5 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Happy Monday (do those two words ever belong in the same sentence?)! A few months ago I had so much fun doing a video called "5 First Impressions". I got the idea from one of my favorite Youtube channels - RachhLoves. She does 5 first impressions in one video of 5 new full-sized products she's received or purchased. I thought a great way to roll through samples I want to try and to give you guys my thoughts, I could do first impressions on free samples! I really loved doing this last time, so I thought I'd give it another go and see what you guys think. I did part of the samples as drugstore and part high-end so that there is some variety this time around.

FIRST IMPRESSION #1 - Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Liquid Foundation SPF 20 '02 Beige Clair'

I was super excited to give this foundation a try because it has SPF 20, which is so great for the summertime. The sample came in a very small packet, which I likely could've had a few uses out of, but the foundation was so incredibly liquid-y that it just juiced all over and I had to dispose of it after one use. But that one use? Freaking amazing. The foundation gave me awesome coverage, was super light feeling on the skin, and didn't cling to any dry patches or blemishes. It really sunk into my skin which made it look very natural, which I loved the most. It did have a pretty strong SPF kind of smell, if you have a sensitive sniffer, that might be something to note. After a few hours of wear this definitely needed some powdering, but I loved how luminous and natural it looked once I started to sweat through it, it didn't break up or look unflattering whatsoever.

FIRST IMPRESSION #2 - NARS Laguna Bronzer Liquid

This is another product I was stoked to try. I've been so in love with Benefit's Dew the Hoola liquid bronzer lately that I figured this one would take the cake because, hey, it's from NARS. This packet had another case of the runs, so I had to get rid of it after one use, but man oh man was I impressed. This stuff sunk right into my skin with a little blending, it made my skin look warm and like a golden summery goddess. It looks like it has a lot of shimmer when you see the actual liquid, but once applied it gives a beautiful glow that looks natural and beautiful.

FIRST IMPRESSION #3 - Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer '1 Light'

In all honesty, I wasn't very excited to be trying this product out because although it has amazing reviews and I have heard people rave about it, I'm so stuck on my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer that I just don't care to stray from my precious. And, maybe my preconceived notions clouded my decision, but I really wasn't a fan of the formula of this product. When they say industrial strength, boy do they mean industrial strength. It is a very thick formula, which actually blends out very well with the BeautyBlender, but it creased heavily under my eyes and looked very cakey and made up. And even with all that, it didn't offer nearly as much coverage as my NARS concealer. Don't fix what ain't broken.

FIRST IMPRESSION #4 - Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick '710 Orange Flip'

When I first saw this, I was worried that this color would come across very sheer, and that the lasting power wouldn't impress me. All walls were broken down. This lipstick is amazing! It is so creamy and pigmented, but it feels like a balm on the lips, so it's ultra comfortable. It has a pretty satin sheen to it, and the color is gorgeous for the summer. Even after an hour of wear and completely wiping the lipstick off to head to work, the color still stained my lips heavily orange! I was super impressed, especially for the price. GO REVLON!

                      

So, I'm cheating a little bit here and including two first impressions as one, shh! I've been really loving a pair similar to these, Ardell Clear Lash Adhesive for single lashes with the Revlon Beyond Natural Lashes 91294, so I thought I would try different styles and see what my thoughts would be. The Ardell lash glue I've been using really does keep my lashes on like a boss, but the scent is very strong and almost burns the eyes, and it doesn't have an applicator which has proved extremely difficult for strip lashes. The Revlon lashes I've been using have been perfection, but I thought I would try something a little more full and dramatic, out of my comfort zone. 

First impressions? The Ardell lash glue didn't have a strong scent and didn't burn at all, which I loved. But, the adhesive applies white and takes quite a while to dry clear, at least ten minutes, which I wasn't a huge fan of. Wishing I could have found a happy medium between the two glues! As far as the Revlon lashes go, I loved the style, they were very long and fluttery, and I didn't have to trim them at all. However, I really like the ones I've been using (91294) because they are 3/4 length, much easier to apply, and they look more natural.

I hope you guys enjoyed this bundle of first impressions!

Have you tried any of these products? What products have you tried for the first time recently?

SWEAT-PROOF SUMMER MAKEUP

Hey guys! Sorry it's been awhile, I'm currently on vacation, but luckily I pre-filmed one video so that I could post while I'm gone, woot! I'm ironically sitting here in Canada watching the rain pour sideways outside the window, about to do a post about summer makeup. I am not one that's comfortable enough to wear no makeup outside the house, even if I know that I'll sweat through it. So, throughout time I've found that there are certain types of makeup and certain tips and tricks that really help my makeup through those hot and humid summer days.

Below are the products that I used, and how I used them, but remember that you can find any equivalents you need in your own makeup collection!

1. Prime! // Step one in any makeup routine should be to prime your skin. If you don't own a primer, reach for a moisturizer or a face cream. They might not prolong the wear of your makeup, but the #1 goal is to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. I love the Too Faced Hangover Rx primer because it is silicone-free and feels like a serum on my skin, nice, gentle and hydrating!

2. Tint with SPF // Many people reach for full-coverage foundations in the summertime to keep their skin looking flawless and because the wear tends to be longer. I find that tinted gels, creams, or moisturizers with SPF work best for this time of year, personally. They give me the light coverage I need, the hydration my skin needs, the comfort of a light feeling, and the sun protection my skin needs this time of year (though I should be wearing it all year long). I find that with tinted creams, my skin doesn't try and break through it quite as much as it does a thicker formula, and when I do sweat, it doesn't break up my base, it just releases my skins natural oils gracefully. For the tutorial, I used MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Creme, but was not at all a fan because of it's lack of coverage. I highly suggest the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue or Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint, they are both light-medium coverage with SPF 15 and great staying power.

3. Correct dark circles // Since my under-eyes are so dark, I have to color correct prior to concealer. My favorite formula for this step is the YSL Touche Eclat Neutralizer in the shade Bisque. The peachy shade neutralizes the blue undertones, and the thin texture makes it very easy to blend, and build other product on top of.

4. Conceal problem areas // I use concealer both to highlight areas on my face as well as cover problem areas. I apply it down the center of my face (forehead, nose, cupid's bow, and chin). I apply on any dark spots or blemishes, as well as in a downward triangle shape under my eyes. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is my personal favorite because it is thick enough to cover everything, but not too thick to look dry or cakey.

5. Liquid bronzing // In the summertime I find that cream or liquid products are great alternatives to powders because they really sink into your skin, last longer, and they look more natural. Benefit Dew the Hoola is a great liquid bronzer because of the natural warmth it provides the skin, and it blends into the skin beautifully. I apply on my cheekbones, down the sides of my nose, on the sides of my temples, on my hairline, and under my jawline. This provides depth and warmth.

6. Cream blush // Sephora Collection mist blush is one of my favorite summer products because it lasts all day long, and it is waterproof! It is an aerosol can that you can spray directly onto your skin or onto a brush (my preferred method). I find this lasts all day long as opposed to powder blushes. There are lots of great cream blushes on the market.

7. Liquid highlight // Liquid highlight is one of the most natural looking highlights in my opinion. It really sinks into the skin and makes you look like you are glowing from within. My favorite is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in liquid form, the shade Moonstone gives my fair skin the perfect champagne colored glow. I apply on the tops of my cheekbones, down the center of my nose, and on my cupid's bow. I blend first with the tips of my fingers by dabbing into the skin, and whatever is left I bump my beautyblender over top.

8. Powder up! // To make sure my concealer doesn't crease and that my oily zones stay in tact as long as possible, I use a loose translucent powder, my current favorite is from the drugstore - the Covergirl Professional Loose Powder (only $5!). I use a contour brush to press the powder under my eyes because it allows me to get close to my lashline without harming my eyes. I also press the powder on my forehead, down the center of my nose, my chin, and the inner part of my cheek closest to my nose, because these areas are those which get oiliest.

