Author: lauren

New In, New Year

Published by lauren

There’s been a few skincare items I’ve been itching to try this past year, so when several holiday sales popped up I used it as a well timed excuse to finally take the plunge. I scored some classics like the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and the Instagram Beauty’s Kypris Antioxidant Dew and Moonlight Catalyst. I also made some new favorites with discovering Osea’s White Algea Mask and Honest Hazel’s Eye Gels. Serious obsessed with these two! I gathered two new cleansers I’ve been slowly incorporating (just adore everything Indie Lee) and several make up bits as well! (loving my new Artis Oval 6– it’s so fancy) I also have been super lucky and received several things as gifts this holiday (like Yuri Pibu Artichoke Power Essence), and was sent a few PR stuff thanks to Influenster, such as some exciting new launches from Marc Jacobs and hair hero’s from Briogeo! I’ve got mini reviews and rundowns on it all so check out the video below!  

Holiday Red & Glow | My Festive Picks to Shine this Season

Published by lauren

and a video for those that got the christmas blues… It’s that time of year were social engagements and festive obligations are at an all time high. It’s also the one time of year you can get a way with looking like a disco ball with out needing the dance floor. I sifted through my stash and brought out 7 reds, and 7 glows that are all fantastic options for any of your holiday makeup needs… The Lips I love a good red lip… as you can tell! Stila’s Stay All Day in Beso is an excellent option if you need something to go the distance. Nar’s Jungle Red and Mac’s Russian Red’s are both beautiful matte’s that have such a classic vibe. Jungle Red a little bit on the orange side with Russian Red being a deep deep option. Both Bourjois Grand Cru, Rimmel’s One of a Kind and Sephora’s Belly Dancing are creamy options that lean toward the berry side of things. And the most festive of them all is Mac’s Cockney. It’s their …

Two Holiday Minis to Give Yourself

Published by lauren

It’s crazy to think we are smack dap in the middle of holiday season already. I feel like it was just last week I was on the hunt for a pair of summer shorts. But here we are, and you know what that means…. lots and lots of shopping. I’m being a little selfish with the theme of this holiday gift post… I think these are two things worth treating yourself too while grinding through your nice list. Don’t worry, I’ve got a couple of awesome gift guides in the works sure to make you everyones favorite giver. Formula X came out with this great travel friendly travel nail polish set this fall. The City Chic set is a mix of great everyday nail colors along with some fun holiday staples. I think I’ve used all the colors by now, and am rocking the glittery shade, Fine Like Einstein, as I type this. The small size is a fun way to test out a bunch of colors, but great for traveling during this time of …

Discover Natural Beauty Brand URB Apothecary

Published by lauren

Since I’m such a big natural beauty lover I get excited when I come across new sources. My latest find came via Instagram. When I was searching down some random skincare hashtag I came across URB Apothecary‘s stunning designs and alluring ingredients lists. The line was started by Leyna Allred in Northern California with the desire to reconnect with simple chemical free ingredients. The line reflects that with being free of parbens, preservatives, and chemical additives. Each product seems carefully crafted to include an ingredient list of powerful herbs and is cruelty free. Leyna was very generous and sent me both the Prickly Pear Elixir and the Cactus Face Polish. I’ve pretty much used them both all up and they are indeed stellar. The Prickly Pear Elixir is a gorgeous blend of Pomegranate, Rosehip and of course Prickly Pear. All three oils have high amounts of skin nourishing antioxidants, something I desperately need here in Los Angeles. I’ve been a huge fan of both Rosehip and Pomegranate oils and can now include Prickly Pear on that list as …

Autumn Makeup Updates: New Loves & A Couple Of Duds

Published by lauren

With winter just around the corner, and it now being December… (so basically winter), I thought it was high time I talked about all the Autumn makeup I added and tested out these past three months. I’ve got several new loves I’ve been rocking in these colder days but also some guys I’m still trying to get the kinks figured out of. And sadly there’s even a couple of duds I tried, but just couldn’t fall for… (Like that seasonally themed pun? Yeah, me too..) I’ve heard a lot of lovely things about the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, and seeing as my beloved Make Up For Ever one is near the end of it’s life, I figured I’d try something new. It’s supposed to be great for covering spots, redness and pretty much everything… not so sure about that yet. This is one of the products I am still working the kinks out of. As you can see it comes with two color so you can mix it to be your perfect shade. I’ve heard …

A Mini K-Beauty Haul from Peach & Lily

Published by lauren

There’s no denying that I’m a lover of skincare, I love testing, researching and most importantly, the ritual of it. Also there’s no denying that I’m a lover of deals. That’s why sales, promo codes and Black Friday’s become a true excersize in restraint for me… and not always something I’m particularly good at. I went with a sort of theme this holiday shopping season. That theme being K-beauty websites. There’s so many great curated ones out there right now, they ship the best and most interesting bits from Korea right to our doorsteps! I’ve got some items coming from OhLolly, SokoGlam! (mainly makeup that you’ll see in post and video form real soon…) and this lot from Peach & Lily that I’m sharing with you today! I haven’t tried any straight up K-Beauty moisturizers yet. Sure I’ve slapped a few essences and toners on my face but I wanted to test out something rich but gentle for this upcoming, probably dry, winter season. Aromatica’s Calendula Juicy Cream so far has been fitting the bill. It’s a lovely …

The Favorites | September to November

Published by lauren

It’s been a tumultuous Autumn to say the least. For those of us here in the States, whatever side of the political aisle you find yourself on, we can agree on at least one thing- this election season has been fucking rough. Personally I was hoping the stress would diminish after election day, but for me, it’s only gotten worse. But let’s not go down that road right now! On to happier things! Favorites! They have been a small beacon of shinning light for me these past months. Remembering to stop and enjoy the little things, however frivolous, makes my day move forward. I think I took Retail Therapy a little to seriously judging by the massive influx of lip products I’ve accumulated recently. The main three I’ve been rocking in the most consistent rotation have got to be the Bite Beauty Multistick in Biscotti, Kat Von D Studded lipstick in Cathedral and Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in Kathryn. I know they all look basically the same in the picture and in the video… But I SWEAR they’re …

Nourish Your Skin with Brooklyn Based Skincare Line Lyeska

Published by lauren

Recently, I’ve been super lucky to test out a number of amazing brands, one of my favorites has to be Brooklyn Based skincare line Lyeska. Centered around the richness of Siberian Cedar Nut Oil, Lyeska makes responsibly produced, all naturals product out of Brooklyn New York. The brand was founded by Russian born Katya Hegg. Katya grew up around the women in her family utilizing the ingredients found naturally in their gardens and forests to nourish their skin. I’ve been using the Moisturizing Facial Lotion and Facial Cleanser these past two months, and love the gentle hydrating formulas. Both products are packed with Siberian Cedar Nut Oil which contains strong amounts of Vitamin E and lots of essential fatty acids. The Facial Cleanser is rich in Vitamin A from plenty of Apple Extract and Rose Oil making it a great healer for aging or parched skin. It contains lots of antiseptic/anti acne ingredients like Burdock Root, Rosemary, Willow Bark and Blood Orange Extracts. And to calm the skin there is plenty of Aloe Vera and Calendula. This is a very …

Seven Awards Season Films I Can’t Wait To Watch

Published by lauren

With the election taking a turn I didn’t expect, I’m finding myself feeling a little lost today. I, like many, thought this was going to go in a completely different direction. And honestly, I’m in a state of shock and even grief I was not prepared for. As an artist, storyteller, and yes even beauty blogger, I find myself turning to my work to process these unexpected feelings, as well as looking for the closest distraction to ease my anxious mind. Just the act of putting on my makeup this morning was immensely therapeutic and helped add a little self care and sense of escapism I needed. I had many plans today to write about lipsticks, cleansers and a bazillion other beauty related things, but I decided it was a good time to put out a post I’ve had in the back of my mind for weeks now. As we head into a rocky feeling time for many of us in the country I encourage you to turn to your work, your passions and to your art …

Affordable Ulta Beauty

Published by lauren

Sadly when things get labeled “drugstore” or even “affordable” a slight distrustful sheen covers over them. Like they are at the onset dubious in quality. I’m guilty of assuming the worst when it comes to drugstore brands, and it’s not with out justification. I’ve burnt many a dollar on products I couldn’t return that were utter duds. As I travel deeper into the hole that is the beauty world, I keep unearthing more and more gems at dirt prices. I think this is where Ulta becomes a god send- lots of brands, occasional testers and a glorious return policy. I had a therapeutic shopping day at the front end of October (I know- it takes me forever to get posts out) and here are my results: I’ve really been wanting to up my nail game at home. I picked up a few colors from China Glaze, as well as a multitude of tools from Sally Hansen, Soap & Glory, Essie and Tweezerman. I’ve used the Cuticle Remover several times by now and it is so …