2015 Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide for Her!

Welcome back! Today I bring you a holiday gift guide for those lovely women in your life! Let's be real, a lot of people wait until the last minute but it's okay, theres still time! This gift guide has a ton of different price ranges so whatever your price range is, you'll be able to find something.

Ray Ban Aviators ($120 - $200): I think Ray Ban aviators are a really great gift idea! They look great on anyone I've seen, they come in a ton of fun, cute colors. Also, right now, Nordstrom is having some really great deals on them! You really can't go wrong with these, honestly!

Ray-Ban Original Aviator 58mm

Makeup Gift Sets ($15 - $60): If the girl in your life loves makeup, this is the time of year that all of the makeup brands come out with their holiday gift sets! They are perfect because they give her the chance to try a bunch of things without committing to buying full size products. I would recommend any of from Tarte or Too Faced. Check out Sephora and Ulta for any gift sets. 

Tarte Holidaze Set

Scarves ($5 - $40): If you're really not sure what to get a lady, you can't go wrong with a scarf. Get one in her favorite color or if you don't even know that, you can't go wrong with black. Every girl needs a good black scarf. They are trendy and keep a girl warm, you can't go wrong with that. 

Ribbed Loop Scarf

Pajamas ($20 - $70): There is nothing a girl loves more during the winter months than winter pajamas, but beware, they will never want to take them off! They come in so many different varieties.  If you're not sure where to look, besides everywhere, check Victoria's Secret. They have nice warm ones and even silk ones if you're feeling fancy. If you're not sure what size to get, it's okay if you get them a little bit big. 

Victoria's Secret Fireside Long Jane Pajama

Fuzzy Socks/Slippers ($3 - $30): If you're just looking for something small, fuzzy socks are the way to go! Anyone would appreciate a nice pair of fuzzy socks or slippers. We will wear these everywhere, just so you know. 

Women's Chai Bootie Slippers

Jewelry with Her Monogram ($10 - $50): Jewelry with initials are always great. Especially, if they are cute and dainty, a girl can layer them and mix it up. It's a cute and thoughtful gift. If you're looking for great personalized jewelry, check Baublebar, they have great quality jewelry. 

Hollywood Initial Disc Pendant

Crossbody Bags ($50 - $400): If you want to get that special lady a purse but aren't sure what kind to get her, because seriously, that can be intimidating, get her a cross body. If you're still just confused about what a cross body is, its a purse with a long strap that can be worn across your body, get it? Cross body. There are great because they can wear it without having to worry about it. We take these everywhere and they are great to travel with. If you're still confused, all places have a nice link to cross bodies on their websites, I recommend checking out Rebecca Minkoff. 

Rebecca Minkoff Avery Crossbody

Ugg Boots ($120 - $250): We all know every basic girl can't lie without her Ugg boots, I know I can't. They are fuzzy and warm. These are a little more on the pricey side but hey, it's the holidays. (That's my excuse for all of my purchases these past few months.) Did I say they were really warm? They aren't the most stylish but it's winter and sometimes, cold trumps style. I mean I think they are cute anyways. 

Ugg Bailey Button

Prada Saffiano Lux Double Zip Tote (~$2300): Remember when I said all price ranges? This purse is absolutely beautiful. It's classic, classy and timeless. Yes, this is only a gift for someone you really love, it's expensive. And, if anyone wants to, you know buy this for me, I wouldn't object, haha. Bags are a serious investment, and if you take good care of them, you can resell them. They will also last you a long time. 

Prada Saffiano Lux Double Zip

I hope this gift guide helped out you procrastinators! Comment below and let me know any gift ideas you have, I'd love to see your thoughts! 

Until next time, my lovelies!

Xoxo, 

Bree Michelle

Happy Holidays!

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Learning to Love Yourself: My Journey

Welcome back, friends! Sorry it's been such a long time. There's really no good excuse for my hiatus, I just wasn't feeling motivated to write anything. Yes, I've purchased tons of beauty related things since my last post but I didn't really feel like writing about that stuff. I come to you today with a non-"beauty" related topic, well I guess you could consider it about inner beauty. The type of inner beauty that radiates and shows in your outer beauty and that, my friends, is loving yourself. 

I will be the first person to admit that I have not always loved who I am and I will be the first person to admit that I haven't always had the highest self esteem. One thing I do want to make clear is that you don't have to feel like you're perfect on the outside to truly love yourself. You do have to accept all of your flaws in order to love yourself. I think there's something truly rewarding that comes with accepting all of your flaws and still being able to walk around with full confidence. "To love yourself is to understand that you don't have to be perfect to be good." Just remember that your insecurities can't control your life. 

We are about to delve into my journey into truly loving myself. I think we should start with middle and high school. I never had a lot of confidence when I was in middle and high school. I think most of that had to do with the fact that I had friends that felt the need to put me down so they could make themselves feel better (I didn't realize it was okay to get rid of toxic people until much later). The other part of it was that I just wasn't happy with myself, not necessarily for any particular reason. I will admit that I was a different person back then, I hated myself so naturally, I would look for literally anything wrong in other people just to make myself feel better. I like to call these years "my awkward stage," even though I think my true awkward stage lasted until I was probably like 22, haha. Guys didn't seem to be interested in me, they always wanted my "prettier" friends. I hated my body, I had zero confidence and to top it off I was just super awkward and uncoordinated (although I'll always be uncoordinated). Let's not even talk about my clothing choices and the way I did my makeup. (How about a "How I used to do my makeup" video??) But this isn't meant to be a pity party for awkward Bree, I just want to let you guys know what kind of a person I used to be. 

Fast forward through college, I was super busy during college, I didn't go out and party like I should have and there are a few things I regret not doing in my college years but I think it was an overall good experience. I worked a lot, not because I needed to but because I enjoy making my own money, I always have. I honestly don't even think I came into my own until near the end of my college career. I honestly don't even know what exactly triggered it. I got rid of some toxic people in my life and my confidence slowly started building from there. I think I realized that I didn't want to be at war with myself. Honestly, this is something you have to do by yourself, for yourself. It did help that I started surrounding myself with more positive people. Like I stated a few times, it's okay to let go of toxic friendships. You don't need to be around people who don't appreciate you or know your worth. 

I've learned a lot of things on this journey. It is not going to happen overnight. You're not going to just wake up one day and magically love yourself. You need to realize that talking/thinking negatively about other people, doesn't affect them at all, it only hurts yourself. You know what helps them and you? Giving them a compliment. I know you know what I mean, you know that feeling when a complete stranger says something nice about you, it's pretty awesome. Take a few seconds out of your day to tell someone you like their outfit, their hair or their smile. I think people notice a change in you after you begin this journey, some people are going to be happy for you and you're going to intimidate others, but that is no reflection of you. People try and bring me down on a daily basis, and sometimes you're going to let it get to you. That's okay. I see people saying things about me and it makes me sad, not because of the things they are saying but because I feel bad for them; I used to be them. I just think that this is important because I've seen how many things have changed since I changed. People respect me more. People can tell that I'm more confident because it truly shows. 

A few things you should always remember: 

1. Bad days are not the end of the world. It's a bad day, not a bad life. 

2. Truly loving yourself doesn't happen overnight. 

3. Accept your flaws. You can want to change things about yourself and love yourself at the same time. 

4. Choose happiness.

5. It's okay to let go of toxic people. 

6. It's up to you and only you. You can't blame your lack of happiness on other people. 

7. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, but don't forget to lift them up too.    

8. Find something you're passionate about. 

9. Always try and find the good in everything. 

10. This is a different kind of mindset. 

Well I hope this helps whoever it needs to. I'll be back to makeup/fashion related posts soon but I do have a few ideas for more posts like this! Let me know if you liked it! Hope you feel inspired. Until next time my lovelies...

Xoxo, 
Bree Michelle 

As always, social media. 
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Clarisonic Smart Profile Review!

Hey guys! I hope everyone has been well! Today I am going to be doing a review on the new Clarisonic Smart Profile. I have been using this every day (once or twice) for about a month. 

I feel like even my makeup looks more flawless now than before I started using this:

(no filter)

Also, let me know if you want a tutorial on this look!

I really love the results that I've gotten. It hasn't cleared my skin up completely but I am very pleased. I've noticed that the pores on and around my nose seem a lot smaller. My skin just feels so much cleaner after I use it compared to other cleansing products. I tend to have really dry skin during this this part of the year and it is really not as noticeable. It exfoliates my skin so nicely without feeling like I over did it like it does with some products. 

Before:

(Please excuse my no-makeup face, it's scary, I know)

My skin does tend to be on the red side and I do have quite a few dark spots from acne. My problem acne areas are usually my chin and cheeks, as you can see. 

After:

My skin feels a lot smoother. The pores on my nose look so much better. I also feel like my skin soaks up my moisturizer. I also feel like my makeup goes on so much better. I still breakout, I'm not trying to say that this is a miracle tool and it clears up everything but I do really love the way my skin feels and I feel like it has helped my acne marks substantially. 

I won't lie these are a little pricey but I have had other brushes and they left my skin feeling worse than when I started. I purchased the smart profile because of its features and the fact that you can use it on your body. I thought it would be perfect to exfoliate with before applying self tanner. I also love the smart profile because when it has that face brush in it i knows to only turn on for a minute. You do 20 seconds on your forehead, then it pauses for a second and beeps so you can move to your chin and nose for twenty seconds and then 10 seconds on each cheek. I have been using the deep pore cleanser sample that came with the brush with this but they say you can use any cleanser. The rep was there when I purchased mine at Dillard's and she did say they don't recommend you use an exfoliating cleanser. 

You can purchase a Clarisonic for as low as $99. If you are interested in purchasing one I would recommend researching on their website. They clearly explain the differences for each. 

Thanks for checking this review out! 

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Haul! Rebecca Minkoff, Dillard's, Sephora and MORE!!

Hey guys,  I'm back with another haul because I'm a shopaholic and I'm not afraid to admit it! I went a little ham over the past few weeks but oh well! I ordered some of this stuff online and some of it at Dillards. So let's see what I bought! Also, I apologize in advance for the photo quality. I lost my SD card and I didn't realize it until I was about to take these photos so they are taken with my iPhone 6!

Dillard's

I went to Dillard's to buy this Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation specifically but I came out with so much more! I am banning myself from there for a while!

I am in color Pure Beige. I know it looks really dark but I promise to matches my body. This foundation claims that it lasts 15 hours and stays flawless all day. Let me tell you, it does! I am obsessed with it! I have quite a few impurities in my skin and tis covers them all! It does not move! I would go into more detail but I'm going to be doing a review on this foundation and the powders stay tuned for that! 

You can purchase it here: Estee Lauder Double Wear

Here is the Double Wear powder, I am in color Pure Beige with this as well. Like I said, I'll be doing a separate blog post on these so stay tuned! 

You can purchase it here: Double Wear Powder

I was at the Estee Lauder counter for a while obviously! I also got this Pure Color Blush in Peach Passion. It is such a pretty wearable peach color and there's a ton in this compact so I will not be running out anytime soon! 

You can purchase this here: Pure Color Blush Peach Passion

Oh and this bad boy. I have been eyeing the Clarisonic for probably over a year now and I could never seem to bite the bullet and fork out $100+ for it. Well the rep at the Estee Lauder talked me into it. I got the newest one they came out with, the Smart Profile. This one came with a body brush head which I thought would be perfect for exfoliating before applying self tanner in the summer. It also came with two different cleansers and a body scrub. The Clarisonic rep was there and she gave me a free sensitive brush head too! I am currently using this and I will be doing a more detailed review after a few weeks of using it so stay tuned for that as well! 

You can purchase it here: Clarisonic Smart Profile

The last beauty product I purchased was this Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in number 49. I've worn this a few times and I am in LOVE! This goes on so smoothly, not like some matte lipsticks that go on roughly. I will definitely be purchasing more colors! Below is a photo with it on!

You can purchase it here: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet

The last thing I purchased at Dillard's was this Michael Kors Jet Set Medium Travel Multi-Funtion Tote in the color Luggage. I normally get black bags and when the MK rep told me that this Luggage color was Michael's personal favorite I was sold. I have been looking for a nice laptop bag for school for a while now and I came across this! My 13" laptop fits in the middle zipper part perfectly and my iPad fits in the pocket next to it. It's perfect for school and work because I work full time and hate lugging around a backpack and a purse. It fits everything I need and it still looks professional. 

You can purchase it here: Michael Kors Jet Set

Zappos VIP

I recently got an offer to join Zappos VIP because I've been with them for so long. It has a lot of really nice benefits including free 1 day shipping, which I have been taking full advantage of. 

I bought this Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Crossbody in black and it has rose gold hardware. I am going to be doing some traveling soon and I wanted a new cross body. I was really excited because you don't see many bags with the rose gold hardware. It's the perfect size for traveling and it will hold all the necessities. 

You can purchase it here: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

I guess I found my new favorite purse designer! I also purchased this Rebecca Minkoff Medium Mab tote in WinterMint. This color gives me life! I usually buy bags in neutral colors but being as mint is my favorite color, I couldn't resist! It has Minkoff's signature black and white inner lining and the piping is this pretty royal blue color! I feel like this is color that can really go with a ton of outfits which I love! I'm really excited to use this! 

Sephora

I don't think an explanation is needed for this one. I needed some of my regular beauty products and got a new blush for fun! 

I got my favorite eyeliner, Kat Von D's tattoo liner in Trooper! If you have still not quite mastered that cat eye liner, try this! I also got the huge bottle of Benefit's Porefessional face primer because it and I have decided to try and work things out after I switched to a different primer, haha! I got the Boscia Luminizing Black mask as a 100 point perk. I tried it and it's a really nice feel off mask. I think I am going to try more of their products! Finally I got the Benefit's Rockateur blush. This smells so good, it's also a gorgeous rose gold blush color! (see below) 

You can purchase these products here: 

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

Benefit Porefessional

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

Benefit Rockateur Blush

MAC

I heard Miley was coming out with a Viva Glam lipstick so you already know! 

I got the Miley Cyrus Viva Glam lipstick (left) and their regular lipstick in Candy Yum Yum (right).

I am wearing Miley Cyrus Viva Glam below with a red lip liner underneath because it is a little too sheer for me. Candy Yum Yum is SO PRETTY, it's a neon pink matte color! I'm sure you'll be seeing it on my blog very soon!

You can purchase them here: 

Viva Glam Miley Cyrus

Candy Yum Yum

Markkit.com

I've been eyeing the shirt below and I finally caved and bought it because it describes me perfectly! 

This is a cute loose fitting tee that says "Goal Digger." Get it?! (insert awkward laugh) I cannot wait to style this shirt! I think you can really style it up or down! 

You can purchase it here: Goal Digger Tee

Well that's about it! I'm sure I've purchased other things but I don't want you to judge me too much! 

Please check back soon for reviews on the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation and the Clarisonic. I'm trying out both products currently so I can give a detailed review! 

As always follow me on social media because I think I'm witty and funny. 

Instagram: @blopez920

Pinterest: Breanna Lopez

Well, I hope you come back to my little corner of the internet soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

January Ipsy Un-bagging

Hey guys, sorry I've MIA for a minute! Today, I am going to un-bag my Ipsy bag (instead of unboxing.) If you don't know about Ipsy, it's a monthly subscription and every month they send you five makeup samples, some full size, and a cosmetic bag. Oh and it's ten dollars a month. 

It's always shipped in this bright pink bag. 

Here's what came in my bag this month and it came with the royal blue cosmetic bag. 

Bellapierre Cosmetics mineral eyeshadow in Exite

I'm excited to try it, I think it will be nice  as a brow bone highlight and on the inner corner of the eye. 

Nourish Organic Renewing Eye Cream with avocado and argan for normal to dry skin

I am excited to see if this does any good cause I am ALWAYS looking for a good eye cream. 

Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm

I've gotten this before in another subscription box and I was disappointed because the applicator was weird but this one is much nicer. I liked the formula and the fact that it smells and tastes like a mojito doesn't hurt. 

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in Treasure

I think this is a really beautiful color and the fact that it has coconut is interesting. It'll look really nice on the eye and it's a really wearable color. 

Elizabeth Mott allover shadow brush

I LOVE getting brushes in my Ipsy bag! I always love trying new brushes and you can really never have too many brushes! 

Every month is different and sometimes bags aren't that great. I am excited about this month's bag though. I love trying new products and it think this is a really fun way of doing that. I like the Ipsy bag because you get five new products every month AND you get a cute new bag. 

If you'd like to check this out go to ipsy.com

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Thanks for stopping by!