Product Review: Sephora Facial Cleansing Brush

       

This is the Sephora "Cleaning Me Softly" Facial Cleansing Brush and I just wanted to drop in to share my opinions about it. This is a facial brush that you use to deep clean your face instead of using just your fingers.

I originally bought this brush because I had some texture on my skin that I wasn't a fan of and wanted to get rid of. I have normal skin and never really breakout aside from single blemishes during that time of the month. However, I occasionally get lazy and don't cleanse my face enough or sleep with my makeup on. This is probably why I developed some funky texture on my cheeks. I tried different exfoliators that I already had and nothing seemed to make it go away. They were these annoying under the skin acne bumps so its not like I could drown them in salicylic acid and extract them.

Since I work at Sephora, I know all about all the different facial cleansing brushes that are on the market. Although I have never used the Clarisonic, I would say that this is a cheaper alternative. The Clarisonic is an electric powered cleansing brush that is said to deep clean and remove impurities that you would never be able to get to with just your fingers. I have heard rave reviews on the Clarisonic but I'm a girl on a budget and I'm not about to cough up $200 for that.....YET.

I have used this Sephora Facial Cleansing Brush for about a month now and I have definitely noticed a difference in the texture of my skin. The brush is not electric like the Clarisonic. You have to manually rotate it in circular motions, but I think I can handle that. The funky texture on my cheeks is almost gone and I am so happy. I also notice that my skin is overall more soft. This brush has definitely helped me deep clean my pores and exfoliate away any texture or dead skin. All you have to do is get the bristles wet and squeeze out a pea size amount of your favorite cleanser onto the brush. From there, wet your face and massage the brush in circular motions on your face. You can always press harder or just lightly press depending on the sensitivity of your skin.

ALRIGHTY. Here's what this product claims to do:
-provide a deep and invigorating clean
-be gentle enough for the most delicate of skin
-easy and comfortable cleaning
-helps reach difficult areas

http://www.sephora.com/cleaning-me-softly-facial-cleansing-brush-P392375?skuId=1653070&icid2=products%20grid:p392375

So the 2 biggest claims are that it is gentle but it will deep clean. Is it just me, or does that sound like an oxymoron?? I mean in the name itself it markets itself as super gentle. I remember asking an associate when I bought it if it was really that gentle.......

MY THOUGHTS:
It is NOT gentle. I don't have sensitive skin and I still found it to be quite abrasive. I even consider myself to have pretty tough skin. I love to exfoliate and when an exfoliator doesn't have the satisfying scratchiness to it, I get very frustrated. I use this brush at night to remove my makeup. I do not use it twice a day like some people. I find that it takes off all my face makeup and successfully gets all the gunk out of my pores. I have pretty large pores and they can look even bigger when I don't cleanse my skin properly. My nose can be problematic too. It can get really oily and gross but then some days it will be so dry that it starts to peel. This brush is great to exfoliate away that dead skin when it is dry, but also get it all squeaky clean when I'm having a gross oily day. Even though this brush is not actually gentle at all like it says, I still really enjoy it.

When I first started using it, I was expecting it to be gentle. So when that wasn't the case, I contemplated returning it. However, I wanted to give it a second chance so I tried to find a use for it and I did! If you find it to be too abrasive, try using it to remove a clay based face mask. I love to use it for this because some clay masks can be a pain to rinse off and you end up making a mess. BUT if you use this brush damp and gently massage it on the dry mask, it breaks it right down. This eliminates the mess of water everywhere and the extra time it takes to rinse it the old fashioned way.

WHO THIS PRODUCT IS FOR:
Anyone who has texture or large pores and needs a deeper clean should go out and buy this right now. It is only $10 and I saw a difference in my skin within weeks. I'd say that is definitely worth ten bucks.


Thank you so much for taking the time to read this review and let me know what you think if you've tried this product!

June 2016 Favorites

June is long gone and July is in full swing! I didn't know it was possible for 30 days to go by that fast. July is here and I couldn't be happier because I have my first visitor coming TOMORROW!! My boyfriend is finally coming to see me and this place I have called home for the past month and a half. By the way, shame on you all that it has taken a month and a half for someone to come visit me. And a broke college student at that! A very generous and loving broke college student though :-)

Anyways!! As far as makeup goes, I was not able to test out many brand new products this month unfortunately. Unpaid internships force you to make sacrifices..... However, I did fall in love with some products I already had in my stash. My grown-up gig has me working very long hours and I need my makeup to last AT LEAST 9 hours, sometimes more. Keep scrolling to see why these products are superstars!

*Lancome CILS BOOSTER XL Mascara Base*

$25.50

http://www.sephora.com/cils-booster-xl-super-enhancing-mascara-base-P128706

*Sephora Collection Outrageous Curl Mascara*

$12

http://www.sephora.com/outrageous-curl-dramatic-volume-curve-mascara-P386619

This has been my go-to mascara combo for the entire month of June. It gives my lashes the perfect balance of volume and separation that I desire. The white tube is the Lancome CILS Booster XL Mascara Base. I apply this to my lashes first. This product conditions and lengthens your lashes before you apply your mascara. It is infused with micro-fibers and Vitamin E that give you the extra length and thickness. Don't let the white color scare you off! This allows the black pigment of your mascara to stand out more and be more intense in color. 

The Sephora Collection Outrageous Curl Mascara definitely surprised me. When I first received this small sample size, I did NOT think I would like it because of the short and stubby mascara wand. Plot twist. I actually love it and will be purchasing the full size when I run out. The bristles on the wand are short rubber bristles and are pretty far apart from each other. This is exactly why I thought I would hate it. When I first used it, my lashes were a clumpy mess. I was frustrated but I decided to give it a second chance. The trick is you have to rotate the mascara wand towards you as you run it through your lashes. This helps to distribute the product evenly on all of your lashes instead of it collecting and clumping up at the base of your eyeball. You do have to take your time and pay attention to what you're doing when applying it. This isn't a mascara you can just throw on while you're sitting at a stop light. But trust me, it's worth it!

These two products were a match made in heaven and you can see the end result in the picture above. So the moral of the story here is to not judge a book by it's cover, always give second chances and all great things take time. Who knew makeup could be so philosophical?

*Sonia Kashuk Pointed Blending Brush #109*

$5.99

http://soniakashuk.com/products/pointed-blending-brush-no-109/

I have had this eye shadow brush for a very very long time and it has definitely stood the test of time. I want to say I have had this brush for over 2 years now. I don't know the exact length of time because a $6 purchase at Target is not as memorable as doing substantial damage on my wallet at Sephora. I use this brush LITERALLY every day. It is a must have in my book. If you struggle with applying eye shadow and getting the colors to look blended, YOU NEED THIS. Of course Sephora has some great high end brushes that will work also, but this is only $6...... 

The trick to using this brush is to apply a light amount of eyeshadow to the crease of your eyelid in windshield wiper motions. If you continue to sweep the brush back and forth, the shadow will eventually be beautifully blended and you will see no harsh lines. If you don't know where the crease of your eye is, it is the area of your eyelid where your eyeball meets your brow bone. Just start with a shadow that is lighter in color and has a matte finish. From there you can build up the color by doing the same motion with a color slightly darker and so on. This will help you gradually build up the color instead of starting with a deep chocolate brown right from the start. That can be a little scary for beginners and hard to blend out. This will also ensure that you have beautifully blended eyeshadow!

*Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick*

Lolita 2

$20

http://www.sephora.com/everlasting-love-liquid-lipstick-P384954

If I could have my lips dyed this color, I so would. Just like how you can get your brows or eyeliner tattooed on, I would like my lips to be tattooed this color. (I'm not really going to, Mom.) But seriously, this lipstick is the perfect shade for me. It is not too bold so I don't feel like a clown when I wear it to the office. But it is also something a little bit more than your typical nude pink lipstick. It has warm undertone and even has a bit of terra cotta color to it. On Sephora's website it is described as a "chestnut rose" but it is such a unique shade and looks different on every skin tone. The formula is also amazing. It goes on like a gloss and completely dries down to a matte finish.  Because of the matte finish, it can be a bit drying. Just make sure your lips are hydrated and exfoliated. My favorite thing about this lipstick is the lasting power. It. lasts. all. day. I will work a 9 hour day and be eating, drinking and talking all throughout the day and will have no need to touch up. It is also kiss proof which makes it perfect for date night! If this particular color doesn't make your heart flutter like it does for me, go check out the other shades in the line and you'll be sure to find a favorite!

*Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush*

Mood Exposure

$38

http://www.sephora.com/ambient-lighting-blush-P384963

I have quite a few blushes and this is probably in my top 3 out of all of them. This blush is so natural and subtle yet still gives my cheeks a beautiful flush of color. While working at Sephora and Ulta, I have noticed that a lot of people are scared of wearing blush. My mom is definitely one of those people. I admit, some days I am in such a rush to get out the door that I don't want to mess with blush either. If you are in a rush, or don't know the correct way to apply blush, you can easily get that clown look. There are a lot of ways you can goof up so I understand the fear.

Too much product.

Too high on your cheeks. 

Too low on your cheeks. 

Too close to your nose. 

Too far back and onto your ears. 

Wrong formula.

Wrong color.

Too much sparkle.

The list can go on forever. This blush, however, eliminates all that stress from your life. The color is a natural pinky plum that has a soft glow to it. There is no chunky glitter, just a radiant natural finish that gives a soft look to the skin. The formula itself is described as an "airy, lightweight powder." The natural color and lightweight formula make the blush goof-proof. It is hard to apply too much because the color is subtle and the powder is easy to blend and never patchy on the skin. All you have to do is apply a small amount on the apples of your cheek and sweep your brush backwards toward the edge of your face. 

And viola!! You can see how all the products come together in the picture below. This makeup look is perfect for the office because it is fresh and makes me look awake without looking too done up. 

Last but definitely not least, I'd like to throw in one random favorite of the month. This might trump all the products I just talked about because some days I use this 3 or 4 times a day.....

*Lapper Tray*

https://www.amazon.com/Lapper-Circular-Patterns-Non-Slip-Package/dp/B0084US1M2

This awesome tray has replaced my kitchen table this summer. My "table" here in Colorado is actually a vanity. Having my makeup displayed nicely is more important to me than having a proper place to eat. Because of that, this tray is perfect for me! It keeps my food off my actual bed so nothing gets stained and provides a hard and flat surface so nothing falls over. The tray itself is dishwasher safe and has silicone mats to help grip your plates and cups. If you look at the pictures they use on Amazon, it shows people using them outside by the pool and at backyard barbecues...... I guess eating in bed is frowned upon, but when you're an adult and you live alone, you make your own rules. Regardless, I have LOVED this tray and reccommend it to anyone living in a dorm room, small apartment or if you just like eating in bed :)

Colorado Adventures: Palmer Park

Ever since I moved to Colorado Springs, I have been looking for a great outdoor space where I can go to get away from my tiny hotel room. Palmer Park has quickly become my favorite spot to get some much needed fresh air. It has over 25 miles of trails and is a great place for hiking, biking, walking your dog and watching the sunset. 

I haven't fully explored the area yet, but my favorite thing to do here is get a quick run in. The trail I run on only has a couple of hills so it isn't too difficult. I've ran it enough times now that I know when I reach the beautiful overlook that I'm halfway done. 

From there I sometimes decide to run back, but most of the time I will just walk back and enjoy the views. I also enjoy that this area is a place where you can have your dogs off their leash. So if I'm walking, tons of loving doggies will come up to me and say hi. Then of course I'm obligated to say hi to their owners as well. Regardless, its a great way to get my puppy fix as well as my exercise. 

Along the trail there are also tons of giant dandelions that I love taking selfies with. Seriously they are HUGE. So I guess not everything is bigger in Texas. My mom doesn't believe that they are actually this big. She thinks I'm doing some fancy perspective trick to fool the camera. But I'm definitely not. They are actually this big!!

