Daily Skincare Routine

Happy holidays! Can you believe it's been a year since my Skincare Favorites & Routine? I can't. I guess time flies when you're having fun. As we make our way into the colder, drier months of the year, I've felt the need to amp up the moisture in my skincare routine. I've found additional favorites since last year. I use the following products every day.

1) Cleanse

I wash my face twice a day: once in the morning when I wake and once when I come home for the evening. My cleansing routine is very similar to that which I described in my Skincare Favorites & Routine: Facial Cleansers & Face Washes (which I do realize is a very repetitive title), except I've swapped out my wash cloth for the BOSCIA Konjac Cleansing Sponge*. I still pat my face dry with a wash cloth, but I find the sponge really gets all the grime and makeup off my face. Not even gave away a few sponges as holiday gifts to some lucky individuals who've expressed interest in stepping up their skincare.

As far as skin hygiene goes, bacteria build up is always a concern. Because these sponges are only built to last about 3 months if they're used daily, bacteria shouldn't be an issue. I do recommend making sure you ring our your sponge and hang it up somewhere to dry (even if that's around your sink spout).

2) Moisturize

After my skin is squeaky clean, I follow up first with my favorite serum IMAGE SKINCARE Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum, which I wrote all about in There Must Be Magic in Image Skincare if you're interested in reading more.

Then, I follow up with a moisturizer. In the morning, I use KATE SOMERVILLE Goat Milk Cream, which leaves my skin feeling as soft as baby skin. At night, I use CLARINS HydraQuench Cream for Normal to Dry Skin. In the morning, my skin feels completely hydrated, and this cream smells pretty great (in a moisturizer way).

3) Hydrate (aka: drink water)

Drink water! Just drink it all day long. During the drier months, it's important to stay extra-hydrated. Put reminders on your phone, post-its everywhere or whatever it takes to help you to remember to drink water. I keep a water bottle at my desk at all times, and I remind myself to drink. REMEMBER: if you're feeling thirsty, that means you're already dehydrated. Among the endless benefits water provides, it is great for your skin.


I'm incredibly happy with my current skincare routine. I've noticed tremendous improvement in the overall health and hydration of my skin, and I attribute that entirely to my current skincare routine. Additionally, I've been able to cut out a few steps in my daily skincare routine, which is a huge plus!


What skincare are you loving? Have you tried any of these? Do you plan on trying anything? Comment below and let me know! I love hearing what you're loving.

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

xx

Lauren

* This post is not sponsored. I've been sent the BOSCIA Konjac Cleansing Sponge for review. All opinions are honest and my own.

How To: Hide Dark Eye Circles

For majority of the week, I am one tired lady. Despite my efforts, I can never seem to get as much sleep as I'd like to during the work week. One telling sign of inadequate sleep is dark, puffy under eyes, so I do my best to hide them. The following method is tried and true, and I highly recommend it to you if you want to cover up your dark circles without your under eyes looking dry and flaky.

 

Step 1: Bobbi Brown Corrector 

my shade: Light Bisque

Gently pat this over the dark circles with the fourth finger on either hand. For more on my thoughts on this product and how I use it, read more in My Thoughts On: Bobbi Brown Corrector. This product also topped my Makeup Worth Repurchasing and best beauty products of 2013 lists.

 

Step 2: Origins Plantstcripton Anti-Aging Concealer

my shade: 02 - Light/Medium

After trying countless hyped-up, high end concealers (which shall remain nameless) that claim to be formulated for the under eye area but really do nothing but settle into my fine lines and make my under eye skin extra dry, I finally tried the Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Concealer, and I'll never go back. This concealer is actually hydrating and blends under the eyes like a dream. It doesn't sit fine lines, glides over the skin and leaves it looking much more awake and radiant.

Using the product wand, dot this in the hollows below your eyes where the Bobbi Brown Corrector is covering the dark circles. Start near (but not quite on) the inner corner of your eye and stop approximately a quarter of the way through the hollows. Do not dot the corrector or the concealer to the outer corner of your eye.

 

Step 3: Buff it out with Real Techniques Contour Brush

This brush (which is currently sold exclusively as part of the Real Techniques Core Collection) is the perfect buffing tool for blending under eye concealer without leaving evidence -- no brush strokes, no finger prints. The concealers stay put; your skin looks flawless; and your dark circles are covered!


