fave products // w3ll people bio brightener & bronzer creams

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I'm pretty minimal with my makeup looks. Curled lashes (with or without mascara), concealer where necessary, and a bit of highlighter on my cheek and brow bones makes me feel fresh and not too done. Highlighters come in powder and cream forms, so depending on your skin type and preference, there are several great options to choose from. W3ll People Bio Brightener Cream is an easy-to-use illuminizing cream stick, so no brushes or sponges are needed- just draw it on and blend out with your finger. It instantly gives you that hydrated, youthful glow, but without any heavy or greasy residue left behind. If you're looking for a little more of a sun-kissed color, then the W3ll People Bio Bronzer Cream is just the thing! I like applying this just below my cheekbones and up to my temples, creating that nicely bronzed, yet subtle tan complexion. These two products complement each other perfectly, so keep both in your bag to give you the ideal glow you crave, anytime!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // tata harper concentrated brightening essence

I’ve been a Tata Harper fan for quite a while now. From the body scrub & balm to the resurfacing serum to the hydrating floral essence, Tata knows what’s up! And things seem to be no different with the Concentrated Brightening Essence. This multi-targeted and hyper-potent essence is the item to grab if you’re seeking a more even, radiant complexion with a super brightening boost. Its correcting power is pretty impressive, as it helps with dullness, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It’s been extra helpful for me after pregnancy as I’ve developed a bit of postpartum melasma that I keep hearing about. I can say that with continued use, the high performance botanical ingredients truly do work their magic. My skin is already looking more even-toned and luminous! I’m a big fan of Tata Harper’s motto- beauty without compromise- because it rings so true in every product I’ve tried. It’s hard to find 100% natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly, cruelty-free skincare that’s not only made with real ingredients, but that actually works! I’m happy to say that Tata Harper checks off all the boxes. Try them out if you haven’t already!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // w3ll people expressionist mascara

Mascara is one of those products you really don't need to spend a lot of money on. Sure, those high-end brands make great ones, but there are equally great options at the drug store! While you won't find this particular mascara at your local Duane Reade, it is an easy Amazon order, and you can feel good about using a much better-for-you product! W3ll People Expressionist Mascara gives you those big, bold, and fluffy lashes you crave, without all the chemicals. Considering how close you are to your eye balls, I'd say this is a huge benefit! Even better, the synergistic botanical blend that W3ll People uses actually nourishes your eyelashes, as opposed to making them dried out and super frail. I'm loving the new high-tech brush design that doesn't leave me with goopy, clumpy lashes, but rather separates and lengthens each one. The wand is also great for great buildable coverage, whether you want a very light application or something more dramatic. In the above pics, for example, I didn't even curl my lashes- just applied a couple coats, and voila! For my go-to natural look, I'll throw on some of this as well as the W3ll People Bio-Tint Moisturizer and Narcissist stick (to conceal if necessary), some Glossier highlighter, and be good to go! Easy does it for that perfect "no-makeup" makeup look. 

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // fleur & bee serum and creams

Y’all know me- I love a good line of natural, non-toxic products that won’t irritate my skin, but are actually effective. Not surprisingly, this has been even more true throughout my pregnancy over the last several months. That’s why I was stoked to find a new, local brand called Fleur & Bee, which specializes in 100% vegan skincare! So far this minimal line includes just the essentials (think serum, face & eye creams, toner), but is made with quality, cruelty-free ingredients, and none of that toxic crap! Plus, it’s all super affordable, so you don’t feel like you have to skimp on it each time you apply. Maybe the best thing about the company, however, is that they donate 1% of sales to help distribute menstrual hygiene products to girls in need. How amazing is that?

By now I’m sure you’ve heard me applaud the many benefits of a vitamin C serum. I recently added their Nectar of the C Rejuvenating Vitamin C Serum to my routine, and I have to say I’ve been pleased with the results. This baby helps soften the appearance of fine lines and leaves me with glowing skin, which just goes to show that natural can still be powerful! It even stands up to serums that cost 2-3x as much! I’ve also been testing out Fleur & Bee’s creams, and they’ve been equally as impressive. The Crème de la Cream Moisturizing Face Cream is gentle and lightweight, but packed with potent botanicals and vitamins like Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe vera and pomegranate to keep your skin sufficiently hydrated. Plentiful antioxidants help fight wrinkles and even skin tone as well! The Eyes Eyes Baby Anti-Aging Eye Cream helps combat tired, puffy eyes and dark circles thanks to ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, caffeine, and green tea! It definitely helps me to awaken looking more well-rested in the morning (even if that’s not necessarily the case lately thanks to the wonder that is pregnancy). So smooth and hydrating! I definitely recommend checking out Fleur & Bee if you’re on the hunt for some new non-toxic, cruelty-free skincare that won’t break the bank!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // w3ll people nudist lip butter

{GIVEAWAY ALERT- READ ON!} On a day to day basis, I tend to wear pretty neutral lip colors. Of course, every once in a while or for a fun night out, I love a bright red lip, but for the most part, I keep it pretty simple. The most important factor for me when choosing a lipstick, gloss, or balm, is that it’s hydrating and nourishing. Something that keeps my lips from becoming dry and crackly is key in my book, and bonus points if it comes in pretty shades as well. W3ll People Nudist Lip Butter checks off all these boxes, and goes on super smooth. I love that they call it “the vegan love child of a lip stick and lip balm”, because honestly that description could not be more accurate. The organic omega oils and aloe help calm stressed lips, and leave them feeling soothed and supple! It’s my go-to lip choice when I mainly want some nourishing hydration, but wouldn’t mind a subtle pop of color as well. The nude shade is great for everyday, but I also love the cherry shade for something a little brighter. I find the lip butters to be a bit buildable, so adding a few extra coats can give you a more dramatic look. If you prefer no color at all, I suggest the natural shade for a simple, buttery finish. For added brilliance or to create a bit more of a statement look, top your lip butter with a swipe or two of the W3ll People Bio Extreme Lipgloss, and you’ll be set for a night out! As always with W3ll People products, everything is formulated without the potentially harmful artificial chemicals that are found in most conventional makeup products, so you can feel good about supporting this brand!

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

For all my readers, as a thank you for your support this year, I’m hosting a giveaway with W3ll People! Comment on my latest Instagram post for a chance to win a $150 W3ll People gift card! Perfect for stocking up on all your fave products, or some last minute holiday gifts! All you have to do is:

1) follow @b_maren on Instagram

2) follow @w3llpeople on Instagram

3) comment on my post with the product you most want to try!

Winner announced December 17th!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

fave products // karyng by dr. karyn grossman skincare

When a skincare line is developed by a dermatologist, you can almost certainly count on both the integrity and efficacy of its products. Karyng Skincare, in particular, was created after Dr. Karyn Grossman found a need for products addressing inflammation, a crucial issue at the root of many skin concerns. Most importantly, she wanted her products to be founded in nature's potent, yet gentle properties, so she worked diligently to create six essential products with a 90% natural, 10% bio-engineered ingredient combination. Essentially, Karyng is harnessing the science of nature, and putting it to good use by targeting the key signs of aging. The  powerhouse ingredients used in Dr. Grossman's formulation work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, create a more even skin tone, help with hyperpigmentation, and promote a youthful, glowing complexion. Potent antioxidants work their magic as well, by helping to stop inflammation before it begins.

During the day I've been using the Complete SPF 50, which is lightly tinted, broad spectrum daily facial moisturizer. Containing echinacea and coconut oil, this baby works great simply as an SPF shield, but can double as a makeup primer as well! Before bedtime I've been loving the Revitalizing Eye Cream. It targets all various eye concerns (think puffiness, dark circles & wrinkles) thanks to the powerful antioxidant soybean extract,  as well as nourishes the delicate skin with shea butter. The Restructuring Night Cream works wonders while you sleep, featuring keratinocyte growth factors which help increase epidermis thickness. All of Dr. Grossman's products contain Pro-Verte Technology, a naturally-based proprietary complex, that helps refine and restore damaged skin, while maximizing all anti-aging and anti-inflammatory results! Not to mention, they're free of parabens, phthalats, and synthetic fragrances, Talk about packing a punch!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support!