Barefoot & Topless

Essie Barefoot & Topless

The most perfect, universally flattering, nude nail color with just enough pigment to work on fingers and toes.  So gorgeous with  lightly bronzed skin and perfect for a special occasion (summer beach wedding, etc.) when you don’t want your nail color to compete with your look but rather complement it. 

http://www.amazon.com/Essie-Spring-Collection-Topless-Barefoot/dp/B004LWFE9U

Smooth Operator

Pureology Super Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner

I’ve just brought an old favorite back into my life.  I feel certain beauty products are best when rotated (this goes for deodorant too); if you use the same product for too long sometimes it seems to lose effectiveness.  The exceptions to this rule would be serum or moisturizer or any retinol products.

I previously used the “Hydrate” products in this color care system but decided to go the “Smooth” route this time because it is so damn hot & humid in Nashville already and my tresses are totally unmanageable!

This shampoo/conditioner duo is awesome!  It tames frizz and makes your locks so soft, smooth and glossy.  Both formulas smell fabulous and they lather up so fast and nicely.  In addition to taming frizz this particular series eliminates “unruly volume” – my hair is straight but that doesn’t mean in 90+ degree heat that my head of hair isn’t bigger than a prom queen’s in Texas circa 1992!  

Seriously though, this makes an at home blowout super easy and reduces the amount of time needed with a flat iron.  LOVE!!  PS For those of you who live under a rock – all Pureology’s products are 100% vegan and designed to keep your color looking gorgeous!

http://www.pureology.com/systems/super-smooth

Nashville in my rear view mirror...

Sorry I have been MIA this week… I’m feeling a little under the weather.  I’m hoping that my beach vacay starting Friday to Seaside, Florida perks me up!!  I promise to be back at it after my return next week.  Until then… I give you my vacation/beach packing essentials:

 

Kain Coral T-shirt -- Great color.  Classic shape.  Unbelievable softness.  Looks amazing with bright layered necklaces.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/317378

Mikoh maxi dress --  Works just as well for dinner and drinks with wedges at night as it does over your bikini with flip flops during the day.

http://www.shopbop.com/french-riviera-maxi-dress-mikoh/vp/v=1/845524441923275.htm?folderID=2534374302181140&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=16026

Top Secret Bandeau Bra – looks so pretty and chic peeking out of dresses and tops with low arm holes and backs.  Super comfy!!

http://www.shopbop.com/peep-show-lace-bandeau-top/vp/v=1/845524441936995.htm?folderID=2534374302167151&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=13959

Chloe wedges – Yes, I returned the Tory Burch ones I blogged about earlier.  These are more flattering on the leg & foot and so easy to walk in.  I love the yellow punch of color in the laces!!

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/190247

 

Tkees Flip flops – I think I have 5 pairs in assorted colors and styles.  They’re minimal, fuss free and fabulous.

http://www.shopbop.com/shadows-thong-sandal-tkees/vp/v=1/845524441936373.htm?folderID=2534374302197320&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=40997

Mother lightweight skinny flare white jeans – These jeans seriously feel like cashmere and they’re so flattering, especially paired with a shoe that gives you a little height.  They have great stretch and don’t feel too tight, heavy, or constricting.  Finally a flattering white jean that’s both comfortable & cute!!

http://www.shopbop.com/runaway-skinny-flare-jeans-mother/vp/v=1/845524441929097.htm?folderID=2534374302183980&extid=froogle-MOTHR2005339465#reviewsArea

Blue Life tank tops:  http://shopplanetblue.com/blue-life-exile-tank-39804

Denim cut offs: http://shopplanetblue.com/siwy-byrdie-braided-short

(I like Siwy, vintage Levi’s 501s, Imogene + Willie & J. Brand)

& of course, delicate, beachy layering jewels like these Sarah Richey necklaces: 

http://www.sarahrichey.com/store/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=94

http://www.sarahrichey.com/store/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=61

that I’ll pair with mixed bangles and bracelets.

Finally & most importantly, assorted swimsuits.  This year I’ll be sporting a black Mikoh string bikini, a striped Marc Jacobs monokini (oh yeah, you read that right) & a red J. Crew string bikini.  Goes without saying oversized dark sunglasses and a hat are always involved. 

Until next week.... 

XXOO

Cle De Peau Serum

Cle De Peau Brightening Serum

Talk about looking “lit-from-within!”  I used this twice and could almost immediately tell a difference in my overall luminosity and complexion tone.  This serum stimulates and regulates cell turnover producing younger, fresher looking skin with far less dark spots. Truly a visionary  product in the serum world. 

Look for more reviews from this brand next week!!

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Cle-de-Peau-Beaute-Brightening-Serum-Supr-40ml-Skin-Care/prod145910057/?ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&003=5840816&010=C10JQ&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=prod145910057sku

Alpha Beta Daily Peel (Dr. Dennis Gross)

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Facial Peels

This 2 step peel is pretty phenomenal.  Add the third step (vitamin D serum) and you’ll really get immediate gratification.  I’ve been using the peel on my hands and décolleté too.  It’s truly amazing what a fresh, radiant glow this product immediately leaves on your skin.  The alpha beta 2 step peel immediately reduces the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines, calms redness, balances oil & increases skin clarity (sun spots?  Buh Bye). I’ll stand behind all of these statements.  Plus, it doesn’t cause your skin to be red, flaky, or irritated (no downtime!)  – you can literally do the process and start your day without scaring coworkers or husbands!   The whole line is dermatologist approved, vegan, and created without sulfates or parabens.  I’m hooked.  Truly AMAZING. 

I also must give a shout out to the extremely friendly and generous team from Dennis Gross that were at the Green Hills Nordstrom in Nashville this weekend.  Especially you, Marion Downey, you're a gem!!

Ladies, if you're in Atlanta look for "Maid Marion" at the Dennis Gross counter in a fabulous sunhat with tons of fun jewelry and glowing/gorgeous skin!!  

http://www.sephora.com/alpha-beta-daily-face-peel-P42787

I ordered this set: http://www.sephora.com/alpha-beta-r-daily-face-peel-with-3-extra-strength-peels-P285158

Beauty Blender

The Beauty Blender Sponge

Shazam – this guy is awesome!!  How am I just now catching onto this trend???  This cute little pink cone shaped puff of a sponge makes any foundation application completely flawless.  It  blends formulas and shades seamlessly and leaves you with a fresh, radiant & natural finish.  This is one of those products that you can’t believe you ever lived without and that makes your whole routine easier.  The sphere-like shape of the sponge makes it possible to blend in every hard-to-reach area without wasting any product in the process and without leaving streaks or lines.  The Beauty Blender is easy to clean and can be used wet or dry. 

http://www.beautybar.com/p/beautyblender-makeup-blending-sponge-33253?site=CA&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_BB&utm_term=ABD-001&utm_campaign=Google&CAWELAID=1337586058&utm_content=pla&ci_sku=ABD-001&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}