Perfect Set for Skin Care Lovers from #SkinMedica

You guys know by now I love my AHA and Retinol products. For the last couple of years taking better care of my skin has been high on my list and anti-aging has definitely been a high priority in my skin care products. This little set from SkinMedica is designed for just that. Not only is it perfect for travel, but it would also make a great gift, and if you're anything like me, you've tried to start shopping for Christmas (Yikes!) and this would be a great set for those looking to get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles.

I love this Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 sunscreen. As someone who is an avid wearer of sunscreen I'm always looking for a good formula for wearing under my makeup and this one is so nice. It's not greasy and it sinks right into the skin, which makes it easy to wear. This is one from the range I will most certainly purchase once it's gone.

Another favorite from the set is this AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. I've used AHA products for years now and the difference to my skin is so noticeable. My skin is a lot brighter and smoother using products like this. This one is particularly nice in the morning for a little pick me up to the skin.

I'm a fairly new user of Retinol, but when I started seeing those lines between my eyebrows (my mad face lines, I call them) I knew I needed something to combat them. Since using Retinol there's a noticeable difference. This one is stronger then the ones I've used previously but it's a nice formula and really works.

Last, but certainly not least, is this Rejuvenating Hydrator. For the longest time I was scared of moisture because of my super oily skin, but now I'm grateful for all the moisture I can get as I realize it's what keeps my skin supple and smooth. This one is super nice and definitely hydrates, as the name suggests.

Whether you're purchasing this as a gift for a loved one or for yourself, there's no denying this set packs an anti-aging punch. These 4 products work together to dramatically change the look and feel of your skin and to me, that's worth every penny! You can find this gift set here or check out other SkinMedica products at www.skincareheaven.com. They have free US shipping with no minimum purchase and a TON of skin care products to choose from. Have you guys ever tried anything from SkinMedica before? Let me know what your favorite anti-aging skincare products are ... Help a girl out! XO

*This post contains products that were sent to me free of charge for my consideration. 

I am not obligated to like the product.

Makeup Favorites : Wet n' Wild Edition

I haven't shared what makeup I'm currently loving for fall yet and when I looked through my stash I realized a whole heck of a lot of it was Wet n' Wild stuff, so I grabbed what I've been using to show you guys what I'm loving right now.

This lipstick in the shade Dark Wine is just that, a beautiful sangria colored lipstick that costs a buck. The formula is creamy and beautiful, a steal for such a gorgeous autumn color.

This one in Cherry Bomb is one of my favorite colors for fall; a deep burgundy red that goes on smoothly and is comfortable to wear despite being a matte. At only $1.50 you really can't beat the pigmentation and quality. These two reds will seem me through the colder months.

One of my favorite color combinations is berry and gold, like above, and the bronzy eyeliner is perfect paired with top two lippies. It's in the shade Pros and Bronze and I love how creamy it applies. It's gorgeous in the waterline or even smoked out on the lid for a gorgeous bronze glow.

Since I always go bold with my lips and eyes in the fall, I love to keep my cheeks neutral so I love Champagne Rose for a healthy glowy look without being too in your face. Super gorgeous and super affordable.

This palette in Comfort Zone is so pretty for this time of year. There are so many deep, gorgeous colors and so many different ways to wear it, I'll definitely use this again and again for the next few months. I featured swatches on this palette here. 

What makeup have you guys transitioned with into fall? I hope you all had a wonderful chilly weekend! XO

#Instanatural Vitamin C Serum

I find myself all of the sudden obsessed with serums. I know, they've been a thing for a while, but I'm only now starting to really use them consistently and really seeing results. Maybe it's specifically the Vitamin C ones I'm so taken with as they truly do brighten the skin. Either way, I seem to be getting quite a collection going as far as these serums are concerned. My latest addition is the instanatural Vitamin C serum that contains hyaluronic acid (one of my personal favorite ingredients), ferulic acid, which is an antioxidant said to really help with anti-aging, sea buckthorn oil, and plant stem cells. You guys know I'm a major fan of instanatural products and this is no exception. Aside from the fact that it brightens and smooths my skin, it smells of oranges, kind of tangy and sweet, which is incredible. The consistency is thin and sinks in fairly quick and really seems to moisturize the skin.

Have you guys tried any serums? What're some of your favorites?

This serum goes for $17.97 for 1 oz which lasts quite a long time as you only need a small drop or two for your entire face. You can purchase it here if you're interested.

*This post contains products that were sent to me free of charge for my consideration. 

I am not obligated to like the product.

Feel Grateful Friday #7

I'm changing it up again this week for Feel Grateful Friday! Not only do little reminders of positivity help us feel grateful, but mediation is one of the most powerful tools to help us on our gratitude journey.

