Lola's Daily Beauty Routine

Beauty products change more often than I change my go-to foundation. This summer, I've sat down to review my skin, hair, and makeup routines to find what suits me best. Below, I've listed my favorites (keep in mind, everyone has different preferences!).

Skin Cleanse 

  • Daily- Clearasil Facial Cleanser (generic formula works too) w/ my Clarisonic Mia2 or wash cloth (I use microfiber)
  • Weekly-  Mario Badescu Foaming Cleanser w/ my Clarisonic Mia2
  • Makeup Removal - Target's Shea Butter baby wipes (these literally take EVERYTHING off my face) 

Hair

Typically, I was my hair every 3-4 days (if I straighten it, I can go a little longer by putting it in a bun #curlyproblems).

Cleansing Products

  • Suave Rosemary &  Mint Shampoo and Conditioner (every day brand)
  • 1x Weekly - Design Essentials Quinoa &  Bamboo treatment  

Hair Products  

  • Lush R&B (used when straightening, about a nickel size; quarter size for curls)
  • Eco-styler gel  

Makeup  

So, on the daily, you will find me either in Garnier Frutis' Miracle Skin Protector (Light/Medium) or L'Oreal True Match Mineral Foundation in Buff Beige (or Natural Buff, depending on my mood). I usually start with either of these and add my ELF Studio 50 Palette (I really only use the bronzer and blush in this one).

For the eyes, I run to my NYC pencil liner or Maybelline Master Drama, both in black, topped off with either Too Faced's 'Better Than Sex' or Maybelline's Illegal Lengths mascara. Lips, eh, I figure that out as my day goes along, but I typically stick to a classic nude or pink shade by MAC (or whatever I find in my purse, because the makeup fairy knows there is ALWAYS something in there).

For my daily routine, I try to keep it the same, with small alterations in between. But for the most part, you'll find me totally casual unless I have an event - that's when the good stuff comes out!

Tisk or That - Contouring

In a style and looks-obsessed society, we all want to look our best, right? What if I told you that you could look your best without spending tons of money on cosmetics and products?

Society has us believing that we have to spend so much on the latest YSL or TooFaced products (guilty as charged!). Fortunately, you don't have to. But because of how our minds work, we have become fascinated with the latest contouring trends or even how to do our hair to make our face  appear slimmer. Why is this so? And what do we really get from it?

As a chronic contour individual, I've spoken with a friend of mine who has strong opinions on the art. My best friend, Shianti, has been doing makeup for about five (5) years and has been yelling at me for mine for the last three. She says contouring isn't necessary, but there are some who feel the need to contour each day. Shianti recommends that if you find it necessary to contour, to do so with a darker foundation, not bronzer (oops!). But because of how she views the technique, she encourages women not to contour; she believes it adds to the "thin face" desire, which she doesn't promote. Me? I love the look of it and the depth it adds to the look. However, that's besides the point.

What's the verdict?

Based on preference, go ahead and contour girl! Use what I call the '3' method, starting at the upper temple, bring down to the hollows of the cheek and then to the jaw. It works for me and I feel warm and fuzzy all day!

Rimmel London - Stay Matte Foundation Review

The recent Influenster #VoxBox contains some pretty cool basics for the average college student or young adult. Personally, my favorite is the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. Yes, it's probably because I'm a girl who loves makeup, but the coverage of this product in my opinion is FAB!

   In a rush to class the other day, I hadn't put any makeup on and my face was breaking out on my cheek. So, because I couldn't find my BB cream, I went to my VoxBox and took the bottle out. Now, I will say that it was a little dark (probably because my profile isn't updated), but it did justice. After blending it with a stippling brush for about 2 minutes, I got it where I wanted it and was on my way. Since it is lightweight, I didn't feel heavy and it wasn't shiny (hence matte). I will continue to use this product when I get a little tanner (because it's like three or four shades too dark), but I have a great feeling about the product.

  Over all love or leave: Love (minus the shade being off in my box). It has great coverage and lasts for hours. I didn't need a setting powder and it's easy to build on top of. Totally recommend.