My 5 Disney Essentials!

It's Finally Friday! 

I am officially in the 24 hour countdown until Disney! 

To finish off my week of Disney themed posts I thought I'd share 5 of my Disney essentials!

When spending the day at the happiest place on Earth preparation is key. 

And we all know how stressful planning and packing for any vacation can be so I'm sharing with you my 5 essentials in the hopes of making the process a little bit easier! 

1. Comfortable walking shoes. 

A no brainer but us girls tend to choose cuteness over comfort when deciding shoes. Having a cute outfit sometimes takes priority with how comfortable you will be . I know, I know, I've been there. But a day in Disney is not the time to wear those adorable sandals or new pair of cute sneakers because I guarantee your feet will rebel against you afterwards. My tip is to go with a trustworthy pair of comfortable shoes you know you will not have a problem with and plan your outfit around them. That way you can still wear a cute outfit and not have to worry about your only pair of comfy shoes not matching the new outfit you may have just bought. 

2. Comfortable clothes. 

Pretty much the same concept here. Are you seeing a trend? Your outfit surprisingly plays a huge role in how your day at Disney will go in. My ideal Disney outfit is a good ol' romper. They are light, super flowy and comfortable, and look cute and put together. I'd say it is a win win all around. I've found that jean shorts start to rub me the wrong way towards the end of the day and if you've ever experienced what I'm talking about before you know how much of a day ruiner that can be. #chubrub And dresses are light and breezy... but they can be a little too risky. We are in a family friendly environment remember. In my opinion rompers are the best of both worlds! 

3. Heat proof makeup

Don't ever underestimate the power of Florida's summer heat. It is no joke. To ensure you do not sweat off your entire face before you can even ride It's a Small World, I suggest a matte powder, waterproof mascara, and a long-wearing cream eye shadow.  I use the Maybelline Dream Wonder powder daily because I know it keeps me matte for a long period of time with just a few touch ups in every now and then.  The waterproof formula of Maybelline's The Rocket mascara is my favorite and it never leaves me with the dreaded raccoon eyes. And Maybelline's Color Tattoo cream shadows stay on all day long without creasing. Score! 

4. Sun protection

Though you will not be in direct sun all day, you will still want to have some kind of sunscreen on your face and body, especially if you are going multiple days. I suggest a spray formula so you can avoid the uncomfortable slimey, lotion feeling all day and this one from Hawaiian Topic is so light I tend to forget I even have sunscreen on! I also suggest sunglasses so you don't have to be squinting all day but make sure they are not the best pair you own. I've known one too many expensive sunglasses being lost on Thunder and Splash Mountain so grab a cute $5 pair at F21 and you are good to go!

And last but not least...

5. Disney Ears

A classic that will never go out of style. Showing your #Disneyside is one of my favorite things about being in Disney World. There is never such a thing as too much Disney, am I right? These cute Minnie Ears are form ASOS and are included in my Disney Wishlist post that you can read here! 

And there you have it! Most of these are probably no brainers, but trust me forget one of them and you will realize just how important they are.

What are some of your Disney essentials?
Have a great weekend!

Linkin' up!

July Birchbox vs. Ipsy Showdown

Hello all!

I had so much fun doing this little showdown last month that I decided to do it again! 

So without further adieu, the contenders:

Birchbox's  Power Up Box

First off, can we talk about how pretty the packaging is?! I love the blue shipping box it came in, a nice change form the regular pink. But the actual box is so adorable! It's so cute it actually inspired me to work out....unfortunately, that inspiration hasn't been set into full action just yet, but it did inspire me none the less.

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo: Who doesn't love dry shampoo? I'm particularly excited about this one because it is a travel size so it is perfect to touch up on the go and it also has a nice light, fresh scent.

NAOBAY Body Radiance Lotion: I have already given this product to my mom because I was really not a fan of the scent to be honest. It's not bad, it is just one of those scents that provoke certain memories and for me that memory was the cleaner they used at my pre-school....

Vasanti Cosmetics Detox Facial Cleanser: On the other hand, I love the scent of this product (I feel like there is a trend going here...) It is a silky cleanser full of nutrients and I am excited to use with my Clarisonic.

Sumita Eyeliner in Raina: I love receiving eyeliners in BBs or Ipsy bags because I feel like you can really get your money's worth with that product alone. This eyeliner is a beautiful navy blue, a color I do not have, yet desperately wanted so I was very excited when I saw it in my box. I have yet to wear it but I can tell you that I swatched it on my hand before taking a shower and it is still on my hand now... as I type this... after my shower!

100% Pure Gingerade Shower Gel: I'm not sure how I feel about these beauty extras or if I am actually going to use them, or give them to someone else, solely because I am not a fan of ginger scented products. I am glad that they are an extra as opposed to one of the actual samples though.

As I've mentioned before I love the little extras BB throws into their boxes. They are really thoughtful and very creative. To go along with the theme, this month's box came with a little flipbook of mini challenges you can try to "power up" your every day. They're actually pretty interesting and I just might be doing them myself.

Ipsy's Sensationally Sunkissed Bag 

 Love the name/ theme! Perfect for this time of year and so catchy. The bag itself is this brilliant hot pink that I am so excited to throw into my beach bag! 

Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil: I am a huge fan of tanning oils for pool days or for afternoons when I just want to lay out. Unfortunately I have not been able to try this one out yet due to the weather, but I think it will make a good excuse to take a an afternoon off to lay out and test it out. I also love that it is travel friendly because my other tanning oil is so bulky to carry around.

Befine Daily Moisturizer: I am so glad that I have finally jumped on the daily moisturizer bandwagon. I always thought my skin was too oily for it, but I am now noticing that without it my skin does not look its best. I love trying out new ones to see how my skin reacts to them and from the looks of it this one seems to be a good contender with SPF 15 and a nice, light scent and texture.

wHet Nail Polish in Facetious: Love this bright dark blue! Definitely going to be the next color I paint my toes with!

BareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Cream Shadow: Although this little guy may seem ittie-bittie at first look, I feel like it will actually last me a long time considering the small amount you need for application. I didn't think I was going to really like this product, but I completely changed my mind once applying. The application was so smooth but still stayed in place and the shade is smokey yet wearable for the daytime.

Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Unique Pink: I'm not sure what it is about this product but it absolutely love it. It is one of those balms that adjusts to the pH of your lips so each shade will be a little different. I was a little afraid of how light the color was in the tube, but after applying and waiting a few seconds it turned into this beautiful "my lips but better" shade with a nice, glossy favorite. Definitely a new favorite!

And with that I must choose a winner and that winner is.... Ipsy! I was genuinely excited about each of the products and my first impression of each product was a positive one. I was a little underwhelmed by the product selection of this month's BB which is unusual, but you know, not everyone is going to like everything. There were some great products in it however and I absolutely loved the packaging and the little challenge booklet as well.

So that is that!

What did you receive in you monthly subscription box? I'd love to know!

xoxo, 

I Heart Summer Tag!

Happy Wednesday all, and more importantly, happy July! With summer, and the summer weather, in full swing I'm kicking off my summer blog posts with a fun summery questionnaire tag!

1. Favorite bronzer for summer?

These two from Victoria's Secret. Summer and bronzer go together like peanut butter and jelly so during the summer months I like to focus on my bronzer a little more usual. I like using Bronze Rays as a creamy, bronzy highlight and Sun Goddess as an all over face bronzer to give my face a glow. These two work great together and have become my favorite part of my makeup routine!

Left: Sun Goddess Right: Bronze Rays

2. You're relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on? (Favorite summer drink)

Source

Spa Water! Or fruit infused water is probably my favorite drink for the summer. I'm all about staying hydrated and this is such a fun way to do just that. I love trying new combinations and nothing is more refreshing than testing them out on a hot, summer morning. 

Source

Iced coffee is more like an all-year-round drink for me but the summertime is when I really crave it. A great afternoon pick-me-up!

Source

What could be more summery than a strawberry lemonade? I never really crave any kind of lemonade throughout the year but come summer I am all over it! 

3. Favorite summer lip product?

I couldn't decide. #lipproductjunkie I love using the Baby Lips in Coral Crush for hydrating my lips while providing a sheer coral tint. I recently discovered NYX's butter glosses (I know, super late) and this one in Maple Blondie is the perfect summer shade to rock on the beach. Maybelline's Color Whisper in Pin Up Peach is my go to lipstick currently. I just love the peachy-pink shade that starts out sheer and can easily be built up to be more bold. 

From left to right: Coral Crush, Maple Blondie, Pin Up Peach 

4. Pool or Beach?

Source

Both! Brought together like this preferably! What I would give to be here right now. 

5. Summer = crazy hair! What's your must-have styling product?

I've recently discovered a holy grail product and I could not be more excited about it. This Curl Enhancing Smoothie from Shea Moisture has totally transformed my hair routine. A little bit of this miracle smoothie and my hair is de-frizzed and curled all while looking smooth and silky. I also love to finish it off with a sea salt spray. This one that I am currently using is from a Birchbox and from the company Divines. These two put together and I have perfect summer effortless waves. 

6. Sun bathing or fake tan?

Source

Sunbathing all the way! 

7. Favorite summer nail polish?

Love these two polishes! This first one from Victoria's Secret called Just Dance is the prettiest shade of hot pink with gold shimmer perfect for the toes to add a nice pop of color in the sand. I'm all about the coral in the summer and Sally Hansen's Coral Reef is my favorite shade and only gets prettier the darker you tan.  

8. Any summer traditions?

Having a puppy pool day on Memorial Day, watching fireworks on the beach on the 4th of July, and doing a massive clean out in my room!

9. Favorite summer scent?

I am currently trying to find my signature summer scent but anything fruity, fresh or coconut-y will do!

10. Favorite BBQ food?

Source

Watermelon, of course!

11. What's your favorite summer-proof product?

This sunscreen is amazing! I started using this product at the beginning of summer, well my summer, and it has not failed me. It stays on all day through salt water, pool water, and sweat (although I do like to reapply) and I leave the beach/pool/outdoors tan and never burnt. 

12. Any summer vacation plans this year? No plans? Tell us about your dream summer trip!

Source

CM and I are hoping to celebrate our anniversary in the happiest place on earth, of course! 

Source

And right after Disney I will be going on my first cruise ever for my grandma's 80th birthday! I can't even begin to explain how excited I am!

Thanks for reading! 

Have you done the "I Heart Summer" tag? If so, make sure to link it so that I can read it!

xo,

J