From Head To Toe
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We just did our insane move into our new house (after being displaced for 7 months, ahhhhh!) and lo and behold, a few of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale goodies were waiting for me! I’m planning on doing a full try-on haul video for you soon but I wanted to give you guys a quick post of what I’ve gotten so far so you can see how they fit. For reference I am 4’11” and typically wear size xxs/23 pants. First off I wanted to share these black satin joggers. These are SO COMFY and I love that the finish is more of a satin matte versus being overly shiny since it's more wearable and less likely to snag like delicate fabrics can often do. I took the XS but sizing seems pretty flexible since it has the elastic ankles. This light sweater is also super comfy and flattering although I do recommend wearing a nude bra since it runs slightly sheer. I'm wearing this On Gossamer one also on sale which has flattering padding and goes down to size 30A if you run petite like me. Blouson Sleeve Sweater | Stretch Satin Joggers | Nendan Sandal These block heels on these sandals make them surprisingly wearable and I love the modern square toe. The straps on my size 4 pair did seem to run snug so these are probably best for those with narrow to normal feet, but I purchased in both the snakeskin and nude variations. Nendan Sandal I also shared these 14K gold chain-link earrings on IG stories that I've been wearing nonstop since they came in. They different enough to wear super casually but the dangle and sparkle when they shake can look classy too. Bony Levy 14k Gold Chain Earrings This 100% cotton cardigan may be my new favorite! It comes in beige, grey, black, olive, and this pretty fall rust which is a much nicer color in person than the bright orange in the Nordstrom photo online. I'm wearing the XXS here and the fit is perfect. The upper sleeves here look puffy only because I was wearing that blouson sleeve sweater underneath but it's actually not too slouchy on the arms. BP Open Stitch Cardigan I've been very, very into animal prints for the last couple of years and this oversized sweater is so cozy with a very chic zebra pattern. I especially like the brushed knit and the upward curve of the hem in the front. It does run oversized (I'm wearing XXS and it covers the bum with leggings) so if you like a more fitted look I'd size down. Leopard Brushed Pullover | Stretch Satin Joggers | Adidas Cowhide Slides As a side note, I've had these Adidas cowhide slides for years without seeing it back in stock but I saw a powerboost version pop up so I'm ordering a pair for when these die because they've gone through 2 pregnancies and I will sob if I can't find them again! Speaking of Adidas, this men's hoodie which is also part of the Anniversary Sale is SO GOOD. Adidas is one of Ben's absolute favorite clothing brands to wear but I have a feeling I'll be stealing this one from his closet pretty frequently. It has a really nice tree branch print that has a negative-space look to it and I'm a big fan of this pale grey-beige. On me. I'm sure it looks good on him too though. 😜 I also got him this Adidas Crew Neck Sweatshirt in black with camo stripes which is also on sale. Adidas Trefoil Hoodie !function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script") JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. I'll try to keep updating this post as I get new items in so feel free to bookmark this page if you want to use it as a reference. I'll also keep doing mini reviews on Instagram so you can follow me there @frmheadtotoe
Hey everyone! Today is the first day for the broadest tier that Nordstrom cardholders can shop the annual Anniversary Sale for 2020. This is honestly one of the top times I go all out and do my clothing shopping for the year since this is one of the few sales that have pre-season items that are marked down, then after the sale is over the items will go back up to full price. I usually stock up on pricier basics that rarely go on sale such as boots or leather jackets, or things that I typically need like beauty care items I use frequently. Today - any cardholders can shop Aug 19 - full public access begins I placed my order and am waiting for it to ship (I'll post a try-on haul video soon!) But for now I wanted to share a few of my favorites that are still available. Since one of the most difficult issues that arises with the #Nsale is that things quicky run out of stock, I hope this will prove useful! I also made all the graphics clickable so if you like something, just click on the image of that item and it will take you to the page to shop.;) BP Lace Trim Camisole | Naturalizer Callie Boot !function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"moneyspot-script",document,"__moneyspot","/js/widget.js","script") JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Chelsea28 Leather Moto Jacket I love slim sleeves on a leather jacket for a sleeker look and this one has really great reviews on the soft leather quality. Dalby Leather Moto Jacket I was keeping an eye out for any classic shades of All Saints jackets (which are great quality pieces) to come in stock and this one popped up recently! On Gossamer Bump It Up Bra This comes in a range of sizes all the way down to 30A AG Farrah Jean These are a great staple light denim skinny. It's an ankle length but the raw hem makes for easy at-home length alterations Colby Boot I own the very similar Callie boot (also available on sale here) and they are such a versatile lace-up boot, especially in this rich brown color. So comfortable and easy to wear with dresses, shorts, and skinny jeans and the rubber sole gives a little platform so it's easier to walk in. Also, the side zipper makes them so easy to take them on and off which is not the case for many similar boots I've seen BP. Open Stitch Cardigan It's actually pretty rare to find a 100% cotton cardigan but this one looks great and comes in multiple colors including black, ivory, grey, olive, and rust BP Lace Trim Camisole | Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan | Halogen Tie-Waist Pants !function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"moneyspot-script",document,"__moneyspot","/js/widget.js","script") Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan This is one of my favorite pieces that keeps coming back each year and is even lower-priced than last year at $68! I've gifted these super soft cardis to my mom and sister and they both rave about it Moonlight Dream Long Pajama I own this in black and it's the softest pajama set ever! BlankNYC Suede Jacket I have a past-season version in blue but this tan is so pretty and timeless Topshop Jamie High Waist Jeans I love and have owned many pairs of the Jamie jeans. They have a super high waist and run a size or two small so I usually pick up a 24 or 25 (versus my usual 23) depending on how roomy I want the fit to be Moonlight Dream Short Pajama I also own this set and wear it during the summer months. Buttons are particularly nice when you are breastfeeding as well SPANX Faux-Leather Leggings (Petite) These are a great step-up from regular leggings and come in petite sizing as well as regular length and plus-sized versions !function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"moneyspot-script",document,"__moneyspot","/js/widget.js","script") JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer & Setting Powder Duo I've used this primer for several years and continue to adore it since it keeps liquid foundation looking fresh in a noticeable way. The setting powder is also nice and airy and I'm glad to see the two available this year YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Set This is one of my holy grail lipsticks! If you like your lips to feel plush and hydrated, this lipstick feels balmy and looks juicy while packaged in a luxe bullet Beauty Blender & Cleansing Solid Set It's a good time to stock up on your basic beauty blender, plus the cleansing bar is the BEST for easily cleaning not just sponges but all brushes too L'Occitane Hand Cream I love this hand cream! So necessary to keep on hand especially during these times of frequent hand washing Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Remover Set I've been doing my nails at home so much more often and having a good polish remover is a game changer Paula's Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant This is a great chemical exfoliant that is a better alternative to use than physical exfoliants, plus salicylic acid is fantastic if you are acne-prone I'll do a full try-on haul so make sure notifications are turned on to my Youtube Channel and follow me on Instagram @frmheadtotoe for mini-reviews on stories! :)
I wanted to talk about something that has been a HUGE factor in many of my skincare and household purchases. As much as I love flashy packaging and a gorgeous fragrance, I've always been someone who considers the impact my choices will make on my family's sensitive skin first and over the years have made a few lifestyle changes to keep us feeling our best both on the inside and out. Today I'll be partnering with Ivory to share what changes have made the biggest difference in our family's sensitive skin journey. Let me just give a brief low-down of our skin sensitivities. I have battled acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation since I was 11 as well as eczema and a dust and smoke allergy. Ben has seasonal allergies and bouts of rosacea and heat rash. Aria actually has the most resilient skin of all of us, but she also runs warm like her dad and will get heat rashes that we've gotten phone calls from her preschool about. Ezra seems to have taken more from me and as an infant had large swaths of eczema patches on his arms and legs as well as having food allergies which would cause hives all over. He's since grown out of the eczema this year but I'm very diligent about keeping his environment as allergy-free as possible and making sure I'm continuing to be conscious of the product decisions I make so that his reactions don't reoccur. This brings me to my List of (Small-ish) Changes We Made that actually ended up making a big impact on our lives! Ivory Gentle Aloe Scent Laundry Detergent which I am very honored to partner with because it ticks all of the boxes for what I look for in a detergent. It's hypoallergenic and contains no dyes, phosphates, brighteners, chlorine, or enzymes and is specifically made with sensitive skin in mind. It's also very effective at cleaning the dirt and food stains that magically end up all over my two toddlers by the end of the day and is affordably priced. It's super accessible since you can pick it up at Walmart! Because this is an ingested item, taking Vitamin D supplements may come as a surprise for helping sensitive skin but especially if you tend to be like me and slather on the sunscreen and hide from the sun whenever possible, having a Vitamin D deficiency is actually quite common. I had a pretty major deficiency when I had my blood tested about a decade ago and had to go on a doctor-mandated regimen of daily Vitamin D doses and I was shocked at how major of a difference I felt. My skin improved but I was actually happier too. Allergies are the body overreacting to things it comes in contact with and not only does Vitamin D help to balance that immune response, it also can help alleviate winter blues and staying-inside-too-much blues which all have to do with Vitamin D which is synthesized from the sun's UVB rays on our skin. Less sun means less Vitamin D, so the supplements really help so much. If you want to know exactly how much to take, I would always ask your doctor first but generally adults should be getting 600 IU each day whether that is from foods, sunlight, or supplements. (source) After making these relatively easy changes our whole family has lived a little healthier and less reactive than before so I really hope that some of my fellow sensitive skin folks out there can try these tips out. If you also suffer from sensitive skin I would really love to hear any additional tips you've tried that have helped you so let me know what skin issues you suffer from and any of your favorite recommendations that have helped in the comments. Thanks again to Ivory for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
so ready to leave my hormonal adult acne behind including the several rounds that popped up this past year from pregnancy, breastfeeding, and medicines from getting so sick this past Spring. If you want to see what my skincare has been you can check it out in my video here, but today I wanted to focus a little more on my Summertime makeup. OPI Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer in Sweet Heart is exactly that. I’ve mentioned before that Infinite Shine is hands-down (pun intended) my favorite non-gel polish line so I couldn’t resist picking up this color and I’m happy to report that it looks even better on than in pictures. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense moisturizer which has been a holy grail product for years. My skin lives in that unhappy purgatory of feeling dry but also being acne-prone and this is one of the few moisturizers that’s actually both oil-free and fantastic at hydrating. Makeup will always lay smoother on hydrated skin so starting with a good moisturizer is an absolute must. BareMinerals Original foundation a try. A lot of liquid foundations and pressed powders have filler ingredients that can clog pores or cause irritation but mineral foundation won’t do either and also won’t harbor bacteria which can create breakouts. It’s also SO fast to apply and I love that I can just do a light layer or build up coverage just in places I need it, just using one product. For reference I use shade Light. Stila Perfect Me Perfect Hue Eye & Cheek Palette which conveniently has both eyeshadows plus two blush colors. The Medium/Tan had especially pretty shades that work well on complexions with yellow undertones. Maybelline Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Molten Gold is both affordable and so pretty. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara lives up to the hype, dare I say better than the waterproof version of a certain mascara it closely resembles in design. Just saying. ;) NARS lipgloss in Priscilla. The formula is so silky without feeling overly sticky and you can wear this both fully opaque or blend out the edges for a softer look. Cerave Face Sunscreen Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Stila Eye & Cheek Palette L'Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara BareMinerals Original Foundation NARS Lipgloss in Priscilla OPI Infinite Shine in Sweet Heart Disclaimer: Thank you so much to Walmart beauty for partnering on this post.
You guys know I've been a huge fan of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for the last 6 or so years so I have a bit of experience under my belt of navigating the #Nsale. In case you didn't already know, Nordstrom does a massive sale discounting brand new Fall merchandise before the season begins and after the sale the items will go back up to full price. Yeah. To put it lightly, it's become a really big deal and I usually save up to splurge during the event since I can stock up my wardrobe for the the next half a year with high-quality pieces that are discounted. Nordstrom Cardmembers can begin shopping July 12 July 19th !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/widget.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === 'object') {if(document.readyState === 'complete') {window.__moneyspot.init();}}}(document, 'script', 'moneyspot-script'); JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Cashmere Sweater Suede Moto Jacket Striped Tee Stuart Weitzman OTK Boot Faux Leather Leggings Longchamp Expandable Tote Black Leather Booties this one comes in and it's only $64.90 down from $98. BlankNYC also has fantastic moto jackets each year for a great price as well and I love this tan suede version which also comes in grey. And I'm still obsessed with these SPANX faux leather-look leggings because, to put it plainly, they make your butt look awesome. It just sucks everything in and smooths everything out and elevates any casual look. Longchamp Le Pliage expandable tote is an item that I bought (shown in this haul video) and love so much because of how versatile it is for travel. The bag itself is waterproof with leather handles and is super duper lightweight. It comes in several colors this year including the classics and this gorgeous rust shade. major trend this Fall, I don't know what is.) !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/widget.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === 'object') {if(document.readyState === 'complete') {window.__moneyspot.init();}}}(document, 'script', 'moneyspot-script'); JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Midi Slip Dress Leopard Pleated Skirt (this comes in petite sizing too!) Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan Long Leopard Jacquard Cardigan Lace Trim Satin Camisole Vince Camuto Bootie (Goes down to size 4 and comes in lots of colors) The Barefoot Dreams circle cardigan is an item that is always so coveted every Nordstrom Anni sale because it feels like a cloud to wear because it's SO SOFT, plus it's machine washable to boot. I absolutely live in mine and gave one to my sister for Christmas last year and all she did was rave about it too. I picked it up in the pewter because the pale grey color is so pretty! I've also been on the hunt for a great leopard cardigan and I like the pattern and price of this one, plus reviewers say it's very soft as well. !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/widget.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === 'object') {if(document.readyState === 'complete') {window.__moneyspot.init();}}}(document, 'script', 'moneyspot-script'); JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Twist Front Cover Tank (I bought this in white to wear causally) Yoga Bra Leopard Lounge Set High Waist Moto Leggings Airbrush High Waist Leggings Airlift High Waist Leggings Adidas Swift Run Sneaker Edge Lux 3 Running Shoe First of all this bra is literally my favorite sports bra (I own it in a couple colors already) because it fits really well if you are smaller-busted. It comes with removable cups to prevent nipplage and I adore this dusty lavender shade, plus the mesh of the long-line part looks very chic. The moto pants are also super stylish for running errands and fit well if you are on the smaller side. I own these in classic black (not on sale) but I'm a bit obsessed with this soft grey situation. YSL Balm & Care Lip Duo Dior Addicted To Glow Set Clinique Take The Day Off Set (This is my go-to dual phase eye makeup remover & cleansing balm!) Big Genius, Little Genius: Dramatically Different Oil-Control Gel Duo Sunday Riley Sunday's Essentials Set Stila Eyeliner & Liquid Shadow Set YSL and Dior and this waterproof eyeliner that works well on hooded eyes. And I somehow always turn to Sunday Riley when I want a little treat for my skin and Good Genes is one of my favorite mild exfoliating serums I've tried which is also ok to use while pregnant and breastfeeding. Youtube Channel and be sure to turn on the notification bell so you don't miss when it's posted!
I can't believe Summer is already here! I don't know if it's because LA winter lasted so long this year or because our family was hit so hard with cold & flu season, but I feel like the weather skipped Spring completely and jumped right into shorts weather! That means it's high time to stock up on some of my favorite skincare go-to's and a couple key beauty refreshers to prep myself for the impending barbecues and beach trips. look like my hair is dead and crunchy or that I'm adding extra sun spots to my face. ;) Walmart also has free 2-day shipping on most orders of $35+ so it's extremely convenient when you can't run to the store, not that I've ever been that busy in my life, cough, cough baby's asleep on me again, cough. Free returns on those orders too if you don't like something! Elta MD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and how it's especially good for those with acne-prone skin. A little research revealed that a key ingredient in it is niacinamide which has worked really well for my skin in the past at increasing clarity and brightening and is cool to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Woohoo! It's oil-free and fragrance-free so it will integrate with my current skincare quite nicely. Know what else is oil-free and rocking niacinamide? CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion! I recently ran out of my nighttime face moisturizer so it will be nice to have that niacinamide boost day and night without using a separate serum. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion. It's a great basic that is fragrance-free and non-greasy. I feel like I became so boring after my high school and college days of perfume-laden body butters but I really appreciate only having scents I choose, only where I want to apply them, especially since my kids come in contact with my skin so often. Is it just me? It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product works great to make my hair look its best but also works as a heat protectant before using the blowdrier or curling iron, or just running around outside in the sun. Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water to clean my skin which is something I've been using for years. It never breaks me out or leaves a sticky residue and you can use it during the day after working out or going to the beach. Smashbox Photofinish Primer (Which, again, I've been using for years and my mom always manages to take my backups because it's a holy grail for her too!) and the original Beauty Blender sponge. Obviously the primer blurs skin imperfections and helps foundation last longer and the Beauty Blender is actually so great for getting that super natural, healthy-looking skin because when you wet it first, it uses less foundation but gets the most even coverage out of every foundation application technique I've tried. OPI Suzi Without A Paddle is the palest baby blue that I'm completely in love with. I've been obsessing over OPI's Infinite Shine formula since it lasts longer than most polish lines on me, so I've been hoarding a small collection of my most-worn shades. Beauty Blender It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product Smashbox Photofinish Primer CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water OPI Suzi Without A Paddle Elta MD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion That's it for my Summer beauty picks. What are you guys using to prep your beauty shelf for the summer? Disclaimer: Thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post
the 5% cash back quarterly bonus categories from my Chase Freedom card. (Woohoo! Perfect timing! Just activate this quarter’s bonus categories, which includes department stores and wholesale stores before December 15th to take advantage of the earnings and it's good to go.) If you aren't already a Chase Freedom card member you can check it out here. What do you guys think? Are you into couples/family coordinating outfits? What are you planning on doing for Halloween this year? Let me know in the comments! Huge thank you to Chase Freedom for partnering on this post!
Us exactly 1 year ago when Aria was tiny and I held all my secrets in that long hair Disclosure: Post sponsored by RB These last two years have been an incredible whirlwind of new experiences and emotions, cognitive development! Unicorns do exist and they like Hello Kitty and long walks in the park Rocking a size 3T Adidas tracksuit at age 20 months that I could've probably fit in the 3rd grade To give a little bit of backstory, I breastfed Aria for 12.5 months. My goal was to hit 1 year which I'm proud to say I did, but I also look at it for what it is—a beautiful and sacrificial journey. In case you missed it, I spoke more in depth about my experience breastfeeding in this video. After having gone through this the first time, I feel more confident about not worrying over every little detail as much the second time around (What happens if my breastmilk never comes in? What does mastitis feel like? Will I know the difference between colostrum and actual milk? Why can't I pump more? Is that pink BLOOD in my breastmilk?!) Breastfeeding on the beach nearly 1 year ago. I'm still amazed this was possible! Babies grow SO rapidly in the first year so it's a critical time for nutrition especially in supporting the brain. In fact, babies brain size grows 175% in those first twelve months.* While I still plan on breastfeeding baby #2, I’m so thankful that formulas have come a long way in bridging the gap between the two options. There is a huge middle ground for being able to incorporate one or the other—or even both—knowing at the end of the day, fed truly is best. *Dobbing J, Sands J. Quantitative growth and development of the human brain. Arch Dis Child. 1973; 48; 757-767 One ingredient in particular, which is just starting to be added to certain formulas is called MFGM or Milk Fat Globule Membrane. MFGM naturally occurs in breastmilk and has important components that support brain development and the immune system. In fact, adding MFGM to formula is clinically shown to help close the gap in cognitive development between formula and breast-fed infants. It's basically formula's biggest innovation since the introduction of DHA, which is huge. After years of research, more formulas that have MFGM will be popping up in the market, supporting babies as they reach those critical milestones. You can read more info on MFGM on WebMD here and in the infographic below. Just waiting and gestating ;) Finally enough hair to give her a matching mini-bun! I know that for this kid, I will personally be stocking up on an MFGM formula, especially to supplement those early days before my milk kicks in to give this baby the best chance of growth and development just like his older sister had! Mamas, I would love to hear how you fed your kids. Was it different between subsequent children? Let me know in the comments and any tips you have!
Those who follow me on Instagram may already know this but I mentioned in a recent post about how it’s honestly difficult for me to set aside time for treating myself, especially now that I have a baby. There will always be a million excuses in my head for all the tasks that need to be completed which is only compounded by the fact that I work full-time from home while also taking care of Aria full-time as well. Yes, I do plan on eventually getting childcare help but for now I’m just trying to embrace this relatively short time to have her closer and save a bit of money! Unfortunately, that also takes up large swaths of my free time which is usually spent scrubbing bottles or folding seemingly endless piles of laundry. That’s why I, and my ever-amazing partners Aveeno, have realized that it’s more important to put my “me time” as a priority in my schedule since otherwise it will inevitably just never happen. Any other ladies out there feel the same way? Can I get an amen over here? Aveeno Positively Radiant line like the 60 Second In-Shower Facial which works with the steam of your shower to kick your regular exfoliation up a notch. Ben (aka Mr. Toe as he has been affectionately dubbed by some followers) who typically loathes any complicated skincare routine even gives this one a thumbs up. Aveeno Positively Radiant Overnight Hydrating Facial is another one that, dare I say, harkens to sleep masks in the Korean skincare routines I was raised with. I apply this before bedtime and wake up with hydrated, radiant skin. It’s that hyaluronic acid, baby. It does wonders with very little extra effort by me.
