how are you doing?0

Photo by Jeffrey Czum

Hoping you and your loved ones are safe and well.

As we move through week eight and settle in for what feels like the long(er) haul, I’m on a mission to make this new normal into something resembling sustainable (for the sake of my own emotional health) and hopefully something resembling enjoyable for my family, too.

A few recent acquisitions helping that lofty goal to feel just a bit more in reach:

A CBD subscription from every influencer on Instagram’s fav brand. I opted for these in regular strength and have been taking one each night after dinner to help relax my jaw while I sleep. (I was grinding so badly that I cracked a filling when all of this was just beginning!) Jury is still out on the effectiveness, but i think it’s helping a bit.

Blue light blocking glasses for me and one adorable pair for Lou. These have already made a huge difference for me as I spend more time than ever staring at a screen. They’re lightweight and flattering, plus seemingly indestructible so far – as I drop them often and am not easy on my things in general.

I have slowly gone from skipping the hair straightener to skipping the blow dry altogether. My air-dry game is getting stronger by the day, and after shopping my medicine cabinet for the perfect product, I find that after most washes I prefer to use nothing! When it seems like frizz is going to be a larger issue than any Zoom filter can help, I reach for this old favorite.

More time outside is such a welcome change. While I’m loving a bit more space in the week to enjoy our deck and yard (and our daughter has graduated from her training wheels!) my skin does not take kindly to too much sun. I’ve preventatively opted for this primer which I’m loving and might also add this into the mix.

I can’t be the only one experiencing some serious tech neck and a fresh crop of creases from constantly looking down. This chin lift is on its way to me after reading a review by one of my old faithfuls. Cannot wait for its arrival and for the smooth skin that awaits my neckline. I will most certainly report back.

While the blue light blocking glasses have already helped me to stop squinting and the 9+ hours of sleep each evening have helped to relax the lines around my eyes, I’m always looking for serious ammo to keep that area looking youthful. I received a sample of this gel cream in a recent Origins order and WOWZA. The tiniest drop feels like a burst of cool moisture to my skin. It soothes and softens and has brightened up my lurking dark circles.

In closing: all the soft pants. I bought a linen pair more ripe for public consumption and a genie-esque pair for WFH days. Pair them both with the perfect tee or this halter tank – I may never wear “real” clothes again.

All in all, we’re FINE.

I hope the same for you, sweet friends.

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hitting the wall0

Coming into Week 5 has been a challenge. Something about celebrating the Easter holiday in isolation and diving headfirst into yet another week of the juggle-slash-struggle had me feeling very fatigued and little bit hopeless.

It’s almost Friday and we are keeping positive at Casa Ramos. We are healthy. we have our jobs. we are safe in our home, which we love. But all of that being said, we still accept that this is hard.

Some things keeping me sane:

I have been buying sandals and all of the tank tops, since it seems like one certain thing is that eventually summer *will* arrive. Purchased: this Madewell sweater / this Madewell floral and i am lusting this Eileen Fisher linen shell.

I made (a very basic) salad dressing – and it’s delicious. (I do not cook. This was actually one of my New Year’s resolutions. Baby steps.)

Shopping small and dressing LouLou up like a doll in this Alice + Ames jumpsuit and this Wunderkin flower clip.

Investing in top-notch care for my raw, ravaged hands. I am now in a full-on two-step regimen, using this lotion after each washing and this serum before bed each night. I’ve seen big improvements in my skin’s texture!

We are bingeing the final season of The Office (we never watched it when it aired) and Succession (which is delightful). PS – have you seen this beautiful ad? It pops up regularly during our nightly CNN stints.

The Sephora Beauty Insider Sale is around the corner and I’m craving all things lip care / color / treatment. In my cart: this gloss / this oil / this balm / this tinted mask / this sleeping mask.

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quarantine chic0

Photo by Element5

My routine has simplified considerably over the past few weeks, but there are a few emerging heroes helping me to look pulled together for homeschool and conference calls (never. ending. conference calls.).

