Beauty Products With Instant Gratification

Most of the time, I take my duty very seriously in regards to testing beauty products I've either purchased myself or have been sent to by a company. I'll use them for at least a few weeks, maybe even months, before I feel comfortable giving you my opinion. New products come out at rapid speed, and it's been ages since I've had the desire to keep up with every whim. Trying out new things is fun of course, but I also enjoy having a small collection of products that I love and use frequently. I feel an obligation to be honest with you guys. If I don't like something, I write it! That's the reason behind blogging, isn't it? I'm not a beauty editor nor makeup artist, just an average consumer.

 Once in awhile, I buy on impulse and when that product happens to be amazing, it's instant gratification. I am compelled to share.

Here are two completely impulsive-I-really-didn't-need-this buys that I've been using daily since stumbling upon them.

Kai Perfume Oil

While Nate and I were in San Clemente last week, I popped into a local boutique right next to our favorite bar. The clothes were alright, the jewelry was meh, but this perfume oil caught my attention right away. I've heard of it before. If you've ever smelled plumeria, then you know this scent well. This is actually made in Hawaii, and its namesake Kai, means ocean or ocean water, in Hawaiian. Anything that reminds me of my favorite place is a winner in my world. Smelling like Hawaii will cost you though - this little oil was $48 dollars, a small price to pay for a daily reminder of the islands. Cheaper than a plane ticket, but not nearly as cool. Still, I'll take it. I can't go there as often as I'd like, so this will suffice. Talk about a memory trigger. The best part is that the scent lasts a full day. I use the roller ball on my pulse points and behind my ears.

M.A.C. Soft Frost

With flash

Without flash

What is it with me and highlighting powders? One, maybe two, should be enough but somehow shiny products that promise to make me look like a glowing newborn babe suck me in. This is part of a collection by M.A.C. but they are permanent. This is an "extra dimension skinfinish" in "soft frost" and my God is it good. Do you know the look of aurora borealis crystals in the light? That's what this reminds me of. It comes across as a golden white at first glance, but when you catch the light, the effect is more like a violet blue. I'm telling you, don't be afraid of these. I've read reviews where people spoke about them being glittery or too unnatural but I don't understand that conclusion. I've worn it in my last three outfit posts and although you can't really tell, I swear it adds the perfect amount of ethereal shine. My goal is to get a good picture of it on my cheeks soon, so stay tuned for that.

Do you ever buy beauty products on impulse? 

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Happy New Year

Wearing //

Old Express dress purchased on ebay

Macy's duster coat, similar

Rebecca Minkoff bag, gifted from Carylee

Asos pumps, similar here and here

Kendra Scott ring, I have this one too

Stella & Dot sparkle studs

Happy 2017! Did you guys have a great holiday week? I certainly did. I went to the snowy mountains one day, followed by the ocean the next. California is pretty cool in that sense. Nate had the entire week off so we tried to fit in as many activities as we could. We also spent a lot of time getting together with friends and family, which we had been neglecting for a couple months.

And, he turned 35 on December 30th so I planned a night out in San Diego where I wore this little number. Unfortunately it rained that day, but the weather didn't stop us from having a wonderful time and dancing the night away. The last time we went to a club was in Vegas so it was a treat to let loose.

I know a lot of people are writing about their goals and resolutions for this year. I've never been into resolutions in the traditional sense, but I do think they assist in keeping you accountable. It's tremendously important to have a clear focus, otherwise the same old habits continue to confine us. I need optimism now more than ever. I already mentioned some of my thoughts on Instagram, but here's the general gist:

• Be a better human being. 
• Get back into shape (I already started this yesterday but I know it's the most cliche resolution out there. I have to admit that having a blog where I've seen my weight go up over the years can sometimes make me feel extremely self-conscious and ashamed).
• Continue school and get my certificate in writing/copy editing/digital media.
• Travel a bit more. We'd like to explore the country since neither one of us really have. On the list is the Grand Canyon, Utah, Napa, D.C. and...anywhere but here really. Not that we don't love Cali but there is a lot more to see!
• I say this every year but I'd like to read more.
• Change what I can, accept what I can't. 
• Don't let what other people do, say, or think get under my skin. I am who I am, you either like it or you don't and the same goes for others. 
• Start trying for a baby this Summer.
• Above all else, be a better human being.

You can read my post at this time in 2016 here if you care to look back. I think you will find it very interesting considering what I wrote!

I do have a positive feeling about this year, something I haven't felt in a long time. It's a fresh start, a clean slate. It's up to us how we spend our time. I hope you'll continue to spend some of yours here with me 😊

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Best of Beauty 2016

This is my last post of 2016! Hard to believe that the year will be over in a blink, but so it goes like this every December. Similar to my round-up of style last week, I wanted to share my favorite beauty products that I reached for time and time again. I hope this gives you some ideas if you're wanting to try new products. I recommend these to anyone! If you have any specific questions, feel free to leave them below and I will be happy to give a detailed description.

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Faux Fur

Wearing //

H&M sweater

Express jean leggings

Sole Society fur scarf and pumps

Michael Kors bag

Beauty //

Benefit Balm

When I think about taking these photos, I can't help but smile and laugh! You all must know by now that Nate takes my pictures, and I wouldn't have it any other way. In the past, I've thought about hiring a pro, but number 1) I can't afford a pro 2) I wouldn't feel comfortable posing for anyone else and 3) my blog is small and I want to keep it that way.

 I truly dislike being in front of the camera. Hey, before you roll your eyes and state the obvious, relax. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's the honest truth! Even taking selfies with my best friend involves her coaxing me, a snap filter of some sort, and usually a few drinks. Because whenever I take pictures, I feel like I'm back in high school and it's prom season. 

I've come a long way though, since I can now comfortably go out in public for these. But I always keep certain things in mind: What do I do with my hands? How can I make each photo look different? Am I capturing the outfit and its details properly cuz Lord knows I'm not a skinny mini model and I don't need you staring at my gut thinking "I wonder if she's pregnant yet?" For the record, I've been asked that on here before, and no I am not. I just like cheese. 

This particular "shoot" I couldn't stop laughing because Nate was cracking jokes the entire time and I felt like a fool wearing the faux fur stole. I do like it, and I really think it'll look beautiful tucked into one of my trench coats. But it's definitely not something I'd normally wear, and I kept taking it on and off, trying to decide if it was going to translate well in photos. I think it does, but I'll leave you to decide...

 I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

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