Hi friends — welcome back to my little corner of the internet! If you’re new here, hi! I’m Flor — a first-time mom in my 30s living in New York City, working full-time as a content creator, and navigating life, motherhood, and skincare routines with equal parts joy and chaos.
This post is a peek into a few recent days in my life — a hot NYC summer kind of vlog that includes getting ready to finally go see the Barbie movie, a dreamy rooftop party at The Standard Hotel in Chelsea, and a super fun PR haul featuring Sesame Street-themed nail polish (yes, really). It’s a little bit of everything: a casual GRWM, a peek into my skincare and summer makeup faves, and some very real moments of trying to do mascara while a toddler naps in the next room.
But let’s start where every good summer NYC vlog starts — with a quick, glowy beat and a rush to get out the door.
Summer in the City: Getting Ready to See Barbie 🎀
If you’ve been here for a while, you know I keep my makeup routine super minimal during the summer. The subway + 90-degree humidity combo? She does not play. So for me, it’s always about lightweight, breathable makeup — just enough to feel put together, but never too much.
In this video, I filmed myself getting ready before heading to a doctor’s appointment and then finally (finally!) going to see Barbie in theaters. It was one of those chaotic mornings where I had about 30 minutes to do everything, and I filmed it all — full transparency, including the moment I realized my highlighter wasn’t blended and I had mascara under my eyes. This is your reminder that makeup is meant to be fun, not perfect.
🎥 Watch the vlog here:
(Side note: Oreo is snoring in the background during part of it. Just keeping it cozy and real over here.)
Here’s a breakdown of the products I used:
- SPF with a tint: My everyday base. I skip foundation unless it’s a special event.
- Urban Decay Stay Naked Concealer: My go-to for under eyes and around the nose, especially when I’ve been battling a cold (hi, mom life).
- Pixi On-the-Glow Blush (Peach shade): Adds the perfect flush to cheeks and doubles as a lip tint.
- Rare Beauty Highlighter: A little goes a long way. I use it on my cheeks, eyes, and nose.
- MAC Setting Spray: Essential in this heat.
- Rare Beauty Brow Powder: Not my usual tool, but when your backup is in the nursery where your baby’s napping, you improvise.
- Urban Decay Perversion Mascara: The GOAT. I’ve gone through 6 tubes at this point.
- Wander Beauty Dual Lipstick & Gloss: A subtle nude that ties it all together.
Let me know in the comments (or DM me!) if you also keep things super low-key with makeup in the summer, or if you’re a full-face-every-day kind of person. No judgment either way!
Rooftop Sunset Moments in Chelsea 🌇
Earlier that week, I was at an event on the rooftop of The Standard Hotel in Chelsea. And honestly? It was stunning.
It’s one of my favorite rooftops in the city — gorgeous 360° views of Manhattan, especially magical at sunset, and the drinks and food are actually really good. It’s definitely more of a “special occasion” spot (read: it’s not cheap), but if you’re visiting NYC, planning a date night, or just want to feel ✨fancy✨ for a birthday or celebration — this is the place.
Highly recommend timing it with golden hour. It’s just chef’s kiss.
Unboxing Time: Sesame Street, Bobby Brown & Sustainable Shoes
You know I usually save my unboxings for Instagram Stories, but I decided to switch it up and share a few PR packages here.
Sally Hansen x Sesame Street Collection
This was such a fun surprise — a massive, adorable box filled with nail polishes inspired by classic Sesame Street characters. I’m not super familiar with the character names (don’t come for me), but I do know Cookie Monster and Elmo made an appearance. The shades are so fun and nostalgic, and I love the textured finishes — there’s one that looks like glittery trash (in the best way) for the character that lives in the bin. The attention to detail? Immaculate.
My favorite shade? Probably “Elmo Loves Hue” — a bright red with little flecks. Obsessed.
Bobbi Brown Skin Tints & Travel Case
Bobbi Brown also sent over a really chic pastel yellow case filled with new launches — including two shades of their new skin tints (I picked Light 2 and Light 3), the Vitamin Enriched Face Base and Eye Base (which I’ve used and loved before), and a pressed powder in the shade “Neutral.” I’ll be testing these out over the next couple weeks and sharing updates — but if you’ve already tried them, let me know what you think!
Bonus points for the cute reusable packaging. I love when brands think sustainably.
VIVAIA Sustainable Shoes (!!!)
I also got a package from VIVAIA, which makes sustainable shoes using recycled materials — and I’m genuinely excited to try them out. I’ve heard great things about the comfort level, and they sent me a few pairs to test. I’ll share more once I’ve worn them out and about (aka: toddler walks and coffee runs), but first impression? Super comfy and cute.
Life Lately: Hot Days, Hustle, and Finding Balance
This vlog was filmed over a few summer days in early August — one of those classic “everything is happening at once” kind of weeks. Doctor’s appointments, trying to fit in some self-care (Barbie is self-care, okay?), work deadlines, mom life, content creation, and yes, unboxing beauty packages with a toddler trying to grab everything.
If you’re a new mom, a city girl, a content creator, or just someone trying to keep it together in the heat — I see you. I hope this video made you smile or inspired you to carve out a few moments of beauty and fun in your own week.
Thanks for being here 💛
xo,
Flor.
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