Monday, May 30, 2016

makeup I've repurchased.

My makeup bag essentials.
I love a lot of makeup. Whether it's sparkling eyeshadow, dewy foundation, or lasting lipstick, there's always a handful of products that I can't seem to do without. Oftentimes this obsession is only temporary; I switch lipstick shades like the seasons. The real test comes once I've finished a product. Do I repurchase it or relegate it to the garbage bin forever?

These four basics have become a necessary part of my makeup bag over the past few years. I've repurchased all of them multiple times and will likely continue to keep them stocked in the future.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - This is so much more than your standard lotion. I slather it on whenever my skin is feeling particularly dry. It's a lifesaver during the winter and whenever I take a flight.

O.P.I. Natural Nail Base Coat - O.P.I.'s base and top coats are phenomenal. I've gone through a number of bottles, which is saying something since it takes forever to finish a regular colored polish. When I use the base and top coats together, my manicure is guaranteed to stay on my fingers for at least a week.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - This lotion is consistently voted "best moisturizer" in beauty awards, and for good reason. It feels light on your skin and soaks in instantly. The moisture it delivers is so good that I never feel the need to reapply. I use this on a daily basis.

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Concealer - Many makeup bloggers have commented on the fact that this is a pretty excellent dupe for the YSL concealer pen. I don't think I could ever shell out that much cash for the high end product when the drugstore version is so effective. This is currently my third one (in Light 862). I know I'll be buying it again as soon as it runs out.

What makeup do you repurchase regularly? I'd love to hear your faves!

xoxo

Sabrina

Monday, May 23, 2016

springtime in milan.

Navigli at the golden hour.
I had the best lunch at Panino Giusto.
Followed by dessert of course!
Macedonia is the way to go in spring!
Outside Teatro Nazionale.
Seeing Fame in Italian was such a cool experience.
After the show.
Strolling along the canal in search of aperitivo.
Best apericena ever!
I know it sounds cheesy, but Milan has carved out a special place in my heart. Not only is there an endless selection of things to do, but there is also an innate charm and beauty to the city itself. My friend and I took the train in on a beautiful spring day to see Fame at Teatro Nazionale. The performance was fun, and I enjoyed seeing the Italian twist on the classic story.

Before the show, we stopped by Panino Giusto, which is reputed to be one of the best gourmet panino restaurants in Milan, for a quick lunch. I can honestly say that the reviews were correct. I ordered the Orientale panino, a medley of eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, and hummus atop a perfectly toasted ciabatta roll. It was especially delicious paired with the zenzero (ginger) juice. I couldn't get enough! My friend and I split two desserts - a chocolate and pear cake with whipped cream and a macedonia (fruit salad) bowl with strawberry syrup and ice cream. Both were wonderful, although I have to admit that the macedonia really hit the spot on such a lovely spring day.

After the show, we headed down to the canal zone in the Navigli neighborhood. Strolling along the water during the early evening hours is such a magical experience. The setting sun makes the water and all the buildings take on a golden hue. As the temperature got cooler, we settled into a table for aperitivo. Of course, with the amazing buffet selection offered, it ended up turning into apericena!

We left the city stuffed and satisfied. Just another stellar day in Milano!

xoxo

Sabrina

P.S. Want to know what Milan is like in fall? How about in winter?

Monday, May 16, 2016

haircut inspiration.

haircut inspiration.

If you've followed my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm not one to shy away from changing up my 'do. I've been through every stage of hairstyles that you can name, including bangs, long and layer-less, lots of layers, bobs, lobs, pixies, and everything in-between. I think it's fun to switch things up and experiment with my look.

Case in point: I'm getting the haircut itch again. I had a chop in January when I got rid of my layers and went for a straight, long lob. Now that it's back to being past my shoulders, I think it's time for something new. Currently, I'm leaning toward a choppy bob that goes just past my chin. It seems like the perfect summer style, since it's off of my neck but still long enough to put into braids or other styles.

New hair is coming soon!

xoxo

Sabrina

Monday, May 9, 2016

adventures in lyon.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the metallic tower of Fourvière in the distance.
The view from the top of the Basilica steps.
What a gorgeous city!
The streets and shop displays were charming.
The street art on the way to the top of the Basilica was a fun surprise.
Lyon's praline pastry was almost too pretty to eat!


The Roman Amphitheater was a sight to behold. 
I'm not exaggerating when I say that this was the best pastry I've ever eaten.
After my magical two days in Paris, it was time to board the train to Lyon. I had heard of Lyon prior to my trip to France, but I didn't really know what to expect. As I quickly discovered during my two days in the city, Lyon is the food capital of France and a hub for French history. I got to experience both aspects during my time there!

In terms of sights, Lyon has some truly magnificent architecture. I loved visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Roman Amphitheater, even though getting to the top of the hill to see both of them was quite an effort. There are so many stairs! I also fell for the open shopping streets and charming storefronts in the older zone of the city. I'll readily admit that I wandered into more than a few chocolate shops as I made my way around town.

Speaking of food, Lyon lived up to its foodie reputation. I made sure to try some of the local dishes, like a rose praline brioche and saucisson en brioche, which I can only describe as a larger, more delicious version of a pig in a blanket. I also need to mention the fact that I had the best pastry of my life in Lyon. I ordered a chocolate and almond brioche (pictured above) from the boulangerie near my apartment and proceeded to freak out over how amazing it was for the rest of the day. It was just that good!

While Paris fulfilled all of my first-time visitor to France dreams, Lyon surprised me with its charm and local flair. I'll definitely be returning!

xoxo

Sabrina

P.S. Check out my previous adventure to Munich!

Monday, May 2, 2016

bright sunny days.

bright sunny days.


I love that perfect time of year between spring and summer. It's just warm enough to ditch the jacket and soak up the sunshine without having to worry about your makeup melting off. Dresses and fun prints are de rigueur in my wardrobe. I love lightening things up and having fun with my outfits. I could definitely see myself wearing a pretty dress or bold patterned pants like the ones pictured above!

What are your must-have items for bright sunny days?

xoxo

Sabrina