Cassie DeNisco

Beauty lover Gift Guide 2023!

December 4, 2023

Here is my beauty lover gift guide for 2023! Whether you have a makeup lover or a skincare lover this post is perfect for you! I love gift guides because they really help get your ideas going for the perfect gift!

This post contains affiliate links and I make a small commission if you decide to purchase from me! Everything is directly linked below!

Gift Sets from Sephora- Laniege Duo

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Like I mentioned in my Sephora sale post, I got the fragrance sampler set. I feel like any Sephora sets are the perfect gift especially if you know someone has never tried the product. I think this Lanegie duo is honestly perfect for everyone because who doesn’t love luxury chapstick.

Microcurrent Facial Device

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I’ve had my eye on something like this for awhile! I feel like it’s truly a great gift because this is not something I would readily go purchase for myself. I think devices like this are just so fun to rotate into your beauty routine and this one from Amazon is pretty inexpensive.

Nail Tool Set

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This is something so random but I feel like a lot of people don’t actually have a good set of nail tools! I feel like this would make the perfect gift with a set of nail polish. I personally love Essie polish and would love this as a gift. If you want to bump it up even more maybe throw in a gift card to their favorite local nail salon.

The Ordinary Facial Set

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This little set is everything for the beauty lover. You have all the serums you would want for an at home facial and I feel like gifting this with maybe a tool from Vanity Planet is perfect for the beauty lover. This is a great gift set from Amazon and I love that it has a little of everything they would want!

I hope you get some inspo from this beauty lover gift guide in your life! If you are still in need of shopping, my pet and foodie gift guides are already out! I have one more gift guide coming out after this for him so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

My Sephora Sale Picks!

November 6, 2023

It’s the best time of year where I share my Sephora sale picks with you! Whether you’re looking to stock up on your favs or get your Christmas shopping done, you don’t want to miss this sale. You get a different percentage off based on your insider rewards so essentially the more you spend in the year, the more you save during the sale.

I personally am doing a major stock up. I’ve pretty much been waiting for the sale because I’ve run out of a lot of my go to products but wanted to wait to stock up until they were on sale. As always, these are affiliate links so I do make a small commission if you purchase from them!

Glow Recipe- Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum

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This is my favorite makeup primer! I swear by this product because it leaves such a beautiful glow under your makeup! It’s also a little tacky so I believe it really helps to make the makeup last longer.

Nécessaire- The Body Essentials Trial + Travel Set

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I am so excited for this that I’m buying one for me and one for someone on my Christmas list!! I love Nécessaire so much and I swear by the body serum. It’s truly my all time favorite moisturizer because it just glides right on!

K18- Mini Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

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I actually don’t have this product already but I have heard such great reviews. I’ve been dying to try it so what better time then now!

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

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It’s been a minute since I’ve head this Summer Fridays mask in my rotation. I love it because as the weather is getting colder in New York, I’m really reaching for hydrating products to lock in moisture. This is so great and I will just put it on in the morning and let it soak in throughout the day as I work.

Inky List Brighten-i Eye Cream

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This is a repurchase for me and I actually was pleasantly surprised with how much I love this product. I just needed an eye cream and grabbed this. It’s at such a great price point and I’ve really noticed a big difference in my eyes!

Peace Out AHA Pore and Blackhead Exfoliator

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I am on the hunt for a blackhead mask that actually works and I’ve read good reviews on this. I’m excited to give it a try especially because I really like the shape of the packaging.

Sephora Perfume Sampler

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I saved this for last because this is like the number one thing on my Christmas list this year lol. I am on the hunt for a signature perfume/scent for myself and I feel like this is a really good place to start. You get all of these mini sizes and then can trade it in for a full size when you pick the one you love!

Be sure to check out the Sephora sale picks which runs until tody 11/6!! Use code “Timetosave” at checkout if you are a member of their loyalty program! Let me know if you liked this blog post and be sure to check out more like this here!

My Sensitive Skin Care Routine!

September 25, 2023

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that my skin has really become sensitive. I try to combat that with using gentle but still effective products. I’ve been using these for about a year and I’ve definitely seen a difference with my sensitive skin care routine!

As always these are affiliate links so I make a small commission if you decide to purchase from me! These have become my go to products I can’t live without so I hope they help you too!

Vanity Planet Face Brush

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This has been a constant in my routine for years. I love that this gently exfoliates my face and leaves me with that really deep clean feeling. I use this at least once a day every other day because sometimes I do find it to be a little too abrasive. This paired with my cleanser has really kept my skin clear and glowing.

