- Katie and Danielle

Here are some takeaways from my first DIY.

1. Have a variety of brushes. This will give you some great dimension and different textures.

2. Acrylic paint is great for beginners, like myself. I went with a matte black/gray and LOVED IT!

3. Look for some inspiration online to get those creative juices flowing, but don’t try to copy a piece exactly. These kinds of projects get the best results when you’re just having fun without expectation of a “perfect” painting.

4. Always have extra sheets of paper for those “Oh Shit!” moments.

5. And lastly, turn on some tunes, grab a glass of wine, and have FUN!


- Katie

1. Philosophy: Renewed Hope In A Jar This product has saved my face. This moisturizer is light, creamy and fully hydrating. No oily residue and absorbs super quickly.
2. St. Tropez: Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil From the months of  November-March, my skin is about as white as the Michigan snow. I use this every other week to give me a fresh glow. The oil is hydrated, easy to apply and leaves no orange or streaky messes. Best sunless tanner I have ever used!
3. Soap & Glory: The Righteous Butter For those with very dry skin, this is for you. I take this with me everywhere and the fresh-smelling thick formula leaves my skin very soft and radiant. I have tried countless lotions during these cold-dry months and nothing seems to work better than this body butter.
4. Jersey Shore Cosmetics: Anti-Aging Lip and Hand Polish I received this product in my monthly Ipsy bag. I have never heard of the brand but I wanted to give it a try. This lip/hand scrub duo is perfect and refreshing for getting rid of that dead skin. I use this scrub weekly in the scent “Vanilla Bean.”
5. Philosophy: The MicrodeliveryExfoliating Wash Nothing much to say here except that this is the best face exfoliate I have ever used. The “beads” are super fine and salt like which is great for not clogging any pores. Again, I exfoliate once or twice a week. Any more will cause damage and extra dryness to your skin.
6. Smashbox: Blendable Lip and Cheek Highlighter Stick This sheer and creamy highlighter stick is one simple way for achieving a hydrating glow. The applicator is perfect for all areas of the face and comes with a sponge for easy blending. Disclaimer: If your skin leans on the oily side, this isn’t for you. I would try a powder highlight such as Becca’s Skin Perfecting Highlighter in Champagne Pop. I own this product and it’s beyond beautiful and smooth on your skin.
7. MAC: Prep + Prime Fix + A lot of you may own this or have tried this. I use this spray after my makeup is complete. It gives hydration and a natural look on your skin. I don’t know what voodoo magic is in this bottle, but it truly brings everything together flawlessly.
8. Makeup Forever:  Step 1 Primer-Hydrating Last but not least, primer. As you might have guessed from all the products mentioned I love anything hydrating, moisturizing and dewy. I use this under my foundation around my under-eye area. For some strange reason, I get extremely dry there and my makeup begins to flake off looking disgusting. Luckily this saves the day!