Skin Care Routine Lately

I am embarrassed to say, that just a few years ago, I literally did not care about my face at all. In the last two years I would say, is when I really started purchasing face products to try and get in more of a regiment. 

1. Brush

I used to go to bed almost every night without washing my face, but now I look forward to it and know that it is not only getting clean, but the brush is being sanitized after each wash!

2.Vitamin C Drops

My neighbor/friend introduced me to these drops and I love them. The first thing I do is put two drops of this oil on my face before I start getting ready for the day! With the freckles, it definitely has been helping to make my complexion brighter!

3.Face Moisturizer

I needed a new moisturizer and stumbled across this one on Sephora. I have no cons and does not make my face feel greasy. I don't use everyday, only with my tanning drops usually. With Summer coming, I definitely start using moisturizer more though.

4.Retinol Cream

I am officially at that age where it's time to start caring about my fine lines. I have noticed them on my forehead lately (even though everyone says they don't) so I purchased retinol cream to get some elasticity back into my forehead! I do not use it everyday, only twice a week.

5.Mandelic Acid 10%

Because of those said fine lines, my girlfriend told me her dermatologist introduced her to this oil for fine lines and also pigmentation and dark spots. I gave it a try and actually liked that my skin peeled, meaning it's working. I wasn't like a sun burn peel though, just enough to get all the dead skin off. The layer that is underneath feels so much healthier now. 

6.Tanning Drops

About once a week, I will put one or two drops (depending how dark I wanna get) mixed with my moisturizer onto my face. I usually put a dollop of moisturizer on my hand and then the drops ontop and mix together before putting on my face. I then wash my tops and bottoms of my hands to get the excess off. 

7. Azelaic Acid

I've been using this since last Summer. I get darker coloring on my upper lip and sometimes around my nose in the summer, so this helps to balance it. I typically use every other night. 

8. Virgin Marula Luxury Oil

I put this on every night. It does not leave my skin greasy at all and I wake up feeling so hydrated and soft. I think if I had to give up all other products and keep one- this would be it!

What routines do you have that you love and use consistently?

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale Picks

It's the time of year to stock up on your must haves, wants, or splurges at Sephora! Their beauty insider sale is going on now. Whether you are an insider, VIB or rouge you can catch a great discount. If you shop at Sephora, you know that makeup sheldom goes on sale so anytime you can score a deal, you must jump on it. 
I've listed some of my must haves, as well as some things I've had my eye on. Today I'm sharing them with you..

+ This is my go to Mascara lately. Def adds volume to my lashes. + Recently my hair has been dry and needs an extra boost and this Conditioning Spray works wonders! + I'm trying this Natural Lipstick to wear on the daily, ya know work, errands, around the house! lol + In the market for a new Curling Iron, so gonna give this one a shot. Has great reviews. + Because summer is (supposedly) right around the corner, I'm going to try this  Self Tanner and Face Tanner and see it will give me the glow before the natural sun does. + I like to stock up on things like this Beauty Blender when they go one sale. + I started using this Setting Spray a month ago, and it helps my make up to last all day.
Use code YAYINSIDER if you are a beauty insider for 10% off your purchase! Use code YAYVIB if you are a beauty vib for 15% off your purchase! Use code YAYROUGE if you are a beauty rouge for 15% off your purchase! + If you are not an insider yet, sign up here! + This sale only lasts until Monday April 23, so hurry!

Review | Laura Mercier Foundation

I received these products compliments of Influenster, however all opinions are my own!

Friends, I usually don't write make up reviews because.. well, I typically don't wear enough make up to try different products. I am in no way an expert in the make up department since all I wear on the daily is some cover up for my dark circle (ya know living the mom life) and mascara. It is a rare occasion you will see me with lipstick and blush on! But when I received this foundation to try, it was very appealing to me. I thought I would give it a shot and was very surprised Influenster sent me a full size bottle. Score!

I received Laura Mercier Flawless Fashion Foundation in Medium as well as this setting powder. I could have done without the setting powder or perhaps the darker shade. I looked like an absolute ghost even after blending in!

With this foundation, a little goes a long way. So be sure to only use about a dime size for your whole face.

I love how it felt so light and effortless and didn't cover my freckles completely. I would definitely recommend this product to those looking for a new foundation! and because this was shot during nap time.. and nap time only lasts maybe 10 minutes if we are lucky during the day, here is a picture with my little man!

Review | Ole Henriksen

Thank to Influenster for providing me with these products to test!

I normally don't use face products. Like at all. Just recently I started wearing concealer on 'special' occasions, and that's pushing it for me! 

I was pleasantly surprised how good this smelled! The orange freshness made the grittiness of the facial wash so much better! 

I used the three step Power Bright on the night I received it. I have spending some time in the sun, and felt like a good cleanse would do my skin right!
Step 1: Polishing Mask- This is a gritty face wash that felt so good on my skin. It feels like it took all the gross stuff on it and smelled wonderful.
Step 2: Facial Concentrate- This helps to brighten your skin after the mask is taken off.
Step 3: Facial Cleanser- Wash it all away with this cleanser and your sponge supplied.

Use the Sheer Transformation day and night to help keep the brightness of you skin. The Truth Serum helps boost collagen for all those fine lines and wrinkle.. hey never too early to start!!

It left my skin feeling so clean and refreshed. 

I received these products compliments of Influenster for testing purposes.

Review | Perricone MD

TGIF!!! Talk about a busy week. between working full time, designing and fulfilling orders for my etsy store and normal life activities, I am volunteering all week at our local carnival in the funnel cake stand! I am currently am experiencing a lack of sleep, since I don't get home until after midnight and the workers in my sunroom begin working at 7am sharp! Needless to say, this product could not come at a better time!

I never thought I needed under eye cream or anti aging at just 28 years old, but it truly is never too early to start taking care of your skin!

I applied the Perricome MD Brightening Cream using my middle finger under my eyes. Since I have been smelling like fried oil, I have been showering twice a day, and applied both times after. 

Directions call for usage for 8 weeks, but boy can I tell a difference after just one! Maybe it's because my dark circles are just a little darker this week, but it sure does make me feel more refreshed!

This is very light weight and creamy; unlike some other brightening creams I have tried in the past that left you feeling oily and greasy!

I recommended this product to a friend to try and now we are both hooked! 

I received this product complimentary for reviewing products, but all opinions are my own!

Review | Essie GelCouture Top Coat

I was shopping in my favorite store, Target (as if you didn't know) and wanted to get a new nail color for Summer. I've been trying stay away from getting my nails done at the salon with gel polishes because they always seem to ruin my nails. I also don't have time usually to keep up with them and get them done bi-weekly. So back to my Target trip, well I stumbled upon an end cap with new Essie nail trend. I really didn't want to spend close to $12 on a new color so I opted to purchase just the top coat alone. I had tried the Sallie Hanson gel in the past and would use that top coat with other polishes to make it last a little longer. So I gave it a try.

First I used Essie Berried Treasures color. It is a great color of Summer especially with a tan! I used two coats to make sure the whole nail was covered. I used a Q-tip to remove any excess from my skin before applying the top coat.

Once my color was dried completely, I  used the Essie Gel Couture top coat. Make sure to cover the whole nail and let dry completely. 

 

 I loved how big the brush of the top coat was. It only took two strokes to cover the whole nail.

Day 1:

This was taken right after painting them. 

Day 3:

This picture was taken after three days with the top coat. You can see some chips on the top of my nails. Note.. my nails are very brittle to begin with, and they were already splitting before painting them. My opposite hand has no chips!

Day 5:

This picture was taken after day 5 of my right hand. There is only a minor chip on my pointer finger and that's it! Still going strong!

After about a week, other of my nails started to chip, but I would definitively recommend this top coat for those ladies who want a gel like polish without going to the salon. Typical nail polish lasts only a day or two before it starts chipping on my nails. 

Confessions of a Nail Biter | Jamberry Review

One of my number one pet peeves is someone biting their nails, cuticles, or even their hands in their mouthes- ew germs!! But guess what.. I am one of those people! I do it more self conscientiously while driving, at work, or even just watching tv. When I finally realize I'm doing it I get so mad at myself because not only am I killing what is left of my poor nail beds, I think about everything I touched last and now that is around my face. Yuck! I find that when my nails are done, I am less likely to do this, but sometimes my manicures are few and far in-between. Im trying my hardest to stop this habit, and today I'm having a little help from one of my sponsors!

Amanda is a Senior Lead Consultant for Jamberry and has graciously offered me a kit to try my first set of nail wraps! Of course when she showed me the options, I had to chose black and white stripes. That was a no brainer! I was a little hesitant when I first heard about these, because I wasn't sure if they would be really hard to put on. I may need a little practice lining the wraps to my nails, but I LOVE the way they look and came out.

When I received the box, I was surprised to receive to much stuff! 

Make sure your nails are clean and cuticles pushed back.

If you are putting nail polish underneath the wrap, make sure it is completely dry.

 Match up the wrap to each of your nails and peel off paper.

Use the heater for 3-5 seconds to make them softer and then line up (I had a little trouble with this.. some of my nails are off center but only noticeable to me!) and press on nails. 

Press corners and around cuticles down with the rubber cuticle stick. Trim off excess wrap with mini scissors and file off the rest. Add more heat for a couple of second and press firmly.

 and just like that you have beautifully designed nails! Did I mention how much I love the strips!!

 As you can see in this photo my cuticles that I pick and bite at. Also, my nails are not long what so ever- I think they look like boy hands when not painted! These Jamberry wraps work on all lengths! 

So what are you waiting for! Contact Amanda and get yourself some fun designs!

Thank you Amanda & Jamberry for providing me with these nail designs and other materials used in this posts. All opinions are my own!

How often do you wash your hair?

My hair is naturally curly, although you NEVER see it that way.  A typical week day consists of a fight to get out of bed in the morning earlier and wash my hair or sleep and extra ohh I don't know- HOUR and go dirty again.  I know what you are probably thinking- EW! But after speaking with my hairdresser (actually numerous hairdressers) about my shampoo routine, they confirmed that you SHOULDN'T wash your hair everyday.  Since I have gone to the ombre side, I have been curling my hair a lot more then usual.  When I use my straightener for curling it, it tends to stay tighter throughout the night and am able to stretch it for two days.  When my hair is straight I am able to stretch my washing time to 3-4 days!  Don't get me wrong, everyone's hair type is different and those with less thickness may have to wash their hair every day or every other day, but for a fuller head, like mine; I want to hold onto all the oils in my hair as I can!

Here are some tips for styling your hair when holding off on washing your hair for as long as possible:

If you have never used dry shampoo before here are some suggestions when looking for one*:

Dry Bar- Love the smell of this.  Reminds me of a natural smell of a shampoo. I would rank this number 1 of dry shampoo's!

Oscar Blandi- This really didn't soak up any excess oils for me, but did leave a clean smell.

Tresemme- Citrus smelling but with a chemical smell mixed too. If sprayed too close, white residue will form, but by combing or rubbing it in it will go away.

Pantene- This has a good sweet smell to it, but be careful when applying.  I sprayed too close to my scalp and it actually left my hair stiff.

Ojon- This actually made me get migraines. It left my hair more oily then before using it and the smell is so strong.  Would not recommend using this. 

*All reviews are my own.  In no way was I compensated for this post.  Reviews are with my hair which is naturally curly and thick hair.  Results may vary on hair types!

Are there any other dry shampoo's you have used or that you like that didn't make my list?

Share them in the comments below and what type of hair you have!

Nail Rock Caviar Manicure >> Review

In my January BirchBox I received the Nail Rock, Caviar.  I couldn't wait to try it, since I have been eyeing up the Ciate Brand in Sephora for a while now.  I was hesitant in purchasing this though, because I didn't know how it would last.  I am glad I received the Nail Rock version to sample and share with everyone my findings!

Nothing better then a snowy night to stay in and give myself a little mani!  

Apply two coats of the nail polish.  After the second one dip finger nail into the 'caviar'.  Press onto nail and let dry for 15-20 minutes. I immediately knew this was not going to last. Even after letting sit and dry some started to fall off.  I decided to seal mine with Essie Top Coat , thinking this would help hold the caviar on.. but it failed.  Once I started my daily routine even more caviar fell off. 

My opinion on this product, is if you are putting on the manicure for a night out and doing it about an hour before this would be perfect. I do not recommend if  you want this to last for more then a day, esp if you are a busy girl like myself! 

Beauty Box // January

The little sea foam box has arrived this month, and it is a good one! Only down fall.. I think one of my bottle opened while being delivered.. but that doesn't stop me in enjoying the products!!

Jergens, Daily Moisturizer- Perfect size to throw into my purse, tote, and gym bag. Especially during these winter months my skin gets so dry.  

H2O Plus, Spa Sea Lotus Body Wash- I have received this before in a different box and I love the smell. I actually bought the full size bottle but had left it down our shore house for the winter.

Nubar, Cuticle & Nail Oil- This could not come at a better time.  I've been trying to let my nails grow naturally without getting gel nail polish on, and my cuticles are getting bad. So bad, that some have gotten caught on normal everyday things, and start to bleed. HALLELUJAH!

Swissco, Bath & Shower Exfoliating Gloves- I've personally have never used a glove like this before, and can be honest and say I don't know if I truly will be using this.  I tend to stick to lo-fa's only.  I have a weird thing about textures touching my skin.. Any one else have this issue?? 

Epic Blend, Hemp Coconut Lip Balm- I go together with lip balm like macs go with cheese.. you get my drift?! I have lip balm everywhere.. car, desk, night stand, coffee table- EVERYWHERE. So when I saw this I imagined where to put it. Well it will stay right on my desk to use during the day. Love the concept of this and smells great!!

EXTRA:

That Awkward Moment, Mirror Compact- This little mirror is so slim and cute.  I put it immediately in my purse.. ya know for times I need to check my teeth.. or the person sitting behind me! :o)

So what did you get this month??

Dry Bar

I've been seeing this whole new line appear in everywhere from Sephora, to QVC and blowing up blogs I follow.  So what is this new line I speak of?? It's Drybar- their moto? NO cuts. NO color. Just Blowouts!  They have 'bars' located in major cities and also do house calls per appointment & memberships.  Although I have not visited any of their stores yet, I have tried their dry shampoo and it quickly became a favorite!

I've tried numerous dry shampoo's for my hair before. None have satisfied my needs.  One even left me being sent home from work due to a migraine suffered from the smell of it!  The Drybar dry shampoo seems to work very well with my unruly hair

Best part is you can purchase online here or at your local Sephora store.  I am looking forward to 

purchasing other products form Drybar such as the Frizz Fighter, Flexible Hold Hairspray, & Treatment Oil

 

Also, I would like to try using some of their 'hard items' as their Three Day Bender (curling iron)

Their Smooth Operator (straightener) 

And their Buttercup dryer

However, these are a little higher priced, so I may have to save my little pennies for this purchase!

Did you use any Drybar products yet? If so what did you think of them?