Sunday, September 25, 2016

EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex, Moisture-Rich BodyCreme &FacialSunscreen + Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Starter Set | Review + Giveaway!


Hey Sunday, babes! Today I'm sharing with you some skincare products I've been testing out for about two months now from the site LovelySkin.com. LovelySkin.com is a dermatologist-owned and operated site that has spa/professional-quality beauty products at affordable prices. What really sets them apart, is that their CEO/founder Dr. Schlessinger is super involved with the site and even responds to customer's e-mails. Let's be real, that's not the norm nowadays! Stay tuned to the bottom of the review for a giveaway!

  • EltaMD Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen ($32) - Sunscreen! It's something we all should be using - even in the cooler weather that's slowly approaching. This clear sunscreen is super lightweight, offers an SPF of 46 and is non-comedogenic which means that it doesn't contain anything that will clog your pores, irritate your skin, etc. I normally don't wear sunscreen daily (for shame!) but I actually really liked this. I wore this underneath my makeup with no absolutely no issues. This sunscreen even claims that it calms blemishes and discoloration but I didn't really see any difference.
  • EltaMD Moisture-Rich Body Creme ($25) - This mama needs all the hydration she can get! This body creme is loaded with mango seed butter, plant-based lipids and hyaluronic acid to moisturize. It also contains niacinamide and enzymes to bring life back to dry or flaky skin. This product I was most excited to try out because as the seasons change and my hormones are calming back down after giving birth, my skin has seen better days. It's been dry and bumpy and a total mess. I usually use this creme after hopping out of the shower and/or right before bed to really let everything soak in. I've noticed a huge difference, almost immediately after use, every time. I really like using this on my legs and arms!
  • EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Ceramide and Enzyme Treatment ($45) - If I were to recommend the best product of this bunch, this would be it! If you're looking for immediate results to firm, plump, moisturized skin, buy this right meow! This formula contains a mix of ceramides and other essential lipids to minimize the appearance of pores, wrinkles, etc. This product singlehandedly revived my skin overnight!   
  • Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Starter Set - Anyone else just get nervous around the word "peel"? No need to with this set! The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Starter Set comes with a peel for each day of the week so you can figure out which one is right for you including two Ultra Gentle Daily Peels, two Extra Strength Daily Peels, two Universal Daily Peels and one Medi-Spa Weekly Peel. If you're new to using peels (which I totally was!) the inside of the packaging flips up to let you know which peel to use on what day for the best results. My favorite peels were the Ultra Gentles (ideal for newbs like me or those with sensitive skin) and the Universal Daily Peel (caters to those with normal skin looking for anti-aging benefits).
Enter below for a chance to win!

* Products sent to me from LovelySkin.com for review.

Friday, September 23, 2016

PopSugar Must-Have Box | September 2016


| PopSugar provided me a complimentary box.

Happy Friday, y'all! The seasons are a-changin' and Connecticut is definitely feelin' cooler but if you're looking for an epic box o' fall, the PopSugar Must-Have Box for September is guaranteed to get you in the mood.

So, what's PopSugar? I'm glad you asked. It's a monthly subscription box delivered straight to your door, every month, filled with full-sized home, fashion, food, beauty and more products. They also have a "mini" box option that contains a smaller amount of products for a lesser price per month. The full-size box will run you $39.95 a month, $109.85 for three (saving you $10) or $214.70 for six months (saving you $25). The mini box will run you $18.95 per month.

What's in the box?

  • Jack & Lucy Bicoastal Wide Brim Hat ($58) - What!? No way. I love hats! How fun of a surprise to find in this month's box. This Jack & Lucy hat is so on trend for autumn and is just what I was looking for. Pair this with a big blanket scarf and leather jacket and you're good to go!
  • NCLA MANI-ER Tool Kit ($16) - I swear, PopSugar was psychic this month because I don't know how many times I could've used something like this recently! This kit contains a nail file, clippers, a v-shaped push stick, a rounded push stick and beauty scissors - perfect to tuck in your purse to-go!
  • Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($36) - Yes please! I've mentioned in previous posts that my hair is going through the lovely post-birth phase where it thins out like crazy and gets either really greasy or really dried out (every day is a crapshoot).  Anyway, onto the mask! This weekly deep conditioning mask contains rosehip and argan oils, vitamin B, algae and biotin to hydrate your hair and bring thin, brittle hair back to life. I have to admit, I liked this! It left my hair feeling hydrated but not greasy. 
  • Flint Lint Roller ($9.99) - Who knew! I didn't know I needed it until it was in the box. A lint roller is always great to have and again, this is perfect (and so chic!) to keep in your bag. It's also refillable. 
  • Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer in The Warning ($22) - Me-owwww! Nothing like a hot red lip to get you warm in the cool weather. I'm loving this sheer red with gold micro glitter lip lacquer as you can wear it by itself or over your favorite lipstick. Parable and gluten-free! 
  • The Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites ($4.99) - Speaking of gluten-free, how yummy do these bites look? Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of coconut so I didn't indulge but my son liked them! These bites are gluten, dairy and GMO-free as well as being vegan. 
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite product from this month's box is! 

Make sure to use the code SHOP5 for $5 off your first box! But here: http://bit.ly/2bGxCSA 

| PopSugar provided me a complimentary box.
Friday, September 16, 2016

Mitch Stone Essentials Lustre 456 Shampoo & 457 Conditioner | Review


Would you believe me if I said this was my first tango with a pro shampoo and conditioner? It's not that I've never wanted to use one, it's just that: A. They're usually insanely expensive. B. I'm usually pretty happy with my drugstore haircare to try something different.

Needless to say, when I received the Mitch Stone Lustre Shampoo and Conditioner set, I was so excited to try them out and give my hair the professional treatment.


  • Mitch Stone Essentials Lustre Conditioner ($18) - Inspired by the pure-driven California lifestyle, this conditioner is Keratin-based and while it caters to a sensitive scalp, it works for everyone. For the past few months, I've been conditioning first and then shampooing and I've really loved the results. I applied this first to the ends of my damp hair and let it sit for a few minutes. I usually let it soak in while I shave, wash my bod, etc. and then wash it out. Oh my goodness, this conditioner smells like a Pina Colada (technically, it's plumeria, passionfruit and coconut). So yummy! I also noticed how easy this was to wash out as opposed to when I use a drugstore conditioner, it can sometimes feel like it leaves a film behind and can be hard to wash out. Overall, this is my go-to conditioner right now! Oh, and I also use this to shave with and have had the nicest shave using this. Multi-tasking, y'all.
  • Mitch Stone Essentials Lustre Shampoo ($18) - You heard it here: Mitch Stone has the nicest-smelling shampoo and conditioner! This one is a little lighter-scented than the shampoo but still smells so yummy. It's sulphate and paraben-free. After the conditioner was washed out, I went rubbed in this shampoo and holy wow - what a difference between this and my normal shampoo! The lather is SO rich and thick and you can really feel your hair getting clean when you scrub it in. When I washed this out and air-dried my hair, I wasn't expecting my hair to be as volumized as it was! Like, super volumized. And the day after, my hair looked even better!
Both the shampoo and conditioner have a VComps-base which is basically a blend of vitamins, minerals and oils with a papaya base to really enrich your hair.

Overall: I'm SO impressed with this Mitch Stone set! I wasn't really sure what to expect or if I'd even notice a difference between my normal and shampoo/conditioner and this. Hands down, noticeable difference. Between the scents, the lather from the shampoo, the way the conditioner washed out (but still left my hair soft!) and didn't cling to my hair leaving that nasty film behind, even the insane volume the day of and day after - totally worth $18 a bottle (or $36 for the set).

ShopBuy ($36 for the set)
*Product sent for review.
Monday, September 12, 2016

ColourPop #HumbleBrag Collection | Swatches + Review


It's always a good day when ColourPop is on the blog! Today, I have swatches and a review of the new satins and mattes in the #HumbleBrag Collection. I think this is their spring collection - or maybe summer? Who knows. ColourPop legit has a launch about every week. I can't keep track, guys.

(L-R: Littlestitious, Brooklyn, So Wavy + Molly // Are & Be, Privacy Please, Cheap Thrills + Bianca)

The Ultra Satins:

  • Littlestituous (ultra satin) - a pastel dusty pink. Where are my Office fans at? I'm pretty sure this was made with Michael in mind when he said, "I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious" BTW, The four satins from this collection are my first try with ColourPop's satins and I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed and prefer them over the mattes.  Littlestitious is basically my favorite nude EVER right now. I can't get over how perfect it is on my fair skin. It doesn't pull orange-y or too pink; it's just perfect. The formula was A+++ and lasted for about five hours. The consistency is basically everything I ever wanted in the matte lipsticks from CP - creamy, dries semi-matte, lasts long and doesn't settle in the fine lines of my lips.
  • Brooklyn (ultra satin) - a warm bright pink. The swatch above is definitely showing it as almost red but I swear it's super hot pink in person as seen on the lip swatch below. I'm not sure if this is the MO for all satins but goodness, this was like heaven on my lips. It surprisingly lasted for about five hours and left a gorgeous stain behind.
  • So Wavy (ultra satin) - a vibrant blue purple. I didn't realize how much I needed a blurple in my life until I tried this baby on. I am SO in love with this. Again, the consistency is just perfection. It dries down but still stays creamy but stays put at the same time. Does that make sense? Also, this leaves a BRIGHT pink stain behind.
  • Molly (ultra satin) - a mid-tone plum lilac. How gorgeous is Molly? It's SO spring-y. I'm sounding like a broken record here but again, killer consistency and just an absolutely gorgeous color. I really can't rave more about these satin lipsticks!

The Ultra Mattes:

  • Bianca (ultra matte) - a soft mauve pink. I know in both the arm swatches and lip swatches, Bianca and Littlestitious are practically twins but in person, Bianca is definitely a little more cooler toned and dustier. Did ColourPop change their matte formulas again? I was totally feeling these and actually mistook them for the satins at one point because they were just that smooth to put on. I didn't seem to have the issues I did with the previously released ultra mattes (dried too fast, settled in the lip lines, etc.). Bianca is general is so stunning. I loved the way it felt on my lips!
  • Cheap Thrills (ultra matte) - a dusty lilac. *cough* Close Jeffree Star dupe of Gemini??? *cough* Just sayin'. It kind of looks similar! Cheap Thrills had the same smooth application as Bianca and dried fast but comfy. It didn't settle into my lips and wore for about six hours. 
  • Privacy Please (ultra matte) - a vivid lavender violet. Privacy Please was the only one out of the mattes that I had a slight issue with. It applied nicely but took some time to dry down. In fact, it was tacky for about ten minutes before it finally dried down. After that, it was comfortable but did settle into my lip lines. I wouldn't say it was a huge issue but just, compared to the others, it seemed like it was the "problem child" out of the ones I bought.
  • Are & Be (ultra matte) - a rich mauve plum. I. AM. OBSESSED! This color is just so gorgeous. Are & Be was super easy to work with, applied nicely and evenly, dried down with time to correct any mistakes and lasted about seven hours.

Overall: I'm SO impressed with this collection! The ultra satins are, hands down, my favorite formula ever from ColourPop right now. I seriously need them all. I was actually really impressed with the formulas from the mattes as well. I feel like ColourPop is constantly tweaking their mattes which is great. My favorites are Bianca, Cheap Thrills, Are & Be, Littlestitious and So Wavy! Which ones are your faves?

Shop | ColourPop - ($6)
Sunday, September 04, 2016

Candle-Lite Mess-Free, Clean & Natural Scent Sticks + Scent Bursts | Review


Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone! Life as a family of four now has us currently adjusting and just settling in so excuse the lack of posts but I promise there's a lot coming up and while I'm trying to tell myself to take a break, it's just not happening. Hahaha.

Anywho, there's just something about a great-smelling house that makes everything feel put together, am I right? It makes me happier and, dare I say, even more productive throughout the day!


Whether it's the scent of your favorite flower, a scent that brings you back to a great memory or just a scent that's covering up a different less-than-savory scent (like when a certain toddler decided to throw his lunch on the floor and mush it into the carpet and no matter how many times you've cleaned it, it still smells like hot dogs in the living room), a great scented candle can make everything come together in the end.

But as a parent, having open candles around (no matter how high up away from the kids) isn't ideal - because toddlers - and have you guys even see the crap they put in candles? No bueno! I had no idea how many chemicals were even in your typical candle. So disappointing!

Until I heard about Candle-Lite's new Scent Bursts and Scent Sticks (found at your local Rite Aid)! They're mess-free, clean, all-natural and won't break the bank!
  • Scent Bursts - The Scent Bursts can be used with any electric wax warmer - but the catch is: these aren't wax! Aww, yeah! They're made from sustainable paper and pure, natural fragrance oils so they never, ever melt to make a mess. That means easy clean up and you can switch up scents whenever you want. The Scent Bursts last two times longer than your average wax melts AND the scent is immediately released upon being warmed. Pretty sweet, right? 
  • Scent Sticks - If you don't own an electric wax warmer, these are perfect for you! The Scent Sticks have absolutely no liquid = no spills! They, too, are made from sustainable paper with essential oils and pure fragrance. You can pop them into any holder and set them up on the table for a fragrance that lasts for over a month! These were totally made for me as I love anything that you can set and forget until you want to change the scent.
Speaking of scents, Candle-Lite currently offers 12 different fragrances from their Essential Elements line including four new scents: Jasmine & Patchouli, Oakmoss & Bergamot, Nutmeg & Outwood and Blood Orange & Teakwood! I've been loving the Lavender and Cedarwood (a mix of floral and woody fragrance), Blood Orange and Teakwood (a little fruity with lemon and orange) and Vanilla and Sandalwood (kind of an earthy scent). I love that they have a great variety of fragrances and have a little somethin' for everyone. Whether you're looking for a more masculine scent (Aloe & Agave!) or fruity (Ginger & Citrus), they've got you covered!

What's your favorite scent? Do you use wax warmers?

Shop | Find these at your local Rite Aid!
* Sponsored by Candle-Lite.
Friday, September 02, 2016

Introducing...Brody Ryder!


Introducing... Brody Ryder!
Hi everyone! He's here, he's here! After hitting the 41 week mark, I was convinced being induced was just going to happen (and was scheduled for the 30th!) but Brody had other plans and arrived August 28th at 12:12AM after arriving at the hospital at 10:30PM. Talk about a fast labor! By the time we registered, got into our room, begged for an epidural (and didn't get it!), my water broke and Brody was here about a minute after. He was 7lbs, 1 oz. + 20 inches long

I will be back updating the blog soon (lots of fun posts coming up!) but for now, I'll be lovin' on this little babe! x

the latest on the 'gram.