My Everyday Makeup Routine

It wasn't until I was doing my makeup today that I realized that I am consistently using the same products from day to day. I guess I just know which products I love and which that I don't when I am quickly throwing on my face. 

Today I am going to share my everyday makeup products with y'all. Enjoy! 

1. Foundation

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2. Face

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3. Eyes

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4. Lips

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I use mostly drugstore products (as you can probably tell), but there are a few higher end products that I just can't live without like my mascara and eyebrow pencil!

 What are your everyday essentials? Let me know in the comments :)

10 Back to School Essentials

It's that time y'all! Back to school season is here. While some schools have started already, others don't begin until September. I start my first semester at Florida State University on the 24th but I am moving in on Sunday! I thought now would be a great time for me to share my back to school essentials. So without further ado...

What are your back to school essentials? Let me know in the comments section! Also, make sure you subscribe to my blog so you don't ever miss a post! All you have to do is enter your email into the "Subscribe by Email" section on the right side of this page. 

July 2015 Favorites

Is it just me, or did June and July fly on by? It's so hard for me to believe that August is here! 16 days until I move in. 24 days until my first day of classes. Cue my anxiety times 100000. Since July is coming to an end, I thought I would share a few of my favorites from this month.

1. Rain jacket

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Like every summer, it's been raining every single day here in Florida. But no fear, my trusty rain jacket is here (how much lamer can I get?) My Columbia rain jacket has saved plenty of outfits and hair days especially in the past week. Plus the bright blue color adds a nice pop to the otherwise gloomy days.

2. black sandals

I couldn't find my exact pair, but here are some that are very similar

I want to say I got these sandals one or two years ago from target. I still love them. They are extremely comfortable and add an adorable pop of glitter to any outfit.

3. skinny jeans

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I am not much for wearing jeans in the summer especially when its 99 billion degrees outside, but lately I have loved how laid back they look cuffed with a tied up tank top and sandals.

4. washi tape

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I don't know how I didn't discover washi tape earlier than a few days ago. I have been washi-ing everything! I just know I will have a lot of fun with this stuff in the future.

5. tarte bronzer

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I got this bronzer in my last Ipsy bag and I am in love. I know that bronzing and contouring are "out" right now, but y'all, strobing is not my thing. It does not suite my face. I'm sticking with loading up on bronzer to give myself a sun-kissed glow. This bronzer does just that. I don't think it's possible to over-do it!

6. greek yogurt

I have and always will love greek yogurt, but recently I have been obsessed! It's such a good snack to curve cravings because it is loaded with protein. Plain or with fruit mixed in, greek yogurt is always a good idea.

7. Crash and Burn by Thomas Rhett

Crash and Burn makes me want to dance. In fact, every time it comes on while I'm in the car I have a mini major jam sesh! I've actually listened to it 10 times in a row because it is so catchy.

8. Lip balm

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Here's another Ipsy find that I can't live without! This lip balm smells, tastes, and feels wonderful! It takes me to paradise for a few seconds and keeps my lips super hydrated. Plus my puppy loves it too!

9. Sleepy Time Tea

I'm not sure why, but this entire summer I have had the hardest time falling asleep. On the days that I know I need to be up early, I will brew a cup of this tea and I'm knocked out in about an hour.

10. Runaway by Love and Theft

Love and Theft is creeping their way into my music collection. This song is perfect for getting ready in the morning (or late afternoon) because of the medium beat. It's not too wild for groggy mornings, but it definitely won't put you to sleep.

What are some of your July favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

18 Things You Learn By 18

Recently I read the post "19 Things you Learn By 19" and realized that they missed out on a few things. So, I have complied this list of 18 Things You Learn By 18.

1. Mama Knows Best

Sure, there are times when moms can be totally unreasonable, but majority of the time they are 100% right. You have to remember that moms were once teenagers too, so they've experienced similar things.

2. You Are Still a Kid

Although you are technically an adult, don't expect society to look at you as more than a kid. You will probably be a "kid" until you're 21 or older. 

