Summer Beauty Must-Haves

The best part about summer is flaunting your natural beauty!

For an already low-maintenance type of girl when it comes to makeup and hair, summer is a wonderful time for me! I get to spend even less time primping, meaning more time in the sun! Don't get me wrong though, I still make sure that I feel confident about how I look and I do still wear makeup. The thing is, the heat and the sun already gives me a tan and my skin isn't as dry so I don't have to use as many moisturizing products. Most days, I spend 10 minutes on my hair and face and am out the door! 

Here's how I do it:

I start off with 1. BB Cream. Each person has their own preference on how they want themselves to look, so your choice of BB Cream may be different than mine. But, I have been a fan of Maybelline's since day 1! It's good on my wallet as well as my face and having that extra SPF 30 in there is awesome! BB Cream is my go-to and then if I want to look a little more done-up I'll add some blush and bronzer. 

My eyes come second. I typically don't have to do a lot with my eyes- they're blue so I like the way they look as-is. Since I'm fair skinned and light haired, I have the world's lightest eyelashes! I wear mascara every single day whether I'm going to the gym or to a party. I love Clinique's WaterProof and Smudge- Proof Volume Mascara. It won't budge all day, but comes of easily with makeup remover. It gives my eyes enough oomph to stand out but not so much that I look like Barbie. If I were going out to dinner or to an event I'd probably add liner to my waterlines and gold eyeshadow. Otherwise, I stay simple with just the mascara.

Since I stay pretty simple with my face and eye makeup, I like to play up my lips. I really like my lips, so I like to make them stand out. Lately I've been using Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb. It's the perfect summery red/ pink that doesn't look too dramatic. I like to wear lip moisturizers like this during the day to keep my lips soft and protected from the sun. At night or if I had specific plans, I'd probably opt for some sort of lip stick. 

Lastly, nails! I'm a huge fan of Essie and am currently wearing Essie Fifth Avenue. It's an awesome bright red that looks good with everything. Summer time is the best time to pull out colors ranging from red and pink to orange and coral. 

How do you embrace your natural beauty in the summer?

Summer Fun: Crafts

I've never been much of a DIY'er.

I'd much rather spend the extra money and have a product that looks good and is done professionally. I'm not sure if this is because I've grown up with the ability to afford this or if it's my lack of any kind of artistic ability whatsoever (I'm thinking a little of both..). But, with the world of Pinterest, my lack of creativity doesn't hinder my ability to find cute and functional crafts! Between my sort-of looking for crafts for my dorm room and people posting their craft ideas, I've been able to come up with some fun ideas that I think even I'm capable of making.

All three of these crafts are definitely going to be done this summer! From left to right, there's the Lilly Pulitzer Print Craft, the Sparkly Mason Jar, and Sparkly Clothespins. 

The Lilly crafts are everywhere and I'm sure you've seen them anywhere from coolers to coasters. I'm thinking either some coasters or even small wall art- type things would be cute for my dorm room! My roommate is a Lilly Lover as well, so I think these would be so cute!

 Next, you can never go wrong with Mason Jars! They're so functional- from cups to flower vases! Decorating them is such a fun way to add a little spunk and personality to an every-day item! 

And, if it wasn't obvious that I love sparkles, how about clothespins? I've seen clothespins used as ways to hold up pictures or any other light items. But, the sparkling doesn't have to stop there, since I'm sure this technique could be used on bobby pins or binder clips. 

Like I said, I've never been much of a crafter. I'm honestly very surprised with myself that I even have a remote interest in doing these and a few other little things! But, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do when it comes to budget-smart decor. I have the instructions to these crafts and many more on my Pinterest.

Keep me updated on the cute decor crafts you do this summer! 

Fun Find: Diamond Candles

So the last thing I needed was to find even more of a reason to buy more candles!

I stumbled upon this company, Diamond Candles, on Pinterest and was so intrigued by the caption: "Burn the candle and find a ring at the bottom valued at 10, 100, 1000, or 5000 dollars!". Of course, I didn't believe it but I followed the link and it's true! You can read all about the story of the company on the website, but it's so cool! I absolutely love unique yet functional products. This has definitely sucked me in. 

A candle AND jewelry? Can't beat it!

The first thing I thought of is how great are these for gifts?! They're $25- the perfect gift price. Everyone can use a candle, and they might get some payback or just some pretty jewelry at the end. If you buy two, you get free shipping. These are so awesome to stock up on and it looks like they have yummy scents (anywhere from floral to spice to food). 

I know where part of my next paycheck is going...

Recap

It's remarkable to me that I graduated one week ago today! 

This week has been so great. It's been spent with friends and family.. and my coworkers. If my summer continues like this, it's going to be a great one! But, I'm also getting excited for my future! Internships both close to home and far away, possibly an out-of-state education, and so much more has me so excited for these next 6 years of my life! I've grown up so fortunate and I hope that I'll continue to be as blessed in the future.

But, enough of this talk of the future! I'm ready to live in the here and now. The summer sun is shining,

and that's where you'll find me! 

Wishlist Wednesday

I am adopting this trend from Hannah at the Pink and Green Prep.

It just always looks like a fun post and who doesn't have an ample amount of things on their wish list? I'm going to narrow my wants down, but here it goes!

Beauty: Tarte Glamazon LipStick

I saw these on SarahBelle's channel in YouTube and fell in love! First of all, I never have been one to stray from my trusty chapstick so the fact that I like a lipstick is a little crazy for me! But, these just look so fun and youthful while also allowing to dress up my makeup or play down my eyes in exchange for my lips. 

Clothes: Jack Rogers!

It's no secret that Jacks have been on my wishlist for quite a while. Now that it's summer, I've been working more. My next paycheck is definitely going towards some shiny new Jacks!

Books: Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style

Okay so I'm a little bit obsessed with the WASP, Ivy League lifestyle. This book has been on my wishlist (and in my Amazon cart) for quite some time. It looks so intriguing, but I don't really have a place for "coffee table books" so until then...

Accessories: Bows & Monograms!

So Etsy has got my monogram obsession even more... obsessive! There is every font and size you could ever want. And the bows. OMG the bows. 

Odds & Ends: Luke Bryan Tickets

Okay so Luke Bryan is on tour this summer with Florida Georgia Line. Basically the best concert ever, and this girl wants to go! Ticket prices are a little bit steep, but I might just go for it because this is going to be the concert of the summer- I can just feel it! 

 So I probably could have gone on and on with my wishlist. Having the extra cash plus graduation money just causes my wants to grow and grow... and grow! But, I'm really going to work on saving so that I can indulge a little bit in college. Eh, we'll see how that goes.

For now, here's to not breaking the bank!

Summer: The Anti-Schedule

So far, summer has been exactly what I've needed. It's been a break from early mornings; my late nights are now spent with friends rather than homework. I've been working on regaining my tan as well as catching up on Netflix. The lack of schedule has been perfect!
I've always been an early riser, so the fact that I've been waking up around 9:30 is enough in itself to indicate just how exhausting this past school year has been. I love waking up to the sun shining and an open pool just waiting for me to come lay out by it. Of course, summer isn't all relaxing.

On top of work and getting ready for college, I've got a lot planned for this summer! Concerts are always a summer tradition. as are grad parties- and this year, I've been planning my graduation party! ahh! On top of that, there's the family vacation to the beach for a few days leading up to the family cruise in July! I seriously can't wait to get to the South again! This summer is going to be one to remember, and it sure will be a great one! Not having a set schedule kinda freaks me out, since that's what I live by,

 but I'm going to embrace the vacation and enjoy the days in the sunshine! 

Going Greek

I'm so excited to get involved in college!

I want to do charities, ambassadors, maybe some sports, and so much more! Of course, going Greek is a huge option and Purdue has quite the greek life program. I'm a little nervous because my major is such a rigorous one, but it can't hurt to at least rush and see what it's all about! My mom was in a Chapter at Purdue, as was my aunt and great-grandma, so I've got some help in the legacy department :) I've also got friends and family friends who have been telling me all about greek life and making me so excited! 

Lilly Pulitzer Sorority Line is wonderful! 

There are 26 PHA Chapters at Purdue, and I've narrowed my top choices down to three or four. I have 3 relatives who are Pi Phi members, so there's a legacy there. Then I also have a Chi Omega

family member. Additionally, I really like Purdue's Delta Gamma and Kappa Gamma houses, reputations, and philanthropies.

Going away to college and being immersed in all kinds of opportunities is so exciting! I really can't wait to get there and get involved! I'm not sure that Greek life is going to work with my studies, but I think it's definitely a priority of mine and I want to make it work if nothing else! Also, I really just want an excuse to buy Lilly Pulitzer and Jack Rogers sorority items!