Ultimate Beauty Hacks You Need to Get Gorgeous Now
New season, new makeup right?
As much as I love summer, I have to admit Fall makeup is my fave. I welcome the chance to get moodier and more dramatic with my looks. Plus I’ve become a major lipstck afficionado the past few years and Fall is the perfect time to embrace deep dark shades that make my favorite feature pop! I’m not sure how my Fall makeup looks will play out in LA, but am excited about playing with new trends and products. My instinct is that because of the weather here it will be much later in the season before I can really break out stuff like deep emerald eyeshadows and matte berry lips. But I’m excited to play with more transitional looks in the meantime! Here are some beauty trends I’ve noticed popping up for Fall, and how I plan to incorporate them into my makeup routine.
Naturally Flawless Foundation with a Radiant Finish
The days of heavy matte foundation are pretty much over! I am definitely guilty of layering it on and powdering heavily, even baking, to keep my beat in place. Since LA is much drier than NY I’m not as worried about my makeup melting away, and my skin is so much better behaved so I don’t need as much coverage. I’ve played with tinted moisturizers which are great for casual, no makeup makeup days, but I still like to look more polished on a daily. Luckily there are a slew of lighter weight liquid foundations on the market that are designed to look like your skin, just way better. Blend with a damp brush or sponge for a lighter, more sheer finish. And don’t forget your primer and concealer! My foundation routine really would not be complete without them.
Jewel Toned Eyeshadow Palettes & Liners
One thing I’ve been playing with is monochromatic eye looks. I love the look of pairing a bold colorful shadow look with a sweep of liner in a complimentary shade to really seal the deal. For summer I’ve been living for the Fenty Vivid Liquid Eyeliner Trio, which pairs pretty perfectly with some of my favorite hues in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera Palette. I’m not ure which liner I’ll be turning to for Fall, but I CANNOT wait to get my hands on the Jackie Aina x ABH Palette. Jackie has been one of my YouTube favorites for years and the colors in this palette are gorgeous. Plus with the consistent quality of ABH shadows, I know this will be an instant classic.
Lightly Stained Lips
I love my lipsticks and tend to go for bold color. But something about LA life makes me want to lighten it up. Not saying I’ll be sticking to nudes or glosses, but will be playing more with lipstains and tints. I like the idea of a hint of color instead of the full blast, but definitely keeping the nice deep berrys and bold reds that I love.
Let me know what beauty products and trends you guys are getting into for Fall, and shop my picks for each trend below!
The Amazon Prime Day Beauty and Fashion Deals You Can't Miss!
TFW you can shop and save without leaving your bed!
It’s Black Friday in July! This week both the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and Amazon Prime Day kick off. I’m not covering the Nordstrom sale this year, so decided to scour the internet for the best Prime Day deals so you don’t have to! I’ve been shopping Amazon a lot more since I moved and the assortment has gotten so good, especially in fashion and beauty. If you are planning to shop Prime Day sales, here are a few of my favorite items I’ve noticed on site.
Remember, deals are only available to Prime members, but you can sign up for a 30 day trial if you just want to shop the sale. Amazon Prime Day runs from 12 a.m. PST on Monday, July 15, through 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, July 16 and the best items will go fast so be ready!
Amazon Prime Day Luxury Beauty Deals
The first place to start your Prime Day shopping should definitely be the Luxury Beauty page! There will be sales on coveted beauty products, like Tatcha’s Gente Rice Enzyme Powder, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Serum, Clarisonic face brushes and Stila color cosmetics. Plus Lady Gaga’s new beauty line Haus Laboratories will be available for preorder!
If you’ve been in the market for some hair tools, there will be plenty to choose from as well. Have you seen Insta or YouTube tutorials of those weird hair curlers where a piece of hair is inserted and comes out perfectly curled? One of those is the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Curl Secret and will be on sale! And there are a few straightening brushes at 30-45% off, plus plenty of traditional flat irons and curlers as well. Shop my picks below!
Amazon Prime Day Fashion Deals
This category is pretty big, so if there is something on your list or trend you’ve been wanting to rock, get ready to search! I can tell you that I found discounts on the Fila Women's Disruptor II, my favorite dad sneakers that I’ve been wearing all summer. Reebok and Puma also have kicks going for 40% off , and there are gorgeous booties from Schutz that will be perfect for Fall.
The already affordable Amazon Essentials line will also be discounted, so you can stock up on basics like tees, tanks and bralettes for summer.
Other Amazon Prime Day Savings
If you don’t feel like spending right now, you can still take advantage of Prime Day sales. If you download and sign in to the Amazon app for the first time, you'll get a $10 Amazon credit and an additional one when you make a purchase on the app. If you have an Amazon Gift card laying around, reload it for the chance to get a bonus credit. AmazonFresh is also offering $15 off orders of $35+ for new customers and you can save up to 40% off groceries.
Also a lot of other retailers tend to drop their prices or have additional discounts around Prime Day to compete with Amazon, so stay tuned to some of your favorite sites to catch any last minute savings.
Let me know what sales you are most psyched about! And remember you can always shop my Amazon faves here!
All the Spring Must-Have Beauty Buys in the 2019 VIB Sale!
Ready for some serious shopping? The Spring Sephora VIB sale kicks off this week and I am so excited! Sephora discounts are few and far between, so this is when I stock up on my favorite products, try new goodies that are hitting the shelves, and get ready to step up my beauty game for the new season.
There are 2 tiers to the sale; VIB Rouge Members save 20% on their purchases between 4/26-5/1 and VIB Members save 15% between 5/2-5/6. It’s not a huge percentage off but considering the fact that Sephora pretty much never discounts store-wide now is the time to shop and save.
Here are some of the goods I’ll be adding to cart this VIB sale!
Must-Try Face Makeup for the Perfect Summer Skin
This season’s skin is all about a natural glow! I’ll be trying the new Fenty Beauty Bronzers for sure, since pretty much everything else in the product line is incredible. Plus I’ve had the Becca Shimmering Skin Highlighter on my list for a while, so will get one or 2 of these, plus this brand new Nars liquid highlighter for when I want an all-over glow! And when we inch closer to summer I’ll be trading my usual foundation for a lighter weight tinted moisturizer.
Bold, Colorful Makeup for Fun Trendy Spring Looks
One of my most-used palettes last season was the Too Faced Natural Love palette, so I’m excited to test the newest version, Too Faced Natural Lust! I’m also obsessed with the new ABH Riviera palette and will be finishing all my summer looks with either a pop color eye or bold lip.
Body Care Products for a Head to Toe Glow
Since warm weather means exposing more skin, don’t forget about the rest of your body! The Fenty Beauty Body Lava is back in some hot new shades, and I’ll be updating my anti-cellulite routine with some new firming creams and masks. Plus a body scrub is an essential for the season, and I’ll be going for one like this Laura Mercier, that is super gently and luxurious.
Skin-Care Essentials for Glowing Skin All Spring Summer
And don’t forget the skin care essentials! I live for these Sephora Collection sleeping masks and eye masks so will be stocking up on both! And I desperately need to replace my Clarisonic brush heads so will buy a few of those, or maybe this set of head to toe body buffers! And of course, makeup remover wipes because you can never have enough of those!
Let me know what you are adding to cart and what beauty trends you are most excited about!
4 Simple Ways to Look Awesome This Summer!
We’re basically 6 weeks away from summer! Everyone talks about getting your body in shape for summer, and for some people that means losing weight and getting more fit. But you also can’t neglect just taking better care of your skin since so much of it is on display! Whatever you are doing in terms of diet and exercise is one thing, but in this post I’m going to share a few of my tips for getting your skin ready to glow all season long. Stay tuned for some of my favorite products to use for each summer skin situation.
Getting Rid of Cellulite
Cellulite is pretty common and if you want to embrace it and rock your dimples, more power to you! However I have never been a fan of mine so have a pretty regular cellulite prevention routine that keeps the dimples away. I use a skin-smoothing and firming cream twice daily, and every few weeks incorporate an intensive firming mask on my butt and thighs. Most treatments take 4 to 6 weeks to show results, so get started now and you will be ready by Memorial Day!
Preventing Body Acne and Breakouts
All the extra sweat and sun can sometimes lead to more body breakouts. Keep things clear by adding a body wash and lotion that have exfoliating acids in them. I love the Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion and Weightless Body Treatment. They feature BHA and AHA that gently exfoliate and help remove the appearance of bumps and redness. They also make a great Acne Body Spray that you can spritz on anywhere for added body acne prevention
Sunscreen That Works for Darker Skin Tones
Sunscreen is an essential, but a lot of them leave a weird grey cast on skin, especially when you have a darker skin tone. I just started trying Black Girl Sunscreen, a natural, vegan sunscreen that goes on sheer without the yucky white residue. I’m also a big fan of Supergoop products, especially their mousse formula!
Keeping Your Feet Sandal Ready
I usually do an intense foot peel to shed off all the winter skin and get my feet ready for sandal season. Baby Foot is my favorite but be warned – it’s not pretty! It takes about a week and a half to fully process and your feet will be pretty gross until the shedding is complete. But it’s worth it for how soft and amazing your feet are afterward. I do these pretty much 2 to 3 times a year. But if you want to try one, definitely start it now! You will need to keep your feet covered the whole time it’s processing, so do it while you can still wear socks and booties!
Let me know what you guys are most excited about for summer and how you are getting ready!
3 Spring Beauty Trends To Try Now
It’s almost the first day of Spring!
Even though I haven’t done much shopping, I’m thinking more about freshening up my makeup routine for the new season. I’ll be playing with more color, soft neutrals with a romantic touch, and going with more natural glam looks for every day. Here are a few trends I’m working into my beauty rotation
Natural Eyelashes
I loooove falsh eyelashes and my favorite pairs are on the dramatic side. However I’ve been toning them down lately and wearing them less. I still get a flirty feminine look from layering on mascara carefully, scraping off excess product along the tube before each coat so it doesn’t clump. But it is kind of refreshing playing with a more natural, fresh faced look.
Monochromatic Makeup
Monochromtic dressing has been a fashion staple for awhile, so why not copy the same trend in your makeup. I love layering varying shades of soft pink between eyes, cheeks, and lips. Pop in some gold or champagne highlighter to round out the look and add a soft glow.
Neon Lips
I love rocking bold color, but the hues that I’m getting excited about our over the top. Keep them matte since a neon gloss will start to look costumey. And keep the application perfectly precise! The last thing you want is neon smeared all over your face. Use a brush to keep the edges clean and use concealor and powder to set the area around your lips and keep the color in place.
What are you most excited about for Spring? Let me know what trends you’ll be rocking!
Getting Ready for Spring: 3 Must Try Hair Styles with SheaMoisture!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FindYourShea #CollectiveBias
I’m so ready to freshen up my look for Spring! Winter will hopefully be over in a few short weeks, but I’m relishing the opportunity to escape for a bit and enjoy some fun in the sun. I’ve been hanging out in LA a bit, enjoying the sunshine and getting inspired for when the good weather finally hits NYC.
I don’t know about you, but my hair has really taken a beating this winter. It gets super dry and frizzy, and extra breakage prone! I’ve been saving my strands with a combination of protective styling and products that bring the moisture. One of my go to brands is SheaMoisture. I love that the products have natural, yet effective ingredients, smell incredible, and they have a variety of product lines depending on your hair’s needs. Plus they avoid using harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, paraffin, formaldehyde, and petroleum. I like to balance taking care of and protecting my hair with having fun with it, so wanted to share a few fun low-maintenance looks that I’m loving for the season!
Interested in trying out the SheaMoisture hair products? Hover over the photo to click through and shop!
Messy Pigtails
This youthful style is chic again! Braids have a carefree, bohemian vibe this look is perfect for channeling that spirit. It’s also great for when your straight or stretched hair is a few days old and starting to frizz. Just be sure to keep them a little loose and messy, not too neat and perfect. And add a little headband or scarf to jazz it up
Beach Babe Waves
No other style is more iconic for summer! It has an easy breezy vibe and holds up well to wind and humidity. Just braid dry straight hair in medium sized sections, let them set overnight, then unbraid and fluff in the morning.
Sleek Bun
Sometimes it’s just too hot to deal with hair, so slick it back for a chic easy look. A middle part is most flattering for the shape of my face, but you can also play with a side part or even pulling it all straight back. Finish the look with a few hair clips or a pair of statement earrings!
After wash day is complete, you are ready to style!
Check out SheaMoisture products at your local Walmart. They’ve got everything you need to hydrate & replenish dry, damaged hair whether your hair texture is curly, coily, or kinky. Plus you just can’t beat the super affordable price. Let me know what you think and any of your favorite Spring hairstyles I should try!
Get Ready with Me: Glam Valentine's Day Looks with Upbra!
Valentine’s Day is just 2 weeks away! Hope you guys have your outfits ready to go. Today I’m giving you a little preview into how I get ready for a romantic night out, in collaboration with Upbra!
