Skin Care Routine

I am one of those people that could easily be described as a product junky. I have baskets upon baskets in bathroom closet of so many different products, both and beauty. Some of them I use seasonally and unfortunately some of them I have never used or only used once and decided to store it for another time. I also tend to do a fair amount of mixing between what I buy from department stores and drug stores. Some items I like to save my money on while others I don't mind paying a bit more for because I know it works and if something works why change it.

As of lately the above products have been my go to and have been working quite well. Shower wise, I am pretty easy going and normally stick to drug store shampoo and conditioner. I am the first one to admit I am pretty terrible when it comes to my hair and I honestly think its been 5+ months since my last hair cut. Body wash is also something I don't spend too much on but normally stick to Dove or Neautrogena. I am a big lotion person as I tend to have dry skin, especially in the winter and this lotion has been my favorite. It has a slight fragrance but tends to fade pretty quickly but does keep my skin moisturized throughout the day. I received a sample of this cleansing oil and while I was hesitant at first to use it, I am fully addicted now. It takes off all my makeup and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped or dry. If I am having a breakout or my skin needs a bit more attention then normal, I use one of these two masks ( 1, 2), both are amazing and I have been using them for a good bit now. As for face lotion, I tend to skip between department store and drug store brands frequently but always seem love this simple lotion from Aveeno.

What are some of your favorite skin care products?

Yours truly,
Emily Ann

Happy Fall + A Bucket List

I am 100% guilty of being one of those people that looks forward to Fall all year long and pretty much wishes the end of summer away. Once the air gets a bit crisp, football season has started, and it's officially pumpkin everything... I am one happy camper. This fall I am happy to be living in Raleigh in a new home and new roommates and now new puppy! I am looking forward to a few trips planned but mostly just enjoying my favorite season and crossing a few these off my to do list...

Whats on your Fall Bucket List?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Easy Summer Makeup Routine

When it comes to summertime, I am all about having an easy routine and using the least amount of products. For scorching temps to days at at the beach, the last thing I want to worrying about is my makeup melting and looking a mess. This week the temps in NC have hit an all time high and my thermostat has read 100 degrees every day. With that being said, I have officially switched to my summer routine in an attempt to make things easier and worry free. The above products are what I use on a normal day going to work and it takes me less then 5 minutes to apply. Note- the white liner I apply just at the very upper corners of my eye to bright then up a bit, perfect for days when I need a little extra something. Typically if I am heading out for night out with friends or to an event I will spruce things up a bit with a bit of liner, shadow, and lip color. On weekends all bets are off and you can normally find me with just a touch of mascara and under-eye concealer. 

What does your summertime routine look like?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Skincare: What Works

1. Peter Thomas Roth- Peeling Gel

While picking out different products at Sephora, I was asked if I exfoliate to which I replied I use my Clarisonic about every other day. The woman at Sephora seemed to be appalled by my answer and said that out first task was to pick an actual exfoliator and continued to educate me on the importance of using an exfoliating product- not just my Clarisonic. She recommended the Peter Roth Peeling Gel and I have to say I am hooked. I remove all of my makeup with a makeup wipe first, then dry my skin and apply a small amount of the gel and massage over skin in circular motions. Within a minutes small beads have formed over my skin with as gross as it sounds- dead skin cells! Next I add a small amount of water and continue working up the dead cells and then rinse with warm water. I use this about 3 times a week and so far I am obsessed. 

2. Ole Henrikson Truth Serum Vitamin C

I have been using this serum everyday- both morning and night. It has a really nice citrus scent and I love the way it seems to waken up my skin the morning. Even after just using it a little over a week, my face seems overall brighter and leaves it smooth and soft. 

3. Purity Facial Cleanser

I was given this cleanser as gift around Christmas time and I am just now getting around to using it. I have heard great things about this brand but had yet to try them out until now. On days when I am not using the peeling gel, I will use this sometimes at night or in the morning to just rinse my face off of products I have use overnight or during the day. While I can't say I think it's anything to rave over, I will continue using it but not sure I plan on purchasing again. 

4. Clinque All About Eyes

This was recommended by the woman at Sephora and I hate to admit it but I am not loving it. While it does a great job of making my eyes feel moisturized, it doesn't appear to brighten the area under my eyes. I think this would be ok to just use at night but I will be definitely looking for something a bit more powerful for my morning routine. 

5. Lancome Energie De Vie Nuit Overnight Mask

One of the things I knew I wanted to find was a good night cream to slather one my face right before bed. This overnight mask is extremely mositurizing, so much so that I think I only need to use it 2-3 times a week. The next morning after using this, my face is so soft and buttery, its hard to want to wash it off. If you are looking for a new night cream/overnight mask- this one is amazing and something I will definitely continue to use. 

This weekend I am heading back to Sephora to pick up a few more products I have reviewed and am wanting to try including this mask and this tinted hydrating gel. 

What are some of your favorite skincare products?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Shower Essentials

Shower Essentials by ead0724 featuring a dove hair conditioner

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo- I've been using this shampoo for about a week now and I officially love it. It doesn't leave my hair feeling dry and stripped of all it's natural oils but also doesn't leave any residue. 

Dove Daily Moisture Conditioner- This conditioner smells so good and leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft. I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to condition because I want something that wont leave my hair feeling heavy but that will also leave the ends feeling healthy and smooth. This one is great and doesn't break the budget by any means. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle- This is definitely not my first time mentioning this miracle worker but I continue to buy it because it's amazing. I use it about one to two times a week and love the way it leaves my hair feeling. 

Aveeno Daily Body Wash- I have pretty sensitive skin and love the way this leaves my skin feeling. I use just a drop each time and love how much it suds and bubbles up.

Neutrogena Natural Face Wash- I'm pretty basic when it comes to my face wash and normally don't stick to the same type or brand. I am currently trying this one out and so far so good but nothing too special. 

Clarisonic Mia- Also not my first time mentioning the Clarisonic but a true favorite of mine. Like I mentioned, I have very sensitive skin and was super nervous to use the Clarisonic, fearing it would be too harsh on my skin. Boy was I wrong, it turned out to be just what I my skin needed! There is a variety of different brush options but I am currently using the one for larger pores and have seen a difference in my face and appearance of my pores. 

What are some of your favorite shower products?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Splurge Vs. Save: Beauty

Splurge Vs. Save: Beauty by ead0724 featuring NYX

I was recently contacted by Erin from Credit Card Insider about doing a Splurge vs. Save post and immediately thrilled. While I do love indulging in some aspects of life, pedicures at times, good wines, yummy food, and one of my favorite things to spend money one... new beauty products, I also love a good save. Above are a few of my favorite products and alternatives I have found to be just as effective and great. I am so glad Erin asked me to participate in this great campaign and have loved seeing more affordable alternatives to products everyone loves and values. Check out Credit Card Insider for lots of resources including budgets, credit card financing, and managing debt. If you know me you know I absolutely love my job and wouldn't it for the world, however it's not a job that allows to spend whatever I want whenever I want. Lately I have been trying to really cut back and watch my budget, especially with all the traveling and weddings I am attending this summer. Saving a bit of money, especially when it comes to products I use every day... no brainer. 

Be sure to comment with any affordable beauty products you have discovered lately! 

Happy Thursday everyone- we're almost to the weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily 

My Everyday Makeup- Less then 10 steps!

My Everyday Makeup- Less then 10 steps! by ead0724 featuring Bare Escentuals

As of a few weeks ago I switched up my beauty routine and stumbled upon some new makeup, Bare Minerals to be exact. While at home a few weeks ago, I played around with my mom's and couldn't have fallen more in love. I consider myself to be a major foundation junkie and am always looking for the newest brand or what promises the most results. When I tried Bare Minerals I couldn't believe how much coverage it gave while also looking natural. I happen to get lucky on the day I ventured into the store because I got all of the above for less then $100, minus the Nars blush and brush. So far I am loving everything I have used from Bare Minerals and can't wait to try more of their products! Here are a few I have my eye on...

Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser

Active Cell Renewal Night Serum

Flawless Radiance All Over Powder

If you haven't given Bare Minerals a chance I highly suggest you do so, I have absolutely loved it and am very picky about my makeup and what I put on my skin!

Yours truly,
Emily

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