August Beauty Favorites

August 31, 2020

BEAUTY FAVORITES: BEAUTY COUNTER BEYOND GLOSS | ATELIER COLOGNE CLEMENTINE CALIFORNIA | GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW TONER | ELEMIS SUPERFOOD GLOW PRIMING MOISTURIZER | ELEMIS SUPERFOOD AHA GLOW CLEANSING BUTTER | GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM | FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING CREAM

Summer is coming to an end and I’m back with my monthly beauty favorites! In today’s post, I’m sharing the latest skincare and makeup products that I discovered to be my favorites from the month of August. This includes a lip gloss with a responsibly source vanilla, a pore-minimizing toner that smells of juicy watermelon, a multi-purpose moisturizer that also works as a primer and a highlighter, a summer fragrance that is unisex and also can be continually used through the fall season! And more! Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

BEAUTY COUNTER BEYOND GLOSS

This gloss delivers high-impact shine and conditioning lip benefits, while taking transparency to the next level with ingredients that care for your lips—and the greater good. Formulated with a blend of waxes to lock in moisture (with no stickiness), this gloss delivers cushiony color and a sophisticated scent thanks to responsibly sourced vanilla. ECOCERT-certified organic vanilla from Madascascar, Beauty Counter’s supplier is committed not only to sourcing the highest quality of vanilla, but also to improving the quality of life for their community of farmers. This is definitely something I am on board with!

ATELIER COLOGNE CLEMENTINE CALIFORNIA

This scent contains notes of clementine from Italy, juniper berries from Turkey, and vetiver from Haiti. The fresh and fruity perfumes from across the world combine in this citrus cologne for men and women to create a summer scent that evokes sunshine, blue skies, and endless miles of sparkling beachfront. Perfect for those who love a citrus-based fragrance as well as those who love a fragrance that smells sweet but not too sweet and really fresh.

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW PHA + BHA PORE-TIGHT TONER

Suitable for all skin types, this bouncy, alcohol-free toner is made with PHA and willow bark, a natural form of BHA, to help unclog pores while hydrating skin. Combined with watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and cactus water, it smooths without stripping skin of its moisture, for poreless, glowing skin. Due to cactus water and cucumber in the formula, scent is herbal with a fruity finish. I definitely noticed a significant reduction in my pore size after only using it for a couple of weeks.

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD GLOW-PRIMING MOISTURIZER

Turn up the brightness while hydrating skin with Elemis’ glow-getting Superfood Glow Priming Moisturizer. A radiance enhancing blend of kombucha and fermented ginger extracts helps to even out skin tone, while green tea seed oil and an active prebiotic help leave the complexion feeling soft, balanced and nourished. Enhanced with universally flattering light-reflecting minerals, the featherlight formula can be used as a radiance-enhancing moisturizer, a hydrating makeup primer and an illuminating highlighter.

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD AHA GLOW CLEANSING BUTTER

Packed with brightening AHAs and skin softening Mango Butter, this nourishing facial cleanser removes makeup, daily pollutants and daily grime to reveal a healthy-looking radiance. The buttery formula can be used as a daily cleanser, a deep cleansing mask or a hydrating makeup remover around the eyes and face for smooth and glowing skin.

GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM

Formulated with an advanced form of tranexamic acid (cetyl tranexamate mesylate) and 4% niacinamide, this lightweight serum improves the appearance of age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. It’s a great lightener but please note it takes a few weeks to start noticing results.

FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING CREAM

This cream is formulated with peach micro-pearls to help the eye area appear dewy and revitalized, while sodium hyaluronate helps smooth and visibly plump. It is also formulated with niacinamide, pumpkin seed extract, and caffeine to help diminish the look of dark circles over time by targeting two key causes: skin pigmentation (brown circles) and puffiness (blue circles). I can literally see a difference as soon as I apply the brightening cream around my eye area, really amazing stuff!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

4 Favorite Trending Black Heels in 2020

August 19, 2020

BLACK HEELS: STRAPPY KITTEN HEELS | FISHNET STILETTO HEELS | FEATHER STILETTO HEELS | HEELED MULES

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY PUBLIC DESIRE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

In this particular year, I bet many are not very interested in wearing any kind of heels at the moment. We’re all stuck at home, and while many of us are piling on the comfies - fuzzy slippers, flats, just some socks, perhaps sans shoes and just going barefoot but why not mix things up from time to time? Like makeup, I use it as a tool to feel good and to do better. When I’m dressed like a slob, I don’t feel as productive when I do have a look put together. Nothing extreme, but yes, a little goes a long way. So the next time you’re loading up the dishwasher or having a zoom call, throw caution to the wind and wear your favorite heels! In today’s post I’m sharing 4 of my favorite trending black heels in 2020. Lots of square toes :) Continue reading to see more!

STRAPPY KITTEN HEELS

The Mika kitten heel features strappy front detail with a mid height heel at 2.5 inches. The perfect day to night heel you need! I love wearing them with jeans, skirts, dresses, pretty much everything! They’re very comfortable and definitely spruce up any outfit! I also really love the square toe fitting - really makes the shoe.

FISHNET STILETTO HEELS

The Anabela features a fishnet material, stiletto heel, gold chain detail and statement square toe. With a 3.5 inch heel, these baddies are most certainly edgy and chic. As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “I’m very, very comfortable in heels. The higher the better.” I definitely think our shoe gal would have approved of these.

