NYE look

Happy New Year's Eve! Tonight I hope you all have plans to put on your party hats, make your resolutions, and party the night away <3 I plan on blog prepping, enjoying my day off, and making dinner for Jason and I. Boring, I know. BUT, I did put together a party look for you guys, a lil' NYE look for tonight. All the NYE blog posts I've seen lately have been girls in crazy fancy attire, long gowns and strappy heels, so I toned it down a few notches, but kept a little bit of formal and a little bit of glam. I also haven't done a fashion post in forever, so I took advantage of this freezing weather and the hint of sun, to finally get back into it.

The look

Okay, before you say anything...yes, I know this skirt looks like it would blend in with my grandmother's couch. But, guess what? For some, odd, undefinable reason, I still freaking love it. There's something about the jacquard print mixed with a little sparkle and shine that just makes it perfect. So, as soon as I decided to wear this I wanted to make the rest of my outfit totally black and pretty much totally un-unique. A fitted ribbed turtleneck tucked into the skirt, with fleece lined tights for opacity and warmth, and a simple black suede pump. This makes my skirt pop, but the fitted turtleneck adds sleekness to the look. When in doubt with a bold piece, KISS the rest (Keep It Simple, Stupid). I put on some dangly black and gold earrings for a touch more glam.

Skirt: H&M

Tights: UO // Alternative

Pumps: H&M

Turtleneck: H&M // Alternative

Earrings: H&M // Alternative

The hair & makeup

With my tight fitting turtleneck, I wanted to keep my hair super sleek. I've always loved the look of a slicked back pony or bun, pulled really tight. Carli Bybel looks stunning with that look. I never thought I'd be able to pull it off, but with the black turtleneck, it worked surprisingly well. I took a little water on my paddle brush to pull back all my hair. I put my hair into a very tight ponytail, then twisted my hair around the ponytail and secured it with another holder, making my bun a tight twist. 

For my makeup, I wanted to play on the mauve and bronzey colors in my skirt. I wanted my makeup to be relatively natural, with a little pop of extra blush. I lightly filled in my brows, and bronzed my face with NARS Laguna. I put on NARS Sin blush, and highlighted with NARS Albatross. NARS and blush highlighters are an essential duo, you shouldn't buy one without buying the other, because there's something that makes the two effortlessly pair. I skipped the eyeshadow and put NARS Audacious mascara on my top lashes, with Clinique bottom lash mascara on the bottom. I finished off my look with the perfect mauve lip, Sephora Cream Lip Stain #13, Marvelous Mauve. These lippies are fantastic, last all day, and give the perfect matte finish. They'll have a blog post just for them in a few days! I finished my look off with Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, so that my makeup won't budge.

What are you doing for your NYE? Do you already have your look planned out? Tell me what yours is in the comments! And, let me know if any of you would be interested in seeing this makeup tutorial. I am planning on getting a video camera very soon!

Once you go brows, you never go back

I know, I know, I've always said in posts where I've done makeup looks that my brows will never be on point. Well, I was watching Claire Marshall on youtube one day, and realized how her brows went from teeny tiny, to pefectly shaped and stunning, after just a few minutes. My brows are big and thick, but the hair is sparse, and they've always driven me crazy. I guess I've always figured they would be pointless to try and work with. But, I came across one of my old modeling photos about a week ago, and saw how the makeup artist filled in my brows, and I had a glimpse of hope that maybe, just maybe, I could do something with these bushy messes. I loved how they looked so defined and intense in the photo, they changed the way my entire face looked. Fierce, almost (well, the smokey eyes, macrame hair, and the bird skull on my head might be helping with that too).

I followed Claire Marshall's tutorial, and went for the exact products that she used, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Anastasia is the queen of brow products), and Benefit Gimme Brow. I purchased Brow Wiz in the shade medium brown and Gimme Brow in light/medium, and the shades were both a perfect match. One of my biggest problems with my brows is how sparse they are in the center, and the tail of my brows don't match. On my right brow, I have a large scar from when I was a wee one, and the hair doesn't grow in quite right, so my brows don't exactly match, embarrassing! So, my main focus was filling in my brows, and dealing with their odd shape.

I always start by applying my foundation. I don't like doing my brows first in case I catch my brows in the powder brush and ruin my brows. Make sure your face has been cleansed and moisturized as always. The most important thing is to pay attention to the way your brow hairs grow. Remember to create your strokes in these directions, it will lead to a much more natural look. Another thing to remember is that your goal is to create natural looking hairs, so quick and small strokes are the key! Don't fill in the very start of your brows, let these little hairs go wild! You don't want too harsh of a line or shape, and filling in this part does exactly that. Create shape and structure with your brow pencil. Pay attention to your brow arch, point, and the tail of the brow, and accentuate these shapes based on what you're given, don't draw your own make-believe brows! 

After your brows are filled in, use a spooly brush to soften the harsh lines, and comb your brow hairs through. I love the Anastasia pencil because the pencil itself is soft and leaves natural lines, and it has a spooly on the other end. 

Once you've combed through your brows, set them with a tinted gel. This will help with filling them in, and setting them in place all day. You can use tinted gel alone on days you want a more natural look or don't want to deal with the hassle.

Doing my brows takes me about 5 minutes of my makeup routine every morning, and since I started, I can't leave the house without doing it! It's so quick and easy, and makes everything look more put together. You can see the huge difference between my natural brow and my done brow drastically, but once you see me with both brows done, no one would know the difference except us. They look natural, but they add a little something.

Do you do your brows in the morning? What are your go-to products? Let me know if you guys are interested in seeing me doing a tutorial on the ombre lip that was in the clip above, or this natural look featured in the photos above this text.

My makeup brush collection

You guys know that I've beens slowly building my makeup collection, and experimenting will all types of brands, products, and formulas. One of the things I've been loving experimenting with lately is makeup brushes. Now, I know some of my favorite youtube guys and gals have 100+ makeup brushes, and I'm more of a minimalist because my space is limited, and I really only want brushes that I'm going to use every single day, which means the ones I have should be nice, and well loved. I used to have all Mary Kay brushes, and they were several years old, with very rough hairs, and I can't believe the difference since I switched to trying a few different brands. I thought that I could use my collection to show you guys what brushes I think are necessary to have in your collection, and show you photos of which ones I have, and how much or how little I recommend the ones that I do own! Let's get this partay started.


1. Tarte Airbuki Brush // Powder foundation // For awhile now I've struggled with makeup feeling heavy and I have been itching to clean it off as soon as I get home from work. I've finally switched a powder foundation from Tarte, which I love, and will feature in an upcoming post. This brush is meant to use with this foundation, because it fits perfectly into the dispenser, but this brush would work well with any powder foundation. It is very dense, but is an amazing buffing brush, and gives your skin a flawless finish. The brush is so comfortable on your skin and easy to use. The only downfall? A little bit hard to clean. Other than that, no complaints! I have been obsessed with this brush. If you decide to try the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation, I would highly suggest purchasing this brush along with it. Sign up for emails on tarte.com for 15% off your first purchase!

2. Sephora #45 // Multitasker powder // This is indeed the same brush that I mentioned during my December favorites post from yesterday. I love this brush because it is so soft, so universal, and easy to clean. The packaging is sleek and simple too. I use this brush to set my makeup with Laura Mercier Translucent Powder (also in my favorites from yesterday). It is also a great brush to set your under-eyes with setting powder or brightening powder. This brush is easily used to stipple or in circular motions. A must-have in my opinion! 

3. MAC 129 // Powder and blush // This is by far the brush that I use the most. I love that this brush is tapered because it gives it multiple uses. I pinch the sides together and use this brush to contour with a matte bronzer, as well as highlight my cheekbones and the center of my nose. I use the flat side of the brush to blush my cheeks. This brush is great because it is multipurpose. If you're used to MAC brushes, this one may be a surprise to you because it is much rougher than their other brushes. Some with sensitive skin say that the brush is too rough, but if you clean your brush with a mixture of soap and coconut oil, your brush may feel a little more gentle on your skin next time. If you want something more gentle, I would suggest the MAC 138, which will be much more expensive (this is why I purchased the 129).

