Back to School: Backpack Essentials

As I prepare to head off to my first year of college, I have done what probably would seem to be an ridiculous amount of research on what I will need to bring with me. Most importantly, I wanted to know what all the essentials to have in your backpack include. Here are the items I plan to carry with me at all times and that I found to be most important!

Let's start off with the bag. This adorable backpack show above is from, none other than, Target! They've had some really cute backpacks for the back to school season and when I saw this one I couldn't pass it up. I also have another plain black backpack that is a bit more heavy duty than this one, but I hope to use this cute patterned bag as much as I can without it clashing with any of my outfits!

School supplies is obviously a necessity. My favorite items are Five Star notebooks and folders. I also carry with me a variety of pens and pencils to take notes and study with. Highlighters are also important study aids that can help to liven up your notes. One thing I never thought of until doing a bit of looking into what school supplies to bring was a mini stapler. When you have something to turn in during a college class, your professor with most likely not pass the one class stapler around the desk like I experienced in high school. Having your own mini stapler can be a life saver in case you had to print something out last minute and totally forgot to staple it before throwing it in your bag. 

Summer Proof Makeup

The worst thing about summer is coming home from a super fun day running around in the sun, taking a look in the mirror and seeing your makeup smudged under your eyes. Then you are left wondering how long it was there and if anyone else thought you look looked like a rogue raccoon. In order to prevent this from ever happening, you need to summer proof your makeup!

Here are some of my favorite summer-proof products, however I wouldn't recommend going for a swim with any of them on. In my experience something can be as waterproof as can be but it'll still smudge on me, so I'd opt for no makeup when swimming. These products are great though if you are going to be out in the sun and you don't want everything to melt off.

1. Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow: These are great because they are so quick to apply and won't crease on you eyelids. they come in tons of great summer-y shades too!
2. Covergirl BB Cream: This product offers light coverage, hydration, and sun protection. You can't ask for much more in a face product during the summer time. It's super easy to reapply throughout the day because of it's sheer finish and will give you a health glow without looking like you caked on the makeup.
3. Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick: I use these as eye liner on my upper lash line and tight line. The are smudge proof and last all day, I love using the fun shades to add a pop of color to my look.
4. Maybelline Baby Lips: These chap sticks are perfect for the summer. Some offer light washes of colors and SPF which is perfect when you are out in the sun.
5. Maybelline Falsies Waterproof: I know I said waterproof doesn't work when swimming for me, but it definitely helps my mascara for smudging onto my skin. Falsies is one of my favorites too!
6. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush: Some cream blushes I find to be too oily, but these blushes have such a light airy texture I don't feel like they are heavy on my skin.

What are your favorite summer proof makeup products? Share them below in the comments!

xx Meghan

Makeup Bag Essentials

I am not someone who likes to bring a full load of makeup to school but rather stick to the things that'll be good to have around in case I smudge my eye makeup or forget to use something in the morning. If you want to bring more makeup related products I'd definitely recommend things that can be multi purposeful. Choose a lipstick that isn't only a great shade for you lips but also could double as cream blush. Things that have dual purposes will save you space in your makeup bag and you will have less things to worry about bringing.

Personal hygiene is one of the most important things to keep up. However, everyone has had that one day that they are running late and forgot to put on deodorant or brush their teeth. Keep miniature sizes of those products so you will never have to worry. I also would have to say if you can find a miniature size of anything, get it, especially for something that needs to be portable like your makeup bag. Another thing that is helpful to stay feeling refreshed at school are oil absorbing sheets. After gym class or even if you just have oily skin, these sheets will remove excess oils without ruining your makeup.

It can be hard to feel nice when you are having a bag hair day. Keep extra hair ties and bobby pins in your bag just in case your locks won't cooperate. I also like to have these sorts of things just for when I want my hair out of my face. I usually put my hair up when I am taking a test or you may need to put in back in science class.

For actual makeup, I keep it pretty low key. The main things I have in my makeup bag are lip products. I like to keep a lip balm, gloss, and some sort of stain or tint. The three things shown in the picture are staples in my makeup bag. It is also super easy to add a little bit of makeup to your lips and you will look super polished after.

