My Skincare Routine

So, it is almost time for spring and that means sunshine and bare skin! All through the winter your skin maybe have taken a brutal beating by mother nature. Well, the good news for you is today I am going to be giving you my skincare essentials and routine to help you have glowing skin by the time spring arrives and to last all year round!

Now, if you already have a current skin care routine and you want to mix it up a little bit, maybe use some prestige brands or even find good skin care from affordable drug store brands, I have a healthy mix of both in my skincare routine to share with you!


Morning Time

• The first step in making sure you are protecting your skin starts at the beginning of the day. I ALWAYS make sure and moisturize in the morning before starting my makeup routine. I love to use the No. 7 brand Protect and Perfect serum (You can find that here: Protect and Perfect Serum) This just makes my skin feel smooth and hydrated at the start of my day.

Pre- Makeup

• I follow that with primers. Before I even think about putting makeup on my face I know I am going to put on a primer. Ever since working at a makeup store I have learned the importance of putting on a primer before your makeup. It helps to reduce the amount of makeup and gunk you will get into your pores during the day! There are a few primers I like and the ones I have been currently using depend on the day.

• On a day with light makeup I will use my Maybelline Master Primer (Found Here: Maybelline Master Prime) 

• On a day where I will be wearing a full face of makeup I will use my trusty Too Faced Hangover Rx Replenishing Primer (Found here: Too Faced Hangover Primer) This works best if you have dry skin because it is very moisturizing and hydrating and could cause oil spots if you have oily skin.

•  On more special occasions where I don't want my makeup to budge at all I will use the Too Faced Primed and Poreless Primer (Found here:Too Faced Primed and Poreless Primer). This is a super thick primer that eliminates your pores and leaves your foundation flawless.

Night Time

• The next step in my skincare routine now comes at the end of the day. There is NOTHING better than removing your makeup after a long day! To do that I use a few different products.

• First I use the Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser (Found here: Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser). This stuff is AMAZING! It is a gel and you scoop it out and rub it all over your face in circular motions. Then using a warm wet cloth I remove my makuep! This gets rid of all of my makeup including anything that is waterproof. I don't use this on my eye area however.

• The next step in makeup removal is to remove my eye makeup. For that I use Simple's Kind To Eyes Eye Makeup Remover (Found here: Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Makeup Remover).  I like to use small makeup pads and put a few drops and then pat it on my eye area to remove. 

• The last step in removing my makeup is to use a makeup wipe to make sure I got everything off of my face. I like to use the Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Wipes (Found Here: Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Wipes). This last step helps ensure that I have gotten every bit of makeup off of my face before I begin the last step of my skincare routine.

• The last step of my skincare routine is applying my moisturizers before bed.
• The first thing I like to use all over my face for all over moisture is the No. 7 brand Protect and Perfect Night Cream (Found here: No. 7 Protect and Perfect Night Cream).

• After letting that soak in I like to use Tarte's Maracuja Oil (Found here: Tarte Maracuja Oil) to lock in the moisture. I normally just use one big drop and rub it on my fingers and rub it on my face in circular motions.

• The last step in my moisturizing routine is to use the Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatment (Found here: Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatment). This will literally last you a lifetime. I normally just dip my index finger in it and use that amount for each eye. To apply I pat it on lightly to make sure I'm not pulling because that can cause early wrinkles under my eyes! This stuff is super thick and creamy and it glides on and makes my eyes feel amazing after a long day.

For days when you need a little extra oomph

• Additional products I like to use for really bad skin days include:

• For Acne: Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Acne Spot Treatment (Found here: Neutrogena Rapid Clean Acne Spot Treatment). I normally apply this to any spots that may pop up and they are virtually gone the next day after application.

• For Under Eye Circles: If I am having a long week where I am not getting much sleep and my under eye circles are darker than usual I like to use the Skyn Iceland Hyrdo Cool Firming Eye Gels (Found here: Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels). These are amazing and you just keep them on for 10 minutes and they really make the appearance of my dark circles disappear!

What are some of your holy grail skin care products? What are you using right now that you think I should give a try? I am always on the look out for more skincare products!

xoxo Jess

My January YouTube Favorites and Discoveries

Hey guys!

So I have been captured by the phenomena which is YouTube for a little over a year now (I even did my graduate school thesis on it!) so to commemorate that I decided to do a post on some of my favorite channels. In January I also did a lot of YouTube discovering and exploring and I wanted to share with y'all today some of my all time favorites along with some new discoveries! You will definitely want to grab a nice snack and get ready to get lost in some of my all time favorite creators and their channels! (If you like the way they sound then you should check them out and subscribe to them!)

Oldies but goodies

These are some of the channels I have been subscribed to since I started getting into YouTube. They are diverse and cover a range of topics and styles of videos so I'm sure there will be something for just about anyone! I have also left each of their channel links so if you think you may be interested in them you can click it and browse a few of their videos for yourself! So let's just dive in!

Zoella aka Zoe Sugg

One of the first people I subscribed to on YouTube last year was Zoe. At the time she only had 6 million (ONLY had lol) subscribers and now she has over 10 million subscribers. She is a 26 year old British beauty guru and her charisma and sense of humor are what drew me to her videos. She makes beauty/fashion videos as well as collaborations with some of my other favorite YouTubers. Her personality and general cheerfulness are what I think I love about her. She could talk about cheese for ten minutes and make you feel like it was the best thing in the world even if you're lactose intolerant. If you are looking for someone to make you laugh and entertain you while also making you feel like you've been friends for years she's your girl!

Her channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390

Danieldorable aka Daniel Moran

Daniel is one of my favorite YouTubers (and not just because he's my IRL bestie). He makes videos that will have you in tears from laughter and he can describe a candle scent unlike anyone else I have ever seen. He posts video segments called drunk bakeries (my favorite) and Disney Cocktails where he invents cocktails that are themed around Disney characters (who wouldn't love that)! Along with other videos as well his creativity and humor always make me come back for more! If you want someone to bring you unbridled entertainment each week he's your guy!

His channel link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0QAHEgcK1tgo9IXiuGgOA

VelvetGh0st Aka Gabriella Aka Gabbie

Gabbie's channel is one I have been a fan of since mid 2015. She is also a British beauty guru and both her main and vlogging channels are a constant favorite of mine. She is one of the most real and honest people I have ever seen on YouTube. She doesn't act like she has a perfect life and I love that about her. She is honest about when she is stressed and when she doesn't agree with something and I admire that. She also posts beauty/makeup reviews and tutorials along with hauls on her main channel. She also has a love for musical theater and music in general so I feel that we share similar interests which is another reason why I love watching her. She is someone I always enjoy watching no matter what!

Her main channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/velvetgh0st
Her vlog channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/PlanetGabb

PointlessBlogVlogs aka Alfie Deyes

Alfie is another one of the first people I found on YouTube and his daily vlog channel is my favorite of all the channels he has. He is a British vlogger who also has a main channel but I prefer his daily vlogs to his other videos. If you are a nosey person like me, then any vlogging channel would be where you would want to go. His bright attitude and vlogging style have made me come back day after day to watch what he was up to. If you are looking to follow someone around on their day and connect with someone on more of a personal day to day level he's the guy to do it!

His channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/PointlessBlogTv

The SacconeJolys aka Anna and Jonathan

The SacconeJolys are also daily vloggers. They are an Irish couple who now live in the UK. They are married and have two children, Emilia and Eduardo, and also six dogs. They show their day to day life with two toddlers and I have just fallen in love with their family. Their vlogs are fun and down right adorable and if you want to add some cuteness in your life this is the channel for you. (Anna also has her own channel which I love as well, it is more like Zoella in theme).

The SacconeJoly's channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/LeFloofTV
Anna SacconeJoly's channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzdEQyIy-uCVXcjwfq8SbKw

New Favorites

Now that I have given you just a few of my favorites I am going to tell you about a few people who I have discovered this year and have fallen in LOVE with!

Megsays aka Meg

One tweet from someone I follow included this girls channel in it and when I clicked on the video I was instantly gravitated towards her. She is a British beauty guru by nature but her personality is what drew me to her channel. Her personality is one of those that when you watch her videos you get drawn in by her sweet attitude and joyous enthusiasm for what she is doing. She has the most soothing voice and she is so sweet that you can't help but like her! If you are looking for someone to watch who will relax you and bring a smile to your face she's the one!

Her channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOTKYFfRMaLj4n-QPBGWzDg

BratKnee aka Brittany aka BratKnee on the internet

If you haven't discovered Brittany then the above wont make sense but if you have then it will give you a little chuckle. She is an American beauty who makes videos that will make you laugh from her sarcasm and also think "SAME" for everything she says! She is one of my new favorite discoveries on YouTube and she has such pizazz! If you want to watch someone with a firecracker sense of wit and humor then she is the one you need in your life!

Her channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/bratkneed

LoeyLane aka Loey

Loey's channel is one of my most recent discoveries. I found her channel while searching for Cinderella makeup tutorials ( I know, I know) and oh my goodness... one of the best links I have ever clicked. She is an American beauty guru who also happens to be plus size. She makes videos about topics such as body positivity and body peace as well as makeup tutorials and hauls. I love watching her videos because not only is she absolutely beautiful but she has helped me become more confident in myself just through watching her videos. Her makeup always look flawless and her personality is over the moon amazing! You definitely need to check her channel out because I am just obsessed.

Her channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/LoeyLane


BeautyLifeMichelle by Michelle Crossan

Michelle is another recent discovery I found while searching for makeup looks on YouTube. She is an Irish beauty guru who lives in Australia. Her videos include makeup and hair tutorials along with my favorites which are makeup reviews and first impressions. I love watching her swatch different makeup products and give her honest opinions on them. She is a gorgeous fair skinned girl so all of her makeup tutorials are great for all the pasty girls like me! She gives great recommendations for products and I am in love with her accent! If you are looking for a new favorite all around beauty channel I definitely suggest subscribing to her!

Her channel link is: https://www.youtube.com/user/BeautyLifeMichelle

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These are just a few of the many YouTubers I watch and am subscribed to. I have fallen in love with each of these creators for different reasons but I couldn't imagine not watching them grow their platform and continue to produce great content! If you would like to see a part two to this with other YouTube favorites I definitely have enough to fill it! Let me know by commenting or tweeting me (@thejesslauren)!

Also, if any of these YouTubers are your favorites too let me know in the comments or on Twitter (@thejesslauren)!

If you have any new suggestions of YouTubers you love and think I should be subscribed to please let me know by either commenting or tweeting me! I look forward to hearing who some of your favorites are!

xoxo Jess

A thank you letter to my best friends

Without the help of my best and closest friends I don't think I could survive life so here is an open letter to my best friends (you know who you are).

Thank you. Thank you for having the capacity to love me unconditionally.
Even in my most diva moments. When I am being stubborn or when I am feeling at rock bottom, you have been able to love me and help me through every good and bad moment.

You give me strength and courage.
Without you by my side I would not have had as much courage to break through some of the toughest times of my life so far. You help me see the truth when I may be bogged down in the haze of my own thoughts in my head. You always help me see the light at the end of the tunnel.

You don't judge me.
You have been there and not judged me no matter how many times I have told you something crazy or revealed my inner most thoughts to you. You will be silly with me and perform car concerts with me without a thought. You have sat there through tears and laughter of good and bad times. You have held me close and not judged my reasons for being upset and told me, no matter what, it was going to be okay because you would never leave me.

You encourage me.
You have stood by me through so many of the happiest moments of my life and have shared in the joy of celebrating many occasions with me and have allowed me to shine when it was my moment all while being beside me in case I have needed you.

You are always there for me.
There are so many things each of you have done for me, especially in the past few months, and I couldn't have imagined being able to survive life without all of you there with me. You have allowed me to call/text you at all times of the day and night or sit on your couch and vent to you about my stresses without making me feel bad that I forgot to even ask you about yours. You have allowed me to put myself first for the first time in a long time and continue to help me find my way.

You love me without condition.
You have helped me learn to love myself through the many ups and downs of weight loss and weight gain and have always loved me no matter what my size. You have shown me that I can achieve great things when I feel that all is lost and you have shown me courage when I have had self doubt.

You each have a piece of my heart with you and without your influence in my life I would not be half the person I am today. Your encouragement and your realness, your thoughts and your feelings, all have helped me navigate through so many twists and turns both good and bad.

Thank you for understanding and sticking with me through everything. I know I don't say it enough but I couldn't even get through each day without knowing I have you in my corner if I need you.

Thank you, for being you and for having the space in your heart to love me, as I am.

I love you

xoxo Jess

I'm now on Bloglovin! Come follow me!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

So there is this amazing website called Bloglovin' where you can go to follow all of your favorite blogs and get all their new posts on a 'newsfeed' like a Facebook for bloggers! I have had an account for a while to follow some of my favorite bloggers and I have finally been able to add my blog to it! Go follow me on there, and subscribe to get emails every time I upload a new post! You can click the link in this post or over on the side bar under my about me!

I am very excited to finally be on Bloglovin' and if you also have a blog you think I would love then let me know and I'll check yours out on Bloglovin'!

xoxo Jess

How to rock Valentine's day when you're single

Hello lovely readers!

I know it has been a few months since my last post but I was suffering some major writers block! BUT I'm back now in 2016 and this year is the year for some amazing new content and posts on this page! So, let's get this party started!

So, for me, I don't think I have ever had a boyfriend/significant other for ANY Valentines Day but I can remember having some of the best times on V-Day without the need for that other person and I want to share with you a few different things to try this V-Day if you are someone who is #single.

I think that as someone who is single I am not looking around thinking "Woe is me I don't have someone and therefore I can't celebrate this day made for love" I'm thinking "This is a great day to give myself some self love and appreciation" so that is my mindset for every Valentine's Day!

I have a few great ideas for having some fun and showing yourself the love on a day where love is literally in the air (thanks to every retailer out there).

First, posse up all of your other single friends and have a "friend date night." You can choose to get glam and go out somewhere for this or have a cosy night in. Honestly some years I'm game for either it just depends on my mood!

If you want to get glam make sure you guys decide a week or so beforehand where you want to go so that you can reserve a table bc obviously you wanna be #fancy and also every other person in a relationship will most likely be dining out on V-Day too. Decide on an aesthetic, such as sparkle or think pink that way you all coordinate and look like a fierce group of hotties and go out and have some fun!

If you want to have a chill night in then decide who's place is going to get overtaken by the #singlearmy and group chat about who is going to bring what (drinks, drizzanks, pizza, chips, chocolate, etc). Then decide whether you want to have mushy romantic movies to watch or you want to watch the latest Zac Efron film and have a night that will remind you of those awesome sleepovers you used to have with your babes in middle school!

Another great idea if you don't want to posse up would be to have a #partyofone. You can choose to spend the day/night treating yourself right because, if you don't then who will amiright?

Have a pamper night (see one of my previous posts about how to have the best pamper EVER cc: my post on de-stressing/relaxing) and just spend the night taking a relaxing bath, splurge on a really nice bath oil or bath bomb and go to town! Get an amazing exfoliating scrub and then moisturize and feel amazing. Pop on a face masque of your choice and pop some popcorn and watch whatever movies you want or cozy up with your favorite book (A review of a few of my fav books). Pick something that will relax you and make you super happy and feel appreciated #selflove.

Whether you choose to go it solo or get your girls involved I hope that you remember the wise words of Ru Paul "If you can't love yourself how in the hell are you gonna love someone else! Can I get an AMEN!"

Let me know what your plans are for V-day by tweeting me (@thejesslauren) or leaving a comment below!

xoxo Jess