The first is this brow butter from saie. I’ve been lusting the mascara (which i snagged – and the jury is still out), but was intrigued by the weirdly soothing instagram videos of this clear, non-sticky, almost pomade-like gel. The teeny tiny spoolie is super precise and the clean formula takes my tinted brows from a sad sort of shape to sitting at attention – and they stay there aaall day.

On my lips, I’m obsessed with a brightening balm from an unexpected source. I stumbled upon this via google search and at $10 the price was too right to pass up. Another clean formula, this one packs vitamins to nourish, protect, smooth, all with a subtle blush tint. I honestly wish there was a bit more color to it, but the treatment elements are so nice and it keeps my lips hydrated for hours. Such a pleasant surprise!

If I do put on some version of a face (for Zoom), I rely on this old favorite and a brand new cheek tint from milk that is the perfect baby terra-cotta. I swirl the little bullet over my stippling brush, pop it on each cheek and go. (You could also apply directly to your cheek and just tap into place or smudge it up a bit with your fingers – it’s a cinch to use.) Start to finish, it’s a two-second look and I may never go back to my old ways.

Because my skin is mostly standing on its own these days, I’m taking my overnight care a bit more seriously. I have upgraded from, well, nothing (!) to this squalane and lactic acid serum from Biossance. It’s incredible – a perfectly non-drying, clean (are you sensing a theme?) chemical exfoliant appropriate for sensitive skin. The results are touchably smooth skin each morning (during a time when I’m trying not to touch my face) and an almost insta-filter finish. Big time love.

For extra credit, this new normal has urged me to make some functional purchases and these slippers (in Natural) are the cherry on top of life right now. They’re insanely warm, but my feet do not sweat. (How?!) I cannot recommend them highly enough, if you’re in the market. My toes have truly never been happier.

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pretty little distractions0

photo by Daria Shevtsova

I’m trying to find simple pleasures at a scary time. So whilst working from home and homeschooling a kindergartener, I’m burning through some beauty samples and minis that I’ve picked up over the past few months and acquiring a long list of new beauty wishes.

I’m trying to slowly rotate more clean into my routine and I couldn’t be more thrilled by Ilia’s new foundation. It checks all of the boxes – a serum texture, light in weight, medium in coverage, and it has SPF 40. Working SPF into my daily ritual has been a goal for far too long, so this is a major win.

In skincare, this radiance serum from Dr. Jart+ has blown me away. A few drops pressed onto my face before bed not only brings brightness in the morning, but I’m waking up to plumper, better hydrated, and more flawlessly smooth skin. This is a must-try if you have combination skin that tends to be at all dull and tired.

Always on the hunt for a path to effortlessly chic hair, I was real impressed by IGK Mistress. It has the texture of a fluffy gel out of the tube, but then it melts into damp hair without leaving any stickiness behind. After I rough dry, my hair feels soft and without a drop of frizz. It has all of the benefits of a leave-in conditioner, but also delivers everything that I want from a heat-protecting, smoothing product for my fine, dry hair. The resulting style is smooth and shiny – and I can easily get three days out of each wash.

For my lashes, I like a thick, wet formula that doesn’t flake or smudge – bonus if it’s clean. Tarte intrigues with its new Sea Collection and so I was swayed to grab the mini of new Surfer Curl Mascara. It’s definitely heavier and blacker than my previous go-to (which I still love undyingly) – the initial impact giving more of that BAM! volume that I adore. Throughout the day, there is some fallout (a flake here and there), but I’m willing to overlook it since it’s formulated with none of the bad stuff.

Things I’ve not yet tried, but I’m hot to get my hands on include this palette, this CBD lip balm, and this mascara (because I can apparently never tire of the search for lash perfection).

Hoping that you’re all safe and well!

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a little beauty bouquet2

Photo by Dominika Roseclay

In an effort to slow down, be more present and stop conforming to things that do not serve me in 2020, I’m fully embracing comfort over speed. I will say, however, that when those two things intersect, I’m calling it a real win.

The first example comes from an unexpected source – have you seen this most perfect bralette? The Naked Plunge feels like jammies, yet lifts and shapes in a way that I’ve only gotten from something that digs and has an underwire. Tremendous kudos to KKW on this one.

