Tuesday Trends: Maxi & Midi Dresses

Maxi & Midi Dresses

After wearing this $25 maxi dress all weekend long, I figured this week’s Tuesday Trends post would be dedicated to maxi and midi dresses, mainly because I obviously need to purchase a few more so I don’t have to wear the same one three days in a row. Rounding up a few of my favorites below!

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Best Skincare Products with SPF for Summer

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

Summer Make Up

A couple weeks ago I asked you ladies for your favorite skincare and make up products that contained SPF and boy did y’all deliver! There were hundreds of answers so I tried out some of the top recommendations and I’m sharing my review of all of them below.

I can honestly say it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I started realizing the importance of taking care of my skin and investing in products that will do just that. A large part of that was due to the fact that my mom had a melanoma and a large part was also the age spots and skin damage that I was starting to notice on my own skin. It’s never too early to start protecting your skin so that will look better and younger longer!

Skincare


CHARLOTTE TILBURY MAGIC CREAM (SPF 15)

I first raved about this product in this extensive beauty routine post. I am now scraping out the very last bits of this product and will 100% be repurchasing. It has replaced all of my other primers and doubles as a moisturizer too. It helps fill in pores, even out your skin tone and make you foundation go on much easier and smoother. I actually end up using less foundation because the primer really makes the foundation go a lot further than it normally would.

JOSIE MARAN PROTECT & PERFECT RADIANCE (SPF 47)

On days that I just want a tinted moisturizer for a no-make up, make up kind of look, I reach for this product. I will say this product probably will only work for my fair skined ladies as it only comes in one shade which is not super dark. It also has a pink undertone to it. With that being said, it does blend very nicely and provides a very light coverage. I usually just apply bronzer over this and call it a day!

DERMALOGICA DYNAMIC SKIN RECOVERY (SPF 50)

I have used this moisturizer for years. You can find it buried in the same beauty routine blog post that I mentioned before. It is my favorite moisturizer especially if you have normal to oily skin. It doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or oily one bit so I love using it in the mornings and at night. It smells like ginger and has a pretty liquidy consistency which makes it great for mixing in tanning drops. I am currently using the Isle of Paradise tanning drops in shade dark.

KIEHL’S BUTTERSTICK LIP TREATMENT (SPF 30)

I somehow always forget to put sun protection on my lips so during the Summer months I switch out my normal chapstick for one with SPF. I’ve tried several but this Kiehl’s one is by far my favorite. It is SO moisturizing and true to it’s name, like butter! It comes in a few different tints but I personally just use the untinted.

Make Up


IT COSMETICS CC CREAM (SPF 40+)

I’ve used this product for over 5 years now and cannot say enough good things about it. The CC Cream comes in a few different formulas: matte, normal and illumination. My personal favorite for the Summer or if you have oily skin is the matte formula which has SPF 40. I usually use the normal formula (SPF 50) for the rest of the year. If you do not have oily skin I would suggest getting the normal formula. This is a full coverage foundation without being too heavy or cakey. I use shade medium in the Summer months. If you haven’t tried this yet, you are missing out.

TARTE AMAZON CLAY FOUNDATION (SPF 15)

While the CC Cream is my #1 bae, this Tarte foundation is a close second for the Summer. It’s a little bit lighter and more whip like in consistency. I would say it is a full coverage foundation again without feeling heavy or looking cakey. I use shade medium beige.

IT COSMETICS COLOR CORRECTING CONCEALER (SPF 50)

While I don’t love the applicator on this product, I do like the product itself. The metal applicator is fine for applying to product but to actually work the product into your skin, I suggest using a beauty blender or a small brush. As far as coverage I would say it is a light to medium coverage. I use shade fair.

 IT COSMETICS CC CREAM BRONZER (SPF 50)

If you are looking for a liquid bronzer (aka don’t want that powder look), this is a great option that has SPF built in! On days that I am out in the sun, I usually skip the powder products and opt for the liquid ones so that they aren’t as cakey and provide more of a natural, dewy finish.

COOLA SETTING SPRAY (SPF 30)

There are very few setting sprays that also have SPF in them. While I definitely would choose my Urban Decay All Nighter spray over this one majority of the year, I always reach for my coola setting spray on days that I know I will be in the sun. Setting spray is meant to be the last step after applying your make up. It locks everything is place, making your make up stay all day. And if you are going to use a setting spray anyway, why not make sure it has some protection in it? I will not that it does have a sunscreen smell to it.

