#hawaii

This year’s birthday, I got to go to Hawaii for a long weekend. It was such a blast to get away with my man for my birthday. I never go anywhere or really do anything for my birthday so this was truly a treat.

We flew from San Francisco International Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii. We chose to rent a car while we were there just because everything is a little spread out!

We chose to AirBnB in Waikiki. This was my first experience with AirBnB, and I decided it would be my last. I think the idea is awesome, however, it rained some while we were there, and we were outside and got dirty. We used the white towels provided, which got dirty. Upon leaving, we were told we were getting charged for the towels as they were too dirty. After speaking with AirBnB customer service, we didn’t have to pay, but the whole experience was a little crazy and I just decided I much prefer being in a hotel.

We chose to do a tour of the entire island of Oahu. We started off by seeing the Pearl Harbor memorial. It was purely amazing. It was raining on the first half of the tour, and by the end we got to see a rainbow over the Memorial.

We saw all the memorial monuments and also got to walk down in the Bowfin Submarine. It was very awesome. Construction was going on while we were there, so we didn’t get to go aboard some of the monuments.

The memorials were just amazing. After leaving the Pearl Harbor site we traveled to the famous North Shore.

We finished the tour by going to the Dole Plantation, and several other beaches throughout the island.

We took a morning to climb to the very top of Diamondhead State Monument. It was 762 ft high!! It was definitely a long walk, but the view from the top was absolutely amazing!

It’s an iconic spot in Oahu that everyone has to hike!

While we were there we had some amazing eats!

This local crab spot was our absolute favorite! It was some of the best crab I have ever had!!

The Karai Crab was a hole in the wall downtown Honolulu! They had different toppings that you could add to the crab, and it was so good, we ate it twice!

We also stopped for brunch at M.A.C 24/7. This restaurant was actually featured on the show, Man Vs Food. They have a pancake challenge to eat 5 lbs of pancakes in less than an hour and a half and not only is your meal free, but you are also featured on their wall of winners! I could never have consumed that much, but the rest of the food was also good!

All in all, it was such a fun trip. Although, it was just a weekend it was great to be in Hawaii with the beautiful beaches, amazing weather, and fun eats!

Definitely check out Honolulu if you haven’t already!

xx- m

beauty, lifestyle, Travel

#lifeupdate

Hey Babes! It’s been about a month and a half since my last blog post – so I wanted to give you a little life update!

A lot happened in my job the last 45 days! Work got slightly crazy and although I was connecting with most of you on Instagram [if you don’t follow me it’s @themeganseries for daily beauty / fashion / travel / fitness / lifestyle posts] I was stretched thin in a lot of other areas of my life!

So, what has happened – work went crazy [I work in the beauty industry] there were tons of new product launches happening and sales like crazy! just the works –

In March, I turned 33 years old [tear] – haha no, it’s not that bad – the years keep moving on, but the weird part is life is just more fun as you get older, maybe we appreciate it more, maybe because we have more money to do things, maybe we know who our real people are – not sure – but it definitely has been a blast!

My boyfriend and I headed to Hawaii for my birthday weekend [I’ll share a more in depth travel post on the trip] but it was so magical – it was just a quick little trip [and it rained some of the time] but it was amazing to get away and celebrate in style!

We stayed in Honolulu and were right on the Waikiki Beach side of the island! It was just great! We had amazing food, fun sites to see, and of course awesome mimosas hehe!

More details to come in Hawaii Blog Post

The beauty industry is not slowing down, some of my favorite launches the past month –

Anastasia Beverly Hills launched their new Riviera palette and the packaging and color scheme alone is absolutely beautiful!

Clinique Even Better Refresh Foundation! I haven’t tried this yet, but it’s up on my list! It has hyaluronic acid in the foundation to keep you hydrated all day long! That’s purely music to my ears!

My favorite mascara Lancome Monsieur Big got a packaging face lift for spring and it’s so cuteeeeee!

Urban Decay updated their original Naked palette and released Naked Reloaded! A great neutral palette for today’s new makeup artists. I really like the formula better than the previous.

It Cosmetics introduced a line of crystal brushes and their just beautiful! If you’ve never tried It brushes what are you waiting for!

Jeffree Star launched his blue blood palette and it is a heavenly blue dream! it’s absolutely amazing and his same beautiful formula!

Speaking of…. I got to attend a beauty conference in Atlanta for work while I’ve been gone and got to meet the one and only ……

JEFFREE STAR!!!!!

It was one of the most amazing moments of my life!

That’s my life update since I’ve been gone! Excited to get back to writing and showing off my latest trips, beauty, and general lifestyle!

xx- M

beauty

#lancome

Lancome … one of the most iconic beauty brands. I have fallen in love with Lancome over the last couple of years. The brand is classic, strong, and has such quality products.

I love Lancome and I’m so excited to share my favorite Lancome products with you!

{ brand favorites }

Lancome Rose Sugar Scrub.

When my skin needs a good exfoliation, I reach for the Lancome Rose Sugar Scrub. It’s one of my favorite facial scrubs. It’s a more intense scrub. The sugar penetrates the skin and really gets into your skin and exfoliates all the gunk and dead skin away. This is not gentle enough to use more than 2x a week, depending on your skin type.

Energie de Vie – Illuminating & Purifying Exfoliating Mask.

My other favorite exfoliator by Lancome, from the Energy de Vie line, the illuminating & purifying exfoliating mask. This is a much more gentle exfoliator. It’s job is a 2-1 mask, exfoliate and hydrate. For merely a quick 3 minutes, this mask not only gently exfoliates but leaves your skin feeling very hydrated. A great option for a lip scrub as well.

Lancome Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream.

As most of you know, I don’t know if I truly believe in eye creams. I am on the search for one that does everything I ultimately would desire in an eye cream. As I’ve been searching, I stumbled across this one. While I don’t think it’s done anything to help fine lines / wrinkles or crows feet; it is definitely the most hydrating eye cream I’ve ever used. Definitely awakens your eyes and hydrates, especially the under eye area.

Lancome Energie de Vie Overnight Recovery Mask.

Again from the Energie de Vie line, this overnight mask is the sister product to the exfoliator. I use the exfoliator and then finish by sleeping in this mask. This mask is hydrating. It rests and then wakes up my tired skin by the morning. It gives you a wonderful glow the next morning. I love the feel it gives my skin.

Lancome Rose Jelly Mask.

A top pick for me in the sleeping mask department. I can partner it with it’s sugar mask sister or use it with any of my other skincare. It’s super hydrating, infused with hyaluronic acid, this mask really hydrates deeply. It also has salicylic acid, therefore hydrating and working out breakouts, if you have them. It also smells pretty amazing!

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Liquid 24H Longwear Foundation.

Onto complexion… all of my favorite complexion products from Lancome stem from this initial product. This is definitely top 5 in my favorite foundations. It literally lasts all day. It doesn’t even break up on my nose which is a HUGE bonus for me, since everything always does. It’s on the matte side, but not an intense matte at all. It doesn’t dry out my skin, or adhere to any of my dry patches. It also has an SPF 15.

Lancome Teint Miracle Radiant SPF 15 Foundation.

This is my spring / summer foundation version of the original. It’s a tad more lightweight than the normal formula. It gives this dewy glow to the skin that really gives a radiant finish. It doesn’t adhere to any imperfections on the skin and doesn’t accentuate any texture. It also holds an SPF 15. Truly one of my all time favorites.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF 21.

My alternative version of the original Lancome liquid foundation is the Ultra Longwear Stick. I love stick foundations. This is so easy to travel with, super small and compact. I love the wear of this foundation as well. Stick foundations, in general, are so easy to use and quick. This particular stick has SPF 21.

Lancome Dual Finish Highlighter Multi-Tasking Illuminating Powder.

This is one of my favorite highlighters of all time. Lancome released their highlighters roughly a year ago, way after every other brand had already done it. They waited, and with good reason. They have some of the most creamy, buttery, pigmented highlighters ever. They are all so beautiful and look amazing on the skin. I love all of the colors, but Sparkling Peche has a special spot in my heart.

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara.

Best Mascara Alert…. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! It’s so good. It gives your lashes so much volume. The wand gives your lashes a lift and really fans them out. It’s very similar to the Too Faced Better Than Sex (also, a fan favorite for me), however, this mascara dispenses more product on the lashes at a time then the Too Faced one. This is really the definition of not having to wear falsies. I am truly obsessed with this mascara.

Those are my favorite products from the brand Lancome.! It’s such an iconic, classic brand that truly works with all skin types and for all people. Definitely go and check them out!

xx- M

beauty

#top5eyeshadowpalettes

EYESHADOWS!!!!!

The fun part of beauty! I love eye shadow palettes! Even though I have basically the same colors in multiple palettes, I still have to buy the latest one every time! Funny thing is… no matter how many eye shadow palettes I buy, I tend to always go back to these 5! These are my Top 5 favorite eye shadow palettes (that have been released to date, and that I’ve tried)!

This is not to say that I don’t have eye shadow palettes I love just as much, but these 5 are my ride or die, go to palettes. They all have amazing formulas, super blendable, great color story’s, and the ability to be used for any occasion. Natural all the way to Glam!

{ The Jaclyn Hill Palette – by Morphe }

This is my go to eye shadow palette. It’s definitely my most used palette – I have hit pan on the most shades 😉 It gives me the opportunity to wear multiple eye looks, natural to dramatic. I also typically take this palette to travel with, as it houses everything I could possibly need while on the road. The shadows themselves are extremely blendable and work so well together! This palette has 35 shadows; it includes mattes, shimmers, satins, foils, and a glitter. Honestly, a great palette.

{ Modern Renaissance – by Anastasia Beverly Hills }

This was my favorite palette in 2017. 2 years later it’s still a palette I use quite frequently. This palette has some of the best formulated eye shadows I’ve ever blended. They are super creamy and feel like butter on the lids. The color scheme is beautiful and although not a lot of colors for every occasion, certainly a great palette for the entire year. This palette has 14 shadows of both mattes and shimmers, all neutral to berry tones. The best eye shadow palette ABH has ever released, hands down!

