BEAUTY REVIEW: W/ GERARD COSMETICS

Wednesday, January 27, 2016


Hiiii ! Today's post is pretty exciting because it's been a really long time since I write anything about beauty. I am going to try really hard to incorporate beauty into the weekly posts; As much as I love everything about style and outfits, beauty is another area of interest which I secretly adore. While I am writing this I am currently looking for ways to store my makeup, which is practically spilling out of my dresser drawers LOL !!

Anyways, I recently ordered some lipsticks from Gerard Cosmetics and I completely fell in love with them. Not sure why I have waited so long to try these. I suspect because I've stuck to the usual brands, but NO MORE ! I know these will quickly become some of my favorites. Also, the best part, they are always on sale ! I was able to get three of their lipsticks for $20, which it an amazing deal (makeup wise anyways..) !!! 

Ok Let's get started...!

I have to admit, I am a true sucker for presentation and cute packaging. Although I regret not taking a photo of it, I'll still tell you about it lol. All of their orders come in a sleek black package complete with a adorable message on the top of the box. They also packaged the lipsticks nicely with tissue paper and cute "confetti", which I appreciate. I know this is kind of silly to talk about but it really makes the experience of opening up a package more pleasant and enjoyable, and Gerard cosmetics gets an A+ for that !


The lipsticks come in black little boxes; and I must say I absolutely love the gold tube packaging of the actual lipsticks! It makes them look so luxurious and easy to identify in my overflowing tub of other lipsticks ;) ! Simple, but it makes a statement, which I love. 




It was difficult choosing from their selections since they have so many nice ones but I decided with these three: Underground, 1995, and Cherry Cordial. The second I saw the colors in person, I was so happy I chose them!!!

Here they are!
L to R: 1995, Underground, Cherry Cordial


Now let's talk about the shades specifically....


1995 : I've seen and read so many great things about this shade, and now I know why. It is absolutely beautiful. It is a mix between a very subtle burnt orange with a hint of brown. It is described as a matte color, but it glided on smoothly on my first try. This is a must have color !


Underground: To be quite honest, I was a little scared of this color when I saw it online but I just took a risk and chose it. I never gravitate toward gray tones or muted colors because I feel like they would make me look sick LOL...But oh. my. goodness. I was/am so wrong about this shade. It is the PERFECT mix of a cool gray color with some pink undertones. As much as I thought it would be a "scary shade" to try, I know I will be wearing it often. It is such a nice change from your typical nude color; so take the plunge like I did and get this color!! Totally worth it. 


Cherry Cordial: I just knew I had to try one of their dark shades because I feel like the darker shades are always so flattering on everyone. This is a great shade and it definitely lives up to its name. It is a very dark burgundy red almost close to purple but its not!!! It is such a nice change to the other dark shades that I own which are more on the purple side. This shade can really transform any makeup look.


Shop the lipsticks HERE
Shop their sale section HERE (awesome deals!)


Let me know what you think & also what are your favorite makeup brands?!
I love trying new ones.

Thanks for reading and Happy Wednesday!
<3


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BLACK & WHITE HUES + STYLING TIPS!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Hi there, thanks for stopping by today ! I hope you all had a nice and relaxing weekend. Mine was pretty relaxing and eventful at the same time. We've finally experienced some "real" winter weather here in Miami, so I was/am pretty excited about that. It makes me realize that I barely have any winter clothes. LOL :(  If you count thin long-sleeved shirts and scarfs as winter apparel, then I am doing pretty good for now. ;) I'm also really happy you all enjoyed my last post on ways to relieve stress, it was so great to read your feedback :) If you missed it, you could catch it HERE

Ok, let's get into this outfit ! If you've followed my blog long enough, you know that for me simplicity is key to styling any outfit. The expression "less is more" is truer than you think. You look more streamlined and put together if you have at least one staple (basic piece) in your outfit. For instance, it could be your basic everyday tee, a good pair of jeans (a black pair and a blue pair) shorts, etc. In this outfit, I went the monochrome route and played with both black and white this time around. This top I'm wearing is simple...yet makes a statement. You could wear it with a cami top underneath or just do how I did and wear none (yes, join the darkside and be a rebel LOL). I decided to pair it with some white shorts that I found buried in my closet (yes, my closet has a mind of its own). Initially I was going to wear all black, but I thought the shorts gave it a nice contrast; which brings me to my favorite part...these amazing OTK (over-the-knee) boots. The best part about these is the chunky heel, which makes them so easy to walk in. They also have enough space for you to move around in and not feel like your legs are suffocating or something (does that even make sense? LOLOL!) You must definitely invest in a pair of otk boots because they ultimately dress up ANY outfit! Anyways...I also envision this whole outfit with a light black duster vest or maybe even a hat! ;) I always get inspired after I see the photos even more. 

So now, I would love to know what is one basic piece that you like to incorporate into your outfit...or how do you like yo feel when you dress?! Let me know below <3

Thanks again for spending some time with me.
'til next post ! 
<3








WHAT I'M WEARING
Top: Forever 21 (it comes in white too!)
Shorts: New York and Co
OTK Boots: Urban OG (obsessed!)


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5 WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS

Wednesday, January 13, 2016



Hi there and welcome back to my blog. Today's post is a little different than the usual. I know we all sometimes need to do a little unwinding after a hard's day work, trust me, I do it almost everyday. I have gathered some ways below on how to handle/relieve your everyday stress and relax. This means to set aside some time to yourself. After all, we are only human and we owe it to ourselves.

So lets get started!


1. Take a painting class !
I know it sounds a little juvenile, but it's far from it. These are live painting class where you have an instructor teaching you step by step on making your own work of art; you will be surprised at how good you can be...I know I was. Oh, and the best part you could BYOB (in other words, bring drinks and snacks) and you could sip some wine while painting. It is definitely a stress-reliever. Classes are usually 2.5 hours, I promise, you will be leaving your worries at the door. Another good feature is that you pick the day at your convinience; they offer classes almost every day at different time slots. You look up what painting their offering each month day, and reserve your spot. No experience needed and they provide all of the supplies! :)

Suggestions:
Painting with a Twist (various locations) -$35 per seat
The Fun Palette (North Miami Beach) -
They currently have offers on Groupon for $24 per seat! (click here)




2. Lose yourself in a good book.
Reading is good for the soul; wether its fantasy or an autobiography, you gain so much when you emerge yourself in a good book. I am currently reading Big magic (I haven't had a chance to finish) and I do like it so far. I love inspirational/motivating books. So just think about what genre makes you happy, and pick amongst those!

Suggestions:
Delirium by Lauren Oliver (fiction)- You will not put it down, I promise you. (It's a modern town that have been taught that "Love" is evil and that people who have feelings for another are "infected"...enough just go get it LOL.)

Girl Code by Cara Alwill Leyba (self-help)- This book will have you feeling empowered from the moment you pick it up. It's all about girl power and unlocking the secrets to truly living your dream life. I also love how Cara wrote it, so personal!

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (suspense) - Another great book, but it's definitely a thriller;  It really makes you see people from a different perspective, this book will not dissapoint.

these are just a few, but comment below for more recommendations, I have many more. lol

3. Visit someplace you've never gone before
When you explore somewhere new, it opens a beacon of hope. It's refreshing to visit a place where you've never gone; and believe it or not...it relaxes you. We sometimes take for granted the places that we have access to around the areas we reside. This year, I plan to take full advantage, and I hope you do as well!

Local suggesstions (Miami, FL)
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden - They offer many self-guided exhibits including "a butterfly experience" and a Orchid exhibit (for the nature lover lol)

PAMM museum - I love visiting; they have so much local art and it's constantly changing; always luring you back for more; they also have a really great cafe inside for a quick lunch. You could easily spend your whole afternoon there.

Matheson Hammocks park - This park is beautiful and a great way to spend a day either bike riding or soaking up the sun. They also have an area where they offer paddleboarding and kayaking rentals! Not to mention its a beautiful view! Location: 9610 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156


4. Exercise
I know to many this may be your least favorite option, but it truly does help relieve your current stress. No, this does not mean you need a gym membership, there are countless different ways you could exercise, and have fun doing it. Wether it's running at the park, doing laps at a pool, or even following workout videos at home, it works! I know that a walk/run at a park really helps me think and feel better about myself when I finish.

Suggestions
Vixen Workout - Intense hip-hop cardio
Soul Cycle - Indoor spinning classes

5. Drink Hot Chocolate/ Tea
I know one thing is for sure, chocolate is a way to a person's heart, and what better way to enjoy chocolate than to drink it. I love enjoying it with either some marshmellows or whipped cream. Also, drinking tea is another way to relax/de-stress especially after a productive day.
I am making some hot chocolate right now as you read this. ;) loll

WHAT I DO!
You'll need:
Half a cup of milk / less than half of a "hot" cocoa packet /
 mini marshmellows / hershey's chocolate drops

warm up the half a cup of milk in the microwave for one minute; next add the cocoa powder, stir.
Add your mini marshmellows + 2-3 hershey's chocolate drops
put back in the microwave for 15 seconds.
You're done :)
Thank me later. loll

Suggestions
Creamy Hot Cocoa recipe
DIY tea bags!


Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope all of these were helpful.
Also, I would love to know some ways you relieve stress in your daily life, leave your suggestions below.




23

HAPPINESS WILL LEAD THE WAY..

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Happy Wednesday and welcome back to my first post for 2016! It still feels surreal to say that we are already in 2016; I mean, wasn't college just yesterday?! LOL :\ Although it is scary, I know every year will be even better than the last. Not sure if it's because of my upcoming trips this year, but I feel like this year will be the best one yet. Do you ever get that feeling? That something amazing is going to happen to you? It's such a strange feeling to describe but I love it. I want YOU to feel like that too! Plan or take time out of your hectic schedule to do something you truly enjoy. What better way to start the year than making YOURSELF happy?! When you're happy, it radiates, and people do take notice because that type of energy is contagious. It makes you feel powerful, like a lion running effortlessly through the jungle..can you picture that? That right there my friends is, freedom. Although I know we all get consumed sometimes because of our demanding schedules, I think (I know!) that our happiness is important to live a good life because at the end of the day, whats money..or even love, without being happy.? So I want you to owe it to yourself that everyday (or almost everyday) to take some time to do something that makes you happy. For me at the moment, it would have to be either drafting a blog post, watching a good show or writing ideas that pop into my head in my planner; these simple tasks are enough sometimes. :) Also, when you do, I want to know! so leave me your happy moments below or you could tweet me @Estephanie820 :)

Thanks for reading! xx


These are my favorite sunglasses at the moment. They are by Alexander Wang and I scored these for only $40 at Off Saks 5th! I live for a good deal. YES! lol I've also been loving either really bold OR nude lips. Yes from one extreme to the other. :)






Chic and simple is what I usually go for when I style outfits. I love this top from the moment I saw it, especially with the open back; I tend to gravitate toward these ;) I decided to pair it with one of my favorite high-waisted jeans and these studded heels that I purchased from poshmark a couple weeks ago, I found them new for $25! :D The best deal ever!

WHAT I'M WEARING
Top: Forever 21 (similar styles Here)
High-waisted jeansGarage Clothing (my fav!)
Studded HeelsSam Edelman
Sunglasses: Alexander Wang


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