Cetaphil Sensitive Skin Cleanser

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This has been game changer for me. I’ve been really trying to find a cleanser that is effective but not overly drying. I’ve even tried other similar products but I just keep coming back to this one. I love this Cetaphil cleanser with my whole heart. It truly cleanses but doesn’t strip my skin.

The only downside is that it’s hard to find but I often can order it on Amazon. I just make sure it doesn’t get too low!

Kiehl’s Moisturizer

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This is pricy but so worth it. I’ve found that this Kiehl’s moisturizer is probably the best on the market right now. It reduces my redness and really gives me a nice glow. I’ve found it’s really not that heavy on the skin either which I appreciate. It’s been a few months with it and I haven’t found it to break me out which is also another plus.

Inkey List Eye Cream

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My last step in my routine is this Inkey List eye cream. I really love how well it works and just leaves me looking awake. I actually use this night and day because I do really enjoy looking awake all the time. This one is really affordable with good ingredients so I am happy with it!

As you can see, I’ve really cut down on the quantity of products I’m using. I really wanted to clear my skin and stop going overboard. Once in awhile I’ll do a mask or use a different serum but for now this is what keeps my skin clear and glowing!

If you liked this skin care post, you can check out more here!

Beauty Tools that You Need Right Now!

July 20, 2022

This month’s bonus post is short and sweet. I’m sharing my top 3 favorite beauty tools that you seriously need in your regime. I think tools are almost better than products in some cases because they just enhance that spa vibe.

I’m all about relaxing when I do self care and these tools give you all the luxurious feels. As always these are affiliate links so if you purchase from them I make a small commission but there’s no pressure to purchase!!

Face Steamer- Click Here

I have had this steamer for years and I cannot live without it! I love to steam my face to open my pores and really get the products in there. I can’t say enough good things about this Vanity Planet one in particular. I had purchased a cheap one from Amazon but it just got gross so fast. This one is such great quality and I’ve had for like 2 years now!

Ice Roller- Click Here

I feel like people are super passionate about the ice rollers that they like. I personally love this one from Amazon because I find it actually stays cool for long. This is essential to de-puff your face in the morning and honestly it’s even good in the summer to help you stay cool!

Sculpting Bar- Click Here

This is probably my favorite device. It’s similar to a roller but has batteries so it can vibrate. I swear this actually does help to sculpt out your face if you actually use it consistently. Hailey Bieber mentioned it in one of her videos so I knew it was a must purchase and I was not disappointed.

I told you this bonus favorites post was short and sweet! These are seriously my go to beauty tools on a weekly basis that I cannot life without in my beauty regime.

You can read more beauty posts here and be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss a post!

Summer Skincare Essentials!

June 15, 2022

I went back and forth for this bonus post about what to write but I finally decided that this was necessary. My summer skincare essentials will help you get through sunburn and just keep your skin looking healthy! I have had my fair share of burns so I know the ins and outs to get you through.

Taking care of your skin is so essential year round but I find it even more important over the summer. From SPF to moisturizers, these are my go to products for summer!

Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen- Shop Here

This is my go to face SPF year round but especially in the summer. Most other sunscreens are too oily and break me out but I really think this is my forever product. It’s light on my skin but I feel like it does such a good job protecting my skin.

Neutrogena Skin Rescue Moisturizer- Shop Here

This is a newer product but I immediately fell in love with it. I got a bad sunburn but this instantly helped to cool and moisturize it. The moisturizer is infused with green tea, aloe, and mint so it has all the ingredients you’d want. I would almost recommend it over the Hawaiian Tropic green lotion.

Method Green Tea Body Wash- Shop Here

This is my favorite summer body wash!! I love the green tea and the cooling gel seriously helps with sunburn. I love using this in the shower to get off the suntan lotions and I feel like it really cleans but doesn’t strip which is exactly what you want.

Clinique Dramatically Different Gel- Shop Here

I find myself needing a lighter moisturizer in the summer because my thicker one leaves me too greasy. This is truly my tried and true summer moisturizer because somehow it moisturizes so well even though its light. I prefer the gel but it does come in a usually moisturizer texture as well.

I hope you enjoyed these summer skincare essentials! These products will keep you going all summer long and protect your skin. It’s so important to not over do it in the summer so using these products will keep you going.

To cure your sunburn, read this post! Be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you never miss a post!

My First Aid Beauty Haul!

