Take A Minute for the Mask

Posted on August 5, 2016August 4, 2016 Posted in BeautyTagged Beauty, Face Masks, QWERTY blogLeave a comment

Hello Beauties!

We’re all guilty of spreading ourselves a bit too thin. Even if the task at hand is something that we absolutely love, there will be days when it gets a bit too stressful. Trust me, I know. I might be queen of Stresstopia. My calendar looks like a freaking mess, and at the end of the day so do I. I’m all too familiar with putting my health on the back burner just to free up some time in my day.

Something that I like to do to combat this very bad habit that we all seem to have is to find a good face mask, maybe a friend to share it with, and just chill. The chill part can be a multitude of things: reading, watching Netflix, listening to jungle sounds, sitting in silence. So if you provide the chill, then I’ll provide the masks, okay?

P.S. I realized that all of these are mud masks, apparently I don’t have a lot of variety in my life…

I absolutely love this mask because it’s not too powerful. It smells great and is incredibly light, which is different for a mud mask. I’ve found that it doesn’t work as instantaneously as the other products I’m going to talk about, but I would most definitely recommend it if you’re in need of a simple pick-me-up. Chill Recommendation: Bath or 10 minute lying meditation.

I love Formula 10.0.6 products. They are so kind to your skin and really well made, so if you have more sensitive skin then I’d most definitely pick up this mask. It works incredibly well without over-drying or irritating your skin. It also smells like peaches so why not? Chill Recommendation: Reading and or watching Netflix with fruit water. Fruit water is essential. You know what, grab a friend and watch The Fall. It’s great, a bit scary but the sexy Irish men make up for it.

This Que Bella Beauty mask is a cult classic in my book. All of their masks are very well made and incredibly effective while being affordable. They also come in little individual packets if you want to experiment with the different kinds they offer. Anyways this is my go-to for a standard mud mask. It is very muddy and very masky. Fair warning. Chill Recommendation: Honestly go all out with it. Have a freaking spa day, you deserve it!

This is a very intense mask so be very careful. It’s got a bit of a clay/paste base to it, but it works extremely fast and can most definitely irritate your skin if you leave it on too long. I would definitely stick to the smallest recommended amount of time and then experiment from there. But don’t be scared by it, just be slightly wary of it and you’ll survive. Chill Recommendation: DO NOT USE IN THE BATH IT WAS A MISTAKE.

Until Next Time,

Marin XO

Valencia Revitalizing Serum Review!

Posted on April 21, 2016May 16, 2016 Posted in BeautyTagged Beauty, Funny, product, QWERTY blog, Review, serum, Skincare, ValentiaLeave a comment

Hello Beauties!

I was approached by Valentia to review their Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum. I was pretty excited as I’d never heard of the brand before and was interested in their products. I quickly learned that Valentia is all about bringing the best organic and natural ingredients into your skin care products, thus giving you the best results. There has been a major revolution in the beauty industry to make organic cosmetics and skin products more available to the masses. I’ve recently delved into this world of non-chemical face washes and moisturizers, and I’ve been very pleased with the results! Honestly, it all makes sense: Your skin soaks up what you put on it, so why kill it with chemicals?

On to the actual product. First impression was that it was a small bottle, but knowing that higher-end products are normally very potent and don’t need to be in giant amounts, this didn’t phase me. The label is very simple and elegant, well advertising ingredients like Gotu Kola and Argan Oil that help to erase scars and help skin maintain its elasticity.

The product comes out of a pump (I prefer this) and has a creamy consistency to it. It smells absolutely beautiful, and when applied it spreads out and sinks into the skin very quickly, so there really no need to use a lot of the stuff.

While this product seems to be marketed to an older audience, as it helps reduce wrinkles, a lot of its properties are perfect for younger skin as well. Helping correct skin tone is definitely appealing to those who suffer from acne scarring, and it deeply moisturizes skin for those who suffer from intense dry patches. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to jump on the anti-wrinkle train early!

Personally, I’d recommend this to anyone who suffers from acne, dryness, fine lines, or possibly combination skin. I’ve gotten the oily side to my skin under control so I’m not sure how it would react with people who suffer from extreme acne, but I was not affected by the deep moisturizing properties. I would apply it at night after my cleanser but before my moisturizer. I’m excited to see the long term results, but for now I’m happy!

Thanks for reading guys! I’d strongly recommend reading into the company– it’s completely run by women and is totally vegan!

*This was a sponsored post by Valentia and conducted through BrandBacker. All of my opinions on this product are completely my own.

Look out for an Italy Trip Post as well as a REVISED Skincare Routine!

Wrapping Up January

Posted on February 2, 2016February 1, 2016 Posted in Beauty, FashionTagged Beauty, Fashion, Favorites, January, Outfit, products, QWERTY blogLeave a comment

Hello Beauties!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? There have been finals, internship work, and whatever else that has been keeping me busy. But why don’t we talk about this month’s favorites according to yours truly!

Beauty

I haven’t been having a lot of skin issues lately– just some redness here and there. regardless, Almay’s Smart Shade CC Cream has been the perfect remedy. It takes away redness and other discoloration without feeling greasy or thick. I like to use a damp Beauty Blender to work it in and get that smooth look that we all strive for!

Skincare

Since I’ve been having some problems with redness and slight acnes, I’ve become a serious fan of Neutrogena’s Redness Soothing Acne Wash. It’s gentle, but effective, and the more I use it the better my skin looks. I also included Earth Therapeutics Smooth Face Brush because this is one of the best and least expensive cleansing brushes I’ve seen on the market!

Moisturizer

My mom grabbed this for her sister so I decided to give it a try. Since then it’s been featured in Allure and other beauty sites and rightly so; all you have to do is apply it to wet skin (it’s slightly greasy at first), then gently pat dry and voila! Instant smooth and radiant skin with ease!

Book Of The Month

I loved this book so, so, so much. I knew right from the beginning that it was going to get me, and it most certainly did. It follows the lives and perspectives of multiple immigrants from South America to the United States. Some are legal, some are not, but each has a riveting tale of how they got to where they are now. It’s brilliantly written, and will definitely give a different perspective on immigration.

Outfit of The Month

The pants are from American Eagle and are one of the most comfortable pairs I’ve ever owned! The shirt is from Target; it’s super lightweight and loose, with a dipped back and matching shorts. I also added this wishbone necklace as a simple yet key accent, without deterring from the pattern.

peace, love, and baby ducks,

Marin

The Naturals: Fall Edition

Posted on September 29, 2015September 28, 2015 Posted in BeautyTagged Beauty, Fall, Funny, Look, makeup, natural, QWERTY blog2 Comments

Hello Beauties!

Fall is in the air! And in the trees! And in our coffee. . . And oreos.

But it is also in our makeup! This is a great transitional time of the year and your clothing and makeup can reflect it. Get creative!

Marin has a neutral, simple makeup that is perfect for this period. What we’re seeing is cool tones in warm associated colors, like brown and plums*. Marin used a natural, light cool-toned brown over her lid and completed the look with NYX Eyeliner in brown. She also wore NYX creme blush in Tearose, which is soft and subtle. Just enough to freshen up her skin and give her a slight glow. Creme blushers are perfect for a light and natural effect.

To complete this look, Marin used Rimmel London’s Kate Moss Lipstick in 05, which is a perfect transitional lipstick. The trend is dark lips this fall. Using a darker lip with a cooler tone is a great way to slowly grow darker along with the leaves!

This overall look is light, easy, and attainable for everyone. It’s pretty stinking hard to mess up! Stay tuned for a matching Fashion Friday post! Until then…

Pies, Photos, and Polish Polka,

Avery

*Artist tip!

Just because browns, oranges, and reds are associated with warmer tones does not mean they cannot be cool! As well as having warmer, cool colors like blue!

How to Ace a Job Interview

Posted on September 4, 2015September 3, 2015 Posted in Beauty, FashionTagged accessories, advice, Beauty, comedy, Fashion, Funny, internship, interview, job, Look, makeup, OOTD, QWERTY blog, stationary2 Comments

Hello Beauties!

Sorry that things have been a little quiet on Qwerty Girl, my WIFI has been switched out and there have been a couple of glitches. Also, college essays are “happening”. Excuses, excuses.

Today I ROCKED this interview for a senior internship and I was so inspired to write this post showing you my makeup, outfit, and anything else I needed to feel completely prepared and ready to kick booty. Let’s get started.

Whenever you are doing anything job related, ya gotta look professional. So I opted for my Forever21 army green dress and matching heels. I also paired my chunky chain necklace with it because I’ll be interning at an artsy place with artsy people. This necklace is artsy.

I wanted to keep my makeup simple– I’m not pretending to be twenty-four; what you see is what you get. I used my NYX Shimmer Stick as an eyeshadow, then added my NYX Eyeliner in brown and my favorite Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. The only base I used is the Revlon Photo Ready BB Cream. It applies like a dream and doesn’t look heavy. To finish it off I used my favorite Rimmel London Kate Moss lipstick in 05.

Now that you look like a true member of the workforce, you gotta be prepared. It’s so, so, so smart to carry a notebook with you. It makes you seem organized, competent, and eager to start your work ASAP. Plus, you never know when you might need to catch a name, number, email, company name, etc. Also have your planner for basically everything. Let’s face it, a busy person like you can’t afford to forget anything.

And that’s all you need! Now go show your true colors, and if the job is the right one they will love you! Keep checking in for a slightly more organized and regular schedule here. Until then…

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks,

Marin

♡