Wednesday, January 6, 2016

My Beauty Dupes


Beauty Dupes

Calling all Practical Prepsters! I love makeup, hair products, beauty products and perfumes, but lets be honest the good stuff is expensive.... but not all the time.


Clarisonic vs Sephora face brush

Okay so this one is more of a practical comparison, I use this Sephora face bash which is only 10 dollars every day and it has done wonders for my skin. I originally wanted a clarisonic but then I looked at reviews and found that just doing a good manual scrub works just as well as having a electronic brush. You just have to put it the work!


                           Benefit's Erase Paste vs NYX full coverage concealer


I used erase paste for the past three years. I love this concealer as it perfectly blends and hides my skin imperfections. However, when I ran out of it this summer I didn't have a Sephora close by so I ran to target and picked up the NYX full coverage concealer. Coming in at only 5 dollars this concealer has not only done exactly what the Benefit product did but its also lasted me now 5 months! That was the best five dollars I've ever spent!



Clinique powder vs Maybelline Fit Me matte powder

Now if you've read my posts before you know how much I love Clinique's products and I have a hard time trying new foundations and powders because I just love the way the products glide on my skin so much. However, I was in a pinch and needed powder fast for a performance so I once again trekked to target ( I never have trouble finding more than I need there) and picked up this Maybelline powder. I love how light it is but also the full coverage it provides. The matte finish leaves my skin looking flawless!



MAC matte eyeshadow vs NYX Matte eyeshadow pots
Literally this one is comical. I was at a show this past weekend and doing my makeup and looked around and my best friend had her mac eyeshadow pots out. The funny part was we had the exact same colors, a nude and a plum. Because I knew I was doing a post about dupes I asked her if I could compare the consistency... they were so similar. Difference.. NYX $5 MAC $16






Monday, January 4, 2016

Practical Prep Survival Guide: Winter Weather

Hello everyone! 
The weather has finally taken a turn for the coldest down here in Virginia, with a Christmas at 80 degrees I never thought I would break out my comfy sweaters and cozy socks. Well the cold has finally arrived, and the with the weather currently at 14 degrees these essentials are within grabbing reach! 

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Check out my cold weather essentials:

Eos lip balm
Okay can we be honest, it's not only effective but it's also so darn cute! 

Oversized sweaters 
Literally can't get enough of my two new thrifty sweaters. One is from Brooks Brothers and the other is Jcrew, I thrifted both and got them for under 10!

Destress bubble bath 
Baths are the perfect time to warm up and destress, and nothing is better than a eucalyptus scent to soothe me deeper into the warm water after a chilly day.
(Shout out to Allison for this perfect gift!)

Ugg boots
Okay guilty pleasure, I love how warm and comfy these things are, I wear them to dance and maybe to run into the grocery store. Seriously though, it doesn't get much warmer than these furry shoes! 

Rosebud salve
If your like me, your skin gets dry and gross when it gets cold. I slab this stuff on at night before I go to bed on my palms and my lips, and it keeps me from being crackly and over-dry in the morning! 

Clinique moisturizer
Nothing like a chapped nose and flaky dry skin. I put this on any chance I get! Check out eBay for finding this product on discount! 

Blanket scarves
I've now added three more blanket scarves to my collection, but I can't help myself, they are so versatile and warm! 


This wintry season has just begun, what's you secret to surviving  these chilly days? 

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Simple Semester Resolutions

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Instead of making New Years resolutions I've decided to make resolutions specific to my last semester at GMU.... eep!!! that's scary!

1. Enjoy the friends I have around me and appreciate the time spent with them
2. Go into DC more often and explore
3. Don't be afraid to go out on Thursday, or Wednesday...maybe even Tuesday
4. Make the most out of faculty connections and experiences
5. Make new memories and try something new
6. Cherish every second of being in college and embrace my inner school spirit
7. Relax, your only a college student for a little longer
8. Be okay with making mistakes
9. Meet new people
10.Be more daring



Friday, January 1, 2016

Christmas Haul 2015


I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and a wonderful new year. I spent most of my time relaxing by the fire in deep conversation with my family, with a warm coffee in my hand. And honestly, it was absolutely perfect. Besides new memories and joyous family traditions, I also received quite the preppy little loot in gifts!
Check out my Christmas haul, I can't wait to style these items soon! Christmas 2015