1.08.2016

fresh face.


Recently, i've become a little skincare JUNKIE. And i'm proud of it. 

I wanted to share some of my holy grail products for the winter. I do have pretty dry skin right now, so i'm constantly changing up products that will provide ultimate moisture without creating problems for my skin (aka pimples). Here are some of my favorite skincare products to beat the winter blues!



Two reasons to take off your makeup at night: premature aging (#wrinkles and #agespots) & bacteria that makes for poor pores. 

Your skin needs time to refresh and renew itself while you sleep, and when your pores are clogged with foundation, blush, bronzer, etc., your skin doesn't have the space to push out the oxidative stress and free radicals it accumulates during the day, which can lead to older looking skin.


All that being said, I think I might have come across the golden nugget of all makeup removers. Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is incredibly lightweight and goes from balm to oil to a milky consistency that literally MELTS your makeup right off. 

I promise you, taking your makeup off will be a breeze. Another side note, this stuff lasts FOREVER. I bought this container about 4 months ago, and I haven't even made a dent. 



I actually found out about FAB through a beauty guru on YouTube & i'm so glad I did. This cleanser has really changed the feel and radiance of my skin. 


It has a whipped texture that transforms to a rich cream when being used. Infused with a powerful botanical antioxidant blend, it's gentle enough for sensitive or irritated skin. 



Formulated with fragrant herbal extracts and rosewater, this gentle misting spray soothes dehydrated skin. I typically use it right after I wash and exfoliate my face. 

It's the perfect hydration boost. Plus, it can be used as a makeup setting spray as well. Genius. 





One word: refreshed. I've been using this specific toner for a few years now & i'm hooked. 

To apply, i'll put a small amount on a cotton ball and massage the product into my face, neck & chest. My skin instantly appears clean & feels refreshed and rejuvenated. The light rose scent is an added bonus. 

Alcohol free=non-drying.

Highly recommend! 



This anti-aging serum is quick-absorbing and smooth in application. Bobbi Brown always blows me away with the way her products absorb into the skin, and this is no different. It's hydrating and i've seen a major improvement in my skin's appearance. 




I've tried a lot of sugar scrubs, but this Sugar Lip Polish gets the job done without being too abrasive on the lips. This formula is enriched with real brown sugar crystals to gently buff away dry skin. It nourishes the lips with meadowfoam seed, jojoba seed, and grapeseed oils while shea butter provides the most luxurious moisture.



The last step in my skincare routine is to moisturize the heck outta my face. Normally, I have combination skin, but because of the weather, I do get pretty dry around my nose & forehead. I've noticed that this is the only thick(er) moisturizer that hydrates, but doesn't break me out. 

Another benefit: you can use this moisturizer virtually anywhere on your body where you need some extra TLC. 


I truly hope you're able to try some of these products out for yourself! If you're not ready to commit, head to your local Sephora and snag some free samples. Test out the products for a few days to see how your body will react to the formulations. Good luck! 

xo

justine 


12.17.2015

lightening in a bottle.













{Christina Hoang}

One of my favorite souls on this earth. My best friend. My sister. 

Not only is she seriously the cutest person you'll have the honor of knowing, but she has an effortless, minimalistic style that is inspiring & dreamy as ever. This girl can put a garbage bag over her body & still look fierce. I love the way she rocked neutral black & white with a textured cardigan. Big fan, big fan.
.............................................................

Thank you for loving me so well. Thank you for being a light in my life. Thank you for encouraging me to follow my passions & bloom. Thank you for loving unconditionally & gently like Jesus.

I cherish you & love you forever, my kookie. 

xo
juddy 

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." // Marcel Proust


12.06.2015

#jash




















My heart overflows with joy. 

What an absolute honor to take engagement pictures for these two lovebirds! 

Let's throw it back for a quick second: F O U R years ago I met this gorgeous gal. It was her first year at Liberty, my second, & we wound up living on the same hall. Thank you, Lord. Our first ever conversation was in the bathroom our first night as quadmates...

Me: "WOW, I LIKE YOUR TATTOOS. HOW MANY DO YOU HAVE?!" 

Deep stuff. & the rest is history, my friends. 

Through difficult seasons of life to rejoicing in God's faithfulness, I am so tremendously blessed by you. I cannot believe that you are ENGAGED. I'm so grateful I get to walk through life with such an encouraging & loving soul. You light up this world, Ash.

Josh, you're everything we fervently prayed for & more. 

Thank you, God, for this sweet friendship that I'll cherish for all of my days. 

xo

justine (your juddy)



11.19.2015

purposeful.









Purposeful. 

We are all beautifully created to change the world. Every little thing you do makes an impact you might not be aware of. We all want our purposes to matter. 

Akola is a non-profit global fashion brand that trains, educates and employs women in poverty. Each piece is fully made by and fully benefits marginalized women in unreached villages of Uganda. Not only benefiting their families, but their entire community. Each Akola necklace transforms a family of 10! How amazing this this? By purchasing a gift for a friend, sister or mother, you can transform the lives of women & children in poverty, restoring the dignity and value in these communities. YAS people!! 

Never believe the lie that you aren't good enough, or that your purpose cannot be fulfilled. There is HOPE & VISION for the future through Jesus Christ. The enemy wants so desperately to destroy you to the degree God wants to use you. Go forth confidently knowing that YOU are victorious in Christ. 

Strive for integrity. Transparency. Hope.

xo, 
justine

Top: Kerisma
Bag: Kate Spade
Necklace: Akola
Hat: Forever 21 
Shoes: Freebird by Steve Madden