In Lifestyle on

September 8, 2017

Quick Trip to LA

Hi everyone!

A few months ago, a few of my good friends and I planned a trip to LA for Labor Day weekend. It seems like just yesterday we planned it and now it’s come and gone! I had SO much fun on this trip and we had the chance to do some really cool things, so I wanted to share a quick recap on the blog!

It all started when my friend Reagan and I discovered the Museum of Ice Cream on Instagram. We always talked about how cool it would be to go, and then one day, we had lunch with our friend Mary who said her and our other friend Taylor had been talking about how they wanted to go too! We looked up how to get tickets and saw that the museum was actually going to be moving to San Francisco soon, and they were about to launch the last tickets for LA. So, we decided we were going to try to get tickets!

Reagan, Mary, Taylor and I all work together, so the day tickets went live we all were pretty anxious about whether or not we would actually be able to get them. Luckily, after waiting in line for a few minutes, we snagged 4 tickets for September 3rd!

We were so excited about getting tickets and we planned to spend the weekend in Malibu and LA to knock out some things on our bucket list. Here’s an overview of what we did over the 3 days of our trip!

Day 1

Saturday started bright and early at 5am. We grabbed some Starbucks and hit the road, heading towards Malibu. We decided to take the longer route so we could drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. It was amazing!

We checked into our hotel in the afternoon and decided to head to the first place on our list: Malibu Farm. We had seen so many photos of this cute restaurant on Instagram, so we knew we had to go! The restaurant is on the pier, so you overlook the ocean while you eat. We had an amazing lunch and took some fun photos.

We headed back to our hotel to freshen up (it was pretty hot that weekend), and then we hopped in the car and headed toward THE BACHELOR MANSION! We were all pretty starstruck and decided to be sneaky and take some pictures of it over the fence.

Next, we stopped by The Malibu Cafe. This outdoor cafe had the cutest little food and drink stands and shops.

After that, we headed to the beach to take some photos and watch the sunset. It was so beautiful! The tide was coming in and the waves were huge!

Afterwards we were pretty hungry so we ended the night by getting some Mexican food. On our way back to the hotel we saw some paparazzi waiting outside Nobu, a sushi restaurant, and we decided to ask who they were waiting for. They said they weren’t waiting for anyone in particular but some of them had seen Khloe Kardashian and Scott Disick at the fair earlier!

Day 2

Day 2 was Ice Cream Museum Day! We started our morning by getting coffee at a cute little shop by our hotel. It was probably the best latte I’ve ever had! Then we went to SunLife to get some smoothie bowls.

After having breakfast, we left Malibu and headed toward LA. We heard Taylor Swift’s “…Ready For It?” for the first time on the drive and listened to it over and over again!

Once we arrived to downtown LA, we had some time to kill so we took some photos outside of the cutest nail salon called Base Coat! It was right next to the museum.

Once 1:30 rolled around, it was time to go to the museum. You couldn’t miss it–the entire building is painted bright pink!

Being in the museum was a whirlwind, but it was so much fun. There was so much to see and we stayed busy taking photos the entire time (we were in there for an hour and a half). Each room was so unique and we had the greatest time. Here are some of my favorite photos:

The famous sprinkle pool

After visiting the museum, we headed to our hotel in LA and relaxed for a bit (we were exhausted!). We then headed into the city for some dinner and even sat several tables away from Kylie Jenner’s assistant. We kept waiting for Kylie to show up but unfortunately she never came.

We had a sweet craving after dinner so we decided to get some dessert at Milk. This ice cream shop is known for their macaroon ice cream sandwiches, and now I know why! I tried the green tea and rose flavor.

Day 3

We couldn’t leave LA without stopping by Alfred Coffee and Alfred Tea Room across the street. We got both coffee and tea that morning, and I tried boba for the first time! I’m not sure how I felt about it, but the cute pic I got by the pink wall outside made it worth it.

Alfred Coffee

Alfred Tea Room

After enjoying a nice breakfast, it was time to hit the road and head back to Phoenix. This trip was such a blast and I’m so glad I got to share it with Mary, Reagan, and Taylor. They made it so much fun! We’re already planning our next adventure. 😉

What are your must-see places in LA? I would love to hear in the comments below!

lauren

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In Beauty on

September 5, 2017

How to Wash Your Hair Less Often

How to Combat Greasy Hair - Love, Lauren Michelle

I’ve always been someone who washes my hair pretty much every day. I have fine hair, so it gets oily fast. My hair is also long so when it gets oily, it gets weighed down and flat…not a cute look!

However, I’ve had multiple hair stylists tell me that I need to not be washing my hair every day, and I’ve also read tons and tons of articles that warn you against doing so. So, I finally decided to try and cut back!

I have to say that at first, it wasn’t easy. Since my hair is used to being washed every day, it was rough in the beginning (haha). However, I’ve stuck it out for a few months now and have definitely noticed a difference in the health of my hair!

The Benefits of Skipping Washes

There’s a reason hair stylists and beauty magazines will tell you to not wash your hair every day–the benefits are amazing! Here are just a few:

Your hair will grow faster, have less breakage, and be shinier.
You’ll avoid the harsh chemicals that are in many hair products.
You’ll save time, money you spend on hair product, and the energy you spend styling and blow drying.
You’ll preserve your hair color (if your hair is color-treated).

By cutting back the amount of times I wash my hair per week, I can honestly say I’ve noticed all of these benefits. My hair feels healthier overall and has definitely stopped producing as much oil, which is what kept me back from skipping washes before.

Now, I have to say the change I made was subtle–I’m still washing my hair every other day! Many people say to only wash your hair 3x a week but I’m not at that level yet, haha. I like to work out during the week and I always wash my hair afterwards. I just feel better when I do! I think it’s all about knowing your hair type and finding what works best for you. Right now I’m happy with washing it every other day because I notice it has made a huge difference from what I was doing before!

How to Wash Your Hair Less Often

Here are some tips I’ve learned to help combat oiliness and prolong the time between washes!

Cut Back on The Product

Out of all of these tips, I would say this is one of the most important! I wouldn’t say I used that much product in my hair before, but I would always use a volumizing mousse or spray in my roots. However, I think this is what would make my hair so oily the next day! As soon as I cut back on applying product to my roots specifically, I noticed a huge difference in my hair on day 2.

Now, if you have a special occasion and want to use a volumizing mousse or something like that, go for it. Just keep in mind that if your hair feels weighed down and like you have build up the next day, it could be why! Everyone’s hair type is different, and I just noticed that my fine hair does a lot better when I avoid applying any kind of product at the top of my hair or my roots. I also have to be careful of hair oil or any kind of heavy product in general. I apply these types of products to the ends of my hair only!

Use the Right Product for Your Hair Type

Going off of the previous point, it’s important that the products you do use are actually right for your hair type. For me personally, I always stick to lightweight products that are moisturizing without adding too much buildup.

For my shampoo and conditioner, I love Redken’s Beach Envy Volume Texturizing Shampoo & Conditioner. I feel like it gives my hair the moisture it needs while also being volumizing! About once a week or so I also use Joico’s Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm as a deep conditioner. It’s amazing!

Some leave-in hair products I really like are TIGI Bed Head Ego Boost Split End Mender Leave-in Conditioner, VERB Ghost Oil, and one of my all-time favorites: Marc Anthony’s 3-Day Smooth Blow Dry Cream. I don’t use all of these products together–I’ll maybe use Bed Head’s Split End Mender to detangle my hair and then a tiny drop of hair oil to add an extra boost of moisture, for example.

Depending on your hair type, you might find you need to be using products that are more or less moisturizing. Just remember that it’s all about finding products that are best for you!

Find A Good Dry Shampoo

If you’re trying to cut back on washing your hair, dry shampoo can be your best friend! It will absorb any excess oil, boost volume, and refresh your hairstyle.

There are a ton of dry shampoos out there, and you can find really great ones that are also affordable! One of my favorite brands for dry shampoo is Batiste. Their formula is great and they have a ton of fun scents, too.

Another dry shampoo that was recently introduced to me is Bumble and Bumble Pret-A-Powder (I received it in an Influenster box). I love this one! It’s a bit on the pricier side, but I really do like it. You only need to use a tiny bit, so I think it’s going to last me awhile! The scent is great and I like spraying at my roots and even throughout my hair for extra volume (it smells amazing, too). I highly recommend!

Use Dry Shampoo at Night

This tip was another game-changer for me. Dry shampoo works the best when you let it sit for awhile (it absorbs more oil this way). So, I use it at night right before bed! I find doing this keeps my hair from getting greasy overnight, and it feels so much more fresh when I wake up in the morning!

Sleep with Your Hair Up

I read this tip on a beauty blog recently and decided to try it out! Sleeping with your hair up and away from your face prevents your hair from getting messed up during the night. It can also keep your hair from getting tangled and frizzy because your hair won’t be rubbing against your pillowcase as much! Plus, I’ve found that it cuts back on greasiness because I’m less likely to touch my hair (which causes oil).

If you don’t want to put your hair in a ponytail or bun because you don’t want it to crease, try french braiding it! This will add some texture and waves to your hair, too. 🙂

Find Your Favorite Up-dos

Last but not least, experiment with different hairstyles you can try on unwashed hair! I usually wear my hair down every day but I’m going to try out some new styles for wearing my hair up. Maybe I’ll do a post soon on second-day hairstyles!

How often do you guys wash your hair? Do you have any other tips for keeping your hair fresh between washes? Let me know in the comments!

Shop the products mentioned in this post below:

lauren

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In Fashion on

August 29, 2017

What to Consider When Buying Jeans

What to Consider When Buying a pair of Jeans

I love shopping…but the one thing that I’ve always hated shopping for is jeans!

When I go to the store, I have no problem finding tops and dresses that fit. But when it comes to jeans, it’s a whole other story.

I don’t think I’m alone in this, though–trying on jeans is exhausting, and it can be super frustrating too. I actually hate the feeling of wearing a stiff pair of jeans, especially when the weather is hot (like on a 120 degree summer day here in Phx!).

However, jeans are such an important part of any wardrobe. This is especially the case for me because I’m able to dress casual at work. So, what I wear to work is pretty close to the same as what I wear on the weekends (aka I wear jeans all of the time).

Recently I decided I was done with buying jeans that I end up hating later, so I went on a quest for the perfect pair! Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for the perfect jeans:

Fit

Fit is huge when looking for a pair of jeans! It’s important to take your body type into consideration and what works for you. This is not to say that there are kinds of jeans that you shouldn’t wear, but never feel like you have to make a certain type of jeans work because they’re ‘trendy.’ Stick to the fit that makes you feel confident and that you know you’ll want to wear time and time again.

Things to consider when it comes to fit:

The rise of the jeans (low, mid, high, etc.)
Length (cropped, ankle, long, etc.)
Tightness/Looseness (skinny, boyfriend, relaxed, flare, etc.)

Remember, it’s all about highlighting your best features!

Color

There are so many different shades of denim out there, so it can be overwhelming when shopping. How do you know what color is right for you?

There’s really no right or wrong answer to this question. However, one thing to consider is what you’ll be pairing the jeans with. Are a lot of the tops you own patterned and busy? Then you might want to choose pairs of jeans that are simple and versatile. Or, do you like to keep it basic when it comes to tops? You might want to purchase jeans that are statement pieces. It’s all about the kind of wardrobe you want to build!

For example, I’ve found that simple is better for me personally. Once upon a time I thought having turquoise jeans was a good idea, but I found that they really didn’t pair well with any of my tops and I ended up only wearing them once. So, just keep your personal style in mind and choose jeans that compliment it.

Quality

I’ve definitely learned my lesson when it comes to the quality of the jeans I buy. I consider myself to be a bargain shopper, so in the past I would buy jeans that would fit alright, but were cheap. What I found was that not only were the jeans uncomfortable, but the more and more I washed them, the worse the quality got. So, they would end up sitting in my closet never to be worn again.

After realizing that I had quite the collection of jeans that I never wore, I decided it was time to do something different. So, I went out and invested in several pairs of quality jeans. Don’t get me wrong–I still hunted down deals and got them at Nordstrom Rack, but the quality was so much better. The brand I ended up purchasing was Joe’s Jeans. These jeans retail for up to $200, but I was able to find mine for $70 at Nordstrom Rack. The small jump in price from what I was paying before was totally worth it, because these jeans will last me so much longer!

Style

There are so many fun styles of jeans out there now–ones with embroidery, two-toned jeans, cropped flare jeans, jeans with frayed hems, and more. I’m a fan of all of these styles, but I also know they won’t be trendy forever.

If you want to try out these new styles while also being smart about your wardrobe, try finding more affordable options so you still have room to invest in simple pieces. Just remember that these different styles of jeans will most likely go out of style one day, so you won’t want to look back and regret spending a ton of money on them!

Price

Jeans can range anywhere from $30 to hundreds of dollars. However, a higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality.

A lot of the time when buying expensive jeans, you’re paying for the brand name on the label rather than the quality. So, do your research! Try not to get too caught up in brand names, and instead focus on the material, quality, and fit.

Also, there are a ton of places you can find discounted jeans. Like I mentioned before, Nordstrom Rack has a great selection and you may even be able to snag a pair of designer jeans at places like Last Chance or TJ Maxx. I recommend checking out places like this first and then if you need to, shop at higher end stores.

Building Your Denim Wardrobe

I’m totally guilty of hanging on to clothing items that I just don’t wear anymore. However, this can keep you from seeing what you do have! So, regularly clean out your denim drawer and donate what doesn’t work. This can help you to better see what you have and know what you need next time you go shopping.

Also, when building your denim wardrobe, think about versatility. For example, I have several pairs of different washes of denim, jeans with and without rips, a pair of black jeans, white jeans, and dark green jeans. I’ve found that for me, this is a good selection to pair with my tops, and switching up the jeans I wear can give outfits a whole new look. So, find what works for you and keep versatility in mind so you don’t end up buying several pairs of jeans that almost look exactly the same.

What are your favorite tips for jean shopping? I would love to hear in the comments.

Shop some of my favorite jeans below:

lauren

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In Beauty on

August 26, 2017

Products I’ve Been Loving: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion & Facial Spray

Products I’ve Been Loving Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and Facial Spray

It’s time for another post about skin care! I recently added a few new products to my collection and after trying them out for awhile, I decided I wanted to share my thoughts.

I’ve always heard great things about the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I’ve tried out a few other products by this brand before (I talked about the Glycolic Acid Toner in my previous skin care tips post), but never got around to trying out the Drying Lotion. I was always intrigued by it and heard great things, but wasn’t sure exactly what it was for.

I’m very blessed and haven’t ever had to deal with severe acne, but I do get an occasional breakout here and there. I’ve tried plenty of zit creams but have actually found none of them to really work. When I get a breakout, I usually just try to not mess with it and let it heal on its own.

However, I was recently at Ulta and found a kit with the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and a mini size of the Facial Spray on sale. So, I decided to give it a try! Here are my thoughts:

My Experience With the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

The Drying Lotion claims to ‘dry up pimples overnight.’ Sounds pretty amazing to me! It contains salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide to draw impurities from the skin. The bottle has a powdery, pink formula on the bottom with clear liquid that sits on top. It looks like something you would want to shake, but don’t! It’s meant to be this way. (If you accidentally shake it, just let it sit for a few hours and the powder will settle on the bottom again).

How I Use It

This product is meant to be used at night so it can work while you sleep. Plus, it dries white so it’s not something you would want to walk out of the house with. 😉

I simply take a Q-tip and dip it all the way into the bottom of the bottle (you want to make sure you get some of the pink powder). From here, I just dot it on my face wherever I have a breakout or feel one coming. It’s that simple!

