Stephie Estie

July Favorites 2016!

July Favorites

Happy Tuesday and second day of August!  How was your weekend?  If you follow me on Instagram, you got a sneak peek of a new exciting opportunity that’s happening in my life.  I’m setting up shop inside a studio and will be offering skin treatments twice a week very soon!  I am so excited and nervous at the same time.  Those who know me know that it has been a very bumpy road for me in the esthetics arena but here I am and I am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity for me. 🙂

Here’s a picture of the room I’ll be renting.

Facial Room

In other news, July has come and gone which brings us to my monthly favorites post.  Ready to see what I’ve loved this month? Keep reading!

Sol de Janeiro Brazillian Bum Bum Cream 

I’ve seen this item floating around on Instagram and has been recommended by a few beauty blogger friends so I picked one up while I was at Sephora. A blend of guaraná, nourishing cupuaçu butter and coconut oil helps your body look and feel its smoothest and tightest. I love the coconut smell of this and how it provides skin with intense hydration.  The texture of my legs looks a bit smoother so who knows what will happen with continued use.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne 

I received this last month for my birthday and I absolutely love it.  It’s woodsy without being overpowering and perfect for any season if you ask me.

Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne 

Along with the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne, I got a sample of the Mimosa and Cardamom one and it smells so delicate and nice.  Based on the suggestion that you can layer the fragrances, I blended it with the Wood Sage and Sea Salt and guys, it’s such a great combination.  With scents of mimosa, cardamom, tonka bean, sandalwood, heliotrope, Damask rose, it softly mellows out the woodsy aspect of the other cologne if you want a more subtle and sweet version of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt.  I highly recommend it.

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer 

Featured in my July Play! by Sephora bag, this liquid bronzer is very easy to use and looks natural on my skin tone.

Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara 

A sample that came with my July Birchbox, this mascara does not leave my eyelashes clumpy and does a nice job of providing a fan-like effect.

MAC Powder Blush in Melba

Another item from my birthday haul, I’ve been using this blush almost every single day because it just looks so natural and blends in effortlessly.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Shine Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Fairest 

The last item on here from my birthday haul, this lipstick is sort of like a MLBB shade that’s just a tad darker. I love using it alone or layered over my ColourPop Echo Park liquid lipstick to create a customized shade that has a little bit more shine and hydration. The magnetic cap is a neat feature.

9Round Kickbox Fitness 

At the beginning of this month, I joined 9Round Kickbox Fitness and though I leave looking like a super sweat drenched mess, it’s also a lot of fun.  With all that goes on in my life at times, it feels so good to just punch out your frustration. There are no class times which is nice because you can pop in anytime you have 30 minutes to work out and be done or do some extra rounds.  Plus the owner, Dan, is very helpful and has modifications available in case you need it, which I do at times.

July Favorites End

That’s it for this month!  What are your favorites and do you have any advice/suggestions for starting your own business? Let me know in the comments below! 

Stephanie 

PopSugar Must Have Box Unboxing July 2016!

July PSMH

Happy almost Thursday everyone!

PopSugar Must Have subscription box is in! For those who don’t know, PopSugar Must Have Box is a monthly box that includes items that range from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box.  All items are full size and valued at over $100. This box is$39.95 per month while the new PopSugar mini box is $18.95.

PSMH Inspiration

The themes and inspiration for this month’s box.

 

PSMH HairSachajuan Hair in the Sun, $32

A UV hair protector for the hair, this will protect your strands from damaging UV rays, keeping your hair color vibrant that will stay on until you shampoo your hair.  I used this a few times but I haven’t really been out in the sun to see how it fully works.  It smells nice though and seems to make my stands softer.

European Wax Center Oh My Brow! Brow Highlighter in Pearl, $19

This highlighting illuminator is multifaceted.  Use it to lift brows by blending it along your brow bone, widen eyes by applying it on your inner corners, add glow to your cheekbones or add a romantic touch to your lips by dabbing it above your cupid’s bow.  Always great to have a highlighter pencil on hand as they are easy to use and you can apply them quickly.

