Blogiversary Giveaway 2016 (CLOSED)

4/25/16 Update: Congrats, Maryum! Thank you all for entering. This giveaway is now closed.

My blog turns six this month! As a thank you to current followers/subscribers and welcoming new ones, I'm holding my annual Blogiversary Giveaway!

giveaway

Prizes
One lucky winner will receive:
• $15 Sephora Gift Card
• MAC Matte Lipstick in Whirl
• Tony Moly Skin Purifying Sheet Mask
• Tony Moly Radiance Sheet Mask
• Wet n Wild Foundation Brush
• Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush
• Wet n Wild Powder Brush
• some mystery/surprise deluxe samples

Rules & Terms
• This is open to all followers and subscribers, both old and new.
• This giveaway is open internationally.
• Ages 18 and older can enter.
• Applicant must follow/subscribe to this blog and complete the Rafflecopter form. Additional entries are available across social media platforms; these are not mandatory but will better your chances of winning.
• The giveaway will close April 24, 2016 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)
• Winner will be chosen through rafflecopter.com and contacted on April 25, 2016 via email. Winner has two days to reply with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced on this blog post once their address has been received.
• Social media accounts must be public at the time of drawing.
• Accounts created for the sole purpose of giveaways and/or those who give false entry information will be disqualified. Those who immediately unfollow after the contest will be blocked and ineligible for future giveaways.
• This giveaway is not sponsored, affiliated with, or endorsed by any mentioned social media platforms, companies, or brands. All prizes are new and were purchased with my own money; the prize package is valued at approximately $65.

How to Enter
To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. (GIVEAWAY CLOSED) You must Follow or Subscribe to this blog. Additional entries are given for blogging about this giveaway, following me on Twitter, tweeting about this giveaway, following me on Instagram, tagging two friends on Instagram, and reposting the giveaway picture on Instagram.
Good luck!
-Kaitlyn

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March Favorites

Favorites posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

Spring always motivates me to try more new products and take even better care of my skin. I discovered a few great products this month:

beauty favorites

ELF Shape & Stay Wax Brow Pencil
I purchased this on a total whim. I've been using brow gels for the past few years; I've never tried a wax pencil... I was missing out. This twist-up wax pencil is an excellent product for only $2. I'll brush my brows, run the wax pencil over them, then fill them in. I've noticed I'm using a lot less brow product now, too. This wax pencil doesn't necessary glue your brows like the gel; it comfortably keeps them in place.

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Honey Dip
Rock'n'Rose was my HG shade. I grabbed the shade Honey Dip during a Cyber Monday sale. I've been wearing this lip liner all month. It's slightly more natural looking than Rock'n'Rose. All of the Jordana liners are great for under $3. I really like how they're retractable, some higher-end liners still don't have that feature.

Nivea Invisible Roll on Deodorant
(WHY are Nivea deodorants not sold in the USA? I feel a little weird ordering deodorant online.) I really like the Pearl & Beauty deodorant. I decided to try out this one. Clinical deodorants work best for me but I'm really tired of them ruining all of my clothes. I switched to roll-on a few months ago, I find I have to apply it a few times a day but my clothes are in excellent shape - I guess it's a trade-off. This Invisible Black & White Deodorant smells a lot like fresh laundry/Woolite, which I'm definitely a fan of. I don't agree with the 48-hour claim, but I think it's a nice product.

Wet n Wild 1 Step Gel Nail Polish
I've turned into a nail polish snob... I've always thought drugstore nail polishes weren't all that. I prefer to purchase Zoya or OPI. Some Youtubers were raving about these 1 step gel polishes. I was intrigued and decided to give them a try. I purchased Left Marooned and Power Outage for 40% off at Rite Aid. After using them only twice, I really like them. They last just as long as my OPI/Zoya polishes.

Yes to Coconut Body Scrub
I've been on a coconut product kick lately. This scrub is meant to be used on dry skin. (This was a new concept to me; my past scrubs required water.) This scrub is very scratchy in a good way. It rinses away and doesn't leave any residue in the bath tub. My skin was left feeling so clean, soft, and refreshed.

wax pencils & Woolite deodorant,
-Kaitlyn

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Empties #17

Bimonthly empties are becoming my posting pattern. It's nice not having the pressure of trying to finish products on a timeline, like last year. Here are all of the products I finished in February and March:

beauty empties

Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks
These are an unnecessary product, but they're very convenient for eyeliner and mascara mishaps. I usually stock up on these when they're on super-sale.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Caramel
This was my old HG, I then switched to the dark brown shade. I'm currently using the NYX brow pencil - which is just a fraction of the price. Brow Wiz is an excellent product; I just go through them way too quickly.

Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil
(Sephora sample vial) I wasn't a fan of this. I didn't notice any difference in my hair.

Derma E Hydrating Scrub
(Birchbox sample)  I didn't care for this scent to use the scrub on my face. I primarily used it as a body scrub. It was nice, but I probably won't purchase the full size.

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
I'm really growing fond of this body wash; I immediately repurchased another large bottle.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

ELF Eyelash & Brow Wand Spoolie Brush
This $1 brush is awesome at taming brow hairs. The spoolie eventually just has too much product buildup on it. For only $1, I don't mind replacing it every few months.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor Cartridge (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Gold Bond Healing Aloe Cream 
(PINCHme Box sample) I've used a few of these samples; this lotion is effective, but better ones are out there.

L'Oreal Mythic Oil Hair Mask 
(Birchbox sample) I really liked this hair mask. It smelled nice and made my hair really soft and manageable. This is an excellent mid-range mask.

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
I really liked this mascara. It was easy to work with and provided a lot of volume. I didn't care for the packaging - it was way too chunky. I'm typically a drugstore mascara girl, but I might repurchase this in the future. (Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.) 

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair
At first, I thought this concealer was great and possibly even a NARS dupe. Halfway through the tube, the undertones just became too pink for me.

N Spa Coconut Rich Body Butter 
(Walmart Beauty Box sample) This body butter was rich and smelled great; it was really moisturizing. I liked it but I still prefer the body butters from The Body Shop.

NARS Audacious Mascara 
(Sephora sample) I didn't care for this mascara. It wasn't anything special on its own. I would sometimes layer it with other mascaras.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (25 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Nivea Pearl & Beauty Deodorant
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm
I think this is the most expensive lip balm I've ever purchased... I used every last drop. I really liked using this product at night. I definitely saw some improvement in my lips. I plan to repurchase another in the near future.

Olay Wet Cleansing Cloth (1 ct)
This makeup wipe was very effective. The single packets are great for one or two-day travels.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid 
(Birchbox sample) I didn't notice any difference in my skin while using this, I found it left too much product residue.

Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil Squalane 
(BeautifiedYou sag Sample) This oil was really nice. It didn't leave an oily residue behind but it did make my face feel moisturized. I might repurchase this in the future.

Revlon Ultimate All-in-One Mascara 
(Target Beauty Box) The mascara was a little weird at first, but it definitely grew on me. I liked it after it dried up a bit. I'm curious to try the other mascaras in this line.

Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Deodorant 
(travel size) This was my old HG deodorant, it's effective at blocking sweat but it stained so many of my clothes.

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (100 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

candles

Candles
Better Homes & Gardens Warm Rustic Woods Candle and Better Homes & Gardens Warm Rustic Woods Wax Cubes (6 ct)
I really like this scent. The wax cubes are awesome and make my whole house smell great. The throw on the candle just wasn't there; I could barely smell it.

Better Homes & Gardens Tranquil Garden Spa Wax Cubes (12 ct)
This is one of my favorite scents; I won't continue to rave.

Glade Spread Cheer (Amber & Bergamot) Candle
This candle was a Target exclusive and came out for Christmas. I really liked this scent; it wasn't that Christmas-smelling to me. I went back to purchase more a few days after Christmas and they were already sold/transferred out.

