Contest, up and Running!

I've reached my goal of 25 subscribers on my YT! So, because of that, my fall contest is running until November 11, 2011. If you haven't subscribed, all you have to do is become a subbie and follow the rules on my video. It's not a big list, so just check it out. Free makeup! And one of those prizes could be a Rue 21 Natural Eye Kit!

Another thing, I've been thinking about creating another channel strictly towards music and covers. If it's something you'd like to see, let me know!

Contest!

I've reached my goal of 25 subscribers on youtube! And as I promised, I will come out with a video explaining the rules. If you want a chance to win the Fall themed makeup prize, just go to the channel and hit the subscribe button. And don't forget to tell me what you'd like to see in that prize. Specific items, brands, etc.

I am so thankful for my followers. Especially the fact that I reached that goal on my birthday! So, thank you all so much for the support. I love you!

Should I?

So, there are two things that I'm thinking about doing and I would absolutely loveee your all's input.

The first thing has to do with becoming a makeup rep. I'm leaning more towards Mark than I am for Avon, just because Mark seems more youthful. You only pay $20 and you get your starter kit. Then you can begin selling almost instantly, I think. This isn't like, a full time job or anything. I work part time, but I only make around $100 a week and I'm needing a bit more than that. So, this is just a way to make some extra cash and get some discounts on products.

What do you think? Is Mark the way to go?

And second. I'm thinking about signing up for BirchBox. If you don't know what it is, you basically pay $10 a month and you receive 4-5 travel sized makeup products. If you like them enough, you can purchase the full size. Seems like a pretty good investment to me, so how 'bout it? Do you have BirchBox? Do you like it?

Please, please, please leave your thoughts below! And don't forget to check out my Youtube channel!

ELF Everday Beauty Book.

I've had this for a while and figured I'd post a little review about it. I bought this from Target for $5 and while it isn't the best quality, it was worth my five bucks. The lighter colors aren't all that pigmented, but go with the darker and you'll see big improvement. I haven't noticed any creasing and the staying power is pretty great, so I would definitely check this out. 12 eye shadows for $5? Steal deal.

These beauty books are available in a few other options, all can be found at Target. I'm not sure if the website still carries these or not. Last time I checked, I couldn't find it. But, don't take my word for it. Definitely pick this up for yourself or even as a Christmas gift.

Formspring?

So, I now have a Formspring account! Definitely check it out and ask anything that comes to mind, outrageous or not.

Here's the link: http://www.formspring.me/shalenabrietta

And don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel for your chance to win a Fall makeup package!
If you don't have an account, it's easy and free to make one! Start clicking!

My First Subbie!

So, I logged onto my youtube account today and I saw my first subscriber! You don't know how ecstatic I was. They also left me a very nice comment that has encouraged me to do all the things that I love. I'm hoping this is the first of many. Maybe they'll start the movement!? Come join!

On another note, I have a contest in progress, so go on and click the Contest page above for more details.

Much love!

Don't Hate Me!

I know, I know! This blog is supposed to be all about drugstore products, but I caved! I was just so tired of "okay" foundations, I mean, who isn't? So, yes. I went to Macy's, walked to the MAC counter and purchased the Studio Fix Fluid Foundation and the Mineral Skin Finish Powder. Let's not stop reading, okay? Let me explain.

 I've watched youtube for months straight. I don't think I go a day without watching at least one beauty guru. And in almost every video, I saw this pretty little powder. I knew MAC was pretty expensive, but I still wanted it. And if you knew me, you'd understand how tight I am with my money. If I spend $20 on a shirt or $30 on a purse, the next day I feel absolutely horrible. So, I didn't act on this on a whim. I don't have a lot of money to spend, so I'm pretty careful about what I buy.

Anyway, a week went by and I wanted this just as badly. And so, I bought it in Medium.This was around $27, very pricey compared to my $8 Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, but after just one use? Totally worth it I honestly recommend you saving money back and purchasing this product. You won't be sorry.

Like the powder, I wanted this just as badly. I was so sick of my Revlon Colorstay, it's not even funny. (If you'd like a review on that, I'd be glad to do it. Just comment below.) So, the lady at the counter matched me with NW20. The only downside is how small this is. It looked bigger in the youtube videos, but I have bigger hands, so that could be it. But, it's only 1 fluid once, I'm not sure how big my other foundations are, I'll have to look. (They all have the same amount, so that's good.)

But, it's okay because you honestly don't need a lot. The lady told me about the pumps for $7, but I had no problem pouring it on my hand, except that you can't. The product is so creamy, you really can't dispense it any other way. Right now I'm dipping my brush in it, but I'm picking up a pump today.

This foundation is medium to heavy coverage, which is amazing and my skin looks natural and flawless. This is going to be the first foundation I've ever finished. But, the smell is kind of overwhelming. I can't explain it, but it does get annoying. That's really the only downfall. And the price. But, like I said. Save your money up. It won't take that long to come up with $57. I know, I know. A lot for just two items, but it's amazing.

Don't think department store brands will take over my collection. I love my drugstore makeup and I have no problem with their eyeliners, shadows, mascaras, and blushes. But, I've come to find that when it comes to your face, extra money is kind of a must.

False Eyelashes.

So, I've been looking into buying some false lashes, but I don't know which brand I should get. I bought the Natural ones from ELF in my first haul, but I threw those away because they wouldn't stick, but now I see that it was the lash glue, not the lashes themselves.

I really regret throwing them away. I'm thinking about re-purchasing? But, still unsure. So, I'm just going to ask you guys. What are your favorite brands? Any tips on how to apply and some good lash adhesive? Anything will be helpful, and I'd just like some feedback! (:

So, get to typing and don't forget to check out the youtube channel and subscribe!

youtube.com/shalenabriettaa

M.I.A.

Yes, I know I've been neglecting my blog, I'm sorry! Being busy is the typical excuse, but it's the truth, too. I just went to ULTA and bought some NYX lipsticks, a few things from WalMart, and some other things, so I'll post reviews and hauls and what not soon.


OH! Don't forget to check out my youtube channel! I'll be doing a haul on there very shortly. So, let's subscribe, shall we?

I love you guys!

Video!

Check out my youtube channel!

youtube.com/shalenabriettaa

Subscribe and support, I love you all and am so thankful for allll of my viewers!

By the way, the video is on my September favorites, so be sure to watch.

Oh No!

My ELF Luscious Liquid Lipstick broke! I've had it less than a week and I can't use it anymore. My boyfriend said that's what you get for paying a dollar, but it really was a good product.

Okay, so here's what happened. I used it this morning and it was fine. I went back a few hours later to touch up and when I went to twist it, nothing happened. No product was coming out at all. Like, what the heck? So, I kept twisting and waiting to see if it was a delayed reaction, but nothing still came out. I twisted and twisted and the applicator completely popped off! How in the world does that happen? I was devastated and I tried to screw it back on, but it just wouldn't go. I even tried to untwist it. Nothing worked. So, I put the lid on it and it's just laying helpless on my vanity. Poor thing.

I sent an email to ELF asking if this was normal. Like, what gives? Maybe they'll send a replacement? I highly doubt it, but you never know. Maybe just a refund. Either way, I'd like some justice for my little lip gloss. And no, it was not my fault for twisting like a maniac. That's how you get the product to come out and if it had came out like it was supposed to, none of this would have had to happen.

I'm just venting. I don't think this will keep me from ordering more of the Liquid Lipsticks, though. I really did like them. Have you ever had a product you love break?

My Second ELF Haul.

My ELF haul came in and I am very, very pleased with 99% of the products. And the shipping was 10x better than the last time I placed an order. Not counting the weekends, it got here in four to five days. I can't remember which.

 The last time I purchased an order, my products came in a box. I guess I didn't order quite as many things, but either way, nothing was broken.

 Like I said last time, I love this bag. It looks so chic. I'll find some use for it.

 This is everything, unopened. I couldn't wait to try it all out.

 This was the product I was most excited about. It's the kabuki brush from their Studio Line.

 I don't know if it's normal, but there's like this split in the bristles. It doesn't really effect the outcome, but I'd prefer it not be there.

 I thought for sure I was going to like this, but as of now, I don't. It seems too flimsy and not dense enough. I prefer my Rite Aid Renewal brush.

 I've heard some pretty great things about the Blending Eye Brush, it seems to be doing its job, but I think I like my Eco Tools one better. But, I don't hate it.

 As soon as I got this Eye Crease Brush out of the pack, I went to see how soft the bristles were and the top fell off. It doesn't really bother me, I'll just glue it, but I know it'll turn some other people off.

 I've been missing this eyeliner for quite some time. It gives amazing precision for winged out liner.

 This is the Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Nude Pink and it's not sticky at all! I love this and I'm definitely planning on getting more.

 I finally got the Mineral Lipstick in Natural Nymph. I've been wanting this ever since I heard AlwaysRennie rave about it on youtube.

 It's just a nice nude color that goes on very silky and creamy.

 This is the bronzer from the dollar line, I forget what it's called exactly, but it's in the shade Warm Tan. It's a bit shimmery, but when you blend it in, it's not that noticeable. I won't say I love this, I do like it, but I'm not crazy about it.

These are the Natural Radiance Blushes in Innocence and Glow. I love both of these colors. They are quite small, a lot smaller than the bronzer, but the color makes up for it.


