Tag: xoitsjess

The Power of Makeup

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When I was younger, confidence was something I knew nothing about. I looked up to my family members who mostly consisted of women, and thought that they were so beautiful and that I could never compare. As the years went by, I struggled with my self-esteem and confidence all throughout Middle school and High school. Although it may have seemed like I was a happy-go-lucky teenager, behind closed doors I was really struggling to find myself. Eventually, I started watching YouTube videos and would see girls applying their own makeup and looking so confident while doing it. I began to play with makeup myself and liked the way it made me feel.

Makeup was a way out for me. It was the blanket that covered all of my insecurities for a very long time. It got so bad that I would never leave the house without it on. I ONLY felt comfortable with myself when I had makeup on.

As I got older, through many meltdowns and mental breakdowns, I finally became stronger. I started seeing myself in a different light and I knew that in order for me to be successful and actually make a difference in my life, I was going to have to change something. I wanted to be happy and at that moment I knew what had to change. I started watching many self-help and inspiring Youtube videos, I would go to my local bookstore and for hours read self-help books, and eventually I saw small changes in me.

Now, I can proudly say that although I have my off days, I am more confident than I have ever been. Makeup is no longer necessary for me. I wear it because I love it and because I enjoy it, NOT because I need it to feel comfortable anymore.

I hope that this inspires you all to be confident with or without makeup. We all have struggles and we all go through hard times, but never forget that the real beauty comes from the person you are within.

Mexico Vacation | Aug. 2015

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It has been a while since I’ve posted, I usually don’t like to give excuses but like I’ve mentioned in previous posts and videos, I have been finishing my Bachelor’s degree and enrolled in a few summer classes then after they finished I went on a family vacation for 7 days.

I wanted to document the entire trip since I absolutely love watching other people’s vlogs and blog post’s about their vacations. This was my first time ever vlogging so if you are interested in seeing what I did the whole vacation feel free to watch the video.

We were originally supposed to stay in a 3-star hotel and when we booked the hotel it looked beautiful in photos. Well, let me tell you, pictures lie. The hotel looked run down in person and we were a little disappointed but willing to make the best of it. While waiting for our rooms to be situated, we found out that there was a hostile take over happening in our hotel and they ended up transferring us to a beautiful 5-star hotel that was all inclusive. Honestly, this was the best thing that could have ever happened to us and I felt so blessed and so grateful. It made our trip so much better.

I absolutely loved my vacation, Mexico was beautiful and I would love to go back someday. It was definitely a very much needed vacation and I am so excited for you guys to be able to sort of come along with me by watching my vlog and seeing the photos.

Let me know if you like these types of posts and if you like vlog videos so I can continue to do them.

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Did you go on vacation this summer? Where to?

xo, Jess

Sephora & Ulta Haul

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I haven’t been makeup shopping in a very long time and I was running out of a few necessities so I decided to take a trip to Ulta and purchase some goodies. Makeup shopping is seriously like an addiction so of course, I had to pick up a few goodies at Sephora as well.

Watch the video to see what goodies I picked up 🙂 Let me know if you have any recommendations that I should try out!

 

xo, Jess

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Artist Palette | Review

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I am a sucker for fun eye shadow palettes. It is so rare for me to buy separate eye shadows because I can never decide what colors to purchase, so when I see that there is a new palette out with colors I don’t own I automatically have to have it. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Artist Palette was one of those. I waited a bit after it came out to purchase it because I wasn’t sure if the hype was real. When I went to swatch it at Ulta, I instantly fell in love! I had to have it!

– Now I know this is a limited edition palette so I do apologize if you can’t get your hands on it but it is still out for sale, I have seen it. So if you want it go get it soon before it sells out!IMG_3566

Price: $30.00

Where Can I Purchase: Ulta, Sephora.com (I checked the ABH website but they are sold out).

Anastasia Claims: “This limited-edition, fashion-forward eye shadow kit is the ultimate makeup artist’s palette. Twelve heavily-pigmented shades ranging from a neutral dusty rose to a dramatic emerald green—deliver smooth, intense color so you can create an endless array of looks.” – Anastasiabeverlyhills.com

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Packaging: The packaging is so fun and summery. It definitely does look artistic, hence the name of the palette. It has a magentic close just like all of her other palettes. For the most part it’s sturdy and it is small enough to travel with.

Consistency: The eye shadows are so soft and buttery but pigmented at the same time. Usually I find that eye shadows like these end up being chalky, but that was not the case with this palette.

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Overall Thoughts: If you’re looking for a fun summer palette that has a variety of colors definitely pick this one up. There aren’t many neutrals or crease colors, but there is a good variety of matte and shimmery shadows. I personally did not own any colors like the ones in this palette so for me it was definitely a good buy. The shadows aren’t unique per say, but if you’re like me and don’t own many loose shadows then you probably want a palette like this. They are pigmented but buttery and blend so easily! Also, many eye shadows crease on me and these don’t do it as much. I have been loving this palette this summer and I think you guys will enjoy it as well!

 

What are your favorite summer palettes? Do you own this one? thoughts?

xo, Jess