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

May's 5 Things - Halle

Hello Everyone!

The weather is hot, hot, hot now, particularly in the very humid Hong Kong, but I am so excited that it's summertime! Here are the five things I've been loving this month at the beginning of this warm season:

1. Neutrogena "Wetskin" Sunscreen

So, I'm a bit pale. Actually, that is an understatement. I have very fair skin, which burns very easily. So, each summer I'm constantly faced with concerns regarding preventing myself from burning. Before I swim, I usually apply a pretty generous amount of regular rub-on sunscreen. (I like the ones from Neutrogena as well - in a very high SPF, such as 100+) It's not too much of an issue to wait the 10-15 minutes for this to soak in prior to swimming, yet, when I'm found facing a day by the beach or pool when re-application is necessary every hour or so, this new sunscreen makes it so much more convenient. You can spray it onto your skin when it is wet very conveniently, and it does not require an extensive amount of drying time. It also offers the same degree of coverage as other Neutrogena products. Needless to say, I think this sunscreen is going to become an essential item on hot summer days.

2. Rayban "Aviator Large Metal" Sunglasses

I found these at an outlet with my family last summer on sale in the US, and instantly fell in love. I feel like this style is very versatile and flattering, and this colour is my absolute favourite out of the available coloured options in this same style. They complement every outfit selection in terms of colour and adding an extra hint of stylishness, which I absolutely adore. Plus, they protect your eyes from harmful UV Rays. What's not to love?

3. Violet "Le Pliage" Longchamp Bag

I've grown to absolutely adore Longchamp totes in the last couple of years. They come in a variety of colours, are versatile enough to match any outfit, and are large enough to hold all of the essential items - even when you're carrying them to school! I like the larger size of the bag for these reasons, since it can hold all of my books, extra flip flops when I'm wearing heels - everything a girl needs. This colour is actually from last year's Spring Collection. I got it as a Christmas present from my mom. I think the colour is quite summery, and it actually does match with more outfits than I anticipated. Other worthy colours are the beautiful chocolate brown and classic black.

4. Sperry Topsiders In "Brown Deerskin"

I used to wear boat shoes all the time when I was growing up, but stopped for a few years when I was about thirteen. This past summer I spotted this colour in Macy's and totally fell in love again. This school year, they've become my go-to shoe, and I've been loving pairing them with cute shorts and tanks so far this summer. Super comfy and versatile.

5. Bath & Body Works Body Spray - White Citrus

This was my summer scent last year, and I am still finishing up the large bottle I bought all those months ago. It smells so fresh and light, and is perfect for days outside or carrying in your purse just to make yourself feel fresh again in the heat. It's not too overpowering, but just sweet enough for summer. :)

I hope you enjoyed this post! Talk to you Friday!

-H xx

~1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ~

May's 5 Things - Emma

Summer officially started for me last week, along with the coming of June. So I think that many of the things keeping me happy last month had much to do with the coming season!

{ MAC lipstick in Red Racer }

As a little birthday gift to myself I snagged this red lipstick from MAC's new Hey, Sailor! collection. Lately, the collections haven't really been up my alley, but when this nautical themed one came out I wanted practically every item they had. Red lipstick is something that I have been looking for a while and this shade is gorgeous. The packaging is just so sexy as well. I couldn't help but snag it.

{ My view... }

The weather has just been so beautiful lately, making it easy to mosey down to the pool for studying or asking for an outside table at a restaurant.  With gorgeous days, who can't be happy?

{ MyDietDiary }

I want to call this app something along the lines of a life saver for my summer body. In a week I have already lost 4 kg (about 9 lbs)! I was so shocked but so excited. To read all about my obsession in depth check out my last post here!

{ China Glaze nail polish in Pool Party }

I've been wearing this nail polish non-stop since the warm weather has kicked in, rotating between my fingers and toes. It is such a versatile color, and matches with everything (even when I went through a bit of a green stage). It is hot neon pink that comes up almost exactly the same shade as the bottle (thought this photo may not be an accurate description).

{ Sweet 16 Birthday Pressie! }

Okay, so my birthday was on the third and I had such an amazing night. But I'm going to have to say the highlight was this, a present from my parents. Basically 16 years worth of charms, collected from vacations all around the world. From New York to Cambodia, Thailand to Monetary, there is a memory behind each gold piece. The way I'm seeing it... this is the new family heirloom.

xx Em