Anastasia Beverly Hills

Sephora Favorites: Give Me Some Nude Lip (Quick Review & Swatches)

I’m a long-time Sephora fan. One of my favorite things they offer exclusively, are curated “favorites” kits. Each kit always includes at least (1) full-size item & the rest of the products are deluxe sample sizes. Which is (in my humble make-up obsessed opinion,) the perfect way to try new makeup! I mean how quickly do you use up a whole tube of lipstick or gloss? Plus, since it’s Sephora’s favorites, you know you’re getting a string of top-selling products.

Confession: I’m a lipstick/lipgloss/liquid lip hoarder. I just can’t seem to resist a new shade or formula. The Sephora Favorites Nude Lip Kit is my favorite “favorite” that’s been curated so far. The vast variety of formulas & colors allow this collection to be complimentary on every skin tone. I enjoyed all (6) products included & use them frequently.

Personally, I think these kits keep getting better & better each year (giving you more bang for your buck.)

Sephora Favorites:“Give Me Some Nude” Lip Kit. $28

Swatches:

(L-R)

-Marc Jacobs: Hi Shine Enamored Lip Laquer in ‘Sugar Sugar.’ (Deluxe Sample)

Nude Gloss with lots of Gold Sparkle. This gloss has a minty feeling & scent.

-Too Faced: Lip Injection Glossy in ‘Spice Girl.’ (Deluxe Sample)

Lip plumping gloss. FYI it tingles so don’t put this gloss on dry or chapped lips.

-Anastasia Beverly Hills: Lip Gloss in ‘Kristen.’ (Deluxe Sample)

Creamy & Opaque warm rose toned pink.

-Nars: Velvet Lip Glide in ‘Bound.’ (Deluxe Sample)

Creamy, super opaque gloss with a Vintage Rose tone. My favorite shade!

-Urban Decay: Vice Waterproof Liquid Lipstick in ‘Trivial.’ (Full Size)

Metallic Pink with a comfortable matte finish. This did not budge all day!

-Tarte: Lippie Lingerie in ‘Reveal.’ (Deluxe Sample)

Pink Toned Warm Mocha. This shade is perfect for darker skin tones but is also beautiful on lighter tones too, just keep in mind it will be quite a bit darker.

Swatches:

(R-L)

Let’s Shop:

My favorite way to shop online: Ebates

My #1 subscription box this month: Birchbox

What’s your favorite shade(s) out of this lip kit?

Is there another kit that is a MUST try?

Want some more akachic.net?

Subscribe & you’ll never miss a post.

You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest & Facebook!

XOXO,

A.

accessories

Summer Style: Budget Friendly Finds from Target, Hautelook & More

Summer Style on a Budget

My Outfit: I think every girl needs at least one flowy maxi dress, especially in the summertime. Just throw one on & you’re ready to head out the door & straight to the beach. A maxi is a no fuss, super easy way to look chic without even really trying or if you’re working with a limited time frame. Plus, this style looks great on ALL body types.

Target is one of my favorite places to find “on-trend” styles (like a maxi dress,) at budget friendly prices. Oh Target, how I love thee….you take all my money but I’m absolutely ok with it. When I found this tie front boho maxi, I loved that it was lightweight & comfortable. I was instantly drawn to the beautiful & vibrant color combo. My favorite elements of this dress are the delicate embroidery & tassel detailing. The best part? This dress was only $30! Target has so many great dresses right now for the summer season with a vast variety of fun prints & cuts.

I’m also guilty of perusing Target’s shoe section regularly. It’s just so good! Plus they always carry a lot of sizes & widths which is great for my size 10W tootsies. Why I’m not 6′ tall instead of 5’6″, I’ll never know. These pom pom lace-up gladiator sandals instantaneously landed in my cart as soon as I saw them. I just can’t get over how cute they are!!!! Not only is this sandal style all over the fashion scene right now, my pair is currently under $30. These little beauties are cute, comfortable & the bright details make them oh so eye catching. With all the colors incorporated, they can be paired with almost any casual outfit. These are a great buy for a bargain friendly price!

Another place I love to hunt for on-trend pieces is Hautelook. Hautelook is a flash-sale site connected with the Nordstrom company, that offers popular brands for deeply discounted prices. You can get emails to see what they currently have to offer so you can pin-point any items you want to shop on the site. I found my kimono & tote bag on their website & both items together cost less than $50.

My Accessories: I always like to throw on a few interesting pieces, like these Baublebar rings (which are on sale right now,) for added interest to a simple outfit. Grab a pair of oversized sunglasses for the daytime & a light knit kimono for when the sun goes down & you’ll look not only extra stylish, you’ll be prepared for those abrupt weather changes.

If you’re at all like moi, I tend to have a TON of stuff thrown in my purse at all times (hey you never know!) A tote bag is the perfect choice for this time of year because it can carry so much. Whether you’re a busy mom, full-time student or fashionista on vacation, a cool looking tote bag is another must have. From a beach towel & lunch to a change of clothes for your kids, everything seems to find a spot.

My Makeup: A bold lip gives ANY look an instant style boost. NYX is not only a very affordable brand, their makeup is sooooo good. I own almost all shades of their Butter Lipstick line & I haven’t been disappointed yet. Add a bright polish that’s a similar shade to your lips for an extra pop of color.

I truly believe you don’t need a million bucks to look it.

Outfit Links:

/Dress/ (Currently only in store, but they restock all the time online.) I also love this dress, this maxi & this one too. All extremely affordable! /Tote/ (Similar) I also love this bag. /Kimono/ (Similar) /Gladiator Sandals/ I love this pair & this pair. /Sunglasses/(Black Version) /Blue Lapiz Ring/(Currently on Sale) /Gold Multi-Finger Ring/(Currently on Sale) /Lipstick/ /Nail Polish/

Get the Look:

(More direct links & personal style picks at a variety of price points.)

–Hautelook (a Nordstrom Company)

Are you on Hautelook? If not, you should be!

Click my direct link if you want to sign up!

My favorite way to shop online: Ebates

My #1 subscription box this month: Birchbox

I’m looking for some summer blog topics you guys would like to have me write about.

Let me know in the comment section or on social media your thoughts & ideas.

Thank you so much for reading.

If you use any of my links to shop, it helps me make akachic.net better & better!

Follow Me, Share & Subscribe!

XO,

A.

accessories

Style File: Show Some Shoulder

I wanted to continue my “Style File Series” with 2 simple switches you can make in literally seconds to change the look of your outfit.

As I mentioned in my first style file post, “Switch Up That Top,” I love outfits that not only look good but can reimagine a clothing piece you currently have hanging in your closet.

I focused this specific outfit around easy ways to change up the look of my top & bag.

Styling Idea #1:

The straight forward option. I call this the “Wear it like you see it” way.

Styling Idea #2:

For my 2nd styling choice, I pulled the sleeved portions of the my cold shoulder top down to my sides. This made the top look like a flowing cami. I also removed the strap from my bag to make it a clutch.

It’s simple style changes like these that can make your current wardrobe stretch further.

Outfit Details:

Top: Socialite Clothing ‘Cold Shoulder Peasant Top.‘ I linked the current pattern option available & it’s 60% off! I also think this one is so pretty & this plus size option looks so chic. If you love the olive green color (like I do,) I’ve linked a few more options here, here (at a steal) & here.There will also be some direct links at the bottom of the blog.

I think a cold shoulder top should definitely be a staple in every girl’s closet. Showing off your collarbones & shoulders is always a flattering & winning fashion choice in my book. I think they’re some of the most beautiful parts of a woman’s body.

Aviators: Quay Australia ‘Cherry Bomb Sunglasses.‘ They’re also available for purchase here & here.

These are such a good buy as we head into the summer season & they’re not going to break the bank either.

Jeans: Level 99 ‘Dahlia Flare Leg’ (almost sold out…just an fyi.) I’ve linked a similar style here. I also love this pair & all of these.

When I look at my entire jean collection & assess the vast variety of styles I’ve acquired over the years, I think I enjoy my “Fit & Flare” jeans the most. I have hips & they flatter them. I have absolutely no butt & flared jeans that are fitted on top (at your waistline,) make me look like I have more going on back there than I actually do. They also elongate your legs & wear so well overtime (meaning the more lived in they get, the better looking they become.) I enjoy jeans that accentuate what a woman has but also helps improve upon some of the areas we might not love quite as much.

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff ‘Rapture Bag,‘ also available here.

This bag is the perfect size to carry all of your essentials & it comes in a variety of colors that are all stunning.

Earrings: Mr. Kate ‘Rain Earrings.’

Beautiful mixed metal earrings that are a staple for date night but not so fancy that you can’t wear them during the day.

Necklace: Mr. Kate ‘Why Not Necklace‘ in gold. I also have the ‘Why Not Rings.’

By now you’ve heard me go on & on about Mr. Kate so I will spare you but I will say if you like funky & cool jewelry you will love her line.

Ring: Dogeared ‘Karma Ring‘ in sterling silver.

I have always been drawn to Dogeared’s jewelry because it’s so delicate & lightweight, not to mention affordable.

Shop the Look:

<br />

– My Favorite Place: Nordstrom

Free shipping & returns.

–Shop REVOLVE:

Save up to 50% off!

–Shop deals of the week at FRANCESCA”S

-Shop Vince Camuto Shoes

Enter to win a whole year of new shoes from vincecamuto.com.

No Purchase Necessary!

-Shop Dolce Vita

www.dolcevita.com

Fab Spring Styles, Swim, Shoes & Accessories.

Shop Target: Why?

Because it’s TARGET!

Typo: For Fun Lifestyle Finds!

Wei Beauty & Hair

–Hautelook (a Nordstrom Company)

Are you on Hautelook? If not, you should be!

Here’s my (direct link) if you want to sign up!

My favorite way to shop online: (Ebates)

My #1 subscription box this month: (Birchbox)

What are some simple style ideas you’ve tried to make your outfit look different? Leave a comment, I’d love to know.

I’m also looking for some blog topics you guys would like to see next.

Let me know in the comment section, on the akachic.net Facebook page or on Instagram.

Thank you so much for reading.

If you use any of my links to shop, it helps me make akachic.net better & better!

Follow Me, Share & Subscribe!

XO,

A.

beauty

Lorac’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Cheek Palette (Review & Swatches)

Let’s Talk Makeup!

Lorac Cosmetics as a brand is one of my favorites. I am always drawn to their eyeshadow & blush formulas & I don’t think they get enough love on social media sometimes. They are known mainly for their pro palettes, which are awesome & I highly recommend owning at least one. When I saw that the company was collaborating with Disney to create an entire line of cosmetics themed in conjunction with the release of the newest Pirates of the Caribbean film: “Dead Men Tell No Tails,” I immediately got online & started researching the standouts of the collab. By far, my favorite item in the collection is the Pirates of the Caribbean Cheek Palette. The palette consists of (3) highlighters, (1) hybrid highlighter/blush topper, (1) blush & (1) blush/bronzer. I still really want to try the Duel Ended Lipstick & Lipgloss duos from the collection.

Palette Review:

Overall, I am really impressed with the quality of application and pigmentation of this palette. I definitely think it’s worth the $30 price tag. I was especially impressed with the highlighters. They were smooth & didn’t accentuate my pores. I really loved how they reflected in the sun. It’s a fabulous addition to your summer glow. The timing of this release was perfect!

Shades Included:

Top Row: (L-R)

“Fortune” -Icy White Highlighter with a Buildable Reflect. I also love it as an inner corner (of your eye) highlight.

“Lost Soul” -Soft Beige Matte Blush with Slightly Warm Undertones. (Could be a bronzer on fair skin.)

Middle Row: (L-R)

“Destined” -Light Caramel Highlighter with a Warm Bronze Reflect.

“Caribbean” – Mauve Rose Colored Matte Blush.

Bottom Row: (L-R)

“Star Reader” -Golden Highlighter with a Cool Gold Reflect.

“Bold Spirit” -Soft Pink Highlighter. My personal favorite. Works with so many different colored blushes.

Swatches:

(Outdoors)

(Indoors)

Swatches: (L-R)

I switched up the order a bit to make each color stand out a little more.

“Bold Spirit” (Highlighter)

“Fortune” (Highlighter)

“Lost Soul” (Bronzer/Blush)

“Destined” (Highlighter)

“Caribbean” (Blush)

“Star Reader” (Highlighter)

Let’s Shop: