It’s never one thing. It’s everything working together.

There’s a difference between something that works and something that feels right. Most of the time, it isn’t one defining feature that creates that feeling. It’s a series of smaller decisions. Ones that don’t necessarily stand out on their own, but together, create something cohesive.

You don’t always notice them immediately. But you feel them.

The lighting is softer than expected. The music fits the room without competing with it. A space feels intentional, even if you can’t explain why. An outfit comes together without needing adjustment. Nothing is pulling too hard for attention. It’s subtle, but it changes everything.

We tend to look for the one thing that will make the difference. The right piece, the right plan, the right moment. But more often than not, it’s the accumulation of smaller details that creates the result we’re actually after. And when those details are considered consistently, things start to feel easier. Not effortless in the sense that nothing went into it, but effortless in the sense that everything has already been decided.

That’s where clarity comes from. It shows up in how you get dressed. Pieces that work together without needing to be rethought. Nothing competing, nothing slightly off. You’re comfortable and feel confident. It shows up in your environment. Spaces that feel aligned with how you want to live, not just how they look.

And it shows up in your time. Days that aren’t just full, but intentional. None of these things requires more. If anything, they require less. Less noise. Less overthinking. Less trying to force something into place.

The difference is in the details that remain. The ones that have been chosen carefully, repeated consistently, and refined just enough that everything else can fall into place around them.

What This Looks Like in Practice

It’s easy to talk about details in theory, but they matter most in the moments where things aren’t controlled. Especially in work that doesn’t follow the same rhythm every day. I shared a little day in the life video on my Instagram last night that showcases a view into what a day can look like working in hospitality.

Some days are structured. Others aren’t. Priorities shift, timelines move, and what you planned for the day isn’t always what it becomes. That’s where the smaller things start to matter more. Not as a way to control the day, but as a way to move through it.

Routines that don’t change. Decisions that have already been made. Boundaries around what gets your time and attention. They’re not rigid, but they’re consistent. And that consistency is what creates a sense of stability, even when everything else is moving. It’s not about having a perfect system, but about having something to return to.

I’ve learned I can’t control the day, but I know what works and what doesn’t for me.

A consistent start to the day; my morning routine is what anchors the entire day. Starting with consistency and clarity makes everything easier for me. How I approach things, my outlook on the day, the mood I’m in and the accountability to myself each morning.

Decisions made before I need them: uniform dressing helps eliminate the extra decisions and time. Having that figured out provides a structure I can fall back on. I don’t have to wonder if I’ll feel good in the outfit, if it fits properly or if I feel my best.

Time that isn’t already spoken for: Creating time for the things that make me feel creative, or time to think, time to not be in meetings, it’s all scheduled and thoughtful. It’s easy to jump straight to the next thing, but I’ve found the magic is in between when there is no pressure and we aren’t reacting.

Space that feels like I can think clearly: whether it is in my living room during my morning routine, my office space, or just a moment to reset, having a space that informs what you need your environment to be is something I can’t recommend enough.

Something to look forward to at the end of it: some non-negotiables happen nightly and provide that foundation, like dinner with my husband and time without our phones, but it can also be a glass of wine on the back deck, a concert or fun industry event.

None of it guarantees a perfect day. There are still moments that feel rushed, off, or completely out of sync. Soemtimes we take the L and pour another glass of wine, but having something consistent to come back to changes how everything else feels. It’s less about controlling the day and more about moving through it with clarity. Not everything works every time, but it works more often than it doesn’t. And most days, that’s enough.

There’s a certain kind of presence that feels put together before you can even pinpoint why. It’s not loud. It’s not overly styled. And it’s rarely the result of trying harder. If anything, it feels like the opposite.

We tend to associate being “put together” with effort — more time, more options, more thought. But the people, places, and environments that actually feel this way are usually operating from a different place entirely. One that’s quieter, more consistent, and far more edited.

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing less, better.

The difference is often in the details — the ones that don’t immediately stand out on their own, but work together to create a feeling. Clothes that fit without needing adjustment. Pieces that show up again and again without feeling repetitive. Nothing is pulling too hard for attention.

And that’s what creates the ease.

Because when everything doesn’t need to be reconsidered every time, there’s a natural confidence that comes through. Not performative, not overworked — just aligned. This is also why “put together” doesn’t necessarily mean dressed up.

It’s entirely possible to be wearing something simple, even expected, and still feel polished. In many cases, that’s exactly what allows it to work. Simplicity leaves room for consistency, and consistency is what builds identity. The same can be said for environments, brands, and even the way a night unfolds. The ones that feel the most effortless are rarely accidental. They’ve just been refined to the point where nothing feels out of place. There’s restraint in that. And clarity.

Trying harder often introduces noise — more options, more decisions, more room for things to feel slightly off. But being put together has less to do with adding and more to do with knowing what doesn’t need to be there at all. It’s an edit. And over time, that edit becomes recognizable. Not because it’s different every time, but because it isn’t. That’s what gives it presence. Not effort, but intention, applied consistently enough that it no longer feels like effort at all.

I’ve found that this technique of editing has shifted most areas in my life for the positive. Whether it was editing down my closet rather than filling it, focusing on the friendships that felt easy rather than finding new ones to invest in, scheduling less on my calendar to be intentional about the things that were left, or minimizing my morning routine from 6 steps to 3 non-negotiables. Editing has given me a lot of focus on the things that matter to me and helped me find the version of myself that feels put together in most aspects. Of course, I’m not perfect and still have days that have too much, emotions that overflow or even outfits I look back on and question who I thought I was wearing that. The goal isn’t to be so structured that we mitigate change, but to feel aligned in who we are and the goals we’re after. And believe it or not, what we’re wearing impacts that.

Editing Your Life, Not Adding to It

1. Your Closet

Getting dressed is often where this shows up first. Not because it’s the most important, but because it’s the most visible.

A closet that works isn’t built on options — it’s built on clarity. Pieces that fit, repeat easily, and exist within the same language. Nothing is competing for attention, nothing that needs to be convinced into working. It’s less about variety, more about consistency. And over time, that consistency becomes its own kind of identity. With that, consistency is a visual representation of your identity. And this doesn’t have to be boring. Your consistency could be focused on wearing color, pattern, dresses, or even unique shoes and bags. No matter the identity you want to portray, find the consistency factors that make your closet you, and focus on those.

Where the put together aspect comes is within a few aspects of best practice - impeccable fit, ease, and quality. With these three aspects in mind, you’ll have a great foundation for editing that closet.

2. Your Calendar

A full calendar can look productive, but it doesn’t always feel that way. There’s a difference between a schedule that’s packed and one that’s intentional. The latter tends to have more space than expected — not because there’s less to do, but because what’s there has been chosen more carefully. Not everything needs to be included to be effective. In many cases, the clarity comes from what’s been left out. Removing more from your schedule allows the time and energy to be shifted onto thinking about your time rather than being so busy that you blindly follow your calendar. Is that hour-long meeting really necessary? Do we need the full hour? Refocus your schedule on the intentions and goals you have rather than external expectations and commitments. We, of course, still have those and are accountable to them, but when your schedule is full of invites from others, is it really even your schedule?

I’ll be sharing a blog post soon about how AI helped me rebuild my schedule with an intention that has been a game-changer.

3. Your Environment

The same is true for the spaces you move through. The places that feel the most considered are rarely overdone. The lighting is right. The music makes sense. Nothing feels out of place, and nothing feels like it’s trying too hard. It’s not one defining feature; it’s everything working together, without friction. If you’re in environments that feel like constant friction or they don’t complement the intentions your after, it’s time for an environment change. Shift and adapt our environments to guide the schedule, lifestyle, and habits you want to be making. I shared more about this in my morning routine blog post if you want more tangible examples, but your environment shapes your life so why not focus on making it everything you need feel put together?

My Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner? Reservations.

There’s a time and place for home-cooked meals… and my husband, Kollin, loves to cook so it works out well, but some nights, you just need to get out of the house and dress up. Whether it's a spontaneous Tuesday night or a carefully planned date, nothing beats being seated, handed a menu, and sipping a glass of wine feeling.

Nashville has no shortage of restaurants, but these are the ones we keep coming back to. The vibes? Immaculate. The food? Even better. Here’s a running list of go-to spots around town—and our favorites from the meals.

@presenttensenashville
Great atmosphere and cocktails. Their menu changes often, but get the burger. It’s a staple menu item for a reason.

@postinowinecafe
Such a great vibe and perfect lunch spot to grab a glass of wine and chat all afternoon.

@mimonashville
Our go-to Italian spot downtown in the Four Seasons. It’s the perfect balance of bougie and approachable. Great wine selection and impeccable service.

@sauced.nash
There’s no drink menu—you tell the bartenders what type of wine you like and talk it out as you try some to decide on. Great food and would be a great first date spot! They have a DJ on Friday nights too.

@sinatrabartn
It’s like you stepped back into 1950s New York and Frank himself is playing the piano. Order a martini and splurge a little on dinner. It’s worth every penny.

@limoeatery
If you’re looking for a casual spot but exceptional food, you have to try this place in East Nashville. Order some mojitos, the lomo saltado, and the ceviche.

@the_catbirdseat
You’ll definitely need to plan ahead for a reservation, but this has been our favorite meal in Nashville. Experience a chef’s tasting menu in an open kitchen, and have an intimate meal you’ll never forget.

@luogorestaurant
Another Italian spot we love, whose sister restaurant, Pelato, you may have heard more about—but we prefer Luogo for the atmosphere, more Mediterranean menu, and of course, the wine.

@biteabit.nashville
Another East Nashville favorite of ours and the best Thai food we’ve found here. We haven’t had one bad thing: our favorites being the Panang Curry, Gyoza, and Pad See Eiw.

@sundanewasian
Our “we don’t feel like cooking” date night that is consistently so good. Their cocktail, Peared Sake, is one of my favorites in Nashville, and you can’t go wrong with the oxtail pot stickers, wagyu crispy rice, crispy Brussels sprouts, and pad thai.

@carnemare
We aren’t huge steakhouse people, but this Italian steakhouse perfectly blends traditional steak favorites with Italian touches. Order a glass of champagne, the caviar mozzarella sticks, and your favorite pasta.

There are so many more places we would recommend, but we love these for an intimate, dreamy, and romantic date night. Now that we’re through the spots to try, how about what to wear? Linking some of my favorite date night pieces below!

I’ve been wondering what my next blog post would be after almost a year of not writing and six months without an outfit photo on social media. I almost wrote the word neglecting as that's how it feels most of the time, and there may be some truth to that.

This past year, there have been times I’ve been down on myself for not contributing more to this space that I created so long ago and hold so much love for. I could share many reasons or explanations as to why I didn’t write, find the time, or prioritize this brand, but the simple truth is that it wasn’t fulfilling me in the way it used to.

Don’t get me wrong. There is a difference between something not fulfilling you anymore and that fulfillment feeling different. Priorities shift, capacity changes, and creativity ebbs and flows. In this case, it is the latter.

Rather than just jumping back into writing about shoes or this year’s holiday gift guide, I kept thinking of ways I could write about why I haven’t been writing. And then I realized I just needed to write the truth. The majority of the reason is that I’ve been filling my time, energy, and space with other things - I’ve been out living, saying yes to things, trying new experiences, meeting people, and working - a lot. I’ve been building other brands, growing a team, and trying to keep up with just being a wife, friend, and daughter.

My absence from this space isn’t a reflection of my dedication to it or passion for wanting it to continue, but rather a representation of the other sides of my life that are being filled. Absence isn’t always negative, and yes, I do wish I would’ve shared more or kept writing, but then I think about all the concerts I attended, the date nights with my husband, the traveling we did, feeling the moments we were in rather than worrying about the photos of them or the blog post I needed to write after work.

This past year of not being present here has taught me so much about the importance of presence in general. So many of the blog posts on this site are truly important to me and filled with words that were and remain a part of me, but others are fillers and things that I wrote because I felt like I needed another blog post up, rather than actually providing value.

One of the lessons I’m learning is that our time is everything and we don’t get it back. There is nothing we can do to get more of it - we can’t buy it, trade it, reverse it, or do anything to pause it. I’m quickly understanding the importance of doing things you’re passionate about, spending your time where you want to cultivate the most and where you get the most value out of it. For a while, The Creative Brief wasn’t that.

That is difficult to write, but it is true. To become who I needed to be and grow further in several aspects, I needed to allow myself the space. It sounds dramatic because I realize we’re talking about a fashion and lifestyle blog, but deep in these digital pages are essentially my journal entries for the past seven years. Admitting that it wasn’t as important to me as it used to be feels like I’m abandoning it, but what I’ve learned from the time away, is that I’m abandoning the parts of it that don’t bring value to me - the yearning for the validation of others, the numbers game of always looking for more followers, readers, subscribers, sales, and the deprioritization of other aspects of my life.

I want this space to be fun again and a place where people learn things, find pieces they love, pick up a book or travel recommendation, and feel creative. The last year has looked different and been pretty quiet, but this post is to bring back the creativity, the fashion, the writing, and, of course, the champagne-filled stories. I love y’all and if you made it this far, thank you for reading. xx

When it comes to parties and gatherings, I was taught to never show up empty handed, but the task of picking something to bring outside of wine always puzzled me. Do you bring an app or maybe dessert? How do you know it will be enough for the number of people attending? Or if you’re the one hosting, what you can have that fits most people’s preferences? Enter this salad.

I saw this recipe on Instagram last summer and immediately wanted to make it based on the pictures. It is the epitome of summer flavors and we made It several times within a span of a couple weeks. I think it would be great for a party as well! Here’s what you’ll need:

Grilled Peach, Burrata, arugula, and Prosciutto Salad

Time to cook: 20 min | Serves: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of arugula

• 3 peaches pitted and cut in half

• 3 balls of burrata cheese (4 ounces each)

• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (about 6 slices)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• fresh cracked black pepper to taste

• 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic reduction

Instructions:

1. Prepare the peaches by washing them and cutting them in half to remove the pit. We personally peeled the peaches as we prefer them that way, but the recipe works either way! Once the peaches are halved, brush with olive oil and place on a hot grill for 5-7 minutes depending on how charred you’d like them. Remove and let cool.

2. While peaches are grilling, begin balsamic reduction. Place balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce heat once simmering and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until consistency is like syrup. If you prefer a sweeter reduction you can add a little brown sugar to the pan at the beginning of cooking. *If simmering with sugar, it will take about 8-10 minutes to reduce.

3. Toss arugula with lemon juice.

4. Begin planting your salad - we prefer a platter to bowl for presentation purposes. Arrange a layer of the arugula on the platter and then add sliced prosciutto. Cut the burrata in half or desired size and place it around the salad. The cheese will be creamy and a bit messy once broken and spread.

5. Cut peaches to desired sizes like slices or leave them halved and place them on the salad.

6. Combine cooled balsamic and olive oil and then drizzle over the salad just before serving.

7. For added protein, add grilled chicken.

Notes: if making in advance - wait to assemble until ready to serve. This salad is a bit more ‘wet’ and may create a soggy texture if prepared too early. You can also bake the prosciutto at 350 for 5-10 minutes to make it crispy and crumble it on top. The balsamic reduction can be stored for 2-3 months in a sealable container in the fridge for further use or if prepared ahead of time.

Wines to pair it with

This salad is perfect for summer and these flavors pair perfectly with summer wines. Try a Sauvignon Blanc, dry rosé, Pinot Gris, Champagne or Prosecco to complement the sweet, earthy and tangy flavors in this salad. Each will play up with fruit flavor of the peach and keep the dish light and refreshing.

Mindfulness has been a goal of mine, and many others, as a way to combat stress, and anxiety and to lead a calmer disposition. The idea and lifestyle of mindfulness aren’t new. Still, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase in social issues, and the hustle culture that surrounds many of us, there is a sharpened focus on mental health and the practices that can help improve it.

I was listening to a favorite podcast, The Skinny Confidential, and they had guest, Ethan Kross, on to talk about “how to learn to control and understand the voice in your head.” Listen here. At the time, I was going through a tough season of anxiety (read more here on that) and I wanted to learn more about tools I could use to combat it. I found this episode enlightening and ordered his book before finishing the podcast. I can tell you that the book changed my view of anxiety and overall has helped me immensely in my journey with it.

Chatter by Ethan Kross is a self-help book that explores how our inner voice, or "chatter," can either help or hinder us in our daily lives. Kross, a psychologist, and professor at the University of Michigan draw on his research and personal experience to offer practical advice on how to harness the power of our inner voice and turn it into a positive force.

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of chatter. Part One explores the science of chatter, examining how it can affect our emotions, behavior, and decision-making. Part Two offers strategies for managing negative chatter, including mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, and self-compassion. Part Three delves into the social aspects of chatter, examining how our relationships and social support systems can impact our inner voice. Overall, Chatter offers a compelling argument for the importance of understanding and managing our inner voice and provides readers with the tools they need to do so effectively.

I’ve personally found that anxiety and mental health is not a one-track, linear path. Sometimes it’s not around and you feel in control and then it hits out of nowhere. Or you are dealing with it every day waiting for relief. I’m not a doctor and I know a book won’t outright cure anything, but I wanted to share some things that have helped me take control of my chatter and keep my anxiety at bay in the hope that sharing helps someone else:

• Journaling and using the morning pages technique of writing everything down that comes to mind with no filter. Even if you’re in front of the paper and thinking “I don’t know what to write…” write that down. I’ve found this to be really helpful in getting so many things off my mind. It’s also helpful to read back once you’re done writing and see what is bothering you, comes up more than once, or even might sound silly once you read it and think ‘why am I worried about that?’

• Meditation and sleepcasts: I put off meditation for a long time thinking it was too wonky for me but after a few sessions of trying I've really started to enjoy how it made me feel. I downloaded the Headspace App and love their guided meditations in the morning and the sleepcasts at night to help me fall asleep. You can get 30 days free to try for yourself here.

• Understanding my triggers and having people be in on what they are. You can read more about that in this blog post, but having my friends and family aware of things that bring me feelings of anxiety and how to help me has been such a relief and calmed a lot of any anxiety that may come up when they’re around.

Here are some other books I’ve loved that touch on mindfulness, habits, and anxiety:

• The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• The Power of One More by Ed Mylett

Next on my reading list:

• Stop Overthinking by Nick Trenton

• Unf#ck Your Brain by Faith Harper

Let me know if y’all have any other suggestions or tips and tricks that help you in the comments. Thanks so much for reading!

Spring in the south is one of my favorite times of the year. The flowers and trees are blooming, the sun is shining consistently, and there are so many great spots to enjoy the city and nature. Whether you’re a local or visiting Nashville, these five spots are great for a Spring visit.

