Friday, October 4, 2013

Say Ahhh with an At-Home Spa Night

Want to slip into a soft robe and be whisked away to relaxation without the price tag? Look no further than this guide to a complete spa night that will have you feeling blissed out by the end of the night. I once worked at a spa and learned the ins and outs of creating the "spa experience." 

Step 1: Hydrate

The key to healthy skin is hydration. Stay hydrated with this delicious and easy spa water recipe.

Spa Water:

-A pitcher of cold filtered water
-Plenty of ice
-Four slices of lemon
-Five slices of cucumber

Mix all ingredients in pitcher and enjoy! The longer it sits, the better it gets.

Step 2: Shower, Exfoliate and Moisturize

Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub
Next step is either a shower or bath, whatever your preference is. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse your face BEFORE you shower so your pores can breathe. During your shower or bath, the steam will help to open your pores so your skin will benefit more from your exfoliation and mask in the proceeding steps.

Don't forget to exfoliate your body while in the shower. I have been loving the Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub. The lavender helps to relax and soothe while the sea salt sloughs off the dead skin for glowing healthy skin.
Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter

After exfoliating your body, apply a thick body cream for ultra-rich moisturizing. The Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter smells amazing, hydrates deeply and leaves skin soft and smooth.


Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant & Michael Todd Tropical Fruit Exfoliant
For facial exfoliation, I love the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It's made from rice powder, making it very gentle for sensitive skin. Another great exfoliant is the Michael Todd True Organics Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub, an all-natural fruit scented product that uses fruit enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells.

Step 3: Treat

After exfoliating, it is time for a face mask! Pop in your favorite DVD or show and let the mask do its job.

For oily-acne prone skin types, the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque can't be beat. A thick green clay mask, this cult-classic mask works to dry up blemishes and help control oil.
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque


Charcoal Detoxifying & Avocado Mango
If you find your face is oily in some spots yet drier in others, try the Michael Todd True Organics Charcoal Detoxifying Mask. More of a lotion consistency, this light gray mask is moisturizing while still balancing oil production. The activated charcoal in the mask draws out dirt and oil that clog pores and gives congested skin a nice "detox."

Have dry skin? Test out the Michael Todd True Organics Avocado and Mango Hydrating Mask. It smells like a delicious tropical smoothie while nourishing and hydrating the skin for a dewy and glowing complexion.


After rinsing off the face mask, be sure to moisturize with your favorite facial moisturizer!

Step 4: Nails

Let's talk nails. No spa night would be complete without prettily painted nails by the end of it. For Fall, I am loving these darker colors!
Sephora by OPI in "It's Somewhere in my Purse" and OPI in "You Don't Know Jacques"


Voila! Now you're fully primped, pampered and relaxed. Happy spa night! :)

xoxo Jess

Thursday, October 3, 2013

New Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation

The Rundown:

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is a gel stick foundation with an anti-shine core, supposedly leaving a natural matte finish. The lightweight powders in the anti-shine core are meant to instantly dissolve excess oil.
Shade: 115 Fair

The Reality:

Packaging 5/5 stars

The black tube with metallic light pink writing is so cute and durable! The packaging feels a little cheap but looks nice and is very easy to travel with or throw into a handbag. While it is a small tube, the gel-stick formula makes it much easier to transport and makes putting on foundation a breeze. The only caveat is you end up going through the foundation pretty quickly.

Staying-Power 3/5 stars

This is where I had some trouble. It does stay on and shine-free longer than most foundations however, I found that after about 4 hours my foundation was looking a little patchy. I've been spoiled by the Revlon Colorstay Foundation that stays on 8+ hours. This foundation is lighter feeling, stays matte longer than most, and feels powdery almost instantly after applying (in a good way).

Shade Range 4/5 stars

There are 12 shades in this line which isn't bad. There are a wide variety of lighter/medium shades, but the line is lacking deeper shades.

Coverage 4/5 stars

This foundation works best as a light to medium coverage foundation. The foundation is buildable, but the more you build the cakier the foundation starts to look. This gel formula works best as a light coverage foundation.

Price 5/5 stars

As far as drugstore foundations go, this one rings in at an average price of about $8 depending on where you purchase it.

Lives up to its claims 4/5 stars

The anti-shine powder core does as it claims, it makes the foundation go on silky and smooth. The gel stick foundation also works to keep the shine at bay without looking powdery.


OVERALL 4/5 stars

I would say if you're looking for a gel based stick foundation to keep you fairly matte and have combo/oily skin, you would be in good company with this foundation.

xoxo Jess

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Fall Outfit of the Day

Hey Fashionistas!

This outfit was inspired by my love of layering in the Fall. I love to achieve a worn-in, comfortable look by pairing many basic items together to create a cohesive and cute look.

To get this look:
Start with basic black leggings and a cream color tank top then build from there. I paired a striped long sleeve top with a black statement necklace both from Forever 21. I have been loving this olive/gray colored utility jacket (also from Forever 21). To finish off I have gray (I know they look black in this picture) low-heeled, leather boots from Cathy Jean.

I love that you can make simple changes to this look like swapping out the shirt and accessories to create an entirely different, but still super cute, look.


xoxo Jess

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Fall Essentials!

Hi my loves!

My absolute favorite time of year has "fallen" upon us once again (cheesy I know, but I couldn't resist). With colorful falling leaves and cups of steaming cider, Autumn is magical in my eyes. From the perfect Fall drinks to get your morning rolling, to seasonal decor to undoubtably classy fashion trends, welcome to your guide for a fabulous Fall.

Autumnal Decor


Leaves candle
Lets talk candles: Bath and Body Works is my go-to store for seasonal candles. My personal favorites are Autumn, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Leaves. These scents perfectly embody everything I love about Fall.

Candy Corn Lights






I am also mildly obsessed with these little candy corn lights that you can find at CVS. My Fall decor tip is to hit the Dollar Store and Target's sale/dollar section at the front of the store. You will find inexpensive festive items that won't empty your wallet.


Seasonal Drinks


Pumpkin Spice Coffee
TAZO Baked Cinnamon Apple
Start your morning with a Fall-inspired drink! My personal favorites are Pumpkin Spice Coffee k-cups to kick off my mornings and the TAZO Baked Cinnamon Spice Caffeine-Free Tea to cozy up with on cold evenings.



Fall Fashion Trends


Photo from Dailylook.com
Photo from Forever21.com


Cozy up with knitted cardigans and comfy sweaters sitting pretty over neutral colored layers this season. Top with a scarf and accessorize with long necklaces, plenty of simple rings and riding boots. My current obsessions are this parka jacket and girly faux leather jacket from Forever 21 and this classy structured handbag and knitted cardigan from Daily Look.




What are your Fall essentials?

xoxo Jess

Friday, September 6, 2013

50 Random Questions Tag

Oh hey, it's me!
A little bit about me! I know it's long, but I had so much fun writing it!! I may do more lifestyle posts on here if you lovelies like these types of posts. :)

1. Where were you 3 hours ago? 
Working. I do social media and marketing for companies.

2. Who are you in love with? 
There are many people that I love, but I am in love with my boyfriend.

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon? 
I don't think so, but I have eaten play dough before.

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? 
Always! I am currently sitting on a pink and orange towel by the pool with a pink iPad and phone case and pink beach bag...I like pink.

5. When is the last time you went to the mall? 
Five days ago.

6. Are you wearing socks right now? 
No I'm sitting by the pool so socks are a bit unnecessary here.

7. Does your family have a car worth over $2,000? 
Yessiree bob!

8. When was the last time you drove out of town? 
Last weekend! Well I didn't drive, my friend did but that's close eh?

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? 
No I haven't, sadly. I love going to the movies. 

10. Are you hot? 
Yes, it is quite warm out here! Hence, sitting by the pool. ;)

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? 
Water.

12. What are you wearing right now? 
A bathing suit, reference #4, #6, #10.

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? 
Usually I would have washed it myself, but apartment living makes it difficult so to the car wash I go!

How cute is this?!
14. Last food that you ate? 
Trail mix. It had almonds, dried blueberries, and golden raisins...so fancy!

15. Where were you last week at this time? 
I think I was at the gym.

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? 
Surprisingly yes! I've been on a clothing shopping hiatus for the last few weeks, but I got a really cute cream and pale pink lace tank top from American Eagle last weekend. ------------>

17. When is the last time you ran? 
I don't like running all too much. I was on the elliptical a half hour ago, does that count? 

18. What's the last sporting event you watched? 
I'm not a big fan of sports. :/
Jellyfish at the Aquarium of the Pacific

19. What is your favorite animal? 
I adore otters (both river otters and sea otters) and I also really love jellyfish and whales!! I am smitten with sea creatures. 

20. Your dream vacation? 
I have always wanted to travel through Europe and see and experience as much of the region as possible. Someday I will! :)

21. Last person's house you were in? 
Mine and my cousin/best friends (we're also roommates). 

22. Worst injury you've ever had? 
When I was 3, I ran into a glass door at my babysitters house and had to get stitches on my forehead oops.

23. Have you been in love? 
Yes.

24. Do you miss anyone right now? 
Always. I feel like no matter where I go, I'm always missing someone! I guess that just means I have a lot people I care about in all different places. :)

25. Last play you saw? 
Oh it was a long time ago! Wicked? Jersey Boys? I saw both a couple of years ago.

26. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? 
Secret weapon?! That sounds dangerous! I guess I smile? But I smile at most people so that's confusing.

27. What are your plans for tonight? 
I am going to get more work done, edit a new video, shower and sleep! Oh and probably watch Netflix at some point, I've been hooked on Arrested Development.

28. Who is the last person you sent a MySpace message or comment? 
I have no idea. I deleted my myspace back in high school.

29. Next trip you are going to take? 
Hopefully back home or to Mexico for Thanksgiving!

30. Ever go to camp? 
Yep! Cheerleading camp almost every summer in elementary school.

31. Were you an honor roll student in school?
Haha yes just about every year up through college. I like learning. 

32. What do you want to know about the future? 
Absolutely nothing!! I love to live life as it comes and not knowing what's around the corner scares me, but excites me even more. The possibilities are endless. 

33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? 
Nope.

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit? 
Kind of an odd question, but I don't think so!

Me and a couple of my best friends :)
35. Where is your best friend? 
I have many best friends. They are honestly all over the place, Southern California, Northern California, Montana, all over! However I still talk to them all daily. :)

36. How is your best friend? 
They are all pretty good! :)

37. Do you have a tan? 
For the first time in a long time, I do! It's the most tan my fair skin has been in a while. 

38. What are you listening to right now? 
Families laughing and playing in the pool, and dogs barking in the apartments. 

39. Do you collect anything? 
I am very sentimental so I save a lot of birthday cards and little things like notes, pictures and tickets to places I've been. 

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?
I'd rather not say. 

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? 
Never!! Ahh I hope I didn't jinx it. I don't drive a whole lot. 

42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? 
Almost always! I usually only drink sodas when I'm at a restaurant so I like using straws. 

43. What does your last text message say? 
"Yay!!!" (I am an enthusiastic person).

44. Do you like hot sauce? 
Not really, I'm not a big fan of super spicy foods.

45. Last time you took a shower? 
Last night, definitely taking one tonight. 

My great grandparents from Italy were dancers.
46. Do you need to do laundry? 
Yup! But I won't for awhile, I don't like doing laundry.

47. What is your heritage? 
My great grandparents on my mom's side came from Italy and my great grandparents on my dad's side came from England. However, my last name is German so that somehow got mixed in there. 

48. Are you someone's best friend? 
According to SnapChat I am.

49. Are you rich? 
No way jose.

50. What were you doing at 12AM last night?
I was fast asleep. I like my sleep.


If you made it to the end, I applaud you and thank you for reading all of my not-that-exciting answers! :)


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

DIY Glitter Candle Votive

Hello my Do-it Yourselfers!

I found the most adorable (and simple) blog post on how to make glitter candle votives and decided to do my own twist on it.  See the original blog that I got the idea from HERE. I thought stripes of glitter would look cute so I busted out the scotch tape and went to town!

I like how these look like glittery sand–I love the beachy look!

First, I selected the glass candle votives I wanted to glitter-fy. I used old medium sized candles from Bath and Body Works that has nothing left to burn and cleaned the wax and wick out…voila! Perfect tea light candle votive. You can also use a store bought candle and just remove the label. ☺


You will need:

-Glass candle votives
-Modpodge
-Glitter (The finer the glitter, the easier it adheres to the modpodge)
-Smaller paintbrush
-Something to cover the work area (I just used newspaper)
-Scotch tape or painters tape
-Tea light



Method:


1. Cover your work area to keep it clean, I don’t understand it but somehow glitter always seems to multiply!

2. Make sure the outside of the glass is clean so everything will adhere evenly.

3. Tape off the sections you don’t want glitter on. For solid glitter, I still taped off about ¼ in on the top and the bottom of the votive so the glitter coating looked more structured. For stripes, I taped off the top and bottom again and then also a band of tape around the middle of the votive.

(Tip: for the middle band of tape, be sure to leave one end of the tape sticking out, it will make it so much easier to remove later if you don’t have to dig through glue and glitter to find the end of the tape.)



4. Once tape is fully adhered, paint on the modpodge using a paintbrush, do a fairly thin coat but make sure it is opaque.

5. Dust on the glitter of your choice! I used Recollections Extra Fine Glitter in Champagne. Be sure it is fully coated and no glue is showing.



6. Let dry then peel off the tape.



7. Place tea light into the now glittery and chic votive, and you’re done!

Monday, July 1, 2013

MANICure Monday: Berry Pretty

Hi my Beauties!

It's the dreaded Monday again, but here at JessicaHeartsBeauty we like to think that manicures make Mondays a tad bit better. :)

This week I'm sporting a fabulously chic, deep berry polish. The polish is from L'Oreal in the color Crazy For Chic. I have to admit the formula is fantastic–it is highly-pigmented, creamy, shiny and the larger brush makes it a breeze to evenly coat the nail. (I only had to use one coat!!)


What polish are you rockin' this week?

xoxo Jess