Doing the Most.

I think we can all consider ourselves multi-takers in 2020, we’re all being asked to do various things at once and frankly I am expecting my products to do the same. Enter this round-up of some of our favorite multi-tasking, clean beauty products. 

I will start with a tried and true favorite. I usually have multiples of this strewn around at any given time, EVAN HEALY'S WHIPPED SHEA BUTTER STICK. It is the BEST lip balm and doubles as an eye cream with a quick swipe around the delicate eye area. Its creamy, smells great and it’s organic!

SUPERGOOP! GLOW STICK SPF 50 This one is my latest and greatest find for this very anti-climactic summer that we are currently in. It’s a highlighter/SPF 50, super travel-friendly and it leaves behind a dewy finish without an oily residue. Its also reef-safe!

Next, and also previously mentioned is RMS LIP2CHEEK. Their unique formula combines buriti oil, shea and cocoa butters for lush lips and naturally blush cheeks. Each shade is concentrated, so a little goes a long way to create youthful sheers or more intensely colored stains. It’s so good you’ll want to start a collection of all of the colors!

Another RMS, perhaps shinier option, is their LUMINIZER X QUAD. In a pinch this quad can do it all, a little color on the lids, a sheen on the lips and a super-natural highlight. 

Lastly, ILIA BEAUTY MULTI-STICK. This one is similar to the LIP2CHEEK but instead of being packaged in a classic pot its in a stick, so you can re-apply pretty much anywhere. It also comes in a ton of colors and was winner of Byrdie’s Eco Beauty Award for Best Multi-Use. It’s my favorite product to get that perfect monochromatic eye/cheek/lip situation in a hurry. 

Here’s to all of you multi-taskers out there that are doing the most.

Fresh Start

Crystal Art by Award Winning Crystal Artist © @sarashakeel

It’s time for a fresh start, don’t you think? While stuck at home I am sure you’ve found yourself completing (starting?) some projects around the house. Whether it’s cleaning, organizing, building, gardening, cooking - this time inside is offering up a chance for a fresh start in so many ways. 

May I steer your direction to your bathroom cabinet/vanity/caboodle? Have you assessed the situation of your make-up assortment lately? No? Great, let’s assess. 

First, let’s go through the whole lot and chuck the expired products. Use this handy guide to determine whether our not your products are fresh and safe to use. 

Mascara - Average life span: four to six months
Do not take any chances when it come to your eyes. Germs and bacteria can cause infections and sties. 
Pro-tip: Close it tightly after each use, avoid pumping the wand in and out (note to self), and though sharing is caring - do not share your mascara or any makeup for that matter. 

Eyeliner - Average life span: six months to one year
Liquid liners are good for no more than six months, trash them sooner if they start to thicken up.
Pro-tip: For pencils, I recommend sharpening with every use or at least every couple of days to shave off any fresh bacteria that could be piling up.

Foundation - Average life span: one year
Pick your poison; liquids, creams, and compacts can last up to a year if kept properly. If the liquid starts to separate, cream thickens up, or you smell a funky aroma (goes without saying), it’s time to chuck it. 

Concealer - Average life span: one year
Hands off. Keep your paws out of the pot (use a swab or tiny spatula to scoop) and keep the lids tight to avoid premature spoiling. You'll know your stick concealer is bad if it starts to dry out and crack or turns tough.

Blush/Eyeshadow - Average life span: one to two years
The creamy ones will last up to one year and powders about two. Crumbly powder? Toss. Again, use a swab and keep the lids tight. 

Lipstick - Average life span: eight months
We’ve all seen/smelled an old lippy right? Smells like old rubber, looks dry, and the worst - no longer applies nice and smooth like. I feel like this, again, goes without saying BUT if your lipstick comes in contact with a cold sore (remember we do not share makeup) toss it. 

Brushes baby - Average life span: a year or longer
Natural-hair brushes, used for powdered products can last a lifetime with proper care. Synthetic brushes used for creams only last a year. If any of your brushes start to shed, become stiff, or stop applying color evenly, it’s time to say goodbye.

Now that we’ve purged and organized, its time to sanitize!

Before we start, here is a quick run-down of some of our favorite brush soaps.

• Tigers Eye Brush Soap from Sonia Roselli
  Not only BEAUTIFUL, this one uses natural disinfectants like honey and tea tree oil. 

• Brush Shampoo from Clean Apothecary
  This one is enriched with argan oil and uses the cleansing power of coconut oil. It also comes in super clean scents like Grapefruit, Rose, Nag Champa and more. 

