December 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 feel like I'm cheating a bit, I had two of these products only half the month of December but they quickly became my daily go-tos.
beauty favorites

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh 
I tried the original formula of Batiste years ago; I didn't really care for it. I decided to try Batiste again, and I'm glad I did. I purchased the scents Sassy (which really reminds me of Tyler Candle's Diva fragrance) and Fresh. Both leave the same results but I like the way Fresh smells a whole lot better. The scent is like fresh laundry mixed with a hint of salon. It's weird - but I like it. The spray comes out and immediately leaves a white residue but I just rub it in or brush it out. This dry shampoo absorbs oil super quick and adds texture. I typically wash my hair every three days; with this product, I've been pushing four or five days.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O w/ Pump
I tried a sample of Bioderma towards the beginning of the year. I really liked it but just didn't want to pay that much for makeup remover. (I tried the Simple Micellar Water, which was effective - but no where near as good. Recently, the Garnier Micellar Water is all over the place. I haven't tried that Brand yet - but I plan to.) Beautylish had a Black Friday deal on Bioderma - buy two get one free + free shipping. So I finally pulled the trigger. (Side note: it arrived in the cutest packaging with a hand written letter.) It has a pump! Pumps make all the difference in the world late at night when you're feeling extra lazy/tired but must take off your makeup. Best of all, it's fragrance-free. Bioderma is so effective at removing every bit of eye makeup - even stubborn mascara. Occasionally, I also use this as a toner.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara*
I'm not going to lie, I'm a drugstore mascara girl at heart. I enjoy sampling high-end mascaras from time to time; this was no exception. This mascara provides a TON of volume. I really like applying a thick layer, letting it dry, combing it with a metal lash comb, then applying another thin layer - it looks like I'm wearing false lashes. (I don't have the time or patience for those.) The mascara doesn't flake or clump and it comes off pretty easy with micellar water. Disclosure: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

laundry hair & major lashes,
-Kaitlyn

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New Desk/Vanity


home office desk, makeup vanity, ikea alex & linnamon

First Impressions/Review: Ikea Alex Drawers & Linnmon Table TopIn November, I had the chance to visit Ikea for the first time. I quickly knew it was time for a desk upgrade. I've been eyeing the Alex 9 Drawer unit for way too long. (And even fake checked-out online; I immediately X-ed out when I saw the shipping charges.) About a week before the trip, I had a change of heart and decided to get two of the Alex Drawer Units instead.

I knew I wanted the high-gloss Linnmon Table Top to avoid makeup stains and for easy-clean. I continuously debated if I want the 47.5 inch or 59 inch table top. (Even while in the store, it took me 30 minutes to decide.) I finally went with the 59 inch. Simply because it was a lot more desk/surface for only $11 more.

My old set up was a mix-match of old apartment furniture: Bed Bath & Beyond Z-Carts topped with half of a Wal-Mart parsons desk. It did the job but it wasn't sturdy, or all that pretty to look at. I didn't have foot space. Not to mention, all of my other shelves/furniture are white. (For the record, my old table top was around 30 inches.)

When we got home and set the new Ikea furniture up, I immediately thought it was way too big for me. I loved the look and drawer space, but I felt like I should've gotten the 47.5 inch top. I immediately purchased the ClosetMaid Stackable Storage Organizer to take up the back corner of my desk. (And give more storage space for bottles and other items I didn't want in drawers.)

Fast forward to weeks later, now - I'm really happy with the whole desk and the 59 inch top. 1.) I have foot space. 2.) I can hide my printer and trash can under the desk. 3.) The extra width of the table top allows room for cords behind the desk. 4.) I have so much work/surface space!

