Skincare is something that is very important to me. I grew up with very little emphasis on it and more of a focus on makeup and the importance of “getting ready” before going anywhere…presenting yourself in the “right” way. I could dedicate a whole post to that and dig pretty deep on how different perceptions of beauty affect us, but it could get pretty lengthy. I actually began writing this blog post with those thoughts and memories in mind, but figured I’d save it all for another day. Before makeup and before clothing comes into play in my daily routine, it starts and ends with taking care of my skin. I began to suffer with adult acne a year into college and it seemed to just get worse and worse. I tried multiple topical skincare products, high end ones, more affordable ones, at home laser treatments, supplements…it felt like everything and yet nothing was working. Then I began to really take note of what my body was reacting to and adjust my routine and that’s when I began to see change. If you’re suffering from adult acne, or just have those monthly flare ups, keep reading. I’m going to share some pretty crazy before photos and what has kept my acne at bay. READ MORE
HAIR + BEAUTY
July 12, 2017 |
Christina’s Current Skincare Routine
June 14, 2017 |
Our Favorite Bath Products
Probably the biggest thing we were looking forward to with our master bath remodel, was the soaking tub! Now that the kitchen and bathrooms are done, we are taking full advantage of it a few nights a week. It’s the best way to unwind, and as much as we have tried to incorporate a work out routine as a form of stress relief and well just strengthening our overall mental and physical health, nothing has proved to be more calming or indulgent as a simple bath. We’ll prop up the laptop with a favorite Netflix or Hulu show, or bring in a book, and just lay there for a bit. Some calming drops of lavender or rose scented bath salts are also a plus. Here are a few of our favorite bath products as of late, that will help you get the most out of your “me” time.
June 7, 2017 |
3 Must-Have Summer Lipstick Shades
Ahh lipstick, you pull a look together so easily. I always love a little color on my lips, especially during the summer time. Most people are finding shades that will compliment their sun kissed skin, and while I’m SPF 50+ all the way, finding a fun bright color is still on the top of my summer must-haves list. I recently minimized my makeup stash when we redid our master bath. I wanted the drawers and cabinets to be clutter free and what I realized is that I really just mix up my lip shades ever so slightly with the change in season. So what are the 3 must have shades in everyone’s makeup kit? Coral, pink, and red. Simple and easy. I have found I just deepen these shades for fall and winter, but keep these three basic color families on rotation. READ MORE
March 19, 2017 |
#LoveIn3Words with Revlon
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of shooting a video with Breea of TellTheBirds. We had shot with Breea several years ago when we started the blog, and were so thrilled to be able to work together again while she was in Phoenix. We recently partnered with Revlon and the Women’s Heart Health Alliance on their #LoveIn3Words campaign. We love the message about spreading love in everything you do…from loving and respecting yourself to small acts of kindness you could share with others each day.
Click “Read More” to watch the full video…. READ MORE
March 17, 2017 |
Our Favorite Face Masks
We’ve been traveling quite a bit again, and with all the weather changes our skin has definitely been taking a beating. We’re not as bold as to wear a face mask while flying, but we do have a few favorites that we like to use when we get back to our Airbnb at night, and will be indulging with when we get home from our travels. 🙂
Here are a few current favorites… READ MORE
March 3, 2017 |
Healthy Looking Hair Begins at the Scalp
Ever since my sister graduated from the Aveda institute, Rob and I have both been hooked on their products…hair care, bath exfoliants, the list goes on. So when I was asked to try out their Invati System for thinning hair and partner with Aveda on this post, I jumped on the opportunity. Let me rewind a bit…
December 16, 2016 |
Holiday Hair with Aveda
We tend to fall into a routine when it comes to getting ready, go-to outfits, the usual hair style, the “what’s easy today” sort of thing, but in celebration of the holiday season we wanted to mix things up a bit! We have some fun holiday parties coming up, along with a NYE bash we’re looking forward to, so we were really excited to team up with Aveda to bring you guys some holiday looks.
My sister recently graduated from the Aveda institute in Florida, and has been sharing all the tips and tricks she’s learned over the course of the 13 months she studied there. Unfortunately we never got the opportunity to visit her school, but we recently visited Juut Salon here in Scottsdale and got a closer look at the Aveda process. It was really special getting to see everything she’s told us about and picture her in a similar space, styling and getting people ready for some big events. She’s talented that one. #Proudsistermoment! 😉
We spent the afternoon with the very skilled and kind, Molly and Amie. We tried out three looks for the ladies, that are surprisingly easy to recreate at home with just a few products, and a classic men’s style that’s perfect for everyday while still being polished for an evening out.
Click “Read More” to see more of the looks below….
READ MORE
November 14, 2016 |
Fall/Winter Makeup Favorites
Moorea Seal vest/dress | JCPenney turtleneck | Ciate London nail polish in “Hutch” | MAC lipstick in “Capricious“
I always look forward to mixing up my makeup routine around this time of year. The other day I found myself going through my makeup drawer and picking out a few new products to keep on rotation. Here are some favorites I’m loving for fall…
GLITTERY SHADOWS + SMOKEY EYES
Something that seems to be big this season is glitter! Glitter shadows and metallic liners are popping up on models in every magazine and website lately. The look may be a bit daring for some, especially for everyday wear, but there are definitely ways to tone it down and make it wearable for everyone. I usually gravitate toward matte shadows in classic browns and beiges (you won’t see any metallic stars on the corners of my eyes), but I’ve using Benefit’s World Famous Neutrals palette more lately. They have a newer version of the palette here, which looks pretty similar.
DARK LIPS
When colder weather makes an appearance, so do darker berry hues. I love a bold lip in the fall/winter seasons. A few of my favorites shades are: (from top to bottom in photo) “Capricious” by MAC (that’s what I’m wearing in these photos – it has buildable color), “Lolita” by Kat Von D, Damned by NARS, “Outlaw” by Kat Von D (the perfect red!), “Touch of Berry” by e.l.f.
BOLD LASHES
No matter the season, Dior’s Black Out Mascara never fails me for dark and full lashes. I started using it several years ago by my mother’s recommendation. I was at the mall with a friend when my mom sent me a text and asked me to pick it up for her. She heard great things and wanted to try it out, so I picked up one for each of us and haven’t used another mascara since.
MORE FAVORITES…
e.l.f Studio Eyeliner and Shadow Stick: I’ve been using this in the dark brown shade. It gives a soft smokey look vs a harder line.
Vanity Planet Makeup Brush Kit: I’ve been loving this brush kit lately. It has everything from brow and shadow brushes to big blush and powder brushes. Plus, it came with a cute travel case too! Use code “BEAUTY22” here for 70% off the set (only $30).
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation: Okay, this isn’t a seasonal favorite…more like an all-time favorite, but I figured it was worth mentioning. This is another product I’ve been using for the last several years and haven’t found a foundation that beats it. From the humidity in NY to triple digit temperatures in AZ, this formula lasts all day!
What are some of your favorite looks for fall? Do you change up your makeup with the seasons?
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August 11, 2016 |
Do You Go Nude?
Aritzia dress (similar here and here) | Madewell bandana | bareMinerals lip color in “Notorious” | Ciaté nail polish in “Hutch”
The new GEN NUDE line by bareMinerals recently launched in 60 different shades, which is pretty exciting for natural looking makeup lovers like myself. bareMinerals sent a few over for me to try, so I thought it would be fun to share a review of them on the blog. I’m always trying out new products, looking for the best foundation or that everyday go-to lipstick shade, however I think it will be hard to pry me away from Dior’s mascara. My sister and I are always sending each other screenshots of our favorite products or texting about whether or not we’ve tried the newest palette from a line. Many of you have asked about what my favorite makeup products are for a natural look…well, some of these lip colors are included. Check them out below.
Liquid lip colors are quickly becoming my favorite. They go on like a lipgloss and dry like a lipstick. I find these to be longer lasting as well, which is great for when you’re on the go or have a special event to attend. I usually lean toward more pinky tones, so the “JuJu” shade was perfect. I also tried out the peachy tone, “Extra”, which was so pretty in the bottle, but ended up washing out my fair skin tone. “Friendship” is great for a more daring night out look. It reminds me a bit of Kat Von D’s “Lolita”, which I’m a fan of. I’m not a huge lipgloss gal (although I embarrassingly applied it like crazy in between classes in my high school days, hah!), but I did find myself putting a little gloss over some of the liquid lip colors for a a bit of shine on some days. I even put a little on when I’m at home sometimes and don’t have full makeup on, just to feel pulled together. (Am I the only one who does that? 😉 ) Thankfully they’re not sticky at all, which is usually the case with most glosses. I’m wearing the shade “Fancy” in the photo above.
The Radiant lipsticks are so creamy! They give medium coverage and are the perfect balance if you’re looking for more than a tint, but aren’t ready to dive into bold matte color. I’ve been wearing this formula the most out of the collection, in “Notorious”. It’s a great mauve shade that I feel like will flatter all skin tones and is pretty moisturizing. My lips have been so dry lately, so a lip color that is more like a super pigmented lip balm is right up my alley.
What do you guys think? What are your go-to lip colors?
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