Month: June 2017

June Favorites! 

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June was a month full of new discoveries! I tried a lot of new makeup and skincare, but only a few things made the cut to be considered “favorites.” I wanted to share these products with you because I hadn’t seen many reviews on them before. Most of these items were mostly completely new to me and I’m so relieved they happened to work out! 

     

Peri Pera, Cushion Blusher

      

Remember that Korean skincare haul I did a couple posts ago? Well, I also picked up a few popular makeup products (also from Korea) when I placed that order. I’ve been testing out the cream blush from Peri Pera in the shade, “Happy Coral” and I am obsessed! I’m not a huge fan of liquid blushes or bronzers, but this one looks so gorgeous for summertime and gives the most beautiful flush to my skin! It is pretty versatile in the way you can wear it with little-to-no makeup for a fresh, natural look or you can wear it for a dramatic look and even layer a powder blush on top for added intensity! I find that layering a powder on top helps my blush stay vibrant all day long! I’m super happy I decided to go out of my comfort zone and purchase this product! 

      

   

Covergirl, Total Tease Mascara

     
Honestly, this mascara initially caught my eye because of the cool packaging. Then when I opened it up, I was surprised at the unique wand and wasn’t sure if it would be something that I could easily use. Luckily, it’s nothing out of the norm in terms of application and you can totally control the little ball on the end of the wand! It actually comes in handy when trying to coat those little lashes towards the inner corner! I like this because the formula is both voluminous and lengthening, but warning: this can get clumpy looking. The secret it to add a second coat immediately after the first. Hardly wait any time at all in between because it dries really quickly and you can get a “spider lash” effect if you don’t work fast enough. 

     


     

Philosophy, Renewed Hope In A Jar Skin Tint

       
I haven’t seen this product reviewed or written about before, so I’m excited to report that it’s really, REALLY great! I was browsing the Philosophy section at Ulta and was looking at some of their makeup items. I have been wanting a medium coverage tinted moisturizer for awhile and when I swatched this in the store, I was shocked at how pigmented it was and how little product I needed to completely cover my entire hand. After getting it home and using it for the last couple of weeks, I’m thinking it may become one of my all-time favorite face products! I love that it moisturizes, covers my imperfections and dries to a semi-matte finish. It also lasts throughout the entire day! You barely need any product for your entire face, so that means it’ll last a really long time and you don’t have to constantly repurchase if you plan on using this product daily. With SPF 20, it will also protect me from the sun that I love (thank you for the freckles) but also fear because forehead wrinkles and fine lines. I put this product on like a standard face moisturizer, just by patting it on with my hands, then taking a damp Beauty Blender to even things out and make sure it’s properly distributed over my entire face. You definitely don’t need a powder with this, but you can set it with a light translucent powder or go more full coverage with a powder foundation depending on your preference! I’m in the shade “6.5 Tan” for reference, which I can only use when I’m self-tanned or naturally tanned. 

      
Sol De Janeiro, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
     

I really didn’t want to like this product…I really wanted to continue my life without justifying the high price of this cream, yet here I am, on Sephora.com purchasing the full size version. I received a deluxe sample size of the popular “Brazilian Bum Bum Cream” and it seriously lives up to the hype. The scent is a really light, natural pistachio caramel so that’s obviously delightful. I ALWAYS get compliments from random strangers when I use this cream! Plus it’s formulated without all the yucky parabens, sulfates and phthalates that many other lotions have. It is supposed to be tightening and firming and I actually notice a difference in my arms and legs after I apply it. At first I thought I was just imagining it, but other people that I have had try it, say the same thing! It also dries super fast so I love putting it on right after I get out of the shower! 

        

Sephora, Cake and Bake Sponge

        
For the sake of the photo, I used my fresh and new Cake and Bake sponge, but I have been using my other one non-stop this month! I don’t apply my foundation with this product, but I do use it for my under-eye concealer and cream contour and highlight. The shape makes it perfect to get into your inner corners and precisely define your cheekbones and nose. As the name states, its great for applying a translucent powder over the areas you want to bake and get that chiseled, defined effect. It’s a pretty stiff sponge, but I do use it dampened like I would a Beauty Blender. I think the stiffness actually is a benefit to this product because it doesn’t absorb excess product, so you aren’t blending away any extra coverage from your concealer or cream contour. I was so happy that this product worked out for me and I think it’s going to grow in popularity over time! 

      

O.P.I, Infinite Shine Nail Polish

       
I have mentioned these polishes in previous favorites posts, but I’ve been loving these so much to do at-home manicures! The color, “It’s A Girl” is my current go-to. It’s enough of a neutral pink that it matches any pedicure color and outfit that I’m putting together. I also love that it’s more of a glossy polish that isn’t super creamy and opaque. The formula of the “Infinite Shine” range is super long-lasting and chip-proof! If you’re trying to save some money or want to take a break from gel manicures, I would highly recommend these nail polishes!  

         
I really hope you enjoyed reading about the products I’ve loved in June! These are some really great items that I know I’ll continue to use in the upcoming months as well! As always, I love to read about the makeup and skincare you can’t seem to put down! So please leave me a comment below and we can chat about your June Favorites! 
       

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What’s In My Travel Makeup Bag?!

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I’m super excited to write this post because it indicates vacation season and warm weather! I wanted to share my essential travel makeup products with you, while also giving you some good tips on how to pack light by bringing multipurpose products! A quick disclaimer that sometimes I bring more, sometimes I bring less, but this post is intended to highlight a few helpful tips I try to follow when packing makeup! 

    

Face

  1. While on vacation, I either wear a full-face of makeup, or none at all! So I do bring a primer; the Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer is my absolute favorite because it is super hydrating and prolongs the wear of my makeup. I always take advantage of any chance I can bring a product in a small travel size too! 
  2. I love using a stick foundation while I’m traveling because I don’t have to worry about a glass bottle breaking in my makeup bag and liquid foundation pouring out everywhere (that has actually happened to me before…) The MakeupForever HD is so great and performs very well in the summer heat!
  3. When I’m traveling, I like to bring the products that are my tried and true favorites, ones that I know will work no matter what. For concealer, my holy grail is the Tarte Shape Tape! It does a great job at both concealing and highlighting my face. This cuts down on my need to bring a corrector, brightening concealer, etc. 
  4. As for powders, I always bring a translucent one since my skin tone is usually getting more tan from sun exposure and I want to make sure that whatever I’m putting on top matches. I love the Laura Mercier translucent powder because it is super light weight and won’t leave behind the dreaded white cast. To contour and highlight, I absolutely love my Tarte contour palette because it has the two different highlight and contour shades to create your perfect, customer color. Plus, it comes with a blush! You can also use the contour shades to fill in your eyebrows or act as a matte transition color to blend into your crease! 
  5. I typically do bring an additional matte bronzer that is more warm toned to compliment my natural tan. I love the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer because it lasts for so long and smells like a tropical getaway! Since this is matte, I also use this as an all over setting powder (kind of cringe-worthy, I know) but when I’m on vacation, I’ll just take a large fluffy brush and lightly dust bronzer around the entire perimeter of my face for an all-over tanned look. 
  6. This little Becca highlight palette is my BFF for travel! Many highlight powders can be super sensitive to breaking since they’re formulated to be so soft. I love the hard case these come in and the variety of shades I have to choose from. I’m also happy that I can choose a shimmer bronzer and a shimmer blush if I want to top my face with those too! I use all of the colors in this palette for eyeshadows as well! Again, it’s all about finding those compact products that you can use for multiple purposes!

     


Eyes 

  1. I will never sacrifice brows, no matter how natural I want makeup to be! The Benefit Ka-Brow is an awesome little pomade that lasts through sweat and other unattractive consequences that the heat brings. I’m in love with the packaging on this product because there’s a precise angled brush in the cap! 
  2. Even though I use my Becca highlighting palette on my eyes, I do like to bring one single eyeshadow to wear when I’m on vacation. The PUR eye polish is so awesome because it is formulated with a primer, so you don’t have to pack an extra item. It also gives the eyes a shimmery/glossy look, which I love for a summer makeup look! I always bring a neutral color that will go with any possible outfit that I pack so I don’t have to overthink getting ready. When I’m on vacation, the last thing I want to waste time doing is my hair and makeup! 
  3. I always bring a black eyeliner and a nude eyeliner and Tarte just so happens to make my two faves! I will sometimes bring a liquid liner, but most of the time I just do pencil because I find they last the longest in heat and won’t fade or drip down my face in hot weather! 
  4. For mascara, I like to pack a formula that is both volumizing and lengthening. Again, I’m trying to cut down on bringing multiple products when I can just pack one that does the work of two! A mascara that never fails me is the Tarte “Lights, Camera, Lashes” and they do make a waterproof version as well! I find that this is ultra-black and doesn’t flake or fade throughout the day. Definitely try it if you haven’t yet! 

  


Lips

  1. For lips, I like to keep it as simple as possible and bring the items I know I will wear and actually use. I love this Tarte lipstick because it’s hydrating, but gives a matte finish! It is also super long-lasting and I love the nude color! 
  2. Sometimes I bring a lipliner, sometimes I don’t, but for the sake of this post I wanted to show you which one I would pack! The Stila lipliners last for such a long time and I’m kind of convinced they may be waterproof…I would pack a neutral color that is pretty similar to my natural lip shade. 
  3. The Fresh Sugar lip treatments are the best tinted balms! These will hydrate and provide a sheer wash of color for natural makeup looks. I love the Berry and Rose colors and definitely want to try out some other shades too! 
  4. Buxom glosses are my absolute favorite and if I were to only pack one lip product, I would probably just take this bad boy! These are formulated to give full coverage color and they will stay glossy for such a long time! I think they feel nourishing on the lips and I love that for humid, dry weather, which is what I experience in the summer! Also they have a super cooling effect when you apply them to your lips; what a bonus! 

      


 Hair 

  1. Anytime I’m facing humidity, I have to bring a hairspray. I love these mini travel size versions of my favorite Amika hair products! How beautiful is the packaging?! This touchable hairspray is essential for beachy waves that look natural and not crunchy!
  2. Dry shampoo is just a necessity in any situation and this one is by far my favorite! It is super refreshing and gives such good body. I love the smell of it too! I have pretty long hair, so the less amount of time I have to spend washing, drying, styling…the better; so dry shampoo is literally a savior for me on any trip. 

      

I really hope you enjoyed reading this and finding out what is in my travel makeup bag! Again, sometimes I pack more and sometimes I pack less depending on the duration and location of the trip! These are just the essential items that I use on a daily basis for my go-to, easy makeup looks! What items do you bring on trips? What are some of your tips on packing lightly? What are the best multi-use products that you love for travel? Please leave me a comment below! Thank you again for reading!  

    

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Favorite Nude Lip Glosses!

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I didn’t always love wearing lipgloss. For a long time, I only bought liquid lipsticks and preferred drying, matte lip products. Recently, that has changed completely and I’ve found a new love for hydrated, glossy looking lips! My favorite colors to wear are nude shades, just because they are easy to create an eye look around. Plus, I don’t worry too much about transfer or a messy application when it’s a natural shade. There are so many different types of lip glosses on the market and I wanted to share with you my tried and true favorites! I also wanted to show you some swatches of the colors, just so you can see opacity and the look of it applied on a medium skin tone.        


   

Buxom “Full-On Lip Cream”, $20.

     

These are by far my favorite lip glosses! I have recommended them to so many people and they work so well! There are a ton of shades in the range, so there is something for anyone, whether they love natural or colorful glosses. The nude colors I love most are White Russian and Hot Toddy! White Russian is a milky, light pink shade and Hot Toddy is more of a brown, peach color. They are very high-shine and plumping, but they definitely don’t burn and sting like a lot of lip plumping glosses do. It is more of a minty/cooling sensation once applied. I will say this is a stickier gloss, definitely not anything uncomfortable, but you can feel them on your lips and it is slightly tacky. However, I think that’s what makes them last throughout the day, so I really don’t mind it at all. They aren’t extremely opaque, but they do provide a hint of color to the lips. Also I absolutely have to mention the delicious vanilla mint smell! I have so many of these glosses and I will continue to repurchase them because to me, they’re absolutely perfect! 

       

Sephora “Outrageous Effect Volume Lip”, $12.

      

This gloss is pretty new to my collection, but over the past month it has become one of my new favorites! This is another lip plumper gloss, but I’m happy to report it doesn’t burn or cause any painful sensations! I love the color of the gloss and it is actually very similar in formula to the Buxom glosses (except this one is cheaper, woo!) There are only 4 shades so far, which is kind of a bummer, but the “02” color that I picked up is a beautiful brown, nude shade. It is super high shine once applied to the lips and it also has the best applicator! The only downfall for this one, is the scent. I really don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like a chemical cinnamon type of smell, which I am definitely not here for. Once I get past that, I really do love the way this gloss looks on my lips! I’ve gotten so many compliments every time I wear it out, which is always a great sign! I’m going to try out the other colors, but for now, this one is getting a lot of use in my collection! 

            

Bare Minerals “Gen Nude Buttercream Lipgloss”, $18. 

      

If you are looking for a really beautiful shimmery lip gloss, this is the one for you! The shade I’m obsessed with is called, “Fly” and it is described as a “radiant tan with gold pearl” which is basically perfection for summertime. These are very lightweight and moisturizing, plus they’re not sticky at all. I love that they have a balmy texture, making them super comfortable and easy to throw on when rushing out the door! I typically steer clear of glosses with shimmer in them, but this one gives the most subtle highlighted effect to the lips. This shade perfectly completes a bronze or golden makeup look, which are my favorite to wear! There are a lot of other shades in this range that seem equally as stunning, I want to try the colors “Far Out” and “Snarky” next! 

      

Too Faced, “Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil Lip Gloss”, $19.

      

This formula is definitely more of a nourishing oil, than a standard lip gloss, but I wanted to mention it anyways because I use it all the time and it does give a shiny look to my lips! This is a very lightweight, creamy product that is also opaque! I love that you get so much great color payoff and can really do a complete lip look with one product. The only downside to this product would be that it doesn’t last very long, but it doesn’t claim to and honestly, I never expected something with a slippery, oil-like texture to resist fading and transferring throughout the day. One of the greatest aspects to this lip gloss is the amazing fresh peach smell! The color “Papa Don’t Peach” is a warm peach color that is super close to the natural shade of my lips. I find that this is my go-to product when I want something really comfortable and hydrating, which is perfect for these warm summer months! 

       

NYX “Butter Gloss”, $4.99.

     

I have gone through so many of these glosses over the years! They are the best at the drugstore and have 34 shades, so you’re bound to find your perfect color! I would describe these as very creamy, with a medium opacity. You can definitely layer these over lipsticks, but you don’t have to! I am usually not a huge fan of baby pink nude shades, but “Creme Brûlée” is just so dang beautiful! I love that they smell like Angel Food Cake and give such great shine without being sticky! The texture is literally like butter! I would highly recommend these to anyone. Even if you don’t like an all-over glossy look, you can just use these in the middle of your lips to make them appear fuller. Trust me, these will be your new bestie! 

     

Thank you for reading this post on my favorite nude lip glosses! I hope I helped you discover a new shade or formula that would fit your preferences! I am a fiend when it comes to good nude lip products, so please leave me some recommendations in the comments! Have a great week! 

     

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