Some of the Last Winter Clothes I'll Ever Buy

This is the first time I've ever ordered from Zara, and let me tell you, it's one of my new favorite stores. The sale that was going on helped a bit too. But I went on the winter side, for reasons I really don't know. I say it's one of the last times because I'm going to school in the deep south, where winter clothes (at least the ones that are needed up north) isn't quite needed. I'm still in summer mode but this is what I got for the year I have left.

Zara mint green sweater with White House Black Market polka dot shirt underneath and a Charming Charlie necklace that was a gift. Very preppy, but I honestly love it. Fun with the polka dots, a gorgeous color, and great for a northern winter. It's pretty comfy too. Sweater: $20 Shirt: $40 Necklace: Unknown.

I love me some winter jackets and this one immediately caught my attention. Faux leather with adorable accents, this is a timeless staple. The baby blue color goes with so much, and I got it for more than half off from Zara. Jacket: $60 (originally $130).

I also got a grey purse that is finally big enough now that I carry more things when I go around that was $60 from Zara, originally $80. My mom might steal it though so we'll see how that goes. 

Random Buy

My friend Ray and I have been watching a lot of Youtuber's lately (after I introduced her to Jacksgap) and we decided that after watching it all, we were going to split the cost of a Penny Board. What's that? It's a type of skateboard that comes in all different colors and patterns (we got red with white polka dot's on the bottom). They aren't cheap, but we managed to get a decent deal on Amazon. Usually they are around the lower $100's, but we got our's in the $70's. I've seen some of my other friends with them too, and they seem absolutely indestructible, and not to mention really fun. Now Ray is a bad-a** on a skateboard, but me, not so much. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe the Penny Board will be different. Have a good weekend!

Snorkeling in the Key's and Getting Stung by Coral

Hello everyone! I just thought that I'd post some pictures from my time in Florida (I promise it wasn't all fun and games it was a lot of hard work), but these are some really cool ones. 

My one word of caution, if you ever go snorkeling, do not touch ANY coral. I didn't think I touched anything, and then I got a giant sting that itched like crazy. If you ever have an opportunity to snorkel in Key Largo, I highly suggest it. I went through Marine Lab, which isn't a tourist place but a school type thing, but there are a lot of tourist places that will take you to the good reefs. As you can see, it was very diverse and colorful, and some of the best snorkeling I've done. Send pictures if you do go!

The Non-Cakey Way to Cover Acne (Yes it's possible :) )

If you have severe acne, I absolutely know what you go through. My dermatologist has been working very hard to help me get rid of it, but it is very, very stubborn. Fortunately, this is where makeup comes in. And I think I have finally perfected the coverage of acne without looking like a cake. 

I start off with priming my face with the Benefit Pore-fessional primer. Side note, it's a slightly cheaper version of the Givenchy Mister Mat Primer, so if you like that one you'll like the Benefit one too. I use this so the foundation won't get stuck in my pores, and it also is a good way to not quite make your face matte, but it takes away any big shiny spots from oil. I stick that all over my face, concentrating on my T-zone. 

I then go onto the scariest part (because it makes you look like you have a very weird skin disease), which is my green powder. This Physicians Formula Pressed Powder is a gift from above for any red skin, because it neutralizes the redness more than concealer can. If you really have a bright red spot, you can also use the liquid formula, but I think the powder has a more natural finish. I use the Real Techniques crease brush, and use a patting motion over the spot. I try to use a pretty heavy coverage so there is absolutely no red to be seen.

I then go to the concealer. I dot a bit of my Sephora Collection Concealer in number 7 on each spot then use the Sephora concealer brush to blend it into the skin. At this point, the skin should look slightly green tinged but overall no redness, and a lot less zitty. 

The final step is to use foundation as normal. This should cover any other area of the skin that doesn't quite look natural, and also even out any other skin tones in the face for a nice even finish. I use the Nars Sheer Matte foundation in Santa Fe with my Urban Decay foundation brush. 

Obviously, no amount of makeup can actually hide the actual bump, but this is a great, natural way to hide acne. I hated the way my face would always look so full of makeup and so fake, but now it looks so much more natural thanks to mister green powder. Hope you guys enjoyed! (The picture below has no edits other than brightening. You can see how well it works!)

Birthday Makeup Outfit and Hair

Happy Saturday! I just got home from my long trip in Florida with lot's of mosquito bites and some nice tan skin (Although I wore sunscreen everyday). I celebrated my birthday with my parents, brother, and my grandparents at one of my favorite Italian restaurants. The romper I wore was from Modcloth (and if you are a girl with a long torso like me, a size large in this romper will do wonders), and the belt was taken from another dress, also from Modcloth. The rings are Topshop and I wore my pink Sperry's to add a cute pop of color. I wore my mom's oversized jean jacket with quarter sleeves in the restaurant.

Yes that is a remote in my hand I was too impatient to wait for the timer :)

For makeup, I went with a bit of a darker brow and more of a smoky eye, although a smoky eye for me is still very light and neutral. The brow pencil is Maybelline, the eyeshadows were from the Mac warm palette, and the lipstick was Hot Tahiti, also from Mac. Everything else is pretty much the same as my everyday routine.  

I decided that my natural hair actually looked decent for once, so I stuck some Frizz-Ease calming cream and let it be. 

It turned out to be a really nice birthday. My mom handmade an ice cream cake which is probably one of my favorite things about my birthday every year, and I got a really nice charm from Tiffany's for my charm bracelet from my parents. Overall it was a great birthday, and one I will never forget. Have a happy weekend!

Disappointing Product Review: Clinique Super City Block :(

I'll be the first to say I love Clinique products and I was very excited to get this one. I have been in Florida for three weeks and I really wanted a base that would give me great everyday sun protection. I found it on Sephora for $22 which I thought was a great price for an SPF 40 product in a decent sized tube. 

Unfortunately after using it everyday for the past three weeks, it just didn't make the cut. Yes, it does protect my face, which is the main goal. But after putting it on before all my makeup, it made my face a much paler color, almost ghostly (even though it's actually tinted), and after putting on all my makeup it still looked white. It made my face super greasy, and after trying to rub it in, it left little dried up pieces behind. The texture and the residue it left behind made me super disappointed, and I'd much rather just use a regular sunscreen. It also didn't help keep my other makeup on at all because it was so greasy. It might work better if you are pale and have a drier face, but it just didn't work for me.

Keep in mind, that this didn't work for my specific skin, and everybody's skin is different. I try to give my best review, but if you find it works for you, go for it. 

Being 18

I turned 18 today. Wow. Adulthood. Even though everyone is joking about what I can do in the coming years, there really is so much more freedom when becoming 18. I'm excited, don't get me wrong, I love birthdays, but it is overwhelming. I'm ready for the challenges. Then again, I'm still just as awkward. I'll be doing some hauls later, but for now have a great weekend!