February 2017 Favorites

Bob Marley “Legend” – If you keep up with my blog then you know I just came back from Jamaica a few weeks ago. This cd was on serious repeat in January and February to get amped up for the trip and to transition back home. No problems, mon… just situations 🙂 . It brings me right back to that beautiful, tropical island.

Nth Degree “Moroccan Argan Oil & Keratin Hair Serum” – To be honest, I ran out of my regular hair serum and wanted to put off buying a replacement because it’s so expensive. I used this, which I got in a past Ipsy bag, as a fill in for the month and it worked out well! Try putting it just on the ends of your hair for a less oily look, that’s what I did.

Too Faced “Hangover Primer” – I typically have very oily skin, though this winter find that I need just a little extra moisture. This primer has been working wonders for me. It is high quality, smells amazing, and gives my skin the love it has been needing. I do pair it with a pore filler primer, which I use just on the areas I need it the most. This baby goes on all the other parts of my face.

Almay “Clear Complexion Concealer” – This is a great, full coverage drugstore concealer. I have been a fan of Almay for years and find that this gives me a really nice, smooth finish all the while brightening up my undereye area.

O.R.G. “Mineral Peel Face” – Probably my absolute favorite exfoliator!!! I like to use this before I shower by spraying a few pumps on to my hands, patting it onto my face, and rubbing the product around for a good 10-15 seconds. The amount of dead skin this product gets off of your face will seriously amaze you. I have been using it at least once a week on my full face and sometimes a second time just on the driest parts of my skin.

 

This month I also (somewhat impulsively) chopped 5 inches of my hair!!! I haven’t had an actual style in close to two years and have just kept it long and layered. My husband got me a gift card to my favorite salon for Christmas and I decided (while waiting for my stylist) that I wanted to put the money to good use and try something new. I’m so happy with the result!!! XOXO

Birchbox June 2016 – Preview

Of course I peaked!!! Did you expect anything else?!

I’m glad I did because I think this will be one of my best boxes yet…

I’m most excited for the Benefit Gimme Brow!!! I’ve heard nothing but amazing reviews from the beauty YouTubers I follow and trust. I continue to struggle with extremely sparse brows and haven’t yet tried a fiber formula so I hope this product can help me with a naturally fuller look.

Though they don’t top the list, I’m equally excited for the liquid exfoliator (something I’ve also never tried), the lip crayon (fingers crossed I get the berry shade!), and the texturizing spray (I love using them).

I’m least excited for the tinted SPF because I either wear no makeup or full coverage, anything in between isn’t my favorite.

What are you most and least excited for in your box this month?

Top 3 Exfoliators

Winter has been extra tough on my skin this year. I’m usually fairly oily, but this season my face has felt much more combination-dry. I’ve found that regular exfoliation (1-2x weekly) is key to keeping my skin hydrated.

Here are my recent favorites…

 

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub 

This is a classic must-have. I use this scrub in the shower because the formula is very gritty and I like to wash my face with a gentle cleanser right after. It smells great and leaves skin feeling super soft. For around $5 per tub it’s a huge bang for your buck and lasts forever!

Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel

I received this product in a Birchbox and fell instantly in love. Use by rubbing a small amount on your semi-wet face and massaging into skin until you feel the product clump up… That’s your dead skin! The only downfall is the luxurious price-tag of $48. Ouch. I wanted very badly to buy the full size version when my sample ran out, but did some research and found a great alternative.

Lemon D Toc Sparkling Peeling Gel

Which brings me to this baby! You use it the same way, essentially rub the product into your skin until you feel the dry skin peeling away. It does the same thing for a fraction of the price… $9! I do find that I need to use quite a bit more of this product to get the same effect, but it still does the trick.

Do you have any suggestions to add to my list? Which exfoliator do you use and what makes it so great? XOXO