9. Finishing powder // To the outer areas of my face, I apply a finishing powder as opposed to a setting powder because it is a lot less heavy on the skin, and it makes the makeup look flawless. Hourglass Ambient Powders are my favorite for this because they photograph beautifully and they give your skin a natural summer glow without any glitter or shimmer. 

10. Prime eyelids // To make sure your eyelids don't get too oily and ruin eyehadow, I like to primer my eyelids. You can easily use concealer for this, or an eyeshadow primer. I personally use the MAC Paint Pot because it neutralizes redness and veins on my lids while prepping for eyeshadow.

11. Set primed lids // To make sure you don't have any creasing in those primed lids, powder over top with any translucent or cream shadow, which you likely have either in a setting powder or palette you own. I use 'Heaven' from my Too Faced Natural Matte palette, which is just a matte cream shade.

12. Crease color // I find one of the easiest ways to save money and to save time in the morning is to use a bronzer you have lying around as a crease color (this is an especially good way to save space while traveling). I take a large blending brush and apply this color in the crease, on the outer corners, and along the bottom lashline. This gives the eyes warmth and shape. My current go-to is the Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in the shade Bronzed, it's the perfect shade and while matte, it gives a beautiful glow to the skin - SORCERY I TELL YOU!

13. Add some shimmer // To add some brightness to the eyes, I take my Caviar eye stick from Laura Mercier in the shade Rose Gold and apply directly to the center of the lid, and on the inner corners. This really brightens the eyes. Eye crayons are an awesome alternative to powders for the summer because they have a great thick consistency that generally lasts longer, and you can find great options at the drugstore.

14. Mascara // Mascara is probably my favorite part of makeup! But finding one that works for you can be very difficult. For the summer I find myself reaching for the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir because it gives great length and volume without budging through the heat or sweat. Waterproof mascaras are a great option as well.

15. Fill in those brows // Once you find a brow pencil you love, I suggest sticking with it and following up with a gel to set it in. I love the ABH brow pencils because they are a good mix of waxy and creamy, so the formula doesn't budge, but it's comfortable to apply and wear all day long. Run the spooly through after applying the pencil to make the application look nice and natural.

16. Set the brows // To add a little extra oomph and make sure your brows stay where you want them all day long, go over them with a clear or tinted brow gel brushing them upward. The Benefit Gimme Brow is my favorite because it adds fibers to your brows while it sets them in, and the spooly on the end is small and easy to work with.

17. Brighten your eyes // To make your eyes look open and bright, apply a neutral or flesh colored pencil that will last in your waterline all day long. This makes a huge difference in the appearance of your eyes. The MAC Chromographic Pencil lasts in my lower waterline all day long.

18. Bright lips! // My favorite part of summer is the bright lips. It's so fun to keep the eyes neutral, and add a pop of color to your lippies. It makes the morning nice and easy, and makes you look like you really took the effort to do your makeup. I've been loving the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in the shade 625 Love Amour recently because it's a gorgeous orangey-red, bright enough to catch the eye, and it smells lovely! It's a great drugstore find.

And, the final result?

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! What are you favorite products for sweat-proof summer makeup?

EMPTIES / PRODUCTS I'VE USED UP

Hey guys! Hope you're having a lovely week. Last time I did an empties post you guys seemed to LOVE it, so I thought I'd come at ya with another one! In all honesty, it takes me forever to accumulate this stuff because I'm terrible at remembering to collect my own trash (probably not a bad problem to have), so sorry I haven't posted one of these in so long. I'll share with you guys each item that I went through, give you a mini review, whether I recommend it, and tell you my thoughts on whether or not I'll be repurchasing.

Up & Up Moisturizing Shea Butter Body Wash // I always buy the Up & Up brand for body washes because they are really inexpensive, and their brand does awesome knock-offs of expensive washes like Dove (which run $6.99 vs. Up & Up >$4). I loved this Shea Butter wash because it felt very gentle and moisturizing, and the smell was nice and faint, nothing too strong. I will definitely be repurchasing this, especially for such a reasonable price!

