Sunday, May 31, 2015

New Products I'm Trying This Week


Smashbox O-Plump Lip Gloss - I've seen wonderful reviews on this product and bought I'd give it a try. It's a little on the pricy side but I love the appearance of big plump lips and haven't found anything I like to achieve that look yet. 
Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara - I've had this is my makeup stash for a really long time and haven't opened it because I've been using other mascaras. I've heard nothing but amazing things about it and I'm excited to see what all the hype is about.
Physician's Formula Sexy Booster Blush- I'm a huge fan of Physician's Formula products. I think they're amazing quality and fairly priced. I'm a big fan of the Sexy Booster Bronzer so I thought it would be good to try another product from that line. I've only swatches this but it smells amazing and feels like butter.
Sephora Eye Lash Curler- I desperately needed a new eye lash curler and saw this while I was in Sephora and thought it looked like a good one. I loved the gold color and it felt like it was good quality.
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener- This was a recommendation from a friend, and an Allure beauty winner so I thought, with that in mind, I should try it. It's more expensive that I'd like it to be but from scathing it, it does seem to be really illuminating which I love. 



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Monday, May 25, 2015

Wardrobe Staples | Summer 2015


Overalls

Overalls are making a comeback and in a big way. They're easy to wear, comfy, and surprisingly flattering. For summer, going for a pair of short overalls can take the hassle out of finding something comfortable and weather appropriate. Longer overalls are also great for chiller days or even nights. 

Blank NYC Overalls $88
SIWY Denim Jessie Overalls $252
Forever21 Distressed Denim Overalls $35
Free People Boyfriend Shortfall $98
Paige Denim Patchwork Sierra Overalls $299

Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks have been around forever, but in the past few years they've become really popular again. Every designer has been coming out with their own version, and if the original isn't something you're in to there are plenty of other options. Birkenstocks are comfortable and easy to wear. They're durable and match almost anything.

Vince Orson Cris Cross Slides $195
Birkenstok Silver Gizeh Sandals $125
Dolce Vota Genivee Slides $120
Forever21 Nailhead Faux Leather Sandals $25
Miss Guided Flexi Double Strap Buckled Sandal $30

Mirrored Sunglasses
Mirrored Sunglasses are perfect for Summer. Not only do they protect your eyes, they're a great way to add a fun seasonal pop to your outfits. You can definitely find cheaper versions at stores like Forever21 or H&M but these are my top picks.

Marc Jacobs Mirrored Sunglasses $98
Ray Ban Mirrored Aviators $170
Le Specs Chesire Sunglasses  $69
Quay Australia Livnow Sunglasses $50
Wonderland Stateline Sunglasses $170


Fun Tops

Nothing says Summer to me like a fun top and cut off jean shorts. You can easily dress up your favorite summer t-shirts or tanks by putting on a nice pair of jeans and cute pumps, which makes these staple pieces both cute and functional. 


Daydreamer Vintage Rolling Stones Tee $79
Eleven Paris Kate Moss Tank $48
Lauren Moshi Roxanne Peace Love Girl Vintage Muscle Tee $98
Miss Guided Cut Out Detail Crop Top $44
Milly Floral Printed Crop Top $295


Espadrilles With a Twist

Espadrilles SCREAM Summer, and recently different companies have been going the extra mile and making them not only comfortable but adorable. Fun patterns and graphics are an easy way to turn this classic into a great statement piece for the season.

Same Edelman Lynn Espadrille Flats $80
Soludos Neon Yellow Stripe Espadrilles  $43
Soludos Embroidered Pineapple Espadrilles $65
Love Moschino Espadrille Flats $140
Stuart Weitzman Espadrille Smoking Flats $298


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Sunday, May 24, 2015

#SpringCleaning | Organizing Your Closet

I recently moved out of my dorm at school and into a new apartment, which meant tons of packing and unpacking. While my clothes were pretty organized at the beginning of the move, things got very hectic and messy and my closet ended up being really unorganized, which drives me nuts. While I was organizing I thought it would be helpful to share the ways I keep my clothing organized and maximize the space I have. 


The first thing I recommend doing when Spring cleaning your closet is getting a new set of hangers. Having a set of matching hangers makes a big difference in how your closet looks and can make you feel a lot better about looking through it each day. I chose these black ones from Bed Bath & Beyond, but you can pick any color or type that best suites your personal style. After you've gotten the hangers you want, start by putting the items you won't be using for the seasons to come into storage. I put my winter coats and fur vest into a plastic container and stored them for the upcoming fall/winter to make some more room for seasonal items.


I like to organize my closet a few different ways; first by item type - sleeveless tops, short sleeve tops, long sleeve tops, pants, skirts, dresses, etc. - and then by color within each section; starting from white and going to black. I also like to put all of my business and formal attire separate at the back of my closet. To save space in a small closet like the one I have, I purchased the grey foldable boxes that are on the top shelf of the closet - also from Bed Bath & Beyond. They come in a variety of colors and are very affordable. I got a pack of four, but I've been using three, and while they aren't the most durable, they get the job done. I considered putting labels on the boxes but I didn't like the way it looked; you can of course label them if you want.  I used each box for a different type of item, one for purses, one for sweaters, and one for jeans and leggings. 



The clear containers on the floor are from the container store and are really only there because they are easy to travel with between my home and my dorm. They can be really useful for organizing hard to store or smaller items - I use the smaller ones for nail polish, vitamins, medicine, and light bulbs/batteries, and the bigger ones for non-perishable food items that I have multiples of and beauty/skincare multiples.


As you can see, having organized my clothes the way I mentioned makes a big difference. While my closet may not have been that messy to begin with, it has been before, and this is method that has never failed me. For extra storage, I added 6 over the door hooks, which are amazing for hanging things like bras or jackets, even the current purse you're using. I hope this was helpful - Happy Spring Cleaning
:D

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Top Shelf Beauty | Skincare Products


There are a lot of skincare products on the market, and it can be difficult deciding which ones to try and which ones to pass on. I've rounded up the products I believe are the best of the best to give you an opportunity to find some new gems. I've decided to make this a regular series on my blog, and I was thinking of doing haircare and makeup too - If there is something you'd like to see specifically let me know in the comments below! 
  1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ - Clinique was the first skincare line I ever used, and I haven't stopped. This moisturizer is my all time favorite for everyday use. I have really dry skin and it keeps my skin moisturized without feeling greasy or sticky. It doesn't have SPF, but I always follow my moisturizers with sunscreen. It's unscented which I appreciate and makeup sits really nicely on top of it. One of the big bottles lasts me about 3 months, which is pretty good considering I use it every day.
  2. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 - This is another Clinique product I've been using for years. Toner is a very important part of any skincare routine because it restores your skin to its proper pH. I've tried a few different toners, but I always come back to this one. Not only does it take off any residual makeup that may still be on my face after cleansing, it prevents me from breaking out without drying out my skin. 
  3. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - This eye cream is absolutely amazing. It's extremely affordable for what it is and lasts forever. I've had one jar for almost 5 months before, it's insane. The salmon color counteracts the blue and green that is found in dark circles to help brighten the under-eye area. I use this in the morning, because I think it makes a big difference when paired with my concealer. I always notice a huge difference in my fine lines and wrinkles (not that I have a ton) when I use this regularly. You can definitely use this both day and night but I like a thicker eye cream for nights. 
  4. Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil - Without this I don't think my skin would survive New England winters. My skin gets so dry that it literally starts to peel, its absolutely awful. After I cleanse and tone my skin at night, I use my moisturizer and then add 3-4 drops of this all over my face. I don't use this during the day because it does take a while to soak into the skin. After I use this I wake up with my skin feeling silky smooth - and it doesn't break me out which is really important.
  5. The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask- I try to take really good care of my skin and do a face mask at least 2 times a week. That obviously doesn't always happen, but this mask is always in the mix. I love tea tree oil, and its great for treating and preventing breakouts. I apply the mask with a foundation brush that's sole purpose is skin care treatments, and it makes the entire process feel more luxurious. The tea tree oil has a gentle tingling affect, but it's nothing too intense. It doesn't dry out my skin, which is crucial. I would recommend this mask to people with all different skin types, even if you have sensitive skin I think you would like it. 
  6. Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate - I mentioned this product a while ago in a monthly favorites and it's seriously good stuff. It's absurdly expensive but if you're in a "treat yo self" mood, do it. I noticed a DRAMATIC difference in my under eye area and I think this would be perfect for women with more mature skin too. I've enjoyed every Fresh product I've tried and I thought this cream had an amazing scent to it too.
  7. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser - This is a cult favorite among the beauty community, and for good reason. It's the best cleanser I've ever used, and I've used a ton. I love Philosophy and this product is my favorite of theirs. It cuts through makeup, keeps my skin moisturized and doesn't leave a greasy film on my skin - everything I look for in a cleanser. Even though I have dry skin, I know people with oily skin who love it just the same. If there is only one thing you try from this list, this should be it.
  8. GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment - Again, incase you missed it the ten other times I've mentioned it, I have dry skin :) While I love a good cleansing mask, sometimes I need something to strictly moisturize my skin. This bad boy is pricey, but totally worth the money. First, it smells like coconut heaven, it's absolutely amazing, and it does an amazing job at hydrating my skin. You can either leave it on for 10-15 minutes or over night (which is what I usually do). You will notice an insane difference in your skin - I will say thank you in advance.
  9. Shea Moisture Shea Butter Baby Oil - I'm the type of person who doesn't discriminate when it comes to skin care - it doesn't matter who a product is marketed towards, babies or grandmas, if it works, I want to use it. That's the case with this product. I have unusually sensitive skin on my legs, and when I shave I often times get a really bad rash and ingrown hairs. Ever since I've started using this on my legs right after I shave, my skin has felt so much better. It soothes and moisturizes while I'm in the shower, so that by the time I get out, half of the work is done.
  10. Hempz Herbal Body Butter  - I love body butter, and I rarely use anything else, regardless of season. While I'm a big fan of The Body Shop body butters, the Hempz one is a lot better. It's significantly more moisturizing, and keeps my skin feeling softer longer. I've tried both the original and pomegranate scents, and prefer the original. This is also great for specific dry areas like elbows and knees.
  11. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - This small bottle packs a huge punch. I use this spot treatment at night whenever I have any blemishes or if I feel one coming on. You take a Q-tip and dip it into the bottle, into the pink paste and apply it to the areas that need it. Anytime I've had a breakout and used this I've noticed a dramatic difference the next morning. It does exactly what it says; drys out breakouts. It's the best acne treatment I've found and is super affordable.
  12. European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Serum - No matter what I do I always seem to struggle with ingrown hairs, especially on my legs. This serum is amazing at combating the irritation and redness that comes with ingrown hairs. It gently exfoliates and removes dead skin to help ingrown hairs grow outwards. I use this twice a day when I feel like my they're really bad and it's totally worth the money.
  13. European Wax center Slow IT Body Lotion - This is another product that I love for ingrowns. I only use this on my legs and again, it helps soothe the irritation from shaving. It contains aloe and apple extract which keep my legs feeling smooth and soft all day long. This isn't a product I'd use all over my body, because I do prefer a very thick body butter for all over, but you definitely could if that was something you wanted to do.
  14. Frank Coffee Body Scrub - This is another product that seems to be a cult favorite in the beauty community. I love the fact that it's made with coffee because I am obsessed with coffee (I drink way more than I should). On their website and social media sites, the company shows incredible results customers have had while using the scrub - on things such as eczema and stretch marks. Unfortunately, I don't use it regularly enough for there to be any differences in anything other than my skin feeling softer. While it is pretty messy, it's worth the extra clean up. It makes my skin feel super hydrated and smooth and I highly recommend it.
  15. Clarisonic Mia 2 - I've mentioned this product in a previous favorites post and my love for it hasn't changed. It's by far the best beauty tool for exfoliating the skin, and while it is pricey, skin is something to invest in. The brush heads are customizable and they have a wide range to suit your individual skincare needs. I personally use the deep poor cleansing brush, and I've never had any issues with it. Whenever I use this regularly (I only use it at night) I notice my skin is brighter and softer.
  16. The Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Oil - Cleansing oils have been huge recently and this is by far one of the best. The chamomile is soothing and because it's an oil it really breaks apart your makeup, including mascara. Whenever I've been wearing heavy eye makeup I have used an eye makeup remover as well, and followed with this. This manages to get rid of the product on my face without drying it out. Two thumbs up from me.

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Saturday, May 9, 2015

5 Favorite Summer Lip Colors


With Summer approaching (finally) I thought I'd mention some lip colors I love for warmer weather. In the summer I rarely wear a full face of makeup and I think dewy, tan skin with a bold lip is amazing -it's easy and won't make you feel like you're dripping foundation.
  1. NARS lipgloss in Angelika - I've had this lip gloss for years and it's great. NARS has recently reformulated all of their lip glosses, and this particular shade now has some gold shimmer in it, which I think is really nice. The packaging is also new, but NARS packaging is always my favorite. Angelika is the perfect wearable hot pink, its pigmented but not too pigmented, and not sticky.
  2. M.A.C. lipstick in Creme Cup - This is a holy grail lipstick for me, for all seasons. It's a gorgeous pinky nude that can be made more nude or more pink depending on the gloss you put overtop. M.A.C. lipsticks smell so yummy and make me seriously nostalgic. 
  3. Milani Lipstick in Flamingo Pose - Milani lipsticks are some of my all time favorite, in particular for bright colors. High end lipsticks are great and definitely worth the investment when you think you're going to get a ton of use out of the color, but for bright summer colors, I like to keep it affordable so I can play around with fun colors even if I don't get a ton of use out of them. Flamingo Pose is a great hot pink color with an orange undertone as apposed to a blue undertone. It makes your teeth look super white!
  4. Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Striking - All of the colorburst matte balms are amazing, the formulation is the among the best, both drugstore and high end. The color striking is a gorgeous pink-red-orange, which would look great with a tan. They're matte, yet they aren't drying, which is really great for the summer.
  5. NYX Butter Gloss in Maple Blondie - NYX butter glosses are the best lip glosses on the market. They aren't joking when they say butter. They are the most pigmented and smooth lip glosses I've ever tried. They aren't sticky at all and last a super long time. Maple Blondie is orange with a hint of pink. It's great for summer and would look gorgeous on any skin tone.
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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Fashion Run Down | 2015 Met Gala

The 2015 Met Gala has come and gone once again. This year I was pleasantly surprised by how well dressed the majority of the attendees were. The theme was China: Through the Looking Glass, and apparently some celebrities had a difficult time distinguishing between China and Japan - kimonos were a popular choice. Red was HUGE on the carpet this year, as were green and blue. 

Best Dressed


I had a really hard time narrowing it down to just fourteen, but tried to be relatively selective. In my personal opinion the Met Gala is an opportunity for celebrities to take fashion risks and be creative. While it isn't necessary, I give major props to the ones who do. These are in no particular order, I love each and every one so much.
From left to right:
Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier
Sarah Jessica Parker in H&M
Poppy Delevingne in Marchesa
Alexa Chung in Erdem
Rose Byrne in Calvin Kelin Collection
Keri Russell in Altuzarra
Hannah Davis in J Mendell
Zoe Kravitz in Alexander Wang 
Kate Hudson in Michael Kors
Kendall Jenner in Calvin Kelin Collection
Rose Huntington-Whiteley in Atelier Versace
Amal Clooney in John Galliano for Maison  Margiela
Imogen Poots in Alberta Ferretti
Gigi Hadid in DVF

Honorable Mention


Okay, so I cheated a little. I couldn't let these AMAZING looks go unmentioned. I know these are technically "honorable mentions" but they're just as good as my picks for best dressed in my opinion.

From left to right:
Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney
Kim Kardashian West in Roberto Cavalli
Emily Blunt in Prada
Bee Shaffer in Alexander McQueen 
Caroline Trentini in Atelier Versace
Joan Smalls in Roberto Cavalli
Lily Aldrige in Carolina Herrera 
Carey Mulligan in Balenciaga
Claire Danes in Valentino
Beyoncé in Givenchy

Worst Dressed


While the good was good, the bad was bad. A few celebrities decided to take the Chinese theme a little too seriously, and were borderline offensive. Nothing is worse than a beautiful woman trying too hard (I'm talking to you Kris Jenner). I chose these outfits as the worst because they were either age inappropriate ( Dylan Hilfiger), ill-fitting (Katie Holmes), or just plain ugly. The pictures speak for themselves.

From left to right:
Dylan Lauren in Ralph Lauren 
Miley Cyrus in Alexander Wang 
Jennifer Connelly in Louis Vuitton
Adriana Lima in Marc Jacobs
Kris Jenner in Balmain
Chloë Sevigny in J.W. Anderson
Solange Knowles in Giles Resign
Katie Holmes in Zac Posen
Karolina Kurkova in Tommy Hilfiger
Grace Codington in pajamas
Linda Evangelista in Moschino
Grimes in Louis Vuitton
Julie Macklowe 
Anne Hathaway in Ralph Lauren



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Sunday, May 3, 2015

Beauty Favorites | March & April 2015


I cannot believe this year is almost half way over. It is insane the way time has been flying. I didn't have a ton of makeup products these past two months, with school and everything I keep it pretty simple on a day to day basis.That being said, there are always standout products each month. I hope you enjoy learning about all the goodies I've been loving in March and April!


  1. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub - I've been searching for a good exfoliant and I stumbled on this little guy when I was in Walgreens. I usually use the Clinique 7-day Scrub, but it's a little on the pricy side and I don't think it makes a drastic difference in my skin. Because of that  I went to drug store hunting for something similar, but more affordable. When I was little my mom used this scrub, but it wasn't formulated to be used on your face, it was solely a body scrub, so when I saw it I was immediately intrigued. It smells sooo good and the exfoliants are nice and rough. I hate exfoliants that don't really get in there and scrub the dead skin way. I have extremely dry skin, so I really appreciate a tough exfoliant that's going to help me get rid of any dry patches. It says it's formulated for sensitive skin, but if you have rosacea or issues with physical sensitivity, I would steer clear of this, and try something with gentler exfoliating beads. For under $8 I was really pleasantly surprised. It's definitely a product I'll repurchase.
  2. Brow Bar to Go - This is an oldie but a goodie. Rarely do I wear a full face of makeup, but on the days where I've been going out with friends or on a date with G I've been using this to do my brows and warm up my crease (the darkest shade). It's simple and effective and that's something I really value in a product. It's a little on the pricy side, but considering that it can do more than one thing, I really think it's worth the price. I've also used this to contour my nose before, but let's be real, no one has time for that on a regular basis. Using a powder as opposed to a pencil or pomade in your brows makes it easier to work with. If you're just starting to experiment with makeup, I would definitely recommend starting with powder and trying other products as you become more comfortable.
  3. Benefit Gimme Brow - Another oldie but goodie. I never pencil in my brows for class, but I ALWAYS use this. It's perfect for a no-makeup makeup look, which is what I usually go for. It doesn't look too heavy or strange with a semi-bare face, it just brings your brows forward and makes them look neater and more defined. The small fibers adhere to your natural brow hairs to fill in gaps the same way a powder or pomade would. Thunk of this as gel and pencil in one; it fill in gaps and keeps your hairs in place. I have gone threw probably 2 or 3 of these and will never stop buying it. I use the shade dark brown.
  4. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - Hourglass is one of my all time favorite makeup brands. I think they have amazing quality products but they're pretty expensive. I've been hearing people rave about this primer for months, but really wasn't into spending $60 on it. I was super excited when I saw it as a 100 point perk at Sephora and immediately took the opportunity to try it out before committing to the full size. Let me just say - the hype is true, this is magic in a bottle. It's a somewhere between a silicone primer and a liquid primer. It doesn't leave the skin feeling sticky, which is something I really like. I don't have unusually large pores but I feel like this does a nice job of filling them in while also giving me a luminous glow - I'm all about channeling my inner JLO. If you're the kind of girl who loves to look lit from within, bite the bullet and get this. I have dry skin, and it works great for me, but I also know girls who are super oily and love it too.
  5. OPI Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs. - Nude and neutral polishes are my thing. I am super boring when it comes to nails, and find myself staying within the same color family regardless of the season. This nude polish is to die for. It's the perfect mixture of pink and beige, and doesn't make my hands look washed out. OPI has an amazing color selection when it comes to neutrals, and really all colors. I love the formulation of the polish and find that unlike other lighter neutrals it doesn't look streaky or patchy. I of course follow this with my tried and true Seche Vite top coat.
  6. Physicians Formula Bronzer - I picked this up on a whim one day while I was in CVS. I've heard really good things about Physicians Formula as a brand and wanted to try something from their line. I'm a huge fan of bronzers so naturally that was what I gravitated towards. This one was the perfect mixture of glow and shimmer. It didn't have glitter in it, which is something I was worried about, but it did give me a nice glowly sheen. I don't use this to contour, I use it strictly to bronze, and I have to say I like it just as much if not better than some of my high-end bronzers. It reminds me of M.A.C's refined golden bronzer, but it's a little lighter and more luminous. This bronzer apparently enhances your pheromones - I don't know how true that is, but I can say, it smells AMAZING. My roommates have commented on my face smelling good every time we've been getting ready to go anywhere. This has easily become a holy grail product for me and I'm looking forward to trying out other products by Physicians Formula.
  7. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum - This was another product I had heard being raved about but wasn't into spending the money without at least trying it before. I was lucky enough to get a sample of it from Sephora. I made a rather large purchase and the lovely lady at the cashier just threw it in the bag. I think it may have been another 100 point perk, but I'm not positive. I haven't tried any other Ole Henriksen products but after this I'm definitely going to. Anyone who knows me knows I hate sugary, sweet smells. I don't want to smell like a cupcake or cotton candy ever - but this smells like an orange creamsicle in the best way. It's a fresh but sweet scent that isn't too over powering. I noticed a HUGE improvement in the elasticity of my skin, in particular the little lines around my eyes. Skin care is something I have no problem splurging on and I will definitely repurchase this in the full size. It would be perfect for someone who is wanting to get into a skin care regimen but doesn't want anything too intense.
  8. Cold Pressed Castor Oil - Recently I got a hair cut because I hadn't had one in close to 8 months - I know I'm the worst - BUT I've really been wanting to grow my hair out so I've been on the hunt for tips & tricks to make it grow faster. I did a ton of research online and was looking for ways that were natural and wouldn't cost a fortune. In comes cold pressed castor oil. This stuff is no joke. My hair has easily grown 2 inches a month since I've been using it. I warm it up and mix it with some coconut oil once a week and focus it on my scalp. I always end up putting it through my whole hair, but the idea is to really get it into the roots of your hair. Castor oil is a natural humectant, which means it increases circulation, which aids in air growth. I mix it with coconut oil because the castor oil is really thick and sticky and I felt like it pulled at my hair when I used it alone. The results have been outstanding and if you've been struggling to get your hair to grow I HIGHLY recommend this. I got a huge bottle from Whole foods for less that $10 and I'm not even a quarter of the way through. Make sure if you pick it up that you're getting organic cold-pressed castor oil. You can also put this on your lashes and brows, which I've done before, and it has the same spectacular results.
  9. Indian Healing Clay Mask - G got me this for Valentine's day because I not so subtly sent him the amazon link to it  :D I had seen one of the beauty gurus I follow on Youtube mention it, and she compared it to the GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment, which I really liked, but didn't repurchase since it was super expensive. This mask is INTENSE. The canister says you'll feel your face pulsate and it isn't lying. I mix 1 1/2 tsp. of the powder with a little bit of apple cider vinegar, and I'm not going to lie, it smells pretty bad. You can also mix yours with water, but the apple cider vinegar will help kill bacteria and brighten your complexion. Within 5 minutes I feel my skin get super tight and after 15 minutes, I sometimes worry my forehead will fall off. I know this description isn't the most appealing, but I've never seen my skin look as clear as it has since I've started using this. I use it once a week, and follow it by lathering my face with a facial oil or moisturizing mask. If you have sensitive skin, please don't try this, it will probably be a very painful experience. But if you're interested in a having an intense clearing treatment - go for it. The tub I got is huge and was under $11, so it's definitely a steal.
  10. Purlisse Pūr-Protect Daily Moisturizer - I'm really strict about keeping my skin protected from the sun. I love being tan, but I really don't want to damage my skin or get premature wrinkles. I wear sunscreen on my face year round, which may seem strange to some people but I highly recommend it. I got this moisturizer in a subscription box, and I got a full size, which was really exciting. I had never heard of Purlisse or tried any of their products, but this sunscreen/moisturizer is a game changer. I absolutely cannot stand the smell of sunscreen or the oily finish that most of them leave on my skin. This moisturizer leaves my skin feeling clean and doesn't have a harsh sunscreen smell, despite being SPF 30. I do add my normal Clinique moisturizer on top, just because I do have really dry skin, but if you're oily or normal, you could easily just use this and be good to go. I don't notice any difference with how my makeup sits on top of this and have never had a problem with white casts in photos.
  11. Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara - I went ahead and picked this guy up during Nordstrom's Mascara Madness this previous summer, but didn't get around to opening it until now. I've never heard anyone talk about it, but I've been a huge fan of the Guerlain products I've tried in the past and was curious so I went ahead and splurged. This is easily one of my all time favorite mascaras. The packaging is gorgeous, and it gives my lashes the most amazing length and volume. The brush looks pretty standard and I didn't expect much when I opened it, but this product is seriously amazing. It does have a perfume scent going on, but it isn't something that bothers me or that lingers. I would definitely repurchase this even though its $30. I usually stick to drugstore mascara just because I feel like there are tons of great ones to chose from, but if you're wanting to treat yourself, definitely try this out. 

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