Maybelline Baby Skin vs Benefit POREfessional

This is a pretty 'behind the times' post. Benefits the POREfessional has been out for quite some time, and other companies have slowly but surely been introducing their dupes for the primer. 

Over all these two products are fairly (in a very general sense) similar. Baby Skin is a clear primer and feels slightly more oily in texture (if that makes any sense at all). The POREfessional is a very neutral skin toned primer that feels oily but it is a sort of dry oil texture (I really need to get better at describing things! lol).  While these products are made to do the same thing and can be compared in that regard, they can in no way be compared price wise; The Maybelline Baby Skin is $6.99 on the Maybelline website, but I got mine at (you guessed it…) Target for a little less.  Benefits the POREfessional is $31 dollars. I suppose it all depends on how much you are willing to spend on make up, I am just now starting to break away from the 'drugstore' brands and have been overwhelmed by some of the prices I have seen! 

Never having tried anything by Benefit I figured that this had to be the first thing I tried since everyone was raving about it! I set out on a search for a mini of the product because I didn't want to spend the $31 on the full size not knowing if I would like it or not. My search lead me to Amazon where I quickly found the primer advertised as a mini for half the price as the full sized product. Atleast thats what I assumed based on the word mini and the price…

When I got it in the mail it was apparent that it was a SAMPLE. I spent roughly $14 on something I should have gotten for free, and feel really stupid about that. But I didn't return it since I really wanted to try it and figured I could make it last a while… 

Honestly I am not sure what all the hubbub is about when it comes to this product; maybe I just had really high hopes or I just have really weird skin … but I was really disappointed by this product. Part of it could be my slight resentment towards the fact that it is a sample and I paid way more than its worth for it but it didn't do wonders covering up my pores. Im not even sure I can tell a difference in the appearance of my skin after I have put it on!

I have tried it numerous times to give it a chance, but after I apply it if I even slightly touch my skin or begin to apply a setting powder it comes off in little flecks. It reminds me of the part on sunscreen bottles where some of the product gets left behind and dries (ew!)  … and then my skin just gets so dry even wham I have used moisturizer before hand. 

Maybe I just have really weird skin, or I am just really oblivious and missing a huge key in how exactly to apply this, so if you have any tips please let me know down in the comments!! 

I am in love with this primer! In my opinion this dupe blows the original pore eraser out of this galaxy. A lot of beauty gurus are probably not going to like m saying that but this product just works a million times better for my skin.  My face looks so much smoother and softer than before I apply it. AND I can actually tell a difference in my pores looking less pronounced!

It doesn't come of if i touch my face or begin to go through my routine of foundation, bronzer, blush, and highlighter. Also while I mentioned earlier that in texture it feels oily, it does not make my face look or feel oily! 

If you have any other dupes for Benefits the POREfessional I would love to know what they are and how they work for you so I can try them out! 

Ashton

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Spring Break Haul! 2014

EVEN IF YOU ARE ALREADY FOLLOWING ME ON TWITTER OR BLOGLOVIN OR COMMENT ON THE GIVEAWAY  POST YOU WILL NOT BE BE ENTERED UNLESS YOU  ENTER IT INTO THE RAFFLECOPTER ON MY 100 TWITTER FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY POST  ONLY 16 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER!!! 

As you may know I went to the mountains for spring break last week! I was so glad to have a break from school (but it was not long enough!) I had a really good time while I was there and even took a long day trip to Georgia (the state not the country) just so I could enjoy that amazing Georgian heat! And while hiking to the top of a mountain to see that amazing view in the picture above

 was fun I couldn't help but take a day to go into the small downtown area

 of Franklin, NC to do some shopping!

you can find and buy most of the things I talk about in this post and on my blog here > SarahAshton_PBG  on Luvocracy!!! 

Vera Bradley : Straighten Up and Curl in Marina Paisley 

 reg. $25.00                   found on clearance/sale for $17.00 

My first 'mission' was to go to any near-by vera bradley retailers to see what they had left in the pattern Marina Paisley. I fell in love with this pattern when it came out last summer, but now they are retiring it and I am trying to get everything that I have traveling related to match. Luckily the first place I went to had the heat resistant straightening/curling iron holder, which I had been wanting for ages! I would have also gotten a giant cosmetic bag, but did not find one in this pattern so I will just have to keep making all my things fit into the large one I have already. 

