Some Summertime Shopping

I finally found some starfish earrings! I found them at T.J. Maxx on clearance. 

I've been home for a little over a week now, and it finally feels like summertime. It feels so great to not have to worry about exams or assignments. Of course I went straight to the library to pick up some books to read, since I was beginning to forget what it was like to read for fun. I also did a bit of celebratory shopping. My mom, sister, and I spent the day Saturday hitting the stores. This is my first foray into the "haul" side of things, but I figured it wasn't much different than doing a monthly favorites post. Plus, hauls are my absolute favorite things to read/watch, so I figured why not? I also picked up some crafting supplies that I needed and got two clothing items, but I didn't think they were that exciting to talk about, and I can't really figure out a good way to photograph clothes without actually putting them on. 

I picked up two candles from Bath & Body works and boy do they smell amazing. They were having a 'buy two get the third item free' sale so my sister and I went splitsies, and she also got a candle. I had a hard time deciding what scents to get, so I just got two. I may go back for more during the semi-annual sale coming up in June, but then again I don't really have use for so many candles, so maybe not. We'll have to see how good the deals are ;) The Limoncello candle is from the Italian collection and the only way I can describe it is that it smells like the pez candy that you used to be able to get to put into those dispensers shaped like various movie and cartoon characters. (Props to you if you followed that description at all) Since I'm obviously so horrible at describing scents, I'll just put the description from the jar. "Raise your glass to this fragrance inspired by Italy's beloved drink, Limoncello, with its notes of sorrento lemons, cane sugar and a hint of lemon zest". All I can say is if the drink tastes as good as the candle smells, then I really want to try it! I love anything lemony so naturally I was attracted to this candle! 

The Poolside candle smells exactly like summer to me. I don't know how they captured the essence of sunshine, sunscreen, and water into this wax, but they did. Every time I catch a whiff of it, it instantly brings me back to summers past being at the pool, cabin, or on the boat. The description on the candle doesn't really seem to fit how it smells to me, but I'll put it on here anyway. "Lemon, orange, and tropical blossoms get a splash of coconut in a fragrance that revels in the cool side of being poolside". I've lit both of these candles so far, and they both make the room and house smell delicious! 

Target ensnared me yet again, and I came out with some makeup products. I picked up another Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm. I have the peach one, and found it satisfactory despite it's somewhat gritty texture and not-so-moisturising effect. Since everyone is always raving about them I thought I would try one more to see if my opinion of them improved. I of course went for the grape one since it is unusual to find grape flavored/scented adult lip products. Also, grapes are one of my favorite fruits. Although, I don't find this one any more moisturizing than the peach one, I do like it. It has a nice color for days when you don't feel like trying so hard, and it smells so good. Like fruit snacks! Plus, how can your resist it's Barney colored packaging? 

I wanted to try the Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks because quite frankly I thought the packaging looked luxurious. I guess I'm pretty shallow when it comes to packaging. The fact that these colors were on clearance for super cheap just encouraged me more. I got Peach Me and Primrose and although I haven't worn them out yet, I have tried them on to see how the color looks. They both seemed really nice so far. The last lip product I got was the L'Oreal Color Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Pink Resistance. Man that's a long name! I'm a big fan of long lasting lip colors because let's be honest, having to constantly reapply is a nuisance. I've worn this out and so far really like it! I'll admit that I got a little grossed out when I applied it because it felt like putting water all over my lips. I don't know why that affected me, but I think it was combined with the weird smell. I'm not really sure. However, it wasn't a deal-breaker by any means. This stayed on all day and is a nice simple color that goes with everything. It seemed to get darker through the day which makes me think it accentuates your natural lip color. I really liked that. It really blends into your lips and feels like you have nothing on your lips at all. 

The last thing I purchased was the Rimmel Stay Matte powder, which seems to be a favorite among the You Tube/Blogging community. Plus, It was really inexpensive so that was a definite benefit. I also picked up three things from e.l.f. The first being the angled bronzing brush, which I'll be using for blush. I finally found a new peach blush. I think peach goes best with my extremely white almost translucent skin. I really want to try the Milani baked blush in Luminoso, but can never find it at any Targets near me. The last and final product was the e.l.f. eyebrow kit. Pretty self-explanitory really. I use it to fill in my brows. No surprises there. 

Whew! That was my (very long-winded) first haul. I don't buy things extremely often, but if you would be interested in more hauls or reviews if/when I do, please say so! 

Keep Smiling,