Emily M's Winter Beauty Routine

Possibly the worst thing about winter, is how unbelievably DRY my skin gets. Anyone else experiencing this?! You go from freezing cold outside, to heat inside, to cold again.  It gets even better because the air is also dry (my hair thanks the Lord for the lack of humidity, my skin, however, does not).

Then you go through the daunting task of trying to pick out the best moisturizer and night cream that won't be too oily or make you break out. The vicious cycle never seems to end. 

I think I have finally figured out the perfect balance for my skin and I hope that this helps some of you as well! (Including a few of my beauty secrets!)

1. Clinique 3 Step System-This is one product I tend to stray away from, but always come back to. I just haven't found anything else that leaves my face feeling clean, but not overly dry.

2. Clarisonic- As big of a splurge as this product is, it. is. worth. it. I will wash my face, then use this and will still find some left over make up on the brush! It also helps your other products absorb much more (meaning they'll be more effective and work better). Just giving some of you a heads up, if you are getting one of these for Christmas, you may break out a tad more than usual the first week you use it. This is pretty normal and is actually just a lot of crud coming to the surface of your skin, so don't fret haha.

3. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense- Okay, so here was my dilemma with night creams. I either found one that would make me break out or ones that didn't make me break out, but my skin would still peel in patches. Clinique Moisture Surge Intense has been able to moisturize, but isn't heavy so it doesn't clog my pores. So far I love it and feel like I have found a Christmas miracle in a jar.

4. Vaseline- I say this is a cure all because, well, it is. Chapped lips? Vaseline. Peeling cuticles? Vaseline. Cracked feet? Put some Vaseline and socks on them at night and wake up to soft feet. If you don't already have Vaseline in your bathroom cabinet, I suggest you go buy some and save yourself some money on a multiple of products.

5. Clinique All About the Eyes- Sticking to my Clinique regimen, I use this eye cream at night and have noticed that the bags underneath my eyes are not nearly as bad in the morning. I also use Fructis' Skin Renew Anti-Puff roller in the morning, which helps me feel more awake and refreshed. Dab on some Fresh's Rose Hydrating Gel Eye Cream and it looks like you just woke up to 12 hours of sleep...even if you did only get 4.

6. Burt's Bees Lip Balm- I have one in my purse, on my nightstand, and in my bathroom. My favorite chapstick, hands down.

7. Fresh's Black Tea Age Delay Lotion with SPF 20- The clouds have opened up and I have finally found the perfect sunscreen! Best part is it doesn't smell like sunscreen and makes your face look radiant! Added bonus, is it is great underneath make up.

8. Castor Oil- This one may sound a bit odd to you, but if you're looking for a natural alternative to Lactisse, this is it. Using a spoolie (mascara wand), swipe this stuff on your eyelashes before bed. I promise you that after a few weeks your eye lashes will look thicker and healthier! And shoot, why just stop at your eyelashes? Trying to grow out your eyebrows? Put some on them too!

If you still struggle with dry skin, try drinking a lot more water and sleep with a humidifier. A humidifier will put back some of the moisture that was lost in the air from having the heat on (I learned this tip from my dermatologist!) Also, splurging on a silk or satin pillow case can help prevent wrinkles AND hair splitting!

Do you have any beauty tips? I'd love to hear them!

Keep Celebrating!

Matte About You

A beauty trend that I am currently loving for fall and winter is the matte look. It seems like every time I turn around one beauty product or another is coming out with matte version (matte foundation, matte powder, matte blush, matte lipstick... you get the idea).

I don't know if I'm completely sold on  matte powder since I feel like it makes my face look more dry during the winter months, but if you tend to have oily skin this is perfect solution for you. Primer can also help give you a matte look and help your makeup stay on longer! I love Smash box's photo finish, but Bobbi Brown and Mac also carry some great primers. Using a primer can be a game changer  when added to your make up routine and just using a tad can go a long way!

What I am currently OBSESSED with is Essie's 'Matte About You' top coat. You can pair this top coat with any Essie nail color of your choice, and the best part is that it dries super fast!

I used Essie's Bahama Mama nail polish then painted the 'Matte About You' on top.  I love how it turned out and I have gotten several compliments on it!

(Photo from always_heidymua Instagram)

My second favorite matte product is matte lipsticks! I saw a coworker wearing Maybelline's Creamy Matte Lipstick in Divine Wine and fell instantly in love. I had to go to  Wal-Mart and two Targets to finally have this colored lipstick in my possession (I was a girl on a mission!). It was definitely worth the search! It is the perfect color for fall and winter (no wonder it was so hard to find).

This lipstick goes on smoothly and stays on pretty well through out the day (basically, I'll probably be buying a few more in different colors!)

Do you like the matte trend? Do you have any matte products that you like this season? I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Celebrating!

Emily M's November Must Haves

Tennessee has finally decided to shift into fall mode and sweater weather has arrived! We're sharing our November lust lists and must haves; whether it be pretty or cozy, trendy or classic, or just something we love, we're positive you'll be adding a few of these things to your list too!

Since Emily C. has been pretty busy recently, (um hello, she's a mom, works a full time job, and is going to school! I really don't know how she does it), I'm going to start off with a few things that I'm loving this month and she's going to share her must haves next week :)

So here you go friends! I was able to find a cheaper version for a few of the items listed below and was sure to include where you can find them (you know how I love my looks for less!).

Blanket Scarfs- A blanket scarf is the perfect addition to any fall outfit! Add it to your favorite sweater dress or blue jeans and a shirt to complete a cozy fall look. Zara started the trend, but now several boutiques sell them! I purchased mine here.

Marshmallow Fireside Candle- This is the best smelling candle! After my friend Sarah recommended this candle to me, I knew I had to give it a try. I now understand what all the hype was about and why she buys this candle in bulk! Trust me, smell this candle and I assure you that there is no turning back. Welcome to the dark side my friends. You can find it here.

Essie's 'Dress to Kilt' Fall Nail Polish- This is the best red nail color for fall. Its not too bright or too dark, so it works well for every day wear.

Metallic Temporary Tattoos- The adult version of the colorful tattoos you used to put on as kids, these are the coolest things! Put them on your wrists, fingers, or wherever to get the tattoo look without the commitment. I'm especially loving the metallic arrows and infinity signs. Seriously, how fun are these! You can buy them here.

Double Back Pearl Earrings- Because what's better than one pearl? Two pearls of course! These have become my favorite earrings to wear this season. Classy and stylish, what could be better? I purchased mine for $7.99 here!

Sequined Camera Strap-  I am absolutely loving these sequined camera straps from Sam and Kate Designs! Before being locked indoors from the cold, spend as much time outdoors as possible. Grab your friends and go out on a hike or visit a corn maze, just remember to take as many pictures as possible!

Market Tote-  I adore this market tote from Amanda Catherine Designs. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, what better bag to carry your groceries in and be saving the planet at the same time in? It's a win, win.

Turtle Necks- These turtle necks are great for layering underneath vests and ponchos. They're thin and light weight, plus the stripes add a preppy look to any outfit. J. Crew sells them, but Old Navy has a cheaper version as well!

L.L. Bean Boots- Keep your toes toasty in these L.L. Bean boots! They are a classic fall staple in any closet! My favorite style is the 8" and they are a bit of a splurge costing $109, but like I said, they're classic and won't be going out of style anytime soon. You can buy them through the L. L. Bean site or Ebay.

Dark Lips- My love of lipstick only grows during the fall. Plums and dark reds are flattering on any skin tone and its a quick and easy way to look like you spent a ton of time on your appearance (when it really only took you about 30 seconds to look this pulled together!). My favorite is CoverGirl's Lip Perfection Lipstick in Euphoria. This shade looks great on my little sister who has a dark complexion and on me who is the fairest of them all.

'I Woke Up Like This' Mug- The cold weather months is the perfect time to pour some apple cider, hot chocolate, or coffee into this adorable mug and curl up to a good book. You can find this lovely mug from Charm and Gumption, along with some other cute mugs and prints from her store!

What's a trend or item you're loving this month? As always, I'd love to hear it!

Keep Celebrating!

Favorite Beauty Buys

We both think that it is very important to take care of our bodies, so today on the blog we are sharing a few of our favorite beauty products.

With summer coming to an end and winter quickly approaching, we thought we’d focus on our favorite skin products since that seems to take the biggest beating with the changing seasons.

          

1. Clarisonic. I got a Clarisonic for Christmas last year and it has been a game changer. If you already pay to have microdermabrasion done by an esthetician, I would go ahead and invest in one of these. It is like having a mini microderm every time I use it and has made a tremendous difference on my skin!
2. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub.If your skin is starting to look ashy, fear no more! Scrub this stuff on in the shower (especially your elbows and knees), and slather on some lotion afterwards and problem solved. This scrub is also perfect to use before applying sunless tanner or getting a spray tan (and not to mention cost effective! You can find this stuff at Wal-mart!).
3. Amazing Grace Lotion by Philosophy. I LOVE this stuff! Not only is this a great moisturizer, which is crucial during the winter months, but it also smells absolutely amazing! I will literally cover myself in this and not even bother putting perfume on because the scent lasts so long. Trust me, use this stuff and you’ll get compliments every time you wear it!
4. Jergen’s Glow Lightweight Foaming Moisturizer. I am a huge advocate of protecting your skin from the sun (uhhhmmm and tanning beds), but that doesn’t mean I’m all for being pasty either. Hey, I get it. I am probably the fairest of them all (My ancestors are from Poland for goodness sakes! They probably lived in cold dark caves and rarely saw sunshine), but the aftermath of fake baking during the winter months can have horrible consequences on your skin, like more freckles, moles, wrinkles, age spots, and not to mention cancer! So skip the UV coffin, and use sunless tanner instead. The Jergen’s foam has been my favorite product to keep the appearance of a sun kissed glow!  It applies evenly and doesn’t give you an orange tint (plus, it doesn’t really have that nasty sunless tanner smell either!). It’s a win, win.
5. Make Up Remover Wipes.  Skin Tip #1: Never. Ever. Never. Sleep in your make up. I know it happens to the best of us, you come home from a late night or just end up crashing while watching a movie, but sleeping in your make up is one of the worst things you can do. How can sleeping in a little war paint be so harmful you ask?  It dries out your skin, reduces the production of collagen (WRINKLES!), clogs your pores, and sleeping in eye makeup can cause eye infections. If you only do one thing before falling asleep, let it be wiping off your make up.
6. Coppertone Sheer Faces Sunscreen. I put this stuff on every day! Even if I’m not going to be outside that long, my face is still exposed to the sun through the windows at work, so always try to find a lotion or make up with SPF. This sunscreen is lightweight, doesn’t clog pores, and is great under make up. Did I mention it also smells like coconut lime verbenea? Talk about a little reminder of the beach even if it is 10 below outside.
7. Clinique 3 Step System. Ok, so I used this skin care line in high school, wandered away from it for a couple of years, then came back to it like the prodigal son. I haven’t been able to find anything else that tops it yet. I switch back and forth between the moisturizer, opting for the lotion during the winter months and then the gel during the summer when my skin is less dry, but other than that I’m pretty consistent with this stuff. Wash, tone, and moisturize. It’s second nature to me now.
8. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. Cold winds cause chapped lips, and there is almost nothing worse than having your lips look like two dried up gummy bears. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment is the best way to prevent that from happening. It leaves your lips super soft and has SPF in it (remember how I told you how important SPF is?! This applies to your lips as well)! They also come in multiple tints if you want to make your lips look a tad bit rosier. It runs a little pricey so I try to use it sparingly and reach for my Burt’s Bees Lip Balm when my lips aren’t too dried out.
9. Essie Nail Polish. We like our pinkies and piggies painted at all times. It just makes us feel a little bit more girly and is an easy way to make a fashion statement without the commitment. Essie nail polish is our most popular go to (just like Kate the Great! And if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us!). We especially love “Go Ginza” and “Mademoiselle.” 

Keep Celebrating.