Summer holiday fashion

I love the saying "going on holiday" way more than "going on vacation" because it makes me think of a celebration, instead of a break from real life. A fun, sunkissed celebration. I might be going on holiday to Florida this June, and I would love if the following things went there with me.

Starting from the top left:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Sunday Skincare #1: At-Home Spa Treatment

My Sundays usually consist of lounging, reading, watching TV, (Orphan Black, anyone?) and pampering my skin, which just means I do everything on Sunday with a face mask on. I thought I would share the products I used today, and though it may seem like a lot, each product does something different, and together create an at-home spa treatment. And in the words of Parks and Rec's Donna and Tom, Treat Yo'Self!

In the order I used them:

Origins Clear Improvements Mask
I did a review on this one before, and I still love it. It's great for drying spots, and leaves my skin super soft.

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
This has been a skincare staple of mine ever since I bought it. I put this one right after the origins (who says you can't do two masks in one day?) This mask brightens my face, and I try to use it once a week.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula
After the masks I like to use this as my acidic toner. It exfoliates my face, all while brightening and treating my skin.

Anatomicals Spray Misty for Me Facial Spritz
I got this in a Glossybox a few months ago, and I really enjoy it. I use it as my hydrating toner, and it adds a soothing spritz after the Dr. Dennis Gross pads, which is nice because they extinguish the sting of the pads.

Organic Rosehip Oil
I picked this up at Whole Foods, and have only been trying it for a week, so I can't speak as to the claimed miracles about rosehip oil, but I can say it is seriously moisturizing. I'll do a review on this in a few weeks when I really have formed an opinion on it.

Sundays are already fun, but my little skincare ritual seems to relax and prepare me for the long week ahead.

Empties #1: To Repurchase or Not?

It's not everyday that I finish a complete bottle of something, so I thought I would share what's done, and what I'll repurchase.

St Tropez Bronzing Lotion (travel size)
I got this sample from Sephora a few months ago and finally finished it. In the winter I didn't have the energy to put it on, but as the temperature started to rise the more I reached for this bronzer. St. Tropez is far from the Oompa Loompa self tanners, and offers a natural bronze glow. I was going to repurchase the lotion, but I opted for the mousse version because it's easier to put on and takes a shorter time to dry. Also, I saw that this month Sephora Beauty Insiders can exchange their points for a sample of this lotion, so give it a try!

Harmon Face Values Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Before I started using this waterproof mascara as a mission to take off. Now I just pour a bit on a cotton pad, gently rub my eyes, and so long stubborn eye makeup. Even though this is the generic brand, I prefer it to the Neutrogena one because I think it works better. There's no question as to whether I would repurchase this, I already have a mini stock pile in the bathroom.

Moroccanoil Treatment
I love using copious amount of this oil on my ends because my hair sucks it up like a plant being watered. I have other argan oil treatments, but I always lean towards this one because of its lush feeling, and smoothing abilities. If I don't find a new hair oil to try out, I will definitely repurchase this one.

Aveda Smooth Infusion
Before I got a haircut last week, my hair was the longest it has ever been. I don't think I would've been able to manage it without the miracle that is the Aveda Smooth Infusion. Putting this on my hair was the only way I could manage to run a comb through it, or else it would've gotten stuck in my thick hair forever. This has always terrified me considering I knew a girl in elementary school who got a barrel brush stuck on the side of her head, and had to get half of her hair chopped off. And this was before girls with half-shaved heads was a trend. Anyways, I'm trying to finish other hair products before repurchasing this, but I already know a new bottle of this stuff is going to end up with me sooner or later.

I hope you had fun reading about my empties, and hopefully inspired you to try some of great products.

Swaying to the Beat of Your Own Blending Brush

Whenever I go to a drugstore, or beauty shop I can't help but notice that someone out there in the beauty world has assigned specific eyeshadow colors for each eye color, and brown eyes are always assigned bronze, or purple. Sure, warm bronze shades suit my complexion, and compliment my eyes, but I shouldn't feel discouraged to step of my comfort zone, and sway to the beat of my own blending brush. This is where the Bobbi Brown Smokey Cool Eye Palette comes in. When I first saw it I didn't think the cool tones would look good on me. Maybe I was conditioned to think that, and almost walked away, but the colors looked like it would create a fabulous smokey eye. Thankfully, I ignored the gnawing, "bronze shades for life" feeling and took this baby home. Not only did the shades suit me, but the cool tones against my complexion give a very modern look. Unfortunately, this palette was limited edition, so I don't know if you can still find it, but what I'm really trying to say is no one should decide what colors suit you best, but you.

And now I'll put my soapbox away for the night.

Birthday Wish List

My birthday is in exactly a month, and I've been told I'm very hard to gift, so I thought I would share some things I've been eyeing lately. 

List starts from top left:

1/2/3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10