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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Makeup Storage

Is it possible to store your makeup without a vanity? Of course, it is. I've always had a vanity, I even had a plastic toy one as a child.  When I moved into my new apartment a few months ago, I decided I didn't want an actual designated vanity area.

My vanity was just another area I always had to clean and organize.  I do love makeup, but why did I need drawers full that barely got used?  I still constantly buy makeup, but I've finally downsized and sell or swap items I just don't use anymore.

With no vanity and a downsized collection, I needed a new storage idea.  I found this Acrylic Organizer at Bed Bath & Beyond. It's only $11.99 (and don't forget your 20% off coupon) It's made to organize junk drawers but has worked perfectly for my makeup.  It's extremely durable; I move it and carry it around with no trouble at all.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't all my makeup... I still have a few shoe-box-size tubs with backup products and special occasion makeup.  For storing everyday makeup and easily hiding it in a cabinet or drawer, this organizer is perfect.

plastic lipstick,
-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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Drugstore: Hit or Miss

I've picked up quite a few drugstore items recently. Some products I love and repurchase over and over and some weren't so great.

Drugstore BOGO half off sales, combined with spend $10 get $4 back, and/or X off your total purchase coupons make products really affordable (sometimes free.) Also, don't forget CVS's 100% beauty guarantee, you can return the product even after it's been tested.

Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks  Hit. I've purchased these over and over again.  They're great at fixing eye makeup mishaps.  Especially on the run.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush  Hit. Good color payoff.  Blends great.  Makes a good base for powder blushes as well. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment  Hit. It's one of the better undereye concealers I've tried.  Great for nose redness, too.

Maybelline Volum Express the Mega Plush Mascara  Hit. It's a nice formula, a "new gel mousse formula" lashes don't clump at all. At first, I noticed it smudging mid-day.  But I kept using it (letting it completely dry in-between coats) and it seems to be holding up better.  I've had multiple comments on my lashes and people wanting to know what mascara I used. It may work best with a lash primer.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Night Calming Cleansing Towelettes  Hit. These are the only makeup wipes I use anymore.  They get the bulk of makeup off, (I still use a separate eye makeup remover and toner, too.)  The wipes leave my skin really refreshed.

Revlon Colorstay Under Eye Concealer  Miss. It just dissolved right into lines, making under eye bags look even worse.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain  Hit. These are definitely going to be the next big thing (like Revlon Lip Butters) it's a stain, but it goes on very smooth and feels pretty moisturizing compared to usual stains.

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain  Miss. This was so awful. This product is only for you if you have perfect (never dry/chapped) lips. The product went into every line making application nowhere close to being even.

Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara  Miss.  Cool idea in theory, but the mascara didn't do much, layering the night wand on top of day turned into a clumpy mess.

long lashes,
-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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