Let's Get Cheeky

Hayden Panettiere

Ms. Panettiere's makeup look is smoldering in this photo, right down to her perfectly pink cheeks. It got me thinking about my love for blush -- I always feel like it elevates any makeup look to chic and polished.

I'm completely obsessed with Benefit Cosmetics Box O' Powder collection. I've tried three varieties so far and loooooooove them.

1. Coralista a "rio" pleasure face powder

2. Bella Bamba  3D brightening pink face powder

3. Sugarbomb "sugar rush flush" face powder 

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Forecast: Winter

Winter has never, in recent years at least, been my favorite season. Yes - there was a time when I couldn't wait to put on my boots and run through the freshly powered yard and build a good snow fort or two, but those times have since long past. However, since I live in the Chicago area, winter and snow are two things I just can't seem to avoid no matter how hard I try. So this year I've decided to try and embrace the season a tiny bit more. Here are some things I can be thankful for this wintery season:

Fun beauty treats like these snowy-themed nails:

 

 

 

 

 

Image via Pinterest

Views like this close to home:

Michigan Ave., Chicago

Bundling up in a cozy infinity scarf and dreaming about a beach somewhere... sigh.

P.S. - An update on my order from Red Dress Boutique Kickoff Cutie. I love, love, love the dress I got. (Read more about that here.) To my surprise, they even included a bonus necklace that matches the dress perfectly! So sweet and can't wait to wear them both. : )

Here it is!

Cold Weather Beauty Savers

Even though it's been a very mild winter here in Chicago so far (I'm not complaining!!!), the constant running of heaters and dryer air has taken its toll on my hair and skin... and the normal beauty routine just ain't cutting it.

A couple days ago I noticed my hair was feeling more crunchy than soft and knew I had to do something about it. Being on a 'au naturale' beauty kick (I've been testing out Evanhealy, an organic skincare line. Read more here), I scoured the beauty department at Whole Foods and ended up choosing a Burt's Bees product. Admittedly, I chose a product from that line because I'd heard of it before and been happy with their products. Well the Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditioner didn't disappoint. In just one 2-minute treatment my hair felt softer and looked shinier. I'll definitely be adding this to my weekly routine throughout the rest of winter.

Another old standby I rely on throughout the winter months is Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve. It's perfect for dry lips, cracked cuticles and even wind burnt cheeks. It comes in two different packages, a tin or a tube. The tube is perfect for lips - you'll love the pink tint it leaves behind and the tin is good for just about everything.

What are your winter beauty favs? I love learning about new products!

Evan Healy Skincare Testing: Part I

Thanks to the great people at Whole Foods Market in Wheaton I've been testing out a new holistic skincare line -- and I must say, so far I'm really liking it.

Evanhealy is an organic skincare line that strives to return your skin to its natural state, which is thought to be the most healthful, most at balance. The trial set I choose for my skin was the Rose Face Care Kit , which claims to be able to strike a balance between the oily and dry spots on my skin. Since I began using the products on Monday, I have noticed a difference in the overall "glow" of my skin and the oil usually found mid-day is more under control.

The regimen for these products is actually quite simple. In the morning I wash with the milk cleanser, then follow up with the oil and a couple sprays of the hydrosol (this is my favorite step - it makes the skin so smooth and gives it a natural, healthy glow.) Finally, I finish off with the day moisturizer. Yes, a few more steps than just wash and go, but it is definitely worth it. At night, I cleanse and add a few sprays of hydrosol and it's off to bed.

The only downside I've experienced so far are a few breakouts, but it's hard to say these are directly related to the product. Even so, I like to think of them as a way to get the bad out and keep the good in. The kit does come with a clay mask (meant to be used once a week) that clears pores -- and guess what? I'm off to go try it now!

I'll check in next week with an update on these products - hope for the best!