Beauty Edition for 2018

I had high expectations to get this post done last week, but taking off to Philly in the middle of the week and the subsequent dumpster fires that ensued in my departure meant that this didn’t happen – so here we are.  If you haven’t noticed, I’m a creature of habit. I rarely make time for self-care and I rarely buy new beauty products.  I’ve found a couple of things in the past few months worth sharing though.  Linking up with Amanda and Christina today.

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links for tours and products I love at no additional cost to you.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Triple Oxygen Facial at Bliss

My mom gave me a gift certificate for Bliss for my birthday last month.  I noticed that it expires at the end of this month, so I booked a triple oxygen facial after wrapping up the January 15 deadlines.  I loved my esthetician, Allie, and the facial was incredible.  She used products that didn’t have an overwhelming scent and were perfect for my sensitive skin.  I enjoyed the experience, but the spa itself didn’t feel as luxurious as it used to.  The last few times I’ve been there, I’ve had to ask for the basics, including spa sandals.  (Also, I was not impressed by the kid in the relaxation room listening to cartoons on her iPad without headphones.  If you need to bring your kid to an expensive spa, please be courtesy of the other guests who are there to relax and make them use headphones.)  The service was friendly and courteous and Allie was amazing at her job though.  I have another gift certificate to use by the end of January (which isn’t looking likely on their online schedule).  I’ll report back with final thoughts on bliss Dallas after that visit.

New Lip Gloss

Influenster sent me this Cle de Peau radiant rouge lipgloss to try.  I’ve been using it for over two months and I’m officially obsessed.  I was initially dubious because it felt a little sticky at first and the color (No. 14) looked a little pale when I put it on, but as I smoothed it out, the color ended up looking rich and consistent.  It didn’t taste waxy or have an overwhelming scent.  I’m excited to try the other colors. The staying power of this product is impressive, and I like the small size of the tube and the applicator.

Getting Rid of Dark Circles Under My Eyes

My mom has called me rocky raccoon since I was a kid because of the dark circles under my eyes.  They are especially pronounced when I am sick.  Every time I watch Teddi’s instastories, she looks radiant.  While I attribute that to her pregnancy glow, I also wanted to know what her secret for hiding fatigued eyes is.  She sent me her favorite beauty products, and I purchased the Tarte cc concealer and the Laura Mercier brightening powder, and I could definitely tell a difference.  I should have snapped a picture when we went out last weekend because I loved my whole look – but truthfully, I felt so confident because I knew I didn’t look like I hadn’t slept in a month.

Bonus

Last week, I got to meet up with Steph in Philly and discuss all things that cause the aforementioned dark circles.  She’s one of the good humans.  It was nice to spend sometime with someone who sees the world the way I do and wants to DO SOMETHING to fix it, rather than just opt out and wait for it to change.  (I’ve actually had a note about this on my phone for a year.  I should finish that.)  It was nice to start a trip where I would be immersed in one of the most privileged spaces of higher education with someone who could remind me why my voice is important.  Side note: This picture only underlined why I’m glad that I ordered something for the dark circles.  If I’m going to solve the world’s problems, I need to not look like a raccoon.