About three months ago I came across an Instagram ad for Jonathan Van Ness's hair brand - JVN Hair - and just so happened to click on it for more information. Honestly, I didn't really think about purchasing anything at that moment but I knew I was looking for something new to add to my haircare routine. I eventually clicked out of the ad and moved on from there. Cut to a week later and little did I know this influenced me so much that when I saw it was available as a sample to add to my Sephora order, it was added immediately.

After the samples of the Volumizing line were done - I literally squeezed the last of the product out - I realized this was visibly showing me improvement and I needed to take the next step and try it out in full-size. Slowly but surely I was able to see better volume, shine, and fewer dead ends after each wash. I wasn't necessarily looking to start a new routine, but this has become something I can easily take control of, as life around me has been absolutely chaotic lately. I started an Instagram highlight that you can view here if you want to take a look at how far I've come! 

EMBODY Volumizing Shampoo

The hunt for a shampoo that will help with adding volume and strength is one I've been on for a while. Lo and behold, this Embody Volumizing product has lived up to my shampoo expectations! Such a unique smell, and gorgeous recyclable packaging. A decent amount is given for the bottle and sizing. I highly recommend bundling products together to get a discount!

EMBODY Volumizing Conditioner

Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Cream

This product was recommended right before I checked out and my eyes were instantly drawn to the 'air dry' phrase, so I knew I had to try it! Kudos to the web team for this placement, right?! A few drops onto the fingertips, then apply to the ends and move up to the roots. The smell is so good too! Compliments the shampoo and conditioner really well. 

Please keep your fingers crossed for me! I'm hoping it'll be just what I need. I put all the product links below, so let me know what your favorite JVN product is in the comments!

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Always,
Mostly Lisa

“Fragrance is everything: it is the relationship between you and your mind, you and other people, you and this world. It is the life that you lead in your head. It is the life that you lead in the ways your skin feels. It is everything.” ― C. JoyBell C.

Isn't scent amazing? It can pinpoint a memory just by one inhale, makes you feel emotions you may be unprepared for - good or bad - and can bring you places you can only dream of! Luckily, any reminiscing I have when certain fragrances enter the air is almost always brimming with positive memories. The more prevalent ones include watching my mom do her makeup before work every morning, unique Avon perfume bottles, and the absolutely decadent scent called 'Pleasures' by Estée Lauder were staples on her wardrobe. 

My mom's vanity was a place I absolutely loved to stand in front of as a kid while admiring all her makeup, skincare, and other tiny trinkets she kept her jewelry in. Once I found the recognizable bottle from Estée Lauder though, my interest was always piqued. I would sneak a couple spritzes and sprays, making sure to remember her tips on hitting the inside of my wrists and the sides of my neck. These were the "places to smell the best." I took this with me into adulthood, and it still applies today. 

'Pleasures' is an innately floral smell, so it makes sense that floral, citrusy, and muskier scents are some of my favorites every season.  I cannot thank my mom enough for introducing floral scents so early on in my life, since they are my go-to's also as an adult. Feminine, flirty, and sexy - applying these type of scents are my favorite part of my beauty routine, just like my mom! So little to no surprise here, spring is also my second favorite time of year, and since we're now in this new season, I wanted to share some of my favorite scents that I've had in my routine for years.

Zara Peony Eau de Parfum

Bright and delicate eau de parfum. The scent of peony mixes the flavor of sun-bathed pear and black currant with the softness of an elegant floral bouquet.

A delicious, floral scent envelops the room. This intoxicating perfume from Zara was introduced to me just a few weeks ago and has instantly become my daily scent. My partner made a comment stating that he loved coming home and having it smell like me - so this one is for sure staying! 

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Parfum

The sweet, breathtaking, and alluring qualities of Jasmine, bring Good Girl a bright of femininity. The Good Girl's mysterious side is expressed with richly fragrant Cocoa, an exciting Tonka while Almond and Coffee bring notes of bold vibrancy.

I absolutely adore the notes for this perfume! "She Is: Provocative & Unapologetic. Ocassion: Night" Inspired and made for women - this scent is so unique and pleasurable to wear. I know every time I put it on, a more confident version of myself comes out and I feel like I can conquer anything! 

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne

The sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, patchouli and woods. Luscious and golden.

This scent is highly associated with fall for me, but it's slowly become a year-round staple. It's so refreshing, and light and really brings out a more feminine, divine energy than I've ever experienced with any other perfume.

YSL Mon Paris Eau De Parfum 

Inspired by Paris, this sensuous, romantic perfume reflects the intense passion found in the city of love. An unforgettable whirlwind journey to Paris, the feminine and floral perfume embodies desire and seduces the senses.

Oh my, this has become a go-to perfume for me for the last 5 years. I tend to get this scent only in the travel size, as it lasts such a long time since a little goes a long way! Every. single. time I wear this, I get compliments. I highly, highly recommend getting a sample and trying this fragrance out. 

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Always,
Mostly Lisa

Hello my fellow skincare enthusiasts, today I wanted to talk about these two beauties! This is not sponsored by Fresh Beauty (however, feel free to hit me up FB, I would adore being an ambassador for you) but I'm enamored with these products and wanted to share a little bit about them and how they fit into my skincare routine flawlessly. After trying both in a sample size several months ago, I originally put them to the side due to both of their price points and not being able to justify the spending. That has now changed and I'll just say, I'm probably never going to go back. Both products in their full-size form are well worth the purchase, especially if you use the proper amount every time. A little goes a long way! Please read on for my thoughts and let me know what you think! Have you tried a Fresh Beauty product? Pros? Cons? I'd love to know any other items I should try. 

Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash

Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer

This lightweight moisturizer delivers 72-hour deep hydration in three ways: A duo of hyaluronic acids instantly and deeply hydrate while time-release technology delivers continuous hydration. Damask rose extract strengthens the skin’s barrier, resulting in dewy skin that’s plumped with moisture.

What an absolutely stunning scent, obviously of roses. I feel like a goddess applying this to my face after exfoliating. It leaves skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated, which works perfectly for me as I tend to have dry skin year-round. There's no sticky residue leftover and the best part is that the scent doesn't linger for too long. It also includes hydrating plum seed oil to keep the complexion looking fresh, which is what everyone wants, right? Highly recommend!

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Always,
Mostly Lisa

(photo via: crfashionbook)

We're right in the midst of fall and while I haven't necessarily needed to wear any makeup or buy new products because of quarantine, I wanted to touch on a few products that I've been using since March and that have easily transitioned into this new season. One thing I love about beauty products is the fact that they can do such a transition and you don't have to feel like you're wasting the products because you purchased it at a certain time. Here are five products that I'll be using this fall and more than likely the rest of this dumpster fire of a year. At least my skin will look (and smell) good! What are you using this autumn?

1. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum: ($80) - This product has been great to use in my daily morning routine. I usually put it on as my second step as to make sure it really blends well into my skin. There is a scent to this but it does go away for me after I put on my moisturizer. The price is a bit hefty, but I've had it for about a month and half and have used it almost every single day. I particularly like using this on my neck and have noticed a difference in how loose my "double chin" is. Highly recommend!

2. First Aid Beauty Cleanser: ($32) - I've started using this product as my first step in my morning skincare routine! After being recommended by a Sephora employee to use it on my neck/chin after getting a wax, I haven't looked back. It's super easy to apply and has a soft scent, not at all overwhelming, and a little goes a long way. 

3. Yves Saint Laurent Perfume Mon Paris: ($100) - An investment to add to your collection, that's for sure, but I definitely believe it's worth it. Another product where a little can go a long way and it'll be worth having it be in certain sections on your skin. This scent makes me feel romantic, sexy and confident. The packaging doesn't hurt either. 

4. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray: ($33): This product has been in my collection for a few years. It's just a necessity to have, to be honest. Gives you smoother looking skin as well as locks in your makeup all day long. You must get it!

5. Colourpop Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadows ($7): I love finding a good deal, who doesn't? So I was so excited to find these pressed powders from Colourpop when shopping in Ulta a few months ago. They are so affordable and pack a lot of punch when it comes to pigmentation and longevity of wear.

• Similar to a braid crown, the bohemian braid is messier and tousled more. The perfect plait is something that will probably never got out of style. Designers, like Mara Hoffman, chose this messy braid to enhance her modern bohemian aesthetic down the runway. It's such a great hairstyle because you can wear it anywhere! 

• The dark lips trend is going nowhere soon. It's more powerful than ever, especially with the current obsession with bring back the 70s & 90s beauty trends. Think glam mixed with a bit of grunge, that makes for a seriously impressive aesthetic. The must with this trend is to make sure that you find the right shade for you by testing, testing, testing! The best way I've seen this trend done is with a matte lipstick, because I think it brings out the color better and can be a really romantic. Marc Jacobs obviously had this trend down pat. 

• We've all attempted to do the cat eye before, and were successful or failed miserably at it. Me being the latter, I was excited to hear that there is a new take on it. Take the classic cat eye, and tweak it into something more graphic. Linear lines right across the eyelid, for more of a straight sweep away from it. Anna Sui took this trend to elongate and lift the eye to add a more sensual effect to the face. 

• This trend is something I can already acquire easily with my fair skin, but it's also becoming something a lot of makeup artists are trying to achieve for their models. J.Crew was a great example of creating this flushed look, as if the models were coming off the slopes and into a warm cabin. Pssh, I can achieve this look any day I want!

• Metallic may have been the popular eye shadow, but it's time to move aside for a new diva to come through! Many artists for fall opted for bronze to cover the lids. Not only does it warm the face up, but it can be paired with any other of these trends seamlessly. Marchesa chose this bronze trend for their show, and even paired it with the red lip!

• Who can really say no to a red lip? The palette range for the lip during fall is all about a stained wine red all the way to a saturated cherry. This exciting trend was seen in several shows, my favorite would have to be Dolce & Gabbana. Paired with their aesthetic made the lip stand out in a super romantic way.