Sneaky Toning

Hello Lovelies!

I'm so very sorry for the delay in this post, but I can assure you that Lipstick & Life will be back on schedule very soon. :)

 {Tumblr ~ I Just Need A Moment}

In the summer it's really easy to slack on usual routines since the time is full of relaxation and good food. :) But that doesn't mean we have to stress about it. These are some of the tricks I've discovered this summer. They're really easy ways to incorporate some exercise into typical summer activities. :)  

Abs In The Pool 

{Soak up the sun}

One really easy thing to do is to engage your abs while swimming. When in a deep end of the pool where you can't touch the bottom, hold your torso straight as you lift your knees towards your chest and curl them in, and then kick your legs out before lowering them once more. It's sort of like doing crunches. Repeat this movement as many times as you can until you start feeling it, then put in a few more, and you've just done a great Ab workout in about 5 minutes. :) 

Walking Your Dog

{Spending time with your dog can have more than one perk}

Dogs are great exercise companions. So, lengthen the time or distance of a daily walk. Just getting out in the sunshine and walking around for a while puts in some good cardio - even when wearing flip flops. :) Most dogs will love it! 

Leg Lifts + TV

{Work those legs}

While you're sitting on the couch watching TV, something really easy to do are leg lifts. Sit up straight, and then lift your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Hold them in place for about ten seconds. You can alternate between raising the left, right or both legs. Again, repeat these until you feel they're becoming tiring, put in a few more, and then stop. It's pretty quick, and turns chill time into a bit of tone time. :) 

Enjoy the rest of your week! 

Talk to you Friday! 

- H xx

~ 1, 2, 3, 4 ~

New Post Friday!

Hi Everyone!

We're so sorry for the delay in posts this week! Emma and I are both traveling at the moment, so we haven't been able to get complete posts up.

Our schedule will be back on track first thing Friday. :)

Until then, enjoy your week!

- H xx

Summer Shopping List

Summer is one of those times where I usually accumulate a list of items that are currently in style, or that I've noticed throughout the year as being some that could prove to be staple items. I haven't done very much shopping so far this summer, however, these are some items that I've got my eye out for. :) Maybe I'll be able to pick up some of them before school starts!

Coloured Shorts 

These are really popular this summer. I noticed that Hollister and Abercrombie seem to have quite a large assortment of colours this year, so those stores could be great places to check out. 

Oversized Leather Bag 

I am in love with these...classic and practical. 

Neon Trainers 

My trainers have become really worn out after a couple of years of P.E. classes and sports, so I'm thinking one of my back-to-school items will be a new pair of running shoes. Loving the neon trainers Nike has come out with recently. :) 


Go-To Pumps

Unfortunately, my fave pair are on their last legs, so I'm beginning the search for my next pair of basic go-to's. 


Maxiskirt

These have been everywhere this year, and I think they've got a really nice look to them. (Emma's also a fan)  This spring, I invested in my first Maxidress. Yet, seeing as this trend has not yet faded, I'm hoping to add a maxiskirt to the mix, as well. :) 


Sheers

The 'sheer top + bandeau' combination has gotten huge this summer. I love the girly touch sheers bring to outfits, and, if purchased in a few key colours, they can be taken into the fall when paired with classic skinnies. Hoping to pick up a few of these, too. 


Coloured Skinnies

These easily add an extra touch to any outfit. I find them super cute!


Have a wonderful weekend!

- H xx

~ 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6, 7 ~

Trending Now: Arm Candy

{ Ethereal }

I am in love with this trend, which is, basically, the act of wearing stacked bracelets. Now it seems like I might be just a tad bit behind on posting about it, but I can explain. I was waiting out to see if the trend would really last. And last it did. Spamming my facebook, instagram and tumblr feeds, the lastest (and one of the most gorgeous) trends to hit worldwide is arm candy. Though I have heard it been called "arm swag" too. ;) Desperate to try my own takes on it I even indulged in buying myself a rose gold watch to spruce things up. Here are a couple styles to rock it.

{ Urban }

{ Girly }

{ Edgy / Colorful }

{ Delicate }

{ Woven / Boho }

And there are loads more to give a go. Lemme know what your favorite style is! 

xx Em

~ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ~

Hollister and A&F Haul: 7/9

Last week I made my first clothing purchases of the summer from American clothing stores, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister. Though I did pay full price for a couple of the items, the majority were on major sale - ranging from 30-50%+ off!

Hollister Co. Alcazar Navy Printed Triangle Bikini Top & Swim Bottoms

This is probably my new summer staple. I've been eyeing the Hollister swimsuits with the bird logo on them for a few years now, so I'm super excited to have finally decided on one. This set was about half off its original price! Even better.

Hollister Co. Pebbly Beach Shorts in Dark Turquoise

Brightly coloured shorts seem to be everywhere this summer, so I decided to try and pick up a pair. I love the colour of these, and after wearing them once this week, I've found that they're also super comfortable. Might have to snag another colour in this style before summer ends. :)

Hollister Co. Classic Leather Flip Flops in Dark Brown

{Please note, the colour is quite a bit darker in person}

I love the Hollister and A&F leather sandals. They're super comfortable and are versatile enough to be paired with almost any outfit during the spring/summer/fall seasons. These are my new pair for the year, and I'm super excited to break them in.

Abercrombie & Fitch Ruffled Triangle Bikini Top & Swim Bottoms in Blue

I love the colour (can you tell I have a thing for blue yet?) and I think the style is super sweet. The flower detailing and light ruffles really give this swimsuit a girly touch. This set was also about half off its original price! :)

Abercrombie & Fitch Kaela Cami in White

I saw a few of the store employees sporting similar tops to these last two while I was shopping. The style is really versatile and can be worn with shorts and a cute leather belt (my fave) during the summer, and then carried into the fall with some skinny jeans. 

Abercrombie & Fitch Kaela Cami in Navy

This is the navy version with a slightly different lace pattern than the white one above. I love both of these new additions to my closet, and think they'll be great during the warm summer months. They're girly with their sweet lace touches, but also classic. This one was 30% off - whee!

- H xx

Shenzhen Haul: 7/12

{ Belts: Red, Blue, and Black }

Loving these three stunning belts. The black and red have black buckles while the blue had gold.

For those of you who have been to Shenzhen, I need no explanation for listing the following items below. For those of you who haven't, I recommend completing a short Google search to see what it's most famous for - shopping wise. Listing it outright may have me reported. ;) But here's a look into the my latest finds. 

{ Anna Sui: Two Double Pocketed Change Purses, Jewelry Box }

So much love to this brand recently. The double pocket feature on the change purses is genius to me and the jewelry box is going to be amazing for travelling. The inside has a mirror as well. Bonus! 

{ Le Sport Sac: Matching 3-Piece Set }

I can already see this becoming a packing favorite... shampoo/brush in the large, eyeshadow and perfume in the medium, and eyeliners and brushes in the small. Brilliant. 

{ Audrey Hepburn like Sunglasses }

Definitely a summer essential! 

{ Cath Kidston: Navy Polkadot Case }

This is the perfect size for casing the sunglasses I just showed above. 

{ Rose Gold Rolex Watch }

The newest addition to my arm candy swag! So in love with this, and though I'm not used to having a watch (my wrist is getting claustrophobic!) I have to admit to the aesthetics of this beauty. 

I apologize, by the way, for the lighting in some of the photos. I had to take them all tonight with no natural sunlight, which is the reason behind some of the yellowish tint. It'll be better again monday! Sorry!


Happy Friday the 13th! Anything happen? Lemme know!
xx Em

The Best Accessory: A Smile

It's summer...the sun's shining, we're out of school & stress is at a minimum...is there any reason not to be happy? Regardless of if you're posing in a photo, or simply taking a walk around a shopping district, a smile will not only make you appear more attractive, but brighten up your day and automatically lift your mood.

I just did a bit of research on this, and found a great article in the Longevity portion of About.com.

The article lists the top 10 reasons to smile, and I've made some abridged notes on its findings below:

1. Smiling makes us attractive
Humans are naturally drawn to people who smile. 


2. Smiling changes our mood
It sort of tricks your brain into thinking you're feeling better than you are, and eventually, you'll believe it, too. 


3. Smiling is contagious
When other people see your joy, they'll want a part of it, too. 


4. Smiling relieves stress
Smiling masks our feelings of being overwhelmed, which show on our faces. It will help you reduce your stress, so that you can perform better on whatever tasks you have waiting. 


5. Smiling boosts your immune system
It has the potential to strengthen your immune system, as smiling makes you more relaxed. 


6. Smiling lowers your blood pressure
If you're doing a consistent task, for instance, reading, and you sit with a blank expression versus a smile, you will have a lower blood pressure in comparison whilst smiling. 


7. Smiling reduces endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin
These three things make us feel good in any circumstance.


8. Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger
You look younger, and feel better when smiling. A similar effect to hitting up the spa. 


9. Smiling makes you seem successful
It makes you appear more confident, so people's perception of you will be better. 


10. Smiling helps you stay positive
It helps you avoid any type of stress.


Keep smiling, lovelies!


- H
xx

Review: Estee Lauder/Clinique Travel Set

As much promised from last time, my review of these two products. Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream and Estee Lauder's Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser. As I've mentioned several times, I was away in Beijing for two weeks on a school immersion trip. This meant that I was packing limited items for a weather and environment that was internationally known as one of the most polluted in the world. So what was I worried about? My skin.

Granted, my mom and I picked up these two travel sized formulas at a Mannings (super easy drug/convenient store) and my expectations we a little low. Could I really expect two products I'd never used before to battle clogged pores like I'd never experienced for two weeks? Turns out, I could. I am giving them all the credit for keeping my skin almost completely clear for the entire two weeks.

This is a close up of Clinique's Scrub. It has very fine particles and applies really well to skin. The amount I used was a dollop on three fingers, then applied all over the face, not just the t-zone. I wouldn't call it abrasive in so many words, just slightly stronger than "mild." After washing it off and applying the cream, my face felt (at least to me) significantly softer. There is, however, a kind of antiseptic-like smell to it though it isn't strong. I am extremely sensitive to things with flavor and smell and had no bad reaction. Even after the trip, I am adding this to my permanent shower collection, I am that confident and happy with the results it brought after using it everyday for two weeks.

After applying the scrub, I would apply Estee Lauder's cream. I should call it more of a lotion though because it's thickness surpasses that of a normal cream. Again I used a dollop of this on three fingers and then applied to my t-zone area. This is definitely an intense product. To my amazement, the cream's extremely harsh and the first time I applied it all over my face, I felt some minor stinging. After this I restricted the use to every other day and only on the t-zone. Yet it feels quite luxurious in its use. The thickness and slight berry sent together create a feeling that - though harsh - leaves skin with a milky and silky feel. It is a little too harsh for everyday use, but I will definitely bring it back out when travelling again.

Therefore if you are looking for a dynamic duo that brings fast good results, I highly recommend these two. After consistently using them together for the span of two weeks I can confidently say they were my skin's life savers!

Hope you enjoyed!
xx Em

June's 5 Things - Halle

Hey Everyone! 

I honestly can't believe that it's July already...this summer's gotten off to a busy, but super fun start. Hopefully time will slow down a bit, though, so we can enjoy the remaining weeks. 

Reflection

{Original image from Tumblr}

This week I'm at music camp, so I've been doing a lot of playing, listening and thinking. Last night while our teachers were playing a recital for us, I got to thinking about life and passion. Although I do have several different areas I am genuinely interested in, I don't know that I have one true passion...or maybe I do, but I haven't realized it yet. Hopefully it's something that'll become more obvious to me with age. This week, I've been thinking about my life so far, and the direction in which it's headed. I don't mean that in some sort of dramatic or brooding way, I've just been reflecting on myself as a person. It's been nice to take some quiet time - with just me, my mind, and my music. :) Okay, enough of my philosophical thoughts... :)

Mophie Portable Charger

{Mophie RED Juicepack Reserve for iPod & iPhone}

With travel comes excessive use of my iPhone for playing music. With excessive use, comes a drained battery. This little "mini-charger" has been a total lifesaver during layovers when I've not only been in need of my phone for its use as an ipod, but also so that I can stay in touch with family and friends from the airport. I have the mini version, which charges the phone about 30-45% of the way, but larger ones are also available which I believe can give your battery full life again. 

Braided Belts

{Cotton On Jean Braided Belt}

One of my go-to styles this summer are flowy tanks and tops tucked into shorts. With those shirts, I feel that belts go great with them in terms of adding a little extra preppy flavour. I have a similar one to the above that's also from Cotton On, but mine is a bit more of a single braid rather than multiple crossovers within a border. It's super versatile and can add an extra touch to pretty much any outfit.

Hush, Hush

{Series by Becca Fitzpatrick}

As one of my all-time favourite reads, I've been re-reading the series on planes and by the pool so far this summer. For more on my love for this book, click here to view my "Summer Reading List" post. 

Logoquiz

{Logoquiz iphone/ipad App}

My new friends at camp introduced me to this game on their phones, and I started loving it, so I downloaded the app for myself. It's basically pictures of parts of different brands' logos, and you have to guess which they belong to. There are multiple levels, and believe it or not, once you start, it becomes addictive. :)

That's it for this week on Lipstick and Life! See you Monday! 

Have a great weekend! 

-H xx

~1, 2, 3, 4, 5~

June's 5 Things - Emma

My gosh is it July already? This is the problem with summer. It just goes by too fast. I am finally back from my language immersion trip in Beijing and asides from some seriously unexpected things happening, it did put into perspective just how much you needs things you take for granted. 

{ Clinique 7 Day Scrub & Estee Lauder Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser }

These were just travel sized products that my mom and I picked up at a drug store before I packed away to Beijing for two weeks. Knowing that the air there was terrible, therefore leaving skin prone to the worst kinds of breakouts I was sure that this duo wouldn't be enough. Yet lo and behold they work miracles! I'll do a few review of them on Monday! 

{ "Tods" } 

Alright I admit it, they're fake, but I cannot love them any more. The color, wear, durability and comfort is amazing! I got the same pair in black as well and haven't gone a day without wearing them. Im in love!

{ Clinique Chubby Sticks }

I wrote about these just before I left, saying they were part of the essential make up kit I was packing. They came in handy about 900 times more than expected, especially after I accidentally let my lips get a bit sunburnt. The color isn't the only thing they have going for them - the moisturizing factors are amazing.

{ Russell Brand's Autobiography }

The first summer read that I am conquering! Love him, love his humor, and love his book. In the position of sounding fan girl-ish, just going to say, there is something about reading about his past that makes him now even better. Highly recommend this hilarious yet tortured tale.

{ The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is the Press Coverage }

My favorite summer song (though I have been loving Lips of an Angel after Halle's post) at the moment is "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is the Press Coverage" by Panic! at the Disco. Long title I know but listen once and it'll be stuck in your head for weeks.

Have an amazing week!
xx Em

Travel Outfits

Whether you're on a plane for a few, or multiple hours, comfort is key. Here are some pictures of some ideal travel outfits for any length of flight:

Ashley Tisdale

This outfit is perfect for short-haul flights. The jeggings and t-shirt (or any cute top) make it comfortable, but the sleek jacket and chic suitcase make it perfectly suitable for wearing straight off of the plane and into the city.

Miley Cyrus

For mid-length or redeye flights, this comfortable outfit is comfortable enough for sleeping on the plane, but still reasonable to wear out to lunch paired with some shades and a confident walk.

Selena Gomez

Finally, in the above photo, Selena rocks a cute sweatsuit at LAX. A great sweatsuit and tank top combination are the perfect companions for overnight or long-haul flights. Comfortable and temperature-versatile. Simply take off your jacket when you land. :)

These are my top picks for keeping up your personal style when traveling. Today, I'm getting on a short flight to music camp, so I'm sporting skinny jeans and a tank top - a spinoff of Ashley's look above. 

What's your favourite look for travel? 

Let me know in the comments. 

-H xx

~1, 2, 3 ~