Vera Bradley : Student Adgenda in Clemintine

$18.00

The next thing I got at the same shop is this planner. Even though we are in April I still had not gotten one for the 2014-2015 year! I have no clue how I have been even slightly organised the past three months … and with yet another quarter starting of school today

 (7 April 2014) I was in need of a planner!

not sure of the price, my receipt wasn't in the bag and i don't remember what i did with it … 

This next item I got at a small shop called Anna Bedelle's. Now you are probably thinking 'Why would she need a squirrel pillow?' well it wasn't a need but more of a personality type thing… When I was younger my nickname was squirrel because I was always super energetic and running around. I just use this as a little decoration in my room by setting it in my desk chair when I'm not using it. 

$10.00

This next item I got in a little shop that sells antiques and homemade things like soaps and candles. I already have three candles that I have not used any of them enough to justify getting another candle, but when I smelled this I had to get it! It smells just like fresh baked blueberry muffins and will be perfect for early weekend mornings while I'm working on 

editing photos or putting together some posts!

 Then I went to a store called Peebles. They are a pretty common store but I don't have one where I live so I go in just to have a look around every time I'm in Franklin. I normally only find just a couple of things but its still worth while going in. 

Wishful Park Chevron Button Tab Top in black and white

$17.98

This shirt was too cute to pass up, I got it (technically) two sizes bigger than what I wear normally a) because the difference in a medium and large was not that big and b) I thought it looked better more oversized be cause it it a sheer tunic like shirt that is really flow-y. 

Then on my drive back home I couldn't resist stopping at a Target, mostly because I wanted Starbucks, but to look around as well to see what was different than my local Target.  
And I am glad I did! 

Pacifica : Color Quench Lip Tint in Guava Berry

reg. $6.99        sale $2.08

I have wanted to try these for a while, and couldn't decide on a color until I saw the clearance sticker …  it is super moisturizing and looks like a gloss after you put it on! This shade on me doesn't add too much color because it is very similar to my natural lip color. 

I like to look at the travel size section to see whats 
there and if there are any products that I want to try.

Pond's - Crema S Face Moisturizing cream : Travel Size

 $1.47

I haven't tried this yet, but partly because it has a heavy rose floral smell that I am not too sure about putting on my face… if anyone has used this let me know what you think about it in the comments! 

Jergens : Natural Glow daily moisturiser for fair to medium skin tones - travel size

$1.99

This was more of a curious purchase. While my face does get tan, it also fades after about a day and according to this moisturizer it helps give a tan look without using fake tanner. 

I have used it once and I cannot really tell a difference but then again 

Im not expecting one until I've used it a few days in a row.

Covergirl : lash blast volume mascara in very black

reg. $6.99            with coupon $4.99

I bought this because I am still testing out mascaras that work for me, and I had a coupon. I would not consider myself to be a 'couponer' but I do go through the Sunday paper and look 
for beauty product coupons, I am in college and on a budget lol. 
I haven't used this yet so if you have let me know what you think about it in the comments!!! 

Garnier Fructise Style : Flat Iron straightening mist

reg. $3.49         with coupon $2.49

And last but not least, I have been wanting a heat prtectant for a while, and haven't 

used this yet but I had a coupon so I figured I would give it a go! 

If any of you have tried this let me know how you like it in the comments!

Well thats all for my Spring Break Haul! I hope you enjoyed this post and don't forget to enter my 100 Twitter Followers giveaway! 

 Ashton

                    x

Last minute shopping for my Spring Break Trip!

I am so excited for spring break! I know a lot of people have already had theirs and some still haven't … and this technically isn't even mine, its just a week off between quarters. But I'm still excited! 

I am leaving tomorrow morning to go on my five hour journey/road trip to the mountains! I know what you are thinking, most people would go to the beach for spring break. However in my defence there are no bears, elk, or other awesome wildlife at the beach, and that why I am going to the mountains. All the bears have cute little cubs now! So how could I resist going to photograph that?!? 

When I woke up yesterday I felt overwhelmed with all the things that I needed to get done, which isn't all that much really … I decided to get all my last minute shopping done for little things that I am out of that I would need to pack. 

