I feel like my blog might be becoming a "TikTok made me buy it" advert, but honestly...that app has influenced me so much in these past couple of months so I would be lying if I said most if not all were inspired by creators who have shared some of these products. However, the more and more I hear some of my friends loving and using them I just had to see what the hype was all about—and for any of you last minute Christmas shoppers looking for some ideas for someone who loves to be cozy, indulges themself in self care, well, I've got some inspo for ya!
Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler- Okay okay, don't tell my mother I bought another emotional support water bottle, but I must say I am just in love with this Stanley cup. I've seen the massive ones with the large grips and the straws but this one with the handle is just so...handy! I also love the sip straw for easy access and I can close it so it doesn't spill when I'm at the gym or honestly taking it anywhere. It has also motivated me to drink more water because it's just so easy to sip and go. I love the variety of different colors but this one is just a classic and goes with anything!
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner- My hair game in the winter is not on par with when I normally get it done in the spring/early summer so I was in need of some good repairing shampoo and conditioner. I've heard mixed reviews and advice on not using Olaplex every day, so I have used it sparingly and I have to say I've noticed a difference in shine and texture while using these.
Sol de Janeiro Jet Set- If you wanna smell like a warm cookie then I recommend any or all of the Sol de Janeiro products. I am obsessed with the body spray and the Bum Bum cream and gel. They just leave me smelling so sweet and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil- Lathering up is normally my regime for winter, but less is more! I have been loving this marula oil out of the Drunk Elephant travel size kit and feel like it has been really hydrating my face without being overbearing as the weather changes. I will sometimes layer it with a light moisturizer but other than that this has been my go-to nightly hydrating ritual!
Pacifica Undereye Vitamin C Spot Serum Mask- I always forget to take care of my undereyes and because it is so dark out in the morning and in the afternoon, my body is responding heavily to the season...so is my mood. So, I've been trying out Vitamin C serums and this mask is perfect for early mornings or even midday when I just need a quick refresh of my face. I also throw these in the fridge!
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask- My lightweight moisturizer as of late has been this one! After I put on my serums, I will swipe a layer of this mask to absorb and lock in all of the hydration into my face. I love the subtle scent and I feel like my skin just wakes up all glowy and bouncy in the morning.
OPI Nail Polish in You Don't Know Jacques!- Brown is the color of the season. I've been seeing brown nails to and fro so I just had to pick up a shade and try it for myself! I am loving the warm hue on my nails...I just wish I liked the look of acrylics, but my bank account thanks me for it.
As we gear up towards the holiday, I've been grounding myself in self-care, relaxing, and soaking up the end of 2022 by giving myself peace. Doing things for myself has made me a better version of myself for others and taking care of me has been a top priority. Give yourself some grace this season and dedicate some time to focus on YOU. Or give the gift of self-love to someone else this holiday!
Alright, I confess. I am on the Drunk Elephant skincare train and I just had to try out The Littles Set to see for myself what the hype is all about. If you are not new here, you have probably been along the ride for my fluctuating skincare must-haves and regimes. I have never gotten into a routine that works for me when it comes to my dry/acne prone and sensitive skin.
Now that I am just starting to use this, I can't say I can give a full in-depth and authentic review of the products and how they react with my skin but I will say none of them so far have irritated my skin or caused more breakouts, so—that's a win! But, I will give you my first impressions on each of the products!
For the Day...
C-Firma Fresh Day Serum- I was never keen on serums. Especially in the mornings when I would want to have a clean and refreshed face. I found that some serums were too think or slimy. This serum, however, firms my face immediately after I apply it without leaving a sticky residue. I've also noticed my face just lifts up and I feel awake and refreshed! We'll see how it goes in the next couple of uses. It also comes with a part two in powder form and I have never mixed a powder and a serum, but I'm just going to trust the process!
Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30- So, I will be honest. I only swiped this once and immediately regretted it because 1) it's winter and 2) it was sticky! I don't know about you, but I am never a fan of the gluey SPF film that's left after you goop up. Maybe I need to give this another go, but I haven't really felt like I need this step (although I know skincare specialists are tsk tsking at me right now because I know sun care is important!).
For the Evening...
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil- Another really hydrating serum that I also feel really helps with some of my appearing facial lines. I've never felt the need to have anti-aging products in my routine, but if it helps then I will give it a go.
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum- I feel very bougie using all of these serums and oils, I have to admit. I think what I love the most about this serum is that it helps relieve the look of pores on my skin. I also love that I can mix it with the facial oil and just make a skincare potion to restore my skin barrier overnight. I will say, the full-size product is very pricey...I wonder if there's a dupe...there's probably a dupe in all honesty.
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser- Okay to be honest, I haven't given this cleanser a go quite yet- I'm finishing up my CeraVe Foaming Cleanser :)
Protini Polypeptide Cream- By far one of my favorite moisturizers I've ever used. My skin gets very dry during the cold months and I would resort to using Gold Bond to lather my entire face...which I soon realized was over hydrating my skin barrier and wouldn't solve my dry skin patches in the long run. This cream is light and gel-like. I've also felt like it's helped level my skin's texture and bumpiness in areas I've had scaring from acne.
Have you tried Drunk Elephant products? Or have found dupes for any of these?
I didn't know what to expect at this point in my life. At age 23, with a full-time job and a college degree. I think it's safe to say that nobody looks past college, let alone getting their first job out of college. I always pictured my life in solid milestones. With a solid structure and moments to look forward to—I was set in the zone. And the in between moments filled themselves out...birthdays, parties, extracurricular events, holidays and everything else.
Now that I've been home for a hot minute, re-evaluating my personal goals and the path I want to look forward to—I have to admit, it all seems very daunting. I doom scroll through TikTok to see 20 somethings creating a life for themselves in a one-bedroom walkup apartment in the city, making luxe Trader Joes dinners, lathering themselves in expensive skincare, and spoofing up their neutral and lush memory foam beds. The lives 20 something year-olds yearn for is a lot similar to the freedom and independence I want without having to face it all alone...or face it all in fear that I might not be able to achieve the "dream life" I was envisioning for myself post grad.
Getting caught up in the trap of comparison is a toxic and vicious cycle for me. It's hard not to shy away from others around you pursuing their dreams and their goals when you're absolutely confused about what's to come next. I'm sure they didn't have a plan. I'm sure they were just as intimidated by the idea. Who knows how much rent they pay. Who knows what they had to leave behind in order to achieve it.
I definitely find myself getting lost in the weeds with wanting a specific type of lifestyle—I think it has to do with needing some form of "perfection" that I can't seem to find in my every day life at the moment. This "perfection" might also be masked by the idea of "normalcy". That maybe having too perfect of a life just isn't what I want. I've become too comfortable at home and this has ignited my internal rebellion against it all saying f*ck it let's just move out and do what we want already.
And that's when I have to ground myself back in this idea of abundance. That all and everything I could hope for is out there for me. And all that I could ever need is already right in front of me. Seeing that my life is in abundance means having an appreciation of life in its fullness: joy, laughter, friends, family, health, shelter, food, strength, and everything else. Even for bad things—that mold and evolve me into who I am.
Some chapters just aren't read aloud.
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Gratitude has a new meaning for me. Not just a simple appreciation for the things I have, but an acknowledgement that my current situation is temporary. My life is temporary. Nothing is permanent. My living situation is not permanent. My job is not permanent. It all could change.
And with this new lens, comes a great overwhelm of maintaining and holding onto the joys I have in life. Not feeling responsible for any other person's happiness but my own. Rooting myself into the small things that make me feel whole.
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