It's the summer of pink. It's the summer of Barbie. 

When I was a little girl, Barbie was my entire world but what little girl doesn't love her miniature blonde best friend? My mom tells stories of how I was so occupied with my Barbie dolls that I didn't go anywhere without them and wouldn't even leave my room to stop playing with them.

Barbie is a core memory for me in so many ways so when word got out that there was going to be a Barbie movie starting none other than the iconic, beautiful, talented Margot Robbie, I was sold. Add in Ryan Reynolds as Ken and other celebrities and you have the perfect film.

When the trailer was released, I started crying, and I honestly don't know who I will become when the movie is released. I am ready to make Barbie my entire personality because that is just simply what I do. 

We have slipped into a deep winter in New York over the past few weeks and I am fully in winter/hygge mode. I feel like I wasn't super into fall this year, at least as much as I've been in the past but I am going all in on Christmas and winter.

As I've also previously mentioned, I am in my fragrance era and my favorite type of favorite is a warm, musky scent that makes me feel like I'm staying in a ski chalet. This is the best time of year to explore new scents in that musk family and I have been on a buying rampage. 

There are two that are not new to me this year, and they're the Replica fragrances but the other three are new and I love them. 

Finding the right razors and shaving products has always been difficult for me. They either burned and irritated my skin, were too cheap and didn't work, or cost an arm and a leg. Then, there's the hassle of physically going to the store and buying a razor; they're always locked up and you need to ask a worker to get it for you and it turns into a debacle. 

When shaving subscription services first came on the scene a few years ago, I was intrigued. It felt like this was the solution to all my problems. Then, when Billie was introduced and it was a razor made specifically for women but didn't cost a crazy amount, I jumped at purchasing a subscription. 

I am not someone who has ever indulged in the beauty dupe world. Most of the time it seems like no two products are alike; if it's a lipstick shade, it's never exact and foundations are so specific to the person it's hard to compare two. Also, I am someone who loves buying expensive beauty products. It is my privilege to show, yes, but if I want a specific makeup item, I want that item for a reason; for the beautiful packaging, quality, fun marketing, and the brand name. 

I don't think I personally have ever come across a dupe in my collection... until now.

 My body barely sees the sun anymore. I work inside all week, the beaches are too crowded on the weekends and it always seems like there's something going on. If I am in the sun, it's usually by a friend's pool for a few hours so it's not enough to burn or really need after sun care.

That changed this past week obviously because I was in Mexico and I got burnt to a crisp but it's already a beautiful tan and I'm so pleased. However, before I went away, I wanted to be prepared to care for my skin post-sun. I know that because I don't go in the sun and I was going to be spending most of my time at the beach and pool, my skin was going to freak out, and that it did.

My skin is dry all year round. It could be 90 degrees and I'm sweating my butt off by the pool and my skin still feels dry, scaly, and tight. I use two body lotions, daily, and my skin is still dry. However, nothing compares to the dryness I feel during the cold, winter months. 

The part of my body that is dry, day in and day out, are my hands. Add in cuticles and nail beds and you've got a true nightmare. My hands are just always parched... they have dry patches, scaliness, and just the overall uncomfortable tight feeling that dry skin gives you. 

Because of that, I've tried so many hand creams over the years and I finally feel like I'm in a good place with the items I use to keep my hands in good shape. I don't exclusively use these in the winter but some are too thick for the summer months and I figured most people experience bad dry skin in the cold! 

My acne has been on point lately... and obviously not in a good way. I think we can thank masks for that (wear your mask, IDC about your pimples) but also I've been suffering from acne for a little bit. It's nothing outrageous, just a few chin breakouts during that time of the month and some random cheek & forehead breakouts from time to time. 

I never suffered badly from acne as a teenager and I wouldn't say what I have now is bad either, but I still don't like it! I still want it to go away. As a beauty product hoarder, I've tried a lot of different items to get rid of these pimples: some work and some don't. I'm also a sucker for innovation -- I think when companies start new trends and release different products we've never seen before is insanely cool. I'm truly a marketer's dream.

A new beauty product that has recently been making waves are pimple patches. It might've been last year that I saw the first kinds and mostly from Asian beauty brands (they are the trendsetters, always) and I thought the idea was interesting: a clear sticker that is infused with ingredients to attack a pimple on sight, even before it comes to a head. You could wear it during the day, it wasn't messy like a cream and it was as targeted as you could possibly get.

 *I did a similar post back in 2015 but it was time for an update! However, I still stand by all those tips and will mention some in this post as well.

The start of a new season is always my favorite time of the year. Even though Fall is my favorite and I worship the autumn, I love any new season, the start of Spring & Summer included. However, with those new seasons comes my least favorite thing in the world: allergies.

I have had seasonal, pollen allergies since I was a little girl. When I was a child, it was only itchy and watery eyes that bothered me but somewhere in my late teenage years, sneezing, coughing, and headaches became an issue too. I was fully cursed with seasonal allergies on all ends.

Without sounding too full of myself, I've always had really great skin. I get blemishes and pimples every so often, and my skin is very sensitive and dry so I have to be careful of the beauty products I'm using but aside from that, I'm ok.

I would never classify my skin as acne-prone but I'm human, I'm also a woman, so acne is part of life. As I've gotten older, I've found ways to get rid of blemishes and pimples a little faster and especially in the past few months, I've been working to find the best ways to get rid of any acne scarring or dark spots that pop up on my skin.

I don't always do all of these steps together but they are most effective when I use them in routine.

Neutrogena Acne Light 

I received this in PR a few years ago and it is truly a game-changer. I've never used one of those big LED masks but this small light wand makes a huge difference. When I feel a pimple coming on or there's one underneath my skin (sorry, TMI), I put this light on the spot. It delivers the perfect amount of light and turns off automatically, it's not more than 2 minutes and I just repeat the process for a few days until I notice a difference. Right now, this is only available on Neutrogena's website but definitely check out your local drugstores (when quarantine is over) to see if they carry it.

Pimple Patches

These are magic and the true key in quickly getting rid of blemishes. These clear, gel-like patches adhere to your blemish and deliver some potion to your skin to shrink and eventually get rid of the pimple. Right now I'm using the Alba Botanica Pimple Patches and they are working wonders. Within two days, my blemish is a lot less noticeable and is on it's way to being totally gone. In the past, I've used the Skyn Iceland patches and they work really well.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I spoke about these in my February Favorites and they have been a total lifesaver. I use the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads right after cleansing my skin at night, almost as a toner, and always notice that my skin is a little less dull, any dark spots or scars are less noticeable. It also helps remove any texture in my skin from clogged pores or small pimples; overnight, my texture is completely gone. I think using these pads consistently has made the biggest difference in my skin; when I do not use these for a few days or skip my skincare routine, I notice that my face doesn't look as good. These might be one of my favorite beauty discoveries ever.

Summer Fridays CC Me Serum

I have been on the hunt for a good Vitamin C serum for years. Nothing on the market ever enticed me and I didn't want to just buy a serum for the sake of buying one. I know that doesn't make sense but I just found the process confusing. Finally, one of my favorite skincare brands, Summer Fridays, released their own Vitamin C serum and it wasn't even a question if I was going to purchase it. I've been using the CC Me Serum for a few months and have noticed a visible difference. My skin is very spotty at times and this makes a huge difference. My skin is a little smoother, a little brighter and the blemishes and dark spots are seemingly gone. I love using these in conjunction with the FAB Radiance Pads and together, they are a recipe for success. I don't think I will stray from this vitamin c serum and will continue to repurchase. It works that well for me.



What are your favorite products for keeping your skin smooth & clear?

xoxo
B

For the past few years, skincare fridges have been a top skincare trend in the beauty space. From bloggers to editors to random people on Instagram, everyone seems to have hopped on the mini-fridge train.

It's something that has always intrigued me but something I didn't see the need for. A mini-fridge to just put your skincare in is not a necessity and  I didn't even know where I would put it. I figured when I moved into my own place and had more space, I'd buy myself one.

Well, that changed in December when my boss gifted me a hot pink mini-fridge. I was so ecstatic to finally have one; I immediately set it up and put all my skincare in it. I sacrificed some space in my handbag storage unit and put the mini-fridge there. Right next to my makeup drawers makes for easy access and doesn't take up much space within my actual room.

The mini-fridge is just big enough to fit a six-pack so it can fit a decent amount of skincare products. I keep all of my under eye masks in the fridge along with my rose quartz roller, my Tula Eye Balm, and eye gel pads. This makes for the most refreshing skincare experience of life.

There is something so beautiful and relaxing about cold skincare, no matter the time of day. Ideally, I spend some key moments at night after a long day or on a Saturday morning treating myself to these cold beauty items.


From what I've read, there is no proof that your skincare products being cold makes them work any better or any different, it just feels good and isn't that half of what skincare is? To feel good about yourself and savor every part of the application?



However, I think having the eye products in your collection be cold makes all the difference in helping decrease puffiness and tiredness around that area. Even when I didn't have a skincare fridge, I tried to keep these items in my regular refrigerator.

Aside from my eye products and rose quartz roller, I like to keep a few moisturizers and eye creams, like my sample of the Belief Moisturizing Eye Bomb which is my new favorite eye cream, I'll probably have to buy the full size. My Clinique Moisture Surge also has a space in the fridge because when this gel moisturizer is ice cold it makes your skin feel wonderful.



A skincare fridge is not a necessity but it makes your beauty routine feel a little more luxurious and allows you to take a few extra moments for yourself during that time. It's also something I think a lot of people are intrigued by but wouldn't purchase themselves, therefore making it the ideal gift!

Do you have a skincare fridge? What do you keep in it?

xoxo
B

Whenever there is a hyped up ingredient in the beauty industry, I get very curious about it. Whether it's hyaluronic acid or environmental protectors, once something becomes popular you will notice it more and more.

Sometimes when a trend is popular in one category, beauty will pick it up and make it their own. That's exactly what is happening with Cannabis and CBD Oil.

These two hemp ingredients have become more popular in recent years (probably within the last year and a half) in the wellness industry. CBD is being used in supplements, in massages and facials, and even in food.

CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and a lot of other things so it's a no brainer that it would start to be used in beauty products.

*From the wellness perspective, I have used CBD and incorporated it into my wellness routine. That post will be coming soon! 

I've taken note of all the beauty products that contain CBD and have purchased a fair amount of them, so that's what this post is all about!

MILK Kush Mascara

The MILK Makeup Kush Mascara was the first time I saw a makeup brand release a CBD infused product and I was stoked. I was insanely curious about what this mascara would be like and what kind of effect the CBD would have on lashes. Per Sephora's website, the CBD is infused into the mascara to help condition and thicken your lashes and prevent any fallout. It will also help hydrate your lashes (interesting), even after removing your makeup.

I received a sample of this from Sephora and wow, I was blown away. It is hands down a top 5 mascara for me and I have a few samples stocked up so I haven't bought a full size yet. The brush is thick without being overpowering, so it grabs onto all my lashes and really lengthens them which is exactly what I look for in a mascara. It's a must-try in my opinion.

MILK Kush Lip Balm

Once I tried the Kush Mascara, I was intrigued by the other Kush products. After reading a review of the lip balm, I immediately purchased the $18 CBD infused balm. My shade is Green Dragon (which is the original and until writing this, I had no idea that there were other tints) and it is truly the most insane lip balm I have ever tried.

Before that, let's examine the CBD oil in it. It makes sense that CBD would work well for lips because it's a natural anti-inflammatory. The Kush balm hydrates and calms the lips; pair that with the other good ingredients like shea, cocoa and mango butter and you have a recipe for success.

I've had a lot of issues with lip balms in the past; sometimes they work for a few weeks or months and then they wreak havoc on my lips. However, I have used an entire tube of this over the past four months and I am blown away. It's a lip balm that leaves my lips smooth, soft, supple, and healed. It doesn't just cure the chapped lips for a few days, but really penetrates the lips and heals them. If you have issues with your lips, please pick up this lip balm. It's magic.

Origins Cannabis Hello Calm Mask

Back in September when I went to the Kate Spade NYFW event, they had activation booths for other brands, and that included Origins. They were sampling their new Cannabis Hello Calm Mask and when I tried it, I was very intrigued. I think this might've been the first time I actually tried a cannabis skincare product... just as the lip balm, it makes sense. CBD is supposed to calm you and incorporating that into skincare just makes sense. I recently picked this up after having it in my Sephora favorites for months and I'm so happy to have it. It's the ideal mask for when your skin is having a moment; it soothes and calms your irritated skin but also hydrates so you get the best of both worlds. I think it'll be great in the coming months as we transition out of cold weather and into the hot, humid months.

Below are more cannabis products that I hope to buy and try soon!

As CBD becomes more popular and people start to understand it more, I'm sure we will see the rise of it being used in more consumer products.

Have you ever tried a beauty product with CBD in it?
xoxo
B

Beauty trends come and go every year or so; from glossy lips to makeup as skincare to beaming highlight to ombre hair... we've seen pretty much everything. Sometimes the trends lean more toward ingredients like hyaluronic acid or cannabis -- at some point in time, everyone hopes on an ingredient train.

Now, there is a trend that incorporates a little bit of everything; trendiness, ingredients, and basically an entirely new category.

Anti-pollution beauty.

Have you ever really thought about pollution? I mean, thought about it not in terms of breathing it in or what it'll do to your insides because I'm pretty sure we all have thought about that. I used to have an irrational fear of pollution when I was younger and was haunted by the fact that our air was so dirty. I grew out of it until I started seeing this trend pop up everywhere... now I'm obsessive about protecting my skin.

Anti-pollution beauty is all about protecting your skin from environmental stressors and making sure that the pollution and grossness in the air aren't penetrating and damaging your skin. Beauty brands are starting to realize the damage that cities can cause our skin to freak out. Between trains, planes, and automobiles, the droves of people you come in contact with, and the overall dirt that is in an overpopulated city, why wouldn't your skin rebel?

I have first-hand experience with this. When I started my job in 2015 and was commuting to Manhattan on a daily basis, my skin freaked out. It wasn't used to being underground, surrounded by germs and thousands of people; it wasn't used to the smog from the trains and just the overall disgusting environment that comes along with Manhattan. I broke out everywhere, mostly along my cheeks and chin, and it was very difficult to get rid of.

As a teenager, I had typical acne -- a break out here and there but nothing that couldn't be dealt with by using Proactiv and Clean and Clear. I was very lucky, I know that. But now, at age 22, the city was wreaking havoc on my skin. Eventually, I got it under control and my skin became used to the stress of the city but I think I could've used some anti-pollution skincare.

Toxic, city air is linked to eczema, hives and premature aging and brands are starting to fight against that. Ingredients in city defense products can be anything from vitamin A, B, and C, anti-oxidants and

The key to anti-pollution beauty is to form a barrier between your skin and the environment.

I've started to incorporate these types of products into my routine and I've really been loving them all. If I can see a difference, I'm not sure but I think over time, I will notice my skin being healthier and overall in better shape.

Cover FX Water Cloud Primer

When I saw this primer pop up on Sephora.com, I didn't hesitate for a minute. I purchased it immediately because it was incredibly intriguing. The Water Cloud Primer defends against pollution, environmental stressors and something I've never seen before: Bluelight!

Now we have to worry about blue light affecting our skin, not just our eyes. Applying this primer under your makeup will help protect your skin from all the harmful things and it's a good primer to apply when you're sitting in front of a computer all day.

I've been applying this without any makeup on before I go to work just to give my skin that extra barrier. It's pretty cool and I've been loving it.

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti Pollution Sunshine Drops

I haven't used this a lot since the weather turned cold but I used it so much during the summer! The Drunk Elephant Bronzing serum made a huge splash when it launched this past summer because of its anti-pollutant ingredients and gorgeous bronze finish it adds to your skin.

It contains Vitamin F fatty acids to build up a skin barrier; the mix of anti-oxidants will protect against pollution, according to the Sephora website. I love mixing this in with my Hangover RX Primer for extra moisture, protection, and a gorgeous glow.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Scrub Anti-Pollution Volcanic Clay

Below are more products that I haven't used that are anti-pollution

New York has been experiencing a heat wave the past 2-3 weeks and it's starting to get on my nerves. I was good at first; I felt like the summer and warm weather was refreshing. I wasn't hot too often and didn't feel the need to complain or stress about the heat -- it was a really nice change of pace for me.

However, once Mother Nature felt the tides turning and knew August was on its way, she geared up and changed course. It has been incredibly hot the past few weeks and especially the last 4-5 days. It is pretty unbearable and the city has issues heat advisories almost every day.

It's really bad out there, folks, and doesn't seem to be getting better.

That being said, I've taken my already minimal summer makeup down a notch. I am going almost bare face every day at work because the walk to the subway as well as standing on the subway platform does nothing for my makeup.

