Fashion + Beauty – Living off Leesh

Mahalo Purse Review

Published on June 18, 2020January 7, 2023 by AliciaLeave a comment

Alicia here with another review of something quarantine + Instagram made me buy!

Ever since my purse got stolen last summer in Spain [RIP to the Goodwill crossbody bag… you were a real one] I have been on the lookout for a purse as good as that one. It was big enough to fit a large water bottle for long days of walking as well as everything else I needed and I haven’t’ been able to find anything quite like it. While I still haven’t been able to find the perfect purse, I’ve come across a few bags in the past year that I’ve added to my collection that get the job done as they should. I have a couple larger bags [my teacher bag that can fit my whole life into it, a pretty big brown shoulder bag, a smaller grey cross body bag, etc.] but I have never had a small purse before. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized there are some times when you really just need a small bag. Going out with friends, grocery shopping, etc. all really don’t require a large bag but that’s really all I have.

While scrolling through my Instagram saves [one titled ‘Things to Buy] folders and eliminating ones I don’t need anymore, I came across an ad I had saved for Mahalo cases… Mahalo Casessell phone cases and wallet duos. Ok, a matching wallet and phone case… who cares? The phone cases are magnetic and attach on the inside of the wallet. You can’t lose your phone when it’s literally attached to the purse you’re wearing. The best part about it? The chain from the purse can be removed and replaced with a wristlet strap for when you don’t want to carry a whole purse. Or, if you want it to double as your wallet in your super big purse which I’ll definitely be doing whilst teaching.

I bought the RFID blocking quilted crossbody wallet phone case in black. It’s the perfect size for a purse or as a large wallet. There are two sides both with ample card slots as well as a spot for change and cash not to forget the spot in the back of the case where the phone attaches. The wallet itself is very well made and I can fit almost everything I need in there even though it is quite small. I’m very glad about the purchase and think the whole idea is genius because I’ll have the perfect spot for my phone in my purse and won’t lose it.

As far as the phone case goes, it’s a pretty basic black phone case. I definitely don’t think it’s the cutest case however if I only use it when I use the wallet I don’t have a problem with it. I love the wallet design because I don’t like big patterned accessories, however, when I get a new phone I’ll probs get a new phone case that’s prettier than this one. I would love it if you could mix and match purses and cases!!

Overall, I can’t wait to actually get to using the purse and wallet duo when the country opens back up. Until then, I’ll keep walking around my room with it. J

Much love,

Alicia

My skincare routine

Published on March 23, 2020March 26, 2020 by AliciaLeave a comment

<a href=”https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/20279699/?claim=yrr26upzyv4″>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Something I’ve been a stickler about recently are my routines. I’ve perfected my morning and evening routines when I was in Greece and I couldn’t be prouder. One of the biggest routines I’ve made is my skincare routine.

Gone are the days of not taking my makeup off before going to bed and washing my face only when I’m in the shower. I’ve created my foolproof, all-natural, all vegan, and all sensitive skin approved skincare routine that I do twice a day.

The first part of this routine is wash my face. At night I just use a makeup remover and my take the day off washcloth. In the mornings I use the Earth Science Creamy Fruit Oil Cleanser to wash my face. This is a very light, good scented, face wash that makes my skin glow as well as feel incredibly soft and clean. Plus, it’s great for dry and sensitive skin, both of which I have.

I next follow up with a toner. I use witch-hazel for this because it removes any leftover crap on my face as well as lighten up my skin. It keeps irritation on my face at a minimum as well as keeps my skin soft and pimple free.

I continue with rose water. I’ve been using rose water for a long long time and I think it really helps even out my skin tone. I have the reddest face usually, but the rose water keeps it toned down and a normal color. It also smells good and really perks me up in the morning.

Finally, I finish with the Everyone for Every Body Face Nourishing Moisturizer. I love the smell of this and the argan oil keeps my skin smooth and without any dry spots. I have a pretty oily T zone [thank you combination skin] so this keeps my dry skin supple but doesn’t make my oily spots unbearably oily. It’s a win-win.

I have only been using both my lotion and face wash for about a three months but I am having the best results with them both. I always struggle to choose and to maintain a lotion and face wash because my skin gets immune to them and either breaks out or remains dry. I will definitely update if I have the same effects with these but from what I’ve experienced so far, they are both working for me.

What do you use for skincare? Please tell me I love trying new things!!

