Back to School Series: 1st Day of School Makeup

Whether you are in 8th grade or college this makeup look will start your year off fresh and beautiful.

Step One: Prime 

  Primer may not be an everyday essential to many people but for the first day back you want to be looking your best.  Primer will keep your pores small and your oil contained.  Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional ($30) is a great light weight but effective choice. 

Step Two: Even Your Skin Tone

   Many people think foundation should be able to cover every imperfection, but when it does, that is usually when you look like a cake face.  Foundation should be used to eliminate redness and even our skin tone.  Revlon Color Stay ($9.99) is a good foundation that can be applied lightly for a natural finish or built up for full coverage for those of us with less than perfect skin. 

Step Three: Conceal 

   You know how you always go to bed unusually early before the first day back? But instead of getting a good night's sleep you toss and turn and can't stop thinking about what your'e going to wear or what everyone is going to think of your outfit.  So instead of going to school with bags under your eyes use concealer to brighten up those peepers. Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer ($6.99) has good coverage and comes in a variety of shades so you can definitely find your perfect match. 

Step Four: Bronze Yourself

   You just came from summer so of course you can't come back to school without a tan.  Fake a sun-kissed glow or enhance your tan with some bronzer dusted on your temples, cheeks, nose, and chin.  Jouer's Sunswept Mattifying Powder Bronzer ($28) gives the perfect glow and will also keep your oil controlled with it's mattifying properties.  

Step Five: Natural Flush

   Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher Color Icon Blusher Powder in Pearlescent Pink ($1.99) (wow, that's quite the mouthful) is a great color that looks great on any skin tone! 

Step Six: Bronze Eye

   To play up your tan even more, add a bronzed eye for that summer beach babe look.  Cream shadows are great because they are easy to apply and blend and they leave the eye looking dewy.  Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow in Skinlights ($4.94) is a great quad to have.  It also is small enough to fit in your purse or locker for touch ups in the day. 

Step Seven: Define

  If you need eyeliner I recommend Urban Decay 24/7 DOUBLE-ENDED GLIDE-ON PENCIL ($12).  What's so great about it is that you can have black for when you want more definition and drama and brown for more natural and subtle look and you only need one pencil! 

Step Eight: Lashes!

  No makeup look is complete without mascara.  I'm sure you already know my current obsession with Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions Lashblast Mascara ($8.49) and when you try it you'll understand why. 

Just add your favorite balm or gloss and you are ready for your first day back!

What are your back to school makeup essentials?  

All Natural Style Secrets

I am not an "eco" person on an everyday basis. 

But there are some days when I am feeling particularly "green."

I'm sure I'm not the only one who experiences this.  It's those days where you choose fruit over fruit loops, take the stairs instead of the elevator, drink water rather than your usual Diet Coke,
and decide to stick to your workout routine this week. 

When your "green" phase is inevitably over after 3 days
you can still implement some natural/organic products in your beauty routine.

Here are my favorite

All Natural Style Secrets

(starting left to right)

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Peaceful - $26

  Perfectly peach color that will suit any skin tone! 

bareMinerals MATTE Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - $27 

  The most popular all natural foundation that will leave you with the perfect matte and natural finish. 

Seventh Generation Boosts Firming with Baobab  - $9.99

  This is my newest love for all natural skin care.  Seventh Generation, an all natural organic company, has introduced their 6 new Boosts (hydrating, soothing, clearing, firming, revitalizing, protecting).  I have been using the Firming with Baobab daily after I have cleansed my face but while it is still damp.  It absorbs super quickly, doesn't clog my pores or leave my skin feeling heavy, and it is 100% biobased.  The Firming formulation will help with fine lines and lack luster skin.  After using it you will find your skin looking more youthful and tighter in those trouble areas around your eyes and lips. 

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush - $6.99 

  This natural brush is incredibly soft and will blend products beautifully.  Don't think you can only use this for bronzer, it blends mineral makeup beautifully. 

