Summer Beauty Wishlist

March 21, 201410 Comments

Good day pretty ladies (and gents)!

As spring days become more plentiful and the heater in my car stays comfortably in the off position, I can only think of one thing.

New makeup.

To some, warmer days mean mountain biking. Or Flip flops. Maybe it’s BBQ season. For me, it’s coral blush, self tanner and pastel lipsticks.

Here is what I am currently lusting after, as the seasons change.

Body

St. Tropez Tanning Mousse

This is a cult favorite and I have seen the results look beautiful. I have been hung up on the $40 price tag but I just need to get over it. Because you can’t really put a price on a good, cancer-free tan!

Laura Mercier Honey Bath in Crème Brûlée

I heard Fleur gush about this and immediately I wanted it. I gotta say, the little honey spatula wand thingy is probably 92% to blame. I mean, how luxurious does this stuff sound?

Glam Glow Hydration Mask

I have been wanting to try this line out for some time now. Only, the clearing and Youthmud tingling formulas didn’t really appeal to me. This one, however is HYDRATING which is what momma is all about right now.

Makeup

Mary-Lou Minizer

Did I tell you that I shattered my MAC Soft and Gentle? SAD DAY, it was. Instead of just repurchasing, I kindof want to give this one, by The Balm a try. It looks just gorgeous, plus, who doesn’t love the cute name?

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye concealer.

I have gone into to Ulta twice JUST to smear a little of this product under my eyes. It truly is an amazing product for dark, blue-purplish under eye circles.

Celebration Foundation Illumination

I am intrigued by this product, having never owned a straight-up powder foundation since my Bare Minerals days. This one claims to be anti-ageing, which I am ALL ABOUT.

Hair

Pureology 21 Benefits

My stylist uses this product on me after she does my highlights and I am in love with the results. It kind of reminds me of the It’s a 10 line, but I have never been overly impressed with that stuff. This leaves my hair feeling soft, silky and STRONG. Oh, and it smells nice!

Wen Cleansing Conditioner

Omgee, am I a Wen girl and I didn’t know it? This stuff has a cult following and I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon simply because I know this stuff does not lather. However, when I really think about it, why do I need the lather? Because I have been programmed to think that lather = clean. If I start using this stuff, I’ll be sure to report my findings!

So that’s it!

What do YOU want to get for this summer?

February Favorites

March 5, 2014March 4, 201413 Comments

I KNOW, I’m super late. But don’t be mad.

And really quick – can we talk about the season finale of Downton? I have so many questions. Where is God’s name is Michael Gregson? And why won’t Mary just choose the cuter guy (Gillingham) like we all want her to?

Also – I FINALLY got through Breaking Bad and all I want to do is talk about the finale. But. Anyways.

Onto the favorites.

Beauty

Treehut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Brazilian Nut

It’s official – I have hopped on the sugar scrub band wagon! And now that I have safely arrived at the exfoliation station (see what I did there?) I am never looking back. The smell of this product is insane. Like something you want to lick and ingest into your entire being. I can’t help but grab myself a good palmful and squish it playfully between my fingers before I slather it everywhere and inhale, deeply. The result is baby-soft, wonderfully perfumed skin that is also perfect before self tanner.

The Comforter Bubble Bar from LUSH

This product just makes me happy. The shape, the color, it’s immense size. I used a chunk in Whistler after my epic ski day and was immediately enveloped in a blanket of sweet majesty. The name totally suits the product, this baby is so COMFORTING. To me, it smells sweet with a hint of a fruity note – oh. And it turns your bathwater purple. So yeah.

Makeup

Origins Ginzeng Brightening Mascara

Not sure why they call this mascara “brightening”, however it is a great mascara. It’s nice and black and gives my lashes volume and length. I have been using the sample size but would consider upgrading to the full in the future.

BH Cosmetics Glamorous Blush Palette

Sister Megan gifted me this 10-pan palette of glory for Christmas. The shade range is drastic and most of the colors are pretty wearable, for me. I have particularly enjoying the shades: top row, 4th from the left AND bottom row, first on the left.

Essence Eye Sorbet in Illuminating Hazelnut

I randomly came across this eye product at Fred Meyer while I was picking out a Valentines Gift for Meg. I LOVE that Essence stuff has testers – drugstores should really start doing this! The swatch was like BAM and my heart started beating #beautygirlproblems. It is pretty pigmented for a whipped, gel-like creme shadow and it delivers some SERIOUS shimma.

Lancome Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rose

My wonderful soon-to-be Mother in Law gave this for Valentines and I have been wearing it non-stop since. It actually smells like roses but has a subtle, sweet flavor. Since I am OBSESSED with anything rose – this is a major hit with me. The color is pretty sheer but I just love the staying power of this formula on me.

Randoms

Vikings

SO NOT ME. But the shows that Bryan will actually sit through are few and far between, so I will take what I can get. Basically, if he wanted to watch a show about dung beetles I would be like, “I’ll get the popcorn!” but Vikings is actually quite good. It’s on History so there’s no boobies and although it’s gory, it’s not like Saving Private Ryan or anything.

The SUN

It is fiiiinally still light out as I get off work at 5 which makes me SO happy. This can only mean that spring is right around the corner! Which in Seattle means more rain :(. But then, it is summer and I will have a freak-out.

MISSES

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

DOG POOP Source

Note to Ipsy: STOP including these bogus, wimpy little mascaras in our monthly bags. NOBODY likes them and this is the second god-awful mascara they have sent me. This mascara gave me barely defined, thin, HORSE eyelashes.

Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

In the words of Randy Jackson, circa 2007 “this was just aight for me”. Maybe I have camel skin, because this cream does absolutely nothing in the way of hydration. Perhaps this would be a better choice for someone with really oily skin?

Jordana Best Lash Supreme Mascara

I was SO pumped to try this little sucker out. I even made a special trip to Walgreens . SO many YouTubers and beauty bloggers rave about this formula, but it gave me those little spidery bits at the end of my lashes that go all jagged. I will use it up and try to concentrate it towards the base of my lashes, but overall I am disappointed. #poop

What have you been loving lately?

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My Morning/Nighttime Skincare Routine

February 7, 20145 Comments

Never did I think that I would write a blog post with this title. But now that I have turned the big 3-0, taking better care of the epidermal layer has become somewhat more important.

Nice closed-mouth smile there, Nat.

Before I begin, a history…

High School

I washed my face with whatever soap my Mom bought that was on sale at the grocery store. I remember using Clean and Clear (and under control) when I had breakouts, which I STILL have faint scars from on my temples and sides of my chin. But no SPF. NO moisturizer. NO nothin’.

I liked this because it “burned”

I also tanned on the daily, reasoning that the UV rays were “drying” out any skin problems. I would actually stick my chin up as high as it could go in order to get my face closer to the top of the tanning bed. You guys, I shudder. I shudder at the thought of this.

College

In college, taking care of my skin meant, you guessed it – more tanning. Maybe the occasional purchase of a bottle of a gimicky face wash at Wal-Mart. Or those Dove Daily Facial Pillows, I thought those were THE BOMB, ya’ll.

Post College

After college, my routine of reactive face care continued. Taking off my makeup before bed? Please. I was lucky to brush the crud off my teeth, after too many Jäger shots and a 2 am Jack in the Box run.

Last Few Years

A few years ago, my priorities changed. Read: going out 4 times a week no longer sounded like fun and spending a night in with Bryan and a tub of froyo was way more appealing. It was at this point, I regularly began to actually remove my makeup before bed. More often than not, a makeup removing wipe was the weapon of choice but at least it did the trick. I started buying whatever moisturizer was on sale at the drugstore and was like, “You’re doing it Peter!”.

Then about 1 year ago, I got like, really interested in my face. Haha, that sounds so vain. But come on, 29 candles on the birthday cake and NEVER getting carded will do that to a girl. I started trying different products and trying to determine exactly what my skin needed and what my “skin concerns” were. GOD I sound like an infomercial right now.

So anyways, here’s my current line-up. Alot of it comes from my recent haul at Ulta.

Morning

Step 1: Rinse

That’s right – I don’t wash my face in the morning. My skin is dry/normal and I find that washing it twice a day is not necessary. Instead, in the morning I splash warm and cool water on my face to kind of wake me up.

Step 2: Toner and Moisturizer

I spray my face with the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater and let that set in. I follow up with the Neutrogena Rapid Wrin kle Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 and make sure I take it down my neck and under my chin as well. This stuff has retinol so you know it’s serious. If I want something with a little tint, I will use the Origins Vitazing (great for the summer time).

Step 3: Eye Creme

Then, I apply my Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Creme in a C shape around my eye, patting it in with my ring finger. If I want something even more brightening, I will use the Origins Ginzeng Eye Creme. It isn’t as rich as the Tarte, but it gives off a beautiful pearly-pink shimmer.

Step 4: Lip Scrub

I have been using the Bubblegum Lip Scrub from Lush and I am in love. This is my first time trying any kind of lip scrub and good God – I have been missing out! It makes lipstick glide on (with no gross flakiness) and last longer. Plus, this one from Lush is basically castor sugar so I just lick off the excess. Teehee.

Step 5: Self Tanner (Occasional)

When I do use a self tanner, lately it has been the Tarte Maracuja Self Tanner. It has an olive base, as opposed to orange, which I like. I just found this one by Too Faced at T.J Maxx for $8 so I’ll also be using this.

g_70027

Nighttime

Step 1: Cleanser

I use the Purity facewash from Philosophy like so many do. It is a great, gentle face wash and I am now addicted to the subtle scent. What I love about this face wash is that it removes makeup AND cleanses the skin. I feel like I am saving a step.

Step 2: Toner and Serum

Again, it’s the Mario Badescu toner. I am dying to try Bioderma – like literally dying. Must plan another trip to Pari! Then, I put on the Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum.

Step 3: Moisturizer and Eye creme

I then use the Boots No.7 Lift and Luminate Night Cream and make sure that I get it everywhere. Then it’s the Tarte Eye Creme again.

Step 4: Lip Balm & Hand Lotion

I keep the Nivea Caramel Cream Kiss Lip Butter on my nightstand as well as the Jacqua Buttercream Frosting Body Butter (I have loved these products forever).

And that’s it! What skin care products are you loving?

January Favorites

February 5, 20142 Comments

And Happy February! Where does the time go?

As of late, I have lots of favorite things. From food, to makeup to dog breeds – I have been loving on so much these past couple of months. And oh yeah, the Seahwaks. There’s those guys, too.

Makeup

1. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

I have wanted this blush, literally, for over a year. However, Milani is sold nowhere. So when I went home for a little wedding planning, I went to the Kennewick Fred Meyer and finally found this beaut. I’m a little early for this springy, peach-colored blush but it is just SO gorg. I couldn’t help myself.

2. They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit

Only like one coat OMG

I recently tried the sample size of this mascara after receiving my Sephora birthday gift and oh lawd. Since I go through mascara faster than Justin Beiber in a drag race, I usually stick to drugstore brands. Because of this mascara, I might actually fork over the $23 for a full size tube.

3. L’oreal True Match Lumi Foundation in Soft Ivory

BY FAR the best foundation I have tried from the drugstore. Bear in mind, however, that I am on the dry to normal side and I luurve me a dewy, glowing finish on the skin.

1.) Lancome Juicy Tubes in Simmer

One of my best pals (and my cousin’s wife) Karen graciously dropped me off a bag of Lancome goodies she received in a Christmas set but couldn’t find a use for. This was just one of said goodies (I am loving them ALL, btw). Friends, if you ever have this problem I AM YOUR GIRL. The color is subtle, yet totally gorgeous and it has decent staying power for a lipgloss.

Awkward up-close me trying to show the lipgloss

Other Beauty Faves

1. Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Night Cream

I mentioned this night cream in a recent haul from Ulta. The consistency is quite thick and ulta-creamy…definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. I love the smell, and so far, it is keeping me super hydrated through out the night.

2. Tresemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Heat Protect Spray

What a mouthful! (TWSS) I have sworn by the Heat Tamer spray from Tresemme for over a year now. I recently ran out of the original and decided to try this formulation instead. So far, I am very impressed. I have noticed way less breakage lately and it smells REAL nice.

3.) Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner from Lush

Yes that is my computer on the edge of the tub.

Products from Lush are what dreams are made of. Or at least my dreams. The store itself is like passing through the pearly gates – aromatics fit for the Gods and friendly angels with miracle potions at the ready. It is also THE BANE OF MY ~~EXISTENCE~~ wallet. Luckily, two men from the Nash clan know a junkie when they see one and lovingly fed my addiction over Christmas with gifts cards. A recent highlight has undoubtedly been this completely necessary product.

