Serum Series: Vitamin C

Over the years, I have been guilty of riding the waves of numerous fads...BB creams, blue mascara, glitter eyeshadow, Noxzema (remember that?)...you get the picture.

However, I have finally found a new obsession that will not only stick but will leave me thanking myself years from now. I have stopped being lazy about my skincare regime and started making the investment in preventing my potential future saggy and wrinkly face.

I can say, with some certainty, I will be a bag of bones and wrinkles if I don't actively start working towards some type of preventative anti-aging movement. 28 years of sun exposure and several of those years living in Florida equals bad new bears.

Lately, I've noticed my concealer gets caught in my fines lines under and around my eyes. I blamed it solely on my concealer. So, back to Sephora I went...numerous concealers later and I had to face the facts. My skin has lost a bit of elasticity around my eyes.

So, naturally I started frantically Googling what my favorite celebrities are doing to make their skin look like they just hopped out of the fountain of youth. I mean, is Jen Aniston 21 or 41? No one would know. So, after probably 75 different articles and interviews read, I knew I had to add to existing routine some Vitamin C (and other serums...to come in future posts).

I'm not trying to just think something is going to do miracles for me and waste money and then in a month from now notice that the bottle has collected dust. This is the new "anti-clutter" Kacey speaking, of course. Plus, when I step into the skincare aisles of Sephora, I'm overwhelmed by the immediate over-stimulation of what seems like millions of products and price tags that I'd have to hide from my husband (oh yeah, forgot to mention... I got married).

So, let me make this simple for you. If you don't have Vitamin C in your current face product rotation, step up your game. Here's why...as we age, our body's collagen breaks down and the collagen production minimizes. This is where the the devil's work (wrinkles) come in. Vitamin C serums pack their biggest punch by increasing the production of collagen, which means increasing your skin's elasticity. And boom, we are fighting wrinkles before they start OR helping to decrease wrinkles that have already formed.

If you're like me, you enjoy researching a gazillion products before making a purchase. I like to make sure I'm getting a good product at the right price. I won't overspend just for a certain brand name. It HAS to work. So, on to Amazon I went after scouring Sephora's site. Along came Eve Hansen products. I'd, personally, never heard of this brand but with hundreds upon hundreds of reviews, I felt confident giving it a whirl. For a 2 ounce bottle of Vitamin C, you're looking at a price tag over under $18 on Amazon. Compare this to the $60-$80 you could be spending elsewhere.

Bottom line...you can't argue with the science. This product is 100% vegan, fights free-radical damage, sun damage (YES!), improves pigmentation issues, improves skin tone AND texture and is good for all skin types. A few drops massaged and patted into your skin twice a day!

Call me when you're 65 and you can thank me then.

Need a reason to ease up on the drinking? I'll give you five.

Ok, so college is over. Didn't get the memo? I'm not surprised.

I am a rare breed. I have nearly quit drinking alcohol entirely. It is a rare occasion that I'll let my hair down and have a glass of champagne (or maybe a tequila shot, depending on my crew at the time). I have a list of reasons I nearly eliminated booze from my diet but easily say it was one of my better choices.

Here are the top five reasons laying off the booze is great...

1. You sleep better - and not the dead-to-the-world drunken sleep.
2. You notice a reduction in stomach fat (after a month of sober living)
3. Your risk of mouth, liver and breast cancer reduces (WHAT?!)
4. You'll quit throwing so much money down the drain (think about it...$30 at a happy hour three times a week....around $5000 a year...that's a lot of shoes and rent)
5. You'll quit having to experience the mind-numbing 3-day hangovers (because let's face it...you're not 22 anymore and invincible and Pam from finance is starting to worry that you're always face-down on the desk trying not to throw up).

With that said, cheers to tomorrow being Friday!

 

Look for Less

I love these metallic J.Crew criss cross sandals for summer but not interested in paying just around $75 for them. I want the look...but for less. Forever 21 is an overwhelming place but every now and then you'll find a gem. These sandals above in gold are less than $20 and come in several different color options, including white, black and the gold. Go get yourself some, girls!

Best Boyfriend Borrows

Since my fiance and I live together, there are twice the amount of products in our bathroom. I've ended up trying some of his products, whether that was because I ran out of my own or because I am a product junkie and needed to know if I liked them.

Above is the lotion that Eric received as a little bonus in his Easter basket and it's safe to say, I'm obsessed. It's not greasy but after I apply, I can visibly tell how moisturized my skin is. This lotion smells AMAZING. It has a distinct "man scent" but it's not over powering.

This is my new favorite lotion. My ultimate daily product. Below are more products I've borrowed from him that now I use as regularly as he does!

