JUNE FAVORITES

I cannot believe that it's nearly July. June flew by (as per usual when it comes to summer months) and was overall a super productive month for me. In short, I started working with the Lala as a full time intern, and let me tell ya, it's a bomb time... (I mean who else gets a package of welcome goodies on their first day, or has a neon pink flamingo sign lighting up their office?) Wanna keep posted on our hard work and shenanigans? Follow us on our Snapchat. And with that, let's get into products I've been lala-loving this month.

Beauty 

01. The Original Beauty Blender- I cannot believe I've jumped on this bandwagon, but I also can't believe that it took me this long. I purchased this beauty blender on a whim (curse those bins on the Sephora register line), because I figured, well why not give it a try? (Considering people swear by this product). At first, I was shocked at how small the sponge is. For $20, this sponge is smaller then the size of your palm, but I didn't realize the point of this until I actually used the sponge. It's meant to be small for a reason, and it actually makes it much easier to use. I've used it quite often since I've purchased it, and I actually like the smoothness of the application with it. The only two things I don't really like about this blender would be that it sort of soaks up a lot of the face product without distributing a huge amount of it, and the fact that it's a sponge, more susceptible to bacteria. Other then that, it's held up pretty well, but I am curious to see how long it'll last!

02. Urban Decay Naked 3- With all the excitement regarding Naked Smokey (oh boy,) it had me going back to my Naked roots, thus using all of the palettes quite often this month. I found myself returning back to the third one more than a few times, and although the second is probably my favorite out of the three, this one really gained more of a place in my heart (wow, cheese). My favorite combo right now would definitely have to be Limit and Burnout on the lid, with Nooner in the crease, and Strange as the highlight.

03. Mac Silk Stocking- This metallic pigment by Mac makes it's way into my favorites every couple of months, mainly because its one of my favorite pigments that I've ever owned, and also because it just adds the perfect sparkle for a fancier eye look. I used this to jazz up my makeup for a wedding I attended this past weekend (details to come on my outfit next post), and I got so many compliments on the outcome. It's simply the best glittery investment ever. 

04. YSL Rouge Volupte No.2- Guyssssss. I'm not sure if I've ever included this baby in my favorites before, but boy is it my bad if I haven't. So, to clarify, I have a strict rule about YSL products, as in, I only splurge on them for by birthday (when I end up getting more than one gift card to Sephora). I have four YSL lipsticks, 2 which I purchased with gift cards on my birthdays, 1 which I got discounted at a CCO, and finally, another that I received as a gift. This one was thanks to a gift card, and I'm so happy I got my hands on it when I did. This is the creamiest, smoothest, most moisturizing nude lip color I've ever owned. This is also gold for summertime because it's a savior for dry lips. I'd say two pretty good dupes for this one is Mac's Cremecup or NYX Matte Lipstick in Nude color wise, but nothing can match YSL's consistency. 

05. Sephora Lipstick Remover- A recommendation from Miss Lindsey! And the best recommendation at that! This stuff is pure magic and I love it. It perfectly removes matte/ thick lipstick, and is perfect for those strong T-Swift Reds or pigmented Kylie Jenner pouts. And guess what? They won't even leave a stain if you use this to take them off. 

Glow/ Hair

06. St. Tropez Self Tan Express- It's that time of year! And by that, I mean, the time of year where you work during the summer at the greatest website in the world, so you don't have time to head to the beach and gain that summer glow. Although I am a Jergen's fan, my higher end choice has always been St. Tropez. This stuff goes on completely smooth without streaks (pretty much no matter what), and gives you a more natural browny-glow, which compliments my olive skin quite well. Other self tanners tend to be orange, but I love that this goes for the bronze, not the pumpkin hues...

07. Bumble & Bumble Heat Protectant- I included my new favorite shampoo and conditioner from this line in my May Favorites, so I decided to throw the heat protectant into this month's favorites. A few months ago, while chopping my hair off, (or well, quasi-doing so), I  heard words from my stylist that many individuals dread: "your hair has heat damage." Ever since then, I've been pretty on top of using heat protectants before I blow dry or use hot tools on it, and I have to say, I really think it's made a difference.

08. Sephora Magic Elastics- I love these, guys! These are perfect for half up, half down do's, braids and twists alike. The blend so nicely into your hair, and are just super convenient for styling. Super quick & easy fix to rid of those chunky hair ties cramping your style. 

Miscellaneous

09. Lala Journal and Knock Knock Stuff Notepad- So first off, as you can already tell, I'm really into stationery for June (which is ironic, if only I tried to be this organized in September...). This first favorite, my customized Lala journal was a gift to me from Molly and Katherine and I'm absolutely obsessed with this pattern the picked out-- it's SO incredibly me. Plus on the back, there are a bunch of cute pineapples. As for the second favorite, I've always been obsessed with Knock Knock Stuff thanks to Happy Jack's (a fun store in Lake George, NY) and I'm actually surprised not as many people know their stuff. I believe they have sold some of their products at Urban in housewares, but it's still a pretty small company that I feel hasn't gotten the attention it deserves. I'm pretty much obsessed with their notepads and stickies, as I have a bunch, and you should be obsessed with them too. Like, their stuff is so cute. And fun fact, these "Mental Note" stickies are what I use to label my custom made Mac palettes. 

10. Tassel Bracelet by Elizabeth and Marie- How freakin adorable is this bracelet?! Not only am I obsessed with the neon pink and black (very very my style), tassel bracelets are so fun for summer and this one has delicate but bold written all over it. The glassy black beads make this a gorgeous accessory that you can dress up or down, and it's simply adds a really cool touch and pop of personality to any outfit.

11. Cadey Lee Nude Suede by Schutz- Three words. SCHUTZ, SCHUTZ, AND SCHUTZ. I CANNOT get enough of this banging shoe brand. These are my new favorite strappy heels in my closet, and I pretty much now need them in every single color. Plus, they're actually comfortable, believe it or not!

& Finally, lookbook & clips from this month (+ BLOOPZ) 

Happy July!

"I think the devil will not have me damned,

lest the oil that's in me should set hell on fire"

[Merry Wives 1.5]

Cheers, xoxox