Nailed It! My Top Spring Nail Polishes

It's finally that time of year where we can say "so long" to our riding boots and moccasins and hello to our favorite pair of sandals. If you're like me, sandal season also means that my toes must be painted if I dare let them see the light of day. From cool blues to peachy neutrals, here are my top six polish picks for spring:

1. Essie -  Mint Candy Apple
2. OPI  - Bubble Bath
3. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear -  Pacific Blue
4. Deborah Lippmann - Tip Toe Through the Tulips
5. Essie - Bikini So Teeny
6. OPI - Cajun Shrimp

Images compiled from the following original links:
1. http://bit.ly/1hy1UwQ
2. http://on.allure.com/1mUJdvn
3. http://bit.ly/1imgkB8
4.http://bit.ly/1stu7y9
5. http://on.allure.com/1mUJ6Qj
6. http://bit.ly/PUxAXi

Beauty Essentials: Spring Break Travel Edition

Mid-March is a celebratory time for college basketball, St. Patrick's Day, and for most students the long-awaited vacation from school work known as Spring Break. I decided to share five of my travel beauty essentials that are both airplane and budget friendly.

1. Sunscreen

This may seem like a no-brainer, but this isn't just any old sunscreen. This is specially formulated to protect your face from the sun and from breaking out. While it's difficult to travel with aerosol cans, this packaging allows it to fit in a TSA-approved ziploc bag. The formula is light-weight and doesn't leave you with that god awful and overwhelming "I just put on sunscreen" scent.

2. Makeup remover wipes

Traveling with face wash, toner, moisturizer and makeup remover can be a bit excessive. I decided to purchase these Olay Fresh Effects deluxe wipes to get the job done. They are perfect for refreshing your skin from a day in the sun and won't dry out your skin.

3. Waterproof mascara

While I am not the biggest fan of covering your skin in makeup on vacation, obviously a little makeup for a night out is fine. I recommend packing a cheap waterproof mascara with a long-lasting formula that won't smudge in humid climates.

4. Heavy-duty concealer

If you're going out with friends on Spring Break, chances are you will be out late at night and your sleep will consist of naps by the pool. An under-eye concealer with high coverage will hide under-eye bags and brighten your imperfections.  My dark circles are genetic (thanks, Mom) so I've sworn by this affordable Maybelline Age-Rewind concealer

5. Travel-size perfume

Let's be real for a second. Bars are smelly. Sweaty people are smelly. Aside from deodorant - which I didn't put on this list because I hope you all wear it already - a little extra boost of your favorite perfume is easy to slip into your purse or carry on. This is the Taylor Swift Enchanted perfume that I picked up for only $5 at Marshalls.

Happy traveling!

All photos and opinions are my own.

Moisturizer is a Girl's Best Friend

With the winter wind in full swing (thanks a lot, groundhog) I thought it was appropriate to share my top three moisturizers. Because even the oiliest of skin types can fall victim to dry patches, I have selected moisturizers that will apply to dry, oily, and normal/combination skin types. In general, I find that applying a daily moisturizer keeps my skin looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day and is essential to prevent any face makeup from looking cakey.

My first pick (above) is the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer. As the name suggests, the cream-gel hybrid formula is perfect for those with normal to combination skin who are just looking for balanced, softer skin. According to its packaging, it's clinically proven to reduce the size of pores in four weeks. While I can't dispute or agree with that claim, I can say that my skin looks healthy and smells amazing when I use this product. I found this for an awesome deal at my local T.J. Maxx for only $8, but it generally retails for $32 (according to Sephora's website.) http://bit.ly/1eIQ5Tc

My next favorite moisturizer is the Ultra Repair Cream from First Aid Beauty. My skin leans on the dryer side, especially during this winter season. The great thing about this cream is that can be used on the face and the body. It is also free of harsh irritants and chemicals so it claims to be safe for sensitive skin. The Ultra Repair Cream is an extremely thick consistency, and is sold in both a trial tube form and in a larger six-ounce jar. I purchased the smaller tube (pictured) at Sephora for $12, while the full-size tub is $28. http://bit.ly/1gdELTd

My last pick for my top moisturizers is the most wallet friendly of the bunch. Sold at drugstores and mass retailers, the Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refresher Gel-Cream is available at a $7-$9 price point. Although the packaging claims this product is for normal to combination skin, I would recommend it for oily skin types. The "gel-cream" formula is actually an incredibly lightweight, translucent gel. While I have drier skin, this is my ideal daytime moisturizer that will transition well into the warmer months. http://bit.ly/1eISFIC

All images and reviews for this post are my own. Websites provided are not affiliate links.