June 2017 Favorites

It’s about to be July which means I’m currently in the process of prepping for my bday. That means I’m in full “pamper” mode- face masks, fresh red hair dye, applying self tanner nonstop, cleaning my apartment, and buying too many outfit options for going out. I can’t wait to do my birthday makeup post once I figure out what look to do! Here’s everything I’ve been loving at the moment-

Nyx Control Freak Brow Gel / This is the most important favorite of the month for me. Adding Nyx Control Freak over mascara after it’s about 90% dry makes it not smudge. More on that here.

Hair Oils/ My hair has been feeling a little dry from the hot weather lately, so I have been rubbing some argan oil or any hair oil I have between my palms and “scrunching” it through my hair after I curl it for some extra shine and moisture.  I love Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser oil!

Essie Virgin Snow / When I wore this color this month I couldn’t stop staring at my nails!

OPI It’s a Piazza Cake / The perf burnt orange nail polish.

Kylie Vacation Mattes / Even if you don’t like Kylie Cosmetics products, these might sway you. If you are still into the ultra- light lip trend like me, these are for you.

Derma E Charcoal mask / I love this mask for when I want to work on getting any gunk out of my skin, so pretty much always. It dries quickly so it doesn’t take forever to use, and activated charcoal attracts toxins so they are pulled out from deep in my pores.

MAC Soar & Subculture lip liner / I’ve noticed myself reaching for my MAC lip liners super often lately. They are a great formula and last me forever! I don’t think I have ever been able to actually use one up now that I think about it.

Looxi Stiletto / Apparently this is my summer highlight because I go back to it each time the weather heats up, but don’t reach for it all that much in the winter. That is odd because I do self- tan year round so it’s not like it wouldn’t work… not sure but I love the bright gold flash look this highlight gives.

MAC yellow radiance primer / This primer is great for everyday. I don’t feel like it has a ton of staying powder, but it creates a moisturizing base with grip for applying foundations over.

 

Smashbox Primer / Holy shit this primer is one of the first that was even released on the market, and so “basic” that I overlooked it. I usually disregard silicone primers as making my foundation slip and slide off my face immediately, but I had a sample packet of this that I wanted to try. My foundation looks so flawless and skin-like over top of this this. I also look greasy, but I have the next product to combat that.

 

Urban Decay Velvetizer / I would love to call the Urban Decay chemists and product development team to thank them for this product. If you have oily skin, you know the feeling of never being able to count on what your makeup looks like after you start your day. It can be sliding around, smudging off, or completely creasing awfully. Setting sprays are nice, but someone’s the last thing I need is more moisture. This powder makes everything LOCKED DOWN.

 

Tarte Filtered Light setting powder / I did not want to like this powder and I absolutely was going to return it to Sephora when I noticed the price per oz. was ridiculous. Curiousity got the best of me though and I tried it…. It is SO finely milled and has that Tarte eyeshadow vanilla scent. I love the way it lightly sets my foundation.

Smile Brilliant / This company reached out to me to send their teeth whitening kit. I wrote up a full post that’s coming soon, but it is really my favorite for this month and last. The tray is custom fitted to my teeth so the whitening gel gets right up on them.

 

MAC Mocha / This lipstick is the perfect shade of warm tan- but darker than my usual nudes. It reminds me of Fall, which I love year round!

 

Mac Burnt Spice liquid / nude liquid lip lovers- this is a necessity!! It looks so nice on a variety of skin tones and gives that not too brown mauvey neutral look. Worst description but it has been one of my go to colors lately.

 

Non- Beauty

 

Express Shirt / It seems like I pick up another color of this shirt every time I go to express pretty much. Most of my clothes are from there, but this shirt in particular is the most comfortable baggy tshirt in the world. It goes long so I can wear it comfortably over leggings, and it can be worn on or off the shoulder.

 

Express Jeans / Another Express favorite are their jeans. I buy Express jeans pretty much soley save for one pair I have from Top Shop and a couple from American Eagle, but Express is #1 in my heart. Their highwaist legging jeans come in a big range of sizes and most importantly for me, in Tall. I’m 5’10 and on the wide hips side, so I need some stretch and length in most of my clothes. I picked up two new pairs because I wear jeans to work everyday (I’m lucky I know!) and these are the best ones I’ve ever gotten from them. First pair reminds me so much of those Levi’s jeans that every blogger wears with the light/ medium wash and holes in each knee. Those have no stretch and don’t come in my size, so these are a fab alternative. I sized one up because they have less stretch than their typical ones. They are SO flattering! Second pair are a twist on a typical black jean. Everyone wears black jeans with ripped knees, but these have the cutest distressing on the ankles and a faded wash that is so pretty. These are true to size and ultra stretch so you could even size down to get them more fitted. I was super happy when I had to exchange them for a smaller size! Their jeans are usually BOGO so don’t be freaked out by the $88 price tag- they’re worth it.

 

Version Control / This book is so good! I listened to it on Audible and it is the first book that I finished then immediately restarted again. If you are a Netfix Black Mirror fan, you’ll love this book!

 

Amazon Pillowcases / I was sick of washing my pillowcases so often that I bought another set- I found these on Amazon and they work beautifully. I try to change out my pillowcases at least twice a week to keep acne from forming.

 

Headbands / I picked up a set of headbands on Amazon for working out in. I love that these ones have a cute little bow and came with a bunch so I won’t have to worry about losing them.  I have been wearing them when I do my makeup and skincare to keep my hair back out of my face too. They are adorable!

 

Steve Madden Jill Loafer / These are so not- summery but I wanted to mention them because I wore them for two weeks straight when I got them, despite the weather. These are a dupe for the fuzzy Gucci loafers and are adorable with casual outfits. They were much cheaper on Amazon than on Steve Madden.com

Bare Minerals post / Is it vain to have one of my own blog posts be my favorite? I am including this because I got to do a collab with one of my favorite bloggers Baby Bohemian. I hope to do more with her in the future!

Gaba / I bought these vitamins awhile ago and kind of forgot about them until this month.  Read up on the effects of gaba… they promote relaxation so I have been taking one as I am winding down for the night to relax before bed. I need all the beauty rest I can get.

My Fitness Pal / I’ve dedicated myself to track everything I eat in an attempt to lose weight, and this app is where I do it. I try to stick to around 1400 calories a day and I’m not perfect, but the app definitely helps me be mindful.

Thanks for reading!! 🙂

-Kim