beauty | Sweetest Somethings

put your best face forward

In the winter, I feel like I hate my skin. I know technically it’s the same skin that is on my face in the summer, but it just requires so much more work. My skin is more dry, my skin tone looks washed out, and the dewy look I go for is harder achieve. I love reading skin care tips online and getting new ideas for products and feel I have mastered what it takes to keep my skin looking good. Don’t get overwhelmed by the steps, it is most likely things you do anyway but just in a different order or with a new product.

Exfoliate. I swear by my Origins modern friction. It leaves your skin feeling baby soft.
Sunless tan. I’ve tried countless sunless tanners but my favorite is St. Tropez gradual tan mouse. (I recommend the gradual even if you have darker skin. The regular is really dark.)
Moisturize. Every morning and night, but especially after your tanner dries because it can dry out your skin. I use Clinique because it has a great effect while still being lightweight.
Apply a primer/base. I used to use benefits primer but now I’ve switched to Dior’s BBcream and I love it.
Cover. I use Laura Mercier’s sand colored tinted moisturizer.
Spot check. Cover any imperfections/ discolorations. I love Benefit’s erase paste.
Bronze. Lightly dust bronzer over your face and neck. I’ve used this NARS bronzer for the better part of 5 years, I swear by it.
Blush/highlight. I use a combination of Bobbi Brown’s cream blush and this magical Origins highlighter called Halo Effect. A little goes a long way!

You can read more about my go to beauty products under my ‘About page’ or in this post. Do you guys use any of these skin care products? Or do you have any tips for great looking winter skin?

melon mani

I thought a melon themed manicure would be the perfect thing to brighten up my freezing hands. I do the half & half mani a lot with two colors that compliment each other, especially when I’m feeling indecisive. First, paint two coats of the lighter color (I used Sally Hansen’s ‘sorbet’) and then one strip with the darker color (I used Essie’s ‘tart deco’). Just wait for your nails to dry completely before applying the top coat, otherwise the two colors will run into each other. Enjoy!

how to: chunky side braid

I wear my hair in a braid several days a week and am always looking for different things to do with it. I want to keep it from getting boring or from looking like a 6 year old girl. A side braid is always a good choice, but sometimes mine wind up looking too thin and flat. I like a little bit of a messier, chunky braid. An easy trick is to pre braid one section before braiding all of your hair. Your braid comes out looking a little thicker and stays for longer. Just follow the steps below.