{ Chocolate Gold Palette – by Too Faced Cosmetics }

This is my favorite of the Too Faced eye shadow palettes! There are 14 shades, 4 mattes and 10 shimmers. I love this palette because it’s perfect for glam looks of all kind. The mattes work for all transition shades, as well as, crease colors. Then you can merely pick the shimmer color and change up your look daily. It’s such a convenient palette and a great blendable formula.

{ tartelette in bloom – by Tarte Cosmetics }

I love Tarte eyeshadows. The reason this particular palette made my Top 5 is because of it’s perfection in the neutral department. It is my go to palette for a “no makeup, makeup” look, a neutral eye, or my basic days. It has 12 shades, 3 shimmers and 9 mattes. They are great for all skin tones and truly one of the best palettes Tarte carries.

{ Blood Sugar Palette – by Jeffree Star Cosmetics }

Jeffree Star has some of the best eye shadows I’ve ever tried. His palettes are gorgeous and always have such a great color story. This particular is my favorite. It was listed as my 2018 palette of the year! It not only has amazing performing eye shadow formulas, but the colors are to die for. You can do all kinds of fun looks with this palette. It has 18 eyeshadows, mixed with mattes and shimmers. The packaging is also pretty awesome 🙂

Top 5 Eyeshadow Palettes in a nutshell! What are your ride or die eye shadow palettes?

Until we meet again….

xx- M

beauty

#dermalogica

ok…skincare obsession starts…here!

I’ve always hated my skin, probably, mostly, because I never really took care of it and didn’t really know what to do.

I fell in love with makeup and, youtube (obvi), some years back, and through the midst of falling in love with makeup, I think you also find this love for skincare. Every influencer, at some point or another, talks about it on their channels and the two become like peanut butter and jelly.

Without knowing much, I started using oily skin products because naturally I was always greasy, so of course, I had oily skin.

After I started working in the cosmetic industry, I met an Esthetician (Alex, my love) who absolutely changed my world.

He diagnosed my skin, and introduced me to one of the best skincare brands that I have ever used….and I’ve used a lot.

FIRST of all, I do not have oily skin. I have normal, dehydrated skin.

I use a lot… A LOT … of products in my skincare routine, super extra right here. A huge staple in my skincare routine is the brand Dermalogica.

I don’t think this brand gets enough attention… it is hands down one of the BEST brands of skincare out there.

{ Brand Favorites }

Precleanse.

Dermalogica Precleanse comes in an oil and balm form. The balm form is a little too greasy for me, however, the oil is amazing! I use it as the first step in my morning and routine and the second step in my nightly routine (EXTRA). In the morning, it allows you to get the nightly creams off your face and start with a clean slate as you walk through your morning routine. In the nighttime, it as used as a makeup remover and again, creating a blank canvas for the cleansers and serums.

Special Cleansing Gel.

This cleanser is a gel based, iconic Dermalogica product. Aside from Precleanse, I think this is definitely in their top products! This cleanser is great for all skin types and gives your skin a really squeaky clean feel. This gel based cleanser isn’t overly drying.

Ultracalming Cleanser.

This is the personal cleanser I use. My favorite cleanser of all time! I have semi sensitive skin, and I use lots of acids on my skin, so I like to use this ultra calming cleanser to give my skin a break since I smother it with acids ha. I love the way this cleanser grips the skin.

Daily Microfoliant.

A light powder that you can mix with your cleanser for a light, daily exfoliation. Turn any cleanser into an exfoliant. The powder is gentle enough to be used daily. This microfoliant and a cleanser together, deeply clean the skin and leave it feeling fresh.

Hydramist.

I love this toner. It’s a nice, refreshing mist. It’s an antioxidant toner that firms and hydrates. It’s intended to create a barrier around the skin, to protect it from free radical damage. This toner is also apart of Dermalogica Age Smart line, so there are also ingredients that help with signs of aging.

Age Smart Multivitamin Power Serum.

This serum is the first serum that ever showed results on my skin. When I first got into skincare, I tried a dozen products. This serum erased ALL my skin texture and really smoothed out my skin after it got rid of all the texture. It’s gentle enough to use morning and night, daily. Simply a light layer, and POOF texture gone.

Ultracalming Serum.

I have very compromised skin barriers… haha! I know what that sounds like, but unfortunately it’s true. My skin always itches when I put makeup on around my skin barriers. When I have exfoliated a lot, and used a bunch of acids or have gotten a peel; I use this serum to give my skin a break and calm it down from all the craziness I put it through.

Barrier Repair.

This moisturizer is also apart of the Ultracalming line. It’s too light for me as just a moisturizer, but I use it as an additional layer or serum when my skin is feeling too exfoliated. It helps not only calm the skin’s barriers when feeling irritated, but also helps to repair the the barriers themselves. Again, I would never use it as my only moisturizer, but merely a layer to repair.

Sound Sleep Cocoon.

This is a gel based nighttime moisturizer. It’s super lightweight. It’s meant to be a nighttime moisturizer as it is infused with a lavender smell, in order to relax and put you right to sleep and help you sleep more soundly.

Love, love, love this brand! They are completely about skin and making their clients feel better in the skin they have!

xx- M

Travel

#seattle

Seattle is one of my all time favorite cities. I have been there multiple times and get to see something new every time I go. I have friends that live in the outskirts of the city, therefore, I spend a lot of time with them or at one of the stadiums watching pro games!

This year for New Year’s week, my parents decided to meet in Seattle to do some exploring for the holiday season. I was so stoked to be able to see all the great sites that Seattle has to offer!!

We stayed on Madison Street, in downtown Seattle. The Renaissance Seattle Hotel was amazing! We were on the 22nd floor and had an incredible view of the Space Needle.

I highly recommend this hotel. They were pet friendly, so our dog was able to travel with us and stay right in the hotel. With 2 restaurants and 24 hour room service, this hotel definitely covered all basis for my family and my stay.

First stop on the Seattle tour, Pike Place Market.

Pike Place Market is most likely one of the most known tourist attractions in Seattle. One of the oldest owned and operated farmer’s market in the United States.

There are several restaurants throughout the market to stop and grab some chowder and a cold beer (or mimosa for me) at, in between shopping. They have tons of local artists selling their pieces, and of course lots of vendors selling their daily catches of fish, crabs, mussels, and more.

The throwing of the fish is iconic Seattle. It’s a lot of fun to watch them chant and throw the fish. We ended up taking home a pound of mussels and some snow crab legs to cook! Delicious! [I used my Ninja Slow Cooker from Amazon]. If you’re traveling to the Seattle area and want to take home some seafood to try for yourselves, they sell a 48- hour freezer box. It’s plane safe, smell proof, and keeps all your seafood frozen until you can get it home. Super convenient.

Directly below Pike Place Market is a local landmark in Seattle, The Gum Wall.

Located down Post Alley, The Gum Wall is literally walls with chewed chewing gum on them. Located near the theater, the tradition started back in the 90s when people would stick their chewed gum on the wall after productions. Theater workers got tired of scrapping it off that they just left it there. It’s now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Seattle.

After walking through all of Pike Place Market and The Gum Wall, stop for a fun drink at Shug’s, a soda fountain and ice cream shop.

Between my family, we ordered the Prosecco Float, Adult Root Beer Float, and the Gran Gran’s Cocoa.

All of them were delicious. Obviously we picked the adult drinks, but they do offer non alcoholic options if you’re traveling with kiddos.

So Yummy! The entire shop is super vintage. It’s completely a must see!

We dropped by the Seattle Great Wheel to take a ride to the top, to get the best view of the city and water. (Side note, they serve margaritas, Bloody Mary’s, wine, and beer for the ride)

We also got a chance to take the ferry out of Seattle to Bainbridge Island to visit the Clearwater Casino. Although, I didn’t win anything, it was still super fun to play and hang out!

The food scene is so good! I love seafood and Seattle is a top place for it.

The Crab Pot is a great place, right on the pier. We ordered ‘The Alaskan’. It’s a combination of king crab, Dungeness crab, snow crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, corn on the cob, and red potatoes; all mixed together and thrown on your table. A great touristy spot! Make sure to order the oyster shot!

I grabbed some white wine mussels from The Pike Brewing Company. It’s a local brewery right at Pike Place Market. Order the sampler to be able to taste all the local beers.

Now, I know Seattle is about the seafood…..BUT I found the best pizza joint down from the Space Needle. After walking around, I was ready to eat and this was a great find. Zeeks Pizza has amazing Greek salads and tons of options for pizzas…..I picked the Weekend Hippie …you’ll thank me later 🙂

Our trip to Seattle was amazing! It’s always great to see my family (they live on the east coast). I enjoyed being able to see the city and experience some new things this city has to offer! If you haven’t been to Seattle, it’s a must see! No matter the weather, it’s a great experience!

The bright light in between the two buildings is the fireworks going off, at the Space Needle, on New Year’s Eve!

Until my next trip!

xx- M

beauty

#bestofbeauty2018-body

[Part 4 of 4]

We’ve come to the last part of the series! I had so much fun sharing my favorite beauty products of 2018. I can’t wait to see what all the beauty industry has in store for all of us this year!

Just a reminder…these are either products I discovered in 2018 or that I fell in love with in 2018.

{ body }

• BODY WASH

Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Bath $18

I love this body wash. It is intended as a shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. Personally, I have never used it as anything except a shower gel! They make tons of different scents and I use a different one each season. This is my spring smell.

• BODY SCRUB

Cane + Austin Face & Body Retexture Scrub $42

This stuff is absolutely amazing. It has 10% glycolic acid in it. My skin is so soft and has no texture after using this product. There is ONE downfall…. and the one thing that is wrong is IT’S BEEN OUT OF STOCK FOR MONTHS! I feel completely lost without it….. please Cane + Austin… BRING IT BACK!

Mr. Bubble Body Scrub $10

Since my original scrub is out of stock, I had to find another scrub in the meantime. First of all, this one is only $10, which is pretty awesome. Second, this scrub does not have glycolic in it, however, gives my skin an extremely soft finish and hydrates very intensely.

• BODY LOTION

Jergens Natural Glow Lotion $8.69

This body lotion is perfection!! It’s super moisturizing and nourishing to the skin, however, the best part about this lotion is that it gives my skin a radiant glow and gradually tans (to the color on the bottle) the skin. It really is amazing, especially if you’re not looking for an intense tan from a self tanner.

• BODY CREAM

L’Occitane Shea Butter Ulta Rich Body Cream $44

As I am sure you all know by now, I cannot stand the greasy feeling on my face. Well, the same applies to my overall skin…I HATE that greasy feeling that moisturizers, lotions, and especially some body creams can leave. This body cream by L’Occitane is one of a kind. It has the overall feel and texture of a body cream, but melts into the skin as quickly as a lotion leaving the skin soft, smooth, hydrated, and NOT greasy.

• SELF TANNER

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Moose $44

Like lashes, self tanner is not something I do often. I have had a spray tan professionally done, but I am not a fan of the process. My experience could have just been bad, but it was super cold, the jets weren’t even and it lasted for like 2 days. Not good. I have tried all the St. Tropez products, and all are great! I like the Express because I can determine how dark I get a little bit easier. You gradually get darker hour by hour and just wash it off at your desired ‘hour of darkness’ haha.

• RAZOR

Schick Intuition Sensitive Care $9.79

As I mentioned earlier, I often get texture on my legs. Sometimes this is due to razor burn. I couldn’t find a good razor that was still gentle on my skin. This razor by Schick has built in shaving cream. Infused with aloe, this razor gives an incredibly sharp shave with no razor burn. This is a dream for sensitive skin.

• BODY OILS

Kopari Coconut Melt $28

This coconut melt can be used for a variety of things. I only use it as a body oil. After jumping out of the shower, take some of this and spread it all over your skin. The balm consistency melts into an oil that is natural, hydrating, and has a light coconut scent. Doing this while wet, really locks in the moisture.

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil $65

This oil seals moisture into the skin. Super great for dry skin. It gives a sheen glow. The treatment part refers to the benefits it has to your skin, aside from just moisturizing. Extracts of rosemary, geranium, and mint is said to help firm and tone. This is similar to their Body Fit lotion. These ingredients are also supposed to help smooth out the appearance of stretch marks. I haven’t used this long enough to see any results like that yet, but stay tuned……

• Deodorant

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe $14

I originally bought this because Jaclyn Hill said so. haha, I actually love it. It smells great and is all natural. No Aluminum. They do make other scents, but this one is my favorite.

That’s itttttttt!!!!!!! We are all done with my ‘Best of Beauty 2018’ series!!! I really enjoyed these products and will take them all into 2019 with me…. let’s see if anything new will perk my interest in the coming year!!!!

xx- M

beauty

#bestofbeauty2018-hair

[Part 3 of 4]

Now that we’ve beat our face ….it’s time to style our hair!

Just a reminder…these are either products I discovered in 2018 or that I fell in love with in 2018.

I am not a licensed stylist. I am more on the platinum blonde side with thick hair about 2 inches past my shoulders.

{ hair }

• PURPLE SHAMPOO

Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo $40/liter

I am more of a platinum blonde. I love this version of purple shampoo to keep my hair icy blonde. I’ve tried numerous ones, and this gives me the best blonde, shiny finish. It works with my hair the longest to keep it non brassy until it’s time for my next bleach. I also love that it doesn’t leave that purple hue in my hair like other purple shampoos do.

• PURPLE CONDITIONER

Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Conditioner $40/liter

I honestly think I like this one more than the shampoo. They both work together to truly keep my hair icy blonde. The conditioner smells amazing haha but it also really softens the hair and gives it a nice finish.

• REGULAR SHAMPOO

Redken All Soft Shampoo $31.50/liter

All Soft is a shampoo I use in between my purple shampoo. It shoots moisture back into my hair from being dried out so much from the color/bleach.

• REGULAR CONDITIONER

Redken All Soft Conditioner $33.50/liter

All Soft Conditioner mirrors the All Soft Shampoo! It also adds great moisture to brittle hair and leaves the hair feeling incredibly soft and healthy.

• LEAVE IN CONDITIONER

drybar Mr. Incredible $26

This was for sure my all time favorite hair product when I first got into beauty and it still has my heart. I use this on damp hair right before I start to blow dry and it leave my hair incredibly soft, no tangles, and silky smooth. BOMB!

• HAIRSPRAY

Kenra Volume Spray 25 $18

I love the Kenra finishing Volume Spray. First off, it is a more flexible hold (none of that crunchy hair like a normal hairspray). It gives my hair amazing volume and smells great too.

• HAIR OIL

Redken Diamond Oil Glow Dry $32

This was a newer find for me at the end of 2018 but I’ve become obsessed. The girl who does my blowouts talked me into this product and I cannot put it down. I’ve tried so many oils that leave my hair greasy and gross but this not only gives it a nice, silky finish, it also leaves my hair looking like it has nothing in it. Amazing!

• DRY SHAMPOO

Klorane Dry Shampoo $20

I am notorious for not washing my hair for daysss. Who got time for that?! I love this dry shampoo. It makes 6 day old hair look like I just got done at the salon. It’s the strongest dry shampoo I’ve ever used and leaves little to zero residue to blend out. Other dry shampoos just don’t soak up enough oil or really are more of a day after refresher, but definitely not this one.

• HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY

Kenra Platinum Blow Dry Spray $33/6.8 oz

Like the Mr. Incredible, I’ve been on this train for awhile and it’s still in my top 3 favs for hair. I have incredibly thick hair…which makes me never want to wash or blow dry it (see why I need a heavy dry shampoo now?). I wash my hair and towel dry it, then I spray this in there and just go about my business. When I do sit down to dry my hair it’s nearly already dry from this product. It cuts drying time in half and also acts as a heat protectant! FAV!

• HAIR MASK

Joico K-PAK Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor $20.99/ 5.1 oz

I went from jet black to icy blonde over the past 2 years! I needed hair masks constantly to keep my hair as healthy as possible through the process. I tried so many different ones over the past 2 years, but this one is my favorite. It really conditions and rebuilds the hair. My hair was pleasantly soft in spite of all the bleach.

• HAIR BRUSH

Wet Original Brush $11.99

This looks like an ordinary hair brush, but it’s notttt. This brush detangles, is super lightweight, and doesn’t tug or pull at my hair. It’s a great quality brush, especially for the price.

• STYLING TOOL

drybar The 3-Day Bender $145

This tool saved my hair’s life in 2018. For someone that has no ability to style their hair, this tool makes it super easy. Section the hair, clamp it, and twist the head. It’s so simple to use and leaves the hair with this beautiful, loose wave.

• BLOW DRYER

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer $399.99

This baby right here….AGAIN for someone who cannot do their hair without taking 4 hours, this blow dryer is amazing. A friend of mine used it and called it a ‘space dryer’ haha. It’s super lightweight, this, plus the Kenra spray dries my hair in like 15 min down from 45. The magnetic nozzles allow for an easy change in drying.

• HAIR CLIPS

drybar Hold Me Hair Clips $16

I always have to have these types of hair clips when either blow drying my hair, styling my hair, or putting on my makeup. I’m obsessed and have like 50 of them. My favorites are these by drybar. They are more lightweight than most yet grab the hair without being too tight. They are super flexible.

#hairstyled

Our hair is done, y’all?! Did you learn anything new? I sure did this past year!! Hair was my biggest growth in beauty in 2018! My hair got healthier; the damage finally was gone! I learned more and more about products as the year went on and loved every minute of it!

Last one….. Best of Beauty 2018- Body

xx-M

beauty

#bestofbeauty2018- cosmetics

[Part 2 of 4]

Alright, we’ve now cleansed our skin and are ready for some makeup!!!

Just a reminder, these are products I either discovered in 2018 or fell in love with in 2018 and is my favorite product in the category!

Let’s get glamming ….

{ cosmetics }

• PREPPING SPRAY

Smashbox Primer Water $32

After my moisturizer is on and dry, I always spray my face down with a prep/set spray before going in with any makeup. I’ve tried many but my absolute favorite is the Smashbox Primer Water. It’s super light and slightly tacky. My fav is the limited edition Nicol Concilio ‘So Chill Coconut’ version of this from their collab (I have a couple bottles for backup)

• EYE PRIMER

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot $22 (Color: Soft Ochre)

This yellow beige paint pot gives a great base for any eyeshadow transition color. It blends in with my skin and smooths out the surface of my eye to give a nice canvas to my shadows.

• EYESHADOW PALETTE

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Blood Sugar Palette $52

This was obviously a hard category. How could it not be?! Nobody owns just one eye shadow palette and uses it everyday!! I ended on this one because it’s not the only one I use, but it has some of the best quality I’ve ever seen. It blends flawlessly and has beautiful colors. Such quality and worth every penny. I’m excited to see what he continues to come out with!

• EYE LINER

MAC Pro Longwear Fluidline $18

This liner is not only super black but glides on so easy and so beautifully. I am not, repeat NOT, good with eye liner and this one makes it easier to work with and is more forgiving if you mess up.

• MASCARA

Milk Makeup KUSH High Volume Mascara $24

I have an entire post on my top 5 mascaras. This one is obviously included. I won it in a contest for Milk Makeup and it truly does everything I love about a mascara. It thickens my already long lashes and gives me high volume.

• LASHES

Velour Lashes ‘Whispie On The Rocks Luxe Faux Mink’ $26

I am not so good with lashes….like really not! I hardly ever wear them, however, this year I had the opportunity to try the Velour lashes and I loved them. They were easy to work with and looked beautifully natural with an edge. I did cut them to ensure they fit.

• LASH GLUE

House of Lashes White Lash Adhesive $7

Again, I’m not much of a lash person, but I love this glue because it’s forgiving and let’s me play for a minute (not a real minute- eye roll) until it dries…but when it dries…it driesssssss…..gives me long wear so I don’t have to try and reglue if they came undone. Keeps them on until I’m done with them 🙂

• FACE PRIMER

Smashbox Primerizer $42

I feel like the more I talk about products, the more I don’t know if anything really works….most primers I don’t see a difference….my nose still breaks up no matter what I try and do and it just makes you wonder what these primers are doing….this oneeeeeeee, I’m livinggggg ….you can feel it get tacky on the skin to really keep that makeup on (my nose does not break up when I use this with my full coverage Lancome foundation). Good stuff!

• FOUNDATION

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream $38

Is this even a foundation?! Like ….but really, is it? I don’t know but it was my go-to in 2018 for complexion. Last year was tough and I found myself on the go a lot, and this CC Cream made it so easy. It’s as full coverage as some other foundations I use, has SPF 50+, and sits so beautifully on the skin. BUY IT!

• CONCEALER

Too Faced Born This Way Concealer $29

It was Shape Tape….it was Shape Tape for a long time….but this baby….it’s as full coverage as Shape Tape, however, this is more hydrating for my under eye. Now, Shape Tape is not drying under the eye, however, this is just more hydrating. I still use both but this one just won 2018 for me!

• SETTING POWDER

Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Loose Setting Powder $33

Another Too Faced favorite..hey, they do complexion right. This translucent setting powder is fantastic. Ok….you know when you have a finely milled setting powder, and you put it on your skin or bake with it, and it kind of feels like you have no product even on your skin? Anybody? I typically go for a thicker powder so I can feel it setting haha…this is finely milled yet really sinks and sets your under eye for baking, under eye setting, or all over face setting. I love the feel of this powder.

• EYEBROW PENCIL

Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof 3.5 $24

Benefit released their 3.5 & 4.5 shade additions last year and I loveeee a 3.5! It is my perfect shade, that, partnered with Benefit’s easy to use formulas, the Goof Proof is hands down the best!

• BRONZER

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil $30

I find picking a Bronzer is hard. I also don’t know if this is my favoriteeeeee ever but as I might still be on the hunt for my perfect one, this one is currently holding it down. It’s one of the only bronzers I can find that doesn’t get 1) muddy looking brown 2) orange or 3) is cool tone. The formula plays well with others as I paint my face too.

• CONTOUR

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Powder Kit $40

I use one shade in this palette. It happens to be the bottom row, one in the middle. It’s a great, cool tone contour shade and applies nicely to the skin. It also plays well with other products on the face.

• BLUSH

Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio Pool Party $30

I take my blush brush (say that 3 times fast) and I slide it from the left to the right and back again, hitting all the colors in one swipe. Tap off the excess and bam! you’ve created a great color blush. It’s so pretty and so long lasting, and individuality these colors are gorgeous as well. These ABH blush compacts were all really great. Check them out!

• HIGHLIGHT

Lancome Dual Finish Highlight Sparkling Peach $40

You can make me pick in EVERY OTHER CATEGORY but not this one….come on! The first touch of the Lancome Dual Finish highlighter is straight butter. It applies perfectly to the skin and gives off a glow to be seen from outer space. It became a favorite of mine. I cannot however, deny my girl Jaclyn Hill her moment. Champagne Pop (below) continues to be my favorite. It’s the perfect color for me and gives me that intense glow. Gorgeoussssssss

Becca Champagne Pop $38

• SETTING SPRAY

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist $15

I think my favorite thing about this product is the fact, that it’s an aerosol spray. You can just keep spraying and spraying ….it’s so awesome ..I love the smell and I do feel like it sets everything beautifully together.

• LIPSTICK

Maybelline Color Sensational Shine Compulsion- Baddest Beige $7.99

Yes, I know people, it’s drugstore….shocker! Buttttt for Lipstick I picked an actual lipstick since I don’t wear lipsticks enough to judge them all….this one was a Jaclyn Hill internet breaker, and I also hopped on the train. Little did I know, it was super good. I still use a liquid lip (nude) under this, but this becomes a great topper. It’s shiny and makes your lips look like that sexy wet look (yasssssss) it also glides on super easy. Since I use it as my topper, I don’t know how long it lasts on its own wear. This is a great staple product, just to have in your collection.

• LIQUID LIPSTICK

Jeffree Star Cosmetics $18

I could never pick like one liquid lipstick color, because I honestly change it with my eye look and wear all kinds of colors….so I decided to pick a formula/brand of liquid lipsticks that are my 2018 pick……Jeffree Star has some of the best formulas I’ve ever used. I wear liquid lipsticks 24:1 against a regular lipstick or gloss. I’ve tried a lottttttttttt but I am still a huge fan of JS lips. They are not drying yet do not move. There is no retouch, I can wear them the whole day and perfection. Love love love.

Phewwww we are done! Half way through the #bestofbeauty2018!!

Next up….Best of Beauty 2018- Hair!

xx-M

beauty

#bestofbeauty2018-skin

[Part 1 of 4]

2018 is over! We have reached a new year! Instead of doing ‘December Favorites’, I decided to jump right on in to recapping the entire year with the #bestofbeauty2018! Since the best of beauty is so many products, I chose to break it up into 4 different posts. These posts are skincare, cosmetics, hair, and body. For all of these categories, these are merely MY favorite products in each category. I am going to walk you through my items as if I am actually following my daily routines. The products that I’ve chosen are not necessarily newer products, but products I discovered in 2018 or fell in love with in 2018. Drum roll ….. #bestofbeauty2018

{ skincare }

• MAKEUP REMOVER

Juice Beauty Cleansing Oil $34

This category was slightly tough already, because I use 3 different products to ultimately ensure a bare face with no makeup when I go in with cleanser. My routine works with all 3 of these products and I need them all, however, having to choose one…..this one…. this cleansing oil melts everything away while leaving skin super hydrated. You can really feel it grab ahold of your skin and really ensure everything is off.

• MAKEUP WIPES

MAC Wipes $30/ 100 sheets

These are just amazing! I’ve tried all kinds of different wipes and these I truly just love the best. They are the perfect amount of moist. They remove makeup while hydrating the skin. They leave my skin feeling very soft.

• CLEANSER

Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser $38 /8.4 oz

I usually don’t waiver in the cleanser department, but I did try some new ones this year. I am here to report that I ended up back with my original cleanser. No matter what I tried, this one always snuck back into my routine. Like the first two products, you can really feel it adhering to your skin and leaving it feel soft and clean. Great for sensitive skin or anyone that does high exfoliations to give your skin a break!

• TONER

Tula Pro-Glycolic 10% pH Resurfacing Gel $34

This product is not only the #1 product in the skincare/toner category, but this product ranks at least top 3 for me in my favorite overall products of 2018 (not just skincare/toner). I saw real results with this toner…results I didn’t know were possible on my skin. It’s gentle, while still addressing texture, pore size, overall surface. It’s so damn good!!!! If you don’t get anything else in all suggestions ….this needs to be the one you do!

• EYE CREAM

Perricone Md Cold Plasma + Eye $110

If you’ve read any of my other skin based posts, you know I am on the search for an eye cream, because I’m not really convinced they work to correct concerns. With that being said, I am still on the hunt for an eye cream that does all the things I want ….this one came pretty close. The cold plasma decreased my crows feet and really hydrated my under eye. I am still on the hunt, but this is the best so far.

• DAYTIME SERUM

Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior $95

This was a newly discovered product for me last year. I do actually use this product in the morning and night and merely mix it with other serums. I love the softness it gives my skin and truly plumps my skin to give a defense to my wrinkles.

• NIGHTIME SERUM

Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Serum $69

This product I discovered several years back when I first really got into skincare. I’ve tried so many other things but this one came back this year. It’s so amazing for texture and creating a smooth canvas for makeup.

• DAYTIME MOISTURIZER

Tatcha Water Cream $68

I went back and forth between 3 different morning moisturizers that I honestly rotate out every time I finish another jar. This was the first ever daytime moisturizer I found that actually did what I wanted, the other two I use are both gels (which I do love). I have a hard time finding moisturizers because I hate them heavy and greasy. This lightweight cream grabs the face and intensely moisturizers the skin while giving a light finish.

• NIGHT TIME MOISTURIZER

Tula Hydrating Day & Night Cream $52

I tried a lot of daytime and nighttime moisturizers this year. I have a hard time with them, because I need a lottttt of moisture but I don’t like the feeling of heavy creams. As I mentioned in daytime, I can handle something a little heavier at night. I love the Tula. It’s a cream based, slightly heavier than my daytime moisturizer but still doesn’t leave my skin greasy. It also smells great.

• OVERNIGHT SLEEP MASK

Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask $45/2.7 oz

I smother myself in this mask. It coats my face and sinks into my skin while giving a fresh watermelon scent. I put this all over my face, neck, and even décolleté. It softens and moisturizes the skin. Super refreshing while you’re sleeping.

• FACIAL SCRUB

Lancome Rose Sugar Scrub $25

This is such a gentle scrub but really leaves your skin feeling refreshed and soft. It penetrates into the skin and digs all the dirt out to leave your skin feeling smooth.

• FACE MASK

Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask $48

This mask is super neat because you don’t have to rinse it off. I’m sure by now you’ve noticed I like when products really grab my skin and this like the rest I love, grips your skin lightly not to be overly greasy and gives a soft, silky finish. Super hydrating too!!

• SHEET MASK

Julep Triple Quench Deep Hydration Sheet Mask $12

This hydrating sheet mask gives instant moisture to the skin. The entire system is easy to use and delivers triple the moisture of a normal sheet mask.

• LIP MASK

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $20

This is the only lip mask I’ve ever actually tried, however, it’s amazing! I use Jeffree Stars lip scrubs and then sleep in this overnight. My lips feel supple and soft in the morning and my lipsticks go on famously.

• FACIAL ACCESSORIES

Shiseido Facial Cotton $12/165 ct

These are the softest facial cotton ever! It doesn’t feel like it’s tugging on your skin and glides the product seamlessly across the skin!

There it is!! My Best of Beauty 2018- Skin in it’s entirety! I didn’t mention a facial oil or essence because I don’t use these things enough to have favorites in them! Everything else are products I’ve used multiple times and have really come to love!

Up next…Best of Beauty 2018- Cosmetics!

xx- M