7.17.2015

nordstrom anniversary sale picks!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to all; as such, I'm bringing you my Top Sale Picks across 5 departments to help you get your shopping on!

nsale boots
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5


nsale sweaters
1 | 2 | 3


nsale jeans
1 | 2 | 3


nsale bags
1 | 2 | 3


nsale dresses
1 | 2 | 3


SHOP BOOTS

SHOP SWEATERS

SHOP JEANS

SHOP BAGS

SHOP DRESSES


xx
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7.16.2015

beach vibes

tropical
{Clockwise from top}


Tropical everythang is legit the only thing on my mind as of late. I'm seriously feeling deep tans, ethereal, luminous pinks, and vivid ocean blues and turquoises - they're insta-vacay inspired, and oh-so swoony. I may not be headed somewhere tropical; but these vibrant beauty + fashion bits are bound to bring tropical vibes to you!

{1} BEAUTY FOR REAL Get Glowing! Cheek Tint and Luminizer in GET LIT / IN THE PINK {$29.00} Open the compact for a mother of pearl luminizer; slide out the bottom for a pretty petal pink blush!

{2} NYC NEW YORK COLOR City Proof 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow in EAST RIVER ROMANCE {$3.49} Wear it all over the lid for a bold beachy blue look, or line your eyes for a subtle ocean smolder.

{3} THE UPSIDE Snapper Printed Neoprene Bikini Top {$108.00} + Moss Printed Neoprene Bikini Briefs {$100.00} The perfect way to hit the surf!

{4} OPI Brights Nail Lacquer Collection in I SEA YOU WEAR OPI {$9.50} The shimmer-infused shade is ideal for capturing a hint of the sea - even when you're surrounded by mountains.

{5} MARC BY MARC JACOBS Mirrored Sunglasses in Crystal / Blue {$98.00} Bright, iridescent lenses are playful with a little throwback flair!

{6} NYC NEW YORK COLOR BB Creme in BRONZED RADIANCE {$3.99} A bronze-toned BB cream adds a hint of sunkissed color while smoothing out skin.

{7} TARGET Chevron Print Canvas Tote Handbag in BLUE {$14.99} The print and color make it perfect for island getaways!


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xx


Thanks to Beauty for Real and NYC New York Color for sponsoring this post!
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7.15.2015

Ciaté London South Beach Socialite Collection Swatches + Review

The South Beach Socialite Collection is legit the epitome of summer - right down to the full-size COCONUT Top Coat {which leaves behind a long-lasting coconut fragrance that transports you to the tropics}; thus the reason I had to snag it when I spotted it at Sephora. Packaging aside, this little collection featuring 2 mini paint pots, 1 mini glitter paint pot, and 1 full-size coconut top coat is sizzling, and something you'll seriously want to pick-up before your next vacay. Swatch time!

Putting On the Ritz is Rose Gold and Gold Jagged Glitter in a Clear Base. I love jagged glitter pieces as they add such a different vibe to nails than standard round or hexagonal glitter; but Putting On the Ritz totally takes the cake for most unique given the mix of gold and rose gold pieces - which feel so luxe over white polish. You definitely have to dab and pat to get the effect you want - but the results are worth it! Here I'm wearing it over White Heat. This is 1 coat.


White Heat is a White Creme. White Heat is everything a white polish should be - opaque, non-streaky, and tan-enhancing. The formula here is just flawless - always a welcome surprise when you're working with whites; going on smoothly, and looking am-a-zing from the first swipe to the last. This is 2 coats.


Putting On the Ritz is Rose Gold and Gold Jagged Glitter in a Clear Base. Don't let the pictures above confuse you, this is Putting On the Ritz again; only this time, it's topping Deco Delight. These images are proof that, while pretty over any color, Putting On the Ritz definitely comes alive when it's paired with a shade such as white; over Deco Delight, the rose gold glitter really gets lost and jumbled. Again, the dab and pat maneuver was necessary. This is 1 coat.


