July Favorites

  July was an incredibly busy month for me, and because of that it was rather simple in the makeup department. My husband was visiting home in Louisiana the first part of the month, we traveled to South Carolina for a bit, and then the last couple of weeks was spent getting everything packed and ready to move back to the good ol' Italy. 
  I realize I'm a bit late on posting my July favorites, but hey, better late than never! The few times that I have worn makeup/done my hair this month, I was trying out a few new products, instead of sticking to my old favorites. Most of these have squeezed their way into that position though. :)

       For makeup, I've been repeatedly picking up the same few items all month. I am currently dying over the Lorac Pro 2 (no, seriously, I'm dead.)  It's so beautiful and the shades are all super smooth, pigmented, and buttery. I can't stop using it! As far as my face goes, I've been pretty basic. I slap on a BB cream of some sort, my Maybelline Fit Me concealer, the Balm Down Boy blush, and the Balm Mary Lou-Manizer highlighter. The blush is a pale, natural pink shade that gives the perfect everyday flush of color. The Mary Lou-Manizer highlighter is a must for that summer glow, err, sparkle. I'm one who likes to be highlighted, and this definitely does the trick. If your goal is to look like a Cullen, this is the product for you. All jokes aside, it's a beautiful product! For eyes, I've fallen head over heels for the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It really gives you the most va-va-voom lashes ever! The bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipgloss in Hypnotic has been my go to. Can you possibly get better than a holographic lipgloss? Didn't think so.
    This month I got a major haircut, which has put my hair in the best condition ever. To keep up my super soft locks, I've been using the Healthy Sexy Hair Argan Oil every day. It leaves my hair soft and shiny, without leaving any greasiness behind. I've also jumped on the Macadamia hair mask bandwagon. It's safe to say I'm never going back. No hair mask has ever left my hair feeling so heavenly in my life. This is definitely a forever staple for me! I was also lucky enough to pick this one up at Marshall's for $9.99! Score!
   I hope you enjoyed my favorites! What products could you not get enough of? Let me know!

What's In My Bag

After looking into my purse, I realized how much of a hoarder I am. I thought it was funny at first, but now I realize that it's actually a problem. Before making a major downsize (you'll see of what) I decided that I should do the ever so popular "what's in my bag" post. I've never done one of these 

but I've always enjoyed glimpsing into everyone's bag. It's kind of socially acceptable way of being a total creeper, and I love it! 

My bag is from the line Call It Spring. This brand has been around at JCP for about 5 or 6 years now, and I believe they have their own stores as well. My bag was about $50 originally. But this girl got it for 40% off plus I had a $10 reward from shopping at Sephora inside JCP. So, I got this cute little number for $20! Not too bad, if I don't say so myself! 

I love the colors in it. The cool and warm hues make it perfect for every season. The bow adds an adorable, fun touch. The size of this bag is absolutely perfect and fits everything that I could possibly need inside. 

You can see from the above picture that I carry most of the basics, and you also get a glimpse of my ridiculous obsession. 

 Yep, that's right. You counted 17 lip products. I told you it was scary! Obviously the NYX Butter Glosses are my fave. Other than those I've got the essentials-notebook and pen for jotting down lists and thoughts, my iPhone and ear buds, wallet with necessary Bath & Body Works hand sanitzer (this one is a camera that flashes! how cute?!), random change, ponytail holder, AE Rewards card, and dog biscuit. And of course, last but not least, my gym essentials including my Polar FT4 heart rate watch and lock for my locker. I can't hit the gym without them! 

Well, now that you've seen what's inside my bag, let me know what's inside yours! Do you have anywhere near as many lip products as I do? Please let me know that I'm not as crazy as I think I am. :P 

Until next time, 

March Ipsy Bag

Hey hey! 

Back in January I decided it was time to subscribe to my first subscription service. After reading reviews, watching videos, and scouring the sites, I chose Ipsy. At $10 a month, you get a plethora of beauty items, ranging from deluxe samples to full size! Ya read right, full size products for only $10 a month! Each month you get 4-6 items to try out, that are picked out just for you, based on the quiz you took at sign up.

January was a decent month, containing mostly skin care items to pump that "new year, new you" feel. February was all makeup for me, which I loved! This month, I received fewer items (only four) but all but one item was full size, so I really can't complain too much. 

This month I received a nicely sized sample of Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick in the shade Get Ready, NYX eyeshadow trio in No Tan Lines Allowed, Chella Eyeliner Pen in Indigo Blue, and the Pixi Beauty Brightening Flawless Beauty Primer.

*I'm the worst at photographing swatches.*

I really love everything in this month's bag, minus the highlight shade in the trio, as it's barely noticeable *see above.  But all in all, it was a great month for Ipsy! The lipstick and eyeliner are great and highly pigmented, and the shadows are smooth and creamy! I can't wait to put everything to good use in the coming months! I know the brightening primer will be especially great under a lightweight foundation during the summer for an added glow. 

What did you receive in your March Ipsy bag? Let me know your thoughts!