Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil

Hello!

I recently purchased a new eyebrow pencil. The one I had previously been using was a bit too brown for me, and could look unnatural at times. So I went to Sephora and picked up the Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil ($23). 

(photo credit: Sephora)

I've heard about Anastasia's brow products for years and finally decided to splurge on their brow pencil. I got the shade "medium brown," which is a really great match for my brows. Although most people will only ever need one shade for their brow pencil, I appreciate Anastasia's wide variety of shades. The Perfect Brow Pencil comes in six colors, much more than most brands offer, especially drugstore brands that typically offer just two or three colors. Anastasia makes it easy to find a perfect match. The pencil itself is smooth and creamy. I haven't found any problems with it being too waxy or too soft. It applies really well, but I tend to use a light hand just because I'm still not that confident when it comes to filling in my brows. I use light feathery strokes in the direction that my brow hairs grow in, to create a natural look. I can't even see the lines that I've drawn; it's that natural-looking. A brow brush is attached to the other end of the pencil, which is nice and can come in handy. However, I personally don't get much use out of it because I don't have a problem with my fine, thin brow hairs getting unruly. 

I'm not sure if I would repurchase again, just because it IS quite pricey compared to many drugstore brand brow pencils. I'll probably do some research to see if there are any good dupes for the shade and consistency of Anastasia's Perfect Brow Pencil. But in the meantime, I'm really satisfied with it. Best brow pencil I've ever tried!

Love, Lola.

Disney-Inspired Finds

I'll be heading to Disneyland next week with some friends, and I've been searching for something 'Disney' to wear. (We've decided to try and match by all wearing a different Disney-themed shirt.) I have some options in mind...hopefully my indecisive mind will make a decision soon! Meanwhile, here are some of the finds I came across that I wouldn't mind owning.

(photo credit: Forever 21)

(photo credit: Forever 21)

(photo credit: FruitfulFeet)

(photo credit: DecalGeex)

(photo credit: StickerBoutique)

Love, Lola.

Terrariums

Hello!

Through my various social media outlets, I've noticed a growing trend in the terrarium. It's been gaining popularity, and while I haven't yet decided to start my own, I do enjoy browsing through all the creative and unique terrariums out there. Here are some of my favorites:

(photo credit: Project Wedding)

(photo credit: Style Me Pretty)

(photo credit: RootedInSucculents)

(photo credit: RootedInSucculents)

Love, Lola.

Illamasqua Cream Blusher

Hello!

Last night, I picked up what I consider my first "real" blush. I'm usually a very low-maintenance, minimal make-up girl, but I've been looking into purchasing a blush for a few months now. For months I debated between powder and cream, pink and peach, shimmer and matte. I did my research about brands, staying power, application, shades, etc.

After much debate, I finally settled on Illmasqua's Cream Blusher in Rude ($26).  For a while now I've been leaning toward peach/coral over pink, and I'm loving Rude's warm coral pink color. I was a bit hesitant to try out a cream blush, but it's surprisingly easy to apply. I've read that cream blushes can be applied using a brush (such as stippling, or flat-top brushes) but being the make-up minimalist that I am, I just decided to use my fingers. Because I have light skin, I applied the blush with a light hand. It was a little intimidating at first, but the blush was surprisingly easy to blend out with just my fingers.

(photo credit: Sephora)

I was also concerned about the staying power of the blush, but it held up really well. I had applied primer under my foundation and used a finishing powder on top, and everything stayed put. Overall, I give Illamasqua a 5/5 for their cream blushes. I'm looking forward to trying out more shades, as well as their powder blushes that I've read so many good things about.



Love, Lola.

Bill Cunningham

Good afternoon!

The other day, per a friend's suggestion, I watched a documentary about Bill Cunningham (Bill Cunningham New York). What an inspiration!

(photo credit: Dirty Magazine)

Bill is a fashion photographer for the Times, and is well known for his candid photos of everyone ranging from celebrities to passerbys walking on the streets of Manhattan. His lifestyle is so simple and humble, and his work so amazing, that I feel somewhat ashamed of the little luxuries I often take for granted. He dresses simply and travels around New York on a bicycle. His tiny apartment has no bathroom, kitchen, or closet. Instead it is filled with file cabinets containing his ever-growing collection of photos. Bill's love and passion for fashion is so strong that he lives his life around it. He could be rich, and move into a larger apartment, and dress up everyday like the people he photographs. But he chooses to maintain his own creativity and control over his work. He doesn't let anything get in the way of what he truly loves to do. I hope to one day be as passionate about what I do as Bill Cunningham is.

(photo credit: New York Times)

(photo credit: New York Times)

Love, Lola.

Gap: Skimmers & Prints

Hello!

I was window shopping at the mall yesterday and fell in love with some of Gap's spring collection. My favorite pieces are probably the skimmers. Gap offers plenty of colors, shades, prints, and fits; it's hard not to fall in love with them. Here are a few of my favorites:

(photo credit: Gap)

This Skinny Skimmer Jean in Camo is my favorite of the bunch. Usually, I'm more of a girly girl and tend to choose sophisticated/pastel/neutral colors and prints, but this camo skimmer spoke out to me for some reason. I'd pair this with a simple white top (plain tee, boyfriend shirt, etc.) and nude flats/heels or tan oxfords.

(photo credit: Gap)

I noticed this Broken-In Straight Striped Khaki in Railroad Stripe in the window display at the store. To me, it looks more flattering rolled up. It would pair well with a fitted solid button-down, perhaps slightly tucked in, and a belt.  

(photo credit: Gap)

The Skinny Mini Skimmer Khaki in Tomato is my idea of the perfect red pants. I've been wanting a pair of red pants for a while now, but haven't quite found one that I really love. This color also comes with the Straight Khaki fit, same as the Railroad Stripe above. But because my legs are stick skinny and straight fits tend to make me look unproportional, I personally prefer the skinny fit.

Besides the skimmers, here's a few other pieces that really caught my eye:

(photo credit: Gap)

The Harbor Jersey Roll-Sleeve Dress in Electric Fuchsia is a simple dress that hits above the knees and can be easily dressed up or down. The color is perfect for spring and adds a bit of punch to an otherwise ordinary day. I would keep it simple and wear as is or pair the dress with neutral accessories. For those who like a lot of color, accessories in complementary colors could be added.

(photo credit: Gap)

I noticed this Fitted Boyfriend Teacup Print Shirt at the store and instantly fell in love with it. I'm a sucker for whimsical prints and patterns and boyfriend shirts, so of course I wanted to take this baby home with me. I tend to like my button-downs/blouses a little loose, so I usually go a size up for a more relaxed and casual look.  

(photo credit: Gap)

I love blazers, but I also think that it's really hard to find one with a perfect cut/fit/pattern/fabric/etc. I haven't tried this on yet, so I can't testify to its fit. However, I love the light grey shade on this Corded Stripe Academy Blazer. It's not as harsh as the usual black/dark blazers, and provides a casual feel. I also love the coral shade on the inside. With the sleeves rolled up, the coral provides just a hint of color in an otherwise neutral blazer.

And that's it! Things that I'm currently loving from Gap. I'm sure I'll be back in the store soon, purchasing at least one thing from this list. I'm sure my bank account is already shaking its head at me...

Love, Lola.

Chinese New Year: Red & Gold

新年快樂 ! | Happy Chinese New Year!

In honor of Chinese New Year, I combined two of my favorite nail polishes to create a red + gold look. 

(photo credit: essie)

essie's Big Bag Theory is described as a creamy brick red. I usually stay away from bright and vivid nail polish colors, but this red is one of my favorite nail polishes. As the name implies, it is a creamy color, and slightly muted. It applies wonderfully and gives me the perfect red color.

(photo credit: Sephora)

Sephora by OPI's Only Gold For Me is a topcoat with chunky and micro gold glitter. I love putting this top coat on everything. I find that gold pairs very well with many colors, and I especially love it over Big Bag Theory.

I wish everyone a very happy new year! May you have a blessed and prosperous year!

Love, Lola.