Warmer weather is here and more than ever before, I've found myself crazy determined to kick off Spring cleaning in a big way. Although I'd love to go on a mad dash through the house throwing piles of random knick knacks into a box to Goodwill, that tactic truthfully never ends well and I always find it much wiser to assess the items that I actually love the best and work down from there. I'm talking about finding those joy-sparking items that will get you through the best and worst of times.(Anyone else a huge fan of the Kon Mari method? Oh man, it gets my organizational heart thumping. I'll probably do an entire blog post dedicated to that obsession in the future.) The Little Black Dress 2. The Button Down 3. The White Sneaker 4. The Basic Tee 5. The Jean Jacket 6. The Strappy Stiletto 7. The Leather Jacket 8. The Dark Denim 9. The Simple Stud 10. The Black Blazer Speaking of Spring cleaning, did anyone notice that new lob I was flinging around in the video? Yeah. I chopped it all off again. Let me tell you, I feel about 100 lbs lighter and no longer under constant attack from baby hands. I'm still a little freaked out by the idea of "mom hair" but omg the freeeeeeedom! Do you guys have all the pieces the list? Did I miss one of your must-haves? Let me know in the comments!
The other day I was having a chat with my husband about how when we were single, we got bored from having too much free time. Then, after jobs and marriage we felt like we never had enough time to do everything we wanted to do, but looking back we actually had so much choice about our leisure activities. Now, between wrangling impressive blowouts from the little one while trying to stay on schedule with work without the house falling to pieces, all we can do is try to maximize the free minutes in our schedules to make our time together run smoother. 1. Lay out clothes the night before 2. Combine shower tasks 3. Eat breakfast 4. Don't hit snooze 5. Keep items where you'll grab them last * This tip also applies to socks, dogs, and small children. YMMV. If any of you have advice on multitasking better, let me know down in the comments! Here's to a morning where you can have your cake and eat it too, or at least eat your cake for breakfast. Same thing, right? ;)
everyday with a newborn, but I digress. As a new mom you just don't get the luxuries of going out wherever you want at any time of night or day but because I'm so in love with motherhood I haven't seen it as missing out too much. In a way, it makes me appreciate those times I do get to spend with my favorite ladies even more. I don't know about you, but I definitely try to up my makeup game when I'm going out for an evening with the girls because they just appreciate it, at least to an extent slightly more than my infant does. ;) I thought this would be the perfect occasion to showcase my collaboration with COVERGIRL and share how their COVERGIRL + Olay Simply Ageless primer and foundation made my GNO routine foolproof and gorgeous. COVERGIRL + Olay Simply Ageless Anti-Aging Foundation Primer which has a lovely creamy texture and applying it to a clean, bare face. This primer not only helps foundation to last longer and look better, but it also includes anti-aging ingredients that help condition skin over time which is always a blessing for my sleep-deprived self! Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation in Medium Beige all over my skin using clean fingertips. Seriously, I am in so love with the texture of this! It has almost a fluffy, soft feeling which blurs into the skin so smoothly, no brushes needed. The medium-to-full coverage gave me an even, flawless complexion with a very natural satin finish that also felt very hydrating. You all know I would never leave you hanging so if you want to check out my whole process for getting ready including makeup application and outfit, you can see it all step-by-step in video form below! Kassia. Girl, you are just too talented. I know you only get snippets in the video, but the ladies and I had the best time sipping lattes, cracking up over silly selfies that will never see the light of day, and protecting ourselves from the local finches who were getting a little too brave about trying our food! All in all, a worthy event to get glammed out for, making memories with my best friends.
look what I did. (For the record I was 4'11" and 80 lbs pre-pregnancy which I will say openly in the hopes that it abates that fear in others.) Photos of my pregnant body still leave me in wonder at the sacrifices mothers go through and what a blessing it is that life is created that way. I will never be the same and I'm okay with that because there is nothing in my life I have ever done that compares with how fulfilled I feel being a mother. Never have I been more willing to let go of my anxieties and run toward the daily joy of being in the moment, watching my daughter grow. This year my goal is to leave fear at the door so I can be fully present for her, and also for me. There's no guarantee that things will be perfect but I'm excited for the beautiful imperfections that 2017 will inevitably bring!
If you've been a long-time reader of this blog you'll know how I have an especially warm spot in my heart for nail polish. It was one of the first beauty items I really enjoyed collecting and spending my free time on. I recently stopped by an OPI event and will full on admit I felt a little fangirly meeting the company's co-founder Suzi Weiss-Fischmann for the first time. All those cute polish names? She and a precious small group came up with them. The colors? Yup, she's had a hand in each collection. She was sharing the lovely brights in the upcoming Fiji launch as well as the whole permanent Infinite Shine collection which is a newer, long-wear formula. I found it fascinating how she said yellow is such a trendy color paired with nude, especially with nail art trends. Of course, Infinite Shine has some well-known goodies like You Don't Know Jacques! and a personal favorite of mine, Alpine Snow, which is what I chose to get on my nails. Have you guys tried any of the newer polish formulas? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!
PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Sephora Solid Brush Cleaner (FYI I have the 1 oz version) By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Taraji Glow Dior Addict Lipstick in 561 Wonderful Colourpop Cosmetics Super Shock Shadow in Glitterati And can I just say that babies grow way, way too fast? Aria is already 4.5 months old and she's growing like a little weed! I still am in shock that I made a baby who is 95th percentile for length (considering I stand at only a meager 4'11") but they say the first couple years aren't really an accurate indication for adult height. As long as she can find clothes and shoes that fit later on it will be worth the fact that she zoomed through all those cute baby clothes too fast. I keep telling her to stop being a teenager but we all know how little infants listen to our parental demands. ;)
Today is Cyber Monday which means millions of people are pulling out their credit cards to scour for the best gifts online, especially if they are particularly phobic of messy Black Friday crowds. And maybe, just maaaaaybe some of those people are also picking up a couple gifts for themselves too. :) 1. Make A Wishlist actually want for myself. 2. Set A Budget 3. Stick to your Favorite Stores Nordstrom has an insane return policy (you can return with a receipt or shoebox even years after you purchased) plus they will price match with other stores. 4. Add to the Cart Early Sephora VIB Sale which I covered in this post. Pre-load your cart with favorites when you aren't starry-eyed for the next tier of "rewards" and check out as soon as the sale begins. This will also help you get items before they sell out! 5. Avoid Unnecessary Doorbusters And in case you still have some shopping to do, here are some Cyber Monday coupons and sales that caught my eye: All Saints: 30% off sitewide with code CYBER Anthropologie: 20% off Full Price Items / Extra 30% off Sale with code STACKS ASOS: 20% off sitewide with code GOGOGO Express: 50% off sitewide + free shipping Macy's: Extra 20% off sitewide with code FEAST Nordstrom: Extra 20% off selected sale items / Designer sale 40% off Paula's Choice: 20% off & Free Shipping + Free gift when you spend $65+ with code DAILYGIFT7 Shopbop: Save up to 25% off sitewide with code GOBIG16 Sigma Beauty: 30% off sitewide with code CYBER30 T3: 25% off sitewide with code T3CYBER16 Topshop: Up to 50% off select items Ulta: NYX 40% off Eye Makeup Urban Outfitters: $50 Off $150 or $15 off $75 photography: Kassia Phoy
dang round brush which magically always gets my hair knotted. Yes, I'm hanging my "beauty guru" head in shame right now but as a new mom, ain't nobody got time for that! I'm certain this is why I came up with these hair hacks. Time crunch = tactics to make my life easier. From faster drying, to more volume, to even de-wrinkling shirts and smelling better, I wanted to share some easy hair hacks that literally anyone (even a lazy-hair gal like me) can do. Watch the video here: PRODUCTS MENTIONED: My fav blow dryer | GHD Air Professional Performance Hair Dryer Yummy smelling hair oil | Madam CJ Walker Scent & Shine Coconut Oil Travel blow dryer | Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer Setting powder | Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Perfume | D&G 3 L'Imperatrice Light-weight hair oil | Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Oil !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script'); JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. If you have any low-maintenance hair tricks, let me know in the comments and lets all commiserate on which parts of the beauty routine get the short end of the stick when we are short on time. ;)
Any company that invites not just me, but Ben and Aria to events as well automatically receives roughly, oh, a billion extra brownie points in my book. It just so happens that Urban Decay's founder Wende Zomnir is not only a gorgeous businesswoman but also a generous and understanding mother too. Thus, I packed up my husband and baby girl and we made our way to Malibu to spend an exciting day enjoying beautiful views and learning about Urban Decay's new launches. After a little product pow-wow (with future goodies that we weren't allowed to photograph... woo!), my first stop was hitting up the braid bar. I haven't cut my hair since I found out I was pregnant a year ago so my tresses were so ready to be swept back into some trendy boho braids. We also had the opportunity to design our own customized Edie Parker clutch which I'm absolutely stoked to wear in a future outfit. It has a hard-case exterior with some really amazing materials and a built-in mirror on the inside for makeup touch-ups, naturally. Along with a highly instagrammable infinity pool (oh yes I did), there was a stunning view overlooking Malibu in the backyard. beyond excited to play around with the Full Spectrum eyeshadow palette! Also those Moondust eyeshadow singles are sooo pigmented and freak-out worthy that it makes my little beauty loving heart thump with joy. Let me know if you guys want to see a full review on anything. It'll feel fantastic to dip my toes back into some colorful waters again after maybe too long of a stay in neutral-ville. :) seriously, Wende is such mom goals. I'm going to take this as my motivation on behalf of all mothers and say we are all warriors and we can do anything!
I know, really sexy) to maximize efficiency and technique. Really, makeup application is no different. Simply getting the most expensive tools isn't necessary but having the proper tools can have a big impact on the finished result. Face Brushes 1. Powder Brush Sephora Pro 59 Precision Powder Brush 2. Foundation Brush Sephora Pro 56 Flawless Airbrush 3. Angled Blush Brush Sigma Beauty F40 Large Angled Contour Brush 4. Precision Highlight Brush Sephora Pro 73 Precision Blush Brush Eye Brushes 5. Inner Corner Highlight MAC 228 not easy to apply it properly without a teensy brush in your arsenal. 6. Smudge Brush NARS 45 Brush 7. Precision Blending Brush Sigma Beauty E32 Exact Blend Brush 8. Lid Brush Sephora Pro 14 Shadow Brush 9. Blending Brush MAC 217 10. Large Shadow Brush NARS 40 Brush I realized that my bronzer brush mentioned in the video isn't available for purchase anymore so anyone with bronzer brush recommendations will be my hero. If there are any other brushes that you can't live without let me know in the comments so I can check it out!
you get this if you spent $350 in the last year there, which is embarrassingly easy to do). There's a 15% off sale in the Spring but this holiday one is the real event where I usually save up to spend my money for a better deal. 20VIB from November 11th-14th online or you can also shop the sale in stores at Sephora and Sephora inside JCPenny. so worth it to pick up. !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/boutique.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__boutique === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__boutique.init();}}(document, 'script', 'boutique-script'); JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Urban Decay Cannonball Mascara - $20 Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation - $62 Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - $24 SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - $165 Clinique Smart Custom Repair Serum - $59.50 Dark Spot Corrector but I found the Custom Repair Serum personally gave me even better results. Tarte Smooth Operator Setting Powder - $33 skin. This one has an airbrush effect but also keeps greasies at bay better than basic silica powders like Make Up For Ever HD Powder. Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil - $24 Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer - $399 anyone so I'd definitely take advantage of using the code on this one if you are gadget-obsessed like me! T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand - $270 so gorgeous. Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Romance Palette - $42 Lancome Juicy Shakers - $21 Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum - $80 There are a couple of newer brands that have been on my radar and Drunk Elephant is at the top of that list. People have been raving about them for their effective, balanced skincare that doesn't have skin-irritating fragrances in it and Paula's Choice gave them impressive 5-star reviews so I'm looking forward to testing out the C-Firma Day Serum to see if it can give me brighter, clearer skin! From past experience, a lot of popular products tend to sell out quickly so my tip is to add items to your cart tonight so you can have a swift check-out once the sale hits tomorrow. Happy shopping and let me know if you picked anything up!
If there was ever a lipstick that I want to tell everyone "You've GOT to try this" it's this one. Trust me, there are plenty of lipstick formulas that come across my desk but very few I am as excited about sharing as Burberry's Full Kisses line which was sent to me as part of my partnership with Burberry. (SALE ALERT: Sephora's annual VIB sale runs this weekend from Nov 11-14 for 20% off, which these lipsticks are a part of, using code 20VIB.) extremely application-friendly since you can see where the lipstick edge is without any fancy arm contortioning. Rose Apricot No. 521 is a pastel creamsicle shade. Because it's quite bold, I would recommend it for those with lighter skintones for everyday wear but it is still very pretty as a statement lipstick. It translates gorgeously in photos as well. You know how I love to save the best for last and Rosewood No. 533 is it! I bet you thought it would be Lilac which is what I assumed, but believe it or not this shade is even better! If there's one kind of lipstick I can't live without it is the holy grail MLBB (my lips but better) and I have officially found my new favorite. This slightly warm coral-rose brightens my whole complexion and looks natural yet sophisticated. Yes it's not as exciting in photos, but trust me, this baby made me do a little happy dance as soon as it was on. A well-used product is a well-loved one. :) Sephora and Burberry for $30 apiece. Disclaimer: This post was made in partnership with Burberry and contains product provided by Burberry. All opinions are my own.
anyone, non-moms included. 1. There is nothing more important than bedtime I will fully admit that I used to be the biggest night owl before Aria came into my life. My mom would always tell me that I'd stick to a schedule once life demanded it, and as usual, her wisdom came true. Ben, Aria and I now regularly begin our nightly routine at 8pm and are rarely awake past 11, but it has helped our daytime productivity so much. It makes me wish I was more strict about bedtime when it was just me to worry about! 2. Take advantage of your friends' wisdom whole truth about if that snot-sucker really works) and be a commiserating ear while listening to stories of battle scars and crazy emotional rollercoasters. There's nothing like first-hand experience from people you trust. Which brings me to the next point... 3. Say yes to community yes. It may open doors to friends, playdates and fresh air down the line. 4. Graciously take help offered 5. Let it go please help! The other rolls in, pops the paci in, shushes for 10 seconds and she's out like a light. We could spend our energy being frustrated that it wasn't me but really, it's so much better to revel in the quiet together with a sleeping baby. 6. Trust your instincts any aged child knows that as helpful as Dr. Internet is, it also kinda sucks. Facebook mom groups are rampant with judgement and saltiness and there seems to be hypocritical advice at every turn. Mom guilt will eat you alive if you let it! That's why you must trust yourself because you know your child best. 7. Stay hydrated 8. Store memories in your happy bank 9. Let others learn so strong whenever you hear her cry but oh mah goodness, if you do everything yourself your arms WILL fall off. I'm pretty sure that's just science. Be good to yourself and your arms and let others figure out how to calm your poor baby too. It's good for them, good for the baby, and good for your sanity. 10. Be kind to yourself really difficult recovery which I may go more into in a future post, but I had to keep reminding myself that it's okay to take the recovery time I needed. What would I tell my best friend in the same position? That's what I need to say to myself. Be your own biggest cheerleader because you are trying your best. Kassia Phoy Lace Top / Tulle skirt Dress / Bow / Grace bracelet
no makeup makeup look. PRODUCTS MENTIONED: | EYES | Eye Colour Contour Smoke & Sculpt Pen in Rosewood and Pale Nude Cat Lashes Mascara in Jet Black Eyelash Curler | BROWS | Effortless Eyebrow Definer in Ebony | CHEEKS | Light Glow - Natural Blush in Earthy Blush No. 07 Fresh Glow - Highlighting Luminous Pen | LIPS | Liquid Lip Velvet in Fawn Rose No. 09 Eye Colour Contour Smoke & Sculpt Pens which, for the record, last all day even without a primer underneath. A full, natural brow and natural-colored blush frame the look while a soft, matte lip from the new Liquid Lip Velvet keeps the palette light and airy. Liquid Lip Velvets will be out soon (so looking forward to these!) but Fawn Rose is a great little preview of the plush, moussey formula which is something I haven't seen yet in liquid lipsticks. Disclaimer: This post was made in partnership with Burberry and contains product provided by Burberry. All opinions are my own.
limited edition collection featuring his iconic flower motif. 4-piece premium brush set with a cute zip-around storage pouch. Included are brushes for face, cheeks, and eyes. These are travel-sized as the pouch is about the size of my outstretched hand and the brush handles are shorter than typical full-sized brushes. Although they have a lightweight feel, the bristles themselves are soft and will be excellent for on-the-go use. The pouch also has a pocket on the opposing side so you can throw in larger makeup items or other brushes you may like to take with you. favorite Shu Uemura items of all time is their classic eyelash curler so I was jazzed to see this limited edition one included! This is full-sized and coated in a sexy all-black finish (hiding those eyeliner and mascara stains) with a cheerful rubber Murakami smiling flower. For the eyes and face, there are two Cosmic Blossom Eye & Cheek Palettes and two Blossom-Nova Eye Trios in Cosmikawaii for the warm-toned sets and Cosmicool for the cool-toned sets. For the Cosmicool sets, there are again 3 sheer glitter shades and 4 main shadows which, as the name implies, are cool. I actually really love the purples here because they have a lovely iridescence which is so tough to pick up on camera! But trust me, they are gorgeous. The one downside for both palettes is that I found the matte shades to be patchy. Maybe I've been spoiled by the plethora of smooth mattes popping up here and there but these do take a bit of working to blend out evenly. There are 5 lipsticks in the collection with 3 being Rouge Unlimited Sheer Shines with pink prints and 2 Rouge Unlimited with a red print. Although the Rouge Unlimited is supposed to be a more opaque texture, these all applied quite glossy and moisturizing with a sheer finish. I do love that the cap is clear so you can see exactly which color you are grabbing. Another fantastic everyday type of lipstick to keep in your purse. For eyeliners, there are 4 Cosmic Drawing Pencils which are silky smooth and smudgeproof. The exciting one here is obviously Comet Brown which to me looks more like a metallic orange than brown. Also don't be misled by the decidedly pink packaging, it's not at all pink. It'll be fun to switch things up and use this to line my lower lash line when I want a lighter, Indian-summer effect. Shu Uemura with my personal favorites being the lash curler and lipsticks. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of Murakami or just want to add some extra smiles to your makeup collection! :) Readers, which is your favorite pick from the collection? Let me know in the comments below! Disclaimer: This post contains product provided by Shu Uemura. All opinions are my own. For more information please see my review policy.
Burberry and Sephora which was used in Burberry's February 2016 Womenswear show. I'm so excited to be partnering with Burberry, so wanted to send a big thank you to Burberry for sponsoring this blog post and sending me these to try out! As the designer label is known for, there is a mixture of luminous, wearable makeup with a bit of sparkly edge. Zip-Top Technical Nylon Pouch at the bottom? I am a huuuuge sucker for anything customized and everything from the gold embroidery and weighty hardware to the leather pull and classic black nylon exterior calls to me. It has quickly become my most cherished daily makeup clutch and trust me, I've had plenty! Runway Palette, an illuminating powder for face & eyes. It's imprinted with a floral embroidery pattern used in the February 2016 runway show and can add a golden highlight to cheeks or a pop of shimmery goodness on the lids. It's one of those limited edition pieces that will have you staring at it lovingly every time you open up the case! Next is the Shimmer Dust Loose Glitter and the shade I have here is Black Glitter No. 02. The girls wore this in a spread under their eyes in a cool-girl, Bowie kind of way. The particles are a steely, black hexagonal glitter which flash rainbow colors depending on the light. A couple products which have quickly become bestselling staples for Burberry Beauty are the Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base and Fresh Glow Highlighting Luminous Pen which I used previously in my Glowing Foundation Routine Tutorial. As you can see in the swatch, the Luminous Fluid Base blends into the skin for a healthy look without the sparkly disco effect. For a more concentrated glow, I love using the Luminous Pen to highlight eyes, tops of cheeks, and the cupid's bow above the lips. Both are incredibly easy to wear since they can blend out to a subtle finish. Damson No. 425 and Nude Apricot No. 401 as well as Burberry Kisses in Nude Beige No. 01. !function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script'); JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Readers, how do you add a little edge to your everyday makeup? Do you adjust your makeup in the Fall? Let me know in the comments! Disclaimer: This post was made in partnership with Burberry and contains product provided by Burberry. All opinions are my own.