FEATHER LACE UP STILETTO HEELS

The Fifi features a high stiletto heel with a lace up ankle strap and heel feather detailing. These are super cute and the perfect pair for any weekend look. I like to dress them up or down, but they look great with a cocktail dress! Definitely would wear them on a date night!

HEELED MULES

The Harlow features a PU mule upper, square toe and statement stiletto heel. The height of the heel is 3.5 inches, but this heeled mule is super comfy! Super great to run errands and work in. I definitely love to slip these cuties on before a conference call. They make me feel empowered and stylish at the same time!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE SHOES

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Self-Portrait Stay at Home Looks Pt 2

August 6, 2020

Self-Portrait Stay at Home Looks Pt. 2

Continuing this series with more stay at home outfits! Being in NYC during this time, I’ve been spending most of my time in our apartment, and remotely working from home. I definitely have a mix of vibes! Some are a bit more bougie, and some very chill, but all relatable and affordable looks. Come take a look, there’s even a great swimwear piece that can be worn both as a swimsuit and a bodysuit. Definite closet must-have if you’re a crochet lover like myself. Continue reading to see more!

WEARING: YELLOW KNIT TOP | PINK JEANS | TURQUOISE MULES

WEARING: NUDE LOUNGEWEAR SET

WEARING: BLACK CRISSCROSS BACK DRESS

WEARING: WHITE BLAZER | BLACK BRA | WHITE PALAZZO PANTS

WEARING: ORANGE HALTER DRESS | GOLD NECKLACE | PVC HEELS

WEARING: SUMMER LEAF PRINT DRESS | BURGUNDY WOVEN MULES

WEARING: CROCHET ONE PIECE

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Summertime Melancholy

August 3, 2020

WEARING: CRISSCROSS TIE BACK SHIRRED WAIST CROP TOP | FOLD PLEAT WIDE LEG PANTS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

All dressed up with nowhere to go! Sounds about right these days… but I have definitely been enjoying these ‘studio sessions’ of self-portraits at home. It’s not the same as street style photographs, where somewhere like NYC, there’s a million and one locations to go shoot at. But just at home? It’s like a blank canvas and not much noise in the background. My style has evolved into something more minimal and I’ve been loving how I incorporate that into the styled image. So in today’s post, I’m sharing a small series I did over the weekend wearing my new favorite matching set. The dusty purple color has me swooning, along with the quality and fit of the pleat wide leg pants and crisscross crock top. It is quite simple, yet understatedly chic. Just the way I like it. And the price is nice. Less than $40 for the set. Would be cute to mix and match, such as wearing the halter top with jeans or the trousers with a different colored top. You can shop the look throughout this post. Wishing you a lovely and safe week! See you soon, friends. x

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

B GREAT Skincare

July 24, 2020

This post was sponsored by B GREAT as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Times have changed. Life is busy and stressful and so much seems out of our control right now, and now is more important than ever to take real good care of ourselves. Look great and feel great, right? Enter: B GREAT, a safe, naturally based line of CBD-infused products. “CBD”—a THC-free cannabinoid-rich hemp extractor oil from the Cannabis sativa L. plant is a natural alternative for pain relief. CBD benefits vary per person, but benefits include better sleep, minimizing stress, relieving aches, and hydrating our skin. When we actually #selfcare we're better able to take on daily life. And B GREAT definitely helps maximize on that, which is why I'm sharing some of my favorites from their new line. Continue reading to learn more!

I first discovered B GREAT when I was in search of a CBD lip balm to rescue me from my dry, lackluster lips. I also think it's a great way to be introduced to the soothing effects of CBD without having to digest any. Since using B GREAT’s Hemp Lip Defense I feel that my lips are revitalized into the smoothest, softest lips. Infused with full-spectrum whole hemp and vitamin E, coconut oil, and shea butter for intense moisture and ultimate hydration, this lip balm is nourishing and soothing in the best form. And how could I forget the minty-fresh flavor?! So good, I want to eat it!

After my initial discovery, I wanted to see more of what B GREAT had to offer. I immediately fell in love with the Hemp Antioxidant Cream. A great anti-aging cream specially formulated for the face and neck, its CBD components help minimize inflammation and redness. With ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, botanical oils and amino acids, I definitely achieve that 'glow'. This B GREAT cream is gentle enough to use day and night.

Now, are these products strictly for women? Absolutely not! The Hemp After Shave Serum is jam packed with 100% full-spectrum hemp to help balance the skin and reduce inflammation. My husband is picky with aftershave but loves the benefits of this product! With aloe, witch hazel and chamomile, his skin feels instantly soothed, refreshed and hydrated. No more razor burn for my honey!

Lastly, the Hemp Relief & Recovery Cream is perfect for anyone who is active and loves to workout. I love running to clear my head, but the aches and pains - not so much. With 250 mg of CBD per bottle, this cream's concentrated formula is quickly absorbed and ingredients such as peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils are wonderfully scented and a cooling relief to the touch.

B GREAT is a brand you can trust. B GREAT prioritizes complete transparency, offering consumers the opportunity to trace exact contents within each product on their website. B GREAT products are made in FDA-registered facilities and all products are third party tested for quality-ensured purposes. Grown completely pesticide-free and animal cruelty free. Even their packaging is recyclable which is such a bonus in my book.

Use code LookGreat for 30% off your purchase! Also, the first 100 people to redeem the code will receive a complementary Hemp Lip Defense. Promotion valid through August 7th, 2020.

For more information visit https://www.bgreat.com/. Check out their blog. See their FAQs.

Additional Resources: