Hydrating and Repairing Your Skin Through Winter

Winter is one of my favorite seasons, but it wreaks havoc on my skin. Between the outdoor chill, the heater, and traveling, my skin is screaming for hydration.  My daily moisturizer is no longer enough to battle this beast. Drinking tons of water is not enough for me, I knew I had to find products to hydrate and treat my skin. STAT.  I recently discovered some "repair" treatments that have made a huge difference and is worth sharing with you.

Skin Repair Treatments:

My daily routine consists of a morning and evening night cream along with an anti-aging serum. I use primer before I apply my makeup and set it with a translucent powder.  Lately, the powder started settling into the fine lines around my eyes making my skin appear dryer than normal. When I explained this to a makeup professional at the Nordstrom counter, they suggested to stop using powder, try a water primer and use a repair eye treatment.

Smashbox Primer Water: This water not only works as a primer, but it also sets your makeup with a delicate spray mist. This has been the most noticeable change to my skin, leaving it soft to the touch.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye: I have never tried any treatment like this! The consistency of this treatment is a gel-like cream that glides on like silk when it touches your delicate
eye area. The fine lines around my eyes have dramatically improved.

Clinique Lip Repairwear Treatment: Don't forget to treat your lips too! I use a sugar scrub once every two weeks to remove any chapped skin. I recently discovered Clinique's Lip Repair treatment which helps hydrate and reduce wrinkles on and around the lips.  I apply it in the morning and at bedtime. My lips have never felt better.

Hydrating makeup must haves:

In addition to adding repair treatments, I have also switched from a powder contour and highlighter to a cream base for a more dewy look. Clinique has come out with an array of skin products that have completely transformed my skin. And NO, this is not a paid post, haha! All opinions are my own. I now carry all of the above in my makeup bag wherever I go!

Face and cheeks: Clinique Chubby Sticks are so easy to use. You draw a line on your cheek and blend, nothing complicated. They are creamy and leave a dewey. natural glow on my skin. The rose color chubby stick can be used as a blush and a lip balm throughout the day. The Clinique Cheek Pop is a silky cream-to-powder formula that looks like a natural flush instead of makeup. Love this!

Eyes: Clinique Pep-Start eye cream instantly brightens and hydrates my eye area making me look refreshed. Plus, it contains natural peptides to promote natural collagen. It is a Sephora exclusive, and a definite must have if you need an instant pick me-up.

Lorac Alter Ego Lip Gloss: I don't usually like lip gloss because of the tacky feel, but I love this one! It's rich and hydrating to get me through winter and no need to wear anything else on my lips.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: The name alone made me want to try this product, and after reading great  reviews and trying it for myself, it did not disappoint. The brush is very thick, so application can get a little messy if you don't have a steady hand. Love!

That's what is in my make up bag lately! Do you have any hydrating products that you can't live without?

Thanks so much for stopping by! Today, I am linking up with these fabulous blogs, be sure to stop by and show them some love!

5 Minute Makeup Tutorial

I am a makeup geek. I love everything about it, trying new products, new colors and playing with different looks really excites me. My mom always told me a girl never leaves home without lipstick. So, I have mastered the art of looking polished even when I'm really short on time. Here are my tips and shortcuts:

Products: Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with SPF // Clinique Chubby Stick for cheeks and lips //  Stila Smudge Stick eyeliner  // Covergirl Lash blast Mascara // Pixi Eye Shadow Crayon as an eye brightner

February Beauty Favorites From Target

While February is not exactly over, I couldn't wait to share with you guys these little beauty gems I discovered recently while shopping for coffee at Target! Eeeks!!! Target gets me every time, but it's so much fun to stop by their beauty department! Let's discuss:

Retro Glam Scandal Eyes Mascara by Rimmel London:  I am always on the hunt for a mascara that will give me long, full lashes without the clumps.  There was this pretty sales lady at the mall who had the most beautiful long eyelashes and I had to know what brand of mascara she was using, so she told me about this one. For the $6 price tag, I thought it would be fun to try! It's waterproof which I like, and it gives me the length that I was looking for, but the thick brush is a little hard for me to control.  I just ordered Rimmel London Glam Eyes which has a smaller brush and I'm hoping the formula is the same or better. They were not listed on Target's website, but I found them on Ulta.

Much, Muchi Essie Nail Lacquer: With the cold and gloomy weather we have been getting lately in Atlanta, this shade of pastel pink brightens my days. It's a neutral color that looks darker in the bottle but lighter when applied. I wear 2 coats and it goes well with everything I wear.  Very ladylike and perfect color for spring!

Pixi Combo Lighten and Brighten Eye Shadow Crayon: This crayon is amazing!!! The nude shade end is for lining the inner rim of the  eye to make your eyes look wide awake, while the other end has a gold metallic sheen for the outside corner of the eyes to brighten.  If you look at the makeup tutorial I did on "How to wake up tired eyes",  you can use this pencil the same way! It was a little pricey at $18, but because it has a dual purpose I think it's worth the money.

What are some of your makeup favorites that you have found at Target or a drug store? 

Linked up with these fabulous ladies:
Personal Style with Whitney, Manic Monday with More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express, How I fall

How To Wake Up Tired Eyes

I constantly battle with puffy, tired eyes no matter how much sleep I get. So, I am always trying new makeup products and tricks hoping for a magic cure. While their really isn't one,  I have found a few wonderful products to help depuff and perk up my tired eyes. 

The first thing I do is treat the under eye area with Benefit Cosmetics depuffing eye gel.  Once that is absorbed, I gently pat the "It's Potent" rich eye cream under the eye and around to the brow bone.

Benefit Cosmetics "Puff Off!" eye gel has an iron shape metal head for cooling relief.  It feels so good if you keep it cool in the fridge! It's by far the best little secret to help reduce the bags under my eyes and I have tried quite a few treatments. It may take a few minutes before you start to see any changes. Once that is dry, I gently pat on the "It's potent" brightening eye cream.  It has a rich creamy texture that gets absorbed into the skin pretty quickly. Finish with a touch of concealer. I use Benefit's Erase Paste.

You are going to love me for introducing you to this magical "High Brow" highlighter pencil by Benefit Cosmetics. Even if you do not have to battle puffy eyes, this pencil will brighten your eye area and make you look as if you have slept for a full 8 hours.  

Color in the inner corner of the eyes in a V and gently blend with the tip of your fingers, over the eye and a little bit under. Finish your eyes with a few coats of mascara and eyeliner along the lash line.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Products I used for this tutorial:

Eye Cream:  Benefit "It's Potent" 

Puffy Eyes Gel:  Benefit "Puff Off!"

Eye highlighter: Benefit "High Brow" Pencil

Mascara:  Rimmel Scandal Eyes Retro Glam in black

Liquid Eyeliner: Covergirl Bombshell Liquid eyeliner

Lips: Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Honey

Linked up with these fabulous ladies:

Celebrate Southern, Confident Twosday , Induffinitely Tremendous Tuesday, Let's be Friends, Trend Spin

Fab Friday:: Instant Perk-Me-Up Blush Booster

I may have found the key to an instant perk-me-up, y'all...

You know those days when you feel no matter what you do with make-up, you just can't get your face to perk up? This happens when I'm so tired and no matter how much sleep I get, I still look tired. 

Benefit Cosmetics has come out with Majorette, a blush booster that you can wear alone for a natural flush, or wear under your current blush for extra staying power. This pinky/peach shade works on everyone! The formula is a cream-to-powder, which is very light, not sticky, or tacky at all.  It has a silky powdery feel that blends right into my skin and instantly brightens my face with a burst of flirty color.

It is very easy to apply. You can use your fingers, smile pretty and swirl on the apple of your cheeks. I love my brushes, so I stipple on a little bit of this blush booster for a fresh cheerful look. It stays on all day with no touch-up necessary and this my friends, makes me a very happy girl. Benefit gets an A+ from me on Majorette, plus, how adorable is the packaging?

Hope you have a great weekend!

Linking up with:

Fashion Item Friday, Favorite Fashion Friday, Fashion Friday, Passion For Fashion

My Beauty Adventure with A Professional Makeup Artist

I truly believe that people come into our lives so that we can learn and grow from them.  I recently had the pleasure of sharing makeup tips and getting my makeup professionally done by April, a makeup artist and the Executive Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics.  This talented glam girl is an amazing source of inspiration with her passion for life and her sassy style that just makes your heart smile.  Oh, and not to drop names or anything, but she also did the makeup for Donald Trump and Melania's wedding!

Being the makeup junkie that I am, I was super excited to play with April's makeup kit. She showed me that Mary Kay is not the same Mary Kay that our mothers used many moons ago, it's young, it's fresh and simply divine! Also knowing that Mary Kay had recently partnered with the hit TV show Project Runway as their professional makeup artists, made me want to explore it even more!

April gave me a two step microdermabrasion treatment revealing a radiant healthy glow that you can see in our selfie above! I am so excited to bring April back for makeup tutorials and tips...stay tuned friends!

To find out more about April and Mary Kay, click here.  Recreate your favorite look from Project Runway and enter to win products at the #MKYourWay Sweepstakes here!

Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:
Spotlight Weekly, What I Wore to Work, 30+ Style and Beauty, #WIWT , Treat Yo'Self

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Beauty and the Blogger

As a blogger, I have to be photo ready most of the time, so finding the right makeup that lasts all day and that gives me the right amount of coverage is a big deal. I want to put on my face and just go and not worry about touching up all of the time. So today,  I am giving you a peek at some of my favorite beauty products that I love and that really do the job.

My Top Beauty Picks:

Eyebrows: Full brows are really popular right now. I used to use an eyebrow pencil to fill in my brows, until I discovered this powdered duo. It glides on like silk and it's super easy to control when you apply it with  a stiff brow brush.

Eyeshadow Primer: I have used several brands of eyeshadow primers, but this one is like glue for shadows. I never have to touch up my eyes once all day with this baby. No creases or fading and it is moisturizing on my lids.

Mascara: I love trying new mascaras.  Benefits They are Real Mascara gives me the length I crave and it is smudge proof. No need for lash extension with this mascara! Be sure to pick up a gentle waterproof eye makeup remover if you plan on using this one.

Blush:  This color is called Torrid.  It's a coral shade with a slight touch of terracotta for that sun kissed natural look. Can't go wrong with any Nars Blush, but this one is my favorite by far on my olive skin.

Heavy Duty Concealer: I have brown spots on my cheeks just below my eyes that I like to conceal in my photos. Benefits Erase Paste is thick and creamy and gives me great coverage for this purpose.  I would only recommend it if you have serious dark under eye circles or if you want to camouflage spots because it may be too heavy for an everyday concealer. 

Blender Sponge: I can not say enough about how great this makeup sponge is! It gives you an airbrushed flawless finish. Easy to clean and so easy to use. How have I lived my life without it?

Long Lasting Lipstick:  Ruby Woo is a statement color. It's is matte bluish red color that stays on forever, or at least until I eat. You will get noticed with this lip color!

Shop my makeup bag:

 Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:
Friday's Fab Favorites, Passion for Fashion, Weekend Blog Hop, Favorite Fashion Friday

Skin Care Product Review: Exuviance Illumination Duo Kit

I celebrated the BIG 50 this year. Yes, I can proudly say it out loud...at least once, while you read this post. You know that saying "age is just a number"? Well, I am here to say that it truly is.  Most people I meet would never guess my age, unless I tell them. So what is my secret to aging well?  I'm blessed with a healthy and happy life, I laugh often, I use an SPF 50 on my face if I'm out in the sun, and I've practiced really good skin care since my early twenties.  A good face moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen are essential.

With that said, age still has a way of creeping up on us with tiny fine lines and brown spots. So when the NeoStrata team presented me with an opportunity to try the Exuviance Illumination Duo, a night cream with a 100% vitamin C booster to help combat fine lines, fade brown spots, and improve my overall skin texture, I jumped on it.

This potent anti-aging cocktail contains Polyhydroxy Acid and 100% pure active Vitamin C which is known for its power to strengthen and improve the skin's firmness and smooth wrinkles. Mixed together, they are meant to help fade the appearance of unwanted dark spots and fight the signs of aging. I have very sensitive skin, so I love the idea of being able to control the amount of Vitamin C that goes into my night cream. I have not experienced any irritation with this product.

Here is how to use this magnificent duo:

Step one:

Pump a small amount of the evening restorative complex into the palm of your hand. A little goes a long way, so I use only one pump.

Step two:
Sprinkle in about 4 to 5 shakes of the Vitamin C booster before application. I must admit I was a little hesitant at first about the 2 step process of mixing, however, I can now appreciate the control it gives me. Depending on the sensitivity to your skin, you can decide to use less, or start by using it every other day until your skin gets used to it.

Mix really well and gently apply to a cleansed face and neck in the evening.  The smell and the richness of this cream feels like a spa treatment on my face...total luxury, soft and not greasy. My skin feels like silk in the morning!  

I have been using this duo for about 4 weeks now and absolutely love how the texture of my skin is improving. My skin feels a little tighter and I can see a natural, healthy glow without make-up.  My pores appear smaller. As far as my brown spots, they may be getting a little lighter, but I don't think they will fade away completely. Only long term use will tell.  Don't forget to use your sunscreen while in the sun...especially when using potent products like these.

For more product information, please click here.

This post was sponsored by NeoStrata, however, all opinions are my own.  Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:
More Pieces of Me, Manic Monday, On the Daily Express, Manic Monday, Style to Inspire, Mix it Monday's

Makeup Tutorial :: My Natural Daytime Glow

To get my natural makeup look, I only need 125 products and 2 hours.  Okay, not exactly, who has time for that?! However,  looking natural without a little bit of help is not an option for me.  You see, I'm a makeup addict. My mother-in-law (mom) got me hooked on good skincare and makeup in my early 20's.  Thanks to mom, I now have pretty good skin for a woman my age.  If you are in your twenties, now is the time to start, ladies!

