Monthly Favorites | May

Beauty

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Highlighter:  I finally decided to put some use to my Naked Flushed Palette which hasn't seen so much love since I purchased it. I've dipped into the bronzer and blush but for the most part I've been loving the highlighter.  It's a lot faster to apply (I just sweep it on) than my liquid one. I've noticed that since it is a powder formula, it gives a different kind of luminescence to my face... I feel like... Hmm.. It still gives me a healthy and fresh faced kind of look but without being dew-y which is nice especially since my skin has been a wee bit more on the oily side lately.

Eco-Tools Tapered Blush Brush: Not much to say on this other than I love how it flattens or fans out as you put it on your cheeks. It's a nice shape and covers the right areas of my cheeks. It carries a nice amount of product as well as being really soft. I have a whole bunch of brushes from this brand and they have yet to disappoint! 

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: I have heard so much about this product from various blogs so I finally decided to give it a go. Although I don't think it's the best concealer in the world, I do really like it. It's a great all over concealer however I use different one to target specific spots I would have for that day. The consistency is very liquid-y which makes it easy to blend but what I love most about it is the doe-foot applicator. It's seriously so fast to put on and you don't have to dig around for your concealer brush or stick your finger into the pot... It's already there. Just put it on and blend and your done. Really fast! For those of you wondering I use the shade #35.

Makeup Forever Smoky Lash Mascara: I didn't think I was going to use this sample at all but I have probably used it every day this month. I like the formula of it a lot and it makes my lashes look long but gives them a nice amount of "thickness"when I use it on my own for days that are casual. It also separates really well. I usually pair it with another mascara but I have been loving it a lot of it's own. It doesn't give you crazy volume but it's just... It just makes my lashes look really....nice. Not sure how else to describe it.

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion: I have been using Cetaphil for almost two years because of my sensitive skin (doctor recommended) and I liked it, but when I went to a dermatologist recently she suggested using CeraVe for a change and seriously.... I didn't think I could like a lotion or have one impact me this much. The consistency isn't as thick as the Cetaphil one, it's almost more of a creamy/serum/gel constancy (think a moisturizer form of Cetaphil cleanser) so it's not heavy on the skin. Now that I am using this, I noticed how when I was using Cetaphil, although it was a good lotion, it left my legs sticky and shiny for the entire day, but the CeraVe one is just so nice and thin and feels like... Hydration at it's finest. I think this is especially good for the hotter months to come because I won't be sweating it off because it also soaks in really fast. Although I now apply twice a day (morning/night) I don't mind because when I put it on, it almost has a cooling effect when I walk. It's not minty or anything but just.. When the air hits it when you walk it's just... Lovely. 

Jordana Striper: I have really ugly feet. They are kind of wide and just... Ugly. The only thing that makes them decent is a french tip. Obviously going to the salon gets expensive so I started doing them at home but it's rather difficult so one day I popped into the drugstore and got a super cheap striper polish and now the process is so fast. I can't say much for the formula or wear time because anything on my toes lasts for at least three weeks, but for $2 or whatever it was, it really makes the whole process of painting toes a lot easier. 

Miscellaneous

Itube App: Itube is an amazing app that cache's the youtube videos you watch (on Itube) so you can watch it whenever you want (no wifi). I'm way too lazy to download certain albums/too broke so I just go on Itube and search the album so I can listen to it whenever I want. I've also managed to cache some episodes of Everybody Hates Chris which is a TV show I've been watching religiously for about two weeks now. Definitely check out the app... It's a good one! 

Music Favorites

1. Don't Stop by 5 Seconds Of Summer

Such a catchy song and the lyric video/music video is soooo cute! Literally love these boys to death and MICHAEL'S SOLO IS MY FAVORITE THING IN THE WORLD. 

2. Anna Sun by Walk the Moon

Recently just discovered this group and have been listening to their album quite a bit considering I have a hard time getting used to new discoveries. I really like the album and it's good music just to have in the background, but I would say that Anna Sun is the song that has stuck out to me most and is the song I can recognize since I'm still in the "everything sounds the same" stage. 

3. Without You by Lana Del Rey

Only recently found out there is an extended version of Born to Die (HOW LATE AM I?!?!?!) so I have been listening to the bonus tracks. In the chorus I am oddly fascinated by how she says "hear". Really lovely song. 

                                                                                  

That's for this months favorites, not a whole bunch but they all have definitely earned a spot in my heart! I'm interested to see what you have been loving so feel free to leave a comment telling me or link me to your own monthly favorites blog post!

What's In My Beach Bag!

