5 Skincare Products I'm Currently Loving

I love it when I randomly come across skincare products that I really love. I've actually found a few great ones lately and I wanted to share them with you today. I've been trying to pay closer attention to the products I use and the ingredients in them, especially now that I'm pregnant. Products that are comprised of food-based ingredients have been naturally grabbing my attention. Now I'm not saying that these products are as safe as can be, I just like to think they are better alternatives than some of the others out there. Here are five that have found a permanent home on the shelf in my bathroom.

1. Elemis Superfood Facial Wash

I had never head of this brand until recently. And now I'm wondering what took me so long to discover it. I'm loving these two Elemis products and can't wait to try some others. First up, the superfood facial wash. This particular face wash is green and has a soft gel like texture that easily glides on your face. It gently cleanses and leaves your skin feeling so soft and refreshed. (That sounded like a commercial but it's so true. )It has a heavenly scent to it much like that of a spa. This face wash is composed of a nutrient-dense supergreen complex that consists of Wheatgrass, Kale, Nettle and minerals combined which are suppose to leave the complexion looking luminous. I don't know that I actually look like I'm glowing, but I sure do feel like it after I use it. 

2. Elemis Superfood Day Cream

I'm constantly on the search for a good day cream. I've always been one to apply lotion to both my body and face before heading out for the day. It's part of my daily routine and just makes my skin feel better. I love this superfood day cream just as much as I love the face wash. The day cream is light and doesn't suffocate your skin and also moisturizing without leaving that greasy feeling. It contains anti-oxidant and omega-rich superfood lipids such as broccoli, flax seed and daikon radish that help plump and smooth the skin along with additional superfood anti-oxidants including ginger, matcha tea and goji berry that help protect the skin barrier. I love it because it's light enough to put on as base before applying powder. 

3. Naturewell Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream

I got this tub of lotion in my stocking this year and it wasn't until then did I discover how great it was. I've been using it all winter and it has drastically helped with my dry skin. Paraben free and packed with antioxidants,  this cream truly moisturizes and leaves my skin feeling so soft and smelling like coconut. The scent reminds me of a day at the beach. It absorbs easily and doesn't leave an oily residue on your clothing. 

4. L'ORÉAL Pure Sugar Scrub Smooth & Glow

I did a blog post all about this sugar scrub a while ago and I'm still obsessed. Sometimes my face feels like it just needs a good gentle scrub to remove dull skin. This sugar scrub revives and refreshes my face, leaving feeling silky smooth. Some scrubs are too harsh and dry my skin out more than anything but these fine sugar crystals don't do that at all. The scrub is a naturally derived blend of 3 pure sugars paired with finely ground Acai, nutrient-rich Grapeseed and Monoi Oils. And bonus that it can be used on your lips too!

5. Jeffrey James Botanicals- The Glow

The first time I ever really used an "oil" on my face was when I tried this product from Jeffrey James Botanicals. I've always been nervous that my face would break out and I just wouldn't like the way it felt. Don't get me wrong, there is a fine line between using this and avoiding the aforementioned. Everything in moderation. I found that this best suited my skin in the winter when my face was very dry. I would apply a small drop or two on my face and gently massage it all over before bed. I would only do this maybe once a week to avoid breakouts and I would also wash my face thoroughly the next morning.  Now that my skin isn't as dry, I will dab a tiny droplet around the corners of my eyes, where you would apply highlighter and in any other places that I may want to achieve that dewy bright look. This is definitely a product that should last a while due to the small amounts I use at a time. 

L'Oreal PURE-SUGAR Smooth & Glow Face Scrub & Hair Oil Treatment: A Review

I wanted to pop in and share a quick review with you of two products that I recently tried.

L'Oreal PURE-SUGAR Smooth & Glow Face Scrub 

I love a good face scrub. I like the ease of quickly scrubbing your face, washing it off and then you're done. It seems much easier than walking around the house like a mummy with a face mask that has to stay in place for 15 minutes. That's not to say that I don't do that from time to time. But using a scrub serves as a quick fix and leaves my skin feeling refreshed. I recently tried the L'Oreal PURE-SUGAR Smooth & Glow Face Scrub and absolutely love it. 

The scrub is a naturally derived blend of 3 pure sugars paired with finely ground Acai, nutrient-rich Grapeseed and Monoi Oils. It doesn't feel harsh on your face like some scrubs do. It gently exfoliates without leaving you with irritated skin which is a win in my book. I dampened my face and hands before applying to my face and it felt like soft sand. The best part is the way my skin felt when after I washed it off. My face felt like it had been moisturized and was silky smooth but not greasy. The scrub also works well for exfoliating your lips. The directions say to use it three times a week in order to begin seeing that healthy glow. I'm only two days in so far and I definitely plan to continue to incorporate it in my beauty routine. And on another good note, it's a skin care product that won't break the bank!

L'Oreal ELVIVE Extraordinary Oil Treatment

I recently gave this hair oil treatment a try as well. My hair is color treated and easily drys out, especially the ends. In order to keep that freshly highlighted blonde look, I use a purple shampoo twice a week. This shampoo is great for removing brassy undertones but it doesn't leave my hair feeling nourished. I do my best to keep in well conditioned and use heat protectant products, but sometimes it just needs a little something more. I decided to give this oil treatment a try and was pleasantly surprised. Because my hair is fine and thin, I wouldn't use a product like this on my clean, dry hair. I was afraid if I used it on my clean hair it may look oily. Instead I ran it through the ends of my wet hair before I washed it. The ends of my hair seemed to not be so brittle and dry after the treatment. I will have to use it a few more times before I decide whether or not it's something I would add into my regular hair product rotation but I'm glad I gave it a try. It also smells really nice. It reminds me of the smell of products you would find in the shower at a resort in the tropics.  This product also comes at a nice price point. 

* These products were sent to me for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Erno Laszlo Vitamin C Peel | A Review

I've tried several facial scrubs over the years but never any vitamin c peels. I'm not even kidding you when I say that after one use of the  Erno Laszlo Vitamin C Peel, I was hooked. I have the Erno Laszlo White Marble Dual Phase Vitamin C Peel, which consists of a two-step peel. packed with  super-nutrient vitamin C which exfoliates, brightens, and moisturizes skin.  Some of these skin treatments can be too harsh and feel as though your scrubbing your face with sandpaper, but this one doesn't at all. Don't get me wrong, it's still a scrub so you do feel the abrasion, but its not a bad feeling. The application and whole process takes just a few minutes. First, you rub your face with the peel for up to three minutes and then mix in the peel activator for another minute. Then rinse your face with warm water and val-ah! My skin has never felt so soft and smooth. And did I mention that it smells amazing?!

This is good for gently polishing your skin and fading away dark spots and discoloration. I felt like my skin has been dull lately and I really wanted something to brighten it up and get that flow back again. I can't honestly say that I felt like this product did the trick. My complexion will appeared to be silky smooth and illuminated after just one use. I can't wait to continue it on a weekly basis to get the full results. I'm typically not one to invest a whole lot of money in beauty products, but the older I get, the more important I realize it is to use things that are safe and provide results, even if that means splurging a little. I was fortune to receive this product free for testing purposes but I will be adding it to my regular skincare routine moving forward. It really is a amazing! If you're interested in reading more about it or purchasing some for yourself, you can do so here. 

Also, in the photo below, you will see little cream packets. Those were samples but I'm using them sparingly because I love it so much. It's the perfect finish for your face after the peel. The way your skin feels after is the equivalent of using paraffin wax during a spa treatment. Erno Laszlo has several other products that I'm now eyeing after using these. I would love to try the Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar, White Marble Sheet Mask, and the Firmarine Lift Face Mask. 

What are some of your favorite scrubs and peels? Have any of you ever tried any of these products? If so, what are your thoughts? 

VIIcode: Skincare for Your Eyes | A Review

I'm always on the search for new skin care products that are safe and effective. There's no time like the present to preserve and protect your youth, right? For a while I was on a mission to find the perfect night time facial treatment to awaken and moisturize leaving my skin, leaving my face with a glow. My struggle is with dark circles under my eyes, which is why I was excited to give the VIIcode eye oxygen masks a try. Of course, getting extra sleep and drinking more water both assist with dark under eyes, but let's be honest, extra sleep and more water don't always do the trick. 

I tried out the VIIcode oxygen eye masks a try and was pleasantly surprised with the results. To be honest, I'm sometimes a skeptic of these things but I really loved this product. The oxygen eye masks come individually wrapped in a box of six. Unlike some other masks, this non-irritating formula is designed for an eight-hour wear overnight. Something that works while I'm sleeping - sign me up! With key ingredients, grape seed oil, seaweed, and white tea, the masks have a gel-like coating that feels cool and refreshing when applied under the eyes. Apply them to a clean face before bed and let them do their magic! 

When I woke up the next morning and pulled them off I could see a slight difference in the reduction of puffiness and dark color, but the most prominent result for me was the way my under eyes felt. I felt like my skin was refreshed and my eyes were brighter. It honestly made me want to wear them every night just to achieve the refreshed- "I just left the spa" like feeling.

I have a special discount code if any of you are interested in giving them a try. Use code DCHRGDFH at checkout to receive $5 off your purchase. Offer ends 7/31/2017. Click here to purchase. 

Currently Loving | Purse vs Pantry

I realize I just did one of these posts not too long ago, but I couldn't wait to share some of these things with you! I enjoy writing posts like these because I can talk about a variety of things all in one post. I have quite a mixed bag on the list for you today! I'm sharing a few items you will currently find in my purse as well as a few items you can find in my pantry. Let's first start with three things in my purse that I'm currently loving. 

First up, this Rosy Lips, Lip Therapy from Vaseline.

I reapply chap stick approximately five times a day. It's pretty ridiculous. Recently I gave this one a try and fell in love. Not only does it moisturize your lips, but it also smells nice, has a pretty rosy tint, and doesn't leave behind a nasty taste. The other great part, it comes in three other versions: aloe, coco butter and original. Do your lips a favor and give this a try!

I love a good bottle of perfume. The packaging is equally as important as the scent in my opinion. Recently I tried this bottle of Ralph Lauren Tender Romance and it smelled heavenly. In high school I use to wear Ralph Lauren but really haven't tried anything since. When I was sent a sample bottle in the mail, I realized I have been missing out on this sweet smelling fragrance. I like to keep mini sample bottles in my makeup bag that way I have one with me whenever I need to freshen up. Plus, they are the perfect travel size. 

I’m obsessed with this lip color from Bite Beauty. It’s perfect for summer and goes with most anything. Lipstick is the answer when you need to add a little something extra to spice up a look. I love a good lip color and this one stays in my bag. To be honest, it actually melted because I never take it out, so now a cue tip is involved. I need to just suck it up and buy a new one.

Moving on to a few things in the pantry that I'm currently loving. This lists changes quite frequently.

I’ve always been a fan of figs. Fresh, dried, baked, you name it. These Nature's Intent Dark Chocolate Figs are coming in a number one on my favorite list right now. They are dangerously good. They provide the perfect amount of sweetness to satisfy a craving. I also consider them semi healthy since the chocolate is dark and it’s still a piece of fruit, right?

Hummus and pita chips make the perfect snack. I love serving them with a cheese plate and a side of fruit. I recently stumbled upon these SoCrisp Pita Chips from Harris Teeter and was pleasantly surprised at how tasty they were. I normally go for Stacey's pita chips, but after trying these, I was converted. They have a lot of flavor, even without dipping them in hummus. 

I’m a salad for lunch kind of girl during the work week, so I’m always looking for new ways to mix things up and a great place to start is with the toppings. I spotted these Simply Dressed Aged Parmesan Baked Croutons in the grocery store the and decided to give them a try. I normally don't buy croutons for my salads because I try to keep the carbs to a minimum with lunch, but I’m so glad that I did.  They add the perfect amount of flavor and crunch to my salads. Coming in at 1.5 grams of fat, 35 calories and 4 carbs in tablespoons, I'd say that's not a bad deal. 

I love discovering new products from others. What are some things that you are currently loving?

6 Beauty Product Favorites

I normally don't post much about beauty products, however these are worth talking about. I'm a creature of habit, so when I find something I like, I stick with it. I find it challenging to branch out and try new products when I know what I have works for me. What's that saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it?" Lately I've been trying to give new products a chance, and I must say that I've been pleasantly surprised. Here are few beauty products that I've recently added to my cabinet and am currently loving! 

Batiste Dry Shampoo

This stuff is amazing and I literally  panic when I start to run out. It doesn't leave your hair feeling sticky or gross. It smells great and even adds volume. I sometimes use it on freshly washed hair just to give it a little boost. 

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

I was just given this mascara to try and ended up loving it. I have very short and fine eyelashes, so finding the perfect mascara is sometimes tricky. This one actually added a good bit of volume and definition to my lashes. I'm not kicking my drugstore mascara to the curb, however this one provides a nice change from time to time.  

YSL Lipstick Rouge Pur Couture #19

Lipstick is one of my favorite beauty products. It's the one thing that doesn't require much effort but can make a dramatic difference in your look. This color may seem intimidating, but its so pretty when applied. Not to mention the packaging is beautiful and it has a nice floral scent. 

Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, Blackest Black

I feel like I look like a completely different person when I don't have eye liner on. I've been wearing it for so long now that I really can't go without it. I've tried the pencils and the liquids and for a long time wanted to try the gel, but never thought I would be able to properly apply it. I decided to give this eye liner a shot and I'm so glad I did. It really isn't as hard to apply as I thought it would be and it lasts throughout the whole day. The product itself has also lasted me a lot longer than the pencils. I highly recommend giving it a try. 

Aveda Rehydrating Lip Glaze in Morning Rose

Okay, so I just adore this gloss, and for many reasons. I wore this on my wedding day which is one reason I love it. It's also the perfect color. It ads just enough pop of color to your lips without being too dramatic. It's a great color to wear to work too. Another reason I love it so much is the hydration that it provides. It truly does condition and moisture the lips, leaving them feeling soft and smooth. The gloss is a little sticky, but I think that's the hydrating component. It stays in my makeup bag at all times. 

NKD SKN Gradual Glow Daily Tan Moisturizer

I am so happy that I came across this self tanner. I've tried several over the years and this one now has permanent home in my bathroom cabinet. There are other products in this line, but I like this one in particular because it's more like a lotion. I apply it in the morning before work and don't have to worry about having brown hands when I leave the house. It's a great gradual self tanner.

What are some of your favorite beauty products?





*I received two of these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Perfectly Posh: A Review + A Giveaway

I had never heard of Perfectly Posh products before until just recently. To be completely honest, I was given some things to try and I quickly became a fan. In addition to the wonderful fragrance and the natural ingredients they're comprised of, these products are reasonably priced. Today I'm reviewing a few of the products I sampled and have a fun giveaway for one lucky reader. 

First up is Da Bee's Knees Body Scrub. I don't use body scrubs very often, but this one came at a good time. I've recently been using self-tanner on a regular basis and have been left with stained skin. I used the body scrub in the shower the other day and the thick honey-like consistency  really helped scrub away the top layer, leaving me with soft and silky skin. I also like the great combination of ingredients this scrub is made with, including,  honey, shea butter and sea salt. 

This Honey Dip Chunk bath bar bar smells nice and from the looks of it's size, is sure to last a while. The honey and green tea ingredients left me feeling moisturized and clean.

 For my face, I used the BFF Best Face Forever Exfoliating Face Wash. The micro beads weren't overpowering as in some face washes. If you prefer a more gentle scrub for your face, this is the way to go.  I really enjoyed the lingering scents of peppermint and grapefruit from the oils. 

Next up, the Kale Face Fresh Mask. I love a good face mask, and this one left me feeling refreshed. I may have looked like a ninja turtle, but it was worth it. The green color comes from the ingredients it's comprised of, which include kale, spinach, parsley, and argula.  The mask goes on smooth and doesn't leave your face feeling tight when it drys.  I would gladly add this to my nightly ritual. 

The Night and Day Face Moisturizer was a nice finishing touch to all the attention I had given to my face. It's light weight and doesn't leave your face feeling greasy or sticky. For the evenings, I actually prefer a stronger moisturizer, one that prevents those evil things called wrinkles. But, I think this would be great to use in the mornings before the gym, when your looking for something to cut the dryness but still leaving room for your face to breath. 

Last but not least, the Amaaazing Big Fat Yummy Hand Crème. I really appreciated the hydration it gave my hands without leaving a greasy residue. My hands were left with lingering scents of mint and honey.  I think this lotion would really come in handy (no pun intended)  in the winter. I frequently reach for something to sooth my dry hands and this did the trick. 

I was really pleased with the products I sampled, and I'm glad to have learned of the company.  If I could choose only one thing to purchase from this list, I would have to go with the Kale Face Mask because I think I would get a lot of use out of it. All of the products each had their own benefits, but the face mask was my favorite!

You can shop the products mentioned above and more here.  

If you haven't tried Perfectly Post products before, you may be in luck. I'm giving away a Flower Power Pretty Kit, which includes a 2 fl oz luxury body wash, 2 oz luxury body whip, and   hydrating crème mask.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was sent these products to test out. All opinions are my own.

News Feed Friday

 

Happy Friday and cheers to the weekend!

 

This photo was taken at Tavern & Table, a cute new restaurant on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Not only do they have a great view, but they also have delicious food. I had dinner there this week. Oh and by the way, I've entered the above photo in a current contest they have going on for the best Shem Creek sunset pictures. Feel free to vote for my photo here.

 

I came across this article 10 Common Mistakes That Every Cook Makes and I have to admit I'm guilty of a few of them.

 

You had me at avocado.....Crunchy, Creamy Avocado Fries!

 

If you live in or are visiting the Charleston area and looking for somewhere to dine outside and enjoy some this beautiful Spring weather take a look at The Hottest, New Outdoor Dining Spots in Charleston.

 

Who doesn't want great skin: 8 Foods That Improve Your Skin

 

In honor of Earth Day this past week, 27 Nature Vines That Will Immediately Calm You.

 

Will Jenner Tell All to Diane Sawyer?!

 

Currently loving these sunglasses, this skirt and these flats.

 

Have a great weekend!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News Feed Friday

I'm currently researching vacation spots for the fall which is only making me want to jet set off to an island ASAP.  Until then, I  will patiently wait and live vicariously through our honeymoon photos from St. Lucia.

 

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my hands on one of these frappuccinos at the end of the month!!

 

What an inspiring dance performance by 8 year old Alissa Sizemore, just 9 months after her below knee amputation. #yougogirl

 

28 Amazing Dishes That Require Just 4 Ingredients or Less, yes please! 

 

For all the "brides to be" out there: The Brides Guide to Bridesmaids

 

 I'm not so sure that I will ever be a fan of these.

 

 Seasons change and so does your makeup. Find some simple tips here on  How to Tweak Your Winter Foundation for Spring.

 

I'm all about cooking with Greek yogurt to save a few calories: 27 Greek Yogurt Recipes You Need to Make.  

 

Loving this two piece maxi dress and these earrings!

 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

Shades of Spring: Pastel Nails

Shown here Essie: Splash of Grenadine

Spring is finally here and it's time to ditch the dark winter nail polish and opt for something fresh and new. What can I say, I am a sucker for new nail polish. Maybe it's because I typically do my nails myself versus go to the salon. Don't get me wrong, I love a good manicure but when you change your polish as often as I do, sometimes it's worth it to just do it yourself.

 

Many brands have introduced their new Spring collections with everything from bold brights to classic pastels and I'm loving the all. I have been particularly drawn to the pastels though. I've put together a list of some of my favorites below.