A few weeks ago @sarahlovsmakeup posted about this Drybar clip and I immediately ran out to purchase. In one use, I broke up with my flat iron. Now, I rough dry, then twist my hair up in this baby for 15 minutes while I put on my makeup. When I unclip, the volume is insane, the shape is loose and swirly, and all of the puff/frizz is gone.

In brow news, I’m done with waxing. Instead, I’ve been tweezing the occasional stray and keeping to regular tinting appointments. My natural shape is far from perfect, but the arches are mostly full. When I need to tie the whole look together without overthinking it, I’ve been reaching for this new multitasker from Tarte.

I used to painstakingly craft a bold lip at my desk each morning using formulas that tortured my lips. (Then I would avoid kissing my husband and my daughter because who wants tomato red or neon pink all over their face?!) These days, I gravitate towards sheer and comfortable shades. For that, this tinted balm formula from Chanel is divine. I have it in Medium and I’m lusting Deep.

While I want to work towards going foundation free (gulp!), if it’s a work day, I’m wearing a full face. On the weekends, however, anything goes – and more often than not I’m completely bare, with a few pops of this balm in Crimson on my lips and cheeks. I’m obsessed with the clean ingredients and the dewy glow that it gives to my natural, flat skin tone.

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on delaying the new year1

Photo by Daria Shevtsova

A few people have told me that January is a trial month. That, if you choose, the new year begins on February first – and I’m very on board with that philosophy this year.

But still, 2019 brought so much goodness. So many learnings and opportunities – and so many good finds.

A godsend of a mascara – one that doesn’t smudge or flake, removes with a swipe of micellar water, and oh, did I mention that it’s natural?

A soft, minty green cloud-like moisturizer that calms redness and plumps my whole face – plus a corresponding eye cream that brightens and tightens, both powered by superfoods.

A cheap-o shampoo that cured wicked scalp issues brought on by living in the north. Flakes-be-gone!

A bespoke dry shampoo to end all dry shampoos. They have my formula (and my heart) and I’m never going back.

The most simple, beautiful jewelry brand – maker of my new favorite gold personalized necklaces. Cannot recommend them highly enough. (Hint to my Valentine: the small oval pendant is delicious.)

An enviable crossbody that I’ve been quite literally lusting forever. It finally went on sale in the most perfect oxblood, and now it’s mine. (Swoon!)

The perfect solution for those who want the two-week run of a gel manicure without the commitment of a tinfoil-wrapped soak session and subsequent nail damage.

So – a very happy (almost) new year to those who prefer to celebrate it a bit late! Let’s make it an extra good one.

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by the chimney with (self) care0

Photo by fotografierende

I think stockings are my favorite christmas tradition.

Growing up, they were always a small Christmas in and of themselves – filled to the brim with treasures: often a new book, wished-for beauty treats, much-needed winter accessories, and always scratch tickets.

Steve and I skipped stockings this year – instead, we spent the funds on a new set of sheets and duvet for our Buffy comforter. (Best. Gift. Ever.)

If I was responsible for his stocking, I had a few things up my sleeve. For one, he needs a new water bottle for Orange Theory and he can always use a new shirt, or two. Add in a cool, lightweight wallet and this campfire coffee candle – I think he’d be pretty pleased.

As for me, I would have asked for (I love the man, but a list is required) these hilarious bath bombs and this long-awaited, now back-in-stock lip mask. I might also have listed a fresh pair of my favorite glittens or these dainty pearl stacked hoops.

The only person in our household who did open a stocking last week was over the moon with her haul. She received a worry doll (a token nod to my grandmother who always kept a small box of them in her bedside table and doled them out to my sister and i as needed when we stayed with her), a new dress for her bestie, and a tiny tooth fairy box – because we have two wiggly teeth at Casa Ramos, all of a sudden.

In other news – how is it 2020?

Cheers to a new year!

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how to tame a lion’s mane0

My scalp is a real piece of work. Since moving to NY, it’s dry and fussy and sensitive – and overall a real problem.

I’ve finally calmed things down by committing to a strict every-other-day wash and style. This shampoo has been a real savior and this anti-frizz balm gives me the smooth, effortless blowout that dreams are made of.

The issue is that I know my hair can go 3-4 days unwashed; and I would love to have that time in my week back to do other things (like locking myself in my walk-in closet for 15 minutes of Pilates #motherhood).

I’ve tried many dry shampoos to make this happen and none of them have thrilled me. There’s a literal graveyard of cans underneath my sink and too many dollars than I care to admit have gone into this fruitless research project.

So when I started getting targeted by Prose on Instagram, I became REAL curious. The promise of a bespoke dry shampoo formulated for my scalp and hair concerns seemed perfect. 

I took the quiz while walking to lunch in midtown one weekday. The results were tapioca starch for volume + menthol for scalp detox + tea tree oil to help with flakes + witch hazel for oil control. the custom formula is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, GMOs, and is cruelty-free. at a $25 price point. I was sold!

The product is a non-aerosol powder, which is amazing for travel but makes my brunette-headed self cringe. You puff it onto your trouble spots (I put the nozzle right into my hair, at the part), let it sit for 30 seconds and then tousle. I can’t believe how beautifully it refreshes, zapping all traces of oil. It also vanishes into my hair so there’s no white powdery vibes at all.

I love the clean ingredient story and the whole approach to this concept. Plus, my scalp is oh-so pleased.

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winter is here0

Photo by Daria Shevtsova

It feels like fall came and went very quickly in NY. Just as my skin and life were adjusting to slightly cooler temps and putting a coat on each morning, there’s a dreaded snowflake on the calendar.

Frigid temps alone, I’m excited that our family winter season is looking pretty tame – we try to block our weekends to take in all of the City holiday magic and our daughter is busy scouting daily catalog arrivals, seemingly going for some sort of world record for the world’s longest wish list. (Note: at our house, Santa brings one thing – so she’s going to have to edit!)

Aside from looking forward to a little time off, amazing food, and family time over the holidays, I’m cultivating a small list of my own wishes, in the spirit of fewer better things:

Little gold earrings are all I want to wear with my sweaters. I’m on the hunt for the perfect pair of huggies – something unique, possibly with texture. I have four options in my cart at the moment, so I will have to report back on which pair I land on. (I’m also loving stacked hoops right now!)

All things Kosas. I am so into this brand. I have LipFuel in Rush and just picked up the Weightless Lipstick in Rosewater for a black tie affair this weekend. (Full post coming soon on the lip!) That leaves me wishing for the Tinted Face Oil (seriously innovative) and 10-Second Liquid Eyeshadow. Gimme!

The Clare V Mirabel. She’s looks chic, roomy and semi-convertible, with a cross-body option and a handle. Thinking this would help me to commute a little lighter – plus I love pretty much everything Clare V designs and don’t have a thing. (*Truly tragic* – I know.)

A New York Times digital subscription. I am attempting to do more reading and less social media scrolling in 2020 – gifted Audible credits are also high on my list.

A membership to Every Mother or The Balanced Life. I’ve done trials at both and love the coaches, format, length of workout, plus the ability to get it done easily at home. A new yoga mat would be icing on the cake.

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ilia limitless lash mascara0

Photo by Ana Maria Moroz

mascaras in my life have come and gone, but the hunt for perfection continues.

i’ve tried what feels like one hundred, and only a very few have made the hall of fame (and a handful are now discontinued):

my first prestige love
a classic
the viral sensation
my most recent favorite

a few weeks ago, ilia sent me their limitless lash and damn if she doesn’t best the bunch. the ingredient story is natural, meaning it has none of the bads, earning the clean at sephora seal of approval. it goes on easily, with a two-sided brush that i love for building length and the color is a deep black, truly doing the most for my super basic lashes. it wears all day (that’s 6:30 AM to 10ish PM in my world) without a flake or a smudge, and it wipes off in a cinch with one cotton pad and a dousing of micellar water.

it also feels good. none of those suffocating vibes that make you want to pull your lashes out mid-day. shea butter keeps things soft while beeswax gives a bit of lift and hold – a tiny miracle if you ask me.

ilia has somehow found a nontoxic formula that really performs, at a price point that’s not too shabby either.

if your lashes are looking for super length in a nice and natural way, limitless lash is yours for $13 (mini) or $28 (full size).

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