Beauty Review: Lea Black Beauty Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme

As I mentioned in my last post on Lea Black Beauty you may recognize the name Lea Black as an author, business entrepreneur, and a philanthropist, and/or from her role on the Bravo series The Real Housewives of Miami.  However, I came to know the name Lea Black through her beauty company Lea Black Beauty.  Lea Black Beauty products were created with the goals of helping people to take care of their skin and to combat many of today's skincare problems.  The products are formulated with advanced proprietary technology, corrective nutrients, and antioxidants that will help you to get and maintain your best skin!

Today I am talking about Lea Black Beauty's Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme, which is perfect since what I refer to as "dry skin season" is just around the corner.  I don't know about you, but the cold air and indoor heat in the fall and winter make my already dry skin even drier so I am always looking a good moisturizer to help with that.  In addition, I also think that moisturizing is one of the most important steps in a good skincare routine (no matter what skin type you have) and that using a quality cream will yield better results.  Needless to say, when I got the Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme I couldn't wait to try it because an intensive cream is just what my dry skin needs!

Lea Black Beauty's Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme is a luxe facial cream that will leave your skin smooth and soft.  It features a concentrated formula that is an ultra-rich, anti-aging, anti-oxidant moisturizing and hydrating crème.  It advances skin's water retention abilities, deeply hydrates, smooths wrinkles, plumps skin, and improves firmness.  It is so powerful that in just two days it increases skin moisturization by 500%.

While this cream can be used as both a day and night cream I prefer to use it as a night cream.  I cleanse my skin, pat it dry, and then massage this into my skin.  After I've applied the cream I like to let it sit on my skin for ten to fifteen minutes before getting into bed so it can really soak into my skin.  I also love to apply the Lea Black Beauty Advanced Anti-Aging Serum after cleansing, but before applying the cream so the two can work together to give me my best skin.

I've been using this moisturizer for a few weeks now and am very happy with the results.  I noticed that even after one use before bed my skin looked more hydrated and had a glow to it the next morning.  The cream definitely has a very luxurious feel to it although I have to admit it doesn't smell the best; I've had my Mom testing this for me too and she was put off by the smell at first, but after just one use she said the results were worth dealing with the scent.  We've both seen softer and smoother skin since using this and I absolutely love the texture of it.  If you have dry or combination skin I would recommend giving this a try especially during the winter!

The people over a Lea Black Beauty were kind enough to give me a code to share with all of you that will give you 20% off all of their products!  That means when your purchase the Lea Black Beauty Skin Revitalizing Exfoliant it will only be $15.60 instead of its usual $19.50!  Enter this code at checkout for your special discount:

20LBB04

*I was given Lea Black Beauty's Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme by Lea Black to facilitate my review, however opinions of this product are all my own.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowIFall, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Weekending, and MIMM.

Three Black Cats

I've never been big on Halloween, but for some reason this year I'm looking forward to it!  I think that I'm just enjoying celebrating fall and all the fun and anticipation leading up to Halloween.  I've been pretty sick lately so I won't be going out or dressing up this year, but I couldn't resist thinking of what I would like to be if I did.

I think for almost every girl a cat is the most simple and easy costume to rock.  I personally love that it is can be worn many different ways and today I'm showing you my three favorite ways to dress as a black cat for Halloween.  I'm sure you have most of these items in your closet (which makes it a very budget friendly costume!) and there are so many adorable sets of ears available right now that you can purchase.  The first of the three looks, 'Sexy', is for those of us that like to use Halloween as an excuse to show some skin, but still keep it classy.  The 'Sweet' look is Lauren Conrad inspired and perfect for gatherings with kids or even if it's chilly outside (just add black tights or even these cute cat ones!).  Lastly, the 'Comfy' look is the perfect way to dress up without actually dressing up and is very cozy!

THE LOOK:  EARS  |  DRESS  |  SHOES

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE LOOK:  EARS  |  TOP  |  SKIRT  |  SHOES

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE LOOK:  EARS  |  T-SHIRT  |  JEANS  |  SHOES

Are you going out for Halloween?  If you are what are you going as?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Tutu Tuesdays, Style Sessions, and Confident Twosday.

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.

Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

Jordyn: The Fairy Princess Diaries  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.theblushblonde.com/" title=“Tutu Tuesday"><img src="http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab203/blondi52145/button250_zpsnqtszhlp.png" alt=“Tutu Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Wake Up with a Cup of Joe Body Scrub

I am a huge fan of exfoliation and in my opinion it is the secret for clear, smooth, and glowing skin.  I think that it is important to not just exfoliate your face, but your body too, especially during the fall and winter.  In the colder months the dry air takes a major toll on our skin, so much so that I refer to it as my "dry season" because my skin can turn into a dry, flaky mess.  Exfoliating regularly is one of the best ways to prevent that dry, flaky mess from occurring and since I need a body scrub so frequently I like to make them myself!  I have been using coffee grinds in my scrubs for years because the caffeine tightens cellulite and "wakes up skin," and the antioxidants work to protect skin and fight sun spots.  This simple scrub will do all of that and leave your skin feeling silky smooth.  It's super easy to make and a will help with any winter skin problems, which is perfect for me!

Supplies:

-3/4 cup white sugar

-1/4 cup coffee grinds (2 coffee k-cups)

-1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

-Put sugar and coffee grinds in bowl, mix until combined.

-Add olive oil and mix well.

-Store in an airtight container.

-Use the scrub on skin while in the shower, massage scrub into areas with cellulite in a circular motion and rinse.

Have you made a body scrub before?  If so what ingredients are your favorites to use?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowIFall, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Weekending, and MIMM.

Skincare 101: The Ultimate Facial Cleansing Brush

If you've read my "Skincare 101" series before then you know it's where I explore different aspects of caring for your skin.  In the series so far I've discussed everything from identifying your skin type to moisturizers to creating a skincare routine.  Today's post though is on one of my favorite skincare topics to date - the ultimate face cleansing brush, a Clarisonic.

WHAT IS A CLARISONIC?

I think that cleansing your skin is the best and most important thing you do for your skin.  However, did you know that just washing your face with your hands doesn't completely cleanse your skin?  Unfortunately when we wash our faces with our hands dirt and oil is still left trapped deep in our pores, which is where a Clarisonic brush comes in.  Clarisonic brushes, like the Mia 2, are sonic cleansing devices that work to cleanse six times better than hands alone.

WHAT WILL A CLARISONIC DO FOR MY SKIN?

A Clarisonic will give allow you to give your skin the best cleansing of your life (and I'm not being dramatic about that!).  The sonic technology works to gently clean out pore clogging dirt, oil, and debris that might otherwise be left behind and leaves you with the cleanest skin possible.  As you can imagine incredibly clean skin leads to a clear and glowing complexion.  Additionally, because your skin has been cleaned so deeply it is able to better absorb the products you use afterwards.  I can honestly say that using my Clarisonic has completely changed my skin for the better.  Since I began using it my skin is clearer, smoother, and has an all around glow; moreover, my pores also look smaller, I hardly ever breakout, and I have considerably less blackheads.

WHAT SKIN TYPE IS A CLARISONIC DEVICE GOOD FOR?

Every skin type can benefit from using a Clarisonic.  To customize your device for your specific skin type Clarisonic offers a variety of brush heads.  The brush heads include a deep pore one (which is pictured here and is my favorite brush), one specifically for men, a sensitive one, one for acne, and more.  The one thing I do recommend is if you have super sensitive skin to only use the brush three to four times a week so not to flare up your sensitivity.  I also recommend all skin types to use the Clarisonic to wash you face before bed (after removing your makeup of course) so that you remove all the things left on your skin from the day.

HOW DO I USE A CLARISONIC?

Using a Clarisonic could not be more simple!  First, wet your face and the brush head, next apply your favorite cleanser onto your face (you can use any cleanser, but the Clarisonic Deep Pore Daily Cleanser is my favorite right now) and work it into a lather.  Then turn on your Clarisonic and cleanse your skin using the brush in a small circular motion.  Once you are done rinse your skin and pat dry, then apply your serums and creams as usual.

One of my favorite features of the Mia 2 is that it features a T-Timer® that pulses momentarily to indicate it is time to move to another part of your face, which allows you to properly cleanse all areas of your face.  Moreover with the Mia 2 you have the option of two different cleansing speeds: Speed 1 was designed for compromised or fragile skin, and is delicate enough for even very sensitive skin conditions, and Speed 2 is universal for all skin types, was developed for normal daily use, and enhances cleansing by 26% compared to Speed 1.  I recommend starting out with Speed 1 for the first few nights of using the brush and then, if your skin is not super sensitive, move up to Speed 2.

WHICH CLARISONIC SHOULD I PURCHASE?

Clarisonic's website has two different features to help you choose which brush is right for you.  First, their quiz will asks you a few questions about your skin issues and goals, and then tells you which brush would be best for you.  Their website also has a chart that allows you to easily compare all of their brushes and find which one you think would best suit your needs.  The brush pictured here is the Mia 2, which I am a big fan of and highly recommend checking out.

In my opinion a Clarisonic device is key to any good skincare routine.  I cannot stop raving about how it has changed my skin and how amazing it is.  Like I mentioned above it has cleared all of my skin issues and has made my skin visibly softer and and given it a glow!

I even recently gifted a Clarisonic to my Mom one because I loved mine so much and she is completely obsessed with the brush and results she has seen with her skin.  With the holidays coming up a Clarisonic is a great gift idea for anyone who wants glowing skin and they're sure to be as excited to get one as my Mom was when I gave her hers!  If you're looking to purchase a Clarisonic as a gift or even as a present to yourself, from now until October 31st  use the code HERCAMPUS to get 15% off your order on the Clarisonic website!

Have you tried a Clarisonic and/or any of their other skincare products before?

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Clarisonic and Her Campus Media. As always all words and opinions are my own.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Midweek Inspo, Oh Hey Girl!, I Feel Pretty, and Trendy Wednesday.

Fun & Fashionable for Halloween

1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  |  7  |  8  |  9  |  10  |  11  |  12  |  13  |  14  |  15  |  16  |  17  |  18

Does anyone else think it's crazy that Halloween is just two weeks away?  I feel like it was just summer and now we're entering the holiday season - boy does time fly!  With fall and the holiday spirit in the air it leaves me wanting all things Halloween and I've rounded up some of my favorite Halloween pieces I've found to share with you.

In my opinion it's fun to incorporate some of the holiday into your outfit or home decor to make you feel extra festive.  I'm not a huge fan of dressing up anymore, but adding a fun Halloween shirt, sweater, socks, pair of shoes or pair of tights to your look is a cute way to wear something to celebrate that isn't a costume.  Also depending on the dress code at your workplace is you can even style one of the aforementioned items into a work appropriate look, like bat tights with a black dress and black heels or even a cheeky Halloween shirt with black pants and a blazer.  Another cute option would be to put on these pjs and be a "lazy bones" while passing out candy.  I think that the cutest item on my list though is this pair of black cat ballet flats and they can be worn to work, out to dinner, or even running errands!  Last but not least you can throw on this headband with all black for a simple mini costume!

Like I mentioned, I also like to decorate my home a little for Halloween, too.  Other than decorating a pumpkin I love pieces like this and this to add a simple, yet chic holiday touch to the house.  Simple signs and banners are also adorable decorations and this would be perfect for a Halloween party!  There are so many cute decorations out now for the holiday that you are sure to find some that match your style and go with your home decor.

There are so many different ways to add a little Halloween spirit into your life and the possibilities are truly endless!  Whether you get something for your home or an outfit any pieces like the ones above are sure to leave you feeling festive and ready for what's to come!

What are you doing for Halloween this year?

SHOP THE POST HERE:

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowIFall, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Weekending, and MIMM.