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.
Fall Goals! The Perfect Halloween Weekend in the Poconos
You guys know the Poconos is one of my favorite weekend escapes from the city! It’s cute, it’s close and has a burgeoning foodie scene that is not to be missed. I spent a lovely weekend there in partnership with Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau to get in the spirit of Halloween! Check out some of the highlights from the trip below!
We stayed at Settlers Inn, a quaint property that sits on six acres of land and is bordered by the Lackawaxen River. It was built in 1928 and boasts a garden and farm-to-table restaurant with an award winning wine list. It’s the perfect place to relax for a weekend, eat way too much amazing food and enjoy the stunning views. The Halloween highlight was the Storytelling Dinner. The week before the dinner they host a Pumpkin Carving, where over 100 pumpkins are intricately carved then set on display around the hotel. I could spend hours exploring the unique, creative designs that are lit up all over the hotel and dot the tables in the Storytelling Dinner. We indulged in the decadent Fall inspired menu as a storyeller regaled us with spooky Halloween tales.
The next day we took the long, scenic walk to the up to the Hawley Silk Mill. It’s a former silk and textile factory that now houses a coffee shop and assortment of local shops. I wish I had planned to do some shopping because there were so many lovely candles, body butterss, crafts and home decor waiting to come home with me! After a bit of wandering, we headed down the road to Ledges Hotel, a chic, modern property at the base of a natural river gorge fall. It has a stunning bar called Glass, with unforgettable views of the river Fall and a great menu of wine and tapas. It started raining so we stayed inside with a bottle of wine for a bit, then headed back to Settlers.
The weather wasn’t really conducive to exploring, but Lake Wallenpaupack is supposed to be quite a stunner. You can have lunch at The Dock at Silver Birches and take in the views. And be sure to take the scenic route back to NY on Route 6. You can explore the charming town Milford and stop by Raymondskill Falls or GreyTowers National Historic Site.
If you are thinking about a late Fall or Winter weekend getaway, definitely make the trip up to Hawley! Check out the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for everything you need to plan your trip any time of year, but especially for next year’s Storytelling Dinner!
Fall Fun and Fashion with V8 +Hydrate™
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlantBasedHydration #CollectiveBias
How is mid- October treating you? As much as I miss the balmy days of summer, I have to admit I love Fall! The weather gets crisp enough to really get creative with fashion and layering, and it is really nice being able to run around all day and not turn into a sweaty mess. Plus hello gorgeous leaves everywhere! In the spirit of the new season, I’m sharing some of my favorite Fall activities, a few tips on how you should dress for each one, and the one thing that you have to have in your bag for all of them - V8 +HYDRATE™!
V8 +HYDRATE™ is a plant-powered hydration beverage that offers superior hydration with a blend of natural electrolytes from vegetables and hints of fruit, so you can replenish quickly when you are on the go! Staying hydrated is probably the most important beauty or lifestyle tip I could ever give you guys and no matter how busy I am, I always make it a priority. V8 +HYDRATE™ makes it easy, with the great taste and travel-friendly can so you can always have one handy. Now you just have to figure out how you want to spend the perfect Fall Saturday.
Museum Hopping
Sometimes Fall weather calls for some indoor fun, and it’s a great time to catch up on exhibits you may have missed during summer when you were too busy on the beach or at the hottest rooftop bar. If your city has a great museum scene, make a list of the ones you can’t miss and plan a day to explore them all. Since that means you’ll be on your feet a lot, walking around and probably waiting in a few lines, the day calls for a stylish but comfortable look. I like the idea of a casual chic dress, lightweight blazer or jacket, and ballet flats or loafers. I usually keep my bag pretty small and light since carrying something heavy all day gets really tough on my shoulders, so you’ll catch me with a mini bag for the essentials! Being on your feet all day can dehydrate you faster than you think. This is why I carry my new favorite hydration beverage with me.
Apple/Pumpkin Picking
Sometimes nothing beats getting out of the city for a day! I love to round up the squad and drive up to the Hudson Valley area for a day of apple or pumpkin picking. You can find beautiful orchards just about an hour away from the city, and there are usually also adorable farms and markets that sell everything from locally made honey to fresh baked cider donuts. My go to look for this kind of day trip is comfy jeans or leggings, an oversized knit cardigan, and flat boots, and a bag big enough to hold my essentials for the day.