About at the mid day point at school I feel like my skin looks a bit tired and less glowy than it did in the morning. This is why I prefer to keep a matte bronzer in my makeup bag, but you could totally switch this up for a light, translucent powder. You can use the applicator, if it comes with one, or just a miniature sized face brush or kabuki. I don't wear pencil eyeliner too much but for some reason I think it is a useful thing to keep in your makeup bag for touch ups or if you decide you want to amp up your eye look. Mascara is definitely a number one must have! Keeping a mini sized bottle in your purse can be a life saver in case you forgot to apply it in the morning or just need another coat.

These are all the things I keep in my makeup bag! Let me know your must haves for yours in the comments. If there are any other Back to School types posts you would like to see let me know what those are also.

xx Meghan

Friday Favorites

 {Feminine lace sweater and a gold, geometric necklace}

 {Beads I have been using to make bracelets}

 {A really awesome lip combo for the summer}

{Fun peach and copper mani, plus a band aid!}

I hope you all are having a wonderful Friday! Let me know if there are any particular things you would like me to work on a blogpost for. I love hearing from you guys! What are some of your Friday Favorites?

XOXO Meghan

Little Wishes

1. Pyramid Bracelets: I have suddenly become obsessed with these little treasures for stacking and dressing up my arm parties. As seen in this gorgeous picture, the gorgeous white and gold bracelet on the left adds a playful but classy look to the mix. Forever 21 has a great selection of on-trend bracelets and for such a low price I am dying to get over to the mall so I can stock up!

2. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains: I am a sucker for cute packaging and colors so when I saw these I was in for it. For such a long time now I have loved the concept of the Clinique Chubby Stick but I never got around to purchasing one. So when these came out I couldn't wait to  try out a cheaper alternative. Again, the packaging is super cute and great for quick pops of color throughout the day. I wanted my first one to be one that would be great as a daily staple so I got the shade Honey (third over from the left in the picture). I really like it and now I want to get some more.

3. Rhinestone Chain: I found myself wanting to be very crafty lately. I am always frustrated though because I never have all the supplies I need. My goal within the next few weeks is to track down some rhinestone chain. I scavenged through the entire jewelry section of my Michael's for some and it was nowhere to be found. I am thinking about just ordering some cheap of eBay unless someone can locate this little guy in my craft store for me. I want to do some cool DIYs and what project doesn't need a little sparkle!

These are just a few things I have been lusting over this week. Was there something you guys couldn't get off your mind? And, honestly, if someone finds me some rhinestone chain I will love you forever!! Anyways, hope your weekend is off the a great start. Don't forget to check out my last post which was a super cool DIY for Floral Sunglasses!

XOXO Meghan

Images {here, here, & here}

Currently Obsessing

If it isn't clear already, I have this teensy tiny obsession with pale pink. Literally everything in that color family draws me to it and I am just enamored by the shade. Last year some time I bought this purse in the picture above. It is such a gorgeous color and is made super well. It is also like my favorite style of purse too!

Ever since I saw {this} bag, the Coach Poppy Spotlight purse, I have been obsessed with purses with two pockets in the front. Yes, I know, what a weird thing to like however I just find it super cute! The trouble is though, that I can never seem to get this bag to be a daily staple.

Reason 1: I wear mostly gold jewelry and this bag sports silver.
Reason 2: I find it hard to wear the pink purse with some of my clothes.

I know that this bag especially won't look good with everything but it makes me so sad that this gorgeous purse isn't used to it's full potential. Have you guys ever encountered something like that? Where you love something so much but can't bring yourself to use it! Anyways, I thought I'd share this little tidbit with you guys because when I see this purse I think of spring/summer. Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

XOXO Meghan

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all had a good week. I haven't done one of these in a while but I randomly thought of doing one today. I hope you enjoy. Let me know what your favorite things of this week is in the comments!

{A fun, new neon pink dress and white wedges}

{Geometric and neon phone case}

{My love for musical theater!}

{Pretty notebook that I intend to write to do lists in}

{A fun, fringe bag that's perfect for summer}

Spring Things: Beauty

After having Spring Break, I always feel so ready to jump into all the latest trends! Some of my favorite beauty trends for spring are bright cheeks, pastel nails, defined lashes, and glowy skin. I took some pics of my own personal favorite beauty products I will be all over this spring. Let me know what you favorite spring trends and products are in the comments! I love to hear from you guys and try out new products so definitely share what you love. I'm working on another post for my spring fashion picks that should be up soon so look out for that, see you soon!

{From L-R: China Glaze Pink Voltage, Essie Haute as Hello, Revlon Charming, OPI Mod About You, China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, Essie Mint Candy Apple}

{Top L-R: MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Gentle Coral, NYX Mosaic Powder Blush in Love, Maybelline 25hr Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze, Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream

Bottom: Essence Get BIG! Lashes Mascara, ELF Liquid Eyeliner in Copper}

XOXO Meghan

Best of 2011: My Favorite Products

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To round off this year, I decided to create a list of my favorite of favorites from 2011. This encompasses pretty much everything that I have really loved this year. I switch up items that I use almost weekly for some things so it was hard for me to think back to the things I have been using for a good amount of this year. So that shows how much I love these things! Let me know your favorites of this year!

1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

I got this lotion actually on January first of this year and since then I haven't gone back! I am pretty low maintenance on moisturizers, so this one is perfect for me. It keeps my skin feeling fresh and clean all day. I use the gel because I have combo/oily skin, they also have a lotion version for dry skin, but I would probably recommend the gel for people with normal skin because I feel like it's a little lighter than the lotion. But it is a great all encompassing moisturizer!

2. Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara (Volume and Fusion)

I used one of these two mascaras all throughout summer! I will always have that iconic orange mascara tube with me, it is great by itself and also layers great with all other mascaras. I have been using some sort of version of Lash Blast for about 2 or 3 years now, if that's not dedication that I don't know what is! It always works!

3. Remington Curling Wand

I got this  hair iron back in 2010 for Christmas and I just works so perfectly for my hair. I have naturally curly hair, but pretty much only on my bottom layers. Then, my top layers are almost stick straight! This curling wand works wonders on my limp hair to give it a really effortless and natural look. You can go from ringlets to beachy waves! 

4. Basic Scarfs

I honestly wear a scarf probably five out of seven days in the week! I pretty much alternate between my black and white cashmere ones but sometimes I mix it up with a fun pattern. I get cold super easy and scarf are great to stay warm and also look really cute. It might just be me but I feel like scarves can make an outfit look super cute even when they are just a solid color.

5. Clairsonic + Purity Made Simple

I got the set in the picture from QVC that included the Clairsonic Plus (in pink!!) and some Philosophy items a while back. I have always love this cleanser and the Clairsonic makes your face so soft and gets out all the leftover makeup!

6. Steve Madden "Intyce" Boots

I pretty much wear these everyday! They are so cute and go with any outfit! They are the perfect riding boot and I cannot gush about them enough. Pretty much everyone has these boots at my school but they are so great I understand why! Definitely recommend if you are looking for a nicely made riding boot.

7. Vintage Coach Messenger Bag

I bought this at thrift store for like $15! I use it all the time for shopping or for school! I actually has a pretty good amount of room to where I can fit a reading book in it and my lunch for school and a water! It is really versatile and a easy choice when it comes to picking out the bag I want to wear, it's really great. You can only find it online now I believe, especially on Etsy!

8. NYX Blush Rouge Cream in Glow

I definitely have an unhealthy obsession with blush! I especially love this cream blush from NYX. It honestly does add a "glow" to your face that is really pretty. It is so pigmented and is super creamy compared to a MAC blushcreme. This is a really great universal pink color that looks good on its own or with a powder blush on top. You can buy NYX online or in ULTA.

9. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

I was going through a bit of a rough patch with my hair mid summer. It didn't feel soft, it was dry and damaged. I decided to try this out it did wonders for my hair. Even after one wash my hair felt smoother and softer. I also love the smell!

10. Pearl Studs

I have never really been that big into earrings even though I love the look of long dangly ones! It always seems like a hassle to put them on! But pretty much all this year I wore pearl studs! They go with any outfit and are just so classic. I have like five pairs in different colors and sizes and I love them!

What were your favorites of 2011?! Hope you all are really for the New Year and are have a safe and fun New Year's Eve!

XOXO M