Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! I’m super excited for the long weekend, even though my 4th of July is shaping up to be pretty low-key. What about you? Are you heading to a family BBQ, or taking in a spectacular fireworks show? Or perhaps whipping up a batch of patriotic cocktails? Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s memorable and fun! Before you jet off on your weekend adventures, please enjoy a few of my favorite links from this week.

1. It’s been way too long since I went on a big trip, and I’m getting a little wanderlusty. I want to make travel more of a priority, and not just because it makes you a better person. (Hand Luggage Only)

2. Apparently 90% of the signs of aging are due to sun exposure. Yikes! Unless you’d rather spend the rest of your days in an underground bunker, here are a few simple ways to protect your skin this summer. (Glitter Guide)

3. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list but are short on time, knock out some of these deeply satisfying organizational tasks that can be completed in five minutes or less. (Camille Styles)

4. The next time you have a truly terrible week, why not lean into it and throw yourself a pity party? As Lorelai Gilmore taught us, sometimes you just need to wallow! (Oh Happy Day)

5. Saving money is hard, guys. But with a little self-discipline, these tricks will make it easier. (Career Girl Daily)

In other news, I want to let you guys know that I may not be posting as frequently for a bit. Writing three posts a week is always a challenge, but it’s especially tough at this time of year, and what I really need is to get out and enjoy the sunshine instead of sitting in front of my computer all weekend. Can anyone relate? Anyway, I’ll still be here – just not posting quite as religiously as usual!

Have a fabulous weekend, and Happy 4th of July to our American readers!

♥ Mil

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! How was your week? I’ve been feeling so unmotivated lately…I think deep in my heart, I’m really bitter about the fact that I’m an adult and I don’t get the entire summer off anymore. It’s so hard to get anything done at this time of year, am I right? Especially when your Instagram feed is filled with people having awesome summer adventures. I may need to follow people with less enviable lives. Anyway, here are a few fun links to distract you from whatever it is you were working on. Enjoy!

1.  French women have effortless beauty figured out, and now you can steal all their skincare secrets. (Waiting on Martha)

2. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or both, you’ll want to add the 10 best museum restaurants in the world to your bucket list. (The Blonde Salad)

3. Curating an expensive-looking wardrobe doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Here are five ways to look classy as hell without blowing your budget. (Sed Bona)

4. These pink lemonade jello shot slices are the cutest boozy snack I have ever laid eyes on. (A Beautiful Mess)

5. From selling clothes on Poshmark to writing product reviews, these clever ways to make money online will pay for an entire summer’s worth of happy hour margaritas. (Coming Up Roses)

Have a fabulous weekend!

♥ Mil

Summer Beauty Refresh

June is exactly one week away…which means summer is almost here! I’m excitedly pulling all of my sandals out of storage and updating my makeup bag with seasonal favorites. Oh, brights, how I’ve missed you! Aside from an infusion of color, my beauty routine tends to become a little more laid-back and streamlined in the summer. Here’s an inside peek at the products I love and the ones I want to try this season.

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When it gets warm, I ditch my mineral foundation in favor of tinted moisturizer, and swap my powder blushes with a cream or waterproof gel stain. They’re so much more forgiving in the heat! I’m gravitating towards bright, vibrant lip colors right now, like this gorgeous oil-infused gloss. I don’t wear a ton of eye makeup in the summer because it’s usually the first thing to melt or fade away, but I can’t resist shimmery golden shades that play up a sun-kissed glow.

Waterproof mascara is a given in a beach/pool scenario, but what’s a girl to do about her brows? I recently came across a waterproof brow gel, which sounds extremely intriguing. I’m also obsessed with this makeup setting spray (you can read my full review of it here) – it’s SO refreshing, it’s organic, and it’s SPF 30. Definitely a summer staple!

I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair (which is surprising, given my lengthy makeup routine), and in the summer I usually just spritz it with Surf Spray and twist it up in a bun for beachy looking waves with virtually zero effort. That stuff is a cult classic for a reason! I switch out my shampoo and conditioner frequently (due more to boredom than any real need), and right now I really want to try this coconut-infused duo from Coqui Coqui. Anything to help me pretend I’m on a tropical vacation, basically.

I love a good body oil, and I’ve been hunting for a version with bronzer that looks subtle and natural. This one might fit the bill…until I can try it, I’ll stick with a luscious, fast-absorbing body lotion (preferably one with a cheeky name).

Which beauty products are you adding to your routine for summer? Is there anything new you’re excited to try?

♥ Mil

 

Image via Nordstrom

The Beauty Brief

Hello, beauty lovers! I have lots to share with you in this month’s edition of the Beauty Brief, including my new favorite eyeshadow, the solution to unkempt cuticles, and a peculiar hybrid product that’s basically a flash grenade of gorgeousness for your face. Sound intriguing? Let’s talk beauty!

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is a mysterious thing. A worldwide cult favorite, it can’t really be classified as one product; it’s part primer, part lightweight moisturizer, part magical airbrushing cream. (Definitely not a balm, despite the name.) Figuring out how to use it was also a bit of a challenge, since the only instructions are to “apply without rubbing in.” I’ve concluded that the best approach is to spread a small amount all over your fingers and then pat it onto your face. It somehow diffuses imperfections and makes you look refreshed and radiant, like you just got a facial. I apply foundation immediately afterwards for an even smoother, brighter complexion. The only thing I don’t love about it is the scent (Clarins products tend to smell a little grandmotherly to me). But in no way is that a dealbreaker!

I’ve been trying to get myself out of an eyeshadow rut, so I was very happy to discover Laura Mercier Eye Colour. These shadows aren’t super pigmented, but they provide a beautiful, subtle wash of color that lasts all day (when paired with a good primer, of course). The shades pictured here are Plum Smoke and African Violet – I’d highly recommend them to any other green-eyed girls out there!

Julep’s aptly named cuticle cream is awesome. I go through this stuff so quickly! Made with honey and shea butter, it’s light and absorbs like a dream without leaving any residue, so you can apply it right before painting your nails without causing any problems. It also renders cuticles pretty much invisible, which I love (so much easier than trimming them)! I like to keep one in my purse and one on my bedside table so I can slather some on whenever the mood strikes.

What beauty products are you loving right now? Is there anything new that you really want to try? Let me know in the comments!

♥ Mil