Yankee Candle Line Dried Cotton Tart
I liked this tart in the package but while burning it just wasn't that strong.

Yankee Candle Tahitian Tiare Flower Tart
I really like this scent. I'll probably purchase more tarts and candles in the future. The scent is very similar to the Dove Body Wash mentioned above.

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February Favorites

Favorites posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

makeup nyx and colour pop products

Colour Pop Lumière Lippie Stick & Pencil
NARS Anna has been on my wishlist for the longest time, but I still can't justify spending so much on a lipstick. Lumière was supposed to be an exact color dupe, so I decided to try it out first. I'm extremely happy with the shade... a purplish-my-lips-but-better color. I'm a little bummed the pencil isn't twistable. Like most matte products, the Lippie Stick formula is slightly drying. I've been wearing either/both of these most of the month. Nonetheless, I still want to get my hands on NARS Anna.

InterDesign Vanity Organizer 
I was aimlessly shopping in TJ Maxx and found this vanity organizer for under $5! My old acrylic tray tray wouldn't fit in my new Ikea Alex drawers, so I've been wanting a new storage solution. I tried making my own dividers and using plastic drawer dividers... neither worked that well. I'm so happy I found this! It has two medium-sized compartments and three small round compartments - excellent for mascaras and concealers. The textured rain design on the bottom is nice a touch; everything in my drawer stays in place now:

makeup organizer

NYX HD Concealer in Fair
My old concealers were no longer matching my pale winter skin... I purchased five concealers this month. This NYX one was by far my favorite. (I returned the other four.) It has a hint of orange to combat dark circles, it hides all blemishes, and it doesn't cake.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Brunette
I FINALLY discovered a cheaper dupe for Anastasia Brow Wiz. (Hallelujah!) This NYX pencil is identical to Anatasia... the packaging, the shape, the brush, the size. (The main difference is the cost: Anastasia retails for $21 while NYX retails for $9.99.) The NYX shade range is a little wonky; I originally purchased Chocolate (way too red) and exchanged it for Brunette. The NYX formula is slightly less waxy - which I actually like more, it's easier to blend.

affordable dupes,
-Kaitlyn

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January Favorites

Favorites posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

swell bottles, beauty favorites

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara* 
I mentioned this product last month in my favorites. I'm still really liking this mascara - especially layered with the Revlon mascara mentioned below. Disclosure: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Revlon Ultimate All-in-One Mascara 
I received this in a Target Beauty Box. At first, I thought this mascara was weird. The mascara brush is comparable to many bottom lash mascaras. The tiny rubber brush actually helps to coat every single lash. I'll apply this all over my lashes, then top it with Marc Jacobs at the base for more volume. It almost looks like I'm wearing false lashes.

S'well Bottle (17oz)
I've been wanting a S'well bottle for the longest time. While drinking lots of water and not using plastic bottles is super important, I just couldn't justify spending nearly $40 on a water bottle. My sister gave me this for Christmas; I'm so glad she did. I've been using it daily. It's very sleek and easy to carry. The best part - ice water really DOES stay cold for a day. (Even without the lid on!) I love waking up in the middle night and still having ice water on my nightstand.

Urban Decay Naked Palettes 2 + 3
Both of these palettes have been long-time favorites. Recently, I've started gravitating towards the more purplish-shades: YDK and Busted from Naked 2. From the Naked 3, I've really been liking the orange shade: Trick. While all of the shades are on the neutral shade, the hint of purple/orange really makes my green eyes pop more.

big lashes & ice cold water,
-Kaitlyn

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Empties #16

I started #100daysofempties as my 2015 New Year's Resolution. While it's not my 2016 New Year's Resolution, I still plan to keep posting my empties. I don't enjoy hoarding trash, but I do enjoy seeing a picture of everything I finished up. Here are all of the products I finished in December & January:

beauty empties

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
Brow Wiz in caramel was my old HG, I received this shade in a gift set and I think I like dark brows a bit better. I really like this product but I seem to fly through them. $21 for .003 oz every 2 months isn't that economical. I recently purchased the NYX Dupe - which is half the cost.

