FALLing Into the Swing of Things

Fall is around the corner! You know what that means? Sweaters, scarves, boots, and tea!! And of course, many other cuddle-worthy things.

And if you didn't know, I am extremely excited for fall. It's one of my favorite seasons! Of course though, living where I am, fall only lasts for about two weeks, and then you're thrown into bitter-beautiful winter. But we can adapt :)

So, for your enjoyment, I have a few tips/reviews for some beauty secrets that you can try out this season to mix things up! :)

1. Maybelline Fit Me! Shine-free foundation stick:
    I bought this little fella'  about two weeks ago. I was a little nervous when I first tried it. I was afraid that it might dry my skin out, or not provide any color. (My skin is hopelessly naturally pink/red). But I was happily proven wrong! I just wipe my primer over my face before I put it on, and then I whip it out and rub it on. It's kind of fun to put on too! :) It has a nice matte finish, and gently covers my pinkish skin tone.
2. The Oil Cleansing Method
    I've actually been trying out this face wash method for about three or four months. I've been really excited about the results. For those of you who do not know, the oil cleansing method is a skin care regimen that only includes Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Castor Oil. (Sounds crazy, I know). But, thanks to chemistry (haha, ironic that I'm taking that class this year), but we know that "like dissolves like." So, plug in oil, and you've got, "oil dissolves oil." It makes sense. The castor oil cleans out your pores of the dirt and grime from the day, and the extra virgin olive oil moisturizes. For me personally, it works really well. For combination skin, use a 1:1 ratio, oily skin 2 parts castor oil and 1 part extra virgin olive oil. For dry skin, use 2 parts extra virgin olive oil, and 1 part castor oil.
         Directions:
         1. Rub face with oil, massage--do not scrub.
         2. Wet washcloth with hot water.
         3. Place washcloth onto face, letting the steam clean through your pores. (Like a spa!)
         4. Wipe face with washcloth, wiping away excess oil.
I do this every night, and simply splash my face with water in the morning. If I were to wash it in the morning, my skin would dry out. After I wash my face with the oil, it feels very clean and fresh. Try it out! :)
3. Curling Hair with a Flat Iron
    Over the years I've tried many methods on curling hair. I've come to the conclusion that I like the look that a flat iron provides for curls. Below is a video that shows how you do it. I do it the exact same way. Don't fret if it takes you a while to get the hang of it. Practice makes perfect! :)

Some things to consider wearing this fall:
beanies, faux fur, braids in your hair, sweaters with elbow patches, trench coats, leather, chambray shirts

Hope you all have a lovely day!! Aloha! xx

RED Tour Experience

In my entire life, there has been one thing on my bucket list that I personally thought would never be crossed off. That all changed the night of May 19th.

About four and a half years ago, Taylor Swift's hit song Love Story came out. I listened to it a couple of times, and eventually found other songs by her. I instantly knew that I had become a fan of this lion curly haired, guitar strumming, love sick singer.

Fast forward to present day, and I still constantly hum her songs, admire her strength and courage, and well....fangirl about her :)

However I never thought that I would be able to go to her concert, a dream that was like the stars; always in focus but forever out of reach. May came along when she would be touring in my area, and I gloomed over the internet as I heard all about these incredibly lucky fans who would get to go to her concert, two of them being my friends Micayla and Faith. Another good friend of mine knew how much I loved Taylor Swift, and when opportunity arrived, she came pounding on my door, really my phone. I received a text message asking if I'd like two tickets to her concert, and I had to reread the message about fifteen times so it could process. I STARTED CRYING RIGHT THERE. I immediately responded with a, "Do not tell me this is a joke. Please. I am crying right now." She calmly reassured me that--yes--this was real. And--yes--I COULD GO! Within days the tickets were hot in my hands. AGAIN, I STARTED CRYING. I couldn't believe it, not only was I going to a concert (for the first time!!) but it also just happened to be with my favorite singer! I was so happy. We counted down the days, hours, minutes, and when finally the day came, I could not stand still.

Her opening act was Ed Sheeran, another one of my favorite singers. He was BEAUTIFUL live--the FREAKING VOICE OF AN ANGEL. We all swayed our phones and sang along to his song, "A Team."

This is him singing Lego House. (Not my video)

About an hour later, the curtain came down, and a big sign reading, "RED" dropped to the floor. The music started playing, and I immediately started jumping up and down with a cheek-numbing smile on my face. Throughout the concert, I laughed, cried, smiled, screamed at the top of my lungs, and had the BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE. At the end of it, I came out with no voice, and my poor mother with ringing ears. But I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I loved it.

If I had to choose, my favorite performances had to be All Too Well, I Knew You Were Trouble, Holy Ground, and We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.

(Not my video)

 

(Not my video)

 

 I hope I'll have another opportunity to go to one of her concerts. Maybe :)

In the end, I left with a ton of memories.

 

 

 

Au revoir!!! xx. 

 

  PS- Thank you for the comments:) They are greatly appreciated.