Nivea Men's Shave Balm Primer Review

I owe a huge thank you to Nikki de Jager aka the queen behind the NikkiTutorials YouTube channel. She recommended using Nivea Men's Post-Shave Balm as a makeup primer in one of her videos and since then, I haven't touched another primer.

I know what you're thinking because I thought the same thing... men's shave balm? As a makeup primer? Sounds absurd. It is absurd. 

Once you understand why it works from a scientific standpoint it all makes perfect sense. 

Nikki pointed out that the main ingredient in a makeup primer should be glycerin because of how it helps makeup stay in place and prevents it from fading or wearing during the day. Think of glycerin as double-sided tape that rests between your face and your makeup. It is highly effective without making foundation look cakey and weird. You know what I'm talking about, right?

Glycerin is the secret ingredient that allows Nivea Men's Post-Shave Balm to work effectively as a makeup primer. 

To use the Nivea balm as a primer, start by cleansing and moisturizing your face and towel drying. Apply a dime-size amount of the primer all over face and let dry completely (2-3 minutes). It goes on smoothly and feels refreshing with a very subtle "man" scent that goes away after it dries - I quite like the way it smells. After it's dry, apply foundation as usual and watch your makeup last all day!

How Rocksbox Won Me Over

I could write an entire blog post on subscription services I've thought about trying. They are so hot right now and it really seems like it happened overnight. I am not one to sign up to a monthly service (I don't even have Netflix) but I changed my mind when I discovered Rocksbox.

If you're like me, you have pretty high standards for something that comes with a monthly fee. When I received my first Rocksbox, I was blown away by the quality of the box. The jewelry fit my personal style and the packaging made me feel oh so special.

Fast forward six months later and I'm STILL loving Rocksbox. That's right, I've gotten my very own little white box of jewelry delivered to my door for six months. The Rocksbox team has really done a phenomenal job of making sure each subscriber feels the love each month with personalized notes and adorable stationary. Love.

If your jewelry wardrobe is lacking this spring, it's time for you to sign up to Rocksbox. You can get your first month of jewelry FREE when you use my code thefashionspeakxoxo at checkout. What are you waiting for? Go to www.rocksbox.com and sign up!

How to Wear All Black Like a Pro

I attribute my affinity for wearing black to Coco Chanel. I once read a book on Chanel that talked about her love of three colors: black, white and beige. Can one go wrong with these colors? No. The star of the show, however, is black. It's always black.

Whether you're going to a formal dinner party or a college frat party, you simply can't go wrong in black. If you are completely clueless about what you should wear to a function or an event, please save yourself and wear black. It works every time! 

While wearing mostly black can make you look chic and put together, there are a few things that can go wrong if you're not careful. Below I have listed a few things I do to guarantee my all-black look is flawless so that I don't have to think twice about it.

Lint rollers are your BFF

Fact: I have a lint roller with me at all times. I don't have any pets that live with me but I'm always surprised at how much lint shows up on my black jeans. The simplest fix is a quick roll-down with a sticky lint roller. You can buy them at any supermarket or drugstore for next to nothing and they last forever. If you're wearing black, add lint rolling to your routine.

Clear gel deodorant is life 

How many times have you had to change your outfit at the last minute because your white deodorant got on your shirt? I know. It's the worst. This used to happen to me ALL the time and I finally realized I didn't have to suffer any longer. Gel deodorant is the best. It doesn't show up on black at all. You can put it on before you put your shirt on without having to worry about it transferring to your top. Some people complain about the way it feels going on, but my advice is to use it when you wear black at the very least. No outfit deserves to have deodorant marks on it. 

Quick stain removal 101

So you're lint-free and deodorant-free but you have a pesky stain that came out of nowhere.. What do you do? This happens more often than I would like for it to but luckily I've found a super easy way to remove common stains. I know I'm not the only one who's makeup has transferred to the neckline of her *black* shirt. When I get a stain like this, I put a tiny drop of water on the stain and then rub the fabric together until eventually the stain disappears. It works every time! 

NYX Lip Product Review

If you follow me on Snapchat (add me by username: itsashleycook) then you know how much I've used NYX products lately.

Typically I reach for a matte lipstick before I ever reach for a lip gloss. This is just a personal preference. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has found most lip glosses to be sticky and tacky and just overall BAD. If you're like me and have experienced a truly bad lip gloss or lip product in general, you'll be thrilled with NYX lip products.