Deco Delight is a Metallic Nude / Rose Gold Foil. Rose Gold nail colors are my jam, but Deco Delight felt distinctly more metallic nude gold to me {or maybe that's just how my skintone read it}. Deco Delight has an incredible formula - it's v fast-dry, plus it leaves behind zero brush strokes. I think I would have liked this shade a bit more if it had little glitter particles inside {like ORLY's Rage}, but I'm not complaining. This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: Sephora.

PRICE: $25.00 for the 4-Piece Collection at Sephora.


xx
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7.14.2015

currently crushing...

crush 26
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Clearly in the throes of a blue period.


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xx
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7.13.2015

NOTD: China Glaze Sun Worshipper

Four coats of China Glaze in Sun Worshipper. Searing Neon Orange Creme.

File this one under: impossible to photograph. Seriously. Sun Worshipper looks like a vibrant yellow in natural light {aka these swatches}, but IRL, it's the exact. same. shade as the powdered cheese you find in those Kraft Mac & Cheese boxes. Truth.

The formula here was kind of a pain - even after 4 coats I could see VNL; but, I love this color so much that I'm willing to take the good with the bad. The finish is streaky and 100% matte, so you definitely need to pile on the top coat to add shine and even out the streakiness.

Formula issues aside... you need this color in your life. While I was wearing it, I had completely random guys stop and ask me {and I quote}: what do they call that color?

You know you're wearing something amazing when oblivious guys take notice!


What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx
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7.12.2015

{beauty board} the sunkissed series...

From nails and lips to eyes and skin you'll find everything you need to sunkiss your life for summer and beyond right here!

EYES
The eyes are the windows to the soul... and one of the simplest ways to sun-kiss your face. Sweep a gold, bronze, or copper shadow all over the lid to prettify your peepers and add a sunny sparkle. Can't decide on which shade to go for? Go from dark to light for one supremely summery #eotd {copper all over the lid and in the crease, bronze along the upper lashline, and gold in the inner corner and on the lower lashline}. Here are 5 options for this uber-metallic {and mesmerizing} makeup look!
sunkissed eyes
{1} e.l.f. Essential Custom Eyes Refill Pan in GOLDEN GLOW #2506 {$0.39}

{2} N.Y.C. New York Color City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in 5TH AVE GOLD RUSH {$6.27}

{3} Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow in MY TWO CENTS! {$20.00}

{4} Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow – Shimmer in N° 81 SUNDAY BRUNCH {$12.00}

{5} Buxom Eyeshadow Bar Single Eyeshadow in GLITZ FACTOR {$12.00}


LIPS
A glistening pout is only a swipe of gold-flecked gloss away! Capture a true ray of light on your lips with a soft coral, peach, or pink hue for a your-lips-but-better look that's enhanced in the most summery of ways with gold shimmering particles. Already have a favorite lip color you plan on rocking for the sizzling months? Pick up a gold gloss in a clear base that can be applied over it for a seriously summery smooch!

sunkissed
{1} NARS Lip Gloss in GREEK HOLIDAY {$26.00}

{2} MILANI Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in LUMINOUS {$4.39}

{3} Ciaté London Lip Lustre High Shine Balm in CALL ME {$17.00}

{4} Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in CANARY {$25.00}

{5} Clinique Long Last Glosswear in SUNSET {$16.00}

{6} tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in PARK AVE PRINCESS {$19.00}


NAILS
Want to summer-fy your tips + toes? The golden ticket is a golden polish. Swap out your spring pastels for metallic shimmers in gold, bronze, and copper shades. The shimmer particles dance in direct sunlight; while the colors themselves work as a perfectly posh neutral - ideal if your workplace frowns on bright lacquers!

gold
{1} YVES SAINT LAURENT LA LAQUE COUTURE Nail Lacquer in 29 DORE ORFEVRE {$27.00}

