Season of Glitter

For all those parties and family get togethers, a little glitter can really set you apart. Not only is it acceptable to wear for this time of the year, it's also really fun to play around with!

There are so many shimmery, sparkly, and iridescent products out on the market that you can experiment with before your event!

For the conservative sparkle, 

- Urban Decay Glitter Liners

I absolutely love these liners because of how easy they are to apply! The small liner brush allows you to apply the glitter precisely. I love applying this as a small accent to a winged liner or in the inner corner of my eyes. 

For the iridescent lover,

- Kiko Milano Water Eyeshadow

When applied wet, these shadows give off the prettiest iridescent color with super high pigmentation and sparkle! 

For the show stopping sparkle, 

- J. Cat Sparkling Powder

If you want to apply pure glitter on your eyes, I highly recommend these loose glitters. They are affordable and come in a large selection of colors. I have applied these on the inner corner of the eyes and even all over the lid for a cut crease shadow look! 

For those who prefer sparkle on their face, 

- Anastasia Nicole Guerrero Glow Kit

Some of us might not feel comfortable enough applying glitter on our eyes, but maybe sparkle on our cheekbones could be manageable? Or maybe some occasions don't call for glitter, but you want to still do something a little extra? A sparkly cheekbone highlight is my favorite when I want to set my everyday makeup look apart for a special occasion. The Nicole Guerrero Glow Kit is amazingly sparkly and will definitely set you apart!

The Natural Base

A clean and minimal base has been my go-to lately. I wake up relatively early and I don't really like spending 10 minutes blending out my foundation. I like to use my fingers to apply a thin base and use a foundation with more coverage on larger areas that need a little more attention. 

As much as I would love to have flawless skin, that's just not a reality for me. My skin scars easily and those scars take weeks to fade. Instead of covering up all imperfections, I have learned to embrace them! But being confident with my skin hasn't always come naturally. 

I have a pretty extensive skin care routine and knowing that I'm doing the best I can to keep my skin looking healthy keeps my mind at ease. But, for days that I actually do have to leave the house and need something minimal that will still make me look put together, I opt for a simple base; something that allows my skin to breathe!

The Three Product Base

* Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium *

use this to even out skin tone and reduce redness

* Too Faced Born this Way Foundation *

use sparingly in large areas that need coverage

I apply only on cheeks and chin

Blend out with a beauty sponge to avoid streaks

* Glossier Stretch Concealer in Medium *

use to spot conceal

also use under eyes

Three products might seem a little much for a "natural" base, but I think it's best to layer thin products over each other instead of one heavy foundation. My skin looks naturally even, without the feeling of a heavy foundation. 

November Beauty Favorites

November was a month of continuous shopping; with the Sephora VIB Sale and Black Friday, I found myself purchasing a lot more than I usually would. For that reason, I was able to purchase products that had been on my wishlist for a while or simply repurchase some holy grail products!

November Beauty Favorites

* Glossier Stretch Concealer
Because I have been reducing  the amount of heavy foundation I wear on a daily basis, it made sense to also try out a concealer with the same minimal coverage. Glossier's Stretch Concealer is a very thin, emollient, and hydrating concealer. It is very easy to apply (I use my fingers!) and provides enough coverage to conceal, but it still allows some imperfections peak through. Because it is so dewy and emollient, it does crease under my eyes slightly, but I don't really seem to mind. I have fallen in love with how easy it is to apply! I highly recommend for anyone looking for a concealer with a natural finish!

* Too Faced Born This Way Foundation 
This foundation has been my holy grail since I purchased it over the summer. This is my second bottle and I'm so happy I have this back in my collection! The coverage is so flawless, but it doesn't feel too heavy. It also has a very natural finish!

* Beauty Oils 
 Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Rose Hip Oil 

I have always had (and probably always will have) oily skin. But a few days with an overly drying cleanser completely changed that! It could also be the change in weather, but I started feeling overly dry around my chin and cheeks. It really is an uncomfortable feeling and I have been unable to deal with this but beauty oils have really helped soothe the dry, tight feeling! I like to mix a few drops into my moisturizer (day and night!) for extra hydration. The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Rose Hip oil have really been life changing!

* Glossier Cloud Paints 
One of the newest additions to my makeup routine has been the Glossier Cloud Paints. These are the easiest cream/gel blushes I have ever used. They do not leave any streaks on my face and are super easy to blend. The color is very pigmented (a little goes a long way!) but it still looks very natural. My favorites are Dusk and Beam! I will definitely be purchasing more in the future!

