Your Beauty Sleep Checklist

Get the 411 on how to maximize your Zzzs (or fake them) so radiant, dewy-looking skin is yours the second you step out of bed.
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1. Stop the party early. All the snacks and sips that give you energy — think sugar, alcohol and caffeine — can keep you up for several hours past your bedtime. Don’t enjoy them late in the day or you risk pulling an all-nighter (and that’s no good for skin).

2. Stay consistent. Keeping the same hours you go to bed and wake up — yes, even on weekends — is key to sleep health.

3. Do some pre-game. Help yourself sleep better by winding yourself down with relaxing activities, like a warm bath, soothing music or a good, old-fashioned book.

4. Go dark. No blackout shades? No worries. A silky sleep mask keeps streets lights, LEDs and more from interrupting your snooze.

5. Nix the tech. TVs, computers, phones and other gadgets that keep you current can also keep you awake. Power down an hour or so before bed so you sleep better.

6. Soothe dry lips. I love applying a nice layer of BURT’S BEES Moisturizing Lip Balm before bed to nourish my pout while asleep.

7. De-puff before you turn down. Help prevent tired-looking eyes from seeing the light of day with The Depuffed Eye Gel. It’s filled with botanicals that decongest puffiness and help you look younger, refreshed and radiant.

8. Spritz on a wake-up call. The instant pick-me-up (even before coffee)? Elevated Hydration Replenishing Mist. It’s hydrating, refreshing and enhanced with botanicals that help wake up the senses.

9. Rise and shine. After I moisturize, I love a little hydrating primer with mica, peony root and hyaluronic acid for plumper-looking skin and a gorgeous glow.

What does your beauty sleep checklist look like? Comment down below!

 

Philosophy- Purity Made Simple Moisturizer Review

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I’ve been using Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer for couple of weeks now so I wanted to share my initial thought on the product specially since I been getting a lot of compliments on my skin. 

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wsiPurity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer is a nourishing formula that is packed with good-for-you ingredients that deliver 24 hour hydration. You will automatically see a radiant, dewy complexion with less-visible pores. 

This new moisturizer feels lightweight as it pumps out of the bottle, yet it has enough weight as it smooths onto skin as to not immediately disappear into the skin as it absorbs. It does absorb pretty quickly, though it does leave skin feeling hydrated and gives my skin a dewy finish. 

The formula of Purity Made Simple Moisturizer is definitely not simple and that is a good thing. It is made with philosophy’s exclusive blend of sustainable meadowfoam seed oil, cold-pressed chia seed oil, green tea antioxidant complex, a blend of vitamins C and E and moisture-magnet ingredients glycerin and sodium hyaluronateto that protects skin while wearing.

As I said, my skin definitely feels hydrated as soon as I smooth it on. I do have dry skin, so for me, this product is perfect for my skin. It does NOT leave my skin greasy or shiny, just hydrated and fresh. 

After just one use of this moisturizer, your skin feels refreshed and bouncy to the touch, like a reset for your skin. It preps your skin for smooth makeup application. Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer will leave your beautiful skin radiant, dewy, and smooth with less-visible pores, leaving it looking pure and restored to its ideal state. Skin feels ultra-moisturized all day without feeling greasy and like a daily vitamin, leaves it looking healthy and strong.

 The amazing part is that this feather light moisturizer is perfect for all skin types. It does NOT cause breakouts and does NOT clog pores.

  Normal
Oily
Combination
Dry
Sensitive

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I’ve been using this moisturizer every day and I have really seen a difference in my skin. My skin is soft, hydrated and my pores are a lot less visible. I also see a difference in the colour texture of my skin, it is more uniform and balanced looking. Last but not least I also feel as though my skin is less dry and dull looking since using these products, which makes me a happy gyal. Even when I’m not wearing makeup, I still use it, it is now part of my every day skin care routine.

I am really impressed by the results the philosophy gives and how affordable the products are. It’s a step up from buying a moisturizer at the drugstore, but it doesn’t break the bank. I love to let you all know when you can get the most for your money and I can really tell you that this product delivers great results.

Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer is available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty right now. It sells $25 for the 4.7oz and $5 for the 0.5oz on the www.philosophy.com website. Check them out for more info and deals !

