fresh sugar





Hello and happy Monday to you!  Hoping that everyone had a nice weekend spent doing something you all love.  My included a lot of sun as it was a complete sizzler here on the east coast.  Summer sun and heat can feel good on our bodies but can also be punishing on our skin and hair.  Today I am sharing with you some of the ways I go about making sure my hair and skin never fry throughout these summer days.  Not sure if you've been beauty shopping lately but there are some incredible products out there right now that can get the job done and more on the way.  For starters, I always think that a hat and sunnies are the best way to be certain your salon scored highlights and delicate eye area stay unharmed.  That being said, it is also crucial that you apply a really good sunscreen (some of my favorites and most-trusted here, here and here).  Beyond that though, I always find that I often want to treat myself to extra summertime pampering that keeps everything in tip top shape.  This mask is ah-mazing.  Unlike those that just slough or hydrate, this little gem first buffs to brighten the skin then uses natural oils to restore the lipid barrier and replenish your skin's natural balance.  Yes, it is heavenly.  To keep my face feeling freshly hydrated on hot days, I love using creams that continue to plump and protect throughout the day.  This one from Bobbi Brown is one of my favorites.  When a cosmetic company like hers first came out with skincare I will say that I was for sure skeptical.  Knowing how much Bobbi adores what she does and the clients she serves, I decided to look into things further and I am always so happy I did.  With skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and olive oil at the top of the ingredients list, this little jar of wonder works to moisturize beautifully without ever feeling heavy.  Needless to say, my face loves it.  My hair also gets a lot of love during the summertime.  This scalp scrub is something I don't know how I ever got along without, haha.  Our scalp perspires much more in summer and needs a way to rid itself of what could otherwise become buildup.  The coconut and charcoal combo in this scrub treat your hair and scalp to the perfect cleanse without stripping away the natural oils we need.  My feels freshly hydrated, swingy and shines like a new mani.  A nourishing body wash, body oil and lip balm round out the rest of my summer skin and hair survival must-haves.  

What's in your summer beauty bag?  I'd love to hear about your most-loved products too!

xx,

~K

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SUMMER SUNSHINE BEAUTY MUST-HAVES






Hello and happy Monday to you!  Hoping that everyone had a nice weekend spent doing something you all love.  My included a lot of sun as it was a complete sizzler here on the east coast.  Summer sun and heat can feel good on our bodies but can also be punishing on our skin and hair.  Today I am sharing with you some of the ways I go about making sure my hair and skin never fry throughout these summer days.  Not sure if you've been beauty shopping lately but there are some incredible products out there right now that can get the job done and more on the way.  For starters, I always think that a hat and sunnies are the best way to be certain your salon scored highlights and delicate eye area stay unharmed.  That being said, it is also crucial that you apply a really good sunscreen (some of my favorites and most-trusted here, here and here).  Beyond that though, I always find that I often want to treat myself to extra summertime pampering that keeps everything in tip top shape.  This mask is ah-mazing.  Unlike those that just slough or hydrate, this little gem first buffs to brighten the skin then uses natural oils to restore the lipid barrier and replenish your skin's natural balance.  Yes, it is heavenly.  To keep my face feeling freshly hydrated on hot days, I love using creams that continue to plump and protect throughout the day.  This one from Bobbi Brown is one of my favorites.  When a cosmetic company like hers first came out with skincare I will say that I was for sure skeptical.  Knowing how much Bobbi adores what she does and the clients she serves, I decided to look into things further and I am always so happy I did.  With skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and olive oil at the top of the ingredients list, this little jar of wonder works to moisturize beautifully without ever feeling heavy.  Needless to say, my face loves it.  My hair also gets a lot of love during the summertime.  This scalp scrub is something I don't know how I ever got along without, haha.  Our scalp perspires much more in summer and needs a way to rid itself of what could otherwise become buildup.  The coconut and charcoal combo in this scrub treat your hair and scalp to the perfect cleanse without stripping away the natural oils we need.  My feels freshly hydrated, swingy and shines like a new mani.  A nourishing body wash, body oil and lip balm round out the rest of my summer skin and hair survival must-haves.  

What's in your summer beauty bag?  I'd love to hear about your most-loved products too!

xx,

~K

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Hello ladies!  So July is here and so are beach days, barbecues and poolside parties.  With that, I always find that must-haves include cute swimsuits, Panama hats, an effective sunscreen and a cute pair of cutoffs.  I've included some of each in today's post.  These two swimsuits (here and here) are both absolutely darling and way beyond affordable.  This adorable hat is on major sale (aka under $20!!) Then with the money you've saved you just might want to splurge on these gorgeous slides, haha.  I'm really not kidding.  I've linked all the pretties for you below in case you're in the mood for something new.  Have fun and I'll see you on Wednesday!

xx,

~K


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THE JULY EDIT






Hello ladies!  So July is here and so are beach days, barbecues and poolside parties.  With that, I always find that must-haves include cute swimsuits, Panama hats, an effective sunscreen and a cute pair of cutoffs.  I've included some of each in today's post.  These two swimsuits (here and here) are both absolutely darling and way beyond affordable.  This adorable hat is on major sale (aka under $20!!) Then with the money you've saved you just might want to splurge on these gorgeous slides, haha.  I'm really not kidding.  I've linked all the pretties for you below in case you're in the mood for something new.  Have fun and I'll see you on Wednesday!

xx,

~K


SHOP THE EDIT:






Wondering what to get for the beauty lover on your list?  Today's your lucky day because I've got you covered.  Being a bit of a beauty girl myself, it was fun and easy to put together some of my current faves to find under the tree.  From Bobbi Brown basics to the elegance of Eve Lom, every girl wishes for something she can add to her beauty bag.  Shop my faves below and who knows, you may even find a few you're willing to share, haha.  Have a wonderful Wednesday, girls!


SHOP THE BEST OF BEAUTY GIFTS:



Beauty Gifts

Wondering what to get for the beauty lover on your list?  Today's your lucky day because I've got you covered.  Being a bit of a beauty girl myself, it was fun and easy to put together some of my current faves to find under the tree.  From Bobbi Brown basics to the elegance of Eve Lom, every girl wishes for something she can add to her beauty bag.  Shop my faves below and who knows, you may even find a few you're willing to share, haha.  Have a wonderful Wednesday, girls!


SHOP THE BEST OF BEAUTY GIFTS:





Happy Friday! I just couldn't resist a little bit of lovely pink inspo as we all head into the weekend.  From pale shell shades to beautiful blush tones there's just something so unmistakably romantic and undeniably gorgeous about all things pink.  From feminine, flattering tops, like this little off the shoulder number, to swoonworthy bags like this one from Chloe, my favorite options always seem to be of the pink variety.  Of course, there are also shoes (these pumps), watches (like this one), accessories (adore this wallet) and makeup colors (this lip color is soooo flattering on all skin colors) that perfectly round out the pink parade.  Hope these pretties leave you feeling happily inspired…Happy Weekend!

~xx 


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Pink Pretties



Happy Friday! I just couldn't resist a little bit of lovely pink inspo as we all head into the weekend.  From pale shell shades to beautiful blush tones there's just something so unmistakably romantic and undeniably gorgeous about all things pink.  From feminine, flattering tops, like this little off the shoulder number, to swoonworthy bags like this one from Chloe, my favorite options always seem to be of the pink variety.  Of course, there are also shoes (these pumps), watches (like this one), accessories (adore this wallet) and makeup colors (this lip color is soooo flattering on all skin colors) that perfectly round out the pink parade.  Hope these pretties leave you feeling happily inspired…Happy Weekend!

~xx 


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We all have our favorites in life and today I'm sharing a few of mine from the beauty closet.  From toes to lips, there's always something new in beauty to love and covet.  With so many truly incredible lines to choose from,  it's sometimes hard to find the one to fall in love with.  For me, that one right now is Dr. Dennis Gross and his innovative line of ferulic + retinol.  This powerhouse duo is so potent and efficacious that I can say I saw the desired improvements it claimed in as little as a couple of days.  Radiance and clarity were among two of the most noticeable and along with that, my skin was instantly softer, firmer, plumper and more supple.  Who couldn't love that?  This brightening enzyme water cream is the perfect drink of moisture for post-winter fatigued skin.  I'm also obsessing over all things coconut right now.  This body polish and this coconut milk honey bath are skin smoothers and soothers and oh-so-addicting.  And of course, don't forget your hands…this Ahava mineral hand cream will keep yours pretty and smooth and ready for your spring rings.  Here's to a beautiful Monday!

