A Simple, Romantic Hairstyle I Love 2.28.2018

I will definitely never be Amber Fillerup in the hair department, but I am making an effort to switch up my hair styles more, rather than just wearing it down and wavy every single day. For whatever reason, I always feel a bit more glamorous and romantic with my hair pulled back on one side. It's a simple way to pull your hair back a bit, and will also show off a beautiful statement earring (which I'm so into at the moment). I used the following Privé products (love their minimal branding) + steps to get lots of shine and texture for this look:

After air drying about 50% I sprayed the Privé root amplifier at my roots as well as the Privé shine mist on the bottom half of my hair before blow drying. I usually avoid hair oils and shine sprays because I worry they'll weigh down my baby fine hair, but this one truly doesn't at all. As I've used it over the past few weeks I've been so impressed by how it makes my hair weightlessly shiny and smooth.

After curling per usual with my one-inch wand and shaking it out to create looser, messy waves, I pulled one side back in a subtle twist. I started it loosely in the front, and then added small pieces of hair as I worked backwards. I find that this helps it to stay, and just integrates the twist into your hair a bit better. Then I simply hid a few bobby pins under the rest of my hair and finished my look with the Privé finishing texture spray, which adds just the right amount of hold and texture without making your hair look dull or feel stiff.

If you would like to try any of Prive's products, use code JACY10 for 10% off of your order! This code is good through March 28, 2018.

Romper (50% off!) - more sizes here  |  Earrings  |  Necklaces here + here

Have you guys ever tried this simple, but elevated look? I definitely plan to style my hair like this on vacation next month whether to keep my hair out of my face or to simply elevate my look a bit for dinner!

Would you like to see more beauty posts on here? I hadn't done a hair post in a long time, but have had some requests, so I thought I would start with this!  

Thank you to Privé for partnering with me on this post! I have genuinely been so impressed by their products so far. And thank you to my readers for your support via links and the occasional sponsored post that make this space possible 💛

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Q&A and Giveaway with Esthetician Alana Mitchell 8.14.2017

I'm so excited to have an absolutely amazing guest for you today! Alana is an incredibly knowledgeable esthetician who has her own skincare line (!!) and skincare e-commerce site. She's an incredibly kind soul and I knew in a heartbeat that I wanted to get to know her and collaborate with her. I've been using her skincare for a few weeks now and I can truly say that my skin hasn't looked this good for as long as I can remember. My undereye circles are noticeably lighter (never thought that would happen), and my skin tone is significantly more even. Stay tuned for the end of this post, because Alana is giving away a full set of her skincare to one of you!

And now, here's my q&a with Alana...

Hi, fellow beauty-lovers, my name is Alana Mitchell! I’m a licensed esthetician and owner of a skincare business based in Orange County, California, and I’m so excited to share some of my knowledge and expertise with all of you! Having grown up in the beauty industry, I developed my passion for skincare from a young age and eventually honed my craft as an esthetician before opening my own spa and retail space here in Southern California. Thirteen years ago, that endeavor developed into an online retail business, skincarebyalana.com, that has helped me educate and assist people to achieve their most beautiful skin; I believe in only the best ingredient-savvy products that perform well and actually deliver results!

Not long ago, I was able to launch my own skincare line, Alana Mitchell Skincare, which has been such a labor of love! Being 100% cruelty-free, I test each of the Alana Mitchell products and formulations myself for efficacy and to make sure they perform up to my standard. So it has been incredibly gratifying to see some of the most recent products in the line (like the 4-in-Cleansing Pod and Quick Comeback Masque) featured on the Hallmark Channel and nominated for the CosmoProf BeautyID Awards – and seeing our local KTLA meteorologist sharing the love for us on Instagram! Because anti-aging is always a relevant topic in skincare (it’s never too early to start!), I’m very happy to have developed such unique and innovative products that help to fight wrinkles and other signs of aging – one less thing we have to worry about!

Jacy and I became acquainted through this gorgeous site, Love, Lenore! As someone who wants to remain in-tune with the world of beauty and follow fashionable trends, I’m constantly on the lookout for new-to-me sources and outlets of information and ideas. When I reached out to Jacy and let her know how much I enjoy her content and her vision, I was thrilled to hear that she was open to collaborating! My goal is to help others uncover their most beautiful skin through education, so I jumped at the opportunity to answer some of Jacy’s skincare questions she’s tailored just for you, her lovely readers!

