How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

It’s so easy to let time go by before realizing it’s been awhile since I gave my makeup brushes some TLC and cleaned them. Developing a frequent makeup brush cleaning schedule helps to harvest away the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria, such as E. coli and Staph, that can otherwise wreak havoc on your beautiful complexion. By cleaning your makeup brushes every 7-10 days you can decrease the risk of infection and inflammation, and increase that beautiful glow. With a little insight from the American Academy of Dermatology, let’s talk about how to clean your makeup brushes.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes:

  1. Rinse the brush head under faucet.
  2. Prepare your cleaning area. Use a makeup brush cleaning mat in the sink or fill a small bowl with water.
  3. Using a small amount baby shampoo or facial wash, clean the brushes. If using a mat, gently scrub the brush head across the textured surface of the mat under a stream of water. If using a bowl, swirl the brush tip around in the bowl then place under the water faucet.
  4. Continue rinsing under the faucet until the water runs clear.
  5. Blot brushes dry.
  6. Lay out your brushes to dry horizontally. Leaving them upright to dry can cause the water to drip down, damaging the glue adhesive on the brush head. Place brushes on a towel or clean drying rack, some even use a baking drying rack.

I use this silicone makeup brush cleaning mat because it’s easy and effective. The back of the mat has little suction cups to attach inside the sink. After use, I will rinse it off throughly and store away after it is dried.

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Discovering West Texas | Summer Outfits

This past week Michael and I packed up our wagon and went out west – well, our Jeep wagon that is! Michael grew up on a farm outside of a small town in West Texas, where the stars gaze and the cattle graze. It was a trip back home to visit his parents and we had fun exploring his hometown and the surrounding area. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite destinations while discovering West Texas. 

“Discovering West Texas | Summer Outfits”

Amazon Favorites + Amazon Prime Deals

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend! Ours was busy between work, but we had plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company before taking Michael to the airport today.

Some of my favorite posts to read from others are their recommended Amazon products. Reading these has opened me up to try new things and discover great products to use around the house! I compiled a list of some of my tried-and-true Amazon favorites. Gosh, it was hard to narrow this list down as I have so many favorites! And since tomorrow starts Amazon Prime Day, there is also an abbreviated list of highlighted deals!

I’m always looking for recommended Amazon finds, so please share yours in the comments below.

“Amazon Favorites + Amazon Prime Deals”

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s time for one of the best sales of the year – the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I have collages and curated collections with some of the top items in this year’s sale!

This event is one of the best time to stock up on current trends and upcoming styles for the fall season ahead. I purposefully wait for this sale to make my big purchases because there are so many great deals. Let’s talk the best of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with top clothing finds, beauty steals and more!

Key points for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

  • Dates:
    • Early Access for Nordstrom Cardholders: July 12 – July 18
    • Public Access: July 19 – Aug 4
  • Sign up for the Nordstrom credit or debit card for early access and extra perks
  • Shop early for the best selection
  • Cardholders, use your double points day for extra perks
  • See this post for more tips!

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Clothes & Shoes

(items linked from L to R, top to bottom)

Treasure & Bond Throw-On Cardi

Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket

Halogen V-Neck Camisole

BP Lace Trim Satin Cami

North Face ThermoBall II Parka

SPANX Faux Leather Leggings and (Petite Size)

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

Zella Live In High Waist 7/8 Leggings

PAIGE Skyline Skinny Jeans

Vince Camuto Gigietta Bootie

Hunter Chelsea Waterproof Rain Boot

Tory Burch Everly T-Strap Sandal

Sam Edelman Leahla Boot

Treasure & Bond Mock Neck Sweater

Louise et Cie Sid Genuine Calf Hair Bootie

Halogen Wool & Cashmere Long Cardigan

Tahari Crop V-Neck Jumpsuit

Gal Meets Glam Liza Charmeuse Dress

Chelsea28 Sleeveless Tie Waist Jumpsuit

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Home, Accessories & Beauty

(items linked from L to R, top to bottom)

Tory Burch Everly Leather Tote

Kate Spade Shirley Crossbody Bag

BaubleBar Ashaya Drusy Earrings

Kendra Scott Maggie Hoop Earring

MAC On the Go Lip Kit

St. Tropez Jumbo Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

BeautyBlender All That Glitters Set

Tory Burch Imitation Pearl Ring

Anthropologie Iridescent Candle

Lancome Ultimate Nude Lipstick Kit

Halogen Stripe Cashmere Scarf

Natori Feathers Underwire Bra

Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan

PerriconeMD Metabolic Formula Dietary Supplement

Slip Queen Pillowcase Duo

Fresh Dream on Lip Set

NEST Fragrance Diffuser

Drybar The Four Pack

T3 Grey SinglePass Curling Iron

Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Like a Pro Set

SPACE.NK.apothecary Oribe Full Size Magic Styling Set

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Curated Collections

See Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale collections related to your fashion interests and styles!

I hope this give you inspiration for current and upcoming styles! What are your favorite Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds?

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Splurge vs. Save Jewelry | LTK Day Sale

When it comes to jewelry, I tend to gravitate towards a simple principle with the costs: If it is trendy jewelry, I save. If it is a high-quality and classic piece, I splurge. With that being said, most of the jewelry I opt for is affordable and falls into the “save” category.

This comparison shows how so many affordable styles still have the appearance of more expensive jewelry! (Hover over each piece pictured and click for more details.)

Additionally, on June 23rd, EVERYTHING pictured on the “save” side is at an additional discount for the LTK Day Sale! This LTK Day Sale is a new type of sale with discounts exclusively for LIKEtoKNOW.it app users!

“Splurge vs. Save Jewelry | LTK Day Sale”

Statement Dress Guide for Summer

Summer dress season is here! From wedding events to parties, it’s the perfect time to whip out a statement dress and feel extra beautiful and fabulous. I love having a fun outfit to celebrate even the smallest of occasions. For most events I opt to use a dress rental service so I can have a unique dress shipped and cleaned without the hassle of re-wearing the same dress over and over again or paying for dry cleaning fees. I have been doing this for 5 years and have found several dresses I love and recommend! Here are some favorites in the Statement Dress Guide for Summer!

Statement Dress Guide for Summer

The Logan

Why I love it: Summer seersucker paired with unique embroidery creates a style that is flirty and fun! This dress features pom-pom trim and ruffle sleeves for all the cute details.

Sizing notes: Runs slightly small with length best for petite to average heights. Fits narrow at this waist. Overall, very figure flattering!

“Statement Dress Guide for Summer”
Hi, I'm Ashley! I am a mom who lives on iced coffee. If you enjoy fashion and seasonal fun, you are in the right place! Thank you for being here!

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