TVIB Travels | Riviera Maya

Hey friends, long time no see! If you follow me on Snapchat (tvibblog) you were able to come along with me on my recent trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico. It was such a beautiful and relaxing trip, I just wish it could have been even longer!

We stayed at a massive resort called Vidanta so we did plenty of walking, but that's okay because it helped offset the enchilada and margarita consumption, and gave us time to see the beautiful grounds.

I got into a regular sleeping pattern of waking up super early, so I made the most of it and watched the sunrise beachside a couple of days.

We did three outings on the trip: visiting the ruins at Tulum, shopping in the closet town of Playa del Carmen, and snorkelling off the coast. We originally had booked a trip to Cozumel but due to high winds and a morning storm the port was cancelled. Thankfully we managed to find a great company called Mexico Blue Dream that did trips out of Playa, so we still got our snorkel fix on our last afternoon. I'm so glad we got to go because that  was Tyler's favourite part of the whole trip! 

There was so much more we wanted to do, but the week just flew by. That just means we'll have to go back soon!

If you want to soak up even more of that beautiful ocean view, head over to Instagram for some more shots of my time in Riviera Maya!

Where did you travel on your last adventure?

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

Volumizing Products for Fine Thin Hair ft. Miss in the Midwest

Hi everyone - today I've got Karly from Miss in the Midwest here to share her secrets to big beautiful hair. Her styles are always on point so you better believe I'll be trying out these products in the near future!

Hello, The View is Beautiful readers! My name is Karly, and I blog at Miss in the Midwest where I share my love of style and beauty, along with some peeks into my life as a born and raised Midwest girl. Nadia and I have become good friends throughout the past couple years, so I'm thrilled to be here today while she is away enjoying her vacation!

Okay, let's get down to beauty business. If you have hair anything like mine, then you'll know that it can be pretty difficult to get fine, straight hair to do anything - especially to achieve any sort of volume.

Throughout the past year, I've experimented with different products, and I finally have a select arsenal of products that help me achieve a voluminous, salon-quality blowout in the comfort of my own home.

Pantene Pro-V Volume Triple Action Mousse // This mousse is my go-to for everyday use (or on the days that I wash and blow dry my hair). Don't be concerned by it's claim of maximum hold - while I do find that it gives my hair hold and lasting volume throughout the day, this product never has made my hair crunchy or show oil at the roots quicker than normal.

L'Oreal Paris Boost It Volume Inject Mousse // This product, on the other hand, is what I reach for when I plan to put more style in my hair other than just blow drying it straight with a round brush. (Last week, I filmed a hair tutorial on how to use my favorite heated hair tool!). It provides just that extra amount of hold and oomph that you need when styling your hair for a special occasion or if you just want to amp it up on a particular day. Don't put too much of this near the roots, though - it can leave a greasy oily residue behind if there's too much in your hair. A golf ball-sized dollop usually does the trick for me.

Schwarzkopf Styliste Ultime Biotin + Volume & Texture Magic Volume Powder // This is still a fairly new-to-me product, but oh my goodness - this stuff is ah.mazing. This is the first volume powder that I've tried, and I would beg to argue that this is better than dry shampoo (which, I can't live without). This gives my hair crazy volume and texture, which is perfect for second and third day hair when I typically throw it in a messy bun. Just remember that a little goes a long way!

TRESemme 24-Hour Body Finishing Spray // This might be my favorite product of the bunch! This spray provides fantastic volume and hold to any hairstyle. It never gets crunchy, despite how much you might spray in your hair, and you can reuse it throughout the day if your hair starts to fall. I recently had this with me during bridesmaid duties at a wedding, and my hair looked just as full and voluminous at the end of the night as it did when I applied it pretty early in the morning.

So, if you are suffering from flat, lifeless hair, I hope that you give a few of these products a try to bring some volume and bounce back to your hair!

