The Haul | & Mini Review

A couple weeks ago I was browsing the beauty section at Marshall’s when I came across some new brands of nail polish (not new per se, but new for the store). I’ll admit, I probably have one too many nail polishes in my collection but I just had to grab these. Yes, I’m aware I have a problem, but if I didn’t then I wouldn’t get to share a small review for you all! So then technically, it’s all for you right? Right.

Clockwise:

1. Sephora Formula X – Hocus Pocus
   • Holographic lavender.
2. Sephora Formula X – Surreal
   • Holographic sea foam green. 
3. Julep Nail Color – Bess
   • Minty, slightly muted, turquoise blue.
4. Sephora Formula X – Black Hole
   • Black with charcoal “sandy bits” (totally a technical term)

As I have now had the chance to try out all of these polishes, I can give my honest two cents. First off, this is my first time trying out the Sephora Formula X polishes and I’ve got to say, wow. Every single one of them is suuuper smooth and pigmented (only needed one coat!) and lasted a long time. I’m thoroughly impressed. There is no deceiving color here as it is quite literally “what you see is what you get.” The only difference is that when I applied Surreal and Hocus Pocus, I was pleasantly surprised to find out they’re holographic. Bonus points! Black Hole was a different formula coming out almost as a texturized polish. Immediately I thought it would be a nightmare to remove but to my surprise it wiped right off. In fact, all three of the Formula X polishes removed effortlessly. So I’ve got to say, I think these are definitely worth the hype.

The Julep polish I bought is my second (as I write this I did go back and buy another color) that I own from the brand. I almost didn’t buy it because I thought I probably have one too many minty colors and this would be no different. But admit it, as nail polish addicts are, we still buy it because in our eyes there is a slight enough difference that justifies it. I’m so glad I did! I tried it on a bare nail and I also tried it on top of a white base. If you love Tiffany Co. blue, then this is verging pretty darn close to that color. It’s bright, creamy, and also very pigmented. It’s also lasted a good while on my nails which is a plus. I would recommend using a white polish as a base though just to really accentuate the color.

Until next time xx

Most Used | May

Summer is officially upon us, well, minus the still all too occasional breezy days. Over this past month, I’ve had the chance to try several new products (as you may have seen in my last haul) and really pick out the good and the bad. Brace yourself, I have a lot of favorites this month!

 Beauty

Clockwise:

1. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush – Dim Light & Luminous Flush 
   • These blushes give a beautiful lit-from-within glow. I pretty much have only been alternating between these two shades the whole month.
2. Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer
   • Received this in my Ipsy bag and have used it every. single. day since.
3. Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade – Blonde
   • Suuper long lasting for sure! I just wish they had more shades to grab from like a light brown *fingers crossed*
4. Bite Beauty BB for Lips – Tawny 
   • Gorgeous “my-lips-but-brighter” and hydrating as well!
5. Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain – London Posh
   • Unlike I thought, this color had a bit of a metallic sheen to it, nothing over the top, but it gave a nice effect on the lips.
6. Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow – Champagne
• Honestly, the best inner-corner eye highlight!

Skincare

Clockwise:

1. Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil
   • This stuff wipes away your makeup so effortlessly, doesn’t sting the eyes, and smells refreshing. Slowly but surely becoming an HG product.
2. Origins Out of Trouble Face Mask
   • Really did help my skin when it wasn’t looking its best.
3. Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
   • Smells of citrus and saw skin brightening improvements right away!
4. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub – Coconut Lime
• Okay, this stuff smells amazingly good! Very tropical and great for transitioning into summer. Also, the scrub itself is very gritty and makes the skin silky smooth. I have also been using the Almond Honey scent and it smells like straight up marzipan, so good!

Fashion/ Lifestyle

Clockwise:

1. Forever21 Wild Thing Strappy Sandals
2. Cole Haan Sunglasses
3. Music Favorites:
   • “Love Someone” – Jason Mraz
   • “Shades of Cool” – Lana Del Rey
   • “Sleeping With a Friend” – Neon Trees
   • “Am I Wrong” – Nico & Vinz
   • “Turn Blue” – The Black Keys
   • “O” – Coldplay
   • “Sing” – Ed Sheeran
4. Chloé Roses De Chloé
   • Smells of roses and what better perfume to wear in the springtime as flowers are blooming!
5. Forever21 Curved Bar Necklace
• A simple necklace that goes with anything.