Love Is... By Lindsay Detwiler
A puddle of tears soaking into his hoodie when your world is falling apart.
A pair of hands tugging you tighter, holding you together so the pieces don’t shatter. A homecooked meal on a weekday, nothing fancy, just the two of you sharing food and sharing chores and sharing in your day. A look across the room that says he’s got your back, no matter what, even when the throngs of people around you are closing in. A meeting of the minds in an almost magical way that allows you to share in a wordless inside joke. A midnight kiss on the cheek when he thinks you’re sleeping, when no one’s watching, just because he feels the need to express his love. A patched heart, sewn together with his words and careful gestures, that is strong enough to outlast any of the past’s destructive events. A playful scream when he tickles you in the kitchen, flour smeared on your cheek as you wiggle away, angry at the annoyance but secretly relishing in the simple laughter. A hugged pillow, squeezed against your chest, when the rift between you feels ever growing, when you question if it’s all going to work out. An awareness that even on his worst day, he is the calm in the storm that is life, the presence that keeps you grounded, and the hand you crave to touch. An apology, an acceptance, a step towards him because you are magnetized to the man who lights you up, even though he’s not perfect. An undeniable chemistry, whether you’re wearing leather and lace or stained, holey cotton. A feeling of acceptance, of knowledge, on a level no one else can understand. A knowledge that whether life is wild, untamable, monotonous, horrifying, unbearable, or calm, he will be there, cheering you on in chasing your goals and picking you up when you shatter to the ground. Love is two of you against the world, pulling together even when you feel like pulling apart. It’s a commitment to the sentiment that you will raise each other up when your arms are shaking from the exertion. Love is, against all odds, unstoppable, unquenchable, and sometimes unfathomable. Yet, above all, love is what sets the heart on fire and sparks us to life, opening our eyes to who we really are and what we can become together. Love is...
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6 Beauty Products That Truly Work
As an Ulta Beauty Club Member and a Sephora Insider, I'm all about getting a good bargain to support my cosmetics addiction. However, over the years, I have found that some products truly are worth the extra money.
I've tried dozens of lotions, potions, serums, and products. Below, check out the five beauty products I've tried and loved. These are the products I feel are actually worth splurging a bit for. 1. Dry Bar Charcoal Shampoo
I gave Dry Bar a try last year. I was skeptical; the hefty price tag made me hesitant. However, the results made me a believer.
This is actually the line of hair products that will change your bad hair days. Truly. I am a huge fan of all of their products, but the charcoal shampoo is my favorite. It is super cleansing and helps get rid of all of the build-up products in your hair. This one is great, too, because you can use it once a week, which makes the price tag worth it. You can give the Dry Bar On the Rocks Charcoal Shampoo a try for $10 for the trial size and see if you're a fan, too. 2. Drunk Elephant Products
I have been looking for moisturizers and serums to take away my fine lines, big pores, and patchy/oily skin for years. I hate to even think about how much I've spent in the search for the elusive cream to change my skin.
Stop spending money, do yourself a favor, and invest in Drunk Elephant. I love that this brand is all-natural and cruelty-free (something I'm very passionate about). More than that, I love that the products work. I've been using the day and night sampler kits as well as the cleanser and Peptide cream. It's been a month, and I've seen a dramatic change in my skin. Seriously. It's smoother, the wrinkles are fading, and I feel like I need to wear less makeup. I recommend starting with the day and night sample kits ($23-27). They've lasted me over a month, and it's a great way to see what you think without the commitment. Head over to the Drunk Elephant website, or head to Sephora, who also carries the kits. 3. Shape Tape Concealer and Foundation
I tried the sample of the Shape Tape concealer and was super impressed. My dark circles disappeared in a second.
I was so impressed, that I bought the Shape Tape moisturizing foundation. It offers full coverage without the cakey feel I hate in a liquid foundation. I got my foundation on sale at Ulta for $19, but I still feel like it would be worth the $39 price tag. It has become my favorite foundation (and again, I've tried a ton, from Younique to Bare Minerals to Born This Way, you name it). Head over to Ulta to find out more. 4. Kenra Brightening Shampoo
I am a brunette with bright blonde highlights. I hate how halfway to my salon appointment, my highlights have faded a bit and just don't pop.
Enter Kenra's Brightening Shampoo. The violet base magically transforms your blonde back to the bombshell color you want after just one wash. Seriously. I didn't believe it at first either...but in one wash, I saw results. If you use it a few days in a row, you'll see a dramatic change. At $26 for a full-size bottle, it's really not too much of a splurge, either. I use it about once or twice a week to brighten up my locks. Check it out at Ulta, or wait for one of their Liter sales and stock up. 5. Urban Decay Eye Shadow
I'm an Urban Decay eye shadow snob. Ever since my first Naked Palette, I haven't gone back.
Their colors are gorgeous and super blendable. They help you get that perfect, runway worthy eye look without a lot of skill. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry, I'll wear just one color...and I still get compliments. My favorite palette lately is the Heavy Metals palette I got for Christmas. It's got a side for day and a bold side for night. Make a statement. Life's too short for boring eye shadow. 6. It Cosmetics Brushes (especially eye shadow)
I used to think brushes were a waste of money. Until I started watching Youtube beauty experts like Christen Dominique and realized brushes are everything.
If you don't have a high-quality blending brush, I would say this should be your first investment. It ups your eye shadow game tenfold with just one brush. I love the It cosmetics brushes....I have a whole set I got on sale. The quality and the airbrush look it gives you is stellar. Check out the brushes here, and then tell me in the comments what your favorite brush brand is.
Lindsay Detwiler is a romance author with Hot Tree Publishing and a thriller author with Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. To learn more about her work, beauty tips, and more, visit her on Facebook.
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