Happy Earth Day!

My hometown beach, Sunset Beach.

What I love about the earth the most is the ocean, especially the beach. I love the unapologetic power of the waves crashing on the shore. The beaches near me have strong, rough waves especially the earlier you go. I would regularly run at the beach in the mornings, around 7 or 8am, with my fiance. Before the shelter in place we had grown our endurance to 6 miles. 

An Earth Day shirt I designed for my Graphic Design Website. Click Here to see it.

Now, although we are allowed outside for exercise I don’t feel comfortable staying out that long so we run 3 miles. I think this is a great way to connect with the earth that will at the same time increase your happiness and confidence. Running has helped me develop these traits, which to be honest I was lacking.

I had fun painting marker stones for my garden.

Since the beginning of shelter in place, being confined in my home has made me seek other ways to enjoy the outdoors in my yard. One of these has been attempting to garden. I planted carrots, bell pepper, cucumber and broccoli. I’m not sure if anything will grow since this is my first time but I had fun planting and painting my marker stones.

Last weeks free paint party image. 

Painting the outdoors is a common theme now that I am stuck inside. Last week my fiance who is an artist, collaborated with another artist to do an Instagram virtual paint party with the theme being a wave. This Friday at 6pm join us as we paint the California state flower, Poppies. Click here for the link to the free paint party! Or search for @gi.zambrano on instagram. 

Free Facebook Paint Party

What do you love about the earth?

Thank you,

Perla

Best Elf Products Under $10

These are my favorite Elf products that I use daily.

Elf is one of the most affordable makeup brands available. Unfortunately, I feel many associate affordable with lower quality. This is sometimes true but I have found hidden gems in many affordable makeup brands. My three favorite products from Elf in order of most used include the Eyebrow Duo Brush, Contour Palette and the 16 HR Cameo Concealer. 

My favorite eyebrow brush.

Eyebrow Duo Brush

I use this brush everyday! It features an angled brush for filling in your eyebrows and a spoolie brush for styling. I had it for about three years before having to replace it recently. I highly recommend it and will keep repurchasing. $4

I especially like to use this when I travel or doing my makeup on the go.

Contour Palette in Dark/Deep

What I love most about this palette is the convenience of the bronzer with the large mirror. I use it as a bronzer palette not as a contour palette. It serves as my makeup mirror when I’m away and as my bronzer. It has four colors that blend well. This means less items in my bag. I recommend this if you travel constantly and need to make room in your bag. $8

I like to use this concealer when I don't want to wear foundation.

16 HR Cameo Concealer in Medium Beige

This concealer is great for when you want a “no makeup look.” I like using this concealer when I don’t want to put on a full face of makeup. I like using it on my trouble areas like my hyper pigmentation and just blend it out a bit. It works great alone but I have noticed it shows in the creases. $6

What are your favorite affordable makeup items? 

Thank you,

Perla

March Empties

These are the items I used up in March.

Hello,

Today I’m sharing with you beauty products I have used up and which ones I will repurchase. I like this series because I feel it better represents what my favorite products are based on the ones I use consistently. The items I used up last month include moisturizer, face soap, concealer and wrinkle cream.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

Hands down this is my favorite moisturizer! I like how it feels lightweight when applied but at the same time is very moisturizing. It also has a very slight natural shimmer which I think adds a nice glow to the skin. Another plus is the SPF 15 to protect from sun damage. I will be repurchasing this item for sure!

Shea Moisture African Black Soap with Shea Butter

This is my favorite face soap for cleansing my face morning and night. I don’t get acne very often but when I do, this always stops it in place. I notice any acne is minimized or gone by the following day. Although I have used this brand for years, I recently learned that there are other more natural brands of black soap. I am very interested in trying a more natural, raw version of this soap so I might not repurchase this exact brand.

Revolution Fast Base Foundation in F10

This is my favorite everyday affordable foundation. It goes on smooth and has the right amount of coverage if you have a bit of hyperpigmentation like me. I also felt like this shade matched mine perfectly. However, I am not sure I can repurchase since it seems they are not restocking this item in United States stores. I have not been able to find this shade in any Ulta stores even online. Do you have any medium coverage foundation recommendations?

ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum

Last year I became aware of my skin changing. I began to show signs of aging and felt I should start using a wrinkle serum. I bought this one and it showed great results right away, minimizing wrinkles. The only issue is that I think it was too strong for my skin. When I put too much my skin reacted with acne. I will not be repurchasing this specific product but want to explore other options from this brand.  

Have you tried any of these products? What medium coverage foundation do you recommend?

Thank you,

Perla