Review {Mascaras}

I hadn't realized, until I began taking photos, that I have SIX mascaras currently in rotation. That's nuts. However, I do feel like I can offer a thorough review of each one now :)

Mascara is the one beauty product that I would hate to live without. A few swipes of mascara really packs a punch. When I only have a few minutes to do my makeup I stick to concealer, mascara, and a brow pencil. 

I like many different formulations and wands for various occasions. Whether you prefer a more spidery effect, length/definition, or a natural look there is something for you in this post. 

1 | BUXOM Lash

I purchased the smaller size to test it out and I'm glad I did. It's definitely not my favorite. It's a dry formula. It offers a natural look with good definition, but I prefer little more drama. The wand is quite large so it's difficult to get to each lash. 

2 | Cover Girl Clump Crusher

This mascara has rocked my world this summer. It's similar to the BUXOM mascara (dry formula, good definition), but more volume. I really prefer this mascara for everyday use. I purchased the water-resistant formulation- it's long lasting, but is easily removed at night.

3 | L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

Definition to the max with this mascara. It's great for separation and length. It's more of a wet formula so it coats the lashes very well. I'm not a big fan of the wand. Again, it's a bit too large which makes it more difficult to control.

4 | Clinique Lash Doubling

My all-time favorite mascara! It's super black, plus it offers volume, length, and definition. This is the perfect formula, in my opinion. It's good from the moment you open it until the very end. Plus, it's in the midline price range at $16. 

5 | Benefit They're Real

I have a love-hate relationship with this mascara. First, it's an extremely wet formula so I had to let it sit for a few weeks before using it. It's very black and provides a lot of volume and length, but it also flakes.

6 | Eyeko Skinny Brush

If you like dramatic, spidery lashes (I do) then this is a great mascara. Black, volume, length are all there. However, definition does not exist with this wand. I have to go through my lashes with a small comb just to get a little separation. 

Here are few more I want to try out...

1 | It Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1

2 | Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes

3 | L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga

Trend: Graphic Prints

My style is pretty casual. I love wearing a basic tee or sweater with jeans and I'm all about a graphic print to add some interest to an outfit. 

Here are some of my favorite looks...

 

 

 

A few of my favorite tees and sweatshirts...

1 | Nation LTD Arrow Tee

2 | Madewell des A.R.T.S Sweatshirt

3 | Wildfox 'Ello Sweatshirt
4 | Pim + Larkin Mon Cheri Tee

5 | Sincerely Jules Luxe Pullover

6 | River Island Meow T-Shirt

7 | Zoe Karssen Champ T-Shirt

8 | ASOS Rebels Print Top

Weekend Update

Why does the weekend go so quickly?! It wasn't a particularly busy weekend, but still seemed to be gone in a flash.

Friday I got my hair colored. I went a bit more blonde for the end of summer. I love freshly colored hair, it's so refreshing! After I left the salon I went to Brie's and hung out for a couple hours. Then, Brady and I went to dinner at the Latin King with our friends, Sean and Amanda.

Yay for new hair!

Saturday I ran errands (post office, groceries, etc.), did some laundry, and spent way too much time online. I watched The 1975 Lollapalooza performance and nearly every interview they did there. I'm planning to attend the Buzz Beach Ball in Kansas City to see them LIVE! Saturday night was spent at the in-laws. We had great weather for a barbecue. 

Caitlin's (sister-in-law) favorite moscato. It's delicious!

Nothing better in the summertime than a gin & tonic

Sundays have turned into Mira-days and I'm not mad. She just turned 4-months-old and rolled over for the first time. I love how playful she is at this age.

New sunnies arrived! 

Favorite Makeup Look {Summer Day}

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (Custard) | On hot and humid summer days I usually opt for concealer rather than foundation. This one can do everything- under eyes, redness, spots.

NARS Matte Multiple (Vientiane) | This bronzer is perfect in the summertime. It's easily blended with fingertips (I wouldn't recommend a brush) and provides a natural, sun-kissed glow. 

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (Pale Pink) | I've been wearing this blush everyday. It leaves you with a healthy, pinched-cheek color. Plus, it lasts all day. It seems to really sink into the skin.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation | I use this more as a setting powder than foundation. I apply this to my T-zone after all the cream products. It keeps me matte and provides a light coverage... win, win.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Caramel) | I've rambled on and on about this little pencil. It's simply the best. It really looks like you're brows are just naturally full and defined.

Benefit Gimme Brow (Medium/Deep) | If I'm just popping out of the house for a bit I'll wear this alone on my brows, but if I've planned a full day out then I'll wear it over the pencil. The tint is amazing, but it seems to dry out quickly. 

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint (Ample Amber) | I apply this shadow stick over my NARS eyeshadow base and blend with fingers. Such a nice everyday shimmer. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes | I tend to skip eyeliner during the daytime and just apply a couple coats of mascara. This mascara is very defining. It's a wet formulation so I let it sit for a couple weeks. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray | I won't leave the house (when I'm wearing makeup) without this setting spray. I really does keep the oil at bay. 

