Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Review: Herbal Essences

I have been loving Herbal Essences hair shampoo and conditioner lately. I thought I would do a review on the pairs that I have tried.

 This is the None Of Your Frizziness shampoo and conditioner. This is great for hair that is frizzy, curly, or if you live in a climate that gets humid. I have wavy hair, and it's not completely frizzy, but parts of it are and this is really helpful. It holds my curls, and controls the frizz.

This is the featherweight shampoo and conditioner. I don't have hair meant for this, but my sister does, so I thought I would add my/her thoughts on this, that way people with thinner hair could find some suggestions. This is really nice. My sister has stick-straight hair, and this adds some volume and makes smooth.

 If you use a lot of heat on your hair, this is perfect for you! This is the Hello Hydration set. It's supposed to hydrate and moisturize your hair. If you use a lot of heat on your hair, this is going to moisturize it and keep it from getting dry.

This is the Totally Twisted set, made for waves and curls. I love this set and it holds my curls and after I use it, my waves are loose, but very defined. I love switching on and off with this set and the None Of Your Frizziness set because I remove frizz and define my curls, which is the perfect combination.

Overall, I am very impressed on Herbal Essences products. I love the packaging for this brand and on the back, they have fun quizzes, facts, and even links to DIYS or tutorials! I tend to switch up my shampoo and conditioner so that my hair doesn't become immune to the specialties of each product. If you want me to do hair reviews for different brands then I will. I a going to do reviews on styling products for my hair too! I hope you enjoyed this and have a fabulous day :)
XOXO Charlotte

Monday, July 25, 2011

Back to School: Preperation Tips

I hope you enjoy this! I will have more back to school posts about different thing when it gets closer to back to school dates. Please leave what date you go back to school in the comments-- thanks!

  1. Get back into your school habits. During the summer, I sleep in and stay up late. A couple days before you go back, get back into your habits and routines. This should help for when you wake up on your first day.
  2. What to buy for clothes school shopping!?!? I would definitely buy essentials: jeans, some skirt and tees. Get things that you can wear over and over again and can wear with many things. Also try to get one dressy thing like a skirt and a frilly/lace top.
  3. Reuse school supplies. When summer comes to an end, before I go school shopping, I look at what I have at home or from last year (pens, paper, scissors). Save those things and use them for the next year. It all adds up and this will end up saving a lot of money!
  4. Fresh start! When school starts, I love getting something fresh or new, like a new haircut, or buying some fun new products. I like getting my haircut done before school starts that way I can come back with polished and nice hair! 
  5. Decorate your locker. If you have a locker, I suggest decorating it-- nothing big, but adding something fun! I like putting up colorful locker shelves, pictures, and adding some personal touches!
  6. Carry a tote and water. When I go around school, I don't want to be carry my backpack full of books everywhere. I would get a tote bag. They have lots of them at different stores and range with different designs and prices. I got mine from Roxy. I'll carry my homework to and from school with my books in my backpack, but when I'm around campus, I'll use my tote. I also carry a water bottle with me-- It's Eco friendly and comes in handy.
  7. UNIFORMS: I don't currently wear a uniform, but I have worn them in the past years. I didn't preferably like them, especially because they were really strict. If you have a strict uniform, I would say don't break the rules dramatically, but If they say socks above the ankles, and you like your socks shorter (like me), go with it. If you want to wear makeup, than natural: powder, lip gloss, and maybe a little contouring (save mascara and blush for weekends). You can also do your hair really nice everyday for something to spice up your look. If you have a less strict uniform, than paint your nails, do your hair nice, and get away with a little makeup (if these rules apply with your school rules). If you aren't aloud to wear nail polish, than do pastels, but you can always curl or straighten your hair and wear a little makeup. I'll be doing a back to school makeup and clothing looks for public and private schools when it comes closer to back to school. 
Hope you enjoyed it :) I know summer is not yet over, but I wanted to get this up for those who go back to school early or people who like to get there back to school supplies early. Look out for more in my back to school series! Thanks! 
XOXO Charlotte  

Sunday, July 24, 2011

This or That Tag: "Round 2"

Hey Everyone! There is know the This or That Tag "Round 2" going around on youtube and blogs. I thought I would join in and share my answers!

FASHION
Tribal or Aztec   Tribal!
Girly or boho   Girly!
Floral or paisley   Floral!
Chunky or single bracelet   Chunky bracelet!
Layered or single necklace   Layered Necklace!
Shoulder bag or wristlet   Shoulder Bag! 
Nude pumps or red heels   Nude Pumps!

MAKEUP
Volumnizing or lengthening mascara   Volumnizing Mascara
Smashbox or nars   Nars!
Foundation or tinted moisturizer   Foundation!
Cream blush or benetint   Cream Blush!
Liquid liner or gel liner   Liquid liner!
Highlighting or contour   Contouring!
Sephora or ulta   Ulta!
CVS or walgreens   Walgreens!
Touch up stick or liquid concealer   Liquid Concealer!
Tanning mousse or tanning bed   Tanning Mousse!

HAIR
Feathers or no feathers   Both! I have a feather, but I won't have it forever!
Curling wand or curling iron   Curling Wand!
Flat iron or blow dryer   Flat iron! (i use it more)
Messy bun or ponytail   I either like topknots or ponytails.
Braid or fishtail   Fishtail(: (If you want to see a tutorial, leave a comment below!)

