Summer 2020 Favorites

What was shaping up to be an epic summer of concerts and parties was ruined by the COVID-19 pandemic. BUT that doesn’t mean we still can’t have fun and find creative ways to get back to basics and really soak up the summer. I’m looking to enjoy the small things, like an outdoor gathering with friends or walking up to the Dairy Queen for ice cream – maybe even a Drive-In movie! Here are a few things getting me into the summer spirit!

Palm Print Sarong ($40)

I am in love with this sarong! It’s only one size fits all so I’m hoping it works for me because it’s the cutest!

OPI V-I-Pink Passes ($10.50)

I love a hot pink polish in the summer. I think all my favorite summer pinks have been a pink variation.

Photo: OPI

Buttercup Drop Earrings ($48)

I love the colors on these earrings and they would look so cute with all my black and white summer dresses!

Lemon One Shoulder Top ($29.99)

I’ve been obsessed with lemons since our honeymoon in 2011 and I have to have this top! It is darling! They also have a cami and a flutter version too!

Coach Integration Flower Sunglasses ($87.50)

These sunglasses are so whimsical with the cute flower detail. I love a big frame too!

Polka Dot Off-The-Shoulder-Top – Sweet Pea ($38.46)

Add this cute top to the list of things TikTok made me buy. I never would have thought of this for myself but it looks really cute with white jeans.

Pineapple Pattern Toe Ring Frill Hem Casual Sandals ($29.99)

This adorable sandals came to me in a Facebook ad. I love pineapples!

Coconut Cabana Candle ($24.50)

Half of the candles I’ve picked for the summer favorites list have had some sort of coconut in them. I love the smell. This one adds some vanilla sandalwood and pineapple to the mix.

Acetate Chain Bracelet ($39.50)

I love the pop of hot pink on this bracelet. These types of bracelets are fun to wear at the beach or on a boat.

Skinny Can Coolers ($27)

Who else has been consuming lots of White Claw during quarantine? It’s made me want one of these coolers. My friend Melissa got these cute ones in at her store Posh and I’ve been eyeing them. The best part is that they are dishwasher safe unlike some of the other brands out there.

Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint ($12)

This is THE BEST for summer! It’s a temporary tint you spray on your hair and it only lasts a day or two. It’s super fun for the weekend or brunch with the girls.

Pineapple Paradise Tiki Torch ($8.99)

I snagged two of these cuties at Target for the backyard. Keep the bugs away AND look stylish! Remember that the torch fuel is sold separately.

Scott Barnes Body Bling ($42)

If you didn’t know, Scott Barnes is the makeup artist (MUA) that works on JLO. If you want to snag her glow for yourself, you want to pickup up Scott’s Body Bling lotion. Apparently this is a great red carpet secret that I am going to take full advantage of this summer.

Let me know what things you are loving this season in the comments!

You can also check out my Summer 2019Summer 2017 Summer 2016Summer 2015Summer 2014, and Summer 2013 Favorites.

Splurge vs. Steal: Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

I was first introduced to this month’s Splurge vs. Steal item from my hairdresser. She has the “steal” version and was telling me how great it was and that it was way cheaper then the Drybar version. She used it during our session and it made my hair look SO good! The Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush retails for $150, while the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer is only $59.99. The Revlon version is also a 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner.

As you’ve read previously, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to regrow and rebuild my hair. I stopped round brushing my hair a long time ago, which made a big difference and allowed me to grow it back. After reading the reviews for this, I am concerned that using something like this every day could damage my hair all over again. I think it is something I would only use once in a while for special occasions. One of the differences I noticed between the Drybar and Revlon versions was control of the heat settings. It sounds like the Drybar version might not be as hot, which could make it better for someone concerned about breakage.

The other big note I saw in all of the reviews was that you MUST get a heat protectant. This Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Mist Spray ($14.67) was highly recommended. It sounds like the mist is for thin/fine hair, which I do, but the spray version is better if you have thick/course hair.

Have you tried a blow-dry brush? I would love to hear more about your experience and if it damaged your hair.

For more Splurge vs. Steal posts, click here.

Spring 2020 Favorites

It’s spring in quarantine! Definitely not what I expected for this season, but we’re making the best of it. At least there are some amazing sales going on right now to make the most of your spring shopping. Here are a few of the things I’ve been jamming on lately.

Footlogix Callus Softener ($34.95)

You’re probably going to be doing your next pedicure at home and this callus softener is a miracle product. My salon has been using it on me for almost a year and it works like no other! I won’t be missing a beat when we are able to get outside again.

Pineapple Delicate Necklace ($8.99)

Once I saw this, I couldn’t pass it up. I will wear this a million times before fall!

CND Carnation Bliss ($7)

I’m loving CND’s new English Gardens Collection. Carnation Bliss is a limited edition color, so don’t wait too long to snag it. Thank goodness I have my own UV light so I can keep my manicure up during this time!

Pineapple Colada Candle ($24.50)

I was lucky enough to have stocked up on candles before the quarantine started, so at least I can pretend to be on a tropical getaway. I am just loving all things pineapple right now.

Mermaid Ring ($29.50)

Ariel vibes right here please! This is so fun and whimsical!

Garden Crew Neck Cardigan ($17.99)

I thought this would look perfect with my green Ralph Lauren dress. It’s a great deal and I can’t wait to wear it!

Alex Evenings Embroidered Jacket Dress ($139.30)

This dress gives me Kate Middleton vibes – it’s totally something you would wear to a royal event. I love the floral jacket, it’s SO classy!

Womens Naturalizer Anna Floral Classic Pumps ($98.99)

I’m sad that Payless is out of business because they usually had the cutest Easter shoes. While not as inexpensive, these are adorable for spring and I bet they are comfortable too!

Kate Spade Precious Pansy Wrap Ring ($88)

This is just darling, I love it!

Jenna Kator Petoskey Backpack ($119)

I watch my niece a lot these days and it is hard to lug around a purse while chasing after a toddler. This bag is dreamy and would be perfect for my weekends with Skyler.

Graphic Muscle Tank Top for Women ($15)

This is the perfect addition to my workout wardrobe and will be great for walking the dog.

Vince Camuto Laguna Belted Sleeveless Fit & Flare Dress ($82.80)

I love the coloring and cut of this dress. It’s perfect for the next event as soon as we get out of quarantine!

Palm Leaf Statement Hair Clip ($40)

This would be so cute on our first post-quarantine vacay or in the casual updo I have going around the house.

What are you enjoying in quarantine right now?

I still love my previous lists which you can view here: Spring 2019, Spring 2017Spring 2016Spring 2015 and Spring 2014.

Tools of the Trade: ReVive Light Therapy

I’ve mentioned my love for Hydrafacials in the past and one of the best parts is the infrared light they zap you with at the end. It really kills any bacteria on your skin and diminishes breakouts. I decided to get this tool right in my own home with ReVive Light Therapy. The lookbook is fairly expensive, $399 to be exact. What you might not know is that this item is available on the FSA store and if you have a flexible spending account, you can use any leftover money at the end of the year to purchase one for yourself. That’s what I did.

The lookbook I have has three different settings, anti-aging, acne, and both. The set comes with the device, a stand, a cute travel bag and goggles to wear to protect your eyes. This is a Medical Grade light emitting diode (LED) and uses IR, Deep Red, Red, Amber, and Blue lights.

The blue light has powerful anti-bacterial properties and can help treat acne. It is great at killing the bacteria on your skin and stabilizing oil glands. It also can help reduce pore size and reduce future acne flare ups.

The amber light helps your skin to glow and reduces redness, swelling and inflammation. This would be a great setting if you had a sunburn or suffered from rosacea.

The red light can reach deep layers of the skin to rejuvenate and stimulate cellular repair and increase circulation.

The infrared light combats signs of aging, replenishes dermal and epidermal cells, and helps de-age the skin. This is great for anti-aging and stimulates natural collagen and elastin. The infrared setting can also help with any bruises, cuts, or scrapes.

When you turn on the lights, you can press the button once for anti-aging or twice for acne. You start with one area for 8 minutes and then move to any other area you want to treat. The device will beep every minute, so you have to count until 8 beeps to know when you are done.

I usually do this after a full skincare treatment following my Clarisonic and PMD treatments. So it’s pretty much like an at home facial. It doesn’t hurt and you feel nothing during the treatment, so just pop on a good podcast and enjoy!

Have you tried the ReVive Light Therapy Lookbook? I would love to hear how you’re using it.

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Five on Friday: Golden Globes Gift Bags

I love awards season! The glamour, champagne, celebrities, fashion, and beauty are my Superbowl! To get the true red carpet experience, I thought I would share my top picks from this year’s swag bags.

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance™ Lipstick ($40)

An Allure Beauty winner, MatteTrance™ is a richly pigmented lipstick with a sensually creamy, powerful pigment that evokes screen siren glamour with every application. Stars were gifted the Elson 2 color, a fiery orange red.

Armani Beauty Sì Passione Eau de Parfum ($120)

Si Passione is the perfect combination of woody vanilla, rose petals, and sparkling pear. According to Giorgio Armani, “Sì is my tribute to modern femininity. An irresistible combination of grace, strength, and independent spirit.”

Pat McGrath Mothership VI Eyeshadow Palette – Midnight Sun ($125)

Midnight Sun offers “10 new illicitly pigmented, stunning shadows in a rapturous range of wicked coppers, deific bronzes, corruptible crimsons, glowing golds, and venomous violets…” according to the official press release. Every color is super sparkly and everything you would expect from Pat McGrath.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo ($29)

I’m sure this is the perfect product for celebs after going all out with their hair for the evening. Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo has activated charcoal to absorb oil and remove product buildup.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Skin Highlighting Trio ($50)

Last but not least are the Pat McGrath highlighting trio that will give you that red carpet glow!

There were so many fantastic celebrity looks at the Globes this year and lots of great products to review I could probably write a million blog posts for each one. If you saw something you loved, let me know in the comments!

For more Five on Friday posts click here.

Smile Fearlessly

Disclosure: I received sample products from Smile Brilliant in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Your teeth might seem like a weird beauty topic, but they are actually one of your most important features. If you asked me to share what I think my best feature is, I would say my smile. I was blessed to have straight teeth and I never had to have braces or a retainer, but as I’ve gotten older they’ve definitely experienced some wear and tear.

A while back I was told that I was grinding my teeth and that I had to wear a night guard. It took me a while to get used to wearing it, but it significantly helped with the tooth sensitivity I was experiencing. Ever since then I’ve had to change some of my tooth brushing habits to accommodate my tooth sensitivity.

I was previously gifted an electric toothbrush about six years ago and have been using it ever since. I felt like I was brushing too hard on my own and using an electric toothbrush really helped me to calm that down. Earlier this year, Smile Brilliant reached out to me to try their CariPro Electric Toothbrush and I was thrilled, because I’ve literally had the same toothbrush for six years! A change was welcome!

The CariPro is GORGEOUS, at least for a toothbrush. I felt so fancy unboxing it and setting it up. It comes with its own charging stand and it has 5 different brush modes (clean, white, massage, gum care, sensitive). After using it for a while, I have some tips for you:

  • When you first open it, you have to charge it for a full 24 hours before using it for the first time, so make sure you plan in advance.
  • I like to use the sensitive setting, so before I apply the toothpaste, I turn it on, set it to the sensitive setting, and then turn it off. When you start it again it will start on the sensitive mode. That way you don’t have to start it vibrating and have your toothpaste fall off the brush.
  • It has a waterproof design, so you can use it in the shower or bathtub (a great tip, if you want to use it with the Carbon Coco toothpaste).
  • The CariPro has an interval smart timer (just like a Clarisonic) that tells you when to move to a new area. I initially struggled with this, but after a few tries, I focus the first two intervals on the bottom part of my mouth, and the second two on the top of my mouth which is a little easier for me.

The CariPro will help you remove seven times more plaque than a manual toothbrush and will get you noticeably whiter teeth in just two weeks! Plus Smile Brilliant allows you to try the toothbrush for 60 days and return it if you don’t love it (that’s pretty great!). I don’t have my next dentist appointment until June, but I can’t wait to see if my hygienist notices a difference in how my teeth look.

You want to make sure to replace your brush head every three months. I add a reminder in my phone so I don’t forget. The box I got (the Individual Package) has an extra one included, but you can order additional brush heads here.

Smile Brilliant is generously giving away a CariPro Electric Toothbrush to one of my readers AND providing a 20% off code for you to order one yourself. You can enter the giveaway here. If you would like to take advantage of the discount code, just use “DetroitDuchess20” at checkout. I can’t thank them enough for this generous offer.

electric toothbrush reviews

Have you used an electric toothbrush before or tried anything from Smile Brilliant? I want to check out their night guard next, as I have a huge crack in mine and will need to replace it soon.

For more beauty posts, click here.

Winter 2020 Favorites

I’m just waiting for Michigan to dump a big snowy winter on us, as its been pretty mild so far (I know, I’m jinxing it). But John did get a big snowblower for Christmas so hopefully it means we won’t get any snow, lol! Since I mostly work from home now I find myself gravitating to my cozy sweaters and ALL the tea to keep me warm. Here are a few of my favorite things this season:

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20)

This stuff is pure gold for chapped lips. I have a little sample pot on my nightstand right now and will be buying a full-sized one as soon as I’m out. It works magic overnight!

Faux Fur Infinity Scarf ($44.99)

Every year Loft comes out with a new version of this scarf and every year I am here for it. I wear my furry Loft scarf every day and I LOVE it! I should just start buying them as gifts because they are the best!

Taste of Tea

Michigan has a new tea store, Taste of Tea, which I stumbled across during my Black Friday shopping extravaganza. I picked up some of their Dark Chocolate Truffle Tea and I am IN LOVE. I have one of those big Friends style coffee mugs and I just drink it all! If you’re in Michigan, the stores are at Partridge Creek and Twelve Oaks Mall. If you’re not local, you can order the teas online.

Pocket Sweater Duster ($59.99)

I am living the cardigan life people! I am wearing the cardigan from last year’s list as I write this. One thing a cardigan needs is pockets! I can drop my phone in a pocket and run up and down the stairs doing errands while listening to my podcasts…it’s really the little things that get me fired up. When I saw this one I got excited because it’s even longer than the one I have now AND the color is so pretty!

Emma Faux-Fur Cuff Wedge Boot ($59.97)

So my friends and I used to go to this winter beer festival every February and the only requirement was that you had to wear furry boots (a.k.a. boots with the fur). Unfortunately, we don’t do this trip anymore, but I couldn’t pass up these boots which would have been perfect for that outing!

Chocolate Lava Cake Candle ($12.25)

If you want your home to smell like chocolate cake, then this is the candle for you. I picked this scent up on Black Friday and put it out once I finished up my holiday scents. Between that and my tea I am enjoying all the chocolate with none of the guilt!

Shimmer Sweater Dress ($79.99)

Another Black Friday purchase that I love! This is the answer to what to wear to a party or a night out in the dead of winter.

Cucumber De-Tox™ Hydra-Gel Eye Patches ($52)

I use these a few days a week and LOVE them. It is really like having a luxurious spa treatment while you’re running around getting ready for the day. They have all different kinds too so I can’t wait to try others once I run out.

Bow Sweater ($28)

This keeps getting served to me in advertising and I LOVE it! It’s not a color I normally wear, but I think I could pair a really bright lip with it and wear my hair up.

Huggie Hoop Earrings ($24.50)

I love the look of these, I guess you can say my style is LOFT chic, because I am into everything they put out.

Oblio Wireless Charging Station with Built-In UV Sanitizer ($80)

The person that created this is a genius…and about to make a whole lotta cash! I want one of these SO bad – it would be perfect on my nightstand and having your phone sanitized every night would probably save you a few bugs throughout the winter.

CND Bellini and After Hours

I’m loving the mixed metals look, so I’m picking both of these shades for 2020!

Collared Mixed Media Sweater ($44.99)

This reminds me of a sweater I used to have back in the day. I loved the layered look, but hate layering and this is the best of both worlds!

What’s keeping you warm this winter?

You can also revisit my Winter 2018Winter 2016Winter 2015Winter 2014 and Winter 2013 Favorites.

They See Me Rollin’

Have you jumped on the facial roller train yet? I recently received a Rose Quartz roller of my own and am finally on the facial rolling bandwagon!

What’s the point of a facial roller? you may ask. Some people (aka, my husband) might say it’s a bunch of witchy voodoo, but there are several benefits to be had from facial rolling. The biggest benefit being lymphatic drainage.

They lymphatic system is what keeps your immune system working properly, but unlike your blood vessels, it doesn’t have a pump (your heart) to keep your lymphatic fluid moving. Your body will drain it naturally, but there is something to be said for giving it a little kick. Draining your lymphatic system can help reduce puffy eyes, swelling or blotchiness. It can also help increase blood flow and circulation to the skin.

There are a few different kinds of facial rollers you can get, Sephora has a collection of Amethyst, Jade, and Rose Quartz rollers to try. Each crystal has its own healing properties. I decided to start with the Rose Quartz as it’s known for love and healing. Apparently the ancient Egyptians believed that Rose Quartz could decrease wrinkles clear your complexion.

There are a few different ways you can use your facial roller, but the first thing you want to do is to charge your crystal. With the facial roller you can let it charge in direct moonlight and that will remove any negative energy surrounding the crystal.

You can also keep it in the refrigerator to cool it down and use it to apply serums and moisturizers. I like to use it on top of a sheet mask to really roll in those nutrients. Don’t forget to use it on your neck and decolletage.

Have you tried a facial roller yet? Let me know what you love about it!

For more Beauty posts, click here.

Fall 2019 Favorites

In Michigan we seem to have skipped right past fall and move directly into winter. Even though we have piles of snow on the ground, I’m hoping it will melt soon and we can continue to enjoy the fall season. Here are a few of the things I’ve been enjoying this year.

Crystal Flower Sweater ($69.50)

In fall, sweaters are the thing and this embellished sweater is just darling! I could see myself wearing this out to dinner for a little glitz.

Audrey Faux-Leather Slouchy Heeled Boot ($99.50)

With Michigan weather the way it is, I feel like you need a new pair of boots every season because they get so damaged from rain, snow, and salt. I like to transition my summer dresses to fall by adding boots and tights and these slouchy boots are the cutest addition to dress up any work outfit.

Hot Cocoa and Cream Candle ($24.50)

I love a fall candle and this one makes the house smell like chocolate. Even John commented that it smelled good, which is high praise!

Daphne Topcoat ($228)

I am obsessed with a brightly colored statement piece, which is why I love this rose coat.

CND Dark Dahlia ($10.50)

I’ve seen this color on and it looks black in the picture, but it’s really a deep purple.

Nine West Gaya Tote ($53.40)

I had a big bag throughout the summer and loved it, but need a black one for fall and this one does the trick.

Renegade Cluster Bracelet ($59)

Over the summer I really got into stacking my bracelets. I had a good summer stack going, but I need a few edgier pieces for fall, like this Renegade Cluster Bracelet.

London Times Center Front Twist Sheath Dress ($37.99)

I purchased this dress and love the cut, color and style. The long sleeves make it perfect for fall.

Nine West Mtaya Buckle Pumps (88.99)

I love the detail on these. You can never go wrong with a black pump, but these take it to another level.

NEST Cocoa Woods ($79)

I’ve received so many compliments on this scent lately that I had to share it. It is a great choice for fall and it smells like chocolate.

Cozy Open Cardigan ($69.50)

I love how this is a cozy cardigan, but looks like a blazer. It’s such a great transition piece that I want in every color!

Wooden Wine Boxes ($16.77)

These are darling and would make the perfect hostess gift. You get a set of three for each purchase.

T2 Caramel Brownie Tea ($12)

This is my favorite tea! It is so delicious.

Gold Snake Buckle Fold-Over Clutch ($29.94)

I adore the detailing on this clutch. It makes the perfect accessory for a night out.

Michigan Wolverines Tailgate Headquarters Asymmetrical Twist Tie Top ($32.99)

You can never have enough Michigan gear but so much of my gear is warmer weather based. I need a cute top like this for fall.

The Megan from Glass Ladder & Co. ($120)

This is very similar to a Meghan Markle piece and I love it! I have a new Surface laptop and this would be perfect to take with me on the go.

What pieces are keeping you cozy this fall?

You can revisit my previous fall favorites for 2018,  2017201620152014, and 2013.

PERK Facial

I’ve previously mentioned how much I love Hydrafacials! They are pricey but SO worth it! The infrared light at the end just zaps all your acne away and leaves you with glowing skin. If I could get a full Hydrafacial every month I would…but there’s that pesky problem of how expensive it is. You can imagine how thrilled I was last year when Sephora started offering PERK facials, a lighter version of the Hydrafacial.

Sephora’s PERK Hydrating Facial is the store’s first spa grade treatment which is SO exciting! I have loved getting Sephora services for years because instead of paying for makeup application or services you can buy product. I don’t know of a better deal – you get the service AND products to take home. The PERK Hydrating Facial requires a minimum $75 purchase. Since I’ve been using Olaplex it’s been pretty easy to meet that minimum on something I was planning to get anyways. Most months you need to replenish skincare or foundation so it’s a win-win.

You can book your service directly on the Sephora app and the service only takes about 30 minutes. The PERK facial is a two-step process, the first step is a nourishing solution that exfoliates the skin. This is the part that sucks all the impurities (dirt, grime, makeup, etc.) from your skin. The second step features a hydrating, soothing, and brightening serum to moisturize the skin.

Once you’re finished, you get to see all the gunk they sucked out of your skin. Then the consultant applies serum, moisturizer, and eye cream base on your skin type. It’s a fun way to try a bunch of different products.

I am super picky about getting facials – you have to be careful who you let perform extractions on your face. The best part about the PERK facial is that it’s standardized. The consultant doesn’t to any extractions and they really can’t mess it up. I still prefer the regular Hydrafacial, but I definitely am not getting one every month. The PERK facial is much more affordable and you would be buying the product anyways.

I still use my Personal Microderm (PMD) once a week, but I usually skip it on the week that I get the PERK facial. Don’t forget that once you’re at Sephora you can get up to three free samples to take home with you on top of the products you get with your service.

I’ve seen a few articles mention Sephora doing a moisture test on your skin, but so far none of my PERK experiences have included that. I’m going to ask about it next time. It also sounds like some people take the pens home if there is anything left over, so I will have to ask about that too.

Have you tried the PERK facial yet? Let me know what you think!

For more Beauty posts, click here.

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