Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give


Because these gifts are sure to impress just about anyone... (more…)
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Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give

My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


(more…)
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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
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4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

06.04.2013
The best sunscreens for summer

the best sunscreens

Best physical–SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50: Physical sunblock is one of the best options for sun protection and I really love this version from SkinCeuticals.  With SPF 50 and a little color-infused technology, the water-resistant block uses titanium and zinc oxide to protect you.  It’s good stuff, trust me.

Best for the beach–Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70: I feel like so many of my friends hate putting on sunscreen once we’re already at the beach, so this is the PERFECT option for those picky few.  The spray form prevents sticky sand hands and the technology provides salt and water-resistant sun protection that’s also broad-spectrum.

Best for hydration–L’OREAL Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+: At first glance, I thought this was tanning oil, the most insane product in existence.  But at second glance, I realized that L’OREAL had the foresight to create a sunscreen oil (e.g. NOT for tanning), which is actually quite genius.  You get all of the benefits of oil (the moisture, vitamins, etc.) but are also protected with SPF 50.  If only this existed when I was in high school…Also, for every Sublime Sun product sold in the U.S. (through the end of this year), L’OREAL will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) for the L’OREAL Paris-MRA Team Science Award. Over the next three years, they will donate over $750K to the MRA.

Best for touch-ups–Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick: It’s always good to keep a little SPF stick like this in your purse, for those “ooops, I forgot” times.  A stick like this is perfect for those tiny spots that are hard to cover like your ears, nose, cheek bones, etc.

Best for the face–Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30: So this isn’t the traditional sunscreen, per say, but going with the fact that you should be wearing SPF every day (especially on your face), I really recommend this version from Kiehl’s.  It’s a powerful, skin fortifying anti-wrinkle cream that goes on nicely and doesn’t feel greasy.

Best high end–Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 50+: I’ve blogged about Shiseido sunscreen a few times before.  While a little pricey, yes, this is hands-down the most luxurious sunscreen that I’ve ever used. I hoard it.

Best natural–Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30: Perfect for anyone who likes to do the natural skin care thing (OR has sensitive skin).  This mineral-based formula provides SPF and also contains soothing ingredients like aloe and cooling cucumber…plus you can use it on your face and body and won’t have any breakouts.

06.04.2013
Tuesday Web Candy

Tuesday Web Candy

Seven foods that will make me happier?  I’m in. – The Luxury Spot

OMG. Gwen has the cutest family EVER. – InStyle

Ke$ha looks like a complete crazy person in her new video…and I love it. – Into The Gloss

Small bathroom decorating ideas!  Yay! – A Fab Life

It’s getting super hot outside and here are three great tips so your makeup doesn’t melt off. – Allure

Four warning signs that you’re dating a jerk!  I’m taking notes… – Refinery29

06.03.2013
It’s June! And I have an update…

me and Kristen (GlitterNGlue.com) in our non-planned matching outfits

me and Kristen (GlitterNGlue.com) in our non-planned matching outfits

Happy Monday!  I’ve decided to stop doing The Monday Rundown, as it really just wasn’t inspiring me any more and I really want June to be a fresh start for my blog (and for me).  For now, I’ll keep Mondays open to really any topic, but I might throw in a round up here and there 🙂  As for June, I’m going to have a strong health/fitness theme this month so make sure to check back for lots of summer-themed pieces.  And, as always, feel free to comment and email me to let me know what you love, don’t love, etc.

xo,

Jamie

 

05.31.2013
The 4 Products You Need for Your Nails

4 nail products you need

With thousands upon thousands of nail products on the market, all claiming to solve ALL of your problems, it can definitely be confusing as to what you actually need to achieve your best nails possible. Here, I break down for you the four products that you should be using, no matter what.  Trust me, use these four and you’re good to go!

1. All-In-One Treatment

When you’re crammed for time, it’s best (and easiest) to use a strengthening base and top coat in one.  Hydrating panthenol will smooth and glaze nail beds, while also preventing your nails from chipping.  Make sure to first apply this treatment to clean, dry nails as a base coat and let dry. Then brush on one to two coats of your favorite nail color and let dry. Finish with the Double Duty treatment as a shiny top coat.

Favorite: Sally Hansen Double Duty

2. Polish Remover

I prefer a polish remover with a light, calming scent (like lavender), which will swiftly and effectively take off your darkest, most glittery polish just as fast as you applied it.  Sure, in a pinch cheap or generic polish remover will do, but I really love the version from Zoya, which smells great and actually gets all of my nail polish off.

Favorite: Zoya Remove Plus

3. Nail Strengthener

This calcium-enriched formula toughens nails, without altering the color of your polish!  It’s recommended for use twice a week and will definitely help strengthen nail beds within a few weeks time. I can’t recommend this strengthener enough.  The fact that you can actually apply it OVER your nail polish is truly amazing and I’ve definitely noticed a huge difference in the health of my nails.

Favorite: O.P.I Nail Envy

4. Cuticle Oil

Cuticles simmer down with just a drop of this cure-all product.  Infused with sweet-almond, jojoba and vitamin E oils, your nails will never be softer.  This is my secret weapon!  For anyone who gets dry cuticles, this oil is your best bet.

Favorite: CND Solar Oil

 

 

 

05.30.2013
May favorites

It’s time for May Favorites!  Truthfully, I still have a LOT to learn about making YouTube videos, but I genuinely do enjoy making my monthly favorites videos.  Ha, my manager would be so proud!  It’s not that I’m uncomfortable in front of the camera (quite the opposite, actually), but I have absolutely no eye for editing and/or filming.  So there’s that.  I’d much rather be in my pajamas, hair in pony tail, zit cream on face, writing a blog post.  Truth.  With that said, I digress, and present to you…my favorite things for May!

1. Bath & Body Works Rome Honey Suckle Amore 2-in-1 Superfruit Body Scrub and Wash: I’m a sucker for anything Italy…and clearly, a scrub and body wash in one is kind of awesome.

2. Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying BB Cream SPF 50: I’m obsessed with all things Kiehl’s so I was pretty excited that they came out with a BB Cream…with SPF 50, obviously.

3. Man Up by Ross Mathews: You need to read this.  Enough said.

4. Black Box wine: I’m late to the box wine party but guys, this stuff is GOOD.  A perfect summer staple.

5. Blow out by Mika Fowler: I love a good blow out and I’m so excited for the amazing stylist, Mika Fowler, who recently went to the Kim Vo salon.

And, if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

05.29.2013
Giving Back

Jamie Stone volunteer

Something that only my close friends/family know about me: I volunteer once a week at a home for at-risk teen girls.

Not that I try to keep it a secret or anything…clearly not, since I’m now blogging about it.  In fact, I’m actually quite proud of the fact that I’ve given my time for the past two years to teen girls who need it.  But volunteering is something that is good, yet deeply personal (at least to me).  There are really strict rules about what we can and cannot share with the girls, what we can and cannot give them as far as projects (nothing with glass or sharp edges) and, lastly, we can’t give them any personal information about ourselves.  For me, the last rule is particularly difficult since, after two years, I’ve developed attachments to some of these girls.  While I’m only with them for 1-2 hours per week, they’re allowed to be creative and free with me, which can sometimes spur emotions that they would otherwise keep hidden.

Growing up, I have a lot of great memories doing arts and crafts projects with my mom, a former art teacher, so it seemed natural to me to pick an activity where the girls (some of which don’t even have parents) would be able to do something similar.  Anyway, the point of this post is this: it’s important to give back.

So many of us go through the motions and often feel all “woe is me” about things that are, sorry to say it, just not important.  You know what a real problem is?  Not having a place to live.  Losing a parent to a gun shot wound.  Being put into foster care because your parents are drug addicts.  THOSE are REAL PROBLEMS.  And believe me, I’m guilty of the “white girl problems” too, but every time I start to feel sorry for myself because I’ve gained a few pounds, or can’t afford a trip to Australia, I try to bring myself back to reality by thinking about the girls that I volunteer for.  THEIR lives are hard, mine is not.

I encourage all of you to find an organization and volunteer, even if it’s only once a month..or even a few times a year!  It truly warms my heart to see my girls and gives me a different perspective on life, honestly.