A few January Favorites!

I am so excited that January is almost over! I'm still trying to process why I live somewhere SO incredibly cold when I'm always thinking about summer. (A move South might be in my future soon....stay tuned!) 

But for now, while the cold isn't going anywhere, here are a few things that are getting me through these chilly months! 

 The first thing I can't wait to talk about is the incredibly inexpensive ELF HD Under Eye Powder. This powder is surprisingly amazing! I use it as an under eye setting powder for my concealer. While I've never used a high end setting powder (I'm more a drug-store makeup with a few higher end products sprinkled in) I've read many many reviews about this powder, and quite a few people prefer it over a high end setting powder. I use a small very fluffy brush and just swipe it wherever I applied my concealer. There are some noticeable glitter pieces in it, but they are so small that you don't notice them once on your face! At $3, you really can't go wrong! 

The next drug store item is the fabulous NYX Stay Matte but Not Flat Powder Foundation. 

I was really interested in trying the Mac Studio Fix Powder, but upon researching and reading reviews I decided to give the NYX powder foundation a try. Apparently it's a very close dupe and I have to say it's a new staple in my morning routine. I wouldn't use this as my only form of cover-up (I almost use it more as a setting powder) but it definitely has great coverage on it's own. I think over top of concealer or a light layer of foundation this powder is perfection.  You really can't beat it especially when it's less than half of the Mac powder! ($9.50)

I finally convinced myself that I needed the famous Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner and boy OH BOY am I glad I picked this up. I can say that I've probably tried just about every single liquid eye liner the drugstore has to offer constantly searching for my holy grail. I think there are just SOME products that if you spend just a few dollars more, you can really notice a difference in quality. This eyeliner DOES. NOT. BUDGE. I honestly can't even explain just how black, beautiful and buttery this eyeliner truly is. I used to have to use a few different liners in the morning to get the color, but also the crisp line that I grave in a winged liner (what I do most). I just can't explain how amazing this is enough. Go pick it up, you will NOT be disappointed! 

Last but not least is this adorable necklace that I found in a boutique here. I wanted to include it because usually I go for the statement necklaces and love a good blingy necklace (don't get me wrong - I still do!) But this little baby stood out to me with it's simplicity. I love pairing this with a simple top or layer it with a shorter necklace. I think these pieces are great to have in your collection, a girl always has to have options, right?! 

If you're somewhere cold like me, I hope you're making it through these chilly months well! Layer up on the tropical smelling lotion and pretend you're laying on the beach with a piña colada!

XOXO,

E

Dior inspired 360 Pearl Earrings | Splurge vs Save

Yes. I too...am obsessed. Dior created the most beautiful, elegant, timeless earring that I think is perfect for a night out, or the perfect cherry on top of your favorite outfit. These earrings have been popping up everywhere, gaining popularity and being worn by many celebrities. 

That being said, the Dior price tag (I think goes without saying) is not for your average Joe. Lucky for us, many companies have been creating earrings inspired by Dior's beautiful design at a cost that is friendly with our pocketbooks! 

 I've found a "splurge" version of the 360 degree pearl earring via The Limited for right around the $30 mark and a save version via Charlotte Russe for under $10! 

Top Tips for Taming the Winter Static!

Alright....it's time. Now that it's finally cold and dry my hair has gone into full on static mode! I gathered my favorite / top ways to help tame the static during these already awfully cold months!

Tip #1: Make sure you're using a moisturizing conditioner! 

This may sound....silly, but sometimes the lower end conditioners don't cut it during the brutal winter months. A good recommendation is to invest in a conditioning mask and use it once or twice a week ONLY ON MID AND ENDS of hair shaft! If you use it too close to the scalp it can really cause your hair to be weighed down and look oily.  Here is the one I use and LOVE. It has lasted me months and smells amazing! (And at $8.99 it won't break the bank!)

Tip #2: Cut back on hairspray.

I know it's normal to think "add hairspray" when you want your hair to stay in place, but hairspray contains alcohol which essentially causes hair to dry out. You don't need to cut it out completely but cut back to just a fine mist (if you can). A great alternative is to use an anti-frizz serum or cream on wet and dry hair. (Just don't go overboard!)

Tip #3: Don't use a brush!

Plastic brushes are a breading ground for static! Cut out your flat paddle brush and opt for a wide tooth comb. If you must use a flat paddle brush, try to find one with metal bristles instead of plastic. 

Tip #4: Blow dry your hair half way.

When blow drying your hair, use a lower heat setting and only dry your hair about 70-80%. In doing this, you'll gain the benefits of blow drying (for me - it's all about the volume) and you'll also leave a lot more moisture in your hair. 

Another great tip is to invest in an ionic blow dryer. These have some magical components that neutralize electric components in your hair. Those components are the ones responsible for all that static! 

Tip #5: Wash your hair less often!

I go as long as I possibly can (and then even another day) between washings no matter what time of the year. I know that a lot of people can't stand the feeling / get oily too quickly / use a lot of product causing build up. However! If you can even try to go one extra day, the natural oils your scalp produces will help tremendously in taming the frizz and static. Going along with the moisturizing conditioner tip; try a hydrating shampoo in the winter instead of a clarifying one. A clarifying shampoo will completely strip your hair, while a hydrating shampoo will clean to surface level, which is best during the winter. 

A few extra, not so conventional tips!

Use lotion to help tame static!

The first time I heard this I thought the person was absolutely bonkers. But it works! If you use lotion on your hands, make sure most of it is rubbed in and gently glide over the ends of your hair to quickly eliminate static. 

Carry a dryer sheet with you.

I know!! Where do people find these absurd ideas?! Yet again, this works too! I would recommend being very very light handed with them though, as a few times I've done this method my hair seemed to be left with a layer of ....dryer sheet stuff (haha) on it. After a few uses it would definitely be down to enough product that you wouldn't need to worry about it though.

Those are my top tips! Do you have any others that I need to know about? Please let me know!

XOXO,

E

Happy New Year! | 2015

I know I know! HOW is it 2015? This past year was a good one for me. I didn't have a lot of life-changing moments, but a bunch of little moments that I will hold onto forever! 

Im not big on making New Years resolutions, as I whole-heartedly believe that you can decide to change anything about yourself at any given moment. However! This year I want to commit to blogging. I'm sure only my mom and best friend, HI MORG! will read my blog, but I want to hold onto these moments, memories, feelings, things I love for myself. The internet has infinite amounts of space, so why not fill some of it up on things that make me happy?  (And of course I want to eat better, go to the gym, think positively, etc etc) ;)

I hope you all have an amazing year! Here's to a BRAND spanking new year. Here's to day 1 of 365. What will you do with them? 

XOXO,

E