July Favorites

Hello lovelies!

July is over people, and I'm not even going to bother saying where did the month go because I think we're all on the same boat with how fast the summer has gone by (as it always does). As per usual, end of the month means breaking down my beauty and non beauty favorites of the month, and  make sure you stick to the end for this one because I'm going to get you hooked on the most amazing show ever! But let's start with the beauty.

Makeup
I don't know about you guys, but I can describe this summer in one word: H-O-T. I think I was born in the wrong country because I hate hot weather/sweating! I've been looking for any excuse to go to the mall, or the movies, or even an ice cold shower just to escape the heat. It's also made me want to skip any type of foundation and go for the most minimal makeup because I feel it will all melt off anyway whilst I'm in satan's layer.

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in 'Neutralizer'. I have spoken about the 'Brightener' shade before and how it's perfect for counteracting dark circles, but this one is perfect for highlighting the under eye area and making it look like you have had 12 hours of sleep. It has a very yellow undertone which is perfect for my skin tone, it's very creamy, and blends seamlessly with whatever concealer I used before hand to cover up my dark circles.

- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Soft & Gentle' is a cult classic with good reason. It is an absolutely beautiful highlight! Since I've been skipping on blush/bronzer as well, I just swipe some of this magic dust on my cheek bones, brow bone, and nose for a one step summer glow.

- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper'. You may remember that I spoke about this a few posts back saying that it was good but I still preferred the Stila liquid liner, but I'm going to have to eat my words here guys because I love this just as much if not more *GASP*. I also made the mistake of saying it has a felt tip, but it doesn't. Although Kat Von D does have a felt tip liquid liner, this one is actually a brush tip, which means that you still get the precision, but as time passes the tip won't bend as it tends to do with felt tip liners. Most importantly it stays put all day, even under the summer heat.

As for lips, I've been all about Revlon this month: I went back to an old favorite and tried out a recent launch that I've fallen in love with. Lip Butter in 'Candy Apple' will always be one of my favorites. It is perfect for an everyday, light wash of red and it leaves my lips feeling extra moisturized. As for Revlon's latest launch, the ColorStay Moisture Stain, all I can say is, "Uhhh-mazing!" I've never tried a lip product like this before. It's super light, literally feels like putting water on your lips, yet they go on really opaque and shiny. I don't find that they last a ridiculous amount of time, but they are very easy to reapply; and the more you do the more it leaves behind a stain on your lips. I've been wearing the shade 'Parisian Passion' nonstop this past month.

Skincare
The main reason I've been able to skip any type of foundation is because my skin has been really good lately, and I owe it to the Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash and the Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub. Simple is a relatively new brand at the drugstore, but wow is it amazing! I've been using the Facial Wash day/night and I've really noticed a difference in the brightness of my skin, plus it leaves it feeling clean and fresh without striping it dry. The scrub I use every other day (I find scrubs too harsh to use daily) and it has really helped even out my skin tone, remove dirt/excess oils, and brighten my skin. They are both just amazing and are exactly what it says on the bottle: "Simple Goodness". Overall, I'm really happy to have found such a good, yet affordable skincare line, and I 100% recommend. If you do wish to try the brand, make sure to follow them on social media (especially twitter) because they post coupons quite frequently. Get them discounts!

Haircare
Ever since I got back from New York, my hair has been feeling so dry, but thankfully I've been using several products that have helped bring it back to life.

- Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner have been great at taming frizz and making my blow dry smoother and shinier, especially in the summer heat.
- L'Oreal Power Moisture Rush Mask. I didn't think I would like this mask all that much because it has a very light consistency, and I like my masks to be very thick (for some reason I feel they moisturize more), but hello amazing! It really injected my hair with the moisture it was lacking, left it feeling ultra soft, plus it smells incredible.
- Alterna Caviar Perfect Blowout Creme has been key to my ultra sleek blowouts. I have been using it differently though: Instead of applying it while my hair is damp, I apply it after I blow dry and before I flat iron. I kid you not when I say my hair feels so incredibly soft and looks so shiny from root to tip. It has been a game changer by far!

That does it for all the beauty favorites of the month. Now I want to move on to my favorite out of all the favorites, and I'm not joking when I say it has consumed all of my time and attention this month: Sons of Anarchy. I know I'm really late to the party (it first aired in 2008), but better late than never. "Jesus Christ" this is the most amazing show ever-ever! And as an added bonus the music is amazing, especially if you are into blues-rock. The moment I started watching it I could not stop; I just kept going and going until I would realize it was 5am and had to forcefully shut my eyes. It is so addicting that I finished all six seasons in one week (no exaggeration, although I wish it was).

It's a drama series about a motorcycle gang dedicated to the selling and distribution of illegal guns, and all the problems they face on a daily basis: wars with other gangs/drug cartels, trying to stay out of prison, making deals with the police, love, family, etc. Every single episode keeps you on your toes: "Are they going to kill him? Are they going to get caught this time? Omg who is dying today? What is this one up to now?!" It never ends! It's bloody, it makes you laugh, it makes you mad, it makes you cry (oh you cry!). And if the theme doesn't interest you, then the main character, Jackson aka Jax (played by Charlie Hunnam), will. Those blonde locks, that perfect facial hair, that perfect grin, those big blue eyes, that incredibly deep, manly voice--hello gorgeous and ovary explosion! 

OK, I'm forcing myself to stop typing now (I can talk about this all day). Just please do yourself a favor and watch Sons of Anarchy. I apologize in advance if it consumes your life like it did mine.

Last, but not least, is my music favorite of the month courtesy of Jagwar Ma and their album Howlin (you can check out one of the songs I've had on repeat here). Their music is very upbeat/happy mixed in with psychedelic goodness, perfect for every mood whether I'm getting ready, jamming in my car, or just lounging in my room. If you're into MGMT/Empire of the Sun I'm sure you'll love them too. Plus they are from Australia which grants them 10+ coolness points in my book.

Well guys, that is it for this month's favorites. As always I hope it was helpful in some way. Please let me know in the comments if you have tried or want to try any of the things mentioned and any other thoughts/opinions you might have. Don't be shy! If you do decide to try any of the products let me know by tagging me in any social media pics, all of mine are linked down below.

Thanks for reading!

Bloggers Making Me Do It

Hello lovelies!

 If you've read my latest post (if not you can catch up here) then you've noticed that I've been feeling very "spendy" (as per usual), yet my vein is still not satisfied. I've bundled together some of the products I've been dying to try thanks to some of my fellow beauty blogging ladies.

- Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow An ultra pigmented, and ultra metallic eyeshadow that, fingers crossed, stays put all day especially in this summer heat. It was love at first sight when I saw Allison Anderson talking about this beauty in one of her youtube videos. I love Josie Maran skincare to begin with, and although I haven't tried a lot of the makeup, this looks very promising. And I'm not going to lie, I really hope the coconut scent is strong.

- Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel Seems like a total 'me' skincare product. I love using cleansing balms and oils to remove my makeup at the end of the day. I find it so easy: just massage on to remove the makeup and then take all the dirt and grossness off with a warm muslin cloth. My skin definitely thanks me for it because it is left very clean and moisturized. According to Lily Pebbles, this cleanser comes out as a gel, but as you continue to massage it onto the skin in transforms to an oil and breaks down all your makeup. I'm assuming it works just as a cleansing balm would, except instead of dipping your hands into a pot to scoop out the product, it comes out from a mess-free tube. Very interested indeed to try this product, especially now that I'm running dangerously low on my Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm.

-First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Seems to be the ultimate savior for every girl who suffers form dark circles. I've heard several girls talk about it, but wasn't completely convinced until Ingrid (aka MissGlamorazzi) raved about it. I have tried several products from the brand and really enjoy them, especially because they work wonders for sensitive skin. The reason I am most interested is because of the metal tip applicator, which is perfect for reducing puffiness in the AM, and also the pink/salmon tint the cream has, which is ideal to counteract the blue and purple tones of the dark circles.

- Kiehls Micro Blur Skin Perfector Will be yet another Amelia Liana enabled purchase. This gal has never steered me wrong: She talks, I buy. This product, I'm sure will be no exception, especially because every single Kiehls product I've tried has done wonders for my skin. Since I have oily skin, I am a primer junkie and I'm really anxious to see if this one is a game changer.

- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation is a base EssieButton can't stop raving about; it also comes Lisa Eldridge approved and if it's good enough for this makeup goddess, it's good enough for me. I usually don't go for a full coverage foundation, but my lil' sis, Kiara, uses this foundation and every time she does her skin looks Beyonce-Flawless. Plus I've been able to play around with hers, and I find the consistency  to be extremely light (almost like a mousse).

- Zoeva Makeup Brushes are something that many, many bloggers are going on and on about, including the queen of Youtube, Zoella. Zoeva is a German makeup line, whose vegan brushes have blown up in the beauty world. It is said they are extremely good quality and not too pricy (think Sigma Beauty prices), not to mention their rose gold line looks absolutely stunning! I can't wait to expand my brush collection with these beauties.

