Current Favorites

April 15, 20151 Comment

Alright.

I’ve fallen SO far behind in monthly favorites. In fact, the word behind doesn’t really do justice of how behind I am. I am like infinity behind (because we all know NOTHING tops infinity).

That being said, I feel like my favorites at the mome are a really awesome collection of solid products. The Principal’s List, if you will.

Meekup

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

This concealer is separate post-worthy. I know I have sung the praises of many a concealer – but this one is truly the best I’ve found. While it does not have the crazy coverage of a Mac Pro Longwear or a Bye Bye Undereye, what it lacks in coverage it makes up for in ease of application, finish and length of wear. It truly is a radiant concealer, so I only use this under my eyes in the upside down triangle formation. The doe-foot applicator makes it SO much easier than the pump on the Mac concealer or a squeezy tube. All I do is paint it on, blend it out with my finger and set it with a little translucent powder and I am SET. All. Day.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

I have talked this blush to smithereens but it’s really that good. Everytime I start using other things for a bit, I always come back to Luminoso. And with summer being just around the corner, I know I’ll use it even more. The color is a lovely peach with a subtle highlight (read: do not use if you don’t like a glowy cheek), it is pigmented, long-wearing and the best part: it’s $8.

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Alright gals, who still needs to pony up and buy the $20 eyelash curler?! I used the Elf one for years and had resigned to the fact that my eyelashes just sucked. I finally threw it out in a rage after it devastatingly ripped 3-8 eyelashes out one morning. Then I started researching. I was going to order the Shu Uermura one but I didn’t want to wait so I went with the Sephora girl’s recommendation and bought this one. I’ve had it now about a month and I am now a changed woman. Spend money on eyelash curlers people!

NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Pink Lady

These lipsticks are so pigmented! This shade is gonna look brill with a tan. It’s bright and almost sickeningly peachy-pink. YESSS.

Chanel Camelia Highlighter

I use this everyday and it is the most perfect highlight ever! The silver is deceiving because it doesn’t come off that way at all. It gives off a warm, pearly glow, kindof similar to the vanilla pigment from Mac.

Body

Lush Pearl Massage Bar

NO. Bryan does NOT massage with with this so just move that thought right on outta yer head! I got this simply because I am OBSESSED with anything Rose Argan scented from Lush. Basically if I have time, I will rub this puppy all over m’bod after a shower and the smell just lingers and I just KNOW everyone is like “Omg Natalie smells sooo good today!”

Soap & Glory Clean on Me Shower Gel

So… this body wash is amazing. It smells sooooo good and really unique – I may be getting the Soap & Glory perfume because I love it so much. It is also super moisturizing and lathers up really nicely which means all you need is a tiny bit.

Philosophy Pink Almond Candy Body Scrub

I really like a nice, gritty scrub before a self tan and this stuff does not disappoint! I like those softer, sugar scrubs from time to time but there’s nothing like a firm scrub to really get all of the dead skin off.

Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner

Again, I have talked this to death. But I figured I should include it because it is and forever will be a favorite.

Skincare

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream

I picked this up recently as well and have been really enjoying using it before bed. I really should write an update nighttime routine because ALOT has changed but basically, this stuff plays an integral role. It is thick, non-scented and VERY hydrating. Can’t speak to the firming properties, but it feels great!

Rapid Lash

A full post may also be required for a full-on review on this stuff. I started using it about a month ago and I can confirm that yes, it does make a difference. My lashes are definitely longer (not sure about fuller) and I just really like them. I would like to review a couple more of these types of products (except Latisse) and report back. I have also been putting organic Castor oil on my lashes lately…so there’s that as well.

Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Water

SUCH a beauty blogger right now you guys! Yes, I have Bioderma and yes, I like it. It is by NO means a holy grail product and I hear that Simple came out with a micellar water that is basically a dupe for Bioderma, costs $7 AND is available everywhere. So who knows, maybe I’ll make the switch but for now, I love Bioderma for removing every last stitch of makeup!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

THE BEST makeup setting spray I have used. Granted, I do not like a matte (or anywhere near it) finish but it really keeps my face lookin’ pretty great all day. It is a little spendy so I suggest you plan a trip to France and hoard 19 bottles. Also, the smell is a bit weird for some people but just say to yourself “spa” and you’ll fall in love.

Hair

Lush’s Jason and the Argan Oil Shampoo Bar

This shampoo bar was recently added to the collection at Lush and I got it the DAY it came out. I bought it because, you guessed it – it smells like Rose Argan. Contrary to what I thought would happen, this baby lathers up like a dream! I still have to use the tea tree on my annoying itchy scalp but when I don’t do that, I am using this. End of story.

What have YOU been loving lately??

French Pharmacy Haul

April 9, 2015April 9, 20153 Comments

Bonjour my little bon-bons!

I know y’all are just pining to see the French Pharmacy Finds I recently procured whilst traveling in Chamonix, France. Read about the whole trip here!

I did an astounding amount of reaching in preparation for the French pharmacy not only to discover what those sprightly french gals are usin’, but also to enjoin myself from buying a bunch of crap that is cheaper in the U.S

My research indicated there were in fact a few brands that are produced in France and therefore, a better deal over there. Such brands include Bioderma, Vichy, La Roche Posay, Klorane and Caudalie. A fact I discerned to be true was that cosmetic brands that seem French, like Dior, Chanel and Clinique are actually MORE expensive to buy over there.

Furthermore, did y’all know that all cosmetic brands are usually owned by larger companies? For example L’Oreal owns YSL, Georgio Armani, Lancome, Kiehls, Urban Decay, Essie and The Body Shop. Shocking, I know.

Anywee, here is what I picked up at the Pharmacies in Chamonix:

1. Klorane Dry Shampoo

Hat tip to my pal Nicole for this recommendation! This dry shampoo cost about €10 and is formulated with Oat Milk. I got the version for all hair types because the other option was for dark hair only. Interesting they don’t make a blonde option…#hairscrimination.

2. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

If you read my recent post about our trip to Whistler, you’ll know I finally found Bioderma! I paid $20 for the bottle and have been using it non-stop. To be honest, there is nothing totally spectacular about this stuff. What I appreciate about it is the simplicity. It has no smell, is great for sensitive skin and removes makeup nicely.

I picked up the giant 500 ml bottle of this in France because it was only €14!

3. NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

This product is on EVERY french person’s pharmacy favorite list. The brand actually had a few things I considered buying, like the body oil. I decided not to get that because I’m not really that big on body oils and honestly, our suitcase had like 1 millimeter of space left.

4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I have wanted to get this from Sephora sooo many times but it’s $50. It smells like a spa and is very luxurious. I have used this a few times since we’ve been home and I can confirm: it is HEAVEN. It works amazing as a makeup setting spray and I just loooove it after I wash my face and before serum and moisturizer. I paid €29 for the big bottle!

5. Fletagex

This product used to be known as Avibon and Gwyneth regarded it as a miracle product for keeping wrinkles at bay. When I inquired about Avibon, the gal at the pharmacy went into the back and produced this stuff, saying “It eez the same.” DONE. The packaging reminds me of hemerroid cream but whatevs if it works. Also, it was €7 so the price was right too!

And that’s all I bought! I KNOW you guys. I could have filled a suitcase but given the fact that we packed our own skis and ski boots, there was srsly no room in our luggage for 44 ounce jars of face cream.

*Side note about clothes shopping in France:

All the clothing shops in Cham were filled with mountain stuff. Alot of Burton, North Face and ski stuff I don’t care about. The few non-outdoor apparel stores I went in were fascinating for one reason…the men’s section was in the front of the store.

