Makeover by D | Valentine's Day Makeup Inspiration

One of my amazing roommates was nice enough to let me give her a makeover so that I could give you some Valentine's day inspiration. There are before and after pictures so that you can get a sense of foundation coverage and how the contouring changed the shape of her face. A list of the products used is at the end!

Before

After

Face: Maybelline Baby Skin Primer L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation Josie Maran Argan Oil Maybelline Coverstick Concealer L'Oreal True Match Pressed Powder Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Sephora Bronzer in Los Cabos NARS Orgasm Blush Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter - Champagne Pop Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Eyes: M.A.C. Paint Pot in Soft Ochre Naked Palette Naked 2 Palette M.A.C. Fluidline Gel Liner in Black Track Giorgio Armai Eyes to Kill Mascara Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Cat Eyes Express Brows: Brow Bar To Go Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel in Chocolate Lips:
M.A.C. Creme Cup Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Nude Light NYX Butter Gloss in Éclair

Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2016 | Pretty in Pink

1. S'well Water Bottle - I have one of these and they're great. I got the 24oz and thought it would be perfect, but I think it's a little too big, I'd go for the 17oz. 
2. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour  - Chanel Polishes are some of my favorite and are a great luxury gift that wont break the bank. My favorite everyday pink shade is 167 Ballerina.
3. FujiFilm Instamix Mini - This is great for the girl who loves to document everything. Polaroid cameras have made a huge comeback in the past few years and this mini pink one is no exception.
4. Reflective Ray-Ban Aviators - My Ray-Ban aviators are my favorite sunglasses and the reflective version makes them even better. 
5. Kate Spade Card Holder - Card holders are perfect for nights out when you don't have a huge purse to carry around your stuff. The scalloped edges on this make it so feminine and beautiful.
6. Jeffrey Campbell Atsuko Flats - This style flat has been all the rage. All the designers, even Forever21 have been coming out with a version, but these are my favorite.
7. M.A.C. Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour- M.A.C. came out with liquid lipsticks and my life became complete. This berry-pink is one of my favorites, its called 'To Matte With Love.' 
8. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Perfect for Valentine's day, and every other day. Urban Decay shadows are some of my favorite, end of story.
9. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb - I've mentioned this fragrance before and it's because it really is the best. I love it so much and think every girl would too.
10. White + Warren Cashmere Gloves - If you live anywhere cold, you know gloves in the winter are a must. I love these because they're cashmere, which is super warm, and they're a fun pop of color on a gloomy winter day.
11. Diptyque Rosaviola Candle - Diptyque candles are the best, I've mentioned them a bunch of times before in different gift guides, and they have this really cute pink rose scent for the holiday which makes it even better. 
12. Chiara Ferragni iPhone Case - This phone case is so cute I might just get one for myself! The winking eyes make it the perfect mix between edgy and girly.

The Foundation Combination I'm Loving Right Now

Cover Fx Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation & Cover Fx Custom Cover Drops

This foundation combination has been giving me life while I've been on vacation. In Miami the weather can be a little strange, it can be humid and sunny and then pouring rain the next minute, which means your makeup needs to be prepared for anything. While I haven't been wearing a full face of makeup most days, on the nights that we've gone out to a bar or clubbing this combination has been amazing. 
I was much paler when I got here and so I brought my normal Cover FX foundation in my lighter shade (it is after all 20 degrees in Boston), but I also wanted to prepare myself for being tanned, so I picked up some of the custom cover drops in a few shades darker. 
The cover drops more than the foundation have been life changing. I mix them with face oils or moisturizers and get the perfect light layer of coverage for the warmer climate. By mixing the darker shade with my lighter foundation, I get to customize my perfect color regardless of how tan or pale I am.
Both products are very full-coverage and can be a little drying, that's why I like to mix mine with a beauty oil most of the time. If you have oily skin, these two products will be your best friends.

