Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
I have embraced warm tones this fall, and it's safe to say that the oranges, bronzes, browns, and reds of fall are definitely my shades. With makeup and clothes especially, I have been experimenting with some new finds. I always think back to middle school when I was watching all of these YouTubers and their extravagant Sephora hauls, but I can assure you that a couple of these products were found at TJ Maxx or were part of a sample set. I'm never really on the "hunt" for makeup products, per say but am always on the look out for some cult classics whenever I need to replenish the products I love. Here is my fall beauty roundup...
For the face...
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation- My newest favorite foundation! I have always strayed away from foundations, but the "airbrush" quality of it has me swoon. Since I'm not going out too much, it doesn't make sense for me to put a full face of makeup on, but there are definitely those days I want to clean up a bit or experiment.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion- I am all about moisturizing as it gets colder. I hate the feeling of dry and scaly skin on a cold fall or winter morning, so to prevent that, I use this right before I go to bed. It's a lightweight moisturizer and won't clog your precious pores.
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Good Times- Nars has to be one of my go-to brands and since I don't wear lipstick often, I find these lip pencils to be the perfect in between for getting a neutral lip tint when you wanna spice it up a bit.
Clinique Chubby Stick in Whole Lotta Honey- Along with Nars, I love the Clinique Chubby Sticks. I can throw these into my bag and also have it as a back up to chapstick if needed. They come in a ton of different shades for all different tones, but I always gear more toward the natural blush and nude tints. No lipstick marks on my coffee cup please!
Bath and Body Works Sweater Weather Body Cream- This is my scent of the season and always will be. It is so hard to find it sometimes because it is so popular, so I make sure to stock up on hand creams, body gels, and candles in this scent for sure. It's the perfect blend of spice and woody scents.
Chloe Nomade Perfume- Along with warm and spicy scents, the Chloe Nomade perfume has been my choice of fragrance for the past couple of months. It's a warm floral with Oakmoss, Freesia, Mirabelle Liquor.
For the nails...
OPI Nail Polish in Stop It I'm Blushing- I always love a good creamy neutral or blush pink, so I happened to pick up this new shade that has a slight powder pink tint to it! You can never go wrong with OPI polishes.
For the eyes...
Glossier Lidstar in Cub- If you are someone who HATES eyeshadow creasing or having it move around on your face, Glossier Lidstars are for you! They're perfectly pigmented so you can build the color up with your finger and it lasts for so long. It also has a bit of copper shimmer, which is just divine. For the hair...
Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo- Okay, Ladies. Dandruff is a no-go this season. I got this Briogeo shampoo from a trial pack and have been using it sparingly to prevent the dreaded winter head itch and dry scalp. It works wonders! I've never paid much attention to the moisture of my hair, but realize it's really important this time of year. 
I am trying to put aside time for self-care more as the weather gets colder and the days get darker quicker. As a result, I'm getting more into experimenting with different looks. However, there are days when I just don't want to wear a single dab of makeup and that's okay! I feel like the makeup world is evolving and more people are becoming confident in their own skin, so remember to use makeup because it makes you feel good. We need a little bit more of that comfort nowadays.
The only thing I want my skincare to accomplish is making sure my face looks somewhat alive during my Zoom classes—that's not too much to ask, right? Well, as the season transitions, my skin has actually been doing quite well considering how dry it usually gets. Maybe it's because I have more time to dedicate to self-care and more time to consider what I'm putting in my body that might be affecting what happens on my face.
It's always a constant experiment, but I think I have it down to a tee because there are only a few new additions to my skincare routine. I don't always want to achieve the "glowy" skincare look, but my face has favored the extra moisture and I'm just rolling with it!
Drunk Elephant
My absolute favorite new addition to my skincare has been Drunk Elephant's array of cleansers, which I have to say are not financially the best products to choose (I always refer back to the Cera Ve cleansers), but I got these mini trial sized products and cannot get enough of them. Before you go and look up how much the Drunk Elephant Polypeptide Cream really is, for someone who has extremely sensitive skin to the point where most moisturizers make it burn—this has done wonders. I will keep buying trial sizes until I end up convincing myself to get the full size container. It also came with the silkiest makeup remover, which is the Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter and it sounds as delicious as it is effective. You apply it onto your dry and dirty skin at night and everything just vanishes. No rubbing, no burning, and no grime.
First Aid Beauty
First Aid Beauty is F.A.B. in so many ways. First of all, I can always score on products at TJ Maxx, who doesn't love a good deal? And it is always my default when I'm looking for hydrating and exfoliating products because I know it won't harm or be abrasive to my skin. The Facial Radiance Polish is like no other St. Ives product you've used. There are no harsh beads, but just flecks of natural shea nut shell powder which is biodegradable and supports your skin barrier. The height of summer left my skin a bit loved by the sun, so I revert to the Ultra Repair Cream on days when scaly hands, arms, and even my face arrives this fall and winter. To have the ultimate eye lift and de-puff, I've still been using the 5 in 1 eye cream which apparently tackles five common signs of aging!
Other Hit Favorites
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask —Origins' products have always been a classic go-to when it comes to finding a charcoal mask for anyone who is prone to breakouts, oily skin, and visible pores. You can always find Origins products at TJ Maxx, as well, so check there first! Any of their products are worth trying out, especially their masks and exfoliants.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum —This was a bougie little trial size I received from Sephora. I'm not too keen on using serums, probably because I associate serums with aging, but I've found my skin to be much more perkier when I use this on my cheeks and neck.
Cera Ve Tinted Hydrating Sunscreen —Cera Ve was a new discovery thanks to Tik Tok, but I already knew their eye cream took the cake. When I found out they made a tinted sunscreen, I was all on board. It's one of the most affordable skincare and safest brands out there. The only downfall of this sunscreen is that they do not make any other shade, which is a missed opportunity. However, It was perfect for daily application during the summer and I'm trying to be more active using sunscreens all year round.
I've probably invested more in skincare than I have in makeup this year, which might not be such a bad thing. What products check out on your autumn vanity?
If there's one thing I've been asking for, it's a hair cut. My last hair cut (as gross as it is) was last October. When I was in high school, I was getting hair cuts every two or three months to maintain my long bob, but now that I'm growing my hair out I figured that I might as well see how far I can go with managing my hair. I think I've been doing a good job with it because I haven't felt the need to use hot tools or a ton of products to hold it in place—like I do that normally—but it's been nice to let my hair hang loose a natural for a while.
Thankfully, I have secured an appointment with my hairdresser to fix up my color and length. I'm thinking about going brighter and possibly blonder, but my sisters say they love my brown hair, so we'll see what I'm feeling! I started coloring my hair about two years ago and I have to say, I think I'm obsessed. It's true—the new seasons bring new hair reasons!
My hair routine has not evolved much since I last talked about it, but I do continue to use my trusty staple products in moderation. Every now and then I like to use a little spritz of styling spray to make my hair feel more "done". The newest addition is this Tresemmé Compressed Mirco Mist. I use it to add more texture and volume than I do for hold. I love it because your hair is not frizzy or sticky and it's a great pick me up when you feel like wearing your natural hair down.
There are other products I love like the Ouai Texturizing Hairspray for some added hold and body. I also have a new find, the OGX Honey Hold spray for indestructible hold on more humid days when I want my curls to stay in place.
I will fully disclose that I am not sponsored by Amika products, but if the opportunity arose, I would definitely love to be a brand ambassador for them. Growing up I used mainly Tresemmé, so I thought it was about time to give my hair some love, especially now that I am coloring it.
My hairdresser got me obsessed with their products and I realized that my hair has become so dry over the years, partly because I wasn't using the best products for my hair, but also because I was using chemical stripping shampoos and conditioners. I also shower a lot since I workout and am constantly active, so I made sure to put my hair first and find products that won't strip it away of its nutrients and color.
I scored and found this set at TJ Maxx and would highly recommend looking there first for more higher end hair products. They have a great selection of salon rated brands for decent pricing. Plus, I've had these bottles for a few months and I have barely used half of it. One product that has really saved my hair has been Amika's The Shield Style Extending spray. Now that it's starting to get humid, I like to spritz this on top of my hair as the finishing seal and it has really proved to have staying power. Most products I've found that promise to keep a hold, will flatten within a few hours, but I think I've found my staples and will continue to enjoy them throughout the summer.
How have you been managing your hair recently?
Who am I kidding, I haven't worn makeup in like a year, but hey! It still brings me joy and that's all that matters. Today, I wanted to do a rather light-hearted post, as much as I also would love to briefly update you all on my life, it has been pretty slow-moving. Home life has ramped up, though, I have now designated a place in my childhood bedroom for work and school. I try to assimilate a routine every morning: wake up at 8 a.m., get dressed, eat breakfast, and get on with whatever class I have that day. I know my situation is much different as everyone else's currently, but one thing I know for sure is that I have not been wearing makeup at all.
I have not realized the power of makeup until I started becoming more and more of a zombie trying to get work done and feel somewhat like a presentable human. It goes to show that sometimes putting even a dab of concealer can make you feel more alive than ever.
Clinique has been one of my favorite brands for an all-day "no makeup" look. It's a power concealer in a bottle, the Skin Perfecting Foundation and Concealer allows my face to breathe, feel natural, moisturizes and conceals perfectly without having to feel it on my face. It's the perfect stay-at-home foundation.
Another one I've loved for a while is the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. It's a great full-coverage concealer for those really long Zoom meetings. It doesn't crease and your professor will for sure not know if you stayed up watching Grey's Anatomy until 2 a.m.
On days where we have had some sun, I've been really trying to maximize the time I get to have outside. With that, I've noticed tan lines! However, the unwelcome oil is back on my face, and I have been mitigating it with the Physicians Formula Super BB powder. I bought this recently at TJ Maxx and have been using it ever since, the best part is that it's a powder with SPF 30.
Red eyes can become a common theme with heavy screen time, so every now and then, I'll dab a little bit of the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer to mask some of the redness and oiliness that builds up during the day of e-learning.
With a bit more sun-kissed skin and brighter days, I've been brushing on a bit of Nars Laguna Bronzer to my cheekbones and forehead. Another tip I have if you really want to look presentable with minimal effort, is using a brow pencil. The IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal brow pencil does just the trick for framing out your face in just a couple small swipes.
I hope you all are doing well, despite the circumstances, there are a lot of small ways we can make big impact and if that means putting on a bit of makeup, doing your hair, showering, or washing your face. Self care is the most important during these uncertain and rather worrisome times. A boost of confidence might be key, positivity goes a long way, so just know that we are all in this together.
On days when I just can't bear to wake up at 7am, or any normal day really, I try to minimize the number of steps I have to take in my morning routine. Wearing makeup has become less and less of an event in the morning. I remember in middle and high school I would dedicate a half hour to hair and makeup—fifteen minutes for curling and fifteen minutes for covering every zit on my face with powder that didn't even match my skin.
I would like to think that I've perfected my makeup routine with only three fundamental products: concealer, bronzer, and an eyebrow pencil. All of which have been my tried and true staples to get me ready to take on the day ahead.
Recently I have been drawn to reading Vogue articles about the one makeup item that people MUST have with them before they run out the door, I agreed with these three specific ones because they all serve a purpose in making me look alive and, for the most part, put together.
Concealer is just a given always. I have no time to slap on a face of foundation, nor the patience to let it settle, and I think concealer does just the job even better. It really depends on the type of concealer, though. I've had concealers that crease and fall off my face, so I would highly recommend the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. This is a full-coverage concealer that hides all of your imperfections, dark circles, red eyes, fine lines, and all of the above! The great thing is that it's multi-use and can be used for an eyeshadow primer, too. A couple dabs of this bad boy and I'm glowing.
When I want to glow, even more, I skip the blush and redness altogether. Bronzer is my saving grace on days when I wake up a little extra pale than normal, especially during the winter. The Nars Laguna Bronzer adds just the right amount of warmth I need.
I feel like a lot of people think that mascara is the one eye product you need before leaving the house, but for me, having structured and groomed eyebrows are essential. Most mornings, I wake up with mangey looking eyebrows and make it seem like I've been asleep for hours and hours. I never forget to do my eyebrows, or at least comb through them. The IT Cosmetics Brow Pencil is a two in one spoolie and pencil that I throw into my bag—having eyebrows on fleek frames my face and filling them in defines it even more.
I find this simple routine of three easy steps great for traveling. No mess, no worries, and I still feel put together and ready to get on with my busy day. What are the three products you can't leave without?
I feel like if you asked me in high school what I thought about my natural skin, I would probably respond with "I have to wear concealer every day" or "I can't go without powdering it in the morning". My skin over the years has gone through a lot of phases: it was very acne-prone and oily, to the point that I had to get prescribed meds to control my hormones for it. While this is fairly common with a lot of my friends, I've always felt like there's an insecurity to walk around in public bare-faced.
When I first got into makeup, I made it a point to find products that would hide my acne bumps and redness, to rid all of the oil and pubescent stress that lived in the pores of my face (gross I know). I have this distinct memory of me putting on loose face powder that was three shades darker and oranger than my normal skin tone and still preceding to cover up my T-zone with it. No one told me it looked bad until I realized that you weren't supposed to look like an Oompa Loompa.
Whether or not that traumatized me from using a lot of face makeup, or the fact that I just didn't have time to put on a full-face of makeup, covering all of my impurities just wasn't ideal for me. Caking on a ton of makeup didn't make me feel better, of course I still wear makeup, but not the way I used to.
Social norms and the internet tell us that having acne or "problem areas" should be covered up. I'd like to believe that this norm has been gradually dismantled, while the trend of "natural beauty" is making its way to the forefront. Flaws, insecurities, and stereotypes lead us to believe that the only way we can be accepted is through self-validating beauty norms that drive us to Sephora and emptying our wallets.
My story is that I've come to realize that it's all bullshit. Finding confidence and acceptance of your insecurities takes strength. I'm not quite sure when I came to realize this, but it must have started my senior year of high school going into college. I was done putting on a mask and as I continue to enjoy using makeup, I've reevaluated its purpose in my own terms, to feel good about myself and not for anyone else to decide how it makes me feel.
Accepting ourselves is a constant, life-long struggle—we all have things we wish we could change, alter, or modify our physical selves. Resisting these norms, saying "I don't need makeup today," and at least considering more broadly how the things we're exposed to online affects us internally. It's something I've managed to ignore and inspire others to do the same.
I believe in bedtime routines and their impact on our wellbeing—without them, I feel like it's very difficult to fully settle in at the end of a long day. As someone who has watched so many night-time routines and regimens on YouTube, I thought it'd be a good time to share my own.
On most nights, I'd like to think that I have a pretty well-managed schedule when it comes to getting ready for bed. With that said, my sleep schedule is not strict nor is what I do in order to get ready for bed. However, I like to allow myself at least an hour before I fall asleep to pamp and prep for the next day ahead. When I do this, I can feel refreshed and relaxed, especially when I use some of my favorite essential items.
I like to keep things simple. After I've done my evening skincare, showered, etc. I am always sure to moisturize and keep lotion or cream at my bedside. I've gotten into the habit of using it right before I go to bed—who likes cold and dry hands? Not me. The Bath and Body Works Orange Ginger Body Lotion from their Aromatherapy collection is my current bed-side pick and while orange is not the most "calming" of scents, it's a pleasant fragrance nonetheless.
On the topic of aromatherapy, recently I've been using a lot of essential oils especially when it comes to my nighttime routine. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass have been my favorite fragrances at the moment and I use them in my diffuser and in rollers applying them to my temples, neck, and wrists when I'm feeling anxious or restless during the night.
I've never underestimated the power of fragrance as a stress-reliever or a sleep inducer, but when I was first introduced to pillow mists, I couldn't go back. Bath and Body's Lavender Vanilla Pillow Mist is soothing and instantly relieves feelings of stress or discomfort. The ultimate spa-like experience.
Sometimes I like to play a sleepytime playlist and it was only until recently that I found out you can set your music on your phone to a timer so that it stops when you fall asleep. I'm always reaching for my wireless headphones before bed and am thankful that they are comfortable to sleep with. I've even explored meditation apps like Headspace to help with uneasy sleep. If there are any other ways I can get good and restful sleep, I am always open to trying it. What are your bedtime routine essentials?
I don't know about you, but I am all about effortless hairstyles. The less work, the better. I used to spend at least a half-hour on my hair in the morning deciding what I wanted to do with it and it would normally end in me getting frustrated and putting it in a messy bun or ponytail. In middle school, I used to try all of the Youtube tutorials and "damage-free" curling techniques. I would sleep in foam rollers every day in seventh grade and honestly I wish I had the same motivation.
Alas, times have changed, life is busier, and hair is just not a number one priority. I feel like the "effortless" hairstyles are on trend anyway. I mean, it's not like Hallmark where everyone walks out looking like they're going to prom with perfect curls and volume. When I'm in the mood to get a bit dolled up, especially for a holiday occasion, I've found that the best soft curls come from a simple 1-inch curling iron and just two of my favorite products. The Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron is my tried and true tool for the perfect beach wave.
Over the years, I've tested many drugstore curling irons and grew up with Conair and Revlon, but they never left my hair feeling as soft as the Hot Tools iron does. It has a nice range of heat settings, a comfortable grip, and a pretty gold barrel, but my favorite feature is the swivel cord. You don't get stuck going around your head. The barrel just so effortlessly rolls around itself, which is a win!
This is a new addition to my hair product family, the Amika Shield Style Extending Spray acts almost like a heat protectant and hairspray all in one. Not only does it smell delicious, but for loose waves, this is the perfect product for ensuring that my waves stay in place all day, despite unruly Chicago weather conditions.
I first became a fan of Amika when I got my first balayage last year. My stylist recommended the Amika Vault Color Lock shampoo and conditioner, to maintain my color and protect it. There are no parabens or harsh chemicals in these products and more recently, I've been mindful about what products I'm using on my head. While there are many other options out there, Amika has really worked for me, so I would highly suggest trying out their range of products.
I've talked about the Ouai Texturizing Hairspray and I'll talk about it again! This has to be my favorite hairspray of all time. For beach waves and lob hairstyles, texture is something my hair craves, especially because it can be a bit weighed down after I curl it. This tousled in is the perfect finishing touch.
I've embraced not having to put much into my hair, mainly because I just love my natural hair. It's taken me a while to come to terms with my natural waves and just letting it air dry after I shower. I've spent years trying to figure it out, but my hair honestly looks its best just brushed. As much as I wish I was more adventurous and still had the motivation I had in seventh grade, I think the best hair is hair that's healthily well-taken care of and maintained. What's your hair secret?
Mascara is probably one of the only main makeup items I use on the daily, and it wasn't until a couple weeks ago that I realized I had quite the thing for mascara. I felt that it was time to get rid of some old ones I had lying around. However, before I could make myself decide which mascara gets the ceremonial toss, I thought it would be helpful to share my opinions on which ones I love and which ones I probably won't repurchase.
There is one mascara in my collection that I would like to highlight as it is my newest and probably most expensive treasured mascara. The Givenchy Volume Mascara was a purchase I made in Barcelona this summer and a beauty splurge that made the books for me.
Whether it was the bougie red-hot glam packaging or the spanish speaking Sephora worker that convinced me, I have used this baby when I know my lashes need to look like a million bucks. I love the brush on this mascara because it glides on so smooth and effortlessly curves and plumps my lashes.
These are my tried and true mascaras that I will continue buying. I've explored some of these brands' other mascaras as well in the past and have always loved their formulas.
Benefit
They're Real Mascara- I've been using this mascara and repurchasing it since high school. Under the Givenchy mascara, this is probably my favorite (lesser fancy) mascara to wear on the daily. It's the perfect mascara for lengthening and feathering out your lashes.
Roller Lash- The Roller Lash has always been another favorite of mine as a curling mascara and really gives that butterfly effect and a hint of more drama.
Clinique
Lash Power Mascara- I was very impressed with the lengthening power of this product and the fact that it does. not. smear! I also just love Clinique products because they're safe for sensitive eyes and are allergy tested.
High Impact Mascara- This mascara does a very good job with giving my lashes needed volume. On nights when I want to add a bit of umph to my eye look, I'll grab this one—lush and plush!
Maybelline
Great Lash- This has just been a classic and simple mascara that I use as a back up whenever I need a quick fix or touch up. The blackest black almost mimics eyeliner and the smaller applicator is nice to get the smaller lashes and lower lash line. Perfect for traveling with, too! Maybelline just knows what they're doing.
Mascara Don'ts
These are mascaras that just didn't cut it for me. I haven't had luck with Tarte's mascara line and I do have to say that these two Covergirl mascaras aren't the only ones that I haven't liked in their range. For some reason, the formula always seems to clump or fall out during the day.
