Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Launching My Jewelry Business During Quarantine
Race against your doubts, a lot of ya'll aren't running fast enough.
It's easy to think about how you wish things were, but what about actually doing something to point yourself in the right direction? Like many of you reading this, I've had a lot of time to think about what I really wanted to do with my life. I'm fresh out of college, now what?
For me, it never made sense to graduate with a business degree and have a plan to work for someone else for the rest of my life. It might be good for now and certainly is a stepping stone, but there has to be more to life than just that... right?
I've had years of internship experience, workplace experience and continuously had companies turn me down because I was still considered "inexperienced." Instead of moping around and wishing I had landed that job, I decided to take the negative impacts of what they said and turn them into a positive. Everything they said I wasn't qualified to do, I went ahead and did them - ultimately creating my jewelry line, fière minimalist.
How did I do it?
I still work my full-time job which allowed me to pay for everything I needed to get started. While I am extremely grateful to still have a job during this time, it isn't what motivates me to get up in the morning. Having a business to call my own sparks a light in me and once it's on, there's no going back! If you don't have a huge budget to work with, don't give up hope! There are plenty of tips and tricks online that'll teach you how to start your own business with little to no money. After countless hours of watching YouTube videos reading multiple blog posts from other entrepreneurs, I took matters into my own hands.
Business Check List:
- Come up with a business name. I'm proud to introduce my baby, fière minimalist.
- Work on branding! What colors are you going to use? What fonts or prints best suit your aesthetic? Who is your target audience?
- Create/design a logo. I personally used fiverr and highly recommend it to anyone looking for some custom work done by talented freelancers.
- Get business cards and thank you cards. These are great for adding a personalized touch and make your brand a lot more memorable. I got mine from Zazzle.
- Buy your domain and claim all your social media pages. I recommend posting on social media at least a month before launching your site to help build your online presence.
- Find your vendors/source your products. I did extensive research online to ensure that all the products were hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant. My goal is to give customers great quality jewelry at affordable prices. Keep this in mind when selecting vendors. Pay attention to reviews and order samples before placing a big order.
- Packaging! I'm a sucker for cute packaging. One thing I love about small businesses is the amount of time and effort people put into shipping out orders. Get creative and allow the recipient to have a full experience when opening your package. I purchased some rose gold bubble mailers and crinkle cut paper from Amazon to start.
- Choose a platform. You have a product, now it's time to get it to the consumer. I personally use Shopify since I find it easy to use and have experience with using it in the past. There are so many other platforms such as Wix, Big Cartel, Squarespace, Etsy etc. Do your research and choose one that best fits your needs and budget.
- Plan your launch. Don't be discouraged if you don't make any sales right away. Remember that consistency is key. I launched on July 27th and some days I'll get 6 orders and other days I'll get none. Give yourself time to grow, Rome wasn't built in a day.
If you're looking for a sign to start your business, this is it! Believe in yourself and the rest will come. If you have any questions about starting a business of your own or have tips for owning a successful business, drop them in the comments below.
P.S. use code SOCIAL at checkout for a special discount ;)
P.S. use code SOCIAL at checkout for a special discount ;)
--
xo, Lisette
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Black Owned Businesses To Support
When we come together as one, beautiful things happen.
artwork credit: @demonbabeTM
A lot of us have been greatly overwhelmed with everything going on in the world and we absolutely have a right to feel the way we do.
While it warms my heart to see everyone coming together to show their support for the Black community, we need to make sure that this same energy will continue beyond just the next couple of days. That being said, I've decided to put together a list of Black owned businesses that you can support. Spread the love.
Apparel & Accessories
- Beads Byaree | womenswear
- Jade Swim | swimwear for women
- Jet Noire | trendy womenswear
- Mahnal | contemporary brass jewelry
- Melanie Marie | jewelry and accessories
- Nubian Skin | skin-tone lingerie and hosiery for women of color
- O'Dolly Dearest | 90's/early 2000's femme
- Petty Print | apparel with an attitude (t-shirts, hoodies and more)
- O'Dolly Dearest | 90's/early 2000's femme
- Petty Print | apparel with an attitude (t-shirts, hoodies and more)
- Proclaim | inclusive nude lingerie made of earth-conscious materials
- Selva Negra | ethical fashion *100% of the proceeds made through 6/7 will be donated to BLM
- Sholarin Co. | women's and men's pajamas/loungewear
- Sincerely Tommy | lifestyle and womenswear
- Supreme Frames | affordable and trendy sunglasses
- Two Days Off | sustainable fashion
- Yam NYC | handmade jewelry
Art & Graphic Design
- Avitalzart | prints and stickers
- Busy Vee Branding | graphic design + brand stylist
- Derick Brooks | character designs and comics
- Jasmine Renee Art | original paintings, prints and stickers
- Tamarr's Creative Designs | web design, branding and premade templates
- Tamarr's Creative Designs | web design, branding and premade templates
- Notty Designs | watercolor artist
- Uzo the Artist | hand-drawn posters and stickers
Beauty & Skincare
- Akilah's Essentials | natural bath and body products
- Buttercup Essentials | handmade body and hair care products
- Buttercup Essentials | handmade body and hair care products
- Blaze Cosmetics | CBD infused cosmetics
- HoneyCurlz | natural hair care products
- Loving Culture | organic, vegan, cruelty-free hair oils
- Makeup Scientist Cosmetics | cruelty-free cosmetics
- Pandis' Soap & More | natural handmade soaps
- Rosen Skincare | clean skincare for acne-prone skin
- ShunnyBeeSoaps | handmade soaps, vegan and cruelty-free
- The Lip Bar | vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics
- The Tea Affect | organic hair and skincare
- Tionne Skin | organic skincare
- Urban Hydration | clean skincare
Food & Home
- Aroma Scentsations | candles and face mists
- BLK & BOLD | specialty coffee and tea
- Inner Eaze | homemade soy candles and wax melts
- Linoto | pure bed and bath linens
- Lovely Goods | office supplies
- McBride Sisters | for wine lovers
- Mylky | dairy free ice cream
- Project Pop | organic kettle corn
- Linoto | pure bed and bath linens
- Lovely Goods | office supplies
- McBride Sisters | for wine lovers
- Mylky | dairy free ice cream
- Project Pop | organic kettle corn
- Tea + Shade | inspirational mugs
Please drop some more Black owned businesses in the comments, I'd love to check them out!
Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
Your voice will be heard.
--
xo, Lisette
Friday, February 28, 2020
Affordable Date Night Outfits
Girls night or date night with your boo, there's so many affordable options for you. It can be easy to assume that you need to spend a fortune to look good, but in reality it's not about the brand you're wearing... it's how you wear it.
I've been obsessed with this whole ruched dress trend lately. I received this leopard print bodycon dress from Femme Luxe and was extremely impressed with the quality! Although it is made of organza, it is perfectly lined. I've tried a lot of dresses in the past that were cute, but itchy. I can assure you that is not the case with this dress! I found it to be extremely comfortable and was glad that it did not rise up as I was walking around. The best part? It's only $16.76! I love the silhouette of this bodycon dress because it looks good on so many different body types. I can definitely see myself wearing this on a date or to a club with friends. It hugs the body in all the right places without being too revealing.
This next dress looks and feels like a dream! There's something about velvet that makes me feel both sexy and confident. This gorgeous wine velvet mini dress is only $20.64 and comes in 3 different colors. Call me extra, but I'd probably wear this on a casual day (minus the heels). It's dressy enough to go out to eat, yet cozy enough to roam around the city on a nice day.
Not everyone is big on dresses and that's okay! Anyone that knows me personally knows that I don't get all dolled up unless I'm actually excited about something. Edgy street style looks have always been my go-to. When I laid my eyes on these grey cuffed joggers, I knew I had to have them! For $10.31, how can anybody say no?! I like cute, casual looks like this because they can be worn both day and night without having to put much effort into them. You can wear it to go gallery or bar hopping, bowling, to the movies, etc.
