September 03, 2019

In My Own Skin

September 03, 2019/ Elise xx

As I get older, I find that I feel my best in a fresh face. I became VIB Rouge at Sephora in college from buying so much makeup. Now I maintain my VIB Rouge status from buying so much skin care. So funny how things change!

I have been using Kylie Skin for months now and have been loving the way my skin feels. The products are so creamy, fresh and smell amazing. I have recently developed more oily skin and I find that exfoliating a couple times a week helps a lot. I use the Kylie Skin walnut exfoliator, the vanilla milk toner and the foaming face wash regularly. I have noticed major improvements in my skin and I believe you will too if you stay consistent.

(I am in no way a skincare expert; I just know what works for me.)

Photo is from Kylie Skin’s instagram. I do not own the rights to this photo.

June 13, 2018

The Truth About My Bangs

June 13, 2018/ Elise xx

Sooo ... I have a little secret. Remember when I posted my new haircut with bangs on Instagram? Well, they were faux bangs! *insert big gasp here* haha

Here's how I feel about bangs: been there, done that! I just can't deal with the mess of bangs honestly. I think they are so flipping cute and always want to rock them, but I literally just can't. lol They actually really bother me (I hate the feeling of them on my face), I was constantly having to straighten them when I had bangs in college and nobody wants to put that much heat on their hair on a consistent basis. I also throw my hair up a lot and I can't do that with bangs without looking like I'm back in high school with the little puff in the front of my head. Remember when that was in? So glad it's out!

So here's the skinny: the bangs are clip-in and super convenient. I got them from The Hair Shop in LA (but you can shop their inventory online or check for other locations around the US). I got mine during their "Fringe Sale" and I just checked for you guys and the deal is still going on! They are on sale right now for $79. It sounds a little steep, but if you're anything like me and are always changing up your hairstyle, it's totally worth it. I would probably never cut bangs again, but these clip-ins allow me to still rock that chic, fun look without any committment. I mean let's be real -- I can barely commit to one lipstick in a day.

There are three different styles of bangs on their site (and in store). The ones I have are called THE BANG (Boho Chic) and it comes in every color imaginable. If they have my color, they'll have yours! :) I was going to make a video showing you how I clip in mine, but The Hair Shop had one that was so helpful for me and showed the three different styles so beautifully, I wanted you guys to see it too.

If you end up trying out these bangs, tag me on your insta so I can see! xx

April 10, 2018

Kissable At All Times

April 10, 2018/ Elise xx

Nobody likes kissing chapped lips!

As I get older skincare (and body care) have moved really high up on my priority list. Everyone talks about how hydrated we should keep our skin causing us all to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on moisturizers that do so. We buy face mask after face mask and exfoliate at least once a week like clock work. Am I right? That's rhetorical because I am obviously right. ;)

So we spend all of this time working on our skin so we can be part of the trending "Glow Up," but we neglect one of the sexiest features of our face -- OUR LIPS. There is nothing worse than having beautiful, fresh skin with chapped, crusty lips.

"But Elise, what's the solution?!"

I'm so glad you asked! Just as you would exfoliate your face and keep it moisturized with serums, masks, lotions & potions, do the same to your lips. I think people tend to forget that your lips have skin too. (I chuckled as I typed that because it sounds so silly, but it's true.) There are three things I routinely do to keep my lips kissable at all times. You never know when your man is going to sneak up and surprise you with a big one. I exfoliate my lips, on average, twice a week. During winter I may do it a little more because my lips getting really chapped when it's cold, but this will vary from person to person. You'll get to know your lips and their tendencies the more you start giving them attention. To exfoliate, I use MAC's Lip Scrubtious (I prefer the sweet vanilla).

There is a mask for every part of your body! So, naturally, I had to find my favorite lip mask and stock up. I apply Laniege's Lip Sleeping Mask every single night before I go to bed. (I got mine from Sephora.) I waited to write this blog until I had tried this lip mask for a month to see the genuine results. I promise you, if you follow these steps, you will see a noticeable difference in the softness and healthy glow of your lips. This product carries Vitamin C and lots of fruit extracts. I will link the items at the end of the post to shop.

Now that you have products to use at home, what are you using during the day? It's equally important to find a good moisturizer for your lips that lives in your purse. I always carry with me Josie Maran's Argan Lip Sting Plumping Butter (I got from Sephora) and Aquaphor Lip Repair (you can get it from Target, CVS, or any other drug store). Aquaphor has been my go-to for years. Before I discovered lip masks (I was shook when I did), I was using Aquaphor to deep moisturize at night. So now I have been carrying it around with me as my chapstick. I have recently started using Josie Maran's lip butter and so far so good. I really love Josie Maran's products (they are all based with argan oil) and have for awhile. The lip butter has a creamy/velvety finish (which is nice considering it's a stick) and does have a sting at application (it goes away after a minute or so) that create the plumping properties. I'll never say no to plump. ;)

*If you do not like the tingly feeling or are not looking for a plumping product, this one is not for you.