DermStore BeautyFIX subscription box

January 28, 2016

go ahead, be beautiful! (this is what your BeautyFIX box will be sayin' to ya.)

obviously, the clutch and rings are not included. lol.

one of my gfs introduced me to DermStore (so thanking her!). as a skincare enthusiast/fanatic/obsessor i have nothing but love for this online mecca for all things related to beauty. they carry 500+ brands in some of the most finest dermatology, hair-ology? and cosmetics. to name a few that i love: Anastasia, Clarisonic, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Koh Gen Do, MDSolarSciences, SK-II, Skinceuticals.

recently, they started a subscription box called BeautyFIX! and come on, who doesn't want a "beauty fix" every month?!? #literally. arriving at your doorstep will be a pretty good size box that ranges from full to deluxe travel sizes curated by skin experts. they are brands that DermStore carries, so it is going to be pretty freakin' good. subscriptions also make great gifts (even for yourself! haha!) that literally keeps giving all year long!! take a look at the eight items in the...

January BeautyFIX box:

Danielle Creations chrome mini mirror -- omg, the cutest little travel size double sided mirror that has 4x magnification! perfect for when you travel with your squad and they be hoggin' the bathroom mirror. retails for $14.99 USD.
Peter Thomas Roth acne-clear invisible dots (12 clear dots) -- adhesive patches to be used as a spot treatment for acne and blemishes. contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid (for hydration). 72 clear dots for $32 USD.
June Jacobs papaya purifying enzyme masque (15 mL/0.5 fl. oz.) -- a cream-based mask that smells divine! like i'm sipping on a coconut on a tropical island (oh, wait i'm sitting at my desk. sigh). it has papaya which has exfoliant properties. gosh this full size baby retails for a whopping $60! (4 fl. oz.)
Arcona magic white ice (10 mL/0.33 oz.) -- this AM/PM gel serum moisturizer is supposed to leave skin feeling fresh and glowy. has a very distinct perfume-y smell. 1.17 oz. retails for $42 USD.
Medicell Labs hydrating calming facial mist (30 mL/1 fl. oz., full size) -- misting your face. yep, it's a thing. i bring mists with me when i travel (this is a perfect travel size) and it's great for when you are in places where the air is dry (aka: airplane). contains botanical ingredients to hydrate and refresh. smells like the spa without going to the spa. retails for $13.95 USD #mistyoself
DS Laboratories revita hair stimulating shampoo (100 mL/3.4 oz.) -- this revolutionary shampoo contains ingredients (even caffeine!) to maintain scalp vitality, prevent hair loss, and promote fuller looking hair. 6 oz. retails for $29.99 USD.
Tarina Tarantino pearl glow luminizing primer in pearl (1 fl. oz, full size) -- this is a lightweight illuminating primer that adds that dewy glow to your skin. it reminds me of Burberry's fresh glow. more liquid-y so shake it up before using it. retails for $32 USD.
Karuna age-defying hand mask (1 hand mask = 2 hands, hope this makes sense) -- forget those face masks! hands need love too, esp considering how much we use them. this is a creamy oil-infused cloth-based mask for both your hands! it's supposed to reduce signs of aging, retain moisture, and revitalize dry skin. the glove even has a secure strap for a custom fit! leave on for 20 mins and you got some glowing hands. 4 hand masks retail for $32 USD. they also make face masks and you can try the entire line here.

the deets:

6+ products (from full to deluxe travel sizes) per box
$100+ worth or products per box!!!
$12.50 first box for a limited time only!! (new subscribers only) and auto-renews at $24.95 USD per box each month. sign up HERE or click on any BeautyFIX anywhere on this post
cancel anytime
basically a great way to be introduced to and try new brands
can't commit to a subscription but see a box you like? purchase it for that month for $34.95 USD, free shipping

so what are you waiting for? get your BeautyFIX on!,
JD

A post done in collaboration with DermStore.

january beauty

January 25, 2016

it's been a while since i've done one of these collages! rounded up some new and old products for this month. more details after the jump!

01 | TATCHA luminous overnight memory serum concentrate -- the latest addition to the luminous collection, this is a hydrating gel-like serum that uses red algae for more luminous skin. the deep hydration eye firming serum is also new to this line with a unique ceramic applicator to reduce puffiness and fine lines. i have been using both of these for the past few days and loving it! review coming soon.
02 | Hourglass ambient strobe lighting powder -- Hourglass makes some amazing powders, like my beloved blush in luminous flush. strobing is all the rage right now, and here we have four colors: iridescent, incandescent, euphoric, and brilliant. these powders use micro-fine pearls to create #thatglo. amazing swatches and comparisons by Sabrina @thebeautylookbook. her picks are euphoric and brilliant.
03 | surratt beauty artistique blush in rougeur -- i've heard some good things about this brand and i think the first item i would try is a blush. i only have three blushes (gasp!) and this would be such a unique one to own! described as "classic rouge."
04 | OPI avoplex cuticle oil (to go) -- during the wintertime, my cuticles get really dry. i've done nothing about it and probably should starting with this. also comes in a full size version.
05 | CHANEL sunkiss ribbon blush (spring 2016, L.A. sunrise collection, limited edition) -- an interlaced ribbon design with all blush colors, great for those who can't decide!! pink, beige, coral, orange, magenta! it is so stunning to look at. swatches on Christine @temptalia.
06 | Sephora formula X Aimee Song collection in nude for you -- when @songofstyle collaborates with any brand, you check it out. she's such an inspo to so many women, but here is her formula X #colorcurators release in three shades: a girls best friend (pink), mintfluencer (mint), and nude for you (nude). from what i've seen, the nude seems to be a universal flattering shade.
07 | INM out the door top coat -- introduced to me by my BFF who is a nail polish guru. WOW this thing drys so fast and stays so shiny for days!! love her and this introduction! a must have!! also sold at Sally Beauty supply.
08 | invisibobble hair ties -- i discovered this at last my hair cut with my amazing stylist @cystalvainatx. yep, it looks like a telephone cord. it's not really invisible. but it's supposed to put uneven pressure around the circumference of your ponytail meaning no hair marks/kinks. this also means no tugging/pulled hair and the most important part is no hair breakage or split ends. works well for everyday use, but it doesn't have a super strong hold so i use two for work outs one to put my hair in a ponytail and then the second to secure it into a bun. comes in a variety of colors!

the off shoulder sweater wrap

January 21, 2016

something is off about this off shoulder! haha.

this is probably the most unique piece in my wardrobe. when i saw @ruthieridley wear this top, i was intrigued, so in my cart it went (...with a few other items...) when it arrived i spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure out how to wear it. thank goodness the website had pictures on how to put it on! it's like an off shoulder wrap/crop sweater/shawl hybrid etc.. you could probably wrap it around as a scarf even. i have nothing like it, it's a very sexy yet classy piece, but oh man, it's was a little impractical to wear. LOL. but honestly, i think it's because i didn't wear it with something high-waisted. it's also a one size fits all (which, come on... how does that work?!) so i spent a lot of time adjusting it. either way i liked the unique-ness of this piece to buy it in black as well. here are some things about wearing this top that i had to document based on certain situations i found myself in. basically, i spent a good deal of the day laughing at myself:

wear a bandeau underneath.
arms are either at your waist or inside pockets. they will never be above because you will be flashing your side to everyone.
driving could be an issue, so drive with an underhand grip. forget u-turns. LOL. ok fine, minor exaggeration.
no high five-ing anybody! unless you want to flash them. apparently, i am a high fiver.
forget hair fixing. (in public at least).

with that said, i highly i suggest pairing this with a high-waisted skirt or pant. (i will try this with the black one for another look). that did not happen here (hence, some midriff, sorry!). it was a cold day so i opted for some... wide leg DRESS PANTS!! add in chic brooch (finally the opportunity to wear this beauty!! i have a thing for brooches!) and you got yourself a classy outfit you can't really do much in. LOL. nonetheless, this was a fun shoot for the books!

