Author: steframos15

Hello 2019!

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Hello, I’m back!

Okay so, it been a hot minute since I have written a blog post. Life got away from me and I lost my focus on my passion for all things beauty. I’m back and refreshed and ready to talk about some products that rocked my world in 2018 and will continue to do so into the new year.

Skincare wise I can’t forgive myself for not mentioning these products earlier. These two moisturizers have been my ride or die for all of 2018 and I don’t plan on quitting them anytime soon. The first is the Youth to The People Hylruonic Acid moisturizer. I use this cream every morning. Its a gel consistency keep me moisturized but not oily throughout the day. The bigger perk IT DOESN’T BREAK ME OUT! Amazing for sensitive skin. Now for night time, the winner is Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Cream. This is a pricey number but wow my skin has changed for the better. This moisturizer is so luxury and creamy and will have you waking up with soft glowing skin. I have turned countless friends and family on to this moisturizer, it’s that good!

Now for hair care, I have stuck to the normal routine with my beloved Oribe Gold Lust shampoo and Briogeo deep conditioner but one thing has changed and it’s my new favorite anti-frizz spray. I was never a fan of anti-frizz sprays because they always left my hair greasy or crunchy. The Living Proof anti-frizz does no such thing. This spray smells amazing, leaves my hair so shiny, eliminates frizz and holds my style. Checks all the boxes for me!

Last but not least, makeup. I will say the past year after leaving a cosmetic focused job to a desk job makeup has taken a back seat. I get ready in 5 minutes in the morning and put little to no effort into my routine. One of my resolutions for 2019 is to get back into my passion. Putting on makeup is therapeutic and I enjoy doing it, therefore, I want to do more of it. Set that alarm 10 minutes earlier and have some me time. In saying that there are a couple products that still stood out to me this year. The new Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder  is amazing for combo skin that doesn’t want to look flat. Truly makes you look airbrushed! (it’s expensive, so try a travel size from Sephora it’s cheaper and lasts forever). Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara gives me the false lashes look. Full, long and voluminous lashes that will make you look awake and energized at 6 am. Keep the lookout for new makeup faves in the upcoming year. Time to get back in the game!

How was everyone’s new year and what are your resolutions?

Hello Hydration!

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Okay, vulnerable moment. I have been in a real rut when it comes to makeup and skincare. I don’t work in beauty anymore and I wake up at the crack of dawn so my makeup looks have gone from full glam to barley putting concealer on. I also have been having some skin issues the past couple of months. My skin was so dry on my chin and around my nose and no matter how many creams or oils I used halfway through the day I would be flaky.

Having such dehydrated skin made me not want to wear  makeup and I was so self-conscious that people were staring at my dehydrated skin. Well, the rut is over because I found two products that seriously cured me. The patches, the flakes, everything is gone and the confidence is back!

The first front runner is the Kiehls Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask. About two weeks ago I was strolling around NY with my family and me and my sister in law (also beauty obsessed) stopped into a Kiehl’s store when we saw a beautiful graphic of a new mask in the window. We got a sample packet and I tried it as soon as I got back to VA. After just two uses, I’m HOOKED. My skin is so soft, smooth and literally glowing. The aloe infused mask instantly soothed any kind of irritation I had on my chin. Most face masks give a quick fix but this mask has made my skin smooth and supple for days. I haven’t seen these kinds of results from a mask, ever. I know this is going to be a huge staple in my collection for the colder months.Next, we have the Tarte Maracuja Oil. I purchased this oil as an impulse buy at Sephora, as one does. It came in a little kit with a mini moisturizer and eye cream, as the other products were a little underwhelming the oil stole the show. I apply the oil all over my face and neck right before bed after I let my night cream sink in. This oil has cured all my flakiness and I wake up with such smooth skin, and I swear its cleared up so much of my texture and breakouts- I’m hooked!

 

Using these two products regularly has truly made such an improvement on the hydration of my skin. Those dry patches were lingering for a couple months and in just two weeks they’re gone and my skin looks better than ever.

If you are looking to amp up your skins hydration I highly recommend trying these products out!

Kiehls Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask. $45.00
Tarte Maracuja Oil. $48.00

Self – Tanning Favorites

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Self-tanning oh  how our relationship has grown!

I am here to admit I love to be tan and loooooove spending time in the sun.  I will lay out on the beach for hours, but as we all know the sun is the devil when it comes to taking care of your skin. It is not good for the skin to be exposed to the sun for long periods of times and wearing sunscreen is KEY.

Now that I am a working adult (HA) I don’t get to lay out at the beach or see the sun in general as often as I would want. So to keep myself from turning into snow white I ventured off into the world of self-tanning…boy is it a big world. During this journey, I have found what works best for me and maybe will work for you too.

Now I will say I like a self-tanner to help give me a little color/glow but I am not thriving for the orange look or to look 10 shades darker. I like a natural bronze glow , it makes me feel more confident coming out of those cold winter months.

My first favorite is a gradual self-tanner these are the safest options when getting started. The Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance Gradual Tanner is basically a lotion with no color guard that will gradually give you color the more you use it. You want to take the same steps in preparing as a regular self -tanner such as exfoliating and shaving.  This tan is VERY natural  with NO trace of orange. It usually takes 3 days of use to get a decent amount of color that will last about another 3 days or until you exfoliate. This option is foolproof!  The lotion doesn’t have a color guard so you can apply with your bare hands as you would a regular lotion and you don’t have to worry about any splotchy patches or orange hands + no dry time!

Next, we have the real deal. A self-tanner that will have you looking like you just came back from the Bahamas, in a good way! The Josie Maran Liquid Gold Tanning Oil took me by surprise about a year ago. My sister in law ordered it  from QVC and she is a little fairer than me. Once I saw how natural it looked on her skin tone I knew I needed it. It comes in about 4 different scents which is amazing and even comes with a mitt. You will need to prepare your skin per usual and then work section by section. Unlike the Nivea one this one has a color guard so you can see exactly where your are distributing the tan. Avoid putting too much on any  dry spots on your skin like knees and elbows to avoid any areas from getting splotchy. Leave on for 6-8 hours take a shower and boom you have that vacation glow. This tanner lasts me about 7 days and you will want to moisturize every day to prolong your tan time. Also, a good tip is you can do more than one layer depending on how dark you want to look. I usually do two layers on my legs because they see the least sunlight.

Last but not least is my go-to quick fix. I like to use this product when either my tan is fading or if I need to amp up my skin for a special occasion. The By Terry Tea to Tan is a temporary tan. You can spray it on wherever you need some extra color , blend it out with your hands and the next time you shower it’s gone! It takes no dry time and does NOT transfer onto clothes, its magic. I take this with me on every vacation! It has a little hint of shimmer which looks amazing in photos! *Plus this product can also be used on the face*
Are you into self -tanners, if so what are some of your favorites?

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment

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WOW just wow I have found a holy grail skincare device…yes not a cream or serum but a tool!

For the past month or two, I’ve been struggling with acne that will not go away on my chin and cheek area. Everyone said it was hormonal but no matter what I did or how long I waited it would not go away. One spot would leave, another would come to replace it. I was beginning to get very frustrated and was ready to research some derms in my area and get this settled once and for all.

I was on the verge of making that appointment until one day after work I walked into a CVS to get some nail polish remover. I started to roam the makeup aisle as always and I saw the Neutrogena light therapy pen. I had read about their light therapy devices on several different blogs but I never thought too much of it. I saw the pen was only $22 so I thought what the heck?! nothing else was working. (btw it’s even cheaper on Amazon)

Here I am, only two weeks later to tell you IT WORKS! Not only did it shrink my spots but it helped reduce any redness and hyperpigmentation (which I struggle with the most). The pen is very easy to use. All you have to do is turn the pen on, put the light directly on the spot and the pen will turn it’s self off when its done (2 minutes) then move to the next spot, do this twice a day.  Neutrogena also sells a full face mask but since my breakouts are in specific areas the pen works best for me + travel-friendly!

