Travel Size Must Haves

Hey everyone!

With all of my lovely readers heading back to school, I decided that it was the perfect time to mention a couple of my favorite travel sized items! I was lucky enough to receive these products to try out before my post. These two items are ones that I always have in my purse, backpack, or locker for those just in case touchups throughout the day.

Conair Detangle Wet or Dry Mini Hair Brush - I love these mini brushes, because they are small enough to carry around, but large enough to actually brush your hair. The Conair Wet or Dry Brush has super soft bristles, so it doesn't damage or pull out hair as you use it. Great for those gyms days!

Scunci Curved Bobby Pins - These bobby pins have a fun design on them, and they're curved! This means that they will lay better in your hair, and not stick out at odd angles. I always keep a pack of these on hand for me and my friends, because you never know when a bobby pin will be needed at work or school.

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I received these products to try and feature in my blog post. I am not associated with any company mentioned above, nor are they paying me to feature their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

TATCHA Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 Review

Hey everyone!

TATCHA has just solved all of our facial sunscreen problems, with their new Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35. This product is designed to tighten pores, protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and it can be used as a makeup primer. Now, that is what I call a multipurpose product!

Here's what TATCHA has to say:

What it is: Inspired by the geisha's iconic makeup, we created this invisible, lightweight sunscreen to perfect and protect skin, making it an elegant, everyday essential.

Why it's different: Provides broad spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Non-greasy formula tightens pores, perfect as a primer for makeup.

Who it's for: All skin-types. Non-comedogenic. Does not contain mineral oil, aminobenzoic acid, homosalate, oxybenzone or octinoxate.

How it use: Use liberally after moisturizer to lock in hydration, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. If wearing makeup, use before applying cosmetics. Works as a primer that refines and minimizes the appearance of pores.   

My thoughts:

This is my new favorite sunscreen for my face! This sunscreen is very easy to apply, and I find that it just melts into my skin, absorbing instantly. My face is left feeling moisturized, my pores appear smaller, and I do not have to worry about my skin when I go out for the day. There is never a greasy residue left on my skin. Since using TATCHA products, I have personally stopped using foundation. I find that my skin looks great on its own, and I am embracing it to its fullest!

I love the beautiful packaging of this product, it looks elegant sitting on my vanity, next to all my other beautiful TATCHA products.

This product retails for $68.00, and can be purchased at TATCHA.com.

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I received this product to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to review their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Lauren B Cares A luxury Nail Collection That Gives Back

Hey everyone!

During the month of August, Los Angeles-based, eco-friendly, luxury nail care company Lauren B. Beauty is launching a donation program supporting Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization that helps put homeless and low income individuals on the path to self-sufficiency by giving them the resources and support they need to find and keep jobs. 

Beginning August 1st, the brand will donate 20% of the proceeds from the sale of the Lauren B. Cares Chrysalis Collection to the nonprofit organization. 

Over the past 30 years, Chrysalis has developed a nationally recognized program that offers services to low income and homeless individuals in Los Angeles County, helping them to prepare for, attain and sustain employment. They offer their clients a hand up, not a hand out, building upon their strengths and helping to reduce or eliminate any barriers to employment. 

All of Lauren’s nail polish shades are inspired by her hometown of L.A. With this set, she’s giving back to her community. Lauren B., a nail-polish fiend for as long as she can remember, earned her stripes in the high-end beauty world while working for Philip B. Botanicals, her uncle’s cult-favorite haircare brand. 

She leveraged that knowledge to achieve her dream: the perfect, safe, do-it-yourself manicure for busy women. The polishes swipe on expertly and easily, dry fast, and stay glossy and chip-free (truly!) for at least 14 days. 

 To find out more about the Lauren B. Cares Chrysalis Collection, click on the “Lauren B Cares” tab at LaurenBBeauty.com 

For more information about Chrysalis Enterprises or to donate, go to www.changelives.org

My thoughts:

I received a sample of Lauren B's nail polish to try out, and I absolutely love it! The polish itself is easy to apply, dries quickly, and has lasted on my nails for well over a week now, and it's still going strong! (And trust me, I am pretty hard on my nails for work).  Overall, I think that this nail polish brand is fantastic, and I love it even more because by purchasing the Lauren B. Cares Chrysalis Collection, you are not only getting a great kit, you're improving people's lives. 

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I received a sample to try for this post. I am not associated with the brand, nor are they paying me to promote their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

TATCHA Triple Recovery Cream Review

Hey everyone!

A little while ago, I was lucky enough to receive a sample of TATCHA's new Triple Recovery Cream to try out, so that I could review it for you!

Here is what TATCHA has to say: 

What it is: Formulated for sensitive skin, this anti-aging moisturizer is rich in Indigo extract, Colloidal Oatmeal and Sophora Japonica extract, which calm, comfort, and restore skin's natural resiliency.

Why it’s different: Our soothing blend of botanicals calms sensitive, easily irritated skin and reverses the signs of premature aging. Formulated with 3% Colloidal Oatmeal (the highest percentage available in a product of this kind on the market), skin is left comforted, supple and replenished.

Who it’s for: For all skin types, especially sensitive skin showing signs of rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or allergies. Non-comedogenic.

How to use: Use after cleansing or exfoliating. Can be used alone or over a serum. Perfect for use in the morning and evening on the face, neck, and décolletage.  

First, let me start off my review by saying that this is the most beautifully packaged item I have ever laid my eyes on. TATCHA always pays such great attention to detail on their products, and this one is no different. The jar feels luxurious and weighty in your hand, letting you know that you're using something incredible.

The cream itself is thick, yet velvety on the skin. It blends in and melts into my skin on contact, and never leaves behind a greasy or oily feel to my face. After I apply this cream, my face feels softer, looks moisturized, and leaves my skin more plump and youthful looking. My finer lines on my face are reduced, and the constant redness on my cheeks has almost disappeared! I don't even have to wear a powder foundation to even out my skin tone anymore, and this is due to the 3% Colloidal Oatmeal that is found in this product. 

Overall, I rate this product 5 out of 5 stars, and a must have to anyone's skincare routine! I know it will be staying in mine!

This product retails for $135.00, and can be purchased at tatcha.com!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I received this product to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to review their product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own! 

Sally Hansen Special Effects for Summer!

Hey everyone! 

This summer, it's time to get cultured—with pearls, that is. Sally Hansen introduces Pearl Crush; a collection of eight new Special Effect polishes that give nails an eye-catching, shimmery finish. Inspired by the season's iridescent trend, the Pearl Crush polishes have a unique combination of pigments that interact with layers of large, faceted glitter particles. The resulting effect: a 3D crushed pearl look that plays off light, lending a lustrous, vibrant look to summer manicures. Choose a softer tone or go dark—either way; you'll want to wear these precious "pearls" everywhere you go! 

SHADES: Oy-ster It Up!: Aw, shucks—this true white with faceted glitter catches the light beautifully, She Sells: Whether on the seashore or the city streets, this pale blush hue is pretty, pink perfection, Lady Crab: No need to pinch yourself—this dreamy hot pink really is as steamy as it gets!, Rainbow Fish: Casting off icy tones, this iridescent blue is quite the catch, Shell & Tell: The secret is out: A lovely lilac like this doesn't come around every day, Mer-Mint: This splashy, soothing seafoam green is loaded with sea-inspired shimmer, Silver Scallop: Reflect on this modern take on metallics—a shape shifting silver that appears constantly in motion and Clam Digger: This lava-rock black stands out with flecks of phosphorescent-green glitter. 

Overall, I loved these polishes! They were fun the play with, and I received a ton of compliments on my nails at work! A perfect accessory to these hot summer months!

It's official: Ombré is the look of the decade. From runways to red carpets, from highlights to home decor, a gradated wash of color is perpetually on trend. Now, Sally Hansen makes it easy to create a sparkling ombré manicure with new Insta-Ombre Special Effect. 

Available in eight high-impact glitter shades, this clever and innovative ombre-in-a-bottle makes it easy for women to achieve the look in just three simple steps. First, apply one coat to clean, dry nails. Next, apply a second coat from mid-nail to the tip. Finally, apply a third coat to only the nail tip. Voila: A radiant, wash of ombre color at your fingertips. 

As the first and last word in nail color, Sally Hansen offers eight shades to match every mood: Copper Cap: Beige that grows into a warm, copper glow, Cobalt Coat: Blue, from barely-there to intense, Layer On Lilac: A cool-toned take on purple, Scarlet Spark: A true red that fades into a whisper, Gold Grade: Metallic glitter, from quiet to saturated, Fuchsia-Nista: A bright pink with the slightest hint of violet, Jade Fade: An enviable emerald hue, Grey-diant: A stunningly sparkled fade from light to black.

As you all know I love glitter anything, so of course, I loved these polishes! Perfect for a fun mani this season!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I received samples of this polish to try and feature on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to feature their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Get the Perfect Summer Lip from CARGO Cosmetics

Hey everyone! 

Achieving that perfect summer lip can be challenging for anyone! You want a fun color that is lightweight and easy to apply. And, it has to last, because who has time to reapply lipstick when they're enjoying these carefree summer days?!
 

Well, CARGO Cosmetics has us girls covered for summer, with their new Limited Edition Gel Lip Color. These lipsticks are available in four shades: Brooklyn, Tribeca, Soho, and Chelsea. 

I received two of these shades to try out (Brooklyn and Chelsea) and I must say that they have a weightless, gel feel to them, while still providing plenty of color and shine.

These work great in the summer, due to their lightweight texture and staying power, plus they keep your lips moisturized. 

Overall, I highly recommend checking these lipsticks out! So get 'em while they're hot, because they won't last long!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I received these products to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to review or feature their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

After Sun Care with Sun Bum

Hey everyone!

Whether we like to admit it or not, we've all been exposed to just a little too much sun here and there. Now I can personally confess that I had a few bad sun burns this past summer, and I am in no hurry to repeat, so I will be lathering on the sunscreen every chance I get this year!

But for those of us who have seen too much sun, and have experienced dry, sunburned skin; I have the perfect products for you to use! They are the only ones that I use, and I have a fun tip included at the end of this post to give your skin a quick cool down!

Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Gel 

This gel is perfect to keep in your bag for on those sunny days when you're out and about. Why? Because, it can be applied instantly to red, burnt skin so that you feel relief that much sooner. I always have this product on hand, and my entire family loves it! The best part is that there is no scent, so it can be used by even the sensitive of person.

Here is what Sun Bum has to say:

So you got greedy and burned your skin. Ease the pain and calm your skin with our "Cool Down" Gel. Vitamin E enriched, our soothing Aloe Gel will rehydrate your sun-baked skin and ease the pain of a burn and help prevent peeling.

Features / Benefits:

~Restores and protects sun damaged skin
~Provides fast relief from sunburn pain
~Contains soothing and cooling Aloe
~Contains healing Tea Tree Oil
~Gluten Free / 100% Vegan
~ Alcohol Free
~Vitamin E Enriched

Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion

I love this lotion! I find it to be very hydrating, soothing, non-greasy, and it smells like bananas and coconut! A total win-win in my book! I keep this lotion in my stash at all times, and sometimes I just use it as a daily moisturizer when I need it!

Here is what Sun Bum has to say

After a long lazy day in the sun, your skin needs revitalization and hydration. Sun Bum's 'Cool Down' Lotion is enriched with soothing Aloe and Vitamin E, providing an intense hydration to gently restore the skin's natural moisture balance. The light, non-greasy formula is quickly absorbed, leaving the skin smooth and soft.

 
Features / Benefits:

~Restores and protects sun damaged skin 
~Prevents peeling for a longer lasting tan 
~Contains soothing Cocoa Butter 
~Contains cooling Aloe 
~Gluten Free / 100% Vegan 
~Alcohol Free 
~Vitamin E Enriched 

Now onto my instant skin cooling tip! Keep these items in your fridge for the summer months, and when your skin needs them, they will be extra cooling for an even faster relief!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: These products were sent to me to review and feature on my blog. I am not associated with Sun Bum, nor are they paying me to mention their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Oscar Blandi's Pronto Braid Paste

Hey everyone! 

Braids and twists are easier to achieve with second-day hair. Pronto Braid Paste texturizes and defines, providing the grip necessary for sculpting these kinds of looks. The dry texture paste helps create braids that appear fuller, binding strands together for longer-lasting styles. The product features a refreshing creamy Valencia fragrance. 
 

Benefits:

~Texturizes and defines
~Holds hair strands together
~Tames flyaways

Key Ingredients:

~Micocrystalline Wax - easily blends into hair
~Lanolin Wax - offers texture and hold

Application:

Squeeze a dab into palms and rub hands together to warm product. Apply to dry hair using fingertips to twist, sculpt and define. Smooth over finished look to control flyaways.

This product retails for $25.00, and can be purchased at Ulta, Ulta.com, Nordstrom, Macy's Impulse, and Blandiproducts.com.

Note: I received this product to feature on my blog. I am not associated with any company mentioned above, nor are they paying me to feature this product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Sun Bum Hair Care Line

Hey everyone!

As you all must know by now, I absolutely love Sun Bum's sunscreen line. So, when I heard that they were now offering a hair care line as well, you know I just had to try it out! I was lucky enough to receive some samples, so let's go over my thoughts!

Let me just get one thing out of the way, all of these hair products smell amazing! I'm talking about banana, coconut, and beach amazing! Btw, anyone know of a cute single surfer guy? I'm available!

Sun Bum Beach Formula Shampoo 

Our Beach Formula Shampoo cleanses out saltwater, chlorine, and environmental pollutants while delivering deep nutrion, smoothing, and shine. 

We use it religiously to lock in color, strengthen our hair, and keep it looking beautiful. Our special blend restores lost moisture, repairs the damage, and provides unmatched humidity-resistant frizz control. 

It's gonna be your new favorite. 

My Thoughts 

I love this shampoo! It lathers up very nicely in my hair and deep cleans it, while conditioning it at the same time. I have found that my hair has more bounce, a shiner color, and I've even had people sniff me and ask how I smell so good (total keeper!) 

Sun Bum Beach Formula Conditioner 

Our Beach Formula Conditioner deeply hydrates and awakens hair, making it highly responsive and manageable. 

Our luxurious conconction locks in hair color and repairs strands from within, while powerful antioxidants provide UV protecion to help prevent color fade and damage. 

We love it because it makes our hair super smooth, shiny, and happy. 

My Thoughts 

This conditioner works great to keep my hair tangle free when I step out of the shower. All I have to do is run a comb through it, throw it up into a bun or ponytail, and out the door I go! Plus, I found that my hair seems to be less frizzy, which is a total plus in a humid climate! 

Sun Bum Beach Formula 3-in-1 Leave In 

Our Beach Formula 3 In 1 Leave In protects, detangles, and conditions your hair while enhancing and restoring its natural body. 

 It controls frizz, prevents split ends, slows color fading and will leave your hair silky-smooth and shiny. 

It is, by far, the most "borrowed" item from our beach house. 

My Thoughts 

I am all about leave in conditioners, and this one is totally on point! A few quick sprays, and my beach hair is ready to comb out. No more struggles with salt water tangles for me! 

Sun Bum Beach Formula Sea Salt Spray 

Our Beach Formula Sea Spray protects your hair from the elements while giving it extra body, waves, and texture for that beach windswept look. 

 Our lightweight formula enhances strand separation and definition, instantly blocking humidity that causes frizz. It'll give your hair just the right amount of volume with a matte-finish hold. 

My Thoughts 

When I don't have time to go to the beach, this sea salt spray gives me those beachy waves. It's super easy to use, smells great, and leaves my hair looks gorgeous! 

Sun Bum Beach Formula Shine On 

Our Beach Formula Shine On lightweight oil treatment protects your hair from the elements while naturally hydrating, restoring, and strengthening your hair. 

 The tropical blend of oils and sea botanicals work to revitalize your hair, adding manageability and a brilliant silky shine. 

Enjoy. 

My Thoughts 

If you like shiny, healthy hair than this is the product for you! All I do is take a small amount on my fingertips, and work it through the ends of my hair. Comb out, and you're all ready! 

Overall, I love love love this new hair care line, and it will become a stable in my life for sure! 

Did I mention I love these products? Because I totally do! 

So, grab your beach bag, your cute surfer boyfriend, and let's hit the waves! 

XoXo, 
Whitney 

Note: I receive this product to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with Sun Bum, nor are they paying me to review their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Maybelline Baby Lips Collection Part 1

Hey everyone!

I am slightly addicted to Maybelline's Baby Lips. I have over 20 in my collection, and I love them all! For part 1 of my collection, I thought I would share with you the Baby Lips I have from the original line as well as their electro line (which has now been discontinued).

I love how Maybelline has put a lot of thought and creativity into their Baby Lips lines. It just makes pulling these out of my bag even more fun! Plus, most of them leave a pretty tint behind on the lips.

From the Original Line:

~Pink Punch 
~Quenched

Electro Line:

~Strike a Rose
~Pink Shock

Do you have any Maybelline Baby Lips? What are your favorites?

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I purchased these items myself!