June 30, 2014

My Trip to Israel 2014

As you may already know, on Friday I returned from my 10-day Birthright trip to Israel. I had the best time ever on my trip and loved every minute of the experience.

Sharing all of the photos I took on the trip or even a photo for each amazing thing we did over the 10 days would be difficult, so here are just some of the things that I did while in Israel. You can see a few other photos I posted on instagram.

Ready for takeoff // Landing in Tel Aviv

Hiking by the Banyas waterfall // Visiting the beautiful city Tzfat

Praying at the Western Wall // Western Wall

Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea // Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 

Hiking Massada // Swimming in the Dead Sea

June 29, 2014

Beauty Sales Week of June 29th

Gilt:
  • La Roche-Posay (Sale begins Noon ET 7/1)
  • Pro Skincare Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 7/2)
  • Skincare Feat. Vichy: Up to 80% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 7/3)
  • Best Beauty Buys: Up to 80% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 7/4)

HauteLook:
  • Fragrances Under $25, La Fresh, Whitening Lightning (Sales begin 8am PT 6/29)
  • eyeko, DERMAdoctor Skincare, #ManiMonday: Sephora by OPI (Sales begin 4pm PT 6/30)
  • Boyfriend Fragrances by Kate Walsh, KareCo Sheers, Too Faced (Sales begin 8am PT 7/1)
  • Mirenesse Australia, nuFACE Facial Toning Device, Per-fekt Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 7/2)
  • Beauty Essentials: Up To 80% Off, Hair Tools: Up To 80% Off, Kiehl's Since 1851 (Sales begin 8am PT 7/3)
  • Bellezza Ceramic Hair Dryer, La Femme Actualle, Million Dollar Tan (Sales begin 8am PT 7/4)
  • Bioelements Skincare, LaLicious Bath & Body, Kardashian Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 7/5)
  • Hair Tools Feat. CHI (Sale begins 9am PT 6/30)
  • Scents For Him & Her: Summer Edition (Sale begins 9am PT 7/1)
  • Hair & Skincare Essentials Feat. Dermedicine (Sale begins 9am PT 7/2)
  • $20 & Under: Beauty Essentials (Sale begins 9am PT 7/4)

  • Get Salon Locks: Products by Kerastase & More (Sale begins 11am ET 7/5)

June 27, 2014

Review: Fake Bake Golden Faux Glo





Fake Bake Faux Glo Instant Tan Wash-Off Spray ($20 for 4 oz.) is the latest self-tanning spray from Fake Bake. This instant tanning spray works on every skin tone thanks to their unique color blend to leave your skin natural looking, streak-free, and (every girl's worst nightmare) orange-free. The 360 degree nozzle makes it easy to apply from every angle to give you the perfect glow and the gloves included make it easy not to end up with ultra-bronzed palms.








I have found it works best on my legs since they tend not to tan as easily in the sun as my arms and chest so this has been helpful in evening out my skin tone so far this summer. As it claims, it lasts until you shower so for special occasions this is the perfect fix for uneven skin tones. Overall, I think this product does what it claims. It dries fast, although there may be some residue left on tight or light-colored clothing if worn after application, applies streak-free, and doesn't look orange and looks like you naturally became tan.

I was sent this product for consideration from Fake Bake but am not being influenced by any opinions but my own.

June 25, 2014

What to Wear Where: 4th of July


Bring out the red, white, and blue, it's almost the Fourth of July! 




images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

June 23, 2014

Review: Influenster Surfs Up VoxBox

Jamba Juice Smoothie Kits: Now you can enjoy your favorite Jamba smoothie anytime, anywhere. Just add juice and blend! Loaded with delicious fruits and yogurt, our fat-free, gluten free smoothie kits include a healthy antioxidant boost, one full serving of fruit and 100% daily value of Vitamin C. Try our new dairy free Fruit & Veggie Smoothies. Use your coupon for a FREE smoothie at your grocery store. 

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun is the first and only after sun product that combines ribbons of gel and lotion to leave your skin feeling luxurious and refreshed. Features & Benefits: 24 hours of luxurious moisturization with refreshing  hydrating ribbons; Lightweight feel; Coconut papaya fragrance; Refreshes sun-tired skin with soothing aloe gel. 

