Green Waters, Stronger Messages

Now a days we are all caught up in technology we don’t take a minute to step back and take a minute to stop and enjoy life. I am totally guilty of this, so yes include me. We are all glued to our phones, tablets, computers, video games,  whatever our vice is we all have one. It is so crazy to think just 20 years ago we didn’t have most of these devices, what did we do back then?

Why am I starting with all of this you may ask, in the Lush Kitchen they have a bath bomb that invokes these thoughts. Bugsplat as it’s called comes with an insert that reads “Welcome to the Drone Age” When I first got this bath bomb I couldn’t put it back in the box fast enough, all I could pick up was this strong smell. As you drop it in the bath it definitely mellows out.  It has the same scent as the bug perfume with sandal wood, pepper, and elemi. What drew me to this bath bomb was all the money you spend of this bad boy is donated to Reprive to help fund their campaign against drone strikes.  A good cause and my own lagoon ? I’m sold.

What pairs with such a spicy scent you may ask? A soft floral, and since I have been binge watching season 1 of Game of Thrones I have no better match than Ghost Shower Gel. This is one of my favorites it also has a matching jelly, it is a thick shimmery white shower gel. Ghost is a very soft floral, yet lingers on the skin for hours.  The jasmine sticks out more than the rose. However, it is not as strong as sex bomb or flying fox. If you like florals you will love this guy. My skin was so soft after this bath, I don’t know if it was the orchid infusion from Ghost or from soaking in Bugsplat for so long. I am like seriously softer than a baby!

Ratings:

Bugsplat: 3 out of 5

Ghost: 4 out of 5

Thank you for following me on this adventure! Make sure to follow on insta and twitter ! @stardustfunk !

Summer Time Fine

So this past Wednesday was the first official day of summer. Living in Miami every day can feel like summer. Although I wish I could spend most of my summer in Bimini where that picture was taken. Wherever you are, it’s summer time to enjoy the fuck out of it. When I was younger it was all about no school, music, popsicle, partying, and of course the beach. My must haves include a bit of the nostalgia of all of that good stuff with my own twist.

• Little Black Dress: Summer approved, of course. Now i know what you’re thinking black in this summer heat. Yes it can be done. A simple T-shirt dress or a tank dress with some cute shoes and BAM your set. This is where #2 comes into play. Dress: dollskill Bag: killstar
• A Statement Bag: Make it pop. It’s summer, what better time to show how you feel with a bag instead of a lame T-shirt? This can take any outfit from lame to the shit. You want something that is going to have people begging you to tell them where you copped it, just reply ” I forgot” and smile like the badass you are. Bag: dollskill
• Starbucks: Iced Please ? What is summer with out your iced drinks and sunglasses ?
• Fishnets: Now I have been feeling these way too much lately. You can dress them up or down, pair em with jean shorts or a dress. They are just so easy and come in so many colors. The best part? Won’t break your bank. Fishnets/Shirt: alien outfitters
• Music: Now I bet you’re thinking um music? Yes ! Go out of your way and explore some new music. Support local musicians, go listen to some bands play live, ect. I went all out and got a record player. I am following in my grandfather’s footsteps and hope to start a collection. Of course i had to start with my favorite album that just celebrated it’s 50th birthday. FYI most artist have vynils and the MP3 version too.
  

  
• Netflix: What is summer with out binge watching all your favorite movies and shows? I mean I’m all about partying and going all out but who doesn’t love to bum it out and watch an entire series in a week? Or re watch their favorite movie for the 100th time? Make sure to have fun with it!
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  Movie: The Shining
• BEACH: If you are one of the luck ones near a beach take advantage! Not everyone is lucky as us! I have been dying to catch some up on some sun but the Miami weather has not been cooperating. Take advantage, it is summer after all! Make sure to wear sunscreen while you tan and don’t forget those lips!
  

  
  
  Lip Balm: stardustfunk (SPF + moisture) Towel: alien outfitters
• Get Creative: Do something creative! Get out of your comfort zone. Do a DIY project, take a trip you have always wanted to take, get outside more. Do whatever makes you happy! Make this summer count! I planted this bad boy myself into one of my empty lush pots. If you are a true lushie you have a bunch left over and this is a cute way to brighten up any room.

Now if you really like all my suggestions feel free to click the hyperlinks under the pictures and help yourself. Treat Yourself this Summer! You won’t regret it! Don’t forget when shopping at Alien Outfitters Make sure to click my refferal link for 15% off your order!

