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4 Face Masks For Oily/Acne Prone Skin

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As I’m sure I’ve talked about before, I’ve struggled with acne and oily skin since I was a kid. I was (and still kind of am) extremely self conscious about it. It has recently gotten worse the past few months, and I’m currently trying to find a skin care routine that works for me. Once I find one, I’ll be sure to share it with you.

I have started using 4 face masks that seem to help out a bit when I have flare ups. I tested out A LOT of masks until I finally found my favorite ones. I use a face mask 2-3 times a week, and which one I use depends on what is happening with my face. Here is a breakdown of them and when I tend to use each one:

1. Pacifica Super Green Detox Kale & Charcoal Facial Mask
I usually use this mask when I have a break out happening, especially large cysts.

This is a natural fiber sheet mask that you leave on your face for about 20 minutes, then remove it and rub the remaining ingredients into your face. No need to rinse, and that is my favorite thing about it!

The main ingredients include kale, charcoal, cilantro, and green tea. These active ingredients help clear up clogged pores and blemish prone skin. This is my favorite face mask out of the other ones. I can notice a HUGE difference in my acne after using it. My face isn’t as red, and my blemishes aren’t as swollen or inflamed.

2. L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask – Purify & Mattify
I tend to use this mask when my face it between break outs, or when my face feels extra oily. Sometimes I’ll even just put this on my “T zone” and not my whole face.

This is a clay mask that contains 3 pure clays and eucalyptus. It helps remove impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils that are built up on your face that tend to clog pores.

My face always feels a whole lot cleaner after using it, and I can notice a difference in how much oil my face produces the next day.

3. Derma-E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask
I use this mask when I feel a break out coming on, or my face is extremely dry from using acne medication (I’m currently using the original Proactiv system, and I’m about to try out the adapalene gel. I also currently use my own serum I created, which I will talk about in a future post!).

This is a mask and exfoliant in one that contains activated charcoal. It purges pores of deeply rooted toxins, then exfoliates away micro pollutants. I have been using this face mask the longest. As I mentioned before, I use a face mask 2-3 times a week, but I also exfoliate 1-2 times a week. I count this as a face mask AND exfoliant.

After using this mask, my face is soft, smooth, and the dry skin patches are gone. I also notice that my blemishes are smaller, and it prevents new ones from forming.

4. Formula.10.0.06 Be Berry Clear Illuminating Peel Mask
This face mask is the most fun for me. I use it when I feel a break out coming on.

After applying the mask generously on your face, let it set for about 20 minutes, then peel it off your face. It doesn’t get super hard (kinda gel like) and does not hurt while peeling off. It won’t pull out your hair, but can get kinda gummy in it, so make sure to avoid your eyebrows and hair line. I really enjoy the process of peeling it off, especially if I can get it to peel off in large pieces (I know, I’m a weirdo, haha!).

This mask contains raspberry and acai. It minimizes pores, calms flare-ups, and smooths skin.

If I had to pick just one face mask to use, it would definitely be the Pacifica sheet mask. I wish they came in large packs, but for now I just stock up on them when I head to Target. They are around $3.99 a piece, but totally worth it.

What are your favorite face masks? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Valerie

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The Best Products From Ulta’s 21 Days Of Beauty Sale

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Ulta 21 Days Of Beauty

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale is here! I spent most of my evening planning out which days I’m going to head to my Ulta store or make an online purchase. I even put cute stickers next to the items I plan on purchasing! Don’t judge me, haha!

There are SO many good items in this sale. I’m giving you a list of the items I already have and love, or plan on purchasing during the sale. If you click the name of the product it will send you straight to the item to purchase!

When I order online I usually place my order first thing on the morning before I get ready for work. Otherwise, some of these items sell out fast! Make sure you bookmark this post as your guide for the sale!

March 19th:
–Mario Badescu Botanical Scrub ($13). I’m always looking for a good scrub!
–Bareminerals Mineral Veil and BareSkin Perfecting Veil ($12-$13.50). Love both of these! I can’t pass up that price

March 20th:
–Proactiv Adapalene Gel and Exfoliator ($18-$20). I recently starting using Proactiv again (I’ll have a post on this soon), and I really want to try these newer products!

March 21st:
–Clarisonic Brush Heads ($19.50-$29.50). I love my Clarisonic brush and always stock up on my brush heads during this sale!

March 22nd:
–Too Faced Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette ($24.50). I’ve been wanting this palette for a long time!
–Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($12). I use this all the time and love it!

March 23rd:
–Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($10.50). I use this on my brows and will be stocking up since they are 50% off!

March 24th:
–IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder and Silk Micro Powder ($14.50). I used to use this as my setting powder a few years ago, but didn’t want to pay the $29 price tag. Now I’m going to stock up!
–IT Brushes for Ulta #202 and #225 ($18). I absolutely LOVE these brushes! I currently use the foundation brush (#101) and it applies my foundation flawlessly. I can’t wait to try these powder brushes out too!

March 29th:
–Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette ($19.50). I can’t pass up getting an eyeshadow palette for under $20!

March 30th:
–Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($11). I’m currently using the Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner, and I’m honestly not a fan. To me it seems way too dry. So I’m going to give this one a try!
–Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($8.50). Can’t wait to try this on my acne!

March 31st:
–Urban Decay Eyeshadows and Moondust Eyeshadows ($10-$11). I love how pigmented Urban Decay’s eyeshadows are, so I can’t pass this price up!

April 3rd:
–Cover FX Setting Powder ($17.50). I’m currently using this setting powder and love it! It seems to keep my face from getting oily throughout the day.
–Tula Hydrating Day and Night Cream ($26, online only). I wasn’t a fan of their face wash, it didn’t do too much for me (I know, pretty sure I’m the only blogger that thinks this), but I have been looking for a good moisturizer, so I might try this one!

April 4th:
–Tarte Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint ($10). I feel like these are always on sale during the 21 Days of Beauty, and it makes me so happy! I usually order at least 2.

April 5th:
–Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum ($22.50). I’ve been wanting to try out the Mario Badescu line, but it was a bit out of my price range. Now I can’t wait to give it a try!

April 6th:
–Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow + Volumizing Eyebrow Gel ($12). I’ve never tried a brow gel, but can’t wait to try this one!

Items on sale during all 21 days:
–Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion ($55.30)
–Lorac Pro Palette ($26)
–Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer ($12)
–Proactiv Renewing Cleanser ($17.50, online only)
–Buy 2 Get 1 Free Minis 

What products do you plan on purchasing during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading!

Valerie

 

Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation Review

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Marc Jacobs

Even though I usually dread going to work on Monday’s, I still enjoy the start of a new week. It gives me another chance to hit those goals that I didn’t quite reach last week, or reset on my diet, or to finally get organized for the rest of the week. I try to spend my Sunday reflecting on the week before, and trying to think about why I didn’t reach my goals, or why I caved on my diet and skipped working out a day. I always try to think of ways I can better my week, and prevent all that! Just a little Monday motivation for you ;).

Even if all of that still doesn’t motivate you, maybe a new foundation will!? I love trying out new makeup products and reviewing them for you guys. Influenster sent me this Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation, and I can’t wait to share it with you! I tested this foundation out for a good month before I decided to write this post, so I could give you the real review, and answer any questions you may have. So, here’s what I thought:

Long lasting: This foundation claims to last all day. For me (and my oily skin) to did seem to somewhat last my whole work day, but It did get a bit cakey towards the end (which is a huge disappointment for me). But that might just be because of my extremely oily skin. I wore my NYX Photo Finish primer under it, for reference.

Matte Finish: I really loved the finish on the Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation. It mattified my face, but towards the end of the day,  my face still seemed to get oily. But keep in mind, I have yet to find a foundation or primer to prevents my face from getting oily towards the end of the day. I’m starting to think it doesn’t exist! I setted the foundation with my Becca Cosmetics Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder. I Just recently purchased this and I love it! When you apply it to your face, it has a cold, wet feel, while still being a powder! It’s perfect for summer! So far it’s one of my favorite setting powders, and helps a little with my oily skin. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive!

