Skincare 101: Introduction

Hey guys, welcome back!  This is the first part of my Skincare 101 series!!

This series is meant to give all of you basic information about skincare.  This information will help all of you pick the best products for your budget and skin!

So why is skincare so important?  A good skincare regimen is important for a few reasons.  First of all, your skin is your body's largest organ and problems with your skin can indicate other problems inside of your body.  When you are taking care of your skin you can spot abnormal issues that you might not have noticed otherwise.  Another huge reason you should have a good skincare regimen is to prevent premature aging.  About 80% of premature aging comes from external factors such as, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and smoking.  Prevention is always easier than reversal.

There are four main components that you should include in your skincare routine.  They are: cleansing, toning, treatments, and moisturizing.

1. Cleansers/Makeup Removing wipes

Cleansers remove makeup, dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the skin.  It is important to note that not all cleansers remove make up.  I recommend using makeup removing wipes before cleansing. 

2. Toner

I get the question all the time: Why do I need a toner?  Well, during the cleansing process you break down the protective layer of the skin, changing the pH.  When you tone, you restore the skin back to its natural pH.

3. Treatments

I will get into treatments alot more in a later post.  The four main categories are: masks, exfoliants, and serums.

4. Moisturizer

I would like to start by saying that ALL SKIN TYPES need to moisturize!! You just need to find the moisturizer that is right for your skin. So you should have two moisturizers, one for day and one for night.  Your day moisturizer should contain an SPF of at least 15 but not over 30.  Night creams are usually a little heavier and do not contain an SPF.

I know that was a very brief overview of each category, but there will a dedicated post for each in the coming weeks.  I love you guys and thank you for all of your support! I hope you are ready for Skincare 101: Cleansers!!!

XOXO 

Obsessions for July

So I did a lot more shopping over the last six weeks than I normally do.  Oops.  I have a lot of products to share with you guys and I'm super excited!

1. Champagne Pop

This is actually a product I owned for about a year, but I have been obsessed with it this summer!  It just gives the most gorgeous glow!  I think that this highlight would honestly work for all skin types :) To purchase click here

2. Blueberry Twist 3-Wick candle

This candle is from Bath and Body Works and I truly believe that they have the best candles on earth.  This one smells like blueberries (obviously), vanilla, and coconut.  I personally can't smell the coconut, but I'll take their word for it. Don't ever buy them full price though! Always wait until they go on sale!!! Alot of times you can get them for buy one get one free.  If you are interested in purchasing click here

3. Soap and Glory The Righteous Body Butter Lotion

I know I already mentioned this on my instagram, but I cannot shut up about it!  It smells like Ms. Dior! It's super moisturizing without being greasy at all!! You know how after you apply some body butters your hands are completely useless?? That does not happen with this one! here

4. Maybelline FitMe Dewy and Smooth Foundation

This is not a new purchase for me.  I think this is the third bottle I've gotten.  Since I have been wearing it, I have gotten so many compliments on my skin.  It just makes my skin look so hydrated and healthy.  here

5. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

Confession time: I literally bought this two days ago.  But it was love at first sight.  I can't even describe how or why it's so good.  It's just magic.  Just go buy it! here

6. ColourPop Lippie Stick Lumiere

I have probably owned this for a good 5 months before I tried it.  I think I was a little scared it? But once I put it on I was in love.  But I actually loved mixing it with the next product I'm going to take about. here

7. Morphe Brush Creme Lip Polish Individualitiy

This looks so beautiful with Lumiere.  The actual color of this is a nude/coral.  I have a confession though: this is a love/hate relationship.  The color is so beautiful but the formula needs some work.  It's so pigmented that it just slides off the lips. You really have to be careful about how much you apply. here

I hope you guys enjoyed seeing what I have been loving this month!! Leave me your comments of what you have been loving!!!

Until next time!!

XOXOX

Update/Random musings

The last week or two has been absolutely insane.  I started my new job and I managed to keep my pregnancy quiet for like an hour.  I guess I was showing more than I thought I was???

This was from Saturday and I was 16.2 weeks :)

I also had my 16 week Doctor appointment today.  I had to get blood drawn which is honestly the worst. :(. It's all for a good cause so I guess I'll suck it up.

By my favorite part of the appointment is hearing Baby's heartbeat. <3

He/she sounds so healthy and strong.  The doctor gave me the go-ahead to schedule our 20 weeks ultrasound!! We just wait to find out what this little one is!!!!

On a sad note, sickness hit our house and Jon has been down with the flu for two days. :((((

I feel so helpless when he's sick.  But luckily his fever broke today and he's starting to feel a little better.  It's weird, my husband almost always gets sick in the summer. Weird???

I'm still struggling with a little bit of morning sickness, but I have a lot more energy (most days).  So I want to do things but the baby is definitely running the show these days!!

My makeup and skincare routine has been cut down to the bare minimum lately so I'm sorry if I see any of you, I look like a hot mess almost all the time.  At least in a few months I will have a newborn to excuse my appearance LO.

I decided to pamper my skin tonight and I tried out this Lancôme melting face mask tonight,  To be honest, I'm not crazy about the smell but I'll put a review in my Instagram if you guys are interested. :)

XOXO