Merriam-Webster's simple definition of meditation is: to spend time in quiet thought for religious purposes or relaxation.

I'm seriously amused that there is a simple definition at all, even though the concept itself is just that. Seriously, though, have you ever tried meditating? In this mile-a-minute world we live in where everything is instant and our minds are constantly racing on to what's happening next today, tomorrow, in a week, or next year, it's hard to actually focus on what's happening right now. Literally, as I sit here typing these words I'm listening to the tv in the background, the guy mowing his lawn outside and thinking of what other items I need to check off my list today. It's a constant battle to focus on what's happening in each second as it's happening. As I've delved deeper into my meditation practice I find I can be more appreciative of things as they are happening and really live in the moment. Which is what life really should be all about. Today I'm giving you some tips that have helped me along the way.

Start small: Literally start really, really small. When I started meditation initially, I started playing positive meditations in the background as I did my makeup in the mornings. As the weeks went on, I noticed I'd stop more often to focus on specific things that were being said. Without forcing myself to concentrate I was inadvertently concentrating, so I knew I was ready to fully focus on the practice.

Taking the plunge: I then started setting aside 10 mins of quiet time and picked one phrase to focus on such as, "Today, I will be more present." I noticed at first the quiet wanted to be replaced by other thoughts, such as, "I need to get going, I need to get ready, I've got a lot to do." However, I pushed those thoughts aside and as I focused more and more on my breathing and the phrase at hand, "Today, I will be more present," I found over time I was able to really focus.

Increasing the time: I started doing the practice for longer amounts of time, slowly increasing until I was 100% concentrated for the time I was taking. I suggest also splitting times. Right now I'm up to 2 30 minute meditation sessions, one first thing in the morning and one right before bed. While that doesn't sound like much, imagine sitting for 30 minutes 2 times a day really focusing on the present moment. It blows my mind to think about it, yet here I am.

Stick with it: Meditation sounds easy enough, but it's one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. If you think you can't stick to a workout, try meditating. It's so easy just to count it as a loss and move on with your busy day, but I promise you, as you start to notice a positive change in your life you'll feel more committed, and unlike working out, those changes happen almost immediately. Even focusing for 5 minutes to start my day made me more aware of everything happening and I was able to have a more positive outlook and really enjoyed the small things every day. Stick with it, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Now I want to hear from you guys. Have you ever tried meditation? Do you believe in its healing properties? Let me know what you think in the comments below. Also, if you have any good tips, leave them there too, let's help each other out. I hope you all have a wonderful, amazing, happy weekend! XO

September Favorites

I know everyone says it every month, but it's because it's true, another ones come and gone in the blink of an eye. I seriously don't even remember September, but I did love a lot of products, some old and some new, so here's what my favorites were for the month.

I love a good mask and because I have really, really oily skin I tend to use one two or three times a week. This Borghese Fango active mud mask is for face and body, but I've only ever used it on my face, although I love the idea of a body mask. This is your typical mud mask and is really good for cleaning out pores.

This Stila Stay All Day liquid lipstick dries matte but is really comfortable on the lips (one of the few I've found!) It's in the prettiest everyday shade called Patina and I've worn it pretty much all month.

I'm loving this golden bronze eye look and these are two of my favorite long-wear shadows. The top color is Urban Decay's Half Baked (enough said) and the bronze shade is Lancome's Color Design Shimmer in the shade Mannequin. This is a no brainer color combo that looks beautiful on the lids.

I've always loved Wet n' Wilds Reserve Your Cabana for a soft highlight look, but lately I've been setting my undereye concealer with it and I love the brightness it gives. It's not too much but it's just enough to make me look awake and sets my concealer nicely.

Okay, if you only take away one thing from this favorites, let it be this book by Bradon Nave. Copper Lilies is about the height of the AIDS epidemic and one woman's journey as she tries to make a difference. Again, the ending felt slapped on which was a shame considering the rest of the book was so beautifully told, but it was worth it none the less. I loved this book and highly recommend giving it a read.

That's all for me for another month and now we're on to my favorite month of the year! What did you guys love in September? Happy Hump Day friends! XO

All about the velvet

Velvet is a trend heading into the fall season and I've always loved the lush material. I'll admit, when it comes to my clothes I'm in love with things with lots of texture and different materials, so velvet is something that's at the top of my list. I've had this kimono since last year and it's one of my favorites since it transitions so nicely through fall and winter.

Can you tell what's different about the first picture from the rest? Hahaha, if you have a guess leave it in the comments below! Thanks for stopping in friends, hope you had a wonderful weekend! XO

Kimono - Wet Seal - similar
Jewelmint- Baublebar - here
Booties - ShoeMint - similar