1.18.2017

This post contains products that were sent to me by Sio Beauty. The thoughts expressed below are all my own. 

Something I've been self-conscious about since my early twenties are the lines that have formed on my chest. I thought it was due to sun exposure, but the real culprit is that I am a consistent side-sleeper. I can't sleep on my back nor stomach, and I spend countless nights tossing and turning from side to side. The results are massive lines running down my decollete and chest (in a word, gravity is my problem). They don't go away either. I often tell Nate NOT to take close up photos of pretty necklaces I wear in my outfit posts because I'm so embarrassed of these noticeable wrinkles. I also don't use photoshop, so what you see is what you get.

When I was contacted by a representative from Sio Beauty about trying a product designed to lessen the appearance of these wrinkles, I knew I had to!




I was sent two products that promised to smooth my wrinkles overnight. The first are the cleansing pads. I used one pad per night on my chest and cleavage area to ensure that the product would adhere properly to my skin and to get rid of any oils or residue from the day. After a few quick swipes, I then applied the skinpad to my chest where the lines are most visible.


The skinpad is made from silicone and oxygen. According to the website, "these basic atoms are crosslinked with hydrogen and carbon, helping your skin to hydrate, plump, and smooth itself." The great thing about the pad is that it didn't feel constricting. I honestly didn't even know that it was there. That was my main concern with the pad - I wasn't convinced it would feel comfortable during sleep and I thought it would move every time I did. Fortunately, the pad stayed in place. They are reusable too, which is super convenient. I just run them under water for a few seconds, pat dry, and store them on the sheet that they arrived on.

Before


Wearing the pad the next morning before removing it

After



I'm incredibly impressed with the results If you've read here before, you probably know that I have dry, irritated skin. Moisture is my best friend, and these pads are perfect for providing that. Because of my eczema, I have to constantly hydrate and keep up with a good skincare routine in order to prevent any further issues. I never realized that wrinkles would be a big part of that as well. In the before and after, there is a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my skin. You can see where the pad previously had been placed, and if anything, I'd want a larger pad. I'd use them everywhere! My skin also felt much more supple in comparison to the rest of my body. There was some redness for a about 15 minutes but that disappeared. I would definitely recommend this product and will be buying some with my own money once the weather warms up and I need to break out my bathing suit. I wish I had these for my wedding day when I wore my sweetheart neckline dress. Oh well, now I know. Pricing is $99.95 for a single purchase, or there is an option for auto-delivery every 30, 60, or 90 days at $69.95. Something worth thinking about if you have a special event coming up, or if you are like me and just want a smoother appearance in that area.


What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

1.13.2017






Wearing //
whowhatwear collection jacket
Topshop jeans, love these
Rebecca Minkoff bag 
Kendra Scott necklace & ring



In keeping with my supercross theme from last weekend, I was so electrified by the race that I decided to keep the love for the sport going on the following day. I see many of my friends wearing similar outfits, so I really have them to thank for the inspiration (in particular Gina, who wears booties, moto jackets, and jeans on the daily).

I have writer's block at the moment so here are some things that are on my radar lately:
  • Listening to Lana Del Rey on full blast in my car.
  • Catching up with friends (I plan on writing a post about that in the coming weeks).
  • Getting cozy in my bed because when the weather is gloomy, all I want to do is lounge and sleep. 
  • Working out and moving my body, although I guess this contradicts my above desire.
  • I started school this week so hopefully my writer's block will disappear. I hate writing pointless posts! 

And quotes I have saved for your motivational pleasure: 
  • "She is at a place in her life where peace is her priority and negativity cannot exist"
  • "When I accept myself, I am freed from the burden of needing you to accept me"
  • "Practice the pause. When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When stressed, pause. And when you pause, pray"
This by Stephen Hawking is my favorite: "So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes a universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up"

Happy Friday friends <3 div="">


1.11.2017







Wearing//
H&M blazer, check stores




Nate and I went to the 2017 opening of Supercross in Orange County on Saturday. We took these pictures at my favorite spot, hopped in the car and drove for about an hour, and then went to dinner by the stadium. I probably could have worn this, but instead changed into a coat and sensible flats before heading in to watch the races. I'm so proud of Nate for the work he's done building parts for some of the bikes that these athletes depend on. I get starstruck by the riders pretty easily, while Nate simply sees it as a job. I don't know how he does it. He's such a logical and methodical thinker, while I guess I'm more creative. We sat in the industry section by the field, and it was difficult for me to keep my composure while being SO close to some of the riders and their families. None of it fazed Nate. I can understand his view in some ways, but can't in others. It would be like me styling a model for Rachel Zoe, or getting offered a job to write for an online fashion magazine. Or doing work for a big beauty brand that I've admired. Translation - I would be freaking out! I guess we balance each other in that way. Giddy schoolgirl versus Mr. cool, calm, and collected.

One quick style note about this tank; size down! This is a small but I could have gone with an extra small because of its plunging neckline. I do love the trend though, especially for a fun night out. Many actresses were showing quite a bit of cleavage on the red carpet for the Golden Globes. You can catch the pun there right? 😉

1.06.2017


Most of the time, I take my duty very seriously in regards to testing beauty products I've either purchased myself or have been sent to by a company. I'll use them for at least a few weeks, maybe even months, before I feel comfortable giving you my opinion. New products come out at rapid speed, and it's been ages since I've had the desire to keep up with every whim. Trying out new things is fun of course, but I also enjoy having a small collection of products that I love and use frequently. I feel an obligation to be honest with you guys. If I don't like something, I write it! That's the reason behind blogging, isn't it? I'm not a beauty editor nor makeup artist, just an average consumer.

 Once in awhile, I buy on impulse and when that product happens to be amazing, it's instant gratification. I am compelled to share.

Here are two completely impulsive-I-really-didn't-need-this buys that I've been using daily since stumbling upon them.


While Nate and I were in San Clemente last week, I popped into a local boutique right next to our favorite bar. The clothes were alright, the jewelry was meh, but this perfume oil caught my attention right away. I've heard of it before. If you've ever smelled plumeria, then you know this scent well. This is actually made in Hawaii, and its namesake Kai, means ocean or ocean water, in Hawaiian. Anything that reminds me of my favorite place is a winner in my world. Smelling like Hawaii will cost you though - this little oil was $48 dollars, a small price to pay for a daily reminder of the islands. Cheaper than a plane ticket, but not nearly as cool. Still, I'll take it. I can't go there as often as I'd like, so this will suffice. Talk about a memory trigger. The best part is that the scent lasts a full day. I use the roller ball on my pulse points and behind my ears.


With flash



Without flash

What is it with me and highlighting powders? One, maybe two, should be enough but somehow shiny products that promise to make me look like a glowing newborn babe suck me in. This is part of a collection by M.A.C. but they are permanent. This is an "extra dimension skinfinish" in "soft frost" and my God is it good. Do you know the look of aurora borealis crystals in the light? That's what this reminds me of. It comes across as a golden white at first glance, but when you catch the light, the effect is more like a violet blue. I'm telling you, don't be afraid of these. I've read reviews where people spoke about them being glittery or too unnatural but I don't understand that conclusion. I've worn it in my last three outfit posts and although you can't really tell, I swear it adds the perfect amount of ethereal shine. My goal is to get a good picture of it on my cheeks soon, so stay tuned for that.

Do you ever buy beauty products on impulse?