I figured with one month left of summer and who knows how much hot weather left, I'd share my current, very short summer makeup routine.

Quick, Easy Summer Makeup

1. Nudestix Tinted Blur Stick: I talked about this in my July favorites but I wear this pretty much every day -- without primer (the HORROR) and it keeps me nice and matte, provides a little coverage and feels light on the skin. It's not as heavy as a regular stick foundation and has a silicone feel, which lends itself to the matte feeling. It's the ultimate summer companion and I'm very grateful for it.

2. Clea De Peau Concealer: I've raved about this concealer before but it's my summer must-have. The last thing I want to do is blend in a liquid concealer that is going to melt off my skin the moment I step foot outside. I opt for my full coverage cream concealer that can easily be blended out with your finger and used almost like a foundation because it's that full coverage. It also stays put (most of the time) all day so that's a definite plus.

3. LashBOSS or Rollerlash Mascara: These have been my favorite mascaras for a long time and they're my summer favorites at the moment. I switch between them on a daily basis and really like them both the same. LashBOSS provides more lengthening and volume while Rollerlash is great at separating but honestly, they both are similar and I'm obsessed. They aren't waterproof but I don't experience any smudging with either one.

4. Lipstick or gloss: Matte lipstick is a no-no for me during a heatwave so I opt for a balm,  gloss or lipstick. Below are a few of the favorites that I've been alternating between.

Honorable Mentions:

If I want to keep everything super simple but want a little more 'oomph' I'll add cream blush and/or highlight. Below are my must-haves and I can't get enough!

Last week in New York we had a huge cold front. It was super weird because it felt like December weather, not early November. I've mentioned it here before and I'm sure you're not blind to it either: the weather has been wild and it's wrecking havoc on all parts of me: my health, my routine, my skin and my hair.

It's finally my season... it's my time to shine and I'm breaking out all my old (and new) favorites!

With the change of season comes a change of routine, whether that's your daily routine, workout routine, or more importantly, a beauty routine.

Usually, it's the skincare side of things that change up drastically once the weather chills out because, without a good skincare routine, your makeup routine means nothing.

I haven't figured out my new fall skincare routine quite yet because the weather is still in the 80s here in New York, but the day after Labor Day, I started changing up my entire beauty regime.

It's time to break out the dark colors, the matte foundations, and warm eyeshadows.. fall is here!

• Laura Geller Iconic Baked Lipstick in Broadway Plum: This is one of my favorite fall lip shades and one that I am constantly applying and reapplying all season long. It's the perfect plum without being too dark or too vampy so I feel like it's pretty universal for everyone. Also, this is one of my favorite lipstick formulas EVER! Very creamy, very comfortable, and simply gorgeous.

• Essie Angora Cardi: There's a reason this is the most popular Fall nail polish season after season on Pinterest... it embodies everything that is Fall. It's the perfect mix of mauve, plum, and brown and every year it's my favorite, most used shade. I'm rocking it now and I've never been happier.

• NARSissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette: I love a good warm shadow palette all year round but there are certain palettes that just scream fall and this NARS one is it. It has the perfect mixture of greys, browns, and golds with a few plum and pink shades thrown in for good measure. I have hardly worn it all summer because it's just too fall(y) for me! 

• Too Faced Love Flush Blush in Your Love Is King: Once Fall hits I'm all about a full face of glam and I love a good plum blush. This shade from the Too Faced collection is one of my favorites. It's a nice mauve/purple/plum shade without being too much and it adds the perfect amount of color to the cheeks. 

When it comes to makeup, I've never been a full coverage kind of gal. My skin is not that bad and it's pretty dry so I lean toward more medium coverage, radiant foundations. However, during the summer, I usually don't wear any foundation at all.

It melts off my face as soon as I step outside and continues to annoy me as I sit on the hot subway. During the hot months (or even when I'm running super late) I tend to stick to light coverage 'foundations' and tinted moisturizers.

The thing I love about tinted moisturizers is that they can be applied quickly and easily. There is no need for a brush or sponge, using your hands is just fine.

They also provide just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy or tacky on the skin. I also think there is enough of a range amongst the beauty community that you can find a tinted moisturizer that fits your skin tone and type.

This summer tinted moisturizer was the only thing I wore with the exception of a few days where I went full foundation (or sans foundation completely)

These were my must-have tinted moisturizers of the summer *and pretty much of all time up until this point*




1. Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint: If you haven't figured out by now, I work for Laura Geller (I don't know if I've ever posted that on here but it's public knowledge). When I found out that we were releasing this product, I could hardly contain my excitement. This is for sure one of my favorite products we've ever released. It's a very, very light weight, almost sheer, but really evens out and hydrates the skin. You have to feel this to believe it (go to Ulta now and try it) but when applied, there is a release of hydration and it feels like you're splashing water on your face, and it's amazing. It was my most worn product of the summer for sure.

2. NARS Tinted Moisturzer: I don't know if I would classify this as a tinted moisturizer but I figured I'd mention it anyway.  I have talked about this before in my May favorites and it's stood the test of time. It's a fuller coverage tinted moisturizer but doesn't feel like an actual foundation. It's the only complexion product I've tried from NARS and it's definitely a favorite and must try!

3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue: This was a purchase from last summer and it's still a favorite right now. It has SPF in it which is ideal for summer (and all year round really) and is a cross between the NARS and Laura Geller. It has good coverage but feels incredibly light weight on the skin. This can 100% be applied with your hands but if you want a little more coverage, you can build it up with a sponge or brush. This was one of the first tinted moisturizers I really took a liking too and it remains one of my favorites.

What is your favorite tinted moisturizer? 
xoxo
B

I don't think I have ever, in 5 years, talked about perfumes on the blog. That is a pure travesty because I really do love perfume and I have ever since I was 11 years old.

When I was younger, my favorite scents were Britney Spears Curious & Fantasy, J.Lo 'Glow' and DKNY 'Be Delicious'. The DKNY scent has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of elementary school, my first kiss, and school dances.

As I got older, my taste in scents changed but the idea of perfume has remained the same. Certain scents bring me back to specific times in my life and I'm filled with a true feeling of nostalgia. It's amazing how a smell can transport you back in time, and how important a scent can be to a specific occasion.

I love the idea of wearing a certain scent on a vacation or on your wedding day, and not really wearing it any other time. It's so special and so nostalgic. *I love anything related to nostalgia if you couldn't tell.

There was a time that I couldn't wear perfume and you may remember that because I talked heavily about it here on the blog. I was having an allergic reaction to fragrance so my dermatologist told me to stop wearing perfume. I stopped for a solid year and it was so difficult. I love perfume and feel so much more put together when I spray a bit on before I leave the house.

After about a year of no allergic reactions I decided to test it out again but on one condition: instead of using a spray perfume I switched to rollerballs. Ever since I haven't had any allergic reactions. I think it really does make a difference because I'm keeping the scent concentrated in one place instead of walking through the spray or spraying it too close to my face.

I also think rollerballs are better all around; they're perfect for travel and much less inexpensive. You go through them faster so you can try more scents.

With perfume, I feel like a lot of people have very specific tastes. Either they like musky scents or floral, or very sweet. As for me? I don't discriminate and I pretty much love all kinds of scents. I will say that I don't like scents that are overly sweet or sugary, but otherwise, I like everything.

I'm so confident in my scent tastes that I purchase a lot of scents online without smelling them first and I've never returned a single one.

I figured spring was a perfect time to talk about my current favorite perfumes so here we go!



Marc Jacobs Daisy: This is my OG perfume and I exclusively wore it throughout high school and college. I still have a rollerball in my collection but don't wear it too much anymore. It's the basic betch scent of our generation and it's produced a thousand spin off scents, including Daisy Dream, which I have and love! Daisy Dream is very light and airy but, still has that signature floral scent that the OG has.

Sarah Jessica Parker 'Stash': When I saw that SJP was releasing a perfume, I purchased it without even reading the notes. It's a very masculine, musky scent but it's so divine. It has notes of black pepper, sage, pistachio, cedarwood, patchouli and much more. It's definitely more of a winter scent and I wore it constantly in the cold weather. It has a comforting smell and I really love that.

Tory Burch Love Relentlessly: This is my newest scent and I've been loving it! I've never tried a Tory Burch perfume and I smelled this in a magazine sample and couldn't stop thinking about it. The notes are Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Sparkling Pear, Rose, Jasmine, Amber, and much more, but from those few, you can tell that it would smell floral & very fresh. It's a great everyday scent and I've been wearing it nonstop.

Elizabeth & James Nirvana: This is probably one of the most hyped perfumes of the beauty industry in recent years, right behind Marc Jacobs Daisy and Flowerbomb but I think the hype is real. The original scents were Black & White, which you could layer together. Later on, Bourbon and Rose were released. 2 years ago for Christmas, my sister bought me this mini set of Black & White and they both smell really wonderful. Black is a little muskier while White is more floral and feminine, but the good thing is that they're made to be worn together.

I also purchased Rose when it was released and it has a very strong rose scent but is not floral or feminine, if that makes any sense.

I also just purchased this set of Kate Spade travel perfumes because I've wanted them all for a long time and it comes with its own branded refillable spray case. I haven't tried them all yet but I wanted to include these as an honorable mention.

Shop some other perfumes that I have in my collection or have loved in the past below:

It's officially winter and my skin is acting up. I've been breaking out like crazy, there are dry patches on my skin, and I just feel like my skin has needed some TLC.

I always feel like winter is the time when you really pay attention to your skin; dry, cold air always makes people pack on the layers of moisturizers and face masks, and I almost feel like there's something truly glamorous about winter skin care.

My favorite beauty articles & blogs to read are always about transitioning from season to season. I love seeing how people switch up their routines to meet the weather conditions; I also love getting ideas of what is on trend & what I should be using.

I've done multiple skincare routine posts in the past, including my most recent post from September. Today, I want to strictly talk about the must haves for dry skin.

I don't use these products every single day, but they are my dry skin saviors.

For the record, I have normal to dry skin. In the past, it's been drier than normal but right now it's around normal to dry. I can feel when my skin is going through a dry patch and needs the extra hydration.

For reference, I use almost all of these items exclusively at night. I usually am too lazy/forget to moisturize during the day and when I do, I need something a little more lightweight. This moisturizer is still my go-to for daytime. 

• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: I've been talking about this for two years and it's still my ride or die moisturizer. My mom started using it on her face and she loves it; I've exclusively been using it for my body, unless my skin is in freak out mode & I need some heavy duty stuff. If you haven't used this yet, please try it. You will not regret it. 

• Laura Mercier Nourishing Rose Oil: I was in search of a great oil to use and then I found this. I read some Sephora reviews and was sold. I have not looked back because it's an incredible product. It's a very luxurious product that comes in a gorgeous glass bottle & I feel super chic when I use it, but what's inside is what matters. It's a thin oil that packs a punch and really sinks into your skin. It's not greasy and makes your skin feel hydrated and really nice. I will for sure be repurchasing this every chance I get.

• Josie Maran Argan Oil: This product has won every award possible in the beauty industry, and really has been a game changer over the past few years. To me, I think it put oils on the map and disrupted the beauty industry. However, I have not used it until this summer and it is really good. I don't use it too much, mostly because I really love my Laura Mercier oil, but it is a heavy duty oil that gets the job done. I like to use it with the next product I'm going to talk about it, and I got them together in a QVC kit.

• Josie Maran Pure Argan Intensive Hydrating Milk: I'm kind of grossed out by beauty items with the word "milk" in the title but I'm also kind of not. This definitely takes the cake as the latter-- I am obsessed with this product and almost done with it. It's a mixture between a lotion, oil & serum, and feels really nice on the skin. My face always feels smooth & refreshed the next day, and it sinks into the skin really nicely. If my skin is acting up, I usually put this on first & finish it off with the Argan Oil. They work really great together.

• Estee Edit Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack: The moment I saw this product, I wanted to try it but it has a pretty price tag. I bought this Estee Edit kit and a mini size came in it and I'm in love. On days that I'm a little lazy and my skin doesn't feel as if I need an oil, this is my go-to. It's my must have nighttime moisturizer because it's light weight, gives a cooling effect, and absorbs right into the skin. 

Skincare has become more and more important to me as the months have passed. I love a good moisturizer almost as much as I love a striking highlight. Without good skin, your makeup falls flat.

Without good skincare products, what is the point of your almost $40 Becca highlighter?

Nothing... that's what!

I was never good about sticking to a select few products because I always love to try a thousand things at once. Therefore, I never had holy grail items; also, I feel like my skin changes a lot so I constantly need to cater to those changes.

I have my skin issues, definitely; the main one being dryness around my eye and on my eyelid. Nothing worked to help out with that so I have a prescription steroid cream.

Other than that, my skin is usually dry, I don't break out a lot, but I do have some texture on my cheeks. I feel like these products and ways of cleansing really help me keep my skin clear and in control.

(Here's my skincare routine from last fall and from the spring. You can see how it's changed a lot!)




Makeup Removers

• Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil: I purchased this last Christmas and have a little more than half of the bottle left. I don't use this every night, but when I'm wearing a full, caked on face of makeup or I feel like my skin needs an extra step of cleansing, I'll use this. It's a cleansing oil so it breaks down all your makeup before cleansing; just apply a few pumps to dry skin, rub in, and rinse clean. My skin feels awesome afterwards. 

• Makeup Eraser: If I don't use the cleansing oil, this is my go to. Ever since purchasing this a few months ago, I haven't used makeup wipes to remove any makeup. This cloth is specially made to remove makeup in one quick swipe and using only water. How does it do that? I have no idea but it works! Just run it under water, wipe your face, and it's completely gone. It's seriously like magic.

• Eye Makeup Removers: It's very rare I need another remover for my eyes but if I do, it's these two. The Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick is such an interesting product, I knew I needed it in my life. It's a balm that you rub on your finger, and apply to your eye and all the eye makeup literally disappears. The Too Faced Mascara Melt Off Cleansing Oil is a cleansing oil for your mascara. I'll use this when I have on a waterproof mascara or just have the extra moments to remove mascara properly. It really does make all the difference in how the rest of my makeup comes off -- no raccoon eyes here! 

Once you've tried some beauty products, you've pretty much tried them all. GASP! How, as a beauty blogger, could I possibly say that?

Well, if you really think about it, it's kind of true. At some point, all blushes, bronzers, mascaras, eyeliners, etcs start to look and feel the same. Of course there are some that will never work, or some that causes your skin to react badly, but all in all, a lot of beauty products are similar.

I continue to buy them because I'm constantly trying new things, and if something is new or a cult classic that I've never tried, I need to try it.

That's why, when there is a beauty product that is unlike anything I've seen or tried before, I need it.

Over the past few months, I've been extremely drawn to unusual & unique beauty products. I love seeing what brands will come up with next and it's interesting to try something that you aren't used to.

From masks to primers to removers, there's tons of weird products out there!

• Lip Masks: This might not be so unusual but when I saw it on Sephora's website a few months ago, I was intrigued. It's so smart to make a sheet lip mask and I don't know why I've never seen them. Thanks to the Sephora Brand Collection, I've been introduced to a new item. I purchased one and fell in love. It just so happens everyone else was too because they've been sold out forever. (Back in stock right now!) Thankfully, Patchology sent me some of theirs recently and I've been loving them! My lips are moisturized and smooth afterwards, perfect to do right before applying a liquid lipstick.

• Origins Maskimizer Mask Primer: This was a product, when I saw it, said "Now they've thought of everything!". It seems a little gimmicky to apply a primer before applying a face mask, but if you think of it, why wouldn't it work? We apply primers before makeup to keep makeup on longer, smooth our skin, and other reasons, why shouldn't we apply it before a mask? This primer allows for your skin to absorb the mask more quickly, and loads better. A few sprays before your favorite face mask and your skin will feel better. I haven't noticed a physical difference but I do think my face feels better using it than without using.

• Too Faced Mascara Melt Off: A mascara remover, that comes in a mascara tube? GENIUS! Once again, gimmicky but GENIUS. I don't wear a lot of waterproof mascara but like every other woman in the world, have a difficult time removing it. Apply one coat of this remover to each lash, let sit for 60 seconds, and wipe away. I've never tried anything like it and I don't think I ever will again -- it's SO good, I never want to run out. 

• St Tropez In Shower Gradual Tanner: Self tanning is such a trend, and such a pain in the butt. Your hands turn orange, if you're not careful your sheets will too. Why has no one ever thought of making a tanner that you apply IN THE SHOWER? Well, St. Tropez gave us what we didn't even know we needed. I bought this in a pinch because I was white as ghost and had misplaced my self tanner amongst the many boxes when I was packing to move. I ran to Sephora and purchased this; within 3-4 showers, I had semi golden skin. It seemed like the most natural tan ever and it was completely fake. If you're nervous about self tanning, I highly recommend starting out with this. It's great for beginners.

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