If you know me, then you know that guacamole is one of my all-time favorite foods, which is why I always jump at the chance to test out ANY beauty product that contains AVOCADO. I mean, aside from being delicious, avocado is packed with vitamins and oils that are great for your skin and hair, like vitamins A, D and E and its mild oil is also great for soothing irritated skin. Since today is Cinco de Mayo, trying out an avocado-enhanced beauty product seems like a great way to celebrate (that, AND a margarita, of course).
Guys, I honestly can’t believe that today marks my 8TH BLOGGING ANNIVERSARY (“BLOGiversary,” if you will), but it does. It also marks my first year as a full-time blogger AND, in honor of this monumental occasion, I’m giving away EIGHT of my favorite products (above) to EIGHT winners 🙂 Eight years of blogging…get it? So yeah, eight of you will win EVERYTHING above. You’re welcome.
Each prize set is valued at more than $300, so make sure to enter and spread the word.
Here’s how to enter and more details on what you will win…
I’m usually drawn to a bold lip or a dramatic eye but when I saw JESSICA BIEL‘s look from the 2014 OSCARS I was pretty into it. Jessica is known for the natural, girl-next-door makeup and hair and, lately, I’m really feeling the natural thing happening; she’s still glam but has that fresh faced look that I think is just really gorgeous…here’s how to get the look, from her makeup artist, KAYLEEN MCADAMS, ck one color global makeup artist:
THE INSPIRATION: “I wanted to do something really fresh, light and feminine. There were so many beautiful pastels in her dress, so I played with those tones.”
I finished her skin with ck one cream + powder blush duo in breath 100 right on the apples of her cheeks and set it with the powder side of the product to give the look staying power throughout the night.
I completed her eye with two coats of ck one volumizing mascara on the top lashes to pump up the lashes.
Then, I applied the same mascara onto an eyelash comb and combed through the bottom lashes to slightly darken them.
For Jessica’s lips, I used Tarte Lip Surgence in Lucky to cover her whole lip with a matte pink; I also used this product in the center of her lips to give dimension and add moisture to her look.
When I found out that tomorrow, February 20th is national HYDRATION DAY I had to do a post. For one, I’ve actually made it a goal in my life to drink more water one, because it’s good for your bod, and two because it’s the best thing you can do for your skin during the winter months. Sure, I live in Southern California so I’m not exactly in the Polar Vortex, but it does get pretty dry sometimes and since dehydration can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, you’ve gotta nip it right in the bud. Here are three of my favorite things to stay hydrated:
Bkr water bottle// I’ve found that having a super cute and environmentally friendly water bottle helps me actually remember to drink more water throughout the day and this version IS super cute.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Instense Hydration// To shed light on the importance of year-long hydration, Kiehl’s has teamed up with Fiji to celebrate February 20th as HYDRATION DAY, to educate customers about the effects of hydration, and dehydration on the skin. They came out with their newest product, the Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration which was “torture-tested” under extreme conditions. It was tested 1.) In the arid climates of Phoenix, and 2.) On a group of avid swimmers, daily exposed to damaging chlorine. Intense, for sure. Oh, and in honor of Hydration Day, on February 20, Kiehl’s will offer its shoppers complimentary hydrating facials and Fiji water in store, no purchase necessary.
Avene Thermal Spring Water// I’ve been using this hydration spray for years. Seriously, it’s fabulous for travel, especially on planes, and does a great job to really soothe and soften the skin.
At first, I said I had snowstorm FOMO…that is, until I started hearing the term “polar vortex” thrown around. I mean. I’m all for a fun snow day, but I’m not so into the idea of it being below freezing outside. Even though I’m in Los Angeles, I put together a collection of some awesome beauty products to help you bea/SURVIVE the polar vortex.
Gifts that give back is pretty much a staple when it comes to my holiday gift guide; charity and giving back is such an important part of MY life, that I feel it’s super important to spread the word about how there are many companies that actually DO care. Here are a few of my favorite beauty products that give back, all of which would make for excellent gifts:
1. Clinique Happy Hearts Perfume: $10 from every purchase goes to the Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope in the lives of children after natural disasters. To date, Clinique has donated $250,000 to the Happy Hearts Fund and will continue to support programs provided by this wonderful organization.
2. MAC RuPaul The Original Viva Glam Lipstick: MAC’s Viva Glam has raised a mind-boggling $250 million for HIV/AIDS programs since 1994 and they’re bringing their original Viva Glam Girl back! RuPaul’s shade and every cent will go towards helping women, men, and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
3. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter: Available in Grapefruit or Coriander, by purchasing a jar of the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps whipped body butter, you can take a step to end childhood hunger in the United States — up to $100,000 from all net proceeds will benefit the No Kid Hungry cause, which provides additional meals to children in need. One jar provides 380 meals, and in addition to the amazing cause it benefits. Done deal.
5. OPI Sandy Hook Green Nail Polish: OPI bottled the rich, bright green of Sandy Hook Elementary’s school colors to support Sandy Hook Promise. All proceeds will aid the families of Newtown and promote an open dialogue about mental health, school safety, and gun safety.
Olive oil is absolutely a major staple in my diet, not only because it’s easy and delicious, but also because it has a myriad of health and beauty benefits. For starters, the original cultivation of olive oil is said to date back to the 7th century B.C. (yep B.C.!) and it’s not just good on Italian food; olive oil contains a massive amount of antioxidants that help to rejuvenate, hydrate and restore the skin and hair. Here are a few of my favorite olive oil beauty products:
