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Create Your Own Sun {Featuring Bic® Soleil®}

Bic-Soleil-Glow

As the days get shorter and the temps and humidity levels continue to take a nosedive, this time of year can really start to take a toll on a gal’s spirits… not to mention her skin! So when the lovely folks at BIC® tapped me to test drive the BIC® Soleil® Glow® Razor and share how I create my own sunshine during the fall and winter, I was more than happy to oblige.

I don’t know about you, but it’s easy for me to neglect my skincare as the winter months descend upon us. Hiding under a layer of tights, sweaters and coats only masks the problem. This year, I’m determined to step up my skincare regimen to stay smooth and supple. And while I’m at it, I’m also taking a few preemptive steps to fight the inevitable gloom and bring some much needed sunshine into my life as I brace myself for battling the brittle cold.

Below are a few tips and tricks I’ve got up my sleeve that I’m sure will help do the trick…

Tip #1: Keep It Smooth

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When your legs and arms are safely tucked under tights, boots and sweaters for months on end, it’s tempting to let shaving fall by the wayside. I’m definitely guilty of it, but there’s nothing like slipping into a set of silky sheets or pajamas with a pair of smooth legs to match on a cold winter’s night!

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Shaving can be a pain when I don’t have the right tools, but it’s no sweat when I can reach for my BIC® Soleil® Glow® Razors. They come with a wide, easy-grip handle and three flexible blades that glide over your body’s natural curves and allow you to go over the area less times in order to remove all of the hair. I was really pleased at how these blades perform, especially compared to some of the single blade disposable razors I’ve used in the past. The best part is that I experienced absolutely no irritation after using them. I always use a shaving gel when I shave and try to wait until I’ve been in the shower at least a few minutes in order to soften the hair up a bit and allow my pores to open.

Pro Tip: For any of my readers who may suffer from dark underarms, using a fresh, clean razor each and every time you shave can do wonders to help eliminate the problem!

Tip #2: Embrace Color

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It’s so easy to get stuck in a style rut this time of year, especially when it feels like you’re wearing the same heavy coat and winter boots day-in and day-out. That’s why I love stocking up on bright, cheery winter accessories to help switch things up. It’s also much less of a commitment than buying a colorful new coat that you may not get that much wear out of. Most importantly, you can mix and match different options to create a variety of looks.

Tip #3: Pamper Those Tresses

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My hair naturally tends to be very dry all year round, but the weather can take an especially harsh toll on my tresses during the winter. That’s why I plan to spend some extra time curled up under my hooded dryer for regular deep conditioning sessions.  I’m notoriously a creature of habit when it comes to my hair, so I’m also making an effort to experiment with some new hat-friendly styles to help keep things a little more interesting.

Tip #4: Make Regular Stops at the Florist Shop

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When skies are perpetually gray, the trees are all barren, and the grass is covered in a few feet of snow, it’s so important to introduce some greenery into your indoor space. Unfortunately, I was blessed with much of a green thumb, so I’ll be making regular stops at my local florist to breathe some life into my home. And who knows, maybe I’ll try my hand at nursing a few succulent plants as well!

Tip #5: Exfoliate & Moisturize

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And last, but definitely not least, the number one way I plan to keep things in check this winter is by keeping my skin refreshed and hydrated with regular exfoliation and intense moisturization. A good exfoliation session just prior to shaving does wonders for your skin, leaving it baby soft and silky smooth.

And there you have it, folks – my step-by-step plan for getting through the brutal months while keeping my sanity, skin and spirits in check! What are some of your favorite tips to help do the same? Be sure to let me know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by BIC® through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about BIC® Soleil® Glow® Razors, all opinions are my own.

Beauty Product Reviews Video

Goddess Twists Hair Tutorial + Motions Hair Care Product Review

I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to hair care and styling, but several of you have asked how I achieve one of my favorite hairstyles as of late: Goddess Twists. When the lovely folks at Motions sent me a HUGE batch of products to test drive, I figured it would be the perfect excuse for me to get off my duff and give you a guys another hair tutorial.

This hairstyle is super quick and low-maintenance and is perfect for hot, humid summer days when you just don’t feel like doing much to your hair. The best part is that it takes zero braiding skills, since the hair is just two-strand flat-twisted. I did this style on freshly washed and blow-dried hair, and here’s a quick rundown of the products I used:

  1. Motions for Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser
  2. Motions for Natural Textures Smoothing Conditioner
  3. Motions for Natural Textures Heat Styled Straight Finish Sealer

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Overall, I was very pleased with these products, especially the pre-wash detangling buter and the heat styler. Those two products will most definitely be added to my regular hair care rotation as they made detangling and blow-drying my kinky/coily natural hair a breeze!

Be sure to check out the video up top for my fullw review and detailed instructions on how to achieve this hairstyle.

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Beauty Product Reviews

Sometimes a Gal’s Gotta Treat Herself… Rouge Louboutin Nail Polish Review

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I’m generally pretty practical when it comes to my beauty purchases: a tube of mascara here, a jar of lip balm there.  But what fun is life without the occasional frivolous indulgence?!

Enter my new obsession: Christian Louboutin ‘Rouge Louboutin’ Nail Colour. I never thought I’d spend $50 on a bottle of nail polish, but I just couldn’t resist its decadent packaging and that vibrant shade of “Louboutin” red. As I’ve mentioned previously on the blog, I left my old job and started my own marketing consulting firm last spring. Being an entrepreneur generally means long days, sleepless nights, and almost ZERO time for self-indulgence. Before I knew it, 6 months had gone by without me getting a manicure (and let’s not event talk about eyebrow threading appointments!). So I decided to treat myself to a mini-spa day last fall. I’d been lusting after this polish for quite some time, so I decided to splurge and felt absolutely no guilt in doing so.  The ladies in the salon all ooh’d and ahhh’d over the bottle’s design, and I think my nail technician was a little timid at first because of the extra long handle. Fortunately, she quickly got the hang of it and remarked that it was surprisingly easy to handle. Each coat glided on smoothly and dried to a nice glossy finish that lasted almost 2 weeks without chipping. My nails grow super fast, otherwise I may have been able to hold out a few more days before removing it.

As I’m typing this post, I realize that it’s been over 4 months since my last professional manicure (I’ve been too busy ripping and running). But I have made time to treat myself to a few at-home applications of this polish in the mean time, and my results have always been great. I can’t rave enough about my Christian Louboutin nail polish, and I think it makes a wonderful gift as well. To me it was worth every penny, and I just love the way it looks displayed on my dressing table with all of my jewelry and perfumes.

Would you ever spend $50 on a bottle pf nail polish, or do you think that’s crazy? What are some of your favorite frivolous indulgences?