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Urban Decay Naked Palette Review 

Hello Lovelies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) Welcome to palette review week! To get things going I thought I would start with a classic, Urban Decay's Naked palette. This little guy has been around for almost five years now and I don't think I need to tell you how much of a following it still has. Everyone and their grandmother has this palette. They have also all reviewed it by now. The thing is, I just purchased mine. I'm pretty excited about it and I wanted to review it as someone who has heard about it for years and just now purchased one. I was a bit late to the makeup world. I'm 22 years old and just now diving into all that makeup has to offer. I thought maybe this review would be helpful for anyone out there who is also a late bloomer or anyone (at any age) who is just starting their makeup collection :)

Urban Decay's Naked palette. Where to start? 

In terms of packaging, it is a cardboard case that has a magnetized closure. The outside is a nice, soft brown velvet and the word Naked is embellished in gold on the front. It is really pretty, although the magnetized closure isn't ideal for throwing in your makeup bag. I think I am going to have to use this palette strictly at my vanity because of it. 

This palette comes with 12 neutral eyeshadows and has a very bronze/warm tone throughout. If you are a bigger fan of cool tones then I would suggest coming back tomorrow when I am reviewing the Naked 2 palette. I think that the warm tones in this palette can compliment any skin tone but if you naturally have more yellow undertones in your skin, or have a warmer completion, then this is the perfect palette for you to start off with. The tones in this beautifully compliment warm skin tones and it supplies you with the perfect shades for everyday wear, while also allowing you to transition into evening wear.

Out of the 12 shades in the palette two are matte, while the remaining ten are shimmer shadows. If you are looking for a great matte palette, then this is not going to be up your alley. In my opinion you are supplied with the only matte shades that you really need to complete any eyeshadow look. You are given both a light (naked) and medium (buck) brown option, which are both perfect for your crease. The ten shimmery shades vary in their degree of intensity. You have your darker shades, which are a bit subtler, and then your medium shades that can pack a punch in terms of shine. 

 (Naked & Buck)

(In the below mentioned order)

My favorite shades have quickly become Sidecar, Half Baked (which is also in the Naked 2 palette), Smog, and Toasted. These are all shimmer shades and in my opinion are all extremely gorgeous. 

(Bottom to Top: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked)

(Bottom to Top:Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal)

(Bottom to Top: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal)

The consistency and formula of all of the shades is obviously marvelous. They are so creamy that I can only describe them as having a buttery consistency. I have found that I have to build the matter shades a bit more then the shimmer ones, but that could just be because my palette is new and sometimes mattes take a while to wear down. The color pay off and pigmentation in this palette is incredible. You only need to slightest amount to complete a look. The value for money here is just impeccable. In my opinion the $54 is well worth it for what you are purchasing. This palette is going to last for ages and because of its neutral tones it's never going to go out of style. It must have taken a lesson from T. Swift on that concept ;)

The Urban Decay Naked palette is available online at urbandecay.com or online & in stores at Ulta and Sephora. 

Holy Ground

Mini Target Haul 

Hello Lovelies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) I recently got to go shopping for a few things for spring! I'm sad to see the sweaters & scarves go but I also love acquiring new clothes when the season changes. I headed to Target because that is my go to place for dresses and in the spring time I wear a ton of dresses. I actually ended up only buying one dress though, which is unusual for me. Instead I bought a few maxi skirts. I have never owned one before but I have been loving the ones I bought. Since all of the things I bought happen to still be in stores I figured I would do a little post about them to show y'all some of the stuff they have right now. I got a few bathing suit tops and regular tops as well, so it is a bit of everything!

I'm gonna just break everything down by category because that seems like the easiest approach. All of the items below are linked if you hover over their bolded title :)

Intimates

Gilligan & O'Malley Unlined Lace Bra in Mochaccino

I had an unlined bra that my bestie Casie had given me when her sister gave her a few Victoria's Secret bras that were to small for her. I didn't think it would like that it didn't have a lining but it had turned out to be my favorite bra of all time! I needed another one that was a little bigger though, as my boobies have decided to grow slightly!

Swimwear

Xhilaration Color Blocking Triangle Bikini Top 

I got this top with my best friend Amanda and she really didn't like it. The reason I bought it anyways is because the other top I bought does no show my chest and every year I run into the problem of my chest not tanning to the same color as the rest of my body! I figured this one would be good for evening out my tan and for while I'm out on the boat/riding the jet skis :)

Xhilaration Midi Bandeau Bikini Top 

I definitely like this top better! It is cuter and more flattering. The only thing is that it is strapless so I have to be careful of what I do when I'm wearing it. I like that because my chest isn't that large, I don't have any cleavage in the lines that are cut out down the front. It is cute without being to revealing!

Tops

Xhilaration Fringe Kimono in Black

I didn't jump on this trend train last year because I was a little hesitant on whether or not I actually liked the style but at the beginning of fall I really regretted that I had never bought one. I didn't get one then because I thought they would go out of style by the time I could wear it again. I am glad I was wrong! I think I'll buy another one even :)

Crop Ballet Tee in Black 

I got this top to go with my maxi skirt but it had actually turned out to be pretty cute with my high waisted jeans. It is so comfortable while also looking like I tried. That's my perfect combination!

Mossimo Supply Co. Lace Yoke Tank in Dog Bone 

I bought this top to wear with my boot to the rodeo here. My boots are brown but they have teal detailing, which can make it hard to pair them with things. I usually for for something that is off-white/cream. I like the lace on the back with the little button detail!

St. Patrick's Day Tee 

I enjoyed this one so much that I am already planning to wear it again even though it isn't St. Patrick's Day anymore :)

Bottoms

Xhilaration A Line Skirt & Top Set 

This set is so adorable and very similar to a set that I have mentioned in my favorite before. I got that set last year around this time and have worn it into the ground! I have a feeling this one will get just as much use :)

Mossimo Supply Co. Printed Maxi Skirt in Teal 

This pattern is a little more bright and bold than I would usually go for but I figured if I was going to step out of my comfort zone and buy the skirt that I might as well get one that would make a statement!

Massimo Supply Co. Printed Maxi Skirt in Black 

This is my favorite pattern that I bought. I originally got it because it had a longhorn in the pattern and my university mascot happens to be a longhorn, but it turns out I just love this one. I'm glad I picked it up.

Dresses

Xhilaration Back Cutout Dress in Green 

I am in love with this dress. It has a high neckline, which is my favorite cut. It also has cutouts on the back, and I love for there to be something cute about the back of things. This green is so pretty too! I think it really compliments my skin tone and is a nice addition to my wardrobe because I didn't have anything like it.

I have had this stuff for a while now, but it is all still in the store. I did a little run through at my local Target just to be sure I wasn't showing y'all anything you couldn't get your hands on! I have been loving everything I bought. I've gotten a lot of use out of the things already and it is barely spring! I am looking forward to all of the other spring clothes I will accumulate over the next few months. Of course everything I am getting for spring will also be perfect for summer but I don't doubt that I will also buy some pieces when summer rolls around! What can I say? I love clothes :) Let me know in the comments what your favorite store for spring time is! I'm always looking for suggestions! And let me know if you want a post with a few pictures around Austin with me wearing my new stuff :)

I Learned That From You

Palette Review Week Announcement 

Hello Lovlies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) I have an announcement! I decided that this upcoming week I am going to do a different palette review every single day! I haven't ever done a theme week, so I am pretty excited about it. I am going to do a new post Monday-Friday of next week and do a different eyeshadow palette each day. Special guests may include Urban Decay, Too Faced & Lorac. Check back here each day to find out. I hope you're as excited as I am! 

Let me know in the comments if there is any other themed week you would love to see or any palette you're dying to hear about :) 

Crazy In Love

March Favorites 

Hello Lovelies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) March has gone by much to quickly! It has been a beautiful month. I've just had so much love around me lately and it makes life that much more lovely. These are some of the things I have simply been adoring this month! 

Fashion

Halter Crop Top 

I think I featured this shirt on my favorites last year, but I recently rediscovered it. I have been wearing it a ton with skirts and with my new kimono! I just love the halter shape on me. I think it is really flattering. 

Longhorn Maxi Skirt 

When I bought this skirt (at Target) I wasn't totally sure about it. I had never owned a maxi skirt before and I didn't know if I liked the way it looked on me but over the last month I have fallen in love. I throw it on all the time and I get compliments on the pattern lots :)

Accessories

Sunflower Headband

When spring rolls around I always take it as a sign that I should start wearing flower headbands again. I love floral headbands. I think they are so pretty. I know some people think they are childish or basic but I don't really care what anyone else thinks. I wear what I like! 

Beauty

Benefit Roller Lash 

I was hesitant to purchase this mascara because I am not a huge plastic brush fan but I am glad I took the chance. I actually used some of my Ulta points to purchase it so I got a $24 mascara for $16, which I thought was pretty impressive. Speaking of impressive, this mascara is seriously on point. I am going to do an entire review on it because it is just to good not to. 

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette 

I love this palette. If you are a neutrals kind of girl (or boy!) then you will love this. Go buy it. Now. Like really, right now. 

My Pedicure

I don't know what it is about this pedicure but I love it. I have not stopped talking about my toes since I got it. This color is just gorgeous! I am going to have to buy it. 

Food

Any Iced Coffee 

I love iced coffee on a hot day and considering the fact that I study at a coffee place nearly everyday, I have been having a lot of iced coffee!

Entertainment

50 Shades of Grey Series 

Yes, I am embarrassed to include this but I am supposed to be talking about my favorite things and this series has been a HUGE part of my March! I started reading the books because my best friend Clay really wanted me to see the movie with him. The thing with me is that if I am going to see a movie that was a book originally, I have to read the book first. The book is just always better. It was, in case you were wondering. I got so hooked on the storyline that I have read all three this month. Keep in mind that the movie didn't even come out until Valentine's Day and I started reading a good while after that. I am almost done with the third book and I am already sad that it is ending. Give the series a chance if you like character driven things. The writing isn't the best but it doesn't mater when you like the characters :) 

Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding 

I am obsessed with this song. I listen to it on repeat in my car and in my apartment and while I am sitting at Starbucks writing this post! It is so good. It is catchy and upbeat and Ellie's voice sounds so wonderful!

Spring is officially here and so is April! I hope that your April is filled with flowers and sunshine :) 

Love Me Like You Do

Spring Has Sprung 

Hello Lovlies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) That spring weather has officially decided to show its face here in the beautiful ATX area. This change came perfectly timed with the arrival of spring break. Though it isn't my favorite season, I was still excited to see the season change! I will miss a lot of things from the colder seasons but I am looking forward to so many of the things that are coming along with the warmer weather! Everything just seems to come to life in the Spring. It's like the flowers blooming and the sun shinning make people feel alive again after all of the cold months. Autumn is my favorite season but one thing that it does lack in comparison to the Spring is the sunshine beating down! Over spring break I managed to get a tan while out and about having a blast! I got to sit out by the pool, go out on the boat, and go to a few shows at SXSW (which even as an ATX native, was my first time attending the event). 

Along with the arrival of spring a lot of other things that I love are going to start to happen and here is a list of just a few of the things that I will be enjoying this spring 2015!

Iced Coffee

Iced Tea

Iced Everything!

Spring Break

Sunshine

Glowing/Tan Skin

Poolside Time

Going On The Lake

Flowers Blooming 

Dresses

Skirts

Sandals 

Flowers In My Hair 

Rodeo

Concerts 

Baseball Season
Bluebonnets

Bright Nails 

Easter Sunday

Country Music

Windows Rolled Down

All of this sunshine had just been making me so happy that I needed to acknowledge it in a post :) What is your favorite thing about the Spring time? Anything you're looking forward to in the next few months? Let me know in the comments! Let's make this Spring the best it can be!

Winner At A Losing Game

Liebster Award Nomination 

Hello Lovelies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) So I was sweetly nominated for a Liebster Award by the lovely Alexandra of Doing Life My Way*. I have never been nominated for anything here in the blog world before and figured it would be fun to participate in this little chain. It's always nice to get involved in the community we have in the wonderful corner of the internet that is blogging. 

I am going to jump right into it but first some rules: 

1. Link the person who nominated you.

2. List eleven facts about yourself. 

3. Answer the eleven questions asked by the person who graciously nominated you. 

4. Nominate eleven other bloggers. 

5. Ask the people you have nominated eleven of your own questions. 

6. Let the people you nominated know that you have picked them and leave them the link to your questions :) 

Eleven Facts About Me 

1. I am a Sagittarius, which is a fire sign.  

2. I am secretly scared to press publish every time I finish a blog post. 

3. I try and say I was born & raised in Texas but I was actually born in California. I didn't come to Texas until I was 11 months old. 

4. I love to play the Lego Indian Jones & Marvel Superheroes video games with my best friend Clay. 

5. I have read multiple books and watched multiple documentaries on the Kennedy family. I think they are so fascinating. 

6. I am so worried about not being able to have a baby that, at 22, I already want to do fertility tests. 

7. My favorite color is mint. 

8. Sometimes I think I am actually prettier without makeup on. 

9. On more than one occasion I have spent an entire Saturday in bed reading a book from cover to cover. 

10. I desperately want to start making videos but am far to anxious to start.  

11. When I look at "The Dress" I see white & gold. 

The Eleven Questions Alexandra Asked Me

Question One: What is your favorite blog?

A: The blog that ultimately got me hooked on blogs was Zoe Sugg's, so I think she deserves the spot as my favorite. 

Question Two: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

A: I have had a dream list of destination since before I was even in school but that list has grown exponentially as I have gotten older. I think that if I could pick up right now and go that the place on my list I'd choose is London, England. 

Question Three: What is your favorite app? 

A: Considering that every time I pick up my phone I open Instagram I think I am somehow required to pick it. 

Question Four: Favorite high street shop?

A: Umm... I live in the US and I'm not entirely sure what high street shops are. I mean I hear all of my favorite Brits on Youtube talk about high street a lot but I don't think we have one of those here. *makes awkward face*

Question Five: What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started blogging? 

A: "You are going to fall in love with this new 'casual hobby' and then realize that it is a huge commitment. Have fun learning time management skills!" 

Question Six: What is your fashion essential? 

A: I think that the answer to this could easily just be dresses because almost my entire closet is filled with them but when it boils down to it the thing I really can't finish an outfit without is a cardigan. 

Question Seven: What is your favorite makeup brand? 

A: If I am answering in terms of drug store then I have been loving all things Rimmel London. If this is referring more to Ulta & Sephora brand then I think that right now I'd have to go with Too Faced; I've just been loving their stuff. 

Question Eight: What is your favorite food? 

A: Well if I could choose to eat anything everyday I think it would have to be chips & queso, so I think I've got my answer! 

Question Nine: What would your dream job be?

A: I would love for this hobby to become my job, or at least to make enough money doing it to support the hobby itself! Makeup & clothes are expensive! 

Question Ten: Sweet or Savory? 

A: Savory for days. 

Question Eleven: What is your favorite movie? 

A: The answer to this question has changed so many times over my 22 years but right now it is a toss up between Pretty Woman & Clue, because those two movies have so much in common... not! 

I nominate Christina, Emma Louise, Natalie, Jade, Lauren Morgan, Theresa, Anne, Valerie, Katie, Aileen & El.*

My Eleven Questions For My Nominees 

1. Dream place to live?

2. What is the most played song in your music library?

3. Coffee or Tea. Why?

4. What is your favorite Disney movie of all time?

5. If you could only wear makeup or style your hair for the rest of your life, which would you pick? 

6. Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?

7. What is your favorite blog post you've ever written? Leave us the link :)

8. What is your favorite season?

9. If you could do any one thing with no consequences, what would it be? 

10. You can only read blogs or watch Youtube videos from now on. Which do you pick? 

11. If you could only recommend one makeup product, what would it be?


That's all of my questions answered & asked! I hope you enjoyed this post :)

*Linked if hovered over. 

After The Storm

Feeling Overwhelmed. 

"And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there, with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair."

-After The Storm, Mumford & Sons 

Hello Lovelies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) Have you ever had one of those days or weeks or months where things are just hard? Something is happening in your life that is on your mind no matter what you are doing, and it makes you feel as if you aren't fully doing anything you attempt to. Well I have been having one of those months. Distraction after distraction is popping up in my life. Not distractions such as Netflix. I am talking about distractions that are serious and I am drowning in all of the effort I am having to put into just walking out the door lately. There is so much happening that doing my daily tasks is just daunting. Sitting in class or being at work is a welcome distraction but it is also hard to focus on what I am doing. I usually try to only put positive energy out into the world because I feel like there is enough negative energy out there without my contributing to it, but things have just been hard lately. Has anyone else been in this place? I know that things get hard for everyone but something about the way I am feeling is having the side effect of making me feel alone. Even when I talk about the things happen in my life, I still feel like I am just not making any sense to anyone. That's when I can talk to someone about it. I don't really like to tell people about problems I am having because I know that they have their own problems and I don't want to burden them with mine as well. In the grand scheme of things my problems aren't even that big. I know that. It's just that they are consuming my thoughts and my time. I was sick for entire week this month and it just made me feel stretched thin trying to get everything done. The hardest thing right now is that my dad might be sick and due to problems with tests and with scheduling we have been waiting to find out what is wrong for weeks. We know that the answer might not be good, which is hard enough to handle but when you add in this element of just sitting around and waiting, it is nearly unbearable. One of my favorite quotes is "And if you can't say yes, answer anyway. Because I'd rather live with the answer than die with the question." because I ultimately would rather know, even if it isn't what I want to hear. I don't want my dad to be sick but if he is then I want to know. I want to know what we can do moving forward and then start working towards a solution. I don't like sitting around with no control over the situation. I worry so much. I also recently found out that one of my dearest friends is moving to another state in the fall. I am so used to having him here with me and going through life together that when I heard the news I just cried. It was a release of all of the things I have been bottling up but it also was just out of sadness for losing the current dynamic we have together. I have also been having problems in the dating area, which is all new to me. I've been single for four years and jumping into the dating pool has proven to be difficult. It isn't the biggest problem ever but adding it into my life when I am already spread so thin is just making it seem like no relationship is worth it. I know that all of these things might seem very trivial to you but they have just been making my life feel out of control. I have just been so busy and then adding all of these things that I can't get off my mind to the equation has been making me feel so overwhelmed. 

I know that this isn't my typical kind of post but I started this blog as an outlet for expressing myself and I have just been feeling so overwhelmed, lost, and alone that I wanted to use this space to express all of that. I think I will feel better if I just release some of my thoughts out into the world and try to clear my mind a bit. If you are feeling this way now or ever have I think that a great thing to keep in mind is that the best moments in your life wouldn't seem nearly as wonderful if you had never experienced difficult times. It is all a part of your story and will ultimately lead you toward where you are supposed to be going.