Vacation Packing Tips

With summer finally here that means vacation time! And in just a few short days I will be on my way to Florida going on a cruise. I decided to share some of my tips I have learned throughout the years.

Tips for makeup and hair:

About two to one week before a trip I recommend putting all makeup in a bag and only using that for your everyday makeup. This helps make sure you don't forget anything you would want during this trip. Since I will have a few nights where I may want a darker look I like to use my everyday pallets to achieve that look so I put one eye and face so that I have all my shadows, blush and bronzer I will need to go from everyday to evening look. For hair I recommend doing the same except instead of having in the bag I just put everything to the side so that the night before or morning of I can do my hair and put it all in the bag and go. 

Tips for packing clothes:

Hey have this app

Packing in a suitcase is my favorite part of the whole experience. I love finding ways I can use less space (which really just leads to having way more than I needed) but hey I would rather have 5 extra outfits than be 2 short. 

I am by no means a travel expert but throughout my years going on vacation I have learned ways to make things more simple. I will be showing my luggage and what I recommend bringing when going on a beach vacation. 

Real Techniques

I have always been wanting to try the Sigma brush mat. Once I saw that Real Techniques was coming out with there own I new I had to try it out. I may not be able to speak for the mat that Sigma has but this is a great way to get your brushes cleaned. Before I got this I was using my hand and baby Shampoo to get them clean and always felt like it took me so long and make my hands so dry since they were wet the whole time.

I've been eyeing too faced Kabuki Brush to bring on the go and could not justify spending the money on it that I decided to get Real Techniques version with it being buy one get one half off (which it is again). It has been perfect for when I am on the go and I want to just touch up either my face powder or blush. It is perfect for both.

Tarte Concealer

I am so sorry that I have been MIA on my blog for so long! I let life get to me with work and changes in my personal life. But I making a promise to myself to get back onto two post a week. Hoping that I can make them every weekday soon. Anyways today I wanted to talk about the Tarte rainforest of the Sea Aquacealer. When I heard about this new collection I was so excited to buy some of the products. I noticed that QVC had the concealer before the whole collection was to be released at Sephora so of course I had to buy it to see if I would be buying from this collection or not. It was totally worth it! I love how this feels under my eyes and I have been using it for the past few months. I have since bought the matching foundation during the VIB sale at Sephora. I will be sharing my thoughts on that product once I wear it more.

The brush gives it the perfect airbrushed look. I have been loving this for my everyday concealer and cannot wait to try out more from this line. I have always been a big fan of Tarte products so it is no surprise that I have been loving this as well. I was a little worried at first about how this would cover up what I needed it too. I was certain that this would be for summer days when I didn't want a heavy make up look. 

XX-Steph 

Verb Hair Set

Hey Guys!


Today I wanted to talk about the verb set I recently got. I saw this kit and thought this was the perfect way to try out this brand. I have curly hair and have always had a problem with how to style it when I do not want to spend hours blow drying and styling my hair with a straightener. I have been noticing how damaged my hair has been looking so I am trying to not put so much heat on it hoping that it would help make my hair grow. This set seemed like the best way to try out a new way to style my hair.

I love having travel sets that I can throw my products in and this one is big enough where I can fit full sizes which will be perfect when I go on vacation. The bag is a little on the thinner side but it seems easy to clean.

Leave-in Hair Mist:
After a shower my hair is so tangled so this is very much needed. I like how this product doesn't weigh down my hair. It smells great and a little goes a long way.


Sea Salt Spray:
I like this spray as long as I use it with other products. On its own my hair gets so big I end up pulling my hair up. Which I hate doing because the baby hairs get all crazy and it is not a good look. So far I have been loving how this and I will give you more of an update once the warmer weather comes.


Shampoo and Conditioner:
This did not wow me at all. I have found better at the drug store. It wasn't bad, I only got two uses out of it so maybe if I had more to sample I would have had better things to say about it.


Dry Shampoo:
The jury is still out on this one. I was not wowed when I first used it and I think its because I have used better. It does give a little texture to my hair but I much prefer my bumble and bumble pret-a-powder. It doesn't give me the volume that I get with the bumble and bumble product.


All in all I think this is a good way to get to know this brand and I do really like it. Once the weather turns warmer I will know how I really feel about the sea salt spray. I have high hopes for it but I know that my hair is harder to control in high humidity.



XX-Steph

It Cosmetics

Hey Guys!


Today I was to talk about my two favorite products from It Cosmetics. I know that everyone talks about their cc cream but it is worth every cent. This foundation is light weight but covers any spots for a flawless look. I not only love this for the summer so that I don't have a long make up routine but during the winter time this is a life saver, adding the hydration that I need when my face is  on the dryer side. With all of the vitamins I feel like my skins looks even better when I take my makeup off than it did the morning before I put it on. Basically this foundation will never leave my collection; forever a staple for when I was an easy flawless look.

Ever since It Cosmetics came out with their brushes with Ulta I knew I wanted to at least get one. I may have a lot of foundation brushes but I couldn't help buying the airbrush OMG! foundation brush this puts on all my foundations perfectly. I love how it is bigger than a lot of the foundation brushes I already have (which is how I justified buying ;)) but this bad boy seriously puts on my makeup faster than I thought. It easily blends everything out beautifully. With it being so big I didn't expect to like it for my under-eye area; shockingly I love it! The curved edge glides under my eye so effortlessly that I have no need to use my concealer brush when using this one.

XX-Steph 

CoverGirl TruBlend Primer

Hey Guys!


Today I wanted to discuss covergirl primer. I have combo skin that can be more on the dryer side during the colder months but I didn't want the one for dry skin to make my face get oily after a full day. This primer feels like a lotion but not as wet which makes it easy to apply and soak into the skin. For being a drug store primer I was so shocked that I ended up liking it as much as I do. I mean this is just an all around good primer that even beats out some of the higher end ones that I have used in the past.

This primer helps with the longevity of my foundation that I am currently using without making my face get oily after a long day. I still do set this foundation but I do that on days I have gone without this primer and I can tell a big difference. Primer is a step that I don't think I can live without doing after seeing how great my make up looks and last throughout the day. Since it is a full drug store routine I have been doing recently I am loving the results.

XX-Steph 

Lush

Hey Guys!


Today I wanted to talk about some products I bought at Lush. This is one of my favorite stores to get my bath products. They make everything fresh with no animal testing which is great.

This lotion has been a life saver since the cold weather had been making my skin extra dry. The smell is very fresh and not overpowering. 

I have been using this scrub for years. It is amazing to exfoliate your body and is mental enough to use on your face. It does not make the skin feel dry like most scrubs do but instead it leaves the skin fresh and moisturized. 

Lastly I couldn't leave without getting a bath bomb. They are amazing for those nights when you want to pamper yourself. Leaving your skin feeling like you just put lotion I love treating myself to a lush bath every now and than. 

XX-Steph 

Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation

Hey Guys!


I know two Maybelline post in one week! I had to give dream velvet foundation a review because I have been using it on a daily basis!! I went to Ulta a few weeks ago and once I tried this foundation I knew that I had found my new favorite drug store foundation. This is big for me because I am a HUGE high end foundation girl. With that being said I still love to try out new products but nothing has ever blow me away from the drug store. Until this one! I have tried using it with my hands, beauty blender and my foundation brush and I have found that my It Cosmetics 106 brush gives me that flawless look. The coverage can be built to more full coverage and it does so without making the face look caked on. By the end of the day my face still looks nice and is not oily.

With Valentines Day coming up I have thought about the look I will be going for and I know that this foundation will be my go to. Let me know what is yours in the comments below.


XX-Steph

Maybelline Master Conceal

Hey Guys!


Hope you are having a great start to your week. Today I wanted to talk about this new concealer that I got about three weeks ago. It is maybelline master concealer and it has been used every day! I know that I am late on trying this product. This is amazing drug store or not. I would compare this to my NARS concealer. This does not crease after a full day as long as I set this with power. Even without setting it I love the coverage that this has and how it makes my face looks.

All in all this concealer is a must have for everyone. The price tag makes it even better! Recently I have been buying a lot of drug store products and so far I haven't really been let down. Let me know in a comment what drug store products you have been loving.


XX-Steph

Valentines Day For Him

Hey Guys!


Hope you're having a great week! Valentines Day is coming up faster than we know it and this post I am going to talk about some gift ideas for that special guy in your life.

For a small gift you can not go wrong with a swell bottle; this is perfect for everyone in the family. This would be perfect for that guy that has a long drive to work and likes to drink coffee. This will keep it hot for longer.

Every man needs a nice wach that they can wear on special occasions. Normally men will get us that special piece of jewelry and this year I have decided that I will be doing the same for my boyfriend. We will be going on a cruise this summer and I think this will be perfect for the evenings.

These earbuds are perfect for that guy who loves to go to the gym. They are small enough and have no cord to get in the way when working out. They also stay in your ear better than the traditional earbuds and are not huge like the over the ear ones.

I think some of the best gifts are the ones that you make yourself. Scrap book is a very meaningful gift and I know anyone would appreciate the time and energy you have put into the gift.

What ever you do this Valentines Day I hope you have an amazing day full of love and chocolate ;)



XX-Steph

Valentines Day For Her

Hey Guys!

Hope your week is starting off well! I will be talking about some gift ideas for Valentines Day for that special women in your life. Whether this is for your mom, sister, girlfriend or wife I have some ideas that she will love.

Hunter Rain Boots: These are on my wish list. They are perfect for any girl in your life. I would recommend boot socks, they give them a more unique look and of course make them more comfortable.

Bose Speaker: I got this for Christmas this year and I have been using it every day since. It is perfect for the house and even if you have your own office at work and want to listen to some music. It is very light weight so it is very easy to travel with.

Swell Bottle: I cannot say enough good things about this bottle! I was amazed when I first got it; it really does keep your drink cold for 24 hours. Best part is it doesn't condensate so it is perfect for work so I do not ruin my computer. I even keep one on my nightstand and I am able to wake up and have a ice cold drink of water without having to go to the kitchen. This bottle is the best!

Tiffany and Co ring: I love how simple this ring is yet shows that special someone how you feel. I don't think you can beat the price for this adorable ring. You can even add a special touch and get the inside engraved with your initials or anniversary.


No matter how you spend your Valentines Day I hope it is filled with love (and chocolate ;)).


XX-Steph

Yves Sain Laurent Blur Primer

Hey Guys!

Last month I used my 500 points to get some samples of YSL products at Sephora and I have found the most amazing primer. I used to be a true believer in NARS primer but this YSL primer just glides on my skin and helps my foundation go on smoother. It almost has the same consistency as benefit POREfessional primer but does not give you that waxy feeling. Also with this primer I can instantly feel a different on my face, it feels softer and helps my makeup (high end or drug store) go on effortlessly and it has been lasting all day.

I would never want to spend the price for a 1 oz primer but I really do not think I will be able to go without it. A little goes a long way, there is no tugging at the skin but just a pea sized amount covers my entire face and slightly down my neck. This has quickly become a staple in my makeup routine.


XX-Steph

Hair Care

Hey Guys!

Hope everyone is having a great week! Today I will be sharing my hair care routine. This is a work in progress for me. I have always struggled with my hair how to keep it from getting frizzy. Needless to say I love trying out new tools and treatments that will help my hair stay healthy through all the heat I put it through.

Last time I went to the hair dresser I was talked into trying out this frizz line from Redken. I decided to give it a try since I like how it made my hair feel just during the visit. I will be talking about how I have been liking that line and also sharing what I use on my hair on a weekly basis.

Shampoo: I have been liking how this shampoo keeps my hair moisturized but this is the kind of shampoo where you really only need a little or your hair will feel greasy. I have hair that is past my shoulder blade and still feel like a quarter sized amount is too much. Getting past that I do feel like this is a good shampoo but I do not know if I will be purchasing this.

Conditioner: The same goes for this conditioner, I do not use a lot but I also get very tangled hair so it is a struggle getting my hair untangled with a little amount of conditioner. This is not a stand out product in my opinion.

Sunday Shampoo: I use this shampoo about once a week to help get rid of any build up my hair might have from all the product I put in it. It is the best clarifying shampoo without making my hair feel like straw.

