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MKR’s Favorite Summer Beauty Buys

A mix of affordable and effective beauty products that I love right now
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

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I think it’s safe to say I’ve been on a bit of a beauty kick recently.  While always on the hunt for a few great, safe makeup and skincare staples, I have been especially eager to try and find the best summer beauty products that will help me get closer to that coveted dewy summer glow.  And in the past few weeks, I’ve discovered a high-low mix of beauty buys that have me looking forward to getting ready (and unwinding) more than EVER before…and yes, some can be found down the drugstore beauty aisle.  From detoxifying face masks to handmade scrubs, essential oils and all-natural (and totally affordable) lipstick, here’s what I think is the best summer beauty products  Truly, MKR

No. 1…Luxe Apothecary Coconut Flower Scrub.  Handcrafted here in Atlanta, this mixture is my go-to when I want a long soak in the tub. The coconut milk is super moisturizing, and the floral essential oils create the most heavenly smell.  Not to mention, the picture-perfect packaging had me at hello. 

 No. 2…Smith & Cult Plastic Beach Warrior Nail Polish.  While you’ve heard me gush over the entire Smith & Cult line of nail polishes and lip glosses before, I’ve turned to the punchy pink shade Plastic Beach for my summer mani. 

No. 3…Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.  I saw this body cream and honestly just had to see what the fuss was all about (with these reviews, the stuff sounded like a miracle cream).  First of all, it smells amazing.  But most importantly, it’s a fast-absorbing moisturizer that claims to tighten and smooth skin.  I especially love how it doesn’t feel too heavy or goopy as a moisturizer on my skin…which is key during this current heat wave we’re in.  Since using it regularly on my legs, arms and torso, I can’t say I’ve noticed tighter skin, but I have noticed a more even, improved overall skin tone. 

No 4…Nude Skincare Pro Genius Rescue Oil. I recently tried a few of this natural beauty brand’s products, and I’m a new big fan.  With a focus on all of the nutrients your skin needs (omegas, minerals, probiotics and antioxidants) each product helps you regain balance and fight signs of aging and stress.  I’ve applied the Pro Genius Rescue Oil at night and seen a huge improvement in my complexion.

No. 5…Revlon Colorburst Matte Lipbalm in “Shewy”. By now you’re no stranger to my signature pink pout, and when I find the perfect pink I have to stock up.  This is probably my favorite drugstore buy because it’s the best and brightest pink.  I’ve been impressed with its great pigment and moisture, and it doesn’t move for hours.

No. 6…Revive Bath & Body Peppermint, Rosemary & Lemon Loofah Soap.  This handmade loofah soap has become one of my favorite ways to exfoliate and keep my skin fresh this summer.  It’s made of plant-based oils, without all of those harmful chemicals, preservatives, parabens, or synthetics found in a lot of store-made soap. And I’ve found that it’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin.  My favorite part?  The soap is handmade by Atlanta small business Revive Bath & Body, and a portion of sales are donated to women exiting the trafficking trade here in Atlanta. 

No. 7…Luxe Apothecary Good Night Essential Oil. Another must-have from the small Atlanta shop, this roll-on essential oil uses a soothing mix of sweet almond oil, lavender and chamomile to help you unwind.  I apply the Good Night oil to my temples and neck before bed to help quiet my busy, busy mind once I hit the pillow.

No. 8…Burt’s Bees Lipstick.  I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about trying a lipstick by Burt’s Bees.  I felt like all-natural lipstick would lack the pigment and lasting power of typical lipstick.  But the price was right, and I remembered that most of the brand’s products score relatively low on the Think Dirty toxicity scale. To my pleasant surprise, the lipstick held color and didn’t feel dry or cakey at all.  And in “Iced Iris”, it’s lightweight and subtle enough for everyday wear. 

No. 9…L’Oreal Paris Detox & Brighten Pure Clay Mask.  I am always, always on the hunt for a mask that claims to even my skin tone, and I was intrigued by this drugstore buy.  It left my face feeling super-clean and refreshed. 

No. 10…Caudalie Divine Oil. My favorite product to put on after a long day in the sun, Divine Oil is simply luxury in a bottle.  It smells amazing, has a subtle shimmer, and it absorbs quickly into sun-kissed skin.  It’s made up of grapeseed antioxidant polyphenols and it leaves my skin sooooo soft. 

No. 11…L’Oreal Paris Exfoliate and Refine Pores Pure Clay Mask.  Well to be honest, I’m always on the hunt for any mask that exfoliates and improves my skin’s texture, too!  This mask got my attention in the drugstore aisle because it addresses large pores, while and improving the overall look and feel of the skin.  Yes please to all of the above.  xo

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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

A Few All Natural Wellness Products Currently on Rotation

My Current Stash of Can't-Be-Beat Beauty Buys
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

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I’m starting to sense a pattern.  I’m officially knee-deep in anything and everything clean beauty and I’m not looking back. By now, all-natural beauty has become a household term for many of us, but it’s for good reason.  I simply sleep better at night knowing that I’m doing my body (and mind) good by sticking to products that help me feel better every day.  And honestly adopting a few new daily habits plus switching out the old, for the new au-natural has been a super easy adjustment.  Emphasis on easy. 

In today’s peek at my current beauty obsessions, I’m leaning heavily on the detox factor.  After receiving my first box in LeafTV’s The Year of Wellness, I was eager to keep a lot of the products around long after the samples were done.  Thanks to the Detox Box, I was introduced to the benefits of drinking of a copper water bottle (which just so happens to be beautiful too) and burning the sweet smelling palo santo sticks.  I found these daily shake mixes that taste just as good as they sound.  But I also recently introduced The Super Elixir’s Sleep Welle calming tea and sleep mist into my nighttime routine…two excellent products that are proving their worth when I need to get in relaxation mode stat.  Read more about each of the items below, and share what all-natural beauty products you’ve been obsessing over lately!  Truly, MKR

P.S. We’ve been toying with the idea of posting videos via Facebook Live about posts like this.  We’d love to hear if you’d like to see this beauty content on there.  Interiors?  Travel?  Tell us your thoughts!  xo

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Pure copper water bottle

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Palo santo sticks

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Sleep Welle Calming Mist

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Sleep Welle Fortified Calming Tea

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Cocopull oil pulling coconut oil

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Tom's toothpaste

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

As pictured: copper water bottle (similar) | deodorant | palo santo sticks | calming mist | daily shake mixes | calming tea | oil pulling packets | toothpaste 

My Fall Beauty Refresh

Ultra Moisturizing and Renewing Beauty Buys for the Season
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

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I’m the type of person that when I get busy and stressed, I let my skincare routine fall to the wayside.  That usually means breakouts, dark circles and fine lines creeping up.  Since fall is such a crucial time to get the skin hydrated and free of summer’s slough, I recently went on a little “beauty bender” and stocked up on a healthy stash of ultra hydrating, ultra renewing beauty buys.  I like to think of this recent beauty haul really as a response to getting my skin back on track; happy and healthy. 

I decided to reinvest in my daily beauty routine a lot in part to a stock-pile with Fresh.  I had actually planned to try out just one or two of these all natural products (like this rose mask and this gentle cleanser), but before I knew it, I found myself with a cart FULL of this green beauty line.  I also couldn’t resist these gift sets (which will make great Christmas gifts!).  And last weekend, I got a sneak peek at One Love Organics’ newest product (a charcoal mask called “Pretty Pores”!) and I knew I was in for a treat.  It’s not included below (because it’s not on shelves yet), but stay tuned friends because the mask is GOOD.  It’s light, detoxifying yet not super dehydrating, and it’s easy to remove after you’re done.  

But enough from me, read all about the details of each product below and see which call your name.  I’d love to hear your plans for your own fall beauty refresh, and if any of these will be gracing your counters too?!  Truly, MKR

Rose Mask

Fresh, $62

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Like I mentioned above, I recently went on a Fresh-bender.  This rose mask makes my skin feel ultra-hydrated and smooth. It has a cooling gel formula (that smells like roses) that works with cucumber extract and aloe vera to calm the skin.  And for my sensitive skin, this is a God-send! 

Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex

Mario Badescu, $35

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I’ve shared this Mario Badescu cream before, and I still turn to it for a solid spot treatment when I break out.  With papaya extract and glycolic acid, it helps even my skin tone and help skin turnover when it’s looking a little dull. It’s very rich, so I like to use it sparingly and only when-needed. Great, great renewal cream

The Lip Scrub

Sara Happ, $24

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I picked up this special edition lip scrub at Create & Cultivate last month, and I can’t be caught without it now.  It tastes and smells like a Sprinkles cupcake, which is AMAZING and right up my alley. But most importantly, the lip scrub is packed with essential oils that hydrate and gently exfoliate my lips so I can keep the perfect pout. Aaand it’s paraben free, which is so important in my book! 

Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

Fresh, $92

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This perfecting mask is one of my favorites right now. A bit pricey, but so worth it. The cream has a lovely whipped consistency that feels ultra light on the face.  It’s cooling, smells amazing, and works to kill free radicals (we have the black tea to thank for that).  I’ve found that my fine lines do seem to have decreased, and I’ve enjoyed a mask a handful of times in the past few weeks. I mean really, who can say not a great face mask?!

Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer

IT Cosmetics

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So I’m really pleased with the coverage of IT Cosmetics’ Bye Bye Foundation.  You know I’m partial to my snail repair BB cream, so it takes a lot to get me to say that.  At this price point, I think this tinted moisturizer is definitely worth trying.  And if your skin is like mine, it needs a switch-up sometimes between foundation and bb creams throughout the year.  This foundation will be mine for fall. 

Hello Lashes Mascara

IT Cosmetics, $24

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I’m always open to trying new mascaras, and this one does not disappoint. I received it in my IT Cosmetics set (ordered straight from the infomercial…I was hooked!). It adds great volume to my lashes, making them look longer and fuller. I love that it applies evenly too; it doesn’t clump or break off. 

3 in 1 Microneedle Dermaroller

Megi Beauty

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microneedle dermaroller is the biggest game-changer in my routine. I struggle with acne scarring and fine lines, and this tool is key in improving my skin’s look and feel.  I use mine in two ways; I use it lightly before applying makeup before a big event.  I gently roll the dermaroller around my face once, and swear it helps plump up the collagen and hide my fine lines.  Secondly, I use it once a week with a bit more force; I treat my entire face at night to help the skin cells turnover to keep things fresh and renewed. 

Countertime Rejuvenating Cream

Beautycounter, $75

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I’ve been a big Beautycounter fan for years, and its Countertime Collection is so, SO strong.  The Rejuvenating Cream (formerly known as Restorative Night Cream) is incredibly light, but it locks in the much-needed moisture…all while I’m asleep.  It simply feels wonderful on my face, and it’s nontoxic so I can feel great about using it every night. 

Nourishing Cream

NERD Skincare, $95

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My skin could be considered “acne prone” when I’m stressed, alright (and hello, that’s my entire fall), so this nourishing cream is right up my alley. It’s by a great small skincare company that approaches acne differently, and for that I love them. In the past I have used their face masks which are absolutely incredible.

This cream feels extremely hydrating upon application, making my skin feel soft and supple.  I also really appreciate that it helps repair skin tone and damage from previous blemishes and scarring. I like to use this cream whenever my skin is irritated and needs some extra TLC. 

Rose Floral Toner

Fresh, $15

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I’ve started using this floral toner after I wash my face with the soy cleanser. It’s a cooling, balancing formula that seems to help even my overall skin tone with regular use. Its scent is rose, but it’s not overpowering like many can be. 

Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh, $15

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I wash my face both day and night, but I don’t want to use a cleanser with harsh salicylic acid twice a day. So this gentle soy cleanser is a great compliment to my beauty routine; I use it every morning in the shower to wash my face. I love it because it doesn’t leave my skin too dry afterwards like some cleansers do. I feel it cleanses AND tones too, which is nice to see. 

Bye Bye Concealer

IT Cosmetics, $24.99

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I LOVE this concealer by IT Cosmetics. I literally bought it straight from the infomercial.  I use it solely as a spot concealer on my face for breakouts and never need to reapply during the day or worry about it. It’s truly a full-coverage concealer that doesn’t look too cakey by putting years on your face. 

Umbrian Clay Mattifying Exfoliant

Fresh, $33

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In order to slough off summer skin, I’m using this great exfoliant by Fresh. It gentle removes dead skin, but also works to purify and balance as it goes.  That’s incredibly important to me during this transitional season so that my skin stays hydrated and bright, ready for me to take on the crisp, dry air. 

Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain

IT Cosmetics, $20

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This nourishing lipstick is my new best friend. It’s another great find by IT Cosmetics, and it’s doing wonders for my lips under my signature pink pout.  It’s one of the first lipsticks that I’ve found that offer the benefits of a lip balm (anti-aging, hydrating and conditioning) but actually has a long-lasting color too.  

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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