Category: beauty

Pampered & Polished with Crown & Mane and Tampa Nails

I was invited out for an influencer night (thanks Alex <3) of pampering and polishing and the timing could NOT have been better! I truly needed it. From the girl talk to the beautifying and all of the snacks, it was a perfect evening!

We first stopped to get our nails done and get a major sneak peek at the newest and largest location of Tampa Nails, which has the most dip and gel colors I’ve ever seen…no lie. There are literally thousands to choose from. So if you are picky gal like me, get in here! The service is excellent and there’s no shortage of color choices. It is a locally owned and operated chain with four locations spanning South Tampa to Seminole Heights.  After last night, I have a feeling the spacious Westshore location is going to become my fave 🙂

After our mani / pedis, we hopped over to Hyde Park Village to check out one of their newest retailers, the Crown & Mane salon. It is owned and operated by some of the nicest local ladies in Tampa, and their focus on personalized pampering really sets them apart!

Unlike most big-box blow-dry bars, each treatment at Crown & Mane is practically custom. The stylists take the time to understand your concerns and address your needs. After a quick consultation, you are allowed to choose whatever your heart desires. If you don’t see what you want on the menu, you can request your own creation. You are not restricted by style selection!

The staff here also recognizes that no two heads of hair are alike. When going in for a salon or spa treatment involving my hair, I usually have to warn whoever I am seeing that there is a lot of it #longhairdontcare Therefore, I’ve always had to carve out extra time for treatments. But Crown and Mane immediately suggested tag-teaming both my blow-out and style, to which I happily agreed!

As someone who does their own blow outs bi-weekly (it is always a battle), I can tell you that having someone else do it for you is the ultimate luxury. Two people styling my hair at once made it twice as luxurious! And although I started after my friends, we were all finished within minutes of each another. A salon that respects your personal style and time is one that I can get behind.

We were able to meet and mingle with two of the three salon owners, Kelly and Tanja, all evening. They had a killer display of charcuterie, cupcakes, and champagne (they know they way to a girls heart) from neighboring Fig & Julep and Sprinkles. Kelly and Tanja were not only unbelievably gracious hostesses, but also knowledgeable and fun!

We shut down the salon, which operates SEVEN days a week (check their site for full details) and truly caters to their customers! They tout a bespoke blowout, and they delivered. Our end results and smiles speak for themselves. Give them a try next time you are preparing for a special event or just a treat-yourself-Tuesday 😉

Special thanks to Tampa Nails and Crown & Mane for all the love…we will be back! ❤

XX Hannah

Beauty Business with Raffaele Ruberto Skin

If you have ever browsed through my medicine cabinet, you will notice I am a huge fan of serums, which is why I was thrilled to try out the Formula No. 9 R-lift Face & Eye Serum from Raffaele Ruberto Skin! So far I adore this product and cannot wait to try out the rest of Raffaele Ruberto’s collection, which is entirely all natural, organic, and non-toxic. His products are anti-aging and have both instant and cumulative benefits, so you can see things working right away as well as over time.

If it seems to good to be true, it’s not. According to their website, Ruberto’s R-lift Complex is clinically proven to “lift & sculpt the jawline & cheekbones, blur fine lines & pores, smooth uneven skin tone, erase under-eye puffiness, & dramatically increase hydration.” This is quite a tall order, but somehow Ruberto’s line delivers: tackling the five signs of aging all while being paraben, phthalate and synthetic free.

The proprietary blend in R-lift Complex features some standout ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin C (anything with hyaluronic acid has a place in my heart). These can all be found in the R-lift Face & Eye Serum, which is also touted to “enhance the contouring effect of any good contouring technique” and is encouraged to be used as a primer. Is there anything this multitasking serum can’t do? Hint: no!

Last but not least, my actual personal experience with the serum was perfect. As someone with sensitive skin and occasional rosacea issues, I always worry that certain products can be harsh and that introducing something new will cause a flare-up. However, the serum did not create any negative reaction, and even features aloe as its first ingredient. It feels soothing and soft, while completely soaking into the skin (one of the many reasons I love serums). It’s safe to say I am obsessed with R-lift Face & Eye and seriously impressed by this brand, which I know will go hand-in-hand with my other favorite natural skincare line, Drunk Elephant. 🙂

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A little skin selfie with the newest addition to my AM/PM routine.

Thanks to Raffaele Ruberto for sending me some goodies. 

If you are a Nordstrom Rewards Member, you can find Raffaele Ruberto Skin on their site. Sephora, time to get with the program! 😉

xx Hannah

Surviving Summer: Makeup That Doesn’t Melt Off

My current favorites in order of application. And the new blush beautyblender was obviously a must!

  1. Make Up For Ever Smoothing Primer
    I can’t seem to quit this version from Make Up For Evers’ extensive line of primers. I even prefer it over their mattifying option. It helps create an even canvas, which is key to getting natural results when contouring (bye bye splotchy cheeks). It sets immediately in a matte finish and allows your makeup to literally glide on.
  2. Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Longwear High Cover Foundation
    This foundation is certainly Armani Beauty’s best for those with oily or even combination skin. I tried Luminous and Lasting Silk and both were far too dewy for me. However, I was addicted to the formula that Armani Beauty has perfected so well. So when Power Fabric came out promising a velvet-matte finish and 16 hours of coverage, I knew it was a must have. Power Fabric indeed has the same luxurious feel as it’s predecessors, but with less luminosity. It’s got the staying power for a night out or special events, and SPF 25 for your daytime outings.
  3. beautyblender in “bubble”
    I have a love/hate relationship with beautyblenders. More often than not I forget to prep mine, especially when I am in a hurry. But there really is no better tool on the market to apply liquid foundations, creams, and even powders. I was slightly giddy trading in my hot pink blender for one of the newer, muted colors. I chose the blush-toned “bubble,” but love the “nude” option, as well!
  4. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer (waterproof) 
    There is a lot I could say about this miracle-in-a-tube. All you need to know is that it a little goes a long way (AKA it lasts forever) and it covers even the worst dark circles. I pair it with Bye Bye Under Eye Corrector after those extra long nights to pack a double punch of coverage. This concealer is perfect for summertime and stays on amid sweat and the sea!
  5. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (travel size with velour puff)
    I have a full-sized version that stays at my vanity and this adorable travel size to stuff in purses. This versatile powder can be used to set foundation and concealer, all while helping blushes and bronzers go on more evenly. Combined with a smoothing primer, your makeup will look flawless. I love the travel size for touch-ups throughout the night.
  6. Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray
    Last but certainly not least, this is the setting spray for humid temperatures. It guarantees all of your hard work stays put, despite the elements. Although it was created for oily skin, getting a travel size to stretch you through summer is probably a good idea!

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