The Beauty Of A New Adventure With The L'Oreal LUMI Compact

June 22, 2016

I was absolutely thrilled when I was asked if I wanted to collaborate with L'Oreal again! This time, the theme was Summer Travel + Travel Makeup Tips, to help promote their new LUMI Compact! Of course, that was also really exciting for me, because we travel so much, so I have packed for lots of road trips, and have actually experienced how hard it is to stay looking cute while traveling! It's sometimes more work than at home, because you don't have your regular setup.

Another fun fact about these photos, is that we would up shooting them while we were in the Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas area! It was absolutely gorgeous, and the place we stayed was the perfect setting for the shoot. If course, we probably had onlookers, but whatever!

I got my hair and makeup done professionally at a cute salon in Port St. Joe, called Salt Air Beauty and Hair Salon. I met one of the two owners that day, Angela, who did such incredible work! She is so inspiring and talented, and I definitely recommend her if you are ever in the area and need literally anything done! I even got eyelash extensions (for the first time, ever), which I think added a lot to the photos. Check out our images below, and visit the Dedicated Pinterest Board, here.

Click here to see my Dedicated Pinterest Board! I will be adding pins to it daily until early July.

Sunday Riley - LUNA Sleeping Night Oil

June 16, 2016

I recently received a fun little sample of this incredible night time retinal oil. It's BLUE as can be, and when you rub it into your skin, it's completely clear. It does have a fragrance, but it's not overpowering, but definitely very, very floral.

This oil is meant to be used on your skin after cleaning your face for the night. I am going to be testing it out on a sun spot that I should not have, but do, so we will see how it goes!

Fins LUNA at Sephora! The bottle shown here is a small sample size, which Sephora is so famous for :) Check out @Sephora on Instagram, and share your favorite Sephora products!!

More info from Sephora.com

Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily
✔ Combination
✔ Dry
✔ Sensitive

What it is:
A next-generation retinoid oil that improves skin plumpness and helps fight the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and pores for visibly clearer, younger-looking skin.

Solutions for:
- Wrinkles
- Firmness
- Pores

If you want to know more…
Luna Sleeping Night Oil contains high potency, purified grade lactic acid to instantly correct dullness, plump the look of lines, and exfoliate the skin. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation, imperfections, and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthy-looking complexion. Enhanced with licorice for brightening, it helps to clarify and correct the appearance of imperfections for immediate, smooth radiance.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product is cruelty-free. Luna's deep blue color goes from blue to clear when it is rubbed into the skin.

"Luna Sleeping Night Oil is my personal ‘holy grail,’ must-have product. It instantly calms and smooths my skin and I see results overnight in my fine lines and wrinkles. I'm a mother of three, I work full time, and I don't get as much sleep and exercise as a I should. Luna is my secret weapon to keep people from knowing that!”—Sunday Riley

Research results:
Proven via in-vivo testing (silicone replicas) and expert visual grading:
- Luna Sleeping Night Oil is clinically proven to improve skin radiance, fine lines, and smoothness in 4 weeks

After an independent consumer testing panel used Luna Sleeping Night Oil for 4 weeks:
- 100% felt the product absorbed well into the skin
- 96% of women felt their skin looked brighter and more radiant
- 96% of women felt their skin looked healthier and revitalized
- 92% of women felt their skintone looked more even, calmer, smoother
- 92% would recommend Luna to a family member or friend
- 88% felt their pores looked smaller
- 85% felt their fine lines and wrinkles around the forehead were visibly improved

Clinique Lip Pop Lipstick + Clinique Pop Glosses

June 3, 2016

Today, I am introducing some really amazing lipstick & lipgloss from Clinique! Their new summer lip products are just so beautiful, and they're all very lightweight - perfect for summer!

Above, Clinique pop glaze in "02 melon drop pop".

Items shown in this post:

Clinique Pop Oil in 01 poppy glow + 02 nectar glow (find them here)

Clinique Pop Lacquer in 01 cocoa pop + 09 nude pop (find them here)

Clinique Pop Glaze in 02 melon drop pop + 03 fireball pop (find them here)

Pendleton Beach Towel (similar here)

Lucky Brand Multicolor Caribbean Crush Tie Dye Bikini

Impressions...

I really loved the first impression of this line of Clinique products. My definite favorite of all of these products was the Clinique Pop Glaze in Melon Drop Pop.

What The Websites Say:

Pop Lacquer Lip Color + Primer (At Ulta) - "A luscious pop of liquid, high-shine colour in one, full-coverage coat. Luxurious yet lightweight formula with built-in primer glides on effortlessly, wears for up to 6 hours". Not overly sticky and does not dry out my lips!

Pop Glaze Sheer Lip Colour + Primer (At Ulta) - "A pretty pop of bold yet see-through colour + smoothing primer in one coat. Luxurious yet weightless formula with built-in primer glides on effortlessly, wears for up to 8 hours. Keeps lips comfortably moisturized instantly and over time". Melon Drop Was My Fave!! Lighter texture and weight than traditional lipstick, and does not dry out your lips at all. The two shades featured in this post include: Melon Drop + Fireball Pop (a very vibrant red that is a bit more sheer, and offers lots of moisture). Satin smooth without any bad smell or taste.

Pop Oil Lip & Cheek Glow (At Saks Fifth Avenue) - "A subtle pop of dewy color for lips and cheeks. This nourishing tint with safflower, jojoba and sunflower seed oils feels luscious yet lightweight. Fluid-gel formula slips on with ease thanks to a convenient wand applicator that delivers the perfect amount every time. Apply tinted color on cheeks and lips. Blend quickly with fingertips". You can use this sheer color on either your cheeks or on your lips. This is nice and light, and is easy to apply.

An Adorable Gift Idea - Spin For Perfect Skin & Coffee Cacao Coconut Sugar Scrub #VPbeauty

April 29, 2016

I wanted to share a little DIY project with you, and tell you all about a wonderful Mother's Day gift idea from Vanity Planet! Keep reading to learn more about this Shabby Chic Birdcage Gift Basket, the Vanity Planet Spin For Perfect Skin, and the Vanity Planet Coffee + Cacao + Coconut Sugar Scrub. This DIY is SO easy, let's get started!!

Big News! Get 70% Off of your Spin Brush purchase by using code: happyspin

Let's Make A Gift Basket!!

Materials Needed -

1 birdcage, large enough to fit your gifts (I found this one at JoAnns)

Silk Flowers (I chose peonies - I used about 4-5)

Pink Paper Crinkles

Vanity Planet Spin For Perfect Skin Brush, Vanity Planet Sugar Scrub

That's it!

I filled the birdcage with paper crinkles, to make add a pop of color, and to make sure the body scrub and spin brush fit in the birdcage properly. I love how it looks.

Top off the gifts with some silk flower heads to hide them a bit. love how well the presents fit inside of this shabby chic birdhouse.

So, here's what is inside of this amazing gift basket. The Spin For Perfect Skin gift set comes with FOUR brush heads, which is awesome! My current spin brush is great, so this set will last w very long time. I love the addition of this larger brush head (it measures a few inches across), because it's perfect for your neck, chest, and back. I think it's a good idea to have a separate spin brush head for your face compared to the rest of your body. I also really like the pumice stone head. This is a bit more than anything I need at this point, but a lot of people would absolutely LOVE this!! Get your skin ready for summer with this awesome gift set. The sugar scrub was nice too. Read more about that below.

Below, you will see the brush head that I have on my current spin brush, as well as an even softer brush head, that might be nice around your eyes.

This Bru Coffee + Coconut Cacao Sugar Scrub contains "dead sea salt, organic kona coffee, organic olive oil, sweet almond oil, organic grape seed oil, coffee arabica seed oil, organic shea butter, and natural fragrance extracts". When I first opened it, I could instantly smell the coffee. It smells very fresh, and not only like coffee, but a very pleasant mix of sweetness as well.

I would definitely recommend opening this over the sink or the tub, because it is a bit messy, but is very easily containable (if that makes sense...). This scrub is more oily than others I have used. I wound up needing to use another soap to fully remove it from my skin. But, it's very luscious, and I am so glad it contains almost 100% organic ingredients. That's very hard to find!

This Essential Body Scrub "hydrates, moisturizes, and stimulates blood flow while targeting cellulite and stretch marks. It exfoliates dead skin" and smooths your skin out very nicely.

