Glossier

The Ace Edit - Summer 2018

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Welcome to the first ever ACE EDIT! Filled with my current obsessions, my top shelf, health and mental guide and goals. A digital seasonal/monthly journey to achieve an outer and inner glow.

Summer is the season when I embrace my most natural state. I put down the blow dryer and opt for a fro or ballerina bun. I’m usually bare faced unless I’m going out on some random evening. I like to go for walks along the river and stop at bench to gather my thoughts and write out my feelings, iced matcha in hand, just taking in the season... and uncomfortable heat. 

TAN TIP: Put some Colourpop Loose Highlighter into your bottle of Suntan Oil, You will glow like a mermaid while getting bronzed.

SUMMER SKIN

Lately I just really care about protecting my skin and having it naturally glow. Have you seen Ashley Graham’s skin lately? She has been my inspiration. Clean, gleaming, healthy skin. I like to use a simple daily routine using all Glossier. Starting with Milky Jelly Cleanser, then I exfoliate  with Solution  to balance and even out my skin’s texture as well as preventing and clearing any blemishes. I step in with Priming Moisturizer RICH because I’m a dry ass bish. I finish it off with Invisible Shield. I know, it’s not waterproof but this shit doesn’t break me out which 99.9% of sunscreens do! Plus If you are using any products like Solution that contain AHA, BHA and PHA IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU USE SUNSCREEN.

SCRUBBA DUB DUB

I’m really obsessed with exfoliating my body and scrubbing off the layers of sunscreen and sweat from a long hot day. I love Lush’s Ocean Salt, I also scrub my face with it a couple of times a week to give that clean brightening effect. Lush’s RUB RUB RUB works great too and smells so damn divine. I tend to concentrate on the areas where my keratosis pilaris is apparent af. I do love coffee scrubs from FRANK BODY for those areas affected with KP as well, I just don’t love the way it dirties my tub. but they do WONDERS at exfoliating and healing. 

 

SCENTSATIONAL

Lately my scent has actually been Glossier’s Body Hero Oil Wash . I live for the neroli scent in that product, therefore making me indulge in Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino. The scent transports me from sticky, steamy NYC, to Somewhere in Northern Italy. 

 

MAKEUP MANUAL

Makeup has been kept very light this season. For work I’m barefaced. For the evening, if I get pulled out of my cozy bed for a glass of rosé at Sel Rose, I’d opt for NARS Tinted Moisturizer, and Concealer, FENTY Matte Match Stix to try and lightly contour to slenderize my face a bit, Marc Jacobs Bronzer, NYX Brow Pencil, Glossier Boy Brow, Glossier Dusk Cloud Paint. MAC Stripdown lip pencil paired with any of my many shimmery, clear glosses. I usually end with a wing and/or mascara but if I’m feeling it, I’d throw on some shadow and demi wispies. Of course I add some glow, Colourpop Loose Highlighters are a fave at the moment for a pretty subtle iridescence, I love the way the sun reflects off of it. 

Did you know that choosing a calming color on your nails can help with anxiety when you glance down at your nail? I find this to be accurate. My favorite color is Periwinkle, which as you know is a super calming shade of blue therefore Floss Gloss’s “95% Angel” is my go-to, signature polish. 

MANE TAME

I don’t straighten my hair unless I’m going to the salon for a trim and  undercut upkeep. It’s WAY too hot and my edges will curl up in .3 seconds. I simply wash the stress flakes away, bless you ORIBE SERENE SCALP Shampoo and Conditioner for keeping my scalp free of Frosted Flakes. I like to go in with a OUAI Trifecta of Rose Hair & Body Oil, Leave-in Conditioner and a few sprays of "Sun of a Beach" to naturally lighten up my strands to look Sunkissed, I also love to use Kristin Ess Weightless Air Dry Creme. I honestly have no patience for my hair in the summertime, so I keep it as minimal as possible. 

VITAL BEAUTY

I am someone who deals with anxiety and depression. I have my moments and with all that is happening in this country, it's not helping. I try my best to aid myself when the lows hit. I find that I must separate myself in order to RECHARGE and FOCUS on MYSELF. Sometimes we care about people so much and want to be there for them that to the point that we exhaust ourselves, sacrificing our inner peace and happiness in the process. It is absolutely vital for me to be pull myself away and take a break. I must do this because if I don’t it makes me resent people and I don’t have it in me to carry around that type of baggage. It does get lonely, especially if you’re like me and don’t have anyone to confide in and/or fear of being a burden to others. You’re on your own and you figure out ways to aid yourself during this time alone. I like to write my thoughts down and sometimes tear up the paper so I can just release all of that bullshit in my head, Keeping shit internalized is a NO for me. Small things help me out so much. Moments like  the way the sun creeps through my window and hits my sheets in the morning, make me feel good about taking on the day.

 

MY SELF CARE TIPS

JOURNALING - Write those thoughts down! Release that negativity lingering in your mind, causing you to overthink.

BULLET JOURNALING - I find that organization and planning calms my anxiety. 

SUMMER READING LIST - Getting lost in a fictional story distracts you from your own, like a tiny escape from reality. 

BINGE ON A SHOW - There's nothing wrong with binging on entertainment once in a while. May I recommend GLOW? 

MAKE A SOOTHING SUMMER PLAYLIST - Believe it or not, Music has healing powers!

GO FOR A POWER WALK - A physical way to release those lingering thoughts on overdrive. 

AT HOME SPA - Pair a face mask with that journaling, reading or bingeworthy show. 

CALM APP - I recommend this to everyone. I have used mine everyday for the past few years. The sound of rain brings me peace.

LIGHT A CANDLE - I find this to be such a soothing luxury. My favorite candle is ASH from BOY SMELLS. 

 

*Professional Help - Sometimes you reach a point where being there for yourself just isn’t enough and THAT IS OKAY. There is nothing wrong with seeking help from a professional. I’ve done it a few times and I feel so much better afterwards. 

 

 

 

Take care of yourself. Until Next time...

Glossy Skin, Glossy Lips, Glossy Life

On My Radar: Top Fall Beauty Trends with The MPB Team

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Take the runway to your vanity with these top Fall beauty trends that emerged from Fashion Week hand picked by us! Each of us on the Meetpepperb Team have a different style that rings true in what caught our attention this fashion season. Fall is more than the classic warm tones and dark lips. It's beautiful but don't forget to have fun with your makeup! Keep reading to find out our top picks for beauty this season! You can also save your favorite looks to Pinterest!

@bufferingbetty's Pick: Modern Victorian

Once you get past the powdered face of a Victorian look, what remains is a minimalist usually cool-toned smokey eye paired with flushed cheeks and lips. What I love about it is that there is a secrecy in the look. A wide-eyed doe sweetie who is blushing because... a tryst in the garden? Stolen glances? It is romantically guilty! To modernize this look, scale back the total matte-ness of the era. Go for a natural skin-like finish. Use a berry stain on lips topped with a gloss. Skip the cheekbone highlight and make the look pop with a color mascara!

@Twist.it.tea's Pick: Floating Space

A mix between mod and minimalism has me in love.  Everything I've been told about coloring in the lines has gone out the window.  There are no rules to a floating liner and it can come in many shapes, shades and sizes.  Bold, lines and colors that remind me of a Piet Mondrian painting, or metallic liners and shadows creating a futuristic cat eye -- negative space on the lids isn't just high end runway wear, the beautiful imagery can be translated for a less dramatic event with a simple line above your lid. 

@acevallee's Pick: Gilded Lids

Whether painted or sleekly lined, glittered, shimmery or matte, GOLD is the perfect accent to make any look Luxe. Mostly seen with minimal makeup on the runway, the golden lids make a grand statement. I adore metallic beauty looks, especially gold because it's glamorous and looks like jewelry on your eyelids and is just as eye-catching. Gleaming gilded lids can even glam up sweats, a tee and a pair of sneakers, it's that powerful. Some looks I fell in love with on the A/W runways early this year varies from more simplistic glittering gold lined lids paired with a bold brow as seen on the model at Nicholas K to a more shimmery, bold and geometric eye look at the Alexis Mabille show to a light pale yellow gold with matching nail accents at Laura Biagiotti. 

Pin It!

@Downtownpepper's Pick: Extremely Glossy Lip 

The time is now to let matte lipstick go! I mean it is great for special occasions or date night. However, I am thrilled that the wet lip trend is back this is a go to for me when I am on shoots or even when I translate it to my personal life. The wet lip is minimal and sexy all in one! The wet lip gives you leg room to be as dramatic as you want with your make-up or highlighter. To be honest I thought Rihanna helped bring this lip trend back with Fenty's universal nude gloss. but NO! Glossier has been ahead of the trend! Also I've been trying to track down this beautiful clear gloss from Sephora collection with holographic glitter (Starlight) for months and its been SOLD out every store I check! Fall and Winter will be here way before we know it. Skin appears so much more fresh and can tolerate full coverage make-up that will stay, however dry weather and dry lips don't mix so do yourself the favor !!! 

Which Look Will You Add To Your Fall Routine?

None of the photos used are property of meetpepperb.com

Glossier Priming Moisture Rich Review

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Written by: @acevalle

I'm just going to go ahead and give this an extra star because it's that damn good. 6 STARS FOR GLOSSIER! I have NOT been wearing much on my face because I wanted to really see how much better my skin could become by sticking to a proper, simple skincare routine for 1 month straight. And I started as soon as I received Glossier's newest product, PRIMING MOISTURIZER RICH, which is basically their Priming Moisturizer on crack and it has been the key skincare product I've been using. 

Usually I go through winters stressed because my skin gets incredibly dry. If it's not the unpredictable NYC weather outside it's the dry heat indoors, it's a lose/lose situation. Many thick moisturizers are quite heavy and leave me looking like a grease pit, kind of like a barrier but without any absorption benefits which lead to my makeup just sliding off... gross. So I would usually skip the moisturizing step (NOT GOOD) because I would rather just be parched and able to apply makeup than be a slick mess. I needed a magical miracle. 

... and then Glossier Priming Moisturizer was created. This magical little unicorn of a product in all of its pale pink glory hydrates even the driest of skins (that's me!). It has a beautiful texture that is thicker and creamier than the original, yet still weightless and glides on while absorbing into your skin leaving it looking youthful, plump and glowing without the greasy look or tacky feel that many expensive luxury moisturizers may leave. The light feel of this deeply moisturizing cream is still as perfect as its original for being a great primer for makeup application. It is also hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free as well as dermatologist tested making it gentle enough and appropriate for even the most sensitive skin. The Moisturizer also contains what they call Power Primers that improve the tone and overall texture of your skin as well as key ingredients that post up a barrier to protect your skin against harsh winter weather conditions and boys who are trouble. It is an actual Pink Power Ranger in a jar. 

 

 

 

Most germaphobes like myself are a little iffy when it comes to creams in a jar, but Glossier has assured their cult following that they have found a preservative system that keeps the jarred formula bacteria free! 10 points to GLOSSIER!!! I recommend this to anyone who wants to improve their skin a d especially those who live where the winter weather doesn't love you. I completely trust glossier with my life because they've simplified my routine and have helped my skin improve and their products feel so luxurious that taking care of my skin feels more like a treat than a chore. This 1.7oz of power packed product is luxury with an affordable price tag of $35 plus free shipping (and if you use the code linked below you get 20 percent off of your first Glossier purchase). Deals on Deals honey!! Get to it!! 

 

 

20% off link 

http://bff.glossier.com/eBzyv

Glossier Priming Moisturizer & Perfecting Skin Tint Review.

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Glossier Priming Moisturizer & Perfecting Skin Tint Review. 

By Amanda V. 

5 Stars 

I, the Glossier obsessed, am coming to you with yet another review. This time I did it in pairings because this dynamic duo should be used together because the results are BOMB! If you've read my past reviews, you know that although I love a full on glam, I'm a minimalist on the daily. I live for a natural look with glowing skin, which is why I'm drawn to a brand like Glossier who caters to the everyday girl that still wants to look polished and put together. For work, 99% of the time I am running out the house because there's just not enough time for me to get ready in the morning (Unless I decide to wake up at 5am which I REFUSE). But this little duo is the Batman and Robin of low maintenance makeup, it has changed the game for me. 

First up is the Glossier Priming Moisturizer. I was incredibly hype for this product because I have yet to find a moisturizer that I love. What I've tried has been either to thick, too thin and has either left me with a rash or a gross residue (which is a pet peeve for me, ugh) but I finally grabbed this little bad boy. It is described on the packaging as a "buildable hydrating creme". It has a thin consistency, like not a lotion and not a gel Moisturizer. The silky consistency of this creme is incredible and leaves Skin smooth to the touch. The instant I put this moisturizer on my freshly cleansed face, it instantly felt and visibly looked hydrated. My skin soaked it up at an instant and then I added another layer and my skin felt plump and properly moisturized. I've been using this for about 3 weeks now and I have seen a change in my skin feeling softer than usual. It DOES work as a primer in the sense that it properly preps your skin for makeup application and works well when mixing it with a foundation if you want to create a light coverage tinted moisturizer, or even as a base for anything with sheer/light coverage. I'm not sure Id use it as a primer for foundation longevity, especially since I always set my skin with powder or Mac Fix+, but it does prep the skin well enough and keeps it very moisturized for hours upon hours. This works for all skin types and has been exceptional for my dry/combo, sensitive skin. Ideal for the upcoming winter months when my skin becomes a flaky mess. It is cruelty free, free of harmful, harsh chemicals as well as fragrance free which is crucial for me because for myself and most people with sensitive skin, moisturizers with scents irritate and inflame my skin. I have not broken from this moisturizer at all whatsoever. This moisturizer goes above and beyond and has made a permanent home in my makeup bag. 

The perfect pairing for this moisturizer is the Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint. This particular product has. Even on my radar forever! This gives the sheerest of coverage for that "your skin, but better" look. This light base will diminish imperfections and even out any discoloration. The skin match is incredible as this product adapts to your skin tone. I could easily wear either  "Medium" or "Dark". The formula is fantastic as my face is left super smooth and plump (which Glossier credits their secret ingredient, Polymer X, to give a slight lifted look to the face, think of it as not a push up bra but an uplift bra for your face) but the holy grail ingredient to me is the Diamond Powder which gives a brightening effect to the skin while also blurring any minor imperfections of the skin. This product makes me look awake and refreshed even after watching the World Series Game 7 coverage until 3am and having to get up 3 hours later for work.  

(As you can see above on my hand swatch, , the duo vanished my redness and blurred my skin to perfection.)

The consistency is comparable to MAC's face and body foundation, minus the major oxidization that product tends to give regardless of how good it is. I applied the Perfecting Skin Tint after the Priming Moisturizer. I used my fingers to blend and the product instantly melted into my skin. It is thin enough that you can layer it and you WILL NEVER come off looking cakey. If you want to set it with a powder, I'd recommend something light and slightly luminous like Nars reflecting pressed powder or Hourglass Dim Light Pressed Powder. 

The pricing is incredibly reasonable for the incredible quality you are getting. The Priming Moisturizer retails for $25 for 1.7ozof product, which is a pretty good deal for an outstanding moisturizer. The Perfecting Skin Tint retails for $26 for 1oz of product which is about half the price of any tinted moisturizer from shops like Sephora. It's high end quality without the high end price tag. I highly recommend trying this out, whether its one or the other or both as a duo. You won't regret it. Go purchase at Glossier.com and say hello to your new staples for low-maintenance Sunday runs to Starbucks and Target. 

 

Note: For 20% off your first purchase at Glossier, use this link! http://bff.glossier.com/eq5SF

 

Happy Shopping Beauties!! 

@Glossier Boy Brow Review

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Glossier Boy Brow Review 

By Amanda V.

Warning! I am here with yet another Glossier post. I apologize but I just can't get enough and I feel everyone should try them out because they are too good . This time it's the product that started my love affair with this brand. Also it's a makeup product rather than the usual Glossier skincare post. This is the holy grail Brow product that I absolutely cannot live without. Behold the great and powerful "Boy Brow" Brow Pomade. 

 

Let me just say this, This is NOT your average Brow gel boy!!! This tinted wax formula MAGICALLY mimics those full gorgeous brows of that beautiful boy from my freshman class in college who had the most gorgeous brows (and face) I've ever seen but that's a whole other story.

 

Its no secret huge fan of untouched, full, model off duty, Brooke Shields-esque brows (circa "The Blue Lagoon") She has ALWAYS been my ultimate BROWSPIRATION. I myself had pretty much always had a full brow. I've had a few mishaps in recent years, that I no longer trust anyone with my brows. You will always catch me slathering on Jamaican castor oil to get them back to their fullest. I stressed my brow sorrows until I came across the Boy Brow. 

Say goodbye to crunchy, stiff, wet, painted on brows for me. Although the clean and perfect "Instagram" brow can be beautiful, it is simply not my cup of tea. I'm more of a full and feathered kind of girl. The wonderful, conditioning wax formula of the Glossier Boy Brow keeps my brows full and in place without the flakes that some Brow gels tend to leave. This sheer pigments in this magnificent little tube will give you the illusion of a fuller thicker, natural brow. The formula is smooth and creamy that the want glides over my brow hairs with each feathery up and out stroke. The magical tiny wand brush is a dream to work with and helps control the application of the product as you shape and set your brows. This pomade has uber conditioning let ingredients like Oleic Acid to nourish and moisturize and Atelocollegento condition and strengthen the brow hair's fibers. So you're pretty much treating your brows with some TLC as you fluff it up. 

The Boy Brow like most Glossier products is great for sensitive skin. I didn't have tiny breakouts like some brow gels tend to give and claims to be for all skin types. It is also hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, dermatologist tested so I think it's pretty good to go for all skin types. 

If you're oily, you should definitely give this product a go. I used it most of this past hot and humid summer when my skin is more on the oily side and it would last a full work day and then some. 

 

This tiny tube retails for $16 on the Glossier website. Although tiny, a little goes a VERY long way and would last you quite some time. It comes in 3 very sheer, workable shades (Blonde, Brown and Black). Grab this gem while you can because they are in high demand and frequently sell out, especially Brown and Black). The bigger the brow the badder you are. Own your fluffiness. Thank me later and go make Cara Delevingne proud.

Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack Review

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Written Amanda V 

 

I’m always dabbing into new masks, searching for the perfect masks to add to my skincare collection that seems to keep growing and growing. I’ve experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. For awhile I’ve been wanting to try the Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack Detoxifying Face Mask. Apparently it’s a juice cleanse for your skin. It is jam packed with super antioxidants and those superpower nutrients like leafy greens for a deep cleanse, exfoliants from orange peels and moisturizing avocado oil, and a creamy white clay to purify your pores. Doesn’t that just sound super good for you? How can you not be drawn in to try it.

 

I slathered a layer onto my slightly damp skin, after using my holy grail Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and let it set for 20 minutes. You skin will start to tingle a bit, and you can actually feel the mask sucking out the impurities from your face. BYE BYE GUNK!! (for some of you who aren’t used to this type of mask which is reminiscent of GlamGlow, it might be uncomfortable for you at first but i promise its good) I rinsed my face clean with lukewarm water and my skin looked incredible. BABY SMOOTH SKIN!!! I was left with the faintest shade of pink after rinsing and patting my face lightly with a towel. But after a minute or two I was simply left with squeaky clean, radiant, smooth, clear skin. My pores were noticeably less visible. INCREDIBLE! Who would have thought that this little $22 dollar mask would actually work as well as my $70 GlamGlow? For a little extra treatment I followed up with a 20 minute session of my trusty Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask. This Mega Greens Galaxy Mask is free of any harsh chemicals and lab crap, so that you can use it weekly or you can even use this mask as frequent as you wish. It is THAT gentle! It is for all skin types including those with sensitive skin (YAY!) 

For the perfect end to the work week and/or school week, treat yourself for 45 minutes with a cleanse followed by back to back Face Masks session while watching an episode of Stranger Things on Netflix or a couple of chapters of the new Harry Potter (that’s what I did, I’m a nerd. I can’t help it). 

For $22 (incredible price for a mask THAT ACTUALLY DOES IT”S JOB if you ask me!!!) you are recieving 3oz of product, as well as my favorite… GLOSSIER STICKERS!! You can only purchase Glossier Products on their website (Glossier.com) The packaging is minimalist cute just like all of their other products. Grab yourself a jar to try out and add some of the included stickers to it so that when you see it, you will smile while grabbing it out of your shelf. It’ll remind you you to be happy and relax while wearing it. The smallest things can bring a smile to your face.