It might be because I have light eyelashes, but mascara is hands down my favorite beauty product. Even on days when I’m going for a clean look I love to finish it off with a couple swipes of mascara. I love trying new products but there’s nothing more disappointing than being stuck with a brand new tube of mascara that you hate. My mascara prerequisites? Lengthen, define and add volume… all in one, of course. It may seem impossible but I’ve broken down my top three that fit the bill.

Let me know your fav!

$ – Maybelline “Big Eyes”: After seeing the commercial on this new mascara I was intrigued and had to try it. The brush has two sides; one wider for top lashes and the tiny one for bottom, which makes it easy to tackle the lower lashes without smudges.

$$ – Benefit “They’re Real”: This mascara is a trusty fav of mine. I love how the brush has a rounded end making it easy to reach each and every lash. This one is by far the best for definining individual lashes.

$$$ – Chanel “Inimitable”: Obviously the most expensive but a worthwhile purchase for a big event. Every once in a while I splurge on this mascara and it always lives up to my expectations.

I know it’s just mid-summer, but fall will be here in the blink of an eye! Lucky for us, each July Nordstrom celebrates their anniversary by hosting the best sale of the summer. I always find great staples to jump start my fall wardrobe… and hello, three Voluspa candles for $29?! I’ve highlighted a few favs below.

bag // trio of candles // trench // facial kit

dress // scarf // boots

Have you shopped the sale yet? What are your favorites?

1. Whenever I’m home on the weekends in the summer I love to hang out at my pool. This donut float is as fun to look at as it is to float in. I even bought one for my bestie, Kim.

2. Since I spend a lot of time in the sun I like to treat my skin right. A few years ago I was introduced to this dermalogica after sun repair that I now swear by.

3. Jeff got me this clarisonic brush for my Birthday and I have to say I’m addicted! My esthetician told me not to use it more than 3 times a week and that’s a huge challenge because I love it so much.

4. We all know how drawn I am to anything mason jar, so when my other best friend, Shelby, bought me one of these for my Birthday I was obsessed! It’s the perfect mug to drink water from at home.

I’ve been asked a few times how I get my relaxed beachy waves so I thought I’d share my secret. My hair is naturally straight fine but I have a lot of it, so getting it to hold any sort of curl can be a challenge.

I recently swapped my curling iron for a Hana flat iron when I’m wanting a more relaxed wave look, and have been so happy with the results. I just clamp the iron around a lock of hair (like I’m going to straighten it) and then twist it as far down as I want the wave to go. I’ll share the full tutorial soon!

This Hana flat iron has been my savor. Get it here.

With the official start of summer being just one week away; I thought I’d give a peak into my beloved beach bag. The contents vary a bit from year to year but basically this is what I’ve been bringing with me to the beach and pool for years. Take a look!

Aside from the essentials (sunscreen, towel, hat, glasses) I throw in a travel size conditioner to dab on my ends so they don’t dry out. I also love doing this after I swim. Also a lip balm with SPF is a must! And a fun coverup is caps it off in case the day changes direction and I end up somewhere a bikini dress code.

tkees flip flops, warby parker sunglasses c/o, target beach bag, sugar fresh lip balm, tommy hilfiger towel c/o, urban outfitters panama hat (similar), ella moss coverup via swimpspot c/o

What do you keep in your beach bag?