Michael Stars Porcelain Skinny Scarf in White, $30 

This skinny black and white scarf can be dressed up or down by wrapping, knotting or draping it over your ensembles or can double as a headband. *Sigh* Another scarf type thingy.  I think we’ve had about 3 in a row already.  I appreciate that this is skinny so perhaps I’ll use it as a headband or maybe to accessorize a handbag.

Emoji Napkins

 

House of Pom Emoji Cocktail Napkins, $25

Designed with House of Pom, these exclusive cocktail cloth napkins allow you to serve up icy-cold drinks with cute emoji designs that are oh so #instagrammable.  One of the better items in this box, these napkins are adorable.  I’m glad they are cloth material as you can reuse the cuteness.

PSHM Snacks

Joe Chips Classic Sea Salt Retro Potato Chips, $1.49

These kettle chips are an all-American classic that will give you the old-school crunch you crave.  I tried a few chips and they really weren’t anything different than Lay’s.  I kind of wish they had offered different flavors instead of a plain one but well, less calories, right? I’m always happy to see a food item in a box.

SunnyLife Inflatable Swan Drink Holder, $18

Float up to four beverages poolside with this inflatable swan so you’ll never have to leave the water. Even though you don’t have a pool this can also serve its function on any table.  I don’t have a pool so I might gift this.  I think it’s much better suited for the pool than a table.

Pintrill Pineapple

Pintrill Pineapple Pin, $12

Use this pineapple pin to pin your skinny scarf into place.  It’s a cute pin but I don’t see much use for it.  Personally, I would have preferred the pineapple ice cub tray that was featured in the PopSugar Must Have Mini.

Trove $20 Gift Card (Special Extra), $20

A $20 gift card to treat ourselves to on-trend, customizable jewelry.  I probably won’t redeem this because I hardly can remember to wear jewelry and everything on there is very pricey.

Overall, I was disappointed with this box and for the moment, I’ve cancelled my subscription with PopSugar.  While I’ve loved past boxes, I’ve been accumulating a lot of stuff I don’t use and certain items are being repeated. Maybe in the future I’ll give it another go but it’s goodbye for now.  🙁

What are your thoughts on this box?  

Stephanie 

 

 

Play! by Sephora Unboxing July 2016!

Play by Sephora July

Happy Tuesday everyone!  How was your weekend?

The July 2016 Play! by Sephora is in and I must say, I’ve really been loving these curated boxes and the cute bags they come in. The theme for this month is Effortless Summer and I think the featured brands were spot on.  Here’s the breakdown of what was included.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleaner

This cleanser is rich in antioxidants and botanicals.  This cleanser lathers creamy and is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, phtlates, alcohol, fragrances and artificial dyes.  I’ve tried this cleanser before and it didn’t work for me.  It kind of made my skin itch so while I liked that my face didn’t feel super dry afterwards, it wasn’t for me.

BeautyBlender blotterazzi 

A cushion blotter that is designed to remove shine and absorb oil, you can wash and reuse this as you please and it’s great to smooth away cracks or cakey texture that makeup can form on your face.  I really love the Beauty Blender so I was happy to see this one in the box.  I used it once and it absorbed some of the shine but not as well as I thought.  I need to use this a few more times-maybe I used it wrong?

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer  

Based off of the popular Hoola Bronzer, this liquid version is lightweight and shimmer-free to create a warm radiant look.  I’m a fan of the original bronzer so I’m uber happy that this one was included and I wasn’t disappointed.  It’s subtle and blends out nicely that gives a very natural look.

Dew the Hoola

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola swatch

Nest Fragrances Citrine

Describes as, “layers of fresh lotus flower and freesia mingle with bright citrus and a base of precious woods.”  I like this fragrance but not my favorite and I wouldn’t go out of my way to purchase it as it’s not really my style.

