Keeping It Together January (Last Post): Thoughts and Feelings

Hey guys! Welcome to the last post of the Keeping It Together series. I hope you guys were able to benefit from the posts as well as having a good year so far. I just wanted to leave you guys with a few thoughts and feelings. 

Fresh starts don't exist in this world and why... because the past makes you who you are. But it is possible to reinvent yourself and change for the better. As cliche as it may sound, life is short... too short even. So whatever comes your way bad or good just embrace it. Remember the bad things in life can only make you stronger. 

Another thing to keep in mind is to always try to surround yourself with positive feelings and positive people. It is always hard to get rid of things in your life especially negative feelings and negative people. But in order for any chance of changing your life you have to separate yourself from the negative. Distance yourself as much as you can and do things and be with people that generally make you feel true happiness. 

I hope you guys all have a wonderful year and I can't wait to see how it all turns out!!! 

Thank you again for all your support! I will be doing more of these type of series in the future but until then please enjoy the regular content!!! 

xoxo,

Si 

Review: Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer (NEW)

Master Conceal in Light/Medium

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a skinny tube (very similar to Makeup Forever's Aqua Concealer)

-Comes in 5 shades

-Contains 0.4 FL OZ of product

Retails around $8-10 depending on where you purchase

Available at drugstores, Ulta, Select Targets & Wal-Marts

FORMULATION:

I absolutely adore Maybelline concealers! There hasn't been one that I haven't tried and not liked and this new one is no exception. 

Texture: Smooth and creamy but light at the same time for easy application and blending

Coverage: While it claims to be full coverage for me I find it more in the medium coverage range

Wear Time: Has pretty decent longevity wore around 6 hours without any changes could probably wore longer

OVERALL: 4.8/5

Weekly Playlist 1/19/15

FIRST PLAYLIST OF THE NEW YEAR! ENJOY :D 

LISTEN ALONG WITH ME (CLICK)

1.) COLLIDE (FEAT TYGA)- JUSTINE SKYE 

2.) ALL ABOUT IT (FEAT ED SHEERAN)- HOODIE ALLEN

3.) LUCY- OLIVVER 

4.) GHOST- HASLEY 

5.) PRAYER IN C- LILLY WOOD & THE PRICK 

6.) PROMISES -WIZ KHALIFA 

7.) REMEBER YOU (FEAT THE WEEKND)- WIZ KHALIFA 

NEW!!! Maybelline Color Molten By EyeStudio

Maybelline Color Molten By EyeStudio

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a plastic black/clear round container 

-Each one contains 2 eyeshadows 

-Contains 2.1 g total of product 

There are about 6 duos in this collection and retails around $8-9 each depending where you purchase.

Available at drugstores nationwide and select Targets, Wal-Marts & Ultas

FORMULATION:

306 Rose Haze
Left: Soft Baby Pink (A little darker in person)
Right: Burgundy Plum 

305 Plum Fusion
Left: Silver
Right: Dark Purple Plum

I am in LOVE with these eyeshadow duos! I don't think I have ever loved an eyeshadow product as I love this one. The texture feels like a Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush and applies so smooth and effortlessly. Once you apply it to your eye it blends like a powder (Applies like a cream works like a powder). All the shadows in this collection have a semi-matte finish.

Top: Rose Haze
Bottom: Plum Fusion

The color payoff is also pretty great and it stays on your eyelid without any trouble with or without primer. 

Keeping It Together January (#4): Organization Tips

No matter if you are in school or working organization tips can never hurt. 

1.) Get A Planner

This seems a pretty obvious suggestion, but it is actually very important. Whether you have an app or an actual paper planner writing things down can make sure you have all the things you need to do without having to memorize it all and save you a from a ton of trouble if you accidentally forget. The only issue with having a planner is not checking it. A great tip for this issue is to find a planner that suits you. There are so many different types and designs for planner so pick one you really like something that you would be willing to check and write in everyday. For those of you who are phone obsessed (like who isn't these days) here are some great planner apps to help get you started...

Planner Plus

Schedule Planner

myHomework Student Planner (for students...duh)

And for those of you who like to write things down..

Erin Condren Life Planners (These are hella expensive but definitely worth the money when it comes to something a little more customized)

Amazon- Great selection of planners from all different styles and brands

2.) Try To Get Things Done Ahead Of Time When Possible

The best way to keep your to do list from piling up is to get things done little by little ahead of time instead of waiting till the last minute. There are times where we lay in our beds and watch Netflix when we could be getting stuff done... so GO DO IT. Netflix isn't going anywhere and think of it this way the more you get done ahead of time the more time you will have later on for Netflix, 

3.) Designate a Working Area

Find a place where you feel the most comfortable not necessarily an office or the library but just a place where you can have peace and quiet and time to yourself. The peace will let you be able to calm down and slowly start your work. Just make sure your place has all your supplies ready and good light.

4.) Buy Those Quirky Organization Contraptions

Pen holders, file organizers, etc... those little contraptions you seeing by office furniture BUY THEM!!! The last thing you want is a cluttered work area. These little contraptions not only keep your supplies together but can give you more space in your work area. Plus there are tons of cool and funky designs out there for these contraptions that you will bound to find something that fits your personality and lifestyle. 

5.) Keep H20 by Your Area

So many of you may be thinking why is she recommending we keep water near us when this post is about organization? Being well hydrated will keep you on your feet therefore making you more attentive and organized! 

Review: Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hr Foundation with Comfort Serum (NEW)

200 Soft Beige 

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a sturdy glass bottle w/a slanted red cap (No pump)

-Contains 1 FL OZ of product

Available at drugstores nationwide

Retail around $7-10 depending on where you purchase it

FORMULATION:

I was very skeptical when I first saw this foundation. Over the years I haven't had much luck with foundations that contained serum. The last one I tried by Physician's Formula was a huge bust and made me never want to try another serum foundation again. However I have been a huge fan of Rimmel Foundations for a long time now and was really excited to hear them come out with another one. 

The Lasting Finish foundation is actually sort of a revamp from their old long lasting formula. I was genuinely surprised at how easy and flawlessly the product went on and was especially pleased that even though it contains serum it didn't go all over my face. The texture isn't too thick or too thin and grabs onto the skin very well. 

It provides a medium coverage but feels very light on the skin almost a no makeup feel. In terms of longevity it claims to last 25 hours and can stand up to heat, sweat, and humidity and not to mention transfer proof. I don't know anyone out there that would really need a 25 hour foundation however this one does hold up tremendously well. I live in Florida where it is hot and humid pretty much year around and I had this product on for about 6 hours and it still looks like I just put it on. I also patted my face a couple times and noticed very little transfer (so not totally untransferable). The only downsides to this foundation is its lack of shades and it has no pump. There are only 7 shades for this collection. For those of you interested I'm in the color Soft Beige (shown above).

OVERALL 5/5

Tartelette Amazonian Clay Lipstick (NEW + LIMITED EDITION)

Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Ethereal Pink (Tartelette Collection)

PACKAGING:

This limited edition lipstick from Tarte's 2015 Tartelette collection comes in a beautiful and fun purple and gold paper tube (Tarte is an environmental friendly beauty brand). 

Available at multiple retailers like...

ULTA (In-stores & online)

Sephora (In-stores & online)

Tarte Cosmetics Online 

As well as select Macy's 

RETAIL $16 (THIS PARTICULAR COLOR IS LIMITED EDITION)

FORMULATION:

Texture: Smooth like butter (hence the name) and glides on lips effortlessly

Pigmentation: Color saturation is just enough color that gives a pretty "natural" look without going overboard. A grab and go lipstick perfect for throwing into your purse.

Wear Time: The Butter lipstick line all have pretty decent wear time. A couple good hours if you are not eating or drinking much. 

OVERALL
5/5

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BRANDS FOR LIPSTICK!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL THE COLORS!!!

Ethereal Pink: Soft peachy pink (PERFECT FOR ALL SKIN TONES) 

Keeping It Together January #3: Quick Little Health Hacks

Just a few tricks to help keep you in your best and optimal shape. And no worries none of these tricks are complicated because #aintnobodygottimeforthat.

1.) Add some lemon into your H20

See told you my tricks are easy. Restaurants and spas serve lemon water as a refresher but did you know that there are great health benefits in lemon water as well. 

Lemons...

- Detoxify your body 

-Warm lemon water can help boost your metabolism

- Great for acne prone skin

- Sanitize

And mostly they add a great flavor to your everyday boring glass of water! 

2.) Walk for @ least 20 mins a day

Between work, school, family, and friends who really has the time to go to gym these days right? Simply walk around your neighborhood or even house for at least 20 mins a day. It is a great simple way to keep yourself in shape without the hassle of getting up and going to the gym.

3.) Add some coconut oil to your life

Coconut oil has become such a fad these days but for a great reason. Coconut oil is not only healthy to eat (great for heart and less bad fat than other oils) it is also a great beauty remedy. Dry skin, dry hair no problem just rub some coconut oil in it and viola! 

4.) Shop at your local farmer's market

A great way not only to save money but get fresh ingredients for your everyday meals. Honestly what could be better!

Tarte 2015 Tartelette Eyeshadow Palette (NEW!!!)

Tartelette 

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a beautiful purple plastic case (It is pretty sturdy and great for travel). It also has a nice medium size mirror built into the palette.

-Contains 12 Eyeshadows (ALL MATTE)

-Also contains a pamphlet with ideas for looks

-This is one part of Tarte's 2015 Tartelette Collection

FORMULATION:

I was super excited that Tarte has come out with an ALL MATTE Eyeshadow palette. Last year they did release a palette that was all matte (Mattenificent) but it only contained 4 matte shadows and the colors were not great for everyday wear. The Tartelette however contains 12 MATTE eyeshadows and all are neutral everyday wearable ones. The texture is the same like all the Tarte Amazonian Clay eyeshadows.They are very soft and easy to blend however are on the powdery side. As for pigmentation, it varies among the colors. The lighter shades tend to be less pigmented. Because the eyeshadows contain Amazonian Clay, they do have a longer lasting power compared to other brands. However due to the powdery consistency, I highly recommend wearing these eyeshadows on top of a primer.

Row 1 (left to right):

Free Spirit- Light beige
Force of Nature- Light brown
Dreamer- Espresso brown
Multi Tasker- Dark cocoa brown

Row 2 (left to right):
Caregiver- Baby pink
Natural Beauty- Taupe
Best Friend- Medium chocolate brown
Bombshell- Dark black brown

Row 3 (left to right)
Super Mom- Off white
Wanderer- Light brown w/ray undertones
Power Player- Medium gray brown
Fashionista- Dark black 

You can purchase this palette at any retailers carrying Tarte Cosmetics such as but limited to 

Ulta

Sephora

You can also purchase online from Tarte 

RETAIL $44

Keeping It Together January #2: Quick and Healthy Nutritious Breakfasts

Hello y'all and welcome to another Keeping It Together post. Today I would like to share some quick and healthy breakfast ideas. Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day even if you don't like it. It not only gives you energy to start you day but will also help you focus better and be more productive. Remember we are trying to KEEP IT TOGETHER!!!

1.) Low Fat Granola w/Berries & Almond Milk

Honestly couldn't be easier. Pick your favorite granola (just make sure it is low fat and possibly natural if possible) and simply put in your favorite berries and top it off with some almond milk. I recommend blueberries because not only they are easy to eat but are very high in antioxidants. Almond milk gives you a little extra protein to help hold you over till lunch. If you don't like milk try some plain greek yogurt instead and add a little touch of agave for some sweetness.

2.) Eggs n Pepper

This one does require a tiny bit of cooking but is still super quick and easy. Simply pick your favorite type of bell pepper and slice into rings. In a hot skillet spray some olive oil and lay your pepper flat. Crack an egg simply into the pepper ring. Cook until your desired type of egg (I like my eggs to be a bit runny). Top it off with some salsa and WIOLA!!! If you prefer some carbs replace the pepper with whole wheat bread instead (You can cut a hole in the middle).

3.) The Green Monster

You can never go wrong with a smoothie. The Green Monster is one of my favorites and one of my go-tos. There are many variations of this smoothie this is just what I like. You can really put whatever type of fruit and greens you want. In a blender add bananas, spinach, plain low fat greek yogurt, and orange juice (you can use any type of liquid: soy milk and coconut water are great in this!) Plenty of protein and nutrients like vitamin c to help kickstart your day. Please try your best and not buy any of the pre made Green Monster smoothies in stores. They are loaded with way too much sugar. 

Keeping It Together January #1 : Letting Go

Hey guys and welcome to the first post of my Keeping It Together January series. This series is designed to help you guys get a good and productive start to the new year. 

This first post is probably the most important one. If you are able to do this you pretty much already have a good start and what is this essential thing I am talking about...

LETTING GO

This is definitely easier said than done. But to get a good and productive start to the new year, it is very important to let go of bad feelings, people etc.. Basically anything causing you unnecessary stress. A lot of us including myself have a hard time letting go but to continue on in the journey of life you don't want these ill things to drag you behind. It not only affects you emotionally but can manifest into something physical. 

Now how exactly does one let go? While I can't tell you exactly how to do it since everyone is different with different situations I can give you some tips to help you get it started.

1.) Throw out any physical reminders that cause you stress or even makes you remember the ill thing

2.) Stop contact with the people in your life who don't make you happy

3.) Go out and take a day for yourself and do something you love

4.) Spend time with those who do care and love you for the person you are

And remember you really do only have one life to life so don't screw it up over the little thing. You will never get those moments back. 

Happy New + UPDATE

Hey guys! Happy New Year! I hope you guys all had an amazing holiday season and not going through a too terrible holiday withdraw right now like I am right now. I apologize for not posting these last 2 weeks. I went on a family vacation to the Bahamas for Christmas and when I came back I needed sleep... lots and lots of sleep. But I am back now and am so excited for this new year! I have lots of fun stuff planned starting with my Keeping It Together January series which will give you guys tips and tricks on starting the year off right. 

One of my new year resolutions is to post more consistently on here. I unfortunately cannot post everyday as I would like due to grad school and other things going on in my life however I have made it a priority to post at least 3 times a week. Hopefully I will be able to keep this up.

I also wanted to give you guys a HUGE thanks for all your love and support. I not only do this for myself I do this for you guys. I love it when you guys tell me how much you enjoyed a post it honestly makes my day. 

So here's to another great year! I have a good feeling about this one.