Thoughts & Impressions #1

When I first started my blog, I was very connected to the beauty channels on Youtube. The makeup hauls, tutorials, and reviews kept me glued to my computer for hours on end. To a certain extent, I still watch those videos but I realize that fashion has become my greatest love. In order to rejuvenate the beauty product fanatic within me, I have decided to do mini reviews on this blog as often as possible. I don't want to neglect the original reason I started Beautygirl24. I still love to try new things, and lately I have been shopping for beauty products on a regular basis. Here are my overall thoughts and impressions on three products.

1) MAC Cremeblend Blush

As many of you know, MAC reformulated their blushcremes and they are now called Cremeblend blushes. The color I have is a soft, muted coral (Something Special). I don't own any of MAC's former creme blushes so I really can't compare the old version to the new one. I can say without a doubt that I love Something Special. The color is very flattering on my light skin tone, and it blends very easily. I use mine with a synthetic stippling brush so that stray hairs don't get into the product. I like to top mine with a powder blush, typically with Benefit's Coralista. The lasting power when paired with a powder is about eight hours. I don't think that any creme blush lasts for the same amount of time when worn on its own, so I recommend using either a powder blush or even just a setting powder to ensure it lasts all day. Keep in mind that I have combination to oily skin. Those with dry skin may find the wear to be even better!

Verdict: Recommend!

2) Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara

This mascara is comparable to my beloved Cover Girl LashBlast. Yup, you read that correctly. This is amazing! In fact, the tube you see above is my second. I seldom repurchase a mascara because I am almost always let down by the results. Not this one. The wand is even similar to the Lashblast:

I have unfortunate stubby lashes. You can't detect that I have any without mascara. I love the volume that this gives my lashes. Two coats and I'm satisfied with the overall appearance it gives. I would also say that my lashes are noticeably longer as well. And you know the best part? The formula is free of any parabens and harsh chemicals so you don't get that crunchy feeling when you touch your lashes. They remain soft and conditioned. I will contine to repurchase.

Verdict: Recommend!



3) Redken Spray Starch Heat Protectant



I have long used the Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray before blowdrying my hair straight. I really had no complaints with it either. It smelled incredible, the price was slight, and it did protect my hair against heat. I was just getting bored with it and wanted to try something different. Enter Redken's Spray Starch. I picked this up at Ulta about three weeks ago for 14 dollars. My initial thoughts: this is a bit more pricey than the Tresemme. It smells horrible! I can't quite describe the scent, but it isn't pleasant. It works just fine at protecting my hair from my blowdryer and flat iron. It also provides a bit of volume, which is something I didn't get with my previous thermal protectant. I do appreciate that. However, the smell really kills it for me. I know that may be a silly reason to dislike a product, but it's a reason nonetheless. I will most likely go back to the Tresemme once this is gone.

Verdict: Pass

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your own thoughts and impressions!

♥ Noelle



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Leopard ♥ Love

Leopard chiffon blouse - H&M, Black cami (underneath) - Forever 21, Jeans - BR, Peep toe pumps - Vaneli via Nordstrom Rack, Clutch - Aldo, Ring - YSL, Earrings (not shown) - Chanel, Nails - Essie Watermelon

I cannot express how much I'm loving leopard. I became infatuated with the print in the Fall, and the love affair continues. This blouse is not only airy and light as a feather, but it's also quite versatile and I see myself wearing it on many occasions. The same goes for my mustard envelope clutch. I've been on the hunt for an oversized clutch to tuck under my arm, as well as anything in the bright, sunny hue.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but I got my haircut on Friday too. Nothing drastic obviously, but just enough to get rid of dead ends. Before, I could literally hear my strands whenever I ran my fingers through them! Although I love my hair long, I won't sacrifice health and shine.

  Thank you for reading!

♥ Noelle

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Extra Bits

Mustard envelope clutch and "Moltz" flower clutch - Aldo. Taupe grey quilted clutch - Franchesca's Collections.

I orginally spilled my love for oversized clutches last month. Luckily, I think my quest has been successful! I love all three because I own nothing like them. Sure I have a black wristlet from Express and a tan clutch by Jessica Simpson that I found at TJ-Maxx. I like those too. But these three pretties are much more fun and unexpected. They don't necessarily blend in to my outfits as my previous little bags do; they make an outfit. I've come to realize that I'm very, very envious of accessory editors. How delighted I would be to work at Elle or Vogue and stare at bags and jewelry all day long!

Sheer heaven.

On another unrelated note, I'm heading to Sephora after work today and using my VIB  coupon.

I only have a couple of Urban Decay products in mind. I'm curious about the new Tarte Amazonian blushes too. Have any of you tried them? I know MakeupbyTiffanyD loves them!

Have a great day!

♥ Noelle

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Shopbop Inspired ~ Denim Cutoffs & Giveaway

I have a confession to make: Last year was the first time in ages that yours truly sported denim shorts. Or white shorts. Or any shorts for that matter. Chalk it up to insecurity but these gams were terrified of anything remotely tight around the thighs. Then I saw so many of you wearing shorts. It inspired me to give them a try and you know what? I actually love them! I want more! I've been looking on different sites to find another perfect fitting pair, one of which is Shopbop. I can't typically afford designer clothing, but I'm often browsing Shopbop's jewelry, bags, and their sale section. I love dark denim because I find it to be universally flattering on anyone, regardless of size. I also want a more flowy version this year if possible. I love this one:

This pair is by James Jeans, but there are so many denim cutoffs to choose from.

These by J Brand are in exactly the type of dark wash I'm referring to.

I also love this pair by Current Elliot

They are a bit shorter than I would go, but I just love the soft color. Very beach inspired, and very California cool.

~I plan on pairing my shorts with lots of flowy tops. Last year, I was all about simple tees and tanks but I think the boho look is more interesting this time around.~

Looks like Summer =) I'll be sure to do some OOTD photos as soon as I start breaking out the shorts.

Now just add some excessories and you're good to go!

 So cute!

Do I need to mention how much I love colorful necklaces?

I live in flip flops or sandals in the Summer

Oliver Peoples - Tortoise shell complements any skin tone.

Ok, so this is big readers. I've never done a giveaway on my blog...ever. This is due to various reasons. After all, I'm just a regular girl, not a professional! But I hope you all know how much your comments and sweet thoughts mean to me. I truly believe in this community, and I love the new friends I've made. So when Shopbop offered to give one of my beautiful readers a $100 gift card, I couldn't pass the opportunity up!I've entered these types of giveaways on other blogs in hopes of snagging one myself!

*****CLOSED*****

The Rules: Lets Keep It Simple, Shall We?

*You must be a "Follower". I put that in quotes because I dislike that term! But please specify in a comment that you follow my blog. Please also leave an email address where I can contact you.

*Then tell me what you are most looking forward to this Summer! It can be anything! The winner will be announced Sunday, April 24th using Random.org.  

This is open internationally.

That's it! Thank you for reading!

♥ Noelle

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New, New, New

Happy Monday! I feel like I always begin the week by saying ," I hope you all had a wonderful weekend." The saying is a bit trite, but I really do hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was perfect because the boyfriend and I went to San Diego and visited my best friend and her boyfriend. We went for dinner and drinks and celebrated their upcoming move to Little Italy in the downtown area. I can't wait to see their new place!

I did some shopping last week and just quickly wanted to share some great finds. I must say, shopping for Spring has been such an eye opener for me this year. I am gravitating towards things I wouldn't normally pick up, like lots and lots of color! And patterns! This new self discovery is just what my drab wardrobe has been needing.

Leopard chiffon blouse, H&M.

This skirt is form-fitting without being too tight. The camera didn't pick up the detail of the pattern, which is very unique. It's a white background with a mix of deep purple and navy. This was a steal at Forever 21.

I've been searching for a pair of nude or camel colored ballet flats and Zara once again came to the rescue.

What I wore Saturday, new necklace from Forever 21 and ring from H&M.

Candy colored rings from H&M, MAC cremeblend blush in Something Special, a repurchase MAC shadow in All That Glitters, and Revlon lipgloss in Shine City to layer over my bright lipsticks.

Did you do any shopping recently? Are you marking things off your Spring Wishlist?

♥ Noelle

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The Manicurist

My mother used to be a manicurist. I was around ten years old, and I distinctly remember going with her some days to the salon where she worked. I even gave a little old lady a foot massage once, where she proceeded to give me a five dollar tip! Big bucks when you're ten! I loved watching my mom work on nails. She even did a house call to my second grade teacher, who became one of her regular clients. I was mesmerized by the pretty, shiny nail lacquers that littered the floors of our house while she practiced different techniques. Mannequin hands and nail tools strewn about the kitchen table. Bottles and bottles of nail polish remover, cuticle oils, and nail files. To this day, when I pass a salon and smell the acetone, it brings back fond, happy memories of my mom's days as a manicurist.

Yes, I believe this contributed to my love affair with nail polish. I'm an addict. Thanks, Mom.

This is my little nail station. I recently bought the storage container from Wal-Mart. It was around five dollars. I love that it has three roomy drawers, perfect for separating and sorting by color.

First drawer: Reds, Corals, Peaches, and Wines

Second drawer: Nudes, Pinks, Purples, and Lilacs

Third drawer: Blues, Greens, Greys, Taupes, and other miscellaneous shades that are more unique in my collection.

I love all brands, but I actually own more Essie than any other.  I have to say that Zoya is my new obsession.

I also keep my tools, base coats, top coats, and cuticle softeners right next to my nail polish stash.

How and where do you store your nail polish? Although my collection is large, I don't feel overwhelmed by it as I did when I stored my polish in a small bin a couple months back. However, I do need to downsize and stop buying more. But just as any addiction is difficult to break, so is mine!

♥ Noelle

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