Best of 2014! (Beauty, Books, Music & More!)

I did a post like this last year, rounding up all of my favorites of the year. I thought I'd bring that back since I had so much fun with it last year. I had a lot of fun coming up with categories and taking the photos. I'm sure you'll recognize many of these from my favorites posts throughout the year! I hope enjoy a little review of my 2014!

BEAUTY

The NAKED 2 Palette
This was definitely at the top of my list! I received it as a birthday gift in April and have used it religiously ever since!

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
I discovered this at the beginning of 2014 in a sample set I received for Christmas 2013! I used the voucher from the set to get the full size and I've just recently run out. :(

Maybelline FIT Me concealer
I am so happy I satumbled upon this concealer. It's so afforable ($6) and great for under the eyes.

Maybelline Brow Drama
This was a recent find for me, but I can already tell it's a favorite! It cuts my brow routine in half and I use it everyday that I wear makeup. 

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
I cannot describe this to do it justice. I had heard great reviews before buying it, but when I tried it, I was shocked at how great it was! I'm not usually one for bronzer, but this changed my mind.

Covergirl 3 in 1 Foundation
This foundation has great coverage and wearing power. I love it way more than my Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation.

E.l.f. Coffee Cream Eyeliner
I found myself using this a ton this year. It's a great neutral liner that looks less harsh than black. It's also very creamy.

NAILS

Sally Hansen Breezy Blue
This blue matches with any outfit and any season! It's also my fave color!

Essie Go Ginza
This is the perfect pale purple polish. It's super opaque and long-wearing.

HAIR

Dove Dry Shampoo
I must have repurchased this about 10 times in the past year! I love it and it's the only dry shampoo I've found that works for me.

Scrunchies
Scrunchies! I'm so happy these are back in style since they are so comfy to wear and don't damage your hair! (just a little rhyme for you;)

PERFUME

 Victoria's Secret Passion Struck
My perfume of the year has to go to Passion Struck by Victoria's Secret. I can (and do) wear this everyday!

FASHION

 Forever 21 Green Flannel
I have worn the green plaid shirt in the left photo so often! It's a great color & it's so soft.

Forever 21 Grey V-Neck
This is just a basic grey tee but it fits so nicely. It goes with basically anything too.

TOMS black
My black TOMs are so versatile and comfortable to wear!

H&M Light Wash Jeans
I have gotten so much wear out of these jeans (top right). They are quite unique and they fit great!

Red Knit Circle Scarf
I have no idea where I got this, but I love it!

OTHER

Kirkland Makeup Wipes
 I have mentioned this endless times. They are so inexpensive and I use them daily.

Lush Tea Tree Water
 This is my holy grail skin product, I can't live without it!

 Secret Paris Deodorant
 This smells good and actually lasts all day!

Etsy "e" Necklace
 This is the perfect necklace and exactly what I wanted!

Real Techniques Powder Brush
 I love this brush for bronzer, it makes blending effortless.

  BOOKS

The Fault in Our Stars

I received this for Christmas in 2013 and loved reading it! 

Divergent

I wasn't reading much in 2014 so I re-read Divergent. it's definitely my favorite book! 

 MUSIC

1989 Album: Taylor Swift

Stolen Dance: Milky Chance

 Love on Top: Beyonce

Riptide: Vance Joy

I'm Not the Only One: Sam Smith

Thinking Out Loud: Ed Sheeran

Uptown Funk: Bruno Mars

Stay With Me: Sam Smith

 MOVIES

Divergent
I was so excited when this came out and since then I've seen it over 5 times! Some parts are cheesy but I still enjoy it.


The Fault in Our Stars
 I'll admit, the book was way better, but I enjoyed the movie too.

22 Jump Street
 These movies are a bit silly but they do make me laugh!

And those are all of my favorites for the year 2014! 

(I had a lot of issues with the text size so I apologize for it being all over the place!)

 

Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser ~ Review

Hello there! I've been meaning to review this face wash for quite a while now. I picked it up a while back because I was wanting a very gentle cleanser. It's at the drugstore for only about $8. 

When I first started using it, I noticed it didn't lather at all. It's a strange consistency unlike any cleanser I've tried before. It's definitely creamy however it doesn't feel super moisturizing. It also didn't feel drying either. 

I have combo oily skin that is also very sensitive, so I was looking for something gentle. This cleanser seemed like a pretty average product, nothing special.

It's not my favorite cleanser by any means but it has worked just fine for me. It has very little scent which is good for sensitive skin. After using it, my skin feels clean and smooth. I don't really look for anything special in a face wash other than to clean my face.

OVERALL:

Price: 8/10 average

Cleansing abilities: 7/10

Would I repurchase?: Probably not
Would I recommend?: If you have sensitive skin

Overall: 7/10

In the end, this face cleanser was nothing special and I wouldn't get it again.

How to make the most of 2015

For my first post of 2015, I thought I'd share a few ways I plan to make 2015 a great year! I'm no expert or anything, I just wanted to possibly help some of you to have a great year. Take this advice or don't, it's up to you! These are just some things I plan to follow throughout the year. I hope 2015 is a great year for everyone & Here's how I am going to make the most of it.

Create achievable goals

I've always created extreme unrealistic goals as my resolutions. This year I put a bit more thought into my new years resolutions and I made some that are more attainable. You can see my resolutions here.

Wake up with a positive attidude

This is one of my favorites, and I've noticed it has made an impact on my life. When I wake up and decide to be happy and positive, I usually have a better day. When I wake up with a negative mood, it stays with me throughout the day.

Try new things

I'm guilty of sticking to what I know and not coming out of my comfort zone very often. I've recently started trying new things and found out a really enjoy it! Even if it's something as simple as ordering something new at a restaurant or taking a new walking route, every little thing counts. 

Do things that scare you

I actually saw a quote on a Lululemon bag that said "Do one thing every day that scares you". Every time I think of backing out of doing something that scares me, I think of that quote  and it motivates me to continue.

Find a routine

Find a routine for your day to keep yourself on track. Wake up in the morning with positive thoughts and begin your routine to start your day right. 

Show gratitude

This is something I've been practicing a lot lately. Showing gratitude not only makes those who have helped you happy, but it also makes yourself happy. Say thank you often and express your appreciation to those you care about. 

Spread happiness

This connects with the last one. How can you be happy if the ones around you aren't? Spread happiness by complimenting people, showing gratitude and being happy yourself. You'll start to notice a huge change!

Read often

I love reading great books. They take me to another place and let me escape reality. I've always read a lot however I haven't been lately in the past year. In 2015, I plan to read a lot more!

Learn something new

Learn a new skill or find a new hobby. You may become passionate about something you could never have imagined loving.

Accept change

In order to move on, you need to accept change. People around you may change and you must start accepting that rather than trying to stop it. 

Use a planner

We all buy planners at the start of the year and use them for the first month or two, but that's about how long they last. Try to stick with your planner. It will keep you organized which can lead to less stress.

I hope we can all make the most of the new year and enjoy it to the fullest!