This Or That - Beauty Edition

Whether it's a blog post or a YouTube video, I can't help but love tags! Recently on Twitter, I happened upon a Tweet from a blogger, they were complaining that they have 'never been tagged', and their complaint stuck with me. This morning when I woke up I knew right away what I wanted to do for today's blog post - a popular 'tag' that I have not actually been tagged in. I ended up choosing the 'This or That - Beauty Tag'. Where I have not actually been 'tagged', I ended up searching YouTube for this particular tag, and took the questions from this video by Meredith Foster (StilaBabe09). So, without further adieu, let's get to today's post:

Make Up

Blush or Bronzer - Bronzer. No, blush. No, bronzer. How is a girl to choose? 

Lip Gloss or Lipstick - Lipstick.

Eyeliner or Mascara - Mascara.

Foundation or Concealer - Foundation.

Neutral or Color Eye Shadow - Neutral.

Pressed or Loose Eye Shadow - Pressed.

Brushes or Sponges - Brushes.

Nails

OPI or China Glaze - OPI.

Long or Short - Medium.

Acrylic or Natural - Natural.

Brights or Darks - This is more difficult than deciding between blush and bronzer. It really, really, really depends!

Flower or No Flower - No flower.

Body

Perfume or Body Splash - Perfume.

Lotion or Body Butter - Lotion.

Body Wash or Soap - Both.

Lush or Other Bath Company - Don't make me choose between Lush and Bath & Body Works.

Fashion

Jeans or Sweat Pants - Jeans.

Long Sleeves or Short - Short.

Dresses or Skirts - Dresses.

Stripes or Plaid - Plaid.

Flip Flops or Sandals - Flip flops.

Scarves or Hats - Scarves.

Studs or Dangly Earrings - Studs.

Necklaces or Bracelets - Necklaces.

Heels or Flats - I love all shoes equally.

Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe - Forever 21.

Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots - Like I said, I love all shoes (and boots are shoes) equally.

Abercrombie or Hollister - Hollister.

Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom - Saks.

Hair 

Curly or Straight - Straight.

Bun or Pony Tail - Bun.

Bobby Pins or Butterfly Clip - Bobby pins.

Hairspray or Gel - Hairspray.

Long or Short - Long.

Light or Dark - Dark.

Up or Down - Both. It's such a perk to long hair.

Side Sweep Bangs or Full Bangs - Side sweep.

Randoms 

Rain or Shine - Shine.

Summer or Winter - Summer. 

Fall or Spring - Spring.

Chocolate or Vanilla - White chocolate.

East Coast or West Coast - East Coast!

And that is the end of the 'This or That - Beauty Tag'. Now, TAG, YOU'RE IT! Rather than singling out individuals, I'm tagging you all. So if you want to do the 'This or That - Beauty Tag', do it. Be sure to leave a link to your answers as a comment below, or, if you don't have a blog or YouTube channel to post your answers to, you can simply leave them as a comment.

I look forward to reading your answers.

XOXO
LAUREN

The Versatile Blogger Award

Yesterday, I was nominated by Jenna from Beautician Views for the Versatile Blogger Award. So, let me start by saying thank you to Jenna. I am so happy that you liked my blog and I am extremely thrilled that you included me in your nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award.

I would also like to take this time to thank each and every one of you. Whether you are visiting my blog for the first time, following via e-mail or BlogLovin', or following me on Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram, THANK YOU. It is such a rewarding feeling to see the number of visitors or follows increase, or to hear your feedback. I love writing and blogging, and they are passions I would (and have) pursued even without an audience. That being said, it is very humbling to have an audience to write for.

The rules of the Versatile Blogger Award state that your post must include who nominated you, your own nominations, and also seven facts about yourself. So, before moving on to my own nominations, here are seven facts about me...

(1) In mid-August 2013, after over four years of dating, I got engaged. The proposal exceeded all of my expectations and even my dreams. Don't be surprised to see a few wedding-related posts pop up over the next year.
(2) I cannot leave home without a notebook and pen because I never know when I will A) want to write or B) get an idea or inspiration for writing.
(3) On the topic of writing, I always write my rough drafts by hand. This is probably one of the contributing factors to the ink stain I am constantly sporting on my right hand.
(4) My hot beverage of choice is hot chocolate. Actually, it is the only hot beverage I drink.
(5) My least-favorite laundry-related chore is changing the bed sheets. With that said, I [typically] do not mind doing laundry, I make my bed on a daily basis and I love clean and fresh bed sheets.
(6) I actually have a phobia of vomit, or rather vomiting. I have recently discovered that I am not alone.
(7) Growing up, I wrote constantly and I do mean constantly. Who knows how many forests have suffered from all of the paper I used (don't worry, I recycled). However, I was my toughest critic and I refused to share my work with people. Now that I am older, I regret all of the work I have thrown away and vow not to do that again.

Now for my nominations:

Marl Just

The Crocus Flowers

Miss Laura Bora

Everybeauty Talks

Be sure to check out all of the blogs mentioned in today's post.

Now, stay tuned for today's scheduled blog post.

XOXO
LAUREN

DIY Cherry Kool Aid Lip Stain

There are some DIYs that I just cannot ignore and when one of my close friends told me that the lip stain she was wearing, which looked absolutely gorgeous, was made from Kool Aid, I could not resist stopping at the grocery store on my way home for a package of Kool Aid and giving this DIY lip stain a try. I absolutely love this DIY cherry Kool Aid lip stain and I hope you will as well.

For this DIY, you will need:
-A small, airtight container with lid (the one I used was either from Michael's or CanWax)
-A carrier oil such as extra virgin olive oil or almond oil (I chose almond oil, however next time I think I will try using olive oil)
-Cherry Kool Aid powder
-Vitamin E Oil (Optional)
-A mixing tool (I used a butter knife)

Start by adding the Kool Aid crystals to your container. I filled my container about 1/4 of the way. Then add your oil. Mix well. You can continue to add oil and Kool Aid powder until you are happy with both the consistency and color. For extra moisture, add a drop of Vitamin E oil.

Apply the lip stain to your lips using a Q-Tip. Store the product covered in a cool and dry place. As with any DIY beauty product, discard upon any signs of change.

In the container my lip stain looked very dark, it really reminded me of the color of cherries and I was worried I may have messed up this DIY and I prepared myself for lips that looked more purple than red. However, as you can see in the picture above, upon application, the dark cherry look fades into the desired shade of red.

Alternatively, you can create an instant DIY cherry Kool Aid lip stain by dipping a wet finger into cherry Kool Aid powder and rubbing it into your lips.

What are you waiting for? Go rock those red lips!

XOXO
LAUREN

DIY Orange Juice and Baking Soda Face Mask

Lately, I have seen this DIY face mask popping up on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest with many people arguing that this is "their mask", "their invention" or "their idea". Some people have gone as far as to threaten to sue hundreds of bloggers and Pinterest users for "stealing" their now-practically-famous face mask. The truth is, I do not know who invented this DIY face mask and I am not here to try to take credit for the idea. However, I am here to share it with you. 

This DIY face mask requires two ingredients - baking soda and orange juice, and preparation is simple. In a small container (for example, a shot glass or Dixie cup), combine 1tbsp of baking soda and 1tbsp of orange juice and mix. If your mask needs thickening, slowly add more baking soda until you are happy with the consistency.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Next, apply a thin layer of the baking soda and orange juice mask to your face. As with any face mask, avoid your eyes and lips. Let the mask sit for 20 minutes. As the mask dries you may find it tingles or even feels itchy. Do your best to keep your face still (for me, the most difficult part is not talking for 20 minutes) - I like to watch an episode of something on Netflix, write, edit upcoming blog posts, read or browse various social media sites. 

For those of you who don't enjoy face masks or are looking for something that requires less time, the mixture can also be used as a quick scrub to help exfoliate your face.

After the twenty minutes is up, run your fingers under water until damp and then gently scrub the mask in a circular motion for about a minute.

Finally, rinse the mask off. When I rinsed off this DIY face mask for the first time, I let out a horrified shriek when I noticed my bright pink face in the mirror. Fortunately, the pinkness went away. To help, be sure to rinse your face well and follow by applying a gentle toner and moisturizer. 

