Five Friday Faves

Happy Friday friends! As we near the end of June (and the fiscal year for my clients), all I want to do is walk out of work, board the LIRR, and lay on a beach out East. Unfortunately, there's this thing called rent that has me chained to my desk.

So instead, I've been settling for new beauty (and not-so-beauty) finds that make things a little more easier on the soul.

FullSizeRender.jpg

1. DevaCurl Decadence Line: No-Poo & One Condition
When it comes to products that actually work time after time, DevaCurl is my holy grail! But, I will admit that since going blonde I've gone astray and entered a new world of purple shampoos. Lately, my hair has been feeling a bit dry and the curls no longer curly so I re-accessed my current routine and opted for DevaCurl's new Decadence collection. 

You guys, the formula is so rich and creamy and made my strands feel so soft and easy to detangle. I honestly don't know why I stopped using this power duo! The line is made with chufa milk and quinoa protein to deliver moisture, strength, nourishment, and protection to each ringlet.

IMG_2803.JPG

2. Completely Bare Moisturizing No-bump Shave Gel
I've never really been one to really rely on shaving cream. If anything, the ol' conditioner trick did the job pretty well. BUT THEN, Completely Bare sent me a trio of products to test out and their Moisturizing No-bump Shave Gel really impressed me and has earned a permanent spot in my shower caddy.

The gel leaves me bump-free and my legs incredibly moisturized (thanks to the Sunflower seed oil). The gel is also infused with Chamomile extract to help soothe skin and prevent irritation. The price is on par with other shaving gels too!

IMG_2804.JPG
IMG_2805.JPG

3. DermAppeal Microdermabrasion Treatment
In my quest to combat cystic acne and clear up old scars and marks, I decided to give DermAppeal a three-month trial. This tube of magic resurfaces and revitalizes skin by using minerals from the Dead Sea.

The formula also encompasses five different stabilized forms of antioxidant Vitamin C Crystals to give our skin all the benefits of a professional brightening microdermabrasion treatment - at home! I use this no more than twice a week and love the refreshing tingly feeling it leaves behind.

IMG_2806.JPG
IMG_2808.JPG

4. Royal Rose Stem Cell Mask
This straight-from-spa mask made the list for top hydrating masks. After a long weekend in the sun, accompanied by drinks or not, this mask instantly hydrates and calms my tired, dull skin. So every Sunday without fail, you can find me lounging on my couch letting my skin drink up all of the nutrients (shea, jojoba, soothing rose oil, and grape cell extract). Oh, and it smells divine!

runa-drinks-review.jpg
IMG_2809.JPG

5. Runa Drinks
I've always been a huge tea drinker but lately I've fallen into a bad habit of relying on coffee & cream to get me through the day. We're talking three to four cups every Monday through Friday. So after a little research and review-reading I came across RUNA. They pride themselves on making iced teas and clean energy drinks from Guayusa, a naturally caffeinated tree leaf found in the Amazon which they exclusively source from indigenous farming families in Ecuador. It's pretty neat how they work directly with the source.

As for the drink, RUNA teas contain the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, with no crash! Their drinks are naturally sweet and organic. You can find their clean energy drinks and iced teas on Amazon prime too!

My Top 12 Instagrammable Murals!

Growing up in NYC I was surrounded by art. The thing is, the museum wasn't the only place you could find inspiration. If you took to the streets you'd be able to see art on the sides of abandoned buildings, trains parked in the long island city rail yard, billboards, and even on the sidewalks.

During the summers, and still to this day, I take joy in my private walking tours looking for new murals. And yes, some of them make it onto my Instagram and even become the backdrop to my outfit posts.

I do have my go-to spots so why not share them with y'all! Do it for the 'gram and don't forget to tag the artist. (Keep in mind, some these locations may showcase a different artist than the one shown below).

1. Kenmare & Mulberry Street - consistently changing and always worth the trip!

2. The Rainbow Gate in LES - 87 Rivington Street (go before they open or after they're closed)

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

3. First Street Green Art Park - 33 E 1st Street (this public park is filled with murals!)

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

4. Harry's Corner Shop - 64 Macdougal Street

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

5. Emojis Mural - 15 Prince Street (across the way from Cafe Habana)

Photo by Erin Andres

Photo by Erin Andres

6. Tic Tal - 90 Orchard Street

Photo by Jana Rose Carrero

Photo by Jana Rose Carrero

7. Bowery Mural - 76 E Houston Street

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

8. Flowers Mural - 250 Mulberry Street

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

Photo by Lydia Hudgens

9. Chinatown Photographs - 150 Lafayette Street

chinatown photo wall mural.jpg

10. Long Island City - 43-01 21st Street, Queens

Photo by Mark Kim

Photo by Mark Kim

11. The Rainbow Wall in Dumbo - York Street between Adams and Washington

the rainbow wall dumbo.jpg

12. The Bushwick Collective - St Nicholas Avenue in Brooklyn

Photo by Patrick Fahrner

Photo by Patrick Fahrner

Feel free to add to this list by leaving a comment down below or by sharing your favorite murals via your Instagram link too!

Inspiration: Looks I Love (Pt. 17)

I'm still riding that vintage train from last September. As of late, I've been feeling really inspired by bandanas and barely-there straps. Another thing I find myself lusting over on Instagram, colorfully clear sunnies. Kind of nuts considering I cleaned out a whole box of sunglasses last year and made a few girls very, very happy.

C'est la vie!

As for beauty, a bold red-orange lip, and dewy sun-kissed skin are the only trends I'll see myself wearing through the sweltering heat this year. 

Are there any trends or styles you find yourself leaning towards more and more for this summer?

natalie-off-duty.jpg
alyssa-in-the-city.jpg
rachel-martino.jpg
colorful-sunglasses-ojandcigs.jpg