Five Little Favorites

Welcome back! I wanted to show you guys a handful of things I have been loving lately. I’m thinking this will be a new series I am starting. I’m not sure how often I’ll post, could be weekly, biweekly, or monthly. I want it to include a variety of things like, clothing, makeup, accessories, or even food.

Just look at these! I mean… What’s not to love about these right? I ordered these Ray-Ban Aviators online at macys.com during their friends and family sale. I love mirrored sunglasses. They are so fun and festive, perfect for the summer time.

I am loving the Sephora Cream lip stain in Marvelous Mauve. I have been wearing this when I don’t feel like wearing a bright lipstick. These lipsticks are amazing for the price ($13). They are long lasting and feel very comfortable on the lips.

I purchased this Laura Mercier Baked Powder Highlight on a whim about a month ago. I don’t wear this everyday but I use when I want to feel a little more “awake.” It’s very subtle yet gives a beautiful glow.

Ok I have no idea what is going on with my hands but I MUST put lotion on as soon as I wash my hands. My hands have been super dry lately. I bought this from Bath & Body Works months ago but I have been using it all day everyday. I just noticed it says, “look ma, new hands.” HA! How cute is that?!

I have also been loving this Stila blush. It’s the Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in the color Rosewater. I was very intrigued when I first read about this product. It’s a liquid/gel blush in a pot. I love it because it gives your cheeks a very healthy glow. It also feels very cool. I use the E.L.F. Small Stipple Brush ($3) to apply. I works great!

Taking a selfie was a struggle today! This is as good as it gets people. It is way too hot today! I am wearing the lipstick, blush, and highlight mentioned above.

Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

XO, Diana

Favorite Lipsticks for Summer-2015

Summer is here! It is definitely feeling like summer here in Seattle. It’s been crazy hot here!

It is time to show you my top lipstick picks for the season. I normally wear whatever color I’m feelin’ that day but for some reason I have been leaning towards lots of reds and pinks lately.

MAC- Lady Danger

This is a must have red lipstick, especially for summer! It’s a bright bold orange-red. It is a matte finish. This one isn’t as dry as other mattes. I think it’s a color that will look great on any skin tone.

MAC- Relentlessly Red

This color is perfect for the one’s who don’t prefer orangey-reds. This is described as a “bright pinkish coral.” I simply see it as a neon coral red. It has a retro matte finish so it is a little dryer than the regular mattes.

YSL- 19 Fuchsia in Rage

Ok, YSL will always win for having the most beautiful packaging. This lipstick is part of the Rouge Volupté Shine range. It’s a gorgeous fuchsia color. It looks a lot more purple in the bullet but it’s not. These lipsticks are sheer which is not something I usually go for, but this lipstick is an exception. It is perfect when you’re on the go, very easy to apply, and no lip liner needed. When I do want it to look a little bolder, I line my lips with MAC Lip Pencil in Magenta.

Dose of Colors- Pinky Promise

Pinky Promise may just be my favorite pink lipstick! This color is a straight up hot pink. It has a very warm undertone. I really recommend this lipstick. I also own Kiss of Fire which I mentioned in my Spring favorites. This lipstick will last you all day so you wouldn’t have to worry about touching up.

Stila- Bella

Bella is also a beautiful bright pink. This one has blue undertones. This color was part of their Summer Collection. This formula reminds me of the Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipsticks, but I honestly prefer the Stila. So if you like the ABH lipsticks then you will like these! FYI, if you join Stila’s Email List you can get 20% off your purchase.

It was so hard to choose but I am happy with my choices!

Lady Danger

Relentlessly Red

Fuchsia in Rage

Pinky Promise

Bella

Summer is all about bright colors so go out there, have fun, and rock a bright lip! Let me know what lipsticks you will be wearing!

-Diana

Whole30- My Plan

Ever heard of Whole30? It’s basically a “diet,” gahhh I really hate that word but it’s the easiest way to put it. This program was designed by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig. You go 30 days without eating any grains, dairy, legumes (wahh peanut butter), alcohol, sugars, or junk food. It’s very similar to the paleo diet, which I’ve done before. Thirty days of eating real food that is good for you.

So you’re probably wondering why I’m doing this? I don’t even know where to begin! Well first off I’m pretty sure I’m gluten intolerant so I want to eliminate it from my diet for good. I’d also like to find out if I’m sensitive to other foods like legumes.

I have gained a total 15 pounds since my wedding in June 2014. I was ok with the first 10 pounds I gained because I was focused on lifting heavy 5 days a week. I’ve gained 5 more pounds since I went to Cancun in April and I’ve only worked out about 5 times within the last two months! Well these last 5 pounds have really done it for me. I realized my digestive system is all jacked up and I need to fix it ASAP. I suffer from headaches and bloating (TMI? Maybe? Who cares?) almost everyday.

I ate paleo for about 8 months between 2013 and 2014. I remember my body felt so good while eating paleo. I never had any issues whatsoever. I decided to quit because I was really hard on myself. I always felt guilty for eating food I wasn’t “supposed” to eat. Sooo I decided to take a little break after my wedding… Well that little break has lasted over a year.

If you are interested in completing a Whole30, reading the book, It Starts With Food, is a must! It explains all of the science behind the program and so much more! I purchased mine on Amazon.

They recommend you set goals for yourself before beginning the program. There are so many reasons why I am doing this. I really just want to feel healthy again. My other goals include:

Develop a healthy relationship with food
Eliminate gluten from my diet (except for the occasional donut and mac n’ cheese and NOT feel guilty)
Eliminate constant unhealthy cravings
Help me become an intuitive eater. Listen to my body, eat when I am hungry, and not eat when I am not hungry.
Heal my digestive system
Gain my energy back
Get better sleep
And yes, I’d love to lose the 15lbs I’ve gained and more, but I know with a healthy diet and workout regimen, the pounds will come off. So this really shouldn’t be a goal!

So that’s why I’m doing this. Those are my goals I hope to achieve with this process. I’m so excited! I am so ready to feel good again.

My plan is to do a weekly recap of what I ate and how I felt. I’m kind of happy I am blogging because it will help keep me be accountable. I had been dreading the moment I started another Whole30, but I am actually really excited! My plan is to start on Monday, June 29th.

Wish me luck!

-Diana

My Bronzer Collection

Summer can only mean one thing… Bronzed dewy skin. I am a sucker for bronzers (and highlights) in the summer time! I’ve had several people ask for a bronzer recommendation. Bronzers can be very pricey but I personally think it’s a product worth investing in. I was only going to mention my favorite bronzers but I figured it would be a good idea to show you my full collection and tell you all about them.

I’ll start off with my current favorite, Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light ($50). This is the ultimate bronzer for summer. It gives such a beautiful glow. It’s the perfect balance of orange and brown. It has tiny tiny shimmers when you look closely. I am wearing it in the picture to the right. I also love this bronzer because a little goes a long way. It is very finely milled yet very pigmented.

Tarte Park Avenue Princess ($30) is another one of my favorites. It gives a beautiful natural glow. This one is a little more pigmented than the Hourglass. And it is has more of a golden glow as opposed to micro shimmers. It’s a little more brown as well. I’ve gone through two travel sizes. I should have just bought the full size a long time ago!

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil ($30) is my favorite matte bronzer. It has a warm brown tone. I like it because I can use it to bronze my face or even contour. I prefer to contour with cooler tones but this guy gets the job done too. I own a couple travel sizes of this as well.

Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer ($48) is the only cream bronzer product I own. I mentioned this product in my March Favorites and you can check it out here. It’s easy to get intimidated by looking at this product because it looks very orange. Once buffed into the cheeks, it looks very pretty and natural.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($68) is another favorite. The shade of the bronzer reminds me of Chocolate Soleil except its a little lighter. The bronzer is very subtle and gives a natural glow to the face. I’m surprised at how natural the glow is because it’s more of a taupe shade. The highlight in this palette is also very nice.

NARS Casino Bronzing Powder ($39) used to be a favorite of mine but then I discovered the previous ones mentioned. This is the very first bronzer I owned and I used it for years. This is the second one I own (full size). This product looks very dark on the pan but it’s a lot lighter once on the skin. It’s describe as a “dark brown with golden shimmers.” There really isn’t anything wrong with this item. I’d say its in between the Hourglass and Tarte bronzers. I prefer the other two because they are a bit easier to blend.

Last but not least is the Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo #2 ($39). I’ve talked about this item a couple times. I last mentioned it in this post here. This bronzer is more on the orange side. It’s not my favorite but it’s still wearable. This compact is worth purchasing just for the highlight alone so I do not regret buying it!

I am a NC35 in MAC for reference.

All pictures taken in sunlight.

I also own MAC Cosmetics Sun Dipped Pro Longwear Bronzer. This product came out in a couple of limited edition collections. I wish they would come out with this again because it is a very beautiful bronzer! I had a travel size of the Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer at one point and I really loved it.

What is your favorite bronzer? Do you have any recommendations? I was thinking about trying Make Up For Ever’s new Pro Bronze Fusion.

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend so far!

Shade of the Day- Bachelorette

TGIF!

Today’s Shade of the Day is another Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick. It’s in the shade called Bachelorette. This color is described as a “dark reddish fuchsia.” It’s a vibrant hot pink with a red undertone. I love to wear this when I’m not in the mood to wear a bright pink or a red. It’s a perfect in between color.

Left- Bachelorette, Right- All Fired Up

I first applied my usual Make Up For Ever Lip Line Perfector. This is my go-to lip pencil when it comes to liquid lipsticks. If your not a fan of liquid lipsticks, a good alternative is MAC All Fired up. Bachelorette is slightly darker.

Foundation: Dior Skin Nude Air, UD Naked Skin Concealer, Kat Von D Shade + Light Palette

Bronzer: Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Radiant Bronze

Highlight: Laura Mercier

Eyes: KVD Shade + Light Eye, MUG Foiled Eyeshadow in Grandstand, KVD Tattoo Liner, ABH Brow Wiz

I’m off to explore downtown Seattle with my husband and little brother and sister.

Happy weekend!

-Diana

Shade of the Day- L.U.V.

All makeup worn is featured in May’s Makeup of the Month.

Today’s post features Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid lipstick in L.U.V. ($20). I mentioned this item in my previous post. It is a bright violet with a slight cool undertone. These liquid lipsticks are extra matte and and last all day.

A lip liner isn’t really necessary but I lightly lined my lips with MAC’s Lip Pencil in Magenta. NARS Audacious lipstick in Angela is a lot lighter. I’d say MAC Heroine is similar as well but I don’t own it.

MAC- Heroine, LUV, NARS- Angela

Here’s a picture of yesterday’s OOTD as well!

Top- TJ Maxx

Jeans- JCPenny

Shoes- Converse

Necklace- Baublebar (old)

Bag- Marc by Marc Jacobs

Happy Saturday!

-Diana

Makeup of the Month- May 2015

I can’t believe it’s almost been a month since I have posted! A lot of things have been going on and I have been traveling like crazy but I’m glad to be back. I decided instead of doing monthly favorites, I’m just going to show the makeup I’ve worn for the month. I usually try to change my makeup routine every month anyways. Some of the makeup will be repetitive but hey, that just means I really like it!

Nars Blush in Madly– I mentioned this blush last month and I am still using it.

Tarte Bamboo Foundation Brush– I seriously LOVE this brush! Its so big and soft. It makes applying foundation so effortless and creates an airbrush finish.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer– I really have been enjoying this concealer, maybe even a bit more than the NARS Creamy Concealer. I like this concealer because I don’t have to set it with powder. It does a great job setting itself without creasing. It’s not as full coverage as my MAC Pro Longwear so it’s perfect for everyday use.

Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Liner– This continues to be my everyday liner for the waterline. Love it!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz– Favorite brow product for the last couple of months. I have the color Medium Brown.

Dior Nude Air Serum Foundation– I love this foundation. It’s very lightweight yet it gives a good medium coverage. I have normal skin with a few dry patches. This one doesn’t cling on my dry patches like other serum foundations I have tried. It has a semi powdery/velvet finish so I don’t have to apply setting powder. Because it is a serum I’m not sure it would be good for oily skin. I’d recommend setting it with powder to keep it from sliding off your face. I have the shade 030 Medium Beige.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara– This little guy is amazing. I can wear any mascara on my top lashes and this mascara will keep me from having raccoon eyes at the end of the day.

Maybelline Falsies Mascara– This mascara gives my top lashes great volume.

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo in No. 2– I also mentioned this product last month. It was only for the highlight but I have actually been using the bronzer side this month. It can be a bit too orange so to keep me from looking like an Oompa Loompa, I lightly buff it into my cheeks. I would definitely repurchase just for the highlight.

Marc Jacobs Precision Pen Waterproof Eyeliner– I received this in a Marc Jacobs 500 point perk. It works just as good as the KVD Tattoo Liner ($19) and the Stila Stay All Day Liner ($20). This item is $30 for a full size. Since the other two work just as good (or even better) I won’t be purchasing this.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in L.U.V.– I purchased this a couple of weeks ago and I’ve worn it twice. It’s described as a “rich violet” and I totally agree. I didn’t take any pictures the days I wore this so I’m thinking about doing a Shade of the Day featuring it. I was very intimidated by this color for the longest time because I thought it would be too bright. I’m glad I finally made the purchase because I really like it.

Check out my favorites from last month. I’ve been in Texas for the last 10 days and I fly back to Seattle tomorrow night. I’m actually looking forward to the weather in Seattle because it’s been raining like CRAZY in Texas!

Happy Friday!

April 2015 Favorites

It feels so good to be back in the blogging world! I am finally back from Cancun and getting back into the groove of things. I decided to show you some of my favorites from April. I have been using most of these products everyday especially while in Cancun!

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light– I am a sucker for bronzers and this guy is one of my favorites! It’s the perfect bronze color and gives a beautiful glow. I also love it because it is very finely milled and super easy to blend.

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo in 2 Golden-I have been using this only for the highlight. The bronzer is a little too orange for me. You can check out the swatch here. This product and the Hourglass bronzer are the perfect pair.

NARS Blush in Madly-I’m not that much of a blush person and I tend to go towards more neutral ones. This one is a neutral peachy pink.

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown– I gave up on finding a cheaper alternative and decided to go back to the Brow Wiz. I used to purchase the Dark Brown but since I’m more into a natural brow, I purchased Medium Brown.

Dose of Colors Kiss of Fire– I mentioned this in my favorite lipsticks for spring post. You can check it out here. When I first purchased these lipsticks I wasn’t a very big fan, but that changed after a few uses.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream– I have calluses on my hands from weightlifting and this is the best lotion to moisturize my hands.

Stay tuned for my next post. It will include OOTD’s and MOTD’s from my trip in Cancun! All of these products will be included.

-Diana

Favorite Lipsticks for Spring- 2015

L to R: Kat Von D- Bauhau5, MAC- Impassioned, Dose of Colors-Kiss of Fire, MUFE- 39, Sephora Collection- African Violet

After digging through my lipsticks I have compiled a handful I think would be perfect for spring. Don’t get me wrong I am a firm believer of wearing whatever I want whenever I want, but these are just colors I tend to go for this time of the year.

Kat Von D- Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Bauhau5 ($20)

This color is described as a “deep raspberry.” It’s very bright so it’s a perfect winter to spring transition color. I would recommend wearing a liner for an even application.

MAC Cosmetics- Impassioned ($16)

This is a perfect pinky-coral color!

worst swatch ever -__-

Dose of Colors- Kiss of Fire ($18)

I love this color because of how bright it is. My favorite red lipsticks are ones with a pink tint to them.

Make Up For Ever- Rouge Artist Intense in # 39 ($20)

This is my favorite peach lipstick. I also have MAC’s Ravishing but I prefer this one.

Sephora Collection- Cream Lip Stain in African Violet

I LOVE this color. It’s perfect. You need it. Go get it! You can check out my post on it here.

There are a lot more lipsticks I could have chosen but I wanted to pick basic colors you would wear for spring, coral, peach, violet, etc. Like I said before you can wear these colors anytime of the year. I just wanted to give you some ideas for new lipsticks. I hope this helped!

Happy Friday! I will be heading to Cancun for a much needed vacation. 🙂

-Diana

Sephora VIB Sale Haul

You did it again Sephora… You got me again! I think I am good for spring and summer. I am going to “try” not to make any purchases until the next VIB sale. I also purchased the Marc Jacobs eyeliner and NARS lipstick in Greta. Check out my wish list here.

Kat Von D | Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette– Impulse purchase, I just couldn’t say no!
Hourglass | Ambient Bronzer in Radiant Light– I purchased this guy instead of the Dim Light Powder. It’s BEAUTIFUL!
Smashbox | Photo Finish Primer Water– Loving it so far and it’s so easy to use.
Kat Von D is a genius!
Supergoop! | Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil– I got a sample of this last year and I loved it. I am going on vacation to Cancun this weekend so this was a must have.
Anastasia Beverly Hills | Brow Wiz in Medium Brown– I went back to using this last month so I decided to purchase a back up.
Urban Decay | Naked Skin Concealer in Medium Neutral– The consistency of this reminds me of the Mac Pro longwear. I will keep you updated on how I like it! The color range does suck.
I just can’t… I ‘m so excited to use this while I’m in Mexico!
Dr. Jart+ | Dermaclear Micro Water– I’ve been doing a horrible job at washing my face after using a makeup remover wipe. This claims to remove makeup as well as tone and brighten skin.
Cover FX | Custom Cover Drops in G40- I was very intrigued when I came across this online. It’s basically pigments that can be mixed with a moisturizer, primer, or a foundation. The more drops you add the more coverage you will get. I have used this once with my moisturizer and I liked it!
Make Up For Ever | Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner in 8C– I have MAC’s Cherry Liner but I wanted a true red without a blue undertone and this one was the winner.
NARS | Audacious Lipstick in Greta – Not pictured.
Marc Jacobs | Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Black– Not pictured, repurchase.

I purchased the NAR Ita brush a while back and ended up returning it. I don’t think it was worth the money for the amount of contouring I do. I have other brushes that are just as good or even better to contour with.

I also wanted to mention I will be returning the Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks I mentioned in my previous post. Like I mentioned in my post I prefer the NARS Audacious. It takes at least three coats for the CT lipsticks to be opaque and I’m not about that life so they are going back.

Thank you for reading! I would love to know what purchases you made!

-Diana

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MAC- Lady Danger

MAC- Relentlessly Red

YSL- 19 Fuchsia in Rage

Dose of Colors- Pinky Promise

Stila- Bella

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Kat Von D- Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Bauhau5 ($20)

MAC Cosmetics- Impassioned ($16)

Dose of Colors- Kiss of Fire ($18)

Make Up For Ever- Rouge Artist Intense in # 39 ($20)

Sephora Collection- Cream Lip Stain in African Violet

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