My Lips...But Better

Every beauty junkie has her own personal mission to find the ideal, everyday lip product that just works with her natural lip shade, enhancing it without concealing it. In the beauty world, this shade or shades is referred to as MLBB...my lips but better. As much as I love bright, flashy lipsticks in fun, bold colors, there are plenty of times where I need a MLBB shade to either bring attention to the rest of my face or just for an everyday coverup. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten a ferret nip right on the lip that I want to just erase!

As of right now, I've found four amazing products that achieve that MLBB look, so I decided to do a fun little writeup of the products that I love and reach for often! My favorite four are:

• Guerlain Rouge Automatique in 100 Apres L'Ondee
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Memento
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine
• YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in 08 Pink In Confidence

Guerlain, OCC, NARS, YSL

Guerlain's Rouge Automatique is a sheerer formula than their legendary Rouge Gs (which are one of my favorite full-coverage lipsticks ever), but it does a great job enhancing the natural lip color without overpowering it. The super-convenient packaging is also one of my favorites...slide the little button up and the lipstick pops out the top! 100 Apres L'Ondee is very close to my natural lip shade, so it's definitely a go-to for me!

OCC Lip Tars are fantastic, opaque, long wearing liquid lipsticks. You just need a little dab of liquid to cover your lips, and the formula will set and stay put for hours and hours. Memento is a rose-mauve that is slightly brighter than my lips and is definitely very opaque, but it's the only long-wearing full-coverage shade that I can put in the MLBB category so I love it for days when I won't have time for touch-ups.

NARS Velvet Matte lip pencil in Sex Machine was my very first MLBB color, as you can tell from the picture because it's certainly well-loved. I adore the simple pencil application, which is why this is a makeup bag staple for me. It hides all of the little flaws in my lips while giving a smooth, matte finish that is natural but lovely. I always, always have this one in my bag.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shines are sheerer but extremely hydrating lipstick that feels like a balm gliding on and leaves a wonderful shine. It's probably the most moisturizing and comfortable lipstick formula I've ever worn. 08 Pink in Confidence is a glossy MLBB shade, so it's perfect for days I want a subtle but shiny lip.

Guerlain, OCC, NARS, YSL (no flash)

 Guerlain, OCC, NARS, YSL (flash)

As you can tell, each shade has its own look that I can use to enhance when I'm not feeling a statement lip (which happens, I swear). Some are sheerer, while some are more opaque. I love all of them, though, and they each get heavy rotation in my makeup roster!

Feel free to share your favorite MLBB shade!

A Personal Post on Weight, Self-Esteem, and Hating the Way You Look

Today's going to be a bit of a personal post, which is something that I hesitate writing.

I struggle a lot with my weight. I'm never happy with the number on the scale, or what I look like. With the summer spent at home, I'm finding myself about 12-15lbs heavier than I usually am, and that's been stressing me out to the max. My clothes don't really fit anymore. I hate what I see in the mirror. I've even been putting off going to the gym because I hate the feeling that I'm the "fat girl at the gym". I liked it when I was more petite, going to the gym and lifting weights and feeling badass because I was so small lifting pretty big for my size. Now, I almost dread it. My gym clothes don't fit the way I like. My weights aren't nearly as good in regards to my size. I feel silly, stupid.

Realistically, I know I'm not medically overweight, even when I'm on the "heavier" end of my weight fluctuations like now. I'm "normal", which is something I cringe saying when I so desperately want to be "small". I also know that I'll probably never be content with what I look like. But the thing with severe body image issues (and the related disordered eating), is they can be...as silly as this sounds...debilitating. I find myself so depressed and anxious that I don't want to do anything, and that takes its toll on every aspect of my life, from the gym to my relationship to school. Food is not something you can just quit. You're stuck with it to survive. And it takes over your mind where it's all you can think about. Food, eating, how you look, how you feel like your fat rolls are pouring over the top of your pants.

I'm trying very hard not to resort to "just don't eat". For anyone who doesn't have experience with eating disorders, that sounds kind of ridiculous, but to me it sounds like such a "safe" and simple way to drop the weight I've put on, plus a little more. But I've worked so hard on my lifts to get where I am (which still doesn't feel like very far!), that the thought of my lifts going down so significantly is also unsettling. I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place; I can drop the weight unhealthily and get back to where I feel a little better about myself, but all of my hard work will suffer. Or, I can eat healthily and lose the weight slowly while keeping my lifts relatively stable, but deal with the tremendous anxiety of not losing enough weight right this moment.

It's going to be tough...trying to eat healthily but still enough, which my brain keeps yelling at me is too much too much. I just want to feel better, in every sense of the word, physically and mentally.

I'm going to post a few pics, which makes me uncomfortable, but that's the point. I have to get over that.

Deadlift day

New lipstick! Le Metier de Beaute in Thailand

I know I don't ever get a lot of readers, or comments, but if anyone has any advice, or stories to share, I would love to hear from you!

Tomorrow I'm planning a my-lips-but-better lipstick post, which is exciting!

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Native

By now, most of you (or probably all of you!) have heard of Urban Decay's new Revolution lipstick line. With 22 fantastic shades, there's one...or more...for everyone. I fell in love with, say, at least half of them, and picked a few to try out the formula and I've been nothing but impressed! One of my most-used shades is the light pink Native, which works as a nice pinky-nude on me.

Gorgeous, isn't it? The packaging is a sleek purple-gunmetal, which is always lovely. The formula itself is creamy but not too thick, a little bit thinner than Too Faced's La Creme formula and with more slip.

Native (with flash)

Native (no flash)

As you can tell, it's definitely one of the lighter colors in the range, but for those of us who are crazy pale, it's perfect perfect perfect for a no-fuss goes-with-everything lip. Being such a light color, this shade in particular doesn't wear as long as the brighter colors (which have unbelievable wear time), but it's quite long-lasting and the formula isn't drying whatsoever so it's a dream to wear.

Native and all of the other shades ($22) can be purchased from Urban Decay's site, and all of the shades minus the two exclusive to UD's site (Protest and Strip) are at your local Sephora!

The apartment has finally come together (I think) and I've successfully finished the first week of what's hopefully my final year of undergrad. Lots of nonsensical courses that I'm stuck taking that aren't related to my major, but I'm hoping to push through and still have time to prepare for the PCATs!

As a congratulations-to-me gift (or two), I snagged a Rebecca Minkoff tote and two pairs of shoes from HauteLook...which I'm shamelessly pimping because I got fantastic, fantastic deals...and a bit of a makeup haul from Sephora and Nordstrom including OCC Lip Tar in Memento, some nail polishes, and Le Metier de Beaute Colour Core lipsticks in Thailand and Ibiza. Despite being a LMdB fan, I've never actually tried their lipstick formula (probably because I have so, so many lipsticks already), so I'm excited to give it a whirl!

My busy-day essentials

OCC Lip Tar in "Queen" - love!

I'm trying to get all my work for the week done during the long weekend so I can have time to not stress and sit at the door waiting for all my boxes to arrive!

Alive!

It lives! Moving was the biggest hassle...everything went wrong, from the truck to the internet company screwing us over to the boyfriend leaving his phone in the truck and having to drive home the next day to get it.

The place is still a mess, even though it's been almost a week! We both just have SO much stuff. Yesterday I picked up the ferrets, who are now living in their new giant ferret palace that I put together for them. I think they like it.

We may have found a gym, which is awesome because it's a great price and very close. Nothing around here has bumper plates except for one gym very far away and, of course, crossfit gyms. Crossfit isn't my thing for a few different reasons (in particular, the cost), so I was delighted when the girl at this new gym said I could bring my own. I may pick up a pair of 10lb ones just to work off of for cleans and whatnot.

Just a quick check-in...school starts for me next week but at least I'll finally be in a routine instead of a constant chaotic scramble, so hopefully I can get to blogging regularly!

Things I Love: Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme

As an apology for being so sporadic lately, here's a fun beauty post!

Le Metier de Beaute is one of my favorite brands, and has been ever since I first discovered them. I was first enamored by their eye kaleidoscopes (which are still a staple for me!) and the rest is history. I've been known to call other cities and other states to get my hands on counter exclusives. I could wax poetic about my favorite LMdB products for ages...don't get me started on Creme Fresh Tints!...but today I'll be focusing on their Lip Creme formula.

