L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

Annnnnd I'm back!  Today we're looking at my favorite beauty product - mascara!  More specifically, the new L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga mascara.

Being my favorite and most-used product, I have pretty high expectations when it comes to mascara.  Unfortunately, most mascaras don't suit my long, thin lashes, and the Miss Manga mascara is no exception.

L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga mascara
Retail: $8

Although it did give a good amount of volume, I really didn't like that it clumped my lashes together instead of separating and defining.  If you already have thick lashes and are looking for length and a boost of volume, I think this would work great.  But if you're like me and have thin lashes, it won't do much more than lengthen and make your lashes look piece-y.

The wand: no complaints here!  It's easy to use, and the tapered end covers every single lash.  I'm not sure you can see it in the picture, but the bristle lengths vary, which I thought was unique to any other mascara I've tried.

The only way I could see this working for me is if I used it on top of a defining mascara.  I'm low maintenance (aka lazy), so I don't see myself taking the extra step to try it, however, if you're into it, I think it could work really well!

The only other complaint I have is that the packaging is really boring and feels pretty cheap.  I own a couple of other L'Oreal mascaras and the packaging looks and feels a heck of a lot better than the lightweight, unimpressive packaging of Miss Manga.  Being a drugstore mascara, it's not a big deal, but it's worth a mention.

Pros:
 - affordable and accessible
 - doesn't flake or smudge (even if you have oily skin)
 - holds a curl
 - easy application

Cons:
 - makes thin lashes look more sparse
 - less-than-stellar packaging


Have you tried this mascara?  Let me know your thoughts!

#BloggingFail

OK, so when they say "challenge" for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, they really mean it.  I obviously had some major lack of motivation and determination for the past couple of weeks, and boy does it show!

Honestly, I was seriously wrapped up in a couple of books (and Candy Crush) and couldn't put them down long enough to do anything but eat and work.  My apologies to my fellow A to Z Blogging Challenge participants who may have stopped by during my hiatus; you obviously have more willpower than I do.

Anyway, I just wanted to send out a note that I haven't completely given up and should be cranking out a few reviews in the near future.  Be on the lookout for reviews including the new Maybelline Pumped Up and L'Oreal's Miss Manga mascaras!

Quintessentially Festival

Every year around this time, the internet becomes inundated with pictures and articles all describing how to get the perfect festival look.  All "festival" attire is is a lot of booties, braids, and boho.  How revolutionary.

Though I may not be sold on festival wear entirely (I mean, cut-off shorts and headbands just aren't my thing), there is one aspect of this fashion phenomenon that I would like to squeeze into my wardrobe - the hat.  I don't even own a hat and I'm not sure why I'm smitten with the idea, but there's just something about those darned floppy hats.

Image Credit: E! News

After I saw this picture of Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner, I thought - I could probably pull that off.  That is, if I can get it to fit my abnormally large head.

What do you think of festival style?  Fun or overdone?

The Prince of Primer

Which one of these primers is not like the other?  Let me rephrase, which of these primers actually does what it claims to do?

Is it the cult favorite Porefessional?  The ultra-affordable Baby Skin?

It's Boot's No7 Beautifully Matte Make Up Base (available at Target; $10)!  Not exactly what you were expecting?  Welp, I've tried every single one of these primers and it's the only one that controls my shine ALL DAY.  Make no mistake, this does not keep me oil-free; I'm still an oily mess.  It simply keeps me shine-free and helps my makeup last longer.

Do you have a foundation you love that doesn't stand up to your oily skin?  Give this guy a try.  I love Revlon's new Age Defying Foundation (it makes my skin look awesome without being too heavy), but my oily skin tears it apart!  So, I just put a little bit of this over a light moisturizer, and it lasts all day!  I kid you not, this can take your wimpiest foundation and make it last.

I've read a few reviews online, and the main complaint others have is that it leaves a white residue.  I've never had that problem, as I only apply very little product.  I place a pea-sized portion in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together slightly, and pat, not rub, the product onto my face.  Since this product dries very quickly, if you rub the product onto your face, it will ball up (you know, like when you rub glue between your fingers?).  Sounds pretty gross, but it's so worth it.

Pros:
 - keeps face shine-free all day
 - makes makeup last longer
 - works with any foundation
 - contains salicylic acid to control blemishes

Cons:
 - slightly more expensive than other drugstore brands
 - only available at select stores (at least in the US)
 - tricky application

With the annoying application aside, this has become my holy grail primer.  As you can see, I've tried many a primer (even more than the picture shows), and nothing has held it's claims more than Beautifully Matte.  Looks like my days of excessive blotting are over.

One Hundred (and Counting)

It's my one hundredth post!!!  To be honest, I never thought I'd make it this far, but boy am I glad I did!  I have met some amazing readers and fellow bloggers along the way, and to anyone who reads this I am thankful to have you!

To celebrate and to do a little reminiscing, I've rounded up my most popular as well as my own favorite posts!  Again, thanks to all of you for dropping by my little ol' blog, and here's to another 100!

Store Credit Cards: Savers or Enablers?

Top 10 Products for Oily Skin (All Under $25)

Factory vs. Outlet: A Frugal Gal's Guide

Fashion February Week 3: Tartan

10 Key Pieces for Spring (for Less): The Fringe Bag


If you'd like to do a little more celebrating, head on over to my giveaway!  Lots of beauty goodies up for grabs!

Not in the Mood

Have you ever been in the mood to do nothing?  Well, that's how I've felt pretty much everyday for the past couple of weeks.  I dunno what it is, but I just feel like doin' nothing but catching up on some blogs and watch random YouTube videos.

So, for your viewing pleasure, I'm sharing a few of my favorite videos!  I'm including things I like to watch when I need a good laugh and a few beauty guru videos I've found helpful.  Enjoy!

Most Loved

Today, I'm showing you a few of my most loved outfits.  They're the pieces and ensembles that I reach for most; they may be simple, but they get more love than a crop top can dream of.  Meet my loves:

This Forever 21 top is probably the most used item in my closet, and with good reason!  It goes with pretty much anything.  I'll wear it with jeans or dress it up for work and pair with a pencil skirt like this one from New York & Company.  You can definitely match it with bright bottoms to make it more appropriate for spring and summer, or pair it with a neutral for winter.


Shop the look:

Words cannot describe how much I love this look!  I'll wear it if I want to look extra fancy for work without getting crazy.  If you're not a fan of red, I would use a bright yellow or blue belt for the jolt of color.  New York & Company have lovely blazers at great prices, and although they're not sold in stores, you can purchase petite and tall sizes online.  (Pictured: Dress, Cato; Blazer and Belt, New York & Company)

Shop the look:

Again, with the New York & Company!  Both of these pieces are from NY&C (their jeans fit me perfectly), and they're my go-to items when I want to look casual, but a little more put together than jeans and a tee.  If you're a short and curvy gal like me, I think you'll love NY&C jeans!  (No, this is not a sponsored post!)


Shop the look: