February 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.

makeup nyx and colour pop products

Colour Pop Lumière Lippie Stick & Pencil
NARS Anna has been on my wishlist for the longest time, but I still can't justify spending so much on a lipstick. Lumière was supposed to be an exact color dupe, so I decided to try it out first. I'm extremely happy with the shade... a purplish-my-lips-but-better color. I'm a little bummed the pencil isn't twistable. Like most matte products, the Lippie Stick formula is slightly drying. I've been wearing either/both of these most of the month. Nonetheless, I still want to get my hands on NARS Anna.

InterDesign Vanity Organizer 
I was aimlessly shopping in TJ Maxx and found this vanity organizer for under $5! My old acrylic tray tray wouldn't fit in my new Ikea Alex drawers, so I've been wanting a new storage solution. I tried making my own dividers and using plastic drawer dividers... neither worked that well. I'm so happy I found this! It has two medium-sized compartments and three small round compartments - excellent for mascaras and concealers. The textured rain design on the bottom is nice a touch; everything in my drawer stays in place now:

makeup organizer

NYX HD Concealer in Fair
My old concealers were no longer matching my pale winter skin... I purchased five concealers this month. This NYX one was by far my favorite. (I returned the other four.) It has a hint of orange to combat dark circles, it hides all blemishes, and it doesn't cake.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Brunette
I FINALLY discovered a cheaper dupe for Anastasia Brow Wiz. (Hallelujah!) This NYX pencil is identical to Anatasia... the packaging, the shape, the brush, the size. (The main difference is the cost: Anastasia retails for $21 while NYX retails for $9.99.) The NYX shade range is a little wonky; I originally purchased Chocolate (way too red) and exchanged it for Brunette. The NYX formula is slightly less waxy - which I actually like more, it's easier to blend.

affordable dupes,
-Kaitlyn

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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.

swell bottles, beauty favorites

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara* 
I mentioned this product last month in my favorites. I'm still really liking this mascara - especially layered with the Revlon mascara mentioned below. Disclosure: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Revlon Ultimate All-in-One Mascara 
I received this in a Target Beauty Box. At first, I thought this mascara was weird. The mascara brush is comparable to many bottom lash mascaras. The tiny rubber brush actually helps to coat every single lash. I'll apply this all over my lashes, then top it with Marc Jacobs at the base for more volume. It almost looks like I'm wearing false lashes.

S'well Bottle (17oz)
I've been wanting a S'well bottle for the longest time. While drinking lots of water and not using plastic bottles is super important, I just couldn't justify spending nearly $40 on a water bottle. My sister gave me this for Christmas; I'm so glad she did. I've been using it daily. It's very sleek and easy to carry. The best part - ice water really DOES stay cold for a day. (Even without the lid on!) I love waking up in the middle night and still having ice water on my nightstand.

Urban Decay Naked Palettes 2 + 3
Both of these palettes have been long-time favorites. Recently, I've started gravitating towards the more purplish-shades: YDK and Busted from Naked 2. From the Naked 3, I've really been liking the orange shade: Trick. While all of the shades are on the neutral shade, the hint of purple/orange really makes my green eyes pop more.

big lashes & ice cold water,
-Kaitlyn

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Empties #16

I started #100daysofempties as my 2015 New Year's Resolution. While it's not my 2016 New Year's Resolution, I still plan to keep posting my empties. I don't enjoy hoarding trash, but I do enjoy seeing a picture of everything I finished up. Here are all of the products I finished in December & January:

beauty empties

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
Brow Wiz in caramel was my old HG, I received this shade in a gift set and I think I like dark brows a bit better. I really like this product but I seem to fly through them. $21 for .003 oz every 2 months isn't that economical. I recently purchased the NYX Dupe - which is half the cost.

Bath & Body Works Vampire Blood Pocketbac Hand Gel
This is my favorite scent of hand sanitizer. It comes around every Halloween and I usually stock up! I've already started a new bottle.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara
(deluxe sample) I like this mascara; it provides lots of volume. It's really good for layering with other mascaras.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
(travel size) I really liked the scent of this. This body butter was very moisturizing, but I just prefer coconut oil.

Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk
(travel size, Birchbox sample) I really love all Caudalie products but this one was just okay. There was nothing special about this face wash, unfortunately.

CVS Cotton Swabs (200 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap
I'm not sure if Dove reformulated or I purchased the wrong soap this time around. The box doesn't state 'unscented' like the old one - but everything else on the packaging was the same. This soap has a weird smell from the ingredients; it's no longer truly unscented.

Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair
This was one of my old favorites. This tube is a few years old, so I'm finally tossing it. I'll repurchase another in the future.

Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Facial Mask
(Target Beauty Box) I like sheet masks for convenience. I didn't like this one - it left my skin feeling very sticky and dry instead of moisturized and refreshed.

Gilette Venus + Olay Razor Cartridge (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Gold Bond Healing Aloe Cream 
(travel size, Pinch Me Box) I primarily used this as a foot cream. It was decent, I didn't notice a major improvement in my skin.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
(travel size, Birchbox) I didn't really care for this dry shampoo. It left residue, smelled funny, and made my hair feel even more oily at the end of the day.

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
(deluxe sample) This mascara wasn't anything special on its own. I liked layering it over other mascaras - like Benefit's They're Real! or using it for touch-ups.

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter in Fair
I think this is supposed to be a dupe for YSL's Touche Eclat. I'm not a fan of liquid highlighters, but I decided to give this a try. It didn't cover my blemishes well, nor did it add very much glow to my face. I used about half of this product and finally decided to toss it. I plan to stick to cream and powder highlighters.

Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara
I thought this was going to be a dupe for Benefit's Gimme Brow. Unfortunately, I was wrong. While the concept is similar - the brush on the Maybelline one is HUGE. It's a mascara wand - it's not good for people with thin brows - me. I only used about half of this.

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara
This was the worst mascara I've purchased in a while. I totally fell for ads and commercials. This mascara was so messy and heavy. I only used it for a few weeks - not. a. fan.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
I really liked this concealer at the beginning. Towards the end, I noticed it settling into my pores and creasing. I think I'm going to stick with drugstore concealers.

Nature's Way Organic Coconut Oil (16oz)
It took me nearly two years to finish this POUND of coconut oil. I primarily used this as a body lotion. After I got out of the shower, I would put a tablespoon or two into my hand, let it melt, then slather it on my entire body. It helped a lot with shaving bumps. It made my skin feel so smooth and moisturized, and the oil gave my skin a nice sheen. I already repurchased another tub!

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (25ct) (2)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Parlor Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray 
(travel size, Birchbox) I really liked this at first. I quit using it for awhile, then went back to it. While it did add texture, it made my hair feel more dried out than moisturized.

Pure Silk Raspberry Mist Shave Cream 
(travel size, Walmart Beauty Box) Not a fan. I prefer shaving gels. This cream was anything but moisturizing - it left me with major shaving bumps and razor burn.

Stella by Stella McCartney Eau de Parfum (3.3oz)
This is my HG perfume. I use a few sprays daily. (I hoarded the smallest amount for awhile. I received a new bottle for Christmas - so I finally finished this one up.) It took me nearly two years to finish this bottle!

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

Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover (32oz)
I FINALLY finished nearly a LITER of nail polish remover. This stuff is awesome at easily getting every speck of nail polish off. Plus, it doesn't have that awful acetone/nail polish remover smell. I purchased this over two years ago and would refill my big flipper bottle. I imagine I'll repurchase this again.

candles

Candles
I finished up lots of candles over the past two months. I really like Christmas scents so I was burning a candle or wax melt constantly.

Bath & Body Works Alpine Cheer 3-Wick Candle
This scent was my favorite out of the list below. I went back to purchase more and they were already out of stock. I hope they bring it back next year!

Bath & Body Works Evergreen 3-Wick Candle (2)
This scent was my second favorite. It smelled like a forest of Christmas trees.

Bath & Body Works Fresh Balsam 3-Wick Candle
This scent was just okay, I liked it much better in the jar than burning.

Bath & Body Works Party Dress 3-Wick Candle
Meh. I didn't really care for this scent. It smelled lovely in the jar. While burning, it smelled totally different and kind of gave me a headache,

Better Homes & Gardens Soft Cashmere Amber Wax Cubes (6ct)
This is one of my favorites - if you're a shea fan, grab these! It smells very clean and girly.

Better Homes & Gardens Warm Rustic Woods Wax Cubes (6ct)
I really like this scent. I've purchased a few more wax melts and received a candle as a gift.

Thymes Frasier Fir Votive
This was a gift. I really liked this scent. For the price, the throw and the burn time wasn't that amazing. I'd recommend Trapp's White Fir candle over this.

Woodwick Poplar & Pine
This was also a gift. This was my first wood wick candle. Unfortunately, the crackling sound was a cat-magnet. The flame on this was so high, even with trimming. I liked the scent but just prefer normal wicks

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2015 Beauty Favorites

Happy 2016! I'm excited to bring you my annual favorites for a SIXTH year! It was neat to look back on my favorites from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 then 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 throughout 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.

beauty favorites

Makeup
Blush: NARS Orgasm
Bronzer: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola
Brush: Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Treatment
Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
Foundation: -
Highlight: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone
Lipgloss: Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor
Lipstick: Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Comet
Lip Liner: Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Rock 'n Rose
Mascara: Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express
Powder: NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder
Tool: Beautyblender

High-End Brand: NARS
Drugstore Brand: Maybelline

Body
Bath Product: LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb
Body Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Body Lotion: Coconut Oil
Cuticle Cream: -
Nail polish: OPI Coca-Cola Red
Top Coat Polish: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Nail Tool: Glass Nail Files
Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: Coconut Oil
Hand Cream: Caudalie Hand & Nail Cream
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney
Shower Gel: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Soap: Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Teeth Whitening: Plus White 5 Minute Maximum Whitening Speed Gel

Haircare
Conditioner: Joico K-Pak
Electrical: Clairol Hot Rollers
Hair Dye: -
Hairspray: -
Hair Oil: Moroccanoil Treatment
Dry Shampoo: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Mask: Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
Miracle Product: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Spray
Shampoo: Clear Scalp and Hair Shampoo
Tool: The Wet Brush

Skincare
Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Eye Product: -
Cleanser/ Bioderma & Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes
Facial Mask: -
Lip Treatment: NUXE Rêve de Miel
Moisturizer: Origins Vitazing
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

here's to the best,
-Kaitlyn

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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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