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...

One beauty trend that has taken off in the last few years is the idea of "less is more." From natural no-makeup-makeup looks to elevated skincare techniques, tools, and ingredients, beauty is becoming more and more about authenticity. One major player in this trend is Glossier. This big-time brand is the queen of glowy skin, groomed brows, and a healthy flush, featuring lines in skincare, makeup, body care, and fragrance. Over the past three weeks I've tested out five of Glossier's best selling skin products... and I'm hooked! If the aesthetics of the simple-yet-chic packaging weren't enough, the way my skin has looked and felt seals the deal. Plus, Glossier values diversity and representation, eco-friendly packaging, and natural based ingredients.  The products I've added to my skincare regimen are Milky Jelly Cleanser, Futuredew, Super Bounce Serum, Priming Moisturizer Rich, and Balm Dotcom. Let's get into product number 1: Milky Jelly Cleanser Start...

Hey, life is pretty hard, but there are some cool tips and tricks that we can use to make it a bit easier on ourselves. Here are a few of my favorite hacks that I have used before and will definitely use again. This little list of life hacks might just make your day a little better! 1. Do you ever have something you just don't  feel like reading? Me too. All the time. Copy that homework assignment, online article, or whatever you need, and paste it into Google Translate or a text to speech service like naturalreaders.com. Hit the play button and have it read it for you! Listening to the content is sometimes an easier way to get things done. You can even copy and paste your essay or cover letter and listen for any mistakes! Sometimes the ear can catch things that the eyes can't. 2. Peppermint essential oil works wonders. Inhale it to subdue nausea, apply it to the forehead or temples to help get rid of a headache, or use it to eliminate funky smells. For example, our vacuu...

I'm a planner, a dreamer, and a Pinterest-lover, so naturally I was very excited to put together my high school graduation party. I planned the decorations, menu, invitations, seating arrangements, and more, and my party turned out wonderfully. I've always wanted to throw a party like this, and I finally had the chance! Here are some tips to ensure your party's success: 1. I recommend having something unique about your party . Have something memorable, whether that's really simple or over the top! Have a bounce house (who says teens are too old for them?), rent a slushie maker, prepare a cool game to play, or, like in my case, have an activity like "Guess the Age." I taped a bunch of pictures of me on a polka dot poster board and added flaps below each, revealing the age I was in the photos. Then I tacked it on a wall in a central location. Many people enjoyed playing the game while they mingled -- and it's harder than it looks! I wanted people to have m...