August Favorites

Where did summer go? (Yeah, I'm aware, inserting the same cliché question everyone asks themselves around this time of year). The chaos in Manhattan has officially begun for me ladies and gents. So before I dive into September, let's get into the products and fun stuff I've been digging this month.  (PS, into my new bedroom set up for this year? ME TOO. Products & details are at the end of this very post..)

Beauty 

01. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer- After my discovery of Smashbox Photo Finish last month, I decided to give this one a try after I received it as a sample. And, guess what? I think I like it better! It has the consistency of moisturizer which seems to suit my skin a bit better because I'm currently on an extremely drying prescription topical. That is, anything moisturizing for me in the morning helps! I have combination skin so I definitely get shiny during the day (ESPECIALLY in this New York heat,) and I've noticed that like the Smashbox, this has helped me maintain matte power. I'm still kind of bouncing around with primers though so I'm open to trying some more and I'm not really set in using this particular one or another, but I have enjoyed what I've seen with this so far. 

02. Mac Chilled on Ice Paint Pot- Ah, once again this is gracing my monthly favorites. I seemingly can't help it, I just seriously love this paint pot. It's SO versatile for any kind of eye look with a champagney peachy icey base, and it's just so easy for summer because no lid shadow is really needed, taking away one less step in my eye-makeup every morning. This is one to invest in, folks. 

03. Mac Green Smoke Eyeshadow- Wanna know a particularly interesting fact about this eyeshadow? It was actually one of the first Mac shadows I ever bought. I was really drawn to the gunmetal shimmer in it, and thought it would suit every season, which it totally does! This is brilliant to smoke up an outer corner or define your lower lash line. With that being said, don't let the name scare you, it's really not a "green" green kind of color. In fact, I pretty much thought it was more of a sparkly grey when I first picked it up. I've been reaching toward it a ton this month, and it's a great shadow to transition your summer makeup into fall. 

04. Tarte Park Avenue Princess- Well, well, well. Another favorite in a row! Looks like I'm going to have to invest in a full size of this soon. This is fabulously pigmented, shimmery, and just glorious for that summer into fall transition. This bronzer is great at heightening and maintaining your summer glow and has incredible staying power. 

05. Sephora Cream Lip Stain in #01, with Makeup Forever Aqua Lip Liner Pencil in 8C underneath- This combo is the BOMB, dolls. I first discovered this via Sharleen Joynt (yes, from the Bachelor) and haven't turned to another red lip since. It lasts ALL day and night, and just creates the most eye-catching red lip that I've ever worn. Obsessed. Literally. To check out how to create this combo & more fall combos, be sure to read my Lala article on lip trends for this fall. (yay shameless self-promoting...)

06. Vaseline Lip Therapy in Cocoa Butter- Ahhhhhhhhh. If you're a chapstick FIEND, you need to try this. I've never been a chapstick fiend, and this product has turned me into one. Literally this makes your lips super super smooth and the scent is to die for guys. It's just the perfect amount of cocoa butter to treat your lips every morning, and you have to get your hands on one! (if only I was endorsed for this- lololol)

07. Bioderma- Once again, in my favorites. This stuff is just awesome. It's the most gentle eye makeup remover basically, ever, and I even like to use it in the morning just all over my face before my moisturizer and makeup. It's refreshing, super gentle, and well worth however many euros I paid for it (I believe its like $30 here?!).

08. Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner- I've used products in the Organix line before (the blue Moroccan Oil combo!) and I really liked them so I decided to try another kind, andddd I really like this one even more! It smells pretty scrumptious and really seems to have added a little strength to my locks. The only complaint I really have is that the shampoo is a bit drying, so I would just recommend using the conditioner if you have extra dry hair. 

Fashion/ Miscellaneous 

09. Jeffrey Campbell Soulman Boots- ha, surprise! I've only been talking about these boots non-stop all month! Anyway, yes, I'm in love. They're beautiful, durable, and definitely a great investment. I'll probably wear the hell out of them and I'll use them for a loooong time. If you're in search of a pair of boots to last you a while, these are the ones for you.

10. Society 6 'I Woke Up Like This' Pillow- I purchased this for my apartment living room, and it's just sooo super cute. I love the white text on black background and this is just perfect to add a trendy vibe to any space.

Andddd, drum roll please. My new dorm room this year. You guys loved my dorm room tour last year, so I figured I'd throw in a photo of my new one in my favorites this time around. My bedding and pillowcases are from Urban Outfitters. The LED firefly lights are also from Urban, and the polaroids are ones I have taken with my polaroid camera! My mirror (full length) is from Target as well. 

Finally, my short lookbook& clips from this month:

Here's to September! (and school... and NYFW... AH)

"These violent delights have violent ends"

[Romeo & Juliet 2.6]

Cheers, x