Today's video features my most recent beauty haul and my thoughts on each product. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
The products mentioned in the video:
9/29/16
The Cold Shoulder
Cold shoulder vs. off the shoulder - I am torn as to which one I prefer more?! I definitely find it easier to wear a regular bra (in case you are wondering - this one and this one are my top two favorite styles of all time, they give great support if you have a bigger bust) with a cold shoulder style so perhaps that one wins for ease and practicality, though I still appreciate an off the shoulder look for a bit more drama. While the cut out detail on this particular sweater is nice, I was immediately drawn to the color - I LIVE for all things army and forest green. It's one of the staple colors in my closet and can easily work all year round. I especially love any outerwear pieces in an army green shade - this one is my favorite utility style jacket that I've been wearing for years and I also just picked up this vest which is perfect for fall.
Yesterday I finally headed out to get my brows done (they were reaching caterpillar status) and was thrilled when I found the most amazing brow stylist! That's one beauty thing checked off my list - next is to track down a new hairstylist. Eek! A quick update on my reading list - I have finished all the books I spoke about in previous posts and loved them all, but have moved on to one that I am not really thrilled about so far called Pretty Baby. I'm hoping it gets better but for now I am struggling to get through it. Any book recommendations you are loving would be welcome!
I'm off to finish uploading a few YouTube videos I filmed this week - and be sure you are subscribed to my channel because I have a giveaway coming next week! :)
Sweater - Rebecca Minkoff | Jeans - 7Fam | Boots - IRO (similar here and here) | Bag - Proenza Schouler | Sunglasses - Free People
Shop more cold shoulder sweater options:
9/28/16
Review: Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil and Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner
At first my appreciation for Sunday Riley products began as a fondness, but now I am a full on Sunday Riley convert and LOVER. Each and every product I try from her is better than the last and while I know there are mixed reviews on every new launch she puts out, all of them have consistently worked for my skin. Including her newest one - the U.F.O. Clarifying Oil and Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner.
1. Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil - After first falling in love with this oil from Sunday Riley and then experiencing the magic that is this one, I wasn't sure she could make one that would impress me even more. BUT SHE DID. As someone that suffers from breakouts and stubborn acne on the occasion, I was immediately drawn to this U.F.O. oil because it contains salicylic acid (which my skin responds very well to) and has clarifying properties. I prefer using it at night either alone or with a light hydrating moisturizer on top (currently liking this one and this one). Initially I began applying the oil every other night just to ensure my skin could handle it and wouldn't flake up, become irritated or have any other unforeseen issues arise. Once I began to see that my skin could tolerate it, I moved to every night. Every now and then my forehead will begin to break out in tiny little bumps and within a few days of using this - they were gone. Though this is an oil, it is one of the least oiliest ones in my collection. It soaks into my skin immediately, leaving my skin hydrated and fresh looking rather than greasy and shiny. And when I wake up the next morning - my pores appear smaller, there is little to no shine on my face and breakouts are minimized, if not gone completely. Like with any new product, I would recommend either getting a sample if you can or testing on a small patch of the face for a few days to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
2. Martian Mattifying Melting Water Gel Toner - I wasn't sure what to think of this toner when I first saw it's texture. I am used to toners being more of a clear watery liquid, so I sat with this on my hand for a minute or so just looking at it. However when I massaged it in, it instantly transformed into a water and felt amazing on the skin. I prefer using this in the morning rather than at night because it helps mattify my skin and leaves it smooth and even so that my makeup is easily applied on top. After cleansing, I apply the Martian toner, an essence if my skin is feeling extra dehyrated and then follow with my serum and moisturizer (currently using this and this in the morning). I noticed how much less shiny my skin was throughout the entire day and as a result, I was able to wear a more glowy makeup on days that I use this toner! While this toner is designed for all skin types, I feel that it would be most effective with more oily skin types - though I always suggest getting a sample if you are interested in trying.
*pr samples included
I would love to hear your thoughts on either of these new launches! Have any of you tried and loved (or not loved)? Let me know!
Shop more of my favorite Sunday Riley products:
9/27/16
Off the Shoulder Sweaters for Fall
My obsession with off the shoulder tops continues. I fell in love with them this past summer and that love affair is still going strong. And of course the first thing I thought to pair this particular sweater with was my faux leather leggings. The length of this sweater is a bit more of a tunic style which I prefer when wearing leggings (I need it to cover my butt!). I purchased these faux leather leggings a few years ago and have gotten more wear out of them then I ever imagined. I have been contemplating picking up this pair by the same brand since they held up so well. I feel they make an outfit look a bit edgier than traditional leggings. And they are a ton cheaper than investing in leather pants that may eventually stretch out!
An update on my Netflix reinstating and watching of Stranger Things....I am not that impressed so far. Womp womp. I am so disappointed because I had high hopes for it. I am only on episode 3 and hope that it begins to hold my attention a bit more as I get into the storyline.
Did you catch my quick Bath & Body works candle haul on Snapchat? I picked up Leaves, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and a Marshmallow one that I forget the name of right now. I am burning the Pumpkin one currently and love it! A few of my fall fashion purchases are coming in so be sure to follow me on Snapchat to see what things I have picked up (@alittlebitetc).
An update on my Netflix reinstating and watching of Stranger Things....I am not that impressed so far. Womp womp. I am so disappointed because I had high hopes for it. I am only on episode 3 and hope that it begins to hold my attention a bit more as I get into the storyline.
Did you catch my quick Bath & Body works candle haul on Snapchat? I picked up Leaves, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and a Marshmallow one that I forget the name of right now. I am burning the Pumpkin one currently and love it! A few of my fall fashion purchases are coming in so be sure to follow me on Snapchat to see what things I have picked up (@alittlebitetc).
9/26/16
How I Style My Hair + All the Products I Use
I've had a ton of requests for a hair tutorial video so here it is! As well as all the products I use regularly to style my hair. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are the products mentioned:
9/23/16
Recent Empties
A look at my most recent products finished. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are the products mentioned:
9/22/16
First Signs of Fall
It's still quite hot here during the day, so I am slowly inching my way into fall clothes in the late afternoon/evening. I recently purchased these ankle boots and am so impressed by the quality. They are my first pair of Sam Edelman shoes, but the shape and style make them look like a much more expensive pair of designer boots. In fact, they look very much like this pair which is almost 4 times the price! I don't always buy inexpensive pieces of clothing or shoes just because it's a good deal - I want to feel like no matter how little I am spending, the look and style is there that I want. No use in having a closet full of inexpensive pieces if everything has a cheap look to it or doesn't hold up well over time. I can justify splurging on designer things because I research my purchases quite thoroughly, but a less expensive item can trigger an impulse spend and impulsive "cheap" spends can add up over time. Sometimes they can add up to that designer piece I had initially wanted!
Well that's enough on my budgeting theories, I just ordered three more books for my Kindle and am continuing my reading frenzy. LOL I am working my way through this book, and have this one and this one waiting for me. I am also contemplating renewing our Netflix subscription so I can watch Narcos and Stranger Things because I hear everyone raving about them. Ugh. I am so easily influenced by hype. Ha!
After falling in love with my new Sam Edelman boots, I rounded up a bunch of other styles that I adore from the brand. Scroll through the widget below for all my picks!
Shirt - Wayf | Skirt - AG Jeans (similar here and here) | Boots - Sam Edelman | Bag - Saint Laurent (LOVE this budget version here and similar here) | Sunglasses - Illesteva
Shop more Sam Edelman boots:
9/21/16
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Collection Review
I know I am late to this party and it seems hard to believe, but I have never tried Estee Lauder's long standing best seller - Advanced Night Repair. Since it launched many years ago, the range has been expanded upon, most recently with a PowerFoil Mask, Ampoules and a Cleansing Balm. Here are my thoughts on each:
2. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules - These ampoules take the benefits of the standard Advanced Night Repair and intensify it! The formula is a bit thicker and the tiny ampoule is enough to cover my entire face, neck, decollete and even the hands. While my skin is typically combination, I can get dry spots here and there often due to breakouts or hormonal imbalances. The serum in the ampoule immediately took away my dry patches and calmed my skin. Especially after using it for a week or two, I was able to see faster healing of my old acne spots (I am forever healing one when another pops up) and a fading of any dark spots as a result.
Have you tried Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair? What are your thoughts?
