In Love With.. Skin Care

I have always loved experimenting with beauty products, 

constantly on the hunt for something to make my skin look brighter, smoother, firmer. 

In fact, I've probably been doing it all wrong for the past couple of decades, 

since most professionals (which I am nowhere close to),

 recommend sticking to the same skin care regimen for at least two to three months for the products to adjust and behave to their full potential. 

But I get antsy, you see?

I want results, and I want them now!

Which is why if I don't see glowing skin after about a week or so, 

I tend to move on to the next "big thing".

That being said, I have found a few products that live up to the hype and deliver results.. QUICKLY.

These five products have done wonders for my skin,

so I wanted to share them with anyone that may be seeking that butterfly-crown snapchat filter effect in real life. 

Please keep in mind that we're all different, 

so just because these products worked for me, does not mean that you'll get the same results. 

But if you're willing to experiment, I would highly recommend for you to add these products to your skin care regimen.

One: Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil. I am pretty much the opposite of granola when it comes to skin care. If it doesn't burn, it's not working. At least that was my mentality for years! But after trying this natural cleansing oil, I'm that much closer to joining green peace. Kidding. But seriously, have you tried washing your face with oil before? It defies all logic, and sucks up all the grime and grease from your face in seconds. And call me crazy, but I feel like my skin has gotten LESS oily since I've started using this stuff? It must be magic. 

Two: Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask. Collagen. Let's talk about it. As we age, our skin loses some of its elasticity and firmness. Some of this is due to the loss and breakdown of collagen in the dermal layer of your skin. Maybe it's the fact that I turned 30 this year, but for some reason, I have started paying extra attention to these features of my skin lately. Obviously, prevention is key, and this Mario Badescu collagen mask is money, honey. I use it once a week, leaving it on for about 40 minutes. I swear each time is like a mini at home facial. It smells like a high-end spa, and the best part is that my skin gets a little oomph after I wash it off.

Three: Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner. I'm not gonna lie, I had to use my expert google techniques to figure out how to use this product when I first bought it. The reviews are killer for this stuff! The instructions? Not so much. Is it a gel? A toner? Do I use it alone or under a moisturizer? Huh?! So here's what I do, and whether it's right or not, I don't really care because I feel like my skin stays grease-free for hours when I use this toner. After washing my face in the morning, simply pump a nickel sized amount into your hand and massage onto your face. This may take a little while to get used to, since this stuff is quite liquid-y, but you'll get the hang of it after a few tries. Let it dry and then apply moisturizer if needed. I go directly to a tinted moisturizer and then a light dust of powder to set it all in place, and voila! Shiny forehead be gone!

Four: Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil. Okaaayyyy so two things: 1) clearly I'm on an oil kick lately, but the hype is real!! This one in particular is seriously the best I have tried to date. It's a quick-absorbing, medicated dry oil that clears congested pores, treats and prevents acne, all while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Um, yes please? I've been using it for about a month, and I am obsessed! 2) I am sucker for packaging, so while this stuff is not exactly cheap, it goes a long way and looks so chic on my vanity. A+ for boxed luxury.

Five: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. Unfortunately, no matter how diligent I am with my skin care routine, every once in a while I still get those pesky blemishes. My go to cure has been this drying lotion. I swear by it! Spot treat with a q-tip before bed, and wake up with a clear face. I'm all about that overnight action, you know what I mean?

Brooklyn Cruising

Have you ever been to Coronado Island?

Located across the bay from downtown San Diego,

this affluent resort city is where I'd like to live when I retire. 

Although Coronado is home to one of my favorite beaches in the world,

the peninsula itself is not very large and can easily be covered by bike within a day. 

Which is exactly what Erik and I did last weekend,

thanks to the wonderful offer from Brooklyn Cruisers, to take their city bikes out for a spin. 

We started our Sunday Funday at Holland's Bicycles,

where we were quickly fixed up with Willow and Driggs, our two cruisers for the day.

After a few practice laps in the parking lot, 

we were on our way down Orange Ave to find a place to grab some brunch. 

You know me - I obviously did some foodie research before we set off,

and all the signs pointed me towards Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge.

We couldn't be happier with our selection!

The food was VERY delicious,

and as we sat outside, enjoying the live music and sipping on our cocktails, we were in absolute bliss. 

A few hours later, it was time to work off our calories,

so we hopped back on our bikes and took off with no final destination in sight. 

I love exploring around the quaint residential streets of Coronado...

all the houses are so unique, each one charming in its own way. 

As we weaved our way through the tiny alleys,

we somehow found ourselves at the beach, so we decided to take a break and lay out for a while. 

The weather was seriously perfect, so it was only natural for us to fall asleep. 

After waking up almost an hour later, we decided that we were hungry again,

so we hopped back on our bikes and followed the boardwalk, past the Hotel Del,

until we found a place with a great happy hour. 

Vigilucci's bar was calling our names,

so we found a cozy booth, order a few beers and some oysters, 

and finished the day by watching a soccer match with some locals. 

If only every day could be so relaxing!

Crispy Spiced Pork Belly and Bleu Pepper Chips

Poke Tacos and Stone Fruit + Smoked Duck

 Aren't these bikes so cool?!

We literally got stopped by strangers several times, to be asked where we got them!

If you're interested, you can find them here. 

Bon Affair

How is it possible for the weekends to fly by SO quickly?!

I suppose I don't have too much to complain about..

the weather has been close to perfect in San Diego recently - maybe a smidge too hot,

but not anything that a chilled wine spritzer can't fix.

And boy do I have the perfect potion to cool me down!

A few weeks ago I received the most amazing care package from Bon Affair,

a top shelf, lighter option for California wine. 

Even though I typically prefer a deep red wine over anything light,

I must say, the Sauvignon Blanc I tried out this weekend was just right. 

The crisp taste is reminiscent to Champagne or Prosecco, 

and the fact that it's 100% natural, with no added sugar, 

(translation, this stuff has half the calories of regular wine),

make Bon Affair a no brainer. 

I'm seriously obsessed with their packaging too. 

The simple white and black bottle design is so chic, don't you think?

It's perfect for any occasion.. 

whether you're trying to cool off by the pool, want to impress a hostess at your next dinner party, 

or simply want a delicious, light beverage to sip on before your next night out on the town,

I highly recommend Bon Affair. 

Curious to try it for yourself?

Bon Affair is available for purchase on their site and at select retailers in the San Diego region. 

Please drink responsibly. 

One Minute (Wo)Man

There are times,

when one minute is all you need.

Minds out of the gutter people.

I'm referring to your daily hygiene regimen.

I think I've mentioned it before,

but I'm cursed with extremely sensitive skin.

Breakouts are sweet little surprises,

that seem to always spring up when I least expect them.

Um, ya, hey body, you're not 13 anymore, remember?

These flare-ups can be so annoying!

I'm constantly on the look-out for new "revolutionary" products,

that can supposedly make my skin smooth and clear.. forever.

Editor's note: I think one of my problems is that I don't use new products long enough... I read somewhere that you should give new products a three-month grace period before deciding whether they're right for your skin type, but honestly, who can wait that long when their skin is flaring up like a pissed of blowfish?!

I recently stumbled upon a system that seems to be working on my skin,

but I'll write more about it later,

once I'm sure it works long-term,

and is not just another fluke.

What I do want to tell you about today,

is a little,

vibrating,

magic machine.

I'm sure you've heard about the Clarisonic cleansing systems before.

Right?

I mean, these things are everywhere lately,

so I figured I'd give it a shot.

I bought myself the Clarisonic Mia,

and have not put it down since.

The concept is simple -

based on the same technology as Sonicare toothbrushes,

the Mia works with your skin's natural elasticity

to gently remove the impurities that traditional methods leave behind.

Once you hit that power button,

the machine vibrates for exactly one minute,

and by the time you're done,

your skin is softer and smoother than before you started.

Bam!

I personally love the way it makes my skin tingle,

and can use it over and over again.

Have you ever tried timing yourself when washing your face with your hands,

to ensure you're massaging long enough?

Those seconds draaaaaaag.

Not the case with my little Mia here.

One minute flies by faster than you can say,

one mi-ssi-ssi-ppi, two...

You get the point.

So I bet you're wondering about the results.

Does the damn thing work or not?

The answer is..... yes.

Since using my beloved Clarisonic, my skin does feel smoother and softer.

Of course I'm not gonna pull your leg and tell you my skin is perfect.

Yes, I still get flareups,

{stupid hormones},

but I have seen improvements.

I promise.

{And I'm not even paid to say that. Darn!}

My final verdict for this product?

Love it, buy it. 

Even if you don't suffer from breakouts,

a daily facial massage is always a pro. 

Product Review - Tarte New Amazonian Clay Waterproof Collection

Alright girls, let's talk makeup. Who doesn't love to play dress up and try out new things? I know I do. I spend hundreds of dollars every year on impulse buys... to the point where my husband just tells me to steer clear anytime we're walking by Sephora or the Nordstrom beauty counter... whatever. Still, it's always fun to play with new products, especially when those products are freebies! That's right folks, Tarte has a new Amazonian Clay Waterproof Collection out, and this lucky girl got to test out a few of their pieces. 

Let's discuss what I got. First of all, there's the gel waterproof liners. Each package comes equipped with the perfect liner brush (that's a $54 value for a retail price of only $22!), which makes application easy peasy. I tried two different colors, black and plum, and each one blended seamlessly. There are two ways to wear this type of liner: 1) if you're going for the cat-eye look, you can use the thinner end of the brush, applying it directly by the lash line, stroking out at the very end; 2) you can also try sporting the "bedroom eyes", by following the step described previously, and then smudging the liner upwards with the thicker end of the brush. I have recently mastered the application of bedroom eyes in plum, which makes my green eyes pop, while giving me that smoldering look (obsessed). You can really stretch the range of how you use these liners - tight and simple for the office, smudged and dramatic for a night time look. 

The other two products, the black waterproof eye pencil and the cream eyeshadow, have become my new daily favorites! The color, black for the liner, and seashell pink for the shadow, is unbelievably pigmented, and it stays on for hooooours! Overall rating? 5/5!

I've always loved reading product reviews, and I'm thinking I'll be writing a lot more of them myself from now on. Next weekend I'm heading to L.A. for the International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS), and I couldn't be more excited. Sitting in on some classes and stocking up on all the latest products is what it's all about. Is anyone else going? If not, don't worry, I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures and share everything I learn with you here! Have a good weekend everyone! 

Obsessed

Can you guess what this post is about? Just take a close look... does anything seem bigger? Longer, perhaps?

That's right folks, last night I got eyelash extensions, and I'm officially hooked! I've always lusted for those butterfly long lashes, and although falsies are always fun for a night out, they're not quite realistic for everyday wear. I've considered trying Latisse, but the constant warnings of all the side effects freaked me out a little.. are longer lashes worth giving up my baby greens for? Probably not.

That's when I decided to try extensions. I've been hearing more and more about them lately, and after reading a few success stories on several blogs, I decided to give it ago. Extensions are a little pricy, but I figure that feeling fabulous on my birthday is worth the investment. The whole procedure took about an hour and a half... "just take a little nap, and when you wake up, you'll have gorgeous lashes", is what the lady at the salon told me. What a concept, huh? The experience was totally painless, and she was right, I was able to snooze for a few minutes, and when she was all finished I looked in the mirror and was very pleased with what I saw.

The only downside? I've been fluttering my eyelashes waaaaayy too much today... hahaha! Of course everyone is different, and if you decide to try out lash extensions, you should probably check with your doctor to make sure you're not allergic to the type of glue that they use. Once you have the go-ahead however, dive right in without fear! Your eyelashes will not fall out, (ok, don't quote me on this), and you will feel fa-bu-lous!

Questions? Concerns? Feel free to email me, and I'd be happy to give you more details about my experience.