Makeup, Lattes, and Medicine

For my own enjoyment, I want to share the knowledge I have collected as a pre-med and as a medical student while also sharing my passion for all my favorite things, like makeup and lattes.

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Friday, July 28, 2017

Colourpop Cosmetics- Ultra Satin Lip Review

Noel 5:00 PM , , , , No comments :
TLDR: Love the colors and the formula, not super lasting but comfortable, my favorite product by Colourpop

I have written a post about Colourpop awhile back (in case you missed it), and I do really like this brand. I have had many of these Ultra Satin Lips for awhile so I have noticed differences based on color. But for the price, I think these are great and are worth purchasing.


Color Selection and Formula:
First, they are basically a liquid lip, but they do not dry down super matte and are not super drying. The formula is inconsistent based on the color. Colors like Alyssa are super liquidly and come off easier while colors like Tiny Chum are more of a mousse. I owe 6 of the colors ( Echo Park, Alyssa, November, Tiny Chum, Dopey, and Marshmallow), and while the formula is not exactly the same, they are all comfortable to wear, and I love the shades. My favorite is Echo Park as I get tons of compliments on it, and it is one of those your lips but better shades. I wore this color during my sorority recruitment, and the color was still on after talking with people for 5 hours with no touch ups. I am pretty impressed by the product. I always wear these with a lipliner though as some colors ( ex Alyssa) do not fade gracefully and can look patchy by the end of the day because some areas of the lips wore off before others. I have tried Colourpop's other lip products before (like the Ultra Matte lips), but these are the best formula so far.

Application:
They all come with a doe foot applicator, and because of their consistency, this makes it easy to use. I never have a problem putting one of these on. They take a couple of seconds to dry, and you are good to go. They work best with lip liners.

Wear:
Depends on the color (as mentioned above). I have even heard from some people that the consistency and wear of colors depends on the batch they were made with too. None of my colors fade instantly but some last longer than others. They are all comfortable, and I don't mind reapplying some of the colors. I wouldn't wear these on a non-stop day though.

Overall, I love these as they are so simple to apply and wear. I do hate the inconsistency with some of the colors. I will repurchase.


Friday, July 21, 2017

Feature Friday: 25 TV Shows Worth Watching

Noel 5:00 PM , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No comments :
I would say during an average week, no matter how busy I am, I try to squeeze in, at least, a couple of episodes of TV a week. I am a binge watcher by far, and at my best, I can finish a season in a day.  But because I watch so much, I am always on the hunt for new shows. That being said, I thought I would give you all my list of shows I recommend you watch. All are enjoyable, but there are definitely stand outs. Most of what I watch are dramas, crime, or action. It is very rare for me to find a comedy that I am into.

 Now, without giving any spoilers away in my brief opinions, here is the list of 25 TV shows worth watching, in no particular order, with a link to the IMDB webpage so you can check out trailers/synopsis.
  1. Game of Thrones- IMDB Storyline: "Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while a forgotten race returns after being dormant for thousands of years." Link to IMDB
    I feel this is self explanatory. If you are not watching Game of Thrones already, you are missing out.
  2. Gilmore Girls-  IMDB Storyline: "A dramedy centering around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut." Link to IMDB
    Drama that doesn't feel disingenuous. I love the writing of this show and feel the story is realistic and entertaining. I still get in debates with my friends over this show and have watched it 3 times all the way through. Don't even get me started on my opinions of the revival Netflix did of this show.
  3. Narcos -  IMDB Storyline: "A chronicled look at the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the many other drug kingpins who plagued the country through the years." Link to IMDB
    Now there are a lot of subtitles, which can be a turn off to some, but because of my days watching anime, they don't bother me. I love the history element of the show and the narration. I can't wait till the next season.
  4. Riverdale - IMDB Storyline: "A subversive take on Archie and his friends, exploring small town life, the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale's wholesome facade."Link to IMDB
     Some of the content I am a little wtf why was that necessary, but the actors did a FANTASTIC job brings the comic book characters to life, and I love the last few episodes of the season. I am about to watch the first season for the third time.
  5. The Night Shift-  IMDB Storyline: "A group of doctors from the Army return to work the night shift at a hospital in San Antonio."Link to IMDB
    The continuity between seasons is an issue with this series, but I like the medicine aspect of the drama and the fact that has funny elements. You start to love the characters, and I look forward to watching it every week.
  6. Stranger Things-  IMDB Storyline: "When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief, and his friends must confront terrifying forces in order to get him back." Link to IMDB
    This was my binge watch of last summer. Loved how unique the story was and the mystery involved. Definitely check out if you love suspense.
  7. The 100-  IMDB Storyline:" Set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity's lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet." Link to IMDB
    So much action in this series and so much happens in a season. I like the fact that there is the element of survival to this series. Every season has a new thing to look out for.
  8. GLOW - IMDB Storyline: "A look at the personal and professional lives of a group of women who perform for a wrestling organization in Los Angeles."Link to IMDB
    This is freaking hilarious. It is rare for me to watch a TV show that makes me laugh out loud. Netflix hit it out of the park with this one in terms of story and cast. Can't wait for the next season. 
  9. Westworld - IMDB Storyline: "Set at the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, explore a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged without consequence."  Link to IMDB
    Now, this series has a slow start, but be patient and pay attention. The ending of the season sure makes up for it. 
  10. Shameless- IMDB Storyline: "An alcoholic man lives in a perpetual stupor while his six children with whom he lives cope as best they can."  Link to IMDB
    I love this series because, just as you think things are getting better, the drama hits once again for the Gallaghers, and you are sucked back into watching. 
  11. Orange is the New Black- IMDB Storyline: "Convicted of a decade old crime of transporting drug money to an ex-girlfriend, normally law abiding Piper Chapman is sentenced to a year and a half behind bars to face the reality of how life changing prison can really be." Link to IMDB
    Part of my love for this show stems from the exceptional female cast. They do a great job showing diversity in characters and acting. Every season I binge watch, and I think this is the best way to watch this show.
  12. Sense8- IMDB Storyline:" A group of people around the world are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world's order." Link to IMDB
    This show is beautiful to watch. The cinematography is fantastic. I also like the fact that Netflix brought new types of characters to the table compared to most TV shows. Now, the first season's plot is a little weak, but you grow to love the characters.
  13. Breaking Bad- IMDB Storyline: "A high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine in order to secure his family's future." Link to IMDB
    Again, such a unique plotline. The end was a little predictable, but I enjoyed the evolution of the characters over time.
  14. Criminal Minds- IMDB Storyline: " The cases of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), an elite group of profilers who analyze the nation's most dangerous serial killers and individual heinous crimes in an effort to anticipate their next moves before they strike again." Link to IMDB
    This is a tried and true show that, no matter what, you can always rewatch episodes and still enjoy. Although the content can be twisted and make you worry about leaving your house, it is always my go-to when I am stumped on what to watch. I am proud to say I have seen every episode so far of the 12 seasons.
  15. Call the Midwife- IMDB Storyline: "Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London in the late 1950s to early 1960s." Link to IMDB
    I love the period dramas that the UK has been making, and this is one of my favorites. It is refreshing to see the relationship between the characters and differences between time periods in terms of medicine, even if it is fiction.
  16. Sherlock- IMDB Storyline: "A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London." Link to IMDB
    Sherlock episodes are long, like movie long, which is why there are only 3 episodes a season. The seasons take forever to come out as well, but you will be thoroughly invested in the show trying to figure out who committed the crime and what is going through Sherlock's head.
  17. United States of Tara- IMDB Storyline: " A woman struggles to find a balance between her dissociative identity disorder and raising a dysfunctional family."  Link to IMDB
    It has been way too long since I watched this show, probably since I was in high school. I like the fact that it is different, and I think the actress that plays Tara does a great job.
  18. 13 Reasons Why- IMDB Storyline: "Follows teenager Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hannah, and her decision to end her life." Link to IMDB
    Now, there is a lot of controversy surrounding this show whether they went too far. I think the actors did a great job, and the story is intense. There were some scenes that I couldn't watch because they were so intense, but I think that the message is important. Definitely worth watching.
  19. The Handmaid's Tale-  IMDB Storyline: "Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship." Link to IMDB
    Boy, is this show intense, and I think people can see parallels with where Trump's America is going. There are also so many details to this show that make it so much better than expected. The costumes and visuals are great, and I can't wait till season 2.
  20. Suits- IMDB Storyline: " On the run from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant college-dropout, finds himself a job working with Harvey Specter, one of New York City's best lawyers." Link to IMDB
    Suits has been out for awhile, and as the series goes on, some story line elements get a little tiresome, but the characters always make it worth watching. This is the show I put on if I am doing something else at the same time and just need something to watch. For that reason, I always return for the next season.
  21. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.- IMDB Storyline: " The missions of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division." Link to IMDB
    I am so disappointed in IMDB's description of this show. If you don't know what the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division is, it is an organization in the Marvel universe (Universe of the Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, etc) that helps individuals with special powers and keeps the world safe from evil forces. I think it would be hard to watch if you haven't seen any Marvel movies, but if you have, I think its worth checking out.
  22. Downton Abbey- IMDB Storyline: "A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th Century." Link to IMDB
    This shows wit is above and beyond. The dialogue is excellent, and the plot moves quickly. I never thought I would say a show is elegantly written and produced, but this one is.
  23. Reign- IMDB Storyline: " Mary, Queen of Scots, faces political and sexual intrigue in the treacherous world of the French court." Link to IMDB
    To be honest, I only watched Reign because I needed something to watch to substitute for Game of Thrones while I waited for the new season. I was quite pleased with this show and loved how strong of a character Mary turned into. I definitely binged most of this series.
  24. Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (Two shows you need to watch together)- IMDB Storyline for Avatar: The Last Airbender: "In a war-torn world of elemental magic, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world." Link to IMDB
    IMDB Storyline for The Legend of Korra: "Avatar Korra fights to keep Republic City safe from the evil forces of both the physical and spiritual worlds." Link to IMDB
    Yes, these are technically kids' shows. I would say that they are kid friendly, but the story line is more enjoyable for adults because some of the plot lines and concepts are geared more towards teens and older. Avatar: The Last Airbender is excellent, and the writers put  so much work in making Aang (the Avatar) and other characters become strong, wise, respectable people that I continue to watch it for the character growth and story. Also, as an fyi, don't watch the M. Night Shyamalan's Avatar: The Last Airbender. It's terrible, and brings shame to this whole series.
    Now, Korra is the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender and is set a generation afterwards. Korra, in the beginning, is bratty, but again, they incorporated great character growth, and she gains so much wisdom. Also, the end to the series is revolutionary in terms of kids' TV.
  25. Dear White People- IMDB Storyline:"  At a predominantly white Ivy League college, a diverse group of students navigate various forms of racial and other types of discrimination." Link to IMDB
    I think Netflix did a good job with this one, especially for this topic as so much of the time the point is skewed to misrepresent the issue. The cast is strong and the scenes look amazing. Definitely looking forward to season 2.
Now, that is the whole list. I am sure I missed some great TV shows out there. I just started Ray Donovan, so hopefully, I can finish that soon. Looking forward to adding to the list in the future. Is there any TV shows you would recommend? Leave a recommendation in the comments below.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Feature Friday: Starbucks Strawberry Green Tea Infusion

Noel 5:00 PM , , , , , , No comments :
TLDR: Tastes like water infused with mint and strawberries, Will order again as quite refreshing, Hope its permanent, Great low sugar option

 Boy has it been awhile since I reviewed a Starbucks drink, which is quite surprising since I am at Starbucks working on stuff all the time.  I have been sticking to my usual order of a Strawberry Acai Refresher or an Iced Chai Tea Latte over the past couple of months, but I am getting bored of them. To be honest, none of the recent changes on the menu really sparked my interest like this green tea. Mango doesn't spark my fancy so that pretty much eliminates all the recent frappuccinos. I did try the Unicorn one awhile back but didn't feel like it was worth reviewing since it was only there for a few days. All that being said, lets cut to the chase and talk about what you came to read about...the Starbucks Strawberry Green Tea Infusion.

Personally, I have been trying to cut back on sugary drinks, which is really hard to due at Starbucks. I have found that I am addicted to them. When I found they were coming out with iced tea infusions, I was ecstatic because I love the taste of strawberries, and I have the option to get it unsweetened. You can definitely taste the strawberries in this drink. I don't taste the green tea though. To be honest, it tastes like water infused with mint and strawberries. I love the taste, but I wanted to make sure those that are expecting more green tea flavor knew that this does not have it in my opinion. I have ordered it a few times, and the flavor seems to be consistent. Overall, I found this quite refreshing, and I will repurchase!


Friday, July 7, 2017

Colourpop Cosmetics- Pressed Eyeshadows

Noel 8:35 PM , , , , , No comments :
TLDR: Pigmented and a little powdery, Price isn't the greatest, Good color selection, Application and wear were ok

 If you are not a Youtube beauty fanatic like I am, you might have never heard of the brand 
Colourpop. It is one of those brands that almost every beauty guru talks about (mostly because they are affiliated with the brand or get sent PR), but I honestly don't mind that because the products are pretty cheap. The thing that drives me crazy about Colourpop (which many other people like) is that they seem to come out with a new product at least every week.  Because this is only an online brand, I like to get my stuff all at once due to shipping, so if they come out with a product every week that ends of selling out really quickly, I never get to try it! I bought my order of pressed eyeshadows awhile back to give enough time to try all the colors thoroughly, and their color selection has exploded since then. Now, they are even making palettes for $16, which is pretty good but sell out almost instantly.

 Regardless of all of this, I was excited to try these because I have mostly palettes and very few single eyeshadows so I liked the fact that I could pick my own colors. Of course, like most of my other Colourpop orders, I am too indecisive and probably bought too many. I watched several videos for swatches beforehand and looked on Google images for other swatches to make sure I got the colors I truly wanted.

 It took these eyeshadows 6 days to get to me, which is pretty good. The first thing I wanted to test actually was if I could remove the inner lining of the palette that was to hold the eyeshadows to make my own Z palette. I have seen many people do this, but it was more difficult than I expect. If you decide to do this, be very very gentle or you will rip out the magnet on the bottom or leave parts of the lining attached. I also had to work very diligently to get all the adhesive removed from the top of the magnet. Nevertheless, I got it eventually and now my palette will fit 10 eyeshadows instead of 4. 

 The pan of these eyeshadows is smaller than I expected. Definitely do not expect these eyeshadows to be a lot of product, which makes me change my mind on how much of a deal I thought these would be. From doing the swatches, the colors were soft but definitely kick up powder. From the eye looks I have done, all blended pretty well and stayed on my eyelids throughout the day. I have no complaints for the wear or application.The majority of the colors I got were matte because I found that I don't own many transition shades for eye looks. 

 Eyeshadows Purchased:
  • Hi- Maintenance Palette
  • 2 Empty Palettes (Free)
  • Made to Last
  • Silver Lining
  • Popular Demand
  • I Owe You
  • Note to Self
  • Paper Tiger
  • Take the Lead
  • Stay Golden
  • Milli (Free)
All this being said, for $5 apiece (now they are $4), they did not wow me. Knowing that there are potentially better brands for single eyeshadows, I would only purchase more colors if I was buying other items from Colourpop, like their ultra satin lips. I would not buy these alone again.

 Comment below which single eyeshadows I should try next.







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