While some DIY beauty products, including DIY face masks have a shelf life, I recommend using this face mask promptly after preparing it and discarding any leftovers. 

Be sure to let me know your thoughts on this DIY face mask.

XOXO

LAUREN

Empties

Today, we are going to be going through my trash. Well, we're going to be going through my pre-trash -these haven't actually touched the garbage can yet. Yes, that's right, it is my first 'empties' (or 'products I've used up') post. So, let's dive into the trash pile...

(1) Gillette Satin Care Passionista Fruit Shave Gel - This may not be the most common item seen in an 'empties' post, I know they typically focus on make up and hair products, but this shave gel could not be tossed in the garbage without being mentioned. I purchased this shave gel for the first time back in December and after the first use, I raced back to the drugstore to purchase two more because I knew this shave gel was a 'must have' for my winter trip in January. Since I often purchase Gillette Satin Care products, I didn't necessarily notice a difference in my legs, though this shave gel did leave them soft and smooth, but I was captivated by the smell. Not only does this shave gel smell amazing but the scent tends to linger in the bathroom for a while after use. If you ever have the chance to purchase this, do it!

(2) Olay Foaming Face Wash - As much as I enjoyed this face wash for combination/oily skin by Olay, I found it to be 'too gentle' at times. As mentioned above, in January, I escaped the cold winter weather for the high temperatures and sunshine and with that, I found my face needed something with a little more strength. However, upon returning home, I found myself using this face wash on a daily basis.

(3) Bath & Body Works White Citrus Body Lotion - This is another product that came with me on my trip in January, not only because I love Bath and Body Works but because I find this scent to be in a way subtle, gender neutral (because sometimes my fiancee needs to moisturize) but also it is cooling and refreshing, especially after spending the day in the sun. If you are wondering if I will re-purchase, there's no need, I already have another one!

(4) Garnier Fructic Instant Color Sealer Color Shield - Have you ever had a product that seemed to never, ever end? That was my experience with this. In fact, I don't remember when I bought it. I think I may have purchased it the week I met my fiancee and that was nearly five years ago. I am always skeptical when a product says that it will 'lock in my color' but there is nothing to suggest that it didn't. Rather than relying on it to act as a color shield, I used it primarily as a leave in conditioner. If I saw it on the shelf, I would likely repurchase it. Who knows, five years from now this may re-appear in another empties post!

(5) Maybelline New York Mineral Powder (Natural Ivory) - Yet again, this is a product that lasted a long time. Back in November I noticed that this was getting low and I made a point to pick up another while out shopping with a friend and despite frequent use, I only just finished it yesterday!

(6) EOS Summer Fruit Lip Balm - Who else absolutely loves EOS lip balm? It is no surprise that an EOS lip balm made this 'empties' post. Actually, given that I use EOS lip balm on a daily basis, I am surprised that I only had one empty sphere.

(7) Cover Girl Professional All-In-One Mascara (Very Black) - This mascara by Cover Girl tends to be my 'go-to' or 'everyday' mascara and purchasing another is high on my priority list. As dramatic as 'Very Black' may sound, I actually love this mascara because it provides a very natural look, and I have never (ever) had problems with this mascara clumping.

What products have you used up lately?

XOXO
LAUREN

5 Favorite Moisturizers

As much as I love living in Canada, I have a tendency to get sick of our cold winters before they even start and my skin does, too. And although signs of spring are slowly starting to appear, I am still going through moisturizers left, right and center. Today, I thought I would share my current favorite moisturizers. 

(1) Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena Body Lotion - I may love living in Canada, but I also love to travel and during the cold Canadian winters there is nothing I crave more than tropical paradise. Since I cannot travel all winter, this is my go-to body lotion to bring a little bit of tropical paradise to even the coldest winter day. Bath and Body Works is one of my guilty pleasures and I cannot pass by the store without going in, and usually indulging in a mini-shopping spree and products like this are the reason why. Made with Vitamin E, Jojoba and Shea butter, this body lotion not only hydrates my skin, leaving it soft, smooth and satisfied, but it also smells absolutely amazing. Now, are you ready for some bad news? Bath and Body Works products are constantly changing and the last time I was in the store, I was only able to find Coconut Lime Verbena in a hand soap and wall flower. But don't worry, I did smell the 'replacement', Coconut Lime Breeze, and it is just as wonderful.