NAILS
Nail stickers or traditional polish   Regular Polish
Sephora by OPI or OPI   OPI!!!!!
Mac polish or ulta brand nail polish   Ulta brand polish

Hope you enjoyed reading my answers! This was such a fun TAG, and more detailed than the original one. Comment below if you want a fishtail braid tutorial! Thanks for 30!!! I'll be doing a post about the giveaway with more details when I get closer to 50!
XOXO Charlotte

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Amazing Dupes!

I love finding products that can easily compare to high end items, especially when they cost a lot less. Here are some inexpensive products that I think are considered dupes for higher end products. Click on the pictures for a bigger view.

  •  Lashblast Mascara from Covergirl: $6.94! This is an amazing mascara, and I reccomend it to everyone! 
  • NYX Cream Blushes: $6.50 each! Cream blushes usually don't price that low, and the NYX ones are really good quality.
  • ELF Bronzer and Blush Duo: $3! I continue to rave about this product because not only is it $3, but it compares to the NARS Laguna and Orgasm Duo which is $40! 
  • Physicians Formula Shimmer Strip: $9.34! This shimmer strip is similar to MAC's All that Glitters ($14.50), except it comes with more than one shade, and ranges in color. 
  • Overall, you save about: $30!!!


  • NYC Fuchsia Shock Creme: $1! This shade is the perfect barbie pink. It is really pigmented and only takes two coats. It might be the same quality as the Essie polish ($7.79-$8).
  • Revlon Minted: $3.74! I absolutely love Revlon polishes! They are really pigmented and have a great price! It is as good or better than Essie's Absolutely Shore which ranges from $7.79-$8! 
  • Overall, you save about: $11.05!!
I hope you found this helpful, and can check out the items that are considered dupes. If you have any other products that you think are as good or better than high end items, leave them below. I hope you enjoy, and have an amazing day :)

XOXO Charlotte

Friday, July 22, 2011

REVIEW: ELF Products

Hey everyone-- today I have a review on several ELF products. I have three things that I will be reviewing. Hope it's helpful!

ELF Studio: Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($3)
I received this as a gift for my past birthday. I got it in the shade beige. At first, I thought it was good for the price, but then, it started to break me out. The texture was creamy and a little went along way! Yet, after using it twice, I started to break out and got blemishes. I would definitely NOT suggest this for people with oily skin, because the formula is quite oily itself. If you have dry skin, it might work, as long as you don't have sensitive skin, and break out easily. It has a nice tinted color, but I won't be continuing to use it because it irritates my skin.
 
ELF Essential: Shine Eraser ($1)
I also received this item for my birthday. I thought I would really love this product, because I can easily take it everywhere, and can blot any oily spots, without having to reapply powder. This pack comes with 50 sheets for $1, a good price-- but, It's only a good price if it's a good product! The blotting sheets are a translucent army green color, with brown speckles. It has wax in it which makes it have a weird texture, and it doesn't feel smooth, especially on your skin. It also has some natural ingredients which gives it the green color. It says that it absorbs shine, mattifies skin, and minimizes pores-- but I think it did NONE of this. I saw no difference in the texture of my skin, it did not consume any oil, and I did not see any difference whatsoever. For one dollar, it's worth trying out, but it most likely won't work.


ELF Studio: Contouring Blush and Bronzer Duo ($3)
This is another gift I got for my birthday. I have to say, this might be one of the best ELF products I own. It is even considered a dupe for NARS Laguna bronzer and Orgasm blush. The NARS duo is more than thirteen times the price, yet the ELF can still compare. It is very pigmented, and gives a really nice glow. The packaging is really nice, and it is something that I will definitely be repurchasing!


I hope you found this helpful, and will use this when buying ELF products. Please tell me if you want me to do a group review with other brands, or other items. It was really fun and I enjoyed it! Thanks!
XOXO Charlotte

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Quick Update: 20 Followers!

Hey everyone! I am on vacation, but i had to write this post! I just reached 20 followers, which is amazing! I am so thrilled and thankful to have reached 20! I want to thank everyone for clicking that follow button, reading and commenting on my posts, and making blogging really fun! I want to say that I will definitely be having a 50 follower giveaway, so please spread the word about my blog for that! Thanks for everything, I truly appreciate it, and I am very blessed!

xoxo, Charlotte <3

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Favorite Summer Accessories

For summer, i like to keep my accessories subtle but also a statement. Here's some pieces that I love!


I love a flower bib necklace for summer! They give any look a feminine vibe and create a girly feel.
I also adore layered colored bracelets. This one is thick and is a colorful pattern with a gold chain in it!


I love turquoise accessories in summer. They look great with a tan and add an effortless feel!

Another example of turquoise accessories are turquoise rings! They are so pretty and are a huge statement!

Layered necklaces are great all year round, but this one is colorful and bright, and the beaded material makes it more effortless!

I have emphasized a lot about how much I adore feathers-- but i had to add them in here again! They are boho, and have become a huge trend this season!

I hope you got some inspiration on my favorite accessories for summer! Comment below telling me one accessory you can't live without for summer! Thanks :) xoxo Charlotte