Shop the entire Advanced Night Repair line:
9/20/16
20 Bomber Jackets for Fall at all Price Points + Books I'm Reading Right Now
Fall is dragging its feet, but that doesn't mean I'm not trying to push the envelope. Lightweight jackets are one of my favorite ways to transition from summer to fall, because I can wear them with a tank top underneath like I did above so as not to overheat if it's still sweltering out. (ok so I mainly will wear the jacket inside on those days because A/C #brrrr) The bomber jacket is a trend that came on strong and fast this season, and they are so many cute styles and varieties out there. I like how a jacket can be the entire focal point of an outfit, with minimal styling needed to create a complete look. A simple white tank, denim skirt and sneakers was all this cute embroidered jacket needed and I can see this worn into late fall with a turtleneck and jeans or a sweater dress. I rounded up 20 more of my favorite bomber jacket styles at all price points in the widget below!
We are settling more and more into the new house every day, and for the first week we did not have internet so I went on a book reading frenzy! LOL I have and am still continuing to read so many great books so I figured I would share my favorites. I love thrillers and suspense novels - nothing that takes too long to get into, and these kept my attention so well.
1. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - duh. This one is a book everyone is talking about and I finally got around to reading it.
2. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
3. Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter - by far this one has been my favorite out of all my new reads.
4. The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
5. The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
6. The Silent Girls by Eric Rickstad - I just finished this last night and the ending had me SO mad! There better be a sequel coming out to this ASAP.
7. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris - I am only halfway through this but I had to include because I can barely put it down!
What books are you currently reading and would recommend?!
Jacket - Glamorous (love this one in all black and this embroidered one) | Tank - Topshop | Skirt - AG Jeans (similar here and here) | Bag - Chloe | Sneakers - Adidas | Sunglasses - Chloe
Shop more bomber jackets at all price points:
9/19/16
The Perfect Nude Lip Colors for Fall
Here is a look at some of the nude lip colors that I will be wearing this fall! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe.
The products mentioned in the video:
9/15/16
New Lip Launches from Cle de Peau Beaute, MUFE and Charlotte Tilbury
There are so many great new lip launches - here are three from Cle de Peau Beaute, Charlotte Tilbury and MUFE. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are the items mentioned in the video:
9/12/16
Black and White with a Pop of Red
I've come to really embrace prints and bright colors over the years, but there is something so effortless about black, white and red. Black and white is the ultimate timeless look, but adding red completes it. This white off the shoulder top is a fun piece to have and is a complete dupe for a much more expensive Tibi one. #winning
I typically invest in handbags that are a more classic color, but this Gucci Disco bag in red has been one of my most worn crossbodies. This shade of red is surprisingly easy to match with a ton of different items in my closet, so I am thrilled I stepped out of my basic handbag color comfort zone. I recently picked up this tote in wine for fall which is a tad out of the standard black/tan/gray options I go for, but I know I will get to wear it with so much in the fall and winter.
In some non-fashion news, we moved into our new house last week! It's been quite a whirlwind these past few months with my father being so ill and ultimately passing away before we could all move together into our new home, but we are happy to finally be settled. And have space! LOL We were staying with my parents in a 2 bedroom apartment they were renting while the home was being built and to say things were tight is a major understatement. Now my mom has an entire floor on the ground floor of the home just for her, and Stan and I have the top 2 floors. We are still working out some kinks (like no cable/internet for the next two weeks - UGH), but I'm happy not to be in transition anymore. Yay for finally having my own office in the home now and a (huge eek!) walk-in closet!
Top - Free People | Jeans - Topshop | Shoes - Manolo Blahnik (similar here) | Bag - Gucci | Sunglasses - Free People | Lips - Rodin Tough Tomato
Shop more cute red bags:
9/9/16
Space NK Autumn Beauty Edit GWP Contents
The Space NK Autumn beauty edit is here! Here are all the details of what is in the bag. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe.
9/7/16
Fall Fashion Haul + Saint Laurent Shopping Tote Review
Thanks for watching my latest video! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe.
