product spotlight // clinique chubby stick shadow tint for eyes

Got a fun new find for you ladies today.  It's not a new product, but it's new to me.  It's called the Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes (yes, I know that's a long name) and the color is "Lots o' Latte."  There are many reasons why I love this little stick of love... let me count the ways.

1.  The most obvious reason is because it's just one little stick and it's easy to throw into your makeup bag.  So much easier than an eyeshadow pan that also requires a brush.  (Then you drop that little pan of powder eyeshadow and it breaks into a million tiny pieces - yeah, none of that.)

2.  It's EASY.  You just apply it straight onto your eyelid and blend with your fingers.  That's it.  It's a one stop shop, people.

3.  Since it's metallic, it gives the effect of a few different shades and it doesn't look flat on your eyelids.  It gives the appearance that you're wearing a few different products when you're only wearing just this, which is a total win in my book.

4.  It long-wearing.  It's creamy and easy to work with, but yet it will stay put all day.  A lot of cream shadows don't offer both and that makes me mad because I always need to have my cake and eat it too.

5.  It doesn't require a sharpener.  Just twist the bottom and watch it grow.

Here are a few swatches.  See how it kind of looks different in the top photo vs. the bottom one?  See that's what I'm sayin' in #4.  Sometimes it gives a more gold look and sometimes it's more taupe.  This is great for indecisive girls such as myself.

It sure would look pretty blended with "Bountiful Beige" in the inner corner and just underneath the brow bone.  I'm telling you, it's just good.  Real good.  And you can buy it here for $17. 

product spotlight // barnwood boots

Aren't they pretty?  I'm all about the western feel these Madewell Barnwood Booties give.  What if I told you they are 40% off right now?  Better hurry, ladies.

product spotlight // etsy finds

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

I've said it before... you can find some real treasures on Etsy, but who has time to look through thousands upon thousands of shops? Unless you have a very specific item you're looking for, Etsy can become a lot daunting very quickly.  This is where I bring you suggestions. 

I've bookmarked these items recently and thought I'd share them with you.  Like these luxury lucia friendship bracelets, which are strung with 80 tiny 14k gold filled beads.  They would make the perfect gift for your favorite friend.  I'm personally digging these gold dipped arrowhead necklaces.  The whole shop is a real treat - worth exploring a little deeper.  I have about five things from that shop that are now in my "want" folder on my bookmark tabs (yes, I have a bookmark folder specifically dedicated to things I like... because I forget about them).  Tell me what's prettier than these gold rimmed agate coasters.  Go on, I'm waiting.   And these gold foil heart pencils would be the sweetest addition to any work space.   I'm pretty smitten with this vintage porcelain dish.  I love little trivets to put anything from jewelry or lipstick in.   Finally, this painting.  I've loved it for a lot of months.  It's the prettiest (yes, I think prettier than the coasters).  And it's called "coastal calm," which basically is the inspiration behind my whole design aesthetic.  So it's meant for me, right?

product spotlight // argan oil

I was thrilled to find a small bottle of Josie Maran Argan Oil in the Sephora Favorites Kit I purchased recently (sold out online).  Argan oil is a rare oil and it's grown organically in Morocco.  It's packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which contribute to its healing, conditioning, and anti-aging properties.

Before purchasing the oil, I had never used it and honestly didn't know how to.  The bottle is pretty expensive considering its little size, so I didn't want to use it incorrectly and waste any of it.  So, I did some research and thought I'd share my favorite uses with you. 

Cuticle & Heel Softener // Apply a small drop to your cuticles and massage in.  Also, you can work some of the oil into your heels before bed, then wear socks all night to really allow the product time to soak in.

Facial Moisturizer // Use this in place of your normal face moisturizer.  This is a dry oil, so it's not going to make your face greasy.  If that's not enough added hydration, use it as a serum before your moisturizer.  The CEO of Blue Mercury, Marla Malcolm Beck, stated, "Argan oil can help people with mild acne as the oleic acid found in the oil helps promote healthy levels of sebum production, and its linoleic acid helps prevent excess dead skin cells by promoting healthy skin turnover."

Hair Treatment // Use this as a leave-in conditioner by applying it to damp hair.  Use it to add shine, calm frizz, and tame split ends by adding to hair that is already dry.  Argan oil helps to repair damaged hair.  This also works as a heat protectant!

