I have definitely fallen off the manicure bandwagon. But this manicure above makes me want to get back in the swing of things and on a mani routine again. Speaking of getting things in order…
Not sure if it is Spring Cleaning or an upcoming official entry into my late thirties, but I am getting antsy about home goods. My wine glasses, towels and pillows need a refresh but it was overwhelming to think about replacing all at the same time. Enter One Kings Lane – not a new find but I forgot how great this site is! Such amazing values. I have my eye on this line for throws and pillows. Bonus points for online shopping because the last thing I want to do is hunt down affordable home goods in Tulsa. I’d rather spend my time surfing the web and finding gems like these:
I ordered this jacket because I’d seen it all over fashion blogs and it looked great in photos. Alas, I found it cheap and with a funky fit. So I ordered this dress instead.
I’ve always been a Laurel fan and was thrilled to read her update here.
Blown away by this trick to avoid lipstick/wine glass yuckiness!
It is that time of year again! And this Spring Beauty Event features the best tote I’ve encountered as part of the gift with purchase. Neiman Marcus collaborated with designer Eddie Borgo to create a modern magazine tote. Gets yours (and some pretty stellar beauty samples) with any purchase of $125 – or amp up your shopping and get a matching wristlet (and even more samples) with a purchase of $500 or more. Starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday, March 1st.
And a quick note on what I would stock up on: I am obsessed with the NuFace devices. I have been using the mini version but am now trying out the Trinity with Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Attachment. Guys, this device is FDA-cleared. Let’s call it the first step into not needing any nips or tucks in the coming decades – I know I am game for that!
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.
So far, I have shared my Evening Skin Care Routine and my Morning Makeup Routine as part of the long weekend “Self Care” series. I think I am already tired of the term so apologies for the cheesiness. But I am certainly glad it inspired me to share these round ups with you. So as a finale, here is how I care for my skin in the mornings:
1. Drunk Elephant JuJu Bar – I am on a huge Drunk Elephant kick lately, and their bar soaps are blowing me away. This one is slightly more exfoliating. The formula contains thermal mud, 20% glycerin and bamboo powder. Also, soap-free and fragrance-free so my sensitive skin is soothed and not too tight.
2. Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution – I have tried every Clarisonic model and this one is still my favorite. While some might question my using an exfoliating cleanser with a Clarisonic, I’ve found this version is gentle and the brush is much softer. It works beautifully for me so I am going to stick with it.
3. Thayer Witch Hazel – I know I keep mentioning it but this stuff is affordable, gentle and gets my skin super clean and balanced. Just buy it, kay?
4. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum – Vitamin C as a daytime treatment is a longtime favorite of mine. This light serum is packed with antioxidants and works especially well on UV damage. Speaking of….
5. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 – I admit that I have gotten a little lazy with SPF this winter. After a balmy afternoon at the beach in Florida last weekend, I ended up a little more bronze than intended. So now I slather this baby on every single morning. Love that there is very little scent and it absorbs quickly.
I realize I am super heavy on the Drunk Elephant lately (especially this post). Clearly, I am smitten. I will follow up with an depth post on the brand later this week. It is a pretty spectacular line especially for those looking for toxin, soap and fragrance-free products.
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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I’ll keep this fairly short and sweet seeing as I am a person who prefers more brief blog posts and articles: these are the steps I take when I haul ass get ready in the mornings before work (sometimes I will step out of the box with bolder shades on evenings out with the girls).
1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – this new launch has been all over the internet recently, but the hype is warranted. My dry skin eats this up and I get a glow with fairly sheer coverage. I love the brush sold with it but it is no longer in my possession – my former makeup artist friend snagged it this weekend (if that’s a clue as to how good it really is!). I am able to wear both Suede and Vanilla interchangeably.
2. Kate Somerville IllumniKate Concealing Eye Cream – since I am going with a sheer face, I don’t want to cake on a concealer. This eye pen masks dark circles and works to improve the look of skin at the same time. So think long-term improvement towards a bright and wrinkle-free under eye!
3. MAC Brow Set – I alternate using this and a pencil but for now I like the way Brow Set subtly colors brow hairs and sets them at the same time. I currently use Girl-Boy but I think next time I will purchase the slightly darker Show-Off.
4. NARS Contour Blush – To simplify things, I use this duo instead of a powder. I use the darker shade under my cheek bones, temples and jaw line with a bronzer brush. Then using a smaller dome brush, I use the lighter shade under my eyes (to set the concealing eye cream), down my nose and on my chin. Powdered, bronzed and set all with one product. I use the shade Olympia (and Paloma in the summer).
5. Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette – this product is brand new and I had very high hopes for it. Thankfully, I am really happy with it. But it should be noted these powders are very creamy and soft – I just happen to really like that formulation. I wear the matte and lighter shades in the Infinity palette.
6. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof – an old favorite that I have rescued from the depths of the Belle Belle Beauty closet. I find this liner doesn’t drift and works well on both the waterline and just above the lashes. And it at its best in the classic black shade.
7. bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara – also an old favorite, this mascara really does it all and does it well. I get volume, curl and and inky finish that doesn’t fall out – something that is quickly becoming my biggest pet peeve.
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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Seems like skin care just moves more to the forefront every day. Not just for beauty buffs and bloggers, but for my gal pals and family too. I love that great skin is now valued as much as a great foundation! So I thought I would start out this little weekend series (aka Happy Valentine’s Day to Me) with my evening skin care routine. I don’t dive into formulas too much here – just discussing why I love the products.
1. Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar – I just started reviewing this line, but I am already obsessed with their bar soaps. Don’t let the bar form scare you – this formula is still toxin and soap-free. My skin is left balanced, moisturized, calmed and clean.
2. Foreo Luna – I use the Drunk Elephant to create a foam and then use this strange looking device to amp up the cleansing action. I use the Ultra Sensitive version and am still really pleased with the improvement in my cleansing action. While I will never relinquish my Clarisonic, I prefer this in the evenings. The low-frequency pulsation smooths skin, the device is waterproof and you never have to buy replacement brushes – bonus!
3. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask – I don’t use this every night, but it is part of my routine a couple times a week. The black tea works against free radicals (which causes wrinkles – yuckie). The whipped texture is just too fun to use. And my revealed skin is clearer and softer. Plus, you guys… this stuff smells so darn good – like a warm, beach-front spa.
4. blisslabs active 99.0 anti-aging series multi-action eye cream – I know I have mentioned this eye cream before but it is just so darn good. I am also obsessed with a Kate Somerville version, but more on that later this weekend. I slather this on when my under-eye is looking rather crape-y and tired. And I’ll be darned – I look perked up instantly.
5. Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm – This last one is also a repeat, but I literally missed this moisturizer while I was out of town. The gel-like texture dives deep to nourish skin and I wake up with the glow that I usually only find in the summer months.
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Foreo and Fresh 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. Other products may have been provided by the company. As always, all opinions are my own. See Disclosure Page for more information regarding our use of editorial samples.
Apologies if anyone was looking here for Valentine’s Day round ups, but I will be skipping those this year. Instead, I am all about this trendy “self care” movement. So over the next couple of days and long weekend, I will be sharing my favorite makeup, skin care and body care products. Think: “a Valentine to Myself”. And if that gives you a hint about what I am up to over the holiday weekend – it would involve puppy time, spa nights at home and enjoying some time in le bed!
