AQUARIUS INSPIRED // FRESH & BEACHY

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Aquarius Makeup, Fresh & Beachy Beauty, Beach Waves, Pink Eyeshadow, Star Sign Beauty

February marks the month of the

Aquarius,

so this beauty look is inspired by her: She's adventurous and light hearted, is known to be an inventor and a visionary, and she has a lot of flirty charm.

The Aquarius gal loves the water, sand and sea and embraces easy beauty. Her birthstone is Amythist so I've included a little pop of purple in this Fresh & Beachy look. Here's how I accomplished her style. [

video here

]

Products Used:

Hope you'll try a few of these techniques and products and embrace some of your Aquarius attributes.

Happy February, xo

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NEXT GENERATION OF MAKEUP APPLICATORS

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Beauty Blender, Artis Brush Dupe, Silicone Sponge, Silisponge, Ulta Super Blender

Move over makeup brushes, it's time for a new generation of makeup applicators to find their way into your hearts! Today I am sharing 3 new categories of makeup applicators that you may have not heard of just yet. They are designed to make your routine more seamless, and use technological advances to up your makeup game! [

Video Here

]

Silicone Blenders

Silicone Sponges made it BIG in 2017 and have changed the way we apply liquid foundation to the face. They absorb ZERO amount of your product and are very easy to clean and keep sanitary. Best for those who use liquid foundation and want full coverage.

Paddle Brushes

The unique shape and handle (similar look to a large toothbrush) gives these brushes a leg up on blending and blurring your products. They contain a much larger number of bristles in each brush, meaning you can distribute your products more quickly. They work with liquids, cream, and powders for a seamless blend. 

Bouncy Sponges

The shapes and sizes are ever changing with these sponges, that have a bouncy suede like texture designed to bounce across the face to press products into the skin for a flawless finish. The sponges are used damp which will slightly thin out the product you're applying giving a more natural medium coverage. The unique shapes are designed to fit the contours of your face, and can be used with liquids, creams and powders.

Have you tried any of these fun tools? xo

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CAPRICORN INSPIRED // BOLD AND BRIGHT

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This year I thought it would be fun to explore beauty looks

inspired by the Star Signs

. I know that you'll only fall into one category yourself, but I hope you'll find inspiration in the characteristics of the other signs as well, and hopefully try some new looks.

The first sign if the year is

CAPRICORN

, and this look is inspired by her. She is determined, bold and perhaps a workaholic. So

this makeup tutorial is bright, clean, and a little edgy

. Enjoy! [

video here

]

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WILL YOU BE WEARING THE COLOR OF THE YEAR? // ULTRA VIOLET BEAUTY

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Ultra Violet has been named the Color of the Year by Pantone

- the universal authority on color... And I for one, am super pumped about the announcement. Purple is just my favorite color in general, but I've always LOVED to wear purple on my eyes as well. In my opinion it is the only color on the spectrum that is universally flattering on every skin tone. EVERY SKIN TONE!!

Not only does Ultra Violet make your eyes pop, it also wears beautifully on lips! Here is a look at the trend and a few great budget friendly options to get you started. [

Video Here

]

Eyes

Lips

Polish

What do you think of Ultra Violet!?

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THE BEST OF 2017 // FAVES, RAVES, AND SLAYS

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Another year has come and gone- and with it hundreds of beauty products tested and used. I get the privilege of calling this my job, and I take it very seriously while still having a great time! Playing with makeup is always fun. Today I've rounded up my most loved products of 2017, the best of the best- and I hope you'll find a new favorite here too. [

Video Here

]

Hair Favs

Makeup Raves

Skincare Slays

Bonus Yays

Here's to new loves in 2018! xo

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THE ULTIMATE MAKEUP SHOPPING GUIDE // LIPPIE COUNTDOWN

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NYX Lip Colors

Row 1: Eden // Soft Spoken // She Devil // Push Up // Paris // Seashell

Row 2: Berry Strudel // Creme Brûlée // Up the Bass // Corset // Sao Paulo // Indie Flick

Row 3: Vintage // RootBeer Float // Raspberry Tart // Embellishment // Russian Roulette // StoneFox

Row 4: Copenhagen // Shocking Pink // Exotic // Tres Leches // Sugar Cookie // Ripe Berry

The Entire Lippie Countdown- Now on Sale! 

Liquid Suede Vault- Now on Sale!

December was such a fun month- but if you followed along during my #LippieCountdown series on instagram, you know that MY December was also very colorful! I loved the challenge of wearing a new (and surprise) color every day- it stretched my creativity and forced me to try new colors I might have never reached for on my own. I hope that you'll be inspired to think outside of the box, and switch up your own makeup looks... a perfect New Years resolution! Here you'll find a list of every color worn, as well as all the other makeup I used during the challenge. I hope this post will serve as a great reference for you to come back to when you are makeup shopping. 

Other Featured Makeup in my mini tutorials during the Lippie Countdown

Foundations

Concealers

Primers

Mascara

Eye Liners

Lip Liner

Blush

Eye Palettes

Cream Eye Shadows

Brows

Highlighter

Bronzer

Setting Spray

Self Tan

Tools & Brushes

BRANDS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT... BUT SHOULD!

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We all know the BIG names in makeup- brands like Loreal, Clinique, and Bobbi Brown. But there is SO MUCH MORE out there, in terms of small independent brands that aren't as well known- but are simply amazing and I want you to hear about them. 

Today, I am rounding up 5 of my top hidden gems- and sharing one product that I think you should try from each line. Ready? Let's go! [video

here

]

Colour Pop

 To be fair I have mentioned Colour Pop many times on the blog in years past, so you may already know about it. But the brand has recently launched at Sephora, which means it's now going to be a household name for anybody who shops for makeup. 

  • Ultra Blotted Lip, is my favorite formula in the line. It is the perfect lipstick for the woman who doesn't wear lipstick, but wants to. Confused? Well, here's the deal: It's sheer but matte, two things that don't usually go together. You can get a great pop of color that lasts longer than a gloss, but it still shows the texture of your lips through the color. Amazing for a more subtle look than your typical Liquid Lipstick. Which Colour Pop also makes, and those are great too!

Karity

 This indie line is more compact and produces in smaller batches, so the quality always remains

consistently

 high. There's no middle man here either, they only sell direct from their own site- meaning the prices are low. Can I get an 'Amen'!?

  • The Shadow Palettes are stunning, with blendable pigments that POP off the eye. The Peach Palette is a dream, but the Nudes & Rudes palette cannot lead you astray.

Huda Beauty

 Huda is no stranger to the beauty world- her Youtube channel has over 2 million subscribers! But the average consumer may have never heard of her and her cosmetics line, that is now available at Sephora. Her shadows are stunning, and her Lip Strobes make any pout just a touch more

glamorous

, but my favorite are her Holographic Lip Toppers.

  • The Mini Lip Strobe Collection is a great way to jump into the holographic makeup trend. You get 4 minis that can be worn alone or over the top of a lipstick. The light reflection is like 'BAM'! and I even love using them right in the center of my lips for a little extra plump.

Models Own

 is a UK drugstore staple, but the US is finally getting in on the action. It's a HUGE line with over 600 products (we don't have them all here- bummer) and they are a great budget option for makeup lovers. 

  • Sculpt & Glow Highlight Palette gives you three BIG pans of color in each compact. The pink version is my favorite and gives you a blush and highlighter in a single step. I love that there are powder and cream formulas in the same compact too, so you can adjust depending on the look you want.

Soap & Glory

 is another UK transplant, and is mostly well known for their lotions and body scrubs. But their makeup line is fantastic as well, and the collection comes complete with super catchy packaging and names. Don't be offended... it's funny people!

  • One Heck of a Blot Foundation is a super unique formula, that starts off as a liquid and dries down to a velvet powder finish. That powder goes to work absorbing excess oil throughout the day, helping to combat the shine and need for blotting. Love this stuff- only downside is the lack of shade variety.

Happy Shopping! xo 

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THE RETURN OF PRESS ON NAILS!?

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These are not your grandmas press-on nails folks! In fact press ons are making a big comeback, and you might be surprised to find out celebrities like JLo are wearing press ons for an instant touch a glam and boasting about it on

social media

. 

If you haven't thought about or worn press-ons in a long time, you'll be happy to know that the technology has improved and the results are more life-like than ever. These types of nails are made with a gel finish, so they are shiny and super durable. 

You can also apply them for a temporary pop of pizzaz, and here's how:

 [

video

]

Favorites:

Kiss Gel Fantasy

 (glue) Great for an event or photos. 2-3 days, but pop off more easily with the glue.

imPRESS One-Step Gel

 (peel and stick) My FAVS! They last 7-10 days and are so easy to apply!

Tips for an easy application:

  1. Start by using your 'awkward' hand to apply nails to your dominate hand. It's much easier to apply with your awkward hand, BEFORE they have nails on.

  2. Find your proper size nail- it should lay flush with the curve of your nail bed, without having to be pressed down. You may need to size up, and then file the sides more narrow to get the right fit. Tip: Write down you sizes so you can quickly grab the right ones next time

  3. Prep the natural nails by washing your hands, and using a quick swipe of polish remover to remove any oil or residue before applying

  4. Apply glue to both the natural nail and the press-on, but only allow to dry for a few seconds before bonding together. Or if using the peel and stick, simply remove the backing and press and hold.

  5. Place the nail on at the cuticle first (avoid touching the skin) then rock the nail forward. Press firmly to remove air bubbles and hold for 10 seconds for a solid bond.

It is common for 1-2 nails to pop off in the first day or so... these will be the nails that didn't get a proper bond the first time around. Simply reapply glue and bond again. Once the nails have made it passed this phase, they've proven they are secure and will last about a week before the natural oils in your nails loosen the bond. At this point the nails will need to be removed and any remaining glue can be soaked off quickly with some acetone based polish remover.

Press ons are super fun for a quick change or a temporary look. Ideal for a big event or even somthing like family pictures. I hope you'll give them a go! xo

PUMPKIN SPICE MAKEUP LOOKS FOR FALL

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Pumpkin Spice

is the buzz word of the season, but don't limit it to just your favorite foods- try using this warm Fall tone

in your makeup routine

as well!

Look for colors that are a warm orangey-brown hue, and use them on your eyes, cheeks and lips for an all over monochrome Pumpkin Spice look. Here's a few of my budget friendly favorites: [

video

]

Here are a few more inspirations for the look- aren't these ladies all stunning!?

I hope you'll give this trend a try this Fall season! Don't forget to come say hi over on

instagram

too!

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GET AN OOPS-PROOF CAT EYE

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Maybelline Curvitude Liner Review, Hard Candy Oopsy Proof Liner Remover review

If you are like me, you struggle to use liquid liner and get an even cat-eye. It's so freaking hard! Even after so many years applying makeup to myself and others, it still causes me to sweat when it comes time to

apply a sharp liquid liner

.

I am always on the lookout for tools that will make the task easier, and finally I have found the perfect combo of liners that are making my life so much easier. So, if you hate that darned cat-eye too, check out these bad boys!

  • Maybelline Curvitude Liner This guy is my new best friend! That bent neck makes all the difference in the world when it comes to using a liquid liner. The angled tip allows you to more easily work around your lashes and to SEE what your doing as you do it. The tip is also super fluid and leaves a tug-free black line that can be super fine or thick depending on your pressure. It stays put all day as well, and dries down *almost* completely matte.

