10.17.2017

Managing your skin once you hit your 30's can be a little daunting. So many of us still have the same concerns as we did in our 20's, but we are also trying our best to prevent signs of aging. After being on birth control pills for nearly all of my adult life, my skin has changed drastically in just three months time. I used to battle dryness, and now I'm more oily and prone to cystic bumps along my chin and jawline (in fact, I'm nursing a giant monster right now). Talk about an identity crisis! Just when I had my skincare routine down, my hormones shifted and now I'm back to feeling like a teenager again...A teenager that is worried about fine lines and wrinkles on top of breakouts.

Everyone's skin needs are different of course, but I think it's imperative that we all take great care of it. It's the first thing people notice! It's easy to be careless when you're younger, but once you reach 30, it's high time to lock down a routine that works for you, invest in some quality products, and really take skincare seriously. Here is what I do for a healthy, youthful glow:

Step 1) Cleanse

I wash my face morning and night. At the moment I'm using a cleanser by L'Oreal, but I also love Cetaphil, First Aid Beauty, and Glo Skin Beauty. I don't think the brand matters so much as the effectiveness. Use whatever works for you, but don't forget to wash off the day's makeup! This is the key to having great skin.



Step 2) Exfoliate

I don't exfoliate every single day, only twice per week but it definitely makes a difference! If you have sensitive skin, once a week is good enough to slough off dead skin cells. Out of all the products I use, Exfolikate is the one I recommend to absolutely everyone. It's pricey, but a little goes a long way and it's the best I've used.



Step 3) Moisturize

Moisturizing has been the area in my new routine that I've been struggling with. My old moisturizers are fairly thick and heavy, and I've been so paranoid about developing a breakout. However, keeping your skin hydrated is important for all types so I've been using my moisturizers sparingly and with a lighter hand. I apply before makeup in the morning (I use one with SPF) and at night before. I also use an eye gel to help keep my undereye area soft yet firm.



Step 4) Treat

My problem areas include some discoloration on my cheeks and around my nose, as well as old acne marks on my chin. Lately I have been using a spot treatment on my chin to get rid of blemishes, but I don't use it nightly because it can be very drying to the surrounding skin. If you have any concerns like these, a great serum can help lessen the appearance of unwanted marks.

Step 5) Prevention

Lastly, the best time to prevent lines and wrinkles is in your late 20's and early 30's. Your skin is most resilient! I use a serum with retinol and fatty acids. Below are some newer products that I'm excited to try and two of them moisturize while you sleep. I'll let you know how I like them but i've only read positive things.


Is your skincare routine similar? If you have any specific questions let me know!

10.12.2017

If you've been reading here for any length of time, I think you'll know how much I love a good handbag. I tend to splurge on them because I see a bag as more of an investment rather than clothes or even shoes. A beautiful bag can transform your look, and with careful consideration, it can last for years to come.

 I've been on the hunt specifically for a black shoulder bag with gold hardware. I always have criteria in mind and this time was fairly simple: easy to get in and out of (no front flap or cumbersome details), no big logos, medium in size, and above all, polished enough for everyday use.

Enter the French brand Sézane, which I have fallen completely in love with thanks to some of my favorite bloggers. Do yourself a favor and take a look at their site. So much inspiration! Introducing the "abelle".



It has such an elegant look without being overstated. Zip top closure, brushed rounded gold chain that's incredibly light, feet on the bottom, outside and inside pocket, suede and leather body - It really is everything I wanted. Shipping only took a week. I had never heard of Sézane until the Summer, but now I want it all!

What do you ladies think? Have you made any exciting handbag purchases for Fall?

10.10.2017

I'm loving the polka dot trend! Wait, are polka dots a trend? It seems like a fairly classic print to me, although it comes around every couple of years.






Wearing //
Beauty //



A swingy little dress like this is a curvy girl's dream. The jersey fabric feels as soft as pj's, but it's great for work and play. I love this style in particular because the silhouette skims the body in all the right places and allows for lots of movement. You can dress it up with pumps, or dress it down with ankle boots and flats. Pick your favorite accessories and you have a complete outfit you probably won't want to take off!

How are you ladies doing this week? I'm tackling my to-do list one item at a time and am feeling productive! After taking a couple weeks off from yoga, I'm back at it tonight. I can see why people get addicted - it really does have an impact on me, more so mentally than physically which is what I need. If your mind isn't in the right place, it affects your entire well-being.

I'll be back on Thursday with a fun post on my new Fall/Winter bag so be sure to come back then!

10.05.2017


These products were sent courtesy of L'Oreal Paris. All opinions expressed below are my own and I was not compensated in any way. 

As most of you may know, L'Oreal was generous enough to gift me with a PR package a few months back that included their newest products of 2017. I've been playing around and testing them since, and these are the stand-outs that I will (and have) purchased with my own money. Read on for my thoughts!


1) Infallible Pro-Glow 24 hour foundation: This light-weight foundation matches my skin to a T. I've always been reluctant to buy drugstore foundation because the color match is usually all wrong, and the formulation can be hit or miss. This foundation is probably best suited for drier skin, as it definitely promotes a dewy appearance. It's very watery in consistency, but it's also buildable. I shake mine before applying it with a damp beauty blender. My skin looks instantly more radiant, as well as moisturized. In fact, because it has SPF 15, I think it's perfect as a tinted moisturizer.

2) Pure-Clay Cleanser: This is the most incredible feeling cleanser I've ever used, and I've tried a few over the years. You know when you get a facial and the esthetician paints on a layer of green mud? Or at least that's what mine does! It feels exactly like that...like you're at a spa and getting a real full-blown treatment. L'Oreal has three different types and I like them all! This is currently the one I am using, meant for more glowing skin (notice a trend?)

3) Pure-Clay Mask: This is a great mask for getting rid of blackheads and other blemishes. It also banishes oil. Feels and smells amazing on and then rinses to a squeaky clean.

4) Voluminous Lash Primer: I had tried this before, and when I was sent the package I was thrilled because mine had almost run out. I never thought a lash primer would actually help with building volume, but it really does! I look like I'm wearing falsies when I apply a thin layer before using the next product...

5) Lash Paradise: You can read my thoughts in this post. One thing to note that I didn't mention - although I love this mascara for its volumizing and lengthening effect, I had to purchase another one because it dried up too quickly. That's the only downside. Otherwise, it's the only mascara I'm wearing and I don't plan on changing that. If I do, I'll let you know.

6) Brow Stylist Shape & Fill: I can't rave enough about this! I've used brow pencils in the past from different brands, but I wasn't crazy about any of them. What I love about this pencil is that it has an angled tip which allows for precise control. I just sweep it on the sparse areas where I need color the most. The spoolie on the other end of the pencil is an actual brush, not some plastic wand that barely does anything. Brush hairs, apply the product, then brush again. It lasts all day.

If you have any questions, I'm here to help. I've been swearing by these for quite awhile now 😊