My Travel Makeup Bag Essentials

Is it sad to admit that I've never flown on a plane by myself before I went to Arizona last month? Yeah, probably pretty sad. But besides that the next stressful thing was packing. Not that I hadn't had to do it for other types of trips, but with the whole TSA regulations it was just another thing to worry about traveling alone.

My makeup essentials are pretty basic to start with, but the fact that I couldn't bring my two favorite eyeshadow palettes were a bummer. I decided (besides any liquids and creams) to fit everything into this medium sized patent cosmetic case from Tory Burch. (Detailed photos of the bag below).

• Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: I actually got gifted this (twice!). Guess people know that I love my UD eyeshadows. Perfect size for traveling + a huge mirror = A+
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: Can't remember the last time I actually paid for one of these since I keep getting it with palettes. I ain't complaining. I love that they've brought back the doe foot applicator. 
• Benefit Hoola Bronzer: I can't finish my makeup without finishing off with my go-to bronzer.
• Benefit Rockateur Blush: Got suckered into getting this the last time I was getting my eyebrows done. But it's the perfect blush/highlighter combo. 
• Stila Kitten Eyeshadow: Okay, I couldn't just go with just a basic palette. I need my shimmery highlight colors. 
• Wet n Wild Nutty Eyeshadow: So inexpensive, but works pretty great. Definitely worthy of all the hype.
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: My trusty curler that I've had for over seven years. (I've finally retired it for another one which I'll share in my next favorites post). 
• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: I always have a backup of these on hand since it's the only liquid eyeliner I use.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Dark Brown Brow Wiz: Another can't-live-without-product. I'm constantly repurchasing these as well. 
• Ecotools Eye Brushes: I've had these for so long and probably got them in a set at the drugstore. They haven't failed me so far. Plus they still look great and are super soft. 
• e.l.f. Complexion Brush: I actually use this for bronzer since I like a bigger brush for less streakiness.
• Real Techniques Blush Brush: This brand makes good quality makeup brushes that you can buy at the drugstore. I've slowly been collecting a few that I've always wanted, like this blush brush.

I got this cosmetic case as a gift two years back so I'm not sure if the price is the same as the updated version that they sell now. It looks like this exact one isn't made anymore. But it's pretty much identical to this one. The only difference is that the newer one is slightly smaller and shaped more circular while the one I have is more rectangular.

March Favorites 2015

I seem to have a lot of nail related products as my favorite for last month. I think it's because I've found my perfect combo of base coat, top coat, and remover so it makes the process of doing my nails so much better. I've been pretty good about not purchasing too many makeup items which is why there's an absence of them for March. 

•  Soy Iced Latte Candle. I normally am not a fan of candles that smell like food, but I love a good coffee/espresso candle. It's just like being a coffee shop! Target has their own line of candles that aren't too pricey that I always purchase. They've been good about adding new scents to the collection, and this iced latte one is one of them. It's about the same size as the Bath and Body Works 3-wick candle for half the price. The only downside is that it only has 1 wick so it doesn't burn as evenly as I'd like. Other than that it's amazing. Definitely my favorite scent from that range. It comes in an even bigger size too! (Target doesn't list all these candles on their website, but they do have the Sugar Blossom one on there. I also highly recommend that one if you want something light and fresh. The full range is almost always fully stocked in stores).
• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat. I originally bought this in conjunction with one of their miracle gel color line polishes. It worked decently but I wasn't a big fan of the huge packaging. I decided to try just the top coat along with my other polishes from O.P.I and Essie, and it's actually become my new favorite top coat. It's so easy to apply since the brush is on the wider side so usually one or two quick strokes is all you need. On top of that it lengthens the time of my manicures. There is some slight chipping since I'm always typing on a keyboard, but so little you can't tell unless you're examining your nails up close.

•  Essie Topless and Barefoot Nail Polish. I think because there has been more surgery days and it has forced me to be more neutral about my polish colors, I've actually come to enjoy them. I'm not one to wear the same color twice in a row, but I pretty much wore only this all of March. Along with the Sally Hansen top coat it has been my go-to manicure all last month.

•  Zoya 3-in-1 Polish Remover. I've been meaning to try this nail polish remover for a while now and finally picked it up from Ulta a few months ago. I always end up with half used polish removers, but this is the only one I've been reaching for lately. It does a great job of removing my polish, and its smell is not offensive. One of the main reasons why I like to use this is for its pump. I can't count how many times I've accidentally knocked over a polish remover bottle. The pump makes it easy to just take a cotton round and soak the remover onto the pad without having to pick up the entire bottle.
• L'oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. The only time I put products in my hair is when I'm using a hair serum. Other than that I prefer to keep my hair product-free. Lately though I've been straightening my hair due to its length and the little baby hairs that stick up around my face have been bugging me like no other! I bought the mini size of this a long time ago just to have on hand, but I've started to use this pretty regularly.. I basically spray some into my hand and use it to pat down any hairs that are sticking up.

•  Shashi Lilu Bracelet. This is another old favorite that has come into rotation again. It's a simple, delicate bead bracelet with colorful, miniature tassels adorned all around. It's easy to wear by itself, but also looks great stacked up with other bracelets and even watches. Unfortunately it looks like the clear beaded version of this bracelet is no longer available, but Shashi still makes this exact item just in different colors. (I'm actually wearing this in my most recent Instagram post even though it's a little hard to tell).

• Michael Kors Stacked Pyramid Pave Ring. Most of the jewelry that my boyfriend has gifted to me I've picked out myself. His taste in jewelry and my taste in jewelry is very different. We've been together long enough where if I like something I'll show him and he'll keep it in mind for a future gift-giving-occasion. You won't believe how surprised I was when he actually picked out this MK ring HIMSELF. He knows I do like the whole pyramid/studded design which is why he ended up getting me this. I love how it's a statement piece, but you can subdue it by taking out two of the pieces. You can also wear it with the band (with the logo on it) facing upright or upside down. He did good folks.

Almost Spring Wishlist

I think the fact that I have a trip coming up has actually gotten me excited about looking into new items to add to my closet. And once I get into one of these moods it's hard to stop. I mean, just the other day I made an Amazon order, a Loft order, and am pretty close to making a J.Crew one after obtaining a 30% off coupon code.

Here a couple things that I've only thought about buying but haven't (yet).
1. Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana Perfume. I normally try to avoid the pushy sales ladies on the department store floors, but one managed to hand me a sample of this and go into a spiel about how it was new and had some exotic flower in the ingredients. I decided to smell it just to be polite, and FELL IN LOVE. I know, that's pretty dramatic. But I'm picky about perfumes and have been using the same one for five years now. I picked up the smallest spray possible on Sephora (since it is quite expensive), but I've gone through more than half of it now. I think it's time to invest in the next size up.
2. Ray Ban Eyeglasses (RB5228 in Brown/Pink). I normally wear contacts but wear my glasses whenever I'm at home since my eyes tend to get pretty dry (typical asian female yo). I've never found any frames I like enough to consider wearing them out and about, but I tried these on and they just worked on my face shape. It's been almost a year since I discovered them and think it's time to invest. (Though with the amount I'm working at the surgery office I don't know how practical that's going to be. I mean it's a little weird to be working in a LASIK center and be wearing GLASSES).
3. Kitten Espadrilles. I need a pair of warm weather shoes that aren't sandals and these look comfy enough to wear out and about without being sneakers. (Though I still love my black Nikes to death).
4. Lexi Round Sunglasses. While I love the whole round sunglasses trend, I just know they won't work on me (*tear). These still have round lenses while the frames give the illusion that they actually have a slight cat eye shape.
5. Gold Apple MacBook. Okay this is more about the fact that it's GOLD. I mean, look how pretty that is. But I really couldn't live with just one port. And anyone who says they can is lying.
6. DV by Dolce Vita Cassidy Boot. A flat, black pair of ankle boots have been on my wishlist forever but I've never found a pair that I've liked. I honestly just wanted something simple and comfortable that could be worn with a variety of different outfits. These qualities were a lot harder than I thought it was to find. I tried these on at the store around Christmas time last year, but ended up buying another pair of shoes on my list (finally checked off a pair of tall brown leather boots). I'm tempted to order these before my trip and just switch between these and my flat tan suede booties...
7. Get It Together Pencil Pouch. I know Ban.do's planner with this saying is super popular but this pencil pouch appealed to me more (and it's in stock!). I like that it's flat and could even be used as a small makeup bag.
8. Tonal Windowpane Scarf. I've realized that I really like this windowpane pattern that's becoming popular. One of the items in my most recent Loft order is actually a blouse with a black and white windowpane pattern (will share if I end up liking it). I like how the pattern on this scarf is more subtle though and still lightweight enough to wear in this almost-spring-weather.

February Favorites 2015

I thought I would bring back these monthly favorite posts since I tend to shop too much and love trying new things. So why not share them on here? (Ironically I noticed the last time I did this was February as well...but two years ago, oops).

• Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple. I actually first noticed this book because of its cover. And this was before I even saw it in full color since it was one of the covers on my Kindle box when I first received it. My friend started reading it (and never finished) but she did rave about it so I decided to pick it up when I was feeling in the mood for a real, physical book. It was a pretty easy read for me so that was nice. Not too heavy but entertaining. Most of the book is written via correspondence between all the different characters. The narrator's mom (who is Bernadette) is hilarious. Definitely my favorite character throughout the novel.
• Symphonized Noise Isolating Headphones. Small, portable headphones that also isolate noise are a must for a public transportation commuter like me. I live pretty far from work so I have to get up extra early to arrive on time. Every morning I try to at least get some more sleep on my train ride, though it gets difficult when the moving train makes so much noise. I never cared about noise isolating headphones till I started commuting. Now I can't survive without them. I used to use these white Skull Candy ones that I was obsessed with, but after having to re-purchase them for a second time after they broke I decided to look into a different brand. I saw all the good reviews on Amazon and for the price I couldn't pass them up! They are made out of genuine wood and on top of looking pretty darn cool they work amazing. The only gripe I have with them is that they don't have volume control. This is a bummer since I try to keep my phone tucked away on the train (I've seen way too many people have their phones snatched). 
• Ariella Collection Crystal Ear Jackets. I have been looking for some ear jacket earrings ever since they started becoming popular. I know Bauble Bar usually has a good collection, but never got around to making an order since the ones I had my eye on were always sold out. I decided to browse through Nordstrom's earrings when I was making an online order and saw these. I had never heard of the brand before, but they appealed to me right away. I have pretty much been wearing them every single day since I've gotten them. I have never gotten more compliments on a pair of earrings until I got these (the fact that my hair is shorter probably helps too). They aren't too flashy that I can't wear them to work, but are noticeable enough that I've gotten comments on them from patients, coworkers, and other strangers alike.
• Laneige Multi-Cleanser. I originally was buying a cream from this brand for my mom at Target when they happened to be having a special where if you bought something from Laneige you got a free mini sample set. In it happened to be this cleanser. I'm pretty happy with my Cetaphil cleanser but decided to try this out one evening after I had finished taking most of my makeup off with a wipe. The description claims to "melt away sunscreen and makeup." Most cleansers that state this are usually too harsh and drying for my skin, but this one didn't give me any of those side effects. It almost gives your skin a squeaky-clean feeling without making it feel too stripped of essential oils. The cleanser does contain "exfoliating papaya" but I wouldn't recommend it if you're just interested in an exfoliater since the papaya dissolves pretty rapidly. I don't mind since I have a separate cleanser I use just for that and I don't want my main cleanser to have that property anyways. I now switch off between this and my Cetaphil cleanser.
• NatureBox Strawberry Greek Yogurt Pretzels. I've had a subscription to this company for a while since I love snacking. I try not to get them every month though since I'm the only one who's usually eating them and it takes me a while to get through them. I recently made a new order after not getting a shipment in a while and loved these pretzels. They are just the right amount of sweet and crunchy. I almost finished the whole bag in one day...(You can find promo codes online if you're interested in signing up for NatureBox. I also am able to send three invites to anyone interested in joining where you can get a free deluxe box [the size I get] for the first month).

Nighttime Skincare Routine

You know you're getting older when you actually have a skincare regime. I remember back then when people used to ask what I did I would literally answer, "Soap and water!" My skin has always been sensitive and dry so I didn't mess with what didn't need fixing.

The past year or so I've really changed up my skincare regime. It's probably also due to the fact that since I'm working I tend to wear more makeup. I just don't feel put together or professional without some foundation. I can usually leave out the wipes if it's just a regular day since I try to avoid wearing a product all over my face (except lotion/sunscreen) if I don't have to.

At the end of the day I'm usually itching to clean my face, but I'm also exhausted and hungry. So I'll quickly take the majority of my makeup off with whatever makeup remover wipes I have on hand. The Simple Radiance Wipes are what I'm currently using, though I do like to try different brands every time I run out. (I haven't found one that I absolutely love yet).

After I've gotten some dinner and feel a bit more human I'll finish up with the rest of my routine before I head to bed. That consists of using Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover to get that waterproof eye makeup that I use off. (I've been using this for years and it's definitely a HG product). Then I'll go in with my Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to actually wash my face. This is a great cleanser for my skin type since it doesn't strip it of its moisture. Before I put on any lotion or creams I'll wipe my face with a few drops of the The Body Shop's Seaweed Clarifying Toner, mainly concentrating on T-zone. And two new products I've been loving to finish off my routine are from the Vitamin E line, also from The Body Shop. I'll moisturize with the Nourishing Night Cream and add the Eye Cream as well.

Overall still pretty simple compared to some other people's skincare routines, but it works for me. And I can go to bed in peace knowing I'm not leaving any residue from the day on my face.

After Holidays Haul

 

This is a bit late, but I did a little bit of shopping after the holidays. You would think after all the shopping I had to do for Christmas presents I wouldn't even want to think about it. I did have a couple coupons that were going to expire so I decided to stop by the mall.

I still had a few "Christmas" gifts that I had to give to friends (that I just waited to do at the end since I wasn't going to see them till the new year), so I managed to pick up some great 50% holiday-themed gift bags and wrapping essentials. I tried to pick the least Christmas-y ones so I could potentially use them during the year as well. 

I've been wanting to try a few things from The Body Shop so I stopped in. I only wanted to get the Vitamin E Eye Cream and the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream, but they had a buy-three-get-one-free deal so I ended up with the Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and the Seaweed Clarifying Toner. The last two were recommended by one of the girls working there. She definitely steered me in the right direction after asking me questions about my skin type. I've used all four of the products at least once, but I'd probably need to try it more to get a solid opinion on each. So far I am really liking the eye and night cream from the Vitamin E line.

I also stopped by Bath and Body Works since they were also having a 50% off sale on certain items. My mom is always wanting candles so I mainly stopped by to pick up a couple for her. I picked Party Dress for myself (which I'm actually burning right now) and I might get another one as soon as it's all gone. While I do like BBW's candles they can be quite strong, so as nice as the scent can be in the store it can be overwhelming once you start burning it. This one is lighter and I haven't gotten sick of it. For my mom I purchased Tuscan Herbs (pretty unique and light as well), Lily Ponds, and Villa Bergamot. The last two were strong though and the last one especially smelled like a cologne so might steer clear of those.

Since this "haul" I haven't gotten shopping since, which is probably a good thing since I bank account needs to recover after the holidays. That and I shouldn't be distracting myself when this is supposed to be a hardcore study month for my OATs in February. And like I mentioned in my last post, this month is pretty hectic surgery-wise. The chief optometrist just e-mailed us the other day with a break down of the schedule for tomorrow. I need to be in there a little before 8am meaning that I'll have to be on the train by 6am...This is why I can't get any studying in after I get home from work. After dinner I am passed. out. She did mention that we're having really nice/awesome patients tomorrow though so we'll see how that turns out. Crossing my fingers for no complications and that everything will go according to the schedule.

February 2013 Favorites

I thought it would be a good idea to start doing these every month since I'm always buying new beauty products. I tried to be a bit better this month, but obviously that didn't happen (okay maybe two of these were from the end of January so that isn't as bad, right?).

 

I've decided to be better about wearing sunscreen if I'm going outside at all, especially now that it's getting warmer and sunnier. I asked for some recommendations and my friend tweeted me about the Ole Henriksen Protect The Truth SPF 50+ sunscreen. I've been using it pretty consistently and I love it, which is pretty rare for me to say about a sunscreen. It does have that "sunscreen-y" consistency but it actually smells quite nice; it has a light citrus-y smell that disappears after application. Overall definitely one of the better high-end products I've bought. 

I've been loving the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer (even if it is a shade too light for me). I don't really have blemishes to cover up but I do tend to get dark circles. I've found that the past couple concealers that I've tried are just not moisturizing enough for me but this one is great. Plus the applicator gets just the right amount of product out.

 

I should have just stuck with the one concealer but so many people had been raving about the Revlon Photo Ready Concealer that I had to pick it up. I made the mistake of going too light with the first one so of course in the Revlon one I went a shade too dark. It's not horrible but I feel like this color would work better for covering up blemishes (which I don't really have -- the only pro about having drier skin). I don't know if I love it better than the Maybelline one to repurchase once I'm done though. It's definitely not as creamy so it takes a bit more work if you're trying to use this as just an undereye concealer.

And here comes the beginning of the lip products...So first off I tried to be good (again, fail) and stop my obsession, but this Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink is so different from any other color that I decided it was okay. I've only tried this line one other time (in an even darker color) and I do really like the formula of it. I find it very hydrating which is a must for my lips but this line has mainly lipstick colors that have shimmer in them, which just doesn't work for me.

 

I never thought much about Too Faced's lipsticks until I heard Jen from From Head to Toe raving about it recently in her favorites video. I'm always on the lookout for that magical, moisturizing lipstick that won't make my lips drier. So I picked up the Too Faced La Crème Lipstick in Spice Spice Baby (the same one Jen has), and I think for the price it's a great high-end lip product. The packaging, including the box, is gorgeous and the colors are so pigmented. This color is definitely a my-lips-but-better color, which I've heard their lipsticks are great for. I might go pick up another color if I end up wearing this often.  

 

I rarely find lipglosses that I love but this one is my favorite one out of my entire collection as of now. I tried a NYX lipgloss a couple months ago and remembered not liking it (and returned it). I decided to give it a second chance and picked up the NYX Lipgloss with Mega Shine in Beige. I know it's weird that it's called that when it's clearly pink, but it's that wonderfully nude/pink that I've been looking for. I love it on it's own or paired on top of a lipstick.

And just for a random little favorite of the month, it would be this new game/app that I've downloaded called Fun Run. It's available both on the iOS and Android, and it's ridiculously addicting. I was crazy for Mario Kart when I was a kid so this game is right up my alley.

Current Favorites

First off let me say that I know that it's ridiculous that it's been over a year since I last updated in here. I have a terrible habit of getting really into things for a while, and then because something in my life changes (ie: moving back home) I can't fit all those things in my life anymore.

But I still want to keep up with writing/blogging. My friend that I met through Livejournal does update every now and then on her blog so it got me motivated to start this up again. I decided that I would revamp the layout to help me get started. (So all my efforts to make this place look pretty doesn't go to waste!)

Since it's been a while...I thought I'd start off with a few of my favorite things (all very, very random).

Books

I'm usually such a big reader, but haven't been good about reading anything other than magazines for the past couple months. When I found out that The Perks of Being a Wallflower was being turned into a movie I knew I had to pick it up before watching it. I haven't gotten too far into it, but it's definitely a fun read. 

Inside of a Dog is another book I purchased (sadly all through Target since there are no more bookstores in my area...tear). It's a more science-y book, which I do like, but I have to be in the mood for something more "intellectual" to start this. I am halfway through this one though! If you're a dog lover and/or own dogs then this is an interesting read.

Beauty

Surprisingly not too many beauty favorites since I've been cutting down on my makeup purchases lately. I know the L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows have been popular for a while, but I only just tried Bronzed Taupe and it's so lovely! I am especially impressed by the texture of them. They are so soft, velvety, and apply easily. I always wear my shadows with a primer, but even without the staying power on these are quite good. 

For lip balm, I have been loving this Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm. Since the Soft Lips chapsticks are my HG I usually don't look for new lip balms, but these are great for applying right before bed. And while I'm not a fan of rose scents, this one smells nice; not too overpowering. 

 

Bags

 Since I've started taking classes again I needed something that could carry everything for work, school, and play. So I had bought a decent-sized tote bag from Urban Outfitters for about $50. Unfortunately after a couple of wears the zippers on the sides broke. Then I decided to just purchase something that would last me for a long time, even if I had to invest a little more. Hence came the Longchamp Le Pliage purchase. I never got the appeal of these bags when they first became popular, and even resisted a little when deciding to get this since so many people own these. But seeing that I commute a long ways to work and school, consisting of both public transit and walking, this bag would fit perfectly for that. It a) carries a ton and is lightweight, b) is water-resistant (I'll be walking a lot through rain) and c) it can be folded up and used for travel. I went with the color "Bordeaux", which is one of the newer colors they have out, so I can at least have that in uniqueness.

And onto my next favorite...this Sonia Kashuk Makeup Bag. She always has the most fun patterns and colors for her makeup bags so I decided it was time to upgrade to something that could fit more of my stuff. I liked that this one was made out of a more stain/water resistant material, opened up all the way, and had two long zippered-pockets inside. It couldn't be more perfect. 

Food

Like I said, these are random. First off, I love carrying around these Chex 100 Calorie Snack Mixes in my bag when I get hunger cravings. They're not the healthiest things per say, but they're super yummy and help keep my blood sugar up. And for something more fancy I adore Godiva's Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Honestly their high quality chocolate really makes a difference. I treat myself to a bag of these every once in a while when I'm in San Francisco (unfortunately...or fortunately...this has the nearest Godiva in my location).

And that finally concludes my current favorites post. Obviously after a year of not updating this is what happens. I already have ideas of things I want to blog about so I'll try to be better about keeping this blog updated. Fingers crossed.

Polish Addiction

So I really wanted the Stranger Tides polish from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection, so I stopped by the nearest O.P.I. selling store. Of course other colors ended up catching my eye, and they told me it was a buy-3-get-1-free deal so how could I resist?

From left-to-right: I Vant to be A-Lone Star, Dulce de Leche, Stranger Tides, & Lucky Lucky Lavender.

Summer Time Wishlist

As gloomy as the weather has been, it hasn't thwarted me from fantasizing about things I want for the summer. Even though yesterday called for my leather boots and cargo jacket, I've already been ordering warmer weather pieces such as the heart-shaped sunglasses above. This summer is definitely all about easy, flowy pieces with pops of color and print.

• Urban Outfitters Sweetheart Sunglasses
• Top Shop Blue Flower Cutout Dress
• Jessica Matrasko Allison Ring
• Steve Madden Fantsikl Wedges
• Elizabeth and James Estelle Blouse
• ASOS Leather Portfolio Clutch
• Yves Saint Luarent Rouge Volupte Lipstick

Easy to do leopard print nails

I've never been that into making my nails elobarote so I usually stick to one color all over. But recently I've been wanting to try leopard print nails in a way that wasn't too obnoxious. Hence why I stuck to classic black and white prints against an almost-nude pink background. (I used Forever 21's polish in Mauve and Milani's Nail Art polishes in Black Sketch and White Canvas. Of course feel free to use whatever colors you desire).

• First, start off with however many coats of your base color you need. (I used three since this polish is so sheer).

• When your base is completely dry, start making a few dots, placed randomly, on each nail. I did about 4-5 dots each (it's okay if they're not perfectly round).

• While it's fine to use the given nail polish brush to make the lines, I like to use an old felt tip eyeliner for extra precision.

• Start making outlines around each circle. Make sure they're not too perfect! I like to have some fully closed outlines, and leave others slightly undone.

• Once everything is dry, finish off with a top coat to preserve your designs for as long as possible!

I can't get you out of my head

I've kind of been in an obsessive shopping mood lately, but (thankfully) I have curbed my cravings and have only purchased a few items that I actually need. Though impulse purchases have been to a minimum, my I-want-to-get-this-eventually list has been growing longer!

• There are so many lace-up booties out there, but these in particular caught my eye. Not too crazy and the perfect heel height.
• I didn't realize how hard it would be to find a relatively inexpensive, but simple quilted chain bag. Everything's either overpriced or plain ugly. But this one is the perfect all around.
• Usually palettes don't interest me, but the Urban Decay Naked Palette has been getting so many good reviews it's hard not to want it.
• I don't know if it's blatantly obvious by now, but I have this about rings and knuckle/armor rings in general. I thought I would get over this one by now, but I can't stop visiting the site to stare at it! (It doesn't help the Free People catalog arrived yesterday and it was featured on practically every page).
• I love Nicole Richie's Winter Kate collection, and this cardigan is my absolute favorite.
• Out of all the Mulberry for Target bags, this one caught my eye right away. Perfect for carrying around all the junk I need throughout the day.

5 summer go-to products

I know it's already August but I've been meaning to do this post for a while, and after going to Vegas it really made me appreciate some of my beauty products more (hello primer!). Not all of these are specific to the weather but are more geared to what I tend to use the most in this season.

• I don't use foundation, but when I do want to even out my skintone I go for tinted moisturizers. The two reasons why I adore them are because they're moisturizing (perfect for my skin) and provide light coverage. My friend actually introduced me to Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer and I haven't stopped using it since. It provides even lighter coverage than my usual tinted moisturizer, but it gives you this dewy look that illuminates your whole face.
• I've always been a bronzer girl and I've been using Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer as long as I've been using makeup. It is matte, though when you look at it in the case you can detect slight shimmers. This I feel allows the bronzer to look less heavy and unnatural on your face. I actually use this year-round!
• I'm not a big fan of their eyeshadows, but I do like Cover Girl Eye Enhancer Shadows in Country Woods for their neutral, shimmery shades. I like to use gold colors during the summer and the second shadow in the palette is the perfect one.
• My lips are addicted to Softlips Chapstick, no joke. But they're the only ones I've found to actually moisturize my lips. I like that they're SPF 20 since people tend to forget that your lips need to be protected too.
• When it's hot out and I know I'm going to be outside for a long period of time, I'll start off with a primer before putting on makeup. Make Up Forever's HD Microperfecting Primer works wonders with just a pump to cover my entire face. Another plus is that it goes on so smoothly which is something I always look for when I'm using something that goes on my skin (which tends to be dry).

Random little purchases

• I've been meaning to get my hands on Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for such a long time, and I finally bought one two weeks ago. I have to admit I love the pretty little case it came in!
• I love Clinique's Superblam Moisturizing Lip Gloss! I got it in "mango" and it's also another one of those things I've been meaning to get for a while. It's pretty, with just a slight hint of color.
• I got recommended this Rimmel Lipstick in Airy Fairy by Jen (of Frm Head to Toe). I'm glad I asked her since I adore the color. It's the perfect light pink that isn't the slightest bit frosty.
• Guess what? I finally found N.Y.C's "Peach Glow" that I mentioned weeks ago! It just so happened to be at this Walmart on the drive back from my hometown. Funny, because I wasn't even going to bother looking in their makeup section until my friend suggested it to me. I've been wearing it much pretty everyday since I've bought it.
• This Merona gold watch was back in stock when I checked out my Target, so I knew I had to buy it this time. I haven't worn it yet since it still needs to be adjusted, but it's the perfect men's style watch I've been coveting.
• My friend always chews Trident Layers so she got me hooked. So yummy!

PS, sorry for the lack of posts the past week. I spent my mini summer vacation at home so I was pretty much MIA from the computer/internet. But more frequent updates from now on!

Ecotools: 6 Piece Brush Set

I've been meaning to buy an eyeliner brush after realizing the one that came with a cream eyeliner I bought was crap (to put it lightly). I don't use it too often, so I decided a drugstore brush would do just fine. After browsing I decided to go with the Ecotools Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set since it was the same price as a single eyeliner brush. I've never tried any of their products before, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found the brushes to exceed my expectations. While I don't use all of them regularly they've held up quite well, with no shedding. On top of that, they are all unbelievably soft! (Which is one of the first qualities I always look for in a makeup brush).

Even though I bought this set for the eyeliner brush, I found that I use the blush brush quite often since I like it so much better than my usual one. The concealer brush and lash/brow groomer aren't used as frequently, but definitely come in handy! The cotton/hemp case is also a nice feature since I tend to just throw my brushes around. Of course a big plus is that it's earth-friendly.

It's always nice to be so satisfied with an unplanned purchase.

PS: Added more things to the shop!