The first store I went to was Victorias Secret 

I am not going to show you specifically what I got (I just think we aren't that close yet lol) , but I will tell you the patterns. I also didn't technically buy these items either. I am subscribed to the mailing list, or whatever it is they do, so I get something in the mail about every month and it always has a free pair of underwear, $10 off a bra, and a free gift with $75 dollar purchase vouchers in it. 

So I got two pairs of undergarments (my mom also gets this offer in the mail, and does not like the style sometimes so I get her coupon too!) one is in the pattern VS Aloha Print and the other is a print that they don't carry online, which is kinda dumb, and I don't know the name of it … but it is a blue-to-green ombre with white palm trees on it. 

The next store I went to is Bath and Body works!

I didn't necessarily need anything because I am pretty well stocked up on body washes and lotions from Christmases and birthdays, but they were having the buy three get three free sale so I couldn't resist! I ended up picking three things and since my mom was with me she picked three things since I didn't need six products! And I was still going to pay the same amount either way!

I ended up picking these body scrubs, because while I have two or three shower gels in my cabinet I really love their scrubs! $14.50 each

From left to right, I got in the fragrance SKY, it is just a really fresh scent that isn't too over powering (sorry I'm not the greatest at describing smells yet!) the one in the middle is from the newest summer line in the scent HAWAII it is a passionfruit and papaya blossom with a hint of macadamia fragrance, and last but not least I got the OAHU (this is the one that I have decided will be accompanying me on my vacation!) from the summer line as well it is a coconut and tiger lily smell that I can only describe in one word : Summer (fitting since its from the summer collection!) 

The really cool thing I like about the Hawaii and Oahu scrubs is that they have pink Polynesian sand in them to help exfoliate your skin and they also contain natural oils like Monoi and Kukoi that help keep your skin super soft! 

And the Final destination on my shopping to do list was Target

(you all know I love me some Target!)

The first thing on my list was the Simple Cleansing wipes $4.99 that double as my makeup remover as well! You may remember these from my post where I reviewed their starter face cleansing kit! And if you read that post then you know that I absolutely loved these wipes, so I had to go back to get some more. This pack came with a big packet of 25 wipes as well as a packet of 7 wipes which was convenient for me because I will be using the smaller packet to take with me on my trip, and then I will not have to worry about needing more what I get back!

The next thing I got is the Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara  in very black $4.49  

I have been looking for a new mascara for a while now, and had originally set out to get Maybellines The Rocket because of all the great things I had heard about it but I ended up with this one because of the applicator. My lashes are naturally really long, just not dark in color and aren't very volumized. So I was worried that The Rocket would lengthen them a lot and I haven't tried this one out yet but I am hoping it just adds that bit of volume I am looking for! 

If you have any other suggestions for mascaras let me know in the comments!! 

The last beauty product that I got is the Shine Eraser Oil Blotting Sheets by e.l.f. 

I don't know if it because winter is over or what, but my face has never been this oily before and I figured that 50 sheets for $1.00 was a pretty good deal! This packet is also the perfect size to keep in your purse or wallet!  

The last thing I picked up in the check out line is this cute little pack of tic tacs! Basically I just thought that the Easter/bunny theme was really cute so I just had to pick them up! The green ones are green apple flavored and the purple ones are grape! $1.04

I hope you all enjoyed this spur-of-the-moment post that I hadn't planned on doing but thought it might be fun to share some little things that I needed to get for my trip! I am going to be posting while I am gone as long as I have internet! I will also be tweeting through out the week keeping you updated on if a bear attacks (hopefully not)!!

I do have a  5 to 6 hour drive ahead of me tomorrow morning so if you have any song recommendations I would love to get some for a road trip playlist I am currently working on!

I also want to add a quick thank you to everyone who reads my blog, people who comment, and people following me on twitter and tweeting me!! I never thought that people would actually read this and invest their personal time to do so. It means the world to me, THANKS!!!

Ashton

                    x

Spring Smells!

Spring is here! And as the seasons change so do the scents of candles and products we use in our everyday lives. 

So I thought it would be fitting that I share some of my most loved scents for Spring! All of the product scent names will be links if you are wanting to check these items out for yourselves as well as the store names being general website links!

Lets start off with my new obsession of CANDLES! (as well as a gigantic shoutout to Target !)

All of these candle I purchase at Target, I was really surprised when I found them one: because I have never really looked at buying candles and two: because for some odd reason I did not think that Target had as good of a candle selection as they do!

This first candle is a 4 oz soy candle I purchased for $5.99, it does not really have a specific brand so I just call it the 'Target Brand' candle (but it is manufactured by a company called Illume). As shown in the picture the scent is Lavender Lemonade. I was really drawn to this smell because I am a fan of both lavender and lemons, but the scent is not over powering and each aspect of the scent does not cancel out the other, so it makes a very relaxing and soothing atmosphere while burning. 

 

This next candle is also a 'Target Brand' 4 oz soy candle that I got for $5.00. The scent is called Very Berry  (this exact scent was not listed on the Target website but the link will show you the same type and size of candle, I am not sure why it is not listed because I know that this product is still available in stores), and it smells almost exactly like fresh fruit which I just think screams Spring time!

  

The last candle on my list of Spring smells is one that I mentioned on my 'Get to Know Me Tag' post as a scent that I am loving at the moment. It is made by Nest Fragrances and is part of a Target exclusive line called MELT. I found this is the clearance section for $7.98 and the original price is $16.99, at just about half off there was no way I was letting this Citrus Lime Basil candle sit and collect dust on a store shelf!

Moving on to lotions, body mist, and body butters this is my shout out to Bath & Body Works as well as eos!

I will start off with the B&BW products first…

These first pair of products is from the new spring line for Bath & Body Works and it is called Beautiful Day. This scent is described on the back of each product as "Beautiful Day is a fragrance as beautiful as the perfect spring day with sun-kissed apple, wild daisies & fresh pink peonies" . It was clearly carefully developed for Spring, so what would it not make my list of Spring smells?!? 

This Body Butter is absolutely wonderful! Paris Amour is a staple (year round) fragrance found at Bath & Body Works. It is sort of a heavier smell, something I only use on elbows, knees, etc. but it isn't too overpowering either! 

My last lotion is by eos and it is their hand lotion in Berry Blossom. I purchased this at Target for $1.99 , it is the same size as any normal travel size product from other brands, but that is good (in my opinion, to keep in a bag for on the go! It is not particularly a very strong fragrance, which is something I love about it, for those days when you want to wear something more subtle, like for going to the grocery store or running other errands, but it is extremely moisturising! It does take a couple minutes to 'sink' into your skin, and at first when you put it on it does feel a tad greasy, but just be patient and that will go away and will leave your skin super soft!

The only thing I do not like about this product is the packaging. While I like that you can open it and smell it before you buy it, a lot of people see this as a perfect opportunity to try as much of it out as they want. Especially when they see it hanging by the check out area… So when I purchased mine I took off the first few bottles from the hanger and then grabbed the one that I actually bought. 

So that about wraps it up for my favorite Spring smells of 2014!

 I would love to know what your top scents or favorite candles are so be sure to leave them in the comments and I will check them out! 

Ashton
                      x

Spring/Summer Clothes & Shoes : Wish List!

Lets face it, with the internet so in-our-faces every waking moment we are all bound to do some online window shopping (or as I call it online screen shopping ^.^ ) We have multiple tabs open to our favorite shops and have a full cart in each one … but how often do we actually buy all of the carts full of goodies (without editing them down to a few products so that the price isn't below a certain goal you have set for yourself)?

So today, since spring is two days away, I decided that I am going to share that pre-checkout stage of online shopping. You know, that stage where you are teetering back and forth on if you want to actually buy or if you actually need these things…

I picked a couple of the stores I often find myself shopping at online and want to share things that I think are good for Spring/Summer or things that are just plain cute and I have been unable to stop thinking about!

Urban Outfitters:

Kimchi Blue Sparrow T-Strap Sandal $34.00

These are perfect for warm weather! I think that the metallic adds a little oomph to any outfit and these could go with just about anything! 

Hairtrade :

(They do ship worldwide!)

Yogi Curling Hair Wand: £61.28 or $101.21

I've been looking at curling irons for a while now. I have never really considered getting one because I have naturally curly hair (but not the good kind … the kind that does whatever it wants and is not easy to manage) I recently found out about Hairtrade and thought I would have a look at their website.  The Yogi hair wand produces long lasting curls and waves whilst leaving the hair in ultimate condition. It is lightweight, quick and easy to use with its extra long 360 degree swivel cable.And its pink! hehe pink isn't my favorite color, but it is up there in the list so thats an added bonus! 