(2) LaSenza Body Kiss Indulgent Swirl Cream - Kiss Me, Cupcake - This was actually an impulse buy quite some time ago that got lost in the sea that is my moisturizer collection. Recently, while doing some much needed organizing, I re-discovered this and I am happy to say, I have no regrets about this impulsive purchase. I love the hint of shimmer that this lotion provides upon application, and I was impressed at how long this subtle shimmer lasted. Of course, it also smells amazing - in fact, if you have a sweet tooth, you may think it smells good enough to eat!

(3) Olay Quench Plus Touch of Sun Body Lotion & Gradual Sunless Tanner - Although I love Olay, I did not have high expectations for a $6 gradual sunless tanner, and that is probably for the best. If you are looking for a noticeable bronze, this may not be the product for you as it provides more of a shimmer or a subtle glow. However, I recommend this lotion if you are looking for a product to quench your skin's thirst this winter.

(4) Bath & Body Works White Citrus Body Lotion - Like I said earlier, I love Bath and Body Works, so it should come as no surprise that another moisturizer from Bath and Body Works has made this list. Similar to Coconut Lime Verbena, this White Citrus moisturizer contains Vitamin E, Jojoba and Shea butter and will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

(5) Shea Cashmere Hand Cream from True Blue Spa - If you have experienced a winter in Canada you know that hand cream is essential. The funny thing about this is that I know next to nothing about it, it was a gift (note: this is not a sponsored post, this hand cream was a gift from a family member) and I fell in love with it instantly. From the smell to how soft it leaves my hands, I love everything about this hand cream.

What moisturizers are currently at the top of your list?

XOXO

LAUREN

Multipurpose Make Up: Lip Balm

For those of you who don't know, my name is Lauren Hill and I love lip balm. While many of us rely on lip balm to keep our lips looking and feeling their best, or to combat and sooth sore, cracked lips, lip balm is also a multipurpose beauty product with uses that go beyond our lips. Today, I want to share three other uses for one of my favorite beauty products.

(1) Add color to your cheeks - Experts say that make up looks more natural if the lips and cheeks match, so, whether you forgot your blush, you're trying to de-clutter your make up bag, or you are trying to achieve a more natural look, try using a tinted lip balm in lieu of blush. Apply the tinted lip balm to your cheeks by dabbing it onto your cheek bones either directly from the applicator or using your finger, and then rubbing it into the apples of your cheeks using your finger. This is actually something I initially started using during flights - not only did I want to limit the amount of make up in my carry on bag, but I also knew my skin would thank me for the extra moisture the lip balm provided during a long flight. 

(2) Soften your cuticles - Next time you notice your cuticles looking cracked and dry use your favorite hydrating lip balm in lieu of a cuticle softener to hydrate and repair them. Simply apply a small amount of lip balm to your cuticles and massage gently using your fingers. 

(3) Tame your brows - Instead of carrying a brow gel in your make up bag, or instead of buying a brow gel at all, next time you need to tame your brows simply use your finger to smooth them with a little bit of lip balm. 

How else do you use your lip balm?

XOXO

LAUREN

Welcome to 'Lauren Hill Writes'

Initially, I wanted to welcome to you 'Lauren Hill Writes', a project that has been months in the making, but then something hit me - this has been far more than months in the making, this has been in the works for nearly twenty four years (some would say, 'my entire life'). Regardless, welcome!

As you can tell, this site is still under construction. Please be patient as I complete some finishing touches, increase my social media presence, etc...

I am now one weekend away from blogging. Be sure to check back on Monday (March 10th, 2014) for the first 'official' blog post here on 'Lauren Hill Writes'. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO
LAUREN

To ensure you don't miss out on future blog posts, or anything else I write, be sure to follow me. You can follow via e-mail (see sidebar), follow me on Twitter (@laurenhwrites), on Tumblr and also on BlogLovin'.  xo