#DestinationChic: My First Ipsy GlamBag Haul and Review

It took forever for me to get on the "monthly subscription box" train. I've known about them since Birchbox came on the scene several years ago, but I never saw the appeal. Why spend money to get products that I won't even use? And at the time, $10 a month wasn't reasonable. However, now that I am older and have a little bit more income, I decided to take the risk and subscribe to Ipsy! I read reviews online between several subscriptions before making my decision. Ipsy seemed like it had the most bang for its buck. Here is my review of all the products I received so you can see for yourself what the experience is like! While every "Ipster" gets a different array of product, this will give you an accurate idea of what types of products to expect.

1) Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Carribbean Sun Bronzer Duo

I had a lot of hesitation about this one. When I first looked at it, the shades didn't seem like they would suit me and the pan is very small. However, the bronzer is actually great! It gives a really nice glow. I used the coral color as a blush and it is really nice for summer. I like that this product is seasonally appropriate and I would love to buy this in a larger size. The pan is very hard for me to dip my large brushes into.

2) IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

I was happy to get this since black eyeliner is a staple in my every day routine. This has a great formula. It's super black and creamy. It doesn't tug, just like it claims, and it stays put throughout the day.

3) Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-Up Remover

I was super excited about this since I love the Simple Micellar Water. (I've gone through two bottles of that stuff already!) However, this didn't impress me. It takes tons of cotton balls to get it to take my makeup off. It's a little too gentle to really pick up the product. However, on a day when I haven't worn any makeup, it is a nice way to skip cleanser. I would recommend this if you are a person that wears less makeup and has sensitive skin.

4) Vera Mona Eye Smudger Brush

It was definitely cool to receive a brush as part of this month's bag! I have incorporated this into my every day routine and its great for a highlight shade or lid shade. While it's nothing phenomenal, it is a nice addition to my brush collection.

5) Aurora Gel Effect Nail Polish

This is the only product I have yet to try! The neon pink is a little much for me so I'm not sure if I will hold on to it or give it to a friend.

Overall, I'm glad that I decided to give Ipsy a try! It's super fun to have it to look forward to and I love the excitement of unwrapping a package and trying new products. My bag was definitely worth more than the $10 I paid.

I hope that this post helps you decide if you want to take the leap and try out a monthly beauty box and I hope your summer is off to a great start!

xoxo,
Gossip Girl

(just kidding. It's me.)

Beautycounter Product Review

Earlier this week I received some goodies I ordered from a friend of mine from the brand BeautyCounter. I had never heard of it before, but she told me all about the company's mission to find natural and safe ingredients and I was hooked! The brand focuses on finding ingredients free of harmful chemicals for their products while making sure that they actually work. I decided to test out one skincare item and one makeup item. I ordered the Routine Clean cream cleanser and a lip sheer in the color Twig.

I was definitely not disappointed! The cleanser is everything I hoped for. It balances out my skin, making it feel clean and rejuvenated. It would be great for any skin type and it has a slight citrus scent that perks you up in the morning. 

As for the lip sheer, this shade is the perfect natural nude. It smells like vanilla and has moisturizing properties that help battle the winter wind. I've been wearing it nonstop to work and to class since I got it. You can also layer it to get more color, as you can see in the photos I took below! 

I was very happy with this purchase and I highly recommend this brand to you if you are looking for top-quality skincare and makeup that is safe for you to use. 

Thanks for reading!

Xoxo, Katie

Winter Skincare Remedies

In the winter, I always seem to have dry skin anywhere and everywhere possible. Hangnails come out of nowhere, my face becomes tight, and my lips burn from the winter wind. Here in SC, we are just now starting to experience the winter weather and for me it is not welcome! In my area we didn't get any snow, but I am still snuggled up in my apartment and dreading every time I have to venture out in this weather.

For those of you that might be struggling with some of these winter skin problems as well, here are my top picks for combating the dreary conditions!

1. Mary Kay Satin Hands Peach Hand Cream: This stuff smells divine and will prevent those hangnails from happening! I got it as a Christmas present from my Mom and I am loving it. The rest of the Satin Hands collection is just as great.

2. Sally Hansen Nail Rehab Nail Treatment: This keeps your nails from breaking and provides a sheer peachy tint to your nails. I am trying it out for the first time this week and I love it!

3. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream: An old favorite of mine! It really does rescue your cuticles. 

4. Fresh Sugar Lip Polish: I can't stress to you enough how much I love this stuff! It will completely get rid of any flaky-ness on your lips and make them smooth to prep for lipstick. 

5. Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy: This is really the best lip balm on the market (and I have tried a ton!) It moisturizes better than anything else, ever.

I hope you try some of these out! Let me know what your favorite fixes are for dry winter skin.

xoxo, Katie

Clear Skin for 2016: My Complete Routine for Clearing Up Breakouts

For the first time since I was about twelve, I am finally happy with my skin. If you have problem skin you know that this can be a very long journey that seems never ending! I still have a lot of acne scarring, but I finally have clear skin. I get the occasional very small pimple but it goes away within 24 hours. My skincare routine is finally working and I am in a very good place! Here is the complete and detailed breakdown of everything I have been doing. This may not work for you, but I've found luck and I feel like it needs to be shared.

MORNING 

Step 1: Cleanse- Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

With all of the other products in the routine, it's best to use a simple cleanser in the morning that won't dry out your skin. This one is extra gentle and the foaming formula makes it quick and easy to use! 

Step 2: Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz (available at Target)

This stuff does a great job of prepping your skin for acne treatment and moisturizer. Plus it's quick to use when you're trying to get ready in a hurry. (All of these products are great for me because sometimes I end up having to run out the door but I never want to skip my skincare.) 

Step 3: Avar emollient cream

This is prescription only, but it has helped me so much. This stuff is really responsible for my acne going away so I highly recommend asking your dermatologist about it. It isn't the strongest version of a sulfuric emollient cream so it is less likely to dry you out but is still very effective. 

Step 4: Moisturizer with Sunscreen-my current favorite is the Formula 10.0.6 Picture Perfect Day Moisturizer. 

This doesn't break me out at all and it hydrates while giving you sun protection. With acne medications, you HAVE to use SPF every day and this particular product goes on smoothly over the emollient cream, which is really important. 

All of these things give me a morning routine that focuses on hydration and on being gentle to my skin. You can totally opt for any other cleanser that's gentle or another moisturizer with SPF. 

EVENING

Step 1: Panoxyl Acne Creamy Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

I have several pieces of advice for those of you that want to use this stuff. First of all, use it in the shower so you don't stain your washcloths or clothing. Benzoyl peroxide will do that! Also, get the 4% version, NOT the 10%. The 10% is super drying and not good for you. The 4% is enough, I promise. This product will help you so much if you struggle with breakouts. 

Step 2: Atralin tretinoin gel

Another prescription product, I'm sorry! But this stuff is great and also a huge factor in preventing acne. I can't say enough good things about it. 

Step 3: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +

After the benzoyl peroxide wash, you need a super hydrating moisturizer and this is my absolute favorite! Any dryness and flaky skin is gone by the next day. This stuff will save your life. 

The only other suggestion I have is to really utilize mud masks and hydrating masks. They will help soothe your skin after you put it through this crazy process! Also, drinking a lot of water isn't just a myth...it actually helps. 

I hope that you come away from this post with some products to try and some tips you can apply to your own routine! Fighting acne is not easy but it can be improved, especially with the help of a great dermatologist. My first one wasn't as helpful as the one I've been seeing lately so maybe try finding another person in your area if you haven't had luck before.

Love you all and thanks for reading!

Xoxo, Katie

My Simple Holiday Gift Guide for Your Friends and Family

I can't believe how fast Christmas has come this year! We are already two weeks into December and I am shamelessly behind on all my Christmas shopping. However, I have gotten a little bit of work done and I wanted to share with you all some of my ideas and inspiration for what I'm getting my friends and family! (If you are one of my friends or family, I ask that you refrain from reading this particular post. ;) )

1. Piko Shirts

If you live here in the South, you've probably heard of the famous Piko top. If not, let me explain: these tops are tight in the arms and flowy in the body, therefore camouflaging anything you may not want to show off. They are also made of bamboo so they won't shrink and are offered in any color you could want. I'm getting these for several people this year and they will be sure to love them, whether or not they have heard of the brand itself.

2. Everlane Basic Tops
This brand makes the most high quality basic pieces that I have found so far. I want to get some for myself this year since they are so soft. My boyfriend once told me my v-neck felt like a cloud, so I'm hoping to get him some one day! The cotton tops are perfect staples for anyone in your life.

3. Blanket Scarves
These are one of the biggest trends this year! I'm in love with this nude version--I'm obsessed with anything nude, blush, tan or camel and this combines them all! This would be great for your mom or a fashion-forward friend that wants to maintain cuteness and comfortability.

4. Photo Ornaments
For people that require something a little more personal like a grandparent or someone else in your family, these photo ornaments are just right. I got a great deal on some at Michael's and I can't wait to print pictures of me and my loved ones to use for the gift.

5. Park Hill Sweet Tea Candle
This thing smells divine. And the southern lady in your life is sure to be crazy about it! The uniqueness of it makes it extra special.

I hope you enjoyed my holiday gift guide and happy shopping!

xoxo, Katie

DIY Makeup Wipes and Mason Jar Makeup Brush Holders

Maybe it's being a southern girl or being in a sorority, or maybe it's the modern convenience of Pinterest, but lately I have been into all things crafty. I love the adventure of picking out supplies at a craft store to make a cheaper version of what you can simply buy. I also love looking at my latest creation when it all comes together. This post is a mashup of some of the little crafts I've made lately that have made my bathroom my own. 

There are two parts to this post: a recipe for making your own makeup wipes, and how to make these burlap-lace-pearl mason jars to hold your makeup brushes! 

1. DIY Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes are one of those items that you just can't live without--but they are SO expensive! And I don't know about you, but I go through them super quickly. When I realized it was possible to make them at home, I sped over to the grocery store to pick up the only two ingredients I needed: baby wash and coconut oil. I had no idea that I would end up loving this little recipe as much as I do since I've had several at home beauty products fail miserably in the past. However, this one is totally worth it. It flawlessly removes everything including mascara and the coconut oil hydrates without causing breakouts!  

All you have to do is melt a little bit of the baby wash and coconut oil with 2 cups of water in the microwave. Then pour it over the cotton pads in your mason jar and you're done! I got the chalkboard sticker from Walmart and I love the little rustic touch. 

Here's the link to the recipe I used! 

http://redefinedmom.com/diy-homemade-makeup-remover-pads/#_a5y_p=3568336

2. Mason Jar Makeup Brush Holders

I love everything with burlap, lace and pearls right now. I can't resist anything with that combination. I got this idea from a Pinterest wedding decoration and I realized I could totally make it myself! For materials, you need a roll of burlap material, some lace, bling it pearls (sold at A. C. Moore and they are amazing, your mason jars and a hot glue gun! 

The first step is figuring out where you want all of the parts to go. For my two jars, I put the lace and pearls on in different places to add some variety. You just need to plan ahead a little to decide what to do first. For the jar pictured above, the process was so simple. First I measured out and glued down the two lace strips. Then I wrapped the burlap fabric around twice so it would be opaque and glued it on top. The pearls are adhesive and peel off in strips so they were easy to apply as well!

I hope you enjoy my tips and tricks for making these mason jar crafts! They are super simple and easy even if you don't consider yourself very crafty. I hope you enjoyed this post and happy holidays! 

xoxo, Katie

October Beauty Favorites

This month went by so quickly it seems like a blur in hindsight. I got a new job which has been amazing so far and on Halloween yesterday I ran a 5k that supported local organizations that help veterans! I've also tried some amazing new products that I am so excited to share.

1. Target Signature Soy Candle in Autumn Harvest
I bought this candle from Target not realizing how much I would actually love it! It has a strong and sweet smell that makes my room smell amazing and it was so cheap too. It's probably one of my favorite fall candles of all time and I want to go back and get the larger size!
2. Formula 10.0.6 Picture Perfect Day Daily Moisturizer
I needed a new moisturizer for the mornings with SPF and I stumbled upon this one at Ulta. I loved the packaging of this brand and it was only $6! I'm so glad I bought it because I love the way it makes my skin feel. It doesn't clog my pores either which is awesome!
3. Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask
This was an impulse purchase that definitely paid off. My skin has been a lot more clear lately and I think this is to blame! It smells so good and it really pulls the oil and buildup out of your pores.
4. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +
I got this sample and then went back to get the larger size because of how great it is. It is so moisturizing and is perfect for using at night!
5. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo
This stuff is talked about so much and now I understand why! It lasted my entire work shift yesterday without having to reapply and it goes on so easily.
6. Fleur de Force lip gloss in Starry Starry Night
Fleur de Force has been one of my favorite beauty gurus on Youtube for years now, and when I saw that her makeup line was coming out on feelunique.com I ordered it that day! This gloss does not disappoint. I wore it to a football game and it was still in place when I woke up the next day! Not to mention the perfect color and formula. I can't say enough about this.
7. Fleur de Force Quad Eye Shadow in Cosmic Bronze
This is also a gorgeous product. The colors are exactly what I like for every day and the shimmery bronze shade is to die for.
8. Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara
I had a coupon for this and I didn't have very high expectations but I actually love it! It gives you very dark, voluminous lashes.

I hope you check out some of these items for yourself and that you had a happy Halloween!
xoxo, Katie