Holiday Haul

Happy Holidays!
I spent my holiday with great people, great food, and nice new things. If you recall, last year I also did a Holiday Haul, so I figured I should continue the tradition. I plan to do some after-Christmas-shopping in about a week, so that may be a separate post.

Sisters and dog in Christmas pajamas.

My mother has always gotten us Christmas pajamas - so of course, we continued that tradition.

Scotch heel shoe tape dispenser

My sister got me this cute tape dispenser that I can't wait to use!

chocolate makeup

This year, my "big item" from Santa was this beautiful tan faux leather Kenneth Cole jacket. I really liked all the small details - silver hardware, the asymmetrical zipper, studs, the double-wrap belt, and quilted arms and shoulders - I knew I had to have it! My favorite stocking stuffer was this chocolate make up kit. Santa knows me so well and combined my two favorite things!


My sweet boyfriend, Brad, spoiled me (as usual!) and got all the items that were at the top of my wishlist. I'm so excited to have my hands on the NAKED 3 palette and not to mention nail polish for DAYS! He also got me my first Ronaldo jewelry piece - the Etched in Time bracelet and managed to score this hard-to-find Alice+Olivia Starbucks mug.



It's better to give than to receive.


Along with a few other things, I got Brad a three-month subscription to Birchbox Man. Since I'm a long-time subscriber to the Woman's box, I've been eyeing Birchbox Man for awhile. I knew my dad wouldn't use the products. I'm not sure Brad will either, but I know he'll try anything once. Unlike the Woman's Birchbox, Birchbox Man also comes with STUFF (socks, boxers, t-shirts) other than just grooming products. I'm excited to see what is in the months to come!



Wishlist


"This was the easiest Christmas ever!" - my mother.  This is because I told her (and Brad) exactly what I wanted. I've been using Amazon wishlist for a long time - mostly for my own personal shopping reminder. This year, I decided to send my wishlist link out. My wishlist ranged from a $5 tape dispenser to a $4000 purse, and there was plenty in-between. I was able to provide exactly what I wanted, a picture, a link, the size/color I needed, and the item priority. I installed the Amazon wishlist browser button, which makes it super easy to bookmark an item from any web page (even items NOT on Amazon.) For the first Christmas in as long as I can remember, I have ZERO returns because of the wrong size or me just not liking the item - and it's extremely nice! If you're not already using Amazon Wishlist... I highly recommend it.

All of these items were received as gifts.

naughty or nice,
-Kaitlyn

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November Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."


MAC Cleanse Off Oil
This is one my all-time favorite make-up removers. I use this 2-3 times a week and notice a much deeper clean and softer skin. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
With all of the hype of the new Naked 3 palette, I decided to start using my Naked 2 palette again. (I quit using it just because it's so bulky to travel with.) I've mostly been using drugstore eye shadows over the past few months; the quality of my drugstore eyeshadows doesn't even compare to the Naked 2 palette. I can't believe I put this palette in the back of my vanity drawer! (Naked 3 is definitely on my wishlist!)

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover
I've raved one too many times about this nail polish remover. I just repurchased another bottle, so I feel like it's worth another mention. It's so easy to use, gets off tough nail polish, smells great, and makes my nails seem a bit stronger.

cleaning out my vanity drawer,
-Kaitlyn


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October Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."


I've rediscovered two favorites this month. The first one is Burt's Bees Soothing Lip Balm with Eucalyptus & Menthol. I used an entire tube of this, bought another one (and lost it) so I switched to a few other balms that just weren't cutting it. Mid-October, I picked up another Burt's Bees Soothing. I hope to use this one up completely, as well. It provides immediate relief and leaves a tingling sensation behind - it just feels like it's working!

My other favorite is L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara. I haven't used this mascara in over year; I forgot how much I like it. It's definitely an "oldie but goodie" in my book. I never have any clumps with this mascara and I always get super long, volumized lashes with just a few coats.

oldies but goodies,
-Kaitlyn

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September Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

Oddly, I haven't given a lot of thought to makeup this month. (I didn't buy a single new product!) However, I did buy a few replacement items that I was out of or about to be out of; I have raved about Joico K-Pack conditioner and Macadamia Deep Repair Masque one too many times, so I'll spare this post but I still highly recommend both of them!


I've really been loving the dark nail trend on myself and everyone else... It screams fall is near! I didn't have one specific color I reached for all month. OPI My Private Jet, Zoya Raven, and Germanicure by OPI are few of my go-to fall shades.

vampy nails & conditioned hair,
-Kaitlyn

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August Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

makeup

Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Honey Love
If you're a fan of Clinique Chubby Sticks & Revlon Kissable Balm Stains, you'll definitely like these!  The Jordana ones are more sheer, smell/taste better, and are a lot cheaper.  Honey Love is a wearable, pretty pink shade.

Sinful Colors Leather Loose Nail Polish
I saw this on Nouveau Cheap's site and I immediately had to have it.  Advertising as nail polish with "patent leather accents" seemed a little gimmicky to me, at first.  But the matte finish with a little shimmer does remind me of patent leather.  This color is pretty unique and feels cool, too.  For only $2, it's definitely a winner in my book. (*Extra bonus - this week, (9/1-9/7) Sinful Colors polishes are only .99 cents at Walgreens!)

I made quite a few repurchases this month. So here are a two "oldies but goodies" that I haven't raved about in awhile:

It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product
This product is a 10-in-1.  I mostly use it when my hair is feeling extra dry and/or tangled... it does a great job and smells great, too.  I finally just invested in the 10oz bottle, which I should've done a long time ago!

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express
This has been my go-to mascara for the past few months. I've tried others but I keep coming back to this one. The volume is great, it lengthens quite a bit, too.  Best of all - it doesn't smudge and it's pretty easy to get off at night.

leather nails,
-Kaitlyn

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July Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

makeup

Maybelline Fit Me! shine-free Foundation Stick in Porcelain
Originally, I purchased this thinking it was a concealer. I generally steer clear of foundations but I've really been enjoying this one. The foundation is very light weight, super creamy and blendable; plus, it's in a stick tube. Application is effortless and it leaves great shine-free results behind.

Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Celestial
I heard a lot of hype about these; when I saw a huge display at Walgreens, I couldn't say no. This product is a cross between a lip gloss & lipstick. It feels & smells good, but it kind of dries my lips out. It's good for occasional wear.

Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Blusher in Heather Silk
I wish I discovered this sooner! I've been using Tarte Tipsy blush for months now but I wanted something a little darker and a lot cheaper. Wet n Wild is one of my favorite super cheap brands. The pigmentation & staying power of this blush is just as good as the Tarte blush. A little bit of product goes a long way! Unfortunately, the packaging isn't that great. (The powder broke & I had to repress it... as you can see in the picture.)

broken blush & stick foundation,
-Kaitlyn

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June Favorites | Unii Palette Review

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

I went on an accidental "no buy" during the month of June, which was good for both my makeup collection and wallet, but bad for my blog. For the month of June, I have only one beauty favorite... the Unii Cosmetics Palette. Originally, I purchased this just for traveling to protect my makeup and condense my makeup bag. However, I am still using this for my everyday makeup.

unii palette

Not only does it take up less space in my makeup bag, but it also allows me to save time while getting ready each morning; I no longer have to find and open multiple palettes. The Unii palette is really sturdy with a strong closure and large mirror. The best part of the Unii palette is it's completely customizable; a large selection of makeup is already magnetized, but if it isn't, depotting is super easy and the Unii palette includes a sheet of adhesive magnets.

The palette is pricier compared to others but I think it's worth it to: know your makeup is protected, reduce clutter/save space, and speed up the getting ready process. My only complaint is I wish it was just a little bit bigger - I'd love for my bronzer to fit in this palette, too.

Product: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Packaging:
5/5

Overall Rating: 4/5
Retail Price: $29.00
Retailers: uniicosmetics.com
Overall: It's a sturdy, not quite big enough, palette that makes makeup organization easy.
Best For: Those who travel often and/or live out of a makeup bag.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this product to a friend.

magnets & mirrors,
-Kaitlyn

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May Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

beauty favorites

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter
This has been on my lust-list for quite some time; I finally decided to purchase it last month. I'm really impressed with the pigmentation & staying power. The packaging is super cute and a great touch, too.

Clarisonic Mia 2
I never understood all of the Clarisonic hype but when I was offered a major discount, I decided to finally jump on the bandwagon. I've used this every other day for the past few weeks. I can already tell a difference in my skin.

Real Techniques Blush Brush
It was finally time to retire my 5-year-old Mary Kay angled blush brush after it began shedding continuously. I was surprised by the high quality but low price tag of this new blush brush. I plan to check out some of the other Real Techniques brushes.

Zoya Sooki Nail Polish
(Calling all True Blood fans!) Zoya is becoming one of my favorite brands of nail polish and I keep adding more to my collection. I purchased this at the end of April, but it has been my go-to color all of May.

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April Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month. 

beauty favorites

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for lids, lashes, & lips
I'll admit, this was a long-time favorite that I just got tired of paying for. (A little pricey at $18.00.) I've been using drugstore removers for the past few months; most of the time, I was still waking up with mascara on after I thought I had gotten it all off the night before. This remover truly does get everything off easily... no surprise raccoon eyes the next morning!

Maybelline Chic Naturals Expert Wear Peal Eyeshadow in Champagne Fizz
I needed a new lighter (paler) highlight shade. This caught my eye at CVS, a complete impulse buy, and luckily, it works great. It's slightly chalky compared to some of my higher-end shadows, but it gets the job done especially for the price (around $4.00.) It looks great on the brow bone area.

Olay Wet Cleansing Cloths
I've been a fan of Olay wipes for the past few months. I saw these at my local dollar store (3 for $1.00) and I grabbed a few packs. These do a great job at getting all of the makeup off without leaving a sticky feeling behind. I've been loving these since they're individually wrapped. These are great to keep in your purse for last minute sleepovers or when you have those I-need-my-makeup-off-now moments after a long day.

Oscar Blandi pronto invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray
Every dry shampoo I have tried in the past has a left a white residue behind. I received this with my Birchbox points awhile back, but I promised myself I would finish all my other dry shampoos before I started to use this one. This is my favorite one, simply for the fact that it is clear - great for us dark-haired girls! Not a huge fan of the scent... something lemony. But overall, it's still a good product.

Victoria's Secret Love my Body Nearly Nude Body Wash in White Tea & Sage
I purchased this during the semi-annual sale, but I didn't start using it until the beginning of the month. It smells amazing and has a great texture. The scent isn't overpowering, so you can still layer it with your other products. It makes a decent bubble bath, too!

lemon hair and no raccoon eyes,
-Kaitlyn

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Haul: Chic Week

a small Sephora Haul & First Impressions

If you didn't know, Sephora's Chic Week is currently going on. (April 12 - April 21) During this time, everything at Sephora is 15% off both online and in-stores. Sephora usually only offers discounts twice a year, so it's a great time to try out new products or stock up on favorites. Luckily, I also had a gift card - so it combined with the sale allowed me to mark off a lot of my wishlist for a small out-of-pocket cost. I purchased:

sephora haul


Caudalie Beauty Elixir
This has been on my wishlist for so long. Most everyone in the beauty community has raved about this product. I always put off purchasing it because of the high price tag and I never really understood the concept.  But so far, so good - I like the herbal scent and the refreshing feel it leaves behind.

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish
Remember my last Chic Week haul?  (It was my first time trying Soap & Glory products.) Once I got past the overwhelming smell and childish packing, I really liked the products.  I used all of them up and I've made a few repurchases since.  I decided to try something new.  I've only used this body polish once; I enjoyed the signature Soap & Glory scent and the fact that the product is coarse but not abrasive.  However, I didn't see or feel much of a difference in my skin with the first use.

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream
I've purchased the full-size tube twice.  This time around, I wanted a small tube to keep in my purse.  This really is a great, reasonably-priced hand cream that is worth the hype.

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in DEA

I purchased this once before but never got to use it.  (It broke/melted in the mail, so I ended up returning it... I should've taken that as a sign.) Some of my drugstore concealers work equally as well, if not better.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Travel Duo Fragrance Set
I'm so weird and picky when it comes to perfumes.  Every time I visit a beauty or department store, I would always "test" this perfume.  I've always liked it, but I didn't completely love it.  Regardless, I finally purchased my own little bottle.  This set was the best value .75oz of perfume for $35. (The .68oz spray is $50!) I still really like the perfume but I'm afraid it doesn't work with my body chemistry.  It smells great when I spray it on in the morning - a floral scent with a touch of herbs.  But by the end of the night, the perfume smells like a cheap, musty, vanilla scent.

All in all, I'm happy I finally marked off the majority of my high-end beauty wishlist. I'm going to try out these products for another week or two; I might end up returning a few or they may make it to my April Favorites ~ stay tuned!

hauls & herbal sprays,
-Kaitlyn

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March Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

beauty favorites

CeraVe Renewing SA Cream
(I'm kind of cheating because I only used this product the last week of March but based off first impressions... it will be an April Favorite, as well.) It's a little pricey (around the $20 range at CVS.) Luckily, I got it on sale and had a coupon. It smells horrible but it's still one of the best moisturizing creams I have tried. It has a thick, body butter consistency but immediately absorbs into the skin so the greasy feeling isn't left behind. I have noticed some of my rough & dry patches have actually gotten smaller and little bit softer thanks to this cream.

L'Oreal Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum
In the previous months, I have really been enjoying higher-end hair products. However, this month, my hair just wasn't reacting the same to them. My hair has been extremely tangly & frizzy lately; I think the problem is a mixture of the crazy weather and me always going to sleep with my hair wet.  This product tamed most of my frizz and leaves a nice smell & shine behind.  It works great on both wet & dry hair.

Wet 'n' Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color in Sugar Coat
I have really been into nude nail colors this month. LeighannSays has raved about this color a few times, so I finally decided to give it a try. It is a pretty, sheer baby pink that looks very polished & feminine. Chipping was minimal. Unfortunately, it does take about three coats to really show the color - but for only $2, I don't think I should complain.

frizzy hair & feminine nails,
-Kaitlyn

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February Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

makeup, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer
This concealer is made for under the eyes; on me, it creased badly under the eyes.  But I use this everywhere else on my face it works great.  The concealer provides great coverage and it's swirled with Olay moisturizer; it's the most moisturizing concealer I've ever tried.

Prestige BrowPerfection Marbleized Brow Pencil
I was tired of paying $15 for my go-to brown pencil, MAC Fling, every few months.  I found this just for $4.00!  It works just as good, if not better than MAC. Unfortunately, it isn't mechanical.  However, it does have a lot more product compared to MAC. I really like that it's double ended pencil and brush; it makes filling in my eyebrows a lot faster.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: Color Correcting Adjust
Lately, my face has had random red, blotchy spots.  I dislike foundation and it was getting to the point where I was caking on concealer.  I decided I needed to cancel out the redness rather than just attempting to cover it.  I used the original formula of Smashbox Photo Finish awhile back and liked it, so I decided to pick up the green one.  Originally, I purchased the smaller tube; I used it a few times and really liked it.  Although it's a lot more pricey, I realized the larger tube is a better value - so I returned the small one and purchased the larger one.  It's great at canceling out all the redness on my face, it minimizes pores, and it makes my face feel really silky smooth allowing a flawless makeup application.  The primer also acts a wind barrier, which is great for the cold weather.

green primer & swirled concealer,
-Kaitlyn

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January Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.


Burt's Bees Beeswax + Soothing Lip Balm
Burt's Bees has never been a go-to for me.  I usually like anything with eucalyptus, so I decided to give this a try.  It doesn't smell (or taste) great... beeswax + menthol isn't a good combination.  But it makes my super dry, chapped lips feel so much better.

LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
I've raved about this one too many times.  I haven't used this in a few months but I recently repurchased and fell in love all over again.  It smells amazing, feels cool, and leaves great results.

Macadamia Deep Repair Hair Masque
I've purchased (or received) the little sample packet frequently.  I had way too many Extrabucks at CVS, so I finally purchased the full-sized tub.  It effortlessly gets rid of all my tangles in the shower and it leaves my hair super soft and shiny.  It's a little pricey at $30 but it's worth it.

Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express Mascara
This mascara is definitely properly named; the volume is unbelievable, it's almost too much volume.  It's not a good lengthening mascara, but if you already have long lashes - definitely try this one out.

eucalyptus & volumized lashes,
-Kaitlyn

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2012 Beauty Favorites

Here are my favorites for 2012.  I can't believe I'm doing this post for a third year!  It was neat to look back on my favorites from 2010 and 2011 and compare them with the products I've used (or continued using) this year.

The products marked with - means it is a type of product that I do not use, or I just didn't find a miracle product for the year.  The products followed by * means it was my favorite for both 2011 and 2012.

These are all products I have used continuously through out the year.  I have repurchased most of these or I will in the future.  I have recommended them to friends and family, and I recommend them to you.



Makeup
Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-Wear Blush in Tipsy
Bronzer: NARS Laguna*
Brush: -
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Treatment
Eyebrows: MAC Brow Pencil in Fling
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: MAC Technakohl in Graph Black*
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Foundation: -
Highlight: Bootycall Eyeshadow (from Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette)
Lipgloss: -
Lipstick: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
Nail polish: OPI Pink Flamenco
Powder: Revlon Photoready
Tool: Sonia Kashuk Metal Eyelash Comb
Top Coat Polish: Seche Vite*

High End Brand: NARS
Drugstore Brand: Revlon*

Body
Bath Product: -
Body Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub*
Body Lotion: -
Cuticle Cream: Sephora Healing Eucalyptus Cuticle Oil
Nail Tool: Sephora Glass Nail File
Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: Bath & Body Works Shea it isn't So Foot Cream*
Hand Cream: Soap & Glory Hand Food
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney*
Shower Gel: -
Soap: Dove Sensitive Skin*
Teeth Whitening: -

Haircare
Conditioner:Joico K-Pak*
Electrical: -
Hair Dye: John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Colour
Hairspray: -
Mask: Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
Miracle Product: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Spray
Shampoo: Organix Acai Berry Avocado Shampoo

Skincare
Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub*
Eye Product: -
Cleanser/Makeup Remover: Clinique Take the Day Off
Facial mask: Freeman Facial Clay Mask Avocado & Oatmeal
Lip Treatment: -
Moisturizer: Orgins Vitazing*
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

here's to the best,
-Kaitlyn

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Holiday Haul

I'm a nosy person and always enjoy watching "What I Got for Christmas" YouTube videos and reading blog posts, so I figured I'd share a few of the items I acquired over the month of December.


This year, I spent Christmas at my parent's house. I grew up without a fireplace, finally seeing my stocking hung properly was so nice.


It's tradition for us to receive new pajamas on Christmas eve.



My sisters know I'm into beauty products.  I received a Joico K-Pak gift set and homemade candy cane facial scrub from them.


My "big" present from Santa was a heated blanket.  I've been wanting one for awhile.  I usually stay cold and hate sleeping in a lot of layers or thick clothes so this blanket is so perfect.  Being warm helps me go to sleep a lot faster.


After Christmas is usually when all the stores offer their deals so I took advantage of the sales and got a lot of new clothes.  From BCBG, I purchased two sweaters, a shirt, leggings, and a $5 canvas tote which is probably my favorite purchase.  I'll most likely use this as my school bag next semester.

h&m maroon dress

H&M had a really great sale.  Since I don't have a H&M in my city, I went a little crazy.  I mostly picked up basic layering pieces and accessories. This $15 peplum dress was the best deal.

Target Neiman Marcus collection, Kaitlyn Maness

I've been eyeing the Target + Neiman Marcus collection ever since it hit stores on December 1st.  However, I didn't think the low-quality materials with the designer labels matched the high price tags.  But after Christmas when everything finally went on sale I grabbed a few pieces.  With Target gift cards, I purchased the Marc Jacobs black scarf, and Proenza Schouler sweatshirt & iPad sleeve.


As for cosmetics, I only purchased one thing.  Unfortunately, the LUSH Cosmetics store in my city closed, so I definitely had to purchase my favorite facial scrub: LUSH Ocean Salt.  I don't have a free-standing MAC store near me, so I made sure to pack all of my empties for the Back 2 MAC program.  I much prefer eyeshadows over lipsticks (Counters only offer lipstick trade-ins.)  I choose the colors All that Glitters and Charcoal Brown.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

I've heard some people treat themselves to a new item for the first of the year... maybe as a good luck charm or something to remind them self of a fresh start.  I liked the idea and decided to do the same this year.  Since my Michael Kors purse is over a year old and nearly falling apart, I knew I was going to have to purchase a new purse soon anyway.  I purchased the Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. in black with silver hardware.  It can be carried three ways, has a lot of organizing compartments, and best of all: it's much larger than I was expecting and can definitely hold all the necessities.

pajamas & Christmas sales,
-Kaitlyn

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December Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.


Aquaphor
I forgot how much I liked Aquaphor.  I traveled over the holiday and the 40-something-tempature I was used to, changed to around 10 degrees.  Needless to say, my skin freaked out.  Aquaphor is great for any part of your body.  I mainly use it on my lips and feet.  It's a little greasy but supplies a lot of moisture.

Caudalie Lip Conditioner
I purchased this lip conditioner and a travel size cleansing water on sale (duo set - $8.00) at Sephora.  Since the lip conditioner is $12.00 on its own, I thought it was a great deal and I've been wanting to try Caudalie products for awhile.  This lip conditioner really reminds me of MAC's Lip Conditioner in scent and texture but Caudalie's wears a little bit longer.  I also really like the fact it's in the shape of a lipstick rather than a chapstick.

Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Cleansing Wipes
I've always been a fan of Olay, but I drifted away to other brands.  When Nicole raved about these wipes, I added them to my beauty wish list and purchased them as soon as I was out of my beloved Neutrogena Night Calming Wipes.  I really like the Olay wipes - they're textured and seem to get a lot more makeup off than the Neutrogena wipes.  They smell great.  Best of all, you get 30 wipes compared to most brands than usually only sell 15-25 per package.

Girls HBO

Girls
Since I've been on winter break, I've had a lot more free time than usual and decided to watch a few different television series.  My favorite out of the few I've watched has been Girls.  In some ways, It reminds me of Sex and the City for the average Joe.  It's so funny and relatable because the majority of the things and plots in the show could actually happen to you in real life.  Get ready to laugh and cry in the same episode. There are only ten 30-minute episodes in Season 1, so you could easily catch up in no time.  Season 2 airs January 13th.  I'm very impressed with Lena Dunham's writing, directing, and acting.  The soundtrack is pretty great, too.

laughing & crying,
-Kaitlyn

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