Drugstore Haul / Tara

'Tis the season for new Drugstore makeup! I don't know about you guys but the drugstore has been filled with brand new inexpensive wonders that I can't help but to try out. Here are some of the goodies I picked up!

Lush Christmas Kisses / Tara

If Lush Cosmetics is known for one thing, it's their amazing Holiday Gift sets. Unfortunately this "Christmas Kisses" package is no longer available until the holiday season rolls around next year, but most of products inside are still available in store or online at Lush.com.

Update: We're Still Alive!

It's been such a long time since the blog has received any attention-thanks, school, thanks a lot! We were finally able to reunite over usual girl things: shopping, hot chocolate, and blogging. But due to the horrible weather, we weren't able to get the proper lighting and ended up resorting to our iPhones to take photos which is like a crime in the world of beauty blogging. The end result? Horrible, grainy, photos that we can't muster up to post because, c'mon, quality first! So here's a quick little post to remind you that we're still alive-barely. Also, if anyone is ever in the Santa Monica area we highly recommend Spazio Caffe for authentic hot chocolate-it's insanely rich and it's the perfect remedy for dreary days (bottom two photos).

What to look forward to: Cold Weather Solutions, Intensive Haircare, and our latest favorites!

Are you off of school right now or are you dealing with dreaded finals? Also, what's your favorite winter drink?

Favorite Candles / Lani

Whether I'm having a stressful day or I'm busy studying at my desk, one of my favorite ways to relax is to burn a candle. I'm a bit picky when it comes to candles-there are certain scents that give me a headache so these are one of the few that passed the test!

Pommes Frites No. 10 Sweet Grapefruit - I did a short post on this on my other blog and I'm basically in love with this brand! It smells so sweet and the quality is outstanding for the price. In only a few minutes of burning, my room is already smelling like a juicy, ripe grapefruit. It was one of my favorites to burn during summertime after waking up, the scent is so invigorating!
Pommes Frites No. 06 Laundry Day - This one smells true to its name, it smells exactly like warm, clean laundry. It's such a relaxing scent, it's nice to have it burning while cleaning up the room or folding clothes.
Pacifica Tibetan Mountain Temple - I was browsing around shops in Venice when I stumbled into the cutest boutique ever that had an entire bookcase dedicated to Pacifica candles! I never heard of the brand, aside from their perfumes, so I was intrigued and picked up a few. This one is a favorite of mine for fall and winter because it smells just like chai-it's perfect.
Diptyque Baies - Guys, I wouldn't be a beauty blogger if I didn't have at least one Diptyque candle, amiright or amiright? This scent smells really green and actually reminds me a lot of their perfume L'Ombre Dans L'eau! It's supposed to smell like a bouquet of roses and blackcurrant leaves and I can attest that it certainly smells like something out of a garden.


Do you burn certain candles only during certain seasons? If so, which ones? I would love to know since winter is well on its way! xx

Tara Got Balayage'd!

So, after countless re-blogs on Tumblr, and lusting over balayage/ ombre hair, I finally booked my appointment and took the plunge! Learn what I asked for at the salon, and how I feel about my new color for fall (:

Definition: Balayage is a free form high lighting technique. This technique can offer a more natural look to highlighting hair by doing away with the more uniform foiling process. Balayage is the technique that is used to achieve ombre hair color.

Tara's Top 4 Perfume Picks

Jo Malone Redcurrant & Cream : This is a must have for the fall, you have that warmth of the "cream" but the tart berry smell brings a brightness and girly note to this fragrance. It is great to layer for that warmer note for any of your favorite sugary or fruity summer fragrances.

Jo Malone Wildbluebell : This is by-far my favorite and most used perfume. It's fresh and fruity, a scent that is perfect for everyday that is not overwhelming in any way. This is not a fragrance that will last all day, but it is a very clean scent that won't give you (or those around you) a headache. I would love to repurchase this scent in the full size so I have enough to spray whatever and whomever I please ! (:

BCBGMAXAZRIA : This was one of those fragrances I found by walking past someone and loving how they smelled! (creepy? maybe.) I asked them what scent they were wearing and -I'm not joking- she pulls out this pretty glass bottle from her bottomless purse! It's very fresh and girly while being not too flowery, despite the look of the bottle. Great if you have a date night, or heck, if you want a random stranger to complement you on your lovely smell! (;

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift : Not going to lie, I mainly got this scent because of my limitless love for Taylor Swift-she can  go no wrong in my eyes. *swoons* But this is one of my favorite scents nonetheless- it's fruity yet fresh -have I said that enough times in this post? I think you can see a theme happening here- to me, I always smell grape undertones in this fragrance, it might just be the grape-like bottle... I am thinking of picking up her other two newest perfumes as well to add to my collection!


What are your top scent picks? Do you own any of my favorites? What other fragrances would you recommend to me, knowing my "fruity-fresh" perfume picks?

Jordana Twist & Shine Review!



From left to right - Terra Crave, Tropical Frenzy, Honey Love, Rock n Rouge, Cranberry Crush 

Lani's Top 4 Perfume Picks

I remember reading an article in Nylon about whether you're a one-scent kinda gal or the kind that chooses based on mood. And I was obviously the second one-I can't get enough of perfumes! It's one of those things that you don't necessarily need to have a closet full of...but it's fun to have a nice collection, right?! There's something so satisfying about being able to choose what kind of perfume you want to wear for the day! Without further ado, here are my absolute favorites at the moment!

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne - When I first smelled this inside of Bloomingdale's it was such a typical girly scent and I just swooned over it! It's a very light floral and smells like a more sophisticated honeysuckle. It actually reminded me of Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen's Coast to Coast perfume that I wore when I was in middle school (I know, how embarrassing). The only downside is that the scent fades pretty quick, but luckily I have this giant bottle so I'm pretty liberal with my sprays!
Diptyque Philosykos - This perfume is indescribably amazing-it's green and earthy but has a warmness to it-almost kind of milky? It's described as a fig scent, encapsulating all aspects of the fig (the tree, leaf, fruit...you get it) but it almost smells a bit like a coconut to me. It wears sooo nicely as it starts off really green and eventually wears down to warmer notes.
D&G L'Imperatrice - Believe it or not, this perfume like is actually unisex although I can't really imagine a guy wearing this! It's a very floral and fruity smell, without that overly sickening sweet part that always seems to plague most fruity perfumes. It's definitely more fresh, some even describe it as "aquatic" but I have no clue what that means. Perfume lingo is so weird.
Jo Malone Orange Blossom - Tara bought me this perfume for my birthday and it's currently a favorite of mine-I've been spritzing it on like crazy before I go to school! The scent is so citrusy, it smells exactly like an orange rind. It's summery and fresh, a definite must-have for any citrus fans out there!

I definitely have my eye on the next scents that I would love to try out-specifically Dafne by Olo Fragrance and L'Ombre Dans L'eau by Diptyque.

I'm always on the hunt for another scent so what's your favorite? And what types of scents do you usually lean towards? xx

Our Current Favorite Drugstore Lipsticks

Tara

Hail to the bright berries! The colder months can easily get your mood down, so throwing on a bright pop of color to your lips can lift your spirits- well, at least mine. I was always terrified of the more purple-tones berries like fuchsias, but when Revlon released their "shine" collection which is a sheerer, lighter version of their famous cremes, Fuchsia Shock was one that I picked up (along with 4 others) but it quickly became my favorite. It's a more balm-y lipstick that's super comfortable and hassle free! Another Revlon Creme finish lipstick I've been loving is "Sassy Mauve" a deeper MLBB (my lips but better) color that's slowly transitioning me into the fall. Last but not least my holy grail chubby lip balm from Sally Hansen in Happy Berry. I love everything about this lip product- the smell, the color, the wear... I can go on and on.

Lani

I was so stoked when drugstore brands started launching their own versions of Clinique's Chubby Sticks! For a tinted balm that would wear down pretty quick, I wasn't down to pay a hefty $16. Covergirl absolutely won the contest for me, the amount of different shades offered was overwhelming! I ended up with my two favorites being a rose and plum shade-one of them is always somewhere in my purse. For a price of about $7, I felt that it was well worth it. Another drugstore favorite is Maybelline's Color Whisper, it is so light on the lips but has such amazing color payoff. I was pleasantly surprised and ended up purchasing Made it Mauve and Berry Ready, my favorite of the two being the mauve shade. 

What's your favorite drugstore lip product? Have you tried any of the above & what is your opinion on them? xx

Nails of the Moment: Essie's Full Steam Ahead / Tara

Okay guys, so I am officially obsessed with this new nail color! Excuse me for not having a trendy bordeaux or a deep blue as my favorite color for fall- but I need to tell people about "Full Steam Ahead" by Essie.

 I believe it was from their summer collection, but I recently got my fingers on this polish, and let me tell you- it's a life-changer. I've recently been obsessed with muted purples and blues, check out our Summer Nail Picks - so when I saw this color, I thought "eh, I have something like that already..." I compared it to Revlon's Provence in Walgreens and I'm not going to lie they looked like the same polish in different bottles. Essie's Full Steam Ahead has itty bitty microshimmer, similar to the one in Essie's Bikini So Teeny, so that's definitely what sold me! It's more of a muted pinkish-purple once on the nails, it goes on sheer for the first coat, but turns into perfection once applied a second time.  I've already re-painted my nails with this color, and I think feel like there is going to be a back-up purchased in the near future (:


What's your favorite nail polish at the moment? Do you own this polish, and what do you think? Do you love it as much as me?  We would love to know !  

Trends: Matte Lips

Matte lips are such an amazing statement to any outfit and In Style magazine couldn't have made a more gorgeous editorial to showcase the latest must-have beauty item! Here's our personal take on matte lips, how we like to wear it, and our current favorite product!

Tara

Summer is more easy breezy sheer lipsticks or tinted balms, but for fall/winter, you'll see us sporting matte lips. There's nothing more chic than bold liner, tons of mascara and a matte lip. Sure matte lipcolors have their ups and downs, but the impact makes it all worth it. I personally dread the look of a ultra nude matte lip (makes people look ill) so bring in the reds and berries for this season! The trick to keep matte lips look and apply flawlessly is to exfoliate! Unfortunately matte lips will exentuate any dryness or flakey spots, but keeping your lips exfoliated as well as moisturized is the key to success! P.s. look for more tips for wearing matte lips at the bottom of this post (; 

Lani

Matte lips have always been a favorite of mine since I usually avoid anything too glossy as it reminds me of being in middle school and applying layers upon layers of grape-flavored lip gloss. (Insert shudder going through spine.) I definitely love a natural lip and matte red lipstick gives a great flush of color when you apply it first on your finger and dab it into the center of your lip (after having applied chapstick), then gently dab it everywhere else to avoid any harsh lines. Bold, matte lips also tend to be my favorite accessory when I'm dressed down a bit more. Red is such a classic and looks good with virtually any outfit and hairdo! It's like the perfect trying-without-trying accessory.

Lipsticks pictured from top left to right: MAC in Diva, Tarte in Hope, MAC in Ruby Woo, Sonia Kashuk in Berry Natural, Tarte in Fiery, Rimmel's Kate Moss in 101

Tips for Wearing Matte Lips

To make it last: There's only one word you'll need to remember-BLOT! After applying a first layer of lipstick, blot away the excess to create a stain. Repeat this step 3 times and your matte lips won't budge! Another good way to make them stay is to create a stain using lip liner, except remember to fill in the lips too so in the case that they do fade, it won't create an outline.

Keeping dryness at bay: Lip balm is always key to matte lips. It helps to apply a good balm (we like using Burt's Bees, Vaseline's Balm, and CO Bigelow) first thing in the makeup process. When it comes time to apply the lipstick, gently wipe off any excess.

Current Most Used Products / Early Fall 2013

Tara

Who says you can't have pink lips in the fall? I am adoring the rosy flush of Benefit Pillow Talk lipstick and Maybelline Baby Lips in Strike a Rose! Maybelline surprised me with this product (Baby Lips are usually pretty sheer or non-existent) but I love the vibrancy of Strike a Rose- it even has some staying power! Obviously I need to give my lashes a little love with my holy grail Buxom Mascara. I will continue to repurchase this forever......and ever. On my last trip to Sephora, I was looking at their eyeliners and and I usually don't buy Sephora brand products, but their Waterproof eye pencil in Cocoa caught my eye- I am absolutely in love. I wear it everyday smudged on my lower lash line and it gives the perfect amount of smokiness to any eye look! So, I'm not going to lie, I'm a little bummed about summer coming to a close, but once I roll on my Pacifica Blood Orange perfume- it's like summer never ended. Who doesn't want to smell like a succulent orange?! (; Unfortunately my skin stays oily no matter what time of the year it is, so to set my foundation, I powder with Make Up For Ever Super Matte Powder- it's amazing! And since I'm currently almost out of mine- and Sephora is sold out- I'm having withdrawals. 

Lani

The summer heat is still going on strong, as well as my laziness when it comes to getting ready. I'm still sticking to simple dab-and-go products, my latest favorite being Rimmel's Scandaleye! I apply it in the outer corners of my eyes and gently dab it inwards so that it gives my eyes a bit more dimension. I then blend out any harsh corners or shoddy dabbing job with Sigma's Blending Brush (E25) that Tara generously gave me-it's my new love! I usually follow up with a heaping load of mascara, my favorite being a sample of Chanel's Inimitable Intense. Ugh, I can rave about this product forever and how it puts all of my other mascaras to shame but it's Chanel, so what else should I expect? As for lips, I stick with either a simple balm like C.O. Bigelow's Rose Salve or Nars' Pure Sheer Lipstick in Paloma, which gives off a playful wash of coral. And then voila! Effortless, quick, but still looks pretty decent. It almost feels like I'm cheating Mother Nature.