Ouai Wave Spray 

This weighless texture mist gives hair an effortless, undone look while adding volume and shine.  I’m addicted to the smell of this as it leaves hair smelling soo good.  Combined with other products, this does a nice job of keeping curls in place.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

An iconic primer for normal to dry skin that keeps helps keep makeup in place-a must for the summer! I’ve used this primer before and I like it but because I have combination skin with a tendency to be oilier in the summer, it doesn’t really provide a mattifying effect and I’m a shiny mess by the end of the day.

Overall, I’m happy with box. 🙂

Sephora Play July

What box did you get this month? 

Stephanie 

 

Skin Tip: Listen to What Your Skin is Trying to Say!

It’s finally Friday and time for another skin tip!

Our skin is a very unique organ and if you pay close attention, you’ll start to see what it’s trying to tell you.  If you’re using a product that suddenly leaves your skin red, blotchy and itchy, chances are it’s too strong for you or you’re having an allergic reaction.  Likewise, if your skin has a slight burning feeling every time you apply a product, something is causing it to behave that way.  Don’t ignore these signs and try to figure out what the product it is by process of elimination or asking advice from your trusted esthetician/medical professional.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Stephanie 

July Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

July Birchbox Main

Hi everyone!  Thursday is finally here and I don’t know about you, but this week felt pretty long.

So, Birchbox arrives awhile back so if you’re interested in seeing what I got, keep reading!

MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB Sunscreen 

This sunscreen is safe for acne and rosacea-prone skin and has a silky formula that absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast or greasy sheen.  I’ve tried my fair share of sunscreens and I can confidently say that this formula is unique and unlike anything I’ve ever tried.  It feels almost silicone-like and it blends in very easily in the skin.  No breakouts so far and I’d be inclined to purchase this in the future.

Rene Furterer Karinga Hydrating Styling Cream 

A silicone-free styling cream that is said to utilize 100% natural active ingredients to combat frizz, static and dry hair.  I haven’t got around to tying this one but I’ve tried something similar from this line and it was okay but not my holy grail.

dr. brandt PoreDermabrassion 

An exfoliator that contains, salicylic acid to unclog pores, caviar lime to brighten and lentil seed to strengthen and tighten pore walls.  I’ve been curious to try this product for a good minute and I was excited to see this in my box. It’s a cream-like exfoliator that has tiny abrasive particles to scrub away dead skin cells.  While I didn’t see a a huge difference in my pore size, my face definitely felt and looked smoother.

Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara 

Describes as. “a hypoallergenic mascara that curls even the tiniest of lashes for a doe-eyed look,” I really ended up liking this mascara.  It didn’t seem to irritate my eyes and I noticed that it fanned out my lashes in a nice and natural way.  I will definitely continue to try this one out.

Comptoir Sud Pacifique 

A best selling fragrance, this combines a tropical blend of Tahitian vanilla, jackfruit, and apricot.  One of the first fragrance samples that I’ve actually liked from Birchbox.  This fragrance is on the sweet side but I feel you can layer it under other fragrances to balance them out. I wouldn’t mind wearing this on its own but I’ll be testing this with my Jo Malone fragrances I have and see how that works.

July Birchbox

Overall, I thought this box was good.  Unfortunately, this may be my last box as I’ve accumulated a lot of samples that I feel like I may need to take a break for a while.

What did you think of this box?  Are you looking give Birchbox a try or are you thinking of cancelling? 

Stephanie 

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil Review!

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil

Hi everyone!  I hope your weekend was great. 🙂

Since I’m currently obsessed with the Lancome Juicy Shaker, lip oils have recently found themselves on my radar. With summer sometimes calling for a lighter lip, I decided to check out a lip oil mentioned by one of my favorite bloggers, Stashy on Stash Matters. (Go follow her blog-you won’t be disappointed!)

Let’s take a look at what I thought about this luxe lip treatment!

