Twenty Something Plus

January 19, 2016

Good Clean Saving

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One of the gifts I wanted for Christmas was Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat. I was beyond ecstatic to get the Brush Cleaning Glove instead. Cleaning my makeup brushes is no longer something that I dread.

But while it makes cleaning my makeup brushes only about 1000 times easier, it doesn’t mean that I want to clean my makeup brushes every other day. Or even on a weekly basis.

So, in between washes, I use paper towels to help manage my mess.

To make sure that I’m saving and getting the most for my money, I get the SCOTT, Choose-a-Sheet Mega Roll 6 Pack at Dollar General.

They also carry SCOTT 1000 Bath Tissue, 16 pack and Extra Soft Bath Tissue, Double Roll 16 pack. All three special Bonus Packs are in-store through the end of February. Find the closest Dollar General to you, here.

Plus, you can use their new Digital Coupons to save even more. You just sign up, create an account and load the coupons you want to use. Then go to your local Dollar General to redeem your coupons at checkout. SO much saving!

Which, of course, for me, means that I have more money to spend on makeup…

January 18, 2016

2 Ways to Wear Something: Christian Louboutin So Kate Heels

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I am far from rich, so I don’t have many investment pieces.

My Christian Louboutin So Kate heels are my among my utmost possessions. I saved, and I mean saved, up for these bad boys like you wouldn’t believe! I love wearing them, because they’re gorgeous little works of art. Plus, they make my legs look AMAZING.

However, they aren’t exactly the most comfortable shoes, so I don’t wear them very often.

My go to makeup look is a very subtle smokey eye and glossy nude lip.

This jacket was a wardrobe upgrade, after a sticker left a mark on my old moto jacket and the clutch I got pre-loved.

Jacket: American Eagle Outfitters
Shirt: Target
Jeans: Gap
Clutch: Clare V. via the Poshmark app
Hat: Target
Heels: Christian Louboutin

Shirt: Old Navy
Vest: Madewell via the Poshmark app
Tote: Madewell
Jeans: Aeropostle

I am going to make an effort to wear them more often.

This is a start.

Shop these looks:

January 15, 2016

What’s in My Bag: Road Trip

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When I lived in Vermont, a trip to the grocery store was a 20-30 minute drive.

Much of my shopping was done while hungry and resulted in a lot of snack foods. So to avoid this and getting hangry at the manfriend, I’ve learned to keep snacks in my bag. This especially comes in handy when we go on a road trip. Otherwise, we will inevitably end of in line at the nearest drive-thru.

It’s not that snacks are always that much better than fast food, but the cost adds up. We’ve been guilty of buying Taco Bell right before dinner.

The Vermont part of me, which cringes when there isn’t recycling options everywhere, was very happy to hear about Chomps Snack Sticks. They are made with grass-fed beef, so they taste phenomenal! The manfriend even said he wishes that they were in the checkout lines instead of Slim Jim’s. And they’re healthier.

I always like to have a magazine and a notebook on hand.

Reading in the car makes me motion sick, but this way, I can have something to read if I have to wait some where.

Or if I think of an idea, I can jot it down.

Then there’s the everyday things I keep in any bag.

At least one Lola tampon, because they’re 100% cotton and I don’t have to send the manfriend to the store for them. They’re delivered right to my door!

And a pair of Cheeki underwear, just in case…

What do you bring with you when you’re on the road?

January 14, 2016

Agnes & Dora Dolman Top

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We’re back!

Each month myself and four other boss blogger babes will style the same piece of clothing and since we all look and think differently from each other (hair, religion, location, skin, size, height, style…all of the above), you’ll get five totally different looks. That means you’ll get to see what I style, on other body types so you can find something that is best for you!

This month we have another something from Agnes & Dora, so make sure you check out how Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, and Sarah styled this tunic too.

How adorbs is this Agnes & Dora Pocket To Me dolman top? It’s striped, which I love and has a super cute floral patterned pocket!

While there are tons of ways you can wear a dolman top, I’m rather partial to pairing this one with black skinny jeans or leggings.

Since the shirt has the stripes and floral thing going on, I kept my jewelry very minimal.

Just one piece.

A sentimental silver charm bracelet that both my younger sister and I got as Christmas presents from our older sister.

The younger one wanted matching tattoos, but I like matching bangles better…

As for shoes, I wanted to get as many wears out of these cutout booties as I can, before it starts to really snow.

And we’ll be back with another Styled by 5 next month, well sort of…

January 12, 2016

Notice the Lotus at Target

Even though there are plenty of times I’ve been mistaken for much younger, I am almost basically 30.

I haven’t spotted any major signs of aging, but have given a lot more thought to my skincare routine.

And like many other 20 (almost 30) something year olds, I spend a lot of time at Target.

So, I was very happy to notice the lotus on the the Target shelves. Hearing that derma e, a brand that I use frequently, is now at Target is huge! Not that I’m against online shopping, it’s just so much easier to pick up things while I’m already out.

Plus, it’s motivates me to try new products.

Like their Firming DMAE Eye Lift cream.

Since I don’t really have many to begin with, this was more preemptive on my part.

A little, but helpful, trick that also helps? Use your ring finger to pat on eye creams! The eye area is super sensitive, avoid tugging on it.

Wrinkles and fine lines? Not on my face!
If you need me, I’ll be at Target.

January 11, 2016

2 Ways to Wear Something: Michael Kors Jet Set Tote

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Last week I shared the three pieces that you should invest in. One of which was a large tote and I really do stand by that.

Here’s two outfits I styled to wear with my Michael Kors Jet Set Tote.

Sweater: Forever 21 (similar)
Chambray Top: J. Crew via the Poshmark app (similar)
Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters
Tweed Blazer: Gap
Hat: H&M
Tote: Michael Kors

The manfriend said I looked like a hippie. I’m totally fine with that.

I have no idea how I did this bun, but I dig it!

Sweater: Old Navy (similar)
Tank Top: Mudd
Boots: Forever 21
Jeans: J Brand Jeans via the Poshmark app (similar)
Hat: Gap

If these looks don’t prove that you need a big tote bag, I don’t know how else to convince you.

Shop these looks:

January 7, 2016

3 Investment Pieces You Need for the New Year

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I am far from rich, but having a few quality investment pieces is something I kind of pride myself on. Treat yourself, right?

Instead of new year, new me, why not same me, better stuff?

You’re probably getting sick of my obsession with totes, but a big sturdy one is a must-have. I cannot tell you how nice it is to travel and have your mind at ease knowing that everything you need is right there with you. Or even to go to work or an event with your laptop, planner, notebook, etc. all in one bag. I’ve also has a cheaper bag break under pressure. Not exactly my idea of fun.

At least in New England, the temperatures have dropped. If you live (or even plan on visiting) somewhere cold, you should have a warm coat. One with a hood is also probably a good idea, unless you have a winter hat. I like wool. I also prefer one that is just a little bit big, so I can wear a few layers underneath.

As someone obsessed with heels, I have tons of different pairs. But all you really need is at least one good black pump. I don’t care what brand they are as long as they make you feel good. Just make sure you can walk in them.

Now, I am not saying that you should go out and blow your whole paycheck on the most expensive things you can find.

What I mean is, if you want something nice, you don’t always have to settle. Save!

Shop these pieces:

January 6, 2016

My January 2016 Birchbox

I’m skipping my December Birchbox.

For now.

While I am very very very happy that my Birchbox subscription was renewed just in time to still have my December box sent to me, I am super pumped about my January 2016 Birchbox.

This month, I opted for the featured Korean Beauty box curated by Charolette Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam.

I haven’t used the Bio Fresh Mask yet, I know I’m going to love it. How do I know? It smells like chamomile and that alone is good enough for me!

I have tried the radiant primer. Much like a brightening primer it gave my skin a slight glow, without having to use any illuminator, bronzer or anything.

If I didn’t select the On Trend Korean Beauty box, I would have wanted to pick the Delight Tony Tint. And I would have not have been disappointed. This tint is amazeballs! I used it on my lips and cheeks and just, yeah.

Ok, I haven’t used the cucumber mask yet either. BUT, I sense a spa day coming…

As for the Waterest First Essence, I used it after my Proactiv exfoliator and before the serum and moisturizer. I liked this and it left my skin feeling less tight than with some other hyaluronic acid treatments, but no drastic difference aside from the dewy look it gives.

AND there was two bonus samples!
I haven’t opened either of them, but the bubble peeling has pretty good reviews.

Tempted to buy the full size of all of these products, but for now I’ll just add them to my Birchbox favorites list.

January 5, 2016

Vintage Inspired Outfit

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One of the many many many perks of Monarch Workshop, is a mini headshot session with the wondrously talented Victoria Gloria.

This time around, I knew that I wanted photos that were a little more unique…

Victoria, being as amazing and spectacular as she is, took my idea and ran with it.

The vintage feel of the bathroom (yes, this happened in a bathroom) paired perfectly with my vintage inspired outfit.

Don’t you think?

Plus, my sister did my hair and I can’t even handle it!

It’s been well over a month since my turquoise tips first graced Instagram with it’s presence, which means I am WAY past due for getting it done over. I really like this color and I’ve gotten SO many compliments, but I thinking about maybe switching it up. Maybe.

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January 4, 2016

The Pros and Cons of Proactiv

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Back in high school, I never thought I’d be someone that needed use Proactiv. I may have gotten a tiny pimple all of like once or twice.

But in college, that changed.

Zits started to regularly pop up all over my face.

In particularly, they favored my forehead, making it look like I slept on pizza instead of my pillow. Here’s proof…

Some of you may be thinking, that this isn’t that bad.

But this photo was taken shortly after I had started using Proactiv. Plus, it was the summer so my skin is in it’s most radiant state.

Except for my forehead.

I tried anything I could get my hands on (thank you work study paychecks)! Proactiv was the only product that completely cleared up my skin.

Recently, I started to break out again. It usually does in the winter, because of my moisturizer usage. But this time it was much worse. It’s been my forehead all over again, only on the bottom half of my face.

I’ve hear of adult acne, but come on! Seriously?

So, I started using Proactiv again (well, Proactiv Plus).

Pros: Effective (like I said, it was literally the only product that cleared up my skin), a little goes a long way and the amount of product you receive can last over two months. I also happened to already have some (after discovering that extreme stress also triggers my skin to breakout).

Cons: One thing I noticed about Proactiv is that typically my skin will get a little worse before it gets better. It’s kind of addictive. Not in a I need it, I need it sense, but more of a if you stop using it your skin tends to go back to looking like pizza really is bae. It can also be costly, especially if you go to cancel your subscription.

For me, the pros outweighed the cons. Plus, this time I noticed that my skin didn’t get at all worse and started to clear up almost instantly!

Do you get break outs? Share how you treat them in the comments below.