My Favorite Skincare Products

First things first. Much of my work for this years Makeup MAYhem was lost. Funny thing about the Blogger app... You can't leave the app unattended for very long, without saving your work. That's how stuff is deleted. 

Moving right along....

I'm sharing some of my absolute favorite skincare products. I have used each of these products for an extended period of time, which I think helps in giving a true review. I hope you try some of these products! If you have some staples in your skincare routine, feel free to share those with me! 

Face Scrubs & Blemish Control

Alba's Good & Clean Toxin Release Scrub- This product is a newer discovery. I have a slight addiction to facial scrubs so I'm always on the lookout for something new and fresh. This product is a keeper. It is a great natural alternative to other scrubs on the market. It lacks a lot of those ingredients that no one can pronounce and it isn't too abrasive on the skin. The fruit composition of this scrub offers a citrus-passion fruit scent which is especially nice in the morning. I would recommened this product for combination- to oily skin-types. You can find Alba products at Target and Fred Meyer/Kroger stores, and it costs less than $8. 

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub- This is a great daily scrub. It has tiny jojoba beads that gently scrub your skin. This is also formulated without parabens, sulfates, and all those other -bens and -ates. It's good for all skin types and smells like green apples. I find that this scrub is especially good to use during the winter months when my skin is dry. You can find this product at any drugstore for less than $8 as well.

LUSH Grease Lightening- lushusa.com, $13.95; Using this product, aside from religiously washing your face, is a great, natural way to fight blemishes. It has a gel-like consistancy so it stays put. It also has a matte finish so you can apply this underneath your makeup. I use this morning and night when combating blemishes. It contains tea tree which helps cleanse the skin, while aloe vera pampers those irritated areas. I recommend this for all skin types as well. 

Makeup Removal 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover- I have used this product for years. This is another drugstore product that costs less than $8. This product is a champ at removing some of the most stubborn waterproof mascaras. 

Burt's Bees Rosewater Toner- First of all, what is a toner? Toners cleanse the skin, eliminate excess oil and tighten pores. I don't know about the pores part but it definitely cleans your skin. I suppose the pore-tightening could be accurate because my face feels tight after I apply this toner. I use a toner after I have washed my face. The toner picks up any dirt and grime that's left behind. I wouldn't recommend a toner for everyone. If you suffer from dry skin, a toner can aggrivate the skin even more. Toners combat oil, so if you have combination skin, pinpoint the areas of the face that produce excess oil. I like the Burt's Bees Rosewater Toner because it's light. It doesn't dry my skin out and it smells great. I see a difference in my complection when I use this toner regularly. And as always, Burt's Bees offers more natural products that other brands on the market. You can find this in most Burt's Bees displays and it retails for about $11. 

Moisturizers

Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream- Because I like the scrub from this line, I wanted to try this nighttime moisturizer. I have been impressed with it. It's light on the skin and provides just enough moisture without causing breakouts. This is also formulated without all those -bens and -ates. Also apply this to my neck area. I have been very impressed with the Neutrogena Naturals line and this product did not disappoint. You can pick this up at any drugstore for around $15. 

Tarte Maracuja Oil- You can find this at Sephora, Ulta or tarte.com for $46. I know what you're thinking. Who would put oil on their face and why in the heck would they pay $46 for it? In my defense, the bottle I have is a travel size, (this is my second one) and I got it with other travel-sized products for less than $18. I'm not going to go through the logistics of this product but I highly encourage you to check it out and read the reviews. http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-pure-maracuja-oil I'm telling you, this stuff is fantastic. I have loved every product that I have ever used from Tarte. Much of their line incorporates maracuja oil in some way. I have never been disappointed in any of the items I have purchased from Tarte and this oil is no exception. I use this when washing my face at night. I skip a moisturizer if I use this oil. It provides moisture, clears and softens my skin. You would think applying an oil to your face would leave it feeling greasy, but that is not the case with this. I use about three to four drops for my entire face and neck. Whatever is left on my hands I rub in like I would hand lotion. 

Here are a few things to remember when it comes to skincare.

1. Wash your face- EVERY night. If you wear a full face of makeup, wash that gunk off! If you don't wear makeup, you are not exempt from this rule. If you're home, skip the makeup remover wipes. I know, I know. Makeup remover wipes make it so easy. I have three, loving, words for you. Stop being lazy. I know it seems easier to use wipes, but is the convenience worth the extra pimple or two that will follow? No way! As much as we try not to pick at a blemish, it's inevitable- you're going to pick. So wash your face. It doesn't have to be rocket science. Lather, rinse, and pat dry. Use a mild soap (I've used Dove brand soap for years) and you're good to go. Save the makeup remover wipes for travel or after your workout. 

2. Just as washing your face is important, keeping your skin hydrated is key too. If you find that you avoid moisturizing your skin because it's oily, chances are that skin is producing excess oil to compensate for a lack of moisture. Keep your skin clean and find a moisturizing routine that works best for you. Sometimes you have to experiment (which I know can be intimidating) to find out what makes your skin happy. If you're new to the moisturizing scene, go for products with more natural ingredients. Do some research and read reviews. 

3. DRINK WATER! We all know the importance of staying hydrated. Happy, healthy skin requires adequate hydration. That's not rocket science either. If you struggle with drinking enough water, set small goals for yourself. Find a fun water bottle. (TJMaxx is great for that.) Fill it up and drink the entire bottle before noon, and do it again before the end of your work day. Increase your consuption from there. In no time you'll find that you're drinking half your weight in ounces on a daily basis like you're supposed to. 

I hope this post was helpful to you. Don't forget to share your skincare favorites with me!

Target Haul!

I recently visited my local Target. Let's be honest- very rarely do I visit Target without buying something. It just happens! I went into Target to pick up some cleaning products and new razor. I walked out with a few extras in my shopping  bag. 

1. Neutrogena Rainbath- Believe it or not, I didn't buy this for myself! My husband is an avid gym-goer and has sensitive skin. He's a boy and he sweats. This stuff works great. This leaves his skin extra-clean and doesn't cause any breakouts or dry skin. It smells great too. There are different varieties and different sizes. We prefer the original scent. 

2. Method Fresh Cleansing Body Wash- More body wash and this one is all mine! I haven't tried the Method body wash but I really like their handwash. This bodywash is from the summer collection and was clearanced out. Sorry, everyone, I grabbed the last one in this scent. But the others were great too! I picked up the vanilla crème scent. It smells just like a cupcake. It's so good! This body wash is infused with aloe vera and vitamin E. 

3. Venus Embrace Sensitive kit- I've used the Embrace razor since it came out several years ago. For some reason, my legs had a reaction with the last box of razors I purchased. I think the formula for the moisure strip may have been changed. So I decided to try the sensitive skin formula. I hope my legs are happier with this one!

4. EOS shave cream in pomegranate raspberry- From the makers of the little egg-shapped lip balm comes a shave cream. This is a repurchase for me. While I love to use Lush Shower Smoothies for shaving, I can't run into a Lush store considering the nearest one is four hours away. The EOS shave cream is a great substitue. It's super hydrating and doesn't leave any residue. I have also used the Vanilla Bliss scent which is nice too.

5. Maybelline ColorSensational "The Elixir" in #60 Nude Illusion- I have been dying to try this line of lip glosses. This comes in 20 shades. I needed a nude gloss for the summer and this one is great. The formula is smooth, creamy and pigmented. I really like that this formula isn't sticky or tacky. Nothing is worse than your hair sticking to your lips because of a yucky, tacky gloss. The packaging is small and sleek so it's a nice size to keep in your purse.

6. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub- Here's another repurchase! I really enjoy this facial scrub. It's good at cleaning out your pore but gentle enough to use every day. It contains Jojoba beads that exfoliate the skin which is a nice alternative to the usual ground nuts/fruit pits found in other scrubs. The scent is great too! I think it smells like green apples. And who doesn't like to use more natural products? The Neutrogena Naturals line is formulated without harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, and phthalates.

7. Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream- This is a brand new find for me. I'm excited to see the results. It claims to replenish moisture and essential skin nutrients. The product is clinically proven to soften skin, reduce the look of dullness and roughness, and impove overall complection. I let you know how well this product does. I have high hopes because I love the facial scrub!

I Don't Wash My Hair!

Yes, you read that correctly. I don't wash my hair... Everyday that is. This has been a long overdue practice for me.

I used to wash my hair everyday, religiously. I hated to shower at night because my hair is an absolute mess in the morning. No amount of hairspray or backcombing will remedy the problem. My hair is greasy, probably not more than the average person but of course you always think that it's worse than it actually is. Wintertime is always the biggest pain when it comes to my hair. It gets dry, of course, but my hair is fine. So fine, dry hair equals limp, lifeless static electricity. And yes, that is actually possible. In all of my young adult/adult years I have never been able to break through the barrier of not washing my hair everyday. Well guess what, friends. I've done it! A hair stylist finally talked me into it.

Months ago I purchased a dry shampoo from LUSH. I tried using it... Once, maybe twice and it just sat in my bathroom, untouched. I wanted to change my hair washing habits but I wasn't committed to second-day hair just yet. This winter has been brutal. My hair and skin have been a nightmare. I finally decided to buckle down and commit. I decided to stop washing my hair every day. I told my friends, family, and co-workers what I was doing. I threw in a, "don't judge me," into my rant too. After all, the transition period of having a greasy hair-do for a couple of days was all at the expense of making my scalp happy and healthy. That, my friends, is 100% justified. I'm three weeks into the second-day hair experiment and I'm officially converted. It's February in dry, windy Idaho, and my hair has never felt or looked better. No joke. I have volume, shine, bounce, and my hair stays that way throughout my day.

I realize that many of you reading this are already members of the second-day hair club. If you aren't, you seriously need to think about making a conversion. Here's what I've been doing to make the transition from washing my hair daily.
1. On the days you do wash your hair, DON'T touch it. Keep your hands out of it. Style it as usual and leave it alone for the rest of the day. Oily hands make for an oily scalp.
2. Pull your hair back at night. I braid mine. It gives me some waves which helps with styling later.
3. Use a dry shampoo on the days you aren't washing your hair. I use No Drought dry shampoo by LUSH. This is a powder dry shampoo. It's Vegan too. No animal testing here! (Check it out at lushusa.com) The powder itself is white. I have dark brown hair so I have to work with it a little more. I concentrate on applying it around my temples and my part as that's where my scalp gets the most oily. I also apply it around the crown of my head to give my hair a little bit more volume. This helps get rid of bed head too.
4. When first beginning the second-day hair transition, try wearing your hair up on the days you aren't washing it. This ensures that you'll keep your hands out of it which will minimize the extra oil. That, along with the dry shampoo will help your scalp find a healthy balance.

As I said before, I'm only three weeks in to this transition. However, I can already tell that I don't have a need to wear my hair up the days that I'm not washing. My hair looks so much healthier and feels so much nicer. Tomorrow I will be sporting second-day hair and I'm considering wearing it down. That's a big deal, people. It's something I never would have done before... Ever. So if you're one of those out there who washes their hair every day, stop it! Trust me, you'll be happy you did.

Eyelash Extensions!

Quick! Ask me where I got my eyelash extensions!  :-)

I just got them a few days ago and I adore them! My natural lashes are very fine and SUPER straight. You'd never know that when you see my extensions. They're amazing! With the proper care, they last several weeks. And the best part- you don't have to wear mascara!

Check them out! Let me know if you're interested in getting your own and I'll refer you to my cosmetologist. She's absolutely wonderful!

#MyHairToday Giveaway!

It's summer time and I'm all about easy breezy when it comes to my hair. My hair is fine and lies at an awkward point somewhere in between wavy and straight. It's hot and I don't have a lot of options aside from a messy bun or a boring pony tail.

This has been my go-to hair style recently. It's quick, easy, and very wearable. I can't french-braid, but come to find out, I can create a dutch-braid! Add a messy bun and you're ready for the day! I start this style with semi-wet hair. I dry the crown section of my hair so that I can backcomb it. I leave the front section wet, primarily the side I will be braiding as my hair is harder to braid when it is dry.

Step 1: Part your hair on the side. I part mine on the right. A "proper" part should fall directly above the natural arch of your eyebrow.

Step 2: Backcomb your hair for extra volume. Focus on the crown but and the side opposite your braid.

Step 3: Start braiding! It helps to section off the portion of your hair that you're braiding. This prevents you from grabbing too much hair for your braid. Braid your hair around the side of your face and through the end of the hair shaft.

Step 4: Join your braid to the rest of your hair and pull it into a low side-pony/messy bun. After my hair is secured by a hair tie, I like to "fluff" the top my hair to create a small "bump" so that it doesn't look like I tried to slick it back. Since you backcombed your hair earlier, this step will be easier as there will already be some volume there.

Step 5: Start pinning! If you're like me, a messy bun goes flat lickety split, so I bobby pin mine into a bun. Another helpful hint- if you start this style with semi-wet hair like I do, once your hair is secured by a hair tie, take a blow dryer to your pony. This creates a little more volume and makes your bun much fuller.

Step 6: Hair spray it! I am growing out my bangs so I have to use a little extra hair spray at the base of my braid to ensure that my hair doesn't fall out.

There you have it, ladies! A cute, easy, and fun hair style that helps keep your hair out of the way during the summer months. Add a flower or a sparkle-y hair pin to dress up the style for a date night. Don't forget to share pictures of yourself sporting this style!

Summer Favorites!

It's summer time and I thought I would share some of my must-have items for summer. From makeup to nails and shoes to food, these are my summer go-to's!

·MAC Matte gel- love this stuff! I've had the same tube forever! A little of this stuff goes a long way. I use this as a primer for my t-zone and under-eye area. I have dark circles and this product helps my concealer go on easier and last longer. It's helps keep my t-zone shine-free longer during the hot summer days.
·Stila Self-Adjusting Blush in Coral- you can't go without a coral blush for summer! I really enjoy this one because it has a hint of gold flecks in it that aren't too flashy. It's a lovely pop of color for your cheeks.
·MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powd in Honey Rose- this stuff is amazing! Perfect for a cheek highlight and you can even sweep it across your eyelids for a bit of sparkle. This is great for the inner eye/tear duct area to create a bright-eyed look. This powder has a cool, wet feeling when you apply it, hence the "magically cool" part in the name.
·Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio in 25 Bad to the Bronze- this is a cream shadow that can be worn alone or under regular eyeshadow which makes colors more vibrant. I like this color specifically because you can easily use it to create a pretty day-time look or layer darker, richer colors over the top to create a sultry evening-look. They're pretty inexpensive, around $7 or so, but I got two for the price of one at KMart.
·Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Now Silkening Fragrance Mist in The Beauty Of Brazil- This is an all-time favorite of mine. I don't think this is currently available from VS, but if you can find it on Amazon, get it! I got this a few summers ago at the semi-annual sale. I think part of why I like it so much is that the scent reminds me of the summer I got married. I took this with me on our honeymoon and wore it everyday since the perfume I had packed exploded in my suitcase. Thanks to the help of OxyClean, my mom and I were able to save my white jacket and white sundress from the potent, pink stains my broken perfume left behind. Anyway, this body spray has a nice hint of coconut which I think is a must for summer!
·Organix Nourishing Coconut shampoo and conditioner- The explanation is fairly simple: my hair looks and feels great, and it smells like coconut. Win, win!
Nail polishes:
·China Glaze "Pool Party"- this is a bright neon pinky/coral. It takes a couple of coats to show up opaque.
·Color Club "Blu Ming"- mint green, two coats is all you need
·butterLondon "Slapper"-  teal, two coats is all you need
·Sinful Colors "Fuschia"- the epitome of neon pink. This one definitely needs two coats, even three depending on your preference.
·Essie "She's Picture Perfect" - this is a pretty lavender with a pink shimmer. It's a pretty milky shade so it goes on very opaque.
·OPI "If You Moust You Moust"- from the new Minnie Mouse collection, a cool pink. You can definitely get a way with one coat on this one but I prefer two.
·OPI "Catch Me In Your Net" - the first pedicure I ever had was a gift from my husband for our first anniversary. I chose this color for my toes. I don't normally gravitate to blue hues but this color really caught my eye. It reminds me of the Little Mermaid, which definitely has something to do with why I like it so much! Two coats is safe on this one.
·Zoya "Shay" - the perfect nude polish. It has a slight shimmer to it but you don't notice it unless you're in the right light. I ordered this through Birchbox and I love this brand of polish. It's the same price as Essie and OPI but I think the quality is so much better. I wish we had a nearby retailer who would sell this brand. I love it!
·Twinkle Toes- Whether you get then done at a salon our do them yourself, which I do, you can't wear sandals without some bling on your toes.
 ·Chacos- If I didn't have to dress in business/professional attire for work, I would sport my Chacos everyday. They're comfortable and come in a variety of different styles and colors. I have quite a few pairs. These shoes are comfortable and the z-tan-lines they leave behind are awesome!
·Starbucks Tazo Shaken Iced Passion Tea- this just feels like summer. The Passion Tea Lemonade is a little sweeter and quite tastey as well. I prefer to get this drink unsweetened just to cut back on the sugar where I can. :)
·Pineapple- I really enjoy fresh pineapple- none of that canned stuff! It's so yummy and it conquers my sweet-tooth! 
·blowpro Blow Up Thickening Mist- I've used it for about two weeks or so now and I love it. My hair is naturally very find and quite lifeless and flat but this stuff gives it a little extra oomph.You apply this before you dry your hair. It smells good too. Once you hair is dry, it looks fuller and doesn't even feel like you have product in your hair. I will definitely be repurchasing this when I run out. I just ordered this through Birchbox https://www.birchbox.com?raf=l2swn.
·Redken UV Rescue Brunette Guard- let's be honest, there aren't a whole lot of hair products out there made specifically for us brunettes. But this is a product I've used for years and endorse it 100%. I used to be a lifeguard and swimming lesson instructor. This product saved my hair from the chlorine and the sun. I have to be careful with the leave in products I use in my hair because they leave buildup behind and weigh my hair down. I don't have volume to begin with and the last thing I want or need is a product that weighs my hair down. I can use this product everyday and I don't have a problem with it. It smells great and I has gold flecks in it to add shine. It isn't straight-up glitter in your hair so no worries there!
·Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs- as you know, I was a lifeguard for a few years. I have moles now that I didn't have before I guarded so I'm a little paranoid when it comes to sun exposure. I love being out in the sun but I don't want to get sunburned. I use products with SPF for protection. That said, my legs are pastey! Some would beg to differ but as far as my standards go, my legs are white! So in between using sunless tanners, I like to use Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs. I was a little hesitant to try it at first but I've heard great reviews on it so I decided to go for it. I've previously used the Victoria's Secret Flawless Airbrush Instant Bronze Body Spray- whew, that's a mouthful. I prefer the Sally Hansen spray tan over the VS one. It shows up better and stays on longer. Disclaimer- these have shimmer. It isn't too overwhelming, but this really isn't a product I would recommend using daily because of the shimmer. Overall, the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is worth the $11.
·Celebrity Pink pants/jeans- I recently purchased three bottoms by Celebrity Pink. Not only is the brand name cute, but the prices for these items are great. I bought white Bermuda shorts at Macy's for $11! Talk about a good deal. I also bought a pair of jade green pants and pink jeans from the Buckle- $32.95 each! For the Buckle, that's pretty cheap. I love these bottoms. I hope the colored pants/jeans trend stays around for a while! Note, the jeans run smaller than the pants and shorts do.
·Bohme- this store recently opened in our mall. It's a nice alternative to the usual styles that you normally see in our stores around here. Every time I visit the store I see a million things that I want to buy. These are items I recently purchased from the store and they're great summer pieces. I couldn't find the names of the items online but it seems like they have more available in-store.

Well there you have it- my summer favorites, thus far! Let me know what your favorites are!
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Independence Day Manicure

Here's a mini post about my manicure I'm sporting for the 4th. Try it out, make it your own and have fun! Show me your designs by tweeting @deyanirajeni

Colors: Red by butterLondon, Snow Me White by Sinful Colors, Pure Ice crackle in Jetsetter, and Out Of This World by Sinful Colors. I also used Migi Nail Art pens primary colors collection.