Long story short, you don't need to be rich to look and feel your best. Which one of these outfits would you wear on your next night out?
Disclaimer: I was gifted these items from Femme Luxe however, all opinions are my own. I am truly impressed with the quality of everything I received and I am grateful for having the platform to review these products for you all!
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xo, Lisette
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
What is Love?
Taking a stab at poetry..
What is love?
Sticking through the good and the ugly,
not willing to give up so quickly
because of how much you love me.
Never having to question your intentions,
because you put no one above me.
You're an angel,
but not in disguise.
I dream of waking up to you everyday,
even if we don't always see eye to eye.
So what is love?
I ask myself in the mirror.
Been craving love for some time,
it couldn't be any clearer.
It's not the desire for someone special,
nor a significant other.
It's a pure kind of love,
not just the love you get from your mother.
Not falling into the trap of what society tells you,
the feelings you have inside don't need any approval.
Self love is the best love and sometimes you're all you've got,
but what you have is enough... that's just some food for thought.
All photos were taken at the amazing Love Vibe pop up in NYC. The pop up consists of seven rooms that act as the visual representation of the different stages of falling in love. They are open until November, so if you are in New York or plan on visiting New York soon, I'd definitely recommend checking them out! You can purchase tickets here.
What I'm Wearing:
Off-shoulder Top - Forever 21
Corduroy Pants - H&M
Booties - Boohoo
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xo, Lisette
Monday, March 18, 2019
My Daily Night Time Routine
This post is sponsored by Bioré but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
If you know me personally or follow me on social media, then you probably already know that I attend a lot of events and have photoshoots fairly often. Although I don’t wear makeup every day, I do enjoy getting glammed up whenever I know there’s a chance I’d end up being on camera. I’ve never been the type to cake up my face with pounds of makeup however, I feel like my skin can definitely use a breath of fresh air every now and then.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve become such a skincare fanatic. I have combination skin and tend to get very dry on my cheeks and oily along my T-zone area… needless to say I’m still working out the kinks. I’ve noticed a huge change in my makeup application once I started giving my skin a little extra TLC and feel a lot more confident to rock my bare face out in public. While the products I use may change every couple of months, my overall skincare routine seems to remain the same. Here’s my current night time skincare routine:
Step 1: Brush Your Teeth
I feel like I don’t even need to explain this, but it is a very important step in my daily routine, and I didn’t want to leave it out of this post. I don’t know about you, but I love coffee and chocolate. Unfortunately, they do stain your teeth and while my teeth don’t look like buttered popcorn, I try and make sure that I do some at-home whitening whenever I can. Before bed, I brush my teeth with charcoal powder and brush again with my regular toothpaste for that nice clean and refreshing feeling.
Step 2: Rinse Face with Cleanser or Mask
I’ve pretty much been obsessing over Bioré’s Blue Agave and Baking Soda product line, both of which you can get under $20! Baking soda is known for its natural ability to deep clean and the natural blue agave is known for its ability to soothe and nourish. These two ingredients are the perfect combo for combination skin (no pun intended) because of the fact that they work together to bring balance to your skin.
The Cleanser: Bioré Blue Agave & Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser.
I like using this cleanser in place of a regular makeup remover. I really get a deep cleaning feel from this product and love how it leaves my skin feeling nice and smooth afterwards. It doesn’t leave any unwanted residue on the skin and has a light scent to it. This cleanser also gently exfoliates the skin with the jojoba beads, which is perfect in terms of managing the dryness that I experience on my cheeks.
Boy, do I love this mask! It has a creamy consistency and does not dry up on your skin over time. I personally like masks like this over other ones that dry after a couple of minutes because it leaves my skin feeling a lot more moisturized. The Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask lifts away dirt, oil, and pollution to seriously purify clogged pores and overall just has my skin looking a lot clearer than it was before. Like any other mask, you wet your face, apply the mask and massage it over your face, leave it on for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. *Please note: This product is not for sensitive skin consumers or those with sensitives to menthol as it may cause short term flushing of the skin.*
Step 3: Moisturize Your Lips & Face
As I mentioned earlier, I have combination skin, so I like to add a little extra to my trouble areas. I’ve found that doing this helps keep my face nice and hydrated throughout the night. I also like to throw some lip balm on right before bed to ensure that my lips don’t get crusty or crack overnight.
Step 4: Netflix and Chill
…and by chill, I mean put on your favorite show and binge watch it ‘til you fall asleep.
That’s it for my night time skincare routine! Which one of these Bioré products would you like to try? Or if you’ve tried them already, which one is your favorite? Feel free to share your current night routine with me in the comments below, I’d love to hear them!
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xo, Lisette
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Fall Primark Haul
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend College Fashion Week in Brooklyn. What I liked about CFW is that it was more than a just a fashion show, it was a whole experience. From the moment I walked in, I was offered ice cream and a free beverage. Another thing that really stood out to me was the fact that they cast people of all body types and backgrounds to walk down the runway. Diversity is something that I've always stood for and I think this was a great way to show the same garments and trends on various sizes.
As a college student myself, it is extremely important for me to maintain some kind of budget. Although I love all things fashion, I've never been the type to throw hundreds of dollars on a single item.. but trust me, I've been tempted a few times to do so. Every look that came down the runway featured items from Primark's latest collection. I first step foot into a Primark store last year when I visited London and instantly fell in love with the brand. That being said, I was ecstatic when I found out that they opened a location in NYC. After visiting Primark's activation at College Fashion Week, I attended the Her Campus x Primark student night event at their Kings Plaza location and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to pick up some of the goodies I saw at CFW.
The Haul
Okay... I might have done some damage here, but with Primark's prices the damage really wasn't too bad at all. They offer high quality fashion items at such affordable prices, how could I possibly resist? When you find a store that you can actually afford, especially in NYC, you do what you gotta do!
Burgundy Sweater - $16
Kimono Styled Blouse - $18
Tonal Aviator Jacket - $46
Thigh High Boots - $29
For a little over a hundred dollars, I was able to leave the store with essentially a whole outfit. If that isn't a steal, then I don't know what is.
This post is sponsored by Primark and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Street Stride possible! What are your must have items for the season? Let me know in the comments below.
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xo, Lisette
Monday, September 24, 2018
Don't Touch My Hair
"If you tamper with my hair, you're tampering with my brand."
If anyone truly knows me, then they know how much I adore my hair. My curls are pretty much my trademark and I honestly wouldn't trade them for anything. However, my hair has been through a whole lot before getting to where it is now. Growing up,my flat iron was my best friend and I straightened my hair every couple of days. It was very rare to ever see me rocking my natural hair. Not to mention, all the heat really destroyed my hair. It wasn't until high school where I started to embrace my curls. I began growing out my bangs (did anyone else rock straight bangs with curly hair? what a mess that was..) and cut majority of my hair off for a fresh start.
Fast forward to today, it is highly unlikely you'll see me with straight hair. I grew out of that look and personally don't like how flat and boring it is - ya girl needs VOLUME! While I get a lot of compliments on my curls, there's still some people who have the nerve to say, "I think your hair would look better straight." Yes, my hair is long. No, I don't want to straighten it. It always blew my mind how back when I used to do a lot of freelance modeling, people would cast me knowing I have curly hair, only to straighten it for a shoot or fashion show. I will always respect a designer's vision. However, if you have a certain look in mind don't you think you should well.. cast people who fit that look? I believe the problem with this industry is that they claim to want to promote diversity, yet very few people do it tastefully. I cannot count the amount of people I've worked with in the industry that didn't know how to deal with textured hair. They acted as if my curls were a bother and thought that straightening it would be the easy way out when in fact, it's actually a lot more work. Whenever I would open my mouth about it, it was deemed unprofessional. How is it unprofessional to explain to someone how to deal with my hair? Anyone with curly hair would tell you that you can't just brush our hair out and you definitely cannot apply any heat without some kind of thermal protectant. I feel like I worked way too hard to get my curls to be where they are now just for someone to come and mess with it because they are uncomfortable with it, or simply refuse to learn how to properly style it.
