As many of you know, I used to be a Beauty Director for Macy's for the past 2.5 years. Needless to say, I know I little bit about beauty products and what customers like and didn't like. Since it is 2021 and a new year, this is the best time to try new products to rejuvenate your skin ladies & gentleman! Check out my top picks based on a skincare routine that I follow daily!
First, I want to make sure everyone understands the proper steps to washing and moisturizing the face. It should be Cleansing, Toning, Serum application & moisturizing. Here are my top picks based on each steps:
This blog entry contains commission affiliate links
Cleansing
To begin with, Always Always wash your face...to start your day and finish your day! Cleansing the face is critical to having healthy skin men or women. Note to the guys: You need to wash your face as well as your facial hair! It is a must! Shop below and find out my top 3!
My Top 3!
Youth to the People Superfood Antioxident Cleanser (Sephora) - By far one of my favorite cleansers. It smells fresh and my skin complexion improved within the first 2 weeks of using it. It has all natural ingredients including kale. It is amazing for women of color with blemishes.
Chanel La Mousse - has an amazing rich cream texture and it moisturizes as it cleans your skin. I am using this one right now and I just love it!
Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin C Renewing Powder Cleanser - This is by far the best cleanser in the morning. It is a actual powder that turns into a pace. It has Vitamin C in it and every morning it will rejuvenate your skin...it helped me brighten my complexion so much.
Toning
Second, This is one of the most skipped steps in a skincare regimen and it is actually one of the most important steps you can do. Toners help remove any remaining dirt, makeup and impurities from the skin after you cleanse. Shop below & see my top 3!
My Top 3!
OLEHENRIKSEN dark spot toner - This is my #1 toner! It removes dirt from your face as well as work on remove dark spot blemishes. This is the best toner in my opinion.
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum - Rihanna did well with this one. It removes makeup and it also improves your skin.
Lancome Tonique Confort Comforting Rehydrating Face Toner - This is a toner that moisturizes your skin like no other. Lancome has some of the best skincare products ever.
Serum Application
Next, is serums! Serums is the most important step in my opinion. You pick a product based on the needs of your skin. For example, I have discoloration issues so therefore therefore I need a serum who focuses on that need. I remember many of my customers when I worked at Macy's loved anti-wrinkle creams in order for them to look younger at all times. You need to purchase a serum based on your skincare needs. Shop Below and take a look at my top 3!
My Top 3!
Shiseido Ultimate Power Infusing Concentrate - THIS THE SERUM I AM USING RIGHT NOW! IT HAS CHANGED MY COMPLEXION FOR THE BETTER. I suffer from massive dark spots on my neck and they continue to fade away because of this.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - Still a classic till this day. This serum fights sign of aging and whenever I heard that someone uses it, it is obvious by the appearance of their skin.
Origins GinZing into the Glow Brightening Serum - If you are looking for a cheaper serum to use then go with Origins. It helps to brighten your complexion.
Moisturizing
Last, Moisturizers in my opinion seal the deal to your skincare regimen day and night. There are so many great ones and it is important to always keep your skin hydrated. Shop Below & see my top 3!
Top 3!
Skinfix Barrier + Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream - One of the best hydrating moisturizers there is. I literally wore no makeup for a day just to see how my skin would feel. From 8a to about 6p I didn't feel dryness at all whatsoever!
Youth to the People SuperFood Air Whip Moisture Cream - Such a clean option to moisturize your skin. This cream includes kale, green tea and much more like Vitamin C. This one focuses o fine lines and wrinkles.
Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator - It has already become such a classic for Clinique and it's not even 5 years old. Moisture surge literally keeps you hydrated for 2 days, it just makes your skin extremely plump!
On a budget Finds Skincare!
Also, check out some of my favorite skincare products from Amazon at a more reasonable price!
First, welcome to another entry of "Jessi's I Love Places." There is nothing like having a backyard that takes you away from the reality of life sometimes. One of my favorite places is our friend Vivian's backyard that she renovated in the last 2 years. She literally transformed it into an Oasis.
This blog post contains commission affiliated links
That sweet little pup in the picture is Nala, the Labradoodle!
Next, the backyard has a massive overhang that covers you completely from the sun and rain. The space includes an amazing patio seating area, outside grill, sink, and a massive dining table with chairs.
Also, during renovation they installed a beautiful quaint pool next to the overhang area. The pool was designed in a rectangular shape with a beautiful surrounding marble tile floor. It just complements the modern/traditional feel that Vivian was going for. After visiting this space I realized how important it is to have a backyard.
Here are the key lessons about having a dream backyard:
Patio Furniture - I love how the furniture is position in their backyard. They make it a point to have chairs facing each other for great conversation and comfort. I love the decorative pillows that are full of color to give the space some pop. This entire space just sets the tone for the backyard. Key tip here...spend some money and get a durable set of patio furniture.
Privacy - I am in love with the. amount of privacy they have. After the construction was done they planted tall trees to block anyone from looking in. In my next home I want to focus on privacy and hope that I can mimic what I saw at Vivian's home. The older I become the more privacy I want with my family in my home.
Yard - If you can afford it, having some type of yard with green grass to me is so important. The ideal backyard is Vivan's to me. The overhang stops and they have massive amount of grass for their dog to run around in. It's always good to have views of plants and vegetation in a home because it is relaxing and it allows you to bask in Mother Nature for at least a few moments daily.
Pool - You don't need to have a massive pool to enjoy. Their pool is of a smaller size but gives such a sophisticated feel to the backyard. What I learned here is going big is not the answer all the time.
Finally, to wrapped it up...I hoped you enjoyed this entry on Vivan's backyard and hopefully it inspires you to think more of your backyard space. I have listed below some of my favorite key items that are duplicates of the space showcased today. Enjoy shopping!!
First, let me just say it is so fun decorating our new home and having to come up with great concepts for every room. I have grown to appreciate interior design and decorating to the 1000 degree! My previous project was dealing with an empty wall in our dining room.
I needed to add something to a bare wall I had in my dining room and I saw something on instagram that I had to replicate! These shelves just brought the entire room together and I am beyond excited to share!
*This page does have affiliate links
Now, even a simple set up like this really took time and vision from the weight that the shelves can hold to the type of pieces to place on the shelves. Here are the key tips & tricks:
Measurements - You need to measure your wall and see what size shelf want to install. For my home I went with a 12 inch x 48 inches long set of 4 shelves that was a lighter wood color. (Shelves were purchased at Home Depot in the Decorative Shelves area).
Brackets - I preferred to have the brackets displayed but to make them appear hidden a bit I purchased white ones to match my white wall. I am very happy I did. (Purchased at Home Depot)
Decor Pieces - I literally utilized many of my HomeGoods gift cards for all the decor pieces, I also utilized some of the items I already had in my home to finish the look. I am sharing duplicate options at the bottom of this entry from Amazon as well as my LiketoKnow.it page!
Color Story - To keep the shelves cohesive I went with a white, gold & green theme when I purchased everything. By sticking to a color story I am held more accountable to staying consistent throughout my home decor discussions.
Lines - It is smart to have your pieces on the shelves line up under each other in a straight line, so it looks clean regardless. See below. It keeps your shelves clean and every piece will be visible.
Finally I am so pumped to share this project! Below I linked great duplicates on some of these decor pieces. Unfortunately I purchased most of mine from HomeGoods so I do not have a link. But below are great duplicates from my Liketoknow.it page as well as from Amazon. Click Pictures below! Enjoy shopping!
I am not usually a New Year resolution person but I feel for 2021 it is needed. Putting together some great tips to jump start 2021 is key.
2020 for most people was a terrible year and I can completely understand why with Covid-19. My husband and I lost our jobs at one point and we were living off of unemployment. However we came through it and we are stronger than ever before.
I want 2021 to be a great year of growth and being grateful. Here are some tips to start 2021 right:
This post contains affiliate links
Vision Board
I’ve never done one but working on mine now. It’s a great way to set goals and visually see them all year so you continue to grow and stay focused. Vision Boards also make you have the sense of urgency to get things done as well, they keep you motivated for sure.
Some of the key things I am placing on my vision board:
Continue Home Reno - We want to focus on the master bathroom, butler pantry and possibly some other room updates. Very Excited!
Learn and grow with my new company! Started a new job in December 2020.
Learn SEO for my blog in order to optimize it on google. This is a process for me, not easy but I am learning.
Finish my John Maxwell Speaker/Leadership Certification
Continue to evolve on my blog and social media. It has been very fun to learn and connect with so many people. Excited to keep it up.
Write a Children's book. I will elaborate more on this later! Stay tuned!
Have a BABY. We are ready to have a little bundle of joy, we will start trying in 2021. Blessed to be healthy and to be able to try with my husband.
Get Rest aka Go to bed earlier
If you go to bed at a decent hour, the next day will be more productive. Basically go before 11p! If you get your body to go to bed earlier you will start your day earlier and get more done in my opinion. During furlough my sleep pattern was thrown off and I was up late all the time. This resulted in me becoming sluggish in the mornings and it took twice the time for me to get going. For 2021 I cannot allow that and will be making this change.
Wake up with 3 blessings
Wake up daily being grateful for 3 things in your life. Say it out loud, it goes a long way...trust me. I usually wake up, say a prayer and proclaim out loud 3 things I am grateful for that day. Starting your day with something positive is the way to go.
Give your body 15 minutes
Workout! Be active! Do something to get your physical body going from jogging to walking to spinning to yoga to crunches. You name it. Do it! We recently bought a Peloton and we love it. I am making myself get up in the morning and get my workout in whether it is 45 minutes to hardcore 15 minute workout.
Set time aside for "You" and friends/family
In my previous job I never made time for friends especially. I realized that I need to schedule this time just like a I do a doctor's appointment! Make time for friends...it will help to maybe clear your mind or just catch up with people you love to be around.
Make time for friends...it will help to maybe clear your mind or just catch up with people you love to be around.
Last, family is everything. With my new job being remote I make time to spend with my parents and my grandparents. You just never what time you have left, make the most of it always.
Date Night
If you are involved with someone make sure to schedule date night. Even if you see each other daily set a permanent time to hang out. It will make you look forward to something. Also, I prefer having a date night where I can actually talk to them. I never want to do a movie or a loud sports event.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you start 2021 right! What are you going to do differently in the new year? Share in comments?
I wanted to share this Jessi's I Love Places I bit different with this entry! I wanted to share 2 different spaces within one blog post this time from the same place.
Some time ago I shared a home with a stunning living room, and a beautiful entry way with the most unbelievable wallpaper. Remember? If not check out that entry here.
Anyways, I wanted to feature and share tips on this amazing kitchen table space as well as how to set the tone for your powder room. Since moving into our home I have grown fond of a having a nice kitchen table set up. I am still thinking of what I want in my own space, but seeing my friend Lynette's kitchen table set up below just gives me ton of inspiration.
Check out this space as well as this bold powder room below...
This post contains affiliate links
Kitchen Table
What I love most about Lynette's home is the contrast she has between rooms. If you recall in another blog post from some time ago she has an amazing dining room with a massive glass table that is to die for. Click here. Now onto her kitchen table...the complete opposite!
The family wants a cozy & intimate feel when they sit for a dinner. They were going for a coastal feel at the kitchen table. Their table and chairs came from Serena & Lily. What completes this space is the basket lamp fixture hanging over it (from Urban Loft).
Tips/Lesson learned:
Bring the outside inside your home when you can - If you love coastal living bring the feel into your home sometimes from chairs to a dining room set to bright blue/yellow color story. This is a trend that continues to evolve and it gives you that vacation vibe at home. People continue to buy outside furniture for indoor spaces.
Matching materials still work - By tying the straw-like feel in this space with the hanging lamp and the chairs, it gave the room cohesiveness that is not overwhelming at all. Monochromatic is still in and is not going anywhere in fashion and in home decor.
Rugs complete a room - Especially in a family room or kitchen the rug completes the look at all times. Lynette purchased a simple straw round rug to go with her dining room set.
Shop all the items as well as duplicates on the rug and table on my LiketoKnow.it APP! Click here
The Powder Room
Powder rooms in my opinion define the entire style of the home today. Walking into this stunning powder room of Lynette's will blow anyone away. The wallpaper is a bright reddish tone with an illustrated tiger and tree printed on it. She was going for an oriental feel and that was accomplished. The simple marble sink with golden handles make the space feel like a jewel box. That was the reference that Lynette felt strongly about when designing this area.
Tips/Lessons learned
Wallpaper can set the tone in a Powder Room - If you want an oriental feel to a bohemian style in your powder room you can definitely do that with the right wallpaper. Use wallpaper to match your theme.
Neutral fixtures are wallpapers best friend - If you decide to have a bold wallpaper or print ensure your sink, handles, door knobs, soap dish etc are neutral colors to compliment the walls. It will not feel busy even if the space is small in size.
No links available but shop the duplicates in my liketoknow.it page! Click here!
Any home decor goals you have going into 2021? Share below!
