e.l.f. Haul ♡

My last online shopping package of the summer finally came in!

One of my most favorite makeup brands is Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f.). I love them because they're cheap, affordable and mostly very high quality items. 

Anyways, they were having a 50% off sale last week and I couldn't help but get myself a number of products before school starts! So lets get started. 

Note: many of these products are repurchases so I can actually review them for you guys!

Signature Makeup Bag - $8

I saw this bag online and it had a bunch of good reviews so I really wanted it! I'm happy with it so far, it holds a lot of makeup (pretty much all of my daily essentials) and it has a separate compartment to hold your brushes. I really like the feel of the faux leather and it doesn't have an annoying plastic scent. 

Only thing I'm not happy with: I selected the bag in pink, but they gave me silver instead. I would usually return it, but I only have 3 days at home and I don't want to go through all of that hassle.

Cream Eyeliner in Black - $3 each

This is a repurchase. I absolutely LOVE this eyeliner. It's probably the best potted eyeliner I've ever used and it's the only one I use on the daily. I currently have one pot, but I'm almost done with that one so I repurchased 2 more to stock up. They also added more product to the pots, so I am very happy right now!

Note: Do not use the brush it comes with, just buy another eyeliner brush.

Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain - $3 each

This, here, is another repurchase. I usually shy away from e.l.f.'s skin/complexion products since I've had some pretty bad experiences with a few items, but I always go back to this foundation. I love it. It matches my skin perfectly in the fall/winter/spring and it really does leave a flawless finish if you prime your face and then use a loose powder. The consistency is just perfect -- not too thick but it's not watery, either -- and the coverage is pretty full. I also really love the smell of it.

Note: the amount of product in the container is kind of disappointing. But for $3, I really shouldn't be complaining.

Concealer Pencil & Brush in Fair - $3

I decided to get this because there were some pretty good reviews and it was 50% off. I haven't use it yet, but the pencil part comes off very thick and creamy (what you expect from a concealer) and the brush end is super dense -- which I really like! I can't wait to use this.

Small Tapered Brush - $3

I bought this to use for contouring under my cheekbones. The size is perfect and, like all other e.l.f. brushes, the bristles are super soft! 

Flawless Concealer Brush - $3

I actually didn't buy this (maybe it was to make up for sending me the wrong color makeup bag?). But I'm sure I can put it to some use! It's a bit big and not dense enough to use with concealer, but I am thinking of using it for highlighting under my eyes and the bridge of my nose.

Professional Tweezers - $1

These tweezers had superb reviews and it was only $1, so I decided why not. Plus, I lost my old pair. These feel really good in my hands, but the tip is not as fine or pointed, so it might not be able to grab the stubborn small hairs.

Mineral Lipstick in (left to right) Nicely Nude, Cool Coral and Royal Red - $3 each

e.l.f.'s Mineral Lipsticks have always gotten great reviews. I have one that I got as a gift in Party Pink and I REALLY love it! The texture and consistency is great and it lasts almost all night. The color is super pigmented too. Because of the 50% off sale, I decided to get three of the most popular colors (these three). I really can't wait to try them out! Although, Royal Red isn't as red as I thought it would be. 

❀ College Countdown: Day 4 ❀

Packing Up Your Makeup

If you're like me, makeup is going to be a pretty important part of your packing process.

My makeup is my life, and I want it to get down to school with me safely. I've been pondering for days about how I'm going to pack it all, and I thought up of some little tips that'll help.

1. For palettes: wrap them in the towels you're going to bring and place it on top of your clothes in your suitcase or duffel bag. If you're worried about any powder spilling or breaking, tape the palettes shut with some packing tape. (I also did this with all glassware I'm bringing down)

2. Make use of those small 3-drawer containers you can get from The Container Store or Target. Fill all compartments up with as much makeup as you can and then tape it up with packing tape so the little drawers don't slide in and out. I'm putting this in my duffel bag because there was enough empty space. 

3. Also use designer boxes to pack makeup items such as single eyeshadow pots or blushes/bronzers.

4. It really never is too early to start packing. Think about the things you want to bring for sure and the things you can definitely leave behind. Once you categorize those, think about how much makeup you put on daily -- put aside the makeup you use regularly and pack up things you don't use often but want to bring along.

5. Remember to throw out all of your very old, "expired" cosmetics. Remember, mascaras should be used for about 3 months, so if you've been using the same one since April -- it's time to get a new tube.

6. Think about all the little spaces in your duffel bags. your clothes will be able to cushion some of the loose cosmetics you don't have room elsewhere for.

7. For your essential everyday makeup, keep all those products in a makeup bag and DON'T pack that bag. You'll regret it in the morning when you want to freshen up your face. Instead, just leave it where you normally do your makeup and then pack it into your purse or backpack before you hit the road.

8. It's up to YOU to decide how much makeup you bring. Don't listen to others and think there's a set amount you should bring. Really think about your habits -- do you have one set routine? Do you like to spice it up a bit every now and then? What products do you use the most of? (those are the ones you should stock up on)

9. DO NOT PACK YOUR BRUSHES IN A SINGLE BAG. It's going to be hot, and you seriously do not want those brushes to be squished in a bag. The bristles will morph into strange shapes. Instead, try to find a makeup brush carrier that has compartments for each individual brush. Or, place everything in a sturdy plastic container. This will prevent your brushes from getting squished when packed. 

That's only a very temporary home for my razor.

10. Be sure to give your brushes a very nice cleaning and disinfecting before you pack them up! (Do this two days prior so there's a 24 hr period for them to completely dry).

Recipe for homemade brush cleaner: (I couldn't find the original link -- but it's a very popular recipe)

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon dish soap

Combine these ingredients. Swirl each brush in the mixture (this is my favorite part because it's so cool and disgusting how much makeup remains on these brushes). After each brush is swirled, I like to make another batch but double the ingredients and let the brushes soak for 20 minutes to disinfect them. Rinse thoroughly and re-shape the bristles. Lightly towel dry and let them dry for 24 hours on an incline or facing down onto a towel.

11. Place all the makeup you're leaving behind in a small container and leave it in a nice and dry place -- your closet's top shelf will be the best option for storage.