If you've been around here for some time, you know I am always looking for better beauty products. The term "clean" is pretty elusive and can often be greenwashed. My goal, like all aspects of my life, is to find a middle ground. Some of my top non-toxic brands having amazing sales that I wanted to share with you all. It's a great time to try some new items and refill of staples...not to mention gifting!
Vitamin C Serum (this is what I've been regularly posting about for a year over on Instagram - my results are incredible - if you buy nothing else, try this! You can also grab it in this $29 gift set)
Glo-Pro (via Nordstrom {free shipping and no return window} // via Company Site) (definitely get a kit - I swear by the body roller as well as the scalp roller. It changed my postpartum hair regrowth process!)
GloFacial (via Nordstrom // via Company Site) (literal pore vacuum but doesn't majorly irritate)
My goodness, it's been SO long since I wrote a blog post. It feels great to be back at it! If you've been here awhile, you know I love Nordstrom. It's truly my go-to because of the quality of their products, price match, free shipping and free, timeless returns. The Anniversary Sale has changed significantly over the years, and not necessarily for the better, in my opinion. With each passing season, I find myself purchasing less and less, which is fine, especially when most of my days are spent chasing a toddler; however, there are tried and true staples that I always advise shoppers to purchase. This year, I wanted to do something a little bit different. I broke down my recommendations into budgetary categories. This way, you can consider your overall investment and how you'd like to allocate it.
Let's get into it!
$100 Budget
All items are under $100 each, starting at $11
SCROLL BELOW TO SEE MY TOP PICKS
I own most of the recommendations I've made, and have for years, so I can truly attest to their quality.
If you're looking for a A+ yet affordable gift, THIS BLANKET is the one to buy!
THESE LUG BOOTS were a staple for me last fall. They are ideal for a mom on-the-go because they're flats, stylish, comfortable and weather-resistant. I have them in taupe and black leather. They fit true to size.
The holy grail beauty product under $100 is the Charlotte Tilbury lip kit. I buy one annually, and it NEVER disappoints. The shade "Pillow Talk" looks incredible on all skin tones. It also makes a great gift.
The new norm in advertising is no longer magazine ads, but rather social media marketing. You see a variety of products making their rounds on Instagram, Facebook and such daily, never really knowing if they are worth your time and money. Although I dream of turning this little corner of the internet into a full fledged business, which would involve more sponsored posts, I pride myself on being honest and upfront with my thoughts on the things I share. That would never change, even if I had the opportunity to grow.
Given my passion for the space, I follow a lot of other bloggers and influencers (hate that word, by the way), many of which participate in similar brand campaigns on any given day. I've been suckered in on more than one occasion, but that thankfully hasn't been my experience with Tula. I originally discovered Tula through Katey McFarlan over at Chronicles of Frivolity, who although is someone I consider a "big blogger," I trust her opinions. That was probably 2 or 3 years ago at that point, and I've come to really love Tula's products...at least for the most part.
If you've been around for a while, you've heard me talk about these products over on Instagram constantly (if you're not following, be sure to do so HERE - we have our own little girl gang, especially on stories!) in great detail. For one reason or another, my thoughts hadn't officially made their way to a blog post until now, so here's the scoop:
FAVES
Face Filter Primer- I use this almost every day as my foundation, but its primary purpose is to prime, blur and perfect the skin for makeup application. It has just enough color (no selection necessary - it does the work for you) to even out my complexion to where I feel comfortable without anything else. It's been especially amazing during the pandemic, since there's no mask transfer! I personally own the supersized version because it's an incredible deal and the bottle lasts forever, even with daily use.
Triple Vitamin C Serum- This product has been a game changer for me. When I got pregnant, I had to say goodbye to so many beloved products (shop my go-to night cream HERE) that kept my skin issues as bay, while brightening and toning. This serum isn't exactly the same but has worked wonders at taming hormonal acne and evening out texture. What I love most is how quickly it absorbs, which can be difficult with a serum. It also isn't sticky at all!
Rose Glow & Get It Eye Balm- It seems like Tula put the whole eye balm thing on the map, and boy, am I happy they did. Perhaps a balm for under the eye seems unnecessary because you can apply a traditional cream or just use a color corrector, but I find myself reaching for this every morning and multiple times throughout the day, if I'm not wearing makeup, although you can apply on top of concealer as well. There's a few variations available, which I'll discuss further below, but the Rose Glow balm is really the one I can't live without because of it's active ingredients, color and cooling nature. NOTE: if you have sensitive skin, this may not work for you. I've read that some people had adverse reactions to the rose hip oil.
WORTH A TRY
Original Glow & Get It Eye Balm- If you're new to Tula and want to give one product a try, this would be it! It's personal how I got hooked. I still reach for it, and its cooling effects are amazing.
