Christmas-y Coffee (without the calories)!

        One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is go to Starbucks with friends to spend time with great company, enjoy Starbucks's seasonal Christmas drinks and listen to music. Now, we all love their Peppermint Hot Chocolate and their Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, but those are loaded with tons of fat, sugar, and calories (up to 500 calories for a Grande with whipped cream)! To avoid ending up like Santa at the end of the holiday season, I have found sneaky ways to enjoy holiday drinks without the calories :)

1. Starbucks Christmas Blend with Steamed Soy Topper and Sugar-Free Peppermint Syrup

        Yes, this is a mouthful to say, but its the easiest and lowest-calorie way to fake a peppermint latte. With only about 30 calories in a Grande, you still get everyone's favorite foamy bubbles from the steamed soy milk without the heavy fat of half-and-half or 2% milk. The sugar-free peppermint syrup adds the perfect amount of "Christmas" that blends nicely with their Christmas Blend coffee. Depending on how sweet you like your coffee (I definitely like mine sweet!), you can also add some Splenda or Truvia sweetener.

2. Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha 

        This is also a great choice - it's the "healthy option" that they advertise for the Christmas season. With espresso, steamed non-fat milk, sugar free mocha syrup, and sugar free peppermint syrup. Plus, it only has 130 calories in a Grande. It has more milk in it than the drink I listed above, hence the larger amount of calories. However, it's still a great option for those who are watching their calories and it has a great authentic taste!

And for when you make coffee at home....

Grocery Stores - $3-4 for 32 oz. (about 63 servings)

        When I saw this in the grocery store, I got so excited! As much as I love Starbucks coffee, it can get really expensive to make into a habit. Every morning, I use CoffeeMate's Sugar Free Peppermint Mocha creamer in my coffee. Each serving (which is 1 tbsp - I usually use a little more because I like my coffee to be creamy), has no sugar (duh), 15 calories, and only 1 gram of fat. The verdict on the taste? Well, it's not amazing, but it leaves my coffee with at least a little hint of peppermint and for such low calories (and fat and sugar), I don't mind at all. I usually add a little Truvia to sweeten it up a bit.

Enjoy the wonderful season with family and friends :) Happy Holidays!

NOTD: OPI Bogota Blackberry

After spending a fabulous summer in Washington, DC, I am back in beautiful Chicago - and fall is here! I love sweater weather, warm boots, pumpkin spice lattes, and the colorful leaves! Last night, I decided to bring out my all-time favorite nail polish, OPI Bogota Blackberry. I love this color and I have so many memories wearing it :)

2 coats OPI Bogota Blackberry + 1 coat Seche Vite top coat

$8.50 at Ulta

It's a beautiful burgundy color with a microshimmer effect under light. When topped with a great top coat, it gives such a glossy and professional feel. The consistency is also great - it goes on even with the perfect "thickness" and no bubbles. Plus, it's perfect for any occasion. It's conservative enough for school or work, but also fun and dressy enough for a dinner, a party, or a night out! Looking ahead, it's also great for the holiday season because of its festive color. It's a definite staple in my collection and it will never go out of style :) 

Enjoy this beautiful season beauties! :)

Summer is Here: Protect Yourself!

Hello beauties! I'm so excited that summer is finally here! I was guilty of spending too much time at the pool and beach this past week, so I'd thought I would share some of my tips and tricks about protecting skin from the sun. Sun protection is especially important to me because I have a history of skin cancer in my family, but I think it's essential for everyone to protect their skin to keep it more youthful!


1. Face

Aveeno Active Naturals Natural Protection Mineral Block

For a long time, I was guilty of not wearing sunscreen on my face on a daily basis. But after a speech from my sister about the aging effects of the sun, I decided to start a longtime search for the perfect facial sunscreen. After trying what seemed like dozens of products, I found that many SPF products caused breakouts on my chin and forehead. After doing some research, I found that natural and mineral-based sunscreens are the best for people with sensitive skin. Aveeno has this great product with SPF 30 that is 100% natural. Every morning, I mix a half-dime amount with the same amount of moisturizer. Before going to the pool or beach, I apply this to my face as I would any other sunscreen.

Pros: This is SPF 30, 100% natural, oil-free, fragrance-free, and waterproof.

Cons: I couldn't find it for a long time! I fell in love after trying a sample of this product, but I couldn't find it at my local Walgreens, CVS, or Jewel. Finally, I was able to snag the last one in stock on a trip to Ulta.

Available at: Ulta, Target, Drugstore.com

Price: $10.99

2. Body

Left: Coppertone Tanning Dry Oil Continuous Spray SPF 10

As I mentioned in my "5 Facts About My Skin" post, I have fair skin that is able to tan if I use the right products. This is that product! I have tried tanning oil after tanning oil to get good results without a lobster red burn. This is the first tanning product I have used that I am completely in love with.

Pros: It gives great tanning results, doesn't cause my skin to burn, leaves a beautiful shine after I spray it, and has a super easy-to-use spray application.

Cons: It smells average - exactly what you'd expect a tanning oil to smell like. Also, keep away from the hair!! If just a little bit gets in hair when spraying, it will leave it looking greasy and sticky.

Where to buy: Virtually any drugstore! CVS, Walgreens, Target, Jewel, Walmart.

Price: About $9.99

Right: Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30

For those times when I want a heavy duty sunscreen, I choose this sport, sweatproof sunscreen. With a higher SPF, it offers more protection than regular tanning oil. I oftentimes use this when I do a lot of physical activity outside versus just laying out by the pool or beach.

Pros: Higher SPF than tanning oil, sweatproof and waterproof, same easy application, lasts a long time, doesn't burn my skin.

Cons: Like the tanning oil, it doesn't smell amazing, and it can get sticky.

Where to buy: Same as above! CVS, Walgreens, Target, Jewel, Walmart.

Price: About $9.79

3. Lips

Left: Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch

Ever since I purchased this tinted lip balm in my last haul, I have fallen in love with it! It not only gives good color and smells amazing, but it also protects from the sun! I love wearing this to the beach so I can have a little glam without compromising protection from the sun!  

Pros: It's SPF 20, it doesn't dry my lips, it gives great color payoff, it's offered for a super low price, and it smells like a perfect fruity summer! 

Cons: As much as I absolutely love this product, I have noticed sometimes the balm collects at the corners of my mouth. However, that's just a very minor concern for me. 

Where to buy: Ulta, Target, and all drugstores! 

Price: $2.99

Right: Panama Jack Lip Balm in Vanilla

This product is possibly the epitome of all sun-protecting lip balms. It offers great protection and such a yummy taste! Chapped lips are no fun, and this product does an amazing job moisturizing the lips as well as providing a beautiful clear sheen that almost gives off the effect of a lip gloss!

Pros: It's SPF 45 (yes, 45!!), it's very moisturizing, it makes my lips look healthy and beautiful, it comes in both a yummy vanilla and tropical flavor, and it's a great value for a low price!

Cons: It's difficult to find and isn't sold at any of my local drugstores.

Where to buy: Unfortunately, it is only available off the Panama Jack website.

Price: $2.30

4. Wear a floppy sunhat! 

They are super cute for the summer season and they also provide shade from the sun! They can also help prevent hard-to-avoid scalp burns. My favorites are at Forever 21 and are very affordable.

I hope this post gives you an idea of what I do to protect myself from the sun. Now go outside and enjoy this beautiful weather! :) 

5 Facts About My Skin!

Hello beauties! The past few months have been an absolute whirlwind for me, but I'm happy to say that I am back in full-force blogging mode! Since I hope to do quite a bit of skin product reviews and tips, I thought it would be a good idea to write a short post just explaining my skin - freckles and all! 


1. Let's start with the basics: my nationality. I am mostly Norwegian and German, with a little hint of English. So what does that mean? I'm very fair with freckles! In the winter, my freckles are almost unnoticeable, but they quickly darken up in the summer. And as fair as I am, I do have the ability to tan if I use the right products. 


2. I do have history of skin cancer in my family, so I am very careful about protecting my skin from the sun! Look for an upcoming post on how I protect myself with my favorite sunblock products.


3. I have combination skin! If you don't already know, it means my forehead, nose, and chin are all oily while my cheeks are dry. 


4. I have very acne-prone skin in the areas that are oily - especially my chin and forehead. But, after working with a dermatologist to find the best acne medication for me, I have been almost completely clear! I very rarely have a breakout and if I do, it is usually very small. However, please remember that I am not a professional, so I always encourage people struggling with acne to speak to a dermatologist to find what products work best for them! :) 


5. I have Keratosis Pilaris (KP) on my arms and legs. What's KP? Basically, it's a very common and genetic skin condition that causes little red bumps and a rough texture. When I was young, my case was pretty severe, but as I've grown older, my KP has become very mild. By finding the right products that work for me, I have been able to reduce the appearance (and annoyance!) of KP.

Target and Victoria's Secret Spring Beauty Haul!

Hello beauties! A few days ago, I picked up a few goodies for spring! I don't know why, but going to Target to buy makeup products just never crossed my mind. However, I discovered their amazing selection when I was there a few days ago and it's my new favorite when looking for drugstore products! So without further ado, here is my beauty haul!

Sally Hansen "Smooth and Perfect" in 07 Sea

On my last blog post, I said how I've been obsessed with the mint green trend this spring/summer and have been looking for the perfect nail polish. I LOVE this color! Under some lighting, it comes off as a pretty, light green that compliments my fair skin tone (sometimes I feel greens don't compliment my reddish pale skintone). Under other lighting (like the one above) it comes off as almost a Tiffany blue! It also is supposed to contain ginseng, camelia oil, and lotus to help make nails stronger and healthier! I picked it up for $5.49 at Target, but almost all drugstores carry Sally Hansen. Make sure to check before shopping to be sure they have this specific line, though.

Maybelline Baby Lips in 25 Pink Punch

I loved the color payoff of the Revlon Lip Butters, but because I am more of a lip balm kind of girl, I felt they weren't quite moisturizing enough. After reading great reviews for the Maybelline Baby Lips, I decided I would give them a shot! I wanted a color that I could wear daily that was fruity with a little color. I'm not going to go too in-depth now because I hope to do a full review of all my lip products for spring and summer, but I think this product will be a staple in my daily routine! Plus, I picked it up for $2.99 and it can be found at almost all Ultas and drugstores! Here is a swatch:

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Pink Passion

First of all, I would like to say how impressed I am with e.lf.'s display at Target. They had a great selection and super affordable prices! I also heard great things about this blush and so I decided to try it for myself! I already have a favorite daily blush, but I've been looking for a color that is a little more dramatic for going out. Pink Passion was my favorite of the display because of its bright, fun, and matte color. Plus it's only $3!!! This is the hardest to find, however, because in my area it's only available at Target. Look out for a full post on all my favorite blushes and bronzer (this will definitely be in it)! 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 021 Sun Light

Call me crazy, but I have never been one to wear bronzer. Most of the ones I've tried have been unnaturally shimmery and I always felt that because I am so fair, wearing bronzer would look like I'm trying to hard. However, after reading a blog post by my best friend Steph (www.expressteph.blogspot.com), I thought, why not try it again! This is the same bronzer she listed in her favorites for spring, but I chose one shade lighter. I love that it's matte and after my first time wearing it, I'm impressed! I will definitely do more of a review later on in my favorite blushes and bronzer post! This was $4.29 and can be found at a variety of drugstores and Ulta!

e.l.f. Essential Total Face Brush

I am someone who believes in the "try-before-you-buy" method, and since I am new to bronzer, I decided I am going to try applying it with different types of brushes before I go out to MAC to pick up a more high-end brush to add to my collection. I have a few other synthetic brushes like this, but I thought it would be nice to designate one brush for this bronzer. For a synthetic brush, the bristles seem very soft on my face and overall, it seems like a very good value for only being $1.00! After I decide on a high-end brush, I will probably keep this one (depending on how long it lasts) in my travel bag. Like I said before, e.l.f. products are sometimes hard to find, but are at Target! Did I mention it was $1? :)

Seche-Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

For a while, I have been using the OPI Top Coat. However, on my recent trip to San Diego, it exploded on the plane! Talk about embarrassing, I had it in my carry-on and I had the whole back half of the plane complaining on how it smelled like nail polish! Anyways, after hearing endless raves from other bloggers on this product, I decided to try it myself! After my first use, I know this is a staple product to my collection. It dries fast, doesn't streak, and looks so professional! I ended up getting it from Target for $9.99 but I have been surprised to see it almost everywhere - Ulta, CVS, Walgreens, and others, even my local salon uses it! 

Victoria's Secret VS Fantasies Fragrance Mist in Coconut Passion

This isn't from Target, but it's a recent beauty buy that I have to share with you! I have been OBSESSED with the smell of coconut lately, and I knew I needed some kind of body or fragrance mist for the spring and summer. I have always loved Victoria's Secret's fragrances and lotions and they have such a great selection! This smell is so perfect for summer - a warm mix of vanilla and coconut. I will probably buy a travel spray bottle so I take some of this body mist with me everywhere! I wore this the other day and got quite a few compliments, even from one of my guy friends! The 8.4 oz bottle retails for $12, but because I had a coupon, I got it for $2! 

I hope you enjoyed this haul! Feel free to leave you comments on either products you feel I should try out or your opinions on these products! Enjoy your spring :) 

My Top 5 Nail Polishes for Spring 2012!

If there's one thing to know about me, it's that I'm a huge nail polish junkie! These are the colors that I will be wearing most this season. Although I love nail polish, I always tend to find myself wearing more pinks and neutrals that can be worn with all different outfits. However, this spring I have fallen in love with corals! I've also have a recent love for mint green but have yet to find a nail polish favorite. Please feel free to comment with your favorites. :)

From left to right: OPI "It's All Greek To Me", OPI "Sweetheart", OPI "I Vant to be A-Lone Star", Essie "Cute as a Button", Sally Hansen "Strobe Light" (All have 2 coats and top coat)

OPI "It's All Greek To Me"

This is definitely one of my favorite nail polishes out there! It's a shimmery hot pink with a slight blue undertone. I have very fair skin, and it's not too dark or overpowering. It goes on very smooth and is one of those nail polishes that just makes you happy when you wear it! It also one of my favorites to wear on my toes. I usually find the best selection of OPI Polishes at Ulta for around $8.50.

OPI "Sweetheart"

If I had to choose one nail polish to call my absolute favorite, this would be it! It's a slight pinky nude that is just classic. Wearing it is the closest thing to a French Manicure because it goes with absolutely everything. This is my go-to polish and I tend to wear it a lot during the week when I don't necessarily want to change my nail color often. Usually around $8.50.

OPI "I Vant to be A-Lone Star"

Like I said before, I have always been a pink and neutral kind of girl, but I love this sky blue shade for spring. The light color compliments my fair skin tone and it almost matches my eye color! However, I have noticed that it sometimes gets streaky with time, but I tend to change my color often anyway. Usually around $8.50.

Essie "Cute as a Button"

I have fallen in love with corals this spring and this is by far my favorite coral nail polish! However, this picture doesn't do the color justice. I notice the color kind of changes depending on the color i'm wearing - it changes anywhere between an orange and a light pink. This is probably the color I'm wearing most this spring! I picked this up at Walgreens for $8.00, but can pretty much be found at any drugstore or Ulta.

Sally Hansen "Strobe Light"

This is such a fun, sparkly color that I love to wear on the weekends! Although there are all different colors of glitter, it gives an overall pink glitter effect. I've seen it compared to OPI's "Teenage Dream", but I've never compared the two myself. Overall, it lasts very long and is a fun color without being too over-the-top! I got this from Walgreens for about $2.99 - so worth the price! I've found Target and Walgreens have the best selection of Sally Hansen nail polishes!

I hope you enjoyed my favorite 5 spring nail polishes! What are yours? :) 

Welcome to my Blog!

After being inspired by various beauty bloggers, I thought I would start a blog to share ideas of my own! I am a firm believer that true "beauty" is the reflection of each person's unique personalities and the way we express ourselves. So with my blog, I will not only be doing posts and reviews on my favorite beauty products and style trends, but I will also share my tips and tricks on how I stay healthy, organized, and together (well, most of the time)! And who knows? There just might be a few posts about my non-beauty related favorites :) So go out there and LiveBeauteous :)