Tawny V

15 Dec 201715 Dec 2017

The Holidaze

Although the holidays are supposed to be about spreading cheer and giving thanks, they can also be somewhat stressful! Every time the holidays roll around I feel somewhat of a panic and go into a frenzy. Besides the shorter days, the change in weather, and worsened traffic, I worry that I’m not going to get my Christmas shopping done on time. Sure enough, I ran behind on my Christmas shopping this year. I usually start around Thanksgiving, but this year has been even more hectic and chaotic than usual and I ran behind. Luckily I am done! But for those that are feeling anxious, not to worry. I got you covered! Below are some of my gift giving ideas for the special ladies, women, and girls in your life!

These are some of the things that are on my wish list that I would love to receive but will be gifting to the wonderful ladies in my life:

Pajama sets: PJ sets are great gifts. You can never have too many! Everyone sleeps, right? I found some really great and affordable ones from Forever 21. Striped Satin PJ set $24.80 from Forever 21.

For the makeup lovers in your life: Too Faced Best Year Ever makeup Collection. This set contains Too Faced Cosmetic’s best selling products, such as the Better Than Sex Mascara and 3 separate eye shadow palettes. It also comes in a super cute limited edition bag with a step-by-step how-to glamour guide! What a great deal for all of these products!

Image result for too faced best year ever makeup collection

Candles from Bath and Body Works: I find that Bath and Body Works has the best scented candles for the price and quality! They have a variety of holiday scents to choose from! Candles range from $12.95 and up.

Tiffany’s Love Heart Earrings: Great studs for everyday wear. Sterling Silver with the iconic Tiffany blue.

Image result for tiffany love heart earrings

Chocolate indulgence: One of my favorite places to get chocolate’s from is Compartes, especially around the holidays! Although they are a little pricey, they are definitely worth it, and they make a great gift for all the chocolate lovers in your life. I would recommend the Holiday Truffles. 20 pieces $59.95

Image result for compartes chocolate

Bathtub Caddy: Great for the ultimate bath time relaxation. No need to worry about getting your Kindle, iPad, or book wet. There is even a place for your glass of champagne or wine! Available on Amazon for $39.

BUY NOW: $39, amazon.com
With room for a wine glass and a book, this caddy promises the most relaxing bubble bath ever.

Just a little friendly reminder, although gifts are nice it is not what Christmas is about. Remember to try to spend time with friends and family, and put aside all of your difference and just try to enjoy the holidays. I wish everyone happy holidays! A special thank you to those who continue to read and support my blog even though I haven’t been as consistent as I would like to be. Cheers!

27 Oct 2017

My Fenty beauty review

Snapchat-962147098 When Sephora announced that they would be carrying Rhianna’s first-ever makeup collection, all the beauty gurus and the makeup obsessed couldn’t wait! It was like pop culture and makeup fell in love! It was seemed like a match made in heaven. I stopped into Sephora during my lunch break per usual to check it out the first day the collection launched. I saw how bright and beautiful the highlighters were and the endless color choices of foundation that all the makeup reviewers were talking about. Because I had already just bought my foundation that I normally use and already have way more highlighters than any girl could need, I opted for the trio stick which came with a contour stick, highlight stick, and concealer.

Snapchat-607390528

Contour stick shade in Mocha:

I still don’t fully grasp the idea of contouring your whole face, nor do I have the time or skills, but I do like that the stick is easy to blend and the shade isn’t too dark or light for my skin.

Highlight stick in Trippin’:

I love how pretty this highlight is. It isn’t the kind of highlight stick if you are that girl that is looking for a bright highlight you can blind someone with, haha! I love that it has a nice shimmer and that it is similar to my blush shade.

Concealer stick Bamboo:

The concealer stick from the Fenty Beauty is my least favorite of the three. I usually prefer my concealer to be more creamy and blend-able. This concealer left my skin on the dry side and doesn’t have as much coverage as I’d prefer. I will stick to my Nar’s or MAC concealer for my under eye area for now.

Although I haven’t tried anything else from the Fenty beauty collection, I am pleased with the products that I have purchased. I look forward to trying out more items from this collection. Those that have tried Fenty Beauty, what are your thoughts? What is worth trying and what is not?

Related image

1 Oct 2017

Quick and Easy: How I Clean My Makeup Brushes

Snapchat-99726761

For some, cleaning makeup brushes is one of the last things they’d probably would want to be doing. For me though, it is rather therapeutic. I want to share the quick, easy, and cost effective way I clean my makeup brushes.

Things you will need:

Olive oil
Dish washing liquid
Sigma brush cleaning mat optional

In a small dish or mug combine a mixture of olive oil and dish soap. Add warm water and stir the ingredients together. I then use my mat from Sigma to scrub it all out and lay the brushes flat to air dry so they are soft, clean, and ready for use the next day!

I have bought expensive brush cleaners from MAC and other brands in the past, but I find that dish soap is just as gentle and gets the job done as well as any name brand product. The olive oil works as a conditioner to soften the brush so it feels like new again. So, if you’re ever in a pinch or on a budget or would just like to try something different, give this brush cleansing treatment a go and let me know what you think!

If you have any other tips or household solutions for savings, feel free to share them or link them in the comments section!

10 Sep 2017

Toxic Relationships

1500874206906

No relationship is perfect, whether it is personal or professional. It’s hard to see what’s really best for yourself when you’re invested in something that is supposed to be so meaningful regardless if it is your career, a friendship, or a romantic relationship. It’s not easy to remember who you are and what you really want sometimes. Sometimes you even start to lose sight of yourself and forget that your well-being and happiness should be a priority as well. Sometimes we put up with these toxic relationships because of fear or not wanting to feel the pain of letting go. But with time and distance, soon we’re all able to see the relationship for what it really was: toxic.

It isn’t realistic to expect to be happy every moment of everyday. Someone once told me that life wasn’t all pink and filled with butterflies. But for the most part, a good relationship should make you feel secure, respected, and happy. On the other hand, toxic relationships make you feel drained, distraught, and sometimes even defeated. Toxic relationships can cause you to slowly begin accepting what you used to consider unacceptable. Whether you are running a business or invested in a partner, the last thing anyone needs is any form of toxicity in their lives. If someone or something is making you unhappy, you owe it to yourself to let that person or thing go. If you are constantly feeling your worst, you cannot be the best version of yourself. You wouldn’t hold onto a peach while it goes rotten just because at one point it was good.

Have you ever had a toxic relationship in your life? When did you realize it was toxic, and how were you able to move on? I’d love to hear your experiences, and I’m sure others could benefit as well!

1 Sep 20171 Sep 2017

Too-Faced for Sephora: The Peaches and Cream Haul

As someone whose nickname is Peach, this collection couldn’t have been a better fit for me! Too-Faced Cosmetics is one of my favorite brands when it comes to makeup, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled for this sweet collection!

Snapchat-2056236182

Once again, during my lunch break I went into Sephora to get my hands on the first day release of this collection. I only purchased three items from the line today, but after playing around with them I just might have to head back for more! 😛

Peach Kiss Matte Lipstick In the Shade Doll Face

Snapchat-1253662126

At first glance I was already head over heels with the packaging. It is by far the cutest lipstick that I’ve ever purchased from Too-Faced. The color has a nude-ish hue (I know, I know, another nude colored lipstick?! Yes! I am obsessed with nude lips what can I say?) The lipstick smells absolutely amazing, the matte formula is supposed to be long-lasting and hydrating, and of course it is infused with refreshing peaches and sweet fig cream. Heck, everything from the peaches and cream collection smells devine. I also love how it has little peach patterns inside the lipstick. It is almost too cute to use!

Too-Faced Peach Perfect Mattifying Loose Setting Powder

Snapchat-2044999123

Again, I don’t think I need to clarify how adorable the packaging is, but I am obsessed! I am currently using the translucent setting powder from Laura Mercier which I use only under my eyes to set my concealer. I find it quite heavy, so I was in search of another one and happened upon this one. Of course, having only purchased this earlier this afternoon I cannot say how I like it. But this refreshing peach loose setting powder has “universal peach tint” that is supposed to set your foundation and brighten the skin, and I am looking forward to using this tomorrow!

Peach Mist Mattifying Setting Spray

Snapchat-492227637 Snapchat-421793837

I am currently using my All Nighter setting spray from Urban Decay. I was running low and badly wanted the coconut infused setting spray when MAC cosmetics had their Fruity and Juicy collection this summer. I wasn’t able to get it because it was sold out the very first day that it had launched! I wasn’t surprised, but I was a bit bummed out. But this makes up for it! Well, they say good things come to those who wait! 😉 I sprayed a sample of this setting spray while I was shopping on my lunch break, and I knew that I needed to purchase it. The spray smelled amazing, and my makeup that I was wearing from this morning was still on even during this heat wave we have going on in California, so I knew this peach mist was a winner!

I would love to know your thoughts and see your Peaches and Cream haul from this collection! I know that I haven’t posted in awhile, but thank you to those that stuck around are still following. It is much appreciated; have a peachy day!

27 Jul 2017

Hair, Skin, and Makeup Haul

The Mane

Over the weekend I decided to indulge in one of my favorite wellness past times: retail therapy (yay!). I took full advantage of Ulta’s hair sale, and I purchased two large sized shampoo and conditioners from Joico. I love their K-Pak line because it restored my hair, and this is one line I don’t think I will ever stop using.

I also purchased a shampoo from the Not Your Mother’s line from Ulta, the Way to Grow Long and Strong shampoo which focuses on helping you reach your hair goals for longer and faster growing hair. The shampoo contains biotin, horse chestnut seed extract, and a multi-vitamin complex. I have tried their products in the past and I was a fan, so why not take advantage of the sale now? The line strives to emphasize natural ingredients, and it is paraben, dye, and sulfate free; which is great, but it doesn’t lather as much as I usually prefer. This causes me to use more of the product, so I tend to go through a bottle fairly quickly. Overall it is affordable and a great product.

Let’s Talk About Skin:

Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap: I don’t know why I have never tried anything from this line before, but I am glad I decided to give it a try! I was in Urban Outfitters and I decided to pick this product up, and I am beyond happy with the results! When I got home the first thing I did was remove my makeup and wash my face with this new soap. It was amazing. I liked how it is a combination of cleanser and light exfoliater at the same time. My skin felt soft and clean, and the formula worked great for my sensitive-combination type skin. I also like that this cleaner was reasonably priced. I am looking forward to trying other product’s from the Mario Badescu line!

Kiehl’s Cranberry and Turmeric Face Mask:

With the summer season having arrived and all of us finding ourselves outdoors more often, it is quite crucial to stay hydrated. I picked up a Cranberry and Turmeric Mask from the Kiehl’s store. I have not tried this mask prior to purchasing, but I was looking for something with more long term moisturizing ability. I have been using my sheet masks from Tony and Molly, but I was ready to try something different. The cranberry seeds work as an exfoliater in the Kiehl mask, and after using it my skin looked and felt more radiant and moisturized. I love all of Kiehl’s products in general, and I’m fairly certain that I will be purchasing this again in the future!

Speaking of moisturizers, I also needed a moisturizer that was lightweight enough for summer and wouldn’t irritate my sensitive skin, so I purchased the small Ultra facial cream from Kiehl’s as well. I have been using this lotion on and off for many years. It is one that I contantly return to. I love that the lids on this cream and mask says Kiehl’s loves LA for part of their promotion.

Micellar Water by Garnier:

There are three different kinds of Micellar Waters from Garnier. This time I picked up the blue one, which happens to be my favorite. It removes all traces of makeup and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean. I love how inexpensive and great this product is!

Makeup:

Kat Von D EverlastingLiquid Lipstick in Bow and Arrow: I don’t know why I have never purchased any products from her line before!? I have had friends rave on and on about her line but I never got around to purchasing anything. Since the theme of this retail therapy session was trying new products I gave it a try, and like the other pleasant surprises from the haul I am absolutely glad that I did! This matte liquid lipstick is non-drying and long lasting unlike other matte lipsticks I have tried. The price is for this product is surprisingly affordable, too. I am hooked! My next shade will definitely be Lolita which is also a nudish hue.

Agave Lip Balm by Bite:

I think this is the most expensive lip balm that I have ever purchased! I was browsing Sephora on my lunch break, and I kept telling myself I am only here to see what’s new since last week (haha, shopaholic problems!). My lips were feeling dry, and I took a sample of the tester to try and I was smitten! I love how this lip balm smells and feels. Do I think $18 plus tax is a ridiculous price for a lip balm? Absolutely! Will I purchase this again in the future? We shall see..

Coverfix Custom Enhancer drops in Moonlight :

I have used a primer from Coverfix in the past, but was not a huge fan. I was looking for something to make me more glowy for the summer, and I happened to chance upon this product. I dripped a drop of the serum and mixed it into my Chanel foundation that I am currently using, and it completely transformed my foundation from sheer to golden while giving more coverage. The price is a bit steep, but I am in love with this product and I think a little goes a long way!

http://www.sephora.com/custom-enhancer-drops-P409765

20 Jul 2017

Flawless on Social Media

Image result for beauty quotes coco chanel Sometimes I scroll through Instagram’s popular feed before I doze off to bed, and I often see all of these beautiful women with designer shoes, bodies, bags, lips, lifestyles, etc. and I wonder if they’re truly happy.

Sure their life looks perfect and flawless, their makeup and hair are on point, their bodies look like they never skipped a day at the gym! Hell, their life might even be perfect! I don’t know them, and I am not judging them. But once again it is social media.

What a lot of young women or people in general do not realize, or forget to realize, is that people post what they want you to see. What you put out there is what you want people to see. So it may look like one’s life is perfect, but in reality it probably is not.

Everyone has bad days, but they might not choose to put it out there. I just want to remind you guys that no one is as flawless or perfect as you might think they are. And you don’t have to strive for perfection for social media. It is ok to be imperfect and flawed. After all, that is what makes us human right?

Don’t judge someone solely by their online presence. People seem to forget that behind the screens there are real people. You will never fully know what someone’s life is like in the 140 characters they tweet, the 10 seconds they snap, or in the photo they posted on Instagram.

Sometimes I think that social media can have a negative effect on one’s self image, especially for women. The standards for women are so high it is ridiculous! When I browse through the popular feed, it seems like there is no originality anymore. I understand that trends are trends, and there is nothing wrong with trying out a new trend or two, but when it consumes you, and you want to look like that person with the k at the end of their followers list that is just being delusional. It’s quite scary that this is the future and reality of it all.

Thanks for listening and always remember to “be humble and be kind.” – Cinderlla

19 Jul 2017

Retail Therapy is Real!

Image result for shopping quotes

I don’t know about you guys, but whenever I ‘m feeling down and out and need a little pick-me-up, I do some retail therapy!

We all have a small vice that is a teensy bit unhealthy that we turn to when things go south, and for me that vice is shopping! I’ve been pretty stressed out lately so you know what that means. Here are my little pick me ups:

Victoria’s Secret Undies from the PINK collection: I didn’t post any pics because that is a little weird and TMI.

Victoria’s Secret Body Splash in Tropic Beach: I love this scent because summer is my favorite season and it smells like tropical paradise, and I love the packaging from this collection.

A PINK cotton top with gold sequins: I can never own too many of these. They are so soft and comfortable! Anything that is remotely glittery and shiny I like, haha!

Small black clutch from Ted Baker: I love everything about Ted Baker. I love how affordable the line is; the fact that their designs are very girly and suit my personal style; and I love that it has a T in the middle of the bow that’s just perfect for me because of my initials! A nice added perk was receiving 25% off from Bloomingdale’s Main Event Sale! It’s always extra nice to get a little discount on your retail therapy sessions!

IMG_20170609_171001_857

What are some things that you turn to when you are feeling down or having a bad day?

Image result for shopping quotes

16 Jun 201716 Jun 2017

Summer Goals

Image result for summer quotes

Finally my favorite season is here! I like to set mini goals or to-do lists for myself this time of year. These are some of my mini goals/to do for this summer:

-Drink more water: I can never remember to drink water throughout the year, but with temperatures rising it is extremely crucial to stay hydrated! I also like to collect new reusable water bottles to make remembering to drink water easier (haha). Here are a few cute ones I’ve had my eyes on:

My latest one for this summer!

Victoria’s Secret Pink

Kate Spade

-Wear sunscreen! I am guilty of only wearing sunscreen when I go to the beach or theme parks, which is terrible, because I live in sunny California! Skin cancer can happen at any age with any race, so let’s all try to remember those SPFs! The sunblock I am currently using is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen in SPF 100. I love how light weight this feels and it doesn’t have a strong sunblock odor. The packaging is also sleek and small, so it fits in my purse!

20170616_123339

-Visit someplace new: I’d like to travel or go to a new place that I haven’t gone to before: Whether it is a new beach or new hiking location, I would love to experience something new. Even something as simple as a new restaurant!

-Cleaning: Every summer I always like to clean out my closet and donate clothes to the local charity. It is a great way to give back and clean out my closet to make room for that new summer wardrobe!

What are some of your goals and to-do list for this summer? 🙂