Author: Lindsay

Wednesday On The Web

It has been so fascinating on this journey of blogging and social media these last six years. The whole landscape is always changing. Every new twist and era brings about things I love (and a couple things I hate) about being on the Web. The latest development that threw me for a loop: I got a new iPad mini (LOVE BTW) and got back into Pinterest after a long hiatus. Do you use Pinterest? One of my favorite finds from my pinning adventures lately above (also my dream weekend outfit).

And some finds from around the web:

Craving some Wander Beauty goodies especially after Hitha’s post featuring one of the founders (and a supermodel).

What Would Happen If Humans Disappeared because… well… I’m a nerd.

As evidenced above, I am coming around to ripped jeans. And I am seriously craving this pair.

Love jaclyn’s blog – she has the best affordable round-ups of sophisticated clothing.

image here

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip and Phyto-Eye Twists

Sisley-Paris’ Twists are luxury, creamy packages of on-to-go beauty. The Phyto-Lip Twists have been in my rotation before, but I had yet to try the Phyto-Eye Twists. And they are a great addition to the collection. Both formulas glide on skin and are packed with plant-based skin care ingredients. You can use for full on pigmented or a wash of color. Love having the option but you probably can guess I particularly love the more natural and blended wash of color.

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist is more of a tinted balm than lipstick. But the vibrant color comes out glossy. No sharpening needed – just twist up for more product. The tapered shape allows for outlining of lips and coloring all in one stroke. The bold shades like Pinky and Candy are surprisingly wearable. But I equally love the nourishing Nude.

The Sisley-Paris Phyto-Eye Twist are designed to be shadow, pencil and eyeliner. They are slightly smaller than the lip twists, but still with a large tip. So precise lining isn’t easy, but with these bold shades you won’t mind a slightly thicker look. The formula has ingredients like Green Tea, White Lily, Camellia that protect and improve delicate eye area. I like applying to my lids close to the lash and blending with a finger. But you can also color the entire eyelid or add a graphic, bold line.

I prefer the more neutral Bronze, but the blue Lagoon shade is stunning! I cannot wait to wear it for a special occasion. Topaz is now on my wish list to add to my collection.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Running Late!

Thanks to an infatuation with and current re-watching of the 1983 WWII mini-series, Winds of War, I stayed up WAY too late last night. As a result, I slept right through all the severe weather last night. Tulsa was spared but those affected in Oklahoma City and elsewhere are in my prayers. I also woke up at 8AM – oops.

Since I knew I only had about 15 minutes to throw myself together, my makeup routine was seriously pared down. First, I’ve been using the Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanning Cream – the best self tanner for the face I’ve found to date. So that natural glow allowed for a little less makeup.

I alternate between Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream but this AM I reached for the bareMinerals in Natural. I am completely obsessed with the RMS goodies I found this past weekend in New York. I apply RMS UnCoverup in 22 just below my eyes, on any blemishes and around my nose. RMS Living Luminizer goes on my cheekbones and brow bones (and, frankly, anywhere else I am feeling it – this stuff adds a perfect natural glow). The pale golden shade also nourishes skin with ingredients like coconut oil and rosemary extract. I know I keep mentioning it, but the Tata Harper Voluminous Cheek and Lip Stain in Very Vivacious is ideal on the apples of the cheeks.

The last step was a surprise obsession. A friend gifted to me the Kevin Aucoin The Mascara Volume Mascara a couple weeks ago. I usually don’t have any luck with the tubular mascara – just a personal preference – so I was hesitant. But I have come to be totally impressed with the lack of fall out, clump-free separated lashes and long-lasting, inky finish.

Boom, I was out of the door and at my desk almost on time.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

image via DTTSP

Wednesday On The Web

Over wine this weekend with my girls in New York, we all basically agreed that neutrals are our de rigueur. And we also bonded over a shared love of Marie Kondo (if you are the one person left who hasn’t read this book yet, find out more here). Not only to I get a high out of ditching my less-loved items. I also find my life to be more seamless, especially while dressing in the morning. The items that bring me joy are neutral, luxurious pieces that stung at the checkout but remain a staple in my wardrobe for season after season. My closet features loads of black, white, navy and plum, but my new infatuation is camel. I think it is timeless and season-less. Some items on my wish list:

And some finds from around the web:

What it takes to be a billionaire. Noted.

While I have no plans for a “lob”, these hairstyles are pretty inspiring.

My friend, Rita, shares her thoughts on sustainable beauty at KaufmannMerc.

I downloaded the app Moment. Appalled by the amount of time I spend on my phone. How do you stack up?

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Unilever’s Rinse. Recycle. Reimagine

This past year has marked a big change in me being more aware of my impact on the enviroment. I was always fairly responsible, but these days I try and go the extra mile. Especially with my beloved California going through such an epic drought.

With that in mind, I am sharing Unilever’s latest plan to “Rinse. Recycle. Reimagine” all those beauty items from your bathroom. The new “Unilever Bathroom Recycling Index*,” an online survey commissioned by Unilever and conducted by KRC Research, uncovered some pretty amazing recycling facts about Americans:

While a majority of Americans are aware that their empty bath and beauty bottles are recyclable, less than half (34%) report always bringing empty bathroom items to the recycling bin. In comparison, 86% of Americans claim to always recycle in general, and nearly half (46%) reported always recycling kitchen recyclables.While the majority of Americans know where they should be putting their empty bottles, 42% claim that they don’t recycle because they aren’t sure an item is eligible for recycling. More than a quarter (27%) of Americans are not convinced their recycled items can actually become something new.

How does your city stack up when it comes to recycling? See which metro areas could step it up (measured as % reporting they always recycle bathroom products):

Philadelphia (52%)
New York (48% )
San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose (41% )
Seattle (41% )
Minneapolis (40%)
Boston (39%)
Los Angeles (38%)
Washington, DC (37%)
Phoenix (37%)
Chicago (33%)
Houston (30%)
Tampa/St. Petersburg (29%)
Dallas/Ft. Worth (28%)
Detroit (26%)
Atlanta (23%)

The average American has 8 products in their bathroom at a given time, yet only 34% of Americans always recycle them – that could send nearly 600 million plastic bottles to landfills each year! Join me in making an effort to get those empties into a recycle bin.

And for a little inspiration, don’t miss the sweepstakes running now through June 9th. Daily prizes and one grand prize ($500 gift card) can be won by tweeting @UnileverUSA with the tags #ReimagineThat and #Sweeps.

This post is sponsored by Unilever.

NERD Skincare Masks

There is nothing like a whirlwind weekend of hard travel to make you appreciate a good sheet mask. No wonder sheet masks are having a moment. They are convenient, effective and still a bit of a novelty. While I will always have a soft spot for the classic SK-II Brightening Derm-Revival Mask, this trio from NERD Skincare were pretty darn amazing to use.

First a little about NERD: the products use serious science (no wonder this beauty nerd is drawn to the brand). The masks use biocellulose, a natural product used for centuries in medical treatments. The masks are hypoallergenic and send ingredients deep into skin while binding comfortably with skin – key in these pre-cut and shaped wearable skin care items.

For the fellow nerds out there, biocellulose is actual grown using acetic acid bacteria (AABs), specifically Acetobacter Xylinum – a strain no one else uses. This specific strain builds the smoothest microfibrils that work best on human skin. They make neat patterns that allow more surface area exposure to skin, allowing for maximum ingredient absorption.

Okay, back to the fun. The three masks work against specific concerns: dullness, dryness or damage with serums that focus on brightening, hydrating or repairing.

The Miraculous Brightening Mask uses antioxidants, collagen and elastin building blocks to add back a glow. The serum softens appearance of fine lines and tightens pores. I loved this mask when my skin was looking particularly dull after a late night and a bout of allergies.

Skin Repair Master Mask heals and soothes stressed skin. In my experience, this was the least nourishing mask but had the greatest effect on the appearance of my skin. I’d love to have it in my stash after a day in the sun at the lake. Antioxidants work against free radicals and skin cells are revitalized.

Super Hydrating Mask was my favorite. My dry skin adored the way this mask infused my skin with moisture after a long day of travel. Plus the serum infused a barrier to continue retaining hydration over my long weekend in NYC. My skin was left supple and full.

I left the masks on for 20 minutes. Because there was a generous amount of serum, I was able to work what was left on my face into my skin and decollatage. I also liked the way the substantial texture of the mask was easy to adjust on my face. Plus, they were long so they went to work below my chin and jawline as well.

Available at NERDSkincare.com and Amazon.

image via NERD Skincare

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post