My Daily Skincare Routine

The number one skincare rule for natural beautiful skin is to moisturize daily, a.m. and p.m. after you wash your face.  I am a fan of Lancome skincare and have used it religiously in my 20's and 30's.  However, as I age, I tend to use different  products, depending on the needs of my skin.  I am currently trying a dermatologist strength line,  Exuviance Age Reverse,  which is supposed to help even out my skin.  I have a lot of freckles, which I like, but I also have uneven areas. This stuff is making my skin appear healthier and also gives me a nice radiant glow.  Tip: I exfoliate my face once a week with Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean.  This removes any flakiness, unclogs pores and leaves skin clean from any impurities. 

My Makeup Routine

Face:  Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with spf15,  Laura Mercier Radiance foundation primer, Laura Mercier translucent powder, eye shadow base, & concealer, Laura Mercier Moisture foundation with spf15

Cheeks:  Laura Geller cream stick blush, Baked bronzer, kabuki brush, foundation brush

Eyes:  Bobbie Brown eye palette, Smashbox eyeshadows, concealer brush, eyeshadow brush, blender brush, eyeliner brush

Lips, brows, lashes:  Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler, CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara, Givenchy lipstick, Chanel lip liner, Chanel eyebrow pencil, Bobbie Brown gel eyeliner and eyeliner brush

Click below to read full post:

Accepting My Imperfections

Wearing: Madewell Tee, old, but also love this one // Hat: Target //  Necklace: BCBG, similar // Bracelets: C Wonder 

I have a cross-bite that causes my crooked smile. As a child, I begged my parents for braces because I felt awkward when I smiled.  Of course, we are beautiful to our parents no matter what, but they agreed to take me for an orthodontic consultation anyway.  I was told that I was not a good candidate for braces due to my severe cross-bite.  The only solution to "fix" my problem would be to break my jaw in various places and wire my jaw shut for a few months.  Yikes!!! Needless to say, this was not an option. Just the thought of the pain and the financial strain on my parents would force me to accept my cross-bite and learn to overcome it. 

Then it happened; I BROKE MY NOSE, not once but twice. It healed slightly crooked only to add to my insecurities already weighing heavily on me about my smile. Over the course of my teen years and all through high school, I let my exterior insecurities affect my confidence.  In my college years, I met the love of my life and married my best friend, Bill. From the minute I met him, he made me feel beautiful. He always comments how much he loves my smile and crooked nose. Bill made me see that my "imperfections" make me the person that I am today and that I should embrace them, not hide them.

As women we tend to focus on our flaws negatively and maybe it just takes that one special person to remind you that your flaws make you who you are and that beauty is much deeper than our surface level. So there you have it; this is me, crooked nose and a cross-bite smile and I am okay with that. 

I challenge you to share your imperfections and share how you have overcome them...what makes you unique and beautiful?

Linked up with:
Style Sessions, Stylish Tuesday, Random Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, I Feel Pretty, The Pleated Poppy - What i Wore, Treat Yo'self Thursday, Three-fer Thursday, Tres-chic Fashion Thursday, Color Brigade, Passion for Fashion

Get your Glow On: 5 Cold Weather Beauty Essentials

While I love the crisp sweater weather and the colorful landscapes of fall, the dipping temperatures can be hard on our skin. Living in Florida, I have tried every beauty product that is not prone to melting on my skin from the sun and humidity. Now that I live in Atlanta, I've had to tweak my beauty routine to keep my skin hydrated and keep a healthy glow. Here are my top 5 no-fail products that will make a difference in your beauty routine this winter (depending on your climate).

DIY Polka Dot Mani...

My unhealthy obsession with polka dots continues with these 3 easy steps to dot my nails.  You will need a base coat, your fave nail polish color, Sally Hansen nail art pen {found at any local drug store} and a top coat.

Shown here: Loreal polish in Club Prive 105, Sally Hansen nail art pen in white, Seche Vite fast dry top coat

Let's get started:
Step one:  Apply a base coat on clean dry nails, let dry.  Apply 2 coats of fave nail color and let dry.
Step two:  Press art pen lightly on dry nails, creating dots randomly.
Step Three:  Apply top clear coat and let dry.

**Tips: Shake pen really well and press down on a paper to get polish moving.  Let nails dry really well before applying top coat to avoid smearing dots.  I use Seche Vite fast dry top coat before I create dots, then I finish with clear top coat.  Get creative! You can dot just the ring finger nail, or space out your dots more, or try a different polka dot color {pens are available in most colors}. Have fun and enjoy!!
xxoo,
Monica

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