Thanks, Nadia for having me takeover your space today, and I hope some of you will stop over at Miss in the Midwest and say hello!

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

3 Ways to Beat Dry Winter Skin

Winter weather has finally caught up with us and whether or not you're dealing with harsh wind chills and freezing temperatures, a change of season often calls for a change in routine when it comes to skincare. While I don't think it's necessary to throw a routine that is working for you out the window, here are 3 simple steps you can take to bring some much needed hydration to dry winter skin. Thanks to Sibu Beauty for providing some of my new favourite products!

Layer Up

Now that sub-zero temperatures have arrived, my Vaseline spray lotion is feeling a bit light for the skin on my legs and arms especially. Layering my products has done amazing things for my skin! I love using the Body Shop Beautifying Dry Oil on my legs and sealing it in with the Sibu Beauty Body Cream. This combo has given me the softest legs of my entire life!

For a thick, hydrating lotion the Sibu Body Cream also absorbs really quickly into the skin so instead of washing it off after moisturizing my body like I normally I do, I leave it on my hands and apply my Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil to give my hands an extra boost during the super dry weather.

Tyler has also been battling some stubborn dry patches on his face and we've been layering the Hydrating Serum with the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, and I saw a huge difference in the dry patches within days!

Treat Yourself

I've recently been obsessed with face masks, and find myself making the time to do one almost every other day, and my skin has been feeling and looking amazing. The Peter Thomas Roth Gel Cucumber Mask is a long time favourite for hydrating parched skin, but the Rose Stem Cell Mask has been a recent love as well.

Once in a while opt out of the piping hot shower which dries out your skin even more, and treat yourself to a bath with a LUSH bath melt. They create a rich creamy bath that softens the skin while you relax!

Sleep On It

Sometimes thicker products are just necessary for getting the results that we need during the winter months, so use those 8 hours you're catching some zzz to get the most moisture into your skin. I think we've all heard it the "drink more water" speech before, but consider a humidifier to help restore moisture into the air that is taken away by dry indoor heaters. I got this one for Christmas and have been loving it!

Before getting into bed I apply the Sibu Miracle Stick on the backs of my arms where I get rough dry patches, as well as a little to my lips before I put on my PJs and head to bed. It is a thick product, but I let it work it's magic over night and my arms have never beens smoother!

What is your best tip for dealing with dry winter skin?

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

Cold Shoulder

When the weather is not cooperating with your outfit plans, sometimes it's better just to take the hint and keep things casual. This weekend cycled from pouring rain to blizzard, which didn't do much for the outside outfit photos I had planned, but gave me the perfect excuse to pull on the most comfortable, flowy sweater I own and do some planning for my upcoming vacation (5 days to go!). 

Sweater: c/o SheIn {exact} | Leggings: Express {exact} | Necklace: H&M {similar} | Watch: KS {similar} | Glasses: Firmoo {exact}

Who doesn't love a good loose sweater for lounging around the house? There is something about the cold shoulder that makes me feel less like I'm wearing my PJs (I love sleeping in oversized crewneck sweaters!) and inspired me to pair them with some leather leggings and simple jewelry to complete the look. This sweater is so comfortable I'm seriously considering wearing it on the plane - not too heavy, not too light, and no need to worry about being uncomfortable in cramped seats for hours. Stay tuned on Snapchat (tvibblog) to see what I end up choosing!

What is your favourite weekend uniform?

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

Cozy Glam

This year for Christmas I got my very first blanket scarf, and it's safe to say that I am obsessed. I'm always cold so I for one am so glad that walking around wearing a blanket is fashion-friendly! There are so many ways you can wear these pieces, but this was my favourite over the holidays for staying warm while still looking put together.

Blanket Scarf: American Eagle {exact} | Sweater: Forever 21 {similar} | Leggings: Old Navy {similar}
Necklace: Happiness Boutique {exact} | Bracelet: J Crew {exact} | Belt: H&M {similar} | Boots: Daav {similar}

Wearing this super soft scarf poncho-style was like being wrapped in a warm hug, and the monochrome base is perfect for letting the metallic touches shine. It wouldn't be me without a little bit of sparkle, right?

What's your favourite way to wear a blanket scarf?

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

The Hit List 2015 | Beauty Favourites

We've covered the best skincare, haircare and nail products of 2015, so it's about time we got into the best of the best beauty of the year! Grab yourself a beverage and get comfy because I have a ton of amazing products to talk about today to wrap up my Hit List series for 2015!

Face

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ | This should come as no surprise to anyone who has read any of my makeup or favourites posts from the past six months.  Beautiful coverage and finish, an SPF of 50+ and great staying power made it my favourite product discovery of the spring. It's an easy one stop product that I wish came in more shades! 

Maybelline Master Concealer | I'm still an avid user of my Coastal Scents Camo Quad, but this concealer became a handbag staple for me this year. The formula isn't too dry and has amazing coverage so it's perfect for a quick touch up or travelling since it can be used under the eyes or to cover spots on the face. 

Maybelline Age Rewind Brightener | I rediscovered this product this year and have been using it every single day since. It immediately brings life to my face and makes me look awake and fresh even on days when I've gotten less sleep than I should have. 

Skindinavia Makeup Setting Sprays | I also began to really appreciate setting sprays this year as my skin became a touch more dry. I use it in the winter as my only setting product to avoid any dry patches from powdering, and as a finishing spray in the summer to avoid makeup meltdown. The regular setting spray is my favourite but the oil control version was great in the summer heat!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette | These powders are a beautiful formula, and having an "all over" powder, highlight and bronzey shade in one palette makes it a perfect full face/travelling companion. I will say if you were to pick one I would go for the Dim Light, it leaves the skin with a beautiful soft focus finish that is like nothing else I've ever tried!

And once again Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed had to make an appearance for the second year in a row because it is my HG blush!

Eyes

Naked2 Basics | This is the everyday eyeshadow palette of my dreams. I love the cooler tones which suit my light & cool features, and the mix of colours is perfect from day to night. I use every single shade in this palette which is rare so it had to be included!

Maybelline Lash Sensational + Jordana Best Lash Extreme + IT Cosmetics Tightline | This trio of mascaras made for the best lashes ever in 2015. I've loved the Jordana mascara for a long time because it is super dark and dramatic, but layering it over the Lash Sensational, which is great for lengthening and separating the lashes, was a match made in heaven. The Tightline's teeny tiny brush and smudge-proof formula made it perfect for getting right to the root of the lashes for natural day or on the lower lashes for a more dramatic look.

Stila Black Stay All Day Liquid Liner | I'm convinced this is the best black liner on the market, full stop. It's tip is flexible enough for the perfect feline flick, without being too flimsy and messy. It's rich and black and seriously stays. all. day. and a tube lasts me at least six months. I did try the brown and was a little disappointed so I would recommend sticking to black!

Sephora Cup of Joe Wink-It Felt Liner | I picked this up after my Stila disappointment and have worn it nearly every work day since.  I don't love the tip or staying power as much as the Stila liners but the colour is a perfect opaque dark cool-toned brown, and nothing else has beat it yet!

NYX Brow Mascara & Anastasia Brow Gel | This was definitely the year of brows for me, and what a difference a little attention to them has made! The NYX brow mascara is the perfect budget friendly one-step brow product that I use everyday to define and shape my brows. Nothing quite holds like the Anastasia gel though, and if I was looking for perfect brows from morning to night, this was my #1.

Lips

Maybelline Lust for Blush Color Whisper | This was without a doubt my most worn lip product of the entire year. The natural cool pink colour, the silky formula, and the fact that it smells like fruit loops meant that it lived in my purse for easy access all year long.

NYX Butter Gloss | I'm not usually a lip gloss girl but the formula of these is simply beautiful. Thick enough to stick around on the lips but not sticky, they are just so comfortable and moisturizing to wear. My favourite shade was Creme Brule, but it met an untimely death one day when I accidentally crushed the tube on the kitchen floor (oops). 

Maybelline Plum Please Color Blur | I had to throw this in as an honourable mention because the colour is so stunning! It's dark but still super flattering, and it's made an appearance in many blog posts in the past couple of months! 

If you managed to make it to the end, thank you so much for joining with me in 2015 and recommending some of your favourites in the comments! If you missed them, don't forget to check out my 2015 standouts in the skincare, haircare and nail product categories!

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter

The Hit List 2015 | Hair & Nail Care Favourites

Happy New Year friends! Anyone else not entirely looking forward to getting back into the regular swing of things at work/school? Well to soften the blow, let's get back to talking about the best of the best from 2015! Last week was all about skincare standouts, and today we'll be getting into the best of the best hair & nail care products of the year!

Hair Care

Live Clean Apple Cider Shampoo | I still haven't found my perfect everyday shampoo, but this clarifying shampoo made a big impression on me this year. It does the job of getting rid of any build up of product (I am a dry shampoo junkie after all) but always leaves my hair feeling soft and looking shiny - something I've never experienced from a clarifying shampoo!

Bumble & Bumble Invisible Oil | If you've been opposed to the feel or weight of hair oils in the past, you're going to want to give this one a shot. It is incredible at smoothing and protecting my hair without feeling thick or heavy. I got this last Christmas and have only used a quarter of the bottle, talk about value!

Macadamia Deep Repair Hair Masque and my It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In are two time winners  for the best moisturizing tag team for my hair. I tried so many other conditioners and leave in products but none could knock them out of the top spot!

Hair Styling

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo | If you've been following for any length of time you'll know that Batiste is my #1 when it comes to dry shampoo. This year the XXL version came into the picture for when I wanted long lasting volume in my super fine, flat hair. It adds a ton of grit and texture that allows the hair to build on itself without the need for teasing, but isn't super messy and doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy the next day like some other volume powders I've tried. 

The Wet Brush | My hairstylist used this once on my hair this year and I bought it on the spot. It's the best thing I've ever used for detangling damp hair! I still use last year's winner for the majority of my dry hair detangling, but this has taken the top spot for use after the shower!

Croc Clips & Meta Grip Bobby Pins | I almost completely abandoned the hair tie in favour of clips for overnight hair styling. Using bobby pins for my nightly top knot turned my naturally frizzy curls into voluminous waves, and the crocodile clips made original styling and keeping my styles in kink free a breeze.

Nail Care

ORLY Bonder Base Coat | Since my favourite Revlon Colourstay Base coat was discontinued, I had to go on a hunt this year to find a replacement. ORLY was the standout as the rubberized formula is amazing and gripping onto colour and extending the wear.

L'Oreal Infallible Nail Colour | The infallible formula was my favourite discovery of the past year, and I wore it on my nails all the time through the winter and fall of 2015. I even did a full review showing how it faired through nearly two weeks of wear time, and the results were amazing!

Essie "Ignite the Night" | The top polish shades of 2014 continued to live on my nails this year, but this shade is the most memorable new colour purchase I made in 2015 because it is literally so stunning on the nails! 

Sephora Instant Nail Polish Remover | Last, but definitely not least, this nail polish remover completely changed the game for me this year. It makes removing polish (even glitter!!) so quick and painless, that changing up polish colours was way less time consuming! No mess and no bulky packaging means this will likely have a permanent spot in my nail drawer for years to come!

Phew that was a long one! Is there anything in the hair/nail department I'm seriously missing out on? Let me know, and look for the grand finale of the Hit List coming on Wednesday: standout beauty products of the year!

keep up with me: bloglovin' | instagram | pinterest | twitter