Nip and Fab - and Snake Venom

Stress has caused my skin to break out badly, lots of redness and fine lines... I've been trying to take better care of my skin, especially as I get older. I went to Sephora and bought some new cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, but I've been bad at implementing a new regimen cuz #lazy. I've noticed I have to use more cover up lately especially when I shoot for the blog.

I was sent these new products from @nipandfab to try and I've tested them out for better and picture perfect images. I was mostly intrigued by the name of each product, and was super interested in reading about the science behind how it works! 

Prime Day - My Amazon Picks!

Hi loves!
Happy July!
This summer is flying by! I've been so busy with finishing up experiments, moving, fixing up my blog images, preparing for my new job, and preparing to move across the country. I've been selling a lot of things and still am, but I'm always buying things off amazon. Since I don't have a regular address right now its tough for me to order things - I order things like cat litter, cat food, shoes, clothes, exercise gear, and other random things I want (I bought popsicle molds last! haha!), especially because I'm a prime member, so I get free shipping and there's usually good deals. I literally furnished my entire first apartment ordering things on prime - I bought my TV, kitchen things, side tables, patio tables, bedroom things, home gym gear, you name it. It was really easy for me when I didn't have a car to go to the store! And if you are a student, there is a Prime Student Rate if you have an .edu email! If you see you shop on amazon frequently and don't want to pay for shipping, you can join Prime HERE.

Every year there's Amazon Prime Day, and theres basically 30 hrs of deals. I try not to spend too much, but I'll check out what the lightning deals are. I bought a 2 GB flash drive for pretty cheap last prime day! It starts at 9 pm EST on July 10th (or 6 pm PST!).
Here are some of my picks for Prime Day!

1. Watches - JORD wood watches
I just realized JORD now sells their watches on Amazon! I reviewed their watch previously, and you can find it on Amazon with free shipping! I loved the simple, turquoise wood watch! It was so beautiful and unique! I personally love the darker wood color, find the link below:

My Current Favorite Beauty Products

Happy Monday!
I am back to blogging, with my dissertation due in a few weeks, so it is crunch time! I have 3 weeks exactly to submit to my committee, and one month exactly until my thesis defense! But I couldn't let it go without posting on my blog, and making a youtube video, to be exact! I can't wait to get back into regular blogging after I defend, I hope to ramp up the articles and some useful grad school articles for tips on various topics! I also want to write an article about career options in science and also do a live video on my instagram or Facebook page! Let me know what you think about all of these, and if there is anything you would like to see!

Anyway, Check out my Current Favorite Beauty Products!

L'Oreal EverPure Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner Review

Hey guys!
Happy weekend!
I just wanted to share a quick video review I made for my new L'Oreal Ever Pure Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner I was sent to test out by Influenster - part of the #Freeyourhair campaign, but all opinions are my own!!! My hair felt soft and much better after air drying and not having to dry it with the hair dryer or style it! Check out the video below and let me know what you think!

Home Teeth Whitening for Coffee Addicts - Smile Brilliant

Hello everyone!
Hope you are having a great week so far, and hope it is a positive and peaceful one!
Today I wanted to share with you a review of a home teeth whitening kit that I've done and tested, with great results! I am a coffee addict, as every grad student is, and my teeth have gotten super stained. I used to drink only one cup of coffee a day but as I am in my 6th and final year, I have upped it to 2-3 cups a day...so you can only imagine the consequences on my teeth! So if your question is, does coffee stain your teeth, the answer is a big resounding YES. As a blogger and one who likes to take photos and selfies, yellow teeth can be a turn off. I was noticing my teeth were getting pretty yellow, and within the few weeks of starting the kit to when I actually started whitening, my teeth got so much more yellow, it was astounding!

I have tried other at home whitening kits, like the white strips, but my teeth and gums are always too sensitive, and I end up super uncomfortable. I did look around at the different options for teeth whitening - here are some tips for things you should know before buying a certain kit (here).

I came across the Smile Brilliant Home teeth whitening kit, and I was sent a whole kit to test out!
I was really excited to get started, mainly because it seemed to be everything that was provided at my dentist, but much more affordable and could do it in the comfort of my own home. I don't have much time to be running to dentist appointments every other day, and I can't afford the expensive treatments they offer! In addition, they say its perfect for people with sensitive teeth, since they offer a desensitizing gel with their treatment to sooth your teeth. I did do some research on their services, and found some tips and causes for tooth sensitivity, that you can read about here.

When I received the kit, it was complete with everything I needed - base and catalyst putty along with the impression trays, to create my custom whitening trays (score! its seriously like the dentist protocol!). They even had a postage prepaid envelope to send back the impressions once they hardened! The kit also came with three syringes of whitening gel and three syringes of desensitizing gel!

Cat Eye Liquid Liner Tutorial - YouTube Video

Happy weekend!

After much request over on Instagram, here is a new video tutorial of how I do my cat eye liner look.

Check it out and let me know your thoughts! There is a list of the products used over on the actual youtube video, so click thru and watch and leave me some comments or questions, or requests for new tutorials and videos!

Have a great weekend!

xo

Andrea

Things I Currently Adore...and a review of my Current Makeup Products

Happy Happy Friday!
I'm so glad it's the weekend!
I'm in dire need of a few days off to relax, lab work has been insane and so busy.
Thought I would put together a post about the current products are my go-to and what I am obsessed with.
I recently had to buy more makeup, but I couldn't afford the hefty price tag of my high end products from Sephora, like my Smashbox CC cream, Dior and Bare Minerals Mascara, or my Urban Decay Palettes, so I had to settle for some cheaper options for my every day looks. I am saving my more expensive makeup for special occasions! See my reviews below and a comparison!
Here's the look from a day in Paris visiting the Eiffel Tower! Photos to come next week for the next parts of my travel diary!

Vice 4 Makeup Tutorial: Metallics

Happy Friday!

I'm so glad almost the weekend!

I've had a busy stressful week, and I'm finding myself start falling back into my old ways from last quarter. I am trying so hard to STOP that! I can't go back to how I was feeling last quarter. So I am taking this weekend to relax and chill.

Here is a makeup look I created with my new Urban Decay Vice 4 palette I got as a Christmas gift from my mom!  I really like the pigments in all of the Vice palettes, so I was super excited to try the newest limited edition palette! I created a metallic shimmery look that you can wear on the daily but also dress it up to go out at night! 

Makeup Tutorial - Urban Decay Vice 3 Festive Holiday Look

Happy Friday!
I am so so glad it is the weekend. It has been a crazy few weeks in this December with long hours in the lab so I am happy it is finally holiday time and things are starting to wind down and celebrations are starting with office holiday parties!
Today my department is having an "Ugly Sweater" Holiday Party, and I decided to do festive eye makeup to match my ugly sweater (see my instagram @phd_fashionista for a peak at my cool science-y ugly sweater! lol!)

I broke out my Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette that I have been in love with for the past year because of the great pigmented colors, but I haven't used it in a while. Since I knew it had a vivid green and red, I decided to use them to create a holiday look! See the look and take a look at the tutorial below!

Recap of Life: #FABDILab Blogger event, Halloween, my take on social media, and giveaway winner!

Hi loves!
Sorry for lack of posts this week! I am working for more posts for you guys for next week but it has been a rather stressful and busy two weeks, and only will be as busy this weekend!
Juggling 12 hr days at work where I am on my feet all day doing experiments is exhausting, and I have all the intentions to work on blog posts and outfit posts but I end up passing out on the couch from 10 pm! I think I will be graduating in this next year (hoping to walk at graduation, defend by summer!), so I can see the end of the tunnel which is great (so exciting to finally be done with this journey) but terrifying at the same time because I still have so much to accomplish in my projects!!

Two weekends ago I attended #FabDILab, a blogger conference that I attended last year and met some good blogger friends! So it was nice to go back again this year more experienced in the blogging world and I felt like I could take away so much more! The day started off with a networking breakfast followed by back to back talks - focusing on social media, branding yourself, how to work with companies, and much more! It was cool hearing of these things from others who do this full time! I definitely took home some tips that I hope I can share with you! If you follow me on twitter (@phd_fashionista), I was tweeting some good quotes from various speakers throughout the day! It was rather interesting to hear some statistics - what particularly stood out to me was that 81% of Consumers trust info and advice from bloggers! So Influencer marketing really works! I know I love to see a certain piece styled with an outfit rather than just seeing an ad for a piece by itself - so it makes sense! Another tip was, No's are not the end, they are a part of the process. Which really resonates for me, on more levels than just blogging, but in life. Sometimes you get down when you get rejection after rejection, but to be honest, it might mean you are saving yourself for something even more epic and a bigger opportunity!

I struggled with that today, as I applied to be a part of this social program that sends you samples to review, and I was instantly rejected. And it was because my instagram following was not up to par - apparently you need a minimum of 1000 followers. Number of followers is misleading because nowadays it's so easy to buy followers! I was a little upset but then it really made me realize why I started blogging - not for the free things or the glitz and glamor, but because I seriously enjoy writing and creating - I absolutely love creating outfit posts and styling them, doing my makeup and taking great photos to showcase my outfits - and then I enjoy writing the posts even more! It really helped put things in perspective - I didn't start blogging to become instagram famous, I started blogging because I love blogging, fashion, and this outlet! It was kind of funny because I had this epiphany along the same time as another Instagram star Essena O'neill posted about quitting social media - whether or not it was a publicity stunt or she genuinely was sick of the ridiculousness - I agree - and it's so upsetting to realize how much I have started obsessing over instagram and number of followers. And having photos to post - must be perfectly posed, must take so many shots of the same thing until it's perfect - she is completely right!