Timepiece

Watches are easily my favorite accessory. I've been a wearing one since middle school and at one point I had a nice, little collection (mostly Fossil brand). When I was in high school I chose to forgo the traditional class ring in favor of a new watch. I have sold most of them now and only kept my three favorite. 

Coach, Burberry, Michele

I'm very particular when it comes to the style. I only like a round face, medium size (36-38mm), and leather bands. Metal bands are just too uncomfortable for everyday wear. 

I've had my eye on these three for ages...

Shinola 'The Runwell'

Really any Shinola watch would do. I've heard great things about these watches, plus they're American made- based out of Detroit.

Burberry 'Utilitarian'

I love my current Burberry watch (the lack of chronograph is only downside). This would definitely become my everyday watch.

Cartier 'Balloon Bleu' 

This is the dream. I would let the metal band rule slide for this little beauty. Kate Middleton wears it so you know it's good :) 

New {To Me}

Beauty Edition

Makeup

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray | I had to get a back-up with how much I've been using this lately. Setting spray is essential in the summertime and this is the best I've found.

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette | I've worn various combinations of this eyeshadow everyday since I got this palette. There isn't one bad shade and they all blend so well.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines | I'm quite fond of the NARS eyeshadow base, but I'm nearly out and I've been itching to try some products from It Cosmetics. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Caramel) | Another back-up. I love this little pencil. It's so quick and easy to use and provides a very natural look.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel | I previously used clear mascara to set my brows, but this is so much better. I bought the 2-pack and gave one to my sister to try out.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (Hustle) | I really like this light brown shade. It's great for an everyday look and the glides on like a dream.

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara | Holy volume! This mascara is intense. If you're into spidery lashes (which I am), this is for you. 

Burt's Bees Hydrating Lip Balm | Tastes just like coconut :) I'm not of fan of the original Burt's Bees scent, but this stuff is great- hydrating and tasty.

Skin

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh | This is a repurchase. I love this scent all year round and with the convenient rollerball I tend to go through it rather quickly.

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede | This scent reminds me of my mom. She wore Estee Lauder Beautiful for ages and it's similar, but a little more musk. This is my new everyday fragrance.

Almond & Honeymania Body Butter | With the new fragrances I've been purchasing I chose mildly scented body butters.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum Anti-Wrinkle Acne Serum | I've been using this every night for the past couple weeks and my skin already feels smoother. It smells like alcohol when it first goes on, but the scent fades within minutes. 

Mini Shea Body Butter | My body butter obsession goes everywhere with me now. This is the prefect handbag size and I can just refill it when it gets low. 

Dry Brush (similar) | I'm intrigued by the idea of dry brushing. Improving lymphatic circulation and reducing cellulite sound good to me!

Nails

Seche Vite Top Coat | I've gone back to Seche Vite as my top coat of choice. This finish is just too good. I had to buy two so I'm sure not to run out.

OPI Nail Lacquer (Cajun Shrimp, Alpine Snow, Shorts Story, We'll Always Have Paris) | I've been on a nail polish kick and OPI just seems to last so much longer than others for me.

Hair

Macadamia Volumizing Dry Shampoo | I wash my hair everyday so I really use dry shampoo for volume and texture. This one provides both and smells great.

Yes to Cucumbers Color Care Conditioner | I seem to run out of conditioner much faster than shampoo. Since I love the Yes to Cucumbers face towelettes so much I thought I would try the conditioner.

Mini Wet Brush | The Wet Brush is just so good I figured I needed one for my handbag. There's nothing worse than being out and about with tangled hair and no brush. 

Sucker for a Sale

End of season sales are everywhere and temptation is building. I keep returning to three sites- J.Crew, Piperlime, and Tory Burch. While I'm ready to start building up my autumn wardrobe, I'm also checking out all the final summer sales. 

Here is what's currently in my shopping bags...

Piperlime: 25% Off Fall Must-Haves

Skies Are Blue Mixed Media Tee

Tinley Road Kaia Petal Tee
Paige Skyline Skinny Jeans
JOA Geo Print Tile Shorties
Sabine Phoebie Eyelet Dress
Dolce Vita Brigid
French Connection Ellis
Gorjana Taner Wrapper Cuff
Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote Mini

J.Crew: 25% Off Summer-To-Fall Styles

Boy Shirt in Triangle Dot
Merino Wool Swing Sweater
Side-Slit Tunic
Sheer-Sleeve Sweatshirt
Weekend Skinny Sweatpant
Beaded Belt
Modernism Necklace
Downtown Field Jacket
Sateen Toothpick Pant with Zips

Tory Burch: Private Sale

Brigitte Cosmetic Case

Reva Metallic Ballet Flat
Dip-Dye Logo Jacquard Scarf
Ali Thong Sandal
Amira Dress
Kipp Fold-over Messenger