OK can we talk about this hair?



Highlighting hair can be a nightmare to maintain - especially when you go from really dark to light. Sometimes I get my hair done and three weeks later roots show up and make my hair look like a complete mess.

That's one reason why I love this color. Rihanna and JLo both have very dark hair, but manage to carry this gorgeous caramel color because of the gradual transition from warm tones at the roots to lighter face-framing pieces. And it's perfect for fall!

I don't know about you, but I am getting my hair done like, right now.

xoxo

It's summertime! And that means keeping your summer makeup routine quick and easy. No one likes having caked-on layers in the summer heat and sweat. So in these summer months, I keep it light by sticking to some SPF, blush/bronzer and eyeshadow. Mascara and eyeliner melt, so I skip those. With a summer tan and highlights, you don't need much anyway.

Below are some of my favorite makeup palettes to keep it fresh and simple. Palettes are a convenient way to keep everything together, so you can just throw one in your bag for a refresher when you're on the go. 

Three eyeshadow palettes I recommend are: Urban Decay Naked ($54), Smashbox Full Exposure ($49), and Stila In the Light ($39). Naked has great soft shimmers, and Full Exposure's matte shades are flattering. But the best combination of shimmer and matte would have to be Stila's In the Light. If you're looking for just one palette, my favorite all-around is Lorac Pro-to-Go ($38). It's got everything you need - light and dark shadows, blush, and bronzer. (And the dark shadows can always double as smokey liners). A lot of palettes out there highlight cute packaging and skip quality pigment. But this one from Lorac has great deep color, so a little goes a long away. It's not too big either, so it will fit anywhere conveniently. 

Hope you're enjoying your summer so far! What are some of your favorite summer beauty tips?

xoxo

Hi guys!

A few of you have recommended I start making videos to put up on the blog, so here's my first try! I thought I'd start out simple with some hair styling tips. This is a review and recommendation for two of my favorite hair products - Dry Shampoo and Oil Treatment. Let me know what you think and enjoy!





xoxo

Hi there!

I was in desperate need of a makeup update. So I went on the hunt for the perfect powder illuminizer, a deep bronzer, a complementary blush, and the right eyeshadow palette.

The best powder illuminizer I found was hands-down MAC's Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle. I wanted that dewy, glowing look without the messiness of liquid highlighter or the stickiness of a cream one. I like how powder gives more even coverage, but I couldn't find a powder with a strong effect. Then I came across this MAC one and it was like the heavens parted.

After I picked up the illuminizer, I picked up a bronzer and blush from MAC to complete the look. The bronzer was a great shade, I just wish it was a little darker. The blush is a really pretty pink-violet - I wanted one that was the closes shade to my natural lip color. 


Inspiration:



What I used: 



1. MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer - I don't like wearing foundation on normal days because I think it's too heavy. I usually just put concealer on underneath my eyes.

2. MAC Veluxe Brow Liner - A great brow liner for precision filling and a brush on the other end you can use to soften the lines.

3. MAC Bronzer - It was a toss-up between this and Nars Bronzer in Casino. I went with MAC because it was a little more subtle.

4. Smashbox Full Exposure Eyeshadow Palette - I love this palette for the matte shades and black shadow. On days I want a little more of an eyeliner look, I simply take a smudge brush and use the black shadow to create some smokey lines.

5. MAC Powder Blush in Breath of Plum - I once read that the best way to find the right shade of blush is to go with one that is the same color as your natural lips. It's mother nature's way of telling you what's your perfect color.

6. CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash Clear Mascara - I actually can't stand mascara. I don't like how it makes my eyelashes feel stiff and it's even worse when it flakes all over the place. The worst is the pain of having to wash it off each night. So my alternative is this clear mascara. It doesn't give the same volume or length as regular mascara, but for everyday it gives a little definition.

7. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle - <insert trumpet sound here> This is it baby. The nicest illuminizer. I spent months looking for the perfect one! This one's great because not only can you use it to highlight your cheekbones, you can use it to brighten up the space beneath your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, and your cupid's bow (the space right above the center of your lips).

8. Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo - I don't wash my hair every day. It's too much hassle and I find washing it too often actually dries it out while styling damages my hair more. So on days I haven't washed and styled, I use this dry shampoo to freshen up my locks and add some volume to my roots.



Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. I'd love to share my product experiences with you!

xoxo

The nail polishes chip way too fast, but the makeup was great. I loved the baked bronzer and highlighter - they are perfectly matte and sheer, especially when applied with a wet brush.

One trend that's been popping up everywhere lately is the oxblood lip. At first it reminds you of late '90s goth/grunge, but when accessorized correctly you start to see how sophisticated the look can be. With deep burgundy and maroon shades, the color can go as dark as black. The trick is to find a shade that complements your skin's undertones. But be careful: the wrong one can bring out purple tones under your eyes and make you look sick and tired.

So after searching far and wide for the right color, I've settled on two favorites - MAC in Siren and Kat Von D in Homegirl. The best thing about the oxblood lip is that you can wear it two very different ways: either by keeping the rest of your makeup pale, or by going for a sun-kissed look with bronzer and highlighter. The two different looks make this trend great not just for fall and winter, but summer too.

I don't know about you, but my makeup just melts off my face in the summer. Especially on my eyes. It doesn't matter what I do - I put it on and an hour later, it is GONE.

So on my last makeup shopping/research trip (I do these every once in a while to see what's new in the market, what works and what doesn't) to one of my favorite places in the world - SEPHORA - I came across these jumbo eyeliners. They're great to make a thick line, but if you quickly smudge them a bit, they also make a great shadow that doesn't budge. In more than 30 flattering shades - some glittery, some matte - there's something for everybody. I picked some up in gold and brown shimmer. You can get some for yourself here.  

If there's one thing that really suffers during summer months, it's your hair. Sun and humidity can take their toll and leave you with dry, parched locks. 

So the last thing you want is a product that takes away moisture. I had read about how harsh sulfates were on hair and after a bout with excruciatingly dry locks myself, thought I'd try this sulfate-free line from L'Oreal.


I wasn't sure what to expect, but knew I needed something moisturizing. The very little lather was unexpected and I felt like my hair was still dirty after washing. But after a few uses, I got used to it. In fact, when I switched back to my old shampoo and conditioner, I immediately noticed the difference. With the old products, I felt my hair being stripped. But after about a month of using the sulfate-free line now, I've definitely noticed my hair feels less brittle.

My verdict: I'd recommend this line for anyone looking for less-harsh hair products, especially in the summer when hair tends to get more dry.

In my makeup bag right now: E.L.F. Blush and Bronzer Duo, E.L.F. Eyebrow Kit, E.L.F. brushes

I loooooove Bianca Balti's makeup in the D&G ads - dramatic 60s style wing-tipped eyeliner set against bronzed cheekbones and black lacquered nails. Really, what's not to love?