Making Lists & Checking Them Twice

I've been trying to tackle all the little errands that piled up while I was busy with school, such as getting clothes altered, re-organizing my room, etc. I'm one of those people who likes loves making lists and checking things off, so the past week has been full of mini accomplishments for me.

Blazer: Zara / Top: Forever 21 / Jeans: J Brand / Scarf: gift / Cuff: gift from Scotland

Flats: Michael Kors / Sunglasses: Aldo / Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs

Oh... and it's hard enough taking pictures when there are lots of people walking by who want to know what you're doing, but what about random wildlife? For some reason this goose was wandering about on top of the Law Courts and ended up in a few of our shots. Too funny!

Reviva Labs Makeup Primer

Awhile ago, I was sent some products from Reviva Labs to review. I had never heard of them before, but they have actually been around for over 3 decades and were the original "health food store" brand featuring natural, paraben-free ingredients. The company is apparently a leading innovator in skincare products, some of which I will be featuring in another post. Today, however, I would like to share my thoughts on their Makeup Primer.

I know a lot of people don't wear makeup primer regularly, but it really is a great multi-functional product. If you wear it under makeup, primer can help your foundation last longer and control oil. And even if you don't wear makeup, using a primer will leave your skin looking silky smooth and velvety.

I currently use Smashbox Photofinish Primer, which is quite expensive, so I'm always looking for cheaper alternatives. Reviva Labs Makeup Primer is quite similar to Smashbox, but much cheaper at $19.50  for a 1 Fl. Oz. (29.5 ml) bottle. It's a clear, fragrance-free gel formula that applies smoothly. It's also non-comodegenic and contains COQ10 for extra protective antioxidant action.

My skin gets super oily so finding oil control products is always difficult. This Makeup Primer wasn't completely effective in that department as I still have to blot throughout the day (still looking for that miracle mattifier!), but it did provide a good base for my foundation. I love how smooth my skin feels after I apply it and the pump bottle is great (more sanitary this way).

For those of you who don't want to shell out the $$ for Smashbox, I recommend this for sure. Check out Reviva Labs Makeup Primer here for more information.

Leopard Print Love

When I was younger, I used to think animal print was kind of tacky but lately I've found myself really embracing it - leopard print in particular. The lining was what first drew me to this camel blazer, which is perfect for the warmer weather and can easily be dressed up or down.

 Camel Blazer: Zara / Tank: Wilfred / Bandage Skirt: Talula

Tights: Urban Outfitters / Boots: Aldo / Pashmina: gift from Hong Kong

I don't think I'm quite ready to wear full-on leopard print, but subtle touches of it are nice. I decided to experiment with some leopard print nails that I've been seeing on a lot of other bloggers. For a first attempt they turned out okay but I realized afterwards that I should have used brown instead of white for the inside of the spots. I'll have to try it the "right" way next time!

China Glaze Classic Camel, Kiss Nail Art Paint in White and Black

P.S. Thank you so much for the nice comments in my last entry, your support means a lot to me!