Bath & Body Works Vampire Blood Pocketbac Hand Gel
This is my favorite scent of hand sanitizer. It comes around every Halloween and I usually stock up! I've already started a new bottle.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara
(deluxe sample) I like this mascara; it provides lots of volume. It's really good for layering with other mascaras.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
(travel size) I really liked the scent of this. This body butter was very moisturizing, but I just prefer coconut oil.

Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk
(travel size, Birchbox sample) I really love all Caudalie products but this one was just okay. There was nothing special about this face wash, unfortunately.

CVS Cotton Swabs (200 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap
I'm not sure if Dove reformulated or I purchased the wrong soap this time around. The box doesn't state 'unscented' like the old one - but everything else on the packaging was the same. This soap has a weird smell from the ingredients; it's no longer truly unscented.

Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair
This was one of my old favorites. This tube is a few years old, so I'm finally tossing it. I'll repurchase another in the future.

Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Facial Mask
(Target Beauty Box) I like sheet masks for convenience. I didn't like this one - it left my skin feeling very sticky and dry instead of moisturized and refreshed.

Gilette Venus + Olay Razor Cartridge (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Gold Bond Healing Aloe Cream 
(travel size, Pinch Me Box) I primarily used this as a foot cream. It was decent, I didn't notice a major improvement in my skin.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
(travel size, Birchbox) I didn't really care for this dry shampoo. It left residue, smelled funny, and made my hair feel even more oily at the end of the day.

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
(deluxe sample) This mascara wasn't anything special on its own. I liked layering it over other mascaras - like Benefit's They're Real! or using it for touch-ups.

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter in Fair
I think this is supposed to be a dupe for YSL's Touche Eclat. I'm not a fan of liquid highlighters, but I decided to give this a try. It didn't cover my blemishes well, nor did it add very much glow to my face. I used about half of this product and finally decided to toss it. I plan to stick to cream and powder highlighters.

Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara
I thought this was going to be a dupe for Benefit's Gimme Brow. Unfortunately, I was wrong. While the concept is similar - the brush on the Maybelline one is HUGE. It's a mascara wand - it's not good for people with thin brows - me. I only used about half of this.

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara
This was the worst mascara I've purchased in a while. I totally fell for ads and commercials. This mascara was so messy and heavy. I only used it for a few weeks - not. a. fan.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
I really liked this concealer at the beginning. Towards the end, I noticed it settling into my pores and creasing. I think I'm going to stick with drugstore concealers.

Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil (16oz)
It took me nearly two years to finish this POUND of coconut oil. I primarily used this as a body lotion. After I got out of the shower, I would put a tablespoon or two into my hand, let it melt, then slather it on my entire body. It helped a lot with shaving bumps. It made my skin feel so smooth and moisturized, and the oil gave my skin a nice sheen. I already repurchased another tub!

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (25ct) (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Parlor Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray 
(travel size, Birchbox) I really liked this at first. I quit using it for awhile, then went back to it. While it did add texture, it made my hair feel more dried out than moisturized.

Pure Silk Raspberry Mist Shave Cream 
(travel size, Walmart Beauty Box) Not a fan. I prefer shaving gels. This cream was anything but moisturizing - it left me with major shaving bumps and razor burn.

Stella by Stella McCartney Eau de Parfum (3.3oz)
This is my HG perfume. I use a few sprays daily. (I hoarded the smallest amount for awhile. I received a new bottle for Christmas - so I finally finished this one up.) It took me nearly two years to finish this bottle!

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (100 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover (32oz)
I FINALLY finished nearly a LITER of nail polish remover. This stuff is awesome at easily getting every speck of nail polish off. Plus, it doesn't have that awful acetone/nail polish remover smell. I purchased this over two years ago and would refill my big flipper bottle. I imagine I'll repurchase this again.

candles

Candles
I finished up lots of candles over the past two months. I really like Christmas scents so I was burning a candle or wax melt constantly.

Bath & Body Works Alpine Cheer 3-Wick Candle
This scent was my favorite out of the list below. I went back to purchase more and they were already out of stock. I hope they bring it back next year!

Bath & Body Works Evergreen 3-Wick Candle (2)
This scent was my second favorite. It smelled like a forest of Christmas trees.

Bath & Body Works Fresh Balsam 3-Wick Candle
This scent was just okay, I liked it much better in the jar than burning.

Bath & Body Works Party Dress 3-Wick Candle
Meh. I didn't really care for this scent. It smelled lovely in the jar. While burning, it smelled totally different and kind of gave me a headache,

Better Homes & Gardens Soft Cashmere Amber Wax Cubes (6ct)
This is one of my favorites - if you're a shea fan, grab these! It smells very clean and girly.

Better Homes & Gardens Warm Rustic Woods Wax Cubes (6ct)
I really like this scent. I've purchased a few more wax melts and received a candle as a gift.

Thymes Frasier Fir Votive
This was a gift. I really liked this scent. For the price, the throw and the burn time wasn't that amazing. I'd recommend Trapp's White Fir candle over this.

Woodwick Poplar & Pine
This was also a gift. This was my first wood wick candle. Unfortunately, the crackling sound was a cat-magnet. The flame on this was so high, even with trimming. I liked the scent but just prefer normal wicks

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2015 Beauty Favorites

Happy 2016! I'm excited to bring you my annual favorites for a SIXTH year! It was neat to look back on my favorites from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 then compare them with the products I've used (or continued using) this year.

(The products marked with - means it is a type of product that I do not use, or I just didn't find a miracle product for the year.)

These are all products I have used continuously throughout the year. I have repurchased most of these or I will in the future. I have recommended them to friends and family, and I recommend them to you.

beauty favorites

Makeup
Blush: NARS Orgasm
Bronzer: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola
Brush: Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Treatment
Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
Foundation: -
Highlight: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone
Lipgloss: Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor
Lipstick: Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Comet
Lip Liner: Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Rock 'n Rose
Mascara: Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express
Powder: NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder
Tool: Beautyblender

High-End Brand: NARS
Drugstore Brand: Maybelline

Body
Bath Product: LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb
Body Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Body Lotion: Coconut Oil
Cuticle Cream: -
Nail polish: OPI Coca-Cola Red
Top Coat Polish: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Nail Tool: Glass Nail Files
Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: Coconut Oil
Hand Cream: Caudalie Hand & Nail Cream
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney
Shower Gel: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Soap: Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Teeth Whitening: Plus White 5 Minute Maximum Whitening Speed Gel

Haircare
Conditioner: Joico K-Pak
Electrical: Clairol Hot Rollers
Hair Dye: -
Hairspray: -
Hair Oil: Moroccanoil Treatment
Dry Shampoo: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Mask: Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
Miracle Product: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Spray
Shampoo: Clear Scalp and Hair Shampoo
Tool: The Wet Brush

Skincare
Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Eye Product: -
Cleanser/ Bioderma & Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes
Facial Mask: -
Lip Treatment: NUXE Rêve de Miel
Moisturizer: Origins Vitazing
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

here's to the best,
-Kaitlyn

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December Favorites

Favorites posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month. I feel like I'm cheating a bit, I had two of these products only half the month of December but they quickly became my daily go-tos.
beauty favorites

