Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Helping Battle Acne With Clarisonic


If you follow me on Instagram, a lot of times I don't have any make up on. This has always made me self conscience because I do not have perfect skin. Sometimes it's oily, sometimes it's dry. I also suffer from severe ingrown hairs, so I usually have a few blemishes.

I've always used face wash and washed my face religiously, used toner, applied moisturizer and even used rubbing alcohol to dry out oily blemishes. But lately I've tried a few new things I wanted to share.

I've started applying a drying lotion, A hydrating serum, and I've started using the Clarisonic Mia 1 cleansing brush. The Mia 1 has seriously changed my skin care game. I partnered with Clarisonic and Her Campus Media to test out Clarisonic's products to see if they would work for me and so I could share them with you. My skin has never experienced a clean like this and I can whole heartedly say I am converted. 



At first I hesitated using a "brush" on my skin because it tends to not always react well to skin care products and can become irritated. However, my Clarisonic Mia 1 brush made my skin feel firmer and brighter in just a few weeks! The Clarisonic Mia 1 brush + Cleansing Brush Head, the Acne Brush Head, and Pore and Blemish Cleanser are now staples in my skin care to help fight against unsightly and painful break outs.

At first, I was curious how a little brush could change my whole skin care routine. How does it work? Basically the bristles of a Clarisonic cleansing brush head move back and forth, or “oscillate”, gently flexing the skin and flushing water and cleanser into pores. This sonic cleansing process removes the dirt, oil and debris that ages your skin and causes breakouts. Because Clarisonic facial cleansing devices don’t exfoliate (it's a common myth!) Clarisonic is the #1 cleansing device recommended by US dermatologists.  Fluid forces thoroughly flush makeup, sunscreen, impurities and pollutants to more effectively cleanse my skin. And the results occurred quickly.



Incorporating Clarisonic into my daily routine has saved my time if anything. I'm not constantly staring in the mirror trying gimmicks to cleanse my skin. I wet my face, apply the cleanser and let my Clarisonic Mia 1 brush do the rest.

From now until July 15 I also have a 15% off discount code for you! Click here and use the code HERCAMPUS for 15% off all devices (valid June 1, 2018 - July 15, 2018)

This post is sponsored by Clarisonic and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Mimosas & Lipstick possible!

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Listen To Your Gut


You know that feeling. When you're nervous. Like when your friends pressure you do to something, that you should do it because everyone else is. Or when you and your SO agree to meet up, but you already know it's over. Or when you know someone's lying to you through their teeth.

I describe it as when you're at the edge of a cliff and you look down. You know it's dangerous, but sometimes you jump anyways. The jump is the decision to not listen to your gut. And what you fall into is usually what you were trying to avoid.

That boy that has broken your heart before but promises he's changed, but he most likely has not. When you're about to get a test back but you know you didn't study like you should have. When someone you love in your life passes away. It's a weird intuition that comes when you least expect it.


It's there for a reason.

Your gut feeling is how our ancestors have survived for thousands of years. But now a days we can often push it down and rationalize why you're not listening to the answer you already have.

I think your gut is in tune with unspoken feelings. Because no matter what someone says, they're actions will tell you how they really feel. A gut feeling is rarely ever wrong. And if you're in tune to unspoken signs like body language and actions, then you're in tune with your intuition and your gut feeling.

For me, it's a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it's rarely ever wrong. From a young age given some adult situations I was put in, I have tuned into my gut. It's not always practical, and I don't always know why, but I know they mean something.

Gut feelings are like anything else though, if you push it away and don't tend to it, eventually it fades away. I think it's crazy that even when we know it our guts we're right, that we don't listen to them. Everyone's guilty of this from time to time. We try to outsmart our instinct with our brain. We try to use logic and what we think we know to rationalize what we're doing.

Some of my friends from time to time have mentioned to me that they don't listen to they're gut, or they can't. That they've pushed the feeling down for so long that it's not there. And that just makes me sad because for my listening to my gut is how I make so many decisions and can usually save myself for being hurt.



Whether it's a new person in your friend group, a toxic work situation, or what to eat your gut will literally be your guide. Now, gut feelings aren't always bullet proof. Sometimes you were super nervous for something and then it happened and you realized you were fine. Or sometimes it feels like there's impending doom over what to order for take out but it's really no big deal.

But usually when there's big decisions to be made, your gut can definitely help you pick the right direction for you.

Next time you're about to do something that you're unsure of, I want to challenge you to listen to your gut. Stand there, close your eyes and think about what your body is trying to tell you. When you listen to yourself, you don't need to rely on everyone else for your own opinions.

Has there ever been a time when you listened to your gut and it went well? When it didn't go well?

Thursday, June 14, 2018

How I Whitened My Teeth





There are so many teeth whitening options. It can feel a little overwhelming and I know personally I have always gone for a lower cost option. This has left my gums and teeth feeling sensitive, irritated and overall me being dissatisfied. However, over the past few weeks I've been trying out a new way to whiten your teeth and I'm so excited to share it with you!

When Smile Brilliant reached out to me a few months ago I was so excited to give it a go and I'm so happy with my experience. The Smile Brilliant team is so friendly and helpful and made every step of this process so easy. 

From the moment the teeth whitening kit was delivered to my house I knew this would be a personalized experience. The Smile Brilliant team gives you all the tools you need to succeed. You make your own impressions of your mouth from the comfort of your own home. Once you mix the paste and make your impressions you let it dry. You then mail them to their lab and then before you know it you have your own personal custom fitted whitening trays of your teeth. They come in a nice little case to protect them on the go!

BEFORE

AFTER!

You're also given two types of gels. A whitening gel and a desensitizing gel. Since your whitening trays fit your own mouth, you can pop them in and go about your evening. There's no risk of slipping or sliding. You squeeze a line of whitening gel on each tray...put it in your mouth...and away you go! You start with leaving them in for 45 minutes and then eventually work your way up as time goes on. After you are finished with the whitening gel, you brush your teeth and then apply the desensitizing gel for about 15 minutes.

What I love about Smile Brilliant is their promise is to get your teeth back to their natural shade. So you don't have to worry about your smile looking fake or unnatural. My teeth are brighter and people have taken notice! My gums have never felt irritated through this process and that's a huge bonus for me. 

I'm excited for y'all to try this out! My friends at Smile Brilliant and I have teamed up to give one lucky winner their own kit! Enter here for your chance to win! You can also use my code mimosasandlipstick for 10% off your order from their website.



Giveaway Rules
Must submit name and email address on the giveaway page in order to enter! The winner will be selected and contacted via email 2 weeks after the post is live. Giveaway is for $149 credit and is open to USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.


Home Teeth Whitening made easy!

Monday, June 11, 2018

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Guide

This upcoming weekend is a day to celebrate the first man in your life! I know that it can kind of sneak up on you so I compiled a few things I know the men in my life love. Everything is linked and sure to make the dad's in your life smile.

Ugg Slippers
















Socks




Or easily the most dad thing I've ever seen, this tailgate chair



Your dad will appreciate just getting to spend time with you this weekend, but why not surprise him with something fun? These are all great ideas that I know every man in my life would love. Don't forget that Father's Day is about spending time and showing the dad's in your life that you care!


Photos are all from nordstrom.com

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Big News in the Beginning of June!




This past weekend I joined Weight Watchers! It’s some of my biggest news in awhile! 

Going from college to the real world is honestly a huge struggle. In college you think you’re working hard - and you are - but you’re on your own schedule. In the working world you’re on someone else’s schedule and it can become increasingly sedentary. 

I felt like I didn’t know limits and I needed guidance with portion control. Driving to work, sitting at a desk, it all limited me getting my steps in. It’s hard juggling working full time, commuting over an hour, working out, blogging, having a social life, and sleeping, while trying to plan my meals and knowing what is enough and what is too much.







Talking about weight has always been hard for me. Whenever I have mentioned things to my friends they've always said weight is just a number. But when you're a size 14 and all your friends are a size 4 - you notice. My friends and family are all amazing in that they've never once brought that up, they've never made me feel like I was any less of a person; because I'm not! For them it's never about how much I weigh  but who I am. This isn't to say I'm any less because of a clothes size, but I feel less fit and I feel less in control. Weight is just a number - but for me it has been weighing heavy on my heart lately, and I'm excited for this next chapter.

I don’t want you to think this is going to turn into a Weight Watcher blog! This is obviously a big part of my life and I want y’all to be apart of it. I will still be blogging about all aspects of my life, and will continue to focus on all aspects of my life and things y'all want to see more of, not just my weight loss journey. I’m just excited to finally be in a place where I’m ready for change. 







At my first weigh in last Sunday I weighed 232 pounds. There is nothing wrong with that weight, I am not ashamed of that weight, but for myself I want to try to start caring about what I put in my body and how that affects my day to day life. I want to make positive changes that I can notice that help my health in the long run. I’ve accepted myself and promoted self love because at 232 pounds I’ve reached it. Not every day, not all the time, but I do love myself. I know my worth, and I’m ready for a new adventure. 

My goal weight is 180 pounds. It may take a  long time to get there but I’m excited for incorporating a lifestyle change that is real and that will stick. This isn’t a fad diet, this isn’t weight loss pills, this isn’t a pyramid scheme. This is real women really managing what they’re putting into their bodies and I couldn't be more excited. Monthly updates to come!

Friday, June 1, 2018

Happiness in the Northwoods




There’s something so magical about the northwoods of Wisconsin in the summer time. I’m not really sure whether it’s because I grew up spending most of my summers there or if it’s an escape from the city for me, but it’s probably a mix!

Living in the Chicagoland area most of my life, Wisconsin has always been a short drive for me. I always went to Milwaukee to visit my dad's side of the family and it always felt like a treat. 

We also grew up going on summer trips to northern Wisconsin. There are endless trees, bodies of water and usually no cell service. We grew up running around outside fishing, swimming and blueberry picking. It was so different from my usual surroundings and the air felt more pure and life was more simple. 


I also grew up going to summer camp in the northwoods. Camp Manito-wish YMCA has truly shaped me into the person I am today. So much of my skill set I use in my personal and professional worlds come from my summers here. Adaptability, taking initiative, honesty, and so on. Not only did we do the usual camp activities of crafts, music and horse back riding but we also went on canoeing, kayaking and backpacking trips for various lengths depending on our skill set. Yes, this blogger loves camping. We don’t shower, we get dirty, we make all our own food and we don’t have any electronics and it’s amazing. 

For as long as I can remember it’s been my happy place. 

This past weekend, my dad and I made the trip back up to Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. It's a cute little town that’s surrounded by acres of trees and water. I would say our favorite breakfast place is the Grainery. This cute little restaurant is right on your way into town. The ladies that run the restaurant never forget a face and always make you smile. They have amazing omelets and scrambles. 

The collection of northwoods towns have a traveling flea market, that's filled with amazing finds and food and always good people watching! There's endless bodies of water to fish as well. Everyone up there is so nice and so friendly and always willing to tell you a story or two. 


Two bars we love going to are Headwaters and the Boulder Beer Bar. Both have excellent fried cheese curds, a Wisconsin delicacy, and are open most of the day and turn into bars at night. A beer is about $1.75, so really quite a culture shock from the usual $5-$7 a Miller Lite goes for in downtown Chicago. On Saturday's there's quite a karaoke scene at the BBB!



But can we just take a second and appreciate Fried Cheese Curds? Although I love, love, love, Louisiana and hope to move back their soon, they will never have the same fried cheese curds. Fried Cheese Curds are basically mini mozzarella sticks, but they're filled with cheddar cheese. They are little bites of pure love and joy and if you ever find yourself in Wisconsin, please do yourself a favor and find some of these bad boys!






When we went on our camping trips, we paddled and hiked the local area quite often. It's so beautiful and untouched. You can feel that the air is more pure. There's so many outside active things to do. Whether you're biking the trails, paddling the water or fishing in the lakes. Pictured is Lower Dam, you usually can't paddle it but I spent a lot of time portaging around it. 

People find it surprising that a girly-girl like me could enjoy something that involves a lot of sweat and a lot of dirt. However, the people, the atmosphere, and the life lessons have kept me coming back. I always felt like I belonged and that there was a community of people who loved me no matter what. 


Last weekend was the first time in a long time that I felt relaxed. I wasn't in a rush, I wasn't constantly ticking off things on my to-do list, I wasn't stressed out about things out of my control. I longed for reading my book by the water, and I could appreciate the simplest things and just be in awe of what nature has to offer us.

I think two other huge reason I felt extra happy to be up north this time around was that I hadn’t been there in a few years and we lost my grandfather this past January. There’s so many things that remind me of him and the North Woods is one of them. My grandpa was a wise, kind, and adventurous man. I remember picking blueberries with him and my grandmother, playing pick up sticks and enjoying the water with him. It's so crazy how revisiting a place can bring all those memories flooding back, but I know that I will forever love this place, and he will forever be apart of it.




The odds of you ending up in Boulder Junction are kind of slim. It's about 8 hours north of Chicago, and it's not exactly somewhere people just pass through. However, if you ever do find yourself here; take an extra deep breath, feel the wind on your face, and appreciate the little things that the Earth has given us. 
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