I bought all of these products with my own money. These opinions are completely my own.

NYX.

I've been wanting NYX makeup for a while now, so I went on Cherry Culture, it's a lot cheaper than the actual NYX website, and placed my order. It came in a few days ago and I've had enough time to test all the products out and give a bit of a review.

 So, it came in this box, which surprisingly, fit in my mailbox along with my ELF package.

 The packaging was amazing. Everything was wrapped perfectly and nothing was broken.

I only ordered two items, I think the chapstick was just a free gift, but it smells and feels amazing. So, thank you Cherry Culture! I love it!

The chapstick flavor is in BubbleGum and is a Cherry Culture brand. The NYX eyeshadow is their 10 color Runway palette in Champagne and Caviar and the colors are beyond amazing. The pigmentation is great and it lasts me all day, even without a primer. I've used this palette everyday since it came in. The Jumbo Eye Pencil is in Milk and it's the creamiest, smoothest, white eyeliner I've ever used. It looks great as a highlight for your brow bone or on the inside corner of your eyelids. This is now a must have!

Everything you see, I paid for myself. I was not asked for this review. I'm speaking so highly of these products simply because it's my honest opinion and I absolutely adore them. I plan on making more purchases in the future. If you'd like to see swatches of the eyeshadow palette, just comment below.

Thanks!

Glitzy Glam.

These have been in for a few days, but I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to write about it. Better late than never, right? And from the stats of this blog, you guys seem to love these hauls.

We'll start with Glitzy Glam. If you don't know, it's an online website owned by two youtube gurus, juicystar07 and allthatglitters21. It's basically just personalized items. For our two year anniversary, I asked my boyfriend for at least a makeup bag and I chose this one.

 It just came like this, but I'm sure if you ordered more things, your package would come in a box.

The bag was wrapped in plastic with a silver string tied into a bow. Every order comes with a thank you note, which I thought was really nice.

This is the 'purse size terry makeup bag' and it's in black with the font curlz. The material reminds me of suede, which I don't really like. It tends to catch stuff in my purse and just looks dirty. I'd rather have the waffle bag, but they didn't have a purse size and the original was too big. So, Elle and Blair, if you ever read this, please make a purse size!

If you can't tell, there's a small pocket on the side. I just stick my bobby pins and hair bows in it, it's a bit too small to fit anything else.

Overall, I'm happy with the bag. I would like something a bit more chic, but it'll do for now.

A Great Day.

So, today I'm celebrating two wonderful years with my boyfriend. We weren't going to do much, but he surprised me with roses as I was doing my makeup. It was so sweet and I can honestly say I wasn't expecting it.

My makeup bag from Glitzy Glam, also a present from my boyfriend, came in today. He wasn't all that happy with it, but I like it. It's simple and it holds my makeup, so I'm not complaining. Sure, I can get something a little more stylish, but this one will do for now. I'll post some pictures later on this evening.

My ELF shipment has reached Indianapolis, which is only a state away, so it should be getting here tomorrow or Friday. I don't know when Cherry Culture will get here, the tracking device sucked on the website. Maybe I just can't figure it out, I don't know.

But, I did get my youtube video, so check it out. It's lame and will probably embarrass me later on in the future, but I did it. Thanks for all you readers, I really do appreciate you all!

Youtube Ain't Easy.

It's 7am and I haven't been to bed. I've been waiting until everyone has gone to sleep so I can try to make my first youtube video, but it's so hard! You'd think it'd be easy, I thought it'd be easy! But, it's obviously not. I thought talking would be easy, but it's uncomfortable and awkward. I've done take after take, said 'um' and 'so' every five seconds, and erased every blasted video on my camera. This is hard stuff.

I honestly thought I could just sit down and have it done in no time, but you get in front of that camera and you don't know where to look, you don't know what to do with your hands, you feel too loud in the silent room, you forget what you're wanting to say, and your video is only 20 seconds long.

This is something I really want to do and I know they say "If it's hard, it's worth it." This had definitely be worth it. I know I'm not going to be perfect or professional on the first video, nobody ever is. But, I have to try. I have to get something decent out of myself and put my best foot forward. And if you're wanting to do the same thing, here's a few tips I've figured out.

Write down what you're going to say. If not, you're going to go blank.

Don't seem to fake. Make the camera a person and be yourself. If not, you're just going to look stupid.

Download Movie Maker. It's going to help you a lot.

It's okay to be nervous. One day, you'll be confident.

Now, I'm going to try again. Fingers crossed!

ELF Shipping.

I know when I placed my first order, I was just like everyone else. "When will my package get here?" "Why does it still say it's processing?" And every other shipment question in the book. Now, I'm no expert, but I can tell you a bit about it.

