What We're Wearing May 2nd 2014

Today I'm wearing Yes To™ Pomegranate lip balm. It is FINALLY getting warm out and the sun is shining! You are (at least you better be!) wearing moisturizer with sunscreen. Sunscreen is so important to protect your skin, but you can't forget your lips. I try to always wear a lip balm with SPF in it, which is why I'm wearing my pomegranate lip balm today. You can wear it alone, with a gloss, or with a lipstick. The benefits of this balm just don't stop - it's super hydrating, smells delish, protects your pout from the sun’s harmful rays, tiny packaging means you can pop it into any pocket, and when you buy it the company gives back to the environment! What more could you ask for? Now go and (safely) enjoy the sun. 

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton




Yesterday I called upon my beloved, faithful Instagram friends to make a shopping decision, and I have something to confess. I did not take the majority's advice. Is this a betrayal of shopping crowd-sourcing? Perhaps. I feel quite guilty about it. I asked the question with the wholehearted intention to take any commenters' advice. But the more I looked at these dresses on in person, the more I fell in love with the longer, plaid Suno dress. Looking at the images again, I think this looked pretty frumpsville in the photo, hence the majority vote for the white Thakoon Addition dress. But in person, it was really non-frumpsville, and I thought it was much more unique than the Thakoon Addition. The TA is darling but I fear it could be found in Zara. And so, I share this with you out of a need to clear my conscience - I always carefully weigh your advice and need it to survive, but hope you'll forgive me not taking it 1% of the time as simply being a human with an Instagram problem.

And so today, I have the winner. Suno. Here it is in its seemingly awkward glory - but I promise if you meet it, you will think it's ridiculously awesome, because it is.

Suno:

Thakoon Addition:

 


Handbags and Hugs,


Astor

Kick Off To Summer Volume II - Scrubs

I have already given you tips on how to self tan and explained the different  types of self tanner in Kick Off To Summer Volume I. 

Now it's time for all things scrub - why, when, where, how to, and what to use. 


WHY SHOULD YOU USE A SCRUB?
Everyone should be using a body scrub, regardless of your skin type. Scrubs remove dead skin cells and will leave your skin softer and smoother. Scrubs can also help prevent ingrown hairs, body acne, and after scrubbing your body moisturizer will be more effective. 


WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A BODY SCRUB?
Everyone should be using a body scrub at least once a week. Unless you have extremely sensitive skin, you can scrub two to three times a week, but try not to ever go over four times a week. 


WHERE SHOULD YOU USE A BODY SCRUB? 
This answer isn't as obvious as it seems! You can, of course, use a scrub in the shower (and should always use one before shaving). If your skin is very dry or flaky, you can also use your scrub on dry skin before you get in the shower.


HOW SHOULD YOU USE A BODY SCRUB? 
The most effective way to apply your body scrub in circular motions. Scrubbing back and forth can be too abrasive. If you use your scrub in the shower, be careful not to get any water in the scrub container. After your shower, make sure you apply a body moisturizer!


WHAT SCRUBS SHOULD YOU USE?
Different types of scrubs work for different types of skin. 

Usually, salt scrubs can be intensive and abrasive - they will really soften your skin! Just make sure not to use one right after shaving or waxing, as this will be irritating. 

Sugar scrubs tend to be more gentle than salt scrubs. They are effective, yet okay for sensitive skin. 

Don't forget the rest of your body - get a scrub for your hands, lips, and feet! 



Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton 

Dream Item of the Day

Have you seen this sweater?

 

Image via www.fashionedits.com

Everyone is suddenly obsessed with it. I actually saw it in Neiman Marcus before the craze reached a fever pitch and vaguely remembered it from the runway. I loved it like whoa - it is so insanely lovely yet cool in person - yet thought it was kind of in that anomaly zone of being spring-looking yet maybe too warm to wear in spring/summer...but now I've seen it on humans paired with flowy maxi skirts on Fifth Ave and shredded white jeans on Abbot Kinney and I NEED it. It is versatile. And while $395 is nothing to laugh at, it seems somewhat reasonable for something you can style so many different ways - for the rest of your life. Yes, this is trendy and cool and right-now, but when will it not be? Get it here.

Kick Off To Summer - Self Tanner

Summer is right around the corner and now is the time to prepare. Hitting the beach with pasty, pale, skin is not ideal. I am a big believer in self tanner, glowing skin without harmful UV rays.

Self tanner can be tricky and you don't want to look orange or streaky. Follow these steps for a perfect look. 

1.) Take a shower and use a scrub head to toe. 
2.) Towel dry. 
3.) Apply a plain, unscented moisturizer to the driest areas of your body: elbows, knees and ankles.
4.) Let the moisturizer absorb into skin.
5.) Apply yourself tanner! (Apply it on top of the moisturized areas as well.)
6.) Wash the palms of your hands.

Before you can apply self tanner you will, of course, need to pick one. There are so many options; I will help you break it down.

Gels are the fastest option, they absorb and dry very quickly.

Mousse is very light and works great for oily skin. But be careful - the mousse can absorb into your hands, wear rubber gloves when applying. 

A spray will help you get even coverage on your hard-to-reach areas. 

Towels make everything easier and these also have an exfoliating effect! 

Self tanners with a gradual effect are the best for the mistake prone. But, you need to be diligent, they won't give you a deep glow. You need to use them more regularly.  



Happy tanning!


Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton