother and great-grandmother.  My Aunt and Uncle found them while packing to move and they let the girls of the family (myself and my two cousins) divide them amongst ourselves.  All three of us have a butterfly broach now!

A lovely tin of English Breakfast tea from my bestie, Celina.  The tea bags are that really lovely sachet type.  It's so luxurious!  I've never had tea like that, and even though I want the tin for storage, I'm definitely going to try to keep these and make them last!  I also got Celina a matching tin of white tea for Christmas.

So many body products!!  I can't wait to use all of these.  All smell absolutely delicious.  I've already been using the Mentha one and it leaves your skin tingling (as well as it being my favorite scent: peppermint!).  The Kiss my Face exfoliation wash is definitely going to be more of a treat, along with the One Direction body wash.  I won't want to use that one up!

xxTanya

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E.L.F. AND DRUSTORE HAUL

Hi everyone!

When I was out in the city the other day, I stopped in to a shop or two.  I just couldn't resist!

First, I went to e.l.f.  I have a whole set of e.l.f brushes, but I had never really delved in to their actual makeup much.  I have their eye primer and some lip stain, but neither were super exciting.  However, when I went in to the shop, I definitely saw a couple of things I could see myself owning.

While there were many things I considered purchasing (they're so cheap!), I ended up buying the Baked Blush in Passion Pink, the Baked Highlighter in moonlight pearl, a Kohl Eyeliner in Black, and a Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose.

Left, Baked Highlighter in moonlight pearl // Right, Baked Blush in Passion Pink

Left, Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose // Right, Kohl Eyeliner in Black

I purchased these items because I don't have anything like them!  While I own blush, I don't own a baked, shimmery one like this.  The color in the swatch looks a little light, but when I tested it at the store it looked complete different.  I think the trick is to build while first using it, and when you end up using a bit, the color comes out of the pan much more easily.  The highlighter is such a lovely light shimmer, I can't wait to use it!

The lip color and eyeliner are also two things I don't have anything like!  I've been wanting a more neutral pink lip color for a while, but have had trouble finding one.  Recently I have been going back through Katie's Beauty Blog and seeing what lip color she wears.  She has light skin and blonde hair (like I do) and she always wears a more blue tinted pink lip.  I picked out this lip color because it seemed like a better shade then the pink lipstick I currently own.  Along with that, you can apply a lot for a bold defined look, or just a light coating and smudge it with your finger for a neat tint!  I showed both in the swatch above.

The same goes for the Kohl Eyeliner!  I think this will be perfect for a smokey eye.  Since my Rimmel Scandaleyes kohl pencil ran out (basically), I thought I could do with a new one.  The pencil is a bit harsh, so I probably wouldn't use this for my waterline, but it will be good for both the upper and lower lash line to contrast my normal sharp winged eyeliner.  The Kohl liner also comes with a little smudge sponge at the other end of the stick, and a built in sharpener in the cap!  I'm a little afraid of cutting myself on the sharpener, though, since it's not really closed off.  Guess I won't be throwing this in to my make up bag.

 

The Physician's Formula compacts both come with a mirror and brush compartment under their pans for on the go touch ups!  However, the brushes are both somewhat scratchy, so I doubt I'd use them.  The compacts are useful, however!

Next up, I popped in to Duane Reade so my friend could grab a chapstick.  I wanted to show him what a bargain e.l.f. had been, though, so I showed him the makeup isle.  While there, I found the bargain bin!  All three items above were on sale for $2!  That's a super bargain in my opinion, especially since the Physician's Formula items usually run from $10 to $15!!

The three things I purchased were the Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Nude, and the Glow & Mood Brigtening Powder Light Bronzer.  I also got Revlon's diamond lust in 100 Celestial Silver.

Left to Right, Physician's Formula blush in Blushing Nude, bronzer in Light Bronzer, Revlon's diamond lust in Celestial Silver.

Both the blush and bronzer were a little light for my taste, but at the same time, I don't own really nude colors like this (in either category).  And how could you go wrong for only $2 each?  The blush may even be a little light for me.  Revlon's diamond lust, on the other hand, is very glittery and lovely.  I can't wait to wear this on a night out!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my purchases!  I hope to do a review on all the products I've been recently using/buying, so keep an eye out for that.  I also am going to do a "Christmas Break Haul" video on my youtube in a week or two, showing all the beauty items I bought over the break!

xxTanya

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