Saturday, March 25, 2017

My Evening Skincare Regimen

My Evening Skincare Regimen


It's no secret that I have struggled with acne. Over the years, I have tried anything and everything on the market and prescription. For the first time in a long while, I am comfortable and confident in my skin! I am not sure if my oil production is slowing down or not, but my face is looking more clear and radiant. The funny part about this whole situation? I don't wash my face at night!

I don't believe that you can start taking care of your skin too early. Let's face it, our skin is the largest organ in our body. We need to take care of it. I also think that my water intake has a lot to do with how hydrated and happy my face is. In the past two years, I have actually cut back on my Dr. Pepper. In college, it was nothing for me to drink one per day. Now I couldn't tell you the last time I had a sip of pop. It was hard, but I am so thankful I have kicked that habit!

Today I am going to share with you six products that I use each and every night (no matter how tired I am). I have very oily skin so some of these products might not be the best fit for you. Below you will find my honest review of six different products at very varying price points (three not pictured).

Neutrogena Hydrating Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8
Each evening I remove my make up with these cleaning towelettes. I have tried each of their different formulas. The hydrating formula is the one I like most. These towelettes can get a lot of makeup off without harshly scrubbing the skin.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover, $9
After I use the cleaning towelettes, I lightly soak a cotton pad with this cleanser and go to work. This stuff will pick up all the stuff that was left behind. It's so gentle on your skin, and you will be amazed at how powerful it is. A little bit of this remover goes a long way!

Bobbi Brown Eye Makeup Remover, $20
I don't know what your mascara habits are. I use a primer and two different mascaras to achieve the look I want. I don't use a waterproof formula, but I have found it takes a lot to get this many coats off before bedtime. I use this remover on a Q-tip and gently rub my eyelashes until everything is gone. I take the towelette and make sure the excess is gone.

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, $8
Truth be told, I do not feel clean until I use toner. I have tried almost every toner on the market at some point in my life. This is the only bottle that I keep going back for. It's alcohol-free, so it doesn't burn your skin. It is still able to pick up things that all of the other products cannot. I love how it leaves my face feeling. Think of toner like mouthwash but for your face.

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream, $74
I am letting you all in on my best-kept secret. This stuff is the reason why I look so well rested (nine times out of ten). When I was getting my makeup done for my engagement photos, the woman behind the Bobbi Brown counter encouraged me to start using eye repair cream. This product has been a game changer! I am so thankful that young lady was able to tell me about my skin situation.

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Gel Cream, $58
I love how this cream makes my face look! I wake up feeling refreshed, and my skin looks hydrated! Here's a little secret. There are times when I don't feel like applying my full face. I mix a few drops of my foundation in with this moisturizer and apply for that "no makeup" look. I have been using this product for three years religiously, and I think it has a lot to do with my transformation.




Friday, March 17, 2017

The Best Roasted Broccoli

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic


Growing up, my mom always encouraged us to eat our vegetables. She did a stellar job at providing us a well-balanced meal three times a day. Looking back, I am not sure how she was able to do it all. Phew! I can hardly create balanced meals for just the two of us.

Jered is not the biggest vegetable lover out there. When we started dating, I was constantly trying out new dinner ideas with him to see what he would like (challenge accepted). He is more of a meat and potato kind of guy. Hear me out; there is nothing wrong with that. I would say that's the majority meal preference of all of the men in my family. However, it is important to eat your greens!

I came across this Roasted Brocolli with Garlic recipe from Food Network a few years ago (it makes four servings). Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to amp up the flavor! I think that lemon and garlic pair beautifully together. I am also obsessed with cheese. Speaking of cheese, the cheese counter at Whole Foods is a grown-up version of candy land in my book. I always dig around in the bargain bin to find a new variety to try on the cheap.

Here are my additions, after the roasted broccoli comes out of the oven, I cut one lemon in half. I squeeze the juice from one-half of the lemon over the hot broccoli. Then I take a potato peeler and grate six shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano. You could do more or less depending on your love for cheese.

This dish has the seal of approval from Jered (and that's saying a lot)! It's so easy to make you will find yourself adding it to your weekly rotation. Roasting vegetables is one of my favorite ways to prepare them. I love when they get crispy and crunchy bits! Fair warning, you might not want to take the leftovers to work with you. It will make your office break room smell unpleasant. Office etiquette is important, y'all!

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into florets, stems peeled and sliced or diced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper


Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Toss the broccoli florets with the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread them out and then roast, without stirring, until the edges are crispy and the stems are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.

Serve warm.




Friday, March 3, 2017

My Go-To Hairspray Review

My Go-To Hairspray Review


There are very few things in life that I use on a daily basis. Believe it or not, hairspray is one of those things for me. I am going out on a limb and blaming my mom (hey Debbie, I see you). My mom has naturally curly hair, and it's BIG. I am talking Dolly Parton vibes for sure! It didn't matter if we were on the way to church, cheerleading, or a livestock show, my mom would give my sister and I an extra spray as we were headed out the door (it was like good luck charm). Back then I didn't have the appreciation for big hair like I do now. Dear younger Lindsey, hairspray doesn't suck, it rocks!

Over the years my hair style and needs have changed. For example, now I color my hair every six weeks to cover my pesky white hairs. I have tried nearly every hairspray on the market (kind of like mascara). At this point in my life, I am addicted to big hair that is functional and bouncy. Below you will find my honest review of four different bottles at very varying price points.

The Sheriff Firm Hold Hairspray from Drybar, $27
This is a very firm hairspray that I started using after a bachelorette party in Dallas. When I take the time to round brush my hair and use velcro curlers, I set it with hairspray. However, I will warn you, I have had three bottles of hairspray go bad. The cap wasn't clogged or damaged. Each time Drybar has worked with me to send a new bottle my way.

Dove Flexible Hold Hairspray, $5
This hairspray is really affordable and smells wonderful. It has a soft, flexible hold that leaves your hair free with movement. I started using this hairspray two years ago when I was out of my top product and needed something to hold me over. This product also adds a subtle shine to your hair as well.

L'Oréal® Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hold Volume Hairspray, $15
This stuff has been on the market forever! It wasn't until a year ago until I decided to see what all of the fuss was about. This is a very strong hold spray, but it disappears with a simple brush stroke. I also love that there is a formula for color-treated hair. This product also adds a soft shine to your beautiful locks.

Redken® Triple Take 32 Spray - Long-Lasting Lift And Body‎, $22
If you are looking for the strongest hairspray on the market, this bottle is about to become your new BFF. No seriously, this stuff has changed my life. I told my friend and hairstylist Jordan, what I was needing from a product. She directed me to this Redken spray. This will lock your style in place without the crunch. It also has a 24-hour control humidity resistance built in.

If I had to rank them in order:
1) Redken
2) L'Oréal®
3) Drybar
4) Dove

Do you use hairspray? If so, which product do you fangirl over?