4. Too Faced Shadow Brushes // Variety shadow // This set of eyeshadow brushes comes in a set of three, which is exactly what you need for your eyeshadow application. The kit includes a lid/smoker, a liner/smudger, and a crease/blender. I was so impressed with the quality of these brushes. The lid brush is great for applying all over the lid in a windshield wiper motion, or pressing to the center of the lid for more dramatic pigmentation. The smudger brush is great for applying highlight to the inner corners, and smudging darker shadows under the waterline for a bolder look. My favorite brush of the three? The crease/blender blush is so light and fluffy, and blends shadows effortlessly. Also, these brushes are light pink and adorable. Sign up for emails and get 20% off your first Too Faced order!

5. Smashbox Tapered Shadow Brush // Shadow // Now, looking at my brush collection you might thing that it's a little pointless to have this brush and my lid/smoker brush from Too Faced. But, these are two completely different brushes in size, hair, and purpose. If I am doing one color all over my lid, I love using this brush because it's very large, so it takes less time to cover the area of my lid. But, my favorite use for this brush? Setting my under-eye concealer with brightener. My dark circles are out of this world, so I use corrector, concealer, and a brightening powder to clean those babies up. This brush is great for setting under-eyes because it is fluffy, perfect for blending, and tapered for getting ultra close to your waterline. 

6. Benefit Definer Brush // Eyeliner // This is a brush that surely doesn't get used every day, but it is still a must-have. I use this brush to line my eyes with darker shadows, as well as my applicator for gel liners. This brush is perfect for precise application. Finding an angle brush that works for how you're going to use it can be difficult. I highly suggest browsing stores and feeling what's right for you before rushing into an online purchase. Brush photos online can be extremely misleading! Use code GBLIGHT online to receive a deluxe sample of Gimme Brow in light/medium with any order from Benefit Cosmetics, and GBDEEP code for Gimme Brow in medium/deep with any order. 

7. Tarte Undercover Lover // Concealer // If you only using brightening powder, or if you have a concealer with an applicator, this won't be a must-have for you. I love this brush to apply my corrector pre-concealer. The brush is tapered, which leads to perfect application near the inner corner of the eye. The brush is stiff, but soft at the same time. This is another brush I use every morning. And, a bamboo handle with gold accent! Tarte brushes are all gorgeous, and high quality, I'm always impressed. Use code TARTE2015 for 15% everything for Tarte's year end sale online!

8. Sephora #81 // Lips // This is a must-have if you have any love for lipstick, lip stain, or liquid lipstick. Lip brushes are a lifesaver for creating the perfect line with dark lipsticks, perfecting rough edges with liquids and stains, and for touching up around the mouth with concealer. 

There are a couple more brushes in my collection, but they aren't great brushes in my opinion, so I thought I would just share these ones with you guys. This selection of brushes covers every brush you really need for the basics. Then again, if you're a makeup artist, a brush hoarder, or someone who needs more specific brushes like for highlighting and contouring, liquid and powder, you may want to expand your collection a tad. But, I am perfectly happy with my small brush collection!

What brushes do you have in your collection? What is your favorite brand of brushes? Are there any brushes that I should look into adding to my collection?

December beauty favorites

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Every year it is crazy to me how we spend 364 days of the year looking forward to a day that, every year, flies by. At work today, I couldn't believe how many guests were unhappy and out of the holiday spirit already, so I hope you guys are feeling chipper and ready for the new year! Winter is officially here, and I actually had snow at my parent's house the very moment we started opening our stocking stuffers. Jason and I are really hoping to see some more white streets after the new year.

Now that December is coming to an end, I realized I still hadn't done my favorites for this month! Last month I posted 10 November beauty favorites, and decided that I would make it a monthly tradition. While I was rummaging through my beauty collection for this month, I realized that finding 10 beauty products I love for every month could end up pretty expensive, and the posts will be really long. I decided that 5 is much more feasible for a monthly post. I'm actually thinking about doing a non-beauty favorites starting in January too! I'd love to start some new weekly blog traditions after the new year (hopefully I can put some holiday money towards a camera and start doing some blogs too).

I really couldn't be more excited about the favorites I've picked out for this month. There are 5 things that I have been using literally every single day this month, and just haven't been able to get enough of them!

1. Tweezerman curler // Okay, you guys caught me, I only bought these because they're rose gold. BUT, in my defense, my old eyelash curler broke, and there won't be a day in my life where I don't curl these lashes. And, the best thing about these lash curlers? They came with more than one replacement rubber piece, which is so cool. I love that these curlers are made for rounded eyes, so they are definitely shaped perfectly for my peepers. They are much wider than the ones I had before, so they stretch from my first lash to my last, which I absolutely love. The rubber piece makes them extra gentle, and just one small squeeze makes a lot of curl. Tweezerman is a great brand in my opinion, they make some great lash and eyebrow accessories.

2. Naked 2 Basics Palette // As you guys know, eyeshadow has always been a struggle for me, but I've been watching lots of videos and trying to learn some tips and tricks lately. The only shadows I really like are matte shadows, I'm not really a shimmer kind of girl, so this Naked 2 Basics Palette was my go-to when I purchased a palette. It's a perfect travel size, and has great neutrals for everyday looks, but reaches over to the darker spectrum for a smokier look when needed. I looked at the Naked Basics Palette first, but wasn't a fan of the second yellowy shade. Some people say that these shadows are chalky and powdery (which I would say is true in comparison to the big Naked palettes full of buttery consistency shadows), but I like the formula. I don't have any fallout with these shadows, they are easy to blend (sometimes the last shade is a little rough, but it just takes time). I've been using this palette everyday, and for traveling since the palette is small and the mirror is a perfect size. Here are my swatches!

3. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in 'Vanilla' // About a month ago I posted a review on my favorites and some not so nice products from MAC. In that post, I talked about their mineralize concealer, which I really liked. I also mentioned that I know I got a shade too light for my skin. My other peeve with the product? The formula was too liquidy to use as a redness, dark spots, and pimples coverup. I need a concealer that I can use for both purposes. I had heard amazing reviews about NARS radiant creamy concealer (like, out of the park amazing), and I went into Sephora to have them test the color on my skin. I immediately fell in love with the formula and the way the color matched my skin tone. I'm obsessed with this stuff! Creamy is the perfect word to put in the name. It doesn't feel heavy, blends beautifully, and doesn't budge throughout the day. The doe-foot applicator dispenses the perfect amount of product and makes it easy to apply.

4. Sephora #45 // I originally heard about this brush through Estee Lalonde (yes, that's why I bought it, don't judge). I went into Sephora to feel the brush myself, and couldn't believe how soft it was! And, it was $24, which, for a perfectly soft brush that multitasks, is very reasonable. I've been using this brush to set my makeup with setting powder, and to set my undereyes. It is great with both stippling and buffing, and works amazingly with powders. The brush is so soft and gentle on the skin, I just love it. If you're going to spend high dollar on a brush but don't want to go crazy, Sephora Collection is a great option. 

5. Laura Mercier Translucent Powder // Honestly, this was a saving grace. This has completely replaced my Mary Kay setting powder because of the finish it gives my skin. If I put this under my eyes over my concealer, no fading or creasing happens at all during a 14 hour work day. When I put this on my forehead, chin, and cheeks, it gives this airbrushed, beautiful finish that just does wonders for the way my skin looks. The powder feels light as air, like you aren't wearing anything, and it never looks cakey or powdery. And, the most wonderful thing about it is that it is suitable for any skin tone. My only peeve with this product is the packaging. Like most setting powders, it has holes that the product can escape through, so when traveling if your bag is thrown around at all, you'll have to wiggle and tap and work some of the product back down into the packaging, which can be a tad irritating. I got the travel sized version to give it a try because of the amazing reviews, but no doubt I'll be repurchasing the actual size along with other products from Laura Mercier. P.S., the travel size comes with a little pouf to apply the powder (but I use my Sephora #45 brush).

What are your November beauty favorites? How would you feel about some non-beauty favorites posted monthly as well? Tell me about your holiday below!

Daniel Wellington for Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! <3 I hope you guys have amazing eve plans with family and friends. This is my favorite time of the year, and Christmas Eve is a huge tradition for my family, so I couldn't be more excited!

Last week I told you guys that Jason and I exchanged Christmas gifts early. We are heading back home today, and will see each other about half of Christmas day, but we'll be with each other's families, so we thought we'd have our own little Christmas at home prior to. I have been dying to share with you guys what he spoiled me with. I'm wearing it right now as I sit and type!

A few months ago, I was watching TV on the couch with Jason and Fitzy, admiring stuff online. I've looked at Daniel Wellington watches for a long time, but never thought I would own one, because they're so fancy and expensive. I showed Jason a photo and casually mentioned that I loved it, but never in my lifetime would I own something so nice, thinking nothing of it. He somehow remembered this teeny little thing from months ago. He took me to the Northgate mall, and I was totally in the dark, with no idea of what was going on. We walked into Nordstrom, and he led me a few different places first just to confuse me ;) Then, he took me to the watch counter and told me to try them on to make sure they fit perfectly, and he got me the one that fit like a glove, the 'Classy St. Mawes' with a brown leather band and a rose gold face. I couldn't be more excited. Every day I've left the house for errands or us going out, I've put it on. I still can't even get over how gorgeous it is. Even the box it came in is made of leather and velvet, so I store it safely in there when it's not in use.

Watch: Daniel Wellington

So, naturally, my presents to Jason seemed like they suck after Jason spoiled me rotten with this gift for Christmas! It was too much for a gift, but he couldn't have been more excited about it, knowing how excited I would be. 

What was on your Christmas list? What are your Christmas Eve plans?

December un-birchboxing

Happy eve of Christmas eve! So, I got my Birchbox in the mail a couple days ago, and...it's going to be my last one. I kind of freaked out after I had the allergic reaction to face cream last week, that post is linked here, and I threw out every skincare sample I had that wasn't my normal Kiehl's routine, and I cancelled my Birchbox. And, after receiving this box, I'm honestly so glad that I did.

While I love the perks of being a Birchbox subscriber, like racking up points for reviewing your samples and getting coupons in the boxes, I'm sick of receiving perfume and skincare samples that I just won't use. I'm not a perfume gal. Jason got me one for Christmas 3 years ago that I still have 3/4 full, and it smells amazing, and I wear it on special occasions, but I won't wear anything else. Normal days I reach for a cheap body spritz or just my deodorant. When you create your profile for Birchbox, you specify what kind of samples you like, what kind of girl you are when it comes to makeup (ie. el naturale, trendy, etc.) and they ask you about perfume samples. Your options for perfume samples are "Never more than six times a year" or "As many as I can". I really wish there were a button for "NO PERFUME", because I've already received it 3 times, and I haven't even had my box for half a year. The problem with fragrances is that they are so particular to people, and finding my right scent is different than someone else finding theirs. Every fragrance I've received has been so perfumey, it's gone right in the trash can, which is a total waste. That was my biggest disappointment with Birchbox. Anyways, I'll stop ranting and show you guys my box!

The box this month was nice and festive, the pattern and silver made me think of snow and icicles, perfect for this season!

They sent out a coupon for $10 off a $35 purchase this month. The postcard inside talks about the excitement of the holiday season, and how the box contains an early holiday beauty treat for you. 

As always, I received the card with names, descriptions, and prices of all products I received in my box. Two of my samples came in the little Birchbox pouch (which will actually make for an awesome gift card holder this season).

1. Avene Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum - The high concentration of thermal spring water in the serum provide long-lasting hydration to soothe dehydrated skin // While the idea of this serum is appealing to me, since I have very dry skin, I have a Kiehl's serum that I love, and with my reaction last week, you guys know I won't be touching this serum. Sometimes the idea of receiving skincare products like this is strange to me. Everyone, unlike makeup, has a skincare routine that they have adjusted to and love for the most part, so why introduce something new? I've now learned that I won't. The only skincare product I like to experiment with is weekly masks. I have one that I love, but finding new ones that do different things for your skin is always fun. Makeup samples are much more exciting for me since it's easy for me to try new things and experiment with different looks. 

2. Christian Siriano Silhouette by Christian Siriano Eau de Parfum - Inspired by a dress from his Spring 2013 collection, this scent has the same light, glamorous, and feminine feeling // The packaging and bottle of this sample are very pretty, but the scent was much too strong and perfumey for my taste! Another one that headed for the trash can. 

3. Coastal Scents styleEYES Eyeshadow Palette - socialEYES - A bold, beautiful eyeshadow palette in alluring smoky tones // Lately, Birchbox has been revealing one sample early, and letting users log on to their account to choose which shade of the product they want. They did this starting a few months ago when they launched their LOC brand with Tati Westbrook, and it's actually been super cool. I chose this pretty emerald green and bronze shadow duo, and I was super excited about it because it's much bolder than what I am used to, and my Coastal Scents palette (Revealed 2) is really impressive for only having been $20. I tried this eyeshadow on right away because I was so excited, and unfortunately, I wasn't impressed. I'm not sure if it's the colors I chose, or just the quality of the shadows, but they were awful. The bronze colors was really pretty and pigmented, but the emerald green, not so much. I had to dig my brush into the pan to get any color, and I had to pack it on. It blended okay, but after 5 minutes of wear, I had the most fallout I've ever had with a shadow. If you click on the photo below to enlarge it, you'll see it - all over my cheeks and above my lips there were specks of dark green, not very alluring in my opinion.

4. Harvey Prince Sea Salt Texturizing Mist - This styling spray delivers beachy texture, big volume, and  a summery scent // This is the one sample I am actually stoked about! I haven't tried it yet, but I've been wanting to try a texturizing spray for ages. While my hair got more volume when I chopped it off, my hair has always been really thick and heavy, so it doesn't fluff up easily and it falls flat most days, so I can't wait to pump up the volume!

5. Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35 - Light/Medium - Next generation SPF 35 CC cream that triple protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared rays // A little frustrated because I've received this sample before, and a little confused because I don't need UVA, UVB, or infrared protection with this weather! The light/medium looks more on the medium side too, and I am pretty light, if not fair, so I think this cream is going to be too dark for me. 

Okay guys, I'm done ranting and complaining about my Birchbox. Thanks for sticking with me through that!

Do you guys have any suggestions for subscription boxes? Are there any you try? I've heard awesome things about GlossyBox, Ipsy, and I've been wanting to try LaRitzy Box (a vegan cruelty free box).

The DIY stocking stuffer three different ways

We all have 3 sleeps to put everything together and make sure we finished off everyone's gifts. In my opinion, my favorite gifts (to both give and receive) are homemade. They're so much more personable, and they show the time, thought, and effort that was put into them. For the last couple years now, one of my favorite homemade gifts to make has been sugar scrubs! The most fun part is finding cute little jars to put them in. And, the great part of scrubs is that you can specialize them for different parts of your body. Since sugar is pretty rough, I like to consider mine body scrubs, just since the exfoliation of the sugar granules would be a little rough on the face. Another great DIY is a salt soak for the bath (but that's a post for another day). Since I love using sugar scrubs, I thought I would share with you guys three of my absolute favorite recipes for them. But, you can play with them, find your scent, and discover lots of new options for yourself too!

Scrub #1 // Vanilla Chai

Start off with your jar about 3/4 full of sugar, you need a little room for mixing and adding a few things. Grab one bag of spiced chai tea, open it up, and dump the contents into your sugar and mix until they are well combined. Add vanilla starting with 1 teaspoon. Melt your coconut oil and stir until your scrub is the desired consistency. The key here is that you do NOT want it to be liquidy, the coconut oil will set in between the time you make it and gift it, and it will be too solidified at that point to use at all! You want all the sugar to have been mixed with the oil, but you want it to still have a loose and granuley texture to it. A good way to test is to run your hands under water and try the scrub on your hands. You want to feel the exfoliation of the sugar granules, and feel the softness of the coconut oil, but you don't want your hands to feel oily, like you just dipped them in coconut oil! Add sugar / oil as necessary until you have the right balance. Once your consistency is about right, take a good wiff, and add more vanilla as needed for scent. 

Coconut oil is great for hydration and repair, chai is great for aging, dry skin, and puffiness. Sugar is a great exfoliator, and helps to hydrate your skin from within. Pure vanilla is an antioxidant, is healing (especially for inflammation) and antibacterial, and full of Vitamin B.  

Scrub #2 // Vanilla Lavender Chamomile

Start with a jar 3/4 full of sugar, just like your last scrub. Drop in the contents of one bag of chamomile tea. Mix with sugar until well combined. Add in your 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add coconut oil to desired consistency, and mix until everything is well combined. Lastly, add a few drops Lavender essential oil. I suggest starting with 2 drops with a small jar, mixing and sniffing, adding lavender and vanilla from there until the scent is right for you. 

Chamomile has such effective anti-inflammatory properties that it is used in natural creams and ointments that prove to be 60% as effective as hydrocortisone creams, it is also safe for all skin types (but not hypoallergenic of course), including sensitive skin. Lavender essential oil is mostly used for aromatherapy. It is great to use before bed because the oil is very calming, especially when rubbed near the temples, and can help with falling asleep. It is also extremely beneficial to treating acne. Lavender is great for pain relief from soreness to regular muscle aches. 

Scrub #3 // Peppermint Mocha

Every time I open this jar of scrub, I can't stop smelling it! This one is probably my favorite, but some people are kind of weirded out by the fact that the main ingredient is coffee (which also makes a big shower mess). Start with coffee and sugar, about 1/4 of your mixture should be sugar, and 3/4 should be coffee. Mix these well! Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Melt coconut oil and combine until consistency is good. Now add 2 drops of peppermint oil and work your way up with both peppermint and vanilla scents until the smell has that just perfect balance! You'll know it when you smell it, it smells exactly like a peppermint mocha!

The smell of peppermint oil alone can help with nausea and headaches, so just take a wiff of your jar when you're feeling icky! It is also a fantastic stress reliever. Since peppermint has menthol, it is cooling and helps improve skin texture. Coffee has an insane amount of antioxidants, which can help with aging, reduce swelling (so great for puffy eyes). The coffee grounds are a great exfoliator (I add in sugar because I think sugar is an even better exfoliator). With all the caffeine, it improves blood circulation and energizes your skin!

5 Tips for making a good sugar scrub:

i) Use your senses! Touch and smell are the two things that will help you out the most making these. You'll learn what feels right, and what smells appealing, which are the two most important parts of making the scrubs.

ii) Use organic / pure ingredients when possible. The natural properties of food items are often removed in non-organic foods, like raw honey has antibacterial properties, but not normal honey.

iii) Mix SLOWLY. Start with a little and go up from there, with both coconut oil and essential oil, too much is irreversible, so you may as well take it slow and make it right.

iv) Mix well. The last thing you want is to give someone a scrub where the bottom layer is just pure sugar and isn't mixed in with the coconut oil. This leaves a part of the jar totally unusable, and you want the homemade gift to be perfect, right?

v) Don't be afraid to get funky with it. Try different scents and textures, you'll find what you love, and coconut oil and sugar are easy to find, so throwing a few out that don't turn out isn't the end of the world.

Last but not least, dress up that sugar scrub! Wrap it in a bow, and make a little label with the ingredients and their benefits if you have the time. If not, wrap in a bow and slap on a little name label.

What are your favorite DIY gifts to give? Have you ever made a sugar scrub?