Monthly Roundup: August 2016

I can't believe another month has come and gone - I'm officially posting from my apartment at school now! Here's what I've been loving this month:

video of the month: ten item wardrobe

I have been really into minimalist wardrobes lately (as I'm sure you can tell from my Capsule Wardrobe Challenge!)... I watched this video as I was researching capsule wardrobes on YouTube and found it to be so interesting. Especially with my best friend in Paris this semester, I loved this video! Be sure to check it out :)

food of the month: blueberries

Guys, I don't even know what has been up with me this summer, but blueberry anything is really doing it for me right now. Blueberry smoothies, blueberry coffee (my absolute favorite!), and blueberry ice cream are just some of the treats I have been enjoying all month and all summer long. You can't see the blueberry ice cream in this photo (the top scoop was pistachio), but WOW it was amazing. I decided to head to a local ice cream shop down the shore with my brother one day, and we don't usually go there but I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious this blueberry ice cream was! I have been craving it again ever since!!

album of the month: views

I seriously couldn't pick a single song this month, and even though I'm a little late to the bandwagon, I have been listening to Views nonstop lately! It's been the go-to album for longer car rides with my brother and sister. Songs 10-16 are all absolutely amazing, but my favorite is Child's Play, even though it's soooo hard to pick. If you haven't given it a listen already, be sure to do so!

moment of the month: summer reading

I have been reading so much this summer, and I'm super happy with every single item I've picked up! I grabbed so many books at my library over the summer and was worried that I wouldn't enjoy them, but I have really enjoyed sitting down to read every single book I got this summer. I even read Where'd You Go, Bernadette in two days, whereas I would normally take a week to read a book of that size! I posted Part I of my summer reading list earlier in the season, but be sure to look out for Part II coming soon! PS - check out my favorite blueberry coffee again hiding in the background!

quote of the month

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I tend to believe in two very opposing theories that 1. everything happens the way it is supposed to and 2. that you have to make your own successes, which means that sometimes my thought processes get jumbled and I'm not sure which path I'm supposed to take. While I know that success doesn't come without hard work and that in order to reach our goals we have to make them happen on our own, I also know that sometimes certain things won't 'click' at certain times. I feel like there are times in our lives when maybe the one thing we want to happen isn't right for us right now, or at other times the perfect thing happens to fall into our lap when we least expect it. So no matter what, use fate and free will in tandem, trust the timing of your life, and you'll see great things happen.

21 Things I Learned by 21

Today I turn 21 years old. Let that sink in. Two - one. Twenty one. THE BIG 2-1! I still can't wrap my mind around it... but I've spent a lot of time this summer reflecting, and it's incredible to me how far I have come in my 21 years of life. Here's a look at the most important lessons I've learned, and here's hoping that Year 21 has a lot of good things in store for me.

1. Things don't always need to go according to plan.
2. But, don't underestimate the importance of a good list and a full planner.
3. There is nothing better than taking time for yourself. Just be alone with some music, a journal, or a TV show.. whatever you're feeling.
4. Eventually you have to let go of the past and move forward.
5. Boys are not everything. Sometimes (most of the time) we are better off without them.
6. You have to learn to love yourself first before you can love someone else.
7. "So life becomes the expression of happiness instead of the pursuit of happiness"
8. We are not bound to like every situation or person. Accept these things as they are.
9. Take advantage of everything life has to offer. You can't sit at home every night.
10. We can't compare our lives to other people's, especially in an age when so much value is put on social media.
11. A best friend is an invaluable gift. Cherish the people who stand by you even in your toughest times.
12. It's okay to call your mother three, four, five times a day.
13. Stay humble.
14. Not everyone will offer the same breadth of loyalty to you as you extend to them. Don't let yourself get taken for granted.
15. Knowledge is power but enthusiasm pulls the switch.
16. Do what makes you happy, even if others don't understand it.
17. Put 110% effort into all you do. "Lukewarm is no good"
18. Take responsibility for your wrongs and apologize when necessary.
19. Good things come to those who work hard and want success. Don't settle for quick results, think about the big picture.
20. Not a single person is perfect, our flaws are what make each of us unique. Embrace your quirks.
21. Faith does not need to be big or small. Sometimes, it helps to know there is something out there far much greater than ourselves, whatever that may be.

I am humbled and so grateful for everything that life has offered to me already and look forward to what the future has in store! Thanks for sticking around with me and keeping up with my crazy life.. now, it's time to pop the champagne!! 

Outfit Combos Using the Back-to-School Capsule Wardrobe

It's been a little bit since I posted my capsule wardrobe guide, so I figured I would show y'all some outfits that you can make with this capsule wardrobe!! I chose 5 of my favorite pieces from the wardrobe and give you three unique ways to wear each piece. I didn't even get to use every piece in the wardrobe for this guide, which means that there are so many more looks waiting to be created!! Take a look down below and join me during the month of September with the Scalloped Edge Capsule Challenge! Every day during the month of September, I'll be making outfits using only these 28 pieces and posting my OOTDs on both Tumblr and Twitter with the hashtag #TSEcapsule!! If you're up for the challenge, feel free to tag your own outfits and complete the challenge with me :) 

Do you think you can do it? I'm a little nervous, but I think we can make it happen! Follow along here and here!!

How I (Hope) To Eat At School

Good afternoon, everybody! I've been doing a ton of pinning recently, and my most recent obsession has been looking for recipes to make this year, since I'll have my own kitchen and no meal plan. I'm hoping for simple dishes that still taste delicious, and lots of items that I can make on Sundays and have for the week. Here are some great breakfast, lunch, and dinner items I want to try!!

BREAKFAST

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I really love Greek yogurt, granola and fruit, so I hope to make lots of yogurt, smoothies, and simple breakfast muffins during the school year. These spinach quiche muffins looks so yummy and will be great to make in large quantities, so that I can grab one or two out the door on my way to class or work. I'm also loving this breakfast quesadilla idea and this zucchini bread! 

LUNCH

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For lunch, lots of my inspiration has been grilled cheese, but not just your typical sandwich - there are so many ways to make your grilled cheese more exciting! Also quesadillas like these are super easy to make in no time at all, which is perfect when you just have a few minutes in between classes to grab a bite to eat. Another great option is to use chickpeas for protein instead of chicken or beef, and I have to say, I'm super interested in trying these chickpea gyros! 

DINNER

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Dinner is definitely going to be the hardest meal to make! But, there are lots of delicious options I can't wait to try.. like this Firecracker Chicken! I'm such a huge fan of Chinese food, but I know that I won't be able to order take-out every single night at school, so I think this recipe will do the trick! I also am a big pasta lover and would love to make a dish like this one, or go for some yummy fish. It definitely won't be my parents' cooking, but my fingers are crossed that soon enough I'll be just as #skilled in the kitchen as them!

DESSERT+SNACKS

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Everyone in my suite loves dessert, so I know that we will always have some sweets around. These homemade Snickers bars will be sure to please, and for nights when we want to pretend to be healthy, these apple nachos will do the trick. I also want to have snacks on hand for sure, to bring with me to long days of class (hello 9 AM - 4:15 PM days) and some of the recipes I want to try include these yummy almonds, chocolate covered bananas, and DIY trail mix. Major YUM.

Let's hope that I can stick to making these yummy treats for all my meals... I'm a little nervous not having a meal plan, but mostly excited to try something new! Do you have a favorite recipe that is easy to make? Comment below!

My Favorite Color Combinations

Happy Monday, loves! For a long time now I have wanted to do a post about my favorite color combinations to wear, and so here it is!! I'm a big fan of classic combos, such as black and white, navy and pink, and royal blue with white. But, I also love to wear color and experiment with combining different pieces for some fun color play. I absolutely adore red, white, and blue of course, and think that red and blue alternating stripes, like these, are just darling.

Some of my other favorite colors to wear are powder blue, burgundy, bright red, turquoise, and yellow! I also really love the combination of blush and forest green - I think it works for just about every season and is so flattering.

What is your favorite color to wear? And do you know your color season? I'm a soft or tinted autumn!

Back To School Post Roundup

Back to school is soooo soon, so here's a roundup of some past school-related posts I've done in honor of the upcoming semester. Junior year, I am so not ready for you to begin!

Do's and Don'ts

Do's and Don'ts of Living with a Roommate

Do's and Don'ts of Going Greek

Do's and Don'ts of College Parties

Do's and Don'ts of Picking Classes

Do's and Don'ts of Effective Studying

Do's and Don'ts of Getting Free Stuff

Do's and Don'ts of College Dining

College Fashion + Style + Shopping

Comfy Testing Outfits

Ultimate Shopping and Packing List for College + Dorm Life

College Clothing Essentials Guide

School Spiritwear for Game Day

The Best Way to Stay Comfy and Cute in the Library

Health

Great Snacks to Eat in the Dorms

6 Ways to Stay Healthy in College (Part 1)

Staying Healthy in College Part 2

Sorority Recruitment

What to Pack for Recruitment

What to Wear for Fall Semester (Summer) Sorority Recruitment

Putting Your Best Self Forward During Recruitment

Handling Disappointment During Recruitment

Studying

Tips for List Making + Staying Organized

Study Methods 101

Wishing you all a wonderful back to school season! What's your biggest goal for this semester?

21st Birthday Wishlist

I'm not *too* excited or anything, but in just two weeks, I'll be turning TWENTY ONE!! It's honestly crazy to think about, I can't believe how old I am getting. College is flying by and so is life (I know I'm not that old yet but whoa!) and I can't comprehend it! But in the meantime, birthdays are always an excuse to do a little shopping, and so I rounded up the items that I would be so grateful to get for my birthday, or am considering adopting the #treatyoself attitude for.

Mini MAC Bag | I've had my eye on the Rebecca Minkoff bags for a while, and I need one that can be easily used as a crossbody for nights out on the town or just hanging with friends. I don't carry a lot on me, so the small design is perfect for just the essentials. But the most important detail is that I'm craving for the bag to be red. Red is one of my favorite neutrals to wear, and this is such a fun pop.

Pearl Earrings | I lost one of my pearl earrings last year from fratting too hard, and I'm sad and incomplete without it. Bring back my pearl earrings!

New Balance Sneakers | New Balance sneakers and the best way to nail athleisure. Comfy, cute, and totally functional. My brother and I keep joking that we're going to get each other sneakers for our birthday!! #twinlife (Update: I actually purchased this pair for myself a few weeks back and am holding out on wearing them until the school year starts. I am SO excited I can't take it.)

One Line a Day Journal | I always go back and forth with journaling, and I think the problem is that I don't have a ton of time each night to sit down and write out my thoughts. I think a One Line a Day version will be much more manageable for me.

Fitbit Alta | I am super intrigued by these after doing a full on marketing project and new product proposal last year, and I would love to track my steps, sleep and more!

Kate Spade Live Colorfully Perfume | I had a sample of this perfume that I exhausted way too soon. The smell is wonderful and it's one of my favorite brands ever! Perfection managed.

Lorac Pro 3 Palette | If there is one eyeshadow product I can't live without, it's my Lorac Pro Original that I got many Christmases ago. I didn't like the Pro 2 because it had more cool tones, but this Pro 3 is on point and I'm itching to play with it.

Hair Tie Bracelet | Now that my hair is short, I have no reason to use a hairtie, but I still carry one around for security blanket purposes. This would make it totally chic.

Steve Madden Carnabi Booties | I have searched high and low for booties like these all summer, and I need these like crazy. Great with dresses. Perfect with jeans. They can make any outfit instantly more fabulous. (S/o to the best mom in the world for getting me these early so that I could wear them out this summer! I love them so far and hopefully will post some really cute outfits with them!)

Monogrammed Signet Ring | Another item I've been asking for for quite some time now. I love rings and think this one would be so classic. A great wear-everyday piece.

Champagne Campaign Sweatshirt | Perfect for those fancy 21-year-old brunch dates. Tank version linked.

Polaroid Printer | I take a zillion and a half photos on my iPhone, and this is such a fun way to easily give them to your friends! Also great for when your apartment or dorm room needs sprucing and you want to add some photos of you and your pals.

Jack Rogers Lauren Sandals | I strongly believe that white Jack Rogers make the world go round. This is the pair I have my eye on. (S/o again to my BFF mom for getting me these as well. They might be my favorite, and most comfortable, Jacks yet.)

Anyone else a twin?! My brother is my BFF, I would love to hear your twin stories down below!

The News with TheSkimm

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Happy Monday everyone! Summer is finally coming to a close and I thought it was about time I mentioned one of my new favorite websites/apps - TheSkimm! 

I've always hated reading the news. I mean, I completely loathe it. Whether it be another sad story about the state of our world or more information about politics that I'm pretending not to hear, the news has never been very important for me. However, as a student at Johns Hopkins, I just can't escape the news, since most people are constantly buzzing about something that happened this past week in the world. I thought, yeah maybe I don't want to listen to the news or read lengthy, boring news articles when I already have so many other things to do, and then I remembered. The glorious app I had seen advertised multiple times before.

Enter TheSkimm. Written by women, for women, TheSkimm is your abridged version to everything that's going on in the world, in easy to read context and with quite a relatable tone. Every single weekday I get an email in my inbox containing the Daily Skimm, with highlights about the news of the day and links to read more, if I'm so inclined. They cover politics, current events, and celebrity drama - whatever it is in the world that I might be interested in, they have it covered. Each piece is quick to read and breaks it down fast, so that you can jump in on that conversation with friends and stop feeling out of place. 

Since getting TheSkimm, I've been more aware of things going on in the world, like Brexit, the Zika Virus, and tons more! It's a nice little piece of mail I look forward to getting every morning, and it's slowing making me interested in reading the news. If you're like me and are looking for a simple way to keep up with the crazy world around us, click here and you too can have this bundle of fun sent to your inbox!

On another note, we're a week into the Summer Olympics in Rio!! What's your favorite sport? I love watching the gymnasts!

What to Wear: Summer Country Concert

Outfit One - jeans // similar top // boots // hat

Outfit Two - shorts // flannel // sneakers 

Happy Sunday y'all! I got a fun email from a reader recently asking for advice on what I would wear to a country concert, and with summer being such a big season for them, I figured that I would share two different types of outfits I would wear. The first look is perfect for colder weather because of the jeans and the boots, but it's not too bundled up or warm and is still season appropriate. And, I love flannels, so of course I had to include my favorite one from J.Crew Factory's current selection! They are currently having 40% off new arrivals so be sure to snag this top while you have the chance!

Men's Look - flannel // jeans // belt // boots

It's always fun to daydream about the cute country singer heartthrobs out there (I'm looking at you, Luke Bryan). So, if you'll be heading to your summer concert with your guy, have him look the part with a flannel and some nice worn-in jeans. Cowboy boots obviously finish off the look, and western belts are really in style nowadays - the one linked above is no exception!

Hope you're all enjoying the last few weeks of summer - let me know what other bonus posts you'd like to see in the upcoming weeks :) 

College Dorm ESSENTIALS That You DIDN'T KNOW You Needed

Not every dorm essential is self explanatory. Sure you've got your bedding, your books, and your office supplies. You even have your shampoo, toothpaste, and enough bandaids to last you all four years. But did you remember to pack these eight things?!

Umbrella | It's unbelievable the number of people I know at school that either don't own a raincoat or an umbrella. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a small umbrella that you can keep in your backpack at all times, because rain always comes on the most inconvenient days in college.

Door Stop | Perfect for Move-In Day, as well as any other day that you want to keep your dorm door open. My dorm room specifically had doors that wouldn't stay open, which stunk when we wanted to keep our door open for friends to drop in. Get a simple doorstop and you can't go wrong! Plus, your parents will thank you during move-in when the door doesn't slam in their face every time they run out to the hall or car to grab the next box!

Tool Kit | My parents got both myself and my brother a tool set when we went to college, and it has surprisingly come in handy. Perfect for screwing in loose knobs, tightening the outlet cover that was loose in my bathroom, and more. I'm pretty sure I even used my toolkit at some point while I was sorority crafting. You won't know you need this until you really need it, so plan ahead.

Shower Flip Flops | So yes you packed 30 pairs of shoes (I know I did) and you have your beloved Rainbows to wear around casually, but did you remember that you need flip flops for those gross communal showers too? You don't even want to know what might go down in there, so be prepared and get yourself some super cheap rubber flip flops that can be thrown away at the end of the year. Mine had holes in the bottom to prevent water from collecting so that you don't slip on the wet tile, and I'm pretty sure you can find similar styles at Target. If not, the classic Old Navy flip flop we all knew and loved in middle school will be your best friend.

Extension Cord | I think I have about 50 of these in my room at all times. Sometimes the best way to arrange your furniture means covering up outlets, so save yourself some trouble by bringing lots of extension cords. You never realize how many things need to be plugged in until you are mid move-in.

Bath Robe | Never did I think this would be an issue until I heard my friend's horror story about the first week of class when her building had a fire drill while she was in the shower! She didn't have a robe, underwear, or anything with her, and they ended standing outside at night for about an hour! Talk about a problem. Get an easy bathrobe that you can throw on in case of emergency, or just to walk back down the hall to your room. My dorm's floors were co-ed, and the bathroom was down the hall from my room. Plus, there was no changing area in the bathroom! Pro Tip: Bring undergarments into the bathroom with you and put them on before you make the trek down the hallway. Then all you have to change into when you make it back to your room is your regular clothes for the day.

Mugs | Mugs have a million and one purposes for college living. Not only do they work great for your coffee, but they will become your new nail polish collection holder, keeper of the pencils, or even a spot for your utensils in your kitchenless space. Mugs are great, especially when they are cute or silly. Having a few around is great for storing lots of different products.

Fan | I know firsthand just how hot it can be during the first and last few weeks of the school year. Don't be caught without a fan in the midst of a heatwave, if your dorm doesn't have air conditioning. A small fan that can blow on your bed or desk is ideal for those hot days. If you have the space, a box fan in the window also works wonders.

What back to school product is your all-time necessity? Share in the comments!

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

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I was asked a while back by some followers to address mental health on this blog, and it's taken me forever to write these posts because 1. I'm not exactly sure what topics y'all want me to address and 2. I want to present the best content in the best way possible without being one-sided or insincere. Mental health is such a personal topic to discuss, and everyone experiences something different. Without literally being that person, we will never know how someone else's experiences are different than our own. Not only for mental health issues, but this goes for anything. You cannot experience someone else's life, no matter how much detail they explain it in or how much you think you know about that person.

As we go back to school in the next few weeks, it's important to remember how superficial social media outlets are. We are part of a very unique generation, one that still remembers playing outside on the swings and riding our bikes around the block, but also growing up with technology and having access to a whole Internet of information simultaneously. I remember being one of the last kids I knew to get a desktop computer at home. When I think back, I was only in kindergarten, but it seemed like I was so much older. And frankly, it's crazy to think about that - even though it seems like I still had a whole lifetime of swingsets, kickball games in the backyard, and lots of dirt in my shoes, computers took over my life at a very early age.

The social media outlets that we have at our disposal are arguably the best, and worst, things that can happen to us, particularly as we live through high school and college. I love that I can see photos of my friends from home who go to college hours away, and that my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins can look at my Facebook photo albums and see what I'm up to. But at the same time, I see my friends who go to tailgating schools, and I regret that I won't have that experience at mine. I have the ability to know every date function, party, and social event that I was not asked to attend. And regardless of what my friends' Instagram feed looks like, I will never know if they are adjusting to college life well, if they are homesick, or if they are struggling. We have the very real ability to filter out parts of our lives if we don't want anyone to know about them. And we have the same capability to shove the good times down other people's throats, whether we realize it or not. 

No matter how much fun it looks like everyone else is having, remember that we are all real people and we can't have the best day ever all the time. A friend of mine once said that she likes to think of life as a sine wave, and that for each peak of happiness there will also be a dip of sadness of equal magnitude, but that the sine wave continues infinitely and that there is always something else coming up. In the meantime, the most we can do is live in the moment, in our moment, and no one else's. "A flower does not think of competing with the one next to it. It just blooms" - Zen Shin

Any suggestions for other blog posts like these? Comment below! I'd love to hear your thoughts (:

Phone Cases for Summer/Back to School

one // two // three // four // five (no longer available) // six // seven  (available in other colors) // eight (currently sold out) // nine // ten

Ever since I got my iPhone a year ago, I love having more freedom to choose a fun phone case! I have a simple clear one that I use on any days when I wouldn't want my case to get ruined, and I have a nice white marble case that I use during the fall and winter months. But, right now, my phone is sporting case #1 pictured above. I am seriously obsessed with pineapples, and spent the two-week delivery period anxiously telling my friends how excited I was to have a phone case with a pineapple on it. I'm pretty sure they're all tired of hearing about pineapples by now, but they can just wait for the excitement that is these socks I'll be wearing constantly at school.

I also really love cases 5 and 7, and think that the Karl Lagerfeld ice cream cone case is especially funny! Where is your favorite place to find cheap phone cases? I love getting new ones, but I hate spending a ton on them since they tend to get beat up :(

Back to School CAPSULE Wardrobe (Using Just 28 Pieces!!)

I've never been one for a small closet, but as a back to school experiment, I thought I would try making a capsule wardrobe. This uses only 28 pieces (woe is me having only 6 pairs of shoes) but I actually think this is quite doable. I tend to reach for the same types of items on a regular basis anyway, like white tops and striped tees. Take a look at the 28 pieces I put together below and let me know what you think! Could you ever do a capsule wardrobe challenge? 

I have to say it's tempting to try living on just these 28 pieces for a little while.. If you have any questions be sure to comment below and I can do a more detailed post about what a capsule wardrobe is and why it's beneficial! I can't even believe that it's August already, be on the lookout for more capsule-wardrobe related posts from me soon!

Ole Henriksen Voxbox

Welcome back everyone! Today I'm here to talk about some fun products I received from Influenster to try out. The Ole Henriksen Power Bright 3-Step Brightening System was so great to try out, and I can't wait to tell you more about the products I received!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

"I love to empower skin to be the very best it can be. And that's what Power Bright is all about." - Ole Henriksen 

Inside my Voxbox (that's what the awesome packages of goodies from Influenster are called!), I received three awesome goodies. Let's take a look at each one: 

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

Influenster describes this product as "the perfect moisturizer before makeup." This moisturizer is oil-free and works with all skin types. I liked applying this moisturizer both in the morning and before bed. It left my skin feeling very soft and supple, and even the next day my skin didn't feel dried out, but plump and still soft from applying this product hours earlier. The only downside I found to this product was the smell - it didn't smell horrible but I didn't prefer the scent to that of the other products, which all smelled like orange creamsicle. 

Sephora Description: "This oil-free moisturizer has a unique lightweight, whipped texture that penetrates skin and with essential moisture. It’s infused with fruit acids to gently exfoliate, refining your skin’s rough, uneven texture, tone, and dullness and while it promotes cell turnover. Pea extract, sugar, and vitamin C work together to fade dark spots and even skintone. Antioxidant protection helps defend skin from future damage. It can be used as a base for makeup application, and it leaves skin looking and feeling soft, healthy, nourished, and radiant."

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster

This product, described by Influenster as being "like a multivitamin for your skin," is quite nice! With a citrus-y, almost creamsicle scent, I really enjoyed applying this serum every morning under my makeup and my Sheer Transformation moisturizer. It made my skin feel a little bit tight after application, and it dried fairly fast into the skin, but after adding the moisturizer my skin no longer felt taught. I didn't see much of a difference in my skin texture over the course of using this product, but I do think my skin looks very radiant recently and I would give these Ole Henriksen products the credit for that!

Sephora Description: "This high potency serum is formulated with Ole Henriksen’s proprietary 5-source Vitamin C Complex to help brighten, boost collagen, and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps to prevent further damage and reduces the signs of aging by defending skin from environmental aggressors and free radical damage. Enriched with green tea extract and sodium hyaluronate, this weightless, fast-absorbing, oil-free formula penetrates deep within the skin, delivering antioxidant protection and essential hydration. This serum’s iconic and uplifting citrus scent will pamper your skin and your senses."

Ole Henriksen Power Bright 3-Step Brightening System

This last product was so much fun to try out! The Power Bright system has three steps, and includes a sponge that is used for cleansing the skin in the final step. To begin, apply the Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask to the face, leaving on for 5-10 minutes. Then, add warm water, massaging the scrub into the skin and then washing clean. The second step is a Truth 25% Vitamin C Concentrate, which you apply to dry skin after the scrub, leaving on for 2-3 minutes. This product you don't rinse off; instead, apply the Pure Truth Melting Cleanser directly on top, and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Finally after that time, you dampen the sponge with warm water and remove the product with the sponge. 

I really liked this system! I enjoyed using the scrub and the cleanser especially. They made my skin feel nice and soft!! I also liked the Vitamin C Concentrate, but not as much. It was quite thick and felt heavy on my skin, so I recommend only using a little bit. I also was interested to see this product included in the system - I've never thought to use concentrated vitamins on my skin before! I will say that I probably didn't leave these products on for as long as recommended, mostly because I have been going to bed insanely late and get tired of sitting around waiting for the products. I was able to use each product about 3-4 times, which is super awesome! I definitely recommend using this kit at night, and allowing yourself plenty of time to let all the products set. Overall, I really liked this kit and being able to try it out through Influenster. I always hear about the importance of skincare at a young age, but don't normally think to buy skincare products for myself, so it was nice to test these out!

Sephora Description: "Experience the ultimate Ole Glow instantly with this professional-strength, three-step system featuring an unprecedented 25 percent vitamin C concentrate. In as little as one use, skin looks brighter and more radiant, and fine lines and wrinkles appear diminished. Ole Henriksen was one of the very first skincare brands to champion vitamin C, the gold standard for fighting signs of aging. It helps brighten and even the complexion and promotes firmer, more youthful-looking skin. This formulation features a 25 percent concentration of stable ascorbic acid, the pure form of vitamin C to provide immediate brightness. 

This three-step system takes inspiration from Ole Henriksen’s POWER Peel, the most-requested treatment at his spa. Each box contains six treatment sleeves with three numbered pods. The pods help protect the benefits of the formulas. Begin with Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask enriched with sugar, honey, and pomegranate seed powder to help polish away dull skin, for a smooth, radiant complexion. Next, apply Truth 25 percent vitamin C concentrate, and let it sit on the skin. Finally, Pure Truth Melting Cleanser layers on top of the concentrate to help activate it: the warming sensation signals that it’s working. This luxurious, three-in-one cleansing formula nourishes skin with vitamin C, cherry seed, and rose hip seed oils. Rinse it off, removing with the Power Bright complexion sponges provided, and skin is soft and supple with the ultimate Ole Glow."
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Overall, I really enjoyed sampling these products! I should totally get more into skincare, but need some suggestions! What is your favorite skincare item?

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.