Friday, June 27, 2014

OOTD: Comfy & Casual


Top - Urban Outfitters
Shorts - Pacsun (LA Hearts)
Shoes - Converse
Watch - Marc Jacobs
Rings - Forever 21
Necklace/Bracelet - Silpada
Raybans - Clubmasters
Bag - Dooney and Bourke

      My mom and I headed to a small shopping village across the river to browse around. While there, we popped into one of our favorite restaurants that makes the best fish tacos. It's a really cute village that has an assortment of stores. Truthfully, I usually go there just to look at their gardens - especially during the summer when their flowers are in full bloom. Knowing that it was going to be hot and humid, I wanted to wear something comfy and lightweight. I've been living in these scalloped shorts from Pacsun for weeks now. They are so versatile - I can dress them down or up. I also love this elephant crop top from Urban Outfitters. Some of you may not know this, but I'm obsessed with elephants and their symbolism. I wore my converse just because I wasn't feeling sandals for the day, as I was going to be walking around a lot. I never used to like wearing sneakers, but I have grown to really like white converse, seeing as they go with just about anything! 
     Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed your week and that it wasn't too long for you. The weekend has finally arrived! Time to relax and enjoy the sunny weather!

-- Lindsey xx

Monday, June 23, 2014

Review: bareMinerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

     A few weeks ago I popped onto the Bare Escentuals website just to have a little browse and what do I see -- a liquid foundation?!??!! My mind was BLOWN to say the least. Some of you may not know this, but I have been using the bareMinerals powder foundation for about seven years straight now. In 7th grade, I remember using liquid foundation once and it broke out my skin horribly, but then my mom introduced me bareMinerals, which not only cleared my skin, but also helped my skin stay clear. Since then, I have never ever used any other product besides bareMinerals on my face, just because I like to stick with what I know and what works with my skin, and for me, bareMinerals does just that.
     Here's a little rundown on what bareMinerals is about. All their products, from foundation to eye pallets - all mineral based. The use of minerals not only helps nourish your skin, but it was created to enhance your skin from the inside out. It also has SPF built in and it is a-okay to sleep in if you forget to wash your face the night before and coming from a college student who sometimes pulls an all-nighter, this is a blessing for the face. So coming from someone who has used this mineral foundation for years, I was a bit surprised to see them come out with a liquid foundation, when you know they're all about the minerals.
     Before taking a stroll over to the bareMinerals boutique in my mall, I decided to do a little bit of research on this foundation: the bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. What was it all about? Why a liquid foundation now? Will this liquid foundation help my skin like the mineral foundation does? These were all the questions that surfaced my thoughts, so I proceeded to go to the trusty internet for the answers. What I found...There are no binders, meaning no silicone, no parabens, and no oils. It is a "coconut-derived base with jojoba-coated mineral pigments and lilac plant stem cells and vitamin c." This information and more can be found on their website here.
     I went to go get color matched and let me tell you, as soon as the lady put it on, it felt like nothing was on my face. It gave me a very even skin coverage that was lightweight. Three drops total on my face was all I needed. I have been using this product for about two-three weeks now and I can sort of already notice a difference in my skin, which is lovely. Here are a few little shots of the product, and my face before and after.
The Product 

*Note: Make sure to shake the foundation for about thirty seconds since there are no binders, which makes the foundation really thin. I use about three drops on my whole face (1 drop for one cheek, another drop for my other cheek, and a final drop for my forehead/nose/chin).  I would also highly recommend buying the brush, even though it is the same price as the foundation. I know it's a bit pricey, but I read a few reviews where people didn't buy the brush and the brushes that they owned didn't give them the coverage they wanted. But if you do find a different brush that is cheaper and you have it in your collection, then hooray! I just wanted to be safe :)

Before
* As you can see, I have a bit of redness around my nose and in between my eyebrows. I also have a few spots on my chin, which I don't get often. My face is a little bit lighter than the rest of my body. It also is a little shiny on my forehead - yay genes..
After
 *It covered my spots and shininess, while leaving me with an even-skin tone coverage. It also doesn't hide my freckles which I like. 
*I then finished off the look by filling in the brows, a bit of Maybelline mascara on the lashes and bareMinerals vintage peach blush, their warmth, and their mineral veil original to lock in the whole shebang. 

    I am in love with this foundation and will continue to use it until they discontinue it (which will never happen). I have received some lovely comments from strangers and friends about how great my skin looks and I have this foundation to thank. Not only is it beneficial for my skin, but it makes it look great as well. Never in a billion years did I think bareMinerals would hop on the bandwagon and make a liquid foundation, but they did and I love them for it. I really advise you guys to go out and at least test this product - take some samples if you're hesitant about buying the full thing. You will not regret it! Hope this review is helpful for you guys and that you love the product as much as I do!

--Lindsey xx