How To Get Ready for Your Holiday Parties with Dove

December 19, 2016

Can you believe Christmas is here this Sunday?! What a whirlwind December has been! There's really nothing like the hustle and bustle of New York during the holiday season. With very little time to waste in between work, events and holiday parties, I've been using the new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant every morning to help me getting ready quick and easy. Sprays on instantly dry and I'm ready to go.

Not only does this new spray provide 48 hours of odor and wetness protection in addition to caring for your skin, but also offers the brand's signature 1/4 moisturizing technology. Dove knows when it comes to good skin care and it's a brand I've always trusted. And you can kiss those white residue stains goodbye with this new spray. Not to mention the lovely fresh scent in Original Clean. The dry spray antiperspirants also come in different fragrances, varying from clean to citrusy, they also have one for sensitive skin which I know so many of us have a lot more irritability during the colder winter seasons.

Lastly, in light of working with not one but two brands that bring me confidence to my everyday life, I was inspired to take self-portraits for both. Because taking self-portraits also require confidence I definitely wanted to show different forms of this feeling. It's not just one kind of aura, it has many embodiments. Such as many other types of emotions, there is light and there is dark. Curious as to what the other one will be about? Let's just say it's a little racier than me getting ready in a robe! Stay tuned! And if you love feeling confident in a flash just as much as I do, you got to give Dove's Dry Spray Antiperspirant a try, click here for more info.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Eva Hair NYC

December 7, 2016

EVA HAIR NYC ❤️ OLD NAVY TRAVEL - SIZE COLLECTION: CLEAN UP SHAMPOO | 
SOFTEN UP CONDITIONER | THERAPY SESSION HAIR MASK | ROCK-A-WAVE CURL CREAM |
 FRESHEN UP DRY SHAMPOO | SURF'S UP! TEXTURE SPRAY | MINI-STRAIGHTENER

This post is brought to you by Eva Hair NYC

Happy Hump Day and Happy last month of 2016! Get ready to ring in the New Year with a terrific haircare brand, Eva Hair NYC, based in Brooklyn, New York. Can I just start by commenting on the vibrant and boho chillax feel in their packaging?! This was the first thing I noticed when I received their travel kit sized collection. It includes shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, curl cream, dry shampoo, texture spray, and even an adorable cute mini-straightener.

1. CLEAN UP SHAMPOO

The Clean It Up Shampoo is a daily shampoo that gently cleanses, restores and nourishes hair. With Keravis™ Protein Complex it is scientifically proven for 3X stronger hair. Also containing Argan oil, this feeds hair with Vitamins A & E, Omegas 3, 6, 9, keeping your hair healthy, shiny and smooth.

2. SOFTEN UP CONDITIONER

The Soften Up Conditioner is a daily conditioner that gently moisturizes, detangles and repairs hair. This conditioner also contains Keravis™ Protein Complex and Argan Oil. And the smell of both the shampoo and conditioner are amazing!

3. THERAPY SESSION HAIR MASK

The Therapy Session Hair Mask is a daily or weekly treatment that deeply conditions, repairs and strengthens dry and damaged hair. It is a wonderful weekly hair mask to use and has been keeping my hair moisturized and silky!

4. ROCK-A-WAVE CURL CREAM

The Rock-A-Wave Curl Cream is a moisturizing leave-in treatment that lightly sculpts and defines curls while taming frizz and fly-aways. I simply love this cream because it really helps with my wavy hair. It texturizes but not overkill. Simply smells delicious and keeps those locks hydrated!

5. FRESHEN UP DRY SHAMPOO

The Freshen Up Dry Shampoo is a weightless spray that cleans without water, absorbs excess oil, and adds instant volume - with no white residue (which is kind of annoying, am I right ladies?) The natural rice starch absorbs excess oil and is a gentle alternative to harsh talc or aluminum. Containing Vitamin C & Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 all enhance shine while moisturizing and strengthening the hair.

