3 Products to Share With Your Boyfriend

I love Fridays even more when I have the afternoon off to head up to the cabin! I'm so excited for sweats all weekend long, fall colors and booze cruisin' on the pontoon. Before we take off, I'm sharing 3 products you and your boyfriend will both love—it makes sharing a medicine cabinet a little easier! Have a great weekend—I'll be sharing mine on my Insta stories. :) 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye | Clean Reserve Smoked Vetiver Eau de Parfum | Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo (c/o)

Eye Cream: The best! Chris uses it to reduce dark circles and puffiness (he's at work for a 7:30 call with India every morning), and I use it to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. #foreveryoung

Eau de Parfum: I wear a little fragrance every day and like to switch it up for fall. Smoked Vetiver is made for men and women (how great is that?)—described as "woody, floral and fresh with a smoky sweetness," it's musky and intoxicating, but light and not overly masculine. I'm obsessed, and there's something intimate about wearing the same fragrance as your S.O. (at $95 a pop, sharing is also a win for our wallets!).

Tea Tree Shampoo: I only wash my hair about twice a week, so I love this $9 all-natural clarifying shampoo for getting rid of all the product buildup and leaving my scalp really refreshed (read more about why you need a clarifying shampoo here). Chris has noticed it makes his hair less oily, and we both like the invigorating scent for a little mental AM energy. A must-have to prevent irritation and dryness this winter. (Get your free sample here.) 

Clinique Even Better Glow™

Happy Friday! It's been awhile! Work is busy and I've been happy just going to the gym and hanging out after a full day at the office. But I had to pop in because I found the best new foundation, and there's really not much better than finding that perfect shade and putting an end to the relentless experimentation.

The Even Better Glow™ display caught my eye when I passed the Clinique counter at Southdale the other day, returning a bottle of OUAI spray (I thought this new-gen wave spray would be different, but I didn't care for the sticky feel and haphazard look; and since my hair already has texture and wave, it seemed pretty unnecessary). The moisturizing oil-free formula has luminizing pigments to create natural radiance—and promises that over time, skin glows on its own thanks to brightening vitamin C. Sign. Me. Up. I love knowing that something I wear every day is helping it long-term, not hurting it. Clinique has always been a favorite of mine because of its skin care focus and whenever I stray from the brand I wonder why—my skin just loves it. (Plus, $28 is way easier to swallow than super prestige brands like $47 NARS.) I've only been using this for two days, but was instantly obsessed. It makes my skin visibly dewy and feels light, natural and healthy (if you're super oily, this is probably too dewy for you). I'm wearing Cream Chamois—the best part is that the color blends in so well with my natural skin tone. With 30 shades, you're sure to find your best fit, too. Clinique is offering free 10-day samples right now, so swing by this weekend and try some!

Quick life update: last weekend, Chris and I visited my grandma in the U.P. with my mom. We stayed on Fortune Lake, a really beautiful chain of lakes—the kind where trees jut up right from the rocky shore and you can see straight to the sandy bottom—and I made it through my first round of golf at the Iron River Country Club. I have today off and we're heading up to Moose Lake to camp with  friends for a few nights; I'm excited to try these low country boil packets. Even though this post is about makeup, it'll be nice to go without for a few days, hang out around a fire and just relax. Hope you have a good one! 

My Nightstand: Gel Moisturizer

FRIYAY! This week was sneakily busy, and I haven't been getting much sleep. I was randomly awake until 3AM on Monday and had to force myself to finally close my eyes at midnight Tuesday and Wednesday. Some days there doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything and fully unwind before getting up and starting all over again. 

 Hopefully this sleep schedule doesn't continue, but in the meantime, I'm counting on my skincare regimen to save me from looking like a total zombie. A few weeks ago, I got a makeover at Sephora (here's the recap if you missed it!). I told the consultant that my cheeks get really dry and flaky in the winter and she prescribed Algenist SPLASH Replenishing Gel Moisturizer—a beautiful, silky blue gel. Cooling and soothing, it just sunk into my skin. I wanted to buy it that day, but held off because of the $58 price tag. I'm glad I did—I since read an article (I think on Byrdie, but I can't find it now!) about how you should stop overpaying for moisturizers, cleansers and SPF because the drugstore versions typically do the trick. 

So, I swung through Target and excitedly picked up Neutrogena's new Hydro Boost Water Gel. It's packed with hyaluronic acid to moisturize from the inside out, delivering that plump, dewy skin we all want. The same sky-blue as the Algenist formula (and in a pretty, luxe pot!), it's lightweight and so refreshing—and my skin feels hydrated all day. Thirst: quenched! I've even seen some sites recommend lightly sweeping it over your makeup for a glowy finish. Love a multipurpose product! And at only $17.99, I feel good about committing to it. I'm also super excited to use this once summer rolls around, when my combination skin gets oily in the T-zone. More absorbent than heavier cremes, it'll keep me from looking too shiny throughout the day—the worst. 

I'm a total gel moisturizer convert—and feel pretty savvy for finding this drugstore deal. If you're interested in test-driving one or two yourself, click through my picks at a range of price points right here.

P.S. I'm also using the Hydro Boost Cleanser!—very purifying without drying out my complexion. 
And—if you are super dry this time of year, I suggest trying the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream instead of the Water Gel. 

shop all Neutrogena Hydro Boost | shop all gel moisturizers at Sephora

My Newest Beauty Habit

photo via refinery29

Real talk: this gloomy, gray weather is depressing AF. The Minneapolis forecast shows more of the same the next seven days and I'm quietly crying into my coffee. Please send a heat lamp. Over the weekend, a fizzy French 75 at Red Rabbit and bright acai bowl from Whole Sum Cafe brightened my mood—but it would still be nice to see some sun! Need an emergency trip to Mexico NOW.

On a more positive note, I've adopted a new beauty habit, inspired by a conversation on one of my favorite podcasts, Fat Mascara. Have you heard of the "French face"? We all know moisturizing is key to preventing fine lines and wrinkles, but if you're like me, you don't religiously apply serums and cremes south of your chin. French women go there—somewhere between baguettes, the ladies of Paris and Provence manage to give their neck and decollete as much attention as they do their faces.

In your twenties or thirties, it might feel like overkill to slather expensive products all the way to your bust—before you start seeing lines, it's hard to imagine having them, right? Plus, it's easy to forget about skin that's been hidden beneath turtlenecks since October. But just as we buy special cremes for eyes, delicate neck/chest skin requires a special kind of maintenance. And they say once you have lines on your neck, good luck getting rid of them. It freaks me out that I already have a few. Blaming #techneck.

Now, I'm turning to tarte's maracuja neck treatment in an effort to stay smooth. Over time, it improves elasticity and promotes cell regeneration while reducing the appearance of those pesky lines—oui oui. Here's to being a bit more French! Now, about Mexico . . .

Shop all neck and decollete products at Sephora. 

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Peeling Gel

Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water | Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Peeling Gel | Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer | Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask | Algenist SPLASH Absolute Hydration Replenishing Gel Moisturizer | Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Creme | Algenist Drop & Glow Luminizing Duo

Back to reality today! I haven't been to the office since December 21—and even though I'm anxious to open my inbox, I'm ready to get back into a more productive routine. Before you settle into your cubicle, grab some coffee—if you're in the mood for fresh starts (isn't everyone this time of year?!), you're going to want some of this..

Over the weekend, I popped into Sephora for a free makeover. I almost didn't go, having had less than stellar experiences with professional application in the past—but I had the afternoon off and thought if nothing else, I could snag a new lipstick as one last Christmas gift to myself.

I'm so glad I went! I hadn't realized skin care was part of the consultation, but it was actually the best part. My beauty advisor began by wiping away my foundation and concealer with a cleansing water (such a great way to get rid of gook pre-wash)—then the magic happened: the Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Peeing Gel.

Carly spent a few minutes massaging the gel into my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, then told me to look in the mirror—my face was covered with dead skin cell flakes, like I'd been caught in the crossfire of a whipped cream war. GROSS, I know, but it felt so amazing to lift and sweep all that residue away. My skin was instantly baby soft and the congestion around my nose gone—a far deeper clean than I've gotten from a mask—a layer had literally been shed to reveal cleaner, more luminous skin. The new smooth surface let the moisturizer she applied later sink in more readily and the makeup look more flawless. I've never been so convinced I needed a product (I mean, the results were palpable); I'll use the gel once a week to keep the fresh-faced look alive all year.

Get yourself some peeling gel, shop the other products that are helping me feel hydrated and glowy this morning—and have a great day back at the office!

