Ode to Vici Dolls - Fashion Haul/Amazing Sale on Cozy Sweaters and More

Do any of you follow past Bachelor contestants on Instagram? I may do this. While you can get inundated with paid sponsorships and codes on gummy vitamins, Fabfitfun boxes, sunglasses, etc. sometimes they wear super cute outfits that I would like to own. The most recent Bachelorette Becca Kufrin was wearing a beautiful dress, which of course was linked. This is how I discovered Vici.

The clothes are super adorable, but the best part is that they often have flash sales where you can grab some pricey items for $20!!! While you have to act quickly (they sell out super fast), you can get some really great pieces. They always have items on sale and often provide an additional discount code. I figured I would share in case you don't follow past Bachelor contestants. Below are the items I purchased during their latest Flash Sale as well as the items on my wish list. After all, the holidays and my birthday are coming up. Hint Hint.

Striped Cardigan Sweater

How cute is this? I love me a long cozy cardigan. I also have been loving anything green. Green clothes, green eyeshadow...I was very excited to snag this at $20.

Suede Leggings 

My winter uniform basically consists of leggings and sweaters. Occassionally, I'll mix it up with a pair of jeans, dress pants or a sweater dress but more often than not, you will find me in leggings and a sweater. So whenever I can find cute leggings that are not just basic black, I'm all about that life.

Lorelai Shirt

I definitely love stripes (more stripes to come!). I love these colors for fall and I also love that it's called the Lorelai shirt because it makes me think of Lorelai Gilmore, one of my favorite fictional television characters of all time. This makes me want to grab some Luke's coffee.

Rouched Dress 

I love this dress because you can dress it up with some booties, heels and a leather jacket or dress it down with a cardigan and flats. I feel like this will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe that can be layered to work in all seasons (well, all seasons in LA).

The Baltimore Sweater

Yup, that's what this is called!!! So naturally I had to have it because...I love striped sweaters and I'm from Baltimore. This is the one item I purchased that wasn't part of the $20 flash sale, but I had 20% off so there's that.

Wish List

 

I know what you're thinking...another striped sweater. But this is a striped sweater DRESS. So it's OK.

And for my last striped sweater love...This is called "The Partridge Family Sweater." I love The Partridge Family and I got to work with and spend the day with David Cassidy, which will always be an amazing memory. So basically I need this sweater. It's also super cute and gives me those 70s vibes, which I'm living for.

And finally, one last sweater dress, which I think could be good for both work and for dating, which I am going to force myself to do this year.

Have you checked out Vici? What did you buy? What do you want to buy? Inquiring minds (mine) would like to know.

Sephora Fall VIB Sale - My Recommendations and My Wishlist

It's a wonderful time of year. Time for sweaters and boots (unless you live in LA like me where it's still 90 degrees and I'm trying to make sweaters happen, but it's rough). Christmas lights, gingerbread lattes and Hallmark Christmas movies are right around the corner. AND it's the Sephora VIB Sale.

I'm going to go ahead and give my recommendations:

Skincare 

You all know by now I looove my bum bum cream by sol de janiero. I also love the body/hair spray and their body wash. I just ordered this gift set for myself and it's seriously awesome.

https://www.sephora.com/product/bum-bum-carnaval-extravaganza-P436097?icid2=products%20grid:p436097:product


Ole Henrikson has some of my favorite skincare products. I absolutely love their sauna facial scrub (feels like a spa in your shower and my face feels so clean and exfoliated). I'm also obsessed with their truth serum and undereye brightening cream. This holiday set is a great steal if you want to grab it, I'd definitely recommend.

https://www.sephora.com/product/glow-brightly-P436910?skuId=2148252

Drunk Elephant also has truly amazing skincare. The baby facial has helped my skin a ton. It's definitely pricey so if you can grab something during the sale...dooooo ittt. I thought this kit was a fantastic option.

https://www.sephora.com/product/the-big-reveal-P436099?icid2=products%20grid:p436099:product

Foundations:(keep in mind my skin is dry and I like medium to full coverage, but a dewy or natural finish)

Dior Forever Foundation (this is my ride or die)

https://www.sephora.com/product/diorskin-forever-perfect-foundation-broad-spectrum-35-P405059

Jouer Essential High Coverage Foundation  (this is my going out, full coverage, want flawless pictures foundation)

https://www.sephora.com/product/essential-high-coverage-creme-foundation-P434015

YSL Touche Eclat All In One Glow (this is my everyday foundation)

https://www.sephora.com/product/touche-eclat-all-in-one-glow-P428504

I also highly recommend the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Serum (I mix into my foundation for a bronzed glow)

https://www.sephora.com/product/d-bronzi-tm-anti-pollution-sunshine-serum-P432668

Concealer 

Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer (it hasn't quite replaced my Tarte Shape Tape, but I really do love this one. It's hydrating, gives great coverage and easy to blend. 

https://www.sephora.com/product/born-this-way-super-coverage-multi-use-sculpting-concealer-P432298

Powder 

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder (this is my fave pressed powder. It really does give an airbrushed finish and is just so beautiful

https://www.sephora.com/product/airbrush-flawless-finish-setting-powder-P433526

Hourglass Veil Translucent Powder - It's just the best powder ever honestly

https://www.sephora.com/product/veil-translucent-setting-powder-P430240

Face Palette 

Last year I purchased the hourglass holiday palette and it's the best purchase I've ever made. I use this every single day, I travel with this palette, I love pretty much everything in it. Hourglass makes my absolute favorite blushes, bronzer and powders and the highlights also give that beautiful and more subtle glow from within. I know $80 is pretty pricey so this sale is the perfect time to grab this. You won't be sorry, I promise

https://www.sephora.com/product/ambient-lighting-edit-unlocked-P436439?icid2=products%20grid:p436439:product

Highlight

This is fairly shocking, but I really only have one highlight to recommend. I've been reaching for this highlight everyday. It is not quite as blinding as I used to go, which I think is more appropriate in my old age, but it still gives a gorgeous and wet looking glow. Two words: Natasha Denona

https://www.sephora.com/product/super-glow-P433404?skuId=2041879

Eyeshadow Palettes 

You can check out my previous blog of my favorite eyeshadow palettes, but during this sale I would definitely recommend snatching up The Urban Decay Born to Run Palette, Anastasia Soft Glam or Norvina and a Huda Beauty Obsessions Palette.

I also really recommend the hourglass scattered light glitter eyeshadows and stila magnificent metals. You can't have too much glitter especially around holiday time! Stila is offering some great holiday sets, I'd definitely recommend grabbing one for you or for a glitter loving friend.

https://www.sephora.com/product/scattered-light-glitter-eye-shadow-P433811?skuId=2087674&icid2=products%20grid:p433811:product

https://www.sephora.com/product/mini-glitter-glow-liquid-eye-shadow-set-P432331

Mascara 

The Hourglass Caution Mascara - This is hands down the best mascara I've ever tried. In addition to really lengthening and separating my lashes, it doesn't transfer!! No more little dots underneath my eyes. I'm obsessed

 https://www.sephora.com/product/caution-extreme-lash-mascara-P433809

Brows

Benefit has my favorite brow products specifically the Precisely my brow pencil. The brow powder and give me brow are also fantastic. If you are looking for some great new brow products, this kit is fantastic.

https://www.sephora.com/product/magical-brow-stars-blockbuster-brow-set-P437284?icid2=products%20grid:p437284:product

 To set my brows however, I am completely in love with the Milk Makeup kush fiber brow gel. It's also great for natural days, you can just run this through your brows and be good to go.

https://www.sephora.com/product/kush-fiber-brow-gel-P433125

Lips: There are so many great lip products that its honestly hard to choose. For lipsticks my faves would be Charlotte Tilbury and Bite Beauty. For glosses, I love marc jacobs, fenty beauty, bite beauty french press lip gloss, Buxom in the shade White Russian. For liquid lipstick I'm loving Lawless Beauty. I'm also obsessed with Lancome L'Absolu Lacquer, Dior Lip Glow balms and Nars Velvet Lip Glides.