oh, might i add; i did not do my own hair. (obviously). that's why blow outs are perfect for gals like me who are #hairchallenged. the best thing about blow outs is that you ain't got to wash your hair for a few days! yea yea! #hellothirtys

currently on my playlist: Ain't nobody (loves me better) by Felix Jaehn

top | SheIn off shoulder knit sweater in grey (also comes in black)
pants | LOFT tie waist trousers in black (excellent material, one of my fave place for dress pants)
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | clare vivier basketweave foldover clutch in black -- similar / awesome studded one!
earrings | ASOS big faux pearl and stone swing earrings (old) -- similar / similar in marble!
brooch | BaubleBar crystal donati brooch -- similar / similar with a pearl / gold swan!
rings | Kendra Scott daisy ring in slate / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- avail in midi / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (on sale!) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring (on sale!) / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie nail polish in frock 'n roll (fall 2015 collection, it's a unique color and only ONE coat is needed!)

what are some unique pieces you own?
JD

warby parker -- concentric collection

January 12, 2016

be a spectacle in some spectacles!!! (yes, i said it. #deskslapper)

i'm sure many of you have heard of Warby Parker. they make eyeglasses and sunglasses (also in prescription) at an AFFORDABLE price not to mention, they have a wide variety of extremely stylish frames for the budget friendly guy/gal! no matter what your style is, there is something for EVERYONE at WP. fashionable eye wear at a fraction of the price? yes, please! here are a few things i personally like about the brand and philosophy at Warby Parker:

for every pair of eyeglasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need. their main partner: VisionSpring
frames start at $95 USD
home-try on program (5 pairs, 5 days, free trial) -- pick 5 frames, they will ship them for you for free, you have 5 days to decide which pair(s) then return them (return shipping is also free!) to purchase your pair online with your prescription. this is great for people like me who want second opinions! also, be sure to use the #WarbyHomeTryOn to get comments/social media feedback!
one year guarantee no-scratched lenses
polycarbonate lenses (impact resistant)
durable material & screws
100% UV protection
anti-scratch & anti-reflective coating included
free shipping & returns

honestly, it doesn't get better than that.

warby parker spring 2016 concentric collection -- jannadoan.com

today, the spring 2016 concentric collection launches that is inspired by... the CIRCUS! this eyeglass collection consists of bright happy-colored frames in all sizes and shapes! i love the fact that they are different from your typical black/brown frames. the Haskell is definitely a stand out from the collection, this is a clear frame (becoming very popular) with a colored inner ring (available in three colors), they look great on both men and women as you can tell from the images below. my personal favorite is the Laurel, a peacock green frame; i can see this going with all outfit colors! the Preston is a red colored frame, and... any sassy lady/#girlboss needs some red colored glasses, goes so well with the #LBD.

a few product images from the concentric collection below, more details, and videos on tips/guidelines to finding the right frames for your face after the jump!

Laurel (in peacock green, and my favorite from the collection!)

Haskell (in crystal with manzanita inner ring)

Preston (in maraschino, just love these red ones, very classy!)

Haskell (in crystal with blue jay inner ring)

Kensett (in atlantic blue) and Finch (in bellini)

two great videos on how to find the perfect frames:

also, be sure to check out the thea sunglasses collection! these classy stunners are hand-wrapped in a subtle 24K gold trim! love them!

be a #showstopper in some Warby Parkers,
JD

A post done in collaboration with Warby Parker.

the turtleneck tunic

January 7, 2016

first post of 2016!!!

i hope your year is off to an AMAZING start! i'm slowin' it down with a simple relaxed look. winter is my favorite season, i'm all about layering, scarves, boots, drinking hot coffee!, and SWEATERS!! what's better than a sweater? ...a loose/relaxed fitted sweater with side s(p)lits. it allows you to wear longer length sweaters (yes please!) without it fitting all weird around the thighs/glutes!! i love the side s(p)lit sweaters. i also think it adds a different element to your typical winter sweater. i decided to dress this outfit up with big statement earrings, a classic bag, and some pointed toe heels. this look would also be great with some OTK boots!

currently on my playlist: For a better day -- Avicci

top | LOFT relaxed turtleneck tunic in black (available in 5 colors, size down) -- similar / round neck / v-neck and on sale / love this sleeveless one
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- dupe from F21 / cute quilted clutch / in tweed
sunglasses | Dolce & Gabanna (0 DG 4216) cat eye sunglasses in black with printed roses
earrings | Kendra Scott danielle earrings in black pearl
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- avail in midi / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring (on sale!) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora Formula X nail polish in gray matter (only ONE coat needed; gifted from BFF!)

loose sweaters for the win!,
JD

5 things to start doing for yourself

December 31, 2015

goodbye 2015. helloooooo 2016!!!

here we are, the last day of 2015 -- can you believe it?!?! wow, what a year it has been! the new year always brings such a great feeling because it's the start of a new beginning, a clean slate, a tide of hope. people begin to make these things called "new years resolutions." i don't really believe in them. you don't need a new year to make change in your life! the time is always NOW, plus i'm a firm believer if you wanted to do something so bad, you'd just... do it. ya know? anyways, we all know i'm not the best writer... but today i decided to switch it up with a post on the 5 things you need to start doing for yourself; today! more after the jump!

currently on my playlist to kick off the new year: Happy -- Pharrell

5 things to start doing for yourself -- jannadoan.com

5 things you need to start doing for yourself

1. JUST GO FOR IT.

is there something you've been wanting to do? do you feel stuck? not sure what your next move is going to be? just go for it. step into the unknown! do things that scare you! and there is no better time than right NOW. don't wait for anything or anyone because there is no such thing as 'the perfect time.' i'm sure the road ahead won't be easy, but i guarantee it will be worth your while. remember -- good things take time, so give it your best shot.

2. train your mind to think positive thoughts only.

this will change your life. the most underrated trait of all successful people is POSITIVITY. my life has become all about #positivevibesonly, because i don't have time for anything/anyone less. clear your life from whatever it is that's pulling you down/holding you back. positive thoughts = positive life. remember -- whatever you focus on grows, so focus on the positive. it takes a really strong person to see all the positive, so i encourage you to practice it everyday. when things are crappy it teaches you to appreciate what you already have. when things don't work out, it just means that you're meant for something better -- and it's coming right your way. just have a little faith.

3. choose happiness.

it's hard to believe, but happiness is a choice. so CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY. as much as you can help it, never let someone, their decisions, or a situation control how you feel. because that gives them/it way too much power over you, and the only person in control of you is YOU. so starting today, i want you to be selfish about ONE thing in your life, and that is your happiness. do the things that make you happy, spend time with people that lift you higher. make A LOT of time for those things and people! your happiness comes FIRST. be extra kind to yourself starting today. you are a work in progress and will get there one step at a time. remember -- strive to be the best (happy) version of YOU. #loveyourself

4. stop worrying.

i use to be so bad at this. i would worry about everything. and you know what? WHAT A BIG FAT WASTE OF TIME! seriously. i've learned to worry less because ain't nobody got time for that! plus the thing is, why worry about things/people/decisions/situations that you cannot control? (insert long pause) remember -- you cannot change the past, you cannot predict the future, so your best bet is to live in this present moment; right here, right now. worry less. live more.

5. keep your standards high.

no matter what, it isn't what other people think of you. it's what you think of yourself. it's what you do when other people aren't looking. do the right thing -- always. don't make excuses for yourself or anyone else. accept the best and nothing less. never settle. and remember -- the moment you think you deserve more, you do.

2016 is your/my/our year. take it by storm!
#cantstopwontstop,
JD

the off-shoulder bodycon dress

December 28, 2015

if you're not doing something that scares you everyday, you're not doing it right.

#word. this is the tightest dress i own. yikes.!! if you follow this blog, you already know that i rarely/never wear tight clothes. however, i just can't get enough of all the off-shoulder looks so i bought this dress knowing it was going to be out of my comfort zone. the thought was also, 'this would be a fun, flirty, won't-totally-freeze NYE outfit without all the sequins/feathers/fringe etc...' (ok, confession -- it's because i don't own anything sequin/feather/fringe... LOL. i'm so afraid the sequins are going to fall off by the hundreds knowing my luck). bodycons can be worn in a classy/elegant way. you just need to opt for longer lengths. i kept it simple with nude heels to help elongate my short legs since the dress falls at an awkward length on my 5' 2" shorty-self. the rest of the look is pretty simple since i felt the dress already made quite the statement. and finally, my Chanel boy WOC debuts. she's a beauty.

currently on my playlist: Do it -- Tuxedo
talk about a feel good song! heard it at barre class (been trying it out lately, it's awesome) and it makes me so happy killin' it at the barre to this jam. #cantstopwontstop