An Affordably Luxurious Experience

 

Today is going to be all about skincare! It's been a roller coaster around here the last few days, and I'm in desperate need of some quiet self-care time. So tonight I want to tell you about a brand that recently came on to my radar called Vivo Per Lei. I'll be talking about their Citrus Glow Body Exfoliating Scrub, the Citrus Glow Body Butter and the amazing manicure set with a gorgeous Hyacinth scent.

Their Body Exfoliating Scrub has quickly become one of my very favorites. The citrus scent is calming and invigorating all at the same time, while the exfoliation keeps the dry Colorado air away from wreaking havoc on my skin. It also gives my skin a glow that lingers long after I've exfoliated. I love it!

 

 

 

Next up is the body butter. This is the perfect compliment to the exfoliating scrub and leaves my skin feeling softer than ever! I've been using these two together for the past two weeks and I've noticed a significant change in my skin. It holds on to moisture so much longer than it used to, and I don't find myself noticing how dry my skin is, which is normally a pretty common thing for me.

 

I especially like using it on the parts of my skin that tend to get a bit rougher. I work with my hands and feet a lot. There is nothing better than coming home at the end of a long day and being able to scrub off any rough patches that are starting to pop up. My feet (heels especially) take the brunt of the work, and this duo keeps them as soft as if I'd just had a pedicure. Needless to say, I'm a little addicted.

With paying more attention to the health of my skin overall, I started to notice that I tend to neglect my nails more than I should. That is where this amazing manicure set comes in. It comes with a cuticle oil, lotion, nail buffer and a great nail file. With 4 easy steps, my nails are looking better than they have in a long time. I want them looking their best for showing off my engagement ring, after all!

The way my hands feel after keeping up with these treatments over the last two weeks is amazing! I genuinely notice such a difference. The biggest difference I've seen has definitely been in my nails, though. They are so much pinker and healthier looking. I'm also experiencing a lot less breakage which is wonderful, because with my job I tend to break my nails all the time. It feels good to have nails I can show off again.

 

I would highly recommend Vivo Per Lei if you are looking for a wonderful way to pamper yourself without the huge price tag. I have loved testing them out and noticing all the changes in my hands, feet and skin overall.

The post Vivo Per Lei appeared first on By Natalie.

Being beautiful inside and out; it's a tough one to navigate, right?

Definitions of "beauty" seem to change with each new fad makeup release, and I struggled to keep up for a long time. In the end, I just stopped trying. Another confession... a beauty junkie I am not. Makeup has always interested me, but skincare has always held my attention more than any eyeshadow palette. That isn't to say I don't fall madly in love with the creativity that I see coming out of makeup artists on a daily basis, I just don't think my hands were built with the intention of crafting perfect smokey eyes as much as haphazardly slapping on some under eye cream at the end of a sleepless week. 

In younger years, foundation was more of a mask for me than anything. Being beautiful was about being flawless. At the slightest sign of a breakout, I wanted to cover up as much as humanly possible. Only later did I think that perhaps this approach was doing more harm than good to my complexion. The older I get, the more I like to think of makeup as slight enhancements rather than full on masks. I tend to be one of those women who will invest in and rely on overabundances of skincare products in the hopes that nature's work will be slowed down. Thinking of taking care of my skin's needs and healing imperfections instead of just covering them up is much more satisfying.

These days, the most in-depth my makeup gets is a BB cream for light coverage and my new favorite highlighter. There's also the compact powder in my purse for those summer days that need a bit of mattifying. I actually stopped to pick up a refill on my favorite BB cream from Lancome (I switched from their fuller coverage stuff, which is also fantastic) and got to sample their highlighting drops. This is easily a new staple and goes on flawlessly, even for a highlighter newbie like me. I love to dab a bit on the bridge of my nose, the cupid's bow and of course along the cheekbones. It also looks great with a small dot in each inner corner of the eye for a hint of extra brightness.

The truth is, most of the time my hands are busy doing other things. In trying to use this time away from work as wisely as possible, I've been working hard on home projects for more than one house, dog-sitting one heck of a motley crew of pups ranging from adorable corgis to hundred pound mastiffs. Makeup doesn't really fit into these scenarios. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I still love to play around with it when I can, and sharing fun looks on here and Instagram is always amusing.

The post Beautiful Inside appeared first on By Natalie.

Undereye circles plague many of us, myself included.

I've had undereye circles since I can remember, but they got much worse around middle school when I started to develop allergies. This includes an allergy to proper sleep, which we will get into later. These are some tips I've found over time that I've found work very well for me. 

Take a cotton pad, dip it into green tea and cut the ball in half. Let it sit on the undereye area for as long as you like(or just take two bags of green or chamomile tea and use them instead of the cotton pads). I tend to stick to around 5-10 minutes.

Almond oil is one of my favorites for so many things. Take two fingers and put a drop of almond oil on each, massage gently into under eye area (please make sure it is a quality, organic almond oil for the sensitive skin around the eye area).

