We’ve seen a lot of sales this summer, and one of my favorite ones (in addition to the NSale), is the Skims Bi-Annual Sale! This is the perfect time to stock up on pieces from your favorite line (mine is the Fits Everybody line), or try something new! Haven’t tried anything from Skims? I gotchu!
The Skims Bi-Annual Sale happens twice a year, and while I can’t confirm exactly what will be on sale, all I know is “select shapewear, loungewear, clothing and more” will be part of the sale. So, I decided to round up my favorites, and best sellers, and put them all in this guide for you.
Since the sale starts July 10th at 7am PT, I would suggest you take a good look at the pieces in this guide, and add things to your cart or wish list (I think Skims has a wish list?!). Things sell out fast, especially in the basic colors like black.
Another thing – download the Skims app – there are some new arrivals I wasn’t able to link and won’t show up on your desktop – they’re pretty cute!
If you haven’t seen it yet, I posted a YouTube video on my Skims t-shirt collection, where I also share the bras I wear with each one. I have everything directly linked on LTK, but I’ll leave my guides here too, so that you can easily scan through and get an idea of what you catches your eye.
While I love Skims, I’m going to try to keep my purchases simple.. and not go crazy! I’d like just a few more tops!
I also included a top five must-haves at the end of this guide. I hope you find my guide helpful.
Thank you for supporting me by shopping through my links! <3
Each collage is clickable and will take you to my LTK post!
*Disclaimer: Some affiliate links may be used, which I may earn a small commission from (at no cost to you). As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
It’s finally here! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is my favorite sale to shop, and the one I look forward to every year.
So, what is the NSale? It’s Nordstrom’s biggest sale of the year, covering all categories from clothing, beauty, home, accessories, shoes, and more. It’s also a great time to try new beauty items, and even start shopping early for the holidays.
Each year, I go into the sale with a game plan: What do I want to focus on? Sometimes it’s loungewear, sometimes it’s jewelry, other times it’s a complete mix of items! BUT the most important thing to keep in mind is to stick to a budget! Which is why I recommend going in with a plan of a category you’d like to focus on – it helps you stay on track! It’s why I’ve made these guides for you – to keep things simple.
I actually didn’t have anything I was dying to get, but as I was making my guides, I realized I actually need new boots! Tall boots to be exact. I try to buy a pair every year, and they never work out (mostly because I’m ordering online from a brand I haven’t purchased from in the past, so I’m unfamiliar with the fit). Otherwise, everything else I order, I keep! I’ve linked my top personal picks down below.
Access to the sale is broken down into tiers, with early access given to Nordstrom Card members. The more you spend each year on your card, the earlier access you get to the sale. I’ve always been in the Influencer category.
*Things sell out quick! I recommend previewing the sale before you have access, and adding everything you’d like to get into your “wish list.” Once you do have access, move everything to your cart and check out! It’s a huge timesaver and this will ensure you get the items you really want. I usually have a few pieces I want that are already out of stock by the time I have access, but I’m hoping the items in my guide will still be in stock by the time non-card members have access.
Here is the sale access breakdown:
I’ve broken my guides down into different categories, and have also included top sellers from years past, like the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings and Barefoot Dreams blankets. I hope you find my guides helpful!
Happy Anniversary sale! <3
– Women’s –
Shop Women’s
– Beauty –
Shop Beauty
– Accessories/Bags –
Shop Accessories/Bags
– Men’s –
Shop Men’s
– Splurge –
Shop Splurge
-Shop Women’s Shoes –
Shop Women’s Shoes
– My Picks –
Shop my Picks
*Disclaimer: Some affiliate links may be used, which I may earn a small commission from (at no cost to you). As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Does it feel like summer where you are? It started to here in Montana, but quickly turned rainy, and a bit cold – but the sun will shine again!
I recently posted a video on my “summer must-haves for the girly-girl,” but I wanted to create a blog post that can hold a list of ALL my summer essentials that includes everything from home, fashion, and more!
Summer is my favorite season, I love being warm and sunkissed. But it’s more than that of course – like adventures, summer activities, and just creating new memories with your friends and loved ones.
Here are my summer essentials!
For the Home
Outdoor sectional with pillows – I like how you can rearrange this one into any layout you want.
Hanging chair – This was my best pandemic purchase. I still use it a to to this day! I’m linking my Walmart Storefront with some options.
Smokeless fire pit – We have the Solo Stove in the largest size and it’s nice to be able to roas marshmallows to make smores and keep warm during the summer nights.
A grill! My husband really wants a Traeger, but I’m linking a few different options here. We love grilling out during the summer. The one we have now is broken though, so that will have to wait.
Fly fans – I hate bugs, so these fly flans from Amazon have been helpful and keeping ALL flies away! Comes in a set of two!
Good Water Bottles
I love my Hydrojug and TAL bottles – both serve different purposes and both are just cute for summer!
For Your Skin
Sunscreen – I recommend always having both tinted and regular sunscreen on hand, in addition to your body sunscreen. If facial sunscreen isn’t a habit for you already, make it one! For body sunscreen, this one from Vacation has my new favorite! It smells good!
Sunshield – this one protects you from ALL UV rays. It was constantly on my head when I was in Palm Springs in 100-degree weather. Use my code for 15% off: CHRISTINA15
For your OOTD/OOTN
Breathable outfits – I love linen clothing during the summer season. Check out my LTK for all my outfit links!
Summer sandals – There’s always good options at Target and Nordstrom, and I’m sure DSW as well!
I’m also going to link my Amazon Storefront, since I have a few outfits linked in my fashion folder. You’ll also see my Travel and Cruise Essentials folders, which will be helpful for any trips you may have planned this summer.
I hope my list helps and hope you all have the best summer! <3
*Disclaimer: Some affiliate links may be used, which I may earn a small commission from (at no cost to you). As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re one of my YouTube subscribers, you may have already seen my video on my new double-cleansing routine. However, I thought it may be helpful to have a blog post about it, with some written details – for all my blog lovers out there!
My last blog post about this was four years ago, so you’re definitely due for an updated look at my new routine! Good news: it’s been simplified!
So, what is double-cleansing?
Double-cleansing is a two-step process where you first wash your face with an oil-based cleanser, then again with a water-based cleanser.
Who should double-cleanse?
From how I understand it, double-cleansing is beneficial for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin, and anyone who wears heavy makeup. I myself, have oily skin and used to wear heavy makeup, but have greatly simplified my makeup routine recently. Today, I still continue to double-cleanse – I don’t think I can stop! But here’s why: I wear a ton of sunscreen (hello, melasma) and will even reapply it throughout the day using powder sunscreen. I’ll also usually wear some makeup over my sunscreen. Combine all that with my oily skin – double-cleansing is a must for me.
How I double-cleanse
What used to be a routine containing 2-3 products, is now down to one product: One cleanser! I also take it one step further and have started incorporating my Nu Skin Lumispa (check out my blog post all about it here).
My first step is using this Soft Wash from Dr. Idriss on my dry face. What I like about the Soft Wash is that it feels like a mix of my Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm and a water-based cleanser, all in one. After massaging the cleanser all over my face, you can see your makeup start to melt off. After that, I rinse my face with water and continue to massage the cleanser all over my face.
My face feels pretty clean afterward and doesn’t feel stripped of my natural moisture. This cleanser is also great if you wear contacts or glasses, as it won’t sting your eyes when you open them (to check if you’ve covered your whole face!). Afterward, I dry my face with a dedicated face towel. I like this 12-pack of face towels from Amazon.
My second step is using the same cleanser, but washing my face with my Nu Skin LumiSpa. I’ll squeeze some cleanser on my LumiSpa, and dab it on the four quadrants of my face. I’ll then get a little bit of water on my LumiSpa, and then begin working it around my face – a total of two minutes! What comes off, is insane! Even if all I wore that day is tinted sunscreen, my “dirt swipe” from my LumiSpa is very brown. That reason alone, is why I can’t stop using my Lumi. I’ve got some before and afters of using my Lumi on that blog post linked above.
After being disgusted with my face, I rinse my face again and dry it off with a face towel. It is then, when I begin my nighttime skincare routine. Yes, I only double-cleanse at night!
While double-cleansing can be a process, sticking to only one cleanser that is gentle, yet powerful, can be life-changing for your skin! I absolutely recommend you give it a try if you have a similar skin type to mine.
Let me know how you double-cleanse and what your favorite products are!
*If you’re interested in getting a LumiSpa, send me a DM on Instagram. I’ll try to help you get a deal (like a discount or a free cleanser!)!
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you’ve definitely heard me talk about my two corgis, Biggie Smalls and Karma. In fact, you can follow them and all their cuteness on their IG page!
While corgis don’t typically have a lot of grooming needs, they still need attention to their nails and corgi glitter – aka they shed a lot! And while most don’t need more than an underbelly and booty fur trim, my husband and I still need to address some simple upkeeping in between their grooming appointments.
When Biggie was an only fur child (a far-distant memory now!), we pretty much used any dog grooming product, as he didn’t have sensitive skin. However, after getting Karma, we noticed she couldn’t handle all dog bathing products. In most cases, she would get dry skin after an at-home bath, and she would start shedding clumps of fur, which I could easily pull out, and see dry skin at the other end. Of course, after taking her to the vet, I was told Karma’s skin condition is environment-based, and she would need prescription shampoo – which can quickly add up!
I honestly can’t remember how we ended up finding Skout’s Honor, but I do know it started with their Probiotic Deodorizer Spray. We got the honeysuckle scent, specifically to use in between their grooming appointments and after a walk or a day at the dog park. What I initially loved about it is that it truly smells great! I spray it on both dogs and massage it in with my hands or with a gentle dog brush – Biggie loves being pampered while Karma will tolerate it.. for a few minutes.
Sometime later, I tried out Skout’s Honor’s Probiotic Shampoo and Conditioner and was shocked to find Karma wasn’t bothered at all! She didn’t have dry skin after her bath, and she didn’t seem extra itchy. And I knew it really worked well when I didn’t see any clumps of fur sticking out from her body. I was truly surprised Karma’s sensitive skin could handle the shampoo. From that point on, I made the decision to fully switch to Skout’s Honor bathing products on my dogs. The big plus for me was knowing that the brand has a variety of dog bathing and grooming products I could choose from, which meant I could trust Karma’s skin wouldn’t be irritated.
After learning how well their products work, I decided to sign up to be a brand ambassador with Skout’s Honor! And yes, we have a code you can use to save on their products: BIGGIEKARMA. And while we aren’t being asked (and we’re not being paid either) to specifically write this blog post, I wanted to share my genuine review on Skout’s Honor, in hopes of helping other dog parents navigate their pup’s skin issues/challenges. I truly believe the best brand partnerships come from true fans of the brand – and that’s what we are!
I haven’t tried all of their products (yet!), but I wanted to share a quick review on the rest of what we have tried:
Laundry Booster – Stain & Odor Removal Additive – We have a white comforter, and the corgis love leaving their dirty paw prints all over it. Normally have to keep this in the wash for a bit longer than normal to completely get the stains out. I noticed the Laundry Booster made a HUGE difference in keeping our comforter white. We used up one bottle pretty quickly, so I’d be selective on how you use it! Use with your regular detergent.
Urine Destroyer – A pet-safe stain and odor remover, so I feel safe when using it. The corgis don’t have many accidents these days, so I’ve only had to use it a few times. I’ve also used it on stains of my own doing, and yes, it’s worked well on both human-caused and dog-caused stains!
One new product line they recently released is oral care, and we are so excited to try out their Peanut Butter and Bacon Flavored Oral Gel! From the directions, it sounds easy and simple to use – just squeeze a bit of it onto their gum lines and watch them lick away. It’s said to help freshen their breath and fight plaque and tartar buildup. We currently use oral cleansing wipes from Amazon (they don’t smell yummy, so I’m sure they don’t taste yummy), so I know the corgis will find this gel much more appealing. I’ll be sure to shoot a YouTube review of it as well, so stay tuned! Subscribe to my channel if you’re not already!
Don’t forget, you can save on your Skout’s Honor order of $50 or more with our code: BIGGIEKARMA. If you aren’t sure where to start, or it’s your first time ordering from the brand, here’s what I recommend you start with:
This will get you right at that $50 mark to save with our code. Otherwise, I’d recommend switching one of the items out for something else useful, like dog wipes (dog wipes save us/the car after a messy dog park day), the oral gel (because clean teeth are important!), or the Prebiotic Pet Balm (we love balms for their paws!).
Oh, and another reason why we like Skout’s Honor? Their Paw Pledge: buy a bottle, feed an animal. Skout’s Honor will “provide a day’s worth of food to an animal in need with every product sold.”
If you follow me on any of my social channels, you’ve probably seen some of my hair tutorials. I recently tried a different technique over the weekend, and I’m truly impressed with the end result!
This new (at least new to me) technique gave me extra volume and lift, and gave my hair such a cute look. I used two different hair tools: a deep waver and a 1.25-inch curling iron (I used a Beachwaver.. use my code: CHRISTINADWAVE). I section my hair off and alternate between the two different hair tools with each section. When I move to the outter layer of my hair, I try to make sure that I have a different style going over the bottom layer of my hair.
After curling my hair, I use my hands to finger-comb my hair – I think this works better than a wide-tooth comb for this look, because you’ll see in my video below, that the sections I used the deep waver on got a little bit frizzy.
To finish, I used a bit of hairspray and shine spray. If you’ve used a three-barrel deep waver before, you’ll definitely see a difference in this look versus using the deep waver all over your hair. To me, this look is a bit more relaxed and more natural looking. This is definitely a look I want to try again, and this time use both a texture spray and hairspray to help give my hair that extra hold it needs.
Don’t forget, you can shop all of my hair tools on my Amazon Storefront!
Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to check out all my other hair tutorials! <3
*Disclaimer: Some affiliate links may be used, which I may earn a small commission from (at no cost to you).