Well, anyway, if you have read down to hear, I really appreciate you reading my ranting and ramblings. I really had a great time at FabDILab, learned a lot, and also got some free goodies in a goodie bag (see photo below), that I will be reviewing in some posts coming up soon!

Keep scrolling to read about my Halloween and the announcement of the Giveaway winner!

Loreal LA Palette Nude 2 - Smokey Cut Crease Tutorial

Happy Friday!

I am bringing back my makeup tutorials, as I haven't had a chance to do one in a while! I am also going to get back on track for 2 posts a week, I was trying hard to keep up but with traveling and the stresses of life I had been posting once a week! But I have a lot of fresh new content to deliver so be on the lookout for more things! 

I am SO so so happy it's Friday! I had such a busy and stressful week, and it's finally over. I easily worked over 60 hours this week, and those 60 hrs were spent on preparation work and literally running around all day, so I don't feel as bad not going to the gym or working out. Although I have been trying to do some yoga every day!

Here is a makeup tutorial for a look I wore this past weekend to a fellow blogger's baby shower using a new Palette I have had for a while but never opened, the L'Oreal LA Palette Nude 2! I got this Palette at the Vanity Fair Social Club event for the Oscars a few months ago but I never used it because I was so obsessed with my Urban Decay Palettes. One day I thought I would try to create a new look with this palette and I fell in love with the colors! They are all matte, but they create a really glam look when paired correctly! The palette even has some look tutorials on the back!

Six Summer Beauty Travel Essentials

Happy middle of the week/almost the weekend!
As the weekend gets closer I'm getting more and more anxious about my trip! I finally settled into my new apartment, finally got rid of boxes and unpacked everything, and finally got into a routine for my commute to work, and now I'm getting ready to jet set off to Europe for the next three weeks! I have already talked about this but I am going to a conference in Barcelona, and I finished my poster for my presentation tonight, going to go print it tomorrow on fabric (yes they print on fabric so no more carrying huge poster tubes in the airport!), and just wrapping up experiments in lab. Time to start packing for the next few weeks of SUN and RELAXATION!! Something I have been lacking the last few weeks.

Summer Beauty Travel Essentials by andreah227 

Red White and Blue - Vice3 Makeup Tutorial

Hello lovelies!

I am back with a *late* blog post, but I liked it so much I thought I would post it anyway. The craziness of life has started to slow down, so I have more time to post! I was working crazy long hours to try to finish experiments before I leave on my trip, and throw moving a whole one bedroom apartment over a weekend was a feat in itself - I didn't realize how much stuff I have accumulated since living by myself! My new apartment is almost completely set up, which feels good and I can finally relax! And then in a week I will be heading off to Europe - first to a conference in Spain - which I am ECSTATIC about! I have always wanted to go to Spain, and particularly Barcelona! and then off to Cyprus to lounge by the beach and hang out with family! SO. EXCITED.

Today I bring you a Fourth of July makeup tutorial from last week, using shades from my beloved UD Vice3 Palette! This palette is seriously so versatile, and can create so many different looks, as you have seen with my makeup tutorial series using this one palette! Even something like a Fourth of July look can be created! I took a break from packing last Saturday to go to a BBQ, and decided to try to be festive, so I pulled out my palette and created this look! I realized after its not completely original since a lot of other people have done this look but I didn't look at any other photos to come up with the idea! Lol. Take a look!

Hawaiian Luau Inspired Makeup Tutorial - Vice 3 Palette

Happy Friday loves! TGIF! 

I'm glad its the weekend! Even though I feel like I didn't get much done experiment wise, I still feel exhausted, from running around doing things I needed, and finished a final presentation for a class I was taking. Today I helped plan a End of Year party for the graduate students in our department that is Luau themed! I love anything Hawaiian themed, and it brought me back to last year when I went to Waikiki to visit my cousin! I bought the decorations and leis and I am really excited to start setting up in a few hours!

Here is a makeup look inspired by the colorful hawaiian vibes! I used my Vice 3 Palette (seriously, the makeup looks and combinations are endless!), and the colors are so vibrant, I love how it came out. I still haven't mastered the great photography techniques other makeup bloggers have mastered, but I am trying!

Smokey Eye Makeup with a pop of color - Tutorial and Giveaway Winner announced!

Hi everyone!

Happy Friday and weekend! This week seems to have flown by and I am not sure I got a lot done this week! I have a final presentation for a business class I'm taking, so I decided to dress up a little for my presentation in a few hours with a cute navy blue blazer and some gold accents! And to pair with some nice makeup, I created a Brown smokey eye look with a pop of some blue/green color!
And at the bottom of the post I announce the winner of the Anjolee Necklace Giveaway!

Here is a tutorial for this look created using my Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette I have had for some time now! I also created a double winged look, which I think adds a nice chic touch! I lined the lower lid with my liquid liner so I had to be careful, and then used eye pencil to line the inner lower lid!

Daily Face Routine - Feat InstaNatural Retinol Moisturizer

Hello Lovelies!

This post is in honor of yesterday's Earth Day and attempts at #goingGreen! 

I decided to share with you my morning face routine, using various products I have grown to like and have decided to try out! I received this InstaNaturals Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer to try out, and I decided to replace my current moisturizer (from CVS brand), to compare it!

I decided to use this routine instead of washing my face with the other face washes because it helps save water! This way I use cotton pads instead of water and while it does generate some waste, with California's drought, any water saved is good! So I think its a good trade off.

1. Deep Cleaning Astringent - This Clean & Clear Essentials Deep cleaning astringent is something I love using, I pour some of it on a cotton pad and then wipe my face with it. I feel it working and it has salicylic acid acne medication to keep control of your acne! It is similar to the other face washes with salicylic acid but doesn't require any water! 

20 Conference Essentials: A packing list!

Hello everyone!

Today I bring to you a Conference Essentials packing list!

After attending and blogging for the recent conference in Boston, I decided to come up with a packing list to help you prepare for a conference or meeting, for whatever topic it may be, scientific, educational, blogging, etc.! 

I decided to check my bag, so I could fit all of this in a big bag, but you can always scale down for a carry on bag!

Makeup Monday - InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask Review!

Happy Monday everyone!

Today I am bringing you a review for a recent product I received, the InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask! I was excited to try this product because I have been having issues with my skin just being out of control, and I am preparing for the conference I am going to in Boston at the end of this week! During the special time of the month my face just goes crazy with acne! You would think being in my later 20s now that I would be over the acne stage... I guess not. I also have a bad habit of touching my face, especially when I am sitting at my desk at work, which I have been doing a lot of lately since I have been writing a manuscript. I did some research online and came across a variety of facial masks that claim to do well for your skin, but Insta Natural Dead Sea Mud Mask seemed to have the best reviews! 

It is supposed to be a holistic detoxifier and purifier, expected to give you radiant refined skin! I needed whatever help I could get without going to a dermatologist so I decided to check out this product! All of the other reviews seemed pretty positive, with only a couple of people having reactions to it. I was sent this product to review, and boy was I surprised when I received a full size 16 oz jar to try! 

Makeup Monday - Daily look with Naked2

Welcome to another edition of my Makeup Monday Series Tutorial featuring a daily look I created with some neutral shades from the Urban Decay Naked2 Palette. To be honest, I didn't have the $54 to buy the Naked2 palette, but I love all the shades, especially after using my Naked3 and Vice3 Palettes. 

I found on Groupon a palette series called "Exposed," which features several shades suspiciously similar to the three Urban Decay Naked palettes on sale for $18 each. I decided to just go for it and ordered the "Exposed 2" palette, which has similar shades to the Naked2 Palette! I can tell the difference in the quality of the eye shadows, but they do their job and achieve the look I want. After using this palette, I will definitely be purchasing the Naked2 palette next time I have some money to spend at Sephora! 

This is a perfect daytime look, I tend to wear some neutral gold shades to work, they give some glam while not being too over the top. 

Makeup Monday - Vegas Birthday Look!

Welcome to another edition of Makeup Monday - Vegas Birthday Look, using my Vice3 palette!

When I said this was a very versatile palette, I wasn't joking! I have used this palette to make so many different kinds of looks, that when I travel, sometimes its the only palette I need! On my birthday trip to Vegas this past weekend, we went to Tao Nightclub in the Venetian Hotel. We had such a great time, got on the Guest list and walked in for free and got some free drinks! 

I wanted to create a really glam look; I decided to go with my bold colors from the Urban Decay Vice 3 palette. 

I used a gold shade called Lucky on the middle of the lid, and added some black to the outer corner, careful to blend it nicely to create a smokey effect. 

My winged eyeliner isn't so great today, I had issues because I was about to run out of my liquid liner. But usually it comes out nice.