Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

One of my favorite daily treats is reaching into my makeup bag and pulling out something fun and new to play with.  Great colors, fun kits and new products are always so enticing!  Of course, I have come to love certain products and brands that have become my favorites because of the incredible job they do.  Some of my tried and true must-haves include the iconic Bobbi Brown and her gorgeous palettes.  What I love about Bobbi is the way she makes it so simple for everyone to achieve that natural beauty look.  Her colors are always flattering and the pigments hold true.  Every palette is so well-crafted that even the make-up shy novice can achieve pro-looking results without looking made up.  That being so, I am beyond excited to use her latest Nude on Nude kit made exclusively for Nordstrom.  The twelve mix and match shades can give you everything from a fresh-faced at the beach to a smokey eye that meets him for drinks look.  In order for any make-up line to look its best, you really want your skin to be its healthiest too.  In order to make that happen, proper hydration is a must.  Few creams work more miracles than Creme de la Mer.  Worth every penny.  Other top contenders in my skincare routine are these three pieces from Kate Somerville.  I use the trio whenever I want a vibrant healthy glow.  Naturally, no beauty roundup would be complete without a few results-oriented haircare tools.  I'm personally head over heels for my T3 hairdryer.  Light, quiet and quick, my only regret is that I didn't get it in this lovely shade of pink.  Once my hair is dry, a few quick passes with this single pass compact iron are all my (newly short! more on that another day) hair needs to be styled with sass.   If you're really ready to fall in love, then I recommend getting both pieces with The Party Couple.

Shop more of my beauty favorites below and at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this weekend.  Sale starts on Friday with early access for Nordstrom card holders happening now.  Enjoy!

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

NORDSTROM, YOU'RE SO PRETTY

beauty

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

One of my favorite daily treats is reaching into my makeup bag and pulling out something fun and new to play with.  Great colors, fun kits and new products are always so enticing!  Of course, I have come to love certain products and brands that have become my favorites because of the incredible job they do.  Some of my tried and true must-haves include the iconic Bobbi Brown and her gorgeous palettes.  What I love about Bobbi is the way she makes it so simple for everyone to achieve that natural beauty look.  Her colors are always flattering and the pigments hold true.  Every palette is so well-crafted that even the make-up shy novice can achieve pro-looking results without looking made up.  That being so, I am beyond excited to use her latest Nude on Nude kit made exclusively for Nordstrom.  The twelve mix and match shades can give you everything from a fresh-faced at the beach to a smokey eye that meets him for drinks look.  In order for any make-up line to look its best, you really want your skin to be its healthiest too.  In order to make that happen, proper hydration is a must.  Few creams work more miracles than Creme de la Mer.  Worth every penny.  Other top contenders in my skincare routine are these three pieces from Kate Somerville.  I use the trio whenever I want a vibrant healthy glow.  Naturally, no beauty roundup would be complete without a few results-oriented haircare tools.  I'm personally head over heels for my T3 hairdryer.  Light, quiet and quick, my only regret is that I didn't get it in this lovely shade of pink.  Once my hair is dry, a few quick passes with this single pass compact iron are all my (newly short! more on that another day) hair needs to be styled with sass.   If you're really ready to fall in love, then I recommend getting both pieces with The Party Couple.

Shop more of my beauty favorites below and at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this weekend.  Sale starts on Friday with early access for Nordstrom card holders happening now.  Enjoy!

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette // Creme de la Mer // Sultra // NARS // MAC Look in a Box // Julep Nail Trio // Volupsa Candles // T3 'The Party Couple' // Beauty Blender // Kate Somerville

Read more »

Hello girls!  There's nothing I love more than a great beauty post.  Except for maybe a summertime Friday.  Today I get to delight in both and so do you.  Every summer we all seem to covet the same few things when it comes to looking our best.  The top three:  A Flawless Glow, A Fresh Face and Lush and Healthy Hair (aka Your Crowning Glory).

Here are a few of my favorites from each category.  All are worth your time and money.  My top picks, however, are the standout favorites that I find work the best for me, are most worthy of their price tag and have earned a reserved spot in my beauty arsenal.  Here's what works...

