Showing posts with label must haves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label must haves. Show all posts

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Beauty Favorites: Winter Edition

One of my favorite things about following other bloggers is hearing their experiences with products without having to go out and spend money on them myself only to find out they are a dud. On the flip side, even better discovering new products that I never would have known existed before.

For the most part I usually stick to tried and true products that I have been using for years, but recently I have been pushing myself to step outside of the box and mixing it up. I have found some great additions to my normal arsenal, that I just had to share.

{beauty favorites} winter edition


Moroccan Oil Hairspray: The perfect light weight hair spray that doesn't leave your hair crunchy or weighed down. I am normally not a hairspray person but when I do reach for it this is what I will reach for from now on.

Murad Acne Spot Treatment: I bought this after loving the murad clarifying mask for those quick spot treatments when I didn't need a whole mask. It works fast to reduce blemishes, goes on clear and rubs right in so you can wear it under makeup.

Mary Kay Foundation Primer: I was suspect about this but after purchasing it at a Mary Kay party back in the fall I have been loving it ever since. For someone who normally can get greasy by the end of the day this really cuts down on the shine. It also leaves your skin feeling so silky smooth for layering on makeup and contains SPF so I am protected through out the day.

Essie All in One:Though I love a good salon manicure, I am also very good at doing my nails myself and try to save manicures for special occasions. After purchasing this base and top coat and using it for a few months now I feel like I can extend my at home polish so much longer. It dries fast, goes on smooth and leaves my nails shiny and chip free for up to two weeks.

L'Oreal Ever Pure Shampoo and Conditioner: If I was ranking products this would be my number 1 find of the year, possibly the past five years. I stumbled upon it by chance, basically biolage conditioner was out at my CVS and this was on sale and I figured it would carry me over until I could restock on biolage. Shampoos have a tendency to build up on my hair after a few months of use, this leaves my hair feelings soft, silky and super clean without drying it out. For someone who only washes her hair 3 times a week it is important that every wash counts and this does it job plus leave my hair smelling fabulous for days. Some shampoos/conditioners will also cause me to break out along my hair line, I am not sure if it is the ingredients in the product or like I mentioned above them building up on my scalp, but after a month of use my skin and hair look better than ever.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads: I have been using these for about a year they are pricey but I swear they go along way and make a huge difference. I tanned way too much when I was younger and had noticeable sunspots, after applying these 1-2 times a week after the shower I have my sunspots have drastically diminished/disappeared.

ghd Classic 1 inch Straightener: This is the only product that isn't new to me but it is worth mentioning because I love it and it is worth its weight in gold. I bought this straightener in 2009 and it is still going strong. It leave my hair smooth and shiny without frying my ends. It also doubles as a curling iron since the barrel is rounded and ceramic. I swear by this brand so much now that once my cheap blow dryer dies I am splurging on the ghd dryer that has amazing reviews.  

Okay now it is your turn, what are some of your favorite new to you products you have been loving lately?




Thursday, January 9, 2014

{currently loving} beauty essentials.

If you are like me you probably have jumped all over the place through out your late teens, early and mid 20's and now are finally starting to feel like you can somewhat navigate all the beauty products out there. There are just so many options and it is hard to know what works for you and what doesn't.

Recently, I really feel like I have found some gems that work well for me. I was hesitant to write this post because I have come to realize that what works for one person may not for another, but since I love reading about other bloggers favorites, I thought you all might love knowing what I am currently coveting.


{currently loving" beauty essentials.


I think the two biggest game changers for me on this list are my clarisonic mia 2 and peter thomas roth's un-wrinkle peel pads.

I wanted the Clarisonic forever, and finally got it from my parents for Christmas and after a few weeks of using it daily I am beyond impressed. It leave my skin feeling clean, refreshed, smooth and has really reduced any breakouts. If you have ever struggled with your skin I would highly recommend getting a Clarisonic, it is worth the price. I should also mention, I use the same face wash I have used for the past few years with it just the basic neutrogena acne control wash you can get anywhere.

I use the Peter Thomas Roth un-wrinkle pads every few days at night after washing my face. I do not have sensitive skin so I normally leave the treatment on for an hour, rinse it off with water and then apply a moisturizer before bed. After using way too many tanning beds in my teens, I feel like these pads have made any discoloration in my skin disappear and really evened out my skin tone.

As far as makeup goes, I have jumped around a lot in my day but love all of these and think they could really work for most people.

Now it is your time to help me, any suggestions on a great night time moisturizer? 



Wednesday, April 10, 2013

spring uniform.

when spring comes around i can be found in pretty much the same standard outfit after work and on the weekends. it always includes sam edelman sandals, 7 of all mankind skinny jeans and an alternative apparel burnout tee. it is the perfect outfit for  running errands of getting stuff done around the house.


{the couture life} spring uniform.



7 For All Mankind skinny leg jeans / Sam Edelman lining shoes, $130 / Tory Burch zip bag, $610 / Gorjana coin bracelet / J.Crew j crew jewelry / Alternative Apparel Women's Burnout Deep V-Neck : Women


if you have never checked out sam edelman i highly recommend their sandals, they aren't crazy expensive and last forever and i can't say that about all the sandals i have tried over the years.

do you find yourself throwing on the same outfits despite a closet full of clothes?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

{gift guide} valetines day.

let me first say, we are not big valetine's day people at all. we normally keep it very low key, a good meal and drinks and little gifts. but i couldn't help pulling together a few of my favorite valentine related gifts i would be happy to accept (hint hint).

{the couture life} valetine's gift guide.

what are you planning on giving/recieving this year?

Monday, October 22, 2012

{fashion} amazing fall finds, at even more amazing prices.

i seem to be doing a lot of shopping lately, but since i am preferring to direct most of my cash towards stuff for the house right now i find myself shopping for clothes in "different" places from my normal j.crew, nordstrom and cusp.

in an effort to pinch pennies in the clothing department this fall i am heading back to stores i haven't frequented in years...but i am LOVING what i am finding!


afordable, classic, and fun.


Affordable Fall Fashion.

oh how i love finding stylish steals!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

designer items for less.

a new target just opened around the corner from our house, which makes me so happy. i love target, but have never actually lived conveniently enough to one to make it in my regular stops. luckily for me the new target is next to home depot, which we all know i frequent A LOT.

and even better yet, nate berkus just launched his new target line. i know where i will be stopping after work this week...

nate berkus for target.








Nate Berkus Fall 2012 Look Book
pressroom.target.com



Nate Berkus Fall 2012 Look Book
pressroom.target.com



Nate Berkus Fall 2012 Look Book
pressroom.target.com



Nate Berkus Fall 2012 Look Book
pressroom.target.com



Nate Berkus Fall 2012 Look Book
pressroom.target.com



and for those of you who do not have target near you, have you checked out his stuff on hsn? and i know you are probably thinking...seriously hsn? that isn't my style...but seriously they have some real gems.

his hsn line is just as awesome. i am thinking i need this rug in black, good thing it is on clearance right now for a steal $29.95!!

                                 Source: hsn.com via Caitlin.Marie {the couture life} on Pinterest


find any great finds recently? do share.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

polka dots and leopard, oh my.

i have always loved j.crew since i was in highschool, i forced my mom to buy me some great pieces from there. in recent years i again find myself drawn to their stores. j.crew has definently gotten better with age.

a few months back i even watched a 60 minutes special on mickey drexler and his reinvention of the j.crew brand. whatever he is doing is working because season after season i find myself loving every item.

this season at j.crew, i have been drooling over all the new amazingness.  from the chic polka dots, awesome gems, and fabulous blouses, i am envious. if only it could all magically appear in my closet, i would be such a happy girl.


falling for j.crew


it is great to see a brand not only stick around but thrive. one thing my husband will agree on is, i can't get myself enough.




Wednesday, September 5, 2012

{fashion} fall classics.


i can't believe it is already september. but with the cooler temperatures comes amazing boots, lots of layers and chic outfits. i can't wait to rock mint skinnies with brown riding boots and whimsy polka dots. oh and how can i forget my favorite new work bag.

classic fall prep.


my style goals this fall are to pick up new a few new pairs of flats and a new killer pair of riding boots. despite my love for shopping, i loath buying shoes.

at the beginning of last fall, i tossed two pairs of sam edelman flats that i had actually worn holes in. so this fall i am determined to finally replace them. i am thinking my girl tory is on my list.

that are you planning on rocking this fall?


Thursday, July 26, 2012

monogrammed to perfection- arrived!


happy thursday! last night i came home to find my new clutch and tote had arrived! remember when i showed you guys these gems here.


i ended up ordering them both the clutch and teddy tote in sand to keep things neutral and flexible. i absolutely love the color and leather!


i was like a little kid empyting out my old trusty longchamp and carefully arranging everything in my new bag. and for anyone considering the tote, it fit a laptop perfectly, along with my planner, wallet, and other essentials.


the monogram is amazballs.


seriously i am in heaven, and felt like the first day of school sporting my new bag to work today. now i am hooked! i want a clutch in every color, what color should i get next??

i highly recommend you jump on over to gigi new york and purchase one ASAP!





Tuesday, July 17, 2012

perfect monogrammed bag.

i normally carry around a very large purse (some would consider it a suit case). it is no joke, but after stumbling across this gem on pinterest, i think need to consolidate. this gigi new york clutch is amazing!

{source: ben mcdonald via tartan and sequins}

{source: ben mcdonald via tartan and sequins}
i don't know which i love more the nude sand color or the bright royal blue. i don't think you could go wrong with either. and the gold monogram is heaven.

it also comes in fuchsia, orange, black, white and taupe. maybe one of each? which do you love more?

a new matching work bag, wouldn't hurt either. god knows my longchamp is donzo : )



and speaking of shopping, you better run over to piperlime because it is that time of year again! summer sale time!!! my shopping cart is already full of stuff i have been eying all summer. happy shopping!