a summer beauty look. what summer means to me.

happy friday, loves!

this week i participated in a blog series, what summer means to me, with a group of pretty cool girls.  of course when i think of summer, i think of all the usual things that it brings like vacations, sunblock, sand, watermelon, and sunshine, but the first thing that pops into my head is beauty!

i wanted to feature a pretty, summer look that's easy to pull off and looks good on just about any skin color.  during the summer, i like to keep my face pretty free of foundation because it can be heavy so all i typically use is tinted moisturizer with some bronzer. 

a glowy look is something i like to go for, so matte is a look i don't try to achieve in the summertime.  luckily i have pretty normal to dry skin, so i can pull this off without having to use a powder. as for the eyes, any color will do, but for this look here i did a brown/bronze look.  i used brown satin shadow topped with a champagne color, brown pot liner, white in the waterline, and black mascara.  lips are a medium pink color, which is not something i normally wear.  i would have typically worn a nude color with this, but i felt it needed a bit of added color and i liked this color pretty well.

all in all, this look can be worn in a ton of different ways by changing just a few things: a nude lip instead of pink, less eyeshadow and more of a naked eye with bold lips, or even a natural look with only mascara and gloss.

what did you think of this look? 

 

 

Products you would need to complete this look:
- first and foremost, always start out with spf - mine is in my serum and moisturizer
- tinted moisturizer
- light colored bronzer (for the whole face)
- regular bronzer (for contour or apples)
- shimmer powder for highlight
- bronze shadow
- champagne shadow
- espresso gel liner
- black mascara
- white liner (for waterline)
- pink lipstick
- pink lipliner
- gloss if you want

sorry to my readers.

i do apologize for my lack of posts lately. 

Instagram has been taking over my social media life lately.  i seem to go there when i want to post something, anything.  this isn't a 'come follow me' post or anything like at all, i am just saying that i haven't forgotten about my old blog and i really, really want to be back here soon.

i have found that with my absence, i have almost forgotten how to write.  when i was thinking of something to post, i could hardly come up with a beginning sentence.  i still don't even know what to say.

it also doesn't help that my hard drive still isn't fixed, therefore i have no motivation to take pictures, it won't quit snowing, and i long for days like the one below where the weather is warm and we can be carefree.  i am just a happier person when the weather is nice, as are most people.

so basically, sorry that i haven't been around.  don't go away or forget about the dream tree, ok?  there will be good things again.  life, food, makeup, and whatever else there used to be, i promise (:

a new favorite mascara, finally!

Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam

since 2009 i have been on the hunt for a mascara to fall in love with, as my favorite had been discontinued.  i have talked about this before and have run across a few that i have liked quite a bit, one that i did fall for, and lots that i have thrown away mid use.

i have used rimmel mascara before and liked it so when i tried this particular one, i had high expectations.  it was actually better than i thought.  for one, i always use black.  in fact, i have to because my lashes are so light that i look like a corpse with naked lashes or any color besides black. this black was like jet black and bold.  killer.  loved it.  also, i loved the formula.  it went on super easy, was not clumpy and i only had to use about two coats.  it never flaked throughout the day and washed off without any makeup remover.

the brush is pretty unique as well because of the hour-glass shape and the way it grabbed all the lashes.  the only thing i didn't like about the shape when i applied to my bottom lashes, but that is just me.  typically i have to use a small brush because i end up touching my skin and i also had to apply lots of coats to achieve the look i was going for.

all in all i would give this 5 out of 5 stars.  

 

 

kinda blurry, sorry. can't really see the brush.

** this was a sponsored post by Influenster, however all thoughts and comments are my own. 

hair & skin savers from caribbean sunshine

so only one more post on summer, and then i promise i'll move on to the next season.  i'm still not ready to give up my beloved summer and adjust to the chilly temps.  sure, bonfires, boots, scarves, and hoodies are nice, but so is warmth, tanks, and sunshine!

since my hair is so blonde, it's super susceptible to damage from summer and my light skin, as well.  i took some new products on my trip that seriously saved my skin and hair from the summer elements - sunshine, salt water, and paradise.  my hair is used to being washed every few days, but i had to wash it every single day and was a bit worried on how it would work out . . . perfect, really.  i also slather myself with lotion daily, but i knew i was going to have to kick it up a notch.  i never really did get a burn the whole 8 days.

below is a pic of me about halfway through the trip, sunkissed, but hair and skin are still protected and healthy.

this is a rather new line of hair products from arbonne.  since i am a consultant, i am a bit biased, but i fell in love with these.  i was saving them for my trip so hadn't used the product line yet.  they were magnificent.  the shampoo and conditioner left my hair silky soft, the masque was great for when my hair felt like straw, and the mousse gave it bounce for the evening.

these two products were amazing as well.  the first is a prep and protect spray that i had received in one of my beauty boxes a couple of months back.  i took it because it was a small bottle, but i also knew i needed everything i could to help my hair.  i applied after washing and even when i was on the beach.

the paul mitchell after-sun masque has to be one of my new favorite products, ever.  the smell is amazing, like a fresh summery smell, but my hair felt so good after i used it.  luckily i still have some left, so i can use it throughout winter for when my locks get dried out.

this lotion was a godsend.  i saved this for my trip as well and i was so impressed with it.  i just coated my body in it after i came in from the sun and it prevented my skin from drying out while soothing the small amount of redness i got.  i never did get burned on the trip because i applied sunscreen, then reapplied, and reapplied some more throughout the day.

i know summer is virtually over, but these are fantastic products.  if you go on a trip this winter or even want to use some of these during the cold months ahead, i guarantee you will be happy with them.  all are probably still available, however the paul mitchell sun line may not be.

let me know if you've tried any of these and what you thought of them!

goodbye, summer

divas don't do nose jobs, but . . .

they get their nose pierced, perhaps.

anyone that knows me is aware that i have a very strong love/hate relationship with my nose.  for as long as i can remember my nose has been the least favorite feature of my face, however i have been convinced that it's what makes my beauty. i know that if i got it changed i definitely would not look the same, in fact, i may look less pretty.  you know how that works. like jennifer gray.  i don't think she is pretty at all before her nose job, but i think she's even less pretty afterwards because her nose is what gave her her look.  same with me. 

anyhow, i am happy with my decision to get this piercing.  i love tattoos & piercings, have already had negative comments, but it's my body and i have the right.  as long as it doesn't get infected, i'll be golden (:

disclaimer: i really don't consider myself a diva although my family calls me one and i even have a shot named diva after me. vodka, sprite, and cranberry juice - delish. oh, and i saw this title somewhere once and it has always stuck with me since i have always dreamed of a nose job.

review || wet 'n' wild megashield lip color

a couple of months ago as i was leaving the drugstore, i saw a whole row of colored tubes that drew me in, plus they were on sale for around two bucks.  turns out it was perfect for what i was looking for.  a sheer lip color with spf 15.

however, this swatch clearly shows that the color is not sheer but highly pigmented!  i think this is meant to be a kind of like a colored lip balm, although i wear this more as a lipstick because of how rich the color is.  this color is called salsa lessons.

the consistency is very creamy and goes on super smooth while covering extra well.  i don't typically wear a lot of red, but i got this thinking it would be a slight red color with more of a moisturizing appeal.  it's both really, but overall this is pretty great stuff.  sometimes i even just dab it on a couple of times for a light tint.

these pictures show how it looks on and i think i probably only swiped one time to achieve this.  i will definitely be trying more of these because there were several other colors i almost picked up when i bought this one.  it's a great tube of color for the quality that comes with such a cheap price.  pretty amazing stuff!

ck one summer.

i have a couple favorite perfumes, but my signature smell is patchouli and that's what most people know as my scent.  every now and then i like to add some additional fragrance and i'll choose the perfumes i have on hand.  i am not really into buying new perfumes, but when i saw and smelled this one i knew i had to have it.

i think the coloring and the bottle drew me in first, plus i've always loved ck one.  the turquoise and bright green combo really grabbed my attention, plus it has textured water beads on the bottle that looked neat.  the smell of this is something i can't even really describe.  all i can say is that it's refreshing & clean. i think it is supposed to have a water, floral, citrus, spicy, smell if that makes sense.  one of the first things i think of when it hits my nose is summer though, so nice job!

yesterday at work a guy asked me birthday options for his girlfriend. i was thinking of this perfume so i asked if he remembered ck one from back in the day.  he kind of looked at me odd and said no.  hmm.  he told me he was 22 and i almost did a forehead slap for two reasons. . .1) it made me feel very old being almost 10 years older than him and 2) ck one was popular when i was in high school and then sorta faded out.

point being, this is a unisex fragrance, so it's not too girly, not too manly.  since i wear it, i cannot honestly really see SH wearing it, but it also is not too young or old lady like.

i am seriously in heaven with this.

another point of interest.  i guess they make this an annual summertime thing, so each summer there is a new scent.  that's good and bad i guess.  i look forward to the next one coming out, however i'm not sure if this seasons will then be available when i run out.  i guess i'll figure that out when the time comes.  the pretty price tag on this runs about $50, so i am not looking to purchase a second bottle right now.

do any of you wear this yet?  if not, you definitely won't go wrong.  this could potentially be my next signature smell, second to the patchouli, that's how much i love it!

☆ GIVEAWAY ☆ two boho headbands from MURABELLE.

i bought this for a bday nite out on the town. sparkle city!

when ashley from murabelle said a giveaway on the blog would be perfect for her headbands, i got the biggest smile on my face.  i am in love, or should i say obsessed, with her products.  there are so many different styles - boho, feminine, simple, & colorful; scarves, nautical, lace, tribal, and wraps. 

she also has a line called fit happy for those that love a band while at the gym, hanging out, or just to wear. these are becoming increasingly popular and i'm pretty sure one of these is next on my list.

also, these dent-free hair ties have become everyone's favorite lately and i have loved wearing them. since my hair is shorter, i don't wear them as often anymore, but they still come in handy and look great on my wrist!

this is my beautiful cousin, LAUREN.  she made the perfect model for these bands.  doesn't she have the prettiest hair and most gorgeous eyes?!

aren't the headbands just lovely?!  her prices are out of this world too.  i am so happy with everything i have ever purchased from her and she is awesome to work with. 

there will be two winners - one will be receiving the lace band and the second will receive the purple & turquoise chevron. 

good luck!!

{if you like murabelle or purchase from her store, tell her i sent you her way, please (:} 
she is always posting sales and deals on her facebook page so be sure to like it.  for instance, check out the super cute and unique 4th of july bands - i am so bummed i missed out on this one.  definitely one of a kind!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*giveaway open to all US residents.  

olay cc cream.

i completely skipped right over the BB creams and headed straight for the CC creams.  i am pretty sure these are all just a fad, but i had been wanting to try this out for a while.

tinted moisturizer is something that i have been using every summer since i was a teenager and there have only been a few brands to really carry them until the last couple of years when these types of creams here starting becoming popular.

the seven effects of aging this one claims to fight are:

• Fine lines and wrinkles:  Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven Tone:  Balances and helps even out tone
• Age Spots:  Reduces appearance of age spots
• Gentle Exfoliation:  Improves surface cell turnover
• Dryness:  Provides nourishing moisturization
• Moisture Barrier:  Strengthens skin’s natural defense against moisture loss
• Luminosity:  Recaptures youthful luminosity

i do think this works well as far as moisturizing, giving skin a healthy glow with some coverage, and i love that it contains an spf. normally i get a darker shade than my own skin tone so it gives me some additional color, but i decided to go with what fits my skin in this one, which is light to medium.  it does well, but i could never wear it just alone because it doesn't cover up the circles under my eyes.  my cheeks tend to be a bit uneven as far as redness and it does help to make them appear smoother.