• If you’re in or near Santa Cruz email Moon Dust Beauty Brush Soap.
  Formulated by one of our very own artists, you can bet that this one is super clean. 

We here at Dreamcatcher are sticklers for sanitizing. Read our step-by.-step guide to properly clean your brushes. 

1. WASH - Wash each brush for 30 seconds, then rinse well and don’t forget the handles!

2. DRY - Blot with a clean towel and then dry, laying flat on a clean towel with bristles hanging past the surface.

3. STORE PROPERLY - Once COMPLETELY dry, keep them in a closed container to keep airborne germs from landing on them.

Pro-tip: I know its cute (and tempting) to keep your brushes displayed in a pretty glass or ceramic cup but never leave your brushes out in the open day after day. They WILL attract dust, germs and possibly curious pets.

All other tools such as pallets and spatulas should be cleaned with 70% alcohol. And while you’ve got the alcohol out, give all of your pots, pallets and brush handles a good swipe. 

Now that everything is all squeaky clean should we all just do a full face for the next Zoom meeting?

See you soon, stay safe and clean. 

How to Combat Chapped Skin When Sanitizer & Hand washing is All The Rage

What we thought we knew about hand washing has evolved for most people over a very short amount of time. Many people have been forced to reeducate themselves on proper handwashing techniques and probably learned a little bit about disinfecting best practices in the process. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), The way germs can travel from your hands into the human body is through the following three scenarios. 

• Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

• Preparing food or drinking with unwashed hands

• Transferring germs by touching a contaminated surface, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, then touching another person or surface

Different surfaces retain germs in different ways. Stainless steel, wood, paper, hands, mobile devices, and beyond can dictate the lifespan of germs. The temperature of these surfaces also plays a role in bacteria and virus survival rates. 

Don’t Get Caught up in Myths and Legends

As the focus has recently turned to hand hygiene, handwashing practices that do little to nothing in removing germs have floated to the surface. A few popular myths include:

1. The amount of time that you wash your hands doesn’t matter. The CDC suggests that you scrub your hands for at least 20-seconds. They also recommend that you wet and lather before you start your 20-second countdown by singing happy birthday twice. 

2. Hand sanitizers work better than soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to remove germs. The quality of your hand sanitizer also matters. Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol. 

3. You should only use hot water to wash your hands. There is currently no scientific evidence that supports this. Hot water also tends to dry out skin faster. Cooling the temperature of your water when washing your hands will help to lock in natural moisture. 

4. You shouldn’t dry your hands after you wash them. Germs are more easily transferred from wet hands. It’s important to dry hands gently but thoroughly. 

Hand Hygiene 101

Hand hygiene is the practice of washing and sanitizing your hands in an effective way that removes enough microorganisms from them to avoid transmission. Shifting your focus from mere hand washing to an act of disinfecting and killing active bacteria that can live on surfaces, can help to visualize a more comprehensive hand washing ritual. 

The CDCs list of specific instances that people are prone to transmitting germs through contact on a daily basis has precise guidelines for hand washing procedures.

You should wash your hands: 

• Before, during, and after preparing meals

• Before eating food

• Before and after caring for someone who is sick

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the bathroom

• After changing diapers or helping a child who has used the bathroom

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

• After handling pet food or pet treats

• After touching garbage

Behaviors That Will Keep Your Hands Silky Soft 

Skin flora or skin microbiota are microorganisms that live on our skin, which is divided into two layers, called the transient and resident layers. The transient flora is the top superficial layer of the skin known as the epidermis and is easily removed from hands when we wash. Protecting this delicate layer of skin is key in maintaining good hand health. The following steps will help you to protect your hands and maintain cleanliness at the same time. 

1. It’s important to wash your hands with soaps that have moisture in them. Natural oils and shea butter soaps will help you to lock in your body’s natural moisture. Other ingredients that will benefit dry hands are glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. 

2. Remember that you can remove bacteria without overly brutalizing your hands. When washing your hands, be gentle and carefully pat your hands dry with a soft towel. 

3. Avoid soaps with high pH levels of 7 or more. You can use a pH test strip if the pH level is not clearly marked on the packaging. For reference, the skin’s natural pH level is around 5.5. Chemically based surfactants and fragrances can also potentially cause irritation as well. 

4. Invest in a high-grade cream that is made specifically for hands. If you have severe dryness, consider putting on a thick layer of cream, ointment, or even petroleum jelly and wear cotton gloves for a few hours to seal in moisture.

Our hands are the pathways to everything that we do in life, and you’ll never regret keeping them clean, moisturized, pain-free, and healthy.  

Megan Glenn

I’m a freelance writer with extensive expertise in a plethora of subjects, including: home decor, business, lifestyle, and more. I’ve been writing professionally for over a decade, and have had the pleasure of working with incredible publishers over the years, including American Beauty School.

Sustainable Beauty

Facial Rounds

LastSwab

Bio-Degradable Loofahs

Cloth Wipes

@trashisfortossers

As people are hoarding paper products all around the country I feel it’s important to highlight all of the ways we can minimize our consumption of disposable single use products. I don’t condone fear-based/panic shopping but these one-time purchases could help you minimize your waste now and in the long run. Before I get to the goods, if you aren’t already following Lauren Singer @trashisfortossers I recommend you give her a follow. She is a huge part of the #zerowaste movement, one of Forbes 30 under 30 and CEO of Package Free Shop, a San Francisco and online shop that stocks all of the products I am about to introduce you to.

I will start with cotton rounds/balls. Used to remove makeup, apply toners, clean a boo boo, etc. these single-use drug store staples are an easy swap for a reusable option. Made of 100% organic cotton flannel I use this 20-Pack of Facial Rounds from Marleys Monsters by keeping a clean stack in my medicine cabinet and a cute basket beside my sink. After each use I toss in the basket and wash them all once a week. The same can be done with their Cloth Wipes if you need a little more surface area and are looking to replace your single use face wipes as well. Super easy and they offer cute prints if plain white isn’t your jam.

I can see how this next one might seem a little questionable but hear me out, Reusable Swabs. If the thought of re-using a swab grosses you out - read this stat and reconsider, “nearly 25.5 billion single use swabs are produced and discarded every year in the U.S.” LastSwab by LastObject is a great solution because it lasts for up to 1,000 uses and is easily cleaned with soap and water. It comes in a corn-based carrying case is easy to clean and comes in two versions, one for cleaning and one for makeup. Cool right?! 

Last but certainly not least, a Bio-Degradable Loofah. If you’re still using brightly colored, plastic loofahs in your shower now is the time to switch. Made of 100% plant fiber, these are a great replacement for not only bath loofahs but also for dish brushes and sponges in your kitchen. They are 100% compostable and biodegradable and will decompose within 30 days which is hundreds of years faster then their plastic predecessors not to mention they work better than any plastic alternative I’ve tried. Make the switch!

Keep doing your best, take care of yourself, each other and our planet.

Saving Daylight

Sunrise Sand Dunes by bon femmes

Daylight Savings Time - it always catches me by surprise but this year I refuse to be ill prepared. Here are a few simple hacks that I hope make this transition more tolerable for everyone.

1. Sleep! Prep accordingly and get to bed an hour early to help ease the rush of the morning. If you aren’t currently using a sleep app - try one! I like the SleepCycle app but the last iPhone update included a more comprehensive sleep tracker that works just as well.

2. Simplify your morning regime. If its not obvious by now, I am a “less is more” kind of woman so my day and night routines are pretty minimal but here’s a simple change that can help simplify your morning. Skip the morning cleanse. Blasphemy? Maybe, but honestly, how dirty can your face get overnight? In lieu of the morning scrub I have been using a quick swipe of the classic medicine cabinet staple, Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner. Super quick, wakes up the skin and preps for moisturizer/sunscreen/what have you. 

3. Multi-tasking products. I consider myself a collector of this next product, the colors are vibrant and buildable and even better they are perfect to toss in your bag for a mid day touch up. The RMS LIP2CHEEK works as a blush, lip, cheek stain and hydrator. It’s created with nourishing organic ingredients and each shade can go from a sheer to saturated stain depending on your morning mood.

The Look

“2020” it just rolls off the tongue. The year 2020 numerically feels like a big wedding year, so if you’re getting married this year, next or the one after that this ones for you. Deciding on the “look” for the big day is different for everyone. Whether you have spent (or will spend) hours on Pinterest or are just leaving it up to your Dreamcatcher artist, here are a few tips to get the ball rolling.

1. Be honest with your artist! While for some it’s not hard to voice opinion, sometimes speaking up can be difficult. When working with the artist responsible for your FACE on the big day it is important to be able to say what you want. In the end he or she wants you to be happy with the end result, so speak up!

2. No drastic changes in the few weeks leading up to the big day. This one can be surprisingly hard to stick to with all of the things available out there. Micro-blading, fillers, botox, extensions, etc. The options are out there, and I am by no means saying that you can’t do them, BUT let’s consider what COULD happen. A botched brow, an emotionless face, a matted mop - could all ruin your most photographed day. So, let’s not leave anything to chance, give yourself a couple of months before hand to do anything major. This way you’ll have time to let the change settle and/or pivot if need be.

3. Start with a natural look and go from there. During your trial try starting with a fresh, natural look and build from there. Going backwards is more difficult and you might surprise yourself with which feature you want to emphasize as your look comes together. 

Last but not least, be you and enjoy every moment. From the pinning, to the trial to the morning of - be present and have so much fun celebrating your love!

Valerie @nathonyphotography

Jillian by @stanflan

Katie by @jensosaweddings

Photography by @keithmunyanweddings

Natalie by @gretchengause

Sharon by @comeplum

Resolutions

Resolutions, who needs ‘em? Me, I need them. Not the stress of sticking to them so much - but having a few goals to check-in on throughout the year feels manageable and totally worth it. I thought it might be helpful halfway through the first month of 2020 to lay out a few, obtainable resolutions that I hope to incorporate in to my routine that you might want to take on as well! 

• Drink 3L of water per day. We all know that drinking water and staying hydrated has its benefits. Clear and glowing skin alone make this a no-brainer but what makes it an even easier task is a cute new re-usable water bottle from San Francisco based company, BKR. BKR’s Big bottle is 1L so refilling it twice a day makes it easy to measure your progress. They’re a bit spend-y but think of all the plastic disposable bottles you won’t be buying. They are made of glass, so no funky plastic taste/leeching concerns and - wait for it - they are dishwasher safe. You can also purchase alternate silicone sleeves to swap out your color AND they have a fancy lid option that holds what might be my all-time favorite lip balm/gloss, Paris Water Balm. Drink up buttercup!

• Self-Care. This is a hard one because who has the time and/or money? Which is why I invested in a Gua Sha tool, its like a gym for your face! Gua Sha feels almost as good as a lymphatic massage and it stimulates circulation, aids in lifting and firming and is easy enough to do yourself. Here’s one that I really like from Skin Gym that I found at Credo Beauty.

• Change it up. Getting stuck in a beauty rut happens from time to time, so this year let’s try and keep it fun, shall we? I mentioned oVertone in my Cyber-Conscious Monday round-up, their colored conditioners provide a new punch of color in just 15 minutes! It’s a fun way to temporarily change it up when you’re feeling bored with your look.

Here’s to being a little more hydrated, self-aware and adventurous in 2020!

Starry-Eyed Beginnings

Starting a new year evokes unparalleled feelings of optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. One trend that feels aligned with the dawning of a new decade are the celestial hits popping up on runways, red carpets and television (I’m looking at you Euphoria). This space craze speaks to the wonder of the stars, a metallic flashback to the space race of yesteryear and our current catapult into the future. Whether its a simple silver eyeliner, holographic rainbows, a cascade of glitter or a fun addition to your manicure; here are some of our favorite starry-eyed looks for the new year.

The Cat Eye: A Tribute

After the recent loss of iconic French New Wave beauty Anna Karina I found myself down a rabbit hole of her work. Her dreamy style alone is well worth a deep dive. A signature look is a statement and a commitment and Anna’s cat eye was just that. The perfect flick of an eyeliner provided an envy-worthy winged tip that is equally classic and dramatic all at once. Check out our highlight reel (via pinterest) below and as an homage to the Danish-French beauty add some eyeliner to your holiday look this season.

Cyber-Conscious Monday

Despite being a conscious consumer 99% of the time, its super easy to get roped into this holiday shopping craze. In an attempt to seek out the best options for today’s deals, I’ve sought out the top 10 deals (20% or more) from some of our favorite daily (and splurge worthy) products. Hopefully this helps to zen the frenzy that is Cyber Monday, happy shopping!

1. Osea - Now is the time to get that Hyaluronic Sea Serum I was raving about last month. Their CyberMonday deal is a FREE full size serum ($88 Value) with your purchase of $135 or more.

2. Living Libations - The cleanest of the clean and rarely discounted, 22% off everything and free shipping after $150. May I recommend any of the Best Skin Ever’s and the Maiden Fern Blushing Balm for the perfect natural flush for cheeks and lips.

3. Overtone - Heard of it? Quick and easy colored conditioners that allow for some fun and funky colors in just 15 minutes. 20% off of $80+ with code OVER20.

4. Drunk Elephant - If you were following along during the summer months, then you know that DE is my go-to for sun protection. 20% off sitewide!

5. Biossance - 30% off everything! Including the Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum!

6. Fresh - 20% off everything! Stock up on some of those lippys, cleansers and my favorite luxe bath soak - Saki Bath.

7. GOOP - For the first time ever Gweny and her brand Goop is offering 20% off on all of their products. Today only. So if there ever was a time to try - its now!

8. Charlotte Tilbury - This cult classic is offering 40% off of some of their hit-singles, including some great palettes.

9. Tarte - 25-60% off the whole site. Stock up!

10. Tata Harper - She’s a spensy one but 20% off plus gifts with purchases could make it all worth it.

The (Hyaluronic) Acid Tests

Hot ingredient alert. Hyaluronic Acid is everywhere, and though nearly impossible to say - it may be just the thing your skin needs for a smoother and more supple texture. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in your body (mainly found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes) its main job is to keep your tissues hydrated. Unfortunately with aging, sun and pollution exposure your HA levels decrease over time but luckily there are some great topical solutions to combat this loss! Hyaluronic Acid molecules can hold 1,000 times their weight in water making it THE ingredient to keep your skin super plump and extra moisturized. Studies show that when regularly applied to the surface of the skin, hyaluronic acid serums can reduce wrinkles, redness and dermatitis all while providing maximum hydration and absorption of additional layered products like moisturizers and creams. Here are a few of our favorite products (for all price points) with Hyaluronic Acid to add to your arsenal as the days (and nights) get colder and dryer.

The Dry: Fall Product Round-Up

It’s no secret that we love this time of year but there is one downside to our favorite season, the spookiest of the spookies, dry skin! Easily combated by a few new additions to your beauty regimen, moisture deprived skin won’t stand a chance with this round-up of products we’re loving.

Dried Flower by Hilde Mork

I’ll start the top five anti-dry products with not one but two serums that I’ve been layering in to the routine this Autumn. The first, bed-time addition is Herbivore’s Orchid Facial Oil. This facial oil truly smells like orchids and will surely evoke some sweet dreams whilst providing hydration and protection against visible signs of aging. The second, Osea’s Hyaluronic Sea Serum has become my favorite part of my morning medicine cabinet arsenal. This one is so incredible I will likely stick with it year round. The age-defying organic seaweed extracts boost skin with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals while the high performance hyaluronic acid serum absorbs instantly, leaving a velvety-soft, luminous finish. Next on the list is the all-over (really, can go anywhere) Wildcrafted Shea Butter Skin Food from Sun Potion. This stuff is THICK but it absorbs like a dream on any and all dry spots. On super-dry nights I will seal in all of the mists/serums/etc with a bit of this stuff and wake up the next day super hydrated. It’s also the BEST hand/cuticle/heel hydrator. Lastly, two gems that stay on my desk all day long, Nucifera’s The Mist and Evan Healy’s Whipped Shea Butter Stick for Lips. The mist is the perfect refresher for your skin OR hair, a dose of moisture and an intoxicating scent - whats not to love. The stick from Evan Healy says its for lips but it is also great as a moisture slick under and around your eyes, who doesn’t love a two-fer. Not only will these products keep you looking dewy and fresh into the winter months but they are all super-clean with no nasty additives - enjoy and stay hydrated!

Autumnal Inspiration

If you’re one of those people that gets super amped at the slightest feeling of an autumn chill, you’re not alone! The idea of cozy sweaters, messy bed-head hair styles and warm bevs are right up my alley. Hastily ready to welcome in the cozy vibes this season, I’ve gathered some of our fave beauty trends happening from the streets to the runways. If you’re finding yourself trying to get over your Summer high may I introduce a metallic hit or a primary and/or white color pop? How about a shag-y new cut? Or just fully embrace it, and go with a full-on vamp-y beat. Here’s a little fall inspiration to get you over to the darker autumnal side.

Hair Hacks

Image via Pinterest

Vitamins, minerals, masks – you’ve heard of (and likely tried) them all. A lot of hair products are specially formulated to focus on a certain part of the hair; scalp scrub, split end mask, leave-in conditioner. We’re into the holistic approach, root to tip every part is important and deserves some lovin’. Here are some of our at-home tips to quench your coif’s thirst for moisture and nutrients from the inside out.

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture. Like your skin, moisture is key for your hair. Especially if you spend a lot of time in the ocean or chlorinated pools. A slick of oil on your locks can do the trick. Coconut oil is the easiest and likely most readily available choice. A little coconut oil applied pre pool or beach will add some extra moisture and protect your hair from absorbing too much chlorine or salt.

Image Via Pinterest

Nettles, the unsung herbal hero. Stinging nettles in capsules or tea form have been known to treat hair loss internally and promote new growth.

You can make your own loose leaf infusion at home or buy tea bags at your local grocer. Extra credit, use nettle oil to massage your scalp to boost the afore mentioned benefits and to help control oil production.

