The #GussyDown Challenge (Part 1): Taking the Pledge to Natural Beauty

Hello lovelies! Today I'm going to be talking about something that I feel needs to be addressed. I love make up. I think we all know that very well by this point. I love buying it, I love applying it, I love researching it. Everything. Make up is something I like to do to express my individuality and I overall feel more awake and fully-functioning when I wear it.

However, make up should not be a mask. It should be something to wear to enhance what you've already got. Play around with it, be creative, but I never want you to think I am condoning the use of make up in a way that rids you of your natural beauty.

I have been challenged by a group called Success^S.H.E. to #GussyDown with them and go one week without any make up. This will be a challenge because, although I do not wear a full face of make up everyday, I do like to cover any little spots I have and I like to wear a coat of mascara to make my eyes appear more open. I want to be an example to my readers, though. I want to show you all that no matter what you look like, what appeared on your face that day, or what you're insecure about, you are you, and that's the best thing in the world.

I am challenging you to take the pledge, as well. From November 10-14, 2014, put down the make up bags, and embrace your natural beauty. It's about time women started feeling confident in their own skin! It doesn't matter if you wear make up everyday or if you've never worn it a day in your life. Take the pledge! And while you're at it, take selfies of your gorgeous selves and post them using #GussyDown! 

At the end of this week, you can look forward to a post of my selfies from throughout the week! I'll also make sure to let you in on how I felt before and after the experience. Trust me, there will be benefits from doing this!

Visit here for more information and to make the pledge!

Have a fabulous (MAKE UP) free week!
Don't forget to follow Success^S.H.E.on Twitter too! @SuccessSHE

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Target Make Up Haul

Hello, my lovelies! I've got a story for you. This past weekend, I was doing my make up for a Halloween party. My roommate uncharacteristically sat a foot in front of me and observed every step, every technique I did while applying my make up. She has never been as interested in make up, yet, she actually wears it everyday while I walk around like a mindless hobo.

Long story short, she wanted me to do her make up, and I felt like I was making a little YouTube video on a make up tutorial. It was weird, but I enjoyed it! She was so thrilled with the way her make up looked for the evening, she asked if we could take a journey to buy all the tools and products she needed for the "best make up look".

We took the metro down to Target. It was fascinating because neither of us had used the metro before, but it was quite the experience once we got to downtown Minneapolis. It was nice to just get off campus for once! There were strip malls and small cafes with outdoor seating and rows of landscaping. It was amazing how different it looked compared to (what I've seen of) St. Paul.

We managed to find the Target, and made our way to the make up section. My roommate was already a little overwhelmed with the 4 aisles of drugstore make up. It was funny though, she had to go through each step I had taught her the night before and pick out the make up in that order: it was a very organized process.

{So much for making a long story short...}

Once I helped her out, I obviously couldn't resist picking out a few products for myself! Here's a list of what I got and my first impressions of them all!

Face Products

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder {001: Transparent}

Why I bought it: I've only ever had one powder in my life, and it is way too dark for my current skin tone (white as snow). I have read a lot of good reviews about this product so I thought I'd give it a shot!

★★★★★: The transparent powder helps my make up stay in place and  reduces any shine. This is definitely a keeper!

Maybelline Master Hi-Lighting Blush {10: Nude}

Why I bought it: Let's just say, I can definitely be lazy when it comes to make up. Why not make the task a bit easier by buying a 2-in-1 blush and highlighter?!
★★★★: Maybe it's just the tone of the highlighter matched with my skin, but I actually had to layer this product to get any sheen to show on my face. Once it was layered, you could see the product, but it didn't really reduce the time taken on my make up. 

NYX Rouge Cream Blush {CB05: Glow}
Why I bought it: I've never owned a powder blush before and I've heard they are a staple in the winter. They usually have a nice finish to them and they are long lasting.
★★★★: It's a beautiful product and like I expected, it was very long lasting. I wish I would have bought a slightly darker shade for the time of the year, but it's still a keeper.

NYX Powder Blush {PB01: Mocha}
Why I bought it: Let's be real... I thought the pyramidal design was cool. That was why I bought it.
★★★★: It's a lovely color that lasts for a decent amount of time and it's easy to apply. It's nothing I would rave about. It's a very ordinary blush.

Eyes Products
NYX The Natural Shadow Palette {TNS 01}
Why I bought it: You can never have enough eyeshadow palettes! AM I RIGHT?! I've always been into natural looking make up and this palette features mostly matte colors.
★★★★★: It's gorgeous! Given, I have not used all the colors in the palette, what I've seen is brilliant. Another plus is the product is a great deal for what is offered! I recommend this if you're on a budget and looking for a nice collection of natural eyeshadows.