As you can imagine, this product is pretty drying. It’s best if used sparingly and only on breakouts, otherwise it can dry out your skin in areas you wouldn’t want it to. If you’re someone with dry skin, I would be especially careful! When you wash it off in the morning, just be sure to follow up by moisturizing and you shouldn’t have any problems.

Does It Work?

From my experience, yes! This product definitely works. It’s best when used right when you feel a breakout coming on. I would say it’s not as effective when used on breakouts that have been there for awhile.

I would also say this product is worth the price of $17. It’s not something you’re going to run out of quickly because you will use such small amounts, and it’s nice just to have it on hand. Plus, you’ll most likely be able to find it on sale or in a combo pack like I did.

My Experience With the Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Now, let’s talk about the facial spray! This product contains aloe vera, gardenia, rose, thyme, and other ingredients that are great for hydration. It claims to ‘soothe and re-energize skin–giving it a healthy, radiant glow.’ It can be used morning, night, before or after makeup, or anytime your skin needs a boost.

How I Use It

I really love using this product at any time–I use it at morning and night before I moisturize and I’ve even used it mid-day on top of my makeup! I find that it really does add a nice boost of moisture to the skin. Plus, it smells and feels great when you apply it!

Does It Work?

This product doesn’t claim to do anything crazy, but I really love using it. I notice that it has definitely helped with moisturizing my skin and I love that you can use it with makeup. At only $7, I think it’s definitely worth the price. Mario Badescu actually just recently launched a new version of this product with green tea, cucumber, and peppermint. I’ll definitely be trying out that one after I finish my current bottle!

Would I Repurchase?

I would definitely repurchase both of these products! I’ve actually already repurchased a full-size bottle of the facial spray since the one I had before was mini and I’m going to save it for travel. I love both of these products and think they would be great for any skin type. They’ve really become a staple in my collection!

Have you tried either of these products? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Shop the products mentioned in this post below:

lauren

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In Beauty on

July 12, 2017

Glossier Cloud Paint: Worth the Hype?

If you like to stay up-to-date with all things in the beauty world, you’ve probably heard of the brand Glossier. From their fun packaging and branding to their one-of-a-kind products, it’s safe to say they’ve definitely stolen the spotlight lately!

Specifically, the Glossier Cloud Paints have been receiving a lot of hype. So, when they were having a 2 for $30 sale on their website, I couldn’t resist! Read a long as I share my thoughts on the product and whether or not I would recommend.

What is Glossier Cloud Paint?

If you’re unfamiliar with the product, it’s essentially a liquid/cream blush. Glossier describes it as a “pillowy, gel-cream formula that’s designed to be the most user-friendly cheek color in existence.” Sounds great, right?

Cloud Paint comes in 4 different shades: Beam, Dusk, Haze, and Puff. Beam is an orangey-peachy color, Dusk is a brownish-pink color, Haze is a bright berry color, and Puff is a bright, vibrant pink. I decided to try Dusk and Puff, so I could experiment with both a darker and more vibrant color!

The Packaging!

Before we jump in and talk about the product itself, I think it’s worth mentioning how cute the packaging is! Whenever you order a product, you’ll receive a pink zipper bubble wrap bag with a set of fun stickers to personalize your products, or whatever you wish.

How to Use

To use, Glossier recommends squeezing a tiny dot of product onto fingertips and blending into the skin. I’ve tried this method as well as using a brush, and I think fingertips work best!

Here’s what the Cloud Paints look like when swatched on the skin:

My Thoughts

I have to be honest, I’ve never really been a fan of cream blush. It’s always seemed hard to blend out and with the cream blushes I’ve used in the past, I felt like I always somehow applied too much! However, the Glossier Cloud Paints totally changed this for me. While they’re super pigmented, they’re also really easy to blend into the skin for a natural effect. They last all day, too! I even tested mine out as eyeshadows (I used Dusk for this), and it worked great!

