Rose Gold Drugstore Make-up Look

One of the biggest colors in fashion and beauty right now is rose-gold. From watches, to earrings, to eyeshadow, rose-gold is the perfect in-between shade for days when you want a bit of metallic shine, but a bright gold shadow is a bit much. For this make-up look, I knew I wanted to use a gorgeous rose-gold shadow and keep the rest of my face fresh & simple. I only used one shadow to create this look - building the color up on my lids and subtly lining my lower lash-line as well.

BASE

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Classic Ivory

mixed with

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy & Smooth in 100 Ivory

NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent

NYC Sunny Bronzer

BROWS

E.L.F. Studio Eyebrow Kit in Medium

EYES

Ulta Eyeshadow Single in Sunburst

L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

LIPS

Vaseline Rosy Lips

Because of its subtle warm-tone, a rose-gold shadow will look good on almost all skin tones. It's also a great color for transitioning from summer-to-fall, as it has a bit of summery shimmery and a bit of a reddish fall warmth. 

How will you be rocking the rose-gold trend this season?

XOXO

Back to School Makeup Kit

Getting out the door on school mornings is not an easy task. Sometimes it feels like a day's work before you've even left the house! When it comes to makeup, I think a school look should be fresh and simple. All of these products are easy to wear and affordable to buy, as well as quick to apply for mornings when you're rushing to catch the bus.

For a base, I think the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream is a great option. I mentioned this product in my Summer Skincare post because of its SPF and lightweight qualities, but I think it's also a good choice for school because it is moisturizing without being too shiny. It provides a light layer of coverage with no chance of cake-face. For extra coverage, I love the Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer. It illuminates the under-eye area and hides the bit of redness you might have around your nose. To set your base, you can't go wrong with the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. 

Next up: Brows & Eyes. I recently purchased the E.L.F. Studio Brow Kit in Medium and I am very impressed. I wanted to try an inexpensive brow gel to see how I liked the look, and I have been wearing it ever since. I usually just apply the gel, but it's nice to have the powder for days when I'm feeling extra bold. For eyes, I like the NYX Love in Paris Palettes in Madeleines and Macaroons and Let Them Eat Cake. Both of these palettes feature neutral shades that can easily be blended across the lid, or you can use the darker shades for a subtle liner. These palettes aren't the most pigmented, but I usually don't want a super bold eye look anyway. Finish off with a coat of the L'Oreal Miss Manga Voluminous Mascara and your lashes will be defined and lengthened.

For lips, I love the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm. These balms build up to a seriously pigmented gloss, but feel and wear like a balm. They're easy to reapply without a mirror, so they're perfect for passing-period touchups. Plus, they smell amazing! I love the shades Cherry Me, Grape Vine, and the Dr. Rescue Soothing Sorbet. 

What's your favorite back to school makeup look? Or do you prefer to rock the #iwokeuplikethis look?

XOXO

July 2015 Favorites

This July has been a busy but fun month. From family birthdays and parties, to a concert, to cleaning out closets and job searching, July has been a good balance of lazy days and productive days. 

Here are some of my favorite products and bright things from this past month: 

Makeup: Most days I'm either make-up free or wearing minimal coverage. I love Maybelline's Age Rewind Eraser Eye (in Fair) for light concealing under the eye and a little on some redness around my nose. This concealer is very light feeling on the skin, perfect for warm days. 

Skin Care: I've been using Vaseline on my lips day and night to keep them moisturized. The Rosy Lips shade is great smelling and does add a slight pink tint. 

Scent: When it's hot outside, I'm hesitant to wear heavy scents or lotions that are sticky feeling. The Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mists are the perfect solution: each one is a subtle scent and the mist is refreshing and not too heavy. I've been enjoying the Sun scent in particular, but I think the product itself is great no matter which scent you buy. 

TV/Movies: This month I've been watching Friends and Felicity - they both make me want to move to New York and wear oversized khakis! If, like me, you love late 90s/early 2000s fashion and romantic shows, you'd probably love both of these shows. 

Music: Train's new album Bulletproof Picasso was on repeat in my house all this month. I went to their concert this past weekend with family and it was so fun to see them perform live. Train's music is so upbeat and summery - perfect for the outdoor venue we went to, listening under the stars in the summer breeze. 

Food: Tillamook Malted Moo Shake Ice Cream. It's delicious. If you like Whoppers you've got to try this ice cream. 

Event: I can't help it - I love following what's up with my favorite royal families. From Princess Charlotte's christening to the marriage of Pierre Casiraghi to Beatrice Borromeo there was a good deal of royal fashion and fun to keep up with this month. 

