Comfy Cross Patch Sweater [Outfit] and "The Sweater Weather" Tag

Since it is absolutely freezing right now, I figure I might as well embrace the cold weather and accept the fact that it is only going to get colder from here...which means SWEATER WEATHER! What is better than an oversize, soft, warm sweater when you're freezing your butt off? Nada. So here I am embracing the cold and switching it up around here-with a tag post! This is actually a pretty popular youtube tag, but for now, I will just stick to the blog posts!


The Sweater Weather Tag
1. Favorite candle scent? First question and this is already hard! I love B&BW's "Spiced Apple Toddy". Mmmm.

2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? I am going to have to cheat here and say mixing hot chocolate with coffee. One of the best things ever!

3. What's the best fall memory you have? Honestly probably freshman year of high school, going to every single football game. I never missed one. So long ago...but I love thinking back to that time!

4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner? Dark lips are fun to switch it up and be a little unexpected...but winged eyeliner is a lot more wearable day to day...so I think I prefer winged eyeliner!

5. Best fragrance for fall? Hands down Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb... it smells so good!

6. Favorite Thanksgiving food? Pie. That counts, right? Pumpkin, apple, and cheesecake. Need me on Thanksgiving? Seriously, just look at the dessert table! Oh, and homemade mashed potatoes. Love!

7. What is autumn weather like where you live? The temperature is pretty brisk...the leaves on the trees are gorgeous with different colors and this year we were lucky to not have too much rainy weather!
A picture of my campus last fall :)

8. Most worn sweater? I don't have a most worn sweater yet! I am guessing it will just be soft, cozy sweaters in general!

9. Must-have nail polish this fall? Essie "Wicked". Perfect for fall!

10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles? Football games all the way!

11. Skinny jeans or leggings? Skinny jeans for warmth...but leggings are so comfortable! They are the best to wear with oversize sweaters!

12. Combat boots or Uggs? Combat boots! Currently loving my new ones!

13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype? Yessss...Not just Starbucks either! So many places are coming out with different takes on it, and I pretty much like them all!

14. Favorite fall TV show? American Horror Story...I haven't been keeping up with it as much this season though...I will have to have a mini-marathon this weekend!

15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit? I can't think of one in particular...but since Christmas music has been everywhere for the past month... I guess that gets me in the fall and winter spirit!

 Sweater: Charlotte Russe // Scarf: Old, similar here, here and here // Leggings: American Apparel 

Boots: Charlotte Russe // Earrings: Charming Charlies (similar)

What is your favorite fall/winter piece of clothing? If you do this tag, leave your link below so I can read your answers too!

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

My links:

Makeup Talk: Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara

Every once in awhile I come across a product that just needs to be raved about...so all you mascara lovers out there, this one is for you! Recently, I picked up the travel size version of Benefits "They're Real!" Mascara while at Sephora so I didn't have to pack a full size mascara for a trip. I didn't think the mascara would do anything crazy, wow me, or make me forget about all my other poor mascaras...but I was completely wrong. This my friends, is my newest makeup love!

 Wearing one coat of the mascara.

On Sephora's Website, the product has claims to be: "A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look."
 The bristle design.

Other claims: " The specially designed brush features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The custom-domed tip uses precision bristles to lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. With a glossy, jet-black, long-wearing formula, you’ll flaunt luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out."

Before I go on about how amazing this mascara is, I should probably show you my natural lashes so you can see the difference the product makes!
 Decent length and curl on their own buuuuut a girl can want better lashes, right?

I like the look of dark, lengthened lashes...so on most days, you will see me wearing some sort of mascara. With that being said, I am not fussy about it. I am a one coat and I am done type of girl-no layering, no separating with a lash comb...nope. So when a product delivers on it's claims, I am happy! 


My thoughts: With one coat of "They're Real" Mascara, I always feel like my lashes look longer, fuller, and separated. The wear time is literally all day. No flaking and no smudging. The bristles on the wand are pretty unique; at the very tip there is more of a dome shape, which lets you easily apply mascara to shorter lashes or the inner corner where I always smudge mascara. There honestly isn't much to say about this besides the fact that 1) The claims are true. 2) You should pick it up if you're willing to shell out the cash. 3) Since it is long wearing, it is harder to get off. Water won't work alone-you'll need some face wash or a makeup remover wipe. 4) Some people may only want to use this for special occasions or nights out since it can really give you a dramatic look to your eyes!

This mascara retails for $23 when you get the full size and $10 when you get the travel size. You can find it easily on Benefits Website, but I bought mine at Sephora.  If you like to emphasize your eyes, I say go for this product! Totally worth it!

What is your favorite mascara?

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

P.S-As much as this sounds like I am being sponsored by someone, this is just my makeup junkie rave about a good product. My opinions are my own, I bought this myself, and no one is paying me to talk about this product!

My links:

Leather and Gold [What I Wore]

I haven't posted many outfit posts lately, buuuuuut I have an excuse! I don't have someone to take outfit pictures for me! Usually my photography-loving uncle takes my pictures, but he lives in my hometown, about 2 hours away. Today, one of my besties, Allison, volunteered to be a doll and take some quick shots for me! So thanks girl! I have been obsessed with reds, purples, burgundy, plums, etc all season so far...which means it is no surprise that I pull this outfit out of my closet! I adore this top, and the details on it! Some of the buttons are skulls... adorable right?! I also like the shade of the top with the gold detailing-and speaking of gold, do you have a preference for wearing silver or gold? They say that people tend to look better in one rather than the other, but I am indifferent about it. Thoughts?

Faux Leather Jacket: Love Culture // Top: c/o Persunmall // Jeans: Bullhead Denim (Pacsun)// Booties: Mossimo (Target)// Earrings: World Market // Knuckle Rings: Landora (Aldo)

 What are your favorite colors of the season?

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

My links:

Makeup Talk: BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector

Here I am! After disappearing once again from the blog world, I am back with a new makeup review! Today I wanted to talk about a makeup primer that seems to be getting a lot of mixed reviews in the makeup world-and I think I know why!

Product: BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
Size: 1.35 oz
Price: $36 USD
Claims (Directly from Sephora website): A targeted oil-control primer that perfects and minimizes pores for mattified skin that lasts up to 12 hours. This formula specifically targets oil-prone areas and acts as liquid blotting paper to leave your skin fresh and matte all day. The formula is sweat- and humidity-resistant and free of silicone, oil, alcohol, and fragrance.
Use:  Use alone, before, or after foundation to control excess oil, while minimizing the appearance of pores. Feel free to use throughout the day to touch up areas of concern.
Wear time: Prolongs my makeup wear at least 3 or more hours longer than any other primer; also keeps me shine free longer!
Consistency: Thick to the touch. Very thick. It really doesn't feel heavy or even noticeable on the skin though!

My thoughts: First off, I agree that it does seem to minimize the look of pores...even with no other makeup on, it gives your face an almost airbrushed finish. I don't notice any fragrance to it, which is a plus to those that are sensitive! I find this to be the most mattifying product that I have ever come across in terms of makeup products. I am pretty sure this is going to be a staple in my makeup bag forever...and not only does it keep me matte, but I think it keeps my makeup looking better longer! For all the mixed reviews, it almost always comes down to how the primer applies. Many say that it feels like you are rubbing glue on your skin, or that it "balls up" or "peels" off. Proper application is key here! On Sephoras site, it says to warm up the primer between your fingers and then pat it on. This is where all the problems are! I do warm the primer up and pat it on, and haven't had a single problem with it. For review purposes though, I rubbed it into my skin-and eww-the outcome was not cool. Definitely saw the peeling and weird chunks of it on my skin that people were talking about. I know everyone has their own way of doing makeup, but this is one of those times that you just have to go with what the product says! When you pat it on, it really has a chance to sink in and fill your pores, and it drys soon after, which then gives your your flawless base for whatever other makeup you choose to wear! Also, I did not have any breakouts due to this product!

All in all, I highly recommend this to combination to combination/oily skin types. The price may seem a little steep, but it is completely worth it, as you do not have to use a lot. Also, this comes with 1.35 oz, which is more than the usual 1.0 oz that most foundation and primer brands have!

I hope this was helpful! Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

My links:
Bloglovin'

*This product was bought with my own money. All thoughts are my own, and I am not being paid or influenced by anyone to offer my opinions!

Makeup Talk: Jane Iredale PurePressed Base SPF 20

Hi lovelies! Lately I have been trying out yet another foundation-and it just so happens to be another mineral one! My obsession continues! Since I have combination/oily skin, I try to look for powder foundations, since they are supposed to help control excess oil. Recently, I looked into a product, and gratefully received the *Jane Iredale PurePressed Base SPF 20. I had heard of the product before, and had researched it for awhile. For reference, I always look to Youtube, Sephora, and Makeup Alley for reviews on products before buying or using them. I tend to lean more towards Youtube and Makeup Alley for reliable reviews though, as Sephora can be biased (an employee has even told me!) On MA, this product had a glowing review, which made me very interested in trying it. Below is my personal review!

On the Jane Iredale website, it states that the "look is sheer and semi-matte". When I applied this for the first time (and many times since) I have to say that the feeling of the powder on your skin feels sheer and weightless, but you can build the coverage to about medium. As for the finish, I agree that it is semi-matte. It somehow makes your skin glow, but it isn't glittery or shiny at all. I chose to apply this with a kabuki brush for more coverage, but if you are looking for very sheer coverage, you could always use a large powder brush! The shade that I am wearing is "golden glow". 
To me, it makes my skin look "healthy" if that makes sense. I didn't airbrush this picture at all...the powder just makes you glow! As for the wear-ability, I would say it lasts about 6 hours before needing touched up (coverage wise), although I tend to blot and apply my Mac Blot Powder after about 4 hours to extend the wear time. I did not notice any oxidation (darkening of shade) with this as I wore it. The website also states that this product is water-proof for up to 40 minutes, which is great for those that use it as sunscreen in the summer while outside, swimming, boating, etc. Since it does have SPF in it, I did not think it would photograph well, as SPF reacts with flash photography and creates a white cast. For some reason, this actually looks good in pictures despite having SPF. As for the ingredients in this, I didn't notice any that caused irritation to my skin.
As you can see, the packaging is beeeeautiful. I didn't want to put my brush into the design in the powder actually! The compact has a bit of weight to it, which makes it feel even more luxurious than it already is. What is great about the compact is that when you run out of your powder, you can just buy a refill pan instead of buying a whole new compact. The price for the filled compact is $52, and a refill pan is $40. You can also buy a new empty compact for $12, if yours ever becomes broken or damaged.  The only complaint I have about this product is the price, but for the quality of the product and the way it wears on the skin, I think it is worth it!

What is your favorite powder foundation?
Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

My links:
Bloglovin'

*This product was sent to me complimentary of PR at Jane Iredale. I was not compensated for this post. All thoughts are my own honest, tried-and-tested opinions, as always.