Here are all the products mentioned:
9/5/16
August Beauty Favorites + A Few of My La Prairie Recommendations
My August beauty favorites are here! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are the products mentioned in the video:
9/2/16
The Staggered Unfinished Hem
It's been a lonnnng time since I purchased any type of jeans that were not a traditional skinny style. Boot cut always look too dated on me and there are absolutely no flares that work with my incredibly short inseam. Hence, I always went for the skinny style. Until I saw this pair of Frame denim available during the Anniversary sale and adored the slightly straighter leg, but more than anything - loved the staggered hem! They are definitely a style you either love or hate and once I tried them on, I thought they were so unique. Maybe it was the fact that the front of the hem fell perfectly at my ankle without needing any hemming which sold me initially. LOL Either way, I am loving the look for fall and can wear these with flats, heels, boots - the options are endless!
I paired the jeans with this boho lacy top that felt very 'end of summer' to me, though the long sleeves make it perfect to wear into fall. Speaking of jeans that I love, this pair that I have been wearing all summer has finally been restocked and I highly recommend getting them. I cut off the hem myself and loved the look, but you can just cuff them as well for a cute cropped look.
Top - Tularosa (romper version here) | Jeans - Frame (here in black) | Shoes - Loeffler Randall | Bag - Chloe | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney
Shop more jeans with a staggered hem:
9/1/16
My Recommendations From Pixi Beauty Skincare
My love for Pixi skincare began with the Glow Tonic. It's a gentle exfoliating toner that can be used daily and I saw immediate results. It is now a product that I keep in my collection all the time and never allow myself to run out. My interest in the brand piqued from there and I was anxious to try as much skincare from Pixi beauty as I could. Here are my favorites from the brand:
1. Pixi Glow Tonic - What started my love affair with the entire brand - the Pixi Glow Tonic. It's a gentle exfoliating toner with glycolic acid that is gentle enough to be used daily. Even when my skin is at its most sensitive, I can use this. It never fails me and I recommend it to any and everyone I can.
2. Pixi Lash Nourish Makeup Remover Pads - After removing my makeup, I sometimes find there is still some remnants of mascara left on my lashes. I tried these pads as a quick final step to see if it would take away those stubborn last bits of mascara, and it was amazing. I even began using them to remove all of my eye makeup because my lashes and eye area felt so soft and conditioned after. They have become a travel staple for me as well because of how easy they are to pack.
3. Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go - I love the Glow Tonic but longed for a pad form so I could travel with it more easily. I was in Target and saw these and grabbed them immediately! They are the same strength as the liquid toner, but I actually prefer to use a pad instead of liquid on a cotton round. I figured they would give the same exfoliation but I actually find these to give a slightly stronger exfoliation than the original Glow Tonic. I recommend a patch test just to make sure your skin can tolerate.
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| Top: Mud Cleanser, Bottom: Mud Mask |
4. Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser - My skincare routine is never complete without a good mud cleanser to help with cleaning out my skin and detoxifying my pores. This cleanser has a small amount of glycolic acid so it helps to exfoliate the skin while giving it a deep clean. Most of my previous mud cleansers have a slightly grainy feel which can irritate my skin, but this manages to be quite creamy leaving my skin feeling soft yet not stripped or dry.
5. Pixi Glow Mud Mask - Compared to other mud masks in my collection or one I've tried in the past, this one is quite gentle thankfully. In addition to the kaolin clay which helps to purify the skin, it also contains aloe vera and ginseng which helps balance and soothe the skin. I usually need to follow up mud masks with a hydrating mask to help put the moisture back into my skin, but that is not the case with the Pixi Glow Mud Mask. It leaves my face fresh, glowing, hydrated with the appearance of much smaller pores.
6. Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm - While the mud cleanser is typically a once a week or as needed product for my skin, this Nourishing Cleansing Balm is something I can use daily. I love using it as a first cleanse to remove my makeup. If you like a cleansing balm, but don't want one that is too runny or oily, this is perfect option for you. It's quite thick and breaks down to an oil once on the face, but the texture is pleasant enough to not bother someone that doesn't like the feel of a greasy cleanser on their face. (I, of course, love a greasy cleanser LOL)
7. Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum - Most of the Pixi skincare I have gravitated towards is more in the cleansing, toning or masking categories, but this Hydrating Milky Serum was an instant hit. It isn't too thick so my face doesn't feels suffocated, but it's rich enough to do the job. It absorbs quickly (though it's not immediate), and my skin really responds well to it. I love it in the morning before I put on my makeup because my face looks plumper and more supple after using the serum, and any makeup I apply just glides on.
Shop all Pixi skincare:
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