H & M

Shhh!

This is such a good discovery I had to share.  I can’t really wear sweaters – no matter how cold it is because I’m always hot.  But I'm really into the look of an oversized loose weave sweater.  I finally found the perfect one that feels and breathes like cotton – it’s almost seasonless (well, probably only if you live in Cali) but you get the idea.  In Sept. I could definitely throw it on with cutoffs and be comfy.

Brochu Walker makes killer ones but they’re definitely an investment at around $400 a pop.  So I fell down the Instagram rabbit hole & decided to give an H&M one I spotted on the cutest real life local  blogger a try.  They ring up at a cool $17.99.

Y’all I’m OBSESSED & literally cannot wait for Fall.  I ordered a camel one in a large, think super slouchy, off the shoulder.  Then went back & snagged a charcoal one in a medium.  Keep in mind when ordering that while I’m thin I’m almost 6 foot.  If you’re under 5’8 get the medium for that slouchy off the shoulder look I described above.  Or, go for a tunic style look & let it cover your tush in cashmere leggings for a cozy, yet totally functional chic mom-proof outfit. #nobuyjuly ends in a few days -- GO CRAZY!  Jk Jk

 

http://www.hm.com/us/product/71342?article=71342-B#article=71342-A

 

Retinol (eye roll)

I’m retinol intolerant – I try & I try but I cannot get over that retinol hump (prescription or store bought) that most people get over around the 2- 4 week mark.  I just remain slightly red, flaky & irritated and earlier this year I just said F it.  Turns out, there are a lot of others like me…

THOUGH I can tolerate this particular retinol pad packed with moisturizing ferulic acid very well (and yes, I obvi layered moisturizer over my retinol in the past).  Enter one of my holy grail products – the Denis Gross Ferulic Retinol Recovery Peel – I do it once or twice a week for exfoliation & glow.  Seriously, the affect it has on my forehead and t-zone is nothing short of spectacular.

You truly wake up from your slumber with fine lines and pores minimized, skin tone even (ta-ta redness) & texture so smooth.  Sephora will give you a sample if you want to check how your skin tolerates!  These convenient little pads are especially key to remove all that gross product build-up during these humid summer months like sunblock & sweat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.sephora.com/ferulic-retinol-wrinkle-recovery-peel-P404233?skuId=1778968&om_mmc=ppc-GG_381463959_27499862199_pla-93065790353_1778968_97594817439_9013196_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgaqT74Tz1AIVgRWBCh01pAhEEAQYASABEgLcRfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#pdp-reviews

Tea Time

Tea To Tan – By Terry

 

So I love Jergens' gradual self tanner… always have.  It’s cheap, totally fool proof & I think it gives me a light & natural hint of a tan.  I use it on and off pretty much year round just to keep my skin looking even & healthy.  It’s not moisturizing at all though – it actually dries my skin out.  Plus, sometimes I’m just lazy and it doesn’t occur to me to start putting it on by Weds so I glow by Fri.  My “me time” at home in the evenings is basically my shower, it’s literally a luxury if I have a spare minute to put on lotion too.  So I decided to make life easier in a pinch and mostly bc it’s hot and humid AF here & I find myself in cutoffs pretty much every weekend and thus, need my legs to look presentable & pretty. 

This By Terry product is the bomb.  It’s also super affordable, what????  I know!!  It leaves you glowing with the prettiest tan and the most subtle glimmer of shimmer (think slimming shimmer).  By Terry says it will not transfer and it does. Not. Budge.  You legit spray it on your arms/legs wherever, give it a quick blend or frantic mom style rub in as you swat your kid away = immediate gratification.  You’re glowing & ready to roll. 

 

http://www.byterry.com/tea-to-tan.html?___store=fr_en&___from_store=fr_fr#

Spotlight: RMS

Keeping my clean beauty trend going this week... R M S

I adore this clean/organic beauty brand year round but especially in the summer.  I use RMS’ living luminizer on the daily – on brow bones, inner eye corners, cheek bones, etc.  Ok, maybe not all three of those areas daily but I always add it somewhere to my face for light & luminosity.

A few other obsessions by this brand are the eye shadows – one color equals an earthy natural smoky eye (I love the Tobacco series), the lip shine in sublime (it’s super glossy, natural, and moisturizing) which creates a chic popsicle stained pout & the eye polish in Lunar - it doubles as a highlighter (think more “evening appropriate”) than the luminizer I mentioned above. 

This brand uses a coconut oil heavy base which is delightful for your skin but be warned the idea here is natural, not makeup that is going to stay in place perfectly for hours on end.  I don’t really use the eye polishes much for this reason – though they’re seriously beyond gorgeous!!  For some reason I just can't deal with a messy crease.   Another cult following product by RMS is the un-cover up, a classic cover up that’s good for your skin and blends like a dream.

How simple and natural for Summer is this little line up below??

https://www.rmsbeauty.com/pages/beauty-truth

 

Saving Face

My top shelf

Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer

This moisturizer has been an absolute life saver for my oddly dry complexion.  My skin just drinks it up and I’m all about the decadent consistency.  It definitely gives you that glowy fresh look!  It is packed with all the essentials we need but start to lose as our skin ages: lipids, vitamin E and essential oils.  I’m about ½ way through my jar and I’ll 100% be buying again.  I can tell there’s a significant difference in the suppleness and elasticity of my skin already. 

 

http://www.dermstore.com/product_Triple+Lipid+Restore+242_65826.htm

Vintners Daughter Serum

I definitely drank the Koolaide on this one & it’s proven to be worth every penny plus it stays right in tune with my post last week about keeping it natural.  This active botanical serum is like a dream applied in the evenings before bed (oh, the scent!) and is majorly dialing back my redness and helping with the evenness of my overall complexion.  I can’t really explain it but trust me, it works – the reviews speak for themselves. 

https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/889564/Vintners_Daughter/active-botanical-serum-30ml

 

Tatcha Dew Mist

I have been supporting this brand since day one.  Nothing but love for them.  I have also loved this mist just as long.  I ltruly love almost all facial mists and use them daily.  This one was my first true love though.  I use it to add glow to my evening look, refresh during the day, or add moisture back to my skin when traveling.  My 4 year old is a huge lover of facial mists too.  LOL

http://www.sephora.com/one-in-million-limited-edition-luminous-dewy-skin-mist-P417875?skuId=1936053&om_mmc=ppc-GG_381463959_27499885239_pla-178154780439_1936053_97594849599_9013196_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=CJuB-Ofpg9QCFVg8gQodNs8P4g&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Earth Mama

 

 This is my new “can’t live without it” product.  Sure, it’s super trendy and definitely having a major moment but for good reason.  It WORKS.  I put it on blemishes (it heals them 3x faster & immediately zaps redness), cuts & scrapes (my little one’s too), lips, and anywhere on my skin – face or body – that needs a little boost.  It has dramatically increased my skin’s moisture and has healed pesky spots/scars lingering.  Literally, it is a universal solvent – calms flyaways & heals chapped lips & cuticles too.

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/cocovit-coconut-oil?adpos=1o1&adtype=pla&cm_mmc=Google-_-US%20-%20Shopping%20-%20Beauty-_-Bath%20%26%20Body-_-37389798&color=010&creative=191891224743&device=c&gclid=CKLUyunDwNMCFUs7gQodavsDPA&matchtype=&network=g&product_id=37389798&size=XS

This hand cream is amaze.  I grabbed it at Credo in L.A.  in Feb. & just ordered my second tube.    It is my newest fav in terms of keeping my hands soft & smooth.

 

https://www.ecco-verde.com/pai-skincare/buriti-balm

 Juice Beauty glosses take a bit of getting used to thanks to their somewhat grainy texture and consistency, however once you’re used to them it's insane how moisturizing they are plus they add the prettiest most natural looking gloss to lips.  My favorite shade is bikini. 

 

http://www.dermstore.com/product_PHYTOPIGMENTS+Sheer+Lip+Gloss_67665.htm?gclid=CMrItdiZ9dMCFcKNswodRLMFjA&scid=scplp67665&sc_intid=67665&utm_source=fro&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_term=skin+care&utm_campaign=500174

I’m also currently loving Beauty Counter’s Dew Skin (optimum hydration) & Tint Skin as my foundations.  They’re so hydrating and so sheer and easy to blend.

 

 http://www.beautycounter.com/carlyschroeder

I don’t exactly feel elated with my skin as I barrel towards 40 (reality check, I’m 37) but realistically I should given the amount of time & money I spend.  On top of dermaplanning, laser treatments, regular facials, etc. I take my vitamins, I exercise, I eat healthy & I drink a ton of water yet still I’m plagued by redness and odd hormonal breakouts… it occurred to me the products I use daily could be upsetting my system.  Especially products packed with parabens which are known to disrupt hormones so, for a bit I’m trying to go AU NATUREL. 

Next up, Tatcha’s dew skin mist & Trish’s spf 35 beauty balm.

next up & a Denim Darling...

Working on an earthy post due up later this week on all my environmentally friendly/non toxic or rather “clean” beauty products and make up as of late.

Until then, I’m DYING over this simple- slouchy but not too slouched-distressed-vintage denim situation shown below & I’m going to try really hard emulate this weekend…

 

 

 

 

 

*photo via DailyMail

Kat Burki and Armani

The prettiest palette ever courtesy of Giorgio Armani…

Giorgio Armani 02 Boudoir

This eye quad is so gorgeous.  The hazy lavender tinged neutrals are super blendable, sheer, and easy to apply.  I’m actually following the color coordinated application chart insert and loving how pretty this velvet like color is looking on my lids especially with a pop of shimmer at the inner corners.

 

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/Giorgio-Armani-Eyes-To-Kill-Quator-Palette/prod119850196/p.prod?ecid=BGCS__GooglePLA&gclid=CInbhOTw09ICFdgcgQodzpEHNQ

& newcomer…

Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the sweet girl at the Cosmetic Market that turned me onto this moisturizing cleansing balm packed with vitamin C.  My life is seriously forever changed. For years I swore off cleansers that weren’t from a drugstore but now it’s apparent my mid/late 30s skin needs something that packs a bit more of a punch.  I am not exaggerating when I say this makes my skin bounce.  I’m obsessed with it & the cute little muslin cloth that comes with it.  I’m on week 2 and my skin is glowing!!

http://www.spacenk.com/us/en_US/brands/k/kat-burki/vitamin-c-nourishing-cleansing-balm-MUS300025635.html

 

Denim Genes

I’m a jeans and tee shirt girl to the core (like, I have a tee shirt dealer).  Not only is it my uniform but it is seriously one of my life’s greatest happiness – obvi aside from my family, doggie, son’s happiness, etc.  You get the gist.

Lately (think major dry spell) I have been in a denim depression.  We all need a pair of jeans we can reach for no matter what the occasion that make us feel like a million bucks instantly.  In the past 4 years I seem to have acquired a lot of denim that looks good not great and has major “if” status.  Looks great if worn with a pointy toe pump, looks good but not if wearing ankle booties, looks good but only if shirt is untucked… blah blah blah.  Moreover, let me again stress, I never think I look that great in them.

Honestly, I’ve been dreaming of trying to start a denim label.  Financial backers out there??  I like high waist, I like medium waist & I still love a moderate low waist – but it must NEVER show my ass if I lean over to pick up my son, squat beside him (so that means the back rise must be higher & it must not gape)… If it’s high waist my mom-skin cannot puff over the top… sidebar: use the oils and rubs for your belly while pregnant.  I have a six pack with loose mom skin.  WTF?

I love skinny jeans but I do not want bunching at my ankle & I do not want the jean clinging to my ankle for dear life either.  I love step hems but I’m 6 foot – that means they’re all like capri length on me – no thanks.  How has some gawky amazon height super model not fixed this yet?? I love Levis 501s and Re/done denim but you have to commit to trying on like 50 pairs and ordering them online is frustrating AF. (ain’t no mom got time for that)  Don’t get started on the wash – the whiskering??  The faux faded thighs and butt – why on earth should we draw attention to that area?  I like clean dark denim or shades of black.   Distress is fine & great but skin popping out of distress -- because the jeans are so elasticized -- like a sausage trying to escape from a casing?  Nope nope nope.

My dark denim days ended this January when the enthusiastic & delightful staff at Imogene +  Willie tracked down a pair of jeans in a faded black wash I was after in a style I didn’t know I was after (at the time)… they custom fitted said denim to my shape, cut the ends off so I had a true ankle jean with a frayed hem that didn’t cling for my tall frame & I was on my way.  I live in these jeans & every time I put them on I smile & feel like a billion bucks.  I started to freak out about wearing them too much – like what if they began to just disintegrate from so much love?  Today I bought a backup pair in a clean simple dark blue wash.  All is right in my denim daze again… And suddenly I can empathize with those “crazy” girls on Ebay stalking their favorite long lost discontinued lipstick.

Sometimes what you need the most is right in front of you.  Or in my case, next door to my favorite coffee shop & 1 mile from my house.  Happy Monday.  Feels like a Friday.  Boom!

https://imogeneandwillie.com/nashville

 

But wait, come back off the ledge!  If you’re not in Nashville they have strores in Portland, LA & a killer website. 

**all images courtesy of Imogene + Willie

French Chic

Embryolisse Cream

 This cult classic is everything you’ve imagined and more.

Packed with skin soothers like aloe, proteins like soy, and cell stimulating fatty acids - this guy is a no brainer for women, men & babies.  Plus, it smells like a dream in the most subtle possible way & it’s cheap.  Too good to be true??  Nope, these French babes have just mastered effortless affordable beauty like nobody else. 

 

https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/392403?cm_mmc=ProductSearchPLA-_-US-_-Skincare-Embryolisse-Google&gclid=CIaAwKbt8dECFUIkgQodRKoJlA

 

I’m starting to use this after my retinol sinks in on nights when I apply it & have pretty much been using it every day too. 

My skin is soft, supple & pleasantly plumped. 

essence & enzymes...

Tatcha Enzyme Powder & Essence

I’ve had these 2 small dry patches on either side of my nose that I literally have not been able to get rid for months – even before winter (crazy mild this year) actually arrived in Nashville.

Enter Tatcha:

I am using this powder a few times a week, followed by the essence on my days off from a BHA toner or retinol & the results are pretty amazing plus the dry patches vanished. 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been a Tatcha fan from the beginning & the brand, to this day, never ceases to amaze me!

https://www.tatcha.com/shop/p-gentle-rice-enzyme-powder-travel-size?gclid=CKCqtf2k6tECFdY9gQodDvcEKA

https://www.tatcha.com/shop/the-essence?gclid=CMmW1qum6tECFdcRgQodnmwJ1A