JoannaSpeaks

Since I was in 8th grade, I have been fascinated with the art of makeup and the different looks and shades that could be put on a face. I never had a problem with how I looked until I found out how I could look with makeup on. Since then, It has been very hard for me to go out in public without makeup. I started to break out and I noticed the dark circles under my eyes more and more as days passed. I started obsessing over new products and treatments that my skin began to rely on them.

One day, I decided to suck it up and run to the supermarket with absolutely no makeup on. I saw a girl I knew and she asked me if I was sick or if I was hungover because I looked exhausted. I ran back home and put makeup on my face again. A few weeks later I went to the same place with only tinted moisturizer on. I saw a former co-worker and she asked me what happened to my face. I had one pimple on my forehead. First of all, if you notice that someone has a breakout, or if someone looks like they could have used another cup of coffee that morning, DON'T stress to them that you've noticed. Instead, compliment their hair or their outfit. Your other option is so crazy I bet some people never even thought about it! DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!

I've decided to go one week without makeup. I have tried this before and it got too overwhelming and  frustrating. This week I mean it. I want my nieces, cousins and friends to know that makeup is not beauty. While I originally started to wear and collect makeup was out of interest, it has become a daily necessity. Beauty is not another layer on top of your face. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. I want to focus on my inner beauty instead of relying on my outer beauty. I challenge who ever is reading this to go at least one day without a confidence blanket. Whether that be makeup, curled hair, etc. Embrace your natural beauty! I will record my progress and post it next week. Until then.

xoxo
Joanna

I've been getting way over my head by browsing online for things that I need. Okay, I suppose I don't need them...otherwise I'd already have them. Have you ever went to the mall with a serious list of things that you tell yourself and your shopping buddy that you CANNOT leave without them? Have you ever left without them? I have. Each time. I figured if I did the shopping on line, I would be more likely to definitely wind up with them. As I've been re arranging my room, most of these are for my room. Once I get over my fall bank account massacre, I'll be sure to start packing these babies into my shopping cart.

1. This book that was suggested by a blogger (I can't remember which one! I'll link as soon as I find out). It seems to be written in an extremely original format, and I think I'd enjoy this book a lot.

2. These fairy lights! I've seen these around EVERYWHERE and I think they're so interesting! I can't decide if I want the copper wire or the silver wire. Ps) These are cheaper

3. I've never owned a vest, but I've been scrolling around on pinterest and I've seen so many cute outfits using vests like this one as a staple!

4. Incase you haven't read my past few posts, Steven is leaving for bootcamp to become a Marine in March. I already have a cute notepad in mind so that I can send him endless letters to keep me sane. In order to keep HIM sane and to keep him focused, it is important to be selfless and include only positive stories and thoughts in my letters. I told him if I ever get sad or if something unfortunate has happened that I would like to tell him about, I'd include it in a separate notepad to give to him when he comes home. This is so cute to keep the notes in! (Sorry for the novel description)

5. I'm so late on this trend. I never realized how much I wanted these boots until I started planning outfits around them before I even bought them!

I've also started pinning on my wishlist board on pinterest to feed my addiction to online shopping. What items are collecting dust in your online shopping carts?

• clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant.

At first, I had no idea how to use this. The directions supplied on the info card just implied it was an exfoliant. It said, "Mix a dollop of scrub with water in your palm. Gently massage onto face, then rinse." I did as I was told and I totally felt exfoliated. But it was really harsh and left my skin super irritated. I read the back of the bottle and it was recommended to mix the scrub in with a gentle face wash. Duh. I tried it a few days later (you don't want to exfoliate too often!) with my step 1 of my Clinique Three Step kit, and my skin felt so smooth afterwards! Next week I'm going to do a face mask straight after!

• Chlorine Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk