Summer might be over but here in California we still have 90 degree weather. This will be my first fall and winter in warm weather, I am used to the polar vortex and snow days! I admit that I have been missing my home in Chicago quite a bit lately...those midwestern people have a way of staying in your heart. I shot this post in Chicago by Lake Michigan..what an amazing back drop! The swimsuit is from Akira Chicago, the necklace is from my mom, and the gladiators are Free People. Keep on reading to see how I got this golden tan. 

Every bombshell needs a rocking tan. Bikinis are a wardrobe staple here in California and so is sunscreen! I don't want to look old when I'm old! You guys know my biggest things are: drink a lot of water and protect your skin. Since I wear a lot of SPF, I rely on self tanners for a natural looking (but safe) tan. I have tried them all and was lucky enough to get a spray tan from the California Tan team. I picked up a bag of their products and have been using them all for every day and as well as shoots. I love knowing that my skin as safe and I still have color. Spray tans are perfect for fall and winter because nobody wants to be looking like Casper all year. 

I've been using the Instant Sunless Spray every day on my face. I hold the can about 12 inches away and just lightly mist my face to get an extra glow- it darkens me about 2 shades but if you want to intensify it, keep misting! For my body I use the Instant sunless mousse and make sure to exfoliate before hand. I apply with my hands (i don't really like those tanning gloves) and just scrub my hands with soap and water right after. 

The best swim sale's of the moment: 

Anthropologie- you know I had to include my favorite store :) 

ASOS- tons of bright prints and affordable! 

Free People- boho heaven for swimwear 

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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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.