Monthly Muse: November 2014 Favorites

in , , , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
I am so sad to see November go. Just like October, November is one of my favorite months. It definitely wasn't an easy month, as I've previously said. For some reason, I couldn't get a grip on my mood but I must say, within the past week or so, I've felt a lot better.

It really is such a pain to not feel like yourself, to wake up every day and just not be in a good mood—for no reason. I'm always thankful for the days when I do feel good and can see all the happiness in my life.

Anyways....November was meh but still one of my favorite months thanks to Thanksgiving and my birthday. My birthday was on November 30th and it was just meh. I spent the day hungover and at home, alone, but nonetheless, my birthday "week" was fun with friends and family.

I'm sad to see November go but happy to welcome December. I hope this month goes slow because I just love the Christmas season and I want it to last forever!

Let me stop rambling and dive into my favorite things about November.



Candles: This is a weird favorite but I'm seriously obsessed. Right now I have about six candles lit in my house. If I'm home, a candle is lit. My mom bought me holiday scented candles for my birthday and I was overly excited about them. I can't wait to go to Bath and Body Works and TJ Maxx this weekend and get some more.

Vaseline Rose Lip Therapy: My skin has been taking a beating this month. I usually suffer from dry skin but this is just excessive. My hands, eyes, lips...everything is just so dry. I've been experimenting with different products and I finally got my hands on the Vaseline Rosy Lips. I never use Vaseline because the consistency just isn't my favorite but this is pretty great. I wear it at night or at a home sans makeup and it gives my lips a great rosy tint and keeps them moisturized. 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream: I've had this product for a while but never used it that much. I associate BB Creams with the summer time and I was too tan to use this shade during the summer months so it's kind of just been sitting on my desk, unused. This month, I wanted to try to give my skin a break from foundation because I've been breaking out a lot so to still have some coverage on my face. In comes this gem and I'm obsessed. I apply it with my beauty blender, set it with my other new favorites Maybelline FIT Me Powder or  Bare Minerals Original Foundation and it gives me the perfect flawless, simple skin finish. 

Maybelline Creamy Matte in Daringly Nude: I mentioned "Touch of Spice" a few months back and treated myself to another Creamy Matte shade. I've been meaning to get my hands on a simple nude shade that is perfect for everyday wear and I think I found it. I have to make sure my lips are super moisturized before application but it's such a simple, lovely shade, I haven't worn much else this month.

Printables: This is another weird, random favorite but I've been obsessed with those free printables you find on Pinterest or that blogs offer. I've printed out so many I feel like I need a binder to keep them altogether. From holiday lists to blog planners to bill planners, I've printed out so many. Here is one of my favorite places to get printables. 

iPhone 6: I got my new iPhone 6 at the end of October and I've been obsessed. I was worried that it was going to be too big and I wouldn't like it but I was so wrong. It's so light, the screen is the perfect size, and it runs so fast. I'm in love and I wonder why I didn't want it in the first place.

Honorable Mention(s): Christmas trees, Christmas movies, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Michael Buble Christmas album and EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS!

Unfavorite: STUDENT LOANS. I got my first student loan notice this month and oh, it's not pretty. #postgradproblems

Cheers to a better December and Christmas spirit for the next 24 days!

What did you LOVE in November?



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Tarte Bon Voyage Collectors Set

in , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
With all the holiday sets at Ulta and Sephora, I have been online window shopping like no one's business. There are so many gorgeous value sets out there, I needed to get my hands on at least one of them.

My birthday was on Sunday (#feeling22) but I celebrated with my family on Thanksgiving. I'm 22 years old now so the days of countless presents on my birthday are long gone, just give me a gift card or envelope with some money and I'm good. You know you're old when you get excited about getting Starbucks gift cards and holiday candles for your birthday.


Anyways, the point is, my lovely aunt bought me the Tarte Bon Voyage Value Set that I non-descreetly told her I wanted. 

I've never tried any Tarte products but I've always been intrigued. After watching countless Youtube videos where the products are featured, I knew I needed something Tarte in my life and I thought a value kit was the perfect way to start.

I've been in desperate need of new eyeshadows and this set came with a huge palette filled with 20 eyeshadows, mostly neutrals but with a few darker colors thrown in there. 



Aside from the palette, it also came with deluxe samples of:
-cheek stain in Muse
-Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara
-Amazonian clay finishing powder
-maracuja oil




With those deluxe samples, the set also came with full size LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary and a LipSurgence lip tint in Romantic.

I have to say, I am totally obsessed with this set. It even came with a cute little travel makeup bag! No wonder people freak out about Tarte products...they're light on your skin, smell great, and feel so luxurious. 

Top: Lipgloss, Middle: Cheek Stain, Bottom: Lip tint
Let's dive into a mini review, shall we?

Eyeshadow palette: I tried out a few of the shadows but they're very smooth and soft, easy to blend, and leave a great color payoff. I like how I just need one palette to get everything I need; it has mattes and shimmers, light and dark colors...it's awesome.

Cheek stain: I'm not a huge lover of cheek stains/cream blushes but I really like this one. I've been meaning to buy a nude blush and I think this is a really nice, natural shade. The application is so simple it should be illegal; all I do is swipe a little on my cheeks and blend out with my Elf Small Stipple brush. It's going to come in handy when I'm too lazy to really do my makeup.

LipSurgence: The lipgloss I'm not crazy about only because I don't like lip glosses...it's a little sticky but still very wearable. The lip tint? OMG I am obsessed! I love chubby lip pencils and this is a such a great mauve, nude color that will work in any season. The tint also has a minty smell and feeling, so it makes you lips feel so good. I've already decided I'm buying more of these in other shades. #blessed.

Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara: Both my mom and sister have bought this mascara multiple times but I never tried it. It's a skinny brush which is something I don't really enjoy but the formula of this mascara is great. It doesn't clump, it adds lengthens the lashes and separates them as well. It's definitely an every day mascara, in my opinion, but can be worn for a more dramatic look at night.

Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder: I used this to set my underye concealer and it was a lot better than using an other powder. It's translucent so it doesn't add any extra color, not making your concealer cakey and really helped it stay in place all night.

I haven't tried the oil yet but I'm sure it's wonderful. Tarte is known for using all natural ingredients and being a Vegan beauty company and you could definitely tell. These are unlike any other products I've used and I cannot wait to get my hands on more of them.

Have you used any Tarte products? What are your suggestions? Tell me in the comments!


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Gift Guide: For Him

in , , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
I honestly think there is no harder person to buy a gift for than a man. Whether it's your dad, grandpa, brother, boyfriend...it doesn't matter—what the hell do you get them?

Every man is similar and different in tastes...some like wallets, some don't; some love watches, other's hate them. I almost feel bad for men because I'm pretty sure everyone ends up getting them cologne or something from their favorite sports team. 

My poor father has suffered endless amounts of Christmas and birthdays with Yankee memorabilia since I was old enough to buy gifts. 

When thinking of gift guides to blog about, I knew men had to be included. 

Here are some unique picks as well as some traditional,  no brainer man gifts.


Ugg Slippers J.Crew Herringbone Sweater Whiskey Book  Shot glasses Birchbox Man Subscription Fit Bit Fitness Wristband   Crewneck Sweatshirt Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

What are your picks for 'man' presents?




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Black Friday/Cyber Monday

in , , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
Is anyone else seriously stressed out about Black Friday and Cyber Monday? They are two of my favorite days of the year...I mean, they are a shopacholics dream. I am just so completely overwhelmed over all the sales/items. It's so confusing and quite honestly, I have no idea where to start.

I was off from work all week and occupied myself by researching all the sales and figuring out which items were really worth it. There is always so many things on my wish lists so this is a perfect time to score some items I've really been wanting. 

I get distracted very very easily, especially while online shopping/reading blogs/looking at every sale the internet has to offer. I don't want to buy products I don't need/don't know if I really even want...I tend to see a sale and get an item just because it's on sale. Not good for my wallet because I've been very good about my spending. 

For that reason, I've been making lists on lists on the things I really want. I also made a list of stores or online boutiques that I want items from but unsure what kind of sale they will be having.

Side-note: This is a great time to buy Christmas gifts if you know exactly what you want to buy your friends/family.

I thought about listing all sales going on this weekend but that is just excessive and there are just too many out there. Instead, I'll just list my favorites/the ones I will most likely be shopping.



//American Eagle: 40% off EVERYTHING AND FREE SHIPPING(HOLY SHIT EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE BUT MY GOODNESS, THIS IS EPIC) I currently have 19 items in my cart, most of them underwear, bras, and pajamas but here are the few other items I'm thinking of. 


//Ulta: Both Ulta and Sephora (as far as I know) are only having special deals on certain items. Two items I want from Ulta is the Bare Minerals Finishing Act Face & Lips and Mario Badescu Ulta Favorites Kit. (can't find any links right now)

//Sephora: Sephora was doing this thing all week where they uploaded their Black Friday previews to their Snapchat account. I didn't see anything enticing expect for a trio of Tarte products: an Amazonian Clay Blush and two other items I can't remember #facepalm.

//BaubleBar: I don't know what sale they're having but there is so much that I want so I plan on taking full advantage of whatever they have. 


//Coastal Scents: 50% off the ENTIRE SITE. No code needed. I've been needing one of their Go Palettes and this will be the #1 thing I purchase this Black Friday.


These are the sales I will definitely be shopping...the ones I have already got my cart ready for. I haven't truly decided what I'll do about other sites, shops, and stores but I'll check back in next week with the damage I have caused.

What are you buying on Black Friday/Cyber Monday? I would love to see what you guys are picking up and what your suggestions are!


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Happy Thanksgiving

in , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a lovely day with your friends and family. Forget the diets and go to nom town on all your favorites.

I seriously love Thanksgiving—it's my favorite holiday, probably even more than Christmas. There is something about a holiday dedicated to eating that I just love. (HAHA)

I also think that I love Thanksgiving because my birthday is always right around the corner so I always get presents and a cake on Thanksgiving as well. (#special)

Plus, who doesn't love the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, gravy with mashed potatoes, and cozy fall clothes?

I am so thankful all year long but the holidays really bring it out in all of us, doesn't it?

Between my friends, family, sorority sisters, my health, education, and career, (and all you reading this!) there is so much to be thankful for. Sometimes when I'm really stressed or anxious about life, I fail to look at the bigger picture. I have so much in my life that is good and positive and so much to be thankful for and today's one of those days when I realize it.



No matter what, life is good and the holidays are a great time to reflect on all the happiness you have right in front of you. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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Winter Outfits: Weekend and Work Uniforms

in , , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
It's been freezing in NYC lately...like abnormally cold for November. A lot of people have been complaining but I honestly love this weather.

There is something so nice about walking in Manhattan, dark and cold, after work. I may be weird but I know I'm not alone in saying that I love the cold weather.

Dressing for the cold is never a problem for me...it's so much easier to just throw on a pair of jeans and boots for work than it is for me to dress for the heat.

There's also nothing nicer than having a weekend winter uniform that is so cozy and lush, you don't even want to put pajamas on.

Winter clothes are my favorite and these are some of my favorite looks, both for work and the weekend.
Winter Cozy

Winter Work

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Beauty in Review: KISS Instawave Curling Iron

in , , , , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM

This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

I have naturally curly and frizzy hair. My hair has been thick and unruly ever since I remember. I have distinct memories of sitting in front of my television and have my mother aggressively brush and blow dry my hair.

It was tortuous.

As I sit here writing this, I have just scalded my scalp with hundreds of degrees of heat to get it pin straight.

I have become a pro at straightening my hair over the past years but curling my hair, getting those bouncy, beautiful girls that professional hairdressers are so great at getting—that has never been my forte. 

Until now.


I have always experimented with curling irons but it just didn't work. I didn't know how to use it nor did I have the patience to wrap every single strand along a hot barrel.


When I was given the chance to review the Kiss Instawave automatic curler, I jumped at it. I had seen this product along with similar ones on television and online and the thought intrigued me. It's automatic? How does that even work? Would it tangle my hair? 

So many questions that I soon got all the answers too.

I waited a few days after I received the Instawave to make sure I had enough time to properly try it out and two weeks ago, I did. I didn't have anywhere to go but decided to play around with my new toy.

Hair separated into sections and ready to go
Throughly confused at first
I was confused, at first, how did this work? I attempted a few different ways: wrapping my hair around the barrel was very unsuccessful but then I just read the directions and it paid off.

To use the Instawave, you just place the iron next to your hair, vertically, and just press the button. The barrel catches your hair and wraps around the barrel. 

While doing this, you hold down the button, activating the iron with heat and a spinning motion.

Sound confusing? I know. It's not that complicated.

One little curl!

Hair wrapped around barrel, automatically curling
In the end though, you have beautiful, luscious, bouncy curls! My curls held up pretty well; I slept on them and they were in intact the next morning. Granted, I have naturally curly hair so curls stay intact until I wash my hair.

Before and after!
A little information on the Instawave—it automatically shuts off after 90 minutes and has 2 heat settings, high and low, the maximum temperature being 420 degrees.

I can attest to the fact that my hair did not tangle, even though while curling it, I figured it would because the iron is wrapping your hair automatically.

It is a very weird concept but it's safe to say, I will never be using another curling iron. I have never ever used something so easy with such incredible results. If I wasn't so lazy last week, I would've curled my hair every single morning before work because I love the look of curls from a curling iron.

You can bet that I will be using it for the holidays/every time I go out. UGH I'm obsessed!

The KISS Instawave is hands down my new favorite hair tool. 

What's your favorite hair tool?


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