My Holiday hangover beauty secret

 

 

TL;DR: Use a face mask before bed! Favorites are here ranging from $6-25 a pop and ALL cheaper than a spa treatment. (Note: the Purlisse one lists at $36 but that's for a set of 6!)

I'm just here relaxing on the last day of the year with one of my sheet masks, part of a collection that I've developed a bit of an obsession with.  I'm laying here planning in my head for tonight's regimen, after I stumble in tipsy from whatever celebratory activities I end up partaking in.  So I figured, why not share it?
I now have this mission to do whatever I can to avoid looking like death the day after a night of fun, because to me that's one of the worst feelings-  waking up feeling dehydrated, exhausted, and in multiple forms of discomfort and unease-- and then looking into the mirror to see your face perfectly matches your feelings.  Typically I'll go into rescue & recovery mode, reaching for the huge bottle of water, grabbing a bagel and popping some Advil, then washing up and slathering on whatever moisturizer I can followed by some brightening products and a good dose of foundation to pull myself together.

Though I try not to have too many nights that will lead to mornings like this, I work in an industry where inevitably it still happens.  Let alone that I frequent these events after a 12 hour shift and subsequently wake up at 5am again to go back to work.  Given the fact that this is my current lifestyle, I've decided recently to make some changes in favor of prevention and optimization, for the sake of my skin.

With all of the beauty experimenting and new product testing that I do, I've found a favorite routine that I quite enjoy: night time sheet masks.  I'm sure most of you have heard all the rave about Korean beauty that seems to have brought on this obsession, and I want to share my best way to go about this particular method.  

Usually I put the mask on at night after my shower, when the pores are open, and go to bed with it on.  The cooling feeling is super relaxing, and it's easy to fall asleep with it on.  Oftentimes I end up pulling the mask off in the middle of the night while I am tossing and turning, which is totally fine because the recommendation on the package says 20-30 minutes anyway.  Either way, when you wake up, you feel amazing and refreshed with bright, hydrated skin.  

Now, when we are talking about coming in from a night with the girls or after having some drinks at happy hour, this can't always be the case.  You might be lucky if you put your pjs on the right way.
 
My proposal to you is to try this:
Take off your makeup and wash your face.  
Get some pj's on.  
Grab a sheet mask and a bottle of water (take a sip. or actually...chug it)
Put said mask on.
Pass out.

Instead of waking up with a pale, dry, and rugged-looking face,  you wake up with skin that looks like you slept well, with good color, even brightened and supple.  You may have a headache but faking it will be all that much easier.  Bonus: grab a fresh-pressed juice first thing when you go out.

What better way to start off the new year than with an amazing feel-good skin routine? Try it tonight.  You'll thank me tomorrow.  And then keep doing it.  You thank me again in a month.  

Happy new year everyone, be safe and stay warm tonight!

xx

Holiday wishlist & things to get For that Fashion Friend (or Anyone)

I don't usually ask for much on the holidays, but there are a few items I've been particularly fond of myself lately, and I thought I'd compile these together as a holiday wishlist (possible hint hint here).  These would be perfect for the girl in your life who's super into fashion, and seems to already have all of the trendy things.  They'd be equally fitting for... well, anyone, honestly! You can't go wrong with items that are timeless and classic, and will make a person feel their best.  Here is my roundup, with all links and (reasonable) prices listed below. 

 

                                                   6

                                                   6

                                                   7

                                                   7

8

8

 

  1. RMS Living Lumizinizer ($38) - This highlighter is a beauty cult-favorite, easy to use with its multi-use abilities and omni-flattering shine.  Good for both the makeup-junkie and the simple girl who likes a quick touch-up just before running out the door.
  2. SKII Face Mask ($17) - Another cult classic.  It's not an everyday mask with the price-tag attached, but amazing for an occasional treat.  I love giving this as a gift, because you get to pamper yourself without any kind of guilt for splurging a bit on it.  You can also get them in packs of 4 if you want to go the extra mile.
  3. UGG Luxe Tech Gloves ($75) - Gloves and one of the most handy (pun...intended) winter accessories and this is exactly the time where we are reaching for them, or can't find the other matching one.  These days the touch-phone friendly version is much appreciated.
  4. Kate Spade Amaya Sunglasses ($180) - A pair of black sunglasses for that eggnog hangover, in a shape that is universally flattering on most face-shapes.  Any other frame shapes are a risk as far as gift-giving goes. 
  5. Diptyque Baies Candle ($34) - Everybody's favorite candle scent.  Chic and luxurious, and will look great in the home.
  6. Ravella Amalfi Tank ($110) - Luxurious silk (as worn in my previous post!) that will last forever and be worn beautifully with anything.
  7. Pink Lashes Mug ($21.99) - Just a super cute find and very instagrammable!
  8. Brooklinen Luxe 4-piece Sheet Set ($158.99) - A set of rich, high-quality sheets is sure to make someone very happy - are there many things people love more than a good night's sleep?


Hope the list helps! Let me know if you have any other suggestions (as I still have some shopping left to do). 
Happy shopping xx

Silky & Timeless Wardrobe Staples

As I develop my style and build my wardrobe, if there's one thing I've learned, it's the importance of having staples that are versatile and made of high quality materials.  I have my guilty pleasures with fast fashion, but as we learn more and more about what is happening in this world and how all of our actions have direct effect, it's hard not to be conscious of your purchases.  
I'm happy to have recently discovered Ravella's beautiful Italian-designed shirts.  When I discovered they were made of 100% silk and of the best quality, I had to try them out.  Not only are they gorgeous, they're well made and will take you anywhere from casual lounging to holiday-party-ready.  I especially love a good camisole top for layering, over and over. 

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The one I'm wearing here is the Amalfi Silk Tank in Caviar Black.  Great for a lazy Saturday lounging st a coffee shop or at home.  I love a top that you can wear at home but still feel good in.  There's something about silk that makes one feel classic, sexy, and powerful all at the same time.  I do a lot of work from home, and what's on your skin creates your mood and how you feel about yourself, and this transcends into all you do and what you create that day.  It's funny that we sometimes have to be reminded- but we need to take good care of ourselves, and that includes treating ourselves once in a while.  Ravella's buttery soft and super luxurious top did just that for me.

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For a holiday look, pair it with a fun pair of sequin pants or a fabulous eye-catching skirt.  Dressed-up but still comfortable is always my favorite option.

Head over to shopravella.com to see more beautiful silk options.  They've got a presale happening until December 17th, so I highly recommend you take advantage of the discounts now.  Have a beautiful week!
xx

 

This post was sponsored by Ravella, all thoughts and opinions are my own

Fall Fashion & $400 Nordstrom Rack Giveaway!

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Dress - Tobi
Shoes - Valentino
Jacket - Rag & Bone

We are right in the middle of the best season and I love to dress to match the surroundings.  Jewel tones, leathers, plaids, & boots! Also, the West Village is one of the cutest neighborhood to walk around when it comes to be time for seasonal decor and festive feels.  Meeting up for coffee and a Saturday stroll before the weather gets too cold is a favorite weekend pasttime.  Not to mention all of the cute little boutiques you can wander into and occasionally find a good item (my best finds are always when I'm not "looking").

To celebrate the season, I've teamed up with my fellow blogger gals to get one lucky reader a little thank-you gift.  What better way to expand your fall wardrobe and prep for colder weather than a Nordstrom Rack gift of $400?  Take a shopping trip with your bestie (cc: Jenna Jordan) or start shopping for gifts for the holidays.  All you have to do is leave a comment and/or page like for the bloggers of your choice.  Enter below! 

 

Photos by Dennis Christians


Not so little fine print:

  • No purchase necessary. A purchase does not improve your chance of winning. Void where prohibited.
  • Entrant must be 18 years old as of sweepstakes start date and a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia or Canada,  as of start date.
  • Sweepstakes begins Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 12:00 a.m. EST, and closes on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 12:00 a.m. EST.
  • Each entrant selected as a potential winner must comply with all terms and conditions set forth in these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all such requirements. Winners will be selected by random drawing. If a potential winner cannot be contacted within fourteen (14) days after the first attempt to contact such potential winner, an alternate entrant will be selected in his or her place from all entries received.
  • Contest is in no way sponsored, administered by, or associated with Nordstrom, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

Birthday Vibes

 Frank Jerky and I got together and shot two videos in a day.  It was the first time we were working together and the first time I did any video content.  We had a lot of fun and I look forward to doing more! What do you think about video vs photo content?

Anyway it also happens to be my birthday and to be honest there isn't much for me to ask for.  I've got amazing friends and family that I'm very thankful for, and can only hope to improve myself with another year of great experiences in the books.  Thanks to all who have been a part, big or small! 

Looking forward to the next. 

 

Thanks to Cutler Salon for giving me a Redken HeatCure treatment- if you have colored (especially highlighted!) or damaged hair, this treatment is amazing.  Hair felt like it was transformed to silk, a contrast from its almost straw-like state after all the bleaching!!   I linked above so you can read about it if you're curious.

xx

 

Dress - Layana Aguilar

Shoes - Valentino

Hair styling by Hayde Georgakis at Cutler Salon for Redken

Filmed by Frank Jerky