My Favorite e.l.f Products

e.l.f. stands for Eyes Lips Face and at first I had never heard of them. When I came across them on someone's blog I was sure they couldn't be that great because most of their products were less than 5$. But when I noticed that Target had a small selection of their products I decided to give them a try. And I was pretty much blown away. Now I use e.l.f products in my daily makeup routine. Their products, though inexpensive have proved that they are up to the task of keeping you beautiful all day long.  

I went crazy when they had a 50% off sitewide sale and bought Mum and me some essentials. 

So here are some of my favorite products. Click on the caption below each to be taken straight to the corresponding webpage. 

I use Golden Honey. 

The Mineral Foundation with SPF 15. I don't use a liquid foundation because in this Texas heat I don't need something so heavy weighing down my face. So I just sweep this over my entire face and neck. I love the fact that it evens out my skin tone, rids me of shine, and has SPF 15 because I usually forget to put some on. 

Go here to buy. 

I use the Kabuki brush to put the mineral powder on. It's got great coverage and is really soft. I was actually surprised by the softness and durability of it when I first ordered it. I've had it a couple of months now and I haven't had a problem with any of the hairs falling out. 

I've used both Diva and Superstar.

I really love this blush because a little goes a loooong way. The first time I put it on I had to actually go and wash my face because I had put on waaay too much. The color is very saturated and nicely pigmented. Even though it is a liquid I didn't find that it made my face any oilier or that it rubs off quicker. The one thing you have to be careful about is to make sure you shake it really well before putting it on. Sometimes it separates and you'll squirt nothing but water out. 

Go here to buy. 

I use this stipple brush to put on the HD blush and any other powder blush I may use. I love that it gives me more control over the liquid blush. Very soft and I haven't seen it go bald yet. 

I use Rich Red.

This is my ab.so.lute favorite red lipstick. It stays amazingly well. I put it on in the morning and I'll still have some after I've eaten a few hours later. The red is very bright which suits me fine but some may find it too bold. Mum puts it on underneath another lipstick color so that when the first one rubs off she'll know that at least this one will still be there. That's how long-lasting it is. It does dry out your lips a bit.  I don't mind that at all but if you want you can always add some gloss or chapstick on top. 

I use Movie Star.

When it's the end of the day I use this lip gloss pencil. It's more like a chapstick than a lip gloss. It's only slightly shimmery and not very glossy, because it's not very glossy you don't have to worry about your hair getting stuck to your lips. At the end of the day it adds some much needed moisture and tint to my lips.

I use Medium.

I have some pretty good, full eyebrows but I do shape and fill them a tiny bit every morning. This kit is perfect because it has the gel and the powder together. Plus you can mix them up and get the prefect color. The kit has a little two sided brush and a mirror which comes in handy. 

I use black. 

I haven't been using this cream liner lately but I do like it. It is creamy and smooth. If you use a good brush it will flow right onto your eyelid without catching. It can take a few tries to get the hang of it but it's definitely worth the 3$. You have to be sure that you close it very tightly every time you use it. It does tend to dry out pretty quickly otherwise. 

Go here to buy. 

I use this brush when I use the cream liner. I love this brush for doing my eyeliner. The angle makes it easier to get to your lids without making your hands contorted. The brush is small and with practice you can get the perfect cateye with it. 

I use Translucent. 

I carry this compact in my backpack and purse for when I'm out and about. There's a mirror in the lid so you can see what your'e doing which comes in handy. I use the sponge it comes with to dust my oily bits with the powder to mattify my entire face. You can use it only in certain areas or on your entire face. It's not heavy and it really does blend in. 

Go here to buy.

When John and I are going to go out and I want my eyes to pop I'll put these on. I love how natural they look on and how they also make my eyes bigger. I've actually never tried the glue that is provided, I use Duo. But I love the look of the lashes and will continue to buy.


I'm always on the lookout for some top-notch e.l.f products. So if you use something that I didn't mention, leave a comment and the next time I order a big haul I'll grab it and give it a try.

Literary Junkies # 6

If you want to join in, click the button! 

 

1. What are you reading? Tell us about it!
I just finished Cress, the third book in the Lunar Chronicles. I liked it more than Scarlet but less than Cinder. Finally getting around to some good action. 

I'm just about to start reading, The General in His Labyrinth by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This will actually be my first read by Garcia Marquez so I'm kind of excited. 

2. Do you read one book at a time, or read multiple books at once?
I definitely read only one book at a time. 

3. What is the first book that made you fall in love with reading?
I wouldn't even know. I've ALWAYS read. Hop on Pop, Go Dog Go, Are You My Mother? 

4. Do you prefer a physical copy of the book or an electronic version?
I love buying physical copies of books. I can't get over paying two dollars less for a book that I can't even feel. That being said, if it's free or if I'm borrowing it - I don't mind an eBook. But if I like it that much, I'll go buy it. It is easier to read while eating when you have an eBook. But I think all together I've only read 3 books on an eReader. 

5. What are three books currently on your To Be Read list?
One of my co-workers just told me about this book called Enter Night by Michael Rowe. It sounds interesting so I'll probably read that one next. 

I do want to read Divergent because I watched the movie and I can't help but feel that the book would be better. 

And lastly, The Handmaid's Tale. A friend of mine told me to read it a looong time ago and I just haven't gotten around to it. 

I'm always looking  for new books to read. If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments and I'll add them to my ever-growing To Be Read list. Also, I'm on Goodreads! 

Most Embarrassing Moment - High School Edition

It's the last week of Spanish class so of course the teacher is making us watch a movie in Espanol instead of even trying to get us to work. I'm sitting in the back of the class, as always, when HE walks in. The guy I've been crushing on since the first day I learned we were destined to sit together all year because of our last names. He takes the empty seat next to me, looking excited.

"What are we watching today, amiga?" he asks me.
"Scooby Doo." I say. Even though I can talk to him without tripping over all my words I still find that the less I say, the better.
"Oh good. I have something to show you."
"What is it?" I ask him instantly curious.
"Wait until the lights go down. I don't want everyone to see."

Because I have something to look forward to the teacher goes on and on about who knows what. She keeps talking for another ten minutes before she plays the DVD and turns down the lights.

"What is it? Can I see it now?" I ask him barely containing my excitement.
"I don't know now. Maybe I shouldn't. You're not going to freak out are you?" he asks me with scrunched up eyebrows.
"No? I dunno. Why? What are you going to show me?"
"Well, I wanted to show you but you can hold it if you want."
"Hold it? What is it? Why would I freak out about it?"
"Because it's my snake."

As soon as he says it, I freeze. His snake? Here? In 5th period Spanish? I know that he probably knows I've had a puppy-dog crush on him since forever but he can't honestly think I'm going to...what? Perform some sort of sexual act in the back of the classroom, in the middle of the day, with Scooby Doo in the background does he?

I start to panic. My face goes into horrified mode and he catches it.

"See. I knew you would freak out. I thought you were cool but I guess not."

Oh my god. Now he thinks I'm some sort of prude. I have no idea what to do. I should probably yell at him and call him something horrible but my mind is still trying to catch up.

"Look," I start, "I - I like you. But I guess you already knew that. And I'm, uh, super, uh...flattered? that you would want me to um...But the thing is that I don't do that, you know? I mean, we only talk in class. And. Um. Maybe if we get to know each other better. And, um well, we're actually in class," I gesture around at the other students,"so I'm not going to...you know...here."

I trail off not looking at him. He doesn't say anything for a few seconds so I turn to see if he was even paying attention. I'm stunned to find him trying to stifle his laugh, his eyes watering from the effort.

With gasping breath, he reaches down to the backpack at his feet and opens up one of the zippers. He gently reaches in and pulls out a long, writhing, definitely real, brown and black snake.

Then he throw his head back and laughs and laughs and laughs.

Sunday Social # 16

1. One item you wish you could splurge on right now?
Oh man. There are so many things. I would love an entirely new wardrobe but...I think I'd actually buy some bookcases because our house just cannot look put together until all my books stay off the floor and tables. We need AT LEAST two of these babies.

Hemnes by Ikea

 2. If you had an entire weekend of no plans what would you do? 
This usually describes the weekends I have off anyway. I mostly just sit at home, watching Netflix, think about washing dishes, and complaining about the heat.

3. Next place you are visiting outside of your current city? 
Since we just came back from San Diego, we don't have any current vacation plans. Though we really are set on visiting San Francisco one day!

Download this wallpaper!

4. Are you a neat freak or a clutterbug? 
Definitely a clutterbug.

5. Favorite Summer purchase?
I guess I would have to say the black and white striped dress I bought from Target.

By Merona at Target

Bohanans

Some times even after a week of vacation you need one last hurrah before you get back to the harsh realities of life.

Which is why John and I decided to treat ourselves to a fancy lunch at Bohanans.

In the center of downtown and right in front of the Majestic theater, Bohanans sees a lot of play but mostly from the 40 and older crowd.

Via Bohanan's Twitter

Their dark wood interior, mixed with ornately carved chairs covered in thick opulent fabric make me think of an old man's library or study.

On weekends they have a jazz band play the baby grand in the corner while the oldies drink their bourbon on the rocks and the ladies sip their gin and tonics.

On the weekdays though - it's a quiet place to grab a lunch for around 12$ a plate. When we arrived there were two businessmen and a trio of nicely dressed ladies speaking softly in the corner. Though we kinda dressed up, we still looked out of place as we shuffled nervously to a table for two.

I ordered a mojito and John got something on draft. Our drinks arrived promptly with warm bread and a fresh pat of butter. My mojito was amazing, might I add.

Their lunch menu had a few specialty items and some soups, sandwiches, and salads - all of which sounded divine.

I ended up getting saffron spaghetti with shrimp. When it came out I was surprised by how bright and fresh it looked. The yellow spaghetti seemed to melt in my mouth - leaving the silky taste of butter and saffron on your taste buds. The jumbo shrimp were cooked to perfection in their lemony pepper marinade.

John decided to order the braised short ribs which I thought was going to be a disaster, utensil wise. But instead it was a cut of meat on a bed of flat egg noodles and a ragout. The short rib was so moist that you didn't even nee a knife to cut it.

Both dishes were delicious and filling so we opted out of dessert but I'm definitely not above going there one day just for coffee and cake.

It was fun going out on our cute little date. The feeling of being in a new place that's kinda outta my league helped enhance the feeling that John and I were reliving our firsts few dates when things were still nerve-wracking and I'd blush after every thing I said.

Sunday Social # 15

1. One show you would love to see on Netflix that isn’t there?
I wish Seinfeld was on Netflix. Both John and I want to watch the entire series from the beginning. Whenever I happen to catch it on TV it's always the same episodes.

2. One song you wish they would play more on the radio?
Have you listened to the radio? They play the same five songs every hour. There is not one song that I wish I heard more of.

3. Your favorite song to sing loudly to in the car?

Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show

Yeah Yeah - Willy Moon

4. What Movie/TV show do you quote the most?
I quote a lot of Gilmore Girls because I've watched it so many times.

I also quote Hank from Breaking Bad whenever I have the chance.

Which actually comes up with surprising frequency. 

5. One silly thing you do daily.
I do a lot of silly things every day. Most of them aren't necessarily on purpose. I do always have to put my left sock on before the right. The same with the shoe. The left always comes first.