L'ORÉAL Silkissime Eyeliner {Highlighter}
Why I bought it: I'm really bad with keeping up with eyeliner, and I thought I'd try a nude pencil to line and highlight my water line and tight line if I feel like being "fancy".
★★★★: I liked the very subtle highlighted effect the eyeliner gave my eyes. If you're looking for a dramatic eye look, this may not be the product you are searching for, but it gives a bright, fresh look to the eyes.

Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes {Glam Black}
Why I bought it: I love mascara! I will never get tired of finding products that make my eyelashes full and long! It gives me joy! Is that sad?
★★★★★: Holy cow! This stuff changed the meaning of life! I love the way the curved brush help lengthen my eyelashes without any clumps, along with creating gorgeous cat eyes without worrying about using eyeliner to create such a look. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a no hassle way of applying mascara! AMAZING!

Other Products
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes
Why I bought it: I've actually used this product for God knows how long! I just love that the towelettes are large enough to remove a full face of make up in one go! None of this "3-4 towelettes" nonsense. The towelettes are super soft and they reassuringly get the job done every time!
★★★★★: They still works wonders every time!

Up & Up Deep Cleaning Pore
Why I bought it: I used a Bioré strip before and I liked the results but I couldn't get myself to spend extra money when the Target version was sitting right next to it on the shelf.
★★★: I guess the saying "you get what you pay for" is very true for this product. I noticed the slightest difference, but not the results I was looking for from this product. If you are able to splurge a bit, I think it's worth the extra couple bucks for the Bioré strips which will truly rid you of disgusting pores.

Have you used any of these products? What products have you used with good "first impressions"? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda 
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

October 2014 Favorites

I guess it's that time again, time to say goodbye to October and hello to November. Along with this little goodbye comes a post about all the things I have been enjoying this past month. Enjoy!

Apparel
Maroon Sweater: Forever 21
I am the biggest advocate of large, comfy sweaters and sweatshirts during this time of the year. It's just a great opportunity to look cute, but you'll be warm and comfortable as well. And I can never pass up an opportunity to buy more maroon!

Beauty
Mint Julips Lip Scrub: Lush
You may have seen this product in my Lush Haul, but I just adore how amazing it smells, tastes, whatever. It makes my lips feel so soft. I just scrub it over my lips, lick it off, and voila! SOFT LIPS! 

Entertainment
Gone Girl: Gillian Flynn
I started this around the middle of the month and I still haven't finished it. I'm so close! College problems! However, when I have the chance, I take full advantage of just sitting and delving into this incredibly terrifying and ingenious novel. 

Hoodie Allen: "People Keep Talking
Taylor Swift: "1989"
Both of these albums have been repeatedly on... repeat? Yes, essentially. They are different types of music (rap & pop), and these artists have (probably) little-to-nothing in common, but I'm obsessed with both! I highly recommend them if you're looking for something new to listen to!

Now, let's give the month of November a warm welcome! I hope you all enjoyed October! What were your faves? What are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

The Pep Talk: Dealing with Stress

I know I just posted a couple days ago, but I really missed writing. It keeps me at peace, and it takes me away from all the mess of the world. I am one with myself. I am okay. I need to get away from the "outside" world. School, friends, life: it all gets to be a bit overwhelming. Yesterday, I had one of the worst breakdowns of my life. I skipped dinner; I didn't do any homework; I didn't take off my make up or wash my face; I only went outside to go to my class; I wallowed in self-hate. Pathetic, right?

This morning, I just laid in bed while my roommate got ready for class. I just laid and thought to myself in jealousy, "How does everyone have such a carefree life while I feel like I'm crumbling into oblivion?" I turned to look at my phone, hoping it would distract me from my thoughts. To my surprise, I got a beautiful trio of text messages from my boyfriend. He gave me, I think, the best and wittiest advice I've ever heard... or read.

---
"No matter what others say, chase your dreams, and I will be there with water and a car ride (because we both know neither of us can run for shit)."
---
That's when I knew that no matter what the situation is, there will always be someone there to comfort and protect you.
Thank you, Zachary.

So here is my advice to those of you who are inflicted with a heap of stress, anxiety, overwhelming plans, etc: Please remember that you are not alone. There is someone there that will be by your side (physically or emotionally) that wants the best for you and wants you to feel your best. If not, you're still not alone. There are people that are going through the same exact thing. They may not be able to solve your problems, but they can endure them with you.

I was talking to my best friend in the whole wide world on Skype for three hours last night. She was my distraction from the world. She was my rock that I leaned on while I was struggling. She made me watch funny YouTube videos, and we just talked about the random stuff we would normally talk about. One thing that I loved (whether or not it was intentional) was I got close to the camera and she said, "Your eyelashes look good!" I replied, "Just a little mascara and some tears." The second I said something that reminded me of my sadness and dysfunctional day, she sent me another video that made me laugh.
Thank you, Jadyn. 

This morning, I wrote eight "pep talks" for myself. There is no significance to the amount, that's just how many I could think of at the moment. Each one saying something positive that will hopefully get me through the rest of the week.

---

"Chin up, Pretty! Everything is going to be OKAY!"

"You're not alone!"

"You are loved {unconditionally}." 

"Show the world what you're made of."

"The only person you need to please is yourself. Period."

"Make the best of what God has placed before you. TTP!"
"Hey, you matter!"
"I'M OKAY!"
---

And today, October 22, 2014, I got out of bed; I ate breakfast; I showered; I washed my face; I put on make up; I did my hair; I put on a cute outfit; I sprayed perfume all over myself; and I walked outside and enjoyed my day. I look at those little "pep talks" and remind myself that this is just life, and I need to embark on the journey, no matter how difficult it gets.

I'm ready to embrace it because...

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Making the Best of a Love-Hate Relationship: Exercise {Part 1}

Good evening, Chums. I'm sure by my lack of blogging, you all can tell I've been very busy recently. It's that special time of the year...midterms. Thankfully, today was my final day of testing. I honestly did not know what to do with myself; I sat in my room for three hours afterwards. I just sat. 

I asked my boyfriend to give me ideas of what I could do to cure my boredom. He told me to rent a bicycle and take a ride on the trail near my school. At first, I thought he was a bit crazy. I'm not one to condone working out because I am awful at keeping up with a  daily work out routine; I just cannot get motivated to run on a treadmill or lift weights for 30 seconds, let alone 30 minutes.

I was so bored, I considered his suggestion. I rented a bike from Nice Ride and began my journey. However, I didn't want to make it a boring ride that only presented a work out, but also a little autumnal photo shoot. It's been ages since I've gone out and just leisurely taken photos. It's my favorite hobby, and I've been severely neglecting my camera. It was an opportunity I couldn't deny.

I couldn't resist turning up the tunes... Do people say that anymore? Oh well. I cranked up Hoodie Allen's new album, "People Keep Talking", and biked my little heart out for a couple hours, taking 2-3 breaks to snap the miraculous and brilliantly displayed colors painted across St. Paul. They screamed, "AUTUMN". Just kidding, I'm not schizophrenic. As I've mentioned in a previous post, Autumn is my favorite time of the year, and the colors are a major part behind my reasoning. I mean, did you see the photos? 

I think getting any opportunity to do gentle exercise is something worth taking a hold of. Working out is a major part of helping your skin look it's best. You are working out all the impurities, dirt, oil, and everything else your skin retains throughout the day out of your body. Also, no matter how intense your work out is, don't forget to drink water! This will also improve the look of your skin, and it helps to cleanse your body of impurities, as well.

What do you like to do for an enjoyable work out? Do you have anymore tips to help me get in a better work out routine? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Lost My LUSH Virginity

Oh my goodness! It was my first time in Heaven... I mean LUSH. No matter how many times my mother told me that I was spending too much for my first time, I could not resist picking up a few (several) things that I had heard wonderful things about. I'd love to show you my findings.

*I am in no way intending this post to be a bragging-session. I just wanted to show you all what I got at a cosmetics shop, and I wanted to give you all ideas about products that can benefit your skin.*

But first, a little bit about LUSH...

LUSH is a beauty shop that creates fresh, homemade cosmetics. All their products are vegetarian, most are vegan, and the pots are all made from 100% recycled plastic. They use organic ingredients. No animal testing is allowed. Just walking into the store made me feel at peace. The calming and floral fragrances waltzed through my nostrils as I explored the filled shelves. 

LUSH provides many unique products, it is almost overwhelming; and I'm very indecisive when it comes to beauty products and a budget. But I successfully walked out of the store with a load of products that I have used or am ecstatic about using without spending a fortune. Here's what I got...

For the face...

Tea Tree Water Toner

Tea Tree Water is naturally antibacterial and is a great blemish fighter. This works well for  keeping unwanted spots at bay, and works as a toner as well! Why would I not want to try something like this? I love applying it with a spray bottle; there's less chance of infecting the product. I've only used it for a few days now, but I'll keep you posted if it helps with blemishes!

Cupcake Fresh Face Mask

This mask is heavenly. I could stop there, but I won't. It impressed me that it helps with oily skin and teenagers were kept in mind while making the product. I'm hardly a teenager anymore, but I was sold! And the best part, it smells like chocolate. I think they kept ME in mind while making this one.

Mint Julips Lip Scrub

I love applying this in the morning before I walk out the door. Just swipe a layer of this mint chocolate-tasting scrub across your lips, rub your lips together, and lick off. Yes, I said it, lick it all off. What's better than a cosmetic product that you can eat?! NOTHING!

For the body...

Handy Gurugu Hand Cream

This product will definitely come in handy this winter. It's predicted to be a chilly one up here in the good ol' MN. Handy Gurugu is made with rich oils and butters to care for dry, cracked, hard-working hands. At night, I'm really enjoying applying a thick layer of this stuff before bed, and I get to wake up with super soft hands. 

For the bath...

So I bought six bath bombs...

I don't really have a bath at my disposal at the moment...

Dorm problems...

I guess they're nice to look at...

And they smell nice...

Right...?

The Bath Bombs

Sex Bomb Bath Bomb

Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb

Fizzbanger Bath Bomb

Butterball Bath Bomb

Granny Takes A Dip Bath Bomb

Sakura Bath Bomb

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

September 2014 Favorites

     Hello, my lovelies! I'd like to officially welcome you all to the month of October! I hope all is well in your lives. I'm coming down with a bit of a cold (or allergies, who knows) during the change of seasons, but that's not going to stop me from sharing my September Faves with your pretty faces. Let's get started!

Starting with APPAREL...

• Converse: Chuck Taylor High Tops: I'm embarrassed to say that I have had these shoes for an extremely long time and I can guarantee a majority of close friends and family have not seen me wear them. These aren't necessarily accompanied with my normal "style" and I only recently remembered that I owned them. I brought them to college and YOLO'ed it and I've actually loved wearing them with a oversized sweater or crew neck and some leggings. Comfy fall outfits... or white girl weather... whatever works for you.

Now onto BEAUTY...

• Maybelline: Color Whisper Lipstick {Berry Ready}: This rich berry red is a staple for this time of the year. It is a great deep berry color, but it also moisturizes your lips during the chilly months. If you saw my "Autumnal Make Up" post and you think the color is a bit far-fetched, this color is a lot less risky, but it still shows your autumnal spirit!

• L'oréal: Color Riche Nail {After Hours & Haute Couture Red}: I think these colors are to die for during fall and winter! They are dark but they still have a brilliant color when worn. After Hours is a deep blue color and Haute Couture Red is a lovely maroon color; both are shiny and long lasting!

After Hours (left) & Haute Couture Red (right)

• Anatomicals: Not Another Rough Day Please {Vanilla Body Lotion}: "things, alas, can't always run as smoothly as you would like. but no matter how rough your day/week/month/year/lifetime/afterlife turns out to be, your body will always be incredibly smooth, thanks to this lightly fragranced body lotion. sorry, but an asteroid has just gone and smashed into your car." This is literally on the back of the bottle. How could I not buy this?! It does smell pretty good too. 

Then FOOD...

• Luna Bars: Luna Bars will always be a favorite, no matter the time of year. In particular, I'm fond of the S'mores flavor. It makes me think of being around a good ol' campfire when I'm obviously not capable of doing that in a dorm.
• Celestial Herbal Tea: This tea is amazing; there is an incomprehensible amount of flavors, each one is freakin' amazing, and it's cheap. It's a college kid's dream! I am currently loving the Tension Tamer. You know what a relaxing massage therapist's office smells like... that's what it is. It is an herbal tea with a light peppermint-y taste along with a hint of ginger and it's just heaven. Drink it and love it!

And last, but not least, ENTERTAINMENT...

• Fifty Shades of Grey {Trilogy}: Yes, I read it and I'm 100% in love with it. I know it's been publicized as a racy book series including BDSM, which it does, but I think it was way overdone. The books do, in fact, have a plot, and I'm very excited for the movie to premiere on Valentine's Day (2015). If you are of an appropriate age, I would definitely recommend the series.
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Of course, I'm in love with a chick-flick movie about how a girl and a guy plot against each other (unknowingly) to enhance their job statuses. It's just super cute and if you enjoy the occasional Rom-Com, I'm sure you'd love this flick!

     Those are my September Favorites! I hope you enjoyed. Have you used any of these products? What are some products that you've used in the last month? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore