MY SKIN CARE ROUTINE X BIRCHBOX

12.01.2017

My beauty routine is fuss free. Especially when it comes to make-up, I always keep my look very simple. On occasion I might do a bold lip but on a daily basis that about as fancy as it’s gonna get. Honestly it’s a bit overwhelming for me and I think that’s why I always stick to what I know. When I got the opportunity to work with Birchbox I felt like a kid in a candy store. It made me realize how much I actually love trying new things and mixing it up can be such an awesome pick me-up. Especially when you’re a tired mama who doesn’t have the energy to drag two kids into a store to try out samples. Every month is like a treat! And what I love most is that they tailor the box especially for you so chances are that you are really going to love everything that is sent to you. I also love that everything included is not make-up. It ranges from beauty tools to skin care and hair products which I think is amazing.

Along with the samples and products you get to try out monthly, Birchbox also has an awesome shop where you can purchase just about any full size beauty product you can think of. I selected five products that I’ve been wanting to try and honestly really needed. My biggest beauty thing right now has been trying to take better care of my skin. I don’t want to look younger but I do want to make sure I am taking proper care of my face. And getting rid of a few fine lines wouldn’t hurt. Am I right? Below is a breakdown of how I have been using the products in my skin care routine.

Morning

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream SPF 30 – I have been on the hunt for a daily moisturizer that felt light on my skin but also had SPF so I wouldn’t have to apply two different creams. I have been using this every morning and I’m in love. It feels rich when applying but dries light enough that my face doesn’t feel heavy.

Evening

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair – I would say that this is a cult favorite among those in the beauty world and is a product I have wanted to try for a looong time. And well, now I know why it’s so popular. It’s a serum that when applied nightly helps with signs of aging, fine lines, dry spots, etc. I have been applying just a few drops (3-4) in the evening before I moisturize. I wake up with a glow and it makes my skin feel so so soft.

Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker – I really needed a new cream specifically for night time and chose this after reading amazing reviews. I apply after the night repair is fully absorbed (I wait about 5 minutes or so). It feels amazing when applying and I love that it’s working while I sleep. Wins!

Weekly

Oribe Gold Envy Mask – I’ll be honest. I wanted to try this because I wanted to incorporate masks into my routine and this looked fancy. Mama needed a pick me up and what better way than slathering your face in a gold-infused mask that promises to make you look amazing. It has ingredients like evening primrose and sweet almond oil to improve elasticity in your skin as well as caviar to get rid of any dead skin you may have. The glow is real ladies. After using for a few weeks I see a noticeable difference in the texture of my skin and I am just so happy with this product.

Dr. Brandt Magnetight Age-Defier – This is my favorite product of the bunch. Which is big since I truly love all of them. I was skeptical about it but wanted to try because I’ve been seeing dozens of videos floating around about magnetic masks and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The removal process is pretty awesome (everything comes off with a tiny magnet) but honestly the mask works. Like really, really works. Whenever I use this I have Ivan touch my face afterwards and we both can’t get over how smooth my skin feels. It’s unreal!

Wearing the Gold Envy Mask!

I am SO impressed with Birchbox. From the service to the selection of products. It has made me enjoy experimenting with both my beauty and skin care routine so much more and that is such a huge plus for me. It makes everything so easy which I think every mama needs with the amazing bonus of feeling like you are being pampered.

#SkipAWash with Dove

12.31.2016

I’m so excited to have partnered with Dove Hair – one of my long time favorite beauty brands – for their #SkipAWash challenge. As a busy mama of two, their new dry shampoo has been the ultimate lifesaver. On a typical day I have about 5 minutes or less to make myself presentable and get out of the house with both kids. Most days my hair isn’t washed and I tend to throw it up in a top knot (mom bun!) or pony tail. With just a few spritzes of the dry shampoo my hair feels clean and bouncy – it’s such an amazing feeling because when my hair is done I truly feel so much better! So here ya go..3 simple steps on how to use this magic stuff:

+ shake can and apply to the roots (where your hair is most oily)
+ massage it through and make sure it is applied evenly
+ brush through and voila!

It’s perfect for the holidays, too and available at many retailers such as Target and CVS at only $3.99. Seriously this will change your entire beauty routine!

WHOLESOME BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS WITH GARNIER®

05.06.2016

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, Garnier® Whole Blends™ continue to remind us of our unique beauty.

Everyday my emotions fluctuate intensely. Extreme exhaustion, happiness like I’ve never known, frustration(oh the frustration!), a form of patience that I truly believe only a parent is capable of, and love. So much love. The purest form that is what unicorns and fairy dust are made of. All of these emotions encompass the beautiful moments and memories I have and continue to create with my children.

It’s so easy to focus on the negatives and the feelings that may seem “bad” (i.e.: frustration, a loss of patience, the nights where your head hits the pillow and you think to yourself..”I could have done better today”). I have come to realize that every morning is a fresh start. A clean slate to continue creating memories and try to be the best mom you can be. And luckily our kids are so very forgiving. Am I right? Now that Lillie is 9 months, I have finally begun taking better care of myself. I am no expert in parenting but what I do know is that when you feel good, your energy shoots up and you are an overall better person, wife, and mama. Taking even just a 1/2 hour a day makes a world of difference in my mood and demeanor.

A few days a week I carve out time for my overall beauty routine. This includes everything from threading my eyebrows, face masks, hair masks, and giving myself a blowout. For hair maintenance I have been using Garnier® Whole Blends™. The Repairing line with Honey Treasures shampoo/conditioner and mask keeps my hair strong (which is so important since I have been regularly coloring it since last year) and it smells divineeee. Some important things about this line to note: it’s paraben-free and is so gentle on my hair. The ingredients used for all Garnier® Whole Blends™ (such as Argan and Coconut Oil) are all purchased fairly and sustainably to support local farmers and what I love most: Garnier® has partnered with TerraCycle to keep beauty products out of landfills.

So yes mamas, I promise, taking care of my hair and my overall health and body has made a huge improvement in the way I feel day to day. It seems so small but in reality it is such a mood booster and makes me feel put together. Even when we are just headed to the park or on an errand. Happy mama, happy life… 😉 Take a little time to pamper yourself. You are worth it! And it makes creating those beautiful moments with your family all that much sweeter.

Photos by Mary Grace

PREGNANCY SKIN CARE

04.29.2015

A lot of things start happening skin wise when you’re pregnant. Weird red patches and outbreaks, sensitivity, itching…I could go on. With both my pregnancies I’ve tried a few different brands and products, most of which bothered me smell wise and just didn’t feel good on my skin – too greasy, too light.

The moment I entered my second trimester I started a skin care routine that I’ve been pretty religious with. One of my favorite companies that I have been using is Basq. All of their products are made in the USA and are allergy and sensitive free (which is so important to me since pregnant mama skin can be so wonky). Below I’ve listed some of my favorite products and how/when I use them..

+ Citrus Scrub: I can’t even begin to describe the relief I feel when I use this stuff. Magic I tell you! I usually scrub my entire body down – focussing on my belly and breasts – twice a week. Not only does it leave my skin feeling silky smooth, it’s also a relief from that tight feeling you can sometimes experience.

+ Resilient Body Oil: The eucalyptus scent is my jam and I haven’t gotten sick of it which is huge. I use this every night before bed. It’s the perfect consistency and not too “oily” (make sense?). A few pumps go a long way.

+ Facial Cleanser: My face reacted very differently this time around. A few breakouts and blotchy patches appeared. I wanted to make sure I used a gentle cleanser and this scrub is perfect. I use 2-3x a week and it leaves me with the prettiest glow and is extremely gentle.

I truly believe in taking great of your skin and with a few minor tweaks in your pre-pregnancy routine, your regimen can be easily customized and leave you feeling good and pampered (yes!). This post is partnership with Basq, a company I love. All opinion are my own.

SNIP SNIP. AND THERE IT WENT.

04.13.2014

I’ve been letting my hair grow since I was pregnant with Lucas with only the occasional trim (thanks, mom!). I am wildly attached to my hair and it’s always kinda, sorta been my thing. Even on days where I feel frumpy and less than stellar my hair has always been there to save the day. I’m a hair coward I suppose. Well there has been a shift in the hair universe and the past few months I have been on a short-do pinning frenzy. Fantasizing about a chic bob and the sorts. But after growing it so long (the kind of long that clogs the drain and gets stuck in weird places..) you start to feel guilty about chopping it all off. It’s a labor of love to maintain my hair. Lately it had become more of a pain than anything else. I didn’t have the time or energy to blow it out and more often than not it was tied up. I’m now an expert at the top knot. Email me for tips 😉 In all seriousness, there’s no sense in having long hair if you’re not going to let it hang in all it’s glory, am I right?Last week I finally grew a pair and made the appointment and Friday was the big day. After a few glasses of wine, I left the salon feeling brand new. But let’s be real – cutting off 14 inches of hair is a BIG DEAL. I woke up Saturday and cried for twenty minutes. Yep, I sure did. I think I remember this sort of thing happening when we cut off Lucas’s hair for the first time. I’m a sap for hair! But two days later and mama is feeling good. I have my ponytail in a plastic ziplock ready to be mailed to Beautiful Lengths (thanks to a mama on Instagram who made the recommendation!). You can learn more about the program and requirements here. So basically, wins for all! #shorthairdontcare