Amanda's Wedding Day Look

 

I'm back! Maui was amazing and I can't believe our honeymoon is already over. We filled our days with the beach, pool, snorkeling, zip lining, biked down a volcano (yes, really!), spent some time at the spa and even surfed! It was truly an amazing honeymoon. We took over 1,100 pictures (thanks to my amazing husband who kept busting out the camera to capture all of these fun memories) and I can't wait to go through them all.

 

We won't have our professional photos back from the wedding for a while, but I've got a few pictures to share that family and friends took so you can see my complete wedding day look!

I already shared my hair and makeup pictures from my trial and I am pleased to say that my hair and makeup turned out even better than I ever imagined on the day of. I was so happy with the way I looked and I truly felt beautiful.

My dress was a classic lace dress with a keyhole back from David's Bridal. I wanted to go with something that fit our vintage venue and was easy to dance in. It was the perfect dress for our wedding and I wouldn't change a thing. I couldn't believe the prices of some dresses when I started looking and was so happy I found this one at a reasonable price. I had some minor alterations such as adding cups, taking it in at the hips and moving the straps down a bit. I also added my own sash that I purchased off of Etsy.

I wore blush colored Vera Wang Lavender shoes for the pictures, ceremony and first dance and then ditched them for some more comfortable flats for dancing. I was so happy that I brought a different pair, my feet would have been so angry if I didn't.

 

I'm so lucky I had such amazing bridesmaids to help me get ready on the biggest day of my life! Adrianne is nothing short of an amazing friend and I'm so happy she was there by my side :)

 

I can't wait to share more wedding details with you!

 

 

Tips for Getting Long, Strong, Healthy Hair

Ever since I was little I've almost always had long hair (minus a few unfortunate short cuts that I will never understand). 

It's hard to keep long hair healthy. Here are some of the things that have really helped me over the years and I hope they help you too! 

1. Never brush your hair -- especially when it's wet. This will cause all kinds of damage and breakage. Use a wide tooth comb instead and slowly comb through your hair to remove the tangles. 

2. Do a deep conditioning treatment about once a week. Let it sit on your hair for about 10 minutes before rinsing it out. Your hair will feel smooth and look so shiny.

3. Put your blowdryer down. It may not be fun to sit around with wet hair but I promise you, you'll see a huge difference in how healthy your hair looks if you don't blow dry it every day. I usually wash my hair at night and let it air dry. I touch it up when I get up with a quick swoop of my curling iron or flat iron. 

4. Use a hair protecting serum when you have to apply heat. Need to curl or straighten your hair? Apply a hair protecting serum beforehand to minimize the damage. 

5. Go for regular trims. It may seem silly to cut it often when you're trying to grow out your hair but I promise this will do wonders for the health of your hair. Your split ends will be minimal and you'll give your hair a real chance to grow. Try to get a trim every 6-8 weeks if you can.

6. Take fish oil, vitamin E and flax seeds. These really help promote hair growth and I've seen a huge difference since I started taking them in my hair, skin and nails. 

7. Don't wash your hair every day. Use dry shampoo between washings if your hair is on the greasy side. Washing it will dry your hair out and it's really harsh on your hair. I promise you will see great results! 

These are some tips that have helped me maintain long healthy hair over the years. Do you have any tips to share? 

Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup

Amanda got married over the weekend and it was a GORGEOUS wedding! I had the honor of standing up as one of her bridesmaids. 

Amanda will be sharing her wedding day look when she gets home from her Hawaiian honeymoon. In the meantime, here’s my look:

Makeup: Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer, Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original, The Body Shop BB Cream, Benefit Erase Paste, CoverGirl Pressed Powder, CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara, CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Snow Plum, CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Coral Twist, Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Air Kiss, Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (Bootycall and Suspect), Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Black, Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Avon Brow Pencil in Light Brown, CoverGirl Clear Mascara

Hair: Done by amazing hairstylist. Here was my inspiration picture:

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Dress: J. Crew

Shoes: Coach

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Congrats to Amanda and Jay! Stay tuned for her lovely wedding day look. :)

Wedding: Amanda's Hair and Makeup Look

Aloha from Maui! Here's another wedding post in honor of my wedding last weekend :) I hope you enjoy!

