covergirl clean matte bb cream // seventeen social club

Summer is finally here, and along with cute sunglasses, swimsuits and sunscreen, unfortunately for me also comes oily skin! I've always had very oily skin, so applying sunscreens in the summer and keeping those pesky breakouts away can be a challenge for me! Luckily, Seventeen sent Covergirl's latest genius product my way -- the Clean Matter bb cream for oily skin. I have to say that I am absolutely loving what this stuff has done for my complexion so far! Instead of other bb creams that can clog your pores, Covergirl's newest matte addition to their collection doesn't invade your pores -- it actually keeps your skin shine-free all day long. It's oil free and lasts all day, even through the summer heat!

I'll definitely be sticking this bb cream in my beach bag, it's my new summer must-have when it comes to hiding existing blemishes or just evening out my skin tone. I have fairer skin but I opted for the medium shade because I like to add a little color to my complexion in the summer months, and it gave me that perfect sunkissed-color that I've been looking for. Apply a little bit of spf on top and you're good to go.

I love this bb cream so much that I've been applying it on the daily. In case you're wondering what it looks like on, here's a no-filter photo of my wearing the bb cream -- look how natural and glowy it makes your skin! So matte & pretty, and with great color. I even have sensitive skin and this stuff is doing wonders. I'm in love!

Until next time - xoxo, xtina

coachella + pastel hair //

coachella: weekend one by iwearblack on Polyvore

I have to admit, like everyone else this past weekend, I found myself wishing that I was heading to the palm trees of California for Coachella. And not only for the music -- but the style has been absolutely amazing! I love the bohemian look that comes with a lot of outdoor summer music festivals, and Coachella is the perfect place to turn for summer style inspiration. There's been so many awesome looks already just from this past weekend, it was hard to choose only a few of my favorites. When it comes to Coachella, for me its all about the billowy white sleeves, off-the-shoulder tops, floppy hats and body jewelry.

Another aspect of festival season that I've become obsessed with is pastel colored hair. With festival season just beginning, what better time to have some fun with hair dye? Luckily, Feria Pastels has you covered if you're headed over to Coachella, Bonaroo, or another music festival this summer -- or if you just want to have some fun with your hair color. Take a cue from a few style setters who've attended Coachella with their own pastel locks:

Too cool, right? Feria Smokey Pastels, sent my way courtesy of the amazing people over at Seventeen, has a lavender shade that is the perfect blend of purple and pink. If my hair were only a few shades lighter, I'd probably do a few strands of this awesome lavender color just for fun.

If pastels aren't your thing or you just don't want to take the plunge, why not incorporate some Coachella style into your wardrobe instead? Below I've picked a few easy pieces that you can wear on the daily, while still feeling that Coachella vibe in your real life. Ahhh, if only we were there.

coachella style by iwearblack featuring chain pendants

I'll be back next weekend to give my favorite outfits from Weekend Two!

xoxo,
xtina

seventeen social club // spring break box

Recently, I received a very exciting invitation --- I was chosen by Seventeen Magazine to receive boxes of the latest trends to try out! As a member of the Seventeen Social Club, I work alongside the folks over at Seventeen Magazine to bring you reviews of cool products. For my first Seventeen Social Club post, I recently received the spring break box in the mail. Inside the box were two books -- just in time for spring break and some much-needed R&R on a beach somewhere! The books included were:

KILL THE BOY BAND by Goldy Madalvsky// This one looks like it will be a deliciously dark-humored read, which is right up my alley. Madalvsky's novel is about four superfan friends and their obsession with their favorite boyband. I'll be picking up this one to read first, as it seems like it will be a good dark laugh.

TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han // This novel seems to be a bit on the softer side than Madalvsky's, and tells a love tale through a series of love letters. I'll be reading this one for when I'm in the mood for a good sweet romance novel (which, surprisingly, is often the type of book that I pick up!).

I have to admit, I love to read but I don't get to do it as often as I'd like to, especially lately. This is one of the reasons that I was very happy to have received these books in my mailbox! I look forward to delving deeper into them both, and as a none-too-subtle boyband fan myself, Kill the Boy Band in particular looks like it will be right up my alley. Have you read either of these titles? Check 'em out if you've got some time during your spring break, and let me know what you think of both!

xoxo, xtina