Although the look shown above might suggest otherwise, June was actually the month of neutrals and monochromes! I know, I know. As it was the beginning of summer, you'd expect to see more bright colors, neons and eye-catching prints and, truth to be told, there was an occasional pop of orange in my looks. Just not enough to compete with all the blacks, whites and nudes.
Anyway, the June recap is on the blog today. Click on the link under each picture to see the original post and scroll
over these shopping recommendations that are similar to the style I was
wearing. And let me know what is your favorite look in the comments
below!
heels Bershka (similar here and here); necklace worn as bracelet Stradivarius;
rings Stradivarius (similar here and here); nail polish: Essie Blanc (get it here).
New season always means new make up. You have to adjust your make up routine and the choice of products to the weather changes as well as the changes your skin is going through on its own: it gets more tanned and instantly looks evened out and better, but at the same time its more prone to oils and shine. There are already couple of new products which are taking over my make up drawers and which I'm sharing with you today, but more are still to be purchased.
NYX Butt Naked Eyes Palette. Palettes are not something I go for because I know that, despite my best intentions, I only end up using 20% of their content (unless it's Urban Decay Naked Basics one which is by now completely used up). But my upcoming travels made me realized I will be needing some multi-functional and compact products that will create both day time and night time appropriate looks. And this NYX kit looked like it ticks all the right boxes by offering 15 eyeshadows, 4 rosy blushes, 2 cheek illuminators and one defining bronzer.
Eyeshadows range from full mate, near matte to shimmery; and are all cool toned which I think will work on lot of skin tones besides mine. It seems to me that most of shades work better for a night look that a daytime wear, but I don't mind as they are all great quality and very pigmented. Blushes are my favorite part of this kit, especially the two pink ones in the middle. Highlighters come in candlelight glow and a golden peach, and I think both will look better on me when my face gets more tan later this summer. Bronzer is working great for contouring as it is matte and a bit too dark to be worn all over my face. All in all, this palette has a lot of potential not only for the summertime but actually for all seasons, and I look forward to seeing how the two us will be getting along.
Avon Magix Face Perfector. Primers are a staple in my make up routine all year long: in winter my skin gets a bit dry and dull so I need a primer that helps it look radiant and prevents my foundation from looking flakey; and during summer months when my skin tends to get a little oily - any mattifying primer that will make my foundation heat-resistant is more than welcome. Avon Magix proved to be the right choice as it leaves my skin shine free and fresh looking. It has a light, lotion-like and colorless formula that glides effortlessly on my skin. It reduces pores and evens out my complexion, and due the fact it has SPF20, it can be worn alone when I'm having a good skin day.
NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator. Although NYX palette (shown above) comes with a set of two powder highlighters, I've found the liquid formulas work better on my skin. The "Sunbean" is the pale pink pearl shade among the two available, and it goes perfectly with my light skin with pink undertones. I mostly use it to enhance the certain points on my face such as cheekbones, bridge of my nose and cupid's bow; but sometimes I mix it with my foundation to conceal and even out my under eye area. When it comes to applying it, a little goes a long way and a a few dabs are enough to achieve a perfect illuminating look without any grease or shine.
Bourjois Velvet Lipgloss in 06 Pink Pong. A color that brightens up my face and my mood. It is quite out of my comfort zone and "my lips but better" shades of lipstick and lipgloss I usually go for. But my face and hair color actually love a pop of color, especially during the summer months. And if I go for brights I try to avoid anything too glossy or shimmery, and opt for matte and velvet finish instead. The Bourjois Velvet Collection offers liquid formulas that feel and apply like a lipgloss, but have the same appeal and the intensity of a lipstick. Layering them is very easy and once they dry down they offer a full matte effect and a long lasting power.
What are your make up staples for this summer - I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
And in case you would like to try some of my favorites, shop them here:
Get your travel suitcases, fedora hats and bikinis, make your favorite cocktail and imagine a warm sand between your feet, because the Instagram pics I'm about to share with you today will leave you daydream about the summer vacation in Mykonos and Bali. Or maybe some other exotic destination? While you make your decision, I'm sure they will at least make you click the "follow" button. As you probably know by now, every month I pick my my most inspirational Instagram accounts; so scroll down to see the summer vibes (besides my own here) I couldn't get enough of in June.
@apairandaspare - Geneva Vanderzile runs a how-to website, goes to amazing places and looks great whilst doing it.
And if you will be needing any packing and travel tips as well as some great DIY projects, her blog is among those
you will be reaching out for.
@toetjeaddicted - In case your travel preparations leave you hungry, you will find some of the yummiest recipes
on Anastasia's blog here. And if you're not into cooking that much but rather into feasting your eyes on beautiful food
photos and food styling, then her Instagram feed is your must follow.
@friendinfashion - This fashion blogger's moto is: "Chanel in one hand, passport in the other".
And I couldn't agree more.
@campsbaygirl - The second account of a blogger known as SuperficialGirl. Unlike her original fashion and beauty
based feed, this one is more personal and filled with the most beautiful and creative sunset photos I've ever seen.
@reemkanj - Fashion? Food? Adventure? This blogger's got an appetite for all of these.
1. Metallic sandals: So, I get distracted by shiny things. How else would I explain the fact that I went to Aldo with sole purpose to get a pair of espadrilles, similar to those shown here, and came back with flat sandals with a gold metallic overlay instead? Oh well, at least I'm ready when summer calls for lustrous shine, day or night.
2. Fedora hat: Definitely the coolest among the summer hats. I went for a wider brim, solid black ribbon and a determination to put an end to my habit of buying hats and never wearing them afterwards.
3. Pineapple: An inevitable photo prop, a perfect addition to any summer salad and a great source of vitamin C. Checked, checked and checked. And a Pinterest board inspiration - checked.
And I have to heart Sheinside.com promotions too! Beach fashion season on this online shops offers you 23% off for all sunglasses (by using the code bfsglasses until June 27th) & $3 off over $30 on all summer style dress (with code bfsdress valid from June 23rd to July 17th). Make sure to check them out by clicking on the photo above or the link here! Happy shopping!