Up & Up Moisturizing Shave Gel Strawberry Tangerine // This shave gel was good, nothing that knocked my socks off. It smelled nice and it was a good cheap alternative to brands like Skintimate and EOS. I actually really prefer using a hair conditioner instead of a shave gel because it leaves your legs feeling ultra soft, so I will continue to do that instead of repurchasing this guy.

Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover // I don't think I've ever been so sad to run out of something before. This stuff was freaking FANTASTIC. I swear by it. But the price tag is just so dang high. This lasted me well over 4 months which makes the price tag much more justifiable. I used one pump, warmed the oil up between my fingers, and it melted my makeup right off. This formula is incredibly gentle on the skin, safe to use around the eyes, and it will get off any pesky eyeliner or mascara, even waterproof. Just rinse with water after and all your makeup is gone! You can also double this up as a cleanser if you like. If you are willing to make a splurge, this is an amazing product that I highly recommend. I won't be repurchasing right now because of it's high price tag, I've substituted with the Clinique Take the Day Off Balm for now, but it's not nearly as good.

Stila One Step Correct Skin Tone Correcting Brightening Serum // I went through a phase the last couple months of just using this as a primer every single day, and in every single video. This stuff is awesome for anyone with dry skin. It feels very hydrating, just like a serum, and for those with uneven skintones, it's a life saver. It has a triple helix inside the container with green, violet, and bisque to color correct your skin. Once you pump it out, all the colors mix together and they brighten your complexion up so much. If I ever went a day without makeup, I still put this on before I left the house because I felt like it gave my skin some brightness and life. I won't be repurchasing this right now because I have other primers in my makeup collection, but for those with dry skin or uneven skin tone, I highly recommend.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream // Maybe this is cheating since this is a repeat of my last empties, but you'll likely see this in my next empties, and the next one, and the next one, just a heads up. And that's because this facial cream is BOMB. I started using Kiehl's late last year and I fell in love with so many of their products. Their facial cream is so concentrated that you need the smallest pea-sized amount for your entire face to feel super moisturized. These containers last me well over 3 months, it's the best cream I've ever used because it isn't scented, it's gentle on my sensitive skin, and it hydrates so well. I will absolutely be repurchasing, and I highly recommend to anyone with sensitive skin, or any skin type.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado // I didn't realize what a life saving product this was until I started acne treatment. My skin was dry as a desert the first couple weeks of it, and even areas that I didn't apply the topical treatment, like under my eyes and on my neck, my skin was flaking and wrinkling from the dryness. My under-eyes were pruney and sensitive, ultra dry, and once I started using this eye treatment religiously, my eyes transformed. They were hydrated again, not nearly as sensitive, and my eyelids weren't flaking. I couldn't believe the difference! For anyone with severely hydrated skin, this stuff is going to be your best friend.

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder // HOLY GRAIL! If you have the opportunity to splurge and try this stuff, do it. It's the most amazing setting powder I've ever had. It sets the makeup all day long, it isn't dry or cakey, and it finishes your makeup beautifully. The only problem? It's stupidly expensive, which is why I won't be buying it again. But, hint hint, I'll be revealing a drugstore setting powder I've fallen in love with as my replacement for this baby in my June favorites at the end of the month, so keep your eyes out!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz // I remember how wildly sad I was when I heard the last 'click click' of this brow pencil and no product came out. We all know that ABH is the queen of brow products. The brow wiz is my personal favorite brow pencil formula. It's the perfect mix of creamy and waxy to give you perfect brows. If you have thin brows, you'll love this pencil. But I've actually found myself partial to the newer brow definer from ABH, which has a thicker triangular pencil, that makes it easier to fill in my big bushy brows! Regardless, both of the pencils have the same awesome formula, and great spoolies (although I find that the spooly on the brow definer is much more gentle and soft). 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! What products have you gone through recently? Have you tried any of these?

MAY NON-BEAUTY FAVORITES

I hope you guys are having a lovely weekend. To those who just finished their quarter - CONGRATS and happy summer! To those that just graduated - CONGRATS you've officially made it! Today I wanted to do a post on my non-beauty favorites from the month of May, I know it's a little late, sorry about that. Let's go ahead and get into it because there was a lot this month that I really want to share with you guys.

I'm one of those people who can watch movies time and time again and just never get sick of them! Jason and I have a ridiculous collection of movies we've seen millions of times and continue to watch. A more recent love of mine has been Age of Adaline, I'm a sucker for romance movies. Blake Lively portrays her character perfectly in this movie, it kills me every time I see it. She plays a woman that is not affected by time, so she's well over 80 years old in the body of a 29 year old woman. She plays her character with such poise. But, the narrator in the movie drives me freaking CRAZY.

Game of Thrones came back on right before May began, and Jason and I have been watching every single episode on Sunday nights. There was an episode a few weeks ago that was just incredible, but I won't give anything away, don't worry ;) This show just sucks me in every single season, I'm never disappointed. I really want to read the books over the summer! Have you read them?

One of my favorite clothing items this month has been the Madewell Mira Flat. I've had these for a long time, and have raved about them on the blog before. I never really wear these because they are probably the nicest pair of shoes I own, I call them my "interviewing shoes" and I save them for really special or important occasions. I had several presentations for school this month, so I really got to put them to use, and I'm so glad I did, because they are just so dang classy and gorgeous.

The second clothing item I've been loving this month is this olive green cardigan from Target, part of the Mossimo Supply Co. section of the store. It's super light, so it will transfer through to summer which I think is awesome! This olive green is my go-to color because I find it super flattering on my skin tone. I love that this sweater is really large and covers my bum, but it still has enough shape that my body doesn't get lost in it. I wore it to Jason's UW Graduation yesterday.

The song Fade by Adventure Club feat. Zak Waters has been one I listened to the past month on my way to campus every morning (not quite sure how I'm not sick of it by now). I love almost all Adventure Club songs, but this one really just made me want to sing and dance every time I heard it, it was kind of my "wake me up" song every morning while I walked to campus with a cup of coffee in hand.

I had a weird liking for cranberry juice this past month. I can't remember before this the last time I drank cranberry juice, probably years ago! I just found it super refreshing to have a glass before bed or right when I woke up with my breakfast, ice cold.

This month my mom handed down to me this bag of El Camino Real Bakery Organic Simply Clusters. They are like little baby fruit, nut, and seed muffins. These were such a savior for me to take a few to campus on the mornings that I had really early class. They are super hearty, and they have good ingredients in them. You can find the big bag like this at Costco!

I finally got the chance to start The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, a book people have been raving about for what feels like ages. It's set in 1893 at the World's Fair, and zooms in on two characters, an architect and a serial killer. I won't tell you anything else in case you want to read it for yourself! It's a good read, but one you need to stay very focused on in my opinion, you don't want to tune out and miss any of it.

My first favorite object of May is this awesome artwork by Eli Wolff, that I found with my friend Aubrey down at the UW street fair in Seattle. He had some really cool stuff, I'll link his site here in case you guys want to check it out. If you didn't know, I have a serious obsession with sloths, so I just about died when I saw this. It's up in my apartment now, but the plastic is still around it because it's so perfect that I can't imagine it getting ruined.

This one probably should've gone in my beauty favorites for May, but I forgot, so it gets to be featured in this one instead. I am really not a perfume person whatsoever, but when I saw this as a Sephora 100 point perk I thought I may as well give it a try since they didn't really have anything else good, and I am so glad I did! This stuff smells incredible. It has a kind of perfumey smell, which I don't usually like, but it's followed with notes of zest and citrus and it smells so refreshing and clean.

My last favorite has been Jason moving back. It didn't happen until June, so it's probably cheating to include this one, but it's been such a huge piece of my life that I felt like it would be ridiculous to leave it out. Having Jason back here has been so exciting for me, waking up next to him again, and having my best friend with me again. It feels like a hole is finally filled, and it's by far my favorite thing for the month.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post. Make sure to comment down below with your non-beauty favorites from the month!

BEST OF THE BEST: TOP 5 FOUNDATIONS

Hey guys! I hope you're having a lovely week. And to those in finals right now - may the force be with you. I just realized the other day that it had been too long since I'd done another "Best of the Best" posts, which, if you're new to the blog, is where I talk about my top fives from a beauty category, I'll link some of the previous ones down below in case you missed them.

