Monday, August 26, 2013

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation Review

I've tried a few different foundations recently and the MAC Pro Longwear Foundation has been my favorite one by far. I actually mentioned this in my Back to School Must-Haves, and it is a must-have. 

If you're new to foundation, make sure you ask a sales person to help you find the right shade because there's nothing worse than going home and realizing you got the wrong shade. I used to be so intimidated of the MAC employees, and actually sometimes I still am! I always wonder how they get their makeup looking so flawless!
 
 
Pros:
A plus to the MAC foundation is that it has a pump which makes it more sanitary.  I use about 1 pump everyday and my bottle has lasted since last December! I'm a swimmer, and this foundation literally stays on throughout my 2 hour workout, so I can still look fabulous while working out. That's pretty amazing :)

After using one pump on my entire face, the coverage is pretty good.
 
Cons:
At $31 it's on the pricier side, compared to the drugstore ones. This foundation also has a dewy/slightly oily looking finish to it so I mattify it with powder. I \wish I didn't have to touch up throughout the day, but I'll blame my oil slick of a face. Since the foundation is kind of heavy, I just put on a thin layer and I actually double it as concealer under my eyes. 

Thanks for reading and I hope this helped <3
Love always,
Andie

Friday, August 23, 2013

Fashion Friday: Printed Flats

One of my favorite pairs of shoes is my cheetah print flats. Usually I keep it on the safe side and wear it with skinny jeans and a T-shirt, but I try to spice it up once in a while. Believe it or not, cheetah print is actually a neutral. Yes that's right, it's a neutral. It can be paired with not only black and white, but also navy blue, olive green, and especially red.
Here are some outfits that might give you some ideas on how to add cheetah print flats into your wardrobe. The flats I'm wearing are from Old Navy, I got them on sale :)
(Sorry the pictures aren't the best!)
 Oh and my phone case is the Fox Case from Forever 21
Outfit #1
Shirt: Forever 21
Capris: Old Navy

Outfit #2
Shirt: Macy's
Skirt: Forever 21

Belt: Forever 21

Outfit #3
Tank Top: Forever 21
Blazer: H&M
Jeans: Old Navy




Click Here to check out my Fashion Friday post on the skirt from outfit #2!

Don't be afraid to wear the print, unless you don't like compliments! Embrace your inner wild side with the cheetah print :)
Thanks so much for reading!
Love always,
Andie

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Time for New Beauty Supplies?

It's never really easy to know when to throw out a foundation or when to buy a new liquid eyeliner, and if you're anything like me, then you just let it sit unused for twice as long as the recommended time period.
If you haven't used up all the product yet, try and remember when you bought it and decide if it's still worth using or not. And also remember that if you've had it for too long, bacteria and other gross stuff could be growing in there and the last place you want to put that is your face.


Nail Polish: 2 years


Liquid Eyeliner: 6-7 months


Lip Gloss: 1 year


Lipstick: 2 years


Foundation: 6-12 months, unless it has a pump, then about 14 months



Mascara: 3-4 months

Concealer: 1 year

Blush/Bronzer: 2 years
Powder: 2 years
Thanks for reading!
Love always,
Andie

Monday, August 19, 2013

Add Some Prep in Your Step!

A look that I've been really into lately is the preppy look. I don't think there's an exact formula to follow when trying to be preppy, but there's a general idea of what a preppy person should look like.


My style inspiration here is Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) from Gossip Girl. She's the perfect preppy girl who knows how to rock her own style.

 

Let's start off with makeup.
Preppy girls tend to wear light, neutral eyeshadows, and either lipgloss, or a sheer lip color. Nothing too bright or flashy that will draw too much attention. Also, take care of your skin. Moisturize and exfoliate! Aim for a clear complexion!
 
 
Preppy girls usually have their hair natural and down. You can also wear a cute headband to add some flair to your look.
 
Now the most important part, the clothes.
For a top, you can never go wrong with a collared, button-down shirt. Tuck your shirt into a pencil skirt, or a full skirt.  You can also wear jeans, but nothing too light colored, stick with a dark wash. And throw on a cardigan if it's a little chilly outside.

 
 
And if it's wintertime, make sure you have that perfect pea coat!
 
Remember: just because it's "preppy" doesn't mean it has to look boring. I mean, look at Blair! And don't forget that confidence is your best accessory, next to your LV purse ;)
 
Thanks for reading!
Love always,
Andie

Friday, August 16, 2013

Summer to Fall Fashion

Fall is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing...new clothes! But if you don't want to spend money on a new coat or a pair of boots, I'll give you some tips on how to reuse your summer clothes in the winter.
It's true that summer and fall have distinct styles and color palettes, but they also have pieces that can be switched out for either season. You could also be daring and wear your summer neons in the fall.
 
The easiest way to go from summer to fall (and eventually winter) is to gradually layer your outfits. First start off with a plain T shirt.
 
Next, pair dark leggings or tights under a pair of shorts.
 
Add a cozy scarf and chic jacket.
 
Finish off your look with a pair of cute booties.
(I love Jeffery Campbell Litas!)
 
 

I absolutely love these three outfits! Pieces from your summer wardrobe fit in perfectly with the fall weather with the help of a few extra pieces.
 
Enjoy the cooler weather coming up! I know I will :)
Love always,
Andie

Fashion Friday: The Skater Skirt

My latest obsession is none other than the skater skirt. I'm not too sure how it got its name, but if were a skater girl, I would not wear this to skate in. But that's not the point.

The point is that they are super cute and easy to style and wear. It's a piece you can dress up for a date with that special someone, or dress down for a shopping trip with the girls.

Personally, whenever I wear them, I like to tuck in my shirt and wear it high-waisted. This gives it more of a preppy look. Also, take advantage of the belt loops, if it has any. This may sound weird but a belt can transform your entire outfit, whether it be a pop of color, or a fun buckle. Another way to wear it is with a cropped top to show a little skin. It adds a bit of sex appeal without being too showy.

When it comes to school, a go-to outfit for me would be my white 3/4 length sleeve button down tucked into my navy skater skirt with a red belt. Another reason why this skirt is my favorite is because the material is heavy enough that I never have to worry about flashing everyone when a gust of wind hits :)

I hope you enjoyed this kind of post as I'll be trying to do it on most Fridays!
Thanks for reading <3
Love always,
Andie

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The Big Stack

I know a problem I always had was figuring out which bracelets to stack and how to make it look good. 
My rule of thumb is this:
Stick to a color palette and choose different textured/shaped bracelets. 

Try layering braided bracelets with a spiked or printed one. You can even throw in a watch if you like.


Remember, don't overdo it. There's a fine line between chic and trashy. Sometimes too much jewelry can be borderline costumey, unless you're going for that look. And I really like the gold bracelet ring she's wearing below!

And if you have class, be considerate and don't be shaking your arms causing some big ruckus. I've actually gotten in trouble for too much noise caused by my arm candy.

Thanks for reading!
Love always,
Andie

Friday, August 9, 2013

Back to School Must-Haves: Part 3

And now for the final part in this mini back to school series, school supplies! I know this isn't fashion or beauty related but I love school supplies! Probably my favorite part of going to school is breaking out my colorful mechanical pencils and doodling in my cute little notebooks. Anyway, hopefully these supplies will keep you organized without looking too boring :)

Mechanical Pencils

Big Eraser

Pens

Mini Stapler and Colored Staples


A Pencil Case to hold it all

Binder Dividers

Lots of Post-it notes!

Little Tab thingies

Colorful Folders/Binders (I <3 Chevron!)

I need to go pick some of these up before school starts up! Thanks so much for reading!

Love always,
Andie

Back To School Must-Haves: Part 2

Part 2 of this mini-series involves wait for it...makeup!
These few things have literally saved me my past few years of high school, and hopefully it will do the same for you!

First off the face. Stick with a lightweight, oil-free foundation formula because the last thing teenage girls need on their face is more oil, trust me. You could even go with BB cream or a tinted moisturizer.
I use MAC's Pro Longwear Foundation. It has SPF 10, which isn't a lot, but it's better than no SPF at all. Protect your skin!

I heard Boscia's BB Cream is amazing, but I haven't had the chance to try it out yet.

Covergirl's Tinted Moisturizer gives light coverage and isn't oily at all.

Next up, cheeks. I would suggest using a bronzer seeing as it is right after summer vacation.
NYC's Bronzer in Sunny is my favorite. Suck in your cheeks and apply to the hollows, your temples, and under your jawline, using a sweeping motion.

Also choose a blush that gives you a nice flushed look, not too rosy.
MAC's Mineralize Blushes give the perfect look.

Eye time! Stick with neutral eyeshadows, but if you want to add a pop of color, try a bright eyeliner.
Revlon makes awesome neutral eyeshadow palettes. Try this one in Clair de Lune.

For eyeliner, these from HIP, Covergirl, and Maybelline look fantastic!

Finally, the lips. Go for long lasting because you don't want to be constantly reapplying you lip color all day, at least I know I don't. I really like lip stains because once you put them on, they don't feather, smudge, or budge.
My favorite is Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain (that's a mouthful!)
One side's the lip balm, and the other's the color, so convenient!

I hope this gave you some ideas of what to pick up for the school season!
For part 1 of this mini-series, where I discuss school fashion necessities, click here!

Love always,
Andie