New Drugstore Beauty Finds

I recently went to visit my local Walmart and Target to grab up some more affordable makeup to test out. Side note - did you know Target has teamed up with Ulta Beauty?! How neat is that?!
My local Target has done some updates to their beauty area but I will say with the new updated makeup area at Target, I found it harder to find makeup and beauty products and living in a tourist area, my Target was low in stock on a lot of items - therefore I purchased most of the makeup at Walmart for the ease of shopping; BUT most of these makeup items can be purchased at both store locations and online!  

My goal was to create a full face of drugstore makeup to test out and review - so below you’ll see everything from eyes, lips, and face!

I’ve also been considering making a Youtube video trying out each item, please let me know if you’d be interested in that as well!

At the bottom of this post will be a shopping widget where you can scroll and see all the items and within the shopping widget you can shop the items too!  

Loreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
Up to 24 hour natural finish foundation that is buildable. Claims to resist transfer, sweat and stay breathable all day while its color stays true all day. Has SPF 25 as well with 40 shade options plus a pressed powder to compliment it too. To me this is a drugstore dupe to the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation. It does has a natural finish and the color holds well but I would not say its truly resistant to transfer (living in Florida the humidity and heat can make anything move, including this). I will 100% be repurchasing this because its a great everyday at home or errand run foundation. I love having an affordable option to use daily and then glam it up for date night or photos with my luxury foundation of choice. 

Milani Conceal & Perfect Concealer 
full coverage that has 12 hours of crease free and water resistant wear that blends seamlessly.
I grabbed this up because I wanted to try the foundation version of this but my shade was sold out, so I thought the concealer would be worth a shot at trying. There’s lots of shade options and it does blend out well. I personally don’t wear concealer often because I just build up the foundation coverage when needed but I did enjoy this. If I had major tired eyes I would consider grabbing this. I haven’t tried this on acne spots but it seems to blend well and have a full coverage where I believe it would cover up dark spots and acne areas. 

Covergirl Clean Fresh Pressed Powder
100% vegan, makes pores less visible, skin feel and look smooth.
This is a simple pressed powder. Its easy to apply and its personally a good option for daily wear when you don’t want to use your expensive luxury powders. I prefer to use this type of powder on top of my liquid foundation to set it and this does the job. Is it perfect? No. The packaging is very very cheap and its a cheap pressed powder, so its not going to do the blurring effects or have a lot of skincare benefits compared to some of the high end makeup - but I do like the color of the packaging and I think for what I plan to use this for; it serves its purpose. 

Elf Eyeshadow Bite Size Palette
Ultra pigmented quad with stay put power and a mix of matte and shimmer shades. Smooth and creamy application.
First of all, this is $3.00… I’m blown away at the price and the mini palette literally reminds me of a Natasha Denona but $22 cheaper. The eyeshadow isn’t luxury quality but does a great job at what its made to do. The images you’ll see the pigment quality and I feel the shimmer/sparkly colors are REALLY nice; like Stila quality. I’ve been trying to figure out why and how this can be so cheap and I realized its made in china but designed in the US (thats the only way I can see it being so affordable). I like it. I plan to wear these colors for more natural neutral eye looks.  

Lash Paradise Mascara
Voluptuous volume and intense length. Allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes.
I grabbed this up because I remember the internet going crazy at one point about it, every mega influencer claimed it was the best thing ever BUT I never grabbed onto it. I recently grabbed this up because I wanted to try a brown-black mascara instead of a jet black. I am super impressed with how many shade options this comes in. Also major win is it doesn’t smell inky - my LEAST favorite mascaras are the ones that smell bad but this one doesn’t! This has a bristle brush which I prefer for a more volumized look.

NYX Skinny Liner in Noir
Smudge proof long wearing hydrating formula in large shade range.

Once again, a super affordable item that does the job on days I dont want to grab up my luxury items. This truly has a super thin pencil (thinner than my Charlotte Tilbury liners) so you can really make sharp thin liner lines with this one. There is over 14 shades to pick from from bright greens/blues to the neutral and natural browns and blacks. 

Milani Color Statement Lip Liner

This lipliner is 100% a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk. It’s an all around flattering liner color that can be used all over the lip or to just line. Its super affordable and easy to apply. Does wear off overtime when its used as a full lip color but it does the job of lining your lips and overall staying in place for your other lip products to stay put. 100% would grab a dozen of these to keep on stockpile. 

Somewhat Luxury items that I’m calling Drugstore because A) Super Cheap/on clearance and B) sold at Ulta; which has a mix of drugstore and luxury - I personally feel these items are drugstore due to their prices. 

