Ashley C. Hammer

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Evening Beauty Routine

I have always had a bad habit of not washing my face well before I go to bed. Terrible, right? I'm still not perfect at being consistent with my routine, but I will say I have improved a ton now that I found these products. My face always feels SO much better when I've used my favorite products before I go to bed (and I know my older self will thank me)! So here's my nightly beauty routine...enjoy!

Step One: Charcoal Cleansing Bar

{image via: www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

I LOVE this bar. I've been lucky to have pretty normal and not acne-prone skin for most of my life, but after I had Ian and my hormones were out of whack I had some patches I had to deal with. This bar cleared it up in about two days. It was amazing! Plus, it feels great since it helps pull impurities out of your skin. I highly recommend. I usually use this every other day or once a day, depending on what I have been doing that day.

Step Two: Routine Cream Cleanser

{image via: www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

I love this cleaner because it's made for pretty much any skin type. It's not too heavy, yet my face feels clean once I'm finished using it. Added bonus, this cleanser goes a LONG way. I've had mine since October and still have a good couple of weeks left.

Step Three: Every Night PM Night Cream + Lustro Face Oil #2

{images via: www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

I have recently been using the PM Cream and mixing two drops of the number two face oil to help keep my skin moisturized (the #2 also helps with elasticity of your skin--winning!), especially since the winter months are usually more tough on my skin. As the summer rolls around, I plan to switch over to the AM Night Cream since I won't need as heavy of a moisturizer. I never thought that I would really like the oils (and it seemed counterintuitive a bit--I thought it might make me greasy--not one bit!), but I will always have an oil from now on. Beautycounter has three to choose from depending on what your needs are from your face oil.

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Added bonus and probably the most important detail of this post is that every product listed above is made with safe and non-toxic chemicals. Beautycounter has banned over 1,500 ingredients from all of their products, yet has not sacrificed a bit of performance. Every single ingredient used is listed on the website, so you never have to worry about any hidden ingredients or fragrances. Let me know if you want to learn more! {email: healthyandchiclife@gmail.com}

What are some of your favorite beauty routines?

xoxo, Ashley

Friday Five {Edition 3.16}

I cannot believe that March is almost over. This year has completely flown by. I hope you enjoy my March fashion friday picks, and have a happy Easter this weekend!

Show Me Your Mumu Skirt

This is currently one of my favorite pieces. The cut is flattering and the slit on the side gives it an extra detail to spice it up. I love being able to pair it with different crop tops or tanks that I can knot on the side. You can dress this skirt up or down, which pretty much makes it a staple piece for your closet! Although they are out of the black one shown above, they have some seriously adorable prints in these skirts. I have linked one of my favorites below.

Imperfect Beauty Tank

This is a perfect piece for the spring and summer seasons, and it will also be easy to layer in the fall with some plaid or a leather jacket. I bought mine at Heylee B., but it is now out of stock there, so I have linked another boutique that currently has it in stock below. :)

Kate Spade Cross Body Purse

I got this purse for Christmas, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Although, I haven't been able to find the exact same one, I have linked one similar that is about the same size/style. It's easy to throw my essentials in here when I need to leave the diaper bag and take something smaller.

J. Crew New Balance Shoes

I mean, just look at these shoes...need I say more? :) But seriously, I love that they're a neutral color, but have that pop of gold to give it a little glam to it. They are extremely comfortable and go great with just about any outfit. I plan to wear them a whole lot with my shorts this spring/summer!

Lululemon Swiftly Tank

{image via www.lululemon.com}

I have become obsessed with this line. I currently have the long-sleeved version and just got the tank shown above. The fabric is comfortable, breathable and extremely sweat wicking. I always keep an eye on the "We Made Too Much" section on their website to get them at a discount (+ they have free shipping too!). As of right now these are on sale (as well as one color in the short and long sleeved styles)!

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Skirt: Show Me Your Mumu | Tank: Heylee B. {sold out, but found here also} | Purse: Kate Spade {linked similar here} | Shoes: J. Crew | Workout Tank: Lululemon {currently on sale!}

xoxo, Ashley

Must Have Basics for Spring

Nashville weather has been crazy the last few weeks, and I am so ready to be transitioning my closet for the spring season that I thought it would be the perfect topic to write about next!

COMFORTABLE TUNIC TOP

{image via www.nordstrom.com}

{image via www.freepeople.com}

This Lush Woven Top and Free People Oversized Tunic are the perfect tunics for moving into spring. They are quarter length, yet have that flow-y airy feel that will keep you cool if the sun is blaring on you. You can throw these on with skinny jeans or leggings and boots for a cooler day, dress them up with white jeans and heels. For a much warmer day, pair them with some cut off jean shorts, strappy sandals and a statement necklace. Voila, you have three transitional outfits to take you from cool to warm.

CARDIGAN and/or BLAZER

{image via www.hm.com}

Having a layering piece is always essential. You can then layer pieces underneath a cardigan or blazer that will cool you off if you get too hot when it heats up during the day. I personally have tons of cardigans and blazers in many colors (I may have a slight obsession), but this cardigan and this blazer are both great picks and can go with just about any outfit.This blazer from H&M is a very affordable option, and I also love this cardigan from H&M as well.

THE PERFECT TEE

{image via www.nordstrom.com}

So going right along with piece number two, you must have that perfect tee like this Madewell V-Neck Tee (or you can with a tank like this Free People Tank--only $20!!) to wear under the cardigan or blazer. You can also pair your tee with a scarf or a statement necklace depending on the temperature and your mood, of course.

DAY-TO-NIGHT DRESS

{image via www.nordstrom.com}

{image via www.nordstom.com}

Every girl must have a cute little dress that she can throw on and run out the door or that she can spend hours getting ready to wear. This Midi Dress and this Asymmetrical Wrap Dress from Nordstrom are perfect. These dresses are pieces that you can pair with a cardigan or blazer or go without if the weather permits. That makes them a wonderful transition piece to have on hand!

A SCARF (or two!)

{image via www.nordstrom.com}

Scarves are the best way to accessorize an outfit and spice it up with different patterns and colors. They can also help keep you warm on the chillier nights! This Geo Infinity Scarf (only $18!) is so feminine and has more neutral colors so you can pair with a lot. I'm so bummed the exact one in my Instagram post is no longer available (I am obsessed with it and will keep my eye out in case it comes back!), but I also love this one and this one! There are so many options out there for you can show your personality in many different ways through one simple piece. :)

What are your favorite spring staples?

xoxo, Ashley

What's In My Makeup Bag

As most of you know, I have recently fallen in love with Beautycounter makeup, not only because they are safe, but their performance is superior to most that I have tried (and I've been a product trying junkie for a while). So I'm excited to share my favorites with you today!

Touch-Up Skin Concealor Pen

{image via www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

I love how easy this concealor pen is to use. I also have the All Over Eye Brush that I use with it, and it makes it super easy to apply. I tend to have some serious bags under my eyes, especially when Ian doesn't sleep well, and this pen (I use the Med-1 color) quickly takes care of that problem.

Tint Skin Foundation

{image via www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

I've never been much of a foundation girl until recently. I usually stick with the tinted moisturizers, but once I tried this product I was hooked. It is GREAT for me in the winter since I usually lose all of my tan and want that extra coverage. What's great about this foundation is that it's buildable, so if you want light coverage or you need a heavier coverage you can do both. This Retractable Brush is a must have with it--no joke, it makes putting it on easy and flawless. It's definitely worth it! This summer though, I do plan to give this Dew Skin a try when I have more of a summer glow going. :)

Bronzer

{image via www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

This is definitely one of my absolute favorites and must-haves on my list. I love this matte bronzer--and I usually never leave the house with at least this on! I use the No. 1, and it is just the right color. Whether you're just looking for a little bit of a glow or want a matte contour, you can do either with this product. So, do yourself a favor and try it out!

Lip Balm and Lip Sheer

{images via www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

I love this Lip Sheer in the Twig color. I don't usually wear lipstick because I have never felt that I could: A. put it on correctly and B. that it looked right with the way my face is structured. But, these are so sheer and go on smooth; they don't feel like you're caking it on and doesn't feel heavy on your lips. The Twig gives me a natural color, but isn't out of my comfort zone! I always put the lip balm on before the Lip Sheer to keep my lips moisturized throughout the day.

Color Shade Eye Duo

{image via www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

So I only have one of these right now, but I'm dying to get more colors. I use the Peach/Bronze, but will be getting the Pearl/Champagne next---all of the colors are just gorgeous and go on so well.

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What is even greater about all of these products is that they are not made with any toxic or harmful chemicals. Beautycounter has worked tirelessly to bring women and their families products that are safe AND perform to an extremely high standard. You can check out the 1,500+ ingredients that are banned from use in all of our products, and we pride ourselves on being transparent and providing our clients with access to every ingredient that is used in every single product we make. For more information you can click here, or please feel free to email me with any questions or needs you may have, as I am more than happy to help you!

xoxo, Ashley

Instagram Round-Up

February Instagram Round-Up

Cardigan Sweater: Red Dress Boutique | Necklace: I Love Jewelry {the exact one I'm wearing is currently sold out--linked one similar here} | Top: Nordstrom | Leggings: linked some similar here | Booties: Toms