What were your favorite things this July? The summer months seem to fly by, so it's fun to look back over the bright things. 

XOXO

5 Under $5 - Drugstore Makeup

When it comes to makeup, I'm all about affordable drugstore products. I only own a handful of high-end products because I believe - with a little bit of research and trial-and-error - you can find great products at the drugstore.

Each of the products mentioned in this post are under $5, and yet I've found that each is comparable to high end products. 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 001 Transparent - From what I can tell, this product is one of the most-used setting powders in the beauty industry. Just a light dusting with this powder will set your makeup and take away excess shine. You can build it up to a truly matte finish, but I prefer to keep my skin dewy and apply just a light layer to the places that need it most - the nose, under-eye, and forehead.

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Pearl Eye Shadow - These loose pigments are amazing quality for the price. Available in many shades (all pearl finishes), these pigments are great basics to have in your collection. They're perfect for dusting all over the lid for a simple and shimmery eye shadow look.

NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in 723A Pink Cheek Glow -  This blush is a beautiful pink shade that is perfect for all seasons. Compared to high-blushes, this one might not be as pigmented, but I actually think that's good in a blush. I can lightly brush it on for a subtle tint, or I can build it up for a cheery pop of pink. 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Paint in Chestnut Taupe - This eyeshadow is the most beautiful shimmery taupe shade. Called a "paint", this product comes in a tube with a lip-gloss like applicator. You just brush it on the eye and blend, and it sets to a rich, creamy finish. 

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in 739 Ticket to Brazil - All my fellow pale-skinned ladies listen up: this bronzer is the product you've been waiting for. Unlike other drugstore bronzers that come in one shade that is often too dark, this bronzer is a light shade that's perfect for subtle bronzing on pale skin. Just be aware that it smells like sunscreen due to its SPF of 15. I like the smell, but I know not everyone does.

What are your favorite drugstore products under five dollars? 

XOXO

My Favorite Summer Lip Colors

summer lip colors by haleympettit featuring Revlon

In the summer months, I love to pull out my bright lipsticks. From almost-neon corals to rich berry shades, I love the simplicity and statement of a bright lip.

The Revlon Colorburst Balm Stains are a great option for summer days because they feel like a balm but fade to a stain. If you're like me, you don't like to reapply your lipstick multiple times throughout the day. These Balm Stains are perfect for days when you want to throw on a bright pop of color and then not think too much about it. They fade to a subtle stain that isn't streaky or patchy. The shade Rendezvous is a bright coral-orange shade, and Lovesick is a gorgeous pink-purple, both great shades for adding a pop of color to an otherwise neutral makeup look or outfit.

The Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart is also a great product for summer. It is very moisturizing, and adds a sheer wash of color to the lips. Sweet Tart is a peppy pink shade that can be layered and built up to a richer, hot pink color.

E.l.f.'s Lip Balm in Berry is a lovely shade for summer nights. It can be built up to a rich berry tone, or lightly applied for a natural your-lips-but-better shade. It also smells amazing - I can't quite describe it, but it's somewhere between coconut and vanilla. Yum!

What are your favorite summer lip colors? Or do you prefer to go natural?

XOXO

Drugstore Summer Makeup Look

This makeup look is all about glowing skin and bold brows. It's a neutral look that goes with anything.

First, I start with the Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream. This is the perfect tinted moisturizer for summer - it's light, but makes a great base. You can read a more in-depth review in this post. You could also add in a concealer, but sometimes I skip it to keep my skin looking its most natural.

Then, I move onto brows. I love to fill in my brows lightly with the Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Medium Brown. Then I set it with the Maybelline Brow Drama in Soft Brown. These two products create a natural but defined brow look.

And then it's bronzer and highlight! This is the star of this makeup look. I use my NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder on my temples, forehead, and to subtly contour my cheekbones. Then, I take a pea-sized about of the e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal and warm it up on the back of my hand. I lightly blend this onto the tops of my cheekbones, my eyelids, the tip of my nose, my cupid's bow, and to highlight my brow bone. This is a very pink toned highlight, so it might not work for every skin tone, but I find that it's great for adding a warm glow to the face.

Some days, I skip mascara. But other days I want fluttery lashes, so I use the Covergirl Bombshell Mascara. It is supposedly a volumizing mascara, but I just use the "1" side and it is a very natural looking, defining mascara.

Then I just put on some lip balm, like the Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm. Done and done!

It's a simple makeup look that is hard to mess up - and the best part is that it won't melt off your face in the heat!

What are your favorite drugstore products for summer?

