Strong Nails

Winter wreaks havoc on my poor nails. Combine that with being an art major and you've got peeling nails and ripped cuticles. Lovely. I also paint my nails far too much for the average human so they rarely get to breathe, poor things. So I've decided to take better care of my nails. I'm leaving nail polish off (cringe) and using some products to rehydrate. The essie Apricot Cuticle Oil is something I've been using for a long time and it's a favourite of mine. It's great because the oil sinks in quickly and doesn't leave your fingers greasy. A good one to carry around with you. OPI's Nail Envy is great for peeling, I guess it's technically a nail polish but it's strengthening so shhh. For a deep hydration I like to use Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. It leaves your fingers really greasy so it's one to use at night time, but I love the smell and it really hydrates the skin around my nails.

What products do you use to keep your nails healthy?

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100 Posts

This feels like a small milestone, but it's kind of huge for me. I've written 100 posts on this blog. I've been "blogging" and YouTubing for almost 5 years now but I've never been settled in one place. Honestly in my time on the internet I've had about 20 different blogs, and none of them were enjoyed nearly as much as this one. I think the reason I love Amelia Says so much is that I write about what I feel like writing about. Rather than requiring myself to review certain things or only stick to makeup (which I mainly do but I'm making a point here) I let myself write whatever I want. I have an ever-other-day schedule, but it's super loose and I don't beat myself up if I miss a post or two. I mean it's not like I'm blogging royalty or anything, but I try to treat this blog as if thousands are reading it. It makes me much more motivated to write. So 100 posts down, here's to hundreds more.
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RealTechniques Complexion Sponge

Okay, I love my beautyblender. Like, LOVE it. But, the more I use it, the more I've realized that I will eventually have to buy a new one. And, I don't know about you, but repurchasing a $20 sponge kinda makes me want to cry. So, I decided to try out the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge which is pretty highly raved about as well. Also, I love the Pixiwoo sisters so yeah that was my justification.

The sponge retails for $5.99 which is the biggest reason it's so popular compared to the beautyblender. There are some obvious shape differences between the two. The beautyblender is more egg-shaped, with a full bottom, while the RT sponge is fullest in the middle. It also features a flat edge which is supposed to help get into the "contours" of the face. I find that this flat end doesn't work well for me and makes the sponge more difficult to hold. Both feature a pointed end however the beautyblender has a finer, more tapered point.

I use both sponges wet and I've definitely noticed a difference in how they retain water. Both swell to double the size but the beautyblender seems to retain almost no water. The RT sponge, unfortunately, is too porous meaning that it holds a lot of water. This also means that it sucks up A LOT of your foundation. I probably use twice as much with the RT sponge. The RT sponge also feels heavy in comparison to the beautyblender, and has a more springy feel than the softness that the beautyblender has. Both give a nice, airbrushed finish, but I really do think the beautyblender's is more seamless and natural-looking.

While the Real Techniques Sponge is far superior to a normal makeup sponge, I still think it's pretty far behind the original beautyblender. If you're not willing to shell out $20 per sponge it IS a good dupe, but the beautyblender is still my top choice. Sorry wallet.

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Today's Look 01

More new things happening! I want to start doing more face of the days to try and make myself do different eye looks, although today's is pretty boring, hehe.

EYES

Urban Decay Primer Potion

LORAC Nude

LORAC Pewter

Urban Decay YDK

Urban Decay Busted

Urban Decay Blackout

LORAC Mauve

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

MAC Nylon

Clinique High Impact Mascara

BASE

MAC Face and Body Foundation C1

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation 12 Beige Rose

MAC Well Dressed Blush

LIPS

Foundation (haha)

eos I'm boring

I've also got some crazy henna going on on my hand! Do you like?

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