I know my #WOW is suppose to be weekly but these are turning into more of a monthly or even seasonally type of thing, but it's okay cuz it's still happening!

Don't get me wrong, I love summer as much as the next SoCal girl, but the heat can get a bit much. So after awhile, this small SoCal Winter we get is such a nice change of pace! I'm over here like... are we actually getting a different season right now?! But I'm not complaining, I simply must adjust! Here's some of the things I've been loving lately since the cold has kicked in!

Sheet Masks!

A photo posted by Gardenia Rose (@gardeniarose) on Nov 20, 2016 at 10:24pm PST

I am OBSESSED. I blame ipsy 100% for this, because they sent a Bon Vivant Botanical Mask Pack of three and after that I was just on a roll! I love how my skin feels after a good sheet mask! It's like a spa day at home for a fraction of the price. I mean, it cannot get any better than that! I'm on a mission to try to mask at least twice a week, so when I don't feel like getting it all over my fingers, this works! I have a LONG list of masks I have yet to try, but here's a bunch of recommendations I already have (like I've said, I'm on a roll) so I'll just leave a little list right here. :)

Ultra Glossy Lip by ColourPop Cosmetics in Supercute

So let me back track really quick, ColourPop and Hello Kitty collaborated on a collection that came out on November 1st. I thought to myself, I'm turning 28, I think I've grown out of Hello Kitty... or HAVE I?! Then I went innn... well no jk. I didn't go too crazy and buy the whole collection like my 12-year-old self wanted to, but I got four liquid lippies and the limited edition makeup bag. Out of the four I've purchased, this has been those go-to for the light slay days where I don't wanna go all in on my face, but I still wanna feel like I did something. I'm all about the Ultra Matte Lip, but this gloss alone is starting to convert me. This liquid lip is only $6 and the quantities are limited get them before they're gone!


 Bomber Jackets

This Fall/Winter has made me into such a bomber jacket fanatic. It's literally the perfect combination of comfy and cute that I just can't help wearing it all the time. I only have three colors so far, but none are actually in black! (Crazy right?! I thought so too!) My absolute favorite one I own is my silk rose gold bomber from Laura's Boutique. She's an online store and has three shops in Southern California and I'm such a fan of her stuff. You can follow her on Snapchat and Instagram for her latest releases so you're always in the know!
 

The Lampshading Trend

Okay, so I know it's SUCH a weird name for it, but I love this trend so much! So what is the lampshading trend exactly? It's basically wearing thigh high boots with any top that's long and loose. So sweater dresses, long tees, long pullovers, the list can go on, but just throw that on and some thigh high boots on and you're all set to go! It's like the winter equivalent of a maxi dress- maximum slayage, minimum effort. Plus, you're cute and comfy, which what the SoCal Winter is all about! Thigh-high boots are honestly everywhere, but I got mine from Windsor. 

Rose Gold Nike Air Max Thea

A photo posted by Gardenia Rose (@gardeniarose) on Dec 5, 2016 at 7:03pm PST

Lorenzo bought them for me for my birthday and I'm still geeking out over them! I'm a little paranoid about wearing them because I don't want them to get messed up (this is what sneakerheads must feel like on a daily basis... yikes.), but I've worn them out twice so far and I couldn't stop staring at my feet! If you can't already tell, I love rose gold. Not just because it's a trend this year, but for the more obvious reason of the word combination. Other than that, it's just gorgeous! I'm actually happy it's a trend now, because five years ago, finding rose gold things was not an easy task (ask Lorenzo lol). Now it's everywhere and I love it!

Any winter cute & comfy things you're living for right now? Check in & let me know!
Until my next #WOW... whenever that is! :)

-Gardenia Rose

Whoa. Was I really gone for a month? I hate when that happens. That's okay though, because it's NOVEMBER and it's gonna be fun month! (woot woot!) But before we get into that, I just wanted to update you guys on what a fun Halloween it was! It was the best Halloween in awhile. My husband doesn't really like to dress up (womp), so this year I channeled all those couples costume vibes to match with my pup. Though I absolutely FAILED to get a picture of the both of us, we managed to get our selfies on the day we celebrated!

Here's my little pirate complete with his awesome ship!

He was such a trooper in this outfit! I had to cut a small hole so his harness could go through. The outfit came with a hat, but he HATED that thing, so we we just had to go with just the pirate standing outfit on its own. A booth setting up for our church event had a pirate ship ring toss so you already know I had to seize the oppotunity and have him pose in front of it! He was such a good boy the whole night. He loves being around kids, so getting pet by them was pretty much heaven.

And here's a quick selfie I took in the car to channel my inner Jack Sparrow.

Makeup Deets! I don't know if anyone would really be interested in this, but here's what I used, I'll link you all to the goods!

 

Fall starts tomorrow (so crazy!!!) so I figure I can let you in on a handful of cost-effective beauty finds that I've been really into lately! I've been finding that sometimes you really don't have to drop bills to get a great product. You just gotta do your research, or get lucky. lol. I know I've been out of the glam game, but now I finally have time to share so let's get to it!

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Vintage

Source: ulta.com

This shade is perfect for the Fall season. It's a really deep plumish mauve (almost oxblood) color and it goes so well with light and dark skin tones. I'm such a fan of this shade. Since I practically wear black 5/7 days in the week, this will probably be my go-to color for the next couple months. Other season-friendly colors are Club Hopper (a deep & dark brick red), Brooklyn Thorn (a deep nude), and Alien, which is black, if you like to live on the daring side of the liquid lipstick life. Discover all the shades here and grab them at any ULTA store (or Target if you're lucky) for only $6.99!

ColourPop Cosmetics Brow Pencil in Dope Taupe

Source: colourpop.com

Thanks to my sister friends, I'm finally aboard the ColourPop bandwagon! We're so intense about it, we have a ColorPop group text going and we buy our products together so we don't pay for shipping. #Teamwork. What really got me extra sold on this specific product though is Desi Perkins' YouTube video on the affordable brow products she uses. She's my ULTIMATE fave MUA on social media for so many reasons (which I can't even begin to get into) & her brows are so A+ all the time, I had to give it a try. And honestly, thank God I did! This shade is so great to get that "natural" look for my skin tone and hair color, especially if I'm not wearing eyeliner. If I am, I pair this shade the with Black Brown Brow Pencil for extra *sass* you know? lol. All brow pencils are only $5 on ColourPop!

Yes To Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Towelettes

Source: ulta.com

I have personally fallen in love with the Yes To brand. I specifically love the Say Yes to Tomatoes line because it's all about clearing acne and keeping your face blemish-free, which is what I need! When I wear more than just mascara, foundation, and blush (aka my "weekend face"), I need more than just my eye makeup remover and cleanser to wash the day off my face. After I remove my lashes and contacts, I use these towelettes before I wash my face with my cleanser. There are some wipes I don't like out there because they leave my face feeling gunky and oily. This one keeps me feeling fresh and ready to turn in for the night. It's only $5.99 at ULTA or at Target.



Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Correct and Cover Cream
 
Source: ulta.com
I went to ULTA to stock up on my green concealer because I was out (I usually get the NYX one) & almost all the green ones were sold out in different brands! I guess it was the time that color-correcting became a huge thing, so I asked one of the consultants there and she helped me find this one. Now, besides their bronzers, I'm not really into their stuff, but I love this duo! I use the green concealer for the blemishes with red tones and the light side to highlight and conceal the under eyes and my forehead. Grab this at ULTA for only $8.99.



Say Yes to Coconut Naturally Smooth Lip Balm

Source: target.com
I bought this at Target on a whim because the seasons are changing and my lips are drying! lol. I've only had it for a week and half, but I'm loving it so far! With all the liquid lipsticks I've been using, my lips could use some moisture and love and this is it. It doesn't leave waxy texture on my lips and goes on really smooth, but not too smooth where I look like I'm wearing extra-shiny vaseline. It's like (shea) butter, baby! ;) Get this at Walmart or Target for $2.99.


Hope you found something new to try! Have a cheap beauty find you want to share? Let me know!


Stay beautiful, inside and out. :)
-Gardenia Rose

Emmy Rossum in Giorgio Armani Prive

Simple red dress, but it fits to Emmy like a glove. I also love that even though it's a simples gown, she did not over accessorize. So ravishing!

Zendaya in Marchesa

I cannot even begin to rave about this beautiful young lady in this amazing gown! She seriously looks unreal- like a Madame Tussaud's wax figure of herself. I can't keep talking about it. It's literally all too much. Lol. 

Brie Larson in custom Calvin Klein

This gown is just so gorgeous! She told E! it was custom made for her and was actually quite heavy, but it felt like a constant hug. Lol.

Jennifer Lopez in Giambattista Valli

This is probably the most covered she's been at an award's show and I am loving it. The gown is so elegant and the thigh high slit is just enough. 

Melissa Benoist in Monique Lhuillier with Blake Jenner

Her dress fits her persona and body so well. Plus, these Glee lovebirds are just too adorable!

Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Zuhair Murad Couture

This lip sync battle couple champion killed the carpet hands down! Although Channing is rocking an emo look, it works for him. And well, let's face it, Jenna's gowns are always on point. Lovelovelove. 

Did you have any faves I didn't mention? Let me know!

-Gardenia Rose

Lip Exfoliator by E.L.F.

I couldn't wait until another cheap beauty finds edition to tell you guys about this gem. I first heard about it from Cea/Camille ages ago (well no, maybe 2 years ago?), but every time I went to Target, they didn't have it! I completely forgot about it... until I went into WalMart for cheese (lol) and saw it in a little standing kiosk! I was like 1) they self E.L.F. here? 2)YES! LET ME TELL YOU... this baby is a game changer. I use it every other day after I wash my face & keeps everything nice and smooooth, you know for those sweet smooches of course! (omg. the cheese! lol. pulling back..) You can buy it here for $3 or do it like me and just scout your local Target and WalMart!

Where Are U Now Cover by Pentatonix

I'm in love with a capella. I sang classical & jazz in high school and it has stuck with me ever since. This group is literally changing how the world views this genre and I absolutely love it. Their new cover takes the Jack U & J-Biebs collab into new heights. To know they're making quality music with just their vocal chords astound me. I can go on and on about them, but just listen. If you love music, this will change your life. Their new album comes out on October 16, but you can pre-order it now on iTunes! 

Apple Watch Sport by Apple

Okay, I know this item is on the pricier side of life, but it's literally so cool. (I know how lame I sound, but I'm still in the "amazed" stage of it all.) I've had it for a couple weeks now, and I love it! It tracks my runs, read my messages, lets me reply quickly, sends me *important* alerts, tells me I need to stand when I've been sitting too long, and well... you get the idea. I might have to do whole 'nother blog for this, but in a nutshell... it's awesome. I know it's not cheap, but for those who buy Michael Kors watches... it's about the same price, depending on what you decide to get. So instead of an MK, opt for this if you have an iPhone.

Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee

I know it's officially Fall/Autumn, but I don't think Mother Nature cares because Southern California is still VERY HOT. (well, for me anyway.) I drink my morning coffee black (preferably dark roast) five days a week & no less than 16 ounces. But when the days are hot, sipping a hot coffee with the hot weather does not work for me. I started doing cold brews at home, but of course, Starbucks does it better than I do! This simply black cold coffee is the way to my hot-weathered heart. When it comes to your coffee, if you're into the all black everything vibe, give this a try!

Hulu App

Contouring Blush & Bronzing Cream by E.L.F.

This is perfect for contouring on the go! Now you're probably like... who contours on the go?! LOL. But this is when you can't take your entire palette with you or you have a tiny purse and know you're gonna need a touch up! It's a cream base (which I looove) and it's so simple to use! You can buy it at Target or on their website for a whopping $3! It's also an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner! :)

Miracle Gel by Sally Hansen

Quay Eyewear Australia "My Girl" Sunglasses

Photo Credit: quayaustralia.com

Silver Name Necklace

False Eyelashes from the Sephora Collection in Mink
The CW's Jane the Virgin
NYX Matte Lipstick in Butter

Photo credit: nyxcosmetics.com

Just like a lot of women in America, I love Victoria's Secret. But like all women, we walk in the store and we're like...

There's so many things!

...but then you realize you can't buy everything.

 So you start looking at one bra after another...

and then you're just confused.

Hopefully, this can help solve that.

:)

First, know your body. I understand how cliche that sounds, but you must. If you're about to start your period or on it, you probably shouldn't shop for a bra right now. Your breasts may get a little bit bigger when you're PMSing or on your period... depending on your body. With that, know if you've lost or gained weight. Chances are, you may have went down or up on your band size.

If that last part is all jargon to you, see a VS consultant. Most women wear the wrong bra size so it's important to get measured every now and then. Go to the dressing room and ask to get measured. Measuring on your own is pretty easy (see here for instructions), but if you don't have a measuring tape or think it's too much of a hassle, go into the store to ask for help. (There's no shame in it. They've probably measured many others prior to yours.)

Once you've gotten your accurate size, here's some suggestions to the VS bras that I love! (All the bras recommended, I actually have and use. Also, the photos and headlines are linked for your convenience. You're welcome!)

For everyday: These are my absolute favorites! They're so comfortable and lovely. It's the perfect home for your blessings. The offer the support you need without peeking through on the colder days. They're great for all day wear and come in lots of colors!

For your fitness: Both of these styles are fairly new, but I'm absolutely in love. Especially when I'm running, it keeps everything in there. I'm such an advocate for maximum support because it prevents future saginess & that's important! lol. These bad boys keep everything together so you can focus on being a beast in the gym, while still looking like a beauty.

The Incredible Strappy-Back Sport Bra

For your glam nights: Every girl needs a bra that she feels absolutely gorgeous in. I chose two very different kinds of "date night" bras depending on the need. The multi-way is exactly that. It's a convertible bra that can fit numerous ways. On the other hand, the bombshell bra adds two cups for an extra lift with a silk-like feel.




So there you have it! Do you have any faves that I didn't list? Let me know! Hopefully this helps declutter the crazyness that happens in your mind when you walk into VS.

-Gardenia Rose