Burt's Bees Natural Lip Gloss in Rosy Dawn - $9

  I am a loyal customer of all things Burt's Bees, they can do no wrong in my book.  This lip gloss is super smooth and tastes incredible. 

Physicians Formula Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara - $9.95

  Physician Formula is the most popular organic drugstore brand and they build their good reputation with every product.  This mascara is 100% natural, contains lash lengthening minerals, and it's pretty (that's all that really matters, right?). 

SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Provocateur - $10

  Even your nail polish can be natural! SpaRitual is known for their all natural ingredients.  They have a huge color range that are greatly pigmented and don't leave your nails feeling dry and brittle after taking it off. 

DevaCurl DevaCare - No-Poo™' No-Fade Zero Lather Cleanser and DevaCare - No-Poo™' No-Fade Zero Lather Cleanser - $19 each

  Being a curly girl myself, I swear by DevaCurl! I recently just learned of their natural line which makes me love them even more. 

How do you stay pretty using natural products?

Tell me your all natural style secrets!

I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.

7 Melt-Proof Products

I took a quick hiatus this past week from the blog. 

The reason being I had to travel to the wonderful and beautiful city of Phoenix. 

If you can't tell that that statement is dripping in sarcasm, well I am making my opinion of this city clear now.  

108 temps until 10 p.m. with monsoon weather humidity?!

No thank you.

The only positive this trip has brought is a blog post spotlighting 

7 Melt-Proof Products

so you Phoenix and other unbearably hot and humid residers can endure the summer while still looking especially adorable. 

You would assume cream based products would melt right off your face, but it's actually the exact opposite.  Cream based products usually contain silicone which makes products extra long lasting.  Powder products when layered and mixed with sweat make for a cake face, and no one wants that or wants to look at that. 

1. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in Sweetheart - $7.49

    Revlon wins hands down when it comes to drugstore lip products.  Their lip stain balm keeps your lips perfectly pink without the dryness of a marker like stain. They come in 12 different colors but Sweetheart is a universally friendly color. 

2. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 - $39

    This BB Cream leaves a matte finish while leaving a light feeling on your skin.  Bonus it has SPF and there is no flash back! $39 may seem like a steep price, but they also have travel sized bottles for $19, the perfect amount to last your throughout the summer. 

3. Tarte Cosmetics Cheek Stain in Blissful - $30

    Tarte is famous for their outlasting power, so obviously their cheek stains are the MVP of stains. Blissful is the perfect pinky coral that flatters your summer tan. You can also use it as a lip stain as well!

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil - $19 each

    I usually nix the eyeliner when it's sweltering outside but if you can't resist your classic cat eye these liners are the way to go.  They are super smooth and will even withstand the pool and waves.  With their 12 shades you can get even more creative. 

5. Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base - $48 

    If you haven't heard about Chanel's Soleil Tan De Chanel, you've clearly been living under a rock the whole summer. These cream bronzer has built the biggest hype for a reason...it's AMAZING! You can put this on under your foundation to give your face a subtle glow or apply as usual bronzer.  $48 is quite the pay out for bronzer but this will last you your whole life, because a little goes a long way. It's worth every sun kissed penny. 

6. Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze and Barely Branded - $5.94 each

    These are must for all seasons.  They work great as both full eyeshadow or eyeshadow base.  These are a almost identical dupes for MAC paint pots formula wise.

7. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Water Resistant Mascara - $6.49
    No clumps no matter how many coats your layer on throughout the day! 

What products have proven to be melt-proof for you this summer?

Inside My Beauty Boxes: Ipsy

July 2013's Ipsy bag was all about "Beach Beauty."

This month's glam bag was a cylinder neon pink waterproof bag, perfect to throw in your beach bag!

