I always liked the feel of running a comb through freshly conditioned hair in the shower, but never thought about going any deeper than that in the shower. During, and unfortunately after my pregnancy, the back of my scalp was plagued with dermatitis which was itchy and generally annoying, causing me to seek out ways to improve my scalp health. I settled on using a prescription shampoo coupled with the ColorProof Scalp Cleansing Brush ($19), and it turned the experience from a chore to a luxurious massage in a matter of seconds. The brush itself has an easy to grip notch and is a generous size and rather dense, allowing one to really circulate the bristles in order to stimulate and clarify the area. I also no longer worry about destroying a manicure due to vigorous scalp scrubbing (please tell me I’m not the only one that this has happened to!). Continue reading…
I always hated when it was ‘back to school shopping’ time, as it signaled the end of my favorite season, summer, but on the other hand, loved getting shiny new folders (aka Trapper Keepers; remember those?!), the smell and uniform look of new pencils and erasers (I know I’m weird), and picking out the coolest paper I could find with which to cover my schoolbooks with for a bit of extra panachè. During the peak of my school days in Pittsburgh during the late 1980s, I loved getting my necessary new year items at Phar-Mor or Hills, but that was only because it would be at least another decade until Target came to the area!
Like many other of the store’s customers, I love that Target is a one-stop shop, which makes things ridiculously easy for parents to pick up clothing, shoes, accessories, and school supplies in one large cart, be it a physical or virtual one at that! In a recent preview of the great things to come for the school season, I took in a bunch of cute, but highly functional items to get the kids through the school year, and that applies to big kids too! Heading (back) to college requires stuff too, such as dorm room supplies like bed sets, chic décor, and seating options.
And did you know that Target hosts a School List Assist program? Brand spanking new for this year, search for lists by school name and get replacement items and extra supplies outside of the kids’ shopping lists. If you’re super busy (I mean really, whose not these days?) take advantage of the Order Pickup, Drive Up, and delivery with Shipt,which means you’ll spend less time in store, and more time with the kiddos.
See below for some of my favorites,with availability ranging from now through early August .
Room Essentials DIY Letter Boards, $12.99
Cat & Jack Graphic Tee, $4.50; Cat & Jack Sherpa Vest, $17.99
Summer is officially in full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some great new accessories and beauty products! Well, let me rephrase that – being poolside or on the sand during the most gorgeous, sunny days of the season is officially THE best way to celebrate, but my recommendations are a close second! See below for some of my top picks to keep you looking cool and feeling stupendous during this holiday weekend.
[IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Primer+ Oil-Free, $39, Sephora.com]
You may opt out of using a primer under your makeup for part of the year, but when it comes to the summertime heat and humidity surrounding the 4th of July, it’s better to keep everything in place as it should be, am I right? The newest primer from IT Cosmetics is the real deal, and includes glycerin, bark extract, and ginger root extract to provide a great smooth base to the skin while hydrating with texture improvement over time. It glides on effortlessly and will hold its guard against that humidity so you can layer on your favorite foundation or CC Cream.
The time has come that wearing a hat in the summer is downright cool, but selecting the right kind can be a challenge. The straw boater hat style looks pretty perfect when accompanying all types of face shapes and head sizes, is unisex, and is simply a classic through and through. Plus, you can’t deny the great price found on the one above from American Eagle![Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier Spray, $32, Follain.com]
Ever since I started using Rahua, I’ve found that the brand truly makes lovely products, and the latest one, the detangler (pictured above) is no exception! Most people’s hair is effected by the summer humidity, so this adds some extra hydration to block out the frizz, makes it easy to brush through, and protects from the sun’s powerful rays. It can be used on wet or dry hair, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your tresses respond to it!
[Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow in Golden Hour SPF 30, $24, Sephora.com]
I find that I hardly experience something truly in beauty, or a moment of “duh, I wish I would have thought of that!” but that’s how I feel about this new cream eyeshadow from Supergoop! First of all, I love a cream eyeshadow, and the fact that this one has SPF in it that doesn’t make my eyes water is a feat in and of itself. Plus my face doesn’t feel so naked at the beach or pool now that I have a touch of shimmer on the lids. Available in three shades (Golden Hour is my favorite), wear these alone or the colors are neutral enough to layer your regular eyeshadows on top as well.
[Kate Young for Tura Ally Sunglasses in Bone, $200, CoolFrames.com]
Chic shade alert: these are a must in the summer, as the iconic look of Kate Young for Tura’s Ally Sunglasses is distinguishable AND the epitome of stylish! Wear them to the BBQ, and the morning after, since you may have just had one too many Shandies and need sophisticated hangover eye concealment.
My mom has never once failed to frequently remind me how awful it was when I was a child to find proper skincare for me that wouldn’t cause my delicate skin to break out in a rash. Fast forward to today, and as a result of this knowledge, I possess a built-in paranoia for the exact same issue to occur with my son. Luckily, his skin doesn’t appear to be anywhere near as sensitive as mine, but still, I want to ensure we use only the best on him.
Never having used Mustela before but hearing amazing things, I was excited to try a few of its products for my little man, but first, testing them on me. I can say with utmost confidence that not only were the products agreeable with my skin, but it has no become a brand that I trust. See below for my four favorite products from Mustela!
With 97% naturally derived ingredients including jojoba, sunflower, Vitamins E and F, sweet almond oil, Shea butter, and it’s signature ingredient of avocado perseose, this lotion feels and smells incredible. An important feature of it that works for both mommies and babies is that it is hydrating yet incredibly fast when it comes to drying. To quell my fears, it is hypoallergenic and had been tested under dermatological and pediatric supervision, and is also paraben, phthalate, and phenoxyethanol free. Simply, put, I love it, it’s perfect!
Recently, my boy has gotten into the concept of the bath big time, filling the tub with toys under a sea of sudsy bubbles to enhance his splash and play. Just like my concern with any other type of skincare, I want to feel confident that nothing in the bath routine will irritate his precious skin. This biodegradable baby bubble bath formula is 88% derived of natural ingredients and smells amazing. He’s not so concerned with that, as he is with the opulent bubbles that resemble the ones mom blows to him at the park, and boy does this formula deliver on that! As with lotion, this product is hypoallergenic, tested under dermatological and pediatric supervision, and is also paraben, phthalate, and phenoxyethanol free
I’ve found that one only REALLY, REALLY needs after sun lotion when…its already too late! I only think about having some on hand once the first sensations of a burn set in, but it’s better to always be prepared in advance, so the start of summer is a perfect time to pick some up! It’s important to do a really good job of protecting your baby from the sun, but here and there a little bit of color may sneak through. I actually canvas my little man quite well, but then…forget about myself, so to be perfectly honest…this after sun lotion is really for me. This formula is 97% naturally derived, and includes jojoba oil, Shea butter, and the brand’s signature avocado perseose® to effectively cool and rehydrate the skin.
Nourishing Stick with Cold Cream, $9.50, Walmart.com
If you ask my husband, he’ll tell you how much I’ve been wanting to put something on our son’s lips since…literally the day he was born. Well, excuse me, but they were looking extremely chapped! This lovely, travel-friendly stick is gentle and safe enough to use on baby’s precious cheeks and lips, and acts as a great protective barrier against the elements. It’s not like I want to think about the winter right now, but when it’s back, I will be prepared! It’s also 96% plant-based with natural cold cream, hypoallergenic, and overall feels lovely as you’re gliding it across the skin.
is all about shopping smarter via a very carefully curated selection of items reviewed & featured from the fashion & beauty worlds. Founder Julia DiNardo flexes her expert muscles to bring readers the best insider knowledge & exciting news, with a dedicated focus on accessories.
Room Essentials DIY Letter Boards, $12.99
Cat & Jack Graphic Tee, $4.50; Cat & Jack Sherpa Vest, $17.99
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