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh 
I tried the original formula of Batiste years ago; I didn't really care for it. I decided to try Batiste again, and I'm glad I did. I purchased the scents Sassy (which really reminds me of Tyler Candle's Diva fragrance) and Fresh. Both leave the same results but I like the way Fresh smells a whole lot better. The scent is like fresh laundry mixed with a hint of salon. It's weird - but I like it. The spray comes out and immediately leaves a white residue but I just rub it in or brush it out. This dry shampoo absorbs oil super quick and adds texture. I typically wash my hair every three days; with this product, I've been pushing four or five days.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O w/ Pump
I tried a sample of Bioderma towards the beginning of the year. I really liked it but just didn't want to pay that much for makeup remover. (I tried the Simple Micellar Water, which was effective - but no where near as good. Recently, the Garnier Micellar Water is all over the place. I haven't tried that Brand yet - but I plan to.) Beautylish had a Black Friday deal on Bioderma - buy two get one free + free shipping. So I finally pulled the trigger. (Side note: it arrived in the cutest packaging with a hand written letter.) It has a pump! Pumps make all the difference in the world late at night when you're feeling extra lazy/tired but must take off your makeup. Best of all, it's fragrance-free. Bioderma is so effective at removing every bit of eye makeup - even stubborn mascara. Occasionally, I also use this as a toner.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara*
I'm not going to lie, I'm a drugstore mascara girl at heart. I enjoy sampling high-end mascaras from time to time; this was no exception. This mascara provides a TON of volume. I really like applying a thick layer, letting it dry, combing it with a metal lash comb, then applying another thin layer - it looks like I'm wearing false lashes. (I don't have the time or patience for those.) The mascara doesn't flake or clump and it comes off pretty easy with micellar water. Disclosure: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

laundry hair & major lashes,
-Kaitlyn

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New Desk/Vanity


home office desk, makeup vanity, ikea alex & linnamon

First Impressions/Review: Ikea Alex Drawers & Linnmon Table TopIn November, I had the chance to visit Ikea for the first time. I quickly knew it was time for a desk upgrade. I've been eyeing the Alex 9 Drawer unit for way too long. (And even fake checked-out online; I immediately X-ed out when I saw the shipping charges.) About a week before the trip, I had a change of heart and decided to get two of the Alex Drawer Units instead.

I knew I wanted the high-gloss Linnmon Table Top to avoid makeup stains and for easy-clean. I continuously debated if I want the 47.5 inch or 59 inch table top. (Even while in the store, it took me 30 minutes to decide.) I finally went with the 59 inch. Simply because it was a lot more desk/surface for only $11 more.

My old set up was a mix-match of old apartment furniture: Bed Bath & Beyond Z-Carts topped with half of a Wal-Mart parsons desk. It did the job but it wasn't sturdy, or all that pretty to look at. I didn't have foot space. Not to mention, all of my other shelves/furniture are white. (For the record, my old table top was around 30 inches.)

When we got home and set the new Ikea furniture up, I immediately thought it was way too big for me. I loved the look and drawer space, but I felt like I should've gotten the 47.5 inch top. I immediately purchased the ClosetMaid Stackable Storage Organizer to take up the back corner of my desk. (And give more storage space for bottles and other items I didn't want in drawers.)

Fast forward to weeks later, now - I'm really happy with the whole desk and the 59 inch top. 1.) I have foot space. 2.) I can hide my printer and trash can under the desk. 3.) The extra width of the table top allows room for cords behind the desk. 4.) I have so much work/surface space!

I'm incredibly happy with the drawers. My old drawers were deep and not very long. The Alex drawers are shallow and around 20 inches long. So much stuff can fit in these! In one unit, I have all of my makeup, samples, and hair accessories/tools. In the other, I have office and shipping supplies. I lined the bottom with shelf liner and used foam board to make drawer dividers. Getting the drawer dividers exactly how I want them is a work in progress. So far, I'm pretty happy with these two:

makeup, office supplies

I do feel a little guilty for spending nearly $250 on myself so close to Christmas, but I know I'll have this set up for years to come. I definitely recommended the Alex drawers and Linnmon top.

desk drawers & table tops,
-Kaitlyn

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