Three Things Thursday - 1/7/16: The Hair Products Edition

Hi Loves -

Welcome to Three Things Thursday! Today, the focus is on hair styling products, from prep to finish! I don't consider myself to be a huge hair product junkie, but there are a few tried and true products that I use regularly to achieve a somewhat pulled-together appearance. Ok... let's be honest: most work days I just run a brush through my hair and leave it at that (I like having more time for makeup!), but I have been trying to style my hair more often, and these products make it so much easier!

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin 
$20.00 - $39.99 at Ulta

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This is my HG, after-shower hair product; I've tried the Original Miracle Leave-In Product, as well as the Miracle Styling Cream, and I've found that I really like the Keratin formula best. It is pricey, but believe me when I say that a little goes a very long way. I spray 6-8 pumps of this into freshly washed, wet hair and comb it through. No joke, one bottle lasts me nearly a year (I must disclose that I do not wash my hair daily, but 3-4 times a week). I love how It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin detangles, prevents frizz, hydrates, protects against heat, and adds shine to my locks, in addition to replacing the lost protein in my hair, and protecting the keratin I do have. Keratin is a protein that helps make up our skin, hair and nails; by using products with keratin in them, you replace the lost protein in your strands - essentially reinforcing the shaft - which may result in hair that is softer, stronger, and has less split ends. While this sounds like a miracle product, it should be noted that not everyone will have the same results, and overuse of keratin could have the opposite effect: dry, brittle hair. I personally love how my hair looks and feels after using It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin, but it is the only keratin product I use. If you are using a shampoo or conditioner with Keratin, stick to the Original It's a 10 Leave-In to avoid caking your hair with too much of the protein. However, if you are looking for a way to strengthen your hair while adding shine and thermal protection, give this spray a try!

Three Things Thursday:10-01-15 - The Brow Edition

Hello lovely readers -

For this edition of Three Things Thursday, I am focusing on brow products. I've never been into high-maintenance brows. I have fairly thin brows that are light in color, and barely ever have to pluck them. I have never gotten a brow wax or threading because, well, I just don't need to. I was perfectly happy letting my brows do their thing...until one day, I looked at a picture, and realized: you couldn't see my brows! The inner part, near the bridge of my nose, was noticeable, but then it looked like they kind of stopped just before the tail. My brows were so thin and so light that you could not see them in pictures, and it made for quite an interesting look. From that day forth, I started filling in my brows, and it has made a world of difference! Brows are the frame of the face, and by adding a little definition you can set the base for a bright-eyed, pulled-together look, whether it be a simple 5 minute makeup routine, or an all-out glamorous full-face application. Now, I'm still not into spending a ton of time on my arches - let's be real, they'll probably never be"on fleek" - but a little effort goes a long way to completing your look. To see my three favorite brow products (for now, at least), read on!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz  -$21.00

 Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
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Anastasia Beverly Hills...the name is synonymous with well-defined brows. For the longest time I resisted the urge to try this cult favorite, mainly because I didn't want to spend a whopping $21 on a brow pencil, but also a little bit because I could not stand the pretentious way You Tubers and Sephora salespeople (or cast members, as they are called) pronounce the name " Anahhhstahhhsia". Like, seriously? Should I really be looked at condescendingly because I do not emphasize the "ahhhhh"? Well, tomato/ tomahhhto. I eventually caved when I went to IMATS NY and everything at the ABH booth was on sale. Let me tell you, I really wish I had given in to the hype sooner. Not only is the pencil itself amahhhzing (see what I did there?), but the brush is pretty spectacular as well. The pencil comes in 9 shades, which makes finding a shade that actually matches your hair color and tone so easy. Gone are the days of orange-hued brows! I use Taupe, which is the perfect cool-toned shade for those with blonde to light brown hair. The fine tip of the mechanical pencil allows you to mimic your natural brow hair, and the spooley brush is neither too soft nor too rough when brushing out the brow to blend the lines and shape the arch. I am entirely pleased with the ABH Brow Wiz, and have repurchased multiple times (usually when I can find some sort of sale or discount code).

Three Things Thursday: 9-10-15

Hi there lovely readers,welcome to another edition of Three Things Thursday! If you're like me, then you are sad to see the summer slipping by...however, while the season may be drawing to a close, the summer weather is still here, so read on to find out what helps me keep that summertime feeling alive:

Urban Decay Naked Flushed in Naked

Naked Flushed in Naked

This trio just screams healthy, glowy skin, like you were kissed by the summer sun! Urban Decay did a marvelous job of combining a bronzer, blush and highlight that work in harmony, whether worn individually or swirled together to create a radiant glow. The powders are so soft an silky they apply like a dream, the pigmentation is brilliant, and the "flush" lasts throughout the day. There are 4 different color combinations to choose from, from light pink (Native) to peachy coral (Streak), so there is something for everyone. I always get excited to grab for this palette, because I get the most fantastic fresh-faced results whenever I use it -definitely a must-have in my book!

Three Things Thursday 8-06-15

Hello love bugs! Sorry it's been a few weeks since my last post, but July was vacation month, and I was all over the place! I hope the summer is treating you well, and your summer makeup is looking fresh despite the heat. This week's Three things Thursday is focusing on just that - summer makeup. Read on to find out the three things I love using to protect my face, while keeping everything in its place! 


Cotz Face for Natural Skin Tones SPF 40

$19.99 at cotzskincare.com

I recently discovered this lifesaver (literally - skin cancer is no joke) in my Birchbox. Sunscreen is tricky for me, as I know that it is a vital part of my daily routine, but the formulas out there are not always kind to oily-skinned individuals. I've tried many that are oil free and claim to be matte, but by mid-morning my face is shiny and my makeup is everywhere...and don't even get me started on the sunscreen "smell"! Well, Cotz face has since changed the way I look at sunscreen! It is a velvety smooth cream that applies like a dream, and creates a smooth, matte canvas without the familiar sunscreen fragrance. The tinted formula gives just a hint of color, so you can wear it on its own, however it is the perfect base for makeup as well. It is oil free, PABA free, fragrance free, and the SPF is physical, not chemical. If you have been neglecting your skin by not wearing sunscreen because you haven't found a formula you love, give this a shot and tell me what you think! (side note: this also comes in a shade for lighter skin tones , however I do not recommend it because it is white and leaves a cast. Try the natural, as it is pretty universal and just gives a nice glow to the skin).

Three Things Thursday 6-04-15

Hi there lovely readers! Welcome to a new edition of Three Things Thursday. This week the focus will be on eyes - read on to find out what is making my eyes shine bright!

Rimmel Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Nude 005

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Nude liner is great for lining you lower waterline - it really brightens up the eyes and makes you look more awake on those morning you'd rather be snuggling in your bed instead of rushing off  to work. While there are many options out there, the Rimmel Waterproof Kohl Kajal liner performs extremely well, and only costs $4.49 at CVS. This is a staple in my daily routine, and I really can't see getting ready without it!

Three Things Thursday 4-23-15

 Hi there lovely readers! Welcome back to another edition of Three Things Thursday - read on to find out what is making me smile this week!

MAC Lipstick in Up the Amp

MAC Lipstick in Up the Amp

Swatch - Up the Amp

Such a gorgeous spring shade - very outside of my normal inclination towards nude/mauve lip colors. Up the Amp is one of MAC's Amplified Cream Lipsticks in a relatively daring Lavender/Violet color. It applies super smoothly, and has a nice, soft finish - neither too matte nor too glossy. It is non-drying, lasts for a reasonable amount of time and has a pleasant vanilla scent. It is well worth the $16 price tag. This is my first MAC lipstick, and based on its performance, I will be purchasing more!

Three Things Thursday 4-16-15

Hi Lovely readers, welcome back to Three Things Thursday! Scroll down to see what is rocking my world this week!


Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara 

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This is the perfect mascara to get those tiny bottom lashes! The brush is so freaking cute and itty bitty! It thoroughly coats my bottom lashes, defining each lash, and it doesn't accidentally smudge under my eye. It makes my makeup routine a little more hassle free, and for $10 it is well worth the price!  Love this little guy!

Three Things Thursday 4-09-15

Hi there lovelies!

Welcome back to Three Things Thursday; let's check out the three things I'm currently loving:

Ardell Individuals Lashes 

Wearing individual lashes

Please excuse the stray eyelash...

 

  

 I had always wanted to try individual false lashes, but they intimidated me a bit. I purchased both the Flare Short and Flare Medium,  along with the glue, and they sat in my drawer for about 3 months before I finally decided to try them out. Let me tell you, I am so happy I did! While they are a bit tricky to apply - you have to finagle them to lay the way you want them to, something that I'm sure will become easier with experience - they last for quite a while! I use the semi-permanent glue, and the lashes lasted me almost a full week! Some people may not like the permanency, so you can use regular strip lash glue if you would like, but I prefer them to stay on for as long as possible (the website says they can last up to six weeks, but I have yet to see that happen). I apply 4-5 of the medium length lashes on my outer eyes, and then 4-5 of the short length lashes towards the center, leaving the inner corners natural. It really enhances the look of my eyes, but is not over the top. I find that when I have the lashes on, it eliminates the need for me to apply mascara to my top lashes, which saves me a few minutes when getting ready.  I was at Sephora the other day, and I was asked by a cast member if my lashes were real, or if I had gotten extensions. When I told her they were individual falsies, she was floored! Needless to say, these lashes will become a regular part of my beauty routine.

Three Things Thursday 4-02-15

Hello Lovelies, welcome to Three Things Thursday! This is a new feature that I'm trying out,  where I give you a little scoop on three things I'm loving each week! Let me know what you think about it :)

The three things I'm loving most this week are:


Benefit Fake Up Concealer

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 I received a sample of this from my sister, and then another in one of my subscription boxes, and I can't stop using it! Fake Up is touted as an "ultra-hydrating crease-control concealer" infused with  vitamin E and apple seed extract. It claims to cover dark circles and diffuse fine lines for a "silky smooth, ultranatural look...that won’t cake, crease, or settle". This concealer comes in three shades, light, medium and deep, and I use light. I love this concealer because it actually lives up to most of its claims: it's super hydrating, it covers up dark circles (disclaimer: mine dark circles are not that bad, so I cannot say how it will work on more noticeable dark circles), and it does not settle into the fine lines under my eyes. However, I do have to go super light on the setting powder when I use it, because it does look a bit cakey when powder is applied too heavily on top. Some days I even skip setting it because IMO it doesn't really need to be set. It has a slightly dewey finish, but that is fine by me since that finish is what seems to diffuse the fine lines. Even though I have oily skin, my undereyes tend to become a bit dry, so this concealer really helps to eliminate that. I swipe a little bit under each eye, tap it in with my finger or a Beauty blender, and I am good for the day! Surprisingly, the tiny samples I have are lasting me quite a while, but this is an item I will definitely be purchasing a full size of!