Braids. According to Ayurvedic tradition, loosely braiding your hair before sleep helps prevent damage by keeping your hair secured. Rumor has it the loose tension also promotes growth. One thing is for sure, once released the wavy volume will at least give the appearance of healthy thick hair.

Stay hydrated, Ashley

Minimalist Makeup: Less is More

Faces by Philaoppel

I think we can all agree that a full face of makeup on a hot day is not the jam. Luckily, a little bit of makeup goes a long way in the late summer heat. Especially with a little extra color on your skin and a natural sun (sweat?) induced highlight. In the warmer months we 90% subscribe to a minimal makeup routine. That being said sometimes a summer soiree calls for a little something extra, like a bold lip, strong brow or a heavy lash. Here are some of our favorite minimalist make-up looks that won’t melt during these last gasps of summer. 

High Summer Must-Haves

So it’s the middle of Summer and you’ve yet to dial in your sun-protecting beauty kit. Not to worry, there’s still time to tweak and perfect your pre/post sunshine routine. Here’s our current go-to carry for a day in the sun, choose from it what you will and enjoy that Vitamin D!

Photo by Gray Malin at the Coral Casino

Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

First things first, sunscreen for your bod. Best practice, pre-bikini/one-piece/tankini/trunks/speedo–what have you, lather up with sunscreen all-over. Thus preventing weird missed areas and allowing some time for optimal absorption before you run into those waves (or pool) Baywatch style. We’ve been loving this one from Drunk Elephant. Not only is it one of the cleanest on the market but a little goes a long way and it makes a good base layer. 

Now for that gorgeous face of yours. Almost everyone’s got a favorite daily driver when it comes to sunscreen for your face but if you haven’t found your fave may we suggest this combo that does it all. A pump of Josie Maran’s Protect + Perfect SPF 47 for sun protection and a drop or two of Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops. This combo provides an added boost of pollutant protecting antioxidants while giving you a hint of color and a serious glow even before you set foot in the sunshine. 

D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

Okay you’re set and off to the beach and you’re going to reapply after each dip and boost that UV defense you’ve built up, right?! This easy spray-on from Supergoop in tandem with their Defense Refresh Setting Mist (SPF 50!) are quick, no fuss options. Bonus, snack on some sun-protecting fruits like raspberries and blueberries to help nourish your skin from the inside out. No sunburns for you this Summer!

What a day. Time to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate post shower with your favorite body oil or moisturizer to replenish that sun-kissed skin of yours. Lately, this clean and natural beaut from Nucifera has been on repeat after hours spent soaking up the sun. 

Enjoy these lovely last weeks of Summer! Love, Ashley

6 Tips on How to Wear a Red Lip

Photo by Dannie-Dan Irabor, model Maddy Pinkerton

The classic red lip- It feels timeless, chic and slightly daring. Here’s how to get it right and feel confident wearing it, even if you’ve never done it before.

Step One: Be Prepared to Own it

Often when doing makeup for clients, they tell me they want to try a classic red lip for the first time. Then they see themselves and decide it’s too bold and they don’t feel comfortable in it. My advice is not to try it for the first time on the day of a big event, but on a Tuesday! Wear it a few times in a row to get used to it and remember: no one is noticing your lip color as much as you are! How do they know this is the first time you’ve worn it?! It’s really as simple as this: if you tell yourself you can pull it off, then you can. I firmly believe that everyone can look great in a red lip, it’s really just a matter of finding the right shade and owning it!

Two: Liner

It’s an essential step if you are using a traditional tube of lipstick that isn’t a super matte formula. Why? A few reasons- namely shape, depth and longevity. It’s going to help you define your shape and give the lipstick something to cling to so that you can get a nice long wear out of it. It’s also going to make the color look more bold and give you full coverage without having to apply a ton of the actual lipstick, which can look overdone real fast. If you’d like your lips to appear fuller, you can slightly over-line them with your pencil. Just be careful at the corners, where over-lining can look obvious. Add more fullness to the top and bottom by tracing just outside of your natural lip line. ***Important*** DO NOT just outline your lips with the liner- fill in the entire lip! This will give you that depth we talked about AND it’s the most important step for longevity because it gives the lipstick something to adhere to. When the lipstick does wear off, you’ll be left with the liner underneath and no one will know the difference! When doing a red, choose a liner that’s the same color as your lipstick.