Here's the part where I encourage you to share your thoughts. Do you think you'll give any of the forementioned products a try? Have you tried them already? Is there something you're loving that's helping conceal your dark under eye circles? Comment below and let me know!

While you're at it, you might as well follow me on BlogLovin', Facebook & Twitter 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

Fall Haul

For the past 6 months, I've put myself on a [relatively] strict[ish] beauty buying diet. It started when I decided I needed to go through my collection and get rid of a few things. I've begun giving away or throwing out products that didn't work for me. As new product launches have come out, I did my best to resist; however, I felt my purge deserved a little splurge, so I rewarded myself with a few new presents (of the skincare, haircare and beauty sort). I didn't buy them all at once, so I've already formed solid opinions on some and just pulled others out of the box today (because what's better than receiving a beauty package in the mail? Answer: nothing. Christmas CAN be all year round). The result: my Fall Haul.

Let's dive into it!

ORIBE Soft Dry Conditioner Spray

This is one of those products that I just pulled this out of the box today. I'd like to avoid washing my hair everyday, but my second day hair is so dry with only a tiny bit of oil at the roots (sorry if that's gross, but at least I'm honest). Typically, dry shampoo doesn't do anything to revive my already dry hair. I usually wash my hair to add moisture back (usually via deep conditioner). I thought this sounded promising. I'm not sure if it will serve the function I purchased it for, but I figured it's worth a shot. It claims to be "a weightless silkening spray that leaves hair cashmere-soft, with natural and natural shine." Let me know if you've tried this in the comments below! If so, what do you use it for?

FIRST AID BEAUTY (FAB) Facial Radiance Overnight Mask

I was fortunate to try a sample of this mask, and I was incredibly impressed with the results. I gave it a fair test before ultimately deciding to purchase it. It's not cheap, but it's not going to break the bank (and I think it's worth it). This did exactly what it said it would do -- it made my skin radiant while adding moisture. The only thing that I don't love is the smell -- it reminds me of chemicals; however, I've been impressed with everything I've tried from the First Aid Beauty line so far, and I'm a hard one to please in terms of skincare. Don't be surprised if you see an updated skincare routine featuring a few of my favorite First Aid Beauty skincare products on this-here-blog in the near future. 

it Cosmetics Brushes for ULTA - Velvet Luxe Soft Focus Sculpting Brush

When it comes to the online beauty community, I'm a harder sell than I used to be. I used to want to try almost everything that beauty vloggers and bloggers I trusted would talk about. Now, not so much. That being said, Tati completely sold me on some of the new IT Makeup brushes for ULTA. I was able to resist completely blowing my paycheck on all of her top picks and decided just to try the Velvet Luxe Soft Focus Sculpting Brush first. I'll admit, I've only used it once (because I just bought it over the weekend), but I can already tell it's a holy grail brush. Not only is it extremely soft, it works amazingly to create the perfect cheek-hollow contour.

NARS "Douceur" Blush

I picked this up per Suzie of HelloOctober's recommendation. I love her blog and her YouTube channel. She's so sweet and has excellent recommendations. We have similar base skin tones, so I love her recommendations. I saw her apply this blush to her cheeks and immediately knew I needed it in my life. Cutting to the chase -- this blush is wonderful and I love it. It's perfect for Fall (all year round, really). It gives the cheeks a natural looking flush, and I think it would be a fantastic blush for women with fair to medium skin tones. While this blush does have nearly undetectable and sporadic flecks of glitter, it applies matte. This is not a shimmery / highlight blush. 

CHARLOTTE TILBURY - Lip Cheat Re-shape & Re-size Lip Liner "Pillow Talk"

I'm so, so, so excited about this lip liner. I've never really owned lip liners, and I feel like it's not something to get excited about, but I can't help it! It just came in the mail today. After trying to scheme and figure out how I was going to get my hands on some Charlotte Tilbury all the way from across the pond, the unthinkable happened - Charlotte Tilbury came to the US! You can now pick up the line at Nordstrom (thank you Nordstrom!). I decided that I absolutely needed this in my life after Amelia Liana confirmed that this is her favorite makeup item. She's been talking about it for a while, and she's still obsessed. I have a good feeling that I'll share the sentiment with her. I'll let you know my thoughts when I actually give it a try.

