Styled

Knock knock. Last week of October is that you? The glorious weather has moved in to Central Florida, and although it was a little too chilly for my taste last week the sun was shining the whole time, and it has now warmed back up to high 70's/low 80's with cooler mornings in the 50's/60's and low humidity. I am here for it. On one of the chillier days last week, I signed up to be a hair model at the brand new DryBar that opened up in Winter Park so the new stylists could practice. I was treated to the "Dirty Martini" do which is tousled and textured waves after a pampering wash and blow dry. 

I was greeted with a glass of bubbles (yes please!) and brought back to the hair washing room before settling in for the blow out and styling portion of the appointment. I relaxed with the glass of bubbles, and thoroughly enjoyed that they had Legally Blonde playing and it had just started. That and The Devil Wears Prada I could watch over and over again, and never get tired of them. 

I have been to a few blow dry bars before, but never the OG - DryBar since there haven't been any in Central Florida until now. I do love their products, and have scooped them up over the years from Sephora including the Super Lemon Drop brush, On the Rocks clarifying shampoo and Triple Sec finishing spray all of which were used during the appointment. 

Sending out more appreciation for this skirt! Not only is it super flattering, it's also insanely comfortable. I packed it for our trip to Cape Cod last month, and was excited to wear it around town back at home now too. 

One-Shoulder Sweater {30% off}| Free People Skirt {40% off} | Necklace | Lipstick in Crème Cup

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New Year New to Me Beauty

Happy New Year! Is it ok to still say that on January 10th? Between the virus that shall not be named hitting our house for Christmas and into the New Year, and still being super busy at work I haven't had a chance to hop in here for a bit. Thankful to report that we are all much better, and if there's ever a time to get sick it's when school and gymnastics are out for Lil' Miss coupled with company holidays and PTO. We were able to hunker down at home eating Christmas cookies and watching holiday specials while Face Timing with the fam up in Connecticut. 

Since it's a new year, it was time for me to update some beauty items. I used to overspend at Sephora and went from VIB status to not even spending $1 in there the past few years. Needless to say, I needed to start replacing some of my staples and discover new-to-me products. 

Lipstick in Twig | Hair Dryer Brush | Shape Tape Concealer and Shape Tape Glow Wand

I was looking for another wear with practically everything lipstick, and finally scooped up MAC's Twig which went for a spin on girl's night out recently. Such a pretty shade! 

I'm a total dunce at doing my own hair (and makeup if we're being honest), so a tool that will help achieve that salon blowout look was calling my name. I'd seen so many people try the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer Brush and alerted my husband to a great sale before Christmas. The look of surprise when it was under the tree on Christmas morning was Oscar award worthy. The only complaint I have is it doesn't do as great a job at controlling my fly-aways as my trusty regular hair dryer. 

Oh Shape Tape - the overpushed by influencers beauty product. Well, I finally decided to see what they hype was about and scooped up a duo that included their Glow Wand as well. 

Clarifying Shampoo | Total Face Sponge {only $6} | Perfume

Did you know you can purchase Ulta products at Target now? Well none of the Targets around me are fancy enough to carry the products in-store, but I was excited to order this clarifying shampoo with my Red debit card for free shipping and 5% off. It had been too long since I used a weekly clarifying shampoo and my hair was getting dull. Glad to bring some of the oomph back until my next salon visit. 

I've never ventured into a blending sponge for applying makeup, but now that I picked up the Shape Tape Glow Wand I wanted to properly blend it in for an extra glow. Enter the $6 e.l.f. sponge that I simply added to a recent Target Drive-Up order. 

I used to ask for a new perfume every Christmas, and realized I hadn't refreshed my collection recently. Maybe it was the Lady Gaga commercials, but whatever the reason Valentino's Voce Viva eau de parfum is the perfect blend of florals and vanilla. 

Dry Shampoo {only $9} | Rose Quartz Roller {only $15} | Honest Primer

I also hadn't replaced my dry shampoo for far too long even with less showers thanks to permanent work-from-home (can I get a hallelujah?) I wanted to try one that was specifically for brunettes, and got this dry shampoo from Santa in my stocking. 

Another score from my stocking was a rose quartz face roller. No matter how much sleep I get, I still have puffiness and dark circles around my eyes and let's not get started on the wrinkles creeping in. I picked one up a few months back, and after only using it once Lil' Miss picked it up and said "Mommy what's this?" and then proceeded to break it. Needless to say my new one will be kept safely out of reach. 

I'm working on trying to be better about clean beauty products, and have liked everything I've tried from Jessica Alba's Honest Beauty line. The Everything Glow Primer is the perfect base for a dewy look plus it contains hyaluronic acid. 

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Tried and True

I've tried a lot of products over the years, and have found myself repeatedly coming back to my holy grail items. I thought it would be fun to switch things up from a styled look today to showcase what items I have been re-stocking.

Essie Gel Top Coat - I paint my nails each week, and nothing is more frustrating then when they chip a day or two later. Essie's Gel Top Coat not only sets my nails faster, but they last days longer than with a regular top coat.

MAC Studio Fix Foundation - I don't know why I ever strayed away from this holy grail makeup item, but I did and the prodigal son (errr daughter) returned sometime last year. I love how it provides a flawless canvas for the rest of my makeup without feeling like makeup. 

EOS Lip Balm - these cute little eggs are found everywhere. My purse, my bedside table, my desk at work, my makeup vanity, etc... 

Drybar Lemon Detangler Brush - I was on the hunt for a brush that would detangle my hair without breaking it. Enter Drybar who can do no wrong! I mean they invented the salon where you get a blowout for an event, and serve champs. Always winning!

Maybelline Falsies Mascara - I've tried every other brand at Target and at Sephora, and swear by Falsies even over the super pricey brands. 

Urban Decay Primer Potion - I have yet to find another eyelid primer that will hold a candle to UD. If you have, and it'll save me some pennies let me know your secrets! 

NARS Creamy Concealer - Thank you Biana for introducing me to this product! It's the best concealer for those hereditary under eye dark circles that never go away no matter how much sleep I get. 

E.L.F. Shadow Brush - Who says you need to pay more than $1 for a good eyeshadow brush? As much as I love my MAC and Sephora brushes, this little guy is in constant rotation. And yes, it truly is only $1! 

Garnier Micellar Water - my favorite makeup remover. It's easy after a late night or at the end of a long day to feel fresh faced again. 

Clarisonic Mia - I scooped one of these gadgets up back in 2011, and she's still going strong! My face always feel so much more clean after a long day in lieu of washing it with just a cleanser and water. It gets deep down to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Well worth the price and then some! 

What are some of your health and beauty items that you find yourself coming back to?

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beauty Clarisonic DryBar Essie MAC Maybelline Urban Decay

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A Hot Toddy for your Hair

I have yet to find a Drybar product that I didn't love, and was excited to try out the new Hot Toddy heat protectant. It helps seal split ends and prevent dryness and breakage while using heat styling tools on your hair.

Triple Sec Dry Shampoo | Lemon Drop Daily Detangler Brush | Hot Toddy Heat and UV Protectant

I was nervous that the product would weigh down my already fine hair, but I was pleasantly surprised that not only did I maintain volume, but my hair felt softer and looked healthier. Plus it smelled great! You only use a small dollup of the cream and apply it to damp hair before blow-drying and styling so this bottle should last me a very long time and is totally worth the price tag.

beauty DryBar Featured Hair Sephora

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Spring Weekend Essentials

Back in college the term "spring weekend" meant a long weekend of campus festivities including dorm olympics, epic parties, and a surprise concert (still excited that I was front row for Fabolous and he touched my hand). Now "spring weekend" just means any weekend during the spring season where I stock up on the season's must haves or pack for a quick getaway.

1. My Sephora goodies arrived from the VIB Sale, and I couldn't be happier to have my replenished my favorite baked blush and even my hair is excited over my new dry shampoo and Hot Toddy heat and UV protectant.
2. Even though I picked up 2 for $24 Bath and Body Works candles last weekend, I'm a little too excited to pick up some more fresh spring and summer scents since they're having another sale on their 3 wick candles now through the 24th. Don't walk... run!
3. How cute is this fedora? Perfect for all the upcoming outdoor time! I never used to think I could pull off hats, but lately I've been obsessed especially with fedoras.
4. Another obsession this season are pretty stackable rings, especially pretty bar rings like this Rebecca Minkoff one.
5. As if we all haven't gushed about the off the shoulder trend that has blown up this year, I still can't get enough. This tribal mini dress has been on my radar for a few weeks now, and I think it's time to pull the trigger!

Linking up today with Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, April for 5 on Friday, Tif for High Five for Friday, Lauren for Fab Favorites, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday!

 

Bath & Body Works DryBar Living Proof Sephora Shopbop

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VIB Sale Picks

It's no secret that Sephora is currently having a spring sale - 10% off everything for Beauty Insiders and 15% off everything for VIB and Rouge members. I love when they have these semi-annual sales, because it's a great time to stock up on every day items and other items I've yet to pull the trigger on.

Sephora Collection Microsmooth Baked Blush - My favorite blush is from the Sephora Collection, I love the light shimmer so what better time to stock up?
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit - How gorgeous is this glow kit?! The packaging alone draws me in, and the metallic highlighters make this limited edition palette a must-buy for me.
Drybar Hot Toddy - I mentioned that this product was on my radar on Friday, and with 15% off it'll be a great time to try it out considering I love all Drybar products.
Drybar Full Pint Medium Round Brush - Another Drybar product I've been waiting to purchase, I'm still loving my Lemon Drop Detangler so I'm sure I'll love this brush too for the perfect blowout.
Clarisonic Deep Pore Replacement Brush Head - Such a boring purchase, but since I go embarrassingly too long in-between changing my brush heads I should definitely take advantage of the 15% off.
Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush - Not only does this brush create a flawless finish, but it's also vegan. It was developed to perfectly apply the Naked Skin foundation.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo - Kerri's hair looked so fabulous the other day, and she said she owed it to this dry shampoo. Her hair is just as fine as mine, and she highly recommends this dry shampoo over the cheaper ones in drug stores. Sold!

What are you hoping to pick up during the sale?

Clarisonic DryBar Featured Living Proof Sephora Sephora Collection Urban Decay

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Hello Weekend

Happy Friday! I'm looking forward to another beautiful weekend here in the sunshine state, and am hoping to finally get some color.

1. I've raved about Drybar products here many times, and have yet to try one of their products that I don't absolutely love. One of my favorites is still the Mai Tai spritzer since it doesn't leave my hair crunchy and it smells awesome! Now, I'd like to try the Hot Toddy as a heat and UV protectant since my hair tends to get fried especially in the warmer months when I spend so much time in the pool.

2. I was excited to finally check out the Broken Egg Cafe at lunch with a co-worker on Wednesday. Breakfast/brunch food is my fav and I thoroughly enjoyed an omelette inside of waffles as a sandwich - delish!

3. Other than Lauren Conrad's new party planning book Celebrate, I haven't been able to put down New Money. It's the perfect beach or pool read about a girl from Charleston who moves to NYC to work at her late father's company.

4. Don't forget to get your travel recaps and wish lists ready for Wanderlust Wednesday on April 13th. So many of you have been on some fabulous trip lately, grab our button and link up with Emily, Kerri, and I next week.

5. Loving my recent finds on Pinterest:

Linking up today with Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, April for 5 on Friday, Tif for High Five for Friday, Lauren for Fab Favorites, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday!

 

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Bumble and Bumble's Invisible Oil

I've always had an issue with not only fine/limp hair, but also flyaways and frizz (Florida humidity - I'm looking at you). So, it's been a challenge to find products that'll tame the frizz, but not weigh my hair down in the process.

Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - Bumble and Bumble | Lemon Drop Detangler Brush - Drybar

I have yet to try a Bumble and Bumble product that I didn't love, so when I saw that the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil was an Allure Best of Beauty winner I knew I had to try it out. This product tames flyaways while also adding shine immediately and over time. And the best part is, it doesn't weigh my hair down or make it appear greasy considering it has "oil" right in the name. I just add a small drop to my the palms of my hands and rub it around before applying to damp hair, and then blow dry it. If I still see some stray flyaways or frizz, I'll just add a little more to my dry hair. I will say I've only tested this in the cooler months, so I'm looking forward to see how it'll stand up against the mid-summer humidity that Florida is notorious for. 

beauty Bumble and bumble DryBar Hair

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The Fun Stuff - Stocking Stuffers

One of my favorite things I look forward to on Christmas morning are the stocking stuffers. They're fun to buy, fun to wrap in "Santa paper" (red tissue paper), and they're fun to open.

DryBar Escape Plan Travel Set - All of my favorite DryBar products in a travel size set | Philosophy Purity Ornament - a festive spin on a great cleanser | Kate Spade Live Colorfully Rollerball | LUSH Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb - perfect for Christmas Eve | LUSH Snowcake Soap | Lindt Chocolates | Essie Nail Polish | Burt's Bees Chapstick | Maybelline Falsies | Bath and Body Works Be Joyful Lotion | Starbucks Gift Card

What are some of your favorite stocking stuffers?

Bath & Body Works DryBar Essie LUSH Maybelline Starbucks

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Sephora VIB Sale 2015 Wish List

Urban Decay Naked on the Run | Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush | Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter Palette | DryBar Full Pint Brush | Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head | Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil | Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

  

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The annual VIB Sale at Sephora will be running November 13th-16th, and all VIB's (very important beauty insiders) will receive 20% off their entire purchase throughout the sale in stores or with offer code VIB20 when shopping online.

Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette - I've been wanting this palette ever since it was released, and now it's been marked down. Taking an additional 20% off will make it a fantastic buy!

Urban Decay Good Karma Opitcal Blurring Brush - This brush is so pretty! And it'll be perfect for blending and buffing makeup for a flawless finish.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter Palette -  I have the Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Moonstone which gives a gorgeous finish! So I already know this palette's shades would be in heavy rotation.

DryBar Full Pint Brush - I have the Lemon Drop Daily Detangler Brush and it has been amazing on both my wet and dry hair. No more breakage or tangles! Now I just need the round brush to complete my brush set.

Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head - I'm embarrassed to admit how overdue I am for a replacement brush head on my Clarisonic Mia. 

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - I've slowly been darkening my hair after frying it with blonde highlights for a few years. Unfortunately, it's still pretty dry and I've been on the hunt for a great oil to help repair it.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Perfume - I received a sample of this perfume in my last Sephora order, and am loving it! It's the perfect combination of vanilla and floral scents. Definitely my new favorite scent for the cooler months.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette -  I've been eyeing this gorgeous palette for over a year now, and have been hesitant to pull the trigger due to the price, but with 20% off I may have to finally go for it!

What's on your Sephora wish list for the VIB sale?

beauty Becca Bumble and bumble Clarisonic DryBar Hourglass Cosmetics polyvore Urban Decay Yves Saint Laurent

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New Beauty Favs

I've been meaning to round up my recent beauty purchases. They've all been beauty raves, and are some of my new favorites.

DryBar Mai Tai Spritzer

DryBar Triple Sec Dry Shampoo

DryBar Lemon Drop Brush

I can't rave enough about the DryBar line available at Sephora and Nordstrom. The Lemon Drop Brush does wonders on my hair even when it's wet, and no more breakage from forcing my brush through tangles.

The Triple Sec Dry Shampoo is the best smelling and long lasting dry shampoo that I've tried. I've liked some others, but never loved any until now. A bit pricier than drugstore brands, but worth every penny!

And last but not least is the amazing Mai Tai Spritzer Sea Salt Spray. I try not to use heating tools on my hair on a daily basis, so I let my hair aid dry most days during the week. I like to apply this spritzer when letting my hair air dry because it keeps my natural waves without them feeling sticky or crunchy. Win-win!

Glamglow Supermud Mask

As I raved last week about this mask, it leaves my face feeling and smelling amazing! Am I the only one who gives bonus points to products that also smell great?

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

Ever since I got my first Naked Palette (the original candy bar looking palette) in 2011, I haven't been able to get enough of these amazing palettes. Everything from the packaging, to the pigmentation, to the gorgeous shades, and the best part is how easily blendable they are for day and evening looks make each of these palettes amazing. My favorites change all the time, but I love the rose colored hues in the Naked3 and the originals from the first palette the best - especially Sidecar. 

Other than Oahu, the Vineyard Champagne Kiss is my favorite lotion at Bath and Body Works. Because champagne. 

I still can't thank Katie enough for introducing me to this primer which has been the only product to stand up against the Florida heat and humidity and keep me matte. (My full review can be found here.)

YSL Rouge Pur Couture #9 Rose Stiletto

YSL Rouge Pur Couture #19 Fuschia Pink

I've always found lipstick to be hit or miss with me, as they'll either disappear quickly while out and leave me with that in-between look or they'll dry out my lips. So, I was excited when Influenster asked me to test out two of YSL's shades from their Rouge Pur Couture line because I knew they'd be fabulous - and they did not disappoint. I still can't get over how gorgeous these colors are!

What are some of your recent beauty favorites?

Bath & Body Works DryBar Glamglow Make Up Forever Naked Palette Urban Decay YSL

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Blogger Blame Purchases Part II

In July, I took the awesome idea from Mia to do a Blogger Blame Purchases post. And now it's time for round 2!

 MAC Flat Out Fabulous Lipstick

Blogger to Blame: Elle and then I got to see Emily rockin' it too at my birthday brunch last month. Such a gorgeous color!

 Kate Spade Square Stud Earrings

Blogger to Blame: Jenn

Kate Spade can do no wrong, and these earrings are too pretty!

 Make Up For Ever Primer

Blogger to blame: Katie

I've been on the hunt for a very long time for a great primer that'll keep my face matte in the Florida heat and humidity. I've found some great ones that caused my face to break out, and then others that just didn't seem to work at all. So, when Katie recommended this primer several times I knew it was time to try it out. So far I'm loving it, and it's the best primer I've tried.

 Kate Spade Metro Happy Hour Watch

Blogger to blame: Pamela and Kristina

I wanted this watch as soon as I saw it on the KS website, but once I saw it on Pamela in person and then Kristina was giving away one of these beauties I made it one of my purchases during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July. I've been wearing it almost every day since - so pretty!

 

DryBar Mai Tai Spritzer 

Blogger to blame: M from The Sequin Notebook

I was looking for a sea salt spray that wouldn't leave my hair sticky or crunchy, so when M recommended it I knew it needed to be in my next Sephora order. Not only does it leave your hair in air dried beachy waves, but it also leaves my hair soft and touchable. Bonus points for it smelling amazing too - very vanilla-y. 

T'eo LUSH Deodorant

Blogger to blame: Amanda 

I'm all about products with all natural ingredients, and that's what drew me to this deodorant. Hardworking essential oils are what combat bacteria, and keep you smelling oh so fresh.

Almond Creek Champagne

Blogger to blame: Amanda

I've always loved Wilson's Creek Almond Champagne, but it's only available at certain liquor stores. So, when Amanda posted about a great dup here from Trader Joe's and for half the price I was immediately sold.

DryBar Kate Spade LUSH MAC Make Up Forever

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Sephora Goodies + Sale

Happy first day of September! I'm not quite sure where August went, but I am still squeezing out the last goodness of summer until the calendar or the weather tells me to stop. Or I may continue the fun even longer, which is why I moved to Florida.

With the close of August, comes the rest of my shopping sprees courtesy of birthday gift cards. I cashed in another gift card at Sephora and picked up a few more items I'd been wanting to try out. Other than the moonshadow palette (which is a part of the sale), I went for mostly hair products.

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo | Blossom & Bloom Ginseng Volumizer | DryBar Mai Tai Spritzer | Single Ribbon Hair Tie | Moonshadow Baked Palette

I may have had a few Sephora hauls recently, but that doesn't mean I don't have some favorites at their So Long, Summer Sale. Below are some of my picks from the sale, including one of my holy grail products - Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Benefit's They're Real! Tease | Urban Decay Primer Potion | Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow | First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Serum | Sephora Collection Brush | Sephora Collection Moonshadow Baked Palette | Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gloss | Murad Environmental Shield Duo

What are you hoping to pick up at the sale at a great price?

beauty Benefit DryBar Living Proof Murad Sephora tarte Urban Decay

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