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! 

Shiseido Cleanser

Hey all,

So I ran out of my little cleanser sample from Tammy Fender, and I needed to find a new one. While I didn't mind the cleanser, I didn't totally love it (at least not for the price point)... So off to Sephora I went (where I proceeded to spend an amount of money too great to post...) to look into a new face cleanser. 

I've tried a lot of different types and brands. I'm never super sold on any cleanser-- never found one that I love, but I have to tell you, this current purchase is quite nice! 

I purchased the Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser. 

Photo c/o shiseido.com

$30

I have used some of Shiseido's skin products in the past. I've tried their White Lucent Brightening Serum, I've used their eye masks, and while I have enjoyed those products I never thought to try their cleansers! 

They have a good range for different skin types, but this lightweight cleanser works wonders for my combination skin. It lathers and gently cleanses, leaving my skin soft and feeling refreshed.  It also easily removes waterproof mascara and liners. 

WIN!

A tiny bit of this product goes a long way--So a $30 cleanser doesn't seem so bad :) 

I've only used it for a week so far and it's been lovely. No major issues or complaints-- it does have more of a scent than I normally like/want, but I haven't had a bad reaction and it's bearable :) 

So there it is, my current cleanser that I'm loving. If you have a cleanser that you love feel free to share in the comments section! 

Festival Beauty Tips

It's that time of year again...

Festival Season! 

Music festivals, art festivals, all kinds of outdoor gatherings to enjoy the summer heat. So here are some beauty tips to look your best all day outdoors. 

Hair Inspiration

1. Braids. 

Duh. 

This is probably one of the best go to festival do's you can have! With running from stage to stage or booth to booth, in the heat, it's great to not worry about how your hair is holding up. The best part about braids? They are so versatile! You can braid small sections of hair, or try different styles of braids, or pin them against your crown to keep hair off your neck, but in a way that looks like it takes more time than you actually spent! 

So throw a quick side braid in! Nothing fancy, a regular braid is simple, chic and functional. 

Photo c/o instyle.com

This photo of Zoe Saldana looks like perfection with this braid. Leave it loose and let pieces or layers fall through. It adds a more relaxed and less severe feeling overall. 

Wanna try to amp it up? 

Create two side braids, and criss cross them across the back of your head and pin into place. This keeps the hair off your neck in the summer heat, and adds a lot of visual interest! Not to mention, it's super easy! Any hair novice can master this. The messier the better! 

Here are a couple photos from a shoot I worked on with a little girl-- But trust me, it looks just as cute on a grown up :) I do this hairstyle to myself and I always get a compliment and a "how'd you do that?"  

2. Wear a hat. 

Hats are a great form of sun protection and they are so cute! Best part? You don't have to worry so much about what your hair is doing! Leave it down, put it in that braid or low pony-- no one will notice if you didn't put the time in because they will be so focused on your fashionable hat. (maybe save the hat for day 2??)

Here are a couple styles I love... 

photo c/o asos.com

This sleek felt hat from Asos is beautiful. A simple silver bar detail that catches the eye is perfection. Best part?? It's $23! 

photo c/o urbanoutfitters.com

Another great option is cute straw hat. Lightweight, it's perfect for that summer heat. Comes in lighter tones as pictured, or a black patterned version is available as well. 

$34

Makeup Inspiration

 Keep it light and easy. 

Think low key. 

You're going to be outdoors, in the sunlight all day. Minimal makeup is best for this type of event! The more you pack on, the more you have to deal with smudging, melting and looking over done. Festivals are great because they are very low key. So go with it! 

Some ideas...

Can't separate yourself from a full foundation face?? Try opting for a tinted moisturizer. You'll still get some coverage, some SPF and it's lighter so you won't be too made up. 

Simplify your routine. 

Instead of making up a full eye and contouring your face, simplify your routine. Think smaller. Maybe you put a nice liner on, with a pop of color on the lip? 

Or a little swipe of a soft shadow with some mascara and gloss? 

Bronzer is your friend. 

Adding a pop of bronzer along your cheekbones will instantly create that contour without feeling/looking heavy and like you tried! It's a more delicate and event appropriate way to get that definition while adding a little sun kissed glow. 

Hydration and SPF

You knew I had to mention it! 

Be sure to drink plenty of water before you head out, and try to have a bottle every hour or two. All that alcohol and sun can wipe you out. 

And of course Apply that SPF before you leave the house! But be sure to have some on hand as well for re-application. You need to do so every couple of hours :) 

Have fun at all your festivals this summer! 

Have a great hair or makeup tip from your adventures?! Feel free to share in the comments below! 

Happy 4th!

Ah, the 4th of July... 

One holiday we often look forward to for the obvious perk that it occurs right in the middle of summer! 

That said, many of you will be outside for the day, so before you head out to your holiday bbq, be sure to check out these fun makeup tips! 

Sunscreen it up. 

Most of you will be enjoying the sunshine whether you're on the beach or in a backyard or a park, you'll need to be sure to wear your sunscreen! 

Apply a lightweight sunscreen before your makeup- one of my favorites is by Vichy.

One thing to keep in mind-- 

you must reapply! 

So after getting your 4th of July makeup look on point, be sure to have some of this Sunscreen Makeup Setting Spray on hand. It smells great and is a perfect way to re-apply sunscreen without ruining your makeup! 

Don't forget about the rest of you! 

Be sure to apply sunscreen to your neck, chest, and anything else visible to the sun :) 

Beat the Heat. 

Be sure to wear lightweight makeup products! Not only will they feel better on your skin in the hot weather, but they won't melt off your face :) 

Use waterproof makeup-- Liners and mascaras tend to travel in the warmer temps, so be sure to pick a good waterproof liner, like this one from Makeup Forever. 

Onto the fun stuff... 

Here's a fun, holiday inspired makeup idea for your July 4th bbq's! 

Incorporating Red, White and Blue

One of my favorite ways to incorporate all 3 colors into my makeup routine without being too costume-y is to use small amounts of each. 

Red: 

The most classic and probably obvious would be to wear bold red lips! 

White: 

I use small amounts of a soft white shimmer shadow as a highlight. Place on the inner corners of the eyes and maybe a touch under the brows. 

Blue: 

Go for that classic All American look by sealing the deal with a cat eye- but use Blue liner instead! I often lean towards a navy liquid liner but you're welcome to use something a little brighter. 

I just love this classic look adjusted to a very festive 4th of July color scheme. 

If you have a fun and festive 4th of July look, feel free to share! Would love to see what you come up with! 

Have a safe and fun 4th!