I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
I wouldn’t say I’ve ever really been a Valentine’s Day person, but having a shop is making me embrace the day a little bit more. And, I must say this year with hearts being such a big trend there are more adorable love-inspired picks than ever. So, here it is, my top 12 picks for a day or month filled with love.
I myself simply want flowers, however, I do own practically everything on this list with the Hallmark Watching sweatshirt and heart heels being my latest addition! Happy love month friends! Truly, MKR
The number one question I get on Instagram, like get asked at least once a day, is “what’s your makeup routine?” And most specifically what eyeshadow do I wear. This question always makes me laugh, not because it’s a bad question at all, but because I have a VERY low key makeup routine. In fact, my routine is one that I could do with my eyes closed in less than ten minutes. And it’s a routine that NEVER really changes.
Eventually, I’m going to just bite the bullet and do an Instagram video for it, but I thought I’d share it here as well. Before I get too deep into the specifics let me first say this, especially if you’re new around here. I have worked hard over the years to de-toxify anything and everything I put on my face and my body. The body is our biggest organ, and there are VERY few restrictions here in the US concerning the garbage they can put into our beauty products so I urge you to do some research and begin making the switch. If you want to read more about what spurred that journey and the general steps I’ve taken check out this post. And no I am not 100% green or non-toxic, but I’m super close. I’d say I’m at about a 92% and hope to be at 100% very soon.
Now on to the details. I’ve broken it down below, but I will say one of the best things you can do for your beauty routine and wardrobe routine is get a color analysis done. What I mean by that is there are color experts that will do a few simple tests to help you understand what tones look right on you and which ones don’t. For me, even though I’m super pale skinned, cool tones work best with my complexion. So if I want to go with a pink or a red, it needs to have those underlying blue tones rather than orange tones. Understanding this changed how I dress and what makeup colors I choose. You can take these quizzes or test online, but I did mine in person where the expert actually holds up colors to you and you can see your skin tone actually change so if you can do it in person, definitely go that route.
Another thing to note is it took me a LONG time to understand what works on my very sensitive and fickle skin that has been the bane of my existence since the dawn of time. Dramatic, yes a bit, but I have serious envy for people with perfect complexions. That’s not me, nor will it ever be me, but I have figured out what to use that doesn’t cause a flare up. I’m saying this because it’s a journey and what works for me won’t necessarily work for you. So test the waters and play around, but once you find what works hold on to that shade or brand for dear life!
Lastly, get some good makeup brushes and take the time cleaning them! I used to be so lazy about cleaning my brushes, but I found cleaning them weekly helps keep my skin clear. My go-to brushes are actually from Young Living as well as the Thieves Foaming Hand Soap I use to clean them with. Yes, that essential oils company has an amazing non-toxic makeup line now and it’s pretty great (read more about that HERE). The other thing I would 100% say get is this little rubber mat-thiny that you suction to your sink and clean your brushes with. Game changer!
And that’s it. I hope the step by step below helps, and I hope this finally answers all those DM’s I haven’t gotten around to answering! Truly, MKR
Step One: Beauty Counter One Touch Concealer under my eyes. I show my tiredness and age under my eyes, so this has been a game changer and one of the most important tools in my arsenal. Make sure you go at least 1 shade lighter than your skin as you want this to actually brighten.
Step Two & Three:Bare Minerals Foundation & Bronzer. I’ve been using Mineral Makeup for over a decade now and it just works for me. I put the foundation all over my face and a bit on my neck, followed by the bronzer. I then take a q-tip and go through my eyebrows and hairline removing makeup that got into those places.
Step Four: Eye Shadow. I first start with a liquid eye shadow in this shade and rub slightly over my eye lid. I’ve found that starting with a liquid eyeshadow allows my powder eyeshadow to stay put all day. Then I mix a few different colors from this large Beauty Counter Pallete. I start with Espresso mixed with a bit or bordeaux and maybe a bit of Canyon if I feel it’s coming off to brown. I brush this all over my eye lid. Followed by this lighter brown in my crease to blend the two a bit. If it’s an eyeliner day I actually just use my eyeliner brush and blend the black and the bordeaux for an eyeliner. Then I take one small swipe of the gilded and go over my entire lid to give it a bit of shimmer. And finish it off with Eggshell in the very crease of my eyebrow, where I want my eyebrow to point up, right in the center. And then a bit in the corner of my eyes. Eggshell really helps to brighten it up. Beauty Counter has switched up their shadows since I took this pic so now I use this pallet and this one and have MORE than enough colors for what I need to do.
