Hawaii Packing Guide: Beauty

For those of you who may not know--, I've been keeping a secret! I am headed to Vancouver for work in a few weeks and subsequently after that, I'm headed to Hawaii! Brandon and I have always wanted to visit the tropical, majestic islands and we just had to jump at this opportunity. Since I'll be so close for work (half way), we figured it was now or never. Brandon will be joining me in Vancouver for the last night of my work trip and the next day we fly into Honolulu. It really doesn't feel real because of all the planning I'm doing for work, but slowly but surely it's coming into realization.

One thing that I am always sure to research is the destination's climate. Having a proper skincare and makeup routine that harmonizes with the climate is essential to keep your skin/body/hair hydrated and feeling fresh. For Hawaii, I know my routine will include plenty of SPF, light, minimal and dewy make-up and coconut oil infused hydration. While I know this list is far from final, I've rounded up some of the essentials that I know I'll be bringing along. Let's run through the essentials, shall we?

1. NYX- SWEET CHEEKS BLUSH PALETTE PROFESSIONAL MAKE UP - I just love the colours in this blush pallet. The pigmented pinks and corals will be perfect for the nights that I want to get all dolled up and have a real shimmery glow! I often blend the top two on the left together, which act as a highlighter, and this pairs perfectly with a swipe of my nude lipstick. 

2. Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF 30 - This moisturizer contains SPF 30 but is also has a perfecting tint to it. The SPF is all natural which I love, and it really helps blur and hide imperfections. If you want a little bit of coverage at the beach, but want to feel light, it's a tropical vacation essential.

3. Saje Arrive Revived Jet Lag & Travel Mist - This mister is packed with eucalyptus and lemon and is key to restore alertness and reduce drowsiness. I don't even reserve it just for travels; I use it all the time for early mornings when I am in a hazy fog or need an afternoon boost. Shake, mist, and breath-- that's all it takes!

4. Benefit Dandelion Dew - I love a good baby pink glow after a bronzing. Benefit's Dandelion Dew is perfect since it's texture is so light, and looks so natural and radiant. 

5. Benefit the POREfessional: instant wipeout masks - I know I'll be spending time at the beach, which always makes my skin feel clogged. These masks exfoliate and clean pores to leave your feeling fresh. I'm all about that, especially when I know walking and exploring will be on the agenda.

6. Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF 50 - Water resistant, and SPF 50. It's Hawaii, need I say more? 

7. OGX Anti-Gravity + Hydration O2 Shampoo & Conditioner  - I have super fine hair, so I'm always looking for that extra lift to keep from falling flat. This duo is infused with cloudberries which work to create volume and fullness. I like that the scent is light and fresh. Bouncy, moisturized hair? Yes, please! 

** You also can't forget to pack some good, light reads! Apparently, I'm feeling the female empowerment lately! I'll be bringing along on these two: 

Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History 
You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain

Let me know if there are any products I am totally missing out on! Also, if you have any travel recommendations for Hawaii (or even Vancouver), please let me know! We're talking activities, restaurants, sights... I want to hear it all! 

Easy Washi Tape DIYs

I'm pretty much obsessed with washi tape. It's one of the most simple ways you can elevate any craft, project or item you have lying around the house, and you don't even need to dirty your hands or paintbrushes! It's so versatile and now there are so many fun patterns and colours to choose from that it has become a staple in my crafting corner. I love how the simplest addition of a strip of tape can really make something once boring, into a beautiful piece of art! With the Holidays quickly approaching I always get into a sort of DIY kind of mood, and this year is no exception. I had some basic wooden frames and wooden spoons lying around the house and I thought a little washi tape would certainly spruce them up and make them more fun! This DIY requires no instructions and literally takes 2 minutes. Go wild!

Materials:

Washi Tape (Walmart, Target)

Frame (IKEA)

Wooden Spoon

I'm so excited to cover more frames with washi tape. Why didn't I think of this before? They will make the cutest, budget-friendly gifts for anyone this Holiday season, don't you think? And as for the wooden spoons... a little extra care when washing is all it takes to keep the tape intact (hi, tongue twister- lol)!

Will you try any of these DIY washi tape wonders?

Check out these other frames DIYs:
Boho Frame (Urban Outfitters look-a-like)
Glam Gold Frame

SHOP NOW:

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission which by no means has elevated the cost of the item. 

Olive Vest & Blush

Are you in total fall mode yet? Have you broken out the tartan, knits and booties? I am slowly adjusting to the new season, testing out pairings of new (to me) colour combinations (like mustard and navy). If you are looking for a new colour combination to try out this fall, it's olive and blush. I laugh writing that because olives and the colour blush are two of my favourite things--  seriously, I used to eat bowls of olives growing up! (weirdo... I know) In all seriousness, I wish more of these photos turned out because it was such a perfect, fall-esque day. The air was chilly, the apple tree was both sheltering me from the minuscule drops of rain coming out from the overcast, dreary sky, and apples were dropping off the tree's limbs by the minute. But I feel like we all have those days when you just don't feel great but push through it and force a smile. This apple tree is now gone and so are those "not-so-great" feelings I was experiencing that day. What I'm left with is the reminder that every day brings with it new sentiments and new ideas. Just like the idea to pair olive and blush together. A striped top adds to the androgynous tone of the outfit, but the pop of colours emitting from the bag and pink lip offer up and ounce of femininity to the outfit. 

These flats have become go-to for fall. I've been getting compliments on them left, right and centre and all are shocked to discover their source. It's Target! They bridge the gap between comfort and chic and pair well with everything from dresses to jeans. The vest is another key piece for fall. Perfect for layering over short sleeves, long sleeves and light sweaters and they offer up just the right amount of warmth for a cool day! 

Any different styles or colours your revelling in for fall? Fill me in!

What I'm Wearing

Joe Fresh Long-Sleeve Stripe Tee 

Shein Army Green Lapel Self Tie Sleeveless Slit Side Coat 

J Brand Skinny Jeans 

Target Micki Pointed Toe Ballet Flats 

Kate Spade Maise Shoulder Bag