Category Archives: Miami

As you can tell by my Instagram account, if you happen to follow it,  I am in the midst of working/vacationing in beautiful Miami. It’s my home away from home … and I have been enjoying every minute.

Whenever I travel – whether across the border or overseas – the objective is to travel light and return with slightly more. Or much more. Or whatever I think I can get away with.

Here’s a glimpse of what I started with: (in advance, my apologies for such sub-par photos … I’m doing this all off an iPod and the pictures look so much better on a tiny screen than they do on a full size computer. le sigh.)

My makeup essentials includes a few essentials from Chanel – a pressed powder and highlighter/blush combo from the Les Beiges collection; a Stila eyeliner in a bright Miami-esque turquoise/green to add some fun to the eyes at night; Clinique mascara for obvious “I’ve for no lashes” reasons; my Anastasia Pro Pencil which does wonders for the eye area; my Shu Uemura brushes, because I love how they apply makeup for me; and bobby pins to keep my hair off my face in this heat.  I also brought some Bite Lip Pencils (not pictured) and my Tom Ford eyeliners.

I also brought some other fun skin and body care items, including my new Foreo Luna Mini to massage and cleanse the skin each night after dirty days at the beach and pool; Olay Fresh Effects Exfoliating Wipes (the husband loves these as much as I do that I had to bring two packs); and Secret’s new Hawaii Citrus Breeze Body Spray and Anti-perspirant/Deodorant, because … well … it’s Miami, it’s hot, I sweat, you get it.

I have to add that these three items have been great for vacation use! The Luna Mini makes cleansing the skin after a day at the pool or the beach like an extended spa facial. Plus, it makes my skin glow which is a bonus with the slight tan I’m getting. It’s tiny little self is so portable so easy to use! The Olay Fresh Effects are my quick clean up of choice. It removes grime and dirt easily, and exfoliates really well. My skin feels instantly clean. Lastly, Secret’s new body spray is my new summer BFF. After a shower, after the pool, after feeling like I’ve sweated up a storm, I’ve packed this scented spray in my cabana bag religiously since I’ve gotten here!

Now on to what has mysteriously made it’s way into my carry on for my return home later this week:

So, while my morning’s consist of pool or beach side fun, my afternoons usually involve the mall, the beauty department, and plenty of makeup wipes and tissue. I found this sleekly cased brand, Nudestix, at Bloomingdale’s and was curious. Nudestix is all about makeup in crayon form – MY FAVOURITE. The pencils are divided into three categories: the eyes, the lips AND cheeks, and concealer. I picked up two lip+cheek pencils and two eyeshadow pencils … I’m on the search for the concealer pencils as they didn’t have my shade in stock. Sad face, yes, but only until I opened my tin and saw the extremely ample mirror tucked inside and the sharpener. I’m excited about this brand.

The other great thing about coming across the border is Ulta. I shop this store ALWAYS in New Jersey and Miami … so it was one of my first stops when I arrived. Being a big Stila fan since, like … 1998 … I grabbed these three nude themed palettes made exclusively for Ulta.  Each comes with two cheek colours (a mix of blush, highlighter or bronzer depending on the palette) and four eye shadows.  The cost – just $20 USD. At Kohl’s – which is another great store not only for makeup but clothes as well, I grabbed a highlighter and shimmering bronzer from The Balm. These pretty babies can be used on the eyes or cheeks.

Back to Ulta (and actually Bloomingdale’s too), I restocked on Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer. I’ve been using these as my base in my bridal kit and love the coverage. It’s true, a pin prick goes a long way and mixed with moisturizer or a mixing medium, they can be sheered out for lighter coverage.  I also restocked on my Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials. I love this primer as I feel it gives the eyes a nice even base to start any eye look – from natural to smokey.

Oh shoot – I cannot forget about this travel brush set from Japonesque.  I actually didn’t need this at all. I just liked it. And it was $20 at Ulta. The coolness factor : all five brushes fit in the sleek tube. It’s so sleek – I thought I lost it when really it was tucked in the bottom of my purse.

The last … or at least current last until my next shopping trip … of my haul is the Not Your Mother’s hair care line. I’m loving my newly permed hair and so happy that it is manageable in this Florida heat … but again, you can never have too many good arsenals in your hair care kit. At a whopping $4.54 USD at Wal-Mart … I snatched up one of everything! I’m currently loving Kinky Moves, which I’ve been applying to my waves while damp and letting air dry.

So  – this is nothing new – you know, me splurging on beauty while away. I’m pretty sure I will need a second carry on because outside of these purchases I may or may not have made but totally did purchase are some cute tops and bottoms which will also need to find a home in my luggage. I’m sure everything will play along fabulously … yes?!

-s-