In the US, most clothing stores that carry both mens and womens apparel smartly put the women’s section front and center. We spend the money. We like our stuff right up front. In most places, I find that the men’s section is either off to the side, in the back or just really tiny. Well NOT IN FRANCE. In most stores, like Superdry and Quicksilver the women’s sections were not only in the back but UPSTAIRS. I pointed this out to Bryan (who is the LAST person on earth who would notice a clothing store’s layout) and he was all, “that’s awesome!”. Ew.

My opinion? GO AMERICA!

Chamonix

April 6, 20156 Comments

And before you go mis-pronoucin’, it’s CHAMONIX – as in shaw-mah-nee. Ever heard of it? It’s in France.

OH how I miss the Nard Dog…

Anyways, back to the vacay.

If you haven’t figured it out already, I married a mountain-man. A crazy, oxygen-filled, iron-lunged, skiing, ice-climbing, beer-drinking sonofagun. And ever since this Heeman was a wee-man (baahaa) he has wanted to ski in Chamonix. And being the kind of gal who will NEVER turn down a trip to France ever, I obliged and went along.

Our flight over could not have been more perfect, save for flying first-class international in one of those mini-suites where they do everything except birth you a child. We left around 2 pm out of the ol’PDX, carpet and all, and 1o hours later arrived in Amsterdam. We jumped on another hour-ish flight to Geneva and were picking up our rental car in no time!

The Renault was a nice lil ride and the drive to our hotel in Vallorcine (about 20 miles outside of Chamonix) was wonderful, until we realized we had missed our exit…

Many of the roads in France are on tolls which is FINE when you have a credit card that works or euro. We had neither. And after we flipped a B to head back to where we had missed the turn, we immediately hit a toll booth. Assured by the rental car company that our Visa would be fine, we were very surprised to learn that we had no viable currency to pay with. Yippeee!

“Autre card!!?” (Other card!?) yelled the middle-aged French women through the crackly speaker.

“No autre card!!” we retorted (for the 10th time I might add).

After 10 minutes of explaining we DID NOT have euro OR another card, she had us hold up our Passports to the closed-circuit cameras so she could write down our home address and bill us. Whatevs, madame.

After spouting off over 20 cuss words we were on our way and headed in the right direction!

Upon arriving in Chamonix we immediately found a petit cafe (get used to me using French where I can here, folks) and ordered a cheesy, delicious hot sandwich with pomme frites!

We pinched our little selves and just couldn’t believe we were there. Colossal mountains just spewed out of the ground, and felt like they were just feet away. Somber French couples, sporting his and her messy buns, being chic and chain-smoking while probs laughing at my clothes from the Gap.

We stayed at the Residence and Spa Vallorcine, which was quaint and perfect. Our room was a decent size, with a little sitting area, dining table and kitchenette. The bedroom was small and the bed was even smaller. I kindof felt like Shaq sleeping in that tiny European bed.

The only thing that would have made the room perfect would have been carpet. You guys KNOW I love me some carpet, especially in cold environments such as Chamonix. The cold tile flooring did not help the fact that the heaters in France are just NOT up to snuff. I need that central heat, yo.

The first night we threw on our ski sweaters and I debated making Bryan call me Bunny (or Muffy) all night. I would call him Carl…as in,”Oh Carl, we just have to order the brie!”

We went to the cutest little restaurant in Vallorcine (one of like, three restaurants) and ordered fondue, a goat cheese salad and wine, obvi.

The next few days went something like this:

Wake up around 7, consume croissants and/or pain du chocolate.

Gear up

Go skiing

Ski more

Annnndd ski some more

Stop for café au lait

Make some videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyjcrldccAI

Have lunch

A bit more skiing

Apres

Our late afternoons and evenings were spent in a variety of ways. A couple of days, it was shopping around Chamonix, buying macarons and stopping for wine and crepes.

If you can believe it, my favorite crepe turned out to be plain ol’ sugar. Something about the crunch I think. Another funny thing that happened in Cham, was that I got a bit of altitude sickness. Nothing crazy – just a bit of dizziness paired with a loss of appetite. You can imagine how great is was to lose my appetite while in FRANCE! No – actually it sucked. And when it finally came back I was hungry AF.

One day, we took the tram up to the Aguille du Midi which takes you to about 13,000 feet, which makes it the highest cable car in Europe. It is interesting how I never learn my lesson, agreeing to do these things. The St.Louis arch = meltdown. Top of the Space Needle = no thanks. Yet somehow I let Bryan whisk me up in a shaky tram and walk along a staircase clinging to the side of a precipitous cliff. Oh, and did I mention the steel staircase was see-through? I would have snapped a pic had it not been for the mounting terror surging through my body.

Source

Dinners out occurred daily and the fare ranged from elegant French cuisine to the nachos I ordered on our last night, made with DORITOS. God bless those clever little Frenchies.

I was left on my own a few times and Of COURSE y’all know I frequented the French Pharmacies I was so excited about. I spent a good hour in one, picking up product after product and trying unsuccessfully to read ingredient lists. I did ended up with a few GEMS so stay tuned for a WHOLE post on that, mon cheres!

I also did a fair amount of pretending to be a cool photographer, taking pics that were all arty and deep. Really, my point-and-shoot and I just kinda mozied around, taking sub-par pics.

It’s meeeeeeeee

So there you have it, our ~~super -relaxing~~ ski vacay in the French Alps…I think it’s time to go back to Hawaii :).

Auntie!

March 19, 20153 Comments

I am very happy to announce that I will be adding the above to my long list of titles. Sister Natalie. Wife Natalie. Woodland-creature-loving Natalie. And now…

AUNTIE NATALIE

The Megs is Pregs

The first human baby in our family is set to make his or her grand entrance into the world this September and I may or may not pass out from the excitement. Not only is Megan my sister, but she is my best friend and my heart. It is hard to imagine my life without Peg (nickname) and her being pregs is like ME being pregs. So basically, I am co-pregnant with her child.

CHEEERS! (Note: This is at my bachelorette party.)

We are about 14 weeks along and so far, not showing. It’s okay though, because we have been very sick and therefore unable to eat too much. My mom has been a sparkling angel, cooking, saying her wonderful “there-theres” and just being her usual Nancy-self.

Another thing that is fun about being co-pregnant is that it opens up a whole new world of beauty products. Belly butters, nipple creams (teehee) and of course products for the actual BABY! I could srsly smell baby heads ALL DAY.

Another thing I am excited for is Megan’s diaper bag! Nowadays, the big boys make ’em. I.E – Prada, Burberry, Kate Spade, etc. Having a baby is the best because it basically means you get a new purse, amiright!?

What else? Oh yes, all the sweet little baby clothes! I am already planning on purchasing the following items, boy OR girl.

Baby overalls
Baby jeggings
A tiny onesie that looks like a pea-pod (SURELY such a thing exists)

Also, baby Patagonia

Let us also rejoice in the fact that I FINALLY get to throw a baby shower and thus make everyone play the poopy diaper game. People who turn their noses up at this game do NOT know how to have fun. I will also be making everyone play all the other “gross” baby shower games, like the babyfood one and obvs chugging an alcoholic beverage from a baby bottle. Meg is on board, so don’t worry.

I am also going to have balloons there at the door which everyone will have to shove up their shirt so Megan doesn’t feel fat, too. See! I am going to throw the best baby shower everrrrr.

So basically, I’m excited. I’m reallllly excited. I’m going to be an aunt!!!!

Influenster Dessange Box

March 14, 20152 Comments

Get ready for some serious PURPLE.

If you’re a blonde, than you are more than aware of the upkeep. Like an English garden, a blonde head’a’hair is not something to take lightly. It involves perseverance, sensitivity and of course, the right tools. These products from Influenster couldn’t have come at a better time for me, given the current state of m’brassy locks.

I tried all three of these products two days ago, so please keep in mind that this is more of a “first impression” rather than a full-on review.

For starters, neither the shampoo or the conditioner are purple, which is okay with me. I happen to think that too many purple-hued products can give off a gray tone. Anyway, the smell is definitely not my fave. The musky scent in the conditioner is kinda old-lady and the shampoo isn’t much better. I tend to favor more fresh, spa-like smellin’ hurr curr personally. The shampoo did give me a nice lather and the conditioner is a nice thick consistency. Neither left my hair feeling heavy, or weighted down which is something that often happens to me, given my fine hair.

Now let’s get on to the CC Crème. Holy PURPLE. This stuff is sooooo purple that it almost errs on the side of cobalt blue.

Like paint.

The directions for this products are also pretty strange, instructing you to do this big allergy test on your skin 48 hours prior to using it. YEAaaaaahhh… I aint got time for that. I just went ahead and used a medium amount from root to tip, as instructed. I left it on about 5 minutes and then rinsed. And rinsed. And rinsed some more. I rinsed my hair for literally 5 minutes. And purple water just kept swirling down the drain. My arms were getting so tired and I figured that I got it all out, so I dried it a little and went to bed.

The next morning while combing out my hair I noticed a couple patches of PURPLE scalp. So yeah, I didn’t get it all. Nor did I feel like it cancelled out any of my brassiness. Please keep in mind that I only used it once and that with continued use it might start to work better. However, with how much fuss is involved I probably will not be using it on the reg.

All in all, the products were just okay for me. I will definitely report back after I have used them a few more times and let you know if my opinions have changed.

Have any of you signed up for Infuenster or tried Dessange? If so, let me know what you think!

Sephora Haul

March 5, 20153 Comments

HEY YO.

Like the new shirt? I mean, I WISH it were true. But for me, it’s more like “Leftover donuts, Crystal Light & Merona” HAHaaaaaa.

Here’s a startling fact for you: 95% of the time I go into a Sephora I don’t buy anything. Makeup addiction is very real and very serious. It is my drug. So for me, a trip to Sephora is more than just a store with shelves, it is cathartic. I go around, picking things up, inspecting them, and gently setting them down. I swatch. I spritz. I dig my finger into sparkly eye shadows on accident and quickly walk away. But I rarely buy. WHY? You may ask. Because I’m not an idiot, that’s why.

For starters, I own a lot of drugstore and I WELL AWARE of what items I can get away with and what I cannot. For example, I go through 1 tube of mascara practically every month, so no, I am NOT shelling out $30 a tube. But for things like foundation, certain skincare items and face powder (the ‘jeans’ of your makeup bag if you will) I’ll do what I need to do.

For this trip, I desperately needed 2 of the items and the third item I admittedly have been lusting after for EVER. So here’s what I got:

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Suprisingly, Sephora stores only carry a handful of lash curlers. The Sephora brand almost had me, due to the bright colored ones but I asked a Sephora girl and she told me the Shiseido was her fave. I usually do not rely (and neither should you) on the girls (and boys) at Sephora. I ALWAYS do my homework on these things and will spend lots of time hunting down the best for the cheapest, but this time, I just need a GD eyelash curler so I went with the recommendation. I’ve only had this for a few days and while it is a little difficult to maneuver and I end up pinching my eyelid a lot, the curl is ON FLEEK! Like, I can point ‘em to the sky if I want and yes, I do curl the absolute bejesus out of them.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream

I love that this is called a “sleeping cream”. When I put it on I’m like, “Okay, self! Time to go to sleep!”. Last month, I purchased a random hydrating product from a (new to me) brand called Hada Labo Tokyo. I read about it in Allure, and it won some award and the gals in China buy like 15 tubes and basically bathe in it. It says “Super Hylaronic Acid” (which is AMAZING for your skin) and it was $18, so….I bought it. And it’s aight. The only issue I have with it is that the product itself is a clear liquid, and I was expecting a cream. So after I put it on, my skin doesn’t feel super hydrated. Anyways, let me END this saga for you. I bought the sleeping cream for $38 and so far – it is realllly nice!

