"Your Lips, but Better"

In one of my more recent posts, I showed you guys some makeup products I got for my prom. Within those products, I have found my all-time favorite lip combination. 

Don't get me wrong. I love dark berrys, and matte reds as much as the next person, but I've never been able to find a lip combination that was just a nice, natural my lips but better color. Until now. 

Safe to say, I'm obsessed. What's your all time favorite lip combo?

xx Jenna

Prom Haul!

A few days ago I went to my first ever prom, and it was a blast (see my previous post).

 Naturally, I had to pick up some new makeup, shoes, etc. etc. for the special occasion. This is what I've collected over the last few months to complete my prom look!

shoes: Jessica Simpson (left) BCBG (right)

clutch: Express

lip products: MAC angel lipstick and viva glam rihanna lipgloss 

blush: MAC harmony (used as bronzer)

earrings: local dress boutique 

xx Jenna

Chit Chat: Upcoming Collections

So I wanted to take this post just to kind of talk to you guys.

MAC has some upcoming collections that I am just dying to get my hands on. I know for a fact that a Lorde collection and a Maleficent collection are coming out (Lorde and MAC have tweeted about them).

I'm thinking the collections are going to look relatively similar. I imagine the Lorde collection will have some neutral eye shades with some dark berrys and reds for the lips. And for Maleficent, I imagine quite a few blacks and purples, as well. 

Does anyone else have any ideas?

I'm also eager to find out if Sephora will release another Disney collection soon!

Unfortunately, I never got my hands on any of the previous collections (although I tried my best to get the Ariel palette).

I've heard some rumors that Belle and Aurora will be next, but I haven't seen any official release dates, or talk of these collections!

Anyone have any ideas?

What upcoming collections are you guy looks forward to?

xx Jenna

PROM 2014: HAIR, MAKEUP, OUTFIT

It's officially Prom season!

I got my hair done at my favorite salon....

I straightened my hair on my own (to save time) and then I had my hair curled with two braids along the frame of my face. Then, both braids were bobby pinned around the crown of my head, and some of my hair was looped through that braid to create a waterfall effect. Confusing, I know. 

Then, I had my makeup done at MAC. Let me just say, they did a fantabulous job. I showed the super nice woman a picture of my dress, told her I didn't want anything too crazy, and she worked her magic. 

I don't know specifically every product that I'm wearing, but I do know a few:

MAC angel lipstick

MAC viva glam rihanna lip gloss

MAC harmony blush (as bronzer)

MAC plum foolery blush (as blush)

MAC matchmaster foundation in 1.0

MAC mineralize skinfinish natual in medium

MAC blacktrack fluidline

Okay, so I know basically everything but the eyes and eyebrows. Haha. Anyway, I think it came out really, really, nice.

And finallyyyyyyyyyy....... the dress!

I absolutely loved my dress! It was a champagne-beige-gold color with black lace overlay and rhinestones along the neckline. The back had a corset and was slightly longer than the front, so there was a little train. It had a sweetheart neckline and a drop waist skirt. (I'm not sure of the brand unfortunately.) For shoes, I ended up wearing some black flats that I already owned (even though I showed two different heels in my haul post.)

Hope your prom was as great as mine!

xx Jenna

"Green" Life #1: Why I Became a Vegetarian

Before I begin, I want to emphasize that I am in no way trying to tell anyone that my lifestyle is healthier than yours, that meat-eaters are horrible people, or that you should follow in my footsteps. I will, however, tell you guys my story and why I've chosen to pursue this new path.

It sounds cliché and cheesy, but my reasoning for completely cutting out meat in my diet dates back to when I was about 10 or 11. I had a teacher who was obsessed with food production - I really have no idea why - and this whole 'clean lifestyle living,' which is totally fine (and I even now agree with). But instead of keeping her personal preferences to herself, she thrusted here opinions about meat and fast food at us, and I was completely appalled. 

She even read us a book (this book, to be precise) all about how meat companies get such cheap product and how they treat animals, etc. So at the ripe young age of 10 years old, I vowed never to eat fast food meat again. To this day, I don't even eat fast food in general because I was so shocked by that book. 

That teacher and her lifestyle have resonated with me all these years, though. It started with fast food, and it just kind of grew. Ever since then, I've always been really picky about what types of meat I'll eat (frozen meat, fast food meat, school meat became really difficult for me to consume) and it even started to gross me out to even think about where my meat was coming from when I was eating it. 

I've always wanted to quit - or cut back on - eating meat for as long as I could remember. But finally one day I just told myself I don't need this and at the start of the following month, I quit cold turkey. 

At this point I want to say that I did a ton of research before I actually cut meat out from my diet. There are a ton of health benefits, but if you substitute meat for junk food, then you're not helping anyone. 

Side Note: I also want to say that many "vegetarians" consume fish as their source of protein (these people are actually called "pescatarians.") I don't eat a ton of seafood, but I do like the occasional seafood chowder or baked fish, so I guess technically I'm not full-blown vegetarian. It's just easier to refer to yourself as a vegetarian rather than a pescatarian. Okay, that was long. End side note.

It's been a little over 3 weeks, but I kinda wanted to ramble to you all about why I've started this new lifestyle. I get questions about it all the time, and I find it a billion times easier to explain my thoughts rather than say them aloud. I guess I should work on that, huh?

Anyway, I'm thinking about writing some more of these types of posts about this change. What do you guys think?

xx Jenna

How to Be a Photographer...with Your iPhone!

Don't get me wrong, I dislike when someone calls their self (is that grammatically correct?) an iPhone Photographer or an Instagram Model as much as the next person, but you really can take an awesome picture with only your cell phone!

Here are some pictures I've taken with my nifty little smart phone that I wanted to share with you guys:

I just now realized that every one of these pictures was taken from my recent trip to Disney World. Haha typical Jenna.

xx

OOTD #4 & FOTD #4

Yet another OOTD and FOTD because 1) they're insanely easy to write about and 2) I, personally, enjoy reading / looking at these the most. 

This specific day I was attending a very casual baby shower. It was warm (or, rather, warmer than it has been) so I decided it was time for cuffed jeans and tribal heels.

top: Victoria's Secret (tshirt) Old Navy (tank)

bottoms: Old Navy

shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (discontinued, sadly)

smashbox camera ready BB cream

Bo-ing Concealer

Benefit Erase Paste

Naked Basics Palette

MAC blush (harmony, used as bronzer)

Maybelline Lots of Lashes

Rimmel London Stay Matte

I don't remember what I wore for blush; MAC plum foolery perhaps?

In case you haven't noticed, I always generally wear the same face routine so I'm thinking of posting about that in the near future? Stay tuned...

xx Jenna

OOTD #3 & FOTD #3

I had a school presentation event yesterday that lasted all day. We were required to dress business-casual, this is what I decided to wear:

blouse: New York & Company (possibly?)

skirt: H&m

shoes: Lord & Taylor (Nine West)

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream
Benefit Erase Paste
Benefit Bo-ing concealer
Rimmel London Stay Matte
MAC Harmony blush
NYX Mauve blush
Naked Basics Palette (& Nooner from Naked 3)
Benefit Gimme Brow
Maybelline Lots of Lashes

I whole heartedly promise you that the outfit was, like, 8 times cuter in person.

xx Jenna

Back to Basics: The Little Black . . .

I just want to say how difficult this post has been trying to write. No idea why. Any who . . 

Instead of droning on and on with a long introduction, I'm going to cut right to the chase. There are certain things every girl needs in her life. And several of those things happen to be of the color black. Everyone knows about "The Little Black Dress" so here are a few of my favorite items that I find extremely necessary to every girl's closet - each, appropriately, in the color black:

. . . Shirt

Victoria's Secret

. . . Bag

Coach

. . . Heels

Steve Madden

. . . Boots

H&M

Now these all might seem quite obvious, but they're so obvious that I found myself without any of these until the more recent years. Black, specifically, is a vital color to have in clothes, shoes, and accessories, and I find it even more important to have them in versatile items. Each one of these can be dressed up or dressed down depending on what you wear them with!

Hope this was even a little bit of a help for you guys.

xx Jenna

FOTD #2

I went with a pretty natural face again this day as I had school and didn't want to go too crazy, but I thought I'd show you anyway (is it conceited to say I really like how well it pictured?)

I'm just wearing my normal face routine with black gel eyeliner on my waterline and smudged out along my top lashline. I also did my tightline a smidgen towards the outer corners. Super easy / quick and it just made me seem more put-together I thought!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Benefit Erase Paste

Benefit Bo-ing concealer

Rimmel London Stay Matte pressed powder

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashed mascara

MAC blacktrack fluidline

EOS lip balm

xx Jenna

OOTD #2 & FOTD #1

Yes, I will start off by saying that I didn't wear shoes the entire day, hence why I am pictured in socks. Now you may ask, "Why not just thrown on a pair of shoes?" Well, curious reader, that's a good question. One I do not have the answer to. 

You may also question if I indeed wore the flannel like this all day. I would respond, "Yes, I indeed did."

Finally - once again - this isn't technically an OOTD / FOTD. I wore this a few days ago when my family had friends over for my mom's birthday. 

top #1: black tshirt (Victoria's Secret)

top #2: white and grey checkered flannel (Old Navy)

bottoms: black compression pants (Old Navy)

socks: Kohls

I tried to keep it natural with the makeup, since only a few people would be over.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Benefit Erase Paste

Benefit Bo-ing Concealer

Rimmel London Stay Matte pressed powder

NARS laguna bronzer

NARS orgasm blush

Anastasia brow pencil

Benefit Gimme Brow

Urban Decay Naked 1 + 3 palettes 

EOS lip balm

Please pay no mind to this horrific face I am making. There wasn't much natural lighting, so I had to awkwardly angle my face to even somewhat see the eyeshadow. 

xx Jenna

OOTD #1

Horrible angle / picture / everything, I know. Annddddd this isn't technically even an OOTD. I wore this outfit the other day to school and just now remembered that I had a mini photoshoot in order to capture at least one decent image. Anyway, this is what I'm left with. 

It's still freezing here, even though it's March, so I tried to dress as warm as possible. (Of course, I step out of school several hours later and I was literally dying of heat stroke so yeah.)

Anyyyyy whooooo, this is what I was wearing. 

top: poncho sweater (not sure)

bottoms: black compression running pants (Old Navy)

socks: maroon tights that I DIYed (Target)

boots: brown riding boots (Macy's)

bracelets: Alex and Ani

Eh, I liked it (and just for the record, it looked cuter in person).

xx Jenna

Drugstore Makeup Starter Kit

I was rummaging through my makeup drawers just a few moments ago, and I really didn't realize how many amazing products I had - from the drugstore. Many of these are - or were at some point in time - part of my everyday makeup routine, so don't fret! I do highly recommend all of these products - or, trust me, I wouldn't be showing them to you - and I really do hope you enjoy them as much as I have over the years!

Since this is a 'beginner makeup' blog post, I included all neutral colors so the makeup doesn't seem overpowering if this is the first time you've tried anything like this before. The eyeshadows are mostly matte, the blush is completely natural, and the bronzer isn't too pigmented. (Okay, I know there's a bright red lip product here, but 1. it's not too pigmented so it's not entirely red, just a flush of color and 2. I didn't have a neutral shade of this product, but it's really fantastic.)

Pixi bronzer

NYX blush (mauve)

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter (candy apple)

Physician's Formula Concealer RX

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Revlon Colorstay eyeshadow (adventurous)

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

Avon eyeliner (brown) - does this count as drug store? oops

Best of luck! Let me know if you try out any of these products!

xx Jenna

Get the Look: Lorde on Rolling Stone!

Hi beauties! 

I said a few posts back that one thing you all should know about me is that I'm a huge MAC fanatic, which is still 100% true. Well, MAC is to makeup as Lorde is to music. 

Okay, that was a horrific analogy. Basically, I'm obsessed with anything and everything to do with Ella Yellich O'Connor at the moment, or better know by her stage name Lorde. Recently on the cover of Rolling Stone, Lorde is a 17 year old girl from New Zealand with 2 Grammys and a #1 hit 'Royals' (I'm sure all of you know that, but I figured it was important to include.)

I could literally go on for days with a Lorde Appreciation post, but that's not what this is (does anyone want one, though? I'd be more than willing! hint hint). I'm completely obsessed with her style and her make for her shoot was completely on pointe. In fact, I loved it so much that I wanted to recreate it here for you guys so you all could get this stunning look as well. It's fairly simple, but I've included step-by-step directions on what to do. Let's begin:

Sephora Bronzer (Bora Bora)

Maybelline Great Lash Lots-of-Lashes

Benefit Gimme Brow (light/medium)

Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick (Black Cherry)

MAC eyeshadows (Espresso / Blanc Type/ Antiqued)

Stila Stay All Day liquid liner

MAC lip pencil (Nightmoth)

Step 1: Start by applying your favorite foundation, concealer, and powder. Her foundation here is quite matte, so be sure to pick a foundation with a fuller coverage and powder-away any shinyness. 

Step 2 (where the fun begins): Lorde is always rocking a big, bold brow and I'm obsessed (question: how many times will I use the word 'obsessed' in this post?) Start by filling in the shape of your brow with a heavy hand using MAC's Espresso eyeshadow (or any shadow that matches your natural hair color.) Feel free to fake a killer arch if you have to. Define and darken your brows further by setting them with Benefit's Gimme Brow. 

Step 3: Prime your eyes and start by swiping a neutral shade of eyeshadow that matches your skin color all over your lids and up to your brown bone. Here, I'm using MAC's Blanc Type. This shouldn't add much of an effect to the overall look - we're only providing a basis for the rest of the eyeshadow and adding a matte highlight. 

Step 4: With MAC's Antiqued and a MAC 217 brush, start by lightly outlining where you want to place the shadow. To achieve Lorde's look, apply the shadow in a dramatic winged shape out towards the end of your brow using a light hand. Using windshield wiper motions, slowly work this color lightly into your crease. Blend, blend, blend. 

Step 5: Apply a thin layer of liquid eyeliner on the top lash line. In this look, Lorde has no wing, but feel free to add one if you feel it adds to the look!

Step 6: Curl and apply your mascara! Lorde's bottom lashes are interestingly more prominent than her upper lashes, so focus the mascara there. Apply only a thin coat to the upper lashes so they don't look like falsies. 

Step 7: This may sound odd, but contour using a color that matches the color of your eyeshadow you applied. (Sephora's Bora Bora bronzer is awfully similar to MAC's Antiqued eyeshadow.) Suck in your cheeks, make a fishy face, and contour till you're blue in the face! This is applied with a heavy hand, so go wild with it. We don't want to look muddy, though! (There's a fine line between 'chiseled' and 'dirty-looking.')

Step 8: Last, but not least, line and fill in your lips with a purple-red lip liner. Apply some matching lipstick (this color is perfect - not too purple and not too red) and you're all set!

Congrats! You just mastered the art of Ella Yellich O'Connor and I'm sure you all look fabulous.

Do you guys want to see any other celebrity-inspired looks? Let me know!

xx Jenna

Completed Look: Makeup for Traveling!

Hi lovelies, happy Saturday / almost Superbowl Sunday!

I know I'm just barely getting this post up in the schedule that I set for myself, but time somehow got away from me this week. Anyywayyyyy.....

I'm so excited to say that I'm leaving for Disney pretty soon, and it's time to start deciding on what to bring and what to wear. To gear up for my upcoming trip, don't be surprised to see an excessive amount of travel-related posts (such as this one.) Today, I wanted to show you guys a quick and easy, "travel-proof" face of makeup that I will more than likely be sporting on my nearing plane ride. So let's begin!

Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation

Benefit Gimme Brow

Maybelline Great Lash Lots-of-Lashes

Maybelline Color Tattoo (Barely Branded)

E.O.S. lip balm

Face: Yes, I know. I just blogged about this foundation, but that's how much I love it! This foundation is perfect for travel because it's long wearing and primer, powder, and even concealer isn't needed with this. Slap some on, and you're good to go - wherever you're going!

Eyes: No primer or brush needed! Cream eyeshadows are ideal for long days spent in the car or on a plane/train - they won't budge and touch-ups are rarely needed! This color specifically helps brighten your eyes and tie together a look. Swipe on a few coats of this Maybelline mascara, and your lashes will look amazing without smudging or flaking throughout the day! Top it off with a bold brow (that takes literally seconds to achieve) and you're ready to conquer your day of traveling.

Lips: When I'm traveling, the last thing I want to be worried about is my lipstick smudging or wearing off, so applying just a lip balm is the only way to go! Obviously any kind will do, but this one happens to be one of my favorites. 

The best part about this whole look is that it can be achieved using absolutely zero brushes. Too tired to get ready before you leave the house? Take a small makeup bag and get ready at the airport!

What's your beauty essential when you're traveling? Let me know! 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and keep a lookout for future travel posts, too!

xx Jenna 

Collective Haul! (MAC, Urban Decay, Clinique, + more!)

Hey guys!

My last several posts have been pretty lengthy, so I plan on keeping this one short. Here's a quick haul of some products that I've picked up in the last couple of weeks. 

1. Clinique 3 Step System

2. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation (Be on the lookout for a First Impression post!)

3. Urban Decay Naked 3 palette

4. Essie Bikini So Tiny nail polish

5. Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing concealer

6. MAC Cosmetics Cyber lipstick

7. MAC Cosmetics Nightmoth lip pencil 

So far, I'm loving all of these products, but leave a comment down below letting me know if you want to see an extended blog post about anything in specific detail!

xx Jenna 

My Health and Fitness Routine

Hey everyone!

As part of my New Year's Resolutions, I've started eating better and exercising more, and I honestly feel so great. I never really was an unhealthy eater, but I snacked all the time. I basically wanted to start feeling better in multiple aspects of my life, and this was definitely one of them. I'm going to walk you guys through my exercise routine and what I normally eat on a day-to-day basis, so let's begin!

FITNESS:

At the start of the new year, I joined a volleyball program that runs every Sunday for two and half hours, so on Sundays that's my form of exercise.

Throughout the rest of the week, I try to exercise 3 to 5 times. Some weeks, I don't have much going on, so it's easy for me to make time to exercise. But, if I'm having a busy week and don't have much time, I don't beat myself up about it! (I just make sure to eat extra good that day.)

I downloaded this amazing app that I use to workout called the 7 Minute Workout. It's fantastic (Google it, you won't regret it.) In just over 7 minutes, you get a full body workout that actually feels like it's doing something. A great find that I highly recommend.

FOOD:

I was careful not to call this section "DIET" because that's not the mindset you should have. When you change your eating habits for your own good and to feel good about yourself, it's a lifestyle choice rather than a diet.

Generally during the school week, I'll have a piece of fruit for breakfast (grapes or apples usually.) On the weekends, it depends how late I wake up to be totally honest! (Today, I had no school - but was still up at 8:00 am) and I made an egg white omelet with spinal, onions, and cheddar cheese. Yum!)

I eat lunch so early in school, that I normally only bring a small salad or a small amount of chicken salad with celery. Same goes for the weekend. Salads are normally my go-to lunch.

Dinner honestly varies from day-to-day- but it's normally a meal high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Before this change, I would fill up on starches and carbs and be full super fast, but then be hungry again in less than an hour. With these new changes, I stay full longer and don't snack as much throughout the day.

When I do need a snack, I normally have more fruit or a fruit smoothie with greek yogurt. Again, it's about being full longer rather than satisfying a craving.

So that's basically it! Just a little disclaimer: I am not a dietician or nutritionist. This is just what works for me and how I've changed my habits since the new year. I feel great and that's the most important thing!

I hope this post gave you some ideas on how you can start feeling better, too. Good luck with everything you set your mind to!

xxx Jenna

My Sincerest Apology + New Uploading Schedule

I would like to first start off by apologizing for not having a single post up in nearly two weeks. I want to cry just thinking about it. It pains me to admit that I really don't have any excuses, if I'm being completely honest. In plainest terms, I've just been too lazy to boot up my computer and type up a post. "Why?" you may ask. I DO NOT KNOW.

This will be no more, I assure you! I've decided it's time that I have a legitimate uploading schedule (mostly so I can hold myself responsible for breaking out my laptop and writing up a blog post.)

From now on, any formal blog posts - reviews, first impressions, hauls, routines - will be published Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays. Any other posts (generally lifestyle posts, ones that I decided to write at the spur of the moment) will be uploaded on the days in between - Sundays, Tuesdays, etc.

Now I know what you're thinking: it's Monday, so today there should be a new fashion/beauty. However, this new publishing schedule will take place starting this Wednesday (so I have time to start preparing upcoming posts.)

See you all very soon!

xxx Jenna

2013 Superlatives: Fashion Favorites

Hi all!

I'm back with another "2013 Favorites" for y'all because I enjoyed writing the last one so much! I decided to split up today's post and yesterday's post so it wouldn't be too lengthy to read. I'll try not to ramble again as I did yesterday, but no promises. Let's begin:

1. Leggings

Sadly, I bought into the "common girl" status and have been obsessed with leggings / yoga pants this year. They can be dressed up, or dressed down, and worn with practically anything - and they come in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs (peep the Little Mermaid pattern on the top)! If by some crazy chance you don't own a pair of these, go buy some. 

2. High-top Converse

I've always owned a pair of low tops, but this year I invested in a pair of high-tops and have never looked back. They go with anything, and are insanely comfortable. And the best part? They're sneakers...that are cute. 

3. Beanies

This is a recent obsession. I never felt right in hats, but beanies are a total exception. I think anyone looks good in beanies, and the phrases on the front tell the world what you're thinking the moment you step into the room. Talk about fetch. 

4. Moccasins 

Basically worn on lazy days. Dressy days. Whenever. Like everything else thus far, cute and comfy. 

5. Midi / Statement rings

I've always loved rings, but there's something about a simple, delicate ring paired with a long double-finger ring that I love. These are just a few of my favorites. 

6. Knee-high / Thigh-high socks and tights

Don't hate me. I sadly don't have a picture for this favorite, but I'm sure you've all seen this trend blow up in 2013. I love wearing these with circle skirts, over jeans/leggings, and tucked into boots to give an outfit an extra something. Obsessed with these, and they're super easy to DIY (future blog post?) 

Thanks for reading! Let me know what your 2013 fashion favorites were in the comments below. 

Until next time!

xx Jenna

My Start to 2014

Hola fellow bloggers!

It's only the 2nd day (technically the 3rd since I am typing this past 2 in the morning) into 2014 but so far it's been quite thrilling *insert sarcasm here.*

On January the 1st, I was informed that my winter holiday would be extended another several days, as we would be expecting nearly 2 feet of snow. Yikes. As any teenager on winter holiday would be, I was ecstatic, to say the least, as I could now stay up all night diving into Netflix and left over holiday foods -side note: I just finished watching 13 hours of Lost.

I figured with the nearing snow we were expecting on Thursday night (yesterday if you were unaware *insert more sarcasm*) I would spend the morning running around the mall, spending the last few gift cards I was given for Christmas. Clearly, that was not the case. It started snowing before I was even awake and has kept going strong. I'd say we're already up to about 12 inches.

To make the new year even better, I was just informed that I have an assignment due tomorrow night (tonight) and I have yet to even pick up the book I was supposed to be reading these last few weeks (Any of y'all ever read Huckleberry Finn?)

And to wrap up these last couple of days, being snowed in means being able to eat only the food you have laying around your house, so that "2014 Diet" has to be pushed back a few days, considering I had a nice healthy dinner of Kettlecorn and Hershey Kisses.

2014 : 1

Jenna : 0

If this is any sign to how the rest of the year will be? Oh boy, it'll be a doozy.

How has your year been so far? Leave a comment letting me know!

xx Jenna