Haul: St. Louis

mall haul shopping spree

My last no reason shopping trip was in January - nearly half a year ago! Lately, when it comes to shopping, I'm always on a mission looking for just one item... in-and-out in just ten minutes. It was refreshing not to be looking for anything and to just aimlessly wander through a mall all day. In honor of my second no reason shopping trip this year, I thought a haul was appropriate:

LUSH cosmetics

Unfortunately, we no longer have LUSH in Memphis. I always look forward to visiting LUSH whenever I'm out of town. (My last visit was in March!) I picked up my two favorites: Ocean Salt Scrub & Sex Bomb Bath Bomb.

H&M

The only clothing item I'm 'need of' at the moment are shorts. The majority of my shorts from last year are too small or just fit weird. I'm having issues finding both comfortable and flattering shorts this season. I was contemplating between a pair of Joe's white shorts (flattering but not comfortable) and these H&M ones (comfortable, sort of flattering, but sheer.) For now, I went with the H&M ones. But the shorts hunt continues...

I'm obsessed with midi rings! However, I'm constantly losing or breaking them. I got two variety packages at H&M: I got 15 rings (all shapes, sizes, and colors) for $8.90; (that's about .60 cents a ring) I won't feel too bad about them disappearing anymore!

Fashion finds from Wildfox & BCBG

I have been wanting a Wildfox sweater for forever, but I could never talk myself into spending $100+ on a funky, not-everyday-wear, sweater; I was super excited when I found this one on sale. It's so comfortable! It feels like a soft blanket and will work as a great, year-round piece.

I scored this BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Carman' dress for 60% off. I think it will work as both a career and night-out piece. I'm a big fan of matte jersey material... it's comfortable and low-maintenance (no steaming or ironing!) Not to mention, how cool is the design?

french macarons

Finally, no big shopping trip is complete without some sweets! We stopped at LaBonne Bouchée for macarons. They had 35 flavors to choose from (WOW!!) - it was both overwhelming and fun; I picked six flavors for myself. They have pre-packaged bags and boxes for a discounted price; I also got a grab bag for a gift. (If you can't tell, macarons aren't really a 'thing' here in Memphis, so I always try to find the best macarons in other cities when I'm out-of-town.)

disappearing rings & endless macarons,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

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.

I've been in a beauty rut lately; I've been sticking to the same products I always rave about or just wearing minimal/no makeup (thank you, Memphis humidity.) For the first time in the history of this blog, this month's favorites consist of no beauty products. I'll rave about some shoes and food instead...

shoes

Shoes
All of my shoes just scream winter (boots are my favorite) or they're just extremely dressy. I work in retail, so I wanted some comfy but still fashionable shoes. I was eyeing the Steve Madden Felixx Sandal, but I couldn't find them anywhere in my area and I wanted to try them on before purchasing. (In my opinion, Steve Madden shoe sizes run differently depending on the style of shoe. No to mention, paying return shipping to exchange a size really irritates me.) A week later, I found the MIA Melonye Sandal. I decided to go with these instead. I'm in need of more closed-toe shoes, when I saw the Gabriella Rocha Vanya ankle booties for only $15 (It must have been a promotion; they're double the price now.) I immediately put them in my cart. These two have been the best, super cheap, research-less purchases I've made in awhile. I've been wearing both of these shoes interchangeably the entire month of June. No one believes I only paid around $20 a pair!

Graze
In my shoe order, mentioned above, was a free trial of Graze. (I've never heard of it. A subscription of unique, healthy snacks right to your door? Sign me up!) They offer weekly or biweekly options; each box is $6 and you receive four individually wrapped, ready-to-eat snacks. (That's only $1.50 a snack!) If you're constantly on-the-go and looking for more snack options - this is definitely for you! Sign up now to get your 1st and 5th box for FREE. I've enjoyed everything they've sent so far:

Graze Box

booties & snack boxes,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #3

beauty empties

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This is a basic, light lotion. It's good for sensitive skin and didn't interfere with a rash I had a while back. It's 'scentless', as in no added perfumes, but still leaves a sort of weird smell. I probably won't repurchase this.

Caudalie Lip Conditioner
This lip treatment reminded me a lot of MAC's Lip Conditioner. I got this in a set with the cleansing water for $10 over a year ago. I liked the scent - sort of vanilla-ish. It was just a little too waxy for my liking. The retail value is $12, I won't repurchase it unless it's in a set again.

Clinique Take the Day off Eye Makeup Remover
This is still my holy grail makeup remover; I alternate between this and coconut oil, now. They're equally as good - great for getting off super stubborn mascara and lipstick. I've already repurchased another bottle.

Crest 3D White Luxe Vibrant Mint Toothpaste
This is my favorite toothpaste; I haven't noticed a major difference in the color of my teeth. However, I really love the flavor - it's the perfect level of mint - not too sweet, not too overpowering. I have a few backups tubes already.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant 
(sample) - This is probably in my top 10 of favorite samples I've received from Birchbox over the years. My skin felt so clean after using this. However, it retails for $78... it wasn't a miracle product. If I can find it at a lower price, I'd consider repurchasing.

E.L.F. Makeup Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths
I think my beloved Olay wipes have been changed - not only the packaging but also the ingredients; they smell different and leave my face sort of sticky. I made a spur of the moment ELF order and decided to try these - they're cool idea. They exfoliate on one side and cleanse on the other. I didn't think they were super effective (lots of makeup left behind on my face) nor price efficient - 10 wipes for $3 isn't that good of a deal. I won't be repurchasing.

Glam Glow Youth Mud Treatment
(sample) - A few of my coworkers raved about this. I realized I had a few samples, so I decided to finally try it out. The mask made my face unbelievably soft and smooth. Again, the high price point is a turn-off for me. Some drugstore masks are equally as good. I won't be purchasing.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product
This is a holy grail hair item for me; it completely detangles my long, thick hair. Not to mention, it smells awesome. This is a little pricey - but worth since it's a 10-in-1 product. I've already repurchased.

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
I go back to this mascara every 6-8 months. So many mascaras are good at lengthening but aren't good at volumizing; this one is the other way around. It's awesome for adding volume. I often layer this mascara with a lengthening one to get thicker lashes. I'll probably repurchase in the future.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Fair
I really like this concealer for both under the eyes and to cover redness. The twist-up sponge applicator makes application a breeze. It's light, buildable, and doesn't cake. Currently, I'm using the brightener (the pink shade) but I'd repurchase this in the future.

Miss Jessie's Transitioner's Magic 
(sample) - I absolutely hated this product. I liked Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls, so I immediately tried this sample when I received it in my Birchbox. I applied exactly as directed. My hair never felt more weighed down and oily; I had to wash it immediately. It seemed like this product might be for ethnic hair? Obviously, I won't be purchasing it.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Urban Decay Primer Potion was a holy grail for me until the wand packaging was no longer available. I picked this up and really liked it - it works just as good, if not better than UDPP. A little goes a long way! I'm currently trying out drugstore brands. I may repurchase this in the future.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Cleansing Cloths (2)
As stated above by the ELF wipes, I think these might have reformulated. I can only find the white packages now - they smell different and leave my face feeling sticky. The black package (old) is/was my holy grail... on the hunt!

Olay Quench Body Lotion
This is probably my favorite drugstore lotion; you can get a HUGE bottle for around $7. It smells awesome; it's light, not sticky, and pretty moisturizing. I've already repurchased!

Sephora super supreme body butter in lusty pleasure 
(sample) - I liked the scent. The lotion was a little sticky and not very moisturizing. I won't be purchasing.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter
I've always been a fan of the Soap & Glory products; the scent is wonderful. This body butter was thick and moisturizing. I have a few travel sizes floating around, but when I finish those - I'll probably repurchase.

Victoria's Secret Love my Body Nearly Nude Body Wash in White Tea & Sage
I'm not a fan of this packaging or formulation; the bottle continuously got clogged. I loved the scent, so I dealt with it. It was frustrating to use but the scent and suds were kind of worth it. I think this product has been discontinued. I will repurchase if it is repackaged.

Vidal Sasson Repair Shampoo
I got this for free - coupons - so of course, I gave it a try. The shampoo often came out of the top, even with the bottle sitting straight up. (Think volcano/witch potion.... lots of wasted product.) It smelled and lathered nice. I probably won't purchase this again.

lotions & potions,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram