My Grammy Awards Beauty Picks

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Tonight is a big night…Grammys…and The Walking Dead is BACK. Like most Bostonians, I’m sitting here as the snow continues to sprinkle down and isn’t anticipated to stop until late tomorrow. This means – tonight is a great night for red wine and eating snacks in bed.

As I watch the celebs walk the red carpet, I couldn’t help but think of a few GRAMMY AWARDS BEAUTY PICKS of my own. Admittedly, I’m a glass of wine (or so) deep and feeling compelled to share this while the topic is HOT. Below are a few red carpet worthy beauty items that can work on or off the red carpet.

  • This light diffusing powder palette. A trio of 3 powders that aim to be applied after make up application to finish, soften, and diffuse light. I tried this palette last night at Sephora and instantly fell in love with the way it helped smooth out my skin and brighten my look. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette / $58 
This palette by Hourglass will help you use light to your advantage! (and minimize the shine)

This palette by Hourglass will help you use light to your advantage! (and minimize the shine)

  • A luxurious way to apply liquid or powder foundation. This brush. It’s so soft. It has 2 tiers of super soft bristles. It pairs well with the above Hourglass palette. It makes for a super smooth finish regardless if you use liquid or power foundation. Worth the splurge. Something worth investing in = good make up brushes.  Make Up For Ever 122 Blending Brush / $48
This Make Up For Ever brush…is where it's it. Soft bristle that help you blend to perfection.

This Make Up For Ever brush…is where it’s it. Soft bristle that help you blend to perfection.

  • A smooth and long-staying eyeliner. Regardless if your eyes tear from the wind or if you’re crying because you won your first Grammy, this eyeliner DOES IT. It comes in over TWENTY colors. I’m a fan of “dark chocolate brown.” This liner has staying power but can be buffed after application to create a more subtle line. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes / $19
This Make Up For Ever eyeliner will give you drama but not run down ya face. It can be smudged for a less defined look.

This Make Up For Ever eyeliner will give you drama but not run down ya face. It can be smudged for a less defined look.

  • A gloss with color and moisture. Face it, a pop of color (or 5) is perfect for the Grammys. It’s also great during the dull winter months. They call this a “tinted oil.” It does go on slicker (not sticky!) because it has jojoba oil as a main ingredient. I love how soft it feels and how the color slowly develops. I like “Pink About Me 8.” Oh and the tube packaging is GORGEOUS. So pretty and dying to be carried around daily. The applicator is a little pair of lips…adorable. Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Tinted-In-Oil / $32 
this this this YSL lip OIL. Try it. It's amazing. A pop of color and guaranteed conditioned lips.

this this this YSL lip OIL. Try it. It’s amazing. A pop of color and guaranteed conditioned lips.

  • A dramatic, volumizing (yet not drying) mascara. No one wants crusty lashes. No on wants running mascara. In comes THIS mascara by YSL. Makes lashes fuller and softer. I got a sample of this from Sephora and used it religiously. Such a great mascara. Lashes really do look “baby doll-like” after application. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux  Cils Babydoll / $30 
Eyelashes like a Babydoll by YSL. This sh*t is no joke

Eyelashes like a Babydoll by YSL. This sh*t is no joke

And for those of us on the couch (or lounging in bed) below are 2 of my Sunday favorites:

  • This silky smooth robe. I literally wear it around the house and fall asleep in it. Yes, it’s floor length which might scream “old lady” to some – BUT the material is so buttery soft and the fit is flattering. Grab it in black and you’ll feel sexay and comfy. Natori ‘Shangri-La’ Robe / $98
Hugh Huffna be jealous if you wear this robe. It's screams "queen of da house"

Hugh Huffna be jealous if you wear this robe. It’s screams “queen of da house”

  • This divine hair masque to smooth out locks. While watching these great shows – why not kill 2 birds with 1 stone? After shampooing, comb through a dollop of this amazing hair masque. Leave for 10 mins and wash out. Not only does it smell AMAZING (the signature, addictive, Oribe scent) but it will leave your hair super soft and detangled. Do it. Trust me. Oribe Signature Moisture Masque / $59 
Smooth your hair. Watch TV and condition that do' with Oribe's signature masque

Smooth your hair. Watch TV and condition that do’ with Oribe’s signature masque

What are YOUR favorite Grammy Awards beauty looks? 

Lifestyle, Beauty, Relationship, and Money Resolutions for ***2-0-1-5***

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

This year I rang in the New Year in a low key way. I spent NYE and NYD up in New Hampshire in the White Mountains with my husband, Nick. Last year, NYE was a bit of a disaster for me. Pretty sure my hangover lasted 5 days. Ick. This year, I vowed to ring in the New Year in a more controlled & loving fashion 🙂 We spent a couple days eating, napping, and yes, drinking to our hearts content. While I was up in those calm White Mountains, I started my resolution list for 2015. I realize having too many resolutions might just set me up for failure – but hey, I’m going to throw out a few to see what really sticks. Below are my resolutions. 4 categories – lifestyle, beauty, relationship, and money.

What are your resolutions? Do you believe in stating a couple resolutions at the start of the new year?

I’m finding it quite inspiring.

Lifestyle:

  • Get back into the gym and get fit – I seriously love the gym. When I’m there. It’s getting there that’s the issue…getting out of bed in the morning, to be exact. I love boxing class and pushing myself and seeing myself improve day by day. I love working out to rap music and getting excited during class when I hear a favorite song. But, this last year or so, I fell off the gym wagon. Hard. I paid for a $150-a-month gym membership and maybe went 3x in the course of the last 5 months. Shameful, I know. But here I am, making a pledge to myself to GET BACK TO IT. I’m ready to feel & be fit again. This is one of my top 2 goals of the year. #fitwithit2015 #bethgetoutofbed2015
A few of my favorite workout things: 1> Lululemon Wunder Under crops 2> IAMMAI sweatshirt, inspiration quotes are readable in the mirror 3> Twistband headbands, the best 4> BKR water bottle. Just enough water comes out with each chug

A few of my favorite workout things:
1> Lululemon Wunder Under crops
2> IAMMAI sweatshirt
3> Twistband headbands, the best
4> BKR water bottle

And now some random Fit-spiration. That’s right, Joseph Gordon-Levitt – I mean, this guy, GOT FIT for Don Jon. I have to applaud him for his metamorphosis. #randomfitspiration

from scrawny to brawny.

from scrawny to brawny.

Beauty:

  • Wash my face every night – I state this one knowing it’s a taller order for me (because I’m lazy and sometimes pass out in the fetal position on the couch during the week — that should probably change too). BUT, I want to do it. I’ve seen the positive results of religiously washing my face each night and I’ve seen the results of the counter (sudden break out, uneven skin tone etc.) I am somewhat obsessed with my skin and the sight of a mere line or wrinkle…and now is the time to better care for it. So, here goes it. Every night…wash and moisturize. #operationwashyourfaceeverynight2015
2 favorite winter skincare products: 1> REN Gentle Cleansing Milk 2> Caudalie Moisture Rescue Cream

2 favorite winter skincare products:
1> REN Gentle Cleansing Milk
2> Caudalie Moisture Rescue Cream

Relationship:

  • Send thank you notes – I fancied myself good at this at one point but then I realized I got a bit lazy. This year I want to be better about acknowledging nice gestures/experiences/opportunities with good ole, real paper, thank yous. #showthanks2015
Love these Kate Spade thank you notes. Good quality paper <3

Love these Kate Spade thank you notes. Good quality paper ❤

  • Be more patient with my hubby – I’m sure I could be more patient with many people and things…but one person who deserves more patience from me is my hubby. He’s a hard working guy…who is the ying to my yang in many ways. He’s thoughtful and funny and smart. I tend to jump at him for the little things…and this year, I want to be more mindful of that. I want to think twice before I snap at him to “stop chewing your beer!” or “stop being so slow!”  (when he’s walking “Nick-style” into a restaurant) or assuming he’s not listening when he’s really just taking a moment to think 😉  Because, he’s my BFF. Plain and simple. #bepatientspreadthelove2015
This guy. That face. <3

This guy. That face. ❤

Money:

  • Pay off my credit cards – this is it, it’s the year. The year I say “see ya” to my credit card debt. I’ve been good about managing it and using cash more often than credit. BUT, I’ve been carrying some CC debt from the days when I had little funds to spare (shout out to all those assistant media planners out there, it gets better). I want to pay it off once and for all. #debtfree2015 (except for school loans, car payment, and mortgage hehe)
I agree with her. Retail-therapy is A THING. But, bye bye cc

I agree with her. Retail-therapy is A THING. But, bye bye cc. Who’s cuter than Isla Fisher?? Confessions of a Shopaholic – good flick

Exfoliate your face…don’t be scared!

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Let’s talk about exfoliating your skin. Your face. Really, let’s do it.

Some people don’t do it because they’re worried it’ll be too harsh and/or they have sensitive skin and they don’t want to disrupt it more. Certainly valid concerns! BUT I think exfoliating your face is a very important part of your regular skincare routine. As long as your skin isn’t raw or damaged, exfoliating is an important and effective way to remove dead skin cells so the new ones can turn over. As we get into the winter months, skin can get dry and/or dull, exfoliating can help combat some of the negative skin issues caused by changing temps & weather conditions.

Exfoliating is especially important as we age because skin re-generation slows over time. By exfoliating, we help to condition our skin, unclog pores, even skin tone, help with circulation, and promote healthy cell turn over.

If you’re new to exfoliating, I’d start with 1-2x per week. Start with PM exfoliating.

The # of times per week you should exfoliate also depends on what product you are using. I, for example, exfoliate at least every other day in the winter months using one of the below products. Everyone’s skin is different though, so if you’re not exfoliating now – start slow. “Over-exfoliating” is possible and can lead to skin damage. Whatever exfoliator you use – be gentle when you apply. Don’t press down hard. Use light circular motions while applying product and the product will do the rest.

CupcakesandNailpolish recommendation for good, “everyday” exfoliating products:

**With each – prep your skin by dampening it with warm water**

 

Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant

    • Grainy-er consistency that spreads easily
    • Comes in a travel-friendly, sanitary, tube container
    • More soothing with jojoba, rose hip, soy protein and cucumber ingredients
    • Appears to be paraben free
    • After rinsing this product off, use a light toner on a cotton pad to remove any access/left behind grains (I always find there are a few stragglers)
    • Price = $42.00 for 3.4 oz
    • Click to buy here –> Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant 3.4 oz
Fresh soy face exfoliat

Great everyday exfoliator – awesome slim tube, great for travel

 

 

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

    • I’d consider the most (truly!) natural of the 3 options
      • Paraben free
    • Uses gentler yet effective sugar crystal as exfoliating mechanism. From the Suki site: crystals are hexagonal shaped with less extreme angles versus the square, sharp edges of salt that cut into the skin.
    • Love that this product gets a bit foamy so your skin feels extra pampered and also helps it rinse clear once you splash with warm water
    • I don’t love the pot container – if you get water in it, it liquefies the sugar – boo
    • Price = $32.95 for 4.0 oz.
    • Click to buy here –> suki exfoliate foaming cleanser

 

The most natural of the bunch. Natural but very effective and just a lovely product all-around. #sukiface #love

The most natural of the bunch. Natural but very effective and just a lovely product all-around. #sukiface #love

 

 

In my opinion, this is a stronger exfoliator using fruit enzymes and lactic acid:

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

s1201748-main-hero-300

A bit stronger than the first 2 – Kate Somerville ExfoliKate is a great, hard working exfoliator

 

 

After exfoliating – I use a toner, apply a serum, and then apply moisturizer on top.

Skin will feel smooth & clean after this process!

Enjoy!

Clarisonic sale 12/14 – 12/20 — mark your calendar and click for link!

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

I got an alert about a sale on Drugstore.com / Beauty.com = 20% off all Clarisonic products 12/14 through 12/20.

cupcakesandnailpolish reco: The Clarisonic Mia is a handy, travel size version of the original Clarisonic face brush. Great for exfoliation a couple times a week. I prefer to get the “Delicate” brush to ensure I’m not being too harsh on my skin.

**makes a great gift** for the guy or gal in your life. Comes in a few different colors.

Click the link below to get to deal!

Click here:
20% off ALL Clarisonic Products at Drugstore.com! Offer Valid 12.14 through 12.20.

IMG_0170.JPG

IMG_0169.JPG

Click here:
20% off ALL Clarisonic Products at Drugstore.com! Offer Valid 12.14 through 12.20.

A thorough analysis of the “perfect” leggings xo

/ BethonBeauty / 2 Comments

Black leggings…there are so many types and brands to choose from… I’m a big fan of the sweater, leggings, and tall boots look…I’d pretty much wear it everyday if I could. But, finding the right pair of leggings isn’t always easy. Especially if you’re looking for a pair that’s more work appropriate. Sometimes the fabric can be too thin or too “cottony” to look put-together-enough for work. This is why I wanted to share a recent LEGGING find. I came across these Spanx leggings while doing some online browsin’. At first, I was like “oh hell no” thinking about how tight my Spanx “undergarments” are. Granted, they do the trick – but they are so damn tight!!! If I’m going to wear leggings, they can’t be THAT tight and they definitely need to be comfortable. So let’s just say, I was skeptical but I decided to buy these Spanx leggings to give them a whirl. They have a few different types but the ones I bought are called the “Ready to Wow” structured leggings (which I bought in black, shocking, I know. they do come in other colors though).

Spanx Ready to Wow structured leggings <3

Spanx Ready to Wow structured leggings ❤

Get em / click here –> Spanx Ready-to-Wow Structured Leggings

What I love:

  • The fabric is a bit stiffer than traditional leggings – but it’s comfortable. And because they’re not cotton they feel dressier than standard leggings. They don’t suck onto your skin like spandex. (they’re less than 15% spandex) Fabric: 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex/Elastane. Exclusive of trim
  • I got a size small which I was worried about because I’ve put on some “winter weight” and wasn’t sure if this size would be too tight. Thankfully, the leggings have some give and even stretch out a bit during the day so the size was just right. As reference, I’m about a size 6 in pants and I guess I have a bubble butt 😉 — and proud
  • The waist goes high (but not too high!) – just about to the belly button. Since this isn’t traditional Spanx fabric – the high tummy style doesn’t restrict my breathing or dig into my skin. It actually helps flatten out my belly quite nicely (love love love)
  • They are a good length hitting right at the bottom of my ankles. I am 5’6″ and a half-ish. I suppose these may need to get hemmed if you’re on the petite/shortie end of the spectrum
  • They don’t suck onto your ankles so they’re cute with pumps (see pic above)
  • But they’re also tapered enough so you can wear with boots without bunching 
  • They contour well to the body but again they’re not overly tight and therefore, more appropriate for work. Although I’ve opted for a longer top when I wear them to work to cover up a bit, I’ve worn them out DANCIN! and I wore a shorter blouse and short leather jacket and it was a fun “going out look” (vs. my traditional – long, flowy everything)
  • Price-wise I think they’re a fair deal. If you search enough you can find them on sale (around $70)
Another view of the Ready to Wow structured leggings so you can see how high the top goes. Fabric is just tight enough to suck you in without restricting breathing AHHHhhh ;)

Another view of the Ready to Wow structured leggings so you can see how high the top goes. Fabric is just tight enough to suck you in without restricting your breathing AHHHhhh 😉

So, that’s my share for the day. If you’re in the market for a new pair of leggings that can be good for work, play, or even holiday festivities (again, the tummy area is comfy yet pulls ya in) – I’d recommend these leggings by Spanx. enjoy! xoxo

Get em / click here –> Spanx Ready-to-Wow Structured Leggings