Danielle's Thought Bubble

I don't know who needs to hear this, but it's important to look after yourself and make time for YOU! Pampering yourself is soothing both physically and mentally and can be a great way to improve your wellbeing. I'm excited to share with you a rundown of my favorite self-care ideas. You can try these out on their own, or combine them for your very own spa night! Here's how I'd create the ultimate evening of relaxation... Start out with a hot shower. The heat relaxes your muscles and the steam benefits your skin's moisture retention. Really take your time and cleanse away the day. You can even use your favorite hair treatment. For clarifying and removing buildup, I use the MopTop Clarifying Rescue Treatment, and for a hit of moisture, I'll reach for Devacurl's Melt into Moisture Mask.  Next, apply your favorite face mask to treat and replenish the skin. I like the I Dew Care Mini Scoops Wash-Off Masks . They're smooth and satisfying to apply, and just...

Springtime is officially here! One of my favorite things about this time of year is the smell of spring. After a long winter, the smell of warmth, sunshine, and dew are so refreshing. Spring also makes me think of the color pink, so I decided to ring in the season with a petal pink makeup look to match the blooming flower buds. 🌸 I began with a fresh face, prepped with skincare for a smooth canvas. Then I applied BB cream and concealer to even out my skin tone and brighten underneath the eyes and chin. A light layer of powder across the center of the face sealed the deal.  Next came the brows -- I applied my favorite tinted brow gel for some definition and hold. Then I dabbed a touch of rosy pink blush on the cheeks and added highlighter on the cheekbones and tip of the nose for a youthful glow.  The eyes were where I played around the most. I used an Ulta eyeshadow in the shade Beauty Junkie, and might I say, it is stunning . It's a sparkly pink shade that you can build up ...

Nail-care is a great way to feel primped and polished. I prefer to do my own manicures (pedicures, on the other hand, will be saved for the salon)! About once or twice a month I'll set aside some "me time" to take care of my hands and nails. Sometimes I just shape my nails and leave them bare, and other times I will apply color. Here's how I nail my at home manicure 😉. First, I wash my hands and set up my workspace. I get my bag of nail supplies, find a comfy spot, and maybe turn on some music. Then I go ahead and clip my nails, making sure they're all a similar length. Next is filing. I go in with a small file for shape, which is typically rounded for me, and follow up with a larger file. Then I use a buffer to buff and smooth my nail beds.  This is the point where I add in moisture. I massage a cuticle oil into my fingertips to keep them healthy and strong, and then I gently push them back with my cuticle pusher tool. This not only looks cleaner, but the nails ...

I'm a big believer that looking your best helps you feel your best, and a little bit of makeup can help you get there. My overall philosophy with makeup is that I want to look like me . I don't want to hide behind anything, just accentuate features I already have! That's where my everyday makeup bag comes in -- this little pouch is filled with five products that help me feel cute and confident.  I begin with concealer. My go-to is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer because it blends out beautifully. I've never been a fan of foundation, so spot treating with concealer allows me to touch up my skin as much or as little as I choose. I apply the product with a beauty sponge under my eyes, on my chin, and on any blemishes. The brows are next. I begin by brushing them with a spoolie so all the hairs are facing up and out. Then I apply Rimmel Wonder'Full Tinted Brow Mascara to keep my brows in place and add a little color. The applicator is very small, which giv...