First Aid Shot Therapy: First Aid Shot Therapy "FAST" is an FDA compliant liquid pain relief (drinkable) shot. Common uses for FAST are headache/migraine, sore muscles, back pain and hangover headache.

SinfulColors 'Ocean Side' Professional Nail PolishBold, Vibrant, Sexy, Unexpected Color! SinfulColors professional formula is formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP free and is never animal tested. 

COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous by LashBlast MascaraThe new COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous by LashBlast Mascara features the revolutionary Bombshell Boost System, which has two brushes and two formulas for volume, curl, and dramatic intensity. The first step loads on volume, thickens and curls lashes; and the second step is a dark, intensifying topcoat that seals the look for bold, noticeable lashes. This mascara works like a waterproof formula and has serious lasting power. Remember to use an oil-based makeup remover!


Please note: I did receive these products for free, but am not being compensated in anyway to share my opinions.


June 22, 2014

Beauty Sales Week of June 22nd

HauteLook:
  • Orly Smart Gels, skyn ICELAND (Sales begin 8am PT 6/23)
  • Betsy Johnson Fragrances, Lord & Berry, WrinkleMD (Sales begin 4pm PT 6/24)
  • Corioliss, Terax (Sales begin 8am PT 6/25)

June 21, 2014

Link Love: June 15-21


Haul! Nordstrom, Sephora, Mac & More! [Kristin Gehm]


7 EASY Moves For Killer Arms [Refinery 29]

13 Organization Hacks That Actually Work [Who What Wear]

Dulce De Leche and Banana Smoothie [Spoon Fork Bacon]

Nail Inspiration: Gold Half-Moon French Manicure [Le Fashion]

Runway To Recovery: Watch GLAM4GOOD Help 8 Homeless Women Feel Beautiful [Huff Post Style]

June 20, 2014

Tech Talk: My Favorite App's

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are all givens when it comes to my favorite app's, but these are a few you might not know about! 


I absolutely love Poshmark! I've been selling my items on here for just about 2 years and in that time I've made close to $600 just by listing my items. Designer items sell quickly, so if you've got pieces you're done with, list them on here. Shop my Closet here.

I've been using myfitnesspal for several years and I'd say it's one of my most used apps. I use it to track what I eat everyday and when I work out, I use it to track my exercises, and it tracks your weight loss! If weight is something you struggle with, I'd give this a try because it puts everything you eat in perspective.


A few months ago, I had the realization that I might not be sleeping as much at night as I thought I was, and lo and behold, when I downloaded this app I found that I was right. Sleep Time keeps track of your sleep pattern throughout the night, both when you're in a light or deep sleep and even when you're awake. 

June 18, 2014

Review: Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color's


Maybelline's Color Elixir by Color Sensational Lip Color ($8.99 for 0.0 oz.) is a cushiony and pigmented new lip color available in 20 shades. This hybrid lip color delivers the cushiony feel and moisturization of a lip balm, shine of a gloss, and pigment and lasting power of a lipstick.


(Blush Essence 095)

The exclusive smoothing angora brush truly does deliver an even and smooth application to lips. Maybelline recommends that you "apply lip color with applicator wand starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to the outer edges of your lip, following the contours of your mouth, then glide across the entire bottom lip." Their method works well and leaves your lips super-saturated.

(Mauve Mystique 025)

Overall, I'd definitely give these a try, they're hydrating, long-lasting, and pigmented and worth the $8.99 price tag.

I received both of these colors at the Maybelline x Style Haul booth at BeautyCon for free but that in no way alters my opinion.

June 16, 2014

Off to Israel!


As you may know if you follow me on twitter or instagram, I'm heading to Israel for my birthright trip tonight and I will return on June 27th. In the meantime, posts will go up on their normal schedule (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) but I most likely won't be as active on social media but have plenty of great content planned for while I'm away.


I can't wait to share with you all photos and details on my trip when I return! 

photo credits: itraveljerusalem.com
wikipedia.com

June 15, 2014

Beauty Sales Week of June 15th

Gilt:
  • Beauty Best Sellers (Sale begins Noon ET 6/15)

HauteLook:
  • Philip B. Haircare (Sale begins 8am PT 6/15)
  • Hair Tools Blowout (Sale begins 4pm PT 6/15)
  • #ManiMonday: Julep, Pur Minerals (Sales begin 8am PT 6/16)
  • Dazzle Pro Teeth Whitening, evologie Skincare, Game Day Men's Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 6/17)
  • $19 & Under: Essentials For Him & Her (Sale begins 9am PT 6/15)
  • Oscar Blandi Haircare (Sale begins 9am PT 6/16)
  • Best Face Forward: Skincare by Lancome & More (Sale begins 11am ET 6/16)
  • Yes To Skincare & Beauty: Redeem Online (Sale begins 11am ET 6/17)

June 13, 2014

Recipe: Banana Muffins with Brown Sugar Crumble

If you can't tell by the previous recipes I've made in my Cooking in Heels series, I love baked goods. I come from a family of food lovers (my mom's father was a baker and my dad's father owned 2 grocery stores and 1 gourmet store in his lifetime) so it was no surprise to my parents that as a child and as I continue into adulthood, cooking is something I always look forward do doing. Since I'm home for the summer I'm taking advantage of free time by baking some goodies so stay tuned for more recipes throughout the summer.

These muffins turned out perfectly, they were moist and I didn't feel bad about eating them because they are made with greek yogurt and egg whites and no sugar.

June 11, 2014

Gift Guide: Father's Day

It's that time of year- Father's Day. For me, it's a difficult holiday to shop for because my dads birthday is just a few days later and I typically end up getting him one larger gift instead of one for Father's Day and one for his birthday (he constantly reminds me that the older he gets the less important his birthdays become).

June 9, 2014

Review: Maybelline Baby Skin

Maybelline Baby Skin ($6.99 for 1.0 oz.) is a primer that claims to instantly erase pores and smooth skin to give you a baby skin appearance. Maybelline's other primer, the Instant Age Rewind is one of my all-time favorites and I never got around to trying out this one until recently.

While it doesn't even out my complexion when it comes to redness, acne scarring, veins, etc., I think it does what it claims to do and almost airbrush your skin and leave it feeling baby soft. I probably won't re-purchase it because it doesn't do a good job of evening out my skin tone, but if you're looking for an easy everyday primer, this could be a good match for you.

June 8, 2014

Beauty Sales: Week of June 8th

Gilt:
  • Mario Badescu (Sale begins Noon ET 6/12)

HauteLook:
  • Faces Beautiful Cosmetics, Vivant Skin Care (Sales begin 8am PT 6/8)
  • Donna Bella Argan Haircare, #ManiMonday: gelliebeansGel Nails, Rae Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 6/9)
  • NYX Cosmetics, RapidLash (Sales begin 8am PT 6/10)
  • Jose Eber Hair Tools, Summer Scents, Travalo Atomizers & Rollerballs (Sales begin 8am PT 6/11)
  • MyChelle Skincare, Swissco (Sales begin 8am PT 6/12)
  • Erno Laszlo, Ready to Wear Cosmetics, Somme Institute, TanTowel (Sales begin 8am PT 6/13)
  • Belletto Studio Airbrush Makeup, Derm Mens Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 6/14)
  • Gotta Have It: Luxe Fragrances (Sale begins 9am PT 6/8)
  • De-Stress & Relax: Body & Bath Products (Sale begins 9am PT 6/10)
  • Stunning Skin: Face & Body Care (Sale begins 9am PT 6/12)
  • Brilliance New York (Sale begins 11am ET 6/11)
  • dr. brandt skincare (Sale begins 11am ET 6/13)
  • Summer Beauty Must-Haves: Makeup, Skincare, & More (Sale begins 11am ET 6/14)

June 7, 2014

Link Love: June 1-7

My Current Skin Care Basket [herlatenightcravings]


5 Surefire Ways to Wreck Your Social Media Network [Entrepreneur]

A Brief History of Men Wearing Makeup [Refinery 29]

Lemon Thyme Cake [Spoon Fork Bacon]

UO x Converse: Herald Square [Urban Outfitters Blog]

'You Did Not Eat That' Shames Skinny Women For Instagramming Food [HuffPost Women]

June 6, 2014

Products I've Used Up #4

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel: I received a $20 gift card to Lush around the holidays and knew that I had to pick up two medium bottles of this during their after Christmas sale. I couldn't resist using one up, but I'll be saving the other one for a while longer.

Nature's Bounty Fish Oil: Kind of random to include, but these are a part of my everyday routine because I've been taking fish oil for a few years now.

Clarisonic Acne Brush Head: I didn't feel like this specifically did anything to fight or prevent my acne so I'm currently trying the Deep Pore Brush Head to see how it compares.

DDF Acne Control Treatment: I purchased this from Myhabit last summer and to my disappointment when I received it, it had expired. I used it for a brief period before realizing it really wasn't doing anything for me because it had expired already.

Viva La Juicy Perfume: This was one of my favorites but it was pretty old and didn't smell like itself anymore so I purchased a mini version to use for now before possibly repurchasing this.


Sephora Smoothing Body Scrub: I wasn't too impressed with this, most likely because it didn't live up to my favorite scrub.

TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Smooth Conditioner: I really enjoyed using this sample conditioner! It definitely smoothed out my hair and lasted more then 7 washes even with my thick hair.

Mario Badescu Whitening Mask: I've had this for quite some time and it was finally time to throw it out because it was getting a little too dry. I haven't used it much recently but when I used it in the past, it definitely worked.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Manicure 'It Girl': I really like these imPRESS Nails because I find that they do stay on for a couple of days before getting a little too loose on your nails.

Betamethasone Lotion: This is my post-shampoo treatment and I hate it but it's something I've got to use.

TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Heat Activated Treatment: I really enjoyed this product! Just like the shampoo (see above) it lasted more than 7 uses and I got almost 3 weeks of use out of that tiny tube. It smelled great and really smoothed my hair.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer: I bought this to compare to the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, but it just didn't live up to it. I don't think this is something I'll be repurchasing again.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes: After not using these for a little bit, I found that when I returned to using them, I'm not a huge fan of the scent. Unfortunately, I think I have one extra pack that I need to use up before trying something else out.

MAC Stud Eyebrow Pencil: Like I've mentioned before, this is my staple makeup product and one of the first steps I do when doing my makeup.

Gillette Satin Care with a Touch of Olay Shave Gel: There's not much to say about this because for me it was just another shave gel.

Catwalk by TIGI Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo: This is up there with the best dry shampoos I've ever used. It smells amazing and I always get complimented on my hair scent when using this, and best of all it actually works at slacking up the oil.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer: I really enjoyed using this primer, but I'm going to head to the drugstore to pick up something new that I can compare it to.

White Barn Eucalyptus Mint Candle: This smelled pretty good and had a good scent throw for such a small candle. I like these little ones because I can get sick of a scent pretty easily and these pretty much get rid of that!

Secret Outlast Unscented Deodorant: This is one of my favorite deodorants and one I can see myself repurchasing once I finish up the new ones I'm testing out now.

Dove Toning Visible Care Body Wash: This is probably my all time favorite body wash and when I use up the regular Dove body washes I currently have, I'll definitely be getting this again.

eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner: Personally, I'm not a fan of gel or liquid liners because they're not as easy to correct if I make a mistake like pencil or powder which can be more easily smudged. This felt dry from the start and quickly got drier and drier until it was unusable.

Olay Fresh Effects {Everything Off!} Makeup Remover Wipes: These are definitely a new favorite makeup remover wipe and I'll be repurchasing them again soon.

June 4, 2014

Review: HUM Nutrition

Hum Nutrition is a new dietary supplement line that can now be purchased at Sephora. With everything from a high-powered fish oil to a dual-action skin and hair booster, their 24 supplement line includes something for you. All of their products are gluten free, contains no GMOs, sustainably sourced, recommended by leading nutritionists, and have fun names and bright packaging. In addition, they are all fully vegan/vegetarian, and contains no artificial ingredients. HUM recommends taking their supplements for at least 3 months to see the products full effects and I've been taking them for just 2 weeks so while I know full results have not been achieved yet, I hope this is helpful in letting you know what I think so far.

Here Comes the Sun ($20) boosts sun-craving skin. It is packed with the leading ingredient D3, which is essential for calcium absorption, skin protection, and healthy bones and teeth. Its formula is free of parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Each bottle contains 120 softgels, meant to be taken once daily with food.

I feel like of the two I am trying, this will be the more difficult of the two to see if its benefits are actually working for me. I don't typically get a lot of sun since I work indoors and when I am not at work (which is rare over the summer) I am indoors doing blog work, so it's nice to know that I am getting my Vitamin D for the day.

Killer Nails ($20) works to support longer and stronger hair and nails. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, meant to be taken once daily with food. Its key ingredient is biotin is a water soluble B-complex vitamin necessary for cell growth and the production and metabolism of fat into amino acids. It has been specially formulated for HUM in a high potency vegan formula without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

So far so good with this one as well. While I think it is still a little early to tell how well this is working so far, I have noticed that my nails are growing faster than before which is saying a lot considering at work they usually break pretty quickly but they are definitely withstanding more than before I began taking the supplement.

I was sent these for consideration from HUM Nutrition but am not being influenced by any opinions but my own.

June 2, 2014

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: May 2014


Olay Fresh Effects {Everything Off!} Make-Up Removal Cloths: I hadn't tried anything else out from this line so when I saw these on sale at CVS recently I decided to pick them up. While I'm not a huge fan of the scent, the wipes themselves are gentle and remove your makeup without irritation.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel: I recently picked this up during the Sephora VIB Sale last month, and it's working wonders for my skin. It gets rid of spots quickly without over drying my skin.

Dove Advanced Care Deodorants in Nourished Beauty & Pink Rosa (℅): I've been testing these out since early May and I'm really enjoying both formulas I have so far. They moisturize underarms to provide softer and smoother underarms in 3 days and I have definitely seen a difference in the softness and darkness of my underarms since using these and I'm excited to see how they continue to change. Overall, I'd definitely give these a try if you're looking to try a new deodorant for the summer. They provide 48-hour odor and wetness protection in a variety of scents. Check out my full review here.

Maybelline Color Elixir 'Blush Essence': Creamy and luxurious, these combo gloss-balm-lipstick's provide non-sticky pigmented color. I got them in two colors at BeautyCon (expect a full review coming soon) and I love them!

Whish Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel (℅): I've been so obsessed with this lately! That's all I'll say here, check out this full review I did last week.

Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub: This smells amazing and although it's a little heavy for the upcoming summer months, I've been enjoying it nonetheless.

Dole Banana Dippers: These are the perfect satisfying snack at the end of the day. One pack of dippers is really all you need to satisfy a late-night sweet-tooth craving.

I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Dove. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

June 1, 2014

Beauty Sales: Week of June 1st

Gilt:
  • Beauty Tools of the Trade (Sale begins Noon ET 6/3)
  • Luxe Beauty Essentials (Sale begins Noon ET 6/4)

HauteLook:
  • Summer Body Mists & Lotions, Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories (Sale begins 8am PT 6/1)
  • Pucker Up! Lip Beauty Bag Blowout (Sale begins 4pm PT 6/1)
  • #ManiMonday: CULT Nails, Stila (Sales begin 8am PT 6/2)
  • Chaacoca Moroccan Argan Oil, JAQUA Bath & Body (Sales begin 8am PT 6/3)
  • NuMe Style Hair Tools, NYC Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 6/4)
  • Baby Quasar, CLEAN Fragrance, FACE atelier Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 6/5)
  • Dermabrush, Donna Bella 24K+ Caviar Skincare, NYX Exclusive Lip (Sales begin 8am PT 6/6)
  • Head-To-Toe Beauty (Sale begins 9am PT 6/4)
  • LVX Nail Lacquer (Sale begins 11am ET 6/5)