Hair

When it comes to my hair, I highly recommend Olaplex and Briogeo. These products have brought my dull and damaged hair back to life!

https://www.sephora.com/product/hair-o-scopes-brightest-stars-bestsellers-P435405?icid2=products%20grid:p435405:product

Wishlist 

So now that I've suggested my favorite products for you to pick up, below are the products that I'm dying to pick up. I probably will only treat myself to a couple, but a girl can dream...and my birthday and the holidays are coming up so there's always that.

Kevyn Aucoin Nude Pop Eyeshadow Palette
Mel Thompson on Youtube has been raving about this palette and it looks so beautiful. I've also been really into cool toned shadows lately so this is right up my ally.

https://www.sephora.com/product/nudepop-pro-eyeshadow-palette-P436039

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

https://www.sephora.com/product/kiss-make-up-set-P436691

I've heard such amazing things about this mask. My lips get super dry and chapped especially in the winter, so I'm all about this life. Especially if I can just put it on my lips, go to bed and let the mask do the work while I sleep.

Mark Jacobs See-Quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow

https://www.sephora.com/product/see-quins-glam-glitter-eyeshadow-P436426

Have I mentioned that I love glittery eyeshadows? Tati Westbrook on Youtube loves these and I typically love what she loves. They just look so beautiful and I want!

Urban Decay Lo-Fi Mousse

I have one color and I'm dying to get another. Not only are these a long wearing lip stain, but they can also be used as a long lasting cream blush (thanks to Jkissa for sharing that tip!) I have a puple-y one so I need pink obviously.

https://www.sephora.com/product/lo-fi-lip-mousse-P433130?skuId=2087187

Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer

So many of my favorite Youtubers have been living for this primer. It's very hard to justify a primer that is over $50 even with the sale, but...it can still go on my wishlist.

https://www.sephora.com/product/the-silk-canvas-P428661

Pat McGrath Lip Liners
Kathleen Lights says they are her favorite lip liners of all time. $25 for a lip liner is INSANE but if I'd ever spend $25 on a lip liner it would be for Pat McGrath. I also wouldn't mind another one of her eyeshadow palettes because her fomula is magic.

https://www.sephora.com/product/permagel-ultra-lip-pencil-P423696?skuId=2005718

What's on your list?

I Responded To Tinder Guys with Deep Thoughts By Jack Handy

I hate dating. Especially online dating. Online dating is like a box of chocolates...ya never know what you're going to get. You don't know if it's really the person in their pictures, if those pictures were taken 20 years ago, if they were popular in high school or a serial killer. Quite honestly, I'd prefer to go to the dentist because at least at the dentist you can mentally prepare, you know what you're in for.

I love Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy. They used to always serve as my away messages on AIM. Well, either that or a provocative Britney Spears lyric. If you are not an old lady like me, you will remember away messages. I put much time and effort into them and by doing so, I became quite familiar with many of Jack Handy's brilliant musings.

I've read the articles where people respond to potential online suitors as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City or as Rachel from friends. I decided I would respond as Jack Handy. I figured that if any guy looked at my response and responded with a deep thought of his own, I'd know I had found my soulmate.

SPOILER ALERT: I did not find my soulmate.

I did, however, amuse myself greatly. Hopefully you be amused as well.

Note: I am not Latina. I am flattered he thinks so though.

He stopped responding and unmatched with me after this. Unfortunately, we will never know what his favorite meal is.

This next guy seemed really nice and I feel a little bad. Not THAT bad though clearly.

He was probably the closest to being my soulmate. I hope he does meet someone great that's not off their rocker.

Definitely scared this next guy.

And that was that. I sent these texts to my mom figuring she'd think I was hilarious. She did not. First, she felt bad that I mentioned numerous times I felt like I didn't receive enough love from my family, friends or even bugs. She assured me that I was very loved and that she'd pay for me to have a "tune up" with my therapist. Then she asked why I was talking to guys like this when I'm 36 and single. She seemed quite concerned about it all, but I made sure to let her know that I knew I was very loved and not to worry because I was simply quoting Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy. I don't think this did not much to ease her concern because well, I'm still 36 and single. Still, I gotta hold out hope that my person is still out there. He's just running a little late. He must have missed the monorail.

All Time Favorite Eyeshadow Palettes

Eyeshadow palettes are so addicting. I have an overwhelming amount and it's really not necessary, but makeup brands just keep coming out with them. Then your favorite beauty gurus do tutorials and you're like I need this! When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, I care most about blendability and color pay off. I'd rather have to build color up a bit then have too much pigment and have the shadows be hard to blend. A shadow that is patchy and hard to blend is never fun and definitely not a good look.

All of the palettes below perform really well, have beautiful colors and can be used to create many looks. I'm also not going to include any limited edition palettes because that seems mean (RIP Tarte Clay Play Volume 1). As you will see, I also like palettes that are good to travel with (sturdy packaging, a mirror, have all the colors you would need). These are listed in the order that I love them (Soft Glam being my all time favorite).

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette/Modern Renaissance
This palette is pretty much perfection. I honestly never thought anything could replace my Anastasia Modern Renaissance Palette, but I think this may have. It pains me a little to say that though which is why MR is included in this blog. When I first saw Soft Glam I was kind of like been there, seen that, I'm bored. However, I started seeing all of the beautiful looks Influencers were creating and how much they were loving it. It really is just the perfect palette and I find this is the palette I reach for on the daily and take traveling with me. It's beautiful for brides, for everyday and the office, but you can definitely smoke it out for night time. That said, there will always be a very special place in my heart for Modern Renaissance and I highly recommend that one as well, especially if you like berry tones and oranges. Although there are some duplicate shades, I give you permission to get both!

2. Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette
This palette is just so special and beautiful. Reds, Oranges and Purples oh my! There's also a variety of formulas, some mattes, shimmers, toppers and even a pressed glitter. You can create really fun and dramatic looks, but also neutral wearable looks. I honestly didn't think I'd love it as much as I do, but I really, really love this palette. If you don't love the color story or the high price point, I'd also recommend Huda Beauty's mini obsession palettes. They come in a variety of colors, are easy to work with, great for travel and just really pretty.

3. Dominique Cosmetics Latte Palette
This is another palette that isn't necessarily the most groundbreaking or unique, but it's just good. The shadows are so creamy. I love that you can use vanilla cream to brighten your under eyes in addition to using it as a shadow. I love that it's mostly matte shades, but the three shimmer shades are gorgeous. The two pops of color are perfect. This is another palette that never fails me.

4. Urban Decay Born to Run Palette
This palette was actually created with a traveler in mind. I say this like I'm a huge traveler and I'm really not, but I still like my all in one palettes. The shades in Born to Run are so stunning and rich. They are kind of fall/grunge like, which I am all about. They are also easy to work with.

5. Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette
This is definitely one of my go to palettes. Jaclyn really killed it with this one. There are so many transition shades, the beautiful warm tones we all love so much and stunning pops of color. I also love the highlight shades. I'm not going to lie, I really don't typically like Morphe's eyeshadows, but this palette is blend able, pigmented and the amount of shades you get for the price point really can't be beat. PS please do not confuse this with her new Vault Palettes. The formula is not the same. I'm a professionally trained makup artist and I find them really patchy, hard to blend and not pigmented. Stick with the original!

6. The Persona Identity Palette
This palette is my new obsession. The quality is so good and the price is so reasonable. I really love that you have warm and cool tones in the palette. The bronze shades, the plum shades, you can create so many amazing looks with this palette. I'd highly recommend.

Honorable Mentions: Dose of Colors 5 pan palettes
From mauves and berries, to brown and sienna's these little palettes are amazing. There are only 5 shades in each (you probably gathered that from the heading), but they are just so beautiful and easy to work with. They are all matte shades, which I happen to love, but if you like pops of shimmer then you would need to reach for another palette. They are super sleek and compact, which makes them perfect for traveling and the brush that comes inside is actually really good.

Juvias Place: I'm just going to say Juvias Place palettes in general (my personal favorite is the Douce, but i think the Masquerade is the most bang for your buck). The formula of these palettes is phenomenal and the price is even better. If you are looking to play with fun pops of color, definitely check out Juvias Place!

Colorpop Palettes: Again, I'm listing this as a whole because Colorpop has so many palettes and they keep coming out with more. They are another brand that boggles my mind with amazing quality pressed shadows at a low price. My personal favorites are the Kathleen Lights Dream Street Palette and the Yes Please Palette, but that's really just based on preference.

Glitter Shadows
These are not palettes, but i feel like I have to mention them especially if you like glitters. They are all pretty pricey, especially for one eye color but they are just special and take any eye look to the next level. My all time fave are the Hourglass glimmer veils. They make your eyes look wet and sparkly and so stunning. If you are looking for a slightly less expensive version, I also love the tarte chrome pots. They are slightly more pigmented/glittery as opposed to wet looking, but absolutely gorgeous nonetheless. And finally, the Stila Magnificent Metals. Not only are all of these so beautiful on the eyes, they are so easy to work with, they last all day and you don't need any glitter glue!

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty - Best Buys, Best Deals and My Recommendations

All of these makeup sales are making my wallet sad, but my heart happy. Right now, Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty is happening! Below are some of the best deals and all of my recommendations.

https://www.ulta.com/21days/


September 7th
Monsieur Big!!This is definitely a great day of the sale if you ask me. My very favorite mascara Lancome's Monseir Big will be on sale for $12.50 (it's usually $25). This mascara makes my lashes look so fluffy and voluminous. I'd def suggest stocking up.

September 8th
Ofra highlighters are on sale! If you like a blinding glow, these highlights are stunning. For my fair skin I love pillow talk and glazed donut. Rodeo Drive is definitely a favorite of many influencers as well.

September 11th

If you are extra like me and in need (or in want) of an eyelash primer, the Lancome one (on sale for 12.75) is a great one. I also the think the buxom lip liners for $9 is a good deal. I'll be honest, I've never tried them, but am a fan of Buxom lip products in general.

September 14th

This is a good day for the sale. I've heard amazing things about the It Cosmetics Brow Pencil. Dose of Colors liquid lipsticks are on sale as well. I'm not personally a fan of liquid lipsticks but dose of colors has a nice formula if you do like them. Stone and Truffle are the most popular colors. I've also heard great things about Dermalogica skin care.

September 15th
This is probably the day that I'm most excited for because my cover FX perfect setting powder is $17. 50 (it's usually $35!) I've already gone through one of these. This powder helps to blur my skin giving it that airbrushed effect. It also sets my makeup in place without making me look dry. Tarte's Light's Camera Lashes is a nice mascara as well. I'm partial to Monsieur Big, but this is still a good deal.

September 16th
Although I won't be grabbing anything, this is a pretty good day. The Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette is a cult favorite and I've heard good things. Philosopy Hope in a Jar is a very nice moisturizer and benefit has my favorite brown product. The Goof Proof wasn't my perfect pencil, but certainly a decent one if you're in the market for brow products.

September 17th
The first aid beauty face cleanser is my favorite and i definitely plan to pick this up at $10. First Aid Beauty is awesome and I just love all of their products. They are gentle on my skin, they work really well and they are affordable.

September 20th
I skipped a few days there. On September 20th, I definitely enjoy the cover FX custom enhancing and glitter drops. I like the mix the custom enhancer drops in with my foundation to give me an extra little glow. These can also be used as highlights.

September 21
To be honest, this day isn't the most exciting for me but...I've heard good things about the Benefit Porefessional Primer if you deal with large pores and also have heard the Patchology eye gels are delightful.