Step Five: Because I guarantee a ton of eyeshadow has now fallen below my eyes I take my foundation brush and wipe it off under my eye. I then layer another layer of the One Touch Concealer. Patting, not rubbing the One Touch Concealer in.
Step Eight:YSL Tropical Pink Lipstick. This is my signature pink, and one I cannot find a different version of. I love this color so much, like so much! And then I top it all off with my favorite lip gloss in Opal Moonstone and voila, I’m done! Pretty easy right?!?
While I’m not a makeup obsessed person (my everyday makeup routine consists of less than 8 products which I’ll be sharing with y’all next week), I am a product-obsessed person.
It’s probably because I’ve struggled with my skin since the age of thirteen. And while my skin is better than ever, it seems that every day there’s a new issue to tackle thanks to mother nature so I’m always on the hunt for the next best magic concoction. Plus, someone has to test all of those Waiting On Martha Home beauty products before they go on the shelf right?!
But today’s roundup doesn’t just have to do with what I’m currently putting on my skin, but also what I’ve been taking every day with my morning coffee. I’m talking about the holy grail, the motherload, the best probiotic I’ve ever taken. And trust me when I say I’ve tried out at least a dozen probiotics over the past six or so years, but this one by Seed has been a gut-health game changer.
Along with my new probiotic, some of my favorite products I’m sharing today include a $10 ice roller that will roll the stress away along with your eye bags. A Himalayan scalp scrub that might be the best shampoo I’ve ever used. A perfume from Tulum that has me smelling like the beach all year long. A face oil with a cult following, and so many other great green, non-toxic beauty products I swear by.
And lastly, I have finally found a non-toxic mascara that actually works. You see the problem with non-toxic or “green” mascara is they tend to flake before noon leaving me with a constant racoon eye I have to rub away. Not with this one. Not only does it volumize as it says, but it doesn’t flake like the others. Plus it lasts, I can confidently wear this mascara all day, without re-applying once! Best non toxic mascara ever!
Keep reading below to see more in-depth descriptions of these thirteen products and how I use them. And if you’re following along via Bloglovin, please note you have to actually click into the post to see all thirteen products broken down. Truly, MKR
P.S. If you’re interested in why I’ve changed my entire beauty routine over to clean products I encourage you to read THIS.
I have found it, FINALLY! The best ever non toxic mascara! Made with natural fibers, this advanced formula increases volume by 385%* to create fuller, more dramatic-looking lashes without clumping, flaking or smudging.
Cleaner, plant-derived ingredients, like carnauba wax and rice bran wax, replace harmful emollients, while bataua oil helps soften lashes.
Goodnight, dullness. Good morning, glow. Formulated with 15 botanically-derived acids, this leave-on AHA/BHA peel improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and dark spots without irritation or over-drying. Glycolic, lactic, and malic acids clear away dull surface skin cells, while hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids soothe and nourish to reveal a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.
Why is it safer?
This Overnight Resurfacing Peel is formulated without synthetic fragrances, PEGs, and formaldehyde-based preservatives commonly found in peels.
Hello, bright eyes. Formulated for the delicate eye area, this nourishing cream awakens eyes. Squalane hydrates skin, while betaine and phytic acid boost oxygenation to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and shadows for brighter-looking eyes. Breakthrough Bio-Mimic Technology harnesses the unique life-giving properties of plants to match the composition of skin, giving it precisely what it needs and nothing it doesn’t.
This coconut melt is unlike others, I’m not quite sure how or why, but it’s definitely the best I’ve used to date. You can use it as a hair mask, moisturizer, makeup remover, shaving oil, and so much more. I love it as a chapstick. And it will last forever! A little goes a long way!