My most favorite thing about this park is the sunsets. You are up high above the city so there is nothing blocking your view. When the sun is setting and is just above the mountains, it makes the entire sky golden. It is so incredible, pictures really don't do it justice. I remember when I took these pictures, I was so confused at why the sky had a pink line through it. But now I know it was the sun trying to peek through the storm clouds. 

I can't wait to explore the other parts of the park and find more hidden gems and great views. If you are looking for a new spot to do fun outdoorsy things in Colorado Springs, I definitely recommend checking out Palmer Park!

DIY Tapestry for $10!

My style is constantly changing which means I'm constantly redoing my room. When I was little, instead of going on vacation for Spring Break, my mom let my sister and I redo our room. We went all out. We painted our rooms a different color, got new bedspreads and even did some fun DIY projects to help decorate. I definitely think this is where I got my love for redecorating and crafting. That's right Mom, you created this monster. Little did you know, in the long run, it would have been cheaper to take us on vacation.

Now that I'm older, I move a lot. Once I am finished with college next year, I will have lived in 5 different places in the span of 4 years. Every time I move, I like to redecorate of course. I keep the same furniture for the most part, but there is something about moving to a new place with new stuff that I love. Of course everyone loves new stuff, but to me it's like having a completely fresh start.

When I received my internship in Colorado and made the decision to live in a hotel for 3 months, I knew I needed to spruce up the place and make it feel more like a home and less like a hotel. Unfortunately, my internship is unpaid so my budget was tight. I really liked how tapestries filled up a whole wall and added so much dimension to a room. My roommate at the time had one and I loved how cool and eclectic it looked. But oh my goodness they are pricey. So I made it my goal to find an affordable alternative and this is what I came up with!

Supplies You'll Need:

1. Fabric 

• I used an old shower curtain I wasn't using anymore
• http://www.target.com/p/ombre-shower-curtain-blue-threshold/-/A-14321285
• You can also use any flat bed sheet (I reccommend a twin size and cutting it as needed)
• http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Fitted-Sheet/16777208

2. Paint

• I used black acrylic paint. It worked great because it dried fast and the dark color didn't require a second coat.

3. Small Paint Brush

• I used a small, flat/rectangular brush that is about 1/2 inch wide. It was small enough to do the detail work but not too small to the point where it didn't cover enough surface area. 

4. Design/Image

• I had an idea in my head of what I wanted and then went on Pinterest and Google Images to find the actual image
• The design I used: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/110478997088310920/

5. Projector

• I rented a projector for free from my university library (perks of being a student) but most public libraries rent out projectors for free as well!
• If you are artsy and brave, you can always free hand your design and skip the tracing step.

6. Pencil or Pen

• This is what you will use to do the actual tracing. I used a pencil because it isn't that pigmented and is easy to cover up. It was also nice to be able to erase it when I made a mistake.

7. Tarp or Trash Bags 

• These will be placed underneath your fabric when you are painting. The paint will bleed through the fabric and you will have a pretty design on your garage floor if you don't do this.

8. Paint Pen

• Once you are done painting, you might need to do some touch ups. A paint pen is great for filling in any small gaps or straightening out crooked lines. Just make sure it is the same color as your original paint!

Steps:

1. Choose the design and color scheme you want to go with. There are so many different directions you can take this project. Be creative and have fun! Consider different color combinations, designs, quotes, and patterns. My only advice is to be mindful of the tapestry becoming too "busy". I chose a simple color for the design since I had a colorful fabric.You can always do a simple color for the fabric and then have more fun with the paint colors.

2. Hang the fabric on an empty wall somewhere. Using the projector, project the design onto the fabric. To temporarily hang my fabric, I used small push pins. If you don't like making holes in your wall, you can also use Command Hooks. The nice thing about using a shower curtain is the fabric already has slits in it which makes the hanging process very easy.

3. Begin tracing the design onto the fabric with a pencil or pen. This part is a little tedious because you need to be pretty detailed. Once you take the fabric down and turn the projector off, that's it. If the traced lines aren't accurate, your design won't look like you want it to after you have finished painting. Feel free to take a break and look at something other than pencil marks in order to give your eyes a break.

4. Time to start painting! I did my painting inside our third car garage. You need to be on a hard surface in order to paint clean lines. You could set up shop in your driveway but, I didn't want to be outside in case it started to rain. Be sure to lay out a tarp or trash bags underneath so that the paint doesn't bleed through and get on your driveway or garage floor! As you can see in the pictures below, I used my little sister's knee pads to make kneeling on the hard floor more bearable. A Moscow Mule also made it more bearable :)

 

5. Let it dry! Be patient and don't let any toddlers touch it. Also beware of siblings playing with beach balls in the near vicinity. Trust me, it doesn't make for a happy crafter. 

6. Time for touch ups. Use a paint pen or permanent marker to straighten out any crooked lines or fill in any gaps. It is also great for making thin lines become more thick. I was tired of crouching down on the floor so I moved my tapestry to a folding table for this part. Keep in mind that paint pens and permanent markers still bleed through. I failed to remember this so our folding table has some nice black dashed lines all over it now. I blame it on the paint fumes getting to my head. 

7. Display your masterpiece! I used white Command Hooks to safely hang my tapestry above my bed. They will not damage the wall when I take them down and the white color blends in nicely. Be sure to center your tapestry with whatever you are hanging it in front of. Mine is above my bed so I centered it with the ugly headboard that it now hides. The Command Hooks are also great for holding the string lights that I added. 

I definitely think I accomplished my DIY goal with this project. Sometimes you begin a DIY project in hopes of saving money and you end up spending more than expected on all the supplies. For me, this project only costed $5 since I already had the shower curtain. If you factor in buying a twin sized flat sheet, you would spend a total of $10! Don't forget to always look for coupons on your phone before you check out. Hobby Lobby and Michael's almost always have online coupons!

For a reference, these puppies range from $39-$69 at Urban Outfitters.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=A_BED_TAPESTRIES#/

I hope you enjoyed this DIY project and are inspired to take on a summer craft! Thanks for reading!

"I am here today, and today I'd rather smile than cry"

Dear Mom,

Tomorrow is your surgery and since there might be a shortage of smiles in the McPhail Family, I thought I'd help fill the gap. I know cancer was not part of your plan, but it is part of His plan. I think we've all come to the realization that out of everyone we know, you can handle this. You have so much faith in God's plan and it is truly inspiring.

I pray that the surgeons are cool, calm and collected.
I pray that every ounce of the cancer is removed and we never have to do this again.
I pray that your recovery isn't too painful, physically and emotionally.
I pray that you embrace the help of others.
I pray that you let us pamper you.
I pray that Dad learns how to do laundry.
I pray that the kids do their chores the first time they're told.
I pray that Maggie doesn't become Magzilla.
I pray that from now on, the only tears we shed are happy tears.

Lastly, I pray that your journey positively influences the lives of our friends and family. Whether it strengthens relationships, teaches them to pray, teaches them to trust in the Lord, brings us closer as a family or helps us realize to never take anything for granted. This process is a gift from God, although it may not seem like it.

I love you so much and I can't wait to come home and make you homemade mashed potatoes!

NYX Collection + Favorites

NYX is one of my all time favorite drugstore brands and right now it is Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off at Ulta until June 25! When I saw the brand was on sale, I knew I wanted to share my collection with you and give you some quick thoughts on the products I own. Some of these products are holy grails of mine and some of them I am not too fond of. Don't let the inexpensive prices scare you away too much. A few of these products are on par with the high end products you would find at Sephora. In fact, I prefer some of them over the higher end products. Below you will find mini reviews, pictures and swatches of all their products I own. Happy shopping!

*Control Freak Eyebrow Gel*

$5.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6380161

This clear brow gel is by far my favorite NYX product that I own. I use it every.single.day and it is so great. I have pretty thick eyebrows with long eyebrow hairs that can get kinda crazy throughout the day. This product is great because it sets the product I fill in my brows with and makes it last all day long. It also makes sure the actual hairs stay in place. Before I discovered this product, I would look in the mirror halfway through the day and my crazy brow hairs would be standing straight up. Thanks to this product, they have finally been tamed. During my time working at Sephora, I compared this to the Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($22) and I prefer the NYX one. I find they work exactly the same and have the same lasting power, so why not get the cheaper one?!

*Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick*

$6.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12911001

This liquid lipstick is another holy grail product for me. Liquid lipsticks are very trendy right now. Not only are they popular for their matte finish, but they last longer than a normal lipstick because they are transfer proof. Liquid lipsticks have quickly become a favorite of mine. Unfortunately it is hard to find a good drugstore option until now! The Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick is great because it goes on like a lipgloss but dries down completely to a matte finish. Once dried, it is transfer-proof and kiss-proof which is awesome. I can eat and drink and not have to worry about lipstick getting on my face. The only food that I find that can tend to break down this lipstick and cause some transfer is oily foods. Think pizza or a good greasy burger or buttery pasta. If you are eating something yummy and delicious like that though, don't worry about your lipstick. Just enjoy your food and worry about it later because who wants to live their life like that :)

*Matte Lipstick*

$5.99
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4141597

Ever since the liquid lipstick trend started, I rarely wear the typical lipstick formula. I have gotten so spoiled with the long lasting power of a liquid lipstick so not many traditional lipsticks make the cut for me anymore. The NYX Matte Lipstick, however, definitely stands strong. Some people are scared of liquid lipsticks because of either how it can dry out your lips and settle into fine lines or because it is a little tricky to put on and get a straight line. If either of those apply to you, I recommend trying this one. It is a traditional lipstick formula, so it is quick and easy to put on. It has a matte finish but is not overly drying on the lips. It also lasts sooooo long throughout the day even with eating and drinking. Like I said before, oily foods will break it down just a tad so just be mindful of that and you should be good to go!

*Slim Lip Pencil*

$3.49
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2150078

I don't use lipliners very often, but when I do these are my go-to. They are the perfect consistency. I've had expensive lip liners that are too creamy so they bleed and feather. I've also had lip liners that are so dry and stiff that it is almost painful to put on. These NYX Slim Lip Pencils are the perfect in between. They are creamy enough to glide on your lips smoothly but not too creamy to where the product is sliding off your lips. They have 50 different shades so you are bound to find the perfect color. The shades I have are all neutral shades because I love to mix and match nude lip liners with different nude lipsticks and sort of create my own perfect shade. This is the perfect product for that since they are so affordable.

*Butter Lipstick*

$5.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6380157

The name of these lipsticks says it all. They feel like literal butter on your lips. They are so creamy and smooth, but still lightweight and not thick. It feels more like a lip balm than a lipstick because of it's awesome texture. Since they are so creamy, you do sacrifice some of the lasting power. To get them to last longer you can always pair them with a coordinating lip liner. I have worn the Licorice shade by itself with no lip liner underneath and never had a problem with feathering or bleeding outside the lip line. The dark pigment of the shade also stains your lips. This is great because if the lipstick itself wears off, you still have a beautiful berry tone stain on your lips.

*Butter Gloss*

$4.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5050009

Since I am hooked on the matte finish look, these glosses don't get a ton of love. When I first got them, I did enjoy them however. They are thin glosses, not too thick and goopy. Because they are more on the thin side, they don't last very long on the lips. If you were to wear a dark or bright color alone and not over a lipstick, I would recommend a lip liner under it to prevent feathering and bleeding. I did experience a little bit of that with the Cherry Pie shade I own. I do enjoy the two nude shades I own especially in the summer with a natural eye look. Something about a natural and fresh face paired with a light layer of gloss just screams summer to me. Another thing to be aware of is these glosses do have a distinct vanilla cupcake smell. You can't smell it once it is on your lips, but it is a nice touch!

*Round Case Lipstick*
$3.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2150072

These lipsticks are a pretty standard drugstore formula. They don't last super long but they are very creamy and very pigmented. I purchased the purple shade awhile back when I wanted to find a very specific shade to go with an outfit I had all planned out. That sounds a little ridiculous but I was thankful for the 89 color shade range that was available and the small price tag since I think I only wore it twice. If you want a unique shade for an affordable price, this is the lipstick for you!

*High Voltage Lipstick*
$2.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12011217

This lipstick was a total impulse buy. I'm not sure if I was partaking in some retail therapy or if I was just throwing stuff in my basket during a sale at Ulta. This lipstick is SUPER pigmented and is a beautiful color. Unfortunately it is extremely creamy and bleeds and feathers pretty bad. Luckily for me (depending on how you look at it) the shade is almost exactly the same as the Butter Lipstick in the shade Licorice. So I still get the same vampy berry color but without the mess. 

*Butter Lip Balm*

$3.99

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5770357

I've never been a huge fan of tinted lip balm so I'm not the best person to give you a review of this product. If I'm going to wear a lip product, I'm going to go for a lipstick. If I'm wearing no makeup or very little, I won't wear any lip product at all. There is no in between for me. The few times I have worn this product, my lips weren't as moisturized as they should have been. I found that the color tended to gather and emphasize on the dry parts of my lips. I didn't like this since a tinted lip balm is supposed to be a good option if your lips are dry but you still want some color. This was not the case unfortunately. One thing I did enjoy about it was that it smells like Sweet Tarts!

Week 1 of My Internship

This is my little sister Maggie. I took this picture the day before I moved to Colorado for the summer. This is a great representation of how I feel after completing the first week of my internship. 

My Current Emotions:

-excited

-overwhelmed

-exhausted

-blessed

-homesick

-confident

-impressed

-lonely

-hungry

-adventurous

-determined

-anxious

-pressured

For those of you who don't know, I am an Intern at the Broadmoor in Colorado Spring, CO. It is AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes 5 Star resort. The Broadmoor has received these awards every year since the awards existed. It is by far the most beautiful resort I have ever been to. I attended a two day training in order to learn all about the property and their standards. Needless to say, there is a lot of pressure to continue to uphold the Broadmoor's incredible reputation. It is very unique because it is a 5 star hotel, a 5 star restaurant and a 5 star spa. There are only eight other properties like this in the entire world. I knew it was a very nice place, but when I learned this I knew I had truly received the opportunity of a lifetime. 

I have officially completed my first week and have already experienced so much.

Like I said earlier, I spent the first two days stuck in a classroom doing orientation. When I was finally done with all the technicalities, I was able to shadow one of the Catering Managers for the day. Technically I am a Catering Intern. Whenever you want to have an event at The Broadmoor, you are put into contact with a Catering Manager to discuss the in's and out's of your event. I have quickly learned that they handle much much more than just the catering. 

The events that went on this week included a very large insurance agency conference. Different companies were scattered all around property, pulling all the Catering Managers every which way so it was a great week for me to start. Most of them were very cordial which was an added bonus. Other events included a beautiful wedding, a 50th birthday celebration, a 95th birthday celebration, and various Rally for the Cure events.

After all that was said and done, I clocked in a total of 52 hours over the span of 6 days. I have a couple of blisters on my feet and could really use a margarita. Unfortunately here in Colorado, wine is not sold grocery stores like it is in Texas and I have not found a buddy to go to the liquor store with me. For now, the Straw-Ber-Ritas my mom left when she moved me in will do just fine. 

I am so thankful for this opportunity and am very happy with the company, my bosses, my coworkers and the employee cafe :) More importantly, I am so blessed to have amazing family and friends that have gotten me here today and continue to lift me up and motivate me along the way. 

If you'd like to stay up to date on how my internship is going, make sure to subscribe to my blog and you'll get an email every time I post. If you have any questions about The Broadmoor, being an intern or anything along those lines, feel free to ask me in the comments below!