Favorite Holiday Things & Recommendations June 2013

beach cupcakes and beauty lovelies

1. Summer on the Shore. This lovely beach view was from my hotel room (which I received from a generous upgrade). I love spending my days on the beach. It's partially because of the lovely sun and mostly due to the fact that time spent on the beach is time not spent working and frantically checking emails. Speaking of, I am really behind on email correspondences, so please be patient with me if you contacted me and haven't heard back yet. I spent all week on the beach and am still easing out of vacation mode. 

2. Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen. I have been using this Revercel sunscreen and tint (review here) as my go to foundation for my "good skin" days. It gives off an amazingly natural and dewey glow. I have been wanting to try the Illamasqua Skin Base foundation for the dewey look, but I think I will save myself the $40 and stick to this spf 45 tint for the summer months.

3. Sigma Eye Shadow Base. I pack light when I am on vacation. These Sigma eyeshadow bases (swatches and review here) are the perfect eyeshadow and base for the shore. They are lightweight, pigmented and can be used as eyeshadows and/or base. Granted they are not completely waterproof, but they lasted well for me under the hot sun.

4. Birthday Cupcakes. There are very few things I enjoy more than a scrumptious red velvet cupcake. I enjoyed this one on my birthday and indulged in some unhealthy treats and drinks. I won't regret this one because vacation is supposed to be filled with guilty indulgences!

Braided Updo, Ribbon Elastics, Guilt-free Tiramisu Weekend

This gorgeous summer weather is lending itself to another wonderfully scrumptious Saturday. There are a lot of fun celebrations this weekend and I am enjoying the good eats and styles that come along with it. Looking for something fun this weekend? Try some new hairdos, recipes and accessories. It doesn't matter if you are at the beach or at home, these treats are sure to be enjoyable.


1. I love the braided updo worn by Emma Watson to her Bling Ring rep carpet premiere. Use this short tutorial for an inspired braided updo that's great for the boardwalk:
  1. Blow-dry hair loosely with a 2 inch round brush.
  2. Lightly layer in texurizer or hairspray for extra texture and grip.
  3. Using a fine-tooth comb, make a deep side part.
  4. Brush the hair through to the back on both sides and secure each with a hair tie to keep them separated.
  5. Unfasten the hair tie on one side and begin French braiding just above the ear, working down to the nape of the neck. Fasten with the hair tie.
  6. Repeat this process on the opposite side but divide the hair into two sections to allow you to braid two narrower lines on this side.
  7. Once the three pieces have been braided to the nape of the head, merge the remaining hair together and braid in the middle to the end of the pony
  8. Once the braid is finished, twist the hair into a bun at the base of the neck.
  9. Secure the braid bun with a few bobby pins.

2. Jessica over at Dessert with Benefits cooked up a scrumptiously breathtaking tiramisu that is sugar-free and no bake! For someone who dislikes the hassle of an oven, that is double yum!

BH Cosmetics Eco Brush Set - EcoTools Brushes Dupe?

EcoTools and BH Cosmetics brushes are among the highest rated affordable brushes. That is, they haven't been researched to death to provide the newest and latest "makeup break through," but they do their job consistently and reliably. Both brands have gone through some changes in terms of packaging and production, but which one fares better today? EcoTools brushes and the Eco BH Cosmetics brushes are almost identical in many senses. One might think that BH Cosmetics copied straight off of Ecotools, but maybe it isn't so much copying as as having similar manufacturers.

Both Ecotools an BH Cosmetics have factories in China that either manufacture or package its products. For that reason, you will find various brushes or "fakes" sold all over the Internet. The fake brushes may not be fake at all, but rather stolen, lost or subpar brushes that never made it to final production and packaging for official sale. To be safe, you should always buy your brushes from reliable sources to prevent buying stolen or defective merchandises. Sometimes reliable sellers can be tricked to getting their products from unreliable sources, so you should be aware of that as well.

EcoTools vs BH Cosmetics brushes
This sleek BH Cosmetics Eco Brush Set is an eco-friendly 10 piece brush set is made with natural and recycled materials. Each brush comes with soft and fluffy synthetic bristles. The naturally-dyed, lime green bamboo handles add a modern look to your everyday brushes and come with recycled aluminum ferrules.

BH Cosmetics brushes fake
Each set comes in a soft linen case that will protect your brushes when on the go. The case is almost identical to the one used by EcoTools.

Weekend Poolside Party

I try to manage a balance and healthy diet throughout the week; I really do. But a girl has got to live and to live requires a little more exciting weekend meals and drinks. On some weekends and holidays, I prefer a tasty meal accompanied by a cool mix drink. I can work out all week and diet all year, but it's not satisfying until I get to taste an exquisite cuisine and succumb to delicious drink.

Female Weekend Lifestyle

I was recently introduced to the most delicious summer drink, the Bahama Colada by  BACARDI®. This drink, created for and tailored to me, is beautiful and flavorful. The blend of coconut and kiwi is tropical and delicious. (The Bahama Colada is made with 1 can frozen BACARDI® Mixers Piña Colada Mix, 1 cup BACARDI® Gold, 1⁄4 cup BACARDI® Coconut, 1 kiwi, 1/3 cup lime juice, 4 cups of ice and 1 kiwi for garnish.)

I made a large batch of the drink last weekend and invited some friends over for a little tropical BACARDI® party by the pool. The  BACARDI® rum and mixers paired beautifully with snacks such as mixed fruits, chips and salsa. I managed to locate some frozen whole coconuts to use as a side drink and decoration. My friends loved the party and were particularly blown away by the Bahama Colada. The weather has been so hot lately that everyone naturally gravitated towards the cool mixed drinks.

Revlon BB Cream and Nearly Naked Makeup

Do you like BB creams or multipurpose foundations? I'm sure I've mentioned it a dozen time before, but multipurpose foundations and BB creams are my absolute go-to makeup for the summer. Why throw on heavy layers of foundation and makeup when they'll just melt off your face and leave an oily shine? Summer is a season for natural, radiant skin with a simple and easy-to-apply foundation.

Revlon
Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder, Revlon Photoready BB Cream and Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup Fond de Teint

I was given the opportunity recently to test out the Revlon Photoready BB Cream, Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup Fond de Teint and Nearly Naked Pressed Powder. As I mentioned before, the bb creams are my favorite foundations, sunscreens and skincare combo for the summer.

I love the Revlon Photoready BB Cream. It is a lightweight beauty balm that combines skincare, makeup, and sunscreen into one step. I find the Nearly Naked foundation to be higher coverage with a dewier finish than the bb cream, but I still prefer the bb cream for the summer. The Revlon Nearly Naked foundation and powder are affordable, simple and work beautifully, but something I am reserving for night time or the cooler weather.

Three Summer 2013 Makeup Brushes: Wayne Goss, Sigma, Dior

Expect to see a lot of new makeup brush lines coming out this Summer. Boy, makeup brushes are getting really popular worldwide. Are there any makeup junkies out there without a single makeup brush?

1. Sigma Brushes will be releasing a set of mystery individual brushes!
Sigma Performance Eyes Brushes to be sold individually

Which brush from Sigma's brush collection do you think will be sold individually? My guess is that the brushes from the Performance Eyes Kit (aff link) will soon be sold separately. This is only my guess, but it seems that these Performance Eyes brushes are the only eye brushes currently not sold individually. And it is about time too! I lose my brushes a lot when I travel and I would love to replace some of them without having to order an entire new kit!

2. Dior Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Blush Brush is now available.

Dior Blush Brush 2013
Dior's blush brush from their Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise collection is now available everywhere Dior is sold. Despite the hype, most readers report that this brush is identical to Dior's regular blush brush save that it has red bristles. I wouldn't exactly recommend anyone rush out to get this brush.

3. GossMakeupArtist (Wayne Goss) will release his own line of makeup brushes!

GossMakeupArtist Brush Collection Release

This famous makeup artist and Youtube beauty guru is working on his own collection of makeup brushes. We don't have the exact details as of yet, but he is working hard. His dream is to create makeup brushes that are interchangeable with multiple functions. I already use my brushes pretty interchangeably, but we'll see where he goes with this!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Sigma images are property of Sigma Beauty. All images belong to their respective owner. All opinions expressed herein are those of the author.

Summer Skin Care with Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen

This summer, avoid retinol and harsh or abrasive exfoliants. In fact, avoid exfoliants and acidic face washes completely if you can do so. Exfoliation strips away the extra layer of dead skin cells that can serve to shield your skin from harmful rays. If you feel that your skin is not vibrant enough without the aid of exfoliants, replace your regular foundation with an extra dewey or moisturizing one instead. Be sure your foundation includes a high SPF to fight the harsh ultraviolet rays.

When looking at summer skincare, I prefer something like Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen, a multipurpose sunscreen. Revercel Triple Duty also works as a sheer skin tint with peptide-powered anti-aging ingredients. This SPF 45 sunscreen protects the skin against sun damage and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Revercel’s anti-aging complex is said to repair DNA damage, stimulate collagen production and control the balance of cytokines to delay the effects of premature aging.

Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen Review
The Revercel Triple Duty Skinscreen is simply packaged in a clean squeeze bottle.

Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen Swatches
Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen provides slight coverage and tint to the skin.

I have not yet noticed any permanent skin tone restoring effect due to this sunscreen, but it works effectively as my summer sunscreen and skin tint. With the summer so hot and humid, I always prefer to keep my makeup to a minimum. The sheer tint works well enough to double as my foundation and sunscreen. And the anti-aging properties are always a plus even if it's not something I'm worried about at the moment. It feels good to know that what I am wearing for aesthetics is not only protecting my skin, but potentially repairing it as well.

Vince Camuto Judy Bag - Minimizing in Sulphur Spring

After years of lugging around large totes and oversized handbags, I've decided to settle into something lighter and more compact. My love for the oversized bags remains the same, but my shoulders thank me for switching to the more convenient crossbody bag. My latest conquest is the Vince Camuto Judy Crossbody bag in Sulphur Spring. Vince Camuto is not a familiar designer for me as far as handbags go, but I love his recent designs. This vibrant yellow bag is accompanied by a gorgeous medallion tassel. The Judy crossbody bag is a beautiful display of elegance and playfulness.

Vince Camuto Judy Crossbody  Bag

Vince Camuto Judy Crossbody Review

Vince Camuto Handbags

My one complaint would probably be the strap. I am not a huge fan of metallic straps as I think they can come off cheap looking. Fortunately, the metallic layer is highlighted only on one side of the leather strap. Still, I would much prefer a sturdy leather strap throughout. Another thing to note is the easily scratched hardware. I only just got this bag, but look at the damage I've caused already!