TARTEGUARD MINERAL POWDER SUNSCREEN (SPF 30)

If you have a full face of make up on, the last thing you want to do is slather sunscreen on and mess it all up. The Tarteguard powder is a translucent powder that has SPF already in it. The applicator is genius and really does work so well. Depending on your make up routine and how many of your make up products actually have SPF, this would be a great product to work into your routine in place of a liquid sunscreen.


If you are shopping for any skincare or make up products not necessarily just with SPF, I urge you to check out QVC’s selection. I am officially converted and always check their website before I make the trip to Sephora. Why? Because QVC almost always have some sort of deal on a skincare or make up product that I am wanting to buy. Usually it’s either a significant discount or a “free” product with purchase (for example: a make up brush or travel sized mini). Plus, if you haven’t shopped on QVC’s site before you can use code TAKE5 for $5 off your first purchase!

Photos by: BanAvenue

*This post is in partnership with QVC. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Gifts That Dad Actually Wants

CLICK AN IMAGE TO SHOP THE ITEM DIRECTLY,
OR USE THE LINKS BELOW

With Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s time for some gift inspiration! If your dad is anything like mine, he is impossible to buy for. I’m not kidding when I say my dad has returned almost every single gift that we have ever given him. No joke it’s the same story every year (Father’s Day, Birthday, Christmas, etc): he unwraps his present, smiles, thanks us, and then promptly says “you can return it”. But over the past couple of years my sisters and I have hit the nail on the head a few times. I asked Papa Adams to help with this gift round up and I’m pretty confident any father figure in your life would love any one of these gifts!

MORE GIFT IDEAS


Father's Day Gift Guide
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May Top Ten

We are back for another monthly round up of the most purchased items from the previous month. I always love these posts because I enjoy seeing which items you ladies loved the most and which ones took a back seat. I always want to make sure that I bring you the best content and sale round ups so looking over this data for trending items, categories and retailers helps me plan similar content for the next month and hopefully you enjoy seeing behind the scenes a little bit too!

The past couple of months I have started sharing more of my Amazon finds and I’d say by the number of top sellers from Amazon you ladies are definitely loving all things Amazon! That certainly doesn’t mean though that I will stop sharing my favorite items from places like Nordstrom, Abercrombie, Revolve and Old Navy!

To shop any of the below items, simply click on the picture and it will take you to the retailers site to purchase! Also, if you enjoy these types of post and are curious about how I obtain this data and track sales on the back end, scroll down to the bottom of this post for more information on that!

Top Ten Purchased Items


10. AMAZON LEGGINGS

Amazon LuluLemon Dupe Leggings

These Amazon leggings are a dupe for the very popular LuluLemon align leggings and come in close to 50 colors. They honestly feel like you aren’t wearing anything at all but definitely pass the bend over test! They fit true to size. I’m wearing an XS.

9. ABERCROMBIE SHORTALLSMay Top Ten

The best overalls I’ve found to date. The color I have (light wash) is no longer available but the dark wash is and I like it better! They fit true to size. I’m wearing an XS.

8. TARGET DENIM SHORTS

May Top Ten

The best $17 shorts out there. They are a good length + quality and are very stretchy! If in between sizes, size up.

7. AMAZON OTS JUMPSUIT

Amazon OTS Jumpsuit

This $25 Amazon prime jumpsuit find is what comfy dreams are made of. It comes in several colors and makes the best travel outfit too!

6. AMAZON SWIMSUIT

Amazon Swimsuit

A top seller for months now, this $25 scalloped bikini is the cutest thing and best quality too. The top is padded and the material is SO soft. Overall it has amazing coverage and comes in several colors. Size up! I am typically a XS and got the small.

5. IT COSMETICS VALUE PACK

IT Cosmetics

If you are a IT Cosmetics CC cream girl, you are going to love this QVC deal. It comes with the Matte CC Cream, foundation brush, Superhero mascara and rose lip treatment (kind of like a tinted chapstick). It’s basically like buy one, get three FREE! I hadn’t tried the mascara before this deal and now I can’t live without it. The matte CC cream is good for my girls with oily skin that want a full coverage foundation.

4. AMAZON COCKTAIL DRESS

Amazon Cocktail Dress I still can’t believe this dress is from Amazon! It’s SO good and under $30! I have the lavender color but it comes in about 10 gorgeous colors. It runs true to size. I’m wearing the small but could have done an XS.

3. AMAZON SWIMSUIT

Memorial Day Outfits

With July 4th coming up, now is the time to get those festive swimsuits ready! This high waisted swimsuit gem is too cute. Size up as it does runs small.

2. ISLE OF PARADISE TANNING DROPS

Isle of Paradise Drops

These tanning drops are all the rage right now and are constantly selling out at retailers. I use shade dark and add it to my face moisturizer 2-3 times a week! If you are new to QVC you can use TAKE5 for $5 off.

1. ABERCROMBIE OVERALLS

Graphic Tees

Y’all have sold these overalls out multiple times and I’m hoping some more sizes come back in stock because they are my favorite things ever. The boyfriend fit makes them very flattering and comfortable. They fit oversized but run true to size. I’m wearing the XS.


And as a reminder on how I obtain the monthly top ten data…

I use an affiliate program called rewardStyle. This means that if you click on any link- whether it be from my Instagram, Liketoknow.it app or blog- that takes you to a product page on a retailer’s site and rewardStyle is able to track that it originated from me. Some affiliate programs will pay the influencer for every click that they generate from their site. RewardStyle pays per purchase made. This means that if you click on one of my links and then end up purchasing that item, I will get a small commission (usually between 7-12%).  Many bloggers use this same program as part of their revenue source.

Because I use this service I do have access to data analytics. This means I can track what items are clicked on and purchased. I cannot see who clicked on them or what other items might have been purchased. For example, if you click on my Gucci Belt link and then purchase a swimsuit and a top in the same transaction, I will only be able to see that a purchase was made and that the belt link is how you got to the retailer’s site.

These analytics are incredibly important to me because it allows me to see what all of you are liking. At the end of the day, this little blog business of mine is meant to be a resource for all of you so having the ability to track and measure each product’s success is invaluable. Coming from a Finance background, I tend to geek out over the analytics side of it as I find it incredibly intriguing what all of you are liking, buying and clicking on the most! It gets my gears turning because I genuinely want to bring you products that you are going to love and want to buy (at the right price point of course)!

Like I mentioned, this little blog is a full time business for me which means I am so appreciative when you choose to click and shop through my links – whether that be on Instagram or the blog. I have poured everything I have into being a resource for all of you so that hopefully it makes your life a little bit easier. I know that shopping through my links is an extra step for you, but please know it makes all the difference to me. It is how I am able to continue sharing great deals, try on sessions, and everything else. O and it allows me to pay my bills 🙂

All of that is to say, shopping through my links does not cost you anything additional (the item is the same price), the retailer will just pay me a small cut since I am the one that referred you. Please know I am so thankful when you choose to shop through my links and give me credit for helping you score a great find!

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Affordable Summer Fashion with Walmart

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

Top: Walmart | Shorts: Levi’s | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Bag: Walmart

 

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

Affordable Fashion Finds at Walmart

 Tank: Walmart | Shorts: Walmart | Bag: Walmart | Shoes: Similar

As soon as the temperatures warm up, I’m a shorts, tank top and sandals kind of girl myself. I love a dress and sneakers but these two outfits above are what you can find me in 9 out of ten times. It seems like the new arrivals at Walmart just keep getting better and better so I’ve rounded up some pieces I currently own and some others that I have my eye on.

Not only does Walmart carry my favorite Time and Tru basic tees and tanks, I just found out that they also carry Levi’s which are my favorite denim brand of all time! Not only do they just carry Levi’s, they are much cheaper than other retailers. This pair of denim shorts has quickly become my favorite because they have the quality of Levi’s but have a ton of stretch! The best of both worlds. They run true to size but if in between sizes, size up since they are stretchy. I wear a size 25.

Another thing that I tend to pick up during the warmer months are straw hats, bags and trendy sandals. These are always something I like to change up every year so spending a ton of money just doing make sense. Walmart has so many cute accessories this year that can make just about any outfit cute! See below for a full round up of some of my favorite Summer items.

TOPS


DRESSES


PANTS


ACCESORIES


SHOES


*Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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