Category:

Beauty

PRODUCTS I’VE BEEN USING LATELY 
I get a lot of questions about products I frequently use and love! While this changes daily, below are some tried and true favorites! I’ll admit I’m still figuring things out, but two things are true, since I’m in LA, I lather on the moisture, drink 8 cups of water (if I’m honest, most days I don’t), I started UV lights since I’m in my thirties, and if I can use products without sulfates or parabens, even better! Which are your faves?

 

1.PRIMER  // Moisturizer 2. TULA  (day and night) 3. MASCARA 4. FOUNDATION powder //  5. DR JART moisturizer // 6. EVENING MASK 7. UV LIGHT 8. COVER UP – I USE #22 (my make up artist got my onto this brand and it doesn’t bother my sensitive skin!) // 9. EVERYDAY LOTION it smells amazing! I also love their SHEA BUTTER and THIS YOUTH OIL // 10. When I’m not using baking soda, I’m using this TOOTHPASTE // 11. DEODORANT (alcohol and aluminum free) // 12. ILLUMINATOR

What are some of your tried and true beauty favorites? I’d love to hear yours!


I’m all about being efficient with my morning routine—the less there is to do, the more time I can save, which is where L’Occitane’s new Shea 3-in-1 Cleansing Water comes in. It is seriously the cleansing product I’ve been missing.

I recently did away with lash extensions, so I’ve been trying to find the most gentle cleanser to take off my mascara. I’ve used various products but haven’t settled on one, yet. If I have a little more time in the morning (aka my eldest makes the pancake batter), I’ll go for a deeper cleanse and use Shea Butter Cleansing Oil, but when I’m trying to get everyone out the door, I’ll use the Shea 3-in-1 Cleansing Water. I massage it into my face with closed eyes and dry or wet hands. It becomes a little milky, then I rinse it off with water. Did I mention it smells amazing? I liken it to the combination of baby powder, Shea butter and fresh paper, all rolled into one. Hubby is a fan of the smell too, ha. 

After the last rinse, I’m feeling super clean. I finish with Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream for dry to very dry skin. I’ve been told I have dry skin, so I’m definitely not skipping this step. I like that it’s not greasy and I feel fresh and ready for my day. For reference, I use Light Comforting Cream for day and Shea Butter Ultra Rich Comforting cream for evening.

Violà! I’m ready to face my day—kids, school, work, and the LA smog.

While I’m on the topic—here are my overall skincare tips:

– Always wash your face at night. Not washing your face at night can age you, clog your pores and hinder your skin’s ability from repairing itself at night. So it’s kind of IMPORTANT. 

– I try and drink 8 glasses of water a day. If that seems overwhelming, try 3 glasses by 12 noon, 3 more by 3, and 2 more before/with dinner – split it up glass by glass. 

– Drink fresh squeezed lemon before you eat or drink in the morning. This helps your skin (and digestion!).

– Sleep! Always get 8 hours of sleep at night. This has been extra hard for me (a night owl), but exercise with the kids is helping!

What are some of your skincare tips? PLEASE share!

 

Thank you L’Occitane for sponsoring this post!

Shea Butter Cleansing Oil //  Shea 3-in-1 Cleansing Water // Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream // Shea Butter Ultra Rich Comforting cream

 

 

 my sweater // jeans // boots

I’ve never really been a beauty junkie and have always just relied on recommendations from friends, but funny enough, being a mom to two curious girls who are starting to be interested in beauty, it’s more on my radar. Of course they’re too young to actually wear anything, but it’s sweet when they want to watch me apply makeup or try it out.

A good friend of mine, who happens to be beauty obsessed, introduced me to Birchbox and it’s become my new go-to for discovering the best products. Since I’m not one to head into stores looking for products, I love that it comes to me – without having to do much on my end. It’s like the best of the best at my doorstep, which is everything as a mom to 4. Have you guys tried it? If not, here’s how it works. I get five personalized samples a month – tailored to my hair type, skin concerns and other preferences (you take a quiz) – and since I don’t have time to shop for beauty, let alone know what’s best for my skin and hair, I love that Birchbox does the work for me.

My favorite new finds: a few Benefit products I had been curious about and finally got to try are That Gal Primer and Dallas powder.

Beyond the monthly box, Birchbox also has full-size products from amazing brands like Benefit, Kiehl’s, Oribe, Amika and more. A one-stop-shop! I’ve realized that this time of year is the prefect time to not only indulge myself, but to gift Birchbox to other busy women. My first thought, is my sister would love this gift! Who doesn’t love getting new and fun items to try in the mail – and a way to treat yourself? Beauty products shouldn’t be a chore, or something else to check off each day. Thank you Birchbox for making it so easy and uncomplicated!

Don’t forget to take the Quiz HERE to see if you’re Off the Cuff or On the Dot

Thank you Birchbox for sponsoring this post!

Let’s talk about changes in life – for me it was a school change for my kids, trying to race to 5pm Friday soccer practice, work deadlines, date night with hubby, the lack of spa day, and way too many late nights affects the hair. I’m the first to admit, I’m lazy with my hair  and choose the 5 min approach at best. Last year, it was my 3rd year blogging, we moved to California from Illinois, and I had super long hair and it was a TON of work. More work than I’ll admit I had time for. This year, though I missed the long locks, I did not miss the time blow drying it.  Shoulder length waves seemed to be a doable hair style for my lifestyle. Enter Herbal Essences with vitamin E, which not only softened my hair, but it smells amazing. I remember buying it in highschool and always loving the smell. But beyond the smell, shampoo infused with vitamin E, cocoa butter, getting to bed earlier (still working on that) and washing my hair less during the week has strengthened my hair over time. I’m thankful for small changes that can improve my daily life as a busy wife, mother and blogger. Check out my Facebook or below to see the Herbal Essences “Changes” video.

What are some small changes you’re making to improve your life? I’d love to hear them.

 

 

Thank you Herbal Essences + POPSUGAR for sponsoring this post!

To those who know me, know I’m very minimal when it comes to beauty and skincare. However, using great products is no exception. This is not sponsored, just an informative post for those who asked what I use on my face and skin. All of which are stashed in my lovely Maxwell Scott toiletry bag (Reid secretly wants one too). I have some product that didn’t make it into the picture, but linked below.

What’s in my Maxwell Scott Toiletry Bag?

R+Co shine + texture spray (who doesn’t need radiance, shine and sea kale to wake up tired hair?) :: L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil (don’t you love the name? It smells amazing and I’m crediting my glow to this baby) :: L’Occitane shea butter hand lotion (quenches thirsty skin and the result is baby skin soft):: Le Labo parfum musty and clean :: Elizabeth Dehn Vitamin C Brightening Facial Serum  vitamin C to combat stress and leave skin glowing and even-toned.

Not pictured but honorable mention: Milo skin body brush for better circulation, NuFace facial toning device (like an at home facial) :: MUSQ face and body exfoliant (gets rid of old skin, hello new skin!) I linked a similar below :: SUNDAL RILEY TIDAL brightening enzyme water cream (no scent and refreshing). And I’m using this mask tonight 😉

While Reid and I both complain how long my cleansing routine takes at night, I see a difference. Sounds cheesy, but when I feel great, I’m a better wife and mother. I used to think I was a 4 product no-nonsense girl until I left some of the above products at home during our road trip this summer. I was scrambling for another exfoliant and moisturizer. I quickly realized that trial size doesn’t work for a two- week vacation. Noted. Now, its your turn, what are your tips and tricks from ACV to hemorrhoid creme? I’m all ears? Comment below.

lace OTS top STORETS :: cutoffs FRAME similar for $60 size up HERE :: heels VINCE CAMUTO and SIMILAR :: MAXWELL SCOTT TOILETRY BAG 


 

When QVC asked me to test drive their new self tanning device by St.Tropez, I jumped at the chance. I had used St. Tropez self tanning mousse in the past for a quick tan before going out etc. I liked how it didn’t leave residue and it was a true tan with no resemblance to an orange. I was sold. I’m not super coordinated so I was a little nervous to try a device. Thankfully,  once I plugged it in and got started, it was easy and the fan almost felt refreshing to my skin. The fan allowed the color to lay on evenly and I love how fast it worked. I have on occasion gone to get a spray tan before a beach day or shooting a new suit, but this eliminates that visit. I am able to easily spray those hard to tan areas without a trip to the salon. I can tan my abdomen and upper thighs without a hitch in the comfort of my bedroom or bathroom. I had hubby spray my backside, otherwise I did it all myself and it was so easy. I’ll definitely use it again before date night, a girls night out, or my friends wedding tonight. I’ll look like I had a refreshing week in St. Tropez, minus the sand clean-up.

Pro Tips for Tanning:

1. Exfoliate before you begin, you want to start with clean and smooth skin for best results.

2. Waxing should be completed 24 hours prior to tanning.

3. Moisturize elbows, feet, hands and in between fingers and toes and heel. This really makes a difference!

4. Sleep on it. This allows the tan to settle in. Also try and wait 8 hours before taking a shower.

Comment below with your questions and comments about self tanning.

Thank you QVC for sponsoring this post!

machine ST TROPEZ via QVC  :: set of 2 ST TROPEZ refill 

At Home Spa

by Shalice Noel


The Beauty Edit

I don’t usually have a lot of time to schedule spa appointments, so at home spa is much more attainable these days. I’m loving treatments I can do while simply sitting in my bed at night. I’ve been using illuminage for hair removal, Tula for nighttime lotion (I like that its fragrance-free and super moisturizing) and Nuface for facial toning. Have you tried any of these? Comment below!

Iluminage QVC :: NuFace QVC :: Tula Skincare Treatment QVC robe similar :: lip glow DIOR



Everyone wants beautiful bouncy and healthy hair but not everyone is sure how to achieve it. My hair often suffers from dryness, overheating with hair straighteners and lots of hair products, especially from events and photo shoots. So, in between washes, I substitute apple cider vinegar or ACV instead of shampoo.  The beauty and simplicity of ACV naturally cleanses the scalp without stripping the hair of necessary oils. My hair after washing with ACV not only maintains fresh hair color in between salon visits, but I also noticed it became softer and shinier.  So, how does it work you ask? It’s simple, alternate shampoo days for ACV hair rinse and follow with conditioner. I love how bouncy my hair feels afterwards and totally recommend it!  Styling tip: for my hair, using ACV once a month was fine, but using it every day did not achieve the results I wanted, and after washing with ACV, add Argan Oil therapy to protect from UV color fade as well as protect from heat styling without weighing it down. Brilliant. I love using natural ingredients for my hair.

Thank you DPHUE and SEPHORA for sponsoring this post!

Jeans GRLFRND :: top J.O.A :: laced up dress Z Supply

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse :: Leave in Hair Therapy :: DPHUE Renew Conditioner :: DPHue Daily Color Care Shampoo ::

 




Recently the hubby and I took to the skies for a quick trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico. It was a glorious four days of beautiful weather, a gorgeous hotel, and flat-out relaxing. As it truly was a romantic vacation (seriously, just google the place), I brought along some super fun outfits, but also a new scent. New scents always make everything feel different right? So for that date night glow, I tried Terre de Lumière, the newest scent from L’Occitane made with Bergamot, Ambrette seed, and subtle floral notes.  I’d definitely say it is a more sophisticated scent, rather than flirty or floral. I’m picky when it comes to fragrances; they can’t have too much floral and must have a healthy dose of musk. Well, this fit the bill. Honestly, I’ve always been a fan of L’Occitane. Throughout high school, I always used their shea butter hand creme after my dad and I would work in the garden and that scent always brings back so many good memories. So when L’Occitane asked me to try their newest scent, I gladly obliged. Try it for yourself. It’s the perfect blend of sophistication and casual date night. For me, it is now the smell of romance, the beach in Riviera Maya, and beautiful vacation memories. It really was the perfect addition to a perfect break.

Perfume :: lotion :: shower gel:: shea butter hand creme

tee :: jeans :: sunnies

Thanks to L’Occitane for sponsoring this post!



I get asked a lot what lipsticks I tend to use often, so I thought I’d share my top faves. The below are in major rotation. I generally go for everyday nudes and a bold red for special events and occasions. See my faves below and let me know what you think!

Click the images below to shop the shoot!

FRESH sugar in honey :: MAYBELLINE vivid matte liquid in Nude Thrill :: DIOR in beige indecise :: KIEHL’s naturally nude lip treatment :: picture with the couch I’m wearing STILA  in ‘beso’ :: In the bedroom, I’m wearing: L’OREAL Colour Riche #709 Liyas pink :: As always, my shop page is open 24/7 for a sneak peak of pieces I’m loving and styling.

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