The Primer

The everyday girl's guide to beauty and lifestyle. 

[the-primer]

true love. 💘

[y3]

[the-primer]

So, tonight I tried Creme of Nature’s Pure-Licious Co-Wash with Argan Oil which I picked up from Target for about $5.99. Although it says it’s for “natural hair,” I decided to give it a try because, a) I feel that any hair that comes out of my head is natural, and b) although my hair is relaxed, I often like to wear it curly. My hair is super dry no matter if I wear it curly or straight, relaxed or natural, so I decided to give this a try.

As directed on the bottle, I wet my hair and applied this from root to tip and left it on for five minutes. It doesn’t get sudsy, which I like, because I feel that the suds and harshness of shampoo can really dry out my hair. This is a conditioning cleanser that will rid your hair of previous product residue while keeping your hair moisturized. When I rinsed it out, my hair felt moisturized but not heavy.

I followed up by putting in some virgin, non-refined coconut oil from Trader Joe’s in my hair and rinsing it out rather quickly. Then I put in some of my ORS Incredibly Rich Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion with olive oil (see previous post for photo). Then I let my hair air dry for about five minutes before French-braiding it and turning in for the night.

I’m definitely going to continue using this to see if it’ll increase the amount of moisture in my hair overall.

[the-primer]

I went to Ulta today for some affordable buys. I was out of concealer and usually use NARS, but with all my recent moving expenses, I thought it would be smart to opt for something cheaper.

I picked up NYX’s Hydra Touch Primer ($13.99), Tinted Moisturizer in TM06 Tan ($9.99) and HD Photogenic Concealer in CW08 Nutmeg ($4.99). There was a buy one, get one fifty percent off promotion for all NYX products plus I had a coupon for $3.50 of $15.00. So everything ended up being around $21.

I haven’t used the tinted moisturizer or primer at home yet, but tested the primer in-store and it felt amazing! It has green tea and ginseng root extracts and is very cooling.

I originally purchased the HD Concealer in CW07 Tan a few months ago and it was way too light. When I blended it with CW08, I got a pretty good match for my skin tone. I’ll post swatches of the concealer and tinted moisturizers in an update. I’d say overall my mini NYX haul was a win!

Update!! I’m loving NYX! I used both concealers and the tinted moisturizer today, with the Hydra Touch primer as a base. I’m definitely going to explore more of their products. LOVE.

[the-primer]

Maybelline Master Conceal. I read mixed reviews on this and decided to try it. Unfortunately, I bought the wrong shade. The tube was a little misleading. I purchased Medium (40) but really should've gotten Medium Deep (50). I ended up returning this to Target but maybe I'll try it again in the right shade. I wish there was more of range of colors to try.

[the-primer]

currents.

[the-primer]

I'm all about the #budgetlife right now, so when I ran out of my Miss Jessie's Creme de la Creme, I picked this up! It's about half the price ($6). I used to use this in high school and college so I'm hoping it'll work just as well for me now!

[the-primer]

I haven't updated my blog in so long! The school year has been so busy (#teacherlife), plus I was working on studying for my real estate license and I'm prepping to move! Super busy and I've definitely fallen off from most of my beauty routines. I haven't painted my nails in WEEKS (insert scream emoji here). But my intern gave me these polishes as a parting gift about 3 weeks ago. I STILL haven't used them but I'm excited to try them out, hopefully tonight. I've never heard of this brand, Fresh Paint, so it'll be exciting to try something new. It was awesome that she remembered I said I LIVE for neutral polish. These shades are: Shake It Off, Finished, and Never Go Out Of Style.

[astral-obscura]

Signs That Overreact Constantly

SCORPIO, LEO, SAGITTARIUS, Aries, Cancer, Pisces, Gemini, Libra

[frogmp3]

okay and???? bitch

[blackdenimjeans]

This fake bc Virgo isn’t on it

[the-primer]

first one listed. accurate

[the-primer]

Throwback Monday to the 1 day that I owned Moonboots. :::pours liquor out:::

[the-primer]

Rainy Days=Sally’s Re-Up

It’s rainy and I was bored so I decided to head to Sally’s to restock on a few essentials. Here’s what I picked up. Keep reading for more details.

Beauty Secrets Pure Acetone ($1.99): I recently got a great gel manicure at a local salon. But I’m cheap and don’t want to pay to get it removed or redone. I’m using the 100% pure acetone to remove the color. I also use this to get hair dye off of my bathroom fixtures after a dye job.

Beauty Secrets Nail Polish Dryer ($2.99): Once upon a time, this was a staple in my bathroom. But I fell off. Hard. I’m trying to get back on the whole “doing my own nails” game, so this is key. It works well and always sets my manicure and pedicure nicely. If you’re just starting out with at-home manicures, this is a must-have.

China Glaze Nail Lacquer with Hardener in Let’s Chalk About it ($6.49): I love a

pale pink/chalky-hued nail polish. I’m excited to use this on my nails and toes as most of my nail polish stash has dried up.

Silk Elements Mega Silk Olive Conditioner ($1.89): I’ve tried Silk Elements moisturizing and oil sheen sprays, but never their deep conditioners. Excited to try this later on today!

Fine Toothed Pastel Comb ($1.09): Because, who doesn’t need one of these?

Lesson: When it’s rainy, go shopping and get pretty.

[the-primer]

Recent Buys

These past couple of weeks, I’ve been perusing the interwebs to find spring pieces at affordable prices. Here are two things I’ve picked up so far:

JG One Piece Bathing Suit from WantMyLook.com

I love Lilly Ghallichi and this was my first time ordering from her site, Want My Look. They’ve been on my radar for a while but I was hesitant to buy from a site I haven’t tried before. I loved this suit so much that I had to buy it! I ordered a size a medium and it’ll be here on Monday. Will update!

I also picked up the Nova Season Jumpsuit from Fashion Nova.

I found about Fashion Nova from Daphne Joy’s Instagram. I’ve wanted a

jumpsuit for a long time and ordered this in size medium. I’ve already received it and it fits perfectly! I plan to wear it with a hoodie or flannel shirt tired around the waist.

Can’t wait to share more buys!

[the-primer]

I’m so late on this, but: I recently added this song to my getting ready playlist after hearing it at a cycling class. I’m obsessed.

[the-primer]

On my nails: I Cannoli Wear OPI by OPI. Gel color.

[the-primer]

Face mask display at H&M Boston. To buy or not to buy?

[the-primer]

When with bae.

[the-primer]

I know this is a beauty blog, but here's my most recent shoe purchase! I'm not a sneaker person at all but I love these.