March Favorites

Although we're only a couple of weeks into March, this month has brought me so many good products that I couldn't help but share. Thanks to lots of retail therapy and the fact that I finally have more than $20 in my bank account, here are some of my favorite products this month so far.

Bralettes: the cutest and most feminine way to accessorize. These two are some of my absolute favorites, I picked them up this month at Urban Outfitters and Free People. You can shop these looks here and here! 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills x Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit

I spend a ton of time and money on makeup and am somehow still not good at it, but it makes me feel better about myself, so what the hell.

I had my eye on these two products for quite some time, so I decided to splurge and pick them up and I am so, so, so glad that I did. 

You can pick these beauties up here and here.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for lipstick. I'd say that the majority of my money in life goes towards new lip products. I used to only purchase darker shades, but I came to the unfortunate realization that nude tones are a bit more practical for every day wear. Here are my top favorites:

Wet and Wild Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Nudie Patootie

NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Baby Doll

Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Chihuahua

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Marvelous Mauve

Lime Crime Matte Velvetine Lipstick in Cashmere

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Sagittarius

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Iced Mocha

I have been so into skincare lately, and these items have been my holy grail products. 

e.l.f Cosmetics Illuminating Eye Cream

Sephora Collection Green Tea Face Mask

Sephora Collection Avocado Eye Mask

L'Oreal Pure Clay Face Mask

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvinator 

Ponds Evening Soothe Moisture Clean Towelettes

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel 

MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Lush Cosmetics The Kiss Lip Scrub

Trader Joe's Tea Tree Oil 

I have had less time to read lately than I'd like, but I recently decided to reread Nasty Galaxy by one of my all-time favorite chicks, Sophia Amoruso. This book is described as a "life bible" by Sophia, founder of Nasty Gal. It's a guide on how to make sure that you leave your mark on the world, with wonderful stories from powerful ladies who have done so themselves. It is part scrapbook, part inspirational stories and completely lovely. Sold here!

Let me know if you try some of these out and share your thoughts on them/other products that you've loved this month! :)

Onwards and Upwards: 20 Important Daily Reminders

I know things have been a bit slow around these parts, I apologize for that. With a full-time job and a part-time job on my plate, it's safe to say that I have had some difficulty finding time to do a lot of the things that bring me happiness. This issue, I have found, has prompted me to realize that I could really benefit from taking my own advice. On this outlet and in my every day life, I am constantly preaching about the importance of always making time for the things that you love, no matter how hectic life may get. Often times, this mantra may be a bit easier to practice before you're launched into the real world. When things keep piling up on your plate, it can be tough to find a way to balance it all, but that's life.

As I continue to adjust to this transition and my new life as an actual adult (better late than never, right?), I often find myself succumbing to the pressure. An important reminder I think that we could all benefit from is this- you are the person who decides if you are happy or not. No one is going to wake up every morning and make that decision for you. You cannot depend on others to supply you with that feeling- they are not responsible to do so for you, they must do it for themselves. You have to choose happiness and keep choosing it. We must wake up every day with the idea that these 24 hours will matter- they will be important, for we will see to it to make them that way.

If you are proud of who you are, what you are putting out into the world, the impression that you are leaving on others and the work that you are doing, what else matters? In true Alissa style, I've compiled a list of 20 daily reminders that I think all of us could resonate with.

1. Don't go searching for things that will upset you.

2. Accept that some things are not meant to last forever.
3. Let people go if they want to go. Appreciate what they brought into your life, even if their role was short-lived and ended before you were ready for it to.
4. Have faith in the fact that if people are meant to be in your life, eventually, they will be.
5. Don't spend your days grieving. Wake up and acknowledge all of the things that you do have in life.
6. Don't try to convince people that you matter- that's something that they should know without a reminder.
7. Know that every situation- all of the bad and all of the good- is necessary if you want to grow.
8. Talk to someone with a different set of beliefs that those that you hold- they may teach you a thing or two.
9. Wear the clothes that you feel best in. Spend the extra money if you want to. Shamelessly take that selfie and be comfortable with who you are.
10. Wake up early in the morning. Don't check your phone right away- social media will continue on without your incessant checking in, I promise. Stretch, make yourself tea, sit down, listen to music and just relax.
11. Take care of yourself and the people who take care of you.
12. Do something today that your future self will thank you for. Try to make your time here matter- it can very easily fade away with nothing to show if you let it.
13. Write this down and remember it- you are worth knowing, finding and loving.
14. Don't compare your life/story to others. There is enough sun for everybody. Someone else's success does not rob you of anything. Cheer for people, encourage them, really, truly, sincerely desire to see them happy.
15. Don't get stuck in the past. Don't try to fast-forward into a future that is not yet yours. Give today all that you can- get to a point where you can climb into bed at the end of the day and feel like you made your time worthwhile.
16. Make a playlist of all of the songs that make you smile. Listen to it on a solo drive with no destination. Roll down the windows and sing your heart out.
17. Hug, smile, kiss, love, meet new people, show them things that you think will make them happy.
18. If you want something to happen- go out and make it happen. Beautiful and important things won't fall into your lap without any effort.
19. Know this: everything is happening exactly as it should- it may not seem that way now, but you'll realize it one day.
20. Forgive yourself and forgive others. It's so easy to be upset these days- it's not so easy to make changes and to really understand- but it's so, so incredibly important.