Favorite e.l.f Products

In the past few months, I've become obsessed with makeup products which can get pretty pricey, but luckily for any makeup wearer on a budget, there's e.l.f. "Top Premium Cosmetic & Makeup for Less" is what they describe themselves as, and for the most part, they're pretty dead on. For those of you not familiar with the brand, e.l.f (eyes, lips, face) sells makeup, makeup tools, and other cosmetic products for super cheap-- anywhere from $1 to maybe $5 tops-- at most drugstores (I buy mine at Target). Although most of the makeup and tools I've purchased from the line are amazing, the whole "you get what you pay for" still applies on some products, so I thought I'd share with you all what is worth more than the few bucks they're sold for.

Lipstick $1:
My lipstick collection has grown tremendously in the last month or so with some products priced at more than $10 (yes, I know, it's bad), yet this one is still one of my favorites. I used to have a couple of different shades, but now I'm down to just one in a light pink called "seductive". The color pay-off is wonderful without having to often. It's also really hydrating which is something you usually have to compromise with cheap lipstick.









Makeup Mist & Set $3:
I'd been wanting to try a setting spray for a while because my oily skin doesn't like holding makeup very well, but I didn't know where to start. While reading a review for a foundation, I saw someone mention they used this little guy, which I had no idea existed, so I went out and bought it thinking I'd eventually upgrade to something better. As of now, I have no intention of switching to a different brand. This one does the job just fine. I was afraid that it'd make my face sticky, or clog my pores and cause me to break out, but that's not the case at all. If you do choose to go out and try it for yourself, do know it has a distinct odor going on, but it doesn't stay on your skin.

Clarifying Pressed Powder $1:
Like I said, I have pretty oily skin, so I'm always looking for a powder that will help control and conceal that. I've tried some that are made specifically for oily and acne-prone skin at a much higher price, and this one gets the job done just as well. While it's not my go-to product, it's still one of my favorites mostly because of its size. Also, a little goes a long way this one as it's pretty pigmented.










-Gabee

Gabee's January Favorites

Here's what I loved this past month :)

Nude Suede Flats With Cap Toe. These are a replacement to my Sam & Libby nude flats I wore to death. I actually think I like these a little better, and if you remember, I loved those other ones A LOT. -Charlotte Russe $9

Floral Peter Pan Collar Dress. I love collars; I love floral; I love this dress. I bought this after Christmas, and the pop of color on a winter day made me really happy. Now that the sun is back, this dress makes me even happier. -American Eagle Outfitters $15

Army Green Ripped Jeans. I really like how versatile these are. I can easily style them for a super girly look, an edgy one, or a really casual, laid back look. -Forever 21 Gift

Head Accessories. I had a whole post on these. They kept me warm and cute. -Beanie: H&M / Headband: $1 Jewelery Store (Seriously, I should know its actual name by now)

Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss. This whole line is perfect-- they also come in matte! If I could, I'd buy every single shade, but for now, these three red shades will do. The one on my lips in this picture is 110, the others is 12.  -Drugstores $4.99

That is all for this month's favorites! 

***Just a bit of an announcement: it's getting pretty difficult for me to post on Thursdays, so starting today I'll be posting on Fridays instead. And to work with my OCD, I'll also be posting on Mondays instead of Tuesdays. So, Mondays and Fridays it is!

Meow & Out, 

Gabee

A Bargain Story

My grandma likes to have me drive her around to stores sometimes. In return, she usually offers to buy me something which I usually decline, but this particular day I took up her offer and picked up this crochet/knit top. I'd been on the hunt for one like it, and this one was on clearance for $7.49 at Ross.
When I went home, though, I found that it had a big rip on one of the sides.
No big deal. Ross is down the street, and there was one other left when I was there.
So I made my way to the store with the intention of a simple exchange but was pleasantly surprised when I picked up the other shirt at the clearance rack.
The same top had been marked down to $3.49 meaning I had a few extra bucks to spare!
I continued looking through the clearance rack and came across these bad boys! At a mere $4.99 and in a fun color perfect for spring, I was sold.
The return gave me $8-something, and my new total was a little over $9. Exciting stuff!
The only thing I found was that on the pants, one of the legs is longer than the other, so I'll be forced to only wear them cuffed.

-Gabee

Putting To Use A Holiday Dress

If you're anything like me, you probably went out and bought a dress or two this past holiday season that was perfect for the occasion, but now what?

New Years Eve

I picked up this red velvet dress, $13 at Ross, for our Christmas dinner and wore it again to ring in the New Year. Two times just isn't enough, though, so I thought I'd show you a few tips on how to casually make use of your holiday dresses.

Layer, layer, layer. I find it that layering can work wonders for any outfit. For this one, I chose to layer the dress over a skull print collared blouse. Any collared top would have been fine, but I find it the edgy print gives this outfit a little more life (I'm sure there's a pun somewhere in there). I also did a bit of reverse layering on my legs by ditching the tights and opting for over-the-knee socks instead. 

Not everyone needs to know it's a dress. The way I see any dress is as two pieces of clothing. Throw a shirt over and wear it as a skirt, or wear it as a top (typically only works with bodycon or pencil skirt dresses) with pants or another skirt. 

Keep it simple and neutral. If you opted for sparkles this holiday season, keep the rest of your outfit toned down with neutral colors like black or beige. Or go for flats rather than high heels.

There you have it, hope you found some of these tips helpful! Just know it is possible to make good use of all your purchases. 

Meow & Out, Gabee
p.s. Sorry for the awkward, slanted photos. My camera and tripod did not want to work together today.