Style 101: My Skin Care Routine

I have searched high and low for the perfect combination of skin care products to cure the problem areas on my face. Even though I have never dealt with severe acne, I've always had breakouts and redness on my forehead and cheeks. Since my face is about two shades lighter than the rest of my body, I wear makeup about 75% of the time, and I'm sure that hasn't helped my case. Before my current skin care routine, I tried several different brands and products-some were super expensive and others were moderately priced, but nothing worked. I still continued to struggle with my combination skin-that is until I discovered these amazing and affordable products! Now, what works for me may not work for you...it's kind of a trial and error. But I do believe these products belong to great brands that offer other products that may work perfectly for you! Click the links below for details.

Burt's Bees Sensitive Towelettes

These are the best makeup remover towelettes I have ever used. I was a faithful Neutrogena user, but when a friend recommended these towelettes by Burt's Bees, I never looked back! They smell wonderful and leave your face clean and fresh without feeling oily. 

Mario Badescu Cleanser

This cleanser has improved my skin in more ways than one. It reduced my breakouts and redness, evened my skin texture, and just completely improved the overall look and feel of my skin. It's super lightweight and a little goes a long way! I've had this full size bottle since mid August and I use it every morning and night, and I haven't even used half of it. I bought the travel size cleanser to test it out and I refill that bottle when I travel!

Burt's Bees Clarifying Toner

I was never a fan of toners because of the strong smell and the way it left my skin burning. I randomly grabbed this at target because I was on a crazy "let me just buy anything that looks cool" shopping spree that day. And let me tell ya, I'm so glad I discovered this product! It smells so fresh and natural (which it is), and it has diminished my stubborn blemishes.

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator

If you have combination skin, you understand how difficult it is to find a moisturizer that takes care of the dry spots, but doesn't appear oily. My skin is very oily on my nose and forehead, but it's very dry around my mouth and eyes. This is the best moisturizer I have tried. It looks amazing under makeup and I never have to moisturize throughout the day or pat my face where oil usually settles. It lasts forever and a little goes a long way with this product. 

Mario Badescu Eye Cream

My under eye area has been the toughest to find a good product for. My allergies affect my under eye area the worst and I have difficulty keeping that area hydrated. This cream is thick and very moisturizing. I apply this every night and I am very happy with the results. The area under my eyes is softer and the skin is more plump and smoother. This cream by Mario Badescu beats any expensive hydrating treatment I've done with a dermatologist and any other cream I've tried (and trust me, I've tried tons). 

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Summer To Fall Transition: Episode 5

Well ladies, the Summer to Fall Transition series has come to a close with the final episode. For the last episode of this particular series, I decided to take you all to a place I absolutely love-the State Fair of Texas. As a true Texan, I have been to more State Fairs than I can remember. And every year it never disappoints. Each and every year, the fair hosts amazingly creative fried foods, awesome entertainment, and unique cultural activities. This year was no different! Of course, I had to stay loyal to my State Fair favs-fried boudin balls and frozen sweet tea (both are indescribably delicious). I also made room for sausage on a stick and this year's Big Tex Choice Awards Winner, fried shrimp boil which was a fried ball of corn, potatoes and shrimp. Everything was amazing...even the weather! Click the links below for details.

For this look, I kept it casual but added dressy accessories. My go to shoes are my converse shoes! They go with everything, and since it is still too warm for boots but too chilly for sandals, my chucks have come in handy! And don't think jeans have to boring! I paired my favorite jeans with a sheer, plaid blouse with bright orange lace trim on the side. Don't be afraid to mix and match casual pieces with dressy ones.

Top: Hinge (old, similar here)

Jeans: H&M Skinny Jeans

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip (my color is sold out)

Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

Necklace: Dogeared Infinite Love Necklace

Earrings: BaubleBar Boho Earrings (my color is sold out)

Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Hand Chain: Forever 21 (sold out, similar here)

Bracelet: Gorjana (old, similar here)

Rings: Streets of NYC

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Summer To Fall Transition: Episode 4

Okay, so this summer to fall transition series may have just turned into fall is finally here series. Texas has finally caught up to the rest of the world and it's starting to feel like fall. Today was strangely cool and was extremely windy-so please forgive me, I swear the day began as a good hair day. And, as you can tell, I got dressed before checking the weather...but hey beauty is pain right? Now that you've heard my blogger struggles from today, I'll move on to my outfit. I am obsessed with a tailored look, so it's only fitting that I give in to the tuxedo blazer trend. I decided to create a casual chic look and paired the vest with light colored denim and dressy wedges. Click the links below for item details.

Top: Lush Faux Wrap Camisole

Vest: Halogen Blazer Style Vest

Jeans: H&M Super Skinny Jeans

Shoes: BCBG (sold out, similar here)

Watch: Michael Kors Mid-Size Bradshaw

Bracelet: Sequin (sold out, similar styles here)

Necklace: BCBGeneration Pendant Necklace

Earrings: BaubleBar Boho Earrings

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo

Summer To Fall Transition: Episode 3

It has finally cooled down in Texas...so you know that means I had to bring out the boots for this episode of the summer to fall transition series. I love dresses and this one from Topshop has been one of my favorites this past summer. So, I paired it with a light cardigan and tall boots to make it appropriate for the fall weather. You can do this with almost any dress! Just make sure it's the right length and if it is a fitted silhouette, wear tall boots rather than short booties. Remember it's all about what flatters your body and what accessories work best with certain silhouettes! Click the links below for item details.

Dress: Topshop Stripe Body-Con Dress

Cardigan: Mossimo Cardigan Sweater

Boots: Michael Kors Regina Suede Boot

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

Necklace: Nasty Gal Bruna Necklace

Hope you were inspired to try something new! xo