Is this a moisturizer you will be trying? What is your favorite moisturizer(s) that you use on your face and body? Let me know in the comments below.

  Subscribe, Like, & Share ! I’m going to just leave my social medias here…  

 

 

 

 

Ask Lee: My A’s to your Q’s.

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Lately, I’ve been thinking of fun ways we could get to know each other even better. Introducing… Ask Me Anything! I know that it’s my favorite type of content to read, and I hope it’s yours too!

These questions came straight from you guys via the @iamcrystalee & @beautyleebar Instagram. I don’t know about you, but I love a good Q&A. Those short, bite-sized interviews are always my favorite pieces to read in magazines or on blogs.

Of course I’ll also have tons of other great beauty, fashion, food, and fitness posts too. Stay tuned for some of my favorite kinda healthy recipes, makeup tutorials, an amazing monthly giveaway, and more. So without further ado, here are my answers to your fun questions…

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If you could live in a different country, where would it be?

I would definitely want to live in Greece. I’ve never been but I had dreams where I visited and lived in Greece. The food, the arts, the history, and the passion. It’s a goal of mine to travel there

What’s a weird phobia you have?

Oh, I have many. I can’t stand when fruits have spots on them, the fruits look sick, like it has a disease or something. Mom said it’s just ripe but it bugs the shit out of me. I won’t eat or touch them.

 What’s your earliest memory?

My earliest memory might be a time where I was in New York at my old adopted mom hair salon shop in the back hanging with a friend. It was probably in the late 90s or early 2000s. I just remember laughing and playing around with my friend. The salon was fun.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Just one?! Hmm. Since I’m only 21 and I’m still learning and growing, I’d say to cherish the feeling of having nothing to worry about and enjoy more time with family. I would tell my younger self I’m beautiful and to love myself more. That I’m enough, I’m a gem. I’d also tell myself to stick to my goals for the things I love and to see it through.

If you could go anywhere with anyone, who would you bring and where would you go?

Iceland, Greenland, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Europe and Greece are top on my list right now. I’d bring my mom.

What futuristic item do you wish your clothing or accessories could do?

This isn’t clothing or accessory related but I would definitely benefit from something that simultaneously took off all my make up, brushed my teeth and brushed my hair so right when I get home I could get straight into bed and not worry about a thing. Clearly I’m a tad bit lazy. OH well.

If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is so hard. If calories and healthiness didn’t matter, I think it’d be pasta, burger, oatmeal, eggplant parmesan and sweet tea.  I’m getting hungry all of the sudden.

What’s your favorite holiday?

MY BIRTHDAY. Obviously. Christmas follows very close behind it though.

What’s one of your favorite parts being a woman?

Having the capacity to spread femininity, strength and compassion when other can’t is a beautiful thing. I admire all the women in my life who hold themselves so elegantly but with fierce resilience. I love being a woman. We kick ass. Don’t worry men, I still love you too. 

One make up product you can’t walk out the door without?

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CLEAR BROW GEL or THE TINTED BROW GEL, I literally use it all the time. But also my two other beauty needs when I leave are Maybelline Baby Lips (lip balm) and sunscreen. I go most days only wearing that. It’s important to give your skin a break from make up!

sharkieHope you enjoyed this! And I hope you enjoy the photo of Sharky judging whoever doesn’t read my blog. x

What kind of questions do you want to ask me?
Leave them below, and you might see them get answered on the site later this month! 

 

 

Women Who Inspire: Chatting with Fitness Guru, Model & Reality Star Jenna Compono

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Hello Beauties, I had the pleasure of interviewing reality tv star, Jenna Compono. I started this page because in a world full of hate and negativity, I thought let me be one of those people who bring some type of happiness in the world while also celebrating women in a positive light. "Women Who Inspire Me" is held very close to my heart because if you are a women who are chasing her dreams while being unapologetic herself then why not celebrate that. It doesn't matter what skin color, race, or religion you are, if my soul is inspired by you somehow then I will gladly collab with you.

Jenna Compono is an MTV Real World veteran and model who has appeared on The Challenge, Battle of the Exes II, Bloodlines, and The Challenge: Champs vs Stars. Ms.Compono is a true champ in my eyes, she always pushes herself to do better, to be better with such a delightful attitude. She doesn't pick fights with people and isn't a bully. Since the day she came across our tv screen, she has been the same happy bubbly Jenna that we fell in love with. 

Even though, Jenna has taken a break from tv to heal her ankle, she is still up in the gym sweating it out while making some moves to help cultivate her career. Today, Jenna opens up about her relationship, school, and more. Let's dive in...

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1. What inspired you to get into fitness?

Being on these competitive shows, it really opened my eyes that I needed to start building up muscle and endurance. I have to thank the Challenge for helping me realize I needed to spend more time in the gym!

2. What have you learned during this journey?

I have learned that even though these shows are full of drama, they are also a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many people can say they got to experience. I am truly blessed to be able to have the opportunity to be on so many.

3. Define beauty in your own words?

Beauty is all about being comfortable and confident in your own skin. It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it’s all about what is on the inside; it’s about being unique.

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4. What was it like being on MTV’S The Challenge and Champs vs Stars?

It was a lot different from being on a regular challenge. We had a lot more off time and were able to keep our cell phones which was amazing. It was also different competing with people who are actual athletes. I had a lot of respect for them pausing their busy lives and coming out to compete for charity.

5. Of all the people in the fitness world, who would you love to collaborate with if given the opportunity? 

( I don’t really know fitness people sorry!) ahh

6. What advice can you give to young women who are interested in following your footsteps?

Never give up! Whether it be about fitness, dreams, opportunities or life! The harder you work the more will come from it. 

7. How has your life change since being on tv?

I am the same person on TV as I am off TV. Of course more people recognize you now, but I try to be the exact person I was before. I am still humble and still work hard. Being on TV was a treat and I enjoy every second of it, but it isn’t my entire life.

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8. What goals do you want to accomplish in your career and in life?

My main goal was to be a Sports Illustrated model, or a Victoria Secret model. Although I still haven’t made it there quite yet, I am not giving up. YOU JUST WAIT AND SEE! I will be there one day! My goal in life is to have a happy healthy family, a great job, stable income, and a gorgeous house.

9. Do you have any beauty routines and if so, what are they?

Every morning I wash my face, apply a toner and then CE Ferulic Acid, and every night I wash my face, use the toner and a moisturizer. I always wash my makeup off at night. It causes less breakouts and helps from your skin getting dull and wrinkled.

10. Do you have any upcoming events or plans we should watch out for?

Yes! The first week of June I will be In San Francisco doing an event with Leroy, Kam and CT. Stay updated on my Instagram @jennacompono I will be posting details as it gets closer.

11. What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

I think that people font take women seriously, they just think it’s another pretty face. But watch out! We are BEAUTY AND BRAINS.

12. Describe yourself in one word?

  • Unique

13. What made you decide to join MAXIM’S FINEST?

I love being in front of the camera, I always have, and after shooting for years, I decided to send my photos into Maxim and was approved! I also had a bunch of my supporters telling me I would have a great shot if I tried out… and they were right! I was a finalist!

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14. Name 2 your beauty must-haves & Name 2 of your fitness must-haves

  • Mascara and Chapstick
  • Resistance bands and pre workout!

15. Is there any woman who inspires you? Why?

My mom inspires me because although we have been through a lot over the years, she has never given up on being a hard worker, a mom and making sure all of her kids had everything they needed to have a happy secure life. She’s the best woman I know.

16. Are you still interested in criminal justice?

Yes, I am still interested in criminal justice, and I do plan to get back to that as soon as my career with TV is over.

17. Are you single or that isn’t a priority right now?

I am not single. I am currently dating Zach Nichols who I originally met on my first season; Battle of the Exes II. Everything is going great and we are the happiest we have ever been.

18. What is your favorite quote/poem?

Work hard, stay humble.

19. What do you like best about your body?

I love that I am tall. I am 5’9 and with heels I am over 6 foot. I used to hate it when I was younger, being the tallest girl in class, but now I embrace it and show off my long legs! haha

20. What’s your typical workout routine?

I go to the gym everyday and do the stair master or treadmill for about an hour, then I workout with light weights or resistance bands for about 30 minutes. I also do hot yoga, hot Pilates and a hot booty and core workout. To sweat so much and get in a great body weight workout has become one of my favorite things!

Want to find out more about Jenna Compono? Check out her Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, & Facebook

Who would you like to see me interview next?