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.

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!

Bought, Tried, Loved: My Current Faves

I love taking chances on products. There is some sort of thrill I get from feeling like I'm on the verge of finding my new absolutely can't live without product. Above are some of my recently-purchased products that I can't get enough of.
Let's start chatting about them...the first product I'd like to rave about is the facial brush in the top left corner. I bought mine at HomeGoods...yes, HomeGoods. My face feels noticeably more clean after using this in conjunction with my favorite face wash (Neutrogena). Best part of this brush is that I like it better than the electronic version, yet it was under $5.
Next up, the Sonicare. My mom and dad swear by these electronic toothbrushes and bought my boyfriend and I matching ones for Christmas. What a gift! Never have my teeth felt cleaner! I can't imagine now going back to manual brushing. Yes, these are a little pricey. However, dentists insist that these are a necessary part of dental hygiene. You can find these at Target, Walmart, etc.
Burt's Bees facial cleansing clothes (cucumber) was another win for me. I typically use Neutrogena makeup removing cleansing clothes but wanted to switch it up. The cucumber scent is refreshing and soothing at the same time. Not to mention, definitely comparable in price to other wipe options.
This Dove shampoo (Oxygen line) is fabulous! If for nothing else, the scent is addictive. My hair feels squeaky clean and the Oxygen condition makes my hair feel like silk. I will be buying this again when it's time to restock (rare for me...I like experimenting).
This navy Revlon polish (in Urban) is my winter must-have for my nails! Don't get me wrong, I'm as into Linkin Park after Dark as the next gal but sometimes you need a fresher option. Navy nails are a bit more unexpected and of course, trendy.
This Origins GinZing eye cream is a Monday morning savior! This cream brightens your eye area and wakes those peepers up. I'm not a morning person so God bless this heavenly product! Thank you, Origins.
Garnier does it again...they have created this Blackhead Eliminating Scrub and it works! I originally purchased this for my boyfriend but have since then, stolen it for myself. This product contains charcoal which helps combat the dirt, oil and impurities that cause blackheads. Well done, Garnier...well done.

There you have it - if you are looking for some new products to take some chances on, I've laid them out for you!

YOUNIQUE: Product Review

No mascara...(yikes...) 

Added black liquid liner and a coat of regular mascara (L'Oreal Telescopic...my drug store fave)

I FINALLY got the chance to try a product that I've been seeing everywhere and I can't wait to tell you guys about it! I am all about mascara and I am guilty of not caring if it has a "natural" look. I like thick, long lashes that say "Hello world, I am here and fab!" So, Younique is the ultimate product for me.

Here is how it works...
This eyelash enhancing duo (there are two tubes that make up this product) that plump up your lashes 300% in thickness and volume.

1.) Apply a thin coat of your favorite regular mascara on top and both lashes. Let dry.
2.) Apply an even coat of the Transplanting Gel (don't worry, it's black so just looks like mascara) on lashes.
3.) Before the transplanting gel dries, apply the fibers (applied with a mascara-style wand) onto lashes.
4.) Seal the fibers with another coat of the transplanting gel.

The fibers are 100% natural green tea fibers.

Interested in trying this MUST HAVE product? Contact Courtney Thacker at 317-796-2009 or courtney.thacker@sbcglobal.net or here. Courtney got me my Younique products in no time at all!

Beauty Must-Have

Alas! The perfect eyebrow product. I am currently cursed with sparse eyebrows...probably from overplucking back in my younger years. The gal who does my hair mentioned that she got her oh-so-perfect brows using Anastasia Dipbrow. I found it at my local Ulta and use the shade Medium Brown (seen above). It's a game changer. I use an angled brow brush to apply and I've never received so many compliments. My favorite part of this product is that it's a pomade (yes, like the hair product) and you can make it light or darker. 

Take It Off

Great...you've got your super glam smokey eyes on, ready to take on the world. Now what? Well, when it's time to lay down for the night, you're best off removing everything pre-beauty sleep. Above I've provided you with eye makeup removers that are not only super effective but completely affordable. The Almay remover pads are handy, great for travel and inexpensive. My preference is the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Not only are they great for travel, as well, but they also smell clean and don't over dry your skin. 

Brighten that Blonde

I took my own advice and got some purple shampoo. Deep colored purple shampoo like this Clairol Shimmer Lights shampoo ($8 at Sally's) helps brighten blonde hair and remove brassiness. I used this for the first time last night and LOVE it. Not only does it smell good but helped brighten the blonde in my hair. Don't be caught off guard at how purple this shampoo is - just use it! Do NOT use this every time you wash your hair. I would suggest maybe twice a month. 

Drugstore Products I Can't Live Without: Makeup Edition

Sure I have a ton of hair product faves, but of course, I have makeup must-haves too! Here are a few products that you can get at your local drugstore that if you try, I'm sure you'll love!

Baby Lips is the silkiest of lip glosses. My fave coworker, Sam, introduced me to it and now I'm an addict. I put it on and wear it alone or under my lipstick. It has the perfect amount of shine.

Milani Baked Blush is my NARS alternative. The best color is Coralina (comparable to NARS Torrid). Give it a go!

Revlon ColorStay liquid liner is a product I've been using for years. The felt tip end makes it easy to make a nice, clean line. For the cat eye look, this is a must!

L'Oreal Telescopic mascara is THE product that I depend on. I find it to be better than Benefit's They're Real...and THAT'S saying something.

Revlon ColorStay concealer makes my dark under eye circles vanish. The sponge tip helps with easy application and it doesn't come out too quickly so it's manageable. If I didn't use this, I'd look like a zombie.

Rimmel Stay Matte powder (I use the translucent shade) is another keeper. After I apply my concealer and foundation, I dust this lightly on my entire face, focusing on my t-zone and under my eyes to lock in the concealer. Next up, bronzer! This powder is good for touch ups throughout the day to downplay oil and shine. 

Drugstore Products I Can't Live Without: Hair Edition

I've been growing my hair out for what seems like decades. It's like a whole new world. So maybe options! Every morning I have a series of thoughts..."Curls? Straight? Curly pony? Top knot? Braid? Craaaap. I'm shaving it off. Britney Spears did it." With long hair comes a bit of maintenance. I do believe in the occasional splurge but I'm here to tell you there are some fab products hiding at your local CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc. I'm here to save you the time and money and tell you exactly what to snatch up.

This Dove shampoo and condition with pure oil is LIFE CHANGING. Not only is the scent blissful but it makes you hair so soft. It feels like silk after just the shampoo, pre-conditioner. That's a winner in my book.

It's a 10 ...well, I'd be surprised if you haven't heard of it. It's truly a miracle. It's performs 10 duties...volume, shine, detangling, etc. What's not to love here?

This L'Oreal hairspray is perhaps more than Tresemme or a Pantene hairspray but...Rachel Zoe uses it. It's a classic, it does some heavy duty holding and has a scent that I'm crazy about.

Shower caps...sure make you look like a granny instantly but hey, they work. My hair made a 180 when I stopped washing it so often. I try to keep it down to 2-3 times a week. This cuts down on the drying, styling and overall stripping of my hair's natural oils. Another tip? Air dry those locks! I haven't used a hair dryer in over a month and a half and can tell a big difference.

Suave Keratin Dry Shampoo - this is my main secret. As I mentioned, since I don't wash my hair as much these days, dry shampoo is essential. This particular kind is under $3 and smells AH-MAZING! Spray at your roots and brush out your hair. I spray a little before bed and when I wake up. Give it a go!

This Organix oil is the perfect product for post shower wet locks. It smells heavenly and soaks into your hair easily. I only put this product on the bottom 3-4 inches of my hair and only use about a drop the size of a quarter. Always go for less first...you don't want to end up over doing it and having to rewash your hair (my worst nightmare).

Enjoy these drugstore products - less fancy but major bang for your buck! Happy shopping!

Fresh, Fruity and a New Favorite

I love trying new products. There is no denying that. I get some sort of odd thrill out of it (I'm sure you gals can understand that). I have always used the St. Ives Apricot Scrub since I can remember. When I went to stock up on my usual, I noticed this new product by St. Ives. The fruit on the front and the scent are really what sold me. However, once I used it for the first time, I loved it even more. It's not quite as harsh of an exfoliant as the original apricot version and is more face-friendly for a more regular use (like daily). Plus, the scent is fresh and heavenly. Give it a whirl!

Breathe It In

Perfume is my everything. I mean, I keep my perfumes on a cake stand for goodness sake. It's much like heels or jewelry or a purse...just completes the outfit. I've picked out some of my favorite scents that I keep stocked up on. As you can see from the top three, I don't believe in too much Chanel. Coco Mademoiselle is a classic and all three Chanel Chance (the gold/yellow not pictured here) are my go-to fragrances. Flowerbomb, in the bottom left corner, is a scent I can't get enough of. Most of my female coworkers wear it and I just never get tired of it. It's a comforting smell to me. In the middle of the bottom row is an oldie, but goodie. Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker was a staple for me in college but the scent is still as lovely as ever. I can't quite put my finger on what I like about it but it's a hidden gem. Last but not least, my ultimate favorite...Jimmy Choo. It's the most enticing smell in the world...in my opinion..and luckily for me, it's my blog so I'm allowed to act like that makes it the truth. If you haven't tried it out, do yourself a favor and spring into Sephora for a quick test run. And if nothing else, these bottles are just damn cute. 

Spray Away

If you're a female and you're breathing, then you depend on dry shampoo for basic survival. However, most dry shampoos are white-ish and leave brown hair looking grey. If you're a blonde (natural or not...), you're golden...if anything, it calms down my exposed brown roots - thank goodness. For my gal pals with darker hair, I've found this product that is invisible. Spray away, my friends.
Find this product at Sephora.

Tom...Totally

Designer Tom Ford steps out of his comfort zone and steps into a new venture...men's skin care. I rarely blog about men's fashion/trends/products but...it just so happens that elements of his men's skin care line could double as a woman's best friend, as well. His antifatigue eye treatment is all the rage when it comes to getting rid of puffiness - perfect for a late night working or out on the town! This might be a fun little gift for a man in your life this holiday season.

Endless Red

LOVE LOVE LOVE this red lip stain from L'Oreal (Colour Riche Wet Shine Stain)! I was surprised to open this tube and find a wand...I was expecting traditional lipstick. This stain isn't too intense but does give your lips a pretty, glossy red tint. The teardrop-shaped applicator is by far the best for applying a lip product...perfectly hugging the curves of your top lip. I would highly recommend this product! 

Honey, They're Real

I'd been hearing fabulous things about Benefit's mascara so of course, I had to try it for myself. "They're Real" has a wand that has a spiky end helping to add volume after you've done the traditional mascara application. While I do think it works well, I'd have to say, L'Oreal's Telescopic mascara worked just as well on my lashes and is a fourth of the price. I can't deny that Benefit's version probably does have better ingredients, in the end, all that matters to me is how big, long and luxurious my lashes look. Telescopic, for an over value and bang for my buck, you win.

Red Fatale

For my first L'Oreal product review, I of course opted for the red lipstick first. This fun rouge product is call Infallible and was amazing! It stayed on really well throughout the work day and went on smoothly. It had enough moisture but didn't look glossy (which I don't like in a lipstick - just a personal preference). I only had to reapply this once the entire day - talk about a miracle. I would absolutely recommend this line of lipstick and I can't wait to try this same product in more colors! Cheers to the ever-fabulous red lip!

Keep it Keratin

Since I started getting the Paul Mitchell Awupui Keratriplex conditioning treatments, I've been keratin-obsessed. So, finding out one of my favorite hair product companies, Organix, has a new keratin-infused line made me want to shout from the rooftops. Not only does this line come in a super chic hot pink bottle (bonus points), but it smells amazing and after leaving the conditioner on for 5 minutes (as suggested on the back of the bottle), your hair really does feel softer. I'll give my two thumbs up. 

Fit: Face-Friendly

Always on the market for new products...especially ones that make my face look a little less flawed and little more flawless. On one of my 384237 trips to Target, I swiped these Fit products by Maybelline. So far, so good! This line comes in so many shades - you are sure to find one that matches your skin tone perfectly. This foundation provides great coverage and the powder zaps shine. Not to mention, you won't be emptying your bank account because these products range around $5. Cha-ching!

Beauty on a Budget: Lotion

I've had a beauty product hoarding problem since before there were shows about hoarding. I can finally cut down one product from 7 bottles to 1 because this lady found a winner. I'm the type of girl that walks down the lotion aisle, smelling literally every brand and scent until they find the perfect combination of clean and feminine scents. This Nivea daily lotion passed the sniff test but then I brought it home and tried it and BAM. "Extended Moisture" was no joke. My legs feel like silk allllll day. Toss the rest, keep the best.