Maybelline Define-a-Lash Waterproof Mascara Review

I've never really been one to wear mascara. I've always found it awkward to apply and messy. In the past I've tried Maybelline Full n Soft as well as Smashbox Lash DNA which I got as a sample. I found the Smashbox mascara to be quite clumpy, and the Full n soft was too wet and messy, and it didn't keep my lashes curled either.
So I was doing some late-night shopping at Walmart the other night and looking through the cosmetics section. I saw the Maybelline Define-a-Lash mascara which I have heard a lot about from EasyAccessBeauty on Youtube. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to give it a try in the waterproof version since it holds a curl better. I'm actually really loving this mascara. The formula isn't too wet and it's not messy at all. No clumping, dries quickly, holds my curl well and lasts all day without flaking or smudging. It's also quite lengthening, but still makes my lashes look pretty natural, not overly dramatic. My lashes are short and straight, so with this mascara you can actually see them :)
Here are some before and after pictures:

Overall I really like this mascara. If anyone has suggestions for similar lengthening mascaras, let me know. I'm really interested in trying some other brands :)

Sephora Haul!

I finally had a day off from work today and went to Sephora to spend my $15 Beauty Insider gift card. I already had decided to get NARS Coconut Grove shadow after seeing it on amarixe's Youtube channel. I looked around for a good half an hour or so before I picked up Clinique Dramaticaly Different Moisturizing Gel and purple Sephora eyeliner, which all came to just about $40. I'm pretty excited to try out all this stuff, especially the Nars eye shadow. It's the first thing I've ever bought from this brand, but I've heard a lot of good things about it, so hopefully it doesn't disappoint.
What did everyone get with the $15 GC?

Holiday Deals!

I'm not sure if Sephora does this every year, but I just got my $15 gift card (for Beauty Insiders only) in the mail. It starts December 2, good until the 13th and can be used in stores or online. It's good on purchases of $40 or more.

Macys Friends and Family Sale starts December 1! I got my F&F passes a while ago from work, but I didn't pre-buy anything yet, so I will just wait until Thursday. It;s good for 25% off everything (except cosmetics, EDV and some other restrictions), including designer stuff! Also good for 10% off electronics as well.
Online code: MACYSFF

EOTD

Lately I've been so busy with school and work, I find myself wearing the same neutral look everyday. I've really been loving this look using Patina and Sketch from MAC. It's a nice look for fall (even if we don't have seasons here) with the burgandy and gold combination. It's really wearable and you can easily make it a night look by darkening up the outer corner.

Products Used:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Soft Ocher Paint Pot
MAC Patina e/s all over the lid
MAC Satin Tapue (sometimes I use Espresso) in the crease
MAC Sketch in outer corner
Kanebo Kate Gel Eyeliner BK2

New phone!

My wallet is hurting after buying my plane tickets and getting a new phone today. But it's been 5 years since I got a new phone (yes, I'm serious) so I got the Samsung Galaxy S for t-mobile.
It's my first smartphone so it's keeping me amused lol. I'm loving it so far :) Anyone else have this phone?

Europe Bound!

I'm so excited! Just purchased my tickets to Europe!
Leaving on March 13th to London and I come home on April 13th from Brussels! It took forever to find a cheap ticket, which I should have bought last week, but I finally got my tickets! It's a huge relief, but I still have to tweak my itinerary. Let me know if you have any tips or experiences traveling in Europe. Any advice would be appreciated!

Travel Blog: Eurotrip!

So I will be graduating this December, and to celebrate the ending of my college career, I've decided to treat myself to a trip to Europe. Europe has always been a dream of mine, and I never though I'd have the chance to go. But I think now is the right time for me to travel, since it will give me a break before I start a full-time job. I've decided to go from mid-March to April, for just about a month. Backpacking is obviously the most economical option, so that's what I'll be doing. I haven't really come up with an itinerary yet, but I have a tentative list of countries I'm planning to visit:
UK: London, Canterbury, Leeds, Lake District, Edinburgh
Paris
Amsterdam
Germany: Hamburg, Berlin
Prague
Switzerland: Interlaken, Zurich, Gimmelwald
Poland: Krakow
Italy: Rome, Pisa, Cinque Terre
I have not booked a ticket yet, but I hope to do so in the next month. Just waiting for the right time since the prices change throughout the day.
Has anyone had experience traveling in Europe? Any recommendations on places to visit or things to do? Any advice would be much appreciated!