drugstore.com Mini-Haul

Hello Tuesday my lovelies!! Hope you're all having a fantastical day. I am oddly in a superb mood... The weather probably has something to do with it. :P Such a lovely day in the neighborhood. I hope it rains! I need some rain on my life. Haha.

So a couple weeks ago, I placed an order on drugstore.com because I had some coupon that was fast expiring and the Chapstick I needed were only available on drugstore, soooooooo... ya know. Shipping normally is $6-ish but they had a spend $35, free shipping deal. It wouldn't be right if I bought a $4 lip balm and paid $6 for shipping. No.. Never!

Ever so conveniently, I came across the new EOS lip balm that I have not seen in stores yet. So I basically stocked up on lip balms. It's Winter, I'll be needing these anyways. Haha... delusional excuses.

But yeah, here are the things I picked up from drugstore, all of which are mostly lip balms. Hope y'all enjoy! :)

LIPS
Nivea A Kiss Of Milk & Honey Soothing Lip Care
Chapstick Moisturizer with SPF 12 in Green Apple
Chapstick Moisturizer in Apple Caramel
EOS Visibly Soft Lip Balm Sphere in Vanilla Mint
EOS Visibly Soft Lip Balm Sphere in Coconut Milk
EOS Limited Edition Collection Inspired by Rachel Roy in Barbados Heat Wildberry

Lip balms, lip balms and more lip balms. Who's complaining? Sure ain't me! I love lip balms, I looooove the feeling of smooth, healthy lips. I tend to go crazy during the Winter months though. The cold weather and lack of moisture just sucks the life out of my skin. I will always have some sort of lip balm on me and all day, errrrday applying them.

The Green Apple Chapsticks are a personal favorite amongst the brother and I, we use it for bed time. Apply it before bed and it will stay on for 8+ hours. The scent is just heavenly! I have a weakness for anything Green Apple.

Speaking of apple, look at this snazzy thing, apple on one end, caramel on the other. Can anyone say genius? Apple on the top lip and caramel on the bottom is how I wear mine. Simply delicious. ;)

I'd prefer Chapstick and EOS over Nivea any ol' day but I use Nivea as a fill in if that makes sense. I throw it in my bag for on the go a lot. I also use Nivea as a lip balm treatment while I apply my makeup. I already own the Kiss of Smoothness and Kiss of Green Tea and Olive Oil I think so I wanted to try this one. Not my most favorite I must say, I prefer the Kiss of Smoothness.

Annnd of course, more EOS lip balms. They are so inconveniently bulky and a pain to store but I love them to pieces! EOS has got to be the best lip balm I have EVER tried, hands down, drug store and high end. I know some people don't see the hype in it but I am crazy about them. I have all the scents. LOL. Their formula is amazing.

I have not seen these two new scents in store yet so might as well pick them up while they're still around. I already love the Mint scent, now Vanillas Mint? Uh, yes please! Coconut Milk I'm not too crazy about but that just might be me, I'm not too fond of the coconut scent. And the last one, limited edition, ugh... Smells so yummy! It's a bit too strong compared to other EOS scents so it might be a turn off for the normal EOS users.

EYES
NYX The Adorable Shadow Palette

Another eyeshadow palette?! I have waaaay too many eyeshadows, I shouldn't buy anymore said no makeup enthusiasts ever. LOL. I've actually had my eyes on this palette for quite some time but never actually felt like I needed it. It's basically a nude palette, similar to the many nude palettes that I already own. Oh the struggle..

I finally went for it this time because I needed to reach $35 and I had coupons so.. I know, I know. Horrible reasoning but it worked. Haha.

Besides the packaging being super cute, I also adore NYX's  eyeshadows. It is truly one of the best drug store eyeshadows ever. I've actually used this once already and I was not disappointed. Pigmented, no fallouts, applied so creamily, easy to blend. I cannot get enough of it. I think there were two other palettes, Natural and Smoky, that I may just have to pick up now. Ohhhh boy.

TOOLS
EcoTools Six Piece Essential Eye Set

One can never have enough brushes, especially if they are EcoTools. They are incredibly soft and easy to handle; I don't think I've ever came across an EcoTools brush that I did not like. This set in particular is travel sized which is sooooo handy when packing. You just wanna bring everything but you can't bring everything. Welllp, super glad I came across these babies and for a discount too. I believe I snatched these for about $5.

Speaking of traveling, it also comes with its own travel pouch-case thingy. I might not use it for these brushes but it is a nice pouch that I can definitely use for other purposes.

I hope y'all enjoyed my little haul. It's nothing exciting but I know there are those of you who are interested in seeing my purchases and basically get an idea of what works for me. Please enjoy the rest of your day.

