PRODUCT REVIEW: TRADER JOE'S TEA TREE OIL FACE WASH

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I don't talk about health and beauty products super often because to be honest, I stick to a pretty regular routine. But I have to share my newest face wash find with you all because it has totally transformed my skin and acne issues. Even better, it's under $10. 

Like most, I had acne as a teenager and into my college years. It wasn't awful, but I definitely signed onto Proactiv and used my Clarisonic religiously. Once I left college and had a more healthy lifestyle (aka not drinking and going out 4 nights a week), my skin mostly cleared up, with a few breakouts here and there. 

But in the past year or so, I have dealt with some pretty bad cystic acne on my neck. If you've never had it - you're lucky. It's these deep, cystic like lumps that just come out of nowhere and hang out on your neck for weeks at a time. They get red, they kind of itch - basically it's awful. My dermatologist gave me some medication to clear it up and it did for a little bit, but also left my skin super dry. My skin cleared up for about 2 months - it looked amazing in August - but come September and October, it was back to it's old ways and I was at a loss for several months.

Y'all, this face wash has kind of changed my life. I picked it up randomly while at Trader Joe's and after using it for about 3 weeks, my acne has almost entirely cleared up. I've gotten maybe one tiny, tiny flare up since, but it's not a big deal. My skin feels brighter, more even, and more tight (in a good way). I was worried it would make my face feel oily, but it doesn't at all. It lathers up and leaves my skin feeling super clean and healthy. I really can't say enough good things! Have y'all tried anything with similar results you love?

Now I'm on the lookout for a cream that can diminish my acne scares around my neck and jawline... any suggestions?

COSMETIC MARKET + BARE MINERALS

 

 

A couple weeks ago I had the chance to go to a local blogger event at The Cosmetic Market in Green Hills. I'm secretly a wannabe beauty junkie - I would love to just have endless amounts of money to try different products - so this event was so fun for me. While we sipped on margaritas, beauty consultants tried different products on us. One of the products I walked away with was Bare Mineral's new liquid foundation, and I'm obsessed. 

A little background - for years I was a devoted user of the Bare Minerals powder foundation, but then I felt like I needed something with longer lasting coverage and switched to another brand's liquid foundation. When I found out about Bare Mineral's new foundation a few weeks ago, I oh-so conveniently ran out of the foundation I was using. Perfect timing to try out Bare Minerals Bare Skin.

Y'all. It doesn't even feel like you have makeup on, but the coverage lasts all day long. It blends so well into my skin and leaves it looking more even and bright. Not to mention, it has the most bare ingredients, with no silicone, parabens, oil, or fragrance. There's 20 shades, it's $29 (!!!!!) and it rocks. Definitely have a makeup consultant find the shade that's right for you - it took us about 2 different shades to find the perfect one.

Thank you to Cosmetic Market for such a fun event and introducing me to new products!

ESTEE LAUDER SKINCARE

Growing up, taking care of my skin wasn't a huge concern. I was plagued with the typical teenager (and 20-something) acne, and fighting that battle was and has been my biggest concern. Over the past couple of months - and now that I'm approaching 25 in less than 2 months - I've become much more skincare-aware. I've never used an anti aging cream, a night cream, eye cream, nothing. I think it's time for a change, don't you?!

I've been trying a couple different products to see what kind of difference it can make in my skin, and have been pleasantly surprised by the results. Up next on the test is Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair. I've never thought to use Estee Lauder, but the reviews are very positive. It's supposed to reduce lines and wrinkles and smooth, hydrate, and strengthen skin. Sign me up!

Estee Lauder also has this cool skincare finder that matches you with the perfect products based on your skincare needs. It's only four steps, which makes finding the right skincare regimen so easy! There's also a foundation finder, if you're in the market for some new makeup.

And the best part? If you use this finder and make an Estee Lauder purchase at Macy's between now and March 23, you will receive an exclusive Lilly Pulitzer cosmetic bag and 7 piece Estee Lauder gift. How cute is that bag?! And for anyone thinking about trying the night repair, it's included in the gift. Win-win, isn't it?!

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: THE BEAUTY QUEEN

Is it getting too late for gift guides? I don't think so - considering I have purchased a total of two presents.... whoops. It's only December 12th, people! Plenty of time to get online shopping done. Today's gift guide is for the beauty obsessed. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm this person, but I would die if someone gave me a $500 gift card to Sephora just so I could "play" with different products. There's just something so lovely about perfumes and blushes and lipsticks, isn't there? 

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DRYBAR Blow Dryer

See by Chloe Perfume

Kiehls Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating

Naked 3 Palette

Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick

Sephora Sparklers Brush Set

Kate Spade Makeup Case

Eyelash Curler

neuLASH  (I REALLY want to try this!)

CHOP CHOP

I'm badly in need of a good haircut and highlights. I haven't gotten a trim since June and highlights since May, and it's now October. Whoops. Life of a poor twenty-something, I guess. 

Unfortunately, I don't think I can put off a cut much longer. And recently I've been thinking I'd like to cut off more than my typical 1 inch. I really love my long hair and feel like I've waited awhile for it to be the length it is, but I think I need a bit of a change. The above pictures are my go-to inspiration. I like that my hair would still be long, but short enough that it will have more body and volume, and look a lot healthier. After a few weeks of considering the change, I think I'm ready! Now to book the appointment!

Happy Monday!