Alright, I confess. I am on the Drunk Elephant skincare train and I just had to try out The Littles Set to see for myself what the hype is all about. If you are not new here, you have probably been along the ride for my fluctuating skincare must-haves and regimes. I have never gotten into a routine that works for me when it comes to my dry/acne prone and sensitive skin.
Now that I am just starting to use this, I can't say I can give a full in-depth and authentic review of the products and how they react with my skin but I will say none of them so far have irritated my skin or caused more breakouts, so—that's a win! But, I will give you my first impressions on each of the products!
For the Day...
C-Firma Fresh Day Serum- I was never keen on serums. Especially in the mornings when I would want to have a clean and refreshed face. I found that some serums were too think or slimy. This serum, however, firms my face immediately after I apply it without leaving a sticky residue. I've also noticed my face just lifts up and I feel awake and refreshed! We'll see how it goes in the next couple of uses. It also comes with a part two in powder form and I have never mixed a powder and a serum, but I'm just going to trust the process!
Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30- So, I will be honest. I only swiped this once and immediately regretted it because 1) it's winter and 2) it was sticky! I don't know about you, but I am never a fan of the gluey SPF film that's left after you goop up. Maybe I need to give this another go, but I haven't really felt like I need this step (although I know skincare specialists are tsk tsking at me right now because I know sun care is important!).
For the Evening...
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil- Another really hydrating serum that I also feel really helps with some of my appearing facial lines. I've never felt the need to have anti-aging products in my routine, but if it helps then I will give it a go.
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum- I feel very bougie using all of these serums and oils, I have to admit. I think what I love the most about this serum is that it helps relieve the look of pores on my skin. I also love that I can mix it with the facial oil and just make a skincare potion to restore my skin barrier overnight. I will say, the full-size product is very pricey...I wonder if there's a dupe...there's probably a dupe in all honesty.
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser- Okay to be honest, I haven't given this cleanser a go quite yet- I'm finishing up my CeraVe Foaming Cleanser :)
Protini Polypeptide Cream- By far one of my favorite moisturizers I've ever used. My skin gets very dry during the cold months and I would resort to using Gold Bond to lather my entire face...which I soon realized was over hydrating my skin barrier and wouldn't solve my dry skin patches in the long run. This cream is light and gel-like. I've also felt like it's helped level my skin's texture and bumpiness in areas I've had scaring from acne.
Have you tried Drunk Elephant products? Or have found dupes for any of these?
I didn't know what to expect at this point in my life. At age 23, with a full-time job and a college degree. I think it's safe to say that nobody looks past college, let alone getting their first job out of college. I always pictured my life in solid milestones. With a solid structure and moments to look forward to—I was set in the zone. And the in between moments filled themselves out...birthdays, parties, extracurricular events, holidays and everything else.
Now that I've been home for a hot minute, re-evaluating my personal goals and the path I want to look forward to—I have to admit, it all seems very daunting. I doom scroll through TikTok to see 20 somethings creating a life for themselves in a one-bedroom walkup apartment in the city, making luxe Trader Joes dinners, lathering themselves in expensive skincare, and spoofing up their neutral and lush memory foam beds. The lives 20 something year-olds yearn for is a lot similar to the freedom and independence I want without having to face it all alone...or face it all in fear that I might not be able to achieve the "dream life" I was envisioning for myself post grad.
Getting caught up in the trap of comparison is a toxic and vicious cycle for me. It's hard not to shy away from others around you pursuing their dreams and their goals when you're absolutely confused about what's to come next. I'm sure they didn't have a plan. I'm sure they were just as intimidated by the idea. Who knows how much rent they pay. Who knows what they had to leave behind in order to achieve it.
I definitely find myself getting lost in the weeds with wanting a specific type of lifestyle—I think it has to do with needing some form of "perfection" that I can't seem to find in my every day life at the moment. This "perfection" might also be masked by the idea of "normalcy". That maybe having too perfect of a life just isn't what I want. I've become too comfortable at home and this has ignited my internal rebellion against it all saying f*ck it let's just move out and do what we want already.
And that's when I have to ground myself back in this idea of abundance. That all and everything I could hope for is out there for me. And all that I could ever need is already right in front of me. Seeing that my life is in abundance means having an appreciation of life in its fullness: joy, laughter, friends, family, health, shelter, food, strength, and everything else. Even for bad things—that mold and evolve me into who I am.
Some chapters just aren't read aloud.
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Gratitude has a new meaning for me. Not just a simple appreciation for the things I have, but an acknowledgement that my current situation is temporary. My life is temporary. Nothing is permanent. My living situation is not permanent. My job is not permanent. It all could change.
And with this new lens, comes a great overwhelm of maintaining and holding onto the joys I have in life. Not feeling responsible for any other person's happiness but my own. Rooting myself into the small things that make me feel whole.
