My Favorite Christmas Gifts

Santa, aka my family was majorly good to me this year. It's only been a few weeks since Christmas but I have already put my gifts to good use and am loving them so far. Here's a few of the things that landed under my tree...

1. Ren Glycolic Radiance Mask: I've talked about this mask before on the blog but it truly is one of my favorite masks. I have very sensitive skin and was really hesitant to try something new, especially in the cold dryer months. I use this mask about twice a week and have absolutely loved the results. Not only does it not dry my skin out, it leaves it glowing and feeling soft. It's a bit more then I would spend on a typical facial mask but this one is worth it. 

2. Anastasia Contour Kit: Let me preface by saying that I am no makeup pro and even the idea of contouring used to stress me out. However as someone who has an extremely round face, I learned early on that a good bronzer, blush, and highlight could give anyone cheek bones, as well as define the jaw line. I am still learning how to use this kit and the corresponding brushes but so far it has been great for adding depth and color to just the right places on my face. 

3. Kate Spade Ruby Earings: This was a total surprise from my mom that I was not expecting at all. Ruby is my birth stone and I thought these Ruby studs from my mom were so sweet and thoughtful. I've already worn them a handful of times, especially when I am needing a fun bit of color in my outfit.

4. Long Puffer Jacket by Laundry: I don't have the actual link for this one because I was unable to find mine online. The above picture is pretty close to what it looks like just a few little differences. I had been wanting a longer winter coat since last year and after wearing my mom's North Face one a few times, I decided it was time to get my own. With temps in the teens this week I can tell you it is getting a lot of wear!

5. 3 Day Bender 1.25 Curling Iron: While I can't say I have used this a ton yet, I can say that the few times I have used it my curls have turned out perfect and seemed to last longer. Before Christmas I made the decision to chop a good 4-5 inches off my hair and since have been struggling with ways to style it. One of my favorite looks has been to do a rough blow dry with lots of volume product and add in loose big waves using the curling iron.

6. Fresh Sake Perfume: This is my second bottle of this perfume and while I normally like trying new scents, I couldn't resist making this one of my signature scents. This perfume has a much different smell then most on the shelf and while I can't exactly describe it, I can say that it has undertones of musk, vanilla, and lilly. If you haven't checked it out yet, I highly suggest you do so, it's very light and has become my favorite for everyday wear.

7. What could make a girl happier then a Starbucks giftcard? I got a few of these over the Holidays and loving the extra treat throughout the week! My got to beverage these days is a tall latte with an extra shot of espresso, finished with a dash of cinnamon... perfection.

What were some of your favorite gifts?

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Obsessions

Obsessions by ead0724 featuring a yellow gold necklace

Judging by today's obsessions it's not hard to see I am officially in the mood for fall. Virginia has definitely been having some crisper mornings that have left me craving comfy sweaters, boots, and all things fall. I normally get a new pair of boots every season and these Sam Edelman boots are what I have my eye on this season. As a lover of all things stripped, I am swooning over this Zara sweater, perfect to throw on with boyfriend jeans and booties or dressed down with leggings. It would also go great with the waffle scarf from Necessary Clothing, also a steal for less then $20. While I am not usually a fan of orange, I loved this suede fold over clutch, bonus that you for a clutch you could still fit so much inside. I've also been on the hunt for the perfect dainty layering necklace and think I finally found a winner also currently on sale. Last but not least, as the cooler temps approach I am trying to get ahead of the game and pamper my skin with lots of moisture. Fresh is one of my favorite brands and I can't wait to try out this mask. 

What are some of the things on your wish list for fall?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Let's Talk Facial Oils...

Now that the Fall weather appears to be here to stay, it's time to start re-evaluating your normal routine and gear up for the cooler weather. I have classic combination skin, oil in some areas and dryer in others with occasional break outs. Due to my skin type, I have always shyed away from anything that involves adding oil to my skin thinking it would be a recipe for breakouts and majorly shiny skin. However recently after doing a bit of research, I am thinking I may have to give the whole facial oil thing a try. Here are a few that I have researched and some information about each!

Let's Talk About Facial Oils by ead0724 featuring Peter Thomas Roth

Murad face cleanser / Peter Thomas Roth bath body product / Fresh beauty product / Clarins beauty product / Jurlique beauty product / Josie Maran beauty product / Tarte beauty product / Philosophy beauty product

Josie Maran Argan Oil

(I read nothing but rave reviews about this one and was happy to find that they also offer a "Light" version.)

With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin, as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. 

Murad Cleansing Oil

This light, non-comedogenic cleanser gently removes impurities, irritants, and makeup to restore that youthful glow. It eases dryness and promotes suppleness, leaving the complexion smooth, hydrated, and healthy. 

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

This undiluted organic and moisturizing maracuja oil quickly absorbs for firmer, brighter, smoother skin. Pure maracuja oil is rich in vitamin C, so skin appears instantly brighter and more radiant, as well as essential fatty acids (EFAs), a requirement for healthy skin cells that the body cannot produce on its own. EFA deficiency can result in the breakdown of essential skin cells which causes skin to appear dry and aged. By supplementing skin with pure maracuja oil, you are infusing life back into dull skin and replenishing EFAs to rapidly rebuild and repair. This potent antiaging elixir that has anti-inflammatory benefits promotes active skin recovery and delivers maximum hydration without any greasy or filmy feel.

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Oil

Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil is a precious blend of pure oils—seaberry, cranberry seed, camellia seed, grapeseed, and sweet almond—packed with restorative omegas to maintain a youthful appearance. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly for a boost of vital moisture, while vitamin E works to maintain the skin’s elasticity and smoothness. This powerful antioxidant protects the skin from aging free radicals, leaving your complexion soft, smooth, and refreshed. 

Philosophy Total Mattness

(This one is more of a pore minimizer serum but I still wanted to include it due to its rave reviews!)

Visibly reduce the size and appearance of pores with this powerful, mattifying serum. Lentil seed extract helps support the pore wall, making pores less apparent, while salicylic acid helps remove build-up of dead cells around the pore wall, brightening their darkened appearance. Natural bamboo extract helps absorb excess oil and control shine for a soft-touch finish. 

Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil

Indulge in this luxurious, lightweight hydrating oil that nourishes and balances all skin types. Its versatile, non-greasy blend of six plant oils mimics skin’s own natural lipids to achieve optimal balance and infuses pure antioxidant nutrients to visibly enhance the skin for a flawless complexion.

Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil

Recommended for all skin types, this luxurious moisturizer softens skin while improving the look of fine lines, elasticity, and radiance. Lightweight, odorless squalane mimics the naturally occurring squalene found in the body’s own lipid barrier—it rapidly absorbs into skin and does not create a surface barrier like an oil, allowing skin to breathe. This must-have moisturizer deeply hydrates and helps prevent water loss, leaving skin silky-smooth and comfortable to the touch without an oily or greasy after-feel. 

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

Clarins’ exclusive blend of rosewood, geranium, and lotus extracts purify, tighten pores, and refine the skin texture. Hazelnut oil softens, soothes, and seals in moisture to prevent fine lines. 

Have you tried a facial oil yet?

Yours truly,
Emily