September 29, 2014

Unpopular Mondays: The Break Ups


It's not you, it's me… here are some makeup products I just couldn't love (and then one that changed my mind.)

Benefit Cosmetic's BADgal Waterproof Mascara: Last time I was in NYC I took a quick trip into sephora, to justify my obsession I decided to spend the money on something I could use for work… waterproof. Now the mascara itself isn't bad, the formula is above average and it lasts perfectly and goes on smooth. I just wasn't in love with how it made my eyes look. Nothing special, but good for the beach. As a mascara for anything else? I'll pass.

Maybelline's Baby Skin: I do admit as a dupe for Benefit's Porefessional it works but you'll get exactly what you expect from a knock off. I think from a budget stand point and if the porefessional is your go to object it's a bargain but I am not crazy over that either. I find it leaves my skin feeling oily, my hands oily, and I don't see that much of result pore erasing wise. I do think it makes for a great primer, but it's not something I would choose if given a real choice.

Garnier's Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream: It covers amazingly well for BB cream, I'm talking like I feel just as covered as I do when wearing foundation…. full coverage. That's about the only nice thing about it… because while it covers great you look like you've been at a sauna sweeting profusely. The amount of setting powder reapplied is hard to keep track of and your face will feel as though it is a swimming pool, basically the whole day long. That is also with the combination to oily skin formula. I have heard major reviews stating make sure to get that specific formula, so I can't begin to imagine just how worse the original formula is.

Maybelline's Color Whispers: This is more an autumn thing because I usually loveeeee color whispers but with fall comes wanting to darken your palette and even the dark colors do not actually come out dark. Soo I'm sorry color whispers… it's not you… it's me.

------ Winner For Best Turn Over------ 

L'Oreal Color Lift Blush: I bought this needed a rose gold color that had enough shimmer to pop on my tan skin but provide a youthful girly glow as well. Now the color was on point, I just swatched it on my hand and commenced giggles from how pleasing the color is. Now why did I break up with this blush originally? It was a creme blush and it also was my first experience with a creme and I despised it… I couldn't figure out how to use the brush correctly to make it work for me and I felt like I wasn't ever getting product on me… just everywhere else. Thankfully Real Technique's Contour Brush changed the game. It helps get the product perfectly placed on my face and redeemed that beautiful color. 



September 28, 2014

Fall Lovin


Some fall favorites and current crushes….

  • This gorgeous photo of New York City, making me miss it more and more.
  • This adorable fall pullover.
  • These creative fall leaves DIYs.


What are some of your current crushes??

September 25, 2014

That Time I Left My Number...

It's time for another embarrassing Brooke tries to talk to boys story. So settle back get out that popcorn or better yet that Olivia Pope sized glass of wine (SCANDAL RETURNS TONIGHT WHAT WHAT) and let's enjoy the ride. 

So let's take this all the way back to July 11th, it was my first real day with Bri and Caleb who came all the way to Jersey to visit me. I for some completely unknown reason really wanted to go to this one restaurant in Atlantic City so I pressed going. Low and behold we get seated and our waiter is charming and funny.

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I lean over to Bri and tell her that our waiter is kinda cute. She gives me a look, "Brooke don't you think you better make sure this one isn't gay." Fine, Fine so my track record had been either really super awkward around boys and pining after the unattainable… or simultaneously doing both. So that got the ball rolling and I decided Caleb needed to leave his number. So after long talks and Caleb being afraid our waiter was going to stalk him….  the three of us decided we would all leave our numbers and see who he would text. I'm going to be completely honest, the thought that ran through my brain was that he totally was going to text Caleb…. that's just how my life works. 

So we get our checks and I remember making intense eye contact with said waiter and once he's out of sight we all start leaving our numbers and I included a heart and a wink face… classy. So we start to get up and well he was waiting right freaking there by the huge pole and I am not joking practically ran to our checks as we left. So I did what came natural as a defense to sticky situations- I ran out of the restaurant. I literally ran. 

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As we walk through the actual casino having a conversation about how horrible it would have been had we left our credit cards… I was freaking out at the realization of what I had just done. I loved that restaurant and naturally they would never see the waiter again but I would. I went there all the time, with my family too. As I keep freaking out in my head I realize I am only holding my phone and wallet… my purse is no where to be seen. Guys… I had totally left it at the restaurant on my chair. So commences the water works, I'm mortified- I can't go back in there. Meanwhile on lookers probably  think I'm drunk seeing as I'm crying that hard. 

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Luckily enough Bri is such a good friend she went into the restaurant for me. While all this is going on I finally look down at my phone to realize a random number texted me. 
I was way too happy in this moment, I admit. But I wasn't in the clear yet… I had to make sure he didn't also text Caleb. So after we get my purse back and we finally head to Caleb (who is currently hiding) I find out… The coast is clear! He didn't text him. 

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And voila we spent the rest of the night talking.

*** I would also like to put in the disclaimer that this whole night I was not drunk. I told my friend this story and she responded "hahaha the things we do when we're drunk." No, no alcohol involved here… just a drunk personality. 

September 24, 2014

Moving Forward

It's time to get real.

It's been a rough couple of months, around April my world was rocked when I realized my whole life basically needed a change. The major I had wanted wasn't looking bright for the school I was attending and it seemed like everything else was crashing around that. I had no clue what I was going to do or needed to do and I couldn't help but feeling like I had just been living in a cloud of day dreams and reality wasn't at all hopeful.

For the first time in months I feel hopeful.  I still have no clue what I am doing or if I can even do my original plan but in a different route. I did learn something important though, approval from other people mean absolutely nothing. It doesn't mean you are talented, it doesn't mean you aren't talented when they don't approve of you. It doesn't mean you can't fulfill your dreams when someone knocks you down, it only means you get made stronger. This whole experience taught me how true my passion for theatre and life was, some may have wanted to give up and I had those moments… but it means too much to me to give up because one person didn't like me. A school for Virginia or any other state does NOT depict your future, and that's something that needs to be taught to people more. 

You are you and everyone has potential. Someone's success doesn't equal your failure. Added to that one persons opinion isn't going to be everyones. 

Making it on my own will make it that much sweeter. 

September 19, 2014

#franlove


Those of you who have followed me for a while and who know me well you know I love Francesca's
They just recently started what I think is the most ingenious way to spread lovers like me's opinions and reward those who are long time loyal costumers of their store. With the new system, #franlove and let me tell you all other stores need to take notice because this is how you spread word while rewarding those who have helped and getting rewards yourself. 

The basis of #franlove is when someone tweets showing their love and support of francessca's usually their twitter will respond with a cute message stating thanks for the franlove DM with your address and size for a special surprise! Like the good old giveaways, this revolutionizes the way stores can use twitter as an advertisement method. 

So imagine my super joy and surprise to have my day made twice in the span of one week! 


If you have ever been to Francesca's you will know that this tweet is nothing but truth, my first experience was in Atlantic City at Tropicana's The Quarter with my best friend. I (no exaggeration) about cried at the sight of all the beautiful clothes and necklaces… I haven't had a single fall, winter, spring, summer wardrobe without all the major pieces coming from Francessca's. So imagine my surprise as I go out to do the laundry and there sitting on my porch is a pretty little package from Francessca's. They sent me a fall sweater, and it's so comfy and absolutely lovely. It's warm and not super fitting like some sweaters are made today, it's just a perfect addition for your fall wardrobe.


September 15, 2014

Unpopular Mondays: Basics


Welcome to a new Monday tradition, Contrary to Popular Opinion. Here I will be sharing some of my views on some popular opinions from popular stores, restaurants, down to of course some beauty products. Let's get this first Monday rolling….


  1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes: I know, I know if I go into Starbucks right now and I don't get a PSL am I still even considered white? Contrary to popular opinion, I think it tastes kinda like bland and gross. I'll leave my need for pumpkin through my love of Cinderella or the Pumpkin Spiced scented candles but I will leave the lattes for the rest of you. 
  2. Pants: Okay before you think I go running around in my underwear and you hit that pretty red ex at the top of the screen, I am kinda kidding with this one. I mean I really don't like pants, I kind of hate them and avoid wearing them as much as possible. Pants and shorts are different in my mind, so this pants call out really goes for winter. I am a much happier person (and probably means my laundry has been done recently) if you see me in a cute little dress with tights and booties versus me in pants when it's cold. Pants just aren't my friend…
  3. Monograms: I like a good, nice monogram as much as the next person but when you monogram everything you own it's a tad bit obsessive and I think can ruin some cute things. Simplicity sometimes is the most beautiful after all. My future husband to be better not be proposing to me with a monogramed Marley Lilly ring is all I can say about that. Though I wouldn't mind a cute simple monogramed bow…. 
  4. Coke (the Unmexican Kind): I am a die hard Pepsi fan, which is weird coming from a family of Coke addicts (the soda). If it's not in a glass bottle made with real sugar, I am just not about it. And people who say there isn't a taste difference…. oh there is. 
What are some of your unpopular beliefs??? Let's share!!

September 13, 2014

Beauty Buys: Newly Added To The Bag


One thing I miss about living in Jersey was the Ulta that was a few minutes away, but here is some of the newer additions to the makeup bag. Also for those of you that were behind on the times like I was, Target started selling a wide range of NYX!?!?!? 

As a lips person through and through a LookBrooke beauty post isn't complete without a lip product, L'Oreal's Colour Riche Collection Exclusive by Doutzen does not disappoint. I have been wanted a simple nude lip for a while and this truly does the job. 

I was introduced to this concealer by an aspiring makeup artist friend, CoverGirl's TruBLEND FIXSTICK is smooth and creamy enough to blend while giving the coverage you expect from a stick concealer. As a loyal fan of the Sonia Kashuk concealer palette, the results are just as fulfilling. 

I mean this with all seriousness if you are in need of ANY eye shadow brush look no further than the Ecotool's Essential Eye Set. It has anything imaginable for the perfect look, it includes: a large eye brush, an angled crease brush, petite eye brush, highlighting brush, and lastly a smudge brush. I was never big on trying anything too crazy with eyeshadow and blending was never my thing, until I got this eye set. It makes even me look like I know what I am doing. 

A loyal fan of the knock off beauty blenders, I have converted back to a good ole foundation brush applicator… Real Technique's Expert Face Brush has made a believer in me.

Benefit Hoola… every blogger raves on this bronzer and I am adding to the count. 

In a desperation for a new concealer I originally picked up the NYX Concealer Stick, picking it up from Target has it's disadvantages seeing as they only cary two different colors and both were too tan to be used to highlight under eyes but they concealer blemishes at the drop of the hat. On days I want to only wear primer and mascara but still want to cover a blemish, this does the trick and looks effortless. 

Lastly, as an effort to quickly get a replenish of a setting spray I picked up NYX's Matte Finishing Spray. I am a hug, huge, huge fan of Urban Decay's setting spray so this obviously has a lot to live up to. By the end of the week I will be posting my thoughts and results. 

What are some of your new makeup buys? 

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