{2} WHIM Metallics Nail Lacquer Collection in BLING RING {$10.00}

{3} OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in BRISBANE BRONZE {$4.75}

{4} ULTA Salon Formula Nail Lacquer in HIGH ROLLER {$6.00}

{5} NAILS INC. Special Effects Mirror Metallic Nail Polish in STRATFORD {$11.00}

{6} NARS Nail Polish in MILOS {$20.00}

{7} DEBORAH LIPPMANN New York Marquee Collection in AUTUMN IN NEW YORK {$20.00}


SKIN
A bronze, golden glow is an #fotd must once the temps rise, but doesn't mean you need to slather yourself in self-tanner. The question is: how sunkissed do you want to go? For all-over healthy color, opt for a bronzing primer or bb / cc cream applied under foundation or alone for a subtle golden goddess glow. For sunkiss with a kick {read: total beach babe}, apply a bronzing powder to temple, cheekbones, and chin {the places the sun would naturally hit}. Good to glow!

skin
{1} BECCA Bronzing Skin Perfector {$36.00}

{2} e.l.f. Studio Pressed Mineral Bronzer in TAN TOFFEE {$5.00}

{3} It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Bronzing Cream {$38.00} {Skin-saving bonus: this has SPF 50+}.

{4} Urban Decay Naked Skin Bronzing Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 20 {$34.00}


SHOP EYES


SHOP LIPS


SHOP NAILS


SHOP SKIN


xx


Thanks to N.Y.C. New York Color and e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!
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7.11.2015

obsession...

onesie
Haute Hippie Halter Neck Printed Drapey Jumpsuit in Buff Multi.

This is virtually the last thing I ever thought I would swoon over but OMG you guys, I'm in love. The drapey aesthetic and exposed back. The playful print. Le sigh...total covet.


xx
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7.10.2015

mark. Nailed It Trend Mini Nail Lacquers - Buenos Aires Vibe Swatches + Review

I have been all about the bright when it comes to nail lacquers lately, so when I spotted the mark. Nailed It Trend Mini Nail Lacquers - Buenos Aires Vibe set, I knew I had to make it mine. I love these duos because they're seriously affordable, and always include two corresponding shades that are perfect for playful nail art or pretty mani / pedi combos. The fact that the two shades in this duo have that whole exotic, beachy, tropical thing going on? Well, let's just say they're a summer essential {I think you'll agree after you see the swatches!}.

Palermo Purple is a Pale Purple with Scattered Holographic Shimmer. If unique is what you're after, Palermo Purple has your name written all over it. Seriously though, in my stash of 2,479 nail colors {loose guess}, I have nothing that so much as resembles this shade. The scattered holographic shimmer really puts it in a class of its own; and the fact that it has a grape-y red undertone indicates that it will see you from summer straight through fall. Formula was flawless here {perfect for the nail painting novice}. This is 2 coats.


Futbol Blue is an Electrifying Blue with a Frosty Finish. Le sigh...are you swooning yet? Futbol Blue is my favorite shade in this duo because I'm currently in the throes of a blue period in terms of polish, and am obsessed with how summer-ific this pretty is! Like most shimmers, Futbol Blue has a v thin consistency, but manages to hit perfect opacity in two coats. Downside: I experienced quite a bit of bubbling - which I'm willing to overlook because I adore the color so much! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: mark.

PRICE: $7.00 for the duo


xx


Thanks to mark for sponsoring this post!
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7.09.2015

SunglassesShop Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses Giveaway!


Living in SoCal, you can't so much as put the trash out without having a pair of oversize frames shielding your eyes from the sun's searing rays. And now that it's summer? Well, having a pair that will keep you sizzling whether you're beach or poolside is imperative. I love the pretty bits and bobs from SunglassesShop myself as they carry virtually every brand {I'm a bit partial to Marc by Marc Jacobs at the moment} at competitive prices.

