URBAN DECAY NAKED FOUNDATION

When it comes to foundation, for me it's a luxury not a necessity. It's not something I wear every single day, but when I do wear it, I don't want people to see a huge difference in my skin. I've always believed that foundation should enhance your skin's radiance and this exactly what I've found in Urban Decay's Naked Skin Foundation.

It's the perfect balance of coverage and luminosity. It's build-able, for those days when my skin is acting up, but lightweight enough that I don't feel like I have makeup on. The best part? It balances out my oily and dry patches, so I don't have to worry about either showing through. It's my new go-to foundation!

via Urban Decay.

What's your favorite foundation?

x Jill

JESS'S PM ROUTINE

My skin has never been perfect. I've dealt with acne growing up, and after that awkward teenager stage, it finally cleared up... Until I moved to Chicago. Maybe it was the climate, the pollution, life annoying me, who knows, but my acne came back with a vengeance. Kiehl's (and a lot of time) initially helped me get over that stage of adult acne (read about it here), but my skin still had its issues. After months of online research and trial and error, I am ecstatic to have my skin where it's at today. I'm still working on it, but starting where I did (I may or may not have had bangs to cover my problem areas), it's a night and day comparison. The heart and soul of my skincare is all in my PM routine and if this is something you're trying to work on, join me on my nightly steps!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser,  Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, Kiehl's Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser, First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum, REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Kiehl's Skin Rescuer, and Queen Bee's Benzoyl Peroxide Amped (c/o).

If my makeup is still on, a quick wash with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser will remove everything and make my face so fresh and so clean. If I'm swinging by the gym, I always make sure to have Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes in my bag. I feel like I've tried every single kind out there, but there are no other wipes that won't make my skin break out. If you have senstive skin or break out easily, you have to get these. Since I'm already makeup-less at this point, I'll use Kiehl's Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser. It contains salicylic acid, so it's the perfect base for dealing with acne. 

Whether I've done just the cleanser or wipes and cleanser, it's time for the layers! I start off with First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum. It's the newest addition to my routine, and it's already working like a charm. It's more of a lotion than a serum, but hey, if it works, it works. I feel like my cheeks were permanently flushed, but with an application at night (and in the morning), it's cleared up so much that I may be brave enough to leave the house without foundation! Next up is the first of two magical products, REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate. Before all of my online research, I never heard of alpha hydroxy acid, but this needs to be a part of everyone's routine. It exfoliates, reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, and gives your skin a smooth, healthy look and feel. Seriously, why would you not want this in your medicine cabinet? The second magical item of the evening is Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, another product to repair and smooth skin. If I'm falling asleep standing up and can only add one thing to my skin at night, this would be it. The smell itself is soothing and I swear it helps me fall asleep. 

Moisturizer is the key to healthy skin, and no PM routine should be without one. My choice is Kiehl's Skin Rescuer (can you tell I'm a Kiehl's fan?), which reduces the physical signs of stress and my main problem, blotchiness. If you have normal to dry skin, this moisturizer isn't too much when you're having a good skin day, but will do the job for Chicago's winters. And if you've got that stubborn pimple (I'm looking at you, forehead zit), Queen Bee's Benzoyl Peroxide Amped (c/o) will do the trick pretty much overnight (but be careful with your favorite towel or pillowcase - benzoyl peroxide does stain).

If you're looking to improve or update your PM routine for whatever reason, I hope this gives you some new ideas, and hopefully changes your skin for the better. It brings a huge smile to my face that I can be so confident with my skin nowadays and I want you to have that exact same feeling!

What is your PM routine like?

Jess

LVX SPRING 2014

Spring is truly here! And what better way to celebrate sunny skies and 60 degree weather than by packing up your jackets, wearing open-toed shoes, and brightening up your outfit with spring nail lacquers?

LVX is back again with their newest collection of the year, Spring 2014. While I typically wear black and grey year round, I love to add a pop of color with my nails, and this collection from LVX hit it out of the park. I tried the Orchid, Truffle, and Roux, (Jill's showing off other colors from the collection next week), and they've been on constant rotation all week!

Orchid | Truffle | Roux

See my new favorite spring nail colors below, and in case you missed it, check out my last post on LVX.

Orchid is Pantone's color of the year and LVX's rendition is a great addition to almost every outfit.

Orchid ($16.00)

Truffle is a perfect taupe that looks great on every skin tone. For a monochromatic look or a neutral for a bright outfit, this nail color will get a lot of use.

Truffle ($16.00)

Roux is a poppy red that I am obsessed with. I've been looking for the perfect color, inspired by my favorite coral from college, and it's definitely going to be my spring staple. If I'm feeling brave with nail art, I'm thinking of pairing this with Orchid!

Roux ($16.00)

What is your favorite spring nail color?

Jess

Jess & Jill received product courtesy of LVX. Opinions and commentary are of their own.

DINNER TIME WITH RELISHED

Hope you're hungry, because it's dinner time with Relished!

As you all may know - we're horrible in the kitchen. The poor guys in our lives are stuck with brownie mix all over the floor and upside-down pizzas burning the oven. (Yes, those are true stories of Jess and Jill.) With the fresh ingredients picked out, detailed instructions, and photos to let us know what we're doing wrong - Relished set us up for three successful dinners. 

With Relished, you receive one box per week with three meals of locally sourced food. Everything comes labeled and packaged within each meal, so it's foolproof. At $9.95 a serving, it's cheaper than a night out and you can boast about your chef skills. (Your secret's safe with us.) While Jess had a little mishap with her package (her building's fault, not Relished) and couldn't get to her food for almost 24 hours, the ice packs in the boxes kept her food chilled until it was ready to cook. Jill had an issue with her chicken being bad and unfortunately, had to throw it away. Not sure if she waited too long (she opted for cooking the shrimp before the chicken as per the instructions) or if it was already on it's way out, but everything else was fresh.

Read what we ate for our three days of meals, courtesy of Relished, and if you want a bite for yourself, find out how you can get 50% off your order below.

Sauteed Shrimp and Baby Spinach Salad with a Balsamic Reduction

Jess: This recipe was light, but still filling. I actually never used cracked red pepper in a recipe, but now I'm hooked. I was also really eager to try the balsamic reduction because I swear, I hear it on every cooking show on TV. The shrimp, onions, and cheese were also a great addition to the spinach salad.

Jill: This was my favorite meal and one I plan on recreating again! It's perfect for a lunch or light dinner and it's so refreshing. The balsamic was the perfect touch.

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken with Cavatappi Pasta and Sweet Pea Primavera

Jess: My favorite meal of the week, and honestly... one of my favorites ever! I absolutely love prosciutto, so I was really excited for this meal. The pasta instructions gave me and my boyfriend the perfect al dente and the sauce was freaking delicious. I felt like a chef making this plate and the recipe is always on my refrigerator door now.

Jill: Unfortunately my chicken was bad so I couldn't test this recipe out fully, but the pasta was pretty good on it's own! The sauce was ah-mazing.

Pan Seared Strip Steak with Roasted Vegetable Hash

Jess: This meal felt very homecooked-esque and was very hearty. It was a ton of vegetables sent directly to my place, so I loved not having to lug a ton of vegetables from the grocery store. It gave me the opportunity to try something new and I had enough for leftovers the next day!

Jill: I love that they give you a lot of vegetables and don't skimp out! The meal was delicious and the vegetables were insanely fresh. One of the best parts about Relished is they give great proportions!

We thoroughly enjoyed the meals Relished sent us and would definitely use it again! We would like to see a "best date to eat by" for each plate, just in case our nights run late, because we're pretty bad at judging how long a product can last for. But we'd say it's one of the best home meal services we've tried!

If you're hungry and want to try Relished for yourself, use code 'Jess&Jill' for 50% off your order.

Mangia, mangia!

Jess & Jill

Jess & Jill received product courtesy of Relished. Opinions and comments are of their own.

FAVORITO FRIDAY: CHICBUDS PORTA PARTY WIRELESS SPEAKER

If you're like us and always have Spotify playing, it's not easy lugging your laptop from room to room while you're getting ready. You can make your life a little easier, and a bit more loud with chicBuds Porta Party speaker.

This little speaker packs a big punch! Connected by Bluetooth (wireless), and small enough to fit in your palm, it's a great home accessory for any room (no bath is complete without a good soundtrack!) While the speaker can get really loud, on the maximum level the sound does get distorted, but since we're never putting it on max (we're good neighbors!), it's not a big deal for us. The speakers are less than $50 and come in a variety of prints and colors. The perfect accessory to jam out with!

What song are you jammin' to right now?

Jess & Jill

Jess & Jill were given this product to review and were not compensated. Opinions and commentary are of their own. 

FAVORITO FRIDAY: FLOWER BEAUTY

I've been dying to get my hands on Drew Barrymore's cosmetics line, FLOWER Beauty, and I finally ended up at Walmart on my recent trip to Florida and grabbed the Lip Suede Velvet Lip Chubby in Berry-more and Kiss Me Twice Lip & Cheek Chubby in Think Pink. Everything everyone is saying about FLOWER Beauty is absolutely dead on! Overall, the products are inexpensive, easy to use, and long-lasting. I'm kicking myself that I took so long to try them out - I'm obsessed!

Kiss Me Twice Lip & Cheek Chubby in Think Pink ($9.98)

Lip Suede Velvet Lip Chubby in Berry-more ($7.98)

The Lip Suede Velvet Lip Chubby in Berry-more is my newest must-have. I normally never wear anything on my lips for work because since I'm not the most savvy with lipliners and lipsticks, doing it so earlier in the morning would be a hot mess. This chubby glides on really easily and is thick enough to do it quickly, but still the perfect size to apply it perfectly. The matte finish is great for an every day look and lasted through eating and a whole lot of talking. I'm definitely going back to get this in more colors (okay, all the colors) and can't wait to try the Sheer Up Lip Tint.

I love the Kiss Me Twice Lip & Cheek Chubby in Think Pink for my cheeks, but not so much for my lips. It has almost a chalky feel to it, and for a non-frequent lipstick wearer, it was too uncomfortable. But when it comes to cheeks, it's such an easy and great product to use. I just drew a line on each cheekbone, and either spread it out with my fingers or a cream blush brush (it comes out super bright, but blends out light). The end result is a natural and highlighting blush that I'm all for!

Also wearing LVX in Roux nail lacquer.

Have you tried FLOWER Beauty?

Jess

PLUS WHITE 5 MINUTE PREMIER WHITENING SYSTEM REVIEW

Amongst pizza and tacos, a few of my obsessions include a cup (or five) of English breakfast tea and ritually flossing my teeth every night (right before I put in my really bulky retainer... attractive, right?) Unfortunately my love of tea doesn't make for a pretty white smile, and with my best friend's wedding this past week, I needed a quick whitening system that was going to work. I quickly picked up Plus White 5 Minute Premier Whitening System at my local grocery store hoping the cheaper price ($10) would still deliver quick results. And they really, really did.

Plus White 5 Minute Premier Whitening System.

The product comes with a mouth guard that you squeeze the whitening gel into, and leave on your teeth for 5-20 minutes. After the time is up, you remove the excess gel from your teeth and rinse with their mouth wash. Within two days I saw a significant difference in the whiteness in my teeth and the results just kept coming! My only suggestion is to first apply the whitening gel to your teeth with a q-tip, to make sure the gel is evenly on, then add gel to the trays and put them on your teeth.

I've used whitening kits in the past and found that they've always made my teeth super sensitive. Luckily with Plus White, I didn't have a problem with sensitivity and they delivered the same results, only faster, than the more expensive kits. Plus the trays stay on much easier than the slimy whitening strips! I highly suggest the product, and it's a cheap alternative to try before you splurge for a professional whitening job. 

Have you ever tried a whitening kit? What were your results?

x Jill

LVX NAIL LACQUERS

Looking for a local nail lacquer brand that's cruelty-free and vegan? How about one that features the latest colors of the season, free of toxic and harsh chemicals, and is amazing quality? Check off yes to all of the above with LVX! These long long-lasting and fast-drying polishes are one of my must-have nail brands. At $16.00 each, it's more expensive than what you can get at the drugstore, but it's absolutely worth it. Doing my own nails at home is my form of therapy and would rather spend the money on quality polishes versus trips to the salon. If you're in the same boat as me (or want to do both), LVX needs to be a part of your mani and pedi routine!

Sappir | Avalon | Caviar

LVX sent us their Winter Resort 2014 collection and I am in love. Below you'll find three of the collection's colors with more coming soon. I'm not as talented as Jill in the painting nails department, so you'll just have to deal!

Sappir | Avalon | Caviar

Sappir is a cool Sapphire with complex gray undertones. My typical nail colors are black and grey and this deep blue is a perfect addition to that cycle. Since I wear black all the time, this is just the pop of color I can need and handle.

Avalon is a multifaceted bronze with complex rose gold and brown undertones. I'm really into copper and brass right now and this polish couldn't have come at a better time! I'm loving this color with my all-black look, gold-tone jewelry, and dark brown hair.

Caviar - a classic jet set crème [with] silver glitter particles [that] act as a three dimensional element. This is a great twist on a typical black polish. I'm not much of a glitter gal, but the faintness of is perfect for just a little extra addition. This polish dries super quick and does not need a top coat because of the textured effect. It doesn't last as long as other polishes, but it's great for that last minute outing and you just realized your nails are bare (and explains my botched application).

Have you tried LVX?

Jess

TEMPTU AIRBRUSH MAKEUP KIT + GIVEAWAY

TEMPTU is the first professional-quality, at home airbrush makeup system that will deliver celebrity status results quickly and easily. This brush-free system is truly an all-in-one product and be used for foundation, blush, and highlighter! For that flawless red carpet-ready that Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Nicole Kidman, and runways models of Prada, Christian Dior, and Helmut Lang have, TEMPTU is the answer.

TEMPTU sent us their Airbrush Makeup Kit to learn about the system firsthand and create our own holiday looks. One word to describe it? AWESOME. We were amazed by how easy it was to use (point, pull, and blend with your fingers), and how natural it feels on. With an easy dial to control the amount of product, it's perfect for those like Jill who prefer a lighter coverage, but also for those like Jess who go for more. We can't stress enough how great it feels on the skin, and it won't show any dry patches or oily spots. Check out our video below!

Jess's holiday look was created with TEMPTU's AIRpod foundation in Porcelain, AIRpod blush in Pale Pink, AIRpod Highlighter in Champagne, NYX Cosmetics Collection Noir liquid liner, Benefit's they're real! mascara, Make Up For Ever's Aqua Rouge in 10 Raspberry, and Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N50 Aubergine.

Jill used TEMPTU's AIRpod foundation in Ivory, AIRpod blush in Washed Rose, AIRpod Highlighter in Champagne, Naked2 Palette by Urban Decay, Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara, and butter LONDON LIPPY Tinted Balm in Axis Kiss for her holiday look.

The TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup Kit starts at only $149 but you can enter code B7EZ9787 to receive 20% off any TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup Kit. Feeling a little lucky? We're giving away a TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup Kit (yes, foundation, blush, and highlighter included) from now until midnight, December 5th. You can just call us the Santa of makeup!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you used TEMPTU before?

Jess & Jill

Jess & Jill were compensated for this post. Opinions and commentary are of their own. You must have a Facebook to enter giveaway. Giveaway is not fulfilled by Jess & Jill and does not hold any responsibility of prizes. 

MARK HILL REVIEW

As if Mark Hill and his team didn't spoil us enough during BlogHer, they sent us and our fabulous hair home with a bag filled with Mark Hill goodies! (Check out our fishtail and curls here.) Selling now at Walgreens and all priced under $12, we couldn't wait to get home and see each product in action... and write about it, duh. 

Check out our last post with Mark Hill here.

Check out our last post with Mark Hill here.

With Jess's thick, wavy hair that battles with daily frizz, and Jill's straight, fine locks that tend to get a bit oily, we've given a different perspective on almost each product in our review. We've got all heads of hair covered!

Slick Chick De-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.99 Each)

Slick Chick De-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner

Jess: This shampoo and conditioner duo is hands down my favorite! My bathroom is filled with so many different brands promising silky, smooth hair, but no has been able to keep that promise until Mark Hill. Call me a convert because I won't be buying anything else anymore!

Big Night Out Pre-Styling Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.99 Each)

Big Night Out Pre-Styling Shampoo and Conditioner
Jill: These instantly have become my favorite set. Even if you don't plan on styling your hair and are letting it air dry, it leaves your strands flowy and soft.

MiracOILicious 2 Minute Intensive Treatment ($11.99)

MiracOILicious 2 Minute Intensive Treatment with Moroccan Argan Oil
Jess: An amazing product for a great price. I've been meaning to pick up something with Moroccan Oil for a while, but the hair gods were waiting for this one to come into my life. Say goodbye to dry, damaged hair and say hello to a great hair day, every day.
Jill: My absolutely FAVORITE product! Although I'm a huge fan of Argan Oil for my face, I've been hesitant to put it in my hair in fear that will will make it even more oily than it is, although my hair needed more moisture. This treatment delivers the perfect balance without going overboard, and helped detangle and soften my hair (and no more knots)!

Big Night Out 60 Second Detox Gloss ($11.99)

Big Night Out 60 Second Detox Gloss
Jess: Love, love, LOVE this! I use it from my scalp to ends and it makes my hair so incredibly soft! This is a must for my hair every time I wash and can't get over how great it smells!
Jill: Enjoyed using this at the ends of my hair, but I can't apply it higher than my shoulders. For me, it's the perfect pick me up for the dryer, bottom portion.

Get it Straight! Straightening Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.99 Each)

Get It Straight! Straightening Shampoo and Conditioner
Jill: Although my hair is straight naturally, this set gave me that extra sleek, clean look.

Magic Drops Rescue and Repair Treatment ($11.99)

Magic Drops Rescue and Repair Treatment
Jess: Use this after the Slick Chick De-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner set, and you'll forget what frizz feels and looks like. Its name says it all - it's magical! Used to moisture and replenish damaged hair, it's also gentle enough to calm hair after humidity (or just looks crazy like mine when you wake up).

Although online it says it's not sold in stores, we have seen them at our neighborhood Walgreens! Grab yours today, it's all currently 20% off!

Have you tried any Mark Hill products?

Jess & Jill

AQUAPHOR REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

Whether we'd like to admit it or not, those harsh Chicago winters are upon us, so to prepare properly we've recently had the chance to test a few products from Aquaphor. Aquaphor is a line formulated to restore healthy skin by creating "an ideal healing environment that enables the flow of water and oxygen". To put it more simple, it'll give you that moisture and enhancement your skin craves when the temperature drops.

Photos via Aquaphor.

Their Healing Ointment instantly adds moisture to skin, especially on the hands and heels, and is our new favorite to use at nighttime. We also loved using the Lip Repair at night after exfoliating our lips, and the Lip Repair + PROTECT with SPF 30 for the daytime, which ensures we're protected. With Aquaphor we're ready to combat the cold!

And you can too with our giveaway!

Aquaphor is giving away a Lip Repair + PROTECT and a $50 Visa gift card to one of our lucky readers! To enter, you must 'like' our Facebook. Increase your odds of winning by 'liking' Aquaphor on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and tweeting about our giveaway! More details below. Giveaway ends September 6th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do you have a favorite Aquaphor product?

Jess & Jill

This post was sponsored by Aquaphor, but opinions expressed are of Jess & Jill.

BEAUTY REVIEW: SIMPLE'S REPLENISHING SKIN MOISTURIZER

I know I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I have really, really sensitive skin. The kind that will freak out and go into panic mode the second something too fragrant, harsh, or unnatural touches it. But that doesn't keep me from hoarding beauty products, and as an avid moisturizer user since I was a teen, I love trying out new ones.

After thinking about trying Simple products, I finally picked up their Replenishing Rich Moisturizer for those days when I don't need to wear sunscreen and my nighttime moisturizer is too heavy. It's lightweight yet moisturizes my skin, but the best part is that it really sinks in, and for that alone I highly recommend it. And you definitely can't beat the price!

Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer (From $8.99)

Now I'm ready to try more from their line! Any favorites?

x Jill

BEAUTY REVIEW: ELIZABETH ARDEN 8-HOUR REPAIR CREAM

Snake skin- great on your feet but not really on your feet.

The brutal Chicago wind that comes with that other w-word (the painful season we're all trying to deny) can will leave your skin and lips scaly and cracked.

Cue Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant coming into my life from that beautiful red door and healing my skin. I have tried everything short of pulling a Buffalo Bill and I've never come across a product like this one. Most moisturizers leave a greasy feeling and never really sink in, making the turn of a door knob a hassle.

Eight Hour Cream ($19.50)

The Eight Hour Cream immediately starts sinking in right when I use it, leaving my skin soft but not greasy. It's constantly on my hands, but I've also loved the results on my feet, lips, and knees. I can't vouch for the normal smell since I only use fragrance-free (although it still has a slight scent), but I've seen a huge improvement on my skin since using it.

There are a few things you'll need this winter... a good jacket, snow shoes, and this cream.

xx Jill

LABOR DAY LUSH

Labor Day is around the corner and summer is on its way out. LUSH gave us some last minute essentials as fall makes it way to Chicago for us to try and fall in love with.

Dirty Springwash Shower Gel ($9.95 for 3.3oz/$17.95 for 8.8oz/$27.95 for 16.9oz) is perfect for the last of the hot days because this menthol and spearmint gel is like a shower in a mountain spring; and leaves your skin cool as a cucumber.

Jess: This has the perfect amount of spearmint to make it tingle without an overpowering scent of menthol. I can see my boyfriend borrowing this from time to time.
Jill: It's important to note that I have VERY sensitive skin, so one little change and my body goes into freakout mode. This shower gel was too strong for my skin and dried me out, leaving me itchy. My boyfriend however really liked it, and said he felt ultra clean. It also lathers really well and although the scent is powerful at first, it leaves a lingering hint of freshness.

Give your locks some love with this seaweed and sea salt packed puck! Seanik ($10.95) softens hair and pumps up the volume as it nourishes. The exotic fragrance of mimosa, orange blossom absolute and jasmine will transport your senses to an exotic island.

Jess: I have to admit, I was a little confused about a shampoo bar. So, do I just rub it on my head? It felt weird, but after some quick YouTube searches, I was ready for the challenge. Two days later, my hair is still ah-mazing. It made my hair so soft, and gave me this natural look of volume. I'm always hesitant with volumizing product as my hair is so thick, but this is volume I can handle. Because of Seanik, I am off to a LUSH store tomorrow to buy a couple bars, one for home and one for the gym!
Jill: Having oily, straight hair, I was surprised at the volume this bar gave me. It's a miracle worker and leaves it feeling clean, without stripping it. PERFECT balance.

Invigorate and exfoliate skin with the cream-based Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub ($19.95 for 4.2oz/$34.95 for 8.8oz). We added both coarse and fine sea salts for extra scrubbing power and the granules of salt contain minerals beneficial to the skin. Organic avocado butter, nutritious seaweed absolute and cocoa butter leave skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized.

Jess: A creamy, yet coarse with exfoliating sea salts. This is perfect for ladies that enjoy just having a bath. Soothing and invigorating at the same, I don't know how they do it!
Jill: My boyfriend has been complaining about dry elbows, so I immediately used it on him. He loved the way they felt and that he didn't have to put much lotion on afterwards. It was too harsh for my skin but perfect for my feet and hands.

You might be surprised by this, but sea water is actually good for your skin! It’s why LUSH put real sea water from the shores of the Pacific Ocean in our Breath of Fresh Air Facial Toner ($8.95 for 3.3oz/$19.95 for 8.4oz) as it hydrates and balances skin.

Jess: This is the perfect name for this product. I hate to admit this, but my face is totally breaking out. A couple sprays and the next time I looked up at the mirror, this toner really calmed my blemishes. Perfect for a gal on the go!
Jill: This toner really helped calm my skin and "cool" it down after a wash. Perfect after you exfoliate, or a mid-day spritz to help give your skin a pick me up.

XO Jess & Jill

CALIFORNIA LOVE

Being loyal customers who appreciate their creative designs (see our infamous wig-night-out where we both rocked AKIRA), we were excited when Jess won AKIRA's Twitter contest. While she was sent this crop top, in exchange for a review Jill received this flirty dress. So why not make it into a photo shoot? (Photos courtesy of Jess's boyfriend, looks styled by Jess.) We were in a California mood, so we went for a Coachella and LA Rocker feel. (Hologram Tupac was unavailable to make an appearance in this photoshoot. Scheduling conflicts, y'know?)

We've always loved AKIRA for it's on-trend pieces and pleasant sales associates, so we're so happy they gave us the opportunity to try out some goodies! Love the look? You can shop for styles similar to Jess's here and Jill's here.

Cropped tops compliment high waisted skirts and jeans, but being not the most flattering piece on me, I had to figure out a way to work this top while still feeling at ease. Enter a maxi and jean jacket from my closet. This once intimidating top became a functional accessory, and for only $29.90, you have a piece that impacts your wardrobe, not your wallet. Alternative ways to wear this top, while still maintaining comfort, are with a bathing suit for the summer, under an unbuttoned t-shirt dress, or paired with a blazer. Cropped tops also serve as real-life traveling pants, since they're best oversized. I could wear it with my maxi, while Jill could use it for an off the shoulder look. The quality of the fabric surpasses the price and I'm loving the colors of the floral, as the varying brights and pastels match almost everything in my closet. - Jess

Shop similar styles here.

Shop similar styles here.

Shop similar styles here.

Jess is also wearing a denim jacket from H&M, dress from Forever 21, watch and bracelets from GUESS, and shoes from Aldo.

Adding a whimsical element to a different silhouette, this dress's airy flow and light feeling are perfect for summer days and breezy nights. The quality of the garment, as well as the shaping, were both flattering and well put together. An open back can be intimidating for those needing more support than a backless adhesive, (one problem I WISH I had), so I paired it with a black bra to show it's versatility. The color best compliments tan skin, but if you're pale and want to rock it out without being washed out, pair it with a dark lip. A black belt and shoes also help break up the light palette, creating contrast and edge to the look. Due to my short stature I usually have my long dresses tailored, but because of the high-low hem, the dress falls perfectly for any height, at any length. This dress is a savior for those who want to add a little umph to a summer trend. - Jill

Shop similar styles here.

Shop similar styles here.

Shop similar styles here.

Jill is also wearing earrings from House of Harlow 1960 (available at Nordstrom, 520 N. Michigan Ave.), necklace and ring from Forever 21, bracelets from J. Crew, GUESS and Forever 21, and shoes from Dolce Vita.

AKIRA-ed out.

Don't forget, you can shop for styles similar to Jess's here and Jill's here.

What are you favorite pieces from AKIRA? Do you love cropped tops? Are you for high-low hems?

XO Jess & Jill