This music is giving me the feels... Bastille

     


     Ok, ok, so you know who Bastille is, right? They sing Pompeii, that super popular song on the radio?
If you still don't know who they are, search that shit up. Do it now.
     As it often happens I was pretty neutral about this group. I liked Pompeii, but a YouTube search of their songs didn't help their case. Until I gave them a real listen and realized they were wonderful and that I need to stop making jump judgements about music. 
     Lyrically, they're a powerhouse of intelligent messages. Creatively, just listen to the plethora of covers they've made to see that they've got a style all their own that's modern but not noisy. I'm going to risk sounding like an old geezer, but that's my problem with a lot of music these days- you end up with a bunch of beeps and contrived bass drops. Not Bastille, they use the electronic stuff to compliment their songs, not drown them out.
Here's a list of my favorite songs so far:
1. Pompeii (duh)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90Cw4l-8NY

2. No Angels (a cover of No Scrubs by TLC. Wow, just wow.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JjXAZlaelA

3. Flaws (the lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDoU-gE2AXA

4. Oblivion (also the lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYisBWNtO0

5.Things We Lost in the Fire (ditto on the lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYRqIAuY9IQ

6. We Can't Stop cover (this is incredible)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXyghHCJOT8

     Note that I'm still in the process of discovering them, so if anyone has suggestions let me know in the comments. It doesn't have to be about Bastille only, either. Let's discover beautiful music together!
Much Love,
                   Vicky

Things I Wish I'd Known in Middle School: Makeup Edition

Middle school was the era of face-palms when it came to my makeup. Here are a few of the things that I wish I'd known back in those pre-pubescent days.

1.  Eyeliner Placement- You already know I used to just put eyeliner on the bottom lash-line. Not on the waterline or anything subtle, just a thick black line under my eyes. 

Freud is not pleased. Freud is not pleased at all.

 Only putting it there creates a really bottom heavy look that's unflattering on basically everyone. If you're a beginner at eyeliner, here's a quick tip: carefully position the pencil on the inside of the outer corner of your upper waterline (the space between your eyelashes and your eyeball). Keeping it there, close your eyes (the pencil should be on the inside but not touching your actual eye, be careful) and run it back and forth. This is an easy way of lining both the top and bottom waterline.

2. Mascara Exists- 

I was a mascara hater up until ninth grade. I had naturally long, full eyelashes so I never thought I needed it, but always wondered why I looked so strange after doing my eye shadow. I was missing mascara, that's why. After you put powders and creams around your eye, it can settle on your eyelashes. If for that reason alone, start trying out mascaras and find one that makes your eyelashes look nice and long without clumping. 

3. It's Not One-Look Fits All- I had a penchant for rocker looks like that of Avril Lavigne, Taylor Momsen and a bunch of other uber pale chicks with fair hair... that look nothing like me. 

Not that I can't rock  those looks, but it takes some tweaking. I have olive-toned skin and I look better in bronzes than I do in stark grey and black  smokey eyes. Look for makeup inspiration in pictures of celebrities or Youtube gurus that look a little like you. Try new things but don't stubbornly stick to one thing if it doesn't work out time and time again.

4. Practice Makes Perfect- My first time doing my makeup was, well, atrocious. 

     Relax. It took me three years to figure it out, and you'll do even better because you have YouTube (and me, of course :)! If you've got a dance or some other event you want to go all out for, practice the makeup a few days in advance.
5. Not Wearing Makeup isn't Fatal- 

No way.

     Yeah, way. You probably don't need makeup, especially if you're just entering sixth grade. I know makeup seems really cool, but mostly teenagers use it to cover up the horrendous pimples they get. Enjoy your baby skin while you can!

   
     I hope this was helpful to all of you who just started school! Enjoy middle school, and try not to face palm too hard when you make mistakes, it happens to the best of us.
Much Love,
                    Vicky

Review: L'oreal Coloure Riche Balm

     

I don't hate this. Actually, it's quite nice. It's hydrating, gives you a really sheer wash of color, smells nice... However, I have a problem with this balm: it costs anywhere from 6- 10 dollars.