There are mixed reviews about ELF's shipping roaming around on the internet. Your opinion is your opinion, my opinion is my opinion. From experience, I've realized that the time you place your order is key.

See, I get paid on a Friday, so that's when my orders are placed. ELF only "works" from Monday to Friday and processing can take a few hours to a day. Both times that I've ordered has been pretty late into the evening, so my order isn't going to be fully processed until the following Monday. That's two days nothing is being done. (I don't mind, I know I'll get it eventually.)

So, when it's finished processing, your info will be shipped to FedEx and from then on out, you can track your order. Depending on where you live is a main factor, too. ELF is located in New York, so if your in that area, you should get it pretty quickly. I live in Kentucky, so I'm still on the east coast. Once it's shipped out, my package arrives within 2-3 days. But, if you're on the west coast, it's obviously going to take a bit longer.

One other major factor is the sales. If you order when they're having this big sale, they're going to have a lot of orders to process. So, yours could be the 10th or the 100th. While the sales are fantastic, they also hinder your shipping pace and which products will be available. With my first purchase, I had ordered the cream eyeliner, one of the most important things on my list. When it finally got here, it was missing. I guess with the sale, more people were buying it. I just wasn't one of the people that ordered fast enough. So, keep in mind that with sales, things can go out of stock.

You can sign up and they'll send you emails, sometimes about secret sales that ordinary people don't know about. Even if they're a member, they sometimes won't regularly read their email, so first come first serve. And some sales only last 2 days.

ELF is a really good investment. I would recommend anyone trying it out just once. And, no. I was not paid or influenced to write this. I'm merely thinking of you guys. I know what it's like to search around on the internet and find crap. I hope this helped even just one person. Thanks!

Hair Choice.

So, I want to do my hair differently. I just dyed it a really dark mocha color, but I'm thinking a lighter shade would compliment me more. (My natural hair color is like, a dirt blonde-brown.) I have always loved this color.

Yes, it's Miley Cyrus, but who cares. The girl has pretty hair, okay? I've wanted my hair like this for so long, but I hate digging into my wallet to pay for it. But, beauty is priceless, right? Well, I was convinced on growing my hair out and dying it this shade until I saw this hair cut.

Same girl, same color, just shorter. And, coincidentally, I've been telling my boyfriend how badly I wanted a bob, but he was just so opposed. Now that I've saw this slightly longer, collarbone length do, I really want it. But, at the same time, I'm not sure.

So, what do you think about  it? Leave comments and let me know, thanks for reading!

Newsy News.

So, I looked at my orders on ELF, Cherry Culture, and Glitzy Glam and they've all been shipped. Well, Cherry Culture is "in progress', but I assume it's about to be shipped out. I'm hoping it'll be here by the end of the week and then I can do some more hauls and reviews.

Another thing, I've decided to do youtube videos, so be on the lookout. I just have to wait until I can find a decent place to film. Every place in my house, the lighting either sucks or you're just going to hear yelling. So, I'm just waiting to get the house to myself and then we'll get started.

That's about all the news, I know, it's not much. But, an update is always a good thing.

Online Orders.

So, I just placed a few online orders with Glitzy Glam, ELF, and Cherry Culture. I'll let you know which products I decided to go with.

Glitzy Glam: This is a website owned by two youtube beauty gurus, Elle and Blair (allthatglitters21 and juicystar07). The two sisters have personalized things from pencil pouches and tampon cases to makeup bags and totes. Everything is super cute and you can add your own little touch on just about everything. I ordered a purse-sized terry makeup bag in black with a silver 'S'. It's simple, but very cute and chic. It retails for $10, but with the "Back2school" coupon, I got 15% off my purchase. I can't wait until it gets here, I'm in desperate need of a good sized makeup bag.

ELF: I've only placed one order before, but I was very pleased with the quality, so I ordered some different things like: Professional eye blending brush, Professional eye crease brush, Natural Radiance blush in Glow and Innocence, Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Warm Tan, Felt-tip eyeliner in black, Liquid lipstick in Nude Pink, Studio Stipple Brush, Studio Face Kabuki, and a mineral lipstick in Natural Nymph. I'm very excited about this haul. Oh, and I also used the promo code "Carolina" which is supposed to give you 50% of all orders up to $15, but it goes no higher than $7.50. Still, $7.50 is money I don't have to spend.

Cherry Culture: I only ordered two things from here and they were both NYX products, but you knew that. I went with the Champagne and Caviar 10 color palette and a jumbo eye pencil in Milk. This may be the order I'm most excited. If all goes well, I'll definitely place another order in the future.

Keep a look out for reviews on all of these products!
And don't forget to follow if you would like to partake in a contest!