March 2017 Favorites

Rimmel “Match Perfection” Concealer – This concealer is truly amazing. It does a great job of covering up redness and dark circles under my eyes, but still looks natural. It doesn’t crease anywhere and lasts all day long.

Makeup Revolution “Matte Blush” – I don’t know that I have ever tried a more pigmented matte blush! This has a smooth, creamy formula and the color payoff is incredible… so be sure to go in with a light hand. I have the shade Nude and love it!!!

Nine West “Dress Pump” – Now that it is (finally) warming up where I live, these babies have been on repeat. They are versatile and comfortable. What else does a girl really need?!

Sofia Vergara “Tempting” Body Spray – While I’m not much into fragrance, I bought this on a whim at Marshall’s and have been loving it. It has scents of vanilla, tropical fruit, and flowers. I can’t get enough of it lately!

Short and sweet this month. Have you tried any of these products?!

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

January 2017 Favorites

Rose Gold iPhone 7 – Unfortunately I dropped my phone right after the holidays and, while I thought the thing was indestructible, it ended up not working after it took it’s last hit. That meant I needed an upgrade. Shucks 🙂 . This is literally the best phone I’ve ever had! I love the size, color, and quality. It’s perfect for me.

Clear Mandala Phone Case – So of course I had to get something pretty to keep this one safe. I opted for a clear, mandala-patterned back case so that the pink could shine through. I paired it with a clear screen protector and now I’m all set!

Moleskine 2017 Weekly Planner – This baby has been keeping me organized already. I love the layout of this planner because it includes daily, weekly, and monthly layouts. I set a lot of different types of goals this year and think the process of tracking everything in this planner will help me stick to them.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss – I’m not sure why, but this lippie in the shade “Birthday Babe” has been on repeat for me in January because I’m more comfortable with a color on my lips, but this has been an easy transition into neutrals for me. It’s a great winter shade and a comfortable wear.

Real Techniques Blush Brush – You need this brush!!! The size, hands down, is my favorite part. I didn’t realize the pain I was putting myself through with smaller blush brushes until I got this baby and having been seriously loving it.

Clean and Clear Shower Mask – I got this in a recent Walmart Beauty Box as a sample and liked it so much that I purchased the full sized version. This works nicely for me in the shower after I do a deep face exfoliation. It’s a nice way to get moisture back into the skin and fully cleanse the surface of your face.

October Favorites

FabFitFun – My newest subscription addiction!!! I decided to treat myself to this subscription just in time for the fall box and seriously love what I got. Yes, it’s a pricier box but I honestly love almost every single item that was included and think it is more than worth the money.

White Pumpkin Candle – It’s a pumpkin candle… I mean, need I say more?! #Swoon

Rampage Glasses – I had an eye exam this month, upped my prescription, and got these babies. I love the cat eye shape and gold metallic finish. They go great with any outfit and are super comfortable to wear.

Village Naturals Therapy Aches and Pains Foaming Bath Salts – As the weather gets colder and colder I find myself taking more and more baths. This has been my favorite add-in when I want to relax in the tub lately. Smells great and you can’t beat the price! My husband  bought this for me last year around this time and I’m just now about to finish it up.

Mirabella Velvet Lip Pencil – Red lips have seriously been on repeat for me this month and this lippie has been my go-to. The pigmentation is incredible and it wears so nicely and comfortably.

 

September Favorites

Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzing Powder

I have been to Ulta twice this month to get color matched on new foundations and each time I have been recommended a shade that is too light. Needless to say I needed a little extra bronzing this month and this one was a life saver. Pretty much nothing beats a coconut fragranced face powder, am I right?!

Smashbox Photofinsh Pore Minimizing Primer

Don’t underestimate the power of a high end primer! This was my first and I love what it does for my skin… fills in pores and evens out the texture. I don’t use it on my whole face, just the parts that need a little extra love like my t-zone and areas that I have scarring from acne.

Essence Sheer & Shine Lipstick

I tend to have a heavy hand with makeup. I also tend to LOVE vampy lip shades for fall. Enter this product!!! There is literally no way you can overdo it with this lipstick and you will always get a nice, deep shade. It gives off a your-lips-but-better vibe with a sheer wash of color that is easy to build up and super comfortable to wear.

The Gifts of Imperfection

I featured this on my Fall Reading List post a few weeks back as a book I wanted to read up this season. Well, it was not at all difficult to get through! I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration in their own well-being. Brene Brown has a way of explaining her fascinating work on living a Wholehearted life in easy to relate to ways.

Old  Navy Striped Boat-Neck Tee

Picture this long sleeve tee with cozy black leggings, knee high boots, a warm wooly scarf, and Starbucks in hand. I mean, could it be anymore seasonly appropriate?! I got it in red, too :).

August Favorites

Bad Moms: If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to!!! Even my husband loved it.. don’t tell him I told you 🙂 . I haven’t laughed so hard at a movie in a really long time.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: Super full coverage at an insanely affordable cost… what more could you ask for?!

Loreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer: I love the small tip on this applicator and that it comes in such a wide variety of shades. The product stays put all day and gives your brows a natural look.

Lularoe: My most recent obsession!!! I LOVE Lularoe. It is a clothing company that makes and sells adorable, comfy, and fun pieces all while empowering women and encouraging them to love their own bodies. Stay tuned for an upcoming post showcasing my most recent purchases.

Lose It!: I have used this app since the beginning of the year to manage my weight and have successfully kept off 24 pounds. If you’re looking to get fit I would highly recommend this app. I’ve used others in the past and this one is my favorite, XOXO.

July Favorites

As you can see, it was a great beauty month in July!!!

Since I cancelled my Birchbox this month (click here to find out why) I wanted to cash in my points for products, so opted for the Coastal Scents “Revealed 2” and “Revealed Smoky” eye shadow palettes. They are my first higher quality palettes and  did not disappoint one bit. The color selection on each is amazing and the formula is really buttery yet easy to blend out. Speaking of shadows, I found myself reaching for small angled brushes paired with a dark eye shadow this month instead of my go-to sharp liner look. Something about that look just seems so much lighter for summer to me. On my tight line, I had Colourpop’s “Swerve” on repeat this month. It’s as black as black can be and that baby sure stays put! I signed up for Curology in July and, while I haven’t seen any acne results yet, I am hopeful that I will so wanted to include it in this batch of favorites. (I will keep you posted on my progress!) Finally, I wanted to share with you the sweetest smelling strawberry yummy lotion that my body has been loving this month! The formula of this Grace Cole body butter is really light weight yet moisturizing and has been perfect for summer, XOXO.

Have you tried any of these products? What were your favorites this month?

June Favorites

Thirty-One

I have talked about this line before on my blog and truly believe in the product. This month I traveled quite a bit, sometimes planned and other times unexpected. I found myself using Thirty-One in all areas of my life and it always made things easier. Because my sister is a consultant, I have a good amount of the line in my personal collection and can vouch that the products are amazing.

Dermalogica Clear Start Matte Moisturizer

On very recent trip to a very humid set of islands (stay tuned for Florida Keys posts 🙂 ) I learned the importance of prepping my face for the weather. This oil-controlling moisturizer really does the trick. Use it once daily in between your face wash and makeup primer for a matte finish.

Perfectly Posh Bath Salts

There is something about a nice long bath that is so irresistible to me, yes even in summer! I love these salts because they are all natural, reasonably priced, and smell amazing. One pack lasts 2-3 baths. When you pour the product into the tub you may notice a thin layer of oil at the top. That’s the yummy goodness that you want rub all over your body for super soft skin.

Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

Anyone else out the struggle with seasonal allergies? This baby has been a God-send for me this month. It’s perfect for covering up dark and itchy eyes. The formula is thick so you don’t need much and the effect is flawless.

Shahs of Sunset

Again… don’t judge me, XOXO.

May Favorites

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

If you are looking for an affordable and full-coverage drugstore foundation, then look no further! This baby goes on smooth and lasts the majority of the day. The shade range is wide and I love that it has a pump for easy, sanitary use. It has been my go to ever since I picked it up this month.

Fratboy by The Balm

I bought my very first high end blush! And it was worth every penny. I had received a (tiny) sample of this in my first ever Birchbox and found that because the pan was so little, the product wasn’t going on my brush evenly…hence why I picked up the full size. This shade is super natural and would look good on a variety of skin tones. Plus the texture is heavenly!

Food Network Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Any other terrible chefs out there?! I lucked out marrying a man who is knows what he’s doing in the kitchen because I never really know what’s going on in there! This dutch oven is fool proof. My favorite meals to make are shredded chicken for tacos and a seared pork loin. I love how easy it can go from stove to oven and does an amazing job locking in flavors.

Skagen Freja Rose Gold Watch

This was an anniversary gift from my husband and it has been on my wrist nonstop this month because I love it so much. Now that I am out of grad school and have a professional job, I have been working to update my wardrobe. This is such a nice addition to my collection. It’s very lightweight with a classic design and the hue is true rose gold.

Real Housewives of New York

What can I say? Don’t judge me. It’s my number one guilty pleasure. I don’t do drama in my life anymore but sure do love watching these women deal with theirs, XOXO!

April Favorites

Elf – High Definition Undereye Setting Powder

Sometimes I never know how much I love a product until I run out of it. I then go into the great debate of repurchasing or trying something new. I ran out of this recently, tried a few different powders in my collection (nothing I had could compare), and wound up repurchasing this in April. This powder perfectly sets concealer, brightens up the skin, and is so inexpensive.

Maybelline – The Blushed Nudes

The shades in this palette are gorgeous, wearable, and work so well together. Pigmentation is not as strong as it could be, but it’s a great palette if you are looking for your makeup to be a bit less bold. There are also tips for blending shadow combos on the back of the packaging, which I found super helpful!

Rimmel – Natural Bronzer

I had never used an actual bronzer until I picked this baby up a few weeks ago… now I don’t want to put it down! I use it mainly in the hollows of my cheeks, temples, and top of my forehead. I now understand why a cool-toned matte bronzer gives the most natural look.

Flower Phone Case

Confession… this is not the exact phone case I fell in love with this month. I (like all females everywhere) got sucked into Target’s dollar section recently and found the cutest flower case for my phone and now can’t find it anywhere online to share! 😦 This one is comparable though, a clear case with a flower print. Super cute and perfect for spring.

“Yes Please” by Amy Poehler

What’s not to love about Amy Poehler?! She is so funny, such a great role model for young women, and has tons of great stories to share in this book. It’s a really fun, funny, and quick read that I would recommend to anyone looking for something light-hearted to pick up.