I bought the NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Tiramisu per recommendation by Kathleen Lights, who is a YouTube makeup vlogger. I trust Kathleen's reviews but I never expected to love NYX products as much as I do. My love for the Butter Gloss lead me to buy other shades and also to branch out and try their Soft Matte Lip Cream.

NYX Butter Gloss 

What To Expect
When you open the small tube you immediately smell the deliciously soft, sweet scent of the gloss. It reminds me of freshly baked cookies! The gloss glides on and feels creamy and hydrating on the lip. While the gloss is shiny and offers a nice sheen, it is certainly not sticky or tacky like some glosses can be.

It lasts a surprisingly long time and leaves your lips feeling super soft. I like wearing this with an everyday makeup look because it adds a natural and feminine feel but it looks equally good with a more dramatic makeup look for nighttime.

What I Do
I always line my lips regardless of what lip product I'm wearing.  Sometimes I use a nude lip liner before the gloss and sometimes I use a pink liner. I've found that any liner really helps the gloss look more defined and keeps it from transferring to any where on your face besides your lips. I re-apply through out the day and I always bring a tube with me in my purse or my backpack because when I wear it, it acts as my chapstick too.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

What To Expect

Much like the Butter Gloss, the Lip Cream smells SO good. The Lip Cream feels almost like nothing when you apply it, but then it dries and REALLY feels like nothing. It took me a few wears to get used to but now I am obsessed with it. It stays on through everything and I mean...everything. Eating an apple? Yes. Drinking from a glass? Yes. A straw? Yes. Eating a sandwich? Yes. I'm not kidding. 

The Lip Cream is perfect for long days when you may not be able to constantly re-apply or touch up your makeup. It definitely dries into a matte finish (hence the name) so if you're looking for a shimmery look, this isn't the product for you. However, if you want to rock the matte lip that is SO popular right now, I definitely recommend the Lip Cream.

What I Do

I line my lips with the appropriate shade based on what color Lip Cream I'm wearing. Like I mentioned with the Butter Gloss, lining my lips is something I always do to add definition and wearability. If you do choose to use a liner before the Lip Cream, you should use a matte lip liner to allow the products to blend seamlessly.

Where To Buy

I go crazy in Target. It's true. You know the feeling. The makeup selection is so great and so cheap that sometimes (all the time) it's hard not to buy tons of stuff. So yes, NYX products are available at Target. I've always purchased mine from Target but if you don't live somewhere that has a Target every five miles, I recommend going to drugstore.com and browsing for NYX products. It's an awesome site for all drugstore products - especially makeup.

Refresh Your Cardigan Collection

I love wrapping up in a cardigan on a breezy day that is too warm for a coat but too cold for short sleeves. Cardigans can be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe since they easily transition from season to season when paired with the right outfit.

If you want to take your cardigan game to the next level, you've got to try something different. From chunky knit to sheer fitted - there are endless styles of cardigans. My favorite one of the moment is the long cardigan.

Long cardigans are a favorite among celebrity stylist Monica Rose, who dresses Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, both of whom wear long cardigans ALL the time. While I don't enjoy keeping up with anyone in the Kardashian crew, I do enjoy keeping up with what is trending in fashion. Long cardigans? Definitely trending.

I found some great long cardigans at Zara and I can't stop wearing them! The price is right and the fit is perfect. Whether you're at the office, on a college campus, lounging at home or going out at night, these long cardigans will elevate your look and take your cardigan game to the next level.

photos, editing | Michael Collins Design 

// shop this look //

necklace: DIY ribbon choker

cardigan: Zara 

The Hottest Jeans Right Now

It seems like every spring there is a new style of jeans taking over the streetwear scene. Last year it was all about wide-leg, 70s-esque flares, while prior to that we watched American Apparel inspired mom jeans flood the stores. This year it's all about the ankle crop.

The ankle crop jean is very different from the ankle roll, which is essentially any old pair of skinny jeans rolled up twice at the ankle. The ankle crop is a style of jeans that only reach the top of the ankle rather than reaching the heel.

These jeans have been seen on top fashion bloggers such as Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat, top models such as Bella Hadid and it-girl celebrities like Selena Gomez.

While I'm super aware of how on trend these jeans are, I'm still on the fence about buying them. I didn't totally love the mom jean trend and the 70s flare jeans weren't ideal for me to wear on a college campus. The ankle crop, however, are so easy and fun so I'm pretty sure I need a few pairs in my closet this spring.

I've scoured some of the best sites and included links to buy these jeans below.  I hope that you'll grab a pair for yourself!