Don't be surprised if you see any of these products popping up on the blog soon. Please let me know in the comments if you have tried any of them and your thoughts on how they worked for you!

Thanks for reading!

Consumerism #2

Hello lovelies!

To me there is no such thing as window shopping (masochism at its finest) or walking out of a drugstore without a nail polish or a lipstick. I've been picking up somethings here and there, needless to say spending more than I should, but I figured now was as good a time as any to do another haul for you guys. Now, I haven't tried any of these products for a long enough time to give an in depth review, so keep in mind whatever I mention is just a first impression, although I have a feeling I've got some real good ones.

- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is probably what I am most excited to try. I've heard nothing but good things about this bad boy and although I've been sporting a foundation free face this past month I have a feeling things are about to change. I picked up the shade "Tawny" (a perfect match) in the oil free version because my skin has been leaning more towards oily, especially on my T-zone.
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur I've been very hesitant to buy, mainly because I thought it was too pricy for a drugstore brand, but the other day I bit the bullet and so far it has worked great! It has a very 'silicon-y' texture (much like the POREfessional and the Smashbox Photo Ready) but it does a great job blurring out any pores/fine lines and prepares the skin for foundation/concealer. I don't recommend it if your skin is very acne prone because the silicone will block your pores even more; I myself only apply it on my T-zone where I tend to get oiler.
- Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Creamy Oil in 'Endless Guava' I fell in love with the minute I swatched it in store. It has a very thin/oily texture yet it doesn't look oily at all when you apply it on the cheeks; and it is very pigmented, so a little goes a long way. On the lips it is just as amazing, but rather dangerous because it smells and tastes so good all you want to do is eat it! Although, the sales associate in Sephora said it was an all natural product so maybe not so dangerous.
- Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner I find to be a genius idea (first ever gel liner pen), but the rubber tip isn't the easiest/best for application. I'm more of a liquid liner kinda gal to begin with, but practice makes perfect, so I'll keep playing around with it. Definitely, though, not one for eye liner beginners.
- Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in 'Cannes Crush' is the second shade from this collection I've picked up, and I love just as much as the first one. This is a more pinky-coral shade that adds just the perfect amount of color while still making my lips look glossy (without the stickiness) and moisturized.

- L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish in 'Eiffel for you' I am completely obsessing over, yet I don't know why because it's not a typical 'me' color. It's a perfect nude-taupe-gray, the type of nail color you don't have to worry about clashing with any outfit. Overall I really like this line, especially because of the nice thick brush (my favorite) the polishes come with.
- Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in 'Lavender Soap' is a gorgeous iridescent lilac, and "it's scented, it gives it a little something extra, don't you think?" Now save yourself the embarrassment of looking like a goofball while smelling it in store because the scent only comes through after it dries.
- Speaking of uuh-mazing scents... FleureScent in 'Neon Rose' was a gift from my best friend (thanks Ary), which is why I haven't left a link of where you can find it (I don't like researching prices or details on things that are gifted to me). But if you can get a hold of it you won't regret it. I think it's the type of scent that smells good on everyone: clean and fresh not to sweet or flowery. I've said it once and I'll say it again, I'm rubbish at describing scents, but trust me when I say this stuff is amazing! Plus it lasts really long as well.
- L'Oreal Sleek It Strand-Smoother Serum Spray has been one of the cheapest, yet best recent hair finds (overall L'Oreal has been killing it). Frizzy hair sufferers like me take note this could be your new best friend. A serum in hairspray form, perfect for keeping hair looking sleek and shiny through out the day. So far I love!

Well my beauties, that does it for this beauty haul, but knowing myself there are plenty more to come. I've also been repurchasing some of my favorite products, so stay tuned to my social media (links below) for that post. Let me know in the comments if you've tried any of the products mentioned and how you like them or if you want more details.

Thanks for reading!

Nail Obsession: CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant

Hello lovelies!

I don't know about you guys, but I'm the type of gal that changes her nail polish at least three times a week. Don't ask me why, but I either get bored very easily with whatever nail color I have on, or I buy a color that I just have to wear that very instant. Needless to say that my nail polish collection has grown exponentially, and the decision of which one to go for gets harder and harder every time (what a drama queen I know). Even so there is one collection that I haven't been able to stop buying/wearing: CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant.

I love these polishes! I love the formula, I love the color selection, I love the packaging, and I love the price. They have a standard brush, much like the Essie nail polishes, and although I like my polishes to have a thicker brush, I overlook that detail with these because I love them so much. They glide on smooth and opaque,  they don't chip easily (base coat also helps with that), and most importantly (at least to me) they pack a serious shine. I honestly don't think you need a topcoat, but I always add one because it just makes me feel complete. Overall, a really amazing nail polish line and I am for certain going to be picking up some more colors.

Let me know if you've tried any of them and which shades are your favorite!

Shades Shown:
Grapevine: A metallic purple.
Peaches & Cream: A soft pastel peachy/salmon.
Lav-endure: The most perfect pastel lilac.
Tickled Pink: I usually don't go for pink nails, but with this hot pink how could I resist?!
Salt Water Taffy: A pastel green (almost white) and probably my favorite of the bunch (so far)
Forever Fawn: The perfect cream nude for a more classy, simple nail.
Goldilocks: Go bold or go home. With an amazing yellow/orange your nails won't go un-noticed.

Lipsticks

Hello lovelies!

 

Lipsticks, well lip products in general, are my favorite makeup product to shop for and use, and I feel they can make or break any makeup look. Now, I have many favorites from high-end brands: MAC, BiteBeauty, NARS (just to name a few), but today I wanted to share with you my favorite lipsticks from the drugstore (at the moment) and they all come courtesy of the Maybelline Color Sensational line.

These babies have the creamiest formula I've ever tried from the drugstore, great opacity/color pay off, and the color selection is to die for: Pinks, nudes, reds, burgundies, neons...Whether you prefer to keep it simple on the lips, or rather be bold and daring, this line has a choice for all kinds of lipstick gals. In fact, I actually prefer my lipsticks to be matte ( I find they wear better during the day) and these are the only non-matte lipsticks that I use on a weekly basis.

*Tips (some you might already know, but just in case)
- I always leave my lips for last, but before you start doing your makeup, apply a lip balm like the Maybelline Baby Lips or the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protectant. That way by the time you finish your makeup and get to the lips (wipe off any excess lip balm) they are smooth and ready for any lipstick.
- If you want the color of your lipstick to stand out even more, dab some concealer, like the MAC Studio Finish, on your lips before hand, that way your natural lip color does not interfere with the shade.
- Creamy, non-matte formulas tend to last less on the lips (at least on me). To make your lipstick more long wearing: Apply a layer, blot with a tissue and then apply another layer (repeat). By doing this you're are creating a nice stain on the lips, so even if the shine/creaminess of the lipstick fades, the color won't.
- If you want to mattify a lipstick: Place a thin tissue over the lips and dab on a loose translucent powder, such as the Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder, on top and voilà!

From top to bottom:
Electric Orange: Orange is definitely the trend lip color this season and this formula is perfect.
Brazen Berry: A neon purple is a shade for any gal ready to make a fun statement this summer and have everyone's eyes on her.
Plum Perfect: Perfect (hence the name) vampy shade to complete any Lorde inspired makeup.
Bite of Berry: Slightly deeper that your average pink and perfect for olive and darker skin tones.
Make Me Pink: Thee perfect 'don't-even-have-to-think-about-it' everyday pink that will suite all types of skin tones.

June Favorites

Hello lovelies!

I have no idea what I've been doing that has made me loose all notion of time: How could it be possible that we're already July?! June was a pretty eventful month (at least for me): Nice, cheeky trip to New York, officially graduated (Magna Cum Laude), lots of quality time with my family, lots of exciting lunches watching the FIFA World Cup (which I am too emotionally invested in considering my country isn't even playing), lots of fun karaoke nights, and much more. All in all, a really great start to the summer, and I can't wait to see what else is to come. Now that June is over, it's time to dig into this month's beauty and non beauty favorites.

Let's start with the reason we are all here: the makeup. To me summer is all about looking tan, radiant and glowing, which is why this month I've been focusing more on bronzy, yet very natural looking makeup. I've been keeping the eyes very simple and focusing more on the base and cheek products.
- Revlon Targeted Dark Spot Concealer should come as no surprise in this month's favorites since I've been raving about it in all my previous posts. It is just amazing to hide those dark circles if you've had a long night (you party animal you!) and brighten up the entire face.
- Sigma P84 Precision Angled Brush is part of the reason why I love the Revlon concealer so much. This brush blends the product perfectly to give a flawless finish, and in my case it seriously diminishes the amount of creasing during the day. It is also the perfect size for the under eye area.
- Revlon Powder Blush in 'Naughty Nude' is the perfect shade if you want a very natural, light wash of color on the cheeks. I would describe it as a terracotta-rosy-brown, perfect for that bronzy look I was talking about earlier, and it is a satin finish, which means it looks very natural on the cheeks.
- Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blush in 'Nude' is another one you guys are probably tired of hearing me talk about. I've been using this every single day since I got it, whether it's on its own or on top of my blush to highlight the cheekbones and temples. It just gives the most amazing, beautiful, healthy glow to the skin.
- Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in 'Damsel' has been perfect for simple eye looks. I just run in it really close to my lash line and then smudge it out with an angled eye brush to give my eyes some definition (and a wing on the days I feel feline-ish). Since it is a brown liner, it looks a lot more natural and less harsh than a black one. Plus it stays put all day! Seriously it does not budge; I really have to put in a lot of elbow grease to get this stuff off at night.
- Lorac Pro to Go Palette is an all round amazing palette, especially for makeup beginners and ladies who are always on the go, since it comes with six neutral shadows, two blushes, and a bronzer (that can double as another eyeshadow). Even so, this month I've used it for one thing only: 'Chai' eye shadow. This is the most gorgeous shimmery/metallic, bronze shadow that I've been using for those summer nights out (or days if I want a little something extra). I just dab it all over the lid and on the bottom lash line, blend out the edges, add some liner (which I smudge with the angled brush that comes with the palette), and done! Perfect bronze summer eyes.

- Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks have been very much loved this month and have rarely left my lips. I won't go into much detail because I am uploading a post this week all about my favorite shades (so far), so stay tuned to my social media to know when the post is up. I will say though, they have an amazing (uuh-mazing) creamy formula and too many (uhh-mazing) shades to count, including some fun, bright neons.
- L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Extraordinary Oil for Dry, Coarse Hair I picked up after I ran out of my Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, and I find it works just as good. I run it through the lengths and ends of my hair before blow drying and it leaves my locks very soft and shiny. It feels very weightless on the hair, but even so I wouldn't recommend using it on the roots because you could end up with a grease party in your hair and no one wants that.

As for my non-beauty favorites, I have quite a few this month. Starting off with what has made me actually look forward to Mondays: all new season of Teen Wolf. I am so happy it's back, and so beyond excited to have Stiles back in my life! Smoking hot young adults teaming up together to fight evil, supernatural forces in their town, mixed in with relationship drama...what's not to love?! Sticking to the TV series category, I binged watch Sherlock Holmes and finished it in three days. 1) I genuinely feel my I.Q increased with every episode I watched 2) Benedict Cumberbatch's voice is the sexiest, most beautiful sound descended from the heavens my ears have heard 3) the show is just hilarious. If you have Netflix I seriously recommend watching it. And of course it goes without saying that the new season of Orange is the New Black was amazing! I found this season to have a lot more drama (yay) yet still as hilarious. Even so, I didn't binge watch this one mainly because I wanted to make it last as long as possible.

Moving on to movies, there were several loves this month including Maleficent and Chef, but there are two that tie for 'ultimate fave movie of the month'. The Fault in Our Stars was just a beautiful (b-e-a-utiful) movie with a gorgeous cast (a.k.a Ansel Elgort and Nat Wolff) plus a great soundtrack! I won't go into much detail because I'll start crying, just please go watch! Next is one that has been on HBO's repeat and I watch it every time (in fact I'm watching it right now, no joke) About a Boy. Nicholas Hoult (pre-sexy-x-men) plays a 12 year old boy who, after his mother tries to commit suicide, befriends a self-absorbed, lying ladies' man (Hugh Grant) and the two learn important life lessons from each other. Seriously hilarious dark comedy.

As for my favorite book of the month it has got to be Paper Towns by the ever so popular John Green. I actually liked this book more than the Fault in our Stars mainly because it just as (if not even more) funny minus the incredibly sad ending. Basically the main character, Quentin, is in love with the popular, beautiful girl next door. They have a one-night-awesome-adventure and the next day she disappears with Senior year just about to end. Quentin and his two best friends spend the next few weeks trying to figure out what happened/find her. All in all a really great coming of age (young adult) story.

To round off this month's favorites is an app: Bloglovin  (if you follow me on Instagram you might have seen this one already). This is perfect if you are a big blog reader, since it compiles all the blogs you read/follow in one news feed so you can easily stay up to date with the latests posts.

Well guys that's it for today's post! I hope you enjoyed and it was helpful in some way. Please let me know if you've tried or would like to try any of the products mentioned. If you do feel free to tag me in any pictures (social media links are below) to let me know how you like them.

Thanks for Reading!