beauty Archives - shell chic'd

Swimwear & Skincare

March 27, 2017 by Emily 2 Comments

It is. Sofa king freezing here. Spring seems like an incredibly farfetched concept, and I don’t even remember what summer is.

I’ve found the silver lining to this extended winter though, and it’s not just that you can continue to limit the shaving of your legs, but rather–more time to prep for that swimsuit bod.

I don’t mean leg-gap cheese-grater-abs kind of body {not important thanks}. I’m talking about that hydrated, glowing skin, totally relaxed kind of body.

Life has been cray-cray lately, so I forced myself to take some me-time today. Yeah, today, like I have a Green Tea & Mango Face Mask and body butter on as I type this. My body needed this as much as my mind did…my skin has been dry from winter, my eyes puffy from lack of sleep, my hands chapped from the daily forgetting of my gloves becauseit’salmostAprilandyoushouldn’tneedglovesinApril.

Soap & Glory treated me to a bunch of these pampering goodies {ob-sessed with their pink package}, and Boohoo sent me a new swimsuit to plant the pressure in my mind. Skin is feeling SO much better and ready to show off—bring it on bare-leg weather!

Tweet this post to a friend who could use a day to treat herself xx

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SHOP THE POST::

August Edit

August 4, 2015 by Emily 2 Comments

Hi, I’d like to report a missing person. His name is July.

I know I say this every year, but HOW did it get to be August already?! I feel like I’m still sitting around waiting for the 4th of July to arrive.

I’m excited to bring you a new series of monthly edits going forward… products & places & other fun things I have on my mind that month. Dare YOU to try all of these things before September creeps up on ya.

Rhode Island :: We were in Warren, Bristol, and Little Compton this past weekend, and I’ve realized I have a real sweet spot for this state. I’d love to get back down to Newport before summer’s end, but also have my mind on Jamestown + Block Island now… | *image via

Pinkberry :: I love good old fashioned summer ice cream cones as much as the next person, but there’s something to be said for how much better I feel after topping my froyo with a pound of fresh fruit… no matter how much extra weight [read: $$] it adds 😛

Romper Season :: I’m so ready to soak up the last few weeks of this season. And TBH, probably the last couple summers I’ll be able to get away with these pieces in general… #old. Lilly has put out the cutest styles this summer (so comfy too!), and I’m making my wish list for when their annual End of Summer Sale hits in a couple weeks…! | *pictured above

Yoga on the Green :: I thought this was one of those too-good-to-be-true deals until I tried it. Every Sunday morning this summer, lululemon at The Street in Chestnut Hill hosts free yoga classes outside. I can count the number of yoga classes I’ve been to in my life on one hand, but I attended this one Sunday with many more experienced yogis, and we definitely all got a challenge out of it.

Prickly Pear Margaritas :: I’ve never been a big tequila drinker (thanks, college), but I cannot get enough of these this summer. I’m not letting August go by without attempting to make my own with some of this syrup— I’ll be starting with Vianney and Mackenzie‘s recipes.

Fresh Beauty :: As you’ve probably gathered from the lack of a Beauty section on this blog, I’m not much of a product person. But I was recently treated to some goodies from the Fresh location on Newbury Street and have fallen in lust. Grapefruit Eau de Parfum has quickly become my new summer scent, and the Rose Face Mask is the first mask I’ve actually looked forward to putting on. They also have the greatest Gift Bar— I sometimes feel funny giving friends bath and beauty products as gifts… so cliche, no? But the packaging at Fresh is CLUTCH & I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be excited about getting one of these boxes.

Oh and Fresh’s SPF Sugar Lip treatment? I own about six now.

Whatchyall looking forward to in the dog days of summer?

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Sunkissed by VersaSpa [+GIVEAWAY!]

July 22, 2014 by Emily 21 Comments

If you’ve ever looked at, like, a single photo of me on this blog, then you know I’m not exactly gifted in the not-looking-like-a-vampire department [still pissed I missed the casting call for Twilight: Breaking Dawn].

No but really, I am seriously pale, and for the most part, I’ve learned to love and embrace my fair skin! But of course with summertime comes a bajillion hot and tan bods walking around, with me in the middle, looking like a walking case of Vitamin D-deficiency. Thank you, SPF 75 for doing your job. And not letting in any bronze whatsoever [#sad].

We’ve all heard the awful statistics surrounding skin cancer + tanning beds, so like sHELL am I going to lay in one of those to get my summer tan on. So when Sunless, Inc. reached out to me to see if I’d be interested in trying out a spray tan, I jumped on the opportunity– this would be my first!

Let me tell you, I downright enjoyed the thing! I visited Boston’s Tan Works in the Financial District to try out a VersaSpa booth. Like a total newb, I had no idea what I was doing, but their tanning expert walked me through the few basic steps. The whole process, from undressing and prepping to walking out the door, took MAYBE ten minutes, but that actual spray tan was only a couple. I could not believe how easy + painless it was. And by painless I mean not as embarrassing as I pictured.

You have three choices for darkness levels– I went with Level 1, because honestly, would anyone even recognize me tanner than this? Here’s your disclaimer though: when I walked out, I was a little disappointed, thinking I could have afforded to go darker. But what I didn’t realize:: the tan darkens over the next few hours. When I woke up the next morning, it was the exact shade I was looking for.

[ Henrietta Dress + Shell Critter Wedges (similar 1; 2; 3;), Lilly Pulitzer ]

I’m on Day 5 of my tan, and while it has faded, I still definitely have a sunkissed glow. There are booths all over the country; click here to find one near you.

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[ GIVEAWAY ]
Win yourself a VersaSpa spray tan! Click HERE to enter through RaffleCopter. Giveaway runs until July 28 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US readers only.

Full disclosure: I was provided a complimentary VersaSpa tan for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lilly Loves Estée Lauder

June 3, 2014 by Emily 3 Comments

Lilly lovers:: in case you haven’t already heard, big news!

From now until June 14, with any $35 Estée Lauder skincare or foundation purchase via Macy’s, you will receive a 7-piece Lilly Pulitzer summer gift bag!

I stopped by Cambridgeside Galleria‘s Estée Lauder counter last week to try out some new products and have a look at the GWP. I LOVED their new BB Cream— I have super splotchy skin, and this covered up the redness but still felt so light. Plus, any foundation with SPF 30 in it is winning by my standards.

I’ve seen Lilly x Estée collaborations for years, but I want to stress that this is the last one, and it ends June 14 [while supplies last], so go get on with your bad selves! Last chance 😉

[ The 7-piece gift set includes: ]
Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Candy
Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Melon
Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black
Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask
Hair Comb
Choice of a moisturizer or BB cream
Exclusive Lilly Pulitzer Beach Tote

Spend $35 and get all that automatically, but, spend more, receive more! With any $80 Estée Lauder skincare or foundation purchase, you’ll also receive a free full-size Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask.

You know me and my love for Lilly– I’ll be toting this thing around all summer! Pick up yours at Macy’s.

Full disclosure: I was provided Estée Lauder makeup services and a complimentary GWP sample for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

City Skin: Keeping it Simple [+ GIVEAWAY!]

May 22, 2014 by Emily 19 Comments

Confession. When it comes to skincare, I don’t have the best of habits.

I’m totally guilty of leaving makeup on after a long night out. Of piling concealer on a pimple instead of properly treating it. Of forgetting sunscreen.

The only thing that makes me feel slightly better [even though it’s NO excuse!] is the fact that I’m unfortunately not alone here. Simple Skincare surveyed women across 40 top cities nationwide, and found some troubling numbers::

59% do nothing to actively protect their skin from sun or wind damage.

More than a quarter have gone [and will go!] two days without washing their face.

63% know their stress level affects the health of their skin; yet 53% are not actively trying to reduce said stress levels.

And hellooo city ladies like me– we are the ones who need to be the most careful! Living a stressful city life + coming into contact with city dirt + grime + not protecting ourselves from harsh sun and wind? Recipe for skin disaster.

Simple Skincare sent me some products to try, and I’m already seeing how easy it is to get fixing my bad habits.

The gentle–yet effective–Eye Make-up Remover Pads and Cleansing Facial Wipes make it easy to do a quick cleanse of your face + clear blackheads, for when it’s 2am and you just can’t bear to fully wash your face.

The Protecting Light Moisturizer contains broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen, but is so airy + doesn’t give you that heavy, greasy feeling that other SPF moisturizers I’ve tried do [remember this on cloudy days too– I’m guilty of holding out for the sun!].

The Foaming Cleanser offers a deep clean, but didn’t leave my skin feeling dry or stripped.

And post that terribly long winter [and to keep for next year’s!], The Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer provides instant hydration– it feels like the amazingness that is Aloe Vera, yet not sticky!

It’s products like this and scary time-lapse videos like that that make me want to break these bad habits and finally start treating my skin with the respect it deserves. I love a good facial, but there’s no reason to hold out for those– the Simple Skincare line is incredibly affordable, and gives you just as great a treatment at home.

Now won’t you join me? Let’s be kind to our city skin.

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GIVEAWAY
Simple Skincare is giving away a gift pack full of six full-size products from their line [including everything listed + pictured above!].
To enter:: Leave me a comment letting me know what bad skin care habit you’d like to break!
Giveaway runs until May 29 at 11:59pm. Open to US readers only.

Full disclosure: This post is sponsored by One2One Network; however, all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d.

Wakin’ Up with Grapefruit

May 5, 2014 by Emily 6 Comments

Lately I’ve been trying to incorporate half a grapefruit into my morning breakfast routine. Great for your heart, your skin, your metabolism… and its bright, citrusy flavor is the perfect pick-me-up for early mornings. I’ve been particularly drawn to its colors as well, because how could you not start your week off on a positive note while sporting these pretty brights?!

[ Milton Dress, Jack Wills ]
[ Gingham Lace Champion Sneakers, Keds ]
[ Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash, Neutrogena ]
[ Crossbody Leather Tote, GAP ]
[ Floyd Wedges, Nine West ]
[ Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm, Burt’s Bees ]
[ Snap Envelope Wallet, J.Crew Factory (sale!) ]
[ Piped Straight-Leg Khakis, GAP (sale!) ]

Are you a grapefruit fan? The fruit or the hue 😉

psst! And just because it’s Cinco de Mayo, here’s a recipe for Pink Grapefruit Margaritas for all ya party animals out there. Less remorse because of the health benefits, right?!

Getting Fresh + Pretty with Prettyology!

April 14, 2014 by Emily 9 Comments

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Newbury Street’s Julie Michaud Prettyology, and I could not have been more impressed! This beauty lab is all about the face:: stop in for skin care, makeup application, eyelash extensions, brow tweezing… pretty much everything I can think of that I would ever need to do to my face.

I spent my Saturday afternoon in the lab, being pampered with a facial + eye makeup application. Their facials mean business y’all. This is not at all to say it wasn’t incredibly enjoyable and relaxing, but my Skin Warrior treatment felt more like a dermatologist appointment than any old spa experience. I learned so-darn-much about my skin, and found out I’m doing a lot wrong [#oops!]. Lead Medical Aesthetician Jen Chiocchariello is a master of the face, and fixed up my winter-tormented skin while teaching me a ton of new things as well [good morning, warm lemon water with breakfast].

Then it was off to the darling Shalyn Brooks to test out The Eyes Have It— a half-hour eye makeup application that made me feel so glam, despite the rest of my face being super moisturized and embarrassing post facial extractions! [evidence here]. Shalyn got me to try something out of my normal routine, without forcing me to totally leave my comfort zone. I can’t wait to go back and get my eyes done before weddings + other events in the city this summer.

All in all, amazing experience. This is so much more than your typical spa/salon.

And special Boston perks right now: All Boston Marathon runners receive 25% off all products, skin treatments, brow shaping, or makeup services. For anyone who purchases products, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The One Fund for the entire month of April.

[ I’m sorry I just can’t get enough of this beautiful space! ]

Please do let me know if you stop by!

[ Julie Michaud Prettyology ]
[ 18 Newbury Street ]
[ Boston, MA 02116 ]
[ 617.262.1607 ]

Full disclosure: I was treated to my services at JM Prettyology; all opinions expressed are my own.

The Chestnut Hill Experience

April 7, 2014 by Emily 8 Comments

I’ve got a whole smorgasbord of fun things to show you today! Last week, I spent the better half of my Sunday with little seester Morgan at Chestnut Hill Square, just minutes outside of Boston. Talk about supercenter! CHS has a little bit of everything– fitness, shopping, pampering, and somuch wining and dining… basically, something for every section of this blog.

Here’s a little taste of how we spent our day…

Equinox:: Pilates
Anddd the photos stop here, because after Megan Fitzgerald’s amazing pilates class, I was a hot mess! I’ll be the first to admit I’m no fitness buff and would much rather start my weekend mornings snuggled in bed with a latte thank you, but waking up with a class that’s somehow both challenging and relaxing really put me in the right mood for the day. Equinox is beautiful and has so many options for classes and group fitness.

Another option for exercise in the square (besides the cardio you get from shopping, that is):: SoulCycle.

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Drybar:: Blowouts
I can’t say enough great things about Drybar– 4o bucks for a cocktail, hour of pampering, and a blowout that lasts multiple days? So worth it in my book. I’ve given a more thorough review here, but I also tried a Floater for the first time on this visit– a 10-minute scalp massage during your shampoo. Hi, bliss.

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Brio Tuscan Grille:: Lunch
I live in the North End = I love my Italian. Brio totally lived up to expectations– my Shrimp Mediterranean was packed with flavor, but didn’t leave me feeling like I needed to detox for three days like I do after most heavy Italian meals. Fun atmosphere, and I can’t wait to go back for their brunch menu!

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Shopping
Already a great variety of stores here (I visited the beautiful Anthropologie back in December), with new ones popping up each day. Most of my time this weekend was spent between Francesca’s and Sail Loft.

Francesca’s has one of the best selections of costume jewelry I have seen around here. Any color you need, from mint to tangerine to pearl– they’ve got it. I grabbed these quirky earrings and adore them! It’s really an accessory-lover’s heaven in there.

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Being overly obsessed with all things nautical and Nantucket-related, I was crazy excited to check out Sail Loft. This is the only location off of ACK, and it’s home to so many brands that you do usually only see in resort areas– Kiel James Patrick, Maui Jim, Smathers & Branson, Trina Turk… I’m having a love affair with my new GiGi New York Clutch that co-owner Peter helped me personalize.

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Seasons 52:: Flights & Flats
And to refuel, wine and flatbreads! This is a fantastic deal– $15 for a full-sized flatbread and a 3-wine tasting, plus a full glass of your favorite. How perfect would this be for a date night or Girls’ Night Out? We also indulged in some incredible mini desserts… quite positive that the chocolate caramel one changed my life permanently for the better.

Many, many thanks to Chestnut Hill Square for giving us an unforgettable day! Tons more things are still to come, and I can tell this is going to be a frequent destination for me this summer.

Have you been to CHS? What are your favorites there?

Full disclosure: I was treated to a complimentary day at Chestnut Hill Square; all opinions expressed are genuine and my own.

MiniLuxe’s #MiniFacial Review

March 3, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

Not gonna lie, it’s been a stressful month… or two. It has been quite a stressful winter in general actually, and I’ve been in a bit of a tense funk. So when MiniLuxe offered me the opportunity to try out their new MiniFacials, I jumped on the opportunity.

At just 30 minutes in length, they’re not so long that you need to reserve a good chunk of your day [heck, you can squeeze one in during your lunch break!], but are just long enough that you totally kick back for that half hour and unwind in total bliss. Not to mention, have all of that dry, chapped winter skin tended to!

Like I experienced at Drybar, I thought it was so fun to be able to “pick your poison,” if you will: If you’re primping for a big night, go with the “Pre Party Prep” to energize, hydrate, and brighten your face, or if you’re an exhausted pulling-all-nighters student or wild party animal, opt for the “All Nighter” to cool your skin and de-puff. Tons of additional options are available for whatever your skin needs– I myself went with the traditional “Detox Diva” and felt uh-mazing walking out of there.

All MiniFacials include a hand/neck/shoulder massage [hi, my favorite part], as well as vitamin- and nutrient-packet serums and moisturizers. Since they are mini facials, there’s no extracting blackheads or any of that, but isn’t that the least enjoyable part anyway?! For $40, they are the perfect little indulgence. Easily 30 of the best minutes of my month 🙂

MiniFacials are currently available at all MiniLuxe locations except for Brookline. It’s a wonder I haven’t already booked my next one! (or few…)

Full disclosure: I was provided a MiniFacial free of charge. All opinions expressed are genuine and my own.

A Drybar Date

February 18, 2014 by Emily 16 Comments

A couple weeks ago, I joined some of my favorite Boston Bloggers for a wild night at my favorite kind of bar– Drybar. I’ve tried other local blow dry salons and always walk away happy, but I have to say, Drybar is really something special.

[ pictured:: Alex + her adorbs stylist; a wall of products that are simply irresistible (I NEVER say yes to buying products from salons, but their dry shampoo is sodanggood); and, the cutest branding ever, in shades of bumblebee. ]

For $40, you get to pick two poisons: your cocktail + your blowout [I opted for a Prosecco to drink and a Cosmo-Tai to wear]. It’s the ultimate in pampering from then on out. The Chestnut Hill staff is SO sweet, and I was beyond impressed with the space and the service.

While personally I can’t stop thinking about how fun of a pre-bachelorette party could be thrown here, Drybar is also the perfect solution to looking your best before a special date night, big meeting or presentation at work, interview, wedding [I admit that I am the WORST at doing my hair when I am just a wedding guest… and I definitely regret I when I see photos later], or even just when you require a little pampering and don’t need a full-on haircut or want to pay salon prices.

Alli Web: you are doing something right that I sure wish I had thought of first!

Have you been to a Drybar or other blowout salon? Click for locations to see if there’s one [or a few!] near you.

Full disclosure: I received a complimentary blowout as a part of this particular event. All opinions expressed are genuine and my own.

Swimwear & Skincare

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August Edit

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Sunkissed by VersaSpa [+GIVEAWAY!]

Like this:

Lilly Loves Estée Lauder

Like this:

City Skin: Keeping it Simple [+ GIVEAWAY!]

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Wakin’ Up with Grapefruit

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Getting Fresh + Pretty with Prettyology!

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The Chestnut Hill Experience

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MiniLuxe’s #MiniFacial Review

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A Drybar Date

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