MDW 2017

Memorial day weekend is very important weekend, we can’t forget why we celebrate and have this weekend off. However this weekend I got the opportunity to have a photo shoot and I couldn’t be happier about it. It usually rains here in Miami but we got lucky with amazing weather! Between the pictures, the weather, and the sun tanning by the pool I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

romper: topshop hat: dollskill necklace: rogue and wolf lipstick: limecrime pansy

top: juicy couture skirt: nikki lipstick shoes: YRU highlight: kat von d alchemist palette

shirt//fishnets: alien outfitters belt/glasses: dollskill shorts: express boots:sam edelman

I had a blast running around Miami shooting photos. I loved styling and getting all dressed up. I can’t wait till the next one. All details are mentioned above. When shopping at alien outfitters use my link for 15% off!

sylist//MUA: @stardustfunk

Bubblegum Lip Scrub Review

Lip Scrub: Lush Bubblegum 25g       Price: $9.95

So I have recently started using matte lipsticks, but there’s one thing standing in my way DRY LIPS. Kylie Jenner makes those smooth lips look so easy. I tried all the so called tricks and nothing compares to the Lush lip scrubs. I know what your thinking $9.95 for a lip scrub? But hey they last forever and they get rid of dry lips before applying lipstick and left over stains of remaining lip stick.

What sets this scrub apart is the matching flavor and sweet smell of bubblegum. It instantly took me back to my middle school days walking around with my lip smackers. However this bad boy is a castor sugar scrub with bubblegum flavoring. It is rough enough to easily remove excess skin from the lips leaving them smooth and ready for lipstick application, without being too much and making lips raw. You can either rub it off with your finger or lick it off. Beware once you get a taste it is addictive! I heard of a girl who buys one for her lips and one to eat, I DO NOT RECOMEND EATING THAT MUCH SUGAR!

Rating: 4/5  Lush Lip Scrubs 

The only reason I gave it a 4/5 is because it is a small bottle for the price. It does last forever though. Above before applying my matte lipstick I used my go to lip scrub. It makes matte lipstick 500 times easier. As you can see it glides on smoothly. Matte lipsticks were my biggest nightmare, now not so much.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW SO I CAN PUT THEM TO THE TEST!

 

NYX Cosmetics

NYX Cosmetics is one of my go to brands. They are affordable and are AMAZING. Great prices without loosing quality. I was lucky enough to attend the opening of a store in Miami. In previous post I have posted some of my favorite NYX Cosmetics products. I am beyond grateful to have not 1 but 2 NYX Cosmetics stores in my area. My smile says it all. I will go over 5 products I can’t live without. It was hard to limit it down to 5 but here we go:

1. Lip Lingerie– Satin Ribbon- is my shade of choice, still  moisturizer and long-lasting I can’t get enough I am dying to try the new lip liners
2. Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick– Sway- I wore this to Ultra, not only did it stay on everyone was giving me compliments
3. Butter Lipstick– West Coast- goes on so smooth and so pigmented I have in so many different colors
4. Color Correcting Palette– comes with 6 different colors and blends well under foundation for problem areas
5. Total Control Drop Foundation– this is a great light to medium coverage foundation, it comes in 24 shades and is very lightweight

When it comes to makeup I don’t spend hours doing full face and highlight contour all that jazz. I do like to have a fresh face, or what they call “lazy girl face.” All these products help me achieve that look with ease. The employees were helpful and helped me find everything I needed. From the right shade for my skin tone to every lippie my heart desired. I left as happy as my wallet was. Check out some of my badass haul.

FYI not everything fit in this picture… I have a problem 🙂

Make sure to keep up with us on twitter and instagram @stardustfunk !

Metamorphosis, Lord of Misrule, and Damaged Lush Reviews

So after a long  week of partying the best thing to do for your body is load up with water and relax. My favorite way to relax is with a good bath and pamper myself. After all the pool parties and the humid weather of Miami spring break took a toll on me. I could definitely use some time to spoil myself. This week I choose a hair treatment and some muscle soothing bath products all from Lush.

Everyone has their own way of taking care of themselves, some prefer to go to the nail salon others like me can sit in a bath tub for hours. Different products can have different effects on your mood. For examples some bath bombs can help with sleep, while some like the one I chose for this bath can help sooth muscles. I needed some relief after all that dancing! As for my hair treatment I chose one from lush as well, after the pools and beach and usual bad shit I put it through I decided it was time to show it some love and chose the one that sounded most appropriate.

rating: 4/5

This quite odd looking bath bomb is metamorphosis, don’t let it’s grey exterior fool you. The inside is packed full of colors. Once the silver exterior melts away is when the colors really start to pop. It’s round but has a texture on it. The smell is just divine quite spicy, and it lingers for hours. Spicy but in the most subtle way possible. I would recommend this for when you are feeling sore or a bit under the weather. This is also good if you just aren’t into the fruity scents.

