Style Advice: Winter for a L.A. Girl

Hello beautiful people!,

While this year slowly comes to an end, hot temperatures still roam around the skies of LA. For many of us, sweater weather is definitely not in full swing. You want to get the cozy warm vibes of winter but don’t want to sweat throughout the day? Well keep on reading!

For an outfit during the more-or-less hotter days in winter, don’t be afraid to add on the layers but still keep it looking super fresh. Pair a black shirt with a velvet kimono or a lightweight fabric cardigan. If it ends up getting too hot in school, work, errands, etc, just take off your kimono or cardigan– plus you can always switch back. The same goes for adding a headpiece. Hats, beanies, and head wraps are cute accessories that can add an extra “oomph” to your look. They’re able to keep you warm without completely overbearing you with heat from the hot sun – and if it does, just take it off! If you don’t want to wear high kneed boots, a classic winter trend, but you still want to wear some type of boot, go for a simple bootie or a lace-up ankle combat boot. It will complete any look.

I spotted this Fashionista rocking the perfect look for winter in LA. She is styling the winter trend by incorporating signature pieces, colors, and layers in her outfit.

She is wearing a pair of American Eagle boyfriend jeans, which she pairs with a simple but chic black crop top and a stacked heel ankle bootie. While her base pieces are kept simple, the kimono and beanie are the stars of this winter outfit.

The velvet kimono piece is from from Cotton On.  What I love most about this piece is its deep red wine color. Adding a color like this to any look in the winter will make you feel like the winter season is definitely in the air. Her beanie was brought from a street vendor in New York City. I love how that the beanie compliments her over all look by having a neutral color. It still makes statement because it’s big and gives her that winter look that’s very popular!

While we may not experience the snow or dropping temperatures, there’s no excuse to not look fabulous. Even in the heart of Los Angeles, this Fashionista is a key example that demonstrates you can still enjoy this year’s winter trends.

If you want more fashion blog post like this one, let me know down below! 

Love,

Estēe Lauder: Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup Review

Hello Beautiful People! 

I am so sorry that I've taken about two months to get a new blog post up. I started school about 7 weeks ago and the quarter has been extremely difficult with the work-load plus other things I've been keeping myself busy with. But I'm glad to say that I have new material up so I hope you guys enjoy this quick review on mew favorite foundation :) 

I ran out of my Makeup Forever HD foundation about 3 months ago and I was really lazy to go pick up another one. My sister asked me to run some errands with her one weekend. She took me to Nordstrom's with her and she ended up buying me an Estēe Lauder foundation. 

I never purchased any products from Estēe Lauder for many (non-legit) reasons. One, I used to think this brand was only targeted for older women, I never associated it with more popular brands (Makeup Forever, Kat Von D, etc). Another reason was because it's pretty pricey and no one ever hyped up any of their products enough for it to seem "worth it". But now with Kendall Jenner being the new face of Estēe Lauder, I really hope, if you're going to buy anything from this makeup/skin care brand, PICK THIS ITEM UP. 

But long behold, my sister introduced me to, what I can say is, the best full coverage foundation for my skin type (combination), Estēe Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup $37.00

First Impressions: 

The lady in Nordstrom's matched me to the shade "3W1 TAWNY". She took off a small amount of my original foundation and applied this one. Instantly I could tell that this foundation had more coverage with only a little bit of product on my face. Compared to the foundation I already had on my face, this one seemed more dense and less "runny" (if that makes any sense). It was also the prefect shade for my skin. 

My Thoughts: 

I've been wearing this foundation for about a month now. I don't wear it everyday but I do wear it on the days I want my foundation to stay in place (parties, dates, events, anywhere that requires taking pictures really). I've noticed that this foundation stays on the WHOLE night. I don't get oily, the foundation doesn't crease, and it doesn't look cakey. This foundation also doesn't transfer on clothes. I would be so self-conscious when I would hug my boyfriend because I would sometimes transfer my foundation on his shirts, and that's embarrassing. But with this foundation, I don't have to worry about that. The only thing that I will comment on, is that because this foundation is full coverage, it is harder to take off at the end of the day. You really need to use a cleanser or makeup remover that is strong enough remove all makeup. 