Heres a few more ideas… as a hair mask by applying it to your hair from root to tip and letting it sit from 40 minutes to overnight; slather it all over your body from head to toe to moisturize; dab a little on a cotton ball and wipe it over your face to remove makeup; or even massage onto dry or damp legs as a shaving oil. Scoop out a generous glob and drop it in a hot bath; dab underneath your eyes to reduce dark circles; massage it all over your baby’s skin; or rub it all over your pregnant belly.
Energizing exfoliation at its best! While brown sugar buffs away dull skin, hydrating sweet almond, apricot kernel, and sunflower oils and mineral-rich evening primrose leave skin looking supple and smooth. Lastly, a blend of pure citrus and lemongrass oils leaves a fresh and invigorating scent.
I picked up this perfume while vacationing at Alys Beach. Direct from Tulum, they couldn’t have captured the smell of the beach any better. I loved it so much I got a candle as well! Thinking I would never find it again, I was thrilled to find that Net-A-Porter carries the entire line!
Lush, exotic floral oils give skin a bright new glow while gently preserving its youth and replenishing hydration. An exquisite blend of Orchid Extract, precious Jasmine Sambac, and Japanese Camellia Flower Oil combine to defend against free radicals, increase elasticity, and feed the skin with beneficial vitamins and fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6 to protect against premature aging.
I’ve tried all 3 of the face oils Herbivore makes and I understand why this one has the cult following. While I liked them all, I loved this one!
The question I get the most on Instagram Stories is what eye shadow I use. Well here you go! This ultimate anytime, anywhere eyeshadow palette includes 18 neutral shades, a double-ended brush, and a removable mirror. A trifecta of finishes—satin, metallic, and matte—creates endless looks for every skin tone. Though I use the brown tones the most, and highlight with the white. All shadows get their luxurious texture from naturally-derived cocoa seed butter.
The $10 miracle worker! Keep this roller in the freezer, and get ready to roll yourself into a zen state while it depuffs the lack of sleep you got the night before.
The roller is helpful to lessen wrinkles and moisture dry skin, release tension, fatigue, sunburn, sore muscles, bruises, and minor injury. It’s also great for shrinking pores. Use the ice roller after applying a mask to shrink pores and make your face more comfortable.
I get migraines, so I was immediately sold when I read about Goops Himalayan salt scalp scrub. I mean doesn’t it sound so refershing? What I didn’t expect was what an amazing shampoo it would be!
Made of exfoliating mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt, nourishing cold-pressed moringa oil, and pure unfiltered rose hip oil purifies and detoxifies all at once. The scrub cleanses the hair and scalp of product buildup, dirt, and oil, leaving both clean and refreshed. The cleansing scent—rosemary, geranium, orange, and peppermint—lingers subtly in hair and smells amazing as you wash.
And I know its a bit on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way. This container lasted me about a month and a half.
Formulated with the same salinity as the Pacific Ocean, this naturally fragrant sea salt spray will bring new life and beachy volume to flat uninspired locks. The essential oils of coconut and vanilla give off an exotic aroma. I use this spray whenever I’m airdrying my hair or want a little extra volume.
As I stated above, I’ve tried at least a dozen different probiotics over the years, but this one has been the biggest game changer. My explanation here won’t do it justices because it involves a lot of science, so I suggest visiting their site and reading for yourself. And if you do decide to give it a whirl, make sure you follow their dosing protocol to get started. I ended up not reading the directions and taking the full dosage right away rather than working up to it and it made me nauseous. Once I actually followed directions I was good to go!
Your skin is your largest organ, so what you put on it is EXTREMELY important. That’s one of the many reasons I love this all over body moisturizer from Beauty Counter. I can rest easy that I’m not slathering myself in chemicals and toxins.
Created with patent-pending Bio-Mimic Technology, Countermatch adapts to your skin, delivering exactly the nourishment it needs and nothing it doesn’t. Rich yet rapidly absorbing, it softens without a trace of stickiness. The result? Refreshed, vibrant, radiant skin at its peak performance.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter: rich in vitamin E, it boosts hydration and restores elasticity. Squalane: Derived from olives, it draws moisture into the skin and visibly restores elasticity. Plum Oil (Prunus Domestica Seed Extract): Rich in omegas 6 & 9 and vitamin E, it reinforces the moisture barrier for healthy-looking skin.