I'm incredibly happy with the drawers. My old drawers were deep and not very long. The Alex drawers are shallow and around 20 inches long. So much stuff can fit in these! In one unit, I have all of my makeup, samples, and hair accessories/tools. In the other, I have office and shipping supplies. I lined the bottom with shelf liner and used foam board to make drawer dividers. Getting the drawer dividers exactly how I want them is a work in progress. So far, I'm pretty happy with these two:

makeup, office supplies

I do feel a little guilty for spending nearly $250 on myself so close to Christmas, but I know I'll have this set up for years to come. I definitely recommended the Alex drawers and Linnmon top.

desk drawers & table tops,
-Kaitlyn

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November 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. 


beauty makeup products


Benefit They're Real Mascara + Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
Both of these mascaras are good/okay are on their own. I really like layering these two together to get very black voluminous lashes - with no clumping!

Jordana Rock n' Rose Liner + Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor
As mentioned last month, I'm still really liking Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor. My daily lip combination has been Jordana Rock n' Rose Lip Liner (I finished up two of these in November!) topped with Hello Sailor.

black lashes & blue lipstick,
-Kaitlyn

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Empties #15

My empties bucket is overflowing! Here are all the products I finished in October & November:

beauty empties

ACT Frosted Mint Mouth Wash (sample)
This mouth wash wasn't bad. I just prefered the Clean Mint flavor I finished in Empties #14; I ended up purchasing the green one.

Acure Repairing Shampoo (sample)
I didn't like this at all. It was way too light, didn't lather well, and had a weird smell.

Alpha Hydrox 12% Foot Cream
I liked this foot cream. Like all heavy-moisturizing-products, it's great while it's on but doesn't seem to make any long term effects. I might repurchase this; I prefer Bath & Body Works shea it isn't so foot cream.

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo (Birchbox sample)
This was a really good dry shampoo. It absorb most oil and smelled pleasant. I might use some Birchbox points for the full size.

BeautyCleanser (Birchbox sample)
I've had this forever; I'm glad I finally finished it up. It did a pretty good job - not great - at removing the makeup from my BeautyBlender. However, I prefer the solid cleanser or regular soap over this.

Beauty Protector Hair Mask (Birchbox sample)
This hair mask was okay. I didn't notice any major difference in my hair. The scent was just too much for me.

Bikini Zone After Shave Gel
This product is great for minimizing shave bumps and irritation all over.

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water (Birchbox sample)
This product was heavily scented and not very effective at removing eye makeup. Not a fan.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Cream (sample)
I enjoyed using this cream. It smelled really good and made my skin feel awesome right after applying. However, I prefer the Vinosource Sorbet over this.

Clear Total Care Shampoo (foil packet)
I've been a long time Clear fan. I actually purchased a full size bottle right after finishing this up!

Clinique Take off the Day Makeup Remover (travel size)
This was my old HG. Lately, I prefer micellar waters.

Crest 3D Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Crest 3D White Two-Step Toothpaste (foil packet)
This product seemed pretty pointless to me. I didn't notice any difference after a single use. The taste was unpleasant.

Crest Complete Scope Toothpaste (travel size)
I've had this tube for awhile, I'm not a fan of the overpowering scope flavor. The texture was weird, too.

Davines Love Conditioner (foil packet)
This was a nice conditioner, but I don't think it's worth the price tag.

Davines Love Shampoo (Birchbox sample)
This was a nice shampoo, but I don't think it's worth the price tag.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

It's a 10! Miracle Leave in Product
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Jordana Easy Liner for Lips in Rock'n'Rose (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me. It's crazy I finished both of these on the same day! (They were purchased at different times.) One was on my vanity and one was in my purse at all times. I immediately purchased a few more. This lip liner is great under so many different lipsticks.

Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub (Birchbox sample)
I didn't like this scrub at all. The texture and smell were both unpleasant.

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Hair Mask (foil packet)
This mask was effective but I prefer higher end ones.

LA Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipe (1 ct)
I didn't like this makeup remover at all - it smelled weird and wasn't very effective. It was very similar to a baby wipe.

Maybelline Rocket Volum Express Mascara
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (7 ct) (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (25 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Nivea Pearl & Beauty Deodorant
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Noxzema Mini Razor
These mini razors used to be incredibly effective; they have since redesigned them and the plastic guard makes it impossible to cut any hair. I won't be repurchasing these.

Origins Modern Friction Scrub (sample)
This scrub was just okay. (Note to all - avoid the eye area. It burns like no other.)

Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
This was my old HG lipstick; I've been through plenty of these!

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
This mascara was just okay. It didn't make my lashes have the 'wow' factor. I won't be repurchasing this mascara.

Rituals Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel (Birchbox sample)
This reminded me of the foam soap I used when I was child. It lathered and moisturized well. I really enjoyed the scent, too!

Ruffian Dressing Room Nail Remover Towelette (Birchbox sample)
These were overly fragrant and not that effective.

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water
This is one of the better drugstore makeup removers; it's also a good, cheaper alternative to Bioderma.

Simple Cleansing  Facial Wipes (7 ct)
These wipes were scentless, which was nice. Unfortunately, they weren't as effective as my HG Neutrogena ones.

Skintimate Lotionized Dry Skin Shave Gel
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

St Ives Apricot Scrub (sample)
I used this primarily as a body scrub, since many reviews say it isn't face-safe. This scrub was just okay. I prefer salt ot micro bead scrubs.

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (100 ct) (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Trilogy Vital Cream (sample)
This had a strong scent, I was afraid my face would be too sensitive for it. I just used this as a hand and foot scrub. It was pretty moisturizing. I don't think it's worth the price tag.

Venus + Olay Refill Cartridge
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Venus Sensitive Skin Disposable Razors (3)
I didn't care for these razors. They caused a lot of irritation. I'm happy to finally be tossing these!

Vitafusion Women's Complete Multivitamin (220 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Wet'n'Wild MAX Volume Mascara
I used this mascara for less than a month. I just wasn't a fan. It was very difficult to work with.

candles

Candles:
Bath & Body Works Autumn 3 Wick Candle
This scent is more on the girly/sweet side, but I still like it.

Bath & Body Works Leaves 3 Wick Candle
This smells like fall in a candle; it's one of my favorites!

Bath & Body Works Sparkling Pear Riesling
Surprisingly, I liked this scent - I usually don't go for food scents.

Better Homes and Gardens All that Glitters Wax Cubes (6 ct)
This smells dainty, girly, and clean all in one. I enjoyed melting these!

Glade Hit the Road Candle (2)
This was a clean fall scent. I enjoyed it so much I got a second, and bought the wax melts on sale...

Glade Hit the Road Wax Melts (6 ct)
^^

Glade Pumpkin Pit Stop
This smelled nice in the jar/store, but I didn't really care for the scent while burning.

Target Amber Wood Candle
This had little to no scent while burning. (I need to stop buying cheap, brandless candles.)

Yankee Candle Fluffy Towels Votive
This is one of my favorite scents!

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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. October was all about lip products.
Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor & handmade lip balms

Handmade Lip Balms
I've purged my lip balm collection. Most of the drugstore and chemical-y stuff ended up in the trash. Lately, I've been loving handmade lip balms. They tingle in a good way and don't cause irritation. All month I've been using Apothecary Fairy Peppermint Tea Tree Medicated Lip Salve* (This was gifted to me.) As well as Margarita! and Peppermint Lemongrass Lip Lotions from Kettlepot Soap.

Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor
This has been on my wishlist ever since Birchbox mentioned it on their YouTube channel over a year ago. I finally purchased Hello Sailor as a birthday present to myself! It looks like a scary royal blue in the tube, but it goes on as a sheer purple tint. It makes your teeth appear whiter and brighter. It's somewhat hydrating. I've especially been liking this lipstick over mauve lipliners. It leaves a nice shine but doesn't feel sticky. My only complaint is the taste/smell; it's not unbearable but it isn't pleasant either. It reminds me of some 'play makeup' from my childhood/preteen days.

lip balms & blue lipstick,
-Kaitlyn

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