Glow Hour Eye Balm- With dark hereditary undereye circles, I jumped for joy when this version came out because it was specifically formulated for that. I love the smaller size of the stick and how the orange color really brightens. It's almost like a color corrector and balm in one, so I find myself using it on those days where I wear concealer.
So Poreless Blackhead Scrub- Consistency is key with any skincare routine, and I've found with continued use, this scrub does in fact reduce pore size. It also smells incredible! I like to leave it in my shower to increase the efficacy, since my skin is exposed to the steam for a while before washing my face with it.
NOT A FAN
Purifying Face Cleanser- I wanted to love this, but just couldn't. It burned my eyes and just didn't remove makeup and debris the way I'd hoped. I'm honestly not sure why it's such a cult favorite, but that's just me. The only cleanser I'll ever use is, and will always be, Purity by Philosophy. If you haven't tried it, you're missing out.
Balanced Beauty Hair, Skin & Nail Vitamins- Although not pictured, since I used them all up, these just didn't seem to do anything for me. The flavor was way too sweet and I did not see any results. I'll be sticking to Mary Ruth Organics for the foreseeable future.
*All products, other than the scrub, are considered pregnancy-safe from my research; however, as always, please consult with your doctor to ensure it's safe for you!
SHOP AT TULA.com {Get 20% off your first order HERE}
It's that time of year again - the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is almost here!
I've been shopping this amazing pre-fall sale for about 5 years now, and I always find something (well, several things) that I love. This year, however, things are different. We're all adapting to a new "normal" with work and home life, so buying wardrobe, beauty or home items may not be top priority, and that's perfectly acceptable. I, personally, won't be purchasing many things because I'll be working remotely until at least November. My focus will be on cozies and athleisure wear, but if I had an unlimited budget, I'd be getting all the things on my wish list (see below).
While most bloggers will share their sale picks pre-sale, I try to do something a little bit unique. Each year, I usually share a post mid-sale reviewing things I actually purchased...I'm talking the good, bad and the ugly. That will still be coming, but I also wanted to do a post featuring things I currently own and love...things I believe you need in your life too!
If you buy nothing from the sale buy this set, you're already winning. There's a reason this color quickly became a cult classic. It's the perfect brownish-nude that compliments every skin tone. Charlotte's lip liners are second to none, and I've come to adore their glosses. The value of this 3-piece set is phenomenal, so you won't want to miss out. I wear it from work to weekend, all year long.
I shared my thoughts on this gem of a device back in January (check out my post here). Let me be totally, unequivocally candid - this changed my skin!! You all know how much I love my products, but the GloPro was truly a game changer. If it's in your budget, I highly, highly recommend. Also, you can get the body roller here (I swear by this for cellulite reduction) or my exact set from QVC here. If you want both roller options, the QVC set is cheaper.
For anyone who goes to the dermatologist or esthetician for dermaplaning, you're going to want this for either at-home, in-between session use or in lieu of professional treatment. I've been using this for 2+ years to remove the hair from my face and exfoliate the dead skin cells, promoting even texture and tone. This, paired with the GloPro, will transform your skin.
Don't forget to check out my ultimate wish lists below and subscribe for my next NSale post featuring items I actually bought!
I only wash my hair once, maybe twice, a week...and that's all thanks to dry shampoo. It's been life-changing because not only do I save a ton of time, but I can style my hair is many different ways, without feeling like my hair is a greasy mess by day 2!
Here's the low down on how to achieve the same results, and what products I use!
First, you want to apply your dry shampoo at night. I know that may sound odd, but it gives the product time to work for several hours, as opposed to a few minutes.
Second, if you have time, use your blow dryer to heat the dry shampoo a bit. My fabulous hair stylist, Mary (be sure to follow @manetechniques & @mary.t.techniques!), told me about this tip, and it has been a total game changer.
Third, use the right brush. I have a designated dry shampoo/product brush. You want something with bristles because it works the product evenly throughout the hair. I personally use this one by Wet Brush. It's amazing for anyone with extensions, by the way.
In terms of product, I have 3 go-to dry shampoos. I've tried everything on the market, from high end to drug store, and these are what work best for me. For reference, my hair is dark brown (almost black) and is very fine, even with hand-tied hair extension in.
Best All Around/For Everyone Living Proof Dry Shampoo
If I could, I'd buy this product by the gallon. Heck, I ordered the largest size available during the recent Sephora sale and have several travel sizes, so I'm never without it. The Living Proof dry shampoo actually cleans the hair, which is amazing to me. I use this several times a week to keep my hair looking and feeling freshly washed. With that, I'm also able to use this the day after a wash for a little bit of texture, without the weigh down, for a more voluminous, styled look.
Best for Extra Oily Hair/Thicker Hair R + Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo
In my personal experience, R + Co products have been a hit or miss...Their Death Valley dry shampoo, however, is definitely a hit. I use this on the days when there is no turning back, e.g. my roots are super shiny for excess oil production. I've also used this when I've had product build up or shampoo/conditioner was not sufficiently washed out. If you have thicker hair, this will be your new best friend!
For transparency, R + Co did send me this to try, so a big thanks to them for supporting The Sassy Suburbs.
Best Bang for Your Buck/Most Accessible Kristen Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo
Available at Target, this dry shampoo boasts all the guts and glory for a fraction of the cost! It's got an amazing scent and does deliver for most; however, if you have darker hair, you really need to work this product into your roots. I've found slight white residue when applied directly to the top of my head. For that reason, I generally only apply it to the under layers of my crown area, or on days when my hair is still relatively clean and I just need a refresh (as the name implies).
Feel free to email or DM me on Instagram with any questions!
What I'm Loving: January always feels like a time of renewal, so I've been primarily dabbling in new skin care and beauty products. My highlight this month is definitely the GloPro by BeautyBio. This amazing little device has completely altered my skin's texture and tone. I ordered it when we were stuck at the airport in August 2019, as we waited to board the last flight out of Florida with Hurricane Dorian looming. QVC, one of my favorite places to snag great beauty-buys, was having a Today's Special Value ("TSV") and I was able to purchase it on 6 easy-pays. After the second use, I was completely hooked. Now, the GloPro does contain microneedles to facilitate this incredible skin transformation. If you know me at all, personally or virtually, you're well aware that I HATE needles. I literally pass out in the waiting room of LabCorp, before I even walk into the room. My mom was shocked to hear I'd even entertain this product, but low and behold, here we are. You don't really feel the needles. It's much more of a tickle, and I've actually have come to look forward to my weekly treatments (GASP!). The science behind the GloPro is as follows: The microneedles create microscopic, surface-level wounds to the face. In turn, those wounds require the body to heal them, which results in new cell production and a renewed, glowly appearance from increased collagen. After months of use, I've seen a significant difference in those baby fine lines starting to form around my mouth and brows, as well as the texture. Just this week, I had a little pimple on my chin, and after a treatment on Monday, it's almost non-existent.
I had two other beauty favorites this month - Beekman 1802 Cleansing Wipes and Native "Grapefruit + Bergamot" Deodorant. First off, the Beekman wipes are life-changing. Never again will I reach for a Neutrogena or drugstore brand wipe. These wipes are full of moisturizing goat milk and good-for-you ingredients, in addition to being cruelty free and clean beauty certified. I use them in the am to hydrate and cleanse my face from any residue that accumulated on my skin overnight, as well as in the evening, when I need to take makeup off. I will say, however, that these wipes are not the best at removing mascara. I'll still use my holy grail Purity for that.
Secondly, I've been a user of Native deodorants for several months now. I made the switch to natural deodorant long before it was trendy, so I've experienced quite a few duds over the years. Native consistently delivers protection, but I do think you may have varying levels of protection depending on scent. In addition to the "Grapefruit + Bergamot", I adore the "Coconut Vanilla", so if you're looking for a place to start, go with that one. Regardless, I recommend applying it morning and night to ensure happy armpits all day long.
What We Did: This month swooped in with a vengeance because both my hubby and I came down with a stomach bug. His was much worse than mine, but we spent a large portion of our weekends disinfecting the house. Speaking of our house, if you've been following for the last few months, you'd know that we are still living with the kitchen reno from hell. The cabinet company ultimately shut its doors last week, filing bankruptcy, so now we are left to (literally) pick up all the pieces. I am personally trying to look at this as an opportunity to make the kitchen remodel better than it would've been originally. We're working with a new cabinet retailer to match pieces and are interviewing alternate contractors to get fresh ideas on how to rectify, complete and better the project. I try to keep you all update to date on my Instastories, so be sure to follow along here (IG: @thesassysuburbs).
Looking Forward: Happily, we'll be fitting in some travel in February...plus, it's my birthday month! I'll be 29 this year, and boy, do I have a lot to reflect on as I enter the last year of my twenties.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! May today be filled with lots of thanks, love and laughter! I am always so appreciative for your support of my little corner of the internet.
There's nothing I love more than the holiday season! I could not be more excited that it's finally in full swing. Although our kitchen reno is still not complete (you can check out my "Reno" Instastory for all the details...good and bad), I spent last weekend putting out our fall and Thanksgiving decor. I also started planning my looks for this week's festivities! When I think about what outfits would be most appropriate for Turkey Day itself (a.k.a any oversized sweater with the stretchiest pants I own), or the parties that will follow in the coming days, I, of course, have to consider what makeup I want to wear. Regardless of what I end up deciding day-of, I always reach for a comfortable, long-wear lipstick that will survive all that yummy food! Your girl loves to eat, so I've rounded up my top picks below!
{1} Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in "Caramello"
{2} Wet & Wild Catsuit Liquid Lipstick in "Rebel Rose"
{3} NYX Liquid Suede in "Soft Spoken" (matching lip liner is amazing - linked HERE)