What I love about the blogging and social media community is that more and more people are beginning to embrace their natural hair. I didn't have a whole lot of people to look up to that had natural curls. I pretty much had to figure out everything on my own, and with a lot of trial and error, things finally seem to be working out in my favor. To anyone out there who is wondering whether or not they should make the switch to going natural, I say do it! I think textured hair is beautiful and is what makes you different from everyone else.
Cheers to all the curly girls! Do you have any favorite hair products or DIY masks you like to do? Leave them in the comments below, I'd love to try them out!
Here's some of my faves:
Here's some of my faves:
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xo, Lisette
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Summer Daze
Saying goodbye to Summer and welcoming Fall.
I spent a lot of my Summer vacation just reflecting on where I am in life and where I would like to be in a few months, or even years from now. There was so many things I wanted to do during this break and was pretty bummed at the fact that I didn't really end up doing anything at all. I originally wanted to travel, but my bank account just laughed at that idea. Searched high and low for a job at any place I can think of, but that was a pretty big fail. I wanted to hit up a few amusement parks, but nope.. that didn't happen either. However, I did get to spend a lot of time with friends that I usually wouldn't get to see as often. Through random events I was invited to, I was also able to meet some other amazing, positive people which is always a plus.
This Fall I am entering my final year of college. I am determined to find an internship or job within my field within the next couple of months to gain real experience, as opposed to folding jeans on a table. I've also started taking social media and marketing a lot more seriously over the past few months and my hard work has not gone unnoticed. I am officially represented as an influencer by a PR agency, something I never saw coming. Why am I sharing this? Well, in all honestly I just want you all to remember to never give up on yourself. I went through a series of unfortunate events over the Summer, but I never lost hope. Every situation I was thrown into only inspired me to push harder. Whatever it is you love and want to do, go out and make it happen!
Crochet Top from I Am KNicole. You can get 10% off any purchase using the code LIZZIE10.
What are some of your short or long term goals? Let me know in the comments below!
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xo, Lisette
Friday, March 16, 2018
How To Get Spring Ready Skin
The first product I'm going to talk about is the Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask. Charcoal has definitely been trending in the skincare and beauty world and it doesn't seem like it isn't going away anytime soon either. What I love about this mask is that it is infused with natural charcoal, allowing it to draw out pore clogging dirt, oil, and impurities. Unlike other masks, this one does not harder. It simply heats up on your face while it works it's magic and after just 60 seconds it's ready to be rinsed off! Yes, you heard right.. you can get the whole spa experience in just one minute.
Clear skin starts with clean pores and I think it is safe to say that Bioré is known for their innovative products that help unclog pores. With the Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips you can pretty much say goodbye to blackheads! Bioré Pore Strips are trusted and tested by Dermatologists and with regular use, they will actually diminish the appearance of pores. I've always been a fan of their nose strips, so when Bioré introduced their charcoal strips, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them! I really like the fact that they are so easy to use. All you have to do is dampen your nose, apply the strip, and gently remove the strip from the bottom up once it completely hardens. Call me weird, but there is something oddly satisfying about seeing all the blackheads these strips remove.
Both the Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask and Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips can be found on Amazon for under $6, or at your local Target. Which of these products are you looking to try out? Let me know in the comments below!
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xo, Lisette
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
10 Facts About Me
Who is Lisette?
After seeing multiple "5 Facts About Me" posts all over Instagram, I've been tagged by Natalie of Natalie Inspired to share 10 personal facts about myself right here on my blog. I usually get stuck when it comes to talking about myself, so let's see how this goes!
After seeing multiple "5 Facts About Me" posts all over Instagram, I've been tagged by Natalie of Natalie Inspired to share 10 personal facts about myself right here on my blog. I usually get stuck when it comes to talking about myself, so let's see how this goes!
