Rowallan Travel Accessories

I have been researching and waiting for the perfect travel bags and accessories and I think I have finally found them for a steal.  Travel accessories can be purchased in almost every store, but because I wanted travel bags and cases that were of better quality and would last me through years and years of traveling, I wanted to wait and find the perfect set.

Rowallan is a well known brand for all travel essentials.  Their styles are sophisticated with a modern twist, filled with beautiful colors and designs.  The craftsmanship of their accessories are impeccable, and their prices reasonable (however you can always find them very cheaper).

I picked up three essentials for traveling:

Elsa Cosmetic Bag

The Elsa Cosmetic Bag looks like any other cosmetic bag.  It features two zipper compartments with wide openings (allowing you to store a lot of products and dig through with ease).  The front compartment also has a snap close net pocket and another elastic pocket to keep smaller objects organized (i.e. bobby pins and hair ties).  The bag is made of a microfiber body material, making it clean and sleek looking, and the genuine logo patch gives the bag a great accent.  The cosmetic bag retails for $40, but was on sale for $16!

Erica Tote

The Erica Zip Close Tote is an essential for any traveling girl.  Totes have become a huge trend because they are very useful, and when designed with such sophistication, will be a timeless travel bag.  This is a zip close tote, keeping everything stored inside clean and safe, and the double rolled handles are comfortable around the shoulders (they also allow you to carry more weight in the bag with comfort).  The bag also comes with a removeable crossbody strap as another option for traveling.  There are two compartments in the tote that are divided by a median zipper compartment, giving the tote a bit of organization (instead of just being one large compartment).  What is also an added bonus is that it comes with a back strap to attach to your luggage for convenience.  The tote is made of a nice water repellent nylon with leather trim and handles.  This tote retails for $150, but was on sale for $50!

Amanda Toiletry Bag

The Amanda Hanging Toiletry Bag is great for any hotel guest (or if you're a college student just staying from place to place between holidays).  The attached hanger keeps the bag out of the way, giving you more counter space, and has all sorts of compartments for smart organizing.  It is also made of a nylon material with a sleek leather trim.  This toiletry bag retails for $70, but was on sale for $25!


I picked up these essentials all in a darker pink color because I thought it would be a fun color, and it would be different than a standard black set.  This is everything I would need for any weekend getaway or for an overnight stay.  I am so glad I got them for such a great deal, and because Rowallan is a respectable brand for travel essentials, I know these are going to stick around for a while.  Now all I need is to find the perfect luggage set.



xoxo,

Eve

China Glaze Sunset Sail

I just gave myself a manicure and removed all of my nail polish, giving my nails a break before I apply another color for Las Vegas, and I decided to post on what shade I have been wearing for the past week and a half.  I know I am always saying that Summer is the time for pops of fun, bright, and bold colors, but because I was going to my brother's engagement ceremony I wanted to keep my polish clean and classic.  What better polish for a clean and classic look than a nice nude color.

I wore this shade by China Glaze called Sunset Sail (from their Anchors Away collection) and it was absolutely beautiful.  It's not a true nude because it does have a peach tone to it, but it works.  It's a great, warm color and the formula is very creamy.  The polish is opaque in two coats, and has a beautiful finish. And even with the creamy formula, application of the polish is still easy and smooth.  Definitely one of my favorites for the month of May.


xoxo,

Eve

Bobbi Brown Blushes

A little while ago (or maybe a long while ago), I had received a gift card for Bobbi Brown and decided to pick up a few blushes.  My options for blushes were quite limited in my collection, so what better way to start up my blush collection than with the award winning Bobbi Brown blushes.

I decided on three blushes:

TAWNY

Tawny, which was one of my favorites is a neutral blush with pink tones.  It's not a full on pink or rosy blush, making it perfect to use as a blush, or a slight contour on the cheeks because of its neutral brown tones.

NECTAR

Nectar is a beautiful, bold Pink, which I find will look beautiful on darker skin tones.  Applied lightly and fair skin tones can look great with it, but when you have some color on your skin this will just look beautiful.  Definitely a summer time blush for me.

PEONY

Peony is a cooler pink that is still bold, but with a softer shade.  Peony would look gorgeous on both light and dark skin tones.  This will make the darker skin tones pop, almost working as a highlight for the cheeks, and it will also look very soft and beautiful as a hint of color on the light skin tones.

All of the Bobbi Brown blushes are well known for their incredible texture, being extremely silky and smooth, blending like a dream.  They apply very smoothly, and are pretty long wearing with a matte finish (making them very wearable for all occasions and age groups).  I absolutely love the sleek packaging of the individual blushes, making them very small and compact (great for travel).  But the pans also pop out and can be placed into palettes for any make up artists convenience.

xoxo,

Eve

Sephora Haul

There were a few things I needed for my trip at the end of the week to Las Vegas, so what better place to find what I need all in one place than Sephora?

I love my local Sephora because they honestly have the best Sales Associates and always have great professional Make Up Artists available to speak to (or get your makeup done) for tips.

Deluxe Travel Kit

Make Up For Ever Face & Body Foundation and Lancome Effacernes Concealer

I picked up the following products:

- Sephora Deluxe Travel Kit
- Make Up For Ever Face and Body Foundation
- Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Under Eye Concealer

The thing I am most excited about is the Sephora Travel Kit.  I have been on the hunt for the perfect travel containers and these look absolutely amazing! I am definitely going to be doing a separate post on them soon to describe what's included and why the kit is the best I have ever seen.

Both the foundation and the concealer are going to be perfect for the weather in Las Vegas.  I have done a review on the under eye concealer already and I honestly love it!  I have not tried the foundation yet, but have heard great reviews and the make up artist did apply it on me in the store and I like the texture and formula so far.  Expect a review on the foundation after my trip.


xoxo,

Eve

May Favorites

It's been a while since I have done a post on my beauty favorites (about two months now?), so I thought this would be a good time to catch up on some of the products I have been enjoying for the past few months.

Because the weather has gotten a bit warmer, and I have been really working on getting my skin into better condition, I don't really have a favorite foundation just because I have not been using foundation (which makes getting ready a lot faster).

As for everything else, I've been reaching for both old and new products in my collection.  Really giving myself a variety of choices and rediscovering old favorites.

So here are my favorites:

For the base of the face (before any powder, blush, or bronzer), I have been enjoying the following:

- NARS Pro-Primer Face Primer
- Maybelline Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer
- MAC Studio Finish Concealer
- Urban Decay Primer Potion

Even though I have skipped the foundation step, the NARS Pro Primer really helps keep the any concealing that I have done (as well as blush and bronzer) on my face.  The Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer is always a must for me for under the eyes concealing because it does help even out my skin tone there and feel extremely light on the skin.  However, if you do plan on going by the pool or to the beach, this would not be the concealer to go with because it will rub off or melt if not buffed in well.  For spot concealing, the MAC Studio Finish Concealer has always been my go to concealer.  A little goes a long way, covering any imperfections you may have, making it more comfortable to skip foundation.  And as always, ALWAYS remember to prime your eyes before you apply any shadow.  You don't want to put all that effort on your eyes and have them not last throughout the day.

For the rest of the face:

- MAC Highlighter in Chez Chez Lame (Limited Edition)
- Smashbox Blush in Everlasting
- Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose Gold

I have really been enjoying the pinks for blushes this Summer, it really brings a look together and makes your feeling more refreshed.  Blush is always a great way to bring your face to life if you wanted a quick makeup application.  Everlasting is a beautiful blush that I find is the perfect pink for most skin tones, and the texture is so silky smooth.  For a more night time look, I would use the Bobbi Brown Rose Gold Shimmer Brick (which is still available online).  It doesn't have too much shimmer/glitter, but is just enough to make your cheeks look a bit more playful (and it also goes well with almost any skin tone).  The MAC Highlighter in Chez Chez Lame is a Limited Edition product, but I just had to mention it because when swiped just above the cheekbones and in the inner corner of your eyes, it just brings so much of the natural glow to the face.

Base for the eyes:

- Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #13
- Tarte SmolderEYES Clay Waterproof Liner

I know a primer is usually enough to make sure your shadow stays put, but I like to take that extra effort in applying a base to really make the shadows pop.  The Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream is the perfect slip resistant eye base out there.  #13, which is a champagne color is perfect to make any color shadow pop, or you can just wear the base alone for the easy going every day look.  For all of my smokey eyes, I apply the Tarte SmolderEYES Clay Liner in the Dark Brown shade to really create that sexy, sultry look.  When applied right at the base of the lashes and smoked out, these will make any eyes pop.  Also, the liner is extremely budge proof.  I would recommend applying this one eye at a time because once this liner sets it will not move!

Now for the eye shadows:

- TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette
- MAC Eye Shadow Duo (Limited Edition)

I have really neglected some of my palettes in my collection, since I have been using my Naked palettes so much.  So I decided to break out this Nude 'Tude palette and give it some good use.  This really reminded me how much I love the colors included in the palette and how great the shadows are.  The consistency or the shadows are really buttery and they blend like a dream.  Also, for the quick smokey eye I have been using this MAC eye shadow duo I purchased from last years Holiday Collection.  I always have this duo in my bag just in case we decide to go out and I don't have time to go home to get ready.

Liners:

- L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Liner

I always go back and forth from pencil to liquid, and this month I decided to go with liquid since it's a quick and easy application.  You can't go wrong with the L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liner because it's a really black liner.  I also love how easy it is to create a lined look because the applicator is so amazing.  And what's even better is that it's so affordable!

Last but now least, the lips:

- Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple and Tutti Frutti

It wouldn't be Summer if you don't play around with a pop of color on your lips (or nails).  I love any lip product that I can carry around with my in my bag and apply without having to be by a mirror.  With the Revlon Lip Butters, you get that easy, smooth application, along with a bit of moisture.  These two colors have been my favorite, go to colors for the season thus far.  Really makes my casual, day time looks a bit more special.


So there you are, everything from the face to the lips, all of my favorites of the moment.  I find myself not changing around my routine as much when it comes to using makeup, so I won't be posting monthly favorites as often.  However, I will be sure to keep you updated on current favorites when I do rediscover old and play with new products.


xoxo,

Eve

Victoria Secret Bikini

Summer is here, and what better way to spend it than spending the day at the beach with your friends and family.  I was never really a beach goer when I was younger, but now I really enjoy the sun, water, and sand.  Also, laying out and getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D is always a plus.

I was generously gifted with a new bikini from a friend this past weekend, and it definitely got me excited for Summer (and my trip to Las Vegas next week).  To go with the hot pink trend, she purchased me this bikini from Victoria Secret.

The top is the Maldives Twist Front Demi Triangle Top, from the Victoria Secret Very Sexy swimwear line.  It gives the girls a bit of a lift and a nice amount of support without feeling uncomfortable.  I love the center found twist detail because it gives it that special touch without looking to overwhelming.  The molded padding and the underwire also gives anyone looking for that added support a good lift.  I love the gold detailing on the bottoms and the closure of the top because it does tie the look altogether.  The overall look of both the top and bottom together is definitely sexy, but isn't as revealing as a regular string bikini.

I am so excited to get to wear this to Las Vegas, and I know the color will definitely bring that extra pop!


xoxo,

Eve

ANNOUNCEMENT: BH Cosmetics Winner!!!

My BH Cosmetics giveaway has been closed for a few days now, and I finally have the time to announce the winner.  Everyone who entered was put into a random drawing...

Congratulations to ......


Amanda Estela!

You can check out her blog here: http://www.luuux.com/members/amandaaloves

The winner has been contacted and she has 48 hours to claim her prize (or else I will randomly choose another winner).

Thank you so much to everyone that entered.  The giveaway for June will be announced in about a week, so look out for that!


xoxo,

Eve