An Oily Girl's Dream? A Review of the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation

As excited as I am to see a forecast full of 70 degree weather, there is one definitive downside to the sunny warmth of spring. My skin will begin its transformation from usually-kinda-shiny to uber-mega-greasefest. Yes, oily skin shows signs of aging more slowly than dry skin, so I've got that going for me. But in the meantime, the struggle to keep my makeup from literally melting off my face is real.

If you're in the same boat as I, you've probably tried what feels a million different mattifying foundations, primers, and powders in pursuit of some miracle product that doesn't make you cakey and dry as the Sahara, but that also doesn't break down and turn into a shiny mess after a few hours. While I've certainly encountered my fair share of adequate products, finding something that truly blows my mind is a rarity.

And that's what we're here to discuss today.

Picking Your Perfect Sunscreen: Clearing Up the Confusion Around SPF

*Affiliate links used/PR Samples Included

We all know sunscreen is important. Not only can sun exposure damage our skin and cause it to show signs of premature aging, but it can also lead to pre-cancerous or cancerous growths. We also know that slathering yourself up for a beach day is kind of a no-brainer, but truly any day that we're seeing the sunshine (even if it's just on a trip to the grocery store) we should be using some kind of sun protection. And when I say seeing the sunshine, I don't just mean a beautiful, clear-blue-skies kind of day. Cloud cover can actually trap UV rays and intensify them, so your exposure actually increases when it's overcast. TLDR: if you're outside during the daytime, you need sun protection.

Still, many of us aren't consistent with our use of SPF. We know that the best way to protect ourselves is to make applying sunscreen a part of our skincare daily routine, but getting into the habit can be a bit of a challenge. For me, the biggest game changer was finding a sunscreen I actually enjoyed wearing and that worked well with my skin. The process of finding the perfect SPF is always easier when you know what to look for, so I'm going to attempt to clear up some of the confusion and give you a little more confidence the next time you stroll down the sunscreen aisle.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette Review

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If you haven't already met the latest addition to the Anastasia Beverly Hills family of eyeshadow palettes, let me take a moment to properly introduce you. The Soft Glam Palette is Anastasia's homage to the season of special occasions - from proms, to cocktail parties, to showers and weddings, this collection of essential neutral shades has everything you need for a classic, elegant look. The overall response to this palette launch has been pretty polarized by the beauty community. Some people are head-over-heels in love with the shade selection, while others find it to be one of the most boring debuts of 2018. Considering the fact that I made the decision to add this palette to my collection you can probably guess which side of the fence I'm on.

To me, Soft Glam is a timeless palette that can just as easily create an everyday, work appropriate look as a sultry, smokey eye. It doesn't have the most earth shattering or unique combination of colors, however that's exactly why I think I was drawn towards it. While there are seemingly countless options of neutral palettes on the market, not all of them deliver on quality the way that ABH does. This particular shade selection, paired with Anastasia's fantastic eyeshadow formula, was all the convincing I needed.

Give a Gift That Gives Back With DefineMe Fragrance

*PR Samples/Affiliate links

If the changing seasons hasn't reminded you that Mother's Day is right around the corner, the veritable explosion of fragrance-related advertisements and promotions everywhere you turn is probably a dead giveaway. I mean, I get it. Perfumes are the epitome of special occasion gifting. They're luxurious, they're beautiful, and they're often the last thing a busy mom may feel justified in treating herself to. And while there are no shortage of enticing options to chose from in your local department store, why not pay your mom a little extra homage by buying from a brand that goes the extra mile instead?

DefineMe Fragrance is a brand that I have seriously grown to love and respect this year with everything they stand for. Not only are all of their products vegan and cruelty-free, but they also have a mission to empower young women through their DefineMe Dollar Program. While some fragrance brands are all about status and sexuality, DefineMe preaches self-love, girl power, and positive affirmations. Knowing that my mom has taught me a lot about what it means to be a woman as well as what it means to be a respectful, loving human, I find it way more fitting to gift her something from a brand that gets behind those ideals than one that doesn't. So, if you're curious to learn more about DefineMe and what they have to offer, keep on reading!

Elevate Your Wardrobe with Your Bijoux Box

*PR Samples/Affiliate links used

As a self-proclaimed girly girl and lover of sparkly things, I've always had an appreciation for jewelry. From dainty necklaces to chunky bracelets, I'm a fan of unique and pretty pieces that can accent my wardrobe. Maybe it's my Mom's fault (who frequently nagged me to at least put on a pair of earrings before I left the house) but I've come to believe that an outfit really doesn't feel complete without accessories. Even if it's just a pair of simple studs or a watch, that little extra touch can really elevate your whole look.

It's been a long time since I've received any kind of jewelry subscription service, so when Your Bijoux Box reached out to me to collaborate, I was totally down. Every month Your Bijoux Box curates a collection of three unique and stylish pieces to send to your doorstep, along side a fun little bonus gift. So if you're curious to learn a little bit more about this service and what subscribers were sent in the April box, keep on reading!