My Holy Grail Makeup Palettes

akeup is truly my favorite thing to purchase. Now, I don't wear anything but mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, so my wishlist or knowledge on other products are slim. I've never been one to use foundation or even lipstick for that matter. So, my eyeshadow palette collection has grown immensely over the years. When I was thirteen, first wearing makeup, I only purchased single powdered eyeshadow from BareMinerals. Then I discovered the beauty of palettes. I love how easy they are to use, plus travel with.

For today's post, I thought it would be fun to introduce my collection through the perfect palette tag!

Favorite "Naked" palette?
Naked2 has some beautiful glitter shadows. I love that it has a wide range of neutrals and pinks! 

Best packaging
The very first Naked palette is so beautiful with it's velvet packaging!

Best color names
The Naked Smokey palette has a few fun names, like whisky, high, & dirty-sweet.

Most versatile
BareMinerals is the brand I go-to the most for a classy eye look. This palette is a dream and the large mirror is like any other.

Least used
I was so excited over the Naked Heat palette, but once I tried to play around with it, the colors are very pigmented. I feel very intimidated while using these colors.

Biggest regret
Honestly, I don't have one! Sorry.

Best for traveling
Mac has always been on my list, and I just purchased my first palette from this brand! I love it so much. It's small, best for travel, and has 9 different colors. The pigment is beautiful.

Most used
BareMinerals has beautiful compact palettes, and this one was a favorite for a long time. I've even hit pan!

Wishlist palette 
Ahh, I just saw this new palette on Urban Decay's site! Isn't this gorgeous? I love those rich pinks! The name for the palette is perfect, cherry!

A Makeup Find | Cream Eyeshadows

very time I go to Carlsbad my makeup collection grows, haha. The outlets have a BareMinerals shop with great deals, so swiping my credit card is easy to do! This summer I have enjoyed the simplicity of cream eyeshadows. I feel like I don't have to worry about darkening my crease line. I just put the cream eyeshadow all over my lid and it's good to good!

Do you have any favorite go-to cream eyeshadows? I would love to add more into my makeup routine! A neutral color palette makes everything look so flawless. Light browns just seem to compliment my skin tone.

My detail shader brush works perfectly to apply a creamy texture (instead of using your finger to dab it on). Many don't use brushes for application, but I find it helps everything look more smooth.

My Summer Hair Care

Summer hair care is no joke! It's the one time of the year I adore my hair curled to take photos next to flower bushes (like this one above), yet I hate the process of sweating in my room after a hot shower and heat via a blow dryer on your head for the next 10 minutes. For those of you who are in the south, than you'll understand this completely.

Anyways, here are a few tips I've been using. My hair has never been super long like most girls who have it mid-back length, but this length right now is really long for me. I have thin hair and growing up it's always taken forever to grow. Everything I've shared below has help my hair stay healthy, shinny, long, and even strong. I hope they help you too, especially for the summer time when you want to skip those morning styling sessions!

One // Use purple shampoo.
If you are a blonde like me, this makes such a difference! It protects and makes the color last, instead of rinsing out within the first couple of weeks.

Two // Skip the heat during the week.
Blow drying my hair is the worst in the summer. Being hot and sticky after my shower doesn't make me want to be under the hot dryer for another 10mins. So, skip the heat when you can. Only curl or blow dry your hair when you're going out for the night.

Three // Deep condition once a week.
My favorite conditioner is called K-Pak from Joico. It has strengthened my hair more than anything before. My hair is no longer weak or stringy. Now, my hair stylist says it is shiny and healthy!

Four // No hair ties for bed.
Split ends are bound to happen, but they are worse when I use tight hair ties for a cute up-do.

Five // Wash right after the pool.
Dirty lake water or the chlorine in pools are the worst for my blonde coloring. Just take care of your hair if you are constantly soaking in the summer water!

Six // Be careful with necklaces. 
I know this one seems weird, but whenever I wear necklaces all the time it can pull out my hair. I have to be careful, so I don't like to wear them unless I'm going out.

Everyday Jewelry Wears

ewelry is my favorite way to dress up an outfit look. Over the years, I've finally found my go-to pieces that make me feel comfortable and cute. Growing up, I never thought I'd have a love for gold jewelry but boy was I wrong. Other than a wedding ring perhaps, you'll never see me in silver pieces.

You'll find that my pieces are dainty, gold, and simple. Much like my outfit choices, I enjoy my jewelry to look timeless. No matter the latest trends they will always seem to match beautifully. Layered necklaces or bangles are the pieces I reach for daily. Other than hoop earrings, I never seem to wear anything else. I'm also a lover of knuckle rings (mostly because my fingers aren't a size 6) so thanks to Forever 21 my collection now offers a variety.

Anyways, here are a few items + brands that I adore! What are your favorite pieces of jewelry?

1. Knuckle Rings // As I mentioned I buy them from Forever 21, because they are super cheap. I'm very self conscious of my hands and fingers, but if I throw on a few knuckle rings I'm good to go! Here are a few I really enjoy and recently picked up! { solitaire midi ring set, ornate midi ring set }

2. Alex & Ani Charm Bracelets // A new find has been the brand called Alex and Ani! Their pieces are so simple, yet fun! I love wearing bangles, (again big wrists) so for a long time I wouldn't find any that flattered my hands. Everything from Alex and Ani, though, fits wonderfully. I have so many items left on my wishlist. Take a peek at the one's I currently own. { thankful, rocker beaded, march birthstone }

3. Kingsley Necklace // I've talked on the blog before about my all time favorite jewelry brand, Miranda Frye, because her necklaces are so dainty and elegant. Her pieces are the most expensive pieces in my collection, however, they clean beautifully. I know I will have them in my collection forever, as they are excellent quality. The Kingsley necklace comes matching with a bracelet, and I love pairing both. Literally, all my necklaces are from this brand, so be sure to take a look at them all (unfortunately a lot aren't up on the site anymore, so here's what I could find)!! { Kingsley, arch necklace, Ashleigh }

4. Watches // I love wearing watches and layering them with my charm bangles or Kingsley bracelet. I'm super picky when it comes to watches, and literally have only found a few at Francesca's. They have the best selection, especially for a gal who loves the big face on a clock (their website also lacks watches similar to mine, but here's one that I have my eye on). { Vanessa classic minimal watch }

5. Gold Hoops // Again, earrings are always a second thought, but my one pair of gold hoops from Free People are my favorite. Anthropologie also has a few favorites that are on my wishlist, so I'll include those as well! { fine gauge hoop, spring surprise, slender hoops }

COCONUT LEMON LIME SUGAR SCRUB

oday I'm so excited to share this DIY sugar scrub with you all! I can officially cross this off my summer bucket list, as I wanted to try out a summer inspired scrub to keep my beauty category alive! It just so happens to be the perfect way to have those smooth summer legs as well! This one smells soooo good, so if you try it let me know in the comments, you'll love it!

You'll Need...

1 cup of sugar 

4 drops of lemon essential oil 

3 tbs coconut oil 

1 tsp lemon juice 

1 tsp lime juice 

One Easy Step...

I literally just mix all of these ingredients into a bowl and stir it up. Best thing about sugar scrubs is that they take minutes to make. For the coconut oil I always melt mine before pouring it in, because then it will combine better. I've made some scrubs in the past, and have to say I love mine more grainy so I used less coconut oil this time and I completely felt a difference while using it! Easy peasy! 

14 THINGS YOU SHOULD CARRY IN YOUR BAG EVERYDAY

y purse is something I stopped carrying around with me while running errands, going to college classes, or even to work. I relied on my backpack for everything because I constantly needed my laptop, textbooks, and pens throughout the day because of my college schedule, since everyday consisted of attending my classes. I loved the system I created with my backpack, but after a while it began to be really heavy on my shoulders and back, and my work/college hours just recently lowered. Therefore, I'm not in any need of carrying my backpack around anymore, thank God! Now, that I'm on a normal, less busy schedule this summer I now have a tremendous need for my bag on a daily basis!

Oh, how I missed my purse SO much! It's so nice to have everything I need (minus textbooks) without hurting my shoulders in the process. However, now that my purse is taken everywhere, I needed to organize it in a functional way. My space is limited, unlike my backpack where I packed everything but the kitchen sink inside of it, haha!

So while going through and narrowing down the items I truly needed on a daily basis, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my list with you here on the blog. I tried to be practical, yet functional while putting together my list, so here are 14 things you should always try to keep inside your bag on the go! I love that I have this all figured out, especially before leaving for that University lifestyle!

14 THINGS TO ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR BAG: 

1. Notebook : jot down any notes, or shopping lists. 

2. Pen - for above. 

3. Emergency Cash:  never know when you'll run into those small town stores that only accepts cash. 

4. First Aid Kit: this is where I keep a few bandaids, nail clippers, Motrin, cough drops, etc. 

5. Headphones: used for the gym, at work, or studying in a coffee shop. 

6. Mobile Phone Charger: I use this all the time, it's a life saver. 

7. Lotion: bye dry skin. 

8. Gum or Mints: used for those boring class lectures, or bad breath. 

9. Sunglasses:  a must in the summertime, and perfect to have when my car doesn't. 

10. Hair Ties & Bobby Pins: ahh, something I recently added to my bag, literally makes all the difference when I'm having a bad hair day! 

11. Feminine Products: for the time you least expect it! 

12. Mirror: check your makeup throughout the day. 

13. Day Planner: keep your calendar near to add or remove appointments. 

14. Rings: my knuckle rings instantly make me feel put together. Select your fave piece of jewelry to throw in your bag.

5 DAYS OF SELF CARE

f you can remember way back when...I wanted to dedicate five days in a row to one particular topic or concept in my life to encourage discipline or perhaps just spark a new interest in my life. I wrote this down for in 2017 new years resolutions, but it unfortunately never stuck. Perhaps it was my lack of motivation or choice of theme to keep me going all five long days in a row, lol.

This time around I thought long and hard on something I need to be doing, just as much as I would like to as well. My want/need combo really worked for me as I began to focus on self care in a way that I regretted not doing it sooner. In the end my mindset as to how I see my self care regiment began to change. Now I try super hard to bring it into my me-time during the afternoon, so that I never lose sight of why and how I can form some self care love for myself (more on that below)!

Day 1. Make a Sugar Scrub & Use It. // I made this DIY recipe, and I loved the way my shower time was filled with such yummy scents of vanilla and brown sugar. Making my own scrub helped me take some time to focus on myself. I love being able to be crafty and resourceful on my own. Plus it left my skin smooth and hydrated.

Day 2. Sun Tan While Reading. // On Tuesday I put my bathing suit on, laid out my beach towel on the lawn, and read a magazine. My intension was to read a book, but it's not exactly what you do in the moment, it's more about carving out that moment that matters. I spent about 25 minutes laying in the sun to tan, and it felt wonderful.

Day 3. Light a Candle & Blog. // This was such a fun time!! I didn't set any time length as to how long I was going to let myself blog and be on the internet, rather just took my time and stopped when I wished. I use to always light candles, I mean I only own six in my bedroom! This made my room feel like a little retreat spot.

Day 4. Deep Condition My Hair // On Thursday I didn't have a lot of time to really practice self care, so to squeeze it in, I conditioned my hair after I took a night shower. It was simple and quick, but so needed as my hair is so fine!

Day 5. Listen to Old Tunes. // I decided to create a playlist filled with oldies but goodies of my childhood country music days! Country music are my roots, and finding certain songs were a blast to listen to, as I truly forgot about my love for Michele Branch, and The Wreckers.

What I learned...days are short and busy. They don't go as planned. One minute I'm productive the next unmotivated. I have appointments, errands to run, and people to visit. But, taking 2-45 minutes of self care activities help me feel more put together, happy, and beautiful. I didn't except such small activities to boost my mood like they did. Taking moments for myself is suppose to create a healthy mindset as to how I view myself, and wanting to feel more refreshed through my emotions and moods. Am I important enough to care for? Important enough to fix, or change? YES! This challenge has taught me to appreciate the small steps of truly caring for myself!

MY HAIRSTORY

air styles are so unique, and I love how they define a person. They've been used to define life decades, a good hair day can make you feel like your invincible, or bad hair days that can ruin the entire day, + outfit, or simply tell a story. Girls are constantly changing their hair to flip the page and enter a new chapter in life, like a breakup, age transitions, or to fit in with the latest trends. The beauty is that through hairstyles, and hair colors, girls are able to express themselves, because it's who we are.

I am no different. I know that I definitely identify myself with my hair color and cut. Or the way I will curl, straighten, or crimp my hair can totally change my attitude or the way I want to put myself together before going out. My hair has always been my everything. I can remember not trying different trends because it could potentially damage my hair, or never being fully brave about trying a new look because what if I didn't like it?! Thankfully, I've become a little more bold in my hair story and I'm so excited to dive in!

My hair story doesn't involve anything radical like dying my hair red, or cotton candy blue, and I was never one for the pixie cut. However, I have had mistakes such as cutting my bangs, regretting dark brown hair in the fall, and wearing those ugly trendy colored barrettes. So, for some of you simple gals out there, hopefully you can relate.

What is your first hair memory?
My first hair memory is probably when I was around five when I had an obsession with twirling my hair. It would be in knots all the time, and so my mom would always keep my hair short.

What feelings did you have growing up about your hair?

I always loved my hair. My mom has beautiful blonde hair, and when I was little, so did I. Plus, my hair is straight with a little natural wave if I don't blow dry it in the morning, which was the style while growing up! 

What were the trends in hair when you were growing up?

The trends I remember where in Jr. High when the feathers were a fad (thanks to Steven Tyler) for about three months, and I wanted one so bad, but never ended up doing it. Another trend that was so stylish and cool which I still have to do one of these days was the one dyed colored piece of hair. You know the aquamarine, hot pink, or purple highlighted strand in the front on your hair! 

Curly hair symbolizes…

Natural beauty, uniqueness, and wild. 

What music were you into at 11 years old?

At 11? Not sure, but Jr. High I became a belieber (wink), rocked out to Taylor Swift, and reconnected with my childhood band The Backstreet Boys. 

Short hair symbolizes…

Edginess, independence, carefree, and effortless. 

Have you ever cut your own hair? Anyone else’s?

Never. Not even as a little kid. My mom has always spoiled me and had my haircuts done by her professional hair stylish.  

Have you ever done anything really crazy or dumb to your own hair?

Yes. In elementary I decided after years of growing out my bangs to look more mature, to cut them to and start the whole process all over again, because I missed having bangs. So, I ended up hating it, and looking like an 8 year old. The worst part, pinning them back with colored barrettes that stick out like a sore thumb in every photo during that time of my life haha. No, I will never cut my bangs again.   

MY 4 ESSENTIAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS

love the special 'me time' moments during my weekends, so it's about time I shared some of my favorite ways I am able to relax and wind down, along with some products I love to use. Since I will be leaving away for college soon, I'm trying to enjoy my own space as much as possible! Sharing a dorm room is going to be a whole new adjustment, so I figured now would be the best time to perfect my routine, and little concepts to add in my everyday. My personal moments are best spent when I incorporate some beauty products, so let's get started!

1. Coconut Milk Mango Perfume: 
I love this perfume that I bought from Anthropologie! Believe it or not, they actually have a candle with this same scent, but the great part is how soft and sweet smelling it is. It's not overwhelming, and it's the one perfume I can wear without receiving a headache, or allergy attack! I love how girly this perfume makes me feel.

2. The Body Shop Coconut Butter: 
One essential product for smooth skin, in whatever season is my coconut shay butter cream from the Body Shop. The packaging is so cute, and it's something I always keep on display because I grab for it all the time. It's my favorite for my legs, and hands because it makes my skin feel so soft and moisturized.

3. Essie Nail Polish: 
My go to brand is definitely Essie when speaking of nail polish because their range of colors is so vibrant and true to the name on the bottle. For this spring, and summer coming up I've been navigating towards 'Naughty Nautical' and 'In The Cabana'. Treating myself to a mani/pedi at home is a special treat especially while listening to music, or watching some Netflix. This moment is very relaxing for me, and I love doing this routine on a Sunday to being my new week.

4. K-Pack Hair Mask Treatment: 
My hair is thin, and very sensitive, especially since I went and colored my hair brown, back to blonde within one year. So the color is something my hair dresser tries to go lightly on. We take the process very slowly, only a few treatments at a time before I'll be back to my full blonde self! So to strengthen my hair during this time, she had me purchase a K-Pack which is a conditioner/vitamin treatment specifically for thin, brittle, and dry hair. I've been using it for other three months, and my hair dresser and I can tell such a huge difference in the length my hair is growing, and how much stronger it is now! Love this stuff so much.

BEAUTY MINIMALISM | WHY I THREW AWAY MY MAKEUP

DE-CLUTER 

I am so glad I decided to go purchase a clean new pouch from HomeGoods, and clean out my makeup bag. I can only take so much of a dirty and messy bag before I lose it. I had enough of my mascara getting crusty around the applicator, and eyeliner smudging all over my brushes. Once I would finish my routine, I think I had more makeup on my hands than my face. So, I decided it was time to clean out my entire makeup collection. 

I went through everything I owned, and  talk about years of collecting makeup. It all started when I turned 13, and I never looked back. (How did I last so long without eyeliner?) I couldn't believe I still had the first starter kit from BareMinerals. Those were the days! Well, over the years I've purchased more eyeshadow palettes than I know what to do with. It has been so freeing to de-cluster everything, and have a fresh start with items I love and can finally start using. So here is a post to explain why I threw away my makeup, + some tips for how I did it, and hopefully you will too! 

1. // OLD, CRUSTY, USED UP PRODUCTS. Boy did I have a lot of these. I'm talking about all the mascara's I had, eyeshadow primers that were all dried up, and cheap brushes. Also note that sometimes depending on the product and brand, it's not good to keep certain ones for too long. I try to stay within 3-6 months of my mascara, 6 months on eyeshadow primer, and switch out my brushes every few months, and I've heard foundation/beauty blenders every 3 months. 

2. // DO I REALLY NEED IT? I had to ask myself so many questions regarding my makeup because just like everything else in life, makeup is something that we women can connect with from past memories, or our true identities making us feel like ourselves again. So, I went through old eyeshadow palettes people gave me that really don't suit me anymore, and glitter products I no longer enjoy in my daily routine. 

3. // BE INTENTIONAL. For me, the best part of this de-cluster splurge was noticing all that I do have. I don't need anymore makeup for a while, and I need to begin playing with what I do have. Getting rid of old products, made others stand out! I literally just hit pan on my first Naked palette, crazy right? I also love how light and intentional my makeup pouch is now, and now I know exactly what to reach for. 

DIY PUMPKIN LATTE SUGAR SCRUB

ugar scrubs are my favorite, especially in the autumn and winter seasons because of my dry skin. This round I wanted to create a scrub that was fall inspired with the classic scents of the season! Best part, it's so easy and you probably have most (if not all) of the ingredients right in your pantry. I'm calling this sugar scrub a "pumpkin latte" because it includes coffee, and a mix of spices. Everyday I seem to be more sensitive to coffee, and can no longer drink anything at Starbucks, or any types of latte's for that matter. I miss it so much. I love the atmosphere of a coffee house, and it makes me so sad that I can't order anything coffee, I barely go to any nowadays. So even though this recipe calls for coffee, I didn't add any in mine, just too afraid that the scent may cause a horrible headache, like the latte's do to me. Like the coffee, add or take away any of the ingredients below, because the sugar scrub will still turn out great no matter what you choose. 

Pumpkin Latte Ingredients: 

1 1/4 cup of brown sugar 

1 1/2 cup of coconut oil 

5 drops of honey

1 tbs vanilla extract 

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp all ground spice 

1 tsp nutmeg 

1 tsp ground clovers 

1 tbs ground coffee 

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 

I'M JENNA & I'M NOW A BRUNETTE

an you tell? I became a brunette!! I've been thinking about going dark for over a year now, and I finally gained enough confidence to do it. If you know me personally, you'll know that this decision was huge for me. I don't do well with change, and when it involves my hair no way. My hair has ALWAYS meant the world to me! No, joke. A bad hair day, or haircut would ruin my day like no other. Changing my hair color, or haircut hasn't happened many times throughout my high school days, I always stuck with what I knew worked best. In seventh grade I decided to add a few blonde highlights, and I've kept up with that style ever since! Two years ago, I cut my hair short, and added light brown highlights because I so badly wanted to be a brunette. Well, I was a scaredy cat and decided on a brown shade that was literally my natural root color, so I quickly reverted to being a blonde, and here I am back with going bold!

I've only been a brunette for a week now, and every time I look in the mirror I still can't get over the fact that I did it. I am so happy with the way it turned out! I kept a few blonde highlights, which I personally think I need more of. When I go back in a few months to get a touch-up I want to do more of a caramel rich color, instead of that light blonde, because it's just so dark. Nevertheless, I absolutely love the change, it's just what I needed. Although, I desperately miss my long curled hair, but it will grow (hurry up). I always wanted to have that dark hair for the fall/winter season, and I think I picked the perfect time!

THE BEST BEAUTY INSTAGRAMMERS IN MY FEED

Instagram is just my favorite social media network because of the gorgeous photo's I encounter, and it's where I interact with my friends & fellow bloggers. Instagram keeps me updated related to all things beauty & blogger worthy! I wanted to dedicate this post all to some of my favorite beauty bloggers, and YouTubers I love while scrolling through my feed. Get ready to click "follow" because their advice + tips are just too good to pass up! Have any beauty accounts to share, let me know below! 

@icovetthee 

I found Alix through YouTube, and was instantly drawn to her style. She is a Londoner and has a gorgeous British accent ( so jealous ). Her photos make me want to visit London so badly! As you see from her collage her from her feed, her images are light, airy, and fresh.  She's a sweetheart, and must give her a follow! You won't regret it. 

@savannahkwallace 

Savannah is one of the sweetest gals out there! I've been following her since she was a blogger, began her YouTube channel, and now create the most beautiful layout on Instagram. She's a wife, and mother to two little ones, but that doesn't stop her from using her beauty products daily. She no longer has her own blog as of now, but is a contributor to A Beautiful Mess's blog, which is wonderful for seeing the step by step tutorial of her nail art, hair styles, and facial DIY's, on a blogging layout (score)! Can her beauty ideas get any better? Seriously want to try the eyelash nail art.

@ashleytia 

Ashley is your go-to girl for ANY beauty, hair, nails, or makeup questions you may have! She is a YouTuber, which is perfect because she honestly has too many tips + advice to share, via a lengthy post on Instagram which only allows 140 characters. I love everything she has to say, especially when it comes to makeup. Her style is natural, and simple. Plus her photography layout, rocks! Who wouldn't want to have her gorgeous pics in their feed?!

@hellooctoberxo 

Susannah Bonaldi is such a cutie! I love her feed because it's full of lifestyle, and beauty layouts! She also has a YouTube channel (notice a theme here, I'm obsessed lol) and I love her presence on camera. She's very minimalistic with her products, which is what I love about a beauty gal. She doesn't have to have it all, but with what she loves, you will too!