SunglassesShop was kind enough to allow me to select a frame for review, and I opted for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Havana Crystal Light Gold A50, as I simply couldn't resist the tortie color and oversize frames. But the good news doesn't end there! One lucky winner will take home their choice of frames from the Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses Collection, courtesy of SunglassesShop!

What are you waiting for? Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Good luck babes!


xx


Thank you to SunglassesShop for Sponsoring this review + giveaway!
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7.08.2015

Essie Cashmere Matte Brights 4PC Mini Set Swatches + Review


After having adored the Essie Cashmere Matte Collection earlier this year, I didn't hesitate when I stumbled upon the Cashmere Matte Brights 4 Pc Mini Nail Polish Set. Matte? Brights? Sign me up...stat! Though I was expecting something along the lines of the Ciaté Dolls House Collection I loved so much last year, I found that {le sigh} the finish and formula didn't always live up to my expectations. Read on for my complete thoughts + swatches!


Sea the Sights is a Vibrant Matte Blue. Sea the Sights is, hands down, the standout in this quartet in terms of formula and color. Color-wise this was a surprise...in the bottle it looks like a pale, pastel baby blue, then you apply it to the nail and bam! Vibrant, bright, tropical...Sea the Sights is all of the above. The formula here was fabu - it self-leveled, applied smoothly, and looked divine for days {despite having no top coat}. This is 2 coats.


Hip Tide is a Bright Pink with Pink/Lavender Micro-Iridescence. If Barbie pink is your jam, this one will capture your heart. Hip Tide was a surprise favorite for me in terms of color. What I didn't like was that the micro-iridescence {which literally does not show up} created application issues in that it was laden with bumps galore, and wound up looking and feeling like a texture polish - not really what I was going for. Props for the gorgey color; fail for the formula. This is 2 coats.


Yespadrilles is a Muted Pistachio-Meets-Mint with Minty/Spring Green Micro-Iridescence. You'll be shocked to learn that Yespadrilles {how cute is that name?!} is actually my least favorite shade in this quartet. I found this shade to feel out of place in a brights collection; and, like Hip Tide, it featured a frustrating formula that refused to level out, and seemed more trouble than it was worth. Also like Hip Tide, the micro-iridescence here is virtually undetectable to the eye. This is 2 coats.


Soft As Sand is a Soft Rosy Seashell Pink Mauve with Pinky/Lavender Micro-Iridescence. Le sigh. I lovelovelove this color {and, if you adore Essie's Fiji, you definitely will too}; but, following in the footsteps of Hip Tide and Yespadrilles, the formula of Soft As Sand is just...a pain to work with. Though not as bumpy of a finish as Yespadrilles, Soft As Sand definitely didn't result in the smooth matte finish that I was hoping for. Nevertheless, I will still reach for it in the future as the color is so pretty. This is 2 coats.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Having adored the Essie Cashmere Matte Collection released earlier this year, I am v. surprised at the formula issues I encountered with this quartet. My personal opinion is that the micro-iridescence caused the issue here, as the one color that did not feature micro-iridescence {Sea the Sights} was an absolute breeze to work with. If these were supposed to be texture shades, obvi the lumps and bumps wouldn't have been an issue; but since these are merely labeled as matte, it raises questions for me. My two cents...


AVAILABILITY: Ulta for the mini set; Ulta for individual bottles.

PRICE: $13.00 for the quartet; or buy individual bottles separately for $8.50 each.


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xx
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7.07.2015

{fashion folio} beachside boho

beachside boho
Top: Blouson Cold Shoulder Top By Kendall + Kylie at Topshop | Mascara: TARTE Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara in Black | Eyeliner: e.l.f. Studio Precision Liquid Eyeliner | Shorts: MOTO Acid Wash Denim Short | Shoes: TOPSHOP North Strappy Gladiator Sandals | Lipstick: SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Cream Lipstick in It Girl 06 | Eyeshadow: mark. Caliente Eyes Eye Shadow Palette

A blousy off the shoulder crop and knee-high gladiator sandals add boho vibes to a throwback pair of cutoff acid wash shorts. Allow your look du jour to do the talking by keeping makeup simple with a tight-lined feline flick, triple-layer of blackest black mascara, and coral-meets-tangerine lip; heightening your basic #motd with a goldy/nude shadow {hint: apply it to cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose for an extra lit-from-within glow}!


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xx


Thanks to mark. for sponsoring this post!
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7.06.2015

NOTD: JULEP Nail Color in Hartleigh

One coat of JULEP Nail Color in Hartleigh. Holographic Microglitter, White Hexagonal Glitter, and Holographic Hearts in a Clear Base.

I basically glittered myself out over the holidays, but Hartleigh inspired a change of...heart. Isn't she the cutest?!

Hartleigh was originally released for Valentine's Day, but I honestly think you could don her whenever you feel like adding a little love to your nail game.

Formula-wise, this one is flawless. The clear base is v user-friendly {not gloppy or messy}, and glittery particles disperse perfectly. The hearts do require a slight dab and pat - but nothing time-consuming or huge. Here I am wearing Hartleigh over Sundays from the Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London Nail Collection.


What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx
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7.05.2015

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {july 2, 2015 edition}

Desktop-001


Summertime

As I read through the submissions for this week, I couldn’t get the music of George Gershwin’s Summertime from Porgy and Bess out of my head. With each post of Summer Fashion, the lyrics would start over, “Summertime, And the livin’ is easy…” So, IFB Bloggers, I suggest back ground music this week as you click through these inspiring links. {My favorite Summertime rendition is performed by Billie Holiday}.

Links à la Mode, July 2nd




SPONSOR: Shopbop sale, Narciso Rodriguez, Nili Lotan, iphoria, Striped & Solid, Raye shoes, Private Party clothing, Madeworn Rock, Boera, Jenny Packham, Hook & Albert, OP Jewellery, Blonde Salad

1. Heads up! We've changed our submission process. First, read LALM's submission rules here. Then submit your links on our Facebook page in the comments section of this post.

2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code. (Note – we’ve changed where we are leaving the code, and hopefully this is easier for you to insert into your site.)


xx
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7.04.2015

happy 4th of july!


bonfires. bikinis. boys.

May your 4th of July feature a mix of all three.

Happy Happy!



{via}


xx
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7.03.2015

long {summer} weekend vibes {soukazone review}

Sunglasses: 2015 Adult Women Black Hot Sale Rushed Gafas De Sol Mujer Woman Sunglasses Metal Frame Vintage Style Fashion Eyewear Multi in COLORFUL {c/o} | Eyeliner: Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Pencil in Midnight Master | Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso | Blush Brush: e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush {c/o} | Mascara: Rimmel London Wonder'Lash Mascara in Extreme Black {c/o} | Highlight: BECCA Travel Size Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal | Hair: DOVE Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray for Fine Flat Hair {c/o} | Eyeshadow: Rimmel London Glam'Eyes HD Eyeshadow in Brick Lane {c/o}

Ordinarily I'm all about the oversized sunnies. My motto when it comes to eyewear: The bigger the better. That said, when I spotted these 2015 Adult Women Black Hot Sale Rushed Gafas De Sol Mujer Woman Sunglasses Metal Frame Vintage Style Fashion Eyewear Multi at the Aliexpress shop Soukazone, the 90s vibes stole my heart, and I had to have them. And here they are.

Soukazone was kind enough to send me these seriously of the moment frames in the shade Colorful, which virtually match every single bikini I own - meaning, I'll be wearing them for the entirety of 4th of July Weekend because hello, I'm spending it at the beach!

I've already begun rocking these babies because they. are. epic. in terms of style - think Gigi Hadid model off duty. The mirrored lenses have this chameleon-like color shift thing going on - morphing from pink to blue to lilac; and the frames themselves simply feel fashion-forward yet nostalgic. Such a fierce combo, amiright?!

What frames are you rocking for the long weekend ahead?


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xx


Thanks to Soukazone, Rimmel, Dove, and e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!
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7.02.2015

mark. Get It Together Lipclick and Nail Lacquer Set Swatches + Review

mark. has released a lot of get it together collections that I've loved over the years, but with the mark. Get It Together Lipclick and Nail Lacquer Set they have fully blown it out of the water because instead of including a piece of jewelry that corresponds with the polish, they've included a gorgeous-on-all-skintones lipclick lipstick in the shade coral fixation that will keep you puckering up in style all summer long. Not that I don't love jewelry {what girl can resist?!}; there's simply something so glam about a matchy-matchy lip and nail combo. Let's take a look at the polishes!

Coordinating Coral is a Semi-Sheer Coral Pink Crelly. Coordinating Coral is the epitome of the term chic. It feels playful enough for summer flings and backyard barbeques, yet retains an ultra-classy, sophisticated vibe that is perfect for the office. Despite being semi-sheer, Coordinating Coral quickly builds to opacity leaving behind a squishy, jelly-like look that is pure yum! This is 2 coats.


Go Bolder Gold is a Pale Gold, Full-Coverage Glitter in a Clear Base. Positively dying over this shade! Go Bolder Gold is the stuff that glittering nail polish dreams are made of. Trust. While this would look gorgeous as an accent nail, you all know how I've been swooning over metallic manis as of late, so I had to go with a full-out glittery look! The formula here is amaze. This is almost a OCW; but I could slightly see my nail, so I opted for two. Bonus: Removal is so. easy. This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: mark.

PRICE: $18.00 for the Set; or snag the Lipclick in Coral Fixation separately for $11.00 at mark.


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xx


Thanks to mark for sponsoring this post!
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7.01.2015

july crush list!

july
1. punchy playsuits I've been swooning over rompers lately because they have the easy breezy vibe of a flirty frock yet feel like a more polished, grown-up version of my all-time favorite: overalls! It's summertime, so I'm all about the punchy prints and vibrant hues; thus, I'm digging Miguelina's Harriet Short Romper in PUNCH, and Flynn Skye's Festival Romper in DAY BREEZE. So perf for simple summer style, yes?

2. glowy skin I bounce between BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in OPAL and e.l.f.'s Studio Pressed Mineral Bronzer in BAKED PEACH {amaze dupe for theBalm's Betty-Lou Manizer btw} to achieve my daily disco ball-esque glow {seriously, illuminated skin gives me life}, but I am dying to get my hands on BECCA's Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector® Pressed in CHAMPAGNE POP, and NARS' Hot Sand Illuminator. Both give you that lit-from-within JLO glow that feels so incredibly necessary for summertime!

3. double duty {coral} beauty Paring down your makeup bag for the summer feels so necessary but can be a total pain; luckily, beauty products that work in multiple ways are saving me. I'm adoring coral colors for lips and cheeks as of late, as it's universally flattering, and the perfect partner for sizzling days. For July, I have my sights set on Smashbox's L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in SILVER LAKE SUNSET, Touch In Sol's Technicolor Lip & Cheek Tint in 4 MYSTIQUE CORAL, and Josie Maran's Argan Infinity Lip And Cheek Creamy Oil in TIMELESS CORAL.

4. knee-high gladiators I used to abhor gladiator sandals, but this summer I am legit obsessed with knee-high gladiators sporting sassy straps that wrap around the leg all snake-like {come on, they're irresistible}. My absolute top picks are Chloé's Lace-Up Suede Wedge Sandals, and Ancient Greek Sandals' Sofia High Lace-Up Leather Sandals. So chic, amiright?


What's on your July Crush List?


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xx


Thanks to e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!
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