Thursday, January 11, 2018

Lazy Days at Home




Sweater - Gap (last year) similar here and here / Leggings - Express

Ok so I think I am going to take a shot at this fashion/beauty blogger thing again.  So please excuse the weird faces while taking pictures.  How do you guys do it and look normal? 

Today is my last Thursday of winter break.  School starts next week and I will definitely miss these days off.  I have been bumming around, catching up on some missed shows, and lounging in my comfiest of clothes.  New York has been so cold so large sweaters and leggings have been a must lately.  I bought this sweater last year and I live in it when I am home.  It's extra warm and cozy.    

What have been your go to clothing items this winter? 


xoxo, 
Gina 

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Best of Beauty 2017

Well it's been awhile! Almost a year a half since I stopped blogging. And even longer since I've blogged regularly. However, lately I've kind of missed it. I'm not sure how regularly I'll be writing posts but, I thought I'd share some of beauty faves from 2017. Most are items I've had for some time but there are a few new bits in there. 



RCMA No Color Powder - I use this every single day!  I take my Real Techniques setting brush and set my concealer under my eyes, around my nose, and my chin.  It helps my concealer stay all day and helps the wear time of my foundation.  The first place my foundation starts to wear off is my chin.  Probably because I tend to touch it the most.  But for the price ($12) this stuff is absolutely amazing and I doubt I will run out anytime soon. 

Pixi Glow Tonic - Over the past 2 years I have probably gone through 20 bottles of this.  It's my hands down favorite toner.  A few month ago Target had been out of it for about 2 weeks and I freaked out. Now I always have a backup on hand. I have dry skin, especially in the winter so my skin can't really handle anything that has alcohol as the number one ingredient.  The Glow Tonic has a 5% Glyolic Acid Formula with Aloe Vera and Ginseng.  It is gentle yet gets rid of any dead skin I have.  I don't even remember who I originally heard about this from but, it has been a game changer in my life.  Whoever it was needs to be thanked with my famous apple pie. 

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes - I rediscovered this mascara this year.  I was drawn in by the gorgeous packaging but, kept repurchasing because the formula is just great.  This is my normal everyday mascara.  I feel as a girl who wears glasses the blackest of black mascara is a must.  This gives me the perfect lift and slight curl that I need.

Charlotte Tilbury Vintage Vamp Eye Shadow Quad - I remember drooling over this eye quad and when I finally bought it, I didn't use her as much as I should have.  A few month ago I was getting bored of my normal palettes and I pulled out Vintage Vamp and we fell in love all over again.  I highly suggest this for anyone with blue or green eyes.  They just pop when wearing this quad.  I use the medium maroon shade in my crease, the darker shade on my outer lid bringing it in about half way and the lightest shade on my inner lid.  Once and awhile I will pop the gold right in the middle of my lid, on top of the rest.  I now reach for this 3 or 4 days a week.

Covergirl Healthy Elixir Foundation - I bought this on a whim.  2017 was not a huge beauty year for me.  I did not buy a lot of new items just a lot of repurchases of items I knew worked for me.  So, I was standing in CVS staring at this foundation thinking well why not I haven't bought any other foundation this year.  And well it's my best "why not" purchase to date.  It has become my absolute favorite foundation.  I wear it every single day.  Most days I sheer it out with moisturizer (I use cetaphil).  I wear the lightest shade, 705.  It works so well with my dry skin.  I don't have to worry about having any dry patches.  I have used the real techniques sponge to apply it but most days I just use my fingers and the coverage is great. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - This stuff most be sourced from special fountain in a secret mountain somewhere heavenly because my face knows when I am not using it.  I put a small amount in the palm of my hand and then press it into my skin.  I use the essence after the Pixi Glow Tonic and before my serum.  I feel like it helps hydrate my face and my serum and moisturizer absorb better when using it.  I have tried other brands who have a similar product but I always come back to the SK-II. 

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - I have used this blush for ages.  It is a staple in my beauty drawers.  It compliments my skin tone so nicely and the fact that it is a baked blush gives it a natural sheen.  I can wear this alone or with bronzer.  I reach for this blush almost every single day.  It is something I don't even need to think about. 


Honorable mentions
Glossier Stretch Concealer & the Balm Dot Com
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser & Moisturizing Lotion



What were some of your 2017 favorites?

xoxo,
Gina