Twenty Something Plus

April 25, 2016

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Even Better Clinical

Facial discoloration is something that I’ve gotten really good at hiding. I have tried products that seemed to work, only to still have darks spot after using them.

At a photo shoot, while I was getting my makeup done the makeup artist asked if I had any issues with my face. I shared about my acne scars, which she assured me weren’t nearly as big a concern as I was feeling they were. But she said that if I was looking for a treatment, I should give Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector a try.

You have to apply the serum twice a day to see results. It’s prescription strength and after 12 weeks you should see up to 58% improvement.

This stuff is not cheap. I got the smallest size (4 week supply) and it set me back about $50. I didn’t want to invest in a 12 week supply ($144.50) if I didn’t notice a difference after four weeks, which the product assures you should start to notice improvement around them.

I only just starting using it and will be sharing about my experience over time. So, make sure to check back in for my first update!

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April 22, 2016

New Naturals

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Birchbox Limited Edition Box New Naturals

I have been saying for a while now, that I want to start using more products that are good for me. Aside from Beautycounter, I didn’t know of a lot of brands or products. After looking into it, I wasn’t sure where to start.

And then, just like in answer to my beauty prayers, Birchbox announced their Limited Edition New Naturals box!

I ordered it along with the Limited Edition Beauty in Bloom box. I honestly couldn’t tell you which one I’m loving more!

After trying most of the products in the box, I’m already planning to get my hands on more products from Au Naturale, rms beauty and W3LL PEOPLE.

Definitely worth the $59 for $215 worth of products!

April 21, 2016

Vodka Drinks

I’m almost always up for a fun time spent with good friends. Especially when there are drinks involved!

We’ve (Jessica of The Confetti Bar, Alonda of @abstyled, and yours truly) partnered with First Avenue Vodka, to make three different vodka drinks, using their debut sugar-free vodka collection. Original flavored vodka for a classic mojito, Elderflower flavored vodka for a spiked lavender lemonade, and Whipped flavored vodka for a fun creamsicle inspired treat!

Thanks to Small Kitchen Big Taste we were able to use fresh fruits and veggies, everything from kumquats (which we had never tried before), to cucumbers.

To see the official Pink Couch Lounge photos that were styled by @abstyled and snapped by The Confetti Bar, along with the drink recipes, head over to The Confetti Bar’s blog.

April 19, 2016

Tender Romance

Fragrance samples are far from hard to come by, but that’s not so much the case when it comes to finding scents that you’ll actually wear.

Personally, I prefer light airy smells. Faint florals or hints of citrus. Even better when the notes gently elicit the happiest of feelings.

When I found out about the Ralph Lauren box free through Influester, I wasn’t exactly sure that I wanted it. I mean, another perfume sample? Doubt aside, my curiosity got the best of me. And thankfully so!

Ralph Lauren’s Tender Romance perfume is the ideal fragrance for spring. It reminds me of when things start to bloom and merely walking outside inspires hope and romance.

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April 18, 2016

Beauty in Bloom

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

It’s been a very long time since the last time I purchased a Limited Edition Birchbox. But the Beauty in Bloom box has a couple of products I had been dying to try and a really cute tray to put it all in!

Honestly, I wanted the tray for blog photos.

The products that I had to have?

The Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer (in High-Speed Sonnet) and stila HUGE extreme lash mascara. The rest was all a super sweet bonus!

There wasn’t a single thing that didn’t like or won’t use.

There’s always the option to buy the full size of the products individually. But, why? When for $64 you get $188 worth of products! Which is basically buy two get a bunch of other stuff free!

April 15, 2016

How to Get the Perfect Pout for Spring

It is finally looking like New England is done with snow.

Which means it’s time to revive my lips for spring.

Literally.

When it comes to getting the perfect pout for spring, there are really only three lip products that I need. Lip scrub, lip liner, and lip cream.

Starting with Beauty for Real’s Lip Revival Lip Scrub, gently rub to remove any dead excess skin and reveal smooth kissable lips. Rinse and pat dry.

Now you’re ready to get really ready!

Line your lips with the D-Fine Lip Pencil, it’s great for all lip colors. Which brings us to lip cream.

I have been looking for a pretty pink that feels springy without making me look ridiculous. The Beauty for Real Lip Cream in Flash is the only non-sheer pink I haven’t felt like I had to combine with another color in order to wear it out of the house.

Plus, it really leaves my lips nice and soft.

The perfect pout!

April 13, 2016

#MAKEYourself

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

MAKE Beauty is one of my top ten makeup brands. They make my absolute favorite lip gloss, plus they are all about collaboration. They select makeup artists and expert artisans to help inspire their color palettes. If you don’t already, you really should be doing your homework on the brands you use.

If you don't already, you really should be doing your homework on the brands you use. Click To Tweet

When I like a brand as much as I do MAKE Beauty, even if I’ve tried a product or two before, I usually want to try their entire line. Financially that isn’t a possibility, so I literally pounced on the opportunity to sample their Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster and Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy.

Lighter shades aren’t typically my thing, but I am totally digging these for spring. The samples may look tiny, but they pack a lot of punch!

The full size versions cost $25 each. They also have a $10 sample kit that includes two eyeshadows and a lip color, and a percentage of their sales is donated to their non-profit partner, We See Beauty Foundation.

If you’re interested in giving MAKE Beauty a try, use the code MAKEYOURSELF for 20% off sitewide! (This code is only valid until this Friday.)

April 7, 2016

How to Look 10 Years Younger (Tips from The Age Fix)

It’s no secret that I like to tweak my skincare a ton, trying new products to find the ones that work best for me and my skin. While I tend to gravitate towards whatever is new or trending, sometimes it’s nice to get advice from a professional.

Dr. Anthony Youn is a top plastic surgeon, but his book The Age Fix is all about how to keep your skin healthy and looking young without surgery.

He shares everything from DIY face mask recipes, to quick makeup fixes. My personal favorite part is the section on what to eat for your best skin. I haven’t been able to fully commit to giving the suggested meal plan a try.

It is on my to do list, though.

For now, I’ve been making a serious effort to drink more water (adding lemon slices has been a huge help, in addition to opting for seltzer water instead of soda every once in a while).

Also, fruit. Apples, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries. I really like fruit, so making sure to start my day with at least one of something was a pretty easy transition.

Since I’m also trying to use healthier beauty products, I figured baby steps are probably in my best interest.

April 5, 2016

Styled by 5 Featuring Jane

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Each month myself and four other boss blogger babes have been styling the same piece of clothing and since we all look and think differently from each other (hair, religion, location, skin, size, height, style…all of the above), you’ll get five totally different looks. That means you’ll get to see what I style, on other body types so you can find something that is best for you!

Not only because this is my 300th blog post, but this Styled by 5 is a little extra special. This month we’ve partnered up with Jane, to style this Cents of Style foil gold graphic tee.

This month my outfit is all about dressing up the casual. Casual doesn’t have to be boring, which is a misconception that many people have.

Casual doesn't have to be boring. Click To Tweet

Jeans and a tee can mean a lot of things, by opting for camo print Zara bottoms and adding a blazer and heels, you have a look that can be worn to brunch or a night out.

Change into a pair of Converse and you easily run all your errands, while still looking super chic.

There is going to be something fun happening over on Jane’s Instagram a little later today, so make sure to be on the lookout for that. And, as always, don’t forget to check out Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, and Alexis, Styled by 5 posts too!

March 31, 2016

How I Keep My Black Clothes Dark

A lot of people say that they only wear black. Or that black is the main color in their wardrobe. I am not one of those people.

Although I love color, I do own a lot of black clothes. Particularly a ton of skinny jeans and leggings. And I very much so prefer it when my black clothes stay dark, bold and vivid. Black is my confidence color.

I would love it if I could pick out all of my outfits in advance. However, life happens and that’s not always possible. Black is the perfect color for that. I feel confidence and look chic, regardless of what else I am wearing. Well, within reason…

Nothing is worse than having a favorite shirt or pair of jeans fade overtime. I know I don’t want that to happen. So, I switched to Woolite Darks.

My darks stay dark.

I stay confident.

I’m going to be sharing some outfits that make me feel like my very best, so be on the lookout for that post!