Category:

Beauty

Chanel perfume // Givenchy Healthy Glow Powder in “Extreme” // Givenchy Brush Eyeliner in “vinyl black” // Cable Knit Sweater // Jeans // Fendi Bag // Levi’s onesie // Make-up brushes

If you’re a mom like me with a newly minted 1 year old, putting on makeup just isn’t what it used to be. I put mascara on one-handed, curling my lashes is also done one-handed, and my new bronzer has already been dropped and cracked. Sad face.

Alas, it is just not the same as it used to be. But might I add it has never been this fun? Levi brings a whole new level of joy to the mundane. And with that includes his wonder and excitement over my makeup brushes, chewing on my Givenchy eye pencil, allowing me to brush his cheeks as he hurls in giggles and belly laughs. Definitely not boring.

Now, the super mom skills come in when baby is on the hip, and you’re actually able to apply some makeup, and not look like Count Dracula. Didn’t I say skills? All that to say, my makeup and beauty routine has been abridged over the years. These items have been favorites as of late:

Givenchy Bronzer – Love this bronzer so much because it goes on very light. I try not to have too heavy of a hand when it comes to bronzer, so if you like it to be there but not like, REALLY there, this is a great option for you. The color is also really great and would go well with a lot of different skin tones in my opinion. Pro tip: Apply on your cheekbones, forehead and jawbone for that I-just got-back-from-St-Tropez look.

Givenchy Eyeliner – Levi loves to play with this, but so does mommy! I would definitely recommend this pencil if you’re needing some precision. It would be great for someone who likes to line the waterline or rock a super sleek cat eye.

Chanel perfume – This perfume smells amazing! It is more musky than flowery, which is my ideal perfume. I’m not a fan of anything with either a vanilla scent or too much of a floral scent. Pro tip: spray some in your hair before a night out. So glam!

Have you tried any of these? I’d love to hear.

Thank you Nordstrom Beauty for sponsoring this post!

Tula Eye Balm Stick Review

If I’m honest, the eye area is my biggest concern with aging. I fear unwanted fine lines under my eyes and apply eye cream daily. I tried both the pink and blue Tula stick under my eyes a couple weeks ago because I saw some of my favorite bloggers using it. I was curious to see how I would like it. I want to note that it is a VERY convenient size for travel and my ever growing makeup bag. First off the bat, I love that it is clean beauty which means it is free from alcohol, fragrance, parabens, mineral oil, etc. Which gives me peace of mind. I have already used Tula moisturizer and cleanser, which I have really liked. I have since given both to my tween who is now in need of skincare. She was having breakouts and I plan to only give her clean skincare and eventually makeup. Why would I ruin her virgin skin with parabens, mineral oil, and alcohol? Girls, I’m feeling old, I have a tween!! Hence the need for good skincare, less stress and 8 glasses of water.

While these don’t take away the need for eye cream, they add another step. But a welcome one that has benefits. After all, I’m still loyal to my bliss eye cream, here are some benefits to these convenient eye sticks:

The blue one: has a SUPER COOLING EFFECT and acts like a dewy highlighter. After a long day staring at my laptop, I like to keep it nearby for a pick-me-up. 1850 reviews with almost 5 perfect stars don’t lie!

The pink one: has rosehip oil (a natural retinol alternative) and hydrating rosewater which SO many benefits one of which makes me look more “awake.” The pink has a slight shimmer. I’m all about an “instant pick-me-up.” The cool thing is, if I use it over my makeup, it appears like a highlighter. Score!

How do they work?

I applied it before concealer for a cooling effect and after makeup as a highlighter. I tried both ways as some days are a 5 min make-up job, and other days, maybe a 10 minute make-up day. Either way, I added this refreshing stick to my routine.

The Low Down

If I could get just one, I’d probably get the rose glow and get it for the rose hip oil and rosewater ingredients. If you’re planning on traveling, it is a great pick me up for the plane ride both for convenient size and much needed hydration.

Have you tried either stick? I’d love to hear about your experience.

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

(this is not sponsored by Tula)

Comment below which one you would use and why you need it. I’ll pick one winner Monday to send an eye stick of their choice!

Also, you can use my code SHALICE for 20% off!

1.Nuface Trinity I can’t say enough good about this product! I use it to lift both sides of my face, 5 minutes.

2. Charlottle Tilbury bronze and glow Charlotte has mastered the glow, am I right?

4. Isle of Paradise I buy this in DARK. Exfoliate beforehand, apply mousse evenly with mitt on fronts and backs of limbs.

5. L’Occitane Immortelle Reset serum, LOVE this serum! I did a review in this post

6. Sunday Riley Good genes has a cult following and feels amazing on the skin. I’m wondering if Sunday Riley can do no wrong?

7. Tan Luxe “the face” I mix a couple drops into my moisturizer and boom, I have a tanner face to match my legs. Ha!

8. Tanning Mitt. This is a game changer! My hands are no longer embarrassingly dark and now I get an even tan!

9. Sunday Riley CEO cream, fights the first visable signs of aging and my sensitive skin just drank it up.

BONUS 10! I haven’t splurged on this, but with the sale I’m tempted. The Dyson blow dryer or the Dyson Airwrap styler. No extreme heat damage was a big bonus.


1. versed mask // 2. jelly peel // 3. foaming cleanser // 4.lip therapy 5. Cleanse Balm with scrubber (Atalie only uses the scrubber) 6. skin ceuticals serum 7. bliss moisturizer 8. Tula Cleanser (use code SHALICE for 20% off) 9. eye cream

A year ago, Atalie came to me and said mom look, I have these red things on my nose! Her 8 year old brother said, “woah, Atalie has a ton of bug bites on her nose!” While we found out they were in fact not bug bites but pimples. Atalie was entering puberty and I won’t lie, I was a little scared. She’s my first, our guinea pig who taught Reid and I so much about parenting. All I knew to do was give her clean beauty products, and the knowledge that I knew. I taught her there are 4 easy steps to washing your face:

  1. Rinse with lukewarm water to cleanse
  2. Use your fingertips to apply cleanser
  3. Use a washcloth or scrubber to wash your face.
  4. Apply serum and moisturizer

I handed her Tula cleanser (use code SHALICE for 20% off), a scrubber, and moisturizer and we were off. Our first mommy daughter clean your face party! I told her about pores and how to clean them with Biore strips, kinda fun to use, and you definitely look funny wearing them. Oh the price of beauty I tell her! I remind her that true beauty isn’t skin deep and that its the hidden person of the heart that really matters. Especially later in life and when faced with disappointment or heartache. We can take care of our bodies, exfoliate our faces, and moisturize our dry skin, but that is merely white washing the surface. Cultivating a beautiful heart is the highest calling. That, my friends, is what I tell my daughters.

“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Pt 3:4 ESV

*Shot on location at Park MGM Las Vegas

With the influx of new products and new devices that promise everything from tighter lips to tighter tummies to tighter everything, it gets a little confusing in the marketplace.

I was originally introduced to NuFACE products from my mom who gave me my first NuFACE mini device. Already familiar with the toning and lifting my NuFACE mini device did, I researched the body device. I’m always crazy about new beauty gadgets. Just ask Reid!

After I had Levi, I knew I needed to do something about my stomach especially, as it had stretched out for the fifth time! I must say, women’s bodies are amazing!

Instead of getting down on myself for having a less than desirable stomach, aka wrinkly with weird lines (Thanks Levi!), I decided I needed to do something about it. Without surgery, I knew that to get the stomach I wanted, required a good diet and exercise as well. 

How do you use the NuBODY?

I use it at night before bed. I even walk around with it because I’m a busy mom. It takes about five minutes after the application of the gel. I use it on my stomach in circular motions just as I do to tone and lift my face with the NuFACE mini or trinity device.

What are some tips for using my NuBODY device?

  • Results you FEEL instantly and SEE over time.
  • NuFACE is known for the instant lift you get with their facial devices. The same is not true for your booty, unfortunately! But after just 1 NuBODY treatment your skin will feel more firm and more energized, and with continued use, you’ll see the improvements over time.
  • You have to use NuBODY to see the results.
  • Like exercise, you have to do the crunches to reap the benefits. And with NuBODY, you have to do your 5-minute treatment 5 days per week to see the results in your target area. (1 stomach = 5 min treatment; 2 arms = 10 minute treatment.)
  • Quick and easy treatment.
  • Don’t target your whole body or you’ll be spending 30-minutes a day with NuBODY and that’s not reasonable for most. Target your arms, stomach, thighs, or butt; not all!  If you’re targeting dimples, you can just hold the device in place while you binge watch your favorite show or multi-task. Add some glides when it feels good, but it doesn’t need to be 10-minutes of movement.

What results have I seen personally?

I have seen my stomach more toned after I use the NuBODY device. See these before/after pictures. I love that I’m actually doing something for myself in the midst of busy mom life. Even if it is 5 minutes a day. Who doesn’t have 5 minutes? If you don’t, there’s a problem! It feels good to get a spa treatment AT HOME. So many times I have scheduling conflicts but would love a much-needed spa treatment. The founders of NuFACE are mothers and I’m grateful for a device that tones my stomach and smoothes the lines right in the comfort of my home.

FYI, there is a promo going on right now. No code needed, 2 free 10 oz gel primers with a NuBODY purchase, a $96 value. No code needed! Get your NuBODY here.

NuBODY // Prep-N-Glow sheets (great for cleansing while traveling) Gel Primer (leave on and hydrating)

The “After” picture. Taken 8 months after I gave birth to Levi. I used the NuBODY once a day in the evening.

Thank you NuFACE for sponsoring this post. All opinions my own!

Tanning 101

by Shalice Noel

How I tan

Hello! One of my most frequently asked questions is how I keep a year-round tan. It’s important to know my natural skin color is olive toned from my mom’s Portuguese side. So I’ll admit, lot’s of tanning products don’t do much for me. I also don’t like tanning products with a lot of scents and I hate an orange skin tone. So, let’s get right to it – what do I use?!

The secret to a natural tan and 391 reviews and 20k likes on Sephora don’t lie! I’ve been using  Isle of Paradise (IOP) drops for a couple of months now.

First, I love the customizable color. Depending on what time of year it is, and how much beach time I have, I adjust my color by using more or fewer drops (follow instructions on the bottle for more info). I started doing this because I’m no longer “laying out” for extended periods of time like I did in my twenties. UV rays just aren’t healthy, and let’s be real, no one has 3-4 hours to lay out in the sun all day? I know I don’t. Because laying out is no longer an option, I knew I didn’t want a tan that rubbed off or looked fake and Isle of Paradise was just the ticket.

How do I use the drops?

Before I do anything, I exfoliate. You want to do this beforehand using this brush. In order to get the best results, you must start with clean, exfoliated skin.

Next, I mix a couple of drops into my favorite moisturizer. Your tan will turn out dry and steaky if you don’t mix and apply with moisturizer, so don’t apply it directly. I rub it in it all over my body except my face. To apply the tan there, I switch to my face moisturizer and mix a couple of drops in and apply to my face and neck. I do this about two times a week. It leaves my skin baby soft and retains the color.

Lastly, after I “tan”, I do not exfoliate unless I want to wash off the tan. I haven’t experienced any breakouts on my face, either (knock on wood!). There is a bit of a wait time before the tan actually shows up so I recommend applying right before you go to bed. This way it has about 8 hours to process. And most importantly, don’t forget to wash your hands! You’ll wake up with stained, streaky hands if you do!

Now, break out that dress and show off those tan legs!

These are products I use and LOVE!

Before tanning, always exfoliate with a body brush. The Tan Luxe tan drops I add to my favorite moisturizer, and cover evenly.

Tan Towels are kind of an all in one. I always exfoliate before applying, I never put it on my face (since my face is sensitive), and always wash my hands after applying it.

The Vitamin C Serum quenches your skin in so many ways. I credit an even skin tone and glow to this product.

The Airbrush finish when applied to the T-zone, gives a mattifying look. I love the “finished” look this gives.

Summer Fridays face mask when applied to a clean face, leaves skin dewy and moisturized in just 10 min. No need to rinse. Also, it comes in a mini size if you don’t want to pay $50, and curious to see what the buzz is all about.

1. Tan luxe drops // 2. Vitamin C Serum // 3. Tan towels 4. Airbrush finish 5. Eyeshadow pallette // 6. Isle Paradise drops // 7. Face Mask
//

The more I learn about make-up, the less complicated it is. All you really need is a couple of key pieces in your make up bag to feel pulled together and a little glam. I’ve never been one to wear tons of makeup, so I love that I can use just a few items to make myself feel more polished and put together. I sat down with my make-up artist and asked her what she recommended, and then I figured out what would work as a busy mom with nearly 5 minutes to do makeup in the morning. Read on!

Tip #1. Start with the essentials. I like to prep my skin with Neat Skin Care Selfie Magic Facial Oil, then concealer, and then the Hollywood filter. The facial oil makes my skin glow and moisturizes at the same time. Don’t forget your neck! I also put foundation on my neck to match my face. Also, for a finished look, don’t leave out the nose crease (where the nose meets the cheek).

Tip #2. I can’t live without a little tan. I don’t skip the bronzer. Cheek stain isn’t a must for me, and eye shadow is mostly a luxury, but bronzer, no way! I even like to brush my bronzer on my eyelids for that I may have just came back from Monte Carlo (but really I’ve just been to the park with the kids) kinda glow. I’m into it. For reference, I have Nars in ‘Laguna.’

Tip #3. All the wows with brows. There’s no denying brows pack a punch. I feel like I can get away with the barely there, dewy, no make-up look when I have my brows filled in. Here’s the 411: brow gel in ‘chocolate’ and brow defining pencil. Two simple, quick things that make a big difference! Also, if you’re in a pinch for time, but want some help defining them, use a stencil. I provide two options below:

Tip #4. Don’t forget the lips! I put this on every night before bed for instant moisture that lasts till the morning. I’ve tried many products but this is still my fave. It’s organic shea butter and I’ll link in below if you’re curious to try!

What are you loving lately? I’m still learning the ins and outs of make-up. Share your favorites below, I’d love to hear!

I got a lot of questions when I featured this little tool in my stories the other day. Tera, the owner of NuFace, came to my house to give me a treatment with her new device – the FIX! I was so looking forward to this facial lift and it was just what I needed on a rainy Friday. Who doesn’t want to tone and lift their face? I saw the real results when she lifted the left half of my face and left the right side. OH MY. The left side was perky and lifted, the right side looked tired.

To get this result, she used both the mini device and the new FIX on my fine lines. Using both devices, she said, will give you the overall best results. I asked her when is the best time of day to use the FIX, she said she applies it in the morning or on the airplane or car. It has a convenient USB cord to recharge it. It also has a 3 min motor (it shuts off after 3 min), so you can do 3 min on each side of your face. And don’t forget the forehead!

She calls the FIX pen an “eraser.” The “mini” device lifts the neck as well. Don’t forget the neck – it’s the most forgotten part (at least it is for me) and SO important. No one wants a wrinkly neck. Watch how founder, Tera lifts her neck using the trinity here. One of the most frequently asked questions was if I can get just one product, which would it be? I would say the mini since it has an overall lifting and toning effect. I lost the charging cord to my mini, though, so I’ve been using the FIX daily. I’ve been loving my more “awake” look. It’s like a work-out for my face!

How do I use the Trinity device?

  1. Cleanse with an oil-free cleanser
  2. Apply the gel primer
  3. Start with your neck, glide towards the back of the neck
  4. Turn your device on – they recommend on ‘high’ but you can adjust to your comfort.
  5. Apply gel to jawline, cheeks, and forehead.
  6. Always glide slowly and in upward motion. Enjoy the results!

The “FIX” // The “Mini” // the “Trinity” // I just purchased this one today and sold out at Nordstrom but found here: “NuBody Skin Toning Device” I plan to use it on my stomach where my last birth left some marks, stay tuned for results! It promises to tone, firm, and smooth away the look of dimples and cellulite. My mom gave me the Nuface mini years ago and loved using it and the lift until I lost the power cord! Shop them below:

Please send any additional questions you have. Have a great weekend!

TOP 10 Red Lipsticks

by Shalice Noel

Sometimes the best accessory is not a bag or shoe but a RED LIP. Those listed below are lip colors my readers on Instagram gave me. I have already tried Bare Minerals “Srsly Red” but can’t wait to try Kosas, the clean beauty line. A clean beauty lipstick isn’t a bad option, after all the average girl eats 4 lbs of lipstick in her lifetime! Don’t forget “Give a women the right lipstick and she can conquer the world”and Bill Blass said, when in doubt, “wear red.” I can’t say I disagree.

Happy Valentines Day!

bare minerals “srsly red” // feels so grand by MAC (red) // Burning Love by MAC
Maybelline Hot Lava // Clean beauty – KOSAS Thrillist // Dior 999 in Matte // Kat Von D outlaw // MAC Ruby Woo // Nars Lip pencil in “Cruella” // Anastasia “American Doll”