These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: October 2014

i by Kendrick Lamar // PRADA Candy // Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner // Living Proof Prime Style Extender // Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask // bare Minerals 'Rebel' Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss // Trader Joe's Crispy Crunchy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

i by Kendrick Lamar: I've been a fan of Kendrick for a while and this is definitely one of my favorite songs he's released.

PRADA Candy: I ran out of all of my perfumes before my last empties post and decided to give a new scent a try, and I love it! It's definitely the grown-up version of Aqualina Pink Sugar meets Viva La Juicy, both perfumes that I overused in middle school. I'm still a sweet-scent lover, so this is right up my alley.

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner: I've never been a huge fan of Liquid eyeliner, but I finally decided to break this open after having it for a few months from my Her Campus National Collegiette Conference goodie bag and I'm loving it! It's super pigmented and applies easily without skipping along my lash line and creates a cat eye with ease.

Living Proof Prime Style Extender (℅ Millennial Central): I've been using this for about a month and a half now, and it's finally started to grow on me this month. At first I wasn't really sure if I liked it, but now it's a keeper! I've been using it in place of oil which can weigh even my thick hair down because this leaves my hair soft and light.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask: I've used this on and off for a few years and recently picked up a new tube and I've fallen back in love. It definitely brings impurities to the surface the next day but they clear away quickly with care.

bare Minerals 'Rebel' Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss: This has turned into my my go-to gloss this month. It's the perfect 'my lips but better' shade and is the perfect consistency and the sample size I got fits right into my mini wallet along with chapstick for easy application wherever I am.

Trader Joe's Crispy Crunchy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: I've been a huge fan of the original crispy crunchy chocolate chip cookies for years now, and just discovered the oatmeal version this month and I'm hooked!

I visited NYC on October 11th to visit the Friends Central Perk pop-up with my best friend Jennie and we had the best time! Despite a rainy 4-hour wait, we made the best of the situation, mostly due to my mom and her best friend who drove to the city from Philadelphia to see us. Inside, we drank complimentary coffee, saw outfits and props from the set, and most importantly- we got to sit on the beloved couch from Central Perk on the show.

Tech Talk: Cinch App

Cinch is a new app that makes decision-making way easier! Get real, unbiased opinions from all Cinch users, your phone contacts, Facebook, Twitter, or Whatsapp friends. Voters can't see what others think until they vote themselves, so you can see what your friends really think about the shoes you're deciding on or your dress for a big date! You can even make your poll public or private depending on how big of a response you're looking for. Even though the Cinch app is for iPhone only, non-iPhone users can vote from their phone's internet browser.

I used Cinch before, during, and after Her Campus' Boston College Fashion Week a few weeks ago and it works great, just check out my screenshots on some of the questions I asked friends for opinions on!

I would definitely recommend Cinch if you are in need of any opinion, on pretty much anything! Whether it be from your friends, or complete strangers, Cinch makes it easy to help you make decisions.

Download Cinch
Cinch on Facebook
Cinch on Twitter
Cinch on Instagram

 I partnered with Cinch through the Her Campus Blogger Network but am not being influenced by any opinions but my own.

Review: Living Proof Haircare

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence Central for Living Proof. I received product samples to facilitate my review.

You may recall a post about a month ago covering the pHD line from Living Proof, which I’m still using and loving so read on for an update on those three products, plus two other awesome products from their line, the Prime Style Extender and Restore Hair Mask.

First of all, I’m totally obsessed with the scent of all the Living Proof products. While it is a bit perfumy, after a blow-dry my hair it can smell a bit “fried,” but the scent of their entire line will last in my hair for a while!

PhD Conditioner: This leaves the ends of my hair super hydrated and looking totally rejuvenated with every wash! It also smoothes away any flyaways before I even blow-dry my hair for an even more effortless look daily.

PhD Shampoo: I've been pretty blessed with easy to manage hair and rarely get flyaways. If I do get them, they're closer to my scalp and I've noticed a big difference since using this that I don't have as many. I've also cut down washing my hair every other day to every 2 days and I think that's mainly due to this because I haven't been using as much dry shampoo as I have in the past since starting my new PhD regime.

PhD 5-in-1 Styling Treatment: This is definitely what I would purchase if you wanted to only try out one product to start off with (even though they're better in a group + work amazingly well together) and is for sure the stand-out product of the line and my personal favorite.

Prime Style Extender ($20 for 5 oz.): I’ve tried this two different ways in the shower, and I’d definitely go with the latter mentioned: when my hair is still pretty wet, and when my hair is almost completely rung out. I love to use this once every two weeks and just have it sit in my hair while I do everything else in the shower. It leaves my hair feeling like I don’t even need a conditioner but I will usually follow up with my pHD conditioner. It hydrates and leaves even my super thick hair feeling light.

Restore Hair Mask Treatment ($42 for 8 oz.): I’ve been using this interchangeably with the pHD 5-in-1 styling product, on damp hair after a shower to smooth and prep my hair for blow-drying. While it doesn’t provide all the benefits that the 5-in-1, it gives very similar results.

August 2014 // October 2014

Overall, I'm loving all of my PhD products and two additional products! They've definitely improved the health, and length of my hair since I started using them!

Now through November 8th, with an order of $20 or more on LivingProof.com, get a free travel size PhD 5-in-1 Styling Treatment with code NOV2014. Plus, you'll get free samples and free shipping!

Beauty Sales Week of October 26th

Gilt:

• The Beauty Boutique (Sale begins Noon ET 10/27)
• Gifting Sneak Peek: Beauty Sets (Sale begins Noon ET 11/1)

HauteLook:

• Bella Semplice Eye & Face Masks, Nature's Shea Butter, VIOlight (Sale begins 8am PT 10/26)
• #ManiMonday: Orly Smart Gels, Suki Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 10/27)
• Brilliance New York Skincare, Laura Geller Beauty, Truth in Aging LED Light Therapy (Sales begin 8am PT 10/28)
• Absolute Hot New York Hair Tools, Lotus Cosmetics, Solyvia Aromatherapy (Sales begin 8am PT 10/29)
• Mai Couture Cosmetics, Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, Wink Lash and Brow Serum (Sales begin 8am PT 10/30)
• Algenist Skin Care, BeingTRUE Cosmetics, Clean Fragrance (Sales begins 8am PT 10/31)
• La Femme Actuelle Diamond Infused Skincare, SpaLife Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 11/1)

MYHABIT:

• Luxury Beauty: Borghese & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/27)
• A Night of Pampering: Bliss Skincare & More (sale begins 9am PT 10/31)

Rue La La:

• L'OCCITANE & More For Your At-Home Spa Day (Sale begins 11am ET 10/26)
• Bond No. 9 Women's & Men's Perfume (Sale begins 3pm ET 10/27)
• Brilliance New York Skin & Hair Care (Sale begins 11am ET 11/1)

Link Love: October 19-25

8 Ways to Stay Super Productive When Working At Home [Levo League]

Emirates Airlines Flight Attendants Reveal Just How Much Goes Into Their In-Flight Look [Huff Post Style]

I Have 4 Jobs - Is This the New Normal? [Refinery 29]

Make Homemade Cookie Butter (With Any Cookie!) [A Beautiful Mess]

The Real Cost Of TV Apartments - And Who Could Actually Afford Them [Refinery 29]

Sponsored: Scoopsies Ice Cream Service

Scoopsies is a start-up craft ice cream company in the Boston area, hand delivering right to your door. Scoopsies started in 2013 as an ice cream challenge to make 100 flavors in 365 days and after accomplishing her goal, Chloe Jankowitz started Scoopsies. What's even better for me is that she's an Emerson College alum, so I'm obviously a big supporter for that reason!

I tried out S'moreo and it was pretty good! Handmade in micro-batches, all of her unique flavors look delicious, just check out all the amazing flavors she has which include seasonal Halloween flavors among many others!

Currently, Scoopsies can be delivered to Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, and parts of Boston. It worked out perfectly that Chloe could deliver right to my dorm because she's an Emerson alum!

shop online
@100Scoopsies on twitter
@scoopsies on instagram
@Scoopsies Ice Cream on facebook

 I was sent this for consideration from Scoopsies but am not being influenced by any opinions but my own.

Brand Spotlight: Oscar de la Renta

"But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise. It's not lapis. It's actually cerulean. And you're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns." -Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada

Oscar de la Renta, world-renowned designer passed away on Monday October 20th in his home in Kent, Connecticut from complications from cancer at the age of 82. Gaining fame in the 1960s after dressing First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Mentored by Cristóbal Balenciaga, founder of Balenciaga fashion house, and employee of Lanvin and Balmain, before beginning his own fashion house, Oscar de la Renta is leaving behind a legacy.

