So I went shopping... #2

Hello! I feel like I haven't blogged in a while and that's very upsetting.
Well, my best friend is in town this weekend and today we, along with my sister and her best friend, went shopping.
Let me preface this by saying that no, I did not buy any makeup. I bought some skincare bits that I've been wanting to repurchase for ages, and some amazing clothing pieces that I'm thrilled about owning!

I'll start with the clothing. My best friend Amanda was telling me how amazing Zara was, and I had never been before so we decided to go. Our first trip there we didn't buy anything, but I got a really good feel for the store. If you've never been to Zara, basically what it is is it's a fashionable and trendy store that, honestly, isn't that expensive.  It isn't obnoxiously trendy like Forever 21, a store I really can't stand but occasionally shop in. Zara sells very "classic" pieces. If the "trends" went out of style, you'd be able to wear them and wear them well. The price range is from $9- somewhere around $500. The outerwear is the most expensive thing they sell, everything else is really affordable and amazing quality.  After this amazing experience, Zara is definitely one of my favorite stores to shop at! Anyway, on with the things I got.

First is this shirt that says "Stand Firm Defend Your Style". I've been in need of some casual tee shirts because I have far too many collared shirts and sweaters. I'm really pleased with the quality of this shirt and the fit is really nice. I'd normally go for a large because I have quite broad shoulders and prefer a baggier fit because I don't have the slimmest stomach, but the Medium fit really nicely. It's very comfortable on my shoulders, but baggy enough that I feel comfortable wearing it out. I purchased this shirt for $19.90. 

The next tee shirt I got has a skull on it (duh) and some really cool flower details. This shirt is very similar to the previous shirt in fit and cut, which made it really easy to pick out a size. However, in the photo I'm pulling it down a bit so you can really see the skull. No complaints about it, I feel the exact same way about this shirt as I did the previous. I purchased this for $14.90

*for some reason this photo looks awkward to me, sorry!*

The next thing I bought were these leggings that were on sale for $35.90. I've been wearing leggings a lot more than actual pants recently and these are a very good piece to add to my collection. It gets really cold this year in New England, and these leggings are thick enough to keep me warm (with a sweater on top, of course) but thin enough that I can wear them in the spring or summer with a tee shirt or tank top and be totally fine. I also really like the elastic detailing on the side of the leggings, it adds a nice "flare". These leggings really "tuck" you in and keep everything in place, which is really nice! I'm only 5'3 so there's a bit of extra material on the bottom, but it's nothing that can't be fixed. Overall, I'm really really pleased with them!

 I then went into Origins because I was in desperate need of some face masks and the Super Spot Remover, which is my favorite spot treatment in the entire universe. Back in July, I picked up the Drink Up Overnight Intensive Mask and the Clear Improvement Mask in the travel size and finished the Clear Improvement one. I'm still chugging along with the Drink Up Intensive Mask, but when that runs out I'll definitely repurchase it. I also picked up the Out of Trouble mask, which I've used before in a sample and really enjoyed. The Clear Improvement mask is more geared towards blackheads, while the Out of Trouble mask is more towards break outs. They both retail for $23 and I'm so thrilled to have the full size! 

Next is the Super Spot Remover, which retails for $14.50. I'm not going to go into detail about this product because I'm planning on doing a skincare routine video, so I'll talk about it there. Like I said earlier, the Super Spot Remover is my favorite spot remover ever. 

They were giving away 3 free samples, so I chose the VitaZing moisturizer that Vivianna always raves about. I also got a sample of the Peace of Mind, which is apparently good for migraines.  I'll let you know how I get on with those!

That's all! Hope you enjoyed!

xxx,

Ashley

Ways to destress

I'm insanely stressed out at the moment, if I'm being honest. School is so much work, my family is being extremely overwhelming, and I feel like I'm drowning in expectations that are set by people who aren't me.

So yesterday I took the entire day to attempt to destress and treat myself for a bit. And, since I'm stressing out again today, I thought I would come on here and share with you what I do to destress!

I'll separate everything into "categories" and "subcategories"

1. Environment
Your environment makes a huge impact on your mental wellbeing. If you're life is cluttered, your head will be cluttered, and you'll feel overwhelmed and stressed out and it doesn't help.

The first thing I do to fix my environment is clean my room. My room is generally clean but lately it's been a mess, so I got some trash bags and cleaned everything. Including the drawers that I've been avoiding since last year. After hours of shlepping and a full trashbin later, my room was clean and organized and I felt a huge weight off of my shoulders. So yes, cleaning your room helps.

Next is "setting the mood". I usually "set the mood" by lighting a candle or playing my favorite music. My favorite candle is either my Eucalyptus Mint or Flower Shop candles by Bath and Body Works.
Music wise, my favorite band has been Mayday Parade since 7th grade, my favorite singer is Ed Sheeran and has been for a while now. I've also recently discovered Birdy, who is absolutely flawless and perfect and her voice is stunning and I don't know how I didn't learn about her earlier. Open a new tab and search Skinny Love by Birdy on YouTube right now. Now.

2. Pamper!
This is one of my favorite things to do, but then again isn't it one of everyones?
The first thing I did was throw my hair up in a bun, grab my Glamour magazine, ran a bath and chilled with bubbles for around an hour. Warm water always calms me down, even in the dead of summer. Bubble Baths are just amazing. My favorite bath products come from Lush. They're cheap/affordable, and they work amazingly.

Next I smothered on some thick, good smelling lotion and an acne mask. The one I used was a sample of the Origins 10 minute miracle, or something along those lines, which made me look like a mime. While that was sitting on my face, I painted my nails. This isn't so out of the ordinary as I paint my nails at least 3 times a week anyway, but it still calmed me down.

Nails done, face done, I then put on some boxers and a worn in shirt and climbed into bed.

3. Relaxing.
This may seem pretty obvious, but relaxing calms me down a lot. My favorite ways to "relax" are going on my tumblr + reading. I spent hours and hours and hours blogging and reading and it was a lovely way to spend my day.
If you're looking for a new read, I recommend reading Looking For Alaska by John Green, or Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green + David Levithan. Looking for Alaska is a bit more serious than Will Grayson Will Grayson, which puts me into a fit of never ending laughter whenever I read it.


So this post was on the longer side, but I hope it helped!


xxx,
Ashley

So I went shopping...

So, I went to my local mall and spent some money. Whoops! I picked up some things that I've wanted for a while and obviously I had to make a post about it. After this little escapade, I'm not going to be splurging until holiday season! Anyway, on with the show!
P.s: The mall I went to is 5 minutes away from me and they're getting a LUSH and a J.Crew, and it already has a Sephora, Bloomingdales, Kiehl's, and Kate Spade! And a bunch of other stores that are more expensive but fun to look in. I'll be spending way too much time there, let me just say!

I'll start with the stuff I got at Bloomingdales and end with Sephora.

A while back Sam from Pixiwoo said that MAC was coming out with some creme contours and that instantly caught my attention. I've been debating on whether or not I wanted to get the Chanel creme bronzer (I decided against it) and MAC is much cheaper than Chanel, so I made a mental note to go check them out. I went to the counter and saw a selection of contours and highlighters that were, surprisingly, really reasonably priced at $20 a pop (plus tax). Each product is 5g or .17oz.

As you can see in the photos, I picked up the color "Pure Sculpture" which reminds me a lot of my Bobbi Brown bronzer in "Golden Light". The woman at the counter said that this was a really good match for light-medium skintones, which is exactly what I have. The consistency is creme-powder finish, but I have yet to wear it on. If I like it, I'll feature it in a video! 

I then went to the Clarins counter and picked up a sample of their Natural Lip Perfecter in the peachy-pink color.  

It looks a lot more pigmented in the "pan" than it actually is, which really disappointed me. The little pigment it has wears off after a few minutes leaving a really nice balm. I, however, do not think that this is worth the $20+ pricetag and won't be picking up the "full size". I'll use this sample up on a "no makeup makeup" day, but that's about it.

Now onto what I got from Sephora!

I'm basically out of my Benefit Brow Pencil so I went in looking for a new one. I was stuck between the Laura Mercier one and the Anastasia one, so I asked one of the women there. She said that she has combination-oily skin and the Laura Mercier one tends to wear off after a while because it's too waxy. Her brows looked really nice and she said that she uses the Anastasia one every single day and it lasts ages. So, I picked up the Brow Wiz in Brunette.

It swatches really nicely and it gives you the option of drawing a thicker line or thinner, more hair like lines. I haven't used it yet but I'm really pleased with how it swatched and am anxious to start using it! The product is .085g/.003oz and retails for $20. 

The next thing I got was something you guys have actually seen in my latest wishlist post, which you can read here.  And it is the Stila In The Know Pallet. Words cannot describe how thrilled I am to own this!

I surprisingly don't own any of the colors that are in the pallet, which justified my purchase more! All of these colors are matte, which is amazing! They're extremely pigmented (as you can see), buttery smooth, blend like a dream, and are amazingly neutral. It's also nice because every single color in the pallet can be worn together. That may sound weird but I actually have a few pallets where some of the colors you can't actually wear together. Hmm. Either way, this is stunning and I'm thrilled to own this and look for a tutorial soon on my Youtube channel!  You get 10 colors + 1 eyeliner for $39. The eyeshadows are 14g/.49oz and the eyeliner is .28g/.01oz 

The last thing I got today was actually mentioned in my last blog post, and is very similar to the color that was actually featured too! And that is the Nails Inc Nail Polish in "Baker Street"! 

Viviannadoesmakeup has been raving about this polish recently and she's one of my favorite people ever, so this polish was mentally noted. When I received the Color Club version I was pumped, but the Nails Inc color is a bit different, so it was justified in my nail polish addict mind. I have yet to use this, I'm actually going to put it on right after I finish writing this, but when I do I'll do a review/compare post about the two polishes. This polish retails at $9.50 and you get 10ml.

That's it! That's my stuff that I've picked up recently! My wallet is crying but I'm very, very happy.

I'll keep you updated on what I think of these as I get to using them!

xxx,

Ashley

ColorClub "Insta-This" Nail Polish Review + Swatch!

On Thursday, I got my September Birchbox in and opened it on camera, click here if you haven't seen it, and one of the things I got was a small little nail polish in a color that reminded me of the T.A.R.D.I.S (doctor who, anyone?)

This nail polish is called "Insta-This" by a brand called Color Club. The color is a gorgeous vibrant royal blue which, again, reminded me of the T.A.R.D.I.S. I instantly threw this on my nails and headed out to therapy. Before I continue with the review, here are some pictures!

As you can tell, this color is GORGEOUS! It goes on opaque in one coat, however the application is streaky due to the brush! 

Regardless, this color didn't bubble on me at all, dried quickly, and looked gorgeous in 2 coats!

However, it does chip quicker than my other "higher end" polishes, so keep that in mind!

Although this color is exclusive to BirchBox, a potential dupe is the Nails Inc "Baker Street", which I definitely am getting the next time I go to Sephora!

All in all:

I'm head over heels in love!

Pro's:

Color

Application (for the most part)

Formula

Con's:

Availability 

Chipping 

xxx,

Ashley

Project Get Fit- Round 2?

Well it has been a stressful 5 days since we've last spoken! I think I'm going to stick with this formatting for blog posts because it's a bit easier, honestly.

Anyway, as you can tell by the title, Project Get Fit is back again! This time, I'm going to be working out less and eating healthier. I don't have the time, or energy, to go on the treadmill after school. Plus, I walk a LOT during school! Up and down stairs (I go up at least 6 flights of stairs first thing in the morning), and to the "center" next to my school for lunch. Yeah, it's no treadmill, but it's exercise and that's that.

This summer has been a binge eating summer. I've seriously eaten so much crap that it's disgusting and I need to turn my life around, again. Say goodbye to Nutella + Hello to fruit!

You may be wondering how I'm planning to lose weight while not working out. I'm doing something that's tedious, that's frustrating, but I've done it before and I know it works. I'm counting calories with the MyFitnessPal app for iPhone. I've used this before and, while it's a huge pain in the ass, it works.

Here's the catch, it's holiday season for us Jews. And, if you're jewish or have been to a jewish holiday, us jews like to eat. A lot. So it's truly going to be a test of character!

I'm anxious but excited to re-start this adventure all at the same time. I'm currently 145lbs *ugh gross I know* and I'm hoping to get down to 120 by this time next year at the latest.

I'll be updating you guys either monthly or weekly, depending on how much homework + work I have to do! But I'm hoping that at least some of you will do this with me, I hate doing it by myself. If you are, tweet me & keep me updated!

Hopefully the 2nd time will be the charm, eh?

xxx,
Ashley


P.S Shana Tova to anyone celebrating Rosh this week!

1 Year YouTube Anniversary + 100 Subscriber Giveaway!

1 Year ago today, I started making YouTube videos. 

1 Year ago today, I made the best decision of my life.

Youtube has been such an amazing experience so far and I've been so blessed to share it with such amazing subscribers.

So, for my 1 year anniversary + 100 subscriber mark, I've decided to do a giveaway!

The rules + guidelines are as follows:

You MUST be a subscriber (I'm checking!)

You have to be 18+ or have a parents permission to give me your address

This is an international contest!

Giveaway ends on the 17th.

I'm giving away the MAC Lipstick in Chile, for reasons stated in the video!

Click the link down below, subscribe, and enter! 

Good luck!

Here's to another year!

xxx,

Ashley

Video

Makeup Wishlist!

I'm writing on my computer today so the formatting is more "put together!" I will, however, be switching it up! Oh yes! 

Fall + Spring are my two favorite times of the year for many reasons. The weather, the fashion, the attitude, the starbucks drinks (um yes!), and the makeup. The fall and spring makeup collections are so luxurious and beautiful and my style completely. Even though these products may not all be limited edition products from the fall collections, they're still stuff that I would buy in the fall.

I do, however, wear makeup all year round. Same goes for clothes. I don't care what season it is, if I like it I wear it. Period. BUT I don't think I've done a makeup wishlist on here yet, so lets go!

First up is the Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation

I've established a one in-one out rule with my makeup collection and, lucky me, I've recently finished my Chanel Vitalumier foundation. This foundation, however, really caught my eye. It'sjudytime did an in depth review (click here to watch it) and it peaked my interest. She and I have very similar skin types and it looked fantastic on her skin! Then, Arden (or arose186) hauled this in her most recent Sephora haul (click here to watch it) and she loved it, AND it looked amazing on her, AND she and I have very similar skin types and we're actually the same color in the NARS Sheer Glow foundation, so I saw how good it looked on her fair skin. However, I don't know if I'll actually buy this foundation because it seems to have a lot more coverage than I like. I'll definitely pick up a sample when I go to my mall and I'll get back to you on it.

This product retails for $38 at Sephora  & Benefit counters

The next is the Stila In The Know Eyeshadow pallet

This pallet doesn't look like anything special, but it's an all matte pallet. Did you hear me? All. Matte. Pallet. I'm kind of obsessed with matte eyeshadows and when Arden hauled this in her Sephora haul, I literally drooled. And then when she used it in her Back to School tutorial (click here to watch) I literally had to close my mouth because I just want this so much okay!? I'm actually considering buying this today if I don't get the chantacalle Just Skin tinted moisturizer. 

This product retails for $39 at Sephora and wherever Stila is sold.

This is something that you may be like: Ashley, are you serious? An invisible setting powder? Okay but I have oily skin and I've heard so much about the Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Powder and I just drool over this every single time someone brings it up. Arden also hauled this, so make sure to click the video above. 

This product retails for $35 and I just really want this powder okay.

So those are the 3 things that I really want to pick up this fall. I actually might pick up a few today if, again, I don't get the tinted moisturizer. 

I hope you guys enjoyed! If you want me to do more of these makeup wishlists, then let me know!

What are 3 products that you've been lusting over for the fall time?

xxx,

Ashley

First day at a new school!

Again, forgive the formatting! I can't change it on an iPad but I don't think it's that big of a deal.

Anyway, I started a new school today! I'm not a freshman, I'm a junior! But, it was my first time in public school and, let me just say, it was seriously overwhelming. Switching from a grade of 90 to a grade of 736, let alone a school of over 2,000+ is insane! So I thought I would kinda recap my day and also tell y'all about what I wore and whathaveyou.

Alright, so my classes are fantastic! my favorite classes have always been English and History and I'm really lucky that the courses are AMAZING this year! In English, we're reading a bunch of amazing novels (which I'll review at a later date) and the course itself is just fantastic. In History, we're doing American History, which I did in 7th grade and LOVED! Also, there's this thing called the "Junior Thesis". The junior thesis is a project that starts in November and goes until March, and it's a giant paper. The paper is 10-12 pages/2500-3500 words on a topic of your choice. I think I may do Fashion throughout American History but we'll see!
I'm also taking Italian which should be really interesting. I speak a bit of hebrew (jew pride whatsup) and I took Spanish in 6th grade (didn't end well...), so taking on a whole new language as a junior should be something else entirely. But, I'm up for the challenge.
Then there's math and bio. I have no idea how these two classes are going to go, as math and science are have always been my two weakest classes, but we'll see. I'll try my best and that's all I can do!

Now for what I wore! I wore an H&M white blouse, American Apparel "Disco Pants" and my well loved topshop oxfords. I'll be putting a Youtube video up on my channel on Friday, showing you guys the outfits I wore for my first week! I'm also going to do a "What's n my Schoolbag?" video coming up soon!

Alright, to finish it off, I'm going to write down my goals for the year. I like making weekly goals (to-do's), monthly goals, and yearly goals. I'll make a separate post on Monthly goals, but let's do yearly goals!

- Make some friends (puhlease)
- At least audition for the Musical
- Let my confidence in myself/inner confidence turn into confidence in how i look/outer confidence.
- Try my hardest in all of my classes and ask for help when I need it.
- Fight bad temptations.
- Be myself


And, to sign it off, I'm going to remind myself (and YOU!) to:

Destroy what destroys you.


In a comment below, tell me about your first day back to school! I'd love to hear! What'd you wear?


xxx,
Ashley

Wall of Quotes: Part 2

This post is going to be formatted a little differently due to the fact that I'm writing this on an iPad as opposed to a computer. No, I don't have an iPad, I'm using my mum because I wanted to see how I liked it!

Anyway, I set up my Wall of Quotes for this year and I thought I would show you! 

If you can't read it, this years quotes are as follows. 

"Take a deep breath. It's just a bad day, not a bad life"

"Being a geek is all about being honest with what you enjoy and not being afraid to demonstrate that affection. It means never having to play it cool about how much you like something. It's basically a license to proudly emote on a somewhat childish level rather than behave like a supposed adult. Being a geek is extremely liberating. -Simon Pegg"

"I am in charge of how I feel and today I am choosing happiness"

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern, Beautiful people do not just happen. -Elizabeth Kubler Ros"

"Don't allow your wounds to turn you into a person that you are not"

"A certain darkness is needed to see the stars"

And, of course, 

"Destroy what destroys you."


I also have a little magnet on there that says, "I became insane with long intervals of horrible sanity" which is one of my favorite quotes. 


Anyway, these quotes are things that inspire me, motivate me, and remind me to stay positive and to stay true to myself. These words on paper obviously can't change how my day, or life, is going to play out. But they definitely help me keep my head on straight.

If you end up doing a wall of quotes, please tweet me a picture @thebeautybunch7 on twitter! I'd love to see what inspires you!


xxx,
Ashley