Tag: beauty

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Fashion

Spring Beauty Finds

Hi all!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having an enjoyable smooth week so far. As we make our way through April and Spring, you may be making the change from one season to the next, whether it’s by switching out clothes, home decor or beauty products.

I’ve been testing and trying some new beauty products this spring and after using them for the past month, I wanted to share my thoughts with you. These products are a mix of makeup and tools that I have been using for my skin for when I head to work. I’ve had luck by adding these products to my makeup regime and maybe you will too. 

Here’s some of my new favorite products.

Skin

Let’s start with the skin. I really love Elf products and recently started using their power grip primer. It’s a gel and goes smoothly but it does feel sticky once it’s on your face, so I would recommend putting on your primer, then let it set for a few before applying the rest of your makeup. I have found that my foundation and my blush and bronzer stay on better with the power grip primer. It’s also affordable too and easy to find at most stores.

Face

For the face, I have been a powder foundation girl through and through for years. I still use powder foundation occasionally, but I recently made the switch to liquid foundation for workdays. I have been using Sephora’s foundation from their line “Best Skin Ever” and really have been loving it. I found a color that goes great with my skin. I typically use two pumps of the foundation and spread and blend it on my face. I also have been using the Sephora “Best Skin Ever” concealer too for my eyes and for cover up and have really been loving it too. The coverage is great, it stays on all day and it doesn’t get runny or smears through the day which is a huge win!

Eyes

I have really been working on my eye makeup and think I have found a system that really works for me when it comes to products and applying them. I start with my primer, then do my eyebrows. This brush is great for touchups, color for the eyebrows and smoothing them all out in the right direction.

I will finish my brows off my using this eyebrow brow lift to make sure everything stays in place. I typically will use disposable brushes to apply the gel. 

I will apply concealer all over my eyelids, then use this Neutral Morphe eye shadow pallet for a light base over the concealer, I will use some of the darker colors on the outside and then use a bit of shimmer in the center. After the eye shadow comes the eyeliner and then mascara.

I will finish off my makeup by applying a bit of blush and bronzer and a bit of highlight too. Add some lip color, whether it be gloss or lip stick and you are good to go.

The final look using all my products!

That’s a look into some of my favorite products that I have been trying this spring. I try to stick with products I know and love, but it’s fun to branch out and try new things. Have you tried any new products that you love or any new techniques? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Glamming!

Categories
Let's Look

Let’s Look: Amazon Purchases

Hi all! Happy Wednesday! I hope your March is going smoothly and you start to see the beginnings of SPRING! We’ve had a mild winter so far, but I’m already craving the sunshine and 50 degree temperatures. 

Today I’m linking up with Erika and Shay for this month’s edition of Let’s Look. Every month, whoever links up gives you a look into a different aspect of their lives.

This month it’s about all time favorite Amazon purchases! I have to be honest, I use Amazon, but I do prefer to shop in stores. Amazon definitely makes it easier to order things you need in a pinch, but sometimes it’s fun to browse stores and the aisles. 

Here’s some fun things I’ve bought from Amazon recently. 

Photo Frame-Not a super fun purchase, but I needed it for a gift and rather than going to multiple craft stores to find this large frame, I went on my Amazon app, ordered the it and had it shipped to my house in two days. I could choose the color and size and it was inexpensive too. Just what I was looking for.

Jeep Key Fob Cover- One of my co-workers had this cover for her key fob and I loved how it looked (so sleek and sophisticated) so I wanted to get one for myself. This soft rubber key fob slips right over your key fob. A larger key ring also comes with it, so you can slip it right over onto your wallet or key ring. When I was looking on Amazon for it, I came across other covers for different cars and their keys. My mom loved how mine looked, so she ordered a cover for her key fob, (a different make and model than mine)! It wasn’t too expensive, but it was more of a fun purchase than a practical one. But every time I see it, does it bring me joy? You bet!

