Brush

I got this brush a few weeks ago after my hair stylist, Lauren,  recommended it. I am not sure if it is the actual brush or the fact that I have a new brush and have been taking more time to dry my hair, but it definitely looks better!

My Skin Routine

I have had acne since I was about 12 years old so about 7 months  ago I went to see a dermatologist. I have been followingthe regimen she put me on since then and my skin is dramatically different, although still not perfect. One of the main things that I learned is that less is more when it comes to skin care. I used to layer my face with all sorts of really expensive products but I learned you really don't need to do that. You just need to be consistent. 

*In the morning I actually use a prescription  topical cream called Aczone and the evening I use a prescription Retin A called Tazorac that works miracles. In the evening I use Neutrogena Clear Pore Mask/Cleanser but I couldn't find an image for that product. Basically you want something with a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide. 

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics cream skincare, $46      
I have been using this eye cream for over  a year and
 I just love it.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics face moisturizer, £32
This isn't oil free like my evening moisturizer because
in the morning my face is quite dry from the Retin A,
plus it has SPF)

Mario Badescu Skin Care face moisturizer, $18
Simple and clean.

Cetaphil face cleanser, $2.40
I need something gentle in the morning, I usually
get Target's Up & Up brand.

Neutrogena face cleanser, $6.99
Who knew something so inexpensive could work
so well, plus it lasts forever

Mario Badescu Skin Care makeup remover, $6
Gentle eye makeup remover.

Philosophy beauty product, $45
I have never used this but it seems like it might be
 good if you don't have a prescription for Retin A.

My Daily Beauty Routine

            

MAC Cosmetics face makeup
$29 - nordstrom.com

Smashbox face powder
$59 - nordstrom.com

Benefit Cosmetics lip makeup
£25 - harrods.com

Bare Escentuals eyeshadow
$20 - sephora.com

Bobbi brown cosmetic
$22 - barneys.com

MAC Cosmetics concealer
$19 - bloomingdales.com

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics makeup
$24 - bloomingdales.com



*Thanks to Elisse for telling me about Polyvore!

Concealaholic

I am not brand loyal when it comes to concealer and I rarely buy the same kind twice. Maybe one day I will discover the best kind but until then I will do what I am doing.

I have always wanted to try a MAC concealer and so far I am really liking this one. The texture is nice and it seems to cover my under eye circles well.

What brand of concealer do you use?

Ombre

Apparently the ombre hair trend is already over, but lucky for me, I don't care! I want to get my hair colored like this!

Scent

My friend Lindsey came to my house for dinner the other night and she smelled amazing! She was wearing a perfume oil by Kuumba Made called "Black Copium". It is a mix of Black Coconut and Opium. According to the website it is strong, complex, earthy, sweet and pungent. I would have to agree. I picked one up at Whole Foods for $8.99. 

Time Balm

I bought this concealer about a month ago and I have really been enjoying it. It gives me more coverage than my previous concealer which is exactly what I needed. I use concealer practically all over my face as well as under my eyes. It smells really nice as well.

Gels

I have been wanting to try "gels" on my nails for some time now, so I figured my trip to NYC was the perfect excuse. Depending on the brand you use, they are supposed to last for 10-14 days. I tried Harmony Gelish and I was pleasantly surprised.

Between every coat of color and clear coat you put your nails under a UV light for two minutes. At the end of the process, your nails are instantly dry, so much so that the woman rubbed a washcloth with alcohol on them immediately after the process.

It cost an extra $22 to get gels, but so far I have gone 5 days without a chip which makes it worth the extra expense. I have heard some horror stories about getting them taken off, but I don't think that my nails are very delicate so I will update you with how that all goes. For now, I will continue to enjoy my perfect manicure.

Scent

Tokyo Milk Pafum in Lotus Sake

My friend who came to visit me brought me a gift! I love perfume, and she must have known that I had already seen and wanted this perfume after smelling some of them at Anthropologie a few months ago. She gave me the Tokyo Milk Parfum in Lotus Sake that she got from Blackbird in Seattle (where she lives). It is just the right size, it will be easy to travel with and I also love the cute packaging. 

I love it and I have been wearing it all weekend, I want to check out the Poe's Tobacco scent also, or as my husband would call it this "flavor". 

Tokyo Milk Parfum in Poe's Tobacco

Beauty

Picked up this Yes To Carrots  lip tint his weekend in "Coral Splash" and I haven't stopped using it all week. It smells great, it tingles and the color is just right. I want the other colors....