❤ Alicia

Review: Gearbunch Leggings

Published on February 23, 2018January 7, 2023 by Alicia2 Comments

Happy Friday everyone, sorry about my absence. I’ve been busy with midterms and job applications but here I am. It is currently pouring outside and I have a class in 2 hours. So, I figured I would write a bit to pass the time.

A few weeks back, I was contacted by the company GearBunch, a company that specializes in custom leggings and other various customized apparel. Their prices range for leggings from about $85- $120. Gearbunch was lovely enough to send me a pair of leggings to review! So, that’s just what I’ll be doing today!

I received the Black and White Mandala leggings from Gearbunch (different from the B&W Mandala leggings which is what I thought I asked for haha), which are white with black print (as opposed to the other which is black with white print with a different design).

P.S. I apologize in advance for not using my own photos. My camera is doing this thing where NONE of the pictures are clear (unless they’re super close up) so bear with me.

First, let me say that I am normally an all black leggings kinda gal or like a little bit of mesh on the side and call it a day. These leggings are the complete opposite. With intricate designs (mine were probably one of the most simple designs they had) of all shapes and colors their website just makes you want to get creative. I definitely do like the patterns available and might start branching out and trying other patterned leggings in the future!

Anyway, these leggings are so comfy, sort of squat proof (I did 2 squats, one with black underwear and one with like a light purple and the black ones were a bit visible which was expected since they are white pants but the pair with the purple were not but I never wear black underwear with leggings anyway just in case), and super cute!

The only negative thing I have about these is that the inseam on the legs is done really simply. I always appreciate a sturdy inseam on leggings especially when they’re super expensive because on some of my cheaper leggings they tend to rip at the thighs which is so sad ++ I would HATE for that to happen to some more expensive leggings. Obviously, I can’t say that will happen as I have only worn them twice but it does make me a tad nervous that it might happen in the future.

All in all, I am a huge fan of these leggings! I was a bit hesitant on the white but they have definitely grown on me! I wore them to yoga last week and a lot of people asked where I got them from. So, Gearbunch, hope I got you some new customers and thank you for the leggings!

I would definitely recommend checking them out sometime!

Check out my 3 favorite pairs (1 2 3)

Are you more of a simple leggings person or are you all for designs??

❤ Alicia ❤

Tarte Cosmetics review

Published on January 18, 2018January 7, 2023 by Alicia1 Comment

Howdy everyone, hope everyone is doing well. Over winter break I bought a few Tarte products and thought I would review them. I did another tarte review a while back and a lot of people seemed to enjoy it, so why not make another one.

Tarte always has the best sales (which is when I buy from them usually) randomly so whenever they do I grab what I can. For this haul, I got the be happy. be bright. be you. set, the 3-in-1 frxxxtion stick exfoliating cleanser, and the no makeup magic beauty essentials.

While this is all I ordered, I also received the Swamp Queen eye and cheek palette by mistake. This actually happened to be the last thing I purchased from tarte as I got it for my sister for Christmas, so now we both have one! Now, onto the review!

be happy. be bright. be you.

Okay, for this one, If I’m being honest the main reason I bought this one was for the bag. It’s super cute and I LOVE the “be happy be bright be you” quote on it. Now, just because I loved the bag, doesn’t mean that I don’t also love the products it came with.

Highlighter duo- I’ve always been a girl that likes to glow. However, I’ve never tried cream or liquid highlighters so both of these sides were a first for me. I was SHOCKED by how pigmented these both were (liquid was more so) and a little went a LONG way. I’ve been wearing the liquid on my cheeks and the cream on my nose and upper lip (it’s easier to keep it in a small area) and I am in love!

Lippie duo– Everyone knows there’s not been a lipstick I’ll turn down and these are no exceptions. I’m not much of a lipgloss person but I’ve been putting the gloss over the lipstick and it looks super cute (in my opinion haha). They’re both nude colors which I love (especially in Ohio because I can look put together and nice without people being like “why do you have so much makeup on”).

Blush- I’m not really going to review the blush because I’m not a blush person. My cheeks are rosy enough I don’t need them to stick out any more than they already do

Ready. Set. Radiant. Setting Spray- I never realized how important setting spray is until you use it and your makeup still looks good after 10 hours. It smells amazing (kind of like wood and citrus and mint) and keeps you looking good all day.

Sweet Tarte perfume- I’m not usually a gal who likes sweet and girly scents (I’m more of a natural perfume wearer) but this smells so good! I wouldn’t say it smells like sweet tarts the candy but it does smell fruity just good???

3-in-1 frxxxtion stick exfoliating cleanser- I reviewed this one in my last review but it was so good that I got it again! I have very sensitive skin so I don’t exfoliate a lot to keep my skin healthy and not dry but when I do, I use this! It’s sort of on the small side so if you exfoliate a lot I might not get this but if you do it more sparingly like me, this is for you! After I use this, my skin isn’t dry, itchy, or red AND it’s so soft! This is by far my fave skincare product they have 🙂

No makeup magic beauty essentials

This was another set that consisted of the brighter days highlighting moisturizer, and a lip quench. I really wanted to try the moisturizer to see if it would work well with my skin but didn’t want to spend a bunch of money on the full size one in case it irritated my skin or I just hated it.

Brighter days moisturizer– I love this. Once I finish buying books (kill me) I’m going to definitely grab this in the full-size option. It’s got little glitters in it which is what adds the highlighting aspect and it leaves you (me anyway) moisturized WITHOUT BEING SHINY which is so hard for me to find.

Lip Quench- this ended up being very moisturizing I just wish it wasn’t as tinted. The color is nice (sort of an orange-brown) however, I would’ve liked a more muted color or to be able to pick the color that came with the set.

Swamp Queen eye and cheek palette- As I mentioned before, I got this palette for my sister for Christmas. First of all, this smells heavenly. Most eyeshadow palettes smell like eyeshadow. Nothing special This palette smells like birthday cake or frosting and honestly, I’d buy it just for that! As for colors, I really like them all and the contour and highlight colors are good for my skin tone, but not for many others, which stinks for those of you who aren’t super fair skinned.

I’m always wanting to get better at makeup and I can’t wait to get experimenting with this palette!!

All in all, I loved all of these tarte products!

Alicia

Tarte skincare review

Published on February 22, 2017January 7, 2023 by Alicia6 Comments

Hi everyone! Look at me being all beauty bloggery. Today a Tarte review, tomorrow two million Instagram followers.

Okay, so basically one of my resolutions was to create a solid skincare routine because well, I don’t have one. My skin is terribly dry and sensitive and finding something that is vegan, cruelty-free, and works on my skin type is not easy.

A few months ago, I discovered Tarte Cosmetics and was blown away by their (mostly) vegan, cruelty-free, and natural line of products they have.

After trying a few skincare brands, and the only thing I’ve gotten out of them is red, dry, and utterly damaged skin, I decided since I use Tarte for a bunch of my makeup products, why don’t I try it for skincare?

They had a sale where I could get a bunch of their skincare products, in sample sizes for only $20 so I had to give it a go.

I received two sets of products: The Scrub Clean set and The Make a Splash skincare savers set. I also got a freebie travel size of my favorite mascara, so that’s definitely a bonus.

In the Scrub Clean set, there was Tarte’s Frxxxtion stick, Tarte’s Deluxe Deep Dive Cleansing Gel, and a cleansing scrubber.

The Frxxxtion Stick’s job is to remove any dead skin cells. You apply the stick to wet skin and then massage in with the cleansing scrubber and then rinse off and pat dry. After this Frxxxtion stick application, my skin hasn’t been this soft in I can’t even remember how long. Also, for being a travel size, I didn’t use that much of it so I will definitely get a lot of use out of it. Fun fact: the little scrubber can also be used for brush cleaning, even though I make my sister clean all of my brushes so for the day that I do clean my own brushes, I’ll be able to use the scrubber.

Following the Frxxxtion stick was the Deluxe Deep Diving Cleansing Gel, which for starters smells like a rainforest. I don’t know what a rainforest smells like, but I have to assume it’s this. It’s a face wash that can also be applied with the scrubber. It’s really refreshing when you put it on your skin and definitely gets anything that the Frxxxtion stick missed off of your face. I really enjoyed this face wash and didn’t dry my face out, which is totally a first when it comes to face washes for me.

For the next set: The Make a Splash skincare savers set, there was the deep diving cleansing gel (the same as the other set so I won’t go over it again), Rainforest of the sea Setting Spray, and the Drink of H2O hydrating boost.

After I used the cleansing gel, I spritzed on some of the setting spray, which smelled exactly like Sprite. I don’t even like Sprite but this was phenomenal. It’s supposed to be a setting spray or makeup primer, but can also be used as a skin refresher. I didn’t use it before or after makeup, but it was refreshing. I definitely will have to use this as a primer or setting spray at some point and see if it lives up to those uses.