1. I'm a fashion business major -- shocking, I know.
Although I have always loved expressing myself through the clothes I wear, I would have to say that my love for fashion didn't really blossom until I started watching Project Runway. Christian Siriano has been a huge inspiration for me in terms of his style, personality, and the causes he stands for. When I was younger, I thought that the only job in the fashion industry was the role of a fashion designer.. and boy, was I wrong! Being a fashion major has taught me so much about all the behind the scenes jobs that don't get as much credit as they deserve! That being said, my overall goal is to have a career in the marketing or public relations fields.
2. I've been to over 100 concerts.
You're probably looking at that number like, "yeah okay!" but, I promise you I'm not even exaggerating that number. Music is pretty much my life and I've decided that no place makes me happier than a concert or festival. I've seen Eminem, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Beyonce, Jessie Reyez, Little Mix, Maroon 5, Gym Class Heroes, Hilary Duff, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds, Melanie Martinez, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye, Sia, Bastille, SZA, Major Lazor, One Direction, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Russ, Ariana Grande, 6ix9ine, Cardi B, FKA Twigs, Chris Brown, and Chance the Rapper just to name a few... think I'm missing somebody? Comment your fave artist and I'll let you know if I've seen them perform before.
3. I wasn't born with curly hair.
It's so crazy to think that what is now considered to be my trademark didn't come until around middle school. Growing up, my hair was wavy and easy to straighten. Back then, I thought straight hair was amazing and burned the hell out of it just to try to achieve that perfect pin straight look. My curly locks that everyone knows and loves didn't come until some random day in middle school. I don't remember what exact age I was, but I do remember washing my hair and wondering where these curls came from. It took some getting used to, but now I can't ever picture myself without my curly hair! #TeamNaturalHair
4. I was a freelance model for about 5 years.
Growing up, I was always told that I should model because of the fact that I'm tall and thin. It was never really something I was interested in, until one day I thought "well, why not?" I made a profile on Model Mayhem (which is a great site to use if you're a photographer, makeup artist, or model trying to build up your portfolio) and just like that I started applying for castings. After my first photoshoot I realized that I actually did have a passion for it and really enjoyed being in front of a camera. It's kind of ironic because I am one of the shyest people you'll ever meet (at least until you get to know me), yet once I got in front of the camera it's like I turned into a whole different person. Years later, I have to say that, that passion has definitely died down. Although I still love to take pictures, I'm more interested in being a content creator than just another pretty face on the internet.
5. I was Valedictorian in High School.
I feel like I rarely ever talk about me being Valedictorian, probably because I still can't believe it really happened. My high school experience wasn't the best and without my group of my friends there (we were nicknamed the Fantastic Four), I don't know what I would have done. I don't really consider myself a bookworm, and I hate studying so I'm still not really sure how this all happened. However, I am proud of myself for doing something I thought would be impossible - oh, and I quoted Eminem's "Lose Yourself" in my speech, because if you know me, then you'd know that was a very "me" thing to do.
6. I love food!
I mean, who doesn't?! I'm such a tiny person, so whenever I go out to eat with people for the first time, they're always so surprised at how much and how fast I eat. I also have a weird obsession with burritos and could probably eat one everyday for the rest of my life. My goal is to try burritos at every place I travel to just to find out who's the best of the best.
7. I'm a very hands-on person.
When it comes to something I'm passionate about, I love to dive into things. Art is such an important aspect in my life. I try to visit as many galleries and museums as possible, not to mention that they also make for a great photo opp! I love making mood boards (digital and physical), finding DIY projects on Pinterest and YouTube, and also really enjoy painting. I'm not very good at it, but I still find it to be fun and relaxing.
8. I'm a huge animal lover.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing those cute little animal videos on my Instagram explore page. When I was younger, I wanted to be a veterinarian. However, science isn't my best subject and I just couldn't picture myself going through that many years of school just to become one. Instead, I spend a lot of time volunteering with organizations such as the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, and Rock & Rawhide.
9. I'm obsessed with boots.
I will find any excuse to wear boots over any other kind of shoe. Yes, I am that person. I consider my personal style to be a bit on the edgier side, so I feel like that's why I've been able to get away with wearing them with just about anything for all of these years. When I buy a pair of boots that I love, I will wear them practically everyday up until the point where I have to take them to get repaired or.. *gasp* buy a whole new pair.
10. Eminem is my inspiration for pretty much.. everything.
I swear I've been in love with this man since I was five years old. While some people might think he is no longer relevant, he is still my favorite artist of all time. I love the fact that he isn't afraid to talk about his struggles or opinions and puts his all into his music. While beats are essential to a song, I'm a very lyrical person. If I don't feel some kind of connection to an artist, I personally can't see myself listening to them. Long story short, his music has gotten me through the toughest times in my life and for that, Marshall will always be the GOAT in my eyes.
Ooh look at you, you made it through all 10 facts about me! Hope I didn't bore anyone to death.
I would like to tag anyone who's reading this to share some facts about you, I'd love to read them!
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Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
xo, Lisette
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Stonegirl Silicone Makeup Sponge Review & Giveaway
Did somebody say... giveaway??
First things first, I'm really big on packaging. I like when companies show effort through their packaging because let's be real, it makes a much greater impression that receiving something in a plain cardboard box. The Stonegirl Beauty team had my sponges shipped out in a cute metallic pink bubble mailer that I felt really captured the overall aesthetic of the brand itself.
I have always used beauty blenders in the past, so using these silicone sponges was a completely new experience for me. What I love about these sponges is the fact that they are super easy to use. I'll be honest with you, I had no idea what I was even doing, yet my foundation came out looking seamless. Brushes can sometimes leave streaks on your face if not blended correctly, but I did not have that problem with these sponges. Another big plus for me is that they are really easy to clean and don't require too much maintenance. Just run the sponge under some water, maybe pass some makeup remover over it if needed, let it dry and you're good to go. Unlike a beauty blender or other makeup tools, these silicone sponges don't really collect or hide any dirt, so you're less likely to breakout from using them.
Now on to the giveaway!
Here are the rules: (Don't worry, they're harmless.. and yes, I'll be checking to see if you've followed them all correctly!)
1. Must be following me on Instagram @ohsnapitzlizzie
2. Must be following Stonegirl Beauty @stonegirl_beauty
3. Enter the official giveaway here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b0ce62571/? (So I know how to contact you if you've won!)
4. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
4. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Bonus entries:
Enter Stonegirl's Giveaway *This is a separate giveaway from mine, but entering theirs just increases your odds of winning*
Winner was chosen February 14th, but if you are looking to shop Stonegirl yourself, you can use the code "Lisettem5" for 25% off!
Winner was chosen February 14th, but if you are looking to shop Stonegirl yourself, you can use the code "Lisettem5" for 25% off!
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xo, Lisette
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Valentine's Day Gift Guide
What is love?
Valentine's Day is much more than just getting something for your significant other. You don't have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend in order to celebrate Valentine's Day. As corny as it may sound, it is a day of love and that goes for just about anyone in your life. From friends to family members, or even your pets, there's nothing wrong with gifting your loved ones. Today I decided to put together a quick gift guide to help you get in the "holiday" spirit, without having to break your bank.
For You (Yes, you can gift yourself too)
I feel like lingerie is one of those things that can be both for yourself and your boo. I received this super cute velvet two-piece set from NaNika Lingerie and I'm in love with it. Aside from it being comfortable and stretchy, it is of great quality in general. It also came in a chic black and white box tied in a ribbon and if you know me, then you know that I'm a sucker for cute packaging. Lingerie can be a great way to boost up your confidence, even if you're the only one who ever sees it. Interested in treating yourself? NaNika is offering 20% off their lingerie AND free shipping up until February 14th. You can shop NaNika here!
For Him (Dad, Boyfriend, Brother, Uncle, etc.)
I've been seeing these Tile commercials everywhere and after doing some research, I think it would be a perfect gift for that guy in your life who always seems to be misplacing things. The Tile can be attached to your keys, wallet, suitcase, etc. and if something does in fact go missing, you can easily track it down via the Tile app. Bless technology! The Tile Mate retails at $25, while a pack of 4 Tile Mates would cost you $50.
Is the guy in your life not so technology-savvy? No worries, cologne, tickets to a sports game or concert, or a nice quality watch also make additional gift options.
For Her (Mom, Sister, Cousin, Girlfriend, etc.)
While giving flowers is a traditional gesture, I wanted to go a little bit out of the norm for this gift guide. I definitely recommend gifting some skin care products. While makeup is great, it is also a good idea to take care of your skin underneath it! Skin care products are also suitable for just about any age, which is a plus in my book. I'm a big fan of natural and handmade products. That being said, I think Buttercup Essentials would be a great small business to shop from as they have products for skin, hair, etc. Stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, and even your local drug stores carry nail polish and shower sets that would also be a great, affordable gift option. Since some might consider floral bouquets to be overrated, why not get someone a bouquet of fruit? I've been gifted Edible Arrangements a few times and loved them. They satisfied my sweet tooth without making me feel guilty afterwards.
Did you find this gift guide helpful? Do you already have some gift ideas in mind that you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments below!
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xo, Lisette
Saturday, December 2, 2017
One More Light
Who cares if one more light goes out? Well, I do.
Today's post is a little bit different from what I usually write about, but this topic has been on my mind for a while now. As some of you might already know, a few months ago Chester Bennington of Linkin Park committed suicide. I grew up listening to Linkin Park and played their music religiously, so when I heard the news I was in complete shock. I know its common to hear the passing of a celebrity however, his death has left a huge impact on me. Not a day has gone by since his passing that I haven't thought about him, which at first felt really strange to me. Now I believe the reason why his story touched me is because of the fact that I've had some people close to me try to commit suicide. Growing up I didn't really have a lot of friends and I cannot be thankful enough for the amazing friends I have now. Just the thought of possibly losing them made me an emotional wreck, and me not knowing what to do about the situation just made me feel that much worse. If I were to lose them my life would be completely different right now. The saddest part about the whole thing is that depression really has no face. Someone can appear to be happy on the outside, but can be beating themselves up inside. This is why I can't stress enough how important it is to check up on even your "strongest" friends, because at the end of the day you really have no idea what they are going through. How do I know? Because I'm one of them.
For years I've been stuck in a battle with myself and I'm still not sure what to do, or how to handle it 'til this day. Whenever I open up to my friends about how I feel or what I've been through, most of their responses are usually "wow, I had no idea." I've always had a big heart and want the best for people. That being said, I am always trying to encourage my friends to follow their dreams and stay positive, when in reality, I struggle with that myself. Although I've been told I have very positive aura, I still find myself feeling down every now and then without any particular reason.
After doing so much research and trying to figure out what the hell is going on with me, I believe that I might be suffering from moderate depression. So far all the signs have been pointing to yes. The thing is, "might" is not good enough. The word depressed gets thrown around like nothing and I do not want to self-diagnose myself. I want answers, but I'm not sure how to even explain the way I'm feeling. My breakdowns have always been so random and while the uncontrollable tears roll down my face, I search for answers why and constantly fail to find an explanation. I've never bothered telling people about these breakdowns because I don't want anyone to feel the need to pity me. I always felt that if I told somebody I was feeling down, but didn't know the reason why then they'd think I'm just looking for attention - and if anyone truly knows me, then they'd know the last thing I want from anyone is attention. I don't have enough fingers to count the times I've pretended to be asleep and silently cried in my room to avoid my parents from asking me what's wrong. All these years have gone by and they still don't have a single clue.
So what is the point of me sharing all of this on the internet? Well, writing is the best way for me to express myself at the moment. With this post, I'm hoping to touch someone who might be going through a similar situation. You are not alone and you will never be alone. I've created the habit of bottling up all of my emotions until I reach my breaking point and I'm asking you to not be like me. Depression is not a joke. Mental illness is very much real. Self care is so important and like any other significant change you want to make in your life, it needs to come from within. Don't be afraid to speak up.
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xo, Lisette
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