KKW Contour Sticks
Creamy buildable contour and highlight sticks thats easy to blend. Dual ended with two shades perfect for highlighting, sculpting and bronzing the face.
These are marked down to $8.00 and used to be $32 - for that price I would grab some if you want a cream contour set that is an all-in-one from bronzing colors and highlight. It has an easy step by step instructions and does contour. I personally don’t understand contouring so these sticks made it easy for me. Are these perfect? No, one of the sticks wiggled like it wanted to break so I just make sure I’m not pressing too firmly on my face. 

Kylie Cosmetics Blush
Pressed powder blush that is mistake proof and smooth with vibrant color.
The blush I had of Kylies is "We’re Going Shopping" which is no longer sold but I had this in my vanity forever because I just always grabbed up my $53 Charlotte Blush. This is only $18 which is why I’m okay with adding this to my ‘drugstore makeup’ post. Packaging is cute. Color is alright. I wouldn’t say its “mistake-proof” cause its easy to over apply blush. So I lightly applied it to make sure I didn’t overdo it. 

Kylie Cosmetics High Gloss Lip Gloss

Gently softens your lips while leaving a mirror shine finish and no stickiness. Ultra shiny, non sticky and lip loving care formula with over 18 shade options

WOW - I DO NOT like this stuff. I grabbed up the clear one for a good clear gloss to wear on top of matte lip products or just alone. But its super sticky and once you get the applicator out of the tube it’s over halfway empty. I feel it’s a waste of money. No one wants to apply lip gloss and have their hair stuck to their lips cause its literally glue on your face. Please don’t waste a penny on this. Its 100% NOT worth it. If you want a good clear lip gloss ELF has one for a fraction of the price of this gloss and your hair wont be stuck to your face from it. 

The question is: Which would I buy again? I would buy again the infallible foundation because I love the natural finish and its a great everyday foundation, the pressed powder because its cheap and like the foundation - its a good everyday product, and I would grab up the lip liner because its the BEST dupe for a Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner. 

* The links are affiliate links - when clicking an affiliate link and making a purchase I’ll make a small commission at NO additional charge to you. This is how I upkeep my blog financially. 

Shop The Post!

Thanks again for reading the blog post and please remember to follow me on all my social channels! Also if you’d be interested in seeing a Youtube review and full face of these products please let me know! I’m considering creating a YouTube and branching out that way in the near future if people would enjoy that! 

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Autumn & Winter Accessories Trends

 Hello Darlings! If you haven’t seen my recent post about the fashion trends for Autumn Winter 2021 please go check out that post! Today’s post is all about the Accessories, Shoes, and Handbag trends for Autumn Winter 2021. 

I want this to be super quick, simple and easy so you’ll see a bullet list of the trends and a small description - at the bottom of the post will be a shopping widget with some of the trends that are currently in store that you can shop today! 

Handbags
 - The carryall bag; stylish tote bags that hold all the things you need for the day.
- Puffy bags are super great trend to match the puffer fashion trend. These come in lots of different materials and price points from luxury to super H&M affordable! My personal favorite luxury Inso of the puffy bag is the YSL puffer bag.
- Hobo style handbags with a soft curve is super on trend. Also in the more vintage style logos and prints.
- Neutral designer bags that are timeless are perfect for this season and will last a lifetime.

Shoes
- Boots and shoes with a strong platform.
- Sesame seed color, taupe color, and winter white in boots, mules, and slides. Very popular and beautiful.
- Boots up to the knee are on trend in mixed textures from leather, suede, and faux leather.
- Outdoor snow boots are also being seen on the runway a lot this year.
- Mules and slides with chain detailing.

Jewelry and Sunnies
- Big Shades for a bold and also throwback look.
- chain detail jewelry in metal colors (gold, silver, bronze) are major on the runways and you can also find the chain detail in hats, handbags, and shoes too!
- Along with chain detail jewelry also designer necklaces layered with other materials like Chanels classic pearls with some edgy chain layers.
- Stack rings. More than one ring on your hand is a trend for this year. The materials can be from metals, stones and even colored plastic rings.
- Statement watch is a must for Autumn/Winter for a tailored look.

Hair Accessories
- Headscarfs in silk materials and can be also worn as a neck scarf or small twilly scarfs tied up in your ponytail is popular for A/W. Patterns from classic neutrals, bold colors, and elegant patterns.

- London Fashion week says straw Boat hats (short with round rim) will be on trend this Autumn.
- Statement bows in beautiful velvet and satin, hair ‘jewelry’ (studded clips, bobby-pins, and designer logo clips) will be on style this A/W, along with headbands.
- Hats like fedoras with chain detailing and leather ties will be on trend this Autumn.
- Leather baseball caps are popping up on the retailers websites in neutral leather colors for a fun texture to your outfit.

Shop The Trends Now! Here’s my Picks!

