Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Ever since I got into skincare it's been very rare for me to repurchase products after finishing them.  There are so many new skincare products that I usually just bounce around from product to product, trying out new things.  The Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution ($49.50) is the rare unicorn that I can't seem to replace.  I purchased my first bottle a year ago, and used it daily for a few months until one day I looked at my face, and noticed that those darks spots that had been plaguing me had disappeared. This I can tell you is a great feeling, and one we should all enjoy.

This serum is not going to erase all of your dark spots overnight, but what product out there will do that? If you have the answer, please let this girl know, thnx. This silky serum made with activated C, white birch, and peony extracts feels light and refreshing on the skin, and is instantly absorbed.  In fact it absorbs so quickly that sometimes I will do a double layer just in case I missed a spot. I put this serum on after washing and toning my face, and before my topical retinol solution. I purchased a new bottle a few weeks, and am testing it out all over my body on any old scars that could be lightened.  I think this is a great product to add to any skincare regime, and though it does take time to see results, there are results with this product, which is inspiring.

Winter Candles

I'm back! Oh, how neglectful I've been! 2014 had a few life changes for me, such as getting a new job and moving to Brooklyn, which caused me to be bit preoccupied. But do not fret, I'm back to update my little space on the internet.

Moving out meant redecorating, but it also meant having more rooms for candles! Candles are an instant pick me up and can make any space inviting. This winter I've been really into woodsy/floral scents, and below are my top picks. 

Rituals Sacred Fire: If candles could be sexy, this is would be it. It's dark red color, and spicy warm cedar wood scent is divine, and looks quite good in the moonlight (is that creepy to say?).

Thymes Fraiser Fir: This is the perfect winter candle because it smells like evergreen trees. It reminds me of Christmas each time I burn it, and I think it will always remind me of our first Christmas in BK. 

Meyer's Geranium Candle: I love this clean floral scent a bit too much, and already had it as my dish and hand soap, so when I saw it came in a candle I didn't think twice. I love lighting it in the kitchen because dissolves cooking smells perfectly, but it's never overpowering.

Pomme Frites Amber & Moss: I found this candle in a little shop, while strolling the neighborhood, and I've already gone through two. It's earthy scent is perfect for any season, and I think it's especially nice in the bedroom.

Nest Fragrances Birchwood Pine: I recieved this candle as a gift from a friend, and it's musky scent is like an expensive cologne. It takes no time for your whole space to smell like you invited a Ralph Lauren male model over for tea.

Diptyque Baies: If you've ever been to the Club Monaco flagship on 5th avenue, you know it smells like floral heaven. I've always wondered what that scent was, and I was starting to accept the fact that I would probably never find out, but then a few days ago I gave Baies a whiff at Space NK, and the clouds parted, and I was reborn and enlightened. Too dramatic? Anyway, this is scent, or a rendition of this scent is definitely what they use in that store. The Diptyque Candles are quite popular among bloggers, but I've always been hesitant due to their lofty price tag. I got the small one to try out, and the rose and black currant scent makes my heart so so happy. It's the little things people!

I hope this was inspiring enough for someone to go out and give some of these candles a whiff, or at least browse them on the web, since it's too damn cold to go shopping outside.

YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Review

Yves Saint Laurent is a brand that extends their luxurious eye for detail all the way to their makeup. They make products that you want to showcase, and their quality is worth the splurge. The Baby Doll Kiss & Blush is a two-in-one lip stain and cream blush put together. Usually dual lip and blush products come in a pot, but the Kiss & Blush comes in a bottle that looks like nail polish.  This is because it has a wand, which is the perfect tool to apply the colorful mousse. 

The two colors I picked up were the bright florescent, No.1 Fuchsia Desinvolte, and the subdued baby pink, No.3 Rose Libre. The shades are beautifully opaque and pigmented, so you can really intensify the color. As a blush it has a long staying power, which is surprising considering cream blushes and combination skin don't mix that well together. The blush colors look natural, and dry soft to the touch with a matte finish. On the lips it lasted for hours, all while feeling comfortable and not drying.  Since the colors are so opaque it requires a bit more care when applying,  so that it can look perfect.

The Baby Doll Kiss & Blush is a fantastic multitasker, and makes other lip and blush combos step their game up. Check out the shades below!

No. 1 Fuchsia 

No. 3 Rose Libre

Summer Look with Tarte Cosmetics Feat. Lipsurgence Power Pigments

This is the summer of Tarte for me.  I love this brand because they are focused on creating cosmetics with the most natural ingredients, but it doesn't impinge on their ability to create amazing makeup.  I'm always curious to try Tarte's newest additions, and lately I haven't been disappointed.  Below are some of my favorites for an easy summer look.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation
I've tried mineral foundation in the past, but I was never drawn to it enough to reach for it frequently.  That is, until I got my hands on this.  I don't think I've ever had a foundation that was so easy to put on.  I just dip my Tarte Airbuki Brush into the powder and blend it on face for less than a minute, and finito!  I'm ready to go.  There is something special like fairy dust in the formula because it actually stays put for hours, unlike so many mineral foundations that just disappear the minute you start to perspire, which is a given since every morning my subway station feels like one of the circles of hell.  It also doesn't cake up if you feel like reapplying over the day.  One tip I would give is that the foundations tend to look darker on than they look in the pot, so go one shade lighter than you normally would.


The Tarte Power Pigments Lip Stain in Blissful 
The Power Pigments come in variety of wearable colors, but my favorite this summer has to be Blissful because the warm peach shade compliments every look. The best thing about this lip stain is that it is infused with shea butter, so it feels like lip balm,  and it has a touch of mint that tingles your lips with coolness, which is a nice surprise. And not to mention that this shade is a breeze to apply,  making it even subway ride approved. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy
I've had this blush for over a year, and I still adore it as much as I did when I first bought it. The Amazonian  Clay blushes are extremely pigmented, but wearable.  I've noticed that I gravitate towards this blush when I want my makeup to be perfect for the whole day because its lasting power is at least 8 hours.  With such a range of colors you're bound to find the perfect one for you, but I think that Tipsy is by far one of the most universal shades.  Everyone looks great in coral, and this is as coral as it gets.

Hope you're all having a great summer!