beauty. buys.

I thought it would be fun to take a break from my regularly scheduled fashion posts to share a few of my favorite beauty products of the moment. But first, let me make a confession. As much as I love testing out new mascaras and investing in more nail polish (‘cause every shade of pink under the sun is obviously obligatory), I would never consider myself a beauty connoisseur. (The closest I ever get to wearing lipstick is a tinted lip balm… and that’s on a good day.) Nonetheless, I always enjoy reading beauty roundups from both beauty and non-beauty bloggers alike — it’s a great way to discover and test out new products without feeling pressured to purchase expensive products at the beauty counter. Check out what I’m currently loving/using/trying out for the first time below, and let me know if you would like to see more posts like this in the future!

 

Makeup Tools Eyelash Curler (Muji) // Because I love all things Muji (the notebooks! the pens!), I was eager to try this eyelash curler out. I haven’t used it much yet, but so far so good. Since I wasn’t blessed with naturally long lashes, I can definitely use all the help that I can get. Not only is the price point right, but it definitely gets the job done (especially if you heat it with a blow-dryer prior to using it).  

 

Mario Badescu Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream (Nordstrom) // This eye cream by Mario Badescu is what I would consider to be a holy grail beauty product. It’s that good. I apply it before bed every night and it leaves my under eye area feeling moisturized and rejuvenated. While it won’t work miracles overnight, or erase fine lines per se, it does seem to make them less visible. (Long story short: I noticed a few super super minimal fine lines under my eyes — freaked out — and decided that I needed to invest in a good eye cream. Why, oh why, didn’t I start using this sooner?!) Once it runs out, I will 100% be buying it again. It has a fresh scent and can be applied twice a day — although I only apply it at night as it seems to be a little too shiny/sticky for the daytime, especially if you were to layer makeup over it. 

 

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (Sephora) // While it can be fun to play around with different makeup looks, or to pile on the mascara, removing it at the end of the day is not-so-fun. When used alongside an eye makeup remover, I find this fragrance-free face cleanser from First Aid Beauty to be highly effective. Unlike a regular face cleanser, this one is made to remove makeup, dirt and grime. After using it at the end of the day, my face always feels fresh and clean — almost as though I’m starting with a blank slate! If you have sensitive, dry or highly irritable skin, then I would definitely recommend this product (check out the reviews on Sephora if you have any doubts!). 

Arquiste for J.Crew Perfume Rollerball (no longer available) // I may or may not have been tempted by the pretty packaging (and the sale price too!), but I couldn’t resist snagging these perfume rollerballs from J.Crew during some post-holiday sales. The idea of having a rollerball perfume to tote around in my bag sounded so alluring, although I have yet to actually do so! No. 31 is flowery, soft and understated while No. 57 evokes a more outdoorsy aroma with subtle hints of cinnamon.  

 

What are some of your most recent beauty purchases? Leave a comment below, so that I can check them out :)

xo,
A

2

what’s. in. my. bag. // pt. II.

Welp!  Half of the semester is dunzo...and, truth be told, I’m not sure where the time has gone.  In a way, it’s hard to believe that we've arrived at the halfway point, but on other hand, August (and syllabus week) seems SO long ago.  Either way, I thought that now would be the appropriate time to finally (!!!) share my school bag essentials.  I snapped these pictures a while back, but alas, never got around to posting about them.  Just as a refresher, back in March, I did a fun feature spotlighting “what’s in my bag” (i.e. what I cannot leave the house without). Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!

Truth be told, on a typical day of classes, I normally have to carry a big tote.  BUT, on the rare occasion that I have a lighter load, my Old Navy bucket bag (similar) is everything. It’s chic, effortless and holds more than meets the eye.  As far as notebooks go, I rely on my Moleskine Cahier Journal and Rollbahn (gridded) notebook.  Both flaunt a minimalist design and are small enough to ensure that they don’t take up too much room in my bag. Note: this is key for me.  

On a good day, one of my fave fashion magazines may or may not end up in my tote. (Side note: I do love me some Glamour UK!) In between studying, reading up on the latest fashion trends is naturally at the top of my agenda.  #priorities  

When it comes to my writing utensils, I’m a total pen snob and for good reason.  My roundup of go-to pens will have to be left for a future post, but Muji, Le Pen, Staedtler and Stabilo are four that never disappoint.  Oh, and that pen case…yeah it’s by Muji and I highly recommend it.  Not only am I in love with the minimal design, but it also prevents my pens from mysteriously going missing at the bottom of my bag.

 

While some people invest in one trusty planner, I’ve done the unthinkable and actually have three which I admittedly don’t use as much as I should.  I will say, however, that for school, my red Moleskine planner is both functional and professional.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned about school supplies, it’s that sometimes form does not follow function.  Take these Jack Wills sticky tabs and Jonathan Adler highlighters for instance. While they’re both super cute, they just may be too cute to use.  On the other hand, they do make great photo props… #doitfortheinstagram

Muji pen case.  // Le Pen.  //  Muji Gel-Ink Ballpoint Pens.  //  Jack Wills stick notes.  //  12-Month Weekly Moleskine Planner.  // Rollbahn notebook.  //  Moleskine Cahier Journal (set of three).  //  Jonathan Adler highlighters

What are your must-have school essentials?  Leave a comment below!

xo,

A

P.S. - The other day I spotted Kate Spade highlighters at my school’s bookstore, and oh-em-gee, they’re just as witty and knock-your-socks-off-good as one would expect!

4