Thank you for visiting and thanks for reading. Please come back soon. :D

Today's Make Up: Water Park Fun Part 2

Well hello, hello all! It is Thursday once again. So who's excited for the weekend?! *raises both hand* ME!

The kid cousins had such a great time at the water park yesterday that they begged me to take them back today. Of course it was an automatic yes, anything of them. :) And so that is how I spent yet another day.

Like yesterday, what I have on my face today is 95% protection and 5% glamour, if even that...

FACE
Hang Ten Classic Sport with SPF 50
IPKN NY Hydro & Pore BB with SPF 35
NYX Stick Blush in Tulip

EYES
Maybelline 24 HR Color Tattoo in Inked In Pink
BH Cosmetics Waterproof Eye Crayon in Shadow

LIPS
Benefit Lollitint
Chap Stick Ultra with SPF 30

Like yesterday, I mixed Hang Ten sunscreen and a hydrating BB Cream together and used it as a tinted sunscreen. Instead of using Benetint, I used a stick blush today. I applied the blush on my finger tips and then onto the apples of my cheeks in a patting motion.

I applied Inked In Pink all over my lids using my fingers. I used Shady Shores yesterday, which was a subtle gold; Inked In Pink is a subtle pink that will glow in all the right places when caught by the light. Just a little something to lift up my eyes. Then I used Shadow to lined my eyes again. It stayed on fine yesterday, just remember not to rub on it.

I swapped Benetint for Lollitint today because I am in a pink mood. Same as yesterday, Lollitint to give my lips some color that will last all day while Chap Stick Ultra will protect my lips with its SPF 30.

Reapplying of the sunscreen and chap stick is key. My skin has been exposed all day yesterday so it is more tender and easily burned today. You better believe sunscreen and shade was my best friend today.

I am off to dip myself in a tub full of aloe vera gels. No really though, I will be a slimy, slime mess for the rest of the day, apply, reapply, apply, it just won't end. My skin need its hydration back.

Thank you for joining me again guys and thank you for reading. Do come back soon! :)

Today's Make Up: Water Park Fun

Hello Hump Day all! After getting through the hump today, we will finally see the weekend. How fast was that?

Since this is the last week of Summer Vacay for my kid cousins, I decided to take them out to the water park today. Yes, there's a pool at home but nothing beats the water park, it's just 10x better! So that's how I spent my day, at the water park, in the sun...yeah... A skin repairing session will be a MUST!

FACE
Hang Ten Classic Sport with SPF 50
IPKN NY Hydro & Pore BB with SPF 35
Benefit Benetint

EYES
Maybelline 24 HR Color Tattoo in Shady Shores
BH Cosmetics Waterproof Eye Crayon in Shadow

LIPS
Benefit Benetint
Chap Stick Ultra with SPF 30

I skipped on moisturizer and instead used a hydrating sunscreen mixed with a hydrating BB Cream as a tinted moisturizer, sunscreen duo. I wanted to even out my skin tone but not necessarily conceal everything. The DIY tinted sunscreen will protect my skin all the while provide with light coverage. To bring my face back to life, I applied a little Benetint on the apples of my cheeks.

I applied Shady Shores all over my eyelids with a clean finger. This shade is light enough to be natural but pigmented enough to give a shimmer and glow. I wanted some colors, but not bright and vibrant in your face color. I used a Waterproof Eye Crayon to line my eyes. This will stay on for a good while if you do not rub on it.

I also used Benetint for my lips as well. Just a little something, something to give my lips color that will also stay on all day. Whenever I go swimming or spend the day outside, Chap Stick Ultra is my go to lip balm. Once applied, it will not budge at all, ever with water. But still, I reapplied every now and then just to be on the safe side.

Throughout the day, I did not forget to reapply sunscreen to my face and body. Always remember to reapply guys! Just a simple step to prevent skin cancer.

Now comes the fun part! I get to apply the hydrating mask  to cool things off. I bet'chu I'll probably hear a sizzling sound as soon as I apply the mask to my face, similar to a frying bacon.

All in all, it was a fun day! I miss those kids so much... although we see each other every weekend but still. They had fun and I had fun with them so it was all worth it. But at 24, I should take more drastic steps to help heal my skin and get it back to its healthiest state.

Hope y'all had a great day. Just a couple more days guys, we can do it!

Thank you for visiting and thanks for reading. Please come back soon! :)

Monthly Faves: May

Helllllo everyone! Yet another Hump Day we got through, almost there folks, almost there.

So today I bring you another Monthly Fave post, things of beauty and non-beauty I enjoy most the past month. Please continue reading to learn what they are. :)

Even though Summer doesn't officially start until the 21st of June, it's pretty much Summer here in Arizona. This is what I mean by Arizona only has two seasons; we're still in Spring but the temperature is in the triple digits already! As you scroll though my favorites for each category, you will see that they pretty much reflect Summer.

FACE: Avene Thermal Spring Water & DIY Cucumber & Aloe Vera Face Mask

I received a travel size can of this Thermal Spring Water in my May iPsy bag but have since purchased two more full sized cans since. I was skeptical at first but fell in love with it after testing it out. Yes it's "water in a can" and I can just "spray water" onto my face without having to spend $18. But somehow, this "water" feels amazing on my face. It's so refreshing and cooling. I use this to set my makeup, which keeps my face super hydrated throughout the Arizona day, I use this after I exercise which immediately cools me off, I use this before bed which looks in the moisture until morning. I don't know what it is about it but I cannot part ways with it now.

I usually use this mask on days I go swimming but even if I don't swim, I will still use it, as often as I could. I would alternate between this and the Hydrating Face Mask almost everyday if possible. The reason why this became a favorite and the other did not is because this recipe is also good for soothing sunburns... which is pretty much inevitable in Arizona. I'm actually still recovering from my sunburn, and this is what helped me through it. It is super quick and easy, requires only two ingredients and your skin will love it! Definite must try!

EYES: Clear Eyes Cooling Comfort

I am fortunate enough to not need contacts or glasses so I can pretty much use any eye drops, any time, any where I want. Arizona sun is so hot that whenever going outside, my eyes feel like someone pulled my eyes out and boiled them in hot, boiling water. Whenever that happens, I use this Cooling Comfort eye drops on my eyes. I am aware that I'm not supposed to use this often so I try to limit myself to like three times daily, with the exception of using it after taking off my makeup, before bed and after swimming. For those, I use a different eye drop but when my eyes are burning I cool it down with this eye drop. It's been a life saver really. When you live in Arizona, you gotta take drastic measures to protect yourself.

LIPS: Chap Stick Moisturizer with SPF15 in Green Apple

Last month, I raved about Nivea Kiss of Smoothness and declared that it is my new favorite night lip balm until I find a new one. Well...move over Nivea because Chap Stick is back in the picture! Before I used Nivea, I was using Chap Stick Candy Cane Peppermint, a Christmas limited edition, but I eventually ran out so that's why I picked up Nivea. At the beginning of last month, I was on drugstore.com and stumbled upon these beauties. Green freaken Apple scent! I looove the scent of green apple, it is absolutely refreshing. I've been wearing this to sleep, to exercise and just all around the house. It hydrates, moisturizes and it smells amazing...

HAIR: Hair Ties (Ouchless) & Silicone Rubber Bands

Even though a hair tie never leaves my body, it's either on my hair or around my wrist, ever since I can remember, they finally receive recognition this month. I chopped my hair off some months ago...maybe before Spring even, but all I've been doing with this hair of mine are high pony tail, high bun, high pony tail and braid. Point being, it's up and out of my face. When I'm asleep it's in a braid, when I swim it's in a braid, when I'm home it's in a pony tail when I'm out it's in a bun. None of that could be possible without those little guys up there. Amazing things they are. The only two brands I use are Scunci and Conair but I do prefer Scunci a little more.

SKIN: Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash in Almond Cream with Hibiscus

I love Dove Body Wash. It moisturizes my skin all throughout Winter and now it keeps my skin hydrated in the Summer months. The wonderful smell is just a plus really.

SCENTS: Fresh Gardenia (from the garden)

I have a couple of Gardenia shrubs in the backyard and recently started blooming...ugh! My yard smells AMAZING! I love Jasmines, Gardenia and those other flowers with scents similar; some people cannot stand them but not me. Nuh uh! I picked the flowers and put them in a bowl or plate and place them in each room of the house. Gardenia heaven throughout.

MISCELLANEOUS: Axis & Allies Spring 1942 Edition

I kid you not... this game is Addicting with a capital A. I blame my cousin. He just finished his freshmen year of high school in May but halfway through the school year, he joined a Board Game Club (I did not have that club in high school!). What the club does is pretty obvious, they play all sorts of board games; but one particular board game that stood out to him was Axis & Allies. He begged his parents to get it for him. Once he had the game in hand, he came running asking my brother and I to play with him. To be honest, I was just being a good cousin at first, lending a hand. Buuuut, two games later, I was as hooked on it as he was. My brother and I both actually. It really gets my brain pumping hard!

I'll explain a littler further for those who might not understand. Axis & Allies literally means the Axis and Allies power during World War II (WWII). There are five players, three Allies and two Axis. Russia(Soviet Union). U.K and the US make up the Allies while Japan and Germany are team Axis. There's a BIG board which is the map of the world and each country set up your land and naval control and basically battle it out... I'll leave that as it is as this can be a touchy feely topic.

