skin care

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

 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018

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The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is HERE! Early access started on July 12th for card holders, but starts on July 20th for the public. I have already placed 2 orders on the 2nd day the sale started for card holders. I was hoping to have the items before the sale started for the public tomorrow so I could take photos of each item, but Nordstrom is overwhelmed with orders right now, and my items haven’t shipped yet. So when you do order, make sure you keep in mind that normal shipping times are a bit longer.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the biggest sales of the year! You can find brand new designer items for fall that are up to 40% off. I went through every page of the sale (yeah, it took awhile haha!) and rounded up my favorite items that I thought were the best deal! I have them in categories for accessories, beauty, clothing, and fitness. Many items have already sold out, so make sure you act fast on items you love!

Accessories

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  1. Brixton Fiddler Corduroy Baker Boy Hat (I purchased this in my 2nd order, and I can’t wait to style it in the fall!)
  2. Nordstrom Genuine Calf Hair Leopard Print Clutch
  3. Sole Society Fluri Faux Leather Backpack (This backpack was in my first order, but I got it in a gray color. The gray is sold out, but the black is still available!)
  4. J.Crew Bead & Raffia Earrings
  5. Madewell Colorblock Blanket Scarf
  6. Halogen Violet Genuine Calf Hair Mule
  7. Steve Madden Trace Studded Mule
  8. Steve Madden Carter Slingback Platform Sandal

Clothing

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  1. Caslon Peplum Top
  2. Billabong Meadow Swing Stripe Shirt
  3. BP. Ruffle Sleeve Print Shirt
  4. Leith Tie Front Skort (Purchased this, and probably my favorite item so far!)
  5. Love, Fire Button Front Skirt (also got this, I have a thing for skirts this year!)
  6. Billabong Love and War Ruffle Trim Minidress
  7. Taylor Shift Dress
  8. Caslon Plaid Shirt
  9. Leith Tie Front Pant
  10. Kensie Faux Fur Jacket
  11. STS Blue Emma Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans
  12. Halogen Lace Detail Jacket
  13. Caslon Asymmetrical Drape Collar Terry Jacket
  14. Dreamers by Debut Nubby Cardigan (I really needed a cozy cardigan, so I purchased this one!)
  15. Zeza B by Hue Ripped Knee Denim Crop Leggings

Fitness

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  1. Adidas Made to Move Tank
  2. Zella Madison Tank
  3. Adidas Originals Trefoil Tank
  4. Zella Loop Back Tank
  5. Adidas 6-Pack Trefoil Superlite No-Show Socks (I purchased these, I couldn’t pass up the $12 price tag, and the colors are super cute!)
  6. Adidas Stadium Hoodie
  7. Hum Nutrition The Essential Collection Dietary Supplement Duo (I ran out of my Hair vitamins and probiotic supplements, so I decided to give these a try! I’ve used Hum Nutrition Supplements before and I love them!)
  8. Zella Sun Salutation High Waist Leggings 
  9. Zella Sheer Drama Crop Leggings
  10. Zella Street Style High Waist Leggings (I LOVE the detail on these!)

Beauty

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  1. Serene House Cool Mist Cosmos Scentilizer Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser (perfect to place on your vanity!)
  2. Too Faced Sex, Gold and Chocolate Set (the palette by itself is normally $49, but you get a mascara and primer with it as well!)
  3. Impressions Vanity Co. Touch Trifold XL Dimmable LED Makeup Mirror
  4. Beautyblender Set
  5. NARS Hot Escape Eye & Cheek Palette
  6. Stila Good to Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set (I have one of these at home, and use it all the time!)
  7. Diptyque Candle Set

I also purchased a pair of Platform Converse Sneakers (color: white) that I received in the mail yesterday, and I’m so excited to wear them! Unfortunately they are sold out. I’m hoping they will restock more items once the sale opens to the public tomorrow, because I also have my eye on this BP. White Lace Cami, It’s $22 and a staple item! It sold out in my size on the first day of the sale before I was able to add it to my cart!

Tips to shop the sale:
-Go through the sale and put everything you might want on your wishlist, so when the sale goes live, you can just add the items to your cart.
-Shop the sale as early as you can (I heard someone say that it goes live at 2am CT, but don’t quote me on that!)
-Even if you are unsure about an item, purchase it anyways! If you receive it and don’t love it, you can always send it back! Items sell out super fast, and you don’t want to miss out on an item!

What items are you planning on purchasing during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and happy shopping! ❤

Valerie

How To Prep For A Spray Tan

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To me, Memorial Day officially means the start of summer. I’m SO ready for lake days and pools days. But with summer JUST starting, I don’t have a tan yet. Not. Even. Close. My legs are SO pale. I love getting spray tans before heading to the beach or shooting blog photos. Spray tans are a lot safer than tanning in a tanning bed (no skin cancer for me!). Spray tans obviously don’t last as long as an actual tan, but there are steps you can take to make it last a tad longer. Here are the steps I follow for preparing for a spray tan:

The Night Before:

  1. Before jumping in the shower, I use the EcoTools Body Brush to exfoliate away the dry, dead skin cells. I brush in an upward motion starting with my feet and ending with my arms.
  2. I shower like normal, and make sure to use an exfoliating loofah and moisturizing body wash. I love this body wash by Dove.
  3. I shave my legs. It’s best to shave the night before, and not right before you go. Otherwise, the spray can get in your pores and leave them discolored.
  4. I apply body lotion on my legs, arms, and feet (the parts of my body that get the most dry). I use a body lotion I found at Bath and Body Works, but any brand should work!

Right Before:

  1. I shower like normal using an exfoliating loofah and moisturizing body wash.
  2. I use a sugar scrub on my feet, legs, and arms. I use one from Bath and Body Works, but any brand will do!
  3. I apply body lotion to my hands, feet, ankles, elbows, and knees. These tend to look patchy after my spray tan from dry skin, so I try to moisturize them a lot!
  4. I put on loose clothing like shorts, a baggy t-shirt, and flip flops. I also do not apply makeup the rest of the night. I make sure this is the last thing I do for the day, so the closer I get my spray tan to bed time, the better!

During your spray tan, make sure to follow all the instructions the tanning salon gives you. I usually get the Versa Spa, level 2, clear, and add the moisturizing spray at the end. I apply the blending lotion to my hands, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.

After Your Spray Tan:

  1. The first thing I do when I get out of the booth is wipe off the bottoms of my feet, hands, and my toenails and fingernails with the towel the salon provides. Otherwise, they tend to turn orange!
  2. I keep on baggy clothes for at least 12 hours.
  3. I also don’t shower for 12 hours.
  4. I apply lotion every morning and night.
  5. I apply Jergens self tanner on my legs after I shower to keep my tan looking fresh. My spray tan tends to fade on the bottom of my legs faster.

I know it seems like a lot of steps, but it really does make your tan look better and last longer. If you don’t have dry skin like me, then you might not have to exfoliate the night before, and just do everything right before you go. Do you have any spray tan tips? 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 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

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!

Body Care That Gives Back

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Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone is having a great week. Tonight I am attending a Fashion Show in St. Louis called Romancing the Runway! I’m SO excited to be attending. If you live in the area, you can still buy tickets HERE!

With all the bad things happening in the world right now, I seem to find myself wanting to help out in some way. Whether it be donating money or old clothes. When SoapBox contacted me and wanted to collaborate, I knew I had to jump on board!

SoapBox is a one-for-one personal care company that sells shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap and liquid hand soap. Their soaps are vegan, cruelty free, and made with thoughtfully selected ingredients. For every product sold, they donate a bar of soap to someone in need either here in the US or abroad! Their motto: Soap = Hope. BUT if you use code SBXSTYLEDMUSE317 they will give you 10% off AND donate 2 bars of soap for every product sold instead of 1! They are trying to get to their 3 millionth donation, so let’s help them exceed that! Here are a few of my favorite products they have:

Bamboo Strength and Body Shampoo and Conditioner: I LOVE the conditioner. After using it, my hair had so much body, even more than my Pantene conditioner! Also, they both smell so amazing! I can’t wait to see how strong is makes my hair after using it for about a month (it’s pretty brittle at the moment)!

Sea Minerals & Blue Iris Body Wash: My hands and elbows always get dried out once the weather starts to get a bit cooler. This body wash helped fight that! It’s a gentle moisturizer, so it’s great for sensitive skin, smells amazing, and lathers really well!

Vanilla and Lily Blossom Liquid Hand Soap: The same goes for the hand soap. It moisturizes my hands, and also smells so good! I’m the type of person that washes my hands more often than I should, so a gentle hand soap is a must.

Bar soap: I’m not really a bar soap type of person (I love my liquid body wash and loofah!), but this one smells so amazing just like the rest of the products. If I did use bar soap, this would be my go to!

If you would like to try all the products, you can buy a bundle that has 1 of everything!

My favorite thing about these products? They are all so affordable! This month, try switching out one or more of your body products, and help give back to those in need. Let’s get to 3 million donations! Just use code SBXSTYLEDMUSE317 to get 10% AND donate 2 bars to soap to those in need!

Have a great week, and thanks for reading!

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