URBAN DECAY X GWEN STEFANI PALETTE REVIEW

Hey guys! I thought it was about time that I did another review, especially on a product I've been using for a while. I got the Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani palette for Christmas from my parents and brought it to college so I could test it out. After using it for a few months, I have developed an opinion on it. 

First of all, it is not my favorite palette. I brought this palette and the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette to college and reach for the Too Faced one much more. 

The first 3 shades (Blonde, Bathwater, and Skimp) are too close to my skin tone so they don't show up very well. Blonde has a slight shimmer, Bathwater is as shimmery light gold, and skimp is matte. Personally, the don't really show up on my skin tone so I tend not to use them. The next shade, Steady, a shimmery copper, is too orange for my skin tone and doesn't flatter me. Punk, a matte burgundy, is absolutely beautiful, but looks almost black when you swatch it. 

Starting with the next row, Baby, is again too warm for my skin tone. The 2 matte browns, Anaheim and Zone, are ones that I constantly reach for because they aren't too dark or light. They are the perfect crease color. Stark, again, is basically the same color as my skin tone and doesn't show up. Serious, a matte grey, is just a staple eyeshadow color. 

I only use one in the last row, which is the matte black, Knockout. This is great for deepening up your eyeshadow or using just for eyeliner. The other 4 colors are glitters, which I tend not to use. They are also a little too bright for me. 

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Do you guys have this palette? What are your thoughts on it? I'd love to know your opinion. 

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COLLEGE FRAGRANCES | WINTER 2016

Hey guys! I realized that I haven't really shared any of the fragrances that I own and love. I had quite a lot, but I only bring a few at a time to college based on the season and what I am currently loving at the moment.

Since it won't get really warm in Chicago until later, some of these fragrances will also carry on until the end of the semester.

For this winter season, I decided to bring warm fragrances, some a little older so I can finally use them up. The 2 fragrances on the ends, Secret Wonderland and Twilight Woods from Bath and Body Works have been in my collection for so long that they don't even have the latest packaging.

I forgot how much I loved these scents, especially Secret Wonderland. It's a warm, almost vanilla smell that I love. 

I used to love Twilight Woods a long time ago because I was obsessed with the body lotion. Twilight Woods is definitely more woodsy, as the name suggests. It also has a little bit of a manly, musky smell to it. 

I also brought Victoria Secret PINK's Warm & Cozy, which I also have in the old square packaging. I decided that I would finally use it up because I love it so much. When I came back to college, my friend actually gave me another one of these bottles for Christmas, so now I have 2 bottles of this scent. PINK describes it as "Toasted Vanilla and Peony". As you can already tell I love Vanilla scents a lot. This one is sometimes a tad too warm for me, so I don't wear as often.

Last but not least is Victor & Rolf Flower bomb, which I got for my 16th birthday over 2 years ago. I remember being absolutely obsessed with it when I was 16, but now I'm not as fond of it anymore. I feel like it has a little bit of a very sour perfume-y smell to it. I thought maybe it was just my bottle was old, but I smelt the one in Sephora and it smelt the same. I think my nose just prefers different scents now. I still love this smell when I'm going out at night. I think it is my most sensual smell out of these 4 fragrances.

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BIRCHBOX HAUL

Hey guys! I know it's a little late to be doing a haul since Christmas is right around the corner, but I just had to share this with you. 

As a late birthday present, my mom got me the LOC by Birchbox Full Collection for both eyes and lips. I really wanted these for my birthday, but they were sold out then and we had to wait. 

I also got a moisturizer that was on sale. It was only $10 and I thought it was going to be small, but it's actually huge and will last me forever. 

Before we finished the purchase, I put in a present for my roommate also from LOC. It includes the red lipstick (Wildest Dreams) and 2 eyeshadow sticks (On Pointe & Smoke Screen). I didn't open that one and show you guys because I didn't want to ruin the packaging or the gift itself.

I also have swatches so you can see what the colors look like. I hope you guys enjoy this haul!

Have you started Christmas shopping yet?

Links to the products will be down below.

LOC Clutch Collection - On Fire

LOC Ultimate Collection

VOESH New York Hand Lotion (Green Tea Moisturizer)

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OCTOBER BEAUTY FAVORITES 2015

1. MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAR BETTER SKIN CONCEALER

I really like this concealer. I bought it because I ran out of all my concealers at like the same time so I was in desperate need of one. I was deciding between the Maybelline Fit Me (which I've had before and loved) or this one. The beauty salesperson at Target told me that they're basically dupes for eachother, so I just picked the cheapest one. I got 2 colors, Ivory and Light, because I wasn't sure which one would suit me better. Light works better for covering spots but Ivory is good for highlighting. I really like this concealer and highly recommend it. 

2. PETER THOMAS ROTH MAX SHEER ALL DAY MOISTURE DEFENSE LOTION SPF 30

I've had this sunscreen for a while but never really enjoyed it. I got it when I was getting sunburnt pretty badly and wanted something a little more expensive to help. I didn't really fall in love with it at first so it just sat in my bathroom cabinet. I didn't have a face sunscreen to bring to college after finishing my Lancome one (which I loved!) and didn't really want to buy another one, so I decided to bring this one. I put it on everyday, with or without makeup and I really like it. I feel like since it is getting colder here in Chicago, I need a little more moisture in my skin and this definitely gives me that during the day without making me excessively oily. 

3. LANCôME TEINT IDOLE ULTRA 24 HR FOUNDATION 

I got this foundation last winter and could only use it for that season because it was so light on me. Since I've gotten a bit paler while in Chicago, it is the perfect color on me. I had to buy it last year for a high school charity fashion show I was in. I would never pay this much for a foundation willingly for a pretty long time. That said, I love this foundation. It makes your skin look like skin. It smooths everything out without looking too oily or powdery like some foundations do. I highly recommend. I might be re-purchasing it in the future when I am financially stable enough to and not on a college budget. 

4. RIMMEL LONDON LIFT ME UP MASCARA

I got this foundation while at Target. I asked the beauty saleslady a question and in return, she gave me a bag of samples, this mascara being one of them (full size)! I've never really tried Rimmel mascaras so I didn't really know what to expect. Also, I have so many other mascaras that I need to go through before I start on another. My friend, who also got a goodie bag from Target, said that I needed to try this mascara because she loved it. So, I did and I do love it. It gives a really fluttery, curled, but full effect to your lashes. And it also smells like cucumbers which is a total plus! 

5. THE BODY SHOP CAMOMILE SILKY CLEANSING OIL

As I said before, my skin has been getting really dry with the change of temperature in Chicago. Therefore, I really have to moisturize my skin at night and during the day. I noticed that my skin was starting to dry out after using my acne face wash morning and night, so I decided to switch it up. I had been using the Body Shop Cleansing Oil to take off my makeup, so I already had it in my stash. I switched to cleaning my face with the cleansing oil in the morning and it has helped so much. My face isn't getting as dry during the day, but not oily either. I really recommend this. 

5. IT'S A 10! MIRACLE LEAVE-IN PLUS KERATIN

My mom bought me this leave-in spray for college and I was really excited because she has it and I always love to use it. I really love this stuff for after the shower, to detangle my hair and get it super shiny. I think it definitely helps with my frizz throughout the next day also.

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I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I've never done a monthly favorites before, but I really liked doing it. Let me know if you want me to do a November beauty or random favorites post. Thanks so much! 

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MY FAV 5 | EMMA STONE RED CARPET LOOKS

Hi guys! Welcome to my new series: My Fav 5! I'll be showing some of my favorite makeup looks, fashion inspirations, and more. 

I thought I'd kick this series off by starting with one of my favorite actresses ever. Emma Stone. She is huge style inspiration for me and I love so many of her red carpet looks. I hope you like it! 

Let me know if you have any requests for other My Fav 5 posts! Feedback is greatly appreciated! 

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All photos found on Pinterest.

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OOTD & PHOTO DIARY | LAST DAY IN THE BAY

Hey guys! I'm so sorry this post was late! This post was supposed to go up before my last one "college update | move in" but there was a small mixup. I apologize for that. 

Anyway, this post is all about my last day in the Bay Area before heading off to college. I wanted to spend as much time with my friends as possible before leaving. I spent the majority of the day with my friend Brittany exploring. We went to a new coffee shop in Los Gatos, went window shopping, and even went to Palo Alto. 

I went to dinner with my friend Robert who I hadn't seen in a while. No matter how long we go without seeing each other, it's still like the last time we saw each other. 

what i'm wearing: forever 21 polka dot high waisted shorts | SO by Kohl's tank top | converse slip ons

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS | WHAT'S IN MY CARRY ON BAG

I did a lot of traveling this summer for various reasons. I visited family, went to orientation, and finally, went to college (driving from California to Chicago is not an option!) I would say I am a pretty experienced flyer. I go on at least 2 trips a year that require flying and I also went on my first flight when I was 7 months old...

With that said, I feel like I have learned what to and what not to bring in my carry-on. This post is just some ideas of things that could be helpful on planes.  I hope you enjoy!

1. ELECTRONICS 
I always bring my laptop on vacation because it's my preferred mode of surfing the internet. I would rather work on my blog or go on Tumblr on my laptop. I also love bringing my iPad to listen to podcasts or read on the Kindle App.

2. DEODORENT / PERFUME / LIP BALM
These are the 3 beauty products I bring in my carryon bag because they are all I really need for short flights. It is always nice to rehydrate your lips while you are in the air because your lips can get dried out from all the forced air. I also love using deodorant and/or perfume when I get to my destination for a quick refresh.

3. HAIR TIES / BOBBY PINS
If you're like me, you can't have your hair down for too long, especially on planes. I know it's weird; hair is just annoying. I always bring some hair ties and bobby pins just in case I'm in that mood.

4. SOCKS / SCARF
I bring these items because I can slip them on when I get cold. Because I normally wear flip flops on flights, my feet tend to get cold.

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PHOTO DIARY | OUTER BANKS, NC

Hi guys! You saw a little sneak peak of my vacation to North Carolina in my last post with my OOTD. I thought I would share with you just a few more pictures from the trip! I'm really upset that I didn't take more! I did post some on my snapchat but totally forgot to save them! If you want to see my OOTD from this trip, click here.

I hope you enjoy the pictures that I took even if there aren't that many!

OOTD | LUNCH & SHOPPING IN THE OUTER BANKS, NC

Hey guys! I recently went to The Outer Banks in North Carolina for a family beach vacation. I basically wore bathing suits and pajamas the whole time. This is basically the only put-together outfit mI wore on the trip. I wore this on the last day to a family lunch then a girls shopping day. 

I hope you enjoy!

WHAT I'M WEARING : BRANDY MELVILLE CROP TOP | AMERICAN EAGLE SHORTS | NORDSTROM BP CARDIGAN | RAY BAN SUNGLASSES

P.S. I apologize for the terrible picture quality! This was taken on my iPhone 5 but I recently got a new phone that takes even better pictures! 

CURRENT CANDLE COLLECTION | AUGUST 2015

Hey guys! Today's post is all about candles! I loooveee candles! My absolute favorite candles are winter candles because they smell the best, so cozy and warm! I also love to light a candle when it's cold outside, curl up in bed, and watch Netflix or work on my blog. 

You must wonder... "Casey, if you loooveee candles so much then why don't you have more?" Well, because candles are freaking expensive. I like to get my candles from Bath&Body Works, but even Yankee Candle is very expensive. At least for a broke teenager. I also am not allowed to have candles in my dorm in college (I'm still so upset!), so I have to use what I have first before I buy more. 

I don't buy candles very often, but when I do I buy them on sale. I love the Bath&Body Works 2 for $22 (or something like that!) sale on 3-wick candles. 

I also love getting a few of the mini candles to test out a scent before I commit and buy a 3-wick. Other times, there are some candles I smell in the store that I don't even need to think twice about buying so I just get the full size.

If you are nosy like me and love seeing people's collections, here is my current candle collection.

I bought these candles wayyy back in the day, about 7 years ago. I honestly don't even know why I haven't burned them yet. They are AMAZING Fall candles.

I loovee my mini candles!
Leaves, Marshmallow Fireside, Lakeside, Eucalyptus Mint (so fresh! one of my faves!)

Lilac Blossom. These were a gift from my friend Erica.  

My most recent purchases. Endless Weekend. Smile (Pink Lemonade Punch) and Island Tiare Flower. 

I hope you enjoyed this look into my candle obsession. If you have any candle recommendations, please leave them below! And don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' so you don't miss another post! 

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE HAUL 2015

Hey guys! I thought I would update you the things that I purchased from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! This is the first time I have been aware of it and been able to purchase some things that I need for college without totally breaking the bank.

1. CONVERSE GREY SHORELINE SLIP ON SNEAKER

2. KATE SPADE AUGUST 2015 - DECEMBER 2016 LARGE PLANNER

3. MINI M.A.C. CLEANSE OFF OIL

4. BP LONG DRAPE CARDIGAN

5. LUCKY BRAND BETWIXT BLACK BOOTIE

6. NORDSTROM "LAZY MORNINGS" LOUNGE PANTS

7. TEN SIXTY SHERMAN THERMAL HENLEY
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RECENT BEAUTY PURCHASES | JULY 2015

Hey guys! I thought it would be nice to share with you the beauty items that I bought in July. I hope you enjoy! Let me know if you are interested in hearing a review about any of these products.