  • Hard Candy Oopsy-Proof Liner Eraser Now for those of us who need a little extra help, reach for this miracle worker to correct any mistakes after you've applied the liner. It goes on clear and wipes away the liner quickly and easily. It's great to even out the two sides, change the angle of your flick, or sharpen up any blurry edges. Life changing!

I hope you'll pick them up and give them a try, let me know how it goes in the comments below!

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A SWEET SMELLING DEODORANT

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I am ALWAYS looking for new development in the deodorant world. If you’ve been a reader long, you’ll know that I take my anti-sweating products quite seriously ;) as it has been a personal battle of mine since Jr. High.

I recently came across a new line of

Invisible Sprays from Secret

, and I wanted to share them with you just in case you are on the hunt for a new deodorant yourself.

These sprays are unique because they spray on clear and dry almost instantly, which I love because it means you start the day dry without the need to wait before getting dressed.

But the real showstopper, and what I really want to talk about are the scents available.

Holy Moly- they are the most scented deodorants I have ever tried, meaning they will go to work keeping you fresh smelling all day – perfect for the summer months . The fragrances really shine through as you move your body, which makes me much more confident if I am having a stressful or fast paced [i.e. stinky] day.

My two top scent picks are the

Boho Berry

and

Cool Waterlilly

, but they also offer a

Glam Grapefruit

and

Luxe Lavender

scent as well. The formula is also designed to give you 48 hour sweat protection, so it not only smells great, but it does its job to keep you dry as well. Highly recommended!

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried these new Invisible Sprays, xo

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*Brought to you by Secret, but as always my opinions are my own

MAJ HAIR VOLUME WITH UPLIFTING POWDER

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Lack of volume is still the number one complaint I hear in the salon.

I am one of those complainers, ha!

I wanted to share a few products today that give major volume- but aren't as commonly used as products like dry shampoo or mousse to achieve volume.

Lifting Powders

are a super fine powder that thickens the hair at the root by bonding to the hairs.

They tend to have a slightly tacky feeling when touched, and they don't make heir

feel

cleaner like dry shampoos do, but they work so well for their actual purpose... lifting!

I love to use them on day 2 or 3 hair when my roots really need a boost. You simple shake the fine powder into the roots (you can't always see or feel that it's going on because its such a fine powder it's almost invisible and weightless), then massage through and finally brush out. If you are wondering what they are made of, it's mostly ingredients that absorb and thicken- think starch and silica.

Here are a few of my favs and where you can purchase them:

Have you tried these magic powders before? Let me know in the comments below, xo

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THE LAST BEAUTY OIL YOU'LL EVER NEED? // MARULA OIL

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What is Marula Oil?

What is Marula Oil?

Marula Oil is the oil harvested from the nut of the Marula tree that is found in Africa. Indigenous women have been using it as a skin and hair product for hundreds of years, and its now making it's way into American beauty products along side more commonly known oils like, Coconut and Argan. 

Marula Oil has traditionally been on the more expensive side, but we are starting to see versions in drugstore products as well. (Like this new line from

Garnier

)

It's light in texture, super fast-absorbing, packed with nutrients and fatty acids, it's and super hydrating. Here are my HIGHLY

recommended

 favs: [

video

]

For your skin:

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

  • It balances moisture levels and works on both oily and dry skin textures

  • It softens and hydrates

  • It fights acne, as well as treats blemishes and scars with it's antimicrobial properties

For your hair:

Keranique Marula Oil Hair Mist

  • It protects hair from the elements by rehydrating

  • It nourishes and adds shine

  • It's a frizz-fighter and static fighter

Have you tried this miracle oil yet?

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PERFUME FOR YOUR HAIR? // HAIR MIST 101

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Best Hair Perfume Mists

I take scents very seriously.

Just watch one of my

youtube

videos, and it's pretty much guaranteed that I smell something in the video! The scent of a beauty product is a huge factor when it comes to purchasing a product or not, I've definitely learned that first hand over my 15+ years selling shampoo!

But did you know, that

the scents in shampoo are not designed to linger in the hair

?

That's right, the vast majority of shampoo formulations these days are made with 'flash fragrances' that give a burst of scent upon first use- but then dissipate quickly. They do this because most people use multiple products and layering them would cause too many scents to be in play- it wouldn't be good.

Enter: The Hair Mist

What is a hair mist?

It's a perfume spray designed specifically for use in the hair.

The mist is finer, uses less alcohol (so it isn't drying) and they usually contain some shine ingredients to make the hair look nicer as well as smell better. 

Another factor to consider is that most women aren't washing their hair daily, so a hair perfume is nice to freshen up the hair on days 2 and 3. [

video

]

Here are 5 of my

recommended

 Hair Perfumes

:

I hope you'll give one a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below.

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AFTERSUN SKIN AND HAIR SAVERS

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Although Summer vacation might be winding down, the sun is still shining HOT in my neck of the woods. We are soaking up all we can get, and I hope you are too.

But

good sun care doesn't just end with Sunscreen

... consider what you do after the sun to be almost as important. Rehydrating and soothing skin and hair will go a long way to keeping both healthy, so today I am sharing some of my

favorite after-sun products

. [

video

]

Body

Face

Hair

Happy Sunning! xo

Follow on Bloglovin

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3 SUNSCREENS YOU ACTUALLY NEED

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Anti-Aging sun screen products

Sunscreen is about the least sexy beauty product out there, am I right?!

No one loves buying sunscreen, but we all NEED it in our lives. I am quite the stickler when it comes to sun safety, and I've tried just about every sun screen out there in my quest to stay pasty. (Thank goodness for Spray Tans)

There are 3 sunscreens that pass the test in my opinion. They cover all the bases:

  • Best Overall Protection: Sun Bum Spray SPF 50 Light weight, non-greasy, and gives major protection. Absorbs quickly and smells great. I love the cream version too for my kids!

  • Best Face/ Anti-Aging: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 High end, effective skincare with a built in protection level of SPF 50. Non greasy and super hydrating too.

  • Best Scalp Protection: ColoreScience Powder SPF 50 I love this for on the go touchups, but especially for its ability to protect your scalp along your part lines, without getting your hair greasy.

Here's to safe sun and lots of fun! xo

Follow on Bloglovin

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JUST A HINT OF TINT // BEST SHEER MAKEUP

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For those ladies out there looking for a more natural and softer makeup finish- products that offer just a

'hint of tint'

are just what you need.

They are designed to offer a more

sheer coverage, that will enhance your look

, without covering up your features. Here are a few of my recommended products that give just enough color but still have major payoff. [

video

]

Face:

  • Maybelline Dream Cushion- My go to foundation all Summer long. It gives beautiful pigment to even out redness and cover blemishes, but has a super thin consistency so the texture of my skin still shows through. It's perfect for the gal who 'hates foundation'.

Brows

  • Billion Dollar Brows Hint of Tint Brow Gel- This is a great brow gel that gives more color then a clear formula, but is still more subtle than a powder or a pencil. The universal taupe color is great for everyone.

Cheeks

  • Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel- Although the colors look bold, this formula is so sheer it only leaves a kiss of pigment on your cheeks. Just a few dabs on the cheekbones will give you a glow and flush of color that is so natural, you might just be blushing!

Highlight

Lips

  • Colour Pop Ultra Blotted Lip- Hands down my favorite formula ever. It is a Matte-Sheer finish which means you can still see your lips ever so slightly under the pigment, but no glossy finish. It's just like the name says, a 'blotted' lipstick look. ***Giveaway*** Head over to my instagram for a chance to win the ENTIRE COLLECTION. Ends 7/23

Eyes

  • NYX Lid Lingerie- I love these for a quick was of color all over the lid. They dry down and become budge proof, but still have a beautiful metallic finish.

What other subtle makeup products do you love? Let me know in the comments below! xo

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3 AT HOME GEL POLISHES THAT ACTUALLY ROCK

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I love a good Gel Nail... in fact I only wear gel polish because traditional polish doesn't last in my line of work. Water and nail polish don't get along so well!

I began wearing gel as soon as the industry introduced it on a large scale. The colors were limited and expensive, plus they required a UV light to cure. But, it was the first time in my professional life I had been able to wear polish at the hair salon- so I was stoked!

Fast forward a few years and the at-home version finally emerged... no light required, and [almost] the same long lasting results. (I typically get about 10 days of wear and just a few minor chips.)

The technology is still improving so who knows what the next big advance will be!? But until then, here are my

top three tried and true at-home gel polishes.

The key to a good gel nail is all in the prep work before hand

. To start be sure you've washed your hands to remove any excess oil. Next

push back your cuticles

to ensure the polish won't touch any skin. If it does touch the cuticle you'll most likely have lifting. Third,

buff the nail bed slightly

to roughen up the surface, making for better adhesion. 

Apply the coats as thinly as possible

and allow a couple minutes drying time in between coats. Thick layers are prone to peeling and lifting, so keep em' thin peeps. 

Lastly, speed up your cure time by hopping out in to the sun for a few minutes, or paint your nails next to an open window. It's not required, but

bright UV light will aid in the curing time

and strength of your manicure. 

Happy painting! xo

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HEAL CRACKED HEELS WITH THESE FOOT SAVERS

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Summer sandal season is upon us and I think it's safe to assume most of us could use a little foot tune-up! So if you are dealing with cracked heels, dry calluses, or just need a night to pamper yourself- take a look at my recommended foot products for good looking piggies.

Exfoliate first

to loosen dead, dry skin and soften the surface layers

Mild Exfoliation

Medium Exfoliation

  • Amope Pedi Perfect Roller Like an electric sander for your feet, this guy will grind away tough callouses in a snap. Best for small areas like the sides of your big toes and the balls of your feet

Major Exfoliation

  • Peeling Foot Mask If you are looking for MAJOR exfoliation this peeling mask is for you. It takes a few days to see results but be prepared for a whole new foot to emerge after the outer most layers slough off in large chunks. Gross but effective!

Nourish Next

to replenish lost moisture and keep skin soft

Mild Nourishment

  • L'Occitane Foot Cream My tried and true favorite with just the right amount of rich hydration and a refreshing minty scent that takes you to the spaaahh. (if your own bathroom of course ;)

Medium Nourishment

  • Heel Sleeves These half-socks go perfectly with your foot cream, but also work on their own to hydrate dry cracked heels. They are lined with a gel that is infused with oils to leave heels feeling like a million bucks when worn overnight.

Maximum Nourishment

  • Flexitol Heel Balm The miracle cream you've been looking for... wear it every night (with your heel sleeves for extra love) and see a major improvement in a week. Then maintain your soft heels by using it about 3 times a week after your heels have been repaired.

Cheers to Summer! xo

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THE BIGGEST TREND IN LIPS RIGHT NOW // PETAL LIPS

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MAC Makeup recently called

'Petal Lips' the trend of the season

, and I couldn't agree more! These colors are bold playful and so fun to wear in warm weather.

Reach for colors found in a Summer bouquet- Reds, Magentas, Corals, Oranges and Pinks.

That means it's time to retire (for now) nudes, browns and purples.

Here are

MACs Petal Lips

, and some other drugstore options: [

video

]

Petal Lips Shown:

If these bold colors are overwhelming to you, then try 'borrowing their pigment' and just using the color as a stain instead of a full blown lipstick. To do this, dab on a few spots of color along the lower lip, then while it's still moveable, use your finger to smudge the color across the lip. Once evenly blended, lick your lips and press them together to transfer some pigment to the upper lip as well. This will give a wash of the color- but your lip texture will stay natural. It's my favorite way to wear a bold color!

xo

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