Product Review

Family Candids like It’s 1998

March 2, 2019March 2, 2019 SydnieLeave a comment

Have you guys noticed the recent hipster trend on social media? You know…the one that makes all of your photos look like they were taken with a disposable camera from the ’90s?

At a recent family get-together, one of my sisters, who is WAY cooler than the rest of us by the way, enlightened me. She showed me the Huji Cam App, immediately made me download it, and a photoshoot quickly ensued.

I was skeptical. As an amateur style blogger who values REAL cameras (both film and digital), the idea of using an app that imitates disposable film didn’t sound appealing.

Nonetheless, when she showed me the “developed” pictures, I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t get me wrong; you won’t find me posting all of my pseudo-fashion shoots from the Huji App, but there is something candid and heartwarming about the pictures from our gathering.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that the App looks and acts like old disposable cameras, meaning you have to take your shot looking through the tiny viewfinder, forced to press the shutter whether or NOT the subjects look absolutely perfect. Things are done with less focus and positioning, and as a result, turn out a little bit more authentic, in real time.

The convenience of having it all on your phone in an instant helps too. Usually I am impatiently waiting on Joel to develop our most recent batch of film, but in those cases, the quality is well worth the wait. My final opinion? The Huji App has a time and a place.

On Me: Forever Cardigan // Express Blouse

Winter Beauty Products

December 25, 2017December 19, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I find myself craving moisture more than ever when the weather is cold. My skin is dry, hair is full of static, and lips are cracked. Over the past few years I’ve learned about a few products that always make this time of year more bearable; check them out:

Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer: My mom has been using this since I was a kid, and I understand why it’s lasted all these years. She has incredibly dry skin year-round, but this stuff is thick and powerful. After putting this on, my rough and dry patches are less noticeable; plus my makeup goes on smoothly and lasts all day.

Tarte Maracuja Oil: I haven’t done a skin care post without mentioning this holy grail product! It’s magic. I love soaking my face and neck in it before bed and waking up with rejuvenated skin. As someone with combination skin, I suffer from breakouts and dry patches at the same time, but this stuff remedies it better than any other combination of products. It contains maracuja fruit nutrients, like vitamin C and essential fatty acids, that my skin craves.

Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque: I have always been a big fan of Aveda’s plant based hair care products and was recently introduced to their masque. Prior to using it, the static in my hair was unmanageable. Now, both my hair and scalp are hydrated and frizz-free. If you’re suffering from dry hair like I was (most curly hair types have a tendency to be dry), I recommend using a moisturizing masque once a week.

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: If I was stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one beauty product, this would be it. I love putting this on after I shave my legs, or on my hands before bed. It’s also great on wet or dry hair and for healing acne scars…the list could go on forever. I haven’t found a body lotion that can compete with simple, natural, inexpensive coconut oil, and I don’t think I ever will.

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm: This product has been in every purse I’ve owned since high school. I love the fruity smell, the variety of lip tints, the SPF 20, but most importantly, the long lasting moisturizing effects. It’s an easy, every day step up from regular Chapstick that I never leave the house without.

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My Top 3 Red Lipsticks

August 28, 2017August 17, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

There’s something so classic about a bold, red lip, but finding the perfect shade is one of the most difficult tasks. Red can look so good, but it can also look so bad. Because I have fair skin, I used to think I wouldn’t be able to pull off a statement color like red. After experimenting, I have found that as long as the color isn’t too harsh, red can actually be really flattering.

Here are my top 3 red lipsticks to end the summer off with a bang:

Nars in Heatwave: I have heard that this color complements any skin tone and I believe it. This shade has undertones of orange—something I was extremely hesitant about—but after trying it on I was hooked! The orange is subtle enough that it doesn’t look out of place. Side note: orange and green go really well together. Whenever I am wearing a green top, I find myself subconsciously pulling out this lipstick and I never regret it. Aside from looks, the formula is hydrating, long lasting, and easy to wear.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral: This is the lipstick I always wear to the beach. It’s more like a tinted chapstick than an actual lipstick, which I love. It has SPF 15 and can be worn alone or as a base for another lipstick. I prefer to wear it alone, because the color payoff is so great. It has a pink undertone that’s perfect for any outfit. When I can’t decide what to wear, I always reach for this. You won’t be sorry.
Mac Lipstick in Matte Viva Glam: I wore this lipstick to my senior prom, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I was going for a very classic, Audrey-esque look, and the lady at the Mac counter told me I couldn’t go wrong with this shade. She was right. Whenever I’m feeling Old Hollywood, I pull out this lipstick. Mac lipsticks will always be one of my favorite formulas. They have mastered the very difficult matte yet moisturizing combination where so many other brands fall short. They also have tons of colors to choose from. I can almost always find what I’m looking for at Mac.

My Nighttime Skin Care Routine

August 21, 2017August 17, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve chatted about beauty products…

What better way to get back into it than by sharing my go-to nighttime beauty routine?!

Let’s get started—

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm: If I wore a lot of makeup that day, I always begin my wind down by taking it off. This product is so effective, and I have yet to find anything better. It’s not too oily. Otherwise, I would just use coconut oil.
Alba Hawaiian Facial Cleanser: I rotate through different cleansers regularly. I love something gentle and refreshing. The Alba products have always worked well for me. Their ingredients speak for themselves, and their tropical scent is unmatched.
Hey Honey Detoxifying Mud Mask: I found out about the Hey Honey brand through my Ipsy Glam Bag subscriptions and have fallen in love. I only do it once or twice a month, but this mud mask gets the job done. I have combination skin, so I am constantly searching for a mask that isn’t too harsh and drying. This mask is just what I’m looking for.
Tarte Maracuja Oil: The best thing I have ever done for my acne prone skin is start putting this oil on every night. I always joke that it should be called Miracle Oil instead of Maracuja Oil. Tarte has been one of my favorite brands for a long time because they are one of the few makeup companies that sell healthy products that actually work. The oil always feels like it’s healing my skin, and when I wake up in the morning my skin feels soft and looks radiant.
Hey Honey Open Your Eyes: I received this product in my Ipsy Glam Bag as well, and I was not immediately impressed. I couldn’t tell any difference in the appearance of my eyes after using the product for a few weeks, but I still found myself reaching for it. I soon realized this was because of the way it makes my eye area feel. After a long day, this product wakes my eyes up. That might sound counterintuitive at bedtime, but for someone who loves to read before they fall asleep, it’s ideal.
Clinique Moisturizing Lotion: Similar to my cleansers, I’m always trying out new moisturizers. Yet, I find myself coming back to this one time and time again. It isn’t too harsh for daily wear, and it feels comfortable on my skin.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: Like I mentioned earlier, I have combination skin. I am oily in some places and dry and sensitive in others. That’s why a spot treatment is perfect for my skin type. I put a drop of this stuff on a blemish before bed, and when I wake up the next day, it has dramatically gone down in size.
Kiehl’s Chapstick: Going to bed with dry lips is one of the worst feelings! I always always always have a chapstick by my bed. This one in particular is great because it has a cooling sensation that soothes and relaxes as I’m falling to sleep.

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Gilmore Girls Revival

November 27, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

In honor of the Revival, I wanted to share with you my favorite “Luke’s Diner” T-shirt.

Aside from the obvious reason I own it, the style and fit is actually really cute and flattering. I’ve bought other television show inspired T-shirts from I Love Apparel before, and each time I am equally pleased.

Get the T-shirt here!

“It’s all any of us wants, to find a nice person to hang out with ’til we drop dead. Not a lot to ask!” -Lorelai Gilmore

New Beauty Products

May 4, 2016June 6, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

I am constantly trying out new beauty products, but this month I have found a few that are worth mentioning. Check them out:

hey honey Open Your Eyes Eye Contour Lifting Fluid

I have been looking for an under eye treatment for a while now, but was unsuccessful. Most products I tried didn’t really DO anything. This one is completely different, however. The morning after trying this out you will feel tighter around your eyes and more awake. I swear by it.

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Make Your Move

This has been my go-to lipstick this month! First of all, the color is like no other. It is a deep nude, red brick shade that really makes your face pop. Oh, and it lasts ALL day. Even after eating.

OLAPLEX Hair Perfector

My hair stylist sold me on this product after she tried it out on me during my session. It allows your hair to handle all of the damage that you put it through. Your hair will thank you.

bareMinerals Blemish Remedy

I have always had problematic skin. It’s dry in some areas and oily in others. I notice a new blemish every other day. This stuff not only hides my breakouts, but also HEALS them. I recommend using it as a spot concealer underneath your foundation.

CLINIQUE take the day off cleansing balm

This product is really popular in the Youtube beauty blogger community, so I decided to give it a try. If you are someone who wears a lot of makeup, this product is a must. I don’t use it everyday, but for nights when I go all out on my makeup I am so thankful I have it when I get home.

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”
― Gwyneth Paltrow

Life Lately

January 7, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

I have been LIVING in this LBD–date night, girls night, every night!

(For more pics like this, follow me on Instagram @LookBookbyGoodies)

My favorite book of all time. I love to re-read it every chance I get. “Trusting yourself means living out what you already know to be true.” -Cheryl Strayed

P.S. Dear Sugar Radio is the best for long car rides, long walks, and just about any other time you feel like it.

Has anyone else been wondering what the difference between sweatpants and joggers are? I’m pretty sure the only difference is that joggers are socially acceptable to wear out and about, whereas sweatpants are frowned upon. These are basically the only thing I wore in Disneyland. And yes, I call them joggers.

Something else I can’t stop wearing: this scarf. It’s soft, warm, and burgundy. Need I say more?

I have found the holy grail of skin care products. Tarte’s Maracuja Oil is a miracle. Acne? Cured. Dry skin? Gone. Glowing? Yes. You’re welcome.

Stay tuned for new obsessions–they change every week.

Just Kissed

August 29, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

This Summer my beauty routine changed a lot. After joining the Ipsy Glam Bag trend, I started rethinking my whole look. I became more experimental, less regimented, and even decided less is more. Ingredients began to matter a little more, and I stopped looking at the face value of products. More often than not, beauty products can be used in more than one way.

Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain by Jane Iredale:

This product describes everything I spent my Summer looking for. When I put this on, I am reminded of the multipurpose lipsticks our grandparents wore when they got ready for their first date. This lip and cheek stain is made from avocado oil, beeswax, olive butter, white tea leaf extract, pomegranate extract, and wild rose wax. It’s long lasting and light weight. Sometimes one product is all you need.

July 2015 ipsy Glam Bag

July 23, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

This is my first month receiving my ipsy Glam Bag! I am so impressed by this month’s products that I had to share what I got:

1. be a bombshell lip balm in french kiss

This product is so hydrating! I also love how light the color is–perfect for an everyday look.

2. Bare Republic Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion

My favorite part about this product is that it is 100% chemical free! It’s so hard to find a sunscreen that is natural. It feels light, the color is great for every skin tone, it smells good, and it protects you!

3. Coolway Beachy Salt Spray

This spray can be applied to wet or dry hair. It is mineral enriched, so while it’s adding texture to your hair, it’s also adding strength.

4. OFRA Bliss Eye Shadow & Highlighter

This color looks great on everyone! What I found really cool was that it contains natural sun filters. I love when I can use one product for multiple reasons–this one on my eyes and anywhere else I want to add a little highlight.

5. tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer

I’m so used to wearing a bronzer that has a shimmer, but this one is making me rethink my comfort zone. Without the shimmer, I appear way less greasy, and the tan looks more natural.

I highly recommend subscribing to the ipsy glam bag! The quality and quantity is totally getting the bang out of your buck.

July 15, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

1) St. Tropez Gradual Tan

I have always been against tanning. The sun is damaging, and so are the harsh chemicals in self-tanners. Recently, however, a friend recommended this product to me. It’s 100% natural, paraben and sulfate free, and it even moisturizes your skin!

2) bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

The same friend that recommended the self-tanner recommended this product… and I definitely see why! This product has no parabens, silicone, oil, or fragrance. It appears to be the combination of a CC and BB cream, mixed with a tinted moisturizer. But here is the catch–it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing ANYTHING! You can wear it alone, or mix it with your foundation.

3) SensatioNail Gel Polish Removal Kit

I LOVE gel nails! I do NOT LOVE having to make an appointment to get them removed. In the past, I have tried removing them myself, but I never got the hang of it. After finding this product, I don’t think I will ever go into the salon to get them removed again! You start out by buffing and filing your nails with their SensatioNail Buffer. Then you use pure acetone to saturate the pads on their pieces of foil before wrapping them around each nail. If you have a friend or family member nearby you might want to ask for help with this part, because once you have foil on a few nails it’s hard to get your fingers to function properly. After soaking for 15-20 minutes, you take the foil off. They supply you with a manicure stick to gently scrape off the polish. You finish by smoothing and adding shine to your nails with the SensatioNail Buffer. This whole process took about 30 minutes, and it comes with 3 sets of foil. For healthy nails, and a healthy bank account, this is the best way to remove gel nails.