Self tanning routine - my favorite self tanners

self tanning routine

I’ll admit, I may I over do it sometimes with the self tanner. I can’t for the life of me get a natural tan. If I’m lucky, I get the slightest of shade darker..A tanning bed is not even a question for me, I’d be a lobster.

Self tanners are a great alternative to get a deep tan in a non-harmful way. Even if I could tan naturally or in a tanning bed, I’d choose the self tanner! It’s just better for your skin and you can live worry free.

I’ve tried a lot of self tanners over the years and I’ve pretty much got it down pat! I use both drug store self tanners and high end ones. Some of the drug store self tanners work just as well, but they have unhealthy chemicals in them.

Below I’m sharing my self tanning routine and a how-to for newbies. I’m also sharing my favorite self tanners. Again, I’ve tried a lot, but there are so many other brands I want to still try.

Self tanning routine

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Gel nails - gel nails from HOME

I know just how much we’re all missing getting our gel nail manicures. LUCKILY, there is something you CAN do in the meantime!

Everyone that knows me, knows I really love saving my money. Back in high school, I bought a UV light and a bunch of polishes so that I could save a little and do my gel nails at home. Given todays circumstances, I’m sure a bunch of you would consider the UV light and gel nail polishes while we’re all at home.

I’m going to share step by step what I do for my gel nails from home. It’s super easy and I’d say they last me 2 full weeks, way longer then typical nail polish.

I got my UV light from Amazon, but since its been years since I bought mine it’s no longer in stock. I go off of reviews as if my life depends on it, anyone else? I know the other lights work just as well because I convinced my best friend, Livi, to get the light and she’s loving it too.

Here are some lights you can purchase for gel nails (all of them have high ratings)

Click to shop!



These little nail filers are amazing because if you go over your nail and onto your finger, you can file some of the access off in the corners. If you don’t have a buffer you’ll need to use something tough to buff/scratch your nail up a bit (since you don’t have that buffing tool the salons use).Now for polish you need the base coat, the top coat and of course, the main gel nail color polish. Here are the best base and top coat:

And now, onto the gel nail polish colors. The gel nail polish colors are sold in sets on Amazon.

Here are the steps I do for my gel nails:

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How to stay motivated during quarantine

- Tips to staying motivated at home -

Staying motivated while in quaratine can be a tricky head game. It’s so easy to crawl back into bed or stay in bed all day. Since we’ve been indoors for quite some time now, I have gathered some tips/a routine to stay motivated while we’re all at home.

An article from healthline says, “it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.” In Connecticut (and most other states), the stay at home order has been in place for almost two months now. Since this order, I’ve really tried training myself to get into a routine and have that routine feel automatic. I believe a lot of the new habits that I have created are now automatic, like working out, self reflecting and going downstairs to get my morning coffee.

For once, it’s nice to have a daily routine that is consistent each day. I really love my daily routine at home so I don’t dread staying in.

I feel like I’ve always been a very motivated person, but getting myself to complete tasks is sometimes an uphill battle. Since quaranting, I’ve been committed to keeping myself busy. Here’s what I’ve done and you can adjust this as it pertains to you!

My daily routine:

First, I wake up grateful and make a mental note that I am taking the time to thank the world for my life. It’s not cheesy, it actually helps me stay grounded and reflect. Afterwards, while still in bed, I go on Pinterest, Instagram and my email. On some days, I pick up the book I’m reading instead. It depends on the time I wake up.

Secondly, I get a cup of coffee. I’ve perfected my cup of jo. I love my coffee black, but sometimes I use this creamer (remember to shake it so it’s thick). It’s frothy which is nice if you don’t typically froth your milk everyday (because who does that?).

Next, I’ll sit at my desk and quickly jot down things I’m grateful for and things I want in life. I’ve been obsessed with law of attraction lately so I try to implement that practice whenever I have the time to. I don’t sit down and write everyday, it’s when I think of it and have time to!

Once I finish my coffee and writing, I workout. I’ve been loving Chloe Ting’s videos and workout plans lately. I’ve been doing the ‘Flat Tummy Challenge.’ I honestly LOVE how I feel after I do her workouts, I have so much more energy.

After working out I refresh with lots of water and make breakfast! After this, I’ve been trying to go on daily walks with my roommates while I can. We live in a great neighborhood so I love just chatting and walking around, it’s good exercise too!

Until dinner I work on my computer. I’ve been working on my journalism portfolio website lately. This has been tedious and time consuming but I know it’s worth having. I’ve been using Pinterest a lot to grow my blog, so I put some time there as well. Basicailly, I’m saying that in this time, I do whatever HAS to be done or whatever I know makes me happy. This “work” makes me happy!

Then I make dinner and relax. Relaxing for me is TV, YouTube and listening to music. Your relaxing time may be different, so do whatever relaxes you!

And that’s it! That’s really my day to day and I love it. Being home in quarantine is making me a lot more mindful. Its made me prioritize my wellness, be more committed to getting sh*t done and overall I’m just happier! Sometimes, it just takes a shift in your mindset and a commitment to change your bad habits.

Remember in these chaotic and unfamiliar times to cherish time at home because life WILL get busy again soon..

Read my last post, spring outfits 2020!

Skincare routine - our favorite skincare products

Sharing my skincare routine this week! My best friends are also including their skincare routines in this post. We all have slightly different skin types so I though it’d be fun for them to share their favorite products too.

You can shop my skincare here:

My daily morning skincare routine:

Cetaphil daily face wash

Lubriderm face lotion

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold on sponge to face (only do this 3-5 times a week)

Jade roller

Fresh sugar lip caramel hydrating balm

Clean and Clear acne spot treatment (depending if I’m wearing makeup or not)

My daily night time skincare routine:

Ice roller

Cetaphil daily face wash

Lubriderm face lotion mixed with two drops of Mon Amie Rose + Collagen face serum

Clean and Clear acne spot treatment

Benzoyl Peroxide prescription acne medication (if breaking out badly)

Carmex lip balm right before bed

**I have combination, sensitive, acne prone skin**

You can shop Cara’s skincare here:

Cara’s daily morning skincare routine:

Seaweed cleansing soap

Mario Badescu facial spray

Cetaphil face moistruizer

 

Cara’s daily night time skincare routine:

Under eye patches (4 days out of the week)

Jade roller

Estee Lauder Resilience Multi - Effect

Laniege lip sleeping mask

**Cara has combination skin**

You can shop Livi’s skincare here:

Livi’s morning and night skincare products differ day to day. The products above are what she switches between! She also uses clay masks a few times a week.

**Livi has combination, hormonal acne prone skin**