Monthly Obsessions: September 2016

Aloha Friends!  It's been a lil while since I've written and I apologize.  School has been INSANE since I last wrote and it's only getting crazier from here, but I wanted to take the time to share my September 2016 Monthly Obsessions with you!  I don't have a lot of favorites because I'm a broke college student so I can't try new things lol, but I do have a few new products to share with you today!  Let's get started! :)

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Concealer

I feel like I've mentioned so many times how much I love Maybelline's Dream Lumi concealer pen for undereye and well, I ran out :(.  As I was clipping coupons with my mom, I found one for $2 the new Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Concealer so I decided to try it out and I love it!  I have the color Light 20 and even though I kind of wish I got the lightest shade, Ivory, this color still does the job, so no harm.  I appreciate the doe foot applicator because I think it does a better job of applying the product versus the brush in the Dream Lumi concealer pen, which can be streaky and uneven at times.  It blends so flawlessly and smoothly, which is always a plus.  It contains Actyl C, I don't know what that is but according to my (really brief and lazy) research, it's a fancy Vitamin C, and it's also oil free, which is AMAZING for oily beauties like myself.  I would say that this concealer is more of a light coverage concealer because when I tried it on a zit that didn't want to disappear, it didn't cover it at all, but it's okay because that isn't my intended usage.  If you're looking for full coverage concealer, this isn't for you, but if you just need something to brighten your face and cover ugly bags, definitely give this concealer a try!

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder

I still love this bronzer everyone.  I've used it for probably like three years now and I still love it.  As an (fake) adult, I still appreciate that this bronzer has been consistently $3 at Target, which is probably one of the reasons I'm always suckered back into buying it, other than the fact that I actually really love it.  I don't ever heavily contour my face because even though I have a round face, I think it looks weird on me, so this bronzer is perfect.  It gives the right amount of color to my face after I apply foundation without looking muddy or orange.  I definitely recommend the NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer for anyone, but especially makeup newbies, because it's light enough that you can't mess up the application, unless you're heavy handed of course, and it's buildable so you can find your perfect contour.

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Backtalk

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but Urban Decay is definitely my favorite makeup brand in the entire world, so when their Vice lipsticks came out, I NEEDED to try them!  On release day, I got my butt on their website and bought Backtalk, which is a mauve-nude pink comfort matte.  I love that the bullet is styled after an actual bullet, it's edgy and aesthetically pleasing.  The formula is super smooth and not drying, kudos to the COMFORT matte aspect of that.  I love this color and I think it could look good on a range of skintones.  I'm not a huge non-liquid lipstick girl but I think the Vice lipsticks have changed me.  They have incredible staying power and such a wide range of colors that you could literally not need to buy any other lipstick ever again.  My one issue with it, which is honestly not even a huge deal, is that it kind of smells like Playdough.  The smell goes away when it's on your lips, but one weird thing I do it just open my lippies and smell them, so I always void smelling this one...  I also kind of wish they had a matching lip liner because it's paired with Rush, which is not an exact match, which is why I didn't buy it.  $17 is really not bad for a prestige brand lipstick and I'll definitely be trying more colors soon!
Become an Urban Decay Beauty Junkie here!

Kylie Cosmetics Leo Lipkit

I gave in.  I bought a lipkit after not doing it for sooooo long and it honestly was so worth the hype. I bought it when they were offering free domestic shipping because though I've been tempted to purchase a lipkit before, their $8 shipping cost always pushed me away.  I originally intended on getting Lovebite because that color just seemed more me, but it was sold out, so I decided to get Leo, which is supposedly limited edition, but we'll see...  The color is darker than I expected, but I actually really like it.  The hype is right, the lasting power is incredible.  It survived two cinnamon rolls, a bottle of Coke Zero, and a slice or greasy pizza (#collegelyfe) effortlessly.  I honestly prefer the liquid lipstick without the liner underneath because I think the color looks brighter and not as goth-y without the liner.  I'll probably be getting more lipkits next time they have free shipping because that shipping price is honestly so ridic, but the quality is amazing.



Essie Mirror Metallics Nail Polish in Penny Talk

It is a known fact that if it's rose gold, I probably have it.  There's a lot of rose gold polishes out there, but this is definitely the best one.  It's more on the copper side than the rose gold, but it's still gorgeous.  It's perfect in two coats and gorgeously metallic.  My one bone to pick with this polish is that although it's part of the "Mirror Metallics" collection, it's not mirror-y at all.  I kind of expected it to be like those beautiful mirror powder nails but it's actually a dull metallic.  It's still super pretty but it's not mirror-y, which earns a lil frown from me :(  I will probably buy it again once I run out, but man I need to get my hands on those mirror powder things!!!!

Parabo Press Square Prints

Because I live in an ugly 8x8 dorm room, I'm always looking for ways to decorate my room.  In my dorm tour from my freshman year, I shared that I made a heart out of like 30 photos, but this year I wanted to do something different.  I found Parabo Press on an Instagram ad, where they were advertising 25 free square prints, all you had to pay for was shipping, so of course the word FREE draws me in.  I was a little skeptical at first because I'd never heard of the company before and I didn't know what to expect.  It took a while for the photos to come, but I was so impressed when they finally did.  The photos are printed on a thick, matte, white cardstock type paper and a little edge so it's aesthetically pleasing.  They came in a nice vinyl pouch, surrounded by thick board so the photos don't get ruined.  It took me a while to actually put up the photos because I wasn't sure how I wanted to do it, but when I finally did put them up, they looked really good!  And ya I know there isn't 25 photos up, don't worry about it.
Get your first 25 prints for free using the code VMOAGU 

BalloonandPaper Custom Tassel Garland

When I came back to school, I began searching for a tassel garland to hang in my room.  I'm picky so I wanted it to be wine, blush, and rose gold, and the ones I've found just didn't cut it or were out of my price range, then I found BalloonandPaper on Etsy.  They offer a custom tassel garland/balloon tail where you can choose your colors and they make it for you for $20-$36.  I finally found the perfect tassel garland and I got to choose the colors myself.  I chose wine, blush, vanilla, and rose gold mylar for my tassel garland and when it came I was instantly in love.  It comes on a really pretty, thin gold and natural twine which enough length to hang as long or as short as you'd like.  It's probably my favorite part of my room decor!

Frank Ocean - Blonde

FINALLY.  I've been waiting for Frank Ocean's new music for so long, and so have you guys too, probably.  When his new album finally came out, I cashed in my free trial for Apple Music and listened to nothing but Blonde.  It exceeded every expectation I had.  My favorites from the album are Solo and Self Control.  If you haven't heard the album yet, YOU GOTTA GET ON IT.
Listen to "Blonde" here!

Niall Horan - This Town

I shouldn't be including this in my September Obsessions because it just came out yesterday, but I can't help it.  You guys know I'm married to Niall and no, I didn't even know about this song.  I woke up and it was there and I cried and sobbed and sobbed some more.  It's such a sweet song and easy to listen to.  This song honestly just made me fall more in love with Niall.  HE'S SO AMAZING AND I HATE IT SO MUCH.
Listen to "This Town" here!

And there are all my obsessions for September 2016!  Thank you so much for reading!  I hope you enjoyed! :)

All the Love,
Cat <3

My 5 Seconds of Summer Concert Experience - Sounds Live Feels Live Edition!

HI OR HEY FRIENDS!  I hope you have your party pants on because I'm here today with a very special post!  You already know what it is because you probably already read the title, but in case you're lazy... Welcome to My 5 Seconds of Summer Concert Experience - Sounds Live Feels Live Edition!

