Kaitlyn Maness Wright

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.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Polishes
I finally found a good drugstore polish! These are inexpensive and good quality compared to other drugstore polishes. The formulation was great. The color lasted almost a week, with a few touch-ups. I plan to pick up a few more colors.

Matrix Biolage Exquisite Oil
My hairdresser put this on my hair and it immediately felt (and smelled) so much better. I've been using Moroccan Oil for the past months but I feel like it's starting to weigh my hair down and not work its usual magic anymore. I'm just using a little sample of this for now, but will probably purchase the full size. It has made my hair so shiny and soft.

OPI Nail Lacquer in So Many Clowns... So Little Time
This is a super sheer milky pink. Unfortunately, it takes a few coats, but it looks so elegant on.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy
I'm loving the pigmentation and staying power of this blush. Usually, I would touch up my blush mid-day but there's no need to now. It claims to last 12 hours, (not sure about that.) However, it does last 6-8 hours, which is more than I can say for most blushes.

soft hair & tipsy cheeks,
-Kaitlyn

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September Favorites

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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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

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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Bronzed

The warm weather and pale skin means one thing: bronzer!

Here's a face of the day with mostly older products:

Products Used:
Eyes:
-Maybelline Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze (base)
-Stila Smokey Eye Sample Card
-Clinique High Definition Mascara
-L'Oreal Carbon Black Liner

Face:
-Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
-NARS Laguna Bronzer
-Stila Kitten (sample card) as Highlight

Lips:
-NYX Lip Liner in Mauve
-Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

bronze & shimmer,
-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."

My favorites are up a little late this time around. With moving and being without a laptop and internet, it was impossible to post. Because of the move, I didn't spend much time or money on beauty this month, but still managed to pick up a few things at work and shopped my stash...

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
I received a mini sample of this and loved it. When my Cover Girl Clear Mascara (my usual, cheap, wanna-be brow gel) was used up I decided I wanted this in full size. I really like this, with just one sweep all brow hairs were in place. By the way, you can (accidently) sleep with this on and still have brows in place the next morning, which explains the staying power for itself.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Deauville*
This was the first shade that caught my eye (mentioned in a previous post.) It really should have been my first Chanel lipstick but co-workers previously talked me out of this shade and into another. Luckily, I was gifted this color and am so happy to have it. It's been my go-to shade every day this month.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Dragon
The perfect red. I have worn this all month as well. It has a high-gloss finish. Plus, it doesn't peel off like most polishes do; it's actually a little hard to get this off.

Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo & Instant Recovery Mask
I purchased these forever ago when they were on sale and just threw them under my bathroom counter when packing to move I rediscovered them. I have only used them a few times but the scent is amazing (lingers for a few hours) and the mask made my hair really shiny and soft.

moved in,
-Kaitlyn

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April Favorites

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
I've been wanting to try this for awhile, after dying my hair back to its natural color...it needed a little pick-me-up. So I purchased the $3 packet (2 uses) and I loved it. I couldn't keep my hands out of my soft hair. I will definitely repurchase a full size once I use up a few others hair masques I have.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume
I've been on the hunt for a new perfume, I can't find anything I just love. I received a freebie sample of this in a swap and my first impression is I really like it.

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser
I do not suffer from acne, bumps, or truly problemed areas... I just use this for under the eyes and redness around the nose - it's perfect! I've never used a liquid concealer and I really like this one. The sponge makes application easy and flawless.

Morrocanoil Treatment
I purchased a small size of this last year, I loved it at first but it made my hair oily (probably because I wasn't using it right) I've been using the Organix Morrocanoil for awhile, but it doesn't have too much argan oil in it. I suffered from pretty bad buildup from using Organix as well, so I decided to repurchase this... with a pump. Which controls the amount I apply, and I've been using it correctly.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen
This is amazing. Basically, it's like a Sharpie for your eyelids. If you like the liquid liner look but aren't good at applying it, this is for you!

eyelid Sharpies,
-Kaitlyn

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Firsts from Chanel*

I've always eyed Chanel products. Could I justify the high price tag just try a new product in one shade? No. Full disclosure: I received a very generous spring incentive (employee discount) which I took advantage of; I got these products at a fraction of the cost.

All of the items I wanted to try ending up being limited edition products only available at holiday time. The sales associate and I just played in makeup for about 30 minutes until I was finally content with the shades. She kept insisting I go "out of the box", out of my comfort zone, and she was right... I needed to.

I explained to her I had extremely dry flaky lips, so she recommended the Rouge Coco Shine Lipsticks. When it comes to lipstick, I always go for the color-of-my-lips-but-better with a hint of brown. I was drawn to shade Deauville immediately. Both the sales associate and a coworker insisted I go for the true pink shades, to bring out the pink in my cheeks. I listened; why did I need another lipstick shade similar to the majority of my other ones? I finally chose the shade Fetiche.

I also really wanted to try a nail polish; everyone knows my nail polish collection is already obnoxious. I was really drawn to the red family, but again, why did I need so many similar shades? I didn't really care much for the "top" Chanel shades. Like Paradoxal, Particuliere, and Rouge Noir. The sales associate swatched Orange Fizz on my nail. I liked it, I realized I had no orange shades in my collection, and we found the winner.

I only walked away with two products. Looking back, with the three-day spring incentive, I should've picked up a few more products but it looks like I'll be waiting until the next fall incentive (and maybe some holiday products.)

Review

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Fetiche
It's extremely soft and moisturizing, somewhat similar to the Revlon lip butters. The color payoff is glossy and really sheer, not very buildable. (If your lips are extremely pigmented, this color probably won't even show up.) The color is a medium rosy pink, no undertones. It does have a brightening effect. It's not very long-lasting, it lasts less than an hour on me. The packaging is sleek and durable.

Product: 3/5

Value: 3/5

Packaging: 5/5

Overall: 3/5

Retail: $32.50
Overall: I don't think it's an amazing product for the cost.

Best For: Those who like sheer glossy lipstick and don't have very pigmented lips.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this product to a friend.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Orange Fizz
This is a pretty seasonal color. The color is in-between melon and coral. I plan to wear this on my toes a lot in the summer. It was pretty on my nails, too, but I prefer more neutral shades. Unfortunately, it takes three coats to get completely opague and rid of streaks. What I did like so much is the glossy finish, after the third coat, it looked like I already topped it with Seche Vite. It chipped on the third day, but it didn't peel off; I'm impressed with the formula.

Product: 4/5

Value: 3/5

Packaging: 5/5

Overall: 4/5

Retail: $26.00
Overall: It's a great seasonal color with a high gloss finish. For the cost, it should be one-coater.

Best For: Those who like colorful, glossy, cream nail color and don't mind multiple coats.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this product to a friend.

Gift with Purchase: I received a deluxe sample of Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme. I've only used this a few times. It does feel amazing, the same finish and cooling texture as Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. But for $87.00, I don't think it's a must-have.

out of the box,
-Kaitlyn

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