discovering a new dream cream -- olay regenerist whip

Discovering a new dream cream -- Olay Regenerist Whip.
This post was done in collaboration with Olay; all opinions are my own.  

the winter skincare edit

The best products for avoiding chapped lips, dry skin, and static-y hair. Oh the perks of winter. 

best of beauty

It's been way too long and a skincare post here is wayyy overdue. Here are the products that have been saving my skin lately and that I think will stay permanently in my beauty cabinet.

skincare update

Per usual, I love doing a little skincare update every month or so because, as you guys know, I am always changing up and switching out products and seeing where my skin is headed. I feel like this is the month I've taken skincare even more seriously, because during my time of the month I was breaking out like no other...

cle cosmetics: a fresh take on natural beauty

I am definitely one for looking natural rather than overdone with my makeup--not even because it's trendy right now, but because it makes my skin feel so much better and lighter. I even feel more confident, strangely. When I was introduced to Cle Cosmetics via Instagram, I immediately fell in love with their simple esthetic and their products which are clean and full of natural ingredients. Can it get any better?

may beauty round up

Flash series of my favorite makeup and skincare from this past month of May...

first impressions: the sunscreen everyone is talking about

Glossier just launched their newest product, the Invisible Shield Sunscreen, sending everyone into sun protection-happy frenzy and making others, like me, say, how have I not protected my skin from sun before? How have I not applied sun screen, like, everyday before I walk out of the house? What is WRONG with me? And, most importantly, have I messed up my skin permanently now for years to come? Luckily, I got my hands on this sunscreen on Wednesday...

my top 5 skincare products at the moment

Hi guys! As you know I am always experimenting with skincare. I just love trying different products and I sort of get restless when I have the same skincare regimen over and over again. I guess, as a way to shake up things in my life and to not fall into a mundane routine, I turn to changing my skincare. I recently got the question 'what are your top 5 favorite skincare products?' and even though I did a master post about my ultimate favorite skincare, I decided I should probably give it an update and let you know what I've been using (and loving) recently!

P.S. I have 'normal' type skin

#1 -- Fresh Rose Cleansing Foam

I recently purchased this product on a whim at Sephora and instantly fell in love. I can't even tell you how amazing it makes my skin feel. And, of course, I am a sucker for rose scents (but it's not too heavy, like a light rose water aroma). I use this after using a makeup removing wipe to actually cleanse my face and get into those pores to remove dirt and any other makeup still on my face. It foams up and you feel instantly fresh (pardon the pun).

#2 -- Avène Micellar Lotion

I purchased this in Paris just because I wanted to try some French skincare since I've heard amazing reviews! I use this after my cleanser as a toner and it feels soooo nice on my skin. It's refreshing and extremely gentle. If you have sensitive skin, I would definitely recommend. I use a cotton ball and softly apply it all over my face.#3 -- Aesop Makeup Remover

I use this to remove my eye makeup and it works wonderfully. By now you guys might be thinking, how many products do you use to take off your makeup??? I know. And honestly I'm not even a heavy makeup or a makeup person in general, I just love cleansing it off my skin. It's like I'm clearing away the day. I'm also a little bit anal when it comes to sleeping--I cannot have an ounce of makeup on my face, which is why I go crazy with making sure it's all off. I use this solution on a cotton ball and gently wipe my eyes. Mascara and eyeliner literally vanishes in a second with this makeup remover.#4 -- Mullein & Sparrow Balancing Face Mist

I spray this on my face once I get out of a shower and whenever I need a refreshing pick-me-up. You guys know I am a huge fan of Mario Badescu's Rose Water face mist, and this is extremely similar to that. It just hydrates and helps your skin feel revitalized. It also has this amazing, herbal scent to it that I love.#5 -- Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Honestly, I'm not going to talk too much about this one because every skincare post I do includes this product. It's just seriously amazing. I apply it to my eyes at night and in the morning and it makes me feel so pure and so accomplished. I've never seen a product transform my terrible under eye circles quite like this one. Definitely a staple of mine forever.

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That's it guys! I really hope you liked this and hope this helped in case you were thinking about trying some new products out. All are linked. Let me know what you'd like to see in the next couple of weeks! Would love to do more blogposts on here.

Xoxo,

Christie

ultimate skincare favorites

Hi guys! So I've never really done a post like this before and I thought it would be really fun to show you my absolute favorite skincare products, mostly of which I found in 2016. I'm really sorry to mention that year, I know we are so done with that, even typing 2016 makes me cringe. BUT, anyway, that aside, these are the products that have been in my vanity forever and I have no plan of letting them go just yet. Last year was a year that I really became obsessed with skincare--I don't really know what changed in me, but it is now a favorite past-time of mine to go onto Into the Gloss and browse beauty products I can dump my savings into. Seriously. Even though most of these products are all different brands, I wanted to give a little list of the ones I have simply adored for a good chunk of time.

Glossier -Milky Jelly Cleanser - I have truly been a fan of Glossier for about a year and I am always looking to see what products I want to try next. I actually did purchase this cleanser about 2 weeks ago and ever since I have been in love. I really love its faint rose smell and the consistency of the gel when it works with water. I feel like it cleanses my skin and makes it feel so refreshed and light afterwards. Definitely an amazing product and I am planning on buying into one of their serums soon...let me know if you have ever tried them.

Kiehls - Calendula Herbal Extract Toner - This is another one that I had for a long time, then put away, then took back out, and now I have found a true love for it. Honestly all I can say is that it really does the job and makes my skin feel so crisp and clean (in a good way, if that makes sense). I also love the dried flowers at the bottom of the bottle. You can always feel great knowing there are flower petals in your cleansing routine.

Aesop - Madarin Facial Hydrating Cream - I've been looking for a really basic, truly great moisturizer and I found that this is the one. It has a really nice, mandarin-orange scent and a creamy consistency. I love rubbing it into my skin at night and feeling hydrated and healthy.

L'Occitane - Divine Youth Oil - Obviously I'm a huge fan of L'Occitane and I use tons of their products, but I really fell for their divine youth oil. I've never really used oils before, but I just fell in love with the way that this one felt against my skin. It didn't leave it oily at all (since I have naturally more combination type skin) and instead it left me with a perfect, dewy glow. It is anti-aging too which is really nice to know that my future self will thank me. (I actually did a whole blogpost about L'Occitane here) 

Kiehls - Tumeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask - I am a sucker when it comes to Kiehls and their face masks--they have never disappointed me. One of my favorites is the tumeric & cranberry seed mask because it feels like it is giving back to your skin. It has real seeds in it and it nourishes, hydrates, as well as exfoliates and help fight redness (thanks to the tumeric seed). I could leave this on for hours, honestly.

Kiehls - Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - Perhaps my #1 recommendation is this eye cream. I cannot tell you how much of a difference it made with my under eye circles and the overall look of my eyes. It feels so gentle yet you can tell it works hard to moisturize the delicate eye area. My best friend actually said 'wow, your eyes look great' right when I first started using this product. I was like omg. Keep. Forever.

Okay, jumping to hair care real quick. Even though I have mentioned these 2 products on this blog before, I wanted to mention them again because I really love them.

Ouai - Hair Oil - I love the smell of this oil, seriously. I pump a little bit into my palms and then apply it gently to the ends of my hair since they are typically dry. I swear, between this product and the hair mask I'm about to mention, my hair has grown like it never has before. Again, a lot of people have come up to me saying 'your hair has gotten so long!!!' *winks to you guys*

Kiehls - Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Reparative Hair Pak - Okay, I didn't even realize how many Kiehls products would be in this blogpost but I guess I have a tiny bit of an obsession. Their products just work so well! Every week I use this hair mask at the middle-to-ends of my hair and I cannot explain how silky smooth my hair is afterwards. It feels replenished and so unbelievably healthy. Using this hair mask and having a cup of green tea makes me feel like I am an independent woman ready to conquer the entire world. 

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So, that is it! Let me know if you have any recommendations or if you have tried and loved these products too. I love hearing everyone's different experiences and recommendations!

Xoxo,
Christie

my winter skincare

It is safe to say that winter takes a toll on our bodies--dry skin, brittle and static-y hair, dehydration, an urge to stay in bed for 30 more hours. That is why I am so excited to share with you guys the new winter skincare routine I have developed that keeps my skin so clean yet hydrated and moisturized, thanks to L'Occitane. I have always struggled with keeping my skin okay during these bitter months, especially with walking in the cold so much in New York City, but now I can safely say I have developed a routine that works for me, yet that is simple and doesn't contain ten elaborate steps or anything like that.

First off, my number one priority is to take off my makeup and grime from the day with a nice cleanser. I seriously can't tell you enough about the Shea Foaming Cleanser (pictured above in the sleek white tube). I never found a cleanser that truly felt like it was really working and taking my surface dirt off--I love this one because of how clean it makes me feel afterwards. I don't have to use yet another cleanser after it, which I have found myself doing before I switched over to this one. Basically, it is a cleanser with a creamy texture that turns into foam when you get it wet. It is so, so amazing. And smells so fresh!

Next is a product that was a bit different for me but I fell in love with it from the start. I've been beginning to think that just because we are young, doesn't mean we can't start taking care of our skin and getting prepared for aging. I know, even that word (aging) alone is weird. But, including the Divine Youth Oil in my morning routine has made me feel so lovely and nourished, and like I am doing something very right for my future skin. It comes in that beautiful yellow, glowing bottle with a little dropper.
Also, I love the feeling of the oil against my skin in the morning, it makes me look radiant yet not oily. It is so moisturizing and sinks into skin and makes it feel revitalized again. Fun fact--the main ingrediant in this product is actually from the Immortelle flower, a flower found off the coast of Corsica that never fades, even after it's been picked. Flowers on my face, yes please.

