A Look Inside: My Makeup Bag

It's safe to say that I'm a notorious over-packer. Traveling back and forth to South Carolina to visit the bf has made me much more conscious of what I bring and instead of just throwing random items into my luggage, I've been making more of an effort to pack strategically and bring only what I know I will use. These are the essentials I packed in my makeup bag:

J.Crew Makeup Bag, Nars Bronzer in Laguna, Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eyeshadow Palette, Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation in Instensity 1.0, Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit in Beige, Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink, MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul, Chloe Eau de Parfum Rollerball, Tarte Lip Surgence Lip Tint in Moody, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Black, Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Noir, Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

June Favorites

The first week of July was extremely busy for me with the fourth being smack in the middle of the week. I completely forgot to do my monthly favorites. So here they are, my June favorites.

1. Face Stockholm Nail Polish in Neon Sunset: I've been searching for the perfect neon nail polish for quite some time now. I really like the American Apparel neon collection but when I stumbled across this nail polish in J Crew, I was beyond excited. It's the most gorgeous shade of neon pink. It goes on so nicely and stays for a really long time. 

2. The Lumineers- Ho Hey: You know when you're watching television and a commercial comes on and the song just sticks with you? I first heard this song on the Bing "Discovering Hawaii" commercial and could not get it out of my head. It's such a sweet song. 

3. Mirror Mirror: I am one of those girls that loves all things fairytale. (Maybe that's all girls.) Snow White is one of my favorites so I was really excited to see Mirror Mirror. I didn't get a chance to see it in theaters but it recently came out on DVD and I loved it! It was so cute and fun. I probably watched it give times already. 

4. Anthropologie Viscid Watch in Sky: In love with this watch. I usually wear my Michael Kors watch every day but I wanted a colorful alternative for summer. I saw this watch on the Anthropologie website and of course it was backordered for months and sold out in the store in my mall. By some miracle they had one left in another store so I ran over there and bought it as a birthday present to myself. I've gotten so many compliments on it. 

5. Nars Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer: I used to be one of those people that didn't believe in primers. I usually just put on my moisturizer and then my makeup on top of that and skipped the primer step. I got this over a year ago and used it maybe once but I recently began using it every day and it really does make a huge difference. It has a really nice texture. It's not too thick, goes on smooth and keeps my makeup in place all day. And bonus it has SPF 30!

6. Anthropologie Chevron Frame in Pink: I had been eyeing this frame for months but decided $30 was a little too much but then my friends bought it for me as part of my birthday present. I absolutely love it. 

7. Red Mango: I am a big fan of frozen yogurt. Everyone always talks about Red Mango and how amazing it is but I never had the chance to try it. There were no Red Mangos near me. Finally they opened one close to my house and now I see what all the hype is about! So many flavors and so many toppings! It was delicious. I have to say though, they tricked me. I was not aware that you payed by how much it weighed and with only one size cups, I filled it up as much as I could. It cost me $10!

8. Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain in Jive: A while ago I put a review up of the Korres Lip Butter Glaze I bought. I thought that was the best lip product I could find, until I discovered this one. Honestly, this one is so much better. It's a real lip stain, not just a glaze. The color stays on for hours and looks so natural. I am in love! I've been wearing it every day. I'm definitely going to be purchasing this in some of the other colors. 

May Favorites

It's time for my monthly favorites! These are the top 8 things that I loved in May, from beauty products to songs to movies. I hope you like! 

1. O.P.I. Nail Laquer in Pink Friday: I have been searching for Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday nail polish for months! Every time I went to Ulta or any other beauty supply store, it was sold out. I finally got my hands on it a couple of weeks ago and I am in love. I'm actually wearing it right now. It's the perfect shade of bubblegum pink.

2. Maroon 5- Payphone: Currently loving this song. I probably played this song over 100 times in my iTunes during May and prayed every time I got in the car that it would be on the radio.

3. Marvel's The Avengers: Marvel's The Avengers hit theaters in the beginning of May and I had to see it. My boyfriend and I have been waiting since Captain America for this movie to come out and it did not disappoint. It was funny and exciting and full of action. Definitely a must see for anyone who hasn't gotten a chance yet. 

4. Soap & Glory Hand Food: I did a product review on Hand Food in the middle of May but I had to include this in my monthly favorites. It's the perfect hand cream and keeps your hands soft, smooth and hydrated. And it smells amazing!

5. Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner: I had been eyeing this gel liner for a while but it's a bit pricy at $22. Finally I decided to purchase it and am in love. I don't generally like to wear eyeliner in the summer because it gets a hot and humid and I usually end up looking like a raccoon by the end of the night, but Bobbi Brown was not kidding when she called this "longwear". It does not smudge even after hours of wearing it. It's the perfect liner. 

6. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James: Fifty Shades of Grey has obviously been the talk of the town as of late as I'm sure most of you have noticed. It's racy and provocative while still remaining a great love story. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it yet. I absolutely loved all three of the books and am crossing my fingers, hoping that she decides to write another one.

7. Stop & Shop Dinosaur Snacks: Silly, I know, but I could eat a whole box of this Dinosaur Fruit Snacks in one sitting. So delicious. I really need to start eating healthier but I had to share these with you cause they are my favorite. I even pack them in my suitcase when I go to Myrtle Beach because they only sell them at Stop and Shop! 

8. J. Crew Garment-Dyed Ankle Zip Toothpick Jean in Neon Rose: I am a major fan of colored jeans. I think I have about 5 or 6 pairs now. I don't even like real jeans anymore. These might be my favorite purchase though. They're the perfect pop of color for summer and super comfortable. I love the zipper on the ankle too. 

Product Review: Korres Lip Butter Glaze

As a dedicated Sephora customer and self-proclaimed makeup expert (just kidding), I constantly find myself searching for new products to try. I am extremely picky when it comes to my lips. I still have not been able to force myself to love lipstick and I hate the sticky consistency and shimmer that comes along with lip gloss. About a year ago I purchased Korres Lip Butter in Guava ($12) and did not like it. I had heard rave reviews about it but the color, which was supposed to be clear, made me look like a fool. Maybe I put too much on my lips or my lips were too chapped but it made my lips look white and I was turned off immediately. I hadn't even thought to pick up a different shade. Then about two weeks ago I decided I needed something, anything that would give my lips a nice color. So I went to Sephora with my friend Olivia and I tried a bunch of different lip tints and stains. I loved Tarte's LipSurgence Lip Tint but the price was a little too high for me ($24). I wanted something equally as moisturizing and pigmented enough to notice I had something on my lips. Enter Korres Lip Butter Glaze ($14). I can't lie... I was initially attracted to this product because of its packaging but fell in love with it as soon as I put it on. There's so many pros to this product I don't even know where to begin. It's lightweight and moisturizing and not sticky at all. The colors are vibrant and, unlike Tarte's Lip Tint, it's not matte. I also love that it comes in this easy application tube... much better than the Lip Butter that you have to apply with your fingers. And bonus it's organic. No parabens or sulfates or synthetic fragrances. I honestly recommend this product to everyone. I purchased it in Pomegranate and Raspberry but I think I might go back and get Quince as well. I absolutely loves it! 

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Give Good Face

Like most other girls my age, I am concerned with the way I look on a daily basis. I say I don't care what I look like but I wake up an extra half hour early to give myself time to do my hair and makeup before school. I used to barely ever wear makeup... just the bare essentials like mascara and lip balm. In high school I worked at Hollister, where make-up was never to be noticeable, and it taught me to see myself as "naturally beautiful." Later on in college, I worked at Sephora and that changed my makeup routine completely. The more dramatic the makeup, the better. Ever since then I've gotten in the habit of always putting makeup on before I go out. But lately I've been thinking about how much better I look when I'm fresh faced and glowing. If I start taking care of my skin then I will no longer need to wear as much makeup. So I've been doing research and watching videos and although taking care of your skin is a process, it's a worthwhile one. There's a lot of steps and products involved in having a morning and nightly skin care routine. What I've learned so far is that you need to use a makeup remover, a facial cleanser, an exfoliating scrub, a toner, a moisturizer (with SPF), and an eye cream. Sounds like a lot but the pay off will be amazing and once you get in the habit it won't seem like its so much. I want my skin to stay young and fresh for as long as possible. After doing a little bit of research these are some of the products I plan on trying to perfect my own skincare routine.

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover $15, Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover $17, St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub $3, Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser $7, Clinique Clarifying Lotion $12.40, Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer $14, Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment $28.50, Clarisonic Mia $119

Wishful Wednesday

Wishing I could pull off a red lip or that I had a steady enough hand to do perfect liquid liner. I absolutely love this look. I might have to try it anyway. It's perfect for the holidays!

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Nars Holiday 2011

As soon as November hits, I start getting in the holiday spirit. Christmas is no doubt my favorite time of the year so right after Halloween I break out the Christmas albums and Christmas movies. It's only fitting that the first thing I saw online today, at the very beginning of November, was the new Nars Holiday 2011 collection. I have to say love every bit of it. They never do me wrong. My favorites would have to be the Arabian Nights Eyeshadow Trio, Endless Night Nail Laquer and the Joyous Red Lipstick. All perfect for the holidays.
St. Mark's Place Long Lasting Eyeliner $23, Campo de' Fiori Long Lasting Eyeliner $23, Albatross Highlighter $24, Space Odyssey Nail Laquer $17, Endless Night Nail Laquer $17, Arabian Nights Eyeshadow Trio $47, Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush $27, Mandchourie Eyeshadow Duo $33, Joyous Red Lipstick $24, G Spot Multiple $39, Ponderosa Cream Eyeshadow $23

Bronzed Beauty

For me, bronzer is a summer essential. Nothing looks better than a fresh, sun-kissed glow on your face. However, bronzer can either be your friend or foe. Either you can have the perfect just-came-from-the-beach look or the over-applyed-way-to-bronzed look. There is a fine line between the two. Knowing your natural skin tone is key. Your bronzer should be about two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Following this rule is a must, otherwise you'll end up looking like an oompa loompa. These products are amazing for anyone who wants to achieve that summer bronze look. From bronzers to tanning towelettes to self tanner to suntan lotion, there's something for everyone.

1. Mac Bronzing Powder $23 2. Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer $6 3. Dior Bronze Original Tan $44 4. Chanel 5. Urban Decay Baked Brozer $26 6. Nars Laguna Bronzer $33 7. Tan Towel Self-Tan Towelette $10 8. Kate Somerville Tanning Towelettes $48 9. Jergens Natural Glow 10. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel $33 11. St. Tropez Gradual Self Tanner $3012. Maui Babe Bronzing Lotion $12 13. Clinique Sun SPF $2114. Shisedo Sun Protection Lotion $34 15. Australian Gold Suntan Lotion $9 16. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Lotion $8

NARS

As a self- proclaimed beauty junkie, I could not be more excited about NARS’ Summer 2011 Collection. The new collection available as of this past Friday, “takes us away to the tropics with its new range of products punctuated in vivid, nature-defying shades like sea foam, mandarin orange and sunflower yellow.” The colors are bold, bright, and beautiful. I am completely obsessed with the eyeshadow trio and love the cantaloupe and coral colors of the lip products. 

All products are available now on the NARS website. Cap Ferrat Trio Eyeshadow $45, Ecume Nail Polish $17, Wonder Lip Gloss $24, Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick $25, Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil $24, Queen Soft Touch Shadow Pencil $24, Exotic Dance Duo Eyeshadow $33, Dogon Duo Eyeshadow $33.

Beauty Essentials

When I started working at Sephora a couple of months ago I only knew the basics about beauty and hair products. I've learned a lot of beauty secrets and tips from working there and can now say that I am well informed on which products work and which don't. These are my favorite products.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion This lotion leaves your skin feeling smooth and extremely moisturized. $7

Clinique Moisture Surge This moisturizer works wonders for my skin. I bought my mom a similar moisturizer from Clinique and had been secretly using it every day. It got to the point where she hid it from me. (Of course I found her hiding spot.) I finally decided to buy one of my own and I’ve fallen in love. I have very dry skin and this seriously does give my skin “thirst relief”. $34

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer I personally don’t like to wear foundation. This tinted moisturizer evens out your skin tone while still being a light alternative to heavy foundation. $42

Nars Bronzer in Laguna This bronzer gives you a nice glow no matter what skin tone you are. I have very fair skin in the winter and still use this every day. It doesn’t make your skin look orange. It’s the perfect thing to give you that beachy afterglow. $33

Murad Acne Spot Treatment Every once in a while I have small breakouts and this stuff is amazing. I just dab it on as soon as I see a pimple coming and it’s gone by the next day. $18

Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm My best friend turned me onto this lip balm years ago and I have remained loyal to it. I have yet to find a more moisturizing lip balm. The strawberry scent is just an added bonus. It also comes in a tube but I’ve always been a fan of the tin pot it comes in. $7

Moroccan Oil I had never heard of Moroccan Oil until I worked at Sephora and suddenly I was hearing it at least twice a day. I decided to see for myself what all the fuss was about and this serum definitely lives up to its reputation. It strengthens and smooths your hair and smells great. $38

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish The winter season brings on some serious chapped lips. This sugar lip polish exfoliates and leaves your lips smooth and kissable. $22.50

Nexxus Heat Protectant Spray I blow dry and straighten my hair almost every day. This protects my hair from the daily damage I submit it to. $12

Fekkai Glossing Shine Mist This glossing mist is the best finish for any hairstyle. It leaves your hair looking gorgeous and shiny and has a little bit of hold. $21

Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes One wipe goes a long way. These wipes take off all your makeup and don’t leave your eyes irritated or dry. $5

DiorShow Iconic Mascara I have yet to find a mascara that I love but as of right now this is my favorite. It separates and curls my lashes making them look longer and fuller. $28