Waking Up Pretty: Tips and Tricks to Surviving Your First Set of Lash Extensions

I've always been a fan of lash extensions. The thought of waking up pretty is every girl's dream, right? And if I can minimize the amount of effort I put in every morning while still looking presentable, you bet your sweet ass I'm all in!

After so much research and Pinterest stalking, I decided to take the plunge with a dramatic set of lashes! It also is a big help if your mother is a lash artist herself (@lashesby_gia)!

I've been getting my lashes done since April (so around 7 months!) and needless to say, I regret nothing. 

But, it's true what they say...lash extensions are high maintenance. But when you're so used to manicures, monthly hair appointments, and the occasional wax, this seems like a walk in the park! 

So below you'll find a couple of my tips and tricks for newbies out there that want to give these a try! Also, if you're in the Southern California/Orange County area, check out Lashes by Gia for your first set of lashes!

Tips and Tricks To Surviving Your First Set of Lash Extensions

1. No matter how tempted you are, do not pull/twist/play with your lashes! This was such a hard one for me to follow, but doing this damages your natural lashes and causes them to fall out!
2. Clean them daily and avoid oil based products (makeup remover, makeup, etc). 
3. Carry a spoolie around with you at all times to brush them for those unexpected gusts of wind
4. For the love of god, do not use q-tips around your extensions! Getting a piece of cotton stuck and tangled in your extensions is the worst thing ever. 
5. Sleep on your back to avoid damaging your extensions
6. Purchase a lash conditioner to keep them dark and shiny!
7. Do not apply mascara on your lashes! If you feel like they aren't as long or voluminous as you would like, let your lash artist know and she/he could add more curl and volume to your set. 
8. Continue getting your lashes filled every 2-3 weeks
9. Do your research before you make an appointment! Research the actual lashes that you want first (classic, volume, russian?) and also research your lash artist and look through their work!

And there you go! These are my tips and tricks for any newbie looking to get their first set of lash extensions. 

Problematic Skin and How to Deal

We all have those weekends where we decide to drink an obscenely large amount of alcohol in one night. Or maybe we attend a family event where it's rude to refuse another plate of that calorific meal. Or maybe this somehow happens all in one weekend. 

And your skin ends up hating you for all the bad decisions you made within a weekend (or a day).

Dealing with a breakout after you've been working so hard to keep everything under control is a huge downer, but it happens to the best of us. The only thing you can really do is be patient with your skin  and give it time to heal and detox. 

Tips and Tricks on Dealing with a Weekend Breakout

1. Drink tons of water 
If you decided to go all out one night with the vodka Red Bulls, then you probably need to hydrate for the next week anyway. Drink tons of water to cleanse out any toxins that are lingering from a night out.

2. Clarifying Mask
This won't clear away any breakouts that have emerged overnight, but it could expedite the healing process! Don't over do it though!

recommendations: Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment, Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial

3. Spot Treatment 
Targeting breakouts with a spot treatment is the most effective way to treat. Your skin is still probably dehydrated from the weekend, so you don't need to apply drying products all over your face, just on the areas that need it.

recommendations: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion 

4. Lastly, by patient!
Breakouts take time to clear and heal up. Give your skin some time and remember this process before you decide to go wild for a weekend!

First Impressions: Drunk Elephant's Umbra Tinte

To me, sunscreen is a very complicated product. You're supposed to love it and use it every single day, but for the longest time, I neglected it. I've tried numerous samples and loved some, but never saw it as a necessity in my routine. 

After my obsession with Drunk Elephant started (about 2 months ago!), I decided to try out their Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense, which is a tinted sunscreen with SPF 30.

Since purchasing, I have used it for about 3 weeks and fall more in love each time.

First impressions:

* Umbra Tinte has a very small amount of color/coverage to it. Not enough to cover spots, but enough to even your skin out

* Leaves skin looking very glowy, but not greasy

* It doesn't slip and slide on my oily skin

* Very light fragrance 

* Not a fan of the packaging (I tend to lose caps!)

* Hydrating enough to use as a moisturizer 

* Perfect to use on its own for a very light makeup day

How I use Umbra Tinte:

• Right after my face primer, I slather a nickel size amount all over my face and neck. Because it does have a small amount of tint, I only use foundation where I have dark spots (chin and cheeks). 

I really like this product because it minimizes the amount of foundation I need to use and provides enough tackiness for my face makeup to really stick. It does all this and it provides UV protection! It makes wearing sun protection very easy and it's something I really don't have to overthink!

Needless to say, I really recommend this to anyone looking to add SPF into their routine without having to worry about white casts or a greasy sunscreen feeling/smell. I don't really consider this a skincare product because I apply after I have started using makeup products. But, its great for easy makeup days since it has a slight tint to it!

