Fav Summertime Fragrances

Hello my loves. It's been another hot minute since I have posted some beauty fun! I had a legit excuse with working two jobs and having zilch time to do anything beauty related. I hardly had time to do my makeup in the morning. Shocking, I know. But let's not get crazy… I made time. I finally made the decision to leave my barista life behind and jump on the Big Girl Job train. Not that I didn't love making caffeinated beverages for the regular crazed morning lunatics, but dermatologists office just seems more up my alley. And I LOVE it! I will have a review of Doctor's skincare up here in a few months when I give them a true test :) Long ramble short, I have settled into my new routine and I'm back to blogging… again. Let's see how long I can keep it going, shall we?

I just wanted to share my top two favorite scents I wear for the summertime. A little did-bit about myself, I do not like wearing perfume. I am SUPER picky when it comes to perfume due to having horrid allergies and a very hyper-sensitive nose to sweet smelling thick fragrances that lead to migraines. Don't get me wrong, I smell amazing fragrances all the time and think "Ooh that is such a nice perfume!" but I know better, I would never personally wear it. I have gotten samples of cult favorites and none seem to work for me because of my pickiness.

I do not like floral, but I love the smell of honeysuckle and the smell of roses. I stumbled upon CHLOE Roses de Chloé as I was walking out of a Sephora (SO shocking right?) and thought why not give it a whiff. Holy moses I was so surprised how much I loved it right off the bat that I got a sample right away. I wore the sample for a week straight and fell in love. It worked with my body chemistry (not all perfumes smell the way they do in the bottle when it's on your skin) and it didn't bother my nose. It smells like a bouquet of fresh cut roses. That's it. Pure fresh red roses. No crazy description needed! It reminds me of a classic perfume with a ton of rose petals crammed in the bottle. Perfection. Mr. Man decided to buy me my very own bottle of this magic for my birthday and I love him dearly for it. Every time I wear Roses de Chloé I get compliments on how good I smell. Who doesn't love a compliment like that??

My other summertime go-to is a full on summer only scent. I held of on buying the actual perfume bottle for so long because A. I don't buy perfume because it's a serious commitment and I already have my signature Roses scent and B. It was a perfume I could only wear in the summer and it's pricey! So the minute they came out with a rollerball of this baby, I pounced. I'm talkin' about Bobbi Brown Beach. This is the epitome of a summer day at the beach. The description of the perfume is "an intoxicating blend of jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin" AKA it smells like an intoxicating blend of salt water and Coppertone. No joke. I LOVE IT. No one can quite put their finger on what it reminds them of until someone says "Coppertone" and the crowd goes wild. It may sound weird, but it smells so summery and fresh and lightweight, it is just beautiful. It may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for a super fresh and a delightfully classic reminiscent scent (like what I did there?), you may need to go check this out. I highly recommend it!

I hope you beach babes are enjoying your summer! Wear that sunscreen!!
xo's
tyler

What kind of deodorant are YOU wearing?!

Hello lovelies! We all know it's finally officially summer time and with that comes the hot weather. Us girls constantly need to shave constantly, lather up the lotion, and of course, wear deodorant! Ya'll may know by now that the skin on my body is sensitive to the products I slather on it. I mostly use Lush lotions and nothing that contains "parfum" or non-natural fragrance. You have to remember, your body absorbs EVERYTHING that is in your lotion, and if you cannot pronounce the ingredient, it shouldn't go in your body. The reason I switched over is because I had some crazy skin reaction where I got a rash that discolored my skin and freaked me the heck out. My doctor told me it was an allergic reaction to something and now, it might be a form of dermatitis. We shall find out more of that later. Needless to say, I like to use safe and natural ingredients on my body to ensure I do not absorb anything that may harm me. So thank you to my sweet friend Miranda who recently jumped on the more "natural" cosmetic train and inspired me to share my finds with ya'll!
I stumbled upon these items while surfing the web for random makeup-junkie-obsessions and I knew I had to give them a go. I found both in my local Sephora and they are also both available online on eBay and Amazon.

I first purchased LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant. $8-14 Its description: "Get superior odor protection with this 100 percent natural, freshly scented deodorant. Soothing essential oils blend with beta-glucan technology fight odor effectively while soothing, conditioning, and nourishing the delicate underarm area. It goes on clean, with no sticky wetness, and delivers long-lasting, luxurious results." But does it live up to the claims? 
Natural? Yes. I love that this contains 100% natural ingredients and nothing that is bad for my skin. 
Freshly Scented? YES. I have purchased two Vanilla scented ones and they smell like perfection. They also have vanilla grapefruit, vanilla lavender, and….. vanilla lemon. If you can hunt one of these babies down, GET IT. I have tried so many times to purchase the lemon one and they sell out like hot cakes. 
Non sticky? Definitely. This is very dry and creamy and feels great. 
Long Lasting? Depends. I find that if this is for everyday wear in 85 degree heat, I'm totally fine. But once it gets hot to where I am starting to really sweat (volleyball, working out, shopping in 100 degree weather) this does NOT keep me dry and tends to wear off faster. This deodorant does not contain aluminum, which is what is used as an antiperspirant, which blocks the moisture from coming out of your pores. This is my go-to every day deodorant.
Then, I found the Fresh Sugar Deodorant Antiperspirant. $18 What it's formulated to do: "Glide on the delicious aroma of fresh sugar every morning and let the sweetener's natural botanicals double as skin-soothing and deodorizing agents. The alcohol-free formula helps to inhibit bacteria as it keeps you dry, revived, and refreshed." This one literally smells like nothing when I wear it. Which is a good thing! It blocks any scent and doesn't perfume one out either. If I know I am going to be really sweating, I reach for this one. It is formulated without sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates,GMO's, and triclosa. I dig it! It does contain aluminum, but none of the other crap commonly found in drugstore deodorants so I use this one on days I really need to stay dry. It doesn't irritate my skin and wears extremely well through the day. This is a VERY wet formula when you first apply it, so let it dry  a few seconds before putting on your top. 
If you want something a little safer for your skin and body, I would highly recommend giving these deodorants a try! Let me know if you have any recommendations for me to try out as well! 
xo's
tyler

The Intriguing "Beauty Blender"

Hey beauty babes! I was cleaning my Beauty Blender this afternoon and thought, "Hey, I should put up a review of this little guy!" A lot of people jumped on the BB train when they first launched but now I notice that most people think it's just a regular ol' makeup sponge and don't bother to scope it out. Fear not, I have all the deets.

First off, it's pink. Obviously I wanted it. Now that we got the obvious out of the way, this little sponge is so… neat. It starts off small, like the picture, but once you get it wet it doubles in size and becomes so spongy and memory-foam like and applies your foundation like a dream.

Left is a damp BB, right is a dry one. Crazy!

How to use: (keep in mind you can use this sponge dry for powders and wet to blend anything!) I primarily use it for applying foundation and blending out concealer. I place it under cool running water and squeeze it about three or four times to get it to expand and then give it one good squeeze to get any extra water out. I lightly press a paper towel or a hand towel on it just to get any drips off. You want the BB to be damp, but not wet. I then place dots of my foundation all over my face and then "bump" or pat the round end of the BB all over to blend it all in! It is so incredibly easy and blends out foundation like a dream. I use it with thick, and very liquid-y foundation and it works well with both. It doesn't absorb the foundation (since it already absorbed water), but it does aid in applying an even amount so it will pick up any excess and distribute it evenly. When I apply my under eye concealer, I dab on the product with my ring finger to the pesky dark circles, flip over my BB to the pointy side pointing up towards my eye and blend it out. I may use a brush to apply my foundation every so often, but I ALWAYS use my BB to blend out my concealer. Every time.

Most foundations work amazingly well with this little guy but if you decide to use it with a foundation or tinted moisturizer with high SPF, make sure to wash it after using it a few times because the SPF will tend to gunk up the sponge quicker than a regular foundation.
To wash, I use a mild soap or brush cleaner, but mostly my Purity face wash. It gets all the makeup out and keeps it smelling great. I typically wash mine once a week if I use it every day. You can use Dawn dish detergent occasionally to get any bacteria out or microwave it in a little dish with a few tablespoons of water for 30 seconds to completely kill all possible bacteria. Squeeze out all the soap and let dry and you are good to go!
This baby is $19 bucks at Sephora, but you can get killer deals on Amazon or Ebay by buying a pack of two for $20-$25.

This Real Techniques sponge is dry, it gets about a half size bigger when wet.

A cheaper alternative is the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($5.99 at Ulta or some Target stores). This sponge looks a lot different than the BB but when wet, is almost exactly the same. It is a little more dense and a lot more "memory foam" like in a way that it doesn't spring back as fast as the BB. I really like how it applies and I do use both of them. I don't care for the slanted shape of the MCS because I can't really "bump" my foundation like I do using the BB, I almost have to pat/roll it on my skin. It applies a flawless even finish all the same.
*Warning* if you choose to purchase a Beauty Blender online, make SURE it states that it is a BEAUTY BLENDER and not some random "sponge" name. They have a lot of dupes out there but the real deal is the Beauty Blender. Or the Real Techniques sponge ;)
That's all for now bookworms!
Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July!!!
xo's
tyler

Battle of the Setting Sprays

Helllloooooo Summer! It's getting pretty darn warm out, and setting sprays are becoming one of my new best friends. I didn't have a clue how handy having a bottle (or three) in my collection would be until I was completely over the constant battle of having a "powdery" face. I thought to myself, "I wish I could just spray my face with a water bottle without my makeup running off." Lo and behold, they actually make a product that does that. Who knew?! Here's some of my faves.

as you can see, Urban Decay's packaging gets dirty quite easily!

MAC Fix+. This sh!t is bananas. It's so multi purpose and probably my all time favorite. It runs $21 for a 3.4 ounce bottle which is a total steal. It smells so fresh and crisp and when I spritz it on my face after I'm done applying my makeup it sets my blush, bronzer and foundation and just blends it together flawlessly. I don't even know if that makes sense but it does wonders to my makeup. Also, when I feel like I put too much setting powder or powder foundation on, a little spritz of this baby and BOOM. No cake face. It takes away all powderyness. Aside from makeup use, when it is really hot out Mr. Man will come in my room and search for this stuff to spray on his own face. I quote: "I like it, it feels nice and cool and refreshing. Can we put it in the fridge?" Ha. And yes, some people do. It's like smart water on crack for your face. AND if you have a powdery, glittery eyeshadow that you really want to make "pop" on your eyes, spray your shadow brush with this and dip it in the shadow, spray again and press on your lids. It adds so much more pigment to the shadow and intensifies it, making it look stunning.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. $14 for 1oz bottle. This is my second fave. It's main purpose is to set your makeup and make it last all day, and supposedly "lowers the temperature" of your makeup to assist in all day wear. I'm not too sure about that one but I do know I love to use this when I know I am going to be out and about all day. It really does work. The one bummer about this product is that it has alcohol in it (absorbs oil and helps keep makeup in place) and can tend to dry my skin a little and make it feel tight. That feeling goes away after about an hour or so when my makeup fully sets. I LOVE to use two squirts of this after using MAC Fix+…. the two together is like a match made in heaven.
Makeup Forever Mist & Fix. $12 for 1.01oz bottle. This one is literally like MAC's and Urban's had a baby. It doesn't deliver the exact same results as using the two together, but very very close. It doesn't contain alcohol so there isn't a really "set in place not budding anywhere" feeling, but it still aids in keeping my makeup flawless through the day. I love to travel with this one so I don't have to decide which of the other two I want to bring. This is great for setting, mid-day touch ups, or just to add a little more moisture back to your face. No alcohol, and no complaints!
Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray. $15 for 1oz bottle. (I have the baby sample size) This stuff isn't life changing, nor do I find it something I would need to repurchase when I run out. It is supposed to be a skin prepping primer type spray, minimize redness, reduce pore size, awaken skin, and refresh. It does feel rather nice to spray on before my makeup, but it doesn't really do much for me. It isn't supposed to help my makeup last longer or look fresher, so I would have to pass on this one only because I don't really see it doing anything to make me really want to purchase it.
I hope this was informative for ya'll!
oodles of xo's
tyler