Now I am not an expert on how or why this pen has magical powers but from my understanding, this pen uses both red and blue light to treat acne without drying or burning your skin. The pens slim style surrounds a pimple for a targeted treatment. The blue light penetrates just beneath the surface, while red light goes deeper into the skin to deliver fast results.

If you are like me and are struggling with getting rid of stubborn pimples go grab one! I have fairly sensitive skin and it has not irritated my skin. My skin is looking brighter and smoother every day! Have any of used this pen or the full face mask? I’m curious!

 

 

 


Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment  $16.96 @Amazon

 

Hair Tips + Tricks

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Having nice hair has always been very important to me and also a battle. I have spent most of my life planning my life around wash days the excuse “sorry I cant I need to wash my hair” has always been very relevant in my life (first world problems eh?). I have NEVER been a wash and go person my hair needs something done to it for me to feel “put together”. The obsession became more real when I took a cosmetology course in high school and all I did was talk about hair for 2 hours a day for 2 years.

Some background to my hair is  I have a lot of it, it’s thick, it’s frizzy and wavy. You can imagine the damage I did straightening and blow drying it for years. Now I’m 25 my hair is the longest it’s ever been ( a little below my breast)  and the healthiest its ever been and I want to share my secrets!

Disclaimer: It helped A LOT that when I was 18 I chopped my hair into a bob and kind of started from scratch. I needed that big chop my split ends were up to my ears!

1. I wash my hair once/twice a week. I know, I know but hear me out. Everyone is always telling me there is no way they could do this “their hair is too oily” well your hair is oily because you wash it too often. You can train your hair to not produce as much oil. Try for 2 weeks to wash it less, use dry shampoo, wear a hat or a braid and I promise by that third week you’ll be able to go longer without a wash. This will help to keep your hair moisturized and not dry it out.

2. I don’t use “normal” conditioner anymore. This might vary on types of hair but because I have thick hair I need strong conditioners. I noticed the MOST difference in my hair’s ends, bounce, and vibrancy when I switched to using a deep conditioner every time I washed my hair. Use it like a normal conditioner after shampoo and if you can try leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. Here are some of my favs > Living proof, Amika, Briogeo

3. GIVE YOUR HAIR A BREAK. I try to do  this at least once every two weeks, just let my hair “go natural”. Now like I said above I’m not a wash and go girl. But I try to use a gentle cleansing shampoo like this one and just add some wave spray and gel and leave it be for a weekend. Giving your hair a break from the heat and styling will rejuvenate the hair and let it breathe. You’ll notice a big difference in smoothness the next time you style it with heat.

4. Last but not least…get a trim! I know everyone hates to hear it and people swear that if they cut their hair it won’t grow but I promise you it will. If you have split ends they are going to just break off as the hair grows so go get a baby trim every 1-3 months and watch your hair flourish! I have to shout out my amazing hair stylist Amber Festa at Tulip Salon & Spa she slays my color always and gives the best haircuts that grow out beautifully.
(shes been cutting my hair since it was to my shoulders!) If you’re in VA hit, her, up!

Bonus Tip: If you’re trying to grow and strengthen your hair this shampoo changed my life. My hair uses to grow very slow and after using a shampoo with keratin in it, it grew like a weed! But remember a shampoo with keratin is not for everyday use, use it once-twice a week.

Current photo of my hair thanks to my outstanding hair stylist. If you’re in the DMV area go see her! @hairbyamberfesta on Instagram.

Skin Care Heros

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Ever since I started working a more corporate job I have zero time to do my “full face glam” in the morning, this dilemma has forced me to realize how important it is to get your skin looking flawless before any thought of piling makeup on top.
( Im trying really hard to achieve the “no makeup, makeup look”)

A little background on my skin, I have combination skin it’s normal – dry everywhere except my forehead gets oily throughout the day. I am prone to break outs and I have quite a bit of redness and scaring.Throughout my skincare journey these past couple months there have been some hero products and of course, there have been products that did not work out, but we’re here to talk about the heroes!

First and foremost my cleanser. My main goal for a cleanser is to remove my makeup and not leave a weird film on my face afterward. I have fallen in a deep relationship with the EveLom Balm Cleanser. This is a number 1 seller for a reason. I use this cleanser on  dry face and it transforms into an oil as I massage it into my skin it removes ALL MY MAKEUP! Yes, every, single bit of makeup is gone. I do usually go over my face with a cotton ball of micellar water but there is hardly ever residue on the cotton ball. The cleanser does come with a muslin cloth which is recommended to remove the cleanser for light exfoliation ( but any type of towel will work). 

The second hero in my skincare journey is the Tata Harper Brightening Essence. I had a lot of acne scars and sun spots for years now due to picking at stubborn spots. I’m like a 5-year old I know I shouldn’t but I just pick and pick! This essence has changed the game. I put a little in the palm of my hands and press it into my skin focusing it on my target areas. This has transformed my skin. I feel more comfortable going out in public with no makeup AND I even use less foundation, win-win!

Now this moisturizer truly shocked me. The Tatcha Water Cream gets all the hype it deserves. I first purchased a Tatcha “starter kit” at Sephora because these products are VERY pricey so I wanted to do a trail run. I thought at the first that this moisturizer was nothing fancy UNTIL I had a horrible reaction to a retinol cream + acne treatment ( i know horrible mixture) But the Tatcha cream calmed my skin immediately. I have stuck with it now for a couple weeks and I notice when I use something else my skin is not as smooth and gets irritated easily. I know its pricey but get yourself a sample at Sephora and see for yourself!

My skincare journey is so  far from over. I am looking for an eye cream to start using that inst too heavy and doesn’t irritate my eyes. I swear i turned 25 and got little lines under my eyes over night?!
Leave some of your recommendations down below! It is true what they say, focus on your skin and the makeup application will be 10x easier.

What are some of your skincare gems you cannot go without?

August Star Products

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Happy September everyone! I cannot believe it is already September but the air is getting colder and pumpkin spice is beginning to take over again so I guess fall is coming!
I had some star products last month some makeup, some hair and a little fragrance which is new for me to talk about on the blog so let’s get started.

First and foremost I have an oldie but a goodie in the primer department. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts Fat Mascara and they had Laura Geller on the podcast to interview and she started talking about her favorite products. She started raving about her primer Spackle Face Primer and I was convinced and placed my order from Ulta asap. Let’s just say the name says it all. It makes my makeup last ALL day long and most of all keep it looking fresh. I have recently gone from normal skin to combination and by hour 4 of my work shift my makeup starts to break up around my nose and this magic primer keeps it looking flawless!

Next on the favorite train is my new beloved hair oil. I am a huge fan of hair oil. I heat style my hair about 3 times a week as it is naturally wavy and thick. The Ouai Hair Oil is a lightweight oil that I can use on my hair ends after it is styled to give it some shine. I can also use it when I style my hair naturally to give my waves some hydration. This oil will not weigh your hair down it saves me day in and day out.
Keeping on with the hair trend it has come to my attention that hair fragrances are a thing. I read a couple reviews, watched a couple tutorials and I got sucked into opening up my Sephora app and ordering the Tocca Hair Fragrance in Giulietta I am sucked into the trend I get SO many compliments on how good my hair smells when I spray this and it lasts until I wash my hair again. ( It especially helps on the days that you’ve loaded your hair on dry shampoo and needs some extra freshening up)

What are some of your fall must-haves?! Leave me some suggestions down below.

Laura Geller Spackle Primer $32 @Ulta
Ouai Hair Oil &28 @Sephora
Giulietta Hair Fragrance $28 @Sephora

 

Beach Day Essentials

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I recently came back from a nice relaxing vacation to South Carolina and spent some much needed time at the beach with my closest friends. I will admit I am usually an over packer kind of girl especially when it comes to makeup and skin care but I think I have finally got my beach day essential list down to a tee! 
The first and most important thing you need to go put in your beach bag right now is SUNSCREEN! I was definitely that girl that didn’t want to use sunscreen because I wanted to get a “tan” but as I got older I learned how important wearing sunscreen was for your skin. My sunscreen of choice is the Glossier Invisible Shield this leaves no white cast and doesn’t leave the skin sticky- it’s very comfortable and doesn’t break me out!

The next item I always throw into my beach back is my Lancome silky highlighter. Al though I don’t like to wear foundation while I’m at the beach I LOVE a good highlight. I will dab this highlight on top of my cheek bones, my collar bones, and my shoulders before a night out at the beach. The highlighter gives a beautiful glow and because it is a cream it sinks right into the skin.

Now, of course, I throw in some fun stuff like a good book, some body spray and a water bottle (hydration is key!) I have been loving the book ” Almost Adulting” it’s a book written by a YouTube influencer and its an easy fun read for all my 20 somethings out there. My body spray of choice is the Bath and Body Works “ At The Beach“ and you guessed it, it smells just like the beach! I like to spritz a little before and after the beach for a little refresher. Lastly is some hydration, confession I am obsessed with my Swell Water Bottle. I was so against spending $30 on a water bottle but when I tell you this keeps the water cold, it keeps it COLD. I left for the beach at 8 am with ice cubes in my water bottle and at 5 pm they were still there, I’m sold!

What are some of your beach day must haves? I am always looking for the next best thing!

July’s Star Product

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I am going to start off this post by saying the hype is SO real on the new L’oreal mascara.
All the beauty gurus are talking about Lash Paradise mascara and it’s well deserved.

As always I was a little skeptical about the hype. When a product gets so much buzz in the beauty universe I always wonder is everyone talking about it because it’s good or are they talking about it because everyone else is?

So, I marched myself to Target and purchased the Lash Paradise and I have two words for you- HOLY VOLUME! The wand on this mascara reminds me of the popular Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. I was always a fan of the Too Faced mascaras volume, but Lash Paradise has taken it to another level. It gives you the length you need and the volume you always desired. There are zero flakes, zero smudging just beautiful lashes all day long.
I highly recommend you head to the closest drug store and grab one…or two.

This is hands down my star product for the month of July, it hasn’t left my lashes yet! Some other products I have been pairing with the Lash Paradise is the Jaclyn Hill palette by Morphe. I promise you if you purchase this eye shadow palette you will not need another one in your life. IT HAS IT ALL! ( seriously, no exaggeration) I also enjoyed some podcasts during the month of July. I have a really long commute to work and podcasts are the only things that keep me sane. If you are a beauty lover you need to listen to Fat Mascara it has all the beauty tips and tricks you need + some interesting interviews!

What was your star product in the month of July? Leave me some suggestions down below

L’oreal Lash Paradise $8.99 @ Target 

Best Affodable Foundation For Summer

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I know the best affordable foundation is a  strong statement but hear me out. This foundation is $ 5.99 and it checks everything off my list of needs for a foundation. It’s long wearing, keeps me matte but not dry and it’s full coverage. Check, check and check!

I first discovered this foundation from complimenting one of my co-worker’s complexion and she whispered to me “it’s wet and wild” before her sentence was even over I was googling the foundation and I was making a trip to Walgreens after work.

The Wet and Wild Photo Focus Foundation solved the number one thing I struggle with when buying drugstore foundations and that is shade choices. I have a very neutral undertone and many drugstore foundations are either too pink or too yellow there is rarely in between. The shade I wear is bronze beige and it is my PERFECT shade. It’s extremely neutral without being too gray.

So this 5.99 foundation is my perfect shade, it has medium to full coverage and is very buildable without getting cakey. It’s a semi-matte finish which is perfect for summer time and is extremely long wearing! This foundation does things my 30$ foundations cannot.

So count up that spare change in your car and head to your local drug store and give this foundation a shot- you won’t be sorry!

What are some of your favorite drugstore foundations?

Wet and Wild Photo Focus Foundation $5.99 @Walgreens