Sassy and Glamorous

Two sassy girls talking about beauty, fashion, home decor, lifestyle, food, and how to stay glamorous.

[sassyandglamorous]

Hey all, not sure if you noticed, but we've been absent from this blog for awhile! First of all, sorry about that! Second, I'm not sure when we will get started back and what the schedule will be. I will be sure to keep you all updated as Raylin and I make decisions about how we want to run this blog in the future. Thanks you all for sticking with us! We really appreciate all of you!

Hope to talk to you soon!

Stay glam!

xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

I can personally vouch for Oil Cleansing as the greatest thing that has ever happened to my skin!! And, at least in California, you can find the oils everywhere for super cheap so there's really no reason not to at least try it!! Sweet Almond is my fave carrier oil ^.^

Yay! Another oil lover! Oil cleansing has been so great for my skin as well. I'm glad that so many people are jumping onto the oil train these days! I've been able to find lots of oils just at the grocery store and on amazon, and all for great prices! So, I totally agree, no reason not to try it.

Thanks so much for sending us a message! I hope you have a great day :)

-Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

Be You

Hey guys. Today I’m going to make a quick post about something I’ve never been fully been able to do. That is, be myself and not care so much about what other people think. I hate to admit it, but I hide behind makeup and clothes and all that. I’m always trying to portray this perfect version of myself that doesn’t really exist. I think it’s really important that we all recognize if we are doing this. Chances are, you do this too. Maybe you hide behind something different than I do, but I don’t think I know anybody who is 100% completely themselves all of the time. So if you are like me and you are tired of hiding behind something and you jut want to be yourself and stop caring about what everyone else thinks of you, join me in making a promise to yourself that you are going to try. Confidence in yourself will not come overnight. It’ll take some work. But I know that we all can do it. Personally, I am going to try to come off of wearing so much foundation and concealer. I’m going to try to give my skin a break and stop thinking that everyone is staring at that blemish on my chin. I’m going to wear clothes that I like and I think go together and I’m going to be confident while wearing them. That’s where I’ll be starting. How about you? Feel free to send me a message on here if you need any advice or encouragement or anything. I’ll be happy to message you back privately if you’d prefer that. Just remember I can’t reply privately to anonymous messages. I hope you guys remember to be yourselves this week. Don’t worry about other people’s opinions. Be happy and be you. Stay glam! xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

Schedule Change

Hello!

I am making this post to let you all know that we are going to be changing the posting schedule here on Sassy and Glamorous. Raylin and I are getting busier and busier and it's becoming harder to keep up with a set schedule. So instead of posting Monday, Wednesday, Friday, we are each going to post once a week when we have time to do so. So you can count on two posts a week, the days we post will be varied though.

I hope you all have been enjoying this blog and I hope you keep enjoying everything. Thank you so much for all of the support you guys have given us! We really appreciate it!

I'll talk to you guys later this week :)

Stay glam!

xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

Oil Cleansing

Hey guys!

You may know that I've been getting into natural skincare over the past few months. So today I'm going to tell you about something I've been doing  that my skin has been loving! As the title suggests, it's oil cleansing. Basically, it's cleansing your face with oil. Pretty self explanatory. But I have a few tips that will hopefully get you started if you are new to this.

1. Don't be afraid of the oil! Often people, especially those with oily skin or those prone to breakouts, are afraid of using oil on their skin. But you really shouldn't be! Using an oil helps to attract the oils and other impurities on your skin and get rid of them without getting rid of all of the good stuff your skin naturally produces. Oil also helps keep your skin moisturized, so obviously beneficial to those with dry skin.

2. Choose the right oil. Some oils are comedogenic, which means they can clog your pores. It's important to pick an oil that is non-comedogenic. A quick google search can help with this, as making a list here would take up a lot of space. Also, especially if you are prone to breakouts, it is a good idea to pick an oil that has a higher level of linoleic acid than oleic acid. I don't know all of the specific differences of linoleic versus oleic acid, but I do know that linoleic acid is good for your skin and often deficient in those who have oily skin and/or acne. Some oils high in linoleic acid are evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed oil, rosehip seed oil, safflower oil, and grape seed oil. Personally, I use a blend of half grapeseed oil and half castor oil. Castor oil really helps to draw out impurities, but not everyone's skin reacts well to it and it can be too drying on it's own.

3. Quality of the oil. Look for oils that are cold pressed, virgin or extra virgin, and unrefined. Choosing an oil of high quality will ensure that you are only putting good stuff on your skin and you aren't exposing yourself to added chemicals or anything like that. You should use an oil that is cold pressed so the nutrients aren't killed by heat.

4. The actual cleansing. So now you know how to pick an oil, but what do you do now? When I oil cleanse, I take one pump of my mixture (about the size of two quarters) into my hand rub them together and then apply directly to my dry face. I massage the oil around my face and then on my eyes. I then take a washcloth and run it under very warm water and hold it on my face to steam it. I repeat this a few times and then gentle wipe away the remaining oil with the warm washcloth. Typically I will do this shortly after I get home from work to remove my makeup and just leave my skin like that for the rest of the evening and use a different cleanser before my skincare before I go to bed. However this can be used as your primary cleansing method and I do this often when I haven't been wearing makeup.

Do you think you might try oil cleansing? Do you already use an oil cleanse? I would really love to know what you guys think about this. And if you are just getting into oil cleansing, remember that finding the right oils can take a little trial and error. Just make sure to do a little research before you buy!

I hope you all have had a great day! I'll talk to you soon,

Stay glam!

xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

February: List of "Forever Loves"

I love stuff. I love nice things. Who doesn't? This month was a great month for things. I wanna share my favorites with you. 

Ugh. Last week I caved in and bought the Clarisonic Mia in blush pink. This week, if you were to ask me to choose between my Mia and internet shopping, I might just choose Mia. I have suuuuuch dry skin. It's so bad that it really messes up my makeup and leaves me looking scaly - no matter how much moisturizer or how many serums I use. After one week of using the Clarisonic twice daily, for the first time in a very long time, I wake up in the morning with soft, supple skin, and when I take off my makeup at night, it's still dewy and moisturized. The gentle exfoliation combined with my face wash (Kate Somerville's Detox Daily) has changed the game completely. 

Okay, next are some scents that when I put them on, I feel fierce, fabulous and ready to slay the day. (That rhymed)

"Bombshells in Bloom" by Victoria's Secret AGHHHH JUST GO AND SMELL IT. YOU WILL DIE. BUT LIKE, IN A GOOD WAY. AND THE PACKAGING. OH THE PACKAGING. AS IF THE PRODUCT WASN'T ALREADY FLAWLESS ENOUGH. SOMEONE HELP. 

I don't want to forget about my other awesome discovery...Pure Seduction Bloom by Victoria's Secret. Sweet heavens. I picked up this one during a $5 scent sale and boy, I was not disappointed. I am so sad that it's limited edition you guys. I think I'm gonna stock up. Try and stop me. 

Next is a show that I'm getting really into. I rarely watch TV, I pretty much only have a few shows DVR'd like Saturday Night Live, Tosh.0 and Keeping Up With the Kardashians, but Couple's Therapy on VH1 has got me hooked. It's basically a whole bunch of B-List celebs you've never heard of, staying at a retreat facility in Malibu, trying to work on and save their crumbling relationships...but I swear it's good. 

And last, but not least, Maxi Dresses from Hollister. I know, I know...aren't we all over our faux SoCal phase? I thought I was. But guess what - I'M NOT. I originally ended up on their website to buy some khaki shorts that I knew were guaranteed to fit me (I'm going down to San Antonio in two weeks to visit my boyfriend and desperately needed at least one pair of shorts that were size 0) and lo and behold...

SORRY BUT IF THAT'S NOT THE CUTEST SHEER SPRING MAXI DRESS EVER TO YOU THEN YOU CAN LEAVE.

Alrighty, I hope you guys enjoyed me ranting about pointless things that I spent my paycheck on and that I like. It's nice to have a place to talk about such things. Thanks for listening...well, reading. 

Until next time!

Stay Glam!

Xoxo, Ray

[sassyandglamorous]

Pore Strips | Face Mask Friday

Do you have blackheads? Clogged pores? Well pore strips are the answer. You know those pieces of paper that you put on your wet nose and somehow they magically pull out a bunch of gunk? Yeah those. I love them. Pore strips are my best friend. They really help my nose when it's in a rough spot. Seriously guys, these things are great, especially when used on a regular basis. Now, I know that a pore strip isn't technically a face mask, but I think that they fit into this category so I hope you don't mind tonight's little ramble about how much I love them.

I use the Biore pore strips in both the original and ultra types. I know that there are other brands available, but I've never really seen them around where I shop. Let me know if you use a different brand and if they are better than the Biore ones!

I will use a strip on my nose about once a week. Sometimes I will use them more often if my nose looks particularly clogged up or full of blackheads. You can also use pore strips on other areas of your face, but I don't do that very often. I have seen a big difference on my nose since I started using a pore strip every week. My nose is less clogged, and I can really see a difference on how smoothly my makeup goes on my nose.

If you don't already use these, I strongly recommend that you give them a try. They aren't very expensive, and box lasts awhile because you only need one a week.

So there you go. Now you know that I have a love affair with pore strips.

I hope this short little post was enough to satisfy you for the evening. Have a wonderful weekend everybody! We will talk to you next week :)

Stay glam! xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

50 Things to Cheer Yourself Up

I’ve been in a really excellent mood lately, so I thought I would share some of the love with the ones I love! YOU! So here is my silly list of ways to stay happy, or to get yourself out of that funk you’ve been in since Monday.

1. Re-read your favorite novel

2. Sing a song you know all the words to by heart

3. Take a super long shower and use extra body wash

4. Put on your favorite scented lotion

5. Try out a new healthy recipe! Bonus points if you take a trip to the store for fresh ingredients!

6. Snuggle up to with your favorite movie

7. Dress up for no reason

8. Go out and visit your friends

9. Re-organize your closet

10. Change your room around

11. Make a cup of coffee or tea

12. Call your parents! I bet they miss you!

13. Go for a walk outside

14. Did somebody say “internet shopping?”

15. Write a short story

16. Practice your art skills with a watercolor painting

17. Go for a drive 

18. Take pictures of your yard

19. Play with your pets

20. Do some yoga

21. Practice deep breathing. Inhale to the count of 7, exhale to the count of 11. This will relax you.

22. Write an old fashioned letter

23. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while

24. Go down to the action center and offer to volunteer

25. Buy a bouquet of flowers to set in your house

26. Paint your nails

27. Take a long bath with lots of candles and bubbles

28. Write a passage about how you’re feeling this exact moment in a journal. Elaborate as much as you can.

29. Watch makeup tutorials about looks you’ve always been wanting to try

30. Go through your clothes and get rid of ones you don’t wear

31. Take a nap, you deserve it!

32. Make a fresh fruit smoothie

33. Create a face mask using ingredients from your kitchen

34. Dance around to your favorite upbeat song

35. Pick a random topic and research it - learn as much as you can about said topic

36. Now may be time to start that garden outside your kitchen window

37. Go on Tumblr and read our blog!

38. Put coconut oil in your hair and let it sit for as long as you can, then wash it out

39. Think about things that always make you laugh or smile

40. Make a list of things you’re thankful for

41. Look in the mirror and find at least three nice things to say about yourself

42. Give yourself a hug!

43. Give yourself a pat on the back for being so strong!

44. Drink a whole bunch of water

45. Watch some Saturday Night Live

46. Light some scented candles around your room

47. Try doing your hair differently

48. Take a trip to your local coffeehouse or bookstore

49. Let yourself sleep in as late as you want

50. Make an effort to smile even when you don’t feel like it

I love you guys

Stay strong,

xoxo Ray

[sassyandglamorous]

Under The Weather

We all have those times when we are feeling less than fabulous. I have been feeling like I've been hit by a tornado for the past few days. I am beginning to feel a bit better, but I'm still not at my best. So tonight I'm going to take a break from blogging. I hope you all understand! But rest assured, I will be back on Friday for a face mask post :) Thank you all for understanding! I really appreciate you all. Have a great evening! Stay glam! xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

Time To Declutter

As I mentioned in my goals and resolutions post, I want to get organized. And as I mentioned in my update, I haven't made much progress on that front. I am fed up with all of the clutter and mess that is constantly surrounding me. After reading The 33 Days Delcutter Project post over on Minimalist Beauty, and watching a series of decluttering videos from pinksofoxy on youtube, I have been inspired to really begin this declutter and organization "journey." I cleaned up and reorganized my bathroom today, I am going to share all of that with you guys, but that will be in another post. Today I'd like to focus on The 33 Days Delcutter Project.

If you don't have a lot of stuff already, you probably won't be into this, but if you are like me, you hold onto stuff thinking that you'll have a use for it one day. But this is what has caused me to have so much clutter and so much stuff everywhere in my room, bathroom, and closet.

So basically this is a plan to get rid of 100 things in 33 days. You get rid of three things a day (four on the first day) and by the end of about a month, you are free of so much clutter and so many things you really don't need. I really like this idea, and I'm going to do it. Here is my plan to declutter in 33 days:

1. Get rid of 3 things everyday

2. Reorganize/go through/clean up one area (shelf, drawer, etc.) everyday

3. Throw away all trash every week, even if the bin isn't full (I tend to let them fill and fill until they are overflowing and then I get overwhelmed with the amount of trash and it stresses me out)

4. Put things away when I'm done using them

5. Do my cleaning/chores every day/week

So that is my plan. I really am going to try my absolute hardest to stick to this and get my space cleaned up, organized, and decluttered. I am so ready to feel more relaxed and less stressed out by all of the stuff I'm constantly staring at!

I hope you all have a lovely evening! I'm going to go have some ice cream now!

Stay Glam! xo Kyla

So what do you say? Are you guys interested in joining me for this 33 days declutter project?

[sassyandglamorous]

What's in My Skincare Cabinet?

As you guys can probably already tell, Kyla and I are skincare fanatics. We have tried it all, and what we haven't put on our faces yet, is probably on its way to our house from Sephora as we speak. 

But what do we use on a regular basis when we aren't trying on millions of samples? I'm here to answer 50% of that question. By the end of this post, you'll know what I keep, that keeps me glam.

Let me start off by saying that I have very dry skin, that is somewhat sensitive and very prone to breakouts. Lovely. Anyway, I will go down the shelves, starting on the bottom left corner, working my way up to the top shelf, left corner.

Purity by Philosophy: This is a great, gentle, multitasking cleanser with a mild scent. It's the best first step in my skin regime, because it removes all traces of makeup - even waterproof mascara.

The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash by Philosophy: My dry skin needs polishing morning and night to remove excess flakes and to help either my makeup or serums do their job correctly. The beads in this wash are extremely fine and smooth, so it's not too abrasive. 

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser: This is my other go-to cleanser. I switch off between both this and Purity. It's good for dry skin because it doesn't dry your face out at all.

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser: Like I said, I'm very prone to breakouts lately, and this clay wash detoxifies my pores and leaves me with a refreshed feeling.

Fresh Rose Floral Toner: Can I just say that the scent is amazing? What I love about this toner is that it's incredibly soothing and moisturizing. You can even spray it over your makeup to set it.

Clarins Extra Comfort Toning Lotion with Chamomile: This is specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin that's prone to flakiness. It's a super kind exfoliator that helps build and maintain the skin's moisture barrier, meaning it's less likely to get so dry.

(Bottom) Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizer: My awesome day moisturizer. Very light and good under makeup.

Dr. Jart Water-Max Sleeping Mask: This is an overnight moisturizing mask that helps skin heal during sleep. If I don't use anything at night before bed, I will wake up with dry skin so this is a must.

Bliss Steep Clean Mask: Deep cleansing for my problem times or even just for weekly maintenance. It also contains skin brighteners as well.

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask: It has so much vitamin C, I don't even know what to do. It literally poofs on your face into a rich foam that, in five minutes, completely dissolves and leaves behind a more awake complexion.

(Bottom) Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask: Kind of like the big sister of my face wash, it's a nifty clay mask that gets the job done. 

(Top, left) REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask: I actually did a review and full info article on this puppy! Check it out!

(Top, right) REN Clear Calm 3 Replenishing Night Serum: It's a lightweight moisturizer that's main purpose is to comfort the skin after you've put acne serum or cream on your blemishes. I use it to keep my acne at bay.

Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil: Just a grand, old beauty oil made from the Japanese tsubaki flower and seaweed. Very high in antioxidants, it helps boost cell turnover and a natural glow.

Murad Post-Acne Lightening Gel: I hate dark marks. I'm saving this guy for when all of my blemishes are rounded up and under control. I will not be a polka-dot face.

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment: Kyla did a post about Glamglow's Youthmud face mask on our blog! Go read it! Anyway, I love this stuff. If I could marry it, I would. I plan on doing a full article on my beloved very soon.

On top is a sample of some Clarins anti-ageing cream I got from Nordstrom the other day. I haven't used it yet, so I can't write much about it. I'll get back to you on that one.

Not Pictured: Kate Somerville Daily Detox Wash & Clarins HydraQuench Serum. They were both not in stock when I was shopping, so I am expecting the packages to be at my doorstep soon! I will add them as soon as they arrive.

Whew! Well guys, I hope I eased your questioning minds for now! Thanks for reading! As always...

Stay Glam!

xoxo, Ray

[sassyandglamorous]

Face Mask Wishlist | Face Mask Friday

I am obsessed with face masks. I know I told you all this in the first installment of face mask Friday, but I don't think you understand how much I love them. There are 45 items on my face mask wishlist on amazon and I have at least ten (maybe more) face masks sitting in my bathroom right now. It's a slight problem. But I choose to embrace it. That being said, I have a few face masks that I am especially eager to get my hands on. I have five masks on my "I want these right now!" list. They are from two different brands. In my last post I mentioned that I'm trying to start using more natural products, and these two brands are known to have better, more natural ingredients in them, which is the main reason they are at the tippy top of my list. Okay, without any further ado, here is my wishlist:

1. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores, $24

After using a deluxe sample of this mask, I have been dying to get the full size. I love how well this cleans out my pores, yet it's not too harsh for me.

2. Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin, $24

As you may know, I have problem skin. I breakout too easily and I can get quite oily. This mask is formulated to fix those exact problems, so I'm hoping it can end up as my go to for when my skin is just having issues.

3. Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask to Quench Skin's Thirst, $24

Us oily gals tend to neglect the fact that we need to moisturize too! I don't currently have any masks for moisturizing, so I definitely need one. I've heard many great things about the Origins Drink Up Intensive mask, and I figured this would be a great quick option for me.

4. REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask, $34

I know, another pore cleansing mask. But I like options. I use a pore cleansing mask often enough that having ones with different formulations/strengths/whatever is awesome. This one also appeals to me because it is supposed to reduce the appearance of pores, and the pores on and around my nose are too noticeable for my liking.

5. REN ClearCalm 3 Anti-Acne Treatment Mask, $45

I have heard so many amazing things about the ClearCalm 3 line from REN and I really want to try the mask. It's supposed to sooth the skin while getting rid of your breakouts, help keep breakouts away, and lightens the appearance of acne scars.

So there you have it, the masks I am lusting over right now. I'm hoping to purchase all of these within the next few months, and I will be happy to do full reviews of them if that is something you are interested in.

Alright everybody, I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'll talk to you again on Wednesay!

Stay Glam! xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

Perfect Products for Porcelain Skin!

You guys might not know this, but I am extremely pale. I mean, like, I am the fairest person I've ever seen. Not a single day goes by when I'm either working in the cafe or at school, that someone doesn't point out how astonishing my skin is. 

"Alabaster" is putting it lightly.

"Ivory" is not fair enough.

I am a piece of printer paper. After struggling with some self-esteem issues when I was younger, and wishing to be tan like everyone else seemed to be, I actually learned to embrace my skin. Ladies, you should, too! I believe every single shade is freakin' gorgeous. No matter how light or how dark. 

Years of searching for foundations, powders and lipsticks that actually looked good on me was tiring. But I'm here today to pass on some wisdom to you. At 18, there are few things I'm an expert on: fashion, being over-emotional, coffee...and how to absolutely rock my pale skin.

Girls...Don't fear the foundation. Here are some brands and shades that I've found through personal experience and hefty research (googling), that fit fair maidens. 

1. Laura Mercier - Silk Creme Foundation - Soft Ivory. This is the medium/full coverage foundation that I use and love. It's very buildable and long lasting. The color is one of the lightest that I've ever used, which is saying a lot, seeing as I've tried sooo many. My only complaint is that once it oxidizes, it has a slight yellow cast to it, which is frustrating to someone with pink undertones like I have. Another drawback? The price. $44 makes it a big investment. But overall, I find it worth it.

2. Bobbi Brown - Long Wear Even Finish - Alabaster. I recently ordered this from Sephora after reading many reviews on how light their "alabaster" shade is. I'm really excited to see how it blends on my skin. Bobbi Brown has never let me down before, so I trust this time will be the same.

3. Revlon ColorStay - Ivory - If you have dry skin, look no further! For a drugstore brand, this puppy sure does last long! It isn't necessarily the lightest shade on the market, but it does the job pretty damn well. Revlon is my favourite non-high end brand and I recommend this foundation for anyone who is really pale, but maybe a shade darker than I am.

If cc creams and tinted moisturizers are more your thing, I'll share with you the ones I use and recommend.

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Porcelain. Laura is famous for her tinted moisturizer because of the fact that a true good one is hard to find! I have tried MAC's TM, and I looked like that Annoying Orange. Almay's was way too dark, and I was afraid to try any others. Laura's is an exceptional choice for anyone who wants light coverage that's breathable and has extra SPF. WHICH IS A MUST!!

2. Clinique - CC Cream - Very Light. A CC cream is essentially a cream that is made to correct color issues like redness, sallowness or purple under the eyes, which providing slight coverage. Depending on preference, you can wear it alone, or under makeup. I recommend wearing this one alone, as it's slightly sticky when it dries. Foundation over it, turns it into a hot mess. I've found that when I'm not breaking out, the cc cream alone does the trick anyway.

I really hope that this post has helped out anyone who's been searching for the perfect shade but doesn't know where to start, or where to look. If I've helped even one person, I will be content. I know how hard it is to have such fair skin. Glamettes, I want to help you shine in any way I can. Let me know what you thought of tonight's post!

Stay glam!

xoxo,

Ray

[sassyandglamorous]

Take Care of Your Acid Mantle!

Hello lovely readers!

Today I'm going to talk a bit about a topic that I have been very interested in for the past few months: skincare! Ever since May of 2013, I have been battling the worst acne I have ever had. Constant pimples on my chin, cheeks, around my mouth, blackheads on and around my nose, and they all left behind those ugly acne marks. I tried so many different products trying to get rid of my acne. I tried drugstore, high end, middle of the road, I read review after review, watched video after video, trying to find a solution. Then one day I stumbled across this video: Why Your Skincare Routine Isn't Working This video opened my eyes. I recommend watching it if you have time, but basically it talks about your skin's acid mantle, which is a protective barrier on your skin that tends to have a slightly acidic ph. Because most cleansers tend to be basic/alkaline, cleansing strips your skin of this protective barrier leaving your skin defenseless against the world that is full of dirt and bacteria. So basically,

Acidic Skin + Alkaline Cleanser = Sad, Stripped Skin

So what can you do to avoid stripping your skin of all of the wonderful acidity and natural oils it already possesses? Stop using products that have a ph on the basic end of the scale.

Go online and look up what the ph of your current cleanser is. Or look at the ingredients and find out the ph of them. If you absolutely cannot part with your alkaline cleanser, USE A TONER! A toner is created as a companion to a cleanser to help remove excess cleanser and return your skin to it's regular acidity. Typically, you'll want to use the toner that is in the same line as your cleanser because it is formulated to work with the cleanser.

It is also important to use a moisturizer that isn't basic either! Because if you just used a toner to get your acidity back and then slap on a moisturizer that just ruins that, what was the point of using any products in the first place? I recommend checking out some oils to use as a moisturizer. Don't be afraid to use an oil if you have oily skin, I have oily skin and it's working well for me.

Personally, I am going for more natural and acidic/neutral products these days. I like the idea of knowing what all of the ingredients in my skincare products are. Then I can be sure that I am getting products that will be gentle and not irritate my skin, and I can check the acidity of the ingredients easily. I have been switching in more natural products and remedies as I've been running out of my conventional products and I can already see a big difference in my skin. My acne has gone down dramatically, my acne marks are fading, and my skin just looks and feels better in general.

I'm still researching and finding the right products for me, so I am definitely not an expert on this topic yet. I recommend checking out both the youtube channel and blog of Kassie from CloudyApples, and Dawn Michelle over on her blog Minimalist Beauty. I have been greatly enjoying their content regarding skincare, healthy living, and natural products. They are both much more knowledgeable than I am. I hope to continue learning more as I go, and I will be sure to share the things I learn with you all! I will definitely do a skincare routine post once I find a set a products that works really well for me. I hope that you will all think twice about what a product is going to do for you before you purchase it. Make sure to do your research!

As I said, I'm not an expert, but feel free to send me your questions if you have any. I will do my best to answer them or point you in the direction to find an answer.

I'm sorry that this post was rather lengthy and didn't contain any pictures. I hope that it wasn't too boring!

I hope you all have a wonderful evening! I'll talk to you later, Stay glam! xo Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

The Love List!

Evening beauties! Tonight I thought I would tell y'all about some products that I am loving lately, and a few tried and true classics that prove to be my sassy staples. I'll try to cover lots of different things to keep a balance. I'll also include links to items so you can check them out for yourself because I am such a nice gal. ;)

Hair: Okay, wow. Did you guys know I completed the hair portion of schooling at Paul Mitchell of Portland? I bet you didn't! Well yeah, I love hair products. What is of my top favorites though? I'm a huge fan of LUSH's all natural, fresh handmade products, and their supercharged deep conditioner called "Retread" ($29.95, lushusa.com) is just awesome. I have ombre hair and no matter what conditioner I choose to use (I cycle between 3 or 4), I always apply some Retread on my blonde ends to really keep things healthy. It's made with goodies like cantaloupe, avocado, yogurt and jojoba and smells AMAZING. 

  Skin: Oh no. This is almost as crazy as the hair portion. I wasn't sure which to choose to talk about because I have so many favorites! I figured I'd talk about one of my old tried and true's, Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Cream. ($55, KateSomerville.com) I have extremely dry, flaky skin that constantly demands attention. But it's also super sensitive and prone to breakouts. Really prone. So I have to be extra careful when looking for day moisturizers that are strong enough to fight my makeup flaking off at work, but gentle enough that won't piss off my pores. The goat milk cream is by far the best moisturizer I have used to date. And I've bought more facial creams than socks at this point. Okay. I'm only joking. Sort of. But yeah! It goes on light, absorbs quickly and has a very faint but nice smell. It's not too overwhelming. If anyone has skin that commands pampering, I recommend this for you, 100 percent. 

Food: WHO DOESN'T LOVE SMOOTHIES? BUT WHO ALSO SUCKS AT MAKING THEM AT HOME EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE SIMPLE? THIS GIRL. So that's why I am in love with Jamba Juice's line of at-home smoothies. They are the best thing to happen to me since I saw Joseph Gordon Levitt for the first time. It's literally everything you need to put in a blender, pre-packaged for you. Complete with an antioxidant boost and everything. They have all the classic flavors we know and love available; Razmatazz, Carribean Passion (MY FAVORITE), Strawberries Wild and Green Machine. Yeah. They got fancy. But if you're now rushing to the grocery store to buy the frozen section out, BE SURE TO BUY APPLE JUICE. Because in order to blend the ingredients without altering the intended flavor, you must blend it with apple juice. Okay, I'm taking a break from blogging and making one. Bye guys.

Home: Candles are the bomb. Scented candles are 34% the reason why I get up in the morning. Bath and Body Works sells some impressive jars that come in varying smells and sizes. Mahogany Teakwood & Lavendar Vanilla are my personal favorites. The other day, I was at a boutique in downtown Portland and came across these darling luxury candles that had around 15 unique scents. I wish I could remember the name of the brand now. I can't seem to find it on the internet! If I happen to figure it out, I'll be sure to let you guys know! Oh, yes, and who could forget Jo Malone candles ($35 - $500, Nordstrom.com). I want all of them. Every. Single. One.

Fragrance: "Obsessed" would be putting it lightly, when describing how I feel about perfume. It kind of takes over my life, and it would be impossible to choose one I like over the others. Perfume is totally that thing that completely depends on things like your mood, the weather, certain events, what boyfriend you're seeing that night...(just kidding Matt, I love you). So to make me decide on one to share - well, it isn't going to happen. But what I've been wearing lately is "Sexy Little Things Noir" by Victoria's Secret ($49-$65, VictoriasSecret.com). It's subtle, it's confident and the bottle is to die for. It's unique but wearable in any situation. I feel like a secret bombshell spy when I have it on. 

My hands are cramping up and I have to wake up early and make espresso for four hours, so I'll leave you lovlies for the night. But I'll be back soon! I may even add to the list and ramble less if you guys liked this post! 

Until next time... 

Stay Glam!

xoxo, Ray

[sassyandglamorous]

Update: Goals and Resolutions for 2014

Hello everybody! Before I get started today, I'd like to take a minute to thank you all for all the likes I received on my last post! It means so much to me that you all liked it so much! It makes me excited keep creating content. So, thank you!

Okay, so since January is almost over, I thought I'd give you a one month update on my 2014 goals!

1. Go Blonde

DONE! I still have a bit of work to do to get rid of the orangeyness in the ends, but I now have blonde hair!

2. Get Healthy

I have been doing great on the exercise portion of this goal! I've been following a running plan and I will soon be adding in some strength training and yoga. I'm really proud of myself so far!

As for the diet and sleep portion of this goal, it hasn't gone as well. I've made several good attempts at both of these things, but I still have a lot of work to do.

3. Clean Up and Get Organized

I have been working on organizing, but very slowly. My closet is almost completely reorganized, but that is really all I have accomplished on that front. Hopefully I will be able to work on more organizing soon!

As for organizing my life, I've made schedules, but I've had a hard time sticking to them. I'm working on it.

4. Mange My Money

So this one started out good. But lately I have been finding excuses to spend the money that is supposed to go into my savings. So this one is going to take a bit more self control than expected. I really am a spendaholic.

5. Put Less Pressure on Myself

It's kind of hard to really see whether or not I've been doing this one. I have been making conscious efforts to let the little things go though. So that's at least a little progress.

So as you can tell, I have been struggling a bit with my goals. But I think this is one of the first times I've actually been working towards all of the goals I've set for myself.

How are all of you doing with your goals and resolutions? I'd love to know!

Until next time,

Stay Glam!

xo, Kyla

[sassyandglamorous]

DIY Pore Cleansing Mask | Face Mask Friday

As the title of this post suggests, today I am going to tell you how to make a pore cleansing mask with an ingredient I discovered a few months ago that I have fallen completely in love with. You may be wondering, what is this magical ingredient? It is Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay!

I bought this 1 lb jar on amazon for like $8 and let me tell you it is one of the best purchases I've made (as far as skin care goes that is.) This stuff dries up and holds onto all the gunk in my pores, so when I take it off, the impurities leave with the mask. Now, I'm not promising that this clay is going to work for you exactly like it does for me, because of course all of our skin is different. But, I would recommend it for an awesome clay pore cleansing mask!

One of my favorite things about this clay is that it is so versatile. You can add almost any ingredient you can think of! This is great because you can cater the mask to your skin type. The ingredients I use are mostly to aid in the pore cleansing, along with combating acne. Feel free to use different ingredients than I am if you have different skin concerns!

Alrighty, let's get on to making the mask!

First I added two heaping spoonfuls of the clay to my bowl.

Then I added the liquid ingredients. I used two spoonfuls of water, two spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar, and one spoonful of witch hazel.

Next I added one spoonful of honey.

And finally I added a few drops of tea tree oil.

Then mix it all together to get a lovely, goopy, clay mask.

Finally, it's time to smother this wonderful creation all over my face. I like to apply a pretty thick layer.

Get ready for the hottest selfie you've ever seen ;)

Now just wait for the mask to dry. I usually wait around 20-30 minutes.

This mask will constrict a bit as it dries. It may become a little uncomfortable, but hey, beauty comes at a price right? If it bothers you too much, go ahead and rinse the mask off before its all the way dry. I find that there is less discomfort if I apply a thicker layer on my face.

As you can see, the dried mask is very flattering.

I like to wash this mask off with a warm washcloth. But let me warn you, this mask can be difficult and messy to get off when you let it completely dry. Pieces like to flake off and other pieces don't want to let go. It's all great fun. But I believe its worth it for the amazing pore cleansing results. This mask may leave your skin looking red and/or feeling dry. Don't worry. Just apply a gentle moisturizer or facial oil to lock in the benefits of the mask and keep your skin hydrated.

I don't recommend using this mask more than once a week as it could irritate the skin. I do this every week or two to keep my skin fresh and clean. I do recommend using other gentler cleansing masks on the weeks when you don't need such a a deep clean!

Alright, so I hope this post was helpful/informative/educational or something along those lines. As always, feel free to send me a message if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!

I hope you all had a lovely day, and I hope your weekend is fantastic!

Stay glam! xo Kyla