Monthly Favorites

How can it be June already?! This year is flying by. Here are the things I've been loving during the month of May, no matter how quickly it went by. 

Scents

Now that the season is changing toward summer here in the QC, I'm thinking about replacing some of my dwindling supply of warm-weather scents. As I dig through my stash of giant full sized bottles, rollerballs, and various sample spritzers, I took some time to document and organize some of my all-time favorites that I will be repurchasing for the upcoming season. I've included the notes of each for objectivity's sake, but I'm typically a floral, bright, sweet scent lover, so these will tend to follow those preferences! Enjoy!

Lust List

1. Crochet-trimmed maxi dress from Forever 21, $30

2. Canvas sneakers from H&M, $13

3. High waist slim fit pants from H&M, $16 each

4. Kimichi Blue cross-back skirtall from Urban Outfitters, $50

5. Lace underwire bra from H&M, $15

6. Revlon 2" rose gold round brush from Ulta, $14

7. Shoulder bag from H&M, $24

8. Real Techniques Bold Metals blush brush from Ulta, $24

9. Cateye sunglasses from H&M, $8

10. Crepe shirtdress from H&M, $28

11. Rimmel Provocalips in Play With Fire from Ulta, $7

12. Ciaté Beautiful Cuticles from Ciaté, $12

13. Embroidered top from H&M, $30

14. Tunic from H&M, $28

15. Essie Naturally Clean polish remover from Ulta, $6

16. L'Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte foundation from Ulta, $15

17. Abstract grid print pleated shorts from Forever 21, $20

18. Greenwich thigh hi socks from Free People, $14

19. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in rose gold from Ulta, $38

20. Sandals with fringe from H&M, $25

♥ 

Product of the Day

Organic Blemish Clearing Cleanser

Based on a stunning review by Claire (and the knowledge that skin will eventually get used to the treatment of benzoyl peroxide), I decided to spring and try this natural cleanser. Everyone has always said that taking a moment to dial down the chemicals in skincare has always been a good idea, and I'm finding that it might be the case.

Beauty Haul

I might have gone a little nuts with this. Maybe. But all of the stuff was so gorgeous that I had to get it! That's always the excuse, I know, but I did it anyway. And I am so happy I did.

Product of the Day

Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee

After binge watching all of Claire's videos and hearing her rave about this lip gloss, I knew I had to try it. Though I'd heard others like Tanya talk about the Butter Gloss range before, this was the push I needed to get me to try it in this particular neutral color. They're comparable to the price of my favorite Rimmel Stay Glossy glosses, but it's a totally different (yet in a great way) gloss experience.

Product of the Day

Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black Noir

Usually, I'm strictly a kohl or liquid eyeliner girl. But after soaring reviews from both Zoe and Louise about this creamy eye pencil, I had to give it a try. Though my oily eyelids prevent me from truly appreciating this product (sigh), I still reach for it when I need an easy option for my lids.

Lust List

As people who know me will attest, I'm never one to deny myself something that I really want. It might take months or years of (usually failed) saving, but I will eventually get most things that catch my eye. Even people like me need a lust list, though, and this is mine. 

(Spoiler alert: I will own a lot of this by the time fall is done.)

Product of the Day

Pore Refining Toner

Before I went back to my dermatologist recommended skincare routine, I loved this stuff. I saw results within a week, and my skin had never looked better. Large pores have always been my nemesis, I just never knew what to do to fix it. Sadly, this clashes with my prescription medication, otherwise I would be using it every day for the rest of my life.

Skincare Review

Night time moisturizers have always been a mystery to me. Since I have oily skin, should I use something for oily skin? Nope, then I wake up with dry patches on my cheeks. Combination skin formula? Oh, sorry, you'll have to have an oily t-zone all day long with that one.

I was getting a little frustrated.

Product of the Day

Technician Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner

Over the years, I have built of so many shampoo and conditioner samples. I just find the little sachets really inconvenient, slippery in the shower, and only last me one use on my full head of hair. But this Fekkai shampoo and conditioner set came in adorable little bottles, lasted me three showers, and made my hair silky smooth each time.

 

Product of the Day

Cleansing Spa Water

I'll say right off the bat that I'm not a huge cleansing water girl. A lot of people (Zoe, Anna, Claire, etc.) love cleansing waters to remove all of their makeup--eyes included. I just haven't seen the results they have.

Product of the Day

Medium Hold Hairspray

I bought this hairspray on a whim when Target first introduced the Toni & Guy line about a year ago. After hearing so many good things about the Sea Salt Spray from Zoe a few years ago, I thought I would give this a try. I use hairspray a lot to hold my curls during the winter, and I use this one almost exclusively to do so.

Beauty Haul

During the past month, I've been shopping around for a variety of new beauty items for fall. Back to school is approaching, no matter how much we all deny it, and I'm planning on making the best of my college return using these variety of amazing products.

Product of the Day

Hydrating Makeup Removing Towelettes

Before everyone yells at me and tells me wipes don't work, just wait a minute. I love to use the regular Neutrogena removing towelettes as the first step in my nighttime cleansing routine. After getting my (truly excessive) eye makeup and mascara off with a wipe and then swiping my face once, I go in and use my cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. 

Like I said, I've been using the original Neutrogena towelettes for years, and when my grandma accidentally bought me the hydrating version, I thought it would be the same as the originals, but moisturizing. I wasn't correct, but I wasn't exactly impressed, either.

Beauty Haul

I'll admit it: I'm usually stingy on my hair care so that I can spend more on makeup, music, and clothes. But lately I've been switching up my hair products from just the basic Herbal Essences Smooth Collection shampoo and conditioner I usually use. My hair thanks me, even if my wallet doesn't.

Product of the Day

Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub

I was really excited when I bought this scrub--I talked to the saleslady about replacing my beloved True Blue facial scrub, she recommended this, and she even gave me a free trial on my arm. That arm was the softest arm I had ever felt, so I splurged on the full sized pot. Personally, I think that was a huge mistake.

Monthly Favorites

Here are all the things I enjoyed throughout the month of July!

Product of the Day

Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara

If I had to pick one thing to put on my face, it would have to be mascara. That's why I stick to what I know I like, and I don't really like to spend money on things that I'm unsure about. And whatever I do buy has to be perfect. All that being said, I would definitely buy a full tube of this mascara--and that's saying something.

Product of the Day

Hot Flex Creme

I got a sample of this so long ago from my hairdresser that I thought I would never use it. But thanks to the product clean out happening this summer, I tried it at a horse show in Springfield, Illinois--the perfect place to test drive a product that says it will prevent frizz and keep the luster in a 'do.