Curél – Hydra Therapy

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The climate in Chicago can be really dry, especially during the fall and winter months. My skin becomes dry and irritated due to the weather and constant need to have the furnace running. I’ve just started using Curél – Hydra Therapy and I love how soft and moisturized my skin feels. It’s a wet skin moisturizer, so applying it to freshly showered skin is key. It’s a water activated ceramide formula that hydrates the skin’s surface and helps to keep in moisture. It may feel strange applying a moisturizer to damp skin, though the benefits are worth it!

This post was a collaboration with Curél. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting collaborations with Taffeta and Cedar!

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Sally Hansen – Airbrush Legs

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Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs – Beige Glow 

Who doesn’t want flawless looking legs in the summer? Laying out at the beach soaking up the sunshine is a true love of mine. Though with a busy schedule, it’s difficult to always find the time to maintain a summer glow. I was excited to try Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs over the weekend. It is easy to apply and dries quickly. I applied a thin layer to both legs before heading out for the day – wearing white! My legs felt smooth and flawless! A great addition to any summer beauty routine!

This post was a collaboration with Sally Hansen. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting collaborations with Taffeta and Cedar!

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mattify with Boscia

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With the weather warming up and the humidity rising, this means it’s time to switch up your daily skincare routine. As I’ve mentioned here and here, I have obnoxiously  oily skin and I’m always looking for ways to find balance. I’ve recently discovered this Green Tea Mattifying Hydrogel Mask from Boscia – it’s amazing! The Japanese green tea helps to reduce sebum production, acne-causing bacteria, and diminishes breakouts. It minimizes shine and excess oil with amino acids that contain antibacterial compounds. And it’s free of parabens, preservatives, sulfates and artificial aroma – another important factors when selecting any type of skincare. I’ve been using a mask 1-2 times a week and my face is feeling smoother, less irritated, less reactive, and less oily. Just in time for summer!

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SALLY HANSEN MIRACLE GEL – VOYAGER COLLECTION

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Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel™ – Flushed Wanderer & Top Coat 

Who doesn’t love having a great manicure?! I especially love the shine and longevity of a gel manicure. However, making routine trips to the nail salon is time-consuming and can add up quickly. I was excited to try a few of the new Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel™ – Voyager Collection shades at home! The collection has pretty neutrals and a few pops of color. My at-home manicure was easy to apply and it dried quickly. Win-win! The gel manicure system is a no light needed application and comes with a Miracle Gel™ 2X Volume top coat. The plumping top coat should be used together with the Miracle Gel™ shades and can last up to 14 days! AND you can remove your mani with regular nail polish remover, so no trip the the salon. Check out more colors and the entire Voyager Collection here.

 

This post was a collaboration with Sally Hansen. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting collaborations with Taffeta and Cedar!

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Moroccan Oil

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Apparently I’ve been living under a rock! Two weeks ago my husband brought home a bottle of Moroccan Oil – Curl Defining Cream after his haircut. Naturally, I had to try it and it quickly became a favorite! My hair has movement, bouncy curls, and feels extra soft. The argan oil and protein condition the hair and helps to control frizz – hooray! It also has heat-active technology that helps to activate natural curls and keep them bouncy all day. A little bit goes a long way, too. I use less than a lima bean sized amount on damp hair and dry my hair with a hairdryer. A win-win all around!

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spring beauty

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1: Le Volume de Chanel Mascara // 2: Fiona Stiles – Ultra Luxe Nourishing Lip Balm // 3: Byredo – Gypsy Water Hand Cream // 4: Le Vernis Chanel – Garçonne // 5: Dior Addict Pure Ultra Gloss – Tell Me Dior 

It’s always refreshing to switch to lighter aromas and softer colors for Spring. Here are a few of my favorites. I generally stick to a natural palette and will occasionally wear a bold lip or something with extra shine. I’m really loving the Fiona Stiles Lip Balm as of late. It’s the perfect amount of shine to wear alone or layer over a lipstick – and it’s super moistening! Oh, you can never go wrong with a luxe mascara that adds volume with a single stroke!

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Fiona Stiles Beauty

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Last week I had the pleasure of meeting celebrity makeup artist, Fiona Stiles. She was in Chicago celebrating the launch of her new makeup line, Fiona Stiles Beauty. Her line is available exclusively in Ulta Beauty  stores and online. At the event Fiona was hands-on with the makeup. Everything is easy to apply and has intense pigments, so a little goes a long way. She discussed the longevity of everything from lip color to foundation, different color combinations, and how to build and blend eye colors. Oh, and I don’t want to forget how super cool and down to earth she is. Seriously, how awesome! So, be sure to pop in your nearest Ulta Beauty and check out her fantastic new line of easy to wear and apply makeup!

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hair: short & curly

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I’ve worn my hair short for about 10 years, and love it! Since it’s naturally curly and I don’t color it, I have a rather simple styling routine. Here are a few of my go-to staples that I swear by and use daily.

Davines LOVE Shampoo – great for curly hair and it smells delicious
Aveda Black Malva Conditioner – enhances my cool, dark tones
Aveda Invati Conditioner – ayurvedic herbs help thicken hair
Davines Curl Moisturizing Mousse – adds moisture and a workable hold
Aveda Be Curly Enhancer – intensifies curly and tames frizz
Aveda Grooming Clay – pliable and matte finish
Aveda Air Control Hairspray – hands down the best hairspray. it’s a dry, workable hold

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