Thursday, March 19, 2015

Airplane Skin Essentials


Airplanes are one of the worst things in the world for your skin. I've never actually minded them much, until I realized how quickly they can reverse any progress you have made with your skin. I always try to make an effort to take measures to protect my skin from the dehydrating air of planes, and maybe even improve it a little on those long flights. Here are my must haves and routine for airplane skincare!

Origins Drink Up Face Mask: The first thing I do when I get on the plane is put on this mask. It is clear, so you don't look crazy while on the plane, is super hydrating and protective, and smells like a delicious apricot. I have a travel size of this mask which is perfect, however the full size meets TSA requirements for carry on liquids as well!

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads: I use these to take off my face mask once the plane lands. These pads gently exfoliate, act as a toner, and instantly brighten my face, which is perfect after a long, stressful plane ride.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: I then use my favorite moisturizer in the world to lock in the hydration the mask gave my skin. I scooped a little out from the full size container into a sample container I received from lush. Just ask for a sample of one of lush's conditioners, and then reuse the container.

Benefit Porefessional: Because I was traveling somewhere nice and warm, I applied a little of this primer to prevent any oiliness and smooth out my skin without having to put in the effort of a concealer or foundation.

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy: Lastly, I put a bit of this under my eyes to cover dark circles and depuff my eyes. This is not my favorite under eye concealer as it does crease a bit, but it is super brightening and I absolutely love the soothing metal applicator.

How do you combat airplane air? What is your favorite way to pass the time on a long plane ride? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo


Sunday, March 8, 2015

Current Obsession: Prize Candles



I have been very stressed out recently because my school's major exams are this week, and of course the usual, silly personal drama. My wonderful best friend gave me this candle to cheer me up, and it has definitely done the trick. I always find candles to be so tranquil and relaxing, and this one, Cucumber Mist, smells like I've walked straight into a cucumber filled spa. I have had it lit almost the entire weekend, and it just instantly makes me feel calmer. These candles are also especially unique because as you can see in mine, as you burn them a little prize begins to poke out of the top. Each prize has a ring and a code with a chance to win a $5000 prize. I think that is such a cute idea, and it makes a perfect pick me up or housewarming gift for a friend.

Check them out here

Have you got a candle you've been loving recently? What's your favorite way to destress? Let me know in the comments below!!
xoxo

Thursday, March 5, 2015

What's In My Shower



I haven't been using this for that long, but I have used it long enough to know that I love it! This shampoo completely cleans my hair and leaves it sleek, but never greasy or dry. It has that typical hair salon-like shampoo smell, fresh and a bit fruity. My only complaint is that I wish it had a pump because it is so large.

I use this for both conditioner and shaving, and it does both jobs wonderfully. As a shaving cream, it allows me to get a close shave without getting cuts or bumps, and leaves my legs super soft. When using it for its intended purpose, conditioner, I put it on the ends of my hair and then leave it in a bun for a few minutes (that's what the hair tie in the picture above is for) before washing it out. It leaves my hair soft and never weights it down, but makes it nice and bouncey. 

This shampoo is great for the days when you want to add a bit more volume and texture to your hair, whether it's for a hairstyle or you just want to rock the beachy waves look. I find the best way to use it is to grab however much you want, and then mix it in with a bit of water or another shampoo. I wouldn't use this every day because it can be a bit drying, but it's perfect for those special days.

This was true love at first use. My hair had never felt so soft, I couldn't stop playing with it! I use this once or twice a week instead of my conditioner, and it works wonders. Coat the ends of your hair (I usually do from just above my shoulders to my ends), leave it in for around 5 minutes and rinse it out. When I have time, I am going to try to leave it in for an hour or so, and I will definitely let you all know how that goes. Brushing through your hair becomes a tangle free dream, and it looks like you've just gotten home from the salon!

I've been really enjoying this face wash for the shower recently. This cleanser is scent free and great for sensitive skin. It's very milky cleanser, and leaves my face feeling clean but not tight. Most importantly for me, it gets rid of any residue makeup and helps keep my skin looking clear.

I'm not very picky about shower gels, usually I just grab whatever is fairly inexpensive and smells nice. The scent of this is very floral, which I love, and it leaves my skin nice and clean. 

I got this for my birthday and was so excited to try it. I think it's such an adorable idea! It's absolutely perfect for travel and so much fun. It smells sweet and fruity, and leaves my skin feeling very clean. At first I did struggle a bit with how to use it, but I've found the best way is to just scoop out a small amount and rub into your loofah until it's all nice and sudsy.

I really like this shaving cream. It smells divine and gives my legs an extra boost of hydration. I tend to use it if I need to run out the door but haven't had time to shave, because you can use this cream to shave your legs in the sink and you won't get any cuts or bumps.

These are nothing fancy or special, but they are super low maintenance and get the job done. They leave my legs feeling soft and smooth, and as long as they aren't pushed past their limits, I never notice any nicks or razor bumps.

This might be my favorite thing in my shower. It is a wireless, waterproof speaker that attaches to the walls of your shower. I connect it to my phone through bluetooth and then can listen to whatever I want! I also tend to sometimes spend a bit too long in the shower, so having a speaker playing songs is a nice way to loosely keep track of time. I recommend this to literally everyone, it is the best thing in the world! 

Have you used any of these before? What are your favorite shower products? Let me know in the comments below!!
xoxo

Monday, March 2, 2015

Mini Drugstore Haul




I stopped in CVS for shampoo yesterday and, of course, got completely sucked in by the makeup aisle. I only picked up four things, which honestly was showing pretty good restraint for me. Here's what I grabbed and my first impressions!

I feel like the color tattoos are always being talked about, and I only have the shade bad to the bronze, so I wanted to try some more. This shade is a dark, aptly named chocolate brown, with some golden and red shimmer. So far it has not been blending quite as well as bad to the bronze, but is still really nice. This would be great for a soft brown smokey eye, as a base, or on its own. 

I always kind of shy away from lipliners, but as I have been getting into lipsticks more and more I decided it was time to start experimenting with lipliners a little. This shade is such a gorgeous, mauvey pink. It's nice and creamy, and the pointed edge makes it easy to apply. However, when I first tried this, a good chunk of it broke right off, so make sure that the nib is as low as it can be. This shade is versatile, you could definitely get away with using it under lighter and darker pinks, or even on its own with a lip balm or gloss. Can't wait to really test it out!

I've been wanting to try purple lipstick for awhile now, and I knew that I liked this formula so I figured I would give it a go! The shade of purple is on the pinkier side, making it pretty wearable. I actually like it a lot so far, although I did notice a bit more feathering than I usually see with this formula. Other than that, no complaints yet!

I think this might be creamiest gel liner I have ever used. It is so black, and looks closer to a soft liquid liner than it does to a dark pencil liner. Because of how soft it is, I find it a bit harder to apply, but with just a little bit of practice the results are stunning. Possibly could be my new holy grail liner!!  


Have you tried any of these products before? Let me know what you think, and don't forget to leave a link to your blog if you have one so I can make sure to check it out! 

xoxo

Saturday, February 28, 2015

February Favorites



February is down to its final day! Every year February always flies by for me, and this one was no exception. I'm hoping that March will bring some warmer days, but in the meantime here is what I was absolutely loving this month, despite the weather I was hating.


I know I'm super late to this one, but to be fair, I did buy my Beauty Blender almost a full year ago. The first time I used it I loved it, and the second time it was only so-so. I picked it back up at the beginning of this month and fell completely head over heels in love. I find it gives such a natural, perfectly blended finish every time now. It has been my go to tool this month for foundations, BB Creams, and concealer. I think I might have to go out and buy a second! 

This is everything you want in a lip balm. It keeps my absurdly dry lips under control, smells like raspberry sorbet, and is absolutely adorable!
Cuticles are always getting overlooked, but just giving them a little extra love can make such a difference! The Burt's Bees cuticle cream is phenomenal. I used it a few years ago and recently rediscovered it after getting it as a stocking stuffer at Christmas time. It smells so lemony in the best way possible, almost a bit like a lemon tart or meringue. It takes a few seconds to just put a little on before bed, and I always wake up with great nails no matter how brittle they were feeling the night before.

If you haven't tried one of the NYX Butter Glosses, it is a must buy on your next shopping trip. They're pigmented, moisturizing, and not too sticky or wet feeling. The formula is so unbelievably soft and creamy, and glides on perfectly as you apply it. And, just to top it all off, they're affordable and smell like cake batter. I loved using the shade Peaches and Cream this month. It is a lovely light pink, nothing too intense, but still a nice pop of color to brighten up a dull winter day and remind us that spring is just around the corner!

If you haven't been able to tell so far, I don't exactly love the cold. I have been all about keeping my spirits up throughout the last cold stretch, and taking those extra steps to brighten up my makeup has helped so much with that! Adding in a nude eyeliner to the waterline is such a great, instant way to achieve that bright-eyed look. I have been using the Rimmel Eyeliner in Nude, which has worked wonders. I love the Rimmel eyeliners, the formula is so smooth and long wearing, and this shade is a great addition to your makeup bag.

This palette is one of the best I have ever found at the drugstore. The shadows are incredibly soft, pigmented, and blendable. It features a highlighting row with lighter eyeshadows, a blush row with more pinky toned colors, a bronze row for the medium golden shades, and an eyeliner row for the darker colors. You can open up the bottom to find a large mirror and a compact powder brush and eyeshadow brush. While neither of these brushes are top quality, they get the job done when you're in a rush. I would love if it featured a matte shade or two, but other than that this palette is an amazing drugstore find!


Hope you enjoyed this post, and let me know what your favorite products were this month!
xoxo