Monday, July 7, 2014

Summer Beauty Essentials

I can appreciate an expertly applied full face of makeup more than a lot of people. However it's summer and I don't always feel like wearing 127 different types of products on my face.  These are some of my go-to's for achieving my favorite summer makeup looks. 
Summer Beauty Favs

1. ELIZABETH AND JAMES NIRVANA PERFUME (BLACK)
A gorgeous perfume perfect for summer nights (but I wear it 24/7) featuring notes of violet, vanilla, and sandalwood. The White Nirvana by Elizabeth and James is equally lovely and even better suited for daytime. It is possible I might be slightly biased due to my small obsession with MK + A.

2. NARS THE MULTIPLE (COPACOBANA)
This thing is hands down my favorite multi tasking product. I use this "glistening pearl" highlight across the high points of my face (cheekbones, nose, forehead, cupid's bow) as well as on my eyelids alone or under eyeshadow. I love the application, and it blends like a dream. Thankfully it has also lasted me quite awhile, making it totally worth the investment!

3. L'OREAL PARIS MAGIC LUMI PRIMER
Summer is the season of glow (aka highlighting products) and I have found a new love for this primer. Squirting a pea-sized bit into my hand and applying across the high points of my face with my fingers gives me a bright summertime glow. I tend to reach for this product when I want to do a full face of makeup, but not look too matte or cakey. Under foundation, it helps disperse the light across the face for a radiant from within look.  Also, since its under foundation, it doesn't need to be blended perfectly to look pretty.

4. MAC PRO LONGWEAR CONCEALER
My new go to for discoloration and under eye brightening! This is a high coverage concealer that I use VERY sparingly. I love that it has a pump, but half a pump is more than enough for me. That being said, this concealer lasts a long time. I use the very lightest shade.

5. C.O. BIGELOW ROSE SALVE
I accidentally came across this in a sale and am SO thankful I did. I wear this almost all day everyday. So smooth, smells amazing, and looks like a pretty gloss on the lips. Because its a salve, it can be used on lips, face, cuticles, elbows, and knees! Another great multitasking product especially in the summer when you want to look nice, but may not want to reach for your favorite lipstick. I have three, and keep one in my bathroom, car, and purse.

6. MAYBELLINE VOLUM' EXPRESS (THE COLOSSAL CAT EYES) MASCARA
I have been a fan of Maybelline Volum' Express mascaras for years because of how great they are for the price. This is one of my favorites that I use year round almost exclusively for my lower lashes. The thin, curved brush makes reaching them a dream. In summer though, , I'll swipe a couple coats  on top and bottom for a soft, natural look.

7. BENEFIT HOOLA BRONZER
This bronzer has been a holy grail product for me for years now. I have gone through a rather embarrassing amount of these cute little boxes. The shade is a beautiful matte that isn't too muddy or orange looking. Because it has a matte finish, I love pairing it with Copacabana or any other highlight I might be loving. This product is also an amazing multi-tasker! I brought this and Copacabana with me on my trip to Africa and used it for everything from a light contour to eyeshadow. The pair created a super quick and easy natural look!

8. RODAN + FIELDS ENHANCEMENTS BODY MICRO-DERMABRASION
My friend Lane gave me this product and I can honestly say that this is easily the most effective exfoliator I have ever used. I love that it comes in deodorant shaped packaging that makes targeting dry areas so easy! I use this a couple times a week to keep my skin feeling smooth, and to prime my skin for fake tanning.

9. RODAN + FIELDS ESSENTIALS FOAMING SUNLESS TAN
THIS STUFF ROCKS. Lane told me I had to try this and she was so right! I am so obsessed with this product I am going to write a full review on it later this week so watch out! Basically, as a very fair skinned girl, I have done my fair share in experimenting with sunless tanner and let me tell you, this one is tops. It is so easy to apply and leaves a gorgeous tan that looks better each day. I think it's made with magic.

Let me know if you've tried any of these products and what you think of them! 

Study hard, Style harder
chris 



Wednesday, July 2, 2014

INSPAWEDNESDAY

Noun: ins • pa • wednes • day
INSPA WEDNESDAY

definition: Inspirational Wednesdays. The day of the week that I share lovely things keeping me                             going through out the week.



















*not my photos, not taking credit for them*

OTHER: 
song - boom clap charli xcx
movie - stuck in love
coffee - triple espresso over ice + wm

study hard, summer schoolers,
style harder

chrisssssss