Category Archives: editorial sample

yes to grapefruit exfoliating body wash

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yes to grapefruit exfoliating body wash

i am dedicating the month of april to the art of the shower!
read more april showers themed posts here.

i’m not the biggest fan of body scrubs that come in tubs. something about unscrewing a big tub, trying to avoid water rushing into it, scooping out a bunch of crystals soaked in oils, slathering it on my body, attempting to avoid touching my face, and then slip sliding around in the shower trying not to kill myself…just isn’t the most relaxing experience.

i also find that while scrubs are great for exfoliating (their main purpose, yes), i always need to follow up with a body wash to rid my skin of excess oil when i’m done.

rather than leave my body un-exfoliated (gasp!), i have been hunting for the perfect solution – and this new scrub from yes to is changing the game. first of all, it comes in a tube which means i can put the lovely scented stuff straight on to my loofah without involving my hands. second, as i wash and scrub away i can actually feel my skin getting cleaner while the ground pumice naturally exfoliates.

i consider this more of a body polish as it walks the fine line between body scrub and body wash, leaving my skin with a smooth even tone that’s a touch glowier than what i started with. it’s completely non-greasy and rinses away clean without having to work at it and, best of all, i’m left with the feeling that it really takes care of my skin while it cleanses and exfoliates. (you know how some scrubs can feel like they are actually tearing your skin off of your body? none of that here.)

roll all of those amazing qualities into one product that costs under $10 and i can’t help but feel as though we’ve got a big winner on our hands.

shop yes to grapefruit exfoliating body wash ($9.99) >

hard candy cc correction creme

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hard candy cc creme

oh, alphabet creams.

first there was the bb craze, now cc creams are on the scene, with dd creams not far behind. quietly testing bunches and bunches of them, i have mainly stayed out of the conversation because…well to be perfectly honest, i haven’t been the biggest fan. (just a little proof for you that i will never post anything on this blog that doesn’t pass my test!) my skin is just not well suited to bb creams, so i kept chugging along with my typical primer-plus-foundation routine without complaint. when hard candy contacted me about their new cc cream, i was optimistic but skeptical. when i finally got around to giving it a test last week, i was floored. i seriously cannot believe that i let this $8 wonder sit in a drawer for so long.

but first, let’s back up. what exactly is a cc cream? cc stands for color correction (or color control, or complete correction…) and cc creams claim to retain all of the skincare benefits of a beauty balm while adding more effective and natural-looking skin coverage. cc creams include spf, come in multiple shades, tending to blend better with skin tone than a bb cream, and, with a lighter texture, they leave a less oily finish while still nourishing the skin.

the hard candy cc cream comes in four shades (i’m using fair), is oil free, and includes spf 15. the texture definitely leans on liquid, so i’ve been turning the tube facing up, squeezing a little out and then using my brush to pick up the creme straight from the top of the tube. it works well because my hands don’t need to be involved and i don’t waste any product. the creme is super easy to apply, needing hardly any blending at all. my skin tone is quickly improved by a light application and i absolutely love the way that this stuff wears. my skin is left looking not too matte, not too shiny, just flawlessly natural. i find that the coverage is more than a tinted moisturizer and the wear time is so impressive that this little tube has completely replaced my primer-plus-foundation routine. needless to say i am really loving this stuff – so, providing that you can find the right shade match i am highly recommending!

shop hard candy cc correction creme ($8) >

march bag + balm

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march bag + balm

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bag: sonia kashuk yarn print double zip clutch, $14.99
balm: sonia kashuk moisture luxe tinted lip balm in hint of pink, $8.99

i am dy-ing over the spring collection from sonia kashuk. we are talking brand new packaging across the board, tons of new products at incredible price points and pretty, pretty color as far as the eye can see. i love when such an accessible brand gets it so right and sonia has nailed every single spring trend.

the bag combines two of my favorite silhouettes – a dome shape and a double zip. the dome shape is ideal for stashing makeup of varying shapes and sizes and the double zip means that you can keep tools and product separate if that’s your game. then there’s the matter of the shiny gold hardware, the contrast trim and the yellow patent zipper pulls – not a detail was missed.

as for the balm, i think “balm” is a negotiable word here. this gorgeously pigmented lippie is more of a super sleek and hydrating lipstick. the tint is powerful, almost opaque, but the balm-like formula means your lips are lush and happy (no dried out weirdness).

the absolute best part about this pairing is that you can scoop it up at your local target and the total cost is under $25. (i don’t know if you’ve been doing the math, but that’s about as much as i tend to spend on one lip product at sephora or the department store counters.)

