Studying in Style

21. College Student. Currently Abroad in Japan. IG: @fornia_fashion

[forniafashion]

Recent Travel Favorites! 

[forniafashion]

Summer 2015 Empties

1. Revlon Photo Ready Foundation (004 Nude) 

This bottle lasted me an entire year! I like that it feels fairly light on the skin and gives a decent amount of coverage. However, this shade became a little to light for me during the summer. 

Repurchase? No, mainly because I’m already using another bottle of this. (Lolz.) Also, I want to try other foundations like the Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation or the Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation. 

2. e.l.f Essential Eyelid Primer 

The e.l.f. eyelid primer was the first eyelid primer I tried. It seemed to do a decent job, but after getting the Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer I began to use the e.l.f. one much less. However, I found a new purpose for it as an under eye primer. The thin and light texture of the product makes it suitable for this purpose. It also offered very sheer coverage. 

Repurchase? No, because it’s no longer available. It seems that it’s been replaced by the e.l.f. Essentials Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer ($2). 

3. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara 

This is my current favorite mascara. It makes my thin much more noticeable. It also holds the curl. 

Repurchase? Just did! (Along with some other products you’ll see soon. ;) ) 

4. Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser 

After alternating between a couple Korean cleansers and one Shiseido one, I decided to go back to my first cleanser. It has a very refreshing feeling to it. 

Repurchase? Yup! Currently using it. :) 

5. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture (For Combination Skin) 

This is has been my moisturizer for the past year after purchasing at the recommendation of a friend. It moisturizes and feels light on the skin. 

Repurchase? Not anytime soon as I want to try Philosophy’s Renewed Hope in a Jar sometime. 

Repeats: 

1. e.l.f. Essential Shine Eraser 

This is probably the third one I’ve used up so far, partially because I tend to use at least two sheets each time I blot my face. However, they’re the cheapest blotting sheets I’ve found so far!

Repurchase? Yup! 

2. up & up™ Cotton Rounds 

I use these to apply my toner and (sometimes) to remove my eye makeup.

Repurchase? Already have. :P 

3. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I find makeup remover wipes pretty convenient when living in the dorms. However, since I’ve been home, I’ve started using a sample of the Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil, which takes off my more stubborn eye makeup better than just wipes. 

Repurchase? Already have! Although I’ll probably take a break from buying them in large quantities since I just bought a new cleansing oil. 

[forniafashion]

Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Mask in Cucumber

This mask is mainly meant to refresh and moisturize the skin. When I first put on the mask, I thought it would have more of an immediate cooling effect. Instead, I found that the longer I left it on, the cooler it got. The scent of this mask is relatively light; I think it’s less noticeable than the lime mask of this same collection. Overall, I thought it was a nice moisturizing mask. 

Extra Note: After I apply a face mask, I like to do a facial massage to promote circulation and reduce bloating. 

[forniafashion]

Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Mask in Lime 

The first thing I noticed about these Innisfree masks are that actually fit my face quite well. Normally when I use facial masks, I find that they are too large and require excessive folding in order to fit my face. Next, this mask had a light lime and lemon scent. As I wore this mask (for the full 20 minutes), I noticed a slight tingling and warming sensation (as opposed to the cooling effect from the cucumber version). The Lime mask is meant to brighten and clear the skin and I definitely noticed the brightening effect as I took off the mask. I can’t wait to keep trying the rest of the collection!

[forniafashion]

Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Mask Collection

I recently purchased a set of 15 masks off of Amazon. (Note: Repeats are not included in picture.) I have been making an effort to improve my skincare routine and I find facial masks quite enjoyable. This is my first time trying something from Innisfree so I am pretty excited! 

In case it is difficult to see from the picture, here are the ten types I received: Cucumber, Bamboo, Rose, Green Tea, Aloe, Shea Butter, Lime, Manuka Honey, Kiwi, and Rice. 

[forniafashion]

New Make Up Pick Ups! 

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara

My current mascara favorite! I used to use L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara (Carbon Black), but I find that the Voluminous Butterfly is less clumpy and just as intense in color. It also holds the curl fairly well. 

Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil 

After trying the Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil ($32), I’m really starting to prefer it as a way to remove my makeup. (Although it is a bit messier.) I also like the cleansing oil for facial massages, a new addition to my skincare routine. However, at around $9 a bottle, the Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil is much more affordable. This cleansing oil does have a light scent to it, but the scent because less noticeable as you massage it on your skin. 

[forniafashion]

Spring 2015 Empties

Move over Spring, here comes Summer! ^____^

*Most of these items will fall into the category of skin care since using up a full sized makeup product takes so long for me. Also, I plan for this to be a seasonal series. 

1. e.l.f. Essential Shine Eraser 

My face tends to get super oily, regardless of the season. I usually keep a pack of oil blotting sheets in my backpack and another one by my makeup on the dresser. With these sheets, I tend to find myself using at least two each time I blot my face. However, at one dollar a pack, they’re still a pretty good deal. 

Repurchase? Probably. 

2. Clean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleaning Toner for Sensitive Skin 

Toner is a new item that I have incorporated into my skin care routine within the past six months. This toner does leave my skin feeling cleaner and smoother, but as far as acne prevention, I don’t see any significant results. 

Repurchase? Not at the moment. I’m currently looking into other toners, so if you have any suggestions, do tell! 

3. up & up™ Cotton Rounds 

This is one of the more “boring” items on this list, but I use these to apply my toner and (sometimes) to remove my eye makeup. 

Repurchase? Already have. :P 

4.  Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I like using makeup remover wipes since I live in the dorms and they’re travel friendly. I usually use half a sheet to remove my face makeup and then I’ll use CLINIQUE: Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips for my more stubborn eye makeup, i.e. my mascara. 

Repurchase? Most likely. 

5. L’Oreal Voluminous® Carbon Black Mascara

This isn’t exactly an empty (close though!), but I think it’s about time I threw this one out. True to its name, I find that this provides a very black layer of mascara and thickens the lashes. However, I did notice some smudging from time to time. 

Repurchase? This was actually my second one, but I am now focusing on a few other mascaras (like the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara). So no repurchase for now. :) 

[forniafashion]

New Pick Ups (Part 2)! feat. Too Faced Beauty Experts Darlings 

I had some redeemable points from Ulta and a $10 off coupon, so I decided to pick up this set of 4 travel-sized items from Too Faced. (This is actually my first time purchasing a Too Faced product.) 

This set comes with a Better Than Sex Mascara, a Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer, a Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, and a La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Naked Dolly. I haven’t tried out any of the products yet, but I’m most interested in using the bronzer and lip cream. ^__^  P.S. Isn’t the mini lipstick just adorable? 

[intensional]

when i’m on a break, whether its spring break or winter break or summer break or just a long weekend i seem to forget that something as terrible and frightening as school actually exists

[forniafashion]

First Impressions: Ulta Complete Eye Palette (Indie) 

I recently received this as part of Ulta’s birthday special (and featured it in my last post). At first glance, the color scheme reminds me of the Naked 3 Palette. (I don’t own the Naked 3 so I won’t be able to make any direct comparisons.) The top three shadows have a bit of a shimmer finish to them, while the lower left shadow is matte and the lower right shadow has flecks of pink glitter. (The palette does not appear to have individual names for the eyeshadow.)  While they felt smooth, the swatches were not as pigmented or as even as I expected. 

However, you can still achieve a nice neutral eye look with this palette. I used the tan/peachy shadow in the upper left corner all over the lid and then defined my crease with the brown shadow in the lower left corner. Then I used the champagne shadow in the middle to highlight my inner corners and took it across the inner half of my lower lash line. 

Overall, I think this is an okay palette. However, for its price (original, $12.00), there are many quads and small palettes with a comparable color selection and better pigmentation. 

[forniafashion]

New Pick Ups! 

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

St. Ives Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub (Moderate Exfoliation)  Ulta Complete Eye Palette (Indie)   Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser (220 Sandy Beige)* 

*This concealer color is actually too dark for me, so I mix it with a little bit of my foundation (which is now too light) to get the right shade. 

[forniafashion]

In an earlier MakeUp Wishlist, I mentioned the TooFaced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. Now TooFaced has released the 5-Piece Bronzer Wardrobe Collection, which includes Endless Summer, Chocolate Soleil, Sun Bunny, Milk Chocolate Soleil, and a brush! This seems like a great buy if you'd like to try a bunch of different bronzers or TooFaced products. (This might become an early birthday present to myself. Teehee.) 

[forniafashion]

Brush Collection [Feb. 2015]

EcoTools Large Powder Brush 

EcoTools Eye Enhancing Duo Set 

EcoTools Mini Essentials Make Up Brush Set 

Urban Decay Duo Brush from Naked Palette 

Coastal Scents Angled Brush 

Clinique Angled Shadow Brush 

e.l.f. Small Angled Brush 

e.l.f. Smudge Brush 

[forniafashion]

MakeUp Wish List #2 [Bronzer/Blush/Highlighter]

I decided to make some themed wish lists. (For example, a wish list for just foundations or products from just one brand.) I feel that this would make them a little more organized. However, some of my lists will still be random. :P Themed list will probably happen every other list or so.

[Disclaimer: All the images used in this post are from the respective websites of each company or Sephora.]

NYX Powder Blush in Taupe: I saw this used on YouTube as a contouring powder. Contouring isn’t something that I do on a daily basis (or at all really), but for the price (around $5) and color it could be worth incorporating into my routine.

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer: This is a light to medium matte bronzer. I'm slowly getting into using bronzer as it can add back some of the warmth and dimension in my face that foundation tends to take away. There is also a Chocolate Soleil Bronzer that is a bit darker, which could fit those with deeper skin tones. Plus, it smells like chocolate! 

Benefit Hoola Bronzer: This is another matte bronzer. (I prefer matte bronzers.) I like how this bronzer comes with a brush. I tried the both in Sephora and found that it was easy to contour with.                           

  Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette (in Naked or Streak): Naked is described as a medium pink, while Streak is described as a medium peach. I like how this palette contains a bronzer, blush, and highlighter as it is optimal for traveling. I also like how the portion for bronzer is larger than the other two as I will likely use more bronzer than highlighter or blush. 

[forniafashion]

MOTD: Go To Eye Makeup Look

NYX Eyebrow Powder (in Taupe/Ash) 

Clinique All About Shadow Duo (06 Neutral Territory) 

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer 

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (in Yogurt) 

Urban Decay Naked Palette 

ColorStay Liquid Liner (in Blackest Black) 

L'Oreal Waterproof Voluminous Mascara (in Carbon Black) 

[forniafashion]

Super excited to have stumbled across your blog! I really love the things that you have posted so far! :)

Thanks for the support! :) 

[forniafashion]

Current Skincare Routine (Jan 2015)

1. Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser (Oil-Free) 

2. Clean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleaning Toner (Sensitive Skin) 

3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture (Combination Skin) 

P.S. Sorry for the decrease in posts! Winter Quarter is speeding up pretty quickly. D: