First Makeup Haul!

Sometimes I wonder why anyone lets me near a makeup store. I have some a lot of difficulty resisting the temptation the buy everything in the store, but after a good 6 months of makeup fasting, and a it was time to indulge.

  Everything I bought

 

 Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup in Shade 3

 This is the only foundation I've ever repurchased. I never thought I'd hear clears acne and foundation in the same sentence, but this lives up to its name. One tube lasts me about 5 months because a little goes a long way. I suggest applying this with a damp sponge being that the formula is difficult to blend. It can be so frustrating trying to cover acne only to end up with bulges all over your face that don't look like acne, just neutral colored bumps. This stuff is so heavy duty that even on my worst days, as long as I apply it a little bit heavier, there is absolutely no trace of acne, or bulge.

Hello Kitty Charming Kitty Eyeliner Kit

Surprisingly awesome! I have to admit I had my doubts about this. I mean really? Hello Kitty makeup? People are going to like this just for the packaging aren't they. Nope, it's actually quality product! Very pigmented, creamy, blendable, and long lasting. The white is perfect along the waterline to open up eyes as well as the inner corner. The cute packaging doesn't hurt either.

The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer

It is sooo hard to find a good bronzer. Let me tell you! I decided I will never buy another bronzer with even the tiniest hint of red, orange or yellow because they may look pretty in the compact, but even the slightest of those hues automatically turns me orange! I like this bronzer. It has a matte finish, and is great for contouring that doesn't look like you rubbed orange soda into your cheeks.

Urban Decay Ammo Palette 

 

 Talk about pigmented. I really wanted the naked palette but as usual, it was sold out. Luckily for me, the ammo palette shares the shades sin and smog. The colors all compliment each other so well and blend so seamlessly. My only problem with these palettes is the glitter that is nearly impossible to get off your face if you experience fallout. 

Benefit Feelin' Cheeky Minis 

 Funny fact, these 3 combined are only .2 ounces short of a full sized benetint, and yet they are half the price of a single benetint. Great deal considering you get to try out all three. I love myself a good deal, and maybe I waste a little too much time figuring these things out, lol. Anyways, these are sheer, which is good and bad depending on how you would like to use them. Be aware that they dry fast and leave a stain so you must work quickly with these.

Benefit Coralista Blush (a Sephora point perk sample, score!)

 

Sorry the pic is kinda hard to see. I promise it's pretty. A lot of shimmer. Good summer color for tan skin.

Mac Kohl Liner in Teddy

After watching Fleur de Force of youtube's makeup favorites video featuring Miss Glamorazzi and Tanya Burr I wanted to pick up a few of their must haves and they didn't disappoint. The picture doesn't do this liner justice and I don't think I can either, you just have to see it in person. It's a medium brown color with gold shimmer. Doesn't sound too exciting does it, but it's great stuff.

Mac Paint Pot in Bare Study

A primer, cream eyeshadow and highlight all in one. Use it for whatever. I mainly use it as an eyeshadow primer and it brightens up color so much, and doesn't crease up. Very classic champagne color.

 Mac Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch

 Really it's just a powder equivalent to bare study. It comes in handy for setting bare study or any natural eye look. I would compare it to Stila's Kitten, but with less shimmer.

 And that would be it! Hope you enjoyed and are having a wonderful summer.

 If you're interested in youtube beauty (warning: this is addicting) here's a link to the Fleur de Force Video I mentioned


Fleur's Video

My Summer Faves!

1.) Statement Necklaces: I love these guys with a simple vintage t-shirt, or over sized V-neck. I prefer to buy them gold and silver with neutral detailing like the one shown above.


2.) Keds: So timeless! My favorites are the navy. I just slip them on and out the door I go.


3.) Floral Scarves: I know nearly every girl out there has one. With so many different options, you've got to love them. I wear mine around my head, purse and neck.


4.) Smith's Minted Rose Balm: A cult favorite for good reason. The formula is so sheer, but if desired can be built up. Don;t be worried about the floral scent, trust me, it doesn't taste like your eating a rose bush. 


5.) Tommy Hilfiger Dreaming: This scent is so youthful and vibrant! I wouldn't wear it during the winter, which makes it all that much better in the summer.


6.) Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick in 24k Orange: I'm loving the orange lip trend! (Is it just me or have I said love close to 50 times in this post? Oh well, I guess it's fitting). So the smell of this is a bit off putting, but I like the color too much to give it up. Side-note: For those of you who are interested in drugstore lipstick, Revlon makes the most AMAZING matte colors. Seriously, it blows my mind!


7.) Two Door Cinema Club, Tourist History: More people have to listen to this band! You know how everyone has that one album they replay over and over again all through summer, and every time you hear it, it brings you back? Well this is the one for me. I heard in in the Quiksilver store in California this summer, and that's exactly what I'm reminded of when I hear it. Listen to " Something Good can Work", it just sounds so summery!


8.) Bobble Water Bottles: Super convenient! You fill 'em up, and sip away without any concern, because the water is filtered as you drink it via carbon filter. You may get a few questions while toting one of these, but that's just more people you can turn on to one of them. I love them on vacation when I don't want to pay for the super expensive water at the hotel. (Psh, it was $6 a bottle where I last stayed) The price is totally fair also.


9.) Retro Sunglasses: Everyone has those big Hollywood frames, which are great and all, but sometimes it's nice to be unique. I like the ones that are plastic on top and wire on the bottom.


10.) OPI's "Do you Lilac It?": A pretty pastel purple.


11.) Clinique Dramatically Different Gel: In no time, your skin will drink this in. I use it to prime my face during summer months because it's very mattifying and combats oil like no other. The lotion form is very similar, but not ideal for very oily skin like mine being that it's heavier, and leaves a slight residue.


12.) The O.C.: Ahh you caught me! My guilty pleasure; hours of lying on the couch, windows down eating junk food (FYI, my favorties include Sour Patch Kids, Ben & Jerry's, and White Cheddar Cheetos), and watching this show. At first I told myself I wouldn't ever watch this because it just looked so stupid, but give yourself at least 2 episodes and you'll be addicted!


13.) Friendship Bracelets and Leather Bracelets: Remember those cute little friendship bracelets you made at camp? It's time to drag those out again. I love the whole Cali Navajo look, and these sort of set off that look.

June Birchbox

I feel pretty bad posting another one of these so soon but at the same time, I wouldn't want to skip one, so I will start trying to post more. Getting to this months birchbox, wow I was so much more impressed. Last month's box was a bit of a disappointment, so it was really nice receiving this month's box to refresh the bad impression left by last month. If you don't know what Birchbox is, refer to the link for Birchbox Info. 

Kate Spade Twirl

 I loved this stuff, and it had a spray applicator. I hate it when fragarance samples just have a cap. It smells very fresh, crisp, and feminine. It's definitely what I would imagine Kate Spade's fragarance to be. Its sweet, but not obnoxiously so. I mostly smell vanilla and citrus.

More Kate Spade Twirl

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion

I have the most awful oily skin, and not many products suit it very well, but this stuff is AMAZING! I couldn't believe it when I read on my birchbox card that this isn't even in stores yet. I would compare this to Clinique's dramatically different gel. It's just a tab bit thicker. It's great for summer because it's cooling and light. I found it to be really mattifying, so I even used it as a primer for my foundation, which worked really well. It kind of creates a good four hour barrier to combat oil from my skin.

Laura Geller Blush-n- Brighten in Apricot

Anything from the Laura Geller Baked Collection has been on my wishlist for a while. I was sad to see this brand leave Sephora before I even got to try it. I've really only seen it on QVC (yes, I watch qvc and I love it). Even better, this is a full sized product valued at $30.   I've been using this all this month on it's own without highlight or bronzer. The marbeling in this allows me to have it all in one application. I will say however, it doesn't have the greatest staying power.

Blush-n-Brighten

As for the other 2 products, herban essentials towelettes and Xen Tan, I'm saving them for vacation. If you're interested in my critique of them though, tell me in the comments below and I could definitely review them during next month's box.

Happy Summer!

Beachy Waves Tutorial

We may not all love their fashion choices, but you've got to admit, Mary-Kate and Ashley have amazing hair. They always look like they've just spent the day at the beach even though they are both crazy busy. This look is great because it's achievable for almost all hair types and it requires no heat! I bleach my hair so often I always worry about frying it, so I probably do this look about 3 times a week. People tell me my hair looks so healthy when I do this.

The Look

 Products

  

Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt Glaze, Paul Mitchell Soft Sculpting Spray Gel, and Paul Mitchell Worked Up Hairspray

 How To

1.) After shampooing and conditioning , allow your hair to set in a towel for 30 minutes. (I suggest brushing hair before getting in the shower to prevent tangles as you can't brush your hair at all during this tutorial, otherwise it will loosen the wave to much).

2.) Add about about a quarter sized amount of glaze to your palm.

3.) The key to this look is flipping your hair upside down rather than upright. Scrunch the product into your hair adding more as needed for about 3 minutes.

4.) To add extra body and hold, liberally spray gel into your hair, and scrunch upright for another minute or so.

5.) If you plan on sleeping on this look, I highly recommend a lightweight hairspray such as worked up.

6.) Style the look. It's hard to tell in this pic (sorry!) but I usually twist both sides of my hair for a bohemian look.

So that's about it! It usually only takes me about 10 minutes to style after the towel. You can definitely sleep on this look and not worry about it flattening out which is awesome for those mornings when you just don't feel like messing with your hair. 

I do this look the night before, hence no makeup and glasses. I hope this inspires other girls not to be so afraid showing their imperfections. I love makeup just as much as the next girl, but I also think it can be so empowering to accept your natural unfinished self.

The Perfect Spring Outfit

April showers and May/June flowers call for a change in attire. I can't help but reminisce about my childhood, planting tulips in our garden on a lazy Sunday with mom, writing cute little haiku poems about the changing scenery in elementary school. The transition from winter to spring always inspires new memories, and new fashion. In all honesty, I'd worn this outfit once in the winter, but it really didn't feel right so I've just been waiting to break it out in time for spring. It's everything a spring outfit needs; layered, crisp, and fresh.

 Jacket: Hollister, Scarf: H&M, Necklace: Old Navy, Shirt: Forever 21, Pants: American Eagle, Purse: Sears, Shoes: Gap City Flats (they photograph much more harshly than they appear)

Skincare Sins

For every article, blog post, or advertisement for effective and healthy skincare, there is another one to disprove it! Is it just me, or am I the only one who witnesses the madness? I'd like to think I've deciphered the secret code to skincare, but even I feel lost. There are a  few things I'm sure of however  that others ought to be informed of and NEVER attempt to repeat. (In no particular order)

#1:  Not washing off your makeup
I trust most everyone has heard this oh maybe...1 million times, correct? Amazingly enough, I still have friends who refuse to comply. Wake up Call:Sleep doesn't just restore our energy, it restores our skin. By skipping this step, your cheating your skin's natural process, clogging pores/enlarging pores, aging more quickly, and irritating your eyes.

Easy Fix: Makeup Wipes

With just a few quick swipes, it couldn't be easier.

#2: Not washing makeup brushes/Cell phone screen
Every 7-14 days, I wash my makeup brushes and cell screen. I hate having icky brushes, I find the brushes are so much softer afterward, and application becomes less streaky. Wake up Call: Bacteria accumulates each time the brush touches skin. Imagine using the same water to wash your face everyday...It's just as bad. Cell phone screens are also a major culprit in the same way.

Easy Way: Antibacterial Wipes

I use these when I know I don't have time to thoroughly cleanse my brushes or phone.

#3: Harsh Astringents
I love toner just as much as the next person, but my gosh, some of them are so so harsh. If your skin is squeaky clean afterwards, that's not something to brag about. Wake up Call: It's okay to use toner, but not for the purpose of stripping all oil from your face. When oil is completely removed, your skin goes into overdrive to replenish itself, and soon there is more oil than before.

Easy Fix: Go Natural

When my skin is way to dry, I trust this toner not to overdo it. Just make sure to moisturize after

#4: Skipping Sunscreen/Sunglasses
The absolute easiest an cheapest way to set back aging and avoid risk of skin cancer is sunscreen. I recommend Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 75 or above. Wake up Call: Applying sunscreen is tedious and often uncomfortable, but when health enters the picture, there really is no excuse not to. Not only is cancer a risk, but overall immunity decreases.

Easy Fix: Choose a light formula that won't be unbearable

This is great in the deep of summer when I don't want anything heavy on my face

#5: Touching your face (especially tugging around the eyes)
I'm probably the biggest hypocrite when it comes to this one, always resting my chin or forehead on my hand, but I am trying to change! Wake up Call: Unless you wash your hands before touching anything but your skin, chances are they have loads of bacteria that enlarge your pores and irritate the skin. Tugging also occurs when using the hands, stretching your skin and wearing its natural elasticity. Wrinkles and acne, ahh!

Easy Fix: Blotting Papers

Okay, so its not really the same as resting your hand on your chin, but using these should really be the only reason you ever touch your face during the day. These are great for absorbing oil and helping make your makeup last. These are just as good as the rest, and at 1 dollar, you can' beat them.

#6: Forgetting to change pillowcases
Most of us don't sleep in one position every night, so all to often we put our face on a pillow where our hair has spread oil for hours at a time. Wake up Call: If you don't love the transfer of bacteria, sweat and dead skin particles from your hair to your face and your face to your hair, then pillowcases need to be washed every week.

Easy Fix: Rotate Pillows

If you find you don't have the time to wash pillows, either sleep on one side and flip, or keep a supply of fresh pillows and cases on rotation, and wash them together all at once when you've completed the rotation.

#7: Dehydration
Water is crucial in the skins process. Skin cells regenerate themselves with water. Going without reduces elasticity, and prevents harmful toxins from releasing themselves. Wake up Call: Drinking 64 ounces of water a day ensures skin receives proper hydration. Then again, it is very difficult to measure every ounce of water you drink, and there really is no point in drinking it all at once, because your body will only benefit to a certain point. The best way is to drink water throughout the day as often as possible before your body goes thirsty, and 64 ounces will seem like nothing.

Easy Fix: Bottles with Measurements 

Monitor your water for about a week just to see how deficient you are, then ditch the bottle once you've figured out how much more often you need it, or, if you like knowing exactly how much you need every day continue using it. Nalgenes are pretty convenient not only for their measurements, but for skipping the BPA's disposable water bottles sometimes carry that are bad for you an the environment.

Review: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist

 

About a year ago, my hair dresser referred me to Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist claiming it to be one of the most versatile yet effective treatments. After about a year of use, I'm hooked. I had never been a huge Paul Mitchell fan, and the few products I had used I felt were no more impressive than drugstore brands. A few years later, I decided I'd give it a go again, and I'm sure glad I did. I spray this mist on my damp hair after each wash with hair flipped over, though it can be sprayed on dry as well. 

Pros:By the time my hair has dried, it's noticeably smooth. Throughout the day, I often re-spray and smooth with my fingers to touch up. This product is also great on sunburns. I thought my hairstylist was joking when she mentioned applying to the skin, but it really is soothing. Another plus, there is no such thing as too much, no crunchiness, grease, or frump. All in all you can't go wrong with this one.I recommend this for frizzy straw like hair. The light fresh scent is just the icing on the cake.

Cons: At times, I wonder I question its potency, being that it is sooo thin and watery, and I do find myself retouching a lot.

Awapuhi

For those of you who have no idea what Awupuhi is (me included), I thought I'd provide a little background. Awapuhi, known as shampoo ginger, originated in India, and was used as medicine, shampoo, and wash for its hydrating qualities.

If you're interested...

http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Mitchell-Awapuhi-Mist-16-9/dp/B000AUZ4QK 

This is a pretty good deal