BLADE & BLUSH

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My experience using snail mucin in my skincare 🐌  

I’ve learned about so many different skin care ingredients every since diving into Korean beauty. I’ve welcomed most, if not all, into my skin ritual with complete enthusiasm and excitement for brighter, clearer, healthier skin. Propolis, bee venom, and ferments are just a few I’ve come to love. The one ingredient that always weirds people out, though, is snail mucin, or snail secretion filtrate. 

The first time I heard of that being in skin care, I was immediately drawn in and wanted to learn about why this is such a popular ingredient in Korean skin care. Snail mucin is especially amazing for troubled and acne prone skin types because of it’s ability to soothe and hydrate rough and scarred skin. But you don’t need to have those specific troubles to enjoy the benefits of snail mucin! 

The product I’ve been using for the past several months is the CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. CosRX is one of my top-of-the-list skin care brands. They deliver affordable and effective products in no-nonsense packaging, plus they are cruelty-free. This was the first product I every tried from the brand and it made me even more interested in experiencing what else they have to offer. 

To put it plain, here’s why I love the CosRX Snail Essence:

🐌 It’s made with 96% snail mucin, so along with the packaging, it’s a no-nonsense ingredient list. 

🐌 It has a tacky, thick feeling upon immediate application, but it quickly absorbs and leaves my skin with a perfect amount of hydration.

🐌 Since there’s such a high concentration of snail mucin, it seals in any other skin care products I’ve applied and locks in moisture.

🐌 My skin feels bouncy and plump, and looks dewy instantly.  

🐌 A little goes a long way. I’ve had my bottle for 4 months and I haven’t even used half of it up yet - and I use it twice a day!

🐌 It’s less than $20!

If you’ve been having troubles with skin texture, dryness, acne scarring, or want some hydration that doesn’t involve oil or regular moisturizer, then I say try this product out! Another reason to try it: There’s free shipping on Soko Glam until the end of this month! 

There are also plenty (more like tons) of other products that contain snail secretion filtrate. So if you are STILL a little weirded out by snail mucin (it’s my picture that did it, huh?) then you can still go with a regular moisturizer while getting the amazing skin benefits of snail mucin! 

Thank you so much for reading! Don’t forget to let me know your thoughts on this interesting ingredient in the comments below. And on your way out, the link to my YouTube channel linked at the top right of the page 💚 Have a lovely day! ✨

PS! I can’t tell you how many times I typed out ‘music’ instead of ‘mucin’... snail music 😹

This post is not sponsored. 

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It has taken me quite some time to discover my true ‘holy grail’ products. Usually, I will try something, like it, but then move on to something hopefully better and more effective. But the next 5 things I have repurchased twice or more! Shall we begin?

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye in Light

I’ve been using this concealer for about 2 (or so) years now. I remember the first time I used it I could not believe how well it covered my dark circles! The color is the perfect shade for me - it’s somewhat neutral and very pale. I love the tube packaging since it gives me complete control of how much product comes out. The way I like to apply it is with my ring finger and just a tiny bit gives complete coverage, but if I need more I can easily layer it. It’s also super brightening and can be used to conceal blemishes or redness, so it’s very versatile. It’s a bit pricey for a concealer, but I can use it for well over a year and not have gone through all of it (since it’s so pigmented I don’t need to use a lot). This concealer seriously changed my makeup life and I can’t go without it! I use it in pretty much every makeup tutorial I do.  

Aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet

This is the first step in my double cleanse. I had used two tubs of Banila Co’s Clean it Zero Purity and LOVED it, but I wanted something cruelty free. I also wanted something that was a good price, decently sized, and contained good ingredients, so that really limited my options 😮 I came across this cleansing balm on Peach & Lily, so I did some research, watched several YouTube videos about it, and eventually decided to purchase it! I’m SO glad I tried it because it is incredible. The scent is very mild and pleasant and the texture is somewhat waxy. When I massage it into my skin, it’s so relaxing because it glides so easily and takes off all of my makeup. I love that it is such a big tub because I don’t have to think about repurchasing it for a solid 3 months (and that’s with nightly use!) The packaging is simple and well made, and it also comes with a small spatula so I don’t have to put my hands in it. Once I rinse it off, my skin feels refreshed, clean, and not stripped at all. I can’t go a day without this stuff!

Andalou Naturals Apricot Cleansing Milk

The second step in my double cleanse, this is the most gentle and effective cleanser I’ve ever used. Back when I used this on it’s own (pre-cleansing balm) it cleansed and refreshed my skin at the same time. The price is unbeatable and if you catch it on sale, you might as well stock up! It is super creamy, smells really nice, and doesn’t sting my eyes at all. I love that it doesn’t lather up like foam cleansers do but stays a milky soft consistency. A fun fact about this brand is that they use non-GMO ingredients which is a huge plus for me! 😸 I recently tried two different cleansers but I’m not sure what I was thinking because neither of them worked out for me. I will stick with my tried and true!

Colourpop Creme Gel Liner in Honeydude

I am now on to my 3rd or 4th one and I can’t say how awesome this liner is. For $5 you're getting a creamy, cruelty free liner that will brighten your eyes instantly. I naturally have a bit of a red waterline, so using this anytime I do my makeup makes a massive difference. Even when I do a smokey or dramatic eye look, I’ll apply this along my whole waterline, then apply a darker liner on top of it along the outer half. It keeps my eyes smokey yet keeps the inner part bright and open. This is a staple in my makeup collection.

Loving Culture Hair Growth & Repair Oil

I struggle with keeping my hair moisturized and have used so many different kinds of oils and creams, yet this one I kept going back to. I even got my boyfriend to use it on his beard! One day I was scrolling through Etsy, on a quest to find the perfect hair oil, when I stumbled across this. Not only is it affordable and contains a lot of product, but it’s made with high quality, nourishing ingredients from a small business owner! AND it smells like warm cinnamon cookies! I’m always open to trying new hair products but I think this one will have a place on my bathroom counter for a long time!

I’m super passionate about these products (obviously) and I hope that you give one of these a shot! I use them pretty much every single day, and they make my makeup/hair/skin care rituals all the better. I’d love to know what your holy grail products are! Thank you for reading and have a lovely day 💚

This post is not sponsored.

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The Wild and Thorny Duo You Should Know About

I went to my first Renaissance Festival this year and I had an absolute grand time. I saw so many amazing performances from loads of talented groups and solo artists. There was live action combat, an improv group, local Irish dancers, and an amazing band called CuDubh. One of the most memorable, though, was a duo called Iris & Rose. 

They are some of the funniest ladies I’ve come across. They are unapologetically raunchy and are very interactive - always making sure to get the audience to participate. For example, whenever they say “A joke!” the audience shouts back “A joke!” and when they say “A song!” they audience shouts back the same. They do everything from writing their own (hilarious) songs, telling stories, poems, jokes, and more. And yes, they are actually sisters!  

When Joel and I met them, they were so welcoming and happy, and excited to talk to us and take pictures. The adorableness level for the both of them is beyond the moon! I wish I could have talked to them all day, share a drink, and listen to more funny stories and songs from them, but I’ll just have to wait until I can find them at the next Ren Fest! Check them out on iTunes, and if you can, buy a few of their songs to support them. I plan on buying all of them ASAP since I have an iTunes gift card! 😸

There’s not much more to say! I hope you enjoyed this small yet totally necessary post. Have a lovely day!

This post is not sponsored. Photo on main page is from iris-n-rose.com.

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My Sunscreen Cushion Experience ☀︎

If you apply sunscreen in the morning before you go out, then you’re already one step ahead! We all know sunscreen is important, but not many people realize that it needs to be reapplied throughout the day. After several hours of wear, sunscreen has become less effective. It gets sweated and wiped off, so we need to make sure we have that high SPF protection whether it’s 8 AM or 3 PM. 

I know what you’re thinking, though: “How am I supposed to reapply my sunscreen if I’m wearing makeup??”. I thought the exact same thing, too. So, I researched the best ways to apply sunscreen over makeup. I found a post on Soko Glam’s KLOG on how to turn an empty cushion compact into a sunscreen cushion and had one of those “How did I not think of that before?!” kind of moments 😅 I commented saying it was a brilliant idea, but did not have an empty cushion (and wasn’t near finishing the one I had). Another forehead-smack moment was when the post author told me I could find empty cushion compacts online. 

I purchased an empty cushion compact that included a second refill compartment on Amazon for $8. I was blown away at the quality - it’s basically the exact same packaging that Laneige uses! The puff it comes with isn’t that great, but that isn’t a big deal. For sunscreen, I purchased the Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 for around $13. Also, this is optional, but I decided to purchase extra puffs. I got a pack of 4 Missha puffs for $6. 

Where I work, I may have to go outside once for max 15 minutes - but the hot Florida sun is killer. There are also large windows to let the sun in, so being able to reapply my sunscreen on my break was a skin saver. After a couple of weeks, I learned the benefits and downfalls of using a sunscreen cushion.

Benefits

✦ Sunscreen reapplication is extremely convenient. I don’t even have to pop into the bathroom, I can just use the big mirror on my compact. 

✦ I don’t have to worry about messing up my makeup since the Missha pad is so soft. 

✦ I get a dose of moisture midday, which is nice since the heat can dry out my skin. 

✦ It’s inexpensive. The compact and sunscreen together were around $22. The sunscreen I already had was pretty thick, so I needed to get something thinner. If you already have a thin milky sunscreen, you can skip buying a new one and just get the compact.

Cons 

✦ The only con I could think of was that only after a week of use, the cushion starts to look a bit dirty. Since I am wearing makeup, and have been sweating and exposed to the dust and dirt in the air, that makes its way into the cushion from dipping back and forth when reapplying. I realized that it must be like using a makeup brush for a long time without cleaning it. But since it has sunscreen in it, I can’t clean the cushion without wasting a lot of product. 

If you want to use a sunscreen cushion, I recommend using it on no makeup days. Before using the sunscreen cushion, gently wipe your face with a cleansing cloth that leaves little residue. That way, you’re limiting the amount of sweat and debris that gets into the cushion. Now, I just bring my sunscreen and a makeup puff in a small bag with me to work. 

It was definitely fun experimenting with, especially since it was DIY! Have you ever tried a sunscreen cushion? What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading and have a lovely day 😸

This post is not sponsored. Links are not affiliate links. 

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My Current Makeup Delight: Sheered-Out, Subtle Dark Lipsticks. 

For the past several months, I’ve been IN LOVE with tinted dark lips. I’d have to be getting dressed up to be in the mood for a super opaque dark lipstick, like black or dark purple. More often I’ll sway towards burgundy, blood-red, or burnt orange. On a regular basis, I have a few products that I rotate between that I feel go with any makeup look, outfit, or mood I have for the day, and I want to share them with you!

Colourpop Ultra Glossy Lip in Dropout. My love for this lippie runs deep. It is so easy to wear, and gives off a dark chocolate raspberry color once I blend it out. It almost looks like a natural lip color, but not quite, since it gives my lips that edge of darkness. 

Colourpop Ultra Blotted Lip in Lolly. This one made its way into my heart after I saw the wine-toned sheerness it has. The whole line was designed to give you a “popsicle pout”, like the lovely tint your lips get after you eat a lolly or popsicle. It has a reddish undertone and a matte finish, so I always make sure to wear a lip balm underneath so I can blend it in. 

NYX Butter Lipstick in Ripe Berry. The most red-toned of the lippies here, this has a super creamy and soft feel while giving a rich dark raspberry color. I like to wear this when I’m going for a brighter look, since it’s not as dark as the others. 

NYX Butter Gloss in Devil’s Food Cake. I’m sure lots of you already know how amazing the NYX Butter Gloss smells, but if you don’t, it smells like delicious sweet dessert. This one is a gorgeous deep burgundy that leans toward purple. As with all of the other Butter Gloss colors, the pigment is amazing. 

Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Villain. The darkest and most purple of the bunch, this one definitely lives up to its name. It’s a true blackened grape color. Since it’s so dark, I have to blend it out with a lip balm to make sure it doesn’t go on too opaque. 

These have been my favorite lippies as of late because they all give me that dark edge to my makeup without being too bold. They all vary in tone and finish, so I always have something to work with whether my makeup is cool or warm toned for the day. Some others I want to try are Martyr’s Blood by Necromancy Cosmetica, Vamp it Up by Wet n Wild, and Jam by Glossier.  So what do you think about this current makeup obsession of mine? Do you like to sheer out your lipsticks or go super bold? Let me know in the comments, and thank you for reading! ☺️ P.S. I took photos wearing the lipsticks, but they somehow seemed to look the same on camera, so I decided not to include them, sorry! 😅

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5 Essential Beauty Tools for Beginners

The world of beauty can be overwhelming, to say the least. You want a foundation/blush/etc, but now you need to find the right shade, finish, ingredients, price. Finally, you find the perfect product, but now how do you apply it? The search now begins for the right applicator, which could probably be more daunting since brushes all seem to have pointless names (What the heck is an M 346? Does it really need to sound that complicated?) On the bright side, if you disregard all of the marketing and pressure to get a brush/tool for every part of your face, you’ll find that it’s quite simple to get the job done with just a few things. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Eyeshadow Blending Brush

This is a must have for anyone, whether you’re a novice beauty enthusiast or seasoned makeup warrior. I’d rather wear no shadow than unblended shadow, so having a blending brush on hand is necessary when I’m doing my makeup. Having this tool will ensure that your eye look is seamless and clean, and will fuse your shadows together so that everything is a smooth gradient. I also use a blending brush to apply my pore minimizing powder to the sides of my nose and under my lower lash line since it can control exactly where it goes. The ones I like are the Wet n Wild Crease Brush and L.A.B. 2 Just Blending In.

2. Flat Eyeshadow Brush

This one is perfect for simply applying shadow to your lid, or highlighting your inner corners and brow bones. Find a brush that is flat but also slightly fluffy so that you can easily build up color. If you want to get even more use out of it, use a brush that has a slight angle to the bristles so you can contour your nose, as well. I have the Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush and the Royal & Langnickel Precision Angled Brush (I received this in my ipsy bag, although I can only find it on eBay). 

3. Multi-Use Face Brush

Having a good face brush that can be used to apply powder, blush, highlighter, and contour will speed up your beauty ritual and save you $. This is where it gets a little more customized because everyone’s face is shaped differently. Based on the size of your face and how much control you want over where the product goes, you may need to do a little bit of research (YouTube is a good place to start). A smaller, tapered brush will allow the product to be placed exactly where you want and with more color payoff. A big fluffy brush will place the color on a larger area at once and look more diffused. I personally like the Luxie Precision Foundation Brush and the e.l.f. Small Tapered Brush. 

4. Eyelash Curler

Unless you have Bambi lashes, then an eyelash curler is a good addition to your collection. Curling your lashes gives your look an extra boost, and can help your eyes appear bigger if that’s what you’re going for. It can seriously make a big difference in your look even if you’re going natural for the day. If you feel like you’ve been in a mascara slump, then an eyelash curler may be the solution. I have the Earth Therapeutics Curvaceous Eyelash Curler (but I only bought it because it is sold where I work and I used my employee discount.) It is important to read reviews on curlers before you buy. I recommend doing a little reading before snagging the first curler you see.  

5. Touch Up Razor

This may not have been at the top of your list of tools-to-get, but I promise it makes a huge difference in grooming your brows AND upper lip hair. Yes, I actually double the use to get rid of noticeable upper lip hair. Instead of struggling with a tweezer to get the eyebrow shape you want, or trying to remove those small, hard-to-get hairs that are all around your brows, use a razor to quickly and painlessly clean up and shape them at the same time. I use the Sephora Collection Eyebrow Touch Up Razor Set. They may seem a little pricey, but together they last about a year if you take care of them. 

Trust me, you don’t need 15 different beauty tools for every part of your routine. All you need are the essentials, and once you get more comfortable and creative with your beauty ritual, you can confidently add more to your arsenal. I hope you found this post helpful, and thank you for reading! ✨💚

This post is not sponsored. Links are not affiliate links. 

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3 Feminine Hygiene Products You Should Start Using

Since Earth Day is coming up, and I have this special little blog, I am taking the opportunity to tell you guys about the three eco-friendly, safe, and healthy feminine hygiene products I use every month when Melisandre arrives. Comfort is my #1 priority when I’m bleeding from my fanny, so it is important to me that I have products that aren’t going to irritate my delicate lady parts (or harm the environment). My period changes every month in regards to cramping, and each woman has different needs and wants. Depending on my needs, I use any (or all) of these three things!

Cloth Pads

What it is: Cloth pads are a miracle. I used to use regular disposable pads by Always for years, but became aware of the chemicals and irritants that were in them, and how harmful the are to the environment. Now, there are disposable pads made with unbleached materials, organic cotton, and are biodegradable, but I wanted to go a step further and use something that I didn’t have to throw away several times each month. I did some research and decided to purchase two sets of cloth pads. What are cloth pads, you ask? Basically, they are just like the ones you may use now, but are washable and reusable. And not to mention SO COMFORTABLE. The ones I purchased were pretty affordable from a shop on Etsy called PadTastic (great name). How to use it: Each pad has wings that snap on around your panties and have liners that slide into the pad, so you can change them out during the day without taking off the whole thing. One of the best parts is that, once you put it on, it can easily slide forward or back to where you want it, unlike regular stick pads that you have to constantly unstick and re-stick to get where you want. There is no loud diaper sound when you walk, and they form to your body for max comfort. They’re so much softer and forgiving on your lady area. I’ve used my cloth pads for at least a year now and I’m never going back to disposable. Also, here’s a tip: Washing the liners and pads is easier if you give them a good rinse as soon as you take them off. It’s not necessary, but getting off the “stuff” right away before it dries makes sure it comes out a lot cleaner from the washing machine. 

Menstrual Cups

What it is: This is something I was a little hesitant to try at first but am so glad that I did. Menstrual cups are made of medical grade flexible silicone that collects your, well, flow, and can be worn longer than a tampon. I purchased the brand Eva Cup since I found it on sale and got the smaller of the two sizes. The second, or  larger size is meant for women over 30 and/or who have had children. They are a bit pricey, but if you can find a reputable brand on sale, you should give them a try. How to use it: I recommend getting comfortable inserting tampons first because if you’re not used to putting in/taking them out, you MAY have trouble with a cup. Personally, I find them easy to insert, but taking them out takes a little effort. To insert, you fold it in half to form a U-shape, then in whatever position you find most comfortable, insert the cup at a diagonal towards the base of your spine. Then once you want to take it out, gently push, grab the tip, and use your finger to compress and re-create that U-shape to make it easier to pull out. To clean it out during use, just rinse it in the sink, then reinsert. It’s recommended to sterilize it by boiling it at the beginning and end of your cycle, and if you can, between uses. Unlike a tampon, the cup isn’t going to absorb any of your natural moisture and dry out your lady bits. I’m not an expert, but if you have a sensitive area and have problems with tampons irritating you, a cup might be the answer. Also, they can last up to A DECADE if you take care of them properly, so it may be a bit of an expense up front, but just imagine not having to buy tampons for the next several years. Talk about amazing for the earth, too. 

Organic Cotton Tampons

What it is: If you still want to have some around for an emergency or for your friends, then go for organic cotton tampons. They’re basically just regular tampons except they’re made with unbleached, organically produced cotton (so no chemical residues from herbicides, pesticides, or other irritants) and in turn are better for your health and the environment. I purchased some from the Honest Company just in case I ever needed them or for guests. The applicator is made of recycled plastic and they even have no-applicator tampons as well, although I find those painful to insert on their own. I try to only use tampons as a last resort since they have to be thrown away, but it’s always good to have them in case I ever needed them! 

If you’re making lifestyle changes to positively impact the health of our earth, then this is a great place to start! Simple changes such as going from one-time-use to reusable is easy and most of the time requires little effort. In this case, you’ll be making healthier choices for your body since you won’t be exposing yourself to harmful chemicals and irritating fabrics. I found myself feeling much cleaner and more comfortable since using these things and that is so important to me during that time of the month. Let me know what you use and if you’ve ever tried any of these! Thank you for reading and Happy Earth Day 💚 

I am not a medical professional and you shouldn’t use this information to diagnose or treat any ailments. Make sure to do your own research and choose what’s best for you. Good luck!

This post is not sponsored. Links are not affiliate links. 

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My favorite “no makeup” makeup products

This past weekend my boyfriend Joel and I were out the door early (Saturday he took me to this amazing healthy breakfast/brunch place, and Sunday we went to the local farmers market) and I wanted to look fresh faced and dewy but didn’t want to spend 20 minutes on my makeup. I think I have found my go-to no-makeup makeup products and I’d like to share them with you!

IT Cosmetics Universal Brow Power. I switched back to this in place of my Colourpop brow pencil in Black since I started going lighter with my hair. I love how easy it is to apply and how it isn’t too creamy yet it’s not too waxy. It doesn’t have the typical point that other pencils have; it’s wide and flat which makes filling in my brows so easy and quick. I use it pretty much every day!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye in Light. This stuff is my dark circle savior. It’s incredibly pigmented, but I still use a tiny amount on my natural makeup days since it covers my dark circles perfectly but doesn’t make me look like I’m wearing makeup. It brightens my under eyes AMAZINGLY with the smallest amount of product. My dark circles are pretty intense so even on “natural” days I still like to cover them up.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Aquacealer in Fair. This one is for all of the beauties who don’t wear foundation but still want to even out their skin tone. I have a wee bit of redness that I like to even out, and on the days that I just want a sheer look, I’ll go for this. It has a very watery consistency and blends so easily with just my ring finger. This concealer definitely helps me get that dewy, radiant look I’m going for while still giving me a little bit of coverage. Hourglass Vanish Finish Foundation Stick in Blanc. I’m adding this into #3 because I use this just as often as the Aquacealer. In fact, I actually use the Hourglass stick more often, because it’s lighter and more brightening. I wrote about this in my last favorites post (:

100% Pure Mascara in Black Tea. I take my mascara seriously, which means I’m pretty picky with ingredients and pigment. This one is made of things like green tea leaf extract, vitamin E, thyme, cocoa seed butter, and so much more. I love that it’s pigmented with black tea (and maybe also iron oxides, which are completely safe and non-toxic.) Not only does it make my lashes super black but it also conditions and nourishes them, too! 

Colourpop Ultra Glossy Lip in Dropout. This lip gloss unexpectedly became my go-to lip product. The sheer chocolate raspberry color complements my natural lip color and skin tone, and can be built up for a more opaque look. It can be worn with natural or dramatic makeup, so it’s super versatile! I love that it’s a subtle vampy color so I can tap into my dark enchantress any time of day. What? I can’t be the only one who does that. . . .

Blush (Color depends on my mood). I love blush (hence my online name 😛) so even on my natural makeup days or even for my simple work makeup, I’ll put on some blush. What I wear really depends on my mood and even what I’m wearing. Most of the time I’ll go for my Becca Blushed with Light Palette, Colourpop blushes, or TheBalm How About Them Apples lip and cheek palette. To me, blush can really tie together a natural makeup look, and help add a little variety to my day to day look!

As much as I love eyeshadow and liner, sometimes it’s nice to go with a natural look and not spend too much time doing my makeup. I also don’t like to restrict myself to one style of makeup- I love doing dramatic and simple looks alike! I’d love to hear about your favorite makeup products are for natural days!, so let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading and have a lovely day 💚

This post is not sponsored. Links are not affiliate links.

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Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ort! ☘

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! You know what they say, if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough! As time has passed, I’ve become more and more proud of my Irish heritage. To me, being Irish means to be humble but to not take any shite, and to work hard. St. Patrick’s Day to me means learning a little more about my Irish background and celebrating it. Here three ways I celebrate my Irish heritage on a regular basis!

I’m learning Irish. For the past several months, I’ve been taking the time to learn the rich language of Ireland. My boyfriend Joel and I want to move there after we get married, and we thought, ‘what better way to immerse ourselves in the culture than to learn the language?’ I will admit, it is a difficult language, since it’s not pronounced how it looks! It is also quite old - it stretches back over 1500 years and is still spoken in Ireland today, mainly on the west coast, and is an officially recognized language. I think it is so unique and beautiful, and I love using it in conversation with Joel!

I listen to Irish/Celtic music. Actually, in all honesty, it’s all I ever listen to! There’s just something so magical and enchanting about Irish music, and there’s also different sub-genres within it, so there’s always something to match my mood. Listening to Irish music is a great way to get involved in the culture even if you’re in a different country! Some of my favorite stations to listen to on Pandora are The High Kings, Hawp, Loreena Mckennitt, and Flogging Molly. 

I bake/cook Irish food. I’ve sadly never had a traditional Irish stew cooked by an elderly Connacht lady, but I do my best to bake what I can and make it as authentic as I can. One of my favorite things to bake is tea cake, and I really want to start making digestive biscuits on a regular basis! Other things on my list are apple cake, colcannon, soda bread, and meat pies. Something I learned from Jas. Townsend & Son is that you can instantly connect with people of the past just by cooking the foods that they made. And to add to that, I also believe that you can instantly connect with a culture by cooking and baking. 

If you haven’t noticed, I am incredibly proud of my Irish heritage! There is still loads of history to learn about and I’ve only scratched the surface, but for now these three things are already a great help. Let me know how you like to spend St. Patrick’s Day and what you do to become closer to your Celtic background. Today, I think I’m going to bake some tea cake and digestive biscuits. I’m still sick so I think either of those with a nice hot cup of tea will be perfect 💚

Thank you for reading! Slánte mhaith ☘

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This one is for my boho beauties on a budget 🌿

I don’t know about you, but I get SO excited whenever I find a new YouTuber, blog, book, tv show- the same goes for finding a new clothing company that fits in my budget. I recently discovered a company called Earthbound Trading Co. through my search to find a dress for the Renaissance Festival next month. Some of their things are a little too “hippie” for my taste, but I am definitely eyeing a couple of things right now (like this bag which I’m anxiously waiting on its return 😗) They remind me of Urban Outfitters but on a smaller scale and more affordable. You can find things like dresses and t-shirts to essential oils and tapestries, so they really have quite a nice selection. From what I’ve seen, they always seem to have some sales going on, as well as a pretty big clearance section (which I’ve browsed a few times). This dress here I purchased to wear to the Renaissance Festival, and not only was it on sale, but you can also use a code to take off an additional 25% 👍🏻 

You can find this gorgeous dress here! Once I have my whole Ren Fest outfit together I’ll upload a video so you can see how it looks “in person”!

I hope you can find something you like from this store! Or maybe find a gift for someone 😸 Thank you for reading and have a lovely day 💚 

Photo Credit 1, 2

This post is not sponsored. Link(s) are not affiliate links. 

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Happy February!

Now that January is over, I want to share with you what I loved during the month. I usually film a video for this, but considering we’re already in February, a blog post will do! 😆 I have a bit of a variety of things, so here are my top 5 for January! 

Ross 10mm Yoga Mat - When I moved back down to Florida, I had to leave most of my things at my dad’s house since my boyfriend and I are temporarily staying at his mother’s until we build our own home. Long story short, I had to leave my yoga mat. I love doing Blogilates and Yoga with Adriene so I needed to get another one quick. I found this one at Ross for only $13! It’s 10mm thick so it’s super cushioned for my lower back, and actually way longer than my last mat. The colors make me feel calm and I love the way it looks when it’s just rolled up when I’m not using it. 

Lush Percup Massage Bar - I love coffee in my skincare, and when I saw this massage bar at Lush it was almost second nature for me to grab it and buy it. I’m all about taking my time and enjoying the simple act of applying lotion or hair oil, and this definitely adds to the experience. It’s so relaxing to glide this onto my skin in the morning and really gets my mind in a good place for the day. It’s crazy moisturizing and has a subtle scent. I don’t think it smells like coffee, though, it has more of a shea butter scent. You can find similar ones on Etsy like this one here! 

Colourpop Ultra Glossy Lip in Dropout - I didn’t think I’d love this shade so much when I bought it, but now it’s a lippie I reach for quite often! Colourpop’s lip gloss formula is amazing. There’s no stickiness or tackiness and the pigment is A+. Some days, I don’t want a full on bold berry lip, so I’ll go for Dropout because it is a perfect balance of edgy and dark yet understated. I think it may also be a dupe for Clinique’s Black Honey (which I loved but stopped using because Clinique isn’t cruelty free.) It’s pretty versatile, too, and can go with lots of different makeup looks.

Hourglass Vanish Finish Foundation Stick in Blanc - This product has changed my makeup life. That might sound a little dramatic, but I’ve struggled A LOT in the past to find base makeup that’s light enough for me. I have the lightest shade in the range, and I am in love with everything from the color to the blend-ability and finish. I don’t actually wear foundation, but I purchased this to use as a concealer instead. It can be built up to your desired coverage and is so smooth looking on the skin. I apply it with my fingers and use tapping and light wiping motions. It is quite pricey, but considering how little I use and how incredible it is overall, I say it’s worth every penny!

Olivia Emily - Okay, is it weird to have a person as a monthly favorite? 😆 Seriously though, this lovely lady has been major aesthetic and style inspiration for me, and her Instagram is mesmerizing. The way I see it, she has a dark, feminine, edgy, and unique style (an alternative Amy Pond, maybe?) She’s also part of the reason why I want my hair color more on the warmer side. All in all, you should go follow her on her social media sites. You can thank me later. 

What did you guys love the most in January? I always love discovering new things and people! I hope you have a lovely day and thank you for reading ❤︎

Photo Credit 

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Happy New Year, lovelies!

Although we’re almost through with January, it’s still dawn of the new year. I’m sure most of you have written down at least one goal that you want to reach or something that you want to accomplish this year. I wrote down several, including read and draw often, study languages, and learn about herbology. 

Most of the time, people phrase their resolutions like “lose weight” or “go on a diet”. But there is a better way to go about it. Today, I encourage you to open your journal and add this resolution: Make self-care a priority. An easy way to start is beginning with self-talk. Instead of telling yourself to lose weight, say you’ll exercise to become stronger and increase your longevity. Instead of going on a diet, tell yourself you’ll gradually make conscious lifestyle changes to nourish your soul and every cell of your body.

Next, ask yourself what you love doing. Is it reading, doing yoga, playing an instrument, taking a nice long bath? Once you’ve figured that out, sort out a time in your day when you’re uninterrupted. Guiltlessly take the time to do what you love, whether it’s for an hour or even 10 minutes. You could even section it out throughout the day, such as reading first thing in the morning and before bed, and making sure to take stretch breaks during the day. Share in the comments what you love doing and what makes you happy!

When you take care of yourself, your soul will glow and you’ll be more capable of caring for those closest to you. Self-care is the opposite of selfish, it’s an essential aspect of maintaining your well-being. So starting today, jot down ideas on how you can incorporate self-care rituals into your life! 

Photo Credit: 1 2

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The Colourpop x Hello Kitty collab is so super cute!

If you’re like me, you may have had a minor heart attack when you learned that Colourpop was collaborating with Hello Kitty. If you’re just now hearing about this, fret not! It looks like this collection may stick around for a little longer, especially since they recently launched 3 new lippie shades! 

The collection was launched on HK’s 42nd birthday and includes everything for a full face: lipstick and gloss, eyeshadows, blushes, highlighters, and 1 makeup bag that you can store it all in. The shades vary amazingly, from a muted matte purple mauve lipstick (Mimmy) to a sheer sparkly pink lip gloss (Supercute), and a metallic warm peachy beige shadow (Friendship File) to a deep shimmery navy blue shadow (School Bus). Even if you’re not a fan of HK, I’m certain you’ll find something worth drooling over. Also, I nominate this collab for Cutest Makeup Names of the Year.

If you’re into anything that’s cute, Japanese, beauty, and/or affordable and cruelty-free (me, me, me, and... me!) then you must try out this line! And as always, the quality never fails with Colourpop.  

Photo 2: (L-R) Tiny Chum, Supercute, Lock Diary, Arigato, Trinkets

Photo 3: (Clockwise) Friendship File, School Bus, Small Gift, Rainbow

Photo 4: Highlighter - School is Fun, Blush - Coin Purse, Lippie Stix - Konnichiwa 

Shop it here! 

Have a lovely day, beauties

This post is not sponsored. All photos are my own.

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Hello, beauties!

My name is Julia and I’m a YouTube content creator, blogger, and freehand artist from Florida. I have a love for beauty, nature, history, language and chocolate! I began this blog as a new way to share with you my thoughts and knowledge, outside of YouTube, and my hopes are that I can help you learn something new and interesting.

As for beauty, I began my makeup journey in 2014, and since then I have been in love with how it can transform a person. I love that makeup can help me express myself and my emotions, and allow me to materialize my creativity. In 2016 I started my YouTube channel, where I hope to teach and inspire people with themed makeup tutorials and beauty education videos. 

I believe imagination is an immensely important aspect of a person, and encourage you to always wonder, dream, create, and learn. 

Thank you for joining me on my exciting journey! <3 

“Of course it’s happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?”

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