I did a hair a makeup trial a few weeks before the wedding and I am happy that I can finally share the photos with you! Jay reads this blog and I didn't want him to have a sneak peak of what I was going to look like on the big day.

For my wedding makeup I wanted to keep it natural and simple. I wanted to look like an enhanced version of myself but still like myself. I didn't want to be overly done or look like a clown so I asked my makeup artist to keep it simple and use lighter colors on my eyes and lips. 

She used:

Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation in cream ivory 

Bronzer 

Peach blush 

Brown eyeshadows from a huge makeup kit (I'm so jealous of her stash!)

Fake eyelashes that I purchased from Nordstrom Rack 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture lip stain in #29 Rose Forreau 

I knew I wanted my hair up and out of my face at the wedding. I had pinned a bunch of images on my Pinterest hair board and they all had one thing in common: loose romanic curls that were up in a low bun at the nape of the neck. I knew I had to try the look to see if it looked how I imagined. My hairstylist was able to recreate the look so quickly and I was so happy with how it turned out. 

I will share wedding photos with the official hair and makeup look when I get back but these were what we went off of for the big day. 

So what do you think? What hair and makeup looks are you loving for weddings this season?

Adrianne’s May Glossybox

May’s box celebrates Glossybox’s first birthday (in the U.S.). The products embrace the company’s past and future and give a special hat tip to NYC—home of Glossybox.

1. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact

2. être belle Collagent & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask

3. European Wax Center: The Exfoliate and Slow It Body Wash

4. My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer

5. Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick

6. Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray

1. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact: I was a little confused when I opened this little pot. Inside was a sponge soaked in foundation—I had never seen that before. The formula is designed to provide SPF protection, hydration and total coverage for skin. It’s a little difficult to accurately review this one because the color I received didn’t match my skin tone. It was a little too dark and looked a little orange. I opted not to use the sponge and tried both using my fingers and a foundation brush. Though the color was off, the product felt nice and light on my skin and blended well. However, at $60 per pot, it’s not something I’d consider purchasing.

2. être belle Collagent & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask: This mask was a really special treat! The collagen and aloe formula is supposed to improve elasticity and promote hydration. The formula is soaked in the cloth mask. All you need to do is unfold the mask and place it over your face. I made sure to wash my face and remove all my makeup beforehand. Wow! This mask was great. I did as recommended and used it before bed one night. It was a nice treat to lie in bed and relax with this mask on my face. It felt cool and calming. I left the mask on for about 10 minutes. After removing, my skin felt really soft and extremely hydrated. This mask is perfect for my dry skin. For 10 masks, it’s $39.50. 

3. European Wax Center: The Exfoliate and Slow It Body Wash: Every so often I’ll receive samples that are difficult to review. I received two packets—1) The Exfoliate: designed to refine and polish skin and 2) Slow It Body Wash: designed to prevent ingrown hair, clear and hydrate skin and deter bumps and blemishes. I wasn’t able to detect any kind of benefit from either of these samples. But, it could be that these products take a few uses to show results.  

4. My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer: Not only is this product a moisturizer, it also acts as a primer. It’s lightweight, designed to hydrate yet mattify skin and provides anti-aging benefits. Though I can’t attest to the anti-aging benefits, this moisturizer goes on smoothly and melts into the skin. Once applied, it feels like nothing is there. I was shocked at how well it whisked away any shine on my skin. At $68 for the full size product it’s quite steep, but might be worth it if you struggle with oily/combination skin or during the summer months.

5. Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick: This was probably the most pleasant surprise in this month’s Glossybox. When I saw a solid perfume stick, I didn’t have high hopes for it. I had never used a solid perfume, nor did I ever consider it. But, it smells fantastic. It has a very subtle floral sweet scent. The stick lets you control just how much product you apply. The product is white, but goes on completely clear and doesn’t leave behind any residue. Just make sure you store this in a temperature controlled location—if the product gets too warm it will come off very goopy. (It just then requires you to work it into your skin a bit more.) I didn’t think I’d ever be into solid perfume, but this one has changed my mind. And at $14.99 for the full size, I'd absolutely consider purchasing this product. 

6. Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray: I have tried hairspray from the Sebastian line, but never a volumizing formula. The product is a spray gel that is best used applied to damp hair. Since my hair is already straight, I don’t always take the time to brush through it as I use my hair dryer. I noticed that the gel tends to stiffen up without brushing. The extra effort is definitely worth it—I noticed that my hair had more body and movement.

Hope you’re having a lovely Tuesday!

Review: Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray

Last December I reviewed Healthy Sexy Hair’s Soy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner. Click here to read that post. Today I’ll be reviewing another product from the Healthy Sexy Hair line – Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray.

I’m a big fan of the Healthy Sexy Hair line. Healthy Sexy Hair’s Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray contains soy and cocoa to hydrate and protect hair, argan oil to nourish and control frizz and keratin proteins to strengthen dry or damaged hair. The product is also great for protecting against UV and heat from being outdoors.

The name of this product really says it all. Upon spraying it on my hair, I found that it held my hair in place without weighing it down or making it look and feel crunchy. Even after using it daily, I haven’t noticed any product build-up. As an added bonus, the hairspray has a nice sweet scent. 

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray is available for $17.95 at Target, Ulta and other retailers. The price is one downside of the product—though you can help this by keeping your eyes peeled for Ulta coupons.

Have you tried any Healthy Sexy Hair products?

Lush Products Review: Ocean Salt and Shine So Bright

On a recent shopping spree I stopped in at Lush and picked up a couple things that I’m really excited to review for you today! 

Lush Ocean Salt

Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach? I think if you’re unable to hit the beach, using Lush’s Ocean Salt is the next best thing. Ocean Salt is an exfoliating face and body scrub that contains natural ingredients like avocado, coconut, grapefruit, lime, vodka (yup!) and sea salt. Seriously—it’s like a cocktail! The avocado and coconut work to moisturize and soften while the other ingredients help to clear dirt and remove dead skin.

Ocean Salt is a wonderful exfoliator and probably the best face scrub I’ve ever used. It does a great job of cleansing and removing dirt from the skin while getting rid of dry/dead skin cells. I was surprised at how soft my skin felt after my first use. It’s really helped clear up a few breakouts I had as well as improve the overall look and feel of my skin. I usually use exfoliators at night so that I can apply my thicker cream as opposed to lighter day facial lotion. I think that’s a must with this product.

A word of caution with this scrub—it contains very fine and larger pieces of salt. Be careful using it if you have sensitive skin. It could be a little abrasive. Lush’s website says this product is best for those with oily/combination skin, but I’ve had a lot of success with it even though my skin is on the drier side. 

Tip: If you purchase the product, make sure you mix it before the first time you use it. Most of the salt lies on the top of the pot and needs to be blended with the other ingredients.

The scrub is intended to be used for face and body, but because the product is a little pricey I’ve decided I’m reserving it for use on my face and neck. Ocean Salt is available for $21.95 for 4.2 ounces or $35.95 for 8.8 ounces. 

Lush Shine So Bright

If you’ve ever struggled with split ends, Shine So Bright is a balm that can help repair split ends and make hair shine according to the Lush website. Shine So Bright is made with coconut and olive oils, free range eggs and shea butter. The balm is also scented with grapefruit, orange flower, neroli and rosewood perfume. As with a lot of products from Lush, this one is vegetarian.

I bought this product on a whim. I try to take really good care of my hair, but have a few split ends. I deal more with a little bit of breakage from washing, combing, blowdrying and brushing my hair. If you’re expecting a balm like this to completely rid your hair of split ends, your expectations are too high. But, what this product is GREAT at is masking split ends, taming fly-aways and managing frizz. Though the balm won’t magically fix, it certainly will condition and nourish your hair while controlling some common issues.

The balm is a solid product that feels a little waxy. When you run your fingers across the balm, the heat from your skin will soften the product and make it easy to apply to your hair. I’ve found that the best use of this product is use it judiciously to tame frizzy or unruly hair during the day. The product can make hair a little greasy, so really go easy on it if you’ve just styled your hair and are on your way out for the day. If you want to use the product as more of a treatment, apply it to your hair before you go to bed. Make sure to either sleep with your hair in a bun or use something to protect your pillow from any residue.

One added bonus of this product is the scent. Some reviews on the Lush website say the scent is strange or overpowering, but I found it to be the right amount of sweet and floral. For me, it’s not too potent and I couldn’t stop smelling my hair the first time I applied it!

Shine So Bright is available for $9.95 for a 0.3 ounce tin. 

Have you tried anything from Lush? What are your favorite products?

Adrianne's March Glossybox

As you might remember from my post about February’s Birchbox, I ended up canceling that service and signing up for Glossybox. 

Let me just say—Glossybox is a HOME RUN! When I initially signed up for a beauty subscription, my hope was to be able to try new makeup products. Glossybox totally delivers on that. Four out of the five items I received were makeup products.

Look at how pretty the box is!

Here’s what I got:

1. Elite Models Liquid Eyeliner

2. ModelCo Cheek + Lip Tint

3. Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen

4. Illamasqua Eye Pencil

5. Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Hairspray 

1. Elite Models Liquid Eyeliner: I used to shy away from liquid liners, but have found some favorites with ones made by Eyeko and Stila. I can definitely add Elite Models’ version to liquid liner rotation. The color is dark brown—the perfect shade to really enhance the eyes, but it isn’t too intense. The product goes on smoothly and dries instantly, so you can apply your mascara immediately afterward. 

2. ModelCo Cheek + Lip Tint: Before trying this product, I read that it was a gel-based stain. It is definitely a stain—so much so that my fingers were tinted pink after using it. When you squeeze the product out of the bottle, it almost looks like a drop of blood. But, when you blend it into your skin, it turns into a really nice soft pink. It’s a perfect color for spring. And, because it’s a stain I didn’t see any signs of fading while wearing it. 

3. Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen: I never hear much about Pixi in magazines or on blogs, and that’s a shame. Pixi has a few really great products that I’ve tested. So, I was excited to receive this shadow pen. This versatile product can be used as an all-over shadow, eyeliner or even a highlighter for the inner corners of the eyes or brow bone. The product is really easy to apply and leaves you with a not-too-dramatic shimmery pink.

4. Illamasqua Eye Pencil: The insert in my Glossybox said I was supposed to receive a sample of Prestiche Essential Oil Bar Soap. But….I guess someone messed up and gave me an eye pencil instead. Score! (Speaking of Prestiche—the box came with a $40 off coupon for this line of products. I tried to visit the website and there was an error. Hmm.)  I’ve heard so much about Illamasqua products, but never tried anything from the line. The color I received is best described as khaki. It can be used on the eyes, lips, face or body (according to Illamasqua). This is something I probably wouldn’t use on anywhere but my eyes—the color is great for a daytime or work look. The pencil glides on, is intensely pigmented and lasts. 

5. Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Hairspray: This hairspray is designed to provide flexible hold to the hair while giving it high shine. I was skeptical when I read this. As a brunette, I usually find that hairsprays just make my hair look duller. The hairspray does work and provides great hold. I wouldn’t say that it provides my hair with more shine, but it definitely doesn’t dull my hair like other products do. The negative on this one for me is the smell. It has a really intense chemical smell.

Have you tried Glossybox? I think I’m hooked!