Frozen spoons or I like to use a nifty little tool called the Eyecicle. It's a splurge, but I've found that it works wonders on not just my eye area, but my entire face. I use this at least three times a week and I like to do an all-over facial massage while I'm using it. You simply store them in the fridge and they are ready to go whenever you need to de-puff or increase circulation!

If you're going to use the Eyecicle along the eye area, you don't want to use it without a little something to help it glide. Tugging at the sensitive skin around the eye area is a good way to increase wrinkles and discoloration, so always use a facial oil or your favorite moisturizer. This has become a bit of a Friday night ritual, and something that helps me unwind from whatever the week has thrown at me. 

The oil I like to use is part of the Aveda Tulasara Facial Oil and Facial Brush set. I use the brush on dry skin beforehand to slough off dead skin cells on my neck and face. This also helps increase circulation and lymph function.

Finally, sleep! Okay so... I'm terrible at this and have been for years. But it is so important not only to help fight dark circles but for your overall health. Try to keep your phone further away from you and don't lay in bed scrolling through it for hours. Sometimes I also like a little lavender spray on my sheets or near my pillow, it helps me feel calm and ready for bed.

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The post Home Remedies for Undereye Circles appeared first on By Natalie.

Here we are again, in that weird transitional phase between the hot and heavy days of summer and the cooler, drier days of fall. Early autumn and late spring seem to be the times of year when my skin is at its most rebellious. Spots start showing up out of nowhere overnight, and I always have trouble finding the root   of the problem.

The last bit and one that I often feel is slightly overlooked is the facial roller. Add one of these to your arsenal and you'll notice changes in your jawline and cheeks. It's become somewhat of a secret weapon for me.

• The gentle cleanser and makeup remover - Evolue Gentle Cleanser. Soft and luxurious feeling while still doing a great job!
• The overnight miracle - Allies of Skin Bright Future Overnight Facial because let's face it, this is really just a lazy girl's guide to good skincare. (Don't forget to try the Molecular Savior Mist, as they work perfectly in unison)
• The ever important eye cream - Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift because if you're like me, you don't sleep half as much as you should. This is the best product I've found for easing those dark circles under your tired eyes.
• The spritz of moisture when time is nonexistant, but the air is still dry - Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist. This is probably the one product I've been using the longest and I don't ever see myself switching. I love everything about this mist, from the scent to the long lasting moisture minus the excessive shine.

How will you be getting ready for the colder months ahead?

The post Fall Skincare appeared first on By Natalie.

What is your first reaction when someone tells you that you’re beautiful?

 

The post Know Thyself – Melissa appeared first on By Natalie.

Introducing Nikki!

What is your first reaction when someone tells you that you’re beautiful?

My first reaction is a warm happiness. It makes me feel really good, and my mood is usually instantly elevated a bit.

Do you believe them?

Sometimes I’ll believe them and sometimes I won’t. I’m very self-conscious have low self-esteem issues, so part of me wonders how any could find me beautiful. But it’s nice to hear, all the same.

What do you think makes you beautiful?

It’s hard for me to say what people find beautiful about me. A lot of people seem to say it when wearing makeup, so maybe that’s part of it? Others, I think, value me as friend, so they just want to say towards me, which I still really appreciate.

Do you think that people (not necessarily just women) are told they are beautiful often enough?

I really think people are not told enough. Especially in person. I have heard it from quite a few friends online, but the only ones really say it to me in “real-life” are my mother and my husband occasionally. Usually when I’m dressed up for something. It would nice to hear when I have no makeup and super casual clothes on too, though, you know?

In today’s world, we are constantly made to feel like we need the newest beauty palettes or the freshest fashion to be pretty, or to be enough. Do you think that who you are and what you have is “enough”?

Honestly, I don’t think what have naturally is “enough.” I always pressured to pile on makeup when I’m going to a special event or outing. Even filming sit-down videos without any makeup on is really hard for me, and I always worry that I’m going to get negative reactions people when I do.

Can you think of one person who has left a positive difference on you or the way you see yourself? What did they do to help you see yourself or the world around you differently?

It’s hard for me to think of one person, but my instinct after thinking a bit is my husband. Before he came into my life, I thought I was unlovable and ugly. He gave me a bit self-confidence and helped me to come out of my shell a little.

Thank you to Nikki for taking part in this series! Her honesty and open-hearted nature always makes me glad to know her. 

The post Know Thyself – Nikki appeared first on By Natalie.

Please enjoy her thoughts on beauty, and you might just pick up some Japanese phrases along the way! Introducing a girl I’m proud to call my friend, Katrina…

What is your first reaction when someone calls you beautiful?

I feel this amazing swell of butterflies in my chest and I start smiling a lot. Living in Japan, people say “かわいい” (kawaii) which means more than anime lets one believe. In Miami (where I grew up) being beautiful/sexy is what you aspire for. And I have always been to short to fit that bill. But here in Japan, teaching kids, when very judgmental 13-15 year olds tell me I’m かわいい, I genuinely feel really great about myself. To be told the equivalent of beautiful which would be “きれい”(kirei), is like model status that people don’t necessarily want to date people like that because it gives an aura of glamour and fame that isn’t always approachable.

Do you believe them?

Depending on When and Who, I do sometimes if I myself am feeling like it’s a good day for my face, but when I’m looking ratchet AF…I might not and feel like they’re being sincere if its a total stranger. Like I previously stated, if its my students I do totally because I see their face and I know that they are being honest with me. I do enjoy hearing “かわいい” more than I should, but it just feels so great to be complimented.

What do you think makes you the most beautiful?

Physically…My big huge eyes, I am told a lot by Japanese people that they’re massive and nice and I am quite proud? of them. I like to think in English beauty goes deeper, and especially when Natalie tells me that–I know she means more. I absolutely love that, I try to always be kind because rudeness is SO UNNECESSARY. We have enough garbage on the internet and it makes me sick to my stomach. Beauty is how you smile kindly at kids, or how you hope someone is genuinely better when you heard they were sick/had a bad day…I hope this is also part of my ‘beauty’, because I know I see that in others too.

Do you think that people (not necessarily just women) are told they are beautiful often enough?

No. No, I don’t. I actually recently watched a video where a girl told random people in her school that they’re beautiful, and one girl got literally upset… I think more people need to hear it often enough because confidence is key. I have too massive of an ego for my tiny body and I feel like it comes in handy, confidence saves lives~

In today’s world, we are constantly made to feel like we need the newest beauty palettes or the freshest fashion to be pretty, or to be enough. Do you think that who you are and what you have is “enough”?

Recently, yes. I am told even in my no-BB cream and mad lazy clothes, that I am beautiful and it has given me so much more self-worth which I know shouldn’t be my source of that and it Should be from within..but I can’t act like I don’t yearn for someone else’s praise. I always talk so much smack about my ego and my self-confidence as a Leo, that Hell Yes I’m more than Enough. At the same time I know I need that affirmation from someone to say “yes you are.”

Can you think of one person who has left a positive difference on you or the way you see yourself? What did they do to help you see yourself or the world around you differently?

My amaaaazing boyfriendddd!!! He is the first person to get weirded out by when I wear a lot of makeup. And that has actually helped sooo much more. Even on my worst acne days when I’m feeling crappy, he lets me know I’m beautiful and not to worry about it. I used to never be able to leave my house without BB cream and powder and eye makeup, but it started to cause styes in my eyes and I had to stop. But my bf Ryosuke has made me feel like I don’t need it and I only ever wear the slightest amount on date days we go out because it finally stopped messing up my eyes and I am confident to not need it and just do it because it makes Me happy.

I want to thank Katrina so much for taking the time to participate in this series. She’s truly a beautiful soul and a perfect representation of what beauty should be, inside and out.

If you would like to know more about her life in Japan (you should definitely check it out), please visit her blog here.

The post Know Thyself – Katrina appeared first on By Natalie.

Each interview will start with a personalized note as to what I find most beautiful about each one of these ladies. This will hopefully shed some light on what they think beauty stands for, as well as where each individual looks for it, and the person who has the biggest effect on the way they see themselves. I am hoping that in doing this, whether it is someone answering the questions or someone reading what these beautiful women have to say, that it will change how they look at themselves. Even if just for the day. After all, everyone deserves to feel beautiful.

What do you do to help make yourself feel beautiful?

The post Know Thyself appeared first on By Natalie.

It can be surprisingly easy to pick ourselves apart. I see girls and guys doing it every day. There is a big risk in making yourself vulnerable and opening yourself up to the “world wide web” by showing your face. You can come under scrutiny for the smallest things. We are used to seeing our flaws, but I know that sometimes they can become all we see, especially when we have people we don’t even know helping to point them out. This goes beyond the physical spectrum into emotional and mental health, and it’s important that we all know how to separate unnecessary cruelty from how we see ourselves.

I see women verbally tearing their bodies apart, limb by limb, freckle by freckle and it hurts. When did we become such a self-loathing culture, and why do we continue to feed into these “norms” that really aren’t? I am guilty of it.. But when I catch myself starting to pick myself apart, I look at my mother. Weird, right?

I have never seen daughters look at their mothers and say they were ugly. To us, our mothers are pinnacles of strength and beauty. They are our friends, confidants, coaches and teachers. I can’t possibly tear myself apart when I see all the similarities between my beautiful, strong mother and myself.

I have her nose and her jawline. There is so much similar to a person I have always seen as the most beautiful woman I know. So how does it make sense to point out these similarities and then proceed to rip them apart? Perhaps my standards have been placed in the wrong category. I will never be Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum or Miranda Kerr. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t beauty to be found in exactly who I already am.

The internet, media, strangers of all kinds will take a lot of pleasure in picking out flaws. Blame it on whatever you like, but it needs to stop. We are all someone’s daughter, someone’s son, we are all beautiful to someone. It is important to remember that when you are struggling with your reflection.

In an age where the world is becoming smaller and smaller as we become more connected, I am hoping that people will start to realize that beauty isn’t always black and white. It deserves some color.

I am proud to be my mother’s daughter.

The post Daughters appeared first on By Natalie.

 BODY WASH

Con:

SOAP

VENUS LOVES VIRGO

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