Winter Makeup Routine with Neutrogena®

With the harsh winter weather causing havoc on my skin, it's good to know there are not just skincare brands doing the legwork to keep our skin well-moisturized and healthy, but also makeup collections like Neutrogena® - which is doing both! Naturally found in skin and in their HydroBoost Cosmetics Collection, hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge and can absorb up to 1000X its weight in water, helping these formulas boost your skin’s hydration levels. In today's post, I'll be sharing my favs from this line by Neutrogena® to achieve a simple clean and natural winter makeup look. And it's with only four products, that's it! Easy peasy and takes less than ten minutes to do! Continue reading to see how to get this beauty look.

When it comes to makeup, I always start with the base, or rather, my face. I first begin with the Neutrogena® HydroBoost hydrating tint foundation in 85 Honey. It refreshes thirsty skin for 24 hours and is a liquid foundation for dry skin. Not only does it boost hydration, but also plumps the skin as well. Next is concealer, especially for dark circles under my eyes. I used the Neutrogena® HyrdoBoost hydrating concealer in 10 Fair. It definitely leaves your skin feeling hydrated all day while minimizing the look of imperfections. Containing hyaluronic acid, this concealer works to leave skin feeling quenched. It applies flawlessly and is available in five blendable shades designed to match multiple skin tones. This lightweight concealer is non-greasy, oil-free, and non-comedogenic.

One thing I'm always paying more attention to during the colder season is my lips. I tend to have extremely dry and sensitive lips and they tend to get quite chapped so I do lip scrubs and lip masks to keep them healthy and nourished. However, with the Neutrogena®  HydroBoost lip treatment, my lips have never felt smoother! I always carry with me some sort of lip balm, and you can bet this is my new go-to lip treatment! The last and final touch to this look is the Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine in 80 Deep Cherry. It has the vibrant color of a lipstick, shine of a gloss, and conditioning of a balm. It plumps the look of lips and keeps them looking smoother, juicy, and more supple. The lip shine actually improves the healthy look, softness, smoothness, and condition of your lips over time. What do you guys think of this natural winter makeup look? If you like any of the Neutrogena® HydroBoost products from this post, all products are available at Walmart. You can also shop directly down below.

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12 Memories, 12 Years in New York City

WEARING: FOREVER 21 MOHAIR SWEATER  |
ASSEMBLY NEW YORK STANDARD BLACK BELT COAT | ODETTE & ODILE BANKSY BLACK | 
LEVI'S WINTER WOOL BERET | LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS | 
ZEALMER STATEMENT HUMAN FACE SHAPED EARRINGS | ANGELINA SHOETIQUE OTK BOOTS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ODETTE & ODILE.

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Happy Friday, guys! I'm working from home and am sick as a dog. Completely congested, puffy-eyed, stomach ache and all, I still managed to crank out a post dedicating the past 12 years of living in New York City! (Cuz I'm a true f*Ck&ng New Yorker!) It's still hard to believe, but I wouldn't have made it this far without hard work, kindness and then some. I did a bigger post on my ten year anniversary (here and here) showcasing lessons learned from being here along with what kind of adventures I did to celebrate such an occasion. However, because of a bomb cyclone, freezing temps and not being in top physical shape, the idea of venturing outside to do anything is not exactly appealing right now. We did go shoot this out in the snow yesterday after the storm calmed down, and yes I froze my patooty off from it. But being from the Midwest and with the power of makeup, it wasn't so bad freezing while sick to enjoy the winter wonderland. So today's celebration is 12 memories I wanted to share since being in New York 12 years ago today.

1. My first night living in New York, I went out with one of my roommates and her friends. We went everywhere from McSorley's to Le Souk to Brass Monkey and eventually ending the night in Koreatown with the last ones standing, chowing down on some late night Korean grub. I remember even having Tteokguk (떡국) or sliced rice cake soup which is a traditional Korean dish that is eaten during the celebration of the Korean New Year. Even in my drunken haze, I wished for good luck from the rice cakes. 

2. Why did I come to New York? To join the NYPD. I'm serious. But after having my heart broken back home, and now with the opportunity to start fresh and heal from the breakup in a completely new and exciting town, I was still very much a believer in love. And I did secretly hope to fall in love before I even came here. And you know what? About a year after being here, it happened. How did I know? After our first kiss. (which was on a cobblestone road in the wee hours of the night), and when he put me in a cab to go home, this sudden rush came over me. And you know how you hear people say it's nothing like they've ever felt before? That's the feeling I had.

