Monday, July 31, 2017

Hair | Beach Braids + Buns Hairstyle Tutorial w/ Schwarzkopf Gliss ™ Hair Repair


This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GlissHairRepair #CollectiveBias

Ladies and gents, we are smack dab in the middle of the summer and I am LIVING for the warm weather! This is my first year ever embracing a lighter hair color for the summer and I'll be honest, I had no idea the sun, chlorine, etc. could have major effects (fading, color change, etc.) on my blonde balayage if I didn't take steps to protect it first.


Today I've partnered up with Schwarzkopf Gliss ™ Hair Repair to share with you how I protect my colored hair plus a super easy peasy tutorial on how to get a fun half up, half down braids and buns hairstyle in about ten minutes. Let's get started!

Protect your hair against the elements with a color guarding shampoo and conditioner.
Protecting your hair doesn't have to take a million different products! I've been using the Schwarzkopf Gliss ™ Color Guard Shampoo and Schwarzkopf Gliss™ Color Guard Conditioner for color protection for up to 12 weeks! It contains a special formula that seals your color in along with liquid Keratin to reconstruct your hair from any damage or breakage. Whether I'm relaxing in the pool or running around at the beach, I know that my hair is totally protected!


You can find the Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair lines at your local Walmart, right in the hair care aisle. They have quite a few lines that cater to different hair repair needs such as Extra Volume, Ultimate Repair, etc. so there's a little something for everyone. Each line features liquid Keratin to help rebuild damaged hair.

Avoid tangly beach hair with a leave-in conditioner.
After you've towel dried your hair, spray in the Schwarzkopf Gliss ™ Color Guard Express Repair Conditioner. This will make your hair instantly soft and smooth to run a comb through and add more protection to your color-treated hair. I love using this to avoid that nasty, salty beach hair. You know the hair; it's the one that makes you look like a mermaid for the first half of the day and then makes you look like got into a fight with an octopus the second half.

Dry your hair upside down for more volume.
On low heat, I blow dried my hair upside down for some added volume. I rarely ever use brushes and instead my finger comb my hair until it's dried.

Split it down the middle.
Now that we have our hair fully protected against the elements, we can get to styling it! First, I split my hair down the middle so it's even on both sides.

Braid it up.
Next, I took my bangs, split them in half and, pulling the hair forward so I could see what I was doing, braided them in a traditional three-strand braid. Repeat on the other side.

Stretch it out.
To make your braids look bigger and thicker, take each loop and gently stretch it out. My braids always start out looking tiny and this little tip makes them look WAY thicker!



Twist it up.
Taking your thumb and index finger, skim your hair up and away from your face on the right side, about an inch above your ear (see first photo) and gather at the top. Secure with hair band. Repeat on left side. Then take your little ponytails and twist them.

Secure it.
Twist your hair and then wrap it into a little mini bun. Secure it with a bobby pin and then lightly pull at it so it looks messy. Or just spend a few minutes with a toddler and a baby. Either or. Wah-lah! You have messy, braided buns that were pretty easy, if I do say so myself!


Save $5 off two (2) Schwarzkopf Gliss Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment with this coupon!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GlissHairRepair
Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Beauty | Cotton Candy


A few days ago, I was rummaging through my palette collection and came across the Sigma Creme de Couture palette. Anyone remember that one? I did a review here back when it came out - in 2013. If you read the review, appreciate baby blogger Noelle and how "pigmented" the swatches were. I've come a long way. But anywho, the colors are so fun and I was inspired to do a little look with them.



Get The Look:

  • tarte Cosmetics Drink of H20 Hydrating Booster
  • tarte Cosmetics Double Duty Beauty Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation in Light Sand
  • MAC Cosmetics Mineralized Concealer
  • Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in Bronzed
  • tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
  • Sigma Beauty Creme de Couture Palette - Passion Fruit in the crease, Cherry Blossom on the lid, Blue Chocolat on the outer v - I recommend using a white base under these to really make them pop!
  • tarte Tarteist Clay Liner (my absolute fave!)
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Medium Brown
  • PUR Beauty Fully Charged Mascara
  • Crowd Colour Liquid Matte Colour in Jessie
Friday, July 21, 2017

Baby | Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me About Breastfeeding + Must-Haves!


Breastfeeding. It's something I knew I 100% wanted to do when I was pregnant with my first little guy. What does one do when they have no clue what they're doing? That's right, they Google. I researched the crap out of breastfeeding. From best nipple creams to Mastitis symptoms (y'know, just in case) to what's the best breastfeeding position - I Google'd it all. While I had a very easy, amazing breastfeeding relationship with my first son that I am so, so thankful for, I can't help but remember how bad I wish I had someone with personal experience breastfeeding to able to go to for questions.


Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Beauty | Pink + Bronze


Gooooooood afternoon, guys! I teased this look a few weeks ago and while I'd like to say the long wait was totally on purpose and all for hype, in all honesty, I totally forgot. I could've sworn I had posted it and then looked back and was like, "Hey....Where'd it go?" I have had the worst memory lately, guys. Anyone else lately? I think it's mommy brain.

Get The Look:

  • tarte Cosmetics Drink of H20 Hydrating Booster
  • tarte Cosmetics Double Duty Beauty Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation in Light Sand
  • MAC Cosmetics Mineralized Concealer
  • Makeup Revolution Ultra Bronze Bronzer
  • Benefit Cosmetics Coralista Blush
  • ittse + Love For Lacquer Run The World mixed with Hustle & Glow
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Medium Brown
  • MAC Paint Pot in Painterly (for base)
  • ABH Raw Sienna (crease)
  • Makeup Geek Morocco (crease), Curfew (bottom), Cherry Cola (outer v), Bleached Blonde (lid), Starry Eyed (inner corner)
  • PUR Cosmetics Fully Charged Mascara
  • tarte Cosmetics Lip Drench in Cabana Boy

Shop This Look:

(affiliate links)



Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Lifestyle | The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals for You + Your Little Babes!


I'm pretty sure this is what Christmas in July looks like, guys! Today is Amazon Prime Day! Prime Day is 30 hours straight of insane deals that are exclusive for those with Amazon Prime accounts. They tend to sell out quickly so I'm sharing my faves that are still available right now!

Treat Yourself:



* If you're looking for makeup storage, this sale is so for you! Just search "beauty storage" in the Prime Day area and holy cow, shop away!

Treat Your Little Babes:



* SO many good deals, guys! Lots of diapers are on sale as well as Melissa and Doug toys and Graco products!

 Happy shopping, guys!
Sunday, July 09, 2017

Lifestyle | POPSUGAR Must-Have Box for June 2017


| PopSugar provided me a complimentary box.

The happiest of Sunday's to y'all! Today, I'll be sharing the deets on the latest POPSUGAR Must Have Box. I know, I know. It's the June box and it's already July, Noelle, get it together! Unfortunately, my box arrived a smidge late but hopefully, even if this particular box isn't available, this review can show what type of amazing goodies to expect in the July box!


For those who might be scratching their heads like, "What the heck is a POPSUGAR Must Have Box?" - I'm so 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. Click here (aff) and use the code SHOP5 for $5 off your first box!


What's In The Box?

  • Billabong Aloha Forever Trucker Hat ($17.95)1 - This bright blue trucker hat is giving me eighth grade vibes in the best way! I used to rock Billabong and Roxy with some Adidas Superstars like nobodies business. This hat is super comfy with an adjustable plastic band on the back to create your perfect fit. I feel like I'll get a ton of use out of this!
  • Captain Blankenship Mermaid Sea Salt Hair Spray ($24) - What's a summer box without a sea salt spray, am I right? This one contains organic ingredients like aloe vera and sea kelp extract to keep your hair wavy but soft - no crunchiness here!
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ($26) - A good read? Uh, yes please. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is about a movie icon that decides to have an unknown magazine reporter help write her biography where they find out they have more in common than they think. I haven't had a chance to sit down and read this yet but it seems like one of those guilty pleasure books that'll have you up all night until your done.
  • Aloha Collection Mid-size Coco Palms Pouch ($16) - If you're a mom, you will definitely know the importance of a good wet bag. I absolutely love the tropical print and the bag is a pretty big size so you can throw in a lot wet clothes or even use as a makeup bag!
  • NCLA So Rich - Mermaid Tears ($18) - My nails have had better days so I was happy to see this in the box. Mermaid Tears is a cuticle oil that smells just like honeysuckle. It has vitamin E extract as well as sunflower seed oil to keep your cuticles from drying out on those harsh beach days.
  • Belgian Boys Mini Cookie Stash ($.99) - You had me at mustache-shaped cookies. THESE. ARE. DELICIOUS.
  • Meri Meri Blue and White Party Straws ($5.95) - These are the cutest paper straws! Is it weird that I just want to sip milkshakes from these? Totally saving them for special occasions.
  • Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Coffee Drink ($2.39) - You can never go wrong with a Starbucks Frappuccino - especially when it's caramel! Pop this in your bag for a delicious pick-me-up during the day (or if you're like me, you'll chug it when the kids wake up for a kick in the butt to your day). So yummy!
Click here (aff) and use the code SHOP5 for $5 off your first box!

| PopSugar provided me a complimentary box.
Saturday, July 08, 2017

Beauty | Get Your Bronze On: Top Six Favorite Bronzers!


I am all about that sunkissed tan life - without the whole actual going outside and laying out in the sun to get it. #palebabe, y'know? Today, I've compiled six of my favorite bronzers, from matte to shimmer, at just about every price point, so you can look like you just got back from a tropical getaway without ever having to step foot outside your house.

  • Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in Bronzed ($28) - Funny story. I bought this shade accidentally. I originally wanted Sun -Kissed which is a lighter matte brown more suited for lighter skin tones but accidentally put Bronzed in my cart instead. *facepalm* It ended up working out in the end because with a light hand, this works perfectly for me when I'm pale AND with a heavier hand, works great when I'm self tanned. It's very finely milled and silky to the touch. 
  • Makeup Revolution Ultra Bronze ($7) - Looking for a great dupe of Bronzed? This is definitely it. UD Bronzed might be slightly more golden but barely and texture-wise, this is so close. Very pigmented (a light swipe is all you need!) and super smooth to apply. 
  • Makeup Revolution Shimmer Bronze Highlight ($7) - If you're looking for a little shimma shimma (and I mean little), this is all you. I actually really like this as the shimmer is not noticeable at all and you can either mix them all together (like the swatch below) of pick and choose which shade you want to use. I find this slightly dustier than the Ultra Bronze but still pigmented and easy to apply.
  • NARS Sun Washed Diffusing Bronzer in Laguna ($40) - You might be thinking that this bronzer is basically a re-invented Laguna, but you're in for a surprise. This bronzer is very firmly packed so that it really only lets you pick up a small amount for a very natural wash of bronze. I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "Well, couldn't I take any old bronzer with al light swipe for the same effect?" Honestly? Probably but I'm lazy AF and personally find this easier for me to achieve that naturally bronzed look without having to gage, on my own, how much is too much. 
  • Vita Liberata Trystal Self Tanning Bronzing Minerals ($45) - If you're looking for a bronzer with lasting effects, this one by Vita Liberata is calling your name. It comes in two shades (one light, one medium) and gives such a gorgeous tanned look that lasts for days. The bronzing minerals are actually a fake tan in a powder version. Thankfully, you can't really go overboard with this as what you put on your face is what you get afterwards (does that make sense?).
  • Glamour Dolls Fakecation Bronzer ($4.99) - Last, but certainly not least, if you're looking for an affordable bronzer that'll last you a very long time (I mean, that pan size is HUGE!), this is it. Glamour Dolls is best known for their Lisa Frank collab but I highly suggest popping this into your cart before checking out. It's so underrated but so, so good! It's a little drier compared to the others but the pigment is great and is a nice tan shade that's flattering for my light skinned chicks.




Let me know in the comments below what your favorite bronzer is! Up next, my top six favorite highlighters (awwww yes!).

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(Affiliate links)


Sunday, July 02, 2017

Beauty | US of Slay


Happy Fourth of July weekend, guys! I wanted to get a fun and easy patriotic look up for the weekend but natural light was not on my side so my apologies for the odd, pinkish lighting! Ya'll get the gist, right?


If you have a black eyeliner, a red lipstick and some blue and silver eyeshadow, you can totally own this look!

Face:

  • Josie Maran Light Argan Oil to moisturize
  • tarte Cosmetics Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation in Light Sand applied with a damp PUR Beauty Blending Sponge (one of my favorites!)
  • MAC Mineralize Concealer under the eyes and around the nose
  • Makeup Revolution Ultra Bronze
  • ColourPop Birthday Suit blush
  • Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Radiant Lights

Eyes:

  • MAC Paint Pot in Painterly as a base
  • Makeup Geek Vanilla Bean to set the base
  • Makeup Geek High Wire on the bottom lid
  • LORAC Burlap (from the Mega Pro 2 Palette) in the crease
  • tarte Tarteist Clay Paint for eyeliner with LORAC Blue Quartz (also from the Mega Pro 3 Palette) patted on top for a blue liner look
  • PUR Beauty Fully Charged Mascara
  • Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil

Lips:

  • ColourPop Ultra Matte X in Trust Me...


Shop This Look:

(Affiliate links)


* Some products used in this tutorial were sent for consideration.

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