LIPSTICK QUEEN - Invisible Lip Liner

Another lip liner! I picked this up before I knew Charlotte Tilbury had landed in the USA. I haven't been using it too long, but I'm really liking this stuff so far. It's done a great job of keeping even my brightest lip colors looking sharp. I have no complaints!

RIMMEL LONDON - Moisture Renew Lipstick "In Love With Ginger"

Speaking of bright lip colors... I really like this red from Rimmel. Just like the Charlotte Tilbury lip liner, I was dying to get my hands on this lipstick shade. I'd heard several of my favorite British Beauty YouTubers and bloggers talk about it (and had seen them wear it). For a while, the only way I could've purchased this lipstick is if I had placed an order on ASOS.com (which is a great resource for UK beauty items that are hard to track down in the US). I was nervous about buying a bright red lip color over the internet without try it first. Luckily, I didn't have to because it this color (along with several others) just launched at drugstores where Rimmel is sold! I decided that it's a beautiful shade both online and in-person. Rimmel makes good lipsticks in general -- they never dry out my lips (which is a big deal for me) and have a semi-pleasant fragrance for lipstick.

TWO FACED - Better Than Sex Mascara

I'd heard a lot of great things about this mascara, and when the "Twice the Sex" package went on sale, I decided it was time to buy. I use this after my DIOR - DIORSHOW MAXIMIZER Lash Plumping Serum and tarte Lights Camera Splashes mascara when I want an extra dramatic effect. I can get a little clumpy, so I typically follow up with my eyelash comb to take out separate my lashes.

KOH GEN DO- Aqua Foundation Illuminator "IL01"

For a while, I've been mixing a sample size of this product in with my Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation for smoother application and more radiance. I decided it was time to finally buy the full size, so I did. If you're interested in reading more on this product, check out My Thoughts On: GIORGIO ARMANI Luminious Silk Foundation. Spoiler alert: I love it. 

FRESH - Sugar "Tulip" Tinted Lip Treatment

Last, but not least: I'm a longtime Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment lover, but I've only gone for the colorless treatments in the past. I can be pretty lazy when it comes to applying anything to my lips throughout the week (other than my Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss), so I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone -- a fantastic lip treatment that gives the lips a nice pop of color. Tulip is definitely a Fall color.

What are you loving or dying to try for Fall? Have you tried any of the products I listed above? Comment below and let me know. I love hearing your thoughts.

Be sure to check back soon for more! If you haven't already, be sure to follow me on Facebook, BlogLovin', and Twitter to keep up to date with all of my blog and my beautiful thoughts ;)!

xx Lauren

Makeup Favorites: CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine in 'Sourire'

As a beauty addict, I'm constantly trying out new makeup. Although I every purchase I make is heavily researched and informed, there are just some products that really stand out amongst the rest. Those are the products I wear everyday, repurchase, highly recommend to friends and fork over the extra dollars for. Whether its because of the color, texture or beneficial properties, some makeup items are good enough to warrant the hype or deserve more recognition. Cutting to the chase, I'm going to start a series on my blog about my all-time makeup favorites.  These are the products that I think you should run out and get now.

First up? A longtime beauty favorite from Chanel.


CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine - Sourire

It's no secret that Chanel cosmetics are fantastic and that their products constantly top cult beauty lists. The Rogue Coco Shine in Boy is one of the most coveted lip products in the beauty community. I completely understand the hype. The Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine line, in general, has to be the best lip product line I've ever tried.

Think: a lipstick, a lip balm and a lip gloss had a child -- the Rouge Coco Shine line would be the result. Although the line isn't known for its staying power, I definitely don't mind retouching; it's a luxurious and pleasant experience to apply. They're hydrating, apply like silk, have a beautiful sheen, and aren''t sticky. If you're immersed in the beauty community, then maybe you already know all this.

What you probably didn't know is that the shade Sourire is absolutely stunning, and often flies under the radar. This shade is my all-time favorite go-to, everyday lip product. It suits a wide variety of skin tones. Sourire is a light coral-pink with subtle glitter (maybe the only downside if you are strictly opposed to glitter), and it looks incredibly natural once applied. It has a slight rose fragrance -- pretty great in my opinion!

I could take about this forever, so I'm cutting myself off now. Just do yourself a favor -- try this out, so you can truly understand what I'm raving about. Them tell me how you like it in the comments below or on Twitter. I guarantee it will be a staple in your collection.


What lip product in your collection trumps all else? Comment below and let me know.

Be sure to check back soon for more of my all-time makeup favorites! If you haven't already, be sure to follow me on Facebook, BlogLovin', and Twitter to keep up to date with all of my upcoming blog jottings!

xx Lauren

Summer Survival Guide 2014

Summer's finally here! It's time to whip out our shorts (please mind the crack... and the under-butt) and soak up the sun. I've come up with a list with a few of my must-have items you'll need to survive this Summer.

CABANA ANNA SWIMWEAR - Malibu Bandeau & Crystal Cove Brief

the Swimsuit

I like to treat myself to one new bikini every Summer. This year, I wanted something pretty and unique, so I opted for a suit from Cabana Anna Swimwear. When I first laid eyes on the Malibu Bandeau and Crystal Cove Brief, it was love at first sight. Not only do I love me some pink and white stripes, the silhouette of the bikini is fun and very feminine, and the bow cascading down the top adds a glamorous and flirty touch.

This swimwear line was founded and is designed exclusively by my friend Anna. All of her swimwear is fair-trade and made in the USA (oh, and did I mention really cute!?). She has a great online boutique that you must check out. Stop by her Facebook and Instagram to say hi and check out her beautiful images -- be sure to let her know I sent you!


ALTERNA Caviar CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction
the HairRescue

Every time I hear either BB or CC attached to a beauty product, I cringe. I'm instantly skeptical -- doesn't it seem like brands are taking this BB/CC marketing thing a little too far? I think yes. I'm assuming you do, too. That's why it took me so long to finally try this out. CC cream for hair? What does that even mean? In the case of this stuff, I can tell you it means a whole lotta good for your hair in only 1-3 pumps of product.

This claims to provide moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat protection, light hold, UV protection, manageability and strength. While I can't detect whether this product is living up to all of these claims, I've noticed my hair is immensely softer, shinier, smoother, stronger and more hydrated. As a matter of fact, I give it full credit for my hair accruing only 1 inch of damage after waiting 5 months for a haircut (bad me). Once a skeptic; now, a believer.


L'ORÉAL Colour Riche Caresse - Sunset Angora
the Pout

Though I tend to favor my high-end makeup, I'm occasionally blown away by a drugstore product. I've been very impressed with L'Oréal's cosmetics line. In particular, I've been loving their Colour Riche Caresse in Sunset Angora. It smells/tastes lightly like honey, and it is a nicely-pigmented cross between tinted lip balm and lipstick that somehow manages not to deprive my lips of all moisture -- it actually may even add a hint of hydration.  

Aside from the excellent texture and pleasant smell, this shade is a universally flattering reddish-coral that can help anyone looks more awake and radiant.


tarte - Lights, Camera, Splashes 4-in-1 Waterproof Mascara

the Lashes

I'm definitely noticing a trend in my Summer picks: do-it-all products that actually live up to their claims. This blacker-than-black mascara is allegedly lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning... and, yep! It is. It gives my eye lashes that extra umph while separating, lengthening and keeping them curled. I still apply my beloved DIOR Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum to prep my lashes. The formula is wet, which I personally prefer to dry mascaras, and stays that way for a long time -- the better to coat our lashes with!


Now you know what I've got on hand to survive this Summer; comment below and let me know what you won't go without this season. What are you dying to try?

If you haven't already, be sure to follow me on Facebook, BlogLovin', and Twitter to keep up to date with all of my upcoming Summer-loving posts!

xx Lauren

DISCLAIMER: I designed the graphic above, but the images used are product shots taken from the brands' respective websites and online boutiques. 

POPSUGAR Must Have: May Box

When my May POPSUGAR Must Have Box arrived via post this week, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The box came with 6 presents: 2 beauty items, 2 home items, 1 fitness item and 1 food item. Though I've only spent a couple of days with these items and can't give a full review yet, I'm already really impressed with some of these products, and I'm excited to try the others.

So here's what came in my May 2014 box ...

Smell Bent St. Tropez Dispenser
Must Have Beauty

This fragrance is unexpectedly delicious. It smells like vacation -- the perfect blend of gardenias and coconut with a hint of sunscreen. I promise, it's better than I'm describing. This is probably one of the items I'm most excited about. It retails for $45, which is already more than the cost of a 1-month subscription.

Zing Anything Citrus Zinger
Must Have Home

I'm looking forward to bringing this with me to work. I'm thinking I'll try it with grapefruit first! comment below and let me know what you'd like to infuse with your water.

Kerry Cassill Eye Mask 
Must Have Home

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Pool Boy Nail Lacquer
Must Have Beauty

I've heard so much about OCC lip tars, and I was so excited to see this beautiful nail color in my May box.

Tone It Up: One Day Fat Blast
Must Have Fitness

Hi I'm Skinny Sticks Multi-grain Sweet Onion
Must Have Food

I ripped open this bag immediately! These are delicious -- a healthier twist on an unhealthy snack.


Overall, I'm very impressed with this box (and the value of the products for the price of the subscription). I'm strongly considering purchasing my own subscription.

POPSUGAR was kind enough to offer all of my readers $10 off a 3 month subscription with promotion code MAYSELECT10. If you're interested in using this coupon code, make sure to use it by June 7, 2014. I'm not making a commission off of this -- they're just doing it for all of you!

If you haven't already, be sure to follow me on Facebook, BlogLovin', and Twitter to keep up to date with all of my upcoming posts! If you're interested in hearing more about any of these products, comment below and let me know. I'm always happy to do full reviews for you.

xx Lauren

My Thoughts On: Bobbi Brown Corrector

If you're anything like me, then you'll probably need cement to cover your dark under-eye circles. Fortunately, Bobbi Brown has got us covered. Literally.

COLOR MATCH

Bobbi Brown Corrector comes in sixteen shades to suit everyone's dark circle needs. That means we can all rock the well-rested façade. The most difficult part of using this product is finding the right shade. I highly recommend you go to your local Bobbi Brown counter and test them out or have a Bobbi specialist help you. I don't recommend color-matching yourself based on the online chart. The wrong corrector can actually emphasize your dark circles or make them look green ... even if the color generally matches your skin tone.

APPLICATION + BLENDABILITY

Once you have the Corrector, it's all about the three questions of application: When? Where? How?

When?
Apply the corrector before foundation and/or concealer. Once your dark circles are reduced, the foundation or concealer will help your skin all appear as one color.

Where?
Try only to apply the product to the dark areas under your eyes.

How?
Because this is on the stickier side, I've found it's easiest to work with it once it has melted a bit with the heat of my fingers. Give the product a good swirl with your fourth finger and dab it on to your dark circles.

COVERAGE

Although it doesn't completely conceal my dark circles, the Corrector is incredibly high coverage and definitely helps eliminate them.

FINISH

This product does have a tendency to crease, so you may want to remove excess product by gently rolling a cotton swab over the creased area. The Corrector will dry with a tacky finish, so I recommend either covering it with a foundation/concealer or lightly dusting it with powder.

 

WORTH THE HYPE?

Yes. Even on my no-makeup days, I tend to sneak this on right under my eyes. On the nights I haven't slept enough, it helps make me look like I've gotten ample sleep -- nice and awake. I've even inadvertently convinced several friends to pick up their own mini-compacts (just by putting this on in front of them). I've already repurchased this... so yes, yes and yes.


*What do you want me to review next? Comment below and let me know!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook, BlogLovin' & Twitter for all things #HauteOffTheBlog!

xx Lauren

*This review was requested by Abbie O.

Best Drugstore Haircare

I've been a bit of a haircare snob since early high school. In junior high, I primarily used drugstore haircare and realized that I was getting what I paid for. Once I made the switch to salon haircare, I noticed a massive difference in the health, appearance and manageability of my hair. I wasn't until recently that I've begun to dip my toes back into the drugstore haircare pond again, and my, have brands stepped it up!

I'd have to say my gateway product was Dove Daily Moisture Conditioner. My hairstylist recommended it to me over a year ago, and it now has a permanent spot in my shower. I've been blown away by it. Not only does it add moisture to my unfathomably dry (not damaged) hair, it also works as a fantastic detangler. If you've been reading my blog regularly, then you've already heard me sing its praises, so I'll move on.

