Pleated Variety

Category: Beauty

  • The Little Luxuries You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Now Can’t Live Without)

    The Little Luxuries You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Now Can’t Live Without)

    Let’s talk about extras. You know, those beauty indulgences that aren’t technically essential but somehow make your routine feel a little more elevated, a little more ahhh, and a lot more effortless. The things you never knew you needed—until you tried them. And now? Forget about going without.

    QVC has a way of introducing me to these game-changing little luxuries, and today, I’m sharing four finds that are equal parts pampering and practical. Whether you need a dose of relaxation, a touch of definition (brows, I’m looking at you), or the perfect pop of color, these are the beauty boosters that will upgrade your routine in the best way possible.

    But first.. CODES!!

    • New customers: WELCOME15 – $15 off $35+ purchases
    • Second-time customers: HELLO10 – $10 off of $25+ purchases


    For The Tension You Didn’t Realize You Were Holding: ELEMIS Aching Muscle Relief and Restore Duo

    Ever find yourself rubbing your own shoulders like, “Wow, when did I become this person?” Oh, I know when. It was when the internet started telling all women 35 and older that we needed to start lifting weights! Enter the ELEMIS Aching Muscle Relief and Restore Duo—a dynamic duo designed to melt away tension + fatique and transform your home into a five-star spa.

    The soothing cooling gel works wonders post-workout (or post-sitting at your desk for eight hours straight), while the warming balm brings next-level comfort to sore spots. Basically, it’s self-care in a bottle, and once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it. After I tried it for the first time I was hooked… I’m talking INSTANT relief without that menthol smell.

    For The Brows That Deserve More: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Duo

    If eyes are the windows to the soul, then eyebrows are the statement frames that pull everything together. And no one does brows quite like Benefit. The Precisely, My Brow Pencil Duo is the MVP of brow products—ultra-fine for hair-like strokes, blendable, and long-wearing. Whether you’re filling in sparse areas or going for a full, bold look, this pencil makes it impossible to mess up.

    Even on no-makeup days, a few quick flicks with this pencil make me look instantly more polished and put together—like I actually got eight hours of sleep (even if reality says otherwise). Bonus: It’s a duo, so you’ll always have a backup when you inevitably get hooked.

    For The Hands That Do It All: L’Occitane Hand Cream

    You know that feeling when you shake someone’s hand and theirs is inexplicably baby soft while yours feels like you just scaled a mountain? L’Occitane Hand Cream solves that. This is the crème de la crème of hydration, packed with shea butter to soften and nourish without feeling greasy.

    I keep one in my bag, one in my nightstand, and one in my car because dry hands sneak up on you fast. The scent? Subtly luxurious. The texture? Like a cashmere sweater for your skin. Once you use it, you’ll never want to be without it.

    For The Perfect Pop of Color: YENSA Beauty Lunar New Year Vibrant Silk Lipstick Duo with Bag

    Nothing pulls a look together quite like a swipe of the right lipstick. The YENSA Beauty Lunar New Year Vibrant Silk Lipstick Duo is here to remind you that luxury isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s also about how it makes you feel.

    These lipsticks are vibrant yet wearable, ultra-hydrating, and infused with skin-loving ingredients. Whether you’re going for a bold moment or a more subtle flush of color, these shades flatter every skin tone and add instant polish to any look. Plus, the adorable little bag they come in? The perfect excuse to stash an extra lipstick in your purse at all times.

    For Salon-Worthy Hair Without the Damage: Dyson Airwrap

    If you’ve ever wanted to recreate a just-left-the-salon blowout at home without the damage, the Dyson Airwrap 1is your golden ticket. It uses air—not extreme heat—to create bouncy curls, sleek strands, or that effortlessly tousled look we all pretend just happens naturally.

    I love that it dries and styles at the same time (because honestly, who has time for both?), and the interchangeable attachments make it feel like an entire styling toolkit in one sleek device. It’s definitely an investment, but once you see the results—frizz-free, voluminous hair that actually lasts—you’ll understand why people swear by it.

    QVC makes it easy to snag these must-try extras (often with deals you won’t find anywhere else), so if you’re looking for an excuse to indulge… consider this it.

    What are your go-to beauty luxuries? Tell me in the comments!

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  • Find Your Signature Scent for the New Year

    Find Your Signature Scent for the New Year

    Let’s face it—busy women like us have a lot on our plates. But smelling fabulous? That’s a non-negotiable. Whether you’re running errands, hitting date night, or just trying to survive the carpool line with your dignity intact, a signature scent is the ultimate power move.

    With 2025 on the horizon, I can’t help but see that blank slate. Change can be a beautiful thing—even if it’s not as dramatic as cutting bangs (because let’s be honest, we’ve all been there and regretted it). Sometimes, a little change—like finding a new signature scent—can be just what you need to shake things up. A fresh fragrance has the power to transform your mood, boost your confidence, and give you that little reminder that you’re stepping into a new chapter.

    Here are a few of my current faves—each one perfect for a different vibe (and yes, they’re all linked for your convenience because we don’t have time to waste searching for “that one perfume from that one Instagram post”).

    ✨ Pro Tip: Beauty Insiders can snag 20% off fragrances right now at Sephora at Kohl’s! Check your wallet for a code or sign up in five seconds flat—it’s basically free money, and who doesn’t love that?

    💐 Safe Fragrance: Skylar Safe Scents Discovery Set
    If “clean girl aesthetic” had a scent, this would be it. Think fresh laundry, ocean breezes, and soft vanilla—all hypoallergenic and perfect for when you want to smell effortlessly polished (even if you haven’t showered since yesterday).

    🍸 Girls’ Night Out: YSL Libre
    Confident, bold, and just a little mysterious—this one’s for the nights when your heels are high, your eyeliner is sharp, and you’re ready to remind everyone you’ve still got it. With notes of lavender, orange blossom, and a touch of musk, it’s as daring as you are.

    💘 Date Night: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia
    Sweet but with a little sass—this flirty blend of white gardenia, juicy pear blossom, and red berries will have your partner leaning in for another hug (and another… and another). Wear it when you want to feel like the main character.

    🎭 A Little Something for Every Mood: Maison Margiela Replica Discovery Set
    Can’t commit? (Same, honestly.) This set gives you options—cozy up with “Lazy Sunday Morning,” go full glam with “Jazz Club,” or channel your inner wanderlust with “Beach Walk.” There’s something for every occasion, whether it’s a PTA meeting or a weekend getaway.

    get 20% off when you log into your Beauty Insiders account now through 12/24!

  • Amazon Finds That Changed My Life (Okay, Maybe Just My Year)

    Amazon Finds That Changed My Life (Okay, Maybe Just My Year)

    You know that giddy feeling when the Amazon box shows up on your doorstep? It’s like Christmas morning—but instead of toys, it’s game-changing beauty products, gadgets that actually work, and a few “how did I live without this?” treasures. After a year of testing, trying, and cart-filling (you’re welcome), I’ve narrowed it down to my top 11 Amazon purchases that are worth every penny. Trust me, these are the MVPs your life didn’t know it needed.

    Top 10ish Amazon Favorites of the Year

    Curated by your favorite Amazon enabler, The Motherchic

    Dyson AirStraight
    If “sleek and smooth” is your hair mood, this gadget is your fairy godmother. Blow-dry and straighten in one swoop—because multitasking isn’t just for moms.

    Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

    It’s like giving your face a tall glass of water while you snooze. I wake up hydrated, glowing, and this close to looking like I got 8 hours of sleep.

    Cozy Oversized Hoodie

    Hands down my favorite piece of clothing…. not even joking!

    Braun Laser Hair Remover (for the second year in a row)

    It’s basically my unofficial breakup with razors. Silky-smooth legs that last? Yes, please—because stubble is so 2022.

    PCA Skin Toner

    This little bottle of magic is my skincare therapist—balancing, calming, and keeping my skin in line when life (and hormones) try to throw it off. A true ride-or-die!

  • Why I Exfoliate My Face Every Single Day

    Why I Exfoliate My Face Every Single Day

    You know the things you do on a daily basis that leave you feeling uneasy if you don’t check them off your list? Brushing your teeth, putting on deodorant, applying mascara, flossing, etc… I do all of those things religiously and exfoliating my face every single day is another thing on my can’t-go-to-bed-without-doing list. Why is exfoliating your face so important, you ask? Here are 5 reasons….

    1. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that build up to reveal more radiant skin (you will see this immediately).
    2. Exfoliation unclogs pores by getting dirt/makeup that your cleanser missed. Cleaning your pores helps to reduce breakouts and pore size.
    3. Exfoliation evens skin texture and tone by sloughing away dead skin. This also helps with evening out discoloration.
    4. Exfoliation helps with product absorption. If you are going to spend a pretty penny on skincare products, you are going to want to make sure they can penetrate your skin. Dead skin causes a barrier, but exfoliation helps to remove that barrier so products are better absorbed.
    5. Exfoliation helps minimize signs of aging (translation: fine lines) by promoting cell turnover that slows with age.

    The list really goes on and on, but the key to exfoliating EVERY day is to find an exfoliant that is designed for everyday use. Some exfoliants can be harsh on your skin and should be used very sparingly to avoid irritation and dryness. The ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads are gentle enough that they can be used both morning and night. They are formulated with a Lactic Acid and Probiotic Ferment Complex that has been proven in clinical trials to accelerate skin’s natural cell turnover in 28 days. I am so excited to share that ELEMIS is extending a 20% discount to all Motherchic readers with code LINDSEY20.

    I typically use them only at night after washing my face. They really help to remove anything the cleanser may have missed and preps my skin for the nighttime products I use next (this retinol alternative and this night cream to be exact).

  • Must Have Skincare Product

    Must Have Skincare Product

    I’ve talked before about how when it’s time to go to bed, my husband just goes to bed. Me on the other hand? WHY does it take me so much longer? It’s really no secret, it’s due to my nighttime skincare routine that is actually one of my favorite evening rituals. The products I use are spa-worthy and help me wind down from the day (insert zen instrumental music). Sometimes, however, I am just so tired and don’t feel like splashing water on my face to take off my makeup with traditional cleanser. Enter: the must have skincare product I can’t live without. Well I could, but wouldn’t want to.

    If you have never used a cleansing balm before, be ready to be wowed. It’s little pot of pure gold. Unlike traditional cleaners that come in a pump, you simply scoop a small amount of the balm from the jar and warm a small amount between your finger tips. Apply it directly to your skin in circular motions and it will melt makeup, dirt and oil away.

    As it cleanses, it is also hydrating your skin with elderberry and starflower oil. The Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm contains 9 essential oils (lavender, chamomile, and eucaplytus) so you can only imagine the spa-worthy smell. To remove the balm, use warm water on the cloth that is included to simply wipe it away.

    Your skin will feel softer and more hydrated after the first use. Also, a little goes a long way so each jar will last several months. While this product is great for all skin types, the Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm is best for sensitive skin. If you prefer fragrance free, they also just released the Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm

  • Best of May

    Best of May

    We bought it, we wore it, styled it, put in in our homes and/or on our bodies…. and we LOVED IT! And then we shared it with you and you loved it too! The best of May awaits……

    Fashion:

  • My Current Skincare Routine

    My Current Skincare Routine

    Yep. That’s pretty much all of them. Ok, ok, ok this photo makes it look pretty complicated, but I promise it a super quick morning and evening skincare routine. I got a facial last December at Stark MD Aesthetic Center and asked the aesthetician (Heather!) to start from scratch and recommend me a skincare regimen. Many times skincare experts will just fill in the gaps based on what you are already using, but I told her to pretend I have nothing to recommend products she truly believes in. Turns out I was already using some products she loves so she whipped up a regimen with a few new products and told me the order and time of day in which to apply.

    I have done this routine religiously for the past three months and when I went back in March for a dermaplane/peel Heather said my skin was in SUCH a better place. She told me she could see a difference between the skin on my face and neck and reminded me not to forget to use these products (especially the toner) on my neck. Otherwise, she made no changes to this routine.

    I would say I have combination skin and my skincare concerns are… aging! I wanted products that would improve the tone/texture of my skin while also treating fine lines and promoting collagen production. Here is the routine with links and details about each product below….

    Morning Skincare Routine

    Step 1 : PCA Skin Facial Wash

    Just a gentle cleanser to wake up the skin first thing in the morning and remove dirt and oil. It’s no frills, but it does the job.

    Step 2: PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

    Holy grail item! Exfoliates the skin for a healthy glow – smells ah-mazing. Apply with a cotton round in upward strokes over face and neck.

    Step 3: ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum

    Dubbed “botox in bottle”, this is a spot treatment for fine lines. Apply a small amount where you wrinkle (around eyes, forehead and mouth).

    Step 4: Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream

    35K+ amazing reviews and under $15. A little dab under each eye every single morning.

    Step 5: C&E Advanced mixed with Hyaluronic Acid Booster

    Combine a pea sized amount of each on fingertips and apply to face avoiding eye area. The C&E cream helps with dark spots and evens skin tone (tingles a little!) and the HA serum provides deep, long-lasting hydration.

    Step 6: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30

    My ride or die anti-wrinkle day cream with SPF.

    Evening Skincare Routine

    Step 1: Elemis Cleansing Balm or Mara Enzyme Oil Cleanser

    First, it’s the most beautiful bottle. Second, it takes off make up like no other. Warm it between your fingers and apply all over face/neck on DRY skin. Rinse with warm water. It will be your new obsession.

    Step 2: Nutrient Toner

    Back again for night time because it’s that good. Use the textured side of the cotton round to fully exfoliate the face and neck.

    Step 3: Augustinus Bader Eye Cream

    This was my 40th bday present to myself. There is a TON of science behind this brand and it’s TFC8® Complex. Click below to read all about it…. I’m a believer!

    (again, a little goes a long way. This has lasted me 4 months and counting)

    Step 4 (Sunday + Thursday): PCA Skin Intensive Brightening Treatment 0.5% Retinol mixed with Hyaluronic Acid Booster

    Mix a pea size amount of each onto finger tips and apply all over face avoiding eye area. The intensive brightening treatment is a pure night time retinol that treats discoloration. The HA is for hydration.

    Step 4 (M, T, W, F, S): AlphaRet mixed with Hyaluronic Acid Booster

    AlphaRet is an alpha hydroxy acid that rejuvenates the skin with minimal irritation – it’ anti-aging gold! Mix it with a pea-size amount of the HA booster to seal in moisture.

    Step 5: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

    It’s a major splurge, but you will notice a difference in the elasticity and firmness of your skin almost immediately. It’s celeb-approved and I really don’t want to love it, but I do.

  • My Beauty Empties

    My Beauty Empties

    As we start a new year and take inventory of all the things from our life choices to our dietary tendencies to our workout habits to our relationships, let’s not forget to give a little edit of our beauty routine. Why? Because this one doesn’t require many deep feelings or will it pull any skeletons out of the closet, unless your beauty routine is non-existent, and if that is the case, then girl, we need to talk.

    I am always on my tippy toes, peering into the next best thing in the beauty world – but no matter what they come out with next, I will never forgo a few beauty items. I’m saying, if you came to my house and decided to clean out my beauty drawer and put any of these in the get-rid-of pile, well, I would tackle you. Ok maybe not tackle, but I would put up a good fight. Here’s why….

    PCA Skin Nutrient Toner // My ride or die skincare product. I use it in the morning and pm after washing my face. It’s a light exfoliant that removes dirt and makeup, refines the appearance of pores, and gives a dose of moisture. It smells amazing and feel “off” if for some reason I don’t use it.

    Tatcha Cleansing Oil // This luxurious formula easily removes makeup and impurities, leaving my skin feeling nourished and hydrated. Its lightweight texture provides a spa-like experience during my daily skincare routine. Tatcha cleansing oil is made of nourishing botanical oils that not only cleanse effectively but also promote a radiant and healthy complexion that I can’t help but love. I massage it into my skin at night and rinse it with water or a makeup eraser cloth.

    Augstinus Bader The Rich Cream // Ok you might get mad at me for this one because you are going to love it, BUT it’s super pricey. This cream goes beyond mere moisturization, actively promoting skin rejuvenation and a youthful glow with its innovative TFC8 technology. This product delivers unparalleled hydration and a noticeable improvement in texture.

    Ouai Rose Hair + Body Oil // This multi-tasking marvel not only imparts a delightful rose scent but also leaves my hair silky-smooth and my skin hydrated. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and it’s a great alternative to lotions that can feel “cold” in the winter months.

    Kenra Design Spray // This spray has a lightweight hold that keeps my hair in place without feeling stiff or sticky. It adds a little texture to day-old hair and tames fly-aways on a fresh blowout. Most of all… damn it smells good!

    Lumify Eye Drops // Filed under: How to look 10 years younger in 10 seconds. Whiter, more youthful eyes for the win. And yes, my eye doctor approved! Ask yours.

    Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer // Color: Sand. Lightweight coverage to even out skin tone. I use this instead of foundation.

    Trish McEvoy Liquid Color // This universally flattering liquid blush is a staple in my makeup routine, providing a fresh and dewy finish. Added bonus: fun to apply!

    Magic Root Cover Up // Grays happen – this is my between-salon appointment savior!

    Ok your turn! Tell me your beauty favorites?!

  • It’s the Balm!

    It’s the Balm!

    I’ve written before about my nighttime skincare routine. Spoiler alert, it takes me 10 times longer than my husband’s nighttime routine (if his actually exists?) Even at my most tired, I will never skip a step, but I’m going to share one product that makes my skincare routine more “ritual” and less “routine”. If you’ve ever walked into your bathroom at 9:30pm, stared into the mirror with a full face of faded makeup then groaned at the thought of splashing water on your face to wash it off, I feel your pain. One of the reasons I love the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm so much is because there is no splashing water required. The cleansing balm has the consistency of silky gel and when warmed between your fingers it literally melts on your skin.

    I take generous amount of the balm and smooth it all over my face. It removes make up and impurities while also hydrating the skin leaving it feeling crazy soft and glowy. I was so excited to learn that ELEMIS came out with their Pro-Collagen NAKED Cleansing Balm because this product is also safe to use around your eyes to remove eye make-up. The cleansing balm comes with a washcloth that you simply soak in some warm water, wring it out and wipe it away.

    The cleansing balm does come in other scents (original and rose are my other favorites), but to remove eye make-up when using these balms I use eye make up remover wipes. It is not recommended to use those variations around the eyes, but with the naked version that is fragrance free, you can go all out and even remove lipstick too!

    Most cleansers make my skin feel dry and tight after use, but the cleansing balm is truly a hydration bath. You can even leave it on your skin as a mask for a few minutes before rinsing off. After I wipe the balm away I follow up with some of my other favorite ELEMIS products below….

    The Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream is one of those things that I can’t go to bed without wearing. If I want an extra boost, sometimes I add a few drops of the Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil. And as I near 40, I’ve realized that I can’t forget the neck! I started religiously using the Pro-Collagen Neck & Decollete Balm because prevention is key right? Oh, and if you are looking for a great summer day cream, the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream also comes with an SPF30 option!

    Have you started using any ELEMIS products? Let me know your favorite in the comments!

  • Lazy Girl’s Guide to Beauty + The Ulta Spring Haul Event

    Lazy Girl’s Guide to Beauty + The Ulta Spring Haul Event

    MOM! Let’s go! Mom, hurry up. Mom! You. Always. Make. Us. LATE!!!!!

    Every time we are leaving to go somewhere as a family, these are the words my boys yell into my room as I quickly try to get ready. This is life living with 5 boys. They just don’t get it. When packing my beauty must-haves for our recent trip to South Africa, I knew I had to keep it minimal for a few reasons: One, I could only bring one bag, and two, I don’t think the lions would care if I had on a full face of make up. That being said, I knew we would be taking lots of photos and going out to dinner so I crammed as many of my favorites in my ba

    And because this wasn’t an all-out-glam type of vacation, I perfected my lazy girl’s guide to beauty and since I’ve been home, it has stuck! All of the products I’m sharing I bought at Ulta Beauty and now through April 15th you can save up to 40% off hair care, skin care, bath care and makeup across various brand during their Spring Haul Event. If you need a spring beauty refresh or are looking for some new products to test out while they are on sale, it is the time to stock up.

    No Brushes Required Make Up

    This was the make up HERO on my trip. Early morning wake up calls meant VERY little time to do make up so a swipe of the pixi On-the-Glow Blush stick was my savior. A little swipe on each cheek blended in with my fingers gave me a rosy, dewy glow with minimal effort.

    Ok technically you are supposed to use eye brushes when putting on eye make up, but I rarely do. I love this Ulta Beauty eye palette for travel because it is small, but still has a variety of colors to choose from. I use my ring finger and apply one of the lighter colors all over my lids from lash to brow. I use a darker color in the outer crease and blend. Finally, I use the white on my brow bone for a lifting effect.

    Hair + Skincare Hacks

    Why apply cream sunscreen when you can spray it AND set your make up at the same time?! Highly recommend this Coola Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray. It’s great to keep in your bag when you already have makeup on and then catch yourself in full on rays.

    I am not the most well-traveled person and I wasn’t sure if I could pack aerosol dry shampoo? I feel like there is a thing about that so I played it safe and packed my Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo powder. It works so well and this little bottle lasts! Plus it seems safer than aerosol, but what do I know?!

    During our trip I think I used a hair dryer one time. As summer approaches I dry my hair less frequently because I can go outside without it turning into icicles. I swear by the Kristen Ess Air Dry Creme to cut frizz boost shine. I packed a travel size in my bag for this trip.

    Long flights can be crazy drying so I kept the it cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray + in my carry on bag. It’s full of hyaluronic acid, coconut water and aloe vera. Bonus points for keeping shine at bay.