Three: Choosing a Color

You can follow the “rules” about finding your perfect shade, or you can just see what you think works for you! They say if you have cool undertones (typically pale skinned people) a red with pink/blue undertones will work for you. Think more cherry and almost berry reds. If you have warm undertones, a warmer orange base will work for you, and you can wear those rusty or terra-cotta reds. That being said, if you choose a red that’s not your suggested tone and you like it and think it’s flatters you, that’s really all that matters! And everyone can wear a classic true red, like this Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso.

Beso by Stila

Four: Lip brush

A good lip brush will help you achieve a precise Red lip if you want a crisp line. It can be really tough to get a precise look applied straight out of the tube. If you’ve ever wondered why people use lip brushes, this is why!

Five: long wear formulas

A long wear formula lip stick will allow you to get other things done during your day besides touching up your lip. One of my absolute favs is the Stila Stay all day, mentioned above. Most brands now make a long wear, so you can try different ones until you find the perfect shade and feel. Starting out with a drugstore brand is a good way to experiment without breaking the bank. I LOVE the NYX soft matte lip colors, which comes in a great red called Amsterdam and is under $7! It isn’t drying and lasts a really long time especially with liner underneath. They describe it as a “true red”.

Six: The Whole Look

Remember that when wearing a red lip, it becomes part of your outfit! Red lips look beautiful with whites and neutrals, stripes if you’re really going Parisian, and of course RED! I love wearing red to an event and pairing it with red lipstick of the same or very similar shade. It looks bold and chic if you keep everything else simple. And by everything else, I mean eye makeup and accessories. This is not time to bust out your smokey eye. Keep your shadow simple and neural, or maybe add a little gold/bronze to compliment the red. A red lip also works wonders to jazz up a casual outfit and will make you appear extremely put together! See below. I hope these little tips gave you the know-how to take the plunge into red, and just remember to own it!

See what I mean???? CHIC.COM

SEE?!

Red worn with a casual look. amazing.

2019 Wedding Hair Trends

Today we give you four of the most popular and gorge bridal hairstyles we’re seeing right now. The beauty of these is that you can make them your own and modify away to achieve a look you’re really comfortable with, that makes you feel like your most bridal and beautiful self!

Romantic Textured Pony

There is a reason Jlo lives in a pony- the style feels put together and laid back all at once. Great if you want your hair off the face, but aren’t quite ready to go for the full on “up-do”. Lower to middle placement on the back of the head is popular right now; higher placement on the head will make you look like a barbie princess in the best way possible. The key to making this pony wedding-worthy is to cover the elastic with hair and/or add a sparkly hair ornament.

@hairbyhannahtaylor

pinterest

pinterest

see? perfect balance of polished and laid-back!

The Low bun

At first mention of the low bun, you may think.. ok kinda boring, but think again! The low bun is such a versatile style because it can be very traditional, sleek and chic, or textured and modern looking. A center part looks current, volume and texture on top looks classic. You can really make it your own and be sure your hair will stay put all night long with this secure style! Looks beautiful and romantic with a few tendrils framing the face.

@hairbyhannahtaylor

add a pearly hair ornament for a current yet timeless touch!

@tonyastylist love the hair jewels!

@hairbyhannahtaylor

Twisted and Textured

In 2019 we are seeing a few less braids and a few more twists! Whether they’re part of an updo or a half-up half-down style, textured twists will make your style feel current.

@tonyastylist

Here’s the low bun again, but with fun twists added on each side by Simeona Lanta

A braid that comes together in a twist by Chaney Alexis

lots of curled twists and texture! by Chaney Alexis

Romantic Waves

Again, romantic waves can come in so many different styles from a Hollywood glam type wave, to something looser and less structured, but not quite beachy. Either way, make sure you have the hair thickness and length to support this look (or you’ve added in those extensions). Romantic waves of any type will never look dated!

Hair by Katie Lee, makeup by Joelle

Hair by Katie Lee

Pinterest

@hairbyhannahtaylor

xoxo,

Joelle of Dreamcatcher Artistry

Makeup Organization Hacks

Still storing all your makeup in a bottomless, foundation stained zippered cosmetic pouch? There are so many other ways to keep an orderly kit (for home and travel) so that your makeup stays clean and organized, and you save yourself the time and frustration of DIGGING through that ratty bag!

Let’s dive in. First, I know those clear acrylic set of drawer systems have been extremely popular lately- and they look gorgeous for about one day, until you smear the plastic with oils and makeup, which is inevitable. Unless you want to devote time every few days to making each drawer see-thru again, I suggest a different method. it depends on your setup situation. Do you have a vanity? Only a few drawers in a shared bathroom? No matter what kind of space you have to store your makeup, you can make it pretty. My advice if you’re using drawers is not to let everything just hang loose in there. Drawer organizers are your BFF here! Find a few that fit together nicely and so you can have different sizes and categories of makeup in each one like brushes, lips, eyes, etc. If you’ve never done it like this, trust me, it is so gratifying to have everything neatly laid out so you can see each item and put it back exactly where it goes! Can you tell I’ve binged the entire season of Marie Kondo??

Maybe you have zero bathroom drawers to spare - in which case you can always utilize any flat surface and stick your drawer organizers on top of it, neatly like above. Beware if you have cats who like to find small objects to bat around. A safer more enclosed option, and one that doubles for travel is the amazing Lippie Book, created by a makeup artist for artists and regular janes too. Even tough it’s called the “lippie'“ book, you can store anything in there. It’s a great tool for keeping brushes, mascara, eye pencils, tube concealers and other tube products.

Pictured here in the medium size which has 92 slots!

Pictured here in the small, which is ideal for personal travel use!

You can also use an artist’s pencil roll or booklet like these, from an art store or Amazon. I have used the booklet form in my pro kit for years - it’s compact and keeps all my eye and lip pencils visible. Look for elastic that is larger than one pencil width so that you can fit other items besides just pencils. Or if you have a million pencils, this is perfect.

Found on Amazon

If you like to save packaging and purchase your powder products directly in the pan, an empty magnetic palette is an amazing organizational tool. As long as you’re using makeup housed in a metal pan, it will pop right in to one of these palettes. If you want to get crazy, you can learn how to pretty easily “de-pot” your makeup here to get rid of the packaging and get the makeup into pan form so that you can use the palette method. There are tons out there! to choose from! The Cozzette padded palette is one of my new favorites because the cover doesn’t stain with makeup and fall apart (like the Nars one) and it feels nicer to hold and is safer for the delicate powders inside than the metal Makeup Forever one. Many brands geared towards makeup artistry have them for sale online.

one of MAC’s pro palettes

Now that you’re armed with knowledge, have some fun organizing, getting rid of makeup that your never wear, and cleaning up your makeup kit! Trust me, it makes it even more of a treat to sit down and do your makeup when you have a clean, beautiful workspace in front of you!

xoxo,

Joelle of Dreamcatcher Artistry

Unique Central Coast Wedding Venues

California offers some of the most gorgeous wedding venues a bride could ask for. Working in the wedding industry for so many years, I’ve seen more venues than I can even count, and these all stand out as unique, memorable and idyllic settings to tie the knot.

Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm

Check them out here

A Breathtaking 50 acre farm located just north of Santa Barbara along the Gaviota coast, The Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm has an airy, rustic but chic feel- stunning beach views, but not on the beach. The bright, high ceilinged greenhouse is great for a reception in the cooler weather months, while still giving the feeling that you’re outside. Simple and beautiful for couples who lean towards the no-frills, minimal side of life.

Check em out on IG

from a plane, thanks Chris

1880 Union hotel

There truly is no place like the 1880 union hotel. Your guests will never forget the feeling that they’ve stepped back in time to an 1800’s era western hotel and saloon. My first time inside the hotel had me thinking this place has to be haunted! An ideal space for small weddings, or for parties of up to 300, this hotel and venue all-in-one allows you to rent out the entire hotel (which itself is small) for your wedding party and guests, creating an intimate wedding weekend experience for you and your favorite people! With an on-site coordinator and great catering in house, you can cross off two major items off of your busy bride to-do list.

all 1880 photos courtesy of the hotel

The Madonna Inn

So you want quirk, you want camp, you want unconventional! An over the top venue that definitely does not scream “wedding”. Welcome to the Madonna Inn of San Luis Obispo, where things are weird and awesome. With 110 uniquely styled guest rooms, and multiple banquet rooms to accommodate weddings of different sizes, this place is unforgettable and just plain fun. Did I mention they have GOAT YOGA. And lots of PINK!

photo by Michelle Roller

Courtesy Anna Delores Photo

They have a pool with a waterfall.

Did someone say Christmas wedding?!?!

Don’t forget the goats!

The Belmond El Encanto

If you’re looking for something that’s the polar opposite of the Madonna Inn, The Belmond El Encanto is an understated and super elegant option. Simply put, this hotel evokes the perfect combo of refinement, class and laid-back, Santa Barbara style relaxation. Stunning coastal views, sweet bungalows, and award winning food make this venue a California classic and one in a million.

Now get out there and tour some of the central coast’s best venues! Happy Hunting :)

xoxo,

Joelle of Dreamcatcher Artistry