Some tried and true, some new! Ever since I started blogging years ago, I always enjoyed rounding up my favorite products, happenings, and experiences to share with all of you. And even just to look back upon to see what I was into at that certain time.
My taste and style hasn't changed too much but I would say it's evolving nonetheless. TikTok has been a big influencer of that lately but some of it is just my own wonder for trying new things. A mish-mosh of beauty and lifestyle products—here's a snapshot of what I've been loving recently!
Yves Saint Laurent Libre — I never thought I was really into floral scents, especially because I despise rose. However, warm and muskier perfumes are just my jam recently. This one has notes of lavender and orange blossom which aren't as poignant. I use this almost daily and I need to slow down a bit with it. My go-to scent at the moment and it won't disappoint. The perfect gift for her, too!
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer — I have gone through as many BB creams and tinted moisturizers as I could think of and I was never really loving any of them. Since I don't wear makeup every day, and don't prefer the full coverage feel, I have always just wanted something light and natural. Nars has never let me down. This tinted moisturizer is the only foundation I ever reach for and it can't be beat in my book.
Eyebrow Things — My eyebrow journey has come a long way. I think one of the biggest game changers has been Tweezerman tweezers that I have been obsessed with. There are no other tweezers that are as sharp or as precise. I have also been setting my brows with the Benefit 24 Hr Brow Setter which I am pleased has not made my brows sticky but keep them in place all day long.
Podcasts — I know so many people who rave over their podcasts, but I have never really had the time to invest into listening. The same with reading lately. But the latter is much easier than sitting down and opening pages, so I took to start listening to one that I find meaningful to my every day life (as opposed to all of the true crime or gossip banter out there)— Let's Talk About Mental Health. Jeremy Godwin goes through different mental health struggles or topics and I've been invested in his episodes when I walk on the treadmill. That and listening to my daily Leo Today horoscope of course. New perspectives, open ears, open mind. It's been a daily ritual.
Staedtler Pens — Even during college, these have been my beloved writing utensils. Especially for planning and organizing my week, I love a good colored pen. These are really fine tipped and I love all of the color options.
Rifle Paper Co. Calendars— Every year for Christmas I ask for a calendar. And no matter what, it's usually one from Rifle. I love that they can be time tables and wall art at the same time. I even cut off the bottom of the calendar to keep the art rotating year round as I please! They're always so creative and I am always willing to spend a little extra on these because they're just so pretty to look at.
Room & Pillow Mists — I always have some sort of room spray or pillow mist on hand. Maybe growing up and having them in the house influenced that or just wanting to always have a good smelling space. I was into essential oils for a little bit but their scent can be a bit too strong at times. I've been using this Hearth & Hand zest room spray and it brings the perfect citrus and freshness to my room. On days I don't burn candles, this is what I have been loving lately.
That's a wrap for now! It's all about the little things that bring joy and I believe that enhancing your space and your routine make for a more wholesome way of living. No—you don't need a room spray or a new perfume, but sometimes investing in yourself and your favorite things make life a bit more joyful.
There's nothing I love more than a fall getaway up north. Especially if it means getting away from Halloweekend shenanigans. I'm sorry not sorry, but the holiday just isn't my jam. If there's anything I've learned from experiencing it through the years—I would much rather be snuggled up, watching Halloween movies, drinking a glass of wine. And so we did. Ben and I made our way up north for a cozy cabin we found in Narrow Lake on Airbnb. With the colors still lasting, the smell of wet and burning leaves, and anticipating that lake view we obsess over—we knew we had to squeeze the last bit of fall this month before winter comes.
Day 1
The cabin itself was quaint and newly renovated. I always envision wood—just lots and lots of wood. For optimal cozy fall vibes, there's nothing better than a log cabin. Perfect for two of us.
We definitely wanted to cook while we were there and make the most of the fully stocked kitchen—we brought wine, steaks, and made french toast and coffee for breakfast. But Friday night, we opted to go downtown Lake Geneva to eat some wood fired pizza at Oakfire along with some beer and a deliciously warm hazelnut old fashioned which is the perfect warm cocktail for me!
Day 2
Saturday we had an easy morning and decided to walk the Lake Shore trail around the water. The trail lines the lake and mansions around the perimeter.
With intricate pavings, disassembled boat docks, and stone bridges, we enjoyed the morning before heading to Barrique for a quick wine tasting and walk around downtown.
I crave weekends like these all the time. But the reality is, we can't always pack up our things and escape when we want to. I cherish times like these and moments where everything just slows down. It's already the end of October and the holidays are creeping up on me.
Finding time to be still and recharge is essential for me. Even without getaways like this, I make the time to let myself decompress—get away from the hustle and bustle. And what I've learned is that life up north ain't too scary...
Wishing that everyone had a safe and spooky Halloween!
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