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3. During my days as a figure skating coach, I worked for a non-profit organization that provided skating lessons to inner-city girls that would most likely never be exposed to a sport like this. And there was one particular student who was troubled and came from a tough background. I also photographed for the Org and one day while shooting she came up to me and started asking questions about my camera. When I finally asked her interest in photography, she told me she'd probably never get far doing anything with it. I told her that was complete bullshit and that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Sure enough, she is older now and in college, but making moves and is a working photographer. We even bumped into each other in the middle of the street a few years ago where I commended her for her work and growth. It always brings such a smile to my face and I hope I had some sort of influx to her life. 

4. One of the greatest secrets in New York is a place called Fire Island. It's about 2 hours away from the city and thanks to a dear friend for introducing it to me, it holds a special place in my heart. It's one of those places where you feel you're thousands of miles away from home but you're a hop, skip and a cab back into the city. Many memories of Rocket Fuel's, lobster dinners, badminton and long perfect days on the beach. It's been a few years since I've been back and I sure do miss it!

5. If you know me, you'll know my deep passionate obsession with opera. I've been heavily involved since I was a teenager and anytime I visit the Met here in New York is such a treat. But the most memorable moment was when my husband proposed to me after an evening of Tosca and just as I was about to tell him I was profusely starving after taking countless photos of me at the parterre (plus we hadn't had dinner yet and it was a late show) he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Definitely one of those nights for the books. 

6. On a particularly early morning, I got off at Grand Central and started to head to work before I was stopped by a production company telling me I couldn't go anywhere as they were in the middle of shooting a scene for a movie. When they told me it'd be about twenty minutes before I could pass, I decided to book it in hopes that no one would notice tiny ole' me. As I started to look back thinking I was in the clear I smacked directly into a rather tall gentleman, who turned out to be Will Smith, who was shooting I am Legend at the time. He was very kind and no damage done because I managed to make it to work on time that day! One of the coolest celebrities I've ever crossed paths with. 

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7. In 2012, I lost my dad to a massive heart attack. I was crushed. About six months after, my husband and I decided on adopting a dog together but every shelter we went to didn't have any puppies. And as a first-time dog owner, I really thought it was best to raise the pup from the beginning. After countless disappointing visits, my husband decided to take us out on a day trip to a German Shepherd breeder "just to look" at puppies, given that this has always been my favorite breed. My father and I have always had a connection to these type of dogs. And this is where we met MaQ and brought him home with us on the very same day! It's probably my favorite memory in the past ten years. I literally cried tears of joy on the way home, it was the happiest moment ever.

8. Through Air BnB, I found an amazing cottage upstate in the Catskills where in between moving apartments in the city, we sought refuge up there, where there was a ravine adjacent to the house that would lead you to a sinking swimming hole. The water was so clear (and freaking cold) but our visit was well spent. I think my favorite memory from being up there was our last night when the power went out from a storm, and my husband and I sat out on the porch with candles and just talked all night, taking photographs and playing with the pup. It was perfect and so simple. 

9. It took up to five years to have my debut novel traditionally published, but after a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, I will always cherish that moment of holding the first copy of the paperback in my hands. I spent four years writing it (with three jobs, a social life and then some) and another year getting countless rejections before anything happened. So it just goes to show that if you really want something bad enough, you better be willing to work your ass off for it and you better be PATIENT.

10. After about a ten-year career in figure skating (20+ if you count in the training), I gave it all up to start a new career in digital media and entered the Wild Wild West world of blogging. I remember that fleeting moment when I made that decision and thought, "Oh my gosh, was this stupid? Did I just make a huge mistake doing this?" Sure, it was really tough to walk away from skating - it was something I truly loved, but staying comfortable wasn't my idea of learning and in return, growing into becoming a stronger and better person. So the memory of jumping off that cliff so to speak will never fade. Sure, at first I was scared but any act of courage will bring out something good. I promise. It wasn't that long ago when I started out and thought, "I'll never work with a brand like so and so", or, "an opportunity like that will never happen to me" and here I am now working with global brands and am being presented insane opportunities I never even dreamed of!