Charging Station for iPhone– I talked about this purchase in my Friday Favorites at the beginning of the year, but I wanted to bring it back again. I got this three in one charging station for my phone and apple watch. You can charge your AirPods too, but I don’t have AirPods, so I don’t use that feature. I love how I don’t have to worry about multiple cords and chargers anymore. it’s one plug and everything gets charged. I also have a pop socket/ring on the back of my phone, and you can still charge it with it on. The only catch is to make sure when you order it, it’s compatible for your version of your watch, phone and AirPods. It comes in multiple colors and it affordable and it saves you time and energy from searching for multiple cords.

Spare-No surprise here that I pre-ordered Spare and it arrived on the day it came out. The library is typically my go-to for books, but I do order books if I know I will want to re-read it or hold onto them. Amazon made it easy for me start reading right away!

Heatless Curling Rod Headband-This will be getting its own post soon enough, but like many others, I purchased this curling rod headband that gives your curls without using heat. I’ve tried it a handful of times and have been pleased with it, but still need to try it out different ways to really get the hang of it. But Amazon made it so easy to order it and try it within a few days.

That’s a look into some of the things I’ve ordered from Amazon, some fun, some basic, a little bit of everything. What are some of your favorite Amazon purchases? Let me know in the comments below!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #7

Hello all!

Happy Friday! I hope you all had a great week and have something fun planned for this weekend. Like every Friday, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for a new edition of Friday Favorites. Here’s five things that I’m loving this week.

New Scent: Yesterday was the start of the fall season and it happened to coincide with it being time to get a new scent of body spray/lotion. Bath and Body Works is my go-to for lotion, sprays, wall flowers, etc. I always look forward to changing scents when an old scent runs out. I tried this new scented Butterfly and loved it, it’s a fresh but warm smell if that makes sense. It would go perfect for the spring or summer season, but even would work for fall too. I liked the scent so much, I purchased a mini spray for work too. I can’t wait to use it every day.

Eyeshadow Brushes: I am always on the search for new makeup products and things that make getting ready faster and efficient. This next favorite is my no means a new invention. I found a great deal on Amazon for lots of eyeshadow brushes. This pack came in a clear case to keep them all together and in one spot. These brushes will last me a few days since there’s essentially four sponges per stick. I don’t have to worry about washing these brushes, I can just toss them when I’m done with them. I really like that the sponges don’t fall off when applying eye shadow, they provide great coverage on my lids, and they make blending easier. If you are searching for some new brushes, give these a try!

House of Gucci– Again not a new movie, but a new to me movie. I watched House of Gucci last week and loved it. I thought the acting was so well done, from Lady Gaga to Adam Driver and even Jared Leto. Leto was unrecognizable to me. I really enjoyed the fashion, the plot and the build up to the tragic ending. I learned a lot about the Gucci family that I didn’t know before while watching the film too. If you are a fan of the fashion industry, definitely give it a try. There are a few adult scenes and it is a longer movie, so just a few things to consider when planning your next movie night.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies– If you are looking for a movie snack, this might be it. I picked up these mini cookies from Target and loved them. They have the perfect balance of caramel and chocolate chip. They are bite sized cookies so you can eat one or two and your sweet tooth will be satisfied. These would be a great afternoon pick-me-up, lunch snack or movie treat. I loved popping into Target for everything, but seeing their new snacks and trying them out are always a favorite for me!

Sweet Corn– Sticking with food, I’ve been on a sweet corn kick. My family and I have been enjoying a lot of corn while grilling. We’ve enjoyed it with burgers and hot dogs, chicken, even steak. We recently tried putting corn on the grill and I’ve found that I enjoy it even more over the fire compared to boiling them inside on the stove. If you are looking to have one more cookout before the weather turns, consider some sweet corn.

That’s a look at some of my favorite things today. What are you loving today?

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #4

Hey guys! I’m back with another week of Friday Favorites where I link up with Erika and Andrea! There was so many things that I loved this week, it was hard to narrow it down to just five favorites. Without further ado, here we go!

  • Sephora Eye Shadow Palette-I’ve shared before how I’m trying new makeup samples and I got this eye shadow palette from Sephora. This is one of my first Sephora products and I am loving it! I love the colors and how well they blend and stay on. Really pretty shades for the fall and winter months.
  • Wall Flower– I had some coupons from Bath and Body Works and had to stock up on some body care items and had a coupon for a free wall flower. I’ve always used a diffuser with essential oils in my room and loved them, so I never considered a wall flower. I decided to try one out and wow-I love it. The scent is long lasting and it’s not too powerful either. I will definitely be getting more scents for the different seasons. Right now I have Eucalyptus and Mint and it’s so soothing.
Look at the cute succulent plant, love it!
  • Healthy Lunch Options-With a new season and month here, I’m looking to make healthier meal choices. One way I’m doing that is by choosing better foods for my meals. Here’s a look at my lunch from this week. A packet of guac, some multigrain crackers, cheese and carrots. It was well balanced, I got a mix of sweet and salty and it filled me up. I’m on the hunt for more healthier lunch options. If you have any ideas, let me know!
A look at my lunches for the week!
  • Look Both Ways– This was such a cute Netflix movie that I watched last weekend. It tells the story of a young woman on her college graduation night and how one decision changes her life. The movie follows the two directions her life takes. Really cute movie and perfect for a girls night in.
  • Emily Ley’s New Book-Last week, I was talking about Emily’s large note pads from Simplified and this week, I get to talk about her new book, Sure as the Sunrise. I was so excited to learn she wrote a devotional. I already pre-ordered it and I can’t wait to read it and incorporate it in my daily routine. You can pre-order yours here!

That’s another look at some favorites for this week! What have you been loving recently? Have a great weekend!

Categories
Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #3

Happy Final Friday of the month! As we wrap up another week and month, I’m sharing five things I’m loving this week as I’m teaming up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites! Here we go!

  • Peach salad-I have been loving fresh peaches this summer. I had this peach salad at a wedding last weekend and loved the sweetness mixed in with the cheese and greens along with the crunch of nuts. Yum! I definitely want to try my own version of the recipe at some point.

  • Rose Water and Vitamin C serum– I got a few beauty products samples recently and have been testing them out over the past few days. I’ve been using this Squalane, Vitamin C and Rose Water serum by Biossance each night. I apply a few drops to my face each night before bed and I have been really enjoying how it feels on my skin and how I wake up feeling extra refreshed. I’m just using a sample, so I’m not sure if I will invest in it full time, but it’s fun to try it out at the end of summer.
  • 5 Ways to Take Better Breaks During the Workday. I have been a fan of Shondra Rhimes for years, from Grey’s Anatomy to Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and more. I’ve also read her book, Years of Yes and LOVED it! Shonda now has a newsletter that I subscribe too where she has different articles about life, tv, health, and business. I saw this article and found it so informative especially when it comes to the importance of taking those work breaks whether you are in an office or work from home. A great thing to keep in mind as we make our way into a new season.
  • Simplified Large Desk Pad–Simplified is one of my favorite brands and I love all their products, from planners to note books and stickers. When I have a busy day or a long to-do list, their large pads are a go to for me. I have been using this one a lot recently, it’s also great if you need to do a brain dump!

Those are just five things I’m loving this week. Tell me! What’s been a favorite moment of this week for you?

Categories
Fabulous living

A Few Favorite Things

 Happy Wednesday! I hope your week has been going swimmingly. 

As a child, the middle of June always felt like the official start to summer, once school was out. Now as an adult, once Memorial Day weekend arrives, it feels like the summer can begin. 

Even though I just put my bucket list out last week, I’ve already made some headway with summer fun. So far, I’ve enjoyed a trip to the drive-in, grilling and cook outs and eating by the water. Needless to say, it’s already been a very good start to summer.

Seeing the new Top Gun Maverick at the drive-in.

Speaking of good things, today, I wanted to share some things I’ve been loving lately. I’m all about using things that make my life easier, so if I find things I love, then I’m going to share it with you.

Here’s some of my favorite things:

Shoe Eraser: I love wearing white, almost as much as I love wearing black, haha! I wear a lot of white shoes and sneakers in the summer, but one of the things I found was the more I wore them, whether out and about or running errands, they were getting dirty or scuffed up. I got this shoe eraser for Christmas and it works incredible. It’s almost like a magic eraser that you can use for walls or marks. The shoe eraser works great on sneakers and softer leather shoes. I’ve had dirt and scuff marks on shoes and after adding some water to the eraser and lightly scrubbing, the scuff marks are gone. I’ve seen these erasers at Dollar Tree and Amazon, so they are fairly easy to find. If you wear white sneakers, these are a summer must.

You can see how much dirt and scruff was on the shoe.

Ear Bud Cleaner: If you wear headphones, whether they are air pods, other wireless ear buds or wired ear buds, these ear bud cleaners are super helpful. Again, I got this for Christmas and have used it so much, these different tools that you can use to clean your ear buds with, from brushes, to fine tooth combs and event ones like a tooth pick. After cleaning out my headphones, I immediately noticed a difference in the sound. I also wear an earpiece for work and used this little tool kit to clean my ear piece and it was night and day when it comes to the quality of the sound after cleaning. If you are a frequent ear bud user, you may want to consider grabbing this. 

Definitely worth the buy!

Hair Dryer Headband: This next one is more for the ladies. Whether you shower in the morning or night, this headband is a game changer when drying your hair and keeping your hair away from your face when using a face mask, washing your face, or even doing makeup. I don’t use it every night but when I’m pampering myself a bit or I need to dry my hair a bit faster then this is my go-to. There’s also essential oils in the wrap which makes the experience of getting ready a bit more soothing. 

And who doesn’t love a cute bow?!

Silk Pillow case: I’ve been reading about these pillow cases for years and got one for my birthday. I’ve been using it for over a week now and I’ve been loving it. Based on reviews, it helps with your skin and hair and prevents wrinkles, all major wins for me. I’m still new to using it but have been very pleased with it so far. Have you tried a silk pillow case? If so, what are your favorite part about using it?

A favorite way to get to sleep nowadays.

That’s a look into some of my favorite things right now. Some fun, some practical, what are some of your favorite things you are loving in the summer months? Let me know in the comments below! Have a great rest of your week!

Categories
Fitness Travel

Fall Hiking Spots

I need to start today’s post by putting it out there that I’ve never been much of an outdoors or sporty person. I played soccer in the summer when I was in grade school, and I did tennis for one year in middle school. But other than that, I didn’t do too many other sports. I have always enjoyed working out, whether it’s lifting or cardio, but I won’t be competing in the Olympics anytime soon. But walking? That’s up to my speed.

One thing I have always loved is walks. There’s nothing like taking in nature and fresh air while getting in a workout. I took advantage of walks even more during the pandemic. It was a safe way to see people at a distance, get out the house, and have things be semi-normal. I have continued to fall in love with walks and hiking in the past few months and I love traveling to different places to see new things and get in a good walk too. Plus, you can go for a walk in every season-just make sure you dress appropriately.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite spots so far this fall.

-Presque Isle

The beautiful Lake Erie

This may seem like a no brainer, but I love going for walks at Presque Isle. People come from all over the region and I’m lucky enough to have it in my backyard. Whether it’s on the paths by the water or deep in the trails, it’s a beautiful spot to walk in any season.

-The Bayfront

Another view from the Bayfront

Another beautiful spot to go for a walk in the city is on the Bayfront. There’s sidewalks and parks to enjoy time outside and with a beautiful backdrop. I love watching the sunset after taking an evening stroll.

-Erie Bluffs

A hidden gem outside of Erie.

Not the greatest picture, but it was beautiful spot about 20 minutes outside of Erie. Erie Bluffs has a number of trails and walking areas. I stumbled upon a beach and access to water and it was a great place to take in the scenery especially after a long walk.

-Geneva State Park

Another view of Lake Erie, this time from Ohio.

If you are looking to head out of Erie County, then heading over to Ohio for a quick drive is always a good idea. At Geneva State Park, there’s a number of trails, both paved and not paved to enjoy. There’s also the beaches, the camp sites and the vegetation to enjoy. I love getting to see Lake Erie from all different angles.

-Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The creeks and the trees were picture perfect
Another view

If you are up for a bit of an adventure, heading into Ohio, there’s plenty to find. A few weeks back, I ventured to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a train ride and a walk. Even though it was cold and rainy it was the perfect fall backdrop. I loved all the trails and paths.

-Kinzua Bridge State Park

The broken railroad tracks.
All bundled up for a walk

Another perfect place for a walk with some gorgeous views especially in the fall is the Kinzua State Park. There’s a number of trails and places to explore but the highlight is seeing the broken railroad tracks after a tornado came though a number of years ago. You can go down into the valley which is a pretty cool part too.

-Letchworth State Park

My second favorite waterfall in New York.
Gorgeous views

I spent my first time in Letchworth State Park just a few weeks ago. It is in the middle of nowhere in New York, but after going through twists and turns, you hear the rushing water and then you are greeted by the waterfalls. You can view them from all different levels. I loved the fact that there was these beautiful waterfalls in the middle of a forest. Simply stunning and so serene.

There’s are just a few places that I have travelled to recently. Where are your favorite places to hike, walk or run.

Categories
Fashion

Favorite Beauty Finds

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! It has been a while since I’ve done a beauty roundup. With the seasons changing, I figured there would be no better time than to share some of my favorite new beauty finds. Since I started working in news I have tried new products to make sure my hair and makeup last for the whole day. These are a few products that I use every day and they never let me down.

I have always worn primer since working, typically I would wear a clear one from NYX. But I made the switch to Neutrogena Green Primer. I know what you may think, green primer?! Trust me it works for me. I have red tones in my skin complexion, so the green primer counter-acts it and balances it out. It may go on green but after you smooth it out and blend it in, the green is gone and your are left with smoother skin and a blender primer. 

Neutrogena Primer

Speaking of green, I decided to get green concealer as well. Once it again, it counteracts any red blemishes or marks and leads to a smother complexion. It may seem crazy to add double the green to your face and once again this doesn’t work for everyone, but for my skin tone it has been a game changer. You can add a bit more to any problem areas you may have and it blends right in. I use both of these products just for work, on my days off, I go minimal makeup and don’t apply as much product, but for the long days, these products are both game changers.

NYX Concealer

I saw this on Carly’s blog and after she gave great reviews on it, I wanted to give it a try and let me say, I AM OBSESSED. I put this on in the shower daily and my skin is so soft and smooth. I have noticed my skin is less dry too. I also put on body lotion after the shower, but there is nothing better than soft and smooth legs. 

Olay Body Conditioner

Again, another game changer that helps me get through my mornings faster. What I love about this two in one brush is that it brushes your hair while drying it and it gives you great volume. I have only used it a handful of times but I am so happy with the finishes product. This brush works great for on the go mornings or when you don’t want to go out with your hair wet. It is definitely worth the cost and you cn find it online and in stores! 

Revlon Volumizer Brush

These are just my latest favs! What things are you loving this season when it comes to beauty??? Let me know below!!

Categories
Fabulous living

Favorite Beauty Finds

Hi Everyone! I hope your week is off to a great start. This weekend is my college’s homecoming weekend which will be a lot of fun and then next week is fall break! I cant believe I am almost to the halfway point of my last semester.

Today’s post is about things that everyone, especially women, LOVES and needs, I’m sharing my favorite beauty finds that I love and don’t break the bank. Sorry guys, this may not be an exciting post for you. 

My new favorite products

Before, I get into this post, I got all these products from Marshalls, but this post is not sponsored by Marshalls. I also wasn’t looking for these products, I was browsing the shelves and found them and they were all impulse buys, but I have been so happy with them. Also, I didn’t break the bank by purchasing them either. 

  1. Face scrubber
Front of the brush
Back of the brush

I have been looking for a face scrubber for the longest time. I didn’t want a brush that was too rough or hard. When I got this face scrubber, I couldn’t wait to try it. I love how there are two sides to the scrubber, a nylon bristle side and a silicone brush. The nylon side cleans deep and unclogs pores. The silicone side exfoliates dry or dead skin. I typically only use this one my face once or twice a week so I don’t dry out my skin. I also love how it feels after a good deep cleaning. I didn’t break the bank with this purchase, and I am happy with the result of it so far.

