Summer Clothing Picks: ASOS

Welcome back to my Summer Clothing Picks series. Today I want to share with you guys my top picks from ASOS. ASOS is an online British clothing company that has become quite popular here in the states over the last 2 years or so. The clothing styles are very comparable to things you would find at TopShop, Urban Outfitters and Forever21. Their stuff is a bit on the expensive side but the quality of their pieces is no joke. Plus they offer unique pieces you can't find anywhere else.

1.) Adolescent Clothing Boyfriend T-Shirt With Weekday WTF Print $33

ASOS has a great selection of graphic print tees that have fun and snarky sayings. They are also really comfortable to wear and easy to wash.

2.) Rare London Plunge Mini Dress With Asymmetric Neckline $77

ASOS has probably one of the best selections of dresses compared to all other online clothing stores. I am in love with this mini dress. The cut is unique and offers the perfect combination of edgy and sexy. A great dress for a girls night or for that special someone in your life. 

3.) Warehouse Vintage Printed Kimono $87

Kimonos have been all the rage these last few years. This particular one can be dressed up or down. It can also be used as a bathing suit cover up. This is a bit on the pricey side but it is so versatile you can wear it with practically anything.

4.) ASOS Cropped V Neck Kimono Blouse $40

A twist on your classic tee. This flowy top flatters many types of figures and is very easy to wear. You can pair with jeans, shorts, skirts and so on. The possibilities are endless.

5.) Glamorous Embellished Festival Short $91

As much as I love my denim shorts during the hot summer months I can't stand to wear them. I have been into the cloth shorts that have been in every store. They are easy and comfortable to wear and come in so many different prints. I love this particular one not only for the print but also the structure. It is high waisted and a bit on the longer side but still short enough to show off your legs.

Tips for Long Lasting Eyeliner

Tip #1

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

Always pay attention and read the labels! Waterproof means the product can be submerged in water for long periods of time. Water resistant means the product can shed water however they don't tend to last very long. Whether you are at the beach/pool this summer or just live in a hot area your best bet for long lasting eyeliner is to go for something waterproof rather than water resistant. 

Tip #2

Gel Liner

Gel liner compared to liquid and pencil linersl tends to have a longer wear time. And it can be used for the upper and lower lash line as well as your waterline (inside the bottom and upper lash line). Use a paintbrush with a long thin tip for easy application on your upper lash line. For your bottom lash line and your waterlines take one of your soft pencil liners and dip it into the gel liner and apply. This method gives you not only precision but more control. 

Tip #3

Set With Eyeshadow

No matter what type of liner you use anything with a liquid, gel or crayon consistency set it with a matching eyeshadow. Simply after you apply your eyeliner take a thin slanted eyebrow brush and dip it in a matching color eyeshadow and apply over the line. This can be done anywhere where you apply your eyeliner. 

Tip #4

Use a Primer

Primers are wonderful when it comes to keeping your makeup in place and eye primers are no exception. Apply primer before any eye product. Just make sure you buy a primer that works with your skin type. There are primers designed for dry and oily lids. 

Favorite Eye Primers:

Urban Decay Primer Potion 

Lorac Behind The Scenes



My Favorite Waterproof Eyeliners:

TARTE Clay Waterproof Liner

STILA Stay All Day 

MAKEUP FOREVER Aqua Eyes

MAYBELLINE Unstoppable 

RIMMEL Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer Eyeliner

Summer Clothing Picks: FOREVER 21

Hi guys! Welcome to my new series Summer Clothing Picks! For this series I will show you guys some of my favorite pieces from a variety of places. I hope you guys enjoy and thank you again for all your support! Happy Summer! 

1.) V- Neck Textured Shift Dress $34.90

You can never go wrong with a shift dress. It is simple yet chic and can be worn in so many ways. I love this particular one for the sharp v-neck. It gives the dress a chic edge without adding too much. This dress is an online exclusive so if you want it get it while you can! It can also transition into the fall paired with some dark tights and thigh high boots and of course a nice black leather jacket.

2.) Buttoned Chiffon Cami $14.90

Camis are a great staple in every wardrobe especially during the hot summer days. I love the buttons on this one. I think it adds a little something extra and can be paired with shorts, skirts, pants and denim.

3.) Chiffon Trapeze Dress $29.90

Trapeze dresses have been all the rage this past year and for good reason. Trapeze dresses offer comfort and versatility. But at the same time are delicate and beautiful. 

4.) Hooded Open Front Cardigan $32.90

This cardigan is great for those cool summer nights at the beach in front of a bonfire. It is easy to throw onto any outfit and also a great transition piece into the fall. 

5.) Strappy Cutout Crop Top $14.90

Of course it wouldn't be summer without a crop top. This one adds a little edge and a touch of sexiness to your summer wardrobe. It pairs with pretty much anything high waisted and can be dressed up or down. 

NEW!!! COOLA SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a plastic spray bottle (Very sturdy)

-Contains 1.7 oz of product (TSA APPROVED)

-Retails for $36.00 @ULTA as well as COOLA online.

FORMULATION:

COOLA is a fairly new brand to the skincare market. They are well known for their great smelling sun care products. All their products are eco-friendly, natural, organic, and sustainable. A very refreshing change to the world of skincare products. Not only good for you but for the world as well.

Recently they have expanded their venture towards the cosmetics industry with their SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray. This is the first organic SPF makeup setting spray on the market and with summer right around the corner this is a perfect product to go pick up.

This product doesn't really need an explanation it basically is what it says to be... a makeup setting spray. But for those out there who are not as familiar with makeup setting sprays all they are is a liquid that helps your makeup adhere to your skin for a longer period of time. It is really great for those who wear foundation but don't like the feeling of powder in order to set their makeup. The COOLA SPF 30 Makeup Setting not only sets your makeup but also contains green tea and aloe to provide nourishment and also help with sunburns on your skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid which helps moisturize your skin. It sets matte and is completely weightless. It does have a sunscreen smell right after you spray it however that fades and a more delightful refreshing scent sets in. You can use it before or after your makeup routine as well as taking it on the go for quick fixes throughout the day. You can also just use it as a spray sunscreen for your face no makeup necessary. This is a great product to have in your purse or beach bag this summer.

The only downside to this product is that it is quite pricey for a sunscreen and the packaging is pretty bulky for the amount of product it contains. 

Great for all skin types

Tips For Long Lasting Makeup

With the hot summer season coming up what better time to talk about some tips to keep you looking your best despite the hot weather. 

TIP #1 

Prep your skin

Before any makeup application takes place make sure you prep your skin (cleanse, moisturizer and exfoliate) so that your makeup applies effortlessly. Prepping your skin can also help your makeup adhere better to your skin.

Product Suggestions:

Cleanser- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser 

Exfoliator- St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Moisturizer- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 40

TIP #2 

Primer

This is a step that many of us out there often skip, but when we want our makeup to last especially during hot weather it is super IMPORTANT to apply primer. Primer is a product that creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup. It creates a nice smooth and even layer for your makeup. It also helps your makeup last longer so you don't have worry about touchups throughout the day.

Product Suggestions: 

Maybelline Master Prime

Smashbox Photo Finish 

TIP #3

Look for waterproof or water resistant makeup

This one is a no brainer. A lot of beauty brands out there today have added tons of waterproof/water resistant makeup to their line. Today we have everything from waterproof foundation to waterproof eyeshadow and mascara. For mascara go for something waterproof and for any other makeup go for water resistant (this makes it easier to take off later on). 

Product Suggestions:

Foundation- Makeup Forever Face & Body Foundation

Mascara- Urban Decay Cannonball

Bronzer- Hourglass Waterproof Bronzer

TIP #4

Setting Spray

Probably one of the best beauty inventions ever, setting sprays have become very popular in the beauty world and is a go- to product for all the celebrities and celebrity makeup artists out there today. A setting spray locks in your makeup without any creasing which powders can cause if you touchup throughout the day. It also refreshes your skin.

Product Suggestions: 

Skindinavia Setting Sprays

Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray (For Oily Skin)

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (For Normal to Dry Skin)

TIP #5

Keep it Light

Try to go for lighter makeup on hot days rather than heavy makeup which can crease and drip. Not to mention lighter makeup looks and feels better on your skin. 

Weekly Playlist 7/16

http://youtu.be/sq17NCjKlQM?list=PLEusLI9-6r2FE5vqgIJP4CNUmsfiDNGaz

1.) Don't Tell Em- Jeremih ft. YG

2.) Touchin, Lovin- Trey Songx ft. Nicki Minaj

3.) Yonce- Beyonce 

4.) Kissed You Goodnight- Gloriana

5.) Foreign (Remix)- Trey Songz ft. Justin Bieber

6.) Photograph- Ed Sheeran

7.) Break Free- Ariana Grande ft. Zedd

8.) Maps- Maroon 5

9.) Everything I Didn't Say- 5 Seconds of Summer 

10.) No One Else Like You- Adam Levine

ChefSisi: Summer of Food

SUMMER OF FOOD

 Strawberry Refresher

Great for those hot summer days without all those extra calories!

What You Will Need:

-1 Cup of fresh strawberries

-1 Cup of Ice

-Coconut Water

-Juice of 1 Lime

-Stevia or Sweetener of your choice

How To Make: 

Simply blend everything together to your desired consistency. To make this for the 21 and over crowd add 2-3 ounces of vodka or light rum.

HEALTH FACT: Strawberries are filled with vitamin c, potassium, fiber and a whole bunch of other goodness. Studies have said eating a cup of strawberries everyday can help prevent heart disease and are great choice of fruit for diabetics.

Weekly Playlist 5/26 WORKOUT EDITION

It is summer time and you all know what that means.... It's time to get ourselves beach body ready. For this week's playlist I wanted to share some of my workout music. Music is a great motivator when it comes to working out. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN :D

1.) Problem- Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea

2.) Wiggle- Jason Derulo ft. Snoop Lion

3.) All or Nothing- Elliphant ft. Bunji Garlin

4.) Bounce- Iggy Azalea

5.) Can't Remember to Forget You- Shakira ft. Rihanna

6,) Safe and Sound- Capital Cities

7.) Earthquake- Labrinth ft. Tinie Tempah

8.) Electronic Lover- Breathe Electric

9.) Give It 2 U- Robin Thicke 

10.) Goosebumpz- Mac Miller

11.) Bubblegum- Jason Derulo ft. Tyga

12.) I'm a Freak- Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull

13.) Iz U Down- Kid Ink ft. Tyge

14.) Sing- Ed Sheeran

15.) Could Be Me- MKTO ft. Ne-Yo

16.) Fly- Rihanna ft. Nikki Minaj

17.) Play Hard- David Guetta ft. Ne-Yo & Akon

18.) Boom Clap- Charli XCX

19.) Bad Girlz- M.I.A.

20.) Operate- ASTR

ChefSisi: Summer of Food

SUMMER OF FOOD

Recipe #2- Flatbread chicken "tacos"

What You Need:

-Flatbread 

-Chicken Tenders

-Broccoli Slaw

-Trader Joe's Soyaki Sauce

-Garlic

-Miracle Whip

-Cumin, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black and White Pepper

-Cucumber

How To Make:

1.) Cut your chicken into bite size pieces and marinate w/minced garlic and 1/4 cup of the Soyaki sauce (set aside for 15 minutes or more)

2.) Once your chicken is done marinating cook in a pan w/ vegetable or canola oil 

3.) Once the chicken is almost done cooking add the slaw mix

4.) Add another 5 tablespoons of the soyaki sauce along with cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, black and white pepper

5.) Cook until chicken is done and the vegetables still have a bite to them

6.) Warm your flatbread on a dry hot pan on the stove

7.) After the flatbread is warm and toasty put a thin layer of miracle whip or sour cream 

8.) Add some half sliced cucumbers and top with the chicken mixture

9.) If desired add a bit more of the Soyaki sauce on top and ENJOY!!! 

ChefSisi: Summer of Food

SUMMER OF FOOD

RECIPE #1- THE EASIEST PASTA EVER!!!

(So easy a two-year old can make it) 

This is one of my go to dishes during the summer. It is super easy to make (hence the title) and satisfying.

What You Need:

-1 Package of Trader Joe's Egg Pappardelle Pasta (Or any egg pasta of your choice) 

Serves 2-4 people per package

-1 cup of diced tomatoes 

-2 to 3 cloves of garlic (or as much as you like!)

-Spinach

-Aged White Cheddar Cheese

-Butter

-Olive Oil

-Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Optional: Red pepper flakes

How To Make:

1.) Boil the pasta according to the directions (10-12 mins)

2.) While pasta is boiling mince your garlic and dice up your tomatoes 

3.) I put chicken in mine, so if you want meat in yours now is the time to cut your meat into bite size pieces

4.) In a pan, put 1/2 of stick of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil 

5.) Put your garlic in at this point along with your meat (season your meat however you like, I just put some poultry seasoning on mine)

6.) Cook for about 2-3 minutes and add the tomatoes and spinach

7.) Put in your desired amount of cheese

8.) Drain pasta and mix into the sauce

Serve and enjoy! 

I served mine with some garlic toast

NEW! CoverGirl Outlast Illumina All Day Lipcolor

720 Beaming Berry

Lip Color

Conditioning Balm

A new take on the original CoverGirl Outlast Lip Colors. These have been around probably longer that I have. I remember watching my aunt use these when I was young. She had a bunch of colors and I was always fascinated with how pretty and fun these were. When I was able to wear makeup this was one of the first things I got. I absolutely love these and have been wearing them still. I haven't really found anything like these out on the market today. The number one reason being is that these lip colors stay on FOREVER. They don't smudge or feather out throughout the day and are easy to wear. They come in a bunch of colors.

The new line has 6 or 8 colors in all and the only big difference is that the colors have an "illuminating" or shiny finish to them while the original ones were a bit on the matte side.These new colors are part of the new Katy Perry collaboration with CoverGirl. They are perfect for the upcoming summer!

Like the original these come with a lip color and a conditioning balm. You apply the lip color first and let it set then apply the conditioning balm. These lip colors do last ALL DAY and not easily removed (I recommended using olive oil for removal). They are highly pigmented and look great on the lips.

Where to purchase: So far I have only seen this at CVS and Walgreens for about $11.49 

Too Faced A La Mode Eyes: Sexy St. Tropez Eyeshadow Collection

A La Mode

Summer 2014

PACKAGING: 5/5

-Hard plastic tin

-Comes w/a small mirror on the inside (one of the first Too Faced Eyeshadow Palettes w/a mirror)

-Very sturdy, great for travel

FORMULATION: 4.5/5

-Very well pigmented

-Super soft and easy to blend and minimum fall out

-Great wear time (5-7 hours) especially w/ a primer underneath  

Comes with matte, shimmer and pearl shades

Each horizontal row is its own look (there is a mini pamphlet that comes w/the palette that gives you 3 looks), however all the shadows in this palette works together 

1st Row (horizontal) from left to right:

St. Tropez- Light champagne w/a pearl finish

Cannes-Shimmery copper orange

Soleil- Coco burgundy brown w/a pearl finish

2nd Row (horizontal) from left to right:

Rivera- Matte creamy beige

Jardin- Peachy orange w/a pearl finish

Cote d'Azur- Shimmery warm brown

3rd Row (horizontal) from left to right:

La Croisette- Frosty champagne 

Monacco- Matte fuchsia hot pink

De La Mer- Matte dark navy blue

Where to purchase (Click on the store to buy)

Ulta

Too Faced