Youthful Look: Sometimes if a foundation is too powdery, it can make your fine lines look worse than they really are. The Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation didn’t seem to do that for me. It blurred the fine lines around my mouth and my large pores. You can see my results in the photo below:

Marc Jacobs Foundation

Primer // Concealer (shade Light Nude) // Foundation (shade Light Y210) // Setting Powder // Bronzer // Eyeliner // Lash Primer // Mascara // Brow Pencil // Brow Setter // Blush // Lipstick (shade Queen B) // Setting Spray // shirt // necklace (similar)

Coverage: I loved the coverage of this foundation, it seemed to cover all of my acne and acne scars!

Formula: To me, this foundation seemed like it had a thicker formula. I would wear this more in the winter or fall. I think it would be way too thick to wear during the summer months.

SPF: I feel like every foundation should have SPF in it! This one has SPF 25.

Overall, the Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation is a great foundation for someone with dry or normal skin. Perfect coverage, thick formula, and has SPF. I think maybe this isn’t the best foundation for someone with oily skin if you plan on wearing it all day long. Would I purchase it? Probably not. It’s a bit pricey, and I love my drugstore foundations that don’t get cakey towards the end of the day.

Also, all the products I used in the makeup look above are tagged under the photo, including my shirt and necklace!

Are there any other beauty products you would like to see a review of? Let me know in the comments, or send me an email at styledmuse@gmail.com. I love hearing from you guys!

Valerie

The Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation was provided complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own. 

 

Target Beauty Box Review

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Target box

For the past few weeks, I have been seeing a lot of talk about the limited edition Target Beauty boxes that hit stores. Everytime I would go and check for them by me, they wouldn’t be on the shelves yet. Yesterday while picking up a few groceries for the week, I FINALLY saw them on the shelves! They are also listed in the weekly ad this week, and can even be purchased online at Target.com! They came out with a total of four boxes, including: Wakeup and Makeup, Be You(tiful), Treat Yourself, and All The Masks. Each box is $7, and includes a mix of full size and travel size items, and coupons for almost every product in the box.

I decided to pick two boxes that caught my eye: Wakeup and Makeup and Be You(tiful).

First, Wakeup and Makeup:

Target box makeup

Contents: Sonia Kashuk Brush Cleaning Wipes (travel size), e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blending Brush (full size), e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Face Palette (full size), Dove Dry Spray Invisible Deodorant (full size), Dove Dry Shampoo (travel size), Covergirl Peacock Flare Mascara (full size), Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes (travel).

Review: This was my favorite box. It included FOUR full size items and even a blush palette! The travel size items are prefect for my gym bag. I just wish this box contained more makeup items. The name of the box makes you think it would be all makeup items. But either way, this box is way worth the price!

Next, Be You(tiful):

Target box beauty

Contents: e.l.f. Gotta Glow Lip Tint in Perfect Pink (full size), Simple Water Boost Micellar Makeup Remover Eye Pads (travel size), Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size), L’Oreal Pure Clay Cleanser – Detoxify and Brighten (travel size), Olly Undeniable Beauty Gummy (sample), Sinful Nail Color (full size), Honest Beauty The Younger Face Deep Hydration Cream (travel size).

Review: This was more of a beauty box. While this box only contains two full size items, it does contain a lot of great brands that I have been wanting to try. It also contains more coupons than the other box that I will most likely use very soon! I would also say this box is worth the $7, especially with the coupons included.

If you want to see the contents of the other two boxes, click HERE! I think I want to eventually get the other two boxes, just to try them out. Don’t forget these are limited edition, so once they sell out they won’t be back in stock. Kind of like the Hunter for Target collab, but don’t get me started on that! Haha. I just wanted the tall boots, and they didn’t even get released! Anyways, Don’t forget to use your Target RedCard to get an extra 5% off your purchase and free shipping.

Are there any specific products in these boxes that you would like a review of? Let me know in the comments, or send me an email or DM on Insta. Also, let me know if there are any posts you would like to see on the blog soon!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Valerie

My Picks From Ulta’s 21 Days Of Beauty

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21 Days of Beauty

You guys, Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is here! I wait for the sale every year and create a list of all the items I plan on getting. Each day, 2 or 3 different items will be on sale for that day only! Most of these items are 50% or more off their original price! This is the only time of the year some of these items will be on sale, so grab them while you can! Set an alarm on your phone for each day so you can order it as soon as you wake up and not worry about items selling out. To save on shipping, order with a friend and split the cost! Here are some of the best deals and items I plan on buying myself! Click the name below, and it will take you directly to the item!

3/18: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara ($10)
3/19: Benefit Brow Setter ($12); IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pressed Powder ($14.50)
3/22: Clarisonic Mia 2 ($119)
3/23: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Singles ($10) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
3/25: IT Cosmetics Brush for Ulta Foundation Brush #102 ($11)
3/27: Lorac Pro Contour Palette ($20)
3/29: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Mascara ($12)
3/30: Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick ($10.50) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
3/31: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($10.50)
4/3: Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten ($14)
4/5: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($10)
4/6: Tarte Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint ($10) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
4/7: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($11.50) 

Items on sale every day:
– Buy 3 Get 1 Free Minis (perfect time to buy products you want to try out without splurging on the full size! And traveling, of course!)
–Tarte Ready, Set, Radiant Skin Mist ($15)
–Bareminerals Liquid Lipstick ($13)
–Smashbox Eyeliner ($12)

I know this isn’t included in the sale, but I just purchased the Becca Cosmetics Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder when I placed my order for the Tarte mascara. I have heard so many good things about it and decided to use some of my rewards points and get it! They were also having a deal on it, if you spend $38 on Becca Cosmetics, you get a free primer! So I will be giving a review of both of them as soon as I get them!

What items do you plan on getting in the sale? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Valerie

The Best Gifts For Everyone

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Only SIX DAYS until Christmas! Can anyone else believe that? If you are a last minute shopper (like myself), I’m rounding up some of my favorite gifts for everyone on your list. A lot of these can be delivered before Christmas, you just have to pay for expedited shipping! But, if you love something yourself, just use those gift cards you receive in your stockings ;). Also, make sure you enter for a chance to win a Soapbox bundle! (details are at the end of this post).

Soapbox Soaps:
I know I rave about this company all the time (they truly are the best, and the only products I have in my bathroom right now), but you really can’t pass up giving a gift that gives back. For each item you purchase, they donate a bar of soap to those in need. The bundles can get gifted to anyone on your list, including men! Use code bestgift17styledmuse to get 10% off your entire purchase!

Maria Shireen:
My favorite bracelet that hides your hair tie! There are so many designs and hair tie colors to choose from. Perfect for your mom, sister, or bestie. Use code FTW20 for 20% off your entire purchase!

Rachel’s Grove:
This is seriously the cutest boutique in St. Louis (but they also have a website)! I visited them for the first time at the beginning of this year, and found this wristlet that I use everytime I go out! They are sold out of it, but I’m in love with this velvet crossbody! 

Boho Betty:
I have a few of these wrap bracelets and I wear them all the time. This one is my favorite and is currently on my wish list! Use code STYLEDMUSE to get 20% off your entire purchase!

JustFab:
Lately, this is the only place I have been buying shoes from. Your first style is only $10 when you sign up!

Mala Prayer:
Mala Prayer has gorgeous handmade necklaces! You can see me wearing mine in this post HERE. Also, each purchase you make goes towards women entrepreneurs to help invest in their businesses! Use code VALERIEHELTON20 for 20% off your entire purchase!

WallsNeedLove:
For the person who loves decorating their home! WallsNeedLove is a company that makes removable wallpaper! I have the cutest banana leaf wallpaper by them, and I’m so excited to put it above my vanity!

Young Living Essential Oils:
I use essential oils for everything. Not only do they smell amazing, but they are free of harmful chemicals. You can use them for everything from stress and headaches to beauty and cleaning products! You can order your own essential oils by using the link above! I will have a lot of essential oil tutorials in the new year, so keep an eye out!

Ruth & Philomena:
The sweatshirt I’m wearing in the photos above are from this boutique! They have gifts for anyone on your christmas list! You can use code NEWFREE to get free shipping on your order!

Kohl’s & Ulta:
When I’m not sure what to get my sister or bestites, my fall back is always makeup gift sets you can find at Ulta and Kohl’s. This Lorac lipstick gift set is my favorite, and is currently on sale for under $22!

3GIVEAWAY! Win this Soapbox Coconut Oil bundle! To win:

  1. Comment on this post telling me what the best gift you have ever received for Christmas was.
  2. Sign up for the Styled Muse newsletters! Click HERE to subscribe to new posts and giveaway updates via email!

***CONGRATS TO REBECCA NILES! YOU ARE THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY! Please send an email to styledmuse@gmail.com with your shipping information!***

Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

Valerie

The Best Black Friday Sales

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Black Friday

Like every Thanksgiving, I’m starting to plan out my Black Friday shopping list. There are SO many good deals this year! If you want tips on shopping Black Friday sales, check out my post from last year where I talk about everything I do to get ready! I like to get a lot of my Christmas shopping done on Black Friday, but you also can’t get away from treating yo-self. Why not pass up these good deals!?

According to my Insta-stories poll, most of you shop online, so I am going to include a lot of online sales! But there are a few who go in stores (like myself), so I will include those as well! I’m going to round up some of my favorite stores to shop at on Black Friday (and Gray Thursday?), along with links to their websites and my favorite deals they will have going on! I’m also sharing coupon codes to some of your favorite stores that you won’t find anywhere else! Everything starts now, unless otherwise noted. I will update this as more sales are released.

Kohls:
Deals start online now!
Stores open 5pm Thursday.
– $15 Kohls Cash for every $50 you spend
– Instax Mini 9 camera with 20 pack film ($69.99). On my Christmas list this year!
-Victrola Vintage Bluetooth Turntable ($39.99). I’ve always wanted one of these!
-LC Lauren Conrad jewelry organizers and gifts (under $10). She always designs the cutest stuff. These would be perfect stocking stuffers.
-Select luggage 60-75% off. Perfect if you have trips planned next year!
-All fragrances 20-25% off.
-Select beauty products (including Cargo eyeshadow palettes and LORAC mascara!) 50% off!
-CHI hair straightener with curling iron ($79.99)
-Croft & Barrow Woven Vests $12.99!

Target:
Doors open 6pm Thursday
-Instax Mini 9 Camera with 10ct film ($59.99)
-Women’s sweaters starting at $10
-Chi flat iron with bonus brush and mini dryer ($74.99)
-All beauty gift sets buy 1 get 1 50% off

Old Navy:
Sales start online Wednesday, and stores open 3pm Thursday
-50% your entire purchase

Nordstrom:
Online Thursday, in store Friday
-Deals not released yet, will update as soon as they are!

Macy’s:
Online Now.
In stores 5pm Thursday.
-Take 20% off with code HURRY
-If you have a Macy’s card, you get $10 off $25 or more, or $20 off $50 or more on select purchases.
-Luggage 60-75% off
-Select boots 40% off
-Select designer handbags 40-60% off
-Sequined graphic sweatshirt $39.99 (super cute!)
-Beauty gift sets under $25

Bath & Body Works:
Online now
-All 3 wick candles $12.50
-Body care buy 3 get 2 free
*deals might change, will update once Thursday gets here.

Ulta (my favorite sale!):
Online at 5pm Thursday, in store 6pm Thursday
-Free 9 piece beauty bag with any $50 online purchase.
-Urban Decay Nocturnal eyeshadow palette ($14.50)
-NYX Lippie Countdown Advent Calendar ($29.99)
-Chi straighteners and dryers ($69.99 each)
-Select mascaras $10 each.
-OPI select nail polish $5 each
-Urban Decay Vice liquid lipstick ($9)
-Anastasia Beverly Hills select glow kits 40% off
-20% off Clarisonic holiday gift sets
-Buy 1 get 1 free Batiste and Not Your Mother’s products

Sephora:
Great deals online already, but will update once more is released! Only preview is available.
-Too Faced Boss Lady Beauty Agenda (new palette!) $58

Charlotte Russe:
Online now (will update if any changes are made on Thursday)
-Everything $20 or less online
-Free shipping, no minimum

Nike:
-Take an extra 25% off sale styles with code EPIC25

Shopbob:
-Take up to 75% off sales items and 30% off full-priced styles with code MORE17

J. Crew:
-Take 40% off everything with code THANKU

Topshop:
-Get up to 50% off and free shipping

Urban Outfitters:
-Buy one get one 50% off everything

Boohoo:
-Take 30% off everything with code GOGOGO

Boho Betty:
-Take 60% off with code BLACK60

Mala Prayer:
-50% off with code PREVIEW

Express:
-50% off everything and free shipping on every order

Tarte Cosmetics:
-25% off almost everything with code PREVIEW

Baublebar:
-30% off gift sets and holiday collections with code YAY30

I will update as more sales are released. HAPPY SHOPPING!

Valerie

Wedge Fall Booties

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Shop The Look

Booties: Payless // Scarf: Payless // Hat: Target // Top: Nordstrom // Jeans: Charlotte Russe // Bag: Kate Spade (similar)

It’s FINALLY the freakin’ weekend, you guys! I feel like this has been the longest week ever. Tomorrow, make sure you follow along for our Style Collective St. Louis meetup on my Insta-stories! It’s sure to be a fun time 🙂 .

I have been obsessing over ankle booties lately. I feel like everytime I go into a store, I end up leaving with a pair. I think my boyfriend is going to kill me if I buy another pair, baha! I saw these black wedge booties on display at Payless last week, and KNEW I had to buy them. Of course you can’t leave Payless without browsing the accessories, so I also left with this knit scarf and a pair of no show socks. Oh, and add a pair of tennis shoes to that as well, haha! These are the cutest, and I have gotten so many compliments! I will be sharing those with you soon, too! I got all of this for $58! I love sales and coupons. You can find the cutest items at a great price at Payless! And for any occasion!

I love wearing all black during the fall. There’s just something about it that looks so chic and put together. These jeans are also the most comfortable pair I own! They are currently on sale for $25! I got this bag last year at Kate Spade, and can no longer find it online. I tagged a very similar one, just in a different print!

Next week on the blog I will be sharing all of my favorite Black Friday sales, as well as the start of Gift Guides! I can’t believe it’s already that time of year!!! But stay tuned, I have a lot of fun posts planned for the holiday season :).

Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading!

Valerie

This post was in collaboration with Payless. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible! 

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration

~ styledmuse ~ 1 Comment

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Shop The Look

Necklace: Mala Prayer // Dress: Target // OTK Boots: Charlotte Russe (under $32!) // Clutch: Similar // Ring: Similar

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is next week! I feel like this year has flown by. One of my favorite things to do every holiday season is pick out what I plan on wearing. I love to look cute and somewhat dressed up on Thanksgiving, but I also like to feel comfortable (there’s a 90% chance I will fall asleep after eating while wearing this, so it has to be comfy, haha!).

My go-to is always a simple dress with statement accessories. I found this dress at Target the other day. As soon as I walked into the dress section, the color drew me in. I knew it was the perfect color for Thanksgiving. I was worried that the lace would be too itchy, but it’s totally not! It’s also pretty roomy (so after eating two Thanksgiving meals, it shouldn’t show too bad, baha!). I paired it with a pair of OTK boots (currently under $32!) and my favorite leopard clutch.

For my statement accessories, I wore the Ajita tassel necklace from Mala Prayer. I loved the color and the detail on the beads. Each piece is handmade (which I absolutely LOVE!). I love supporting brands that give back, and Mala Prayer is all about empowering women. All sales made through Mala Prayer will provide female entrepreneurs with a microfinance loan, which they can invest in their business, home or community. You can read more about their story, and what a Mala is HERE! Mala Prayer is giving a discount to Styled Muse readers! Just use code VALERIEHELTON20 at checkout to get 20% off your entire purchase!

I think the next necklaces I want to add my collection are the Iona and the Dirillo. There’s just something about white marble and spotted beads that I always go towards!

Do you have your Thanksgiving outfit planned out yet? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

Valerie

This post was sponsored by Mala Prayer. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible! 

My Updated Skincare Routine

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Skincare 2

Skincare 1

About a year ago, I posted about my skincare routine. Since then I have added and gotten rid of products I use, so I decided to do an updated one for you all! Just so you can get an idea of how my skin is (in case this is the first time you are reading my blog), I have very oily, acne prone skin. So most of these products are for those with the same type of skin as me.

Morning Routine: When I first wake up in the morning, I clean my face off with Micellar Cleansing Water using a round cotton pad. I never go too crazy in the mornings with washing my face, because I usually do a deep cleaning right before I go to bed. My face seems to get more oily when I wash my face a lot. If I’m having a bad break out, then I use the Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser and my Clarisonic Mia 1. This cleanser is mild and helps clean my face without being too strong and drying. I then finish by using alcohol free witch hazel on a round cotton pad and wiping it all over my face and neck. It seems to help keep my face from getting oily throughout the day.

Night Routine: I take my showers at night, so when I get in the shower the first thing I do is wash my face. I still use the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne face wash (mentioned in my skincare post). I have used this for a few years now, and it seems like the only face wash that can clear up my breakouts. I use my Clarisonic Mia 1 with my Neutrogena face wash to help clean my pores out (I will go into more detail below). After I’m done washing, I leave the face wash on my face like a mask while washing my hair and body. This is one thing I swear by! It lets the active ingredients really get to work on those pesky pimples. Once I’m out of the shower, I apply the Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner. This helps prevent breakouts and keeps your face from getting oily.

Face Mask: Every other night I use a face mask. If it’s a face mask night, then I will apply it to my face right after I get out of the shower. Once it has sat on my face for about 20 minutes, I will remove it and continue with the rest of my routine. Right now I’m loving the L’Oreal Pure Clay Masks. The green one I’m using helps with oily skin. I just recently purchased it and love it. I switch up my masks every couple weeks because I’m always finding new ones I love!

Cleansing Brush: I absolutely love my Clarisonic Mia 1! I have been using Clarisonic products for a few years now, and I think my skin clearing up has a lot to do with this! I used to break out really bad, now it’s just when my time of the month comes (I don’t think anything can really stop that, haha!).

But how does it work? The bristles of a Clarisonic cleansing brush head move back and forth, or “oscillate”, gently flexing the skin and flushing water and cleanser into pores. This sonic cleansing process removes the dirt, oil and debris that ages your skin and causes breakouts. Because Clarisonic facial cleansing devices don’t exfoliate – a common myth! – Clarisonic is gentle enough for twice-daily use, even on the most sensitive skin.

The brush head I prefer most, and really works with my skin, is the Deep Pore brush head. It really gets all the dirt and makeup out of my pores! I know the Clarisonic cleansing brushes can seem a bit out of your budget, but Right now Clarisonic is offering Styled Muse readers 15% off! Just head to this website and use code HERCAMPUS. They now also offer payment plans (with credit approval)! If you would like how read how to use one, just head to my previous skin care post HERE!

What products to you use in your skincare routine? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading!

Valerie

This post was in collaboration with Clarisonic and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible!