Report Card | Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil in Flashy Green

I've had this eyeliner since my senior year of high school when the product was known as Sephora Flashy Eyeliner. I'm not sure when I first picked it up, however I do remember the moment I realized it would remain in my makeup collection for a very long time.

The last day of senior year is a notorious tear-fest, but despite all of the crying I did that day, this eyeliner (which I rimmed on my lower lash line by the way) did not budge at all. When I got into my friend's car and checked my face in the mirror, I expected to see a green, streaky mess, but to my surprise, everything stayed in place!

If you're looking to add a pop of color to your summer makeup routine, give this product a try in any one of their incredible, long-lasting shades. It will stay on even the most oily skin or the biggest cry babies. Already a fan of this product? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Hope you enjoyed the first installment of this new series, Report Card, which will solely feature product reviews. As always, I'm open to feedback so if there's anything you would like me to review let me know!

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | One Product Three Ways

Today's tip will be fairly brief, but a good tip nonetheless. I've been using Noxzema products for years now, but it never occurred to me that the way I use it is different from others. Here are a few ways I use the moisturizing product as much more than just a cleanser.

• Cleanser | Of course, Noxzema has been a tried and trusted deep facial cleanser for decades now (it's been on the market since 1914, in fact). I inherited my love for Noxzema from my mother, but after trying several other cleansers, this one has been a consistent staple in my regimen for years now, and it will remain that way for years to come. It cleans deeply without stripping your skin of all its moisture. It actually leaves your skin feeling more moisturized and softer than before! The tingly feeling the eucalyptus oil provides is simply an added bonus.
• Face Mask | This is actually a little trick I picked up about a year ago. The concept is the same: you apply the product to your face generously. The only difference is the amount of time you leave it on. Typically, I apply the Noxzema to my face while it's dry and leave it on while I shower. Once I'm done showering, I simply rinse it off and keep it moving. Doing it this way is super efficient when you're pressed for time and makes for an even deeper clean. 
• Shaving Cream | I shared this tip in passing with a friend this morning and was met with a blank stare. I had adopted this trick so long ago that I didn't even realize that I'm probably one a few that does it! I can't remember where I picked up the habit, but it comes in handy when I run out of shaving gel. In fact, most of the time I don't even buy shower gel anymore; Noxzema has become my one-stop shop. It moisturizes the shaving area just as it would your face, which is great because moisturizing the area softens the hair follicles and makes for an easier, cleaner shave. All you're left with is clean, baby smooth skin. 

Pick up a jar of Noxzema Moisturizing Cleansing Cream to test these tips out for yourself! It's relatively inexpensive and a little goes a long way so this large container will last a while and you're sure to get your money's worth. Let me know how it works out for you in the comments below!

The Summer Beauty Tag

I really enjoy participating in tags so I thought, why not one more? Hope you enjoy!

What is the best part of summer time?

Swimming! I didn't realize how much I loved swimming until I made the decision to stay in Philadelphia for the summer. I still have yet to find a great outdoor pool or make a day trip to the beach, but that has to change soon if I'm going to keep my sanity.

Do you tan or burn?

I tan...a lot. I can actually count on one hand the number of black people I know that have gotten sunburned. Perhaps it's the melanin it our skin that keeps us from being burned. I'll look that up. 

Favorite summer nail polish?

This year it's been changing a lot so I won't name a specific brand and color name. But, I have been gravitating towards bright shades of orange and powder blues. 

Favorite summer drink/beverage?

Lemonade, iced coffee, and mojitos. 

Favorite summer clothing item?

Maxi skirts and crop tops. Sorry that was two items; clearly I'm not good at following directions. 

Favorite phone app during this summer?

Overall, I think this question is kind of dumb but I suppose I'll say Instagram because it's full of great vacation photos.

Favorite summer movie?

Again, kind of a dumb question but I guess I'll go with any superhero movie. Those are typically really big summer blockbusters and I'm a huge fan of them all.

Favorite summer beauty product?

Anything with a gold, peach, or bronze shimmer. Those tones look great against my skin tone when the sun hits it.

Favorite summer activity?

Swimming! I swear, if I don't get in a pool soon I'm going to lose it. 

Favorite type of lip product for the summer time?

Lip balm with SPF. Easy. 

If you'd also like to participate, I tag you! Feel free to copy and paste The Summer Beauty Tag questions in your platform and share your own thoughts. I'd love to hear all of your summer favorites; comment below with the link to your answers so I can check it out!

Spring Wishlist & Trends

Just when I thought spring had finally sprung in Philadelphia, the temperature decides to dip to 30 degrees. Lovely. Regardless of the weather, I'm still very optimistic about the new season and all of the beauty trends it will bring. Below are just a few of the things I'm excited to try or trends I can't wait to see on the streets. Enjoy!

1. Rose gold jewelry - Baublebar Alpha Initial Pendant in Rose Gold 2. Bubblegum pink lips - MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum 3. Powder blue nails -  Essie Nail Polish in Find Me An Oasis 4. Bright orange lips -  Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti  5. Fluorescent nails -  AA Nails in Neon Yellow 6. Coral/peach cheeks - Clinique Cheek Pop in Peach Pop 7. Aqua eye makeup - Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Turquoise and Pistachio

What beauty trends are on your wishlist this season? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Golden Globes 2014 Best, Dressed

You all should consider yourselves very lucky today. Why? Well my laptop charger broke, which means I am writing this post from my phone. If my laptop was accessible, just know that I would have been rambling about each and every look because they truly took my breath away this year. Instead, a picture and caption will have to do. 

5. Olivia Wilde I love this simply because I love when an expecting mother shows off her baby bump with pride. She chose an attention-grabbing color, silhouette, and fabric and she couldn't look more stunning. 

4. Margot Robbie Oh my gosh. I fell in love with her after seeing The Wolf of Wall Street and her look just made me fall even harder. Simple, elegant, and effortless. Seriously, what's not to love? 

3. Emma Roberts Speaking of simple and elegant can we please take a moment to acknowledge the budding fashion phenom that Roberts is becoming? What makes the dress is the styling. The hair and jewelry allow the dress (and it's stunning neckline) to truly shine. 

2. Lupita Nyong'o Honestly I'm surprising myself by not making this look number one. I don't think I have to say much to convince you that this was a show-stopper, especially for a new comer. The color suited her complexion perfectly and she looked absolutely radiant. I'm trying so hard not to gush about this woman but I can't help it! She's perfection. Without a doubt this woman will completely alter this country's perception of beauty. It's about time. 

1. Emma Watson Had this been an ordinary dress, it would have been number two for me. But, it was a whole other story when she turned around. 

Watson's "fake out" won the hearts of fashion critics everywhere. It's ingenious really: a glamourous, red carpet appropriate look that's (get this) comfortable! Most likely the envy of every woman there, this look easily takes the crown. 

What were some of your favorites? I would love to know what you thought of last night's fashion so share your opinion in the comments section below!

My Top Products of 2013

With a full week of 2014 now comfortably under our belts, I figured I would take the time to share my favorite products of 2013...you know, before it gets too late.

• Skincare Hands down the St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub was my lifesaver this year. Whenever my skin was getting a little out of control, it brought it back down to reality. I'm sure at this point it goes without saying that my benzoyl peroxide cream and vitamin E oil were staples as well so I'll try to avoid sounding like broken record.
• Hair The winner would be Elasta QP's Olive Oil & Mango Butter Leave-In Conditioner. It smells good and keeps my hair soft and moisturized. What else do I need really?
• Body This one is actually kind of hard for me because I switch things up all the time. I think I'm going to go with True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Body Cream. It's so moisturizing without being greasy and I get compliments every time I wear it. It literally smells like icing...which is obviously irresistible. 
• Fragrance I didn't wear much fragrance this year because I typically wore a very fragrant body cream. One I did use up though is the Forever Red scent by Bath and Body Works. I had the roller ball version (unfortunately they no longer sell that form) which I loved because I could just toss it in my purse and touch up throughout the day.
• Face (foundation, blush, bronzer, concealer) Well if you know me at all (or have read any of my previous posts) you would know that unfortunately I don't have an answer for any of these. While I know how to use each product, I don't use them because makeup is meant to cover blemishes and I am lucky enough not to have too many. However, I do want to branch out this year and test my makeup skills by doing my face for special events. Stay tuned. 
• Eyeshadow I was so scared I was going to hit pan on the shade Snakebite in Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette. It blends so seamlessly with my complexion and I use it all the time. I'm in love. 
• Eyeliner I loved Rimmel's Kohl Kajal Eyeliner. It smudged when you wanted it to and stayed put when you needed it to. It also made a great base for black eyeshadow for a lasting smokey eye.
• Mascara It came out late in 2013 but I fell head over heels in love with L'Oreal's Voluminous Butterfly Mascara. Oh my gosh. I felt like my lashes would fly right off my face they were so long! I'm glad I stepped out of my Maybelline mascara trance (Although their line is equally wonderful. No one can deny their Falsies formula).
• Lips Although I tried other products this year, I kept gravitating towards the Revlon Lip Butters...and now I have three shades...and one I already had to repurchase. Our love affair was real in 2013.

I could go on with more categories but I'm sure you're bored by now because I'm definitely tired of looking at this computer screen. BUT if you would like a Top Products Part 2 let me know in the comments or on Twitter. 

Winter Essentials | Best, Holidays

I figured the most appropriate way to jump start this holiday beauty series would be to talk about all of the things I keep near and dear to my heart during the winter months. It may not be a mile-long list, but these items are definitely essential to my winter survival. And yes, it's that serious.

• Body butter is the number one thing I'm always itching to break out once it starts getting colder and probably the only thing I look forward to about the temperature dropping. Find a body butter with a great scent and you've got yourself a powerhouse. A deep moisturizing cream that delivers an all day fragrance? Where do I sign up? My favorite: http://bit.ly/1d9zskw
• Vitamin E oil is honestly something I use year-round but it definitely comes in handy during the winter. Mixing in oil with your favorite lotion is great for combating dry winter skin, but vitamin E oil is exceptionally effective. In addition to adding moisture, vitamin E oil has the added benefit of reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and evens complexion. My favorite: http://bit.ly/1bymwC0
• Lip balm...I know, duh. But in all honesty, I've seen more cracked and peeling lips than ever this season. That has to be unhealthy. Our lips have less layers than our skin so if it's easy for our skin to dry out during the winter, imagine what our lips must be going through. Also, keeping your lips soft makes for a more even application of your favorite lip stick. My favorite: http://bit.ly/1j012bb
• Travel size lotion is, again, another 'duh' product that people seem to neglect. It's also one of the easiest and least expensive. I don't know about you, but for me just stepping outside can cause my knuckles to turn white...which is always so attractive against dark skin. Plus, if you're a smell-good junkie, choosing a mini lotion with a nice scent is a great way to add moisture and freshen up throughout the day. My favorite: http://tgt.biz/19k30gF
• Dark lip color is so cliche and yet so necessary. My friends will tell you I've been on the hunt for a great dark berry lip. After about four weeks and three lipsticks later, I have finally found my match. I don't know what it is, but something the lower temperatures just makes a girl want to bring out her vampy side. There's nothing wrong with that! My favorite: http://bit.ly/Jiptky in Black Cherry

What are some of the things you can't live without during the winter? I'd love to know. Share in the comments below or chat with me on Twitter! 

Postcards From Philly | 1

I don't want to call this a series, but I suppose that is what it would be considered. Postcards From Philly will simply be a letter to all of you when I just want to sit down and share what has been going on in my life.

You may (or may not) have noticed that I've been away for a while. Well, that would be because I still have yet to master the art of juggling an overflowing work load and blogging. But I've got to say, I've missed you guys.

During this little hiatus, I could not stop thinking about the blog and all the things I would love to put in place. This month will be the beginning of plenty of great things to come for Best, Jordan. I can't wait to let you in on these surprises, but you'll just have to wait a bit longer.

One thing I can tell you now is that I'll be starting a holiday series this week! This is my first one and I'm so excited! While I already have some things in the works, I want to know what you want to see. If you need outfit ideas for New Year's Eve or even tips to avoid awkward questions from relatives tell me and I'll be happy to help!

Leave your suggestions in the comments below or tweet your suggestions to me @JordanCathleen_.

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | I'm Wide Awake

Ironic title for someone who is running on only a few hours of sleep right now, huh? Regardless, it's that lack of sleep that inspired me to write this post. Here are a few quick fixes that I've gathered over the years to help you look more alert, even if you just can't wait to jump back into bed!

• Stick two metal spoons in the freezer the night before. In the morning, put them under your eyes to reduce puffiness. Plus the shock from the cold should give you a little jolt of energy. 
• If cold isn't your thing, try warming things up. Make yourself a nice cup of tea and save the tea bag! A warm tea bag can also reduce under eye puffiness and redness while the antioxidants and herbs soothe tired sockets.
• If all else fails, makeup can do the trick. To appear alert you need to highlight and conceal. Use highlighter in the innermost corner of your eyes, or the tear duct area, to open them up. Take the concealer to cover up any under eye darkness. For an extra highlight, make sure to use a concealer about a shade or two lighter than your foundation in order to appear brighter and refreshed.

Again, these are just quick fixes. Nothing can replace taking care of your body and getting some rest. While sometimes it may not seem like sleep can fit into your schedule, for your health's sake, you have to make it fit. 

Do you have any beauty tips to help you look your best on groggy days? Let me know in the comments below!

Summer to Fall Transitional Makeup

It would be easy to tell you to toss your pink and coral lipsticks aside to make room for darker colors, but that's obvious isn't it? Naturally people tend to wear cooler colors during the cooler seasons. However, I want to show you simple ways to wear your favorite summer shades all year long and truly transition your makeup for the fall.

• Orange was extremely popular this summer. It's bright, bold, and vibrant, much like your bikinis I'm sure. But orange is also a very autumnal color most noticeably seen in the leaves when they change colors. The best way to wear this color through the fall would be to tone it down. Opt out of a full-on orange lipstick and try a lip gloss or stain. You still have that unexpected pop of color without going overboard. Recommendations...
• Drugstore: L'oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Coral Tattoo
• High end: Yves Saint Laurent Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in Orange De Chine

• Turquoise eyeliner was also a huge  trend this summer. You can still incorporate this hue by choosing to use an eyeshadow instead of the more harsh eyeliner. Turquoise eyeshadow is much more forgiving and gives you a lot more flexibility. You can tone it down by smoking it out with a dark brown or charcoal gray shadow in the crease. You also have the option wearing the turquoise shadow the way is was most commonly used this summer: on the lower lash line. Just be sure to blend! Recommendations...
• Drugstore: Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Tenacious Teal
• High end: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil in Clash

• Rose colored, neutral pink lips were also seen everywhere. Luckily, in my opinion, this trend is already perfect for year round use. Natural lip shades are classic and timeless; you can never go wrong. If you want to enhance it for fall in a subtle way, choose pink shades that lean more towards the mauve or berry families. It will still be a warm, neutral color, but adding a slight purple tint will make it a bit more seasonal. Recommendations...
• Drugstore: Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
• High end: MAC Lustre Lipstick in Politely Pink

Have you tried any of these techniques or products? Know of any makeup transition tips that you would like to share? Comment below or tell me all about it on Twitter @JordanCathleen_! 

F+ | Antwanique Adele

Washington, DC

1. Fedora | H&M

2. Vegan leather jacket | Zara

3. Sweater | AllSaints

4. Black distressed moto pants | Free People

5. Shoes | UNIF HELLraisers

6. Jewelry (all) | heirlooms

If you want to see this beauty in action, she makes her own OOTDs, makeup tutorials, and more on her YouTube channel Adele's Anecdotes. Make sure to subscribe to her and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. I promise you won't be disappointed!

YouTube | Twitter | Instagram

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Hot Spots

While thumbing through a magazine yesterday, I came across an article about the best places to wear fragrance. I already knew about the common areas like the wrist and the nape of the neck, but they named two other places that surprised me. The back of your knees and the crook of your arm are also great fragrance spots. Why?

These four areas generate the most heat on your body. Since fragrance is dispersed when exposed to warmer temperatures, keeping the fragrance concentration to these four main areas allows the scent to be distributed evenly and leave a lasting impression.

If you would like a list of my favorite fall fragrances, let me know on Twitter @JordanCathleen_.

Top Ten Things Girls Say When Applying Makeup

1. This color does not look the same as it did the last time I put it on.
2. I know I can get this last little bit of [insert lip product here] out.
3. Is lip liner really necessary? Goes outside the lines. Damn, I guess it is.
4. I think I'll keep it simple today. Comes out with full smokey eye.
5. Shit, shit, shit I got mascara in my eye! Oh my god! Help me baby Jesus! Help me Oprah!
6. Why don't my winged lines ever look the same?!
7. In the bathroom: I don't think I put enough on. Outdoors: I look like a Cullen.
8. I'm sure if I just add a little water to this mascara it'll be just fine.
9. Why haven't I used this in so long? It's amazing!
10. Where the hell did I put my lip balm?!

This post was just for fun because I know that we've all thought these things at some point or another. If you have another phrase to add to the list, use the hashtag "MakeupQuotes" on Twitter so I can see them. I may make a whole post dedicated to the list my readers come up with!

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Best Eyeshadows For Your Eye Color

Since my tips last Tuesday on finding the right lip color for your skin tone were so popular, I decided to do a sequel! For most of my beauty-obsessed girls, this is probably common knowledge to you by now. However, even the best have their little book of basics tucked in their back pocket for quick reference. This is one of those basics.

For brown eyes: Because brown is a neutral, you can use any shadow color and it won't compete with your eyes. However, to really make them sparkle use bronze, peach, purple, and shades of blue and green.
For blue eyes: Since blue is a cool tone, putting warmer tones on the lid will make them stand out. Also, avoid using colors that are too bold because they can distract from the beautiful blue color your eyes naturally have. Try bronze/golden shades, peach, slate, and champagne.
For green eyes: Nothing makes your eyes pop more than purple, there's no doubt about that. However, if you aren't a huge fan of the hue, try browns with a reddish undertone (like rust and sepia) and subtle pinks.
For hazel eyes: Because hazel eyes can have flecks of brown, green, grey, and gold, they are like chameleons and can be transformed to bring out whatever color you want to emphasize based on your shadow choice. To play up the green, of course go for purple shades and for brown, use yellow-based browns and gray. Avoid light golds though because they tend to wash you out. Dusty pinks and burgundy also look lovely on you.

Remember, you can wear whatever colors make you happy. These are just a few colors that will make your eyes shine even brighter!

My Vacation Beauty Essentials

In about two weeks time I will be relaxing on the beaches of sunny San Juan. But before that happens, there are a few fashion and beauty essentials that I need to make sure I have with me.

FASHION

• Cover up | This one should be the most self-explanatory. After leaving the beach or the pool and you don't want to stop and change, a cover up is a life saver. Luckily there are a ton of cute options from a sarong to a maxi dress or even a wide leg pair of beach pants. I still haven't decided which one I want...so I probably try to get them all.
• Hat | Since I typically wear my hair in fro form lately, I haven't gotten a chance to wear a hat yet this summer. But, hats are extremely important and keep your face shielded from the sun's harsh rays during the day. I have a classic wide-brimmed beach hat and a fedora that will definitely be taking the trip with me.
• Sandals | Also obvious. However, for me, it's definitely time to invest in a new pair. While the pair I currently own aren't extremely old, it would still be embarrassing if for some reason they decided to give out on me mid- late night stroll.
• Swimsuit | I just want a new one, okay?!

BEAUTY

• Sunscreen | The biggest beauty must for vacationing. Because you will be in the sun a lot more, protecting your skin has to become a priority in your skincare routine while you're away.
• Fragrance mist | Again, during vacation you're constantly moving from one activity to the next. Would you really like to smell like a long day on the beach during lunch? Yeah, neither would I.
• Leave-in conditioner (with SPF) | If your skin can be damaged from sun exposure, what's stopping your hair from being at risk too? This is a great way to keep your hair from being stripped of all its moisture while in the pool or ocean and protect it from UV rays. 
• Waterproof...everything | If you can't bear to have a bare face, then be minimal with your makeup. Wearing heavy makeup to the pool or beach can look just as silly as wearing makeup to the gym, so be careful. Instead of foundation, opt for a BB cream with SPF. Also, make sure your eyeliners and mascara are waterproof to avoid looking like someone just broke up with you in the middle of the ocean. 

Anything I missed? Let me know what you're fashion and beauty essentials are for vacationing! I would love to hear them. 

Tips & Tricks Tuesdays | How to Stay a Kiss Above the Rest

What is the secret to kissable lips? A better question is "What is the secret to soft lips?" After all, soft lips make for kissable ones. If you've been suffering from chapped lips or simply find your lipstick flaking away after 20 minutes, try these tips.

• Moisturize! I know this has to be the most obvious tip, but you would be surprised how many people don't practice it. During the day, use a lip balm that has SPF in it to protect them. Your lips are like any other part of your body and are able to be damaged by the sun as well. At night, use a heavier moisturizer. I have tried a ton but the best will always be petroleum jelly. It applies smoothly and will make your lips feel buttery soft by morning.
• Exfoliate. Yes, exfoliate your lips. I know it sounds crazy but I promise it works. You can use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips using gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds. That's the method I practice. You can also make a lip scrub by combining sugar and either extra virgin olive oil or honey. The purpose? Again, our lips are just like the rest of our skin. Your lips produce dead skin too! Get rid of it.
• Protect. I said this already when talking about moisturizing, but it is important to protect our lips from the sun. Even if you're a lip gloss or lip stick kind of girl, make sure to apply an SPF balm underneath. Your lips, and your love, will thank you. 

Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty Tag

When boredom strikes, right? Just kidding. I thought this would be a really cute and fun post. Surprisingly, it was pretty challenging and really made me think.

1. Greed: What is your most inexpensive beauty item? What is your most expensive? Wet and Wild lipstick for $1 and Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette for $50.
2. Wrath: What beauty products to you have a love/hate relationship with? What product has been the hardest to get? Blotting sheets because you can't tell what you're going to get. Some are amazing and others feel waxy and uncomfortable. The hardest product for me to get has to be certain nail polish colors by Essie.
3. Gluttony: What are your most delicious beauty products? My True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere body cream literally smells like buttercream icing. I get compliments on it all the time. 
4. Sloth: What beauty product do you neglect due to laziness? Nail polish. I'll be really consistent for a while, then I just don't have the time to care.
5. Pride: What beauty product gives you the most self-confidence? I guess I would have to say my face wash because having clear, glowing skin makes me feel really good. That sounded really proud. Good job, Jordan. 
6. Lust: What attributes do you find most attractive in the opposite sex? This question is a bit random but I would have to say an amazing smile. All the guys I've ever liked, including my boyfriend, have a winning smile.
7. Envy: What beauty items would you most like to receive as a gift? Smashbox BB Cream, Real Techniques brushes, Benefit blush in Coralista, or MAC lipstick in RiRi Woo...oh gosh, that was a lot. Again, good going.

Because I had so much fun doing this, I tag all of you! If you decide to do this tag as well, make sure to comment below with a link to your own post. I'd love to see your answers!

Staples You Should Keep at Your Boyfriend's House

Whenever you decide to crash at your boyfriend's (or girlfriend's!) place, there are certain things that are absolutely essential to have with you. Trust me, I know all too well at this point through trial and error. Why make mistakes when you can just learn from mine?

Fashion
You want to bring over items that can be thrown on quickly. Chances are your boo doesn't possess your awesome organizational skills so at the risk of being late for class looking around for things, make sure you have pieces you can pull on and go. Also, try to avoid items that require an iron. On the off chance that he actually possesses one, it's always easier to not have to rely on it. Great pieces include:

• Leggings
• Sweatshirts
• Slip-on flats
• Cardigan (or other wrinkle-free outerwear of choice)
• Comfy jeans

Beauty

To me, this category is much more important than the clothes you bring over. I mean if comes to it you can always throw on a pair of jeans and one of his T-shirts, but you definitely can't use his deodorant! So, anything that is gender specific in terms of fragrance, make sure you account for that. Also, if you have a specific skincare or hair regimen, don't break it! As difficult as it can be sometimes to stick with it, your skin and hair will thank you. Your boyfriend's medicine cabinet may not, however. Here are a few things I always remember:

• Face cleanser
• Shower gel
• Body cream
• Deodorant
• Contacts (kind of obvious)
• Hair products (account for anything you use while you sleep)

You may look like a bag lady making your way to his place but hey, at least you'll be a well-prepared bag lady!

My Top Five Essentials

If I could only live with five beauty products for the rest of my life, here's what they would be and why.

1. Benzoyl peroxide. I don't care what form this ingredient is in as long as I have it in my life. Nothing I have ever tried keeps my skin as clear as benzoyl peroxide. I will take it with me to the grave.

2. Lip balm. If you asked me this question maybe a year and a half ago, my answer definitely would have been lip gloss. I never used to use lip balm. Not sure why exactly. Now, I can't even go to sleep without applying lip balm. Dry lips just make me feel like my whole face is sad.

3. Face wipes. Even if I don't take the time to do my full routine, I always make sure to at least clean my face with a wipe. It's refreshing and it gives my skin a chance to breathe a little more.

4. Fragranced body cream. I was very specific with this item for a reason. I prefer a body cream or butter because my dry skin requires plenty of moisture. Also, I like to use a fragranced cream because it stays on much longer than a fragrance mist or perfume and I don't have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day.

5. Hair removal cream. I've simply preferred this method of hair removal for a while now and there is just no way I could live life without shaving...ever...anywhere...that's nasty.

So that's basically everything I need in this life of sin, just me and my cosmetics.

*Note: List is in no particular order.

Something People Seem to Compliment You the Most On | Something You Never Get Compliments On - Days 11 & 12

I always get compliments on...

• My hair. Especially when it needs to be done, what is up with that?!
• My smile. And I have a gap. Get like me.
• My teeth. I don't think they're any whiter than the next but if you say so.
• My skin. Which I pride myself in.
• My ideas. I like when people compliment or notice my intellect. It's refreshing.

However, I never get compliments on...

• My eyebrows. They're perfect. They're on my face. Notice them.
• My lips. Even though it would be extremely weird to get a compliment about them, I quite enjoy them.
• My photography. Mind you, I haven't taken real pictures in forever but I think I have a good eye.
• My consideration. I'm always thinking of others before myself and I feel like it goes unnoticed.
• My consultations. People constantly ask me for advice, get mad at me for telling the truth, then tell me later that it all worked out. Go figure.

The moral of the story? Compliment me more. I'm completely kidding.