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The List: My Recent Binge-Worthy Beauty Buys

From White Sage Smudge Sticks, Sunday Riley, An On-the-Go Bling Brush & More...here are the beauty products I'm currently binging on
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

Essential oils, white sage smudge sticks, renewing serum, all natural face wash & more | @waitingonmartha

I’ve finally admitted to myself that I’ve been on a bit of a beauty product binge this summer.  Maybe it’s because I’ve been switching over to a lot of natural and holistic products, (think white sage smudge sticks).  Maybe it’s because the older I get, the more I truly understand that taking care of my skin should be top priority.  But whatever the reason, I don’t see this binging stopping any time soon.  So today, I’m sharing a few new binge-worthy picks that have earned their coveted spot on my vanity, with a few oldies that I’ve fallen in love with all over again.  

Starting with the newcomers; Sunday Riley, Sapelo Skin Care and Damn Good Face Wash have continued my obsession with oils and the art of a proper daily beauty routine.  Aerin, Tom Ford and Morrocanoil have resurfaced, and officially earned spots on my forever list.  And on the holistic side of things, I’ve possibly gone off the deep end misting essential oils in numerous rooms, keeping three different himelayan salt lamps burning at all times, and I may or may not be lighting white sage smudge sticks around the house to purify the air.  I swear everything just feels more pure.  Read on below for a few of my other current faves, and please let me know if there’s anything you’re binging on right now!  Truly, MKR

No. 1…Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser.  I’ve been on a huge essential oils kick lately, and I have this diffuser running every night with relaxing lavender essential oil

No. 2…Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment. This stuff definitely has a cult following, as you can see from these reviews. I, of course, had to see what all the buzz was about, and I totally get it now.  After only a few uses, I felt my skin’s texture dramatically improve (smoothing out acne scars and fine lines), and I swear I do have a little glow about me! 

No. 3…Tom Ford Cream Cheek Color. Though the palette looks a bit coral-y, this cream blush would look good on practically anyone. I tap a little bit on my finger and put on my nose and cheekbones. The color is dewy and goes on wonderfully…and a little goes a long way.  

No. 4…NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner. I really just love a good blue eyeliner; it makes the eyes pop. This one by NARS lasts throughout the day too, which is good because there’s nothing worse than glancing in the mirror later in the day to find that all of your eyeliner has disappeared! 

No. 5…Tom Ford Cream & Powder Eye Color. Besides the fact that this bronzey-gold is absolutely jaw-dropping, I love that this eyeshade duo is wet AND dry.  This duo, however, is not cheap.  But what I’ve found is that I use so very little (seriously I only use like one tiny drop) it will likely last for a year. 

No. 6…White Sage Smudge Sticks.
 As I said above I have went full boar and bought into this ancient incense to purify the air in my home.  To use, you simply light the smudge sticks on fire and let them smolder, filling the room with the healing scent of sage.  If you really have some trouble areas you’re supposed to open the windows and doors and waft the smoke over the troubled area (ie spots with ghosts or bad juju) and out the window or door.

No. 7…Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle.  I’ve been a longtime fan of Aerin fragrances, and I knew I had to try this one the second I saw it.  I’m thrilled (but not surprised) to say that this one does not disappoint. 

No. 8…Bling Brush.  I am just so in love with this on-the-go jewelry cleaner.  It looks a little like concealer, but it’s actually a natural cleaner for your diamonds!  It’s so easy to use, and it truly makes my diamonds shine like they do when I get them professionally cleaned.  AND it’s only $18. 

No. 9…Moroccanoil Treatment. My hair has felt extra dry lately, so I’ve come back to the Moroccanoil line. I used to use the stuff religiously for years, and am happy to see its luxurious effects on my locks again. I also have the hydrating shampoo and conditioner – which are both game-changers. 

No. 10…Sapelo Renewing Serum. I use this heavenly face serum as the first step in my daily skincare routine, after cleansing.  Being water-based, the serum gives my face and neck a full hydration one-over, while delivering other essential nutrients that my skin happily soaks up.  It’s super moisturizing and super effective; I’ve noticed my skin feels tighter and firmer thanks to boosted collagen and elastin production. The ladies behind Sapelo and its amazing nature-based southern skincare line are SO worth checking out. 

No. 11…Damn Good Face Wash The Works. This handmade, all-natural and ultra nourishing facial wash is a recent Etsy find.  The face wash is coconut-oil based, and works to pull impurities and toxins out of the skin, while combating blemishes. Love love love. 

N0. 12…Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil.  Another find from the brand with a true cult following, the Luna Sleeping Night Oil.  I put this oil on my face and neck before going to bed, and have kept at it to shrink pores and smooth out some new lines.  

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE

 

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

Winter Beauty Refresh: The Products I Have on Rotation

Combat Common Winter Skin Woes with These Great Beauty Buys
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

Winter skin essentials via @waitingonmartha

Hello, winter skin woes (read: annoying acne breakouts, tight and dry skin and lackluster complexion); we meet again.  Unfortunately, it’s safe to say that I’m struggling with my yearly beauty battle of the cold season. I’m reaching for anything and everything that can help me fight blemishes without skipping a beat, while lining up the overnight masks and creams that can keep my skin hydrated and soft after I buff with my Clarisonic.  

I’m sharing each of the products I currently have on rotation below, but I’ve got to point out a few of the MVPs here too. As you may remember, I went on a beauty bender with Fresh products last month.  This firming overnight mask was part of the haul, and I’ll tell you: it STILL has me completely enamored; it’s rich, yet lightweight, and it’s made me wake up with a brighter glow than I thought was possible this time of year.  Obsessed, I tell you!  And to fight blemishes, I’m using NERD Skincare‘s all natural acne cleanser, which is unique in that it doesn’t have the harsh benzoyl peroxide or salycylic acid that most acne products do.  The brand is worth checking out if you’re also struggling with a bit of adult acne but can’t bother with the (damaging) drugstore duds.  The all natural acne cleanser is my current favorite, but the entire line is strong. 

The wintry cold doesn’t have me quitting my go-to, 5-free nontoxic nail polish; I’m just shifting my shades a bit darker (“Dark Like Me” and “Lovers Creep” are my favorites)!  A strong polish that’s as beautiful as it is safe (and long lasting) just cannot be beat in my mind.  Both Kat and I have tried a few other nontoxic nail polish brands, but we keep coming back to Smith & Cult for being the best.  

Check out the rest of the products below, and tell us if you’ve tried any of them too! Truly, MKR

5-Free Nail Polish

Smith & Cult, $18

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I do my own manicures at home (I actually dread the time spent in the salon chair!), so a nail polish that looks just as good by me as the professionals is key. I do the whole routine; the cuticle oil is one of my secrets to a smudge-free hand. 

Smith & Cult
is my go-to 5-free nontoxic nail polish that literally lasts longer than any other polish I’ve worn.  I have about a dozen shades at home, along with the base coat and top coat.  Once you go Smith & Cult, you’ll never look back! 

Mia Fit

Clarisonic, $219

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I can’t say enough for this little guy.  I LOVE that it’s a convenient size that I can throw in my bag when I travel.  The Mia Fit is both lightweight and waterproof, so I usually use it in the shower.

The delicate, yet powerful design is the surest way to remove makeup, buff dead skin and find soft, smooth skin beneath. The reviews say it all; people are obsessed with this Clarisonic, and I’m one of them. 

Damn Good Face Oil

Damn Good Face Wash, $40

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Not all face oils are created equal, I’m finding.  I’m currently in love with this one (and The Well Code approves).  It has an all-star lineup of ingredients: organic rosehip oil (corrects dark spots and restores suppleness), organic argan oil (an anti-oxidant that hydrates and softens), jojoba oil (a great anti-inflammatory that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pore size), organic sea buckthorn seed oil (calms redness), vitamin e oil (a strong anti-oxidant that boosts collagen production), jasmine essential oil (tones all skin types), lavender essential oil (soothes skin), and geranium essential oil (reduces the appearance of wrinkles).

Whew! I use 2-3 drops day and night after I’m done cleansing and toning.  And I’ve got to say…it’s damn good. 

Umbrian Clay Purifying Facial Toner

Fresh, $35

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I use this toner as my second step to my daily skincare routine (after cleansing) and before applying the face oil. The umbrian clay helps purify the skin, while cinnamon bark and burnet root work to clarify.  I love the addition of lavender floral water in the mix too; it tones and balances (and relaxes me!). 

Rose Face Mask

Fresh, $62

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This face mask is a big reason my skin feels soft and supple, despite the frigid temps.  It has a unique, cooling gel formula that seriously melts into your skin.  The mask soothes and tones my complexion (I can smell the cucumber and the aloe) and it’s simply a lovely feeling on my face and neck. Another really, really great buy from Fresh.  

Clarifying Cleanser

NERD Skincare, $20

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I’ve started using this gentle cleanser daily since my skin has flared up a bit with the colder temperatures.  I have sensitive skin, so I really enjoy this plant-derived cleanser that doesn’t strip my face too harshly. 

My skin feels SO soft after using this, and I haven’t felt my usual tight, too-dry skin I usually do this time of year after cleansing. 

 

 

Jo Malone™ 'Wild Fig & Cassis' Cologne

Jo Malone London™

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I’m glad I snatched up a bottle of Wild Fig & Cassis before it was discontinued!  I know it’s just a tease to hear it now, but I just can’t get enough of the fragrance.  “Sun-warmed figs and delicate cassis is entwined with notes of hyacinth and cedarwood, enveloping the wearer in the warmth of the Mediterranean” just whisks me away to heaven.

Of course, her other fragrances are note-worthy; I’ve worn Jo Malone for years. The gift sets make great gift ideas this time of year too! 

Acne Clearing Wash

Peter Thomas Roth, $38

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Like I said earlier, I’ve experienced a few more breakouts recently than my usual.  I use this Acne Clearing Wash in the shower to help keep them under control. 

It’s alcohol and paraben free, too, so I feel better using it than, say, your standard harsh acne wash. 

Tinted Brow Gel

Anastacia Beverly Hills, $22

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I never colored or filled in my brows before.  I’ve heard many girls swear by doing it, but since have such light coloring on my face, I hadn’t really thought about doing so until recently. So when I decided to try it out, I of course looked to the go-to name in the game, Anastacia Beverly Hills.  I tried the Tinted Brow Gel in blonde, and with a few practice runs I was able to get it looking natural and subtle.  

Perfect Brow Pencil

Anastacia Beverly Hills, $23

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Another must-have in the brow department I learned: the Perfect Brow Pencil. This pencil is two-sided, giving you the means to apply and blend the color perfectly into your natural brow. I really like the consistency of this pencil; it’s a creamy formula that dries down to a natural powder finish and helps you get the most natural effect possible. I ordered the blonde shade here as well. 

Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask

Fresh, $92

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I. Am. Obsessed. with this Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask by Fresh. While you sleep, your skin is already working to recover and turnover, and this mask works in sync with that!  It gives me an incredibly moisturized feel to my skin in the morning, while firmer too (I swear).

I like to apply it to my face, neck and chest, leaving it on overnight. 

The Lip Scrub

Sara Happ, $24

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I picked up this special edition lip scrub at Create & Cultivate in October, 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! 

Acne Treatment

NERD Skincare, $85

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Where was NERD Acne Treatment when I needed it years ago?!  This unique acne treatment lotion uses your own immune system to kill acne on your face by nurturing the good, acne-fighting bacteria. 
The lotion works WITHOUT damaging benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid you’ll find in other acne products.  Instead, it uses powerful plant extracts, and it’s lightweight and colorless. It’s amazing, I tell you…I swear my face looked clearer after a few days. 

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

Updating My Beauty Routine with Colleen Rotschild

Adding a few new favorites to my every day skincare aresanal
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

Recently, I had the opportunity to try out a few key products from the beauty brand Colleen Rothschild.  I had heard of Colleen Rothschild before, but hadn’t given anything a go.  Beauty products are tough for me.  I have extremely sensitive skin, and very specific concerns.  So when I find something I like that works, and doesn’t break me out, I tend to stick with it.  But, her line intrigued me, so I took the risk, and I’m so glad I did. 

For the past 30 days I’ve been using the CR Miracle Balm, Extreme Recovery CremeRenewal CremeRetinol Night Oil, and Age Renewal Super Serum. And while all of 5 of these products are quite amazing, 3 of them ended up becoming can’t-live-without-them products.

Keep reading for more CR details, and don’t miss the BIG promo code at the end!!

First, the Age Renewal Super Serum.  Winner of the 2017 Beauty Short List Awards, the Serum is infused with more than 20 potent ingredients, including peptides, collagen boosters, amino acids, vitamins, and plant extracts. And claims to effectively fights the six signs of aging: texture, dehydration, elasticity, fine lines, radiance, and tone.  After using it for a few weeks I have definitely seen a difference specifically in the texture, tone and dehydration areas.  Plus, I’ve had no negative skin reactions which often happens when I combine my sensitive skin with any serum.

Second, the CR Radiant Cleansing Balm really is a miracle.  I lather it on every night after work, massaging it into my skin, then with a warm washcloth I wipe it off. The balm removes all of my makeup, without stripping my skin, and it doesn’t break me out which is always an issue with rich products.  I also keep a balm in my nightstand along with organic wipes in case I’m every feeling overly exhausted, or just lazy, to go through my entire evening routine. 

After the balm, I wash my face and apply the 3rd can’t-live-without-it product, the CR Retinol Oil.  This oil is a dream.  I haven’t been able to use Retinoids in the past because they irritate and dry out my skin, but not the CR Retinol Oil.  Because CR’s version has the highest concentration of stabilized retinol, along with 9 plant based oils, and Vitamin C, you receive all the skin renewing benefits of Retinol without all the irritation and flaking.  I highly suggest trying this out if you haven’t been able to handle prescription retinoids.  

The Radiant Balm in action

Radiant Cleansing Balm, Extreme Recovery CremeRenewal CremeRetinol Night Oil, Age Renewal Super Serum

Another aspect that completely sold me on CR; her commitment to creating high-performance products with safe ingredients.  That means blending plenty of  potent plant botanicals and advanced scientific ingredients from around the world but without all of the toxic garbage.  All of CR products are formulated without Parabens, SLS/SLES Sulfates, Triclosan, Formaldehyde, PABA, Toluene, or Benzene.

But the ultimate win-win situation is, unlike most beauty brands CR offers a 30-day return policy!!  This allows you time to try the products and if you are unhappy with the results you may send them back for a full refund!  I mean talk about belief in your brand; love this!  

So if I’ve peaked your interest and you’re looking to try out Colleen Rothschild for the first time, or just add a new product of hers to your daily routine now is the time because she’s running two different promotions.  The first is 20% off ANY regular priced items through 12/19 with code MARTHA20.  The second is a buy more save more situation ($25 off $100, $50 off $150, $75 off 300, and $100 off $400), valid through the 17th. 

I really, truly mean it, when I say I was so impressed with CR I plan to pick up another round of all 5 of these products, and try out the eye cream and detox mask.  I’d love to know if you plan to try anything out or if you have a CR product you’ve been using and loving forever?! Truly, MKR

Photography, Kathyrn McCrary | This post is in partnership with Colleen Rothschild.  A brand I love and adore.  All opinions are 100% my own.

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