Celebratory Beauty Splurges

I got some really good news last week that was both a thrill and relief! The reality hasn't hit—I feel too lucky!—but I'm beyond excited for this new challenge and chapter. I celebrated on Friday night with crisp Champagne and a savory dinner at The Copper Hen, but feel like I deserve a more lasting reward for my hard work and good fortune than a hot pot pie. The first things that came to mind are right here—it seems the beauty department is where I spend all of my money lately. I feel that good skin, healthy hair and daily pampering rituals are better investments than a closet cluttered with the latest fashion fads, and this round-up reflects that outlook.

one | Amazing Grace Luxurious Multi-Use Body Oil—This multipurpose oil can be used for body moisture, massage and the bath. Working a few drops into my hands and shoulders at the end of the day has become my recipe for a relaxing night's sleep—with a warm bergamot fragrance, it also adds an element of luxury to your morning meditation ritual.

two | REN Flash Rinse 1-Minute Facial—Billed as the sixty-second facial for firmer, younger-looking skin, this caught my eye as Kaley Cuoco's secret for glowing skin at the Grammys.

three | Bamboo Waterlock Mask—This bamboo sap-enriched aquagel works as a ten-minute treatment or overnight mask for skin that feels smooth, hydrated and plumped with water. Nothing feels more indulgent to me than falling asleep with a beauty balm seeping into my skin.

four | Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder—This sheer strobing powder with micro-pearl particles is designed to sculpt the face with light for a natural highlight. I have fair skin and have been looking for something less intense than a traditional bronzer for definition.

five | Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm—Blackheads haven't been a huge issue for me, but I've noticed pollution on my nose. This trending K-beauty balm acts as a steamer to open pores and remove dirt and oil faster than a Bachelor commercial break.

six | NARS Nail Polish in Zakynthos—I get my nails done for special occasions, but can't justify the expense every two weeks. In the lull between the holidays and summer wedding season, I'm committing to at-home manicures with this caramel beige and Dovima, a peppery red.

seven | Juice Beauty Illuminating Primer—Some serums and primers make me break out, so I perked up at Byrdie's report that this age-defying, botanical-rich one from Gwyneth Paltrow-approved Juice delivers that photoshopped effect without causing blemishes.

eight | fresh® Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum—Age Delay (or "early action") is a term to describe products manufactured for the burgeoning millennial market. This moisturizing oil inhibits free radicals—which are responsible for 80% of skin aging, according to Caudalie founder Mathilde Thomas—and contains peptides for a firm, contoured complexion. I only occasionally use a serum, but need to make it a post-cleansing habit, like flossing after brushing.

How do you treat yourself for accomplishing something major? 

4 Routes to Radiant Skin

Do you have a warm-weather getaway coming up? I'm itching for some Mexico sun, but have so far procrastinated clearing my calendar to cash in PTO (anyone else feeling busy, busy?). With how quickly the first part of 2016 has flown, it will be May and the worst of winter past before I get real about scheduling some R&R. So in lieu of languishing on a beach, I hunted down beauty potions that grant an instant post-vacation glow for those of us who are landlocked and freezing. They don't come with turquoise waters or coconut shell cocktails, but these hot products deliver real radiance that won't fade in a few days—plus let you bypass a long flight and wrinkle-causing UV rays.

If you're like me, you have exfoliating, toning and moisturizing down. Infusing your skin with radiance (buzzword alert) is the next frontier—and just the boost mine needs to beat winter dullness and dryness. As a supplement to superfoods like blueberries, salmon and spinach, there are a range of ways to cultivate a youthful, radiant complexion, whether you love winding down the day with a mask or want to add a facial mist to your regimen.

hero image via Gal Meets Glam

THE MIST | Caudalie Beauty Elixir with grape extracts, rosemary & rose oil

Forbes calls facial mists the "must-have beauty trend of 2016," and Caudalie's is a cult favorite. 

It can be used as a priming base or to revive skin midday (see ya, 3:00 slump) with just a quick spritz at your cubicle. 

THE MASK | Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque with turmeric & cranberry 

I try to do a face mask at least once a week and have been expanding my collection. A brightening and invigorating one that restores radiance both instantly and over time is the perfect complement to the two I use regularly: charcoal (for clarity) and coconut (for hydration).

THE CLEANSER | Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser with tourmaline & mango

I upgraded to Aveda shampoo, conditioner and style prep last weekend after cutting corners with drugstore brands recently and am obsessed with how soft and healthy my hair feels. I know the skincare will be equally worth the splurge. 

Shop the Tourmaline Collection

THE MOISTURIZER | Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with coffee beans & ginseng

I've been using GinZing™ eye cream for a few months—at first just mornings when my eyes were puffier, but now, almost daily. I'm addicted to the light, pearlescent formula and awakening effect. 

Shop the GinZing™ Collection

Natural Beauty Beginner's Kit

Don't you love when people surprise you?

I recently met someone from middle-of-nowhere Wisconsin—she wears just a whisper of mascara, knits on weekends, owns a three-chamber slow cooker from which she serves hearty Midwestern meals, and drives a manual transmission Ford. She knows where to find the best pho in Uptown and is currently planning a Thai getaway complete with cooking lessons so she can really learn the culture.

As we walked home from our monthly dinner club under softly falling snow on Monday night, stomachs full of drunken noodles and spicy curry, I learned she used Aveda hair products exclusively for three years straight. I had pegged her a Head & Shoulders girl for sure (to be clear, there's no shame in drugstore shampoo—my shower's stocking $6 Tresemmé), and was surprised by her allegiance to such a luxe brand. But I realized: beyond the intoxicating aromas and relaxing sensations that are truly universal (crockpot in the kitchen or not), Aveda's commitment to using pure flower and plant essences perfectly aligns with my friend's natural beauty inclinations, savvy disposition and worldly spirit.

Immediately, I wanted to get back aboard the Aveda train.

The brand, so much more than haircare, is the perfect supplement to the natural remedies I've recently started adding to my beauty arsenal (apple cider vinegar to clarify hair, peppermint to invigorate the senses, coconut oil to moisturize, rosewater to tame razor burn). I feel like an old-world herbalist in the best way with those jars and bottles lining my medicine cabinet—plus, they're cheap and effective. But I also love convenience and am not crafty; so piecing together an aloe-kelp-jojoba-buckwheat wax concoction, Albert Einstein-style, on a weeknight when my complexion's lacking luster isn't realistic. For those nights, I look to my Aveda lineup—complex masques and cremes ready to go in pretty packages, saving me from bumbling DIY disasters, but still so natural and so indulgent.

apple cider vinegar rinse | peppermint oil | coconut oil | rosewater | image via

Shop my hot-off-the-press natural beauty winter survival system below, focusing on treating dryness & dullness and including some of Aveda's signature wellness products—because it takes more than a fancy face cream to get through this cold, gray weather with a smile.

Hope you have a fun weekend ahead. After a busy week and bit of sickness, I'm simply looking forward to a fresh haircut and lots of rest!

How to Start Meditating  |  Make Moments in Your Week Joyful

Winter Lip Exfoliators

Following the Packers' Saturday night loss, I'm begrudgingly shifting my attention from football to film. The Oscars airs in a few weeks and I'm seeing as many of the nominations as I can before the Feb. 28 show. On tap tonight: The Revenant. While the storyline is dramatic in itself, Leo's cracked and bleeding lips in the trailer (whoa) left as much of an impression on me as his harrowing quest to survive winter and seek revenge. I'm in a solid routine of exfoliating my face twice a week, but forget that same technique should be used to nourish lips (and make color last longer). Mine aren't QUITE as ravaged as Leo's (wink), but they could still use some TLC—especially in these sub-zero Minnesota temps. Sara Happ's peony formula is my current favorite, gently sloughing away deadness and leaving the kisser as soft and fresh as a spring bouquet. I'm also a big fan of bliss® after waking up to a couple of the brand's moisture creams in my Christmas stocking, so I have high hopes for fabulips.

photos via: one | two | three | four

Shop the best exfoliators below and get those lips lookin' more Angie, less Leo. You can also find the peony lip scrub on my new SHOP page! It features the products I'm using and loving IRL—stuff for the guys, too!—updated on a rotating basis, so bookmark it and be sure to stop back. Have a great Tuesday!

lip service

I don't regularly introduce new products into my makeup regimen—all about keeping it simple (and my current tubes and compacts cost enough!). But a recent Sephora email made me reconsider lip plumper. While I've been well aware of the media attention poured on Kylie Jenner and her famously fat pout, I never thought twice about recreating the look—maybe because her "overlined" style looked more blow-up doll than beauty queen to me. And, I guess, I'm not actively seeking to emulate an 18-year-old reality star.

But little Kylie isn't the first woman to use lip liner, and the product existed long before she started blowing up the Internet as its unofficial spokesmodel. Liner goes a long way in creating definition and prolonging color (read more). The size of my lips isn't one of my insecurities, but what's wrong with using a plumping potion to boost 'em a bit, just like you'd layer on high-definition mascara for dramatic lashes?

I tested out Dior Addict High Volume Lip Plumper (thank you, free sample!). Cool and tingly, it made me hyper-aware of my lips, and in turn, feel sexier, so there is certainly some fun—and value—in that. As this interview with Rent the Runway founder reminded me, you should "dress for the day you want to have and the person you want to be... Putting on an outfit or makeup that makes you feel like the best version of yourself fundamentally changes the course of your day and gives you that extra boost of power/happiness/attitude you need." Intangibles aside, the Dior plumper's collagen formula promises actually fuller lips in fifteen days. Intrigued.

I normally stick to Burt's Bees, so the biggest challenge for me will be remembering to give my lips some attention before dashing out the door. But on days I have time for extra effort, I'm all for subtly enhancing the kisser with a combination of liner + stick for a more matte, daytime look OR liner + gloss for an after-hours, seductive situation. Flirtatiousness will likely swell proportionately with both options!

one | Laura Mercier lip pencil in Chestnut + Dior Addict Lip Plumper

two | Givenchy lip liner in Lip Blackberry + Guerlain tinted balm in Crazy Bouquet

three | NARS lip liner in Nihiwatu + NARS lipstick in Annabella

four | NARS lip liner in Patong Beach + NARS lipstick/pencil in Bahama

Read more on technique here from Byrdie

little things you deserve

Last weekend, I finally read Lena Dunham's book Not That Kind of Girl after putting it on my short list back in October! I love reading, but have been in a literary dry spell—and it feels good when something quick and engaging gets you back on track.

Overall, I loved that Dunham is a smart writer who doesn't turn her back on intelligent language and precise word choice in this age of blogging that celebrates "coffee talk" as the only way to connect with millennials and the digitally savvy. That's more my style, too, so I feel like I have a champion in the real-life Hannah Horvath. Ha.

There were some funny anecdotes—and some disturbing ones—but what made it such a captivating read is what makes Girls such a hit: relevancy. It's comforting to read about friendship and career and issues all twentysomethings experience from an actual twentysomething. One line really hit the nail on the head: in a chapter on "platonic bed sharing," Dunham describes who it is and is not OK to share a bed with. In the "not" column: "Anyone who doesn't make you feel like sharing a bed is the coziest and most sensual activity they could possibly be undertaking. Now, look over at the person beside you. Do they meet these criteria? If not, remove them or remove yourself. You're better off alone."

Amen, sister. I have definitely experienced that feeling and definitely been aware of it at the time, but didn't immediately remove myself. Don't hold onto something just because it's worked in the past if it isn't working now. Being comfortable with someone, I think, and having certain memories together can blur the reality of the present. And—speaking as a single girl—it's important to remember your kick-ass qualities, even if it's taking a while for the right person to recognize them.

So in the spirit of knowing your worth and feeling as fabulous as @badgalriri in pink feathers, I rounded up a few fun, #treatyoself things that YOU deserve! Because—it's a Wednesday, and you're pretty great.

1 | Dangling Geometric Earrings 2 | Josie Maran Argan Oil Body Butter

3 | Marc Jacobs Mod Noir Fragrance 4 | Agave Hair Oil Treatment

5 | Tom Ford Shower Gel 6 | Dillion Ring

7 | Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask 8 | 'Baies' scented candle 

9 | Nightcap Overnight Hair Perfector

feature image via ELLE

power powder

A lot of us—me included—are trained to think department store ubiquitously trumps drugstore beauty. I spend $45 on NARS foundation (ouch, I know) because the formula caters to my skin type and a Sephora adviser determined Fiji the best match for my tone. For "complicated" products, I understand paying up; but for powder, Target does the trick. I recently switched from Bobbi Brown to Maybelline, and the "maybe she's born with it" brand is not only cheaper, but much more effective.

The compact gives me extra coverage after a day slaving at my desk and eliminates unflattering shine for the refreshed look and confidence needed to do anything social post-5PM—whereas Bobbi was a translucent dusting that only produced OK results after too many irritated swipes with the new application brush I was urged into (grr).

Let's save our splurges for Kit & Ace instead—the North Loop location opened last week! Have you been? Swing by after work and end Monday in some comfy new (washable!) cashmere.

image via

SHOP: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder

origins charcoal mask

It's been a busy few days in my world since the move last week! It's crazy how in just twenty-four hours, your whole reality can shift. Last Wednesday, I was waking up in Madison and driving along rural 18-151 to Dodgeville every day; just a week later, that route and routine seem like little more than a memory. And while there are so many things that are better since relocating (love my apartment and its location, for one!), I think it'll still take a little time for this new situation to feel 100% familiar and comfortable. But my weeks are already so much fuller than they used to be, and that's what I wanted most. After a full weekend, I caught up with a friend over the Masters and Chipotle on Sunday night; ran the Isles and made meals for the week Monday night, grabbed salads at Agra Culture and watched RHONY with my sister on Tuesday, and have plans to see more friends the rest of the week. With a busy schedule and lots of change (welcome though they are), little pampering rituals—and rest—are the best medicine. I recently tried Origins Charcoal Mask to treat some of the blackheads and blemishes I noticed popping up along with packing, Uhaul-driving and transferring my life across state lines. You've probably heard some of the beauty buzz around charcoal; in this formula, the activated material acts like a magnet to extract the "deep-dwelling" dirt and debris that clog pores. I smoothed the dark cream over my face after a long Monday, focusing on the T-zone, and let it do its thing for twenty minutes. My skin felt and looked PURE after washing it off with warm water (that magnet visual is powerful!), and now, the detoxifying mask is a welcome weekly ritual to both combat blackheads and relieve daily stress and anxiety. Get the mask and shop other Origins products I sampled (and loved) below!

feature image via Harper's Bazaar

boots beauty

Announcement: my skin care routine just got a major upgrade! I actually enjoy the nightly process now, rather than seeing cleansing, toning, blahblahblah as an obstacle between my pillow and me. I was buying a few basics at Target.com, pleasantly surprised by some of the beauty brands stocked, when Boots No7 popped up in 'recommended products.' I was vaguely familiar with the brand both from living in Scotland and an Inside Edition segment that showcased the raging popularity of an anti-aging serum, but even more swayed by the pretty packaging and reasonable retails. I think we all want a little luxury when it comes to beauty, but let's be real—I do not have the pockets of La Mer-loving J.Lo. The hydrating-but-not-heavy No7 moisture creams come in sculptural glass pots that feel special and indulgent, and while they're technically fewer ounces than the 6.7-oz. Clinique pump I was routinely buying, require you to use less with each application. After MUCH internal debate over value, I decided to trade up because the Beautiful Skin Day Cream (Normal/Dry) has SPF and the Restore & Renew Night Cream is anti-aging (a preventive measure!)—both required components in my book. I've only been using the creams for a week, but my skin is so happy—and getting ready for bed so much BETTER. TIP: You can buy for concern and skin type for a truly customized product, so make sure you look closely at the specs! This guide is a huge help in determining what types of products you might need. I also purchased this super effective color-correcting primer to address the redness in my complexion and this pro-retinol serum. Shop all the products mentioned (and more) below!

feature image via

shopping list 3

I've been using the same makeup forever. It's an easy routine and a versatile look, but I recently had the urge to throw everything out in favor of new recruits. I wasn't loving anything in my collection (foundation felt a little off, never replaced my favorite shadow when it ran dry months ago..) and I want to start 2015 off feeling my best. I'm so in love with these rich shadows, the perfectly subtle bronzer and the refreshingly light foundation that enhances, rather than masks, my naked skin. The dent in my credit card is a little painful, but it still feels so good to clear the clutter and have fresh, pretty products in my arsenal as we flip the calendar. Are you overhauling anything as December winds down?

SHOP THE BOARD

FACE | The best beauty looks start with good skin, 
so I invest most of my time, effort and dollars here.
1 | Smashbox Photo Finish Primer for a smooth canvas.
2 | NARS Sheer Glow Foundation for buildable coverage and a satin finish—
make sure to test on your jawline (great shades for fair tones!).
3 | MAKE UP FOR EVER Powder Foundation to eliminate midday shine.
4 | Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder for dimensional color in one compact
(go only a shade darker than your natural skintone).

EYES | Some people overlook eye shadow, but I think 
it makes a huge difference in opening, brightening and defining.
6, 7, 8 | Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow Matte in Sandcastle (for low-key weekends),
Coffee Break and Morning Mocha (for work and nights out).
5 | NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is key to making color last.
9 | Sephora Collection 12hr Wear Waterproof Eye Pencil stays puts like a liquid,
but has a softer look I'm comfortable wearing even during the day
(an insane range of colors and at only $10 a pop, you can afford to get some fun ones!). 
10 | NARS Brow Perfector fills in sparse areas and creates a refined shape with natural texture.

LIPS | Keeping it fresh and minimal! 
11 | tarte Maracuja Exfoliant is a total treat for a tortured winter kisser,
scrubbing away dryness and restoring softness.
12 | Dior Créme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm
is an indulgent but natural-looking moisturizer—with a pretty scent!

drybar detox dry shampoo

I have an interesting hair history. In middle school, my relationship with a blow dryer and round brush was relatively new, and I took styling very seriously. As my fifth and sixth grade yearbook pictures prove, I was dedicated to creating perfectly turned-under ends. In high school, I (somewhat surprisingly) cared less. I was more secure, I suppose, and not as willing to wake up early to perform the full wash-dry-style maintenance—my younger sister can vouch. I was late to homeroom basically every day trying to sneak in more Zzzs, and because Alex and I shared a car, she was my tortured victim, always waiting anxiously in the kitchen until I raced down the stairs and we screeched through southwest Rochester to snag literally the last spot in the Lourdes parking lot. I got a lot of eye rolls from my sisters for the disproportionate number of strands I contributed to our shared bathroom floor, and the clogged shower drain was always my fault. But I was voted Best Hair in senior superlatives, so I guess I was doing something right. These days I still prefer to sleep instead of style, but I'm also aware of the benefits of less frequent washing. At the same time, I'm not going to roll to work with crazy, greasy bedhead, because, you know, trying to be a professional and climb the ladder. I was in a pretty regular pattern of washing every other day until I found a product that really extends my blowout. Last week, I shampooed on Monday and didn't again until Saturday. A few sprays of drybar's Detox dry shampoo at my roots and nape of my neck on Thursday and Friday helped keep my hair fresh and full all week. It effectively erased any oily areas, seriously bumped up the volume AND left a pleasant scent I'm kind of obsessed with. I think my hair looked best on Thursday, but it was still clean enough to wear down every day that week—including out to Genna's Friday night. Now I'm thirsty for more. Even if the products weren't great, the creative way they're named after boozy beverages in alignment with the cocktail concept would get me. Shop the tools I currently use (and keep hitting snooze!) and the drybar "drinks" I'm dying to try below!

SHOP MY HAIR CARE ROUTINE: 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

drybar Wish List:
Texas Tea Volumizing Shampoo
Hot Toddy Heat Protector Frizz Fighter
Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse
100 Proof Treatment Oil
Gold Mine Shimmering Leave-in Conditioner
The Chaser Shine Pomade
Sake Bomb Nourishing Conditioner

eva chen + OPI nordic collection

I live for the daily Eva Chen pose. Kidding. But I do enjoy sneaking a peek at what shoes, purse and piece of fruit the Lucky EIC is flaunting in transit from designer appointment to star-studded event. The Instagram series yields familiarity mixed with anticipation, and it's a brilliant little concept that (I think) is strengthening the Lucky brand—I never buy that magazine, but 34 year-old Eva, the youngest to steer a major fashion magazine, is the only fashion editor I follow on Instagram (while I subscribe to several other titles). The building feeling of kinship with the woman at the top of the masthead has at least restored Lucky's place on my radar. And it stands to reason that if I like what she puts in her Instagrams, I'll like what she puts in the magazine. Whether or not I'm swayed by all of her sartorial choices (I will never do the "clompy" loafers she has a current affinity for), Eva's established herself as a certified style star—and has the added edge of being inside the industry. That credibility combined with her endearing confusion over the latest lingo, adorably expanding baby bump and gelato-fueled journey through fashion week keeps me coming back, and hungrily (there is a LOT of gelato) absorbing everything. She recently 'grammed a gorgeous army green nail lacquer that made me double-tap with rocket speed—and start brainstorming what shades to add to my own collection for fall. I quickly found OPI's Nordic Collection hits all the high points of this colorful time of year. A sampling:

OPI images via; donuts via; wine via

1 // Going My Way Or Norway? 

The spot in your collection: The Neutral. 

The color: Apple cider donuts. 

The look: Every season needs a go-to day shade that doesn't scream for attention. 

On fair skin, this is slightly darker than nude for a natural, 

easy-to-maintain look and Parisian-chic sophistication. 

2 // Do You Have This Color In Stock-holm?

The spot in your collection: The Pop. 

The color: A bright mix of damp leaves. 

The look: Some zing is necessary as the weather starts to cool, but pinks
feel too beach-and-boat for me. This blue-violet will light up against dark clothing,
chunky knits and luxe leather in an energizing but complementary way. 

3 // Thank Glogg It's Friday. 

The spot in your collection: The Date. 

The color: Plump cranberries and mulled wine. 

The look: There's something inherently seductive about red that will 

set the tone for a spicy night. This is brighter and juicier than a dull bordeaux, 

with a warm rosiness that will make you want to cuddle under the covers. 

What colors are you swiping on this season?
Favorite Eva Chen pose to date? 

save or splurge: toners

We all go through periods when our skin seems off. Stress, lack of sleep, laziness winning over washing off makeup ... been there! A couple weeks ago my complexion was feeling polluted enough for me to enlist a new product rather than wait around for things to clear and brighten. Because I've been taught to invest in quality and am (however inaccurately) trained to believe a higher retail is directly proportional to worth and effectiveness, I started searching Sephora's stock of high-end toners for a remedy. (I used Clinique's Clarifying Lotion in junior high, but haven't maintained the habit—when Mom stops paying for things, you stop "needing" things, amirite?) I was thisclose to ordering Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ (a "high performance toner that gently re-texturizes" sounds so clinical and convincing) or Rose Floral Toner (the romantic description promising a "glowing, plump and toned" complexion is persuasive and appealing), but decided on a drugstore drive-by to give something cheap a chance before calling in the big guns. I was a fan at first swipe. Neutrogena's Pore Refining formula wipes away all lingering residue, makes my skin feel SO refreshingly clean before bed, and I've seen a reduction in pore size in my problem areas. If your skin's normal and you just need light rejuvenation, skip the luxury brands and save your dolla bills this fall for some bronde hair, new bag or boots—all things on my must-buy list ya can't pick up at Target for under $10!

SHOP THE TONERS: 

1 // Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner (8.5 oz.) // $7.49

2 // Clinique Clarifying Lotion (6.7 oz.) // $13.50

3 // Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Clarity-Activating Toner (8 oz.) // $42

images via: 1 / 2 / 3

st tropez in the mountains

I can't believe it's already July (seventh!). All sense of time (and reality) really disappears during vacation, doesn't it? I hope you had a great Fourth of July. I didn't have a typical stars-n-stripes themed weekend, but spent an equally spectacular five days in Breckenridge for a friend's Independence Day wedding. I've been to the small mountain town before, but didn't appreciate its charm as fully as I did this time. An eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and shops (wine & cheese pantries, olive oil tasting rooms, a candy factory, a cannabis club) line Main Street, parallel to the Blue River, making it really easy to navigate the area. Everything has a very rustic, quaint look and feel. Now that I've been twice in July, I HAVE to schedule my next trip during ski season—nothing better than hanging out in a cozy bar after a day on the slopes—and as beautiful as the scenery was, lit in summer sun, I'm sure it is even more idyllic draped in white. Apart from the ceremony and related activities (more on that this week!), here's the highlight reel: pecan-crusted red trout at Relish, a scenic bike ride to Frisco, and a fun little birthday bash for my friend, in from Arizona, at popular Mexican joint Mi Casa. But the point of the trip was the wedding and because I was a bridesmaid, I had planned to get a light airbrush tan. But my work and travel schedule leading up to the flight west really didn't leave time for the tanning salon—and I always dread the shock of a ten-minute transformation from Casper to Malibu Barbie. Conveniently, I'd earned a St. Tropez sample assortment from Sephora's rewards program several weeks earlier. I started using the Everyday Gradual Tan for Body a few days before leaving for Colorado, applying the white lotion to my arms and decolletage before bed (it's actually a body moisturizer enhanced with self-tanner—less intimidating and easier to apply than full-strength bronzing formulas). There was no unpleasant odor and it dried in minutes without any stickiness. My skin was brighter immediately, the bronze color built each day, and by the Friday ceremony I had a really natural glow. Not something a stranger would necessarily notice on the street, but a healthy color that looks good in pictures. Now that my sample size is gone, I'm definitely going back for the full-size bottle. Snag one before the next wedding on your calendar—or just next weekend. It's great for every day and I plan to use it regularly, regardless of social schedule. And if you want a little color on your face, try this (I mix it with my regular moisturizer because it's a stronger bronzer than the Gradual Tan lotion) or shop all St Tropez products here. Now that you've got some sun-kissed skin coming your way, enjoy some snaps from the weekend (and see more here)!

the St Tropez tan in action

the evening view at Relish

sampling olive oils

lemonade break in Frisco during our bike trip

Lauren getting her makeup done

the First Look at Ten Mile Station

Lauren and Tate

Lauren and her dad, first dance

the scene at Mi Casa, celebrating Julia's birthday

a quintessentially Colorado snap along Main Street