Review: Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray

$5-25, Sephora

I am like Don Quixote with dry shampoos. I'm always looking for some impossible dream. This is what comes from having an oily scalp and dry ends (too many washes make my hair terrible, but not enough makes me look like a programmer). Also, it takes my hair FOREVER to dry, so it's nice to have some dry shampoo on a day where you're almost late for work/class.

Review: ColorProof CrazySmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner

I got these samples in the Mother's Day special edition Glossybox. Apparently, you have to buy them at salons, because I could only find one shady seller on Amazon. I always like trying new shampoos and conditioners, but these were just meh.

Review: Dr. Jart Premium BB

$39, Sephora

Oil City.

Review: Radical Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads

$95, Space NK

I got my first facial ever last week and apparently I have thin skin on my cheeks. Who knew? This means that I can't use physical exfoliants and need to stick with chemical exfoliants. Which is just fine with me, since I like the convenience of these exfoliating pads. 

Unfortunately, this brand is not that effective. I think, again, it's the age-defying properties, when really I need something for oiliness or acne. It didn't really do anything for my skin, but it also didn't make it any worse. In terms of controlling break-outs, I definitely think the Peter Thomas Roth exfoliating pads were more effective with the acne. 

I only got a sample of 14 pads, so perhaps you need more time to see any real results. I liked how the pads didn't smell like crap and they weren't too sticky. One of the first five ingredients is alcohol, which is kind of a no-no, so on that alone, I wouldn't purchase these again. Finally, in terms of just exfoliating, I don't think these work as well as a physical exfoliating wash.

tl;dr: Not that effective. Other (much cheaper) options are better.

The Weekly Gimme: Zara Chain Sandal

$49.99, Zara

These would have been the perfect graduation shoes, had I jumped on them fast enough. However, in the six hours since I saw them while in BarBri and I went home and finished all of my chores, my size sold out. Alas.

I might buy them after graduation when they come back in stock, because I'm still looking for a metallic sandal. I recently bought a pair of pumps from Zara, and I was so pleased with their quality and fit, as well as the shipping speed. I rarely have any luck in-store at Zara, but their e-retail experience is excellent. 

Things I Bought: May Edition

This month, it's not "Things I Like" but rather "Things I Bought." The reason for this is that I had such a successful month of shopping and also lounging that I haven't had time to try out all of my new things yet. These are just a few of the new purchases I'm most excited about.

Review: Baby Foot

$24.99, Amazon

The picture I have makes this product seem more legit it is. Apparently, it is huge in Japan (surprise, surprise). I read about it on some fashion magazine/blog and decided to try it, since I have gross feet because I never wear socks and wear my Rainbows everywhere. I've had a crack on my foot for the past two years.

Anyway, I decided to fritter away twenty-five bucks and try this out. (I also went overboard and purchased ten cookbooks in the same purchase). Sometimes, when I'm driving, I still think about that twenty-five bucks.

The Weekly Gimme: State Pride Necklace

$42, Kris Nations

I've only been in BarBri for ten minutes and I already hate it. But that's a good excuse to do a little more blogging. Anyway, I don't remember where I originally saw this necklace (The Free People sale section I think, and the only state remaining was Florida--ha) but I love the idea of it.

The problem is I'm not sure which one to purchase. Illinois? Massachusetts? I settled on Georgia mostly because I think it's the cutest state. The closer my move to London looms, the more I want to gather all sorts of American reminders to bring with me. All Americans in London are always more patriotic than when they're back in the States.

Review: Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

$42, Sephora

The Weekly Gimme: Lo and Sons O.M.G. Bag

$295/$275, Lo & Sons

I'm really susceptible to "in the know" items. These are pieces that aren't super famous (e.g., Longchamps) but a certain echelon of professionals are all aware of. The Lo and Sons O.G. and O.M.G. bags are popular among fashion bloggers for being roomy, sleek and pretty  much perfect.

Although I don't think I would carry this bag for day to day purposes, I would use it as a gym bag or as an overnight bag or as a larger carry-on for business trips (how profesh!). This is going to be a difficult decision though, should I go with the smaller O.M.G. or the larger O.G.? What color? (They have black, purple, and an army green). I recently purchased a new set of Tumi luggage, so I should probably choose a color that is complementary. 

The Weekly Gimme: Pim + Larkin Large Link Necklace

$58, Piperlime

Doesn't jewelry seem expensive? It's so much smaller than an article of clothing, and yet it's always more expensive. You can often find nice clothes for cheap, but it's extremely rare to find nice jewelry for cheap. I don't like to wear jewelry that pretends to be expensive, because even normal people can generally see through that. 

This necklace is not studded with diamonds or other gems, and it's so thick that it's obviously not made from gold. The not-found-in-nature bright blue adds a nice touch that makes it different from a normal chain necklace.