Tag Archives: skin care

Jul18

Beat Clogged Pores For Good

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Beat Clogged Pores For Good

Your skin has a lot to contend with. Every day it is battling the likes of pollution, sweat, and pore-clogging makeup. So, it is of little surprise that our pores end up clogged and blackheads start to form. If you want this to stop happening, you are going to need to put some work in. But, of course, it is totally worth it! With that in mind, read on to discover some top tips on beating clogged pores once and for all:

WHY DO PORES GET CLOGGED?

Before we take a look at a number of amazing and effective ways to unclog your pores, it is important to understand what’s going on with your skin. Why are your pores clogged?

Those with oily skin tend to suffer from clogged pores. The natural oil you produce is known as sebum. People with acne-prone or oily skin types produce more sebum, which can lead to clogged pores, and results in pimples and blackheads. Sometimes it can even cause cysts because of inflammation.

But, clogged pores do not only impact those that have oily skin. They can also occur when dead skin sheds off naturally and then gets clogged inside of the pore. A lot of people with acne tend to shed dead skin cells at a higher rate, which leads to a bigger problem with clogged pores.

Have you noticed pores that are raised, creating a bump on the skin? A lot of people experience this. It occurs because acne bacteria feeds off sebum. Bacteria then excretes waste once it has fed on your skin’s natural oil. This waste causes pore inflammation, and makes it bigger. If a pore becomes very large, it can break through the pore wall. This is how an acne cyst forms, as it causes an inflammatory reaction.

Of course, pores also get clogged due to makeup use, as well as pollution and bad habits. It is not difficult to see how dirt gets lodged into the skin when it is up against so much.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

Choose your skincare products wisely: There are so many skincare products on the market today that actually make the problem worse. You should always select natural skin creams and oils, as other products are filled with chemicals, which are not good for your skin. They strip the skin of the essential nutrients and moisture that it needs. You should also choose products that are naturally lightweight like Babassu oil. Unlike coconut oil, Babassu oil will not clog your pores because it is so lightweight. This is great for those with oily skin or who are prone to acne. Babassu oil will absorb into your skin quickly, making it soft and radiant, without leading to unwanted breakouts or an oily appearance. A lot of people don’t consider the consistency of a product when they are purchasing it, but if you choose thick creams and oils, they are only going to clog your pores further.

While you can typically find a nice selection of skin care at drugstores, they might not be potent enough if your issue is severe. For example, accutane for skin conditions like severe acne can be used but would need to be prescribed by your dermatologist. It is wise to schedule an appointment if your condition is not clearing up with your beauty regimen so you can explore other options.

Exfoliate: To lift dry skin cells and impurities, it is important to exfoliate the face with a small brush. Combine this with moisturizing masks and cleansing, and you will improve the overall condition of your skin while dealing with your clogged pores.

Use a charcoal mask: No doubt you have seen the many Instagram posts of celebrities advertising charcoal masks. This is one social media craze that is worth getting hyped about. Activated charcoal is heaven sent for complexions that are congested. It attracts toxins, and it will absorb up to 200 times its weight in impurities. So, this is a great way to draw out all of the pollutants, excess oil, and other waste material that is trapped inside of your pores.

Use a toner after washing: To remove residual oils and dead skin cells on the skin, you should use a toner after washing. If you have oily skin, achieving smooth and balanced skin is easier if you opt for a toner that contains witch hazel. This will remove all of the dirt lodged in your skin without drying it out too much.

Steam your skin: This is a great way to open up the pores on your face. You should fill a bowl with boiling water, and then angle your face so that the steam rises up and over your skin. Don’t get so close that you burn yourself – you don’t need to be a millimeter from the surface of the water in order to feel the effects of the steam! After you have done this, you should pat your face dry and relax for a few seconds. Use a toner and finish off with a moisturizer to complete the process.

Pore strips: Pore strips have been around for quite some time now, and they really can get the job done. They are made with selective bonding agents, which act like a magnet. They will attract all of the dirt that is deep down in your pores, lifting it away, so you have fresh and soft skin.

Know your skin type: Earlier, we mentioned the importance of choosing skincare products wisely, and knowing your skin type plays an important role in this. If you have oily skin and you are using makeup and beauty products that are designed for dry skin, you are only going to make the matter worse.

Try a DIY solution: There are many DIY solutions that you can use in order to unclog your pores for radiant, luscious skin. One of the easiest options is to raid your fruit bowl once or twice a week. Lemons are great for unclogging pores, as the citric acid acts as an exfoliator. If you cut a lemon in half, and rub it over your skin, it will clear out any oil or dirt that is residing. Let the lemon juice stand for around five minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

You could also create a baking soda scrub to get rid of the pesky pollution stuck in your skin. Standard household baking soda is the perfect product for creating a really straightforward pore cleanser with gentle exfoliation qualities. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of water with two teaspoons of baking soda. This should result in a paste-like consistency. Massage the paste into your skin, using circular motions. Again, leave this mixture on your face for around five minutes, after which you can wash it off. It is advisable to do this once a week, as it will leave the skin feeling balanced and get rid of all of the dead skin cells.

Remove your makeup: We are all guilty of getting home late and falling asleep straight away with a face full of makeup! However, if you want to unclog your pores, this needs to stop. Just think of all of the dirt and makeup that is getting into your skin while you sleep with a face full of products. Get into the habit of removing your makeup as soon as you walk through the door, and also make sure that you use a deep cleanser every day.

Use products that contain grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil offers many benefits, from preventing acne to anti-aging. It is also great for unclogging pores. This is because it contains linoleic acid and vitamin E, which allows the oil to act naturally as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Use powder foundation instead of liquid: Because oily skin is the root cause of a lot of clogged pores, it is a good idea to ease off of the liquid foundation and opt for a powdered version instead. You could also try CC and BB creams, or even a tinted moisturizer. All of these options are better because they have a lighter formula, which is much better than letting a heavy product sit on your face.

Consider non-ablative laser treatment: Laser treatment is well known to blast scars and treat acne, but it can also help to shrink the appearance of pores, too. Each light pulse will refine and smooth while encouraging collagen. Collagen will create a more flawless look by plumping the skin. The laser can rejuvenate areas on the chin, nose, and eyebrows, which are prone for larger pores, making them appear smaller. This will help you to battle clogged pores in the future, as your skin should not be as susceptible to the issue.

When nothing else will work, consider extraction: If you have tried all of the tips mentioned above, and you are still having no luck with your pores, consider seeing a professional. For many years, we have been warned against picking our skin, yet professional extraction is the only exception. A dermatologist will be able to carry out this procedure. They will know what pores can be treated, and what pores need to be left alone. This is important because it ensures that your skin does not get worse or become irritated.

Clogged pores do not need to be a problem that you simply accept. There are many different ways that you can treat the issue, leaving your skin smooth and radiant, and your confidence sky high.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jul11

Creating A Solid Foundation – On Your Face!

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Creating A Solid Foundation – On Your Face!

Modern foundation is a far cry from the clumpy, cakey foundation our mothers used to wear, but you would hardly know it sometimes due to the fact that so few of us know how to really do our foundation well. If you’re a foundation fan, and you want to avoid the caked-on face and look as flawless as a cover model, here are some simple makeup artist approved tips to help you do your foundation like a pro:

Find The Perfect Match: First and foremost, if you want your foundation to look good, you need to choose the right product. To test the color of foundation, you should apply a sample to the jawline. If the color blends in and cannot be distinguished from the rest of your skin, you know you’ve got it right.

As well as choosing the right color, you will want to use the right type of foundation for your skin. For example, matte products work better for oily skin, while drier skin may benefit from a dewy finish. To find out more about choosing the right foundation for your skin type, continue reading on soundbodylife.com. It might also be a good idea to try out a few samples or speak to a beauty adviser to find the perfect match.

Prepare Your Skin: You should never put foundation on your face without first cleaning and moisturizing it. Let the moisturizer sink into your skin for 3-5 minutes and then you can add a primer if you need your makeup to last all day or if you have very visible pores. If not, you can skip that and apply your foundation directly to your face.

Use The Right Tools: You might be surprised to know that makeup artists advise applying foundation with the tips of the fingers for a light coverage look. If you want to achieve a higher level of coverage, using a sponge or Beautyblender, which you can read more about at http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/makeup/g3711/how-to-use-beauty-blender-tips/ is advised. Throw out that brush right now and see your foundation improve!

Apply Concealer Last: If, like many women, you always apply your concealer before your foundation, you’re doing it wrong! The experts say that it’s better to apply it after foundation because then you won’t end up using too much. Makeup artists also advise using a concealer that is just one shade lighter than your skin. Doing it this way will help to prevent reverse panda eyes – not a good look.

Use A Luminous Powder: If you’ve been avoiding face powder because you think it gives you a dull, lifeless finish, then you obviously haven’t tried out luminous powder, which is perfect for reflecting the light and giving you a radiant glow. The trick is to apply the translucent powder in a ‘W’ shape starting from your left hairline, sweeping to the right. Hello, bright and pretty skin!

Less Is More: One final tip when it comes to foundation, concealer, powder, or any makeup really, is that less is more and by applying only the bare minimum that you need, you will always get that professional look you’re after.

A gorgeous makeup look starts with a strong foundation on your face! Try out these tips next time you’re doing your makeup for a picture perfect appearance.

Featured Image By: Flickr

 

Jul5

Celeb Secrets: Staying Young And Beautiful

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Celeb Secrets: Staying Young And Beautiful

Have you seen Tom Cruise lately? The action star is 55, and the guy still looks young enough to have a thirty-year-old love interest! How is that possible? What’s his secret? How about Madonna? She’s 58 and manages to look like she just started her music career yesterday. It’s clear that these celebrities have some secrets that keep them from growing old. But what are they? The fountain of youth, miracle drugs, Scientology? Well, as is often the case, the simplest answer to the question is the correct one. So, let’s look at some of the ways celebs stay looking so young and how you can use their tactics to turn back the clock:

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 He’s a babe! Shwing!

Ah, They Have Personal Trainers: When Chris Pratt started filming Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, he posted a few videos on social media of his new diet plan. It wasn’t a pretty sight, and there was definitely sadness in his eyes as he realized this is what he’d be eating for the next six months. Yes, when they are getting in shape for roles, movie stars go on serious diets and exercise routines. But, some just keep these up all year round. There are plenty of celebrities that hire personal fitness trainers that hardly ever leave their side. The benefit of this is that they never lose their physique. Instead, they always look toned and tanned.

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He’s also a babe! Shwing!

Now, you might be thinking that you can’t personally afford a fitness trainer. But you’d be surprised, because they often come as part of a package deal in a gym membership. For a monthly fee, you can have someone that will constantly tell you what exercises you should be doing to stay in shape and looking young.

Has She Had A Facelift? If you’re talking about an actress or star over fifty, then the answer is usually a firm YES. There’s probably an older star that you’re sure hasn’t had a facelift, because it doesn’t look like she’s had any work done and you can always tell when someone has had surgery…right? Wrong! The stars who look natural have had work done by the best of the best to make sure that there are absolutely no tell tale surgery signs. They’ve paid extra, and they haven’t gone overboard with the cosmetic treatment. If you’re choosing a facelift surgeon, you need to make sure that you get an expert. This is the only way to guarantee that the work looks completely natural. That way, you can make sure that everyone thinks that you just have fantastic genes! 😀

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Facelift or nah?

As Young As You Feel? Can positive thinking actually physically change the way you look? Can feeling like you’re sexy give you the body to die for? While it’s unclear whether positive thoughts actually change your body, they can stop it from getting any worse. The reason for this is quite simple. Stress causes you to lose your hair, your body to bloat, your skin to sag, and wrinkles to grow. All, of course, are signs of ageing, and all can be prevented simply by keeping calm and staying relaxed. Is this one of the secrets of the celebs? You bet it is! Just ask Sofia Vergara, a known fan of acupuncture therapy. Or, how about Jennifer Aniston. She loves her yoga and she should because it will keep her young. The breathing exercises through yoga calms and soothes the body and mind. So yes, feeling young and happy about yourself and who you are could help you stay young longer.

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Love her!

Natural Tips: Of course, some of the celebrities swear by natural ways to stay young. For instance, celebrities with lush, thick hair often speak about their love of using bamboo oils. It’s a great way to re-nourish your hair and ensure that it’s stronger than ever. This might be the secret as to why some celebrities have hair that stays thick well into their seventies. Or, it might be movie magic, who knows! There’s also natural facial scrubs and oils, and other celebrities have mentioned avoiding makeup. Obviously, when they are on the job, they need it to look stunning. But many, like Halle Berry, never wear it offset to give her skin a well-deserved break.

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 Also love her!

So, if the celebs can stay young, why can’t we? The answer is, we can and all you need to do is follow in their footsteps!

Jul3

Monday Update: June 2017 Finishes Edition

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Monday Update: June 2017 Finishes Edition

Hello everyone and happy July!! The month of June brought about a massive amount of beauty finishes for yours truly. As I try to be as detail oriented with product reviews as possible, this post will definitely be a long one! Not only did I finish a bunch of products but I actually liked ALL of them this time around, which doesn’t happen often. Take a look at my June empties and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Suave Everlasting Sunshine body wash: YES
  • Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray: YES
  • Simple Micellar Cleansing Water: YES
  • Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea lotion: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin E moisturizer: YES
  • The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleep Mask: YES
  • The Body Shop Vineyard Peach body butter: YES

Why/Why Not?

Suave Body Wash: I think that Suave shower gels are incredibly underrated. They smell amazing, they hydrate, lather well, and leave your skin feeling supple and fresh. And they’re so reasonably priced that it seems like a no brainer to use their products. Everlasting Sunshine is one of my favorite scents by them. It’s floral and bright without being overpowering and it’s such an invigorating scent to hop into the shower with in the morning. It took me a little over one month to finish this product.

Paul Mitchell Spray: As a fake redhead, protecting my color at all costs is crucial. This Paul Mitchell spray kept my red looking bright and shiny throughout the month until I dyed it again. I would spray a generous amount into my hair after dyeing it and would use it before straightening my hair, as well. No matter what color you dye your hair, using a heat protecting and color locking product is essential in keeping your color looking freshly dyed until you hit the salon or boxed dye again. It took me over six months to finish this product.

Simple Cleansing Water: I’ve wanted to try Micellar water for a while but never felt a strong desire to buy a bottle. My mom snagged the Simple brand Cleansing Water on sale for me and I like it well enough. I’ve never seen a huge need to use a toner but I like that this product doubles as a super cheap makeup remover. Every day I dab this product on my face and neck after showering. I haven’t noticed a difference in my skin but it does feel good to use after I wash my face. It took me over a month of daily application and makeup touch ups to finish this bottle of Micellar water.

B&BW Lotion: Bath & Body Work’s Sweet Pea fragrance is fresh out of grade school but I don’t mind! My best friend got me this for some gift giving occasion or another and I just now used it up. I do love me some B&BW goodies so, of course, this lotion was no exception. I think that their lotions are the bomb. They are SO moisturizing while still feeling quite light and that’s really important to me. I’m a very tactile person, so when a lotion doesn’t absorb well or leaves behind a greasy residue, I have a really hard time with that. Bath & Body Works lotions have never given me a problem in regards to it not absorbing quickly or making my skin feel slimy after so it always has an A+ in my book! It took me about six or seven full body uses to finish this lotion.

TBS Skin Boost: Lol, I don’t even need to go into detail about my love for this product. You guys already know that. Anyways, it took me over two months of daily use to finish my Vitamin C Skin Boost.

TBS Moisturizer: Yeah, you guys know that I love this stuff, too. It took me a month of daily use to finish this moisturizer.

TBS Mask: I LOVE THIS FACE MASK SO MUCHHHH. The Body Shop’s Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleep Mask is the truth. The texture of this mask is unlike anything I’ve ever used before. It’s such a thick, gel-like product but it absorbs like a dream. You would think that because it feels almost “gooey” that it would leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy after but that’s just not the case in the slightest. This mask sinks into your skin so quickly and a little bit of it will easily cover your face, neck, and cleavage.

This mask smells amazingly clean and crisp and damn does it make my skin feel good after using it! Hydrated, supple, smooth, radiant. After letting this mask soak into your skin as you sleep you will notice a difference as soon as you see your reflection in the morning. Your skin just glows. I cannot recommend this product enough and everyone should go get it STAT! It took me about two months of using three or four times a week to finish this mask.

TBS Body Butter: Vineyard Peach is my absolute favorite scent from The Body Shop. I really just love all peach everything. It’s such a sweet, crisp scent but it has this little bite of tartness to it and that’s what I like in a fragrance. This also explains why I adore apple scented products, too. ANYWAYS, I got this body butter at TJMaxx for a whole SIX BUCKS and I was so overcome with joy at that find. A general rule of thumb for me is that I would never pay the whopping twenty-one dollar price tag when it comes to The Body Shop’s body butters, so when TJ’s started carrying them it really was a godsend. The Vineyard Peach scent is to die for and it took me about seven full body uses to finish this product.

HOLY MOLY. Okay, so many finishes so little time amiright?! June definitely was a successful month when it came to using some amazing beauty products and I had a blast applying all of these goodies to my skin and body care routine. Hopefully July will be just as fabulous!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: June 2017 Finishes Edition! What beauty products did you use up this month? Who has used some of the products that I just finished up before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun27

You VS Aging: Be The Victor!

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You VS Aging: Be The Victor!

We seem to be getting more worried about the effects of aging all of the time. If you’re particularly worried about the aging of your skin, there is plenty that you can do to give yourself a (super smooth) hand:

Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle: One of the biggest contributors to the signs of aging? An unhealthy lifestyle! In fact, it’s undoubtedly the biggest contributor. What we usually associate with “unsightly” aging are usually just results of damaging diets and activities.

The fact is, that the things that help you live longer are also the things that help you stay looking younger. What we associate with “younger” are usually just signs of good health. So you need to put a lot of focus on what you’re doing in your life now. Are you a smoker? Smoking prematurely ages the skin in a dramatic way. Are you drinking enough water every day? Eating enough fruit and vegetables? You need all of that moisture and all of those minerals to keep your skin looking bright and healthy!

Consider Cosmetic Products & Enhancement: A lot of people want to go down a completely “natural” route when it comes to fighting the aging process. They seem to think that things like anti-aging creams are basically akin to injecting Botox. This, of course, isn’t really the case! Some of those products that you see advertised on television do actually work quite well. Something as simple as a daily facial moisturizer can help keep your skin cells feisty and fresh. After all, dry skin is damaged skin. If it contains aloe vera, that’s a good sign. You can also look into more advanced products, too.

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Smoooooth.

Of course, you should understand that everyone’s skin is different. What works for some people doesn’t always work for others. You may find yourself more interested in things like Belcara Health plastic surgery. Everyone has their own opinions about this sort of route, but it’s something that you should only consider if you feel truly comfortable with it. Many have been very happy with the results that they get!

Relax More – But Don’t Neglect Exercise: This is actually a continuation of the previous section. But it really deserves its own section because people underestimate its effects constantly. The effects of what, you ask? Relaxation. You’ve probably heard it before: stress is one of the most dangerous things that your body can be subjected to. And yet so many of us are putting ourselves under a lot of stress every day. So how does stress effect skin? You may think that it causes you to frown a lot, which exacerbates wrinkling around the forehead. And you’re actually right! But it also puts particular strain on a number of cells in your body. This all contributes to aging signs in other areas, too. Put aside some time in the evening and have some much needed R&R for your skin’s sake. 😀

Having said that, you should also spend more time exercising. Yes, I know that exercise isn’t exactly “relaxing”. And, in fact, it can often be a source of stress! That’s all short-term, though. In the long-term, exercise helps you sleep better and feel less stressed. It also promotes blood circulation. This helps to make sure that the nutrients your skin needs are appropriately delivered.

Healthier skin starts with simple changes to your lifestyle. Which one will you apply today?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun1

Summer Skin Care

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Summer Skin Care
Hi everyone and welcome to my darling friend, Carlie’s, post for my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series! Carlie is one of my favorite gals on the planet and I’m lucky enough to be able to FaceTime with her pretty frequently. Be sure to check out Carlie’s blog at Bombshell and give it some love! I am sure that you will enjoy her pinup princess antics just as much as I do. Now, on to Carlie’s post that will teach you how to keep your skin healthy and glowing this summer:

Summer Skin Care

It’s that time of the year again, SUMMER TIME! So when one of my truly wonderful girlfriends, Sarah (lifewithlilred), asked me to be a guest blogger for her summer series, I was all for it. For my Salute To Summer blog post, I am going to talk about how to prevent your skin from getting sun burned and damaged in the hot sun. Here are some tips to help you and your skin enjoy the summer all of the better:

1. SUNSCREEN: This should be a no brainer, but you can’t believe how many people, especially where I live in Southern California, don’t bother to wear sunscreen. Not only do a lot of them opt for lounging in the sun unprotected, but they also do tanning beds (which I refuse to ever try) and spray on tans. Sunscreen is a god send for not just my fair skin but for my girl, Sarah, who has such a gorgeous porcelain skin tone, herself!

As far as sunscreens go, I prefer a SPORTS Cream with an SPF around 50, (you can never be too careful!). They last longer and the Sports ones are waterproof. Spray sunscreens are great, too, especially when you don’t have anyone to apply sunscreen on your back! Despite how convenient spray sunscreens are, just be aware that you do have to reapply them more often than Sports waterproof sun screen.

2. MAKEUP FOR SUMMER: If you feel like you need to wear makeup while on the beach, vacation, or lounging by the pool, first of all, DON’T wear a lot of makeup. It’s not a good look. I recommend a waterproof mascara, a lip stain, and also the brand, BARE MINERALS! I have talked about Bare Minerals since it first hit the market about ten or eleven years ago when they only had the Bare Minerals store – unlike now, where you can get it at many department stores. Bare Minerals is a great makeup brand, which originally had a powdered foundation, a cheek color, and a mineral veil (which gives an air brushed finished to your foundation.). The best thing about Bare Minerals, is that they all have SPF sunscreen in them without looking greasy.
I, of course, love the MATTE coverage foundation and mineral veil. Bare Minerals now has many different products, like delicate colored shadows and formulas. But, for me, I’m old-school and like the original powdered products. Another Bare Minerals bonus, besides the sunscreen in it, is that if you find your skin really dry during the warm months, they actually make hydrating foundations and powders. Plus, the coverage is fantastic. I recommend this brand for sunscreen on the face. You can even layer the foundations over a delicate swipe of regular sunscreen, let it sit for a minute, and then apply the sunscreen powdered foundation.
3. SUMMER ACCESSORIES: Whether you are at the beach or the pool, summer accessories are a must. Bring a big umbrella to cover your beautiful skin if you’re lounging on a bench with music or a good book. A big floppy hat and oversized sunglasses can also never hurt when it comes to covering up your precious skin. Oh, and of course, don’t walk out of the house without a cover up over your bathing suit!
XOXO Carlie

Thank you so much again to the gorgeous Carlie for walking us through some Summer Skin Care tips! How do you step up your skin care game in the summer? What is your preferred sunscreen brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May27

May 2017 Finishes

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May 2017 Finishes

Hi everyone and happy weekend! If you can believe it, we’re already at the end of May, which means that it’s time for my monthly beauty finishes post! This month has been somewhat of a drag and a waiting game. My boyfriend is coming up to Ohio from North Carolina at the end of this month for my birthday so the entire month of May has literally been spent wishing for the days to go by faster! This month didn’t even bring me a lot of beauty empties to look forward to getting through so, needless to say, it’s been a pretty blah May (despite thoroughly enjoying all of my used products!). Take a look at this month’s finishes and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Bath & Body Works Country Apple body spray: YES
  • The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow mask: YES
  • Angie’s Bath & Body Goat’s Milk moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Spray: As I’m sure that all of you know by now, the Country Apple body spray from Bath & Body Works is one of my favorites. I love anything apple scented – lotions, shower gels, you name it. To me, apple is the perfect fruit fragrance. It’s crisp and refreshing and has the perfect balance of a sweet and tart bite, which results in a clean, freshly picked from the orchard scent. This B&BW spray is no exception. I always purchase a half a dozen or so of these sprays when they’re marked down to THREE DOLLARS during B&BW’s summer sale. It takes me about five or so months to finish one bottle, which is a cost of a whole sixty cents per month. Such a steal!!

TBS Mask: I absolutely LOVED the Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow mask from The Body Shop!! I purchased this for fourteen dollars when The Body Shop that I live by closed down and it was worth every penny. Seriously, I wish I bought ten of these bad boys so that I could have a year’s supply! I am obsessed with all things charcoal so I just had to give this mask a try and I am so glad that I did!

The first time that I used this cool, invigoratingly scented mask, I noticed a difference on my skin. As you all know, I am constantly battling blackheads on my nose next to my five piercings, and this mask annihilated them in ONE USE. Not only that, but it left my skin feeling tingling, soft, and totally radiant. I cannot recommend this product enough and I would definitely use it again! It took me about one month to finish this mask.

Angie’s B&B Moisturizer: My dear friend, Angela, the owner of the Etsy shop, Angie’s Bath & Body, gave me a sample of this moisturizer in my last order and I thought that it was fabulous. First of all, it smelled AMAZING. It had such a rich and creamy scent and it was such a delight to put on every morning. Second of all, it was effective. This moisturizer left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated and it looked peaches n’ cream perfection. And finally, a little bit of this moisturizer goes a long way. It took about two weeks to finish the sample pod and I used it every morning on my neck and face, so I can only imagine how long a full sized jar of this would last!

Although I didn’t finish too much this month, I really liked all of the products that I used up. I was happy to use old and new favorites, alike, and all three empties left me feeling nice and pampered. I am confident in recommending all three of my finishes this month and am looking forward to using more from my beauty hoard in June!

So there you have it, this month’s May 2017 Finishes! What beauty products did you use up this month? Has anyone ever used any of my empties before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

Summer Fun Checklist

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Summer Fun Checklist

It may not always seem like it, but the time of year that it is can make a huge difference in a person’s life. Winter and autumn can be difficult sometimes because of things like seasonal effective disorder. How early the sun rises and sets is enough to have an effect on people’s moods (I know it does for me!). As another example, people look at the New Year as something of a new start, and it is a time when they try to grasp that opportunity.

Summer is no different. If you are in college, especially, the break from the academic year represents an opportunity to improve yourself (or simply to bask in laziness for a few weeks). That may mean that you go traveling and experience the wonders of another culture or you may decide, instead, to stay closer to home and participate in some volunteering or work experience to better prepare you for your post-graduation job search. For people who work, it is a chance to go on holiday. However, you may just want to stay at home and relax. For some people, the perfect summer day is taking a book to a local park and sitting under a tree until it gets too dark to read.

If you are thinking of making the most of the summer this year, you will need to start preparing now since it is so nearly upon us. Here are five things that you need to make sure of before you set off on whatever plans that you’ve made:

  1. If you are hoping to leave the country, you should book your flights exactly eighteen weeks before you intend to travel. Research has shown that airline websites offer the cheapest prices at those times. Otherwise, you need to check that your passport is still valid. And do not forget your visa! There is nothing worse than getting somewhere only to be sent back again right away.
  2. Depending on where you’re going, you will need to make sure that your wardrobe matches. If you are heading to some tropical paradise, you’ll need a bikini or swimming trunks. Do not forget your sunglasses and the most important thing of all: sun tan lotion. Nothing ruins a vacation quite like a nasty sunburn.
  3. Personal grooming is crucial, too. If you are looking for the best razor for the bikini area, you need to make sure that you get one with which you are comfortable. Otherwise, you should remember that in different climates you will need to have products for your hair and skin. If you are not used to hot weather all year round, you may quickly find that your lips crack or your skin becomes a little dry. Thinking ahead and packing precautionary lotions or ointments is the smartest thing to do when you’re jetsetting to a new place.
  4. You should always take a book with you just in case for surprise waits before appointments or lunch dates, but it is never more important than when you are on holiday. They are not called ‘beach reads’ for nothing!
  5. No one forgets a camera anymore since they do not forget their phone but to get the best pictures, you should think about a camera with film. It costs more but the photos are better. Also, why not take a notebook along so that you can better remember the holiday when you get back?

Nothing makes pre-vacation planning easier than a good old fashioned checklist. Make yours, check it twice, and you’re off!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr30

TJMaxx Mini Haul

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TJMaxx Mini Haul

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! I hope all of you are having a super fab weekend. So Friday was a wonderful, but boozy time, and your girl spent yesterday nursing a hangover from HELL. Seriously, I was completely miserable and spent a majority of the day in bed watching a Catfish marathon. But, despite feeling like total ass, I ponied up and went with my mom to Home Goods and TJMaxx in the evening so she could pick up a few things and make some returns. And, honestly, when have I ever said no to going to TJMaxx?!

My beloved mom and I haven’t been out shopping together in a while and even though I felt like I got ran over by stampeding elephants, we still had a lot of fun! We browsed around Home Goods, which I’ve grown increasingly more fond of with every trip and ended up with some delightful new home goods. 😉 The TJMaxx trip was awesome, though, because we were in a fancier area than our normal location so it was a nice little change of pace. Take a look at my mini haul and let’s discuss:

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The Haul:

  • The Body Shop Oat & Honey mask
  • Yes To Coconut souffle moisturizer
  • Olive green baseball cap (brand unknown!)

The Price: About twenty bucks total

I am always so, so happy when I can find really good skin care products at TJs on the cheap. I have been absolutely loving face masks as of late so finding a TBS one for FIVE DOLLARS was such a treat! I have used the Oat & Honey mask before and it was nice but nothing that I would ever pay full price for so it was definitely a pleasant surprise to be able to snag it for a price that you couldn’t get at TBS even if it was on sale.

Not only did I get a new mask to add to my collection but I also got a moisturizer that I freaking LOVE! My mom got me the Yes To Coconut souffle moisturizer for my birthday or Christmas, I forget which, and it was so fabulous. Normally, I’m not a huge coconut fan but this moisturizer smells so good to me. It’s definitely coconutty but it also has that rich, creamy scent and texture that I love so very much. And did I mention that it works wonderfully, to boot?! This moisturizer absorbs so quickly, sits well under makeup, and leaves your complexion looking like peaches and cream perfection. So, needless to say, I was thrilled to be able to get my Yes To Coconut moisturizer for a TJMaxx price!