Recipe: Pumpkin Scones

I'm obsessed with scones! They're definitely my favorite breakfast pastry but I could eat them at any time of day. I love pumpkin (pie, muffin, donut, etc) so this pumpkin scone recipe was right up my alley and super easy to make!

Beauty Sales Week of October 19th

Gilt:

• Erno Laszlo (Sale begins 9pm ET 10/19)
• Beauty Essentials For Every Occasion (Sale begins Noon ET 10/21)
• Hot Fall Hues Feat. Deborah Lippmann (Sale begins Noon ET 10/25)

HauteLook:

• Epilady: Hair Removal & Facial Tools, Russell Organics (Sale begins 8am PT 10/19)
• #ManiMonday: John Russo Nails, Liquid Keratin, Lord & Berry Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/20)
• Pure Pressed Essential Oils, The BrowGal By Tonya Crooks (Sales begin 8am PT 10/21)
• Discover Fall Fragrances, Mario Badescu, Travalo Atomizers & Roller Balls (Sales begin 8am PT 10/22)
• Jenetiqa Luxury Skincare, Men's Designer Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 10/23)
• Crown Brush, Perricone MD, Senna Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/24)
• D'Or Skincare, Nume Style Hair Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 10/25)

MYHABIT:

• Gorgeous Locks: Haircare Feat. Philip B, Wedding Ready: Bridal Beauty (Sales begin 9am PT 10/21)
• Phyto Haircare (Sale begins 9am PT 10/23)
• Skin Saviors: Cleansers, Moisturizers & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/25)

Rue La La:

• Found: Your New Signature Scent (Sale begins 11am ET 10/22)
• Save Face: Skincare by La Prairie & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/23)
• From The Lab Breakthrough Beauty Products (Sale begins 11am ET 10/24)
• Prada Fragrances & Sunglasses (Sale begins 11am ET 10/25)

Style Icons: Brigitte Bardot

In honor of the woman who practically invited the modern day duck face and showed that you can dress simply and still look stunning, today we're focusing on Brigitte Bardot who recently turned 80. Known for her signature pushed back blonde locks, Brigitte was one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s.

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Sweet Sale: Jonathan Adler Friends & Family Sale

Get 20% off your purchase at JonathanAdler.com tomorrow through Monday October 20th with the code FF2014 at checkout.

Shop my sale picks (if you can't tell, I love purple!)

First Lady Needlepoint Throw Pillow // Jet Set 'Waikiki' Jet Set Candle // Purple Zig Zag Alpaca Throw // Waves Acrylic Tray // Carnaby Hudson Ceramic Coffee Mug // Iron Gate iPhone Case

Handling Rejection

September was one of the most difficult months I have had in years. I had never felt so down and bad about myself and it was all due to one thing: rejection. Sure, I've dealt with rejection in the past but everything felt minor in comparison to these two things.

I've dealt with indirect rejection my entire life, mainly from my peers who never seemed to include me. I switched into a different high school for my sophomore year in hopes I would find the lifelong friends I had never been able to keep. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Out of the 100 "sisters" and "brothers" that I graduated high school with, there is 1 person who I speak to regularly, and that's because we go to college together. I may run into the occasional peer when at home, but it's nothing more than a quick hello and goodbye. This rejection was in-direct for sure but what I'm going through now is much more forward.

Flash forward to today, my sophomore year of college. I was so excited to start the new year and I had two things in mind that were going to make this year better than the rest: a boy and new friends. I won't get into all the details of what happened with either of the situations, but clearly they didn't end how I wanted them to. I can't help but take it personally despite being told by both parties that it was nothing I did wrong, but if that was true, why didn't they want to be with me? What sucks even more is that both parties are completely un-avoidable (thanks Emerson College for being so small) so I see them now more than I did when I did want to see them (if that makes any sense).

Here's what I've been doing to try to get over this rejection:

• Stop Social Media Stalking: It's inevitable that you'll see photos, statuses, tweets, etc so see how many hours you can go without mindlessly scrolling.
• Talk it Out: Express yourself. I still don't have closure in either situation but am working towards speaking about it to them.
• Treat Yourself: I'm sure you're feeling down so treat yourself to something nice, big or small, you deserve it.
• Count Your Blessings: Think of all the good things you have going for you and work on improving them even more. 
• Everything Happens For A Reason: Remember this. No matter what. 

