Archives for July 2017

BEACH / POOL DAY ESSENTIALS

Happy Monday friends, welcome back to Southern Lights, Atlanta Nights! As promised I will be sharing my beach/pool day essentials with you all! I had hoped to include summer fashion items in this post but it would have made it WAAAYYY too long (shocker)…so I have decided to do a summer lookbook later this week. I know, I know, I JUST did a pre-fall lookbook, clearly I’m working backwards here! Either way I hope you enjoy this post and agree to come back to see all of my fashion favorites for summer! I have a good bit to share with you all so let’s just jump right in!

* 1. Bath & Body Works Cabana Breeze Diamond Shimmer Mist – $14.50: I believe I have mentioned this body spray before…but you guys, it’s amazing! I love having a nice, simple spray in my bag for when I get out of the pool; sometimes a girl doesn’t have time to take a shower but doesn’t want to smell like chlorine all day…amirite?! If you like the smell of summer, pick this up, you won’t regret it!

* 2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer – $19.99: Even if I’m just lounging by the pool, I have to throw a moisturizer on before I go in with my sunscreen. I love the Neutrogena water gel moisturizer because it’s lightweight, gentle on the skin and provides enough hydration without being greasy!

* 3. Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 – $3.99: I’ll spare you the long, drawn out explanation since I’ve talked about this product hundreds of times before. Just know that it’s amazing and you should pick it up!

* 4. Sun Bum Sea Spray – $14.99: I know I’ve mentioned this before but a sea salt spray is a must for my pool bag. I have incredibly thick hair that tends to look like a rats nest after getting out of the pool if I’m not careful! I will typically towel dry my hair, run a curl butter (here) through my strands and finish it off with this sea salt spray! This combo definitely helps me and my mane look more presentable after a chlorine filled day!

* 5. Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide SPF 50 – $9.99: Yep, I’ve talked about this product before too! But since this is a pool day essentials post, SPF is a MUST-LIST item! As you know (or maybe not) I am allergic to a variety of sunscreens that are currently on the market so I tend to stick with straight zinc oxide as it does the job while not breaking me out! It’s certainly not as convenient as a spray bottle, but I really love the Sun Bum line so I overlook that small detail!

* 6. Up & Up Aloe Vera Gel – $4.99: I keep aloe vera gel in my house year round. It works wonders for soothing irritated skin and is a life saver on the off chance that I get burnt while laying out or playing in the pool! It’s worth every bit of $4.99 and is a product that you will never catch me without!

* 1. Victoria’s Secret Lace Up One-Piece Swimsuit – $49.95: You can never go wrong with a basic, black one-piece swimsuit. It’s cute, functional and flattering on a variety of body types!

* 2. Adidas ‘Adilette’ Slide – $44.95: A simple slide is the perfect piece footwear for a pool day. They are comfortable, easy to clean and water resistant! NOTE: These tend to run pretty large so I would suggest ordering a full size down.

* 3. Leith Racerback Cover-Up Tank Dress – $39: This tank-top dress from Leith is the perfect swimsuit cover-up! It’s flowy, basic and comfortable. It comes in 3 colors (black, grey, & teal) and I don’t think you could wrong with any of them!

* 4. Kortni Jeane V-Neck Top – $70: Yikes! I know $70 dollars is A LOT to pay for ONE swimsuit top,  but for me it’s totally worth it. 90% of my pool time is spent with parents and smaller children and I just prefer a little more converge than what the average bikini gives. I love Kortni Jeane swimwear because they create trendy pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable & that work for every body type!

* 5. Victoria’s Secret High Waist Strappy Bikini Bottom – $34.95: I have these bottoms in a variety of colors and I really like them. I know the strappy detail on the side isn’t for everyone, but I enjoy the look it gives. Despite the crazy tan lines, they are flattering and comfortable. For those of you who prefer a more traditional high-waisted bottom, this one from Kortni Jeane swimwear is really nice as well!

* 6. RDB This I know Rose Gold Sandals – $16: These are from the infamous Red Dress Boutique and are only SIXTEEN dollars! The rose gold shade is perfect for summer and I think they add a slightly more pulled together look than your traditional slide or flip flop!

* 1. Bed, Bath & Beyond Cool Palm Beach Towel – $14.99: A pool day essentials post is not complete without a beach towel. I tend to gravitate towards lighter colored towels and absolutely love the palm print on the one featured above!

* The Magnolia Story – $16.78: I’m not what you would call an avid reader…in fact, I’m not sure you would call me a reader at all; however I know that many people like to lay by the pool with a good book so I thought I would throw one in for good measure! To be fair, this is definitely a book that is on my must-read list (and yes that list only has 2 books on it but that’s NOT the point); I adore their show and think their book would be just as good. Simply put, Chip & Joanna are the best!

* 3. Target Round Brown Sunglasses – $16.99: Fun fact: I adore anything that resembles tortoise shell. On the Target website these are marketed as plain ol’ brown sunnies, but to me they have some tortoise shell qualities peeking through! For a budget friendly option, you can’t go wrong with these bad boys!

* 4. Auburn Tigers Orange Collapsible Koozie – $4.99: I don’t know about you guys but my collection of koozies is bordering on absurd. Of course that doesn’t stop me from wanting more; I need one for every sports team I rep, one with cats, one for Christmas, one with an alpaca…the list goes on and on. While I love using koozies all year round, they are especially necessary in these wretched summer temperatures!

* 5. Quay Australia ‘My Girl’ 50mm Cat Eye Sunglasses – $55: I’m sure you have seen these sunnies all over Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.,! They are cute, trendy and relatively affordable! They have a variety of styles to choose from and I think everyone could find something they like!

* 6. Merona Nylon Beach Tote – $19.99: If you’re heading to the pool this summer you are definitely going to need a bag to keep all of your essentials in! I personally love carrying a nylon bag; they are classic, durable and easy to clean…basically they are everything a beach bag should be! NOTE: Take 20% off with the code: HANDBAGS20

* 1. Big Mouth Donut Float – $19.99: I don’t know about you but a donut float is RIGHT up my alley! Trendy floats are all the rage right now and this strawberry iced donut is no exception! They come in a variety of colors and are too fun to pass up!

* 2. Igloo Profile Roller: 30 QT – $27.99: If you’re going to be spending a substantial amount of time outdoors, then a cooler is a must! I love the grey and seafoam color combination and appreciate that this has wheels. Have you ever tried lugging a beach bag, chairs, towels, toys and a cooler to the beach…it’s a nightmare! I would definitely suggest one of these rolling coolers, they are sturdy and beyond convenient!

* 3. Coop Hydro Football – $12.99: I can’t go to the pool or beach without a football…to be honest, I can’t go anywhere without a football. It’s pool friendly and perfect to have on hand.

* 4. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Speaker – $99.99: I absolutely love my JBL portable speaker. It’s loud, durable and waterproof; everything you need for a day by the pool!

* 5. Big Mouth Giant Pink Flamingo Pool Float – $19.99: Remember when I said trendy floats are a must-have for summer?! I mean come on, how can you resist this?! BONUS: They have a flamingo floating cooler too!

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So that’s it for this beach/pool day essentials post! Obviously you don’t HAVE to have all (or any) of these things to have a good time at the pool. Throw on a swimsuit, grab a towel and soak up all the vitamin D you can get; floats or no floats, you will have a GREAT time! What are some of your pool/beach essentials? Let me know in the comments below! And remember, I will be back later this week with my summer lookbook! See you guys tomorrow for my July Favorites!

-B

PRE-FALL LOOKBOOK: PART 2

Welcome back and happy Friday friends! Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend? I think I might try and make my way to the mall to pick up a MAC lippie for national lipstick day and some bath bombs from Lush (for a future post)! As promised I’m back today with Part 2 of my Pre-Fall Lookbook! I have a casual look, a date night look and an athleisure look! I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up with as I’ve really enjoyed putting this together for you guys! So let’s jump right in!

* 1. STS Blue Emma Ankle Skinny Jeans – $45: Sometimes you need a classic black skinny jean with NO distressing and these skinnies from STS Blue are about as classic as you can get. They are a mid rise, fit true to size and cut off right at the ankle! The perfect piece for anyone’s wardrobe!

* 2. Vionic ‘Caballo’ Pointy Toe Flat – $119.95: I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of leopard flats and I think I finally found them! These look great with everything from jeans to skirts; the pointed toe creates a flattering silhouette on the foot and I think they would be the perfect addition to your fall wardrobe!

* 3. Express Double Layer Chiffon Camisole – $39.90: This is the epitome of a staple piece. It comes in a variety of colors and can be paired with anything from jeans to skirts. It can be worn casually or dressed up with a blazer for the office; either way, you need a top like this in your life!

* 4. B.P. Lightweight Rib Stitch Cardigan – $31.90: You can never have too many cardigans…at least that’s what I always say. Long, open-front sweaters are easy to pair with denim and are the perfect transition piece when the weather turns from hot to cool. At $31.90, you should definitely pick up a couple of these bad boys!

* 5. Elizabeth & James ‘Mila’ Pendant Necklace – $135: I absolutely love this necklace. Anyone can tell you that I’m not super into jewelry but I’m trying to get better (that reminds me, I need to hit my mom’s jewelry box). I love the length and simplicity of this piece and think it goes well with a number of looks! If you’re in the market for a simple, yet stylish necklace, this might be the piece for you!

* 6. RDB Around the Track Tan Saddle Bag – $38: You guys know that I’m a sucker for a cute handbag and this one certainly fits the bill. This is another gem from Red Dress Boutique and I am obsessed! love the shape and the color will go with anything! If you’re looking for affordable handbag options, check them out!

* 7. Marc Jacobs Roxy Crystal Bracelet Watch – $149.90: This was listed and linked in Part 1 of my Lookbook so if you want to see how I styled it with other outfits, click here!

 

* 1. Topshop Strappy Wrap Bodysuit – $45: Bodysuits are very on trend right now; I get it, they’re incredibly easy to style and work with a variety of looks. It’s like having a nice blouse without having to worry about fitting all the extra fabric in your pants/skirts when you want the “tucked in” look. This sleek, black bodysuit pairs beautifully with the suede skirt pictured above and makes that perfect date night outfit easy to throw together. NOTE: This piece does feature a strappy back; so if you are someone who prefers a bit more coverage, adding a nice blazer (like this one) could be the perfect solution for you!

* 2. Lulus Superpower Tan Suede Pencil Skirt – $34: Cooler fall temperatures means it’s time to break out the leather and the suede! This tan pencil skirt is flattering, flirty and just the right amount of chic! Pair it with a nice strappy sandal and a leather jacket and you are sure to turn heads!

* 3. Material Girl Blaire Two-Piece Dress Sandals – $49.50: This classic black sandal is the perfect shoe to top off this date night look! At just under $50 dollars I don’t think you can go wrong!

* 4. Topshop Nelly Faux Leather Biker Jacket – $90: This is the perfect time to break out your favorite leather jacket! This little black number from Topshop features an edgy design that can give your classic chic date night look a little something extra!

* 5. Nordstrom Round 3.48 CT TW Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings – $64.90: As I said yesterday, diamond earrings are nice, but I don’t have that kind of money! These studs from Nordstrom are perfect for everyday wear and have plenty of sparkle to go around. The ones featured above are in gold and would look stunning with this outfit! If you prefer more of a statement earring, I like these and these!

* 6. Treasure & Bond Set of 11 Bangles – $29.90: Sadly I just found out that these have already sold out. But fear not, I have found a couple of options that I think would look just as good! The Kate Spade: In A Flash Bangle Set ($49.90) in the neutral-multi color would pair wonderfully with the neutral colors highlighted in the outfit above. Along with the Kate Spade set, I love the Thin Bangle Set ($70) from Hint of Gold; It’s simple, chic and classic; you really can’t go wrong!

* 7. Bauble Bar ‘Mira’ Layered Necklace – $36: This layered necklace works perfectly with the neckline of the bodysuit. Its delicate chain hugs the neck while a chic bar pendant dresses up the neck area! At only $36 dollars, I think this is a great piece that can be worn time and time again!

* 8. Linea Pelle Classic Faux Leather Saddle Bag – $98: This bag was featured in part 1 of my lookbook and I am obsessed. If you’re interested, click here to see how I paired it with another outfit! I know $98 dollars might seem a bit steep for a black handbag, but can you really go wrong?!

* 1. Zella Autumn High Waist Moto Ankle Leggings – $49.90: When looking for the perfect “athleisure” outfit, I always look for a comfortable, yet trendy pair of leggings and the Zella Moto Leggings are just that! They are trendy, comfortable and completely functional. The high waist creates a flattering fit and the mesh panels give it a little something extra! It’s perfect for brunch with your mom or yoga with your girls!

* 2. Adidas ‘UltraBoost’ Running Shoe – $179.90: Fun fact about me: I like Adidas more than Nike. These shoes are crazy pricey, but I love them anyway.

* 3. Adidas Original Trefoil Crewneck Sweatshirt – $39.90: Another fun fact about me: I live in sweatshirts; I love them. They are like a cozy safety blanket that is acceptable to carry around and wear! You can’t go wrong with a basic Adidas sweatshirt; they come in a variety of colors and are the epitome of comfort!

* 4. Street Level Faux Leather Bucket Bag – $54: A classic black bag is perfect for any casual daytime look, but works especially well with the one pictured above! The bucket shape will hold all of your essentials (plus a little more) and its clean, modern look will never go out of style!

* 5. Nordstrom Round 3.48 CT TW Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings – $64.90: I’ve already mentioned these so I’ll leave the long explanation out this time!

* 6. Ted Baker London Kate Print Dial Leather Strap Watch – $99.90: It’s no secret that I love the Ted Baker brand. I’ve mentioned them in previous posts and I just think they do an incredible job with their watches. I love the grey leather strap and floral detail in the face! I think it’s the perfect compliment to this casual “athleisure” look!

* 7. Kate Spade Julieanna 54MM Polarized Sunglasses – $133.90: Guys! Look how cute these are!!! I love the shape of these sunnies and think they would look so cute with the grey and black color scheme of the outfit highlighted above! NOTE: They are part of Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale and will go up to $200 dollars after August 6th.

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So that wraps up my pre-fall lookbook! I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I loved creating it! I know that some of the items are a bit pricier than what some people are willing to spend but I hope you enjoyed it just the same. However, keeping that in mind, I have decided to do an “affordable” version of my fall lookbook where I try to keep every outfit under or around $100 dollars TOTAL. That will include shoes, accessories, handbags…everything! I’m not sure how well I’ll do, but I’m excited to try it out for you guys! I hope you all have an awesome weekend and I will see you on Monday!

-B

PRE-FALL LOOKBOOK: PART 1

Happy Friday eve, friends! Today I wanted to do something a little different (you know, considering it’s still 3 million degrees outside) and bring you a pre-fall lookbook! I don’t know about you guys, but fall is hands down my favorite season. Don’t get me wrong, I love the smell of honeysuckle, warm summer weather, and going to the beach/pool, but there’s just something about that crisp, fall air that makes me as happy as a clam. I tried to get this post up for you guys yesterday but it just didn’t happen. I worked on it for hours and hours (even though it might not seem like it) and decided to just wait and upload it today! I will be breaking it up into two parts to try and keep it as short as possible! I hope you all enjoy the looks I’ve created and as always, I will link everything down below!

* 1. Topshop Moto Leigh Ripped Skinny Jeans – $49.90: I love the look of a ripped skinny jean with an oversized sweater and a bootie! These can be worn with a classic V-neck and sneakers or an edgy leather jacket and a flat. I think these are a staple and definitely worth having for all year round! NOTE: The Topshop Leigh Jeans tend to run small (at least on me) so you may want to order 2 sizes or order a size up just to be safe!

* 2. Free People La Brea V-Neck Sweater – $108: I know Free People is a little more on the pricey side but they have some of the best sweaters around! It comes in 7 colors and I have the Cherry shade pictured above! It is the perfect pop of color to help transition into those cooler fall months!

* 3. Steve Madden Rival Bootie – $129.95: You can’t go wrong with this classic black bootie from Steve Madden. It can be worn with a variety of outfits and always takes any outfit from drab to fab!

* 4. MARC JACOBS Roxy Crystal Bracelet Watch – $149.90: I think this watch would be the perfect compliment to any outfit, but I particularly love it when styled with black jeans and a bold top!! Bonus: It’s part of Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale (going on until August 6th) and is under $150.00…for a MARC JACOBS watch, you can’t beat that!

* 5. Treasure & Bond Set of 11 Bangles – $29.90: I love the look of stacked bangles with just about any outfit, and this is no exception. The mix of gold and silver tones make it perfect for any look and its simplicity makes it easy to add to other pieces that you already own! At just under $30 dollars, these bangles are a steal.

* 1. Vigoss Jagger High Waist Skinny Jeans – $41.90: These ankle length, medium wash skinnies have a regular spot in my weekly wardrobe! They are comfortable, incredibly soft and the ankle length is flattering for a short girl like me! NOTE: These jeans tend to run small so you may want to order a size up!

* 2. RDB Play It Cool Taupe Ankle Booties – $34: These classic Taupe/Tan booties come in at a cool $34 dollars and are from one of my favorite places: Red Dress Boutique. They go with just about anything and are incredibly comfortable!

* 3. Rails Hunter Plaid Shirt – $99: I know that $99 dollars is a little steep for a traditional plaid shirt, but the material is amazing and its loose, drapey fit is ultra flattering! NOTE: If you are interested in purchasing this, the price will go up to $148 after August 6th. Also, this shirt runs small despite its relaxed fit and it is suggested that you order one size up!

* 4. Argento Vivo Bar Pendant Necklace – $68: Simple, chic and classic; you can’t go wrong with this bar necklace from Argento Vivo. It pairs beautifully with this casual, daytime outfit and can be worn with a variety of pieces within your wardrobe!

5. MARC JACOBS Roxy Crystal Bracelet Watch – $149.90: I mentioned this piece above and think it would work just as well with this casual little number!

* 6. Sole Society Faux Leather Weekend Satchel – $79.95: Taupe. Satchel. Handbag. This is a classic bag that will stand the test of time and go with just about anything. At just under $100 dollars, I think this is a must-have for fall!

* 1. ASOS Chunky Knitted Dress – $56: I thought this would be the perfect dress for a fancier date night! The neckline and wrapped shape is flattering on all shapes and sizes and the fabric is cozy and comfortable. The color is perfect for fall and at just under $60 dollars, I think this is a steal!

* 2. Linea Pelle Classic Faux Leather Saddle Bag – $98: I know, another handbag…I just can’t help it! Look how cute this is! It’s different than your traditional satchel or tote, and think it’s the perfect size for this particular look! It’s big enough to hold all of your essentials but not too big to where it will get in the way! If you’re looking for a reasonably priced saddle bag, here ya go!

* 3. Unisa Saranaa Over the Knee Boot – $79.95: If you’re into a knee/thigh high boot, I think you might really like these! They are stunning, sleek and flirty in all the right ways! They look great paired with dresses, skirts and even jeans; and at just under $100 dollars, I don’t think you can beat them! DSW for the win!

* 4. Kendra Scott ‘Elton’ Station Cuff Bracelet – $55: I love Kendra Scott, they always have quality pieces at an affordable price and this bracelet is no exception! Its simple slate and silver tones would pair beautifully with the dress pictured above! It’s classic, timeless and definitely worth picking up!

* 5. Nordstrom Round 3.48 CT TW Cubic Zirconia Studs – $64.90: Diamond earrings would be nice, but let’s be honest, I don’t have that kind of money. These studs from Nordstrom are beautiful for everyday wear and compliment the outfit above beautifully! If 3.48 ct tw is a little too big/heavy for your ears, they do have a variety of size options available! 🙂

* 6. Ted Baker London Ava Bracelet Watch – $175: Fun fact about me: I wear watches as bracelets. I rarely use them to tell time (occasionally I will), instead I treat them more like accessories! And while I love my rose gold watch (and the gold watch I listed above), sometimes you just need something in Silver to complete the look you’re going for! I am a really big fan of the Ted Baker London brand and think this watch would be the perfect addition to anyone’s collection!

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So that’s it for Part 1 of my Pre-Fall Lookbook! I hope you guys enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it! I will be back tomorrow with Part 2 which will feature a date night look, an athleisure look and a casual look, so stay tuned for that! Are you excited for fall? What staple pieces are you hoping to pick up before the season starts?!

-B

CULT FAVORITES – WHAT DO I NEED?!

Hey guys, welcome back; I hope you all are having a great Tuesday! I wanted to hop on here and ask you guys for some suggestions. I have been thinking of starting a new series (or 2) here on my blog where I test out cult-favorite beauty and skincare products/brands to see if they are REALLY worth the hype. It can be anything from overly-hyped Instagram products (Farsali Rose Gold Elixir, UD Naked Heat, etc.,) to products that have been considered cult-favorites for years (i.e., Velvet Teddy, Myth, Laguna Bronzer, etc.,); I want to know what YOU want to see! To go along with the upcoming theme, I have been thinking about doing a one brand cult-favorite post highlighting MAC products since I have never used ANYTHING from them…other than ONE pair of falsies (I know, how can this be?!). This is where YOU come in; since I’ve never really played around with MAC makeup, I need help picking out some of their must-have products! People have suggested Velvet Teddy & the Pro Longwear Concealer but I need a few more. If there is anything from MAC that you just can’t live without or that you consider a holy-grail product, leave it in the comments below! And if you are itching to try something that you’ve seen all over Instagram, YouTube, Sephora, etc., let me know! I’d be happy to test it out and let you know what I think before you spend your $$ on it!

Along with cult-favorites and Instagram hyped products, if there is ANYTHING else you would like to see me cover here on the blog, please let me know! I would love to hear what you guys are interested in and I will try my very best to incorporate those things here on Southern Lights! After all, I want this space to be as much for you as it is for me. I hope you all have a wonderful day and I can’t wait to hear all of your awesome ideas!

-B

 

SUMMER BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Happy Monday friends, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! With summer vacations coming to a close and school lurking around the corner for many of you, I thought now would be a good time to share a last minute “Summer Essentials” post with you guys! I had hoped to include both beauty and fashion in this post but let’s be honest, I have too much stuff to cover! So instead I will be sharing my Summer Beauty Essentials today and then a “Pool/Beach Day Essentials” post later this week that will highlight some of my favorite summer fashion and lifestyle pieces! I have a lot of beauty essentials to cover so let’s jump right in!

* 1. NYX BB Cream – $9.79: Sometimes the wretched summer heat doesn’t lend itself to a full coverage foundation; oftentimes (at least to me me) it feels overly heavy and cakey on the skin and who wants that? The NYX BB Cream is one of my favorites on the market. It feels natural on the skin and does a good job of covering imperfections while evening out my skin tone. Throw a little bronzer on top and you’re good to go!

* 2. NYX Butter Gloss – $4.99: I’ve talked about these glosses before so it’s no surprise that they’ve made my summer essentials list. They are perfect for on the go and they add just the right amount of color to complete any look. They are comfortable on the lips, pigmented and fade nicely throughout the day! For the price, you can’t beat em’!

* 3. OFRA Rodeo Drive Highlighter – $29: This highlighter is absolutely STUNNING! I don’t know about you guys, but in the summertime I want my face to glow, and let me tell you, this will give you all the glow you need! I will admit, it does have some fallout, but its beauty makes that a non-factor…at least to me. I think this would be flattering on a variety of skin tones and I would highly recommend you picking one of these up!

* 4. Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 – $3.99: No surprise here! I have been harping on SPF lip balms all summer long so I just had to include it. They come in a variety of flavors (I have coconut) and they are the perfect addition to your everyday skincare/makeup routine!

* 6. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – $14.99: This smells exactly like a summer dream. You guys know I love the Physicians Formula Bronze Booster but sometimes when I’m feeling a little more festive, I like to reach for their butter bronzer. The consistency is perfect (buttery and smooth) and the scent is divine. It comes in 2 shades (I wish there were more), I use the darker of the two and the color is warm without being orange! If you’re in the market for an all-over bronzer, give this a try!

* 6. Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray – $32: This is a no brainer. When the temperature is consistently in the 90s with the humidity sitting at 75+ percent, you need something to make sure you’re makeup is going to last ALL. DAY. LONG. This is my favorite setting spray on the market but any one will do! Just pick one that you like and liberally apply! Quick tip: I like to keep a travel size in my purse for touch-ups throughout the day!

* 7. Essence Pure Nude Highlighter – $4.49: I mentioned the OFRA highlighter in Rodeo Drive above, but for those of you who are looking for something a little more natural, this highlighter from Essence is for you! I typically use this when I’m going for a no-makeup makeup look and I think it gives the perfect amount of glow! For under 5 dollars, I don’t think you can go wrong.

* 8. It Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Ombre Blush – $24: I love everything that I have ever tried from IT Cosmetics and this blush is no exception. There are 3 shades to choose from (Je Ne Sais Quoi, Coral Flush, & Sugar Plum) and I don’t think you could wrong with any of them. The coral shade gives a nice, natural flush to the cheeks and is perfect for the warm summer months!

* 9. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso – $7.49: I’m sure you all are shocked that Milani’s Luminoso has made my summer essentials list…NOT!! This is a cult favorite for a reason; it works for a variety of skin tones and adds the perfect amount of sheen to the skin! If you haven’t tried it, I would 150% recommend you doing so!

* 10. Smith’s Rosebud Salve – $6: I’ve talked about this before and I’ll talk about it again! It works for lips, elbows, razor and curling iron burns…this really is a multi-functioning product and I think everyone should try it out!

* 11. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder – $30: If I know I’m going to be out and about in the blazing summer heat, a good setting powder is a must. The Too Faced Primed & Poreless does a good job of blurring my pores and keeping my makeup in tact; couple that with my All-Nighter Setting Spray and things aren’t going anywhere!

* 1. Sun Bum Surf & Sea Spray – $7.50 – $14.99: I am a huge fan of sea-salt sprays in the summer time as it makes doing my hair so much easier. The Sun Bum spray is perfect for helping me achieve that tousled, beachy look with minimal effort…and I am ALL about minimal effort. It adds volume, cuts down on frizz and lasts all day in my hair. It is the perfect addition to any beach bag and I would 100% recommend giving it a try! And bonus: It’s 50% off at ULTA right now!

* 2. Scunci No Damage Thick Hair Elastics – $3.49: If you have long hair then you totally understand this one! I always try and keep a couple of these in my car, around my wrists, and in my purse. There’s nothing worse than 90 degree heat and long hair hanging on your neck…at least to me. So in my eyes, these are a MUST-HAVE.

* 3. OGX Coconut Curl Hair Butter – $7.99: Along with sea-salt sprays, I love this curl butter for summer! It smells amazing and is incredibly easy to work with. I love using this after I get out of the shower and letting it work its magic overnight! It works well on its own but is also great when coupled with the Sun Bum Spray! Bonus: OGX is currently BOGO 40% off at Ulta!

* 4. Cabana Breeze Diamond Shimmer Mist – $5.00: This. Stuff. Smells. Amazing! If you like the smell of suntan lotion and the beach, then this is the body spray for you! If you think you’d like the scent but aren’t a fan of a shimmer spray, they do have this in a classic body mist! And guys…most of the collection (lotions, shower gels, body sprays, etc.,) is on sale for FIVE DOLLARS at Bath & Body Works right now! FIVE DOLLARS…you just can’t beat that.

* 5. Gillette Fusion ProGlide – $12.99: With the warm summer weather, comes the cute cut-off shorts. A good razor is a must and I have been using the Men’s Gillette Fusion ProGlide for years. It gives me a nice, smooth shave and doesn’t cause any irritation…that’s a win-win for me!

* 6. Cremo Original Shave Cream – $7.99: This is hands down the best shave cream I have ever used! It helps cut down on irritation and razor burn and feels extremely luxurious on the skin! If you have been looking for a new shave cream, check this one out, you won’t be sorry!

* 7. Dove Dry Spray Deodorant – $5.49: This product speaks for itself. It’s hot and deodorant is an absolute must. They have a variety of scents but I typically stick with Beauty Finish. It’s fresh without smelling like baby powder and it keeps me dry in this crazy Georgia heat!

* 8. Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes – $1.99: I always, always, always have wet wipes on hand. I keep them in my purse, at the office and in my car. You never know when you’re going to need to wipe something down and I just think they are always good to have close by!

* 9. Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish – $11.19: Smooth skin and short shorts go hand in hand and that is exactly why this is my go to body polish! The scent is lovely (sweet and peachy) and it does a great job of exfoliating my skin while I’m in the shower! If you are in the market for a new body polish, give it a try and let me know what you think!

* 10. KL Polish Summer Collection – $45 / 8.50 each: Beauty influencer, Kathleen Lights created a nail polish line and I just can’t get enough. The formula is great and the brush size is PERFECT (at least for me). All of her polishes are 5 free and their lasting power is pretty amazing! Her colors are so fun and I’ve never come across any that have left me disappointed. If you’re a manicure at home kind of girl, give these a try, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

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Phew, I know we just covered a lot of products but I wanted to make sure I didn’t leave anything out! As promised I will be doing a “pool/beach day essentials” post later this week so stay tuned for that and get ready to discuss all of my summer fashion and lifestyle favorites! What are some of your summer must-haves? It can be anything; beauty, lifestyle, fashion, etc.! Let me know below!

-B

LIEBSTER AWARD NO. 2

Hi lovelies, I’m back with another blogger award post! I was nominated for my second Liebster award by the one and only Cassi from Cassixmakeup! This girl is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and has been so encouraging throughout my blogging journey; If you haven’t checked her out, I would 150% recommend doing so! She talks all things beauty and sprinkles in personal posts here and there! So THANK YOU Cassi for this nomination, your support doesn’t go unnoticed!

Rules:

  1. Acknowledge the blogger that nominated you!
  2. Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you!
  3. Nominate 11 blogs!
  4. Give your nominees 11 questions to answer!

Cassi’s Questions for me?

  1. Hot or cold drinks? I guess it depends on the season, but generally cold!
  2. What is your favorite quote? I have a few. “Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13” “Invest in those that invest in you” “How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you” “Clothe yourselves with compassion. Colossians 3:12”
  3. If you could be any animal, what would you be? This is a tough one. A Cat because they don’t like to be bothered and are so independent or an Alpaca because they are cooler than anything I’ve ever seen and I want one desperately! <3
  4. Right or left handed? Right
  5. What’s the last thing that made you laugh until you cried? Probably something Jordan or David did/said. Those 2 keep me laughing/crying. <3
  6. If you could have any super power, which would you choose? Invisibility, hands down.
  7. Favorite color? If I had to pick ONE color…I guess I would say Navy Blue.
  8. What is one day you’ll never forget? Goodness, I have some many. The day I graduated college. The day I met David. My 30th birthday party! There are so many!
  9. Who is your best friend? Well I have a few (shocker). David, Jordan, Mary Ann, Brianna, Alex, Ameera…I told you I had a few.
  10. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get some hot sauce!
  11. Favorite song at the moment? Oh gosh. Ummmm. Well. I have no idea. Probably “I’m the One” by DJ Khalid, Bieber, and everyone else. I just really love Bieber’s part if I’m being honest! I’ve been revisiting 90s country as of late so that’s what’s been in my headphones lately!

Questions for my nominees:

  1. Tea or coffee?
  2. Favorite genre of music?
  3. Rom-Coms or Action films?
  4. Cats or dogs?
  5. What is your favorite fruit?
  6. Do you like feminine or masculine scents?
  7. Where is your dream vacation?
  8. Favorite makeup brand?
  9. Cake or pie?
  10. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
  11. What are your 3 favorite songs of all time?

My nominees:

  1. Siena – Life From This Perspective
  2. Natalie – Style In The Afternoon
  3. Victoria – The Real Side of Beauty
  4. Daisy – Style by Daisy
  5. Kat – Pretty & Practical
  6. K.M. Sutton – Ankhor You

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Thank you again, Cassi for the nomination! I hope you all enjoyed this post and I will see you guys tomorrow for some summertime essentials (I think :))!

-B

 

TABATA TIME THURSDAY

Happy Friday Eve friends! Are you guys ready for the weekend? I know I am! My cousin is coming in town for her birthday so my weekend will be filled with endless sporcling, board games, laughter and more French Onion dip than any one person should ever eat! To make up for all that delicious goodness that I will be consuming in the coming days, I thought I would put up another Tabata Thursday post! If you are new here or new to tabata, you basically work out really hard for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break, being sure to take a 60 second break between circuits. I know it might sound confusing but I will leave very clear instructions below!! So without further ado, let’s get our sweat on!

**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or personal trainer, so please consult with your doctor before starting any new workout regimens!**

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WARM-UP:

  • 75 Jumping Jacks
  • 10 Supermans
  • Arm Circles (up to 10 in each direction)
  • 10 Squats
  • Alternating Side Lunges (10 on each side)
  • Ankle Rolls (10 each side)

CIRCUIT ONE: (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 3 times before moving on to circuit 2. Take a 60 second break between EACH CIRCUIT).

  • High Knees
  • Burpees
  • Squats

CIRCUIT TWO: (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 3 times before moving on to circuit 3. Take a 60 second break between EACH CIRCUIT).

  • Plank Knee to Elbow
  • Flutter Kicks
  • Push Ups

CIRCUIT THREE:  (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 3 times before taking a 60 second break and moving on to your cool down!)

  • Ice Skaters
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Reverse Crunches

**Make sure you take AT LEAST 5 minutes to cool down/stretch after your workout!**

So that’s it for this edition of Tabata Time Thursday! I hope you liked this quick, no-nonsense workout and I hope all of you have an awesome Thursday!

-B

BEAUTY Q&A

Happy Wednesday y’all! I had planned on doing my Wednesday Spotlight on ‘To The Bone’, the original Netflix film that follows a young woman (Lily Collins) battling anorexia…but If I’m being honest, I just needed something a little lighter in the realm of television last night so I decided to watch The Holiday instead; I mean come on, who can say NO to Jude Law? With that being said, I still wanted to put something up for you guys so I decided to do a Beauty Q&A! I hope you enjoy it and let’s just jump right in!

* 1. Do you remember your first makeup item? Hmmm not really. I mean I was a competitive dancer so I had ALL the makeup in all the land. But if we are talking about the first item I purchased myself, it was probably a lip gloss or a mascara.

* 2. Describe your perfect mascara, and have you found it? My perfect mascara formula would be something that adds length and volume without being overly wet. I can’t stand wet mascara formulas, mostly because I’m a disaster and end up getting it all over my face. My favorite mascara is Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte!

* 3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation? I mean I guess it depends on what look I’m going for. I typically wear light to medium coverage foundations but like to have a nice full-coverage option in case I’m attending a wedding or a special event!

* 4. Favorite high-end makeup brand? Definitely Tarte! <3 <3

* 5. What brands have you always wanted to try but haven’t? MAC, NARS & Kat Von D.

* 6. Favorite drugstore brand? Maybelline & NYX!

* 7. Do you wear falsies? Girl no. I’m a mess when it comes the falsie game. Thankfully when I wore them for my best friends wedding I had someone else put them on…because if it was left up to me, that lash band would have been in my crease. lol.

* 8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without? No. Unless I’m going to work (or an event) I don’t usually wear anything on my face. If I feel like I NEED a little something, I opt for mascara!

* 9. What is my most cherished beauty product? I guess my Kathleen Lights x Morphe palette or my Tarte Double Duty Beauty Highlight and Contour palette because I use it ALL THE TIME.

* 10. How often do you shop for makeup? Too often.

* 11. Do you have a beauty budget? No, but I try not to go TOO far.

* 12. Do you utilize coupons, rewards cards/points, & sales when you buy makeup? Absolutely. If there is a sale, I am more inclined to do a little extra shopping.

* 13. What product do you buy the most of? Concealer for sure. Mascara & foundation aren’t too far behind! But I always need a couple of Maybelline Fit Me concealers in my drawer!

* 14. Is there a brand you can’t stand? There aren’t any that I can’t stand, but I don’t really use Almay.

* 15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics? I don’t, I probably should though.

* 16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup/skincare? ULTA for sure…I’m sure you’re not surprised!

* 17. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine? I’m a skincare junkie. I like trying new things but I’m not opposed to sticking with certain products if I know they are helping!

* 18. Favorite bath & body brand? Soap & Glory, Bath and Body Works and The Body Shop! I still have yet to try anything from LUSH but it’s definitely on my list!

* 19. If you could only buy from one brand, which would you choose? High-end: Tarte. Drugstore: Maybelline!

* 20. Brand that has the best packaging? Honestly, I love Tarte’s packaging; it’s bright, fun and festive! If we are talking about classic, chic packaging; I would go with NARS.

* 21. The celebrity with the best makeup? Honestly, Adele. Her winged eyeliner is always on point and she always looks amazing without being too much!

* 22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities? I don’t but I feel like I should.

* 23. Name 5 of your favorite beauty gurus? Casey Holmes, Leigh Ann Says, Kathleen Lights, Nicole Guerriero, Ameera Mahdi. I love all of these ladies for different reasons. Casey is Georgia girl who loves Auburn (yaassssss)! Leigh Ann is my spirit animal and always makes me smile! Kathleen Lights is…well, she’s just amazing; her tutorials are easy to follow and her personality is top notch! Nicole Guerriero’s vlogs give me life and her hauls are a thing of beauty! Ameera is one of my best friends and talks all things beauty, hair, life and everything in between. She’s has a sweet spirit and holds it down for the women of color!

* 24. Do you like multifunctioning products like cheek and lip stain? I can’t say that I don’t like them because I have never tried them, but I will say that they don’t intrigue me enough to actually purchase them. Have you used products like this? What do you think about them? Are there any I should try?

* 25. Are you clumsy when putting on your makeup? I would like to think that I’m not…but I dropped my eye cream the other day and ALWAYS get loose powder on the floor, so I’m assuming that would mean I’m relatively clumsy.

* 26. Do you use a primer before going in with your eyeshadow? I usually just use my concealer. My eyelids aren’t THAT oily so I don’t have too much trouble with creasing. However I would like to try the Too Faced Shadow Insurance as I’ve heard great things about that product.

* 27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day? 2. Dry shampoo (surprise, surprise) and hair spray!

* 28. What do you apply first; concealer or foundation? Foundation, and I never bring it up under my eyes because I don’t like that area to feel too heavy and caked up.

* 29. Would you consider taking makeup classes? Probably not. I just do it for fun! I like to play around and create fun looks that I wouldn’t typically wear. If I’m ever trying to do a specific look for an event and need guidance, I just head straight over to YouTube and watch a tutorial!

* 30. What do you love about makeup? I just love how fun and self-expressive it is!

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So that’s it for this Beauty Q & A! Feel free to answer some of these questions in the comments below, I would love to see everyone’s answers! xoxo

-B