I don’t usually post on Tuesdays, but it’s my birthday so I’ll do what I want, ya feel? I feel like so much changed in the past year: I started posting to Instagram daily, got rid of some of the toxic influences in my life, left a job, found a new job, learned to stand up for myself and be assertive, got comfortable in my own skin — to the point where I felt okay with getting in front of a camera and starting this blog, embraced new friendships, began volunteering with my sorority, got even better at dealing with my anxiety, attended a blogger meet up by myself!, and my absolute favorite traveled some more.

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Even better I got better at accepting some of the less favorable facets of my personality. I’ve always held grudges, but I’ve started to see myself let go of things from the past. Finding that way to live with a little more grace is something I’m really proud of. I got over my fear of being “friendless,” let go of some friends that frequently made me feel bad about myself and realized the world didn’t fall apart.

So, in less deep and emotional news, above is the cotton candy cupcake from Gigi’s. It’s one of their summer specials and in this season of embracing new things and experiences I decided to break away from my traditional “wedding cake” cupcake and try a summer offering.

While we’re on the topic of Gigi’s, I had to reign in the urge to go on a Twitter rant about the fact that they’ve taken the banana cream pie cupcake off the menu. GIGI. Nah girl, bring that back, stat. The lightness of the frosting and little Nilla wafer on top were too good. How dare you.

I’ve gotten to use the Indeed Nanoblur face primer and Covergirl Outlast lipstick from my I Do Voxbox twice now and feel comfortable reviewing them. I’ve said on multiple occasions that I’m not a lipstick fan and once again, I’m reminded why. I exfoliated my lips, applied this lipstick, went and took photos and then came home and immediately took the lipstick off. Despite all of these precautions, my lips are completely dried out and cracking. #NicoleStickToLipTints

The primer was not as offensive — overall, I like the product, just not as much as the primer I typically use. The scent is very light, but I do find the primer to be a bit heavy. I like that it doesn’t immediately begin drying and adhering to the skin when I apply it; usually my primer application kind of resembles a 50 yard dash because I’m moving quickly to put the bottle back down and start distributing over my face before it can absorb. The Nanoblur doesn’t immediately sink in, which can be seen as a pro or a con depending on how much time you like to put into your beauty routine. I don’t like the heaviness of the product. I have combination skin that leans more towards the oily side so any product that is going to contribute to the oil my skin seems to collect as the day goes by is a big no. I was aware of the weight since I’d used this product a week or so ago and used my matte setting spray instead of my dewy finish, but no dice; I still felt like this added to the oiliness I hate getting as the day rolls by.

These products were provided to me by Influenster for testing and reviewing purposes.

See you in this space Friday!