Full Size 

BH Cosmetics California Collection - $25.90 for each palette 

(Hollywood, San Francisco, Malibu) 20 shades in each palette

Sample Size

$3.90 for 3 shadows

The California Collection is 3 individual palettes focused on getting a look designed for 3 major spots in California: Hollywood, San Francisco, and Malibu.  This palette had one shade from each of these palettes.  I like the colors but the pigmentation was not that great and they were quite dry and chalky. Definitely not worth $25.90!

Rating: 2 stars

Full Size

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon Kit - $25 for 6

Sample Size

$4.16 for 1

Ipsy gave away 3 of the 6 shades to their subscribers.  I received Coral Crush (middle pictured) and I LOVE it! These crayons have great pigmentation and are super moisturizing! I was amazed at how hydrating they were.  These are a must. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

COOLA Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 - $36 for 1.7 oz/ 50 ml

Sample Size

$5.04 for 0.23 fl oz/ 7 ml

I have received many COOLA products from Birchbox and I also like them.  They are very light and don't have that awful sunscreen scent.  I also love how they don't cake up your make up or give a white cast.  If this was less expensive I would probably have this in my daily routine. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Laquer in Mai Tai - $13 for 0.5 fl oz

One thing I love about Ipsy is that they give FULL SIZE nail polished instead of sample sizes like Birchbox.  But one thing Birchbox has better is color choice and quality.

*Note: Essie's "Meet Me at Sunset" is an almost perfect (and affordable) dupe*

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray - $18.95 for 3.4 oz

Sample Size

$6.32 for 1.4 oz

I really enjoyed this hair spray.  It helped reduce my frizz and keep my style in place with the crunch.  The only downside was the smell, I had to spray perfume on after to get it to go away.

No bueno. 

Rating: 3 stars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Retail Price: $118.85 (full size) $32.42 (sample size)

Bag Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 1 product

The winner of July 2013 Inside My Beauty Boxes is

BIRCHBOX!

Check out my Birchbox post here.

Inside My Beauty Boxes: BIRCHBOX

July 2013's theme was Powerplay.  

Birchbox teamed up with USA Network's tv series "Suits" to find products that were able to stand up all day without having to fuss with streaking mascara, melting foundation, or oily moisturizer.

Full Size

Curly Hair Solutions by Jonathon Torch Curl Keeper - $10 for 100 ml/ 3.38 oz

Sample Size

$3.30 for 30 ml/1 oz

I was excited to see this in my Birchbox this month because I had seen it before and it had a great reviews. It worked well but definitely not as great as my DevaCurl, but this is definitely a great budget-friendly alternative. 

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Acne Control Treatment - $44 for 1.7 oz/ 48 g

Sample Size

$12.94 for 0.5 oz/ 14 g 

I don't struggle with acne one bit so this product was quite useful this month.  But I did like the consistency and smell of this cream.  It also has great reviews.  After reading a good chunk of them I can definitely feel confident in suggesting this to someone who struggle with acne and redness. 

Rating: 4 stars

Full Size

theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush in Swiss Dot - $22 for 0.09 oz

Sample Size

$4.40 for 0.018 oz

I love getting theBalm cosmetics in my Birchboxes.  They have quickly become my favorite brand of makeup.  This blush did not disappoint. My one word of caution is to use a light hand when applying or you might look like a clown.  This blush has incredible pigmentation and lasting power.

Win and win. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream - $48 for 50 ml

Sample Size

(couldn't calculate this one, probably around $10 for the sample)

This cream is ridiculously moisturizing.  It is a miracle product for my dry patches.  The cream has a very light and thin consistency, so it doesn't feel like your'e putting Vaseline on your face. 

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Birchbox Bobby Pins - $5 for 6 

Sample Size 

$1.66 for 2 

This was this month's Beauty Extra and I absolutely adore it! I received the blue ones and want to wear them with everything.  They are very strong and don't slip out of place all day.  For only $5 for a full size I will definitely get the others soon. 

Rating: 5 stars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Retail Price: $129 (full size) $22.30 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: none

Come back soon for a look inside my Ipsy box and find out who won this month!

You can read last month's posts here and here. 

If you have Birchbox and Ipsy, which do you like better?

Thursday's Three

M A K E U P 

Urban Decay Ammo Palette - $34

   I got this palette on Hautelook a month ago and I am OBSESSED.  All of the color are so pigmented and super blendable.  I feel like it is the perfect summer palette because it has a mix of neutrals and other bright shadows.  My favorites are Last Call and Shattered. 

H A I R

Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Daily Boost Root Lifter - $26

   You would think since I have naturally curl hair I would also have natural volume.  Sadly this is not true.  Though I have lots of curls I also have very thin hair, so when I blow dry it straight it become extremely flat.  This product is heaven for any thin haired ladies and any ladies to be honest.  There is no sticky or greasy residue and it keeps my hair volumized for days.  

F A S H I O N 

Vintage Dooney & Burke 

   My Nana gave me one of her Dooney & Burke bags recently and it is my new favorite bag.  This one pictured isn't the exact one (mine is way cuter) but it's pretty close.  I love the structure, the classic colors, and basically everything about it. 

Everyday Makeup: Summer Edition

Summer is the season to ditch the full coverage foundation and liquid liners and perfect the "no makeup" makeup look.
Here is what I use in the summertime.

1. MAC Select Moisturecover - $18

    Summer is the time to embrace your skin and let it breath, but let's be honest, no one is walking out the front door without their under-eye bags and blemishes covered up. This concealer from MAC is very moisturizing, so it won't cake up. 

2. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream with SPF 20 - $11.99

    This BB cream is my absolute favorite on the market.  It has good coverage without feeling like foundation.  It also has SPF making it perfect for summer and it also comes in many formulas: combo/oily, normal/dry, and anti-aging. 

3. bareMinerals READY Bronzer in The High Dive - $24

    The color may look intimidating but it comes off very subtly. To get the perfect glow, use a stippling brush to pick up less product and dust it all over your face...conservatively!

4. theBalm cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer - $24

    I have raved about this product many times on this blog, so I'm sure I don't need to explain why this is in my everyday routine.  Use a fan brush to brush this along your cheekbones, the top of the brow, and down your nose for a mermaid like shimmer.

5. Pixi Week of Wakeup Make Up Set - $42.43 $27.07

    I don't have an everyday eye look, so I thought this palette would be perfect to share.  This palette has an eyeshadow trio, blush, and lipgloss for EACH day of the week!  I use this constantly when I need I am in a hurry. 

6. Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara - $5.99

    I am all about mascara combos to make the most of my dreary lashes. I use Flamed Out first to hold the curl and give lots of volume. 

7. Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher - $6.49

    The next in my combo is this glorious product! It enhances the curl even more and separates any clumps.  I bring this around in my bag everyday because it is just THAT good. 

What is your Summer look?

Do you ditch the full face too?

What's In My Bag: Summer Edition

Take a peek into my bag and see what I carry along with me on a day to day basis. 

M A K E U P 

Covergirl Clump Crusher in Very Black - $8.99

   Can't leave the house without this, its light enough to reapply throughout the day without the clumpyness (that's not a word) of layering. 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Coral Berry - $6.99

   The perfect amount of pink and coral that leaves a sheer wash of color. 

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Summer Fruit - $3.49

   So much moisture is such a fun shape! I also desperately need to get a hold of the SPF versions. 

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - $3.29

   Needs no explanation. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - $4.99 $3.99

   Perfect for after noon touchups.  Though powder isn't necessary when I am use my Paul & Joe primer that was featured in my Birchbox post, seriously this stuff is amazing!

elf Studio Kabuki Face Brush - $6

   I like to keep a compact kabuki brush to keep with me for powder touch ups. 

H A I R 

Hot Tools 2" Bobby Pins 60 ct. - $1.99

  duh.

twistband Hair Ties - $10 - $14

  You always need one and these are cute enough to wear on your wrist.

E S S E N T I A L S 

VS PINK Water Bottle - $14.50

  PINK has so many cute designs and when it's in my bag I am constantly reminded to drink more water. 

VS PINK Sweet & Flirty Body Mist - $18

  Body mists are much easier and lighter to wear and carry around all day, but I do try to buy the travel sizes to be even more purse friendly. 

Fossil Memoir Flap Checkbook in Light Sage - $80

  My parents got me this wallet a few years ago and I can't seem to part with it.  Lots of compartments that hold every card, receipt, and paper you could imagine...and it's in my favorite color!

Ray-Ban RB2140 902 Original Wayfarer in Tortoise - $150

  My all time favorite sunglasses, though I do tend to change up my pairs during the summer, these will always be my go-to's.

What's in your summer bag?

Thursday's Three

Didn't have a Thursday's Three last week, it was just one of those weeks.
But when during those weeks you can stay connected with me through my Instagram and Twitter!

F A S H I O N

Cotton On Bestie Sunnies in Tortoiseshell - $12.95

   In the summer I like to branch out with my sunglasses and a great way to do that is to buy a cheap pair so incase you hate them after two days or they get broken your bank statement doesn't sting too much. These ones are super cute and the bright tortoiseshell pattern is so fun! I have been wearing them non stop. 

B E A U T Y

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Tropical Mango - $7.49

   I have fallen in love and so has my skin.  This scrub is so, well...scrubby.  It leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and makes shaving a breeze.  I use this in the shower 2-3 times a week before shaving and also scrub some in my hands when they are feeling extra dry.  When my body and hands are dry after using it I slather on any lotion and it just seeps right in.  The tropical mango scent is heavenly, but if you are not a citrus fruit fan they have 4 other mouth water scents.  

H A I R

Ouidad Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray - $8 - $51

   I have naturally curly hair and during the summer I put the hot tools down and find a way to deal with reality.  Since curly hair is naturally dry I don't wash it regularly, which makes my hair much less frizzy but also much more tangly and flat in the morning.  This spray is made especially for in between days to bring life back into slept on curls and also detangles.  And bonus, it smells amazing! It's a win win. 

What are your favorites this week?

My Nail Routine: Step by Step

I love getting manicures, but I hate spending the money for something I can do myself just as good.
(My toes on the other hand, I leave for the pros)

Here are the products I use step by step.

Step 1

File, buff, shine, and smooth.  I love using 4 sided files and this Sephora Collection Buffer ($8) allows me to do all of that in one tool.  Buffing may seem like something that isn't quite necessary, but it will keep your nails ridge free and let the polish adhere much better. 

Step 2

Time for the cuticles.  I love love love Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil ($8).  It makes the cuticles hydrated and if you decide to, it preps them to be pushed back.  Tip: Use Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil every night to keep your cuticles moist and prevent hangnails and dry skin around the nail bed. 

Step 3

Next, I use a nail treatment base.  Essie carries a lot of different kinds of treatments for different nail problems.  In the case of my nails, the longer the get the weaker they become, so I use Essie Protein Base Coat ($8) to add protein to my nails.

Step 4

Polish is next.  Two coats of your fave polish and you are good to go!  This one pictured is OPI Couture De Minnie in A Definite Moust-Have.

Step 5

To keep your beautiful manicure in place you have to use a top coat.  Seche Vite ($9.95) is a cult beauty product because it leaves you with a gel like finish and completely dries in under 5 minutes! 

And now it's time to enjoy your beautiful manicure.

Enjoy. 

Makeup Wish List: MAC

The Makeup Wish List series has sadly come to a close.
We are ending this series with MAC, a foolproof brand that is perfect medium of drugstore and luxury priced cosmetics.

C L E A N S E R 

Brush Cleanser - $14

Mineralize Charged Water Revitalizing Energy - $23 

   (Did you know this has pure diamond powder in it? Give me some that, please!)

F A C E 

Tropical Taboo Colour Mineralize Blush in Simmer - $25

Face and Body Foundation - $27-33

L I P S

Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick - $15

Archie's Girls Lipstick in Betty Bright - $16.50

E Y E S 

33 Lash - $16

What are your favorite MAC products?

and

What series should I do next?

4th of July Style

It's July everyone, the heat has set in (at least in LA it has full swing) and it's time decide what you are going to wear to your Fourth of July BBQ!

Here is my ideal outfit to keep you cool, comfy, and of course fashionable.

1. J. Crew Eyelet Dot Tank in Bright Persimmon - $78

      The texture on the top adds interest from just a plain red tank. 

2. H&M Worn Denim Shorts - $19.99

      Shorts are a must for a BBQ and the light wash and distressing are classic. 

3. Dodger Blue Hat - $30

      Whether you are from the great city of LA or not, you can sport this cap to keep the sun out of your face and give a relaxed look.

4. Madewell The Drawstring Bucket Bag in Desert Camel - $148

     Bucket bags are the "it" bag of summer and the neutral color keeps you from looking like an American flag. 

5. J. Crew Collection Lillian Calf Hair Low Wedges in Hazelnut Leopard - $298

      Like the bucket bag, the neutral colors help finish the look while the leopard print makes it fun.  (Tip: Like a chambray shirt, leopard is a closet staple it goes with just about anything.)

6. Ray-Ban Aviators in Silver/Blue - $149.95

      You can't go to a BBQ without some sunnies! Aviators are an American classic. 

7. Butter London Lippy Lipgloss in Come to Bed Red - $18

      Ditch the lipstick for a gloss for easy touchups and a sheer finish.  This red color is a great way to be patriotic without going overboard.

8.  Benefit Cosmetics Hoola - $28

      Bronze up your face for that summertime glow.  Dust this bronzer over the high points of the face (Temples, hairline, bridge of nose, cheekbones, and neck) and blend. 

Have a happy Fourth of July!

Makeup Wish List: Caudalie

(Sorry for the late post)

Say it with me...."Coe-dah-lee."  Not "cah-dah-lie" or "cow-day-lee."
The French skin care company may have a confusing name but their products are quite easy to describe....
UH - MAY - THING!
I have received a sample of the Caudalie Divine Oil in a Birchbox
before and have been rationing it ever since.
Here are some more products I am particularly coveting.

Divine Oil - $9 - $49

Divine Scrub - $38

Hand and Nail Cream - $15

Moisturizing Cream Mask - $40

Moisturizing Toner - $28

Beauty Elixir - $18 - $49

Have you tried any of these cult products?

Tomboy Style

Whether your a classic beauty or chic trendsetter, the summer time is the perfect season to rock the tomboy style.  Shorts, tanks, and masculine inspired accessories give a carefree and effortless cute look.

O U T F I T 

H&M Top - $4.50

   This basketball tank keeps you cool in the summer sun and the raw edges give the boyish and lived-in style. 

Zara Ripped White Shorts - $49.90 

   White shorts are a must for summer and a closet staple! (Bonus: It will make you look 10x tanner) 

Zara Flat Sandals with Metallic Plate - $39.90

    These flats tie the outfit color with the neutral/white color palette, but the metallic gives an instant coo factor.

A C C E S S O R I E S 

BCBGeneration Leatherette Baseball Cap - $38

    Leather baseball caps were spotted in every outfit of BCBG's Fall 2013 Collection at New York Fashion Week.  Start the trend early while protecting your skin from harsh summer rays (don't forget SPF too!). 

Topshop Matt Flat Brow Sunglasses - $38

    These blunt boy shaped glasses are the perfect combo of edgy and chic. 

Zara Braided Clutch - $79.90

    Just because your'e wearing a tomboy style doesn't mean you have to lug all your purse essentials in a Jansport backpack.  This braided clutch incorporates Spring/Summer's biggest color trend, black and white. 

                               How will you be wearing the Tomboy style this summer?

                          Stay connected with me between posts on Instagram and Twitter!