How I Maintain My Glow

When I arrive home from work, after kissing my husband and pups, I almost immediately head to the bathroom to remove my makeup (my favorite wipes are e.l.f.'s Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes). I wear makeup everyday that I'm expected to look polished and presentable (aka most days) and on my days off and Sunday I always opt to go makeup free if possible. For me, going without makeup requires that I keep my skin in tip top condition, which requires a regular commitment to skincare and beauty products that keep me glowing.

Over the past few years, I've begun to really shift my focus from covering up acne and imperfections towards protecting and embracing the skin that I'm in. I now wear SPF 30 moisturizer every day, take off my makeup daily (I am absolutely religious about this step in my process), use a face mask and scrub 1-2 times weekly, and apply facial and eye oils nightly before bed (another one I'm religious about).

My husband, and previous travel companions can attest to how serious I am about staying hydrated and keeping my skin alight. I'm prone to fleeting fits of obsession, but taking care of my skin has become a consistent obsession of mine and sharing my routine has become a fun project for me, I'll tell anyone who will listen.

Keep reading for my skincare and lifestyle picks that keep me feeling beautiful and healthy, while maintaining my inner glow!

Promise Organic Nourishing Coconut Milk Facial Cleanser 

The foundation of my beauty routine is a stand-by facial wash, and I am still using this one by Promise Organic. [read more here] 

Once my current face wash runs out, I'm going to give Glossier's Milky Jelly cleanser a try, I'm very intrigued! 

Resurfacing Mask, Mega Greens Galaxy Pack, Moisturizing Moon Mask 

I love to indulge in a face mask 1-2 times per week. I've been alternating between Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask and Glossier's Mega Greens Galaxy Pack and Moisturizing Moon Mask. 

[read more here]

Glossier Balm Dotcom, Hana Eye Oil, Aura Cacia Nighttime Baobab Oil

My nighttime routine ALWAYS consists of a couple drops of this Hana Eye Oil followed by 4 pumps of my absolute favorite Aura Cacia facial oil Last but not least, I add a liberal squeeze of Glossier's Balm Dotcom to my lips!

Caru Neroli + Immortelle Facial Toner, Vichy Eau Thermale, Lush Tea Tree Water

As someone who suffers from eczema, I am very serious about moisturizing. At times, my face feels dry after washing and/or removing my makeup and toners have become my answer to that. I love Lush's Tea Tree Water for when my skin is breaking out or feeling a bit clogged. Caru's Neroli + Immortelle toner is perfect for after working out, in the morning, and in the warmer months. I also love Vichy's Eau Thermale spray for freshening up, especially when flying. 

B12 Gummies

In addition to caring for my skin on the outside, I take a few steps to enhance my inner glow. Everyday I take a (gummy) multi vitamin as well as (a gummy) B12. ( I love gummy candies and taking gummy vites ensures that I actually do so.)

Aside from my gummy vites, I often make a body scrub from almond oil and granulated sugar (1 part oil to 2 parts sugar). 

Another favorite routine of mine is dry brushing. You can read more about it here. 

S'well Water Bottle 

What I'm about to say is not revolutionary. When I'm on my game and drinking tons of water, my skin is 100 times clearer and more radiant. I try to drink 3-4 liters of seltzer a day, if I'm home all day, it's usually more. I'm not a huge fan of flat water, so I use my SodaStream to make seltzer from filtered water and I tell myself that it's better than nothing! 

Glossier

I've been reading Into the Gloss for quite a while and have been excited to see the launch of their skin care products. I've always been intrigued but never took the jump. I kept seeing the items crop up on every feed that I have, and I've admired Emily Weiss's skin for what feels like forever.

Black Friday presented me with 25% off their entire site, so I took the plunge and ordered the Mask Duo Set (regularly $48) and the Balm Dotcom (regularly $12).

I try to always stay 100% truthful here, so I hope you can believe me when I say that I truly love both of the products (really all 3 considering the mask set features 2 different options).

The Balm Dotcom feels like Neosporin in consistency and also comes in a tin tube. Recently I have been applying it to my dry, chapped lips, but I also used it to soothe a cut on my brow bone. If you only purchase one item from Glossier, this is the one to nab-even better is if you can grab the coconut balm which has been sold out for what seems like forever.

The Mask Duo Set just makes me smile. The product, the packaging, the feeling of my face after-all have exceeded my expectations and I could not recommend the set highly enough. The Mega Greens Galaxy Pack is recommended for when you're feeling "dirty". With the consistency a mixture of a scrub and a mud mask, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean (without feeling dry or sensitive) after an exciting 20 minute tingle. The Moisturizing Moon Mask is recommended for when you're feeling "dry". The Moon Mask goes on in a very silky, creamy consistency. Though it feels like you're simply moisturizing at first, it does bring a more subtle tingle as it works into the skin. I'll admit that the Moon Mask gets a bit tacky and requires more work to wash it off, but the after effect is well worth the added effort.

I've been a longtime fan of Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask, but this duo set has me seriously considering a change up. I can absolutely see myself purchasing one or both masks once my set is used up. I'm officially a Glossier lover!

On a final note, I'll let you know that I was initially drawn to this set due to the very detailed approach to its packaging. The Mask Duo Set was modeled on a Russell Stover box of chocolates. If that doesn't make you want to grab a set, I don't know what will.

Check out the below video for a behind the scenes (#bts) video of the sets packaging concept.

PS. Check out MyDomaine's interview with Glossier founder, Emily Weiss here!

Urban Broad

My love for Urban Broad began as a new twitter friendship and conversation in the late fall of last year. After checking out their website, I asked if they were cruelty-free, to which they prompted responded, "yes". I was so excited and immediately placed an order for their handmade soaps and I am SO glad that I did! 

I went with two of their seasonal scents, Autumn Wreath and Rural Bounty, and I was not disappointed. Both scents were lovely and the bars lasted for so long. They left my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and very lightly scented. 

Their bars are extremely affordable at $1.99 for a sample to $16.99 for a "Double" bar and they offer $5 flat rate same day shipping within the US. All bars are vegetarian and most are vegan-a great mission that results in great products? I'm so in. 

I'm sure you guys already know this, but the way to my heart is through my puppies. The team at Urban Broad was kind enough to send treats and a hand written note and it really touched me. The pups LOVED their treats and send all of their pug hugs and kisses to the Urban Broad team for their thoughtful and delicious gesture1

Discovering Pinrose

I am one of those people that is very rarely satisfied with one version of anything. For example: I own 10+ pairs of sunglasses, 5 + black nail polishes, and 3 + red lipsticks. Why? Because I have to try every single shade, shape, silhouette, and finish before deciding on my favorite. Even when my favorite has been determined, I will have to try whatever subsequent edition is released to ensure that my favorite is still at the top of the list. This applies to every aspect of my life save for fragrance.

I have 4 tried and true scents, each with their own job description. Chanel's Chance is my go-to, this is the fragrance that everyone compliments me on. Gucci's Guilty and Tom Ford's Violet Blonde are my stronger, night-time scents. Violet Blonde is reserved for truly special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and celebratory dinners-just a light spritz of it transports me to a happier place. Lastly, I have Marc Jacob's Daisy, which is my lighter every day scent. I wear Daisy when the temperatures soar and when I'm wishing they would (like right now)! 

Well, all of the above can be disregarded now, because PINROSE has changed me for the better! Pinrose offers a quiz that pinpoints 3 recommended scents for you. Their quiz takes into account the current fragrances you wear, your musical taste, your fashion sensibilities, and your environmental preferences. You have the option of receiving towelette samples of all 3 for free (billing information is not required). 

Their whole philosophy is that you should be able to live with the scent and see what fits best into your life and existing wardrobe of fragrances. I personally love the idea of trying each whenever the mood strikes me. After finishing the quiz, Rooftop Socialite, Campfire Rebel, and Treehouse Royal were my suggested fragrances. At $50 for a full size bottle, I may end up purchasing all 3!