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."

Anastasia Of Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Caramel
I am growing tired of sharpening my Prestige Brow Perfection pencil so frequently; I wanted a mechanical pencil and something more precise. After reading all the raves about this, I decided to try it out. I have been enjoying using it this month, but I'm not sure it's really worth the value.

Clinique Cheek Pops in Peach & Berry
I haven't purchased any high-end blushes in the longest time. I did some research and checked these out in person... I knew I had to have them. The packaging is compact and adorable. They're powder blushes but go on like a cream and give an awesome sheen.

Coconut Oil
I've been reading about all the uses and benefits of coconut oil for the longest time; I can't believe it has taken me this long to purchase some! So far, I've only used it as makeup remover and lotion. (Using it as a sugar scrub and hair mask are on my to-do list!) Coconut oil has been the BEST eye makeup remover I have ever used; my mascara practically melts right off after applying this; I don't think I'll ever be purchasing makeup remover ever again.

The Wet Brush
I tried the Tangle Teezer a few years ago, this is similar but much better. After breaking another cheap hair brush, I knew it was time to try something new. I watched a few YouTube videos on The Wet Brush and I was sold. Tangled hair is much more manageable with this brush, and you can use it wet or dry!

cheek pops & coconut oil,
-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."

Dry Shampoos
I'm definitely in a winter funk and I have been slacking when it comes to washing my hair.  I've been loving dry shampoo to hide the oiliness and add volume. I've been using both Psssst and Oscar Blandi all-month. I'm been eyeing some others from Batiste, Dove, and Suave.

J.R. Watkins Peppermint Foot Repair Salve
This has been on my wishlist for a long time. I finally cashed in some Birchbox points and decided to throw this in my cart, too. The salve takes some getting used to if you're a lotion/cream user, but it's worth it. I noticed my feet were softer after just three uses!

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Bronze Glow
I don't need another bronzer, I thought as this ending up in my basket while at CVS. I've really enjoyed using this; it provides just the right amount of color and glow when you swirl your brush in all of the colors. It's similar to Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips.. you can also use the individual colors for eyeshadow or highlight.

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Kitten Heels
This arrived in my January Birchbox and I haven't taken it off since. The staying power was great. No chips until Day 4-5 (miracle!) It only changed colors in the sun a few times; I think the sun has to be at just the right angle. Both the pink and red are vivid, pretty colors.

Urban Decay NAKED 3 Palette
I've tried all of the NAKED eye palettes, and this one definitely works the best for me. There are endless eye looks and all of the rose-gold shades really make green eyes pop. The quality is nothing but amazing... as usual!

peppermint feet & kitten heels,
-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."

eos Tangerine Medicated Lip Balm
I loved these eos "eggs" when they first came out. I quit using them just because they're so bulky. My sisters have been obsessed with these recently, so I decided to jump back on the bandwagon. This bright orange medicated one caught my eye on an end cap isle and I haven't been able to put it down since.

Lotions
I don't have one specific lotion but I am really enjoying all lotions in general, this month. With the cold weather, my skin has definitely needed some moisturizer and I'm close to finishing up quite a few bottles.

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
Years ago, I was one of those girls who would never leave the house without wearing black eyeliner. Now, I really dislike black eyeliner - it makes your eyes appear a lot smaller and sometimes even more tired looking. On the days I feel like I just really need some type of color on my waterline, I've been reaching for this liner - it makes my eyes appear a lot bigger, brighter, and more awake.

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Coy
I was a big fan of the kissable balm stains... so you can imagine my excitement when the lacquers and matte shades finally hit stores near me. Since my lips are so dry, I'm not a fan of the matte balms - but Coy is definitely my new favorite lip product! The dark color is pretty and really suits me and the formula feels great on my lips. The tiny shimmer isn't too noticeable but gives a nice shine.

liners & lotions,
-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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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."

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. 

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:

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.

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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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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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
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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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."

Happy September! I don't know about all of you, but I'm very much ready for the fall.
In August, I didn't purchase very many new beauty products but I did find a lot of other odds and ends, mostly school related, that I'm loving.

Beauty Products

• Burt's & Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream with Clary Sage
My skin has been looking a little dull lately.  I've been using masks weekly but decided I should probably add a night cream to my skincare routine.  I had multiple coupons at CVS and didn't really know what to purchase, this was an impulse purchase I actually didn't return.  It's like a drink of cold water for your face; I can actually feel this sinking into my skin and working before bed.

• L'Oreal Voluminous Full Definition Mascara
MakeupByTiffanyD swore this was a dupe for Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara, I've never tried that mascara so I can't agree or disagree.  However, this is definitely my new favorite drugstore mascara; it really separates and lengths your lashes. 

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
When it comes to most skincare, I've been a high-end snob the past few years.  I've been loving the Neutrogena Night Calming Wipes for a long time now.  I spotted this remover on sale at Target for $4.00 and decided it was worth a try.  This actually works better than my beloved Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover.

• OPI Nail Lacquer in German-icure by OPI
I purchased this the day the Germany collection hit stores and it's the only polish I've worn all month.  It's a vampy brownish red with shimmer color, so pretty and perfect for fall!  I hope to purchase a few other colors from this collection.

Random

• Aladdin Chill Snack Pack 
Unless my classes get out early, I don't really have a lunch break.  In the past years, I'd usually just throw a few snacks into my backpack and eat those.  The majority of the snacks were ridiculously unhealthy.  I didn't want to carry around a lunchbox and nothing is worse than warm fruit in a Ziploc back.  I found this little invention on sale at Target (under $3.00.) It's a small Tupperware that has a  thin (removable) icepack which snaps into the lid.  It's easy to throw this into your backpack and enjoy cool, crisp fruit in class. (The only con: the Tupperware isn't sweat-proof.)

• Baggu reusable bags
I've been eying these bags for awhile.  When my co-worker showed up with one at work I decided it was finally time to purchase them.  (Helpful Hint: look on eBay for out of stock colors and lower prices than baggubag.com.) Though I don't actually use them at the grocery store, I do use them just to tote random stuff around, mostly to the post office and work.

• Sharpie Colored Pens
I was so happy to see an end cap full of colored Sharpie pens at most stores earlier this month. I've used Sharpie black pens for almost three years; they write so smooth.  I did limit myself to just a few colors since I had so many black ones, but I'm so glad Sharpie finally started producing bright colors.

snack packs & Sharpies,
-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."

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Foot Cream
I'm assuming this is because of the weather and I stay in heels the majority of the time, but lately, my feet are just in poor shape  Sometimes the skin on my feet just hurts... like the way badly chapped lips feel.  I have a few higher-priced foot creams that I loved but recently aren't working for me anymore.  I saw this at the drugstore for $5 and decided to give it a try.  I haven't seen a drastic improvement, but it is working.  It has seven penetrating moisturizers to heal dry, rough, and cracked heels.  It smells nice, kind of like Fruit Loops cereal. The best part is it isn't greasy. So I slather this on before bed and my satin sheets aren't harmed.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
I've been an Urban Decay Potion Primer user for three years.  I tried one or two other eye primers but never ventured too far from Urban Decay.  Although the old Urban Decay wand tube packaging was completely wasteful and made no sense, I missed the wand applicator for mornings when I was in a hurry.  My love for NARS blushes and the wand packaging were the only reasons I purchased this.  Come to find out, I like it even better than Urban Decay.  It feels nicer, dries faster, and eye shadow still stays on all day long.  But unfortunately, compared to Urban Decay, it's less product with a higher price tag.

OPI Matte Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
My nails have always been pretty strong but occasionally, they peel.  I've been eying this product for awhile and finally decided to purchase it.  I've noticed such a difference, my nails are almost rock hard.

and a random favorite:
Conair Compact Fabric Steamer
I finally invested in a steamer.  When I say invested, I mean I spent the same cost of one dry cleaning bill. Half of my closet is hand wash only, which means wrinkles galore and most pieces can't be ironed.  I wear my silk shirts and other delicate fabrics much more often now.  I won't have to have items dry cleaned as frequently.  This steamer has also been useful for blankets, curtains, and even carpet cleaning. 



fruit loops & steamers,
-Kaitlyn

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June 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."

Because of moving, purchasing beauty products was really the last thing on my mind this month. I picked up a few from the drugstore but the majority were all very much disliked and I ended up returning them.  On the cosmetics end, this month's favorites are lacking:

Bath & Body Works Sleep Aromatherapy Products in Lavender and Chamomile 
My new apartment kind of has a smell to it. That someone-lived-here-before-you smell mixed with cleaning supplies, a fresh coat of paint, and curtains that I can't get the plastic smell out of.  I did more cleaning and then just decided to mask it with aromatherapy.  I've been loving the  Lavender and Chamomile candles and wallflowers. My apartment smells good and I'm on a regular sleep pattern.  I also picked up the Body Wash/Foam Bath, and it's wonderful as well.

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
Following the Lip Butters, Revlon came out with another amazing lip product.  These are similar to Clinique Chubby Sticks but half the cost.  (A little pricey for a drugstore lip product, but worth it to pick up a color or two.)  The stain lasts all day and is pretty moisturizing.  Unlike most lip stains, this one actually goes on even.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Fiji Weejee Fawn
This has been in my collection for awhile. I've worn it most of the month.  It's a pretty, sheer, frost nude that goes with just about anything.


"things that go with nothing kind of go with everything",
-Kaitlyn



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Haul: Chic Week

If you missed out on Sephora's Friends & Family sale a few months ago for whatever reason (like me), here's another sale! It's 15% off everything and there are only a few days left...

I picked up a few items that have been on my wishlist forever.  15% off isn't a lot, but it combined with value sets can make a good deal and justify treating yourself to a few high-end items. I tried my first Soap & Glory product, The Righteous Butter body butter, close to my birthday in the fall.  Since then, I've always wanted to try out more products.  I really wanted the Do a Bubble Take Gift Set for Christmas, but never got around to ordering it. Like all good value sets, it's online only (and has recently been out of stock up until now.)

I definitely wanted to try Hand Food hand cream and Clean on Me shower gel.  Clean on Me was $14.00, and I'm a little weird about shower gels, so many claim it's like lotion in the shower, so I just wanted to try it. I have about one-third left of The Righteous Butter, so I opted for the You Cube ($25.00).  It has a full-size Hand Food, a half size of The Righteous Butter and a trial size Clean on Me, a sudsy puff, and a cute box for storage. ($32.00 Value)

My feet are in bad shape, Bath & Body Works Shea it Isn't So has always been my go-to foot lotion, but I feel like it's not working as good as it used to.  Most reviews praise the Heel Genius ($15.00), so I wanted to see for myself.

Finally, I picked up NARS Laguna Bronzer ($34.00), which I've wanted since I purchased my first NARS blush a few years ago. I received a deluxe sample a few months back, but it's been an absolute pain getting a big fluffy brush in bronzer the size of an eyeshadow pan.

So far, I like Soap & Glory, the scent is nice but doesn't linger all day. They're reasonably priced compared to some of the skincare lines out there.  The packaging is cute, but a little childish for my taste.

it's shower time,
-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."

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump
My hair is thick poofy, but my roots are weighed down.  This was an impulse buy for extra volume, it's been in my daily routine ever since.

Essie Raise Awareness
In case you missed it, most beauty stores were decked out in pink this month for the cause.   I limited myself to just a few products but this was my favorite probably because I don't have any shade like it - It's the perfect baby pink shade.  It did apply a little streaky and took too many coats, but I've had this on my toes for almost three weeks now.

Organix Shampoo in Acai Berry Avocado
I'm becoming fonder of the Organix hair line.  I'm obsessed with the scent - something similar to a bonne bell berry chapstick from my childhood.  I'd like to see other styling products with this scent, as well.

Urban Decay Greed Primer Potion
I've now tried every shade of primer potion.  This one ties for my favorite overall (with Eden) it's great for fun and night-out looks, while Eden is more work/daytime appropriate.  Greed is like a primer and a shimmery base paint point in one step.

childhood chapstick,
-Kaitlyn

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June 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:

I'd really like to pat myself on the back for not purchasing one single MAC product this month.  Most of these are all drugstore items and I know a lot of you will be appreciative!

Benefit High Beam
I've used 3 sample sizes and decided it was finally time to get (or swap for) a full size. It's great for brow highlighting and the lasting power is impressive too. Unfortunately, the applicator isn't the best, I have to blend it out with a makeup brush to get the finish I want. 

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush - Spicy & Sweet
I've heard quite a few raves about this, so I wanted to try it out. The packaging is really cute - similar to Benefit's blushes. The pigmentation is amazing. This may be more pigmented than my NARS blushes, and only 1/5 of the cost! There are four colors within the box so you can create a few different looks; I usually just swirl my brush (definitely not the one it comes with) over all four colors.

L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum
This was the only product I "splurged" on this month. And for $12, it still isn't that bad cost-wise. It was a little pricey for a drugstore item. Some are comparing it to Rapid Lash and other lash-growing serums, but that's an unfair comparison.  This just helps "boost" your lashes; it conditions them, it doesn't have anything to make them grow faster. I used to wear quite a few layers of mascara; rubbing my make-up off night made my lashes very brittle. I apply this serum on clean lashes at night and immediately notice a difference in the morning. I only need one coat of mascara to get the length & volume I want now.

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish - Soft & Gentle
It's the only highlight [product I use anymore. It's the perfect subtle color (especially for fair-medium) skin tones. I apply this on the top of my cheekbones with the Sigma Tapered Blending Brush.  Occasionally, I use this for a brow highlight and on my chest and color bones, too.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock
I've never really worn sunscreen just because I couldn't stand the oiliness plus sweating.  I've been reading a  lot of skin articles and getting a little more paranoid about tanning and UV rays. This sunscreen makes me want to apply it - it smells great, dries immediately, and seems somewhat moisturizing. It feels like a normal lotion.

Nubar Nail Polish - 2010
My nail polish collection is much larger than it should be, but sadly, I'm already bored with most of the colors I have. This is a dupe for the limited edition and rare Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure. I've been wearing on top of any and every color just to see all the different results. It's large rainbow flakes, but with different colors underneath the result is always different.

NYX Lip Liner - Mauve
I found a nearby local-owned store that carries NYX products for cheap, I was looking for a lip liner to match MAC Velvet Teddy and I think this may be the one. It's one of those "the color of your lips but better"to give definition.

Ponds Cold Cream
I needed a replacement for my MAC Cleanse Off Oil (almost on my 4th bottle - not wallet friendly.) I had a few coupons and ended up purchasing this for only $2. For whatever reason, I always associated cold cream for older skin.  The concept of smearing a thick lotion over a full face of makeup was really weird at first.  It removes every trace of makeup and leaves your skin feeling moisturized.

Sonia Kashuk Metal Eye Lash Comb
I've heard of people using all types of odd items to get rid of mascara clumps - specifically safety pins and bobby pins.  I've always used a plastic eyelash comb, not the greatest - but got the job done.  I've been loving most of the beauty tools from Sonia Kashuk, so for $3 (coupon), I thought I'd try it out, and I'm glad I did. With just one sweep of the metal comb, the lashes are completely clump-free and separated.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - Sidecar 
I'm still loving the Naked palette, but specifically the color Sidecar. It's a super shimmery champagne. I've never been much of a one-color eyelid person but because of laziness and humidity, I have been opting just for this color.

Thrift Stores
I mainly look at the home decor and accessories.  Occasionally, I'll browse through the clothes and find a high-end item like new or new with the original tag for about 10% of its full price.  Nearly all thrift stores (not consignment) that I've been to get all their items donated and the profit goes to charities.  So you can feel even better about getting an item for cheap and knowing your money is going to a charity of their choice.

My favorite finds of the month were these throw pillows for $2.50 each and three canisters for $5.00 total.

boosted lashes & thrift finds,
-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."

Coach Poppy
I was surprised I liked this because I'm usually more into somewhat masculine meets sexy scents. This one is completely girl - floral, fruity, summertime.  I loved the sample so much I had to purchase the full bottle.

Eco Tools Travel Brushes
Great set of travel brushes, pretty high-quality brushes for the price.  More in-depth review to come.

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick
This is my first matte lipstick.  I had to step away from the viva glams because I used the B2M program for this.  Supposedly it's a dupe for the color Megan Fox often wears.  It's a very light brown.  It's one of those the color-of-your-lips but better shades.

MAC Well Dressed Blush
A pale baby pink in the pan, but a gorgeous color once it meets the skin.  Perfect for everyday wear.

OPI Fiji Weejee Fawn
I think this has made my favorites the past three months?  I constantly reach for it.  A champagne/nude metallic.

OPI Teenage Dream
A fun pink, it takes 3-4 coats to match the bottle though.  Maybe more practical over another shade.

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Vegas
Dupe for Bobby Brown Shimmer Bricks, I would always use a pigment for highlight; powder is so much more practical, especially when in a hurry.  Gives a nice glow.

Tweezerman Tweezers 
I never understood what the point of purchasing $20 tweezers was, all tweezers do the same thing, right? Wrong. Hair literally jumps into these tweezers! I can get rid of hairs that I couldn't even see to begin with. They seem to be less painful, too.  You can send them and get them sharpened at any time.

Zoya Remove Plus
The best nail polish remover I have ever used.  Plus, the no-spill bottle pump is a major plus. It is acetone but it's moisturizing at the same time.  It can even get glitter polish off.  It smells good, too... lavender meets a male's shaving cream.  I will be repurchasing the huge refill bottle!

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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."

My favorites are pretty overwhelming this month.  Between Christmas gifts, buying items I've just been wanting for awhile with Christmas money, and Makeupalley swaps, I accumulated a lot.  Plus, I had to make a few repurchasing.  Some products I'll do a separate review in the weeks to come.

Cosmetics

(New Products)

LUSH Sea Vegetable Soap
I've tried multiple soaps but I have never just loved any of them, I could never more than about a 1oz piece, the thought of repurchasing never crossed my mind. - Finally, I've found one I love.  Mid-month my local LUSH counter had all older soaps 50% this was the best smelling out of the bunch so I got a huge chunk for only $7.  It's just a nice clean smell, citrus meets the ocean. (The description says lavender, but I don't pick that up.) It's somewhat masculine. It has seaweed on the top to get rid of dry spots on your skin.  The only con: Seaweed chunks left in your drain.

LUSH Seanik Shampoo Bar
My hair is amazingly soft; a separate review to come.

MAC 217
I now own 4 MAC brushes, I wish this was the first one I purchased, it's the only one that's really worth it.  Separate review to come.

MAC Beiging Shade Stick
I saw this on someone's blog (can't remember who...) stating they repurchased over and over again, someone else requested a swap with me and had this on their list so I thought I'd try it out.  I have worn it every day since (with Patina in the crease.) I prefer Paint Pots, but when I'm in a hurry, or just lazy, this is my new go-to. It's a great champagne/nude base.

MAC Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot
Great for smokey eyes, full review a few posts back.

MAC Patina
A soft frosty brown (great for paler skin tones)

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes 0L
I received the mini set for Christmas, I always wanted to try these but didn't know if they were worth it, this has amazing staying power, it's my new favorite pencil liner.

OPI Black Shatter*
I know this is sold out almost everywhere, I love it, I wear it over every shade and receive so many compliments.  Again, separate review to come.

OPI Fiji Weejee Fawn 
a Champagne/metallic very light nude.


OPI Tickle my France-y
the perfect nude.

Origins VitaZing Moisturizer 
So many people just raved about this, I wanted to try it but didn't want to pay the $40.  Luckily, I ended up arranging a swap for it.  I really wish Origins made a smaller cheaper size to attract more consumers, but this is worth it.  I hate foundation, I never wear any. In the winter I'm faced with splotches and redness, this has little beads that even out your school tone.  I'm not sure how it works exactly I always thought the beads that match your skin tone was a scam, but this one works! I haven't noticed it being amazingly moisturizing (but I don't really have dry skin) but others have said it is.

Sigma Tapered Face Highlighter F35
A highlighter brush was the only thing missing from my brush collection, this was an impulse/she-made-me-do-it after watching a youtube video, buy. but it makes all the difference in the world.  separate review to come.

(Repurchases)

All of these have been favorites for a long time, but I ran out and had to repurchase this month so I feel like they're worth mentioning again to state I'm still sticking with them.  I've already raved about them enough and still stand by everything I have said.
L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black
LUSH Ocean Salt
MAC Viva Glam V 
 Urban Decay Potion Primer - (Professional Size) If you're a normal UDPP user or haven't tried it out, I recommend the professional size (squeeze tube) it's so much easier to apply than the wand, and no more cutting open the wand package to get all the product out.

Misc

Osfoora for iPhone
(Twitter Application) There's one for blackberry, too.  I was upset with this app at first, it worked for a week then crashed every time I opened it, I'm not sure if there's a new developer or the old one finally decided to fix the problem, but anyway it's been up and running since.  The standard Twitter for iPhone (previously Tweetie) is good, but it's just missing some features. Osfoora offers: customization, more search options, nearby tweets (pretty creepy), follow Friday, more on the profile view, and easier navigation.  The only con: no push notifications. (I still have to keep the official twitter app to get notified of something.) If you constantly tweet from your phone, the extra features are worth the $2.99 investment.

Papermate Flare Colored Pens
5 bright colored pens, felt/marker-like tip so they write really smoothly. I've been on a hunt for some good (cheap) ones and finally found these.

Vera Bradley Laptop Skin
I always wanted one of these but couldn't justify paying $18 on a sticker.  I guess I finally got annoyed by all the fingerprints and the ugly logo on my computer so I finally purchased it.  It makes my netbook and my laptop look a lot nicer.  Plus, I had a little rectangle left over that could've easily covered any type of phone or iPod.


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Boxing Day LUSH Haul

LUSH Boxing Day Sale 2010

I went to the last year sale mid-afternoon, most everything was gone, I purchased a few things just to buy them. This year, they opened at 7:00 am, I was there at 7:30 am (It was kind of nice shopping early, not crowded, at all, and I parked right by the door.) I made my mental shopping list the night before; I got everything I wanted!

The sale was buy one get one free on holiday gifts, holiday items, gifts and soap made before November 1, 2010 (they were randomly "mark"ed throughout the store, which was kind of weird, they could've grouped the sale items together. My stash was running low, plus I didn't purchase any holiday items before Christmas (with the exception of three Christmas Eve bubble bars) so I stocked up...

$220.70 worth of products for a little over a $100, the SA was nice and paired items of equal value, (ie I paid $6 and got the $6 item free, instead of paying $6 x5 and getting all the $4 items free) like most stores do.

I got the Stardust, Happy Christmas, Christmas Candy Box, and Viva LUSH Vegas Gift sets and then a lot holiday bubble bars and a few bath bombs.

My little sister loved opening more presents the day after Christmas.

Here are all of the products:

Bubble Bars
Bearded Lady
Candy Cane x2
Christmas Eve x5
Gingerbread House
The Comforter


Bath Bombs
Avobath
Butterball
Cinders
Dragon's Egg
Sex Bomb
So White
The Boog
Twilight

Soap
Angel's Delight
Honey I Washed the Kids
Mandarian's Tea Party
Rock Star
Sexy Peel x2

Body
Play Your Cards Right Massage Bar
Sugar Plum Fairy Sugar Scrub

Shower
Iced Wine Shower Jelly
Joy of Jelly Shower Jelly
Snow Fairy Shower Gel x2

Lips
Bon Bon Lip Scrub
Bubble Gum Lip Scrub
Snow Fair Lip Tint

What a massive amount of products! I had to purchase a few mini tubs for storage. hah. I was mainly after the Christmas Eve Bubble Bars (obviously.. I purchased a total of 8 this holiday season!)  There was only one remaining this morning.  There was only one other woman there - she purchased about 20 Lil Pud Bath Bombs - am I missing out? - Overall, extremely successful LUSH trip, and I managed to get everything on my "want" list.

I will probably be having a blog giveaway soon with a few of these LUSH items so they can be used sooner, than later. I also sell (eBay) and swap (MakeupAlley) samples if any of you are interested in trying any of these items out before purchasing the full size - especially to those of you who have to order online.

Sally's Beauty Supply & MAC

...from one extreme to the other, I'm not sure why I pictured these together. hah.

Poshe Top Coat - In a previous post and on MakeupAlley I was ranting about how glitter polish never stays on. A few people recommended this, so I thought I'd give it a try. You can apply it on wet nails, which is definitely a plus.  (Review to come if anyone says they're interested!)

MAC Cham-Pale Collection 2010

The collection was released yesterday.  (Originally, I was after the three things... I was considering getting Soiree Nail Lacquer, but decided to pass, spending more than $10 on nail polish just doesn't seem right.) I didn't get anything from the Tartan Tale Collection, so I figured picking up two was okay! hah.

Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot - It's not as pigmented as Paint Pots from the permanent collection (this is now my 7th one.. problem.) It is buildable and extra shimmery. A lot of reviews said they thought this would be the star of the collection.  It's pretty enough to be worn alone. *below

Feline Eye Kohl Pencil - My Fluidline is drying up so I thought I'd try out a pencil (I usually stick to Technakohl.) Technakohl is thicker and blacker, but the Pencil seems to have better staying power.

FOTD: (sorry, poor quality webcam pic)
Eyes: MAC Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot, MAC Feline Pencil, L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara. Blush: NARS Oasis.
Lips: MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick

I decided to skip out on the Bath & Body Work Semi-Annual Sale 2010 (I wasn't impressed with anything online) and on-sale Christmas decorations to save up for clothes (and probably more makeup) for an out-of-town shopping trip in a week!

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