Described as "a hybrid of gloss and lipstick", Lip Cremes span that whole spectrum, from the sheerer shades all the way to the brightest and most pigmented. They have a light, glossy texture that slides on smoothly and is never thick or sticky.

Le Metier de Beaute Lip Cremes in (L-R) Creme de la Creme, Sweet Creme, Peche Creme, Fraise Creme, and Red Velvet

Creme de la Creme, Sweet Creme, Peche Creme, Fraise Creme, and Red Velvet (With Flash)

 Creme de la Creme, Sweet Creme, Peche Creme, Fraise Creme, and Red Velvet (Without Flash)

I unfortunately only have these five, but as you can see they're perfect for layering, a little kick, or a big bang. One of my favorite things about Lip Cremes is how hydrating they are. I hate when a lipstick or lip gloss...particularly after they've been worn for a bit...seem to leave your lips a bit sad and dry. Lip Cremes are one of my favorite if not my very favorite in terms of moisture. My lips never, ever feel dry, even after I've had them on for hours. In fact, they may even leave my lips a bit softer!

Lip Cremes can be found at your local LMdB counter if you're lucky enough to have one, or online at the usual retailers: Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman.

Catch-up Post, New PR, and Some Personal Stuff

I know I promised I would be better about posting! I've been out of town probably three times in the past five days, including a four-hour drive to IKEA (the nearest one!) to get some last-minute apartment stuff. Moving day is Saturday, and I still have so much to do.

On a better note, today I upped my deadlift and hit another PR...190lbs! I tried for 200lbs but it was a bad pull from the beginning for some reason. I knew the second I grabbed the bar it wasn't going to happen. I think if I'd had a normal good pull, I would have hit it, but I'm definitely happy with 190!

I am a bit worried about the weight I've put on over the summer. I've struggled with eating issues in the past (understatement of basically ever), so this is really bothering me. When I'm really down about my weight, it affects everything in my life. I don't want to do anything, I want to stay inside, and of course that sadness just makes me eat more. It's a really terrible cycle. I had spent the last school year being moderately lean with pretty good intake, but the second I got home it just went downhill.

My chaotic and inconsistent schedule over the summer combined with the "donuts for all meals are okay" attitude of my house has been hell on my body in many different ways. I can't say part of me didn't love the splurge...most of ED past revolved around sweets and baked goods as comfort for my anxieties, and that calming feeling I get when I have a cupcake or chocolate bar hasn't really gone away despite years of therapy...but then there's the aftermath. That's the worst part. And once that cycle begins, it's hell to get out of, particularly when you're in an environment that fosters it. I know that once I move I'll be eating clean and have a better schedule, but until then I'm just trying to make it through. I feel like I just have a million pounds of fat to lose, and I do have plenty of muscle under there so I think I'll look okay once I lean out. It's just a lot of extra worrying that I don't need right now, you know?

Anywho, this week will be hectic, but I'll try to get some posts and pics in! I do try to post on my Instagram more often, so check that out!

"But I can't NOT buy them!"

Yesterday was one of those horrid gym days where nothing goes right and you miss sets you shouldn't be missing. It's extra awful when it happens on squat days, because those are usually my best days!

So as a consolation, today I went to the mall to pick up a few things. In particular I wanted to grab shampoo and conditioner from Carol's Daughter, which I had gotten as a sample from my last Sephora order and immediately fell in love with. My hair feels cleaner, smoother, and less tangled. However, going into Sephora for one thing never means leaving Sephora with one thing...

Along with the shampoo and conditioner, I picked up Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser, which is one of my go-to products (that I'm almost completely out of, so I considered this an essential purchase!). I wear tons (TONS) of makeup every single day, and this is the only thing that gets rid of it in one shot. It's fantastic, and the bottle lasts me about a year.

The more...spontaneous, let's call them...purchases were slightly more fun. Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in Native is a lovely light pink-nude that I sampled the other day and found extremely flattering on my quite pale complexion. All Sephora by OPI nail polishes were on sale (3 for $10) so I really couldn't resist grabbing three. I thought I was set, but in the queue I spotted some OCC Lip Tars, which are something that our store has never had and I've never had a chance to try! After rummaging through the quite picked-through selection, I decided on Stained Gloss in Rhythm Box. I'm excited to try it out!

After an intense afternoon of shopping, a milkshake break was necessary. My favorite indulgence (maybe ever) is Cold Stone Creamery's Oreo Creme Filling ice cream. If I were on death row and had to choose one final food to eat before I died, it would probably be this. It's so rich and so delicious. It had disappeared from the stores for a while, but it's suddenly reappeared and I simply couldn't resist.

Definitely excited to start the new week with some new makeup (and I have a box from Urban Decay to pick up tomorrow with a clearance eyeshadow palette that was an incredible steal!), because I have lots of packing, cleaning, and PCAT reviewing to do!

Friday Fabulousness: Favorite Pink Light Lipstick

No, not my favorite light pink lipstick (that's a whole other post!), but my

Favorite Pink Light Lipstick

To me, there are a few different types of lipstick. There's the full opaque formulas (such as Tom Ford or most of Guerlain's Rouge Gs), and then there are slightly sheerer, not quite as heavy ones. Guerlain's Rouge Automatique and YSL's Rouge Volupte Shines are two of my favorite "lighter" formulas. Rouge Automatiques are less slippery and balm-like than Rouge Volupte Shines, so they do tend to last longer but are not quite as moisturizing. I do love them both, but today's post will be focusing on my favorite Rouge Volupte Shine: 6 Pink in Devotion ($34).

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in 6 Pink in Devotion

As I mentioned above, this formula is more of a lipstick-balm hybrid than a straight-up lipstick, yet it's more pigmented than a tinted balm such as Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. It also leaves a lovely, glossy finish. Pink in Devotion is described as a "bright hibiscus pink", which I think describes it spot on. The sheerer formula allows for a bright color to be worn in a more subtle way. I think it's a great "beginner bright" for those who aren't quite ready to go full-on in-your-face! The formula is so smooth, and although that comes with the downside of a shorter wear time, it's tremendously comfortable and moisturizing. There is a slight fruity scent, which personally I love but may be a dealbreaker for some.

Pink in Devotion (without flash)

Pink in Devotion (with flash)

Check it out at Sephora, Nordstrom, YSL, or anywhere YSL Beauty is sold!

So, hit a deadlift PR yesterday, which was really cool!

I'm a notoriously terrible deadlifter. Like, there was a point in time where my squat and deadlift were terribly close. I don't know if I just don't have the body type for it (I think this is part of it...I'm built for squats!), but I was stuck for a really long time and I was getting extremely frustrated. My boyfriend tried to help me with my technique, and he'd get furious because I just wasn't getting it down. It wasn't that I wasn't making an effort, it's just that my body didn't DO things the way his does. A lot of it, I think, I can attribute to my pretty different center of gravity, which is loads lower than his or even a lot of women. I tried sumo, which was eh, but I still wasn't making the progress I should have been.

One day I showed up at the gym and someone had left 135 sitting on the platform. I just went over, picked it up, and put it in the rack. All of a sudden I stopped...the week before, I struggled terribly with 135. Confused, I grabbed it out of the rack, put it down, and picked it up again. That day everything changed. I stopped overthinking. I stopped taking tons of time to set up. That just made it worse. Just walking up and picking up the weight...as ridiculous and simple as this sounds...was what worked. When I did that, it was like my body automatically shifted into the position I needed to be in to lift the weight as easily as possible, the position I had been trying so hard to find. I struggle with reps, because when I put the weight down, I lose that position, but things are looking up.

Yesterday I pulled 185, which isn't really a lot to most people, but for me (I'm 5'2, and even when I'm heavier like now that's definitely more than 1.5xBW) that was a goal that I had set for myself. And it wasn't too awful! I maybe could have even pulled a bit more! I'm pretty hard on myself a lot of the time, but this was the first time in a while I felt satisfied, and almost a bit proud. I still hear myself reminding my head that, hey, you're heavier than you usually are, of course your weights should go up a bit. But I'm trying to just concentrate on the fact that my first deadlift ever was 65lbs and I'm up to almost three times that.

Now onto the next goal...the elusive 2 plates!

Battle Wounds

Another off gym day...having a lot of trouble mentally with my full cleans. It's all weight I've done before/am positive I can do, but something in my brain just blocks me and I freak. It's so frustrating! I feel like I've made no progress over the summer (which is not true, but that feeling is so nagging).

Did a few squats today...only up to 135 but every rep up to 95 was ATG and 115+ was a few inches below parallel. I don't count squats unless they're below parallel. I admit I do get judge-y when I see people do quarter squats or half squats. I'm sure I could half-squat an impressive amount of weight...definitely at least 1.5xBW...but that's nothing compared to a lighter but real, true competition-ready squat.

Speaking of technique, check out these lovely trophies from my improved snatch form!

I got my hip drive down. My banged-up upper thigh proves it.

Loving light snatches for cardio, though! Doing sets of 10 with even just 20-30lbs is exhausting! Also helps me work on my balance.

Too many things to do, not enough time. I have to try to squeeze some gym time in tomorrow if I can!

Wow wow wow, long time no update! It's been so hectic. We found an apartment (a different one!), signed a lease, drove four hours to the nearest IKEA and bought tons and tons of furniture, and everything has been all-around crazy. My gym time has taken a hit with all of the things to do...not to mention my diet...and it probably won't be too much better over the next two and a half weeks until we move (that soon!), but I look forward to getting everything back in check. So many things to blog about!

I did get three of Urban Decay's new lipsticks (that I adore! Hopefully will post about those soon!), and placed a spontaneous order from UD's website for mattifying powder, a sale shadow box, and a clear lip liner, which is something I have been needing for a long while. Sometimes I feel like I just should sign my paycheck over to UD. Or Sephora. Or Nordstrom. Or Neiman's.

What have I been up to? Here's a peek from my Instagram...

Row 1: Lipstick organization (!), Trying out Urban Decay's new Revolution lipstick in Anarchy

Row 2: Le Metier de Beaute: Polish in ShocKEN Pink! and Kaleidoscope in Eagle's Envy

Row 3: Cuddly Waffles, and deadlift bruises with kettlebell swings

PCAT review has lagged behind, which is something I need to catch up on. I had a few good gym days followed by kind of a drought lately, but my snatches have gotten much better form-wise. I have the bruises to prove it! I'm looking forward to definitely improving those. The boyfriend says I have a bit of a natural inclination towards them, and I hope he's right!

On that note, it's late and I have to wrangle up at least some energy for tomorrow. Work, hopefully putting at least one piece of furniture together, PCAT review, and gym time. Never enough time. Never enough lipstick. Alas, such is the life.

Crazy times! Been apartment hunting recently, so that's taken up a lot of time. We took a detour yesterday and went to Niagara Falls, since my boyfriend had never seen them. They get less exciting the tenth or so time, but they're still kind of neat. All the surrounding area is so tacky and touristy, though!

Via My Instagram

Had some pretty nice workouts this week, though. Bench press wasn't too awesome, barely hit 75lbsx3. Sometimes I have really off bench days, mostly because my arms are so, so short that to unrack even with a liftoff I have to lose a bunch of tightness. Deadlift wasn't too bad, though! 145lbsx5, probably could have pulled for more but I was pretty tired. I went through a pretty long period where my squat was higher than my deadlift, so to see it start to increase has been awesome.

Hope everyone is well! Summer's coming to an end more quickly than I'd like, so let's enjoy it while it lasts!

Friday Fabulousness: Favorite Shimmering Silver Shadow

It's time for Friday Fabulousness! This week is...

Favorite Shimmering Silver Shadow

Chanel always has fun and interesting shades and formulas, so when I read about Chanel's Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Shadow ($36), I was fascinated. When I saw Epatant? I was sold.

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Shadow in Epatant

The formula itself is most like a mousse, I guess. It's very unique! Kind of squishy, as weird as that sounds. It comes with a little shadow/liner brush that usually I wouldn't think twice about but actually happens to be perfect. It's smooth and shimmery, and while I don't use this shade in particular as a liner, can double as that.

Epatant is a beautiful silver with slight green undertones, which is originally what sold me on it. I love a good green! It's a unique color and you only need a little bit to smooth over the lid and you're set. Long wearing? You bet!

Epatant (with flash)

Epatant (without flash)

It's available at Chanel, your favorite counter, or any site that carries Chanel cosmetics (Macy's, Nordstrom, whatever you please!).

