Here are my favorites for 2010! I encourage you to copy and paste this list and share your yearly favorites, too! Kind of a tag post, I guess?
The items marked with - mean it is a type of product that I do not use, not that I could not pick a favorite. Some I had to pick two products because I went back and forth between the two of them all year. Warning, my list is pretty MAC heavy.
These are all products I use at least weekly (some daily.) 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.
Body
Bath Product: LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar & LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb
Body Exfoliator: -
Body Lotion: Olay Quench
Cuticle Cream: -
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: Shea it isn't So
Hand Cream: -
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney
Shower Gel: Softsoap Nutriserums
Soap: Dial
Teeth Whitening - Crest 3D White Advanced Seal
Blush: NARS Deep Throat & Clinique Fig
Bronzer: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish
Brush: MAC 239
Concealer: MAC Select Cover Up
Eyebrows: MAC Espresso & Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: MAC Technakohl in Graph Black & MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Eyeshadow: MAC All that Glitters & MAC Bronze
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: Urban Decay Primer Potion/MAC Indianwood Paint Pot
Foundation: -
Highlight: NYX Pearl Mania in Nude Pearl & Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator Loose Powder
Lipgloss: MAC Love Nectar Lustreglass
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam V
Mascara: L'Oreal Telescopic & Clinique High Definition
Nail polish: OPI Black Onyx & Sephora by OPI Sample Sale
Powder: -
Tool: -
Top Coat Polish: Barry M 3 in 1
"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."
Monthly favorite posts and videos are my favorites to read/watch! Happy 25 Days of Christmas! I will hopefully get a wishlist and decorations posted soon. On to the favorites for November...
ELF Studio Brush Set - I found a half off code, so 11 brushes and a case for only $15. Not to mention, they're pretty! (I got the limited edition glitter ones.) I purchased a few of these individually already, a few broke, others I wanted two in because I'm tired of cleaning them constantly. They're good, not the best quality, but who can spend a ridiculous amount of money to purchase all the MAC brushes you need?
ELF Complexion Perfection - I hate wearing foundation and powder. In the winter, I'm faced with a lot of redness, this tones it down greatly. It's great for spot treatment or just dusting it all over your face.
ELF Shimmer Pencil Eyeliner in Gunmetal - Originally, it was a little darker than I wanted it to be, but I found myself wearing this and MAC silver ring to school, often this month. It is a pretty dark gray silver with flecks of silver glitter.
Gigi's Brazilian Shave Gel - No bumps or redness left behind, doesn't dry my skin out either... which always happens with shaving creams and gels.
MAC Satin Taupe Eyeshadow - this has been on my wishlist forever, I finally purchased it. I used to wear bronze every day, but now since I'm a little paler, I have been reaching for this instead.
OPI The Show Must Go On - I want all of the burlesque colors! hah. I couldn't decide which one(s) I wanted most, so I just purchased the mini set, and this was my favorite out of the four.
Say good-bye to broken glass, over-priced rollerballs, and perfume minis, as well as perfume bottles taking up so much space when you travel.
The product is genius. Best of all, it is so compact yet durable. Not to mention it is user-friendly, glass free, environment friendly, and aircraft approved.
How to Use:
...easy enough!
I have been keeping this in my purse for mornings when I forget to put on perfume or for afternoon touch-ups. I will definitely be taking only this with me when I start traveling again.
It has its advantages of rollerballs, you can spray anywhere, and the scent seems a little stronger, too. The main thing is its size, it is about 1/4 smaller than my roller ball. Plus, It has a light mist (rather than a hard, concentrated spray. like most travel bottles.)
Again, it has a compact size. It can easily fit in a small makeup/travel bag, or a small evening clutch. Think the size of a compact tampon or lipstick.
The Scent Genie comes in many different varieties:
-4mL All Aluminum, Rounded (50 Sprays) $11 (Only $9.35 with promotion code below!) - Pink, Black, Gold, and Silver (Red is currently out of stock.)
-5mL Clear Plastic Body and Aluminum Cap, Rounded (65 Sprays) $7 - Blue and Black
-5mL Clear Plastic Body and Aluminum Cap, Lip Gloss Shape (65 Sprays) $7 - Pink
Unfortunately, the Scent Genie will not hit stores until 2011. The would definitely make great gifts or stocking stuffers, you can purchase it online (click here) PROMOTION COUPON CODE: Enter Code KM111510 at Checkout and receive 15% off! (At the moment, the code only seems to available on the single aluminum option.)
UPDATE: JANUARY 22, 2011
I realize a lot of traffic comes to this post searching for reviews, promotional codes, and where to buy. The code above is no longer working, I contacted the company a few days ago and no reply. You can purchase the clear/plastic one online. There's a pink aluminum one now at Sephora. I have seen a similar product (different brand) at most drugstores. You can also enter my current giveaway (sidebar) to win a Black aluminum Scent Genie among other prizes (ends February 9.)
For anyone on-the-go/travelers or just perfume lovers, this is a must have!
Disclaimer: The Scent Genies were sent to me for free; all opinions are my own and completely honest.
UPDATES: Room Makeover
Out of boredom, birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, and realizing I will not be moving out until next fall, I decided it was time for a room makeover. I have had the same bedroom theme and decor for almost six years.. (middle school, 7th grade.) A change has been long overdue. I went from a cluttered and busy yellow and pink theme to a clean and relaxing red and black one. I spent a little over a hundred dollars total (my walls and furniture are white so they can go with anything.) A new bedding set and curtains were the "big money" items. A few things just needed to be covered with fabric or black spray paint. Then, I ran to local dollar stores and raided my craft box. I failed to take before and after pictures. Here is a stock photo of the new bedding...
Also, here are my DIY items I am most proud of... they all came from a dollar store yet they do not look like it with some ribbon and jewels. Storage Bins and Makeup Holders. TIP: Use rice instead of bead-filler in your makeup holder.
Embracing Paleness
I have been "fake baking" for the past six years, usually every October-March (sometimes longer.) I have to decided to give my skin a rest. Seeing a pale reflection and pictures is taking some getting used to!
FOTD: using a few of this month's favorites*: MAC Eyeshadow Honesty & Bronze, MAC Technakohl Graphblack Eyeliner, L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Mascara*, NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Nude Pigment*, Clinique Blush in Big, Wet'n'Wild Lipstick in Smokin' Hot Pink*.
Watching a New Show
Everyone always raved about One Tree Hill (season 8 is now airing) but I did not want to dive into it without watching them. I watched the first few episodes (season 1) one Saturday morning on Soap Net about a month ago and decided it was worth a watch. Luckily, I got to borrow them from someone local. I am only on season 4 now, it is a good show, but I am not hooked. (Gossip Girl Season 1: i stayed up for 48 hours and watched the entire box.) I am sure One Tree Hill will get better with time. I like it, but has not made my top 4 TV shows (yet?)
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 recently realized I sold all of my larger purses on eBay, leaving me only with hipsters/cross-body bags. For school, I like larger bags, so I splurged a bit and got my second Coach Purse. (Coach OP Art Chainlink Maggie #14420) I love it! It is pretty bag and has tons of compartments, so I can easily find anything I need.
Because of the room makeover and new purse, I stayed away from shopping for beauty products. Most of these are rediscovered items.
Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Pillow Mist in Lavender and Camille - I had problems sleeping, my mind just would not shut off at night. I was taking some over-the-counter "natural" sleep enhancements, not a good idea, led to breakouts and vivid dreams. I was looking for a healthier option and found this. I can not decide if it is a mental thing or it really does work, either way, I sleep like a baby now and want to check out the other items from this line.
Moroccan Oil Hair Oil - This has been on my want list for some odd number of months. There are plenty of positive reviews out there, I agree with them. It is a bit pricey, yes. (The bigger bottle is a better deal.) I have a head full of long, thick, hair and only need less than a dime size. I have used it every 3-5 days this month and have only used 1/8 of it. Immediately after applying (to dry hair) I can tell a difference.. more shine, less frizz. It smells good, too.
OPI Black Onyx - Just a creamy, somewhat shiny, black. I don't know if I was in the Halloween, rock chick mode, or what, but I kept reapplying this all month.
Physician's Formula Gentle Cover Concealer - I received a sample of this forever ago. I was looking for a good corrector concealer palette, then settled for this instead. I hate concealer and foundation all together and usually, I do not wear it unless I have to. It is getting colder, that means redness around my nose, it kind of gets chapped I guess. (I am not sure, I will have to do some research on it!) Anyway, instead of layering on the concealer, using a corrector is a really good idea.
Wet 'n' Wild Smokin' Hot Pink (905DP) Lipstick - I am loving the Fuschia lip trend. (Not that I can pull it off.) I picked this up for .99 cents, not the greatest formula... it definitely needs a primer before. It is a really pretty color.
LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar - it's back!! I purchased it as soon as it was at my counter and have been letting it smell up my room. This is definitely my favorite Christmas product, maybe even it all time (it ties with sex bomb!) The scent is really girly: jasmine and ying-yang.,, quite floral-y and perfumey. It is a relaxing scent as well. (Which is the point of the bubble bar.. to make little kids fall asleep on Christmas Eve.) Here is a demo... (starting at 1:15) However, I would suggest crumbling half of it under running water instead.
L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Mascara - I have always been into high-end mascaras, for whatever reason I picked this one up awhile back, rediscovered it and it is all ever grab anymore. (2 coats)
NYX Ultra Pearl Mania - Nude Pigment (001) - (Repotted in the picture, the original jar is way too tiny.) A perfect highlight (under brow on cheeks) now that I am a bit paler...
First off, let me inform you all, LUSH Holiday Collection 2010 is here. LUSH put the items up for sale on October 1 (on the website.) I am not positive when the line hits stores. I did my online shopping, got to check out and realized 80% of the items had an M (for may melt) beside them, so I decided to wait until I can safely purchase the items at the store!
My LUSH stash was running low, in the mean time I picked up all of these... This looks pretty massive, but technically I didn't spend too much. I share a bathroom with my sisters, so they often get their hands on all of this too. A few Saturdays ago LUSH was having a promotion party to come see all of the "new" bath bombs. (The 4 that were released in the UK midsummer, obviously they're not new after I've been admiring them through UK blogs.) If you RSVP'ed you received a Free Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb, and with a purchase of $35 or more, you also got a free Sex Bomb Bath Bomb. Plus, I had 5 empty pots, so I got to pick up a free face mask too! I really racked up on the free stuff this trip to LUSH.
Purchases
The Comforter Bubble Bar (2) - This and Christmas Eve ties for my favorite Bubble Bar, this is definitely my sisters too. One will last anywhere between 4-8 baths. We purchased two last Christmas and just now had to restock. Flothy Gritter Bubble Bar - This is the only new one I have used and can actually review so far, I was always so turned off by this product... I thought it was just a glitter bomb, I would take a bath in it, then take a shower to get all the glitter off. That is definitely not the case. Keep it Fluffy Bath Bomb Twilight Bath Bomb Mrs. Whippy Bath Bomb
Freebies
BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask Fair Foot Trade Lotion Sample (2) Sex Bomb Bath Bomb - One of my favorite LUSH items, I'm obsessed with the scent. I have this just sitting in my room, for the time being Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb
Review: BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask
I finally finished my cleansers and had enough empty pots. (If you bring back 5 empty containers to LUSH, you get a free fresh face mask.) I did not know which mask I wanted, they're not online so I wasn't even positive what all was offered. Right before I headed to LUSH, I read some reviews on makeupalley.com and BB Seaweed seemed to be the favorite, so I went with that. I used Aquamarina Cleanser before and liked it, so I figured it may be somewhat similar with Seaweed being a key ingredient in both.
I put the mask on, waited about 15 minutes, and it dried almost completely clear, there were huge chunks of seaweed that I had to scrub off. After finally getting the mask off my skin felt more aggravated from the seaweed than soothed and relaxed.
I have normal skin, a pimple here and there about once a month. The morning after using this mask I had quite a few pimples. I'm not sure if my skin was too aggravated or the mask is pulling all the imperfections out. I still have a few blemishes now.
Overall, I'm not impressed with this one.What mask do you recommend?
At least my sister enjoyed it!
My local LUSH store has a Facebook, I entered a contest on the discussion, and actually won! I received the 4 "new" bath bombs, 2 of these I purchased a week before. I wanted to try out the other two, but I did not love the smell enough.
I cut all of these (except for Mrs. whippy) open because they're pretty big and could make two baths. I didn't realize all of these were like a two-in-one deal, they all have another bath bomb color and scent both inside of them. Twilight has the best and strongest smell. Fizzbanger smells like Pez candy. The other two are just okay. Dragon's Egg had a gold treasure chest inside of it. too cute! hah. Thanks, LUSH Oak Court!
