I know there comes a time when make lovers, like myself, ask this hard question: "How long have I had this makeup for?". Most of the time we'll hoard our makeup because "that mascara was so expensive and amazing" or "I will never be able to find this exact shade ever again". As I constantly add on to my collection, I find loads of products that I have been holding onto for so long and either haven't worn or kept for weird sentimental reasons. 

Makeup is not a memory or some photograph that we have to keep forever. It's replaceable and to be frank, it's down right gross. I've been doing some heavy research on estimated times you should toss your makeup and was very surprised to find out that a lot of makeup should be thrown out earlier than expected.

Face Makeup

Face Powder & Blushes- About 2 years

Normally, powders, blushes, and bronzers don't produce a ton of bacteria overtime since they are "dry" products. It's something you put on your face (most likely everyday), it's still good to replace them every now and then.

Concealers & Primers- About 1 year

I would say that since you are using the applicator over and over again, you continually pump air into the product which dries it out and adds more bacteria to the product. This could also lead to dry or red under eyes if not thrown out in time. 

Liquid Foundations & Creams- 6-12 months

Since these are "wet" products, they will produce an insane amount of bacteria. You put foundation all over your face so make sure you are changing your foundations and not keeping them for over a year. If you want your foundation to last a bit longer, look for foundations with a pump instead.

Lip Products

Lipstick-12-18 months

I think this lipstick above was in my vanity for like 5 years! It was such a great shade of red and I wore it for pretty much everything. However, it smelled horrible and was starting to make my lips itchy. 

Lip Liner- 2 years

I haven't had a problem with lip liners 1) because I normally don't use them as much and 2) I don't have a ton in my collection anyway. 

Lip Gloss- 1 year

Lip gloss is probably the worst of the three. It's wet, sticky, and is easily susceptible to an increased amount of bacteria because it's a liquid.  

Obviously, I'm not telling you guys to just throw out probably loads amount of money spent on your treasured beauty products but, sometimes it's time. Whether it's your favorite Benefit mascara or the only foundation you think "works best for you", it's time to rid of all that may cause nasty eye infections and excess acne we all dread! Slowly, tossing some products that you think have been lying around your vanity for some time might be a great idea. On the bright side, you get to declutter your space and possibly go out and try brand new makeup to replace the old stuff! Who knows, maybe you'll discover better products; these things are easy to replace and makeup will always be around. 

I hope this helped any of you makeup enthusiasts out there! Sometimes I forget that makeup builds a ton of icky bacteria and I shouldn't be hoarding everything for stupid reasons. Is there a product you can never seem to toss? 

Xoxo, Nat

Even though it's the middle of September (where has the time gone?), it's still 80 degrees in Chicago and there hasn't been any sign of Fall! It's at that awkward transition stage of Summer to Fall and I never know when to wear shorts or when to wear jeans. Lately, I've been wearing a lot of rolled jeans and tanks. It's a bearable in between when it's still pretty warm out but, night usually gets a lot cooler. I have also been loving black and heather toned stuff. It just pulls me in whenever I see a piece of clothing in a store nowadays. 

I would define my style as pretty sporty. I'm loving this "Athleisure" vibe and it's been hella comfy to wear pretty much anywhere. You can wear this outfit out to dinner, shopping, at a movie, to school, to work, or just hanging out on a chill Sunday with peeps. You can dress this look up or down and I love how versatile these pieces can be! 

I have seen a lot of these mixes of athletic wear paired with rolled up jeans and cute accessories; I have really grown to love it. High-neck muscle tees and ripped black jeans paired with my favorite Nike's have been a go to look for me this season. Adding a nice leather saddle bag can add a touch of sophistication and balance the ensemble, in my opinion. 

Shout out to my loving sis, Melissa, for helping me take these pictures (and Dad too). I haven't taken any fashion pics lately and I was inspired to take some when my family went out to Oak Park a bit ago. I've been obsessed with this type of style for a while now and I want to know what trends you guys have been loving lately as well! Let me know in the comments. 

Old Navy High Neck Tank 

Mudd Black Distressed Jeans

Nike Free Rn Sneakers

Urban Outfitters Messenger Bag

Alex and Ani Rulers of the Wood Oak Necklace

Xoxo, Nat

I haven't done a nail polish post in so long and to be fair, I'm not that big on the #nailsonfleek trend but, I found possibly one of the most life changing (a little dramatic, Natalie) nail polishes for all you lazy nail people out there like myself. 

I've always hated doing my nails; I thought there was no hope for us girls that despise nails and all things that come with it. Until one very blessed day as I was strolling past a Walgreen's kiosk that read, "1 STEP GEL, NO LAMP", and I was instantly hooked. Wet n Wild's Wondergel has changed the nail polish game for sure. This product is only five bucks and does "wonders" on my nails, here's why:

1) They're So Opaque

I don't think I have encountered a nail polish that has the best opaqueness these do. Every time I have used these, I've only used one coat and I was done. Every color I have bought (only these three, so sad) performed beautifully.

2) They Don't Chip--EVER

I wore this polish for over two weeks and it never budged. Sometimes, with my nail polish on my toes, it never chips but, even on my fingernails nothing came off! 

3) Flash Drying Time

I couldn't compare how fast the drying time was in minutes or even seconds because it literally dries as soon as you apply it. I can be in bed and apply one coat to my nails and go to sleep as soon as I'm done it's that fast. Funny story, I painted my nails with this and immediately ate Flaming Hot Cheetos right after so, if that doesn't say it's a holy grail polish then I don't know what does. 

4) The Best Brush 

I'm never the one to get picky about a nail polish brush but, it so makes the difference! Especially this one because it's flat and can spread across the entire nail as you apply the polish. 

5) No Top Coat or Lamp Needed

There's no need for any final coat or lamp. The beauty of this polish is how easy and convenient it is to use. It looks like a gel and stays looking like a gel for so long. 

If any of you are like me and dread the chore of painting nails, please go out and try these polishes. They're super affordable and amazing quality gel polishes. Wet n Wild keeps impressing me every time they come out with new stuff so I highly recommend trying their other products out. Have you guys tried these yet?

Xoxo, Nat