Date Night + Younique 3D Fiber Lashes

easiest application EVER

truly an awful picture but it's all we've got :)

Saturday night was our first date night since Mr. Matthew made his debut.  It was much needed!  We attended the Lowe Cape Fear Hospice Last Chance for White Pants Gala.  My sissy works for Hospice and helped with the event and she is good at what she does, I tell you what!  The chair, co-chair and committee all worked so hard and it was a beautiful event for an even more beautiful cause.    

While getting ready I had the privilege of trying out Younique's new 3D Fiber Lashes and I. Am. Obsessed.  They were SO EASY to apply (literally just like mascara) and added so much volume + length to my lashes.  I've always had decently long lashes but lately I have felt like they are becoming so thin!  I have tried coconut oil on them at night but never really give it long enough to see results.  Well, you don't have to wait for results with the 3D Fiber Lashes!  And it comes right off like mascara.  This tired mama needs all the help she can get and I will be a lifetime user of these bad boys.  Thanks so much to my friend Kim for letting me try them.  You can order them here and I promise you will fall in love too!

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denise's summer beauty essentials

summer beauty essentials by deniselopatka featuring a beach hat

1.  Gentle Exfoliator - I use this every day now where as in the winter months I only needed it 2-3 times a week.  I keep it in my shower and it helps to slough off dead skin and excess sunscreen left over leaving my face clean and bright.  I will take this stuff to the grave with me yall.  It's that good.

2.  Dew Skin with SPF - On most days, after I wash my face in the morning I'll put this on and that is it.  Sometimes I'll add a light moisturizer underneath, but most summer days this Dew Skin is all I need.  It evens out my skin tone so well, doesn't break me out and gives me a daily SPF which I love.

3.  Body Oil - I use this every morning too.  It gives me some moisture while also adding a nice shine/glow to my legs and arms.  I'll dab a few drops on before I go out at night as well... and the smell?  Simply divine.

4.  Rashguard - I basically live in my Cabana Life Rashguard these days (I have the a khaki one, no longer on the site).  I put a bikini underneath and the ruching allows it to go over my belly so I don't scare people at the beach :)  Georgia also has one and she thinks it's so fun for her and mommy to "put rashguard on" before our pool dates.  Also, I'm sun physco and this is SPF 50.  Good for me - good for my babies.  I've already ordered baby boy one for next summer (and maybe late this summer!).

5.  Sunhat - I bought two good sunhats last summer and they have been my go-to this year as well.  Although I'm also known to throw on a ball cap for the beach, I love sunhats more because of the coverage.  My shoulders and chest get eaten alive in the sun, and hats are a surefire way to protect them.  I love this one from anthropologie!

6.  Sunscreen Lotion - I lather this on Georgia every. single. day.  It goes on smooth, isn't greasy and is so easily absorbed leaving no white streaks.  Our whole family uses it before a beach or pool outing including the hubby.  And let me just tell you that hubby of mine is picky when it comes to lotions of any sort.  He hates the way they feel, but getting him to wear this is no problem at all.

7.  Sunnies - I got these for Christmas and they are my favorite.  If I spend moola on sunglasses you can bet they are polarized and I love all of Warby Parker's frames.  Not to mention they are a good price for quality, polarized sunglasses.  G wear's sunglasses every day too.  We Lopatka's have sensitive eyes ya know?

8.  Sunscreen Stick - This is a new product from Beauty Counter and I am so excited about it!  My family uses the lotion form every day, but I'm going to be honest - getting G out of the water to reapply every 90 minutes is a nightmare!  I usually bribe her with a snack... but now I can use this stick for super easy application.  The hubby loves a good stick sunscreen as well so it's a win win for the whole fam again!

9.  H2O - I'm a camel these days.  Partially because of the babe in my belly and partially because we spend so much time outside!  If there is one thing I've learned about beauty and products over the last couple of years it's that a lot can be solved with water.  You.  Must.  Drink.  Water.  A lot!  Every day!  It helps with wrinkles, uneven skin tone, energy, moisture and so much more!  And it's more fun if you drink it out of a cute water bottle.  Need proof?!  Read THIS ARTICLE.  It blew my mind...

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Holiday Gift Guide for HER

holiday gift guide for HER by deniselopatka featuring cropped leggings

1.  Gabriella Backpack.  I mentioned in this post about my new love affair with backpacks.  They are chic and practical and I love everything about them.  I carry this backpack EVERYWHERE I go.  I use it on date nights with the hubs as my purse and when I'm running around with G as a diaper bag.  It's the perfect size and goes with everything.  $56

2. BKR Water Bottle.  I think these are the cutest water bottles.  I've heard great things about them and I'm ready to give em a whirl.  So the gloss colored bottle is on my wishlist.  $30

3. The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ.  This stuff smells heavenly and I've been wanting to add it to my regime for quite sometime.  Fingers crossed it's under the tree.  $20

4. The Perfect Lip Collection by Beauty Counter.  After I scrub my lips thanks to Sara Happ, I hope I get to moisterize, color and shine them with this colloection!  I absolutely love the nude lip color in this collection and this would make the perfect gift for you mom, sister, friend or wife!  $60

5. Hurley Crop Legging. I love these leggings!  I think they would be so cute at the gym (duh) but also just running errands if maybe the gym was just a nice thought (more likely).  $48

6. Luminous Skin Collection by Beauty Counter.  OK truthfully, this should be at the top.  I own this collection and let me just tell you that every women in your life NEEDS this scrub, oil and rosewater.  I like to take baths every Sunday and I'll use the scrub before I get out, following it with the oil all over.  A few spritzes of Rosewater Spray on my face and I honestly feel as though I'm leaving the spa.  The Rosewater spray is a constant in my life (I have on by my bed and one in my purse), and I love mixing a few drops of the oil (the rosemary and citrus scent is to die for!) with my lotion after my shower or baths.  And the scrub?  Anyone that has tried it is hooked.  It's that delicious.  $120 

7.  Rip Curl One Piece Rashguard.  I fell in love with the rashguard trend over the summer but never pulled the trigger.  But I'm glad I didn't because this rashguard/one piece is on my must have list please!  It's adorable and would be perfect for chasing a toddler around in the sand come summer.  $69.50

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i kindaaaaaa want bangs. and this pineapple lamp

a few weeks ago i got a little crazy at the hair salon and did a drastic ombre if-you-will.  darker on top and lighter on the bottom.  picture above (excuses the car selfie).  that was big time for me considering i rarely change ANYTHING about my hair.  see, here's the thing.  my hair routine was low-maintenance before having a baby.  i rarely used a blow drier (or any styling tool for that matter) and it was generally in a ponytail.  well now, after baby?  it's just sad y'all.  i did the mom chop last fall and went to shoulder-length and i'm considering that again.  but something about getting bangs is calling my name.  there is one thing holding me back though... the fact that i had bangs until the 8th grade.  yep.  i wish that was an exaggeration but it's not.  i basically came out of my mom's womb with bangs.  oh and middle school bangs?  let's just say there was a round brush and lots of hairspray involved.  so that's why i'm hesitant about bangs.  i see all these cool people rocking them and i love the look.  and frankly maybe bangs would make my everyday ponytail look a little more chic.  but i can't get 7th grade denise out of my mind ha.  but if i do decide to take the plunge, these are my inspirations below.  i mean rose byrne, i love you.  and your bangs.  (all photos found on my pinterest page)

and this pineapple lamp?  it's on my christmas/birthday wishlist that's for sure.  

found at zara

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winter skin savers

winter skin savers by deniselopatka featuring a body moisturizer

winter skin savers for your face by deniselopatka featuring Ylang Ylang

Every year as the temperatures drop, my skin has a little bit of a freak out.  I usually have oilier skin but during the colder months I definitely have to moisturize a little extra so my skin doesn't dry out!  That leads me to my skin savers.  Each one of these is in my bathroom and gets plenty use throughout the winter (and some year around!).  The best thing about these effective products?  They are filled with SAFE ingredients – none of those crazy chemicals you can't pronounce.  And that's important to me.  I want Georgia to be able to rummage through mommy's products one day and not worry about the things going onto her skin.  So here are my winter skin savers:

For my body…

Hydrate, Everyday Body Lotion:  I use this stuff morning and night, winter and summer.  It’s just good stuff.  And it’s safe.  Win win.

Lustro Body Oil:  I’m big into oils if ya can’t tell and this stuff is on the top of my list.  You only need a tiny bit and truthfully I use this summer and winter as well.  It gives a nice shine to your legs when you’re in shorts but really nourishes your skin when it needs a little TLC from the sun or the winter cold.  The Rosemary + Citrus Scent is my personal favorite but the Jasmine is also quite dreamy.

Glow Sugar Scrub:  The importance of exfoliating has become so apparent to me in the past few years.  I used to have this negative attitude towards it and didn’t see a point, but once I started actually using a good exfoliator, I saw changes in my skin from head to toe.  This scrub feels and smells divine and helps to scrub away any dead skin or flakiness that comes with the harshness of the weather.  I use it once a week when I take a bath.  I usually soak for a while (it’s also my “me” time) and right before I get out I will rub the scrub all over and gently splash the water to wash it off.  I then follow with the Body Lotion and Body Oil above and my skin couldn’t feel better.

For my face…

Lustro Oil # 3: I love this stuff ya’ll.  I put it on over my night cream as my last step every night (unless I do a spritz or 2 of Rosewater Spray!)  Sometimes I’ll even pat a tiny amount on my cheeks in the AM for a rosy glow under my blush.  #3 is recommended for oily/acne prone skin, but if you want something that targets mature/aging skin Lustro Oil#2 is for you and if you have sensitive skin then Oil #1 is your gal!

Gentle Exfoliator:  Because my skin is a bit drier in the colder months it is even more important that I exfoliate to keep it from looking dull.  I love this exfoliator because it isn't harsh or irritating.  I keep it in my shower and use it 2-3 times a week.

Countertime Cleansing Balm:  This is the most luxurious feelingstuff I own.  I feel like a famous person when I put it on.  I mean, I’m sure Duchess Kate rubs something this fancy all over her face every night right?  Well she should!  Because it is ah-mazing.  I use it in place of my regular cleanser twice a week to give my skin a bit more love.  And once a week after I wash with my regular cleanser, I’ll pat this stuff all over my face and sleep on it.  When I wake up, it's like my skin has a dewy glow.  Even Matt notices!  And he loves the smell.  This stuff is the bee's knees when it comes to anti-aging and moisturizing.  And the best part is that it doesn't clog pores which is a must for little ole me who still gets breakouts every now and then!

Do ya’ll have any beauty favorites for the fall/winter months?

Georgia's Beauty Favorites!

Untitled #25 by deniselopatka on Polyvore

1. Squeaky Clean Body Wash -  Georgia loves this stuff!  Well, her mom loves it and when it comes to being 9 months old that's really all that matters in the beauty department.  This stuff smells great, does the job and most importantly, is SAFE.  I feel good about the stuff I'm putting on my daughter's body.  And that, my friends, is priceless.  Purchase HERE.

2.  Nice Do Shampoo - We only wash G's hair maybe every other bath, but this stuff smells SO good!  And again, I feel good about what I'm putting on my baby girl.  Purchase HERE.  Also, for older children they have an amazing conditioner to go with!  Purchase that HERE.

3.  California Baby Diaper Cream - This diaper cream is amazing.  I've used it since G was born and we love it.  Luckily she hasn't had too many diaper rashes but we still put on a little cream every night.  Purchase HERE.

4.  Organic Coconut Oil - I use this stuff for diaper rashes also.  I also use it for moisturizer.  G has sensitive skin and had a bit of eczema on her legs and back.  Two days of using this stuff and it's gone.  So now I rub some on her every single night as a moisturizer as part of our bedtime routine.  After we dry off from bath time, we have a little baby massage with this good stuff.  Although lately I will say she is a bit of a wiggle worm, so sometimes I rub it on her while still in the bath because getting her to lie still for a massage is tough!  Purchase HERE.

5.  Sunnies -  I am so excited for when G will wear sunglasses for an extended amount of time.  She won't really do it yet, but I try.  We have these and as soon as she will keep them on, I will make her wear sunglasses at all times outside to protect her sensitive little baby blues.  Purchase HERE.

6.  Sun Hat -  Because G won't were sunglasses well, she wears this hat all.  the.  time.  I'm so thankful she likes hats.  Anytime we are outside, she has this hat on.  I should probably invest in a second hat, but this one is just so cute.  Purchase similar HERE.

7.  Super Duper Sunscreen - Anytime we are outside - G has this stuff lathered on.  I love it.  It's light, provides great protection and I can trust the ingredients.  I always put it on her legs, feet, arms and hands when we go outside and if she's not in the stroller, she gets it on her face too.  She doesn't mind it and it dries well.  It's my favorite sunscreen in the whole universe.  I also use it on my face it's so great.  Purchase HERE.

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Nightly Beauty Routine

Last week I talked about my morning beauty routines (here and here), but I really believe that nighttime is a great time to take care of your skin and let it rejuvenate from all of the stuff we put it through during the day.  So below is what I use to do just that!

Nightly Beauty Routine by deniselopatka featuring a lip treatment

1. Routine Clean Cream Cleanser or Burt's Bees Acne Solutions - I use one of these (or sometimes I mix them) depending on my skin.  I have acne-prone skin at times so when I'll use the Burt's Bees when that is the case.  But during the winter and when my skin is not having any major breakouts, I like the Routine Cleanser.  Purchase Routine Cleanser HERE.  Purchase Burt's Bees HERE.

2.  Organic Coconut Oil - I use this to take my eye makeup off every night.  It's gentle and doesn't pull my skin which I love.  I also use a clean eyelash brush and brush some on my eyelashes and eyebrows every night.  Purchase HERE.

3. Nelson's Acne Gel - I mentioned earlier that my skin is prone to breakouts at times.  It has gotten much better since I've managed the products I'm using but when I do have a blemish or feel one coming on, I use this gel as a spot treatment.  It usually is gone within a day or two.  Purchase HERE.

4.  Countertime Restorative Night Cream - After cleansing my face and using my spot treatment if I do so that evening, I lather this night cream on my face, neck and chest.  It feels so good and protects my skin against wrinkles!  Purchase HERE.

5.  Countertime Vibrant Eye Perfector - I love this eye cream.  I can really see a different in my crows feet since using it.  I dab this around my eyes every evening.  Purchase HERE.

6.  Lip Conditioner - Everywhere I go, this lip balm usually comes with me.  I put some on before bed every night.  Purchase HERE.

7.  Lustro Oil 3 - After my night cream has set in, I dab some of this face oil over my entire face, neck and chest as well.  I can honestly say this stuff has done great things for my skin.  Oil 3 is for acne prone skin and it has evened my skin tone like whoa!  I'm not gonna lie, face oil was weird for me at first, especially because for the majority of my life I feel like I've been trying to get RID of oil on my face.  But now I know there is a such thing as good oil and this is it.  Purchase HERE.

8.  Rose Water Uplifting Spray - Kind of like the lip balm, this stuff goes everywhere with me too.  I spritz some on right before my head hits my pillow.  Purchase HERE.

What are some of our favorite products at nighttime?  Night creams?

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My Morning Beauty Routine (when staying in!)

Yesterday I shared my morning beauty routine for when I have to be seen in public.  When I don't have to be seen (and sometimes even when I do), I leave the make-up alone and really try and nourish my skin a bit more.  So here is my morning beauty routine for when I'm staying close to home!
**Side note - all of these products can be used under make-up and when I do leave the house, but when I have errands to run I'm usually a chicken with my head cut-off and simply forget!  So I find that it's better if I just try to use them when I can remember at home :) **

My Morning Routine 2 by deniselopatka featuring a lip treatment

1. Every Day Cream Cleanser - I wash with this gentle cleanser every day.  I love it because it's not harsh at all and in the morning you really don't need much when it comes to a cleanser!  Purchase HERE.

2. Countertime Enlightening Treatment Pads - Y'all, I fell in love with these pads.  They leave my skin feeling fresh, clean and I truly believe they have brightened it up a bit too!  I found that you really don't need a full pad, so I cut all my pads in half and swipe a half of a pad over my face and neck.  Purchase HERE. 

3. Radiance Firming Complex - I use this when I'm at home as my antioxidant serum - only it's a bit creamier which I love.  It helps with evening out skin tone and brightening my complexion (which I desperately need because of my former sun exposure!).  Purchase HERE.

4. Vibrant Eye Perfector - This eye cream helps my crows feet like whoa so I dab this on the in morning most days and refresh mid day with this stuff.  Purchase HERE.

5. Lustro Face Oil 3 - I love this stuff.  Some of my friends use this under their makeup but I haven't quite figured how to do that without looking like an oil face.  So I use it every night before bed and every morning when I'm hanging close to the house.  This one is particularly good for people with acne prone skin and/or oily skin.  If you have sensitive skin I recommend this one, and for mature skin I recommend this one.  Purchase HERE.

6. Lip Conditioner - This stuff just feels so good on my lips and leaves them feeling so smooth and soft and luscious (in my opinion!).  Purchase HERE.

7. Rosewater Uplifting Spray - I use this every morning, night and during the day whether I'm at home, out and about or somewhere in between.  I love it.  Purchase HERE.

** Next week, I'll be sharing my nightly routine and Georgia's beauty favorites! **

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My Morning Beauty Routine (when leaving the house!)

Since becoming a mom, my beauty routine hasn't changed THAT much.  I am, however, much more aware of what I put on my skin (and in my body for that matter!), but I feel like I have found some pretty tried and true products that have staying power.  When it comes to my morning beauty routine, well there are really two ways I tend to go, and that all depends on my plans for the day.  Truth be told, Georgia and I don't leave the house every day.  Scratch that - we ALWAYS leave the house, but sometimes it is just for walks down to the water or to play in our backyard.  We don't always go out in public though that's for sure.  So when I do, I tend to add a little make-up to the mix (my dark circles might scare strangers!).  But when our plans include staying in our cozy neighborhood or maybe venturing out to my mama's house, well then I choose to leave the make-up alone and try to nourish my skin a bit more.  So today I'll be sharing my "get out of the house" routine!  Hope you like it!

** Also - side note - I always shower during G's 1st nap, but don't always wash my hair (I put it in a top knot and try not to get it too wet in the shower).  But when I do wash my hair (usually every other day), I'm addicted to this Shampoo and this Conditioner.  I choose this delicious stuff for Body Wash and moisturize myself after the shower with this good stuff and, in the summer I mix in some of this.  I always let my hair air-dry unless I have a hot date later (even though the hubs actually prefers air-dried tresses!).  Every few days I'll run some of this through my hair too.

And now for my morning beauty musts!

  

Morning Routine by deniselopatka featuring Juice Beauty

1. Kids Counter Sunscreen - This stuff is amazing.  I use it on Georgia every time she goes outside and have recently started using it as my everyday sunscreen as well.  It's super light and doesn't leave my skin greasy like other sunscreens do.  It also doesn't make me break out which is amazing because plenty of others tend to do so.  This is a must in my morning routine because my BB cream doesn't have an SPF and well, I love my BB cream.  So luckily these two can go hand in hand.  I have tried a lot of stuff out there, and this stuff is at the top.  Purchase HERE.

2.  Anytime Eye Cream - I dab this all around my eyes every morning for moisture before I put on concealer.  I also have one in my purse that I use mid day if my make-up starts creasing or my eyes begin to look tired.  This eye cream is the softest and best all-purpose one I can find.  It does't flake away either when you add concealer over it.  Purchase HERE.

3.  Amazing Cosmetics Concealer - I have tried a lot of concealers.  And this one seems to cover my dark circles the best.  It's not thick and does't get all cakey.  I've been using it for almost 2 years and don't plan on switching anytime soon!  It also lasts for almost a year!  Purchase HERE.

4.  Marcelle BB Cream - I discovered this stuff through Sarah and am so glad I did!  It gives a nice tint and provides the perfect amount of coverage for me (I don't like heavy stuff).  I love it!  Purchase HERE.

5.  Benefit, They're Real, Mascara - I saw all of those commercials on E! for this stuff so I was dying to try it.  And well, I really love it!  It doesn't clump which is huge for me, and comes off easily at night with a little bit of coconut oil.  And the tube lasts forever!  I'm a fan.  Purchase HERE.

6.  RMS Lip2Cheek - I use this cheek and lip stain almost every day - even when I stay in, I'll dab some on before Matt gets home.  I have it in Demure and I feel it goes with everything.  I mainly use it on my cheeks but occasionally will use it on my lips too.  Purchase HERE.

7.  Juice Beauty Powder - I tend to have oily skin and prefer a matte finish.  So, sometimes I will dab a bit of this powder over my face or at least my T-Zone before heading out the door.  This isn't a must for me and sometimes I skip it.  But it's nice to have.  Purchase HERE.

8.  Rosewater Uplifting Spray - I spray this on my face every single day, multiple times a day - right before I walk out the door, mid-day when I need a pick-me-up and right before getting in bed.  It smells amazing, helps to set your make-up if needed and moisturizes your skin.  Die hard fan right here.  Purchase HERE.

9. Lip Sheer - I have never been a fan of lipsticks, but as I've gotten older I've noticed that a little lip color can go a LONG way.  I love the Beauty Counter Lip Sheers.  My two favorite colors are Twig and Rose.  Purchase HERE.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing how I try to nourish my skin a little more while staying home!

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Beauty Counter Business Venture and GIVEAWAY

So I have some exciting news friends!  While I have not been as attentive to my beloved blog here, it is for good reason!  I have decided to join the Beauty Counter team and help women and babies get safe, healthy products that actually work into their homes.  These products are amazing y'all and they are safe.  Time after time I have gone to Ulta or Sephora in search of good skincare with safe ingredients and unfortunately, I felt that most of the natural products didn't work.  They didn't clear my skin, they didn't prevent aging and they sure didn't soften my crows feet!  Then I tried Beauty Counter and honestly, I'm in love.  My skin is clearer, more even-toned and brighter.  Matt even noticed something was different!  

They even have a Kid's Collection!  Georgia loves it and I love not worrying about what is going on her precious skin.  Beauty Counter has recently launched their anti-aging line (my new obsession is the Enlightening Treatment Pads) and their face oils are to die for.  Face Oil is something I'm somewhat new to (I've been using oils for about 6 months) and I have really loved the results.  I find that I wake up with plumper, brighter and more even skin.  My personal favorite is the The Lustro Face Oil 3! Beauty Counter is also coming out with a makeup line later this year and I'm not sure how I can wait any longer!

Soooo... to kick-off my Beauty Counter eternal party I'm doing a giveaway!  Enter below to win any product of your choice from the Essentials Collection (my faves are the Rosewater Uplifting Spray and the Gentle Exfoliator Polishing Cream!).  A winner will be drawn in 1 week!  So get to entering!  You can come back each day for a twitter entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beauty Counter Website

** If you have any questions or are interested in sampling any of the products, please email me  at denise.lopatka(at)gmail.com and I would love to help!  **

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