Top 3 Foundations

As summer slowly comes to an end, so do my days of wearing little-to-no makeup. I was going through my makeup collection testing out different products that I have. More specifically, the foundations. While I do adore drugstore products, I own mostly foundations from Sephora. The drugstore ones that I do own are either too light or too dark. I realized it's because I'm rubbish at picking out the right shade, so I always like to have a professional do it for me haha! 

These are some of the foundations that I wear most often and are my favorites :) 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream - I'll wear a BB cream on days when I don't want to wear an actual foundation. It doesn't cover every little spot on your face so if you're looking for something full coverage, this probably isn't for you. It's more for evening out your skin tone in an effortless way. This product is great for dry skin because it's moisturizing and doesn't settle into any patches. This is also what I would wear to school on an everyday basis. 

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup - Back in my sophomore year of high school I was in desperate need of a foundation that wouldn't make my acne-covered face worse than it was. I was directed towards a Clinique foundation. It goes on smooth and is easy to blend. This foundation can be a bit oily, so keep that in mind. Other than that I don't have any negative things to say about this product. It's also not as expensive as other brands at Sephora so that's a plus. 

Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation - This is more of a full coverage foundation. It has the words "oil free" in the name, but it's quite the opposite. Again, this might lean towards people who have drier skin. It has a buildable coverage but doesn't look cakey on the face. I'll usually use this for special occasions. 

What foundations do you love? I'm looking for a new one before school starts! 

Bisous, Dee

Friday Favorites! (Video Edition)

I feel like the days are just flying by. Before I know it school is going to be starting. I only have 11 more days, which makes me very anxious to even think about. I've been decorating my room and I think it's coming along pretty well. I'm also trying to redesign my blog. As I'm still fairly new, I've been having difficulty with this. Eh I'll figure it out eventually. I'm very optimistic ;)

I'm sorry this post is short. I've been really busy but I still wanted to still get something up!

Without further ado, here are this weeks video favorites! I hope y'all have a fantabulous weekend xx

Favorite Drink (Mango Green Tea) - I know this isn't a video, but I had to sneak this in here. This is the mango green tea from The Tea Nation. I'm a connoisseur of tea, if I say so myself, and this ranks highly on my list of favorites. 

Favorite Song (Shake It Off by Taylor Swift) - This isn't normally the genre of music you'd catch me listening to, but I can't help it. This song is amazing! I was hooked the minute I heard it.

Favorite Smile - This video is a baby bulldog named Rocky jumping from the couch into his owner's arms. I'm a sucker for a cute animal video. 

Favorite Couple Moment - A boy named Jack wants to surprise his girlfriend, Ella, for her birthday. I must warn you, if you love romance this may make you tear a little. I know I did.

Favorite Album (500 Days Of Summer Soundtrack) - My brother and I decided to have an impromptu movie night. Of course we started with one of our favorite movies, 500 Days of Summer. Watching it just reminded me of one of the reasons I loved it so much in the first place.. the music. No movie is complete without the perfect soundtrack. 

What have you been loving this week? 

Bisous, Dee

Lessons I've Learned (School Edition)

I'll give you a quick rundown of my high school experience. I've been to four different high schools in four different years. It actually doesn't bother me that I've moved around so much in the past years. It gives me a chance to meet new and captivating people that I wouldn't have met if I had stayed in one place. On the other hand, I kind of missed out on the whole experience of meeting friends your first year and graduating with them. 

In honor of me going into my last year of high school, I though I'd share some lessons that I've learned. Hope some of these can help put things into perspective :)

People Change

This is inevitable. As you get older your interests, hobbies, sense of humor, everything, changes along the way. You may drift from friends who you thought you would know your entire life. It just makes room for new friends there are to make. Don't see someone or yourself changing as a bad thing. Think of it as everyone is getting older. Life and experiences shape who you are. 

Don't Be Scared To Start A Conversation

I'm usually a shy person and wait for others to come up to me first, but moving around so often has forced me to step out of my comfort zone. Sitting down next to a stranger and striking up a conversation may seem scary and nerve wracking , but that person is probably feeling the same exact way. Saying a simple hello could lead to amazing friendships. 

Don't Leave Important Things For The Last Minute

Hello, my name is Procrastination. I'm one of those people who always say "I'll do it tomorrow" or "I have plenty of time to finish it". Guess what? A majority of the time you'll leave it for the last minute and will be rushing to finish the night before. Not only will that make you extremely stressed, your work won't be to its full potential. Instead, work on it a little each day.

Manage Your Time Wisely

Having your priorities straight can make all the difference. Don't go hang out with your friends all day if you know you have a ton of homework to finish by tomorrow. Hang out with your friends another day if it means you can finish everything you need to do. If you have practice, try to get your work done before. That way when you come home later on you can relax and not have to worry about finishing that worksheet or studying for that test. 

Forgive and Forget

Holding grudges and being mad at someone can be extremely exhausting. There's always going to be drama no matter how hard you try to avoid it. It might not be with you, but it could be with two close friends and you end up in the middle of it anyway. Just stop and think, Is what you're mad about going to matter in a day? A week? A month? If not, try to move past it and not waste so much energy on the little things. 

Don't Drop Friends For A Crush

You shouldn't have to choose between your friends and the person you like. Whether you guys are dating or just talking, you need to find a balance between them and your friends. If you have plans, stick to them. Relationships and crushes come and go, but your friends are the ones who will be there to pick up the pieces whenever you get hurt. 

Stay On Your Teacher's Good Side

No matter how much you dislike that one certain teacher, stay respectful! It's better to stay on their good side because if you need something you know you can go to them. As soon as a teacher sees you as a troublemaker, everything you do will be wrong in their eyes. Of course this doesn't apply to every teacher, but we've all had one that does this. Sucking up to someone and being respectful are two different things, just remember that ;) 

Is there anything important that you've learned from school? 

Bisous, Dee

Skincare Favorites

As much as I wish, I have never been the girl who has perfect glowing skin. I'm also a teenager and my hormones play an important role. I've found some products that work wonders. Some have helped me clear my acne and others are just great on the skin! 

Cetaphil Skin Cleanser - This cleanser doesn't have any fragrances and it leaves your face feeling soft and refreshed. 
7/10

First Aid Beauty Deep Cleanser - This is a gel cleanser, which makes it feel a bit thicker than a normal one. The red clay in this product is what really sets it apart. I've never used a cleanser that was red before! Using a pea size amount is all you need per wash. It's a bit more expensive than a drugstore cleanser, but it's definitely worth it. 
8/10

St. Ives Green Tea Scrub - I only use this scrub about two-three times per week. It's fantastic for controlling acne or dry skin, which I was cursed with. 
6/10

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque - I like to pamper myself with a face mask once a week. This is my go-to on a Sunday night. I have overly sensitive skin and I've found that this doesn't irritate it like other masks. I leave it on for 30 minutes and it dries my acne right up! It can be a bit hard to wash off, but it's a great product regardless.
6/10

Delon Skin Toner - Using a toner after washing your face can make all the difference. A cleanser removes some of the dirt, but a toner gets deep down to get the rest of the dirt your cleanser missed. If you struggle with acne and don't use any type of toner, I suggest you start! It can help tremendously. Try to buy one with witch hazel in it. 
7/10

Now Almond Oil - Why would I want to rub oil all over my face? Because it's super moisturizing! Again, I struggle with dry skin. I mostly use this at night so it can soak into my skin. On top of that it's great for your hair and the rest of your body. 
9/10

Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel  - Not a necessity, but it makes my tired early morning eyes feel more awake. It's very refreshing. 
5/10

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer - I use this everyday, regardless of what season it is. It's not too heavy or light, and it leaves your skin looking dewy. 
6/10

Origins Drink Up Intensive - I'm not even exaggerating when I say this has to be one of the best overnight masks I have ever used. If you have dry skin, this product will be your best friend. All you need is a pea size amount, rub it in, and your skin wakes up moisturized and glowing. I also like to use this when I'm going to be traveling by plane. My holy grail item! 
10/10

Are there any skin products that you can't live without? Let me know :)
Bisous, Dee

Friday Favorites!

Hey loves! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a few days, I've been super busy. School is coming soon and I'm honestly not ready. You may not know but I moved from Florida back to Pennsylvania. I went to register for classes the other day and I have a bunch of books to read for my AP English class. I'm honestly not sure if I'll finish them all in two weeks, but I'm sure going to try! 

Well these are a few things that I have been loving this week!

Hope y'all have a fantabulous weekend xx

Favorite Buy (Lilly Pulitzer Agenda) - I've used this brand of agenda all throughout high school. I was going to buy a large one, but I'm going to be a senior this year and don't have as many classes as previous years. So I figured the small agenda would be just fine. I bought the print 'Trippin And Sippin'. 

Favorite Drink (Strawberry Banana Smoothie) - The classic strawberry banana smoothie. It's always been one of my favorite drinks, especially during the hotter months. 

Favorite Beauty Product (Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara) - I'm planning on writing a review on this mascara, so I won't give too much away. But it is in my favorites for a reason ;) 

Favorite Accessory (Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet) - I first received one in the 6th grade, but lost it within weeks. I just recently bought another one and I'm obsessed. It's fun to customize the bracelet with charms that fit your personality and style. 

Favorite Book (The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini) - To be completely honest, this is not a book that I had ever thought about reading. It was on the required list of reading for my AP English class so I went to the school library to pick it up. Oh my this book is haunting. I've thoroughly enjoyed this read. I want to do a full review on this book, so stay tuned! 

Favorite DIY Project (School Supplies) - Back to school season is upon us. Some of you might already be in school and others still have a few more days or weeks to enjoy the sun. I'm personally a big fan of DIY projects. What better way to get pumped for school than to customize your school supplies! This is one of my favorite videos. Just a fun fact, I have a whole playlist of DIY projects haha :)

What have y'all been loving this week?

Bisous, Dee

Liebster Award

So I'm sitting in my pineapple pajamas, drinking tea and listening to Disclosure, when I got a comment on one of my posts. I was nominated for a Liebster Award, which really surprised me. So thank you very much, Chloe! xx 

Here are the rules: 

1. Link back to the person that nominated you

2. Answer all the questions that you are given

3. Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate

4. Pick 11 questions for them to answer and let them know

Simple enough, right? Well lets get to it! 

1. If you were a film character, animated or not, who would you be? 

I could lie and say I'd want to be some really deep character, but in all honesty I'd love to be Catwoman from The Dark Knight Rises. She's seductive and kicks some serious ass! 

2. What is one item you can't live without?

I can't live without my computer. It literally has everything I need on it. 

3. What is your favourite shop? 

I prefer to shop at boutiques and thrift stores. If I were walking through the mall I'd normally stop in H&M, Cotton On, Forever 21 (although I prefer to shop online for this store), and Zara. 

4. What would you do with £1M if it was handed to you today?

First, as boring as this is, I'd put away some for college. I'd give some to my mom because she deserves it. I'd also go on a huge shopping spree because who doesn't love new stuff? Then I'd go backpacking through Europe. Donating some of that money to charities would also make me feel good. I would also have to put some away in a savings account! Sorry, I thought this out waaaay too much haha

5. Who is your favourite artist/band?

I like music A LOT so this question is difficult. My top favorites would be The Neighbourhood, Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Rey, Disclosure, and Jon Bellion. 

6. Name a place you have always wanted to visit?

I've always wanted to go to Europe!

7. Who inspires you the most? 

My mother does. She's the strongest person I know and I look to her for guidance. She's patient, caring, compassionate, understanding. 

8. If you could go back in time and tell your past self something, what would you say? 

I would tell myself not to worry so much about what other people think of you. If it makes you happy, do it. I've learned this now, but I wish I would've learned this a few years ago when I was struggling to find myself (as corny as that sounds). 

9. Favourite quote? 

"She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something." Although I'm not sure who this is by unfortunately. 

10. Would you rather be famous or be the best friend of someone famous?

I would much rather be famous, that way I can make a difference. Honestly, it would also just be fun to live the life!

11. What is your dream job? 

The first thing that came to my mind was to be a model. If that didn't work out, my other dream is to own my own little quaint cafe and to blog on the side of course ;)

I nominate: 

http://everydayingrace.blogspot.ca

http://www.footnotesandfinds.com

http://dalirae.blogspot.co.uk

http://marzipanstairway.blogspot.com

http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.ca

I'm technically supposed to nominate 11, but it's hard to find blogs that haven't already done this tag. And if you were already nominated, now you've been nominated again haha :) 

My questions:

1. What is the most important lesson you've learned? 

2. What are you most scared of? 

3. Do you believe in love at first sight?

4. If you had a time machine which era would you travel to? 

5. What is your favorite show?

6. If you could only use one cosmetic/product for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? 

7. What fictional character do you relate to most?

8. What is your guilty pleasure? 

9. What are you looking forward to?

10. (The classic question) If you were stranded on an island, what one person would you bring and what three items would your bring? 

11. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? 

Bisous, Dee

A Day In My Life: Heart Lattes & Museum Visits (iPhone Edition)

(The pictures in the post were taken with my iPhone because my camera battery was dead. I apologize for the quality and I promise the next post will have better quality photos! Hope you enjoy regardless xx)

Saturday morning my mother and I woke up early to go pick my brother up from the Philadelphia airport. Despite driving through Philly every now and then, I've never actually had the chance to explore the area. The three of us decided to go to The Franklin Institute, which is a museum close to Logan Square. The area is sublime. I can imagine myself living there when I'm older. 

As you enter the museum there's an elegant chandelier welcoming you. 

The museum is named after Benjamin Franklin, so it's expected there would be a statue of him before you make your way into the main area of the museum. 

We bought tickets for two different movies being played. One was called Kenya Animal Kingdom, which was in 3D. Now for anyone who wears glasses like I do, you'll understand why 3D is your enemy! Have you ever tried layering a pair of glasses over another pair? It's not comfortable haha! 

The other movie which was in the IMAX theater was called Born To Be Wild, which was my favorite of the two! It was about 40 minutes long and it was a very heartwarming film narrated by Morgan Freeman.  

In between the two showings we went to grab brunch. We found ourselves at Le Pain Quotidien. I ordered an organic split pea soup. The smell alone made my mouth water. The moment the soup hit my taste buds, I was in in love. 

I also ordered a latte. The heart was a cute touch. 

The food was rather expensive because of all the organic products, but the meal was delicious. I was broke yet satisfied haha! 

We also came across this impressive wall. I was tempted to stop and have an impromptu photo shoot, using the wall as my background. We had to leave so I was out of luck. Next time I'm in Philadelphia I'll be sure to revisit this wall. 

To end the day we went and saw Guardians of the Galaxy. This was my second time seeing this movie, but I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. All in all, it was a delightful day.

Hope y'all have a great week! 

Bisous, Dee

Sunday Sounds

Music has always been important to me. It has the power to make you feel different types of emotions. These are some of the songs I've been enjoying this week, some old and some new. Hopefully you can find a few that you like. I created a Spotify playlist where you can listen to these songs. 

Songs on playlist:
All I Want - Kodaline
Stop The World I Wanna Get Off With You - Arctic Monkeys
Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood 
Habits (Stay High) - Tove Lo
Childs Play - SZA Feat. Chance the Rapper
Push Gets to Shovin - Hippie Sabotage
Lies - CHVRCHES
Cherry Bomb - The Runaways 

Click here to open the playlist directly in Spotify or click here to open the playlist on your web browser :)

What songs have you been enjoying recently? I'm always looking to discover new artists and songs! 
Bisous, Dee

Friday Favorites!

It's finally Friday and I'm excited to kick off my blog talking about some of the things I have been enjoying lately. I planned on posting sometime last month, but then I was whisked away to the country where the internet was almost nonexistent. I just got home Wednesday morning. The first thing I did was welcome my new Russian Blue cat to the family. Ironically, his name is Blue. My mother always seems to buy new pets the minute I leave for vacation. After a lot of gushing and scratches behind the ear, I ran up to my room to type this. Blue is sitting on my lap pawing at my fingers as I type, purring up a storm. He sounds like an engine. 

Hope y'all have a fantabulous weekend! :)

Favorite Dessert (Strawberry Shortcake) - My cousin and I made some while I was in Kentucky. It was delightful! Even thinking about it now makes my mouth water. 

Favorite Lip Product (Rosebud Salve) - It's extremely moisturizing and it even adds a hint of color to your lips. The scent is light and fresh, which is great for people who don't like being overwhelmed by harsh fragrances. 

Favorite Fragrance (Tease by Victoria's Secret) - The name alone should hint at what this body mist smells like. If you're looking for something that is warm and sultry, your prayers have been answered. This would be the perfect spray for date night. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to seduce with this fragrance, so I wear it for my own enjoyment ;) 

Favorite Fashion Trend (Shirt tied around the waist) - This summer hasn't been as hot as I expected and sometimes it gets a bit chilly at night. I've been tying shirts around my waist a lot recently. Not only does it look cute, it's also handy if you get cold just as easily as I do. 

Favorite Movie (Guardians of the Galaxy) - I was reluctant to watch it because the trailer didn't really capture my attention. My cousin begged me to go with her so I did. Oh my am I glad that I did. Not only was it full of action, it was hilarious and had heartwarming moments that made me tear. If you have reservations about going to see it like I did, I highly recommend it. 

What things have you been loving this week? I'd love to know! 
Bisous, Dee