Fashion Find | Sheer Blouse

I love wearing white in the summer. I recently purchased this awesome, sheer button-down blouse from Forever 21. Its got a little bit of a high-low hem and bronze collar detailing. I've been really into wearing it unbuttoned over a patterned tank top with shorts. It it so comfortable, flowy, and breathable it is definitely going to be a staple in my summer wardrobe!

Hopefully I will get an outfit of the day post up featuring it soon!

Product Review | Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

I am a lady of little patience - I hate waiting in lines, I hate waiting when other people are late, and I absolutely hate waiting for my nail polish to dry. I used to tediously paint two coats of polish (which takes long enough, by the way) and then sit with my hands flat while they dry. Every single time I would think I've waited long enough, even though I probably knew I hadn't, and think Oh, maybe they're dry, LETS JUST SEE.... and NOPE! Now I've got a big ol' smudge that needs repainting which means even more waiting time.

Well folks, with this Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat all my nail polish woes have been resolved (well, I still suck at nail art but whatever). This is seriously like a little miracle in a bottle. As soon as I finish the 2nd coat of polish I apply this little baby and WHAM dat shit is dry in like two minutes. Or three. Really. After just a couple minutes I can touch all my nails without any smudging, I can push my bangs out of my eyes without sticking, and I can pull my boots on without leaving a golden glittery trail (that sounds kind of pretty though but trust me, it isn't.).

The only weird thing about this is that on the box there is a warning label that says "WARNING! This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or reproductive harm." It is referring to the presence of Toluene which is a toxic chemical. After doing a bit of research it seems that this is really there because California thinks it is necessary (and it is) for people to be aware. California has stricter laws regarding such things. I think that in moderation it's okay, they're probably worried about people abusing the product - huffing, ingesting, whatever. I probably wouldn't use it if I were ever pregnant though.

Quick & Easy Eyeshadow

I really don't usually do any fancy makeup for work but I liked how this simple look came out. I started with Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all over the lid, then from the Urban Decay Naked Palette I applied Virgin on top of that, Buck in the socket for some warmth and a little bit of Darkhorse in the crease & outer V. I finished by applying Benefit's They're Real mascara and little bit of a dark brown eyeliner. Super simple but noticeable!

Product Review | Bath & BodyWorks Sugar Scrub

As you might have guessed from my last post, I'd probably die without body wash. Okay, I wouldn't die but you get the idea! I've tried regular washes, scrubs, and oils but "sugar scrubs" are a whole new venture for me. They're basically the former three all combined into one pot of moisturizing, skin-softening goodness.

This aromatherapy sugar scrub by Bath & BodyWorks is the first of its kind that I've tried. There are a few other scents to choose from but the one I picked is "eucalyptus tea." The scent is hard to describe - it's a little earthy, a little herbal, and smells a lot like the stuff your boyfriend probably showers with. I think I liked the scent better in the store (it doesn't smell BAD, but I would like something a little more feminine), and when (if) I repurchase this I'll pick up a different one.

Apart from the scent that I chose, I think I am officially in love with sugar scrubs (sorry Josh.). This product has very large sugar granules which are in charge of some major exfoliation. I will say though, that you should  not vigorously scrub this on your skin because it can actually hurt - a light hand is best and is all that is needed to slough off any rough skin. The sugar granules are submerged a VERY oily substance and this is my favorite part of the whole scrub. I actually like the *almost* greasy feel that this product has and leaves on the skin. The shower rinses off any of the actual oil and you are left with moisturized, touchable skin.

When using this, the sugar granules are mainly what you want to scoop out otherwise you'll get a handful of the oil and it will be running through your fingertips and dripping all over the shower. The oil is in there to coat the sugar for added hydrating benefits, however, if like me you like that oily feel then by all means go to town with it!

This is best left in the shower after first use because the packaging gets really slippery. I would definitely repurchase this but I want to try more kinds of sugar scrubs first! I just saw that Burts Bees makes one - probably going to pick that one up next!

Dupe for L'Occitane Shower Oil!

Keeping my skin moisturized is always a top priority! I always try to go for body washes that are intended to be extra moisturizing and am always looking for something different to try. I had been a fan of the L'Occitane hand creams for a while and when I had first learned that they also had this almond shower oil I knew I had to try it. I mean, an OIL? really? How would this be different than the two billion other body washes I have tried?

I knew this love affair would have to put on hold for a while because the product costs $24 which is more than I could ever be able to justify for a body wash. A little while ago, however, Sephora offered this tiny little sample size (its actually not that tiny, I got a good 8 uses out of it) as a gift with purchase, so I was finally able to try it.

It is everything I had hoped it would be. It is perfectly moisturizing, nicely scented, and amazing to shave with. If it weren't for this dupe that I found, I probably would have ended up buying the full size.

Fashion Find | Cotton On Bag

Last Saturday was a bit of an adventure day! I went on a little day trip to a place about 3 hours away from where I live. In the area there was a store called "Cotton On" which I had never heard of before. Intrigued by all the sale signs in the window (total cheapo over here!), I decided to take a look and FINALLY I found the perfect chartreuse handbag. Chartreuse is definitely one of my favorite colors (it is so unique and beautiful) but it is also a really hard color to work with. It is definitely best used for an added splash of color or small statement piece.

Most of my wardrobe is black so I don't anticipate having a hard time styling this, but what makes this bag extra awesome apart from the color (and $10 price tag) is the material. It is a very good imitation-suede: super soft and touchable with a subtle, cozy texture. It has a bit of gold hardware with a matching gold chain for the strap. The only complaint I have about this bag is that the chain is a little too long - but that can be easily fixed by tying it into a small knot.

Lip Combo | MAC Violetta + NYX Purple Rain

All right, lets face it - I'm a bit of a lipstick addict. Applying a bit of lipstick is the easiest way to update your style and brighten your face. I will wear almost any shade of lipstick though I find myself drawn mostly to purples and reds. Today I will be showing you the purple lip combo that I have been obsessed with recently - MAC lipstick in Violetta paired with NYX lipliner in Purple Rain.

As you can tell by the swatches, the two are a perfect match. When wearing such a bold color I feel that a lipliner is an absolute necessity. Since bolder colors tend to pack more pigment, a liner helps to keep the lipstick in place so it doesn't feather outside the lip line. If you also lightly color your lips in first with the liner it will keep the color on longer and help it still look good while it's wearing down.

Application can get a little messy with super pigmented lipsticks if you aren't careful. First I line my lips then lightly shade it all in with the liner. I then apply the lipstick directly from the bullet onto the center of my bottom lip and kind of run my lips together to spread the color. Lastly, I use a lip brush the apply the color to the edges of my lips and anywhere else that still needs to be filled in.

NYX lip liners are one of the best ones I've used and at around $4 each they're a great bargain!