What I got for Christmas/Boxing Week haul!

Site Redesign!

So I decided to go ahead an redesign the blog, though the other design was nice it just wasn't what I was looking for. I've been thinking about changing the direction of the blog as well, still focused on beauty but also with some design and fashion elements. While I love blogging about beauty I find it a bit limiting at times because I have other interests but feel like I can't post about it here. So there may be some changes to the blog in 2013, but still expect lots of makeup tutorials, reviews, and subscription posts just mixed in with fashion posts, photography, travel, and design posts as well.

Happy Christmas

image from weheartit

Just wanted to wish all of my lovely readers/viewers a Happy Christmas! Sorry there was no new video on Sunday, I filmed one and the file got corrupted :( I'll be back in 2013 with a whole bunch of reviews, hauls, tutorials, and more! If you don't celebrate Christmas, then happy whatever holiday you celebrate/I'm sorry you have to deal with people constantly wishing you a Happy Christmas.

Niapads Simple for Pimple review!

I was sent this product back in October and meant to review it much sooner but right after I got the product my skin cleared up and I didn't suffer from breakouts for a while. Thankfully (Ok not thankfully but it allowed me to actually review this product) with exam stress my skin started to have a bit of a breakout. Now when I say breakout I mean like 2-3 pimples total, nothing crazy so I can't say how well these work for extreme breakouts.

Niapads website states that : 
Niapads™ is a one-step process for pore cleansing, killing acne causing bacteria and exfoliation. Skin friendly emollients prevent drying of skin. It also contains Lavender oil, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; and yes it provides a mild lavender scent.

Inflammatory skin conditions include Acne vulgaris and studies have shown that Niacinamide USP has proven efficacy in treatment of these skin conditions. Niapads™ is uniquely formulated to deliver Niacinamide USP topically at the desired site unlike oral formulations. A mild scrubbing pad helps exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent pore clogging.

These little sheets did help clear up my pimples (I stopped using my regular solutions while trying these products) quickly, within a day or two they where pretty much gone. The scent of these are strongly herbal, but not irritating. I think these would be amazing to use while traveling because you don't have to worry about leakage and the packaging is super minimal so it doesn't take up a ton of space in your bag.

A couple complaints about the product is that while the packaging is great for travel and very utilitarian it's not really pretty (I like pretty packing). I know it's the contents that matter though. Also these were a bit tricky to use in the shower because I found that the strong spray got rid of the product too quickly and you were left with the little cloth. So make sure to be careful when using them in the shower!

I used up almost the entire package of 30, I think I have less than 10 left, and I would recommend this product for people with sensitive skin. My skin had zero reaction to this at all, normally when I'm using something with pimple fighting ingredients it tends to feel tight or get a bit irritated because of the strong ingredients. I really like that they included lavender in this product because it's super beneficial to your skin.

Niapads are sold in a bag of 30 sheets for $17 on amazon and you can get a discount if you buy in bulk.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for review, I did not purchase this product. All opinions are my own.

all I want for christmas: beauty edition

all I want for christmas: beauty edition by alysiamansfield featuring too faced cosmetics

No one ever seems to by me beauty product for Christmas, but here a few items I wouldn't mind finding under the tree!

1. Clarisonic Mia - This one I might actually get, I've heard it's amazing for helping your skin stay clear and gorgeous so I've been lusting after one of these for a while.

2. Lorac Eye Candy Full Face Collection - I could have got this at the VIB sale but I ended up getting the pro palette instead. I love it so much I'd love to try more Lorac products and the backaging on this is just gorgeous.

3. Coco Rouge Shine in Evasion or Romance - These are so expensive I have a hard time buying them for myself, but they've been on a my wishlist for a while

4. Too Faced Shadow Bursh set - I love that these are cruelty free but feel so soft. I can't justify them with all the other brushes I own but I'd love to have these!   

5. Too Faced La Creme lipstick - the packaging for these is stunning and they've gotten great reviews. I'm eying Coral Fire, Marshmallow Bunny and Juicy Melons  

6. Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Portabello or Kalahari - I swatch these every time I go into Sephora, but can't bring myself to spend the money. Someday these will be mine..

Anyone have any beauty items they're lusting over?   

Glam Holiday Tutorial

Just an easy glam holiday tutorial for all your holiday party needs

Holly Jolly Holiday Tag!

image from wehearit

I was tagged by Christine over at Starry Eyed Beauty so I thought I'd do this festive themed tag!

 1. Do you start your Christmas shopping on Black Friday or wait until the last minute?
I only have 2 or 3 people in which I put a lot of effort into their gifts, so I get it done pretty early. Friends who I exchange gifts with tend to get the same type of gift, this year it was a small candle and a nail polish I thought they would like (already handed out these gifts this year so I'm not ruining it for anyone!)

2. If you could be in any Christmas movie what would it be?
Elf because it's hilarious.

3. Which do you like better: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas Day because presents and food <3

4. When does your family put up your Christmas tree and who decorates it?
Whenever my mom gets to it? We used to make a big deal about it but as we all got older it became less important

5. White lights or colored lights?
White lights, I just think they're classier.

6. Are you guilty of peeking at your presents or do you like the surprise?
Because apparently I'm impossible to buy for (I disagree) my mom takes us shopping and we pick out items within our budget. I tend to pick out clothing items because I'm always sick of my clothes by this time of year but don't have money to add new items.

7. Would you rather live in a gingerbread house or in Santa's Workshop?
Santa's Workshop so I could play with toys all day!

8. Tell us your Christmas Eve traditions!
A lighter dinner, normally seafood with my mom, sister, brother in law, and nephew. We just kind of chill out and eat food.

9. If you could be under the mistletoe with anyone who would it be?
There's no one specific on my crush list right now, so I'm not sure. Umm I guess if forced Prince Harry :D 

10. What tops your tree?
A star

11. Can you name the 12 days of Christmas?
nope haha

12. Have you ever gone Christmas caroling?
I am not good a singing so nope!

13. Do you countdown to Christmas? If so, how many days are left?
not really, I mean I'm aware of it but in a general kind of way.

14. What are some foods and treats you can count on having every holiday season?
My great-grandmothers recipe for shortbread, which is a family secret and is true traditional Scottish shortbread <3 Also Potato Casserole (which comes out every holiday, its basically mashed potatoes with sour cream, cream cheese, and then baked in a casserole dish) which I fight with my brother in law (and now my nephew too!) over the leftovers.

15. How has Christmas kept its magic for you as you've grown older?
I was never huge into Christmas (more into presents when younger) but it's getting easier as time passes. I used to really hate it but now all I hate is the super overdone commercial aspect of it. Although I do LOVE the holiday makeup collections that have come out every year so I like that part.