Summer - the sunshine, music, the waves (in both your hair and the sea). Summer is full of great things and one of them being low maintenance glowy makeup. I love this time of year for the less is more aspect.
I like to let my freckles shine in the summertime. On the regular, I apply a tinted moisturizer or healthy glow foundation, mascara/sometimes falsies, bronzer, some brow product and I'm good to go for the most part. If I want a little more - lipgloss or liquid lipstick and a Mac paint pot or glitter on the eyes. It's all about minimalist and fresh makeup, natural beauty for the win.

I'm not gonna lie, I was drawn to the packaging on this one. The concept is cutesy and retro inspired. I was also curious about the two part brush system.

The pros, it's a nice rick black color, the small section of the brush is great for reaching the hard to grab lashes and ease into the corners. It really lifts my lashes kind of like a pushup bra for your eyes. It didn't flake or crumble. The formula layered well with my Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir for added staying power and length. I loved that it didn't get clumpy either. This is a great mascara for creating the relationship between your falsies and natural lashes too. I like this type of brush for that.

The cons, I didn't feel like I got that feathery look I go for. The texture felt a little too wet but that could have been because my Marc mascara was on its last leg and dry as a desert.

Overall, if you are looking for an inexpensive mascara that lifts and curls like a champ, I would check this out! I don't know if I would repurchase since I just wear it with another mascara or falsies but I might use my Extra Bucks for it from time to time.

If you are looking for a quick eye look that can be daytime friendly but also intensified for night then look no further than this post! I have found the perfect tools for a quick smokey eye look.


I've been wanting to try out the Laura Mercier Caviar sticks since I found out that Sarah Jessica Parker uses them on the daily for her signature smokey look. After finally picking a color I decided to purchase a couple weeks ago. I chose the matte black shade in Tuxedo.

To create the look below, all I do is smudge the stick along my lash line. Add more for a dramatic rocker look or add a little for a subtle smoke. Below, I applied just a little bit but I think it adds the perfect touch for daytime. I use my smudge brush to blend everything out and then apply mascara to complete the look.

You guys know I am long lash obsessed. Whether it's a fiber mascara, castor oil, or a lash primer I need to try it. The one thing I had never tried was a lash serum. Until now.


It all started when I was freelancing a wedding back in April and one of the bridesmaids had the longest lashes I had ever seen. We are talking hitting your eyebrows long here. It was amazing. I thought they were extensions but she said it was the Rodan + Fields Lash Boost. I contacted my friend Meg who is a consultant right away because I needed this in my life.


Let me tell you, I thought I had decent lashes before. I used castor oil nightly and always added a drop of lavender essential oil to my mascara tube. But this stuff really did give my lashes a boost. What I love most about it is that it took away the steps of having to use a fiber mascara. It makes my everyday makeup much quicker. Don't get me wrong, on occasion I'll throw on a fiber mascara for a more dramatic look but for the most part I haven't.

I love the texture of my lashes too. They aren't stubby, they have that feathery look which I always wanted naturally. The overall health of my lashes is nice too. I don't have fallout and they feel thicker and stronger. When I wash my face at night I can feel the difference and how many lashes are really there. And yes, I pet them. lol

Side effects? I consider my eyes pretty sensitive. I get allergies and itchy eyes. But overall I really did not see any side effects from this serum. Maybe a little bit of itch just around my lash line after I swipe it on but that's it.

One tube which costs $150 and lasted me two full months and got me to this place of happiness. You can sign up for an autoship account and then you save $ which is what I did. Overall I'm a super happy customer. Have any of you guys tried this? I would love to see your results!

Here is my (better late than never) 2016 favorites! This collection of products are things I enjoyed throughout the year. They may have been new releases or they may have been oldies but I loved them up! Comment below and tell me what you fell in love with this past year! I would love to hear! I'm always on the lookout for new things to try out.

Happy August! It's been too long! I've been busy building my photography and makeup business along with other life adventures but today I am back and ready to throw my favorites at you from the previous months! Get ready, it's a long one!

Kylie Lip Kit - CandyK - This is by far my favorite liquid lipstick formula. It dries ultra velvety, no transfer, and lasts! CandyK has been my go to neutral shade lately. It's the perfect "my lips but better" shade for me. The kit comes with a liquid lipstick and a matching lip liner that also rocks. Kylie also just released these individually so you can purchase the lip liner or liquid lipstick for refills. I purchased a backup liner because I love it so much I only have half left!

Amazing Cosmetics Illuminating Concealer - WHOA. This stuff is amazing. It has fine "shimmer" particles in it to super brighten the under eye area. I find it really awakens my face. I purchased the lightest shade. It's not super sparkly, but the fine micro-shimmers reflect light like I've never seen in a concealer before. Really, "amazing".

Urban Decay Color Correcting Fluid in Pink - I love this for brightening as well. It's a perfect match for my fair skin to brighten up the under eye area and it does not crease. You only need a small amount to make an impact. Urban Decay released this shade along with I believe 4 others for correcting. I plan on picking up the lavender shade next! I can see myself gathering all the colors for my makeup kit to use on clients. It's that good.


Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara - I love this for a quick swipe when I'm in a rush. It lengthens and creates crazy volume. Keep a lookout for a post just on this product and its back story to be showing up on my blog!

Physicians Formula Lash Booster Mascara - This has been in my favorites for quit some time now but I have to say it is my holy grail of mascaras. I love the formula (both the doll and regular versions). This mascara gives my lashes the ultimate boost. It's like a push up bra for your eyes. I can't live without this stuff and the best part? It's from the drugstore! No irritation, no allergic reaction, no loss of lashes, no flaking. This is IT. Check CVS for B1G1 deals on this brand!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Black - I have used my Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner for at least 3 years (the same tube too!) and it has finally finished its life. I had received this liner in a sampler kit and was looking forward to seeing what all the hype was about. I really love the brush. It gives the same look as the felt tip ones but without the "shedding or shredding" at the tip. It stays all day and it's super black.

Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation - Josie Maran rocked my world with this new foundation. The finish is dewy but not oily looking. It's not glittery either. It brightens up my skin and brings life to it. I love that argan oil is in the formulation for hydration and the skincare aspect. It's thick so you only need one pump. I would definitely repurchase this magic in a bottle.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Protect + Perfect SPF 47 - This has been my go-to for quick mornings when I need SPF plus some perfecting for work. I love the moisturizing texture and the glowy satin finish. I apply about 2 pumps and bring it down to my chest and I'm ready for the day. This plus mascara and I'm set. My skin even looks better from using it!

Younique Beachfront Self Tanning Body Lotion - Younique has expanded their permanent Beachfront line with a bunch of self tanning products this year. I was super excited to try this out because I'm always on the lookout to get a little glow from time to time, especially in the Spring and Summer. This lotion worked great when I was getting ready to go to Florida in may. I only had to apply one or two times to get a warm golden glow. I've even used it on my face with no breakout issues.

Image by DKNG