SKINCARE ROUTINE FEATURING NEUTROGENA ACNE PROOFING CLEANSER AND SCRUB

 Hi guys :)

Today I’m going to be talking about my nighttime skincare routine featuring Neutrogena’s new acne proofing products. Neutrogena has to be my favorite skincare brand. It’s affordable and works so well clearing my skin and making it super soft. These are the products I use every night before bed to help keep my skin clear, and click any of the products to shop them directly!

1. NEUTROGENA MAKEUP REMOVER CLEANSING TOWLETTES: This is the easiest, fastest way to remove makeup and these are the only wipes that will take it all off - I’ve tried so many different brands! I found that the source of my breakouts is from not removing my makeup entirely especially around my chin, so this is a really important step. I know most of us hate taking off our makeup at the end of the day, so this just makes that step a little easier.

2. NEUTROGENA ACNE PROOFING CLEANSER: I use this to clean my face after removing my makeup with the wipes. It gets rid of any left over makeup and clears my pores to prevent any breakouts. I love this step in my routine because the cleanser smells so so good and my skin feels super soft and clean after.

3. NEUTROGENA ACNE PROOFING DAILY SCRUB: I actually like to use this twice a day, morning and night, which is what the instructions suggest to do. It makes my skin super smooth in the morning before I apply my makeup as well as helps clear my skin at night after removing all the makeup.

4. MARIO BADESCU FACIAL SPRAY: This is also one of my new favorite products that I use morning and night! This refreshes my skin and keeps it from getting super dry throughout the day.

5. FIRST AID BEAUTY ULTRA REPAIR CREAM: This moisturizer is a little more expensive than the rest of the products mentioned but definitely worth the extra money. I put this on a couple of minutes after the facial spray helping it glide on my skin.  

6. UP & UP BENZOYL PEROXIDE GEL: My final step is what I use to spot treat breakouts if there are any.

I’ve found that this nightly routine is what helps my skin stay so clear. Ever since using the new Acne Proofing Neutrogena products, I have hardly had any breakouts because it really has been helping prevent them. The products thoroughly and gently eliminate dirt as well as fight acne to clear any breakouts. It's safe for sensitive skin like mine and helps it protect against future breakouts. I highly recommend checking these products out :) 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Neutrogena but all opinions are my own.

WHAT I’M UP TO: LAST DAYS WITHOUT RESPONSIBILITY

Hi friends 😊

I can’t believe it’s already June! Time seriously flies by, and it’s honestly so weird how this is my last summer break from school ever. After this, I have just one more semester to go - then it’s real adult time!

For right now, I just have today, tomorrow and Sunday until my internship at KTEN News starts! It’s so exciting that the path towards my broadcast journalism career is officially beginning. As mentioned in my previous post, I’m taking 2 online courses, as well, to knock some hours out of the way and have a lighter load during my final semester in college. I know I’ll be super busy, but I really wanna keep up with my blog as best I can because I love it so much!

Now, moving on to what I did today and what I’ll be doing these next couple of days before I start my internship and classes...

Today, Friday: I spent the day with a couple of my best friends from high school. We got sushi, walked around some shops, got coffee and caught up — the usual! At night I’ll be going to a birthday dinner which is always an excuse to get dressed up.

Saturday: I’ll be spending the day with my cousin, and I can’t wait! She goes to school in New York, and I hardly get to see her so it’s always a great time to catch up when we're both in town. She’s also taking me to a vegan restaurant, so we’ll see how that goes lol

Sunday: I’m going to be preparing for my internship, packing for the week since I’ll only be there Sun-Thurs, come home for a couple days, then pack for the following week, etc. This is my plan as of now since it’s an hour away. Later in the afternoon, I’ll be checking in to my hotel. I'll then get started interning early Monday morning!

NOW… let’s talk about the outfit. 

These pants are the cutest, and I’ve worn them so much! @moda.shopstevie sent me them, and I’m absolutely in love! 😍 I highly recommend grabbing a pair - If you do, make sure to use my discount code SHEREEN15 for some money off! These are so comfy, light, not see-through and definitely some of my go-to pants! 

You can wear them with a simple white top tucked in or pair it with something a little different and fun like this wrap top from SheIn. It’s sooo flattering, I love it! 

If you wanna shop this look, be sure to sign up & follow me on the LiketoKnow.it app!

That’s it for now! Wish me luck this week 🤞

LIFE UPDATE + GO-TO CUTE SUMMER LOOK

Hey guys - long time, no talk!

First, let’s talk about life…

My junior year in college came to a close, and now I’m on my much needed summer break. This past semester and school year as a whole was crazy and filled with so many ups and downs — needless to say, I’ve been waiting for this vacation!

I have quite a busy couple of months ahead of me though, so I can’t get too comfortable. I landed an internship at KTEN Studios in Denison, TX and I’m super excited! I can’t wait to learn so much and see what opportunities this brings me and what it will do for my journalism career. I’ll be sure to do a blog post about my experience at the end of the summer!

Next, I’ll be taking two online classes throughout the next few months of break so I can have a lighter load my final semester of college in the fall. All I can say is TIME FLIES. It’s insane, and I’m not ready for it to be over but I know it'll be done in the blink of an eye. (I’m not ready to be a real adult lol)

Finally, I’ve been a lot more focused on my health and getting into better shape especially since I have much more time and am living at home, so no more excuses! It’ll be hard when I start the internship and classes, but I gotta make it work! If you want to know more about what I do to exercise, my routine, etc., feel free to leave a comment or DM on Instagram here.

Now, let’s talk fashion…

I loved putting together this outfit because it’s so easy to throw on a simple top with cute pants. The ones I'm wearing are from Zara, and this was my first time wearing them! Comfy, printed pants are my go-to in the summer time because I automatically feel stylish and put together, especially when throwing on my favorite Steve Madden wedges! 

I’ve been dressing up just about every day because I never do when I’m back on campus. I’m always in an over-sized sorority t-shirt, Lululemon shorts & sneakers (basic). I’m definitely over it, so dressing up makes me feel refreshed & better about myself. It’s the little things 😉

I can’t wait to update y’all and write about my summer experiences while interning and hopefully traveling!

Talk soon :)

spring break in NYC

Last week I went to NYC to visit my best friend, Sabrina, for Spring Break! 😊 Here’s some background: we’ve been bffs since we were super young, and our elementary-aged selves would’ve freaked out if we knew this moment was coming. Sabrina has always wanted to live in New York and finally said it was time to do it and moved out there about 6 months ago. Right away I knew I had to come see her, and this was the perfect time!

Let me just start by saying… I LOVE NYC. Being surrounded by people from all around the world with all types of backgrounds is so refreshing and different. I had so so much fun. 

I honestly don’t even know where to begin so let’s just take it day by day…

Day 1: Settling in/Exploring West Village

So I got in during the late afternoon, so Sab and I settled in and then went for pizza (which is a must in NYC 😋) and then went to a place called Dō which is cookie dough heaven and a MUST TRY for anyone with a big sweet tooth like me. Afterwards, we walked around Washington Square Park which is super close to her apartment and got serenaded, saw adorable dogs and enjoyed the (cold) weather.

Day 2: Upper East Side/Central Park

I definitely wanted to visit the Upper East Side and see where one of my favorite shows, Gossip Girl, took place 😍 It’s sooo pretty, and the buildings are so old & fancy I love it. This day was pretty cold, but it was still amazing to walk around Central Park. Again - adorable dogs everywhere. This day we went to Dylan’s Candy Bar, a cute little coffee shop and, of course, ate more amazing food.

Day 3: SoHo/Times Square

My favorite day! This day was packed, and I loved it. The shopping is great in SoHo, and Sab is so lucky to live right by it. We passed by the Rockefeller Center and NBC (for my journalism student needs). As for Times Square, it was a must on my list to go see. It’s so cool at night, and definitely worth visiting if you haven’t before! We also went to Black Tap, and let me tell you… I had the best burger ever and the most insane milkshake I’ve ever seen. It was delicious, and you need to 110% go!

Days 4 & 5: Flights Cancelled/Snow!

So there was some unexpected weather in NYC where it was snowing nonstop (in March 🤔). I’m not complaining because that meant a couple more days in this amazing city, and the sight was beautiful! These last couple of nights I stayed with my cousin in Midtown in a huge apartment right in the heart of the city with an incredible view.

Needless to say, this trip was amazing. I just loved walking around and looking at all the buildings, people and sights around me. I took a million and one pictures and had to narrow it down to these. 

Hope you enjoyed :) 

concert look featuring volume 11

Hi guys!

I’m working with my good friend Chandler on her music blog, Volume 11, which you should for sure check out and keep up with! She’s so talented, and I’m really excited to be collaborating with her!

This look is super simple and definitely a go-to for a concert. If you’re seeing a local band or even going to a big show, this outfit is perfect.

I’m contributing on more of the fashion side of concerts for her blog. I went with these ripped skinny jeans from Zara, a vintage band tee, leather jacket and black booties with a low heel. I would definitely wear this to a concert because it’s fashionable and super comfortable.

I also wanted to talk a little bit about my makeup look. Whenever I go to a concert, I wear a cool toned smokey eye because I feel like it goes the best with the leather jacket or grungier type of look I end up wearing. It’s also different from my everyday or typical going out makeup which is usually all warm tones.

The foundation/face makeup is pretty much the same thing I would do regardless of going to a concert, but I definitely change up the eyeshadow and lip color. 

For this specific makeup look, I used my tried and true Tartelette pallette. I’d definitely recommend it if you love cool tones & smokey eyes. For the lips, I used MAC Rebel which is one of my favorite lipsticks!

As for hair, I always straighten it whenever I go to a concert. It’s super easy, and I think it looks the best with what I’m wearing. 

I also wanted to give a shout out to Yasmeen for taking these photos! I love the way they turned out 😍  

Lastly, I wanted to mention I’m now an influencer for LIKEtoKNOW.it, an app that you download or sign up for through email to shop all the looks of your favorite bloggers and more by just liking their photos on Instagram and having the details sent straight to your inbox! It’s really easy, and I’d definitely recommend getting it! I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’m really excited to be partnered with them ☺️

Let me know if there’s another type of music or concert post you’d like to see!

Talk to y’all very soon!

5 easy ways to help combat stress & anxiety

Hi everyone!

I wanted to do another lifestyle type of post because OU’s campus is closed today, and I thought it would be the perfect time to do it! Classes getting cancelled allows me to catch up on the things I’ve been stressing out about lately, editing a video for class, getting a couple blogs written, working on all sorts of other assignments and more.

I’ve had an extremely busy start to the semester, and it’s already been flying by.. I can’t believe it’s almost March?!

Anyway, this was on my list of ideas to post about because I know the majority of people who read my blog are in college, as well, and could definitely use some tips on how to stay relaxed and manage your stress better!

These tips may not work for everyone, but you might as well give them a shot!

1. GET ORGANIZED

This is the main point I want to share. Getting organized will help you so much! If you’re feeling overwhelmed with school, work, etc. Write out everything you have to do each day and when everything is due in a planner. It’ll help you prioritize and most of all see that all that’s building up in your mind to stress you out may not be a lot once you write it down on paper.

2. CLEAN YOUR ROOM

I'm sounding like a mom 😂 This might sound silly, but being surrounded by a clean atmosphere when you’re trying to get stuff done or just relax will help your mindset so much more! 

3. CREATE A SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

I love music - especially Spotify because you can explore so many different artists, bands, podcasts and more with no limitations or extra charges. I have a specific playlist for when I’m trying to relax or chill out. Play it out loud, burn a candle and try to let go.

4. USE FACE MASKS AT NIGHT

Girl or guy - I don’t care, you’ve gotta try it out! I never really cared for them but a friend recommended the “Yes to Cucumbers” sheet mask, and I’ve been hooked ever since! I’ll use one after I shower at night and leave it on for 10 minutes. You’ll just have to lay down with your headphones in and eyes closed; it’ll also help you sleep at night. It makes your skin tingle, feel cool and refreshed. This will actually force you to relax and forget about the day!

5. WORK OUT

I feel like this is more of an obvious one for combatting stress. Getting your heart rate up, clearing your mind and doing something great for your body - you can’t go wrong!

If you have any specific questions about what I do or how I handle stress in more detail, please feel free to leave a comment or DM on Instagram! I’d love to hear from you :)