Jacy: In our twenties, most of us are blessed with wrinkle-free skin, but what should we absolutely be doing now to help prevent and delay aging in the future?

Alana: I know we all feel invincible when we’re young, but it’s super important to start age prevention now! My anti-aging motto is that it’s easier to prevent than reverse. There are three things you can do today to delay signs of aging tomorrow and into the future: find yourself an eye cream, hydrate (internally and externally!), and embrace SPF. 

Depending on your skin type, choose between an eye cream or an eye gel – cream for normal to dry skin, and gel for oily or problematic skin. The formula should provide moisture to the delicate eye area without feeling heavy or greasy. 

I will repeat what you’ve heard a million times – DRINK WATER! Drinking water is the easiest way to keep your skin looking clear, bright, and youthful. Making sure not to skip moisturizer is also a crucial part of skincare – even if you have oilier skin, moisturizer is an incredibly important step in any morning and evening routine. I promise there is a moisturizer out there that meets your needs!

I’m going to blow your mind a little: Sun damage is the biggest culprit when it comes to hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It’s not just my mommy instincts telling you to apply sunscreen every day – it’s me as someone who is invested in skin health. SPF isn’t just for beach days!

Most medical professionals recommend an SPF of 15-50 to protect against UV damage. I personally recommend getting into the habit of including an SPF of 30 or higher into your skincare routine. Besides a regular sunscreen, SPF can be incorporated into tinted sunscreens and moisturizers, and finding one with SPF 30 isn’t difficult. Apply daily as the last step in your skincare routine (before your makeup) and you’re good to go!

Jacy: As someone in their twenties with a limited budget, what products should I prioritize with my spending?

Alana: Ever heard the term “less is more”? This can apply to all sorts of things, and is especially important when considering a budget. So, be on the lookout for products with multiple benefits in one! Maybe your serum has Hyaluronic Acid and pulls double duty as a moisturizer. Or maybe you found a moisturizer you love that also has SPF 30. With skincare, there are some amazing products that can do it all – talk about multitasking #goals! 

Jacy: In a sea of skincare brands and products, what ingredients should I be looking for that will actually help with different concerns, and what ingredients should I be watching for that are just fillers?

Alana: There are some fantastic ingredients out there, like Glycolic Acid and Retinol that can work for all skin types (in moderation). Glycolic Acid promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, revealing a layer of smoother and softer skin. It treats conditions such as oiliness, acne, blackheads, and fine lines. Retinol repairs damaged skin, from stubborn pimples to wrinkles and dark spots. It also increases cell turnover and encourages collagen and elastin production. Depending on the formulation’s concentration of ingredients, it can do so without irritation -- phew! 

Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid are great for all skin types in general. Vitamin C is perfect for anti-aging and an excellent source of antioxidants to fight free radicals. Hyaluronic Acid is great for hydration: it binds moisture to the skin, and plumps fine lines and wrinkles. 

My rule of thumb? If you can’t pronounce it, Google it. Sometimes the ingredients you read could be the real deal, but more often than not they’re fillers.

Jacy: As someone who is still fighting hormonal acne and often sensitive skin, how do I balance an anti-aging skin regimen while also working to prevent breakouts?

Alana: Spot treating is ideal and will be your best friend! Fight acne with a combination of salicylic acid and glycolic pads then follow with balancing and nourishing acidophilus probiotic cream. Make sure you include an anti-aging eye cream because the skin around your eyes is delicate and the first place you will see aging. Once you’ve found a balance that works for you, your skin will glow!

So much good info, yes?? Pictured above is her full skincare line that one of you will win! After years of struggles with my skin, I'm so happy with the progress I'm seeing while using her regimen.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Good luck with the giveaway! xo 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Summer Beauty Essentials 6.17.2016

Depending on where you live, summer is either in full swing or is fast approaching, so I thought I would share some of my summer beauty essentials & favorites with you today! While many aspects of my beauty routine stay the same throughout the year, I do change things up a bit to adapt to the weather, seasonal colors, etc.

Hair

 Not Your Mother's Dry Finish Texture Spray

This is my absolute holy grail hair product/best hair secret any time of the year, but especially in the summer when I want messy waves. I have very very fine hair, so this adds a ton of texture without making my hair sticky or weird at all. At $5 or $6 it's an absolute deal too. I legitimately stock up on these when I go to Ulta or Target because I never want to run out!

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In

I picked up the one for blondes, but I think a leave-in spray is an essential for everyone, especially if you color your hair. This one helps to lock in moisture and protect your hair from the heat and sun. I've also used one by 12 Benefits and it's great as well.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Crystal Clear Hairspray

This is a blonde-specific product, but if color damage makes you hair look a little dull I would recommend this! It holds really nicely without creating the dull film most hairsprays create.

Body/Skin

In the summer we have to show more skin by default, so I wanted to quickly share these 3 products that have been helping to keep my body and skin looking better!

L'oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes

I'm going to cover my favorite self-tanning products + routine in an upcoming post, but quickly wanted to touch on these. They're the easiest self-tanning method I've ever used, leave no streaks, are super quick to use, and are pretty affordable! These don't get me as dark as my staple self-tanner (which I'll share soon!), but they're perfect for a few different scenarios...

-If you don't have time for a hardcore self-tanner to dry/time to apply it (I use these after my shower if it's a late night and I don't have the energy for my normal routine)

-If you want a last-minute boost to your tan when you're heading out the door (they dry super fast and don't leave a mess)

-If you're traveling on vacation or a weekend trip and don't want to pack a big bottle and mitt and deal with all of that while you're away

Basically, they're awesome.

EOS Body Lotion

I just picked this up on a whim last weekend, but I really like it already! The smell is really pleasant and delicate (unlike a lot of body lotions...ick), the consistency is good, and I've found it to be a really nice lightweight moisturizer perfect for hot, humid days.

Softsoap Coconut Butter Body Scrub

Keeping your skin exfoliated is especially important in the summer! This scrub is super cheap, smells amazing and summery, and is exfoliating and moisturizing at the same time!

Makeup
I love to change up my makeup for the season and my mood, and also love any excuse to try new products! These products are all in heavy use so far this season...

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light
I've been a devoted fan of Double Wear foundation for over a year now because the coverage and staying power is unrivaled, but picked up the Light formula last week and am just as obsessed! It still has fantastic coverage and is very long-wearing, but is a bit more buildable, allowing for a little more glow if you want it.

Almay Smart Shade CC Primer
If Almay ever discontinues this I will legitimately cry because it's the bee's knees and so cheap! It evens out the skin tone under your makeup, makes your foundation go on more smoothly and evenly, and helps it stay longer. I've tried so many high-end primers and this is by far the winner in my experience.

Bare Minerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer (why are these product names so long?!)
This is a new product for me, but I think it's so great for the summer. I don't tan my face, so this product is great because you can put it on alone to give your skin a tan glow that masks imperfections, mix in with your foundation or bb cream to darken them a bit, or use as a bronzer on top of your foundation.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray
This product is so pretty, smells lovely, is very affordable, and has a few great uses! I'll share another use below when I talk about highlighter, but I have been using this lately to mist my face after I've applied my foundation, powder, and other face products (countour, bronzer, blush, highlighter). It adds such a pretty glow to your face and helps to make everything look more natural!

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Gloss
You all probably know that I'm a big fan of matte lipstick and stains, but sometimes they don't 'go' with a more natural summer makeup look. I wanted to pick up a gloss that I could throw on without a mirror if I didn't have a ton of makeup on and just wanted a light wash of color. This gloss really is great! It stays put for hours and hours, and this color ('must-have pink') is a really flattering pink that's not too bright or too pale.

Glowy skin is more gorgeous than ever in the warm, summer months and these products will help you achieve that...

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Global Glow'
This is the prettiest, glowy bronzer (not sparkly, I promise)! I use this over my contour to blend everything in, and also use it along my hair line. This has been a daily staple in my makeup bag for about a year and a half!

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Soft & Gentle'
This is technically the same product as above, but in a different color and I use it as my highlighter! It's so pretty on, and is very buildable. If I don't want a lot of highlight I just lightly tap my brush in the powder and dust it on the top of my cheekbones. But if I want a little more glow, I use my rosewater spray! I simply spray the brush first, then swirl the brush in the powder. This is one of my favorite beauty tricks I've discovered! It makes the highlighter go on with a bit more intensity (nothing crazy, promise) giving you the prettiest glow. I also use this down the bridge of my nose, at my cupid's bow, on the tip of my chin, in the middle of my forehead, and above the arches of my eyebrows.



This turned into kind of a long post, but I could honestly discuss beauty products all day, so I hope you enjoyed it and discovered some new products you want to try! If you have any questions or product suggestions, please let me know!

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Spring Beauty Prep 3.27.2016

Top: c/o Shein | Shorts: Levi's | Necklace: Kendra Scott

I'm so excited to be partnering with Goldfaden MD and Gee Beauty today to share some amazing skincare and beauty products for spring! The two brands have joined forces this spring to create a grouping of products to "spring clean" your skin and makeup. My skin always gets really dry and dull in the winter, and our trip to Colorado last week made it 10 times worse. I developed some awful dry patches last week and no amount of moisturizer and eye cream was helping. Over the past week I've been using the Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel, a fruit enzyme exfoliating peel, and the Fleuressence Botanical Cell Oil. I'm not just saying this because this is a collaboration post... My skin has legitimately done a 180 and is feeling and looking sooooo much better. My dry spots have gone away and I already have more of a "glow." When I woke up this morning my skin was smooth again, which was such a relief. I've been using the peel every other night, and the oil each night, as well as adding a drop to my moisturizer in the morning. 

I'm usually a full-coverage foundation type of girl, but in the spring and summer I often like to do more of a "no makeup" makeup type of look on the weekends and for the pool/lake/etc. I've really been working on improving my skin so that I don't feel like I have to hide it. For this makeup look all I'm wearing is the Gee Beauty tinted primer, blush, one coat of mascara and the Gee Beauty lipstick in 'hello gorgeous.' The tinted primer was just enough coverage while still looking dewy and natural, so it will be perfect for relaxed spring and summer days.

Thanks to Goldfaden MD + Gee Beauty for partnering on this post!     

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Full Coverage Makeup for Acne or Dark Spots 2.11.2016

I recently wrote about my longtime struggles with acne, and while most of it has cleared up for the time being, I now have a lot of dark spots and scarring. Over the years I've tried countless foundations and concealers trying to find the right techniques and products to even out my skin tone while staying put all day. After my acne post I got quite a few questions about what makeup I use, so I thought I would throw a quick post together!

Step One

I apply this Almay primer a couple of minutes before I apply my foundation. I've tried at least 10 high end primers and was never fully impressed with one until I tried this affordable one on a whim. It's amazing! It smooths out your skin tone, makes your foundation go on more smoothly, and helps your makeup last longer.

Step Two

I use Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation with this Sephora brush. I pump some on the back of my hand (with this pump - helps control the amount of product so you don't waste any), apply in little spots all over my face, and then blend in with this brush in a stipling motion. A really amazing MAC makeup artist taught me this technique and it makes all the difference if you want full coverage! I've tried sooooo many foundations and this is the best full coverage one in my opinion! It covers so well without looking cakey or feeling really heavy. It's expensive, but I truly think it's worth the investment and one bottle lasts me about 4 months (with the pump). 

     
Step Three
I blot small layers of concealer over any blemishes or dark spots my foundation doesn't cover with this Sephora brush (just don't use the same one as you use for undereye circles - you don't want to brighten the area). Right now I'm using the Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer but I've always used this Almay one and it's honestly just as good.

Step Four
I lastly blot this MAC powder all over with this MAC brush. It blends and locks everything in, and will make you look airbrushed! It will also last you a long, long time. It's the best!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Comment or email me with any questions!!  

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Holy Grail Makeup Products 8.07.2015

I like to do beauty posts every so often because I love learning about makeup and trying new products! Today though, I thought I would share my all-time favorite makeup products! These are all products that are the best I've ever tried in their respective categories, and ones that I will keep coming back to for a long time. I'm always a bit conflicted because I LOVE trying out new products, but once you find something great you don't want to try something else and not like it as much. These are all amazing though, and I can't recommend them enough! Read on for details/reviews... :)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liquid Makeup (in Fresco)
This stuff. I cannot rave enough. I've found a lot of foundations that look great when I put them on, but by lunch time of my desk job have melted off of my face - which I find utterly ridiculous. This stuff lasts ALL day! Usually when I'm washing my face before bed at night my makeup still looks good, and that's never ever happened to me. I owe it all to Amber of Barefoot Blonde for recommending this magic stuff, and I also bought this pump for it thanks to Emily of The Sweetest Thing's suggestion (so I don't have to pour it and waste product). It's the priciest foundation I've ever purchased, but you won't have to reapply it during the day, and I only use about a pump and a half each day, so it's lasting me quite awhile. It is a full coverage foundation, so not all of you may need that. They have a Double Wear Light foundation that is also supposed to be good. I personally need a fuller coverage foundation due to the skin issues I'm still battling in my mid twenties, but this one has never looked too thick or dry...it's full coverage with a natural look. I apply it in a pressing/blotting motion (not swirling) with this brush, and it makes makeup last longer!


MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (in Medium Plus)
I've tried a lot of powders and this one has a beautiful finish. It perfectly seals and blends in my foundation + concealers without looking cakey. I love that it cuts down on any shine I have without taking away my glow. Most powders end up making me too matte, and I like my skin to still shine through my makeup. I apply it in a pressing/blotting motion with this brush!


NARS Ita Kabuki Brush (for contouring)
This little guy is definitely a splurge, but I love love love it. As someone fairly new to contouring, it makes it incredibly easy. I'm impressed with the quality, and I like that it's thin enough to easily contour the sides of my nose and along my forehead. It really gives such nice control when you're contouring, but also doesn't create too harsh of a line! I plan on taking really good care of it so that it will last me a long time and pay itself off :)


MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (in Global Glow)
MAC has a couple of mineralize skinfinish lines...this line is a bronzer/highlighter line and the 'Natural' line is more like finishing powders (like the one I discussed above). This little bronzer is so beautiful on!! I use a different bronzer for contouring (it's matte with cooler tones), but I use this one to blend everything in and add a very natural, warm glow to my face. It even makes a really pretty eyeshadow. It's such a beautiful product that I can't recommend it enough!


IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer
I've talked about this before, but I have very dark hereditary dark circles that I've had my whole life. If I'm not wearing makeup it's almost a guarantee that someone will ask me if I'm sick. So, I've tried many undereye concealers over the years, and so far this is my favorite! It's very pigmented and brightening, so you barely have to use any. I legitimately use two tiny tiny drops and it's plenty, which means that this little tube is lasting me such a long time. I think it will easily last me a year, which makes it a pretty affordable product.


MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter (in Radiant Rose)
This product is basically a liquid highlighter, and it's so illuminizing! When the girl at MAC put it under my eyes and down the bridge of my nose I had to buy it immediately - it was that good. Because it's liquid, it's very blendable. And I love that it reflects light away from my dark circles. Mary Kay and Bare Minerals also make similar products that are really good too!


Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Whiz
Sadly, I didn't start filling in my brows until last summer (it really is a fairly recent trend though, right?), and I had no idea what I was missing all these years! I have naturally thick brows, but now I can fill in sparse spots and define my brow shape. This brow pencil is hands down the best I've ever tried, and they offer so many color options! It also comes with a brush on the end so I first brush all of my brow hairs into an orderly direction, then apply the pencil in short, light strokes going in the direction of the hairs, and then blend it all together softly with the brush. It's incredibly easy to use, and I can go bold or natural. I use the color 'medium brown' but may try the 'taupe' soon as I continue to go blonder.


Let me know if you have any questions about application, other products, etc.! I LOVE talking about makeup, so I'm always up to chat about it :) Also, if you have a favorite contour bronzer, let me know! I like mine, but want to try some others.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

xo,

Jacy

PS - Now that I know what color I am in these products, I love ordering replacements online from Nordstom! They have free shipping and returns on everything, so I can order a new powder or foundation (or whatever else) online without driving an hour to my nearest Sephora. (No this is not sponsored, I just love ordering from Nordstrom)!

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Skincare Review | Enza Essentials 4.18.2015

One of my blogging goals for 2015 was to incorporate more beauty and health posts because they're topics I personally love exploring and learning more about. I've shared before that I struggle with acne (mostly hormonal at this point in my life) and my skin in general (both dryness and an oily t-zone), so I'm always exploring different products and options. When Enza Essentials reached out to me about trying their products, I was so excited to get a customized skincare regimen and try products I had read so many good things about.

To expand on what I mentioned above... Enza puts together a customized skincare regimen based on your skin's needs (or you can buy individual products), which I thought was just amazing! You simply answer some questions, and voila - you have a lineup of products and a schedule designed specifically for you. I also have to point out that their customer service is incredible. They sent my products promptly, and then followed up with me after a few weeks to see how everything was going. I have now been using my Enza regimen exclusively for over 3 months, so that I could give you insight into each product and the regimen's results.

A peek at my personalized folder with my AM and PM regimens, that also includes detailed information on each product...

And now for a review of each product...

• Sustaining Cleanser: This is a really gentle gel cleanser that replenishes moisture that is perfect for a light wash in the morning, as well as getting off makeup in the PM. 
• Fine Facial Polish: This is an exfoliator than can also serve as a masque. My instructions were to use it each way two nights per week, so I use it about every other night.
• Cool Sustaining Toner: This is one of my favorite products! It's a gentle cooling toner that tones down redness and puffiness. Since I tend to get a bit splotchy and pink on my cheeks, this works really well for me to prep my skin for makeup, or just even out my skin tone at night and on non-makeup days. It's designed for normal to dry skin, so I'm able to use it both day and night without it drying out my skin like many toners do.
• Glycolic Serum: Easily my other favorite product! Glycolic acid serves as a gentle exfoliator and this product has smoothed out my skin SO much and given me a much-improved glow. It's amazing!
• Vitamin C Serum: This is a lightweight oil-free gel that I use as my AM moisturizer. For how lightweight it is and how little you have to use, it is incredibly moisturizing and perfect for wearing under makeup.  
• Sustaining Glow Creme: This is a moisturizing cream that I use at night in my regimen and I've found it to be very moisturizing. I haven't gotten any dry patches on my cheeks or under my eyes these last 3 months, which is pretty amazing. A little goes a long way (I always love that) and it definitely brightens and plumps up the skin.
• Spot Extractor: This is an acne treatment roll-on that is applied at the end of my PM regimen before bed. It has salicylic acid and witch hazel to cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, I haven't really noticed a difference in my blemishes when using this, so I've recently switched back to my prescription topical gel to treat specific blemishes.
• Advanced Protection SPF 30: This is a lightweight SPF product that's safe to wear on your face (many break out my skin), and I was advised to apply this every morning. Unfortunately, I found it was still a little heavy for me to wear under makeup on a daily basis, but I will definitely use it a lot this summer on days when I'll be out in the sun more.
• Shine Control: This is a mattifying product that I apply to my t-zone at the end of my AM routine every day before putting on my makeup. Its ingredients help absorb excess oil and also diffuse light. 

So, as you can see, I've tried out a lot of products. It is much more detailed and time-consuming than I was used to, but I have seen a big pay-off. Last winter I continually got rough, flaky dry spots under my eyes and on my cheeks. This year I never had any dryness, even in the middle of a very cold winter! I think this is the combination of a gentle cleanser and toner, the glycolic serum that continually smoothed my skin, and two great moisturizing products with quality, wholesome ingredients. This regimen has also made my skin glow on a whole new level. With both dryness and acne I found that part of my face would be very dull, while the other part would be oily and bumpy...not a great combination. This skincare routine has truly evened out my skin tone and consistency so much and given me a wonderful natural glow. The one area I haven't see improvement is with my acne, however I am not using their acne line. After the initial purging/adjustment phase when starting these new products, my acne pretty much returned to it's previous state. My acne is predominantly hormonal though, so I find that some weeks my skin isn't too bad, and other weeks I'm freaking out because I'm so broken out. So far I haven't found any skincare that truly helps my acne all month long and I know that that probably has mostly to do with the type of acne I have, which is fortunately not severe anymore and is mostly just tiny bumps under the skin.

I know skincare can get pricey, but I can honestly say that a little goes a long way with these products. I've been pleasantly surprised at how little of the serums I have to use (I still have a lot left 3 months in) and how effective they are. My skin has truly never glowed this much or been so moisturized, so I'm definitely a believer in Enza's high-quality ingredients and products! Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions :)

xo,

Jacy

All products were provided by Enza for the purpose of a review post. As always, all opinions shared are my own, and I will always be 100% honest with you. Thank you so much to Enza for giving me these truly amazing, high-quality products! 

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MAC Makeup: Reviews + Favorites 3.06.2015

Last weekend I shared on Instagram that I recently switched over a bunch of my makeup products to MAC. True story: I went to the MAC counter to buy a red lipstick and walked away with foundation, powder, blush, highlighting cream, a brush...and then a lipstick and lip liner. I was too impressed to walk away and go back to many of my old products. I think my bank account is still in mourning, but in the past few weeks of using my new makeup I've never felt more confident in how my makeup looks.

Wearing and experimenting with makeup and different products has definitely been a huge learning curve for me. I was a [very] late bloomer with makeup, but now absolutely love it and am slowly but surely mastering it! I've also switched over to a few other new products from other brands in recent months, but I thought I would stick to my new MAC products today since it's already a lot to cover and because MAC was completely new to me.

I know I'm not a "beauty blogger," but I do love makeup and want to mix in beauty posts more on here. Plus I felt so strongly about how great these products are that I just had to share with you!

   

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation (color: NW20)

Foundation has always been my biggest struggle. Formulas that are too lightweight don't give me enough coverage and don't last on my skin past my lunch break, and many full coverage foundations give me the coverage I want but are too thick and end up caking up on my dry/combination skin. This foundation is the perfect balance! Lightweight feeling and very natural looking with a glow, but with good coverage that stays put. The makeup artist described it as a fuller coverage foundation for dry skin (ding ding ding!). I apply by squeezing a little bit on the back of my hand, putting little dots of it all over my face, blotting in a light all-over layer with a foundation brush, and then adding just a bit more to problem areas and around my nose.

Mineralize Skinfinish (color: A93 Medium Plus)

I haven't used powder for awhile because it's always ended up looking too dry and matte for my taste, but this is not your average powder. It totally gives you that perfected, airbrushed look but with a very natural glow. It's got a bit of a tint so it helps to blend in your foundation and concealer, and is amazing for touch-ups (I rarely have to touch up my actual foundation now).

109 Small Contour Brush

This is actually what the makeup artist recommended for me to use with the mineralize skinfinish, which surprised me. I guess I'm just used to using a large brush for powder! I am no expert on which brushes to use for what, but it does work really well for my powder. Other than some shedding I've been happy with it!

     

Mineralize Blush (color: Warm Soul)

I think many of us have probably been traumatized by wearing blushes and bronzers that were too shimmery before, and as a result I've worn very matte bronzers and blushes the last couple of years. This blush, however, creates a gorgeous radiant glow and the color Warm Soul definitely seems to be a universally flattering peach tone (I've now discovered I have multiple friends with this exact color). I love this product! It puts my previous BareMinerals blush to absolute shame and stays put way longer too.

Prep + Prime Highlighter (color: Radiant Rose)

I honestly didn't even realize how much I needed this product. I've had very dark circles under my eyes since I was a little kid, so concealer has always been a 100% must. But when the makeup artist blended this in on top of my concealer it brightened the under eye area so much and there was no leaving the store without it! I apply it in the little wedge area under my eye and then down just on the top of my cheekbone, and it creates such a pretty glow that brightens the area and reflects the eye away from any darkness there.

Lipstick (color: Ruby Woo)
I've already talked about my hunt for the perfect red lip and how much I love my first MAC lipstick in a recent post, but I'll still touch on it here. IT IS AMAZING. Seriously, it is worth the extra money 100%. Every time I wear it I'm in disbelief over how long it lasts, and it's so nice to not be worried about how my lipstick looks 2 hours into a meeting or after eating a meal. I do touch it up once or sometimes twice in a full 12+ hours of wearing it, but it's only a very slight touch-up and nothing like having to fully reapply every other lipstick I've ever tried multiple times a day. It's also a really nice matte so it doesn't smudge, and if my lips start getting chapped I just dab a touch of lip balm or gloss on top. Basically, it's the bees knees and I can't wait to buy more colors!

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I'd love to hear what MAC products you use on a daily basis, and what products you've tried and loved or not loved! I definitely plan to try more of their products in the future, and want more blush and lipstick colors! Thanks so much for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

Jacy

Room details:
Coffee Table: available (and on sale) here and here | Coasters: Marshalls (similar) | Rug: RugsUSA (75% off right now with several color options!) | Coffee Mug: Bed, Bath & Beyond | Tray: Target (old) 

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