I had the pleasure of going to 5SOS's newest tour, Sounds Live Feels Live in Wheatland, CA or Sacramento... on September 3, 2016.  To be honest, because I'm very honest here, I wasn't that excited to go, since I haven't really been into 5SOS lately, except Calum cause that man is a lil piece of heaven.  But I digress...  I wasn't super pumped about it and even considered selling my tickets, but I hadn't been a concert at all this year so I decided to go.  I brought my friend Mariana with me because she's never been to a 5SOS concert and she loves concerts.  Since it was my third 5SOS concert, I think the magic was kind of gone at first.  But then I felt like

When we got to the venue, which by the way, was IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, we saw that the line was super long and most of the girls there were like 12(???) at the most aka Mar and I were the oldest girls there who weren't moms lol.  We were looking great and I even baked my makeup for 5SOS and I NEVER bake my face.  Anyways, as we were walking towards the end of the never ending line, tons of the children were staring at us, I think because we looked super older than them, or maybe they thought we were celebrities (HAHAH????).  It was super weird, but kind of nice at the same time.  The whole getting into the venue process took a long time and I was honestly so tired of standing by the time we got in so as soon as we did, we headed to our seats and took a little break. Not long after we sat down, Roy English came on.  I hadn't listened to him before but he didn't disappoint!  I definitely think I'll take the time to listen to his music now.  I didn't really see his face cause I was sitting and everyone in front of me was standing, but it was still great.

Just before Roy's set, two girls were walking around handing out little stars that said "The darkest night never felt so bright with you by my side", a lyric from the 5SOS song "Outer Space".  We were supposed to hold them up against our phone lights during "Outer Space".  It was a really cute fan project.  Skipping ahead, after Roy's set, Mariana and I decided that it would be a good time to get merch, because Hey Violet would be going on soon and I don't really like them, as you might recall from my last 5SOS Concert Experience post.  We waited in a super long line for merch and I guess I gave of a "seasoned 5SOS concert goer" vibe because so many people were asking me questions about how long Hey Vomit's set was and what time 5SOS would go on and what time the concert would end, etc.  Of course since I AM a seasoned 5SOS concert goer, I had all the answers to all their questions.  After I dropped $50 on merch, we got some drinks and headed back to our seats.  The girls sitting next to me were dressed as Smash and CalPal, which was cute but also kind of weird, but maybe because I'm just not the type to do that.  Kudos to those two girls for being brave enough to do something like that.  My (expensive af) merch looks like this!

We sat for about half an hour and then 5SOS came on!  Per usual, I'll be going down the setlist and giving a mini review of each, so enjoy!

(also please look at Cal's smile in this photo if you want to die)

1. Carry On (Intro)
Carry On is so beautiful on the album, so of course it was just as beautiful live.  I think it really set the tone of the concert and I'm glad they opened with it.  Michael on piano was just incredible.

2. Hey Everybody
In my review for Sounds Good Feels Good, I said I didn't really connect with this song at first, but it grew on me.  After not listening to it for a while, I again, wasn't really feeling it live.  It's a good party song, but I honestly think that there are so many other incredible songs.  It was fun to hear live and fun to dance along to though!

3. Money
Again, going back to my SGFG review, Money was my least favorite song, but it's so good live.  Like Hey Everybody, it's a great party song and fun to dance along to.

4.  Don't Stop
I honestly waiting for 5SOS to stop playing this song, but it's still fun to hear live.  It's one of those songs that's just better live.  It's not the same as it was when I first heard it over three years ago.  In short, it's an oldie, but a goodie.

5. Disconnected
Unlike Don't Stop, I hope the NEVER STOP playing Disconnected.  It's my favorite song in the entire world and I don't think I could ever get tired of it.  It honestly just gets better and better every time I hear it live.  It's the third time and I'm still not over it.  I really really really do hope they never stop playing it, but in case they do, you HAVE TO HEAR IT LIVE before that day comes.

6. Long Way Home
Long Way Home is such a cute song.  I love that Luke does his little solo thing in the beginning because it really engages the crowd.  It's a fan favorite and just as amazing live as it was studio.

7. Outer Space
I mentioned above how we were all supposed to hold up the stars for the fan project during this song, but I forgot lol...  Outer Space was INCREDIBLE live.  I was honestly almost in tears because when everyone held up their stars and was waving their lights back and forth, I looked around and remembered why I love 5SOS.  In that moment I was so proud of them and how far they've come.

8. Waste the Night
Waste the Night has never been one of my favorites and I honestly skip it or don't pay attention when it plays in my playlist, but hearing it live was a different story.  You don't expect it to sound the way it does live.  It's hard to describe the feeling, almost like it takes you into another world?  I can't even find the words, but I definitely recommend hearing it live before they stop playing it.

9. Vapor
Vapor became one of my favorite songs on SGFG, so I had high hopes for hearing it live.  5SOS, per usual, went above and beyond my expectations.  I've never felt so at peace, but also in pieces.  It was almost like a euphoric experience.  Vapor is another song that I hope they never stop playing.

10. Amnesia
I remember when Amnesia was just an audio isolation of a live performance and like Disconnected, it gets better and better every time you hear it live.  I think Amnesia was the one song that I didn't record (except for a tiny snippet on my phone and Snapchat) because I wanted to just take it all in. Hearing it this time around wasn't the same experience as the first or the last time, but it was different. Amnesia is Calum's b*tch.

11. Castaway
I have ZERO footage from Castaway and I honestly can't remember it that well?  I'm sure it was amazing because it's another one of those songs that you just KNOW it will be killer live.  I can't believe I can't remember it, like no matter how much I rack my brain, I JUST CAN'T REMEMBER.

12. Jet Black Heart
So for Jet Black Heart, Michael was onstage by himself and he literally stood there for 6 minutes and did not say a word.  (I have proof if you don't believe me)  The crowd was going NUTZ, banging on the seats, chanting "MICHAEL! MICHAEL!" but the dude just would not budge until like six minutes later...  When they FINALLY started playing the song, I could not believe how beautiful it is live.  Michael was so amazing, even though he left us hanging for a while, but I get it, it's supposed to be for dramatic effect.

13. End Up Here
I feel like they play End Up Here because Ashton really enjoys it?  I don't know, but I'm honestly not the biggest fan.  It's another great party song, a song to dance along to, blah blah blah, and of course, it's absolutely incredible live, but I think it's time for it to be retired.

14. Good Girls
GOOD.  GIRLS.  Another 5SOS classic, that even though I'm sick of, I hope they never stop playing live because it's super engaging and a crowdpleaser.  It's a super 5SOS-y song and so much better live than studio.

15. Girls Talk Boys
When I first heard Girls Talk Boys, I loved the funky vibe.  I love that 5SOS was able to emulate that vibe live too.  Luke's voice in Girls Talk Boys sounds so similar to fetus Luke, I almost went back to being a Luke girl for a minute.  The song's funky vibe makes it so easy to listen to and so amazing live.

16. Permanent Vacation
I LOVED Permanent Vacation at ROWYSO last year, but I wasn't as excited about it this time.  It wasn't as engaging as it was last time so I think that disappointed me a little bit.  Again, it's not that I don't like the song.  I love the song and it's another that's made for the live shows, but I'm a little disappointed that it wasn't as crowd-engaging as it was in the past.

17. What I Like About You
Ahhh... Another (not) 5SOS classic that should be retired.  I get that it's a crowdpleaser and fan favorite because there is literally not a person in the world who doesn't know every single word to this song, but it's not even a 5SOS song and they have so many other songs that I don't think it would be missed if they replaced it.

Encore
18. She's Kinda Hot
She's Kinda Hot was fun.  It's the 5SOS Fam anthem so of course they'll always play it and it's really good live.  I actually knew all the words this time!

19. She Looks So Perfect
Everyone complains that they still play this song, but this song made 5SOS people.  I wasn't really looking forward to hearing it again, but it was so nostalgic to hear and I felt like I time travelled back to high school.  16 year old Cat was alive again in my heart.

