Summer Essentials | July 21st, 2014

Summer can make it a hassle to keep makeup looking fresh and long-lasting. Here's some products I've really been liking this season to help deal with humidity, sun exposure, etc:

1) Suave Dry Shampoo 

I actually swear by this dry shampoo all-year-round, but it's especially perfect to refresh oily/dirty hair after a day by the pool or when I'm just feeling lazy--which is most of the time. The shampoo does leave a white residue, but I have no trouble with it after blending it out well! Extra pluses: it's SUPER inexpensive and smells amazing. 

Suave Dry Shampoo (Available @ Target)

2) Triangl Milly Bikini in Candy Pink 

I usually only pick out one or two swimsuits each summer that I really love. This year it was this neoprene bikini from Triangl. The coolest thing about it is the thick wetsuit-type material that keeps the suit from moving around. To take care of the material, you do have to make sure to rinse the suit in cold water after use. Warning: Triangl is an international brand (I think my suit shipped from somewhere in Asia?), so if you are considering ordering one: do it early!

Milly Bikini

3) Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder/NYX Finishing Powder

This pressed powder is great for soaking up any excess oil that might come up throughout a hot day. It's translucent and I like to just throw it in my purse for any necessary touch-ups I might need later on! Don't want to pay the $30? I also like NYX's HD Studio Photogenic Finishing Powder--as long as you don't mind that it's a loose powder. I like the Too Faced one more for travel, but both work well. 

Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder

NYX Finishing Powder (Available @ Target) 

4) Hawiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen (for Face)

I'm always worried about regular body sunscreen clogging my pores, so this moisturizer + sunscreen by Hawiian Tropic was a good solution! It smells amazing, makes my face feel super soft, and is 30 SPF. ("But Libby, you're so tan. Do you really wear sunscreen on your face?" Believe it or not: yes. Religiously.) Make sure to reapply this after around 80 minutes in the sun! 

Oil Free Lotion Sunscreen (Available @ Target) 

5) Tangle Teezer 

I can't exaggerate how much this brush has saved my hair! I have yet to find a knot that it couldn't glide right over. Also great for those dry-shampoo-three-day-old-hair days. 

Tangle Teezer

6) Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray

The small aisles on the way to the checkout counter at Sephora always get me. This facial mist claims to hydrate, purify, and refresh makeup. It is especially good for keeping foundation from becoming too cakey throughout the day, or also just as a pick-me-up. I tend to have pretty dry skin, so I will definitely be repurchasing another one of these when I run out!

Mineral Water Facial Spray

7) Tarte Cheek Stain in True Love and Flush 

Before applying, these blushes look pretty intimidating. But don't worry! They go on relatively sheer and with the perfect amount of blendability. I like these particularly for Summer because they tend to last longer on me than normal powder blushes. I apply them in one swipe directly on my cheeks then blend out with a brush.  

Tarte Cheek Stain

Flush on the right, True Love on the left

So those are just a few of the things I find essential for summer! xx

7 Things Only Kids Who Grew Up Around Sioux City Will Understand | July 14th, 2014

Sometimes it seems boring. The winters are harsh and the summers have very limited sunny days. There's enough mosquitos to drive anyone crazy. We love to occasionally complain about it, but it's where we call home--and I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's a few things that I believe hit home for most of the kids who grew up around this area: 

1) You know exactly what a red-and-white checkered floor means.  

The best burritos in town and a sure-fire way to see what everyone is up to on the weekends. 

Source

2) Just hearing the word "flood" still makes you cringe. 

Whether you still managed to have a fun summer that year or not, no one likes remembering the countless hours spent moving either yourself, friends, or family out of their homes. (S/O to all of the amazing people who came out to lend a hand during that time!) Especially with the flood scare out on the north side and around SD recently, I'll be a happy girl if I never have to hear the words/phrases flood, levee, or "the corp of engineers are coming" again. 

3) Looking forward to those 4 letters: SITP.

Whether you go for the music lineup, the large gathering of almost everyone you know in the Rose Garden, the recreational activities, or you stay at home because it's "overrated", you'll probably do some planning as to what you will do on Saturday in the Park. I had a lot of fun this year in the front row watching the Avett Brothers absolutely kill it! 

Source

4) School rivalries. 

Twitter is definitely my favorite app to check right after a big game. Whether it's Heelan vs. Le Mars or any other rivalry between the local schools, the feed will never be dull. Everyone loves to hate on Heelan from time to time, but in reality, some of the greatest people I know have come from there. 

Heelan vs. Le Mars 2013

5) We're all suspicious that none of us might ever be around long enough to see the New Heelan completed. 

Although I loved the classic feel of being in the old building, it might've been cool to go to school where I didn't have to worry about sweating through my uniform before 10:00 am. Hopefully future Heelan students won't miss the heat-induced early outs or the gruesome walks from the Lower Senior Lot during -5 degree winter mornings too much (#LongLiveTheTrench). As for any non-Heelan students/alum that happen to drive past the construction site every once in a while, I'm (kinda) sure they are probably making a lot of headway. 

Source 

5) Morningside kids get to be close to all the best food. 

Chipotle, Qdoba, Panera, Peach Wave, Chick-fil-A, Bdubs, Starbucks, and the food court at the mall. You guys are so lucky.

6) The construction is a real pain in the Summer. . . and driving is not all that better in the dead of Winter. 

Thinking about when it would be a good time to sign up for drivers ed? Hurry up and secure either that Fall or Spring slot. No matter where you live around town, you have probably either been 15 minutes late getting somewhere due to traffic caused by construction, or have had to risk your personal safety driving to school because we couldn't be granted a late start just that once. (Side note: R.I.P. to all the traffic cones and fenders that were sacrificed to the 14 year old South Dakotan kids who were able to get their permits waaaay too early.*) 

*I have the crushed dreams, angry sibling, and $180 "Failure to Stop" ticket to prove it. Yikes. 

7) Creativity is a must. 

Let's face it: of course there are more things to do in Omaha or Boji. However, with a little creativity and a good group of friends, the Sioux can be an awesome place to be. Whether it's playing tag downtown in the skywalks or having an AP U.S. History Burn Party in someone's backyard, there is always something to do (even if you have to sit down and contemplate it for a few hours beforehand.) Make the most of it. These years will be some of the best of your life! 

Shout out to this town that I have been fortunate enough to have grown up in and to the many invaluable people I have met along the way. I hope I can take some of the great experiences and lessons I have learned with me when I move this fall. xx

Vacation Recap | July 12th, 2014

How nice it is to come back to this beautiful, overcast weather! Ahh, feels like home. (On the real, I missed the Midwest so much). I know I'm not the best with an iPhone camera. . . but here's some highlights of our trip to Las Vegas! 

By the pool at Mandalay Bay 

I reaaally wish I could have gotten some footage of this show! It was the first Cirque du Soleil I've seen and I was so impressed by all of the dancers and the hologram performance of Michael Jackson. I been having his music on repeat ever since. You can find a preview of the show here.

Outside of the Michael Jackson One theater

Caesar's Palace

It was great getting to spend more time with my dad and Sam. Next stop: Lollapalooza in August!!!

3 Reasons Why The Fourth of July is The Most Overrated Holiday | July 4th, 2014

1) The pressure to have plans is enormous

If you don't have some form of social gala to attend or a lake house to visit, did you even celebrate the holiday? #BojiOrItDidn'tHappen. What used to be a day about honoring the freedom of our nation has become an excuse to toss one back and induce numerous fire hazards (simultaneously). 


2) Whatever you have in your closet probably isn't going to cut it

For some reason, this is the one holiday where throwing a simple outfit together isn't acceptable. Patriotism is apparently limited to the clothes you wear on your back. If you are not completely decked out in the great colors of this nation, you might as well stay home. 

3) We got the date wrong

According to a Washington Post article, "Actually, the Continental Congress voted on July 2, 1776 to declare independence. On the night of July 2nd, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: “This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.” The first celebration of independence didn't occur until July 8th, 1776. Awkward. 

And this. 

So go ahead. Kick back and enjoy the holiday. Then everyone can all go back to complaining about America every other 364 days of the year. 

Sephora and Lush Haul | July 1st, 2014

I should be banned from Sephora (I was a first-timer at Lush). Here's a few products I picked up recently that I am pretty excited about! 

#1) Benefit They're Real! Push-Up Liner 

I have been seeing this liner blowing up all over the internet, and I do think it definitely lives up to the hype! What pulled me in about this was it's unique half-gel half-liquid formula. Also, the fact that it comes in pen-form with an angled silicone tip allows you to really hug the lash line and create a defined wing. I love that it dries matte and does NOT budge once it is set. You will definitely need a good makeup remover to take this off at the end of the night! The downsides? Barely any. I do feel as though I'll need few more tries to get used to applying my liner this way. 

THE SHORT: long-wearing, very black and fully matte, will replace my former liquid liner! 

Still practicing. . .

They're Real Push-Up Liner

#2) BITE BEAUTY Luminous Créme Lipstick in Tannin and Quinta 

These are the first lipsticks I have tried from BITE and I am already obsessed! These lipsticks range from around 96% to 99% all natural ingredients, which is another plus. The two shades I grabbed were Tannin, a deep red that will be absolutely perfect for fall, and Quinta, a rosy-pink for everyday looks. Warning: these will transfer onto anything that might touch your lips! Definitely throw this lipstick in your purse to touch-up throughout they day. 

THE SHORT: beautiful colors, all-natural ingredients, nondrying formula

Tannin 

Quinta

Luminous Créme Lipstick

#3) URBAN DECAY Naked Basics Palette 

I'm already a fan of Urban Decay's shadows from the cult classic Naked 2 Palette, but I needed a travel-friendly set of shadows that could accomplish the eye look I wear day-to-day. Thus, the Naked Basics felt like a perfect fit. My favorite shades so far are Venus, a pretty pearlescent shimmer that is perfect for highlighting the brow bone or inner tear-duct, and Naked2, a matte taupe that is great for the crease. I haven't experienced any fallout or chalkiness, but my brush does kick up a lot of product with only a light swipe, so just be cautious of that! My favorite thing about this palette is how easy it will allow me to transition from a natural day to smoky night look. 

THE SHORT: perfect for travel, good range of neutrals for a variety of looks, smooth texture

Shades left to right: Venus, Foxy. Walk of Shame, Naked 2, Faint, & Crave

*I did use an eyeshadow primer on my arm before swatching these shadows

Naked Basics Palette 

#4) Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess 

I'm not sure if I would have tried this product if I did not receive it in a 500-point perk! However, I am super impressed. The shade is perfect for me right now, but I'm not sure how it would suit darker skin tones. The name suggests that it is fully matte, much like my current favorite (Benefit's Hoola Bronzer) is, but this does have some shimmer to it. On the skin, it gives a really great glowing effect without coming anywhere close to being over-glittery or chunky. I will wear this to either contour or to just give the whole face a bronzy summer glow. I love this cute mini-size, and it will definitely be in my travel makeup bag to Las Vegas next week! 

THE SHORT: beautiful long-wear bronzer from glow summer looks 

 

Amazonian Clay Bronzer

#5) Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Rollerball 

I wish there was some way I could spray this scent through the computer screen to show you how amazing it is! This perfume is described as, "a captivating blend of delicate peony, chic muguet, and tender musk for a feminine scent with dark sophistication" (Sephora.com). I started off with the rollerball just to try it out, but I will for sure purchase the full size once I run out of this one. 

THE SHORT: light and floral with depth, my go-to summer perfume 

Elizabeth and James Nirvana


#6) Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub 

I am so happy that I decided to try this out! I was new to Lush, but I had heard great things about this scrub. It is ideal for both exfoliating and hydrating the skin. I think it's best to use this on the legs right before shaving or all over the body to remove any dead skin before getting a spray tan. However, those with sensitive skin should be very careful about using this on the face, because the sea salt might be too harsh! The smell is sort of salty but not overpowering at all. I'm really enjoying the main ingredients in this: coarse and fine sea salt, avocado, coconut, and lime (yum!). I could see myself re-purchasing this and using it in the winter when I tend to get super dry as well. 

THE SHORT: leaves skin feeling fresh and moisturized

Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub


#7) Lush Soap in Sexy Peel 

I cannot express how much I am in love with the smell of this soap. According to Lush's website, you should, "jump start your morning with a juicy citrus splash of orange juice and zesty lime oil." It is also filled with citrus peels for a gentle scrub. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and moisturized! 

THE SHORT: amazing scent, moisturizing 

Sexy Peel Soap



#8) Lush Bath Bombs in Phoenix Rising and Big Blue 

These are completely unnecessary. . . but so fun to try out! Phoenix Rising was not my favorite scent (cinnamon with apple), but it made my skin feel amazingly soft once I got out of the tub. I still have to try Big Blue, but I am very excited for that one. Lush claims, "For a truly authentic experience, we’ve added in some of nature’s finest ingredients – sea salt and seaweed. Packed with minerals, salt helps the body rid itself of toxins, while seaweed softens and soothes your skin" (Lush.com). 

THE SHORT: super fun, moisturizing, good way to spice up a bath

Phoenix Rising

Big Blue

Phoenix Rising Bath Bomb

Big Blue Bath Bomb

So those were a few of the newest products I have been trying and wanted to share! I'd love to know what new things you are trying out as well :)

Elizabeth Sarah