Friday Five [Beautycounter Edition]

Morning! Bet you didn't expect to see a post from me today, did you? Well, thanks to pregnancy insomnia, here I am writing a post at 3:30am. 

I'm sure you've all heard of Beautycounter by now and you probably know atleast one person who is a consultant of the brand. Earlier in the year when we started our fertility treatments, and after reading about how the majority of my beauty products had hormone disrupting ingredients in them (you can read more about that here), I decided to start switching my products for better ones. Not all at once (because $$$$) and I'm not claiming that 100% of the products I use don't include atleast one of the "bad" ingredients, but I've made the switch to the majority of my products. I can tell a huge difference in my skin!  

One of my oldest friends, Heidi, became a Beautycounter consultant a few months ago and we finally got up with each other so she could drop off a basket of samples for me to try. I'm not going to act like Beautycounter products are inexpensive, because they're not. Not for my budget anyway. BUT the products last a long time, and it makes me feel better that I know I'm not putting harmful ingredients on my skin. Additionally, my face is really sensitive and will turn red if I use a product that it doesn't like. Beautycounter products are gentle enough that I don't have to worry about this problem. So when Heidi offered to let me try her products before purchasing them, I didn't hesitate. There's nothing I dislike more than buying a product, bringing it home to try it, and hating it.   

Prior to Heidi dropping off her beauty bin, I was already a huge fan of the Beautycounter bronzer, hand cream in citrus mimosa, the everyday body wash, the enlightening treatment pads, and the nourishing cream cleanser. 

Following a few days with the basket and sampling the products, these 5 items are now on my wishlist:

[one] Hydrating Face Oil

Having combination skin, more towards the oily side especially in the summer, the last thing that I thought I would like was this hydrating face oil. However, once I applied it and it quickly absorbed into my skin, I was amazed at how soft my face was. I'm sure I would love it even more in the winter!

[two] Purifying Charcoal Mask

I love putting on a mask on a Sunday night while I'm winding down watching tv, and this one did not disappoint. The charcoal mask draws out impurities in your skin and minimizes pores. Not to mention makes your skin super soft, and not dried out! 

[three] Mattify Skin Finishing Powder

Back to the oily skin in the summer, this matte finishing powder would do wonders setting my makeup and keeping it there all day long, as well as absorbing any extra shine and minimizing pores/fine lines. It doesn't leave a white residue or any evidence that you've got it on. 

[four] Lip Sheer in Twig

I'm usually not a fan of lipstick because I feel like they dry out my lips, but these lip sheers are super moisturizing and stayed on my lips for hours! The twig color is the perfect barely there color. 

[five] Retractable Foundation Brush

A good foundation brush can make all of the difference when applying make up. It's one of those things that you think people are crazy for spending a lot of money on, but after you find a really good one, you understand. This brush creates an even, airbrushed look, and the retractable feature makes it easily portable. 

If you'd like to contact Heidi to learn more about Beautycounter, you can visit her Facebook page, or contact her directly from the Beautycounter website. 

PS - She also creates one of a kind art and home decor products! Be sure to check out her design Facebook page, as well! She is one busy, talented mama! 

Friday Five {Current Beauty Favorites}.

Good morning and Happy Friday! 

This week flew by and I am not complaining about it one bit. It helped that I had an extra day off yesterday so that I could take Brady to the vet and do a much-needed, massive cleaning to our house. 

Below are some of my favorite beauty products that I'm using right now, a lot of them being products that will be purchased over and over again. 

{one}

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 

This is, no lie, the first moisturizer that I've purchased more than once. I've finally found my perfect fit, moisturizer wise. I use it in the morning and at night, and it does not leave my face greasy, nor dry. It's more expensive than my frugal self would like to spend on a moisturizer, but it lasts for months and since everyone sees my face, why not take good care of it? 

{two}

Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream

Smells amazing, plus it makes your hair super soft. What more could you want? 

{three}

Marc Jacobs Dot

I received a sample of this when I purchased my Clinique moisturizer above, and I am in love. I really don't know how to explain the smell of it, other than it smells amazing. Not too strong, not too soft. Not too sweet, not too musky. Juuuuuuust right. 

{four}

Herbal Essence Dry Shampoo

I was sent a bottle of this dry shampoo from Influenster. I use dry shampoo often, having to be at work by 6:45am, so I like my dry shampoo to be inexpensive, but get the job done. The Herbal Essence dry shampoo fits the bill for both. And it smells nice, not all chemically like the Suave that I normally use. There are a lot of negative reviews out there about the packaging and the bottle getting clogged up after one or two uses, but I have not experienced that yet. Try it out, it might just be your new favorite!

{five}

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash 

I use this every other day and will purchase over and over again. My face has become more sensitive lately and this product does not irritate my skin. Leaving it super soft. 

Helpful tip - I always buy the sample size of new products I want to try, if possible. That way, if I wind up not liking the product, I haven't wasted too much money. 

What are your favorite beauty products that you purchase time after time?

Hope you all have a great weekend! 

{Guest Post} DIY Coffee and Vanilla Body Scrub

Treat Yourself this Spring: DIY Coffee and Vanilla Body Scrub

Springtime is finally here, and with it, the promise of shorts and sundresses. Although you may certainly be ready for the warmer weather, you winter skin may not be. This spring, don’t let that winter coat prevent you from thoroughly enjoying the outdoors – take some time to rejuvenate. Don't think you have time? Think again. As women, we need to take time to unwind and pamper ourselves every once in awhile. Your job, your friends and your family deserve the very best you!

Spas, now more than ever, are being utilized as a tool to de-stress. After a long career in the travel industry, I know all too often the tendency to put off beauty treatments and relaxation for vacation days that come only a few times a year. But with our schedules packed and our stress levels high, why do we limit ourselves – and our skin – to nourishment so infrequently? You can start today with a do-it-yourself spa treatment that won’t break the bank!

 

Recently, I returned from a trip to Honolulu with my family. The day before I headed back home, I spent an afternoon at the Moana Lani Spa at the Moani Surfrider Hotel, ranked prominently as one of Honolulu’s top hotels, where attendants pampered my skin with a scrumptious-smelling scrub made from Kona coffee beans and vanilla. As my nose took in the comforting aroma and I felt the massaging hands of the attendants on my aching muscles, all my stress melted away. Using coffee beans as a scrub has been shown to reduce cellulite, something I think we all wouldn’t mind leaving behind.

 

Fortunately, I discovered that I can replicate the same experience at home for less than the price of a bag of coffee.

Coffee and Vanilla Body Scrub

You'll need:

2 tbsp Coffee Beans (Kona coffee is preferable, but any will do)

2 tbsp of Rice

1 Whole Vanilla Bean

Optional: Your favorite body wash OR a mixture of olive oil and honey

 

To make your own coffee-vanilla scrub, head to the grocery store and purchase a small bag of coffee beans. Also, you'll need one whole vanilla bean and some rice. Remember, it's important to use all-natural ingredients. Split the vanilla bean and cut it into small parts. Add two tablespoons each of coffee beans and rice. Grind all of the ingredients in a coffee mill. For a less intense scrub, combine with your favorite body wash or a mixture of honey and olive oil. Then apply to skin, concentrating on rough spots such as elbows and the soles of your feet. Massage lightly and enjoy the invigorating scent this scrub evokes.

There you have it, a spa-inspired treatment you can do at home. I hope you enjoy this little piece of the tropics as you prepare for spring!

 

Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have mixed my excitement for travel by bringing the taste of authentic cuisine and rejuvenating beauty remedies to my own home with some of my unique recipes and tips. Enjoy!