Natural Products Hit List

After making a conscious effort to change my diet to one that is more natural, I decided I should transition all of my products to natural ones and it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. There were a few products that didn't make the cut (a few natural deodorants that didn't seem to do anything) and skin care products that weren't quite right, but I've finally settled on some favorites. My three favorite resources are Follain, Beauty Counter and The Detox Market. I actually have a Detox Market retail location on my street so I mosey in and try everything just about every other weekend. If you guys have any favorites let me know in the comments below - I love to try new beauty products : )

Deodorant
I started with Schmidt's Bergamot & Lime Deodorant but, while it smelled amazing, it didn't quite keep me smelling amazing and wasn't much of an antiperspirant either. I tried Piper Wai charcoal activated deodorant next and it definitely does the trick. It's a little weird putting it on with your hands but you get used to it.

Toothpaste
David's premium natural toothpaste (Runner Up: Tom's of Maine). You don't really think about toothpaste in this category but may as well go big or go home.

Serum
Vitner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum is my choice in this category. Check out the amazing reviews on their website. No need for lotion after this potent baby is put on, which I love.

Face Lotion
Beauty Counter Rejuvenating Day Cream is one of the first Beauty Counter products I tried and I love it. It's so light and has a really nice consistency but packs a great moisturizing punch. It also looks great under makeup. (Runner Up: Tammy Fender Antioxidant Creme). I am also really excited to try Beauty Counter's Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion that has gotten amazing reviews and sold out a few times.

Cleanser
I used the face wash recommendation that Follain assigned to me after I took the skin quiz and so far so good with India Lee Brightening Cleanser. I may transition to Elizabeth Dehn Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil in the winter so I don't dry out my skin too much.

Makeup Remover
This one is tough because everyone knows I love my Clinique eye makeup remover but SW Basics Makeup Remover removed makeup well. I've also tried and like MV Organic Skincare Pure Jojoba Oil.

Sunscreen
Don't forget to cover up! Most of my tinted moisturizers and face lotions have SPF but I got Suntegrity spa 50 body sunscreen for body and I also got their face version.

Face Wipes
I love Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes because they get rid of makeup, travel well and really make you feel fresh. Sort of a different category because they are more of a toner pad than a face wipe but I love Arcona's toner pads.

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer
Beauty Counter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer or Tint Skin Foundation both work as well as my non-all-natural ones.

Concealer
My favorite concealer (natural or not) is Beauty Counter Touchup Skin Pen.

Hair
This has probably been the toughest category to transition but some early favorites are from Rahua (shampoo, conditioner, elixir and finishing treatment) and Sachajuan (Shine Serum).

Body
I love the smell of Bergamot, so this one was a no brainer. Anyone have a great natural body lotion that they love?? I'm looking for a good one for my super dry skin.

April Beauty Loot

All of my friends know I'm a major product junkie, here is my latest haul... I'm particularly excited about the Color FX color correctors and concealers. Bye bye redness.

Urban Decay's Naked Smoky Palette is Here...

And I couldn't be more excited... Get it at Sephora here.

New Year, New Products

Is there anything better than new products? Every year I always plan some sort of big health overall (this year I'm doing whole 30 - no drinking, gluten, dairy, processed foods, etc.) and I love getting new makeup and products.

This year, I'm going with this great YSL lipstick that apparently sold out all over Asia after it appeared on a Korean soap opera (no. 52 in rosy coral). You can never have too many mascaras and I hear this Lancome one is great. I'm going for a fun blue color with this new nail color and I've been meaning to try this perfect legs skin lotion. Supermodels rave about the Charlotte Tilbury "Gisele" lotion so it must be good. The Benefit "High Brow" stick apparently opens your eyes  and makes your brows look clean. The dry brush is supposed to increase circulation and Miranda Kerr swears by it. Any products you guys are looking forward to trying? Would love to hear about them!

 

Makeup Bag Update: Favorite Lip Colors

The Bobbi Brown lip gloss, Tarte lipstick in watermelon and Nars lipstick in catfight (a beautiful nude/pink color) have been my go-to's this holiday season. The Tarte lipstick is the perfect watermelon/red for those of us with pink/cool undertones and the Nars catfight lipstick is quickly becoming a staple. What are your favorites?? Any must-haves I should know about?

New Beauty Loot

Every season I get some fresh products and makeup - not because I need to - I am just such a product junkie. Below are my latest beauty obsessions. P.S. is anyone as obsessed with eyeshadow palettes as I am?? It's a problem! The gals at Sephora look at me funny when they see how many points I have... 

ONE // Tracie Martyn enzyme exfoliant is gentle but gets the job done. Your skin feels like you got a facial after.

TWO // I love coral and fuchsia lips for spring and summer. I don't have Tom Ford's lipstick in "summer fling" just yet but it will be mine! How gorgeous is that color and the casing is pretty enough to show off. I also love "frolic."

THREE // If you know me, you know that I don't own blush. I love my new Nars palette that comes with Orgasm blush, Laguna bronzer and a highlighter. I'm trying to learn how to contour so this is my new best friend. It's also the perfect compact size to throw in your purse.

FOUR // If you're like me, your face is not any one "type" of skin type. I would classify my skin as combination, it's dry on my cheeks and oily on my t-zones and I'm prone to clogged pores on my nose. This Boscia kit is awesome. It comes with 4 different masks designed to mix and match with instructions and a brush to put them on. I can't wait to try this

FIVE // Laura Mercier kohl eye pencil in stormy grey is my favorite eye liner. It is the perfect color and it's really creamy and easy to apply.

SIX // Stila is a hidden gem for eye shadows. Theirs are super pigmented and come in great colors. I had my eye on this palette for a few months and finally bit the bullet. If you have brown eyes, you need this. It has perfect neutrals and purples and browns to make your eyes pop. Obsessed.

SEVEN // I recently got a facial with the wonderful Cecilia Wong of Cecilia Wong Skincare and my skin was glowing. She recommended her toner, that has probiotics, for the oil bumps that have been forming on my forehead because of working out. You can spritz as you go and it kills bacteria, effectively not allowing acne to form. It smells great too and is all natural. You can buy it here.

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer - Naked3 Palette

I am obsessed with eye shadow so very few things make me happier than a good palette. Urban Decay has hit a home run with their new Naked palettes, which each include 12 richly hued colors. My younger sister, Lulu, has the Naked2 palette, which I prefer over the Naked1 and use every time I sleep over in Greenwich and raid her medicine cabinet. I don't know why I didn't pull the trigger and buy my own but when I heard Urban Decay was coming out with the Naked3 around the holiday season I decided to wait. And boy am I happy I waited! This rose-hued colors are amazing and sparkly and the perfect stocking-stuffer for the makeup lover on your list. I couldn't wait for Santa to bring it for me because I wanted to use it for holiday parties... 

Gift Guide 2013 - $100 or Less

My roommate, Morgan, asked me to do an "under $100" gift guide post so I thought I'd help her out. Now that I'm in the real world I feel like I have way more presents to give - co-workers, family, friends (you guys probably aren't getting anything this year...), doormen, boyfriend, etc. etc. With so many gifts, it is crucial to stay on budget. All of the below are under $100 and are appropriate enough for the office Secret Santa. If you have any more ideas, please send my way - just trying to help a roommate out!

1 // Diptyque candle in Pine Bark is beautiful to look at and has a slightly Christmasy smell

2 // A Warby Parker Gift Certificate is awesome for a co-worker and so much fun to get. They go on the website and choose 5 pairs to try on and then the pair they choose is only $95!

3 // Coasters are pretty boring but these ones are pretty and will spruce up even the most boring office desk

4 // Portable ping pong set is fun for anyone via

5 // Cashmere socks are unisex and so so cozy - J.Crew has some cute ones

6 // This Clare Vivier tassel is a little luxury and can be personalized with a monogram and different colors

7 // This J.Crew wallet/phone case is great when you don't want to carry too many things

8 //  Penguin Classics has created beautiful new hard covers for some of your favorite books. I'm dying for a Fitzgerald set that comes in black and gold

9 // There is no dessert I love more that Caroline's Cake in Seven Layer caramel. It is out of this world and the perfect treat to enjoy on Christmas night (or on a random Wednesday) . They have other flavors too - my sisters love the chocolate and my mom loves the coconut cake via

10 // Dead see bath salts are luxurious and come in cute containers via 

11 // Bobbi Brown Twilight Pink Lip & Eye Palette - this one is only good for the girls but it is an awesome gift or stocking stuffer

12 // Festive moleskine notebooks are gender neutral and inexpensive via

13 // If you use your iPhone a lot for work, this is a fun charging station and head set  via

14 // Might have to get this desk skee ball set for my brother, Robby, via

15 // Three in one game set that can be monogrammed is fun as a hostess gift, too via

16 // C. Wonder has adorable gifts - these gloves allow you to use your iPhone and they come in a bunch of other patterns and colors

17 // I love cute mugs - this one is festive (from C. Wonder

18 // I am constantly heating up my coffee at work and this Brookstone heated coaster is the perfect way to get around that. I actually really want this... via

19 // Under $100 and so easy to use. I had this Keurig in college and saved so much money making my own coffee. Has already lasted me 6 years

Weekend Look

I'm heading down to DC this weekend for a few of my college roommates' birthdays and I'm going to keep it simple with my outfit.

The jeans are by AG and they are the pair that Olivia Palermo has been sporting recently. I saw this "Old Hollywood" Bobbi Brown palette on Pinterest and I'm thinking I may need it. Laura Mercier has the best eyeliner. I have a charcoaly gray one that I am obsessed with. The value set above is only $45. It was worth the splurge. Still lusting after the Chloe Marcie bag. To cap off the outfit I may have to get the Jennifer Zeuner necklace that my roommate has (exclusively from Intermix). It's pretty darn cute and goes with everything.

 I also just got the most comfortable and adorable open cardigan from Gap (I got it in navy but the tan is cute too). They're having a 35% off Columbus day sale so if you're in need of awesome workout clothes or basics head over. Have a great weekend everyone!

Fall Skincare, Hair and Makeup Essentials

My haircare and skincare needs are drastically different depending on the season and, as I am a confessed "product junkie," I am a-okay with this. Now that I have color-treated hair ( I know! bizarre for me!) and have a keratin treatment (pictures to follow, I promise!), I have to make sure to use sulfate free shampoo and conditioner to make sure it doesn't strip out the color or keratin. In terms of skin care, I like to try new things to see how my skin reacts. Below are some hair, skin and makeup products I am loving this fall.

Skin Care

My skin is combination with a strong tendency to be dry so I am constantly searching for the perfect daily moisturizer and serum. These two products from Lancome are exceptional. While a bit on the pricey side, the serum goes on and immediately makes my skin feel softer and fresher and when I follow with the lotion I get a perfect light-weight moisture.

I adore Skin Ceuticals products and think they're worth every penny. There is a lot of science behind them, after all, and it is the brand of choice for dermatologists. I recently ordered the toner, cleanser and exfoliator and am excited to try them out. I'll keep you posted on those!

I also bought this Murad Blackhead and pore clearing duo. I don't know about all you NYC'ers but I have had the most clogged pores, especially on my nose, since moving here. I will try anything that works if you guys have any suggestions!

1. Lancôme ÉNERGIE DE VIE Dullness Relief & Energy Recharge Daily Cream // 2. Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector // 3. Skin Ceuticals Equalizing Toner // 4. Skin Ceuticals Purifying Cleanser // 5. Murad Blackhead and Pore Clearing Duo // 6. Skin Ceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Makeup

While there is technically no "need" per se to switch up my makeup seasonally, I just can't help myself (especially with great new eye shadows in rich fall hues!) I've recently started filling in my brows a bit and it makes them look a bit more tailored and full for when I go out.  Don't you love the rich hues of the bare minerals eye shadow palette below?? 

So I haven't tried this Becca brush yet but heard it is AMAZING and cuts down your makeup application time by a lot. I love a good cream eye shadow pencil and Sephora is doing a deal on these Makeup is Forever ones. I couldn't say no... The Benefit mascara makes my lashes hugeee so if you're in the market for a new mascara definitely try this one out. 

On my lips I've been wearing this Laura Mercier weightless lip color, which I love, and different colors of the Nars pencil. My favorites are "Never Say Never" and "Roman Holiday." They're not traditional "Fall Colors" but I love them. The Smashbox under eye brightener did wonders when I tried it on in Sephora so I decided to add it to my ever-growing makeup collection. Do you guys switch up your makeup for Fall? Any good Fall eyeshadow palettes?

1. Bobbi Brown dark brow kit // 2. bareMinerals READY™ Eyeshadow 2.0 in "The Epiphany" // 3. Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener // 4. BECCA The One Perfecting Brush // 5. Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour in "Shy"// 6. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow Essentials Set in neutral // 7. Benefit Cosmetics Double The Real! // 8. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Roman Holiday" and "Never Say Never"

Fall Nails 2013

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great labor day weekend. Can you believe it's September?? Where did Summer go?! With September comes fall and with fall comes....fall nails! My sister was adamant that I post about my favorite fall colors so here you go, Tory! I've gone relatively polish-free all summer (sans toes), which was great for my nails and my wallet but there's something about Fall and cozy sweaters and rich colors that gets me every time. What are your favorites colors for fall? 

1. Essie - Don't Sweater It // 2. Essie - After School Boy Blazer  // 3. OPI - Honk If You Love OPI // 4. Essie - Power Clutch // 5. OPI - French Quarter for your Thoughts // 6. Essie - Vested Interest 7. OPI - Suzi Loves Cowboys // 8. Essie - Velvet Voyeur 9. Essie - Go Overboard // 10. Essie - Smokin Hot 11. Nars - Manosque // 12. Essie - Twin Sweater Set

Botanical Gardens Gala

Tonight is the Botanical Gardens Gala and I am so excited to see what it's all about! The black tie event is held at the gardens and the weather is right for a great night! I was pretty bummed that Riley's not here to be my date but my lovely roommate, Morgan, was happy to step in. I'm wearing a pretty purple Nicole Miller long dress that makes me feel very Kim Kardashian (not sure if that's a good thing...) and haven't decided what jewelry to wear (should probably get on that considering it's tonight!). I can't wait to see all of the dresses the women are wearing.

My sister is wearing one of my grandmother's old, restored dresses from the 50's and is going to get her hair done a la Betty Draper. I can't WAIT to see what she looks like. I'm still deciding what to do with my hair and I can't wait to show you all pictures tomorrow! I'm getting it done at DryBar, which, if there's one in your area, I highly recommend going for a blowout. I also bought a Gilt City voucher back in October for a makeup tutorial and application at the wonderful Kimara Ahnert makeup studio and I'm thrilled to learn some new tricks from the pros (and I get a free brush set!!). What kind of look should I go for? I'm leaning toward a smokey eye. Anyways, in honor of the gala, some floral inspiration below. It's almost Friday!!

*Images from Lonny Mag, Obaz.com, Refinery29.com, thecoveteur.com, stylemepretty.com, reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com, ohhellofriendblog.com, laurenconrad.com

Friday

I hate rainy Fridays. For some reason they seem to make me a little less excited about the weekend. There are many reasons to be happy today though! Mainly the three below that arrived at my apartment this week...

Hope everyone has a great weekend! xo 

*Necklace by Alexis Bittar, Lipstick by Nars "funny face," Shoes from J. Crew

Makeup Monday

Lulu and I did some damage at Sephora this weekend and I really restocked my makeup bag. Below are some of my favorite new products that I'm so excited to try!

 

*Images and products from Sephora.com

 

Best Fall Eyeshadows

I love makeup. Yes, I didn't start using foundation and powder until last year but I have been playing around with eye shadow palettes and perfecting my smokey eye since 7th grade. Below are some of my favorite colors and palettes. I'm really into shimmery golds and rose golds right now as well as plum. I have brown eyes so I like to use navy, purples, browns and golds to bring out my eyes. Below are some of my favorites!

1. Nars "Mandchourie" duo // 2. Stila "In the Light" palette // 3. Nars "Earth Angel" duo // 4. Stila "After Hours" trio // 5. Bobbi Brown "Desert Twilight" palette // 6. Almay i-intense shimmer for brown eyes (green eyes shown // 7. Urban Decay "Naked" palette // 8. Nars "Underworld" duo // 9. Laura Mercier "Artist palette" // 10. Nars "tzarina" duo

P.S. Sign up for Sephora's beauty insider's program. I have found numerous of my favorite eye shadows through points I've collected... I think I have about 2000 saved up...