UPDATE/Pastels

UPDATE: I disappeared for amazing reasons! I'm working to start a travel company, so that entails A LOT of time and effort. I've got a majority of things finished and am now back to keep my blog up! More details to come with the travel company!

I just want to point out that I am a FIRM believer pastels own all other colors. Pastels are the best for a perfect pop of color and I happen to live for Spring and Summer seasons. I know plenty of people who are forced to wear all black for work or just choose to wear all black who always wear some bold, statement necklace or bright shoes. One of my favorite ways to play up all black outfits is nail varnish and lipstick.

I, firstly, wanted to share just a couple of my go-to pastel lipsticks.

Top Shops' Pillow Talk. It's an everyday pastel. I happen to wear to go through it far too fast. You do have to reapply maybe once a day (after eating normally) but it's the perfect subtle pastel. I have found that the more you apply, the more opaque it will become. I like to wear it both ways depending on the look I'm going for it.

Top Shops' Pillow Talk - $16.00

 

Lime Crimes' COSMOPOP. It's a Creamsicle delight. How Lime Crime gets their lipstick unbelievably opaque is mind-boggling. This color, in my opinion, is perfect for hot summer days. People will instantly think ice cream and will be begging to know where you got this summery hue.

 Lime Crimes' CosmoPop - $18.00

 

Lime Crimes' D-LILAC and MINT TO BE. They are probably the most adventurous of pastels that I've chosen, but I think every woman should venture out sometime and scoop up these gorgeous colors. They bring a stunning pop of color and I promise you will always have someone asking where you got your lipstick.

Lime Crimes' D'LILAC - $18.00

Lime Crimes' Mint To Be - $18.00

 

I realize most were Lime Crime lipsticks that I have chosen, but their colors are incomparable.

The opaque and unique factors this company brings is addicting. They glide onto your lips so smoothly and you don't have to apply all day with most. I would recommend checking out the rest of their products is you love great packaging, unique colors, and incredible staying power.

You can click here to check their site out.

 

 

Now for NAILS!

 

Essies' Mint Candy Apple. Being a mint freak (color, chocolate, ice cream, etc.) This is my go-to color. Even in the Winter time, I'm wearing this mint color - it almost reminds me of snowflakes for some odd reason! It's also the perfect beach hue. Basically, I only have wonderful words for this polish and I will wear it any season, at any time.

 

Essies' Mint Candy Apple - $8.50

 

Butter Londons' Cheeky Chops is described as a bright yellow, but when I've worn it (which is often), I would describe it as a pastel yellow. It is a bit more pricey, but if you have ever used this nail polish you will know that the stay power is outrageous. I never have a problem with chipping or peeling. My only complaint is the drying time, it's not most quick drying but I do have tips on how-to make that stage go faster. Let me know if you'd enjoy a how-to on drying nail quicker!

Butter Londons' Cheeky Chops - $15.00

 

Last, but certainly not least, is Miss Tanya Burrs' Little Duck. I love all blues, but I find it hard to rave about too many pastel blue nail polishes. THIS, however, is so beautiful! Our favorite Youtuber has come out with such a lovely color.. This could be worn with most colors, as it's very subtle - but when worn with all black, it is definitely a POP! Plus the name is super cute. ;)

Tanya Burrs' Little Duck - NOW ON SALE $6.81

Click here to take you to it before it's out of stock or the sale ends!

 

 

I would love to hear what pastel nail polish and lipsticks are your favorite - I'm always looking to try new products! Or, let me know if you hate pastels and only prefer darker colors or brighter colors! Thanks so much little love bugs!

 

XO,

Jade

"My skin is so dry."

How many times have you thought you had extremely dry skin, especially in the Winter? I'm going to let everyone in on a secret - I used to think I had terrible combination skin. My skin felt oily and dry at the same time. How does that even happen? My sole purpose today is basically educate my readers on the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.

 

 

With dry skin, Gaga put it best, you were born this way. You lack the ability to produce enough oil, causing the undesirable tightness and flakiness. You skin may be left rough and inflamed. Dry skin makes it hard to absorb moisturizers or lotions. This can all be a result from medical issues, hormone imbalances or you can thank your genetics for that one.

 

What you should try for dry skin: Knock out the moisturizers and lotions and pick up some heavier rich creams or essential oils. These aren't going to immediately soak up and leave you layering on another round of product, but instead gradually work the oil into your skin. I'd also recommend ditching any product that strips away said oil - lay low on the harsh exfoliates and try a gentle exfoliate to easy the flakiness off and pair with a sensitive or gentle milk/lotion cleanser to keep the skin from becoming more inflamed.

 

 

Moving on to dehydrated skin, this is simply a lack of water. Most people with acne prone skin or oily skin have dehydrated skin. It usually appears as patchy, tight and irritated. Most factors that cause dehydrated skin are environmental, certain makeup products used, weather, diet, etc. A main cause of dehydrated skin is a lack of water intake. The water we drink, the food we eat.. all of it counts. And because our water intake takes the longest to get to our skin, you should be constantly drinking it. (This applies to every kind of skin, really.)

 

What you should try from dehydrated skin: Lukewarm showers so you're not absorbing all moisture with boiling hot showers and a water-rich diet that includes: cucumber, celery and watermelon. As far as products go, you're going to look for water-based products as opposed to the dry skin people. Check out any kind of sulfate-free and oil free cleansers.

 

 

"It’s like this. Leather is dry and because of it, a leather chair needs to be conditioned with oil to prevent it from drying out. If you apply water to a leather chair, it only gets drier."

Source

Just a little thing to keep in mind, it all works the same and knowing the difference will help prevent any future flakiness. Hope I gave you a little insight and made you reevaluate your skin choices!

 

XO, Jade

Top 5 MAC Lipsticks - Louboutin Edition

No, no, no.. MAC (unfortunately) didn't come out with another limited edition featuring every ladies dream shoe! I just decided to do a top 5 for my favorite red MAC lipsticks - you know, like Louboutins' infamous red sole - only my list is much cheaper!

 

From classic Monroe to rocker Stefani and vintage-goth Von Teese, I tend to think of myself as a flourishing celebrity any time I put red lipstick on. Personally, it gives a simple kind of self-confidence and if you pick the right color, really makes your pearly whites pop! Just a heads up, my list is starting from 1 being my most favorite. So, let's begin!

 

5. Diva



Diva is a matte, burgundy-red. The only thing I have to say about this color is:

let your inner Rihanna out.

This is definitely a hip shakin', body rollin' kind of color.

 

4. True Love's Kiss - Maleficent Edition

The picture doesn't come close to depicting how beautiful this hue is. It's a very opaque, bright red with warmer-neutral tones. It's got a gorgeous sheen and applies very smooth. I would plan to wear this color out in the day time when the sun can hit it. Once it does, the shimmer comes out and makes this lipstick 10x more exciting.

 

3. Lady Danger

I LOVE this coral-red lipstick. I get a lot of controversy on this color because of the coral. People complain to me that coral "isn't their look" or it makes their teeth look more yellow. I despise most people who tell me that a shade isn't their look - I believe the color isn't your look, but make the look your color! If you want to wear coral.. wear it and own it! For the yellow teeth, luckily Lady Danger is more red, than coral and it's actually really nice to your teeth. It's not as nice as Ruby Woo - but it's not going to make them look dingy. Overall, it's a great summer color.

 

2. Russian Red

A classic to most - all the celebrities and beauty bloggers rave about Russian Red. You cannot go wrong with this intense matte bluish-red toned lipstick. It's stunning and pairs well with MAC's Brick Lip Pencil. Great for any occasion, but I mostly prefer it for a lovely night out.

 

1. Ruby Woo

 

Absolutely stunning. With a very vivid blue-red undertone, it's recommended on cool and neutral skin tones. With that being said, I have seen some very warm-toned ladies pull off this color better than most. Since this product IS retro matte, it's best to exfoliate with some type of lip scrub before use (I use Lush Popcorn scrub). If I want more of an easy application, I will cover my entire lips in MACs' Cherry lip pencil first. It's great for an everyday look with classic winged liner! This is my winner!

 

 

 

I am swooning over these lipsticks all over again! If you guys recommend any great red lipsticks from MAC or from any other brand, let me know! I'd love to hear about everyone's favorite reds!

 

Xo, Jade

My 2014 Summer Staples

Now, I cannot say Summer is my favorite season but I do have certain staples that help me get through the boiling weather. From clothes, to hair products, to makeup, to food - there are plenty of ways to cool off and feel gorgeous.

 

 

 

1. WATER. WATER. WATER. I know it's a cliché thing to say but it will ultimately save your life. Living in the south has reminded me to drink more; I've had my share of scares from being dehydrated. Also, it will save your skin - especially if you're one of the many people who tan or for my fair-skinned friends, suffer from pesky sunburns. This leads us to our second important Summer must-have.

 

2. Sunscreen/Fake Tan. There's a difference between a sun kissed glow and looking like cheap, beat up leather. As far as sunscreen goes, I recommend Kiss My Face Natural Mineral Sunscreen with Hydresia, SPF 40. It smells wonderful and is extremely light weight. My only tip for the product would be to use conservatively. A little goes a long way and if used too liberally, will show up with a white cast. It can be prevented though and also will save you product.

As for fake tan, I do prefer St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. It has always been a favorite. It feels like velvet and always goes on evenly. I look for non-orangey, evenness when I look for self tanners and this product is my number one. It may be a bit pricey for some, but I would say it's completely worth it. I do have some dupes, so let me know if you'd be interested to read that!

Kiss My Face Natural Mineral Sunscreen - $14.99

(Currently out of stock online but can be picked up at certain drugstores - I usually get mine at Whole Foods in the lotion/soap section)

 

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse - $42.00

(In Stock)

 

3. Cleansing Wipes. Always handy to have. Nobody enjoys a sweaty, dirty and oily face while they're out having a nice picnic, going to a rad festival or just in general! Simple Skincare has proven me right! They have two different facial wipes that I have found most reliable. The first is their Cleansing Facial Wipes - great for just a simple (see what I did there) cleanse to wipe the grime away. The next set are my absolute saviors! Having very combination skin, I get incredibly oily in the T zone and the rest of my face is dry. Simple has Oil Balancing Wipes that are perfect for my skin. It really rids the outside oils that leave my face looking greasy and really penetrates the dry areas with moisture. I'm a firm believer in Simples' products!

Most of their products you can find at your local drug store, but they give you options to buy them online as well. The wipes runs about $5, so very budget friendly!

 

4. Backpacks. I know everyone has mixed emotions on backpacks, that they "aren't for them." But I have found this to be one of my favorite Summer essentials. If you're a Summer adventurer or tend to carry EVERYTHING with you or even just think they look cool - backpacks are for you. I find that I can shove my makeup, camera, phone charger, a book, wallet, etc. in there and I'll always have room for more. Plus, there are several options as far as looks go. I went for the Veronica by Frye which isn't in everyone's budget (nor mine, it was a gift) but mine was purchased at Nordstrom and they really do have quite the selection. Backpacks can be inexpensive though. I recommend checking out TJ Maxx (or TK if you're in Europe), Marshalls, Target or more.

 

5. Solid Lightweight Tee's. While I love high street clothing and getting fancy, I'm a sucker for going out and being comfortable as well. Lightweight tee's and off the shoulder, sheer fabrics are my go-to. H&M gives me everything I need and I can stock up on the most snuggly, inexpensive and universal shirts! You can pair these with any type jean, skirts, vests, shorts - anything and they work! I recommend going with their Slub Jersey tee's. They are addicting!

Slub Jersey Tee in Dark Green - $9.95

 

6. Sunglasses. This is by far the most needed essential. Luckily, sunglasses can be used year round. If you're like me, you have to have a different pair of sunnies for every outfit (that's exaggerated, but yes.. I'm a hoarder.) Basically, I'm obsessed. Cheap, new, expensive, vintage, funky, classic - you name it and I probably own them. I think if a pair of sunglasses does their job and makes you feel like a badass - get them. They're eye-saving and can make an outfit. Check out my two favs below!

Alexander McQueens' Spine Skull Round Sunglasses - $350.00

 

Targets' Cateye Sunglasses in Tortoise - $14.99

 

 

7. Smoothies. Bless the person who thought to throw fruit, yogurt, milk, and whatever else together to create such deliciousness. They deserve all the smoothies in the world. The best way to start a day is with a fresh smoothie. During Summer I'm always on the go and so busy trying to enjoy the daylight that I tend to wait for bigger meals later in the day. To keep my energy and metabolism up, a smoothie is the best pick me up. Click here to find the recipe for one of my favorites!

 



Preventions' Berry Good Workout Smoothie - YUM!

 

 

Now, while I have several more - most are fashion/makeup related. I may make a second post on those soon! Keep a look out for more tips in the future!

 

XO, Jade

Finally Giving In

I did it.

I finally started a blog.

 

Honestly, I'm doing this for selfish reasons - to talk about me and what I like. Is that what blogs are even for anymore or just to entertain? Regardless, I'm here to share some creative ideas, personal endeavors, goals I have, music I love, things I want to try, stories, etc.

 

 

Since I'm shit at introductions, maybe let's just go potluck for now. I think I'll just lay down everything that happens to be rumbling around in my brain.

 

For starters:

 

1. I've taken on a pretty rad job recently. I'm in the midst of creating a website and all social media for my grandmothers' upcoming company The Travel Duchess. I'm beyond stoked, you guys.

 

2. I'm addicted to the T.V. show White Collar. I can't stop. Won't stop. Bless Matt Bomers' contagious smile and his luscious locks. (Please send help.)

 

3. I have been channeling my inner Adele far too much. Hence my makeup on my blog banner. Someone please take away my liquid liner, red lipstick and bronzer. Actually, don't. I might kill you. Adele is stunning and basically I want to be her. The end.

 

 

4. Hoodie Allens' Show Me What You're Made Of. This song has been stuck in my head for probably a month now. I'd kill to see Hoodie Allen in concert, his rapping is mad dope. I'm into it.

 

Show Me What You're Made Of - Hoodie Allen

 

5. I've been dog sitting for a week now and have now realized why I don't have an infant puppy. The biting, scratching, barking, whining.. I could potentially be losing my shit.

 

 

6. Porridge, man. I have been eating copious amounts and may possibly die. A dollop of Oikos Greek yogurt, fresh fruit (I prefer plums and apricots), toasted nuts and a drizzle of honey.

 

 

7. These all turned into obsessions. Hi, my name is Jade and I have an addictive personality.

 

"Many scientists believe that addictive behaviors are defined by the "excessive, repetitive use of pleasurable activities to cope with unmanageable internal conflict, pressure, and stress."

 

Oh strange Wikipedia article, you know me so well.

 

 

 

Well, that was fun.

Clearly, there is going to be much more to come from me. Not just a list of my weird obsessions. This blog will serve to help me share many things and I cannot wait to work all of this out and get some organization set in place. See y'all with a plan next time.

 

XO, Jade