Link Love: January 25-31

Current Empties/Mini Product Reviews! [HerLateNightCravings]


A Yeti Wandered Around Boston During the Blizzard [Thrillist]

Can Hair Masks Really Repair Split Ends? And Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About This Treatment [Huff Post Style]

Meet The Accused Boston Bomber's Fan Club [Refinery 29]

Mo'ne Davis on Pressure, Grace, and Being a Kid [Levo League]

The College Prepster Home Tour [Style Me Pretty]

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: January 2015

James Dean by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. // CND 'Romantique' Vinylux Polish // J.R. Watkins Naturals Coconut Milk & Honey Body Scrub // MAC 'Honesty' Eyeshadow // LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter // Steve Madden Wantagh Leather Ankle Bootie // The Juicery in Boston

James Dean by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: I've been really into this song lately, it's catchy yet relaxing and perfect for lazy days.

CND 'Romantique' Vinylux Polish: I really love the CND Vinylux line and this is the perfect pinky neutral color that I love wearing all year round.

J.R. Watkins Naturals Coconut Milk & Honey Body Scrub: This scrub exfoliates and clears up dry skin in an instant. I love the smell & how thick the consistency is, perfect for dry skin.

MAC 'Honesty' Eyeshadow: This pretty light gold gives you the perfect easy shadow look in one swoop.

LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter: This is one of my all-time favorite LUSH products & one I re-purchase fairly often. It's perfect in the winter for dry and cracked skin and smells amazing.

Steve Madden Wantagh Leather Ankle Bootie: I recently picked these up & I'm obsessed with them! They're super comfortable and can be dressed up or down.

The Juicery in Boston: I work in the North End, so this is on my way to work. Over the summer, I tried to get in a glass of green juice or some fruit/veggie smoothie equivalent daily but I've been slacking. One of my resolutions is to be healthier (obviously) and treating my tastebuds & body to one of these every few days is just what I need to brighten my day. My favorite is the Bermuda Bliss Smoothie, give it a try!

I'm back in the swing of my sophomore year second semester and I am really happy with my classes so far. It's crazy to think that in a few months I'll be halfway done with my college career and (hopefully) beginning a summer internship in Boston and moving into my first apartment!

All Things Pretty: Super Bowl Sunday

 

Alex & Ani Patriots Logo Charm Bangle // Alex & Ani Patriots Football Charm Bangle // Junk Food Raglan T-Shirt // BaubleBar Sapphire Runway Collar Necklace // Too Faced 'Melted Ruby' Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick // Rebecca Minkoff Leo Clutch

Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching, and there's something in the air in the city of Boston. Seeing the Red Sox win the World Series my freshman year was something I had never experienced before & we're hoping for a big Patriots win this year! Even though I'm Philly born and raised and the Eagles will always have a place in my heart, there's something exciting about being in a city on the verge of a big win! Here are a few unique options for you to show your pride.

Beauty Sales Week of January 25th

Gilt:

• Beauty Gifts: Sets & Fragrances (Sale begins 9pm ET 1/25)
• Sisley Skincare (Sale begins Noon ET 1/27)
• Skincare Solutions (Sale begins Noon ET 1/29)
• Perfect Beauty Gifts (Sale begins Noon ET 1/30)

HauteLook:

• High Tech Cosmetics, Miracle Skin Transformer (Sales begin 8am PT 1/25)
• #ManiMonday: Red Carpet Manicure, Silk'n Hair Removal, Studio Gear Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 1/26)
• Jouer Cosmetics, Macadamia Natural Oil Haircare (Sales begin 8am PT 1/27)
• NuFACE Facial Toning Device, SPAfrica Skincare, Tarina Tarantino Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 1/28)
• Crown Brush, DermaHeal (Sales begin 8am PT 1/29)
• Chaacoca Moroccan Argan Oil, Stila (Sales begin 8am PT 1/30)
• Donna Bella 24K & Caviar Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 1/31)

