some of my favorite {new!} things : beauty products

I've been testing lots of new and new-to-me products lately and I am loving all the results.

My new favorite dry shampoo is by Suave. Yes, Suave. It smells citriusy fresh, absorbs oil and doesn't leave any of that dreaded white powdery residue.

For those days when a power pout just won't do, my go-to lip color is Fresh's Sugar Passion tinted lip treatment. It gives just enough color and moisturizes like nobody's business.

As I mentioned here, I'm obsessed with long eyelashes, but I've been hesitant to try a growth serum to help make them longer and fuller. After some research {and thanks to a HauteLook Deal of the Day - let me know if you want an invitation to shop}, I picked up a tube of Rapid Lash and have noticeably longer {although not exactly fuller} lashes with none of the scary side effects some simliar products warn about. It's one of the more reasonably priced options - I've seen the price hovering around $30 - and can be found at most national drugstore chains.

I have sensitive, combination skin, so I make sure all the products that I apply to face are gentle and oil-free. Still, my face {especially my t-zone} is shiny shortly after my morning makeup routine. I recently acquired Boscia's No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment and found it works wonderfully! It helps minimize my larger pores and keeps me shine-free nearly all day.

my favorite olsen

Lots of people think Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are the bee's knees when it comes to fashion, but I'm enamored with their younger sister, Elizabeth {great name, don't ya think?}. She's currently staring in her first major role in Martha Marcy May Marlene and has been receiving great reviews. The film is on my list of must-sees, but my review is in - when it comes to her style, at least.

I love it - easy, effortless and always pretty. I say we keep an eye out for this up-and-comer. I know I can't wait to see her style evolve.  

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before and after : full fringe

I love to change up my hairstyle. From sleek ponytails and wavy locks to pin-straight styles and fluffy ballerina buns, I'll even change my style throughout the day.

One style I've been loving for a while is a full bang. Since I'd been planning our wedding for more than a year, I didn't want to do anything drastic before the big day. As soon as I officially became a missus, though, I headed straight to the salon and had my stylist chop away.

I haven't had full fringe since I was a kid {I was one of those little girls who had 80s bangs that started in the center of my head - can you relate?}, and  I have to say I'm so happy with my new look.

before



~one of my favorite shots of Stacey and me~



after

aching arches

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Right before my wedding, I went to get my brows done. I left with with perfectly shaped brows for my big day, and soon after began to feel a burning sensation that I've become all-too familiar with - I was beginning to lift.

Lifting is when the delicate skin beneath your eyebrow is damaged. Many times it occurs when the wax is too hot, but for me, it's because my skin is so sensitive.

I've asked my friend Diana, an amazing esthetician from Dolce Salon and Spa, to share some great info on what lifting is and how to {hopefully} avoid having it happen to you.

beth: 

What does it truly mean when you're lifted?

diana: 

"Lifting" is the term used when wax has exfoliated layers of skin in addition to removing hair. Skin is left raw and appears red and shiny at the surface.

b: 

How long does it last?

d: 

It is as though you've scraped a few layers of skin off of your hand, or some similar circumstance, so the wound/burn heals as any other wound would; time varies per individual.

b: 

What can you do if it happens to you?

d: 

Be gentle with the area. Avoid exfoliation, excess heat, sun exposure. Apply Vitamin A&D ointment 3+ times daily until the wound has healed. Vitamin A&D is a petroleum- and lanolin-based ointment that has vitamins A and D in it. They help protect the skin and promote healing in minor burns.

b: 

What at-home remedies work well?

d: 

A&D ointment can be found at Walgreens and other drug stores.

b:

What can I tell my esthetician so that I can avoid being lifted?

d:

Discuss home care with your esthetician, be sure to inform them of:

any use of exfoliants (scrubs, alpha hydroxy acids)

leave-on resurfacing treatments such as Retin-A you've used

Accutane use - you must not have used it within six months of waxing

 sun exposure, which compromises the skin's integrity and increases the possibility of lifting

excessively dry skin

over-stimulated skin (impaired barrier function), which appears as rosacea-like symptoms and is caused by incorrect home care (overly aggressive/drying products)

any recent professional treatments such as microdermabrasion, dermaplanning and peels 

Thanks, Diana! If you live in or plan on visiting Phoenix, make an appointment to see Diana. Not only will she perfectly arch your brows, but she can relax you with a back facial, clear your pores with a customized facial and so much more.