Category: Uncategorized

I’m starting a new “thing” on my blog where I highlight things that I reached for most and loved during the month and I also state the things that I hated or wasn’t compelled to use at all. I know, it’s odd that I am starting this in the middle (sort of) of the year BUT…it’s never too late to start anything. So let’s get started. 

So here’s what I loved: 

MAC Studio Finish Concealer (nc50) – this is what I use in the summer time to tame these brows and to also hide any dark marks on my face. I love it because it matches my summer tan and blend easily. An old goody that I have no complaints on! 

  
  
MAC Cremesheen Glass (You’ve Got It) – the absolute perfect nude lipgloss for a brown girl with a tan. In the winter I am a nc45 in the winter and a nc50 in the summer. This nude works on both of those complexions. It is not a sticky gloss. My only complaint is that as a gloss, it moves and you eat it as you eat food and drink liquids. Therefore, you’re reapplying. Still, one of my faves!

  
  
Anastasia Beverly Hills (World Traveler Palette) – the colors in this palette are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I never, I repeat, I never wanted to jump on the Anastasia Beverly Hills bandwagon. And fortunately, I never did. I like a product for what it is, not who makes it. This product is absolutely fabulous! The color pay off is great and the colors in the palette compliment each other and provide a wide variety for different looks! If you can, grab this palette, it’s limited edition. 

  
  
The Balm Bronzer (Bahama Mama) – for an inexpensive price, you get the quality of Nars Laguna. Neutral tones and gray based bronzers work best on skin as a natural shadow on the face. 

  
  
MAC Cosmetics Prep & Prime (Fix + spray) – I love this for the making of a flawless face. It allows my skin and the makeup to become “one” sort of speak. Always a fave! Love it!

  
  
Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer (10 Glistening Sun) – it took me forever to try this product and I have no idea why. This bronzer is the bomb! I use this as a highlight/blush for the summer months and it gives me the best and most natural glow without that glitter that you get in other popular and expensive bronzers nowadays. I use this with a stippling brush to get a less concentrate amount on my face. Blush and bronzer effect all in one!

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish (Dark) – this is what I have been using as a foundation instead of using foundation. It has been so hot here in Michigan and I refuse to let makeup slide off of my face. Most people want to know what foundation I’m wearing when I wear this! 

  
  
L. A. Girl Gel Liner (black) – inexpensive and works great! Enough said!

  
  
Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer (330 medium deep) – I’ve been using this for years and it works perfectly for highlighting under the brows for definition. It blends wonderfully. 

A+D Ointment – I LOVE this stuff for my chapped lips which are an inherited trait that irks my nerves. I leave this on for a night time treatment. Works like a dream!

  
  
Generic Tea Tree Oil/Extract Makeup Remover Wipes – I purchased these at Marshall’s for $3.99 and I have to say thta I am happy with them. Usually I have to be careful not to get wipers that eventually break me out. So far so good and with the help of the tea tree, I should be able to avoid bacteria and break outs!

  
  
Oxy Acne Medication – my skin was trying to act crazy for a couple of weeks this month. This product saved me. No extra skin care shenanigans needed.

  
  
Aquolina Pink Sugar – ugh! Where in the world do I start with this fragrance?! This is my FAVORITE go-to fragrance. I love Jo. Malone colognes  for women but if you can’t afford that, if you are young, or simply young at heart and want to smell sweet, grab Pink Sugar. You won’t regret it. Disclaimer: please don’t compare this to Jo Malone, it’s not. K? 

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – I got this in my Influenster “I Do” box. Read my review and see why I love this stuff so much. Definitely worth buying! 

  
Last Love? H2O! High ph Alkaline water is great. Best beauty secret and beginning of the bet skin you can have! I will do an in depth review of this later.

Here’s what failed: 

 Julep’s Night a Shift Mask – The only thing that I hated this month. This made my face an oily mess. I LOVE the oil cleanser by Julep so I was thinking tht this would be a great try. Horrible. I hate it so much, I don’t even want to give it away, I just want to throw this mess out! 

  
  
*So now that you’ve read my faves and fails, what are yours? Please share! :-). 

So it’s almost summer. Are you ready?! I absolutely love the summer season but it seems that I am never ready when it arrives. So I decided this year, I would be prepared but in the process, why not share the essentials every girl should have to look fabulous and enjoy this summer? So without further ado, let’s get started! Here is our list:

Skin Care: 

1. Face moisturizer

2. Sunscreen

3. Lip balm 

4. Lotion/Jojoba oil

5. Exfoliating scrub

Beauty/Makeup:

1. Lashes, lashes & more lashes

2. Mascara

3. Lipstick/gloss/stain

4. Bronzer/highlighter

5. Plush arched brows

Hair Care/Styling:

1. Dry Shampoo

2. Gel

3. Conditioner

4. Hair tie/bands

5. Spray bottle of water

Fashion: 

1. Maxi dress/cardigan

2. Jumpsuit/Romper

3. Wide leg pants/gauchos 

4. Tank/halter top 

5. Denim shorts

Accessories:

1. Wide brim floppy hat

2. Shades (sunglasses)

3. Hoop earrings

4. Oversized bag/clutch

5. Chunky heels/gladiator flats

Now let’s talk about why I chose these items as summer essentials. First, I left the items in listed form so that you can copy and paste or print for use. (You’re welcome in advance lol).  So now, let’s think, in the summer we don’t like to be tied down to a whole lot of anything that make us feel weighed down. We like to feel free, right? 

As far as skin care is concerned, facial moisturizer is essential for making sure that skin stays healthy during hot months. Just washing your face is not enough, the skin needs to have moisture for great environmental balance. Be sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen. I typically use spf45. Be sure to moisturize those lips with a non-petroleum based formula of lip balms. Exfoliating is great for dry skin…follow up with an organic oil, preferably jojoba since it’s closest to the skin’s sebum. Your skin should exhibit an awesome glow!

When I think about makeup in the summer, I can’t stand the idea of caking on products. This is the time to let your natural beauty and skin shine! I typically opt for beauty ENHANCING products instead of altering. So, lashes! Lashes give the eyes a natural pop and open them up. While you’re at it, throw on some mascara. Make sure to really get the mascara on your bottom lashes for that extra lil something something. Be sure your natural brows are groomed and try not to over wax, thread or pluck so that you have full lush brows to balance the face. Use clear brow gel for grooming and keeping hairs in tact. This eliminates the need for eyebrow powders, pencils, etc. Make your lips pop with a bold lipstick, gloss or stain. If you’re opting for a neutral lip, you can still make that lip pop with ombre or just go for that sexy nude lip that JLo is known for. Let your skin shimmer under the sun with a great highlight and/or bronzer. I recommend MAC Cosmetics Whisper of Gilt and Superb, ColourPop’s Butterfly Beach, or any one of Becca’s lovely highlighters. 

Let’s talk hair! Beachy waves, bouncy natural coils, and top knots are all calling our names! Get rid of excess product and oil in tresses with dry shampoo. Hair gains volume for big and bold bouncy curls or waves. Use gel, hair ties and bands to create a fabulous top knot or low pony. If you frequent the beach, keep conditioner on hand to reduce breakage from the drying salt water. Use a spray bottle to refresh curls and waves.,when they air dry, they will be bigger and bolder than before. Add a bit of leave in conditioner for a moisturizing effect. 

What is one of my favorite things to talk about? Fashion!! Yay!!! Since we have our other essentials, the only thig we need to be an “easy breezy cover girl” is some easy, breezy clothing. I’m a fan of maxi dresses and jumpsuits/rompers because they allow for us to not have to think about what to wear. Cardigans can be a nice cover up or accent to an outfit. For those really casual days at the park, grab a pair of shorts and a tank top. You could wear a cropped halter or just a regular old halter with the short or wide leg pants for a date night. All the fashion essentials can be mixed and matched to maximize wardrobe potential. Top off those outfits with sassy yet basic accessories. Keep the sun out of your face with a floppy hat. Sunglasses can replace the need for makeup when on the go. For a casual look, hoop earrings will always be an “in” thing. Make sure you have both an oversized bag AND clutch to be prepared for both casual and fancy events. Lastly, as a shoe gal, I love a good heel to polish off any outfit. Stick with chunky heels. That can be a conversation piece for any outfit. Single sole shoes can make an outfit look too dressy while chunky heels can look both dressy and casual. Also, chunky heels spell comfort. Speaking of comfort, (yea, cool segway huh? lol) pack some cute gladiator flats. They’re in style and are a great option for those that would rather be cozy. I bought the most adorable pair this spring from Forever 21. They were inexpensive! 

Now that you have your list, you can adequately say that you are ready for summer. If you live where it is still cold in the winter, you can still go on vacation and know what to pack.