Upbra is my go to bra when I need to take my look up a notch! This bad boy gives you cleavage that is not for the faint of heart. It’s made in America and features Upbra ActiveLift® technology and cleavage control straps that move your breasts up and center for maximum cleavage. Pull the loops all the way out for the most high impact loop. Don’t worry about it getting uncomfortable, this bra is seriously surprisingly comfy!
If you want to keep some attention on your face, balance out the major babe look with glamourous makeup and hair! For this look I went with big voluminous curls and soft romantic makeup. Think a shimmery eyes with a touch of smoke, berry lips, and plenty of highlighter. And definitely don’t forget the lashes!
I’m planning to wear a strapless dress, so going with the Upbra Strapless Bra in red. It’s just as supportive as the T-Shirt version I also have. It also features super cute heart shaped mini grips to keep your cleavage in place all night long.
New Year New Look: My New Healthy Hair Routine for 2019
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HaircareWithIntegrity #CollectiveBias
How is the first week of 2019 treating you? Hopefully you are recovered from plenty of time spent ringing in the New Year, and are ready to start the new year with a bang! This time of year is great for reflecting on all the changes the previous year, diving into your goals, and trying something new. I’m not particularly one for New Years Resolutions, but I did set one that I’m going to try to keep – take better care of my hair! It may sound shallow compared to people that are setting career, fitness and other big life goals. But self-care is important, and it goes for both the inside and out. I have to admit that I was not the best to my hair in 2018!
I experimented with color and a chemical treatment, and did way more straightening than I used to. By the end of the year my strands were, dry, frizzy, full of breakage and desperately needing some TLC. I decided that I’m going to dedicate the first half of 2019 to restoring the health and strength of my hair. Part of that journey means lots of protective styling to give my hair the break it needs. Protective styling breaks are essential for naturally kinky textures since our hair tends to be drier, more coarse and prone to damage from frequent manipulation. So you will see me wearing lots more protective styles like braids and wigs, which still allow for flexibility and fun with your hair, but they keep your natural hair safe from damage causing elements. I also found some new star products that so far have been a hero for my hair!
Hover over the image below to start shopping the products!
Biotera Natural Origin Collection features seven color-safe products that gently restore beauty and radiance, delivering the honest-to-goodness healthy hair you need to achieve salon perfection. The products feature up to 97% naturally derived ingredients, offering a high quality alternative to some premium products for a fraction of the cost.
I’ve been using the NURTURE Conditioner and Masque, which is perfect for dry hair. It’s enriched with nourishing Coconut Oil and Honey and smells just delicious! I alternate the NURTURE line with the RESTORE strengthening line, which repairs damaged hair. It’s enriched with nutrient-rich Goji Berry and Chia Extract, and all their products are free from silicones, sulfates, parabens and dyes. They also use biodegradable formulas and 100% recyclable packaging, so you can care for your hair and the Earth at the same time. Here’s a quick tutorial on my new healthy hair routine and how I’m saving my strands without compromising my style!
Sunday’s are wash day so I start by gently detangling my hair using the Biotera Nuture Conditioner. I separate my curls into small sections and using just a little bit of my homemade spritz (aloe vera juice & rosewater) and a lot of the conditioner, I gently finger detangle each section. I do not use a comb or any styling tools, just my fingers and a lot of patience. Then I pop on a plastic cap and let that sit for a bit, mostly just to give my arms a break! Then shampoo and follow with a deep conditioning mask. I alternate between the Nuture and Restore Masques to balance moisturization and strengthening. As far as styling, I’m keeping that super simple! My hair hangs out in braids or twists and during the week I play with fun hair accessories, headwraps, or wigs so I always look cute and stylish. The routine is easy, simple, and keeping my hair healthy.
Let me know what your 2019 resolutions are, for beauty, hair, health or whatever!
3 Must Try Beauty Trends for New Years Eve
How is everyone recovering from Christmas? Hopefully you unwrapped lots of amazing presents and had a blast celebrating with friends and family. And now that Christmas is over, its time to focus on getting ready for New Years! I feel like everyone has mixed feelings about New Years Eve - whether it’s worth celebrating or just a waste of energy, if you should go out or do a low key house party, etc. Personally I’m down for either a glam night out or staying in with friends watching the ball drop, just depends on what the squad and bae want to do.
This year I will be doing something pretty exciting, and have the perfect look all picked out! I just need to figure out how to beat the face! Since New Year’s is a holiday where you can really go all out with your look, here are some beauty trends I’ve been thinking about trying for the last party of 2018.
Glitter Lips Beauty Trend
Glittery eyes have been over and done! Even though they are still beautiful, the newest way to wear glitter is on the lips! Give your pout some bling with a kit from Stay Golden, the brand behind the glittery lips blowing up your Instagram feed! It may not be the best look for a dinner party, but judging from reviews you can make it through a night of drinking without losing your shine.
Colorful Graphic Winged Eyeliner
Winged eyeliner is such a classic look, so put a fun spin on it! Get dramatic with the length and width of your line, add a splash of color, or even play with contrasting colors to add depth and dimension. Granted, I have NEVER been able to master a good cat eye, but practice makes perfect. You can also work with stencils or tools like the Beauty Blender Liner Designer, and use concealer to clean up and even out your lines.
Colorful Highlighter
I first tried purple highlighter at Afropunk and I am sold! The look was fresh and unique, but not as scary and Halloween ish as it sounds. I’ve used a pale shimmer from Anastasia Beverly Hills and am currently loving the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter in all colors but especially Mimosa Sunrise/Sangria Sunset.
Let me know what look you end up trying for New Years! And shop the story below!
Keeping that Glow! Get Unready with Me and Aveeno MaxGlow!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MaxYourGlow #CollectiveBias
Hope you all are ready for Christmas! I’m sure you will be spending the next few days grabbing last minute gifts, finishing decorating and wrapping everything, and if you are hosting, prepping for the big party. Crazy stressful right? It’s so hard to juggle everything this time of year, stay balanced, and not lose your mind in the process. Plus the holiday season also demands that you always look glam and put together, which just adds another level of pressure! As much as I enjoy hair, makeup, and fun outfits, sometimes you just NEED a bare face and sweat pants. One way I stay sane and squeeze in self-care is to find an off night, or even an early evening, where I stay home and show my skin some extra TLC. Here are a few steps I take to get unready and pamper myself during the stressful holiday season.
Hover over the image above for product information and to purcahase at CVS
The first thing to go is whatever sparkly, tight, layered thing I had on, kick off the heels and cozy up in a warm, fluffy bathrobe. Sometimes I’ll treat my hair to an overnight oil treatment for extra moisture, sleeping with it covered by a plastic cap and satin bonnet.
Then it’s time to get all the holiday makeup off! I’ve been using the Aveeno Positively Radiant Micellar Gel Cleanser. I love micellar cleansers as a first step in my getting unready routine, since they gently remove makeup without stripping the skin. Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Micellar Gel Cleanser is formulated with a moisture-rich soy and kiwi complex and it helps skin feel hydrated, soft, and enhances your skin’s natural radiance. More than just a cleansing and moisturizing routine The AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Collection is designed to enhance your natural radiance and give you a lit-from-within glow. Each soy enriched product targets tone and texture.
I also love using face masks, and do one at least once or twice a week. When you don’t have time to put one on then sit and wait, sleeping masks are perfect. Who wouldn’t want to put one on before bed and wake up glowing?
Aveeno’s Maxglow No Mess Sleep Mask is a new one I’ve been testing out. This nighttime face mask helps even skin tone and texture for soft, luminous skin when you wake. Plus the tube includes a paddle applicator so that your hands stay clean for an easy, mess-free application. Then just rinse off in the morning for radiant, glowing skin. Don’t worry about it making a mess when you sleep, the mask will stay on your face and not end up all over your pillows. After I apply it, I like to tuck myself in, turn that phone on silent and spend some time reading or just reflecting on my day. I think it’s important to unplug and not spend the last moments of your day staring at a phone screen.
Since this time of year doesn’t allow much time for personal shopping, the most convenient beauty destination to pick up these products is your local CVS. CVS is actually one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, so it makes staying on top of your beauty needs easier than ever. Make sure you check out the AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Collection if you want to enhance your natural radiance and give you a lit-from-within glow.
Seasonal-Skincare Remix - Taking Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Fall!
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BTSWithPinkGrapefruit #CollectiveBias
Well Labor Day has passed and summer is pretty much over! Even though we've got a few more weeks of warm weather, the summer vibe is over and it's time to start seriously thinking about Fall. I still haven't done much Fall shopping, but have been thinking about transitioning my skin care routine to get ready for the new season. I don't know about you guys, but my high-summer products can be pretty intense - deep cleansers, exfoliators and toners to keep pores clear.
But as temps and humidity settle down for Fall, I start going easier on my skin. My skin is on the oily, acne-prone side so I always have to keep that in mind when trying new products. One of my long-term go-to products is the NEUTROGENA® Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Gel cleanser. Did you guys know that NEUTROGENA® is the #1 Dermatologist recommended Acne Brand? This cleanser smells amazing, cleanses thoroughly but doesn't leave my skin feeling harsh or stripped. Since cleansing is the base of any skincare routine, it's important to use one that can clean but keep your skin balanced! With Grapefruit Extract + Vitamin C, it clears breakouts and even the marks they leave behind, basically washing away the sins of your summer!
I also tend to go lighter on my foundation in the summer. However come Fall, I go back wearing a little bit more for the grown-up, put together vibe the new season calls for. Double cleansing becomes an essential for the new season. I start with the NEUTROGENA® Cleansing Wipes, Pink Grapefruit, then go in with the cleanser. The wipes sweep away pore-clogging dirt and oil in one simple step, leaving skin clean with no greasy residue.
As things cool off in late Fall/early Winter, make sure you are using a moisturizer that is more hydrating, and throw in a weekly sheet masks for good measure!
I love shopping at CVS for most of my household needs, and their beauty department is seriously stepping it up! You can find classics like the NEUTROGENA® product line, and an impressive selection of color cosmetics, nail polish and nail art, hair care, and false eyelashes. Make sure you check it out, and let me know what you think of the NEUTROGENA® Pink Grapefruit Line!
My Fall VIB Sale Shopping List
Sephora just announced their Fall VIB sale and I am so ready! As you guys know, Sephora sales are few and far between so they are a great time to stock up on your beauty faves and try some new things while they are discounted. Check out my shopping list below!
Must-Haves
I'm stocking up on old favorites and trying out some new goodies. The Nars team sent me the new Orgasm Illuminating Powder and I'll definitely be buying a new jar while it's on sale! Plus I'm almost out of the Radiant Creamy concealer that is one of my go-tos so will definitely get one. And since my skin has been behaving so much better these days, I want to try a lighter, tinted moisturizer instead of my usual full-coverage liquid foundation. I may also throw in some of these cheap travel masks from Sephora collection, and test out the new gummy version of my go-to hair vitamins from Hum!
Palettes
I've been stalking the ABH Norvina palette since it dropped so may finally pick it up! I'm also loving face/cheek palettes from Nars and ABH, and this lip palette that is full of more colors than I'd know what to do with!
Sets
Gift sets are always a great deal, whether or not you actually gift them or keep them! Tatcha never disappoints, and these Stila liquid eyeshadows are incredible! You guys also know I love the Brazilian Bum Bum cream to keep the dimples away! Plus I just started using Beauty Blenders, and this set that combines some new and old faves is right up my alley! And can't forget some new Fall friendly lip colors and my go-to fragrance layering kit.
Let me know if you guys try any of these or what else you add to cart!
Vacation Countdown! The Beauty Routine to Get You Ready for Any Trip!
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RAWellnessBeauty #July #CollectiveBias
Who loves summer weekends?! This season is the best season, especially when summer Fridays start and you can skip out of work early for fun with the squad! If you know you’ve got a weekend adventure coming up, here are a few steps to take the week before to make sure your skin stays glowing from head to toe!
The first and most important step is keeping your skin clear! I wear makeup every day, and I do not skip a beat when it comes to cleansing. My first and final steps both include micellar water to make sure my makeup is thoroughly removed every day. Daylogic is Rite Aid’s Beauty Brand and their Micellar (pronounced my-sell-er) water is a combination of purified water; hydrating ingredients and low concentrations of molecules of mild surfactants that naturally group together to form microscopic spheres called micelles, which act like magnets for dirt and oil. So it removes makeup, cleanses, and refreshes in one step! I use it with the Daylogic Premium Exfoliating Cotton Rounds to give my skin some gentle exfoliating action. The next step is to go in with my favorite face wash for an even deeper clean, especially when I’m wearing a lot of makeup. Then I give my skin a final swipe with the micellar water to make sure all the makeup and residue is clear!
I also love giving my skin a refreshing spritz with the Garnier SkinActive Soothing Facial Mist. Just spray it on your face anytime your skins need to feel a little refreshed - when you wake up, after a shower, right before you leave the house, or to refresh your makeup through the day! I especially love it after a long flight to refresh my skin or after gym or sauna for instant hydration. You can even use it to moisten a blending sponge before applying foundation or concealer.
Now onto the rest of your bod! You’ve got your skin refreshed, your bikini packed, but you cannot forget to wax! Nad’s Body Wax Strips for Normal Skin are perfect for a quick at-home wax. Use as needed to get ready to hit the beach or pool in your favorite swimsuit. The Wax formula contains natural ingredients such as beeswax and calendula flower extracts and is suitable for all skin types. The strips are ready to use – just rub, peel & go!
If you want to add these products into your rotation, get them at Rite Aid! They’ve got a great wellness+beauty offer – get a total of up to $28 in coupons via printed brochure in select stores and Load2Card coupons on riteaid.com
Now all you need are a few extra cute outfits!
Beauty Secrets to Know: How to Get Rid of that Pesky Cellulite!
Let's talk about cellulite! You guys know I love blogging about all things beauty, and taking care of those pesky dimples is an important part of my routine. Cellulite can affect anyone no matter how thin you are. It's not about how much you weigh, but is really caused by fat deposits pushing through the connective tissue in the skin. It can happen anywhere on your body but is most common in the thighs and butt. And while we are living in a day and age of body positivity and accepting your flaws, I'm still of the school of thought that if you really don't like something about yourself you have every right to try to fix it. And while I applaud the women who embrace their cellulite, this is a beauty blog, and I'm still very dedicated to my routine that keeps it away. So if you want to learn my tips for how to get rid of yours, keep reading!
1. Prevention is Key
As with anything skin care related, prevention is the first and most important step of treatment. I have been using anti-cellulite products since college, really before I had much of anything to worry about. And as I've gotten older and my body has changed, I firmly believe the routine I've stuck to consistently over the years has helped prevent my cellulite from really developing. If you already have some don't worry too much! You can definitely reduce it's appearance significantly even if you don't get rid of it completely.
2. Layer on the products
My holy grail system has been Bliss Fab Girl Slim and Fab Girl Sleep. They recently rebranded slightly, but it seems the products are the same ones I've used and loved. I've used that duo day and night for years and it has definitely made a difference in keeping my skin smooth and dimple free. If you are just starting out they will take a few weeks before you see a difference, but consistency is key if you are going to see results. They also make a tummy toning gel called Fab Girl Six Pack which I have used off and on, mostly just because I like the tingly feeling when you put it on. And when I need an extra smoothing, firming boost, I use the Body Shop Moroccan Rhassoul Body Clay Mask. It's a firming mask that tightens and tones for extra smooth skin. I've found the best way to apply it is to smooth on a thick layer, then wrap your butt and thighs up in Saran Wrap, then hang out looking ridiculous for 20-30 minutes while it does it's thing. Yes, it sounds silly, but hey it's totally worth it!
3. Get a temporary glow
If you are looking for a quick fix before a vacation, the best thing you can use is the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. It smells incredible and will temporarily tighten skin, plus it leaves a very subtle shimmer that will give your bod a natural looking glow. I keep a mini version in my beach bag at all times! And tools like dry-body brushes and suction devices can give you some temporary relief!
4. Take it Up a Notch
If you've got deep set cellulite and are really desperate to get rid of it, you may want to look into some non-invasive treatments to get rid of it. Lasers can work wonders on pretty much any beauty concern, and there are also newly FDA approved treatments like Cellfina. Do your research and ask a cosmetic dermatologist to weight in on any procedure you are considering.
Let me know in the comments what you'll be trying!
Sephora VIB Sale Shopping Haul!
It's one of my favorite events of the year - the Sephora VIB sale!! While I'm a frequent Sephora shopper, I do my big shopping sprees around the sale since, especially for my bigger ticket purchases. If you are VIB Rouge, get your shopping on with a 15% discount now through the 16th. And the VIB sale continues for the non-Rouge babes next week. I love the sale not only because that 15% seems small but really adds up, it gives me a chance to stock up on old favorites and try fun new launches.
Check out some of the items I'm adding to cart, including that coveted Fenty Beauty Body Lava, and the brand new Tarte Mermaid Makeup Brushes!
If you aren't Rouge yet but are wondering if it's worth the it, the answer in short is YES! Not only do you get early access to the sale and deeper discounts, there is a laundry list of perks, from pre-releases to free in-store makeovers anytime you want! Check out Sephora.com for the full list and how to qualify!