i would recommend this product and would give 3.5/5 stars.  It's a pretty big bottle that will last for months and months because a little goes a long way.  the only draw back is that i paid about $22 for this, and i thought that was a little high.  if i knew how it compared to some of the cheaper brands i used to use, i probably would have stuck to one of them, but i am glad i tried this out.  i really like this olay cc cream, but to me it does just as well as any of the other tinted moisturizers that i have tried. 

it will be nice for the summer because i only wear tinted moisturizer and bronzer because my face is tan.  my only wish now is that i had purchased a darker shade, but this will work for now.

i hope this helps if you have been considering purchasing this item!
let me know what you think if you have tried it before.

three different formulas

a pea-sized amount does the trick.

applying to the skin // all rubbed in

helps skin look more flawless

my new do!

today i went and saw my cousin who goes to the paul mitchell school in st. louis.  i was really needing a change with my hair and i'm so glad i went.  i freaking love the outcome.  my hair hasn't been this short in about 10 years.  i think it will be great for summer and i can still pull it back. 

i'm sure i'll grow it back eventually, but i am loving the change.

what do you guys think of it?!

what i am best at.

certainly this isn't the thing i do best, but it's one that i am very passionate about and love.  ever since i was little i have been obsessed with beauty. i've worn makeup since jr high, dyed my hair since then, and shaved my legs for the first time at age 7. 

i have done makeup for weddings, currently cut hair for a couple people, and have even cut long hair into a short bob while on vacation on the balcony, at nite, with kitchen shears - it wasn't perfection, but it was cute. never a dull moment really.

i am a beauty product junkie.  i am a platinum member at ulta, i have numerous coastal scents eyeshadow palettes, almost every body shop product there is, baskets full of hair goodies, and drawers full of half-used face and body products. it's sick, but there's too much good stuff out there that i cannot keep my hands off of.

unfortunately having this passion comes with a bit of vanity.  i can't leave the house with at least mascara on, maybe even bronzer.  my lashes are so light i can't hardly stand to look at myself au natural. 

i also care very much about my skin, protecting it from the environment and aging.  i slather on body lotion every day after i shower, wash my face twice a day, wear at least spf 15 on face and skin, and use anti-aging products. skin has to last your whole life so why not try and keep it healthy as well.  treat skin as you would anything else you care about.

the main thing though is that i like to have fun with everything.  i love to see the final result whether it's a funky bright eyeshadow, a cute braid, natural, neutral face, or a curly mess.  anyone can do it; it just takes some practice.

one thing i admit though, after all this time, i still cannot put mascara on my bottom lashes on my left eye without it touching skin.  i hate that, so q-tips are always close by.  maybe one day i will master it (;

i hope this post doesn't sound like i'm a prissy, snooty thing.  i'm actually quite the opposite, but i just have a true love for beauty and that's who i am.

pretty polish for a wedding. ♥

today one of my best friends from nursing school is getting married.  it's going to be a beautiful outdoor setting at a countryside winery. 

i figured i needed to spruce up my hands a bit and give them a coat of polish.  if you remember this post, i have way too much polish, but as i was sifting through it this morning, i found a polish buried at the bottom that i bought almost 10 years ago i would say.  the paint job itself doesn't look so spectacular, but the color sure is.

the color is so pretty, somewhat like a dark pinkish-red. i used to buy mac's polishes on occasion and always loved this one.  even after almost 10 years, it was like brand new.  there was no gooeyness and i only had to apply one coat. 

i'm sure i'll be using this one a few times over the course of the spring and summer, but i'm still planning on keeping my toes sans polish!