beauty
It’s been quite a while since my last beauty post, which got me thinking about the products I’ve been testing, and ended up loving, since the beginning of this year. Many of these I’m on my second or third bottles/jars meaning, they’re tried and true favorites!
Read MoreI often get stuck in a hair rut simply because it’s relatively easy and in my comfort zone. I almost always keep my hair down with waves and parted to the side. It’s my go-to style, but once the dog days of summer hit, no thank you!
Read MoreGood morning and happy Thursday, friends! Whew, it’s been a little while since I’ve been on here, but regardless, I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentines Day and also a fun Presidents Day.
Read MoreBeing a fan of the Moroccanoil brand for quite some time now, I was pleasantly surprised to see their new-to-me line of body products. I’ve discussed and praised their products specifically targeting the health of your hair and was intrigued to see how their body products would be.
Read MoreGood morning, friends! Winter weather can be quite harsh on skin and with that in mind, I’ve been making sure to fill my beauty routine with products meant to help keep skin looking fresh, supple, and moisturized. Not only is it important to pay special attention to your skin in the winter, but I also wanted to keep my beauty routine as budget friendly as possible.
Read MoreFor my final gift guide of the holiday season, I chose the one gift I truly love to both give and receive in return. There’s something quite lovely about being able to treat your loved ones or yourself to the luxurious pampering experience of beauty and/or skincare.
Read MoreOver the past few years I’ve become enchanted by all things rose. Everything and anything from skincare, makeup, books, perfume, drinks, household goods, and more.
Read MoreTowards the beginning of the year, I had started to notice my favorite lipstick that I had been wearing for the past few years, Circa in the shade “Ava”, was starting to get low. I had always bought multiples of it since I tended to go through it so quickly.
Read MoreSimple Human Illuminated Mirror c/o || Floral Fleece Robe c/o || Pink Bow Hair Tie ||
Good morning and happy Tuesday! One of my favorite parts about the morning is getting ready for the day. I find it very relaxing to take my time sipping my coffee while I go through my daily routine, which includes doing my makeup. Having good light is essential, especially when applying eyeliner. This illuminated mirror, with three different magnifications (1x, 5x, 10x) gives exceptional detail and allows you to achieve flawless pro-quality makeup application. The mirror has numerous light settings as well with simulated natural sunlight and even a candlelight setting. I really love the built-in motion sensor, which lights the mirror up automatically as you approach it. I personally use the 5x magnification side on a daily basis and love love love the sunlight mode. The light is truly amazing and worth every penny. This mirror is a game changer for makeup application.
xo, Amanda
Red Pearl Sweater c/o || LipSense in Blue Red c/o || Stella & Dot Ring || Jackie Kennedy Cascade Ring ||
Good morning, friends and happy Tuesday! The holiday season is in full swing and with that comes holiday makeup! My obvious favorite color to wear for any holiday party is red, but we all know how hard it is to maintain with the worrisome smudging or rubbing off. I was recently introduced to LipSense by a friend of mine and was completely impressed with it! No smudging or rubbing off. It’s kiss proof too! I tested the lipstick out for a few weeks and can honestly say it works wonders. It comes in a set with the lipstick color, a top gloss, and a remover for any mistakes made during the application. Below is a step by step guide on how to apply the product and a discount code for my followers!
This may seem like many steps, but once you practice a few times you’ll get the hang of it. I can do mine in about 1-2 minutes and it’s totally worth it! LipSense does have to be purchased through an independent distributor (kind of like Avon.) I get mine from Maddie. She is great and totally helped me the whole way!
Use the code enchant10 to receive 10% off of your order!
xo, Amanda
Grateful November Glossybox c/o || AG Skinny Jeans || Rose Velvet Flats || Similar Pearl Bead Sweater || Stella & Dot Ring || Jackie Kennedy Ring ||
Hello dear friends and happy Monday! I hope everyone truly had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with their family and friends. Mine was very relaxing spent with loved ones. We ended up having some nice weather too so everyone made sure to spend some time outdoors. Ava and I also decorated our home for Christmas! She loves all of the twinkle lights.
In the spirit of giving, Glossybox created their Grateful beauty box for November. Inside are goodies that will not only look good, but do good too. Ava wanted to be a part of the fun also! She loves looking through all of the beauty products, especially the lipstick and perfumes. She had a ton of fun during the shoot! Below you’ll find what’s included:
xo, Amanda
September Glossy Box c/o || Glossy Box x CEW Beauty Insider Awards 2017 Box c/o || Gray Skinny Jeans || Similar Chambray Top || Bauble Bar Bracelet c/o ||
Good Morning and happy Tuesday! I'm super excited to talk about one of my favorite beauty subscription boxes, Glossy Box, for the month of September. I don't know about you, but I am a confessed beauty junkie. I always get a giddy as a school girl to try new products out, which makes this subscription box so great. You can try out new products, some full sized and some travel size.
Not only does Glossy Box have their regular monthly box for September, but they also have a special limited edition collaboration box with CEW for the Beauty Insider Awards 2017. Think of it as the Oscars of the beauty awards. This special box contains 7 full sized finalist products. For those of you who do not know, CEW is compromised of over 9,000 members across the U.S., U.K., and France. These are influential professionals driving the conversation around the industry's most game-changing trends and brands. I absolutely ADORE every product in this box, especially the perfume, which Ava loved as well! Below is a list of all that's included.
xo, Amanda
It's that time of the year again for another Fab Fit Fun box. I've mentioned this many times before, but this is without a doubt my favorite lifestyle subscription box. One year ago I started receiving them and haven't looked back since then. I'm always impressed each time I receive a box and think they keep getting better and better each time. Each season you get a new box filled with goodies perfect for that time of the year. This one is chalk full of springtime favorites! Here's what is included:
You can use the code ENCHANTING for $10 off your first box at wwww.fabfitfun.com.
Shop The Post:
xo, Amanda
I thought I'd try something a little different today and do a beauty post instead of fashion. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I'm "primping" in my room getting ready for the day. I can sip on my tea, get myself put together, and start the day feeling like a million bucks.
I always start out with Simple Moisturizing Face Wash in the morning and night to rinse off any oil or makeup. It takes both off fantastically without leaving any residue behind and most importantly not causing any breakouts. I've used this since it came out a few years ago and have never looked back. Secondly, I use Proactiv Step 3. As someone who has suffered from acne most of my adult life, this has been a life saver more times than I can count. I know it works for some and others claim it does nothing, but for me, I need it to keep my skin smooth and I do notice a difference when I stop using it. Only a small amount is needed, about the size of a dime. The other steps I find unnecessary and too costly. Lastly, for both morning and night, I use Philosophy's Hope In A Jar original formula. I have never used a better moisturizer than this, which my mom actually got me to start using. It has a whipped consistency and only the smallest amount is needed for your face, neck, and chest. I feel that Proactiv and Hope In A Jar combination is the only thing that has kept my skin clear. Before I used the Hope In A Jar along with Proactiv, I would still get my monthly breakouts.
Now onto the fun part! I've used Neutrogena products since college and have found they work just as well as the higher priced items. Mostly everything I use, except Proactiv and Philosophy can be sound in your regular drug store like CVS or Rite Aid. Anyway, I use the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup and their Healthy Skin Bronzer. The foundation gives my skin a little glow that I love and the bronzer is matte without any shimmer so it looks very natural. Next, I apply the Loreal True Match concelar, in "light cool", to my cheeks, forehead, under my eyes, and chin to hide any shadows or post acne marks. This blends quite nicely into my skin and does not feel cakey at all. I use a beauty blender sponge for any blending with the concealer and bronzer. Blend, blend blend!!! After the concealer I use the Neutrogena bronzer and Revlon Highlighting Palette to add some warmth to my face. Both are applied to the hollows of my cheeks and the bronzer to my forehead, sides of my nose, and under my chin. The last product I use for my face is Revlon's Photo Ready Blush. It is a cream and blends fantastically with a blush brush. It gives me the nicest flushed appearance.
Lastly are my eyes. I started using Maybelline's The Nudes Eye Shadow Pallete when it came out and fell in love. I use the nude and champagne sparkle shades on my lids, and a darker taupe in my crease. Next, I curl my eyelashes with E.L.F.'s Eyelash Curler. It's only $1 and works perfectly! I then apply Mark's Liquid Eyeliner in Cleo, the only one that I have ever used because of how preciously it works without much hassle, to create my winged cat eye. It's the one makeup product I would say is my signature item. I look very different without it! Lastly, I apply two coats of Circa Beauty's Absolute Icon, wait about one minute, and then apply two coats of Maybelline Lash Sensation. The Circa line is new, but I've been using the Absolute Icon for about two months now and can say that it feels great on my lashes. No clumps or stickiness and it even has avocado as an ingredient for moisture. Love that!
Shop The Post:
***Nothing has been endorsed. All opinions are my own.
xo, Amanda
Lip Balm: Epic Blend c/o || Ring: Pink Peonies || Blazer: Target|| Blouse: LC Lauren Conrad, sold out (SIMILAR) || Watch: Boutqiue, (SIMILAR) || Clutch: Shoedazzle || Mirror: antique ||
Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I wanted to share with you my secret to getting incredibly soft lips while using epic blend lip balm. I'm always on the lookout for brands that use all natural ingredients in their products and was pleasantly surprised to find out epic blend uses only the top-shelf natural ingredients without any of the harsh chemicals or synthetics. This was right up my alley and I loved all of the yummy flavors they have in their lineup. The formula's are petroleum-free, gluten-free, non gmo, not tested on animals, and only include natural flavors. My two personal favorites are the citrus kick and pineapple-mint.
The balms come in three categories:
Hemp: Using organic hemp seed oil, which is a great anti-oxident, super-nourishing, and quickly absorbs into the skin.
More Moisture: A total of seven moisturizers are used, including organic shea butter, to come together to provide a generous dose of moisture to your lips while having a long lasting staying power.
Vegan: 100% plant-based and beeswax-free. All natural grade candelila was is used, which gives these balms an incredibly smooth texture.
Vanilla, Coconut, Mint, and Citrus Kick
Unflavored, Cherry, Grape, Green Apple
Pineapple-mint, Wild Berry
Don't Forget to visit my online Pop Up Shop which opens today and closes this Friday! Click on the post below for all of the pretty details. Make sure to use the pop up shop link and let me know if you'll be attending. Hope you enjoy all of the sparkly goodness!
Happy Friday everyone! I thought it would be fun to try something new for a change. I wear the same eye makeup all the time. A shell base all over the lid, brown in the crease, liquid black eye liner winged out at the corner, and two coats of brown/black mascara. It's my signature look and if something works for you then stick with it. Every now and then I get the urge to change it up a bit though and the perfect place to try new makeup is the eyes. I really liked this look, especially the light wash for a daytime look. To compliment the eyes, pair a neutral pink lipstick.
I decided to go very light with all of the colors since it was day, but for nighttime, see more below!
Eye shadows
For the nighttime look, follow the same steps as above, but use more pigment instead of a lighter wash. I also added a black shadow eye liner right before the mascara to deepen and intensify the look. Again, I stayed with a neutral pink lip, nothing too harsh since the eyes are the main focus here. My eyes seem to get lost in pictures if I do not have some kind of eye liner on so I felt a little more comfortable with this addition to the look. Have you tried any new beauty looks lately? Remember, it's only makeup so it will wash off at the end of the day. Try something new if only for one day. Have fun!
Once the dog days of summer finally hit I always find myself inevitably pulling my hair up and off of my face to keep cool. Rather than hap haphazardly doing this, I prefer to keep a styled look whether it be the classic ballerina bun, top knot, classic pony, sock bun, vintage roll up and so on. Today I wanted to show you the braided bun, another way to keep your hair effortlessly stylish.
I first pulled my hair into a classic pony and secured with a hair tie while leaving the top half of my hair out and secured with a pin until ready. Braid the pony and tie with another hair tie. Start twisting the braided pony into a bun and secure with pins. Take the top half of hair left out and wrap that around the base of the bun to hide the elastic tie. Pin the hair underneath the bun. Simple, chic, and lets you stay cool in the warm summer sun.
One of the biggest health and beauty crazes of 2014 is coconut oil. The best kind to use is pure, unrefined, cold pressed, organic extra virgin. This can easily be found at any grocery store for around $7-10. What's all the fuss about you ask? Well, after conducting a 2 month test, I'll let you in on all the goodies this yummy oil has to offer.
Cooking:
To start off, coconut oil is a healthy alternative for butter and fats in the diet. You can use it to saute vegetables, roast kale or sweet potatoes, add into smoothies or oatmeal (which I do every morning), use it in baked goods, and even over popcorn. Not to mention it tastes great too, just like a coconut, go figure. I use this oil as much as I can in my cooking or baking. If I juice some vegetables or fruit I mix some in, if I make a smoothie the oil goes in. Any more when I bake up some treats, this is the oil I use or when I need to coat some veggies for sauteing or roasting, you guessed it, coconut oil.
Beauty:
This light weight oil, jam packed with vitamin E, can be used on your skin or hair. I like to add some oil, heated so that it turns into a liquid state, into my hair before I take a shower for about 1 hour. Then I shampoo it out and continue with my normal conditioning. Also, sometimes I put the oil on after my shower, while my hair is still damp, as to moisturize the ends and keep them shiny. Only a little bit is needed though or the hair looks too greasy and no one likes that. As a body moisturizer, I put this on after my shower, within 3 minutes of getting out so as not to loose any of the moisture from the shower. It does smell faintly of coconuts, which I like, but that does fade after a little while if you are one who does like the scent as much.
Oil Pulling:
The reason why most people are becoming aware of coconut oil is because of a morning ritual technique called oil pulling. Before brushing or flossing, you take a spoon full of the oil, swish it in your mouth for 20 minutes like a mouth wash, spit it out preferably into a trash can as to not block up your drain, rinse your mouth with salt water, and then continue on with flossing and brushing as you regularly would. What happens within those 20 minutes really is quite remarkable. The oil literally pulls out all of the bacteria from inside the mouth and creates a clean environment. Your breath smells fresher over time, your teeth become whiter, and the bacteria becomes non existent. I do this about 3 times a week for the full 20 minutes. When I'm traveling I take it down a notch to about 10 minutes. One thing to remember is not to swallow any of the oil while swishing. In doing that, you basically swallow the bacteria back into the body.
Health:
This do it all oil not only helps hair stay shiny, skin stay moisturized, eases cooking and baking, but it is also extremely good for you as well. Where has this magic oil been all of my life!? Health benefits include, helps in easing digestion, improves bone health, healing damaged tissue and infections, treats pancreatitis and Alzheimer's disease, rich in lauric acid that helps maintain blood sugar and cholesterol, prevents diseases affecting the liver and kidney, prevents and effectively cures candida, and strengthens the immune system.
Spring has sprung! With the golden sun shinning and the air slowly warming up, there’s no denying spring is officially here. A few cherry blossom trees have started blooming their pretty pink petals creating the most marvelous sight to see.