Makeup Monday: The Best Products Right Now

Instagram and YouTube makeup artists are defining the ways of the cosmetics world. They do not just say which products are the best; they literally show you. These artists are so compelling, they convince you what products to buy by showing an approximate 30 second video of exactly what the products do and then drive you to their full length videos of the whole process.  In my personal opinion, the Instagramers and YouTubers give an actually and true representation of what these makeup products  do and how/when to you use them. Its true, sometimes these social media “stars” are paid by cosmetic companies to use their products, but it doesn’t mean the products are not worth buying. Throughout my research and personal experience, these are the overall best products you should try out:

  1.     Start with a great moisturizer
  2. Prime your skin  
  3. Prime your lids  
  4. Do those eyelashes  
  5. Color correct  
  6. Foundation  
  7.  Concealer/Highlight  
  8. Contour  
  9. Bake/Set 
  10. Brows 
  11. Illuminator  
  12. Blush 
  13. Liner 
  14. Mascara  
  15. Set 
  16.  Lips  

 

Braids on Braids on Braids

If you’ve been on social media lately, you probably have noticed everyone has been rocking to good ole’ braid pigtails. When I first saw them, I was a little skeptical. I thought they were a little childish and alien looking. Of course with time, all trends grow on you (aka when its shoved in your face enough you start to like it).

   
 The double dutch braids aka boxer braids are the it braid right now. You have seen them on celebrities like Kim K and Katy Perry rock these braids numerous times. These braids are great because they are low maintenance and zero fuss. They are great to go out in, go to the gym in, or just chill in. It’s a different spin on French braids as well. 

Double Dutch How-To:

If you are a born hair guru, check out celebrity hair stylist,  Jen Atkin‘s How-To on these fab braids. 

If you are a more visual person, check out Carli Bybel‘s braid tutorial. 

Finally, for those who love their extensions as much as I do, take a look at Tashie Tinks‘ braids tutorial. She is amazing. She shows you how to do double Dutch braids without exposing your extensions. 

Tashie Tinks

I haven’t personally tried to double Dutch braids yet (because I hate the way my shot hair looks in braids), but I recently discovered Tashie’s video, so I’ll update you soon on how that goes!

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Two Words: Blue Jean

Believe it or not Spring is right around the corner and trends are starting to pop up on many fashion websites. There is one trend In particular: blue jean shoes. Here are some of the denim shoes I can’t wait to put on my feet this spring.
 

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Christian Louboutin Cataclou Denim 140mm Wedge Red Sole Sandal, Blue/Silver

 

Stuart Weitzman Romanflat Denim Gladiator Flat Sandal, Navy

 

Givenchy Rottweiler Denim Platform Creeper, Blue

 

Saint Laurent Paris V-Neck Denim Pump, Light Blue

 

Aquazzura Christy Lace-Up Point-Toe Flat, Light Blue

 

Manolo Blahnik BB Paint-Splatter 105mm Pump, Denim Blue

 

Hashtag Goals (Hump-Day Motivation)

Hi all! I haven’t published in about a week, but I’ve been a tad busy running a 13.1 mile race. Anyway, I took of my princess tiara and I am back to reality.  My five day vacation had got me thinking how important setting goals are. Seriously though. There is no greater thing like accomplishing something that was really freaking hard. Its an indescribable feeling.

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My most recent goal  was to run my first half marathon. About three years ago, I couldn’t run 5 minutes without gasping for air. Long story short, I set mini goals for myself that slowly progressed to a larger goal. It was never easy and it never should be. After accomplishing your goal (whether its big or small) you get addicted.

Here are a few tips on how to create, maintain, and achieve a goal (brought to you by Action for Happiness)

  1. Decide. Where the heck to do you start? How do you even decide what your goal should be? You need to think of something you want to do or work towards. It doesn’t matter what it is or if it seems small & silly to someone else. All that matters it that it is important to you. Goals that stretch us can be motivating and moving!
  2. Write it down. Writing down your goal or even posting it on social media will increase your chance of sticking with it. Also, if possibly, say when you will be reaching your goal.
  3. Tell someone (or everyone). By telling people about a goal you are more likely to achieve it.
  4. Break your goal down. This is super important for big goals. Think about the smaller goals that are steps on the way to achieving your big goal. For example, sometimes big goals are a bit vague, like ‘I want to be healthier’. Breaking these down goals helps us be more specific and less likely to get lost on the way to the overall goal
  5. Plan your first step. Even if you don’t know where to start there’s no excuse – there are a million ways to figure it out. You can Google a, “how to” or ask a friend who has a relationship with your goal,
  6. Keep going. A goal isn’t going to be easy. There’s no fun in an easy goal. If it was, the result wouldn’t be as rewarding or special. If a step you’re doing isn’t working, think of something else you could try that still moves you forward, even a tiny bit. If you’re struggling, ask people you know for their ideas on what you could do. They may help you see a different way. If you’re really struck – take a step back, breathe, take a break and then re-try your goal.
  7. Celebrate. When you reach your goal, its time time to enjoy it. Think about what you enjoyed and learned along the way. Also, don’t forget to thank the people you helped you.

What’s your goal going to be?

Kylie Cosmetics Review and the Obsession with Liquid Lipsticks

The big reveal is finally here – the Kylie Cosmetic lip review.

So recently I got lucky enough to have really good internet timing and I scored all six Kyle Cosmetics liquid lipsticks and lip liners. The six colors are Dolce K, Candy K, True Brown K, Mary Jo K, Koko K, & Posie K.  My first impression was pure excitement when I saw the unmistakable, amazing box.

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As you can imagine, the individual box for each lipstick & lip liner combination looked just as amazing as you would think it would be.


The first thing that surprised me was the amazing smell it had! I never thought lipstick could smell so good. I decided to play it safe for my first lip color. I chose Koko K (pictured above). First I put on the liner, which went on very easily. I simply just outlined my lips. I didn’t do any crazy over-lining. The lipstick went on very smooth and it only needed one coat. It’s very thick. It gives the perfect matte lipstick. It’s official I’m addicted to Kylie Cosmetics!

I’ve only tried a couple colors, but they’re all amazing. Mary Jo K is THE perfect red. I can’t wait to see try Posie K and mix & match Koko K with Posie K (Kylie did that recently). Honestly, the only color you probably won’t see me wear often is True Brown K. It is a beautiful brown don’t get me wrong, just with my current hair color and skin tone, it doesn’t go. I found this picture on Instagram and I think it shows a true representation of each lip color.

 I highly recommend trying to get the next batch when Kylie releases it.  P.S. she said she will release more before March!

 If you can’t wait that long there are some very similar liquid lipsticks out there. My favorite is definitely Pure Hollywood by Anastasia Beverly Hills. They just started to sell this at Sephora (AMAZING) too. Another great brand is NYX. They came out with a Lip Lingerie collection that sells similar colors. If price is a factor. I  would say NYX is your best bet (only $7).

I just ordered a NYX Lip Lingerie and a new liquid lipsticks from Mac so I’ll keep you updated on those too!

Fit Friday: Part 1

 

I’ve decided that every Friday, I am going to share anything related to being healthy, strong, and fit-tastic (hashtag Fit Fridays). I am really excited to start doing this post weekly because I am very passionate about eating healthy while being happy.  No one should ever starve themselves, do anything that makes you depressed, or do something that makes you uncomfortable. You can be fit while having fun.

 

My first spotlight on my first Fit Friday is going to be on…..SOULCYCLE. Just in case you have been living under a rock,soul lye a.k.a. Soul is a  stationary bike class with that ends up being a full body workout. I only discovered Soul about 8 months about, but after my first class I was instantly hooked. I joined the cult. The thing that’s so great about Soulcycle is that there is a class for everyone’s tastes. Online, you get to see instructors in your area and what type of music they are into. There are some that like techno, some that like rap, and some with a mixture of everything. Each and every instructor has their own personality and give their own spin to their classes. Once you find an instructor that you like it becomes like a relationship and you just keep coming back. Also, don’t even get me started on theme classes (Check. Them. Out. )

If you are tired of the same old workout routine or just trying to get into exercise I highly recommend Soulcycle.

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Brows Are the New Black 

Is it just me or did all of a sudden people care about eyebrows before anything else? Girls used to check out other girls’ hair, butt, boobs, etc. Its all about the defined brows now.

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I’m not going to lie, I’ve fallen for the obsession too. What was life before making sure my brows were done? I can’t even look at a picture of myself anymore with naked brows. There is one gal we need to thank for this obsession: Anastasia Soare aka Anastasia Beverly Hills. She is the inventor of the Brow Wiz and Dipbrow movement of this generation. She does the Kardashian/Jenner eyebrows and I’m sure a bunch of other celebrities. If you want brows like Kylie (below) just on this bandwagon ASAP.

If you’re totally brand new to this movement I would recommend starting off with the Brow Wiz. It gives a super natural looking brow but a little more defined. I would recommend going to your local Sephora and ask a specialist to help you with your color choice. Seriously this tool is AMAZING (and addictive).

If you want more of the Kylie, super intense looking brow check out dip tow by Anastasia Beverly Hills.  It seems like a very intimidating process, but I promise it changes your brows’ and your life.

I started out using the Brown Wiz and then eventually moved over to Dipbrow once I got the hang of it. Honestly, I never leave the house now without doing my brows. If I left the house without my brows, don’t talk to me (kidding…kind of).

One last important part I want to make is: I am NOT a makeup artist. I learned by watching a million YouTube makeup videos. I suggest you do the same! Definitely check out Jaclyn Hill and Nicol Concilio . They are my brow queens and makeup crushes. Check them out. Would I let you down?

See my awesome, not embarrassing selfies with both products on. The one of the left are my brows with th Brow Wiz and the one on the right are my brows with Dipbrow. You choose and changed your life!

Trending –         Winter Nails 2016

Are cat nails back? As far as right meow, they are in my book (pun intended). Besides the look of having your nails as weapons, there are a few nail color trends everyone should take notice.

  • Navy – This is always a huge color in the winter. Navy is a great color if want something dark, but don’t want to be mistaken for goth. Two great colors are Russian Navy by OPI and After School Boy Blazer by Essie.  

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  1. Glitter – Don’t poopoo this trend just yet. I’m not talking about glitter straight out of an arts & crafts kit. This year’s winter glitter trend is dark colors with a pop when it hits the light. I’m not a big glitter fan, but for anyone who is tired of the bold, dark winter colors, this trend definitely adds some pizazz. I would suggest trying a color like Starry Starry Night by Essie
  • Charcoal – If you’re not totally committed to the black nail polish cult for winter, charcoal is another great alternative. Something like Tris by Zola is a great choice.  
  • Nude/blush – For those gals who just aren’t into the dark shades for winter, nudes & blushes will always be classic and are suitable for any season. My favorite is probably Sand Tropaz by Essie.
  • Mint – This is probably the least obvious of all the winter color trends. There is always the argument that, “just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you have to wear dark colors.” Well, black is my favorite color so this doesn’t apply to me, but that doesn’t mean these colors aren’t beautiful. The color I would totally try is the Aimee Song of Song of Syle & Formula X nail polish in the color Mintfluencer.  

Well here goes nothing…

Well, hello everyone. I figured I would try this blog thing one more time.

I figured first I would get a little candid with all of you. I know this isn’t my first blog. I honestly didn’t realize all of the work and commitment that goes into a blog. On the other hand, when I stopped blogging, all I ever felt was regret and something was missing. I am going through a time in my life where I’m trying to figure what I want to do, who I want to be, and where I’m going to life.
Since I’m still trying to figure out this blogging thing and still trying to figure out my life, I may as well document it and take you all along for the ride with me.

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