Beauty
Summer Beauty Favorites
I’ve really fine tuned my beauty routine over the years. I’ve been able to narrow down which items I keep on my vanity at all times which is great because everything is so easy to see and access. It’s even better for the summer – especially with so many short weekend trips, because then I don’t have to bring a boatload of products with me!
I wanted to share some of my current favorite summer beauty items (which are also my go-to year round products!) with you. I’m a believer in less is more for everything in my life. When it comes to skincare it’s always nice when you can stick to a few products that actually work – and work WELL at that.
I’ve tested my fair share of face masks since starting this blog, and have been both pleasantly surprised and majorly disappointed in several of them. So I decided to step it up and try out the patches from SiO Beauty. Their EyeLift patches really wowed me and helped fill in the fine lines around my eyes overnight (hello 30). I definitely wasn’t as diligent about applying sunscreen and protecting my skin from the sun in my 20s and I am paying for it now. These eye patches are made of medical grade silicone (aka they mean business!) and they’re reusable up to 15x which I LOVE (more bang for your buck.) They’re not gooey, wet or messy like many of the other masks I’ve tried – so they don’t slip down your face. They comfortably hug the skin and provide deep hydration to help promote the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture, leaving the skin smooth, hydrated and firm! I love that I can sleep with them on, and even wear them for a few hours while I’m at home unwinding.
Another skincare product I adore is one I’ve raved about on Stories – and has a cult following for a reason. Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum is full of incredible, pure ingredients that make it safe to use when pregnant and give you that effortless glow. I notice I get fewer breakouts when I use it (must be the essential oil blend), and tons of compliments on my skin. I rub a nickel size drop in my palm at night to heat up the serum, and pat it into my skin, and around the patches if I’m wearing the SiO EyeLift that night. My pores are smaller the next day, and everything is smooth and clear.
You may remember My Favorite Face Oils post from a few months ago where I tested 10+ different oils and reviewed them all. Well, I have to update the post now because this Goop face oil beats them all! I recently got a sample from my intern and she converted me. The smell is heavenly and natural, the texture is perfect, and the way it just sinks into your skin makes it ideal for applying pre-makeup in the morning.
For a gorgeous bronze cheekbone – try the Bobbi Brown bronzer in Bali Brown. It’s been my go-to for 10+ years, goes on so well and looks so natural. For a light, clear coverage get the Giorgio Armani foundation. It’s not super thick so it’s great for everyday, and can be applied using your hands. It blends into your skin effortlessly and doesn’t clog pores. For those wondering, I wear shade 6.5.
I have gotten down to washing my hair 2 times a week. I find that it looks better a little messy and gives me more volume this way! In order to keep it looking fresh I swear by R&Co dry shampoo, vegan and cruelty free powder. The spray is great too, but the powder is AMAZING for summer travels.
I rarely wear perfume in the summer, but when I do I love this Florence based brand that I found in a shop on Abbot Kinney called; Vanilla del Madagascar. I also bought the Amber scent and they mix beautifully together! I couldn’t find the perfume online for purchase, but this is their site. If you’re in NYC, Only Hearts in Nolita also carries their perfume!
Shop all of my summer beauty must haves below!
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Shopbop + Sephora Sales
Exciting news! Shopbop is having a SURPRISE 2 day sale, and Sephora is having a SECRET sale for VIBs. Take up to 40% off 1000+ styles at Shopbop. Take 20% off sitewide at Sephora with code HEYROUGE if you’re a ROUGE member, 15% off with code HEYVIB. If you’re a VIB, and 10% off with code HEYINSIDER if you’re an INSIDER starting May 2-6.
Shopbop Sale
I have my eye on several things from the Shopbop sale… For next winter, I highly recommend snapping up these Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots, this Mackage coat (as seen here), and this Woolrich down jacket which I LIVE in during the freezing temps. For summer, I love this royal blue maxi dress, this Eugenia Kim sun hat, this embroidered tunic, this stripe jumpsuit, and this simple midi dress. For year round, you can’t go wrong with these Rag & Bone booties, this stripe tank, these Stuart Weitzman simple sandals (that I own in 5 colors!), and these classic white jeans. A few other fun items I’m loving are these gold earrings, this kimono, this red midi dress, and these silky PJs.
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Sephora Sale
From the Sephora sale, I recommend the following…
For hair:
Caviar shampoo + conditioner, Dyson hairdryer, and the T3 curling iron.
For makeup:
Charlotte Tilbury highlighter, Charlotte Tilbury eyeliner in Marlene Midnight, Charlotte Tilbury mascara, Giorgio Armani foundation, Laura Mercier caviar eye stick in Rose Gold, Lawless setting powder, Nars eyeliner in Via Appia and Bobbi Brown brow kit.
For skin:
Dermalogica exfoliator, Clarisonic massage head, Drunk Elephant face oil, Sunday Riley face oil for blemishes, Ole Henriksen toner, Supergoop sunscreen, Tata Harper resurfacing mask, Tata Harper resurfacing serum, and La Mer eye cream.
For body:
L’Occitane bubble bath and Laura Mercier body cream.
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My Valentine's Day Self Care Rituals
Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you like this holiday or not, it’s a nice reminder to pamper yourself! I wanted to share a few things I plan on doing today – and that I like doing in general to treat myself ;)
Self Care Rituals
Face Mask
My all time favorite face mask is the Sisley Black Rose mask. 100% splurge worthy. I ran out of that one though, so I plan on using this Eve Lom radiance mask. It feels really good on, but it’s not nearly as moisturizing as the Sisley one feels if I’m being completely honest!
Hydrate
I start every morning with hot lemon water, then my signature green juice. The recipe is; celery, cucumber, fennel, broccoli, and 1/2 a green apple. If I can’t find fennel I use parsley and swiss chard.
Lymph Drainage
After I shower, I put a drop of Vintner’s Daughter serum (another splurge worthy item that makes my skin glow and totally minimizes your pores so you feel more confident wearing less makeup.) I layer that with one of my face oils, and use the Clarisonic Firming Massage Head to de-puff my face.
Makeup
I wait to put makeup on until I have to – so I often try to go 3-4 days a week without wearing anything. Tonight, Derek and I have plans to cook at home, so I won’t be doing a full face of makeup, but I still want to do a little something to look more awake! I’ll put on a bit of Cle de Beaute concealer, Armani foundation, Bobbi Brown bronzer, Charlotte Tilbury highlighter, Laura Mercier caviar eye stick, and Bobbi Brown mascara. This is my go-to everyday makeup routine that creates a really subtle, natural look.
Candles
I’ve been burning Goop #2 during the day in my kitchen, but for a more romantic evening, I love Diptyque Vanille, and Byredo Bibliotheque so I’ll probably light either of those!
Bubble Bath
I love taking a hot bath in the morning or right before I go out at night. I use epsom salt from Amazon (I buy it in bulk.) It’s the perfect way to get the magnesium we all need! I also love the Goop bath salts – particularly these 3 scents.
Comfy Clothes
I like to be as comfortable as possible when I’m getting ready to go out, or working from home, so I wear either a terry cloth robe, Eberjey pajamas – or these Cuyana sweatpants that I just got from their new loungewear line. Seriously they’re my new favorite sweatpants. As a top, I’ll wear this cute grey Sol Angeles sweatshirt.
Beauty Sleep
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing better than a goodnight sleep – and getting to bed early! I’m a total night owl (most creatives are!), but I love falling asleep before 10PM when I can. Bliss! I wear this silk eye mask every night, and sleep in Restoration Hardware linen sheets. Once you go linen, you won’t go back – trust me! I also love these sheets from The Citizenry.
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Valentine's Day Gift Guide
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, it’s a holiday that I think everyone should take advantage of ;) I mean, it’s a holiday dedicated to love, romance, femininity, and indulgence! Aka it’s the perfect excuse to buy yourself those gorgeous pair of heels you’ve been eyeing, a big box of chocolate, a new makeup set, a beautiful candle, a sexy lace something, new PJs, or a pamper day fit with a mani/pedi or blowout!
I wanted to share a few things that are on my wish list, and items I’m treating to myself on this special holiday…
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Lingerie
Let’s be real. Most lingerie is super uncomfortable and itchy. I’m all about comfort and believe that when you truly feel comfortable – you feel the most beautiful. Men do appreciate lingerie every once in a while and it’s fun to surprise them and see their reaction!!! I certainly don’t wear it all the time (I actually rarely wear bras now and opt for these instead), but when I do want to feel extra sexy I slip this on. It’s soooo soft and feels like you’re wearing nothing. It’s extremely flattering and has that wow factor – trust me! I also love the thong version.
Pajamas
These Eberjey pajamas have been my go-tos forever. They’re honestly the best. Insanely cozy material, high quality, and a cute fit. They come in a variety of colors too! I also love their sleepshirts and chemises. This silk robe is beautiful to throw on when you’re doing your makeup – or over a chemise.
Beauty
The Dyson hairdryer is totally worth the $. I have extremely thick hair that usually takes forever to dry and this dries it insanely fast, plus it’s sleek and lightweight. I love this Bobbi Brown limited edition pink eyeshadow palette because it has every color you’d ever want for day or night. Usually, I use a $40 Hot Tools iron to do my curls, but recently my hairstylist told me that a ceramic iron is much more gentle and heats up faster – she recommended this T3 one. The Vintner’s Daughter active botanical serum lives up to the hype. I’ve been using it for months and my skin is softer, more hydrated and my pores are gone. Treat yourself!
Chocolate
Ok, so I’m a bit of a chocolate snob. I LOVE chocolate and have tried a zillion different kinds. I got sent a box of these Maggie Louise chocolates over Christmas and was SO impressed with the quality and taste. Usually such “instagrammable” looking chocolates fall flat in the taste department, but these are made with top notch ingredients and are just as delicious as they look! I also love Godiva (I mean, you can’t go wrong), and Nohmad Coconut Milk chocolate bars which I buy in bulk to keep in my fridge! They’re gluten, soy and refined sugar free (but you’d never know it) and paleo + vegan friendly!
Spice Things Up
I never thought I’d be talking about lube on here, but it’s 2019 and I aim to be an open book! If we’re being honest, I never used to like lube, but when Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential sent me a tube of Woo For Play, I decided to give it a try. She always has the best recommendations and since this product is completely organic and natural with coconut oil and stevia – I knew I had nothing to lose by trying it! It’s a game changer and makes everything taste and smell so good LOL – sorry if that’s TMI. I’m just obsessed – seriously I love love love this product and had to share!!!!
Other great Valentine’s Day gifts
A Kitchen Aid mixer – yes please. A massage at your favorite spa (I love these spas.) Bose Noise Cancelling headpones – Derek loves these and they’re a game changer when I’ve borrowed them to travel with, or sit at my desk with during the day. A Cuyana leather cosmetic case. This pretty gold heart necklace (only $45!) A fun feather bag (I just ordered this one in black.) A limited edition Diptyque candle.
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