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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1st Trimester Must-Have's / 2nd Time Around!

1st trimester must haves by deniselopatka featuring a short pajama set

Lemon anything + Ginger Ale!  I was super nauseous and vomited a lot during this 1st trimester which was no fun.  But one thing that made it better?  Lemons!  I also had a lot of food aversions but anything with lemon in it tasted yummy.  And I could have icy cold water with lemon?  Well that'd be even better!  If water wasn't an option or I was sick of it then, like most nauseous preggies, I turned to my dear old friend Ginger Ale.

Beauty Counter Gentle Exfoliator + Nourishing Cleansing Balm. I use this stuff pregnant or not, but since becoming pregnant my face has. freaked. out.  Breakout after breakout coupled with super dry skin.  It was awful.  Well it was so bad I decided to venture away and try some stronger, but still pregnancy safe, acne medicine.  It made it worse!  So. Much. Worse.  I switched back to my Beauty Counter products and within a week, my face had calmed down, breakouts were better, dry patches were gone and redness was gone.  Y'all, I know I talk about these products a lot but it's because they are the holy grail in skin care.  They have saved my skin time and time again and after reading this article, I want to stay away from nasty, harmful chemicals as much as possible.  It is just not worth the risks!  And these products do just that.  So once again, Beauty Counter to the rescue!  I wash with the Exfoliator 3 times a week at night and use the Nourishing Cleaning Balm as a cleanser most nights, and 1-2 times a week I will put it on a clean face and leave it overnight as a moisture mask.  When I wake up, I have plump, dewy skin and no breakouts!  I've also been using their make-up for the past 3 months and their tint skin + concealer combo has me looking fresh faced and awake (even when I'm so sleepy!).  A life savor for 1st trimester.... and for my life in general.

Leggings + Comfy PJ's.  I was exhausted, like most, during my 1st trimester.  Like couldn't hold my eyes open after noon.  I napped most days and just listened to my body as best as I knew how.  So these PJ's and these leggings were basically my uniform for about 8 weeks.  Ok fine, they still are!  Get yo self some comfy PJ's mamas or non-mamas.  They are worth it!!  And these cute Target ones are on sale!

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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?

xove baby review

disclaimer: 

getting 3 babies to sit still on the couch for more than half a second is serious yall.... but we tried :)

When I find a brand that I love, you can pretty much count me as a fan for life.  Anytime that brand is local? Fist pump please!  Anytime that brand also gives back?!  Double fist pump.  And today, I get to share a brand that does all of the above - XOve Baby.  It has become my go-to for baby shower gifts with their adorable onesies and baby blankets.  The onesies are soft enough (made with 100% organic cotton) for the newest baby skin but sturdy enough for serious play dates (as proved above!).  Their blankets are perfect for swaddling or cuddling.  We are transitioning G out of the sleep sack during her naps and at night and this blanket is the only one I trust with the job.  It's soft and still breathable and G loves curling up in her crib or on the couch with it.  There are three designs currently and I'm planning on stocking G with all of them.  Check them out below and get your shop on!

XOve Baby SHOP

FACEBOOK   //   INSTAGRAM   //   TWITTER

*** side note - while the largest size currently offered is 9-12 months it fits G perfectly!  They have some stretch which is nice so you can get a lot of wear out of them.  Tripp is modeling the Signature Print above in a 3-6 month size and he is 8 months!  Like I said, the onesies have stretch and are a great staple for a baby wardrobe because they really can continue to wear them for months and months.  Miss Anna Davis is modeling the Pearl Print in a 6-9 months.

thank you to my adorable models Tripp (8 months), Anna Davis (7 months) and Georgia (1 year)

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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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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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