Basics to bring to Generation Beauty (2014)

Photo taken from GenBeauty website

Alrighty, I've been pretty MIA for this entire month but to me, that's okay. I've gotten some things I've been wanting to do out of the way and I feel a little more like I've accomplished a lot of the things I've been wanting to do since forever. I thought I would feel guilty about not writing something at least once a week but I don't. I'll just consider it my spring break. 

But now that I'm aiming to get back on track I thought I would share that I just literally bought my Generation Beauty ticket for this year right now. So I thought it would be helpful to have a list of things to bring with you besides you and your ticket. Ans now that I've finally made the commitment to go it feels more real. I know I wrote how I didn't like the event last year but maybe that's because I was too shy about my blog not even being at least a year old and having only spam bots as visitors. Now that I have more confidence in myself as a blogger I think it will make all the difference which brings me to the first point of my list on what to bring to Generation Beauty 

1. Confidence 

No matter if your a small blogger starting out I think this is one key to getting the desired attention at any beauty convention. Own who you are and your blog "brand". Even if you see your blog as a buisness or not thinking if it as one will help when you want to make those personal connections. It's importatint to try to make those human connections in real life and honestly, where else do you get this opportunity to do so? So show up and be confident and be you. 

2. Buisness cards 

This second point stems from the first point and even though it may seem silly but really think about it. You're meeting so many new people, there's activities, and speeches. It will all seem like a whirlwind at the end and you met a nice blogger but oops...what was their blog called again? If you're going to invest your time making these connections you might as well be remembered. It doesn't have to be with buisness cards either. Exchange twitter handles, FB page, blog name and whatever you like right then and there on your phone. But keep in mind that phones may die so you might want to bring a pen and paper to write down your info. But I feel buisness cards are just so much more professional looking no matter what level your blog is at. If you're looking to connect with the brand reps at the booths business cards will definitely make you seem more organized than you may actually be. 

3. FULLY CHARGED PHONE  

Yes, caps overkill. You will be taking a lot of pictures, participating in feeds at the event, texting, connecting with everyone online because it can get exciting and you just have to let everyone know what is going on like, right now. Then if you get dropped of at the event like I did last year you'll have to have enough battery at the end of the day telling your buddy where you are exactly or you're screwed. I lost battery and had to go back to the event to mooch wifi on my tablet reader to email my boyfriend where I was going to be and when. I will be looking into a battery backup system of some sort this year. 

4. Camera  

I really wish I had one last year because I was really trying to preserve my battery/memory (I hoard pictures on my phone) and doing both at the same time is exhausting. I'm not good at multi tasking. Multi tasking makes me angry. When I'm angry, Hulk SMASH! I bought myself a camera for blogging and personal use for Christmas so that will be going with me this year. It doesn't have to be anything fancy either, just a point and shoot is fine. Just remember to bring an extra set of batteries and maybe an extra memory card, especially if you're from out of town because you might get an urge to take pictures of your entire trip instead of just the event. 

5. Tablet or EReader 

They had Wifi at last year's event and they should definitely have it this year so bringing a tablet or eReader is like having icing on the cake. I personally found having my reader on me was useful so I could browse and respond to people on the live feed without having to drain my phone battery or waste my data  in one weekend. If you have a Tablet with a camera that comes in real handy as you can probably leave the camera at home and use your phone and tablet instead but if you have a reader without a camera like me that's why I put a camera on the list. I have the NOOK HD and have had it for a couple years that I use for well, reading web content and stuff. It came in handy for me last year so I will bring it with me this year too.

6. Cash  

You figure that its 2014 and some of these companies should have some way to take your debit/credit card especially if they are big names who can afford these transaction fees. But nope! The only Sponsor that I could find that took a card was Sexy Hair. The rest I wanted to buy from were cash. So when it came down to me choosing to spend the only $20 bill I had on me it came down to either buying a huge eyeshadow pallet from BH Cosmetics or some super discounted roller balls from Pacifica I had to go ahead and skip the roller balls because makeup always wins. So bring cash, and bring enough I would say at least $40 minimum. 

7. Reusable shopping bag 

Preferably one that folds into itself. The brands sponsors last year had some nice specials going on at the event and the fabric bag you get at the start of the event might just not be enough to hold everything comfortably. If you do some heavy hitting damage to your wallet plus all the items they give away the bag just gets too heavy on its own. I'm paranoid that it would end up breaking on me. So if you're a paranoid wierdo like me, bring an extra bag and if its fold able and easily hidden away because if you end up not getting much stuff then its not in your way. 

8. Comfortable shoes

I was an idiot last year by thinking I wouldn't do a lot of walking and standing but oh boy, was I wrong. I wore my brand new peep toe jelly shoes deciding to break them in. All I can say is that it was the worst idea ever. Walking around in hot jelly shoes rubbing against your heel is not fun at all. Wear cute shoes that have already been broken in and feel comfortable. 

I really don't think there is anything else that you would need for the day of the event other than these items. I really must stress the importance of just being prepared for meeting other bloggers. I think this list would be good for any convention at all really. The more you plan an outline of what you need the better your experience should be. I think even if you aren't much of a planner just having your basic supplies and an outline of what you think you want to do is a great start. I will try to get a mini series going here for places to go eat if you're coming from out of town and a crash course on how to take public transport. If you have any requests for the mini series let me know, I would be happy to try and help you out. 

XOX

Veritypretty

July favorites

July, has it really ended? It just went by so fast and soon so will August. So since it is the end I have comprised  list of my favorite products that I have been using this month. I didn't really wear too much makeup because it's just too hot and is unnecessary. 

Big sexy hair spray and play

So first on my list is this hairspray even though I never did anything that really needed to hairspray like curls but I have been pinning my bangs back on my non hair washing days. Bobby pins always seem to slip and slide out of my hair so a quick spritz where my pins are is just a life saver. The spray and play I find is a lighter hold than most drugstore hairsprays which is great because then it doesn't weigh down and make my hair so stiff.

Suave dry shampoo

Moving on, you cant have a no wash day without some dry shampoo. The Suave is honestly the best I have tried out of all the drugstore dry shampoos I have tried. This one has the least residue and doesn't leave a crust behind my ears like the Dove brand does and has a nice tropical smell to it. 

Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche

I have loved this fragrance for awhile now and is honestly not just a July favorite but a holy grail item in my beauty arsenal. I mean, most women feel instantly sexy with a quick spritz of their favorite fragrance. This just smells so clean, fresh elegant and timeless. I could still see myself wearing this 10 years from now. It has a floral and citrus scent that ends to a slight woody scent at the end of the day. I get  constant compliments and asked what I'm wearing and so it instantly boosts my confidence. 

Covergirl Clump Crusher

The only thing I really need to do to make myself presentable most of the time is a good mascara. The Covergirl Clump Crusher in black is perfect and the waterproof formula is great for any occasion. 

C. Booth Honey almond dry oil mist

I got this from my Glossybox for June? July? I forgot but it has been my favorite for my dry summer skin. I find that lotion can feel heavy and feel like a mask that's sliding off. Dry oil spray is a great alternative and has a wonderful almond smell to it. 

Maybelline Dream liquid mouse in light 5 

This has been in my makeup arsenal since it came out and I really love how it matches me perfectly and doesn't look like a mask. I find on me the coverage is blendable and goes on well with my fingers or sponge. It doesn't seem to oxidize and turn me orange or even a pink color like some foundations do. 

Julep nail polish in Paris 

I am and always have been obsessed with glitter polish. I love layering it on top because honestly, I can't paint my nails for the life of me. this hides the lumps and bumps and is really pretty. 

Plus it does look like what I imagine Paris would look like at night. as I have never gone I can only imagine and this polish always helps. 

Julep nail polish in Brit

Another Julep polish in a what seemed to me just another grey polish but what I didn't know was that it is a matte finish. When I saw it drying really fast and not glossy I was thinking "what the heck?!!" but liked it because A) it dried fast and B) it was smudge and lump proof.

The color is called Brit and i got it when the website had their online warehouse sale for the small price of $3. 

Please excuse my horrible cuticles as I have not gone to get them taken care of in over a month. Time to treat myself soon! But you will notice it is a nice dark grey that doesn't look like you dipped them in silver plating. Honestly I find it refreshing to find a non shiny metallic and will still be great for fall or for going out on a summer night. 

NYX blush in Dessert Rose 

If I feel I look a little dead and flat in the morning I love to add a little blush despite it being summer and everyone is all about a nice golden glow. I'm tan, I don't need to be any more tanned than I am. i was actually saving this Dessert Rose color for fall thinking it was going to be dark but it actually looks nice against my skin's coloring. 

SOHO London Blush Brush 

This brush is a find from my local Big Lots store and found it for only $3 and I am in love with the shape of the bristles and it is on the softer side. 

Maybe the only complaint about it is that is smells like my cat. I really don't know why because my cat doesn't get up in my brushes. O.o 

Bare Minerals mineral veil 

Okay, take a look. you would think this is the normal Bare Minerals mineral veil BUT....

Taking a closer look AFTER buying and opening it like an idiot I realize it's the Twilight version that makes me look like Edward Cullen in the sunlight. So I quietly set this aside thinking maybe I can pawn it off on my little sister. 

But then I started to use this as a highlighter and it works wonderfully. I use it for nighttime when I go out and I want to add a little extra glow. for daytime I will only use it for highlighting my brow bone for a more open and awake look. So if you bought this on accident like I did and are considering throwing it out, DON'T because you could be missing out on a great highlighter. 

Xtremem Lashes eyeliner

I hate eyeliner that doesn't STAY PUT. Just stay darn you! That is what this one delivers, a stay out formula that is blendable and dries so it stays put no matter what. The premise of this eyeliner and why I love it so much is that it was inspired by how well gel eyeliner stays on but is such a pain to apply with a brush. this is a gel formula in a pencil form. 

Dead Sea Minerals antiaging day cream 

I love, love, LOVE this day cream which is another Big lots find for three measly dollars. I love how light weight it is and use it under my sunscreen because for my skin, even though I am acne prone it has responded well to moisturizing before I moisturize. 

As you can see I am almost out of it which makes me sad because I haven't been able to find it at the store anymore. 

The texture is thick and goes on really smooth making my skin feel soft like butter. Hopefully I can find more of this and will start hoarding it immediately. 

So now that you have seen my favorites, what were some of yours for the month of July? Go ahead and link me to your blog featuring your own list. I'd like to read all about them. 

Stay tuned because I will be reviewing my August julep box I have just received complete with swatches!

Hope to see you next time everyone!

One day left until Generation Beauty

I hope everyone has got their ticket already because today's the last day for the half off coupon otherwise you're spending 150 smackaroos to get in. Unless they put that crap on groupon or something the day of.

So very excited to go! I'll be dropping in after work just to register early then pop out since they have nothing formal planned that day. If they have something good I'll consider staying longer. Or maybe grab a cocktail from around there and go home. It is Friday so it might be busy just because. You never know. So cocktails when I get home? Or cocktails with you?

But all days I'll be tweeting and instagraming or whatever so if you want to follow someone going to the event you can follow me.
@verityrobin (too lazy to make a new handle)
On IG I am missare_elle_vee

Generation beauty - contest alert!

Hey, contest alerts everyone! These aren't held by me but I am out of common courtesy posting my contest finds for the Generation Beauty 2013 event.

Itsjudytime posted a contest alert for those living in the LA area and has 3 tickets available. She also has a promo code for tickets but it's no better than the genbeautybag code. Both are for 50% off. Don't forget to subscribe to her because her reviews are pretty cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dZBSi08rNE&feature=youtube_gdata_pl

ALSO! There's a hashtag event from Pixi to win tickets. Use #generationpixi in an instagram or twitpic of Pixi products or a look created with their stuff for a chance to win. There is no update of when that will end but if there are anymore contests I find out about I will definitely keep everyone posted on it!

Hope to see you there and good luck!

The first ever Generation Beauty by Ipsy event at LA Live

Is everybody as excited as I am for this event?!! I sure hope so because I'll probably be the only one super friggin' excited yet plastered with a combo of a bitch face/"impress me or else" face aka my poker face.

As some of you may know, Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service that delivers 4-5 items a month in an adorable reusable bag. The cofounder beauty vlogger Michelle Phan is hosting the event from May 31st - June 2nd and I am proud to say I have purchased my ticket.

I'm in it first most for the promised goodie bag. Then also for the seminars and meet and greets! I'm not as much of a Michelle Phan fan as much as I used to be ever since I discovered the girls of eleventhgorgeous. Maybe because I like their more affordable makeup selections, reviews, THE HAULS and their ever apparent sisterly love for one another. BUT, who wouldn't like to meet and take a picture with the Phan-ster? I'm not turning it down!

The promise of getting 2 items from each sponsor in the goodie bag is incentive enough for me. I mean, I'm a total Bare Minerals and smash box groupie and ever since I stole a spritz or two from my moms can of Big Sexy Hair I've been a fan. I think I'm fan girling more for the brands that will be there than the people (shhh...that'll be our secret).

Plus since I live here in the LA area it's not even something I have to plan for ahead of time. I mean, I know my way around in a car bus and train/light rail. I know where to avoid parking to pay minimum or just buy a day pass for the metro ($5). Did you know that the metro service here in LA is the most affordable in the nation? Or Le boyfriend has offered to drop off and pick me up Saturday/Sunday.

The only Con I've ever done is the emoticon. This is my very first con so I really don't know what to expect. Should my expectations be low or high? Should I dress up like Princess Leia? Should I bring things to be signed? Will they even sign my cheap makeup palates? All very importaint questions that have yet to be answered.

Tickets are 160 smackaroos with that stupid fee all ticket agencies charge but with code GENBEAUTYBAG you get it for $80. I didn't see the event post when the code will expire so I asked and they told me on their fb page it ends 5/30. So i assume this is the last and only promo code before the event and they won't get any cheaper. Here's the link if you want to check it out!

http://www.genbeauty.com/