August Stand Outs

Each month we all have our arsenal of products that we use. We either continue to use our tried & true products or discover new treasures that work their way into our day-to-day routines! The following products are my monthly stand outs for August. 

1. YSL Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain - 03 Rose Ink
• Love this color and formula! Wore it a lot throughout the month whether I was wearing minimal makeup or a full face.  
2. Invisibobble SLIM hair ring
• These are a game changer, especially if you go to the gym. I can style my hair and obviously want it to last for days so I don't want to ruin it with a hair tie, these leave no dent! Tip - if it starts to stretch out just put it in some boiling water for a few seconds and it scrunches right back up!
3. Prekaged preworkout - Link or visit Nutrition Elite
• Sometimes we need a little help getting pumped to go the gym. This pre-workout definitely helps hype me up and pushes me through my workouts. I only take a 1/2 a scoop because otherwise I get too itchy from the beta-alanine. 
4. Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 
• Add this to everything. Enough said. Apparently Costco has something similar in bulk. My favorite go to snack/lunch this month was toast with hummus and cucumbers with this seasoning on top. Try it, you will not regret it. 
5. doTERRA Wild Orange/Ginger/Cinnamon/On Guard Essentail Oils
• Love putting these 3 in my diffuser for the best replica of fall candles. I almost jumped on the band wagon of the candles again but just can't do it. Essential oils are the way to go!
6. Wet and Wild MegaCushion Foundation
• This the first foundation I have bought in a LONG time that wasn't the lightest shade! Beautiful coverage and blends seamlessly! I use mine with a beauty blender but you can use it with the sponge that comes with it.  
7. HUM Nutrition Glow sweet Glow 
• This is a skin supplement that helps with hydration. I love taking these because they are gummy and taste like tangerines but most importantly I notice a difference in my skin when I take them.

Top 5 Face Masks

Face masks are literally the "icing on the cake" when it comes to skincare. Doing a mask 2-3 times a week will really help achieve your skincare goals. These are my top masks from each category.

1. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial - chemical exfoliating mask
2. Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask - peeling mask
3. Chanel Hydra Beauty Mask - hydrating mask
4. Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask - clearing mask 
5. EVE LOM Rescue Mask - calming mask

Sephora VIB Rouge Sale!

Sephora has a Beauty Insiders Appreciation Event going on currently where, depending on your level,  you receive 15%-20% off. Skincare and makeup rarely go on sale so this is a great time to stock up on your regular products or try some new things! I have had my eye on some new skincare but was waiting until this promotion to take the plunge. Here are some of the things that I picked up during the sale!

1. Herbivore Prism Exfoliating Glow Potion 
2. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops 
3. Tatcha Bestsellers Set
• Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
• Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder 
• Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
• The Water Cream
4. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen 
5. Kopari Coconut Deodorant

I will update you once I have had the chance to use each product and let you know my thoughts! As I stated in my Nighttime Skincare Routine Post, I only incorporate one new product at a time as to not overwhelm my skin! I hope you get a chance to pick up some new products during the sale!

Nighttime Skincare Routine

I love skincare. Because of that, I tend to switch up my products often unless something really stands out. I do have more sensitive skin so I try and only switch up 1 product at a time. That is a tip when trying new skincare, try to add only 1 new product at a time to see how your skin reacts. In the past, I have tried to use a multiple new products at the same time and my skin didn't react well. The problem was that I didn't know which product caused it! So, stick with slowly incorporating newer items. My skin is also combination (dry with oily t-zone) with a tendency to get dehydrated. I like to evaluate my skin nightly before I start my routine to see what is really needs so I can adjust my routine to fit. Here are the current products in my nightly rotation.

1. Cleanse - if I am wearing a lot of make-up I do a double cleanse. That means that you use a product to first remove the make-up and then another product to actually cleanse your skin.
• Julep 'love your bare face' Oil -used as a first cleanse Link
• Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - very gentle second cleanse Link
• Indie Lee Rose-hip Cleanser - second cleanse Link
2. Tone - I really like when products come in a spray bottle as I feel like when you put toner on a cotton pad it wastes a lot of product.
• Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner Link
3. Serum - this step is to treat any concerns you might have. 
• No7 Early Defence Glow Activating Serum Link
4. Eye Cream - apply this before your treatment and moisturizers
• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Concentrate Link
• Kopari Coconut Melt Link
5. Treatment - these are the products that I switch up depending on how my skin is feeling/looking. If I do one of these steps, I usually skip step 6
• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - almost like an oil and I use that if I need to calm my skin or if has hormonal breakouts Link
• Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid - I try to do this 2-3 times a week because it really helps exfoliate my skin. I really notice a difference in the morning. Link
• Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil - this is a retinol type oil so when I need a little extra help with hormonal breakouts I use this sparingly around my chin and t-zone. Link
6. Moisturize - very important to hydrate your skin! You can either use oils, creams, gels, milks, etc. Whatever works for your skin type. 
• Kopari Save Face Oil - this is the best oil I have ever used. It sinks right into the skin and leaves it really soft. Link
• Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins - this I use less often since discovering the Kopari oil but if I feel like using a cream I will reach for this. Link
• Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil - I mix this oil with the Kopari if my skin is feeling extra dry because it is a heavier oil Link
7. Lips - love lip balm! My husband asks that I kiss him goodnight first before lathering this on because he HATES lip products but appreciates my soft lips, its a compromise. I usually keep these products in my night stand and apply it right before falling asleep.
• Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy Link
• Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Treatment Link
• Clinique Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask Link

Crawl under the sheets and dream away!

*some of these products I didn't mention because they may be used in my morning skincare routine. 

Vacation Bag Essentials - Theme Park Edition

I just got back from a weekend trip to Universal Orlando with my husband. We are annual pass-holders so we make this trip multiple times a year. Given how frequently we go, I have a pretty good handle on what to bring with me and what to leave at home. I have included a lot of my July stand out products in this post as well so check that out if you want more details. Blog Link I am leaving out the basics like your toothbrush and deodorant because I figure everyone (I hope) doesn't leave home without those! You can always use the toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/body wash) that the hotel provides but I don't like the count on those because they aren't always something I will like. 

• Vera Bradley Travel bag
• I can hang it on the hook in the bathroom and it keeps everything organized and out of the way. Link 
• Hair Brush
• This sounds like a no brainer but I accidentally forgot mine once and had to go to the hotel shop to pick up whatever they had.  My hair was destroyed, so needless to say this is something I never forget! I usually pack my Wet Brush and it covers all my bases. Link
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• You can either pick up travel containers to put your favorite set in or you can use travel size versions. I have a pile of travel size hair products so I tend to find a moisturizing combo for the weekend. 
• Leave-in conditioner
• Your hair is in the sun all day and will be thrown around on rides, give it the TLC it deserves after the shower. This will keep your hair hydrated and help fight the tangles.
• Hair spray
• I use this very sparingly because to be honest, my hair isn't going to stay in place no matter what I put it in.  However, if I am doing a braid this helps tame the fly-aways. 
• Hair ties and bobby-pins
• Something you don't want to forget! I always have to have my hair away from my face when I am going to be outside.  Also, if I am riding a roller coaster, I don't want my hair all over my face.
• Purity Face Wash
• This is a great simple face wash and, since I am not wearing that much make-up, I don't need to double cleanser. 
• Yes-to Cucumbers Face Wipes
• We usually take a mid-day break back to the hotel room to relax and I like to give my face a quick refresh.  You can also just pack these instead of a cleanser but I like to pack both. 
• Kopari Save Face Oil
• Your skin is depleted after a day in the sun so this is perfect to help hydrate morning and night. Blog Link 
• Urban Decay One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector
• This is a great tinted moisturizer that includes sunscreen.  Exactly as it says, one & done. Blog Link 
• Shiseido "concealer"
• I had a few breakouts that I wanted a little extra coverage. This concealer has SPF in it and helps with dark spots Link 
• Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel
• This brow product stays in place all day which is exactly what I want in the Florida sun at a theme park.  Hello humid days of 100 degrees! Blog Link 
• Body wash
• Whatever I have in travel size and smells delicious 
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen SPF 30  Blog Link 

Sea Salt Hair Products

It's summertime and we want to add that beachy lived-in texture to our hair!  I don't know about you but when my hair comes out the salt water, it looks like a wet mop.  Instead, I try to fake it with a help from a few products. This is a list of beach texture products that I have tried; good, bad, and ugly. These products come in multiple formulas like salt sprays, leave-in conditioner for air drying, scrunchy gel/spray, etc.

To give you a quick run down on my hair, I have naturally blonde hair with high/low lights throughout. My mother is a hairdresser so I do get it chemically treated quite often (lucky girl, I know).  My hair is really thick and curls very easy.  If I go to bed with my hair wet, I can wake up with wavy hair which I would tweak with the below products to make it presentable.  If I need extra help, I will use a hair wand (curling iron, etc.) to give my hair a more "structured" curl and then spray products in after to give texture (and smell)!

First thing I want to mention, I am all about smells.  If I am going to spray a product into my hair, especially a finishing product, it better smell good! Some of the below items I have eliminated based on smell...sorry not sorry.  Also, I don't like anything to make my hair crispy looking or sticky. 

• Alterna Bamboo Beach - This smells like sun tan lotion, but in a good way for summer.  It also hydrates your hair and helps prevent UV damage. This collection usually comes out only around summer. Link
• Biosilk Silk Therapy Beach Texture Spray - I have re-bought this product because I love the smell of Biosilk. It gives slight hydration but not much. This is one of my favorites on the market because it does give my hair that texture I'm looking for. Link
• IGK Beach Club Spray - This is more of a finishing spray. My hair is already thick so I wasn't the biggest fan of this product. If you have thinner hair, it may be nice to give you some volume. Link
• Ouai Wave Spray - I sprayed this once and haven't used it since.  The smell is so perfumed that I simply couldn't take it.  I like my hair to smell good but this immediately gave me a headache. I like other products from Ouai but this isn't a good one, in my opinion. Link
• Bumble & Bumble Surf Infusion/Surf Spray - Both of these products are so similar that I wanted to bundle them together. If you are going to get one over the other, I would suggest the Surf Infusion because it also has oil in it to give your hair a little hydration.  This one is a cult favorite but, to be honest, there are better products out there so save your money. Link
• Bumble & Bumble Foam Spray Blow Dry - This product is used more like a mousse.  You are spraying it throughout your hair before blow or air drying.  It's ok but to be honest, when I blow dry it takes the wave out so I don't really understand this product. Link
• Drybar Mai Tai Spritzer - You are buying this for the name and smell.  I do really like it but it wasn't anything to write home about.  Again, there are better products out there. Link
• TIGI Catwalk Texturizing Salt Spray - This spray made my hair crispy so I used it sparingly and doesn't smell very good.  I remember using this up but will not repurchase. Link
• Redken Beach Envy Volume Wave Aid - Bad smell, crispy (more so than the TIGI) and I used it only twice and moved on quickly.  I even have the shampoo/conditioner and wasn't wowed. If I am planning on using salt sprays I like to use hydrating products in the shower because I don't want to mess up my cuticle and give too much texture.  See tip below. Link
• Pureology Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray - This smells like a cleaning product, similar to the Ouai, so I didn't use it after my first use. Link
• Pureology Sea Kissed Texturizer - This helps if you have highlights to give you a little lift in your color.  I did notice a little brightening in my hair but nothing extreme. (Couldn't find the link, it's probably discontinued)
• Herbivore Sea Mist - If you want to give your hair a boost of smell, then you could use this. This is more of a hair fragrance than a texturizer.  It has a fresh, coconut smell that isn't too overwhelming.  This does nothing to the texture of my hair. This product is simply over priced for what it does. Link

TIP - If you are using a salt spray, I suggest using a deep conditioning mask in the shower after because it does tend to dry out your hair.  The hydrating formula helps a little but to keep your hair healthy, put on a hair mask in the shower.  A great product to use that can be found in your kitchen is coconut oil.  Put it on your hair before the shower and leave it on for 20 minutes or so.  You might want to shampoo your hair twice to get all of the oil out but it really helps seal the cuticle and helps me dry my hair faster.

I really want to find some good ones at the drugstore so I will probably do another post soon with those!

July Product Stand Outs

Each month we all have our arsenal of products that we use. We either continue to use our tried & true products or discover new treasures that work their way into our day-to-day routines! The following products are my monthly stand outs for July.

Skincare & Make-Up Favorites

• No7 Early Defence GLOW ACTIVATING Serum
• I started using this serum at the beginning of July and I can say that it does what it says. I definitely saw an improvement in my skin within the first week. This does leave my skin with a glow from within look and even helped clean some of my breakouts. I use this day/night after I wash my face. Link
• Kopari Save Face Oil 
• This is incredible. Before this, the thought of using an oil on my skin during the day terrified me. It is super humid here in Florida! This oil sinks into your skin immediately and gives a glowy, hydrated finish. I use this day/night after I apply the No7 serum. I even apply a little extra to dry patches at night for added hydration. Don't forget to bring any type of lotion, gel, or oil you are applying down to your decolletage! Link  
• Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask 
• I have used the original Clear Improvement mask but unfortunately I couldn't use it that often because it dried my skin out. Origins came out with this version to help clear your skin but also hydrate dry skin. The charcoal helps clear up your skin, while the honey is used to hydrate. I use this once or twice a week right after I get out of the shower at night. Extra tip - wet a washcloth with hot water and hold it over your face to "melt" the mask and then wipe away. My skin feels incredible after and I follow it up by using the Kopari oil. Link
• Urban Decay One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector
• This is a morning must have. It really is a 'complexion perfector' because it helps cover up my redness but my freckles show through. I have recently discovered that my skin is sensitive to facial sunscreens. However, I live in Florida so going without sunscreen isn't an option. This product has SPF 20 so if I am not going to be outside for extended periods, it is perfect for day-to-day. It doesn't feel heavy at all which is why I love it! Link
• Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel 
• I am blonde with almost clear eyebrows. I do get them colored every once in awhile but  they tend to fade quickly. I have used MANY different brow products; gels, pencils, pomades, powders, etc. They either take to long to apply or are completely the wrong shade/tone. This Maybelline product is awesome! It truly does stay in place the entire day, technically it would stay on for up to 48 hours. I lightly brush this product on with the attached wand but use a double-sided brow brush (brush link) to really place the product where I want it. The wand can tend to deposit too much so be careful, use a light hand! Make sure to brush it out with the spooly so you can get a more natural look. Link

Hair & Body Favorites

• Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance Body Lotion
• I use this lotion right after I get out of the shower (only at night, I can't use lotion during the day). I like that it is gradual so you don't have to worry about streaks. If you use it a few days in a row, you start to notice the color. (I am not sure if they discontinued this product but I can't find a link, sorry!)
• Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer 
• If I am not going to be using the Nivea lotion then I use this little miracle in the shower. Again, it doesn't deposit too much color so you really don't have to worry about streaking. It doesn't stain your white towels either! It smells incredible, not like self tanner at all. Using this and the Nivea in conjunction gives me a natural looking tan. After I turn the shower off, I usually put my hair up so its out of the way and then start applying from legs up. Then use a towel to dry off using dabbing motions. Link
• Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen & Hydro Boost Sunscreen 
• I am all about the "fake" tan because I have to wear sunscreen daily here in Florida. I am a dermatologists dream with my pale skin, blonde hair, and light eyes so I want to do everything I can to protect my body from the sun. My husband and I recently went on a cruise to the Bahamas and brought both of these sunscreens with us. I use the hydro-boost sunscreen before I get dressed because it is a lotion and I find it easier to apply naked. This helps to make sure I cover all my skin and don't miss anything between bikini straps. Once we arrive at our destination (pool, beach, hike, wherever) then we will use the beach defense spray. It dries down and you can barely feel it on your skin, and extra bonus is that is smells great! Link
• Redken All Soft Mega Hydramelt 
• Whether going in the salt water, chlorine, or heat styling my blonde hair needs a little help staying hydrated. I use the shampoo/conditioner from this line but I will admit that the real MVP is the hydramelt (leave-in conditioner). I use this focusing on my ends and then use a Wet Brush to really distribute it all over. When I use this I usually just let me hair air dry. Link
• FAB.ME hair treatment 
• This is a thicker leave-in treatment than the Redken and if I plan on styling my hair this is the product I use. It protects your hair in multiple ways and gives a soft bounce after blow drying. I can't simple blow dry my hair (hello Lion King) so I use my straightener after to finish up. I use another product to help with heat defense but the FAB.ME gives a great base so I don't have to worry about damage. (sold by professionals only)

Other Favorites 

• Altered Carbon - Netflix series and eBook
• Watched the series and immediately went to download the Kindle edition because I had to read the book to find out more information. Season 2 will be coming to Netflix next year so I wanted to get the jump. 
• Tropeaka Maca powder
• This powder helps balance your hormones and I add it to my protein shakes, pancakes, muffins, whatever. I truly notice a difference when using this. Link
• Tone It Up Mini Bands 
• Whether you use these at home or bring them to the gym for leg day, they are amazing. I tend to use the medium/heavy bands for more resistance during leg days. Link
• Chewy.com 
• Such an amazing company I couldn't write this post without mentioning them. I started using them this month after hearing about them multiple times and they sent me a coupon in the mail for $15 off. That was a no-brainer because if you are already buying dog food, why not get a discount? I have ordered multiple times this month and they have won me over with their incredible customer service. 
• Doterra Peppermint oil 
• If you live anywhere that it is hot and humid you need this oil. Apply 1 drop to the back of your neck and it immediately cools you down. I have this oil in different forms, straight oil, roller ball (oil +coconut oil), and beadlets. I diffuse this oil daily, usually at night mixed with lavender. This was the first oil I fell in love with and what got me started on essential oils in the first place.  Link

Let's see if these stay on my list of favorites into August!