Concerts/Live Shows
TBH, I hate concerts in the summer, even though they are super popular then. Call me crazy but I’d prefer to not be surrounded by a jam-packed room of hot sweaty people. Fall lineups are usually more my thing! Some of my fave venues are Terminal 5 and Music Hall of Williamsburg for small acts and buzzworthy names. Check out their lineup or who is on tour and may be heading to your city! My go to concert look varies depending on what kind of band is going on, but pretty much always involves some combo of graphic T and jeans or skinny leather leggings. Since you typically can’t bring your own beverages into a venue, hydrate before the show and after you get home with V8 +HYDRATE™. You’ve gotta keep your energy up to get through the show! Plus it makes for the perfect morning recovery beverage after your night out.
There are 3 flavors available: Strawberry Cucumber, Orange Grapefruit and Coconut Watermelon, so stock up and try them all while you can save! Be sure you and your girl or guy friends are staying hydrated! It’s clean, crisp, and has a delicious taste, and you can buy a 24 pack that’s perfect for sharing on Amazon!
Let me know what you are looking forward to most this Fall, and of course how you plan to dress!
The Perfect NYFW Look Featuring Upbra
Images by Nigil Crawford
This post is sponsored by Upbra. All opinions are my own.
I love any excuse to turn up the sparkle! NYFW is the perfect time of year to stand out and wear looks that will keep all eyes on you. I was debating what to wear to Saturday’s Badgley Mishka show, and since they are known for bringing the glam I decided it was the perfect occasion for bling!
This sequined Zara jacket is a favorite of mine. The blush color is soft and romantic and the iridescent sequins are just gorgeous. I paired it with my billowy wide-leg satin trousers and a bandage crop top that you would swear is Herve Leger but is from H&M when I was in Paris!
The finishing touch for this look was my major cleavage, courtesy of Upbra!
I’ve featured them on the blog before and I just can’t get enough of this bra! It lifts like no other but is still amazingly comfortable.
The bra features cleavage control straps that are the core of the Upbra ActiveLift® technology. After the bra is on, just pull the straps and rehook them in place!
That shifts your breasts upwards and center to maximize the cleavage. The farther away the loops are from the center, the greater your cleavage. For this look I had them pulled in a bit, but not even as far as they go! Even with pulling the straps to maximize cleavage, you don’t have to worry about compromising your comfort.
If you haven’t tried Upbra yet, head over to their site ASAP! Let me know how you would style this amazing bra!
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!
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!
Everything You Need for the Best Summer ’18!
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.
Summer is the best season! The temps are high, days long and fun-filled, and everyone just has an amazing renewed energy to celebrate the new season! In collaboration with BabbleBoxx, I’m sharing a few of the essentials you need for the best summer ever!
This is a great drink to buy when you are out and about on a hot summer day and need a pick me up! And if you love at home mixology, I think either of these organic iced teas would go great in a bourbon based cocktail!
Let me know what you guys think of the products and if you buy any with those codes make sure to share your pics with me!
Be Your Own #SkinGoals with Avya Skincare!
This post is sponsored by Avya Skincare, all opinions are my own
Your beauty routine should always start with skincare. Everyone’s skin has unique challenges, and for women like me who have an abundance of melanin, we have to consider several other factors when choosing a skin care product. Avya Skincare is an amazing new luxury skincare line designed specifically to address issues that commonly affect women of color - pigmentation and skin discoloration.
The Day Moisturizer is enriched with snow mushroom, niacinamide, and other rare botanicals, to protect and defend your skin from everyday environmental stressors. That is super important if you live in an urban area like this NYC girl!
The Night Moisturizer features Vitamin A and provides overnight hydration and renews skin without irritation so you can wake up flawless! If you are sensitive to retinoids/Vitamin A based products, or have never used them before, you may notice some dryness or flaking at first. Just try using the product every other day instead of daily until your skin gets used to it, and avoid using exfoliants or anything with acids for a while.
At $105 and $110 respectively they are a pretty penny, but think of it as an investment in healthy skin and aging gracefully. Check out the full line at avyaskincare.com and let me know how you like it!
How to Crush Your Period with the DivaCup!
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PeriodConfidence #TryTheDivaCup #CollectiveBias
Check out my tutorial for getting started with The DivaCup!
1. Review the User Guide before you get started!
2. Get over any squeamishness about your body. This product requires you to get all up in your lady parts! Insertion can be a bit tricky and may take a few tries before you get it in right so be prepared.
3. Fold the cup per the instructions, push it up and give it a spin. This proved to be more complicated than it sounds, so be prepared to give it a few tries before you get it in right. Getting it in was kind of a struggle and even after pushing it up and giving it a spin per the directions, I could still very much feel it, which made me think it was not in place correctly.
4. Don't use any lubricants to try to ease the process. I used to use a diaphragm years ago, before starting hormonal birth control, so I figured a touch of lube might help ease the insertion, as it does with the diaphragm. However that was a disaster because I COULD NOT keep a grip on the cup! Don't repeat my mistake!
5. If you get it in successfully, you can wear it up to 12 hours before removing it. Since my attempt was a bust I decided to wash it off, let it dry, and give the lady bits a break until the next day.
The Surprising Beauty Product You Need Now
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.
All opinions are mine alone. #MyRadiantLook #CollectiveBias
You guys know I’m a huge beauty lover. I’m obsessed with all things makeup and skincare and take pride in how I take care of myself. You’ve seen me review products, report on skincare procedures, and even get eyebrow microblading. But one major beauty key I’ve never mentioned before is the secret behind my signature smile. You may have heard the quote “happy girls are the prettiest”, and my beauty routine wouldn’t be complete without
Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ Toothpaste has kept my smile glowing, despite my coffee and red wine habits! It’s enamel safe so fine for daily use, and unlike most whitening toothpastes, Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ Toothpaste safely whitens the inside as well as the outside of your teeth. Here’s how I work this into my beauty routine for a glam Fall look!
Step 1: Keep my smile glowing by brushing with Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ Toothpaste twice daily.
Step 2: Define my eyebrows with dark brown powder and highlight the arches with concealer.
Step 3: Lightly contour my eyes and apply a strip of my favorite false lashes.
Step 4: Perfect my skin with foundation, concealer, and powder and add a bit of blush or highlighter.
Step 5: Finish the look with a pop of red lipstick that will add some color and contrast, and show off my smile.
If you are ready to add Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ Toothpaste to your shopping list, you can get it anywhere Colgate products are sold. My store of choice is ShopRite. They are the best place to get all your essentials, from groceries to beauty products, and even beautiful fresh flowers.
Don’t forget to grab this coupon to save $2.00 on any ONE (1) Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ Toothpaste (3 oz. or larger). But shop fast, this offer expires September 23, 2017 (while supplies last)!
Giveaway Alert: The Gems You Need from Rosalie.co
This post bought to you in collaboration with Rosalie
This time of year is basically when it’s time to start refreshing your wardrobe and planning your Fall shopping list. I’ve been thinking about what I need to transition my wardrobe from summer to Fall without having to spend a ton of money between clothes, shoes, and accessories. Since jewelry is the finishing touch for every look, you always have to keep your baubles fresh. I’ve partnered with Rosalie, a chic and affordable Australian accessories brand for a giveaway of some of their amazing accessories, just in time for the start of the new season. Here is your chance to win their Paige necklace, Scarlett hairpins, or Rosie choker.
Rosalie started when the founders got tired of overpriced jewelry and accessories and wanted to give women a way to look great and keep their style fresh without breaking the bank. Rosalie helps you save on stylish jewelry by working with manufacturers that send the pieces directly to the customer. Packaging is minimal and unfussy, but the accessories look great and the price is right! Most pieces on site range from $8-15.
Check out the assortment on Rosalie.co and if you want to enter the giveaway, just follow us both on Instagram and tag 2 friends in the caption of this pic that you think would love this brand as much as I do!
And you can shop the pieces I got and a few of my favorites below! Even though they are based in Australia, they offer free worldwide shipping for orders over $25!
And thanks to Rosalie for sponsoring this post!
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