Staff Picks: Alexandra's Summer Beauty, Fashion and Food Favourites
Because the weather changes so drastically here in the summer, I always feel like it's the perfect time to take a look at some of the products and pieces I'm using. I re-evaluate whether or not they're working for me and if not, I toss them aside and get ready to experiment a bit to find something that works even better. This is true when it comes to my beauty routine, my fashion go-tos and my food choices.
This summer, I've also been branching out a bit and going for things I would normally steer clear of. I've been playing around with bronzer lately, which I never have done before and I've surprised myself at how much I love the results. Plus, I've gone kind of print pant crazy, not an easy trend to pull off! So, here are some of my favourites this summer. Hopefully I will inspire you to go outside your comfort zone and try something new!
Beauty Picks
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Strawberry Kiss #03 (C$14.00): A fellow chick and friend of mine, Oendrila swears by this Sephora lip stain. I first saw it on her and I said, 'Please lady, tell me what lipstick you are wearing so I can immediately go find it' (I'm paraphrasing). I was surprised to find out that this lip stain looked so good on, and was a pretty decent price too. It's pigmented and looks great with a ton of different eye makeup styles. If you'd like to see this product in action, check out my Summer Beauty Lookbook (Look #1) and the Makeup for Glasses Tutorial.
L'Oreal Professional Tecni Art Smooth Iron Finish Heat Protective Straightening Cream (UK$11.43): I'm kind of bad to my hair. I recently dyed and bleached it and I straighten or blow dry it quite often. To help rehydrate my dry ends, I use this product and it gives my parched hair a much needed boost of moisture.
Benefit Cabana Glama Bronzing Kit (C$21.00, on sale): I made sure that this was included in our Bronzer Round Up because I love this kit so much! It's a decent price and it's a great piece for bronzer newbies like myself. I love that it includes eyeshadows that compliment the glow of the bronzer. Again, you can mosey on over to my Summer Beauty Lookbook (Look #2) to see me rock this look.
Fashion Picks
Zara Linen Dress in Black (C$29.99, on sale): I picked this dress up on sale at Zara about two or three weeks a go and I'm in love with it. It fits well, it's light weight and breathable and it's super chic. It's semi sheer, so I wear a black mini skirt and a bandeau or sports bra underneath it. It goes with everything I own and it's an awesome piece to when your on the go.
ASOS Kookai Tribal Print Pants (US$107.71): I am obsessed with printed pajama style pants. I have two pair: one I wore in my Summer Weekend Fashion Lookbook and another I just recently picked up and they look similar to the pants pictured here. They are both ridiculously comfortable. I wear them with a basic, solid, oversized tee and it's so amazingly comfortable. It's like you're actually wearing PJ's at work.
Etsy Thin Gold Stacking Rings (US$52.43): Lately my jewelry choices have been pretty basic and classic. I used to be all about the chunky cocktail rings but these days, all I want are sweet little stackable bands. They add a bit of sparkle to an outfit, yet they aren't overpowering. I own a few in both silver and gold and I switch them up depending on my outfit.
Food Picks
Thai Iced Tea: I wanted to try to do a DIY article on this delicious drink but the ingredients are so hard to find! I tried to come up with a recipe of my own for it, but it just wasn't the same. Instead, I'll just tell you that you need to try this drink wherever and whenever you can. It's so sweet and refreshing and goes perfectly with some pad thai. If you are looking for a recipe, try this one here or try this video.
President's Choice Angus Sliders and President's Choice Slider Thins Mini Burger Buns: These are the perfect fun, bite sized items for a summer BBQ. They are mini and tasty and oh, so cute! I had some on Canada Day and they were perfect because they weren't too filling and yet I was totally satisfied.
Cottage Cheese: Is it lame that my last favourite food of the summer is cottage cheese? I know it's kind of boring of me but cottage cheese is my new Greek yogurt! It's low cal, packed with protein and I love the taste. I like to buy the individual serving containers because when it comes to cottage cheese, I tend to not be able to control myself. Yes, I'm that girl.
Leave me a comment and let me know what your summer beauty, fashion or food favourites are!