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

Boy, I have wanted this concealer forever. Except then I bought Bye Bye Undereye from It Cosmetics, which I still like, but it is quite heavy. So when I ran out of the Mac Pro- Long Wear (which is AMAZING) I decided to finally give the Nars a shot. And you guys – it is just wonderful. It is not as much coverage as Mac, but it lays beautifully under the eyes and it ten times faster to apply. With the Mac or the Bye Bye, I have to use a beauty blender, but with the Nars, all I do is apply it directly to my eye and pat it out with my ring finger. It is SO fast and SO pretty. I still set with translucent powder and the staying power is really nice.

All for now kitties! What things should I try from Sephora next!? Let me know!

Another Day, Another Haul

February 11, 20152 Comments

Amiright!?

Today I bring you a haul consisting largely of hurr curr. As you’ll see I am definitely NOT brand-loyal in the least and basically, I just want the stuff that will up my on fleek game. And WE ALL know homegirl has some dry, damaged locks. So anything that promises to “mend split ends” (which is physically impossible) or “increase shine” I’m like:

I’ve also recently noticed that all my nail polishes are getting to that old, goopy stage. When you know you could buy nail polish thinner but instead you try to make it work and paint your nails, but it’s so thick that it never dries and you spend 3 hours not touching anything and then you accidentally bump your nail on the side of the counter and then end up taking it all off anyway, throwing the bottle out and cursing…

So now that we’re all on the same page let’s get to it.

Kenra Platinum Silkening Mist

In college I used to use the Bed Head shine spray religiously. You know the style – chunky highlights and Rachel-esque layers which I straightened the bejesus out of. A sparkly Abercrombie shirt and Von Dutch trucker hat and I was out the door man! But now, I find that when I wear my hair straight I miss that little spritz a’shine spray from back in the day. I went with Kenra this time because the whole line smells amaaaazing and gets great reviews.

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap

This is a Redken cult fave and many a hairstylist has used this stuff on me. I really did like my Pureology 21 Benefits Leave-In (mentioned here) but I’m always down for mixing things up, so I got this. I know, I am so crazy you guys! It does the same kinds of things that most leave-ins do, but it has a pump, rather than a sprayer and I do notice a difference when I use a high-end treatment before blow drying.

The “Wet” Brush

I am an idiot to have not picked one of these up sooner. I usually use my good ol’ wide-toothed comb on my wet hair but this puppy is specifically MADE for wet hair. It doesn’t break your hair off and I find it so much faster than my comb. I hear this is great for kids too, less ouchy. I got the mini one because our bathroom drawers are tiny and it is so darn cute. Go get you one!

OPI Nail Polishes in Never too Much Confetti and I saw it on Teal-evision

I foud this set at T.J Maxx for $7.99 and was like YESsssss. The teal reminds me of Essie Trophy Wife, which is a favorite of mine and I mean, duh – multi colored confetti sparkle? Yes please.

OPI Cajun Shrimp

Its true. I have never owned this color before. A shocker, I know!! This is one of the most popular colors from OPI and I just kept putting it off and putting it off. Then the other day I was just like,”FINE OPI.” The color is so bright and pretty, it truly is in a category all it’s own. I just despise the name, though – a shrimp entrée for a nail color? Ew.

Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes Mascara

I actually got this mascara in an Allure Beauty Box! I was really excited to try it because tons of people love it, like Kristin Gehm, but it’s just aight for me. The brush is a good size, not too big and not too small – but the formula does nothing to hold a curl, or at least, not on me. I am researching a new lash curler at the mome and I will keep y’all posted on that!

And that’s all I got for right now. Stay lovely!!