Review: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster

I have never quite found a bronzer I've really loved, they're always too dark for my fair skin or too sparkly or orange to look natural.  Not the Bronze Booster from Physicians Formula!  You guys, seriously, I love it.  It adds a glow to my skin but still looks super natural, unlike than the bronzer I used to use in college that made me look like a crazed Oompa Loompa.  It's not orange-y at all, has zero sparkle, and goes on really light.  

As much as I've been loving this bronzer, I am still mystified by the BB aspect.  Bronzer is supposed to be one of the last things you put on, right?  So how are the "BB Cream Benefits" supposed to get past the moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, and foundation I put on before it?  Needless to say, I have not seen better skin from using this product.  And the SPF is nice and all, but unless you apply bronzer all over (I prefer to just add color to the places that would naturally get a little glow), it could lead to unusual tanning pattern.  I haven't noticed any weird pale areas or anything, but it just seems odd to me.

So if you're just looking for a great, natural looking bronzer and are willing to spend a little more than the average drugstore price for it, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster is for you.  If you're looking to protect, moisturize, smooth, brighten, or soften, maybe just buy a BB cream instead.

I received a sample of this product as part of the StyleWatch Style Hunters program.

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

Stripes & Shorts

Tank - Loft (old) / Blazer - NY&Co (old) / Shorts - Gap / Necklace - c/o Lovelywholesale.com / Sandals - Shoe Mint (old)

The real struggle of summertime for me?  Figuring out how to get dressed for the super hot temps outside and the frigid arctic air inside.  Seriously, who decided that 65 degrees is an appropriate temperature indoors?  Since I'm not exactly in a position to change the temperatures in the businesses I frequent, instead I've just been carrying my (not so) new favorite blazer around with me everywhere to help balance things out.

Linking up with Style Sessions and Stylish Tuesday.

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

Since I've Been Gone...

Oh hey guys, I'm back!  Over the past week, I went to a wedding for two of my good friends from high school, and then headed off to northern Wisconsin for a lot of outdoors family time.  We swam, we caught a few fish, we consumed an unhealthy number of ice cream bars, and we attempted to play Cards Against Humanity in a family setting.  Note: do not attempt to play Cards Against Humanity in a family setting.  It is always a poor choice.

I hope you had a good one!

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth!  I hope your day includes doing something fun, whether it's going to the beach, having a barbecue, or watching some fireworks.  Me?  I'm hoping to squeeze in all three.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

A Little Lace

Tee - Old Navy / Jacket - Kohl's (old) / Skirt - Loft / Sandals - Target (old, similar) / Watch - Kate Spade

I've said before that I have a particular weakness for white skirts.  They get me every time, especially when they include a little lace.  I had been wanting this skirt from Loft for a while, but could never find it in my size.  Then, lo and behold, I found it in the clearance section waaaaay marked down.  Serious score.  Paired with a tee and denim jacket it feels very Americana, but I can also see it dressed up with heels and a pretty blouse.

I'm currently on the hunt for a new denim jacket (this one is a little big!) but have yet to find one that isn't too boxy on my curvy frame.  If you have any leads, let me know!

Linking up with Monday Bloom.

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

June Budget

So I said I was going to look for some summery tanks and tees in June.  Whoops.  The navy top is a sweatshirt material, which isn't really summery, so really all I managed was two $5 tees from Old Navy.  Instead I got a couple more skirts (note to self: stop. buying. skirts.), a maxi that's proved to be super versatile, the perfect little red dress that I might wear to a wedding this summer (once I confirm with the bridesmaids that they are not, in fact, wearing red, since I know the colors are red and black), and this convertible clutch that I am basically in love with (exhibit A).

Here's the damage for June:

JCrew Shirt: originally $75.00, on sale $26.99
Loft Lace Skirt: originally $79.50, on sale $19.99
Gap Maxi Dress: originally $74.95, on sale $44.97, used rewards $32.97
Sunday in Brooklyn Red Dress: originally $79.00, on sale $59.25
JCrew Factory Printed Skirt: originally $69.50, on sale $28.92
Ann Taylor Bag: $78.00
Old Navy White Tee: originally $9.50, on sale $5.00

Not Pictured:
Old Navy Peach Tee: originally $9.50, on sale $5.00

Total Spent: $256.12
Total Saved: $218.83

So under budget once again!  To be fair, I was actually over budget for a while, but didn't want to have to come on here and say I was over so decided to return something I didn't end up loving.

Holy cow, we're halfway through 2014 already.  My $300 budget has been working out pretty well so far.  Here's how I've done over the previous five months:

January: $431.92
February: $263.22
March: $281.80
April: $270.70
May: $266.42

Total spent so far in 2014: $1,770.18

Which means I'm currently under budget for the year by a grand total of $29.82, so I'm basically right on track.

I'm not sure how I'll do coming up in July.  Since I'm currently riding the unemployment train, I'm going to try to only buy things I need.  Like a killer interview outfit, and new shoes for the gym to appease my physical therapist.  Hopefully I can manage to stay way under budget!

How did you do for June?

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

A Hint of Tribal

Chambray - Loft / Skirt - JCrew Factory / Necklace (similar) and Belt - Old Navy / Watch - Kate Spade / Sandals - Target (old, similar)

I'm not really one for boho style.  Don't get me wrong, I love it on other people but it just doesn't feel very natural on me.  That being said, I love this skirt.  It's mixing that boho/tribal style with colors and a shape that feels a little more classic.  Here I paired it with my standard chambray and classic brown accessories, but I could also see it with a tee or dressed up with heels.

Someone asked me if I've been dressing down & hanging out in lots of sweats now that I'm unemployed - the answer is surprisingly no!  Getting dressed every day makes me feel like less of a bum and like I'm actually accomplishing things.  Which weirdly I am, I've been so busy every day between blog stuff, freelancing, searching for jobs, and exercising.  I've been joking that I'm not sure how I ever had time for a job ;)  Kidding, kidding, a full-time job still sounds nice!

Linking up with Friday Fab Favorites.

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!