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.   

Blistex Moisture Melt

I really thought this would be a gimmicky product.  However, I have used it daily since I've gotten it. It's very moisturizing while it last but it doesn't revive or heal dry lips.  It has little beads which release even more moisture. It feels and looks more like a gloss than a Chapstick. I also like the nice sent/taste. 

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Vertigo

I do not own any gray nail polishes.  It's more black than I was expecting but I'm still really like this shade. 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Germanicure by OPI

I purchased this last month (August Favorites) and I'm still alternating between this shade and Chanel Vertigo. 

Twistbands
After my previous blog post comparison (Remington vs. Twistband), I decided it was time to get more Twistbands.  I have really noticed less dents and breakage with using these rather than basic elastic hair ties.

Alex and Ani Positive Energy Bracelets

A customer had these bangles stacked on her wrist; I thought they were so pretty.  Immediately, I asked her the brand and did research.  Once I found out they were made from recycled material, made in the USA, and promote positive energy... I was sold.  There are a few colors and a ton of designs to choose from.  I purchased my bangles in Russian Silver. So far, I only have two but it's definitely going to be an ongoing collection for me. 

Michael Kors Lexington Watch

I have been thinking about investing in a watch for awhile.  On Instagram, Michael Kors posted a picture of the Lexington watches and I immediately knew this was the one.

Target Mossimo Keilani Lace-Up Boots
I have wanted combat boots for the longest time. I purchased a few but they were always so big at the ankle, I would have to return them.  These fit great, even at the ankle.  I've worn them quite often, they're comfortable and have held up great.

boots & bracelets,
-Kaitlyn

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Birthday Haul

My last big Sephora purchase was in April. For my birthday, I treated myself to a few products that have been on my wishlist for awhile.

I purchased: NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte, NARS Blush in Albatross, and Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy.  As freebies I received: Tom Ford Black Orchid Fragrance, Prada Infusion d'Iris Fragrance, Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil, Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, and Happy Birthday Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment duo.

At the beginning of September, it was still really hot outside but too cool inside class and work, so I needed something light to go over almost all of my daily outfits.  I purchased all of these at Love Culture, my favorite is the striped one.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Vertigo
Alex and Ani Positive Energy Russian Silver Bangle: Buddha
Alex and Ani Positive Energy Russian Silver Bangle: Libra
Michael Kors Silver Lexington Watch

Fat Chef Wine Holder

Birthday Cards

Sushi dinner, and macarons instead of birthday cake.

The majority of these items were received as gifts or purchased with a generous employee discount.

legal eagle,
-Kaitlyn

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Remington vs. Twistband

Is there a true dupe for the beloved Twistband?

Remington any wear hair & wrist elastics 
"The elastics securely hold your hair without pulling.  They're made of stretchy, fashionable elastic that will make your updo look fabulous.  Don’t want to wear it in your hair?  Wear it on your wrist as a bracelet." - remingtonproducts.com

Twistbands
"Elastic bands tug on hair, cause headaches and can leave dents in your hair when you take it down. But with the introduction of the Twistband that is all about to change... Twistbands are pony bands and headbands made of elastic trim.  They stretch to support any hairstyle, yet are slim and sleek enough to wear on your wrist when you want to let your hair down." - thetwistband.com

I received my first Twistband a year ago in my Birchbox.  But because of my thick hair and tendency to loose and pop hair ties, I just set it aside.  I didn't want to use it, what if I loved it?  Previously $10.00 for three hair elastics (now six elastics) seemed like a lot for as fast as I went through hair ties.  I received another Twistband in May and finally decided to actually see what the hype was about.  I did see a difference... there was no pulling, dents weren't as noticeable, and the quality was a lot better than a standard hair tie.  It seems nearly impossible to break, mind you, I have a thick head of hair.  I only have two Twistbands; they've lasted quite a few months.

About a month ago, many YouTube gurus mentioned they saw Twistband dupes, the Remington any wear hair & wrist elastics, at most drugstores.  Wanting to see the dupes for myself, I searched for awhile but could never find them... after I'd given up, I found the Remington hair elastics at Wal-Mart, a 2 pack for $1.50.  Immediately, I noticed they looked like lower quality Twistbands, but I still purchased two packs.  About a week later, I found the Remington hair elastics at Target, a two-pack for $3.25.  (Now, I'm finding them everywhere mostly at the $3.00 price point.)

The any wear hair ties aren't made of a good quality elastic; it felt like these need to be wrapped around three times to completely hold a ponytail in place.  It would only go around my hair twice. (If you have thin hair, you may have better luck.)  After about 3 days of wear, the Remington hair ties completely lost their appeal - they were so stretched out and didn't look nice on my bathroom counter, much less wearing them as a bracelet:

The Winner: Twistbands  

Unfortunately, they're not true dupes.  The higher price point does mean better qualify.  (Not to mention, Twistbands are pretty simple to make.  Be sure to find high-quality elastic.  You can find handmade dupes on Etsy or eBay, or just make your own.) 

to modern day scrunchies,

-Kaitlyn

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