5/31/15

NOTD: Essie Clambake ❤️

Hey guys!  Quick nail of the day here.  I picked up Essie's Clambake recently and I am just getting around to trying it out!



When I was reviewing Clambake before I purchased it, it looked way more orange in some photos, and then in other photos it looked straight up tomato red.  In person this is a true red with just a hint of orange.  Pretty and bright, this is a great red polish for Summer!


To achieve the look I did two coats of Clambake and topped it off with one coat of Seche Vite top coat.  After my nails have completely dried I always swipe on some Solar Oil on my cuticles.


This polish is odd, different than any other polish I have ever used.  Clambake is very watery, yet it's not streaky at all.  How does that even happen?  One thin (watery) coat covers like you wouldn't believe.  But, with 2 coats you can still somewhat see through the polish.  (See pic above).  I am sure a 3rd and final coat would give complete opacity, but I am okay with this.  The finish is super glossy and pretty, overall I really, really like this polish!


This polish went on super fast and easy, the thin consistency is really easy to work with.  Let me know if you have this color and if you like it!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
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5/30/15

May 2015 Favorites: Beauty, Fashion, Coffee, Home, and More!

Hey guys!  I don't think I did a Favorites post last month, so I definitely wanted to do one this month to show you some things I have been loving!  As always, we will start with what makeup items I have been reaching for!

BEAUTY


Pictured:
Covergirl Lash Perfection Mascara (discontinued)


This is the best foundation for my oily skin in the hot Spring and Summer months.  It is matte, controls oil, and it has SPF 20.  I use shade #842 when I am not self-tanning and I use #857 when I am.


Y'all know I love my Ready, Set Gorgeous foundation, but for this time of year I definitely prefer the 3-in-1.  The Ready, Set Gorgeous is also great for oily skin, but it is not as matte and it doesn't contain any sunscreen.  If you are on the hunt for a great drugstore foundation, nobody does it as good as Covergirl in my opinion.


When I use the Ready, Set Gorgeous or any other foundation that doesn't have sunscreen, I have been loving these 3 products to prime my skin with.  The Coola and Murad products are definitely more matte than the Cover Fx Primer.


I've said it 100 times, Nars is my favorite highend brand of makeup.  They just get it right.  With everything.  I have been a fan of their Laguna bronzer for years now, and I jumped at the chance to get this larger sized one that came with the mini Ita brush.




This was a recent purchase and I can't believe it took me so long to get it.  It's a beautiful peachy-pink cream to powder blush that is packaged sooooooo cute.



I have recently been trying to shop my stash and use more of the products I own.  I bought this highlight at least 3 years ago, if not longer.  It's not cheap so I am definitely going to try and use this up.  I have found that I love the way this looks paired alongside the Nars Laguna bronzer.




Never one to go all out with a lip look, balm stains have grown to be my FAVORITE kind of lip product.  I prefer light/natural-ish/pinky ones, something you can just swipe on and go.  My favorite one of all time is probably the Revlon one in Demure.  It adds a little something to any makeup look, but it's so light and almost nonexistent (in a good way) that you can swipe it on without a mirror and it looks great.  I've been using these 3 in particular all month.


When I haven't been wearing a balm stain I've pretty much been wearing these two products.  The Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colors are super balmy and moisturizing on the lips and they feel superb.  The It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush is a funny product.  It looks like a clear-ish type chapstick, and it actually does go on without giving much color.  But, after a couple of minutes it turns to a really pretty pink hue that lightly stains your lips.  It's fully of good stuff for your lips (shea butter, aloe, jojoba, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, acai, green tea, white tea, etc.).  Just light and easy, which is what I like!



I really like this mascara and unfortunately it has been discontinued.  I ordered 6 tubes on Amazon for $11, so I've got a few to do me for a while.  The only thing I worry about is if they are old and if they will perform as good as this tube, as it is a product that is no longer in production.  I guess we will see!  I've also been loving the new brow pencil by NYX.  I find that it performs VERY similarly to the Anastasia Brow Wiz, and you can get it for half the price.  Great for days I'm not really going anywhere and am not too fancy.


My favorite scent for this time of year is the Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet.  I keep the big bottle on my vanity and the itty-bitty one in my bag for on the go.  (It was a 250 pt. perk from Sephora).  It's such a clean and classy scent, love it.

FASHION


The only clothing related item I wanted to mention was this romper from Old Navy.  I have loved it!  Always a fan of denim, this thing is so soft and comfortable.  I love outfits that are one piece and you are done (dresses, etc.).  They're just so easy.  This one is so light and comfy for the hotter months!



Quay sunglasses have become so popular for a good reason, they rock!  These are the Fleur sunglasses, and I have worn them every single day since I got them.  Quay sunglasses are such good quality for an affordable price.  Love.  Love.  Love.

ACCESSORIES


My favorite phone cases EVER are the ones by Kate Spade.  Kate Spade is my jam - I love any and everything from her - especially the phone cases.  This is the Le Pavillion phone case and this was my favorite case back when I had an iPhone 4.  I was so happy to get one that will fit my phone now!  Yay!


FOOD/DRINK


This combination = perfection.
Bailey's French Vanilla Coffee Creamer, Folger's Morning Cafe K Cup, Truvia sweetener.  Yum.

HOME


I got this candle based on the recommendation of a couple of friends and I am so glad I did!  Bath and Body Works Honolulu Sun is such a great candle!  It's really fragrant and noticeable, which is the biggest thing I want in a candle.  Perfect for this time of year!


(I am horrible at describing scents, so here is the description on the bottom of the candle).


Another favorite this month?  My flowers!  All of these photos were taken in my yard, I am just so happy with how pretty everything has came in this year!


One floral favorite in particular?  My Jade plants!  I love succulents in general, but Jade is far and away my favorite!

(more Jade!!!)

Thanks for stopping by guys and thanks for taking the time to stop by and view my blog today.  I love hearing feedback from you all, so please let me know what you guys have been loving!  I listen and take notes and try to try out what everyone recommends!  Have a great weekend!!!

Muuuuaahhh!
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5/29/15

Sun Savvy: 9 Tips For Enjoying Summer When You've Had Skin Cancer


Hey guys!  Something you may or may not know about me - I was diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 26.  Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that is super serious, so I take every precaution I can as far as protecting myself from the sun's harmful rays.  I am 36 years old, which means I have been doing this for 10 years now.  We love various outdoor activities and we love to travel and go to the beach just like everybody else, I just have to do it safely.  Here are all of the things I use/like/do for skin cancer prevention and to ensure I'm taking the best care of my skin that I can.


Use sunscreeen:  Use some different ones, find a couple that you like, and USE IT.  I generally like to use a sunscreen on my face that is specifically formulated to use on the face, so that I don't get clogged pores and that sort of thing.  There is a lot of controversy with spray sunscreens, and while I do use and enjoy them I do pay special attention to how I use them.  Always take a big deep breath and hold it when applying, and try to do it outdoors or in a spacious room to avoid inhaling the product.  Favorites of mine include the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 100+ and any of the Coola ones for the face.  Neither of these smell too obnoxious nor do they feel greasy.


Don't forget your scalp and hair:  I always have a couple of products on hand that are made for the scalp/hair and contain sunscreen.  The Nioxin Scalp Treatment is mainly formulated for the scalp and it has SPF 15.  The Alterna Hemp Organics is mainly formulated for the hair and it has UVA and UVB protection.  I use both of the products the same - I pump/squirt some into my palm and rub it on my scalp and throughout the length of my hair.  Even though my hair is thick and my scalp is not really exposed, you really can't be too safe.


Reach for other products that also contain sunscreen:  When I know I'm going outside I always reach for my can of sunscreen and give myself a good spray.  But, after I take a shower or a bath and I know I'll probably be going outside that day, I love my Tree Hut DD Cream body lotion that has SPF 20.  That way if I get busy and forget (yes, it happens) to put on my other sunscreen I have some on.

Hand creams with SPF are great to use (like all other sunscreens) all through the year.  I especially love keeping a tube of a hand sunscreen in the car, because when you're driving the backs of your hands are really exposed.  Not only do I not want skin cancer, this gal also doesn't want sun spots on my hands!


Use moisturizers/tinted moisturizers/BB creams that contain sunscreen:  Moisturizers that are specifically made for the daytime almost always contain some amount of sunscreen.  I love to throw little samples of facial sunscreen in my beach bag to reapply during a day at the pool or the beach.


Wear makeup that contains sunscreen:  If your foundation has sunscreen in it then it will most likely say it on the bottle.  Research different brands online if you are unsure, but this type of product really helps protect your face.  


Yes, even some concealers have sunscreen in them!  The area around your eye is so delicate and you REALLY don't want to tan that area, so the more sunscreen there the merrier!


A great setting powder for foundation/BB creams/tinted moisturizers is the Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten Foundation with SPF 15.  You could use this on it's own, but used very lightly kind of dusted all over the face this gives you added protection.



One of my favorite drugstore brands, WetnWild, puts sunscreen in a lot of their products.  I've always enjoyed this lip balm as it feels and smells great, but you also get quite a bit of product for very little $.  Their Coloricon bronzers also have SPF 15 which is almost unheard of.  LOVE these.


Most mineral foundations have sunscreen.  Physician's Formula Mineral Wear blushes have SPF 30.


I have noticed with a lot of brands that certain items they have will have sunscreen and then others (in the same line) will not.  Not all Chapstick has it, but the Classic one in the black tube has SPF 4.  Not all of the Baby Lips seem to have it, but the Quenched flavor has SPF 20.  And, from what I can gather, not all EOS lip balms have sunscreen but the Lemon Drop one has SPF 15.  This is something you just have to look for or research.  My favorite lip balms to keep on me for sun protection are the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments.  I have a whole collection of these!


There are drugstore and high end lipsticks available with sunscreen.  Again, not all of the Rimmel lipsticks have sunscreen, and I'm not sure if all of the Moisture Renew ones have it or not.  I have some from this line that do not say if they do on the bottom of them, but the Nude Delight shade  clearly states it has SPF 18.  The YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks have SPF 15, but they do not say it anywhere on the packaging.  Not all brands and lines state on their packaging if they do in fact contain sunscreen, again, that's something you will have to research to be sure.



Wear silky, flowy clothing that covers but is cool:  When it's hot and humid out you aren't gonna want to throw on a parka and a pair of jeans to stay covered.  Light breathable fabrics that are silky and flowy are the best in my opinion.  I love silky blouses that I can roll up to the elbow.  The slinky fabric is not hot at all, and you still have a large portion of your skin covered.  Maxi dresses are great because they are long and cover most of your body without burning you up.  Silky kimonos are great to throw on with almost anything to keep your arms and shoulders out of direct sunlight.


Sunglasses aren't just chic, they also serve a purpose:  Not only do they shield your peepers from harmful rays, but they protect the area of your face that they cover as well.  Sunglasses are a true weakness of mine, I like every shape/size/color made.  The bigger the better!



Invest in some cute coverups for the pool and/or beach:  I live in a very sunny/hot/humid area of the United States, but when I visit really beachy/tropical locales I can tell the sun's rays are SO much stronger.  I obviously NEVER lay out to get sun, but I also try to keep my time in just a bathing suit at a minimum.  The first places I usually get sun are my shoulders and my chest, so I always try to keep them covered as much as possible.  Most of my coverups are from Victoria's Secret, they have so many styles that are so cute!




Wear a hat:  Like sunglasses, the bigger the better.  Big, floppy hats not only protect your head but they also shield your ears, face, neck, and shoulders (usually).  I have several of these, most of them are from JCrew and Target.



Fedoras and ball caps at least protect your head and face.  When I wear these types of hats I always try to position my hair so the tops of my ears are covered as well.


Sunscreen+coverup+hat+sunnies = a safe and fun day at the beach!


I hope you have a safe and happy fun-filled Summer!  Let me know if you have any questions!
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