Trash or Treasure - Beauty Empties

1. Chanel 'Soleil Tan De Chanel' 
• This is a great universal cream bronzer. You can use it alone or over makeup and it is pretty on almost every skin-tone. I am trying to move my skincare/makeup collection to cruelty-free so I will not be repurchasing unfortunately. 
2. Maybelline the Falsies Mascara
• I tried this mascara again against my better judgement and surprise, still didn't like it. It flakes like crazy and I really don't like the brush. 
3. Pacifica Rose Jelly Beauty Sleep Undereye Gel 
• I liked this product at first but then I noticed that it really started to irritate my eyes so I had to give it up. However, I did like the gel consistently but wish it had metal balls instead of plastic to give an instant cooling effect. There are better products out there.
4. Kopari 'save face' oil
• Hands down my favorite face oil. If my face every has a reaction to any product I can always count on this to calm my skin back down. I love to mix my self tanning drops with this product since they melt together for a seamless application. 
5. Elemis quiet mind Temple Balm 
• This product was introduced to me years ago by a Elemis rep because I had a terrible migraine. I just love it! Rub it on your temples, put it on the back of your neck, simple just inhale it. This product really does relax you and help mitigate a headache and/or migraine! However, I'm sure I could mix up some essential oils to give the same effect. 
6. Anastasia Clear Brow Gel 
• This is like cement for your brows in the best way possible. If you have unruly brows then this product is a must have. I like brow gels that have color in them since my brows are so light so I have moved on from this product but it is fantastic.
7. Smashbox Studio Skin 24 HR Waterproof Concealer 
• This product was just 'meh'. Didn't wow at all and there are so many concealers on the market now that I just didn't reach for this. I would recommend Tarte Shape Tape, or Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer as a better alternative at a similar price point.
8. Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 
• If you haven't smelled this cream, run down to Sephora and open a jar immediately. It transports you to a tropical vacation. The cream itself is a wonderful rich cream that I loved to use on my legs at night (supposedly helps with cellulite). However, living in Florida and it being so humid outside I didn't ever reach for this during the day because it is too rich for that in my opinion. It is a pricey cream but a nice splurge every now and then. (this jar lasted 4 years...)

Top 10 Summer Essentials

Summer is here and it QUICKLY heated up! Even though Florida is known for having summer year round, we got hit with a 100+ degree heat wave. You walk outside and immediately start melting. To help you ease into summer here are a 10 of my essentials to use through these sunny months!

1. Tatcha Silkening Pore Perfecting Sunscreen
• Unfortunately I can't just use just anything on my face because it will break my skin out. This product is on the expensive side but worth the price especially since you put on every single day! A little goes a long way and I only use it on my face and neck! This will definitely be a repurchase!
2. Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer
• LOVE this tinted moisturizer! It adjusts to your skin to give it a nice glow, so the name is very appropriate. The only down side is that it doesn't have any sunscreen so I either layer is on top of the Tatcha or mix it with another tinted moisturizer that does have SPF. *I wouldn't recommend use this for extremely fair because it will go a tad orange. 
3. Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF
• Again, I can't just use any sunscreen on my face but I needed something that I could reapply throughout the day if I was outside! This can be used as a makeup setting spray but I just use it as sunscreen. 
4. Neutrogena Healthy Skin 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes  
• I love finding daytime eye products that have SPF in them! I use this under and on my eyelids everyday. You can't just put a regular sunscreen around your eyes because it will burn, trust me. I wouldn't rely on it for concealing since it doesn't have great coverage but it does give a brightening effect.  
5. fresh Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash
• This is the most gentle yet effective face scrub that I have found! I have tried many different ones at the drug store but unfortunately my skin hated them. My skin seems to prefer chemical scrubs but in my opinion, nothing beats a good manual exfoliator. This is super gentle because of the sugar but leaves your skin really soft. 
6. Fur Oil 
• Its summer time so you are probably shaving almost daily and that can be irritating. I use this oil on my bikini line to keep it calm after shaving or waxing. 
7. Simple Drink Water Bottle
• Do not forget to drink your water! This is a great choice I found on Amazon that holds 30 oz of water! *great Hydro Flask dupe 
8. Invisibobble SLIM Hair Ring
• I hate when my hair touches me when its so hot outside because it just sticks. I always have one of these hair rings either in my hair or around my wrist. They are great for thick hair because it doesn't damage it but still holds it up.
9. St. Tropez In Shower Tanning Lotion
• I love a bronze glow but I don't like the damaging effects of the sun! (hence all the sunscreen mentioned above) This is a great alternative to tanning mousse because you do  have to wait for it to dry. You use it in the shower and rinse it off. Gives a great subtle glow!
10. Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant 
• GIVE UP THE ALUMINUM! It is a difficult transition, I will give you that! But when you do make the switch, its worth it! I also love the brand Native, especially because I can find it right at Target!

Enjoy your summer and please stay hydrated, stay protected, and most importantly HAVE FUN! 

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