Month: June 2019

Testing It Out: Tula Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm

LeahLeave a comment

Happy Monday, Y’all!

Today, I wanted to tell you all about another product I’ve been testing out lately and loving; the Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm by Tula!

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Generally speaking, my skin looks and feels it’s best when I’ve had plenty of water and sleep, but as we all known, life happens. Sometimes that means I need a little extra help, but I still try to only focus on a few products.

On their website, Tula claims that this product “Instantly cools, hydrates, and brightens the look of undereye dark circles. Tightens & hydrates the look of lines & wrinkles. Wear under or on top of makeup for a natural dewy glow.”

I was definitely skeptical at first when I ordered this product! I had heard so many of my favorite bloggers hyping it up for months, but couldn’t help to wonder if it really worked or not.

After almost three months of putting it to the test in this hot and humid North Carolina weather, I am so happy to have nothing but good things to report back!

This is my new go to product! I love that it comes in stick form and is easy to throw into my bag when I’m on the go. It gives a nice and healthy look to around my eye area without being shimmery like a highlight. Think more natural and glowing from within!

Living in the South, I am no stranger to heat, so the fact that this is cooling is always nice! I’ve noticed that my dark circles and undereye puffiness are both gone within minutes of applying this which is a huge plus when I’m trying to get makeup on and out the door.

Speaking of makeup, this product can be applied over a full face! I’m not sure how, but whenever I do use it on top of makeup, it never seems to get smudged or removed!

I love that it’s also packed full of ingredients that help hydrate my skin and lock in moisture! If all of that wasn’t good enough, this product is cruelty free and free from things like fragrance, parabens, and alcohol!

Over the last few months of using the Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm, I have definitely noticed a difference in my undereye area! Not only do I no longer look tired (even when I am!), but I can really see the transformation in how radiant my skin looks now.

I highly recommend this and can’t wait to try more out from Tula!

XOXO,
Leah

Testing It Out: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

LeahLeave a comment

If you follow me over on Instagram (@alongftride), you might remember that, a few months back, I shared that I was trying out a new self-tanner; St. Tropez. Well, today I’m sharing all the details about it!

Like I said, I’ve been using the St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse for a few months now. There’s just something about being tan that makes me feel my best!

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As a former pageant girl, I love a good spray tan, but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to go to a tanning salon for an appointment. This product helps give me that glow right at home and for a fraction of the cost!

I always start by using a good exfoliant, especially around my elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. My favorite is a homemade body scrub that has ground coffee, brown sugar, and coconut oil in it! (Recipe will be coming soon!)

If you’re more on the pale side, I would recommend that you start out with the Classic Bronzing Mousse since dark may be too dark for you. What I do like about this is that it is buildable to a degree!

In the winter and spring months, the Dark color is perfect for me since I am naturally tan with being Asian, but I will probably make the switch over to the Extra Dark color.

To apply, I do use the St. Tropez applicator mitt since it came with my self-tanner, but any mitt should do the trick! I use three pumps of the product per leg and two per arm. My stomach, chest, neck, face, and back definitely depend on the day as far as how many pumps I use!

I just pump the product directly onto the mitt and apply it to my skin in circular motions. I do use this on my face most times. So far (fingers crossed) I haven’t noticed any irritation or breakouts which is always a plus! Since my back isn’t always visible, sometimes I’ll just skip it altogether, but I recruit my husband to help if I do!

It does have a faint scent to it. While it doesn’t bother me, it is something to be aware of! I also don’t love that it goes on a bit sticky until fully dry. This is normally around 30 minutes, but I have noticed that having the ceiling fan on high helps cut down on that time a little!

What product would you like me to try out next?

XOXO,
Leah

Parmesan and Cheddar Crisps

LeahLeave a comment

Happy Monday, y’all!

After several weeks of computer issues, I think I’ve finally gotten it back up and running (fingers crossed)!

Especially in the summer, I love a good crunchy and salty snack to go with a nice cold drink! Popcorn, chips, pretzels, you name it!

With my love of cheese, my latest addiction has been really any kind of cheese crisp, but buying them can get a little on the pricey side. Enter this recipe I whipped up one night, and boom! An easy and way cheaper version of my most craved snack!

What You’ll Need

• 2 Cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• ½ Cup Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Parchment Paper

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You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°.

Next you’re going to line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your crisps not stick and make clean up that much easier!

In a bowl, mix the two shredded cheese s together until well combined.

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Now you’ll drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet. They don’t spread out too much when in the oven, so I put four mounds in each row.

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Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper right after you take them out of the oven so the seasoning sticks best!

Let sit until cool to the touch and then you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Parmesan and cheddar crisps!

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While yummy on their own, there are also tons of ways to jazz them up; turkey and avocado, in place of tortilla chips for nachos, with eggs and bacon…

What’s your go to snack right now?

XOXO,
Leah