May 23, 2022

As we approach warmer months, I’m constantly finding myself reaching for lighter products that still work. I have been on and off with First Aid Beauty for about year now but recently have fallen in love. By April, my dry skin wasn’t getting any better so I knew it was my products and not the weather.

I turned to FAB for their cleanser and moisturizer to help combat that problem but also found so many other great products. I also like that they are decently affordable and are sensitive skin approved. I’m going to share the few products I’ve tried with affiliate links if you’re interested in purchasing!

Face Cleanser-Shop Here

I’m loving this face wash! I needed a gentle face wash for everyday and this is perfect. I like to go in with an acne one once and awhile during a breakout but this is perfect for everyday. It has this milky consistency that leaves you feeling clean by hydrated.

Many face washes leave my skin feeling super tight. This one doesn’t do that at all. I love that it says gentle on sensitive skin because that is exactly what I needed!

Ultra Repair Cream- Shop Here

This repair cream was a god send! So many other thick moisturizers are way to heavy on my skin but this one is perfect. It hydrates me well but doesn’t feel too thick and like it’s clogging my pores. I also like this consistency because it’s thick but still silky.

CeraVe was my go to but it was breaking me out. I was apprehensive at first because I thought this would have a similar issue but so far so good. I also like that this can be used full body because I definitely will use it after being in the sun.

White Clay Acne Pads- Shop Here

I use these about every other night before bed and I do feel like they help my little breakouts and keep my skin smooth and glowing. They are wasteful in the sense that you just wipe your face and throw it out but they are just so good at their job.

These were to use after dancing in a mask and they really helped to keep my skin clear!

Ingrown Hair Pads-Shop Here

These are a more recent purchase but I am so excited to use these this summer! I feel like as swimsuits get more high cut, I have more bumps down there. These are so great to help with that and keep my skin looking good no matter what bottom I’m wearing.

These are all products that I’ve tried and love by First Aid Beauty. I’m really interested in trying out their niacinamide brightening eye cream but I still have the one I’m using. Once that’s empty, I am definitely going to be checking it out!

Have you tried First Aid Beauty? Let me know in the comments below! Read my latest skincare post here and be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post!

Self Tanning Tips for Winter

February 7, 2022

I always find myself reaching for my self tanner right about now in the winter. My summer glow has faded and I’m seriously reaching for anything that will get me glowing. I’ve made previous posts about self tanning tips like this one here but I’ve actually switched up my products.

I noticed with the previous brand I was using, the ingredients weren’t very clean and one of my resolutions was to make sure my beauty products are. Another thing I noticed was that they changed their formula. This brand I had been using for years and the last time I purchased, then tan had a weird tint and didn’t go on smooth.

No need to fear, I found this brand at Ulta and I seriously fell in love. The Tanologist brand is pretty affordable and it seriously works wonder. I decided to try out the tan water instead of the mouse and honestly, I don’t think I have a preference. The water is harder to use because it goes on clear to not rub off on anything but that makes it hard to know where you put it.

In addition to the water, I also purchased the drops which I soon realized I didn’t actually need. I never used to use self tanner mouse on my face because it would break me out but the water actually doesn’t. The drops are useful though because all you have to do is mix them with your favorite moisturizer. I might try them in the spring when I’m starting to lay out again but want to be tan. Here are some of my self tanning tips for Winter!

Exfoliate

I feel like people will tell you to exfoliate and literally never elaborate on what it actually means. You need to prep your skin to be able to soak in the tan, just like getting your nails done or hair. I like to shave about a day before I tan and then I like to exfoliate in the show right before I tan. This way my skin won’t be super irritated but I’ll get a smooth application.

To exfoliate, I like to use a mild and gentle body wash with a loofa or some sort of exfoliating brush and just gently work it over my skin. Do not go crazy because you don’t want to over exfoliate and throw your skin off.

To take off the tan, you can try this same process about a week later. I always like to tan on Sundays so then I’ll do it again on the next Sunday.

Moisturize

This is one I used to always over look but not anymore. Moisturizing before you tan is so essential to making sure you don’t have any pooling of the tan in places your skin is try. I used to always mess up my knees and elbows because they’d be super dry. Now that I moisturize, the tan glides on and is even.

It’s also super important to continue to moisturize your skin even as the week goes on. The moisturizer will help preserve your tan and keep your skin glowing. I like to use a lighter moisturizer that won’t be too heavy on my skin but still gets the job done. My personal favorite is actually just the mositurizer from CeraVe.

Find What Works

Not gonna lie, this one took awhile. You can try out the products I mentioned and they might not work for your skin type. It takes a bit of testing out to find a product that is affordable for you and that works well. I really like the Tan water because it’s not super sticky and so far hasn’t transferred to any of my clothing.

I do recommend trying out a mouse if you are just starting out because I can see how you might get an uneven tan the first few times you use it. My biggest tip is to find something that you are comfortable and confident using.

I hope these self tanning tips were helpful. I love being a bit tanner in the winter because it seriously just lifts my mood. The weather in New York is often cold and gloomy mid winter so I’ll do anything to make it feel like summer.

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Products Mentioned:

Tanologist Express Tan Water $16.99- Shop Here

Tanologist Face + Body Drops $19.99- Shop Here

Ulta Sunless Mitt $5.99- Shop Here

Ulta Tan Mitt for Face $5.99- Shop Here

Daily Body Moisturizer $12.99- Shop Here

My Favorite SkinCare Masks

June 11, 2021

If you’ve read my updated skincare routine, you know I love using a mask at least once a week. Face masks are great to use to target a certain problem with your skin but also just elevate your skincare experience. I think masks are just so fun and great to use especially after your steam your face. Keep reading on to see the skincare masks I love and why I love them!

I make a small commission off of the links here, no pressure to purchase through these links but I do thank you for the support!

Glamglow Supermud

This face mask was my holy grail for so many years. It’s a great clay mask that helps to really clear out your pores and target acne. This mask did wonders for my skin but it’s actually quite pricy. The standard size is $60 so I started to not love it as much when I kept having to repurchase it.

Sephora Purifying Mud Mask

Finding this face mask was revolutionary for me. I wouldn’t say that this is a dupe for the glamglow but it does a lot of the same things and it’s only $16. I love clay masks that purify and cleanse the skin. At the end of the week, I feel like my face just needs a good pore clean out and this does the trick. I absolutely love this mask and it really has made me not need to by the Glamglow one since I found it.

Drunk Elephant Baby Facial

I love to use this mask about once a month. This little one is powerful and perfect for resurfacing your skin. The mask leaves my skin feeling like I was just getting a professional facial but I got it in my home. I notice a difference in the texture of my skin the next morning when I wake up. I will warn, this one does tingle a bit so if you don’t like that feeling, I wouldn’t get it!

Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Whipped Mask

This mask is a newer favorite of mine and is one that I think is best suited for drier skin. The first few times I tried this out I definitely broke out. It is so nice to put on and is so fluffy. Definitely hydrating and it’s pink so I mean, come on!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Obsessed is an under statement with the Neutrogena sheet mask. This is one of my favorite skincare masks after a long day. I pop it in the fridge for a few minutes and when I put it on my face, it is so cool and relaxing. This is basically a shot of hyaluronic acid for your face so your skin is left glowy and hydrated.

Diamond Eye Mask

I definitely saved the best for last with these eye masks. These are best in the fridge but I use them a lot throughout the week. They are perfect in the morning to help wake up my eyes or even at night when jade rolling my skin. I think you might be only able to get these at target but I seriously love these and are by far the best that I have tried yet.

I hope this blog post leaves you with a few new skincare masks recomendations! Skincare is so much fun and find it so interesting to see what works for other people. Skin is so funny because what might work for you, might be terrible for me but it’s always great to try!

Let me know your favorite skincare masks that I should try out!

My Updated Simple SkinCare Routine

May 7, 2021

One new year’s resolution I had was to step up my skincare routine. I have been watching and looking at different skincare content and decided it was time to start making changes. I wanted to not only minimize my routine but also start using quality products. All of these products I have been using since January so five months later, I do think there has been an amazing improvement in my skin.

As with any skincare routine, everyone’s skin is different so these products may or may not work for you. I love posts like these because it helps me become familiar with brands and introduces me to new products. As always, I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links but there is no pressure to purchase here!

Step 1 Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

If you’ve read any of my previous routines like this one, I used to swear by Cetaphil. I recently made the switch to CeraVe because for the same price, you’re just getting much better ingredients. This has hyaluronic acid and is formulated to not leave skin feeling too tight after washing. This is equally as gentle as Cetaphil but I just think is more worth it because of the ingredients.

I never wash my face without my Vanity Planet Facial Brush. This is a serious must in my routine because I swear that using it keeps my skin clear. Maybe it has something to do with not touching it with my hands but I will never not use it to wash my face!

Step 2 Daytime Treatment: First Aid Beauty White Clay Acne Treatment

Before you kill me on how wasteful these pads are, this First Aid Beauty White Clay Treatment has done wonders for my skin. I totally get how wasteful it is but this has transformed my skin even with wearing masks. I was struggling with acne under the mask line and using this everyday prior to wearing my mask has helped to keep my skin clear and glowing.

Step 2 Nightime Treatment: Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Serum

This T.L.C. serum is definitely pricy but I can’t live without it. I use this at night right after cleansing and I wake up with soft and even skin. This is the only product that has changed the texture of my skin and I’ve tried a lot. I know there are cheaper alternatives but I am just so happy with my results I can’t imagine adding in something else.

Step 3 Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

Out of all my products, this is the only one I’m iffy on. I have been using this Clinique Moisturizer for years and do love it, but I think I can find something a little cheaper. I am actually interested in trying the CeraVe lotion because I’ve heard great things about it. This moisturizer was one I tried when I was in high school and found this was the only one that wouldn’t break me out. I don’t think I’ll ever fully part ways with it but I wanted to be transparent and say I don’t love love it.

Step 4 Sunscreen: Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen

This Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen I am okay with. I say that because usually sunscreen breaks me out and this one doesn’t but it is so expensive and I don’t love the Goop brand. (If you know, you know) I do think I will rebuy this only because it goes on so lightly and doesn’t feel like anything on the skin. If you can’t add anything else into your routine, add a sunscreen. It is so important to keep your skin not only healthy but preventing premature aging. I wish I had started adding in sunscreen prior to this year but I know starting now can only help.

I hope this simple skincare routine introduced you to some new products! My favorite part of skin care is learning about the different ingredients and how they can affect your skin. It’s so important to start caring for your skin now so even small changes in your routine can help.

P.S. don’t forget your sunscreen!

Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty

December 11, 2020

Some of my favorite things to ask for around the holiday’s are beauty gifts. They’re often something we won’t always splurge on ourselves but are great to receive as gifts. I’ve complied here my list of products I’m loving and would love to receive as gifts this season. This holiday beauty gift guide is your go to in finding the perfect gift for the beauty lover in your life!

Truly Beauty Gift Set

I’ve see this brand and these products all over TikTok lately so I was definitely intrigued. They claim to help with firming and tightening certain areas on your body. I’ve only been using them for about 2 weeks so I can’t yet say they work, however they smell amazing!! I picked up this gift set from Ulta but unfortunately its sold out already. They have a similar set on the Truly website for $47.60 and I think its totally worth it to give these products a try. Gift sets are the best to be introduced to new products or get products you love at a great price!

Tatcha Dewy Skin Moisturizer

This moisturizer is life changing if you have really dry skin in the winter. The price tag is steep at $68 but I definitely think it’s worth it. I love how glowy my skin looks after applying and it really helps to hydrate the dry, cracked skin I often get on my face as the winter months approach. This is an awesome gift for the beauty junkie who likes luxury products but might not be willing to purchase them their self!

Olaplex Shampoo & Conditioner

Hands down my favorite thing to ask for or receive around the holiday season is Olaplex. This combo is my go to shampoo and conditioner that actually works for your hair. These work to rebuild the bonds of your hair and strengthen them. Their are so many great gift sets out right now that make these affordable and you get to try them out before committing to the full product. I linked one above for $60 that has the mini shampoo, conditioner, oil and mask.

Rare Beauty

One thing I love to give or ask for are lipsticks, highlighters, or blushes. Often they’re easy to purchase since they don’t need to be color matched the way a foundation or concealer needs to. I have been loving the Rare Beauty line by Selena Gomez. I plan on giving some goodies to friends and family for Christmas. All of these products have great messages in their names and the line is awesome. If you know that the person you’re buying for has a signature product or color, getting them it is a great reminder you pay attention to the little things.

Glam Glow Face Masks

My go to brand of face masks is Glam Glow, so I included them in this beauty gift guide. Face masks are great to give or receive because everyone can use a good face mask. They’re great for self care nights and generally help your skin at least a little. This is the Super Mud Mask and is great for pore refining. You can also use it as a spot treatment on acne.

I love beauty gift guides because they really help when you might be stuck on a present idea. I hope my beauty gift guide helped you and gave you some great ideas for all the people on your list this year. This is the first of my 2020 holiday gift guide series so I hope you enjoy and check back next week for another one!

Let me know in the comments below your favorites from this beauty gift guide or what products you plan on giving or receiving this Christmas!

Check out my gift guide for her and him from last year here!