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil 

Described as, a “revolutionary formula—rich in effective plant ingredients— [that] was inspired by Clarins’ best-selling Face and Body Treatment Oils. This gel-like non-sticky oil with sheer color nourishes and enhances lips with high shine.”

Pros 

Moisturizing

Long-lasting power

Light-weight-doesn’t feel heavy

No over-powering scent

Cons 

Pricey

Made my lips burn

Limited color choices

Overall: I really wanted to love this lip oil but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.  After wearing this for about 2 hours, I noticed that my lips felt raw and had a burning sensation.  I stopped using this for about two days and the burning sensation went away.  The moment I tried it on again though, my lips had the same raw feeling and any lip product I applied after it felt stingy.  Aside from this issue, I did like how moisturizing it felt when I applied it and although it has a thicker consistency, it did not feel heavy at all.  I purchased the color Honey, which goes on clear and I figured I can use it underneath or over different lipsticks.  They also have a raspberry and red shade if you’re looking to add a wash of color.

Have you tried this lip oil or do you have any other lip oil recommendations? Comment below!

Stephanie 

Skin Tip: Pre-Dip Tip!

Happy Friday everyone!

If you’re headed to the pool this weekend, make sure to rinse your skin with non-chlorinated water before you enter the pool as this can lessen the amount of irritation chlorine can cause the skin.

Have a safe weekend everyone and don’t forget to check out my article on sunburns here!

Stephanie 

What You Need to Know About Sunburns!

Days spent at the beach or by the pool is one reason we love summer but sometimes this enjoyment renders one caveat: leaving us lobster hued.  Sunburns can be painful and in some cases be accompanied by blisters.  Note:  If you have blisters and severe swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

But once your sunburn heals and the peeling has stopped, all is good right?  Not really.  Sunburns can double your chance of developing melanoma later in life but it may take several years for the damage to show up.

What is a Sunburn? 

Simply put, your skin turning red is an indication that your skin has been severely damaged due to extreme UV exposure causing blood vessels to dilate.  The skin starts to lose moisture and hydration causing a feeling of tightness. Although our body can cope with minimal amounts of sun damage, the danger happens when our DNA becomes damaged and its repair process is compromised, which can lead to skin cancer.

Tips for Sunburn Relief 

Application

Application and reapplication of sunscreen is crucial.  Ensure you are applying enough- a teaspoon for the face and one ounce shot-glass size for the body- and reapply about every two hours.

Hydration

Your body is overheated so it’s important to drink a lot of water.

Skim Milk Cold Compress

A cold compress or cloths soaked in skim milk can relieve pain-skim milk is the preferred choice because it does not have any fat content. The protein found in milk binds to the burned skin to soothe the pain.

OTC Remedies

Aspirin or ibuprofen can slow down the inflammatory reaction.

Application of a 1% hydrocortisone cream may help with sunburn pain and swelling.

Simple DIY Remedy

Plain cold yogurt can be used on sunburned areas.  Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse off.

Final Say

Until your skin heals, stay away from the sun, heat, friction and excessive exercise and do not pick at loose skin-it can scar!  Avoid exfoliating and keep your skincare regimen simple.  The key is to soothe and calm inflammation.

How do you treat a sunburn? 

Stephanie 

Disclaimer: The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.

Current Workout Playlist 2!

Music

Hi everyone!

I’ve decided to compile another music playlist that will (hopefully) keep you moving throughout the summer. Enjoy!

Chris Brown- Turn Up the Music 

Lady Gaga- Applause 

Fitz and the Tantrums- Handclap

Linkin Park- Habit

Rise Against- Satellite 

Billy Idol- Rebel Yell 

Usher- More 

Ricky Martin ft Pitbull- Mr. Put It Down 

Sia ft Sean Paul- Cheap Thrills 

Nadia Ali- Rapture (Avicii Remix) 

Calvin Harris ft Rihanna- This Is What You Came For 

Kaleo- Way Down We Go 

Tell me, what’s on your playlist at the moment? 

Stephanie