How to shop the summer sales WITHOUT overspending

I know, this feat seems almost next to impossible. With holidays around every corner this summer (starting with memorial day of course...) as with everything our society uses them as an excuse to send out LOUD and PERSISTENT emails of all their "Once in a lifetime" sales. At least that is how they want us to feel.

I do actually buy things during these sales. I don't pretend that I'm above the tempting emails, in fact I just purchased a few new makeup items from a brand that I've been dying to try (100% spent more than I should have and 100% bought more than I should have).

Here's the thing, I'm not perfect. Neither are you, and that is absolutely okay. We can strive for perfection, we can wish we spent absolutely no money (which if you are interested in that you should check out the many videos on YouTube discussing "Low Buys/No Buys." I did it for a month and I've got to say I've learned some tricks! I plan on doing another one towards the end of my summer months but for now my life is what it is and I'm just trying to be alright with it.

So back to the tips on how to shop summer sales WITHOUT overspending (I'll keep it short and sweet):

• Assess your wardrobe/makeup
• Make a list of 5 things you feel are missing -> AS you shop the sales STICK to this list no matter what
• I do this all year round to make sure my purchases are guided, conscious, and cohesive with the wardrobe I aspire to have. 
• Stick to purchasing classic staple wardrobe pieces (you will for a fact get your moneys worth.... I promise)
• ADVICE: "Staple" pieces will vary from person to person. What makes you feel comfortable, yet fashionable, and put together with ease? THOSE are your staples. 

• LOOK at all the things you already have and cherish them -> practice gratitude

• DELETE the marketing emails. -> Every morning I wake up, head to my Google mail and delete all my spam or promotion emails (yes, it is a bit depressing BUT the deals can't get you if you can't see them) 

• Plan/Book a date to do something you've always wanted to do
• NOTHING like setting a goal for travel, a tattoo etc. (honestly whatever you want it to be) to get you to save. Keep your eyes on the prize. 

• RETURN the stuff you bought in a sale.....but are not in love with......
• I'm a huge supporter of returning the things you will not wear. GET YOUR money back. DO not just keep something because it is cheap. That is not a good enough reason. Keep it because it makes you feel like a super star and you are in love. It's really that simple. 

HERE are some of the pieces I've decided to keep from the sale I shopped (this year I'm sticking to one sale... the ZARA sale. I've gotta say I'm in love with each and every piece I'm keeping):

          

Nudestix Review

ALRIGHT everyone, I've been on a bit of hiatus on here but I'm back after three weeks of being on the go and traveling! I'm really excited to talk to you about some Nudestix products that I purchased a while ago and have been testing out for a good chunk of the summer.

First of all, the buzz about Nudestix has been ongoing for over a year now. I'm really late to the game but here's the thing.....I've never really trusted cream products. I've always had a tough time with application and lasting power. I don't have time to blend and blend when a cream product doesn't go over foundation well (nor do I have time to reapply that foundation...) catch on to something here? This girl is short on time. Like we all are.

I heard about Nudestix when I listen to Estee Lalonde's podcast called On the Line--of course, driving to clinic this summer every day, I had a lot of time to kill and podcasts are LIFE SAVING-- and learned about the company started with a mom and two daughters in their basement! It was an inspiring story and their branding spoke to me. Their company focuses on all cream based makeup crayons. Keeping your makeup routine brush free (if you so choose), radiant, and enhancing that natural beauty that you've already got! Additionally, all their products are vegan and cruelty free <3

I honestly couldn't ask anything more from a makeup company. While I do love sitting down and attempting glam looks every now and again. To be honest in my day to day 1) I don't have the TIME 2) I don't need to be caking on the makeup (I work in the medical field...most ppl aren't showing up to see patients in a full glam look).

Yes, I went through all of that to let you know that I bought many of their products....ha. I can absolutely say without any doubt that I'm in love with their products, their message, and everything was worth the money. So here is a round up of what I got:

Facial Products

Left to Right: Sunkissed, Hey Honey, In the
Nude 

 Nudies Blush- Matte- In the Nude ($32)

Nudies Bronze- Matte Sunkissed ($32)

   Nudies All Over Face Color Glow- Hey, Honey ($32)

These products have been AMAZING. I don't mean that lightly. In the Nude is an beautiful natural nude color. Pop it on your checks and blend for about 30 seconds and you are good to go (and you don't have worry about it moving your foundation). I even pop some on my lips, I LOVE the matching lip/cheek look. Sunkissed is meant to make your skin look like you just came out of the sun with that refreshed vacation look, and it absolutely does that successfully <3. It's a bit more red toned than something like Clinique's bronzing stick (which I already own, so I'm happy I went out on a limb for this one!). Hey, Honey is the BEST cream highlight I've ever used. Multipurpose and stunningly natural, I use it on the high points of my cheekbones, inner corners of the eyes, on the tip of the nose, and cupid's bow. There really isn't anywhere you couldn't put it......It's non-glittery, stays put. I really couldn't ask for anything more! I've used each and every one of these products every day since I've purchased them <3. Below are some beautiful swatches <3 Same order Left to Right (as above): Sunkissed, Hey, Honey, and In the Nude. 

                                                   

Eye Products 

Perfect Nude Eye Kit ($49) 

Left to Right: Taupe, Twilight, Lilith

Taupe

Lilith 

Twilight 

Not to sound too redundant here but these products are also beautiful and I've used them everyday. I haven't tried doing a full eye look just using my fingers but I've done a full eye look using one fluffy eye brush. It was magical. A little bit of taupe all over the lid, twilight right in the center of the lid, with a little bit of Lilith in the inner corner. Oh and don't forget to smudge Taupe right along the lower lash line.  I'm a neutral eye kind of girl and these here pull at my heart strings <3.  Here are some swatches:

Bottom to Top: Taupe, Lilith, Twilight 

SO, here is my ultimate recommendation. TRY THEIR products. The only tiny downside is the packaging. Each individual product (as well as each eye crayon) comes in their own tin. At first, I thought it would be nice to have something to throw in my purse to protect the products (I HAVE gotten products crazy messy at the bottom of school bags/purses) but honestly it was a bit much. I ended up getting rid of most of my tins except for one for the eye crayons. It's such a waste. The one tin does come in handy though, it has a mirror on the lid (so you don't need to bring a compact for touch ups--on days where you have the time...if that ever happens)

These honestly made my life EASIER. I'm not upset about it. For me personally, these cream products are the ONLY reason I want this heat to continue. I definitely recommend you give them a try! <3