Fashion Musings in today’s world, coupled with the art of self-care, is a tricky dance.

We are all going through a lot, but it seems like people are cruel to anyone who doesn’t fit their ideal of human being.

My intolerance for intolerance starts where others are intolerant of others for simply existing.

Existing in bodies and identities that cannot be changed. 

Nor should they be. 

It would seem that others in power, and in society, would rather make rules that oppress, rather than get along while living in our shared differences. 

Unfortunately, it has gotten to the point that we cannot move alongside each other in such stark and dangerous differences together when one takes a look at the genocidal tone of the past year in America and throughout the world.

I can’t believe this is the world we inhabit, yet I guess something like America’s departure from shinning star is due to happen.

How do you deal?

Hungarian Goulash

I made Hungarian Goulash from my great-great-grandma’s recipe. I tried to improvise, and I don’t think I will next time. 

It was really good; however, I just want to try her recipe down to the last detail. You know?

Just to see how she made it.

If you want a deep purple red goulash, add beets. 

For my first go around at making Hungarian Goulash, I think I did alright. It was not as good as my great-aunt’s, who made it this past summer. Hers was so good. I still dream about it. She added beets too, but hers was chef’s kiss. No notes. 

My specialty is Chicken Paprikash. That, I do have down. 

I was stunned to find how easy the goulash was to make. The flavors in the goulash make it feel like it is something truly complex. 

It’s honestly the most beautiful soup, and so rich and full of amazing nutrients. 

I really enjoyed the meal prep.

Imagine taking all the world’s frustration out on some unassuming vegetables against the grains of a cutting board.

It felt amazing to go off on some veggies. 

Hungarian Goulash is perfect for the winter months, but you can make it year round if you want. I even think Hungary has a cold cherry soup as well. Not as brave to try that yet.

The goulash, however, is divine.

Truly. 

I will link a recipe for you to try here. 

The Balaclava – Fashion Musings

Next, the balaclava.

How fun is the balaclava?

I love it so much. I have two. They can be worn as a scarf, and are such a great layering piece.

Recently I saw a knitted triangle scarf. I want one so badly now.

Maybe I should crochet or knit my own?

Right now, I have one balaclava in pink and one in cream and I am on the hunt for more cool-toned colors (mine are warmer shades right now (I bought them online), but I have been trying to wear mine any chance I get.

Here is a great knitted option offered in solid colors from Etsy seller LuxeFrStudio.

LED Light Therapy Mask – These do Look Slightly Dystopian

Now to LED masks.

I will write a review on mine. I promise, but for now, just know– they are worth every penny.

Do make sure that you research the brand of LED light therapy masks.

Short story short — applied pressure and sitting still.

Heaven.

Is it just as good as therapy? It’s a start.

I think the best thing we can do for ourselves is to find the small pockets of joy, try to be intentional, pay attention to what is going on in the world, but figure out a way to rebalance, as that is the way of resistance and resisting a fascist government.

You know?

Do I have that figured out? Also, no!

TTFN,

Nikita

The post Hungarian Goulash, Light Therapy and Fashion Musings appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

I have been wanting to try Bare Sueded Vanilla for a hot minute. 

I would not classify myself as your typical gourmand girly. However, this past year and currently, I have been known to dabble. 

My first experience with a vanilla perfume would have been with Frenshe in the scent Cashmere Vanilla (which I still stand by). I still have it. I still love it. 

Cashmere vanilla is an affordable classic that does have mood-boosting properties. I do very much need the scent boost these days.

Back to Bare Sueded Vanilla, though. 

This is a mature vanilla perfume that leans into a musky scent – an adult and mature scent, if you will. 

The dry-down is very musk heavy in the eau de parfum.

If you want a sweeter, more buttery, and vanilla scent, you will love the scent in the fine fragrance mist.

The notes are: wild saffron, creamy vanilla, and vanilla milk. 

Final thoughts on Victoria’s Secret Bare Sueded Vanilla Fragrance — A must try. 

Will I buy it in the larger bottle? I think I will. I am already half way through the 7 ml bottle. So I clearly like it.

It’s a very calm, everyday type of fragrance that isn’t too cloying, and many people enjoy it (per the reviews). 

Will you be trying this fragrance? 

Let me know in the comments.

xx,

Nikita

The post Victoria’s Secret Bare Sueded Vanilla Is That Good appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

I seriously have to shout out ME.

For once, I think I have some great tips and tricks for surviving the winter cold.

Right now, I am living for moisture and anything that gives my lips hydration, but also color. This was a deep need of mine.

You may ask, why?

You may also not even care.

But, I am someone who needs a lip color because of my high contrast coloring — my lips NEED to look like they are a deeper and cooler color — or I look washed out.

No thanks.

Lip Hydration

Night prep is crucial, and I don’t always get it right.

For instance, right now, my hands look super dry.

But when I see any scaly or dry-looking skin on myself, I reach for the OG of hydration – Aquaphor.

The next thing I love is a quick lip balm that is already coated in pigment.

If you like Clinque’s Black Honey — these Maybeline Lifter Glazes are perfect.

They add pigment, offer hydration and keep you feeling like you tried a little.

I have one in Espresso Kiss 10 and Acai Glaze.

Espresso Kiss gives a lot more pigment payoff, while Acai Glaze feels lightly pigmented.

I also love the Elf lip gloss for a slight tint as well.

Hydration for Skin During the Winter

Investing in a hydrating body wash is super helpful.

I like Olay and Method best. I really love the coconut and rice milk scent from Method body.

I also love a good bar of soap pre-body wash — and an exfoliating scrub once to twice a week.

Next, I love some options for lotions. If you want thick every day lotion — Nivea is where it’s at. If you want a thick butter — EOS will not disappoint. If you want scent, hydration and a lighter lotion – EOS lotion is where it is at.

Face & Hands Hydration

Nivea Soft Cream for the face is great. I love using the original when my skin gets dry as well.

My hands love the original for dryer months.

TTFN.

xx,

Nikita

The post Affordable Tips to Avoid Dry Lips & Skin This Winter appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Hi. Hello.

Have you discovered your essence makeup favorites yet?

I think I have.

Really, this brand has been a best kept secret from me. It never crossed my mind to try it.

Not once.

But here we are, discovering a new drugstore favorite brand.

When I find a brand I like, I go HARD.

Let me share what I have been loving.

Eyeshadow

I am so impressed with how blend-able and creamy this brand’s eyeshadow is.

Can I be honest?

My last few expensive “name brand” eyeshadow products have been a bit of a miss, and this is exactly what I have been looking for.

The “Nothing Compares to Nude” and “My Rose will Go On” are such great little compacts. Super travel friendly and the perfect shades of every color.

When I was visiting my cousin over the summer, I bought the “Benvenuto A Roma” palette and was hooked.

Mascara in “I Love Extreme”

I thought I loved Telescopic, but this is my absolute new favorite drugstore mascara.

The brush is perfect, and I am so happy to have learned this exists.

This mascara does a great job at lengthening and fanning.

I bought the waterproof on accident, but I don’t mind it.

Eyebrows – “Make me Brow” Mascara

This is an amazing product and perfect for on-the-go brows.

One thing I have to say is that they do an amazing job with the brushes and applicators on their products.

This is so easy to apply and helps to shape your brows.

Bronzer – Baby Got Bronzed

This bronzing stick should be illegal.

Apparently it is a dupe for the Milk bronzing stick at a fraction of the price.

The only con is that I don’t love the smell, but it is such an amazing product that I truly don’t care.

Baby Got Bronzed is amazing.

Lip Products

Obsessed.

So good.

Chef’s kiss.

The lip plumping gloss. Yes please. I use Candy Shop and the clear. But all of them are amazing.

They also have really great lip pencils. I have mine in the shade “First Love.”

Another fun item is their “Electric Glow” lipstick. It works with your PH levels to make your own special pink shade.

It also reminds me of the faux lipsticks we had as kids.

So fun. I also love the cheek/lip oil.

Basically it’s a great no-makeup makeup product.

Face – Essence Makeup Favorites

I love mixing the hydro primer and the poreless primer when working with more matte foundations.

They work so well together on my combo skin.

Why I Love Essence

I think I was truly blown away by their marketing and their products.

The themes of the eyeshadow kits are so thoughtful and fun.

I also love the cute PH changing makeup products and really am impressed by how well their products wear.

Not to mention the price.

Don’t sleep on essence cosmetics.

What are your essence makeup favorites?

xx

(This post was originally published Oct 2, 2023)

The post Essence Makeup Favorites – How Is the Quality This Good? appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Have you tried the new Elf Cream Glide Lip Liners? 

This makeup launch seems to me to be mostly cool-toned, with a few options for warmer tones (which, honestly, FINALLY)!

I think this line was meant to bring the higher-end makeup lines like KKW Beauty trends into the mix.

KKW Beauty launched a nude lip liner line a few years ago, and I think this brings that idea to the drugstore — which is great. Elf’s Cream Glide Lip Liners are long-lasting all by themselves. 

If you put just one thing on your lips all day, they will stay pigmented in the shade of your choosing and stay pretty hydrated as well. 

I am super impressed.

These run for $3.00 a pop.

That’s literally insane, but reflects the founding ELF prices of under $5 when they first broke out onto the scene. 

I have the colors “Mauve Aside” and “Dark Cocoa.”

Wear & Tear

Another cool thing about this lip liner is that the pencil is sturdy enough for a heavy hand, and it stays pretty sharp and dulls after multiple uses. 

Great for those of us who forget to bring our pencil sharpeners out frequently. 

This is the perfect lazy girl makeup accessory for long days. 

Inclusive Shades

Elf Cream Glide Lip Liner also comes in a variety of shade matches, meaning that all their colors should show up on light, medium, and darker skin tones.

A win is a win.

Have You Tried These Lip Liners Yet?!

xx,

Nikita

Check Out These Other Elf Lip Products I Love (Exact Product Shades)!

The post Elf Cream Glide Lip Liners The Best Liner Ever? appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

First of all —

Can I state that Trader Joe’s Summer Beauty products are absolutely it.

This summer’s products are also top-tier summer skincare perfection.

I cannot get over how amazing and lush one’s skincare experience can be as you wander down your local grocery store aisle.

Absolutely perfection.

The BEST!

Trader Joe’s Vitamin C Firming Body Butter

My number one scent perfection love of the summer.

This body butter is THICK, creamy, and is packed with goodies like glycolic acid.

Why should we care about glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling plump, fresh, and prepped for the best day/night ever!

Not only does it have amazing skincare benefits, it also smells amazing.

It smells like actual Vitamin C hitting your senses.

Don’t pass this product up.

How long will it be on shelves?

I am not sure.

You can, of course, find it on Amazon ( I will link it here).

Trader Joe’s Vitamin C Serum

I am in love with this serum.

Not only is it under $10 ( but it works so well on the skin as it is a silicone-based serum).

Vitamin C works well with sunscreen, boosting your sunscreens benefits.

Definitely worth adding to your cart next time you are in a Trader Joe’s store.

If you cannot get to your nearest Trader Joe’s — Amazon has you covered.

Marula Facial Oil

I am in LOVE with Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil. Especially during the colder months.

Dry skin repair queen.

She goes for $7 in-store.

Amazon will sell it for around $12. Still not bad.

What are the benefits of Marla facial oil? It is a great moisturizer and adds “glowing elements,” per the Trader Joe’s website.

10/10.

Lip Mask – The Laneige Lip Mask Dupe

Trader Joe’s vanilla lip mask is on the shelves year-round. I am still working on the Valentine Cherry Chocolate lip mask duo I got back in February from them.

They are super hydrating. They feel quality, and they hydrate with staying power.

Your lips are not going to get addicted to this lip product.

When I use this before bed, I wake up with the softest lips ever. LOVE!

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I have yet to try this, but I have heard good things.

Hyaluronic acid is great for keeping moisture in, therefore plumping your skin.

Great for anyone looking to add moisture to their skincare routine.

Unscented Deodorant

Did someone say scent-free, aluminum and baking soda-free deodorant?

At only $5, this is very much worth the hype.

You can use this directly after shaving with no burning sensation, pair it with your favorite daily-scents, and go about your day smell free.

Great product.

That concludes the best of the Trader Joe’s Skincare aisle for Summer!

Until next time.

xx

Nikita

More Trader Joe’s Beauty Section!

The post The Best of Trader Joe’s Summer Beauty appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Summer Ready Skincare —

It’s already mid-April — well, in just a few days that is. Can you believe it?

Time flies when you are living through diabolical times.

Ah. Hahahah. Hahahah.

I wish I was kidding.

You know what that means, don’t you?

Getting our skin ready by creating a summer-ready skincare routine.

Adjust for the Weather We Have

Adjusting for the weather we are having is the first step.

Maybe you use a less moisturizing cream in the spring and summer.

One way to do this is to introduce your lighter moisturizers to your day-time skincare slowly (now is a great time to start)

You can keep your night-time skincare going as is, or you can also opt for lighter-weight products for the evening as well. 

Make Sure You’re Double Cleansing

As the weather becomes warmer, so does the loosening of the debris and particles that frequent the air.

You’ll really want to make sure you’re getting any extra residue off of your face by sticking to a great double-cleansing skincare routine.

Double Cleansing Method

Typically, you start with an oil or cream-based cleanser.

This helps to break down any skincare and makeup you have from the day, and or skincare from the night before (before you go in with the official cleanse.

Think of this step as a pre-cleanse.

To read more about my latest oil-based cleanser, you can read that here.

Next, you’ll want to go in with your official cleanser of choice. I opt for Cetaphil, as it is a gentle cleanser and relatively cheap to add to one’s skincare regimen. 

Be Sure to Up the Sunscreen

This is by far the most important step for warm and sunny weather.

You should always wear sunscreen during the day all year, but you especially need it in the summertime.

As technology and education in skincare advance, it is to be noted that the best sunscreen is going to be a mineral sunscreen formula with non-comedogenic properties. 

Check out my last post on sunscreens here.

Shop Quality Sunscreen’s Here

Invest in Layering Pieces and SPF Approved Sunglasses

When you think of layers, think of linen shirts, hats, sunglasses, and protective gear.

I would even say that aloe vera is a layering piece just in case you’ve had too much sun.

Cute Baseball Hats

Protective Tops

Sunglasses

Those are all my tips.

Let me know if I missed anything in the comments.

Probably a lip gloss. Opt for a UV-approved lip gloss to protect your lips, and a great sunscreen for the rest of your body.

That’s all for now.

TTFN!

xx,

Nikita

The post How To Create Summer Ready Skincare appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Patrick Ta’s She’s Blushing Dupe —

Did I discover a blush shade that nearly matches Patrick Ta’s shade of She’s Blushing for a mere $3.99? I think I did.

Last year I created a makeup tutorial based on professional MUA (makeup artist) Melissa Hurkman‘s work (here was the inspiration photo).

I will link the video of the tutorial I did below.

Finding the Perfect Dupe Accidentally

While I had just purchased the Patrick Ta shade of She’s a Doll —

I remember trying to find the exact shade that was used in the photo (that was on the model) and looked to get it ASAP – 
Something about this makeup look had me really wanting to see what this blush would look like on my skin tone. 

However, this shade of blush was extremely hard to track down at first, so I ended up going directly to his website to buy it.

In the waiting process, I perused the drugstore’s makeup section, found the Wet n’ Wild Color Icon line, and flipped my lid. 

I was like – this shade looks perfect. I think I bought three of the four shades because I just fell in love with them on sight. 
Finally, when the Patrick Ta blush of She’s Blushing arrived, I compared the two – A nearly perfect powder blush match. 

Budget Friendly Tip

Now, I do think it is important to cater to all budgets for the necessities – and makeup is exactly that (you can fight me).

You shouldn’t have to shell out lots of money to put great makeup/skincare on your face. 

That is silly. 

Patrick Ta Blush Reviews

I really love the Patrick Ta blushes, but I also love that I stumbled upon a similar shade of his current blush line simply because it made it more accessible and available to more people. 

If you want to buy the Patrick Ta blushes I say go for it.

They are super pigmented, and they do offer a blush-lighter kind of effect.

They come in at just under $40.00 (for now, lol)

Definitely check out his blush application tutorial because it is a superb product when used and applied correctly, but using it without concentrating can sometimes lead to a patchy blush application. 

Dupe Liquid Blush Layer Paired with Wet n’ Wild’s Color Icon Blush

I really recommend playing around with either cool-toned berry blushes or a cool nude liquid blush.

Profusion Cosmetics has amazing liquid blushes. 

To get the perfect nude brown duo, I use Sangria and pair it with Wet n’ Wild’s Color Icon Powder Blush in the shade Farde (Naked Brown). 

Does it Compare?

I do say that it does, honestly.

The packaging is pretty lightweight and looks like a typical drugstore item, but the product itself is very comparable. 

Patrick Ta’s ingredients are of a higher quality and appear to be talc-free, whereas Wet n’ Wild’s first blush ingredient is talc.

So that is something to be mindful of. 

With that being said — I think if you were looking for a more affordable option with similar wear but cheaper and potentially more harmful ingredients – shoot your shot with the Color Icon line from Wet n’ Wild.

Patrick Ta Blush’s Mentioned

She’s Blushing.

She’s a Doll.

Wet N’ Wild Color Icon Shades – Patrick Ta’s She’s Blushing Dupe

• Naked Brown (She’s Blushing Dupe Shade).

• Bed of Roses

• Pinch Me

• Mellow Wine

• Nudist Society

This shade also resembles Patrick Ta’s newest red blush — Wet n’ Wild has also released a shade of red that also looks stunning but is slightly less intense.

I will need to try.

That does it for this blog post.

Let me know if you’ll try the dupe or stick to the OG.

xx,

Nikita

The post Patrick Ta’s She’s Blushing Dupe for $3.99 & Does it Compare to its Rival shade? appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Have you tried the Centella Madagascar Cleansing Oil yet?

I was at Costco and began looking for a replacement makeup remover to the brand Versed, which I usually get a Target (due to my not shopping at Target, it was onto a new adventure). 

Picking up the dual packaging via Costco was such a deal – I believe it was just under $25 for the two bottles. I gave one to my mom and kept one for myself.

What I really like about this product is that the packaging is simple and elevated, so every time you reach for it, you feel like you are having a calming spa experience after a long day.

What I Love About Centella Cleansing Oil

Centella Madagascar Cleansing Oil does an amazing job of loosening up a full face of makeup and is a great double cleanse partner to my Cetaphil, which I use, directly after I wash the cleansing oil off my face.

No matter what you have on your face, whether that be sunscreen, skincare from the night before, or makeup – it loosens up any lingering product so that when you do your full cleanse, nothing is left on your skin.

It also doesn’t leave a burning or stripped barrier sensation on the skin. 

As a cleanser, it genuinely feels very calming, cooling, and gentle. 

This product is also non-comedogenic and does a great job of releasing whiteheads (if you leave it on for a few minutes before washing off) and generally claims to “dissolve excess sebum.”

Who is This Product For?

Centella Madagascar Cleansing Oil covers all skin types (oily, sensitive, to normal). 

As a product, this has such a great and lightweight feel, and because it has calming, hydrating, and light exfoliating properties, you know your skin is getting a great pre-cleanse. ‘

Not only that, but this product is cruelty-free, free of artificial fragrances, and is a safe product for the environment per the EWG Grade rating. 

It’s definitely not an overly expensive product, but it also isn’t a drugstore price.

Things I Noticed When Using the Cleansing Oil

If I wanted to double cleanse with this product, I absolutely could.

As a cleanser, this reminds me of a product for the people who just slap water on their face as they start their day.

I think it offers something for everyone if I am going to be honest.

I think my skin reacted well to it, and I did not have any issues. However, this is pretty standard for me, so please test the product out on your skin before using it.

My #1 Tip

When I want to experience a deeper clean, I do let it sit on my skin until it’s dry. Afterward, I go wash it off and can usually see some grossness lifted from my pores.

I know that sounds so disgusting, but it is honestly such a gentle way to loosen up anything that needs to be let go within the pores. 

I do love that aspect of it. 

My Recap

To compare this to a cleansing balm would be a mistake.

This is 100% a cleansing oil and feels completely different.

Where a cleansing balm leaves a comforting cast of slide and thickness, this oil lays like water and allows the makeup, sunscreen, and skincare to slosh at a layer above the skin.

They say to add this cleansing oil and then mix in water — I say, yeah. Do that.

So, if you were on the fence about this cleansing oil, or were in the market for a new cleansing oil — I do highly recommend this Centella Cleansing Oil.

xx,

Nikita

The post Centella Madagascar Cleansing Oil Makes Skincare Easier for Most appeared first on Bella Kate 22.

Fall is here, and winter is approaching, and I wanted to share the best cool-toned lip liners for those who lean neutral cool to cool.

All from the drugstore.

These will not disappoint. I promise.

Another great part about these lip liners — they are super long-lasting.

You cannot go wrong.

Berry Toned-Lip Liner

Finding your perfect pink liner as someone who leans cool can be hard.

Really hard in fact.

You won’t go wrong with Maybelline’s Lifter Liner in the shade “Fine Line.”

This shade has been my ride-or-die since discovering it almost five months ago.

It is a creamy, long-lasting liner that truly gets the job done, and it layers well with almost everything. 

This shade is the perfect berry-toned pink.

I know that warmer pinks are often sold to the masses as a great basic lip staple, but they don’t work well on everyone (*raises my hand*).

The trick is to find the shade that matches your actual lip shade closely.

This shade blends really well into my skin — overall, I find it a great match.

I think many will love this shade if they have a similar undertone and complexion to mine.

Another great berry option from the drugstore is Palladio’s lip pen in the shade “Berry.”

The Perfect Red for a Cool-Toned Lady

Finding a perfect red liner is also sometimes hard if you lean cool.

I found the perfect red, again from the Maybelline’s Lifter Liner Collection.

The shade is called — “Main Character.”

It’s a perfect blend of brick red, berry, and brown.

I love that it goes well with my warmer red lipsticks (and my cooler red lipsticks).

The Lifter Liner range from Maybelline has something for everyone.

I cannot recommend these products enough.

A Perfect Nude for a Cool Toned Lip Liner

NYX has two shades I need to get.

Currently, I have the shade “Natural.” It leans too warm but is almost a perfect match for my skin tone.

The two perfect brown liners from NYX are going to be–

No Equivalent – a true nude brown and Make a Statement, which is more of a deeper brown, perfect for sculpting the lip and doing a true 90’s deep brown liner.

Palladio also has really great lip liner’s for a cool-toned individual.

I love Palladio’s lip stain pain in the shade Mocha, and their retractable cream lip pencil in the shade “Sand.”

Let me know if you try these.

I really hope you enjoy these price-friendly gems just as much as I do.

xx,

Nikita

The post The Best Cool Toned Lip Liners from the Drugstore appeared first on Bella Kate 22.