The final Tarte product was the Drink of H2O hydrating boost. This is actually the main reason I bought this set in the first place. It’s a lightweight gel moisturizer that is said to help quench dry skin. It is literally supposed to be a drink of water for your skin, and it is. With all of my old skincare regimes, I had to reapply lotion every hour or so, but I had this product on all day and never reapplied once. I thought it would be oily on my skin, based on how gel-like it was, but my skin absorbed it really quickly and easily.

All in all, if you’re vegan/ use cruelty-free products, and have dry and sensitive skin (or any type of skin really), these products are for you!

January Favorites

Published on January 30, 2017May 27, 2018 by Alicia4 Comments

Hello all, I was going to do a 2016 favorite’s post to end Blogmas with, and then never did… typical Alicia. So, I’ve decided that I would write a list of some of my favorite products month or month (or knowing me 4 or 5 times a year). Let’s get started.

Luseta Argan Oil Hair Masque- I got this in a giveaway a while ago and completely forgot about it. I used it at the beginning of the month and my hair was lusciously soft and shiny. It works well with color treated hair and I have since used it all up and need to buy a bigger version the next time I see it.

Coconut Face Mask: I got this mask for Christmas. It’s a really good moisturizing mask and it smells really good and is great for sensitive skin. I got another one (a charcoal one from the same brand) and it wasn’t as good, however, the coconut one brightened my skin and made it really soft.

Jouer “Frost Bite” Lip Topper: Jouer is a brand that I am absolutely in love with. They are known for their lip cremes, but they also have lip topper which you can wear alone or put on top of a matte liquid lipstick. They smell like birthday cake and are on the high end of my favorite lip products.

Colourpop Eyebrow Pencil: I love the Anastasia Brow Wiz just as much as the next brow junkie, but when you’re ballin’ on a budget like I am, the Colourpop eyebrow pencil definitely gets the job done. I’m a huge fan of this pencil and I use it almost daily. For those of you wondering (no one is wondering I know) I use either the “Dope Taupe” shade or the “Arched Auburn” shade, depending on my hair color.

E.L.F. Liquid Liner: I was never a big makeup person, but last year I started to wear/experiment with makeup. I can honestly say I’m not perfect at applying liquid liner, but I don’t have 3 million Instagram followers so I don’t have to claim to be. Basically, I do a lot of practice with liner and I don’t want to spend $30 on a liner that I’m only going to wear in the comfort of my house. This E.L.F. liner is only $2, is cruelty-free, and lasts a long time. So, I can do a ton of practice for a cheap price.

There you have it folks, some of my favorite products from January 2017. I’m not promising on having another for a while because I am trying to not spend a cent in preparation for Peru (other than on hiking shoes and other Peru gear) so I might not have any new products to rave about, but I might accidentally splurge, so let’s just wait and see.

Alicia

Winter Necessities

Published on January 10, 2017May 27, 2018 by Alicia3 Comments

Hi everyone, this was originally going to be a Blogmas post, however I wanted to wait and see what I got for Christmas as a filler for this list. I was going to post this earlier however I haven’t had much time or motivation for posting. But here I am, back in action. I also appreciate all the comments, likes, and emails about my dog. I appreciate everything you have said and thank you for your kind words. Let’s get started with some of my winter necessities.

Oatifix Face Mask (Lush): During the winter my dry skin becomes dryer and the fact that my skin is sensitive does not help one bit. I am a firm believer in keeping my skin care and life as natural as possible so shopping at Lush is a natural move for me. With its mix of vanilla, oats, and bananas, this mask is perfect for moistening dry skin and is great for those with sensitive skin as well. I am in love with this facemask and I use it all the time.

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub: I have been using this face wash for a few months now and I use it religiously in the winter. During the winter, I tend to get stressed more (not sure why) so I always break out. This mask is a savior for clearing up my skin. It helps keep skin clear and keeps skin bright which is necessary during the winter.

Candles: Candles are my shit. No matter the scent or color or size or whatever of the candle is, I love candles. I burn candles day in and day out. The one I am obsessed with at the moment is an Essenza candle is the scent Pomegranate Fuji Apple. My dad got a 4-pack of those candles from a work party a bit ago and I love all four of them.

Biore Strips: More skin care woot. During the winter, my pores seem to triple in size, leaving loads of room for blackheads to form. However, I use Biore strips on my nose (and my chin sometimes too) so I don’t look like I have tiny volcanoes littering my face.

Fun (Lush): This is an amazing soap/ shampoo duo that can also be used as a bubble bath. I am a firm believer in baths, especially during the winter when it’s cold outside. This fun is able to be molded into fun shapes or just tossed into the bath for a bubble bath. It is such a versatile product and not to mention, it smells fabulous.

Slippers: Alright, I have never owned a pair of slippers (or at least not in the past like 9 years) and I received a pair a few weeks back, and my life has been changed. I died and was then resurrected. I am the 2017 Jesus. Basically, they’re like walking on clouds and if I’m in the house, they are on my feet. If you own slippers, I am now part of the secret slipper sisters club, and if you don’t: Buy some…NOW

Bath Robes: Basically just read the slippers one except substitute slippers with bath robes and you’re good.

These are my winter necessities, what are yours?

New hair… Follow up

Published on January 17, 2016May 27, 2018 by AliciaLeave a comment

Well friends, hello. So, as yo all saw in my most recent post. I dyed my hair yesterday and am absolutely in love wit it. Most of the people I know enjoy it or at least saying they like it for ,y sake. However some people have expressed their disgust for it. I decided to share my findings on red/pink hair lovers, and judgemental pricks whom I have no time for. here we go

My mom: She did it for me so she can’t hate it too much. She thinks it’s weird because she isn’t use to it

My dad: Very judgemental man but is just content that it isn’t permanent (yet)

My sister: I’m not too sure. She hated it when we were in the midst but enjoys me pretending to be Princess Fiona from Shrek when I use my face mask

My grandma: “Red hair??” Not negative or positive, merely shocked

My grandpa: “Getting ready to go back I see” was his initial response… Midway through dinner and he chimed in with “Going for the Raggedy Ann look but with longer hair.” I thought it was funny

My aunt: “wow that is pink” She wasn’t a fan

Her husband: “That is a wig… right?” wasn’t a fan either

My mom’s facebook friends:

“Read head rock! ;)” thanks
“Is that Aztec red from L’oreal?” get it bc I’m an aztec
Lovely so different” my neighbor is rad
“Rebel!’ my great aunt is cute
“:o”
“Well, I DID love the blond…”
“Wow!!! You are gorgeous in any color.” THANKS AUNT PAM
“Oh shit! You are beautiful, don’t screw with it!” BYE
“I dyed my hair red too” he has no hair
“I wish I saw your dad’s face”
“Yummy”
“Marisa (my parents’ friends’ 3 year old) said she likes it!” which is actually the only opinion I cared for

My friends:

“ilysm youre the coolest for having fun hair (like I used to… sigh”
“alicia you look so good!!!”
“IM CRYING UR BEAUTIFUL”
“it looks so good!!! (heart eye emoji)”
“I hate it haha” u r irrelevant bye
“I see you’ve joined me in the red head club”
“It looks amazing! what made you do it?”
“I love it lol didn’t think you had the balls to”
“I dig this”
“^^I agree”
“hey I think u fell asleep on cotton candy…… I LOVE IT”
“WHAT IT LOOOKS SOOOO GOOD”
“OMG (HEART EYE EMOJI)”
“Suite life of Zack and Cody” refe0rring to my caption
“Aww now your just like me <3” wrong your omg
“Love”
“OMG I love it”
“I get you and your references” referring to my caption
“Dead.” referring to my caption
“Looks like you’re living the suite life” referring to my caption
“what’s the capital of Honduras” referring to my caption

Anyway here is what people have to say. However, all that matters is that I love it which I do

Talk to you all soon

Alicia 🙂

P.S. This gif is literally me and my hands rn

New Year… New Hair

Published on January 16, 2016May 27, 2018 by AliciaLeave a comment

Yes, I hate myself for the title of this post just as much as you do. But anyway, I do have some new hair.

For quite a while now, I have wanted to try out a new hair color… a red hair color. I have always wanted to and never had the guts. Today, I grew a set and dyed my hair. Well, my mom dyed my hair. I went to Target and bought a temporary red hair dye- temporary because I wasn’t sure I would like red hair… But I love it. Kind of sad that it’s not longer lasting. I love it so much and am so glad I did it. So, here’s a few (maybe a lot) of pictures I took of my new hair. Hope y’all like it as much as I do.