To learn more about Vanity Planet, visit their website!

Get Your Skin Summer-Ready With CeraVe

April 8, 2016

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CeraVeSkincare #CollectiveBias

I am so excited to share a few summer skin-care tips with you. Get your skin soft, smooth, and protected with CeraVe. These products are fragrance-free, and non-irritating, which I prefer over anything else! Most of their products are also non-comedogenic, which my dermatologist recommends for absolutely any product I use. CeraVe also helps replenish the ceramides that healthy skin needs.

Get your skin in shape for summer!! #CeraVeSkincare #CollectiveBias

HOW TO GET SUMMER-READY SKIN (A TUTORIAL)

1.) Exfoliate! Now that it's almost sandals and shorts/skirts weather, you can use a simple home made or store bought sugar scrub to smooth your feet, legs, and elbows!

2.) Clear Up Your Face! Use the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (on your face) in the shower, and use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for your arms, back, and chest. I absolutely love the fact that these are both gentle cleansers, and have hardly any scent.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Removes dirt, oil and makeup as ceramides and hyaluronic acid moisturize, soften, and help repair the skin barrier·
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: Removes dirt, oil and makeup while replenishing skin with ceramides·

3.) After the shower, pat your skin and face dry and apply a moisturizing cream. I like the pump style lid on the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It's nice, not too oily, and eaves my skin incredibly silky smooth! I would recommend using this on arms and legs.

- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (below): Moisturizes and helps restore the protective skin barrier, with vital ceramides.

4.) Now that most of your body is smooth and hydrated, I will stress the importance of sunscreen!! The AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (above) is a nice, unscented, lightweight option for daily use. You can wear it under makeup, too!

5.) Sunscreen For Your Body. This CeraVe Sunscreen (above) is SPF 50 - which is best when you will be in full sun, or if you want to increase the daily protection you are getting. And, I tried this on my face, and the Zinc is hardly there at all, and once you rub it in, it disappears.

CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50: Provides broad spectrum, lightweight sun protection plus vital ceramides·
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: Moisturizes and provides broad spectrum sun protection·

FIND THESE PRODUCTS...

And, an added bonus!! Three of the CeraVe products, mentioned in this post, are on Rollback (for only $9.97 each) at Walmart until 5/9/16

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Check out the whole line of CeraVe products here.

Find them in the sunscreen section, facial moisturizer section, and the face wash section. They may also have a few products in the lotion section.

Make sure to check out the $2.00 off coupon!.

MORE ABOUT CERAVE

Developed with dermatologists, our mission is to provide advanced skincare products that do more than just moisturize the skin’s surface. CeraVe is the first and only brand to offer a full line of skin care products that contain an exclusive combination of three scientifically-identified vital ceramides. CeraVe products penetrate the skin’s surface, infuse it with moisture, and lock it in for truly long-lasting results and beautiful, healthy looking skin.
The patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology used in CeraVe products releases key ingredients slowly over time, allowing them to absorb into the skin to hydrate and nourish, as well as help repair, restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. This means that CeraVe products keep working to help restore and maintain the natural protective function of the skin barrier long after you apply them, up to 24 hours after application.
Skin naturally contains ceramides. Over time, ceramides become depleted, leading to dry and irritated skin. CeraVe helps replenish the vital ceramides healthy skin needs. It's formulated with a unique combination of three ceramides (called 1, 3, and 6-II). Only CeraVe delivers ceramides through a patented, controlled-release technology that penetrates the skin's surface, to help rebuild the skin's protective barrier and lock in moisture all day.

Find CeraVe Around The Web:
FACEBOOK. // TWITTER. // YOUTUBE.

The Tame Flat Iron by Vanity Planet - LOVE this!!!

March 26, 2016

I absolutely love my new Tame Flat Iron by Vanity Planet. If you will remember, I created a post for VP earlier this year, talking all about their Pure Spin Facial Brush, and love it too. Their products are extremely well-made, and I am so lucky that I have been able to upgrade a few of my beauty tools lately, thanks to Vanity Planet!

VP was kind enough to send me this Tame Flat Iron so I could share it on my blog. As soon as I opened the Tame, I practically did a happy dance! I am so impressed by the wonderful quality of this tool. It heats up in a minute or so, which is about 15 minutes less than my old (and soon to be donated) flat iron. I am so thankful to have a new, reliable tool that treats my hair very gently, it has Titanium plates.

The Tame Flat Iron heats up from 150 degrees - 450 degrees with a push of the up and down buttons. So easy!

I also wanted to share my current favorite heat protect product, by Salon Grafix - the Protein Shaping Styling Mist. It's great because I don't really like a lot of scent in my hair products. This one literally has no scent and works really well!

To Use...

Hold the power button for 3-5 seconds, and you will see the temp appear. Use the up arrow button to turn the tool up as high as you might normally set it. I have natural hair that is only lightly color treated. I found that 300-320 degrees worked best for my hair while in California with humidity, and here in Arizona (with NO humidity) I used about 280-300 degrees, and it worked like a dream! So glad to have this amazing Flat Iron, check it out for yourself here. This flat iron was absolutely perfect to bring on our road trip!

"Tame has an Additional Negative Ions Generator that keeps your hair healthy as you style. Designed for all hair types...To enhance your experience, the Tame includes a 360° Swivel Cord for tangle-free styling as well as a Handle Lock Mechanism for easy storage. It also comes with an auto shut-off mechanism that kicks in after 60 minutes of use. Every aspect of this iron’s design was constructed with convenience in mind. The soft touch coating prevents slippage and makes the iron comfortable to hold. Whether you want a sleek, straight look, or bouncy curls, the Tame consistently provides professional-caliber results that will make you want to show off every new hairdo."

Overall impressions are really wonderful for this Tame Flat Iron! Thanks to Vanity Planet for the wonderful tool!

e.l.f. #PlayBeautifully - Makeup For Spring

March 5, 2016

Playing with makeup is so fun! This project got me out of a bit of a creative rut, because I wanted to think of a more unique way to photograph these items from e.l.f. I treated these beautiful products as if they were more like art supplies, because after all, makeup is art.

I really love the selection of goodies they sent me this time around! My favorite items have to be the blush palette and brush (links below). The blush is very pigmented, so I would recommend patting a little off before you apply it to your cheeks. The angled face brush is the perfect angle for your cheeks, and this blush made my face glow, instantly! The lipstick is very lovely, and the color makes my lips look so beautiful. Check out my photos of these lovely products, below! What are you favorite products that e.l.f. is offering these days? What are your tried and true items? Comment below!

Daily Hydration Moisturizer, Satin Lipstick in Touch Of Berry, Cream Blush Palette in Soft (amazing!!), Sculpting Face Brush (also incredible!!), Flawless Eyeshadow Palette in Natural Matte, and Facial Massager.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

L'Oreal Infalliable Liquid Lipsticks

February 14, 2016

I thought Valentine's Day would be the perfect time to create a little art piece in honor of the project I worked on last year with L'Oreal Infalliable. If you are looking for a lipstick that will STAY PUT, then this product is for you! Check out the whole portfolio we created for more lovely makeup ideas!

Vanity Planet - Pure Spin Facial Brush

February 6, 2016

I cannot even describe just how soft this facial brush is! So soft that I would even feel safe using it on skin near my eyes and my most sensitive skin! My face feels extremely soft after using this brush, and I am super happy to be able to include it in my newest face washing routine. I aways use this facial brush with my new favorite face wash, Cetaphil.

And, this facial brush is only $30!! SHOP HERE NOW.

You still have time to order these before Valentine's Day! {Or even hint to someone that this would be a great last-minute Valentine's Day present} - And, there are three color options, and I think the black and white version would be great as a Guy Gift!

I like that they provide THREE color options!

Vanity Planet Brushes31 E. MacArthur Cres. Suite 111 Santa Ana, CA 92707

The Super Soft Facial Brush from Vanity Planet

So, if you are looking into refreshing and improving your facial care routine, check out the Vanity Planet brushes, here!

Fashion & Beauty Finds For Valentine's Day

January 18, 2016

Whether you are wanting to get all cute and festive for Valentine's Day, or just want to give your sister, mom, or friend something cute for Valentine's Day, here are some awesome finds! Click the items to shop!