Kerastase Initialste ($84), Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Moisturizer ($42), Clinique All About Eyes Cream ($31), Naked On The Run Palette ($54), Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss ($20), Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil ($20), Urban Decay Perversion Mascara ($22 )

I am currently taking on a lot of tasks outside of school that are keeping me insanely busy and prone to mental breakdowns. Life can be overwhelming and I want to accomplish a lot, so I figure I need to get a better handle on handling stress and being more productive with my time.

I researched over the weekend for tips that I could put into practice right away and thought I would share with you:

1. 2 Minute Rule: If you can do a simple task in under 2 minutes, do it now- don't wait! I did stupid things like washing the dishes in the sink, answering an email, or putting clothes away.

2. Have a Sleep schedule: If you have an organized sleeping schedule your day will be more organized too. Also most CEOs wakeup before 6 am. I like waking up before the sun to feel more energized (I'm crazy I know)

3. To-Do List Duh: Well obviously have a to do list, I use a paper one in a notebook and a few apps like Evernote to jot down tasks or thoughts I have for potential blog posts and stuff like that. Make sure to prioritize your list by importance.

4. You don't have to "feel like doing it" to do it. Probably one of my favorite excuses is "eh, I don't feel like it, I'll wait till later." Well, chances are you will probably never feel like doing it and putting it off will only make it more annoying. Do it now and you'll feel better right after.

5. Take Breaks- But don't sit down. I'm more energized after a walk or after I workout. Do a 20 minute Youtube video (blogilates has great ones for abs, butt, core) or go on a walk and take pics to chill out and get the juices flowing.

The weather is super nice today and the birds are literally chirping. I had a meeting early with a mom that I am going to be babysitting for, so yay for side cash. I read an article about how there are no shortcuts for actual success. I was hanging around with guys who kept offering to spoil me and it sounds great but is it worth it in the long run? I want to earn things for myself and empower others to be successful so that means sucking it up and making sacrifices. Hard work will eventually pay off.

Have a good day! Try the new tips and spoil yourself with my sephora picks for being productive!
XO Emmy

Banish the Brass

Summer will take it's tool on your gorgeous highlights. Brassiness is super common and luckily very easy to take care of. Look how crazy my hair color is. Time to freshen it up. My hair looks CRAZY here and it is in serious need of some purple goo. 

Do not fear the purple. In fact, you want to find a dark, heavily pigmented purple shampoo. Don't go towards light or transparent shades.

Apply the purple where you have lighter strands. For blondes you will go from the root down, for brunettes like me with highlights you will focus on the body of your hair where the light strands are. Leave the shampoo on for 3 minutes then rinse. 

If the purple isn't workin for ya then just hop back in the shower and use your regular shampoo and it will wash out. It's not a big commitment!

Emmy's Picks:

1. Clairol Shimmering Lights Shampoo $7.99 seems to be a crowd pleaser and is affordable.

2. Dumb Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo $17.99 Bedhead always has great products, and don't be fooled dummies- this shampoo is for all hair colors (not just blonde).

3. Rita Hazan Ultimate Shine Gloss $26.00 This is the product I bought today. I bought the purple bottle "Ultimate Shine Breaking Brass For Blonde/Brown" This is a leave in treatment/gloss so I am excited to see how it comes out. I read mixed reviews but I am in serious need  of a toner and Mariana Hewitt talks about this product here in her Sephora Haul video which is where I got the product recommendation! On a separate note I think i should start a youtube channel.

So what's the verdict? Do you tone your hair with purple shampoo in between salon visits? TRY IT!
Alright babes, Happy Sunday and I am happy to be back in the U.S and blogging again :)

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments, feedback, and support! I appreciate it very much.
XO Emmy

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Bright Summer Makeup

Hi dolls! I can NEVER have enough makeup. I just went to Sephora and did a makeup haul. I am going to review the products before I share them with you and leave for Europe. 

For now I thought I'd share my summer makeup look with you.

:: Products :: 

Dr. Jardt BB Cream  has SPF and smooths out your skin while masking blemishes. 

Bare Minerals Perfecting Face Brush  buffs your foundation onto the skin for a seamless look. Use circular motions and brush upwards- from the center of the face out. 

Beauty Blender is also great if you don't want to use a brush for foundation. I switch between the two.

La Roche Posay Sunscreen and primer  is anti aging and protects against the sun. Sunscreen is SO important so invest in one that works best for you every day and give your skin time to adjust. 

Bare Minerals Stroke of Light  brightens up your under eyes- its also great for touch ups throughout the day! 

Nars Sheer glow Foundation- OH MY GOD. You will love this foundation! I love how it makes my skin look like skin and isn't cakey! 

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil  comes in a universal shade that doesn't add color- it just perfects your skin and gives you a glow. It's hard to explain but your skin looks prettier after you apply it! 

:: Products :: 

Maybelline Gel eyeliner  lasts a long time and is cheap! I apply it on the water line as well.

Urban Decay Naked Palette  number 3 is my favorite of the three. The second palette is too cool and the first palette is OK but the colors are dark. This palette is great for summer and day looks. I also use the lightest shade as a highlight on my cheeks.

IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Eyeshadow Palette has rich eyeshadow tones as well. I love eyeshadow palettes because girls love options! I don't use all of one palette- I will use certain colors in the crease, others in the inner corners, etc.

MAC Powder Blush in "Pinch Me" is a flattering and fun color. P.S If you return 6 empty MAC products you get a free tube of lipstick!

Anastasia Contour Kit is limited edition and comes with contour and highlight shades. Tarte Slenderizing Contour Brush  gives you control and precision when carving out your cheekbones. I love Tarte's brushes- I also have the airbrush foundation brush from them.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting  is just as beautiful as it sounds- sweep on top of your cheekbones or on your neck and down the center of your legs (Victorias Secret Model Makeup trick)!

I will post more makeup looks in the future. I just went NUTS at Sephora yesterday so I have lots of products to try and review :)

XO
Emmy

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Sweet Little Things: Sephora Haul & Reviews

I recommend all 5 of these products. I tested them before reviewing and sharing with you gals! Any questions on the products? Comment below and I can help! 

1. Clinique All About Eyes Rich Cream $30.00 

This is my second jar of this eye cream-so it is safe to say this has become a "must-have" in my skin care routine. I apply in the morning before I put on eye concealer and at night. 

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in shade "Ivory" $38.00 

This is medium to full coverage. Okay foundation is where I am the pickiest in terms of makeup. I really only have used MAC Studio Fix Fluid and have been wanting to switch to something else because I just don't feel completely comfortable slathering my face with that. This felt like my skin could breath while giving build able coverage.

3. Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush $32.00 

If I could give you this, I would! I didn't know if it was worth $30 for a brush but it was. The tools you use can really make or break your makeup look and having a flawless palette (skin) is the first step in assuring you look like a bombshell! 

4. Tarte Braziliance Self Tanner $37.00 

I bought a smaller size (50ml) for $13.00 and came without the mitt. 

I try to stay out of the sun even though I am Brazilian I am paranoid about taking care of my skin. You know the phrase "the only safe tan is a fake tan." This one is a dark colored thick lotion and it goes on best with the mitt. It sort of smells like chocolate when you first put it on but then the aroma fades. It didn't leave any streaks and looks like a real tan (not orange!) This has really good reviews on Sephora if you want to browse :) 

5. GlamGlow Youthmud Tingle Exfoliate Treatment  $69.00 

Attention boys and bombshells - This exfoliating mud mask is for men and women. I used it this morning. I also bought the smaller size for $19.00 because I wanted to try it first. I noticed my skin getting brighter right away and what I really liked was that it exfoliated so well but didn't dry out the skin (which I didn't think could happen!) So best of both worlds! 

* I also got a sample of DermaDoctor DD cream... I didn't really like this- I felt like it didn't go on smooth enough for a cream. I also didn't like that it had color, usually I like my primers and BB creams to not have any color. 

Let me know any questions or products you would like to try! 

XOXO Emmy 

Coming soon: More healthy recipes, blog design advice and tips, and DIY project

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New Hair! + How To Get Long & Healthy Hair

Ah a fresh look for your fellow author of Boys and Bombshells. Today I went to R Collective salon for the first time. My favorite stylist (Amanda) just opened the salon, and it is GORGEOUS. She is a master with color and will listen to my spastic requests while giving me the color I want without damaging my hair. 

All of this glam requires serious upkeep though, you have to really be an advocate and for the integrity of your hair for it to be healthy and vibrant.

Here are my biggest tips for long and healthy hair: 

1. If you are going to color it, don't go to extremes. Talk to your stylist about gradually lightening your hair (if that's what you want) and go in stages. Also wait a few months to color. I try to go 2-3 months without coloring it. 

2. Diet: Food will make an impact on your hair, so if you want to use that a motivator to eat healthy and clean, I definitely am going to be vain right there with ya. 

*Salmon 

*Proteins from nuts - peanut butter included :) 

*Spinach 

*Carrots

3. I also take GNC Be Beautiful Vitamins Chews for Hair, skin, and nails. They taste really yummy too-like candy! I take one in the morning and one in the evening. 

4. Drink as much water as you can! Beyonce drinks like a crazy amount of gallons of water a day and you should too! I really notice my hair is much shinier when I drink water throughout the day. 

5. Products are important and one of the biggest boosts to longer hair. 

I recommend browsing through reviews on Kerastase Products here and finding a shampoo, conditioner, masque, and styling product of your choice. I really have never been disappointed by Kerastase products so I think anything you pick will be a treat for your hair :) 

Here are some products that worked miracles for me:

1. Kerastase Initialiste scalp concentrate has completely transformed my hair...it strengthens, adds shine, softness, and texture. It also helps to promote hair growth, my hair grew in faster and since it is applied at the scalp, the new hair grew in healthier. 

2. Kerastase Elixir Beautifying Oil is perfect for creating an at home blowout look. It added shine and is a leave in product for the ends of your hair as well. 

View more hair treatments/products and find what best suits your hair needs. 

6. Brush your hair. I detangle my hair with a Wet Brush. Don't forget to brush your hair from the ends up-this keeps your hair from breaking. 

7. Also try not to add a lot of heat to your hair- and if you do, make sure to prep hair with a heat protectant serum/spray. Personally, I don't blow dry my hair but I do use a curling iron or rollers.

Your hair is your best accessory. One of the first things people notice about you is your shoes and your hair. I personally can't function on a bad hair day.

Start with good habits and making healthy decisions for your bombshells locks! Also let me know of any products you love or tips for healthy hair!

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Sephora Haul: Skin Drinks

Your skin is your most important accessory. Having clean, moisturized skin is something that will immediately boost your confidence and put you in a good mood. I am a beauty junkie so I have tried a lot of the popular brands and top 100 beauty products. 

I recently went to Sephora and had a mini haul. I went in for eye cream and came out (thankfully) with much more skin goodies than intended. Below are the products I purchased and a brief review. 

Product Breakdown: 

1.  Caviar Moisture Replenishing Shampoo ($32.00) and  Caviar Moisture Replenishing Conditioner ($32.00) are anti aging products but are suitable for any age. They have high reviews on Sephora so I decided to give it a try. It also comes in a smaller size for $8.00 if you want to sample it. 

2. Caviar CC 10-in-1 Cream $25.00. 

Okay this is a MUST have beauty product. I received a tiny size of this for my beauty insider points and I will definitely be buying the full size of this... It has 10 benefits, which means you don't have to use other products in your hair. Moisture, shine, *UV protection, smoothness, heat protection (from styling tools), softness, anti-breakage, light hold, manageability, and strength. It is also lightweight enough to be applied to wet or dry hair. 

3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel $36.00. 

This is like a moisture drink for the skin. I was scared of it at first, but once it touched my skin I was like WOW is this real life. My skin drank it up and I instantly was glowing. I even coaxed my mom to try it and she made an OMG face at me. We both love it! It also made my skin feel silky. I will definitely be buying the big bottle of this. 

4. Clinique All About Eyes $30.00 

This is why I came into Sephora... I needed an excellent eye cream. I have applied eye cream since I was 12. I had previously used Olay regnerist eye cream, which is amazing but I wanted to feel a little more spoiled. 

5. Evian Mineral Water Spray $11.00 

Every make up artist has this in their kit. Spray onto your face throughout the day for a healthy glow. Water is essential, to drink and to apply to the skin for optimal glow. 

6. St Tropez Face tanning lotion $38.00 

I received a sample size of this product, I didn't really notice a difference and to be honest I don't like to tan my face with lotions. I usually will just use a bronzer on the cheek and that's enough. This has gotten mixed reviews on Sephora's site, it's worth reading reviews before you buy a product but experimenting is the best way to find out if it's for you. 

7. Clinique Universal Primer $27.00 

I LOVED this super primer. This was given almost 5 stars on Sephora, really has gotten superb feedback. I was amazed at how soft it made my skin. It really gives you a flawless canvas before foundation, which is what primer is all about. I definitely think you will gush over this. 

Hope you are enlightened about some new skin treasures. If you have any additional questions, feel free to comment below! 

xoxo 

Emmy :) 

Six Face Masks to Try Now!

Spring is coming and our skin is in need of a few pick-me-ups...

I am a beauty junkie and will buy any face mask that comes my way. Every Sunday is "Emmy Day" and I pamper and create a mini-spa at home, because why not? Bombshells know that the key to feeling on top of your game is a fresh and healthy glow.