Dirty Blonde Ambition: November 2013

Thursday, November 28

Winter Style with ShopStyle by PopSugar

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Happy Thanksgiving! With Winter and Black Friday around the corner, 'tis the season to be shopping, and ShopStyle by POPSUGAR has got you covered! The site pulls together a good variety of "BRANDS YOU LOVE FROM THE STORES YOU TRUST" to simplify your search.

I've teamed up with SHOPSTYLE.com to create my quintessential winter 2014 outfit -- think of this as an outfit of the season according to Lauren brought to you by ShopStyle post -- guh, what a mouthful! Let's jump straight into it, shall we?

When it comes to outfit repeating, I am a serious offender. When I say serious, I mean serious. I still regularly wear things that I bought in junior high school {I won't say how long ago that was because it'll make me feel incredibly old}. Don't worry, they're very classic, ageless pieces.

I have a strict rule that I must be in love with everything I buy, so it only makes sense that I wear everything to death and that I don't clear out my closet at the end of each season. That being said, most of the pieces I'm loving for winter aren't easy to get a hold of. I'll do my best to find these pieces or similar ones for ya!

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Juicy Couture - Ziger Cardigan Coat

This over-sized chunky, knit sweater feels goes well with a great pair of skinnies. It comes with four pockets {two for your hands on the outside and two on the inside} and feels like you're wearing a blanket.
similar option: Juicy Couture Wild Lynx Jacquard Cardi

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Genetic Denim - The Cameron in Raven

These are a fun twist on the basic black skinny jean. They're just a touch faded, and the knee stitching
similar option: Vince Denim - Ankle Zip Moto Pants in Grey

Rosegold - Bevin Bootie in Mushroom Snake

Not only are these booties comfy, the faux-snake texture takes them up a level. These look great with a cute pair of skinny jeans or a dress. Unlike some others, they maintain their shape and don't conform the shape of your feet and ankle.
similar options: Marais usa - Curve Haircalf Wedge Booties | Vince Camuto - Kelliana Wedge Bootie | Jessica Simpson - "Catcher" Lace-up Wedge Bootie

Anthropologie - Sombra Sunglasses

I mentioned these in my "Looks for Less: Leather & Lenses" post, so be sure to check that out for my full review!

While I organized my little photoshoot, there were some casual observers...

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UGG Australia Boots - Maylin Full Cuff in Chestnut
ZARA - Wide-Heel Sandal with Ankle Strap (full review here)
SCHUTZ - Candice Heel in Cognac Multi

I have two big questions for you:

1) What's on your Black Friday shopping list?
2) What are your favorite pieces for Winter?

Comment below and let me know, and be sure to check out SHOPSTYLE.com!

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.

xx Lauren

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

Thursday, November 21

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Facial Scrubs

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Facial Scrubs //

Now that we've gotten our daily skincare routine all nice and tucked away, let's move on to our weekly or biweekly {the twice-a-week version to clear up any confusing there} skincare essentials.

Facial scrubs are an excellent way to get the grime [dead skin] off your face and dirt out of your pores, helping eliminate acne and leaving your face soft and smooth -- a good facial scrub should, anyway. That being said, if you over exfoliate {by using a scrub too frequently or scrubbing your skin too abrasively}, your skin can actually get worse. It's a fine art.

My tips for exfoliating your face properly:
1. Apply scrub to wet skin after cleansing.
2. Scrub gently moving fingers in a circular motion around your face. Give the skin next to your nostrils extra attention. Dead skin typically builds up in that area.
3. Leave the scrub on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
4. Exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
5. Choose a good exfoliant for your skin type and skin concerns...which brings us to my preferred scrubs!

Michael Todd True Organics Tropical Fruit Enzyme Scrub

This scrub has fine, soft granules, so it isn't too abrasive on the skin, but that doesn't mean it's doesn't work. I'm not a chemist, but from what I understand, the enzyme aspect of the scrub works in addition to the fine granules to exfoliate dead skin while you let it sit. Whether or not that's true, I can validate that this does a fantastic job, and I don't have to do much work (and therefore, I don't risk over exfoliating because I hardly have to)!

This scrub has that delicious fruity scent that's unique to most Michael Todd products. I love it. This is at the top of my list, right now, and it's been that way since last Winter when I first got my hands on it.

{For those of you with Celiac Disease, this product is gluten free}

Kate Somerville Exfolikate

I received this scrub as a sample a while back and used it on special occasions, but it has recently gone mysteriously missing. I'm going to have to investigate! Before it's disappearance, I collected enough data (aka: I formed some opinions) to know that it was a fantastic. It smells beautiful and made my skin incredibly happy. Although it has thicker and harder granules than the one from Michael Todd, it makes similar claims about enzymes -- to exfoliate dead skin without overdrying. Maybe there's a method to this madness, after all? My skin does respond well to both.

Unfortunately, I cannot justify Exfolikate's price tag, so I'll be sticking with Tropical Fruit Enzyme Scrub (not that I mind at all) for now. Perhaps one day, I'll be lucky enough to receive another sample... or better, Exfolikate as a gift!

I do have a few other face scrubs on standby. Let me know if you'd like me to review them once I have given them a fair trial: Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Scrub & Clarins Paris One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.

Do you have a face scrub you're obsessed with that you think I'd love? Comment below and let me know! I'm always on the look out to try great new skincare, and I love hearing from you.

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

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you here again soon!

xx Lauren

Overview //

Makeup Removers & Toners //

Facial Cleansers & Face Washes //
Serums & Oils //
Moisturizers //
>> Facial Scrubs <<

Facial Masks //

Sunday, November 3

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Moisturizers

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Moisturizers //

Moisturizers are incredibly versatile products. They add and seal in hydration, can be used as makeup primer, and often are packed with additional beneficial properties.

CeraVe SA Renewing Cream

According to their website, "CeraVe^® SA Renewing [Cream] with salicylic acid is the first CeraVe moisturizer designed to help repair and restore extremely dry, rough, bumpy skin." We've all heard brands make make countless far-fetched claims about their products that rarely prove true, but I am happy to report that this product lives up to every single one of its claims.

My dermatologist recommended this to me because my skin was suddenly experiencing all of the conditions that this cream claims to treat (for those of you who may be diagnosing me in your mind, I can confirm don't have psoriasis). Although some people are off-put by salicylic acid, the SA cream product does a top-notch job of eating away dead skin and hydrating the rest. This cream has helped restore my facial skin back to its normal state. When I don't use it, my skin isn't as happy, and when I do, I notice my skin is overall much clearer. I continue to use it nightly after (1) removing my makeup, (2) cleansing my face, (3) using toner & (4) applying oil. I

You can also use their CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion. It is slightly less thick and works very well, but I recommend you get their Cream over their Lotion.

If you who don't have bumpy, extremely irritated skin [or if you just like to avoid salicylic acid] and just want hydration there are amazing creams on the market without salicylic acid. CeraVe makes one (CeraVe Moisturizing Cream), but I've never tried it, so I can't recommend it. What I can recommend is the one from Vanicream.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

I used this when I was in Denver at the recommendation of one of my friends who had received this from her dermatologist. If you've ever been to Denver, you know how insanely dry it is. Back when I used to fly to Denver on the reg, I'd get off the plane and by the time I was headed out of the airport with my luggage in tow, there was already layer of dry, dead skin dusted on my arms. Great visual, I know. This cream helped keep my dry skin, which was even more dehydrated in the dry Denver air, at bay. Vanicream is incredibly thick (think the consistency of Vasoline - but not oily), so a little goes a long way. I recommend applying it to dampened skin so it spreads and absorbs more easily.

Embryolisse Laboratoires Lait-Crème Concentré

Although I don't technically use a day cream, this is probably the product I use that is the closest thing to one. I debated whether or not I should add this to my Skincare Favorites & Routine because I use this more for cosmetic purposes than skin-health. Because it is a moisturizer, I decided it was worth the mention. I don't find it particularly hydrating (because it takes a lot to hydrate my skin), but it helps create a smooth canvas for my makeup. I use this cream after toner & serum and before primer. I let it seep into my skin before I apply primer. It prevents my skin from feeling tight through the day and helps give my skin a natural, radiant glow.

Now that you know my favorite and holy-grail moisturizers, I'd love to hear what yours are. Comment below and let me know! I love hearing from you.

Also don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin' and on Twitter @drtyblndambtn to keep up to date with my latest and greatest posts and thoughts.

Until next time,

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 //

Makeup Removers & Toners //

Facial Cleansers & Face Washes //

Serums & Oils //

>> Moisturizers <<

Facial Scrubs //

Facial Masks //