Tuesday, May 31, 2016

MAY BEAUTY FAVORITES

Happy Tuesday! I hope you guys had a really lovely 3-day weekend. It's the last day of May which is seriously CRAZY. I don't know where this month went, but I'm glad I don't, because Jason moves back this weekend and I couldn't be more ready. Since it's the last day of May, I figured it would be the perfect time to talk about the beauty favorites of the month!


Per the usual, we'll go over bodycare, skincare, haircare, and makeup. Grab a snack and a cup of tea, because this lady had a lot she loved this month...



Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer has been a savior for my skin this month! I'm currently on antibiotics and acne treatment to clear up my unhappy skin, and my whole body has been so dry and flakey. This is super hydrating, and it smells lovely! I'm also afraid to try self-tanner, so this was as close as it's going to get, not sure if it's done anything on that front though...



Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray has been a favorite this month because of how much texture it gives my flat, lifeless hair. I love spraying this under my roots for some extra volume, or all over my head and scrunching my hair up to add those beachy waves you get after you've been in the ocean. It also has a nice light salty smell that I find really nice.



Kiehl's Creamy Avocado Eye Treatment has saved my under-eyes from drying out like spongebob would under a heat lamp (anyone remember that scene from the Spongebob Squarepants Move? No? Just me? Awkward). I've actually been using this since last year, and I never really thought it was anything exciting or amazing, but now that my skin is ultra-dry, I can't believe I never noticed how extremely hydrating it is! I also love how gentle it is, and that it doesn't migrate into my eyes.

Borghese Cleansing Creme is something I discovered later in May (I hope that isn't cheating). Since my skin has been so dry, it has been super sensitive as well. My grandma was here about a month ago and she mentioned this cleansing creme that she has been using and loving for years and years. The angel of a human had it sent to me, which was so sweet. And, I am so in love with it! You need less than a pea-sized amount, and it really gets out all the gunk in your skin and makes you feel squeaky clean, but not just on the surface, it makes you feel deep-cleaned. It is super gentle, and it has a really nice natural scent to it too.



Too Faced Hangover Rx is a primer that I've loved for ages, and I actually talked about it in my first ever youtube video! It's silicone-free, and is made with coconut water, so it feels just like a moisturizer on the skin, and it is super hydrating. This has been so nice and gentle on my skin this month, and I think it's helped give me that extra boost of hydration.

Lorac Pro Palette has been my go-to for eyeshadow lately. When I started back at school, I stopped wearing eyeshadow almost completely, but on the days that I do reach for it (for filming videos, for presentations in class, for going out, etc.), I have been consistently reaching for my Lorac Pro. My go-to has been 'Taupe' in the crease and 'Lt. Bronze' all over the lid, such an easy look! There is such a variety of looks that you can do with this palette, and the shadows are a no-brainer. They basically blend themselves, and the pigmentation is incredible. One thing to note is that there is a lot of powder kick-up when you dab your brush into the pans, just an fyi! P.S. Tutorial with this palette coming in a couple days, keep your eyes peeled ;)

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blusher 'Ecstasy' has been on my cheeks almost every single day this month, I swear. This blush is absolutely stunning, it's the perfect peachy shade for fair to light skin tones, and it's just stunning for spring and summer months. These blushes are incredibly smooth and pigmented, and the lasting power is amazing, I swear by this formula! I want more of them but they are ESPENSIVE as Ricky Ricardo would say.

NARS Lip Gloss 'Chelsea Girls' has been such an easy my-lips-but-juicier product. The formula of NARS glosses is amazing because it doesn't feel tacky at all, it feels comfortable to wear and hydrating, which is hard to find in a gloss. This is a true peachy nude, and it goes with every single look, and I've been reaching for it all month long before I head to campus, it just gives me that extra something that makes me look sort of put together (even though I'm definitely not).

LOUD Makeup Bent Eyeliner Brush is something I seriously don't know why I didn't discover earlier. I've had their brush set for months and months now and I just never reached to try this brush. It looks like a detail pencil brush, but it is completely bent at the end, and this is the most amazing liquid eyeliner brush I have ever laid my hands on. I will never again use another angled eyeliner brush in my life. If you struggle with liquid liner, get a gel liner and this baby, and you'll have talent you never knew you had in ya.

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Blush Palette is something I've talked about in favorites before, but there's one shade in particular in this palette that I have been loving this month, and that's the shade Cherry. It's a really gorgeous cool pink, almost like a Barbie pink. It looks very intense when swatched, but it goes on the skin very subtly. Beware though, it definitely won't show up on anyone darker than a light skin tone! This shade reminds me of how my cheeks would naturally flush if I went on a brisk walk, and I think that's why I find the shade so flattering on my skin.

Urban Decay Beached Bronzer 'Bronzed' might have become my new favorite bronzer...I know...that's a bold statement. But this stuff is freaking beautiful. The packaging is stunning and so summery, the formula is pure gold I swear. It's silky smooth, blends beautifully, and it gives the skin the most gorgeous glow (which I don't understand since it's matte...SORCERY I TELL YOU)!

Makeup For Ever Pro Sculpting Palette has two shades in it that have been in my routine a lot this month. I originally got this palette because I really wanted to try out a cream contour (irony - I haven't contoured in ages). But, the shimmering highlight shade and the blush in this cream palette are so stunning. The blush is a gorgeous coral shade, perfect for spring and summer, and the highlight is a gorgeous golden champagne shade that looks super natural on the skin. The formula of these cream products is amazing, they feel very thick at first, but once touched with the warmth of your skin, they turn much smoother and they blend super nicely. I have the palette in the shade '20' which is for light skin tones, and they do carry darker shades as well.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment 'Tulip' is something my mom and I both have been loving all month long! I talked about this in my mini Sephora haul post, which I will link here in case you missed it. I have super picky lips, and they've been loving this stuff! It is comfortable to wear, and very hydrating, and the color is perfect for everyday wear. It gives my lips the perfect wash of natural pink. AND, it smells like pink lemonade!

Benefit GimmeBrow is a product I've used and loved for ages, I always use my ABH brow products and then top off with this just to set my brows and add some fibers. But, this month I've been skipping on filling in my brows and I've been just using the GimmeBrow, and I have been loving it! It adds a little extra something to my brows, but it looks super natural. This is a product I highly recommend.

MAC StudioFix Chromographic Pencil has been a savior for my tired eyes this month. I've been exhausted lately with school and work, and you can see it in my eyes. This flesh colored pencil (NW15/NC20 is the shade I have) is what I've been putting the waterline of my eyes and it really brightens my eyes and makes me look more alert. It has other uses that I love too, like covering up problem areas where you need some extra coverage, or outlining your lips to make them look more full.

OKAY. I'm done. I think this was the longest favorites post I've ever done! I hope you guys enjoyed, and make sure to comment down below on what your beauty favorites were from the month of May.
Do you guys think I should do a non-beauty favorites post this month? I skipped on it last month, and I'm torn on doing it or not this month...

Friday, May 27, 2016

CARA DELEVINGNE INSPIRED MAKEUP

Happy Friday! I hope you guys have had a lovely week. This week, I saw this photo of Cara Delevingne on Pinterest and felt really inspired. I love how intense her eyes look, and the deep red lip is so gorgeous. She has such unique facial structure, and I would kill for her eyebrows, but I figured I could at least make an attempt to achieve this look!

I know it's not at all a spring or summer look, but I just thought it was beautiful, and I haven't done anything this deep on my blog / youtube channel before, so I thought it would be a fun change! And dark makeup is still fun in the spring and summer for nights out on the town.


I hope you guys enjoy the tutorial! What celebrity makeup have you been inspired by lately?

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

10 SPRING & SUMMER BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Happy hump day! I hope you guys are having a wonderful week, and to all my fellow students out there - I hope you're staying sane and hanging in there, we just have a couple weeks left, HOME STRETCH! Today I wanted to talk about some items that I think are absolute must-haves for the spring and summer of this year, and why I've been loving them so much. So, let's talk beauty.


Let's go ahead and start with the base of the face. In the spring and summer, I like a natural look with a dewy or luminous finish, something that makes my face look like I'm glowing from within, and not caking on the makeup. Plus, I want all the products to be comfortable and breathable for my skin, I steer away from heavier makeup products once the sun rays hit down on my face.


1. BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation // This foundation is one that you guys have heard me rave about time and time again here on the blog and over on the youtube channel. This foundation gives the skin the most beautiful, natural coverage, with a luminous finish. A little spreads a long way, and the formula is so thin and comfortable to wear. This is my go-to for spring and summer when I actually reach for a real foundation.

2. Boscia B.B. Cream // For those days when I just don't feel like wearing a foundation, or if my skin is irritated, I tend to reach for a tinted moisturizer or a B.B. Cream. My all-time favorite is the Boscia B.B. Cream in the shade light. This is so lovely for spring and summer because it has built-in SPF! The formula is self-adjusting to your skin tone, so it really does match perfectly no matter what. It feels so comfortable, gives such a light coverage, but feels hydrating on the skin while providing that extra something to even out your skin tone.

3. Estee Edit by Estee Lauder Flash Illuminator // This is a more recent product pick-up, as part of my birthday Sephora haul, which I'll link here in case you guys didn't see. I've been really loving using this over my B.B. Cream where I usually highlight and it gives the skin such a beautiful lit from within glow. On those days where I'm looking a little sunken from being up late studying, this really just brightens and lifts my complexion.

4. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ // I feel like this is one of the most talked about products in the beauty world. I originally bought Fix+ because I had heard that it was a great setting spray, and I have mixed feelings about that. I consider this more of a hydrating and fixing spray, I don't think it prolongs the wear of my makeup whatsoever...actually. If there is ever a time where you need a refreshing spray of hydration or cooling in the summertime, spritz this all over. It is so cooling, hydrating, and it really refreshes both you and how your makeup looks. The other reason I love to use this is because it diminishes the look of any powderiness or cakiness on the skin, which is why I definitely consider it a fixing spray, wonder where they got the name... ;)



5. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder 'Ethereal Light' // Yes, I'm bringing it up again, slap me on the wrist, okay? I freaking love these powders. They are the most beautiful finishing powder in existence, I am convinced. They add a natural luminosity to the skin that just can't be duplicated with another product (in my opinion), and they don't mattify or make your skin look flat or dimensionless like some finishing powders can do. I absolutely swear by these powders, you just need to find the right one for your skin tone.

6. Urban Decay Beached Bronzer 'Bronzed' // This bronzer is life. I feel like this is the summer bronzer that I've been looking for my entire life. This is the darkest of the two shades Urban Decay offers - the first shade, 'Sunkissed' looked extremely red in undertone, which I don't find flattering on my skintone - and I'm so glad I wound up with this shade. It looks intimidating at first for a fair girl, but this bronzer is so incredibly creamy and blendable that you don't need to be afraid of it! It is matte, but it gives great dimension and a naturally sun-kissed look.

7. Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder 'Starlight' // The Kevyn Aucoin powders are stunning in formula, and this shade is my perfect shade for spring and summer. It is a gorgeous peachy champagne shade that blends into the skin like butter and adds the perfect natural sheen without any glitter or shimmer.


8. BECCA Beach Tint 'Dragonfruit' // I've talked about the beach tint shimmer souffle on the blog before, but never the original beach tint. These are so intensely pigmented that you'll be amazed how little you need when you first try them (you see in the video). They add a gorgeous wash of color to both the lips and the cheeks, and they smell like what they are named after. I think Dragonfruit is a shade that will work for so many skin tones, from light to dark.

9. Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick 'Rose Gold' // In the summertime, my eyelids sweat through eyeshadows like a beast, so I tend to avoid doing dramatic eye looks on the daily. My go-to look is to sweep a little bronzer in the crease and pop a little Laura Mercier Caviar eye stick onto the lid. This is the perfect biege-y champagne shade, and the formula of the caviar sticks is perfection. It doesn't feel sticky, tough, or pull on your eyelid at all when applying, and you can blend with your fingers or a brush, both work extremely well. I love how convenient the eye sticks are, because you just swipe them on and you are done, and you can pop it in your purse if need be!

10. Lancome Juicy Shaker 'Meli Melon' // I was SO freaking excited about the release of the Juicy Shakers from Lancome. The shade range is huge, and beautiful, as well as the scents. I went with the shade Meli Melon, which looks very intense in the bottle, but comes across very subtle when applied. This shade has some shimmer, so it adds a lot of shine and plumpness to the lips. These are made of oil and pigment, so you need to shake well before applying, but the oil is going to hydrate your lips throughout wear. These aren't going to be a long-wearing product, but they apply beautifully, moisturize, and leave a bit of a stain. AND, they smell like I could eat them (Meli Melon smells like watermelons). I'm half tempted to try them as a cheek tint as well!

I hope you guys enjoyed seeming some spring and summer recommendations. What products do you think are must-haves for spring and summer?

Saturday, May 21, 2016

UNBOXING WITH MOMMA | STITCHFIX

Happy weekend! Guess who is featured in today's post? If you didn't already guess by the super obvious title, I teamed up with my awesome MOM for this post! A few months ago, she started trying out a really cool fashion subscription box called Stitchfix, and the two of us thought it would be fun to unbox it for you guys and share her thoughts on what she received, and of the subscription itself. Let me tell you guys a bit about the subscription service first.

Stitchfix is a personalized style box that comes to your door with 5 items (everything from jewelry to outfits to shoes). You can choose to receive it regularly (i.e. once a month) or whenever is convenient for you. You pay a $20 "stylist fee" towards your box every time, if you keep any items that you receive, you get to put the $20 stylist fee towards that item. If you choose to keep all 5 items, you receive $25% off the entire purchase and your $20 stylist fee still goes towards the purchase. If you choose to keep none of the items, you will still be paying your $20 stylist fee. Items range in price, but you choose preferred price ranges, and all your sizes when you take your first quiz during the sign-up process. Here is the link in case you guys want to give it a try!

Now, let's get into my mom's unboxing!


When you first open your box, there's super cute print on the inside with words and direction on each flap of the box. One end says "Thanks for letting us style you!" while the other tells you steps for your box: "1. Discover & Decide 2. Share Your Thoughts 3. Send It Back"



On the top of your box, you will find a return envelope with instructions on sending back any merchandise you choose not to keep.


You'll also find an envelope which includes two sheets - one with brands and descriptions of all items you've received, along with their full prices, and the amount discounted if you choose to purchase all items in the box. The second sheet is a guide on how to wear some of the items you've received, along with a personalized note from your stylist, which is really cool! After you have your box, you have 3 days to decide whether you need to send items back, and you will report this in an online survey, along with your thoughts about the box, any requests for the next box, and other feedback.




The first item my mom received this month was a pair of black suede Kenneth Cole wedges. They were extremely comfortable and super cute, but they are being sent back because (1) They are a size too small, (2) they are higher than her requested heel height, and (3) they are far too pricey. Stitchfix always sends shoes in a cute drawstring bag, but if you send your shoes back, make sure you send the bag back too!



Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls // $198

The next item was this beautiful blue and white summery dress. The fit was perfect and so flattering on her, and it's going right into her closet!


Market & Spruce Korrine Dress // $68

The next dress was a navy blue halter-style dress with cutouts. It sinched in with a tie on the side, and hit lower on the waist. This one is being sent back because she can't wear spaghetti straps for work, and the fit wasn't quite perfect. But, we both agreed that we loved the style!

Also featured below is a canvas blue and white bag that came in the box. The style was great since she was wanting a tote bag, but the bag itself was so large that you could lose things in it, so she decided to send that one back as well. Such a cute style for summer though!




Collective Concepts Galen Laser Cut Dress // $88
Street Level Anchorage Striped Canvas Tote // $64

Last thing in the box was this adorable black and white striped dress! The fit and style of this dress was absolute perfection for my mom's style and for her job, but it was just a tad too tight, she was so bummed out.




Even though a few things are being sent back, the winner was a really good one this time around! The first box she kept the gorgeous gold necklace that you'll likely notice in a few of the photos above, and the second box was a no-go for any of the items. Regardless, there's something so fun about receiving surprise items and getting to try on in the comfort of your own home.

And, mom's thoughts? "This is my third fix and I am still waiting to be blown away. I am picky, and I understand that it takes a few fixes before your stylist really gets you. I am impressed with the quality as well as the packaging and look forward to my next shipment!" We're hoping for some good winners in her next box, do you guys want to see her next one on the blog as well? 

Thursday, May 19, 2016

UPDATE: INFLUENSTER L'OREAL EVERPURE VOXBOX

You guys have heard me talk about Influenster before, but for those of you that are new here (HELLO BY THE WAY! I'm excited to have you!), Influenster sends qualified members boxes of free products to try and review, and you can qualify too if you decide to sign up (I'll leave my link here in case you want to). About a month ago, I unboxed the L'Oreal Everpure Repair and Defend Voxbox here on the blog. I received a shampoo, conditioner, a hair mask, and a lotion from the L'Oreal line, all of which were color safe products (one thing I love about Influenster, is that they really do personalize everything for those who can actually try and review the products, for example, my colored hair). I'll link the unboxing here in case you guys want a little more info on what I received. 


L'Oreal Everpure Repair & Defend Shampoo and Conditioner // $6.99 / 8.5 fl oz // The first thing I want to get off my shoulders is how much I really dislike the packaging of the shampoo and conditioner from this line. Because the bottles are so squishy, closing the cap after use can be really irritating and nearly impossible! If you're paying $7 at the drugstore for a shampoo, I feel like the packaging at the least should be good. The product itself is good, there isn't anything wrong with either the shampoo or conditioner, but they didn't really WOW me either. My hair doesn't seem extra healthy and I haven't seen any major differences in the past month of use. One thing I did notice is that my flyaways have been out of control since I started consistently using this shampoo and conditioner! When I wear my hair up, it looks like someone rubbed a balloon all over my head, not cute.

L'Oreal Everpure Repair & Defend Lotion // $8.99 / 4.2 fl oz // This is probably my least favorite of the line, I think it is overpriced for so little product, and it didn't do anything for my hair. I feel that this is more geared towards those who style or use heat on their hair, because it is meant to protect from damage, but since I don't ever blow dry my hair post-shower, and I don't ever style my hair post-shower, it didn't do much for me except maybe a little detangling. If you're looking for a styler or detangler, I would check out this one from Enjoy instead, it's my all-time favorite!

L'Oreal Everpure Repair & Defend Mask // $8.99 / 8.5 fl oz // If I had to choose a favorite of this line, this would be the one. I love that is comes in a big tub, and the product itself made my hair very soft and easy to brush through after showering. My only complaint? You are supposed to leave it in for 5 minutes, which after having shampooed and conditioned my hair, if I wait another 5 minutes, my water gets cold, and what am I supposed to do for 5 minutes? It doesn't take me that long to shave, I'm not a bear!

As far as the whole line goes, I'll give it 4/5 cup-of-thoughts thumbs-up. They are good products, but to get five thumbs-up, you've got to wow me, and none of these products did that. Also, note that these products smell very strongly of botanicals, and they stick with you, so if you are sensitive to smell, definitely avoid these!

I'm sorry that this review was kind of a negative nancy overall, but I want to be honest with you guys. Just because products were sent to me for free to review does NOT mean that I feel obligated to like them or act like I do. I am still gushing over the Suave Coconut Oil shampoo and conditioner that I got in my first Voxbox (which costs $2.99 a pop), so these just didn't compare. I want to thank Influenster for sending these products my way to give you guys an idea of what they are like and give me a chance to try some color safe products! 

What are your favorite haircare products?
FTC: All L'Oreal products mentioned were sent to me by Influenster complimentary to try and review. The above link to Influenster is a referral link.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Casual in khaki

Happy hump day! Today I was scrolling through all of my old blogging photos trying to free up some storage, when I came across a look that I shot months ago when I lived in Seattle and never posted! I really love this look and I think it's perfect for the fall to spring transition on those nights where it's a little overcast and chilly, but not quite jacket weather. This look has some of my favorite pieces that I'm going to really miss moving into summer, so I figured this would be a good way to show them off!

The look

I knew that for this look I wanted to include my olive green Sole Society wedge booties, these are stunning and they can be dressed up or dressed down easily, as you've seen on the blog before. I love wearing these casually with cuffed jeans, so I paired them with my Madewell skinnies for a super casual look. I slipped on an oversized boxy ribbed sweater from H&M, v-neck style, tucking the very front of it into the buckle of my jeans. I rolled the sleeves up twice. I then put on my favorite vest from J. Crew. There is nothing in my closet that I love more, it's such a gorgeous piece, and every single time I wear this I get so many compliments!


Sweater: H&M // Similar
Vest: J. Crew // Similar 
Jeans: Madewell
Booties: Sole Society

Accessories

To add something simple but classy, I buckled on my Daniel Wellington watch, my go-to for anytime I'm going out. It's so simple, but it adds so much to a look, without needing anything else. I also slipped on my long Madewell knotted necklace, this just added a little more to such a simple look.

Necklace: Madewell // Similar

The hair and makeup

I have really been loving parting my hair in the middle since I colored it, because of the way the color shapes my face, so I did that for this look and made sure I straightened it as much as possible (my hair has a mind of it's own most of the time). For the makeup, I did a simple everyday brown smokey eye, keeping the entire look very neutral, and I applied a nude matte lipstick to finish off the look. When in doubt, go neutral!



I hope you guys enjoyed this look, I know it's been awhile since a fashion post. Make sure to let me know by commenting down below or giving this post a +1 if you want to see me start more fashion posts again! 

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Mini Sephora Haul + Reviews

Hey guys! I hope you had an awesome week last week and that you're all doing well, it's been awhile. I wanted to share with you guys some things that I treated myself to for my 21st birthday. I've been working 35 hours a week and doing full-time school, so I figured I would allow myself a few little treats for my birthday (this is a little late). Since it's been a few weeks since I've done the haul, I though that I could include reviews as well, so let's get to it!



Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit 'That Glow' // This is a product I've been eyeing since it released. I gravitated towards the 'Gleam' kit originally, but I decided that 'That Glow' would be better for summer skin and less similar to what I already have. I was not disappointed with this product. I think the price is so good for how much product you get, I love the packaging, the colors are beautiful, and everything from the formula to the color payoff to the blend-ability is 110%!



Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment 'Tulip' // A little TMI here - my lips are super sensitive and have been ever since a lip infection I had once during middle school. My lips get chapped and flakey so easily, so finding a chapstick my lips approve of is very difficult. I have been gawking over this lip treatment for ages, and decided to do it in a color that would look natural and bright for spring and summer. I have been loving this because a little goes such a long way, and the color is absolutely perfect for everyday wear.



The Estee Edit by Estee Lauder Flash Illuminator 'Spotlight' // I've been wanting the BECCA Pearl highlight for ages, but dropping over $40 on another highlight just wasn't in the books for me. I found this one in Estee's new line created by Kendall Jenner and I am pretty happy with it! It is a stark white cream highlight (my original thought is that it would be a dupe for Pearl, nothing can dupe it I've decided), it's very moussey in texture, but it goes on very smoothly and looks very natural. It's super nice for these sunny months! It looks beautiful applied with a poppy colored cream blush and dewy skin. The iridescence reminds me a lot of the MAC Strobe Cream.



Marc Jacobs Birthday Kit // For your birthday, Sephora lets you choose a free sample kit from (1) Marc Jacobs or (2) Fresh which includes a cleanser and a mask, but we all know that my skin freaks out with new products, so I opted for option (1). I received a mini lipstick in the shade 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', and a mini gel eyeliner. I was so impressed with the pigmentation of this lipstick and the eyeliner both. They are both incredibly creamy and smooth. And, the lipstick is adorable, obviously.



NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer 'Vanilla' // This is my favorite concealer of all-time, and I had just near run out, I wasn't sure what was going to happen to my life! I highly recommend this concealer to those who need full coverage under their eyes (people who look like a zombie on the daily like me), or have dry skin, because it is extremely creamy and not at all drying to the under-eye area.



I hope you guys enjoyed this haul! Make sure to comment down below with what you've hauled recently or what's on your wish-list.