Have you all heard of Influenster? Basically, you sign up, fill out a few surveys about yourself and sync your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.  Then, they match you up with brands to send you free products. You don’t have to be a blogger or even have a ton of followers to get free stuff. Anyway, I’ve gotten a few things over the years, and these lipsticks are the latest.

I’ve heard a bunch about Bite Beauty on YouTube, so I was excited to get these. They sent me a red, berry and a pink/nude. The berry is SO bright; I’d save it for special occasions. They smell like the Fresh Sugar lip balms. The pink/nude shade, Pepper, is my favorite because it’s the most subtle.

Did you get these too? What did you think?

When I was younger, I remember wanting Seventeen but only being allowed American Girl. These days, I take a lot of care in the types of things I read and watch, because I know that it shapes my thoughts and perspectives. I have a lot of favorite sites, blogs and books, but I also appreciate a good magazine. One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend morning is flipping through new issues.

I used to only buy them when I was getting on a plane or sometimes for beach trips. After I started blogging, I found that I was pulling a lot of inspiration for posts from magazines and buying more and more of them. Here are my favorite magazines and a little about what I like about them:

Allure/Glamour: This one’s all about beauty, so of course it’s one of my favorites. I flip through and find out about new products that are coming out, like the new waterproof version of my favorite mascara from Too Faced. I especially loved the cover pictured above and bought purple eyeliner to copy Salma’s makeup look. Glamour’s similar to Allure, but covering a more wide range of topics. I loved this article they did on confidence with Mindy Kaling.

Better Homes and Gardens/Good Housekeeping:

O: I love Oprah’s Favorite Things and she has a really great set of contributors. Everything is positive and helpful.

Real Simple: I like that the tips and shopping suggestions are always attainable. There are recipes too, but I skip over those and look for home decor, fashion and beauty. In the latest issue, I loved the dresses they picked out for spring. The blush sheath I just bought from Ann Taylor was featured. It’s very cool to see things you have in your closet in a magazine.

Richmond Magazine/R Home: My favorite part about these is seeing my friends and people I admire featured in the content.  I met Carey of Corks and Caftans through work and it was very cool to see her feature in their BVLD insert.

I’m also a huge, huge fan of Young House Love. I first heard about them when they spoke at an AIGA Conference and was so absorbed in their story about leaving their careers in advertising  in New York and building a business together here in Richmond. I even got a photo with them that night. R Home featured them and their new book (I bought one one but two copies – I guess I thought I needed a backup?) a few months back.

My friend Olivia (@lovebrooksy) curated an art deco piece for a summer issue.

And my friend and fellow Elements Beauty Blogger Caroline of Sweet Caroline RVA writes for their bridal issues.

Shape/Women’s Health: WH is an interesting one. They cover fitness and recipes, obviously, but also mix in some fashion and beauty. I don’t subscribe to Shape but I pick it up at the grocery store when the cover looks interesting. They have great features on workout clothes that have introduced me to some new brands. How fun is this bikini from a summer issue?

I try to get my magazines through Amazon so I can manage all of the subscriptions in one place. For a few of them, I’m also subscribed to the digital versions, which I really enjoy. I get an email when the new issue comes out and download it to my iPad. When you read the issue through the Newsstand app, the formatting is a little different and more interactive than print, which I like. A lot of times you can also click through directly to buy what you’re reading about.

Which magazines are your favorite?

PS: The best part of magazines are OBVIOUSLY the free sample/perfume inserts, am I right?

I’m so, so excited to share that R Home did a feature on me (and Kitty) in their March/April issue. Here are the details:

First, Julie Young, a contributing writer, came to my house to interview me. We chatted for a few hours about VCU, my career and my home. A few weeks later, Sarah Walor came by to take photographs based on the story Julie had put together.

I had to give Kitty about 50 treats that day, trying to get her to pose for the camera.

Sarah, Julie and the team did a beautiful job and it was such a fun experience! Check out the article here.

I took over the Virginia Bloggers Instagram for a week and had a blast. It was fun sharing a little piece of each day. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

(Click through for the captions)

I think it’s fun to give a friend something special at Valentine’s Day. Here are a few things I’ve given in the past and some ideas!

Flowers from Amanda Burnette: I’ve ordered flowers from Amanda several times and they’re ALWAYS beautiful. They’re so much more unique than something you could get at a national chain or at the grocery store. TODAY (2/10) is the last day to place your order to get these in time for Valentine’s Day!

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polishes: All of these polishes are gorgeous. As a fun little bonus, they’re all named after songs. I’m partial to Respect and Sarah Smile. They’re also free of harsh chemicals and cruelty-free. Get them for 10% off AND in time for Sunday if you order by tomorrow at elementsbeautyshop.com.  If you’re in Richmond, you can even stop by their store in Carytown. Elements also has my FAVORITe perfume, the Elixr of Love from Caswell-Massey. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this scent. It smells SO good.

Candy Valley Cake Company Cake Pops: Keya Wingfield makes the most beautiful intricate and creative desserts I’ve ever seen! I was introduced to her work when she made these gecko cake pops for one of my clients back in 2010. She also made these awesome and super realistic pops for my clients at Elements. You still have time to get these heart cake pops if you order today!

Buxom Lip Polish: These are one of my favorite lines for lip gloss, and they’re all named after women! I was first introduced to them when I worked at a bareMinerals boutique in college and they had only Krystal, Dolly, Bambi and a few others. They’ve since expanded the collection to include Jessica, Elizabeth, Christina (!), Kristen, Kelly and more. I gave my friend Sophia her namesake shade when I did her makeup for her wedding  last summer. My personal favorites are Erin, Krystal and Dolly.

Rich Bitch: A lot of my friends are in similar industries and we talk a lot about our careers, professionalism and give each other advice and share resources. I think a book that’s really helped you is an awesome gift. My friend Sara gave me Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Brave Enough’ for Christmas, and I thought it was just the perfect gift. Last month, my friend Jevata and I hosted an Inspiration party and invited some women we admire and care about to share their favorite books. You can check that list out here.

Experience gifts are always awesome too. Nobody hates a gift certificate for a mani/pedi. I like Heather at Canvas the Salon. SHE DID OLIVIA POPES NAILS, people! She’s right here in Richmond but she was called in to do a VIP manicure for Kerry Washington in DC. You can read about how it happened here. Of course I IMMEDIATELY ordered the shade she used. It’s available in this kit at HSN. I ordered several to save as gifts!

Erno Laszlo Hydra Therapy Mask | $90 |ElementsBeautyShop.com – The biggest difference I notice is that it makes the skin very soft and plumps it up. I love the way it smells and this is one of my most luxurious-feeling masks.  You sleep in it too!

Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydrating Sleeping Mask – I got a sample of this in one of my Sephora orders and just ordered a full-size. Here’s what Sephora has to say about it: Tsubaki (Camellia) Oil firms, hydrates, and protects against free radical damage. Allantoin provides hydration and supports natural cell renewal with natural anti-bacterial and deep-cleansing benefits. Wakame prevents fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness by replenishing protein, helping to support natural collagen production. Rice Bran Oil reduces dark spots and increases micro-circulation for soft, glowing skin. I say,  it smells amazing and gives you super soft, moisturized skin to wake up to.

REN Instant firming Beauty Shot | $54 | ElementsBeautyShop.com –  I like to carry a sample-sized version of this in my makeup bag to pat on whenever my makeup creases (usually between my brows). This smells like roses and the little bottle is so cute. I recently tried it all over my face, patting it on before moisturizer, and I loved how it felt and made my foundation look. They hyaluronic acid in this is meant to plump up your skin and hold in moisture. It also smells like rose. 

La Mer Soft Cream $85 – $465 | Nordstrom – obviously a classic. I got this as a Christmas gift and then re-purchased when it ran out about eight months later. I use this sparingly because it’s so pricey, sometimes just as an eye cream.

Fresh Rose Mask $62 | Sephora – This mask feels SO fancy and it’s super gentle. The texture is somewhere between a liquid and a gel. It smells soooo good. When my face feels dry and irritated, this os the one I use.

byTerry baume de rose $60 | Beauty.com – I got this on a Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal and combined used some birchbox points. This is VERY similar to Dior’s Creme de Rose, and I’ve been using it throughout the day whenever my lips get dry. If you’re looking for something similar but less expensive, try Benefit’s Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm. They smell like roses and come in a few different colors. “Lollibalm” is my favorite and reminds me of the new lilac Lip Glow Dior came out with for spring.

Erno Laszlo Hydra Therapy Serum | $90 | ElementsBeautysShop.com – A long time favorite. I went into detail on this one here. Basically, it’s super light and I like to add it underneath another moisturizer for winter.

GlamGlow ThirstyMud Mask | $69 | Sephora – This one smells like coconuts and is SUPER moisturizing. You can either leave this one on for a few minutes or sleep in it (I usually wash it off). I use this one when my face is extra, extra dry but not irritated or sensitive. If you’re going to get this one, make sure to get the kit. (same proce as the mask but has some extras).

Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask | $34 | Sephora – When I’m not sure which my skin needs more – moisture or exfoliation – I use this one. It smells like lavender and feels calming and nice for irritated, dry skin.

Post your favorites for winter in the comments. I want to try them all!

PS: Use the code TIRAMISU for 10% off any purchase at ElementsBeautyShop.com

I am SO excited to talk to you all about Adornable Box. Remember the boutique,  Beckett, that I mentioned in my Charleston travel post? The owner, Athena, just started a jewelry service that’s amazing.

Here’s how it works:

After you share some info about your preferences with Adornable, they’ll send you a box full of jewelry to try. You have 3 days to try on your jewelry and decide which, if any, you’d like to keep.

Then, pack up the box with the items you are returning, use the enclosed return label to return the box, and ENJOY your new pieces You’re only charged only for the items you keep.

Everything came in these cuttle little pouches with personalized notes from Athena about why she chose the items. The prices are also noted on each piece.

I’ve tried jewelry subscriptions before and never found anything I loved. I like delicate jewelry that’s simple but pretty and that’s exactly what Athena picked out for me.

I LOVE this bracelet. This and the earrings are definitely my top two picks. I’ve been wearing the bracelet almost everyday. The necklace with the tiny blue beads is so elegant and unique. 

I was amazed by the quality of all of the pieces.  The #1 thing I was concerned about is having pieces that don’t tarnish and that hold up well. Even though the prices range from only about $15-$35, everything is so nice. I’ve worn these several times and everything is sturdy.

These are the kind of earrings that slide through your pierced ear so a section is on either side. I wore them everywhere from a Christmas party to work.

This piece was neat in that you could wear it as a necklace or as a bracelet.

I layered the blue bead necklace with a piece I already had. The notecard Athena has enclosed with it suggested I pair it with a white/cream blouse, which I’ll definitely be trying.

This is such a fun concept and I can’t wait to get my next box.

To sign up for an Adornable box of your very own (or get one for a friend for Christmas!), fill out this form. For the holidays, you’ll get a $10 coupon in box to use toward favorite pieces. If you’re giving Adornable as a gift, you can purchase a gift certificate of any amount for the receiver to spend on their favorite pieces!

My favorite local beauty boutique, Elements of Carytown, is having a Christmas Party this Thursday. A Very Cary Christmas will be from 4-8pm. See more details and RSVP here.

The Elements Beauty Bloggers have put together gift guides with our favorite beauty products. Check out Caroline, Whitney, Susanna and Stephanie’s picks here. All of the products talk about (and everything else in the store) will be 20% off when you mention any of our blogs or use any of our discount codes online from 12/3-12/10. That means you can get goodies from REN, Peter Thomas Roth (hello, time to splurge on that 24K gold mask), Malin + Goetz, Erno Laszlo (my personal favorite) and more. PLUS, shipping is free with any $25 order.

For a more extensive guide of my all-time favorite Elements products, click here. If I had to choose just one favorite, it would be this Erno Laszlo Hydra Therapy Infusion Serum. It smells amazing and is just moisturizing enough for my skin.

My friend Jevata and I had a fabulous time at Saks a few weeks ago. Her friend Beverly George is a personal shopper there, and we thought it would be fun to let her try out fall’s trends on us. First, a little explanation on what a personal shopper is, and who can use the service.

Anyone can use a personal shopper. Budgets vary, of course, and Beverly can accommodate. She works with people who are looking to expand their wardrobe because of a life change like a new job, people who shop with her for new things each season, and people who shop couture that needs to be custom-ordered. She has clients all over the country. You can send photos of yourself so she can pick out clothes that will work for your build and style.

You can also shop for gifts. Beverly can work with you to shop for family or for special occasion items like bridesmaids gifts.

If you’re interested in trying or purchasing any of the clothes or accessories below, email her at Beverlybeverly_george@s5a.com or give her a call at 804.317.1413. You can also follower her on Instagram: @saksfifthbev.

After we tried on our first outfit, we went back to the room to find fruit, cheese and water to refuel for our next outfit change.

We wore these masks to protect the clothes from makeup. (Have you ever seen these before? I hadn’t.)

For our first look, I love this Tadashi Shoji strapless gown and Elie Tahari fur jacket. (I lovvved this coat)

Jevata sported this elegant white Escada suit. I love the bow in the front.

I LOVED these Stuart Weitzman shoes. (PS, that’s Essie’s Bikini So Teeny on my toes)

Jevata looks SO stunning.

When French Connection reached out to offer me $$$ to try their Fall Collection I freaked out. I’m familiar with the brand, and I’d seen their clothes in a local Richmond boutique, Bliss 5812 (recommended to me by the wonderful Amy of Super Fun Yoga Pants)

Here are my favorite things from the site:

I love how this top mixes the cool perforation with lace on the sleeves.

And this one is SO delicate and pretty. I went wedding dress shopping this past weekend with my soon-to-be sister-in-law, and this almost reminds me of a bridal gown.

This was one of my favorites. I almost got this one. It’s so unique.

…and the top I ended up getting for myself, the Ripple Knitted Jumper. 

I decided to wear it when I joined Kelli Lemon on her Video Series/Podcast, Coffee With Strangers, so I have some photos of the top in action. all of the shots below are by the lovely Jenny McQueen of Capture Photography.

Check out the video clip below and the full segment at CoffeeWithStrangersRVA.com

Ann Taylor sent out an email featuring these pants this morning and they sold out within hours.

They are so fabulous. My rule for myself is to not buy anything at Ann Taylor unless it’s 40% off (They are always having a sale),  so I passed on these, even though they’re gorgeous.

I happened to check the site later in the day, and noticed the pants weren’t there anymore. I had already posted a link to them on my blog’s Facebook page, and when I clicked, I got the “SOLD OUT.” messaging. The marketer in me was curious, so I did a quick search to see if anyone was talking about these super popular pants. I saw this tweet, which inspired this post.

A lot of times, a really popular item will sell out online, but you can find it in stores. One little trick I learned. The “Find In Store: feature can be your best friend, if you know how to use it. Don’t just search your city. I live in Richmond, VA, and I highly doubt that Ann Taylor sent a large supply of sequin pants here, so I search by New York, NY, and low and behold, three stores have them in stock.  If you have an Ann Taylor credit card, they’ll waive the shipping cost and send them to you right from the store. Otherwise, it’s about $8.

I have a navy pair from American Eagle (no longer available, unfortunately) that I got a lot of use of last winter. They’re comfortable and warm because they’re leggings, but also very dressy. If you can’t get your hands on the ones from Ann Taylor, here are more options. Happy Shopping!

Sephora is having their biannual 20% off sale (the other one is in April, I blogged about it here), and it’s an awesome time to be a beauty lover. VIB Rouge members had 20% off last weekend, and VIB members have it this weekend. Xsparkage did a great video post about the details of the sale with her recommendations here. I like to use these sales as an excuse to try something a little more expensive and to stock up on things I repurchase over and over. Here are a few things I’d recommend getting.

KP Duty Body Scrub | $46: I got a sample of this and loved it so much that I bought the full size. It’s the first body wash/scrub I’ve tried that has both physical and chemical exfoliants.

Bobbi Deluxe Eye and Cheek Palette | $85: This looks gorgeous. I didn’t pick it up for myself because I already have a few of the colors. But, I wanted to include it because it has so many great shades. Pale pink is my favorite blush of all time.

Clarisonic | $149: I LOVE my Clarisonic. I got it as a Christmas present when I was in college, and it’s such a great thing. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s a brush (kind of like an e toothbrush) that you use with your face wash to cleanse. It’s supposed to make your cleanser more effective and give you a deeper clean. I notice a HUGE difference when I don’t use it.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick | $26: I bought this for doing smokey eyes after reading  reviews online. It’s a shadow stick, but can be used as a liner. I tried it once all over my lids for going out but it’s actually replaced the Armani liner as my everyday liner. It doesn’t smudge AT ALL.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | $23: Best. mascara. ever. This gives you super thick-looking lashes.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Dry Shampoo | $14:  I love the idea of a perfumed dry shampoo. I like my R+Co, Oscar Blandi and Living Proof dry shampoos, but I ordered this one and am very interested to see how this one works (and smells!).

Sephora Luxe Lashes | $17: These lashes are fabulous. I’ve worn my current pair three times, and they hold up great.

YSL Baby Doll Kiss and Blush | $40: I have a coral and a plum (which I totally copied from Arielle of Scotch and Nonsense). It’s such a nice product because you an use it on your lips and cheeks, and it’s very subtle. Even though this one (11) is really dark, it looks like a light berry stain that you can build up if you want a bold lip.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector | $41: This is such a gorgeous product. I pump a little onto my fingertips and pat it onto my cheek bones and around my eyes.

Fresh Brown Sugar Bath & Shower Gel | $20: Every once in a while I pick up a fancy shower gel. They seem to last a lot longer and feel and smell super nice.

Fresh Rose Face Mask: This is a super gentle mask that I think almost anyone could use. I bought it because it smells like roses, of course. It’s good to use after you’ve used a clay mask or an exfoliating one, because it’s so light and re-moisturizes your skin.

Clinique Acne Solutions BB Cream: MakeupByTiffanyD (One of my favorite YouTubers) had a great explanation of this product here. This is such a great foundation. It feels thinner than a regular foundation but has really great coverage. the only downside to this is that there isn’t a great shade range. I’m wear light-medium, for reference.

My lovely friend Leslie works at Sephora here in Richmond (remember her from this post?), and she was kind enough to share her picks as well!

PTR Camu Camu Powder Exfoliator | $45:  This leaves your skin so soft, smooth, and bright, and has the perfect fine but gritty texture.

Belif Herbal Cleansing Water  | $36:  on the Korean beauty trend. I don’t know why Korean cleansing waters seem to be so much better than others I’ve tried, but they are magic. Takes off everything so well and doesn’t leave a weird film.

NARS x Steven Klein collection: Holy crap I love it all. If I have to pick one though, the lipstick in the color No Shame is such a beautiful juicy plum red, and it’s limited edition.

VERB Leave-In Mist $14: It’s a new hair are brand where every product is only $14, and everything I’ve tried has been awesome. I have fine hair with dry ends, this gives me moisture and a silky finish, but doesn’t weigh it down even when I spray it on dry hair.

Atelier Cologne Vetiver Fatale | $125:  I’m obsessed with this perfume brand. This is my favorite scent, but it’s really hard to choose out of all the good ones. It’s kind of pricey, so it’s the perfect thing to use a coupon on! I wore it on my wedding day.

I spent the weekend in Charleston for my cousin’s wedding.

Here’s us at the sweet backyard ceremony. (I’m wearing the same dress I wore to a wedding the previous weekend, but with a different jacket, my new favorite wardrobe-expanding trick. I’m thinking of doing a little post about that.)

We built in a few extra days, so I got some shopping recommendations from my friends.

 Fellow Elements Beauty Blogger Whitney of  Worthy Style Blog recommended Pink Dot Beauty Boutique and I’m so glad she did. I met this little sweetie, who upon realizing I was taking photos of him, posed for the camera. As I was going through photos on Instagram (I like to click on the location and see who else has taken photos in the same spot), I found out he has his own Instagram. Check out @lifeofbobbarker for gems like this.

Everyone working there was super friendly and helpful. The store was full of brands I’d never heard of before.

The little booklets had papers with one side full or product, and the other side blotting paper.

Rebecca helped me pick out the Desert Mist from Arcona, a vitamin-filled oil that acts like a makeup primer. I wore it the next day for the wedding and I’m wearing it now as I write this blog – so far, so good!Before I left, the ladies gave me a list of boutiques they recommended and even posed for a photo to share with you all!

Hamden was a gorgeous boutique, but my favorite part was the little section, James, attached to the side that sold shoes and accessories. Look at the gorgeous heels:

My absolute favorite boutique was Beckett.

I lovvved this Rebecca Minkoff blouse. I passed it up initially, but came back to get it after I thought about how cute it would look with my red J. Crew Pencil skirt.

They were having a jewelry trunk show the second day we stopped in. I regret not taking one of these cupcakes ;).

Beckett’s owner recommended Mitchell Hill, which was right across the street. They had so many cool things!

As for restaurants, we ended up at Tavern and Table (for drinks an the amazing view), Edmund Oast (for a fun chef’s table experience), Hominy Grill for breakfast, Oku (sushi) for lunch and my favorite, Eli’s Table (for shrimp and grits benedict).

 I had a blast. Thanks again for all of your recommendations!

Of course, I was happy to come home to this face:

Have you been to Charleston? What were your favorite spots?

First of all, it’s technically not even a soap. Erno Laszlo’s Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar is a cult classic. I first picked mine up in this haul of mini samples from Elements.  It’s a favorite of Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and even made a cameo in the film Annie Hall.  Woody Allen says “I found this in the apartment. Black soap. She used to wash her face eight hundred times a day with black soap. Don’t ask me why.” 

Here’s what it does:

Exfoliates: Refines complexion and removes dead skin cells for more radiant skin.
Stimulates: Improves circulation and motivates natural skin regeneration.
Cleanses: Removes dirt, blackheads, impurities and makeup without stripping skin of natural oils.

You can pick up the bar in a starter set, which comes with the Pre-Cleansing Oil and the Light Controlling Lotion (more like a toner).  Or you can get the full-size, which comes in a chic, glossy black and white dish to store it in.

The best part is, I’m giving one away for FREE! Enter to win here. 

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As always, use the code TIRAMISU for 10% off this and any other products on ElementsBeautyShop.com

One of the brands I discovered working with Elements Beauty Shop is Caswell-Massey. I smelled their Elixr of Love fragrance every time I came in the store, and eventually bought it. I’m now on my third bottle. I also picked up one of the travel-sized rose hand creams they had near the register (I love anything that smells like roses), and it became a fast favorite too.

I love a good hand cream. Rosewater and Glycerin are the classic combination used in hand creams for years, to condition and soften skin. Glycerin: a superior humectant that binds moisture to skin. Rosewater conditions skin and diminishes the appearance of sun damage. The Elixr of Love Cologne Spray smells so amazing. It’s described as: “A fragrance with Jasmine, Lavender, Egyptian Musk, and Passionflower notes.” I also mentioned it in my favorite fragrances post.

Caswell-Massey was kind enough to send me and the other Elements Beauty Bloggers  (learn more about that program here) these gift sets as well as catalogs and information about the history of the brand, so I got to try  lotion and soap from their floral collection in Lilac, 

Here’s what I learned:

“Started in 1752 by Doctor William Hunter in Newport Rhode Island, Caswell-Massey was originally an apothecary, where Dr. Hunter mixed his prescriptions and administered them to his patients who drank them then and there. To make the medications more palatable, he mixed them into a blend of orange juice and carbonated water, creating the first orange soda, and probably the first instance of guaranteed patient compliance in the colonies. The soda fountain, an American invention & tradition was invented by Caswell-Massey at the Newport- Rhode Island apothecary store. Like pharmacies today, Dr. Hunter sold related items-ointments, soap, toiletries at the store and also created his own fragrances. Over the years the company changed ownership and finally in 1876 became Caswell-Massey, with two stores, one in Newport, RI and the other in New York City.”

Out of all their products, though, the pug soap has to be all-time favorite. How cute is this?! “Triple-milled, vegetable based and scented with a clean woodsy-floral fragrance, Le Pug charms from its accurate facial expression to its curl-a-que tail. The soap makes a special addition to any bath decor and an appreciated gift for any dog lover. The colorful polka-dot and striped presentation box, tied with a grosgrain ribbon, and is as playful & jaunty as the Pug’s personality.”

“Newport in colonial times was a thriving city, a port of entry for tall ships carrying exotic cargo from all over the world. It was there, that Dr. Hunter found the precious oils and extracts he used in his apothecary. Sandalwood Oil brought from India was one of the more exotic ingredients available. Caswell-Massey created a Sandalwood line with this heritage in mind. Lotion, Gel Talc and soap are richly scented with the warmth of Sandalwood.”

Sandalwood Soap On A Rope: “Both men and women enjoy the intoxicating fragrance of Sandalwood and this generous bar of soap with its rich, creamy lather will fill the shower or bath with the exotic, soft scent of precious wood. The luxurious lather moisturizes and nourishes the skin as it cleanses, leaving the skin refreshed and fragrant. The soap has a polished wood-grain look and is triple-milled for long-lasting service. The soft, white nylon rope allows the soap to be hung from the wrist or a bath fixture to keep it conveniently at hand.”

As always, get 10% off these and anything else at ElementsBeautyShop.com with the code TIRAMISU.

Meet Alison, Richmond’s spray tan expert and my lovely friend. I’ve been seeing her for years to get spray tans for special occasions. Alison owns Malibu Tans here in Richmond, and she’s generously agreed to share her faux tan secrets with us. Read on to find out her favorite products, what’s in her makeup bag and the one thing she tells all her customers!

Tiramisu For Breakfast: How long have you been in the industry?

Alison: I’ve been in the industry for the past 12 years. I started by answering phones at a skincare spa and loved it so much that I got my aesthetics license! I’ve been an airbrush tanning artist for 8 years and worked at the big salons like Nesbit and Bombshell before going out on my own.

TFB: Tell us about your business. Where is it located? Who are your clients? What are your goals/vision for the company?

A: Malibu Tans is 1 year old and located in the West End on Skipwith Road near the intersection of Parham Road and Broad Street. It’s in a little yellow building that used to be a house. My typical client is anyone who wants to look like they have a tan, but is short on time and doesn’t want to go in the sun or a tanning bed. They are concerned about the health of their skin but still want that “sun-kissed” look. My goal is to provide the best service using the highest quality organic products. I want to help people look their best while caring for their skin.

TFB: Why a spray tan?

A: Spray tans are fantastic because they are fast and UV-Free. You can go from Winter pale to dark bronze overnight! It takes about 10 minutes to apply the tanning solution and then it gets darker while it develops over the next 8 hours. You can also choose how dark you want to be. And it’s customizable so if you want your legs to be darker than your body or face, I can do that!

TFB: How long does it last?

A: The airbrush tan lasts from 5-7 days if you take care of it correctly. This means moisturizing well every day and avoiding certain products like mineral oil and Dove. Hot tubs, pools, and sweating a lot can also fade the tan faster.

TFB: What are the different types of spray tan options?

A: At Malibu Tans I do offer a few different spray tan options. First, I have 6 shades of traditional tanning solution to choose from. Everything from a light golden glow to a dark chocolate-y brown. I also have an “express” solution for clients on the go. I spray it on just like regular tanning solution but you wash it off after only 1-3 hours. It still takes 8 hours for the color to peak, but you can wear regular clothes sooner. Secondly, you can choose to tan your full body, only half of your body, or just your face. And finally, I offer a pH balancing prep spray for clients who didn’t get a chance to shower.

TFB: How does it work? How long does it take? What does it feel like? Does it smell? Will it rub off on my clothes?

A: The spray tan is actually a simple chemical reaction. It’s called the Maillard Reaction and it’s the exact same chemical reaction that happens when you cut up an apple and leave it out. It gradually turns brown.
The tanning solution contains sugar (DHA) that reacts with the amino acids in your skin cells and causes them to oxidize and turn brown. You are the apple! The more DHA in the tanning solution, the darker you get. The tanning appointment is fairly quick. The airbrush tan takes 10 minutes to apply but 8 hours to fully set in. You have to be careful for the first 8 hours not to get wet. It will mess up the tan. Since the tanning solution is made from sugar, it does have a sticky feel to it, especially for the first hour or so. It also has a slight odor. The tanning solution I use doesn’t smell as strong as most, but your own body chemistry will determine the final outcome.I recommend wearing loose, dark clothing to the tanning appointment because the cosmetic bronzer in the solution can rub off on your clothes.

TFB: How should someone come prepared for a tan? What should they wear?

A: To prepare for the tan you want to exfoliate your skin so it’s nice and smooth, concentrating on elbows, knees, feet and anywhere you might have a rough patch. You also want to do all of your hair removal before the tan. This includes waxing, shaving and depilatory creams. If you plan on getting a mani/pedi, a facial or a massage, do them before the tan, too. All of these services can remove the tan or make it streaky. The day of the tan, try not to use lotions, oils, or perfumes. You will want to bring loose, dark clothing to your tanning appointment. You don’t want to rub the tan off with tight clothes. Flip-flops are helpful so you don’t get sock or shoe “tan lines”. You can wear a bathing suit, a thong or panties, or nothing at all during your tanning session. I have disposable thongs at the salon for my clients to use if they want.

TFB: What products do you recommend? Which ones do you carry? I know I like the bronze buffer.

A: I’m a product junkie so I have lots of recommendations. First, you need a sulfate-free body wash when you have a spray tan. No bar soap and no Dove! I like the California Tan Sunless Body Wash. Second, you need to moisturize well but you can’t use anything with mineral oil. I use the Norvell Body Butter. It’s thick and has a light lime scent that’s great in the morning. I also use plain Aveeno lotion at my boyfriend’s house. It works well with the spray tan and doesn’t smell “girly” so I can share it with him. Third, you need a good tan extender. They are lotions that have a little self-tanner in them so it gives your color a little extra “oomph”. I love the Norvell Venetian tan extender because it’s a bit darker than most and I can see results after just one use. And finally, to fix any trouble spots I also love the Bronze Buffer. It’s like a Magic Eraser for self-tanner! I carry the Norvell line of tanning products, as well as Coola organic sunscreen and the Bronze Buffer. But I will try anything once:)

TFB: How often do your typical spray tan clients come in? Do they use self tanner on their own in-between appointments? Do some people come in only for special occasions, or is it more of a regular thing?

A: Clients who want to maintain a healthy glow all year round come in about every other week. Some come in just for special occasions like weddings, vacations, and charity galas. I do have many clients who use tan extenders between appointments. I also have some who choose to use self-tanner at home but I warn them to not use it until a week after getting a spray tan. Too many layer of sunless tanner can take on an orange-y look.

TFB: What’s one thing you tell all of your clients?

A: The one thing I tell all of my clients is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! It really does help to hold the tan longer and allow it to fade more naturally.

TFB: What’s on your vacation checklist?

A: I always like to get a pedi with a bright polish before I go on vacation. The vibrant colors look great against my gold Tory Burch sandals. Of course getting a bikini wax and a dark spray tan are also on that list. I usually bring my Unite Beach Day salt spray to give my hair beachy waves. A trashy novel is my required beach reading and I keep my Olympus TG-4 camera ready to snap pics. Laura Mercier SPF 20 tinted moisturizer is what I use on my face and Coola Sport SPF 30 spray in Pina Colada for my body.

TFB: What’s your personal skincare/tanning routine?

A: Being an aesthetician, I’m pretty into skincare. I love using cutting edge stuff. My skin is a little sensitive so I wash with the SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. I’ve been using the Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair to moisturize day and night. When the tan on my face looks like it’s fading, I’ll substitute the Norvell Clear Complexion Gradual Facial Tanner & Moisturizer for the Blue Copper. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is my go-to sunscreen. And lately I’ve really gotten into the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance. It has a slight shimmer that makes your skin look lit from within. To keep my skin from looking it’s age, I also get facials and light chemical peels. Enzyme peels are my favorite! And for good measure, I get Botox from Dr. Godin a few times a year. As far as my tanning routine goes, I get my boyfriend to give me a spray tan every other week by bribing him with dinner. Yes, I had to teach my BF how to spray tan:) I also use tan extender every few days so I never get too white.

TFB: What’s in your makeup bag?

A: My makeup bag has lots of goodies in it! MAC eyeshadows are my favorite but I also have some great ones from Bobbi Brown and Too Faced. MAC Mineralize Loose Powder Foundation is what I dust over my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, followed by bareMinerals READY Bronzer in Skinny Dip. Benefit Erase Paste is the best under eye brightener. It actually makes it look like I got sleep! MAC blush in Dainty and Nars blush in Orgasm are what I use to give myself a flushed look. And I love my Smashbox SoftLights highlighters in Shimmer and Prism. My mascara routine is a bit weird but I’ve been doing it since high school and nothing seems to work better. I layer Lancome Definicils mascara over L’oreal Voluminous. It gives me volume and length and doesn’t run very easily. Finally, I use Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 to keep everything where it should be.

TFB: I know I met you through social media. Do you think social media has helped your business? How do you promote your business?

A: Social Media is a wonderful tool. I personally use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for my business. I think it’s a great way to connect and engage with my clients. But when it comes down to it, good old fashioned word of mouth is what gets me the most new business. And Yelp. I’ve gotten quite a few new clients from Yelp. I try to also promote my business through community involvement. I was a sponsor for RVA Fashion Week, Cinderella Dreams, and I’ve donated time, services, and products to local charities such as American Heart Association, Massey Cancer, and Richmond Animal League. I enjoy giving back to the city I love.

Alison is having an event at Malibu Tans this weekend featuring a makeup artist from Bobbi Brown. Come check out her salon and get your makeup done! Details here.

I love getting spray tans. (look out for part-two, where I interview my favorite spray tanner, Alison of Malibu Tans). They are such a pick-me-up and make you feel great in photos for special occasions or on vacation. When I went to the Outer Banks this summer, I got a spray tan the day before we left so I’d be tan for the trip.

On regular days, I use self tanners at home. They’re perfect for maintaining a little bit of a glow throughout the year. I’ve been in the same self-tan routine since March, and I’ve been getting  questions about what I use and how it works. So, I thought I’d do a little post about it.

What is it? I use a foaming self tanner called NKD SKN Tinted Tan Mousse. It’s not a makeup, and it doesn’t wash off. It gives the appearance of a tan, and gradually wears off. I use the dark shade, but I’ve tried the light/medium one. I prefer this one even though I’m fairly pale. I’ve also used St. Tropez, Vita Liberata and Tan Towel. I used St. Tropez pretty regularly before I found NKD SKN, and I definitely think it’s great. I prefer NKD SKN because of the color (it’s hard to explain, but it looks really natural, almost olive-toned), the smell (the best smelling one I’ve smelled) and the price – $19 .50 for 3.38 ounces vs. $34 for 4 ounces. I’d still St. Tropez too, it’s great. But, NKD SKN is my favorite.

How do you use it?  I use this mitt from St. Tropez to apply it all over before before bed. Heads up, it can look really dark when it first goes on.  I make sure I don’t have any lotion or sunblock on. When I take a shower in the morning, just enough comes off so that it looks natural. If I have streaks or if I get some on my fingers, I use this remover. For the most part though, it’s pretty fool-proof.

How long does it last? I’d say it’s in full effect for about 2-3 days, and then it starts to fade a little so I do another coat.

How much is to/Where do you get it? $19.50 from Elements Beauty Shop. (Get 10% off with the code TIRAMISU)

Does it get on your clothes and sheets? Yes, if you’re not careful. I wear dark pajamas the days I use it because it does transfer, but once I shower in the morning, none gets on my clothes for the day. (Speaking of pajamas, I’m dying for these ones from one of my favorite local boutiques.)

What about your face? I don’t usually use it on my face, but it depends.NKD SKN doesn’t  break me out at all, but it’s not really meant for the face. That’s been a tricky part about using self tanner. Sometimes, I have to think about and make sure my face/foundation matches the rest of me. I use one shade darker. I think this stuff is fabulous. I also use Clinique For Men bronzer. (This is a great product, actually – not just for guys!) and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil to warm up my face to match my body.  Sometimes I’ll take a tiny amount on the mitt and rub it on top of my face, but I usually skip that step. I also love to use Becca shimmering skin perfector on my cheeks for a complete bronze-glow look.

What else do I need to know? Make sure you exfoliate before you use the tanner. This is what I always hear. I don’t know if this makes a huge, visible difference in the appearance of the tan, but I do think it would help it last longer. I just discovered this super scrub from Derma Doctor, with Polylactic Acid Glycolic Acid, and I’m on my third jar of this one from 80 Acres. If you’re in a pinch and wearing dark clothes, you can apply this in the morning and be fine. I’ve skipped applying it out o laziness at night and then rubbed it on my legs and arms before throwing on a black dress for work.

Happy Tanning! Do you use self-tanner? What’s your favorite. What are your tips?

PS: Make sure to use the code: TIRAMISU at ElementsBeautyShop for 10% off NKN SKN, the Bronze Buffer, and anything else you get!

Bvlgari Rose Essentielle | $95 | Nordstrom:  Floral notes of ottoman rose, prelude rose, jasmine and violet, combined with the spicy base notes of sandalwood and patchouli. This is the perfume I’ve had for the longest time. I first asked for it for Christmas one year, and I’ve been repurchasing ever since. It’s rose, but

Chloe Roses de Chloé | $70 | Sephora:  Fresh Cut Roses, Bergamot, Rose Essence, Magnolia Accord, White Musk, Amber. I get the most compliments on this one. It smells like pure roses to me, and it’s very strong. I was hesitant about getting it at first because I already had the Blvgari, but I’m so glad I did.

Chanel N°5 Eau Premiere | $100 | Nordstrom: Modern, airy interpretation of the the classic N°5. Rich, warm, intense floral scent. I just bought this one with the latest Saks beauty coupon after nursing a sample for a few weeks in my makeup bag. It smells powdery and wonderful. It’s not as strong as Coco Mademoiselle, but it’s just as elegant.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle:$95 (Purse Spray) | Nordstrom: Bergamot, orange, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver, white musks, vanilla. This is the strongest scent I have and I love how elegant it seems. I like spray it once in the morning and it lasts the whole day. It’s easy to overdo it with this one, so I make sure to only spray it once. I love the refillable purse spray.

Jo Malone Red Roses | $65 | Nordstrom: Composed of seven types of roses from around the world with a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint. This is a pure, rose scent. It’s similar to Roses de Chloé, but I find it to be a little lighter.

Caswell-Massey Exlixr of Love | $40 | ElementsBeautyShop.com: Perfume-grade oils of Jasmine, Lavender, Egyptian Musk, and Passionflower and a secret herbaceous ingredient. I love this scent. It’s very unique, and the only thing I wish is that it lasted longer. I carry it in my purse to reapply, and I’m on my second bottle.

One of my favorite makeup artists to follow is Lisa Eldridge, and she raves about the skincare she picks up from pharmacies on her trips to Paris. When my wonderful friend Deb told me she was going on a trip to France for her business school program, I begged her to bring me home some skincare products. This is what she came back with! It turns out these are available in the US (See the photo below. It’s even on sale!)

The Avene spray perfect for when you’re doing full coverage makeup (for a special event or going out), and your makeup can look heavy right after you apply it. The spray gives the affect of a few hours wear, when your makeup has settled in (in a good way) and looks more natural. My favorite sprays are multi-purpose (COOLA, which gives SPF and Make Up For Ever, which “sets” makeup and makes it last longer), but this one is nice too.

I LOVE Bioderma. This is actually something I’d bought on Amazon, but I wanted to include it since it’s French. This is my favorite cleansing water. I use it every night to remove my makeup with one of these cotton pads, before my Erno Laszlo oil/treatment bar.

The Vichy serum smells wonderful -almost fruity, but I haven’t used it enough to see how well it works. The moisturizer is light and gentle.

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I must have these Tortoiseshell pumps.

Here’s a little about what I got at Nordstrom sale and a giveaway!!

Personal Microderm: I’m so excited to try this. I’ve seen several YouTubers talking about it. I love my Clarisonic, and am hoping this will be the next level of awesome.

Topshop Self-Tie Shirt Dress: This wasn’t on sale, but I love it and couldn’t help but include it. I’ve worn it several times already and it’s perfect. It’s super soft and cozy. It comes in red/orange, but I love the light grey. I first saw it on Buy Now Blog Later’s Intsagram and had to have it. (Note: don’t pay attention to the sizing recommendations/conversions on Nordstrom.com. It converts Topshop sizes to regular but I found it to be inaccurate. Buy your normal size).

Zella Live-In leggings: I also bought a pair of these last year at the anniversary sale. I got this fun blue color, but it’s sold out now. Zella is one of my favorite lines of work out clothes. I have several pairs of pants and this jacket that I love. I read somewhere that someone involved with Zella came from Lululemon and I do see the similarities.

Kate Spade Glitter Stud Earrings: (These are not sold out, but I bought an extra pair for my readers and am giving them away a multi-glitter pair in a Rafflecopter giveaway. USA only)

Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere just launched a clothing line with Nordstrom and Top Shop and it’s gorgeous. Here are my favorite pieces: 

I think Erno Laszlo’s Hydra Therapy Skin Revitalizer is just perfect. I bought it to use as a serum, under my moisturizer. Now that it’s summer , I use this in place of moisturizer for something super light that still keeps my skin hydrated.  Here’s what they have to say about it:

“A powerful thirst quencher for skin. Our lightweight emulsion is a serious hydrator, capturing and locking in moisture—drawing it into the deepest levels of skin. Completely immersed, skin feels plumper and softer, and fine lines and wrinkles look smoothed away. The hydration serum is perfect for summer for all skin types.  An added boost for those who are dry, and an oil free hydration for those who are oily.

Hydrates: Used alone, provides for oily skin’s occasional moisture needs and used with moisturizer, offers intensive hydration for normal to dry skin.
Rebuilds: Restores elasticity and increases firmness and tone.
Nourishes: Botanical phosphatides mimic skin’s own lipids, delivering nutrients to weak cells.”

This is one of the many, many products I’ve been trying out from Elements. Get 10% off your purchase in their Carytown store or at ElementsBeautyShop.com with the code TIRAMISU.

The lovely Jevata and Lenise of Canvas the Salon are teaming up with Renata, a makeup artist, to bring a beauty brunch concept from DC to Richmond. The theme is Wanderlust, and the brunch will be all about travel and beauty. My friends at Elements Beauty Shop will be there along with a panel of beauty experts. We’ll have mimosas and a delicious menu (soon to be announced, stay tuned!). Find out more about it on Facebook, and use the code TIRAMISU to get $10 off tickets here. In the spirit of this fun event, I’m rounding up my travel essentials. I’ll be sharing my beauty favorites next, so be sure to check back. I would really love to see you at the brunch! Post in the comments if you’re coming! 1. H&M Plaid Throw: The last time I was traveling, I noticed someone in the airport had a throw/scarf draped over their bag and I thought it looked so chic. I picked up this cream plaid one It’s sold out now, but  here’s a similar one. If you want to get really fancy, try this cashmere throw.

2. H&M Striped Woven Top:  I’m  wearing it here.

3. J. Crew Pixie Pants: These are a staple. I wear them almost every weekend all winter. I also thing they’re cute with a silk cami and a blazer. I love these with a sweater or long sleeve top for a plane ride. Maxi dresses with a sweater overtop are also great for long trips.

4. Tortoise sunglasses: I bought my round tortoise sunglasses from LOFT a few years ago, but these and these are similar. I also love these leopard ones.

5. Floppy Straw Hat: I love this for the beach. I have a black one, but this white one would be so pretty.

6. Fresh magazines are the best. I get Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, InStyle, Allure and Glamour. I try to save them when I know I have a trip coming up so I have something new and fun to read on the plane or in the car.

7. Kate Spade Saturday Square Down Perf Tote: I bought this last season and I’m still using it everyday. It’s sold out now but there are similar ones here and here.

8. Hue No-Show Socks: Socks! If I’m not in boots for winter, I’m usually not wearing socks. I like to carry a spare pair so I can take my shoes off and lounge for long trips.

9. Starbucks 24oz Cold Cup: I love having this with me on the plane or in the car to encourage me to drink more water. Traveling can take a lot out of you and

1. Soleil Tan de Chanel

2. Illusion D’Ombre

3. Perfection Lumiere Velvet

4. Les Beiges

5. Coco Mademoiselle

6. Rouge Coco Shine

Cubic Zirconia Pendant Necklace by Nadri from Nordstrom

So I got some new shoes:
My black pumps wore out at the toes, so I upgraded to these Trina pumps from Gwen Stepanie’s L.A.M.B. line. Yaaass. They’re just as gorgeous in person – super tall and chic. I also ordered the Adelia pumps in blush from Banana Republic, but I’ll be sending them back. They aren’t as pretty in person as on the site and I just didn’t love them compared to the Trina version.

I discovered a cute little lingerie store in Carytown, Fiamor, when shopping for a bridal shower gift. They have the prettiest sets and several lines I’d never heard of before. When I checked some of them out online, I came across Journelle and Blush, two sites with tons of options. Journelle has several brands ranging from super high end to affordable. When I ordered the purple set below at Christmastime, I joked that I had bought a present for my self because the packaging it came in was so beautiful. The Blush brand is carried in a lot of stores, including Fiamor and Nordstrom, but you can catch a lot of good sales if you shop from their website directly. Here are a few of my favorites Fiamor, Blush and Journelle:

1. Montelle Lace Coquette Demi Bra | Matching Underwear

2. Montelle Keyhole Balconnet Bra | Matching Underwear

3. Blush English Rose | Matching Underwear

Sheer Desire Demi Bra (black one from the first photo)

Elements, the store in Carytown I’ve been partnering with for the past few months, is having a beauty/skincare event on Thursday, May 7th. Jenna, a sales rep from Peter Thomas Roth, is coming down from DC to talk about new things and give skincare recommendations. I’m especially excited that one of my favorite restaurants, Amour Wine Bistro, is providing the drinks and snacks. I stopped by Elements on Saturday to shoot this promo video of co-owner, Jeanie Rule, and got a sneak peek of the awesome, deluxe samples they’ll be giving away. You all are going to love them. I’ve tried a lot of the products that will be featured at the event and am excited to learn about some new ones. Here are my top picks for the event!
1.  Talika Bio Enzymes Mask: I can’t wait to try this. Sheet masks really let product sink into your skin. This one’s formulated with cinnamon, argon oil and alpine and promises to reduce redness, blemishes and oily skin.

2. BeautyBlender: I bought this set so I could keep one and give one to my friend, Kerry. We’re both loving it. When you use this, make sure to wet the sponge and ring it out well before you use it to apply your foundation

3. Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask: This is probably my all time favorite acne product. I talk about it more in this post.

4. Coola Mattifying Makeup Setting Spray with SPF 30: Eee! I’m so excited about this. I picked it up on Saturday and used it today. I always here that you’re supposed to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, but wonder how you’re supposed to do it without messing up your makeup. This seems like it’ll be the perfect solution and I think I’ll love it for summer.

5. Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel Exfoliant: I love this for when my skin is feeling a little bit dry but also super sensitive, so I need to be really careful and not use a rough scrub to exfoliate.

6. Gloss Moderne Shampoo and Conditioner: I could go on and on about this stuff. It smells like cake and makes your hair SO soft. They also make a hair mask, which they’ll have samples of at the event.

7. Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Mask:  I LOVE this mask. It’s perfect for wearing on top of moisturizer overnight for extra hydration when you sleep.

I love these new mules so much, I decided to pick up a similar pair. Two summers ago I bought these heels from Nordstrom rack. I got a lot of wear out of them but the faux wood chipped off and I probably wouldn’t recommend them.  I found these nude mules at Kohl’s online. They were just as awesome in person.

 Since working with Elements Beauty Shop, I’ve switched up my skincare to include several Erno Laszlo products. I’m so excited to be trying out their newest, the White Marble Treatment Bar. It’s described as a gentle, daily corrective cleansing bar that deeply hydrates as it counteracts discoloration. It promises brighter, fairer and more even-toned skin by lifting away impurities and gently clarifying and refining skin texture and tone.

I have had it about a week, and I’ve been loving it so far. Skip the Pre-Cleansing Oil, because the White Marble Treatment Bar has a nano- encapsulated  brightening agent, and the oil will block the penetration. (I still love my my sea mud treatment bar and Pre-Cleaning Oil too.) Follow with the light controlling lotion (the toner)  and Oil-Control Day Lotion from this kit. It smells wonderful and feels super smooth on the skin. I’m looking forward to see how it lightens the discoloration I have from acne scarring.

There are a few other products I can’t wait to talk to you about, so stay tuned for a full skincare routine post.

Don’t forget to use the code TIRAMISU to get 10% off these and any other products you like at Elementsbeautyshop.com or in their Carytown boutique.

*This post is a sponsored collaboration with Elements Beauty Shop.  All opinions are my own.

 Since working with Elements Beauty Shop, I’ve switched up my skincare to include several Erno Laszlo products. I’m so excited to be trying out their newest, the White Marble Treatment Bar. It’s described as a gentle, daily corrective cleansing bar that deeply hydrates as it counteracts discoloration. It promises brighter, fairer and more even-toned skin by lifting away impurities and gently clarifying and refining skin texture and tone.

I have had it about a week, and I’ve been loving it so far. Skip the Pre-Cleansing Oil, because the White Marble Treatment Bar has a nano- encapsulated  brightening agent, and the oil will block the penetration. (I still love my my sea mud treatment bar and Pre-Cleaning Oil too.) Follow with the light controlling lotion (the toner)  and Oil-Control Day Lotion from this kit. It smells wonderful and feels super smooth on the skin. I’m looking forward to see how it lightens the discoloration I have from acne scarring.

There are a few other products I can’t wait to talk to you about, so stay tuned for a full skincare routine post.

Don’t forget to use the code TIRAMISU to get 10% off these and any other products you like at Elementsbeautyshop.com or in their Carytown boutique.

*This post is a sponsored collaboration with Elements Beauty Shop.  All opinions are my own.

Here are my favorite beauty-related things for the month of March!

Bumble and Bumble Dry Shampoo

Hot Tools Curling Iron (I think mine is 1 1/2 inches)

Erno Laszlo Kit

Erno Laszlo Moisturizer

The Somme Institute Serum

Gloss Moderne Shampoo/Conditioner

*I have a partnership with Elements Beauty Shop, and receive their products at a 10% discount. you can too with the code TIRAMISU at Elementsbeautyshop.com! All opinions are my own.

PS: My actual favorite thing of the whole month was this photo of my cat. I can’t stop looking at it.

Meet Hannah, a senior artist at Sephora, aerial silks performer, animal lover and contouring pro. She’s letting us take a peek inside her makeup bag.

Photo by Dave Parrish Photography.

She posts great tutorials and eye looks on her Instagram.

Tiramisu for Breakfast: What’s your favorite beauty brand?

Hannah: How can you choose?! I love having the best products from each brand, it’s all about creating your personalized beauty wardrobe! 

TfB: What product have you been using the longest – your tried and true?

H: Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation, if they ever discontinue it I’ll die.

TfB: Who’s your beauty inspiration?

H: Carole Lombard. She had such strong features and perfect hair and a glamorous tomboy sort of duality.

TfB: What’s in your makeup bag right now?

H: Sephora mattifying compact foundation, Smashbox bb undereye concealer, Diorshow Maximizer lash primer, Marc Jacobs Omega Lash mascara, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes liner, Lancôme powder pencil for the brows.

TfB: Skincare routine?

H: I’m obsessed with natural skincare brands, especially Ole Henriksen and Boscia. My skin is really prone to breakout so when I find something I can rely on I am very loyal!

TfB: What are your travel essentials?

H: Sephora collection Waterproof eye make up remover, a baby size of the Vita Liberata sunless tanning mousse (in case I need to touch up my tan), a bb cream to give me light coverage and SPF and I buy a new fragrance for every vacation so that whenever I smell it I’m transported back to that time.

Who else’s makeup bag would you like to peek inside? Post requests in the comments!

I’ve been seeing these mules from Vince all over (I even got to wear them here). Here are a few more styles I’ve had my eyes on.

1. Kenneth Cole Reaction Edge Hill Mules | Macy’s | $55.30 I just got these and I’m so excited about them. I mentioned them before here, when I first noticed they were a dupe for the ones Julia has from Vince.

2. Harper Mules | J Crew | $118 I love these flat ones!

3. Sechelle Perfect Match Perforated Suede Mule | Nordstrom | $99.95

4. Mossimo Jane Heels | Target | #34.99

Last weekend was amazing, thanks to a bunch of awesome folks working on the Style Weekly Black Book of Style. Dana Elmquist, their Publishing and New Media Director, reached out and asked if I’d help them out by trying on the clothes for photos. YAAASS. I didn’t know much more about it, but soon learned we’d be working with Sydney from Chic Stripes. (yay!) Scott, Dana’s husband, took all of the photos for the shoot.  He’s GREAT.  I also recruited my friend Patrick to show off the mens’ clothes.

I posted a lot of these pictures already on my Instagram, but I thought you might like to hear a little more about the shoot and see links to the pieces in the photos. Here’s how it went:

We started the day our at La Bella Hair Studio for hair and makeup with Susannah. She did an awesome job and was so fun to talk to.

Patrick even got a free brow wax. Bonus!

We met Sydney Page Lester and Dana and Scott Elmquist at the Glave Gallery for our first set of shots. Dana and Sydney unloaded the goods, while I got a latte. Diva model life. Just kidding, I totally helped. (I did get a latte though. It was early!)

The look was “athleisure,” which I was super excited about about. I love these Vince mules. I’d seen them on Nordstrom’s site a bunch and contemplated using some saved up Banana points to get them from Piperlime, so I was definitely glad to try them on in real life.

The shoes had fancy white soles, so Sydney had to tape the bottoms to make sure they didn’t get messed up and we stood on napkins to protect them even more. Glamor.

The top and bottoms were both from a local consignment shop, Ashby, so I don’t have links to the exact pieces. I have the Express Barcelona Tank in white and it’s a great basic piece. A lot of the colors are reversible, too. They do have a pencil skirt in a similar print.  The pants are Athleta brand.

I loved having fake lashes!

I got to wear an awesome pair of Dana’s own shoes, too.

Next, we went to LaDiff, which is where I got to try on my favorite outfit of the day.

This skirt was SO COOL and this cropped top with a high waisted skirt look is my new favorite thing. Both are by Alice and Olivia.

Dana loved it too.

Our last stop was The Rogue Gentleman, where we shot some cocktail looks. This striped crop top and pop art midi skirt are both by Milly from Saks.

I don’t remember who the shoes were by, but I had to post this picture because it was hilarious to me that Dana and Sydney had to help me take them on and off so they wouldn’t get ruined on the floor. 

This beaded bustier and Floral Jacquard midi skirt are both by Phoebe, also from Saks. 

Dana posted a sneak peek; I’m so excited!

Thank you SO SO SO much to Dana and Scott, Sydney, and Susannah!

I love some of the new things they’ve come out with for spring. I browsed the site last night and wanted to share a few favorites:

BR Monogram Pieced Silk Blouse

Perforated Yoke Tank

Colorblock Crepe Tank

Mixed-Media Cutaway Tank.

(I Love tops that are cut like this. The neckline looks like it would be super flattering.)

amirite?

Update: Ann Taylor is having their friends and family sale this weekend. I ordered it online, along with this skirt and this blouse. I also tried it on in-store. Like a lot of Ann Taylor pieces, it runs a bit large.

This post from Young house Love (miss them), has also always stuck with me. I was so impressed at their frugality and discipline. I also love Kristen from Minima. She teaches her clients to carefully choose the things they bring into their lives.  For me, it’s an interesting balance. I’m a huge believer in taking care of yourself, treating yourself, and having fun with your life in general. That’s actually where the name of my blog comes from. Tiramisu for breakfast? Why not? I love buying things and sharing about them, but I also want to be aware. It’s easy to get sucked in, reading blogs, seeing things on Instagram and watching hauls on YouTube. I don’t want to spend my thoughts and time on things I want to buy, and I don’t want to feel guilted into into buying things I don’t want at the mall because I’m easily convinced by sales people.

This January, one of the Youtubers  I follow, LisaLisaD1, did a no-buy month. I watch her videos because I love living seeing all the clothing and beauty goodies she picks up each week. She teamed up with her friend and they both challenged themselves to refrain from shopping at all for one month. I followed along as she shared and decided I’d try a no-buy month out for myself. I went for February, the shortest month (sneaky sneaky). I thought It’d keep track of all my temptations and what I did to keep myself on track. I told a couple of friends I was doing it, but I’ve been waiting until now to post in case I caved and went on a shopping spree. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Here’s how it went:

2/1: I noticed the new grey super-soft sweat shirts that my Barre studio got in. I was just about to tell the instructor to charge my account when I realized nope, today began my no-buy month.

2/6 On the way to our ski trip in Wintergreen, VA, we stop at the mall. I needed to pick up my work computer from the Allie store and get the security tag removed from a bra I purchased from LuLulemon that was left on by mistake. The salesperson invited me to check out all the pink and red stuff they were featuring for Valentine’s Day and I glanced longingly but bolted out of the store to avoid temptation. I didn’t like the new IT cosmetics mascara I got in the mail from ULTA so I did exchange that for the Too Faced one I know I like. The difference was $0.22. Maybe this was cheating? My boyfriend said it was not.

2/8: I order a subscription to Real Simple from Amazon and feel guilty. Is this cheating!? Still not sure… I notice Nordstrom now has two new colors in these comfy lounge pants that I LOVE.  You guys, these pants are SO soft and wonderful. These are definitely going on the list. (I kept a mental list of all the things I thought about buying but didn’t, so I could decide at the end of the month if I really wanted them.

2/10: I stop by Elements on my lunch break to pick up samples and am tempted to buy the full size Erno Laszlo toner. I’m really loving the oil, cleansing bar, toner, moisturizer system and am worried everything will get out of sync if I run out and have to skip the toner step. I decide I’ll cross that bridge when we come to it and walk out with just some samples.

2/11: Sephora emails to say they’ve picked up the Armani line. I peek, of course, but don’t add anything to my basket. I noticed the Kenneth Cole mules I want from Macy’s are on sale. This was hard to resist. What if they sell out?! Then, I see this coat on Js Everyday Fashion. Stunning. How is this only $72? If I had not been on a no-buy, I would totally have gotten it.

2/17:  I went on the Sephora website to order a gift, and then thought I’d check-in on my Nordstrom shopping cart. The pants I wanted are sold out. 🙁 Such a bummer

2/19. A coworker got a Sephora delivery at the office and I freaked out and made her tell me what she got. So many withdrawals. The vitamin C serum I wanted to try is sold out. This is the worst.

It’s so funny looking back on the notes I took throughout the month. Obviously, some days were easier than others.  I feel so lucky to receive things from companies to blog about (like the Erno Laszlo products in this post), so that definitely made not shopping a lot easier.  One cool thing I noticed is that I rediscovered old products that I’d forgotten about and tired new things that didn’t cost anything extra, like this female version of a “man bun,” that I saw in an ad for Tresemmé.

3/1 No buy is finally over I made it! Throughout the month, I planned on heading to the mall as soon as the 1st came, and splurging on all the stuff I’d deprived myself of throughout the month. It was  Sunday, so I started the day with a barre class and then went to Marshall’s for the first time since February. I was used to stop in there every time it was on the way workout classes in the West End but I hadn’t been there in a month The magic wasn’t there. I even passed up this Kate Spade bag.

I came home and did end up treating myself to a few things from Elements, all of which I feel good about (of course they always throw in extras for me, which makes it even more worth it). The pants I wanted at Nordstrom also came back in stock, so I ordered those. Overall. A no-buy month was a pretty cool experience.

I was just introduced to Erno Laszlo skincare and it’s quickly becoming a favorite. Erno Laszlo was a famous eccentric dermatologist from Hungary that came to America and opened an institute in 1939. His mantra is “Beautiful skin takes commitment, not a miracle.” (You’ll see that later on when we get to the famous splashing technique). Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn,  Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were all clients of his. I’m a sucker for luxurious products, so of course I was excited. Jeanie and Sherry gave me a bunch of good stuff to try, including sample of the Hydra Therapy Sleep Mask, which I mentioned here. I love masks you can sleep in, so I was especially excited to try this. I loved it so much I ended up purchasing the full size.

I talked to Julie, a representative from the brand to learn more about the line and get recommendations according to my skin type. At the risk of boring you with  too many specifics, my skin is pretty sensitive and acne prone. If I use the right products, everything can be fine. BUT, one wrong mask and I’ll be recovering from a breakout for weeks. I’m always wary of over-drying and make it a point to use lots of moisturizing products (think oils, masks, that REN emollient cream that I love).  I told Julie I had dry but acne-prone skin. We talked about it more, and decided on a program for combination skin, and she sent me these products to try. It felt like Christmas. Shout out to @shopanomie on Instagram for the photo inspiration)

How cute are those tiny bottles? When Jeanie and Sherry originally gave me the pre-cleansing oil and mini treatment to try, I didn’t read the instructions and was apparently using them incorrectly. Julie explained that you’re supposed to rub the wet treatment bar over the pre-cleansing oil on your face, and the two mix together to make a creamy emulsion. Much better results. I also got to try these eye creams. They’re all great, but I think I like the Firmarine best. The first one I tried, TranspHuse, is an age fighting, moisturizing eye cream. The Luminous is a detoxifiying, cooling gel. The Firmarine forumla hydrates for smoother, firmer under eyes.  Spirulina Maxima encourages collagen production & boosts firmness. Sodium Hyaluronate & Glycosaminoglycans hydrate, increase elasticity & smooth the skin. Aloe Extract calms, soothes & moisturizes. They’re all a clear, gel formula that doesn’t irritate my eyes at all.

Here’s the cleansing ritual I tried:

Before I use the Erno products, I take my makeup off using Bioderma cleansing water. Then, I follow with these four steps:

One: Phelityl Pre Cleansing Oil: For dry and combination skin types that want to remove impurities before they wash their face, it’s rich in 12 essential oils full of fatty acids to nourish and protect the skin. I’ve used cleansing oils in the past, (I use the ones from Shiseido because they’re extra soft). This smells wonderful and feels awesome on the skin. I take my time rubbing it in before I add the soap because it feels so great.

Two: Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar: Enriched with 26 essential minerals, this magic bar is supposed to detoxify, cleanse and hydrate. Here’s how to use it: Fill the sink with hot water, dip the bar, and gently rub the bar over the Face (the oil is still on the skin at this point). Repeat to create a rich lather and massage the face. Then comes the famous splashing technique. Splash 20 times in the accumulated water, then splash another 10 times with clean water. This is apparently the magic trick. I’ve seen bloggers/vloggers talk about gathering product from the bar with a wet Clarisonic brush and using that, but I haven’t tried that yet. The first time I tried this, I washed the oil off before using the soap, which was more trying. The two together is a perfect formula.

Three: Light Controlling Lotion: This is called a lotion but it’s what most of us would refer to as a toner. It controls surface oil while minimizing the appearance of pores. This is the product I was most hesitant about. I stay away from toners because I associate them with alcohol and drying out the skin. I was pleasantly surprised at this one. Clove Oil eliminates bacteria & serves as an antiseptic, while glycerin naturally binds moisture to the skin. The result is clean, refreshed skin and tightened pores. Sweeping it over the skin with a cotton pad (I use the ones from Shiseido because they’re super soft) gently exfoliates and it makes my face feel super clean.

These three products come in this set, which I’ll be purchasing once my samples run out/when my no buy February is over.

Four: Oil Control Day Lotion with SPF 15: It seems like a basic moisturizer with an SPF of 15, but I love the way the whole system works together. It’s described as  a moisturizer for oily skin that needs moisturizing, but also needs oil control. Glycerin plus antioxidant Vitamins A, C & E hydrate, repair and renew the skin. Avobenzone (3%) & Octinoxate (7.5%) protect from UVA/UVB rays.

Don’t forget to use the code TIRAMISU to get 10% off these and any other products you like at Elementsbeautyshop.com or in their Carytown boutique.

*This post is a sponsored collaboration with Elements Beauty Shop.  All opinions are my own.

Elements also partnered with Chic Stripes, Worthy Style, Sweet Caroline RVA and Kristel Poole. Be sure to check out their posts too!

My favorite things to relax with.

The most amazing vanilla tea (This links to Amazon but it’s cheaper at your local grocery store. I got mine at Martin’s) | A Candle that smells like Abercrombie (in a good way?) | A hydrating lavender mask | The sweetest little teacup. The softest, most wonderful lounging pants (I can’t wait to get another pair in black).

1. Mason Pearson Styling Comb from Elements Beauty Shop: I bought these for my dad and my boyfriend this past Christmas and they both really like them. My dad had always used type of plastic combs that are free in hotels, so he was excited to have one that’s made by hand. The plastic comes to the factory in Switzerland from Italy in a sheet, where it is die-cut into the general shapes of the comb styles. From that point, until the comb is finished, everything is done by hand. Each tooth is cut, one at a time, on a special saw. The comb is then tumbled in a polishing drum to smooth the surface.

2. The Red Lindsay Lambswool Scarf from Ledbury: Everything from this store is so luxurious and has me wishing they made clothes for women too. They’re kicking off a big warehouse sale this Thursday with a Mardi Gras-themed party in their downtown Richmond showroom. Sweaters, blazers, accessories and discontinued shirt styles will be up to 75% off through Monday the the 16th.

3. Statesman Socks from BoldFoot: Frustrated by design under a concept called “planned obsolescence,”(the amount of time a brand wants its products to last before they fall apart and you’re forced to replace them) and the fact that just 3% of apparel sold in the U.S. is made in the U.S., my former coworker, Brad, launched Boldfoot just last year. Boldfoot aims to prove that “American-made” stands for something, and is starting with awesome socks. They’re 100% American-made from cotton grown right here in the states.

4.  The McDaniel Chambray: Another classy pick from Ledbury.

5. Caswell-Massey Shaving Brush: My boyfriend really wanted one of these for Christmas. I didn’t realize that Elements carried them until after I’d already bought him one from The Art of Shaving in Short Pump Mall. I wish I’d seen these though. A much cheaper price-point ($35 vs. $85) and it’s a local business.

6. Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather: I bought this to go with the brush. He says he only needs to use a little bit of the product and it’s his favorite thing from the Jack Black line.

7. Luncar Eclipse Tie from Richmond Thread Lab: I showed my friend Molly this roundup as I was working on it and she made sure I didn’t leave out this company. I love this tie and this grey one.

8. Candy Valley Cake Pops: How awesome are these?! I first tried these when they made these adorable custom geckos for our client’s book launch and I’ve since had them at company parties, bridal showers, and football parties. If you’re guy has a sweet tooth, these are perfect. AND, they’re taking orders up until the 13th!

Get 10% off any purchase from Elements Beauty Shop with the Code TIRAMISU.

Just picked up this dainty little thing from Need Supply in Carytown.

PS: Cat Bird also has a pretty version (which is what I saw first), but it’s $$$.

The lovely Tiffany Williams of Chloe+Isabel knows supporting the local arts community in Richmond is important to me, so she offered to collaborate on a fundraiser for Richmond CenterStage.

Chloe+Isabel is a jewelry company based out of NYC where everything is designed in house. Everything is hypoallergenic, nickel- and lead-free, and has a lifetime guarantee.

Richmond CenterStage is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to provide diverse local and world-class performing arts, transformative arts education experiences for students of all ages, and inspirational venues—all to strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of Greater Richmond. I’m the current chair of the Richmond CenterStage Associates board, where we support the foundation by spreading awareness and raising funds. Here’s a few of us from the group at one of our fundraising events.

  One of my favorite parts of being involved with this organization is participating in Lights Up.  Lights up is a free weekend of youth and the arts at the Genworth BrightLights Education Center with  30 workshops, master classes, lecture-demonstrations and live performances featuring the Resident Companies of Richmond CenterStage. Children get to play in an “instrument petting zoo,” with cellos, violins, trombones, and other instruments that might not get to experience if it weren’t for this organization.

Now that I’ve convinced you of the worthy cause, here’s how the fundraiser works: I picked out ten items from the Chloe+Isabel collection. ALL of the profits from these ten items will be donated to Richmond CenterStage. Click here to see/shop these items! Thank you, Tiffany, for being so generous and I’m excited to see which jewels you all choose!

This is the second post of a collaborative series of posts with Elements Beauty Shop about skincare. (Check out the first one here.) Because it’s been super cold here in Richmond for the past week or so, we decided we’d share some winter skin savers.

My skin tends to be on the dry side, so I like to use hydrating masks year round. I’ve started to incorporate some extra moisturizing products into my routine for winter. I like to keep most of my routine the same (cleanser, moisturizer) so I like to pack in the extra moisture in the form of oils and balms. Here are a few of my favorites:   

1. REN Vita Mineral Emolient Rescue Cream: I love using this on any spots of dryness  (like the corners of my mouth). I’ll put it on before I go to bed, and even dab it on over my makeup throughout the day if I need to.

2. CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm: Sherry and Jeanie had nothing but good things to say about this stuff. The consistency reminds me of Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour cream: that thick, vaseline texture that’s good for super, super dry spots.

3. REN Rose O12 Moisture Defense Oil: This smells amazing, obviously, but it seriously does the job too. I mentioned it first in my Best of Ren post, where it’s described as a “blanket for your skin.” I like to put this under my moisturizer before bed.

4. REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil: Leslie, the Ren rep mentioned here, was kind enough to send me a bottle of this to try and it’s great! It’s not quite as thick as the rose oil, so I can use this one during the day too. Omega 3 from Vegetal Plankton and Gold from Pleasure Oils are supposed to promote natural cell renewal and optimum moisture levels to restore firmness and elasticity.

5. Erno Laszlo Hydra Therapy Memory Sleep Mask: I can’t even believe how soft my skin is when I wake up after using this. It has the coolest texture. Apparently it’s “based on memory foam developed for the NASA space program, the weightless gel texture bounces back, cushioning the skin to restore youthful elasticity overnight.” How crazy is that – NASA?! I bought this last month and it’s my favorite new product.

If you have issues with dry lips, Jeanie and Sherry recommended the Pure Marula lip balms. It has micro-encapsulated marula oil, beeswax and mango butter for barrier protection and Kokum oil for skin rejuvenation. I can’t wait to try it.

Use the code “Tiramisu” at ElementsBeautyShop.com for 10% off your purchase!

I’m also super excited to tell you about the Elements Beauty Shop Pin To Win contest! All you have to do is create a beauty wish list on Pinterest (here’s my board), and you could win a gift card! ! Check out the details in the image below and click through to enter on Facebook.

*This post is a sponsored collaboration with Elements Beauty Shop.  All opinions are my own.

PS: Elements also teamed up with a few more bloggers, so be sure to look out for their posts (I’ll be sure to share them on my Facebook page).

I got this makeup bag for Christmas (which I LOVE). I did a “What’s in My Makeup Bag” post a while ago, and I’ll be doing an updated one soon.

Express has some really great wear-t0-work staples. I talked about the portofino shirt here, and now their Barcelona Cami has caught my eye. I was shopping with my friend Emily, who was looking for things to wear for her job as a statistician (Models, SomersD, Basel? What?!), and she picked up a couple of these. The shape reminds me of the silk camis at J. Crew (I talk about those here) but these seem a lot sturdier and I love that they’re reversible.

It smells like Christmas!

My boyfriend sweetly surprised me with this as a stocking stuffer after I raved about a sample I’d gotten. I love love love the way it smells.

PS: Tiramisu For Breakfast followers can get 10% off on this and tons of other great stuff with the code TIRAMISU at ElementsBeautyShop.com

I borrowed a fancy fur from my friend to wear to a fancy event (seen here) last year and loved it. Then, one of my favorite YouTubers, LisaLisaD1, mentioned this one from Forever21 and this one from ASOS in one of her videos.

I went for the one from Forever21. I wasn’t sure about it at $67 but I got it half price on Cyber Monday and it’s awesome. I wore it to dinner with my boyfriend’s aunt, and got lots of compliments when I wore it to the mall the next day.

 I’m wearing it with this blouse from LOFT (one of my favorites), and a pair of black J Brand jeans I found at Marshalls.

Forever21 actually has a bunch of really cute coats like this. I like this one:

and this leopard print one!

I was hesitant at first, but I think these are all really fun. If you’re dressing up for new years, it would be fun to wear one with a dress, but I also really liked it with just jeans and a blouse.

What’re you wearing for New Year’s?

I loved these Vince mules (No longer available) when I saw them on Gal Meets Glam, and I just found a copycat version at Macy’s. Aren’t they cool?

Here’s what the Vince ones look like (on Julia from Gal Meets Glam).

How clever is this? I saw this on Buy Now Blog Later‘s instagram. I found the seller on Etsy, and they have a couple of different options.

These are super nice!
I didn’t know gloves came in so many sizes. I got a 7.5 and they’re nice and snug.

If you’ve been following my posts, it’s no surprise when I say that REN is one of my FAVORITE brands. Ever since my cousin bought me their body cream and bath oil one year for Christmas, I’ve loved discovering new products from the brand.  A lovely local boutique/online store, Elements Beauty Shop, noticed my love of REN and suggested we partner up to spread the word about great skincare products. I was blown away when
I saw all the brands they pack into their adorable Carytown shop. I’ve loved discovering new (to me) lines like Erno Lazlo, The Organic Pharmacy and Somme Institute.

This is the first of a collaborative series of posts about skincare. There are a bunch of great products I can’t wait to talk to you about. When I asked on Facebook, you all shared some of your skincare concerns. Make sure to let me know what you’d like to see so I can include it. I’m excited to learn along with you as I talk to the experts at Elements and share tips with you! Because I’ve already tried out and fell in love with so many things from REN, I figured it would be the best place to start.  I talked to a representative from REN Skincare, Leslie,  to make sure I had all the facts about the products included in this post, and I’m excited to share them with you.

These are my favorite products so far from REN. Let me know your favorites or the ones you’re excited to try in the comments! 1. REN Rosa Centifolia™ No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm: This was one of the very first REN products I ever tried and it’s wonderful.  (I mentioned it first here back in January, and again here when I shared my favorite rose-scented products.) Apply this to dry skin, and then use wet fingertips to rub it in as the texture changes from a  (I use baby washcloths because they’re extra soft)

2. REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser: After I liked the balm so much, I decided to give the hot cloth cleanser a try. This one smells just as good and I like to alternate between the two.

3. REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil:  My favorite thing to do with this is pour a little in a tiny bowl, add hot water, and soak my hands as part of a mini-manicure.

4.REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial: OK, does this not sound amazing? The marketers were super-smart about the naming of this product, because who doesn’t want an at-home facial? And it only takes a minute?  Here’s how it works:  Vitamin C from Ascorbic Acid stimulates collagen synthesis, evens out skin tone and provides instant radiance to the skin. Boswellic Acid from Boswellia Serrata Bark relaxes micro-contractions of facial tissue to smooth lines.  Glycogen Magnesium from Marine Glucose Mineral boosts skin energy and radiance. Fancy, right?!

 5. REN Rose O¹² Moisture Defence Oil: Fab, fab, fab. I got this last winter because my skin was feeling super dry. I use it at night and in the morning underneath my moisturizer. Even though it’s already gotten chilly in Virginia, my skin hasn’t gotten the memo and started being dry like crazy. But when it does, I’ll be pulling this out.Leslie called this “a blanket for your skin.”

6. REN Radiance Gift Set: I bought this set when I started hearing tons of buzz about the Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. This whole set is the same price as just the mask, so I went for it and got the extra goodies at no extra cost. Leslie shared some very cool things about these products with me. The entire radiance line is for improving uneven skin tone (think acne scarring or sun spots) and dullness. She recommends this set to use the night before a big event as a “Red carpet facial.” Start with the micro polish cleanser, then apply the AHA concentrate for even deeper exfoliation. Then, apply the Glycolactic mask and leave it on for 30 minutes. Remove it with a wet cloth, and then use the vitamin C serum. Last, use your favorite moisturizer.

After chatting withLeslie about her favorite products, the Rosa Centifolia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser and the Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue Cream are next on my list of things to try. A lot of you have talked about looking for products that combat dry, winter skin. Replacing your moisturizer with the Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue Cream is supposed to do the trick! (Update: I picked up the Emolient Rescue Cream and I LOVE it.) 

A little bit more about REN:

Antony Buck and Robert Calcraft of the UK started REN Skincare. Buck’s wife was pregnant at the time, and was struggling with reactions to all of her  beauty products. They founded the brand based on these three principals:

Performance: REN gives you groundbreaking product formulation, the latest hi-tech actives, rigorous product testing and clinically proven results.

Purity: REN uses only 100% plant and mineral derived actives and is free from skin-unfriendly synthetic ingredients *.

Pleasure: We believe that the texture, fragrance and experience of using REN can make the world a slightly nicer place to be and make us feel slightly nicer being here.

Elements is having a special skincare event next Wednesday, December 17th. Eva DeVirgilis,  an amazing actress and make up artist, is sharing skincare tips and giving makeovers. Check out her TedxRVA speech.

I love what she has to say about beauty: “I think every woman who sits in my chair is beautiful, with or without makeup; she just has no idea…Makeup is my therapy puppet to help a woman open up about how she’s feeling…Almost every time, it works. I see a woman leap up out of my chair and actually smile at herself. Even if it’s temporary, there is a very real transformation that happens in this chair.”

If you’re in Richmond, I’d love to see you there! Everyone’s invited, and all the details are in the Facebook event here. Tiramisu For Breakfast followers will get 10% off their purchase at the event. If you’re not in Richmond or can’t make it on Wednesday, use the code ‘TIRAMISU’ to get 10% off your first order at ElementsBeautyShop.com. They’re also doing free shipping for the holidays!

*This post is a sponsored collaboration with Elements Beauty Shop.  All opinions are my own. Thanks so much to Leslie from REN for sharing awesome tips!

Here are a few fun things I spotted this Black Friday.

I’ve been wanting one of these little fur infinity scarves. I picked this one up at American Eagle after trying on a couple of pairs of ripped jeans and finally deciding I’m too old for them.

 The LOFT I went to on Friday didn’t have a lot in stock, but I saw these things online.

1. Colorblock mock neck pullover

2. Crystal Cuff Earrings

3. Black and crystal gem cuff earrings

4. Crystal cluster fan earrings

5. Pearlized Front-Back Stud Earrings

I also loved this coat, but I already have four white coats and needed to draw a line.

Everlane was doing a Black Friday donation promotion, and since my friend Corey mentioned she loves the, I decided to try the V neck and U neck versions (in white, obviously). I splurged on this Vince tee last month, but it already got a hole in it so I’m returning it and back to trying out other brands.

I’ve been seeing a lot about these over the knee flat, black boots (see here and here). These ones are from Nordstrom.

I usually wear Stila beso when I want a red lip, but it’s super drying. I’m going to try out this NARS Matte Velvet Lip Pencil in Cruella, a scarlet (blue-toned) red.

This little Tocca set was one of Sephora’s limited edition gifts for the holidays, so I ordered a couple to give away. 

I bought some backups of this candle last year, so I didn’t pick up any new ones yesterday but I wanted to mention that this is my favorite Christmas candle. The Bath and Body Works candles are my favorite (Mahogany Teakwood, specifically), and I love the Fresh Balsam for the holidays. I’ve already been burning a few from my stash for the past few weeks. 

Always get these candles when they’re 2 for $22 and use a $10 off $30 coupon OR the 20% off. (unless they’re on an even better sale). I also put up my Christmas tree, and my kitty was pretty curious about it (the top part turned on a little while later).

Here’s what I like to wear when I’m working out.

1. Super Fun Yoga Pants: Definitely the most fun thing in my workout wardrobe AND these feel so cool! I always get compliments when I wear these.

2. Reusable Shopping Tote: How cute is this?! I use this  to carry my clothes in  my car when I don’t have time to go home and change in between work and class.

3. Nike Favorite Sports Bra: This is my favorite sports bra. I have it in black and in pink.

4. Nike Dual Fusion Lite: I actually found these when Kohl’s posted them on Instagram. I’m wearing them here with some fun pants I got from my yoga studio.

Here are a few of my other favorites:

 I got this jacket in my never ending quest to dress like Olivia Pope. I also love the pants in this picture. They’re from the Gap outlet and they have a double seam on the inner thigh that’s super flattering. I don’t think you can shop the outlet online, but these seem similar.

The lovely, lovely Amy gifted me these Super Fun Yoga Pants by Teeki. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles! She stopped by the office let me try on a bunch of different styles. (My friend Megan’s review of them is spot on)

Here they are in action. My barre teacher was wearing the same ones!

And here they are in serious action.

I’m wearing my favorite tank in this picture. It was called the Nike G87 but now I think it’s called the knockout tank? I have it in black, white and mint. It’s so, so soft.

My friend Liz raves about the wonder unders from Lululemon. I still haven’t tried those but I always wander into the store to see what new things they have. I finally caved when I saw this Free To Be Wild sports bra.

Update: It’s now out of stock (boo),  but I got the Free to Be bra in white and I love that one too.

I also found this tank and the neckline reminded me of this dress, so I picked it up too.

My favorite places to work out are Richmond Barre, Hot house Yoga and Gymquest Gymnastics (they have an adult tumbling class on Sundays at noon that I go to with my friends). I pretty much wear the same thing no matter which I’m going to, but the sweat wicking clothes are definitely my favorite for yoga. But, sometimes workout wear ends up just being lounge wear. Here are a few of my favorite things for hanging around the house or running errands.

Update: How could I forget to mention Marshalls/TJ Maxx. These are some of the BEST places to get workout gear. I can’t really link to anything from there because you never know which stores have what and when, but I love stopping in here for deals. I have picked up a few of these Nike “Favorites” tanks there and and my latest find was a pair of stirrup leggings that I LOVE for barre class (similar here and here).

I’ve been loving all the new faux leather stuff coming out this fall. I saw this cute faux leather sleeve blazer from Forever21.

And here’s  LOFT’s version:

I picked up a similar pair in vegan leather from Blank NYC last year. I think these are the ones, but if you search “Blank spray on vegan,” there are several similar pairs.

I have a peplum faux leather jacket from Forever21 that I LOVE. It’s not available online anymore, but I’m wearing it here. This one from French Connection is pretty fabulous too.

I just picked up this leather pencil skirt from the Ann Taylor Flash Sale (still going on!) after bring inspired by the PhotoDannyFoto post here. I met her at the Virginia Bloggers brunch this past weekend. So sweet! Here’s is from Zara but I chose the Ann Taylor one because I’m familiar with their sizing and I’ve never bought anything from Zara before.

I totally still want the clutch that’s pictured with the skirt.  (Remember when I mentioned it here). It’s not available online, but I tried the “Find In Store” feature and it looks like a couple of stores in New York still have it in stock.

I’m working on putting together a post about my favorite workout pieces and I came across this jacket from Forever21. I love jackets like this. The ruching is always flattering. Have you tried their workout stuff before? Any good?

Here are a few things I reached for a lot last month:

1. NARS Lip Gloss in turkish Delight: My favorite lip glosses are the BUXOM ones but I’ve saw this on so many blogs that I wanted to try it. It’s a nice, soft pink color. It’s not too thick and doesn’t have much of a scent.

2. Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow in Brown Black: I switched to this from Smashbox’s brow tech trio because I heard this was waterproof. I like that it’s one step and I don’t have to mix powder with wax like I did with the Smashbox, and I think the staying power is a little better.

3. YSL Fusion Ink Foundation: This foundation is a dream. It took a little getting used to and brush switching but I’ve been reaching for this every day. I recommend using a flat foundation brush (I use this one) and gently gliding this on, verses buffing it in. (Which is what I do with the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation – my all-tine favorite).   It makes your skin a little matte, but not so much that you look too made up.

4. Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum: I LOVE this. It’s been making my skin so soft and I already know I’ll be picking up another when it runs out. This is the best serum I’ve ever tried.

5. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Color SPF 15: I got this in shade 30 (I shade darker than my skin tone) so I could use it to add a little color to my face. I love the packaging and the way it smells.

 6. Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream: I got a sample of this with a Sephora order. I’ve been using it all month. It’s super gentle and I love the texture.

How fun are these sequin leggings?

I’ve only had this serum for a couple of weeks but I’m loving it so far. I’m still using my Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment, but adding this over top and under my moisturizer (still loving this one from Algenist).  It’s making my skin super soft and I love it. I have the dark spot treatment from Clinique as well and I like the way this one feels a lot better. 

My friend Becca was wearing these last week at a golf tournament we were having from our local Ad Club, and when she told me they were only $18, I knew I had to get a pair for myself. thanks for the tip, Becca! 

I saw this sweater in Posh to Ganache‘s fall looks with LOFT post and I was sold right away. I went in over the weekend tried on a few things to order online ( I find that the sizes vary a lot at LOFT).  I love the stuff they’ve come out with for fall and wanted to share a few of my favorite things since they’re doing a 50% off sale (Click through the photos for the item details).

I knew I subconsciously REALLY wanted to have this sweater when I accidentally sent the link to it to my entire company by mistake.

I got it when it was on special for $25.  They didn’t have it in store to try on, so I had to guess on sizing.

I also got it in white. I have this vision of wearing it with the white tulle skirt I ordered on Amazon after seeing on Caroline’s blog to see the Nutcracker this Christmas. The blue one arrived last night and is a little too tight. I plan on going to the store this weekend to exchange so that hopefully it’ll be in stock.

This one also wasn’t in store but looks similar to a few others so I’m hoping it’ll be good in person.

I loved this one! The sleeves appear a little more pink in person than they do in the photo.  I tried this one and the one below it on in store and it ran large so I sized down.

I love the way these feel. Check out the reviews – they’re silky, not like a traditional sweatshirt. The only think I didn’t like about these is the length. I plan on wearing then tucked into pencil skirts because they’re a little too long to wear untucked. (I’m 5’4)

My favorite top from LOFT is the collarless utility blouse. They bring it back season after season in different colors. The pale blue one I mention here is probably my favorite top that I own. I did a quick search before I checked out to see if they had any new colors, and was just about to order a black one when I  realized I already had it.

What are your favorites?

After forgetting about it for a while, I recently picked up my Clarisonic again and started using it with my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (still loving this stuff). I usually use the muslin cloth it comes with or baby washcloths but wanted to try something more exfoliating. I had the deep pore cleansing brush from Sephora but it was way too rough on my skin. I had remembered using the sensitive brush heads before and decided to try those out again. The Clarisonic brush heads are around $25 at Sephora, but I found them on Amazon for $6.99 for a pack of four. They’re knock-offs, so I was skeptical, but I got them in the mail and they were completely legit. They look and function exactly the same as the Clarisonic, but for waaaay cheaper.

I partnered with my friend, Katie, as one of her Stella & Dot Breast Cancer Awareness Ambassadors and have accepted the challenge to sell 10 of these super cute bracelets “Strength” and “Inspire” in the next 10 days! S&D is donating 100% of proceeds to the Noreen Fraser Foundation!
Nothing quite as awesome as “Looking Good While Doing Good!” Please feel free to shop and share this link and help us find a cure for all women.

Ahhhhh I found the most beautiful coat on Nordstrom’s site today. Very Olivia Pope-esque. I did a quick search on it and found it was on sale at Bloomingdale’s for 20% off. It dosn’t wrap around like the one from the show but I love the way it lays and how boxy it is.

I also came across this wrap coat . Which one do you like better?

I loved the coat when I saw it on the show.  I was excited for The Limited’s Scandal collection, but I was disappointed with their take on it (seen here).
There’s always a lot of chatter around Scandal fashion. Vogue did a piece about all of Olivia’s coats here. According to Glamazon’s Blog, Kerry Washington is wearing a  sold-out Salvator Ferragamo Cream Pearl Cashmere and Wool Blend coat, but I think these look-a-likes are pretty fabulous.

Sephora had an awesome #YSL 500 point perk a few weeks ago and I snagged an extra to give away to Tiramisu For Breakfast followers! To be entered, like the Tiramisu For Breakfast Facebook page and click through the image below with a post topic you’d like to see on the blog. Winner will be chosen 10/15. Good luck!

This lace tank from LOFT is now an extra 40% off!

I came across these leopard and plaid looks on Pinterest and I LOVE them! This Clare Vivier clutch  has been on my wish list, and I was thinking abut getting this flannel from LL Bean to pair with these kitten heels I just got from Talbots. I also love this pencil skirt from J. Crew Factory, though I wish it was on a better sale. I love my faux leather jacket from Forever21 (seen here) and I think I could recreate a couple of these looks with a scarf like this one.

Saw this Tory Burch backpack on Atlantic Pacific today. Isn’t it gorgeous?

I’m loving this lip liner sample from Make Up For Ever. I did a quick search and it turns out this is a popular shade. I love the little mini products that Sephora gives out for as “100 point perks.” This one’s still in stock and it’s worth grabbing.

Apparently, it’s in this beauty assistant’s bag AND the Olsen twins wear it.

I like to top it with my Dior Addict Lipstick in Beige Casual (222)  with a little bit of Buxom’s White Russian in the center. It looks like I’m trying to do some kind of pose, but I’m really just covering up a pimple with my hand.

1. bareMinerals flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara: I first tried this when I worked at bareMinerals in college and I’ve loved it ever since. This one is gentle and doesn’t irritate if I’m going to be wearing my makeup for a super long day. It also doesn’t run at all. This is a dry formula, and I think it makes lashes look full and almost fluffy. I like to use it on my bottom lashes because I know it won’t run at all.

2. Dior Diorshow Mascara: This one smells like roses. Is there anything else you need to know? But seriously, this is a luxurious mascara. I think this one is marketed as a volumizing mascara, the formula is similar to the wet lengthening mascaras I’ve tried.

3. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: This one gives you HUGE lashes. I picked it up during the 20% sale Sephora has back in March/April, and I’m already on my second tube. This is similar to the bareMinerals one, but the formula is a little more wet and it makes your lashes even bigger. This one is more prone to smearing than the bareMinerals one, so I don’t like to use it on my bottom lashes.

4. Younique 3D Fiber Lashes**:  This one isn’t technically a mascara; it’s gel and fibers. This makes your lashes HUGE. I’ve tried it several ways since the lovely Amy gifted it to me to try: by itself, over primer, over primer and mascara. It looks almost just like false lashes. I like it best on just the tips overtop my regular primer and mascara. I like the big lashes look, so I’ve been wearing it every day since I got it. But, I could see saving this one just for special occasions. This one is only available through Younique representatives, so click here if you’d like to purchase.

5. Dior Diorshow Maximixer Lash Primer: Again, not technically a mascara, but this is one of my FAVORITE products. I’ve repurchased it several times and add it underneath my mascara every time.

Here’s a shot of me trying the Too Faced mascara for the first time, and a shot of one of my favorite YouTubers, MakeupbyTiffanyD using the Younique 3D lashes:

And now for the Giveaway! Post your favorite mascara OR what you’re looking for in a mascara in the comments below for the chance to win a free eyeliner from Younique, courtesy of Amy! Enter by 9/20/14.

**The Younique products were gifted to me, and the link used is an affiliate link.

I keep seeing these green/khaki jackers and I think they look adorable. Do you like the long or short one better? (Both from HM, click through for links)

I can’t get enough rose-scented stuff. Here are a few more of my favorites:

Roses de Chloe: Fabulous. Love love love this scent. On my second bottle. I have the regular Chloe scent too and I like this one a lot better.

Dior Diorshow mascara: This is a really wet mascara that’s good for length

REN Moroccan Rose Otton Firming Creme Riche: makes your skin SO soft

Benefit Lollibalm: I’m a huge fan. This leaves the slightest pink tint and doesn’t feel greasy.

I saw these in a Banana Republic ad in Better Homes and Gardens magazine an I love them! The cut across the front of the toes is so perfect.

I looked for them online and found this navy shade which is super gorgeous but backordered until next year.

Look at this jacket!

Wouldn’t this be cute with an all black outfit?

I like to switch out the pillows and blankets on my white couch and chaise with the seasons. I just saw this throw on H&M’s site and think it would be perfect for fall/winter.

 I bought this back in January when it first came out. When I posted it on instagram here, a lot of you asked for a review. I’ve had it for a while now, so I’ve been seeing how it works; I love it. I don’t  always set my foundation with a powder. I usually just add this step if I know it’s going to be a long day. This doesn’t make my makeup look cakey, even if I reapply. This is easier and less messy than the loose powder version. I use this brush from Target (It’s a dupe for the MUFE one.)

I recently got a kitten, and she’s been joining me in some outfit pics.

LOFT dress

LOFT Lace tank and Pilcro Serif Legging Jeans

:

J. Crew Silk Cami and No. 2 Pencil Skirt (color no longer available.) The leopard shoes are from Target and are discontinued. I just replaced them with these from Talbots.

J. Crew Cutaway Crepe Dress | Enzo Angiolini “Call Me” pumps

LOFT tie blouse and skirt from Marshall’s

LOFT blouse

Forever21 Sweater and Merona Dress.

1. bareMinerals READY Bronzer in Skinny Dip: I have this in High Dive and Skinny Dip. The lighter one (Skinny Dip,) is better for my skin tone to wear every day, and High Dive is better for special occasions.

2. bareMinerals All Over Face Color in Faux Tan: This is my favorite bronzer of all time. The pigmentation is awesome and it lasts the whole day. I stopped using it everyday because I don’t like the hassle of loose powders when I’m getting ready in the morning. Out of all of these, I’d say this one gives the best affect.

3. NARS Bronzer in Laguna: This one is a cult favorite. It’s similar to bareMinerals Skinny Dip shade and it’s pretty universal. Because this product is so popular, it comes a lot of fun sets like this one and this one.

4. Soleil Tan de Chanel: This is the only cream bronzer I’ve ever tried. You can apply it all over your face underneath your foundation or use it to contour.

5. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light: I just picked this up but I can already tell I love it. I’ve been reaching for this everyday and carrying it with me. The packaging is perfect.

6. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil: This smells like chocolate!! The color is comparable to Laguna and Skinny Dip but it’s scent is a bonus.

OK, so I know I just said that I didn’t need anymore leopard shoes, but I really do need these.

I got this “What to wear for Fall” email from Ann Taylor today and spotted this awesome clutch. I don’t think it’s worth $150, but Ann Taylor has good sales so we’ll see. 

You can never have too many. Here’s another pair I found. I restrained myself and didn’t buy them, though.

After an ad came up in my Facebook newsfeed, I was browsing the Rent The Runway site. I don’t have any fancy events coming up, but when I do, I really want to wear this dress. Isn’t it gorgeous? Have you ever used Rent The Runway?