I hope you're finding some light in these unknown times we are living through. One of my favorite things to do is get my nails done with my Mom. For the past 4ish years we've gone every 2 weeks for a manicure on Saturday morning. Obviously, we're unable to get our nails done and won't be able to for the foreseeable future, so I decided to try an "at-home" option for my nails.
Hi All!
Today I wanted to share with you some of my must-have beauty products, it was pretty hard to narrow it down to just 5 but I did it. See my favorites below!
I have found a magic potion and this is it! This is the first product I have found that can actually reduce and clear up blemishes fast. What I love about this drying lotion is that it doesn't overly dry out your skin. I've found that some acne products can really dry out an area causing a whole other issue; this one clears up blemishes without making your skin dry and red in the process.
Living in a state with no sunshine for months leads to me missing that Vitamin D and of course being extra pale- not fun! I've been using this self-tanner for years now and I can say it's the best one I've tried. What I love about this product is that it gives you a truly natural looking tan. The color isn't orange and it doesn't make you look too tan- we all know how bad it looks if you're either orangey or way too dark in the middle of the winter!
After finding this hairbrush I got rid of all of my other brushes- it's that good! I've been using this for a few years at this point and I can't recommend it enough. I have very fine long hair that gets so tangled and this gets all the snarls out with ease. My sister has very coarse curly hair and the brushes work wonders on her hair as well- definitely, a must have!
If you live in a place that gets brutally cold November-March then you know the struggle with dry air and in turn extra dry skin. I felt like I just couldn't apply enough lotion to keep my skin moisturized until I found this! I love how this product leaves my skin feeling. It's moisturizing but not at all greasy- my hands instantly feel smoothe and nourished after using it.
This foundation is a game changer! I have never used a foundation that works as well as this one. This is a true full coverage foundation. I use a little less than a full pump and apply it to my face using this buffing brush. This products stays put all day and leaves me with a velvet finish.
Let me know if you try or have used any of these products!
XO,
Nicholle
I recently tried out 'Dip Powder' nails after hearing much talk about them. Prior to trying Dip Nails, I had been getting Gel Polish manicures for the past 5 or so years every 2 weeks. After having the dip nails for a month I thought it would be a good time to give my thoughts on both.
Gel Polish //
Pros:
* Fast to get done- takes around 30 minutes from start to finish including removal of previous gel
* Lasts for about 2 weeks- my appointments for the past 5 years have always been 2 weeks apart
* Can get a manicure- I love being able to get a manicure every once in a while & get my cuticles cleaned up
* Affordable - It's around $20 dollars at my salon to have just a gel polish color change
Cons:
* Peels- this is the one thing that really drove me insane, sometimes it would last the full 2 weeks but often it would start peeling up on me all around the cuticle.
* Makes nails weak feeling - my nails were very weak when I would let them grow out so they would break really easily resulting in me having to cut my nails very short.
* Becomes "dull" looking- the shiny finish would wear off after the first week leaving a kind of scuffed look. Dip Powder //
Pros:
* Lasts 3+ weeks - I love changing the color of my nails so I would never go longer than 3 weeks but this stuff lasts forever!
* Makes nails stronger - When the dip is on your nails it creates the same hardness as a fake nail which I love as I can't break my nails easily.
* Gives nails a great shape- They build up the product on your nails and then buff it into the perfect shape.
* Never peels or chips- this product has never come off my nails, it seems indestructible
Cons:
* Takes 45 + minutes to have done- I have little patience and sitting in a nail salon for almost an hour is not my idea of fun! You have to sit for 10-15 minutes to let the product soak off and then they get your nails ready and begin to apply it, once it's applied they have to go back in and buff and shape your nails and then they add a final clear topcoat. It is quite the process!
* Can't get a manicure prior as your nail beds cannot have any moisture on them- as I mentioned previously I really enjoy manicures so it's a bummer you can't get a full manicure when getting the dip powder applied.
* Makes nails thicker- since the product is built upon your nails it does make your nails thicker, not as thick as fake nails but the same idea. Final Thoughts //
After having both types I can honestly say I like both, that being said I do prefer the dip powder nails as I think they last longer, stay nicer overall and are much more durable! If you're going to spend the money to get your nails done that's the route to go! I felt like with gel nails mine were constantly peeling up on the edges prior to my 2-week appointment which was frustrating. The dip nails stay looking nice in between my appointments and I've yet to have any issues with peeling or breaking. I also love that it makes my nails feel "stronger" whereas, with the gel my nails were very bendy, this allows for me to grow my nails much longer without worrying about them breaking.
All of these opinions are my own- of course, everyone will have different experiences with products but these are mine. Let me know if you have any questions!
It's been a while since I've shared my makeup routine & I've started using some amazing new products so I thought it would be a good time to share my routine with you. All products will be linked at the bottom of this post.
I've been meaning to share with you my current skincare routine as I've switched things up a bit and feel that it's really been helping my skin. I'm not sure if it's the switch of the seasons or lack of Vitamin D but every winter my skin takes a turn for the worst. This year I decided to do something about it and tried to nail down a routine that would combat some of the issues I generally face in the winter, like dryness and breakouts. Below I'm sharing the products I use from start to finish that have helped me to achieve a happy & clear complexion!
First I use this pre-cleanse to remove all of my makeup. You use about one pump into the palm of your hand and then gently massage it onto your dry face. It will literally melt your makeup away (even stubborn eye makeup)!. Once your makeup starts to break up you can rinse your face and move onto step 2.
This past weekend I went on a girls trip to NY with my Mom & did some serious shopping! While there we perused the aisles of Ulta and came across these magnetic strip lashes and decided we needed to purchase them ASAP. The sales associate at the checkout told us that these lashes have been flying off the shelf & we were lucky there were still some left!
I purchased the Ardell Magnetic Lash Accent, this set is not a full strip and is meant to enhance the outer portion of your eye. I loved this as it didn't feel as heavy as a typical full strip lash, this was also much easier for me to apply as it can get tricky to properly apply the lash near the inner corner.
These lashes cost just under $15 dollars and are able to be reused- So far I have worn them 3 times with no problems- the magnets continue to work.
To use these lashes you essentially sandwich your eyelashes between the top and bottom false lashes and the magnets keep them securely in place. Prior to using these, I thought there was no way these could actually work- but they do! And they work really well!
In the past, I have tried to apply false lashes with the typical lash glue and I could never get it to work-I tried so many times! These are great if you are a beginner as they are pretty fool proof- If I could do it so can you! Below are some before and after pictures- notice that the lash band is barely noticeable!
Before //
After //
One tip I do have for wearing these lashes is to line your upper water line with a black gel liner as well as your eyelid- this helps the lash band to blend in!
Have you tried false lashes or magnetic lash strips? Let me know!
XO,
Nicholle
*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Nicholle Sophia
I've gotten a lot of questions recently on what makeup I wear on a day to day basis. I keep my makeup pretty simple, as a classroom is not really the place for winged eyeliner and glitter eyeshadow, although I'm sure my students would compliment me! I wake up around 5:30 every morning and am dressed and fully ready by 6 each day, this means my makeup routine can't take up much time. On average I can do my makeup in about 10 minutes, if I really needed to I could do it in less time but there's no need to rush. Below I'll share with you the products I use from start to finish to achieve a simple yet put together look.
FACE //
Since my makeup is a basic look, I like to focus on evening out my skin and creating a nice radiant finish. To do this I use a few different products, everything except the translucent powder I've been using over a year.
Bare Minerals // Complexion Rescue
I've been using this product for years now and I can say there is nothing better than this tinted hydrating cream. I use this as my foundation as it has the coverage I like, which is a light coverage. I never like a foundation to be too heavy as I think it looks very unnatural. This one creates a light dewy finish. I apply this just with my hands and rub it in like I would a lotion. In the winter I use the shade Buttercream 03.
IT Cosmetics // Bye Bye Under Eye
This product creates the perfect illuminated under eye. Sometimes concealers can be drying and cakey when placed on the skin beneath your eye, this one does not crease and helps to brighten any dark or dull looking skin. I apply this after my foundation by putting a little on my middle fingers, warming it up and then dabbing it under my eye. A little goes a long way with this product! I use the shade light during the winter months.
Nars // Soft Matte Complete Concealer
I've yet to find another concealer that is as full coverage as this one. I use this product to cover up any spots that were not covered by my foundation. This works great to cover any dark spots or pimples. It stays put all day and you don't have to use much. I use the shade vanilla in the winter. It's important to make sure you choose a shade that's close to your skin tone or else you will end up making the spots you are trying to conceal more noticeable.
Maybelline // Fit Me, Matte & Poreless Powder
I use this product two ways. One way I use it is to set areas that I want a little more coverage, for example, my chin area. This provides a nice light additional coverage. Another way I like to use this is on days I'm not using any liquid foundation. I will apply a little concealer and then use this powder to even out my skin. This is a great product for the price and gives you a nice even skin tone.
Laura Mercier // Translucent Setting Powder
I had been hearing about this product for so long and so many women had raved about it but I just recently tried it out about two months ago. This is a great setting powder. What I love about it is that it doesn't leave a white cast on your face which some of these powders can do. I apply this after all of my foundation and concealer is done. I find it helps to blend all the products together nicely. Make sure you purchase the translucent shade and not the tinted shade.
I've mentioned this blush so many times before as it's my favorite blush. I have almost every color in the line and love them all. What I love about this blush is the color payoff and the blendability of the product. Some blushes will get splotchy as you try to blend them. This blush goes on smooth and gives the perfect pop of color! One of my favorite shades is 'Paaarty'.
I've also mentioned this product before and I've been using it for about 2 years now. When I find something that works I stick to it! This bronzer is under $5 so you can't go wrong! Since I'm on the fair side some bronzers can leave me looking orange which is not cute. This product gives me a subtle sunkissed glow. I use the shade 'Ticket to Brazil'.
This palette truly is the Ultimate Basics palette. I've brought this palette on many trips and have had all the colors I need. On a day to day basis, I like to buff a light brown or taupe shade into my crease and call it a day. I then will use the darkest shade in the palette with a pencil brush to line my lower lash line. This creates a nice diffused look vs. using a harsh eyeliner.
I use this palette and the Urban Decay palette equally. What I like about this palette is that it allows me to create some different looks as it has both matte and shimmer shades. I'm able to create a day look and then easily transition it to night by adding one of the shimmer shades.
I'm not too picky when it comes to mascara and I usually stick with Covergirl but I decided to try this one out from Ulta and I love it! It makes my lashes look so incredibly long and full- I've gotten so many compliments on them! I also like that this product doesn't get clumpy or make my lashes stick together.
This product took me a while to get the hang of. You definitely need to use a light hand while applying this. What I like about this product is that it allows you to create a natural looking brow. I'm able to fill in just the sparse areas vs. with a brow powder where you apply it to the entire brow. I use the shade 'Medium Brown'.
I've been using this product for about two months now and I love it. It's a great mix between a lip balm and a lipstick. The color of the product reacts to your body and changes so it will look a little different on everyone. For me, it gives off a light pink tint which is perfect for everyday wear.
If I'm going to wear a lipstick this is the one I grab. I've been wearing this shade for over 2 years now and I love it. It's my perfect nude shade and gives my lips just the right amount of color. This is a great lipstick to have in your bag as you don't have to think much while applying it- it doesn't require any lip liner! The shade I wear is '370 Jennifers Nude'.
What are your everyday makeup products? I'd love to know!
XO,
Nicholle
*This post contains affiliate links, thank you for supporting Nicholle Sophia
These dry cold Winter months can really wreck havoc on our skin. Last year my skin went crazy around Christmas time & I was struggling to find products and a routine that would work for me. If my skin gets too dry I breakout, if it gets over moisturized I break out, so it's been quite the struggle to find products that will consistently work for me. I should also mention I have extremely sensitive skin, I can't use a lot of products because they will not only break my skin out but also cause uncomfortable irritation. In the past, I've suffered from dermatitis caused by ingredients within skincare & makeup such as sulfates. I'm telling you all of this because I want you to know that when I say these products are gentle and that they work I truly mean it. I have tried so many products out and have so many let downs that I'm excited and confident these products will work for others if they work for me! So without further ado here is my skincare routine!
*This post contains affiliate links / Thank you for supporting Nichollesophia
Nighttime Routine //
Step 1 // Makeup Removal: To remove my makeup prior to washing my face I use the Purity Solution Cleansing Oil . I start by putting one pump into my palm, I then rub my hands together to get it warm & then rub the oil into my face. This oil will break up all the makeup on your face, once all the makeup is loosened you can rinse your face with water. This product is much gentler than a typical makeup remover or makeup wipe!
Step 2 // Cleanse: To cleanse my face after removing my makeup I like to use the Benefit Cleanser . This cleanser is extremely gentle on my skin and removes any products leftover after using the cleansing oil. I like that there are no harsh ingredients in this cleanser that could potentially dry out my skin. You need to be careful with facial cleansers as some are way too harsh to be using every day! I generally steer clear of any product that says "Acne Clearing" in bold letters as those are sure to make your skin dry! This cleanser is the perfect product to use every day with no worries.
Step 3 // Tone: I've been using this Glow Tonic toner for a little over a month now & it has made the biggest difference in my skin. Prior to this product, I had been using a different toner/astringent but I wasn't able to use it every day as it really dried out my skin & sometimes even stung. I apply this product to a cotton pad after cleansing my skin. This toner helps to firm & exfoliate skin by removing dead skin cells which leaves your face 'glowing'. This product also has Ginseng and Aloe in it which will hydrate your skin!
Step 4 // Spot Treat: Who likes blemishes?? Not me! There are so many spot treatments out there that claim that they will clear up your blemishes but do they really? Usually not. Most that I have tried, leave me with a red flakey mess even if the area is cleared of acne; and really who cares if you don't have a zit if you now need to deal with covering up that mess! The Clarity Serum has been a life saver for my skin, I have the travel size but it comes in a much larger bottle normally. This product really will clear up my breakouts within a day or two. I apply a small amount to the area at night and when I wake up it's always looking 10x better. This serum contains Retinol and Salicylic Acid which help to exfoliate and clear any clogged pores. Additionally, it has Willowherb, Teatree, and Aloe which reduce the redness and irritation that come along with breakouts. Trust me when I say you need this product!
Step 5 // Moisturize: This is one of the most important steps! Your skin needs moisture! Without it, every little imperfection will look much worse. The Face for Everday Moisturizer is a gentle lightweight daily moisturizer that hydrates with Argan Oil, Carrot Extract, and Essential Oils leaving you with baby soft skin. I have been using this product now for over 2 years. This is one of the only moisturizers I will use as it's free from harsh ingredients and has no added fragrances. I generally purchase this product at my local health food store but I've noticed it popping up in drugstores as well! I apply a dime size amount of this to my face and neck each night and rub the remainder into my hands.
Morning Routine //
Step 1: Rinse: In the mornings I only rinse my face with cool water, I use no cleanser as I feel it overdries my skin and is unnecessary. I think the reason some peoples skin will become irritated and dry is that they're over cleansing. If you properly cleanse your skin at night there is no reason to wake up less than 12 hours later and apply another cleanser. It's good to leave some of the natural oils on your skin!
Step 2: Moisturize: I apply a small amount of the Everyday Moisturizer and let it set in for about 10 minutes prior to applying any makeup. This moisturizer lays well under makeup as it doesn't leave a greasy layer on the skin.
THE END!
I hope this post was informative, let me know if you use or have tried any of these products!
XO,
Nicholle
Hi All! I'm back from my little Christmas Vaca I took. As a teacher, I get off through the second of January but I decided to take a little mini-break from the blog to celebrate Christmas with my family! Today I want to share with you some of my favorite beauty products I received this Christmas.
I've been wanting this curling wand for awhile so I was super excited to open it on Christmas! So far I love this wand- what I like most about it is that it curls my hair really fast- you don't have to hold the hair on for long so overall I can curl my hair faster. It also somehow magically makes my curls last forever- I can sleep on them & brush them and they still spring right back into place!
I'm always on the hunt for new perfumes and this is one of my tried and true favorites. This is what you would call an every day or signature scent. It's not too strong and gives you a light citrusy scent with a hint of floral. This set includes a full-size bottle- a mini spray which is perfect for your bag & hand cream which I love to leave on my desk. A great deal for all three items!
My Best Friend Molly actually got me this palette for Christmas. Every year she gifts me a new beauty product & this year she decided on this limited edition Nars palette. I love that it's the perfect mix of neutrals & 'fun' shades. I definitely gravitate to more basic colors so this palette is perfect for me. The colors blend out seamlessly and have great payoff. The color of the shadows in this photo is true to the shades- I think the photos on most websites of this palette are a little deceiving.
What was your favorite beauty product you received this holiday season? Or are there any you have your eye on? Let me know!
*This post contains affiliate links- thank you for supporting Nicholle Sophia
It's my favorite time of year! The Sephora VIB sale is almost here! Before it officially starts I wanted to share a few items I have my eyes on. This sale is the perfect time to stock up on gifts for the holiday season at a discount! Sephora is giving its Beauty Insider Rouge (VIP) members 20 percent off in stores and online with the code "20FORROUGE." From Nov. 10-15, VIB members and Beauty Insiders can join in. If you're a VIB member, you can use the code "20FORVIB" for 20 percent off. Beauty Insiders can take 15 percent off with the code "INSIDER15."
The products linked I either have or really want- like the T3 Curling Wand, I've been wanting this & what better time to get it than 20% off!? You can use the discount codes more than once so don't worry if you place an order & find other things you want! Let me know what items are on your list! Things I did this week //
* Went to the Flynn (our local theater) to see a performance of 'A Christmas Story'. This has always been one of my favorite movies as my family turns it on every Christmas since it plays for 24hrs on TBS! I was so excited to be able to see this show live with my Mom!
Things I'm doing this weekend // * Manicure! I need one soo bad. The colder weather in VT dries out my hands and in turn, ruins my poor nails- they need some TLC! * More Hallmark movies! & the start of my Christmas decorating. Last weekend I grabbed a few items I wanted to use to do some DIY holiday decor so I'm going to start piecing all of that together. Have a great weekend! XO, Nicholle
I wanted to start off today's post by doing a little review of a brand I've been trying out recently. A few months ago Cosmedix reached out and asked if I would be interested in trying out their Detox mask- I'm a sucker for face masks so of course, I said yes! This mask is a charcoal mask that you rub in for ten seconds before leaving to dry on your skin. I love this mask, it smells so good and really helps to clear up any trouble spots I get. Cosmedix is launching a new product which is their Humidify moisturizer which claims to provide deep moisture and firming hydration. I've been using this product for a few weeks now and I can tell you it 100% does both of these things! Living in Vermont the weather gets very cold and dry this time of year which leads to my skin looking dull and lifeless. After a few weeks of this moisturizer, I've noticed my skin feeling better and looking plumped up. I apply this moisturizer at night and in the morning before my makeup. I've noticed that my makeup has been applying smoothly & staying nice all day. If you head over to theCosmedix websiteyou can purchase some of the products online as well as find a local Med Spa that sells the line.
Things I did this week //
* Thought I got the worst cold ever but turns out I have really bad allergies? Who knew! Not me! Anyways- I felt like one of those memes about how we take breathing for granted until our nose is all stuffed up! I took allergy meds and have since recovered.
*Made the most delicious Greek Pita recipe which Kyle photographed so I will be sharing it on the blog next week! I've gotten a lot of requests for dinner recipes so I'm excited to share my first one! I never realized how much work it was to photograph a recipe!
*Got my hair done! Or should I say getting my hair done- I have an appointment for Thursday at 3:45! I've been getting balayage done for over a year now and I love how seamlessly my hair grows out- It makes the upkeep so easy!
Things I'm doing this weekend //
*Staying at my parent's house- They're headed to Maine for a beer & wine tasting so I'm "manning the fort". The benefit of this "fort" is that their fridge is always stocked, they have this cozy fireplace on the back deck & they have premium cable! Living the life!
*Baking some Halloween treats! I'm all about going "all out" for holidays so I need to make some monster treats!
I'm loving all the new products at Sephora! I've mentioned before that I think Tarte Blushes are some of the best & this new palette is such a great deal! It's perfect if you travel often and gives you so many color options. I've never tried any Bobbi Brown products but this new eyeshadow palette really drew me in, the colors are the perfect mix of neutrals and darker colors. & Finally how pretty is this Urban Decay liner & lipstick combo! I love the warm tone of it- perfect for fall.
Things I did this week //
* Bought some cute new sweaters! I can't wait to share them on the blog- I'm ready for cozy cool days but Vermont has been in the high 80's!
* If you read the blog earlier this week you would have seen my Hobby Lobby & Target Haul where I shared what I purchased on my adventure across the lake! Unfortunately, Vermont doesn't have a Hobby Lobby or Target so we have to make a trip on a ferry to get to the closet one! It takes less than an hour though!
*Spent my nights watching the new season of Fuller House on Netflix :) Not sure how I convinced Kyle but he actually watches this show with me! & likes it! #win
Things I'm doing this weekend //
* Dinner with my friend Annaliese from Southern Belle in Training ! We've both been so busy with life & work I'm glad we're finally able to get together & catch up!
* Doing some very basic fall things- like heading to the apple orchard & pumpkin patch! Vermont is the perfect place to go all out in fall! It's almost peak foliage season so in the next few weeks Kyle & I will head to Stowe to drive through scenic Vermont! It's so beautiful!
*Prepping food for lunch & grocery shopping! I got a lot of questions about how I keep my cost of groceries so low & what I eat for lunch so I'm thinking I'll put together a post!
Does anyone else get super excited for makeup once the weather starts to cool down?! I kind of boycott most makeup during the Summer months because who wants to have on makeup when it's 90 and you're sweating!? Not me!
I thought I would share some snaps of my go-to fall lip colors today. These are all perfect for everyday wear as none of them are too out there. My top two fave shades are Kylie Candy K & Stilla Perla. I can't get enough of them! The Maybelline lip color is soo similar to the Kylie one- so if you want to save some money that's a great option! I just recently started getting into lip liners and I'm loving these two NYX shades- they're close enough to my natural lip color that they don't look crazy! Even if I mess up a little!
