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. 

Benefit Hoola Bronzer*
I originally got this as a deluxe sample perk from Sephora; I've been loving it to add some color to my pale face. I think it would be great for all skin tones. I've always heard so much hype about this product but it was a little too pricey for me and I was happy with my drugstore bronzers. Luckily, I won a full-sized bronzer for when I finish up this sample. (Thank you Benefit x Birchbox!)

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Rock N' Rose
This is an oldy but goody. Recently, I've been just wearing this as an all-over lip color and topping it with a balm or gloss. It's a great shade!

Macadamia Healing Oil Spray
This is definitely in my top five favorite Birchbox samples. I've been using the Macadamia mask for years, so I was super excited to try this. (I chose it in September's Birchbox choice.)  My hair has been so soft lately and I think it's a combination of using the Macadamia mask, MoroccanOil on damp hair, and using this healing oil spray on the ends of my dry hair. The smell was a little overpowering at first but I've grown to like it.

Visiting the newly opened Birchbox SoHo Store was a life-favorite for me this month. I've been a huge Birchbox fan for over three years, so visiting the store was pretty much the only thing on my to-do list while in New York. In the store, products were organized by type, not brand - which makes it so much more convenient. I got to build my own Birchbox and purchase a few items I've been eyeing for awhile with a fun and helpful staff.

(nails: Ruffian Naked, criss-cross ring, BCBG Scarlet peplum top)

I've been loving nude nails again. Nude nail polish goes with everything, makes your fingers look longer and skinnier, and chips aren't nearly as noticeable - score!

Lately, I've been loving all things oxblood/burgundy. Every item of clothing I see in this color I end up wanting. This is such a flattering color for pale skin and dark hair. On the plus side, I'm stepping away from black and adding some color to my closet.

new samples & oxblood clothes,
-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.

Milani Eye Tech Liquid Eyeliner
Black eyeliner hasn't been part of my routine in years. But lately, I've been admiring winged/cat eye looks and tutorials. The flashy "NEW" writing on this product and the fact I had some CVS Extrabucks to burn encouraged me to purchase this on a whim. It's so easy to use and comes off clean, too.  The compact size was great for vacationing/traveling.

OPI Nail Polish in Coca-Cola Red
I saw this in a magazine advertisement and immediately purchased it on eBay; I've been wearing it constantly since it arrived. It's a perfect red, exactly like a Coca-Cola can. The formula is great, as always.

Suave Moroccan Infusion Dry Shampoo
I used the Suave Moroccan Shampoo (not a huge fan). However, I did the like the smell. For only $3, I decided to give this a try. It works just as good as some of my high-end dry shampoos. Not only is good for hiding oily roots, but works pretty good on clean hair to add texture and boost waves.

cat eyes & Coca-Cola cans,
-Kaitlyn

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Empties #4

Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks
I've purchased these for years and have a few back-ups on hand. They're a quick fix when you make a mess of your mascara or eyeliner. (Makeup remover and a q-tip would do the trick too but these are great for on-the-go.)

Bath & Body Works White Citrus Shower Gel 
(travel size) I'm always drawn to clean or citrus scents - this is a little of both; it's super refreshing and wakes you up in the morning. I will probably repurchase.

Beauty Protection Protect & Detangle Leave-In Conditioner 
(Birchbox sample) This was great at moisturizing and detangling; I just didn't care for the scent - it's a very strong vanilla scent. I probably won't purchase this in full-size.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
My doctor recommended to use this bar soap on more sensitive areas. It lathers really nicely and is scentless. My skin has responded well to it. I have a few back-ups on hand, but I'll repurchase when I need to.

equate Oil Free Eve Makeup Remover 
(comparable to Neutrogena) I usually don't go for generic items but this was on sale and about half the cost of Neutrogena; I decided to try it out for around $3. It was a little bit more oily than Neutrogena, but it's definitely comparable. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase; I prefer Clinique and coconut oil lately.

L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara 
The wand on this mascara was super cool - it bends in all directions. However, it didn't provide more volume than Maybelline The Rocket. I won't be repurchasing.

Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volum' Express Mascara
This was just an okay mascara - not good, not bad. I won't be repurchasing.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara
I've raved about this over and over, it's my favorite mascara. I will continue to repurchase.

MoroccanOil MoroccanOil Treatment
This is the only hair product I really use anymore. I use two pumps on wet hair to moisturize and about half a pump on dry hair to tame frizz and add shine. I've already repurchased another bottle.

Ms. Manicure Strike to Smooth mini emery boards
These mini nail files were great for on-the-go. They take up little space in your purse or travel bag. I prefer glass nail files now, so I don't plan on repurchasing these.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
The are the most effective makeup removing wipes I've tried that don't irritate my skin (aside from the black packaging Olay Regenerist Wipes.) But they're not super great with mascara. I've already repurchased these in bulk.

Revlon Photoready Powder in Fair/Light
It has taken me about two years to finish this powder. (Actually, it finally broke when it was a super thin ring.) I used it just for setting concealer and it did the job. I might repurchase this in the future.

Skintimate Dry Skin Shaving Gel
This shaving cream is moisturizing and doesn't have an overwhelming smell. I have a few back-ups and I will repurchase it in the future.

Suave Moroccan Infusion Shine Conditioner
I picked up a cheap conditioner to leave at Brad's house. This smells great and left my hair pretty soft. It doesn't have any Moroccan oil in it though. It doesn't compare to my beloved Joico K-Pak; I won't be repurchasing.

up & up cotton rounds (2)
Cotton rounds are an essential for me. I go through them super fast, which is why I already repurchased in bulk.

Vitafusion Women's Complete Multivitamin (150 count)
I've discussed these in a previous empties post; I already repurchased an even larger bottle.

Venus & Olay Razor Cartridge (2)
These are my favorite razor... multiple blades, a shave bar, and a moisturizing bar leaves my skin super smooth. I've already repurchased them in bulk.

mascaras & bulk buys,
-Kaitlyn

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