Refreshing Facial Mists

Hey all,

So I don't know where you are reading this from, but let me tell you, in Chicago, it is HOT. Not just hot, but HUMID. And STICKY. 

Not fun. 

Of course some of you may be used to this type of 100+ Degree weather, but I am not! Not even in the summer!

In light of the heat... 

I thought I'd take this hot weather as inspiration to introduce one of my favorite types of products... 

Facial Mists. 

I am kind of obsessed with these face sprays! If you haven't had the experience of trying one, I highly suggest investing in a small bottle to carry around with you. 

They are great for refreshing your makeup and skin in this sticky type weather. BUT it's also great for other climates as well. Cold weather often leads to drier skin-- so these refreshing sprays are a great boost of moisture. 

That being said, they are awesome for travel! Carry a mini version on your next flight so when you got off that plane, you can refresh, re-hydrate and wake up! 

There are so many kinds to choose from, so if you're not sure on the right one for you, you've come to the right place! Here is a breakdown of some of my favorites mists for every skin type. 

1. Evian 

$12.50 for 5 ounces

photo c/o sephora.com

You've probably seen this around -- Evian Facial Spray has been around for a while. This light mist of mineral water is great for any skin type. It truly refreshes, adds moisture and rehydrates skin. The more you use this throughout the day, the better. 

Great for all skin types as it's just mineral water, so it's incredibly gentle. 

The bottles come in 3 different sizes: 10 oz, 5 oz, and 1.7 oz (great for travel or on the go!)

2. Rose Water

I'm going to give two options for this lovely spray! I LOVE Rose water. It's light, refreshing, and the scent is lovely. One of my favorites that I've used for years includes...

Mario Badescu's Facial Spray

$7 for 4 ounces. 

photo c/o mariobadescu.com

This spray has aloe and herbs as well as rose water to help lock in moisture. It's affordable and good quality! It's great for all skin types as it's gentle and non irritating. 

The smallest size they offer is 4 ounces, but I often buy small 1 or 2 oz. bottles to fill and carry with me. Again, the more you can use this refreshing mist throughout the day, the better! 

Another to try... 

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water

$32 for 4 ounces

photo c/o sephora.com

A little pricier... this spray has no artificial ingredients whatsoever! I love the integration of coconut water (a wonderful scent and hydration tool), and witch hazel. 

Because of the witch hazel in this product, I would suggest this spray for people with oilier skin. The witch hazel helps to act as a natural astringent but also has the capacity to lock in moisture at the same time. 

You could use this in the morning as a toner before you leave the house. 

3. Nurturing Force Wellness Aloe Vera

$15 for 2 ounces

photo c/o nurturingforce.com

This is a great treatment for dehydrated skin. 

Nurturing Force is a wonderful brand with products that are vegan and natural. This spray is a great way to instantly hydrate and cool/soothe distressed skin. 

Perfect for someone with dry, cracked skin, or rosacea (but works well on every type!), this product cools on contact and instantly refreshes! 

There you have it, 

some of my favorite facial mists! 

While these mists feel amazing in the warmer months, they can and should be used year round. So start integrating this into your skincare routine for a boost! 

Do you have a favorite facial mist that isn't mentioned above? Feel free to share your favorites in the comments! I'm always looking for new products to try! 

Product Rave

Hi everyone...

So I thought I'd take this time to share with you some new products that I love! 

Let's jump into it... 

IT Cosmetics

I hadn't heard of this brand until one of the brand marketers sat in my makeup chair. She raved about the products and how they are all she uses now. She also gave me a brief history about the baby company! After our appointment, she kindly asked for my address to send over some product, and let me tell you.. she sent me some PRODUCT! 

She sent me a giant box of pretty much every product they carry! This happened back in May I believe, but it's taken quite a bit of time for me to finally get through the majority of their products! 

And I have to admit, they are quite nice. Here are a few that I now can't live without...

Feel the Moment:

Anti-Aging Ultra hydrating sensory Awakening Primer Serum

I have quickly fallen in love with this stuff. It's like magic! A beautiful lightweight serum that absorbs into your skin-- I love to use this as a primer, especially on dehydrated skin. Sometimes I'll just tap it on to dry patches or under the eyes if it's a little dry. It helps your makeup to glide on seamlessly, and it feels amazing. 

CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation with SPF 50

I am not a big foundation wearer. I generally spot conceal where needed and move along! But after trying this beautiful foundation, I am sold. It is incredibly light, sheer, and yet has great coverage! I love the way it feels on my skin. The best way to apply this is using one of IT Cosmetics' signature brushes... 

Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush

This is my weapon of choice! All of IT Cosmetics' brushes have received rave reviews from beauty experts and celebs, but this one is so handy! I tap the large foundation brush into the CC+Veil foundation and gently buff it onto my skin. It is a flawless application. After foundation, just flip the brush and use the concealer end to softly buff away any additional imperfections. 

No Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

all images C/O ITCosmetics.com

I can't stop using these pencils! They glide on so easily-preventing any discomfort or pulling. The color is phenomenal, and the best part is-- they do not move! This waterproof, no travel pencil is perfect for a full day wear, and great for events. And, they come in a variety of fun colors! 

There are many more that I'm enjoying and still so much more to try! Be sure to check out their website for a history about the company, product reviews and shopping! You can currently order their products on QVC, online and at Ulta stores. 

Have fun trying out these fab products, and let me know your thoughts about some of the other ones I haven't yet tried! 

Have a beautiful day! 

Current Faves

Hi Everyone,

I hope you're dealing with the yo-yoing weather well! It's been tough on me- not only physically (dry skin!), but mentally as well! Where's Spring?!

I wanted to share some of my current favorite products I've been using during this time to keep my skin and hair in good condition, and to make myself feel good! 

First Up... 

Moroccan Oil Body Souffle and Body Buff

I received these beauties as a gift from a dear friend, and let me tell you... I am in love! 

They are so gentle, and silky, they make you feel like you're getting salon treatments at home. Incredibly luxurious, these two combined are magic! 

image c/o beautycrazed.ca

You use the body buff as a gentle scrub to use while you're in the shower. It exfoliates and hydrates you as well! No more sugar and olive oil scrubs for this girl! I'm spoiled!

The body Souffle is step two of the hydration process. Very light, creamy consistency that hydrates the skin beautifully. 

Best part about these puppies? They are paraben free, and full of all kinds of antioxidants and derived oils to give your skin the best of the best! 

Body Souffle $52

Body Buff $42

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tints

This product is genius. 

I love it. 

photo c/o makeuptemple.co.uk

I've been wearing these little beauties just about every day since I bought them on a Cyber Monday sale! 

They are a cross between a balm, stain and a gloss. They give a wash of color, hydrate, and are super lightweight. Some are matte, some are glossy. The color range is beautiful, and they are so easy to wear--Now you can throw on a little pop of color without the fuss of lipstick or stickiness of a gloss. 

Plus, Tarte is made in the USA and always formulates their products with some of the best ingredients, without Parabens, mineral oil, and gluten (to name a few!)

LipSurgence Lip Tint $24

Neuma Shampoo and Conditioner

My good friend Nevena of Custom Hair Lounge in Chicago suggested I try these, and boy do I see a change! My hair is lighter, more manageable, and looks great! 

photo c/o neumabeauty.com

My hair is fine, but I have a lot of it. It doesn't hold curl very well, and volume is never an option! 

I was using some sketchy shampoos in the past (I refuse to name names, partially because I'm ashamed!:)), and after learning more about my hair's current condition, I knew I needed a new regimen. 

Nevena suggested I try these shampoos and they have changed my hair's life! It is lighter, feels smoother, and is easier to style! 

Neuma Products prices may vary depending on where you purchase them. You can find the closest location HERE. 

Hope this opened your eyes to some great products out there! Let me know if you've tried them, or have some other favorite products you love. 

Post NYE Beauty secrets

Yes yes, New Year's Eve is all about celebrating with friends and family, creating new resolutions to better yourself, blah blah blah..

For most of you it's a good excuse to drink loads of champagne and party like it's going out of style! I intend to partake in some celebrating myself :) 

In case some of you need to work the next day, or have a brunch date, or just need to leave the house-- Here are some helpful hints for that puffy, exhausted face :) 

Things to help the night before...

1. WASH YOUR FACE! 

No matter how tired you are, it is so important! Especially since more makeup is typically worn for the occasion (as stated in my previous blog post here), and you've been drinking, dancing, eating, and sweating, it is a bacterial haven! 

Last NYE, I came home at 4am and before I even looked at my bed, I headed straight to the washroom to wash my face of the evening! It'll make you feel so much better in the morning and save your skin!

2. Take some aspirin.

If you've had too much alcohol, it'll save your life (and your headache). If you have some advil PM, it'll help you get that extra beauty rest you need!

3. Wash that aspirin down with lots of water. 

When I come home and if I've had more alcohol than I intend, I try to drink a quart of water (4 glasses) before bed. The aspirin is a lifesaver in itself, but if you hydrate before bed, you wake up feeling SO much better! Not only that, your skin will thank you. 

Rise and Shine...

1. More water!

First thing's first, start your day with another big glass of water! Hydration is key to feeling and looking better. Coconut water is a great source of hydration as well. 

2. Cold Spoons. 

Notice some puffiness around your eyes? Place some cold spoons over them and relax for 10 minutes. Another trick to remember to do, the next time you have green tea, save the tea bags. Placing cold tea bags on your eyes will help with the swelling as well. Not to mention the helpful antioxidants and caffeine boost your skin gets!

3. Hydrate your skin.

How'd you know I was going to say that? 

After your cold spoon remedy (or splashing your face with cold water if you don't have puffiness), use a good moisturizer followed by an eye cream.

And remember, my best tip to distract from tired eyes-- LIPSTICK! Throw on a bright lip color and put on some shades! 

Hope this helps you post celebration! You want to start the New Year right! Practice good habits for 2013! 

Happy New Year everyone! 

xoxo Jen

Making a comeback

Hello friends!

I'm finally making my blog comeback! I am making it a New Year's resolution to be better about creating posts and following through with my ideas :) 

Winter is finally making it's appearance here in Chicago -- yes, there were a few flurries today! I figured it called for some wintertime survival tips! Things that will save your skin and some time :) 

One of my favorite things about the cooler months, is bringing back my beloved head scarf. Back when I was a wee little babe, I would wear my pink and gold head scarf paired perfectly with red lipstick EVERYDAY!

No joke. 

So today, with my dirty hair, I was able to bring it back! 

In the summertime while it's hot and humid, I like all my hair off my face- especially when I'm working. So I will rock the top knots and braids (thank goodness they were so IN this year!), but when it get's chilly like this, I prefer the scarf.

I literally tie it underneath my hair, pull all my hair to the side with the knot of the scarf, and roll it into a bun. From there, I wrap a hair tie around it and VOILA! 

Easy, cute and WARM!

Now for your skin, 

I've preached about the importance of exfoliation (especially in the winter months- read about it HERE), but another tip for hydrated winter skin, is a good hydration mask. 

There are many masks you can use on your skin for different needs (clear pores, oxygenate skin, exfoliate.. etc), but for winter, I highly suggest using a hydrating mask, especially for those with drier skin. 

I have combination skin for sure-- super dry in some areas and oily down the T-zone. But in the winter, I can get dry patches. I especially need extra hydration under my eyes. 

I just purchased the Burts Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask and it is awesome! 

Photo courtesy of Burts Bees

It makes my skin feel like silk! It is a mask you don't rinse off-- so it's SUPER hydrating. You wipe it off with a tissue and allow the rest to absorb into the skin-- like your night cream. I love it!

There are so many different types you can buy, you might even be able to get a sample to try before buying if you go to the department store. 

Another quick fix you can carry on the go is Evian Facial Water Spray: 

Evian photo courtesy of Nordstrom.com

This spray is water from the French Alps that is said to have a plethora of minerals that are easily absorbed by our skin. 

It is often used as a form of re-hydration throughout the day. 

I LOVE it. 

It's perfect for a quick pick me up if you're feeling dehydrated or just need a boost before your night out straight from work. It refreshes and brightens your skin instantly. 

This is probably one of the best products to carry with you when you fly! Flying really dehydrates your skin, so spritzing this instantly refreshes and wakes you up! 

I hope this helps your winter woes--at least some of them :) 

XOXO Jen