Estēe Lauder website product details:

"15- hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looking natural through heat, humidity, non stop activity. Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable  Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day. " See More

Pros and Cons: 

Pros: 

• Medium/ Full Coverage 
• Last ALL day 
• Does not look cakey
• Does not make you look dry
• Covers under-eye circles 
• You don't need a lot of product 
• Does not transfer 
• Build-able 
• Leans more towards combination/oily skin types
• Matt finish 

Cons: 

• Packaging isn't the best (I prefer a pump)
• Can clog pores (SO MAKE SURE TO CLEAN YOUR FACE) 
• Can dry out your face if you have already have a dry skin type 

Dorm Room Bath Essentials! (Under $10 Each)

Hello Beautiful People! ,

If you're anything like me, showering has to be the best thing in life, especially when living in a dorm. For me, showering in college is my "alone time", my little bubble, my me time, my time to concentrate on myself and nothing else (like schoolwork, roommates, friends, problems etc). 

It's very important for me to find bath products that make showering something a little MORE exciting to look forward too. I went to Target and Walmart last weekend and picked up a few things for my shower caddy. 

ALL of these products are brand new to me. I've never purchased them in my life, I've just heard really amazing things about them on Youtube and Beauty Blogs. They are all drugstore products so I promise you they're super inexpensive and they won't be a HUGE financial loss if you end up hating any of the products. I'm really excited to try these out because I know I'll love them so much. Hopefully you give these products a try as well :)!

HAIR:

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo

I bought the 33.8 oz bottle so it could last me for some while.

I actually had a sample bottle of this shampoo and I LOVED

the smell it gave to my hair. It was a must to purchase.

$6.14 (Purchased at Walmart)

Aussie Moist 3 Minute Deep Conditioner 

I'm not a huge fan of regular conditioners. But I do like

to give my hair a deep condition at least twice a week. This deep

conditioner has been raved about by so many v/bloggers

I decided to finally jump on the bandwagon. 

$3.00 (Purchased at Walmart)

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

The dry shampoo I used to have did not work at all. I've heard

amazing things about this one so I decided why not. (BTW I use

dry shampoo more for a texture/volume spray on my hair)

$4.74 (Purchased at Walmart)

Palmer's Coconut Oil Moisture Gro Hairdress

This is another product I've been meaning to buy.

It's more of a leave in conditioner but I've heard so many

great things about coconut oil. I've already started using this baby

and it's amazing. I definitely recommend it to anyone. 

$5.00 (Purchased at Target)

BODY:

Tone Petal Soft Moisturizing Pink Peony & Rose Oil Body Wash

I'm a big fan of Tone Body Wash. I haven't tried this scent yet

but I have tried their others. I'm sure I'll love it just as much.

$3.00 (Purchased at Walmart)

OmShe Caviar Body Exfoliating Scrub in Mango Orange

I originally wanted another body scrub from Walmart but they didn't

have it.  Later that day, I ran into this body scrub at T.J.Maxx and I loved

 how it smelled so I decided why not! But moral of the story make

sure you buy a good body scrub for those days you want to 

exfoliate all of your skin.

Original price: $25.00

$7.99 (Purchased at T.J.Maxx)

Gillette Satin Care Sensitive Skin Shave Gel for Women

I really wanted a shaving cream that had a sensitive

skin formula just because my legs have gotten irritated

from other shaving creams I've used in the past. Gillette is a really

great brand so I trusted this one enough to give it a shot

& plus it came with two shaving creams. :)

$4.62 (Purchased at Walmart)

FACE:

Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser

I have recently bought a few skin care products that I

loved so this is the only new addition. I really wanted

a cleanser that would target my black heads. I tend

to get a lot in my nose area and chin. I have been using

this cleanser every other day and I have noticed a subtle 

change in my black heads. Hopefully I see a gradual

improvement over time. 

$6.50 (Purchased at Target)

That's it guys!

Everything I mentioned was literally under $10 and I think all these products deserve a shot!

I can't wait to try them out and give you guys a full review on most these items. If you've tried any of these products before let me know if you've liked them or just simply weren't feeling them.

If anyone else was wondering these are also essential dorm room bath supplies/essentials I need:

Yes To Blueberries Age Refresh Facial Towelettes 

Room Essentials® Shower Caddy (Target)

InterDesign Plastic Tote Basket (Target) - For the times you only need to wash your face and brush your teeth in the communal bathrooms)

Room Essentials® 8pk Washcloths (Target)

Gillette Venus Snap with Embrace Women's Razor (Walmart)

Stay Connected With Me! 

Yours truly,

SPA SISTER: Clear Skin Facial Toning Brush Duo

Hello Beautiful People,

I wanted today's post to be a quick "thoughts and review" on a new product I recently got my hands on. I went to T.J.Maxx last weekend and came across the Clean Skin Toning Brush Duo by SPA SISTER.

My Clarasonic Mia stopped working recently (it stopped charging) and I was in some desperate need of a new cleansing brush. I decided to not repurchase my Clarasonic Mia just yet and maybe try some other cleansing brushes instead. So I figured why not buy the one I came across at T.J.Maxx, I mean it was only $7.99.

So I bought it and I've been using it on my face every day (morning and night) and I absolutely love it. Like no joke, it's been leaving my face so smooth.

I would HIGHLY compare this cleansing brush to Sephora's Dynamic Duo Face Brush that retails for $16.00 (Click Here)

This product claims to be "an ultra-soft brush head that gently exfoliates dead skin cells while the silicone pad with tiny bristles deeply cleanses pores while invigorating the skin".

Now now, I wouldn't stretch to far and compare this cleansing brush to a Clarasonic because the Clarasonic is obviously running on a motor of some sort while this brush is merely using the sole power of your hand movement.

Either way both these brushes do an incredible job of exfoliating and cleansing your face.

I've noticed that the soft brush head of this duo really gets my face scrubs super foamy and I love that. The silicone pad is great for my "T-Zone" since that's the area where I have more larger pores.

All in all I definitely recommend this cleansing brush to anyone who needs one, wants another one, won't financially commit to purchasing a Clarasonic, or wants a cheaper but great quality cleansing brush.

Now I've never heard of the brand SPA SISTER before but I love this product so much I will be purchasing more of their products in the future.

If you are interested in buying this product or learning more about this brand feel free to visit their
website at http://www.bathaccessories.com
I got my hands on this bad boy like I said at T.J.Maxx but you can also purchase it from their website
Amazon, or Ebay.

Link of the product below:
Amazon

**In case you are interested:
In the morning I use this cleansing brush with my Clean&Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser
and at night I use this brush with my Biore Acne Clearing Scrub after using my Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (Review On Products)

Yours truly,

HOW TO: Contouring + favorite products to contour with

Hello Beautiful People,

I mostly wanted to get this article up so I can share with you some of my all time favorite contouring cosmetics. But I figured why not give you guys tips and a quick guide on how to contour -- for those who haven't mastered it yet.

The concept of contouring is amazing but can be be hard if you're new at it.
I want to go over some fundamental tips everyone should keep in mind before they even start contouring.
TIPS:

1. First and foremost, we should all understand the goal of contouring -- the appearance of slimming the face, nose and enhancing the cheekbones. Therefore contouring will darken.
2. The second most important thing to contouring is -- knowing YOUR face shape! Most videos on Youtube leave this crucial step out.
• I'll display some face charts to help you guys in this step


3. The third most important thing to countering is -- using the RIGHT tool. If you have everything down but don't have the right tool, this can mess the entire look
• My favorite brush for contouring is from coastal scents -- (angle brush) 
• Other great contour brushes are:
• NARS Ita Brush
• MAC 163 Flat Contour Brush
• Sephora Pro Contour Brush #74
• Remember it's all about trial and error, use what works for you. 
• You don't want a brush that is to airy but you don't want a brush that's compact either.
4. Use primer before applying anything on your face, I really can't stress that enough
5. Use foundation and concealer to cover blemishes as normal, prior to contouring. 
6. What's your preference? Are you a powder or creme person? Whatever you are, both works. 
• Just stay away from anything shimmery.
• For contouring, you want to stick to something MATTE.
7. Purchasing the right bronzer shade is super important! There are seriously so many bronzers out there and most are orange, so be very careful. (Orange under-toned bronzers are not the best for contouring) You want to purchase a bronzer that has a grayish undertone to it and of course it has to be matte. 
• Instead of using a bronzer you can try a foundation powder that is 2 shades darker than your skin tone. You can take this approach if you already have a favorite product. 
8. And I'll leave off with something very crucial.... Blend, Blend, BLEEEEEND! 

I could definitely continue and give you written instructions on how to contour properly but I'll just add some of my all time favorite videos from Youtube that helped me learn how to contour.

Practice LADIES!

I hope these videos were super helpful. Everyone has there preference on products they use for contouring I will share with you my ALL-TIME favorite contouring products: 

* Most of these products are a duo and I

prefer to buy it this way because I'm technically buying

two things in one. 

1. TANTalizer Highlighter and Matte Bronzer Duo by LORAC

(Travel Size) $12 (Click To View)

2. Disregard this product, I have no idea why I put it on here 

3. Blush/Bronzer Duo (In the shade: Orgasm & Laguna)

 by NARS $42 (Click To View)

4. Endless Summer Bronzer by Too Faced $30 (Click To View)

5. Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder by N.Y.C.

(In the shade Sunny) $2.79 (Click To View)

6. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder by E.L.F.

(In the shade St. Lucia) $3 (Click To View)

Yours truly,

Clothes Haul! (Macys, Forever 21, JCPenny)

Hey Beautiful  People,

I went to mall last Saturday and I got some really cute things. I think some of you might appreciate if I share with you guys what type of clothes I buy and where I buy most of my clothes. I will also be sharing with you how I would wear these pieces depending on the occasion or weather.


I will be using some of the store's website pictures to give you a visual of how the clothes will look like on you instead of just showing you the clothes on my bed. (some of them I had to take a picture on my bed because I couldn't find pictures for them online).

I purchased a this plaid flannel at Forever 21

$14.80

Click Here

*This flannel is perfect for the season transition of Summer

to Fall. You can keep it light like above for those fresh days

and you can layer this flannel with a denim jacket and scarf for 

colder days. Very versatile. 

I purchased this plaid flannel at Forever 21

$14.80

Click Here

*This flannel is perfect for the season transition of Summer

to Fall. You can dress it up like the model above by putting

on some heels and buttoning up the shirt. Or you can make it 

more casual by putting on some ripped jeans and combat boots. 

I purchased these Black Skinny Jeans at Forever 21

$7.90

Click Here

*I needed some new black jeans and these were VERY cheap.

Black Jeans are very versatile. You can wear them with

about just anything. Always have a pair or two around. 

I purchased a white and grey Scoop Neck Cami at Forever 21

$1.80 each 

Click Here

* Tank Tops are a stable item to have in any closet.

I stock up when great prices like these are available.

Good for wearing under your flannels, under see-through blouses,

by themselves with high waisted jeans, the possibilities are endless. 

I purchased this Audrey Hepburn Crop Top at Macy's

Brand: Doe

$12.99

* My new favorite shirt. You can dress it up or

dress it down. In love.

Purchased this geometric design romper at Macy's

Brand: One Clothing 

$44.00 (Discount not added)

* Great for summer. I would pair this piece with some 

black sandals during the day and for the night

I would pair them with some black heals and bracelets. 

Purchased this red floral design romper at Macy's

Brand: One Clothing

$44.00 (Discount not added)

* Great for summer. I would pair this piece with some 

black sandals during the day and for the night

I would pair them with some black heals and bracelets. 

Purchased this textured gold blouse at Macy's

Brand: H.I.P

$34.00

* Perfect for a night out on the town. I love this metallic gold

blouse to tuck under a tight black or white skirt. I can also

wear this with some ripped denim jeans and some wedges for

a more business casual look. 

I purchased these print Palazzo Pants at JCPenny

$25.00

Brand: BeBop

Be Bop Clothing

* Great for the summer or those summer chill nights.

I'd pair these pants with a loose white blouse.

I can dress this outfit down with black sandals 

or dress up with black heels. 

Yours truly,