beautyrx skincare

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beautyrx skincare

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sometimes skin needs a little something extra. if your skin is generally well-behaved, kiss your gene pool and consider yourself a lucky lady. as for the rest of us, the struggle to maintain clarity can be a real source of stress and anxiety. i recently discovered beautyrx skincare and i am highly impressed by their collection. dermatologist dr. schultz has created a line of products based on chemical exfoliation using glycolic acid. chemical exfoliation has been known to improve all kinds of skin concerns – from dark spots, to texture issues, and even clogged pores that lead to acne. glycolics can be too harsh for some skin types when used daily, but i have found the beautyrx products to be tweaked the exact right amount for me.

by answering these quick questions, i received a recommendation for the balancing cleanser and the essential solar defense lotion. the cleanser is creamy and lightweight, perfect for removing the day’s makeup and for prepping skin in the morning. your skin feels completely clean, but not stripped and it has truly helped to clear my skin. the essential solar defense lotion can be used on face and body. it spreads easily, dries quickly and since it’s oil-free it’s also non-greasy and won’t clog pores.

this pair of products has changed my skin for the better! if you’re looking to make a change in your skincare routine and need to call in the experts, dr. schultz’s beautyrx is a quality solution.

shop beautyrx >

it cosmetics ultra repair liquid oxygen foundation

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it cosmetics oxygen foundation

i’m very picky about what goes on my face, because breathe on it wrong and i’m suffering a massive breakout. i’m always skeptical about foundation and i’m intensely particular about formula and what something feels like when it goes onto my skin. when it cosmetics’ new ultra repair liquid oxygen foundation arrived, i had high hopes because there is a lot of buzz about oxygen-infused products and how great they are for your skin. your skin cells (and all of your cells, really) require oxygen to metabolize and boosting the oxygen level can give you more youthful, glowing skin.

this foundation goes on the most smooth of any other that i have found. it looks and feels like second skin – absolutely weightless. your face is left looking dewy with minor imperfections completely blurred away. normally with a foundation, i love the way that it looks or i love the way that it feels on my face, but rarely both. in this case, you get the best of both worlds plus amazing skincare benefits. the formula includes hyaluronic acid to keep skin supple (especially helpful in winter), it contains anti-aging ingredients like peptides (to plump and hydrate skin), hydrolyzed collagen (to help fight fine lines and wrinkles), and niacin (which minimizes pigmentation).

i will also note that adding the ultra repair liquid oxygen foundation to my regular routine and making no other changes to my skincare, i have noticed a real difference in my skin health and clarity. it’s calmer and much more clear – improvements that i can fully attribute to oxygen. if you’re skin is picky and you’re in the market for a new foundation, this is an incredible and innovative option.

shop it cosmetics ultra repair liquid oxygen foundation ($39.95) >

bite beauty matte creme lipstick

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i am craving bold, bright lips – especially rich fuchsias and electric violets. i should have known that my favorite lip line would deliver the goods. bite beauty’s new matte creme lipsticks are pure velvet. the four crazy fun shades deliver lush, moisturizing color that lasts for hours and their signature ingredient, reservatrol, ensures your lips are hydrated and nourished. for a matte finish, these are surprisingly comfortable to wear and i can’t say enough about the pigment-rich color. i’m particularly taken with lilac (the vibrant fuchsia on the top right) and violet (bottom left). just gorgeous.

have you delved into the world of bite beauty yet? do you think you’ll be giving these a go?

shop bite matte creme lipsticks ($24) >

hold me baby bag

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hold me baby bag

it takes a lot to impress me in the beauty bag department. with the multitude of options available everywhere i turn, a company has to be bringing something really new and different to the table in order to catch my attention. when the hold me company reached out to me with the new, smaller scale version of their original hold me bag, i couldn’t resist giving it a try. i have to have everything in its place, especially my beauty products, especially when it comes to travel. my biggest gripe in the travel cosmetic world has been the lack of a product that will keep my stuff organized for a quick overnight (or even a two night) stay. when all i’m packing is a duffel, i don’t want to have to lug a huge hanging organizer or train case around for my makeup and skincare.

the hold me baby bag is the perfect solution. it offers at-a-glance organization complete with brush protection (one of my favorite features!) and it holds a ton, before folding up to a compact size. the high performance knew-suede fabric is easy to care for making me worry much less about spills and explosions. the wrap-around cinch tie means that i can close the bag efficiciently regardless of how much stuff i’ve shoved inside (no velcro, magnet, or metal snap that would restrict the number/shape of products).

i could have gotten many more products tucked inside this hold me baby, but i wanted to show you how perfectly sized it is for my daily routine. the high-quality, unique bag comes in 12 different liner color options ( each done in a wipe-clean cotton print) so there’s definitely something for everyone. i’m curious: do you have a hold me bag? is there something else that works well for taking your beauty on an overnight adventure?

shop hold me baby bag ($55) >

living proof weightless styling spray

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living proof weightless styling spray

i feel compelled to affirm that i test hair brands beyond living proof. it’s just that the lp products always rise above the rest – and who am i to withhold good, quality information from you only for fear of beginning to sound like a broken record?

living proof’s weightless styling spray is yet another winner. it completely stops frizz and blocks humidity without causing buildup or weighing hair down with silicones or oils. a good all-over head spray before drying is enough to smooth out my curls and prep hair for the flat iron. my croc glides through without resistance and i love the added shape and hold that i get from this product. i tested it in yesterday’s rainy weather without any puffiness, kink or curl making an appearance – the smoothness held up far above my expectations. then today, as i was running late and had to skip my shower, i was completely impressed with how clean my hair still looked since yesterday morning’s wash and blow dry. the lightness of the spray gives hair a matte, natural finish and the formula works to actually repel dirt, keeping my hair cleaner longer.

i’m crazy about this stuff and will definitely be working it into my regular product rotation. it’s a great option for girls who have fine-to-medium hair and anyone whose hair texture needs smoothing or straightening, but can’t handle anything heavy.

shop living proof weightless styling spray ($26) >

bareminerals blush in the natural high

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bare escentuals natural high

part of the ready collection, this new blush from bareminerals comprises all of the mineral goodness from your favorite bare escentuals blushes in a solid form. antioxidant sea minerals help to smooth and soften skin while enhancing cheeks with an ultra flattering pop of color.

the blush itself is smooth and sheer, very easy to build and blend. i get an easy eight hours of wear without any added shine or extra attention to pores or imperfections. it’s just the right amount of glow in a color that’s perfect for my fair skin, but it’s a shade that will definitely flatter olive and caramel tones as well. the golden petal gives me a windswept flush and doesn’t accentuating the touch of redness that i get on my cheeks and around my nose this time of year (an impressive feat – i have to be so careful with blush color). i apply it using this brush in swirling circles and the finished look is pure perfection.

if you, like me, tend to collect these peach-gold-shimmer-rose toned blushes, this will be a welcome addition to your menagerie. note: it’s nearly sold out everywhere, get this one while you can!

shop bareminerals ready blush in the natural high ($22) >

tata harper aromatic treatments

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tata harper aromatic treatments

lately i find myself in a state of entrepreneurial mania. as an independent sales representative working with two national brands and one budding fragrance company, a blogger and brand ambassador times two, it’s easy to feel like my head is spinning in many different directions at any given moment. i’m also getting ready to launch another exciting project next month and while i am beyond thrilled with everything i have going on, it can start to feel like a bit too much on one plate. i know this feeling is not unique to me so i had to share just one of the ways that i’m keeping calm and carrying on.

tata harper is a 100% natural organic and nontoxic anti-aging skincare company. rooted in the belief that stress is one of the leading causes of premature aging, the line is complete with an aromatherapy line of mood treatments that promote wellness, stability, and vitality. their trio of essential botanical oils help to maintain a sense of calm, balance, and wellness.  when applied to the pulse points on the insides of your wrists, behind your ears, and on the sides of your neck, they work to help you relax, reduce irritability, and de-stress.

bedtime treatment: mandarin (calms the mind and acts as a mild sedative), melissa oils (inner contentment), clary sage (deep relaxation), lavender (soothes, relaxes, calms)

irritability treatment: roman chamomile (comforts, calms), bergamot (relieves irritation and anger), patchouli (stabilizes and grounds)

stress treatment: linden blossom (calms), rose otto (alleviates anxiety), fresh neroli (uplifts and soothes nerves), frankincense (deepens breathing)

i haven’t always been the biggest holistic healing believer, but i will say that whether it’s truly psychological or a bunch of hooey, taking thirty seconds to calm down and center myself daily is an essential part of my beauty routine. tata harper’s aromatic treatments come in perfectly portable glass rollerball bottles that look beautiful on my bedside table and are a cinch to pack up and take on the road. i can’t recommend them highly enough.

shop tata harper aromatherapy ($60 each) >