Now, let’s talk price. Normally, this product goes for $18 and then you have to pay for shipping. Personally, I do think this is a little much. So, I would say to wait for some kind of promotion–I was able to get 2 for $30 and free shipping with a coupon code. It was worth it! Also, since you only need to use such a tiny amount of product, it will last you a really long time.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Glossier Cloud Paints! I think they’re a great staple to have in your makeup collection.

Have you tried out the Glossier Cloud Paints? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

To receive 20% off your first order with Glossier, click here!

lauren

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In Beauty on

July 8, 2017

My Summer Makeup Essentials

With summer in full swing, I decided it would be fun to share some of my current makeup essentials! These aren’t the only products I use on a daily basis, but they’re just a few of my must-haves when I’m wanting to achieve a glowy, fresh-faced makeup look that’s perfect for the warmer months.

What I love about all of these products is that they’re super simple to use–you don’t have to think twice when putting them on. I think summer makeup is all about finding products that help you to achieve an effortless look, and these ones can help you to do just that!

Let’s get started!

MAC Face and Body Foundation

I first discovered MAC Face and Body last summer, and fell in love! I was skeptical about it at first because I have oily/combination skin and was afraid the dewy finish would emphasize this. However, this foundation does a great job of giving you a natural, glowy look without making you look overly shiny. The coverage is perfect too–it’s light but just enough to even out your skin tone. It’s a win-win, especially for summer when you want to let your skin breathe!

BareMinerals Bareskin Sheer Sun

This product is fairly new to me, but I’ve been wearing it almost every day since I got it. If you get a tan and find that your foundation is a tad too light, this product is perfect for mixing in to adjust the color to match your skin tone. It also has a really lightweight feel (the consistency is pretty watery) so it doesn’t add a heavy layer to your skin. This tint can also be used on its own as a bronzer, but I prefer to mix it into foundation.

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer

Speaking of bronzers, Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer is my current favorite! I’m very fair, so finding a bronzer that works for me has always been a struggle. Many bronzers only come in one shade, but I love how this one has a lighter and darker shade. I of course opted for the lighter one and love it! The color is subtle but just enough to add some life back into your skin. It’s also super easy to blend and smells amazing (like coconuts!).

Tarte Blush in Sensual

In my opinion, Tarte has some of the best blushes. They have such a wide range of colors and they’re pigmented, blendable, and last all day long. My current favorite is the shade ‘Sensual!’ It’s a nude pinky-peach and I think it would be flattering on all skin tones.

Tarte blush in Sensual (left), Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer (right)

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

Who doesn’t love a good highlighter? I received a sample of Becca’s highlighter in the color Moonstone awhile back and found it to be one of the best formulas. It has just the right amount of shimmer without being chunky glitter, which I love. My current favorite is the shade Opal–it’s such a pretty golden pearl shade! I use it on the tops of my cheekbones, bridge of my nose, cupid’s bow, and even as eye shadow.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I use my Urban Decay Naked 3 palette every day! I love how you can create really natural looks with these shades but you can also amp it up and add more color if you want. I think pink is such a pretty, flattering shade on the eyes, and this palette has the perfect selection of rosy hues!

Cargo Lip Gloss in Anguilla

I received this lip gloss in a Birchbox awhile back and have been using it ever since! It’s a pretty pale pink shade that adds the perfect wash of color. I also love the formula because it’s moisturizing without being sticky! You can wear it on its own, but it’s also really pretty when you layer it over darker colors.

What are some of your favorite makeup products for summer? Let me know in the comments!

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lauren

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In Beauty on

June 18, 2017

Everyday Loose Waves

When it comes to hair, I like to keep it simple. If you know what products and styling methods work best for your hair, it makes getting ready in the mornings a whole lot easier! While I do like to experiment every now and then, for the most part, I stick to the same hairstyle from day to day.

I’m all about the loose, lightly tousled wave look. So today, I’ll be showing you how I achieve this look on my own!

