{Beauty} ful

In the past few years, I have become addicted to beauty and skincare. On top of that, I’m really into the environment and nontoxic products (and no animal testing, DUH!). I am also deeply invested in affordability.

All of that being said, that’s a lot of requirements and not as easy to find the right products as you would think.

I wanted to share some of my favorite products of late because women need to get out there and share the magic. We should all be taking care of our skin, looking fly, and doing right by the world we live in.

Brands I Love

ELF (eyeslipsface)

I’ve been sing ELF since they were a tiny little shop out of NYC. They’ve evolved from sort of a Wet n Wild competitor to an actual respectable brand and yet still maintain a really inexpensive price point. I buy a whole lot from this brand. From mascara to BB cream to lip gloss, I love it all.

Specs: Cruelty free, paraben free, 100% vegan

Bare Minerals

Bare minerals is another brand I’ve been using since I was about 16. Unfairly so, I don’r require face makeup. So the minimal coverage powders are right up my alley. I have been obsessed with faux tan since the beginning and their mascara is to die for.

Specs: Paraben free, phalate free, formaldehyde free, chemical sunscreen free, trisodan free, triclocarbon free, propylene-glycol free, mineral oil free, coal tar free, microbead free, cruetly free

Paula’s Choice

I love this skincare line. The packaging is simple, the ingredients are simple. I have extremely sensitive skin and need a line that doesn’t add all the fluff. They’re also committed to recycling and sustainability in general, which is really important to me. They also always have sales so the products are extremely reasonably priced and are yet often medical grade.

Ingredients they avoid: 1,4 Dioxane, Abrasive particles, Alcohol, Aluminum powder, essential oils, formaldehyde, fragrant plant extracts, nanoparticles, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrance, talc, toluene

Kopari

I’ve just begun using the Kopari brand because I read so much about their commitment to pure and sustainable ingredients. After my limited exposure, I’m hooked. The ingredients are natural and not harsh and thus don’t aggravate my extremely sensitive skin. Plus, free shipping over $30 and reasonably priced products are a bonus.

Specs: 100% pure, organic coconut oil sustainably sourced from small family farms in the Phillipnes. Sulfate free, paraben free, cruelty free, phthalate free, vegan

Coola

I first started sing Koola because I received a sample in my Birchbox. I am obsessed. The quality is on point, the variety of the products is enough for my simple need and they remind me of being on an island. It’s mostly sun care products which tbh we could all use more of!

Specs: Farm to face, cruelty free, plant protection, antioxidant rich, sustainable, nonirritating

Alright everyone - share with me — What products are you using?!

Fountain of Youth

Never in my life have I been more invested in skincare as I am right now. I’m really lucky and have incredible olive skin. Essentially having one small zit every 6 months is really the worst that happens to me (knock on wood). I’m appreciative of that. However I’m not 22 anymore and I’m a highly expressive human. I’ve spent a lot of time in the sun (and le sigh, in tanning beds when I was young). I never took care of my skin in my 20’s. I’m 33 now, and that’s all changed. I’m committed to looking and feeling my best.

I’ve written about plastic surgery as well as injections in the past and here I am a year later still not ready to go that route yet. Again, I’m so here for that if its for you and eventually, I’ll get there. Right now, I’m not there.

But I am spending money on skincare products to look and feel my best. What you should know about me:

• Dry, sensitive skin

• Big believer in not spending thousands each month on products

• Not loyal to any one brand

• Lazy AF

That’s a really good background on me and how I spend when it comes to skincare. Here’s my general routine:

Morning: Cleaners, toner, exfoliant/antiaging serum, BB cream (with SPF 30)

Evening: Cleaners, toner, exfoliant/antiaging serum, retinol antiaging night cream, night eye cream

This is A LOT for me. To me, that’s 3,000 steps. But it’s basic enough that it’s manageable without making me get up earlier in the morning or commit too much time before bed. Now I do switch it up at night because retinol creams can be harsh on my sensitive skin. So I alternate between that and an antiaging serum paired with vitamin c serum.

Now to the meat of this thing, the products I’m loving right now (I’ve added in some outside my normal daily routine because I like to switch it up):

Cleanser

Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser (Target, $5.59)

I’m a huge fan of Aveeno products. They’re inexpensive and they are so gentle on my skin. I also use their makeup remover wipes. This cleanser is long lasting, gently exfoliates, and the bottle lasts me forever. I even bought a three pack on Amazon for $15 thinking I’d go through the bottle faster but one of these bad boys has lasted me 5 months.

Toner

Equate Beauty Deep Cleaning Toner (Walmart, $2.50)

Look, I’m not claiming this is the best toner on the market at $2.50 but it works really well for me. I’ve been using it for years and had no issues. Again, one bottle lasts me probably 3 months. A little goes a long way.

Exfoliating Liquid

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid (Paula’s Choice, $29.50)

A friend recommended this to me because she also has super sensitive skin. It’s the first Paula’s Choice product I’ve tried and I’m hooked. It’s made with simple ingredients, no frills packaging and safe enough for me to use twice a day. I noticed a difference in the softness of my skin as well as how bright my skin has been right away.

Antiaging Night Cream

ROC Retinol Night Cream (Amazon, $12)

This product has been around for decades. I love that it is constantly rated high on every product list and is still $12. You can really get it anywhere but for me, Amazon is easy. It’s effective and stands the test of time, which is good enough for me.

Eye Cream

Bare Minerals SkinLongevity Vital Power Eye Gel Cream (Amazon, $18)

I love Bare Minerals products so I tried out their SkinLongevity line and while the serum made me breakout, I’ve found success with the eye cream. It’s gotten rid of virtually all dark circles as well as made my eyes in general feel brighter and softer. I think it’s normally $25-$30 but I found it on Amazon for $18. It’s not just a night cream either so feel free to use this bad boy for your daytime cream too.

Antiaging Vitamin Night Serum

Derma e Antiwrinkle Night Serum (TJ Maxx, $5.99)

I first tried out Derma e products from my BirchBox sbscription and found I really enjoy them. I started seeing their products at TJ Maxx for anywhere from $5.99-$9.99 so I scooped them up. This night serum is a great trade off when I need a break from retinol which can be harsh on sensitive skin. It’s got a great consistency and gives my skin the vitamins it needs each evening. I top this off with their vitamin c serum as well.

Exfoliating Wash

ELF Gentle Peeling Exfoliant (ELF.com, $8)

I bought this on Black Friday when everything on ELF was 60% off. I LOVE IT.  I believe it was $8, but don’t quote me. It’s gentle on my sensitive skin but you can see and feel it working as the dead skin lifts right off your face and neck. Highly recommended for those of you who are too sensitive for intense exfoliating treatments at the spa but still need to get that refresh. I only use it maybe 2x a week max.

That’s it. That’s what I’m loving right now. I have a lot of masks as well as some other face washes but these are my tried and true go to products right now.

What are you using? Share with your friend sequins!

Everyone I know is getting work done.

As a follow up to my blog titled "All my friends are getting Botox," I've recently discovered all my friends are getting work done. And it's a whole new world of fun I never knew existed. From implants to lip injections to eyelash perms - there are so many new beauty procedures I simply knew nothing about!

I'm a no judgment zone when it comes to getting work done. Whether it's a weekly spray tan or full blown overhaul, if it makes you happy, you do you. Sincerely we all need to judge less and support more. If a tummy tuck makes someone feel fabulous, high five them, give them a "You go" and move on. Your body, your decision.

I just had no idea of all the options out there. Between microdermabrasian, cool sculpting, eyelash extensions, Botox - and a million other procedures coming up everyday - I have no idea what anything is. I'm a research girl. I need facts and stats and detailed descriptions of what's happening, what to expect, and what the outcome will be. That's the single biggest reason why I haven't had anything done outside of spray tans and face masks. 

Now this may be unpopular in 2018, but I kind of like my wrinkles. I've got visible forehead lines, laugh lines, and scars galore. I could probably benefit from a little work. But I sort of like the character those things give me. My scars remind me of adventures and surviving great struggle. So for now, I'm still not ready for anything but a good facial. 

One day the time may come that I no longer appreciate the wrinkles and lines. I may grow tired of the scars I can't hide. And if/when that happens, I'll be doing my research and getting all the work done.

What work are you getting done sequins? Let's talk about it. Be open. It helps educate others and removes the stigma that getting work done is shameful. Humans are beautiful in all forms. Whether its natural, crafted or faked. As long as you're doing it for you, you're doing it right. 

Cake Cake Cake

More and more lately I've heard women in my Pilates classes talkin about their workouts affording them the luxury of food.  They talk about earning a meal because they completed a workout.  

I've not always had the best relationship with food.  I've binged, deprived, limited, followed trendy diets - I've done it all.  But what I know now is that food is fuel.  Food is not meant to be earned.  It's not meant to be feared.  Food should not control you.

It is my hope that we stop teaching women they have to live and die by calories and carbs and that they must complete some grueling workout in order to enjoy a meal.  Fitness and food are to be enjoyed.

If you're raising a little boss babe, teach her to love her body and the things it needs to maintain a healthy happy status quo.  Teach her it's ok to eat the donut without running 5 miles to makeup for it.  Don't shame her for eating too much - teach her that eating the foods nature provides us are meant to be enjoyed until you're full!  

My relationship with food, fitness, and my body continues to change.  Thankfully, for the most part, it's healthy.  I eat a lot.  I workout a lot.  But I don't limit myself.  I don't force myself to workout as punishment.  I eat carbs.  I truly look forward to my Pilates and spin classes.  I get outside and I walk.  I cook with fresh ingredients.  Sometimes I eat donut(s).  

I've changed the narrative for myself.  I took back control.  Only I determine what role food plays in my world.  

Product Placement

Do you ever click on those celebrity posts where they share their affordable beauty secrets with you but their idea of affordable is a $75 eye cream?  I get it, they really work and $75 for 6 months worth of product seems reasonable.  But being a woman means we aren't just buying one product.  So if I need to buy my usual 5+ products I'm using on the regular - $75 is just not reasonable for me.  

I'm far from a celebrity, but I'm a real woman, a 32 year old woman who is doing her best to stay young and fly just like you!  None of these products are sponsored.  I still haven't been offered a partnership with a product I'm ready to back so for now, I'm still just promoting what I love, for free.  Le sigh.

Makeup Remover

Even when I'm washing my face in the shower, I use a makeup remover first to gently remove any makeup on my face.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Wipes are my go to makeup remover because they get the job done, are super gentle on my sensitive skin, and smell amazing to boot!  Even better?  You can buy them at Target in packs of 25 for $5.99.

BB Cream

Again - I've got really sensitive, dry skin.  I also generally don't care for face makeup.  Having a BB cream that gives me hydration, sunscreen, and allows me to not have to use any other face makeup is my kind of product.  I'm loyal to Aveeno here with their Positively Radiant BB Cream.  I bought mine on Amazon for only $10 (Prime shipping included) but you can also get it at Target for $14.99.

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is about the kindest thing you can do to your body.  I take my water consumption very seriously and that's why I purchased a Camelback Eddy 32oz water bottle that I keep with me at all times.  I easily get the gallon a day that's recommended to keep you healthy and my body/skin/mind thank me for it!  Bought mine on Amazon for $12.99.

Mascara

Mascara is my go to makeup product.  If I could only have one makeup product for the rest of my life, it would be Stila Huge mascara.  It's a little pricey for my taste, but at $23 it's not the most damage you could do to your wallet.  This mascara loves my lashes and my lashes love it back.  I received it in a Birchbox and have been addicted ever since!

What are your favorite beauty products?  Help a girl out!

#NoFilter

Like most women in the world today - I'm guilty of a bit of vanity.  And while I'm probably less worried about my appearance than most, I absolutely find myself criticizing the way I look, adding a touch of makeup before I go out into public, and apologizing when I look tired.  I use the snapchat filters for my selfies, obsess a little if I look heavy in an IG post, and get a little self conscious comparing myself to someone else' highlight reel.  

Thankfully, I'm generally really happy with the way I look and who I am.  I realize that the flaws are what make me unique and that my soul shines through, making me one damn beautiful babe.  But I'm human.  I have the moments that I'm just not comfortable in my body.  

But I also preach a lot to other women (and men) that confidence is loving who you are without comparing yourself to everyone else.  It's finding the beauty in everyone (including yourself) and celebrating whatever makes you and everyone else feel beautiful.

For some women, beauty is a full face of makeup, having that "perfect" model body, and every hair in place.  And for others, it's extra weight, muscles, and minimal makeup.  And for someone else, its something entirely different.  For me - I feel my best when I'm wearing minimal makeup and in my workout gear.  I associate so much of my happiness and confidence with sports, so when I am in that element, I radiate complete self assurance.  

Recently - I took a trip to Belize with two of my best girlfriends.  It took me out of my comfort zone as I realized - I had never been out of the country without my parents.  I know, 31 and all of my international travel has been with my family.  And while you may think that makes me spoiled (I am), it also makes me feel loved and thankful.  But being able to go out of the country and handle everything on our own, I love the independence that gave me.  Make no mistake - I grew up very privileged, but I was also given the skills to thrive on my own.  And for that, I am forever grateful.

Back to comfort zones.  I decided to challenge myself to focusing on the adventure of being in a new country.  To not worry about anything but maximizing my time taking in the culture and experiences with my girls.  So I didn't pack makeup.  That's right.  No makeup.  And I'm not talking "I didn't pack makeup" meaning I only took bronzer and mascara.  I took no makeup.  The only beauty products I packed were sunscreen and moisturizer.  And the world didn't end.

I spent 5 days makeup free with only the sunshine to give me that natural glow.  And you know what I learned?  It's pretty liberating to just show up as you are.  To rock what your mama gave ya!  I felt all kinds of bad ass exploring Belize without a stitch of vanity (FINE - dry shampoo attended because no need to be gross).  I didn't hide from the camera, I didn't worry about looking less than my best - I just owned it.  Because happiness is honestly the best filter anyways.  

As cheesy and cliche as it sounds (and yes, I do generally have good skin so fine, could be a little easier for me) - I got some extra boost of confidence from the experience.  It made me feel incredibly empowered to show up as I am and shine on (literally, the humidity is not forgiving...).  The moral of the story?  You gotta learn to love you as you, whatever that means to your inner diva - and only then can you look and feel your best.  Listen to what gives you the most joy and where you feel your most confidence.  And whenever you need a pick me up, get back to that place.  For me, that's a whole lot of #NoFilter.

#SparkleOn my Sequins!

The Female Body

You guys.  I have to tell you something really shocking.  I don't have the perfect body.

Ok - is everyone still with me?  I know, that was a lot and most of you probably still don't believe it, but its true. 

Being a woman is really hard.  From the time we are old enough to understand, we are told we are too tall, too fat, our skin is too dark, we are too thin, our hair is too thin, we are too pale - honestly the list never ends.  I just saw a YouTube tutorial the other day about contouring your legs.  I can't even manage to make winged eyeliner work and now I have to contour my legs to keep up?  No.  I'm drawing the line at contouring my legs.  Realistically I'm drawing the line at winged eyeliner and that's mostly because Adele hasn't put out a tutorial yet.  But I'm tired.  I'm tired of keeping up and tired of being told what I'm supposed to look like as a woman. 

For a good many years, I struggled with body image disorder.  Yes even in college when I was a division one athlete with very little body fat and one kick ass backside, I struggled with thinking I was fat. I vividly remember one of my male roommates making a joke about cellulite and not being able to think of anything else for a week.  I've hated my body so much that I wouldn't be naked in front of a mirror.  I've skipped going out because I felt so unattractive I didn't want to be in public. 

So what changed?  Why am I more confident at 30 - in a body with imperfections - than I was as a 20 year old?  To be completely honest, I changed.  I stopped accepting the idea of perfect and I stopped worrying about how to look like the ideal woman.  The flaws?  They're proof I've lived a full and happy life.  I don't worry about indulging too much one week because I'm on vacation.  I don't beat myself up over missed workouts.  I listen to what my body needs, I do what my body loves, and I praise my body for getting through a long list of ailments. 

There's always going to be a lot of opinions about what makes a woman attractive physically.  And its always changing.  And if you spend time talking to any woman you will hear a laundry list of things she wishes were different about her body.  Its a cycle.  Even the most positive strong female influences around fall victim to body shaming themselves or someone else.  How do we fix it?

We start by being body positive.  We embrace differences and flaws and we stop hating our bodies.  We stop judging other women.  And we stop supporting the companies and magazines who focus on looks.  And we hold men accountable for the same standards.  It starts with valuing yourself and empowering yourself and by doing that you refuse to let others tell you that your body and your beauty define you.

The thing that bothers me the most about body image today is that women are taught this is our biggest value.  You don't hear women talked about as scientists, authors, doctors, activists - you hear about what we wore, how much weight we lost - and that's what our daughters see.  Women are truly the fiercest creatures on the planet.  We give birth, we provide for our families, we work, we love and we truly do it all.  Own that.  Own how powerful and beautiful that is. 

It took me years to love my entire package.  Body, beauty, and brains - and I'll be damned if anyone can take that confidence from me.  I may not be the ideal image this world deems is what we should strive for - and that's good - because I wasn't made to fit any one mold anyway.  And now that I love everything I am - I'm told as a woman that makes me cocky.  If I respond to a compliment with a thank you, if I post a selfie because I like the way I look - I'm shallow and arrogant.  And I think that is your problem.  I think I'm attractive inside and out and I won't qualify that to make someone else more comfortable.  I'm not here for your comfort.  Whether or not someone thinks I'm attractive, or arrogant has very little to do with me and everything to do with their own insecurities.

I challenge all women to love yourself more.  Celebrate what you love about you.  And stop buying into a culture that forces women to compete against each other.  Tell the wonderful women in your life how special they are.  How beautiful they are both inside and out.  And stop the body bashing.  Stop the qualifying comments.  Tell each other we are strong, we are beautiful souls and we are more than what we look like.  Raise daughters who crave learning and adventuring more than they care about what they weigh.  Be part of changing the culture of conforming.  It's 2016 and we run this thing.