5 Steps to Healthier and Glow-ier Skin

Sources:1, 2, 3, 4

I can't be the only one searching for the one skin care product that will change my life. And I mean singing-to-the-heavens-kissing-the-ground holy grail magical product. One product to top them all. Sadly, the world doesn't work that way and we're stuck roaming the skin care aisles (which I actually like doing so I'm not sure why this sounds like I'm complaining...) never knowing if the next product will be the best thing in our entire lives. 

Although I've tried every skin care product in those aisles, I've found that the most simple, natural products work the best for my skin. It's gentle, it's safe for any skin type, and it's actually cheaper than any fancy cream I've ever tried. My five steps for healthier skin are simple and effective. Follow these steps for healthy, glowing, and radiant skin.

A glowy skin selfie taken on a random Saturday

1. Cleanse Morning and Night
This step is super simple. Taking a few minutes to cleanse your face of impurities and clean off the makeup and grime from the day is a step that cannot be skipped. Many people are too tired before bed and just wait until their morning shower to clean off the makeup, but the two minutes before bed can save your skin (and your eyelashes if you're a mascara lover!).

2. Drink Lots of Water
Another easy step! Always have water on hand. If you have it with you, and make it a habit, drinking water is one of the easiest ways to make your skin glow. There are also loads of cute water bottles in every store that make toting water around look like a fashion statement. There's no excuse for not drinking water. It's easy, it's free, and it's for your health! Not only will your skin thank you, but your entire body will be healthier because of it.

3. Moisturize with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be found in most supermarkets for about $10 per 15oz container. Pretty good for how long a container will last you! A little bit of oil goes a long way. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it's an excellent moisturizer because the fatty acids can penetrate the skin, and it smells like cookies. Doesn't get much better than that! (Here's a bonus makeup tip: Using your finger, swipe a tiny bit on your cheek bones after you apply your makeup as a highlighter!)

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and ACV Tablets
Believe me, I know apple cider vinegar isn't the most appealing sounding skin care remedy, but it's really worth it. Used as a toner, apple cider vinegar can clear acne scarring, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. It's also helpful in maintaining a healthy alkaline pH level, "research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and high incidences of infection" (MindBodyGreen.com). Apple cider vinegar's benefits play out in more areas than just your face! If you're a wimp and don't want to stink up your face with vinegar, like me, then you can opt for the still effective apple cider vinegar tablets instead.

5. Don't touch!
Another very easy, and very important step in healthy skin, is not touching it! The oils, dirt, and germs from your hands can be very easily transported to your face and into your pores causing breakouts and redness. If you keep your hands away from your face, and resist the urge to pick at breakouts, your skin will thank you!

What are your tips for glowing healthy skin? Please share! I'd love to hear what has helped with your routines.

Dry Shampoo Battle

Happy October! It's going to be a lovely month full of pumpkin chai lattes, sweaters, and fall festivities. I thought I'd start off the month with a Dry Shampoo Battle seeing as school is in full swing and many of us have early classes to run off to or workouts between classes that make hair scream for some dry shampoo love. Now, I haven't always been a dry shampoo lover, I'm a recent convert. But, let me just tell you, it is the most wonderful thing to happen to my hair. I am not washing my hair as much so I can tell it's a lot healthier than it was even a few months ago.

Most dry shampoos do the job and there's really no way you can go wrong. This product works its magic whether it's $3.00 or $30.00. That being said, I know some of the pricier dry shampoos can be two-in-one products with a bit more magic fairy dust mixed in. For me, the drugstore versions work just fine. I've really been loving Pssst Instant Dry Shampoo recently and have featured it in favorites posts in the past (see here) and have also loved Batiste Dry Shampoo, as well. Others worth mentioning, for not so good reasons, are the Umberto Dry Shampoo and Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo.

Today's battle is between Batiste and Pssst. I will test based on how well the product works, the white cast from the spray, and the scent.

Batiste Floral and Flirty Blush

Does it do the job?

Overall, yes. The product banishes grease and you're left looking fresh. Perhaps not "just out of the shower" fresh, but fresh nonetheless. 

White cast?
It's no secret that Batiste Dry Shampoos have a white cast. That is why they've formulated a version for dark hair. It is quite noticeable even in my blonde hair, but is easily fixed with a quick fingers through the hair motion to mix it up.

Scent?

Quite strong. I would not spray this if there are others in the vicinity. It does have a nice floral scent, but it is not my favorite of the Batiste fragrances.

Pssst Instant Dry Shampoo

Does it do the job?

Yes. I believe, of the dry shampoos I've tried, this works best for my hair texture and length. It leaves my hair looking "clean," even when I know it's third day hair. Shhh!

White cast?

This product does have a white cast, but does not have as severe ghostly matte shade as Batiste. It is also quite easily remedied with a quick shake of your hands through your hair.

Scent?

This has a classic dry shampoo scent, but it dissipates very quickly. It is strong, but does not stay in your hair. Your hair will smell like your shampoo or your perfume if you have used it.

My winner in this battle is the Pssst Instant Dry Shampoo because the scent and the white cast issues were not as severe in this product. Both worked quite well and would serve their purpose.

What is your favorite dry shampoo?

September Favorites 2013

September brought the official end to summer and the air has a crispness to it that can only mean fall is here. I can't believe it's already October because it seems like just yesterday I was starting classes and moving back into my apartment. Time always just flies by me, but I'm ok with that because if it moves quickly this semester, the sooner I'll be in Paris! Anyway, enough rambling. Here are my September Favorites.

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm - This stuff is amazing. I've posted about these balms recently and did a full review, but they needed a spotlight in my favorites post this month. They're creamy and smell like cotton candy and they provide moisture along with a hint of shine.

Revlon Raspberry Pie Lip Butter - I'm not usually one for dramatic lips, but I love Raspberry Pie for fall. I think this will be a staple for me in the coming months. In my Autumn Tag post, this was deemed my favorite fall lip color.

Pureology Sea Kissed Highlight Stylist Spray - I'm a big fan of salt sprays because of my lifeless flat hair so I find great pleasure in testing out new sprays. I'll always love my Catwalk by TIGI Beach Spray, but sometimes you need to branch out! This does wonders for my hair, and although my hair is not color treated, I think the highlights I developed over the summer will appreciate the more moisturizing salt spray rather than the grittier TIGI Beach Spray.

Philosophy Falling in Love Perfume - I didn't wear this fragrance too much over the summer, but the moment I pulled out my fall scarves I smelled this perfume left over from winter and spring. I immediately pulled it out and began wearing it daily. It smells like vanilla and berries and I love it.

Benefit Brow Zings - All summer I left my brows natural and didn't fill them in. I feel like summer is a time to let go of beauty regimes and just enjoy the weather and the sun. Once school started up I felt like my face was missing something. That something was brows! I have very light brows that are almost unnoticable without the Benefit Brow Zings. The colors in the duo are perfect and I switch off between using the brow wax and using solely the powder. Both are great and it really pulls together any look.

Bath and Body Works Sweet Clementine Hand Cream - This smells incredibly fresh and I love citrus scents for early fall when I'm not quite ready for pumpkin scents.

Blueberry Pumpkin Candle - Although, when I am looking for a pumpkin scent, this is it. A combination of my two favorite scents is heavenly. Just go smell it. Believe me it is amazing.

Almay Intense I-Color Eyeliner in Brown Topaz - I've had this eyeliner for so long, but it never gets old. I'm an eyeliner hoarder, so in my makeup collection eyeliners often get neglected and forgotten. Not this guy. The brown coppery shade has a beautiful shimmer to it and compliments my blue eyes.

Bare Minerals Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in 5PM (Plum) - I recently purchased this dark purple eyeliner because I'd run out of my favorite CoverGirl purple shade. This matte waterproof liner is smudge resistant and is a nice departure from normal black and brown shades. I like the smooth application and the staying power.

From top to bottom: Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm in Nudetrients, Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm in Cantaloupe, Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, Bare Minerals Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in 5PM, Almay Intense I-Color Eyeliner in Brown Topaz

What are your September Favorites?

The Autumn Tag

Last year's Fall Family Fun Day

Although it's sad for me to admit that Autumn is quickly approaching, I have to admit there is one tiny (VERY tiny) part of me that is excited for what Fall brings. Sweaters, chunky scarves, hot tea, cuddles, favorite TV show season premiers, colorful leaves, and Halloween candy! I'm so very sad to see summer go, but that's life. I decided it'd be fun to do this Autumn tag I've seen floating around blog land. Here goes nothing...

Favorite Thing About Autumn

I'd have to say my favorite thing about Autumn is that my favorite television shows come back on air! I'm most excited for Downton Abbey, but the end of Breaking Bad should be intense. I'm also looking forward to less dramatic television, like Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, and New Girl.

Favorite Drink

I think it depends on the day for me. I love tea, so I might say a Hot Cinnamon Spice tea from Caribou, or my Pumpkin Spice tea from Target. I also love Pumpkin Chai Lattes from Caribou if I'm feeling fancy. If I wanted a serious classically fall drink I'd go for a hot apple cider.

Favorite Scent/Candle

My favorite candle is Leaves from Bath and Body Works. It smells like you're making home made cider and baking fall treats in your house. I've also been a fan of their new Blueberry Pumpkin Patch candle, as well. I have Pumpkin Spice candle from Yankee Candle that is equally delicious smelling.

Best Lipstick

If you know me, you'll know that I rarely ever wear anything but lip balm on my lips. On my latest Target excursion I grabbed Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie and I surprisingly love it. It's a departure from anything I've ever worn before, but I really enjoy it. I wear it as more of a stain than anything, but it's a gorgeous color.

Best Go-To Moisturizer

I'm a Neutrogena Visibly Even lover. It's my go-to everyday moisturizer for any season. 'Nuff said.

Favorite Go-To Color on the Eyes

Again, I keep it pretty simple for my eyes, but I love bronzey/champagne colors for the Fall. My favorites are Maybelline Bad to the Bronze and L'Oreal Amber Rush.

Favorite Music

This Fall Sara Bareilles' new album, The Blessed Unrest, has been playing non-stop on my iPod.

Favorite Treat

I am still on my Paleo diet, so I haven't yet made any Paleo-friendly fall treats. I'm hoping to experiment with a Paleo Pumpkin Bread next week. I'll be sure to post about it if it is tasty. If I wasn't Paleo right now, I'd be eating pounds of pumpkin muffins.

Favorite Place to Be

I think anywhere is beautiful in Fall. The leaves are changing, it's still nice outside, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. I'll be most looking forward to my annual apple orchard and pumpkin patch trip!

What are your Fall essentials?

Outfit Inspired by Little Black Dress by Sara Bareilles

I've got my little black dress on

And if I put on my favorite song

I'm gonna dance until you're all gone

Necklace - Urban Outfitters, Earrings - Claire's, Dress - Tobi, Clutch - Anthropologie, Heels - DSW

This song is all about forgetting your problems, putting on a dress that makes you feel hot, and dancing the night away. This outfit was really fun to put together because it would be so outside of my comfort zone if I were to actually try this on. I think it's the perfect ensemble for dancing because the dress is form fitting and no matter what you'll be looking your best! As long as you "put on your favorite song" and your little black dress you can dance away boy problems and enjoy the night with your girls.

If you haven't heard this song, I definitely recommend it. It's been my anthem the past few days! On repeat for sure! Check it out!

What is your favorite song of the moment? What song should inspire my next look?