Hangout Fest 2013

Remember the girl who used to blog on the reg more than twice a week about beauty-related things? Yeah, me too. But sometimes life gets in the way. I'm learning not to put a post just for the sake of having one up. I'm just writing as I find the time and inspiration. I'm trying! Hope that's okay with you guys. Anyway, today I'm sharing some photos from my recent trip to Hangout Music Fest in Gulf Shores, Alabama! 

It's been a few years since I've attended a full-blown music festival, I really don't enjoy music festivals just because the large crowds in the hot sun can bother me. But this one's a little different. It's right on the beach. So I had high hopes for the weekend and it exceeded all expectations. I was in heaven. For three days, I just laid on the beach, brought out my inner hippie, listened to music, drank a few beers, and soaked up the sun. It was absolutely amazing! I definitely want to go back next year. So depending on the line-up, it's on the wish list! 

The highlights of the artists I was able to see were Macklemore, Imagine Dragons, Bassnectar, Afrojack, Ellie Goulding, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Not going to lie, I was so excited for Kings of Leon, and they just weren't all that great after seeing so many artists after them who connected with the audience and played their hearts out. Their music was good, I just didn't feel a huge connection with them like all the other artists.  

Seeing Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform "thrift shop" and "can't hold us" was awesome. It's funny how you get sick of a song that's way overplayed on the radio, but when you hear it live, everyone just goes crazy excited. I have so many videos that I just keep re-watching, pretending I'm still there! 

And Imagine Dragons. Holy moly. Their music is crazy good and Dan Reynolds (the lead singer) was incredibly humble. I like seeing artists like that. Makes me want to support them even more.  

I also highly enjoyed being "au naturale" for the weekend. Just some BB cream (which served as my sunscreen) and waterproof mascara, and natural hair. Very low maintenance for me.

My dream line-up for next year would include Florence + the Machine, Lana Del Rey, Mumford and Sons, and Coldplay.  And more time for Imagine Dragons. That's not too much to ask! 

See you next year, Hangout! (I hope...)

xo, Mallory

the expert face brush

There's something really nice about finding your absolute-gotta-have-it-favorite-go-to brush. While we have others that can do a similar job, there's comfort in knowing you have found "the one." When it comes to foundation application, I've been on the hunt for a brush that gives perfect, even coverage without breaking the bank. There's just so many different types of foundation brushes. It really just depends on your preference and needs. I have four Sigma foundation brushes. All of which I love, but none are "the one." I've had this brush all along. I was just using it for other things like contouring, setting powder, and sometimes blush. Basically everything except foundation. I tried it out only because all my other brushes were dirty and I figured I should switch it up.

The application was amazing. It's the perfect size, very soft (probably the softest brush I've ever used), gives a great finish to the skin, and best of all-- it's inexpensive. The tapered bristles allow foundation to be applied from all angles rather than just one. And as long as you wash it regularly, it's like good as new each time. 

Like I mentioned before, you can really do anything with this brush. Except maybe apply eye shadow. :) I just highly recommend using it for foundation.

You can find Real Techniques brushes at Ulta or online for $8.99. 

What's your favorite/go-to foundation brush? 

xo, Mallory

totes-ally in love

If you've never seen this video, then my post title is a fail. But if you have, then you get it. :) 

Anyways, I'm totes-ally loving these bags right now. One of them will be mine before my upcoming beach trips. Which one do you like the best? It's not really a choice I get to make, it's my wallet's decision.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Wednesday! xo

Mallory

Linking up for four favorites today! 

happy friday, y'all!

We made it to Friday! I have a very exciting weekend ahead so I'm definitely screaming TGIF! Hope you have a good weekend! 

1. Got to spend some quality time with the boyfriends' family last weekend. 

2. After some great things that happened during the week, Ben and I celebrated at Zea's. Hummus is a must. 

3. Holy beauty products! The Allure summer essentials box came in and wow, I'm in heaven. Can't wait to try them all out. 

4. The best friend is home for two weeks from London!!!! I'm just ready to get the party started. 

5. If I'm forced to wear a scarf in MAY, I might as well match it to my nails with an oldie but a goodie, Essie Turks & Caicos. 

How was your week?
xo

Mallory

april favorites

It seems like a lot of what I've been reaching for lately has been the color pink, and I didn't even realize it until I took these photos. Not sure the reason for this, but I do love pink, so I guess it's okay. Here's what I've been loving lately...

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused: This has been on my wish list for quite a while. When Sephora sent an email with a VIB coupon, I figured it was the perfect time to finally purchase a couple of wish list items. I originally went with the intention to purchase the shade Dollface, but after swatching it, I realized I wanted a more intense and rich pink shade. This is a highly-pigmented, matte bright pink. Apply with a light hand and its a perfect flush on the cheeks for Spring. 

Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Eyeliner in Nude: I've never owned a nude shade of eyeliner, but always a little interested. Black is my go-to. These are brand new and already have great reviews. I figured a $6 nude eyeliner couldn't hurt. I like applying it just in the inner corner of my waterline. I then finish the waterline with my usual black liner. It helps keep that black junk from forming in the inner corner and also brightens it up bit, which is a plus. 

NARS Turkish Delight: This was my other Sephora purchase. This is my first NARS lip product and it's well worth the splurge if you like light pink glosses. You can wear it alone or over a lipstick to lighten it up. Going to be my go-to shade for Spring/Summer nights. 

L'oreal Shocking Extensions mascara: I couldn't help but include this as a favorite again, just to let you know that I'm still loving it. Check out that post if you're interested. 

Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation: This is probably the most surprising favorite for me. I've loved my Revlon ColorStay whipped foundation ever since it's come out, but for some crazy reason,  I can't control my urge to try something when I hear great things, especially foundation. Covergirl is not my go-to brand for makeup, so I really didn't expect to like this. But I do. This shade is too light for me, so I'll have to go pick up a darker one when my Summer tan kicks in, but as for the formula and quality of the foundation, it's amazing. Let me know if you're interested in a full review! 

China Glaze polish in Shocking Pink: If you love hot neon pink and do not own this color, I recommend picking it up. Not only is the color spot on, but it lasts longer than the average on my nails. I'll be painting my nails and toes with this a lot more come Summer. 

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Wink: Just when I didn't think I could love the baby lips line even more, Maybelline came out with new shades. This one is beautiful! It's the your-lips-but-better chapstick that you can't help but want to apply all day long. I still love the one in Quenched, but it's colorless. This one is perfect for when you need moisture and color quickly (read: without a mirror). This will be going straight in my beach bag! 

Have you tried any of these products?  What are you loving lately? Let me know! :)

Mallory