I say that jokingly, of course because nobody NEEDS a body conditioner (or multiple magic sets…anyone?). However, I ask you, I beg you , nay – I IMPLORE you to drop the $32.95 +tax on this tub of majestical brilliance. Your skin will thank you.

Randoms

1. Downton Abbey

I’ve only been through the second episode of the new season and lemmejustsay – Mary is kindof a major beeyatch. Like how she doesn’t want to hold her baby and gets all mad at Carson? Come on, Mare.

Also, Lady Edith is gettin’ pretty. Which is nice to see, because really, she is TOTES the ugly duckling which I can unfortunately very much relate to.

Season 1 VS. Season 4

Ok maybe some things never change…

2. The Seahawks

This was my first ever season of football as a real live fan. Normally, I’m like:

But this year was different. Bryan and I faithfully watched every single game this season and rooted on those Hawks like our lives depended on it. Then the coolest thing happened: they were like, beating everybody. All the sudden I was screaming at the TV every Sunday, which I have NO business doing because other than the color of their football capri pants, I have no clue about football. Then they beat the 49’ers and this city went CRAY. Then they won the Superbowl and people went INSANE. I have never seen anything like it. SO amazing.

Tee shirts. YEAH.

Superbowl Excitement!

12th Man Nails

Frosted Brownies at Work

Amazing Present from a Friend/Co-Worker

Watching the Game at our friends the Lipes! Here we are with M.

Check out my pal, Melissa’s blog here! She rocks, basically.

And lastly, favorite gifty things I have seen whilst shopping:

Spotted at Ulta

Spotted at Z Gallerie (little macaroon trinket boxes? i die.)

Have a great hump day!

Ulta Haul Y’All

January 24, 20144 Comments

RHYMING 🙂

My one (and only) New Year’s Resolution was to start caring for my skin. Once a 16-year old with a yearly tanning membership – I have traded in my goggles and Australian Gold for Mystic Tans and SPF 70. But that’s where it has stopped.

To me, turning 30 hasn’t meant many changes. Case in point: I still listen to hits from High School Musical. OMG Sharpay yes. But it’s time to start smearing on the ol’ war paint so to speak. A war against wrinkles, crows feet and laugh lines.

So with no further adieu, I give you my newly acquired army hailing from Ulta.

You’re welcome for the awesome pics I took on the carpet.

1. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Moisturizer $21.99

After doing a small amount of research, I discovered this product by Neutrogena. Earning high marks for it’s wrinkle-smoothing effects and a high SPF – I decided I would give it a try. Since it contains retinol, I wasn’t sure how it would react with my dryish skin. Jury’s still out, I’ll keep you informed.

2. Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Night Creme $17.44 (on sale)

This I bought based on an article I read on Oprah.com because, really, it’s Oprah. I chose this because it does not have retinol (don’t want to go overboard) and so far, I have been loving it’s ULTRA thick consistency and the great smell.

3. Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment – Collector’s Edition $38.00

This I bought after Rebecca, from the Issaquah Ulta recommended it. I luuurve me some maracuja and anything that is going to brighten up my dark circles. Plus, the packaging is adorbs.

4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater $7.00

I got this based on a recommendation from YouTuber Jaclyn Hill. Plus, anything that is rose-scented wins my heart.

5. Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in Godiva (on sale for $4.99 in case the sticker isn’t orange enough)

I got this because I saw another YouTube (I’m obsessed, clearly) Kristin Gehm. The pic doesn’t do this justice, it is SO pretty with subtle, itsy-bitsy sparkles and a great nude undertone.

Here it is on my nails, in really orange light:

6. OPI Mariah Carey 2013 Holiday Nail Polish in My Favorite Ornament $4.95 (Also on sale)

Rebecca, from Ulta was wearing this as an accent color on her ring finger and as we were talking, I totally interrupted her and was like “WAIT STOP WHAT IS THAT COLOR?” It is seriously the most beautiful glitter of all time. Ever. Amen.

7. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit $28.00

I needed a new bronzer and they were sold out of the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soliel, so yeah. I have heard wondrous things about this bronzer and so far…I FREAKING LOVE IT.

8. Samples: Perricone Nutritive Cleanser, Juice Beauty Trio, DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer (Moisturizing Serum)

I am VERY excited to try the DDF serum, as I have heard great things about this line. I’ll be sure to share, don’t fret :).

And last, but not least check out my Seahawks eye look:

Thank God I saved that glitter from 7th grade volleyabll games