DIY Pumpkin Foot Scrub

It’s officially fall and we’re all busting out the boots. However, even though you don’t have to be sandal-ready, you still need to keep your toes on point. Here’s a super yummy DIY pumpkin foot scrub from celebrity nail artist and owner of As U Wish Nail Salon, Skyy Hadley.

Rich in  vitamins and nutrients, pumpkin contains enzymes that help nourish and brighten the skin. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get our DIY on!

PUMPKIN FOOT SCRUB Ingredients:

1 can pureed pumpkin 1 cup plain yogurt ½ cup raw sugar

2 tablespoons honey 1/4 teaspoon olive oil

Directions: Mix pureed pumpkin in a bowl. Stir in a yogurt, honey, sugar and olive oil. Wash your feet in warm water, and while your feet are moist, apply the scrub using your hands in a circular motion. Massage the mask onto your feet for 10 minutes on each foot and remove with warm water and a washcloth.

Revamp your beauty bag for summer with Amarte

As temperatures continue to rise and summer right around the corner, it’s time to switch up your skincare routine! One of my absolute favorite lines, Amarte, has come out with new products that keep skin hydrated, lessen wrinkles and protect from the sun’s damaging rays. Below are some of my must-haves for your summer beauty line-up.

Amarte Daily Wonder® Cleansing Foam ($40, AmarteSkinCare.com): A whipped-to-perfection cucumber-infused cleanser made to refresh all skin types, including oily and acne-prone complexions, this stuff purifies and perfects without over-drying. Formulated with a blend of natural antioxidants (including lavender and chamomile) and the botanical ActivElement® allatonin, the creamy lather lifts away impurities, protects against external irritants, brightens, soothes, rejuvenates and exfoliates skin, preparing it for hydration.

If you need a little extra exfoliation powder for hot days and hard workouts, Amarte Daily ExfoliPowder ($35, AmarteSkinCare.com) comes in powder form which is also perfect for travel.  This 2-in-1 Wonder Wash uses refined, plant seed-based exfoliants to remove dry dull skin and gently cleanse in this formula delicate enough for daily use. To activate, simply shake the powder onto hands, add water and lather into a creamy cleanser, then smooth over skin for an instant glow.

Amarte HydroLift® Cream ($65, AmarteSkinCare.com): Strong enough to help reduce wrinkles and aging lines, but light and soft enough to hydrate skin daily and replenish at any age, the silky, barely-there formula protects, while nano-encapsulated retinol and adenine fight to alleviate the skin of wrinkles with zero irritation. Use day and night, and you won’t see a single sign of irritation, redness or peeling. With indulgent caviar extracts and acacia collagens, the unique formula makes the skin brighter and is excellent for addressing dullness (aka lifesaver!).

 Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream ($55, AmarteSkinCare.com): I love sunscreens that don’t feel like sunscreen which is why this BB cream is a makeup bag staple. The finely pigmented moisturizing face tint brightens, softly conceals and protects with Broad Spectrum SPF 36 UVA/UVB protection, providing coverage without caking or flaking for a long lasting, natural glow. Formulated with refined particles of titanium dioxide, rare argan oil, elemental sulfur and caviar extracts, the BB cream brightens, hydrates, heals and exfoliates the skin.

 

Kooky Pottery: Silly designs for kids of all ages

Fridays should be fun, right? That’s why today I’m bringing you a brand that’s cute, quirky and downright silly. Kooky Pottery, the brainchild of artist Lynn Chang, carries household accessories that are cuter than cute. Styled as elephants or Vikings, the pantry accessories to home décor have endless possibilities for storage and are definitely a conversation piece in any home. Food safe, microwave save and dishwasher safe, you can also use these little guys as cups and bowls or to store stray change, fun memories like ticket stubs to your favorite concert, candy, earring backs, you name it.

What’s also great about Kooky Pottery is that it is made for gift giving. Housed in a cute little box, tie a ribbon around it and you’re good to go. So want a little guy for your desk or need a gift on hand for your next baby shower? Kooky Pottery is available for $25 a piece at select retailers including Orange County Museum of Art and Little Flower Café in Pasedena. Also shop online at amazon.com.

P.S. Also check out Lynn Chang’s books like The Breakup Activity Book: Crafting Your Way Through a Broken Heart. How cute is that?

 

Giveaway: Rowenta Straight Express Flat Iron

It’s been a crazy whirlwind of a month moving pretty much here, there and everywhere but I’m back and I have a great giveaway for you! For a little over a month, I’ve been using the Rowenta Straight Express Flat Iron and I love it! A habitual flat iron user, I usually straighten my hair twice every time I style (don’t judge, I know it’s bad). Since using Rowenta, I’ve given up the 2-pass habit and have been really taking the time to straighten each piece of hair in smaller sections so it’s stick straight without all the damage.

This flat iron makes it easier to really take your time on each piece because it has an attached comb that heats up. This means that I can no longer ignore the back of my head and blow-dry it halfway. The iron forces every little strand straight so the result is smooth, frizz-free hair that lasts for days. What I also like about Rowenta is that its titanium plates are coated in tourmaline-boosted ceramic which means better heat, speed and less damage. There’s also a small ionic generator that gives a frizz free finish and boosts shine.  The Rowenta Straight Express also includes:

• Exclusive 3D-Straight™ technology with 16 integrated teeth straightens hair in just one pass
• Integrated heating teeth comb, stretch and pre-straighten hair to save time and protect hair
• Floating 1″ titanium-infused plates evenly distribute heat and adapt from straight to frizzy hair
• Hard-anodized plates are highly durable and scratch-resistant
• Tourmaline-boosted ceramic coating produces gentle infrared ionic heat
• Built-in ionic generator emits millions of pure negative ions for smooth, shiny, frizz-free results
• Temperatures range from 260°F to 450°F for professional efficiency

Want one yet?! From now until next Thursday, May 1 enter to win your own Rowenta Straight Express Flat Iron ($179.99 value) by liking Rowenta Beauty on Facebook and sharing celebrity stylist, Josue Perez’s video (think: Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, etc.) on one of your social media channels. Bonus points for liking The Daily Glamourista on Facebook and remember to leave a comment below or send me a message at carolyn@thedailyglamourista.com with your email address letting me know you did (and so I can contact the winner!).

For more on Rowenta and to check out their killer line of hair styling tools, visit rowentabeauty.com.

How to keep your Coachella wardrobe alive all summer long

Coachella weekend one has (sadly) come and gone but what about the adorable Free People pieces you proudly rocked? Good news–even though your outfit may have been a little bit over the top for everyday wear, there are ways to incorporate pieces into your everyday wardrobe. From swapping a crop-top for a cardigan and trading your lace bra for a bikini, stay boho-chic all summer long with these easy tips for keeping your Coachella wardrobe alive.

 

 

1. Vintage Cropped Shorts: All the rage this year, keep your crops for the beach by pairing them with a more conservative shirt (tucked in is cute) and an oversized hat.

2. Headwear: De-hippie your pretty finds by pairing with a very simple outfit like a neutral colored top and jeans. Make sure that the headband is the focus of the outfit so stay away from crazy prints and big jewels.

3. Turn Crop Tops and See-Through Styles into Poolside Loungewear: Show some skin by the pool by using breezy tops and short crops to cover-up at the pool. Cute and cool, these pieces can also be paired with tanks and slips to make them a little less revealing for everyday.

 

4.Pair Long Dresses with Kick-Ass Gladiators: A huge fan of the almost knee-high gladiator sandal, tone down the style and dress up your long dress by pairing the two together. A little edgy, this is my favorite couple of Summer 2014.

 

5. Cover Up: If you’ve got a short skirt, shorts or dress, cover up with an easy breezy white button up. So summery and pretty, it tones down patterns and is an easy way to make revealing pieces more wearable.

 

 

 

 

If all else fails, there’s Etsy

If you’re bored, in a shopping rut, or just can’t find the perfect gift for someone, it’s about time you stalked Etsy. Here are some random picks I found (and need) browsing around.

Round Concrete Pot by roughfusion, $25.

Gold Faux Deer Antler Rack by LucyHaus, $54.50.

Nobody Said It Was Easy Mascara Tee by Yeah Bunny, $23.81.

Mint Enamel Link Bracelet by Sage K and Co, $21.

His and Her Pillow Covers by ZanaProducts, $54.

Get an instant lift with Nerium AD

With my birthday right around the corner, I’ve gotten really serious about skincare. Vowing to never look a year older, my product routine is nothing short of out of control. Between the creams, the serums, scrubs and everything else, I pretty much shave off my face then pile on an extra 10 daily.

Recently, I’ve heard a lot about Nerium AD Age Defying Treatment and of course HAD to try it. I’ve been using the night cream and really like it—especially because it is lightweight and non-greasy as the weather heats up. The barely-scented cream instantly tightens skin when applied (seriously, it feels like you just got a facelift). Besides the instant lifting and tightening effects, I like that it has decreased some of my fine lines especially on my forehead without irritating or burning my skin like many other products do. With the tightening effect, the only reaction I’ve noticed is a tiny bit of flush but it’s almost like my face is getting a workout—without the burn.

So with all the skincare products out there, what makes this one different? Nerium AD contains NAE-8 extract which addresses multiple skincare issues including fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture. Backed by 10 years of research and clinical testing, the NAE-8 extract is a mix of Nerium oleander and Aloe barbadenis plants and has been shown to have heavy-duty antioxidant properties.

Along with firmness, I’ve also noticed that my skin has been more even and toned. With almost instant effects, this product is a serious pick-m- up after a long day and I’ve seen a difference in my skin while using it for about a month.

Nerium AD Age Defying Treatment retails for $110 and can be purchased for $80 at at neriumproducts.com.

 

Five easy fixes for dry, damaged hair

Dry, dull hair can be a total downer. No matter how much you try to style and slap on the smoothing product, frizzy fried hair isn’t pretty.  If you’re looking for a few quick ways to revive locks and restore them to their proper glory, you’re in luck. Here are five tips and tricks to get hair back to normal in a flash.

Tip #1: Seal and Repair Hair Cuticles. Are you overdosing on shampoo? Over shampooing with the wrong products can strip hair’s natural oils, drying and weakening hair cuticles. Your hair cuticles are the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and are responsible for locking in moisture. pH balanced shampoos, like Sebamed Everyday Shampoo ($12.99, SebamedUSA.com), can help revive, close and seal the cuticles. Formulated with a new generation surfactant blend, the shampoo’s moisture retaining properties penetrate the structure of the hair shaft, adding volume and silky shine.

Tip #2: Choose a “Flake-Free” Diet. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, iron and protein can lead to a healthier, happier scalp. Since about 3 % of your hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids, they’re vital to keeping you scalp hydrated. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like walnuts, almonds, tuna and salmon.

Tip #3: Tame Frizz. Instead of loading your hair with oily serums and fly-away tamers, try styling with hair tools that produce ionic heat – a proven frizz fighter.  Ionic products like Rowenta Beauty’s Inspiration Pro™ Auto Sensor™ Hair Dryer ($159.99, Ulta.com)lock in moisture, keeping your tresses hydrated and resistant to breakage, which also gives you that coveted salon-quality shine.

Tip #4: Promote New Growth, Naturally. When trying to grow out your hair its important to trim split ends. Also, giving yourself a gentle scalp massage for 10 minutes 2-3 times a week in the shower can loosen skin flakes, product residue, and natural oils, and increase blood flow to the scalp to help promote new hair growth.

Tip #5: Restore Life to Your Hair. Do you color your hair, straighten it a few times a week or use a lot of hair spray? Adding chemicals, applying heat or using products are habits that we all find hard to kick, and can come with some unwanted side effects. Luckily, hair masks like Repêchage Hydra-Amino® 18 Hair Spa Seaweed Mask ($55, Repechage.com) work to restore and nourish hair from scalp to tip for dramatically smoother, more youthful looking hair. Apply it in the shower 1-2 times weekly or leave in overnight for a deep treatment. Formulated with select seaweed plants, this treatment works to repair stressed out tresses, strengthen damaged and chemically treated hair, and protect it from further damage.

Deal alert: Phoenix Premium Outlets bring the designer bargains

With a move and rent that is only increasing in the foreseeable future, it’s all about the bargain shopping right now. Sounds pretty rough, huh?  A few weeks ago, Phoenix Premium Outlets invited me to check out their digs and do a little shopping. Of course I was in. Brand new and with outlets AZ has never seen before like Kate Spade, this wasn’t your ordinary digging through piles to find a steal. Right off the I-10, the center boasts tons of high-end brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, J Crew, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, Tahari and more.

Very scenic with a modern vibe, what I liked about the open air complex was that you don’t have to walk miles to get from one end to another. Like stores are grouped together and unlike many other outlets, I saw a lot of merchandise that actually came from the big brand store.

Lined with plants, trees and comfortable seating areas, it was a pretty place to walk around while finding amazing deals. Of course, I had to stop into some of my favorites like Kate Spade and loved that they had a wide variety of bags and wallets but also clothing, tech accessories and shoes. J Crew had killer deals much better than their factory website and Off Fifth Avenue was pretty much a gold mine. Trying to be “good”, I passed up a Jonathan Adler tic-tac-toe set, Diptyque candles, and a whole lot of WildFox.

Seriously able to do some massive damage, I settled on Young Fabulous and Broke yoga pants for $53 with tax (originally $119). I’m obsessed with the boho brand and along with pants, they had a variety of maxis and tops perfect for summer.

Along with the already low prices, the center has a ton of events and a VIP Shopper Club that scores you extra discounts at almost every store. For more information, a full list of stores and directions, visit premiumoutlets.com.

Wednesday Cravings: My tried and true faves + a giveaway

This week I’m rounding up my list of cravings with a random assortment of stuff I have, use and love. Enjoy! xx

Seltzer Goods Zip Pouches, $12.95 at seltzergoods.com. Crafted from sturdy canvas in the USA, these adorable pouches come straight from NYC and give back to Earth Justice, an organization dedicated to protecting natural resources and preserving a healthy environment for all.

Sure Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, $2.99 at suredeodorant.com. With the weather warming up, it’s time to arm yourself (pun intended) with an effective antiperspirant/deodorant. I’ve been using Sure and not only do I like the price, but it’s long lasting and keeps me covered from day to night. Try their Invisible Solids that absorb in a flash and won’t leave behind residue even on dark clothing.

The Republic of Tea Get Clean No. 7 Herb Tea for Detoxing, $10.50 at republicoftea.com. For days when you haven’t worked out, feel out of balance or just need a mini cleanse, this detox blend helps get rid of toxins and actually tastes good.

Majestical Jewelry Tortoise Shell Hoop Earrings, $9 at majestical.com. A little retro mixed with a lot of fun, these are my new faves from Majestical. I love big jewelry, but don’t wear drop earrings so I’m loving the huge, more studded jewelry this season.

For the boys: Vaseline Men Spray Lotion, $5.99 at target.com. One of my all-time favorite lotions has come out with a version for men and I couldn’t be more excited. Fresh scented and fast absorbing, this super-hydrating spray tackles even the driest skin without feeling heavy or greasy. With a boyfriend who absolutely hates lotion, he can actually tolerate this one and I love the convenience so much, I even use it myself.

Fake Bake Flawless Self Tanning Set, $27.99 at fakebake.com. Fast drying, non-sticky and transfer resistant, this spray is my go-to for self tanning in a flash. The bronze spray absorbs easily into skin and the kit comes with gloves and a mitt for perfect application. Almost scent-free, you can use during the day or at night without the mess. Perfect for all skin tones, the long-lasting formula keeps its color for about a week and won’t turn you orange. Want to win a set for yourself? Like Fake Bake on Facebook and leave me a comment below letting me know you did. Winner will be announced on the Ruffled Row Facebook Page next Wednesday, March 19. I’m working to change the name of the Facebook page to match the new blog (The Daily Glamourista) so thank you for your patience and sorry it’s a little confusing! The page will not be changing, just the name so be sure to keep following to stay up to date with the latest and greatest! Good luck!