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Skincare Loves



We all have our favorites in life and today I'm sharing a few of mine from the beauty closet.  From toes to lips, there's always something new in beauty to love and covet.  With so many truly incredible lines to choose from,  it's sometimes hard to find the one to fall in love with.  For me, that one right now is Dr. Dennis Gross and his innovative line of ferulic + retinol.  This powerhouse duo is so potent and efficacious that I can say I saw the desired improvements it claimed in as little as a couple of days.  Radiance and clarity were among two of the most noticeable and along with that, my skin was instantly softer, firmer, plumper and more supple.  Who couldn't love that?  This brightening enzyme water cream is the perfect drink of moisture for post-winter fatigued skin.  I'm also obsessing over all things coconut right now.  This body polish and this coconut milk honey bath are skin smoothers and soothers and oh-so-addicting.  And of course, don't forget your hands…this Ahava mineral hand cream will keep yours pretty and smooth and ready for your spring rings.  Here's to a beautiful Monday!

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Happy Monday loves!  Hope your weekend was a well-spent one filled with your favorites.  I spent part of mine indulging in some new goodies sampled to me by some of my favorite beauty brands.  All I can say is I came away with a few new loves and several swoon-worthy recos.  So, let's get started!  First there was this smooth and creamy little miracle in a tube that, when I glided it over my skin, transformed my face into a smooth and pretty much flawless canvas that didn't need any further enhancing.  Maybe that's why I forgot to put any foundation on over it the next day, haha!  Seriously, this one is golden.  My hair also got a treat with this luscious masque by the incomparable Oribe.  Glossy, shiny and lush are the three words that come to mind after the blowout.  I say, run don't walk to your salon to give yourself and your hair a luxe beauty moment.  So, is it wrong to say I've fallen in love with a fragrance?  Probably not if it makes me happy which always leads to wonderful things.  This scent is classic and beautiful but then again, does Jo Malone do anything less, ever?  The sample I received was enough to make me want, no make that need, my own bottle.  Ahhh, it's always the little things.  So that's my weekend beauty wrap-up.  Of course, there are several others that I recommend too and they can all be found and shopped via the links below.  I hope you find something that makes your smile sparkle.  Have a beautiful Monday!

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Beautiful Monday

Happy Monday loves!  Hope your weekend was a well-spent one filled with your favorites.  I spent part of mine indulging in some new goodies sampled to me by some of my favorite beauty brands.  All I can say is I came away with a few new loves and several swoon-worthy recos.  So, let's get started!  First there was this smooth and creamy little miracle in a tube that, when I glided it over my skin, transformed my face into a smooth and pretty much flawless canvas that didn't need any further enhancing.  Maybe that's why I forgot to put any foundation on over it the next day, haha!  Seriously, this one is golden.  My hair also got a treat with this luscious masque by the incomparable Oribe.  Glossy, shiny and lush are the three words that come to mind after the blowout.  I say, run don't walk to your salon to give yourself and your hair a luxe beauty moment.  So, is it wrong to say I've fallen in love with a fragrance?  Probably not if it makes me happy which always leads to wonderful things.  This scent is classic and beautiful but then again, does Jo Malone do anything less, ever?  The sample I received was enough to make me want, no make that need, my own bottle.  Ahhh, it's always the little things.  So that's my weekend beauty wrap-up.  Of course, there are several others that I recommend too and they can all be found and shopped via the links below.  I hope you find something that makes your smile sparkle.  Have a beautiful Monday!

SHOP THE POST:












We had the first snowfall of the season this past weekend and although it was just a pretty dusting, it still was a great reminder of the fact that cold winds and dry heated rooms can have harsh effects on your hair and skin all season  With that in mind, I'm always searching for the current best ways to keep my skin hydrated and my hair silky soft.  These latest pretties are some of my favorite finds at the moment.  Skincare is a 24/7 job if you want yours to be looking its beautiful best.  Aside from proper nutrition and taking health-enhancing skin protecting supplements, your skincare routine is the most important element of getting your skin into condition and maintaining its glow.  Proper cleansing is a crucial step towards this and a tricky one as well.  Using a hydrating cleanser that cleanses without stripping my skin of its proper pH balance is always a big concern.  During the winter months this is even more important.  My favorite way to do so is with this pure and simple face wash from philosophy.  Before becoming a devoté of this miracle wash, my face would always feel two sizes too small after washing.  Now, after using it and my Clarisonic together, my skin is soft, supple, hydrated and effortlessly clean.  I recently discovered this post-wash deep-clean mask to use once a week to increase skin radiance and detoxify skin's underlying layers.  We all know how sweaters and moisture-starved air can leave your hair standing on end.  A really soothing conditioner cannot be left out of one's hair washing routine.  This high gloss conditioner from GLOSS leaves my hair soft and silky, super manageable and mega shiny.  Everything winter hair craves.  Lastly, our lips and hands so often brave the elements unprotected.  This hand cream will leave you wondering how you ever got on without it!  Lips too need some love to stay kissably soft.  My favorite way to do it is with Fresh Sugar's lip balm.  So lip nourishing and so pretty while doing so!  

 If your skin and hair are feeling the winter blues, give some of these beauty savers a try.  Wishing you all a wonderful Monday! xx

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Winter Beauty Must-Haves



We had the first snowfall of the season this past weekend and although it was just a pretty dusting, it still was a great reminder of the fact that cold winds and dry heated rooms can have harsh effects on your hair and skin all season  With that in mind, I'm always searching for the current best ways to keep my skin hydrated and my hair silky soft.  These latest pretties are some of my favorite finds at the moment.  Skincare is a 24/7 job if you want yours to be looking its beautiful best.  Aside from proper nutrition and taking health-enhancing skin protecting supplements, your skincare routine is the most important element of getting your skin into condition and maintaining its glow.  Proper cleansing is a crucial step towards this and a tricky one as well.  Using a hydrating cleanser that cleanses without stripping my skin of its proper pH balance is always a big concern.  During the winter months this is even more important.  My favorite way to do so is with this pure and simple face wash from philosophy.  Before becoming a devoté of this miracle wash, my face would always feel two sizes too small after washing.  Now, after using it and my Clarisonic together, my skin is soft, supple, hydrated and effortlessly clean.  I recently discovered this post-wash deep-clean mask to use once a week to increase skin radiance and detoxify skin's underlying layers.  We all know how sweaters and moisture-starved air can leave your hair standing on end.  A really soothing conditioner cannot be left out of one's hair washing routine.  This high gloss conditioner from GLOSS leaves my hair soft and silky, super manageable and mega shiny.  Everything winter hair craves.  Lastly, our lips and hands so often brave the elements unprotected.  This hand cream will leave you wondering how you ever got on without it!  Lips too need some love to stay kissably soft.  My favorite way to do it is with Fresh Sugar's lip balm.  So lip nourishing and so pretty while doing so!  

 If your skin and hair are feeling the winter blues, give some of these beauty savers a try.  Wishing you all a wonderful Monday! xx

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Beach days have recently gotten a bad rap but don't fear, all is not lost.  With a little planning and thinking ahead, the beach and its sun-soaked rays can still be your happy place.  The first thing you'll want and need is a really great tote that's roomy and well-designed so that it can carry the must-haves and make them easy to grab on the go.  I am adoring this chic little (or not so, really!) striped number by Kate Spade. Who else?  Inside I always make sure to take along these magic miracle makers.  First, if you want your skin to love you for life then always treat it right with a very good quality sunscreen.  I tend to favor physical blocks for several reasons.  Mainly because they shield and protect your skin without a heat-induced breakdown, they don't produce free radicals and are less irritating than their chemical block counterpart.  This one by Supergoop! also doesn't give my skin a white veil like some titanium oxide based options can do.  Hair needs sun protection too (as well as color-saving hydrators for us poolside girls).  I keep mine silky, smooth and free from fading with this hydrating water-resistant mist.  Truly delicious and one of the best beauty treats of summer.  With my skin and hair covered that leaves only the lips which also need major protection.  I keep mine pillowy and soft with a moisturizing SPF lip balm.  Fresh Sugar's Nude lip hydrator is just about perfect and gets the job done.  Some other beach day bring-alongs are my super dark sunnies, a waterproof mascara, a few snag free hair ties (these are amazing), a fun hat (loving this one and this one too) and my favorite new earbuds.  With the beach tote filled for fun, who's ready for the long holiday weekend?

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Beach Bag Beauty










Beach days have recently gotten a bad rap but don't fear, all is not lost.  With a little planning and thinking ahead, the beach and its sun-soaked rays can still be your happy place.  The first thing you'll want and need is a really great tote that's roomy and well-designed so that it can carry the must-haves and make them easy to grab on the go.  I am adoring this chic little (or not so, really!) striped number by Kate Spade. Who else?  Inside I always make sure to take along these magic miracle makers.  First, if you want your skin to love you for life then always treat it right with a very good quality sunscreen.  I tend to favor physical blocks for several reasons.  Mainly because they shield and protect your skin without a heat-induced breakdown, they don't produce free radicals and are less irritating than their chemical block counterpart.  This one by Supergoop! also doesn't give my skin a white veil like some titanium oxide based options can do.  Hair needs sun protection too (as well as color-saving hydrators for us poolside girls).  I keep mine silky, smooth and free from fading with this hydrating water-resistant mist.  Truly delicious and one of the best beauty treats of summer.  With my skin and hair covered that leaves only the lips which also need major protection.  I keep mine pillowy and soft with a moisturizing SPF lip balm.  Fresh Sugar's Nude lip hydrator is just about perfect and gets the job done.  Some other beach day bring-alongs are my super dark sunnies, a waterproof mascara, a few snag free hair ties (these are amazing), a fun hat (loving this one and this one too) and my favorite new earbuds.  With the beach tote filled for fun, who's ready for the long holiday weekend?

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jo malone | tory burch makeup bag | ysl lipstick | clarisonic | bobbi brown eye palette | bobbi brown lip and eye mini | lancome hypnose | rebecca mink off makeup bag | fresh sugar lip treatment | henri bendel initial compact | la mer | purity cleanser | essie nail polish set | t3 dryer | aerie brush set


If there's one thing I can never get enough of, it is trying out the latest and greatest in beauty products.  It doesn't take much for me to instantly channel my inner Eva Chen.  Today I'm sharing my latest loves and classic favorites that would make the perfect choice for holiday gifting too.  One way to always get it right is with a beautiful fragrance.  Jo Malone offers some of the loveliest choices including her gorgeous Peony & Blush Suede (also loving this one too).  These palettes for eyes and for lips are perfect sizes for both home and travel.  My favorite red lipstick is pretty all year round but especially so at holiday time.  It lights up any outfit and is instantly party ready.  Last, you can toss all these pretties into this glam little makeup bag for the just right dash of sparkle and glam (this one is adorable too).  

What beauty treats are you coveting this season?  Have a beautiful Wednesday and thanks so much for reading!










Beauty Gifts


jo malone | tory burch makeup bag | ysl lipstick | clarisonic | bobbi brown eye palette | bobbi brown lip and eye mini | lancome hypnose | rebecca mink off makeup bag | fresh sugar lip treatment | henri bendel initial compact | la mer | purity cleanser | essie nail polish set | t3 dryer | aerie brush set


If there's one thing I can never get enough of, it is trying out the latest and greatest in beauty products.  It doesn't take much for me to instantly channel my inner Eva Chen.  Today I'm sharing my latest loves and classic favorites that would make the perfect choice for holiday gifting too.  One way to always get it right is with a beautiful fragrance.  Jo Malone offers some of the loveliest choices including her gorgeous Peony & Blush Suede (also loving this one too).  These palettes for eyes and for lips are perfect sizes for both home and travel.  My favorite red lipstick is pretty all year round but especially so at holiday time.  It lights up any outfit and is instantly party ready.  Last, you can toss all these pretties into this glam little makeup bag for the just right dash of sparkle and glam (this one is adorable too).  

What beauty treats are you coveting this season?  Have a beautiful Wednesday and thanks so much for reading!













1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10


  Today I wanted to feature some of my favorite beauty must-haves that help get me through the season of sand and sea with both beauty and ease.  I promise you that from lips to lashes, this top ten list doesn't disappoint.  

  While every season, there are those certain products you just can't live without, what I'm loving most about these picks is that they are all under the thirty dollar mark.  What more could a girl ask for?  

  As many of my beach days are spent basking under the cutest beach umbrella, my golden glow would never say so.  Sun-kissed color is only a pump away with this buildable color from Jergen's Natural Glow.  Just pinched cheeks always impart a healthy glow as well. Get them the easy way by using this indispensable little miracle worker from Bobbi Brown.  Dab it on the apples of your cheeks for a fresh-faced look.  Add a little on the lips for some low-maintenance lovely.  No mirror required.  Finally, I love to keep my hair lustrous and supple with a great leave in conditioner like this one from Phyto. Your stylist  {and wallet} will thank you come fall.

  Have a gorgeous weekend!


More great beauty buys under $30…



SUMMER BEAUTY'S BEST UNDER $30




1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10


  Today I wanted to feature some of my favorite beauty must-haves that help get me through the season of sand and sea with both beauty and ease.  I promise you that from lips to lashes, this top ten list doesn't disappoint.  

  While every season, there are those certain products you just can't live without, what I'm loving most about these picks is that they are all under the thirty dollar mark.  What more could a girl ask for?  

  As many of my beach days are spent basking under the cutest beach umbrella, my golden glow would never say so.  Sun-kissed color is only a pump away with this buildable color from Jergen's Natural Glow.  Just pinched cheeks always impart a healthy glow as well. Get them the easy way by using this indispensable little miracle worker from Bobbi Brown.  Dab it on the apples of your cheeks for a fresh-faced look.  Add a little on the lips for some low-maintenance lovely.  No mirror required.  Finally, I love to keep my hair lustrous and supple with a great leave in conditioner like this one from Phyto. Your stylist  {and wallet} will thank you come fall.

  Have a gorgeous weekend!


More great beauty buys under $30…








10 Best Ways to Exfoliate




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






10 Best Ways to Exfoliate




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,















Sealed with a KISS




Remember the days when you colored, crafted and carefully closed that special Valentine with those sweet little letters {S.W.A.K.}?  Well, while Valentine's Day has grown up a little bit since then, you still want your lips to be kissably soft this Valentine's Day.  These quick steps will get the job done 1...2...3.

EXFOLIATE:  Just like you always want to give your skin a thorough sloughing, you need to do the same for your lips.  Scrubs are a wonderful way to do this with many lovely flavors and fragrances available to choose from.  Can't find a sweet scrub handy?  Not a problem.  You can easily whip up your own homemade version by mixing a small amount of sugar and olive oil that you can work into the lips for the same effect.  Removing those dead skin cells will banish pesky rough spots and keep flakes at bay, leaving your lips smooth and plump and ready for hydration.

HYDRATE:  Once your lips have been smoothed and plumped, they are ready for the moisture they crave to keep them healthy and soft.  Look for balm and butters that contain natural oils and extracts and peptides aimed at enhancing lip volume and lip definition.

PROTECT:  Now that your lips are perfectly pouty, you'll want to treat them to the same protection you give your skin daily.  Be sure to look for products that contain an SPF (even in the winter months) that will shield lips from the sun's harmful rays.


Easy as 1...2...3.  Ready, set, smile and enjoy a lovely Wednesday!

XO,

Kelly


LIPPY//YSL Lipstick//Smashbox Lip Gloss//Clinique Chubby Sticks//Clinique Gloss//Bobbi Brown//Rosebud Salve//Vanilla Bean Lip Scrub//Kiss Me by philosophy//Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle//Fresh Sugar Lip Balm



Sealed with a Kiss





Sealed with a KISS




Remember the days when you colored, crafted and carefully closed that special Valentine with those sweet little letters {S.W.A.K.}?  Well, while Valentine's Day has grown up a little bit since then, you still want your lips to be kissably soft this Valentine's Day.  These quick steps will get the job done 1...2...3.

EXFOLIATE:  Just like you always want to give your skin a thorough sloughing, you need to do the same for your lips.  Scrubs are a wonderful way to do this with many lovely flavors and fragrances available to choose from.  Can't find a sweet scrub handy?  Not a problem.  You can easily whip up your own homemade version by mixing a small amount of sugar and olive oil that you can work into the lips for the same effect.  Removing those dead skin cells will banish pesky rough spots and keep flakes at bay, leaving your lips smooth and plump and ready for hydration.

HYDRATE:  Once your lips have been smoothed and plumped, they are ready for the moisture they crave to keep them healthy and soft.  Look for balm and butters that contain natural oils and extracts and peptides aimed at enhancing lip volume and lip definition.

PROTECT:  Now that your lips are perfectly pouty, you'll want to treat them to the same protection you give your skin daily.  Be sure to look for products that contain an SPF (even in the winter months) that will shield lips from the sun's harmful rays.


Easy as 1...2...3.  Ready, set, smile and enjoy a lovely Wednesday!

XO,

Kelly


LIPPY//YSL Lipstick//Smashbox Lip Gloss//Clinique Chubby Sticks//Clinique Gloss//Bobbi Brown//Rosebud Salve//Vanilla Bean Lip Scrub//Kiss Me by philosophy//Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle//Fresh Sugar Lip Balm



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