Beauty Sales Week of October 12th

Gilt:

• 75 Best Beauty Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 10/15)

HauteLook:

• Juice Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 10/12)
• Hair Tools Blowout (Sale begins 4pm PT 10/12)
• #ManiMonday: UV Nails, Be A Bombshell Cosmetics, SureThik Hair Care (Sales begin 8am PT 10/13)
• Pink Sugar Fragrances, Marula Oil (Sales begins 8am PT 10/14)
• Billion Dollar Brows, Keeki: Pure & Simple Beauty, Tanda Light Therapy (Sales begin 8am PT 10/15)
• BlowPro, Flirty Eyes Mink Lashes (Sales begin 8am PT 10/16)
• Brilliance New York Hair Tools, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals, Mirabella Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 10/17)
• Donna Bella 24K+ Caviar Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 10/18)

MYHABIT:

• Oscar De La Renta Beauty & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/13)
• New Arrivals: Kérastase Paris Haircare (Sale begins 9am PT 10/16)
• Beauty Best Bets: Stila Cosmetics & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/17)

Rue La La:

• Lipstick & More: The Best of the Beauty Counter (Sale begins 3pm ET 10/13)

Link Love: October 5-11

Guardians of the Galaxy Gamora: Halloween Makeup Tutorial [Birchbox]


Angelina Jolie Becomes a Dame in Ralph & Russo [Fashionista]

Brown Sugar Pull-Apart Bread [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Cover Exclusive: Jennifer Lawrence Calls Photo Hacking a "Sex Crime" [Vanity Fair]

The Beauty of Consumption: Thoughts on Food Porn [Huff Post Style]

The Sick Reality of Selling Lingerie [Refinery 29]

Products I've Used Up #6

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara: For years I was a firm believer in using brow gel to set my brows but I decided to give using clear mascara a try and while it doesn't do as good of a job as brow gels do, it still does a decent job. 

L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream: This is my favorite BB Cream of all time and while I feel like I should try out something new I can't help but buy a replacement of this one.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara: I really liked this mascara! While it wasn't great for volumizing, it was a good base mascara to separate and elongate before layering a volumizing mascara on top.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: Saying goodbye to this last bit because I have found this products better brightening version and I'm loving it.

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish: This scrub was pretty good, it smelled similar to a creamsicle and did a pretty nice job of exfoliating without being too harsh. I'm trying another scrub by Bliss right now that I'm obsessed with already!

AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask: Overall I think this was a pretty decent face mask, I didn't see huge results when it comes to pore appearance or acne spots, it felt nice and left my skin smoother. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel: This is my all time favorite moisturizer because it hydrates my skin, smoothes over imperfections, and in general makes my skin look and feel better.

Clarisonic Deep Pore Brush Head: I've been using my Clarisonic for years and usually opt for the deep pore brush head because I find that it truly does get my skin the cleanest.

Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes: I'm not super picky when it comes to makeup remover wipes and these do a pretty decent job for being from Costco (only $11.99 for 150!).

HUM Nutrition Killer Nails: I've definitely noticed the biggest difference in my nails after taking this supplement for several months. My nails are stronger and grow faster and my hair has definitely been growing faster too! Read my full review here.

Nature's Bounty Fish Oil: This has been in so many of my empties posts that I've done because I take a fish oil supplement daily.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Perfume: I've had a full size bottle of this in the past but this little one was good enough for me. While it smells great I find that it's a little too sweet for my liking so I probably won't repurchase. 

Orly Top 2 Bottom: This was a decent base and top coat, but at the end it got quite tacky and difficult to work with so I'm getting rid of it even though there is a bit left.

Polished Perfectly Turns Five!

Today marks five years since the launch of my blog. It's crazy to think that I began this blog as a freshman in high school, and that it's been the one consistency in my life to this day as a sophomore in college. Polished Perfectly has allowed me to grow so much creatively and personally. In addition, it has allowed me some of the best experiences of my life and helped me get into Emerson College where I am pursuing my dream of being a journalist.

Cheers!

Her Campus College Fashion Week Boston 2014

This past Saturday I attended Her Campus' College Fashion Week at The Estate in Boston.

Before the show started up, attendees could visit booths from BooHoo.com, TRESemmé, bare Minerals, and Simon Malls for makeovers and photo booth fun. It was difficult to visit the booths considering how small The Estate is, so I didn't get to take full advantage of the sponsors, but I did get to catch up with a few other Boston-area Her Campus CC's and HCBN members!

The three themes for this years show were Imperial (elegant khaki hues), Brooklyn Princess (sporty sophisticated), and Woodlanders (printed earth tones). The show also included performances from Boston College's Irish Dancing Team, Boston University's Dear Abbeys, and Boston University's Jalwa, all of which were amazing! All clothes featured in the show were provided by Boohoo.com.

H&M Dress // Steve Madden Wedges

Since I was VIP, I was able to score a front row seat to the show and received a few extra goodies in my swag bag. Overall, another great event put on by the fabulous ladies at Her Campus.


Want to read about 2013's CFW Boston?

Beauty Sales Week of October 5th

Gilt:

• Best Beauty Buys: Up to 80% Off (Sale begins 9pm ET 10/5)
• Luxe Salon & Spa Essentials (Sale begins Noon ET 10/7)
• Beauty Buzz: Flawless-Face Essentials (Sale begins Noon ET 10/9)

HauteLook:

• La Fresh Travel Wipes, Pure Brazilian Keratin Treatment (Sales begin 8am PT 10/5)
• #ManiMonday: Gelliebeans, Manna Kadar Cosmetics, Nest Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 10/6)
• Aesthetica Cosmetics, Baby Quasar (Sales begin 8am PT 10/7)
• Bellezza Hair Tools, Kate Somerville (Sales begin 8am PT 10/8)
• Pur Minerals, Swissco Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 10/9)
• DermaHeal Skincare, Vincent Longo Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/10)
• Brazabra Beauty Solutions (Sale begins 8am PT 10/11)

MYHABIT:

• Diego Dalla Palma Beauty & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/7)
• Foutain of Youth: Anti-Aging Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 10/8)
• Fall Makeover: Skincare, Cosmetics & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/11)

Rue La La:

• The Scents of Fall Featuring Giorgio Armani (Sale begins 11am ET 10/5)
• Borghese Skincare: Redeem Online, Save Face with Products by Clinique & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/6)
• Pamper Yourself: Panier des Sens Body Care & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/9)
• Derma MD (Sale begins 11am ET 10/10)

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: September 2014

BO$$ by Fifth Harmony // Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel // Bliss Micro Magic Spa-Powered Microdermabrasion Treatment // Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner // Origins GinZing Eye Cream // Ame & Lulu Key Pouch // Chia Pod 'Vanilla Bean'

BO$$ by Fifth Harmony: To be honest, when I saw them at the Demi Lovato concert back in March with Little Mix, I didn't know many songs so I wasn't that impressed, but this song is so good! It's a fun song to drive to, sing with your girlfriends, or give you a boost of empowerment in the morning or during a workout.

Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel (℅): I was recently sent this by crowdtap, and while I've always been a loyal Skintimate user, this sent has completely blown my mind. It's so refreshing and relaxing at the same time and is one I'll definitely be using into the fall.

Bliss Micro Magic Spa-Powered Microdermabrasion Treatment: This is without a doubt the best facial scrub I've ever used. It's exfoliating without being too harsh and gives results similar to a microdermabrasion treatment. Stay tuned for a full review soon.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner (℅): I was recently sent a bunch of hair goodies from Living Proof and have really been enjoying using them so far! Read my first impressions review here and stay tuned later this month for a full review on all the products.

Origins GinZing Eye Cream: I've been using up a sample of this for about a month and I'm loving it so far. I had used it in the past and am so happy to be using it again. It brightens and de-puffs and smells great too.

Ame & Lulu Key Pouch (℅): While I love all three of the goodies I got from Ame & Lulu, this has got to be my favorite because I use it every day! I've made it my new wallet because my keys easily attach and all my cards fit inside and can be taken out easily. Read a full review of their line here.

Chia Pod 'Vanilla Bean': While the texture definitely took some getting used to at first (it's very wiggly and somewhere in-between hair gel and jello?) it tastes pretty good. It's high in fiber, omega 3, and protein and one pod is very filling. I've only tried the Vanilla Bean flavor so far, but I'm hoping to try the Banana soon as well.

I couldn't be happier to be back in Boston, I'm loving my classes, dorm, new job, and extracurriculars. I've already attended two amazing blogger events (here and here) and am looking forward to more throughout my time here! While this has definitely been a month filled with major rejection, I'm trying to stay positive and keep on smiling because at the end of the day, that's all I really have. Stay tuned for a post on handling rejection soon.