Farmacy Beauty | Honeymoon Glow & Honey Potion

Farmacy Beauty knocked this duo out of the park. 

Honeymoon Glow is a marvelous night serum that hydrates and repairs the look of dull skin (14% AHA, BHA and hyaluronic acid). I put this on a few nights ago and the next morning my husband commented on how good my skin looked (which he has never done before). I started putting this on at night, twice a week before my moisturizer. You can slowly work up to every night, but I would recommend starting with two to three times per week until you see how your skin reacts to the key ingredients. 

If you are not familiar with AHA, BHA and HAs: 

AHAs are a water-soluble acid that helps exfoliate the surface layer of skin so that new, more evenly pigmented cells can generate and take their place. 

BHAs are oil soluble and unlike AHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. 

HA is a substance that is naturally found in the body, but can be found in many moisturizing creams, lotions and serums. HAs are very popular due to their ability to hydrate and plump the skin. 

Honey Potion is a hydrating, warming honey face mask that is soothing and enjoyable to apply. The mixture changes consistency as it interacts with your body temperature, transforming into a white milky texture, which makes it extremely simple to see where you've applied the mask. Leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes (I like to leave it for 25-30) and rinse. 

These two products are incredible and have the Clean at Sephora stamp of approval. Formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more. The only negative to one of these products (which I personally don't have a problem with, but some people may) is the scent of Honeymoon Glow.
One of my favorite things about Farmacy Beauty as a brand is that they include zero synthetic fragrances into their products and are Formaldehyde donor free as well. The scent of HG only lasts about 10 seconds on my skin, and then I move onto the rest of my evening routine.

A small price to pay for clean, quality ingredients!

XOXO,
L

Favorite Non-Toxic (& Cruelty Free) Makeup - W3ll People, Thrive Causemetics, Tarte & More!

Non-toxic skincare and makeup have been high on my priority list to switch over from conventional products. I downloaded the app "Think Dirty" app, and since then have been looking up every single product I use on my body. If you haven't already done research on the number of toxic chemicals allowed to be used in the USA (vs Europe and many other countries) you should, it's frightening.

These are a few of the items I have switched over so far and absolutely LOVE. Not all of them are completely non-toxic, but I am getting there!

First and foremost, if you have a Target near you - RUN - and pick up any of the Well People products you can find. The line is incredible, with a gorgeous foundation stick, and mineral foundation powder, you can find your perfect base. The first product I tried from Well People was their concealer, which has never disappointed me. It doesn't crease and adds the perfect amount of moisture and coverage. My most recent addition from this brand is their face trio, which includes a beautiful bronzer, perfect blush & highlight. The pigmentation is incredible, and at this super inexpensive price point, you won't be able to say no to non-toxic makeup! Find more gorgeous Well People products here!

This next product really is becoming a cult classic! If you haven't already heard of Thrive Cosmetics, I'm super excited to tell you about it! I received this eye brightening stick in a Fab Fit Fun box last year and haven't gone a day without using it!

The next line and product I've loved for many years is E.L.F Cosmetics. This blush stick and their 16 hour camouflage concealer have completely transformed my makeup! This ELF concealer is, in my opinion, so much better than Tarte's Shape Tape and a fraction of the price!

My other absolute favorite products shown are:
Tarte's Maneater Mascara (have used this for YEARS!)
Tarte's Double Duty Tinted Brow Gel in Blonde
Wet n Wild Highlighter in Golden Flower Crown

Product I love that is not mentioned:
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer 

     

What are some of your favorite Non-Toxic beauty products?

XOXO,
E

Tula - Glow and Get It Cooling and Brightening Stick

This is the first product from Tula that I've tried, but I've heard so many amazing things from other skincare bloggers, so I knew I had to try it! 

All Tula products are packed with probiotics and infused with caffeine, apple, aloe (which is AMAZING for your skin) watermelon and blueberries, and this one is no different. It also has the best cooling and tightening effect that occurs immediately upon application and really helps to wake you up and give you a boost throughout the day. 

FABFITFUN | WINTER BOX 2018 Review & Giveaway!

FabFitFun Winter Box 2018 has arrived! 