I buy fiance's shampoo so that in case of emergency, I can use it if I run out of my own. I bought this Aussie Men Daily 2-in-1 shampoo (plus conditioner) and ended up using it with every wash of my own hair. Since it has conditioner added, it made my hair extra soft. Not to mention, the scent is AH-MAZING! 
                               

Fashion Find of the Day - On Sale!

So, it's technically spring outside but today I had a coat on and my nose was running so it's safe to say we aren't in the clear yet, Chicago...With that in mind, it is still time to be transitioning into spring trends and soon - summer!!I find this dress, from ASOS, is the perfect transition piece. Plus, it's on sale for $35! Wear it with a leather jacket to give it a little edge, a white blazer, a denim jacket for daytime or a white long sleeve under the dress for a work day. 

Current Faves

We buy something new to give it a whirl. We instantly love it or hate it and have immediate buyer's remorse. Here are a few products I've tried over the last few months and I've decided are keepers!
Starting from top left, this is a mauve lip liner (pictured is from Urban Decay but my favorite is from The Body Shop - color: Clover). I use this shade to line my lips before applying my nude lipstick or nude lipgloss. It makes ALL the difference.
Next up, this Essie polish (in my top 3 shades of polish). This color, Fifth Avenue was first purchased for me by my now fiance and I recently had to restock because I use so often (winter AND summer). It's the ultimate red...not too blue...not too orange.
Next, my favorite shade of blue for summertime. This royal blue (by Sinful Colors --$2 at drugstores) looks so amazing on tan skin and is vibrant!
Erase Paste by Benefit is just my type of concealer. It's thick enough to hide my zombie-like dark circles but doesn't look cakey. Plus, a little bit goes a long way with this product so restocking is at a minimum.
This Revlon Colorburst Lip Stain stick was a surprisingly great product. I, for some reason, wasn't loving the idea but am so impressed. It has a refreshing mint flavor and the thick pencil helps with precision. Stays on all day - perfect for summer!
This Revlon Colorstay eyeshadow palette is a product perfect for any skin tone and all year round. I use the top two on a daily basis and add in the bottom two for evening! It's neutral enough to be paired with any lipstick shade!

Our First Fashion Blogger Crush: Chapter 2

Everyone's first fashion blogger crush has her own line now. Does this mean we will all look as fly as her if we throw on this donut tank? We can dream...we can dream. Shop the options here! Sincerely Jules, we love you!

Planning a Getaway?

Spring is here and it's finally getting warm enough for perhaps a....weekend getaway? I'd like to think so. I always stress about what to wear on a weekend trip so if you're like me, maybe give the above outfit a go (or your version of it). This particular outfit was made to stay on the low end of a budget. 

These boyfriend jeans are $17...yes, $17 on www.sheinside.com - woo! The backpack (since I've been seeing them everywhere) is from Target and totally affordable...not to mention - SUPER practical. These leopard print flats are basically a neutral..AMIRIGHT? Plus, they are under $25. This top, by Enza Costa, could be replicated by basically any store. This would be the perfect $10 tee from H&M in my experience. 

Voila - cute, casual and comfortable! Road trip, here you come!

This Little Light of Mine

While my living room has a variety of colors, my guest room and master bedroom aren't so lucky. I'm a victim of the belief in all white bedrooms. But can you really just have white from floor to ceiling without feeling like you're in a sterile hospital room? I think not. You need some splashes of color here and there to give the room some life, per say. Here is a gentle way to introduce that color - a lamp with both white AND another hue. Find yours at HomeGoods! Shop on, sisters. 

Everyday Eclectic

My gal pal, Kaitlin, was coming to town so it was time for a deep clean on our apartment. And when it's clean, we take a photo because it seems like a rare treat! This photo highlights my favorite room in our home - the living room. I am not someone who uses brown in my home (the wall paint color came with the apartment - I probably would have done two tons of grey). I love our mix of patterns, colors and textures. It's truly eclectic in here - a little bit of everything...just the way I like it. Looks like Zella approves, too.

Pom Poms for the Pillows

I can admit it...I am overkill with throw pillows. My boyfriend thinks I have a serious problem and that's because I do. But this pillow...this pillow is just one step closer to perfection. Pom poms on pillows? Brilliant, people! This pillow shown is just a plain, crisp white pillow but HomeGoods had them in tan/white stripes and black/white strips (believe me, if they had the black/white at my HomeGoods, there would be two on my bed as we speak). Such a fun spin on a "necessity" like a throw pillow (men, hold your scoffing). 

I Mean...Totes

What? Like I'm not going to buy a sweater like this? A little black, a little pink - boom.

Big Bowl of (HomeGoods) Happy

If there is one place I could spend hours on end, it'd be HomeGoods (that's probably a lie...let's not forget about Sephora, Nordstrom, Target). I can only really compare it to treasure hunting. I've been longing for the blue and white patterned china-like pieces I've been seeing but this slightly muted red option is such an unexpected gem. At $12.99, it's the perfect accessory - use in the kitchen for fruit, out on the coffee table as decor or even sitting upright on your mantle. I'm pretty proud of this find. 

Easy like Sunday (Monday) Morning

What does one do in the morning before the daily job search begins? They lounge in their silky floral jammies, sip some tea and catch up on the blogs. These pajamas (whole set) were on sale (and still might be!) at Target for $14! Don't worry...they have leopard print, too...(I know, MASSIVE relief).
Mug: Anthropologie
Rug: Rugs USA
Fur throw: HomeGoods
Book: Gift
Pajamas: Target (Gilligan & O'Malley)

Chop Chop

I mentioned I was turning over a new leaf so in true female fashion, I obviously had to get a new hair cut, too! That's how women work - they make a big change in their life and then voila - they dye/cut/shave that business and call it a day. New hair, new woman...am I right?
So how did I land on this "lob" (long bob)? Well, everyone's doing it and with every photo I saw posted with this new 'do, I grew more and more obsessed with the idea that I too could chop my dead ends and get something fresh. As a gal barely over 5'2'', my long hair was starting to have the Wednesday Adams effect on me...or so I thought. It just wasn't doing anything for me and had lost it's trendy factor. Insert lob here.
I mean, Kim Kardashian did it so....

New Month, New Leaf

I can't believe it's already March (and I'm even a day late...apologies)! Where did the time go?
They say "another day, another dollar" but that's contradicts my news - I recently left my sales job and am looking for a position that is more "me"...something more...sparkly.
I cracked open my favorite Kate Spade planner today (although I have to admit, I don't use it correctly to keep my life in order...it's more of a fun little pad to scribble down the more exciting plans in my life). The monthly note spoke to me - Turn over a new leaf. That I will, Kate..that I will.
Cheers to a new beginning, girls!

Pantone Color of 2015

In case no one has told you, Marsala is the color of the year, according to Pantone (the color Gods). How should you wear this color? Lips, shoes, purse, tops, pants, you name it!
Get your Marsala on (and here I was thinking it was just a food this whole time!). 

Routine Round Up

I feel like I have been posting a lot about facial products that I like but I can't help it - great skin is the key to life (...or something like that). So, I'm back to share my daily routine that has been working wonders for my skin over the past few weeks. In the winter months, it's easy to continue your routine of harsh toners and washes but it's important to moisturize all year long. Your skin in the winter gets dry and tight so here are some products that may save you.
For starters, I use this Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash year-round because it's dermatologist-recommended and does the trick for me. It's simple and works.
Next, I use this Ultra Facial Toner by Kiehl's. It looks, feels and goes on more like a lotion. It's definitely not a harsh toner that burns your skins and kills everything in sight.
My final step is this Nutriganics Serum by The Body Shop. It was on clearance for $10 and is great for anti-aging (never too soon to start fighting those wrinkles, gal pals!) so I thought I'd try it out...I was out of face lotion anyway. This product is my favorite! It glides on like silk and unlike some serums, doesn't have a greasy feel.
My skin feels amazing - give it a go!

These Lips Don't Lie...Well, Maybe a Little

I was just as intrigued as the next gal to find out how Kylie Jenner's lips suddenly got so plump and amazing. I mean, they honestly changed the way her whole face looks. So...I started Googling. And voila - I found the answer I needed. Not plastic surgery as I had worried. Instead, it's just a makeup trick being used since Marilyn Monroe's day - overlining! So, obvi I had to give this a go. I found a good color to try at The Body Shop (although, I know Miss Jenner uses Soar by MAC).
The key is to not overline all the way around your lips...mostly just the "v" at the top of your top lip and in the center on the bottom of your lower lip. Then, line the rest of your lip as you would normally...on the actual lip line. To achieve the look completely, you need to have a matte lip so just use the lip liner to fill in  your lips completely. Using a gloss can cast shine on your natural lip line and ruin the whole effect.
For some diminsion, you can add a lighter color on your bottom lip in the middle (a powder, lighter lip product, etc).
Above is a step-by-step of how I did mine and on the right, the finished look!

Cold Doesn't Have to be Ugly

Listen...if anyone gets the severity and annoyance of cold weather, it's me. Coming off my high of living in Florida for the past 3 years, I totally understand every aspect that makes winter difficult. There is the snow that makes driving difficult and dangerous, there is the brutal chilling wind that burns your face and the worst, chapped lips and dry cuticles (am I right?).Well, tragic fashion doesn't have to be part of this season. Get yourself a cute pair of snow boots, for starters. They are necessary and don't have to be tragically manly. I just purchased a pair of Herringbone Sorels that are a game-changer! Toss on a cute oversized sweater and a cute hat and you'll be a precious little snow bunny...or something like that.