A special thank you to a talented photographer by the name of Alex Barbayianis for the kimono shots
Category: beauty
Just A Thought on Women…
I think the outcry for equal pay and rights for women is great. But we need action and now just an awards show speech. It’s imperative to teach women that they are an investment; to not be afraid to negotiate their salary and to push for that raise because they deserve it.
Nominal November Ipsy
SeaRx Birch Sap Moisturizing Lotion
This hand lotion is a dud. My hands are permanently dry, but still the Birch Sap lotion did absolutely nothing–no hydration, no soft hands–nothing. The plus size is the lotion smells like a cross between floral and fruity. Also the sample is so small, the tube is only good for 3 to 4 uses.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye
Wow! One of the best (if not the best) under eye concealers I have ever used. I’m bummed the sample size is so small, which means I may have to purchase the full size. The formula is smooth and creamy and the concealer over-delivers in coverage. A+!
J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint in Mad Splatter
I’ve seen so many great red lip colors in other Glam Bags and I’ve been hoping ipsy would finally send me one. But hey, you can’t get everything in life. Nonetheless the lip paint is an electric magenta perfect for a sassy look. The lip paint though is more of a lip gloss and it can be a bit difficult to work with so watch out for that. It may look nice on top of a magenta lipstick.
Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray
Just your run of the mill hairspray with decent hold. I can’t say too much about this hairspray because I used it on top of my already hairsprayed hair (I had it done the night before). But it made my hair smell nice! I still prefer the Moroccan Oil hairspray though.
Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Ultra Olive
Such a beautiful color. I was not pleased when I saw this eyeliner in my Glam Room. But once I wore it I was instantly proved wrong. The deep olive and glitter play up any eye color and the liner is super creamy.
P.S.: The samples were tiny this month like dare I say Birchbox!
Ordinary October Ipsy
City Color Be Matte Lipstick in Cappuccino
My first lipstick from ipsy was such a bummer! The lipstick is extremely drying on my already super dry lips and smells like crayons (not exaggerating). The only redeeming factor is the beautiful neutral coral color.
Doll 10 Beauty H2Glo Highlighter
I’m not a fan of highlighters; mainly because my face is naturally shiny and I’m terrible at using them. But this creamy highlighter does pack shine and is easy to apply. A little on your cheekbones certainly goes a long away.
Figs & Rouge Hand Cream in Rose Berry
Even though my hands are permanently dry I still don’t navigate toward hand creams. This hand cream smelled exactly like PEZ and not the best kind like lemon, but the medicine-tasting berry ones. Gosh this cream’s odor was just as bad as the lipstick’s and it wasn’t as hydrating as I expected.
ModelCo VOLUMEYES Extreme Black Mascara
Finally a better product! VOLUMEYES isn’t the most voluminous mascara but it does the job. It’s not too black either, but it’s perfect for everyday. The brush is a bit too fat for me; personally I think a thinner brush of the same length produces more volume for lashes. And the mascara does get dry after one or two coats, so make sure to apply quickly!
Skyn Iceland Mini Glacial Cleansing Cloths
So sticky! These cleansing cloths were supposed to be ‘refreshing.’ The cloths leave a residue on your face and considering I just started a new acne regimen I think I’m better off steering clear of random face products.
Overall a basic of set of products. Hopefully the November glam bag is more exciting!
Street Style September
Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil in Gun Metal
Oh ipsy! I indicated on the beauty quiz that I have light/fair skin and yet they continue to send me products that are way to light for my complexion. Don’t get me wrong this eyeliner is a beautiful silver, but it does not stand out against my fair skin. The darker option would’ve worked better. The pencil works great on top of any neutral eyes shadow. I wouldn’t exactly label this product as water-proof, but it does have great staying power and the eye pencil easily comes off with make up remover.
Be A Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder
Again, I’m not a fan of primers or powders even though I should be because my T-zone is quite oily. This is a white, loose, HD powder and a little goes a long way. The powder does keep your foundation intact, but if you’re planning on being photographed during the day stay away from it because the white residue will show in pictures.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
This is not one of the best conditioning masks I’ve used, there are better. Briogeo’s product did absolutely nothing to my ends even after 5 minutes of leaving it in my hair. I’m a bit disappointed. Granted my hair is fried from highlights, the sun and the chlorine all summer, but I still expected some type of improvement even if it was minimal.
Cailyn Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in Basic Instinct
I’m growing tired of the neutral tones ipsy! It’s fall so I wished I received the deep burgundy instead. But still this creamy lip gloss is super pigmented and has great staying power. The color is a deep nude and most certainly works better with a smokey eye for a night out.
What a surprise! This bottle is twice to three times as large as the samples given out at department stores. Hello smells like woman’s version of cologne (if that even makes sense). The roller applicator makes it easy to apply and the scent lasts all day.
Crossing my fingers October’s glam bag is a bit more exciting!
Another Great August Ipsy
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner
This is only my second Glam Bag and ipsy has already won me over. I may be slowly falling in the love with the subscription bag. The theme for August was ‘Beauty Schooled.’ Sigh. Summer seriously flew by.
I had been wanting to try this Dr. Brandt primer since I was subscribed to Birchbox, so I was very excited to have it in my bag. I don’t often use primer even though I should because I get oily in my T-zone, but Dr. Brandt sure does deliver. The pore minimizing primer is light weight and quite mattifying. I only applied small amounts to my forehead, tops of the cheeks and chin. It did a great job at minimizing my pores and my makeup stayed put all day without getting shiny.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
After reading an article in Bazaar praising this mascara I really thought I hit the jackpot when I saw this in the Glam Bag. This was the first Urban Decay mascara I’ve tried, but for all the praise this mascara under-performed. The formula is very wet and not buildable. The mascara does give some volume and length, but it was subpar to even some drug store brands. I expected better from Urban Decay.
J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow in Half Naked
This eye shadow’s golden sheen works best for the corners of the eye or middle of the lid. Half Naked was a bit too light for my fair skin and the shadow can get powdery, but it does pack a decent amount of pigment. It’s a nice shadow and I’ll be using it the specific areas mentioned, but it still doesn’t beat Urban Decay’s Half Baked.
Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner
I wish the chapstick was sent earlier in the summer! I have too many chapsticks to count, but what does make the Jersey Shore Sun one stand out is the lime kick. The balm is moisturizing and the flavor is deliciously tropical, but again I’m sure we all have a ton of chapsticks.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
Klorane Dry Shampoo, for me at least, is ranked up there with the Batiste dry shampoos. I actually used this on third day hair (embarrassing!) and it did a great job at absorbing all the oil. The dry shampoo also leaves your hair super soft and clean. But make sure to spray at least 12 inches away from roots because this specific dry shampoo can leave a very powdery white residue. Overall I’m pleased with ipsy and excited to see what the fall Glam Bags have in store!
St. Lucia: If Paradise Had A Name
And if Paradise had a location it would be St. Lucia.
The last week of July I was lucky enough to vacation in beautiful Vieux Fort, St. Lucia at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. It was my first time vacationing at an all-inclusive resort and it definitely set the bar for future trips.
The resort was only a 3 minute drive from the airport, which upon arrival we were greeted with rum punch. Our room took a little longer than expected to tidy up, but fortunately we satiated our famished tummies with the spicy stir-fry at lunch and cooled off after in one of the many pools on the resort. If you’re a pool person then this is the place for you; the resort boasts an enormous property of pools. And if adventure is your ambition then make sure to ride on one of the two exhilarating water slides.
Our room was on the Harmony side of the resort (adults only). The ocean-view room with a balcony could definitely use an update, but it was perfect for just spending the night. On the other hand, the shower is tiny! It was such a hassle to bathe.
As for recreational activities don’t miss the chance to kayak and paddleboard. The ocean on the southern part of the island is not ideal for snorkeling because of the murky Atlantic Ocean. If you’re more of a beach gal look into staying on the northern or western part of St. Lucia. The instructors were a blast; they were humorous and even treated us to fresh coconut water and sugar cane.
Breakfast was a basic array of omelettes and french toast. The fresh banana crepes were by far one of the highlights of my trip. Buffet dinner was also tasty, especially if you don’t mind the stunning ravens flying above you. The first night we had dinner at Calabash, the Caribbean restaurant. The seafood chowder and filet mignon are must-haves. The sangria at Capri, the Italian restaurant, is one of the best I’ve had and the escargot is their specialty. Silk, Asian fusion, is by far the best restaurant at the resort. Our gracious server ordered us one of every appetizer. Along with the zesty curry soup, Silk was the best night (for food) of the trip.
St. Lucia isn’t just limited to the resort so of course we went on excursions. Our first one was a one-hour away shopping trip to the Castries. We bought a few trinkets from the arts and crafts center to bring back home. After shopping we cooled off at the beautiful Rodney Bay with some Piton beers. The excursion that took the cake was the jeep safari tour to Soufriere where we took in the majestic views of the Gros Piton and Petite Piton. After we took a plethora of pictures at the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and a dip in the crisp waters of the Torraille Waterfall. Sulphur Springs was the pinnacle of the tour. We lathered up in volcanic ash and rinsed off in the steaming volcanic water in the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano.
Overall, the hotel is need of some upkeep, but word has it more shops and additions are coming soon. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, especially the cute crabs walking all over the resort. St. Lucia is a quiet and relaxing island that I would surely visit again.
**** 4/5 stars
Introduction to Ipsy
After a less than pleasant experience with Birchbox my sister took the plunge and signed me up for ipsy as a birthday gift. And I’m glad she did. ipsy is the same concept as Birchbox, but the quiz is more specific and the bags are more tailored to your preferences.
July’s bright pink Glam Bag smelled like sun tan lotion and sand; the perfect summer day mix. Luckily the goodies were feeling the same vibe.
bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow
So the sample was half the size of my pinky finger, but the formula packs intense color. Divine Wine is a sultry, dark taupe for fall. A little goes a long away on your lids. Because it packs such intense color it’s a bit difficult to work with when it comes to lighter shadows. The description says the shadow can double as a primer, but I only find this true for darker shadows. I’m looking forward to using more of this shadow in the fall and winter.
Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08
The tanning oil is a nice edition to my packing essentials before vacation. I haven’t tried it in the sun yet, but I briefly tested the formula on my arm. The oil has a nice scent and it absorbs fully and quickly into the skin. Overall I’m excited to lather it on during vacation.
Pixi Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm (Pretty in Pink)
What a beautiful pink for summer. The balm is sheer and applies smoothly, but it’s a bit drying and doesn’t last too long.
Pop Beauty Beauty Sunkissed Bronzer
I’m pretty fair so bronzer is tough to work with, but this one blends so beautifully into the skin that you just can’t resist using it everyday. A light hand will just do with this matte powder and I promise you won’t look orange.
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray Conditioning & Texturizing Spray
This is my second time using a product from this line and once again I’m impressed. I already have wavy hair so the spray at least for me is intended to enhance the natural waves. The texturizing spray definitely holds a beach wave and the fact that it smells like the beach doesn’t hurt either.
Can’t wait for the next Glam Bag!
Chasing the Sun for the Manhattanhenge
The Perfect Places of Sleep
I’ve always had weird, vivid dreams. Dreams that I cannot shake.
Fears that manifest themselves into choppy sleep. Swimming in the
warm beaches of South Dakota. Are the Dakotas even tropical? Reality
slipping into dreams faster that falling asleep. Symbols consume reality
and devour your sleeping-state. Buddha’s words still still haunt me. I
plan to prove him wrong. From arguing with a former paramour among
a park of moving sculptures to the White House covered in ominous
clouds. An aged Grace Kelly confronts me with my guilt as an even older friend
shows me the value of forgiving. Once a maze my dream journal reads like
an incomplete puzzle. It makes sense now. Maybe I should start writing my
dreams down again…
Olympia Bardis 