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Autumn- Winter 2021 Trends Report

Ah, Autumn. The crisp cool chill of the morning, the crunching sound of leaves as you walk, and the warm fragrant smell of cinnamon, apple, and spice. All you need is the perfect cozy outfit for the ultimate autumnal aesthetic. Today’s blog post is all about the trends for Autumn/Winter fashion. These trends are all over the A/W runway shows and a sure sign the retailers will be recreating these looks and aesthetics for their shop windows.

I also wanted to mention the research I did for these trends was through Harpers Bazar, Vogue, and looking a luxury retailers + runway shows. 

At the bottom of this post will be a shopping widget where you can see some of the affordable options I found of each trend from popular retailers. 

Trend 1: Sticking with the Classics
All the trends you know are timeless and never falling out of style - perfect for Autumn. This is those little black dresses, the classic long  trench coats, wool knits, and boots.

Trend 2: Tailored Made
There’s a huge ‘tailored’ style that started trending awhile back and is currently on the runways. From matching pants and blazers, tailored suit coats, pleated paints with silk button down shirts, also don’t shy away from the matching skirt and jacket. The power suits are here.

Trend 3: Apres SKI
Apres ski is an easy and fun look to do in the winter months. Its also a style you will be able to find literally anywhere this winter. From fun knitted pattern sweaters with the indoor or outdoor ski lodge feel. If bright reds and navy blues aren’t your thing - winter whites and soft grays will work well too. Also don’t forget the fun wool ski socks, hats and mitten, and furry slippers are perfectly acceptable for the apres ski look!

Trend 4: Knitwear With A Kick
Knitwear is always in style each winter but this year try grabbing up the balloon sleeve knits or the knits with pomp pomp or sequins. If you’re feeling really brave, a knit midi skirt or pants. That extra kick is hot and trending. Also oversized knit sweaters with leggings and boots. For colors it’s a cross the board from bright jewel tones or dulled down neutrals.

Trend 5: Roaring Cool Girls 20’s
This trend is all about the Roaring 20’s nod but in a cool girl modern take. Flapper style dresses with lace detailing but a ‘cool girl’ leather jacket or biker boots. Fun sequins, pearls, and other details are included. It’s a fun look where you can mix and match eras plus play it up with that 20’s-80’s-90’s rich girl vibe.

Trend 6: Puffers
Puffer coats are here again for 2021. These coats also give a great nod to the ski aesthetic but the difference is any color is acceptable, and the size of the puff is whatever you’re comfortable with - also puffer style handbags are trending too! 

Trend 7: Patterns
The patterns for this A/W is bold and commanding attention. From geometric patterns, the apes ski patterns, artistic style patterns that look like a painting, and beautiful autumn/winter florals. From colors for these pattern looks goes across the board from bright jewel tones to dulled down hues.

Trend 8: Dulled Down Colors
Dulled down or “off toned” colors is popular this year on the runways. From Rust Red, Burnt Orange, Faded Mustard Yellow, and Olive-Hunter Green, Dusty Browns, and so on. The faded dulled down colors is a style that also fits great with the dark moody academia look. Layer the textures with leather, knit, suede, and so forth.

Trend 9: Midi
Midi length skirts are once again back and this style is perfect in patterns, knits, and color hues mentioned above. The Midi skirt can be styled in more professional tailored looks or layered in a more 1920’s modest style. My favorite way to wear a midi skirt for Autumn is with a knitted sweater - belted - with a nice pair of dull brown leather knee high boots. 

* The links are affiliate links - when clicking an affiliate link and making a purchase I’ll make a small commission at NO additional charge to you. This is how I upkeep my blog financially. 

Collection of fashion pieces you can purchase now that fits with the AW 2021 Trends!

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Chloé Woody Sandals Review

Hello Darlings, today is a fun fashion review. Early Spring of this year, I decided to invest in the super popular Chloé Woody Mules in shade White. I’ve seen these shoes on some of the biggest and most glam fashion influencers IG feeds and to be frank - the FOMO was real. I’ve been looking at these shoes for 2 years but the price tag has ALWAYS scared me. For 2021, I wanted to treat myself and the Chloé Woody Mules (or Sandals, I know some will call these Sandals) just felt right. 

I get asked often by fellow fashion lovers how do the shoes feel/fit, how much were they, and would I explain the break-in process…. So, today I’m giving you my full and honest review of these shoes. 

PLEASE read this review before purchasing since this is a costly pair of sandals. 

Details: The Chloé Woody Mules are $375, in 5 color options, and only come in whole sizes. 

Though, called “The Woody” they’re actually made of canvas, rubber, and calfskin (so yes, there is leather on these shoes). 

The website states if you’re in a half size go up to the next whole size IE: if you wear a 7.5 purchase a size 8.

The Chloé Woody Mules are sold in select retailers (chloe.com, Netaporter, Nordstrom, Saks, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and any other luxury fine retailer that sells Chloé). 

• I purchased my Chloé Woody Mules at nordstrom.com

My Review:
My shoes shipped quickly from the Nordstrom website. They arrived in their original box with shoe dust-bags. I can tell these have never been worn - though, the box did have a scuff on it. When I first put the shoes on I said to myself, ‘ehh, these are kinda big - why cant these come in half sizes?!’. But I wore them ONLY on carpet because I was unsure if I wanted to keep them. I typically wore them for 5-15 minutes at a time. The longer I wore them, the more I noticed the lack of comfort. I quickly realized if I plan to keep these shoes there will be a time these shoes will hurt my feet.
I remember watching a JosieLDN video on Youtube and she stated it took a whole year for her to break her Chloé Woody Mules in and for the first summer she regretted the purchase but the second summer they felt more comfortable. I will say, she’s right on that comfort level and the ‘regret’ feeling. After wearing them in public for the first time, I regretted purchasing mine for a few weeks as well (but keep reading... Cause though I state I regretted it the first few weeks my opinion might change...).

 

But, I decided to keep them after 1.5 weeks of wearing them exclusively on carpet indoors. The shoes are very classy, stylish, and easy to dress. I honestly feel like it’s a style that wont fade away anytime soon (In fact, Chloé just launched a matching Woody tote bags this year to compliment the shoes - therefore, I feel this shoe is here to stay!)

Did these hurt? 100% YES. It truly was a pain to break these in. There’s no support at all. The sole of these shoes is literally a flat rubber board with some calfskin in the center with a stamped logo. I got blisters where the canvas straps rubbed the top of my foot and the bottom of my feet felt like I was walking on concrete all day. These shoes you DO NOT wear all day (let me repeat... DON’T wear these all day, you’ll regret it!!!). These are the ‘date night shoe’ or the ‘out to brunch’ statement piece. The longest I’ve worn these is 6 hours with a girlfriend shopping in NC. We sat down for 2 hours to eat so I was able to give my feet a break but WOW - these aren’t a ‘wear all day’ mule. 

*** I do want to mention again the lack of support these shoes have because I feel its important for you the possible customer to be aware of this. If you’re someone who needs shoes with a good arch or the ability to add some support DO NOT buy these. 

Are these easy to keep clean? For the most part, yes. I will say, if you plan to fake tan beware - these will stain. Like most white surfaces + fake tan, it’ll rub off onto the canvas. So either no fake baking the tops of your feet or accept your white Mules will be discolored overtime due to tanning.

Styling tips: I will say this shoe IS the statement piece. I typically wear these with simple outfits. Jeans + tee, neutral color dress, bike shorts and a hoodie, etc. I never mix labels (so I don’t wear these with my LV Neo-Noe bag because the labels become too aggressive) I enjoy that ease of being able to wear a super boring outfit but the shoes will ’trend’ it up a bit. 

Final Thoughts:  My final thoughts are the Chloé Woody Mules are a beautiful, classic, and stylish mule that will have a happy spot in my wardrobe for years to come. I love the design and look of the Woody Mules but my personal preference - I only like them in the white color. These mules really take my simple basic outfits to the next level which helps me feel more “put together” on days I choose comfortable clothing over stylish clothing. 

If you’re on the market for a new pair of sandals - I don’t think these are the shoes to get if you want to wear them more than 2x a week  and in longer than 3 hours increments. They’re not practical at all. They’re not comfortable in extended periods of wear time and there’s ZERO support; plus the price tag doesn’t justify the lack of ‘luxury’ textiles. All the Woody mules is is a canvas, rubber, and a small match of calfskin sandal housed in a cardboard box.
If you’re already a Chloé shopper and you want these to elevate your Chloé Collection - I can see getting them as an add on to your Chloé wardrobe. I love the brand Chloé. I’ve owned multiple pieces from the brand. 

But if you’re simply wanting these to fit the “Chloé Aesthetic” or you feel the “FOMO” from the influencers - it might be worth waiting till these are marked down or substitute for a similar style. 

(I’ve seen BCBG made similar dupes to these. I’ve tried them on and those are 10x more comfortable and have the same aesthetic that the Chloé Woody’s bring to the table). 

Thank you for reading my review on the Chloé Woody Mules. If you have any additional questions about the Woody Mules please drop a comment below or hop over to my Instagram page! I check my Instagram multiple times a day and its where you’ll get the quickest reply. 

If you’re not following my social pages please do! 

Below I will link the Chloé Woody Mules that are in stock PLUS some similar options if you’re on the market for this style of shoe - but more practical pricing and comfort is on your radar.
* The links are affiliate links - when clicking an affiliate link and making a purchase I’ll make a small commission at NO additional charge to you. This is how I upkeep my blog financially. 

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Shop the Post! (This includes the Chloe Sandals/Mules + the Dupe option!)