What to Keep in Your Beach Bag

One of my favorite beaches--Crandon Park

The weather in Chicago has been beautiful lately—sunny and over 80 degrees. The hot temperatures have got me thinking about heading to the beach and I can’t wait to do so!

If you’re planning a beach day, here’s a list of must-haves to keep yourself cool and comfortable throughout the day:

• Blanket and towel: My pet peeve is using a sandy towel to dry off. Save yourself some hassle by packing a large picnic blanket to lay on the sand.
• Sunglasses: I just can’t be out in the sun or do much of anything outside without a pair of shades. Keep them on as much as possible to protect your eyes.
• Leave-in conditioner, wide-tooth comb and clip: Hair is most susceptible to breakage when it’s wet. After you get out of the water, spritz your hair with a leave-in conditioner and use a wide-tooth comb to work out the tangles. Use a clip instead of a hair tie to secure your hair.
• Hydrating mist: Sitting out in the sun can leave your skin feeling like it’s baking. Occasionally pull out a hydrating mist and spray it on your skin for instant relief.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF: If you don’t use sunscreen before heading out in the sun, what are you thinking? It’s a must to cover your body with sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. And don’t forget your lips
• Wipes: Take along some baby wipes. It seems like an odd item to bring, but there are several uses at the beach—use them to wipe your face before reapplying sunscreen, clean off your sunglasses or even wipe down your arms, and legs if they become sweaty or sandy.
• Beach dress or cover-all: If you need to get up to find the nearest bathroom, have dress or cover-all handy to throw on. (Unless you’re totally comfortable strutting in your swimsuit!)
• Water and snacks: Try to avoid pop and salty snacks—those will just make you feel dehydrated.
• Makeup bag: If you’re planning to go anywhere but home after the beach, pack a bag with some basic toiletries like deodorant, body spray and toothbrush/toothpaste. Go easy on the makeup and let your sun-kissed skin shine through—a little tinted moisturizer, cheek color and mascara is all you need.
• Entertainment: After about half an hour just lying in the sun, I get antsy. Don’t get me wrong, I love being outside taking in the gorgeous weather, but I always need something to keep me occupied. For me, there’s nothing like reading a mindless novel. It always feels really indulgent!
• Plastic bags: I always keep a few plastic bags with me—they’re a must for holding a wet towel or swimsuit if you plan to change before heading home.
• Small empty spray bottle: If you’re lucky enough to be near an ocean, take advantage of one of mother nature’s best hair care products: salt water. Fill up a spray bottle with some ocean water to take home—it’s much better than any sea salt spray.

What are your beach must-haves?

Makeup Look of the Day

Here’s a great smoky look that’s great for day or evening:

If you want to recreate the look, here’s what I used:

• Face: Garnier B.B. Cream in Light/Medium; Benefit Erase Paste; Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #3
• Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion; Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner in Matte Black; Kat Von D True Love Palette (Lucifer and Missy); ELF Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette – Limited Edition (Gray); Fresh Supernova Mascara
• Brows: CoverGirl Clear Mascara
• Cheeks: Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Flush
• Lips: Bare

Hope you guys are enjoying the weekend!

Amanda's May Birchbox

I can't believe it's already the middle of May! Let's take a look at what I got in my Birchbox this month.

1. Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: The makeup experts at Sumita have created a versatile eyeliner that exceeds all our tough standards: sensational blending abilities, bold colors, and non-irritating formulas. The soft wax formula goes on smooth to create clean lines or can be smudged to smoky perfection. Plus, the long-lasting liner will hold up all day and night.

My Review: I really did not like this product. I loved the color (I got a sapphire blue one) but sadly this product fell short. Halfway through the workday it was running down my face -- not a good look. When I got home it was almost impossible to get off the rest with eye makeup remover. I figured it would be a piece of cake it get off since it had been running so much earlier but sadly it was not. I won't be using the rest of my sample.

2.  COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: This classic sunblock has everything we want in a daily SPF. The eco-friendly formula is made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients and protects from both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause painful burns. Plus, the refreshing cucumber scent gives us yet another reason to love the lightweight formula.

My review: I LOVED this sunscreen! I'm all about organic products (especially for my face and body) and was very excited to get this. I've been really taking extra care with my skin lately and as I've gotten older I now realize how important it is to protect my skin, especially my face. It's super light and non greasy. I easily can put this under my makeup and not notice the difference. I am seriously considering purchasing the full size when my sample runs out. 

3. Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: We tend to gravitate toward products that have as many functions as Imelda Marcos has pairs of shoes. (Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration.) Beauty Protector’s leave-in mist is about as versatile as they come. It conditions, shields from heat and sun damage, and–of course–detangles, among other things. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and suitable for all hair types. 

My review: I wish the sample pump wasn't broken -- I couldn't give this a fair try because nothing would come out of the spray pump. It's really thick so it didn't work well to put some of the product in my hand. It made my hair too weighed down because of the amount of product that I put on it. Sadly I won't be trying the rest of my sample. 

4. Folle de Joie eau de parfum

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: There are two spots that feature prominently in our wanderlust-fueled daydreams: SoCal beaches and Parisian sidewalk cafés. Luckily, we can live vicariously through Joie’s refreshing new fragrance. Folle de Joie, which translates to “crazy with joy,” evokes both the relaxed and playful vibe of California and the seductiveness and refinement of the City of Light. 

My review: I really liked this perfume. The scent is amazing and it's not overpowering at all. I wish the full size was a little cheaper because I would seriously consider purchasing this!

5. Pilot Corporation of America Acroball PureWhite®

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Jot down all your brilliant ideas with these colorful hybrid ink pens. Featuring gorgeous colors, a retractable tip and a comfy contoured grip, they make writing fashionable again. Choose between assorted 3, 4, or 5 packs.

My review: I didn't mind the pen -- I got a pink one and I've been using it at work for my to-do list and special notes. I wish this was a bonus or extra item instead of replacing a beauty item entirely. I felt like they ran out of samples and threw this one in there. I was expecting a little more from Birchbox this month. 

Overall I was disappointed in this month's box. Three products were major bummers and there was only one product this month that I would consider purchasing. Unless my June box is a major hit, I'm seriously considering canceling my subscription. We shall see! 

Easy and Healthy Salmon Burger Recipe

My mom recently told me about these salmon burgers she made and I couldn't get them off of my mind. I called her last night for the recipe and I'm so glad that I did -- they were phenomenal! I knew I had to share it with all of you on the blog today. Not only are these salmon burgers delicious, they are extremely healthy and packed with protein. 

What you'll need:

1 can wild Alaskan pink salmon (I purchased mine at Trader Joe's)

1 tablespoon coconut flour 

2 eggs

1 tablespoon coconut oil

What to do:

1. Open your can of salmon and drain all of the liquid out.

2. Using a fork, flake the salmon into small pieces making sure there are not any bones and put the contents in a medium sized bowl. 

3. Add the eggs and coconut flour and stir until contents are fully mixed 

4. Heat your tablespoon of coconut oil in a medium sized frying pan until it's fully melted. 

5. Form medium sized patties with your hands and place them in the heated pan. Make sure to lightly press down on them with a spatula so they brown evenly.

5. After 4-5 minutes, flip your burgers and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. 

6. Enjoy! 

We enjoyed ours with some grilled zucchini - it was fantastic! 

Have you made salmon burgers before? What is your favorite thing to make in the summer?

Adrianne's April Glossybox

April’s Glossybox featured a compilation of products to celebrate the change in seasons. From a rosy blush to moisturizing lip balm to beachy hair, this Glossybox says bye-bye to cold weather and hello to summer.

1. Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

2. Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath

3. The Honest Company Honest Organic Lip Balm

4. Tigi Cosmetics Glow Blush

5.Wash With Joe Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash

6. Le Métier De Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution

1. Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist: Because I have stick straight hair, I was excited to receive a hair product that could help give my hair some wave. This spray is meant to be applied to damp or dry hair, then worked through with your fingers to create a wavy loose look. I used this for a few days on damp hair. The spray has a nice fresh scent and didn’t make my hair feel hard or crispy, like some texturizing sprays can do. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice that the spray helped my hair achieve any kind of wave. I noticed some more body and bounce, but as far as a beachy tousled look this product fell short. 

2. Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath: I’m not a huge fan of taking baths. I mostly do it out of necessity to shave my legs and that’s exactly what I did to test out this bath tea bag. When removing the tea bag from its container, I was immediately hit with an overpowering floral scent so I was a little nervous. After a shower, I filled the tub and dropped in the bag. It broke open and the powder contained within dissolved into the bath. Once it dissolved, the bath actually smelled nice and not too overpowering. I did feel like it softened my skin. Even after I drained the tub, the tea bag left a nice after scent in my bathroom.

3. The Honest Company Honest Organic Lip Balm: Have you ever eaten an orange dreamsicle? That’s exactly what this lip balm smells like. It’s made from organic jojoba and olive, sunflower and coconut oils. This balm is extremely moisturizing, smells great and is made from natural ingredients. I’m a big fan! I keep this lip balm on my coffee table so I can apply it throughout the night if I’m sitting and working or watching tv.

4. Tigi Cosmetics Glow Blush: This baked blush is designed with all skin tones in mind. The rosy color provides a nice shimmer to the skin and the color looks great. I found it easy to apply and long lasting. Here’s how it looks on me:

5. Wash With Joe Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash: I don’t even know where to begin with this product. I was excited to try it because I like energizing scents like citrus or mint—especially if it’s going to help wake me up in the morning. I was a little put off when I poured some of the product into my hand—it’s a dark brown color with the consistency of blood. Weird, right? It didn’t lather up for me or go on my skin smoothly, so it was a little difficult to use. Not only that, I really didn’t enjoy the smell. I got hit with faint notes of coffee, then mint and then I was overwhelmed by a smell I really hate—black licorice. Yuck. I wouldn’t use this product again. 

6. Le Métier De Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution: This daily lotion is packed with ingredients to nourish, rejuvenate and detoxify skin. It was really rich and moisturizing. The Glossybox even came with a discount to purchase. The problem? The full size is $225. No, that’s not a typo. It was fun to try something out that is so expensive, but I know I won’t use it again!

Have you tried any of these products?

Beauty Review: NuMe Classic Curling Wand

I've seen curling wands all over the place but never tried one until recently. What rock have I been living under? My sister used her NuMe curling wand on me when she did my hair for my bachelorette party and I loved the way my hair looked. The curl stayed in all night and it still even held the next day. That never happens to my hair! I knew I had to get one of my own. 

I purchased the 25mm classic curling wand in black. Shipping was extremely quick and I had my wand in a matter of days! The wand also comes with a glove to protect the hand used to curl your hand. Don't be too cool for the glove -- it will save your life. I made the mistake of not using it once and after burning my hand really bad, I'll never make that mistake again. The iron gets really hot really fast so be careful when using the wand.

 

 

I thought it would take longer to curl my hair since you have to wrap each section and hold it for a few seconds but it's actually a lot faster than my other curling iron! I split my hair into three sections (top, middle and bottom) and start with the bottom layer moving up. After all the layers are done I brush out the curls with a paddle brush for a more relaxed wavy look. Finish off with some smoothing serum and hairspray and you're good to go!

I will never go back to my old iron after making this switch. I'm so glad my sister introduced me to this amazing curling wand! Need some help on how to use a wand? Check out these videos on their website!

Have you used a curling wand before? What other beauty tools have you been wanting to try? 

Shaping Your Brows

We’ve mentioned it before—eyebrows are very important to a woman’s overall look. Well groomed brows can totally transform a face. The problem is that there are so many ways that eyebrows can be done wrong—too thick, too thin, too short, uneven, etc.

Here are a few tips on how to achieve a good shape for your face:

1. Use a pencil or other thin object to align the inner corner of your eye with the start of your eyebrow. Your brow shouldn’t extend past this line.
2. The arch of your brow should match up with the outer part of your iris.
3. The end of your brow should align with the natural upward curve of your bottom lash line.

Also make sure that you aren’t tweezing or waxing too much from the underside of the brow. Make it a point to leave your natural shape intact and get rid of hairs that are outside of your natural shape.

Some other tips: 

• Don’t tweeze the top of your brows. There’s a misconception that eyebrow shape is attributed to the lower part of the brow, but the top provides a lot of shape too. Only get rid of obvious strays on the top.
• If you aren’t sure how to shape your brows, visit a professional. There are plenty of places out there that offer eyebrow waxing or shaping. If you’re on a budget, you could ask for a consultation and revisit once or twice.
• If your brows are too thin and you’re trying to grow them back, do some research and brow hair growth products. You could also invest in a good eyebrow pencil or powder to help fill in and keep you from continuing to over-tweeze or wax. 

How do you keep your brows looking great?