Hellloooooo! So I have been wanting to do this post for a while but have been waiting because A) most of you can't really go to the beach yet, B) for authenticity reasons I wanted to have these photos taken at an actual beach, and C)  I haven't actually gone to the beach in weeks. Anyway, this past Sunday I had no plans today and my friends annoyingly didn't change that so I said heck with them, I am just going to go to the beach... Even if it's just by myself. 

Hashtag the lonely life. 

For starters, my bag is actually a backpack from Billabong girls so it's a wee bit tiny. I thought this would be annoying at first because the straps are kind of awkward but it actually works out perfect because it sort of rests mid back which is great for hiking purposes. For example when I went to slippery slides a few weeks back, I had to wade through a stream and I was the only one who didn't have to hold my bag over my head. 

I am actually surprised how much I have been loving this bag lately and how much use I have been getting out of it... Most of the time I bring a tote or something to the beach but I must admit it's nice having something that zips up so the sand stays out! 

Towel: First up comes the most awesomely obnoxious towel in the world. For some reason all my beach towels end up being ground cushioning for my dad's weird furniture hobby so I had to get a new one recently. In all honesty it's the crappiest of crap towels but it's pretty and not heavy when it's wet so that's alright for me! 

Hat: Yet another flamboyant piece, this time in a form of a hat. My friend got this at Aero for something crazy like $1 and her head is a pea head or something because it didn't fit her... She ended up giving it to me. Not sure how I feel about it but I guess people like it because out of the two times I've worn it I've gotten compliments from strangers? 

Sarong:  The "background" of these photos is something you call a sarong or padeo. I literally just got this one last week and this was my first time taking it out! I can't believe I forgot to get a full picture of it but guys... It's literally SO beautiful. I absolutely love these things! I used to have a whole bunch but my brother slowly kept on stealing them all but let me tell you sarongs are so versatile! I use them on the beach, whether on the ground (so I don't get my towel sandy) or to wear them as a coverup, and instead of bringing a whole bed ordeal when I went to a small camp thing last year, I just brought a sarong as a sheet and my throw blanket. 

I got this one from a local shop in my neighborhood and are hand painted/hand made. Every single one is absolutely gorgeous! Seriously so in love with mine! 

Reading Material+ Miscellaneous: I usually don't bring anything to read but obviously this was mandatory since I was by myself. Lorde is amazing and so is F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

SPF: I hate getting tan for some reason. I don't know if it's because I was born chocolate-y but I hate getting darker and I hate getting burned (You wouldn't think I get sunburned but I do). My favorite sunscreen in the world for the beach is the Neutrogena Beach Defense. It smells amazing (for a sunscreen) and I haven't gotten burned since using it (however I do re-apply every few hours).

The little white cylinder is SPF in stick... The packaging came off but I think it's by Banana Boat? I use this one specifically for my face. 

Sunnies: My Smith sunnies say hi again. Seriously love these buggers to death. 

H2O: Water is obviously a must. I bought a liter thinking it would be hot today and I would be drinking a lot I barely even drank half. Ugh. 

Makeup Wipes: Sometimes I don't feel like taking off my makeup I am too lazy to take off my makeup (if I have any on) so I just keep some wipes just in case my mascara runs or something. These ones are from the Simple brand and I personally prefer these over the Neutrogena ones because they don't leave a weird oily residue. 

                                                                                  

No beach day would be complete without selfies so feast your eyes on the most awkward poser ever.... Otherwise known as me. 

That pretty much wraps it up! Definitely let me know what you guys keep in your beach/pool bag and I hope you had a day as lovely as mine! I actually didn't mind being by myself... I slept for about two hours and then spent the rest of my time reading. It was pretty cloudy the entire day so I couldn't progress on operation GROTT (Get Rid of Tennis Tan) but either way... It was nice just relaxing. Took my new top out for a spin and I am loving it! 

Going to finish this post off with these two photos which might give you a better look of my sarong... Plus I thought these photos were kind of pretty to not include. Just me? No? Yes? Maybe? 

Outfit | Getting Closer...

Flannel: Forever21 | Shorts: Hollister | Tank: JW | Bag: HOBO 

Hello everyone, Happy Saturday. 

 I originally had plans to go into town (that's why I actually made the effort to sort of get dressed) but I ended up getting sort of in a mood slump and changed into an old tee shirt and my Adidas running shorts and literally didn't leave my bed the entire day. I listened to a Paramore lullaby tribute until I fell asleep and didn't wake until nearly four hours later. I studied for a while and before I knew it, it's nearly 12:00 AM and I am in a cross between falling asleep and being wide awake. 

I have been napping so much lately... It's getting really out of hand not to mention messing with my regular sleeping pattern. 

For shoes I wore some crochet flat/espadrille type of footwear in black (obviously) and they were surprisingly comfy. Definitely really casual (maybe even scrub?) outfit. 

In other news Summer is getting so close! Everywhere I turn people are either graduating, preparing for their finals, or going to prom. Hang in there! We're so close to being done with school! 

Summertime Essentials

Today I decided to make a post consisting of some of my summertime essentials excluding things like clothing and specific makeup items. Obviously this isn't everything, it's mainly just a few random categories+products that I like... Hopefully you'll somehow find this helpful! 

Anti-Breakage Serum: All that swimming (whether it's in a pool or ocean or even river/lake) is going to damage your hair one way or another, and if you need something more steady than a once-a-week hair mask, I definitely recommend some sort of serum or extra conditioning something rather that you can use after every hair wash.  The one I use and love is the Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. Not only does it smell amazing but it makes my hair so soft and shiny, and because of my hair type I can't brush it that often otherwise I'll get a poofy mess, but since using this stuff I don't even need to brush it! It never gets knotted anymore! And if it does get knotted and I comb it, the comb just runs so smoothly... it's wonderful. 

The actual Organix shampoo and conditioner didn't do much for me, but I have tried their hair treatments and I really do like them! Plus the packaging is really cute! 

Facial SPF: SPF is definitely a must, even when the sun isn't out! I went to a dermatologist recently because of my annoying sensitive skin, and although I did switch to Cetaphil products about a year ago, she recommended me try the CeraVe line, the Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 in particular! Let me tell you it's SO much easier having something with SPF already in it. I have been using this for about a month (as well as the body lotion) and I have a lot of good things to say about them! The moisturizer itself is very lovely and your skin soaks it up. The only downside to this item is that because of the SPF, throughout the day you can end up looking a bit oily but it's not anything major. If it does bother you blotting sheets or setting powder can definitely fix that! I'm not sure if this would suit oily skin but I'm sure there are other SPF moisturizers out there that would work on you!

 All over SPF is important too. I would recommend a good sunscreen for everyday use but I am currently still on the hunt for one! If you have one you love definitely let me know in the comments!

Setting Spray: I don't use this every day but when I know I am going to be out and about and it's going to be sweltering hot, I always spritz some on before I go out the door. I wanted to try out the different Urban Decay ones to see if one was better than the other, so I currently am just using the mini version of the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. You wouldn't think that some chemicals in a bottle would stop your makeup from melting off but it really does... Where was this when I went to Kona last Summer??? At least I know the first thing that is going in my makeup bag when I go again this year! 

Mint Sorbet, Flip Flop Fantasy, Butler Please

Nails: If you always have a color on your nails, like me, definitely invest in a good base coat and top coat! It actually makes all the difference in the world! I have trouble with polish peeling on me and literally just popping off, and I thought it was just because of my oily nail beds (is that a thing?) or something like that... My mani usually lasts about three days before it peels off, but since I started using the Beauty Secrets Base Coat my manicure literally lasts about a week! I don't think it'll last that long if your in and out of the water but I have a feeling my nails will be lasting way longer than two days! As for a topcoat I swear by Seche Vite... I refuse to use anything else. I also would recommend staying away from matte/satin finishes unless your planning to use a topcoat.. Those chip a lot faster than regular creme formulas. And if you need your mani to last as long as it can, go for a textured polish like something shimmery or glittery... Those won't budge! But if your using the Seche Vite topcoat I would try to avoid Zoya nail polish... For some reason it shrinks it and your left with something that looks like tip wear.

Summer colors usually vary from person to person but I thought I would include a few I know I'll be loving this season! 

Snacks: I know these are a bit odd to add in here but Summer is the season for fruit! Don't take that for granted (*cough* like me *cough*). Definitely eat as much fruit as you can before the winter months come! I've been obsessed with oranges lately but what I am so excited for is the WATERMELON! YAASSSSSS. 

For something to drink I would definitely go with an iced tea for some sort because unlike soda it doesn't bloat you and in the end you actually can lose weight just by cutting it out, on top of that it's so much more hydrating! Obviously drinks TONS of water but if your like me and get sick of water because of how much you consume, definitely go for some sort of tea! 

Swimwear: Last but not least is swimwear. Okay, I know this is most obvious thing in the world but I want to stress how important it is to find something that not only fits you really well because that makes all the difference in the world! My friend is super insecure of her body and uses nothing but one pieces however she tried on my friends bottoms a few weeks ago and let me tell you this is the first time in two years I have seen her in a bikini.

 Everyone has different body types so definitely try on a lot of different styles to see what looks the best on you! Especially with the bottoms. 

For me, since I have kind of big hips, wider bands look better than simple string bikini's. These particular ones are from Pull & Bear and I also have them in black!  I love the cut of these... They are more cheeky than your average bathing suit bottoms but they don't expose your entire backside which is always lovely for those people who weren't blessed with a nice butt (aka me). 

For my top, I have this black one from Topshop which is lovely because it goes with everything, and it fits really nicely and not to mention comfortable. The underwire is a god-send because it helps me in the boobage department (itty-bitty-titty-commitee member right hurrr) and that's always nice.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Anyway, I hope this somehow helped you! Definitely let me know what your summer essentials are! 

One of these days I'll actually get to the beach and take some photos for what I keep in my beach bag so definitely look forward to that! 

Outfit | Wanderlusting (in a concert sort of way)

Shirt: Forever21 |  Shorts: Hollister | Bag: Brandy Melville | Sunnies: Smiths

All Time Low just finished their Love Like War tour, 5 Seconds of Summer are finishing up their tour (I think; don't quote me on that), One Direction just started their Where We Are tour, and the Monumentour is coming up (that one really makes me sad because it's Paramore + FOB + a band I can't remember the name of oops). What breaks my heart is that I am not going to any of those or gone to any of those. I'm literally stuck on this little rock in the middle of the ocean. I've had to resort to breaking out my favorite band tee seeing if that can soothe my soul for now. 

In happier news, the weather has been perfect beach weather. Summer is coming guys... get ready. 

Adios for now... I'm off to eat. 

Monthly Favorites: April

Seriously can't believe that yet another month has flown by. Crazy.

Anyway, for this months favorites I don't have too much... They are mainly just random items that I have seemed to grow a liking too and I thought I might share them with all of you.

Miscellaneous

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: In all honesty I wasn't even sure if this book would make to be in a favorites post but when I was gathering everything to take photos I just said 'what the hell' and threw it in. After seeing the movie (looks like I did it backwards usually people read the book first) I wanted to get my hands on the book but I wanted to make sure I got the original cover instead of the motion picture cover. I finally went to a physical store and purchased this for $15 which is kind of expensive considering how small the book is, both physically and in thickness, as well as it being a paperback. I justified buying it though mainly because the money went to a bookstore which I feel are going extinct. Anyway, onto my actual thoughts on the book; it wasn't fantastic but at the end of the book I was like "hmm... That was rather good".

For the most part it's mainly personal preference when it comes to a book but I wanted to quickly mention that the movie is a lot cleaner than the novel. To my surprise they use a lot of drugs (same as in the movie but Charlie did a lot on his own) as well as sexual content. There isn't a whole ton of sexual stuff in there but there was a lot more in the book than there was in the movie. 

But all in all, I did enjoy it and if I went back to that day in Barnes and Noble and got the chance to   re-purchase it, I would. 

Kitty Ears from Claire's: Ok... This is a super random favorite and your probably wondering what the heck I am thinking. I got these ears half off at Claire's last year because I was a cat for Halloween (original, I know). They are actually really dang cute and it's a pity it's socially unacceptable to wear cat ears out in public. One day while I was cleaning my room I randomly put them on and they seemed to have found a place on my vanity countertop. Since then, I use them daily to push back my baby hairs when I apply my makeup in the morning. (I may or may not leave them on for a little while longer even after my makeup is on). 

Amethyst Bracelet: This was a late Easter gift from a lady who owns the boutique next door to where I work. I had never received an Easter gift before but honestly I fell in love with this! The color is sooooo gorgeous and it just makes me happy looking at it! Need I say more?

Smith Sunnies: Someone had left these at my dad's store about two years ago and never came back to claim them. My dad never used them so one day as I was heading out the door I happened to grab them. I have another pair of sunnies but they were rather expensive so I don't like bringing them to the beach or squishing them in my small purses.  

I ended up liking these a lot more than I thought I would and I kind of forgot about them until this month when I went to a beach party with some friends. First off I love how slim these are! They don't fit in my HOBO bag sadly but still. Second, I love the material of these. It's plastic but... Bendy? It's not bendable but it doesn't feel like hard plastic. It's very difficult to explain but hopefully that gives you an idea of what I am getting at. Because of that feeling, I don't mind throwing them around because I know the frames won't get scratched (the lens are a bit scratched but not anything too bad). Lastly I love how dark the lens are. 

Clearasil Scrub: I try a lot of scrubs. A lot. Every time I finish a tube I go out and buy a different one from a different line or brand because I heard somewhere that your skin can get immune to whatever scrub you use. I bought this sometime last month just so I could be ready when my Simple scrub ran out, but my friend had purchased the wash version of this and told me that it broke her out really badly. 

This made me so nervous because I have incredibly sensitive skin however I am so happy to announce that this didn't break me out! The opposite, in fact! My skin has never looked better! Ok. To be honest my skin isn't all that horrible to begin with but I have these year round gross bumps on my nose and skin and since using this they have loosened up and gone away! And my skin in general just looks so good (not to toot my own horn or anything). 

The cream part of this scrub is literally like a heavy duty moisturizing cream. It's almost like it's not even soap. It just feels so good on your skin (especially because I have dry skin) and afterwards my face feels so nice, fresh, clean, and moisturized. The beads are also really nice... They aren't too wimpy (like the Clean and Clear ones) but they aren't super rough (St. Ives). There is also a nice amount spread throughout. 

The scent isn't awful but it's not the best... It just smells like a moisturizer. 

Overall I love this product and it will definitely go on my re-purchase list!

Haagan-Dazs Rocky Road Ice Cream: Ok I'm literally such a loser for adding this in but I am obsessed with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Yes that many exclamation points were necessary). CAN WE PLEASE DISCUSS THE MARSHMALLOW IN THIS?! It isn't like a regular marshmallow it's melted or something and it's seriously one of the greatest feelings in the world when your casually eating the ice cream and hit a marshmallow spot! And it all just oozes out and your sitting there squealing with joy because it tastes amazing and... *le sigh*. I've bought over 4 of these this month (and yes the banana is there to let y'all know I do eat stuff other than ice cream). 

Music Favorites

1. Surfboard by Cody Simpson 

I am not by any means a Cody Simpson fan. I rarely even listen to that genre but my friend sent me the music video and the tune ended up getting stuck in my head. I found myself searching it up on Spotify over and over again until it finally made it on my guilty pleasure playlist. It's a really catchy tune and if your looking for something easy definitely give it a try! 

2. Little Lion Man by Tonight Alive (Cover)

If you haven't listened to any of the "Pop goes Punk" albums they are seriously awesome. This cover by Tonight Alive is my favorite though and although it's kind of intense the chorus is amaaaazinggggggggg. If your curious the original is by Mumford and Sons. 

3. The Mighty Fall by Fall Out Boy ft. Big Sean

Not much to say about this song other than it's really fun to jam out to in the morning when I get ready. Big Sean (or should I say Little Sean he's so skinnyyyyy and tiny) has a very distinct voice and way he says "oh god" in the beginning and I've managed to mimic it pretty well resulting in it being sort of a little joke between my friends and I. My friends will text me "oh god" in response to something and then write " *big sean voice*. It's actually pretty funny for some dumb reason? 

That's it for this month! Sorry for lack of clothing items and beauty items but I'm in the process of trying some and I don't really know how I feel about any of them yet! 

If you have a favorites post up on your blog or want to let me know what your favorites are, definitely tell me in the comments! I would love to know! 

Outfit | Sunday Heat

Tee: Brandy Melville | Shorts: Hollister | Bag: HOBO | Shoes: Forever21 (Not Pictured)  

I can't even begin to explain to you how scorching hot it was today. I wasn't expecting it at all because the last three days have been cloudy and rainy... Where did this weather come from?

Either way I spent most of my morning and noon fanning myself and putting whipped cream on brownies. It was so sunny that I couldn't even take photos in my usual place. The sun was too strong so I used the shade from this tree... I think they turned out all right. 

I was originally planning on wearing something a bit more... Complete (not just a tee shirt and shorts)  but within three seconds my original outfit got too hot so I had to resort to this.

For shoes I went with my grey t-strap suede sandals from Forever21, and just for fun I thought I would use this bright colored scrunchie! It's literally such a pretty orange and I'm semi-obsessed with it. 

In the afternoon my friends picked me up and we actually hiked down to Slippery Slides which is this place on the river. It's kind of a pain in the butt to get down to because it involves a lot of rock hopping and wading through the stream, but the end result is so worth it! It's beautiful! It's this giant cliff that is a waterfall and you jump off the side and into the cold water, and in the "rapids" area of the waterfall (right before the water runs off the cliff), the rocks are somehow formed so it's the perfect slide! 

I only jumped off once (wasn't brave enough to do the slide) and then spent the rest of the time at the edge of the waterfall. There is another cool rock formation right at the end which is kind of a... lagoon type thing (but obviously it's not a lagoon) but it's like this nice little pond within the stream thanks to the rocks which surrounds it in a circle. We just sat at the edge and watch all of our friends jump off the cliff... So fun! This was my first time going and I can't believe it took me this long!

All in all, my Sunday was awesome... 

How was yours???