how to: dress for success

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset Good morning! Sorry for the radio silence yesterday - that sickness was no joke. I'm already feeling much better as I type this up, and it got me to thinking: we all have those days where, for whatever reason, we feel awful. We're sick, we're sad, we're in a fight with a loved one, we got some bad news, work stress, it's raining, whatever. The temptation to put on whatever outfit is semi-clean and in front of your face is palpable. This is what I did Tuesday before my bug really started to kick in, and it didn't do me any favors. I've had a long standing philosophy that you should dress the opposite of how you feel - it truly works like a charm. If you're in need of a pick me up today, here's how to dress for success:

1. Eye cream: This is so key! When I have a sleepless night (or back when I had a shitty ex who made me cry a lot), I wake up with pillows under my eyes. Even my eyelids get really puffy. A great eye cream is key to de-puff and start fresh; I use Tata Harper's and I cannot recommend it enough. My friend taught me a great tip: keep your eye cream in the fridge. The cool application feels incredible and is instantly energizing.

2. Make-up: Sure, you can argue that make-up is sexist and unnecessary and silly and I won't argue with you. For me personally, however, I've always loved make-up, so it always makes me feel good to put on my face. To really brighten up my visage, I've been using this contour palette. I love the highlighter, which I swipe down my nose and across my hairline. Maybe you're not into make-up though, and that's fine, too! Treat yourself to a luxurious lotion application, your favorite perfume, or a new-to-you chapstick.

3. Bright colors: This is kind of obvious, I suppose, but it has to be mentioned. I wear a lot of black and blue, so it's great to pull out my favorite yellow sweater when I'm feeling less than chipper. You can't go wrong with these happy flats for Spring, either.

4. The back of your closet: Maybe you're in a bad mood because you have "nothing to wear." I've mentioned this before - really look at your wardrobe. Don't just sort through what's right in front of you (in my case, that means whatever's hanging at the end of the bed) - really have a look at what you've got. For me, that's a way to remember that I've got this chipper shirt to work with - day is instantly better.

5. Successorize: Last and never least. Do not discount the wonders that tiny studs can do. Just like you really looked at your closet - really look at your accessories. Layer some necklaces, create a thick bracelet stack, or just put on some earrings for a change.

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What do you guys think? For me, this isn't about fashion or beauty at all, it's about acknowledging that you're worth a little TLC every day, especially when you're not feeling your best. And with that, I hope you have a lovely Thursday!

xoxo,

ALLIE SIGNATURE

winter skin beauty roundup

  Processed with VSCOcam with c1 presetMorning friends! Even though we had a snow day on Tuesday, I feel like this week has been taking forever!

Maybe it's just being 30, but my skin feels particularly under the weather this winter. I love winter so much, every bit of it, but my skin does an about face halfway through the year - from oily to dry and dull. Every year I'm left scratching my head as to the best products to use, and I feel like this year I have finally figured out a good formula. Here's my daily run down of products (quick disclaimer: I use only cruelty free products, which are more and more easy to find. I highly recommend making the switch!):

MORNING:

1. Gentle Cleanser - I have loved Mario Badescu products for years, and if I need a good scrub, I use this. Otherwise, lately I have been stealing Raven's fash wash, which gets my skin super clean without completely stripping it of its oils. Once a week, I use my Clarisonicto slough off dead skin. It's a miracle product.

2. Anti-Aging Serum - My skin has completely changed since I bought Tata Harper's serum this fall. My skin feels springy and more smooth. It's pricy but it truly works.

3. Eye Cream - I recently just purchased Tata Harper's eye cream and have completely fallen in love. My eyes are so puffy in the morning, and this magical cream sucks out the puff almost instantly.

4. Moisturizer - I love a tinted moisturizer for a more even complexion (and SPF!) but find that it's not enough in the winter for my scaly skin. I've been mixing tinted and regular moisturizer everyday with exciting results.

5. Foundation - You all know my love for tarte products. This is the best foundation I have ever used. Creamy as the day is long! Tip: I tried their BB cream foundation and found that it didn't quite absorb into my skin all the way / wasn't anything special. Stick with tarte's regular foundation, and make sure to invest in a good foundation brush!

I follow these steps with bronzer and the rest of my makeup...which is another post!

Night -

1. Cleansing Cloths - No, I don't wash my face at night. I know, I'm gross, etc, etc, I just don't. I did, however, finally invest in an amazing cleansing cloth that removes my makeup, (thanks for the rec, Cup of Jo!) smells amazing and is cruelty free! After I exhaust one of the wipes, I quickly rinse my face and follow steps 2, 3, and 4 from above. Night night!

Thoughts? Any products I should try? I'm looking to invest in a silky night cream - recs appreciated!

xoxo,

ALLIE SIGNATURE

 

                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                             

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