Thursday, November 27, 2014

Black Friday Wishlist~!

Hey Guys~!

With Thanksgiving here, we all know that tomorrow is Black Friday. I personally have never gone Black Friday shopping, and I don't plan on going this year either. But in case you are, or you're like me and would rather shop on Cyber Monday, here is my Black Friday wishlist. This will include beauty, fashion, and some random other things that I would go out and get if I was Black Friday shopping. So let's start~~!

 *★*☆*★*☆*Makeup *★*☆*★*☆*

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
Deborah Lippmann Glitter Polish in Stronger
It's Skin Baby Face B.B. Cream
Kat Von Dee Tattoo Liner
YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Caress Pink
Bareminerals Bar Skin Foundation

*★*☆*★*☆*Skin Care*★*☆*★*☆*
Clarisonic Mia 2
Boscia Makeup Remover

*★*☆*★*☆*Fashion*★*☆*★*☆*
Make Waves Sweater from Mod Cloth
Sugar and Spice Satchel from Betsy Johnson

*★*☆*★*☆*Perfume*★*☆*★*☆*
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
Marc Jacobs Daisy
Coach Poppy

*★*☆*★*☆*Video Games*★*☆*★*☆*
Super Smash Bros for the WiiU
Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphore
Fire Emblem Awakening

*★*☆*★*☆*Movies and Anime*★*☆*★*☆*
Terror in Resonance DVD Set
Howl's Moving Castle
Daria Complete Series
Guardians of the Galaxy

So these are just some things I would like or get if I went Black Friday shopping. I hope you all enjoyed this post and if you celebrate, I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. I'm really thankful for all of you guys. You've supported me and my blog and made me really enjoy what I do. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

imageimage
Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | YouTube |

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Banana Face Mask that Removes Acne in Less than a Week~!?

Hey Guys~!

I was on Pinterest and found this pin, {click here} to check it out. It shows some really bad acne fading supposedly in about 4 days by using a banana peel. At first I thought this was total fake, and then decided to try it anyway. What do I have left to lose~? So today I'll be sharing my findings on the banana face mask with all of you. Let's start~~!


According to the pin, all you need is a fresh banana peel. Then cut it up into small pieces, I saved my extra pieces in a bag and put them in the fridge so they stay fresh. Now all you're supposed to do is rub the inside of the peel on the acne for about 5 minutes or until the inside of the peel turns brown. Then cleanse your skin before leaving the piece of peel to dry on your face. And you do that three times a day.
Get rid of your acne within 4 days with the use of banana peel. Check out the field study and learn the magic of banana beauty.  #acne, #acne_cure, #beauty_tricks
Here's the picture of the original pin~!


To try to figure out how this works, I researched the skin benefits bananas have. They contain Potassium, which can hydrate and moisturize the skin, Lectin, which destroys bacteria which causes acne, and Vitamin A, which fades acne scars and dark spots. All of these are great acne fighters, so researching made me think that this could possibly work.
Alright, here's the acne I'll be testing this on. It's red and irritated, as well as dry. I've had this spot for a few weeks and nothing I've used has made it fade away. So here's after day one of treatment. After my first treatment, which I did in the morning, the acne still was red, but there wasn't as much dryness as before. At the end of the day, the redness reduced slightly, and it was smoother too.


Here's day two of treatment.Yes, the area looks better, less red and smoother. But I noticed the skin around it on my chin was now becoming even more broken out. I had all these tiny pimples that weren't even there the day before.


Now here's day three of treatment. The redness has continued to reduce, significantly more. But now there is more dryness.

And I decided to do four days like the pin and here's my results. Most of the redness has gone away and all the dryness has. I'm actually really surprised by the difference seen in my skin. Yes, other acne has formed around the spot, but it's much smaller and less problematic than what I had on day 1.


So that was my test of the banana peel mask pin. I really enjoyed this post, and if you guys did too, maybe I can make it into a series~? If you have more beauty pins on Pinterest you want my to try, link them in the comments below so I can check them out. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss
image
Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | YouTube |

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Fashion Companies are using WHAT in their Marketing~!?

Hey Guys~!

I noticed that in the news there have been many stories involving clothing stores that are targeted for preteen girls, teenagers, and women in general have been using harmful marketing techniques in the selling on their clothing. Two examples that I'll be discussing here are Victoria Secret and Old Navy. Both of them have been discriminatory in referring to a woman's body by using sexism and size-ism in the selling of their clothes.

Normally I don't read too much into companies, especially fashion. The industry is there to make people feel like they need to look and have certain things in order to be happy and successful. Now please take note that I said both happy and successful, and not just one of them. Being successful doesn't make you happy. Yes there are positive parts of the fashion industry, like allowing one to express their creativity and individually. But in some cases the negatives are out weighing the positives.


In Victoria Secret's new campaign, they logo was a photograph of their angel models with the words, "The Perfect Body," written over them. This really angered me because many of the models have had plastic surgery or lived an unhealthy lifestyle in order to look that way. By claiming these women to have "The Perfect Body" Victoria Secret is basically saying that if you don't look like their models, then you aren't good enough to not only wear our clothes, but in life you're just not good enough. That message is itself is harmful to preteen and teenage girls who already are negatively influenced by the media. I am happy to say though that while writing this post, I found out that Victoria Secret changed the campaign to "A Body for Every Body" which I think is more positive and accepting.

Old Navy is under fire for the sexism involving their plus sizes. On Old Navy's website, there are two sections for women's clothing, Women's and Women's Plus. However this differentiating in sizes isn't used in their men's section. This alienates the "Women's Plus" section, and not the men's plus. Therefore making the women who have to wear plus sizes not feel like they too are women, but instead there own entity. 

"Women's"
When you look at items in the Women's section, there are the exact same items in the Women's Plus. But the harmful difference isn't size, but cost. For example, these Women's Pixie Patterned Ankle Pants, are sold in both sections. Here in the "Women's Section" the pants cost originally $34.94. And some of the different colors and prints are on sale, ranging from $32 - $12. However in the "Women's Plus Section" the same pants are sold, same style, but for $44.95~!!! Are you kidding me Old Navy~?! That's a different in cost of $10!!! 

"Women's Plus"
However in the overall Men's section, there isn't a difference in price. Men's sizes go from XS to XXL.  I found these Men's Cargo Pants that were on sale for the same price as the "Women's Section" pants. No matter what size combination I put in, they stayed at the price of $35. Why do women have to pay more if clothes don't fit them? Yes in some cases spandex and other materials have to be added to make it wearable to larger sizes, but the customer shouldn't have to suffer because of that. 
"Men's"
Basing price off of the amount covered and material would mean that boxers should cost more than a thong since the boxers cover more area than a thong. But that's not how it works~! I've seen a single thong or panty cost from around $11 to $36. But a single men's brief or boxer costs around $7. 

It's ideas like these that are why eating disorders are becoming more common. Seeing that there is a "Perfect Body" and that buying clothes in larger sizes can be more expensive, teaches girls to be unhappy with themselves. It's telling them that they're not good enough, which isn't true. Just because you don't look like a model, or that you can't afford to buy a certain store's clothes because it isn't catered to your size doesn't make you lesser of a person. If anything it makes you and shows you to be an individual. 

You don't need to shop at certain stores just to make you "cool" or "popular," what you need to do is just be confident with who you are and in your own skin. I personally know that it's not the easiest lesson to learn, but once you realize that, you'll not only be happier with yourself, but with your life in general. 

So I hope you guys enjoyed this rant post. I did a lot of research and put a lot of effort into this post in particular because this issue really bothers me personally. If you want a post about body image and my personal experiences with it, let me know in the comments. Also I'd like to hear your opinions on this in the comments too. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

image
Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | YouTube |

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Dolls Kill Wishlist~!

Hey Guys~!

A while ago I did something like this for the website Dresslink. But today I'll be creating a wishlist from another store I've been looking at which is Dolls Kill. It's a really cool store than has tons of different styles of clothing. I will say though that the clothes is a little pricey for my taste, but that's what wishlists are for, right? So let's start~~!

Ski Bunny Sweater
http://lghttp.11470.nexcesscdn.net/8050DB/Magentolive/media/catalog/product/cache/1/over_image/460x580/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/F/o/For_Love_Lemons_Ski_Bunny_Sweater_For_Love_Lemons__4.jpg
{click here to view}
I thought this sweater was so cute. It's a baby pink and looks super fluffy~!! I feel like I'd be always warm in this, especially on days that it's snowing and freezing. It would be really nice with some leggings and boots, or dress it up with a skirt and some heels.

I Am Surprised Hello Kitty Dress
http://lghttp.11470.nexcesscdn.net/8050DB/Magentolive/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/600x860/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/i/mighty_fine_i_am_surprised_hello_kitty_dress_4_.jpg
{click here to view}

I probably wouldn't wear this to school, but even thought Halloween has passed, I thought this was really cute for a costume. Also it would be something fun to wear to an anime convention. I really like the skirt of the dress, it has a sheer layer which adds volume to the skirt. 


Cuckoo Purse
http://lghttp.11470.nexcesscdn.net/8050DB/Magentolive/media/catalog/product/cache/1/over_image/460x580/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/u/cuckoo_purse_4_.jpg
{click here to view}

I know to some people this may look too crazy and tacky, but I think it's super cute. The color scheme is really nice and it would match a lot of the clothes I wear. I really like clocks and I thought the clock on this was really unique. 

Sarah Jane Coat
http://lghttp.11470.nexcesscdn.net/8050DB/Magentolive/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x860/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/e/hell_bunny_sarah_jane_coat-pink_3_.jpg
{click here to view}

Oh my god, I want this coat so badly~!!! I really might go and buy this for myself as a holiday present. I was looking through the website and stopped when I saw this. I thought it not only was cute with the bows and pom pom detailing, but the overall design of the jacket really appealed to me. 

Bunny's Top Hat
http://lghttp.11470.nexcesscdn.net/8050DB/Magentolive/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/600x860/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/w/h/white_rabbit_top_hat_3_.jpg
{click here to view}

I love wearing fun hats. My Rilakkuma one is a staple fashion piece for me in the winter, but if I could get this one, I'd wear it too. It's black and white, so it would go with a lot of my more simple outfits. Also I just thought it was so unique and adorable~!!

Eternal Love Lace Dress
http://lghttp.11470.nexcesscdn.net/8050DB/Magentolive/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/F/o/For_Love_Lemons_Eternal_Love_Lace_Dress_For_Love_Lemons__1.jpg
{click to view}

I really like lace, and this dress is no exception. The pattern on the lace is really modern and sophisticated, unlike some other lace overlays on dresses. Also I love pastel colors, and this pale pink is really pretty. The cut outs around the arms are unlike other dresses I've seen. 

Lil Ruffle Bear Hoodie
http://lghttp.11470.nexcesscdn.net/8050DB/Magentolive/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/e/hell_bunny_lil_ruffle_bear_hoody-_4_.jpg
{click to view}

In the winter and fall I really like lounging around in hoodies and leggings. Once I saw this I was in love. I really like all the ruffle detailing along the hood, sleeves, and pockets. I also really like the ears, anything with animal ears on it I will wear. 

So that was my Dolls Kill Wishlist. If you have a certain store you guys would like me to create a wish list for, let me know in the comments below. Also as with Dresslink, I do eventually want to order from this store too. So let me know in you're interested in a review on Dolls Kill, Dresslink, or both. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss
Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | YouTube |

Monday, November 10, 2014

Favorite Fall Lip Colors~!

Hey Guys~!