3. High School Drama Doesn't Matter

How many people have you seen after graduation? Maybe 10 at most right? Yeah, that 4-year feud with Sally Su was a waste of your time and energy. 

4. Boys Are Not Everything

Dropping everything for a boy is not only stupid, but it will also change your friendships. Trust me, it's not worth it. Sure boys are great and all but don't center your life around them.

5. Having a Job is great, But Don't Make it A Priority

Sometimes I've made the mistake of putting work before everything else. This takes me back to number 1: Mama knows best. Countless times she told me that I had my whole life to work, but I didn't listen. Money is a wonderful thing, but it should not consume you. 

6. You Should Dress How You Want to Dress

If you like it and feel comfortable in it, wear it girl. Don't worry about "fitting in" because your real friends will love you for you, not what you're wearing.

7. Not Everyone is Going to Like You

Some people don't like you for the silliest reasons. Who cares? I bet there are dozens more who do like you who are way better than those people anyways. 

8. You Should Drink Lots of Water

Water is essential for our body to function, so why would you skip on it? I'm not suggesting drinking 2 gallons a day, but start drinking it more often and notice how much nicer your skin and hair look. Notice how much better you feel. The bottom line: just drink water.

9. Saying "No" Is Okay

Saying "yes" to everything will get tiring really fast. Saying "no" every once in a while will actually benefit you. You don't have to do everything all the time.

10. You Are Beautiful

You may not be the prettiest girl in every room, but you have a caring heart and have plenty of people who love you. Beauty is not skin deep. Beauty is what is inside. 

11. Life Is Never Like the Movies

Movies depict the best possible scenarios for everything-- life is not like this. Don't expect perfection all the time. 

12. You Need to Vent

This does not always mean venting to a person. Sometimes journaling or a good long cry is enough. Don't let things bottle up inside of you. Let them out.

13. Phones Are Great, But Real Conversations are Better

Put down your phone every once in a while and actually talk to your friends. Everything is so digital these days that the art of conversation is beginning to be lost.

14. Washing Your Hair Everyday is Unnecessary

Two words: dry shampoo. 

15. Take Off Your Makeup Every Night No Matter What

This lets your skin breath and also makes sure you don't wake up with makeup everywhere.

16. You Are Not Too Good For a Night With the Family

Family is the only thing that lasts forever. Don't have regrets of not spending enough time with them. 

17. You Can Never Be Too Overdressed

Being dressed up calls attention to you, but in the best way possible. So when in doubt, always dress it up a notch. 

18. Makeup Is To Enhance Your Face

Don't over-do it ladies. Makeup is supposed to enhance your features, not cover them up. So let those freckles show through, contour your natural cheekbones, and don't go too heavy on the eyeliner.

Summer Skincare Staples

Hello internet people! I was watching some skincare routine videos on Youtube and noticed that there was a lack of drugstore products for the poor college students like me. I know that drugstore beauty products can and do clean your face effectively because I am a oily, extremely sensitive skin ("normal" products have literally burned the skin on my face before), acne sufferer for quite a few years now. Other than my monthly flare ups courtesy of mother nature, my skin is pretty clear for the most part and I attribute this to my skincare routine. I thought it might be fun to share my skincare routine to show that it is possible to clear your skin without breaking the bank.

Morning Routine

I am a morning shower kind of person so I typically do most of my skincare in the shower. First, I let the steam from the shower open my pores for a minute or two before any products touch my face. Then, I go in with the super foamy Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser. The next step is to cleanse my face again, but this time with the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil Free Acne Cleanser and my Clarisonic with the Acne Cleansing Brush Head on it. Now my shower skincare is complete, so onto the next steps...

After I pat (DO NOT RUB) my face dry with a towel, I wipe my face down with the Clearasil Daily Clear Hydra-Blast Pads. After letting my face air dry after using the pads, I moisturize with my Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin Ultra-Gentle Facial Moisturizer (try saying that one three times fast!)

Night Routine

My night routine can be completed without water. I know this probably sounds ridiculous, but it works for me. This routine is perfect for night owls who like to clean their face quickly and hop into bed. First, I remove all of my makeup with the only cleansing wipes I will ever use: Simple Cleansing Wipes. Then I clean my face with the Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Everyday Cleanser Senstive Formula on a cotton pad (or two). This product is so unique that I think it deserves it own review which is probably coming soon! Finally, I moisturize again with my Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin Ultra-Gentle Facial Moisturizer because I haven't been able to find a good nighttime moisturizer. If you have any suggestions for one, I would appreciate the recommendations! 

And that wraps up my everyday skincare, but I also have a few favorite weekly skincare routine products!

Once A Week Skincare

I absolutely love the effects of facial masks but because my skin is so sensitive, I can only do them at most once a week. My favorite for when I feel any acne is about to pop up is the Freeman Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask. I do feel like I should warn y'all, this product does NOT clear the breakout. It actually pulls all of the crap to the surface, getting rid of the breakout a few days quicker than just letting it surface on its own. For when my skin is feeling a little dried out, I love the Elizabeth Arden Hydrating Mask which I get from T.J.Maxx for about $7. And my final weekly product is Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. 

If y'all are on the hunt for any new skincare products, I highly suggest every single item on this list! I have been using most of these products for 3 months or more and I could not be happier with them. 

Do you have any skincare products you cannot live without? Let me know in the comments below! 

Summer 2015 Essentials

With yesterday being the official first day of Summer (even though here in Florida it has felt like Summer for the past 3 months), I think it is appropriate to post a list of my top ten summer essentials.. well year round essentials where I live! 

 1. Wristlet
My favorite wristlet for the past few years is the Vera Bradley Carry It All Wristlet. Although they have changed the format over the years, this wallet can literally carry it all! In the summer, I usually don't need much more than my license, student ID (for any and every discount I can get), my Ulta rewards card, and a few bucks so this wristlet gets it done for me. I don't know about the newer designs, but the style from a little over a year ago has a pocket on the backside perfect for the iPhone 5s to slide right in which is great for when you have no pockets!

2. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
I honestly do not know what I did before I had my bluetooth speaker. I have used this thing religiously everyday for more than two years now. Its great for morning jam sessions while getting ready and great for the beach, pool, or hanging out with your friends. I've also found it's great for cars that don't have any kind of aux/bluetooth connection if you hate the radio as much as I do!

You can see how often I use this by the makeup stains on the top! 

3. It Works! Greens
Yes, my mom is that crazy wrap lady. And yes, she sold me on the greens. But I'm telling y'all, you have need to try them! I am one of those people who have to have caffeine in the morning to even do basic functions but I can skip my morning coffee and just take my greens and I am good for the day! This is especially important in the summertime for the long days out in the sun. My only suggestion is mixing the greens with juice instead of straight water because they don't taste that great on their own!

4. Hats
I cannot stress how important it is to have at least one hat in your closet. Hats are not only great for keeping the sun off of your face and neck, but they also can protect your hair from the sun. My dad has battled skin cancer for years from exposure to the sun, so you bet I am taking as many precautions as possible to prevent that from happening to me. Some of my favorites for this summer are here, here, and here (I just had to include the Florida State visor)!

5. Rompers
If you are anything like me (short with wide hips), then you know how hard it is to find many things to fit you, much less get a romper to fit. Even though it may seem like an impossible search, keep trying those things on until you find one that looks good. Ever since finding the two rompers in the world that look good on me, I wear them at least once a week. It is honestly the best investment I have made so far this summer. Rompers are great because you get the comfort of wearing shorts and the effortless style of a dress. Win, win.

6. Shorts
Okay so this one is a little bit of a stretch because who doesn't own a pair of shorts? I am including shorts in my list because in the summer, shorts can be worn casually or be dressed up depending on the style and pieces paired with them. Everyone should own a few pairs and rock them all summer long. My absolute go-to shorts this summer are the J. Crew Boardwalk Pull-on Shorts. These shorts are both comfortable and super cute with almost anything. I highly highly suggest investing in a pair!

7. Fake Jack Rogers
Listen ladies, I am not the kind of girl to drop down $100 on a pair of sandals, especially some that have WAY cheaper knockoffs that look better in my opinion available in tons of stores. That's right guys, I am that girl who wears designer knock-offs and I am not afraid to say it. Most people can't even tell that they aren't real. You can find the pairs I own at Shoe Carnival. These sandals are so comfy and dress up even the most casual Norts and t shirt outfit.

8. Oil Blotting Sheets
To my surprise, I have found out that many people have never heard of oil blotting sheets! To my fellow oily skin girls, you can not afford to skip over this product! You can literally find blotting sheets in nearly any beauty supply store including Ulta, Target, Walmart, and more. All you have to do is take a sheet from the package and pat it on your skin. The best part is that the sheets don't remove the makeup, just the oil! Go out and get some right away. Oil blotting sheets will change your life.

9. BB Cream
BB cream was the first foundation I've ever used and it's still a staple in my makeup collection. On the days that I have to run out of the house quickly, I just slap on some BB cream with my fingers, apply some mascara, and go. It evens out your skintone without making it look like you're wearing makeup, so it's perfect for no-makeup makeup days!

10. Large Beach Bag
Do I really need to explain why this is essential in the summer? My mom picked up this huge beach bag from Viv & Lou and I absolutely love it. It fits everything I need for the beach with excess room to spare. Plus, it's monogrammed and monograms make everything better am I right?

So what are your Summer 2015 essentials?

Hidden Drugstore Gems

When most girls first start wearing makeup, the brand Wet n Wild is their best friend. With makeup averaging from $.99 to $5 who can blame them? At some point in time, the media persuades us that drugstore beauty is just not good enough and high end is the only way to go. 

Sure, I could not live without my Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara or the Urban Decay Naked Palate, but there are some great products in the drug store too! Wet n Wild especially has some hidden gems among the drugstore isles. Stay tuned and I will go into depth about my favorite Wet N Wild products!

1. Silk Finish Lipstick

At the cheap price of $.99, this lipstick gets it done! If you are looking for a super shiny and metallic looking lip, this is the product for you! My favorite shade is Fuchsia with Blue Pearl (521A)

The swatch on the left is just one swipe and the right is a few swipes

2. Color Icon Eyeshadow Single

These eye shadows are simply great. Out of the 7 shades offered Brulee and Nutty are amazeballs! Brulee is one of the best transition shades I have ever purchased from the drugstore. It's crazy easy to blend and is the perfect color. Nutty is great to messily throw onto the lid for a quick, put-together makeup look. I cannot stop raving about these shadows!

 The top photo is Brulee and the bottom is Nutty

3. Color Icon Blusher Pressed Powder

This is my go-to everyday blush! I literally use this more than any other blush I've ever owned because it is SO beautiful on the cheeks. It gives me the prettiest glow.. and P.S its totally a dupe for NARS Orgasm blush for literally 1/10 of the price (seriously, go get it right away)!

4. MegaLast Lip Color

Please go and get at least one of these lipsticks. They are a true matte finish and they cling onto lips for the long haul. Oh and did I mention the crazy color pigmentation. With one swipe, you have full pigmentation. My two favorite colors of this lipstick are Purty Persimmon (970) and 24 Carrot Gold (969).

The first two swatches are Purty Persimmon with the leftmost swatch being just one swipe. The next two swatches are 24 Carrot Gold, again with the leftmost swatch being just one swipe. 

Those are the top four products that I absolutely adore from Wet n Wild! I Highly suggest each one of them. Feel free to share with me in the comments what your favorite drugstore hidden gems are! I am always on the hunt for great and cheap products!

Keep checking back soon for more posts! I'm hoping to post a fashion blog soon!
Xoxo, Mo

Hi Y'all!

Hi y'all! Welcome to Makeup and Monograms. My name is Monica, but most people call me Mo. I am an 18 year old girl about to start school at Florida State University in the fall. I am creating this blog to share my love for fashion, beauty, and life. Over the past few months, I have felt the need to document my life, so I started journaling and for some reason that was not enough for me. Some of my family members were urging me to create a blog because I love to read them so much.. and here we are. I have no idea where this all will lead, but that is part of the fun I suppose!