Best Of Beauty 2015 | Skincare

Face Masks: 1. Tony Moly Aloe Sheet Mask - Cutest packaging ever, and it keeps my skin feeling hydrated, without leaving a sticky residue. 2. Origins Clear Improvements Charcoal Mask - One of my favorite detoxifying masks. It's very affordable, and keeps my skin from breaking out. Even though it's detoxifying, I don't find that it drys out my skin. 3. Origins Out of Trouble Mask - Great as both a mask and a spot treatment. I like to use this when my skin is feeling in need of some TLC or I'm breaking out. It clears my skin right up. 4. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Mask - This mask is intense, and seriously keeps your skin free of blemishes. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin, because again, it's very strong.  5. Glamglow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment - My favorite hydrating mask. It smells like a piña colada and leaves my skin feeling like a baby's bottom. 
Toners: 6. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner - I've always used the Clinique clarifying lotion as my toner, and I still do, but this year, I was super impressed by this toner. It has glycolic acid in it which helps prevent breakouts and I've found that it even works a little better than the Clinique one.
Exfoliators:  7. Glam Glow Flashmud Brightening Treatment  - Such an amazing exfoliator. I use this to exfoliate my dry flakes so that they don't disturb my makeup. Totally worth the splurge.
Moisturizers: 8. Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins - I've mentioned this in a favorites before and it's truly amazing. It hydrates and softens, without clogging pores. I can'y recommend it enough.  9. True Moringa Lavender Face Oil - This oil is magic in a bottle. It's the best I've ever used, and I've completely replaced my Josie Maran Argan Oil. It smells so good, and really has transformed my dry skin. 10. First Aid Beauty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm - Such a great nighttime eye cream. It's really thick which helps with dehydrated under eyes, which cause concealer to crease. Another home run by First Aid Beauty.
Treatments: 11. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - This is the best spot treatment for blemishes. It completely dries the out, which can be a bit intense, but is the fastest way to clear skin.
Tools: 12. Clarisonic Mia II - This isn't necessarily a yearly favorite, but I thought I should include it in this post because I do use this every day. I've had it for almost three years and it has completely changed the way my skin looks. It's the best investment you can make when it comes to skincare. 
Cleansers: 13. Philosophy Purity Cleanser - This is a holy grail cleanser, and I recommend it to everyone. It's great for all skin types, perfect to use with the clarisonic, and gets off all of my makeup. 14. Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap - I tried this at the end of the year and was pleasantly surprised. I love the way it foams up and I've noticed it does a great job and getting my skin very clean.
Makeup Removers: 15. Simple Makeup Wipes - I'm really picky when it comes to makeup wipes and these are by far the best I've tried. They're so moist, and get off all of my makeup. I'll never use another brand again!

Best Of Beauty 2015 | Makeup

Face Products: 1. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer - I don't usually recommend going crazy and spending a ton of money on primers, but this year, this YSL primer blew me out of the water. It blurred my pores and gave my skin a nice healthy glow. Worth the splurge for sure. 
2. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - Another breakout star this year when it came to primers. This one is less of a pore minimizer and much more of a subtle glow. It definitely smoothes the skin, but it doesn't fill in pores the same way the YSL one does.
3. Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation - I'm usually a creature of habit when it comes to foundation, and when I find something I like I don't try anything else. I gave this foundation a try on a whim and really loved it. I could build it up or sheer it out and it lasts all day.
4. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - A serious gem from the drugstore. If you're a fan of the NARS concealer, use this instead. It's just as good and less than half the price. I've gone threw two tubes already.
5. Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer - This has become holy grail for me. I don't think I will ever find another concealer I love as much as I love this. It's full coverage and light weight, two amazing qualities in an under eye concealer. 
6. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - This powder is great for setting both under the eyes and the face. I've used it for both and been really happy with the results. I have dry skin, and I haven't had any issues with it being uncomfortable on my skin. I also know girls with oily skin who love it just as much as I do.
7. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Life changing. That is all I can say about this. These powders are beyond worth the hype and I'll definitely be getting others to try on my whole face (I use this only under the eyes because of its yellow tint.)   8. Hourglass Ambient Bronzer - I was skeptical when I saw this in Sephora, but as soon as I swatched it, I knew we were soul mates. The pigmentation is insane, and it doesn't just bronze, it glows. It's one of, if not the best bronzer I've ever used.
9. Milani Baked Bronzer - This is a great drugstore bronzer, but I only like it for warmer climates or in the summer. It's great on tan skin and gives you  a great sunny shimmer. It's perfect when you're looking to have that tropical bronzed skin look.
10. Becca Mineral Blush - Becca completely won me over this year. Every single product I tried from them was amazing, and their blushes were a huge hit with me. Wild Honey is my new obsession and I'm ordering other colors very soon. They're so pigmented and buttery.
11. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop - I know, I know, I've raved about this too much, but that's how amazing it is. Please do yourself a favor and pick it up while you still can.
Brow Products: 12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - Best brow products in the beauty industry are ABH. The brow wiz is a holy grail for me and I feel madly in love with it this year. I can't go a day without it. The dual end, makes it so functional and great for travel.
13. Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel - Another amazing ABH product. This is seriously like super glue for your eye brows. If you find that your brow hairs don't stay in place, this will fix that.
Eye Products: 14. Naked Smoky Palette - My favorite of the Naked palettes, and by far the most versatile. Just as with the others, the pigmentation and blendability are amazing.
15. Morphe Brushes - Morphe made a huge splash int he beauty industry this year, both with their brushes and their eye shadows. The brushes in particular are amazing. They're great quality for a great price, and I'd say are very comparable to both M.A.C and Sigma brushes.
16. Guerlain Clis d'Enfer Mascara - This is one of the best mascaras I've ever used, and I've used a lot. It's definitely pricey, but beyond worth it. It volumizes and lengthens without smudging. 
17. Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Mascara - An amazing drugstore mascara, and by far my favorite. Great for everyday and getting big bold lashes. It's super buildable and doesn't clump up/
Lip Products: 18. Ofra Liquid Lipsticks - Ofra was another company that became very popular this year, and for good reason; their liquid lipsticks are the best I've ever tried. They're pigmented and long lasting without being too drying. I'm obsessed.

19. Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks - Kat Von D liquid lipsticks also impressed me this year. The color selection is amazing, and while they are a little drying, the formula is one of the best in the business.

Setting Spray: 20. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - This is the best setting spray I've every tried. It is beyond words amazing. It keeps my makeup on for hours and gives my skin the glow I love. I can't say enough good things about this; Kim K uses it for a reason.










 

New Year's Resolutions | 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2015 has flown by, and I find myself feeling as though the years go by faster and faster as I get older. While 2015 was a great year for me, I always want the next year to be even better. The new year usually comes with some form of new year's resolutions for most people, myself included. It can be challenging to decide what goals you want to conquer in the new year, and because of that I decided to share mine with you, in hopes of giving you some inspiration. 
When setting new goals, it's important to remember two things; make them realistic, and make them important. You probably won't make 10 million dollars, or loose half your body weight in 2016, and setting unrealistic goals like those, can really deter you from completing any goals at all. It doesn't matter how small something seems to someone else, as long as you are passionate and driven, and the goal is important to you, you can be proud of completing it.
My New Year's Resolutions:
1. Drink more water.  I'm so bad about drinking water, and it's so important for your health, so I've decided to make 2016 the year of water. My goal is to drink a gallon a day (which is 5 of my S'well bottles) and I think I can do it if I try hard enough. Overall, this is in trend with a broader goal of mine, not just for the new year, but in general, of living a more healthy lifestyle.
2. Be more active.  On the same note, health and fitness have become really important to me over the past few months and I really want to get in great shape during 2016. I've struggled with body image issues my whole life, and while I know I'm by no means over weight, working out has become therapeutic for me, and I've decided to really make it a prominent aspect of my life for the new year.
3. Continue working towards a stronger blog presence.  While I've had this blog for about two years, this past year I feel like I really found my voice. I've had so much fun connecting with you all, and because of that, my goal is to go 12 whole months with 3 blog posts a week! I want to be able to bring you high quality content that is interesting and helpful, but also fun!
4. Begin planning for a backpacking trip. Traveling has always been something I've wanted to do but I've never considered it seriously until now. As I near the end of my college career, the adult world is daunting, and before I settle down into a "big-girl" job, I want to take the time, while I can, to explore the world. Whether it be a month or a year, I haven't decided yet, I want to push myself to go out of my comfort zone, and explore new things. Travel like this takes lots of planning and preparation, and because of that I'm hoping I can spend 2016 planning, so that in 2017 I can travel.
5. Read more.  Reading for fun always seems to be the first to go when I'm busy and I want to change that this year. I've had a list of books I've wanted to read for a while and I plan to tackle them all in 2016. First on the list is Liane Moriarty 's The Husband's Secret. I just have to remember, I have the same amount of hours in the day as Beyoncé. 

That's it! I hope these goals inspired you to come up with some of your own and make 2016 your year! 

My Favorite Planners

2015 is coming to an end, which means it's just about time to get a new planner. If you're anything like me, you need a planner to keep your life in order. I've tried using the electronic calendars on my phone, and it just doesn't work for me. Because of that, I wanted to share some of my favorite planners, incase your looking to get a new one.

1. Lily Pulitzer Planner  - Functional and girly, I've gone through a few of these planners. They come in a variety of sizes which is convenient for the girl on the go. ( $36)

2. Kate Spade Planner - This planner is the smallest of the bunch, which is great for someone who doesn't need to write a bunch of stuff down. I love the cover, and think it would be a great every-ay planner. ( $40)

3. Geodes Life Planner - This is the planner I'm using right now, and it's by far my favorite. It's versatile, durable, and customizable. If you're serious about staying organized in the new year, this is a worth while investment. I have it in turquoise.  ($50)

4. Emily Ley Planner - Another girly planner, but this one is a little more subtle. The style is very similar to that of the Lily Pulitzer and Erin Condren planners and would be great at keeping you organized and on-task. ($58)

Beauty Favorites | December 2015

1. M.A.C Whirl Lipstick - This is a newer lipstick from M.A.C. and has quickly become one of my favorites. It's the same exact color as the lipliner, and falls into the mauve-brown trend that has completely taken over the beauty world this year (thanks Kylie). I think it's the perfect fall/winter color and love the matte finish. I would definitely recommend picking it up if you're loving the trend.
2. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter in Champagne Pop - Can I rave about this product enough? NO. It's the best highlighter I've ever used. Jaclyn Hill and Becca completely hit this one out of the park. It's so pigmented and compliments so many different skin tones. I love it so much I'm considering buying a back up. It doesn't matter if you have 1 highlighter or 1,000 - you need this one. 
3. Becca Mineral Blush - I've never tried any Becca blushes, but it's safe to say I'm getting them all. I got the shade Wild Honey and I'm in love with it. It's more of a mauve, brown blush, as apposed to a baby pink, which is why I like it. It's buttery and pigmented, and would be perfect for fair girls, all the way to medium/olive complexions. 
4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Yes, yes, and more yes. This ambient lighting powder has changed my life. I use the shade Diffused Light to set my under eye concealer, and genuinely don't know how I lived without it. It doesn't let my concealer crease and gives my under eye area a gorgeous glow. You could use this to set the whole face, but I like this shade in particular for under the eyes because it has a slightly yellow tint which is great for brightening.
5. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer - This concealer has become holy grail. I've never been so impressed by a concealer in my entire life. I have two shades; light warm and light medium neutral. Light warm is the perfect highlighting shade when I'm my fairest, but since I'm going to Miami, and have been tanning to prepare, I got light medium neutral to darken it a bit,while still highlighting. It's so light weight, while still being super full-coverage. If you only try one thing on this list, this should be it. 
6. Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow - I find that Bobbi Brown shadows can be pretty hit or miss. I've tried a few and haven't been super impressed; until this one. I decided to get the the color Camel because it was just calling my name. It's definitely not a color everyone is going to love, but I think it's gorgeous. It's a very warm brown, and to be honest, is kind of the color of baby poop, but in the best way. It's the perfect fall/winter color, and I can't get enough of it. 
7. Origins Drink Up Overnight Intensive Mask - This has been a god-send for my dry skin. I've never been disappointed by an Origins product, and this mask is no exception. When I wear it to bed, my skin feels super hydrated and plump the next morning. A must have for my girls with dry skin.
8. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Lolita - All the hype is well-worth it. This liquid lipstick is bomb. It's a gorgeous shade and an amazing formula, and I think everyone needs it in their collection. I'm definitely going to be picking up more liquid lipsticks from Kat Von D's line.
9. GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment - Another dry skin savior. This Glam glow mask is amazing for exfoliating away dead skin. I was pretty skeptical at first, and really didn't want to love it because of the ridiculous price tag, but I do. It's amazing, and I'm definitely going to get it in the full size.
10. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette - This has quickly become my favorite of the Naked palettes. I think it's the most versatile, in terms of color range, in the sense that it has a good selection of both cool and warm shades. It's super pigmented and there isn't a single color I don't like. The packaging is also by far the best of the 4 Naked palettes, and I wish all of them had the magnetic closure. If you're thinking of trying a Naked palette, I recommend this one over the others. 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide For The Beauty Junkie

1. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette - This has quickly become my favorite Naked palette. It's versatile and amazing quality.
2. Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette - A new cult favorite. The colors are great and so is the packaging!
3. Drybar Gift Set - Every girl needs a good blowdryer, and this set is the perfect way to gift her with one.
4. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter - Champagne Pop has become my favorite highlight and it's something I think every beauty junkie needs.
5. Flowerbomb Gift Set - A holy grail scent of mine. I've met very few girls and women who don't love it.
6. Christian Louboutin Nail Polish - A splurge for sure but could be perfect for the nail polish obsessed - functional and collectible.
7. Sephora Collection Brush Set - This would be a major splurge, but could change a beauty junkie's makeup game. Sephora brushes are amazing quality and this is the mother load.
8. Beauty Blender - Everyone who wears foundation or concealer needs a beauty blender, period. The more beauty blenders, the better.
9. Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Soufflé - Great for the beauty junkie who lives in cold climates and loves to pamper herself.
10. YSL Volupté Sheer Candy - These are amazing gloss sticks, and my favorite shade is Dewy Papaya. It keeps your lips hydrated and glossy, without being sticky, plus they smell heavenly.
11. Guerlain Terracota Bronzing Mist - This would be perfect for the girl whose traveling somewhere tropical over the holidays. No makeup needed, just this amazing bronzing mist.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide | Stocking Stuffers for HIM

1. Mophie Power Station - I know so many guys (and girls) with this and they absolutely love it. Perfect for the phone obsessed.  2.Beats in Ear Headphones - Headphones are a must for everyone, and these are amazing quality. 3.Victoronix Swiss Champ Pocket Knife - If the men in your life are the hands-on type, this is a great functional stocking stuffer. 4. Mini Dots Pocket Square - For the fancier man; fun patterns are a great pop of holiday fun! 5. Smile Print PJ Boxers -  These are fun & functional! A serious win-win. 6. Gamago Gnome Stylus - Awesome for the creative tech. Couldn't be cuter. 7. Marled Cable Knit Scarf - If you live in a cold climate, this is a must. 8. WORD Camo Notebook - Great for the guy who needs a little organization in his life.  

Winter Skincare Essentials

If you've been a follower of mine for more than five seconds, you probably know I have dry skin. Living in Boston, the winter is particularly tough because of that reason, and that's why I thought I'd share some of my winter skincare essentials. Keeping my skin hydrated is an absolute must for me year round, but particularly during the winter, so all of these products are aimed to really hydrate the skin.

LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter - This is one of my favorite products year round. In the winter my hands get really dry so I'm constantly slathering myself with hand cream. I like to use this cuticle butter at night, because it is a little heavy and greasy. I don't just put it on my cuticles, I put it all over my hands, and it's amazing. Plus, I love the scent. 
Aquaphor Healing Treatment - So basic, yet so necessary. Save your money on expensive lip products and just get a tub of Aquaphor. I am constantly putting this on my lips and its the only thing that keeps my lips from getting dry and chapped int he cold weather. 
Unrefined, Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil - Not only is coconut oil good for your hair, it's a great moisturizer for your body. When my skin is feeling extra dry, I use this instead of a regular body butter or lotion. It's great right before bed and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated the next morning. 
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - This is another great hand cream, except this one is awesome for day time. It leaves a slightly greasy residue, but nothing that isn't tolerable, and it quickly absorbs into the skin. I've used this for years and can't live without it.
True Moringa All Purpose Body Oil - This has to be the superstar of the show. True Moringa was kind enough to send me a sample of this and I was pretty skeptical at first, especially because I am ride or die for my Josie Maran Argan oil, but it's safe to say this has replaced it, which is a bold statement. Not only is it more affordable, I think it does a better job keeping my skin hydrated. I put it all over my face, on top of my nighttime moisturizer and have never felt my skin feel so good in the morning. If you have dry skin like me, this will save your life!
Buckler's Chapped Skin Remedy - G picked this up for me at a little shop in Woodstock last winter, random I know, but it's really great. My nose is the area of my face that gets the driest, and it can peel if I don't take care of it.  Before bed and in the morning, I put a little bit of this, only in the places where I get the driest, and it saves the day. If you end up trying this, be cautious not to lather it on, as it can easily clog your pores. 

Jewelry on a Budget | Stella & Dot + GIVEAWAY!!

Jewelry is something that can really break the bank when it comes to gift giving - but it doesn't have to. I've partnered with Stella & Dot to share some amazing holiday deals on great quality jewelry. Keep the ladies in your life happy and on trend by shopping Stella & Dot this holiday season! The best part is, that for a limited time you can get $25 in Dot Dollars for every $50 you spend! Which makes these picks the gifts that keep on giving! I've selected some of my favorite pieces to share with you in the hopes that you can check a few people off your holiday list 
Use this link to shop my favorites: http://www.stelladot.com/ts/xadc6

1. Arrow Wishing Bracelet: Super cute and super inexpensive, it's a win-win ($19)
2. Sutton Necklace - A statement necklace with endless possibilities($128)
3. Signature Engravable Bar Necklace - A personal touch makes this necklace extra sweet ($59)
4. Pavé Sphinx Ring - On my wish list, perfect for almost any outfit($29)
5. Pavé Chevron Gold Ring - Again, super versatile and stylish($29)
6. Maylee Ring Gold - Adjustable for any finger length ($29)
7. Renegade Cluster Bracelet - Edgy yet chic ($59)
8. Pavé Triangle Ear Jacket - Spices up anyone's ear, perfect for holiday festivities ($49)
9. Lightning Studs - Perfect to add a fun flare to your jewelry game$19
10. Déjà Vu Double-Sided Studs - Another versatile piece, so in love ($39)

Stella & Dot has been nice enough to offer one of you the chance to win a wishing bracelet of your choice! All you need to do to enter is follow me on Instagram @dahliapadron and comment on my giveaway picture with one of your holiday wishes & an email where you can be reached! Best of luck! Love you all! 


Disclaimer: I am not receiving any monetary compensation from Stella & Dot. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

2015 Holiday Gift Guide | Stocking Stuffers for HER

1. Wildfox Morning Person Eye Mask - For the light sleeper in your life who needs to catch up on beauty rest
2. Kate Spade Glitter Card Holder - Great for a girl on the go who only wants the essentials with her
3. Joe Malone Red Roses Bath Oil - Luxurious, perfect packaging, smells like heaven - wins all over

4. Color Pop Trippin Set -  Amazing quality lip sticks at an even more amazing price

5. Ollo Clip 4-in-1 iPhone Lense Clip - For the girl who loves a good quality selfie

6. Fuzzy Pom Pom Key Chain - This makes finding your keys a lot easier, I need it in my life

7. Real Techniques Bold Metal Essentials - Great quality brushes with super sleek, festive packaging

8. Philosophy Amazing Grace Ornament - Such a classic scent, perfect for any woman at any age
9. Fresh Sugar Rosé Lip Treatment Ornament - Best lip balm ever, plus the packaging is the cutest
10. Forever 21 Fuzzy Socks - Because socks are better when they're fuzzy
11. Stella & Dot Pave Wishing Bracelet - Understated and timeless, great to stack with other bracelets
12. M.A.C Holiday Pigment Set - Great for festive makeup, it would take years to go through one of  these tubes

Beauty Favorites | October & November 2015

1. Tony Moly 'I'm Real' Aloe Face Mask Sheet - This has been a savior for my dry skin. It has been getting seriously cold in Boston and my skin has been extra dry. Tony Moly products are some of my favorite and are really cute (which makes them great gifts). If you love hydrating masks, this sheet mask will give you life.

2. Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Beautifier - I've used Pureology products for years now and this is just another product to add to my loves list. I take haircare pretty seriously, so I like to make sure I'm doing everything I can to keep it long and healthy. This leave-in conditioner leaves my hair feeling soft and hydrated, even though it's color treated.

3. L'Oreal Mega Moisture Nurturing Creme - Another haircare gem, except this one won't break the bank.  I picked this guy up on a whim because I love hair masks, and was presently surprised. I'm a huge fan of the Macadamia hair mask, and while this one isn't going to replace it, it's really comparable. It leaves my hair feeling hydrated, without making it greasy.

4. NARS Larger Than Life Eye Liner in Via Veneto - I'm not a big eye liner girl, and I almost never wear it, but when I do, this is my go-to. I tried it for the first time when I was practicing my halloween skull makeup and fell in love. It's super black and creamy and doesn't smudge which is essential in my book. Definitely worth the splurge.

5. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara - I picked this up a while back during the Nordstrom Mascara Madness but hadn't gotten around to using it. It's safe to save I'm in love. This mascara seriously gets the job done. It's super black and gives me length and volume without smudging or transferring to my eyelids. The price-tag makes me hate that I love it, but I can't help myself.

6. Alterna Bamboo Style Ultra Hold Hairspray - I almost never use hairspray, but for the holidays and special occasions I'll add a little to keep my curls in place. This stuff is no joke. It's literally hair superglue and that's why I like it. It keeps everything in place, but doesn't build up or get gross. It leaves my hair a little crunchy but that isn't something that bothers me. 

7. Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation - This foundation is AMAZING. It's full coverage and gives my skin a flawless finish. I don't wear foundation every day but when I do, this has been my go-to. I like to mix in a drop of face oil to thin it out and to add hydration to my dry skin. The color range is pretty good and I think any skin type would love it.

8. Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion - I love bronzers, and this one is no exception. It's buttery and goes on smoothly. I love the shade range and the glow it gives my skin. I've noticed that it goes on more pigmented with synthetic brushes, rather than goat hair (which is often the case for any product). Definitely holy grail status.

9. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - I thought I would love this, and I was right. Tatcha is an amazing company that seems to hit it out of the park every single time. I like using this spray in addition to my regularly Urban Decay 'All Nighter' to add a dewy glow to my skin while also keeping my skin hydrated. This is definitely my favorite on this list. It's become holy grail for sure.

10. Origins Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask - Face masks are my jam. Without them my skin wouldn't be able to survive. I got this one with the hopes that it would be just as good as Origin's charcoal mask, and it is. Whenever I have a blemish, I pop this on, and I notice a huge difference the next day. It's detoxifying without being too drying, which I really appreciate.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide For DAD

Black Friday is right around the corner and these are some of my gift ideas for all the dads in your life!
1. Beats Pro Headphones - Perfect for any guy in your life who loves to listen to music or stream movies. These have amazing sound quality and are super sleek and stylish. G has had a pair for almost 3 years! 

2. Fit Bit 'Surge' - If you're getting mom one, why not get dad one? This model is a little different than the one I recommended for mom's, but would be perfect for the active dad!

3. Happy Socks Gift Box - Does your dad love socks? Or need socks? This is a fun way to give them to him! You can choose any pattern or print you think he'd like. 

4. Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success - If your dad is a sports fan, this could be perfect for him. This book has toped the charts across various categories and is considered one of the best sports books of all time.

5. L.L. Bean Flannel Robe - This would be great for any dad of any age. This will keep him warm and festive as the temperature drops. Plus it would be great to wear to unwrap presents!

6. The Tie Bar Large Style Box - Ties are something men tend to collect, even if it isn't on purpose. Add a few to your dad's collection by gifting him this adorable tie set.

7. P.J. Salvage Transport Pants - Another comfy gift. If your dad loves cars, this is a fun way to let him know you didn't forget without having to surprise him with a mustang.

8. Tiffany's Classic Money Clip - This is a really special gift, and it wont break the bank. You can even have it engraved with your dad's initials to make it really special. It's something he'll have forever.

9. UGG Men's Moccasins - G lives in these. I don't think I'd survive a winter without moccasins, and if your dad doesn't already have a pair, I highly recommend these. 

10. Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II - This could bring some technology into your dad's life that's functional and fun. Even if he isn't a tech wiz, these speakers will let him listen to his favorite music anywhere he wants!

My Favorite Drugstore Lipsticks | #DrugstoreBeautyWeek

Milani lipsticks are some of my all time favorite. They're super creamy and pigmented and smell amazing. They're a great way to try out fun seasonal colors you may not always go for. I have 6 different shades, but 17 Plumrose is definitely my all time favorite. I find them to be really comparable to MAC lipsticks in the sense that both have great color pay off and go on easily.

from left to right

26 Nude Créme - The perfect every-day pinky nude
17 Plumrose - Mauves are some of my favorite shades and this is no different
05 Red Label - A perfect holiday red with blue undertones
12 Flamingo Pose - A bright pink with some peachy undertones
01 Sweet Nectar - A true orange, great for summer
24 Black Cherry - My favorite shade for fall/winter

Drugstore Concealers That Really Work | #DrugstoreBeautyWeek

Concealers are one of my favorite beauty products (definitely top 3) and there are some hidden gems at the drugstore that are really great! Here are my 6 favorite!
1. L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer - This is a great concealer for under the eyes. In general the true match line from L'Oreal is really great, and this is no exception. They have a great color range which is something that can be tough to find at the drugstore.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - This is my favorite concealer on the list. It's super comparable to the NARS radiant creamy concealer, but for a third of the price. If you've been wanting to try the NARS one, pick this up instead. The quality is amazing, and it does a great job and hiding my dark circles. I can't live without it.
3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser - This concealer is magical. It comes in two ranges, one of which has regular skin tone shades, and the other that has a brightening/pinky shade. Both are amazing, and the pinky-toned one is a great base for another concealer. It completely cancels out dark circles.
4. Maybelline FaceStudie Master Conceal - This concealer reminds me of the M.A.C Pro Longwear concealer in terms of consistency, both are creamy and very opaque. This is great for both under eye concealing and blemish concealing.
5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller - I always find this product so interesting because it combines and eye treatment with a concealer. Unlike the others on this list, this isn't a full coverage concealer but it is worth trying. It combines a caffeine gel with a light/medium coverage concealer, to help rid you of your dark circles while concealing them. The applicator also helps de-puff the area. It's amazing.
6. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer - This concealer is so affordable it's practically free. For just under $3 you have tons of shades to choose from, and multiple ways to use this. The darker shades are perfect for contouring and the brush tip makes it great for nose contouring in particular.

Best Drugstore Mascaras | #DrugstoreBeautyWeek

This is the beginning of #drugstoreweek and I'm so excited. I absolutely love drugstore mascara and it's the number one product I recommend saving your money on. The drugstore has some amazing mascaras that exceed even the most expensive designer tubes. Here are my 6 favorite 

1. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - This is a serious OG mascara. My mom used this when I was little and I still think it's a great mascara. It gets the job done, and even though it isn't fancy, if you're on a budget, this is definitely worth picking up. 
2. L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara - This is a great mascara for length. It gives you super long spidery lashes that are seriously amazing. It's super black, which is important for me. This doesn't give you any real volume, so if you don't love length and prefer volume, this might not be the best choice for you.
3. Maybelline "The Colossal Volum' Express" Mascara - This is my second favorite mascara on this list. I think it does an amazing job at giving your lashes both volume and length. Again, it's super black and doesn't smudge, even on my bottom lashes. 
4. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara - This mascara is a dupe for Benefit's 'They're Real.' It does practically the same thing - lengthens and separates.  The only difference is it's half the price. If you've been wanting to try the Benefit one but are on a budget, pick this one up instead.
5. CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara - Very similar to the LashBlast, this mascara lengthens and separates, but the curved wand allows you to prevent clumping. While I don't notice a huge difference between the two, if you find that your lashes easily clump when applying multiple coats of mascara, this is worth a try.
6. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara - This mascara is holy grail status. I always need to have a tube in my makeup collection. It's super black and doesn't smudge. It gives my curls volume and length and has the type of brush I'm a fan of. Definitely my favorite on this list.