  • Jade Roller
Jade roller

I have heard about jade rollers for the longest time and when I finally got a jade roller, I couldn’t wait to try it out. The purpose of the jade roller is to revive tiring skin and recharge your skin for a natural glow. It’s great for priming skin before applying creams and lotions. It also promotes anti-aging, eliminates toxins, tones muscles, reduces puffiness and wrinkles, and stimulates blood flow to the skin. I use it a 4-5 times a week typically at night after I wash my face. I also put it in the fridge for 30 minutes before I use it to cool my skin. I have been so happy with the results of using this product. Not only does it have all these benefits but it’s a soothing way to relax and add to my skin care routine before bed or when I want to relax. Also, just want to point out that I don’t have an elaborate skin care routine, I use products from over the counter and it takes less than five minutes to do this routine, I’m all about making life simpler not more complicated.

  • Makeup brush cleaner 
Make up brush cleaner

Ever since I started wearing makeup in high school, I always had an issue with cleaning my brushes, whether it was how often to do it, what products to use, or cleaning them so often that they would break. Well, thanks to Marshalls, I found a game changer when it comes to cleaning my brushes. I got this make up brush scrubber and I have been loving it. It is silicone so it cleans easily at it has four different areas depending on deep you want to clean your brushes. Also, it has suction cups to stick to your sink, so you aren’t worried about it sliding around when you are cleaning them. This saves me time when I am cleaning my brushes and I know that they are getting a good deep cleaning. 

These are three beauty finds that I have been wanting to try for a while and I’m so glad I did. They all impressed me and I was pleased with the results. Lastly, I was happy that they were affordable and worth my time and money. What are some beauty products that you are loving and you would suggest? Sound off in the comments below!

Categories
Fabulous living

TWO Years of Blogging

Two years…it’s amazing how much has changed since I started this blog after my freshmen year of college. Just to show how much I have changed, here’s my first ever post. I started this blog as a way to talk about transitioning and adjusting to college life along with fitness, organization and fashion and it has become so much more than that. I’ve become a better writer, more open, a stronger person and stepped out of my comfort zone with this blog.

 I’ve shared about the places I’ve travelled to, like Washington D.C., Chicago, andRome. 

  • Me in D.C.
  • Chilly in Chi-town!
  • ROMA

I’ve talked about ways to decorate your dorm room,organize your makeup, and prepare for college exams. 

  • Junior Year dorm room
  • Makeup Organization at it’s finest
  • Finals prep

I have shared over 100 different outfits, they have ranged from semi-formal looks, outfits for the office, clothes for thewinter, spring, summer, and fall.

  • Semi-formal
  • Professional
  • Winter
  • Fall
  • Summer
  • Spring

I have talked a lot about college living,summer internships, and the adjustments to living in college.

Getting in front of the camera too at my internship

Some of my favorite posts have been my semester recaps,summer recaps,and fun facts about me. 

  • Making memories with family
  • Many moments with friends
  • Trips Abroad
  • Time spent studying
  • Family trips
  • Trips to the city

That is just a look into my favorite posts that I’ve covered these past two years. I opened up about being homesick, getting used to college life, and home life, and back to college life. I have shared my friends, family, dogs, and favorite things with you- from tv shows, books, and ways to have fun.

This blog has been a great stress reliever, whenever I would be stressed or I wanted to share something new I learned, my blog was my go-to.

 I truly wouldn’t be here without you all! Thank you for your love, support and for reading my posts every day whether it is about fashion, fitness, or day to day life. I have had so many people and friends tell me they have read my blog, follow it, or make a suggestion for it. It means so much to me that you take the time out of your lives to read about my life. This next year of blogging will be different as I will be graduating college and entering a new phase in my life. There will also be some surprises in this next year, there will be new content, different types of posts, and so many fun things in the future so stay tuned!! But not to fear, the blog is not going anywhere. I’m going to taking it day by day as I start a new adventure and I hope you will come with me on this journey. 

Thank you for reading, the love, and support

Here’s to TWO years of ups and downs and taking it one day at a time.