H&M:

Lace Top $14.95 

Even though its black, which normally people want to stay away from in the warmer months, it would be really cute if you know your not going to be outside all day or for a bonfire at night! The sleeves and the side panels are lace which provides that 'flirty or girly' vibe! It also comes in plain colors, if your not much of a floral print type person :)

Patterned Tunic $24.95

I really like this because its not a close fit so it won't be uncomfortable outside on a hot day, and because who can resist the classic black on white polka dot print?! It can go with black shorts, jean shorts, or skinny jeans! (light or dark wash)

Denim Shorts $24.95

These are pretty much just a general choice of jean shorts. But the belt is cute and sort of adds that care free feel of Summer!

Chiffon Dress $24.95

Normally Im not one for dresses, but this is too cute. Ive said it before in my Spring/Summer cosmetic bag wish list post, that I'm also normally not attracted to floral prints either but apparently in 2014 my tastes are changing. 

5-pack Ankle Socks $7.95 

I saw these and they just screamed 'pick me!' I am not sure if I would even wear these with shoes/out of my house. I am one of those people that doesn't like to wear shoes in the house, but I don't like to walk around barefoot either … I have a very extensive and colorful sock collection lol. 

I saw a sweater at Target the other week and I keep wondering If I should go any buy it… 

Mossimo Supply Co. Junior's Graphic Sweatshirt $19.99

This is a really pretty pink rust color that would look good on anyone! the bike graphic is really cute and this would be perfect to wear on those cold summer nights!

I hope you liked seeing some of my Spring/Summer clothing picks! I hope I get my hands on some of them soon! lol 

But I also want to know what your Spring and Summer clothing picks are, leave me some links in the comments!

Until next time!

Ashton

                       x

Spring Beauty Tag!

Last Friday I was tagged by Zoe or Beauty Pie to do the spring Beauty Tag that she created(You may remember her from my fellow blogger interview!)!!  :)  So here it goes : 

1. Do you change your makeup when spring arrives? if so, how?

I think the main thing I change is that I skip using primers a lot of the time, they make my face feel heavy (if that makes sense) because of the heat (I'm in the south lol). The other main thing that I change is transitioning from neutral matte colored eye shadows to bright and shimmery colors!

2. Whats your favorite spring fragrance?

Ive recently discovered LUSH (I know kind of late, but the closest one to me is six hours away!) and I am so obsessed with Karma! 

3. Whats going to be your favorite accessory this spring?

I recently went through my dresser to get rid of all the heavy winter clothes in order to replace them with shorts and tee shirts galore, and I stumbled across a pink leather bracelet I had made at a cute little shop last year with my name engraved on it! I haven't gone long without wearing it since then, and when I do forget to put it on i feel like I'm missing something.

4. Whats going to be your most worn item of clothing this spring?

Probably a pair os shorts that I bought last year at Target. They are a really faded/pastel blue with a pink floral print!

5. What are your top three favorite nail polishes?

I am actually planning a entire post for this in a few days! lol But I would have to go with essie Butler Please, essie Splash of Grendaline, and Sinful Colors Rise & Shine! 

6. Do you prefer pumps or sandals in spring?

For everyday wear I would probably go with sandals because I move around a lot and I don't want my feet to hurt all day lol, but to go out or to go to a nice restaurant for dinner I would go with pumps. 

7. Whats your favorite spring jacket?

I am currently looking for a new spring jacket because a friend borrowed mine from last year and I never got it back … so if you have any suggestions leave them in the comments please!! :)

I hope you guys enjoyed this post!! 

I tag:
Just 506  @Just506_ : http://just506.wordpress.com
Zazie @zaziebibi : http://a-little-treat.blogspot.com
Sue @healthyskincan : http://healthyskincanada.blogspot.ca
Monelle @monellebeauty : monellebeauty.blogspot.com.au

I want to thank anyone reading this! And even if i didn't specifically tag you feel free to do this tag and leave me a link to it in the comments so I can check it out!

Don't forget to read about the skinade giveaway and how you can enter here http://photobeautyguide.blogspot.com/2014/03/skinade-giveaway-and-why-you-should.html 

When you enter I do receive a small commission, anything I earn from posts such as
 this I am saving up for when I host a giveaway for you all! 

Ashton
                        x