A Pop of Yellow and Makeup Update

The star of this post is a bright yellow top and pants combo I wore the other day—it’s cheerful, comfy, and just feels like me. On top of that, I’ve been playing around with some fresh lipstick purchases and building out my collection, so I thought I’d turn it all into a little lookbook for you. Between the outfit and the makeup haul, there’s a lot to unpack, so let’s jump right in!

This whole thing started with a random burst of inspiration. I’d been scrolling through my closet, looking for something to shake up my usual jeans-and-tee routine, when I spotted this yellow set I’d almost forgotten about. It’s been a while since I leaned into something this bold, but the sun was out, and I figured, why not? Pairing that with my latest lipstick finds felt like the perfect way to tie it all together. I’ll walk you through the outfit first, then dive into the cosmetics—hope you’re ready for a long, chatty catch-up!

 The Yellow Look

So, picture this: a lightweight yellow top with short sleeves and a relaxed fit, paired with matching high-waisted pants that taper down to the ankle. The fabric’s soft and flowy, which makes it super easy to wear, but the color’s what really steals the show. It’s this bright, sunny shade—not too neon, but definitely not shy either. I picked this set up a while back on a whim during a sale, and I’m so glad I did. It’s one of those outfits that feels like a mood-lifter the second you put it on.

The day I wore it, I was just running some errands—nothing fancy, just grabbing groceries and meeting a friend for coffee. I kept the styling simple because the yellow’s already doing a lot of the talking. I threw on some white sneakers for comfort, since I knew I’d be walking around, and added a small crossbody bag in a neutral tan color to keep things practical. I’ve got this gold necklace I wear all the time—a thin chain with a tiny pendant—and it felt like enough without overdoing it. My hair was up in a messy bun, mostly because it was warm out, but it worked with the laid-back vibe.

What I love about this look is how versatile it is. The top and pants could easily go separate ways—I’ve worn the top with jeans before, and the pants would look great with a white blouse or even a black sweater. Together, though, they’re a statement. I got a couple of compliments while I was out, which was nice—one lady at the store said it reminded her of summer, and my friend just grinned and said, “You’re like a walking ray of sunshine.” It’s funny how a color can change the whole feel of a day, you know?

Why Yellow Works for Me

I’ll be honest, I haven’t always been a bright-colors person. Growing up, I stuck to blacks, grays, and the occasional blue—safe stuff. But over the last few years, I’ve started branching out, and yellow’s become one of my favorites. There’s something about it that feels bold without trying too hard. It’s happy, it’s confident, and it doesn’t need much to stand out. Plus, I think it plays nicely with my skin tone—not too warm, not too cool, just enough to make me feel good.

This particular set’s been a slow burn in my wardrobe. When I first got it, I wasn’t sure how often I’d wear it. Yellow’s not exactly subtle, and I worried it might sit there collecting dust. But every time I pull it out, I’m reminded why I bought it. It’s comfy enough for casual days but still looks put-together, like I made an effort. I could see it working for a picnic or even dressed up with heels for something fancier. Maybe next time I’ll swap the sneakers for sandals and add some dangly earrings—just to mix it up.

The Lipstick Haul Kicks Off

Now, let’s shift gears to the makeup side of things. I’ve been on a bit of a lipstick kick lately, and this outfit gave me the perfect excuse to play with some new shades. I’d been meaning to refresh my collection for a while—some of my old tubes were getting down to nubs, and I was craving something fresh. So, over the past few weeks, I picked up a handful of lipsticks that caught my eye, and they’ve been a total game-changer. Pairing them with this yellow look felt like a fun way to tie everything together, so I’ve been testing them out and snapping pics for a mini lookbook.

First up, I grabbed a tube of MAC’s “Lady Danger.” It’s this vibrant orangey-red that I’d seen floating around online forever, and I finally caved. I’m not usually a red-lip person—too scared it’ll look too loud on me—but something about that shade called my name. When I swatched it at the store, I was hooked. It’s matte, but not drying, and it’s got this punchy, warm tone that feels perfect with yellow. Wearing it with the outfit was a little experiment—I dabbed it on lightly at first, then built it up—and I loved how it popped against the brightness. My friend at coffee said it looked “retro cool,” which I’ll take as a win.

Next, I picked up a NARS sheer lipstick in “Damage.” It’s a softer, rosy plum color, and it’s been my go-to for days when I want something easy. The formula’s super lightweight, almost like a tinted balm, and it gives just enough color without feeling heavy. With the yellow set, it added a nice contrast—not as bold as the red, but still enough to stand out. I wore it while grocery shopping, and it lasted through my iced latte, which is more than I can say for some of my older lipsticks. It’s quickly become a staple in my bag.

More Cosmetics Collection Additions

While I was at it, I couldn’t resist adding a couple more to the mix. One’s a YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in a peachy nude shade—I think it’s called “Nude Lavalliere.” I’d heard so much about this line, and I figured it was time to see what the fuss was about. The packaging alone is gorgeous—all sleek and gold—but the lipstick itself is just as good. It’s glossy and hydrating, and the peach tone felt like a subtle nod to the yellow outfit without clashing. I wore it for a quick mirror selfie after I got home, and it gave the whole look this soft, summery vibe.

The other one’s a wild card: a Clinique Pop lipstick in “Cola Pop.” It’s this deep, reddish-brown shade that I wouldn’t have picked on my own, but the lady at the counter talked me into it. She said it’d balance out the yellow, and she wasn’t wrong. It’s got a satin finish, so it’s not as matte as the MAC one, but it still packs a punch. I tried it out later that evening when I was messing around with my camera, and it gave the outfit a totally different feel—less sunny, more edgy. I’m still getting used to it, but I think it’s going to be a fall favorite.

Building the Lookbook

Putting these lipsticks with the yellow top and pants turned into a little lookbook project without me even planning it. I started snapping pics every time I tried a new shade—just casual shots with my phone, nothing fancy. The “Lady Danger” look was all about that bold, confident energy—standing in the kitchen with the light streaming in, smirking at the camera. The NARS one was softer, taken outside with my bag slung over my shoulder, like I was mid-errand. The Clinique shade got a dusk vibe, leaning against the couch with a cup of tea nearby. Each one felt like a different version of the same outfit, which was kind of cool to see.

I didn’t stop at lipsticks, though. While I was in haul mode, I grabbed a few other cosmetics to round out my collection. There’s a new mascara—Maybelline’s Lash Sensational—because my old one was clumping like crazy. It’s got this curved brush that’s a pain to get used to, but it makes my lashes look long and fanned out, which I’m into. I wore it with the yellow look and the YSL lipstick, and it tied everything together without much effort. Then there’s a cream blush from Tarte in a coral shade called “Party.” I’d been curious about cream formulas, and this one’s a keeper—blendable, not sticky, and it gave my cheeks a little flush that matched the summery feel.

How It All Comes Together

Wearing the yellow set with these new makeup picks has been such a fun combo. The outfit’s already a standout, so the lipsticks let me play with how I want to feel in it. The MAC red makes it loud and fearless—I could see myself wearing that to a party or a night out if I swapped the sneakers for heels. The NARS peach keeps it mellow and approachable, perfect for a casual day like the one I had. The Clinique brown shifts it into something moodier, like I’m ready for cooler weather or a quieter vibe. And the blush and mascara? They’re just the extras that make it feel finished, like I didn’t just roll out of bed.

I’ve been tossing these pics into a folder on my phone, thinking I might share them on Instagram or something. It’s not a formal lookbook—just me messing around—but it’s been a nice way to see how versatile this outfit is. I’ve even started wondering what else I could pair with it. Maybe a denim jacket when it gets chilly, or a different lipstick, like a bright pink or a classic nude. The possibilities are kind of endless, which is what I love about pieces like this.

Why I’m Loving This Haul

The best part? None of this broke the bank. The top and pants were a steal from that sale ages ago, and while the lipsticks and makeup weren’t cheap, I spread them out over a couple paychecks. It’s less about the cost, though, and more about how they make me feel. Walking around in that bright yellow, with a swipe of “Lady Danger” or a dab of coral blush, I felt like I was owning the day. Even the little stuff—like my lashes looking decent for once—added up to a confidence boost I didn’t expect.

If you’ve got a favorite bright outfit or a lipstick you can’t live without, let me know—I’m always up for some inspiration. For now, I’m off to figure out what’s next in my closet and maybe swatch these lipsticks one more time. Thanks for hanging out with me for this long one—catch you soon with more!