FOOD/DRINKS: Homemade Fruit Salad & Detox Water

To make up for last month's unhealthy food choices, this month's favorite food is not only super healthy, it is super easy to prepare at home. All of last month, all I've been snacking on were fruit salads. Spring/Summer means fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, watermelons are in season, so my Mom, being the ever lovable Mom that she is stocks up the fridge with fresh fruits every week. Too much to snack on them alone, I threw some raspberries and banana into a bowl and poured on some vanilla yogurt to experiment. Oh my gosh, it was love at first bite! My brother nudged his way in to try some and he took my bowl and ran with it. The next day, I tried banana with strawberries and the next day strawberries, banana and blueberries. Ever since then, it's been a combo of fruits of  fruit salad, all day, everyday.

This was also last month's favorite drink and to no surprise, also made the list this month. It's so refreshing and body cleansing this Detox Water is. It's also called "The Flat Tummy Water" but to be honest, I'm not sure what's maintaining my weight loss, the exercising, eating healthy or this water. I'll just go out a limb and say it's a combo of all three. But anywho, this is super easy to prepare, one cucumber, one lemon and a few mint leaves. I have mint leaves and a lemon tree out back and cucumbers are crazy affordable so this is what I drink every other day this last month, as well as April.

Hooray for healthy favorites this month! :P

BOOK/MOVIE: Uppity Women by Vicki Leon & Pride & Prejudice

I actually didn't get to finish this book yet, because of that darn Axis & Allies game up there, but I love what I've read. I will finish it off most definitely. It's basically a book about how women are the best with proof through history. I like reading these type of books from time to time. I can easily stop reading at any give moment without being totally into it like I can with novels.

A rediscovered favorite movie. I almost forgot how much I loved this novel. I almost forgot how much I loved this movie adaptation. Still waiting for my Mr. Darcy to come around...

SONG(s): "Night and Day" - Wheesung & "Good-Night Kiss" - Secret's Hyosung

Wheesung finally came back and the title track is orgasmic to my ears. His voice, the song, they MV, him...

Secret's Hyosung made her solo debut and although I love her Mini-Album, my favorite is still the title track. Ugh, she's so sexy! My Woman Crush Wednesday #WCW is definitely Jun Hyosung.

And that's it guys, surprisingly most of my favorites are not even beauty related this month. Avene Thermal Spring Water is borderline skincare, sooo. This just shows you that when it's Summer here in Arizona, beautifying myself is not my first priority.

So I hope ya'll enjoyed this post and if you haven't read the previous months, please check out April, March and February. Thank you for reading and thanks for reading all! :)

Today's Make Up: BBQ/Pool Partaaay

Helloooo everyone! So we continue where we left off last week. Postponed BBQ is on today! The weather cannot be any more perfect for the season's first swim, a whopping 102 degrees! Here is a quick post with the few products that are on my face today.

FACE
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen with SPF 55
ELF Studio Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 20) in Nude
geoGiRL Cream Blush in Eco Bronze
Sula Natural Lip & Cheek Tint in It's Not Me It's You
ELF Essential All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach

EYES
Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo in Barely Beige
BH Cosmetics Party Girl Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil in After Hours

LIPS
Chap Stick Ultra with SPF 30
Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Candied Coral

Instead of using my normal moisturizer, I used a  sunscreen with SPF 55. Must protect the skin, it'll thank you later in the future. I applied a tinted moisturizer on top of that to keep my skin hydrated but still even out my skin tone a bit. This tinted moisturizer is by no mean has any coverage, maybe a little where it can even out uneven skin pigmentation or redness. I find that cream products last longer than powder and stains. Powder is obviously not waterproof, but even stains, I didn't have much luck with them last Summer. So for bronzer, blush and highlight, I used cream products. I can really skip these steps, but I didn't want to look completely horrendous at the party.

I brightened up my eyes by applying this cream shadow in my inner corner and lids. I usually would have stopped there, but since I'm itching to see if this gel pencil is actually waterproof. No mascara today, even waterproof formulas will smudge on me. I don't wanna be a Panda later.

I exfoliated my lips before applying this Chap Stick Ultra with SPF 30; don't  neglect the lips, they need loving too! To have some sort of pop in color, I chose a bright coral balm stain. I chose Jordana out of all my other balm stains because I know for a fact this baby can stain.

That's pretty much it guys. My first swim of the season. If anyone else is going swimming today, tomorrow or in the near future, don't forget to wear sunscreen and reapply every half hour to an hour. Please stay safe around the water and don't forget to have fun! ;)

Okay, I'm out guys. Grubbin' and swimmin' time! See ya back here tomorrow for a (much needed) mask recipe. Thank you for visiting and thanks for reading. Bye! :)