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

Spring Book Picks

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. The sun finally comes out, and I love to just sit in the warmth and read. After finishing my English degree back in December, I've been enjoying the freedom of reading whatever I want, whenever I want! Looking through my bookshelves and revisiting my favorite books and characters is one of my favorite things to do. I thought I'd share some of my favorite books that make me think of Spring. If you're looking for a Spring read, I've got you covered!

The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart is a suspenseful novel that follows a young woman on her adventures in Crete. There's murder, mystery, romance, and plenty of beautiful descriptions of the landscape. I picked up this book because I love the film version produced by Disney in the 60s. I still love to read books after I've seen the movie, because in many cases - like this one - the book offers more detail and plot intricacies. 

 

Emily of Deep Valley is one of those books that I just can't think of without smiling. This book is about a young woman making the transition from High School to adulthood in the 1910s, but the challenges she faces and the emotions that come with them are timeless. Maud Hart Lovelace beautifully captures many forms of love: the love Emily feels toward her grandfather, her friends, her beaus, and the community she serves. I love the simplicity of her story - showing how one can make a difference in their own community. 

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is a sweet, humorous, and daring novel, written in the form of diary entries of the main character, Cassandra Mortmain. I also read this book because I saw the movie, but the book offers a unique perspective. Set in an old castle in the English countryside during the 1930s, this books reminds me of Spring just because the setting seems so fresh and green. Like the other two books I recommend, this book is a coming of age story, emphasizing the Spring notion of a new beginning. 

What books remind you of Spring? Or what's on your Spring to-read list? 

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