Ever see someone post about something & then instantly remember how much you love it too? This was me the other day on facebook when someone showed a photo of the Blossom Beauty brand’s beautiful bottle of Blossom Scented Nail Polish Remover (see it here in a bunch of scent options!) because I remembered this fragrance! Because I’ve used up almost my entire rollerball of the Blossom Roll-On Perfume Oil in the Scent Honey Jasmine! [Read more…]
IT Brushes For ULTA Celestial, Starry, & Cosmic Collections ( + some Alex & Ani!)
Are you a bit nervous buying brush sets? All of the brushes I’m talking about today are ONLY sold at ULTA & …are limited edition so if something peaks your interest- I highly suggest snapping them up because they’re SUPER marked down at the time of posting! It Cosmetics released these for winter/holiday & they might be my favorite design from them yet- celestial, starry bliss!
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Beauty Vanity Breakdown with Primera, Tarte, Derma E, & More!
While I do love beauty ( & non-beauty on Home in High Heels!) monthly favorites, skincare has to absolutely blow me away to be included. & not everything works for my skin type, tone, or preferences. So I thought it might be fun to start a new series here where I give you the straight talk on some of what I’m currently using by pulling things right off my bathroom counter or shower shelf. aka Bathroom Vanity Breakdown because…countertop sounds kind of lame, yeah? Keep reading to check out my favorite morning fragrance for lounging, a cleansing water I practically buy in bulk, & a cleanser that legit rolls off the dead skin cells! [Read more…]
NYX Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Matte Lip Cream Duo in WEIRD SISTERS Swatches & Review
The Weird Sisters are probably my favorite characters I never expected to love in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. They’re just so edgy & sassy & their makeup is ON POINT! & their hair! If we’re being honest- the Weird Sisters & Sabrina’s aunts are really the main makeup I think of when it comes to the show. Unless we’re talking gore which is a while other topic. Today I’m sharing the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Soft Matte Lip Cream Duo in Weird Sisters & giving you the lowdown. Although I’ll admit…I do wish this had been a trio! [Read more…]
7 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her that Aren’t Flowers or Chocolates!
Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that changes for me every year. I always try to spend it with Ryan (he’s military so he’s hoping!) & last year was our first with Eloise. But it is also my parent’s wedding anniversary (awww sappy huh?) & there’s galentine’s day activities, friends, family, etc. So I thought it would be fun this year to gather up some of my favorite ideas for gifts that you can treat yourself or someone else with that AREN’T flowers or chocolates! Keep reading to check out 7 ideas & tell me what your plans are! [Read more…]
3 Travel-Friendly Hair Finds I’ve Used All Season!
Hair is one of my first categories that I totally bail on in a hurry. I always know that my signature large, super high bun with a bow is a favorite. Easy. Simple. & I practically have muscle memory to accomplish it. One of my goals this fall/winter was to wear my hair down more…something the Vegas heat doesn’t accommodate much of the year. So here are 3 products that have really made it into my routine (along with a SUPER sequined headband!) that have made a difference! [Read more…]
What’s a Beauty Low-Buy or No-Buy, Makeup FOMO, & Style Budgeting from an Anxious Consumer
I rarely buy things because I need them. Especially makeup. I have more than I need, donate frequently, & yet I still find myself in the “New” section of a long list of shopping websites. I have a noted weakness for eyeshadow palettes. Which is absurd because I learned very early on that my readers generally don’t have any interest in limited edition releases a few months after they are available. They sit in my collection & I rarely use them myself since I’ve already moved onto something new.
So why do I feel that “want want want” every time I see something that even remotely strikes me? & how do I rein it in? What started as a fun hobby to fill my time & share my thoughts + creativity has turned into something very different. There’s a whole industry built upon “influencing” but there really wasn’t a decade ago when I started blogging. Things have shifted to more of a buy & brag but that’s not what I want to be. I want to figure out where I fall on the blogger/influencer spectrum again.
Blushing Noir – Going on a 3 Month Makeup No-Buy
Getting Fit Fab – 4 Month No Beauty Buy
Phyrra – A Months Long Makeup Low Buy
Glamorable – No buy til July!
No-buys & low-buys are big right now. The reverse of consumer obsession & an introspective look at personal spending. People are fed up with being constantly “sold” to & I agree. It’s exhausting & there’s no way to keep up. If it is isn’t makeup it is hair products or innovative skincare releases or the newest, shiniest bath product. I’ve gone into debt trying to stay up to date & stay informed. That’s incredibly unhealthy & I’m not the only one feeling it.
Look to the beauty community & you’ll find more like me. Brooke of Blushing Noir who is incredibly creative but feeling drained. Jen Luvs Reviews who keeps us up-to-date on beauty news but also acknowledges the tidal wave of releases. Phyrra who has shaped the cruelty-free community but is constantly researching & trying to decipher new ingredients, brands, & releases. Then there’s countless YouTube videos with the same idea & blog posts floating around with the same sentiment. We’re all feeling the strain.
I’m tired of “limited edition” threats & brands pumping out so many releases that we can’t keep up. It makes me sad to see so many standout core items going unnoticed because NEW NEW NEW is being thrown around all the time. New doesn’t mean better necessarily but the ads don’t tell you that. Look into marketing & consumerism sometime & you’ll be hooked if you’re anything like me. Which colors make you spend? How do brands target a certain age bracket? Why aren’t products performing the same on you as they are in ads? Who actually is supposed to disclose advertisements, sponsorships, & mascara ads with 4 layers of falsies photoshopped in?
So what’s my plan? I’m going to shop my stash. I’m going to rediscover some items. I’m going to continue checking out new releases but I’m not going to immediately purchase. & I’m going to need to accept that I won’t be the first to review… if I review it at all. I’m not counting press samples as my low-buy items so I’ll still be showing what’s new but I’ll be able to focus again. Clear the calendar & start new. & get my head above water.
I’m also purging. I’ve been organizing & purging a lot behind the scenes. But I need to go harder to meet my life goals. Downsize & get my OCD & anxiety on a plan. & I need to get my head together. So that’s why I’m putting this out there into the universe while I’m making a plan. I recognize I have a problem & this is the start of my journey. Things don’t make me feel better long term. For those unfamiliar or if you don’t follow me on Home in High Heels I have (often debilitating) anxiety so this is also a mental health journey for me as well. On Home in High Heels (especially my instagram which you can see here!) I’ve been covering my INTENSE clothing collection & downsize as well.
Don’t think that I’m going to quit though! Although I have been feeling a bit burnt- I’m still here & working behind the scenes as a new mom to get things in order. This is still my passion & one of my favorite parts of my life. I think I just need some strategy & refocusing. & I’m really excited to share it with you. I’m going on a 6 month low-buy with a monthly budget in place so that I can rediscover & revive. But 6 months is a random number…who knows how long it will last! I am giving myself a splash more money in April…it is my birthday after all & who knows!
Are you feeling purchasing pressure? Have you ever done a no-buy or a low-buy? I’d love to hear tips, what you’d like to see from me, & what you have been passionate about lately!
DIY at Home Hair Dye Tips & Tricks + Twisted Headband Styling Tutorial with Schwarzkopf got2b® Metallics Smoky Violet
This shop has been compensated by Schwarzkopf. #got2bmetallic #sponsored
Time for a hair change-up! I LOVE having colorful hair. It helps me show my personality & I definitely feel more confident rocking a style I adore. Today, we’re chatting about how I colored my hair ombre style using Schwarzkopf® got2b® Smoky Violet then doing a DIY hair headband that actually stays put using my hair tutorial! Keep reading for all my tips & tricks!
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6 Hair Products to Get the PERFECT Summer Beachy Waves & Styles
Beachy hair- well then you probably care. For me, it takes some magic to get that “I just woke up like this” wavy hair that doesn’t look too tangled or limp. Or reeeeeally dirty. But mermaid waves still call my name! Keep reading to check out my top picks, how I use them, & where to get them. HINT- Pretty much on Amazon! [Read more…]
Why You or He Will Want the SkinStore Limited Edition Men’s Collection (Worth $250.00)
Whenever I see men’s kits, I get jealous. They always look so clean, well-packaged, & they really cater to my husband’s love of simplicity when it comes to any kind of self-care. If I handed him 9/10s of my stash he’d roll his eyes because he really is focused on the packaging! I loved advertising & media in college so that’s always something I think about with clients & as a consumer- who is the target? This SkinStore Limited Edition Men’s Collection is perfection & really hits every note- keep reading for all the details! [Read more…]