Summer Beauty Haul

Body & Face

Total Matteness Cleanser & Mask by Philosophy

Since my face gets even more oily in the summer than it normally is, I wanted to try something that would really help soak up the oil so my skin doesn't feel as discussing as always.  I've heard good things about philosophy products so I thought I would give this mask a try.  I have used it a few times and I honestly  think it does make my face feel really clean after.

Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser by Neutrogena

I was just looking for a softer exfoliater to use in my skin care routine…And since you can see my pores from space I thought this one might help a little.

Rainbath shower gel by Neutrogena 

This shower gel is a repurchase for me cause I'm obsessed with it.  I get it in the scent pomegranate because the smell is literally orgasmic & I think it's the only sent in Rainbath that smells good. Other than the scent, I like it because it makes your skin feel really clean.

Tease Hair & Body Mist by Victoria's Secret

So I tried this stuff at a friends house once and the next morning I woke up and I could still smell it on my wrist.  Since I got it, I've been using it everyday.  I think it stays on longer because it has an oily consistency so it kind of soaks into your skin.  

Coconut Body Lotion by Archipelago Botanicals

Hand down favorite lotion, thats all I have to say about that…

Makeup

Urban Decay de-slick Makeup Setting Spray

I know I've talked about this before but it has become a staple item in my makeup collection.  I think it comes in handy in the summer especially since you sweat a lot more causing your makeup to slip off.  I put this on after my foundation & then once again after my whole face is complete & it stays on a lot longer.

Lip Products

I think these lip colors are perfect for summer. 

Rimmels Kate Moss Lipstick in 32

Maybelline Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up 687

MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy (Match with NYX natural lipliner above)

I also picked up the Too Faced Melted Lipstick in the shade Sugar.  It's a very pigmented nude color.  So if you don't like that super light nude shade it might not be for you.  But I think its so pretty.

Bronzers & Highlighters

I'm obsessed with highlighters in the summer because they look amazing with a tan. I also picked up a a bronzer at the Clinique counter that has a hint of golden shimmer in it.  They all have a gorgeous glow to them and they're so perfect when you don't feel like wearing makeup but want a little somethin.

Revlon Highlighting Pallet in Rose Gold 

L'oreal True Match Powder Glow Illuminator in Golden

Clinique True Bronze pressed powder in Sunblushed

Drugstore Products, Lotion, Too Faced, & Urban Decay found at ULTA

Clinique Bronzer found at the Clinique counter in Macy's

MAC Lipstick found at the MAC counter at Nordstrom's.

Updated: How to get Silver Hair

So I know I've already done a post on how to get silver hair, but now since I'm a little more experienced I thought I'd let you know an easier way to get it.

The only bad news about this way is that you HAVE to have either bleach blonde hair or super light hair for this to work & to get the best results.

I only used one product and it is the Roux Fanci-Full Temporary Hair Color Rinse in the shade Silver Lining #42.  I got it at Sally's Beauty Supply.  I honestly think this stuff is what old ladies use to get they're hair a brighter silver…. but oh well… whatever.

You're going to find the way to apply it odd, but bare with me, it really works.

Step 1: Wash & condition your hair as normal, then towel dry and comb it.

Step 2: Squeeze a good amount of the product in a container and have a hair color brush ready.

Step 3: Section off your hair and start with the bottom.  Apply the color from roots to end with the brush. The good thing about it is that it doesn't dye your hands very much so don't be afraid to touch it. (I wasn't too precise with how I applied it because I'm so lazy, but it still looked fine… I think)

Step 4: Keep sectioning off and applying the dye.

Step 5: Dry your hair and boom, you now look like you have grayed pre-maturley.

I know this is only a temporary hair dye but it is SO much better than the long process of toning it.

Hope this helps you out!

…. 

Also, I've been thinking about linking some video tutorials to blog posts… I'm a bit apprehensive about starting a YouTube channel but let me know what ya think in the comments!

April Favorites

Beauty

Urban Decay de-slick Makeup Setting Spray

Since my face is so oily it's so hard to keep my makeup looking nice for a long time, I was using the NYX matte finishing spray for a while but it didn't seem to be doing much.  Once I switched over to Urban Decay I noticed a huge difference. It kept my face from getting oily for a long while & it sets your makeup for a long period of time.

Tarte Amazonian butter lipstick - Park Ave Princess 

This lipstick honestly has to be my favorite makeup product I own.  I have never found a nude lipstick that looks as pretty as this one.  It comes out so shiny but is still so pigmented.  I just find it goes with my skin tone very well.  I also think it's going to look so pretty in the summertime.  For some reason I think this might be a limited edition item for Tarte… but I am praying it's not.

Urban Decay Naked Illuminated

This highlighter pretty much explains itself.  I love it so much with my tan right now because it is soooo sparkly unlike some highlighters that just have shimmer.  Some people might not be into the sparkles but I think it looks so pretty on the cheekbones and even your chest with a nice tan. Defiantly bringing this on vacay. Here's a closer pic for ya.

NYX blush - Cinnamon

This product is another one I find looks good with nice tanned skin.  Although, when I didn't have a tan I still think it looked pretty.  It is such a pretty coral color but not too red for your cheeks.  I also find this color goes with a lot of makeup looks that I wear so I have been reaching for it a lot.  Also, I'm just obsessed with NYX…

Fashion

Chunky Black Sandals

Call me Baby Spice (Like that's an insult, she was the best Spice Girl)… but I've been obsessed with these shoes.  I honestly think they go with everything I own.  As you can tell, I've been wearing them a lot since they're a bit scuffed up.  I got them from Target.com a little while ago, but I'm not sure if they have them cause I think they were on clearance from last summer, but I know there are a lot of similar styles out there.

Chokers

I just think chokers look so bad ass and they defiantly deserve a comeback.  I actually just made these myself by buying velvety string and charms from a craft store.  #BringBackThe90s

Food

Starbucks Brewed to Personalize Iced Coffee

Now idk if I am late to this trend but come on, how genius is this.  I hated the fact of making coffee and sticking it into the fridge just to have it iced. This stuff is sooo good and it's just plain coffee already brewed and you just add whatever you take your coffee with. S/O to Starbucks for making my life better yet again.

The Best Self-Tanning Lotion

Since summer is coming up, and I am as white as a ghost, I wanted to start getting a tan.  Since I'd rather be pale than have wrinkles when I'm older I have been trying my best to stay out of the tanning bed. 

 At work, I heard about this self tanner that some people recommended so I decided to give it a try & I was obsessed.

Usually, I try to stay away from self tanners because 1. I hate the smell and 2. they always seem to leave my color looking streaky.

I started using St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Lotion in the shade medium. I got it at Ulta and I believe it was around $15.00.  It also comes in a spray form and a mousse.

To apply, I highly recommend using an applicator mitt for an even application.  First I exfoliate in the shower, then apply any kind of lotion.  Then I start with a little bit of self tanner on the glove and start rubbing it in.  This self tanner is so nice because it's instant so you can see where the streaks are and blend them in. 

Try this out, your skin will thank you later ;)

Wavy Hair Tutorial

Recently I've been doing my hair like this and people have been asking me how I get it to look this way, so I figured I would share it with everyone.

Products you'll need:

Medium sized curling iron or wand with an equal width rod 

Flexible hold hairspray

Sea salt spray

Tip: This hairstyle usually works better on dirtier hair.

Step 1:

You'll want to do your hair in sections so that you get every piece.  I usually start with the bottom layer and work my way up.  Grab smaller pieces of hair and wrap around the curling iron curling away from your face…DO NOT CLAMP IT IN. When you wrap the hair you create more loose curls.  I usually hold it there for about 8 seconds.  

Tip: Do not wrap the whole piece of hair around the iron, leave a little bit at the end straight to make it look more natural.

Step 2:

Once you get to the very top layer of your hair, start curling smaller pieces of hair to give it a more wavy look.  When doing your bangs make sure you ALWAYS curl away from your face so the curls frame your face nicely.

Step 3:

Once you've curled your whole head, tousle the curls with your hands a little.  Then spray in some sea salt spray and slightly scrunch your hair.  Finally spray some hairspray all over and you're done!!

Tartelette Eyeshadow Pallet

I have been wanting to get my hands on this Tart Tartelette eyeshadow pallet since it came out & I am more than impressed with it.

The whole pallet is matte with a variety of shades.  Personally I am obsessed with matte eyeshadow so this pallet is perfect for me. Plus, the packaging is so beautiful which is always a bonus.

The colors go so well together making it easy to make the perfect eye makeup look. So if you're looking for a good everyday eyeshadow pallet Tartelette is perfect.  The shadows are also very pigmented & blend so well.

I can tell I am going to get lots of use out of this!

Perfect Spring Lipsticks

Since I am so sick of this cold winter weather  & I am so ready for spring, I have been searching for some new spring colors to add to my makeup collection.

I stumbled upon the Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom lipsticks and I am honestly so obsessed with them.  They have the perfect selection of colors for spring & summer.

(From Left to right & Top to Bottom)

Petal Pink 

Orchid Ecstasy 

Lilac Flush 

Peach Poppy 

I was so impressed with the colors in the selection & also how pigmented they are.  I also found out they last for a long time which is always nice. Since they're not matte, they are also very moisturizing.

They have many more colors than the four I chose but I felt that these were the most unique from anything I had already.

I'm always on the hunt for great drugstore products, when I find more I will share with you!

What drugstore products are your favorites lately?

Easy Eye Makeup Looks

Lately I have been obsessed with these two eye makeup products.  These two looks are so easy but they look amazing.  

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint

These Clinique Chubby Sticks have to be one of my favorite high end product in my makeup collection.  I apply them all over the lid and underneath the bottom of my eyes then smudge it in with my fingers.  Then I blend it with a light toned eyeshadow up to my brow bone.  Lastly, add mascara & done!  I went with the Chubby Sticks in the shades in Mighty Moss and Lavish Lilac because I thought they went great with green eyes, but they come in so many other shades.

Maybelline Color Tattoo

I also love the Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadow.  It pretty much gives the same effect as the Clinique Chubby Stick but at a more affordable cost. Apply the eyeshadow on your finger and blend it all over the top lid, then with a small eyeshadow brush, lightly dip in the product and smudge on the bottom of the eye.  Blend into the eyebrow bone with a lighter shade of eyeshadow. Lastly, apply mascara.  I chose the shade Vintage Plum which is more matte and Bad to the Bronze which is more shimmery.

I defiantly suggest you try out either of these because on those days where you are just too lazy to do a lot of makeup (because I know we all have those)...these are perfect.

Silver Hair

I have been obsessed with the Silver Hair craze so I decided to try it myself, and I love it!

I wanted to share with you the steps I took to get this color because I am finally happy with the outcome. I also wanted to share this post in case you wanted to try it yourself.  I just want to give you a fair warning that it does damage your hair a lot, but its nothing a little deep conditioner can't fix.  That's just the price you pay! Also, if you have more yellow & brassy tones in your hair and you want a more ashy blonde, these tips would also be helpful. 

Step 1: Bleach, Bleach, Bleach.

I know bleaching your hair is bad for it, but unfortunately you must do it to achieve silver hair.  Bleach must be applied all over covering every part of your hair to get it a light enough shade.  I highly recommend you get your hair bleached at a professional salon because they most likely know what they're doing unlike yourself… I will leave my hairdressers information down below.

Step 2: Toning

After you bleach your hair, you will most likely be unsatisfied with the color of it.  When I bleached my hair it was very white with a yellow tone…and very shocking.  But don't worry, it's all part of the process.  Before toning, I recommend giving your hair a few days to rest. When its time to tone your hair, I suggest using the Wella Permanent Liquid Hair Toner in T14 or T18 (Pale Ash Blonde) and mixing it with a 20 volume developer. Follow the directions carefully.  I usually leave the toner on for 15-20 minutes.  If you're hair is more yellow I suggest leaving it on for a little longer.  To achieve this silver color you may have to repeat this step after giving your hair a rest for a while. Personally, I toned mine a total of three times.

Step 3: Maintenance 

After having silver hair for a while, I noticed you must keep up with it. My biggest recommendation is using toning shampoo.  This also helps for people with brassy blond hair.  The two brands I like are the Fudge Clean Blonde Toning Shampoo, or the Shimmer Lights Shampoo. The Fudge Clean Blonde can be purchased on Amazon and the Shimmer Lights can be purchased at Sally's Beauty Supply.  For best results, I first wet my hair all over then apply the shampoo generously to my hair in sections so I do not miss a spot.  Then I let it sit on my hair for about 20-30 min before washing it out. I follow by using a good conditioner and leave that in for about 10 min, then wash it out.  I found that the Shimmer Lights needs to take a little longer to process so I usually leave that in for 30 min.  For the Fudge Clean Blonde Shampoo, be careful because if you leave it on for too long it could leave a purple tint (fortunately I like that).

Step 4: Rock your silver hair.

Hope this helped all of you wanting to achieve Silver Hair! 

Hair Dresser: Alyssa Mack at Deanne's Hair & Spa

440-205-9480 Mentor, Ohio.

Quick & Easy Hairstyles

Here are some some quick and easy hairstyles to switch up your look.

The Half Up Ponytail & Topknot

1. You can either have loose curls or keep it straight for this look.

2. Part your hair starting from the ends of your eyebrows into a half ponytail.

3. Put hair into either a ponytail or gather it all into a bun and secure. 

(I added a black scrunchie just because I liked the look).

4. After securing, tug on the top of your hair to create volume.

5. Spray with hairspray and sea salt spray to create texture.

The High Ponytail & Topknot

1. Spray hair with sea salt spray to give it a little texture.

2. Gather all your hair on top of your head (literally) and secure into either

a ponytail or a bun...again I added the scrunchie.

3.  Pull out the strands of hair that frame your face.

4. Tug on the top of the hair to give it volume.
5. Spray with lots of hairspray!

Beachy Waves

1. Spray hair all over with sea salt spray for texture.

2. Section hair off starting with the bottom layer.

3. Gather thick sections of hair and LIGHTLY clamp down with a deep waver iron.

 (Picture below) Don't hold iron on for too long, you want to create the messy look.

4. Keep sectioning off hair and repeating.

5.  When done, tousle hair with hands and apply more sea salt spray and hairspray

*The trick to create this look is to not touch the top of the hair and the bottom

of the hair with the iron, only create waves on the underneath and middle sections.

Products Used

 Aveda Air Control Hairspray - $26.00 at Ladies & Getalmen Salon and Spa

L'orèal Elnett Hairspray - $14.99 at Ulta

Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry & Vanilla Mousse - $9.69 at Target.com

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - $27.00 at Sephora

Bed Head Deep Waver - $21.99 at Target.com

Scrunchie - $1.80 at Forever 21

Pastel Hair

Try something new.

I know it's a little different, but lately I have been loving the pastel hair craze.

I decided to have some pastel color put in my hair, and 

I have become obsessed. I went for the lavender color 

because I feel it suited my skin tone the best.

Right now, I have the permanent lavander color, but there are some other 

options & colors you can choose from to achieve this look.

Here's some other color ideas.

Note: I do not own the pictures below only

using them for examples.

Blue

Silver

Rose

Green

Lavender

Before I permanently died my hair, I tried out a semi-permanent dye 

on the blonde pieces of my hair just to test out the color.  I used

Ion Color Brilliance Bright Semi-Permaent Hair Color from 

Sally's Beauty Supply for around $6.00.  I loved the effect this

dye had on my hair.  I learned that the longer you keep the dye on

the more vibrant the color is.  This brand has a wide range of

pastel colors to try out.  Always read the directions before applying!

Hair chalk is another simple way to achieve this look

 without permanently dying your hair.  Unfortunately, pastel

hair colors show more on blonde or lighter color hair.

I tried out hair chalk by Splat and I liked the outcome.

I purchased the hair chalk from Target for about $6.00. 

If you plan on doing your whole head (and have thick hair like me)

 you might only get one use out of it.  The Splat hair chalk comes in 

a variety of colors. It only lasts for a little while so I recommend you do it right

after you have washed your hair so you can have it one or two days.  

Keep a towel handy because it can get a little messy!

If you want to try it out, I get my hair done by 

Alyssa at Deanne's Hair & Spa in Mentor, Ohio