Good Clean Beauty: My ILIA Beauty Picks

I was introduced to ILIA a few years ago when I first started to dip my toes into the world of clean beauty. I remember my first product, lipstick in the shade In My Room, and being so impressed. The formula was creamy and long-lasting, the color was so flattering. And I thought, how can a non-toxic, natural product be that good?

But natural beauty products come a long way since then and Ilia continues to be one of my old standbys for everyday beauty. I even started gifting the brand to my family and friends, because I know they'll convert once they see just how lovely the formulas are.

ILIA uses only the purest, sustainable ingredients. Each product is filled with good-for-your-skin active botanicals that nourish your skin, not just cover it up. I love the endless options of pigments for creating beautiful looks. The products are super long-lasting, too, which I love because I like to look fresh all day and not have to re-apply. 

I recently put ILIA products to the test and let me just say, I am SO impressed. After hiking 10 miles in the heat these products stayed put and I didn't feel like I was wearing anything at all. I like to look put together and protect my skin, always, but not actually feel like I'm wearing anything. My skin but better, you know? I also love the I can share these product with my little sister who's just starting to get into makeup and know that she's using the best, safest products possible.

Here are some of my favorite ILIA products and find out how to get the look (above):

The Cucumber Water Stick was my best friend. I glided it over my temples and eye area, cheekbones and bridge of my nose. It's like a toner in a solid formula that really perked up my skin, giving a cooling sensation that depuffs and hydrates—and it feels amazing. Because it's colorless, you don't have to worry about not having a mirror to apply. It's pretty much foolproof, giving me that really pretty, natural glisten that you get after exercise or spending all day in the sun. This is one product I don't mind carrying around with me throughout the day. And if you travel a lot, you'll love that the size and packaging is TSA approved. Perfect for Summer! I like to keep mine in the fridge for extra cooling powers.

ILIA Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (swatched above) has been on constant rotation in my routine this summer. The formula is semi-matte and looks like skin, but better. I absolutely love this lightweight product and that is gives me extra SPF protection throughout the day. I layer it over my daily sunscreen and it applies beautifully. You can't tell I'm wearing anything at all, but it helps diffuse redness and any imperfections that may be there. It helps fight free radicals and pollution, but still allows my skin and freckles to peek through. And it feels super moisturizing, like my skin is getting better the more I keep using it. I absolutely love it!

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Bombora is the perfect summer color. It's a lip balm, lipstick and SPF hybrid with a really gorgeous, universally flattering peachy orange hue. It's honestly my new favorite lip color, especially for nighttime when I come back from the beach with a golden tan. It's filled with great ingredients like cocoa and shea butters to hydrate, zinc oxide for natural SPF (I don't use anything with chemicals). The color is buildable, so you can apply a sheer wash of color or build it up for a bolder look. It's moisturizing and makes my lips feel super soft all day.

Like my look, as seen above? Here are the ILIA products I used to get it!

ILIA Cucumber Water Stick
ILIA Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Hanalei
ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Bonbora
ILIA Mascara in Shadow of a Doubt
ILIA Pure Eyeliner in Sweet Jane (also used on brows)
ILIA Illuminator in Cosmic Dancer
ILIA Multi-Stick in I Put a Spell on You

Shop them all on ILIA's website. Shipping is free on orders $75+!

Haircare Tips For Traveling with Ouai

Do you guys watch BeautyIQ on QVC? If so, you might have caught a familiar face on camera this past Monday....

I teamed up with Ouai Haircare for their first ever live show on QVC (!!) and shared some of my tips for keeping your hair looking great while traveling and in the Summer heat.

If you’re not familiar with the brand, it was launched by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin to help real women get lived-in, effortlessly chic style at an accessible price point. Ouai (pronounced “way”) means “yeah” in a casual, French way—which is cool because the products definitely give the hair a certain je nais se quoi.

I’ve been using the line since it launched a few years back and can attest to their effectiveness. I don’t like to spend a lot of time with my hair in the mornings (I’m a wash-and-go type of girl), so I need to use products that will enhance my natural texture and keep up with my busy lifestyle.

Needless to say I was thrilled when the brand asked me to be their guest on Monday’s live show with stylist Jonathan Colombini. If you missed the live show, I’m sharing my go-to products from Ouai and how I get my style to last for days below:

• Wave Spray: Long, beachy waves are my signature beauty uniform. This Wave Spray helps activate my curls so that I don’t need to use heat tools to play up my natural texture. It definitely saves me time in the morning—I can just spray and go after the shower. For tighter waves, I like to scrunch the hair and hold for a few seconds to really lock in the look. It never leaves my hair feeling crunchy and the waves last for days.

• Hair Oil: I have some balayage highlights framing my face and on the ends of my hair, so it’s really important that I treat them with extra care. To help avoid breakage, I like to use this Hair Oil to help bring some much-needed moisture back to my locks. If your hair is fine to medium, like mine, a little goes a long way. I only use about a pump or two to cover my ends to the mid-shaft of the hair. It’s the lightest hair oil I’ve tried so far, but it still gives a nice dose of hydration and shine.

• Treatment Masque: When I need something a little more heavy duty, let’s say after a trip to the beach or pool and my hair is feeling a little drier than usual, I turn to this Treatment Masque to bring my hair back to normal. I go through one or two packets a month, or when I’m feeling dry.

• Dry Shampoo: If you’re brunette like me, you probably understand the struggle of trying to find a dry shampoo that doesn’t leave a white cast at the roots. Jen, a brunette herself, also gets it and created this amazing product that leaves my hair feeling clean after a workout or in between washes with no white cast. It’s a miracle!

You can shop my favorite Ouai products below or on BeautyIQ:

Glossier Invisible Shield Review

I have a big confession to make: I've never worn sunscreen.

I know, I know. You're probably thinking how can someone who claims to be so diligent with their skincare and beauty routine neglect the most important step. But hear me out.

Most sunscreens I've tried (and trust me, I've tried a lot) left my skin feeling greasy, congested and felt like I was wearing a mask. Even the so-called "luxury" formulas still felt like the same thing—just camouflaged in shinier packaging at twice the cost.

When I heard Glossier was dropping Invisible Shield SPF 35 this week, I was skeptical. I'd come to accept that I wasn't a sunscreen girl and that I wasn't destined to look 18 forever. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the G-team felt the exact same way that I did and wanted to create a sunscreen for the sunscreen-averse. 

The formula leans more like a gel than a cream and disappears into the skin, leaving nothing but a smooth and primed canvas behind. It comes in a pump tube so you can dispense the perfect amount of product. I like to apply it all over my face and bring it down to my neck and any areas of my chest that are exposed. Your body can age, too!

In short, this one's a winner. Shop it here.

The Lean Closet Edit

I love the feeling of a freshly edited closet. However, I know how hard it can be to part ways with items that often hold sentimental value—or worse, impulse purchases and those pieces that you save for "when it fits."

Paring down your wardrobe to the items that you actually love and wear is an incredibly liberating feeling and a great way to get ready for Spring. So set aside a low-key evening, grab yourself a glass of wine and get your plastic bins at the ready. Here are my tips for lightening up your wardrobe.

Take it all out

First things first. Pull everything out of your closet and drawers, and I mean everything. You can't sort through things if you can't see them. This also gives you a better idea of how much stuff you actually own or forgot about.

Pull and sort

Next, you'll want to go through your items and group them by category—clothing, bags, accessories, shoes. This is the best way to make sure you don't lose sight of anything. I usually go a level further and sort by item type, i.e. jackets, tops, denim, etc.

Grab a friend

Enlist the help of a trusted friend or partner that can give a valued opinion. (It helps to lure them over with pizza or beer.) It helps to have someone who can be honest with you and knows your lifestyle. You're going to need someone who can talk you out of keeping those boots you haven't worn since college.

Prep your tools

Set aside three bins to help sort and manage your edit. One for keeps, one for reselling and one for donating. I buy mine from The Container Store or Target.

Divide and conquer

Start with clothing, as this takes up the bulk of your wardrobe. Ask yourself some key questions: Does it fit? Does it make you feel good when you wear it? Are there any rips or stains? Your answers to these will help you make an honest call about where they should go. 

Resell

Any items that don't fit properly but are in great condition can be consigned or resold. (If you really love them, there's a chance they could be salvaged by a good tailor.) I use The RealReal for high-end and designer items and Poshmark for more casual brands. I used to work at a consignment store, so I have a pretty strong understanding of the types of items that have resale value.  I've made over $10,000 selling my gently used clothing! (I plan to write a post spilling my secrets soon.)

Donate

Give your items a nice home to people who could use them. We recommend Goodwill, United Way and Dress for Success. Pieces with rips, tears or stains can still be salvaged—many thrift stores will take pieces and sell them as bulk fabric. Not only will you have a cleaner, more organized closet, but you'll be doing good in the process. 

Rinse, repeat

Repeat these steps with all of the categories.

Keep an eye out

Start to notice any trends or gaps in your new wardrobe. This will help you find balance. Do you have a penchant for stripes or floral prints? Are you in need of a pair of jeans that fits properly? Think about your lifestyle and how your wardrobe fits into that. I spend 70% of my time at work, so the majority of my closet should reflect that.

Take a break

It's understandable that some items will be harder to part with. For those pieces that you just can't be without, store them away in a separate bin or suitcase and stow them away in the top of your closet. Revisit these items in six months to see if you still feel the same.

Store Properly

For all of the pieces you've decided to keep, try finding a more organized system to make sure all of your items have a proper home. The phrase "out of sight, out of mind" holds true in this case—it's easy to know what you have when everything is displayed nicely. I use a simple white bookshelf to give my closet a custom look for a fraction of the cost. Artfully arrange your pieces to decorate and bring in a boutique-like feel. For any items that hold sentimental value or heirloom pieces like jewelry, store them away in a where they'll stay protected and free of tangles.

Fill in the gaps

If after your closet detox you still feel like you have gaps in your wardrobe, check out my roundup of capsule items that every wardrobe should have:

What pieces are you adding to your wardrobe this season? I'd love to hear!

Freshly Picked: Shopbop Seasonal Sale

It's the most wonderful time of the year—the Shopbop seasonal sale! Get 20% off your entire order or save 25% when you spend $500+. The sale runs today until Friday and is the perfect opportunity to fill in the gaps in your Spring wardrobe.

We've rounded up my favorite pieces from the sale, which you can shop below. If you can't tell, we're really feeling the vacation vibes as we have a long weekend in Charleston planned!

[Image via Janessa Leone]

The Best Minimalist Pet Accessories

Dogs are simple creatures. They don't need stuff. 

Yet there are so many pet products out there that with poor designs and loud colors.

I try to live as minimalist a life as is realistic. I'm not a fan of excess stuff and try to make considered choices as often as I can. Eliminating the excess means less time spent cleaning and organizing and more time on the important things, like spending time with our dog.

My philosophy is to spend on quality items that I know will last. We choose toys and accessories that feel considered and collected—I don't mind seeing a few ropes or antlers laying around because every choice was intentional. And he loves them!

When it comes to choosing items for our pet, there are a few things I try to keep in mind:

Muted colors—I'm drawn to pieces that are neutral. Whites, tans, browns and blacks are all great options because they blend in with the home. It's easier to keep the home looking clean when everything feels like it belongs. That's not to say everything has to be neutral. Teddy has a big pink ball that he adores and we wouldn't take that away from him.

Natural fabrics—Wovens, woods, bone and even denim are all great for dogs. Not only are these materials you would find in nature, but they're safer for your pet, too. Traditional pet toys are often made with synthetic dyes, silicone, and other materials that might not be so healthy for your pet. 

Embrace the idea of one—It's easy to go crazy and come home with a shopping bag full of pet toys. But how many of those pieces does your pet already have? Pets are not multitaskers—they are content playing with one thing at a time. If you bring any new toys into the home, how many can you take away? Anything tattered or torn should be disposed of.

Here are a few pet accessories that fit perfectly in the minimalist home:

Dog Bed—JAX & BONES / Honeycomb Treat Jar—Olive Green Dog / Natural Rope Collar—Found My Dog / Striped Dog Bowl—btw Ceramics / Paw Balm—Whiskey Whiskers / Peace Sign Rope—JAX & BONES

5 Transitional Pieces To Get You Through Spring

There's nothing more exciting than the changing of seasons. But dressing the part?

That's a little bit more challenging. 

To encourage a seamless transition during the in-between season, I've put together a look that is built around Spring's statement pieces:

Hat—Janessa Leone / Top—BCBGMaxAzria / Ear Cuff— Anissa Kermiche / Jeans—Re/Done /  Mules—Vagabond

Ripped Denim—When there's still a bit of chill in the air, you can still get away with showing a little skin by choosing denim with a raw ankle hem. I love 100% cotton pairs for that stiff, vintage look and how well they wear over time. It's very French-girl chic.

Off-shoulder Top—Bare shoulders are a sensual way to show off some skin, without being overtly provocative. Choose a piece with longer sleeves for colder days.

Mules—Has there ever been a more perfect Spring shoe? Mules have the ease of a sandal but with a more polished look. Choose breathable fabrics like linen or raffia for a stylish, effortless feel.

Muted Toned Accessories—I love muted rose, tans and grey this time of year. There's something really chic and timeless about these shades and they look gorgeous on a range of skin tones.

Woven Fabrics—Lightweight, breathable fabrics transition nicely this time of year. Linen, canvas, denim, cotton, silk and eyelet are all perfect options for this time of year.

Don't forget to add your favorite bronzy beauty products (I love Glossier's Haloscope in Topaz) for a bit of glow and you're all set.

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The Best Camera and Gear For Getting Started

Buying a new camera is exciting! But it can also be a little intimidating. There are so many options available and if you’re just starting out, you might not know what to look for.

A camera is not an impulse buy—you have to really understand what you’re working with. As you continue to practice, you learn a lot about your camera and the accessories that you need to make the most out of your photos.

So whether you’re just starting out or looking to update your gear, I put together this handy guide of commonly asked questions, so you can find the right camera and equipment for you.

I’m just getting started—what should I look for in a camera?

I highly recommend starting out with a beginner DSLR like the Nikon D3400. This is a fantastic camera if you’re a traveler and want to capture stunning photos of your adventures, or someone who wants to create high-resolution images for a website or blog.

This camera takes great photos. It's as simple as that. You could buy a more expensive model, but all you would get is a fancier camera. The Nikon D3400 has all of the functionality that someone who is new to photography or doesn't need advanced features could want (and for a much lower price).

It’s a super lightweight design, which is perfect for taking on-the-go. However, it still packs more megapixels than the Nikon D5, the brand's most expensive professional-grade camera. It can also record up to 20 minutes of HD video.

I love this camera because it gives a professional and polished look to my landscapes and portraits. I’m able to choose an ideal depth of field and feature my subjects more prominently than if I had used my iPhone camera. The latest versions even feature Bluetooth capabilities, so you can transfer images right to your phone.

This system puts aside all technical verbiage or need to learn complex controls and settings. If you’re just starting out with photography, the Guide Mode is a great feature of this camera. It walks you through several image options in order to get the control and effect that you want over the final image.

Whether I’m shooting on automatic or tweaking the manual settings, I can always trust this camera to take a great photo.

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Nikon D3400 / Canon EOS Rebel T5 / Sony DSC-RX10M II

Are there any must-have camera accessories you recommend?

Tripod

A tripod is a must if you’re looking to take long exposures and night photography. It’s also nice to have if you’re taking a trip and don’t have anyone else to take photos of you. Make sure you find one that's sturdy and reliable—there are some great, affordable options on Amazon.

Pro Tip: Getting a lens or a camera body with vibration reduction built-in allows you to handhold your camera at a slower shutter speed without the use of a tripod.

Memory Card

You can’t shoot without a memory card, so this is a definite must. We also like to keep a backup memory card on us, especially when traveling because you might not have access to your computer to transfer over any photos.

Backup Hard Drive

Depending on the image format that you shoot in, your files can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. The higher the image quality, the larger the file size. A backup hard drive is nice to have so that you can store your photos without taking up much room on your computer's hard drive.

Plus, it’s nice to have backup storage for your photos—memories last forever, computers don't.

Camera Bag

I use a North Face backpack as my camera bag. Traditional camera bags aren’t really my style and this backpack is a lot more functional. The exterior is weather proof, so my equipment is protected inside. I also like that there’s a strap on the front to keep it secure when I’m hiking and to evenly distribute the weight.

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The North Face Borealis Backpack / Seagate Portable Hard Drive / Amazon Basics 50" Tripod

What camera do you use for the blog?

We both use a Nikon D7100. It gives us all the functionality of a pro-style camera, but it’s a lot more affordable.

Because it’s a crop-sensor camera, there’s a wide variety of lenses (which I’ll go into later) and they tend to cost a lot less, too.

What camera lenses do I need?

For most people, the standard all-in-one zoom lens will work perfectly. This is a versatile lens that allows you to capture whatever scene you’re working with. It often comes standard on your new camera.

If you’re looking to improve your photos and upgrade your lenses, here are a few more options and when you would use them:

Wide Angle Lens

A good range is a lens that falls anywhere from 10 to 35mm. This gives you a wider angle of view and is best for landscapes and group photos. We also like to use it for some of our videos.

Prime Lens

This is a lens with a fixed focal length. It can’t be adjusted like a zoom lens, but you can shoot at larger apertures and quicker shutter speeds. The picture quality is generally better because any distortion or vignetting in your photos will be less visible. I recommend going for a 35mm or 50mm 1.8 lens— the former is best for versatile use, while the latter is best for portraiture.

Macro Lens

A macro lens allows you to get closer to your subject and gives you a 1:1 magnification. I like to use this for taking pictures of small objects like insects, flowers and even some portraiture. This lens can tend to be a bit more expensive, but it takes beautiful photos.

Telephoto Lens

This is a great lens for taking pictures from a distance or objects in motion, like nature and sports. Most kit telephoto lenses work perfectly fine when used in the daytime, however, you will need a tripod for shooting with this lens at night.

From L to R: Wide Angle, Telephoto, Macro, Prime

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Nikon NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle Lens / Nikon NIKKOR 10-24mm Zoom Lens / Nikon NIKKOR 55-200mm Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens

I have a small budget, what do you recommend?

If your budget is small, that’s ok! Regardless of your body and lens, ultimately your technique and composition are what really matters. 

The Nikon D3400 or the Canon Rebel T5 is a great place to start and the lens it comes with is a great option for transitioning to a DSLR camera.

If you’re not quite ready to invest, the cameras on the latest iPhones are really powerful and just keep improving with each new release.

An added bonus? You’ll always have your camera within reach.

A Minimal Beauty Routine for Glowing Skin

I've been downsizing my beauty routine for a while now. It's funny when you think about it—I love beauty products and trying out new brands. But there is something to be said about having a go-to routine and knowing what works for you. 

Glossier products are a staple in my beauty uniform. I love how simple, effective and affordable the products are. I'm also a huge sucker for the packaging, as you can probably see.

Lately, I've been into a no-makeup makeup look. My skin has been really nice lately (thanks in part to the dynamic duo of Milky Jelly Cleanser and Priming Moisturizer Rich).

Rather than cover up, I've been embracing a much more minimal routine. Below, find a few favorites that I've been loving lately:

Glossier Coconut Balm Dotcom

I must own every flavor of Balm Dotcom, but this coconut-scented is by far my favorite. It's so versatile—I can use it on my lips, cuticles, elbows, you name it. And it smells amazing!

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium

I'm not a heavy foundation girl. I like a little bit of coverage just to even my skin out a bit and diffuse any redness. This may be the best thing that ever happened to my face. My skin errs on the drier side, so powders are out for me. This formula blends into skin like a lotion, leaving me looking dewy and fresh-faced.

Glossier Haloscope in Topaz

I was using Haloscope in Quartz for a while, but recently swapped it out for this golden shade. It gives me a healthy, post-vacation glow (minus the airfare). I apply it to my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and on my cupid's bow to give the illusion of plumper lip.

Glossier Super Glow Serum

Serums were an uncharted territory for me. I guess I never really bought into the hype. How could one product really do x, y and z? Recently, my friend Emily had recommended this Super Glow serum to me. It's formulated with Vitamin C and Magnesium to brighten and tone. I use it under the Skin Tint and I really do notice a difference in my complexion! I'm sold.

Glossier Soothing Face Mist

This was another underdog product for me. I'm not one to add unnecessary steps to my routine, but I was pleasantly surprised by how hydrating and toning this face mist was! I use it after cleansing at night to tone and in the mornings before I apply the Super Glow Serum. I keep a spare in my purse for when I need a mid-day refresh.

What are your go-to beauty products? I'd love to hear!

 Get 20% off your Glossier order, plus free shipping on orders $30+.

—Olivia