My Favorite “Self Care” Products Currently

All Natural Lip Masks, The Best Dry Brush, Fancy Razors & More
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

The top self care products including natural collagen lip masks that actually work!

“Self care” is all the buzz these days, and I personally couldn’t be happier.  The art of staying in, rather than going out, is celebrated with an emphasis on the small luxuries that make us feel better.  Self care, and in turn self love, is something I am totally on board with, and honestly wish it would have been this much of a thing when I was in my twenties.  I would have spent a lot more nights dabbling in essential oil face masks and a lot less mornings hung over.

Like the rest of my beauty routine, I like to prioritize clean, all natural products as much as possible.  That means a lot of the ingredients include my favorite essential oils and beneficial ingredients like charcoal, jojoba oil, organic sea salt, along with plenty of antioxidants to completely nourish my skin all over.  

Fortunately, I’ve found that it’s easier than it used to be to find products that have all of these things and less of the things we don’t want! Whether you’re looking for an irresistible all natural perfume, a cure-all cold and flu soak, all natural collagen lip masks or the best ever dry brush, look no further.  

I’ve rounded up my current favorite, natural, and just a tad indulgent, self care products here today.  Because if you didn’t know about natural collagen lip masks and 14k gold razors, you haven’t been living.  Truly, MKR

P.S. While these are my current favorites I’m always on the lookout for more, so I’d love to hear your own personal favorite self care products in the comments below!

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French Girl Organics Rose Facial Polish

Waiting on Martha Home, $38

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This fine grained facial polish is a wonderful exfoliant that’s rich in antixidants and all natural ingredients.  It’s gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive like mine! 

French Girl Organics Rose/Ylang Sea Spray

Waiting on Martha Home, $26

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Ever longed for those perfect I’ve-been-at-the-beach-all-day waves?! This sea spray is my personal favorite for adding a little texture to my locks with three varieties of organic sea salt and nourishing essential oils. 

KNC Beauty All Natural Collage Infused Lip Mask

Violet Grey, $24.99

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I was so thrilled to stumble across this all natural moisturizing mask for my lips!  It helps hydrate and plump lips with collagen, hyaluronic acid, moisturizing plant extracts and vitamin E.  Bonus points because it’s formulated without fragrance, parabens or mineral oils! 

I apply the masks to my lips for 15-20 minutes two times before a big photoshoot or event. 

Aura Botanica Aromatic Nourishing Oil Blend

Keratese, $58

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The Aura Botanica line by Keratese is made of 99% natural ingredients and it is DIVINE.  This one is a multipurpose oil that nourishes your hair with avocado oil, jojoba oil and rosemary extract.  And the fragrance comes from sweet orange essential oil, which is said to boost your mood!  I’ve never had my hair feel so soft and look so shiny! 
 

Aura Botanica Essence D'Eclat Moisture Mist

Keratese, $43

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This lightweight hair mist works to nourish the hair while controlling the frizz, which I always need in the summertime in this humidity!  It’s composed of jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil and argan oil, along with sweet orange essential oil and Damask rose flower water.  Seriously, you want this in your life!

Merben International Hard Texture Foot Brush

Amazon, $11.99

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I am completely and utterly obsessed with Merben dry brushes these days; in fact, we have them coming to The Well Code collection at the shoppe soon!  They vary in size and texture of bristles, and they are a game-changer in your skincare game.  This hard texture brush is perfect for using on rough calluses on your feet and heels.  You’ll feel like you just left the spa after you use this! 

Smart Ash Teeth Whitener + Detoxifier

Bedrock & Bloom, $30

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The quest for whiter teeth doesn’t have to stop when you go green with your beauty and personal care products, I’m finding.  This nontoxic, all natural and organic teeth whitener is the new addition to my morning and nighttime routine. 

French Girl Organics Ambre Noir Liquid Parfum

Waiting on Martha Home, $55

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French Girl Organics gives us a completely safe and clean perfume in irresistible Ambre Noir. The top notes include essential oils frankincense, cardamom, with heart notes of sandalwood and vanilla. Lastly, the bottom notes are amber, cistus and vetiver.  All of my favorites! 

French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish

Waiting on Martha Home, $15

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I practically have one of these in every hand bag, on my nightstand, and bathroom counter!  I love this all natural and organic rose lip polish that gently exfoliates dry skin and leaves me with the perfect pout. 

C.O. Bigelow Cold & Flu Soak

Nordstrom, $18

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I recently discovered this amazing herbal formula that helps boost immunity and fresh breath, while soothing me whenever I’m feeling a bit congested too.  It’s seriously a cure-all.  Ingredients include revitalizing eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil, along with willow bark, echinacea and ginger. 

Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil

Young Living, $31.75 via The Well Code

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Anything that promises to rid me of cellulite…sign me up! Young Living gives us an all natural, super hydrating massage oil that can’t be anything but good for the skin. It includes pure vegetable oils, vitamin E, and essential oils.  The grapefruit oil improves the appearance of skin texture, while Juniper oil helps cleanse. 

French Girl Organics Jasmine Liquid Parfum

Waiting on Martha Home, $55

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I’ve found recently that I adore the smell of jasmine.  It’s sweet, intoxicating and smells like summer.  That’s why I’ve turned to this all natural perfume by French Girl Organics lately; it’s heavenly. 

Fur Oil

Free People, $44

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It’s not taboo to talk about pubic hair anymore thanks to Fur Oil.  This all natural blend, vegan oil helps soften hair and clear pores, ultimately fighting the possibility of ingrown hairs.  Ingredients include grapeseed oil, jojoba oil and antibacterial essential oils like clary sage, lemon, peppermint, tea tree and more. 

Carrie 14k Gold Razor Set

Oui Shave, $85

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So glam, right?! This gorgeous razor is just as helpful as it is beautiful though.  It’s great for normal to sensitive skin that’s subject to irritation from shaving, and coarse and fast-growing hair.  I especially love the all natural healing shave oil that comes with the razor too. And if you don’t believe the hype read the reviews on the site; 49 reviews and almost everyone is 5 stars! 

 

 

SW Basics Oil Serum

Target, $29

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My current silky, nourishing serum on rotation is like a “healthy, balanced diet for your skin.” Ingredients include pure organic avocado, geranium, turmeric, and coffee oils, it has crazy-high levels of essential fatty acids, phytoesterols, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and other super-nutrients.

Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

10 Beautiful Rugs at Every Price Point

From Area Rugs to Runners and More, These Options Are Worth Investing In
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

Rugs are tricky. It always hurts to fork out the money for them, but it’s always, always worth the investment. Skimping on a rug will leave your space looking subpar, especially when you end up sacrificing the size, material and texture that you need.  When you’re looking for a great rug, you want one that will hold up and age well, because you don’t want to be replacing that thing every few years, believe me.  I have one of those Moroccan rugs that sheds every minute of every single day…it’s beautiful, but annoying.  So today, I’m sharing more than a dozen great rugs with some staying power that are worth checking out, no matter how big, or small, your budget. 

Included in the bunch are names you’re probably familiar with: Dash & Albert, Loloi, One Kings Lane, Safaveih and Lulu & Georgia.  There’s a reason why these names circulate when buyers are on the hunt for the perfect rug; they make high-quality pieces at reasonable price points.  

But sometimes shelling out $900 for an area rug isn’t in the cards.  So that’s why I was also thrilled when I stumbled on Urban Outfitters’ rug collection recently and found that the store offers even more affordable options if you’re looking for a quick statement.  Trends change, tastes change…and with a rug like this one you won’t feel bad swapping it in a few years! 

Read on about the rugs that made the cut, and find more great options in the scrolling widget below.  Cheers, Kat

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Caramel Faux Cowhide Rug 6x8

Lulu & Georgia, $379

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MKR has two of these; they’re that good.  Lulu & Georgia give us some of the best faux cowhide rugs around, at a really reasonable price point.  They look like they cost you at least double, and lend great texture to your space. 

Safaveih Jute Rug 8x10

Overstock, $262

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Safaveih’s jute rug is thought by many to be the best jute rug around.  It comes at a great price, and is a universally stylish option for a room.  They also pair perfectly with a small rug for a layered effect that still spreads throughout the room; try it with the Lulu & Georgia Cowhide Rug! 

Katalin Printed Rug 2x8 Runner

Urban Outfitters, $69

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Urban Outfitters wows us with a beautiful Persian-inspired rug that comes in three sizes and three different colorways.  I think the runner, in particular, would be killer in a hallway or master bathroom!  I like to consider a buy like this as a stepping stone to a bigger investment down the road.  Test this one to see if you want to pay the big bucks for a vintage rug. 

Dash & Albert Indoor/Outdoor Falls Village Stripe Rug 5x8

Nordstrom, $483

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Dash & Albert is known for its dependable and affordable rugs, and that applies to their perfect indoor/outdoor collection too.  The bold navy and white stripes scream patio season, don’t you think?!

Boro Printed Rug 3x5

Urban Outfitters, $69

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Here’s another beauty from Urban Outfitters with a price tag I can get behind.  This rug works like a charm in front of a kitchen sink, in the bathroom or by the door.  So good!!

Normandy Rug 8x10

One Kings Lane, $2,779

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Swoon. One Kings Lane always has me coveting the richest area rugs, and they did it again with this one.  I love the muted coral tones mixed with beige; it’s a true neutral! 

Dash & Albert Annabelle Rug 8x10

Nordstrom, $930

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Here’s another high quality piece by Dash & Albert that would fit in just about anywhere.  The subtle detailing and cool grey color make it an ideal area rug that can withstand some traffic…and dirt. 

Wilshire Rug 2x3

One Kings Lane, $115

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I’m forever in love with small rugs around the house, whether that’s at the front door, under the kitchen sink, etc.  This one from One Kings Lane makes for a great option when you’re hoping to give your space a little more warmth. 

Katie Vintage Malayer Medallion Blue & Beige Rug 4x6

Shoppe Amber Interiors, $3,450

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I’d be amiss if I shared a post about rugs on any budget without a completely high-end option like this show-stopping gorgeous one from Shoppe Amber Interiors.  If you can pull the trigger on a gem like this one, my hat is off to you.  It has the ability to make an entire room in one single sweep.

Lindy Rug 5x7

Joss & Main, $98.49

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Lastly, a pretty area rug with a Moroccan-inspired motif at an even prettier price point.  This rug on Joss & Main is calling my name, and it’s gotten great reviews from buyers that have test run it. 

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

The 5 Best Nail Polishes I Come Back To Season After Season

The Tried-and-True Classics & New Favorites On Rotation
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

While I always love a good new buy, especially in the beauty department, I’m truly a creature of habit when it all comes down to it.  There are just some products that deserve love and loyalty after all of these years of wearing them and replacing them.  And that includes the best nail polishes.

I’ve always preferred painting my own nails and giving myself an at-home mani.  I’m one of those people that can’t stand being held captive for that amount of time when I can do it myself at home.  And I’m pretty good at them, I must admit!  So when it comes to nail polish, I like to have all of my favorites on-hand.  

Like everyone and their mom, I could never quit OPI Cajun Shrimp.  The punchy fire-engine-red, yet tropical coral hue has always screamed OOO to me, even when vacation plans were not in the cards.  And I think I’ve been wearing Essie Ballet Slippers for going on 13 years…am I aging myself by saying that?!  

But the best nail polishes deserve their homage, and today I’m claiming my top five that I wear season after season.  When I discovered nontoxic and 8-free Smith & Cult a few years ago, I was thrilled to add a few more “constants” to my forever list, like this cold-weather oxblood and this universally flattering nude.  See any you love?!  What shades would you add to the list?  Truly, MKR

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Smith & Cult Ghost Edit

Net-a-porter, $18

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Neutral on my fair skin is always difficult.  But somehow, Smith & Cult nailed it with Ghost Edit. This color is utterly perfect, and it’s universally flattering on all skin tones. 

Essie Ballet Slippers

Target, $8.99

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I’ve been wearing Ballet Slippers for 15+ years.  It’s the smooth, soft pale pink that every woman should have in their arsenal. 

OPI Cajun Shrimp

Ulta, $10

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The classic of the classics, am I right?!  Cajun Shrimp will forever and always be one of the best nail polish colors in the land.  It signifies OOO with a drink in-hand…even if it’s just a state of mind. Ha! 

OPI That's Berry Daring

Target, $7.39

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It’s punchy, it’s bright and it’s an incredibly flattering shade all year ’round! That’s Berry Darling has been one of my favorite OPI colors for years, and one that I probably will always own. 

Smith & Cult Dark Like Me

Neiman Marcus, $18

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Here’s my go-to during the winter months; another rich, bold shade by 8-free brand Smith & Cult. The berry tones mix with oxblood for the absolute perfect deep red. 

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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