Last but definitely not least and perhaps the most important step, the Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream. Honestly, it is all in the name--it feels so light yet it truly moisturizes deep and leaves you beautifully hydrated. This cream has 5% Shea Butter and has a non-greasy texture that protects and helps skin stay hydrated. I apply this before I go to bed and once I wake up to keep my skin as on point as it can be.

In addition, though it is not face-care, I've been using the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream just to keep my hands nourished as well. I love the silver, flexible tube and just the overall consistency of the cream. It truly works wonders, like the whole Shea Collection does. 

That is my power winter routine and again, only three steps! I was so wonderfully surprised at how little of amount of effort it took to stay so hydrated and glowing throughout this season, all thanks to L'Occitane. Check out their site here and Instagram here! I am such a huge fan.

Thanks so much for reading and I truly hope you guys found useful products for keeping hydrated for your own winter skincare routine! Let me know if you have any L'Occitane favorites or if you plan on trying some! 

Xoxo,

Christie

an updated skincare routine

Hi ! How is everybody doing? It's been a hectic previous week and I've come down with a cold, and as I said in yesterday's Instagram, there is nothing better than being sick because you get to relax and really take care of yourself. I've been really into skincare lately--I truly don't know what has come over me. I've just become addicted to saving up my money for higher-priced skincare & beauty items and then splurging when I finally feel like I'm comfortable (money and mentally wise). Which is why I've made some changes to my usual beauty routine and instead have welcomed new brands into my collection. Of course I will still be keeping the old, but I wanted to do a little review on the new products that I've been using recently!

SKINCARE

 I've decided to do the biggest category first...skincare. I've been loving brands like Kiehls, Aesop, and of course Mario Badescu. I first tried Kiehls' eye cream just on a whim because I felt like I needed something to help with my terribly puffy/dark under eyes and fell in LOVE. Seriously, I've never seen a product work so well before. That's why I decided okay...if I liked that product so much, why don't I try out the rest of their products.

I start off my routine by using a makeup wipe (I'm using Burts Bees makeup wipes at the moment) just to clear off as much surface makeup as I can. Then, I use the Kiehls deep cleansing face wash to really get into my pores and clean out all the leftover dirt and oil that has literally been on my skin all day walking in New York City streets. The cleanser foams up (which I love cause if it's not working it's still convincing me otherwise) and then I wash it all off with warm water. Next, I take off my eye makeup with baby oil (this has been my method for literally 5 years since I started using mascara) and then I tone with the matching Kiehls herbal-extract toner. Both of these products also have flowers in them...I was drooling.

Then I love to use the Aesop face moisturizer along with the Kiehls avocado eye cream to feel good and give nutrients back to my skin. I got that baby Kiehls moisturizer for free when I purchased my cleanser and toner, so I've been using that on my face when I get out of the shower just as a secondary moisturizer. Lastly, right before bed, I love using Aesop's roseseed lip moisturizer. It makes me go to bed feeling all kissable and soft. The Mario Badescu products I still love to use include the rose face mist (you guys have heard me talk about that tons) and the zit liquid...yanno...the mini pink bottle where you dab a Q-tip and apply it to your zit and then it's gone the next day. So that is everything I do with my skin! Now let's move on to smellin' good.

FRAGRANCES

My favorite fragrances lately have been Le Labo's Santal 33 & Vanille, Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, and most recently Replica perfumes by Margiela. You guys have heard me talk a lot about Le Labo (and probably Chanel) so I really wanted to dive into Replica perfumes. I just got a set of 3 to try because I didn't know if I wanted to splurge on a big bottle just yet, but seriously I am in love and cannot wait to save up a bottle of By the Fireplace. It is seriously so good. It smells a little smokey, a little sweet, and very nostalgic (aka 'replicating' a point in time). I love the packaging, the scents, as well as the little story behind each and every one of the perfumes.

HAIRCARE

This is probably the first time in my life where I've actually bought haircare products. I would always wash my hair (every other day), let it air-dry, and that's it. No product, no nothing. And honestly I'd still like to keep it that way, but I do want to start paying attention to giving my hair the nutrients it needs, especially since it's long now and I don't want to have it cut anytime soon (don't yell at me). 

I've heard so many great things about Ouai hair products that I decided to give their oil and dry shampoo a try. I'm in love with both. The oil is so rich (you really don't need a lot), smells great, and seriously feels like a beautiful treatment for your ends every time you apply it. It makes your hair shiny and just lovely. The dry shampoo gets the job done and also smells amazing, almost like a perfume. The only item I haven't tried in this whole blogpost is the Kiehls hair mask, so I can't wait to actually use it on a Sunday and see how I feel about it. I will let you know when I do!

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So that is all :') if you want a link to any of these products just comment below. Also, though this might have sounded like it, this was not sponsored at all. I genuinely love these products and just wanted to share :-) if you have any recommendations, please share away!

Xoxo,

Christie