I had never really given much thought to my eyebrows other than to maintain their shape with a monthly wax or threading. I am a brunette so they are dark enough and they are full enough that I never needed to draw them in. It wasn’t until this year, when I received a sample of this product in a Birchbox, that I decided it was time to pay a little more attention to them. Anastasia Beverly Hills clear brow gel has become one of my daily favorites. It sharpens your brows without making them look too extreme and helps to keep stray eyebrow hairs in place (sometimes I run into this issue when I first wake up and my face has been pressed up against a pillow all night). Right now I am just using the clear version, but they offer tinted brow gels as well which seem like they would be perfect for a bolder nighttime look, or if you are in need of a deeper eyebrow color overall (there are 7 options to choose from). The gel is $22, and if used daily, lasts about 3 months.

 
I came across a quick daytime makeup overview earlier that I thought would be a good video to share. It is produced by Clarins, but all of the products used can be interchangeable. Click here to watch! 

Everyone remembers when the Clarisonic cleansing brush became popular. It was available in a variety of really cute colors, different brush heads for different skin types, and rang in at a $100-$250 price point. I really wanted one obviously, but decided to put it off (I think this was around the time I was selling clothing to thrift stores in exchange for quick cash for a Megabus ticket to NYC). I am happy I waited! Not too long after the Clarisonic launch, Olay came out with a cleansing brush called the Olay Pro X Advanced Cleansing System. It is affordable ($35) and does a fantastic job! I have had mine for almost 5 years. I think I have only had to change the batteries once and I use it in the shower, so it can definitely withstand a ton of water exposure. It leaves my skin feeling extremely soft and clean and feels like a mini facial everytime you use it. The device has two speeds, one with a slower rotation if your skin is feeling sensitive (perfect speed if you have a bad sunburn and dont want to over exfoliate) and a faster option for a deeper cleaning. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to change up their skincare  routine! This thing really gets in there and digs the dirt, sweat and oil out of your pores (ew) and leaves your skin with a perfectly clean and even base for makeup application. And if you dont like it-at least you didnt shell out the $100 for the Clarisonic!

I hate to say it, but is it Fall yet? Unless I can be at the beach the rest of the summer it’s safe to say I’m over it. I just moved from Philly to NYC last week and it’s really a toss up as to which one is more excruciating when you’re walking the streets and experiencing those god awful baking garbage smells. Only a month to go! But in the meantime, I need some rescue remedies.

One of the items I always like to have with me is an Evian spritz bottle. Yes, it’s just water in a can. And I find it to be worth the “$15 for two” deal at Sephora. It’s a great way to quickly refresh yourself when you’re overheating, or feeling claustrophobic on a busy subway (or even on an airplane!) It can also help set your makeup (just be sure to use a light mist for this). Another great and refreshing option is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. This option is pricier, as its $18 for a 1oz bottle, but I have been through 2 of these and they have each lasted me an entire year. The Caudalie spray contains essential oils including peppermint, rosemary and mint. Both work well and are available in “to-go” sizes, making them perfect for your commute or when you’re traveling.