Dark skin doesn’t get nearly enough Vitamin D during the cold weather months. Hating to put anything heavy on my skin before bed, serums are the only consistency I trust in my PM skincare regimen (with the exception of eye cream).

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Active Vitamin D Serum-Oil ($65) boasts benefits including:

• Anti-aging
• Elasticity
• Hydration
• Pore reduction
• Radiance

Really, “radiance” and “pore reduction” win me every time. I gravitate toward products that have this dual benefit. I know too well that there is a fine line between “glowy” (radiant) and “oily” (out-of-control pores). Super-matte skin is not sexy, even having lived with oily skin throughout my life - I love when my skin looks glowing.

I also take 1000UI per day of Vitamin D in pill form along with my multi-v and notice some mood benefit versus not taking it.

“…a collection that’s at once fresh and fierce.”

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to debut swatches of my favorite shades from this collection, which launches January 13th in stores and online.

Faves (pictured below):

• Valparaiso Pure Matte Lipstick - $25
• Diamond Life Nail Polish (Limited Edition) - $18
• Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil - $24

I’m pretty much obsessed with blues and purples right now. The shadow pencil reads more “denim” than “electric” blue, which I love. The silvery lilac nail polish has a metallic tinge to it.

Judging by the depth of these shades I’d say they’re wearable now, right into Spring.

The lipstick is fairly matte, so I’d suggest dabbing a gloss on top for shine.

To take it all off, NARS has released a new Makeup Removing Water ($28). Love, love it. No excuse to go to bed in your makeup, no matter how many cocktails you’ve had.

I have a feeling Spring will be here before we know it! <3

We all have a friend who’s particularly prone to cold weather sick spells… Treat them to some all-natural soothing (and prevention) with Burt’s Bee’s Throat Drops ($2) or Burt’s Bees Hand Sanitizer ($5). Perfect for tossing in their handbag or office drawer to get through the day!

For the lip gloss fiend in your life, options are everything. This mini lip gloss set from Sephora ($22) is a steal for what you’d normally pay for a full-size tube from other luxe brands.

Fragrance is so personal, you never know what they might like. Solution? A fragrance gift set like this one from Harvey Prince ($60), featuring six deluxe fragrance samples like the ones sized above. They’re perfect for wearing alone or even layered for a customized scent!

For an at-home skin refresher - and DIY project all in one - gift Bliss Rubberizing Mask ($38) for a fun, purifying facial experience.

Social love – The week began with a couple impromptu outings, including karaoke and cocktails Monday night at Union Café followed by Tex-Mex eats and seasonal ale on Tuesday at Mad Mex.  I had a blast both days and made connections both professionally and on personal levels with the ladies I met up with each time.

Local love – Seeing old friends, meeting new friends, and sampling delicious wine at Camelot Cellars for a local meetup. I felt festive in a wine-red lip while sipping a delicious Chilean pinor noir, which was recommended to my date and I by a knowledgeable local foodie & wine enthusiast. He made us laugh and demystified a lot of the stigma of being a “wine snob”. Everyone knows one!

Cosmetic love – A little flash teeth whitening was going on while waiting on my friend at the barber’s Thursday evening. GoSmile has these handy little Touch Up ampules that you can carry around for when your teeth need a white boost. I’ve also been using an all-natural whitening toothpaste (with kaolin clay) which I will do a full review of soon. My teeth need to rival the snow this winter! Ideally, they’ll get close. I’ve even given up drinking coffee every day. One step at a time…

Self love – Although underrated in my opinion, self-love should be a vital aspect of everyone’s personal growth. Self-love starts with banishing negative thinking and taking care of yourself so that you always feel and look your personal best.  When you love yourself, you can better love others, so you really are doing everyone around you a favor by practicing exuding confidence and positivity. Recently, I’ve gone as far as to stop associating with people I felt were throwing me off balance. You don’t need anyone in your life to rain on your parade!

The fall season is in full swing, and so is the pressure to work hard (and play hard, during the month of October)! My focus has been on my career and on surrounding myself with positive and genuine people to get the most out of life. During these last few days of warm weather, I’ve enjoyed getting out and soaking up all the vitamin D I can get. Neighborhood walks, patio lunches, as well as summer-esque lime margaritas in the sun were all the menu this past week.

Music love - New Young Pony Club, Robots in Disguise, CSS, and so many more electro bands have been getting me through the day (and night)! You can’t not be in a good mood while rocking out to these basslines.

Career love - Taking years off from the corporate world to pursue my TRUE passions was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has been a tremendous learning experience throughout the ups and downs. I feel that in the recent year I’ve seen a culmination for all my efforts, thanks to increased networking and having established myself independently in chosen fields. This month I’ve landed a few awesome gigs to add to my plate, plus an opportunity for an amazing position doing something I love. It’s an exciting time for me to say the least, so I will continue to work hard and brim with positive energy!

Local love - The gals of ThisIsColumbus.com threw a fun party to celebrate their 1 year anniversary, equipped with a photobooth and goodies from a few amazing local businesses. 

iLove - Inspiring entrepreneurial quotes from the late and great Steve Jobs, speaking to the souls of minds that have elected to think outside of the box. Never give up on your personal journey!

“…Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs