July 2016 Loves

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July 2016 Loves

I don’t even care that I pretty much just posted about my bar necklace from The Dainty Pear. I absolutely adore it and for that reason alone, it had to be a part of my July 2016 loves. It doesn’t get much more meaningful than this.

The first time I stepped foot into Niche, I wanted to move in. It is every crazy plant ladies dream. I didn’t buy anything then, but later at the Niche x Curio Coffee plants and waffles pop-up I got three air plants and spotted my next Niche purchase…

Modeling is far from my full time gig, but if you live in Massachusetts you will probably see photos of my around. Especially when it comes to local brands that I love. Going to The Innovation Conference for Boston Business Women was life changing in a number of ways. One way was getting to try Moroccan Magic. I liked it so much that when the opportunity came to participate in a photoshoot, I jumped at the chance! Later at an event at Shake the Tree, I got another sample. This time, in Rose. It’s my favorite chapstick and the only one that I’ve been using. It’s super soothing and smells divine! I am seriously considering buying it in bulk. And if I ever do another giveaway of my favorite products this would without a doubt be included.

In the same Shake the Tree swag bag, there was also a Yumi Kim sleep mask. I had a really, really cheap one that I was using and this was a major upgrade.

When I had my iPhone 4, I got for a Mophie case for Christmas and it was the smartest gift I have ever gotten to this day. I have now been able to upgraded my phone a couple of times, but I use it more than ever. Exploring Boston on a low battery is not an option. I don’t know how I’ve gone as long as I did without one!

xx

 

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June 2016 Loves

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June 2016 Loves

June was a really good month for me product wise. I didn’t buy a lot or spend a ton. But, I won a few things. Bought a couple of quality things. Saved a ton. And received samples that replaced some past faves.

My June 2016 loves pretty much made the start of my summer one worth blogging about! I mean, it’s hard not to be excited to hit the beach (which I have still yet to really do) with sunglasses and espadrilles.

The espadrilles were such a deal! I had stopped by the Cotton x Rue La La Pop-Up Shop on Newbury with the intension of meeting up with friends and maybe snapping a few pics in the photo booth. When I saw the Soludos espadrille flats, for under $30, I knew there was no way I would be leaving without them. Except, I had to because they were samples. But, I didn’t leave before placing an order for them.

Bioderma was what I considered to be luxury micellar water. I felt that it did the same thing as the cheaper ones, and the only difference was the cost. That is, until I received it as a press sample to try and I take it all back! Bioderma is 1000x better. Zero oily feeling and cleans off waterproof makeup like you wouldn’t believe. I don’t even rinse my face after!

After being mildly curious about Smith & Cult’s nail polish for the longest, I went to Bluemercury in Boston to finally get it in The Bee Side. It was suggest as one of the nail polish shades you needed for summer on some email I got and I really wanted to try it anyways. I already knew I liked their lip gloss. Now I know that I also like their polish.

Follain is quickly becoming a second home for me. Finds like RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Diabolique are why I hardly ever have any extra spending money. SO worth it!

This isn’t my first time sharing about these shades on Twenty Something Plus. I got them back in June and they are my favorite pair of sunglasses. And, unless I get a pair of Prada ones, I’m sure they will be for a very long time.

xx

 

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May 2016 Loves

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May 2016 Loves

I can’t believe that it’s been over a year since I started sharing my monthly loves! Even more so, I can’t believe I debating not doing them anymore. I really like sharing five of my favorite finds each month, hope you like them too!

As painfully aware as I am that it is now August, like I said I was going to stop doing these monthly loves posts. But, after a lot of thought, I decided to not only continue them, but to go back and start from where I left off. Plus, I’ve given them a new look!

My May 2016 loves are a bunch of little lifesavers. Legitimately. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Local gems are precious to me in a way that I struggle explaining. Supporting my local girl gang is HUGE to me. So when I discovered Rayne Home Decor while I was visiting my family in Connecticut, I stocked up on their candles. My favorite of their scents is Sicilian Gardens. I also really love their Adam & Eve. I’ve shared them on Instagram before, but I’ve been using them like crazy. So much so, that I’m starting to run low and need to restock!

SPF is something that I get is important, but often don’t think too much about. I only got it because I needed it to use with the Clinique Dark Spot Corrector, but then something happened (blog post about it and what was done to fix it is in the works!) and now I make sure to wear it daily. Without fail. I found an enriching facial moisturizer at Trader Joe’s that contains SPF. It’s so great, I keep it in my makeup bag so I don’t ever forget to put it on.

I haven’t actually gotten to the point where I have the energy to apply faux lashes every day. But, I do wear them a lot. My obsession with Ardell’s demi wispies is undeniable. I’ve found dupes that I like, but always end up going back to Ardell. At a random trip to the drugstore, to get who can even remember what, there was a buy one get one sale and I picked up two packs of their cluster wispies. I never imagined I could love any style lash as much as the demi wispies, but I SO do!

A while back, I was gifted some products from A.C. Moore. One of the products was Hollywood Fashion Tape. I’d heard of it, but never used it. Until I really needed it for a dress. Remembering that I had it was such good fortune, I wouldn’t have been able to wear the dress (unless I wanted a majorly inappropriate nip slip) otherwise.

Every so often, there’s a product I sample that I have to get. When I have Birchbox points, even better. Wilma Schumann eye pads surprised me. I didn’t expect to make them a reoccurring part of my self care routine. But stuff happens…

xx

 

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April 2016 Loves

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April 2016 Loves

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Trust Fund Beauty is a brand that I follow because they just seem to get me. No, I am not rich. But that rich girl mentality? I’m all about that vibe. And their color names! I recently won one of their Instagram giveaways, and received Hollywood Hipster. I love it for spring and plan to wear in well into summer.

I usually don’t get all that excited about getting fragrance samples. But every once in a while there’ll be one that I want to practically bathe in. Tender Romance is one of those scents. I truly didn’t expect to love it even a tiny bit as much as I do!

It’s not secret that I love dramatic lashes. There are some mascaras that make my lashes feel super heavy and covered in goop to achieve that bold lash look. PÜR’s Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara uses magnetic technology to give you that maximum volume look without weighing them down. It’s been my go to mascara most of the month.

Speaking of PÜR, I love their Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation, but lately have been finding myself using the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup. Yes it’s a mouthful, but it’s nice to have the perfect shade for my complexion without having to mix and match. Plus, it really is super lightweight. It’s going to be great to have when the weather starts to heat up.

Contouring can be difficult. Mostly because it’s really hard to find a contouring kit with a shade that is anything close to two shades darker than my skin tone. While at Ulta Beauty, I came across their kit and it’s the best one I’ve found. Plus, it’s only $18!

xx

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March 2016 Loves

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March 2016 Loves

 

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Gum isn’t something I chew very often, because of issues with my TMJ. But, I like to keep some in my bag. There wasn’t really a flavor of gum that made chewing it worth my while. Then, Target did it again. Project 7 gum, specifically the grapefruit melon, is phenomenal!

Attending the Lady Project Summit was not only a great experience, but I got to try a ton of products thanks to their amazing swag bag and gifting suite event. One such product? The Living Proof Flex Styling Spray. It’s doesn’t smell the best, but I love the brand and the spray is seriously the best holding spray I have ever used. Ever. All the hold, zero crunch.

Funny story, I was so excited to find NYX Cosmetics Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Beauty Mark in store, that I didn’t realize the only one left had already been opened. After getting that sorted out, I totally get why it’s so hard to find! If you are a woman of color and you do not have this color in your makeup kit, you have got to change that! Like, now. It is without a doubt the best nude color for dark skinned beauties.

When your friends do awesome things, you want to shout about it from the rooftops! BBA bracelets has branched out and is now also making BBA leather bracelets. Her stacks are always on point, and leather matches everything. So while I may coordinate the beaded bracelets to my outfit, the leather cuff is one that goes with really anything. The “liveANDlove” bracelet is the first one in the collection and is available for preorder here!

I hate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. HATE. To the point where when I was younger I’d get fluff sandwiches. However, Too Faced has persuaded me to be a bit more open-minded, with their Peanut Butter and Jelly Eye Shadow palette. I am seriously loving the different looks I can create with it!

xx

Steve Madden Shoe Looks for Less

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Charlotte Russe ShoesCharlotte Russe Shoe Charlotte Russe BOGO

Majority of my shoe collection consists of Zara and Steve Madden. I’ve had my eye on a few pairs of new shoes, but I’ve been trying to save and didn’t really want to spend anything over $100 on just one pair.

They were still in my shopping cart, that is until a recent trip to the mall.

Charlotte Russe was one of the stores that I went to most often in college. Now, I kind of walk by it and look in but keep it moving. It’s more of my younger sister’s taste than of my own. She’s more Wet Seal, I’m more H&M.

Almost serendipitously, I went in and saw a few very familiar shoe looks. Styles similar to Steve Madden’s Slithur, Carrson and Sassey for a whole lot less!

If you don’t know, Charlotte Russe almost always has some huge sale going on. This time? Buy one pair of shoes, get one for $10. So, obviously, I got four pairs. All for less than one of the pairs of Steven Madden shoes I’d been wanting.

The only drawback is that Charlotte Russe doesn’t carry half sizes. As someone who wears a 7.5 size shoe, this can be huge. Luckily, the size 8 shoes (except for the tan chunky heeled ones) fit pretty much perfectly.

xx

 

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February 2016 Loves

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To be completely honest, I almost didn’t do this post.

I mean, it’s March now…

But, I very recently got one of my two packages from Target and couldn’t not at the very least share about the two things inside!
February 2016 Loves

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Facebook deals are something I found a tad sketchy. But when I saw the four for $15 deal from Zoya, I don’t know, I felt like I couldn’t pass on it. I was originally considering buying Julep polish in Alaina, because I read that it was the color Amy Schumer wore in Trainwreck and I’m weird like that. But this deal came along and I got Jana, MeganDesiree and Scarlet. Jana was the color I was most looking forward too, because it was the closest to Alaina I could find, but Megan ended up being my favorite of the four. I’m even wearing it as I type this.

Every single item Ban.do comes out with, I want. The Barnes and Noble by me finally got some of their stuff in and I made sure to snatch up the Love Potion tumbler SO quick!

The first of the two things from Target is this serving tray. I got it because it’s the perfect prop for Instagram. I get the marble background AND a cute decorative tray to display things.

I also got a faux steer skull. I’d picked it up several times in the store and kept putting it back. I wanted it, but I didn’t really need it. I don’t know why, but I like it a lot. It can be used as another Instagram prop, a table top decoration or a wall art. Multipurpose things are the best kind of things.

Lavender is one of my favorite scents of all time! I get lavender vanilla air freshener, lavender dryer sheets and keep dried lavender in a pouch under my pillow. Lately, I’ve been lighting my DW Home candle in lavender chamomile a lot and the smell is soothingly divine. I found mine at a T.J.Maxx, I haven’t seen the same one since.

Thank goodness for the internet!

xx

NEW Bioré Baking Soda Cleanser and Pore Scrub

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyBioreFizz #CollectiveBias

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Scrub

Bioré introduces a new product and just like that spring cleaning takes on an entirely different meaning for me!

New Bioré Baking Soda Cleanser

In the winter my skin can be very very dry.

But as the snow starts to melt, that changes. And so does my skincare. The new Bioré Baking Soda Cleanser and Cleansing Pore Scrub are exactly what my combination skin has been needing.

Both products exfoliate my dry flaky skin, without irritating it. The Cleansing Pore Scrub is unlike any product I’ve ever used, here’s how you use it:

Start by pouring some of the scrub (about the size of a quarter) into your hand, after wetting your face.

Then add water and watch as it really start to fizz!

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Apply the “fizz” to your face and then gently massage it and feel it as penetrates your pores. What I really like about this product is that you have complete and total control over the level of exfoliation.

Too coarse?

Add more water.

Want to dial it up a bit?

Add more powder.

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Rinse.

And then just pat dry with a face towel.

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Now you’re all spring clean!

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While the scrub is super fun to use, for daily use, I recommend using the Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser.

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If you have oily skin, as I tend to in the summer, you should try Bioré Charcoal products instead.

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All of which is available to pick up on your next trip to Walmart!

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How much do you want to try out the new Bioré Baking Soda Pore Scrub?

xx

14 His and Hers Valentines Day Gift Ideas

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Valentine’s Day is this weekend and the manfriend and I made plans in Boston. Gift exchange isn’t really a big deal to us, but I think that’s mostly because we both always forget until the last minute to come up with Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

I’m sure we aren’t the only ones, so here is my Valentine’s Day gift to you!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her

A bouquet of fresh flowers and jewelry are pretty standard, making them practical makes them amazing. Flowers in a mug? It can be used in the office for coffee. Dainty jewelry? A simple necklace or bracelet will go with more outfits and can be worn pretty much everyday.

Seven LUSH goodies in one set? I may end up getting this for myself. Gift the ultimate at home spa experience. Or if you’ve booked a hotel room, bring this along and make it even more luxurious!

And to pack? A heart duffel bag. Because, who doesn’t love to travel?

These Steve Madden shoes are on my personal wish list, so I couldn’t not add them to a V-Day themed gift guide.

Chocolate isn’t the way to my heart, but Melted Chocolate? A totally different story.
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him

Shopping for guys is something a lot of people find hard, but it really just comes down to knowing what your guy’s interests are.

For instance, the manfriend is a gamer. He also needs a new headset. See what I did there?

We are both a little nerdy, so seeing Deadpool (which happens to come out in theaters just before Valentine’s Day) is a must! And so is buying his favorite candy.

Does he have a favorite sport? A cologne he always wears?

Then, there’s the stuff that everyone wants. Apple watches are pretty nifty and if you can afford to invest, then why not for the one you love? If not, I’m sure he could alway use a new pair of boxers.

xx

Target Wish List

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Walking into Target lately has been bad news for my bank account. So, I’m trying to steer clear. In hopes of holding me over for a bit, I’ve made a Target wish list…

Target Wish List

While I am extremely grateful for my Who What Wear x Target buys, there is still a few more things that I want. In particular, the zip pouch and the knotted belt. I mean, not only do they match but they could literally go with just about anything! If I had to choose between the two, I would have to go with the belt. That being said, I really want them both.

Also, in other unrelated, but totally still kind of related news, the Oh Joy for Target home decor collection launched and is now both in stores and online and I already have my eye on a few items for the home office space that I don’t yet have…

The dotty acrylic table would make the perfect fun side table! It doesn’t take up a lot of space and would go great with the rug I have in mind.

Wall art is something I appreciate but have never invested in. Sure I could DIY it, but the You’re OK and Hey Hey Hey framed wall art prints are exactly what I didn’t know I’d been looking for!

What’s on your Target wish list?

xx