My Favorite Beauty Products in February

One way I figured I could share my nature beauty journey was on Instagram every Friday. Have you seen it? Well, I figured it would be good to share here on the blog in a roundup for you at the end of each month. And if someone could please explain how it's already the last day of February, I'd highly appreciate it. Overall, I hope this helps you on your natural beauty journey (or at least exposes you to some great brands).

When I made that commitment to swap out my conventional brands to those with clean ingredients, I knew perfume was the first to go. Fragrance is something that brands tend to keep secret, but can contain all kinds of unknown ingredients. There's just no transparency. The major concern is this can cause hormone disruption. So I made peace with not having perfume, and figured I wouldn't find a replacement for a really long time. Turns out, it wasn't that long. At my previous job, we received a PR package with Skylar, a natural perfume line based in LA. Meadow, a soft floral, was my introduction to the line. I've since picked up Isle, a clean and fresh scent. I know I probably wouldn't have bought Isle if I didn't already smell Meadow, but they do have a sample pack to test.

I'm pretty sure the cure to everything is a good face mask. Well, this face mask didn't disappoint! My skin is always dry and I didn't know what to expect from this mask. What I got was extremely hydrated skin that gave me that youthful look I effortlessly had in my early twenties. Yup, I'm sold! It is called Radiant for a reason. Svati Organics is a new non-toxic line I discovered at the Indie Beauty Expo last month. It's owned by a single mom and was inspired by her trip to India. 5% of the brand's profits are donated to send orphaned girls in India to school. 

Oh, Osea! It's an OG brand in the natural beauty world, that derives seaweed as the key ingredient to their entire line. Their Anti-Aging Hand Cream is one of their newer products, but lives up to the rest of the line. Again, my skin is dry. Painfully dry might be a more accurate description. My hands suffered from scaly, cracked patches that were desperate for help. After realizing I had been sent this cream, I gave a desperate try. A couple days later with daily use, I found my hands looking normal again. This definitely is a splurge, but a little does go a long way and it actually works.  

This is one of those things that I can blame Instagram for making me buy. After seeing these fun sticks from Cocokind a bunch of times, I figured at $9 each it couldn't hurt to test them out myself. And let's just say that they are on heavy rotation now. The Turmeric Stick has been a game changer for that time of the month when my hormonal acne decides to show up. Nothing ever cleared it up so quickly until this! The My Matcha is great to add moisture anywhere on your face, but I use it at night under my eyes. Again, this girl needs all the moisture.

Have you tried any of these? 

Best of The Madewell Sale

Well I didn't see this coming--another Madewell sale! And that is not a complaint. One thing I've learned from being an avid shopper, is to keep an eye out for those sale on sales. Those are the best times to score some great pieces at ridiculous prices! They even added some of their newer pieces, so let's just say it's a good time shop. All sale is an extra 30% off with code META30 until 2/26/18.

DENIM WRAP TOP $78 (NOW $48.65) // SIZE SMALL

Well this is one of those tops that is a great updated basic! At this price, I couldn't say no. I do recommend going up a size if you have bigger hips/tush. 

RUFFLE-CUFF RIBBED TOP $39.50 (NOW $17.49) // SIZE XXS

As you know, this top came home with me several weeks ago. It was already a steal, but at this price it's a bargain. It comes in 3 other colors that are all great. If you want this to be fitted, I would recommend sizing down. And I wouldn't wait on this one if you are debating.

BUTTON-BACK TIE TEE $62 (NOW $34.99) // SIZE XS

If you know my obsession with any top that ties at the front, you know exactly why I think this is a winner. The front and the back both have great details. With this price, it really will be a top you can wear all Spring.

MODERN TIE-FRONT SWEATER $69.50 (NOW $41.65) // SIZE XS

Think this proves my point about loving that tie front detail, but this lightweight sweater is SO good! It comes in 3 other colors and I can't decide what I need. It is thin, but it's very soft and a great transitional piece.

DRAWSTRING TOP IN KALEIDOSCOPE PRINT $98 (NOW $20.99) // SIZE XXS

Is that price even real? When I tried this top on at regular price, I thought it was cute just not worth the full price. This price is a lot lower than I thought it would ever go. It does run really big, so size down.

WRAP TOP IN STAR SCATTER $69.50 (NOW $41.65) // SIZE SMALL
This is the same top as the chambray version from earlier, but in a cute star print. They actually brought this back from a previous season, but now on sale (that didn't happen before). It also comes in a yellow print. Again, I would say size up if your gifted with some curves.

SHOP HERE:

Thank you for linking up with us! Our picks are Nina from Sharing a Journey and Nailil from Thirty Minus One!

Thank you for linking up with us! Our picks are Nina from Sharing a Journey and Nailil from Thirty Minus One!

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The Best Dry Skin Remedies

If you're sitting there hoping this dry skin will disappear as soon as Spring hits, you're not alone. Let's face it, Winter is almost over, but your skin has taken a beating. I know mine has. I'm no stranger to dry skin. Dry flaky patches and chapped lips are standard. Anyone else dealing with that too? Only this year, I didn't want to deal with all this dry skin like I normally do. The best part is I've got you covered from hands, feet, body and lips! Oh, and you know they have to be natural and non-toxic around here. 

• Honest Organic Healing Balm - I would have not survived without this! It's very thick and moisturizing in the best way. It is greasy, so I recommend using this at night. It's gone on my feet every night and my feet have never looked or felt better. 
• OSEA Anti-Aging Hand Cream - Not going to lie, this is a splurge. But, hey, it works and really gets the job done. Don't be fooled by the light texture (I know I was)! You're hands will get instant moisture, but used consistently you'll see all those dry patches disappear. Because of the texture being light, you can use this day or night. Oh, and a little goes a long way. 
• Lansinoh Nipple Cream - All I can say is I never want to live without this stuff! Yes, it is meant for those breastfeeding. It just happens to be the best for chapped lips and gives a little gloss. Seriously, if you have the worst chapped lips, this is the magical potion you need. Nothing has ever worked for me and this is the game changer.

Hope these help get your skin ready for Spring! Let me know if you have any dry skin products you love!

Updated White Tee

Top (runs large) // Jeans // Shoes // Purse // Sunglasses

You might remember seeing this white top from last weeks post. Well, I couldn't say no. There's something about great modern basics. If you can't tell, my style gravitates towards casual pieces that can be dressed up. The ribbed texture (you can't see in these pictures) makes this top easily capable to be dressed up. However, I wasn't going anywhere fancy, so it went on a matcha/waffle date with Jessica. It even survived without any spills. That's a win for me! In the meantime, I should take advantage of wearing this more. The weather here is warming up and can see those 80 degree days approaching fast. 

Each week, I find it fun to flashback to see how my style has or hasn't evolved. In comparison to last year, it looks as if my style hasn't changed-bell-sleeves last year and this year. 

Thank you for linking up with us! Our picks are Joi from In My Joi and Elise from Sparkles and Slippers!

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Madewell Try On's: Early Spring

Whether you knee deep in snow or not, there are signs Spring is coming (or might already be here if you live in LA). One way I gauge Springs arrival is with Madewell dropping their latest collection. And if there's one season I can attest to them doing well, it's Spring! Not going to lie, but they really did nail this first collection. And if you're one of those still seeing snow, not to worry--they kept the color schemes darker and styles work to bridge you between the seasons.

Denim Wrap Top $78 (NOW $58.50) // Wearing Small

If you're a loyal Madewell goer, you might recognize this top from a couple seasons ago. They brought it back in the classic chambray and this star print. It's a faux wrap style, which I personally like for convenience. It does hit shorter and definitely needs high waisted jeans (as pictured with). For this top, I did size up for a better fitting in the waist. 

Silk Studio Ruffle-Hem Top in Prairie Blossom $92 // Wearing XXS

Let's just say this top was calling my name the second it landed on the site! Plus, I've styled it in this post. I'm picky with my prints, but this one has enough neutrals that adds versatility. Besides that, the fit is undeniably flattering. There's enough shape to balance out the flowiness. And because it's silk it can easily go from work to weekend! It also comes in this pretty stripe version, but wasn't in my store. Now check it out in black below.

Studio Ruffle-Hem Top in Black $88 // Wearing XS

My local store didn't have anything smaller, so I went with my normal size and still looks just as great as a size down in the floral. So depending on your bust and shoulders, I would say you can size down if your smaller on top. Clearly, this top in black is a closet staple.

Silk Wrap-Front Top in Heart Flip $118 (NOW $69.99) // Wearing XXS

And there they go proving that hearts can be done right! Besides the subtle heart print being perfect, there's really so much to love about this top. It is on the higher price point for their tops, but it is silk and the construction of the faux wrap detail does justify it. You can't see the faux wrap detail, but there isn't an opening meaning no need to worry about showing skin. Nothing like flashing people and not even realizing it-nope, not here! Normally, I would be against the elastic at the bottom, but in this case it worked to hold down the top. So whether you need to add some fun to your work wardrobe or weekend, this one does both.

Daisy Embroidered Mainstay Sweatshirt $88 // Wearing XS

Where there is cozy and cute combined, you can find me there. I understand this is just a grey sweatshirt. The daisies take it up a notch, so you don't feel completely embarrassed running into the grocery store. Or is that just me? The fit really is where it's at here. A little oversized, but you're not drowning.

Whisper Cotton Crewneck Tee in Bonnie Stripe $24.50 // Wearing XS

I typically never try on their real basic tee's, but thought this stripe was nice for Spring. They do come in solids, which would be more practical. Again, they know what they are doing when it comes to basics and fit. They are true to size, but you still get that cool girl slouchy shoulder without being too boxy. The sleeves are cuffed (hard to tell in the pictures), which is a nice detail.

Embroidered Reseda Pullover Sweater $98 (NOW $59.99) // Wearing XS

When I saw this online, I wasn't impressed. Seeing it in person, though, is another story. This brings out my inner boho. The embroidered detail and just enough roomy fit is what makes this sweater special. It is lighter weight, so it can easily work into those brisk Summer nights with shorts. 

Ruffle-Cuff Ribbed Top $39.50 // Wearing XXS

Honestly, I didn't appreciate the fuss about this online. The pictures online don't capture the detail of the fabric and that's what elevates this basic. The texture makes this not your average. Oh, and those subtle bell sleeves! It comes in two other basic colors and also available here. 

Thank you again for linking up with us! Our picks are Ruth from My Little Nest and Cheryl from Northwest Mountain Living and Style!

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