MYHABIT:

• Head-to-Toe Beauty (Sale begins 8:30am ET 1/25)
• Designer Fragrances Feat. Dolce & Gabbana (Sale begins 8:30am ET 1/26)
• $29 & Up: Skincare Favorites, For Valentine's Day: Beauty Gifts (Sale begins 8:30am ET 1/27)
• Bond No. 9 (Sale begins 8:30am ET 1/30)
• $10 & Up: Beauty Finds, The Perfect Pout: Lipsticks & More (Sales begin 8:30am ET 1/31)

Rue La La:

• L'OCCITANE Fragrance & Skincare (Sale begins 11am ET 1/25)
• Estee Lauder (Sale begins 3pm ET 1/27)
• Clarisonic & More for Your At-Home Spa Day (Sale begins 11am ET 1/29)
• Derma MD (Sale begins 11am ET 1/31)

Review: Proactiv+ 60 Days Check-In

It's been just about 2 months since I began using the Proactiv+ line, checking in at the 60 day mark for a little update!

Before Proactiv+

I am still seeing a lot of the same results and less of the problems I noted in my 30 day check-in.. The biggest improvement I have noticed lately has been the reduced redness of my skin at night after washing my face which is a big plus. My skin is overall looking fresher and more awake at all hours of the day. Thankfully, the dryness around my mouth is almost totally diminished and if I ever feel it coming back on, applying more of the Complexion Perfecting Moisturizer does the trick to clear up any dry spots.

60 days in

Overall, I really love the results this line has given me. While I can't see myself re-purchasing the line after I use everything up, this definitely worked at clearing up what I hope to be the last of any skin problems I experience as my teens come to an end.

 I partnered with Proactiv+ through the Her Campus Blogger Network but am not being influenced by any opinions but my own.

Brand Spotlight: Vince Camuto

Today, the fashion world lost another great icon, famed women's designer Vince Camuto who passed away at the age of 78. Co-founder of Nine West and founder of his namesake shoe brand Vince Camuto, Camuto also collaborated with designers such as Max Azria of BCBG and Tory Burch (p.s. he helped design the Reva flat) in his nearly 40-year career in the fashion industry.

image credit: shoppingblog.dallasnews.com

Review: Hum Nutrition Cleanse To The Rescue

Just in time for your New Years Resolutions comes Cleanse To The Rescue by Hum Nutrition. Available in either a 3-Day Jump Start Cleanse ($12) or 21 Day Cleanse ($42) this is just what you need to get 2015 started on the right foot.

Each packet contains 2 Daily Cleanse capsules and 2 Flatter Me capsules and the kit contains a 16-page guide to everything you need to know while on the cleanse including getting started and foods to eat plus foods to stay away from. Daily Cleanse contains a unique combination of detox herbs to help remove toxins from the skin and body, including your bowels, liver, kidneys, lungs, and lymphatic system. Flatter Me contains a blend of 18 enzymes that support all major phases of nutrient digestion and is formulated to optimize carbs, fiber, protein and fats breakdown while helping relieve bloating, indigestion, and help with overall nutrient absorption. Take one Flatter Me capsule before each of your two main meals and take one Daily Cleanse capsule throughout the day without food.

I had never done any sort of cleanse before trying this out, so I was skeptical to say the least. The results really shocked me. I feel lighter and fitter since finishing the cleanse and much less bloated. I set reminders on my phone throughout the day to take my pill and carried them with me everywhere in a little container since the packets aren't re-sealable. Since my weight fluctuates often within a few pounds, it's hard to tell if I actually lost weight during this 21-day cleanse, but I definitely felt lighter and lighter as the days went on. Overall, I'd definitely give this a shot if you're new to cleansing

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

Beauty Sales Week of January 18th

Gilt:

• The Beauty Boutique (Sale begins 9pm ET 1/18)
• La Roche-Posay (Sale begins Noon ET 1/20)
• Pro Beauty Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 1/21)
• Nailuv Gel Sets: Up to 70% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 1/24)

HauteLook:

• BeingTRUE Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 1/18)
• Hair Tools Blowout: Up to 80% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 1/18)
• #ManiMonday: NAILS INC, Laura Geller Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 1/19)
• PMD Personal Microderm, Swissco Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 1/20)
• Alterna Haircare, Koh Gen Do (Sales begin 8am PT 1/21)
• Avani Dead Sea, Baby Quasar (Sales begin 8am PT 1/22)
• Necessity Skincare, theBalm Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 1/23)
• Cupids Picks: Smashbox Smoke & Mirrors (Sale begins 1pm PT 1/23)
• D'Or Skincare, Million Dollar Tan (Sales begin 8am PT 1/24)

MYHABIT:

• Up to 80% Off: Beauty & Grooming (Sale begins 4pm PT 1/18)
• Best of Beauty: Haircare, Panier Des Sens (Sales begin 9am PT 1/19)
• Guerlain (Sale begins 9am PT 1/20)
• Beauty Splurge: Luxury Brands, Little Luxuries: $40 & Under Body Care (Sales begin 9am PT 1/21)
• Beauty Picks: Haircare Greats (Sale begins 8:30am PT 1/24)

Rue La La:

• Dior: Glam Beauty, Gift Him a Signature Scent: Cologne for Men (Sales begin 11am ET 1/20)
• Scentbird: Try a new perfume every month (Sale begins 11am ET 1/23)

Link Love: January 11-17

100 Years of Beauty: Marshay [Cut Video]


Adorable Toddlers Dress Up as Fairy-Tale Characters, Make Your Ovaries Explode [Cosmopolitan]

Kate Moss and Johnny Depp Were Quite Possibly the Most Stylish Couple of the 90's [Huff Post Style]

Old Wives' Tales Debunked [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Oprah & Selma Cast Will March To Celebrate MLK Day [Refinery 29]

Start Salivating: New Ben & Jerry's Core Flavors Are Coming [College Candy]

Review & Giveaway: Agave Healing Oil Trio

The Agave Smoothing Trio ($39) is a set of trial sized agave-infused shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil. Each product is available for separate purchase but this travel set makes it easy to give their 3 best selling products a try. All three are formulated with agave sugars for moisture and hydration, wheat proteins to add strength and shine, vanilla and coconut to condition and increase elasticity, and madagascar baobab seed oil to nourish and transform the outer layer of hair.


Smoothing Shampoo ($25 for 8.5 oz.): This shampoo is super cleansing and gets everything out of your hair. I love using it after a barre or yoga class because it really feels like my scalp is getting a great cleaning.

Smoothing Conditioner ($25 for 8.5 oz.): This is super rich and will detangle your hair with ease. It's light scent isn't overpowering but leaves a subtle scent behind even after blowdrying.

Healing Oil Treatment ($40 for 4 oz.): This is by far my favorite of the three products. It's lightweight enough to apply to dry hair which is something I rarely do and gives your hair an almost instant pick-me-up. I would definitely give this one a try if you were interested in only trying out one.

You can win your own Smoothing Trio by doing any or all of the following 4 entry options. A winner will be chosen and announced throughout my social media channels on January 30th. 

-Follow me on Twitter

-Follow me on Pinterest

-Follow me on Instagram

-Tweet about the giveaway with #PolishedPerfectlyGiveaway (only once!)

Good luck! 

xx

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

Review: RapidLash

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence Central for RapidLash. I received product samples to facilitate my review.

RapidLash Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum is a clinically-proven, paraben-free serum that helps enhance, condition and strengthen your lashes and brows. It is ideal both men and women looking to add shine, length and sheen to their lashes. It is safe for contact lens wearers, is fragrance-free, and has been ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.

