Review: Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Wipes vs. Original

My favorite brand of makeup remover wipes would definitely have to be Neutrogena. Neutrogena makes a few different kinds of removers, but I have only tried the original and night calming. Both can be purchased at drugstore.com. The Night Calming is on the site for $7.49, the Original is $7.99. Each pack comes with 25 wipes that are 19x18.5 cm each. All Neutrogena makeup remover wipes are ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested. They are also allergy and alcohol free.

The Night Calming has a scent of lavender and chamomile- hence night calming as studies have shown that those scents are soothing and help some sleep. When it comes to actual makeup removal- they pretty much do the same thing- and one is not better than the other, it's more personal preference. Both claim to even remove waterproff mascara, which some remover wipes do not, and I wake up with black flakes under my eyes if the night before I don't also use liquid eye makeup remover. I like the original better because sometimes the smell can kind of annoy me, but the scent never irritates my skin.

Yay or Nay? Angelina Jolie's Bangs

On this months cover of Vanity Fair, Angelina Jolie states that her daughter Shiloh wants to be a boy, which is shown in some of the outfits and short hair the 4 year old has been rocking lately. But what I don't like that much about the cover was her very retro- side swept looking bangs. I'm thinking yay! Her bangs frame her face beautifully and make her great bone structure stand out.

What do you think- Yay Or Nay?

Tip du Jour: Top Skincare Tips

1. Change your pillow cases and wash them weekly, A lot of bacteria, germs, and oils collect in your pillow case from your hair, skin, and hands.

2. Wipe your cell phone down with anti- bacterial wipes. If you wear makeup- some will wipe off and bacteria collects on your cell phone keys!

3. Probably the simplest thing to do, is remove your makeup at night with makeup remover wipes, this will prevent future breakouts and keep your skin clear.

4. Wash, Tone, and Moisturize! If you have specific acne problems such as black heads or white heads, many creams, washes, and moisturizers are available for your skin type.

5. Do not stress! Try doing something relaxing like a long bubble bath, yoga, pilate's, shopping, or whatever else relaxes you! Stress can lead to breakouts as well as dandruff, lack of sleep, etc.

Glam It Yourself: Candles

While on vacation visiting family- I was able to do something really cool that I have never done before; make my own candles! I saw candles all over my cousin's house and my aunt's house from a company (not mentioning the name, it is only in their state) so we decided to take a trip to the store! I made two of my own 8 oz. candles for $9 each- which I think is not a bad price! At this store, you could either buy them in 8 oz. glass jars, or make blend your own in a variety of sizes! You could also buy 4 candles in 4 oz. jars for $21 in a theme (Romantic, Beach, etc.) I blended 3 different oils with a natural soy base- came back an hour later, and voila! I had two custom blended candles.

Brown Sugar+Cinnamon+Sugar Cookie= Snickerdoodle Cookie
Marshmallow+Dark Chocolate+Graham Cracker=S'mores

Here are a few links to DIY candle shops that I found websites for, as well as tutorials to make your own candles. I also included some places to buy good quality candles online that I got high recommendations from youtube gurus, and blogs. *None of these companies are influencing or paying me in any way to link their company.*

The Villager Candle Shop
Truckee, California (530)562.8884

The Candle Lab
Worthington, Ohio (614)433.9900

Waxenart
Redmond, Washington (425)885.4422

Flicker
Reno, Nevada (775)324.4569

Waxen Moon
Squaw Valley, California (530)584.6006

Candles By Victoria
Van, Texas (903)963.7258

Illumenature
*online only*

Lux Naturals
*online only*

Bath & Body Works
*search for a store nearest you*

How to Make Candles at Home

Peak Candle Supplies

Tip of the Day: 5 Back To School Tips

Whether you're in 5th grade or 12th grade, everyone is going back to school. Where I live- school starts after labor day (September 7th) Here are a few (beauty & fashion related) tips for school!

1. Never get a wax, or facial the day before school starts. Facials will usually bring all impurites out and you will breakout for a little, and waxing can cause redness and irritation.
2. Don't get a new hair-do before you have some time to experiment and find what works for you.
3. Break in shoes at least 4 days ahead of time so you won't get blisters and be uncomfortable all day.
4. Don't stress about...well anything! Stress could cause breakouts, and no one wants that. :)
5. Schools can be germy, so carry around or keep in your locker some hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer can be very drying to your hands- so try to keep some lotion around too.

Any additions? Feel free to comment!

Fall 2010 Trend Report: 50s & 60s Fun

Even though I don't watch it- I'm sure many people watch the AMC original series Mad Men. Set in Manhattan, New York in the 1960s. This movie not only is set around the rising advertising business, but fashion as well. After some research, my 3 favorites are Betty the sophisticate, Joan the risk taker, and Peggy the prim girl next door.

In the cover article about Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas in the August copy of Teen Vogue, their cover story photo shoot entitled Blue Crush reminded me a lot of what the characters in Grease wore- my favorite photo (The Girl Next Door) shows Demi in a Chloe sweater, Opening Ceremony skirt, CC Skye bracelet, and Pour La Victoire shoes.

In Vogue, the mother of all magazines- and the big sister to Teen Vogue- the spread that really caught my eye was titled Magnificent OBSESSION. The 14 page spread features Ewan McGregor and Natalie Vodianova in an autumn 50s 'domestic drama' Not only did Natalie look great, but so did Ewan and their 'children' I feel as if the stereotypical 1950s domestic life is captured in this photo- but in a Prada silk-radzimir dress, shoes, and handbag of course!

photos by: teenvogue.com (Norman Jean Roy)

vogue.com (Peter Lindbergh)

catwalkqueen.tv (unknown)

Review: L.A. Girl FineLine Liquid Liner

I have never previously tried any of the products from the L.A. Girl line, and was eager to try! The liner is available on the L.A. Girl website for $7.00. This liner is not tested on animals, cruelty free, and paraben-free. This is also ophthalmologist tested.


I have never tried a liquid liner pen such as this, only a brush liner such as the MAC liquidlast, or the Urban Decay liquid liner which are the only 2 liquid liners I have tried. This liner is great! It stays on all day! Sometimes, I do have some trouble with applying liquid liners, and it might get a little out of 'line.' It doesn't leak out anywhere, and the product isn't messy. Overall I really like this product and could most likely be my new favorite liquid liner!