What a rough few days! I've been coming down with these horrid migraines that have pretty much been incapacitating. I haven't been to the gym for a few days, which sucks and I hate it, so headache or not I'm pushing through for an intense workout tonight. C&Js and deadlifts, probably!

On a personal note, I've decided to take the PCATs in the fall, which are the entrance exam for pharmacy school. I had originally wanted to go to medical school, but it seems like less of a realistic and plausible option now than it was when I was 18 and just entering undergrad. So I'm planning lots of review, from the very beginning!

Taking a quick gen chem break today to paint my nails, though...

NARS Koliary via my Instagram

Hopefully I'll be feeling better, gymming more, and will get back to regular posting!

First and foremost, check out these fabulous new lipsticks from Urban Decay's fall launch! Aren't they to die for? I'm already dying for at least one of them. Maybe two. Or ten.

Lovely Photo From Temptalia's UD Fall Reviews...Go Check It Out!

Yesterday was a fab squat day, I hit 135lbsx5! That was a pretty neat achievement, since I remember when I couldn't even squat a plate for one rep. I'd like to hit 155lbs soon!

Today was just cardio...kettlebell swings, lots of hang snatches for reps, some light sumo deadlifts into cleans. Nothing special. Hope everyone is well!

Keep reading for my workout!

Bench PR!

Yesterday was bench press day! Not normally my favorite day, but I've been getting better at it so obviously I've been liking it more now :)

Not the most flattering of pics, but if you follow my Instagram you can check out some lovely makeup shots and hopefully the occasional more attractive photos...

Anywho, bench press! Set a new PR for reps...70lbsx7! I remember when I couldn't do 70lbsx1, so that's super cool. I'm worried that my weights will drop because I'm making my diet a lot stricter and adding cardio to drop some body fat, but I hope not too much. I'm itching for a new 1RM, as always.

Today is squat day! Squat day is the best day.

Friday Fabulousness: Favorite Garish Gold

Fridays are my off days, so I figured I'd do something fun. Every Friday, I'll showcase one of my favorite fabulous beauty products. This week's Friday Fabulousness is...

Favorite Garish Gold

It took me a while to understand that neutrals can be fun and sassy. Urban Decay's Naked palettes are the main culprits behind my love of fabulous neutrals, but occasionally I'll see a bold palette that I just have to pick up. My skin leans neutral, so I can pull off most colors, so when I saw BareMinerals's The Star Treatment palette, one particular shade caught my eye.

I was never a BareMinerals fan, finding most loose products too troublesome and messy. However, I'd read rave reviews about their new Ready Eyeshadow formula, and decided to take the plunge. I was not disappointed! My favorite shade...and the main reason I bought the palette...was this bright, warm, coppery gold called Connoisseur.

BareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 8.0 in The Star Treatment

(Connoisseur is top row, second from left)

Connoisseur (without flash)

Connoisseur (with flash)

Isn't it just fantastic? It's so smooth and pigmented it's almost ridiculous. The whole palette in itself is lovely and gets tons of use (even with all of the neutrals I own), but this shade is one-of-a-kind. Unfortunately, the palette was limited edition and I can't seem to find it anywhere. But if you managed to snag it, lucky you! It's definitely one that I'm glad I purchased on a whim.

Hope everyone had a good holiday, if you celebrated, and had a good few days otherwise if you didn't!

Lovely Lipstick and Workin' it Out Overtime

Happy 4th to all (particularly those of us here in the US, but I hope everyone else has a spectacular day as well)!

Unfortunately, the past few days have been a little rough. Got in part of a workout on Tuesday and didn't go for cardio yesterday, so I had the bright idea of fitting EVERYTHING in today (since Friday is my off day).

Before we get into the nitty gritty stuff, what would a blog called "Lifting in Lipstick" be without showing you the lipstick in which I lifted today? Tragic, that's what. Here's a favorite nude shade...

Tom Ford Lip Color in Blush Nude

Now for the workout...

Cardio for People Who Hate Cardio

I hate cardio. Running sucks. The elliptical sucks less, but still sucks. But my body is not where I want it to be, and unfortunately adding cardio is the best way to remedy that.

So yesterday I did this:

3 sets of the following:

• 10 reps sumo deadlift at 65lbs, directly into 5 full cleans with the same 65lbs

and 5 sets of 20 kettlebell swings at 8kg.

It was better than running, that's for sure. Whenever someone suggests running or elliptical or whatnot for cardio, I would always shrug and just be like, "Can't I just lift weights faster?". So I'm going to start incorporating cardio into my routine, probably only twice a week since I lift 4 days, but that's twice more than I was doing before.

(I did knock myself in the knee with the kettlebell, though, which is now lovely and purple and blue.)

Today is clean and jerk day! My shoulders have been off, so I'm a bit worried, but I'm hoping for the best.

Eyeshadow palette I'm wearing today? Eyeshadow palette I'm wearing today:

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Kaleidoscope in Penelope

Now to pick a lipstick for the gym and off I go!

Chanel Le Blush Creme de Chanel in Fantastic

Chanel released six creme blushes for their Fall 2013 collection, and being the creme blush fiend I am, I had to check them out. Now, I'm very pale but a huge fan of dramatic shades (I love a good bold lip, eye, or cheek!), so I gravitated towards the deepest rose shade: Fantastic.

Daring, right? If I see a shade that I love and am not sure that I could pull it off, that just makes it extra fun for me. I love a challenge!

Fantastic Without Flash, Heavy and Blended 

Fantastic With Flash, Heavy and Blended

Although it looks like two totally different blushes with and without flash, it demonstrates both the lovely rose and fuchsia undertones. Let it be known that even the blended swatch is still quite heavy and can easily be sheered further. I use my fingertips to apply and a stippling brush to blend it in. It's not as creamy as, say, Le Metier de Beaute's Creme Fresh Tints, and more closely resembles YSL's Creme de Blush in texture, particularly in the way it dries.

Right now I have a sheer layer of it topped with Edward Bess Quad Royale in Monte Carlo for a slight peach shimmer, and I think it's perfectly lovely! It's much more wearable than you'd think, even on pale skin such as mine.

Verdict: A deep fuchsia rose that is more wearable than you'd expect!

Fantastic (and all the other shades) retail for $38 and can be found at your local Chanel counter or currently online at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Set up a new workout plan starting today...more accessory work, less do-whatever-I-want. But! Squat day. Best day. Lots of hang cleans as accessory work. The bar is very light, but that's a whole lot more cardio than you'd think!

I also picked up a new piece from Chanel Fall 2013 that I'll be showing off quite soon! Here's a little teaser...

Workout for 6/30/13

Barbell Squat

• 45lbs x 5
• 65lbs x 5

• 85lbs x 3

• 95lbs x 5

• 110lbs x 5

• 125lbs x 5

Hang Clean

• 45lbs x 10
• 45lbs x 10
• 45lbs x 10

Glute Kickback

• 90lbs x 10
• 90lbs x 10
• 90lbs x 10

Seated Leg Curl

• 101lbs x 10
• 101lbs x 10
• 101lbs x 10

Oh wow, new blog! I'm starting this blog for a few reasons...I definitely want to keep myself on track in regards to my lifting and also my food/nutrition. There are so many awesome lifting ladies on the internet that I'd love to become part of that community, see what they're all up to, and stay inspired. Obviously, I also love beauty and cosmetics, and will probably ramble about that quite a bit. I'm thinking about maybe starting an Instagram too, just for shiggles. Food! Gym! Makeup!

Today's workout was very chaotic, and I'm in the middle of writing up a new, more coherent plan so I can hopefully make progress!

Workout for 6/29/13

Bench Press

• 45lbs x 5
• 50lbs x 5
• 55lbs x 5
• 65lbs x 3
• 75lbs x 3

Barbell Squat

• 45lbs x 5
• 65lbs x 5
• 95lbs x 5
• 115lbs x 5
• 135 lbs x 3

Hang/Clean

• 45lbs x 5
• 45lbs x 5
• 65lbs x 5
• 65lbs x 5
• 75lbs x 3

Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press

• 15lbs x 10
• 15lbs x 10
• 15lbs x 10

One-Arm Dumbbell Row

• 20lbs x 10
• 20lbs x 10
• 20lbs x 10

Lat Pulldown

• 60lbs x 10
• 60lbs x 10
• 60lbs x 10