YOU WANT:  A Flawless Glow

      A Few to Try:  Kate Somerville Towelettes provide a beautiful amount of believable color and are super convenient as the come packaged in single-use, sealed packets.  The only problem I find is that because they are colorless (think of a baby wipe), you always inadvertently end up missing a spot and are left with a telltale streak of "Oooops".  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan had me curious before giving it a go.  I never understood how an aerosol delivery could evenly coat and color your skin.  I needn't question its ability, as this one just somehow miraculously achieves an evenly applied sunkissed glow.  Dalton Cosmetics Golden Pearl Bronzer is quite alluring with its promise of a hands-free, no dry time, non-transferrable tan.  While I discovered the first two to be true, I cannot say that my white clothes ever really fell for the third claim.

        One to Buy:  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan, $10.  I am quite fair and I use the number two version.  The depth of color is enough to be noticeable, yet subtle enough to look real.  

YOU WANT:  A Fresh Face

      A Few to Try:  Laura Gellar is so good at creating the products you want and need to help you look your loveliest.  Her cult favorite primer, known simply as Spackle, targets fine lines, pores and uneven skin surfaces to give you a smooth, makeup ready canvas.  All be told, this primer is hard to beat.  Mally Roncal gives it a go, however, with the creation of her Mally Poreless Face Defender.  As the name implies, this product aims to keep your skin flawless and fresh without even a hint of any cakey or powdery residue.  This one is another great bet.  MAC  is never one to be left out of a cosmetic competition and the shine-prevention wars are no exception. Their Skin Refined Zone Treatment from the 'Prep + Prime' line is fantastic.  It goes on unassumingly under makeup and holds oil, shine and make up meltdown at bay all day long.  Facing an exceptionally hot and humid kind of day?  Not to worry, simply dab a small amount of this liquid wonder atop your skin and voila, you are instantly and beautifully refreshed.

        One to Buy:  MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment, $21. While all three of these choices are fabulous in their own right, my summer go-to has to be this miracle liquid from MAC.  One tube will last you the entire season right into the fall, at which point, you'll addicted to its magic and wanting to wear it all year round.

  

YOU WANT:  A Crowning Glory

      A Few to Try:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner.  Straight from the rainforest, this hydrating conditioner will infuse your hair with lush, supple moisture and leave out the heavy, weighed down feeling that can have us never wanting to condition ever again.  When your hair has enjoyed a few too many days at the beach, call for help from Phyto's Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask.  As a fine haired girl, this is one I only use every now and again but when I do, my hair happily thanks me by behaving its bouncy best.  MIT science powerhouse Living Proof  has come up with some of the most innovative technology the beauty world has ever seen.  Their Restore Conditioner is just one more example.  Expressly formulated with Living Proof's moisture-controlling molecule, this conditioner restores the top layer of dry, damaged hair and brings it back to the smooth and shiny condition you once knew.

       One to Buy:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner, $23.  The title of this one does not disappoint.  My fine hair never felt better, right after the first use.  I've even found that on days when your hair is looking dry or acting blah, sweep it up into a ponytail and apply a quarter-sized dollop of this conditioner before heading to the gym.  Afterwards, simply rinse and shampoo and you are ready for a great night out.

Go ahead and try these few for yourself and see which are your "Ones to Buy".  No matter your personal preference, you won't be disappointed by these picks and you'll end up with a few new fabulous favorites.  Have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

SUMMER BEAUTY: A Few to Try, One to Buy

beauty

Hello girls!  There's nothing I love more than a great beauty post.  Except for maybe a summertime Friday.  Today I get to delight in both and so do you.  Every summer we all seem to covet the same few things when it comes to looking our best.  The top three:  A Flawless Glow, A Fresh Face and Lush and Healthy Hair (aka Your Crowning Glory).

Here are a few of my favorites from each category.  All are worth your time and money.  My top picks, however, are the standout favorites that I find work the best for me, are most worthy of their price tag and have earned a reserved spot in my beauty arsenal.  Here's what works...

YOU WANT:  A Flawless Glow

      A Few to Try:  Kate Somerville Towelettes provide a beautiful amount of believable color and are super convenient as the come packaged in single-use, sealed packets.  The only problem I find is that because they are colorless (think of a baby wipe), you always inadvertently end up missing a spot and are left with a telltale streak of "Oooops".  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan had me curious before giving it a go.  I never understood how an aerosol delivery could evenly coat and color your skin.  I needn't question its ability, as this one just somehow miraculously achieves an evenly applied sunkissed glow.  Dalton Cosmetics Golden Pearl Bronzer is quite alluring with its promise of a hands-free, no dry time, non-transferrable tan.  While I discovered the first two to be true, I cannot say that my white clothes ever really fell for the third claim.

        One to Buy:  Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan, $10.  I am quite fair and I use the number two version.  The depth of color is enough to be noticeable, yet subtle enough to look real.  

YOU WANT:  A Fresh Face

      A Few to Try:  Laura Gellar is so good at creating the products you want and need to help you look your loveliest.  Her cult favorite primer, known simply as Spackle, targets fine lines, pores and uneven skin surfaces to give you a smooth, makeup ready canvas.  All be told, this primer is hard to beat.  Mally Roncal gives it a go, however, with the creation of her Mally Poreless Face Defender.  As the name implies, this product aims to keep your skin flawless and fresh without even a hint of any cakey or powdery residue.  This one is another great bet.  MAC  is never one to be left out of a cosmetic competition and the shine-prevention wars are no exception. Their Skin Refined Zone Treatment from the 'Prep + Prime' line is fantastic.  It goes on unassumingly under makeup and holds oil, shine and make up meltdown at bay all day long.  Facing an exceptionally hot and humid kind of day?  Not to worry, simply dab a small amount of this liquid wonder atop your skin and voila, you are instantly and beautifully refreshed.

        One to Buy:  MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment, $21. While all three of these choices are fabulous in their own right, my summer go-to has to be this miracle liquid from MAC.  One tube will last you the entire season right into the fall, at which point, you'll addicted to its magic and wanting to wear it all year round.

  

YOU WANT:  A Crowning Glory

      A Few to Try:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner.  Straight from the rainforest, this hydrating conditioner will infuse your hair with lush, supple moisture and leave out the heavy, weighed down feeling that can have us never wanting to condition ever again.  When your hair has enjoyed a few too many days at the beach, call for help from Phyto's Phytolisse Express Smoothing Mask.  As a fine haired girl, this is one I only use every now and again but when I do, my hair happily thanks me by behaving its bouncy best.  MIT science powerhouse Living Proof  has come up with some of the most innovative technology the beauty world has ever seen.  Their Restore Conditioner is just one more example.  Expressly formulated with Living Proof's moisture-controlling molecule, this conditioner restores the top layer of dry, damaged hair and brings it back to the smooth and shiny condition you once knew.

       One to Buy:  Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner, $23.  The title of this one does not disappoint.  My fine hair never felt better, right after the first use.  I've even found that on days when your hair is looking dry or acting blah, sweep it up into a ponytail and apply a quarter-sized dollop of this conditioner before heading to the gym.  Afterwards, simply rinse and shampoo and you are ready for a great night out.

Go ahead and try these few for yourself and see which are your "Ones to Buy".  No matter your personal preference, you won't be disappointed by these picks and you'll end up with a few new fabulous favorites.  Have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading!

XO,

Read more »

Have you ever felt that your skin is just somehow not living up to its beautiful potential?  It's likely you're right.  The probable culprit?  Old, dead skin cells that are clinging to the surface of your skin, leaving it looking dull, tired and far from its best.  The solution?  Regular exfoliation that will gently lift these radiance robbers off skin's surface and reveal a smooth, fresh glow.  Hastily skipping this step, therefore, is not in your nor your skin's best interest. 


 Here are ten simple yet super effective ways to whisk your skin clean:

MANUAL EXFOLIATORS:  These are among the simplest exfoliators often found in scrublike formulas designed to softly lift those dead cells off the top layer of skin.  Skin is allowed to shed its layers and breathe in new life.  Be sure to look for those formulas containing round, sphere shaped beads designed to be gentle on skin's delicate surface.  Another option?  A really good exfoliating brush that rotates and pulses as it works to thoroughly and effectively cleanse the skin in just one timed minute. Ones to try: Clarisonic Mia  2 ($149), Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish ($30), Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains ($42).

NATURAL ENZYMES:  If scrubbing is not for you, you may want to look to natural enzymes to get the job done.  Fruit enzymes and natural sugars do the work for you here by dissolving old skin cells at the surface.  One quick rinse later and your skin takes on a fresh new life.  Sensitive skin types do well with fruit enzyme masks as they are effective yet gentle enough, even for easily aggravated conditions like rosacea.  Ones to try:  Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($55), Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator ($45), Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask ($32), Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment ($65)

ALPHA-HYDROXY and GLYCOLIC ACIDS:  A third option that's highly effective, would come in the form of a pad or peel soaked with the natural acids (alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy) found in fruits.  These formulas provide more of a pampering feel as they can be left on a bit longer and subsequently penetrate some of the deeper layers of skin below the visible surface.  Ones to try:  Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Corrector Pads ($36), philosophy The Microdelivery In Home Vitamin C Peptide Peel ($40), REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55)


With options so simple as these readily available at your fingertips, you too can make weekly exfoliation an easy part of your skincare routine.  Give it a try....A smoother, brighter more radiant glow awaits!

Have a beautiful Monday!

XO,

Make It Happen Monday featuring...The 10 Best Ways to Exfoliate

beauty

Have you ever felt that your skin is just somehow not living up to its beautiful potential?  It's likely you're right.  The probable culprit?  Old, dead skin cells that are clinging to the surface of your skin, leaving it looking dull, tired and far from its best.  The solution?  Regular exfoliation that will gently lift these radiance robbers off skin's surface and reveal a smooth, fresh glow.  Hastily skipping this step, therefore, is not in your nor your skin's best interest. 


 Here are ten simple yet super effective ways to whisk your skin clean:

MANUAL EXFOLIATORS:  These are among the simplest exfoliators often found in scrublike formulas designed to softly lift those dead cells off the top layer of skin.  Skin is allowed to shed its layers and breathe in new life.  Be sure to look for those formulas containing round, sphere shaped beads designed to be gentle on skin's delicate surface.  Another option?  A really good exfoliating brush that rotates and pulses as it works to thoroughly and effectively cleanse the skin in just one timed minute. Ones to try: Clarisonic Mia  2 ($149), Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish ($30), Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains ($42).

NATURAL ENZYMES:  If scrubbing is not for you, you may want to look to natural enzymes to get the job done.  Fruit enzymes and natural sugars do the work for you here by dissolving old skin cells at the surface.  One quick rinse later and your skin takes on a fresh new life.  Sensitive skin types do well with fruit enzyme masks as they are effective yet gentle enough, even for easily aggravated conditions like rosacea.  Ones to try:  Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($55), Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator ($45), Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask ($32), Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment ($65)

ALPHA-HYDROXY and GLYCOLIC ACIDS:  A third option that's highly effective, would come in the form of a pad or peel soaked with the natural acids (alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy) found in fruits.  These formulas provide more of a pampering feel as they can be left on a bit longer and subsequently penetrate some of the deeper layers of skin below the visible surface.  Ones to try:  Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Corrector Pads ($36), philosophy The Microdelivery In Home Vitamin C Peptide Peel ($40), REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55)


With options so simple as these readily available at your fingertips, you too can make weekly exfoliation an easy part of your skincare routine.  Give it a try....A smoother, brighter more radiant glow awaits!

Have a beautiful Monday!

XO,

Read more »

5 Steps to Beauty by kellyk27 featuring a bareMinerals face care

Think of how much you can (and often do!) spend on your clothes. If you're anything like me, you might wear some of your favorite pieces only four or five times in a season - after all, there are just so so many cute must-haves! Given that, the price per wear is not always so flattering. When it comes to beauty products and purchases, however, you know you wear your face everyday. With a couple of worthy investments and the option to mix and match price points on other items, you can effortlessly create an easy to follow beauty routine and look radiant while doing it. Stick to these five essential steps and watch your skin begin to glow.

STEP 1: Cleanse ~ in order for any of the other steps to work effectively,

you need to thoroughly cleanse and routinely exfoliate. Otherwise, the

additional products you apply will not be able to reach skin layers below.  Clarisonic

makes this amazing cleansing brush.  Pair it with your favorite cleanser and

 you'll never want to go a day without that fresh clean skin feeling.

STEP 2:  Exfoliate ~ once your skin has been cleansed it needs to release those

stubborn skin cells that are still hanging on, causing your complexion to look dull. 

There are so many great exfoliators out on the market today.  One that I really like is

this one by Peter Thomas Roth.  The natural plant extracts and gentle acids loosen dry flakes

leaving you with the smoothest, softest skin you recall in years.

STEP 3:  Treat ~ now that you have a fresh canvas that is ready to receive some

much needed vitamins and hydraters, be sure to give your skin a daily dose of

goodness by using a treatment pad.  Again, there are numerous options to choose

from but I always like to pick one that fortifies the skin with essential nutrients and replenishers.  I tend to go for those

that pack a punch and give my skin a boost.  These bare minerals Intensive Glow Pads contain

 an Active Soil Complex at returning radiance to your skin.  They also use gentle acids and

 fruit extracts to keep your skin cell turnover rate high thus leaving you with that beautiful

 glow we all covet.

STEP 4:   Correct & Protect ~ as time goes by the effects of day to day fun take a toll on our

skin.  Whether it's free radicals found in the environment or simply forgetting to religiously apply

 sunscreen, our skin shows the signs. Not to worry, a peptide-rich hydrating serum is the answer. The collagen-boosting properties of these little age fighters help build your skin back up from the inside out. I particularly like this one by Kate Sommervile that contains both clock reversing peptides as well as moisture boosting hyalauronic acid.


STEP 5: Hydrate ~ once you've cared for your skin with the four steps above, it's time to seal in all that nourishing goodness with a skin-loving moisturizer. Depending upon your skin type and formula preference, there are multiple ways to go. While lotions are more popular with oil-prone users, I tend to prefer the cushiony softness you get from a cream. When it comes to selecting a moisturizer, price doesn't need to play a huge role. If you routinely follow the four steps above and are benefitting from their effects, then your moisturizer will serve as a compliment to those, sealing in their properties. One final note to mention....always, always go for the addition of an SPF during the daytime. Think of it as a protective cover-up shielding your skin from the sun's damaging rays while it keeps you looking radiant.


Hope you enjoy this five step routine. Follow it daily and you'll quickly see its glowing results. Have a beautiful weekend!

5 Steps to Beauty

bareMinerals

5 Steps to Beauty by kellyk27 featuring a bareMinerals face care

Think of how much you can (and often do!) spend on your clothes. If you're anything like me, you might wear some of your favorite pieces only four or five times in a season - after all, there are just so so many cute must-haves! Given that, the price per wear is not always so flattering. When it comes to beauty products and purchases, however, you know you wear your face everyday. With a couple of worthy investments and the option to mix and match price points on other items, you can effortlessly create an easy to follow beauty routine and look radiant while doing it. Stick to these five essential steps and watch your skin begin to glow.

STEP 1: Cleanse ~ in order for any of the other steps to work effectively,

you need to thoroughly cleanse and routinely exfoliate. Otherwise, the

additional products you apply will not be able to reach skin layers below.  Clarisonic

makes this amazing cleansing brush.  Pair it with your favorite cleanser and

 you'll never want to go a day without that fresh clean skin feeling.

STEP 2:  Exfoliate ~ once your skin has been cleansed it needs to release those

stubborn skin cells that are still hanging on, causing your complexion to look dull. 

There are so many great exfoliators out on the market today.  One that I really like is

this one by Peter Thomas Roth.  The natural plant extracts and gentle acids loosen dry flakes

leaving you with the smoothest, softest skin you recall in years.

STEP 3:  Treat ~ now that you have a fresh canvas that is ready to receive some

much needed vitamins and hydraters, be sure to give your skin a daily dose of

goodness by using a treatment pad.  Again, there are numerous options to choose

from but I always like to pick one that fortifies the skin with essential nutrients and replenishers.  I tend to go for those

that pack a punch and give my skin a boost.  These bare minerals Intensive Glow Pads contain

 an Active Soil Complex at returning radiance to your skin.  They also use gentle acids and

 fruit extracts to keep your skin cell turnover rate high thus leaving you with that beautiful

 glow we all covet.

STEP 4:   Correct & Protect ~ as time goes by the effects of day to day fun take a toll on our

skin.  Whether it's free radicals found in the environment or simply forgetting to religiously apply

 sunscreen, our skin shows the signs. Not to worry, a peptide-rich hydrating serum is the answer. The collagen-boosting properties of these little age fighters help build your skin back up from the inside out. I particularly like this one by Kate Sommervile that contains both clock reversing peptides as well as moisture boosting hyalauronic acid.


STEP 5: Hydrate ~ once you've cared for your skin with the four steps above, it's time to seal in all that nourishing goodness with a skin-loving moisturizer. Depending upon your skin type and formula preference, there are multiple ways to go. While lotions are more popular with oil-prone users, I tend to prefer the cushiony softness you get from a cream. When it comes to selecting a moisturizer, price doesn't need to play a huge role. If you routinely follow the four steps above and are benefitting from their effects, then your moisturizer will serve as a compliment to those, sealing in their properties. One final note to mention....always, always go for the addition of an SPF during the daytime. Think of it as a protective cover-up shielding your skin from the sun's damaging rays while it keeps you looking radiant.


Hope you enjoy this five step routine. Follow it daily and you'll quickly see its glowing results. Have a beautiful weekend!

Read more »