Friday Favorites: Coming Up Roses

Happy Friday! I'm currently obsessed with anything and everything rose: Rose colored, rose scented, rose flavored... you get it. Rose is so subtle and pretty, and makes a wonderful addition to beauty products. I also really love discovering new beauty products. I just received my first order from cult favorite Glossier this week and I'm really impressed. I think these products really live up to the hype, and I'm excited to try more of this brand. Although these products aren't made from 100% natural ingredients, I like the message behind the brand. They encourage you to accept your flaws and show off your skin instead of covering it up. I have also been loving these natural anti-aging products from Kiehl's, another long-time cult favorite band wagon I am just now jumping on.  Here's a list of my current favorite obsessions:

Glossier Stretch Concealer $18 - This product appealed to me because it claimed to be like second skin. I have some hereditary darkness under my eyes and have nearly literally tried every concealer on the market. My under eye area also tends to be sort of dry, which is not a great base for concealer. Needless to say, my under eye area is my biggest skin concern. I am happy to say that this product did not disappoint! A lot of reviews I read said that this product was too sheer, but I totally disagree. I think it beautifully smooths imperfections and it is so ridiculously smooth and moisturizing... AND it stays put. You would think something so creamy would slide around, but there was barely a crease to be found hours and hours after application. The best part? This stuff is totally build-able (another claim I read about the product that did not disappoint) without being cakey or heavy. Do you get that I LOVE IT?

Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze $18 - Glossier totally gets me with their simple, pretty and fun packaging. These little paint tubes are filled with skin plumping, build-able color that looks flattering on virtually every skin tone. I really dig a healthy flush, so I chose their deepest berry color to try. It's so pretty! It looked a little intimidating when I squeezed a drop out of the tube, but it goes on very sheer until you build it up. Pretty much goof-proof, which I love because I am no make-up guru. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate $46 - I've used some light-weight anti-aging products since I was in my teens (mama is a long time Mary Kay lady), but now that I'm in my thirties, I decided to step it up a bit. I've been blessed with the 'still look like I'm 12' genes, and I'd like to keep it that way. This product is an expert concoction of essential oils and claims to reveal younger looking skin overnight. A little goes a long way, and I add a few drops into my moisturizer at night before hitting the sheets. After just a few days, my skin felt noticeably smoother (like crazy smooth) and my fine lines diminished. Plus, it smells good and is super easy peasy. I'm sold. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye $37 - As I mentioned above, my under eye area has been my main skin concern for years. I've tried so many (so, so many) under eye creams over the years, but I have pretty sensitive skin and most have crazy ingredients that cause more harm than good. This eye cream is a dream! It's super supple and not at all heavy. My skin literally sucks this stuff right up! I wake up looking like I've actually slept HOW BOW DAH! 

Evan Healy French Rose Clay Mask $26.50 - I have been using Evan Healy clay masks for years! The green tea clay is my absolute fave, and I just recently discovered this amazing French Rose version. The green tea mask is a little more aggressive and will leave your skin pretty pink for some time after removing it. This mask is pink going on, but is made for sensitive and congested skin types so it leaves no irritation. It also has a bit of grain to it for exfoliation as you rinse it away, leaving you with clean, smooth and happy feeling skin.

Heritage Store Rose Water $9 - I have come back to this product after a few years of not using it. I used to purchase the version with Glycerine, but I found it to be irritating to my skin. I came across the non-glycerine version and I love it. I like to spray it on after using my rose clay mask to help soothe my skin. I also love adding some to my bath for that light rose scent.


What are some of your favorite products?

xoxo

A Little Bit Sweet, A Little Bit Sinner

I'm sort of a self-proclaimed 'good girl' in the sense that I try to do what I think is right, but I have definitely done my share of sinning. What actually constitutes a 'sin' is different for everyone else and totally up for debate. To me, a sin is something you know you shouldn't really be doing, but you do it anyway because it feels good to some part of your soul. This outfit sort of reflects these opposite parts of my personality. I'm attracted to anything pink, soft and sweet looking, but I also love the power behind wearing black. The two are even better together.  Anyway, this pretty pink blouse has been in my closet for quite some time. I think I've worn it twice, and I always forget how pretty it is. I usually opt for comfort and love the fuss-free freedom of throwing on a t-shirt, but sometimes it's fun to be a little more fancy. This blouse is actually pretty sheer, and I used to wear a tank underneath, but I hate tugging at all the layers. So, I just threw it on over a pretty bra and voila! Ladies are "supposed" to wear bras, so I figure I might as well enjoy pretty ones. And hey, they aren't cheap, so why not show them off a little. If you think that's indecent... well... then next time I just won't wear one at all, so pick your battles :] (blame the sinner in me).

Blouse - Forever 21

Jacket - Gypsy Warrior

Jeans - Levi's 

Shoes - Colin Stuart for Victoria's Secret

Take Me to Church

I've become quite partial to wearing boy shirts that can pass for a dress. There's something about pairing a comfy boy tee with a pair of pretty heels or platforms that makes me feel pretty saucy (yes, I said saucy)... Anyway, grab a boy tee, some shoes that make you look extra leggy and swipe on some pink lip stuff. Voila! Ladies, you'll never want to wear your own shirts again.

Flannel - Target

Shirt - Coliseum

Shorts - Forever 21

Shoes - Cole Haan

October is for Lovers

It's already October! Which means Halloween, which means Thanksgiving, which means Christmas and the new year! Ok maybe I'm getting a little bit ahead of myself, but time really is flying. I am really enjoying this little bit of cooler weather though. "Snuggle weather" as I like to call it, and I love to snuggle. I love layers and cozy sweaters, hot chocolate and holiday movies. It's been a crazy up and down year for me, but I made it through the summer and to the best part of the year (in my opinion). I even celebrated by buying a few new pieces for fall (and some fancy lace-ey things too ;])
So here's to October and to lovers everywhere!

 

Top - AirBorne

Skirt - Forever 21

Shoes - Converse