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

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #1

I'm a big fan of "Empties" videos. In a way, they're almost like "Favorites" on steroids. I'm excited to start this series on my blog. However, I'll admit hoarding trash is a little weird. (Especially since I'm the complete opposite of a hoarder.) If you're not familiar with empties videos/posts: You simply share products you've used up in their entirety, give a mini a review, and mention if you would or wouldn't purchase the item again.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 (6.7oz)
I'm not a fan of Clinque's whole skincare line. But this has been my holy grail toner for many years. It's crazy to see how much gunk make-up wipes leave behind.  I've already repurchased the big 16.5oz bottle.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths (30 ct)
I've used up two of these. These are definitely my favorite drugstore makeup wipes. The scent isn't too overwhelming, they have just the right amount of moisture, and they're not irritating. I've already repurchased a few more packages.

Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Conditioner (33.8oz)
I use a lot of conditioner needless to say, I always go for the BIG bottles. Salon bottles with pumps are great! I use this everytime I shower; this conditioner is great at detangling and always leaves my hair soft & shiny. I've already re-purchased another big bottle (and I'm a fan of the new packaging!)

Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Shampoo (10.1oz)
I received this as a gift last Christmas and I've been using off and on ever since. (I never go for high-dollar shampoos just because you immediately rinse it down the drain and slather on conditioner.) I'm huge fan of the conditioner but I didn't notice any difference with the shampoo. Not a fan - I won't be purchasing it myself.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara
I think this is my 3rd or 4th tube. I'm loving this mascara. It lengthens and volumizing and it's under $10! It starts to get clumpy after 2-3 months, but it's just a reminder to switch to a new tube. I have already repurchased a new tube.

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Volume + Length Mascara
I didn't like this mascara from day one. It was messy, clumpy, and provided little to no results. However, I layered it with The Rocket Mascara and made it work. A month or two later - the mascara dried out.  I will not be repurchasing this mascara.

(Not pictured:) I also used up quite a few Birchbox samples, like Miss Jessie's Original Pillow Soft Curls, Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo, Beauty Protector Protect & Condition and  Nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask. I did enjoy using all of these, but I don't plan to purchase these anytime soon.

clumps & big bottles,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

2013 Beauty Favorites

Happy 2014! I'm excited to bring you my annual favorites for a FOURTH year! It was neat to look back on my favorites from 2010, 2011, and 2012 and compare them with the products I've used (or continued using) this year.

(The products marked with - means it is a type of product that I do not use, or I just didn't find a miracle product for the year.)

These are all products I have used continuously through out the year.  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.

Makeup

Blush: Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Heather Silk
Bronzer: -
Brush: Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Treatment
Eyebrows: Prestige BrowPerfection Ideal Match Marbleized Brow Pencil
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: -
Eyeshadow: (high end) Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette & (drug store) Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Trio Walking on Eggshells
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation Stick
Highlight: MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralized Skin Finish
Lipgloss: -
Lipstick: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
Mascara: Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express
Nail polish: German-i-cure by OPI
Powder: -
Tool:Unii Cosmetics Palette
Top Coat Polish: -

High End Brand: NARS
Drugstore Brand: Maybelline

Body

Bath Product: -
Body Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Body Lotion:Olay Quench Daily Body Lotion
Cuticle Cream: -
Nail Tool: Sephora Glass Nail File
Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: -
Hand Cream: Soap & Glory Hand Food
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney
Shower Gel: Victoria's Secret Nearly Nude Body Wash
Soap: Dove Sensitive Skin
Teeth Whitening: Plus White 5 Minute Maximum Whitening Speed Gel

Haircare

Conditioner: Joico K-Pak
Electrical: -
Hair Dye: -
Hairspray: -
Mask: Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
Miracle Product: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Spray
Shampoo: -

Skincare
Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Eye Product: -
Cleanser/Makeup Remover: Clinique Take the Day Off & Olay Regenerist Wipes
Facial Mask: -
Lip Treatment: Burt's Bees Soothing Lip Balm with Eucalyptus & Menthol
Moisturizer: Origins Vitazing
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

here's to the best,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram