Product Review: Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

I always love trying out new eye creams.  A couple of month ago I got my hands on the Clinique Even Better Eyes (retails for $41.00 for 0.34oz) which is an oil-free hydrating cream that lightens dark under eye circles.

This eye cream is a tinted nude color cream which acts to de-puff and eliminate dark under eye circles.  Because of the tinted color, I would opt for using this during the day versus nighttime.  However, I would not just rely on this cream to cover up dark circles under makeup - I would still use a separate concealer.  

Clinique boasts that this cream is clinically proven to visibly lighten dark circles by 30% in 12 weeks.  Did I find this to be true? Definetly not. Even after using this cream after a couple of months.  I did not see any brightening of my under eye circles.  

The cream itself feels lightweight. You apply the cream by gently squeezing a small amount of product out of the tube and the using the applicator to spread the cream under your eye in a back and forth motion.  The applicator creates a cooling effect and is much better than using your finger to spread the cream under your eyes.  You should use this cream twice a day, and reapply as needed throughout the day.  

Black Lace Dress

Happy Monday loves! Today I felt like wearing a fun, lace dress to work. The dress in itself is quite a statement with a cute floral cotton design, a flattering flare silhouette and an empire waist seaming.  The dress is also the perfect amount of sleeveless for those who have a corporate job like me.  I can see myself wearing this dress to so many different occasions – work, out to dinner, at a party, or a wedding... The options are endless!

The back of the dress has a keyhole detail with a back neck button closure.  Also, my favorite part of the dress is the exposed back zip with oversized grosgrain tie.

Here is my Alex and Ani bangle with one of my all time favorite quotes! How cute is this?!

Outfit Details: 

Dress: Floral Cotton Eyelet Flare dress in Black from LOFT (Get it here, retails $98.00) Shoes: Levity Jalone Pump in Nude/Black Reptile (Get it here, retails $59.95)
Wallet: Tory Burch
Bracelet: Alex & Ani “Everything Happens For a Reason Charm” Bangle in Russian Gold (Get it here, retails for $32.00)
Watch: Bulova (Similar here, retails $298.00)

Review of Steve Madden Flat Cuff Thong Sandal

Recently I've been obsessing over these super cute Steve Madden Flat Cuff Thong Sandals which retail for $59.95.  I have been rocking these sandals a lot lately as they instantly spice up any outfit.  These sandals are also very comfortable which is another big plus and I absolutely love the gold cuff detail.

Steve Madden makes these sandals in three different colors: Black, White, and Cognac.  I went with the Cognac because I felt like I would get more use out of them versus the Black or White.  Also, the sandals run true to size - Below is the size 9.

Here is an up close look at the cuff detail...

I did find an alternative more affordable version from Charlotte Russe.  They are called the Metallic Band Flat Sandal which retails for only $22.50!  The sandals come in either Coral or Gold. 
 
What do you guys think of the cuff details on the sandals?

Hair Trend Summertime Braids

With all this heat and humidity on the East Coast the last couple of days, I really wanted my hair out of my face but wanted my hair to look put together at the same time. What I needed was a quick, easy, and low maintenance hair style.

So what did I do? I created simple look that has a braid and a low bun. Here's the look from the side:

The look is super easy to achieve. Here's how you do it:

1. Create a side part with a comb (You can use towel dried hair, blow dried hair, or hair that hasn't been washed for a day)
2. At the start of the part, take the front section of hair and start braiding. Make sure you start taking pieces of hair and incorporating it into the braid (like a small french braid)
4. When the braid gets near your ear, take all your hair and secure with an elastic so it's in a low ponytail
5. Twist hair into a bun and secure with bobby pins.

As other options you can leave your hair in a ponytail without a low bun or you can braid the rest of your hair.

Product Review: Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum

I was at Sephora looking for a face primer and stumbled upon the No. 28 Primer Serum by Hourglass. I bought the 0.33 oz size (retails $22.00 here) and was quite excited to try this product out.  The formula is a hydrating, oil blend serum that you put on your face before putting on makeup (hence it is a face primer).

The No. 28 Primer Serum is an oil blend which glides onto your skin, evens pores, and shields against environmental aggressors.  The formula’s hydrating oil provides a smooth surface before makeup application. This formula is packed with great key ingredients. The number 28 in the name signifies key ingredients such as 14 essential oils (lavender, geranium, rose geranium, vanilla, clove, orange peel, amyris, lemon peel, petitgrain, eucalyptus, rosemary leaf, bois de rose, cedar leaf, ylang ylang), 10 lipid-rich plant oils (jojoba, rose hips seed, evening primrose, hazelnut, borage seed, kukui nut, sweet almond, green tea, olive, and cherry pit), and four vitamins (A, B5, C, and E).

So how do I use this product? I put on my moisturizer and eye cream first.  Then I use a small amount of the primer serum - one small pump for my whole face is sufficient. I then wait a couple of minutes for the oil to dry before applying my foundation.  The serum isn’t greasy or oily feeling at all; it sinks into your skin resulting in hydrated feeling skin.

What are the results? The results are a smooth, long lasting makeup application! I seriously can last 9+ hours at work with my makeup in tact and also during a hot, sweaty day outside.  It's also great for winter-time when my face is dry.  This serum provides a great canvas for my makeup and my foundation glides effortlessly over my face.  As an added bonus the sales rep at Sephora mentioned that this serum can also be used alone as a hair serum!