Primer: This primer is amazing. It helps with tangles in my hair, makes it smoother, and also protects against UV radiation. This is a must have for all hair types.

Dry Shampoo: For those days that I do not shower I will use this dry shampoo from Bumble and Bumble. It not only gets rid of all the oils in my hair but gives it some volume and texture. This has quickly become a staple in my hair care routine.

I will add other products to test them out but for right now these are the ones I am using most often. Let me know what you are loving at the moment!


XX-Steph

Wish List

Hey Guys!


I hope your week is going well! Tomorrow I will be experiencing blizzard like conditions where I live. I have been trying to wish this weather away but as the days have gotten closer the amount of snow they are calling for is getting worse. Today I have decided to share what I am lusting over at the moment.

Born This Way Foundation: I am very late on the band wagon but I went to Sephora and I have fallen in love. It is full coverage while still looking natural.

Shade and Light Eye Palette: This is the most beautiful colors. I cannot get enough of this palette but because I have so many palettes I have yet to talk myself into getting another one.

Beige Heels: These heels are so cute and I know I will get a lot of use out of these. I have to wear business professional at work and these give a fun pop in any outfit.

TopShop Flats: I love how simple yet fun these flats are. They are perfect for the weekend on warmer days. I have read the reviews and have seen a lot of good ones. Flats are always hard because they sometimes take a while to break in and you get the worst blisters.

Tory Burch Purse: I have always wanted a red purse and I love how simple this one is. I would have it for a long time to come and it will never go out of style.

Anyone in the Virginia area getting hit with this blizzard stay safe! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!


XX-Steph

Sigma Travel Set

Hey Guys!


Today I wanted to talk about my favorite make up travel set from Sigma Beauty. I bought the Mr. Bunny set from them a few years ago and I use the brushes on a daily basis. They are perfect for everyday use and having the travel holder that I can than use when I am on vacation to keep all my brushes out in front of me is amazing.

Brushes included:

• E30 pencil brush: I love this brush to put color on my lower lash line. 
• E40 tapered blending: I use this brush to put my crease color on a daily basis, it adds the perfect amount of color while blending it out. 
• E55 eye shading: this is the brush I use when I am placing my lid color. It places it right where I want it.
• E65 small angle: this brush is perfect for when I want a top eyeliner for day time that is not too harsh. 
• F30 large powder: after foundation I will use this brush to apply a hd powder. 
• F40 large angled contour: this is my perfect blush brush. It goes on so easily and will evenly blend out the color.
• F60 foundation: instead of applying my foundation I will use this to blend out my concealer. 

All in all this is a great starter kit for anyone who is just getting into make up or someone who wants higher end brushes but doesn't want to spend an arm and a leg. 

XX-Steph 

Tory Burch Booties

Hey Guys!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week; we are so close to the weekend. Today I will be sharing my favorite boots at the moment (similar here). I really wanted to get a pair of Tory Burch booties for years now and this year I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy them. I found them in a local boutique, on sale in my size. I felt like it was faith. Having to dress up everyday for work now I knew these would not go to waste and they will last me a long time. When it comes to higher end boots I sometimes find it better to just splurge one time and know that they will last a life time. 

They took about a week to break in but now I can wear them all day and they don't kill my feet. Working in a business professional setting I can't wear my favorite ridding boots, and these are not only perfect for work but I love them dressed down with my favorite pair of jeggins and a top. They are a staple item in anyone's collection. 

XX-Steph

Pamper Routine

Hey Guys!

Today I am going to talk about how I pamper myself. After a long week I like to take some time and just relax. I will be going step by step what I do on Sundays to prepare for the week.

Step One: Put on calming music. I love playing the classical music station on my iTunes radio using my speaker.

Step Two: Light a calming candle. I love this one from Yankee Candle (this is such a calming smell. I love the sea salt and woody smell. I cannot get enough of it).

Step Three: Take off all make up. I love going in with my makeup eraser and after all my makeup is gone go in to cleanse my skin with a cleaning milk.

Step Four: After my skin is clean I will use a mask. Right now I am loving my glam glow, it makes my skin tingle and I love when I can feel the mask working.

Step Five: Right before I take off my mask I will use a lip exfoliating treatment. This is the best one I have ever used. I will use it about twice a week. I love how this makes my lips feel.

Step Six: Before I start my work week I love putting on a fresh set of nail polish. This color by essie is perfect for winter, and it a color I do not have in my collection yet.

Step Seven: The best way to end my night is by using a cream. This sets into my skin fast and has a nice smell that isn't too strong on the skin.

Spending a little time on yourself is the best way to feel refreshed for the week ahead. Personally I think this is important for everyone to try to do on a weekly basis so that we do not get overwhelmed. I have had a pamper night every week since I was in high school and it has helped my keep a clear mind and stay calm during stressful times.



XX-Steph

Fab Fit Fun

Hey Guys!

Today I wanted to talk about my winter Fab Fit Fun box. I am never one to buy into a subscription box but after seeing so many people post about them I got the fall box. I loved everything I got that I was so excited for my winter box. The day I found out they shipped I kept checking for packages. And of course it felt like the longest wait but it was well worth it! This is such a good box that I can't even pick one thing I like most.

Here is everything I got in the winter box:

• Frends Earbuds- I was so excited to get these, I almost asked for a new set of earbuds for when I go to the gym. 

• FabFitFun Wine Stopper and Charm Set- can't get over how cute these are. I needed wine charms and they are not your normal set. I love how unique they are. 

• Whitney Eve Fingerless Gloves- these are perfect for when you want to stay warm but still use your phone. Even though your fingers are showing I still find they keep my hands warm. 

• Dermalogica Travel Set- I love trying out new skin care. I will be doing a full review once I finish using it. 

• Juara Candlenut Body Creme- this smells so good and I love how it absorbs quickly so I can use it and get changed for work without having to wait for it to dry. 

• EJH Diffuser- throughout my house I love burning candles and using plug ins. This is a great alternative to that. It smells so good and even looks good as decor. 

• Zoya Nail Polish- every girl loves getting a new nail polish. After opening this box I had to immediately paint my nails. 

• Shoptiques Gift Card ($25)- I cannot wait to use this. I have been looking online and I cannot decide what I would like best. Its between I new purse or a pair of shoes. It has been so much fun seeing everything that is on the site. I wasn't expecting Tory Burch and Lilly Pulitzer to be sold here but I have been pleasantly surprised. I have a feeling this site will be getting me into a lot of trouble. 

• Sweet and Spark Gift Card ($40)- this site has vintage jewelry. I love that it is not a site I would have found on my own but I have found a couple pieces I can see myself wearing.

This was by far my favorite box I have received so far and I cannot wait to see whats in the spring box.

XX- Steph 

Favorites of 2015

Hey Guys!

I cannot believe that 2015 is over! It went by so fast. A lot has happened for me; I graduated college and started my career. It is crazy to think that just a year ago I was about to start my last semester at college! Today I wanted to talk about my favorite products of 2015. I would love to hear what were stand out products for you; leave a comment below.

Smashbox Primer Water:
This primer water really shocked me. I just thought it was some gimmick and that I would never use it. It is perfect at keeping my foundation lasting all day.

Double Wear Foundation:
Estee Lauder hands down was the foundation I used the most during 2015. This is one that I cannot get away from. I still love to buy new foundations but I keep wanted to go back to this one. It last all day long and does not make me get oily. I do not find myself touching up with a powder during the day.

Tartelette Eyeshadow Palette:
This is hands down the best palette I have bought in a while. The pigmentation is amazing and the colors are perfect for any look. I love the purple colors for brown eyes. I have used this for three months and have not reached for any other palette. This is huge for me because I always have loved trying out new eyeshadows. I have my everyday eye look for work and during the weekends I can try any look I want. This is a must have in everyones makeup collection.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush:
I bought this blush over the summer and I have been in love ever since. This gives me the most beautiful flush without being over powering. I love that they have the ambient lighting power mixed in with the blush, it gives it a glowing flush.


NARS Bronzing Power:
I love this bronzer. It gives enough color to warm my face during the months that I am very pale. This has been my go to bronzer for a couple of years now; I always seem to come back to it.



XX- Steph