40 and Fabulous! Beauty Tips for Women in Their 40s!
I woke up the other day and realized that in a few months I’ll be turning 40! That has stirred up A LOT of feelings and questions, some positive, some anxiety inducing. Everything from reflecting on the many accomplishments that I’m proud of to wondering if I’ve saved anywhere near enough money for retirement is heavy on my mind these days!
But one thing that hasn’t been stressing me too much – my beauty routine! I have been disciplined and consistent with a skin care regimen, and I have also shifted my hair care approach to focus on hydration and health, and less experimental with styling that can cause damage. I think its safe to say I can easily pass for 10 if not 12 years younger!
It is common for women to notice natural changes in their skin and body as they approach middle age (and yes 40s are middle aged, fight me on it). Loss of elasticity, fine lines, and dryness are common concerns, as well as hair loss and weight gain. However, with the right routine, you can maintain a youthful glow, age gracefully, and embrace your natural beauty.
Here's a guide to updating your skincare routine as you enter this new amazing decade:
Beauty Tips for Women in Their 40s!
Facial Cleansing Tips for Women in Their 40s
Here is my go-to facial routine when it comes to skin care!
Double Cleansing
Why: Double cleansing effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
How: Use an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and dirt, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse your skin.
Exfoliation
Why: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin. However, be gentle as mature skin can be more sensitive.
How: Use a chemical exfoliant with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) once or twice a week.
Skincare Routine for Women in Their 40s
Once you’ve got a cleansing routine down, focus on the rest of your skin to treat any major issues, restore balance, and get you glowing!
Serums
Why: Serums are highly concentrated formulas that deliver potent ingredients directly to your skin.
What to look for: Antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E), hyaluronic acid, retinol, and peptides.
Moisturizer
Why: Hydration is essential for plump, youthful-looking skin.
What to look for: Look for a rich, hydrating moisturizer that contains ceramides and fatty acids to help strengthen the skin barrier.
Sunscreen
Why: Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and preventing premature aging.
How: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
Eye Cream
Why: The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, making it prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
What to look for: Look for an eye cream containing peptides, caffeine, or retinol to help
Retinol
Why: Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
How: Start with a low concentration of retinol and gradually increase it as your skin tolerates it. Prescription ones are the most effective, don’t waste your time or money on the stuff you’ll get at retail.
And don’t forget your neck and hands! Those are some of the places that signs of aging can creep up and get worse quickly. Use the same products on your neck as you do on your face, and add a hand mask to your weekly routine, and cuticle oil nightly. That will help your skin retain moisture, and the little gloves force you to keep your hands of your phone for a bit!
Lifestyle Changes for Women in their 40s
Skin care can only do so much! At our age it’s time to take a close look at your diet and step up the attention and care you give to your overall fitness and health
Here are some other changes you’ll need to make to your lifestyle if you’re a woman in or close to your 40s!
Diet and Lifestyle
Why: Your diet and lifestyle can significantly impact your overall health.
What to do: Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants. Stay hydrated, manage stress, and get enough sleep.
Stay on top of your medical appointments
Why: Keep your over health in check and be aware to catch and treat any issues. Make your regularly scheduled appointments and pay attention to any changes in your body that you think are worth raising with your physician. You know your body and your instincts may not lead you wrong. If you feel unheard by your medical team, get a second opinion or seek out a female care team that may be more receptive to complaints based on women’s intuition.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare. By following these tips and incorporating the right products into your routine, you can maintain healthy, radiant skin well into your 40s and beyond.
Read more beauty & lifestyle tips:
How to Update Your Skincare Routine for Fall
I Used a Rose Quartz Roller Daily for 2 Weeks - This is What Happened
The Best Fall Beauty Buys You Need Now
Happy first week of Fall! I for one can’t believe how fast summer flew by, and that we are just a few days away from October! The weather is still giving summer vibes, but have you noticed the slight crisp feel in the early mornings? That means Fall is here and it is settling in! I’m pretty excited to bring back sweaters, boots and cute Fall hats, but the thing I’m really in the mood to shop for is makeup!
This summer I kept my looks pretty low key, mostly playing with the neutral soft glam look popularized by the stunning Lori Harvey. But the change of seasons has me feeling like it’s time for deeper colors, bolder techniques, and overall more of a look. If it’s time to freshen up your makeup collection, keep reading for the Best Fall Beauty Buys You Need Now!
Essence Makeup Lash Princess False Lash Mascara
I used to wear strip lashes just about every day, but spending almost a year at home during covid kind of made me get over that habit. I still wear them when I’m going to be on camera since they really step your look up, but on days where it’s just me IRL, I turn to the Essence Makeup Lash Princess False Lash Mascara. It comes in a regular and waterproof formula and is just what you need for an elevated eye makeup look without having to add falsies! And at $4.99 it is an absolute steal! I work with Essence as one of their stylists and all of their products have been fantastic, but the mascara is definitely one of my faves!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow and Styling Wax
Dramatic soap brows have been everywhere this year and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. I have long been a fan of the Dip Brow by Anastasia Beverly Hills and the new Brow Freeze Styling Wax is a way to nail the soap brow trend without having to use anything weird like soap or gel! It gives you that soft feathered brow look without any sticky residue. If you have been dying to experiment with this eyebrow trend, check this out for sure!
Natasha Denona Retro Eye Palette
I am a a STAN for Natasha Denona palettes. The pigmentation is incredible and even though they are pricey, a little bit makes a huge impact so they really do last forever. This Retro Eye Palette is full of deep smokey plum and burgundy shades that are perfect for bringing the drama for Fall. Plus it looks like there is a good mix of matte and shimmer for maximum versatility.
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Powder Blush
I have been using this blush for months and it’s incredible! The pigmentation is off the charts, you only need a tiny swipe and it looks absolutely radiant. I have Exotic Bloom and Orchid, which looks a little scary in the packaging, but trust me it’s gorgeous. Stay tuned for the restock.
Deborah Lippman Cuticle Lab Set
The weather is cooling down so it’s time to show your skin some extra TLC from head to well, nail! I’ve always been a fan of DIY manis, and I’m sure a lot of you have been doing your own nails more and more since 2020! I tend to show my cuticles some extra love, with oils and extra moisturizing creams to keep them in great shape and prevent tears and hangnails. I love this little set from Deborah Lippman since it includes everything you need to pamper your hands the way your favorite spa would!
What are you looking forward to most about Fall?
I Took Collagen Daily for 21 Days and You Won’t Believe My Results!
Have you been keeping up with your skin care routine? I definitely tried to but the past few months have been a doozy to say the least. Since things are slowly starting to calm down, and I’ll hopefully be back to wedding planning soon, I decided to take some time to think about how to step up my beauty game. I have several skin care favorites that I use every day, and I indulge in regular skin treats like face masks and rose quartz rolling. But sometimes, especially once you hit a certain age, you’ve got to step up your game! There are only so many things you can do topically, so I started thinking about skin care from within. Obviously diet plays a huge role in how your skin, nails, and hair look. But we never get everything we need from dieting alone. A lot of people rely on vitamins and supplements to get their maximum nutrition, and there are plenty of supplements designed for beauty as well.
One of the most important beauty supplements is collagen. Collagen is amazing for a whole host of reasons, but you have to find the right formula and take it consistently for best results. I decided to do a 21 Day Collagen Challenge to see what would happen after consistent use. Keep reading for more about the benefits of taking collagen daily, how it can benefit your skin, hair, nails and overall health, and the results from my 21 Day Collagen Challenge!
I Took Collagen Daily for 21 Days and You Won’t Believe My Results!
Benefits of Taking Collagen Daily
So what are the benefits of taking a collagen supplement? Collagen is great for more than just beauty! Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It’s essential for the connective tissues that make up several parts of your body, like tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. Collagen supports these essentials, and also has several other health benefits, from helping with joint pain to improving overall skin health. Collagen also improves elasticity and hydration, which is why it’s essential for anti-aging. It helps strengthen skin, reduce wrinkles and increase hydration and elasticity.
Collagen is also great for nails and hair! Taking collagen daily can prevent brittle, weak nails and encourage hair growth.
Collagen Tablets vs Drinking Collagen
So what’s the best way to get your collagen in? There are tons of options on the market so it can understandably get pretty overwhelming. From capsules to powders to liquid drinks, to injectables, the options can seem never ending!
I’ve tried both collagen capsules and collagen powder that you mix into a beverage to drink in liquid form. Both have pros and cons so it’s really up to you! A pill or tablet is the fastest, easiest way to get your collagen. However if you already take a lot of other vitamins and supplements it can get annoying adding another one to your plate.
Studies have shown that liquid collagen is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly and efficiently than solid supplements, so they really are best for maximizing the benefits of taking collagen. Collagen powders are another popular option, and the most versatile. A collagen powder can be mixed with pretty much anything – coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. It’s a great way to sneak in the supplement without really realizing that it’s there. This approach really only works if you find a formula that is perfectly odorless and colorless, and that dissolves quickly and easily. It can take some trial and error to find a formula that works for you, so look for samples before committing to a huge tub! I love my Hair La Vie collagen, but it really only mixes with water. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is another great formula. It’s a high protein formula so not a low calorie collagen supplement, but it works well with my high protein diet. I love how easily it mixes into just about anything – no clumps, chalkiness, weird smell or taste!
Results from Taking Collagen Daily
So does taking collagen daily really make a difference? I have been taking collagen on and off for years, but kind of fell off my routine the past few months. I’ve been trying to get back to normal in a lot of ways, and my health and beauty routines are just one of the areas I’m revamping. After being out of my routine for a while, I decided to get back to business with a 21 day collagen challenge. Essentially, I would commit to taking a collagen supplement daily – either in capsule or powder form. Keep reading for my results from taking collagen every day!