Brand talk: Bite Beauty

I'm baaaaack! Told ya I would be! Now...
Let's talk about LIPS baby, lets talk about you and me…. no? Sorry. I went for it. Anyway, Bite Beauty has taken over lips all over the US! This brand popped up about a year ago in Sephora and no one really took notice of it, at least not me. I admit to walking by the Bite section thinking, "cool name, looks boring." Look at me, Judgy McJudgerston. In the past 4 or 5 months this brand boomed and definitely got my attention. Each Bite product is handcrafted with natural ingredients and are food grade quality. Yep, ya heard me, food grade. You can eat 'em. It's a weird thought, but now that you're thinking of it here's a fun fact. A daily lipstick wearer will consume about 3.7 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime. Yummy. Wouldn't you feel a little better knowing you are licking off natural food grade lipstick rather than oils, chemicals and who knows what else? Now that I'm more aware of ingredients and label reading and go for more natural products to put on my body, I was stoked to find that Bite is on the same train. And just because they have good ingredients doesn't mean they lack color, pigmentation, or moisture, they live up to what we look for in a great lipstick. Now, they do make glosses but I personally am not a lipgloss kinda gal so this is just my review on what I do own from them. Oh and every lipstick is infused with resveratrol which is an age fighting antioxidant that is the equivalent of five glasses of wine. Yes. Just Yes. They have won me over.
The lipsticks are creamy and smooth and feel so nourishing on the lips and taste like sugar. Here are some swatches of a set I got over the holidays.

Double sided lippies, agave lip mask, and deconstructed rose lippie <3

Indoor lighting

Outdoor lighting 

L-R: Musk, Pomegranate, Retsina, Mulberry, Apricot, Pepper, Rose, Palomino
The one on the far right is Centifolia and came out in a Deconstructed Rose collection. It is infused with anti aging rose otto and oils, and the color is STUNNING for spring. I'm completely obsessed.

I also purchased the Agave Lip Mask. This thing is flippin' amazing folks. It moisturizes and heals the driest chapped lips and tastes like sweet honey. I use this every night before bed and wake up with the smoothest and softest lips ever. I LOVE IT. I highly highly recommend to anyone who loves chapstick and the feeling of super soft lips.

Agave Lip Mask. Looks like honey, or agave obviously ;)

Overall, I highly recommend this brand. It is a little pricy, but I figure if I am going to buy a lipstick I would really prefer it to have good-for-me ingredients and contains nothing that doesn't need to be in the product. A perfect 10, Bite Beauty!!

Thanks for reading, beauty lovers! Let me know if you want me to review anything in particular :)
xo's
tyler

Where Have I BEEN?!

Oh dear. It's been… well I don't even want to say how long it has been since I have last posted. I am SO sorry for not keeping ya'll informed and such on my whereabouts but I relocated back to my hometown, finished up school, and had a wedding to attend! My big brother got married over Memorial  weekend and I was pretty slammed with shenanigans before that. The wedding was BEAUTIFUL and absolutely amazing and I will be posting a few pics when I get them :) Yes, I did do my own makeup as well as my mothers so be on the lookout for that! I'm thinking of doing a post on what I used for an all day/ long lasting makeup routine for the wedding. I had such a blast being a part of my brother and his… wait for it.. WIFE's special day. (It is so crazy that my brother has a wife. Go Tony! You snagged a babe!) Now that the craziness has settled and I have a lot more free time, I am back to bloggin' ladies and gents! I have put it off for far too long and I have to thank my lovely cousin for motivating my butt back in gear to get this blog on track. I am so excited to share my new faves and finds with ya'll and back to the beauty research! Until next time… which will be very soon... ;)
xoxo
tyler

Bath & Body Works Candles

Hello loves! Let's talk candles. The smells and warmth that light up your home and make you feel oober relaxed or just plain happy. The only candles Mom has ever used are battery operated fake-flicker ones due to Dad's sensitive nose. Boring. And super annoying when anyone is trying to sleep. Anywho! When I moved out I started wanting to make my old dingy apartment smell good and look more homey, so I ventured into the real candle world. I've tried the Yankee candles (NOT RECOMMENDED) and they left lots of black lead residue on my walls, along with Gold Canyon (they're okay, but still burn dirty) which smell great and have a ton of scent options, but are a little pricey and have to purchase them from a catalog. Then I tried Bath & Body Works. Now, let me say that there are definitely scents I simply cannot handle. Super sweet, overly flowery, and "clean linen" types give me a roaring headache. I typically go for light, outdoorsy notes with fresh scents. If that makes any sense at all. Also, it really depends on the time of year because I will burn strong cinnamon candles during the fall and winter but during spring and summer I need light and fresh scents, nothing heavy. Let's get on with it.

Out of the spring collection these ones turned out to be the winners. I'm so excited to burn them in my new house when I move! I'm dying to use them! I strategically collected these guys on multiple trips. The 2 for $22 sale is the ONLY time I will buy these 3-wick candles because they go for $22.50 EACH when not on sale. Each additional candle is $11 so you can still definitely get a steal! On top of all that goodness I had 20% off total purchase coupons so I really got amazing deals. They burn really evenly and clean, and make the whole room fragrant without leaving black residue on anything. Something about these candles just make the house look put-together and cozy.
Renew and Refresh is a crisp clean scent with blends of jasmine, fresh air, and a hint of mint. It's a great  candle for a kitchen or bathroom.
Lilac Blossom is a delightful floral scent with lilys and violets, and lush lilac. It smells so wonderful and light, and will go perfect in the living room or bedroom.
Cheers to Capri is renamed from B&BW's old Limoncello one. It smells just like it. Sweet lemon, with a hint of lime and sugar. It's absolutely perfect for the kitchen.

Okay. This is a judgement free zone. I have an obsession. When I lifted the lid off of this candle I. Fell. In. Love.

Honeysuckle Bouquet. The light of my life. It's described as a scent of early spring contained in a bouquet of sweet honeysuckle and pink peony with a slight touch of creamy vanilla.
This smell. Oh man. It's like a freshly bloomed honeysuckle vine in your backyard on a warm day. It's so light, not strong, and just smells wonderful and floral. If I had to pick a candle to have forever, it would be this one. Highly recommend. Yes, I'm obsessed. No shame.

The left is a candle with the wicks untrimmed, and the right has trimmed ones. 

A tip I would recommend is to trim your wicks with either a trimmer or nail clippers work perfect. Trim them just above the wax so they burn less of a flame and leave no residue! Also, rather than blow out your candle, take a butter knife or a wick-dipper and literally dip the wick into the wax to put out the flame. Push it back upright and there will be NO smoke or residue whatsoever in your room. Then trim your wicks before you light them again! I swear by these tricks. I have white walls, and they stay white.
Go take a sniff for yourself! I would highly recommend these candles and especially when you snag them on sale, they are such a great steal and can burn up to 45 hours.
xo's
Tyler

Meet Remmy!

Happy Thursday! I have a few items coming in the mail to review soon so I decided to put a fun post up today. Plus, I tell you this moving stuff is NOT the business. I hate it! Finding boxes, finding and losing the tape, taping up the sharpie you used to write on the box…. Gah!
Anywho, I hereby introduce you to…... Remmy!<3

Isn't she just the prettiest thing you ever done saw? ;) She's a mix between an Aussie and a Springer Spaniel… with a tail. I completely forgot to put her up here before I decided to rid her of her winter coat. So, I have a few before and afters. I swear I lucked out with this girl. She will sit still for ANYTHING I need to do to her… cut her nails, clean her ears, brush her coat, anything. My mom hates when I come over and wash Remmy and Sadie (her Aussie) because Sadie loses her mind and runs around and never sits still, while Rem just looks pitifully at my mom like "Who raised that animal? Wolves?" She's too funny.

I realized that she was getting too hot at night when she was panting all the time, and with this crazy weather being a lot warmer than it should be at this time of year, I decided to shave the beast.

HOLY HAIRBALL. The amount of hair that came off this dog is incredible. I could make a flipping parka with all of it! I had to laugh because family started commenting on how fat Remmy was getting and how big she was, and when all this hair came off she's a little stick with lanky legs!

(this is how she waits for Nick to come home)

I'm sure you will be seeing more of the Bean (we have about a million nicknames for her, Bean being the most common) as I love capturing her in her non-doglike moments.
xo's and slobbery kisses
Tyler

Brand Review: It Cosmetics

Holy mackerel it's been some time since I hopped on here. Apologies, I'm in the midst of moving and what comes with moving is not fun stuff. Time to take a break, grab a drink, and talk to my lovely readers.
I'm going to do a quick review of all the products I have acquired from It Cosmetics, and let ya'll know if the brand is really worth trying.
A little about the brand: The company was created by Jamie Kern and her whole idea behind the line was to make good-for-you "skincare" type products that were also helped developed by plastic surgeons. Long story short, she made this line for women of all ages, to help hide imperfections (pores, deep/fine lines, redness, etc.) and make the skin look beautiful and natural. Here's what I think.
The line is usually advertised on QVC about once every two weeks, but of course when you are watching QVC they make anything look like it's the best thing ever. I made my first It Cosmetics purchase at Ulta, and fell in love with a few products that I will repurchase off QVC for the better prices. Is that cheating?

I first tried the YBBB Your Brows But Better Universal Brow Pencil in Taupe. Mom got it in a QVC set (how ironic) and doesn't use brow products so she passed it to me. It's so creamy, and really works for all colors. If you have light hair, use a lighter stroke with it and if you have dark hair, press a little more firmly for darker color. So cool. And the staying power is awesome.
I ventured and decided to try the Your Skin But Better CC+, get ready, Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream+ Anti Aging Hydrating Serum+ SPF50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Natural Physical Chemical-Free Sunscreen, Paraben Free (shade medium). WHEW! What a mouthful. This baby claims to be an all-in-one product that cuts getting ready in half. It's your moisturizer, sunscreen, anti-aging product, and foundation all in one. I have to admit, I was SO skeptical at first but after putting it to the test for a few months, I bought a backup! It gives great coverage, blends easily, works for both dry and oily skin (I use a powder to set my T-zone so it doesn't get shiny) looks really natural, and not cakey at ALL. The sunscreen is such a bonus and I can't wait to use it in the summer.
Then, I decided to try the most-hyped product in the line (Bye-Bye-Undereye Concealer) but in a concentrated form. It's pretty much a pigment that color-corrects dark circles without feeling heavy with  extra product. I thought this would be awesome, but I find myself putting this on before my foundation, then applying another concealer over the top of it for extra coverage. It really does color correct, but I need more coverage to hide my circles. It has anti aging properties so it's like using a daytime eye cream. Still pretty cool, but I probably won't repurchase.
Recently, I purchased the new Eyelift in a Tube (Bye-Bye-Undereye original formula on one end and Hello Light Illuminator on the other) and I am loving it! The concealer is awesome. Doesn't crease, crack, dry out my eye, or budge. It gives amazing coverage and looks natural. The Hello Light is also really nice to add to any dark areas of my face (under eye, sides of nose) and to highlight the middle of my face. Very good product so far.
Finally, I purchased the Bye-Bye-Pores anti-aging translucent setting powder. This is such a finely milled powder and is so undetectable on the skin… it. is. GORGEOUS. I use it to set my t-zone over any foundation and eye concealer and my skin looks airbrushed every time. I don't know how it works, but it just does. I also use this over my pore-blurring primer when I don't have time for makeup and makes my skin look…. poreless. LOL. So cliche. But it really does. Highly highly highly recommend if you are on the market for a new translucent powder.

YBBB, CC+, Eyelift In a Tube (concealer, illumator), BBUE Corrector Concentrate

Overall, if I only had to suggest two, they would have to be the CC+ cream and the Bye Bye Pores. Together, they are perfection. I wouldn't try the corrector concentrate again, I feel there are better options out there but I'm definitely going to use it up. The Eyelift in a Tube is a REALLY close runner up, I would even say a tie with the Bye Bye Pores, but right now the two just pair so amazingly and give me a flawless face. LOVE.
I gotta say, this line is a pretty good one! There are a few hits and misses, like any brand, but I can't wait to see what Jamie comes up with in the future.
Thanks for reading! I'll be sure to put up another post this week.
xo's
Tyler

Recipe Time! Sausage and Peppers

Happy Day-After-Saint-Patricks Day! I forgot to take pictures of my dinner last night but boy oh boy did I make a mean corned beef. YUM.
I thought I would share one of my all time favorite recipes of a meal I grew up eating aaallllll the time. It's super easy, super delicious, and looks like something you would buy at an Italian sandwich shop in New York. (I think that's what my dad was going for)  Let's jump in to my "Sausage and Peps" Sandwich.

You will need:
Italian Sausage- I really like to use Hot or Spicy, it gives the best flavor. Hands down my favorite sausage of all time is Rays Own Brand sold locally in the central coast grocery stores.
3 Bell Peppers- Your choice of either two red and one green or vice versa. I used two green only because they were tiny this go around at the store. I typically like using two red and one green.
1 medium Yellow Onion
Garlic- I like to use about 3 cloves, minced
Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little more kick
Hoagie buns (or hot dog buns work okay too)

Let's get cookin'. In a medium sized pan (make sure you have a lid that fits) throw the sausage in over medium low heat and cover. I like to turn them every 3 minutes or so. While they are cooking, cut up the veggies into long 1/4 inch slices and set aside. When cutting the onion, cut the ends off then stand it on one of the flat ends, cut it straight down the middle, lay it flat and then cut 1/4 inch slices. I have a garlic mincer/crusher thingamajig (thanks mom) so I always use fresh garlic for everything. If you have minced garlic in the fridge you can totally use that, or just give the fresh cloves a really nice chop with your knife.

After the sausage has been cooking for about 10 minutes, I add in my veggies to the pan along with the garlic, seasonings, a little bit of olive oil and cover. Every 3 minutes I give the veggies a stir and move the sausages around. When the peppers have no longer become stiff and onions are translucent, I take the sausage out and cut them lengthwise, then in half just so that Nick can pile a bunch in his sandwich and get a bite of everything. I throw them back in the pan, give a stir and then grab some tongs and put them in a toasted bun with a little bit of mayo. (I HATE mayonnaise but with this sandwich it just works. Give it a try!) I didn't take a picture of the finished product in sandwich form because I simply got too hungry and ate it. Oops!

This is such an easy and cheap meal to make, so if you need a simple and quick meal that tastes amazing… give this one a shot. Ciao!
xo's
Tyler

Face Masks - Are they necessary?

I have used face masks on and off while growing up… I mean, it's a total girl thing right? Sitting on the couch in a white robe with your hair in a towel, painting your toenails, while having a lime-green mask on your face and a glass of wine. No? Not really? Alright fine, it's usually when I'm cleaning or have a quick ten minutes to spare before I jump in the shower. The number one reason why we don't use masks often, or at all, is because of how time consuming they can be. You gotta wash your face, dry it off, steam your face, apply the goop and wait. Is it really worth the trouble? I have come to find that using a mask once every week or two actually does help with the texture and clarity of my skin. Certain masks help with cleansing, clearing pores, hydrating the skin, and detoxifying it as well. I had no knowledge of this until I researched some and started committing myself to setting time aside for a once-a-week-scary-face-session. I've tried a handful, and these are my best, and worst face masks.

 

#1 Top Fave- Lush Mask Of Magnaminty ($12). Hands down the best for my skin I have tried, and that's affordable. This little guy has gotten me through 8 uses and I still have more than half the container left. It's very cooling to the skin, and sucks out a lot of my impurities and opens up my pores. When I feel my skin is starting to have a few blemishes or uneven texture, I slap this on for 15 minutes and it does wonders. I like to follow with a Bioré Pore Strip on my nose (for those super stubborn blackheads) and it leaves me with a super soft, clean face! It doesn't leave my skin dry or tight, it's just amazing. It smells and looks like mint chocolate ice cream. Yuuuuuuummmmmm! Plus, it's made of all natural ingredients and NEVER tested on animals. Go Lush!

A great runner up is the Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure (can be found at Ulta, Target, and Walgreens) Skin Clarifying Mud Mask. This mask is more clay based and goes in for a deep clean for problematic skin. I don't use this as often since I found the Lush mask, but it really is great for when you have blemishes or can feel them coming on, this will dry them out and prevent some from happening. If you have dry skin, I don't recommend this specific one.

Also, I have tried the Queen Helene Mint Julep mask from any drugstore ($3) and it really is a great classic mask. I ran out a few months ago but I won't repurchase until I finish the Formula 10.0.6 one.

If you have dry skin you need to focus on finding a mask with hydrating properties and is more designed for the drier type.

The two not-so-great masks I have tried are from the Michael Todd True Organics line. A quick story: I had heard about this line by multiple beauty lovers who constantly raved about them and how they were mostly organic and vegan. Now, I did jump on the organic "all natural" train when I started getting random rashes on my body and my dermatologist told me it was an allergic reaction to something we couldn't figure out. She recommended me I switch to more natural products… which is totally besides the point of face masks but I found out about this line around the same time I went to my dermatologist. Needless to say, I liked it for a week, and ended up HATING it. It is so not worth the "discounted price" you can get these at and I think it is a total gimmick. They list sets and products at a relatively high price and offer you a "coupon code" for over 60% off. When companies do that, it typically means that the products aren't worth the "listed price" in the first place, they're really worth the discounted price. I feel like I'm getting very irritated about this subject. Sorry. Back to masks. I do like that they designated a more hydrating mask for the drier skin type and a clay based mask for the problematic acne prone skin, but I do not feel they do that great of a job and I'm sure I can find better ones that act the same for under 5 bucks. 

Let's talk about the overly hyped, much talked about, ranted and raaaaaaaaved about, GlamGlow Masks. I don't have a picture of it because I personally do not own it, though I have tried the SuperMud and the ThirstyMud and yes, they are great masks. The SuperMud mask literally sucks all the impurities out of your pores and leaves you with a soft, cleansed skin (like my Lush one does!). The ThirstyMud mask is a very hydrating mask that doesn't dry. It stays tacky while your skin drinks it up and gets very well moisturized. This mask says on the jar that you can even sleep in it. I personally think it is way too messy to sleep in and that my skin isn't dry enough to use this product to see a difference. These guys come at a hefty price tag of $69.00 for a 1.2 ounce jar. I personally think that is outrageous for getting only up to 3 uses out of it. CRAZY. Yes, the SuperMud sample I did have did awesome things to my skin, but these things aren't permanent, the results last a couple days just like any other mask. I don't see myself investing in such a pricy product that doesn't last me multiple uses. I would rather go out and get a facial! However, if you have money to burn and have a special event to go to and want awesome skin in 15 minutes, go for it. This is just my personal opinion of course. If it were half the price I would probably buy it but it's still such little product for what you are spending! Ok, enough rant. Look it up on Sephora's website and decide for yourself :) and of course ask for a sample before you buy! 

Before I go, here are the steps I use when applying a mask. 

I cleanse my face free of makeup (I don't worry about eye makeup, NEVER apply a mask on your eyes) and with hot water running, you can boil water if you prefer, I "tent" my face with a towel and let the steam warm up my face and open my pores. I apply my mask in circular motions all over my face avoiding my lips and eye area. I pour myself a glass of wine…. just kidding, I usually gather up my pajamas or robe, tidy up the bathroom, start my shower, anything to kill 10-15 minutes. I like to remove my mask in the shower since it is WAY easier to wash it off that way and not make a giant mess. To each their own! I pat my face dry, finish my skincare routine, and end with a moisturizer. That's it! Go grab a mask and create your own relaxing spa-like evening pampering yourself. :)

xo's

Tyler

Makeup Geek Shadows

Today I want to talk about something I'm SUPER excited to start using…. Makeup Geek Eyeshadows. I've heard people rave about these bad boys for so long so I decided to get a few to check them out. Let me tell you, they are totally worth the hype! The texture is so creamy and soft and blend like a dream, and they also have a really great staying power.

Now, you might be wondering "Why they heck do they come in a little envelope without any type of packaging?!" This is the super cool part. If you are familiar with individual MAC shadow pans and their "build your own palette" these are the exact same size and actually fit in the MAC palettes too! Cool part? They retail for only $5.99 a shade while MAC retails for $10 a shade. The quality of MakeupGeek is just as great if not better than MAC.

The MakeupGeek website has the option to buy an empty "Z-Palette" (empty magnetic palette to fill up with your choice of shadows) that retails for $25 and fits up to 25 shadows. A MAC palette that fits 15 shadows is $160 (including your choice of shadows). To be honest, I think the z-palette is still over priced and MAC is outrageous so I made two my own for under 5 bucks! I'll have a DIY post all about how I did it soon :) The shadows come in a magnetic pan with the name of it on the bottom, so it's relatively easy to find out what shade you are using. I love that!

Now, if this whole "make your own palette" things isn't quite for you, you can definitely buy the MakeupGeek shadows in their own individual compact for $7.99 while MAC's are a whopping $15! Although MAC has a wider variety of shades, while MakeupGeek is constantly releasing more to add to their inventory. Also, they are working on launching…. BLUSHES!!! I am so flipping excited for that. Ugh I can't even. Back to eyeshadows! I have to say that for the price and amazing quality, MakeupGeek knocks MAC shadows out of my vanity. Now that I have seen and felt them for myself,  I'm so excited to purchase more!!

*swatches of just a single touch of the shadows. SO pigmented!!

Here are the colors I picked for my first time purchase:

Cocoa Bear, Creme Brûlée, Peach Smoothie, Cosmopolitan, and Country Girl

I got mostly neutrals because, well, I love neutrals. Also, I was on the hunt for a couple perfect transition shades and boy did they deliver! I needed better lighting to really capture how these babies look but I'm going to work on that. Cosmopolitan is a goooooorrrgeous rose gold and Country Girl is a red toned brown with gold shimmer. Go check out the website for more amazing colors, I sure will! Plus shipping is only one dollar! Score!
I'll keep ya'll posted on when she releases the new blushes too ;)
xo's
Tyler

Tip Tuesday! Dry Shampoo

If only I knew about dry shampoo when I was in high school… what a time saver that would have been. I was a year round volleyball player and after those long practices and games washing my hair every day was a must. What a hassle. And not very good for my hair! 

I discovered dry shampoo in my early years of college and man oh man has it seriously made an impact on getting ready in the morning. I went from washing my hair every day to washing it only twice a week. Sounds crazy, but my hair is so healthy and strong from not washing it every day and stripping all my natural oils from it. 

I usually stick to washing my hair on Monday nights and Friday mornings. 

My Day 1 hair is freshly washed and dried and I add no extra product to it. Day 2 hair may look a little flat and oily on the crown of my head and around my face from using my face oil at night. I'll do a light spray on the sections that need a little freshen up. Day 3 hair looks like a hot mess when I wake up so I start sectioning my hair from the left side of my ear and spray dry shampoo along the part and repeat section by section all the way to the right side. I let it sit in my hair for about 2 minutes and then run my fingers through and massage it in and brush out my hair. Day 4 hair usually isn't too bad since I used the dry shampoo all over my head the day before, so I typically put a volumizing powder or spray in to give my hair a little lift. 

Since I use so much product to suck up any excess oil, I need to use a really clarifying shampoo to get all the build up out. And when I say "build up" I don't mean there's a ton of gunk in my hair but it's important to get it completely clean to start the process all over again! I like to use Lush Big Shampoo that has large sea salt granules to get my hair squeaky clean and smells soooooooooo good!!! I'll save that for another post. ;) 

These are my top favorites that I have found to work the best with my hair, and would recommend using to people who wash their hair every day and want to try and skip a few days in between to build stronger, healthier hair.  

Batiste Dry Shampoo hint of color Dark and Deep Brown (at TjMaxx for about $5 or drugstores for $8-10) This one is great because it smells really clean and doesn't leave a white cast, and leaves your hair looking freshly washed. 

Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo (TjMaxx $6, Target $10-12) This one is really good for volumizing day old hair and giving great texture. If you are used to having the silky-clean feeling at your roots, this one will throw you off for a while. It gives grit and hold and you can definitely feel it when you run your fingers through your roots. It smells sort of like a powder scent deodorant, not to strong. I love this for giving my crown lift and volume, like teasing in a can! 

Bumble and Bumble Prét-à-Powder ($18 Sephora) is is described as "equal parts dry shampoo, style extender and volume in a pinch." I LOVE this stuff!!! It has an incredibly light scent that is a touch flowery and it gives you some serious Texas hair if applied to the roots. I love love love this dry shampoo. If I have freshly washed hair and plan on going somewhere I love to put this at my crown and fluff it up. If I want volume to Day 4 hair I add this on top of my Batiste. It's love in a bottle. Ugh. A little goes a long way, ad as a white powder it miraculously doesn't leave any while film on my dark hair! I love love love this stuff. Ok I'll stop obsessing. 

Thanks for reading! I'll be sure to put a recipe up some time this week for you :)

xo's

Tyler

The Monday Blues

I don't know about you guys but I really, really, REALLY dislike daylight savings time. Losing an hour of sleep is one thing but man, trying to wake up this morning was a disaster! Plus it's Monday. Who likes Mondays? Not me. Nope. I am still incredibly tired so I thought I would talk a little about my favorite nail polish at the moment which happens to be blue. Clever eh? ;) Not really, I know. Bear with me.

One of my favorite colors is teal, any shade of teal really, and white. (Breakfast at Tiffany's anyone?) So when I stumbled on this color last summer I just had to have it. The shade is For Audrey (coincidental that it is also the name of one of my besties) and its from the brand China Glaze. Now, I'm  not huuuuuge on nail polish since I work part time at a coffee house and they frown on painting of the fingernails so when I'm off for a couple days I like to add a splash of color. I've had this color on for a total of 4 days with absolutely no chipping, with only one coat plus a clear topper! Love it! It dries pretty quick and leaves no streaky lines or see-through spots.

I've had the polish for almost a year and had no issues with it getting thick and goopy, so I would say if you are in the market for a new polish to check out China Glaze! When I'm feeling spunky I add a white accent nail or white bow to get the true Tiffany's look going. It really is a beautiful color!
Happy Monday-After-Daylight-Savings!!!
xo's
Tyler

My Nightly Skincare Routine

Hello again! Since my last post was about face oils I thought I should explain how I put them to use… along with my other skincare loves at the moment. :)
I never had a set regimen until I found these products. Goodbye dull, dry, acne prone skin… helllooooooo gorgeous! I never realized what these products were actually doing to my skin until a consultant at Ulta stopped me in my tracks and asked what I used on my face because it was so "radiant" and "poreless". I was caught off guard because I was wearing nothing but concealer (for those hideous purple under eye circles I have) and a light powder. Needless to say, I'm sticking with this routine!

To start off, I remove my makeup with DRY fingers and DRY face with the Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil. Here we go again with the oil! I kid you not though this is a game changer. Not only does it literally melt off every tiny bit of makeup (including eye makeup!) but it helps with acne prone skin! My previous cleanser would dry the heck out of my forehead and brow bones (even though I have combo skin) and this saved the day. Amazing.
I then wet my fingers and massage the oil a little more then completely rinse my face. I follow with First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (safe for sensitive skin) with my Clarisonic. The cleanser is so gentle and removes any leftover residue from the cleansing oil. Now keep in mind, you can use this cleanser without the oil I would just recommend washing your face twice. Once to get all your makeup off, then again to make sure it's squeaky clean. I would highly recommend purchasing a Clarisonic if you have problematic skin or easily clogged pores. I had both! A cheaper alternative is the Olay Face Brush at any drugstore.
Once I'm done cleansing my skin, I usually use my PeterThomasRoth Max Complexion Correction pads. Those babies are jam packed with multi purpose ingredients to help with acne, texture, pores, wrinkles, hydration, and anti-aging. I looooooveee them! I had cystic acne on my forehead while in culinary school and when I started using these… bye bye blemishes! A good tip is to take a clean pair of sharp scissors and cut the pads in half. Turn 60 pads into 120 and boom! They last for a good long while!
After I let that soak into my skin, I follow with the Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Oil. I place about 3 drops on my fingers and rub all over my face. It makes my skin so smooth and radiant when I wake up I just love it. It does leave a bit of a strong "flowery seed" smell if that makes sense. It goes away after a few minutes.

I like to use the PTR Pads every other day in rotation with Perricone MD Blue Plasma. This is a new addition to my routine and so far I'm really enjoying it. It's described as a "nonacidic daily peel that delivers all the benefits of a traditional peel, without causing surface redness, irritation, or damage to skin." It pretty much eliminates the dead layer of skin then soothes and hydrates, and is also considered a gentle exfoliator which is important to have in a skincare routine. I'm seeing a big difference in the texture of my skin after a week of using this!
Following the Blue Plasma, I like to use Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins nighttime moisturizer. I used the Fresh Seaberry Oil after it too and it was just as awesome. Either one works! The Origins one is nice because it is SO THICK and smells like oranges. :) I wake up with the softest plumpest skin ever and it feels sooooo good. 
I usually use an eye cream as well but I'm in between a few samples and I'm trying to find a good one I like. Im leaning towards the Algenist Eye Balm but I'll keep you posted. 
Thanks for reading!! I hope this helped any of you who are in the market for a new regimen! 
xo's
Tyler 

Face Oils...What the heck?!

I'm sure by now you have heard the crazy idea of face oil. Yep. Putting oil... on your face. I literally told a lady she was crazy for recommending me an oil for my combination-type skin. Who wants to put oil on already oily skin you may ask??? Let's step back for a minute and talk about skin types first and why this will work for ANY type.
Normal- You lucky people! Nothing irritates your skin, hardly gets dry or oily, and hardly breaks out.
Dry- Obviously its a dead give away… Dry itchy patches, flaky, most of the time on the red or pinker side.
Oily- Most of the time you get oily within a couple hours of washing your face typically on the forehead or T-Zone area. (forehead, nose, chin) With no dry patches whatsoever.
Combination- This is me. I thought I was straight oily, but after really taking care of my skin and noticing what it needed I found that I have VERY combination skin. Oily in my t-zone and dry above my eyebrows and jaw line. I was killing my skin using products designed for very oily skin type thinking it was going to eliminate any acne I had or would get in the future.

I was wrong. Very wrong. Breakouts happen when our skin over-produces oil, or when the skin is very dry and not getting enough oil/hydration. (also, the drier the skin the more likely you will wrinkle faster!) Adding oil to oily skin actually combats natural oil production, and keeps the skin happy.
I used to use Proactiv every night to suck everything out of my face so I wouldn't get any breakouts, but I was sooooooo dry and irritated after using it and my skin was so dull. And I still broke out! After jumping on the face oil train and adding it to my nighttime regimen,  noticed the biggest change in my skin I have ever seen.
I present to you… (drumroll please) Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil. This was my first face oil jump. It feels like the typical oil you would think of. It sits on your skin and it leaves you looking like a slip-n-slide. Definitely for nighttime only, but it takes the place of your nighttime moisturizer. It really is amazing.

For those of you who want to ease your way in to this newfound crazy idea, I would recommend the Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil LIGHT. It's the same formula, but absorbs into the skin and isn't as heavy as the original. I actually switched to the light and use the regular for my body/ends of my hair. Also, because this oil is pure, you can use it under your eyes for moisture as well.

Bring in the big guns, in a tiny bottle. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil. This little guy is packed with restoring omegas which helps to maintain a youthful appearance. It helps with elasticity, makes the skin more vibrant, and protects with antioxidants. This is my newest addition to my oil club and I LOVE it. The smell is a little strong, but it fades quickly.

Don't be scared to try this step in your nightly routine! I had serious reservations about putting oil on my face but it has made my skin so hydrated, vibrant, and cleared up my breakouts. Oily-skinned gals, DON'T be afraid!! Ask for a 2 week sample next time you're at Sephora or Nordstrom and give it a whirl.
Any questions? Just ask!
xo's
Tyler

Favorite Sigma Brushes and How I Clean Them

Hooray for my first post! Let's get crackin!

When I first started getting into makeup, like most, I knew NOTHING. It takes a lot of trial and error… unless of course you were born a pro (unlikely). Little did I know the brushes/applicators used to apply  makeup makes all the difference in the world.

I got introduced to Sigma after lots of researching and video-watching and decided to order a few.

Goooooooood golly. They. Are. Awesome.

Here's a list of my top favorite Sigma Brushes and what I use them for. 

From top to bottom:
F50 Duo Fibre- Perfect for applying bronzer or blending out blush/bronzer.
F40 Large Angled Contour- Great for blush application, the angle fits the hollows of the cheeks perfectly!
F84 Angled Kabuki- Blends out cream contour like a dream.
F80 Flat Top Kabuki- My all time FAVORITE foundation brush. Applies liquid foundation so smoothly and flawlessly with no streaks and great coverage.
E40 Tapered Blending- Great for blending out eyeshadow in the crease.
E25 Blending- Perfect for over-the-lid blending and darker outer corner shadows.
E30 Pencil Brush- Favorite to use for smoking out the lower lash line or smudging out liner.

I would highly recommend these brushes to anyone who is in the market for some, or even girls who are just starting out in the makeup world. They are also way more affordable and, in my opinion, better than MAC brushes. A definite win in my book.

 

 

* the pink brush is an E05 Eyeliner brush I got as a freebee and LOVE it for gel liner!

Alright! In order to keep these babies for a good long while, we gotta clean em! Here's my cheap and super easy way of cleaning (all) of my makeup brushes.

Take a regular kitchen plate and pour about 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap on it. (This will kill any bacteria your brushes may have)

Add about 1/2 teaspoon of Olive Oil to your soap and mix it around with your finger. (This will help keep your brushes conditioned)

Dampen your brushes pointing DOWNWARD under lukewarm running water. Swirl the wet brush in the soapy mixture, you can use your hands if you want, then rinse them out still pointing downward. 

Take a small towel and gently squeeze any excess water out of the bristles and lay them sideways on a dry towel to finish drying. 

You can also take a book or something with a raised edge and lay the brushes at a downward angle to prevent any water from being soaked up the barrel. 

Hope you enjoyed this post! Stay updated for more! 
xo's 
Tyler