6. SURF'S UP! TEXTURE SPRAY

The Surf's Up! Texture Spray is a weightless spray that creates instant texture and volume, with a dry, matte finish. With zeolite - a natural mineral that builds texture without salt I found it to be very effective in giving lovely beach waves to my hair.

7. MINI-STRAIGHTENER

The mini-straightener is a small but powerful travel iron perfect for touch-ups and styling on-the-go. The 100% ceramic and titanium plates radiate far-infrared heat and lock in moisture for a smooth, frizz-free finish. The added cosmetic bag and dual voltage feature make these the ideal travel companion for instant beautification. And how cute is the pouch?! I love anything iridescent.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Dollup Beauty Makeup Case

November 17, 2016

WHAT'S INSIDE: DOLLUP BEAUTY SUGARCUBE WHITE MAKEUP CASE | 
LUMIE HIGHLIGHTER SHIMMER | DOLLIPS LIQUID MATTE LIP SPREADS | 
DOLL-EYES ON YOU LIQUID EYELINER | LANCÔME EYE MAKEUP REMOVER | 
LANCÔME NEW VISIONNAIRE EYE CREAM | LANCÔME DRAMA LIQUID-PENCILS | 
LANCÔME DEFINICILS MASCARA | LANCÔME 2 IN 1 SHARPENER

Recently I received a wonderful makeup organizer case from Dollup Beauty. The Dollup Case by makeup artist Nikki Hynek is the perfect way to store your entire beauty look in one place while keeping you and your makeup stylishly organized at home or on-the-road. The hard case design protects and secures your daily essentials – and also comes in several colors other than white. The portable makeup case has a convenient hinge feature allowing the case to open flat for easy access to all your makeup. A customizable naked magnetic palette, elastic holding bands and an interior drop-down vanity mirror completes this amazing case fit for any woman. Dollup Beauty was also generous to gift several of their beauty products along with their makeup case.

1. LUMIE HIGHLIGHTER SHIMMER

The Lumie Highlighter Powder Shimmer is the best way to achieve that perfect 'glow from within' makeup look that will have everyone asking why your skin looks so amazing! They've crafted their Lumie Highlighter Powder Shimmer out of all natural premium pressed mica minerals, that are so finely milled, they blur out flaws and refract light away from imperfections. What you're left with, after dusting your skin, is a totally brightened & beaming complexion wherever you apply. There are two colors, one more gold based and another rose, but I received the gold one called Lavish: It's a buttery colored luminous shimmer powder with pearled finish. And my new favorite strobing highlighter! TOTALLY obsessed. :)

2. DOLLIPS™ LIQUID MATTE LIP SPREADS

I received 'Peace' and 'Laughter'. 'Peace' has a more nude tone where 'Laughter' is a full vibrant red. I've tried both and am so in love with them! Aside from its buttery, smooth spread across your lips, the liquid spreads dry to a matte finish for a smudge-proof ten hour wear! Score! And what's even better is these lipsticks are enriched with antioxidants, Vitamin E & Avocado oil; all to keep your lips hydrated!

3. DOLL-EYES ON YOU LIQUID EYELINER

You can achieve the perfect 'Doll Eye' look with this line-perfecting brush tip. It offers effortless precision with every winged line, thin or thick. The perfectly tapered brush tip delivers an ultra deep black or deep brown pigment in one seamless swipe. The quick drying formula offers a smudge free application that lasts all day long – even on the oiliest of eye lids! This is something I've been wanting to find for a while and am so happy to have discovered Dollup Beauty and their crazy good products like this fabulous liner!

4. LANCÔME BI-FACIL EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

I received several Lancôme products from Influenster, a great platform where bloggers can test and review products of all kinds, especially beauty products. This travel sized eye makeup remover is an award-winning phenomenon that magically whisks away the most stubborn eye makeup, even waterproof. Simply shake this bad boy to activate the bi-phase formula that leaves the eye area sparkly clean. The lipid phase lifts off eye makeup, while the water phase contains special emollients to refresh and condition skin without a greasy residue.

5. LANCÔME NEW VISIONNAIRE EYE CREAM

Whether you had no sleep or stayed out late (yes, I sometimes still do!), erase the night away with an instant fix for under eye puffiness, crow's feet, and the look of fatigue. This Visionnaire Eye Cream has the power to change the way your eyes look with instant photo-ready correction. I use it as a primer before applying concealer, thanks to its blurring properties your skin will look fresh and rested. And I love the very light but rich cream, it even smells amazing. As does all Lancôme products! :)

6. LANCÔME DRAMA LIQUID PENCILS

Create a sensual, intense eye look with ease. This smudgy, creamy-smooth eye pencil delivers a dose of decadent color that glides on effortlessly and blends beautifully. In an instant, eyes are perfectly lined, defined and contoured for a smoldering effect that's absolutely irresistible. I received two pencils, one in black and the other in purple, and have been applying the black eyeliner on the top lids and the purple for the bottom. It brings a pop to the eye, and any cooler color, such as purple, blue, even a dark green helps brighten brown eyes naturally.

7. LANCÔME DEFINICILS MASCARA

This has been one of my most favorite mascara's of all time. Lancôme carries some of the best beauty products in the world – this mascara has been the number 1 mascara for over 16 years! For lavishly long, perfectly defined lashes, this iconic award-winning mascara provides the ultimate in separation. Carefully selected polymers coat each lash from root to tip, to help lengthen and outline each lash for unmatched definition. This best-selling mascara's unique brush applicator has specially grooved bristles that hold the perfect amount of product for gradual, even application every time. Simply the best!

8. LANCÔME 2 IN 1 SHARPENER

Straight to the point, this durable, quality-crafted design is the quickest and easiest way to sharpen Lancôme makeup pencils. I've been using it on my new pencils and not once have they been overly done or under done. Excellence at its finest.

To see more from each beauty brand, go to Dollup Beauty and Lancôme's website to see more of their products including the ones shared in today's post. Stay tuned for an upcoming outfit post – the theme is around emo/grunge/darker vibes. I can't wait to share it with you! Hopefully I'll have it up by this weekend. Working hard to crank out content for you guys! What would you like to see more of? Beauty? Fashion? Food & Cooking? Travel? I'd love to hear from you down below in the comments! Reading your posts always make me happy and inspired. See everyone soon!

LOVE & XX'S,

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At-Home Workspace with OttLite

November 8, 2016

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY OTTLITE, BUT MY DESIRE TO TRY OUT LIFE IN A BETTER LIGHT IS MY OWN. :)

I've recently rearranged my workspace desk with OttLite lighting. What's different about their lights? OttLite lighting was created by photobiologist (omg how cool is that) Dr. John Nash Ott (awe) who studied how natural daylight affects all living things. From his amazing research OttLite Technology was born, bringing the magic of natural daylight indoors! They combine low heat and low glare, OttLite natural daylight illumination comes with smart features such as magnification, convenient storage, flexible necks and more. What I love most about their lights is how you can see everything more clearly and comfortably.

I am on my computer 5-7 hours a day either editing, writing, answering emails or having phone conferences, I need lighting that will alleviate the eyestrain from glaring at the computer for long periods of time. And the new LED crane lamp I received from OffLite is perfect for the new workspace. With its flexible neck I can easily adjust it where needed and it doesn't clutter up space at my desk.

The clarity is unreal! Just look at the photos for yourself! I really have little to no eyestrain after I started using the LED crane lamp. It is light and portable on top of its flexibility and sleek cool design. It really complements with my new minimally- styled desk, and this new desk lamp is in great company! Ha ha! But it really has made such a difference in every day work! I can officially say goodbye to eyestrain! Yay!

If you like what you see, there's a chance for you to win a free lamp of your own! OttLite is hosting a giveaway where 5 lucky winners will receive a lamp, plus one for a friend! Holidays are fast approaching us... do you know someone who is in need of a new lamp, or two? Perhaps you do too? :::hint hint::: 😉

Check out the Before & After shot down below! It is clear that life is brighter and better with OttLite. I'm all for a healthy approach when it come to my eyesight, especially since I'm near a computer screen all the time. It never stops. I'm glad I can't count on Ottlite for their high-quality lights. Don't miss your chance to enter in the giveaway – it's a really great one!

So what is currently on my desk? I have my classic Olympia typewriter that I've been using a lot lately along with recent invitations and photography books containing the works of some of my favorite photographers: Mr. Penn, Avedon, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Leutwyler, Araki and more. (In no particular order.) I also have my go-to 'unobtrusive' camera, the Olympus OM-D E 5. It's my baby. I also keep coasters at bay, these agate coasters from West Elm have been around for a few years now, but I love the deep blue hue in them. I really can't stand ring marks from drinks!

“We live in a world that turns over in a moment.”

— Azzedine Alaïa

You can read more on the benefits of Ottlite lighting here. Besides showing colors accurately and seeing fine print and details more clearly, more tips for healthier eyes can be read in this awesome article from Ottlite! They even have a collection of bedroom lamps if you're interested. The LED crane clamp is portable and can be used on your night stand. Check it out here!

LOVE & XX'S,

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OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection

November 5, 2016

OROGOLD COSMETICS 24K WHITE GOLD COLLECTION: PURIFYING TONER | 
AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL | CLASSIC BODY BUTTER | 
DEEP MOISTURIZER | MOUSSE CLEANSER | 
CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM | MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This post is brought to you by OROGOLD Cosmetics.

The latest skincare products I've been using literally has gold in its products. Not just one product, but in all of 'em. It's killer good. I've never had such smooth, supple skin before! OROGOLD Cosmetics has a variety of skin collections to best suit your needs and since I have a combination of oily/dry skin, I chose their 24K White Gold Collection. A total of seven products amongst the collection, it has all the essentials for face & body including a facial mousse cleanser and purifying toner, aromatherapy body oil, body butter, deep moisturizer, hand & body cream, and a multi-vitamin deep peeling gel. Let me tell you more about the products individually!

1. 24K MOUSSE CLEANSER

This gentle cleanser transforms into a creamy lather to effectively diminish the look of impurities such as dirt and makeup. I simply loved how fresh and clean my face was afterward. A thorough rich lather-type cleanser is my go-to's for face wash.

Orogold Cosmetics 24K Classic Body Butter

2. PURIFYING TONER

After cleansing, this gentle toner helps diminish any remaining traces of excess oils and impurities to leave your skin with a healthier looking complexion.

3. AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL

With floral and citrus notes, The 24K Aromatherapy Body Oil is made with a blend of precious, nourishing oils and natural botanical extracts. With no synthetic fragrance, this luxurious oil is especially formulated to leave skin feeling moisturized, healthy and radiant. I'm completely obsessed with the fragrance let alone how amazing my skin feels after use!

4. CLASSIC BODY BUTTER

Made with a magnificent blend of rich ingredients, this classic cream delivers a new kind of softness to your skin. Suitable for dry skin types to leave you in luxurious comfort all day, it's the perfect body butter for the winter season and an even better stocking stuffer for the holidays.

5. 24K DEEP MOISTURIZER

This moisturizer has a light, non-greasy texture that offers hydrating ingredients for healthier looking skin. The 24K Deep Moisturizer really helps replenish your appearance.

6. CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM

This light-weight hand and body cream is infused with organic argan oil and chamomile to help protect against dryness. Perfect for those extra cold days! The Classic Hand and Body Cream offers a luxurious skin-soothing experience.

7. MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This unique peeling gel is formulated with superb ingredients such as bamboo stem powder, mandelic acid and vitamin C. The combination of these powerful ingredients with walnut shell powder help gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it with a soft refreshed sensation. I'm not big on peels because of my extremely sensitive skin but this one left my face looking youthful and bright. I was really happy with the results of this peel!

The OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays. With its rich, luxurious ingredients (even the package design is off the chain) and high-quality care, OROGOLD Cosmetics will have your skin covered for the dry wintry season and left feeling like a queen (or king). :)