My Summer Favorites

September 18, 20153 Comments

Hey girl heyyyy.

NBD just my natural lashes

It’s been just ages since I wrote down my monthly faves so I figured I’d just bundle it all up into summer. And… HERE THEY ARE. Also, as a side note: I auditioned for a community show choir and I got in. YES. I am a 31-year-old woman who thinks she is on Glee.

Meekups

Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara

I know I have made some pretty hefty claims about certain drugstore mascaras bein’ the bees knees but this one seriously takes the cake. And the macaron, too.This mascara is super black, it is lengthening, separating and creates beautiful definition. It also holds a curl. I will be hoarding this stuff in case they discontinue but I hope they nevvvvver do.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

I LITerally have people stop me at work to tell me I look like I am glowing. I just freaking radiate when I wear this and I KNOW IT. It is hands down, the most beautiful highlighter I own and probs in existence. The texture is like nothing I have ever felt – sooooo buttery soft and creamy. This, my friends, is a show-stopper and completely worth the hefty $38 price tag.

Covergirl Shimmering Sands Eyeshadow Trio

I have been reaching for this eyeshadow trio all summer long and NO JOKE have worn this exact trio since high school (shoutout to my homegirl Lacey because she was the one who discovered it!). The colors are absolutely perfect together and the light pink shade is so lovely in the inner corner. They blend awesome together and are really pigmented – not bad for $5!

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

I have hit SERIOUS pan on this stuff and for darn good reason. This is just such a great contour shade for us pale girls. The perfect balance of bronze mixed with a dash of shadowy taupe. I love it.

Hair/Beauty

Dessange Color Correcting Creme

My hair was such an atrocity this summer. I got some color in that just doesn’t jive with me and then I tried to fix it with a few streaks from an at-home kit. I have been using the treatment on the right (pictured above) to combat my serious case of the brassies and lemme tell ya – this goop delivers some INTENSE purple. It looks like paint. I apply it all over my head and let it sit for about 10 minutes. When I rinse, the water runs purple for about 5 straight minutes but I love how much it helps brighten-up the blonde.

Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Eau De Toilette

I nabbed this at Marshalls a while back and have fallen in love with it. The smell is def very rosy but since I enjoy the same things as 87-year-olds, it smells great to me. Also, a random thing I love about this product is the way it mists out of the bottle. It is such a wonderfully fine, wide mist and I love it so much.

Benefit Bathina Body Oil Mist

I’ve had this for over a year and have just now grown obsessed. After a shower and a fresh shave, I spray a little of this on (maybe 3 sprays per leg) and it smells soooooooooo good and makes me feel so opulent and bourgeois. My skin feels amazing but definitely NOT oily. It is a very tough feeling to describe and it may not be for everyone but I am just addicted!

Randoms

CHIPOTLE

I have been obsessed with Chipotle for awhile now. I’d say since I moved to Portland, although I def had it in Redmond too. What I cannot get enough of, is their GD salty, limey chips. It’s like crack for basic white girls. Everyone loves this place because you can be all, “I am totes healthy because Chipotle is like fresh and sh*t.” But really, if everyone found out it had like 922345234 calories per bite everyone would STILL eat there.

The Walking Dead

TV STILL — DO NOT PURGE — Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes and Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon – The Walking Dead _ Season 5, Gallery – Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC

I pretty much love Daryl. Alot. Also, Michonne is quite the awesome badass. I just finished Season 5 and am now moving onto Fear the Walking Dead. Gahhh! RIIIICK!

Saying “you guys” when only talking to one other person

I implore you to try this the next time you are one-on-one with someone. Like if you’re at H&M with your friend and you say, “Oh my God you guys this skirt is only 13 bucks!” Its funny because it’s just her and shows how excited you are. Right!?

Ok that’s it. What are y’all loving lately?

Happenings

August 17, 2015August 14, 2015Leave a comment

Hellllllo my little limoncellos!

Like. HOW good does limoncello sound rn? So good.

I have literally had the busiest BWG summer everrrr. Babies, weddings, showers and the like have kept me in the car every weekend and I don’t know how much more Redbull I can take. I’ve tried books on tape, singing intense power ballads, rolling all the windows down, pinching and slapping myself – nothing works except Redbull. I’m disgusted with myself, but alas, a girls gotta stay awake!

In beauty news – I bought hot rollers due to a lovely co-worker of mine (Hi Kristi!) loving hers but I am having some major issues with getting mine to hold a decent curl.

YEP

Additionally, I FINALLY got to try the Glam Glow mask a couple weeks ago when my pal Elizabeth let me try it out. And canijustsay, I TOTALLY get why people shell out 75 bones for this stuff because my face was literally beaming and I was the most beautiful person in the world.

Lastly, I tried to perform my own root touch-up with this stuff, and I think I did a pretty decent job:

One of my recent trips took me to lovely Spokane, Washington for my best friend Holly’s bachelorette party. Anytime spent with these hussies is time well spent.

Had to snap a pic of the Alma Mater!

Dinner at Durkins!

This happened

Crab Cakes!

Sis Pic

Me and Peeves

I’ve also been busy experiencing all that Portland has to offer, including but not limited to:

SOCCER GAMES!

TRIVIA NIGHT!

DOG PARKS WITH ZOE AND ELIZABETH!

PAINTING MY OWN FACE LIKE A GD 7-YEAR OLD

RUNNING DOWN THE STREET FOR 5 SONGS

And lastly, food news! Lately, my food intake has been ON POINT.

Dinner

My trash can at work at the end of most days

ok, actually I did eat two healthy things this month –

Homemade granola – Thanks Jamie!

Coconut water force fed to me by Holly

Annnnnd, that’s all ~~she~~ I wrote. Cripes it’s going to September soon – you guys ready?!

Summer Sephora Haul

July 27, 20153 Comments

G’Day Chickadees!

I have a few odd and ends recently purchased at Mecca and so I thought it was time I let you all in on what I got because well, I know you’re DYING to hear.

Sephora Summer Crushes Kit

I had to get this thing because it has SO many of products I have been dying to try. Just feast your eyes…

The Via Liberata tanning mousse alone was reason enough for me to purchase this set. Y’all know I am self-proclaimed tanning product whore and shelling out the $50 to buy the full size just can’t happen right now.

Everything else in the set I cannot WAIT to try. Especially the Lavanila Labratories fragrance, the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray (mermaid hair HERE I COME) and Caudalie Divine Oil which is a HUGE-ASS bottle.

Sephora Classic Mini-Multitasker Brush

Seriously just go to Sephora and feel this puppy. I feel like it could do anything. I plan to keep it in my purse and use it in the following situations:

I get to work and realize my blush def aint on fleek
my aging skin is making my foundation settle into my wrinkles
touch ups! Because duh.

Annnnd for the CROWN JEWEL of this haul….

THE BECCA SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR IN CHAMPAGNE POP

You guys have no clue how excited I am to own this. Think of the most excited you’ve ever been in your life (acing an exam, jumping out of an airplane, etc.) and multiply that times 1,000 and you might begin to understand how freakin’ excited I am to dust this powder sent from baby Jesus on the tops of my cheekbones.

Jaclyn Hill collaborated with Becca on this stuff and she is def one of my all-time favorite YouTubers so this just adds to my excitement.

You guys, just loooooooooooooooooooooooook at the majesty.

I am so in love with this product that I am going to swaddle as if I would my own baby. I’ll sing to it. I’ll raise it to be an individual. This highlighter and I will have a long, loving relationship together.

Assorted Haul

May 29, 2015Leave a comment

Hello kittens!

Today I bring you another haul of a few things I have picked up whilst out and about.

The beauty section at T.J Maxx can be quite treacherous. It’s like everytime I go in there, I feel like I’m swimming in a sea of unknown brands, well-known brands and wondering “why is this Clarins face serum only $19.99?!”. It can be a scary, deep, dark place and navigating around isn’t easy. I find that I can usually tread water fairly well, picking up a random Joico K-Pak conditioner for $7.99 or a bangin’ Essie polish for $3. But other times, I drown. I just do.

My friends, this time I may have plummeted to the ocean floor, with all the muck and bottom-feeders.

Sugar Baby Golden Glamour Instant Self Tan Spray

When I saw this product, I was immediately attracted to the packaging because yes – I am a basic white girl. Throw a pin-up girl on just about anything and us basics go weak in the knees. It was only $8, so I quickly googled the brand and saw decent reviews and high price tags – SCORE! I brought ‘er home to realize two depressing facts:

1.) It was NOT a sunless tanner, instead a spray-on temporary tan (like Airbrush Legs) which wasn’t the end of the world, I just thought I was buying a self tan.

2.) It doesn’t work. The directions recommend laying a towel down under you to protect your floors and surfaces so I just went outside on our ~~dirty~~ balcony and went to town. It literally came out basically SHEER with a subtle brownish-gray tint.

DO NOT BUY THIS.

Shiseido Pureness Foaming Cleansing Fluid

So. I was very hesitant to buy this because there HAS to be a reason a department store brand like Shiseido is at T.J Maxx for $12.99, versus the $30+ this would cost at Nordys. But, I rolled the dice and thought, “Meh, if it’s a little expired I’m sure it’s fine.” And at first I thought it was making me break out. Not like gross cystic whiteheads but those little skin-colored bumps around my hairline. But I persevered and kept using it only to discover that you have to rinse it SUPER well or else it will leave a little film on your skin which is probably what gave me a weird texture.

All in all, it’s fairly good for $12.99 and it also removes makeup.

Justin Bieber Someday Perfume

Y’all are laughing I KNOW, but I could give two sh*ts because I LOVE this perfume. I get compliments on it allll the time and I never tell people what it is. Muaahahahaaa. “Oh this? It’s just m’Biebs.” Can you imagine?

New Tanning Mitts

I recently purchased both the Ulta brand tanning mitt and the St. Tropez one for $1.50 more and guess what?! I like the Ulta brand better. I think normally these are around the same price ($6.50), which is ludicrous that a cheap piece of foam is more than 75 cents AMIRIGHT!?

Bodycology Runaway Heart Sugar Scrub

Self tanning also denotes the official commencement exfoliation season. I really should exfoliate all year, but dead skin + self tanner mixes together about as well as orange juice and toothpaste. I bought this scrub at Target because it was the cheapest one and guess what? I am in loooove with it! Srsly go to Target right now and get yerself a whiff of this because your might change. I need the body spray NOW.

THIS Makeup Bag

OF COURSE I BOUGHT THIS, WHAT DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?

Rodan + Fields Skincare/Self-Tanner Follow Up!

April 22, 2015April 29, 20151 Comment

I’d like to give a warm shout-out to Kelly for sending me a few of my FAVE product samples from Rodan + Fields!

With Bryan and his brother out skiing Mt. Baker last weekend, I was left with a whole lotta time on my hands to really get m’pamps on. And I did it up BIG. Freshly washed sheets. Netflix, wine and OF COURSE Milk Duds because who do you take me for? I knew an at-home facial and sunless tanning sesh was also looong overdue and I was SO pumped to use these products again!

Enter: The Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion, Night Renewing Serum and Lip Renewing Serum

I have said it before and I will say it again. These products are AMAZING and they work. Rodan and Fields are two smart gals because everyone knows how well Proactiv works, but not everyone needs acne products. Some of us want to look like we are 22 (I already feel it) and need an anti-ageing regiment sent from the Gods. Welp. This is it.

Pre-wash face!

Applying the microdermabrasion

Never before have I actually looked forward to using a microdermabrasion until I found this stuff. I love using it and feeling the dead skin, grime and build-up from the week melt away beneath tiny grains of this gloriousness. My skin is left feeling softer and more like a baby’s butt than ever before.

Then I applied the serum. Oh, the serum. Somebody once told me that a moisturizer is like brushing your teeth but a serum is like the floss. It really gets in there, it fine tunes and delivers the powerful effects we all want. What is better than knowing your face is fully exfoliated and thirsty for replenishment, and then feeding it a luxurious and nutrient-rich product? NOTHING.

Feels SO soft!

The lip treatment is also a great one. I would recommend starting with the microdermabrasion and the face serum if I had to pick my faves, but if you have super dry, chapped lips this would be an amazing option for you. I also applied the lip shield, which is ultra nourishing and hydrating. It would be perfect for the beach bag.

After my face was all scrubbed and clean and cherubic, I applied the Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan.

For me, the Rodan & Fields Sunless Tanner is like a good friend. Someone I can rely on when I’m feeling crappy, sure to brighten my day with a pleasant smell, easy application (no mitt required!) and great results. Because come on, all great friends have to smell pleasant. This one in particular is nice for the gal who just wants a “touch of sun”, who wants to be all, “oh, me? I was just out on my yacht all weekend.” If a super orangey fake tan is a double D, this humble self tanner is like a full B-cup.

I love how quick the process goes:

Step One: Exfoliate in the shower

Step Two: Dry off thoroughly and apply self tanning foam to body, working in sections.

Step Three: Wait for tanner to dry (or if you’re me, walk around your bedroom naked rapping Gangster’s Paradise).

Freshly applied

Here is a pic of the color, from 2 days later using only one coat!

Yes I was on the bus. I’m just SO urban.

And that’s it! Have YOU tried Rodan + Fields??

Current Favorites

April 15, 20151 Comment

Alright.

I’ve fallen SO far behind in monthly favorites. In fact, the word behind doesn’t really do justice of how behind I am. I am like infinity behind (because we all know NOTHING tops infinity).

That being said, I feel like my favorites at the mome are a really awesome collection of solid products. The Principal’s List, if you will.

Meekup

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

This concealer is separate post-worthy. I know I have sung the praises of many a concealer – but this one is truly the best I’ve found. While it does not have the crazy coverage of a Mac Pro Longwear or a Bye Bye Undereye, what it lacks in coverage it makes up for in ease of application, finish and length of wear. It truly is a radiant concealer, so I only use this under my eyes in the upside down triangle formation. The doe-foot applicator makes it SO much easier than the pump on the Mac concealer or a squeezy tube. All I do is paint it on, blend it out with my finger and set it with a little translucent powder and I am SET. All. Day.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

I have talked this blush to smithereens but it’s really that good. Everytime I start using other things for a bit, I always come back to Luminoso. And with summer being just around the corner, I know I’ll use it even more. The color is a lovely peach with a subtle highlight (read: do not use if you don’t like a glowy cheek), it is pigmented, long-wearing and the best part: it’s $8.

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Alright gals, who still needs to pony up and buy the $20 eyelash curler?! I used the Elf one for years and had resigned to the fact that my eyelashes just sucked. I finally threw it out in a rage after it devastatingly ripped 3-8 eyelashes out one morning. Then I started researching. I was going to order the Shu Uermura one but I didn’t want to wait so I went with the Sephora girl’s recommendation and bought this one. I’ve had it now about a month and I am now a changed woman. Spend money on eyelash curlers people!

NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Pink Lady

These lipsticks are so pigmented! This shade is gonna look brill with a tan. It’s bright and almost sickeningly peachy-pink. YESSS.

Chanel Camelia Highlighter

I use this everyday and it is the most perfect highlight ever! The silver is deceiving because it doesn’t come off that way at all. It gives off a warm, pearly glow, kindof similar to the vanilla pigment from Mac.

Body

Lush Pearl Massage Bar

NO. Bryan does NOT massage with with this so just move that thought right on outta yer head! I got this simply because I am OBSESSED with anything Rose Argan scented from Lush. Basically if I have time, I will rub this puppy all over m’bod after a shower and the smell just lingers and I just KNOW everyone is like “Omg Natalie smells sooo good today!”

Soap & Glory Clean on Me Shower Gel

So… this body wash is amazing. It smells sooooo good and really unique – I may be getting the Soap & Glory perfume because I love it so much. It is also super moisturizing and lathers up really nicely which means all you need is a tiny bit.

Philosophy Pink Almond Candy Body Scrub

I really like a nice, gritty scrub before a self tan and this stuff does not disappoint! I like those softer, sugar scrubs from time to time but there’s nothing like a firm scrub to really get all of the dead skin off.

Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner

Again, I have talked this to death. But I figured I should include it because it is and forever will be a favorite.

Skincare

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream

I picked this up recently as well and have been really enjoying using it before bed. I really should write an update nighttime routine because ALOT has changed but basically, this stuff plays an integral role. It is thick, non-scented and VERY hydrating. Can’t speak to the firming properties, but it feels great!

Rapid Lash

A full post may also be required for a full-on review on this stuff. I started using it about a month ago and I can confirm that yes, it does make a difference. My lashes are definitely longer (not sure about fuller) and I just really like them. I would like to review a couple more of these types of products (except Latisse) and report back. I have also been putting organic Castor oil on my lashes lately…so there’s that as well.

Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Water

SUCH a beauty blogger right now you guys! Yes, I have Bioderma and yes, I like it. It is by NO means a holy grail product and I hear that Simple came out with a micellar water that is basically a dupe for Bioderma, costs $7 AND is available everywhere. So who knows, maybe I’ll make the switch but for now, I love Bioderma for removing every last stitch of makeup!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

THE BEST makeup setting spray I have used. Granted, I do not like a matte (or anywhere near it) finish but it really keeps my face lookin’ pretty great all day. It is a little spendy so I suggest you plan a trip to France and hoard 19 bottles. Also, the smell is a bit weird for some people but just say to yourself “spa” and you’ll fall in love.

Hair

Lush’s Jason and the Argan Oil Shampoo Bar

This shampoo bar was recently added to the collection at Lush and I got it the DAY it came out. I bought it because, you guessed it – it smells like Rose Argan. Contrary to what I thought would happen, this baby lathers up like a dream! I still have to use the tea tree on my annoying itchy scalp but when I don’t do that, I am using this. End of story.

What have YOU been loving lately??

French Pharmacy Haul

April 9, 2015April 9, 20153 Comments

Bonjour my little bon-bons!

I know y’all are just pining to see the French Pharmacy Finds I recently procured whilst traveling in Chamonix, France. Read about the whole trip here!

I did an astounding amount of reaching in preparation for the French pharmacy not only to discover what those sprightly french gals are usin’, but also to enjoin myself from buying a bunch of crap that is cheaper in the U.S

My research indicated there were in fact a few brands that are produced in France and therefore, a better deal over there. Such brands include Bioderma, Vichy, La Roche Posay, Klorane and Caudalie. A fact I discerned to be true was that cosmetic brands that seem French, like Dior, Chanel and Clinique are actually MORE expensive to buy over there.

Furthermore, did y’all know that all cosmetic brands are usually owned by larger companies? For example L’Oreal owns YSL, Georgio Armani, Lancome, Kiehls, Urban Decay, Essie and The Body Shop. Shocking, I know.

Anywee, here is what I picked up at the Pharmacies in Chamonix:

1. Klorane Dry Shampoo

Hat tip to my pal Nicole for this recommendation! This dry shampoo cost about €10 and is formulated with Oat Milk. I got the version for all hair types because the other option was for dark hair only. Interesting they don’t make a blonde option…#hairscrimination.

2. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

If you read my recent post about our trip to Whistler, you’ll know I finally found Bioderma! I paid $20 for the bottle and have been using it non-stop. To be honest, there is nothing totally spectacular about this stuff. What I appreciate about it is the simplicity. It has no smell, is great for sensitive skin and removes makeup nicely.

I picked up the giant 500 ml bottle of this in France because it was only €14!

3. NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

This product is on EVERY french person’s pharmacy favorite list. The brand actually had a few things I considered buying, like the body oil. I decided not to get that because I’m not really that big on body oils and honestly, our suitcase had like 1 millimeter of space left.

4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I have wanted to get this from Sephora sooo many times but it’s $50. It smells like a spa and is very luxurious. I have used this a few times since we’ve been home and I can confirm: it is HEAVEN. It works amazing as a makeup setting spray and I just loooove it after I wash my face and before serum and moisturizer. I paid €29 for the big bottle!

5. Fletagex

This product used to be known as Avibon and Gwyneth regarded it as a miracle product for keeping wrinkles at bay. When I inquired about Avibon, the gal at the pharmacy went into the back and produced this stuff, saying “It eez the same.” DONE. The packaging reminds me of hemerroid cream but whatevs if it works. Also, it was €7 so the price was right too!

And that’s all I bought! I KNOW you guys. I could have filled a suitcase but given the fact that we packed our own skis and ski boots, there was srsly no room in our luggage for 44 ounce jars of face cream.

*Side note about clothes shopping in France:

All the clothing shops in Cham were filled with mountain stuff. Alot of Burton, North Face and ski stuff I don’t care about. The few non-outdoor apparel stores I went in were fascinating for one reason…the men’s section was in the front of the store.

In the US, most clothing stores that carry both mens and womens apparel smartly put the women’s section front and center. We spend the money. We like our stuff right up front. In most places, I find that the men’s section is either off to the side, in the back or just really tiny. Well NOT IN FRANCE. In most stores, like Superdry and Quicksilver the women’s sections were not only in the back but UPSTAIRS. I pointed this out to Bryan (who is the LAST person on earth who would notice a clothing store’s layout) and he was all, “that’s awesome!”. Ew.

My opinion? GO AMERICA!