And that is the entire setlist!  I'm super disappointed that they didn't play San Francisco because even though we weren't in SF, WE WERE CLOSE ENOUGH.  I'm also ETERNALLY disappointed that they didn't play Beside You and that they completely wiped their brains of Heartbreak Girl.  HOW COULD YOU????  The crowd really wanted them to play Pizza, but they couldn't find their "fifth member" whom they called Niall aka I died inside but they were actually referring to John Feldman.  I also really wanted them to play Invisible with just a single spotlight on Calum and no one else... A girl can dream.  During the show, Michael asked us to give the show a rating out of ten, and someone said seven lol.  Overall, I would give the show a 10/10 because 5SOS never fails to leave me feeling anything less than happy.  I didn't get a lot of good photos because I was honestly just trying to live in the moment, but I did get this pretty OK pic of Cal and this one of Ash and his never ending tongue:

Thanks so much for reading!  If you've not been to a 5SOS gig, you need to make it to one before you die and I promise you won't regret it.  If you're a visual learner, CLICK HERE to watch my SLFL vlog!

All the Love,
Cat <3

Monthly Obsessions: July & August 2016

Aloha Friends!  I'm so glad to be back and to be writing my favorite kind of post... a Monthly Obsessions!  This month, I combined July and August because I've been basically using the same products both months.  I don't have that many things to share because I haven't tried a lot of new things, but I do vow that I love everything I mention below with my whole heart.  So without further ado... Let's get started!

L'oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation in N3.5 Classic Bluff

I LOVE this foundation.  I've been searching all over for a less expensive version of a cushion foundation after seeing all my favorite K-Pop stars and K-Drama stars using it and I think THIS IS THE ONE.  It's super convenient to use and there's no mess because you can't spill anything.  The foundation is super buildable, so you can go light or full coverage.  It definitely has a luminous finish, which I love because it makes your skin look super healthy and glowing, similar to the way a K-Beauty cushion would make you look.  I honestly wish I had this foundation when I was in Hawaii because it's easy to carry and quick to use.  It also comes with a good sized mirror that DOESN'T get dirty because it doesn't go anywhere near the foundation (and that's a major PLUS!).  I'm absolutely going to buy another one of these when I run out!

ColourPop Cosmetics

ColourPop has been all the rage recently, and I finally decided to try it out and I absolutely do not regret it.  I love that the brand keeps their prices low, but their quality high because things like that go a long way with a cheap-o like me.  I've definitely gone overboard in buying makeup from them, but $5 for a lipstick??? COUNT ME IN.  Also, extra points for their HOLO logo on each product and the cute lil note they include with every order! Here are a few ColourPop products that I've been loving the for the past couple months!

• Lumière (matte) Lippie Stix and Lumière Lippie Pencil - $5 each
  

• I've been wearing this lip color every chance I get.  The Lippie Pencil is super soft and glides on with ease aka it doesn't tug at your lips (and we all hate that!).  The Lippie Stix is also super soft and pigmented.  I love that the Lippie Stix packaging is sleek and slim, so you can carry it around without it being bulky like your classic lipstick bullet packaging.   It claims to be "superrr long wearing" which is something that I've not experienced because lbr I eat most of my lipstick off all the time, but if I were to not eat and just leave it beautiful, it gives me the vibe that it would be "superrr long wearing". Click here if you wanna see what it looks like on me!
• Spoon Highlighter - $8
  
• Everyone loves a good highlight and this highlight is THE ONE.  This silver champagne with fine multi-dimensional (AKA HOLO) silver glitters is light and makes me shine brighter than my future.  I'm so in love with this highlighter that sometimes when I'm bored, I put more on because the more the merrier!  The quality of this highlighter is top notch and when I put it to the test against my favorite Becca highlighter, it came up tied for first place.  I definitely want to try more of their highlighters!  Churro, anyone?
• La La (metallic/metal) Super Shock Shadow - $5
  
• If you're a returning reading, you're no stranger to the fact that I L.O.V.E. rose gold, so when I found this gorgeous true rose gold shadow, my paws were all over it.  It has a pretty metallic finish and the color is buildable so even though it's a metallic shadow, you can still wear it every day, or at least I do.  The long-wearing crème powder formula is unlike anything I've ever used and I'm so obsessed with it because it's so squishy!  I honestly really love just poking it...  Other than that fact however, the pigmentation is UNREAL, as evident by the swatch below...  So basically, if I could replace all my expensive shadows and palettes with the Super Shock Shadows, you best bet I would!