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11. During my second season at NYFW, I got photographed by street photographers over a vibrant green apple bag. It was such a frenzy that I literally lost my goody bag from one of the shows in midst of the commotion! But in return, I was featured in WWD and Getty Images. I remember a sweet colleague who sent me a DM on Instagram saying she saw me in the street style section in WWD and I was over the moon! Any fashion/style blogger knows the high of not only getting photographed but featured in an editorial magazine of that caliber.

12. Last but not least, probably one of the best highlights of my career from the past year was doing my first commercial with L'Oreal and La Roche Posay! This memory taught me so much, as it was a day to be engaging, supportive, patient, and most importantly, fun! As nervous as I was, even at times thinking, "I'm not so sure if I can do this", I did it and actually really enjoyed myself! It also taught me to always challenge myself because the best thing you can still do for yourself is to surprise yourself. 

We are capable of so much more than we think we are capable of doing and I can promise you from all the memories that have been made from the past 12 years, both good and bad, from living in New York, is this: Keep going and keep pushing. Never let someone or something try to define you. You are you and that is your power. Now go and do you! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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ClimateRight by Cuddl Duds: Cute and WARM Clothes that Won’t Break The Bank

WEARING: CLIMATERIGHT BY CUDDL DUDS WOMEN'S STRETCH MICROFIBER WARM UNDERWEAR LONG SLEEVE TOP | CLIMATERIGHT BY CUDDL DUDS WOMEN'S STRETCH FLEECE WARM UNDERWEAR LEGGINGS | KNITBEST GRAY CARDIGAN


Happy New Year, everyone! I hope 2018 is off to a good start. Yesterday, I spent the entire day organizing all of my beauty products (there was a TON) and afterward cleaned out my closet. Something about the new year always motivates me to do a fresh start, as if to set the tone for the rest of the year. I'm not so much for resolutions as I am with reflecting on the past year, learning and growing from my experiences, and trying to make myself into a better, stronger person. I would have loved to have started the year off with a high-fashion or street style post, but it's literally too cold outside to be taking photographs. And as much as I love to create and style outfits/looks for you guys (as well as myself), sometimes I too, like to stay in, cozy at home relaxing in comfortable and affordable sleepwear. Which is why I've partnered with ClimateRight by Cuddl Duds to share with you my go-to casualwear for the winter time. There are even fleece and thermal wear, all the features one needs to stay warm! 

The ClimateRight by Cuddl Duds Women's Stretch Microfiber Warm Underwear Longsleeve Top offers a superior fit and comfort for everyday wear. It also wicks moisture away, keeping you dry all day long. It is lightweight so you can easily layer it with your other favorite tops. Matching leggings are available for mix-and-match style options (sold separately). This crew neck top is made of 86-percent polyester and 14-percent spandex microfiber fabric. It is available in multiple colors and sizes.

Create a warm base layer with the ClimateRight by Cuddl Duds Women's Stretch Fleece Warm Underwear Leggings. They're a simple way to maintain your ideal body temperature, even on the coldest days. Featuring ample stretch, these women's spandex leggings provide a precise fit that hugs your body and moves with you. The slim, bulk-free style offers an ideal choice for layering but also super cozy wearing alone. Pair these women's fleece leggings with a matching top for complete coverage (sold separately).

I also love this long gray knitted cardigan by Knitbest that is casual and easy to match with. You can wear it like I did in this post, at home and cozy in your pj's or with a pair of jeans and heels. Either way, it's definitely casual and super cute! The cardigan also comes in black, you can shop it here! Also, use "Z797GQVT" to receive 10% off your purchase. And lastly, I have to give a shoutout to these amazing new satin pillowcases I received from Madison & White. They work like a beauty tool. The magic is in their exclusive blend of fabric that allows hair and skin to gently glide across the surface, reducing hair damage and hair loss. It also helps save blowouts and hairstyles, which saves you time every morning-all while promoting healthier hair. Our pillowcases also put an end to sleep wrinkles, ultimately preventing the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can definitely say I've been enjoying them. 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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December Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG-LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY | 
GRANDE COSMETICS GRANDE PRIMER | FREEMAN BEAUTY INFUSION® 
FIRMING HYDROGEL EYE MASK | YSL BEAUTY BLACK OPIUM BODY LOTION | 
DR BRANDT OXYGEN FACIAL | RIMMEL LONDON MAGNIF'EYES 
SMOKE EDITION PALETTE 003 | ERBORIAN DOUBLE MOUSSE GENTLE CLEANSING FOAM |
LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR SERUM | COLORESCIENCE® SUNFORGETTABLE LOOSE MINERAL POWDER 
BRUSH SPF 30 IN MEDIUM | REVISION® SKINCARE FIRMING NIGHT TREATMENT | CUTEX STRENGTH 
SHIELD NAIL POLISH REMOVER | MADAM GLAM "LIAR" MATTE LIPSTICK 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY URBAN DECAY, GRANDE COSMETICS AND MADAM GLAM.

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Time for my monthly beauty roundup of favorites! And I discovered a ton of new beauty products/brands that I've never tried before, thanks to the busy month of December. In today's post, I've got a special 30% discount code for one of my new favorite lipstick lines, an amazing recovery mask that provides instant results in 3 minutes (completely obsessed), the only nail polish remover I have been using since I was a kid, an acne-fighting serum, and a firming hydrogel eye mask that's not even out in stores yet. Continue reading to learn more about my December beauty favorites and also where you can shop the products.   

1. URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG-LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

Mist on this weightless spray to give your makeup serious staying power. The All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay keeps makeup looking gorgeously just-applied for up to 16 hours - without melting, fading or settling into fine lines. Smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day (or all night). I particularly use this spray with a more heavy-duty look such as vampy lips, smoky eyes and/or full coverage foundation. 

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2. GRANDE COSMETICS GRANDE PRIMER

A white pre-mascara primer that helps thicken and lengthen lashes. Grande Primer is a white pre-mascara lengthener and thickener that's infused with a lash-loving combination of no-flake microfibers, nutrients, and peptides that works to condition while you coat instantly increasing lash volume while improving lash appearance over time. It preps the lashes for mascara application and boosts its effects by instantly adding dramatic length, volume, and it curls while maintaining naturally soft, supple lashes. The unique molded brush is designed specifically for lash priming to ensure proper separation of the lashes, resulting in a flawless application.

3. FREEMAN BEAUTY INFUSION® FIRMING HYDROGEL EYE MASK

This next-generation serum-infused hydrogel eye mask instantly helps firm, hydrate, and diminish dark circles. The refreshing marine-scented hydrogel patches adhere to undereye contours to infuse skin with nutrient-rich Blue Marine Algae and youth-boosting Peptides. This fatigue-fighting, luxurious formula illuminates, de-puffs, and reawakens the bounce of delicate undereye skin. Perfect for all skin types!

4. YSL BEAUTY BLACK OPIUM BODY LOTION

My most recent favorite body lotion obsession. Awaken your skin with a jolt of Black Opium's signature notes of coffee and vanilla bean. The luxurious texture of the lotion instantly moisturizes the skin, leaving a subtle veil of sparkles that make the skin shimmer. Highly addictive. Seductively intoxicating.

5. DR BRANDT OXYGEN FACIAL

One of my most recent favorite recovery masks as of late, this luminizing mask helps lessen the look of fatigued skin. It works to provide tired, dull, lackluster skin with a revitalized, illuminated, and re-energized appearance. It also helps smooth the signs of fine lines. The potent formula was inspired by the most popular facial in Dr. Brandt’s practice and takes just three minutes for full effect. 

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6. RIMMEL LONDON MAGNIF'EYES SMOKE EDITION PALETTE 003

Find Cosmetics at Target.com! Contour your eyes with just one kit! This palette contains 12 different shades to customize your look from bare nude to ultra sultry. Contour your eyes with just one palette, love using it to get that perfect smoky eye! They also have a nude and blush palette which are also great for everyday, natural makeup.

7. ERBORIAN DOUBLE MOUSSE GENTLE CLEANSING FOAM

Part Korean, part French skincare, I've completely fallen madly in love with this brand. My favorite cleanser at the moment is their double mousse gentle cleansing foam. This foaming mousse cleanser is a two-in-one formula, helping to eliminate impurities and visibly refine the skin's texture for a flawlessly smooth and radiant look. Enriched with seven Korean herbs which help to soothe the skin, this rich formula is gentle enough for daily use. Travel-size friendly too.

8. LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR SERUM

The Effaclar Serum, a pore minimizer, provides a powerful combination of highly concentrated ingredients to exfoliate skin and visibly smooth skin texture. LHA provides micro-exfoliation to help tighten enlarged large pores while refining skin's texture. AHA-Glycolic Complex helps smooth texture, even tone and boost skin radiance.

9. COLORESCIENCE® SUNFORGETTABLE LOOSE MINERAL POWDER BRUSH SPF 30 IN MEDIUM

Stay radiant every day without damaging your skin. Colorescience® Brush-On Sunscreen offers powerful SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection, alone or over makeup. Sheer, natural-looking coverage and SPF in one simple, on-the-go application.

10. REVISION® SKINCARE FIRMING NIGHT TREATMENT

This peptide-rich, age-defying cream provides intense short-- and long-term moisturization while you sleep. Contains two peptides that are clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Includes Sodium Hyaluronate, which binds moisture to the skin. The cream also alleviates dryness with Shea Butter and a blend of botanical extracts. It completely rehydrates, replenishes and brightens dull, dry skin. Amazing night cream!

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11. CUTEX STRENGTH SHIELD NAIL POLISH REMOVER

Promotes stronger nails. With hydrolyzed silk protein and vitamins E and B5, this nail polish remover is also infused with a lavender fragrance. Ingredients are known to strengthen, nourish and condition the health of your nails. This is the only nail polish remover I stand by since I've been painting my nails. Fun random fact: I DON'T do mani's or pedi's. EVER. People touching my hands or feet give me the tickles, but not in a good way... more like twitching rather than tickles. HA HA HA.

12. MADAM GLAM "LIAR" MATTE LIPSTICK

Cruelty-free and vegan, this long-wearing lipstick has a velvety, smooth finish with gorgeous texture. They have an assortment of colors, from matte to glossy finishes too. I particularly love this pink-hued one, called, "Liar". It's the perfect subtle pop of color for an everyday lipstick. Here is a special 30% off coupon code for you guys to use if you're curious about those lipsticks shades too. The coupon has no special conditions (no minimum order or anything else): Suzanne30. It can also be used in our Gels and Nail Art category. Go here and shop now!

LOVE & XX'S,

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White Christmas Margaritas

This post is brought to you by Código 1530 Rosa but all opinions are my own.


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Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your day was filled with much love & joy a person can hold in their heart. I'm not big on the holiday in particular, but I did enjoy some major quality time with the pup and even squeezed in an old tradition - going to the movies on Christmas Day. I saw The Shape of Water and let me tell you, one of the best films I have seen in years. I balled my eyes out because I'm a hopeless, die-hard romantic, but everything from the cinematography to the story was absolutely phenomenal. Truly inspiring - if you haven't seen it yet, you HAVE to check it out! Lots of Oscar buzz going around on this particular film, you'll be hearing a lot more about it! And even though it's the day after Christmas, I wanted to create a fun, festive cocktail drink in light of National Candy Cane Day! Get hooked on this coconutty- peppermint refreshment with an amazing new tequila I'm trying from Código 1530. Continue reading to get the recipe and to see more photos of this holiday cocktail. 

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White Christmas Margarita Recipe

photos + recipe by ©Suzanne Spiegoski

photos + recipe by ©Suzanne Spiegoski

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

14oz coconut milk

12 oz Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

1/2 c lime juice

8oz peppermint schnapps

2c ice

Directions:

  1. Crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses.

  2. In a blender, mix all ingredients until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes.

There's not much to this quick and easy recipe. First, crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses. I did it with a Ziploc bag and the side of a hammer. Very simple. Then in a blender, combine all ingredients blending until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes and sprinkle a little bit of the crushed ones on top of the drinks. I think it gives it an extra dose of fun and playfulness. As for the Código 1530 Rosa, this particular tequila begins with the purity of their Blanco, then is rested for 1 month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels. The result is a refined spirit with a natural color as beautiful as its taste. Their Rosa has rested just long enough in their fine Cabernet barrels to enrich the natural agave juice, without overpowering its delicate floral notes. I think it goes very well with the balances of the freshness of the peppermint along with the slight sweetness of the coconut milk. What do you guys think of this cocktail? Are you a fan of candy canes and what are your plans for #NationalCandyCaneDay?

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LOVE & XX'S, 

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