Facial Treatment // Add a few drops of argan oil to a mixture of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of honey.  Apply this homemade face mask to your clean, dry skin and let it set for 10 minutes.  Rinse with warm water.  This will work towards brightening and rejuvenating your skin! 

Glowy Makeup // If you're into a glowy foundation look, just add a drop or two to your foundation to make your skin look fresh & dewy.

Body and Bath Oil // Argan oil is great for the skin.  It will help prevent and even minimize the appearance of stretch marks.  Apply it directly to the skin or mix with your body moisturizer.  Another option is to add a few drops to your bath water.

Do you use argan oil?  Have any uses for it that I didn't list?  Do share! Xo-M

product spotlight // brownberry nyc (best. tan. ever.)

The day that Brownberry NYC sent me their Clear Sunless Tanning Spray made me a very happy girl.  I wasn't asked to review it, just asked if I'd like to give it a try.  As it turns out, I love it so much, I'm choosing to share it with y'all.  This stuff is way more advanced than any other sunless tanning product I've ever used ...and for many reasons.  

It contains vitamin D3, a nutrient we ladies tend to lack from natural sunshine & food.  Just so you know, this particular vitamin is a super hero.  It does a whole list of things.  It helps build strong bones.  It boosts immunity.  Creates & integrates new brain cells.  Helps you sleep better. Promotes wound healing. Has anti-aging properties. Regulates blood pressure. Decreases depression. It's an antioxidant and helps smooth and soften skin while treating skin conditions like Vitiligo and Psoriasis. The list goes on...

Initially, this product was sold by the gallon to airbrush tanning spas across the country.  It's promised to contain only the finest, naturally derived ingredients.  Also, it's tested by dermatologists and paraben-free, so it's completely ok to use on your face - won't clog your pores!

It has a rub-free, foolproof formula that starts to develop within just minutes, but fully deepens in 12 hours.  It's supposed to last 4-8 days and I can fully attest to that.

I decided to try this out for the first time a few days before Ryan's wedding.  In hindsight, that was pretty stupid because we all know that spray tans have the ability to create a disaster on your skin.  I felt pretty confident in this product, though, so I never thought twice about the risk of trying it just before a super important event.

My first thoughts...
It smells AMAZING!  Finally, a sunless tanner that doesn't smell like ...well, sunless tanner.  In fact, I refreshed my tan with it the morning of the wedding and one of my girlfriends walked into the room and said, "Wow, what smells so good?"  Also, I was impressed with how evenly the bottle distributed the product.  I had absolutely no problems getting the product to be even - and as stated before, there is no rubbing required.  It literally took seconds to get my tan applied.

Final thoughts...
The older I get, the more I find the importance in using natural, quality products on my skin.  I whole-heartedly feel good about using this product and am 100% satisfied with the results.  It's pretty pricey compared to products you can pick up at the drugstore, but in this case, you really do get what you pay for.  Plus, a little really does go a long way.  I didn't notice any streakiness or areas that weren't even... it blended so well into my skin.  I've had a professional airbrush tan before and this was way better.  Plus, in the convenience of my own home and a fraction of the price, since you get multiple uses per bottle.  Finally, I really don't think it's my imagination, but it has been two weeks and I swear I am still seeing some of the tan left on my skin!  It has faded perfectly even - no patches!

Here I am with my friend, Markie.  I was wearing the Brownberry NYC Clear Sunless Tan! Ps- my face looks a good bit paler than my body in this pic because of the little bit of SPF I had in my makeup + the flash! 

Here is a better depiction of my tan... I'm on the very top!

*All opinions are my own.  I am not being paid to say these things!


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product spotlight {rembrandt two hour whitening kit}

Good morning!  I had a fantastic weekend celebrating my best friend's wedding & can't wait to share photos with you tomorrow.  I even took yesterday off to recuperate from all the fun.  For today, I thought I'd share my teeth whitening routine.  It's changed a little, as I've always been very, very loyal to my Crest White Strips. Lately, though, I've been cheating on those with the Rembrandt Two Hour Whitening Kit.  I reviewed a bunch of Rembrandt products a little over a year ago (here), but thought I'd touch base on this whitening kit again.  

The instructions say to shape the applicator trays to your teeth using hot water.  Then, apply the whitening gel to the trays and do four 20 minute sessions, with 10 minute breaks in between. 

I use this whitening kit a bit differently than advised since I am using these trays more so for maintenance than to see immediate whitening results.  Instead of doing a complete two hour treatment, I apply one gel pod (kit comes with eight -four for top, four for bottom) to the two trays.  I find that one pod has enough gel for both trays.  I leave the treatment in for about thirty minutes, then brush my teeth very lightly with a clean toothbrush, while the gel is still coating my teeth.  Then, I brush my teeth like normal with toothpaste and follow up with mouthwash.  Recently, Brandon and I purchased electric Sonicare toothbrushes and have been amazed at the difference we've noticed!

I've been loving these trays more than Crest Whitestrips recently because they seem to be more convenient to use.  Filling the trays with the whitening gel and popping them in my mouth is easier than peeling the sticky Whitestrips off the plastic and aligning them perfectly on my teeth... then sneezing and having them fly out like cannon balls.  The trays also feel much better in my mouth than the strips do.  That said, the whitening results have been very similar.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick {product spotlight}

I randomly spotted the Milani Color Statement Lipsticks at the store and, before I knew it, had five in my hands - ready to purchase.  I couldn't resist the pretty colors and the price tag under $5.  I got home and tried each one on, then decided to awkwardly take photos of myself so that you all could see the colors.  If you're looking for a richly pigmented lipstick in a wide variety of shades - and for an inexpensive price - I'd definitely check out these lipsticks.  They're sooo creamy and although I haven't had the chance to wear any of them for a long period of time, they seem to be quite long-lasting, too.

1// "Fruit Punch"

2// "Plumrose"

 3// "Sangria"

//4 "Red Label"

5// "Rose Hip"

Xo-M

Favorite Drugstore Cosmetics {product spotlight}

I have tried a ton of drugstore products.  I'm always on the search for new inexpensive products that perform just like their more expensive counterparts.  I've got to admit, I watch beauty videos on Youtube almost every single night on my iPad as I'm getting ready for bed.  It's just turned into a routine and I enjoy learning from the beauty "gurus" I follow.  They are always featuring interesting products and introducing me to the latest "it" product.  In fact, I learned about every single one of these products below from the Youtube girls I follow.

Face

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream for Combination/Oily Skin (Light/Medium) //  I wear this almost every single day and have barely made a dent in the tube after about three months of use.  A little goes a long way.  The coverage is better than any other BB Cream I've tried and unlike others, it doesn't slip off my skin by the middle of the day.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (Color 210) // This product makes your skin look glowy from within.  I wouldn't recommend it for very oily skin types.  It provides light to medium coverage, but really keeps your skin looking natural and fresh.  Plus, it has sunscreen - extra points!

Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer (Fair) // If you're a lover of the YSL Touche Eclat, I dare you to try this.  For $5, you can't go wrong.  It performs just as well as many high end brighteners I've tried.  This is not a full coverage concealer.  This is best to brighten the under eye area and to highlight other areas of the face, like the bridge of the nose, the cupids bow, etc.  This stays in my purse and is a great mid-afternoon refresher!

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Dance // This is a major dupe for Nars Laguna.  It's not milled quite as fine, but to me, it looks just the same once applied to the face.  It's not too brown, not too orange... just a perfect sunkissed color.  Did I mention it's like $3?  

Lips

Maybelline Vivids Lipstick // These are too perfect.  Creamy and pigmented (although I always recommend wearing lip balm underneath lipstick).  They have a great color selection and stay put for a long time.  My newest favorite is a fuschia plum called "Brazen Berry."

Eyes

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24Hr // This product is so incredibly similar to MAC's paint pots.  Maybe not quite as creamy, but they last wayyy longer on the eyelids than the paint pots.  These are beautiful to be worn alone or layered under other shadows.  My absolute faves are "Bad to the Bronze" and "Tough as Taupe."

NYX Super Skinny Marker // I honestly didn't expect to find an eyeliner I loved more than Clinique's gel liner.  Well, I don't know if I love this one more, but I do love it just as much.  This is a breeze to apply and lasts all day long.  I love how skinny the felt tip is because it really allows me to build up my line to whatever thickness I want.  Plus, it's thin enough for me to wing out my liner pretty easily!