What are you guys' fall favorites? Have you tried any of ours?

Skincare Routine: Tara

My skin in a nutshell; oily, hyper-pigmentation, dull. I have tried everything on the market that claims it will combat my breakouts and make my skin brighter, and keep the oils at bay. Yeah, my skin has it's bad days, but these products- my skin seems to love. 

Morning: After crawling out of my fortress of pillows in the morning, I cleanse my skin with Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser. I have Lani to thank for this, she raves about it all the time! And I love the "deep-pore" feeling this gives my skin. Spritz a little bit of Caudalie Beauty Elixir and you're ready to moisturize!(yes gals, even with oily skin you need to slap on some kind of moisturizer) and I love the gentle Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer and SPF 15 protection is always a good thing. Benefit It's Potent eye cream is perfect for that bit of moisture I need for under my eyes, and my adored Aquaphor saves my lips, I go through those puppies like it's no body's business!

Night: To remove makeup, I either use one of two products : Simple Cleansing facial wipes which remove my makeup with one wipe! I love how saturated the product is and unlike other makeup wipes I've tried, it cleanses- I hate when makeup removers just spread makeup around your face!
If my skin is feeling like it needs that extra bit of cleansing, I take a cotton round and soak it in Bioderma just to take any leftover residue off my skin, and use as a cleansing water. If I feel like going to my sink to cleanse instead, I once again use the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser for a nice little scrub. I follow up with 4 drops of Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil to moisturize, it's so simple and natural and my skin soaks it up and keeps it hydrated all night! I again apply Benefit It's Potent eye cream and Aquaphor to my lips. If I have a few blemishes, I treat them with Lush Grease Lightning Tea Tree Cleanser (this also helps any hyper-pigmentation I have) it's super gentle and works amazing on blemishes without being too harsh. 

Extra: For a little extra skin-pampering, I love masks! Origin Clear Improvement is a charcoal-clay mask that is supposed to work wonders for your skin to not make it more clear, but brighter and more even- which is what I crave! 

What product could you not live without in your skincare routine? Any holygrails of yours I need to know about for my skin type?

Quick & Effortless Beauty Products

It's that time of year again: SCHOOL. Beauty routines for school essentially translate to: how quick can I get ready and still look somewhat decent? We rummaged through our bags to find products that have helped us on those dreaded mornings so that you won't have to be 10 minutes late to class!

Skincare Routine: Lani

My skin type fluctuates so frequently mainly because my skin is really sensitive to, like, pretty much everything. I personally feel as if it leans more towards the oilier side, which gets accompanied by dry patches when the weather starts to get colder.  Because of this, I often have a difficult time finding a skincare routine that appeases both sides of the spectrum. After so many hits and misses, I finally have a decent skincare routine!

Morning

I skip washing my face in the morning and usually go straight to splashing it with cold water to rinse off any oil that accumulated on my face overnight (ew, gross). I then spritz my face with Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist, which is one of my latest skincare discoveries that I absolutely love-it replaced my long-beloved Caudalie's Beauty Elixir! It leaves my skin feeling so supple and moisturized that I can either choose to use it as a base for whatever foundation I'm wearing or, if I'm having a good day, just moisturizer. Lately I've been testing out a generous sample of Fresh's Youth Preserve Cream, which is perfect for daytime because it isn't too heavy.

Night

I'm also a habitual believer in "you get what you pay for" so I was shocked when I tried Trader Joe's Spa Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil and had amazing results-it's such an amazing and inexpensive product! It has very specific instructions on how to use it, as it has an oil consistency (it also has nearly all oils in the ingredients list, huge plus!) but I find that it can be a bit drying. I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, so dryness isn't a problem for me since this is like my holy grail moisturizer-I haven't had flaky spots or patches since using this stuff! I'm also a big fan of Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser and I usually switch this on and off with the Trader Joe's face wash. It gives a really refreshing, deep clean and isn't drying at all! After cleansing my face, I use Lush's Tea Tree Toner, which is another holy grail product of mine. I love the fact that it boasts all-natural ingredients and leaves my face feeling thoroughly cleaned.

Back to School - Part 3: In my School Bag

And now for our last installment of our 'Back to School' series-what's in my school bag!

Fall Edit: Favorite Mac Lipsticks

Soon we'll be waving goodbye to corals and bright pinks and will be welcoming reds, plums, and berry shades! Here are our top 5 favorite Mac lipsticks that we've amassed over the past few years!

Favorite Highlighters / Summer 2013

Tara's Favorites

Soft and Gentle by Mac - The love that the beauty community gives this product is overwhelming, so I was extremely excited to get my hands on this baby. It's not a subtle highlight, so if you're looking for a glow, this is it. I love this swiped above my cheekbones and down my nose when my skin is feeling dull.  
Ambient Light Powder in Dim Light by Hourglass - According to Sephora : The powders deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skintone, making it appear softer, younger, and lit-from-within. I love taking a fluffy fan brush and swiping it on my cheeks, forehead and chin for more of an all-over glow. Some people use this to set their makeup, or just as a lovely finishing touch to your makeup look.

Lani's Favorites

Flatter Me by Mac (limited edition) - When Mac dropped their Archie's Girl collection, I was so thrilled because, after a long while, they actually had an interesting collection! I ended up grabbing this pearly sheer blush/highlighter and I love it because it gives a radiant glow.

Watts Up! by Benefit - I'll admit that I'm a total weenie when it comes to highlighters so I use this rather sparingly and I blend it out with the sponge on the opposite end. It's definitely more of a noticeable highlighter so I use it for special occasions or when I'm feeling a bit more spontaneous.

Do you prefer a more subtle or bold highlight? What's your favorite highlighting product that you've been using?

Back to School - Part 2: In my Makeup Bag

There's nothing more annoying and cumbersome than juggling an arm full of text books and an oversized bag stuffed to the brim with school supplies. We decided that when at school, it's not totally necessary to bring our entire makeup collection to school and narrowed it down to the absolute basics and necessities.

Current Most Used Products / Summer 2013

Tara

Recently, I've been all about matte eyes, rosy lips and cheeks, and radiant skin. These products have not left my side all season!

Nars Blush (Amour) 
Intensely pigmented, just a dab of this matte rosy color will give an instant flush to your cheeks.

MAC lipstick (Speak Louder) 
Loving this color! It's a bit bright, but add some balm to your lips prior and this color transforms into a semi-sheer pink shade that can add a finishing touch to any makeup look.

Sonia Kashuk (Eye on Neutral -02)
I've been experimenting with matte eye shadows this summer, and by the look of it, you can say I'm obsessed! I picked up this talked-about matte palate and I'm in love! The quality compares to any high-end brand, and I can't wait to incorporate matte eyes into every season!

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (Nude)
This has been my by far most used product since I saw it in drugstores. I will endlessly repurchase this concealer, can't live without it! (Okay I could, but...) It's amazing at covering dark circles under the eyes, and concealing around the face. It gives luminosity without being greasy or shiny. I can't say enough good things, try it out- you won't be disappointed!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Dim Light) 
Sweep this powder across your cheekbones, forehead and down your nose over a matte setting powder, and it will instantly give your skin a perfect, non-sparkly luminous glow you've been looking for all season.

Lani

I've really been loving simple products lately since the summer heat and humidity melts practically everything off my face.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express & Big Eyes Mascara 

At first I wasn't a major fan of the Big Eyes Mascara because the wand was a bit difficult to work with. However, I eventually got used to it and now I'm really smitten with it. I actually like to layer it with the Colossal Volume Express and I'm in love with the results, which is very full and voluminous! The bottom lash mascara wand is a bit too long to work with so I usually end up using it just on the bottom center lashes, which gives a more doll-eyed affect.

Nars Blush (Deepthroat)

This blush was a recent purchase after having a tiny sample of it in a duo and I'm so glad I got the full size! It's the perfect shade of peachy pink and blends so beautifully. It's an amazing pop of color that isn't too garish and the amount of sparkle isn't overwhelming, it instead creates a gorgeous and natural looking sheen. 

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner (Espresso Ink)

My mom actually turned me onto this product after she had it for a few years and swore by it. After reading so many rave reviews, I took the plunge and decided that I could never go back to liquid or pencil eyeliner (at least not for a while). With Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, creating a thin or thick line is effortless although it does take a bit more skill to do a kitten flick. It also has yet to crease or smudge, definitely a holy grail item!

Clinique Airbrush Concealer 

I had to have this concealer after watching tons and tons of Lisa Eldridge videos where she whipped out this beauty. It's very lightweight and is perfect for undereyes or even for muting tiny spots. For those looking for heavier coverage, this isn't the product for you as it's quite sheer. 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 

This palette was a gift I received this past Christmas and it's been the perfect go-to palette for those mornings that I'm in a rush or in the mood for a neutral eye. I'm not a major fan of the 3 lighter shades as it looks quite chalky on my skin tone but Naked 2 and Faint is the perfect combination.

What's your current favorite product for summer? Have you tried any of the products mentioned, what is your opinion on them?

Hope you're all having a lovely summer!

Wishlist - Summer 2013

So I know the Collection 2000 concealer isn't a product with the highest price tag, but the fact that it is physically out of my reach while I venture through the drugstores in the U.S is the reason why it made it to the top of my list- sigh, U.K brands... a Chanel eyelash curler is definitely a want, I wonder if my eyelashes would know they were curled by Chanel? Bobbi Browns Beach fragrance is one I've been lusting after this entire season, take one whiff and you'll know what I mean, the warm, smell of sunscreen and vanilla will take you straight to the beach, no matter what season it is. Another product of Bobbi Brown's I've had my eye on for quite a while is her pot rouges, a cheek and lip color. They apply so well on the cheeks, I might have to bite the bullet and own one of these babies. A product I always swatch and swatch again are the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Lipsticks. I love the scent, colors, and packaging, but I feel that since they are basically sheer lip colors, I should stick to drugstore. (Maybelline Baby Lips & Revlon Shine Lipsticks are my fav.) Alas, the Lorac Pro Palate, knowing that I own both UD Naked Palates and my fair share of neutral eye shadows in general, this palate has been placed on the back-burner, but I have not forgotten about it! One day Lorac, one day...

Diptyque has to be one of my favorite perfumers out there so it comes as no surprise that there are two items on my list. I've been pining after that Rose candle for ages but can't seem to get around to purchasing it as I already have too many candles that I need to burn before I consider another. The roll on perfume (L'Ombre Dans L'eau) has also been on the list for quite a while and I've heard that the scent is really fresh and not too overwhelming. Another scent that I've been curious about is Dafne by Olo Fragrance, a small company based in Portland that takes pride in being handmade. The scent itself is said to be a mixture of orange, sampaguita, and ylang ylang!

With chillier and drier weather soon to come, I've been really fixated on the body lotions by Aesop because I feel they would really keep dry, chapped skin at bay. Sadly the price makes it more of a luxury item than a necessity. Another luxury item has to be the newly released concealer by Marc Jacob's new makeup line-it just looks so amazing! Lastly, I've actually been looking up swatches for nearly every shade of Lipstick Queen's Saint line. I love the idea of a sheer formula and the colors are all so practical with my favorite being Rose.

Back to School - Part 1: Our Fall Wardrobe

It's that dreaded time of year again-catalogs slowly trickle in the mail with back to school specials, Target makes a special section to buy binders, markers, and pens, and commercials talk about "fall savings" nonstop. Yup, it's time to go back to school/college. There are some perks though, like new clothes and being able to wear darker prints that wouldn't have been summer-appropriate. Take a peek at what we'll be wearing this fall, maybe you'll get inspiration for what you'll wear on your first day back!

Also, there will be three parts total: what's in our beauty bag for school and what's in our school bag! Stay tuned!

Beach-ready Outfits!

Lani

"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion, Mara Hoffman bikini, American Apparel top and shorts, Brandy Melville hair thing, Neutrogena beach defense, Karen Walker sunnies

Summer isn't exactly my favorite season but if there's one thing I enjoy, it's laying in the shade with a good book! It's also the perfect opportunity to whip out my Karen Walker sunnies and throw my hair into a messy bun. And, of course, sunscreen is an absolute must although SPF 70 might be a bit overkill. Better safe than sorry, right?

Tara

Allure magazine, Shiseido sunscreen, Reef bikini, Target water (or coffee) tumbler, Rayban sunglasses, American Apparel Sunflower shorts, Sony Cybershot camera

This outfit just screams summer to me- a simple black bikini balances out the bright yellow sunflowers covering my shorts. Of course while out in the sun, sunscreen is a must, along with a pair of cat-eye sunnies to protect your eyes. I'm not too into spending all day in the water, so a magazine along with a ice cold drink are my perfect companions. A tiny camera is perfect to carry along to capture memories and snap pictures of sandcastles!

Lani Goes to Kauai / 2013

Kauai was a much anticipated vacation because I've never been to the island and really had no clue what to expect. Upon arrival, I knew that I would really enjoy my stay the minute I spotted adorable pastel-colored homes, chickens, and fruit stands!

In my bathroom: The Body Shop Edition | Lani

I'm actually a habitual buyer of Lush but I've lately found myself guiltily hoarding a lot of Body Shop products. Lush, it's not that I don't love you, I'm just testing the waters to see what else is out there! Promise.

Tara Goes to Canada / 2013

This summer I took a week-long trip to Alberta, Canada! We stayed in the city of Canmore while driving up to Banff National Park. These are some of my Canadian beauty, fashion, and food finds !

Mini Mid-Summer Haul!

Tara's Haul

Sephora
Soap & Glory Hand Food: 
For the love of my hands I desperately needed to upgrade to the 4.2 fl. oz size, this hand cream not only keeps my hands nourished throughout the day, but also does not leave the sticky residue that other hand creams leave behind.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir:
This summer, I find myself spraying this lovely elixir all throughout the day to keep my face cool and hydrated, one spritz of this will make you feel like you're at the spa! This is a must-have at all times, your face will thank you later (:

Kiehl's
Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser:
I was on a search for a new cleanser after I found myself stealing my sisters face wash... hehe! Lani recommended this amazing clay cleanser to me, and I've been loving it ever since! It really makes my skin feel fresh and the gentle scrubbers and clay base gives a perfect daily exfoliant to reveal smoother skin after the first use!  
 
Olive Fruit Oil Nurishing Conditioner:
Another thanks to Lani for opening my eyes to the power of great conditioners... The sun has not only been drying out m skin, but my hair as well! I apply this conditioner thoroughly to the ends of my hair and leave it on for 3 minutes. After only a couple uses I find that my hair is stronger and feels less dry at the ends! Thanks Lani :D

Macy's 
Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Lip Colour (Star):
Only Lord knows how we somehow got into the makeup department of Macy's... but I'm so glad! After lusting over Chanel's new cream blushes, on the other side of the counter we saw new Laura Mercier lippies! Hands ready to swatch, we went in with full force... I loved them! I ended up purchasing the color Star which is part of the sheer formula of these lip colours. It's truly a "my lips- but better" color and the natural finish makes these an ease to wear !

CVS  
Wet n Wild Matte Lipstick (Smokin' Hot Pink):
Since I had coupons to CVS I thought that I'd go a little bit out of my comfort zone and pick up this matte, coral-y pink to add to my collection. It is truly a HOT  lip color, but applied sheer it can give a pop to any makeup look ! Plus, it's 2 bucks...
 

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation (825 Buff Beige):
I have been interested in this foundation since it appeared in my local drugstore, but I have never used a foundation by Covergirl so I had no idea what to expect. After trying it, it applies very nicely and blends well. I will say that it does oxidize throughout the day, and becomes a darker color than once applied. I guess i'll be saving this until I get some more sun!

Sally Hansen Xtreme wear Nail Color (Breezy Blue): 
I have a few other colors from this Sally Hansen range, and when I saw this creamy light blue, I needed it in my life! Definitely my next polish color change (: 

Lani's Haul

Sephora

Soap & Glory's The Righteous Body Butter Lotion:
I had a wee sample of this from Sephora a while back and I was swooning over the scent-it's so feminine without being sickly sweet or too overpowering. Such a perfect scent to have on if you don't feel like wearing perfume during the warmer months!

Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Cleaner (travel size)
Kiehl's is one brand that I swear by-it never fails to impress! I decided to try this on a whim because I need a moisturizing cleanser for when I go to Kauai. Despite the warm and humid climate, my skin tends to get really dry and flaky because I'm always in the ocean.

Macy's

Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Lip Colour (Mink)
This product really caught my eye when Tara and I were carousing through the Macy's makeup department! I had never seen it before and was really intrigued by the formula-it felt so weightless and we ended up standing there swatching the same colors for who knows how long. The color is a gorgeous muted red-a bit of a brick red but more faded. Perfect for summer and fall!

CVS 
NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel (Plaza Plumberry 139)
Thanks to Tara, she got this nail polish for me for free with her CVS coupons! FREE. Deep vampy reds and burgundy's are my absolute favorite nail colors for fall and winter so I'll definitely by debuting this the minute September rolls around.

Battle of the Loose Powders | Tara

Why not let your powders roam free ? I picked up two talked-about loose setting powders recently and these are my thoughts.

Battle of the Beach Sprays | Lani

Now that summer is finally upon us, having tousled and effortless hair is pretty ideal. Here's a quick review of two beach sprays that I've recently been testing out and the end verdict for them both:

Our Favorite Summer Nail Colors

One of the best fuss-free accessories for summer is definitely a statement nail color so we decided to pilfer through our stash to share a few of our favorites that will definitely be making appearances this coming season.

In my bathroom: Lush Edition | Tara

Santa Monica Clothing Haul

Our trip to Santa Monica turned into a giant shopping expedition! What we thought was just a lunch date at Urth Caffe somehow ended us at Third Street Promenade...oops. Girls being girls (;
Here's a peek at our future summer staples !

summer essentials

SKINCARE

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 -$30:

If you only wear one thing on your face this summer- let it be this. Protect your skin girl!

Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm -$27:

Kissable lips in no time- rosey scented and lovely.

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub -$10:

Must have! Sweep away dry lips with this bubblegum scented (and flavored) scrub.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir [1oz] -$18:

Spritz this all over your face in the mornings or throughout the day to refresh your skin!

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray [4oz] -$29:

Hot days are ahead, but your skin doesn't need to know that. Keep the oils away by using before and after makeup application, you can thank us later!

LIPS

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 in Sunny Berry -$8.99:

A moisturizing lip balm that gives amazing color without being too heavy.

Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm -$6.99:

Apricot Twist 240-  A subtle apricot color that looks good on all skin tones

Jam Twist 255- Our fav, an everyday berry.

Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Passion Fruit Crush -$24

Perfect for a wash of color without feeling like you have too much caked on! Also great for quick touch ups on the go for your lips and cheeks. 

FACE

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation -$44:

For those who want all over coverage - This foundation is lightweight and matte!

MAKE UP FOREVER Full Cover Concealer- $32:

If you want to ditch the heavy foundation, just spot-cover with this waterproof concealer and you're set!

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer-$28:

Lightly dusted on the cheeks and forehead gives your skin the glow you've been waiting for all winter.

Benefit Cosmetics Coralista Blush- $28:

Perfect with a tan! Or the Hoola you've been using (;

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Plum Wine -$7.99:

Gives a pinky-plum stain to your cheeks - applies flawlessly with a stippling brush!

Stila Sheer Pressed Powder in Light-$28

Great for touching up when you're feeling a bit oily! It's also the perfect size for throwing in a bag.

EYES

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara (Water Resistant) -$6.99:

If you're thinking about blinking this summer, waterproof mascara is a must!

NAILS

Essie In The Cab-ana (Resort Collection 2013) - $8:

One of our favorite polishes this summer! A bright, but won't clash with your outfits.

Meet the Bloggers!

Style inspiration: I gotta give some props to my tall gals -Blake Lively and Taylor Swift ! I love how their "I look so effortless but I spent 2 hours getting ready" vibe. Love it.

Favorite makeup brands: I have a love-love relationship with Benefit Cosmetics. Their packaging and the quirks about their makeup -gotta love puns- make using their products that much more enjoyable. Don't get me started on the scent of their box blushes... that's another blog post.

I'll never leave the house without: Other than the boring phone and wallet, can't forget the 14 lipsticks I have in the bottom of my purse!

Favorite beauty decade: I adore the wide-eyed look of the 60s, shout out to my girl Twiggy!

Favorite movie: 500 Days of Summer, I can watch it a million times and never get sick of it.

What I usually order at Starbucks: In my eyes, the sweeter the better. Usually go with a White Peppermint Mocha- either hot or iced depending on the weather. Oh, and extra whipped cream (;

Favorite beauty blogger: For new collections I can always rely on Jessica from Beautezine and I adore Allison for drugstore reviews and swatches galore!

Current favorite music album: As stated above, I'm in love with anything Taylor Swift - she can do no wrong in my eyes. I'm also a huge The Script fan, I end up loving every song they release.

Style inspiration: Without a doubt Alexa Chung-always have been and always will be.

Favorite makeup brands: I'm in love with Nars. I have a lot of confidence in buying their products because everything is always perfect-the color, formula, packaging, etc.

I'll never leave the house without: Chapstick/Tinted balm, especially if I know I'll be out for a long time. I'm not a fan of touching up during the day so I try to bring something that I can apply effortlessly.

Favorite beauty decade: Definitely the 60's. Jane Birkin, Anna Karina, Brigitte Bardot-you name it! They all had such amazing makeup that was so feminine yet sultry.

Favorite movie: Most likely Amelie. It seems cliche but it's honestly such a well-done movie. Plus, Yann Tiersen did the soundtrack so that's an automatic win!

What I usually order at Starbucks: A shaken black iced tea or just a plain ol' coffee. I'm pretty boring when it comes to drinks!

Favorite beauty blogger: I love love love Essiebutton and Rachel!

Current favorite music album: Fear Fun by Father John Misty...or Dye It Blonde by Smith Westerns! They've both been on repeat.