Cancer Zodiac Necklace from Lovoda

My star sign is Cancer (whoop! whoop!) and I've been searching for a cute necklace that doesn't have a crab on it because let's be real, I'm not the biggest fan of our little star sign mascot(?).  While perusing Etsy, I came across this little gem and I haven't taken it off since.  I love that it's the Cancer constellation rather than a crab.  It's rose gold, OF COURSE and has tiny little clear gems that resemble lil teeny tiny diamonds.  The piece is so dainty that most people probably won't notice that you're wearing it, but I think that's a charming thing about it.  It also comes it silver and gold, as well as in other star signs!  Check out Lovoda's Etsy store, or their website for more!

Banana Chips

I honestly feel so weird including this in my obsessions because it just seems so boring, but I love banana chips!  They're a really healthy snack that you won't feel guilty eating a whole bag of and they're pretty affordable.  I'm pretty particular when it comes to banana chips however, because sometimes you get those banana chips that are kind of like eating a thin piece of foam board, and that's never fun.  I really recommend Trader Joe's banana chips or if you're in Hawaii and come across a Whaler's General Store, there's a certain honey banana chips that I absolutely love, but I don't remember the brand...

닥터스 (Doctors/Doctor Crush)

I haven't talked much about my love for K-Dramas much on here, so you finally get a little look into my crazy world.  My favorite drama used to be City Hunter, but since finishing Doctors (or Doctor Crush, whatevs u wanna call it), I've found a new drama to replace my fave. This drama was filled with so much emotion, I've never cried so much while watching a drama, and so many life lessons that I can't all fit in this post or it would take you DAYS to read it after it took me DAYS to write it.  The main actors, Park Shinhye as Yoo Hyejung and Kim Raewon as Hong Jihong are so amazing and their love story in the show is not what you expect it to be.  Hyejung's fight for reconciliation is really inspiring and has taught me a lot about fighting for what you want and working hard, even if it is to avenge someone (no spoilers here!).  Kim Raewon is a hottie and he reminds me a lot of the LOML, Yoon Dujun, so that was nice too lol.  Doctors has also made me kind of want to be a neurosurgeon, but that won't be happening because I'm halfway through college already and I'm terrified of blood.  Stay tuned for a full review and more life lessons I've learned from Doctors, but I can't promise there won't be any spoilers there... don't say you weren't warned!  Watch with (or without if you're cool like that) on DramaFever!

비스트 (B2ST/BEAST) - Highlight

Just like I haven't mentioned much about my love for K-Dramas, I haven't talked much about my love for K-Pop.  I've loved it since I was in late elementary/early middle school aka for almost like 10 (?) years.  One group that I've loved since the beginning was BEAST and in July, they released their third full length album, Highlight.  They haven't released a complete album since 2013 so ABOUT TIME... But this album is seriously amazing.  No, there's no Dujunnie solo yet... but his duet with Gikwang is just as great!  My favorite songs are Ribbon, of course, and my absolutely favorite, 잘 자요 (Lullaby).  I'm so in love with this album and Yong Junhyung aka everybody's hyung, is a genius. BEAST IS THE BEST.  (And if you couldn't tell who my fave group is... now you know lol) (also, Yoon Dujun is mine, don't touch him.) (am I using too much parenthesis?)  Listen to Highlight on Spotify!

And those are all my obsessions of July and August 2016!  This isn't completely related to my obsessions, but did you watch The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise?  How you do you feel about Jojo sending Luke home?  Don't you think Ashley I. just needs to go home already??  Okay, question time over.  Thanks for much for reading!  You're all beautiful people <3

All the love,

Cat <3