birthday beauty bash :: robert leonard salon

For more than 30 years, Robert Leonard Salon & Day Spa has been redefining what sophistication means to Seattle. This past Tuesday, I had the opportunity to visit the salon for the first time and loved every minute of it. Situated near Westlake, it's super close for SLU, downtown and lower Queen Anne folks in Seattle to visit - just a short walk away and making it convenient for any future after work appointments.

Upon entering the salon and spa, I immediately felt relaxed. All the staff were so friendly and accommodating. The environment was soothing and calming. I just felt so at peace when I was there!

Craig and Michael // Hugs to you both for my new look!

My new friends - Craig and Michael - helped make my hair glam and fab with a new ombre balayage and trim. I'm obsessed with the caramel color and the new layers in my hair! It gives it a sassier and more voluminous look.

Aside from amazing hair service, the salon also provides great spa services such as waxing, massages, nail care, as well as make-up seshes!

Thanks again to the Robert Leonard team for such a splendid time!

2033 6th Avenue

Seattle, WA 98121

To schedule an appointment, please call 206-441-9900 or e-mail at info@robertleonard.net.

Disclosure: Products were provided, and I was offered a complimentary appointment by the Robert Leonard team. As always, all opinions expressed are my own!

my five daily beauty essentials.

Yes, today we're getting a little personal as I share my five daily beauty essentials! Picture above was taken very early this morning - pre-juice boost and caffeine. Hence, my delirious smile. :) 

I will admit - I'm a makeup junkie and willing to spend frivolous amounts of money on five shades of pink nail polish and multiple bottles of lip gloss even though I've barely used the ones I currently own. It's a girl thing, right?  

Well surprisingly my daily beauty regiment doesn't really consist of makeup. Ha. As much as I adore the smokey eye look, I'd honestly rather go au natural any day and let my skin glow and breathe. And what's even more awesome is that the sporty chic look is so on trend this spring. (Have you seen how Bows & Sequins rocks workout gear from barre to brunch?) 

So without further ado, I share with you my five daily beauty must-haves below!

garnier fructis style beach chic :: for hair

If you've seen my Instagrams - you know how much I love to curl my hair... but really though, it's damaging and causes split ends .. even with heat protectant sprays. And especially when I'm on the go, my hair is the last thing I want to spend time on. My solution? Towel dry or blow dry so hair is almost completely dry or slightly damp. Tease your roots with a back comb and spritz on Garnier Fructis' Beach Chic spray and scrunch for an easy, texturized look. I also enjoy Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray to create this style, too. 

clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel :: for face and neck (for day)

Every morning (and I'm not exaggerating), I put on this face gel from Clinique. It's seriously a game changer from other moisturizers, as my skin is a combo of dry and sometimes oily by afternoon. This hydrates and keeps my skin glowing throughout the day. Typically, I put this on before I apply foundation and bronzer. And some times on weekends, I even wear it by itself. 

philosophy take a deep breath gel :: for face (for night)

On my most recent trip to Sephora, I snagged this little mini bottle of this face gel as a freebie aka Sephora beauty reward. For the past week and a half, my face has been saying "thank you" each night I lather the nourishing, light and relaxing gel all over before sleepy time. Non-oily, it's a nice way to help your face retain moisture and not dry out over night. 

rosebud salve :: for lips

I've tried it all - from Burt's Bees and Fresh lip balm to Vaseline's lip gel concoctions... I've never enjoyed a lip balm more than rosebud's salve. It's saved my poor lippys through winter, and now hydrating them through spring. This lip balm is my must-have for the tote bag and on my nightstand. 

bliss ingrown eliminating pads :: for underarms and legs

Now, we're getting super personal. Confessions - I'm terrible at shaving - a few knicks here and some stubble there. Ugh. It's just a pain and absolutely frustrating. My lifesaver? These ingrown eliminating pads by bliss. They have helped me so much, and I've only been using them for about a week. Do not, and I repeat, do not use them right after you shave... as they will sting. These pads are for in between shaving/waxing days for stubble free, extra smooth skin. 

Are there beauty products that you can't live without?

Share your essentials below in comments! 

(I love discovering new ones to try!)

xoxo

Nail Colors for Spring 2014

It's been a foggy, dreary winter's morning today... Absolutely frigid which has got me dreaming of island weather, summer, mojitos... and counting down the days until I can wear a bright coral on my toes. Oh, how I long for flowy maxis, wedges and colorful printed scarves to tie in my hair. Tell me, are you longing for spring yet?

To prep for brighter, sunnier days - I've rounded up a few of my favorites to help us all "nail it" this spring in color. 

Butter London 'Boho Rock'// Essie 'Play Date' // Dior 'Vernis' // 

Deborah Lippman Kelly Clarkson 'Stronger' // Essie 'Cute as a Button' // 

Deborah Lippman 'Spring Vereles'

What are your favorite spring nail polish colors?

Do share in comments below!

xoxo

5 Must-Have Summer Beauty Picks

1. Essie 'Neon Collection 2013' | Summer is the season of brights from head to toe. Bling up your nails with a fun shade or two. I'm in love with a hot pink, especially when paired with the healthy glow of a tan... it just makes the nail color pop eve more. Why I choose Essie? Slick and quick-dry.

2. Fresh 'Lotus Youth Preserve' face cream | My must-wear face cream regardless if I'm wearing makeup or not... light weight, age-defying moisturizer for all skin types, this cream is proven to minimize signs of aging and deliver moisture/hydration for up to 24 hours. Paired with an SPF BB cream (like the one suggested below), it's no wonder that Fresh is part of my morning ritual. 

3. Smashbox 'Camera Ready' BB Cream SPF 35 | I've been searching for a foundation/color cream with SPF that doesn't make my skin seem "caked." After using various kinds, I've finally stumbled on this guy and am super happy with the results. Not oily or smeary, it provides a healthy glow, evening out redness and protects my face with SPF 35. I alternate between this little guy and Bobbi Brown's Foundation Stick. 

4. Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color | A light glossy look for your pout is always a must during the summer... Heck - having a pinky lip color is necessary year round! Never caught dead with out lip gloss or lipstick, I've been juggling with five types in my bag for the past two months... However, I always end up just using one. Bobbi Brown's  sheer lip color is lightweight and just the right amount of shine. One of my biggest fears - over-glossed lips + wind + unruly hair combo = sticky hair all over. 

5. Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base | On days when you don't want to goop on a bunch of mascara and let your lashes breathe but still have that curl, slick on Shiseido's nourishing mascara base. By itself or underneath a coat of mascara, it's light and enhances every aspect of your lashes' curl and volume. 

Those are my 5 beauty picks for this summer to ensure a healthy, bright and camera ready glow! 

What are your beauty must-haves this season?

xoxo

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, nor was this sponsored by any of the brands mentioned above. All opinions are my own. 

top knot and sock buns.

Why am I obsessed with top knots and sock buns? 

They are simple and comfy. If they could speak for me, they would say "hello, I'm carefree.. a free spirit... messy hair. don't care." 

A messy top knot goes well with just about anything - from loungewear to dark skinnys and a tucked-in, classic button up with a navy blazer. 

For a more polished look, I love the sock bun - what a beautiful 'do.

Paired with cat-eye sunnies or some glamorous earrings, the sock bun is casual-chic! I also adore this look with a strapless chiffon gown, nude heels and a a gorgeous statement necklace.

           

What is your favorite hair-do style for day and night?

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