Arrington Vineyards

Head 25 minutes south of Nashville to Arrington Vineyards. This is one of our favorite spots to enjoy the weather and relax. Spend an afternoon enjoying a wine flight (or our favorite, a frose!) and take in the beautiful views. The 95-acre property has five tasting rooms, gorgeous views, live music on Saturdays and Sundays, and shaded picnic areas. You can bring your own food for a picnic or grab something from the winery like charcuterie, chips, etc. Every weekend in April through November, the gourmet food shop “Simply Living Life” serves freshly prepared take-out food at the Pavilion and Barn areas. Fridays are Food Truck Fridays where you can enjoy some of Nashville’s best food truck offerings (The Mac Shack is our favorite, but they’re all great!). Pro-tip: while there, be sure to look for the tree swings for cute and more private areas to relax. So, grab a picnic blanket, friends, and some wine for a memorable weekend.

Frist Art Museum

Located in the Gulch, the Frist Art Museum is an award-winning museum in Nashville. It’s housed in an Art Deco building from the 1930s and exhibits change frequently. The museum does not have any permanent collections which means that the experience is different every time that you visit. The size of the museum is great, but doable so you aren’t getting lost in galleries for hours on end. They also offer programs like drop-in drawing, architecture tours, multisensory gallery experiences, and member-only events.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood is a favorite for both locals and visitors. The property contains botanical gardens, an arboretum, and a museum. The mansion on the estate was built for the Cheeks in 1929 and now houses world-class art exhibits. Enjoy strolling through the 13 gardens. During the spring, over 250,000 bulbs are on display - Cheekwood in Bloom - is open from March 11 – April 9. Grab tickets and take in the beautiful scenery. They also have a cafe serving a casual, made-to-order menu including soups, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, baked goods, a children’s menu, snacks, coffee selections, and alcoholic beverages. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday 9 am - 4 pm.

12 Avenue South

Located in the 12 South neighborhood, 12th Avenue South is a street featuring some of the best shopping and dining destinations in Nashville. Whether you want gourmet restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, or boutiques, you’ll find it on 12th Ave. Favorites like Five Daughters Bakery, White’s Mercantile, and Stoney Clover Lane are all located here. For upscale dining, try Urban Grub or Josephine, and for a great burger head to Bottle Cap. Some other favs: Bar Taco, Edley’s BBQ, and The Frothy Monkey. Reese Witherspoon’s flagship clothing stores Draper James, LoveShackFancy, Emojene + Willie, and Gorjana are also great stops for shopping.

Franklin Farmer’s Market

During the Spring and Summer months, we love visiting the Franklin Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Filled with fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, food trucks, and baked goods, it’s such a fun way to start the weekend. The Franklin Farmers Market is located behind The Factory, at the corner of Franklin Road and Liberty Pike and hours are 9 am - 12 pm. Take my word for it when I suggest you go early. The farmer’s market is very popular and can get crowded closer to the afternoon hours.

Grab some donuts from Ellie’s Old Fashioned Donuts, walk around the produce sections, and be sure to grab some fresh flowers for the week ahead while supporting the local vendors. Once you’ve grabbed your goods, head inside The Factory and check out more local stores, great tacos at Mojo’s Tacos, and a scoop of Jeni’s Ice Cream. If you’re looking to extend your day a bit more, head south on Franklin road and walk around the heart of downtown Franklin for cute shops, restaurants, and charming stores.

Spring is such a great time to visit Nashville so check out some of the best spots in town and comment below any other favorites the TCB community should try! Thanks so much for reading!

In 2021, I started going to an aesthetician and learned a lot about my skin. I wouldn’t say I was completely clueless when it came to skincare, but I definitely could go deeper into how much effort I was putting toward my routine. I learned about the skin barrier, the importance of hydration, and what products would work best for my skin type. Turns out I’m actually oily when I thought I was dry and I needed more help with removing excess oil.

Throughout the process of facials and multiple conversations (I went to Sunday Skin btw and highly recommend it! They don’t offer facials anymore, but can help with a lot of other services), I gathered a lot of knowledge and made some major changes to my routine. The first was more of a lifestyle change that I saw in Justin Beiber’s documentary. He said that for a couple of days before his big shows, his wife, Hailey, puts several humidifiers in their bedroom overnight to keep his vocal cords and throat nice for singing. She said she also uses them to keep her skin hydrated and plump. Some benefits of using a humidifier:

First and foremost, dry air can be harsh on your skin and can cause dryness, itching, and irritation. This is because the lack of moisture in the air can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to a loss of hydration. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.

In addition, a humidifier can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is because the added moisture in the air can help to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of dry, dehydrated skin. Using a humidifier can also be helpful for people with certain skin conditions, such as eczema. The added moisture in the air can help to soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing the severity of flare-ups.

By combining a humidifier with products that moisturize and protect your skin barrier, your skin is going to be refreshed, hydrated, and radiant. I grabbed this humidifier from Target, but also listed some other options down below! My favorite products that help hydrate and promote a healthy skin barrier:

Rhode Peptide Glazing Serum:

I love this serum so much - it is light, yet rich, and soothing on the skin. Hailey Bieber talks about how she likes a ‘glazed donut’ look before bed. Essentially, her skin is super moisturized before bed and this product plays a big part. A lightweight, quick-absorbing, gel serum that visibly plumps and hydrates to support a healthy skin barrier. Here are some more details on the ingredients:

• NIACINAMIDE — nourishes, brightens + improves skin’s overall texture

• PEPTIDES — visibly plump + reduce the look of fine lines

• HYALURONIC ACID — locks in hydration + replenishes cell moisture

• MARULA OIL — lightweight yet rich in fatty acids that help support + soften the skin barrier

Pair this serum with the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream for ultimate moisturizing benefits. I also love their peptide lip treatment any time, but especially before bed to wake up with moisturized, and nourished lips.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Collection

I first tried the Night Repair system when it was gifted to me at a blogger event. I initially was not going to use it because it is meant for wrinkles and more mature skin, but now that I’ve tried it, I wish I would’ve started using it sooner. This three-product system includes a serum, moisturizer, and eye cream, and are used in that order.

The serum is a deep- and fast-penetrating face serum that boosts 7 key skin-renewing actions. It reduces the look of multiple signs of aging caused by the environmental elements of modern life. The moisturizer is so thick and rich that it is spa-like every time I put it on. It doesn’t feel heavy or icky though and its collagen-boosting formula makes skin feel plump, firmer, and radiant. The eye cream helps brighten under the eye, targets eye lines, and hydrates.

ZO SKIN RETINOL SKIN BRIGHTENER .25%

Lauren at Sunday Skin recommended this product to me to help combat a lot of the issues I have like acne-prone skin and uneven skin tone, and it helps promote exfoliation for smoothness and a brightened complexion. I will say, this product comes with some directions and trial and error like most retinol. I started with a lower percentage and then came up to .25% after a couple of months.

Retinol can be very drying for some and I also experienced this when determining how much I should use. I started out at once a week and did great, then upped it in my routine to 3 times a week. I eventually was using it every other day and Lauren suggested we go up in percentage since my skin was tolerating it. I kept my every-other-day routine and noticed that I was getting really dry and irritated in some areas like around my eyes and nose. Lauren suggested a tip: use a layer of moisturizer under the retinol on any irritated areas and then apply another layer of moisturizer over top, like a sandwich. I did this and lowered my routine to once a week. That did the trick and I started noticing how much my skin was improving. I’m now using retinol three times a week with this method and am loving the results!

Most retinol can get pretty expensive, especially when you go higher in percentage, but what I’ve noticed is that since I’m only using a pea-sized amount a couple of times a week, the products last me a long time. I think I would only need to repurchase once a year personally. Have you tried retinol? My mom told me that my grandmother used it religiously and loved it. I feel the same way! Be sure to read up on products not to use the same day when you’re using retinol like vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids.

Those are three products that have changed my skin and I continuously repurchase them. I even have my husband, Kollin, into the humidifier and moisturizer at night. Have y’all tried any of these products or using a humidifier at night? I’ve linked some humidifier options below! What moisturizing products are you loving? Comment below so we can all share with the TCB community!