December 1 // January 14

I've been using this every night before bed since the beginning of December, and I can confidently say that I have seen results in the fullness, thickness, and overall condition of my lashes. I began seeing real results within the past week or so and am only needing to use one to two coats of mascara compared to my normal layering technique.

This definitely goes along with one of my New Years Resolutions of feeling more confident within myself and less with makeup. Typically when I go out without makeup, I'm self-conscious that people will notice that my eyes don't look as big as they do when I have coats of mascara on, but there's a definite difference in the overall thickness, length, and natural sheen of my lashes.

Overall, I think the most improvement can be seen on the inner and outer corners of my lashes. The inner area is less sparse overall and the outer is slightly longer than it was before.

RapidLash is an over the counter serum and can be purchased at any of the following in-store locations: CVS, ULTA, Bed Bath & Beyond, Meijer, Fred Meyer, and Kohl's, as well as any of the following e-commerce sites: CVS.com, ULTA.com, BBB.com, Kohls.com, drugstore.com, dermstore.com, skinstore.com, Walmart.com, and Costco.com

I would definitely recommend giving this product a try if you are looking for an overall enhancement to your lashes. I am looking forward to continuing to use RapidLash and hopefully get continued amazing results.

Beauty Sales Week of January 11th

Gilt:

• The Beauty Boutique (Sale begins 9pm ET 1/11)
• Anti-Aging Solutions Feat. Nuface (Sale begins Noon ET 1/13)

HauteLook:

• Hydroxatone Anti-Aging Skincare, Nume Style Hair Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 1/11)
• Booty Parlor, Pink Sugar Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 1/12)
• Aesthetica Cosmetics, COACH Fragrances, Osmotics Cosmeceuticals (Sales begin 8am PT 1/13)
• LORAC Exclusives, Tova Beverly Hills (Sales begin 8am PT 1/14)
• Lab Series Skincare For Men, Masaki Matsushima Fragrance, Valentines Day Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 1/15)
• DKNY MYNY Fragrances, skyn ICELAND, NYX Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 1/16)
• ClariSEA: Sea Salt Solutions (Sale begins 8am PT 1/17)

MYHABIT:

• Made for Him, Great for Her: Face & Body Care (Sale begins 9am PT 1/11)
• Wintry Mix: Face & Body Care (Sale begins 4pm PT 1/11)
• Best Sellers: Clarins, More is Better: Beauty Sets (Sale begins 9am PT 1/12)
• Key Ingredient: Moisturizing Oils (Sale begins 9am PT 1/13)
• Renew & Restore: Skincare Essentials (Sale begins 9am PT 1/14)
• $49 & Under: Beauty Steals (Sale begins 9am PT 1/15)
• Salon Approved: Haircare Essentials (Sale begins 9am PT 1/16)

Rue La La:

• Corioliss (Sale begins 11am ET 1/11)
• Guerlain & More: Your Winter Makeup Musts (Sale begins 11am ET 1/13)
• Prada Fragrances & Sunglasses (Sale begins 11am ET 1/14)
• Freeze 24-7 (Sale begins 11am ET 1/15)

Review: December 2014 GLOSSYBOX

Ciaté Mini Paint Pot in Yule Rules: This sparkling turquoise will turn your mani from day-time to party time in one stroke.

Toni&Guy Leave in Conditioner: For the perfect pre-styling foundation, protect and prime strands with this leave-in conditioner. Inspired by hair stylists' needs and created for all-day nourishment, this winter-combating formula helps tame frizz and improve manageability. 

Bellápierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick in Burlesque: The perfect pairing for your little black dress can be found in this little black tube. Formulated with mineral pigments, iron oxides and antioxidants, this silky, 100% natural bright fuchsia shade will last for hours, and is formulated without any of the bad stuff. 

NUXE Masque Crème Fraîche de Beauté: Get hydrated fast with this skin-calming rescue treatment, full of moisturizing ingredients like plant milks and aloe vera sap. Featuring the fresh scent of orange blossom, this hypoallergenic mask provides up to 24 hours of intensive relief from winter weather.

Rituals Cosmetics Miracle Scrub in Ginseng & Ginkgo Biloba: Talk about heaven scent! From the Dutch beauty brand, centered on turning daily routines into meaningful moments, comes this delectable hand scrub which combines the energizing properties of ginseng with nourishing ginkgo biloba for the sorest hands possible. 

All Things Pretty: Pantone Color of the Year 2015

Marsala is the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year and everyone is raving about this deep red for winter. "Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth." -Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

SEPHORA+PANTONE Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio // Laura Mercier 'Dulce de Leche' Crème Smooth Lip Colour // MAKE UP FOR EVER Pink Ash Eyeshadow // Formula X Ignite Nail Polish

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Scones

I'm sure you're sick of all the dessert recipes I've been sharing (hopefully not), but I can't help that I love baking, and love Laura Vitale's recipes even more! All of her recipes come out perfect every time so I keep coming back for more. These scones are perfectly buttery, flaky, and chocolatey and they're oh-so good.

Beauty Sales Week of January 4th

Gilt:

• Beauty Essentials Under $50 (Sale begins 9pm ET 1/4)
• Burberry Fragrances (Sale begins Noon ET 1/6)
• Get Gorgeous Hair Feat. Cloud Nine Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 1/7)
• Luxe Fragrances Feat. Dolce & Gabbana (Sale begins Noon ET 1/10)

HauteLook:

• Bellezza Hair Tools, Salon-Worthy Shears (Sales begin 8am PT 1/4)
• #ManiMonday: gelliebeans Gel Nails, Eyeko London (Sales begin 8am PT 1/5)
• MedPeel Skincare, TanTowel (Sales begin 8am PT 1/6)
• Luminess Air Airbrush Makeup, Russell Organics (Sales begin 8am PT 1/7)
• MicrodermMD Anti-Aging Beauty Tools, Ooh La Lashes (Sales begin 8am PT 1/8)
• Fresh Look Masks, Josie Maran, Patyka Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 1/9)
• Jolie Femme 24K Skincare, Liquid Keratin (Sales begin 8am PT 1/10)

MYHABIT:

• Dr. Brandt Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 1/5)
• Dermedicine (Sale begins 9am PT 1/6)
• Skip the Salon: Haircare Feat. Oscar Blandi (Sale begins 9am PT 1/7)
• Kérastase Haircare Feat. Reflection Chroma (Sale begins 9am PT 1/8)
• Skincare Picks: Eye Creams, Serums & More (Sale begins 9am PT 1/10)

Rue La La:

• AHAVA (Sale begins 11am ET 1/4)
• Alterna & More: Heal Dry Winter Hair (Sale begins 11am ET 1/6)
• Beauty Shape-Up: Firming Lotions & More (Sale begins 11am ET 1/8)

Link Love: December 28-January 3

Nursery Tour! 37 Week Pregnancy Update & Symptoms [MakeupByTiffanyD]


It's 2015! New Year, New Trends in Home, Food, Fashion and Beauty [Huff Post Style]

'Lucky' Puts Three Bloggers on Its February Cover [Fashionista]

Meyer Lemon Rolls [Tutti Dolci]

My 2014 Favorites [The College Prepster]

Why It's Harder for Women to Say No to Extra Work [Levo League]

Two Thousand Fourteen

Happy 2015! 

Wishing you all another healthy & happy year,

here's a look back at some of my favorite moments of the year.

February: turning 19

March: being invited to the Demi Lovato Neon Lights concert by Always & Tampax

April: speaking at the Her Campus Pre-Collegiette Conference

May: attending BeautyCon NYC

June: traveling to Israel on birthright

July: attending the Her Campus Intercollegiette Conference

September: starting my sophomore year of college

October: visiting the Central Perk pop-up in NYC with my best friend

December: co-hosting my first blogger event

xo