I am so very excited to share the winter FabFitFun box with you all! This is the first box I've purchased, and honestly the only one that has ever caught my eye. I've had plenty of opportunities to purchase previous boxes, but none of the products have been anything that I felt was worth spending my hard earned money on. I'm a frugal shopper, and some of the items (if I'm being honest...which I am...) look like they could have been purchased on Amazon for $10. I know that isn't the case with most of them, but some were a turnoff. Here are the reasons I couldn't pass this specific box up: 

Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum - My Evening Routine & Review

If I could change one thing about my skin, it would be my lack (severe lack) of natural oil. As I've mentioned before, I am very dry. In the process of trying to find hydrating and soothing products, I scored big time with Murad's Revitalixir Recovery Serum and use it every single day.

My evening skincare routine is quite simple, as I don't believe that using 92 products will do any favors for your skin. Simple is key. Especially when you find things that work well with your skin, and you can tell a huge difference once you've given the products a fair try. I have about four steps to my evening routine, with the occasional pamper session after a long day or on the weekend.

A Health Conscious Shift

This year has ultimately been an incredible test of strength and character, no doubt. I've peaked at so many highs and plummeted to so many lows, more times that I care to admit. In this, I've found out where my mind goes when I daydream, what I care about right now - this moment.

Photo: Katie, Twist of Lemons

Spring Dreaming...

The past few days have been uncharacteristically warm for Michigan, which has put my mind into spring mode. While I have noticed that many stores have started carrying their spring lines, I know that if I purchase something now for warmer weather, I will forget about it by the time I can actually wear it! So in the meantime, I am doing some online browsing and seeing what will be available when the warm weather actually hits.

Kristin Ess X Target | New Hair Product Line 2017

Ever since seeing LC on Laguna Beach I've had insane hair envy. Well high school me, envy no longer! Kristin Ess, Lauren Conrad's hair stylist (along with Lucy Hale and Nikki Reed) has launched her first line of haircare products!

Make Up For Ever | Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation

 The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Stick is not a brand new product, it made it's first debut in 2015. This foundation is lighter and more invisible than the original HD MUFE foundation but still covers absolutely beautifully and is so gorgeous that it even looks flawless in 4k technology (which, uh, yikes! will soon be on all of our cell phones)!!

September Favorites | 2016

I am slightly torn with saying these are my September favorites because as of today, the 20th, there are still quiet a few days left in the month! So instead I'm going to say these are some of my current favorites. 

Lat and Lo | Coordinates Necklace

For my birthday this year I was so spoiled and received a gift card to Lat and Lo from one of my best friends, Lauren. She has a few pieces from their line and knew that I would love them as well.

I knew that I wanted the largest circle pendant that they offered, as I love that look over a higher neck top. The hard part was going to be choosing the coordinates that would be engraved on the pendant. I decided to go with the coordinates to Traverse City, which holds a very large spot in my heart for many reasons. I also chose to have a "hidden message" engraved on the back, which is a phrase my mom and I say to each other almost everyday.

The pendant is 22.2mm (7/8") round disc on an 18" chain, and is 14k Gold-Filled. There are a few different options with sizes and colors. Shipping was extremely fast, which I was surprised by due to their website stating that it could take up to 21 days to ship.

I also wanted to point out how beautiful and detailed their packaging is. Every single experience that you have opening your gift is well thought out. The ribbon, the notes inside explaining your piece, the beautiful and soft reusable drawstring back that your necklace comes in is absolutely perfect.

I'm incredibly impressed by the quality of this piece and I know that it will last a very long time. I can't wait to give someone one of their pieces as a gift!

Check out Lat and Lo here.


XOXO,
E

Simple Saturday | #WIW

My style has slowly evolved and at this point in my life is extremely simple. Don't get me wrong, I love a good gingham top and a statement necklace, but this is what I've been most comfortable (and confident in) as of recently. The weather finally was under 85 degrees this weekend, so for an evening outfit - this was perfect.

Being an extremely frugal shopper (I blame/thank working at Forever 21 for 6+ years) I love finding a good deal. This pale pink/taupe top with a beautiful sheer tank underneath that hangs down a bit lower than the shirt was under $20 at Marshalls, and on clearance. My jeans are Vera Wang and shoes are from Target last year. This top will be a great addition to my fall wardrobe as well. I can already see it now with an infinity scarf, dark jeans and some booties. 

XOXO,

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kat Von D - Lock It Concealer, Powder and Brushes | Review

I am over the moon with excitement that I was able to receive these beautiful products to try first hand and review. 

Kat Von D has always been a huge girl crush of mine, starting way back in her days of being on TV filming LA Ink. She now has a thriving beauty line, which incorporates many vegan products. As a vegan herself, I know that Kat has recently made the decision to remove all animal products from her makeup line completely. I'm extremely happy that all of these items are vegan! Way to go, Kat! 

The products I was lucky enough to receive are:

Lock-it Concealer Crème: L1 Neutral and L3 Warm
Lock-it Setting Powder: Translucent
Lock-it Edge Concealer Brush
Lock-it Setting Powder Brush

The brushes that Kat created are the softest things I have ever felt. They are luxurious but do their job, and they do it well. Both of these have a permanent spot on my vanity. 

The Lock-it Setting Powder is described as "An advanced translucent setting powder, formulated with Weightless Micro-Blurring Technology to set and perfect for a flawless finish". I am just going to go ahead and say it: You need this powder in your life. 

The hardest part of finding a powder I like is finding one that does not leave this dry-skinned girl looking like the sahara desert. This powder is light enough to set your concealer without adding too much additional coverage. SO thankful this was brought into my daily routine!

The Lock-it Concealer is described as a "creamy full coverage meets 24-hour power". Per usual with products that have a 24 hour claim, I never wear my makeup for a full 24 hours to put it to the ultimate test. This however does have phenomenal staying power and coverage. I have dry skin but my rosacea is something that I battle every time I do my makeup. Adding this concealer to my routine helped completely cover any areas that need additional help. It is extremely creamy as described and blends beautifully into the skin. The concealers unfortunately do have a slight scent to them, but once applied to the skin I did not notice it throughout the day. 

Left: L3 Warm, Right: L1 Neutral (Photos were not corrected to show true colors)

If you are considering any of these products, I would highly recommend them. They win extra points in my book for being vegan and cruelty free. Thank you to Kat Von D for creating an absolutely gorgeous makeup line without harming other souls in the process. 

XOXO,

E

*A huge thank you to Influenster for sending these products to me in exchange for my honest review. 

John Frieda Sleek Finish Flat Iron | Review

Unfortunately I forgot my beloved Nume flat iron at my parents house the last time I visited, which is about 4 hours away from where I live. Knowing that I would be back up to see them in a few weeks, I decided to test out a new flat iron to see if I liked that any more than my Nume flat iron. While in Target (where else would I be?) I saw that John Frieda had a flat iron that looked a little bit higher quality than many of the others that Target offered. The flat iron was a decent pricepoint, $39.99 (On sale through Cartwheel App for $34.99). I should mention that I have naturally curly, dry, frizzy, and color treated hair. I generally always have my hair curled to hide some of the damage, but the hair around my ears / face always need to be straightened whether I wear my hair straight or curly. 

I'll make this short and sweet - save your money, look for something else.

If you want to read my pros (spoiler: there is only 1) and cons, I'll explain them below.

Pro #1: The thing heats up FAST. Very fast. I know this is a universal trait for flat irons now, and anything that doesn't heat up in 15 seconds is straight from the ice age, but this sucker is very fast. 

And...that's it for pros!  

Con #1: The on/off and temperature buttons are literally in the worst place on the flat iron they could be. Depending on how you hold the flat iron, the buttons are either being pressed against the palm of your hand, or right where your fingers wrap around and hold the iron. Either way you hold it, you will press the buttons without meaning to, and you will do it often. This might not seem like a huge issue, but when you accidentally turn the iron off half way through straightening your hair, it's extremely frustrating. Why the buttons weren't placed on the inside, I'm not sure. (See below photos)

Con #2: The plates catch and pull your hair out. I'm not saying every piece of hair comes out, but the plates and edges are extremely rough and pull out individual pieces of hair as you pass over a section you are trying to straighten. 

Con #3: The plates don't smooth the hair as the packaging says they would. Like I mentioned before, my hair is thick and sometimes unruly, but this flat iron does nothing in comparison to my Nume iron. I could pass over a 1 inch section of hair 5+ times and it would not do the work that my previous iron could do in one pass. 

Con #4: (Not as crucial of a detail in my decision making - but something I wanted to mention...)
I noticed after plugging this in for the first time that this iron makes a faint clicking noise. Now, I get ready very early and it's very quiet in my house, so maybe it wouldn't bother anyone else, but I can't stand hearing the noise it makes. Unfortunately, I don't think there is a way to make it completely quiet, but again, might not be an issue for you! 

Overall, I would highly suggest waiting for a sale on Nume's website. I snagged an amazing deal, which they have often, where all of their flat irons were $40. I bought mine over three years ago and it still works just as well as the day I got it in the mail.
My order from Nume also came with an amazing carrying pouch, where you can put your 400 degree iron in, fold the pouch around it and go. The lining of the pouch is designed to withstand super hot temperatures so you never have to worry about waiting for your tools to cool down before moving them. I also received a very large bottle of Argan Oil with my purchase, which I am still using and have more than half a bottle of left. 

I highly recommend doing your research on flat irons before purchasing! Read reviews from people who actually have used the items and aren't being paid to promote an item. 

That being said, I'm not being paid for this review, I was just so disappointed that I wanted someone else to know the details if they were considering purchasing this product! 

XOXO, 
E

Tarte | Mother's Day 7-Piece Full-size Custom Kit

The excitement was unreal when this e-mail popped up in my inbox last week. Tarte's annual Create your Own Custom Kit was available on 4/26 for one day only. This kit gives you 7 Full Size (!!!) products of your choice (based on what is offered in each step of the process). This kit retails for $59, with free shipping.

Transitioning into Fall | Style and State of Mind

The summer to fall transition is one that I half accept with open arms and half want to run away from as fast as I can. For me, fall and winter is when I feel my best when it comes to style. I much prefer layering up rather than trying to be cute when it's a million (or at least 90+) degrees outside. I love a good cardigan and pair of boots. 

Tonight my man and I are going to a concert and I wanted to find something that was cute but casual (This is definitely a chill, laid back concert...no Yeezus or Drake happening tonight) :) So I picked out a few of my favorite things: slightly distressed denim, stripes and a cardigan. 

It isn't super chilly here today, about 67 degrees, but you never know how high the venue will have the A/C cranked, which is why I opted for the cardigan and options of layers.

I found this pair of distressed denim at The Gap earlier this summer and they have been my weekend staple ever since. (Work for me calls for business casual, or I would honestly wear them every single day!) I paired it with a striped tank I found at Marshalls for, of course, an amazing price. My cardigan is a gorgeous burgundy color that is from Express. I finished it off with my plain black flats from Target that are also one of my staple items! My jewelry is a super simple but adorable nescklace from Old Navy (I hunted for another one at about 4 different stores because I loved it that much and wanted a backup!!) My everyday Charming Charlie blush colored watch, and a gorgeous dotted bracelet from Purple Peridot. 

This is definitely an outfit that I feel put together in, but definitely not over done.  Now it's time for a drink and some good tunes! Happy Saturday!!

XOXO,

E

Sephora Favorites - Brow Raising Kit

Happy holiday weekend everyone! 

I've had a crazy past few weeks but I'm very thankful that things are starting to slow down...finally! One of the things that I've really been wanting to improve on (I should say just branch out on and try new products) are my brows. I saw another blogger post about Sephora's Favorites that included so many amazing brow products and of course I jumped right on the bandwagon! 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat | Review

Does anyone else remember when everyone couldn't get enough of the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch? Well, It's about to happen all over again with YSL's new Touche Eclat Blur Primer ($52) and the Eclat Blur Profector. ($55)

July Beauty Favorites | 2015

July has been absolutely an amazing month! We've traveled to the far ends of the state and soaked up as much sunshine as we could! Thank goodness the summer isn't completely over....yet! 

I have somehow accumulated so many new products this month, but these made THE cut!

Rebecca Minkoff Medium M.A.B Tote

This was the best birthday I've had in a long time. We had brunch plans and that's it. The older I get, the less I want to do on my birthday. Of course, if we had had a trip planned or something I'd be all over that as well but since we were staying at home, relaxing is just what I wanted.  After brunch and bottomless mimosas we came home where there was a beautifully wrapped present waiting for me on the table. 

Now, I've been swooning over this bag for well over a year. I've always dreamed of owning something so simple and classy. I've also shown my boyfriend many times as I really tried to convince myself I needed it and should take the splurge and purchase it. Well, well, well. What do you know. 

I can't believe she is finally mine! I'm so incredibly lucky to have such a giving and caring man in my life, and no, I don't only mean because he gifted me this beautiful bag!