7.26.2016

I've been working with Glo Professional and their skincare line, Glo Therapeutics for about two years. I was initially contacted by the company, and quickly fell in love with their mists, serum, and moisturizers. Although these products were kindly sent to me a few months ago, I can honestly attest to the quality of their brand and I would (and soon will) pay for my own products in a heartbeat. That's how much I love it! Let me also stress that I have used these products for a substantial period of time, so I've really been able to see the difference in my skin. It looks more radiant overall, and even though I've had a spell recently with eczema, my face has remained untouched and looks just as I want it to - glowing, moisturized, and more even.




I start by cleansing, and then apply the Cyto-luxe toning mist all over my face. I do this morning and night to boost my skin's brightness and provide a layer of fine moisture. It smells clean and natural, and I find that it's the most refreshing step in my skincare routine. It does feel slightly tingly, but the sensation fades within seconds of application. It's the perfect canvas for my next step.


I then apply the Cyto-luxe light moisture cream. It goes on smoothly and smells of citrus, just as the toning mist does! It isn't greasy, so it absorbs into the skin rather quickly. I have dry skin, but it still provides just the right amount of moisture. My skin feels immediately more supple and plump. I also think this product would be even better for people with oily or combination skin since it's so light. 

The Cyto-luxe line is relatively new to Glo Therapeutics, but I love these products in conjunction with my other favorites from their regular line.

I use the renew serum every night. It has anti-aging properties including retinol, and I feel like it really has improved the tone and texture of my skin. The pure hydration almost feels like water! It is a gel-like consistency, and it goes on like a dream providing my skin with a good base for makeup. I'm almost out of both so I need to order more. Overall, I love that these products are plant based, but still contain beneficial ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid. There is something for everyone whether it be acne, anti-aging which is mostly my concern, sensitive skin, and dryness. I do sometimes like to go outside the brand to try other things, but these products are the basis of my routine and that won't change. As long as this brand exists, I will continue to use it.


If you have any questions, let me know in the comments!

7.21.2016








Wearing //
Beauty //


These shoes are such a departure for me! But I featured them last month in this post, and ever since, I wasn't able to get them out of my head. You know that's the shopping God's way of whispering in your ear, "buy the shoes. Buy the damn shoes already". I still wasn't completely convinced so when I went on an impromptu trip to South Coast Plaza a couple weeks ago, I stopped in at Nordstrom and saw these. I tried on a bunch of wedge sandals - Steve Madden, Sole Society, Nine West, Sam Edelman. They were all lovely enough, but most were way too high and sizing was off on most. So I actually did something I've never ever done before. I looked on my own blog via my phone, referred back to my own post, and showed the SA these shoes by the brand Hinge. Lo and behold, not only did I get a new reader (hello!), but I also found my perfect funky "wedges". They aren't really a wedge, more of a chunky stacked heel that is perfectly out of my comfort zone...but also perfectly comfortable. 

I cannot wait to finally shop the anniversary sale tomorrow! I'm just gonna do the whole online thing since I have a couple personal appointments to attend to and my nearest Nordstrom is 45 minutes away. I've narrowed my list to these jeans, this palette, and this candle set. I'll be sure to show you the goods next week, if not here then on Instagram or Snapchat (Noelleengel)

Have you ever used your own blog to try and locate an item? It's pretty convenient!

7.19.2016









Wearing //
J.Crew Pumps, similar
Elizabeth Stone Jewelry Ring
Loft Stretch Bracelets, similar
BP Nordstrom Cuff, similar
Beauty //




This post is very special to me each year because it's my blogging anniversary! Well, actually I'm a few days late. My first published post went live on July 15th, 2009. Seven years later, I'm still here and I honestly can't believe anyone continues to read my little space of the internet. It boggles my mind just how many friends I have made over the years from all different parts of the country and beyond. I have readers from Canada, Russia, Germany, and Mexico. Think about that. That's amazing! I'm a bit of an introvert in "real" life, and I don't go out of my way to meet new people because I can be pretty shy and awkward. It has been such a fascinating experience for me to get to "know" people I normally wouldn't have the chance to in person. This is one aspect of blogging that I absolutely adore, and it keeps me plugging away. You ladies inspire me and not just in fashion or beauty. So many of you have made a bad day better, and a good day even better simply by your kind words and support. Bloggers have come and gone, but there are a few that have remained and I would be remiss if I didn't mention them by name. My "OG" girls that started blogging around the same time that I did: Zeba, Alison-Elle, Lilly,Skylette, Andee Layne, Crystal, Lynn, Tara, Veronika. And newer friends: Gina, Caryl, Rachelle, Daphnee, Amy Ann. You ladies have all played a role in why I continue to blog. Let's be honest. It isn't always as easy as people may think! I get writer's block, I doubt myself, I play the whole comparison game. But, the good outweighs all of these things and I can't at this point imagine not blogging.

Of course, my non-blogger friends who continue to read also keep me going. I wouldn't do it without you, because what would be the point? I already keep a journal that nobody sees, so it's nice to have an online journal that people do see. I know blogging has changed dramatically over the years. If you'd like to see something new on here, please feel free to share that with me. I'm open to pretty much everything, as long as it's entertaining or helpful. I'm also not afraid of critiques either. If I bore you to death, or if I wear something that you find unflattering let me know. Don't worry, I've worked with kiddos who have spit on me and called me every bad name under the sun. I can handle it :)

Thank you for reading! Happy seventh birthday, BG24 :)

7.15.2016


Every year, I shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I know there is a lot of hype surrounding it and some may roll their eyes at yet another #NSale post, but because I regularly do shop at Nordstrom, I felt compelled to give you my picks and personal wishlist items. I was a bit underwhelmed by the choices this go around, but I still have a few pieces that are catching my eye. No surprise there...

First, a few tips for shopping the sale:

1. Get essentials! Pick up pieces that you can wear year-round and that will really become a staple in your wardrobe. Now's the time to stock up on jeans, jackets, and a fun Fall shoe that you won't be able to wait to wear.

2. Treat yourself. I've never purchased Paige denim before, but I have tried a few pairs on. You know, just for fun. It's the most luxurious denim I've ever had the pleasure of putting on my body! I typically can't afford Paige, but at this rate, you better believe I'm getting a pair before the price goes back up on August 8th.

3. Don't worry if you aren't a card member. I'm not either, and I won't be able to shop the sale early but I've never had a problem getting items when they become widely available to the public on July 22nd. They re-stock constantly so don't fear if you miss out this week. Trust me, it's all part of the sale game. Although I am strongly considering getting their debit card because I do shop there so often. The perks are great, so I'm not sure why I haven't applied yet.

4. Invest in that special handbag or pair of shoes you wouldn't normally be able to. Some items are still pricey, but it's so worth it to have a special luxury item that you can carry for seasons to come!

5. Make a list of things you are thinking of getting and then narrow them down by category. So for example, I have broken mine down to Beauty, Home, Clothing, and Accessories. It's less overwhelming and then you can take inventory of what you really need or have been dying to try as opposed to something you can buy later, even as the price goes up because it's not a priority.


Beauty:





Home:





Clothing:



Accessories:



Caveat: I have two bags that are similar so this isn't actually a real consideration for me but I think it's beautiful and at an affordable price.






Are you shopping the sale? If so, tell me what you're thinking about getting (or already got) in the comments! Happy Friday!