July Beauty Faves

I can't believe July is already coming to a close! This year has flown by.  In Miami, we are currently roasting - the Miami Heat is in FULL force. While the blazing summer sun may cause some to skip makeup altogether, you already know that this girl continues to reach for go-to products. This month (and last), I tested out some great stuff. My July Beauty Faves are below.  Hope you enjoy. Read down to the bottom for my favorite eye shadow palette! Please let me know if have tried any of these out!

Clarins Lip Oils: this summer, Clarins launched some new lip oils, in different colors and scents than last year. I like the lip oils because they last on my lips, and have moisturizing properties (they're infused with 100% plant oils). In the summertime, I love a glossy lip. Sometimes I'll top my matte lipsticks with this oil. The two formulas blend perfectly, creating a glossy lip that stays put. I've tried this trick with almost all of the matte lipsticks I own, and it's worked beautifully. The new lip oils are part of the Clarins 2017 Summer Collection.  I will have a full post on the Summer Collection coming up soon, but for now, I'll tell you that the gold, bronze and peach hues in the collection totally appeal to me. 

Clarins 2017 Summer Collection.

Aveda Essentials Line: this line of naturally based products will tame your frizz, slick your hair, and add shine and softness. Be Curly used together with Smooth Infusion are the perfect combo (apply when your hair is still damp), and let your hair air dry for soft and tamed waves. I also like the Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair leave-in conditioner.

Aveda Hair Essentials Collection.

My hair, after applying Aveda Essential's Be Curly and Smooth Infusion

It took some getting used to but the Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo has found its way into my routine. At first, I disliked the packing because I couldn't control the amount of product that was dispensed. It does have a slight white cast when you use it too close to your hair. But, after some fine tuning, I figured it out and have to say that it works well at absorbing excess oil. The key is to shake the bottle each time you use it, and squeeze the bottle about 6 inches from your hair. It's got a light scent and unlike some dry shampoos, you can still brush your hair with this one and it blends well

MAC #NextToNothing: this new line of foundations and pressed powders have a lightweight texture and feel. The foundations are dewy and balmy, while the powders are finely milled. But, don't expect the regular, full-coverage MAC foundation formula. The Next To Nothing formula mimics that of a beauty balm or tinted moisturizer. Applying this makes you feel pretty - you sort of glow all over in a youthful way. It doesn't settle into lines, either.

For me, the pressed powders are the all-stars in this collection. This formula is great. It sets my makeup, and causes it to last a long time without touching up. The formula is super fine, and oil absorbing. This doesn't cling to dry patches and smooths out the look of the skin. I am in love with this pressed powder. Go buy it, seriously. 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence

Caudalie: you already know that I'm a true Caudalie fan. The line is packed with skincare benefits for results you can actually see. My favorite boutique is the Brickelle City Centre boutique. You may recall this post from a few months back, where I recounted how Vanessa (aesthetician) gave me an incredible facial, and helped restore balance to my skin, after a laser facial mishap. 

I was sent the Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence to try. I've been testing it out for about a month and a half. The essence is a combination between a toner and a micellar water. It contains glycolic acid to sweep away dead skin cells. It assists in lightening dark spots and discoloration, providing an  overall smoother, and brighter complexion. It really works. The proof? Sephora's website has 25+ reviews and almost all of them are 5 stars. When this runs out, I will definitely purchase a bottle. 

Urban Decay Naked HEAT Palette: saved the best for last. The Naked Heat Palette is worth the money and lives up to the hype. It's SO pigmented, it's perfectly warm, it's got beautiful mattes that blend seamlessly, and gorgeous shimmer lid shades. This is my absolute FAVORITE eye shadow palette of the moment. Top drawer, every day, all day. Love it. 

July was a definite winner in terms of beauty products. So many good ones this month. I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comment section, down below!

FTC Disclosure: I was provided everything in this post by PR. 

Miami Swim Week 2017 Gottex

Gottex Swim presented their 2018 collection at the W Hotel, during Miami Swim Week.  Gottex fans trust the brand to bring them beautifully constructed, classic swimwear. We saw a few trends this year, including color blocking, and sheer, flowy fabric with lots of movement. Some designs featured bright patterns, and while uncharacteristic for the line, were surprisingly perfect, like the colorful cut-out suit seen below (and my favorite suit, seen here). The Rene Furterer team gets credit for the sleek hair styles that were somehow, (amazingly), able to combat the Miami heat and frizz factor.