Week 1 of the Collagen Challenge
I’ve been on a smoothie kick, so I start by adding a scoop of the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides to my usual recipe. The standard serving size is 2 scoops, but I want to start with a small amount to make sure it doesn’t affect the taste and texture. Everything is all good, so the next day I add 2 scoops and it’s still completely unnoticeable.
On days where I don’t make a smoothie I just mix the collagen into my coffee. It’s really amazing how unnoticeable it is, so that is an upside to this challenge. I also have a jar of Hum collagen pills that I never finished, so if I forget to take the powdered collagen I just pop one of the supplements instead. I don’t notice any major results the first few days, but the extra protein boost from the collagen powder keeps me full longer so I snack less. Maybe there will be an added weight loss bonus at the end of this 21 Day Collagen Challenge?
Week 2 of the Collagen Challenge
I experiment with adding the collagen to more recipes – oatmeal, pancakes, a yogurt parfait. Love the versatility and how easy it is to mix in with everything! I also notice that my nails are growing faster than usual. I’ve always had nails that will grow and stay pretty strong, but they do tend to get ridges or microtears that make me have to trim them down. This week they are looking long and sturdy! My skin also feels softer, but I don’t notice any major results. Not that I expect to see immediate skin results from taking collagen every day for 2 weeks. I see my collagen routine more as something long term and preventative when it comes to anti-aging.
Week 3 of the Collagen Challenge
Towards the end of the third week I notice a big impact in my hair - less breakage and shedding and a little bit more shine! It’s hard to tell with kinky curly hair, but I definitely think something is happening. I also love that the high protein collagen helps keep me fuller longer so I snack less and stay in a calorie deficit. Nails are staying on point too and my skin looks nice and healthy.
Overall, I definitely recommend taking a collagen supplement daily. You may not notice instant results, but be patient. Collagen is amazing for anti-aging, so even if you aren’t amazed by your immediate results, you may be grateful you comitted to the routine years later. Let me know if you decide to try a 21 Day Collagen Challenge and what results you get from taking collagen daily!
12 Face Oils You Need to Add to Your Routine Now!
Well I just had another birthday, so you know what that means . . . time to seriously adjust my skin care routine. I’m not one of those women that is terrified of aging, so I’m definitely not freaking out. I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished and turning one year older is a great reminder to celebrate that. However I’m human and am of course very aware of my appearance. Being on camera a lot as an influencer can add pressure, and the non-stop Zoom meetings this year didn’t help! Who else has gotten so tired of seeing their own face up close and personal while on Zoom video calls? It seriously started getting to me after over a year of working from home.
In any case, skin care is part of self care, and your self-care routine should be adjusted based on what is going on in your life. Even though I have oily skin, working in face oils have been a GOD SEND for my skin care routine! It may sound counter-intuitive, but keeping oily skin properly hydrated is key to balancing oil production and keeping the shine under control. Plus, as you get older, your skin needs more TLC and face oils can help give you that.
I’m rounding up some of my favorite face oils and all the ways to work them into your skin care routine!
12 Face Oils to Add to Your Routine Now!
Why You Should Use Face Oils
So let’s talk about why you should be using face oils! There are a ton of benefits to using face oils in your skin care routine. If you suffer from dry skin they can deliver the moisture you need to keep your skin glowing. If your skin is on the oily side, they can help properly hydrate your skin to maintain balance.
Face Oils for Every Skin Care Concern
There are different types of face oils for every concern. The simplest formulas focus on moisturizing, but there are plenty of other oil based skin treatments you can consider. There are Vitamin C infused face oils that can help boost radiance and reduce dark spots, retinol face oils that help improve texture, and even CBD infused facial oils designed to reduce inflammation and swelling. Face oils are also great for anti-ageing and there are even face oils for oily skin.
Best Selling Face Oil Treatments
These are some of my favorite face oils at every budget! The Vintner’s Daughter is definitely a splurge, but it is hands down one of the best products I have ever used. Pixi’s retinol facial oil is another amazing option at a price point you can’t beat. I just started using the Biossance Vitamin C + Rose Oil, but the early results are looking good! And for a simple oil treatment focused on hydration and radiance, you can’t go wrong with the Drunk Elephant Luxury Facial Oil.
How to Use Cleansing Facial Oils
My evening routine always starts with a good cleanse! I use a facial oil to gently remove makeup and debris, then follow up with a gel or cream cleanser to cleanse and treat my skin. I prefer that method since the oil gets rid of all the makeup and top layer of grime, but it’s a much gentler method than using makeup remover wipes. I apply the oil to dry skin and massage it in for a few seconds, then add a few drops of warm water to emulsify. Then I gently wipe it all off with a black face towel that I dampen with warm water.
Oil Based Skin Care Treatments
You can even use oil based treatments for your other beauty needs! Everyone should be using eye cream, so you can try an anti-aging eye oil. Or instead of lip balm, a super moisturizing lip oil can do the trick And we all should be getting our omega 3’s and this formula from Hum is one of my faves. Most fish oil supplements leave a little bit of yucky aftertaste, but not this one!
Are you guys working facial oils into your beauty routine? Let me know how you use them!
Fall Beauty 101: How to Look Stunning This Season!
Who else is feeling the major Fall vibes right now? The weather hasn’t cooled down in LA yet, but pretty soon we’ll feel that crisp morning air and notice the days getting shorter. Summer has been a crazy one, and this Fall will hopefully be one of transition, reflection, and self-care. Plus finally being able to travel again! I’m more excited about Fall travel than anything else to be honest!
I haven’t done much Fall fashion shopping since I have been so focused on other financial goals, but I am definitely excited about Fall beauty trends. Maybe it’s all the time I’m spending on Zoom meetings, working from home, and the occasional virtual happy hour. But since most people are only seeing my face via a high-def camera, I’m much more aware of my skin care and makeup. I may be one of few people that does full makeup every day, even though I rarely leave the house these days! Part of it is just my way of practicing self-care and maintaining normalcy , and part of it is makeup is just so much fun. Admit it, you can’t help but feel inspired by the new dramatic makeup looks you see popping up on your Instagram feed. Plus seasonal makeup updates are generally way more affordable than a full fashion shopping spree. Here are some of the Fall beauty trends you need to shop now!
Fall Makeup Trend 1: Mask Friendly Makeup
No matter how you feel about them, we will be wearing face masks for a while, so you need to start making them part of your everyday routine! I have taken to wearing cute printed fabric ones with matching headbands and making them part of my outfit. It’s easier to make them work with your fashion choices, but wearing a mask with makeup can definitely be a drag! I haven’t had to deal with any of the dreaded “mask-ne” mask related breakouts that a lot of people have experienced, but it’s not uncommon to see a mask full of makeup and smears all over my face when I take my mask off.
One of the most important makeup trends for Fall is mask friendly makeup! There are some small tweaks you can make to your makeup routine to help give it staying power and prevent it from coming off in your face mask. Ditch any of your dewy or soft finish products; matte finish everything is your friend. Start with a mattifying or oil control primer, and set your face with powder before applying your foundation. That’s a tip from one of my favorite YouTubers, Jackie Aina, and it definitely works! I only use liquid foundation, and I mix in a bit of setting spray as I blend. Then set with more powder, and setting spray once my whole face is complete.
If you tend to use cream blush or highlighter, switch to a powder formula since those tend to wear better and transfer less. I usually skip the bronzer or contouring these days, since it’s completely unnecessary with a mask and you don’t want to waste your products. And bring more focus to your eye makeup, since now that is the main thing seen above your face mask!
Fall Makeup Trend 2: Chocolate Smoky Eyes
Since your eyes are the main thing people will be looking at above your face mask, make them worth their while! I love a Fall friendly smoky eye in a warm chocolate palette. It’s softer and more romantic than a traditional black and grey smoky eye, and way more seasonally appropriate. Go from rich cocoa to warm rusty shades, and don’t forget your lashes! My favorite palettes for this look are linked below, but you can use any combination of warm browns that work with your skin tone. I love to finish the look by adding a pop of gold or champagne shimmery eyeshadow in the inner corners of my eye. And make sure you get those brows clean and popping to properly frame your face.
Fall Makeup Trend 3: Statement Eyeliner
Dramatic eyeliner was a huge trend for summer, and it will carry on for Fall with a twist. Trade your neon blues and crisp whites for deeper, more seasonal shades. You can still play with colorful eyeliner, but think emerald green or jewel tones instead of neons or pastels. If you are trying to make your eyeliner pop, keep the eyeshadow neutral so it doesn’t distract from the color. Metallic or glitter eyeliners are a great way to add some extra dimension to the look as well. If color isn’t your thing, upgrade your normal black eyeliner to a glitter version or one with a patent finish to step it up a notch!
And don’t be afraid to stretch that liner out! Go for a fun cat eye, or slender, elegant wing to play up the look.
Fall Makeup Trend 4: Bold, Berry Lips
Nothing beats a statement lip! While you can wear red lipstick pretty much year round, dramatic Fall shades are a seasonal favorite. Bold berries, deep crimson, and chocolatey brown are some of my favorites. Use a lip kit or matching lipliner and liquid lipstick for the most dramatic look and most staying powder. If you want to avoid having your lipstick smear around in your face mask, apply foundation and powder to your lips first then concealer and powder on the outside edges after the lipstick is on. That will help lock the pigment in place and keep it from bleeding, so you don’t look like the Joker when you take your face mask off!
Which of these trends are you most into? You can definitely mix and match them too, but I would avoid the dramatic eye and lip, at least for every day. Save the power combos for when we’re allowed to go out on the town or to formal events again! And above all, make sure you are having fun with your makeup!
Wedding Beauty Countdown: Bad Beauty Habits to Quit Before Your Wedding!
I can’t even believe that my wedding is less than 6 months away! Wedding planning has been a fun, exciting and expensive adventure. I will be sharing more about how to budget for a wedding, how to plan a destination wedding, and everything you need to know about wedding dress shopping over the next few weeks. But for now I want to talk beauty! I’ve seen a lot of posts about beauty rituals for the bride to be, and what beauty products or services to start using 6 months before your wedding.
Since I’m in my 6 month wedding beauty countdown, I figured it was time for me to start assessing my habits and see where there is room for improvement. I don’t want to start a crazy pre-wedding beauty routine, especially not one that is expensive. So I have been thinking about small lifestyle changes to make over the next few months so I can look like the best version of myself possible.
Here are some of the bad beauty habits you should quit 6 months before your wedding!
Stop Neglecting Your Hands Before Your Wedding
From the day you get engaged to the day you walk down the aisle, everyone will be looking at your hands! Keep your hands in perfect condition for showing off that ring and being photographed by showing them a bit more TLC. Moisturize frequently throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. By day make sure to use a hand cream with SPF. I also rub any excess night cream or serum into my hands and cuticles so they get just as much love as my face. And incorporate a weekly scrub and hand mask to keep them perfected. I also made a point of changing my pre-wedding workouts. Even though I love them, boxing and Krav Maga are out for the next few months so I don’t end up with any bruised knuckles!
Give Up on Fad Wedding Body Diets and Quick Wedding Weight Loss Schemes
Once you order your wedding dress, the yo-yo dieting has to stop! It’s not healthy, not sustainable for long-term weight loss, and will cause unnecessary stress before your wedding. Focus on healthy eating and nutritional goals that can be maintained long-term without making you crazy.
If it’s 6 months before your wedding, you can still make some changes with a healthy and consistent fitness routine. Focus on workouts that will help you get the shape you want, like strength training or ballet barre if you want your arms to look amazing in a strapless dress. Don’t fall for fad diets or crash fitness courses, they are just not practical for long term weight management.
Stop Sleeping in Your Makeup
Sleeping in makeup is the absolute worst thing you can do for your skin! If you have a habit of falling asleep with makeup on or forgetting to wash your face, change that habit immediately! The first and most important step in a skin care routine is cleansing. Your products can’t work efficiently if your skin is covered in dirt, dust, and makeup residue. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin every night. Since I wear full makeup every day, I’ve become a fan of the triple cleanse method. Start with an oil or cleansing balm, follow with a liquid cleanser, then gently follow with micellar water to make sure any residue or trace makeup is gone.
Stop Dramatically Changing Your Hairstyle
You can take your time deciding how to wear your hair for your wedding. But to give yourself the best canvas, stop with the radical hair style changes and let your strands recover. Focus on gentle styles, deep conditioning, and avoiding heat or damage. If you decide you want a different cut or color before the wedding, play with options in your hair and makeup trials. Those should be done closer to a month or two before the wedding.
Stop Skipping the Suncreen
Sunscreen is beauty 101 and should be worn daily! Even minor sun exposure can cause damage, dark spots and uneven texture. Use sunscreen every day to protect your skin and keep it in top shape for your wedding day. And as I said above, don’t forget your hands! Make sure to treat them with hand cream with SPF daily leading up to your wedding day.
Check out the Wedding section for more of my tips for planning your big day!
Every Beauty DIY You Need to Know to Look Great Now!
LA has been on quarantine for over a month now, and we’ve got another month to go! If you are used to getting regular salon treatments, I’m sure things are starting to look and feel a little rough. Even if restrictions on social distancing start to ease up next month I don’t suggest you immediately run out and book a salon treatment. Safety needs to remain priority number 1, and beauty may just have to wait! But that doesn’t mean you have to look like you’ve been in quarantine for 60 plus days. Here are my tips for maintaining your beauty routine while stuck at home. I know this may seem trivial in the face of a global pandemic, but I know that personally I feel better when I look better. After all, beauty is a form of self-care and we all need some of that right now!
How to Do a Basic At Home Manicure
Nail salons will be a no go for a while. If your nails are starting to show the effects of the coronavirus quarantine, polish them up at home! If you’ve been wearing old acrylics or gel polish, soak it off with acetone and give your nails a few days to breathe. Shape them up with a nail file and buff the surface to smooth any ridges or nicks. Don’t forget to show your hands some love with a good exfoliation, hand cream massage, and dab of cuticle oil. If you can’t paint your own nails, I love these nail stickers from Color Street. They are super easy to apply and come in dozens of fun colors and patterns.
Easy DIY Quarantine Hairstyles
There is a lot of variance with what you can do with your hair while in quarantine, especially depending on your hair’s texture and length. Clip on ponytails or braided headbands are a foolproof way to glam up your look in just a few minutes. Just look for a set that matches your hair color and texture. You also can’t go wrong with a wig, especially for those super lazy days when you can’t even think about washing your hair. And if you have natural hair, a set of cute chunky twists is the perfect protective style.
How to do an At Home Facial
I’ve only had 2 or 3 facials in my life, so I can definitely live without them. I had an amazing one at Threo Spa in Pasadena, which I will definitely repeat once quarantine is over. Even though I’m not big on salon facials, I always do my own weekly skin treatments at home. Start with steaming your face to open pores before applying a mask of your choice. I have a few in rotation, depending on how my skin looks and feels that week. After the mask, I layer on a few serums and moisturizers, followed by a few minutes of facial massage with my rose quartz roller.
Hope these tips help you look and feel more like yourself. And remember, beauty is supposed to be fun! These are hard times, and you may need the distraction. Or you may feel like looks are the absolute last thing on your mind and that is totally fine. Focus on whatever you need to stay sane and get through this!
Bold Beauty Trends You Need to Dazzle for Spring!
Can you feel Spring in the air? Even though LA winter is absolutely nothing compared to NY, we did have a chilly couple of weeks between November and January! The sun is finally starting to come back in real way and the days are already getting longer. I was also in NY for a few days in mid-Feb and it was much warmer than usual. All signs that an early Spring is on the way!
Spring is a great time to freshen up your wardrobe and of course your beauty looks! I’ve been scouting Instagram and YouTube for some beauty inspiration and am so excited about how beauty trends have changed for 2020. Keep reading for some of my favorite Spring 2020 beauty trends and the products you need to make them happen!
Colorful Eyeshadow & Electric Eyeliner
While face makeup has gotten lighter and fresher, eyes can go to a new level of drama! The days of heavy cut creases and super thick black liner are over. Spring’s eye makeup is bold in a new way. Play with sharp eyeliner in crisp white or electric green, or even a fun new color like pink. The newest eyeshadow palettes include a gorgeous range of blush pinks and dreamy purples so you can find new ways to rock a soft glam eye. Linking a few of my favorites below! I’ve been wearing the Fenty Beauty set on repeat. It makes such a gorgeous statement when paired with a fresh glowing complexion
Romantic Red Lipstick for Spring
A red lip never goes out of style. As you can see from my Instagram, I wear red lips A LOT! The red lip look can get a little vampy so Spring 2020’s beauty trend will be a fresher version. Start by treating your lips to some TLC to help them recover from the winter dryness. I love a good lip scrub to slough off all the layers of dry, dead skin. Then treat your lips to a moisturizing mask or rich balm to lock in that moisture an get them ready for color. Whenever you wear a colorful lip, you need to have a smooth flake free surface. Skip the lipliner and slick the color on casually! You want a carefree, easy going vibe for Spring’s perfect red lipstick.
Gloss oils or lip stains are a great way to get the colorful look without the weight of a traditional lipstick. If you like a little bit higher impact look, try a more full coverage gloss for that extra pop of color!
Glossy Lips and Lids Beauty Trend
Double down on the high-gloss look. The glossy lid trend is one I’ve been curious about but not sure I can pull off! I’ve always loved a shimmery eyeshadow, but the high-gloss look is a new way to shine. I have pretty oily skin so will be treading with caution, but if you are down to try there are a whole host of eye glosses on the market. It’s a pretty low-cost way to test out the glossy look since they can be layered on top of any eyeshadow you own.
One of Spring’s hottest beauty looks from the runways was the combination of glossy lids and lips. It’s a head turning look, and super striking in a flesh tone palette. If you are on the fence about the look, ease into it with a nude or champagne shimmery eyeshadow and clear high shine gloss. You’ll get a similar level of impact but it’s a bit tamer and user friendly.
Contrasting Color Combinations
Rihanna pretty much started this trend so she is the gold standard of pulling it off! Obviously, she is impossible to compare yourself to! But the look isn’t too tough if you pick the right shades. Instead of intense primary colors like cherry red and cobalt blue, pair softer shades that are easier to wear. Think emerald green and soft pink as an alternative, or baby blue and magenta. To finish the look, go for bronzer instead of blush to keep the color from getting too overwhelming and skip anything too dark and moody, like black eyeliner.
Blush Pink and Pearlescent Shimmer
Keep it soft and girly with monochromatic blush makeup. The look is ethereal ad romantic, and will instantly make any face look angelic. The look is gorgeous in all matte shades, but even dreamier with a touch of pearlescent shimmer. Just dab it on your cheekbones, inner corners of your eyes, and maybe your Cupid’s Bow for a romantic glow. Pink is pretty much a universally flattering hue, so just find a shade that works with your skin tone.
What are you most excited about for Spring? Let me know what trends you plan to rock!
I Used a Rose Quartz Roller Daily for 2 Weeks. Here’s What Happened
How many of you start updating your skin care routine for the New Year? I usually keep it pretty consistent and avoid following beauty trends, but I happened to get a rose quartz face roller around the holidays! I’ve seen a lot of buzz about them, but never considered adding one into my rotation. My skin care process is involved enough and I also wasn’t buying the hype about them. Can a little stone rolling device really transform your skin? I debated returning it for some of my beauty favorites that I knew would be efficient, but decided to give it a try for 2 weeks and see what would happen.
Keep reading more my experience with rose quartz face rolling, why you should use a rose quartz face roller, and of course, my results from regular use of a face roller.
Benefits of Rose Quartz Face Rolling
Rose Quartz rolling apparently has a ton of benefits! If you are into the various meanings of stones and elements, rose quartz is said to be a healing stone. Rose quartz is believed to remove emotional stress, purify energy, open the heart, as well as comfort and sooth. Rose quartz face rollers are said to improve blood circulation and overall skin tone, remove wrinkles and puffiness, reduce dark undereye circles, eliminate toxins and promote lymphatic drainage. Sounds like a miracle treatment, right? I was definitely skeptical that a rose quartz roller would do all of this, so I was excited to use it daily for 14 days and see what would happen.
Rose Quartz versus Jade Face Rollers
There are a lot of stone rollers on the market, and rose quartz and jade are some of the most popular. So, what’s the difference between a rose quartz roller and a jade roller? Jade rollers also have the benefit of increased circulation and lymphatic drainage, which is your body’s natural way of detoxing. Jade is also more known to have a brightening effect on the skin. However, jade is a softer stone than rose quartz, so your rose quartz roller will be more durable and last longer than a jade roller will. A jade roller also will warm on contact, while a rose quartz roller will stay cool much longer. This is partially why rose quartz rollers have more of the pore tightening benefits than jade rollers. Rose quartz rolling also helps your skin care products absorb more deeply, so they can really penetrate your skin and perform more effectively.
How to Use a Rose Quartz Face Roller
So here is how my 14 day rose quartz roller challenge went! Some people keep their face rollers in the fridge but I knew that wouldn’t work for me. I decided to pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before using it. Then every night I would do my normal skin care routine before starting to roll. I didn’t add any new products or change my routine so I could be sure that any change in my skin could be attributed to the rose quartz roller. Then I would roll my face and neck for about 2-3 minutes each night. If you use a rose quartz or jade roller, make sure to roll outwards and down. Imagine your nose as the center of your face and everything rolling away from your nose, towards your hairline and down your jawline and chin. This encourages proper lymphatic drainage. I kept the pressure moderate and comfortable, and use the big end for face and neck and the small end for underneath my eyes. It felt cool and refreshing but not otherwise remarkable.
Results of Rose Quartz Face Rolling
After about 3 days of daily rose quartz rolling I noticed that my skin felt a little tighter and firmer. On day 5 I had dinner with friends I hadn’t seen in a while and a few people asked if I had lost weight. This was a week after Christmas and I most definitely had not! The rose quartz roller was actually making my face and neck look more slender! Around day 7 my fiancé came home with a pretty bad shoulder bruise and he asked if I could test my fancy roller on it. Bruising is caused when blood vessels beneath the skin burst, causing the patchy redness. Since the rose quartz roller is supposed to help reduce inflammation and uneven skin tone I decided to test it out on him. The bruise was pretty much gone after 2 days of rolling!
By day 10 of consistent face rolling I was hooked. My dark circles were reduced, my pores look smaller, and skin looks firmer and more toned. Overall, I feel like I’m just waking up prettier and you have to love that as a result! If you are curious about trying a rose quartz roller, in my opinion it’s a must!
Some of them are insanely expensive, but the exact one I have is linked below and it’s only $20. Also including some of my current skin care favorites.
Let me know if you try rose quartz face rolling and what you think!
3 Fun & Easy Ways to Have Perfect Holiday Hair!
This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ILookGoody
Are you getting ready for the holidays? I’m slowly catching the holiday spirit and trying to find ways to keep the positive vibes going! But my décor is almost done and my shopping is in progress, so I’m turning my attention to my outfit and hairstyles. I partnered with Goody to create some timeless hairstyles using some of their essential products!
Goody products are just what you need to unleash your style with confidence. They innovate function and fashion, making it easy to quickly create a look that is uniquely you. Plus no matter what your hair type, they’ve got something for you. Goody is an innovative and inclusive brand - all hair types and textures are welcome here!
3 Fun & Easy Ways to Have Perfect Holiday Hair!
Statement Styling with Bobby Pins
Statement bobby pin looks have been a major runway trend the past few seasons. I was inspired by some of the amazing high fashion hairstyles, and Goody makes it easy to get the runway look. I used the Goody® SlideProof Bobby Pins for this look. They are perfect for securing updos, flyaways, and layers, and you can stack them for creative styling. Plus they have a SlideProof grip to keep styles in place and a comfort tip for pain-free wear. Get creative with how you stack them – make a fun pattern or trade the simple black ones for something metallic or in color.
Textured Waves and Layered Headbands
This style is super chic and classic, and a breeze to put together. I curled my hair with a small curling iron and mussed the curls just to get some texture. Spritz on some hair spray to help keep hold the style all day. Then I added a few of the Goody® SlideProof™ Thin Silicone Headwraps. These thin black head bands are soft, stretchy, and durable enough to endure high impact sports and workouts, but they look super cute on a dressy style as well. They feature SlideProof silicone spikes to lock your hair in place, while still offering a gentle hold that won't tug your hair.
Dreamy Half Updo
A half up half down hairstyle is the perfect, unfussy way to elevate your look. If a full updo isn’t your thing, try gathering just the upper half of your hair and securing it with a clip. I kept it low key, using one of the Goody® SlideProof Claw Clips . These classic claw clips are great for everything from a super sleek twist or the effortless, just threw my hair up look I’m going for. And they have a SlideProof grip for all-day stay!
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!
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!
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!
At Home Hair Care with Yeluchi by Un-Ruly!
This post is sponsored by Yeluchi by Un-Ruly. All opinions are my own
This summer has been one of various hair styles for me! There has been the balayage color I did in Spring, then the Brazilian Blowout, the natural curls, and of course, various braided styles. I tend to rely on protective styles more in the winter, but braids are becoming a new go-to for summer. They are chic and stylish and let you hop out of bed with your hair done for weeks on end. What's not to love!
I was researching hair braiders looking for a stylist and some inspiration for my next style when I found Yeluchi by Unruly.
Booking
It was smooth and seamless! I already had ideas for the style I wanted and using the suggestions on their site I was easily able to select the appropriate service. You can also add links to images of what you want for reference so they know what you are looking for an can accurately match you to a stylist. I was hoping for an after work appointment but couldn't find one, so settled on a Sunday morning. I did ask my stylist if they offer evening appointments and she said they do, but they tend to fill up fast so you have to book early. For the sake of research I did some digging, randomly selecting various styles and neighborhoods and checking the calender on site through October. I found nothing later than 1pm. If you don't keep standard office hours during the week that's probably fine, but if you do, plan to keep your appointment for the weekend.
The Service
My stylist Roxy was prompt, friendly and professional! I had aleady prepped an area in my living room so she would have space on the table to set up, then tuned into my favorite YouTube channels while she got to work. The only issue we had was a technicality with the style I chose. The cornrows in the inspiration photo I sent were stitch cornrows, not regular ones. If you don't know the difference, here is an example of stitch vs regular! Both cute, just different details.
They actually do not offer stitch braids, and Roxie let me know she told the company before taking the appointment but they didn't update me. So I ended up with 6 regular cornrows that we then tied together into 1 chic bunch with gold thread. It was a little disappointing because the stitch effect was the main thing I wanted, and if they would have told me in advance they couldn't do it I would have just picked a totally different style. But I didn't have time to look for a new style in that moment, and also didn't even know if time or the amount of braiding hair I had purchased would allow. I let her practice a little just to see if she could try it, but it wasn't the exact look I had in mind. However I was still happy with the results and her technique, especially how she respected my edges! I also love that she didn't know I was blogging about the experience. Sometimes companies roll out the red carpet for bloggers and you never know if the experience you are getting is the treatment everyone gets.
Final Thoughts
Overall my style was cute, trendy and got me tons of compliments! She also braided carefully and attentively, checking in to make sure it wasn't too tight. You guys know it only takes 1 aggressive braider to permanently ruin your edges so I was very happy to feel like the health of my hair and scalp was priority. It's been about a week and a half since my appointment and the style still looks great. I expected to keep it for 2 to 2.5 weeks and I'm pretty much on track for that. I will probably take down the long threaded braid and wrap the cornrowed ends into a bun just to switch things up the last week.
Getting Ready to Get Holiday Glam!
Image by Jordan Edwards
Is it just me, or does it feel like as soon as Halloween is over, the Holiday season kicks into high gear? Gift guides are everywhere, new products are launching in stores and online, and retailer discounts get down right aggressive. And of course there's the parties! Every couple of days there is another occasion challenging you to bring your A-game and get glam. Check out my tips for getting glam in a cinch without breaking the bank!
YouTube is Your Friend
In your free time, pop on a makeup tutorial so you'll always have ideas and techniques in your arsenal. Some of my faves are Makeup by Shayla and Jackie Aina, but find girls (or guys!) who have a style that resonates with you.
Enlist the Pros
Sephora has a team of qualified makeup artists ready to beat your face pretty much any time of day, at any location! If you are VIB Rouge the service is free, or just spend $50 in product for a complimentary makeover. I always suggest making an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome.
Shop Your Vanity
We shop our closets for new looks, so why not our vanities! Assuming all your goods are clean, safe, and not past their expiration date, pull out some of the colors or products you don't use in your daily routine. I love this blue liquid lipstick or pink shimmer shadow for an unexpected pop of color. Plus it never hurts to challenge your creativity and put together new look!
Pop on a Wig
Ready for an eye catching new look in 5 minute? Try on a wig! Have some fun with a look that is different than your natural do, with none of the risk or commitment. If you are new to wig shopping, check out this post with some tips for choosing and customizing one!
Hope this helps you guys slay the holiday season! Let me know your tips for keeping your style 100!