Friday, October 25

Looks for Less: Leather & Lenses

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If you've been reading my blog regularly (which is easy to do now thanks to the magic of BlogLovin'... insert blatant promotional encouragement here), then you already know I am a beauty fiend. What you probably didn't realize is that despite my few scattered apparel posts, I am equally, if not more, infatuated with fashion and styling. I'm a firm believer that a few flawless basics can completely make an outfit. I'm an even firmer believer that you should be obsessed with anything and everything you buy for your wardrobe - that makes it even easier to pull together a great outfits and no garment gets left behind! There are two pieces in my closet that have been getting extra special love this season.
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ANTHROPOLOGIE Sombra Sunglasses ($38)

If you read my Summer Essentials, then you're already well aware that I'm smitten with round-frame, wayfarer-esque, cat eye glasses - specifically the Super Duper Strength in Crazy Tort ones from Karen Walker. I'm obviously not the only one with a style crush (I'm making this a thing) on these glasses - they've been selling out like hotcakes despite the price tag, and multiple designers and their mothers are coming out with their own versions of the sophisticated sunnies... which brings me to these affordable sunglasses from Anthropologie that look anything but. They're very well made, face-flattering, and the frame is stunning. The plastic is not your ordinary tortoise shell - it is opaque black plastic mixed with gold-toned mother of pearl. The best adjective I can think of to describe these sunglasses is dynamic. These sunnies are unexpectedly beautiful, high-quality and inexpensive. They look much more expensive than they cost.


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ZARA Biker Jacket with Zips ($239)

Before I get into it, you may be wonderfing how is this a "look for less?" Plain and simple, you cannot get an authentic leather jacket {and this beautiful} for this price. Most leather jackets are an upwards of several hundred - sometimes even in the thousands.

I bought this jacket while I was at Zara in Prague during the Spring. Despite the fact it has spikes, I find this jacket incredibly feminine and flattering. The spikes give more of a beautiful added texture and high-fashion flair to the jacket rather than a "goth," "punk," or "grungy" feel. My style is pretty far from goth, punk, or grunge.

The day before I purchased it, I had seen a girl wearing it on the street in Prague and made a mental note to keep my eyes open for that jacket before I left the country. As luck would have it, I found it at Zara! {I've noticed that I've become increasingly good at finding cute pieces in stores after spotting people wearing them out and about. Need a personal shopper, anyone? ;)} As a long time Zara lover, I'm well aware that not all stores carry all the same merchandise. I assumed that this would be the case for my jacket - especially considering I was across the Atlantic and in a different country - so I snatched it up immediately, but when I returned back to the states, I found my coat on sale at my local Zara. I never did find it in my size back home, though, so I can't beat myself up too much about it. Plus, I wear the thing all the time, and it serves as a great memory of Praha. Alright, enough back story! I'll get on with it.

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image from Zara.com

Although there's a slim chance you could come across my exact jacket in on clearance at your local Zara, you have a better chance of finding this season's [stud/spike-free] version, which is what I've linked above, and I am happy to report that it fits as beautifully as mine. Both jackets can take any outfit from blah to Ooh La La. I even wanted to get it... that was until my mom brought me back to Earth and reminded me I already have a leather jacket and a similar one at that {pouty face}. I was a responsible consumer and left it on the rack for someone else to find and fall in love with.

If you're diggin' so hard on the subtle studs that you can't bring yourself to love the newer edition of Zara's leather jacket, I have recently found some suspiciously similar jackets in other brands' recent collections:

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image cropped from BCBG.com

BCBG Novak Studded Leather Moto Jacket ($998) - Unlike my jacket from Zara, this jacket has spikes on the shoulders and arms instead of on the lower back and bottom of the sleeves. Also, while my Zara jacket is higher in the back and lower in the front, this jacket is the opposite. It will also cost you a lot more moola.


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image cropped from Macys.com

MACYS BAR III Faux-Leather Studded Jacket ($119) - Vegans and anti-leather wearers, rejoyce! This jacket is faux-leather {a term which cleverly gives the semblance of luxury to a non-luxurious and sometimes reflective fabric once known as pleather. You can't just rename pleather! ;) Can you?}. This jacket is a bit more heavily studded than both the BCBG and Zara jackets but is still beautiful nonetheless.


Of the ones I have mentioned, my jacket favorites are those from Zara. I think they're both well-tailored, tastefully detailed, and an unbeatable value. I like that my jacket is a bit more subtle with its use of spikes. There are a few too many on the BCBG and Macys jackets, in my opinion.



Here's the part where I encourage you to share your thoughts. Are you loving the Karen Walker spinoff sunglasses as much as I am? If you had to choose one of the aforementioned jackets, which one would you pick? Have you stumbled upon any well-priced and perfect-fitting leather jackets? Comment below and let me know because I want to know! I need to know!

While you're at it, you might as well follow me on BlogLovin' if you haven't already. If it feels like the right thing to do, that's because it is.

Until next time... Lauren, out!

xx

All pictures were taken by me, unless noted. Please link back if you would like to use them. Thank you.

Monday, October 21

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Serums & Oils


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Do you want tons and tons of wrinkles as you age? Neither do I. Wrinkles are inevitable (and largely due to sun damage), but we can take preventative measures to prolong the time before their arrival and reduce the amount we might otherwise obtain. If you're part of the dry skin club with me, then you've likely heard the curse of our kind - we're even more susceptible to wrinkles. If you have dry skin didn't already know... Surprise! (???) I'm sorry you had to find out this way. Don't worry, though, because we're not a lost cause just yet. These are some of the easiest wrinkles to prevent because we can combat dry skin! It might take some time and money, but it will be worth it in the long run. Besides, hydrated skin on the daily feels [and looks] so much better than uncomfortable dehydrated skin.

At this point on the skincare journey, you should be makeup-free and clean-skinned. It's time to quench your skin's thirst! I want to note, this isn't just for my fellow dry-skinned people; hydration is essential for all skin types. MANTRA: Hydrated skin is happy skin. Hydrated anything is happy anything, really.


Serums & Oils //

I use a serum or oil any time after I wash my face, showers included. For a while, I was using Josie Maran 100 percent Argan Oil, which I've more recently seen getting a lot of hype in the beauty community, but it just didn't work for me. Don't get me wrong, her line is amazing. I am still in love with the Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum that I mentioned back in my Hydrated Healthy Hair Must-Haves. It's just that the 100 percent Pure Argan Oil didn't do the trick for my skin. It would just sit on top of my face and hardly absorb in. I was then recommended both of the following products by a skincare specialist. They do for me exactly what I need in terms of hydration. Overall, I credit these for making my skin plump (rather than papery and thin due to dehydration), significantly less dry, and healthy. 


IMAGE Skincare - Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum


When? daytime after washing your face and showering

Where? Fill 1/4 of the dropper with product, and apply all over your face including eye area (skin under and near eyes).

How? Smooth onto clean face after applying toner. Let it absorb completely before applying cream or makeup. Once it fully absorbs, you will notice a very thin, dried film on your face.

Why? Not only does this serum hydrate and reduce redness and hyper-pigmentation, it seeps into the skin well and should not cause skin problems when worn in the Sun.

Scent
: coconut, brown sugar & tropical fruit


Key Ingredients: Vitamin C



SPA Technologies - Hydrating Oil {also know as Hydrating C & E Complex}


When? nighttime after washing your face before bed

Where? Apply one pump to the face avoiding the eye area. Do not apply on skin covering or past your eye sockets.

How? Smooth onto clean face after (1) removing makeup, (2) cleansing, and (3) applying toner. Do not warm up in hands or the product will not seep into your skin well. Apply to face in long sweeping strokes. As it warms on your skin, it will absorb. Don't worry if the product doesn't completely absorb in. It will not soak into your skin as much as the serum.

Why? Use in the place of the IMAGE Skincare Serum at night. I was advised by my skincare specialist to avoid wearing this in the Sun/to wear it only at night.

Scent: lavender

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C & Vitamin E


Have you tried or would you consider trying either of these flesh-hydrating products? What are your favorite serums and oils? If you have any questions or concerns about these products, let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @drtyblndambtn.

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin' for the rest of my Skincare series and other exciting new posts headed your way. Thanks for stopping by!

xx Lauren

Click the categories below to navigate through posts and products. If they're not yet clickable, hold tight! New posts are coming soon. 
Overview //

Wednesday, October 16

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Facial Cleansers & Face Washes


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If there's one step you don't skip in your skincare routine, let this be it. If you make the effort to properly cleanse your face in the shower or before bed, you will notice a drastic improvement in your skin. It's all about mastering your face-washing technique and choosing the right face wash.




How to Properly Cleanse Your Face //

Believe it or not, many people don't know how to correctly wash their faces. Just make sure you're not one of them! ... and if you are, you don't have to be anymore. Here's everything you need to know about washing your face the right way.

1. Apply warm water to your face using a clean wash cloth. The warm water will open open up your pores so the cleanser can work its magic. Use a clean wash cloth because you don't want to add dirt or bacteria back to your face.
2. Deposit your preferred cleanser or wash into clean hands. If possible, get the cleanser foamy in your hands. You may have to add a bit of water of get it to sud up. Some cleaners will not foam, which is completely fine.
3. Dampen the same wash cloth with warm water again, and gently remove the product on your face.
4. Squeeze out the wash cloth to rinse out of excess warm water and soap. Run the cloth under cold water and pat your face. This will close your now clean pores. 
5. Pat your face with a dry, clean towel or wash cloth.

This is a similar concept to deep conditioning your hair. To open up your hair's cuticle, you douse it in warm water; to seal the cuticle and trap in moisture, you run it under cold water. To clean your skin, you open up the pores with warm water to remove dirt and oils; to minimize your pores and help prevent dirt from getting in, you pat with cold water.



Facial Cleansers & Face Washes //


Now that you know how to properly wash your face, I want to let you know about my favorite cleansers and washes. I used to buy all of my skincare at the drugstore - specifically face washes, but I wasn't super happy with my product picks. They would strip my skin of its natural oils and dry it out even more. The products that claimed to "add back moisture" just didn't do a great job of cleaning my skin. I decided it was time to invest in better face washes. This goes without saying, you only need one cleanser for a given wash. Please don't think you need to use all three at once.

 

MICHAEL TODD True Organics - Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser

This has been my go-to cleanser for quite some time now. It gets my skin really clean without taking away any moisture. Although the name suggests otherwise, it smells light, tangy, and citrusy... Maybe of grapefruit? Don't get me wrong, it smells so good I want to eat it, but I'm not picking up honey or oat in the scent.

Skin Types: sensitive, dry
Key Ingredients: aloe, Vitamins A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, sulfate-free
{For those of you with Siliac's Disease, this product is NOT gluten-free.}


REN Clean Bioactive Skincare - Ultra Moisture Cleansing Milk

I use this when my skin is so dry that it's painful or when my skin is looking particularly dehydrated. Not only does it cleanse, it adds unparalleled moisture. It feels like you're cleansing with face cream, like it's a cleansing lotion. If your skin is dry to a fault (like mine often is), this is definitely worth purchasing.  
This product was formerly called Moisture Protect Comfort-Plus Cleansing Milk.

Skin Types: dry
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid


SUNDAY RILEY - Ceramic Slip Cleanser

I received this as a sample and was able to get enough use out of to know this cleanser is top of the line. My skin felt incredibly clean, looked clearer and less red, and was hydrated.  At this point, I'm not sure if I'd fork over the money for it at full price (especially considering I've found more affordable options that work well enough), but I'm hoping there's a great sale on this product and soon.

Skin Types: all, normal to combination
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C



After you've completely washed your face, you'll want to follow up with a toner before applying oils & serum and face cream.

Now that you know mine, what are your favorite facial cleansers and face washes? Have you ever used any of these? Do you plan on trying any of these out? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you.

If you haven't already follow me on BlogLovin' and Twitter @DrtyBlndAmbtn to keep up to date with my latests posts and more from this Skincare Favorites & Routine series.

xx Lauren


Click the categories below to navigate through posts and products. If they're not yet clickable, hold tight! New posts are coming soon. 
Overview //

Friday, October 11

HOT SALE ALERT! Too Faced Loves Sephora 15 Years of Beauty


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Pardon this brief detour from my Skincare Favorites & Routine series, but I have a few things to share that I just can't keep to myself. First, the TOO FACED Too Faced Loves Sephora 15 Years of Beauty palette, which I guarantee I will be blabbering on and on about in the future, just went on sale from $52 USD to $39. The palette is worth every penny at full price, but now it's even better! I highly suggest you get your hands on this before it sells out. I'm even debating getting a back up because I love it so much (No, bad self!).
Please excuse the poorer than usual picture quality - all photos were taken on my phone

Although some of the brighter colors in this palette may be a little intimidating, majority of these are surprisingly wearable for all skin tones and aren't clown-like, which is my description for all bright colors that don't actually look good on. I am usually a neutrals girl, yet I must admit that this is the best palette I own (and I have quite a few in the trusty collection). Don't be fooled, though, because this palette has some fabulous neutral eye shadows. You have everything you really need for a full face of makeup apart from foundation, concealer, mascara, and brushes (although you do get one in this kit). All of the powders are velvety, dense, and heavily pigmented.

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Eye Shadows

 

Piano Keys: [matte with fine glitter] peachy white color with tiny flecks of silver glitter
This neutral color can be used all-over-the-lid, in the inner tear duct, and as brow highlight color. The glitter flecks are very subtle and almost unnoticeable to the eye.

So Cal: [shimmer] light pink with peach undertones

TF ♥s the Cast: [shimmer] silvery green with golden undertones
This is my favorite and most worn shadow in this palette. I usually apply this color on my lower lash line (not to be mistaken with the waterline) when I'm wearing a neutral look. Doing this gives the slight illusion of a tan and makes the eyes pop a bit more. This color is also beautiful all over the lid.

Jer Jer: [shimmer] brassy gold

525 Market: [shimmer] brownish burgundy

Behind the Counter: [matte] taupey-brown
This color is a good neutral. This is a pretty shade to apply to the crease for a more natural look.

Soho: [shimmer] silvery pastel purple with blue undertones

Envy: [shimmer] deep purple with blue undertones
This is the only shade in the palette that I am not thrilled with. I am not a huge fan of this shade in general because I think looks dirty on most people. This is a simliar color to Urban Decay Gravity (except without the glitter) and Urban Decay ACDC (apart from the texture), but I much prefer those.

David & Marg: [shimmer] turquoise
This color has a bit more green to it than the pictures would suggest.

1998: [matte with fine glitter] purple-toned magenta with fine cold glitter
This shade is a fantastic dupe for MAC Eye Shadow in Creme de Violet. Actually, I think it's significantly better than its MAC competitor. It everything I hoped Creme de Violet would be but wasn't. This is much more more velvety (less chalky than the MAC shadow) and pigmented. Also, unlike Piano Keys, the glitter in this shadow is very obvious because there is so much of it. When I did my best friend's 21st birthday makeup, I used this color all over her lid and paired it with Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Midnight Cowboy. It was a very glamorous birthday look if I do say so myself.


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Cheeks & Face


Chocolate Soleil Bronzer: [matte] classic bronzer
This is a beautiful, natural shade, but do note that has a sweet smell for those of you who prefer fragrance-free cosmetics.

Sun Bunny Bronzer: [shimmer] two browned bronze powders that can be swirled together
Although this product is classified as a bronzer and can be applied as a bronzer, I prefer using it as a highlight because it is shimmery. I'm not talking barely existent shimmer like NARS Laguna Bronzer. This stuff is full on shimmer. The untrained eye will see it. That being said, it is stunning as a highlighter and it will help enhance (or create) your tan because it is a bronze shade much like Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star in Amber Diamond (my very favorite highlight shade).

Who's Your Poppy? Blush: [shimmer] warm, reddish coral
This color gives a gorgeous, natural flush to the cheeks. It is in the same family (at least I think so) as NARS Orgasm Blush, but it is more of a reddish coral, not a peachy coral and as one of my all-time favorite blushes MAC Springsheen Blush.


This palette also comes with a mini synthetic brush (which I don't use) and a mini Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer, which I believe is one of the top eye shadow primers on the market. The only real downside of this palette is that it doesn't come with a mirror. Also, if you worry that the top powders and bottom powders touch and mix together when the palette is closed, don't. The palette comes with a clear piece of plastic to keep each side protected, so don't throw it away!

Do you think you'd get this palette or do you own it? Which colors are you most interested in trying out? Comment below and let me know.


Another Special Announcement

 

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If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram chances are you've heard that POPSUGAR has chosen me as a one of their Select Beauty Bloggers. I am honored, incredibly thankful and excited that they've given me this wonderful opportunity.


As always, thanks for stopping by. Please follow to me on BlogLovin' if you haven't already. I've got a great lineup of posts coming your way - that includes the rest of my Skincare Favorites & Routine, as promised.

xx Lauren

Friday, October 4

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Makeup Removers & Toners

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Makeup Removers //

Removing your makeup is like cleaning your dishes. If you had the time to make the food, you sure as heck better make the time to clean your dishes. Sure, your food was great and fresh when you first made, but if you don't clean it off your dishes and utencils, things will go sour and fast. Your pots and pans will pile up to the ceiling; mold might start to grow and flies may show up uninvited; your kitchen will reek. Nobody wants that. Aside from my not-so-subliminal message on proper home etiquette, this is exactly how you should think of your skin and makeup use... except you should care even more about your skin because it's attached to your face. I neither wear nor recommend wearing makeup every day because it's not healthy for your skin. On the days I do, I am sure to remove it before I turn in for the night. Currently, these are my makeup removal picks:


SIMPLE Sensitive Skin Experts - Cleansing Facial Wipes

I use these pre-moistened wipes to take off my base makeup (foundation, blush, bronzer, etc.). They don't get rid of everything, but they do most of the heavy-duty work. They're also great if you're having a lazy day. You could even remove your makeup from bed with these wipes.

Why? Simple wipes are the best that I've tried. They are gentle, effective, and smell nice enough. I've tried makeup-removing wipes by other brands, but either they haven't done an adequate job of removing makeup, or they burn my face. I also prefer these Cleansing Facial Wipes to Simple Radiance Cleansing Wipes. These are great to travel with, as well, and you can find them in travel-sized packets at some drugstores and pharmacies. 

Skin Types: all, sensitive
Key Ingredients: glycerin  


Bioderma Crealine H2O Micelle Solution 500ml

I use this regardless of whether or not I am wearing makeup. I pour this onto a cotton round and lightly wipe it all across my face. This takes off all non-waterproof eye makeup, and it takes off any remaining makeup that the Simple wipes didn't get. If I'm not wearing makeup, it takes off built-up dirt from the day. Some people also use this as a toner, but I prefer using a separate toner (see below).

Why? If you weren't already aware, there's a cleansing water craze in the beauty world, right now. I like how gentle this is, but it's not yet holy grail for me. It is effective, but I have to use an unhealthy amount of cotton rounds to get all remaining makeup off. I've gone through a couple large (and travel-sized) bottles of this, and I decided to explore micellar solutions from other brands. I recently started using the one from Embryolisse Laboratoires, so let me know if you're interested in a review on that. What do you think about micellar lotions or cleansing waters? Do you think they worth the hype? You can read more about this product in my 5 Beauty Products to Get Your Hands On While in the UK post.

Skin Types: all, sensitive
Key Ingredients: glycerin (Embryolisse's micellar lotion also contains witch-hazel)


LANCÔME - Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover 

I only use this when I'm wearing difficult-to-remove eye makeup (like waterproof mascara or glitter liners). When using, you must shake the bottle until foam forms at the top. Then pour the foam/liquid on to a Q-Tip or cotton round to remove makeup.

Why? I've been using this for countless years at the recommendation of my beautiful Grandma, and it is undoubtedly a holy grail product for me. It takes off makeup like a charm, so you won't have to rub at your eyes. You're not supposed to, anyway.

Skin Types: all




Toners //

My reason behind using toner is quite different than its intended purpose. I like using it to remove any bacteria and dirt that may have managed to hold on to my face post-makeup removal and cleansing. I use toner before applying serum and/or cream to my face.


MICHAEL TODD True Organics - Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner

As mentioned above, I use this after makeup removal and/or cleansing and before serum and/or face cream.

Why? Not only does this lavender-scented toner smell delicious, it also antibacterial.I have noticed tremendous improvements in my skin. It is clearer, more hand more luminous, which is a huge feat for my typically dull and dry skin. I have seen this product also work its magic on people with vastly different skin types than mine. Everyone I know who has tried this product loves it. I will warn you, it can sting a little bit when applied (especially when your skin is dry or irritated), but it goes away quickly and doesn't burn skin.

Skin Types: all
Key Ingredients: aloe, Hyaluronic Acid



Have you tried any of these out? What are your favorite makeup removers and toners? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter (you can do both if you're feeling extra ambitious).

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin', and tune in for the rest of this series (or click the links below). I have some great product information coming your way, and you won't want to miss it.

xx Lauren


Click the categories below to navigate through posts and products. If they're not yet clickable, hold tight! New posts are coming soon. 
Overview //

Products Mentioned:


Tuesday, October 1

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Overview


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Overview //


For the majority of my life, I didn't have a reason to invest in high quality skincare. The extent of my routine was washing my face with a decent drugstore cleanser and maybe following up with a moisturizer. The turning point for me came a little over two years ago when my easy-to-manage and typically clear skin became tempermental and incurably dry. My skin has always been on the dryer side of the spectrum, but I had finally hit an all time low. My face was uncomfortably dehydrated, and I began getting little dry bumps that I could temporarily get rid of with an over-the-counter cortisone recommended by my doctor. Eventually, enough was enough! I set out on a quest to make my skin happy again, and after an extensive search and much trial and error, I've designed an everyday skincare routine that makes my skin feel better than it ever has before. 

I decided that it would be most effective to split up my skincare favorites into series of posts because I have so much information to share. Just like my Healthy, Hydrated Hair Must-Haves, the overarching theme of my skincare routine is healthy equals hydrated. Even if you don't have dry skin like mine, I guarantee you will find products in this series that work for you. 

Click the categories below to navigate through posts and products. If they're not yet clickable, hold tight! New posts are coming soon. 

>> Overview <<

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What is your skin type, and what are your holy grail skincare products? Comment below, and tell me all about it or them. 

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin' and Twitter, so you can be up to date with all my latest posts. I've got a great lineup coming your way. 

xx Lauren