M a y F a v o r i t e s // Vlog

Well, I did it. I filmed and posted my FIRST Youtube video! I have been talking about doing this for months and putting it off because I didn't want to set up my camera, figure out how to edit the video etc. So instead of making more excuses, I just decided to do it. Thanks FordOlogy for the extra nudge to not shy away from posting!

Some of you might think this is really weird, but that's okay because aside from the awkward greeting in the first few seconds, I had a lot of fun filming!

The video quality isn't awesome because instead of lugging out my big girl camera, I settled for the computer webcam, but I assure you, in videos to come you'll be watching a crisp picture.

Blush All Day: This is a wonderful everyday blush. It honestly lasts all day long and looks very natural. Something else that I love about it, is that it blends seamlessly (if you have a proper blush brush of course).

Naked Basics Palette: I think every girl needs the Naked Basics in her life. For the price point, it's the best neutral palette around. This palette is almost all matte shades with the exception of one whiter shade that's great for a brow highlight or inner-eye highlight.

Origins GinZing Moisturizer: I use this as my under-eye cream. There's also an actual "GinZing eye cream" that might be better, but I didn't realize there was a difference between the two when I first bought them. So, I've used this under my eyes for months now and my dark circles instantly disappear!

Lush BIG Shampoo: This stuff is probably the coolest product I've come across yet. It's a salt-gel like consistency, and lathers more than regular shampoo. The all-natural ingredients in this shampoo are what excite me the most. Some of the great ingredients are: sea salt, seaweed infusion, extra virgin coconut oil, fresh citrus juices, and avocado butter.

Sakura Bath Bomb: I am so excited to venture into the world of baths and yummy bath bombs. This one smells so delicious and I can't wait to use it.

Anthropologie Hanging Planter: If you know me, you know that I love plants. I feel like the add so much to your home and this little planter is my newest addition to the plant family!

n i c o l e & n i c o l e

Three weeks ago we brought you the Twist&Tuck tutorial and this week we've decided to bring you our favorite skin care products, followed by our skin care routine! You can check back each month for a review on our favorite products from the beauty department. These are the skin care routines that have proven to work best for us as of late. 

a.m. routine // In the morning I use a dime size shake of Dermalogica Exfoliant in the shower [it's a dry powder, turned creamy face wash once mixed with water] it feels great on my skin and makes my skin super soft. Once I get out of the shower I squeeze a tiny amount of Aveeno lotion and rub gently into my facial pores. I don't have particularly oily skin, so I've never used any specialized face lotions. 

p.m routine // Coconut oil has recently become a favorite product of mine and it has SO many uses. Right now it's biggest use has been to remove my makeup at night. Simply scoop out a quarter sized amount and spread over your face...the makeup literally melts off.  Another fun use for coco oil is a substitute shaving cream. A little bit goes a long way in this case, my legs felt incredibly smooth and moisturized after my shower which was another bonus. I then use coconut butter all over my arms, legs and face! After the coco butter is all rubbed in, I finish off my nightly routine with rose salve on my lips and some coconut oil on my eyebrows to stimulate hair growth. My brows suffered from a serious case of pluckage, so we're working our way back to a place of fullness ;) I can honestly say I've noticed a huge difference since I've started the coconut eyebrow treatment!

am routine // My morning routine is pretty simple. First, I wash my face with Cetaphil. I just started using this face wash and I LOVE it. I've honestly seen a noticeable difference in my skin since using it, it's potent but doesn't dry you out. Then I exfoliate. I can't stress how important exfoliating is. Your skin  cells renew every month and the older you get, the slower and less frequently this happens. Exfoliating takes the top dead layer of skin off which allows your new cells that lay deep inside your skin to get to the surface. This process keeps your skin looking younger and fresh. Exfoliating also helps work dirt and oil out of the pores which controls breakouts. If you're new to exfoliating, start once a week so as not to overwork your skin then add a day as your skin becomes more used to exfoliating. Then I use my Olay complete moisturizer on my face and neck.

pm routine // My night routine is a little more complicated......(notice the novel below) haha. First I start with removing my make up with coconut oil. As nicole mentioned before we are both obsessed with this stuff! I use it as a make up remover, a moisturizer, I even use it to make body scrubs...this stuff is my go-to product. After I remove my make up I wash my face with Cetaphil. Then I use Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner. You wanna use one part apple cider vinegar for every two parts water because this stuff is strong. I use a small dish to mix it in and then use a cotton ball to apply. Now I know what you're thinking..EW. But hear me out. Not only is this stuff waaay cheaper and lasts longer, but it's great for your skin. Because your skin is naturally acidic, apple cider vinegar helps restore your skins natural pH balance. It reduces redness, blemishes, and increases your skins overall softness. If I have a zit I'll get a small amount of full strength ACV and dab it right on top. ACV is my other go to product. Like coconut oil its a multi use, cheap, and natural. Then, I put some coconut oil on my brows and eyelashes to promote hair growth and then finish the process off with my olay anti-wrinkle night cream.  It's a deep moisturizer and helps prevents the signs of aging that begin in your 20's. So naturally, Im sold.


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Do you have a particular skin product you can't live with out? Share below...we'd love to try new products!

Hair Tutorial // Twist&Tuck by Nicole

As a photographer, people tend to ask me how they should prepare for a session. Women want to look their best in photos, and I'm always looking for new ways to help my clients feel more confident during their session. Hair and makeup play a large role in a woman's confidence, which is why I'm excited to introduce you to my dear friend, Nicole! 

We've decided to team up and create some fun tutorials for you here on Nicole Dianne. We're excited to bring you all things beauty...face masks, product reviews, hair/makeup tutorials [how to achieve a matte look so you aren't shiny in your photos :)] and we'd love to get feedback from you guys for anything else you'd like to see here! Nicole is a cosmetology student, passionate about helping other women find beauty in themselves & teaching practical solutions for everyday beauty hang-ups. I have learned so much from her personally, and I know she will bring fresh ideas to your beauty routines! 

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Hi guys, it's me Nicole... the other Nicole :]    

I'm so excited for this new feature & I hope you guys are too!

   

The great thing about hair products is there are so many! Don't feel like you need to get every single one of these, use what works best on YOUR hair...these are just my personal favorites. 

Here we have:

1. Thin, stretchy head band. 

(Use a color close to your hair color to conceal the band. My hair is dark so I used black.)

2. Thick Bristled Brush

3. Fine Tooth Comb

4. L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray 

5. Big Sexy Dry Shampoo

6. Kenra Shine Spray

7. Hot Tools Curling Iron 1Inch Barrel 

8. Bobby Pins... Just In Case

9. Babies Breath... For A Wee Bit Of Romanticism

 I began this look with clean hair, but keep in mind this look is practically made for 2nd/3rd day unwashed hair. Nothing covers up dirty hair like a couple a curls and some dry shampoo.

Clip up the upper most layer of hair at the crown of your head and spray the dry shampoo directly onto the scalp. This will give your hair texture right where you need it and will keep all the teasing your about to do intact. Once you have reached optimum volume let down the layer of hair you had clipped up. Your teasing should be completely covered...because ladies never need to tease their hair, right? You were born with that volume weren'tcha girl?

Next, we curl! Before I begin I like to run each section of hair through my iron to heat up the hair. 

Then begin your curl at the mid-shaft slowly feeding the hair through the clamp to make sure each part gets in contact with the heat. I also leave the ends out and uncurled since we are going with the whole I-didn't-even-try-hard-look. Spray your hairspray in sections to keep the curl holding strong. I left my bangs untouched because they will eventually be completely tucked into the headband. Also, I'm lazy.

Take your brush and brush through your entire head. This makes ringlets into waves and gives you a much softer "un-done" look. Add in a little shine spray to complete the look. 

Now the fun begins!

Place your headband on the crown of your head almost touching your forehead and taking small sections of hair begin twisting and tucking them into your headband. I know, it looks a little intimidating but once you start it's almost relieving how easy it becomes!

Once you're comfortable with your Twist&Tuck look go ahead and spray and play!

To take this look a little further,  add small pieces of babys breath into the twist. 

Wedding hair anyone?

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and in case you thought we were totally normal...

photography by yours truly
;]