Previous Best of the Best - Top 5's:

Bronzers

Mascaras

Primers

When I did my last one - primers - I asked you guys what you wanted to see next, and foundations was the winner. This was a hard category for me because I love so many foundations for so many different reasons, and I tend to reach for B.B. Creams and tinted moisturizers on the daily basis (I'm way too lazy in reality to wake up earlier and try to make myself look nice). But, here are the five that took the cake!

ONE. Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation // This is a foundation you guys are probably getting sick of me talking about. I absolutely love this stuff, especially now that spring and summer and rolling around. It's a good everyday wear foundation because it feels very light on the skin, and it looks like skin because it applies so naturally. It gives a pretty dewy glow, and it's lasting power is awesome. A little goes a very long way with this stuff too, one dropper onto a foundation brush is more than you need for good coverage all over. My only gripe? The shade range stinks! But, this is an awesome foundation for those who like natural coverage and for anyone with dry skin as well.

TWO. Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation // Another natural looking foundation - they are what I tend to reach for most often. This looks so natural when applied, it looks like it just melts into your skin. It feels very lightweight, and has a lot of the same features that I love about the Becca one that I mentioned above. I would say that the lasting power on this one isn't quite as good as the Becca foundation, but the shade range is definitely more versatile.

THREE. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place-Makeup // This is my job-interview, business-school-presentation, going-to-be-taking-photos foundation. It makes your face look absolutely flawless. It is extremely full coverage but it doesn't feel too heavy on the skin. It doesn't cake up or cling to any dry patches, it just looks perfect, and the wear time is insane! I've worn this for 15 hours and it looks exactly the same as the moment I put it on, I don't understand it, it's magical. But, if you do wear this, make sure you take extra steps to cleanse your skin, because it really stays in your pores if you don't do some serious work to get it out. I like to have a steaming shower, then use a cleansing oil or bomb, and then a cleanser following just to make sure everything comes out, otherwise I will get irritated skin the next day.

FOUR. Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme // This is my second go-to for photographing and events, another really heavy duty full-coverage foundation, a world of difference from the first two I mentioned. I wouldn't say that this one lasts as long as the Estee Lauder Double Wear (granted, I haven't met another foundation that does). The coverage on this is very high, but it feels heavier as well. It also has a very strong paint-like smell because it has twice as much pigment as most foundations do, which is why you can get such amazing coverage with this using such little product. And, it makes your skin look amazing!

FIVE. Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint // I was torn choosing number five because I have several NARS foundations and I couldn't decided which was my favorite. I decided that the Velvet Matte Skin Tint took the cake because it's what I've reached for most recently. I rarely go for the "matte" look because I often find that mattifying products leave my face looking flat and 1-dimensional. I love this foundation because it really is "velvet matte", so it gives me that matte look without taking away the shape and dimension that my face has. It's super comfortable on the skin, and it has 30 SPF, which is awesome for the spring and summer. You can of course set this with a powder, but it sets itself so well that you really don't even need to! To those very dry skinned folks - moisturize well if you're using this and powdering because it might show off those dry patches just a little more than you'd like. This also has a pretty strong smell, but it fades once it sets, I think it's the SPF, but it smells like margaritas (I love the smell)!

I hope you guys enjoyed the foundation top five! Make sure to comment down below with your favorite foundation and what you want to see next featured in this series.

PHOTOGRAPH FLAWLESSLY | GRADUATION MAKEUP TUTORIAL

Hey guys! I hope you've had a lovely week! Graduation is coming up in the next couple weekends, so here's a post dedicated to those accomplished graduates. You'll be looking back on these photos for years and years to come, whether you're the graduate in the photos or a proud family member standing beside them. Here is a tutorial using products that will photograph flawlessly, so that you can look your best for those memorable moments!

I hope you guys enjoy the tutorial, and make sure to comment down below if you're graduating or know someone who is! Jason is graduating next weekend, and I think this exactly the makeup I'm going to do.