The best part? This style only takes me around 10 minutes to achieve in the morning…10 minutes!! I’ve done this routine so many times, I feel like I have it down to a science. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Step 1

To achieve this look, I start by prepping the night before. I’m someone who always showers at night, but if you shower in the morning, no worries. You’ll just start this routine and skip the overnight part. 😉

After I get out of the shower, I add a few products to my hair. Remember that less is more here, though, as adding too much product can weigh your hair down and ruin the effect we’re going for–loose, bouncy waves!

The main 2 products I stick to are a leave-in conditioner (I LOVE It’s a 10) and some kind of hair oil (Moroccan Oil is my favorite). I spritz some leave-in conditioner and run it through the bottom half of my hair, and then I’ll repeat this with a teeny tiny bit of hair oil, just enough to smooth down the ends!

Step 2

Once I’ve added product to my hair, I brush it out with my Wet brush. I highly recommend these brushes because they won’t snag your hair, which is very fragile when wet! Once I’ve done this, I try to let my hair air dry for as long as possible. When it’s mostly dry, I’ll blow dry it for just a few minutes to add volume and shine. Sometimes, I’ll use my brush to run through my hair as I blow dry to smooth it out.

Step 3

After I’ve blow dried and made sure my hair is parted where I want (I like to part pretty close to the middle, but this look works with any part), I go to bed for the night! One of my favorite tips is to sleep on a silk pillowcase, as this keeps your hair nice and smooth and helps to avoid frizz!

Step 4

When I wake up the next morning, my hair is all ready to be curled! I brush through it one more time and start curling with my 1.5 inch curling wand from Hot Tools. This is my all-time favorite hair tool, and I find that the barrel size works perfectly for this look. If you want tighter curls, use a smaller barrel, and if you want bigger, looser curls, use a larger barrel.

I start by grabbing about 1-inch sections of hair (the bigger the section, the looser the curl) and curling them away from my face. I find that this is the most flattering! You can definitely alternate the way you curl for a different look, but I usually stick to curling my hair away from my face.

Now, the number one tip I have here is to leave out the ends!! This is what’s going to give you a more casual, beachy wave vs. beauty pageant curls. I like to leave an inch or two of my ends out and away from the curling iron.

Step 5

Once you’ve curled all of your hair, let it cool. Once my hair has cooled, I like to add a light spritz of hairspray (my favorite is this one from CHI) all over to keep the curls from falling too much throughout the day. I then use my fingers to comb through my hair and break up the curls. Again, this is what’s going to give you that beachy, laid-back look. Once I’ve done this, it’s time for my favorite part…dry texture spray!

My hair is pretty fine, so I find dry texture spray to be a life-saver. This product will add body and volume to your hair and some extra texture to break up your curls even more! I spray a generous amount of this all over my hair once my hair spray has dried. If I need a pick-me-up later in the day, I’ll repeat this step to freshen up my hair and add more volume!

And just like that, you’re done! You’ll be left with beachy waves that are perfect for summertime. Have fun rockin’ this simple, easy to achieve look!

What’s your go-to hairstyle? Let me know in the comments!

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In Beauty on

May 21, 2017

My Skin Care Tips

If you know me, you know I’m a product junkie–I love trying new things! I’m totally guilty of buying new skin care products before the ones I have run out (such a bad habit). However, over time, I’ve learned that less is definitely more when it comes to skin care. It’s all about having a simple, yet effective routine that works for you and your skin type!

Now, don’t get me wrong, I will always love trying new products and switching things up. These are just some of my tried-and-true tips and products that have worked for me, and ones that I stick to! With that being said, here they are:

Double-Cleanse

I think we all know that we shouldn’t sleep with makeup on. But why?

Sleep is a restorative time for your skin. When you sleep with makeup on, this can lead to clogged pores, over-drying of the skin, and even inflammation of the eye area. Plus, when you leave makeup products on your skin overnight, your skin can’t shed properly and you’ll end up transferring makeup and old skin cells on your pillow. Over time, this can lead to acne!

So, just taking those extra few minutes at night to fully remove your makeup can make all the difference. One of my favorite tips to make sure my skin is squeaky clean before bed is to double-cleanse.

Now, I know what you’re thinking…..”won’t this dry my skin out?” Not if you use the right products. Personally, I love using a cleansing gel like Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel to take off the first layer of my makeup. This product does a great job of breaking down foundation and even waterproof mascara! Then, after rinsing this off, I’ll use a gentle exfoliator (my favorite is Neutrogena’s Grapefruit cleanser). Once I’ve done this, I know my skin is completely makeup-free and ready to be moisturized.

P.S.- I love Neutrogena products because they’re great for the skin, gentle, and don’t break the bank!

Tone

I didn’t start using toner until about a year ago or so. I would always see toners in the store, which sparked my interest and I eventually tried one. Now, I can’t live without using toners! Not only do toners feel great on the skin (a lot of them have a cooling sensation), but there are also many benefits to using them. They shrink pores, give your skin pH balance, add a layer of protection, and refresh your skin. When I use toner, I simply put a few drops on a cotton pad and rub it on my skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. My absolute favorites are the Elizabeth Arden Purifying Toner and the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner.

Hydrate…From the Inside Out!

If you want glowing skin, you have to hydrate! However, this is so much more than just using a fancy face cream. Hydration starts with what you put into your body!

Of course, drinking water is so important, but did you know that your diet also plays a role in the moisture level of your skin? Foods rich in essential fatty acids like salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, and olive oil can all help to keep skin cells hydrated. So, it’s great to incorporate these things into your diet whenever you can.

Now, when it comes to choosing a face cream, it’s important to consider your skin type, because not all night creams are suited for every type of skin. Do you have dry skin? Oily skin? Combination skin? Sensitive skin? These are all questions to ask when choosing a night cream or serum. My personal favorite is the Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream–it’s super moisturizing without being greasy. I also love their eye cream!

Tip- Every now and then, I like to use a facial oil on top of my night cream, especially during the winter time. This really helps to seal the moisture in! My favorite oils are the Olay Regenerist Luminous Facial Oil and the Body Shop Drops of Youth.

Protect

Growing up, my mom always preached the importance of sunscreen. I used to absolutely hate using it, but it’s because I was using the wrong formula. Nowadays, there are so many face sunscreens out there that don’t smell bad, aren’t greasy, and won’t clog pores–you wouldn’t be able to differentiate them from a regular lotion!

I wear sunscreen everyday. While it’s an extra step in your routine, it’s so worth it and you’ll thank yourself later. Some of my favorites are the Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer, Garnier Clearly Brighter Sunscreen, and CeraVe Invisible Zinc Sunscreen (this one’s great if you know you’ll be spending quite a bit of time outside, because it has an SPF of 50!).

Pamper

About once a week or so, I like to have a day where I pamper my skin (usually on Sundays). Basically, I’ll use some kind of moisturizing or peel-off mask, followed by an oil treatment. I’ve used a ton of different masks, but lately I’ve been loving sheet masks. I was hesitant about them at first, but they’re actually very effective and you don’t have as much of a mess after! Plus, when you take the mask off, you can leave the serum left behind on your skin for an extra boost of moisture. My favorite masks are the Illuminating Fiber Masks by BioRepublic and the Brightening Mask by Soo AE.

Bonus Tips

Last but not least, here are a few random, but super effective tips I’ve learned when it comes to skin care:

Don’t touch your face! This is a pretty common one, but I try to make a conscious effort to not do it. Your hands carry so much bacteria on them, so throughout the day, try not to touch your face if you can. If you do have to touch it, make sure to wash your hands before.
Sleep with a silk pillowcase– This is one of my all-time favorite tips! Not only is sleeping with a silk pillowcase great for your skin, but it’s great for your hair! I’ve definitely noticed that my hair is shinier and less frizzy in the mornings after sleeping on a silk pillowcase. You can find really affordable ones on Amazon!
Take a supplement– I’ve been taking Biotin daily for the past year or so, and I’ve really noticed a difference in the health of my skin, hair, and nails.

What are some of your favorite skin care tips and tricks? I would love to hear them in the comments!

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