Current Skin Care Routine

Do you switch up your skin care routine, or are you dedicated to the same products year after year? While I am pretty loyal to many products and keep my tried-and-true on hand, I enjoy trying new products and switching up my routine. Here's my current skin care routine:

1 // using this face wash every morning when I get up. I won it in an Instagram giveaway, and I'm so glad I did! It's all-natural (and handmade too!), and it feels so good. It's really moisturizing, so for the first time in my life I'm not having to wear any kind of day cream as a moisturizer!

2 // using this body butter for extra hydration all over. It's nothing special--I got it as a sample in the mail and you can find it at Walmart--but I love the coconut scent, and it's really hydrating.

3 // using this scrub to exfoliate my face every night in the shower. It's the one product that I've used every day for about 15 years, and I can't move away from it. My face feels so smooth afterwards!

4 // using this cleansing gel every night in the shower to cleanse after exfoliating. With the humidity of summer I can actually use a gel face wash rather than a creamy one, something I can never do in the winter. This is really cleansing, and I'm a big fan of the anti-aging element.

5 // using this face cream before bed. It's a bit of a thicker cream which helps holds in moisture on my face all night long.

6 // using this body cream on my hands every night when I get in bed. The eucalyptus scent is supposed to be calming, and I've found that it is! I've been using this every night when I get in bed since Madeleine was born, and it's definitely become part of my nighttime routine.

Do or don't: False Eyelashes

Have you ever worn false eyelashes? I never had until The Big Fake Wedding a couple of months ago. I was excited that the makeup artist wanted to put them on, because I knew it was something I would never attempt on my own. I have to say that I loved how they looked - I mean, look at how long and perfectly even those lashes are (after 12+ hours of wear!)! What I didn't love was the process of her applying them. I kept wanting to blink at the wrong times, and it felt so weird to have something resting on my eyelid/lash area. I did eventually get used to the feeling, which was good because it was a long day! I was nervous to take them off, because I was afraid of ripping off my own lashes! It took a good 5 minutes of gently scrubbing with my makeup remover wipe before the lashes started to peel away.

My take: yes, I loved how they looked, and it was fun for something different! However, I can't imagine that I will have too many opportunities in my daily life where I need to have really killer eyelashes. I don't think it's worth all of the fuss of the application and removal.

What do you think? Are false lashes a part of your makeup routine? Do you apply them yourself?

Target Beauty Box // 2

I really enjoyed trying the products from March's Target Beauty Box, so I ordered the April box as well! Here's what was inside: 

Laneige Water Bank Soothing Mask // If you follow me on Snapchat, you saw that I tried this mask out last night, and I really loved it! It's a hydrogel mask, so it stuck to my face really nicely and was immediately cooling. After wearing it for 30 minutes, my face felt so hydrated. My face tends to be really dry, so I have to apply moisturizer each time I cleanse my face. I found that after this mask I didn't need any moisturizer before bed, which was a first for me! This would be great if you (like me) have to wear moisturizer every night, but in the summer it tends to feel really heavy on your skin. This would be  a great mask to do once or twice a week so that you can skip your nighttime moisturizer. 

Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation // I'm not a liquid foundation girl (I use powder foundation exclusively), but I have been wanting to try this foundation since it's a drugstore foundation that Kate of The Small Things Blog thinks is pretty good! I got the shade Classic Ivory, which I think is a pretty good match for me (I also tried Warm Porcelain which was absolutely horrifying). As far as a liquid foundation, I thought this blended in really well (I use this brush). It was pretty full coverage, and if I was interested in getting a liquid foundation for more a flawless look, at $8.99 I would definitely purchase this. 

Pantene AIRspray Hair Spray // This was nothing special. A lot of product sprays out at one time, which made my hair feel a little crunchy. When I do use hair spray, I like a lighter hold so that my hair doesn't feel weighed down, and this hair spray was not that. I wouldn't recommend.

Marlowe No. 022 Body Butter // I absolutely love this stuff! It has a nice, subtle but very pleasant scent, and it is very moisturizing without being sticky at all. This is something that I will definitely be buying when I run out! It is hands down my favorite thing in this box.

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes // I've used these wipes before, and I love them! I prefer to use a wipe when I take my makeup off at night, and I like that these are really gentle on my skin. I was really glad to get a pack of these in the box!

CeraVe Healing Ointment // This kind of reminded me of Aquaphor, but maybe a bit thicker. It's to put on dry, cracked, or chafed skin to provide healing and moisture. I didn't have any skin areas that really needed it, so I put it on the rough parts of my feet. It felt a little slippery to me, and I honestly didn't notice any difference. I think my callouses are in need of something a little more than ointment! That being said, this would probably be nice to have on hand in your medicine cabinet, especially in the winter months. 

Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick // I was really excited to try this, since I've been on the search for a flattering lipstick. This particular one was not my favorite. The formula reminded me of all of the lipsticks that I've tried and hated: it bled outside my lips, felt kind of waxy going on, and took a lot of scrubbing to get the stain off my lips. I also didn't like the color at all (you can see it on me here). I will say that I was glad it was included in the box because I've already been trying different lipsticks, it just wasn't a winner for me.

Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport SPF 30 Lotion // I rubbed a little bit of this on my hand to try it out. I liked the scent and it wasn't too greasy feeling, so I will probably be using this on my legs and stomach this summer. Like I said last month, I prefer something a little gentler for my face/neck/chest, but I wouldn't mind using this for my not-so-sensitive skin. 

I thought this was a good box! I loved the Marlowe No. 022 Body Butter, Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, and Laneige Water Bank Soothing Mask, and I was really glad I was able to try Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick and Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation. I could do without the others but will definitely use the Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport SPF 30 Lotion.

May's Target Beauty Box just went on sale today. You can order it HERE. These do tend to sell out within a couple of hours, so hurry up and order it if you're interested!

On finding a flattering lipstick // part 2

I'm back today with part 2 of finding a flattering lipstick. The first go-round I focused on lipsticks you can find at Sephora or higher-end beauty/department stores. Today I'm sharing a few drugstore lipsticks I tried.

Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick in Pink Light // I really loved this one. It goes on SO nicely and is really moisturizing. It didn't feel like a traditional lipstick at all, but it gave my lips a nice pink color to brighten them up a little. This is a perfect everyday lip color that won't stain your lips or feel like you're wearing any lipstick at all.

Burt's Bees Lipstick in Fuschia Flood // This was a tad too bright for me. I did like the formula and it went on nicely, but it was just a little too bright for my taste. It's definitely worth trying several shades of this lipstick, though!

CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Divine Wine// This was my least favorite by far! Ugh - SO bright and it accentuates how big my lips are just a tad too much for my liking. This was included in my Target Beauty Box, which is the only reason I tried this lipstick. I found that it bled past my lip line easily, and it felt pretty waxy. In other words, it's a cheap drugstore lipstick. Not a fan!

I think my lipstick search has come to a temporary halt. I have five different ones that I really like, and I'm pleased to say that I've gotten to the point where I enjoy wearing lipstick!

P.S. A tip for finding the right drugstore lipstick: CVS has a 100% money-back guarantee on beauty products - even if they're opened!

What perfume do you wear?

Do you wear perfume? I love spritzing on a little after I get ready for the day. It helps me feel put-together, and I love catching whiffs of my favorite scents all day long. I alternate between Tory Burch, Kate Spade Twirl, and Clinique Happy (a classic that I can't break away from!). I've found that I typically like a fresh scent with citrus or floral tones; specifically, grapefruit, mandarin, peony, jasmine, and magnolia. I recently tried three new perfumes that I also really loved:

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White is a blend of peony, muguet, and musk. It's subtle but really feminine, and it kind of reminded me of Kate Spade Twirl.

Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Verte might be my new favorite! This has lily of the valley, plus hints of mandarin and jasmine (some of my favorites!). It's supposed to be a fragrance with "tomboy elegance", and I really love it.

Ralph Lauren Tender Romance is a warmer scent with ginger, musk, and white magnolia. It also has traces of jasmine and bergamot, both of which I'm consistently drawn to in my perfumes!

What perfume are you wearing these days?

(top imagine from the film The Women via here)

Disclosure: I received Ralph Lauren Tender Romance free from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

Target Beauty Box

I ordered my first Target beauty box at the end of last month. While it's not an official subscription as you can only order one box at a time, Target comes out with a beauty box each month full of products to sample. It's available online only, and they typically sell out in a day or two. You can see which products will be included, which I really like. And, like I mentioned, it's not a subscription so you're not locked in at all. The box was only $5, which included samples that were worth $17. Here's what I got:

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask // I prefer using masks that I can leave on and let soak in, so this was one of my favorite products in the box. My face was so smooth and hydrated in the morning after letting this sit on my face all night. 

Not Your Mother's Texturizing Sea Salt Spray // I've been using this before I curl my hair to give it a little texture and help hold the curl, and I really like it! If I'm planning on air drying my hair, I've also sprayed it in while my hair is still damp to give my hair a little more movement and wave. This is a product I plan to continue using!

you are AMAZING Juicy Grapefruit Body Lotion // The scent of this lotion was a little too fruity for me. BUT, I really liked the formula; it wasn't sticky, it was really moisturizing, and it was long-lasting. So I liked being introduced to the brand and I will definitely look at other lotions and body washes from this same line, just in a different scent!

Hair Food Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner // I hated both of these! The smell was so strong- it honestly turned my stomach. There was enough leftover of each product for at least one more use, but I couldn't handle the smell so I threw them both away. When I got out of the shower, I used a ton of leave-in product to try to mask the scent. Two thumbs down!

Banana Boat Sun Comfort SPF 30 Lotion // I haven't tried this particular product, but I'm pretty familiar with this brand. I prefer to use a sunscreen that's a little gentler on my skin, but I'm sure Caleb will end up using this one this summer, so it's nice to have!

Caress Adore Forever Body Wash // I was pretty neutral about this. The scent is initially a little strong, almost a musk-y scent, but I couldn't smell it on my skin afterwards. I highly doubt I will ever buy a Caress body wash in the future, but I didn't mind using up this sample. 

nügg Anti-Aging Face Mask // I've been curious about these face masks, so I was really glad to be able to try one! The one I received in the box was an anti-aging mask, which I could use as I've seen some fine lines pop up around my eyes. I don't think I could say I've seen any immediate results, but I liked how the mask felt, and there was enough product in the tub for at least two uses. I will be definitely be trying some of the other types of masks from this brand, too!

SinfulColors Professional Nail Color // I rarely try new brands of nail color; I'm pretty loyal to essie, OPI, and Formula X. That being said, I was surprised did like this nail polish. I'm a believer in a quality top coat, which can make up for any possible deficiencies in a cheaper nail color, but I also found that this nail color went on pretty well. It's a good option if you want new colors for really cheap ($2).

Overall, I say that this was totally worth the $5. I only disliked one product, was neutral about 3 products, and liked 4 products. I really liked being introduced to a few new brands that I would continue to use, so that in itself was worth it to me. It's fun to get a box of random beauty samples, and even though it's not high-end products like you would get with Birchbox, there are more products included. 

If you're interested in trying the next Target beauty box, you can check here to see when it's available. They typically are available the last day of the month or the first day of the month, so check here tomorrow and Friday! 

5 Products I'm Using Every Day

Popping in on this Wednesday with another 5 Products I'm Using Every Day post...

ban.do agenda // Back in the fall I wrote a post on my favorite agendas, and I just have to say that I am loving having a planner again! I keep it on the desk in my office, and I am using it each day for reminders, plans, upcoming appointments, etc. I also am using it to keep track of my yearly and monthly goals, which is a great place for it.

The Honest Company multi-surface cleaner // I am a fanatic about wiping off my countertops, and I am loving using this spray. I can rest easy knowing it's safe for Madeleine, and I also use it on her high chair tray. It smells good, which is a big factor to me in whether I will actually use a product or not.

babyganics face, hand, & baby wipes // Again, I love using a product that I know is safe for Madeleine. I use these wipes on her face and hands after she's finished eating. Side note: why do babies absolutely hate having their mouths wiped off??

Urban Decay Original Eye Shadow Primer Potion // This eye shadow primer is amazing. It keeps my eye shadow looking fresh all day, but the biggest difference I've been able to tell is that my eye liner doesn't fade away and look smeared. A little touch of this goes a long way in helping my makeup's staying power.

Sharpie Pens // I've been using these pens for years. They write smoothly, but I really love them because they don't bleed through pages. I am one to frequently underline in the books I'm reading, so I love that it's colorful but doesn't bleed through - even on the thin pages of my Bible!

On finding a flattering lipstick

As I shared at the beginning of the year, one of my goals for 2016 is to find a flattering lipstick. I started my search at the MAC counter, where the sales associate informed me that any lipstick can be flattering on anyone; it's all about being confident in the color you're wearing. Seasoned lipstick wearers: is that true? I've tried colors on in the past that I have to believe were truly not flattering. Regardless, I've spent some time trying different colors and searching for what will be my favorites, so here's the first round of results:

1 // MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crème Cup This is the first lipstick I bought and tried for this little goal of mine, and I hit the jackpot. It's actually a bit more pink than is showing up in the pictures, and I love it. The formula is really smooth and does not feel like any lipstick I've ever tried. It lasts a good while (and kind of tastes good too). This is the one that I'm grabbing and applying most often.

2 // Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien This color is clearly more red than the others, but as someone who doesn't typically like a red lipstick (I always slightly resemble a clown!), I was pleasantly surprised to find I like this color. It's red without being too red. Out of these four, this definitely goes on the most smoothly, and it feels great!

3 // Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink I've been looking for lipsticks, but I was surprised by how much I like this lip gel. It goes on more like a gloss, and it does have a little bit of stickiness, but I really like the color. Because it's more of a lip gloss, it does not have the lasting power that a lipstick does. It's perfect if I want a punchy color that I don't need to last too long.

4 // Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Lovechild In the pictures above, this color seems very similar to the Sephora lip gel (#3), but in person this one is not as hot pink. I love the way that this feels going on, and they are not lying when they say this is super-saturated! The color stays really, really well. This is my second favorite of the bunch.

So! tell me what you think! Which is your favorite? What colors/brands should I try next?

Fighting winter dry skin

I've always struggled with dry skin in the winter, but since being pregnant and giving birth, my dry skin has gotten a lot worse! Here's what I've been using to combat my winter dry skin:

one // This is by far the best hand cream I've ever used. I only had a small amount of this, and I've used it all up. It seems a little pricey for lotion, but it works so well I will probably break down and buy some more.

two // I use this really hydrating mask a couple of times per week. I put it on as my moisturizer before I go to bed. It soaks into the skin overnight and leaves my face feeling really well-hydrated and smooth. 

three // I really like this lotion for a cheaper, easy to find option. It has a faint coconut smell which is really refreshing, and it leaves my hands smooth but not oily.

four // All cuticle creams are probably about the same, but this is the one that I use and has worked for me. 

five // I just started using this face cream this winter, and I really like it! It's pretty thick, so I was afraid my face would feel sticky, but it doesn't. It soaks in well and has really helped keep my face moisturized and soft.  

six // This lip mask feels (and tastes) so good! I use it at night before I go to bed, and my lips are still moisturized and smooth when I wake up. I think there's some tinted versions that you could also put on during the day to give your lip a little color.

What are some of your favorite dry skin products?

5 Products I'm Using Every Day

I love trying out new beauty products, so there is a constant rotation through my bathroom of new hair, makeup, and skin care products. While I try many things that I like decently well, the true test of a great product is if it stays in my regimen for more than a couple of weeks. These 5 products are ones that I am using every. single. day. and have been for several months now.

Softsoap Basil & Lime Hand soap // This has got to be the best hand soap I've ever used that you can purchase at a big box store. I have a really sensitive nose, so I am very particular about what kind of hand soap I use, since I can smell it long after I've finished washing my hands. My mother-in-law had this soap at her house over the summer, and I immediately knew I needed it. I've stocked up on it in case they ever decide to stop making it.

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Body Cream in Eucalyptus Tea // My aunt brought me a sweet gift bag of several items right after Madeleine was born, and this body cream was one of them. I've been using it on my hands every night when I get into bed since Madeleine was about a week old. It really is very calming, and I love that this scent will forever remind me of those early days when Madeleine was so tiny and new.

Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream // It's so hard for me to find a moisturizer that I love. I lean towards having dry skin, so I want it to soak in and moisturize without leaving my skin greasy. This cream is not heavy at all, but it leaves my face feeling so smooth. Bonus: it smells SO good (notice a trend here??).

Dove Advanced Care Nutrium Moisture Deodorant in Caring Coconut // I don't know if it's just me, but since becoming a mom I sweat like nobody's business. Between carrying a heavy carseat with a growing baby in it, to having said baby right up against me eating every few hours, I am constantly hot. I've used Dove deodorant for as long as I can remember, but this newer line of the nutrium moisture is my favorite. It goes on really smooth and--you guessed it--smells good. It smells better than that powdery scent of most deodorants, but the scent isn't so strong that it's trying to act like your perfume.

John Freida Beach Blonde Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner // I really like John Freida products for my hair, and I think this might be my favorite one yet. My hair gets really tangly and just a small amount of this conditioner detangles really well. It's also lightweight, which I need since my hair is pretty fine. It has a minty scent to it which is really refreshing and energizing.

Do you already use any of these products? What are some products that you are using every day?

P.S. More 5 Things Posts

Skin care routine

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Do you switch up your skin care routine frequently? I tend to stick to my tried and true favorites but find that new products often end up in the routine and stay for several months. This is what I'm currently doing:

I wake myself up in the mornings with Origins GinZing scrub cleanser. The citrus-y scent perks me up (and the caffeine helps too!), and I like using a gel that exfoliates for the mornings. Afterwards I apply a little bit of Origins Plantscription anti-aging serum. It's never too early to start fighting those wrinkles that are bound to appear at some point! I finish the morning with Origins GinZing moisturizer. Again, I love the GinZing line, and this moisturizer offers good coverage without feeling greasy.

I shower in the evening to save time in the morning (sleep is too precious to me!), and I use Origins A Perfect World cleanser after shampooing and conditioning my hair. My skin has been insanely dry this pregnancy, so before bed I apply a little Origins Drink Up Intensive overnight mask to replenish my skin and keep it from being so flaky.

Disclosure: Origins has no idea who I am, and I was not asked to write this or compensated in any way. I just love Origins products!

Steve Madden Sandal Hack

These are some of my favorite sandals. They're comfy and casual, but definitely look better than flip flops. Mine are Steve Madden, but Target is selling sandals that look exactly the same! One of my co-workers has the Target brand, and we put our sandals next to each other and you cannot tell a difference! So, if you want to score a Steve Madden look-alike sandal, head to Target and scoop these up for $17!

In My Pool Bag

My favorite place to be in the summer is the beach, but if I'm not at the beach you can find me at the pool on the weekends. I absolutely love relaxing after a week of work in the sunshine by the pool. Here's a look at what's in my pool bag:

1. A towel. I don't need anything too fancy, but I do need something to dry off/wipe the sweat that's dripping down my face. I'm pretty dedicated to staying in the sun for several hours, so that means quite a few dips in the pool to cool off and a lot of sweating. Sometimes I take two towels just to be safe.

2. Sunglasses. I actually prefer not to wear glasses for the majority of the time I'm in the sun (I don't want a sunglasses tan), but I like to have them as an option if need be.

3. A good book. Last Saturday I read Divergent (yes, I just jumped on that bandwagon - and it was so good!), and I just recently bought All the Light We Cannot See. I like to have a long book to last me the whole afternoon.

4. Lip balm with SPF. This yes to carrots pomegranate kind is my absolute favorite for the summer. It goes on smooth, it isn't too quick to melt in the heat, and it smells so good. The only thing worse than chapped lips is burned lips, so I frequently apply this stuff and love it.

5. Sunscreen. I haven't always worn sunscreen (hello 17 year-old self), but in the past couple of years I have changed that. I love being tan but I do not want skin cancer, so I always have sunscreen with me now. I've been using Coppertone Clearly Sheer this summer and really love the lightweight formula. It isn't sticky or smelly (it actually smells good!), which is key since I have to reapply frequently. I tend to have sensitive skin but haven't had any irritations or issues with this formula.

6. Drinks. I usually bring a couple of drinks to try to stay hydrated. Summers in South Carolina are brutal y'all, so the more beverages the better.

So there you have it, my pool bag. What do you take to the pool or the beach?

Disclosure: I received the Coppertone Clearly Sheer sunscreen for free from BzzAgent, a word-of-mouth program. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick

Do you wear lipstick? I have always been more of a lip balm + lip gloss girl, so receiving this Rimmel London Moisture Renew lipstick to try out was a bit of a stretch for me. I don't like wearing lipstick because I hate that caked-on, sticky feeling, and I always feel like a bit of a clown with lipstick on. I tried this lipstick and it solved one of my two problems: there was no caked-on, sticky feeling whatsoever! This lipstick is incredibly moisturizing. Apparently they updated their formula to make this new version even more moisturizing than before, and I really loved that aspect of it. I still felt like a clown (see below), but that was more of a function of 1) not being used to wearing lipstick and 2) the color did not suit my skin coloring. This shade is not going to be making a regular appearance on my face, but I am interested in checking out the other 17 shades they have available to find something a little more tame :) 

Disclosure: I received the Rimmel London Moisture Renew lipstick in "As You Want Victoria" complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

Birchbox Favorites

Do you get Birchbox? I've been subscribing for about six months now, and I really enjoy it. I frequently will purchase new beauty products to try, so I really like having them picked out for me and delivered to my door! There are a few products that I've received that I really, really like. You can't expect every item in every box to be a hit for your personal taste in beauty products, but the ones below are my favorites. 

1 // Toni & Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray // This spray really gives good texture and volume if you want wavy or curly hair, and it also smells so good! 

2 // Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips // Don't let "nipple balm" scare you off! This lip balm works so well and keeps your lips moisturized for a long time. I'm never without chapstick, and this is one that I have found actually works well.

3 // KMS California Freeshape Hot Flex Spray // I flatiron my hair most days, so I need something that will protect my hair from all of the heat. This smells good and does the trick.

4 // Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum // I have gotten quite a few perfume samples in my Birchbox, and this is by far my favorite. I actually wear this regularly and love it. 

5 // Tocca Crema da Mano Luxe in Cleopatra // My skin gets extremely dry in the winter, so I am always putting on hand cream. The grapefruit and cucumber so smell fresh, and it really keeps my hands well-hydrated.

6 // Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect // This leave-in conditioner is my other favorite hair product that I've gotten. It smells really good (clearly a must when it comes to my hair products!), detangles like a champ, and also protects from heat damage.

2013 Goal: Donate My Hair

For as long as I can remember I've wanted to donate my hair. I always get tired of it when it starts getting of any significant length, but about 18 months ago I decided it was time. So, I made it one of my goals for 2013. I got it cut right before we went to the beach, and it feels SO good to have short, healthy hair for the summer. I cut off about 11 inches, and donated 8 of it to Children with Hair Loss, a non-profit that provides wigs for children with medically-related hair loss. I hope my long locks will make some little girl very happy!

in {my hair}

Do you use Moroccanoil treatment? I started using it over a year ago, and I LOVE it. I've really seen such a difference with my hair: it's shiny, it seems healthier, and it's less frizzy. I usually put it in my still-damp hair and then let it dry naturally, but you can also use it on dry hair to tame flyaways and frizzies. Recently I came across the Garnier Fructis Moroccan oil treatment, and I also like it. It's much cheaper, too, if you're on a budget. And even more recently, I started using http://www.suave.com/product/detail/662735/moroccan-infusion-shine-shampoo-conditioner shampoo & conditioner with Moroccan oil in it. I love the way it smells, and it makes my hair smooth and shiny just like the Moroccanoil treatment. I like switching things up in my beauty routine, so I use these products on rotation for sleek, shiny hair:) What hair products do you swear by?

Moroccan Oil

Garnier Fructis Moroccan Oil Treatment

Suave Moroccan Infusion Shampoo & Conditioner

Surprising Perfume Trick

I was flipping through How To Look Expensive last week (a great resource, by the way, for tried and true beauty tips and products) and found a surprising trick for lasting perfume. Instead of spraying perfume directly onto your skin or spraying a little in the air and twirling through it, spray the scent onto your hairbrush! "It'll cling to natural oils in your hair and make you smell delicious without overpowering," Aerin Lauder (granddaughter of Estée) shares. I tried it this morning, we'll see how it works:)

(image from here)

My Favorite Moisturizers

If I had to pick only one makeup/skincare product to use for the rest of my life, I would be super stressed out at the thought but moisturizer would be high on the list of possibilities. I have really dry skin, so I am very faithful at cleansing and moisturizing my face morning and evening--no matter what.  I've tried lots of different kinds*, but these are the four that I've been the most pleased with. They don't go on too thick and they make my skin feel soft and fresh. They also don't have a strong scent, they just smell clean, except for #3 which smells like cucumbers (and I love it!). If you're looking to try a new moisturizer, here are my recommendations, in a range of prices:

1) Origins Starting Over Age Erasing Moisturizer with Mimoa ($47.50)

2) Mary Kay TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer ($22)

3) Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Daily Calming Moisturizer ($14.99)

4) Simple Light Hydrating Moisturizer ($10-$12)

What is your go-to moisturizer?

*Note: When trying new skincare or makeup products, be sure to add only one new product at a time. After trying it for a couple of weeks, add one more new product. This way you will know which products you may have an adverse reaction to.

I'm Growing My Hair Out

I've always wanted to grow my hair out and donate it, and I decided 2013 will be the year. My hair is the longest it's ever been, so I'm going to hang in there and grow it out a little longer, and then chop it all off - eek! It really is quite long, and it's constantly getting tangled and in my way (how do the Amish girls do it?!). I've been looking for ways to keep it up and out of my face, and below is my inspiration so far. Have a great weekend! xx

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