I'm actually very curious about Drunk Elephant's non-tinted version of this product and will definitely be trying it out soon!

This Time Last Year

I'm not going to lie. This time last year I was in an extremely difficult place in my life. I felt so completely and utterly lost. Looking back, I'm so happy all of those horrible things happened, only because I am so much stronger because of it.

This time last year, I was cut off from the most important financial support I had. I lost a job that I felt extremely attached to and had plans to achieve in. I had a family obligation to succeed in this business and as a first born, a role model for my family, I took this very seriously. It honestly came as a huge shock to me, but now I understand why no one should ever work with family (ever).

This time last year, I found myself lost and confused on how to manage myself-- life, work, money-- everything. I found out that I had become too comfortable with the luxuries money could provide and in a way, I found myself forging relationships with toxic people in order to continue receiving these benefits. I relied heavily on my family for everything, literally everything. And that's not necessarily a bad thing... We were a very united family. 

This time last year, I found everything had just imploded. Once again, I had to be the support system for my mother, who I have always had a special bond with, but somehow ended up resenting for the terrible year ahead. It was in no way, shape or form her fault that bad things happened to us. It was definitely not her fault. But my angry attitude towards her was almost like a defense mechanism; a way for me to brush everything off and pretend like everything was fine, for her sake. 

Although this past year was the most emotionally and financially challenging one yet, I am so grateful that it all happened. 

At the time, I didn't understand why bad things happened to good people, or why bad people are drawn to dishearten (if that's the word) the good people. But somehow, this year, I am able to understand that bad things happen to rid your life of those exact things or people, in my case. You realize that people who you trusted, shouldn't be trusted at all. Some acts of manipulation and brain washing can't be forgiven (and they really shouldn't be forgiven tbh).  

These events occurred and in the end, toxic relationships were broken, I realized my own financial potential, and to some degree, became independent and realized I could "adult" all on my own (shocker!).

It was the most emotional and mentally exhausting year for me and my (now) little family, but I am so grateful for it. 

This time last year, I was a mess. But looking back at all the things that happened 12 months ago, I realized how much I have grown. I am so much happier and mentally healthier. In case you were wondering, I now only form non-toxic relationships and seek people who build me up. I appreciate the relationship I have with my supportive boyfriend so much more! I have a better relationship with my mother and I try to build her up and support her as much as I can. I am able to provide for myself financially and have a super amazing job that I really do love!

All in all, I am so much more confident in my abilities, goals, and decisions. I literally bought a car last month and didn't have to ask one damn person for permission (probably super pathetic, but a big deal for me!).

It was a hell of a year for me, but I wouldn't take it back for the world.

If you're having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year, just know that (as cliche as this sounds) it will get better. You will learn from your mistakes. You will rid your life of the bad and somehow, you will move on to better things in your life.

A Mini Obsession

Currently: Loving Mini Handbags
The Harsh Reality: You can't carry much 
Even harsher: She can't hold my phone (iPhone 8 Plus)

But, so what? This Gucci Dionysus has been on my wish list for what seems like an eternity and I finally took the plunge for my 22nd birthday last month!So here she is...

My Gucci Supreme Super Mini Dionysus & all the little things she holds

* Louis Vuitton Key Pouch

* Current lipstick

* Car Keys (Not Pictured)

* Sadly, holding my phone in my hand and potentially forgetting it while shopping

California Autumn

It's autumn here in Southern California, but it never really feels like it here. You can always dress like it though!

Outfit

Shorts: H&M | Top: Brandy Melville | Shoes: Primark | Jacket: BB Dakota | Beret: Forever21 | Bag: Gucci | Belt: Primark | Watch: Rolex

Skincare Favorites Worth the Investment

Skincare has always been a challenge for me. You try to take really good care of your skin, but you end up over exfoliating or drying out your skin with harsh chemicals. Earlier this year, I was struggling with small breakouts and painful hormonal acne. I had left over scarring from previous breakouts and texture all over my chin and forehead.

Like the usual person, I tried to exfoliate my problems away using harsh scrubs. And I realized that these scrubs weren't really doing anything for my skin.

After months of trial and error, I feel like my skincare finally works for me and tackles my main skin concerns. The one thing I can recommend to you is to really invest in your skin. And I know not everyone (me!) can afford to get a luxury facial every month, but investing in products that will last you months can definitely give you similar (sometimes ever better!) results.

Cleanse | This is the most important part of my routine, mainly because I remove all of the makeup, pollution, and oils that have collected on my face throughout the day. I don't really find the need to spend a huge amount of money on a face wash (I can literally use anything). I like to start with a basic cleansing wipe to remove the bulk of my makeup, follow up with a foaming cleanser, and finish off with my Bioderma Micellar Water (which is my all time favorite)!

Layer | After completely cleansing my skin, I like to start layering my serums and emulsions. My current favorite is the Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, which has completely turned my skin around. I found that after using it in combination with my other Drunk Elephant products, my acne scars has faded away almost completely and I hardly break out. My skin texture has almost completely smoothed out and I couldn't be happier. This serum does cost a pretty penny, but it is completely worth it! 

Moisturize | Out of all the layers I apply on my skin, moisturizer is my favorite part. I like to use the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream because I can use it day and night. It's very lightweight and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy. Another favorite is the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which I only use at night. This oil is lightweight, but really does moisturize my skin without feeling overly greasy and I find that my skin drinks it right up. 

Mask | I use so many different masks for so many different reasons. I literally mask almost every single night! If I could recommend only one though, it would definitely be the Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial. This mask, in combination with the Framboos Serum, has completely changed the texture of my skin. I only use this once a week for 20 minutes, but every time I wash it off, my face looks glow-y and radiant. After using it once a week for 2 months, my skins texture is smoother and my acne scars have almost completely disappeared. This product is an investment, but I would 100% recommend it.

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end skincare routine, but investing in a couple key serums and moisturizers could really change your skin. And who knows, you might end up getting addicted to these amazing skincare brands like I have!

Minimalistic Makeup and Why I Love It

If you would have told me months ago that i would be using less than 15 products on my face on a daily basis, I wouldn't have believed you. Earlier this year, I was an advocate of a full "beat" face for everyday wear. You couldn't keep me away from my perfectly shaped brows and my blinding highlight. And I would do this every single day (yes, even for my conservative office job)! Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with this! But recently, within the last 3-4 months, I have fallen in love with a minimal makeup look. And I blame my newfound obsession with Glossier for this.

Makeup for me has now become a way to enhance my natural beauty, not hide it. I have really been focusing on my skin and how to almost "perfect" my base using skincare (that's a topic for another post though!). I focus on evening out my skin instead of masking it with makeup. Light, creamy products have become my best friend!

All in all, I use around 10 products on my face on an everyday basis. It takes me around 15-20 minutes to do my makeup in the morning and this allows me to sleep in a little longer! 

So below are the products I am currently using, loving and would highly recommend! I should warn you though, in an effort to reduce the amount of makeup I hoard, I have not been able to repurchase some of my newfound favorites! But, I will still mention them because I can't recommend them enough!

• Primer | I still have yet to really fall in love with a specific primer. I am currently trying to use up all of my deluxe primer samples, so I haven't really been committed to just one. Some of my favorites have been the Glossier Priming Moisturizer, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, and the Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer. All of these are pretty moisturizing, but give my face a little grip for the foundation. I'm currently using the Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer.
• Foundation | My all time favorite foundation has to be the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation. It gives me the perfect amount of coverage without feeling too heavy or cake-y. It also gives my skin a beautiful radiant glow without making me look too oily! I love this formula so much that I even use it under my eyes as concealer! It doesn't crease under the eyes and covers all the darkness up. I find that using my foundation under my eyes gives my face a more natural look than using a extra brightening concealer does. Unfortunately, I have ran out of this foundation and have yet to repurchase, so I am currently using an old favorite, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. 
• Brows | My eyebrow routine has become so much easier since discovering this product-Glossier's Boy Brow! This product gives my brows a light, fluffy look that gives them enough tint to look filled in and groomed. Its perfect for everyday and super easy to apply! I highly recommend! 
• Cream Face Products | Cream products have recently become a favorite of mine. They make you look so much more natural and you don't get that powder-y finish. My favorites have been the Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stain in Quickie, Milk Face Gloss (for a wet looking glow), Glossier Haloscope in Quartz, and the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Cafe to bronze. All of these products are extremely easy to apply and they instantly look good. I really love cream products because they seamlessly blend in with each other so you don't get obvious streaks and lines. 
• Powder | Because I have oily skin, setting my face with powder is a must. My current favorite is the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder.
• Lips | This option changes every day and is based around my mood, the weather, the amount of coffee I'm having, and the amount of effort I want to put into the day; this basically changes every day for no apparent reason. 
• Face Mist | Lastly, just to make me feel better, I mist a face spray over my skin. This particular one doesn't have any makeup-setting properties in it-- I just like the way it smells :)