 FOR A LIP BALM.
     As a balm it's not extaordinary enough to warrant crossing above the five dollar threshold, and I mean that in both the sense of hydration and the wash of color. Honestly, the only difference between this and a stick of Burt's Bees is the fancy packaging, which I'll admit sets my heart a-flutter with the beautiful gold details and translucent cap. I can promise you the heart stops fluttering when you realize that you just spent your money on an overpriced tube of Chapstick, though, so I'd personally forgo this in favor of something a little more economical.
Comment if you have your own thoughts or suggestions for something else to review!
Much Love,  
                  Vicky

Come Along With Me! Brunch With the Besties

      I don't know what was better. Hanging out with my two best friends or the eggs Benedict that I tried for the first time today....
      It was the eggs.
      Just kidding. Not really. I don't know, it's really close.
Now that I'm done being a food douche, let me recommend what is probably the best brunch place on the face of the earth: Crackers. Located in the town of Miami Springs, just across the water, it's a hidden gem that made my stomach fall in love the way my heart has yet to do.
      I would post a picture of my plate, but SOMEONE WHO OWNS AN ACTUAL PHONE WITH A CAMERA forgot to do this. Mind you, this person isn't me. My phone can call people... and that's it. It's about as smart as a pear. I'm type-yelling at my best friend Nathalie who's sitting next to me as I write this. She just made an obscene gesture. There you have her, Internet.
      Anyway, today was a great example of how the clothes you wear really need to be appropriate for the weather. Emily and myself were decked out in light cotton sun dresses with open backs and sandals, while Nathalie was sporting an equally summer-appropriate lace tank top and bleached shorts but despite ALL OF THIS we were sweaty and panting after our walk around Miami Springs. I shudder to think what would have happened if we'd worn jeans.
      However, today was also an example that despite the heat or any other uncomfortable situation you come across, diving in headfirst with friends will make anything fun, so don't hole up in your room during these last remnants of summer. Slather on some sunscreen and call up your friends.
Much Love,
                   Vicky

Strange and Beautiful Words

To be

lovely

is strange.  The suffix "-ly" in the cases of words like "hurriedly", "lovingly, "unthinkingly" means that you are performing some action in the manner of the root word. To walk hurriedly is to walk in a hurried manner and so forth, adverbs. 

This is not the case with         

lovely,  

for the most part it's an adjective, but let us consider the root word 

"love". 

How is that remotely descriptive?

Can you do something or simply exist in the manner of 

love 

as the word 

lovely 

might imply?

Does it perhaps mean that this action or noun that is lovely inspires

love?

In either case, if either of them are right at all, 

lovely

takes on strange and delightful new meanings just thinking about it.

Back to School Makeup: Middle School Starter Kit

     My loves, you're either about to embark or just begun to navigate the adventure that is adolescence... Good luck.

     Just kidding! No, I won't do you like that, and leave you on your own. I'm here to help, to the best of my abilities. Let's get started!

Makeup Starter Kit:

Makeup is supposed to be a fun expression of yourself, like art. Every beginning artist needs the right tools so here's a list of some of my faves (all affordable and from the drugstore):

1. Mascara- Covergirl Lashblast Volume in Black

     This mascara is so easy to use! One of my personal all around favorites, it doesn't clump and keeps the lashes defined but not unnatural.

2. Concealer- Fit Me by Maybelline

      I'm a big believer that some concealer used on blemishes, redness and under eye circles looks ten times better than a face full of foundation. I use the shade 20 Sand, so if your skin is similar to mine, you might want to try this shade. This formula is easy to blend, provides good coverage and lasts a long time, especially when set with powder.

3.Translucent Powder- Stay Matte by Rimmel in Transparent

     A good all around powder that does the job of keeping shine at bay and your concealer in place.

4.Tinted Lip Balm- Replenishing Lip Balm w/ Pomegranate Oil
     This lip balm will leave your lips feeling soft and leave behind a little pink.

5. Cream blush- Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin
     So it's not really what I would call peach, but hey, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This is a beautiful pink cream blush with just a hint of coral that has a texture so blendable it could double as a lip tint in a pinch.





















6. Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Drama  in Midnight Master
     Last but certainly not least is black eyeliner. Whether you put a little at the lashline or a lot and smudge it out, black eyeliner is a staple in every look and this Master Drama goes on smooth, is intensely black and doesn't budge all day.

What I've listed are the basics of the basics, you can build with fun colors and new products as you get older. However, just with these six items you've got a world of options that can take you from school to the weekend in a snap. Speaking of which, is that the topic of my next blog post? I don't know, check back in and find out! 
      Much love, 
                         Vicky

Strange and Beautiful Words

     "Attractive" 

is a strange word. 

We toss it around often and yet it doesn't lack in meaning. 

It's quite purposeful, actually. 

However, it isn't this general purposeful meaning that I find strange. It's in the semantics of the word itself, especially the root word, 

"attract". 

When we call someone attractive, we're literally saying that we are

 pulled 

to them, that they are 

magnetic. 

With that in mind, the word attractive suddenly becomes what it means. It is not only meaningful and purposeful, the way words ought to be, but also 

beautiful.

Entropy by ~kellymckernan on deviantART

Much love,

                 Vicky

Hair Rules To Live By

1. Thou wilt not hate thine hair.

Straight Hair

     Seriously, that hair-hate you feel? Stop that. I understand the drive to make your hair 'behave' or 'submit to your will, goshdarnit!", trust me, I do. All of middle school and most of high school was one prolonged bad hair-day. It was what I call "a bad hair-epoch". It took me forever to get a handle on my hair, but it doesn't matter how thin, thick, oily or frizzy you're hair is, it's a part of you. Don't hate it or let it frustrate you. Stop obsessing and read on.

2. Thou shalt know thy hair.

Wavy Hair

     Is it straight, curly, fine, thick, oily, frizzy, wavy? What is it? Don't know or not sure? Here's something to help you start understanding your hair. Wash and condition your hair as you normally would. Do this when you know you don't have to go out.  Step out of the shower, detangle, part it like you normally would and then step away. Don't touch it, or put anything in it. What is left when it dries is your hair in its natural form. Now you can see if it's naturally straight or if its got some bend. Does it feel dry or silky smooth? Has it frizzed? Is it curly? Take note. Now brush it. Does it puff up? Or stay smooth? Take note of this as well. 
    Now that you've gotten to know you're hair some more, here's a great quiz from naturallycurly.com that was a hair-saver for me. (Quiz is good for all hair-types.):

http://www.naturallycurly.com/texture-typing

3. Thou shalt not torture thine hair.

Curly Hair

     This is for all my peeps who freaked out when I suggested I let your hair air dry. To you I say, put the thermal tool down and step away! I was you once, obsessed with making my hair submit to my will. What I ended up with was fried ends and denial. Look, there's nothing wrong with styling your hair every once in a while, even most of the time if that's what your comfortable with. I strongly suggest trying products like mousse, gel, hair oils and seeing if it works for you. But if you HAVE to use heat or chemicals then for pete's sake use a heat protectant! Set tools to the appropriate heat setting! Wait a few weeks between chemical processes like bleaching and keratin treatments! And most of all-

4. Be kind to thine hair.

Coily Hair

   As Lauren Conrad said in her book 'Style': "Yes, hair grows- but it grows slooooowly!" My point: treat it well. Don't torture it; nourish it! Figure out what your hair needs (moisture? a good cleanse? a haircut?) and treat yourself to a spa day and a hair mask. Ask your hair stylist what they recommend for healthier hair or do some research on this lovely world wide web.  
Just remember that everyone's hair is different, and a good stylist will know more than any of us mere mortals.

There's more, so much more, to know about hair than just these four rules. I'll be exploring it some more in other posts, but there will never be a definitive guide to hair. Just love the hair you have and play nice!

Much Love, 

                    Vicky

A Pinterest Account Just For You!

Now we can literally like stuff together! Join me on Pinterest, check out my pins and send me yours!
Here's the link: http://www.pinterest.com/victoriaaguila/ Much love, 
                 Vicky

5 Things I Wish I'd Known in Middle School

What I wish I would have known:




What I know now:



     HOWEVER, I do know more things. So, this goes out to all my peeps entering  the emotionally-taxing, sexually-confusing, face-wrecking, magical ages of pubescence. Also, to anyone else who wants to read it, most of this is pretty universal. I'm not going to cover everything ('cause I can't), but I will go over some important bits. READ CAREFULLY.

1. You are not alone.

            NOT the Michael Jackson song. This first item seems pretty basic, and you probably already know that other people are also heading into middle school and facing the same problems as you are.You know this and yet, from experience, I can tell you how quickly this knowledge flies out the window when you're surrounded by people and you're nervous.The great thing is that you're not alone in this either, it's very common for pre-teens and teens alike to suffer from what they call the 'spotlight effect'. Basically, this is the feeling that everyone is watching you, noticing every imperfection and mistake. Not only is that illogical, but it's very harmful to your self-esteem and a lot of pressure to put yourself under. However, you can assuage the effects of this by reminding yourself that number one, they're probably not looking at you because, number two, everyone else is just as focused on how they're being perceived.

2. Blending in isn't always the best option.

          Wow, do I wish I'd actually understood this in middle school. Not only was I implementing the spot-light effect (which scared me out of being friendly and made my view of the world a very egocentric one) but I also wanted more than anything to be accepted by my peers, to be cool the way they were.  Compounded together, all of these factors made me painfully shy, egocentric AND boring.
       I'm being hard on my past-self, but I'm trying to drive across a point: BE YOU. You are cool and pretty in your own way. In fact, I've read tons of articles and had enough life experience to show that the 'coolness' you seek doesn't come through painstaking and bland imitation. It comes from someone being utterly themselves. Wanting to fit in is natural, and if you're friends are good influences pressuring you to get excel academically or to try fun things like ice-skating, then that's good. But you need to temper that with common-sense, morality and your sense of self. Herd mentality is for sheep!

3. There are more places for eyeliner than just the bottom rim.

        You probably don't need makeup, you lucky, fresh-faced you. But if you want to experiment, do NOT do so by putting a jet black line on your bottom waterline. This was my look through middle school and... it just doesn't suit me or most anyone. Personally, I would start with a little mascara (a little), a little concealer if you're breaking out ( a little), maybe some tinted lip balm and the tiniest bit of blush on the apples of the cheeks (the tiniest bit). Now that I think of it, you would probably be best served with a tutorial of this. You can go on Youtube and type in 'middle school makeup' or 'natural makeup'. Here's a link to one of my favorites:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMgx84xmik
But, if that's not enough, I will be posting a blog with a "Things I wish I'd known: Makeup Edition" just for you!

4. The first time you shave will be like an episode of Dexter.

    And by that I mean a bloodbath.

Seriously, if you're anything like me you'll nick yourself so many times you'll wonder why you can't make like the apes and run around with leg-curtains. My advice is to invest in a good razor, ask your parents for help (embarassing, I know, but they might know a few tricks), take your time, and get shaving gel. Oh, and never dry shave. Trust me, world of pain and razor bumps better left unexplored.

5. "Love" is fleeting

     Note the quotations. I'm not saying love is fleeting. "Love", though, lasts like five minutes. Ah, middle school relationships. I had exactly one and that lasted all of two weeks. (Short story even shorter, I barely knew him, we were 'set up' by friends, we held hands during lunch once, decided that was too serious and broke it off. We never spoke again.) 
     I'm not saying to swear off boys or girls or whatever it is you like. Fall into like! Meet new people! Flirt awkwardly! But don't obsess or let these new people rule your life. You are gorgeous and funny and smart, maybe you're just not ready for being in a relationship no matter how short-lived. Maybe the object of your infatuation is a douche. Whatever the issue is, don't let your crushes make you feel less than your wonderful self.

Gosh darn it, we're at the end already? Five is such a small number... Well, fear not, because there's more 'Things I Wish I'd Known' coming soon. Join me and revel in the awkwardness of my past mistakes! Until then, much love,
                                                              Vicky

Let's Like Things Together

Picture found on one of my many PInterest binges, first heard on one of my many Youtube binges. Will soon be providing a Pinterest account you can follow me on!

So I'm starting a blog, and here's why...

     Hello, my name is Victoria, but, for the most part, my friends call me Vicky. Yes, I'm well aware of what my nickname could be rhymed with and yes, the options wax on hilarious. You would do well to remember, however, though a comedy-gold-mine , my name is also that of a very prominent lingerie store (thus the blog name, see what I did there? :) and of an English queen that an entire era was named after... But, this is not a blog about my name. This is a blog about makeup. Fashion. Books. Lifestyle/Health. My very important opinion. Really bad jokes.All of the above? Ah, there we go. Yes, basically this is a makeup-books-lifestyle/health-opinion-bad joke blog. A blog of many hyphens. 

     Why?

Well... I've got a few reasons. Like, five. 
     One: I'm a little older and wiser than I was when I first delved into the magical world of makeup and fashion. Part of me wants to write the blog I wish I would have read when I was in middle school. 
     Two:  I happen to love books so much that I'm making English/Literature my major. Also, I need somewhere I can fan-girl over my new book obsessions intelligently rather than with a few verbal "So good, just so good..."
     Three: Jokes, references and word play that are 'so bad, they're good' are my thing. Don't hate, appreciate.
     Four: here I should probably be inserting something about how staying healthy and being fit is my passion, but... well, this section is more just 'cause I need a good reason to do both those things.
     Five: BUT MOSTLY I'M WRITING THIS BLOG: Because I like things! And you like things too, I'm betting. We're not so different, you and I, and the internet seems like the best place to celebrate that. I want to be a nerd with you about a whole range of different topics, a nerd a la John Green, just "unironically enthusiastic about stuff". I can't promise there will  be no irony, because I can be one sarcastic mo-fo, but I can promise you this: I will be as ENTHUSIASTIC in my irony as I will be imparting a little wisdom.*
     With that expressed, I hope you enjoy what I write and share!
-Love , Vicky

*"Wisdom" refers to mostly my opinion, not necessarily concrete fact. I will do my best to qualify my opinion as just my opinion, but my first little nugget of "wisdom" would be to just remember where you are (...a blog...) and you should be fine. ;)