Selena Gomez 

Bella Hadid

Danielle Bernstein

________________

Where to shop: 

J Brand low rise ankle skinny crop

RE/DONE black ankle crop 

ZARA relaxed fit crop

7FORALLMANKIND ankle crop

DIY Choker Tutorial

photos/editing | Michael Collins Design

I love them. They're everywhere. If you don't own one by now, that's about to change. I've already written about where to find cheap chokers, but it's time to add to that collection. I am SO thrilled to share my DIY secret to make the very best chokers.

Why are these the very best chokers? They're the exact style that is the most popular, they are available in virtually every color or texture imaginable, and one more thing... they cost about 10 cents each!

These chokers are made out of ribbon and stick-on Velcro. That's it! I went crazy in the craft section of Walmart and bought spools of ribbon (about $1.67 per spool) and then found small pieces of stick on Velcro (about $2.00 per pack). What did I end up with? TONS of chokers.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Buy desired ribbon and adhesive Velcro 

2.  Roll out ribbon, measure around middle of neck, cut

3. Stick one piece of Velcro on one end, flip ribbon over

4. Stick remaining piece of Velcro on opposite end

5. Wrap around neck and stick together

Online Shopping With thredUP

It's no secret that I love online shopping (who doesn't?), which stands to reason why I am always browsing for new sites to feed my addiction. My aunt recently introduced me to thredUP and I've been loving it ever since.

This is a website that allows users to consign and shop for top name brands at a fraction of the price. The catch? There isn't one. I've purchased cozy Vince sweaters for under $30. That's unheard of!

There are more benefits to thredUP than just the price. Shipping is free on orders over $70 and returns are FREE within 14 days. What does this mean? You can basically have clothes shipped to your doorstep and try them on to see if you like them. If not, you simply box them up and send them back. No harm, no foul.

It's like being in a dressing room of a name brand store. Except you're at home. Choosing from hundreds of name brands. Swoon.

Today I'm featuring this lovely blue top by LNA that I ordered back in December. It's the perfect texture for days in between winter and spring when the weather can't decide what it wants to do.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't typically opt for ~blue~ unless it's a super dark navy or a denim. However, when an item is this affordable I'm always willing to branch out and try it. I definitely recommend seeing what the hype is all about and shopping thredUP for yourself.

Let me know if you have any luck!

20 Things I've Learned in 20 Years

Happy birthday to ME! While I feel much older than 20, I am really glad I am so young. I could write a book on the things that have happened in the past year alone, but instead I want to step back and reflect on what I've learned in the past 20 years.

1. It's your life

Don't let a single soul dictate how you should live your life. This includes what you wear, what you eat, where you live, what you do for a living, and who you surround yourself with. We have to live with our decisions no matter what. 

2. Laughter reveals all

Are you fake laughing? Are you laughing so hard your ruining your makeup? Are you laughing so hard you're about to pee your pants? The amount and the quality of your laughter is something to pay attention to. Surround yourself with those who ruin your makeup and make you pee. Trust me.

3. Traveling makes you rich

Prada is expensive but going into the first ever Prada store in Milan and trying on every pair of sunglasses with your best friends doesn't cost a dime. I don't care where you go, just go. Get out. Your comfort zone? Burn it. Travel as often as you can, no excuses. 

4. You don't want to fit in

I finally learned this lesson when I was in high school. Tired of blending in and flying under the radar, I decided that standing out is essential to getting somewhere in life. In order to be SOMEBODY you have to be unlike anybody. It's instinctual. Don't suppress your true self no matter where you live.

5. Kindness kills 

Don't let anyone walk all over you. You're not a doormat. However, kindness goes a long way with enemies. Being kind to someone you don't like isn't the same as being 'fake' because when you decide to be kind it is a genuine act. Be so nice that it kills them. 

6. Messy hair wins

I only get compliments on my hair when I wear it totally natural - wavy and carefree. It's awesome. Don't damage your hair just because you feel like you have to look picture perfect. Your natural hair is what makes you you. 

7. Losing friends is a good thing

If you don't lose a few friends along the way that means you're not changing at all. It is so important to be conscious of how you're evolving and growing as an individual. 

8. Love love love yourself

I'm my favorite date ever. I always do what I want to do, eat what I want to eat, and go where I want to go. In all seriousness, I learned early on how to be my own best friend and I can't reiterate enough just how much this has helped me go through life's difficulties. Be your own biggest fan. You'll go places.

9. All change is good

I think I was in the seventh grade when I first told myself this. It's still true today. Each year I change drastically in one way or another and I can't imagine it any other way. It's a sign of growth and that's a positive thing, even if it was painful. 

10. Dogs > cats

Cats are absolutely psychotic creatures and I can't fathom why anyone would willingly choose to own a cat over a precious perfect dog. I know, I know. All of you crazy cat owners are reading this thinking, "No! You would love my cat! My cat isn't psycho at all!" because that is exactly what owners of psycho cats always tell me. No. Dogs are exponentially better in literally every way possible.

11. Your niche awaits

I've known what I wanted my career to be since I was a junior in high school but that doesn't mean it hasn't evolved since then. The more time you spend getting to know yourself (see #8) the more you will realize what you want your life to look like and what steps you need to take to get there. 

12. Listen to your body

A week before writing this I was in the hospital for dehydration after nearly fainting in the middle of a classroom. Why? I neglected to listen to what my body was telling me, which was: "hey idiot you have a serious stomach virus how about sleeping and drinking gatorade for a while?" I learned my lesson. Listen to your body. 

13. You're taken as seriously as you dress

Why do so many college students dress like giant toddlers? Why would a highly educated professor take anything someone wearing a giant tee shirt and flip flops seriously? I ask myself these questions a lot but genuinely don't judge. I just observe, and wonder. If you want to be respected, look the part. It takes the same amount of time to put on jeans as it does yoga pants. Small efforts, huge returns. 

14. Buy the shoes

So the shoe fits, you love it, you want it, but you don't buy it. Unless it would seriously set you way back financially, BUY the shoes!!! 

15. Less is -always- more

This is true for outfits, home decor, friends, cars, and purses. Don't mindlessly collect things because they're on sale or they're easy to come by. Think carefully before you buy something and if it doesn't fit your aesthetic, don't freaking buy it.

16. Take no sh*t 

Honey honey honey... Life will throw some crazy people at you but you can't take sh*t from those people. Keep moving. My advice for anyone who treats you poorly: treat them like air. Don't put up with someone who tries to bring you down. 

17. Wine hates an empty stomach

Once upon a time I thought it was a grand idea to not eat all day long because of the outfit I was planning to wear that night. A poor choice that ended poorly for all poor souls involved. Moral of the story: have some carbs, girl. 

18. Work is secondary to happiness

Italy taught me that life comes before work and work is not life nor should it ever be, no matter what your financial status is. Life is too damn short to work yourself to death (literally). This goes for school, too. I refuse to let life pass me by because I'm drowning in work.

19. Pancakes give you life

They always have. When I was little, I used to make pancakes for me and my mom every Saturday morning before we went shopping. Nowadays, I make paleo pancakes for us every time I come into town for a visit. They still taste like childhood and bliss. And maple syrup. Pancakes are everything.

20. Don't have dreams, have goals

I should have ownership of this phrase by now. I cringe when I hear someone tell me to ~dream big~ What does that even mean? Sleep late? No. I will not dream big. I will set goals for myself to achieve. I will hold myself accountable for work I have to do to get myself to the place I need to be to reach my goals. I will not sit quietly waiting for an ideal life to show up on a silver platter. I will work hard for what I want and leave not one inch of room for excuses. Here's to being 20. I've got quite a number of goals lined up for this year. LET'S GO! 

Treat Yourself to a Rocksbox Jewelry Subscription

If the jewelry you got for Valentine's Day isn't quite your taste, fear not. I'm here to help. I want to give you not just one piece of jewelry but a whole box for FREE! Thank me later. My jewelry collection has been completely revamped ever since I discovered Rocksbox. Here are a few reasons why I use Rocksbox...

Convenient

I don't always think about shopping for jewelry, mostly because a great deal of my shopping is done online and I don't ever feel like browsing through pages and pages of tiny studs and cuffs. This is how Rocksbox changed the game: they allow users to create a wish list of -designer- jewelry and then a personal stylist selects pieces from that list for the box!

Personal

Now, each month I receive a little white box with a pretty pink ribbon that holds fresh new jewelry for me to wear, love, admire, and either purchase OR send back for new pieces. Need I say more? It's something to look forward to each month and it is a fantastic way to treat yourself. We all could use more of that.

First Month Free 

The team at Rocksbox is SO lovely that they're giving you one month FREE when you use my code - 'thefashionspeakxoxo' at checkout. Just click here or visit rocksbox.com to become a 'Shine Insider' or Rocksbox subscriber!