Tarte
Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara- I tried so hard to like this Tarte mascara, but it just kept disappointing me. Sometimes I would just forget that it didn't work and convince myself to try it again and every time it just clumps and my lashes feel weighted down by the formula.
Covergirl
Plumpify! Mascara & So Lashy! Mascara- I tried the whole Star Wars Covergirl line and really wanted to love it. Covergirl mascaras were actually the first ones I got to use when I started with makeup because my mom uses them (sorry mom). I just never liked their performance and they lack staying power of any kind. These applicators in particular have stabbed my eyes a couple times and I'm wondering why they chose to make a product that you use near your eyes with a spur on the tip.
Overall, I'm always willing to try new mascaras. Mascara is a product that makes me look less tired, opens up my eyes, and adds a bit of flare or drama to my look depending on the day or occasion. It's a product we all need in our makeup bags. I get a ton of samples of mascara, so it can be hard to really pinpoint or remember which one's I've loved or ones that I just don't feel like made the mark. What are your favorites?
It's been a while since I've done a roundup of all of my favorite skincare products, and this time of year is usually when my skin thrives before it gets insanely cold—that said, I have compiled all of the products I've been using since August and will continue to use and enjoy this month. I'm pretty lax on the amount skincare items I use, but I like to switch off with them ever-so-often to see what works and what doesn't.
I gotta say, the Clinique Moisture Surge is my favorite light-weight moisturizer to use at the moment. I think I recieved this as a gift and instantly fell in love. I have normal-oily skin, so this being a gel-cream doesn't over hydrate my skin or leave it feeling dewy the next morning. It doesn't leave a thick layer of residue and really refreshes my skin and neck. I like to apply this at night, usually after I shower for the ultimate hydration and revitilization of my skin.
On days when I feel like I can ration my Clinique moitsurizer, I have been using the Évolué Day and Night Cream which does the trick! I also use a pea-size amount of this cream and apply it all over my face and neck in the morning and night. I find that moisturizing regularly really helps prevent more breakouts from occuring and evens out my oilyness.
For clearing my face, I have always continued using the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water as it never fails to rid my skin of impurities and dirt. I use a little bit on a cotton pad every morning and am amazed at how much it can actually pick up. It's my tried and true—definitely recommend as an alternative to gel cleansers.
Recently I've been dealing with really dry and heavy looking undereyes, so I've been reaching for the Nourish Organic Renewing & Hydrating Eye Treatment that gives me instant relief and brightening. Staring at a computer pretty much all day really strains my eyes, so I make sure to treat them well and pat this cream on with my ring finger.
I have to add one more moisturizer to the list because I can't decide which ones I love the most, clearly, so the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ is another tried and true facial cream that I use when I'm really feeling like my skin needs extra love. It absorbs so quickly and is one of those winter moisturizers that you need to apply almost everyday to prevent frostbitten dryness.
For when I'm feeling a pamper night and need an extra skin boost, I've been using the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to deeply clean and renew my acne-prone skin. Every now and then I get terrible, deep breakouts (like the ones that hurt) along the side of my hairline and t-zone.
Most charcoal masks I've used from the drugstore counteract with my skin and leave it feeling either red and irritated or with more surprise breakouts the next day. This really flushes out all of the gunk that my face (sorry it's gross) accumulates throughout the day and my pores feel so refreshed and clean. These are truly the only products I've been using on my skin lately, and with the assortment of different lotions, my routine stays pretty constant. Remember—less is more! What's in your skincare regimen?
I still have two more weeks until move-in, but that still makes me feel like summer is over. School for everyone else has started and I've been scrambling around to get the last-minute errands done and making the most out of the last free bits of time I have. It's sad, I know, but I am anxious to get the year started!
I have been long overdue with a beauty edit this summer so, I've compiled a couple of the most essential products I have been using over the past few months—and really not many at all. I got very lucky with my skin this summer and was blessed to not have any bad breakouts (fingers crossed), so minimal makeup was a move—as per usual.
My tried and true all-time favorite...
Nars concealer is always at my reach. I can get by with just dabbing this under my eyes and around some trouble spots and out the door I go! I've really just embraced natural skin and only using concealer as a touch up (and tired-eye savior). It's reliable, long-lasting, creamy, and my best friend.
On days when my skin needs a little boost...
I've been trying out the GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer. First, it smells amazing and of green tea. It also gives me a very nice pearly highlight while hydrating my sun-kissed skin! A perfect pick-me-up moisturizer.
An added touch of glow...
The Too Faced Sweet Peach Papa Don't Peach Blush has been hiding from me for awhile until recently I discovered it when a Sephora beautician recommended it to me after searching for the perfect peachy-orange blush. I have olive skin, so most blushes can be too dark or show up too pale for my skin tone. The best part—it smells like peaches!
For unruly eyebrows...
The Glossier Boy Brow needs more praise! I swear, one swipe of this and my face already looks ready and prepped to go. There's something about groomed brows that just pulls everything together and cleans it up a bit. I always reach for this to add more depth and structure to my brows. A quick one swipe fixer upper.
When I need an eye-lift...
I made this splurge in Spain and I have not regretted it. The Givenchy Disturbia Mascara brings effortless curl and volume to my lashes with 24 hours of wear (which I have never tested), but it definitely lasts all day long. I love when mascaras separate my lashes without clumps, smudging, and smooth application—this mascara does just that.
For a clean eyelid base...
I'm not sure if I'm the only one who does this, but for someone with very oily eyelids, I like to dab a touch of eyeshadow primer to keep them matte and color controlled with the rest of my complexion. The Morphe Eyelid Primer dries on clear and lasts all day long. This is one of the best and most inexpensive eyelid primers I've ever used.
An added spritz of femme...
Last, but not least by far, this is my favorite product of the whole summer. I don't know how I never knew about it, but the Chloé Nomade perfume is me in a scent. It is a warm floral scent with notes of Oakmoss, Fressia, and Mirabelle Liquor. A combination I've never heard of before, but works so well together. It has a balance of floral and fruity—I'm terrible at describing scents, but it smells divine.
So, that's my wrap up for products I've used this summer and will continue to enjoy throughout fall. I'm a simple person when it comes to makeup, but I believe that there are some amazing products out there including the ones I mentioned. A little goes a long way, and that says a lot for a girl who only puts eyelid primer on. What are your go-to beauty products this month?
Recently I made a little hair change, one that was very needed. No, I did not chop it all off, but it's that time of year when things change and I needed a refreshed look. I got highlights last year and it kind of faded out into a muted brown color that just didn't do my natural hair justice.
My good high school friend, Natalie Grollo, knows her stuff! She has magical styling skills and I would highly recommend her to everyone looking for a freshen up or even a brand new do.
Sometimes change is good, even if it's just changing something about your look. I wasn't totally for sure about what I wanted to do to it, I just knew I needed something that looked like my natural hair, but better.
I feel like I'm going to get addicted to getting my hair done because the result is just unbelievable. Also, I just love sitting in the chair and chatting with the stylist, it's very therapeutic. We decided on a honey blonde balayage for my hair and I am beyond pleased. I didn't want to lose the length or add layers, but Natalie really achieved the color I was hoping for.
At the end of my visit, she recommended me a couple products that she used in my hair. I'll be honest, I'm not too keen on using a ton of products in my hair and I usually don't style it on the daily, but she suggested I used color locking shampoos and conditioners without parabens or harsh chemicals. Of course, I was interested because I want to maintain this hair color for as long as I can. Drugstore products, while tried and true, don't always cut it.
She advised me to use a small amount of the Amika Vault Color-Lock shampoo and conditioner to ensure that my color stays put for a few months and not to wash my hair as often as I normally do, which is sometimes every day after I work out. Not only does this shampoo and conditioner smell so floral and fresh, but it is also made with soybean oil, to protect the color from fading and stay vibrant. It also is made with an amino acid blend that strengthens my hair shaft and roots and boosts its overall health.
I am the queen of texture, so this Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray had to be added to my basket. When I do feel like adding an extra oomph to my hair, texture sprays are my best friend. Rather than just sticking my head with a stronghold hairspray, this gives it flexibility and added playfulness.
Doing your hair can be as simple as a clean new cut or as drastic as a totally new color. Whatever it is, I think everyone deserves to change it up a little and reinvent their look this season. It's a nice way to get back on your feet and work it.
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