June Favorites

Happy Monday, loves! Today, I wanted to share with you my beauty favorites from the month of June. I honestly feel like I just made my May favorites last week. It makes me sad seeing the summer fly so quickly. This month, I made a point to start focusing a little more on the condition of my hair. While I do take pretty good care of it, I wanted to kick my haircare up a notch. (It's a constant battle to want sunny blonde highlights AND healthy hair!) I also have been experimenting with new makeup techniques and applications. So therefore, I think it was a great month! ;) Here are things that I have been reaching for!

fun colors, am I right? 

DermOrganic Intensive Hair Repair Masque // Ulta // I wanted to purchase the Macadamia Oil Masque, but my Ulta was out of stock. I decided to pick this up & have been loving it! It makes my hair feel very conditioned and strong-- which is great for blondes like me!

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in1 Styling Treatment // Ulta // I bought this in the set I linked. You can buy the cream individually, however, I wanted to give it a shot in the travel size before committing to the full size price. So far, I have really been enjoying it. It gives my hair a sleek & moisturized finish after blow drying.

Chanel Blush in Rose Initial // Nordstrom // This shade of pink is the perfect flush of color for spring & summer. If I am not wearing NARS Madly blush, this is my other go-to. And the smell. Wow! There's nothing like the scent of a Chanel blush. 

Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation brush // Sephora // I got this brush a few years back in a featured set from QVC. I really didn't use it much when I first got it. But after seeing Brianna Stanko use hers in a recent video, I decided to whip mine out again. I love it for when I'm in a hurry. It quickly distributes all the product and basically does all the work for you. I highly recommend this brush to someone who want to use liquid foundation, but doesn't want anything fussy.

Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Dani // Sephora // These glosses are great. I have several of them, and you can't go wrong. I have been obsessed with this soft lilac-y pink color & it pairs perfectly over nude & baby doll pink lipsticks.

MAC Lipstick in Shanghai Spice // Macys // I love this color for everyday. I can pop this lipstick on without a mirror and know it looks great. It's a soft peach pink that is very wearable. I highly recommend this to any one who is looking to get into MAC lipsticks.

Maybelline Fit Me concealer // Ulta // I was recommended this concealer from a friend, and am so happy I tried it out. The price tag is great and the consistency is just right. It covers my under eye area without being too thick. Be sure to set this, and it won't crease! 

Loreal True Match foundation // Ulta // I love this foundation because it contains no oil, fragrances, or pore clogging components. It has great build able coverage and it a great option for those seeking a  less costly liquid foundation. 

What things did you reach for this month? I'd love to hear your favorites!

XO, Carrie

Drugstore Haul

Hello friends & happy Friday! The weekend is here! What will you be doing to celebrate? We are headed to the lake for some R&R and sunshine! (Fingers crossed. This rain is killing my mood!) I recently made a trip to the drugstore, and left with a basket full of new goodies. Most of these items are things that I had typed down in my notes to look for at the store through recommendations of friends and fellow YT beauty gurus. I have come to the conclusion that that is how I find out about 90% of products, and other randomness. 

Here are the things I picked up...

Loreal Boost It High Lift Creation Spray // "for instant lift and fullness", strong-hold back combing finisher. This reminds me of the Redken Quick Tease Backcombing finishing spray. Very excited to try this! Thanks Alex for the great recommendation! 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped foundation // this is something I have been wanting to try for a while. Various YT gals rave about. Amanda Ensing is crazy about it for oily skin in the summer! Gotta be worth a try, right? (I chose 250 Medium Beige.)

Maybelline Eyestudio quad in Copper Chic // Casey Holmes video made me need this in my life. I am loving bronzy-copper looks this summer!

Maybelline Color Elixir in Petal Plush // another recommendation of Casey Holmes. This is the perfect wearable, baby pink lip color! I have 2 other color elixirs & I love the formula. 

Sally Hansen Triple Shine Polish in Statemint // however, there is nothing 'mint' about this shade. It is almost an avocado green. Which seems like an odd polish color, but I have been on the hunt for a fun green to rock this summer on my toes.

Jordana 12 HR Eyeshadow Pencil in Continuous Almond // I bought this to use as a matte highlight for underneath my brows. The formula is perfect for that use. 

Revlon Bold Lacquer by Grow Luscious mascara // I haven't heard anyone talk about this mascara, but I wanted to try it because I used to love the original grow luscious a couple of years ago. We shall see! 

I am always amazed by the amount of great things at the drugstore! Can't wait to give these all a shot!

What things have you been loving?

XO, Carrie

Splurge vs. Save: Part 1

When it comes to the world of makeup, it can be difficult to know where to put your money. Yes, you can find products from all categories at the drugstore, but there are some things the drugstore options just can't compete with. So today I am going to break down where I think someone should splurge and where they should save. 

PRIMER: SPLURGE

Depending on your skins need, a great primer, that works as it should, may be hard to find at the drugstore. There are some options that are designed to fill lines and smooth pores, but outside of that, I haven't seen much that help with oil control and other targeted issues. [However, if you don't have special needs, this step can be skipped. Use a great moisturizer before your foundation instead.]

FOUNDATION: BOTH

This one is tough, so I chose both. There are amazing drugstore and high end foundations. Think Covergirl 3-in-1 and then think Chanel Perfection Lumiere. Both equally great products. This is completely your choice and preference. 

CONCEALER: SAVE

Even though I am a diehard MAC Prolongwear concealer user, when I am in a pinch, nothing is easier to use than the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser to cover dark under eye circles. This is a great product that I think most women would love. 

MASCARA: SAVE

Ok, so this is an easy one. Most people know that there are killer mascaras sold at the drugstore. Between the Covergirl Lash blast and the Loreal Voluminous Full Definition, there isn't much reason to go hunting any further. 

BLUSH: SPLURGE

Depending on how many blushes you would like to have in your collection, I personally feel the best quality and color selection of blushes come from higher end brands. (NARS for example.) Blushes last a long time and some shades can be worn with all makeup looks. [If you are on a tight budget, check out Milani and Maybelline.]

Look for Part 2 coming soon! 

XO, Carrie

Five Things

Ladies, summer is near! And when seasons turn, that means our makeup bags need a little updating. Between temperature changes and the release of new products, we have good reason to switch up the products from last season and opt for something different. In terms of summer, whether you are dry or oily, we all, most likely, experience sweat and makeup that tends to breakup through out the day. Summer means heat, extra time in the sun, and glowing sun kissed skin we have missed the last 6 months. Here are the 5 things you should keep in your makeup bag this summer. 

1. Sunscreen with SPF 15+ is a must. Apply daily before makeup to prevent sun damage. A good moisturizer can also act as a primer for your foundation. [Shown: Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture SPF 30] Cheaper alternative: Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30

2. Silicone foundation is a great option for summer heat. Silicone based foundation acts as a film between your skin, and prevents humidity from melting your makeup. This is a great way to get a full coverage look without feeling cakey. [Shown: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation] Cheaper alternative: Covergirl Clean Liquid Makeup

3. Setting powder is the key to holding your foundation in place. A translucent powder helps prevent makeup from traveling and breaking up throughout the day, without adding too much product. [Shown: Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Power- Shine Control] Cheaper alternative: Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder- Translucent 

4. Cream shadows are great for summer! They have a better tendency to not crease and they lock in the color all day. [Shown: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow, shade R.S.V.P.] Cheaper alternative: Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow

5. Lip stains are a summer fave. While gloss is pretty, it can be sticky and messy. A stain is long wearing and polishes off a look in a jiffy.  [Shown: Buxom Full-On Lip Tarnish, shade Wardrobe Malfunction] Cheaper alternative: Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Balm Stain 

What are your favorite things to incorporate into your summer makeup bag? 

XO, Carrie