Wednesday Roundup: Jogging Beauty

In an attempt to keep myself somewhat in shape for summer, I've taken up jogging again after a long hiatus. This by no means makes me an expert on actual jogging, but I can say that I've learned a thing or two when it comes to pre- and post-workout beauty routines. 

The products and tips below are meant to keep you looking hot when you're feeling hot (like, literally, as in temperature). Keep reading, please!

Here's an example of how good I don't look when I jog. *Photo via popsugar.com.au

Yup, this is probably more my style. *Photo via posh24.com

Tip: Keep your hair up and out of your face.


Though I don't know too many people who workout with their hair down, I would caution those who do. Sometimes the sweat and oils that build up on your scalp travel right down your hair shaft and land on your face and back. This can cause unwanted (and easily prevented) breakouts.

Product: Emi-Jay Hair Ties - $6 for 3

For three ties, this price may seem extreme (and I agree that these particular hair ties have become a little gimmicky), but these ties really don't snag your hair. Plus, Emi-Jay donates a portion of their profits to charity.

*Photo via emi-jay.com

Tip: Wear sunscreen or a hat if you prefer to jog midday.

I myself am a morning jogger, but I know there are many people who prefer to jog in the afternoon. This is totally cool, but just make sure if you're out in direct sunlight that you're using something to protect your pretty face from harsh sun.

Product(s): Sun Bum Face SPF 30+ Face Stick - $10 and/or a baseball cap.

I've sung my Sun Bum praises on here before, but I really, truly love their Face Stick. In fact, it's one of the only sunscreen products I've ever been able to use continuously without irritation or breakouts. It's the perfect size for carrying in your bag and it also smells like bananas. If you're not convinced by sunscreen, though, a baseball cap will provide at least a little protection and, bonus, it will keep your hair away from your face!

*Photo via trustthebum.com

Tip: Cleanse your face before and after jogging (or before/after any other type of workout).

Washing your face prior to a workout may seem silly, but when working out, your sweat, makeup and oil will mingle to create a mixture sure to cause pimples. By washing pre-workout, you ensure that your sweaty makeup won't cause any problems later on. Also, after working out take a few seconds to cleanse your face again for the obvious reason of, duh, sweat. Whether you want to take the time to do a full cleanse or you just want to wipe off with a facial towelette, anything is better than nothing.

Product(s): One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser - $29 for 8.8 oz.; Dickinson's Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - $5 for 20


If you're one of those who's going to do a full cleanse, use a gentle foaming formula like Easy Does It by One Love Organics. The goal here is to remove sweat and oil, not to completely strip your skin.

If you prefer the quick wipe down approach, you already know I've got some serious love for Dickinson's Oil Controlling Towelettes. Their ingredient list is minimal and they combine witch hazel with aloe for a skin-calming effect. Also, at $5 for 20, these are easily the most affordable product on my jogging list.

Tip: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Drinking water before, during and after your workout should be a no-brainer, but I really want to push this tip because hydration plays such a huge role in your skin's appearance. I dare you to skip one day of drinking water and I guarantee your skin will look dull and your fine lines will be much more prominent. Drinking water, even when you're not working out, is one way to guarantee that your skin looks its best.

Product(s): bkr bottle - $13

Though I am still using a plastic water bottle myself, I am a huge fan of glass water bottles. I think they're much safer (less risk of nasty chemicals like BPA) and pretty darn stylish as well. These bkr bottles, in particular, are gorgeous and come in a multitude of different colors. They might even make a decent graduation gift (hey, mom and dad!).

*Photo via freshfaced.ca

Now that I've shared all of my best jogging beauty tips, I'd love to hear yours! Please share in the comments. Also, if you're not feeling jogging, there's always this creepy workout alternative...

Wednesday Roundup: A Little Love for the Stain

I think some people have trouble hopping on the lip/cheek stain bandwagon for many reasons, but mainly because a "stain" is something bad that happens to white shirts when drinking red wine or something you got in trouble for, for doing to the carpet when you were a kid. Basically, "stain" has all of theses negative connotations, so many people are left asking, "Why on earth would one want to use a stain on their lips or cheeks?" Well, gorgeous readers, I could give you a million different reasons why stains should be in each of your beauty arsenals, but I'm going to start with the three most important.

1. Almost all stains are two-in-one: If you're a travel or convenience junkie like myself, you know that makeup can take up valuable space. By carrying one product that acts as your blush and lip color, you free up some space that can be used for important things like healthy snacks (or brownies perhaps).

2. Stains. last. forever.: At least, if you're buying quality lip and cheek stains they do. However, while this is a benefit, it is also a caveat. Many people don't realize that when working with stains, you have to blend those babies in quickly or risk sporting striped cheeks all day. Stain with caution!

3. They are perfect for the summer: In a season where sweat and oiliness reign supreme, you need color that will stick to your skin and not slide around. Yes, yes, Addison we now know for sure that stains stay put (See #2), but did you know they also give you this awesome light wash of color? The natural flush stains provide is perfect for those minimal makeup spring days.

I am forever attached to my stains. At the moment, I'm loving Lollitint, a "candy-orchid" stain by Benefit. Like I said, though, liquid stains can be tricky to work with and the popular stains by Benefit are no different. It helps to experiment with a gel stain like theBalm Stainiac or Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelées first before committing to a liquid.

I think after a little experimentation you'll find that stains are exactly what your makeup kit is missing. Now, tell me: have you tried any lip or cheek stains? Do you have a favorite?

*All photos via Sephora.com or Birchbox.com

Wednesday Roundup: "Why I Don't Wear Makeup" by Leandra Medine

If you're into fashion, you've undoubtedly heard of Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller. She is one cool, classy, sassy and fabulous lady who has a lot to say about fashion and a little to share about her opinions on makeup.

She's gorgeous!
*Photo via The Coveteur

Not known for her blending techniques or winged liner expertise, Medine doesn't use makeup in her everyday life and to that I say, "You go girl!" She exudes an enviable confidence in everything she does and I personally think it'd be a shame to cover such light with makeup. However, she has readers and business partners who disagree.

Apparently some guy (a supposed business "professional") called her "ugly as f**k" in an email on which she was accidentally cc'd, leading her to address this issue publicly in her article, "Why I Don't Wear Makeup." I hate that the basis for the article was hateful comments, but I am so glad Medine wrote it. It's a great read.

Check out "Why I Don't Wear Makeup" for yourself if you get the chance and start being a little kinder to yourself when you look in the mirror. If you feel better without makeup, then you wear that naked face with pride (I'm admittedly still working on this). Yay, Leandra!

Wednesday Roundup: Sunny Day Strolls in Lexington

I wrote the book on winter laziness. As soon as the thermostat drops below 50, I can be found inside, cuddled up in a fleece blanket with a warm beverage in hand. I think bears could actually take a lesson or two on hibernation from me. But, come springtime, I love to be outside.

Yesterday in Lexington, Ky., we had our first day of gorgeous spring weather and at 75 degrees, you know I had to be out and about. My boyfriend and I walked to get Graeter's ice cream, then afterwards we browsed some great local shops, including Michler's Florist and Black Swan Books, which are both pictured below.

Maybe I didn't burn 1,000 calories on our little walk, but I definitely had a wonderful time chatting with friendly store workers and rediscovering Lexington. I can't wait to see what spring has in store for me, even if it's just a few more ice cream cones! How do you like to spend your sunny days?

Wednesday Roundup: Schmidt's Deodorant and Stopping Natural Deo Hate

Prior to switching my beauty preferences to more natural, I shared the popular opinion that natural deodorant was kind of a "hippie" thing (whatever that means... I've definitely done a lot of re-evaluation of this term in the past few months). And even though my mom still thinks I'm crazy for applying deodorant with my hands, I've found the transition from mainstream to natural deodorant to be incredibly easy. I figure if there's one little thing I can do to counteract unhealthy decisions in my life (shout out to 8 p.m. 2-for-1 subs at Penn Station with the boyfriend), then why not make the switch?

Currently, I'm using Schmidt's Deodorant in Lavender + Sage. Not only does this stuff smell perfectly herb-y and clean, it also works. With ingredients like shea and cocoa butter, I've found that my armpits are far less irritated than they ever were with my once beloved Dove deodorant. Actually, Schmidt's has proven to be gentler than even Primal Pit Paste, which was pleasantly surprising to me.

Other key ingredients in the deo like arrowroot powder and baking soda absorb moisture, while essential oils provide fragrance. This combination keeps things fresh all day long.

Natural deodorant may not be on your radar at the moment, but seriously, it's not a hippie thing. It's far healthier than slathering unknown chemicals onto one of the more absorbent parts of your body. Just read this info on natural deodorant from Food Matters and then tell me that you're not at least slightly convinced to ditch your regular deodorant.

That being said, I'm not here to scare you into using natural deodorant. I just want to let you know that there are some great smelling, adorably packaged options out there that are worth giving a try (Schmidt's!).

Have you tried natural deodorants? Are you already a long-time devotee?

Wednesday Roundup: Travel-Inspired Beauty Goods

Because I've been feeling a particularly strong urge to travel lately, I figured that it was only appropriate that I conjure up a random product-based Wednesday Roundup post inspired my some of my favorite travel souvenirs and memories. Enjoy!

I'm going to start out with an old favorite because during literally every trip I've been on since high school, I've been caught toting around at least one or two of these Dickinson's Witch Hazel Daily Facial Towelettes. They are individually packaged and perfect in every way. If you don't believe my love is real, just check out my other Dickinson's posts here and here.

If you've ever been on any beach vacation at all, the Skin Trip Coconut Soap is sure to bring back some pleasant memories. It smells perfectly tropical and warm. Plus, who doesn't at least occasionally want to smell like a coconut?

This particular souvenir is one of my favorite purchases of all times. Besides providing good vibes, my jade roller's other occupations include increasing circulation in my face (to make me all glowy and what not) and removing early morning eye bags. According to the Chinese woman who suckered me into buying this thing, jade is a naturally cool stone so you don't even have to refrigerate it to get a cooling effect!

Ugh, if only the mini sombrero was included. *Photo via RipeShop on Etsy.com

One of my favorite things about Mexico is horchata, this amazing cinnamon and rice concoction that is perfectly refreshing in hot weather. RipeShop on Etsy makes an adorable Mexican Horchata Lip Balm that I fully plan on purchasing here soon. Also... little known fact, but sometimes horchata means orgy in Mexico, so be careful who you're asking for it.

*Photo via osmiaorganics.com

In my lifetime, I've been to Colorado a whopping one time, but the state was just so beautiful that it definitely left an impression. The Colorado-based beauty company, Osmia Organics, offers a wide range of organic products that reflect the natural beauty of the Colorado landscape. I mean, just look at the texture of their Oh So Soap, it's beautful!

*Photo via sephora.com

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that every beauty addict remembers at least one of their first Sephora purchases, if not the first. Well, when I was 13 and I went to New York City with my dad, he bought me the Benefit Dandelion blush at Sephora. Up until this point, I had been to Sephora only a handful of times and I was already in love. The color, packaging and everything else about this product reminds me of the trip and what a great time we had.


What are some of your favorite travel-inspired beauty finds?

Wednesday Roundup: Spring-Inspired Everything

Let's just all admit that as much as we love our chunky sweaters, we are now more ready than ever to put them away in exchange for bringing out our lightweight jackets and flowy tops. I am just so sick of the constant snow and cold.

Given my current anti-winter state of mind, I thought I would write today's Wednesday Roundup on Spring-inspired items. It's just necessary for a little pick-me-up. Enjoy!

*Photo via Asos.com

Sweatpants are typically not my thing (though I am a frequent leggings-as-pants culprit), but paired with the blush tank top from H&M below and some plain sneakers, these frilled slim joggers from ASOS would help make the perfect lounging and errand running outfit.

*Photo via Sephora.com

I just went to Sephora recently, caught a whiff of Un Jardin Sur Le Nil and immediately, I fell in love. It's heavy in the floral department and perfect for a warm, sunny day. Hermès executes fragrance, packaging and all, so beautifully.

*Photo via hm.com

I know above I said this would go great tucked into the ASOS joggers, but this blush-colored tank from H&M would also look adorable paired with some skinnies and patterned flats. This simple top can honestly take you anywhere.

*Photo via Spiritbeautylounge.com

I'm not a huge pastel nail person, but Macaron by Kure Bazaar is too sweet. It's the perfect early springtime color.

*Photo via Sephora.com

Benefit's Lollitint looks so intimidating in the packaging. This is very misleading, though, because once you've swiped it on your skin, it transforms into this gorgeous understated orchid that goes perfectly with just about any makeup look.

*Photo via Spiritbeautylounge.com

No doubt that your feet are going to need a little scrubbin' before you can bust out the sandals. This Rosemary Mint Organic Foot Scrub from skinnyskinny is great to keep around for those warmer months when you know you'll be going out in sandals or (gasp!) barefoot.

Is spring on your mind as well? What products or clothing items are you looking forward to bringing out once it gets warmer?

Wednesday Roundup: The Beauty in Simplicity

I like simple makeup. I far prefer a look that says, "Okay, so maybe I did do my makeup in five minutes after rolling out of bed," to one that says,"Hello! this morning I woke up two hours early so I could prime each individual pore before applying six layers of foundation." There is, in my eyes, so much beauty in simplicity.

I found a few looks from New York Fashion Week that show just how pretty simplicity can be. Mind you, we're talking about makeup here and not clothing. Below you will find models at Prabal Gurung, Rag & Bone, Kate Spade and Jonathan Cohen, all made up to perfection, but never overdone.

Prabal Gurung Fall 2014; *Photo by Alessandro Lucioni via nymag.com/thecut

Rag & Bone Fall 2014; *Photo via nymag.com/thecut

Kate Spade Fall 2014; *Photo via nymag.com/thecut

Jonathan Cohen Fall 2014; *Photo via nymag.com/thecut

Gorgeous, right? Of all four, my favorite has to be Kate Spade. This particular model's complexion is just glowing. Sure, the clothes she's wearing are great, but all I really want to ask her is what skincare products she's loving at the moment. And so is the life of a beautyholic.

Wednesday Roundup: Etsy Style

I love Etsy. I love it so much, actually, that I have an entire segment on the blog called "Etsy Finds." This is pretty much Etsy Finds today, just the Wednesday Roundup Edition. Also, instead of the typical Etsy Bath & Beauty finds, today I'm going to focus on style (i.e. clothes, jewelry and other accessories). Check it out!

ljcdesigns
Inspired by bold Indonesian fabrics, ljcdesigns has created some incredibly fun, colorful clothing and accessories. Right now I've got my eye on a pair of her pom pom shorts. They'll be perfect for Spring Break!

*Photo via ljcdesigns

makepienotwar
If you're looking for simple jewelry that you can wear everyday, makepienotwar most certainly has something for you. If you know me personally, you know that my favorite pair of earrings is this huge pair of hammered gold hoops I bought forever ago. Well, I just found these hammered gold triangle hoops on makepienotwar and I'm thinking they'd be a nice change up from my usual circular hoops. Cute, right?

*Photo via makepienotwar

Ana K.

So, I will probably never be a full time large clutch carrier for convenience purposes, but dangit, they always look so cool. These large, real leather clutches from Ana K. in Greece would be a perfect statement piece for any outfit, or if you're so inclined, they could be perfect for everyday use as well.

*Photo via Ana K.

Are you an Etsy Addict like myself? What are some of your favorite shops?

Wednesday Roundup: Benefit Gimme Brow

After reading this article on Refinery29 a couple of days ago, I'm happy to report that it looks like the big brow trend is going to be around for a little while longer. I'm mostly excited about this because my brows are naturally voluminous (some might say bushy), but also, I just dropped $22 on Benefit Gimme Brow and I'm not trying to relegate it to the bottom of my makeup caddy just yet.

Gimme Brow is a funny little product. First of all, it comes in a teensy package, which actually makes it perfect for toting around in your bag for touch ups. But also, its brush is itty bitty, way different from the mascara-esque brow gel brushes many of us are used to. It's really nice change up, though, as the little bristles make it easier to apply to bare spots without over doing it.

You see, when I was younger I hated my eyebrows. Like many people, high school for me was the era of the over plucked and overly self-conscious. Everyone was trying to make their eyebrows do something they weren't meant to do and as a result many of us suffer from sparse hair placement in certain areas.

Before

After

Gimme Brow and its little brush is my new favorite product to use towards the beginning of my eyebrows, the area suffered the most as a result of my tweezer happy ways. I use the Medium/Deep shade since my eyebrows are pretty dark. It's a great color and very neutral, meaning it doesn't have any weird red or yellow undertones. Benefit only offers one other shade in Gimme Brow and that's Light/Medium, but they're both pretty universal. Unless your brows are absolutely black, one of these two shades should work for you.

As far as lasting power goes, I can't attest to much since I have yet to use Gimme Brow for a long day, but I can tell you that it does give at least 5 hours of solid wear. That's pretty good if you ask me. At $22, Gimme Brow is a little more expensive than your average brow pencil, but I think its performance goes above and beyond your typical brow enhancer. If you're looking to purchase, click here or here.

What do you think about Benefit Gimme Brow? How about the big brow trend in general?

Wednesday Roundup: So, It's Pretty Cold Out...

If I've learned two things so far this winter, they are: 1) don't start out the coldest part of the year with a trip to Mexico... it's all down hill from there and 2) invest in a humidifier and some moisturizing oils and creams as soon as the thermostat drops below 50℉. Right now, humidifying my air and slapping on the aforementioned lotions are the only things that are keeping my skin from just shriveling right up. It's a sad reality, but hey, it means more beauty products for me, so I can get with it. (Also, a quick tip for increased effectiveness: Google photos of Coachella Fashion babes while slathering yourselves in lotions and potions to remind yourselves of warmer, happier times.)

Those pants and that hair! *Photo via refinery29.com

When I say "invest in a humidifier," please take that lightly. My humidifier (okay, technically Vicks Vaporizer) was purchased for about $15 at Kroger, so I would hardly consider that an investment.  However, there are options out there that cost upwards of $200. So, invest big bucks if you must, but just know there are affordable, effective versions available.  For the most part, they all add moisture to your air the same way and help to keep both your skin and sinuses happy.

My Precious via target.com

And although no one likes to be greasy, I've begun to embrace greasy hand lotions and body oils for the sake of my sanity this winter.  At the moment, my Alaffia Handcrafted Shea Butter is saving my hands from becoming their typical dry, cracked selves. However, if you go out and purchase this shea butter, please get the Lavender Mint version.  The unscented version I purchased has such a funky smell, and not in a sexy, herb-y way.

*Photo via vitacost.com

When it comes to winter body care, I use grapeseed oil both before and after I've showered.  This method ensures that the hot water from the shower doesn't parch my skin.  Plus, once the greasiness has subsided, body oils seem to leave my skin softer than any body lotion. Grapeseed oil is only one of the many affordable oil options out there, but if you can splurge, check out Lina Hanson's Global Body Serum.  I've discussed it on here before and it is still an absolute favorite of mine.

*Photo via iherb.com

On my face, things are a little trickier.  My sensitive, combo skin needs a lot of moisture, but unfortunately I've yet to find a heavy moisturizer that doesn't cause breakouts.  So, for this reason, I stick with a hyaluronic acid serum called HyaGlo around the eye area and on really dry patches, then I follow with Cerave's Moisturizing Lotion.  For the most part, I only use lotion around my eye area, but if my face is feeling particularly dry, I will go ahead and apply the Cerave lotion all over my face and neck. It's not ideal, but it at least hasn't caused me to breakout yet.

*Photo via luckyvitamin.com

This is a light version of my winter skincare routine, but I figured if you're suffering from this cold like I am, then you would appreciate all the tips you can get.

Now, when it comes to winter skincare, what is your preferred plan of attack?

Wednesday Roundup

A little prancercising here and some black booties there, check out this Wednesday Roundup to see what I'm loving this week!

Work It
As a YouTube connoisseur, I was surprised when my friends showed me this video I'd never seen before. I wouldn't workout like this in public myself, but I can totally appreciate her confidence (not to mention her killer pink cardigan and ankle weights).

Watch It
Tell me this: is there one single person alive who doesn't appreciate an adorable puppy/baby interaction?  I think not.

Wear It
Today's "Wear It" is a smidge biased as I just bought something similar to the shoes below, but as many of you know ankle booties are very in as of late.  This adorable pair by Jessica Simpson is affordable and also available in dark brown and a lighter taupe-y brown.

Want It
When it comes to holiday festivities, you always want to look like the best, most sparkly holiday version of yourself.  The Marc Jacobs Beauty Lightshow Luminizing Powder will help you achieve a glow which rivals that of someone who just found 50 Tiffany's boxes beneath her Christmas tree.

How are you working, watching, wearing or wanting it this week?

Wednesday Roundup

As you all know, when it comes to Wednesday Roundup, I am all over the place.  For this reason, I've decided to compartmentalize my thoughts into four sections: Work It, Watch It, Wear It and Want It. Check it out and enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

Work It

I'm notoriously cheap in the fitness department, and as a result, I'm usually found working out in my room to the tune of whatever YouTube workout I can find.  My most recent favorite is the "Standing Abs Exercises" video from FitnessBlender. It doesn't require crunches or fancy equipment, making it perfect for those of us just looking to tone up a little with minimal investment or pain.

Watch It

Call me crazy (or at least beauty-obsessed), but I love watching skincare routine videos on YouTube. Chances are, if you're into routines, you do too. The latest and greatest routine video I've found is Vivianna of Vivianna Does Makeup.  This is like pure product porn for all of my fellow skincare junkies.

Wear It 

Welcome to Thanksgiving week, where sweatpants are (almost) always acceptable attire, especially post-food coma.  Here's some adorable options by Aerie.  P.S. it's 40% off right now, so head on over to ae.com/aerie ASAP.

Want It

I'm a full on candle junkie and after reading Emily Weiss' review of Le Labo's Laurier 62, I'm more than a little bit tempted to head on over to their website and drop $70 on a candle.  Maybe one of these days...

So, what does you have to say about this week's Wednesday Roundup?