XOXO

Summer Skincare Essentials Part Two - Nighttime

Last week, I shared my Summer Skincare Essentials for the morning. This week, I want to share the products that I love for nighttime. As I mentioned in my last post, my skin can be quite dry (even in the summer!), so I love products that make my skin feel clean without stripping it of all moisture. I prefer to exfoliate at night because it gives my sensitive skin a chance to recover a bit.

First up, I have the Simple Cleansing Micellar Water. This product has been advertised like crazy, but I honestly think it's worth the hype. I just put a generous amount on a cotton pad and it removes makeup without leaving any of the tightness that toners or astringents often do. It leaves your skin feeling like you've washed it, but without losing any moisture.

Second, I have to share my love for the Olay Fresh Effects Dew-Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer. I recently repurchased this moisturizer because I love it so much. Unlike other moisturizers that leave your skin feeling greasy, this one is very cooling and soaks into the skin. I love this for when my skin is feeling slightly irritated, as it has white tea and cucumber to soothe. I seriously love this stuff.

Next, I have the Freeman Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask. The Freeman masks are super affordable and I think they're good quality. This one has a bit of a scrub to it, so it leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed. The tropical smell is also amazing... it's perfect for summer!

Lastly, I have the No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator. This is a great exfoliator for dry skin, as the base of the product is not a drying gel (like many scrubs that are targeted at acne-prone skin). The base is very creamy, with gentle exfoliating beads. It seems to be a great balance for my skin.

What are your summer skincare essentials for nighttime?

XOXO

Summer Skincare Essentials Part One - Morning

For me, Summer skincare is all about feeling fresh while protecting my skin from the sun. I love to spend time in the sun, but unfortunately my skin is very sensitive and will burn if I'm not careful. 

In the morning, I will either use this Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash or I'll just wash my face with a washcloth. My skin is very dry, so I've found that I have to use a very gentle cleanser (or no cleanser!) in the morning to retain moisture. 

Then, if I know I'm going to be spending time in the sun, I'll use my Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen. I like the Sheer Touch SPF 30 for my body - it smells SO GOOD, and it isn't sticky or greasy, it really does just feel like lotion. I like to use the Sensitive Skin Face Sunscreen in SPF 30 because it is light, but I know I'm getting good protection. If you have oily skin you might not like this, but it's great for drier, sensitive skin. 

On days that I'm just chilling at home or running errands, I still try to wear some kind of SPF, but I want something very light. I like this Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Fair to Light (SPF 15) because it is very moisturizing and adds the slightest glow and coverage. Lots of BB creams or tinted moisturizers can be orange-y or add too much of a glow for my pale skin, but this one seems to be just right when fully blended. 

And I can't forget SPF for my lips! I wish all chapsticks had SPF, but sadly, they don't. I love using Maybelline Baby Lips in 10 Peppermint (SPF 20) and Softlips in Raspberry (SPF 20). Both are clear, so they can be worn under any lip color, and both have perfect Summer scents! (Or is it flavors? hmmm...) 

Check back in for my Summer Skincare Essentials Part Two - Nighttime! What are your favorite sunscreens or SPF products? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO

April Beauty Favorites

 

This April I didn't wear makeup very often, but when I did, I wanted to look fresh-faced with just a flush of color on the cheeks and lips. I have quite dry skin, so even as the temperatures rise I still need products that are going to moisturize and offer a dewy - not matte - finish. 

 

My sister kindly bought me this Tarte Maracuja Oil for my birthday, and I've been using it each night as a moisturizer. It really sinks into your skin, and instead of waking up greasy (like some moisturizers will do), you wake up with a hydrated glow. I also picked up this Rimmel Match Perfection foundation in 101 Classic Ivory, as I was needing a new base. I wanted something a little thicker than my tinted moisturizer, but lighter than some of the fuller coverage products I have. This is the perfect lightweight liquid. I love to mix it with the Maracuja Oil for a little added moisture and to prevent the foundation from clinging to my dryer patches. 

I purchased these two polishes in a set, for it was about 25% cheaper and I wanted to try them out! They're the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polishes in Sugar Fix (such a beautiful blue!) and the Top Coat. This is the only shade I have at the moment, but I am SO impressed with the formula that I definitely want to pick up more. This polish lasted two full weeks on my nails. There was a little chipping by that point, but I'm used to my polish chipping on day two, so this formula is definitely a winner! If you're going to try these polishes out, I would recommend waiting until the color is completely dry before adding the top coat or it will pull some of the color away. I'm not usually one to spend more than 3-4$ on a polish, but these are definitely worth the price! 

Oh blush... I think I'm still learning how to wear blush without looking like a clown, but this blush is practically fool-proof. It's Benefit's Hervana Blush and it's gorgeous! It is a very subtle cool toned blush with shimmer, so it's perfect for wearing on the cheekbones as a highlighter/blush combo. I may have bought it because it reminds me of Scooby Doo Push Pops (anyone?), but it really is a lovely shade to add just the slightest flush of color and a little highlight. 

What were your favorite products this April? What's your go-to Spring look?

XOXO

Cargo Eyeshadow Review (& Swatches)

Ever since I saw Cargo's "Yukon" eyeshadow mentioned in one of Gabby's videos on youtube (velvetgh0st), I had to find it! I don't often spend a lot on eyeshadows, but I am willing to buy pricier shadows if the shade and formula seems worth it. 

I picked up "St. Tropez" and "Yukon", two neutral shimmers that are perfect for creating natural but pretty eye looks. I'm pretty lazy when it come to eyeshadow, so I love colors that work on their own, on the entire lid. These two shades definitely work for that!

"St. Tropez" is a warm-toned gold/copper shade with gold shimmer. It is very bronze-y, but not too intense. It's a color that's great for adding some interest to the eyes when you want your focus on bright lipstick, blush, or bronzed skin. It will add a little definition without being over the top.

"Yukon" is a taupe shade with a very subtle silver sheen. This shade is also a great neutral to pair with bright colors, or to use all over the lid as the base of a smoky-eye look. "Yukon" looks more cool-toned at times, more warm-toned at others. I imagine it would look good on a lot of skin tones and with every eye color. 

As you can see, the shadows aren't all that pigmented when applied with a brush. I find that I have better luck packing the color on with my finger for more color pay-off & shimmer. But when used with a primer or wet, the colors definitely pop more. 

If you're looking for a natural eyeshadow that is very buildable for achieving different looks, I would definitely recommend these two shades. I also love that they come in small tins - perfect for traveling!

I bought these at Kohl's, but you can also order them on Cargo's website.

What are your favorite single eyeshadow shades? Or do you prefer palettes?

xoxo

My Favorite Spring Scents

 With the official beginning of Spring just around the corner, it's time to switch out the stronger scents of Winter for some fresh and fruity florals!

Personally, I love floral scents - especially in the Spring! My favorite perfumes right now are Coach Poppy and Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. 

Coach Poppy is a sweet floral with the lightest hint of vanilla. It is the perfect combination of floral, fruity, and sweet notes. 

Daisy Eau So Fresh is a light floral, also with a sweet smell to it. To me, it smells like honeysuckles!  I love how light and fresh feeling this perfume is, and also that it is very long lasting!

 And now for candles! I picked up two new candles at Bath and Body works recently, both Hawaii - inspired scents that feature coconut. Where Honolulu Sun is much fresher and sweeter, Hawaiian Hibiscus has a floral element that - surprise! - I love for Spring. Again, both have a noticeable coconut scent, but they're different enough that I couldn't resist! 

I also want to mention a candle from last year's Spring range at Bath and Body Works -  Paris Daydream. I don't think you can find this anymore, but I LOVE the scent. It is so fresh, described as a "blend of watery notes, moss and mandarin". B&BW may not bring back this exact scent, but they often have a new line of travel-inspired candles in the Spring/Summer, so hopefully something similar will be available!

Spring is smelling pretty sweet so far! What are your favorite scents for the Spring? 

XOXO

Spring 2015 Nail Polish Faves

Nail polish trends seem to shift as often as fashion trends these days. Each season, new colors, designs, and styles are seen on the runway and red carpet. I'm not one to follow trends blindly, but I do enjoy finding inspiration from the color palettes, textures, and trends of each new season.

This spring, I've noticed an interesting, mixed color palette of pastels and brights. Bright apple reds and periwinkle blues, or mint greens with hot pinks. Neutrals, like army green and camel (think 70s earth tones), are also big for the upcoming seasons. 

I love Revlon's "Flirt" (250), a gorgeous lilac shade that works with both neutrals and brights. I've been obsessed with this color since last summer! I also love Revlon's "Ravishing" (675), a classic red that sits perfectly between the deeper reds of fall/winter and the neon corals of summer. 

For a barely-there nail look, Sally Hansen's "Almost Almond" (310) is the perfect choice. The formula is opaque enough to avoid the streakiness that some other light polishes create. Just one to two coats and you have a beautiful mani that goes with everything! 

I also want to mention Essence's Express Dry Drops - they are seriously the best! They are super affordable and dry nail polish so quickly. I usually place 1-2 drops on each nail after I'm done applying color, and sometimes I skip top coat! The drops leave your nails smooth and shiny and your cuticles moisturized. 

What are your favorite polishes for spring? I'm always looking for new colors!

XOXO