1. BARE MINERALS FLAWLESS COMPLEXION ESSENTIALS KIT
You are able to choose most of what comes in the kit. I got the Original Foundation SPF 15 in the color light, Blush in the color vintage peach, Original Mineral Veil, Correcting Concealer SPF 20 in the color Light 2,  a mini size of the Original Prime Time Foundation Primer, the Flawless Face Brush, the Tapered Face Brush, and the Max Coverage Concealer Brush

2. FIRST AID BEAUTY SKIN RESCUE DAILY FACE CREAM

3. MINI M.A.C. CLEANSE OFF OIL

4. THE ORIGINAL BEAUTY BLENDER

5. ST. IVES FRESH HYDRATION SPRAY LOTION - OATMEAL & SHEA BUTTER
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SUMMER BEAUTY & ACCESSORY & JEWELRY HAUL

 Before going on vacation this week, I decided to go to the mall and pick up some things I needed (or wanted). I decided to refill on some products that I currently love and also find some travel size products. I also wanted to buy a makeup bag that would fit not only my makeup but my other toiletries as well. 

Here are the items I bought. I hope you enjoy! 

Sonia Kashuk Palm Print Weekender

When I saw this, I immediately fell in love. I am loving the palm tree print recently, especially as accent walls. When I opened this, I knew it was the perfect size to fit both my makeup and toiletries. I highly recommend it! 

Elf Tone Adjusting Face Primer

I bought this primer because I was looking for an expensive color correcting primer, like the Stila One-Step Correct Primer. Since my face is naturally very red, I thought this green primer would compact that perfectly. When applied, this primer feels very velvety, exactly like the Benefit POREfessional Primer. 

NYX Butter Gloss in Meringue

MAYBELLINE Color Sensational® Creamy Matte Lipstick in Lust For Blush

MAYBELLINE Color Sensational® Rebel Bloom Lipstick in Blushing Bud

There isn't really an explanation for why I bought these products. I was just looking for some neutral, your-lips-but-better products and I liked these the best.

The Body Shop® Fuji Green Tea™ Mini Body Butter

I had seen the new green tea scent on The Body Shop's website and was really interested in smelling it. Once I smelt it, I knew I had to buy something. I think it may be my favorite scent from The Body Shop! So, I ended up buying a mini body butter because it will be perfect for travel. 

LUSH Mini Tea Tree Water

LUSH Coalface

I have used the Tea Tree Water since about February and it is so amazing for my skin. I noticed a big difference when I first started using it. So, I picked up a mini size for travel. 

I also went into LUSH to pick up another Dark Angels Face and Body Cleanser since every time I go into a store, they never have it. Again, they didn't have it. The saleslady said there is a ingredient shortage. She recommended me Coalface instead because she said it's basically the same just in stick form. To tell you the truth, I have used Coalface once on my back/shoulders and it was so scratchy I thought I was going to start bleeding. Let me know if any of you have had that problem.

Bath&Body Works Paris Amour Travel Size Fine Fragrance Mist

Bath&Body Works True Blue Spa Mini Super Softening Hand Lotion

Paris Amour is probably my all-time favorite scent from the Bath&Body Signature Collection of body care. It is my go-to fragrance. I decided to pick up another fragrance mist in the travel size because I think it's just easier. 

I also bought a mini size of the hand lotion to include in my friend's 18th Birthday gift.

The Original Beauty Blender

SEPHORA COLLECTION Green Tea Face Mask for Mattifying & Anti-Blemish

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara Mini

I got a Beauty Blender to give it another try. I was gifted a Beauty Blender before and I didn't like how it applied. Little did I know, you were supposed to apply water to dampen it before applying your foundation. Maybe that's why I didn't like it! I decided to try it out once more before giving my final verdict.

I bought a fiber mask because it's always nice to treat yourself on vacation!

I also needed to buy a new mascara. I was thinking of getting one from the drugstore, but I have heard amazing things about the Urban Decay Perversion mascara. I decided to get a mini size to try it out. I almost never get full-size mascaras from Sephora. So far, I really like this mascara.

Francesca's 'E' Crystal Initial Necklace

Francesca's Rose Gold Bar Pendant Necklace

I bought the initial to add to my friend's 18th Birthday gift.

Francesca's was having a BOGO for jewelry so I decided to get the bar necklace for myself.