rating 5/5

This is a Lush classic scent Lord of Misrule. I love it, spicy, earthy and sweet. This is a green shower cream that will leave your skin soft and feeling moisturized. It is not as spicy as metamorphosis but they are in the same scent family. This can be used as a unisex shower cream. I recommend that everyone own a bottle of LOM at home.

rating 2/5

So after spring break and dying my hair I thought it could use some TLC. I went ahead and ordered the Damaged hair treatment. Let me start by saying I have a lot of long thick hair so I thought this little lollipop looking thing was not going to melt out to cover my hair. Boy was I wrong. There was enough to last me two treatments! The only problem is they must be used fresh. I just melted it down per the instructions on the paper and stirred with the wood thing that’s actually a spoon (COOLEST PART) and globbed it on my hair. The reason I didn’t give it a higher review is due to the fact of the smell, it was gross. I had to add my own lavender essential oil to be able to bear it. After I washed it with normal shampoo it left my hair AMAZING. It did take a while to wash it out.  But after the abuse I put my hair through it needed some lovin.

 

After me spoiling myself here is a picture of the ultimate spoil a pink drink from Starbucks. No filter so you can see the results of the Damaged hair treatment. More reviews and what not coming at you keep up on twitter and instagram! @stardustfunk

 

 

Miami Music Week 2017

So festival season has arrived! That means crazy fashion bold make up looks, and LOTS of glitter! I personally love it, even if I’m just couch raving. Festivals give you the opportunity to dress up and glam yourself up however you feel, whether that be a mermaid or a unicorn. Some might go the other way and dress up as a spider or a queen of darkness. Whatever floats your boat. I love festivals not only for the music but for the feeling of everyone coming together and being able to express themselves. It’s like once you walk through the doors you leave your problems behind and you just feel the love.

The last week in March is one of the craziest and most awaited weeks of the year in Miami, AKA Miami Music Week or Winter Music Conference. This is the week leading up to Ultra Music Festival. Every club is fucking lit with the best DJs from around the world. The pool parties are insane. You never know what is going to happen or who is going to show up. Basically party party party for that entire week than BAM it’s Ultra.

I partied my ASS off. Literally. I went out pretty much everyday and every night and went to the last day of Ultra. I am happy to say I got to see soooo many DJs and even fucking FUTURE!!! So let’s list just a few of the bad asses I saw: Marcus Shultz, Pete Tong, Hot Since 82, DJ Snake, Fedde Le Grande, Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Afrojack, David Guetta, Hardwell. I can’t remember some of them the list was so long. I had the best time!

Now down to the nitty gritty… The fashion and the makeup. When it comes to those long hours at a club or at a festival the last thing you want to be thinking about is your makeup. Lucky for me the NYX  liquid suede lipstick in SWAY was able to keep up with my dance moves all of Ultra with only one or two reapplication. I highly recommend for any  long wear lipstick! If you are looking for a long lasting gloss look no further than limecrime the diamond crushers are non sticky gloss that stay on for hours, my color of choice is CHOKE. As for the fashion check out my looks below.

Body Suit: Express Shorts: Express Boots: Mark Fisher Lipstick:Limecrime

Shirt: Dollskill Baithingsuit: Tillys Shorts: Express Shoes:Nordstrom

Jacket: Dollskill Body Suit: Forever 21 Skirt: American Apparel Boots: Steve Madden

Shirt: Alice Vandy- Dollskill Shorts: Express Boots: Steve Madden Lipstick: NYX- sway Eyes/ Highlight: Kat Von D AlchemistPallette

Now that you got the deets here are some more pictures from the real fun of the week! Hope you enjoy and are ready for the rest of festival season! I know I am. What festivals do you plan on attending this year? Let me know in the comments! make sure to add us on twitter and instagram @stardustfunk !!!!

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Lavender, Purple Bliss

Lavender is my personal favorite, I love everything about it. I love the color, smell, the way it looks, the benefits, I can go on forever. Lavender has been used for over 2500 years. Egyptians used it for mummification and as perfume. The Romans used it for baths, in cooking, and scenting the air. The name lavender comes from Latin lavare that means “to wash”. Today you can find Lavender growing in Southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. The essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the plant and used for many purposes. This is the most used essential oil in the world today.

• Some benefits include:
• reduces anxiety and stress
• helps heal burns and wounds
• improves sleep
• restores skin completion & helps reduce acne
• improves eczema & psoriasis
• alleviates headaches

These are just some of the amazing benefits associated with lavender. Researchers from China discovered that it can help your body produce three powerful antioxidants. This can help slow aging skin. It also used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and migraines. Two different studies showed it helped with PTSD and postpartum depression. Due to its antimicrobial properties it prevents infections and combats fungal disorders. Another great use is for hair, helps with thinning hair and hair growth. As a person with chronic migraines lavender is my go to, inhale for about 15 minutes and feel some relief. When it comes to lavender and it’s benefits everyone thinks sleep. This might be one of its most powerful benefits. It can help with the length of sleep you get, time it takes to fall asleep, restfulness, and reduced symptoms of insomnia.

Lavender and Rosemary Hair Detangles DIY Recipe:

• What you need:
• 6-8 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1-1/12 ounces purified water
• 2 ounce spray bottle
• small funnel (optional)
• Directions

1. Place the lavender and rosemary oil into the glass bottle
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and water using the funnel if needed
3. cap the bottle tightly and shake well
4. it’s now ready to use! Spray after showering or before brushing to help detangle! Enjoy !

I cannot get enough lavender. After finding out so many of the amazing benefits I can see why everyone loves it. It smells amazing and is good for you too. That doesn’t come around often!

Make sure to follow us on instagram and twitter @stardustfunk !

 

Sources:

Dr. Axe

University of Maryland

 

Clay, a Perfect Skin Care Match

Clay, no I’m not talking about play dough! I’m talking about that amazing stuff that we pull out of the ground, yeah I know not what you were thinking. Dirt is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of skin care but the purifying properties are just too good to pass up. Clay is a soft, fine, mineral substance. Depending on where it comes from, there are many different types of clays that can be used for different reasons. Depending on your skin type one clay might be better for you than another. Clays are usually best for normal to oily skin types because they absorb moisture.

What some of us don’t know is our skin type. Each of our face is different, facial skin is different from person to person. We can be dry, oily, or combination. What does that mean?  Think about your face midday with out product how does it feel. Are you comfortable or are you tight? There is your answer!

Some examples of clays used in skin care products:

Brazilian Clay is naturally colored an does not contain dyes or pigments. The various shades are achieved by variations in the minerals found in the soil in the different regions of Brazil.

Kaolin Clay is a very fin powdered clay and can come in a variety of colors. It is a generic clay with less liquid absorbing abilities than most. It’s best for sensitive and dry skin.

Sea Clay is a dark green clay that comes from mud laid under the sea millions of years ago. It’s best for normal to oily skin.

DRY/NORMAL:Rose Clay,Kaolin Clay,Brazilian Clay

NORMAL/OILY:Sea Clay, French Green Clay, Bentonite Clay, Brazilian Clay

At stardustfunk we have been working hard testing products (never on animals!) to see what clays work best in our recipes! Good news is we are getting ready to launch our new line of masks and scrubs!

Lavender Clay Face Mask- formualted for dry skin

Sea Clay Face Mask- formulated for oily skin

Turmeric Clay Face Mask- formulated for combination to oily skin

PS my crazy face shows my level of stress, and yes that is myself testing out the face mask

SHEA BUTTER that is all

Shea butter or Butyrospermum Parkii if we are being scientific is an off white fatty substance obtained from the nuts of the shea tree mainly from West Africa. Did you know that Cleopatra used shea butter in her beauty routine? If its fit for a queen it’s fit for me. Most of us know of this gift from the earth because it is typically used in natural skin care products. Raw and unrefined shea butter is rich in oleic acids, vitamin E and vitamin A. It also has high amounts of fatty acids. Studies show not only does it help reduces inflammation but it also has some of the same anti-tumor promoting benefits that cinnamon has. Who doesn’t want baby soft skin at the end of the day?

But why shea butter you ask?

Raw shea butter is a great ingredient because it hydrates and helps the skin glow. it helps provide hydration to the skin, keeping it soft. Shea butter also helps reduce wrinkles and boost collagen and cell regeneration. Do you have a dry scalp or hair? you guessed it more shea butter! It works much like coconut oil, seals in moisture conditioning the scalp alleviating dandruff, leave on for 20-30 minutes rinse then shampoo and condition like normal. Perfect to help eliminate that itchy winter skin, or to prevents wind burn. Shea butter naturally has a SPF of 6. It is a much healthier choice than sunscreen. Brace yourselves this is my favorite one because I am proof of this, of course nothing is over night, reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scarring. It took a few months of applying every night but stretch marks gone. Prevents diaper rash for babies because of its anti-inflamitory and antifungal properties. It’s pretty damn awesome.

If list are more your style heres 5 more reasons why you should be using shea butter every day:

1. Can enhance the elasticity of your skin, some even say it helps with cellulite.
2. Can help with those pesky bags under your eyes.
3. Useful as skin lotion, can be mixed with essential oils, has SPF of 6.
4. Can be used daily to reduce inflammation, eczema and psoriasis.
5. Using it as a primer or foundation for your make up will not only hydrate dry skin but will help make up pop but will help it last longer. (be careful if you have acne prone or oily skin it may clog pores)

 

If that’s not enough for ya I don’t know what is baby.

You can find shea butter at your local health food store. Always look for unrefined and organic.