I will do anything for a little more sleep these days-- including being crunched for time on an almost daily basis. I've had to adapt my morning makeup routine to accommodate my current schedule so I'm using products that work double time with me.

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The Bag: My current makeup bag is actually the Glossier pink pouch. It's big enough to properly fit makeup brushes, but still small enough to fit in some of my bags. It's also transparent and padded so my powders are protected from drops, and I always know what I have with me. Also, because it's plastic, applying makeup near a sink isn't a big deal. Am I putting too much thought and emphasis on the makeup bag? Probably.

The Products:

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium // this provides light coverage (hence "tint") which is perfect for letting my freckles show through. It's also so insanely easy to apply, it's almost impossible to not have enough time for it. The little squeeze bottle is mess proof, so applying it in cramped spaces isn't a problem. Fun fact: I draw cat whiskers and a nose on myself every morning.

Glossier Stretch Concealer in Medium // I mostly use this on my under-eyes, since it's rare I get a good night's sleep these days. This not only fits my skin tone, it lasts all day too.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in Prosecco Pop & Luxie 504 Large Angled Brush// I apply this on my cheekbones and then swipe some down the middle of my nose and cupid's bow.

MAC eyebrow pencil in Spiked & EcoTools spoolie brush

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise in Blackest Black

Glossier Coconut Balm Dot Com // I use this primarily on my lips because of how prone they are to drying up and cracking in the winter. This is a universal skin salve, so I use whatever's left on my fingertip on either my knuckles or cuticles. This stuff is amazing and can do it all. Also, it smells like paradise!

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I add or swap things out occasionally, but these are my tried and true staples. The total prep time is under 5 minutes, which is perfect for doing your makeup in a parking lot. Because, you know, sleep.

Grounding myself has been an uphill battle lately. It's like the chaos of my world can't be calmed; I have this gigantic cloud of things to do and things to worry about circling me. For a while, I'd given up trying to fight it, but I've recently started listening to what actually makes me feel good. 

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Progress is Progress

You'd be surprised at what completing tasks can do for your wellbeing. I was the first to guess that avoiding reality with tv and books would do the trick, but getting rid of some of the mental clutter is even better. It doesn't have to be anything big. When I've had a particularly rough day at work, or when I find myself having a panic attack, small and mindless tasks work wonders. I'll give myself a manicure and/or shave my legs. If I'm pressed for time or the former don't apply, I clean up a room, make the bed, or organize something. I know those seem insignificant, but they don't require laser-sharp focus and they're time consuming enough to allow a few (much-needed) deep breaths. At the end, you'll have something to show for it. Anything helps, and if you can only bring yourself to do so much, make it count. You'll come home to a cleaner space or not have to worry about chipped nails "on top of everything else." 

Find your zen. What can you do to maximize your positivity? What makes you feel most like you? We're slowly decorating our apartment, so finding something that really ~goes~ with our space feeds my positive energy. Every time I add something new, I'm able to enjoy our space that much more when home. Over time, the apartment we're coming home to is really reflecting who we are. I also recently cut my hair off because I just wasn't feeling the old 'do anymore. I haven't looked back since cutting it off. When you really take the time to listen to what you need, there is no hard thought involved. You just know. I woke up one day and said, "this isn't me anymore." A few hours later, I was in a salon saying, "shorter, please."

Treat Yo' Self

Yes, one of the many life lessons brought to us by Parks & Rec. Get yourself something unnecessary-- anything you know will make you happy. That thing you've always really wanted, but could never justify. Try this for justification: it'll make you smile. Just do so within your means. I was talking to my dad one day about how he'd spent an entire week's paycheck in one outing. I was confused because it went against everything I'd been taught about saving for a rainy day. His response was: "I work hard. You see me leave at 5am and come home at 7pm. What's the point of working so hard? I'm gonna do something for me every now and then because I earned it." That day he went out and bought name-brand groceries and then stopped off at Barnes & Noble for a craftsman magazine. Basically, my dad taught me that it was okay to treat myself. It might not make your chaos shrink, but it'll give you a reason to smile.

One of my favorite perfume lines, these perk me up right away. They never leave my side.

On a similar note, do something for yourself. It's recently been rainy and cold-- the exact environment I thrive in. All I wanted to do instead of spend every waking hour at work was to enjoy it. My boyfriend and I went out and had a mini coffee date. Technically, yes, we bought the coffee. But that wasn't the point. The point was spending that hour the way I wanted to spend it.

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There's a certain empowerment in looking back and realizing that you. are. getting. shit. done. You are working through the rough days, getting closer to the end. Making the most of this time is about all you can do, and although it's not pleasant, it also doesn't have to be a complete loss. Let yourself enjoy what you can, find a reason to smile, do what you can. You're doing your best.

I've written previously on how I like to enjoy my days off, being both lazy and productive while keeping myself relaxed and comfortable. Playing on that same note, I thought I'd talk about how I spend my days "on." That is, days I have either the morning or evening off from work. If done right, it's like a mini-off day. If done wrong, it's just miserable all day.

I yearn for the day I'm able to finish school and have a regular schedule. Better yet, making a career out of what I love doing is a dream. But that dream isn't my reality (yet). I work weird hours and looking at the next week's schedule brings about a special type of anxiety. For years I'd treat any day I had to work with disdain. I'd spend the x amount of hours before my shift(s) mentally preparing myself for the worst-day-ever. I'd force myself to sleep in, which won't leave you feeling any more relaxed. I don't know about you, but it leaves me feeling like I just wasted hours of my day that could have been spent anywhere else. My thoughts and disposition would be all-around negative.

I've since changed my attitude on these days-- which are most days. I've compiled for you some of my personal favorite ways to actually enjoy the days you still have to go to work. I'd like to point out that I don't like leaving our apartment if I know I have to work later. This includes any type of leisure activity like shopping or eating out. I become hyper-aware of the clock and put pressure on myself to get home with enough time to get ready. Instead, I make the most of my time at home. 

But first, coffee. A good day almost always starts with a cup of coffee. I love all things zodiac, and my coffee mugs are no exception. I have more than a couple Capricorn mugs and I actually added this one to my collection just yesterday. I'd seen it a few weeks ago while out shopping but didn't buy it because I was only there for what the new apartment "needs." While out yesterday I found that it'd gone on clearance and I took that as a sign that it was meant for me all along. :p 

If you follow me on Instagram or just about anywhere for that matter, you know I'm an avid reader. I almost always carry a book around with me, just in case. They're the perfect way to get out of your own mind, while also disconnecting. I have a Nook, but prefer a hard copy. I don't have to worry about charging it, but best of all, I won't be bothered with notifications and other distractions. I'm currently reading (and loving!) The Rocks by Peter Nichols. I remember this book making quite a splash when it was published in late 2014, but I'm just now getting to it. I also like to know what I'm reading next and keep that book on deck. Currently, that's Abandon Me by Melissa Febos. 

You can't have reading without writing, and this is no exception. I keep different notebooks for different things. This pink one houses blog ideas and plans, but I have others for different reasons. Life can get overwhelming and sometimes it feels like I'm losing control or merely going through the motions. I found that writing is really effective and cathartic. My overall wellbeing is much more in balance when I listen to my inner-voice telling me it's time to write it out-- whatever that "it" may be.

This room and body mist is a new favorite. I had some errands to run, but I was in no rush, so decided to really browse the grocery store. I came across a selection of these intriguing little bottles and after smelling each, I couldn't leave without trying one out. I have a lot of lavender scented soaps and candles and oils and wanted something a little different. This mix of lavender and frankincense felt right. I use this as a room mist more than I do a body mist. I keep this handy in whatever room I'm in for an immediate pick-me-up. I spritzed this around the bathroom before soaking in a bath and it was perfection.

This part probably just looked like a prop I added to the photo, but it's serving a purpose other than looking pretty. I recently picked up some spray paint and wanted to try out the spray painted pinecone thing. We have these pretty much all over the place and I thought it'd be a cute decor DIY. Crafting in general is really relaxing to me. Simple things like this take minimal concentration and you'll have something to show for it after.

Lastly, the blanket I used for the photos. Again, not just a prop/backdrop. This is the softest blanket I've ever had, I think. You can't be in too terrible a mood when you're snuggling with something this soft. More often than not, you'll find me curled up under this thing (or another blanket if my boyfriend claims this one before I do) watching Rick & Morty or surfing the web, or anything, really. It's all about being comfortable before getting on with your daily duties.

I know reading isn't most people's ~thing~ but you can replace any of my favorite things with yours. My boyfriend plays video games as a way to unwind before and after work. The key I've found is to not focus on what's coming later in the day-- dreading something that hasn't even happened yet-- and instead focus on the right now. Because right now you're not at work, right now you're not having to deal with rude people or do some mindless task. Five hours from now isn't right now.  So why not choose to enjoy your right now  instead of making it just as miserable as the length of your workday? After all, everything we do is a choice. 

One of the many ugly truths about adulthood is that summer doesn't equal vacation-- it's just a season experienced annually. And while I haven't taken any type of vacation, I've been having some really distinct summer vibes this year. Here's what's currently lighting up my inspiration center.

You can follow me on Pinterest here.

In true Tuesday Afternoon fashion, I'm bidding July goodbye with a list (of course) of my favorite beauty products of the month. These are all tried and true to me, so if you notice products missing that I've been talking about on Twitter or Instagram lately, they'll probably be making their appearance in the August Favorites post at the end of this month. I like to have used a product to  the extent of being comfortable enough recommending it. Let's go!

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I stumbled upon this accidentally while "just browsing." I was already a Pixi fan, so decided to give it a shot. Not only are these the perfect shade for my olive skin tone, but I actually use them all. I have a bad habit of buying palettes for one or two shades, but mixing colors is so easy, they all get used. The formula is so soft and smooth and perfectly pigmented. You won't go bare faced to clown school reject unless you really pack your brush. All you have to do is touch your brush and you have a good deal of product that'll last all day.  I'm even able to use the darkest shade as a contour when I'm too lazy to reach for multiple palettes. 

Let's take a second to talk about this stuff's performance. I have sort-of-normal, sort-of-oily skin depending on the day. Adding something that's supposed to bring moisture wasn't a priority. And I'm not going to lie, for the first couple of minutes after applying this, my face felt weirdly damp, sort of sticky. But give it just a few more and you're left with soft, supple, hydrated skin. What really bumped this onto this list is twofold: this won't disturb makeup which means I can just spray away throughout my day (I actually keep this 8oz bottle in my bag) and it can be used on hair. Unlike my face, my hair gets very oily very quickly. I thought spritzing this would only accelerate the rate at which my hair turned me into a greaser. Nope. If anything, this somehow extended the life of my presentable hair. And finally, rosewater. Need I say more? Is there a more divine scent? No, there is not. 

Lip colors are probably the most fun to shop for. You can change them throughout the day without having to redo your entire face. That being said, finding a shade that you can wear every day, with any number of looks isn't the easiest feat. These both went above and beyond this month. They were both new to me, and both impressed the heck out of me. Both their formulas are hydrating and long lasting, and the pigmentation is on point. Like I said before, these look equally great when I'm doing a natural look for the day as well as a full face look.

The most surprising thing that made it onto this list was the Ofra Body Illuminzier. The tube notes that it's not a self-tanning product, but it definitely leaves a beautiful, subtle, shimmery tint. My skin is already a bit tan on its own, but this doesn't overkill it. It's easy to blend evenly and won't transfer onto clothing or bedsheets (I nap a lot). This has quickly become my go-to for the heinous summer months when shorts and dresses are all you can bear to wear. As someone who is incapable of tanning, but who also doesn't want to be full on leather, this stuff is a godsend. 

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This is not a sponsored post. All items were purchased by me. All opinions expressed are my own.

Around this time last year I became intrigued with the notion of a capsule wardrobe. It was an obsession born out of necessity, I was moving a thousand miles from home and I didn’t budget for moving costs. One box alone was $60 to ship. I scoured the internet for any tips I could find for building a capsule wardrobe-- and essentially life. I succeeded for a while, and it allowed me to part ways with articles of clothing I didn’t even realize I was housing. Once I got my bearings in my new environment, I felt myself falling back into old habits. Something new lingered, though. Some fundamental part of what I’d taught myself during my capsule wardrobe phase persisted: quality.

Growing up I’d become accustomed to hear (note I didn't say “listen.”) to my parents and older brothers drone on and on about quality. I didn’t heed any of this because my if I could get so much for so little, why would I wanna do anything else? But I wasn’t a teenager anymore. I had bills and rent to pay, something no amount of preparation could have, well, prepared me for. Shopping was now, this is really cute, but it’s gonna start falling apart right away and there’s a reason they’re only charging $10 for it. That thing my family kept going on about finally made sense to me.

It’s an inconvenient truth if you’re on a tight budget like I am, but I promise there’s a silver lining. If you’re seeking quality, you’re probably gonna have to pay a little more for it up front, but you won’t have to replace it or keep spending your hard earned money on the same thing over and over again. This applies to just about anything you can think of. Here are some of the biggest rules I adhere to when expanding my wardrobe:

Knowing what to look for and knowing yourself are two of the most important things you need to know. Know your style. Know your fits. What items in your closet get the most attention? Why? What can you throw on and not even need a look in the mirror at because you just know you look good?

Knowing where to look is equally important. Even if your budget isn’t terribly tight, thrift stores are always solid choices. You’re bound to find a few wins anywhere you look. If not, give it some time and check again. Persistence and time are key. I know the idea of wearing used clothing doesn’t sit well with some people, but consider this: these pieces have a former life and are still going strong. How much of your wardrobe can stand the test of time like some of these have? Things to keep in mind when thrifting: 1. Really inspect a piece of clothing because questionable stains are definitely out there, and there’s no telling if they’ll come out. 2. Be weary of the return policy as most are final sale or exchange only.

Don’t feel like leaving the house, or have slim pickings in your area? I’ve been there, too. Luckily, I came across some pretty great alternatives to the brick and mortar version. eBay has a really great selection of vintage jewelry. I’m too scared (and lazy) to shop for clothing online because online returns are the worst, and so is paying return shipping. But accessories are just about always a safe bet. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the amount of information that the seller provides so you have a real idea of what you’ll be getting. Another less frequented (by me) alternative is Poshmark. I used this site/app quite a bit back in the day, but the platform underwent some changes and I eventually lost interest altogether. Still, if there’s something rare or discontinued, this is a good place to look! Finally, online thrift stores exist! A few google searches should yield something that piques your interest, but Shop Goodwill is my favorite, bar none.

If there’s one thing I really love, it’s my niche brands. I’ve written previously about how living in the southeast has a silver lining because no one is really after the labels I drool over. A select few places house quite a few lesser-known, but well respected labels. Unless you’re around their home courts, they go widely unnoticed and therefore marked down further. Know your niche brands (if you’re into that sort of thing) and really be familiar with different labels and their reputation in terms of durability, etc. Spotting them will soon become second nature.

My mom taught me at a young age that if you’re going to splurge on anything, it should be your shoes. “These directly impact your back,” she’d say, “so spend the money and do yourself a favor.” I have the most difficult feet to fit into shoes, and I learned the hard way that spending the time, money, and effort is the only way to really win in the end. I got smart and started buying for quality, but I spent far more on lesser footwear because the price was right and well, if I wear them for only, like, 10 minutes and do minimal walking, they won’t hurt that much. Trust me, the pain of wearing bad shoes isn't worth it.

Story Time

I needed some plain flats for my wardrobe, but no one made any that fit me well. I finally was left with one option: take my mom’s advice. I hit up the *high end* part of town and hit the jackpot. I spent quite a bit on flats, but when I put them on, I almost cried. I’m serious. The shoes were perfect, the fit, the color, everything was absolutely perfect. I bought them in every color, which was luckily only in nude and black, because they were pricier. But you know what? It’s been almost five years and both pairs look brand new. They fit just like they did at the store that day, and I never had to buy another pair of flats again. This is a classic example of quality in action. They were pricey, but take into account the aggregated amount I’d already spent trying to replicate a low quality knockoff, and I broke even, easy.

I took this rule of thumb and applied it to my entire wardrobe. I always try to opt for vegan leather (or “pleather,” as I used to call it), but I’ll never pass up a good leather bag or belt if one crosses my bath. These things, along with shoes, take the brunt of the wear and tear, but will stick with you as long as you take care of them. I’ve been asked how I manage to both save money and shop so much. It’s simple: I look carefully, I take my time, and I’m totally fine with walking out of a store empty-handed. And when I do buy something, it’s going to be a long time before I have to replace it.

Have a conversation with me for just a few minutes and my love of animals will become apparent. I grew up under the impression that to be a consumer of beauty products, animal testing was just a reality that you had to live with, one that was better left ignored for the sake of your conscious. Fast-forward and the year is 2017. More and more beauty companies are popping up, proudly proclaiming their cruelty-free paradigm. Established companies are advertising their newly minted cruelty-free products. This has been going on for a while now, and while I always thought the idea was neat, I never made much of an effort to shop exclusively cruelty-free beauty. Sure, if something I bought happened to be C.F., I felt good about myself, but those instances were happenstance. As of late, though, I've caught myself unconsciously favoring these products. The following are some of my current favorites that have managed to make their way to into my travel bags, AKA the stuff I can't live (or leave) without.

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Ecotools

LUSH

Of all the brands I’m listing today, this has to be my favorite. Lush has your beauty needs covered through a variety of categories. They have makeup, skincare, hair care, bath bombs, beard balms-- you name it. I can’t even narrow down a single category to talk about because I use so many of their products and I have nothing but good things to say. Even my boyfriend is obsessed with them, asking to do face masks a few times per week.  I have very particular skin and finding products that react well to it is its own type of punishment. Somehow everything I’ve purchased at Lush has worked wonders with my skin. This is especially good news given that “green” and cruelty-free products haven’t always had the best track record with performance. Their line, though, goes above and beyond expectation. From the moment you sample something at one of their stores, you can feel the quality of what they’re selling. Their employees are so insanely informed on the products, you’ll know immediately whether something would meet your needs. In conjunction to being an environmentally conscious company, they have Charity Pots. They’re those iconic black pots a lot of their products come in. Bring in 5 empty Charity Pots and get a free mask. Not only are they proud of what they sell, they incentivize being eco-friendly along with them. Their pots are marked with a label featuring “Not virgin! made with 100% recycled plastic. Please reuse it or bring it back.” The ingredients and expiration date are printed clearly on the pot beside the illustrated picture, name, and date of the person who made it. At the bottom of every label is the silhouette of two rabbits on their haunches with the caption “Fighting Animal Testing.”

Wet n’ Wild

Go back in time with me to when you first discovered makeup. If you were anything like me, you wanted to play with EVERYTHING. That meant eagerly volunteering to go grocery shopping so you could get lost in those drugstore makeup aisles. And if you were anything like me still, you’d hit up the super-inexpensive side of the beauty section because mom was so much more likely to buy you something if it was only .99 cents. Cue Wet n’ Wild. I thought I’d outgrown the epitome of drugstore makeup until several years ago when they popped back up on the radar. All of a sudden they have killer formulas and a seal telling you that it’s cruelty-free. Our rekindled relationship began when I found a .99 cent exact dupe for an Urban Decay eyeshadow and I’ve never looked back. What did me in for good was their then-new 1 Step Wonder Gel nail polishes. I’d been on the lookout for a new signature red since my usual shade was becoming increasingly difficult to find. Finally, I decided to try out these hyped up polishes...

H O L Y  S M O K E S

The reviews weren’t joking. The quality of their polish is enough to surpass every high-end label I've tried to date. The compliments I've received on my nails since then has been due to these two shades.

1 Step Wonder Gel in Crime of Passion (red) and Stay Classy (mauve)

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Conclusion & Disclaimers:

I am in no way stating that I now shop, use, or own 100% cruelty-free products, but I'm slowly working toward it. I mentioned that my hair and skin are very particular with what they will agree with, and unfortunately some of the products that work best with me don’t have any of the labels I now find myself searching for. Also, these aren’t the only three brands I use that are cruelty-free, I use many more that didn’t make the list for a variety of reasons. I use a wide variety of products from these three brands and find myself repurchasing from them so much that I have placed my faith in them. Additionally, not all labels are created equally: some certifications are more difficult to achieve than others. With all that being said, I still have a lot of learning to do on this particular subject, and I’m looking forward to helping my furry little friends as much as possible.

I never thought I'd see the day I wanted stark white walls, but here we are. Follow me here on Pinterest!