NYX Wonder Pencil (Light) // This is a multi-purpose pencil.  It's basically a concealer pencil, but I use it to line my lower water line of my eyes.  It really brightens up my eyes and makes me look more awake on days I'm lacking in the Zzzz department.

Maybelline "The Rocket" Mascara // Lengthens, volumizes, curls, separates... it does it all.  Please don't ever spend your money on expensive mascara.  Drugstores have such great options!

I had no idea I liked Maybelline so much before writing this post!  Do y'all own any of these products and like them just as much as I do?  Have any drugstore "holy grail" items in your collection?  Do tell!

product spotlight

1// Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Plumping Lip Gloss
I'm so glad I just received a sample of this and didn't waste the $16.  I have a pretty high tolerance for plumping glosses, but this one stung like no other.  So much that it almost made me dizzy!  I didn't notice any plumping qualities after all that pain and really wasn't impressed with the glossy shine, or lack there-of, either.  SKIP IT!

2// BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector "Moonstone"
This is a beautiful highlighter that looks super natural on the high points of the cheekbones.  The powder is incredibly silky and not chalky at all.  This color is not too blue and not too warm - just the perfect "glowing from within" color for day or night.  Worth the splurge!  A little goes a long way, so I foresee this compact lasting a long time.

3// Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara
Borderline terrible.  Maybe I got a bad tube?  I expected so much more.  Perhaps the worst mascara I've ever tried.

4// Dior Addict Gloss #576 "Bed of Roses"

Ahh... the most beautiful color and the most wonderful gloss formulation all rolled into one gorgeous tube of Dior fabulousness.  Trust me.  I almost like it too much to use it.  Almost.

5// YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #4 "Rouge in Danger"
I've been on the search for an easy red lipstick that I can keep in my purse and effortlessly apply without a mirror.  Well, this is it.  It glides on like nothing and feels lighter than a lip balm.  The color isn't too orange or too blue.  It can be applied lightly for a natural look or layered to make a statement.  Plus, the packaging is my absolute favorite.  Makes ya feel all fancy.

Y'all know I'm a makeup junkie.  I've picked up these products recently and was able to form my opinions pretty quickly.  I post new favorite products pretty often, but never think to post about the items I don't like.  I figure negative reviews are just as valuable as the positive ones.  

Have you tried anything lately that has just hit it out of the ballpark?  Let me know!  I'm always searching to try new products.

Product Spotlight {Redken Duo Shield}

Last time I was at the salon, I bought Redken's Duo Shield 07 because I had seen my hair stylist use it on me a few times prior and I really liked the results.  

The product is part cream, part gel.  It's literally a tube of cream inside a tube of gel, but when you squeeze it, a little of both come out - unmixed.

PROS:
1.  It protects your hair from thermal styling up to 450 degrees.  (don't have to use my heat protectant spray anymore!)
2.  It contains ceramides for strengthening hair.
3.  Contains cranberry oil for conditioning.
4.  Helps preserve color vibrancy.
5.  Adds volume without weight.
6.  Helps hair hold shape without feeling sticky or heavy.

CONS:
1.  Has no smell.  Hair products get major bonus points when they smell amazing (like Moroccan Oil and Biolage shampoo!) and this one smells like....nothingness.
2.

I have fine hair, so I generally have to be very careful about which products I use (and how much of them I put in my hair!).  That said, I use a very tiny amount of this product and am able to spread it evenly throughout my hair.  I can tell that if you use too much of this at one time, it has the potential to make your hair tacky, so trust me when I say that a little goes a long way!  It's going to last a long time at this rate.

This product gives my otherwise limp hair hold and makes it look very full.  I've used it for over a month and can definitely say it's worth the $20!

skincare routine

My skincare routine is always evolving.  My skin type is combination ...oily throughout my t-zone and dry along my jawline, but it changes slightly depending on the time of year.  I received a series of facials during the months leading up to our wedding and my esthetician shared many tips that I've incorporated into my current routine.  It has been a while since I've updated you on the products I'm using and loving, so I figured I'd share!  

To remove makeup, I've been using the same two products for the longest time.  Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser lasts forever because you only need the tiniest bit to slough off all of the makeup on your skin.  It's extremely gentle and soothing.  If there happens to be any mascara or eyeliner left on my face after that, I am religious to my Bioderma Crealine H20.  It's better than any liquid makeup remover I've ever tried.  After work sometimes, the first thing I will do after walking in my door is go straight to my bathroom and put Bioderma on a cotton pad.  I'll just wipe off all of my makeup with that... it leaves my face feeling so fresh until I wash my face before bed hours later.

After removing my makeup, I alternate between three Skinceuticals cleansers.  If my skin is needing a good exfoliation, which I like to do at least once a week, I'll reach for the Micro-Exfoliating Scrub.  It's pretty coarse, but not overly abrasive, which could damage the skin.  In the mornings and evenings, I alternate between the Clarifying Cleanser, which has very light exfoliating particles, and the LHA Cleansing Gel.  Every few days, I'll use the LHA cleanser with my Clarisonic.

One of my sorority sisters from college got me into the Rodan + Fields Redefine regimen, which I'll explain more below.

After cleansing, I always tone my skin.  In the mornings I use Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3, which helps to clear out pores and reduce excess oil.  At night, I use Rodan + Fields Pore Minimizing Toner, which is also pore-refining, but very gentle and soothing.

For my morning moisturizer, I have been alternating between Rodan + Fields Triple Defense Treatment SPF 30 and Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Day Cream SPF 20, which contains retinol and hyaluronic acid.  

At night, I will use prescription Retin-A every few days.  After that, I use Rodan + Fields Overnight Restorative Cream, which combats the dryness I get from the retinol.  It's like a giant splash of water for your face and helps to prevent moisture loss with hyaluronic acid and plenty of antioxidants. 

I rarely stray from my favorite eye cream, Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream, which I use morning and night.  It has a pearl-like appearance that really helps to brighten the under eye area.

As for masks, the Rodan + Fields Daily Cleansing Mask is a very gentle way of drawing out impurities in two minutes without stripping the skin.  This can be used as a daily cleanser, but I like to use this mask just when my skin is feeling clogged and aggravated. 

The REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask is absolutely life changing.  As for the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque... why NOT own it?  It's under $4 and works like a charm at clearing out pores and making your skin feel ultra-smooth. 

Three sprays that I always keep on hand...

MAC Fix+ for making my skin look hydrated after applying powders.  I also spray this on my face immediately before applying foundation... it helps the product blend better and look more natural.  

Murad Hydrating Toner is great for neutralizing your skin after using a face mask.  It's also a go to for an afternoon pick-me-up.

  Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist is used for the same reason, but it's my absolute favorite because my esthetician uses it and it reminds me of the spa ...a nice indulgence!

product spotlight: my makeup collection

Every now and then, I'm going to post about some must have items ... be it beauty items, housewares, or wardrobe related items.  As for today, here are some makeup items that I'd hate to go without.

1 // Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H

By far, my absolute favorite foundation.  It has to protect my face during the day, but not too much to create a white cast on my face in flash photography.  It can be applied lightly or it can easily be built up for a full coverage.  I mix my winter shade (140) with my summer shade (320) to create the perfect shade for my skintone.  During the day, I mix a little dab with a tinted moisturizer and apply with a slightly damp flat kabuki brush.  I posted about my must have makeup brushes here.

2 // Bobbi Brown Blush in Apricot

This blush might look scary in the pan, but it's so gorgeous when applied lightly on the cheeks.  It's the perfect bright, pinky coral that makes my skin look sun-kissed and fresh.  There's no way I'm taking this out of my summer makeup arsenal.

3 // Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Medium

Hands down... my favorite bronzer.  It's more pigmented than Nars Laguna, but has the same natural  non "muddy" shade.  

4 // Maybelline "The Rocket" Mascara in Very Black

I recently discovered this mascara and ended up loving it.  It holds curl really well, but isn't the absolute best at lengthening.  Still, I have very short lashes and this builds them up like crazy!  It makes me look wide-eyed, which is a look I'm not quite used to these days.

5 // Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in Secrete

This was my wedding lipstick and I'm obsessed with it.  It's a delicate neutral pink with a hint of coral and a hint of blue (makes teeth look whiter!).  It feels great on my lips and lasts a long time.