January Favorites

January flew by and was a great spring board for 2014. I vaguely remember a while ago I shared some of my favorite products of the month with you... well, lets do that again, shall we??

 

 

Clinique 3-Step Cleanser, Toner, and Moisturizing Lotion

The first time I was spotted looking at makeup I was around 11. My mother said I was more than allowed to use makeup but I had to take care of my skin. We went straight to the good stuff for skin care. I have no idea why I have been bouncing around skin care products when I know, I KNOW, that this is the best thing for me. The liquid facial soup cleanses and removes any dirt and grime from my skin making it squeaky clean. Then I will tone my skin, creating a smooth surface for the moisturizing lotion to really lock it all in and in the winter, moisture has been my key necessity in products.

 



 

Smith's Rosebud Salve

Speaking of moisture, this has been a gift from the gods for my lips during winter. It is a rose scent petroleum jelly for your lips. Along with the rose scent, it gives my lips a nice pink and glossy color, which makes lip gloss, although fun, not necessary.

 

 

Revlon Colorburst Matte/Laquer Balm

Okay, I'm just going to come right out and say it: to me, these are the best lip product I have tried in a long while. The are moisturizing, plus supply a good amount of color that applications are few and far between. I do one application upon arriving at work and don't have to reapply until late afternoon or even when I get home because the color is still there. Application is super simple; if you can color in the lines, you can put these on. I started with colors that I knew I would wear all the time: Elusive, a light peach pink, Complex, a brown nude, Striking, a true red, and in the lacquer, Enticing, a shiny maroon red.

 

 

NYX Powder Blush in Peach

This blush is incredibly pigmented, a little goes a long way. It gives an Oh-Look-at-me, I-have-been-outside-and-just-naturally-have-pink-cheeks look. Very winter-esque chic. Perfect for January.

 



 

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes mascara

I am such a fan of the original formula of the Falsies that I had to try the Big Eyes version and I was not disappointed. With the separate wands for upper and lower lashes it lifts and adds insane volume to the upper lashes and separates the lower lashes making them look spider leg long. It does last all day, for me, and doesn't smudge either. Simple makeup remover gets all the product off with very little residue left.

 

 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Sport Eraser

Disclaimer: I do not have dark spots. I do have really scary dark under eyes, which is why I picked up this product. Thought I might be able to eliminate my designer handbag dark eyes, and it does. The applicator is truly awesome. The sponge allows for flawless distribution of the product, as well as precision. I have it in the color 210 Fair.

 

 

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

The 24 hour hydration is no lie. I have very dry skin and this product has been a life saver for me this winter. I body has been drinking this product up like a traveler in the desert! The scent is long lasting but not overpowering. It smells very nutty and creamy (if creamy has a scent...). It has been a huge success for me. I did try several other scents in small size to make sure, before buying the large jar, that it was the product for me, which, of course, it is.

 

 

Celestial Seasonings Fruit Tea Sampler

Yep, I love tea and am obsessed with this. I'm not usually a bit fruit tea drinker but this product might have turned me. These are super flavorful and not at all sweet, which was my big concern. And as I attempted to spend less money, the price tag for 18 bags is really hard to argue.

 

Those are just some of my favorite products for the month of January. I hope you all enjoyed it. And I would love to know what products you all have been loving this month??

 

Yours xx

May Favorites

I cannot believe that it is June. I mean, what is happening to 2013?? But, hey, another month another group of favorites...

Beauty and Body Care

As summer approaches my routine simplifies. Mascara is a must-have as well as an easy-peasy eye shadow. I love the Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo in Barely Branded. It is a super light and fresh cream color; almost a highlight color. My only complaint is that my eyelid are a bit on the oily side so without primer it doesn’t last all day but I just love it too much!

As far as mascara, I received The Benefit They’re Real trial size and just loved it so much I had to go get it in the full-size. It makes your eyelashes look exactly like you are wearing fake eyelashes and who doesn’t want that?? The Maybelline The Falsies does a similar thing as They’re Real but it, hmm, fluffs them more..yeah, fluffs.

Maybelline Master Duo liquid liner is like eye liner for dummies. The brush allows for control with its thick side and thin side. I thought I could draw a straight line...I can’t. But with this guy, I can fake it pretty well. Obviously, I approve.

As you know I’ve become a big fan of the body butters. This Nip and Fab Mango Smoothie is perfect for summer. It isn’t too thick and very smooth and soft to apply. It smells like summertime, all mango-y and fruit-y. And my hair, since my pledge treat my hair with respect, I have been using a detangler for normal-thick hair. When I get out the shower my hair is a rat’s nest so combing through it is torture, but with this my hair is super easy and seems amazing.

Music Favorites

I made a post about my favorite YouTube covers recently so make sure to check that out. Plus, this month I have spent every morning getting ready to Demi Lovato’s new album “Demi.” It has everything from rock, pop, dance beats, ballads and it is just, well, awesome. My favorites include: Neon Lights, Nightingale, Fire Starter, and Warrior.

You can listen to the whole album on Spotify...as I have been doing.

Movie and Fashion Favorites (+ Blogger Book Club)

Obviously I’ve got to include The Great Gatsby movie for this month’s favorites. And my fashion favorite this month would have to be my Black Classic TOMS. Chances are if you’ve seen me this month I’ve been wearing them. They are worn through and just about perfect.

Starting in June I will be participating in Blogger BookClub. Each month I will read a new book, along with my fellow bloggers, and review it! I’m absolutely ecstatic about this! Up first, The Help...

March Favorites

WARNING: This post is quite lengthy but, it's a good one. I promise. The month of March is my favorite for several reasons: Spring has (officially) sprung, I turned 22 this month, my university had Spring Break, and my favorites are awesome! Without further ado...

Beauty and Body Care

For beauty products this month, you could say I branched out on a limb with the first one. I had never ordered/purchased a product from Lush Cosmetics and after using "Angels on Bare Skin" Facial Cleanser I wanted more and more and more....

For those who don't know, Lush Cosmetics are fresh, handmade cosmetics that use only natural ingredients. They are based out of Canada and, obviously, I don't live in Canada so I ordered from their website. Very quick and easy, might I add. I was on the hunt for a new facial cleanser that left my skin light and refreshed without being too harsh. I have fairly sensitive skin, so I always am a bit nervous about new products (tip: try a small amount on an inconspicuous bit of skin before trying all over your face) so I did my research and read lots of consumer reviews. And ended up with Lush! Wee!








I purchased Angels on Bare Skin from Lush because it was their best seller and was made for all skin types. It is very exfoliating which I find to be nice after my face as been put through the ringer I put it through everyday. Plus, it was cleansing and quite soothing. It makes my face feel like it has been blessed by Angels (ay, ay, see what I did there..? :O).

While Angels is my favorite cleanser, I needed something to take my makeup off before cleansing and I'm loving Maybelline's Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover. It's not greasy at all, which as been a consist problem for me with makeup removers. It literally takes one swipe and my eye makeup is completely gone! I love it!! (PS I'm on my second bottle already.)


Speaking of eye makeup, I purchased a bit of a splurge birthday present for myself: Urban Decay Naked Palette. This palette is like the holy-grail for me. It has neutral matte colors for a simple everyday look as well as sparkly neutrals and colors to create the perfect smoky eye. I'm obsessed and have basically used it everyday since it arrived on my doorstep. (I purchased mine from Amazon, in case you were wondering).

Now, I've been a Moisturizing Chap stick girl for, like, ever so in the rare event that I find a lip balm or chap stick that I love more it is kind of a massive deal.

Dearest Nivea Lip Butters, you have found a home in my purse, makeup bag, backpack, beside stand (read: everywhere). I adore you to no end. You look so adorable in your little tin. You're not shiny, and yet add color and not only do you smell like absolute heaven but, you are moisturizingly thick, without caking. I love you.

Food and Drink Favorites

Food, everyone's favorite and between eating birthday cake and Easter candy, this section could turn into a bit of a circus act but these two products have stuck by me all month long and I adore them for it.

The Brookside Dark Chocolate Goji with Raspberry are indulgent and perfect. The dark chocolate is thick

but doesn't overpower the fruit pieces inside. To me, they seemed like Fruit Gushers without that awful sugar syrup oozing out of the middle.

Tazo Passion Tea has been a favorite of my for quite a while but this month I got the tea bags as a birthday gift with my lovely tea kettle. (Yes, I'm practically a 80 year old woman, between my tea kettle and knitting hobby, in a 22 year old's body. Do I care? Nope.) It is fruity and sort of, mm, tangy? Yeah, tangy. I've been making it hot with the tea bags but, also, I've been making it cool by taking two tea bags and hot water, placing it in the fridge for about 2-3 hours, and pouring it over ice. I'm obsessed.

Music Favorites

All you need to know for this section is this: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE'S THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE. Please, listen to this. Buy it. Download it. Whatever. It has been playing non-stop on my iTunes since arriving on the scene. I regularly jam to "Let the Groove Get In," "Pusher Love Girl," and "Don't Hold the Wall."

This next girl group from the UK, I found because of Little Mix (please go get on the Google right now if you don't know these girls. I love them to know end.). They have this awesome 90's type, hip-hop vibe. And this song! Sometimes music, like books, find you, ya know? 

M.O. - Ain't Got Time

Books and Movies Favorites

For the first time, I listened to an audio book from Audible.com. I listened to "BossyPants" by Tina Fey on my road trip. This book is hilarious, which was too be expected. But also enlightening. It was a lot about female empowerment, which apparently I've been obsessed with since I this month I also read Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In." This read, readers, it is a-maz-ing. She talks about women in leadership roles, women in the work place and encourages women to "lean in" in all things. I highly recomme

nd this read to anyone!

Oh and Girls. Lena Duhman knows my life. It is Sex in the City but with "real" girls in their 20s, navigating life. Hmm, I wonder why I could relate?? :)

Thanks for reading, y'all. Anything you've been enjoying this month? Let me know in the comments!!

Yours xx

Disclaimer: Everything mentioned above was purchased with my own money and all opinions are mine. This is NOT a sponsored blog post. You're beautiful.

February Favorites

I'm a curious little bee. I want to know what everyone is loving whether it be beauty products, body care, books, or even movies. Inspired by my curiosity I thought I might jump on the monthly favorites bandwagon. (Yes, there is a bandwagon.) I figured I'd share with all of you, at the beginning of each month, what I consider to be my favorite things. So without further ado...cue music.

Beauty Products & Body Care Favorites:

I've been loving my Maybelline Baby Lips in Coral Crush and Pink Punch. It is super moisturizing as well as adding a hint of color to my lips. It is a perfect every day basic balm.

My February Favorite as far as nail polish goes has to be Play Date from Essie. It is a lavender color so it is very spring time and very Easter appropriate. Plus, for me, Essie color always seems to last quite a long time on my nails.

Body Care Favorites consist of a hand cream that I've been loving for quite sometime. The True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere and Silk Hand Cream is like a dream for my hands. It does exactly what the back of the bottle says (no lies here): "Wrap Your Hands in Cashmere and Silk." Plus, it seems like vanilla!

This next product I picked up on a whim one day: Boots Brazil Nut Body Butter. Now, I'm not usually a big fan of body butter, the idea of thick, cake-y cream just gives me the shivers, but this product is nothing like that! It is very moisturizing, as expected, but doesn't seem like you're "frosting" yourself. My skin has become super soft and smooth since using this. Which has been great during this loving spring SD weather (sarcasm). And this particular scent is a combination of almond-hazelnut-vanilla; it is intoxicating.

Music Favorites:

I have narrowed my choices down to three, which is fairly impressive since I've been obsessed with a lot of music in the past month. (Warning: My musical taste is varied and not for everyone)

Demi Lovato's "Heart Attack". Don't lie you've sang it in your car...

Fall Out Boy "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" I think I'm a professional air guitar drumming extraordinaire when this songs comes on. Plus, it's Fall Out Boy. You know I'm stoked for their new album.

Bernhoft "C'mon Talk" This one I can't actually take too much credit for. It was introduced to me by a friend. Obsessed doesn't even accurately describe how I feel about this song. 

Oh what am I saying...here's one more: 

Allen Stone "Sleep"

Book & Movies Favorites

This one of going to be a lengthy one this time due to Spring Break allowing me actual leisure reading time! 

If you have yet to read "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green stop whatever you had planned for today, go get this book, grab the Kleenex and READ IT. Serious. I've read it twice since purchasing it and the second time I took a highlighter to it because I loved it THAT much. 

The other recommendation I talked about in the Fashion Friday of last week so check that out here. As far as another read, I'd say "Struck by Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal" by Chris Colfer should not go unnoticed. It reads like you're having a conversation with your snarky, although lovable, best friend. 

And finally, whether it comes into your life in book or movie form, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" forever changed everything for me. It is a real, brave and honest look at, not just high school, but friendship, love and being a teenager. 

Thanks for reading! Yours xx

PS: Starbucks drink of the month for Haley: Direct tie between Green Tea Frapp and Iced Chai Tea Latte. 

Disclaimer: Everything mentioned above was purchase with my own money and all opinions are mine. This is NOT a sponsored blog post. You're pretty.