And, finally, my new baseball cap!! I am such a fan of hats. I wouldn’t say that they’re my favorite accessory but they are definitely high on the list. Floppy hats, beanies, baseball caps, Panama hats, sun hats, cold weather wool hats – I love them all. I have two boxes full of hats in my closet thanks to an appreciation that stemmed from my darling grandma who had over one hundred and fifty hats!

But, one style of hat that I have been meaning to give more love to as of late is the baseball cap. I loves me a good ball cap but I always have difficulty finding ones that work in terms of color with my hair. With my bright red locks I want anything that I put on my head to compliment, rather than clash. That’s why I was so attracted to this shiny, olive green cap for ten dolla holla at TJs.

Green, no matter what shade, is a color that always looks good on me. Thanks to red hair and pasty pale skin, fifty shades of green is a color that I know that I can turn to and I will look my best. My new hat just made everything pop. My eyes looked bright, my skin glowed, and my hair (even though I really need to dye it) looked fantastic. And you KNOW that this hat was a winner if I felt that I looked good even with a hangover!! Everything about this hat worked AND it didn’t make me look like Ashton Kutcher so, obviously, this little baby was going home with me!

Even though this was a small haul, I ended up with two skin care products and a hat that I totally love and only paid a whopping twenty bucks for. Sounds like a steal to me!

So there you have it, my TJMaxx Mini Haul! Who else has a deep love for TJMaxx? What is your favorite accessory to rock? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr27

April 2017 Finishes Pt. 2

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April 2017 Finishes Pt. 2

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! You might be scratching your head and wondering why there’s a Part 2 to my April 2017 Finishes post from yesterday. Well, here’s why! Back in October of 2016, I began using the Destiny Boutique Charcoal Face Bar and am literally just now finishing it. This beauty bar has lasted me well over HALF A YEAR and I paid a whopping SIX DOLLARS for it. And, the best thing is, is that my skin is simply obsessed with it. Take a looksee and let’s discuss:

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^^^ As you can see from the picture above, this charcoal bar is freaking HUGE, so it’s no wonder why it has lasted me as long as it did. And we’re talking daily (sometimes twice a day) use of this product here!

I am lucky to say that I have been blessed with skin that has never really suffered from any skin care woes. But, one thing that I do struggle with are some really tough blackheads. I have five nose piercings (two on each nostril and my septum is pierced), and blackheads are drawn to this area like moths to a flame. It doesn’t surprise me, considering that I am constantly touching and adjusting my piercings with my super long talons.

“So you have some blackheads. Big deal.” And, you’re right. It really isn’t a big deal because they’re barely noticeable. But am I thrilled about having them? Absolutely not. The blackheads around my piercings are something that I want to keep on lock because when people look at them, I want them to see the artistry and jewelry – not tiny little black needle points every which way.

Around the time that I purchased this Destiny Boutique bar from TJMaxx, I had been itching to try some type of charcoal based product. I had read about how well it deep cleans the pores and I really wanted to give it a go. So when I found this six dollar bar at TJs, I simply had to buy it. And, I have to say, this is one product that I can’t picture myself ever not using because I am now a dedicated Destiny Boutique super fan.

The Charcoal Face Bar draws my pesky pierced nose blackheads out like a magnet. Even after a couple of days of use, I noticed a significant difference in the amount of blackheads on my nose. And, let me tell you, that’s a really good feeling. This beauty bar has not only decreased my blackheads, but it seems to keep as many from popping up on my poor problemed nose.

I paid SIX DOLLARS for a product that has lasted me OVER HALF A YEAR and it has infinitely helped my blackhead battle. Not only that, but it provides my skin with an overall healthy glow and I can’t get enough. So much so that I have another bar on back stock, am currently using Destiny Boutique’s Charcoal Cleanser, and have another one of those on back stock, as well. Like I said, I’m a super fan.

I legitimately cannot recommend Destiny Boutique’s Charcoal Face Bar enough and urge all of you to give their products a try. I am so glad that I did, and I have a hunch that you will be, too.

So there you have it, my April 2017 Finishes Pt. 2! Have any of you ever used Destiny Boutique products before? What did you think of it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah