Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Summer Hair

SUMMER_HAIR


I love all of these styles above! They all scream summer to me.  I wish I could pull off brunette hair but my skin tone makes it difficult… I'm kind of in love with that brown/blonde up top though.  Sigh.

For summer I made a pretty big change in my hair.  Before, I had long, rib-cage length blonde hair but after an exciting trip to the salon I now have a dark blonde long bob!  The funny thing is, I haven't missed my long hair, at all!  I expected an adjustment period but I fell in love with my shorter tresses instantly.  It's been a long time coming and it feels so fun and fresh!

Do you switch up your hair for summer?  Have you been contemplating a big change?

Monday, June 16, 2014

25 Ways to Use Coconut Oil


Whenever it first started I was skeptical of the whole coconut oil fad, but as it turns out, the hype got to me. I eventually tried it and I'm glad that I did.  Since then I've found a variety of great (and some surprising) uses for coconut oil!

Keep reading for 25 great ways to use coconut oil.

Friday, April 04, 2014

Current Beauty Favorites

I have become quite the beauty enthusiast over the years and even more so over the last few months.  I don't know if it's spring that has me wanting to try new things or what but I've been taking the leap and branching out and I've come across some real gems…



BareMinerals Lipstick in Go The Distance - This is the perfect coral color lipgloss for ladies with fair, cool skin.  Most coral colors look too orange for my skin tone but this one is great!  I am hooked.

One Love Organics Skin Savior - This stuff gets great reviews and I can definitely see why!  It has evened out my skin tone and made my skin glow-y and you can use it any way you please.  It's a night cream, a moisturizer, a cleanser, a spot treatment, etc.  The best thing, though, is that it is all natural!  I love finding beauty products that are natural and work well.  

Clarins Toning Lotion - I have always loved using a toner.  It just makes my skin feel refreshed and super clean.  Usually I have trouble with them drying me out and making my skin flaky but this one solved all of that.  It's super gentle and has a nice smell, if you like chamomile.  

MAC Blush in Cubic - This blush is a great everyday blush for us fair skinned ladies.  It's not very pigmented but can be built up.  It's a little pink and a little bronze and gives such a natural, pretty look.

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Hot Shot - This is kind of like the lipgloss version of the lipstick above.  It's surprisingly suited to my skin tone while still being fun and bright.  

Almay Concealer/Highlighter Duo - I discovered this last week and I am hooked!  I usually steer clear of drugstore concealers because most of them just don't get the job done but this one works really well with the bare minerals makeup that I wear!


Now, check out what my friend Amanda is loving right now!


Shop her current favorite and stop by her blog!


Have a great Friday, you guys!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

A Little Make-Up Talk


I have gone through so many stages when it comes to makeup.  I have been obsessed with all things MAC, gone all mineral, done the tinted moisturizer, and probably made it through half of the things in Sephora.  These days, though, I am opting for a simpler, less involved approach. I don't want to be on the constant hunt for newer and better.  For some reason, that is unsettling for me. Simple and trusty, that's my makeup motto.

So here's a little rundown on what I am using right now.


MAC Face and Body 
If I could only use one foundation for the rest of my life, this would be the one.  It is light but build-able,   reasonably priced, and lasts awhile, almost 6 months for me.  A little goes a long way and I love how it applies, there's enough to even out any little issues but it is sheer enough to look natural and let your own radiance shine through :)  I'm sure this is breaking some rule, somewhere, but I just apply it with my fingers and I've never had a problem.

Everyday Minerals Powder & Brush
I brush a little of this powder over my foundation or use it for touch up if my face is getting a bit oily.  I have used their stuff for a while now and I love it!  They are an Austin based company which makes them all the more awesome.  Note: their cases are different than the one showed, I just love them so much that I bought a few and put them together in a larger container.

Maybelline Great Lash
The classic pink and green tube. Hands down my very favorite mascara, ever.  I have used this for years and years.  Even when I go off and try others, I always come back to this.

Urban Decay Naked Palette
I love, love, love this thing.  It's a little pricy but I have had mine for at least a year and it is still going strong. I'm sure you've heard all about it already so I won't go into all the details but just, yeah, love it.

NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita
So, funny story is that I hadn't ever worn lipstick outside of dance recitals until I was 24.  Last year.  I was home visiting my parents, and my mom commented that my lips looked too pale and had I ever considered lipstick? Hmm… so I figured that my mother knows best and I went in search of a lightly pink but still natural looking shade, something that wouldn't be too strong on my fair skin, and once I tried this Nars one, I was hooked.

I am not very loyal to blush, lash curlers, eyeliner, or highlighters.  In my experience, I haven't seen a huge difference from brand to brand.

Blush - Right now I am using a free Clinique sample that my mother passed on to me (thanks, Mom!) and I'm pretty sure it'll last me awhile.  When I do buy some, I'll just pick up something at the drug store.

Eyeliner - I prefer the twist up kind, dark brown.  Otherwise I am not picky.  Currently I'm using Maybelline Unstoppable.

Highlighter - I bought the Benefit highlighters, High Beam and Eye Bright, a while back.  I like them and they definitely do what they say they're gonna do but I don't use them often.  My skin already has a "dewy" look to it with the foundation that I use and sometimes High Beam is too much.  As far as the Eye Bright, I like it but I feel like I can get the same effect with a light color eyeshadow.

Ted Baker Wash Bag (c/o)
Let me just say, I'm in love with this little make-up bag (which you can pick up at Surfdome.comhere!).  Normally, I am toting around something very neutral, dark colored, classic but maybe a tad boring.  So, while browsing the site I thought it was high time to brighten up my morning routine.  This bag is fun, girly, and cheery and it has me thinking of spring - which is the perfect pick-me-up thought on these increasingly cold January mornings! Want to check out a few more options? Check this page for more gorgeous Ted Baker bags.


What are your go-tos when it comes to makeup?  Do you love to try out new products or do you tend to stick to what works?  Anything new that is just amazing?