This fall I've been experimenting with new lip colors. I usually wear a tinted lip balm or a natural lip color, but I've recently begun trying new colors and combinations out. All of these products are from the drugstore and range in price from $2 - $8. So let's start~~!

MUA Lip Stain in Rose
I know I've talked about this a ton on my blog and written a review, {click here} to read it. But I really can't stress how great this is. On its own or on top of any of the other colors in the post, it looks great. It's a light rosy mauve color and I really can't talk enough about it.

Elf Matte Lip Stick in Tea Rose
I usually hate matte lip sticks, since I find them too drying. However Elf's formulation on these is great. The color Tea Rose is a dusty purple mauve, that may not look the best on every skin tone. It can make you look a little lifeless, but it's only $3 so if it doesn't look right then you aren't wasting a ton of money. I personally really like how it looks with my fair skin.

Wet and Wild Balm Stain in Lady and the Vamp
I'll admit, I initially bought this cause I loved the name. But the color is really nice too. It's a plum berry color, but it isn't too dark or bold like other berry lip sticks. If you're afraid about drying deeper colors, I'd definitely try this one out.

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait
This one is a little more muted than the others. It's a neutral warm toned brick red color with a gold sheen. The formula is really moisturizing and pigmented, which I really like. It is the most expensive out of the colors here, so keep that in mind when purchasing.

Wet and Wild Lip Stick in Cherry Picking

I'd say that this is the boldest of the five. Cherry Picking is a cool toned berry color, and it's super pigmented. And it lasts a really long time, even with makeup remover I struggle to get this off. But it's a really pretty and fun color to wear.

So those were my five favorite fall lip colors. If you want a full review on any of these, let me know in the comments below. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | YouTube |

Saturday, November 1, 2014

October Favorites 2014~!

Hey Guys~!

October is sadly over, it's one of my favorite months. But now it's November, which means we're closer to the holiday season. I love fall, so this month I have tons of different makeup and fashion favorites. I also have a new TV show favorite this month. So let's start~~!

Makeup
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in Fair Sand: My skin always gets a little broken out during the transition seasons, fall and spring. So I've been using this more high coverage foundation lately. It covers up any acne and scarring that I have. Also the staying power is great on this. 
Jordana Fabu Liner: This is the one and only liquid eyeliner I have been able to use. It's a pen eyeliner, which I find easy to use. Sadly there is no waterproof version of this, but for now this has been a great product.
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Nude Pink: This was a limited edition color from last year, so you probably can't get it anywhere. But I have been told it's similar to the MAC Painterly Paint Pot. It's a natural pink toned shadow and it's great as a base or as a single shadow look.
Elf Matte Lip Stick in Tea Rose: I love this lip color. I'm normally not a fan of matte formulas, but this one is great. The color is a dusty rose mauve color, which can make me look a little ghostly, but I still like it. 

Nail Polish
Sally Hansen in #510 Pat on the Black: I'm not a fan of really dark nail polish, since I think it doesn't look good against my skin tone. However this polish is perfect for me. It's a super dark plum, almost black, color with a nice glossy finish. The formula is great and it stays on a long time.
China Glaze in #954 Below Deck: Another sort of dark, purple, nail polish. This one is a more neutral toned purple, and has a bit of a taupe tone to it too. I really have been liking this polish, since it's a fun color, but it doesn't clash with anything I wear.

TV Show

The Walking Dead: I know I was late to get into this show, but I'm not obsessed with it. I caught up on all four seasons and have been loving season five. It's not all about the zombies, but the characters and their relationships are. I haven't watched anything like it, and if you're looking for a great show, check it out.

So those were my October Favorites. Share some of your favorite things from this past month in the comments below. And if you have any TV show recommendations, leave those for me too. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

P.S. One of my favorite bloggers, Xiao Vee,is having a giveaway. Her reviews are always really in depth and interesting to read. She's really one of my blogging inspirations and if you would like to enter, {click here} to check out her blog~!!


image
Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | YouTube |