L'Oréal Paris owns Kerastase, which is one of my all-time favorite salon haircare brads, so it should come as no surprise that the following five products are all from L'Oréal.

Since we're already on the topic of daily conditioners, I figured I'd mention my favorite drugstore shampoo-conditioner duo: L'Oréal Paris EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System Intense Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner For Dry to Very Dry Hair. They're impressively hydrating; they smell like brown sugar and vanilla; and best of all, they're sulfate-free, which means you can use this shampoo worry-free if you have colored hair! (FUN FACT: Most conditioners don't / shouldn't have sulfates.)

Before we leave the shower (hmm... awkward), you'll want to deep condition. You're in luck -- L'Oréal makes two of my all-time favorite hair masks. The first, Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm, is for protein-needy (keratin) or damaged hair, and the other, Power Moisture Moisture Rush Mask, is for moisture-deprived hair. For the best results, leave either mask in your hair in your wet hair for as long as you possibly can. Sometimes, I leave it in after I shower when my hair really needs that extra sumthin' sumthin'.

The most recent, and perhaps most exciting, drugstore haircare favorite is the new L'Oréal Advanced Haircare SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heat Spray. Although it's meant for straightening, I use this product when I curl my hair. I picked this up at the recommendation of Kayley Melissa (YouTube's LetsMakeItUp1). If you're not already subscribed to her channel, you should be. In one of her videos, she demonstrated that this heat spray not only protects hair from heat styling, it actually helps hair hold curl. I've noticed it also gives my slippery, straight hair some texture. I can't even explain how fantastic this product is, but I can't recommend it enough. I find it works to hold curl best when I don't add hairspray after.


I always love learning about and trying new drugstore haircare products. Which ones are you loving from the drugstore? Comment below and let me know!

Keep in touch with me by following me on Facebook; feel free to ask me anything on Twitter @drtyblndambtn; and be sure to follow me on BlogLovin' - I have some great posts headed your way that you wont want to miss!

xx
Lauren

Makeup Worth Repurchasing

I consider myself a product loyalist. When I find something I love,  I will absolutely repurchase once I run out. While I go through haircare and skincare products fairly quickly, it's not often that I go through a makeup item. On the rare occasion I do, it seems that other my other products follow in its lead.

If you've been reading my blog on the reg', then you already know that the following four products are some of my holy grail, all-time favorites. Even though they're all on the pricier end, I haven't regretted a penny -- plus they all last a good, long while.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black

Apart from the fact that this eyeliner is long-lasting and deeply pigmented, it is the only felt-tip liquid liner I've ever owned that lasts over a month. As a matter of fact, each of the pens I've had have lasted six months. After using it for a while, I've noticed that I prefer it with a primer underneath; it makes the color more opaque. 

Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum

This absolutely has to be the best lash primer on the market. Although the results aren't obvious immediately, it makes my lashes longer and stronger. For more of my thoughts on this must-have lash product, ready my full review: Prime Time: The Benefits of Eyelash Primers and Conditioners.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

I've tried clear mascara. I've tried other clear brow gels. Nothing tops this. It keeps my brows perfectly in place all day long. This is definitely a product you won't understand until you try it, but it's absolutely worth the $22.

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque 

This does such a fantastic job covering up my dark circles. Even on my no-makeup days, I won't leave the house without this under my eyes and my Anastasia Brow Gel holding my brows in place. Read my full review: My Thoughts On: Bobbi Brown Corrector // Countdown: Top Discoveries of 2013.


There you have it: makeup I would repurchase, have repurchased and will continue to repurchase!

Comment below and let me know what products you shovel out the repurchasing dollars for!

Feel free to ask me anything on Twitter @drtyblndambtn, and be sure to follow me on BlogLovin' - I have some great posts headed your way that you wont want to miss!

xx
Lauren

My Thoughts On: GIORGIO ARMANI Luminous Silk Foundation

GIORGIO ARMANI Luminous Silk Foundation seems to be everyone's all-time favorite base. Year after year, it wins big magazine awards and a spot in the makeup bags of celebrities and beauty lovers. I'm an incredibly curious person, so I just had to see what all the hoop-la's about.

If I'm going to make an investment on a pricier makeup item like this, I like to let the hype (that surrounds almost every new product release) die down before I decide to purchase. The hype surrounding Luminous Silk has never died down nor did my curiosity, so I decided to take the financial plunge and pick up a bottle.

COLOR MATCH

First off, I want to start by saying the shade I chose (4.5) matches my skin's current state (extra pale) perfectly! The foundation comes in a fantastic range of colors, so I'm confident almost anyone would be able to find their perfect match.

COVERAGE + FINISH

The coverage is excellent! Although the liquid is a thin to medium consistency, one layer gives nice medium to full coverage without looking cakey because it's so well pigmented. The foundation dries to a nice glowy, skin-like finish -- not really matte and not too dewy (although I'm not one to complain about a nice dewy finish).

BLENDABILITY / TEXTURE

Luminous Silk is said to work for a wide variety of skin types, but the only drawback I've found is that it's not as easy to blend as it could be/should be -- I'd assume because I have such dry skin. Even when I use a great primer like my Hourglass N° 28 Serum Primer or Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer, and my Real Techniques Buffing Brush , it takes a while to blend out the brush strokes to achieve a nice even finish.

Luckily, I've found a great solution to this issue. I mix Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Illuminator in 1L01 Sheer Beige in with my foundation on the back of my hand before applying it to my face. The added moisture from the illuminator gives the foundation just the hydration boost it needs to blend beautifully on my skin.

WORTH THE HYPE?
Yes. Also, there's no SPF in the mix, which means it photographs beautifully, and there's no flashback!

What foundation have you been loving? Comment below and let me know!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook, BlogLovin' and Twitter for all things ambitious and #HauteOffTheBlog!

xx Lauren

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
 

A Year of Yes {To} #YESTOMOVEMENT

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Yes To and the lovely Heart Defensor {YouTube's ThatsHeart} to help bring "The Academy of Yes" to life and to kick of their #YESTOMOVEMENT.  It was such a fun project to work on, and the cast and crew were fantastic!

In honor of the #YESTOMOVEMENT launch, Yes To sent me an amazing care package!

They sent me a bunch of goodies I've been dying to try from their line. Everything smells so amazing -- I actually find myself sniffing the products from time to time just because they smell that good (whatevs, we've all done it, right?)! Although I've been trying to resist cracking into the products to save them for travel, I'm already a good way through the Yes To Carrots Super Rich Body Butter . I'm struggling to keep myself from digging into the Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub and Yes To Blueberries Ultra Hydrating Body Wash . I can feel my self-restraint being overtaken by temptation and pure curiosity (which means I'll likely start using them in the next few days), so if these two are anything like the Super Rich Body Butter from the Carrots line, I'm sure a raving review will be happening in the near future!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out "The Academy of Yes" {see above} and subscribe to Yes To's  YouTube Channel! 


Have you used any of the products from Yes To? Comment below, and let me know which ones I should get next because I want to try more from their line!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook, BlogLovin' and Twitter for all things ambitious and #HauteOffTheBlog!

xx Lauren

Products Mentioned:
 

There Must Be Magic in Image Skincare

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum //

I've never met a product from Image Skincare that I didn't like. If you read my blog regularly, you'll already know I'm a super-fan of their Ageless Total Lightening Skin Serum. I recently started incorporating their Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum into my skincare routine, and my skin is in heaven! Dare I say, I may even like this better than the serum from their Ageless line.

The Vital C serum looks like an off-white lotion when it first comes out, applies like a primer, and absorbs like a serum. It fully soaks into the skin and dries clear. On top of that, this serum really adds a nice boost of hydration to my dry skin, which is now even drier in the cold Winter.

The Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum is part of Image Skincare's Vital C line, which is formulated for people with dry skin. All products in the line contain Vitamin C, so the serum has a nice citrus-orange scent {more on the sweet side rather than tangy}.

After I let it fully seep into my skin, I apply my favorite Spa Technologies Hydrating Oil and a great moisturizer to complete my skincare routine. This product has also significantly helped reduce my redness / skin irritation.

What skincare products are you loving so far in 2014? Comment below, and tell me all about it or them. I love learning about products you're loving!

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin' and Twitter for all things ambitious and #HauteOffTheBlog!

xx Lauren

Products Mentioned: