Beauty Favorites | December 2015

1. M.A.C Whirl Lipstick - This is a newer lipstick from M.A.C. and has quickly become one of my favorites. It's the same exact color as the lipliner, and falls into the mauve-brown trend that has completely taken over the beauty world this year (thanks Kylie). I think it's the perfect fall/winter color and love the matte finish. I would definitely recommend picking it up if you're loving the trend.
2. Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter in Champagne Pop - Can I rave about this product enough? NO. It's the best highlighter I've ever used. Jaclyn Hill and Becca completely hit this one out of the park. It's so pigmented and compliments so many different skin tones. I love it so much I'm considering buying a back up. It doesn't matter if you have 1 highlighter or 1,000 - you need this one. 
3. Becca Mineral Blush - I've never tried any Becca blushes, but it's safe to say I'm getting them all. I got the shade Wild Honey and I'm in love with it. It's more of a mauve, brown blush, as apposed to a baby pink, which is why I like it. It's buttery and pigmented, and would be perfect for fair girls, all the way to medium/olive complexions. 
4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Yes, yes, and more yes. This ambient lighting powder has changed my life. I use the shade Diffused Light to set my under eye concealer, and genuinely don't know how I lived without it. It doesn't let my concealer crease and gives my under eye area a gorgeous glow. You could use this to set the whole face, but I like this shade in particular for under the eyes because it has a slightly yellow tint which is great for brightening.
5. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer - This concealer has become holy grail. I've never been so impressed by a concealer in my entire life. I have two shades; light warm and light medium neutral. Light warm is the perfect highlighting shade when I'm my fairest, but since I'm going to Miami, and have been tanning to prepare, I got light medium neutral to darken it a bit,while still highlighting. It's so light weight, while still being super full-coverage. If you only try one thing on this list, this should be it. 
6. Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow - I find that Bobbi Brown shadows can be pretty hit or miss. I've tried a few and haven't been super impressed; until this one. I decided to get the the color Camel because it was just calling my name. It's definitely not a color everyone is going to love, but I think it's gorgeous. It's a very warm brown, and to be honest, is kind of the color of baby poop, but in the best way. It's the perfect fall/winter color, and I can't get enough of it. 
7. Origins Drink Up Overnight Intensive Mask - This has been a god-send for my dry skin. I've never been disappointed by an Origins product, and this mask is no exception. When I wear it to bed, my skin feels super hydrated and plump the next morning. A must have for my girls with dry skin.
8. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Lolita - All the hype is well-worth it. This liquid lipstick is bomb. It's a gorgeous shade and an amazing formula, and I think everyone needs it in their collection. I'm definitely going to be picking up more liquid lipsticks from Kat Von D's line.
9. GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment - Another dry skin savior. This Glam glow mask is amazing for exfoliating away dead skin. I was pretty skeptical at first, and really didn't want to love it because of the ridiculous price tag, but I do. It's amazing, and I'm definitely going to get it in the full size.
10. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette - This has quickly become my favorite of the Naked palettes. I think it's the most versatile, in terms of color range, in the sense that it has a good selection of both cool and warm shades. It's super pigmented and there isn't a single color I don't like. The packaging is also by far the best of the 4 Naked palettes, and I wish all of them had the magnetic closure. If you're thinking of trying a Naked palette, I recommend this one over the others. 

Beauty Favorites | October & November 2015

1. Tony Moly 'I'm Real' Aloe Face Mask Sheet - This has been a savior for my dry skin. It has been getting seriously cold in Boston and my skin has been extra dry. Tony Moly products are some of my favorite and are really cute (which makes them great gifts). If you love hydrating masks, this sheet mask will give you life.

2. Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Beautifier - I've used Pureology products for years now and this is just another product to add to my loves list. I take haircare pretty seriously, so I like to make sure I'm doing everything I can to keep it long and healthy. This leave-in conditioner leaves my hair feeling soft and hydrated, even though it's color treated.

3. L'Oreal Mega Moisture Nurturing Creme - Another haircare gem, except this one won't break the bank.  I picked this guy up on a whim because I love hair masks, and was presently surprised. I'm a huge fan of the Macadamia hair mask, and while this one isn't going to replace it, it's really comparable. It leaves my hair feeling hydrated, without making it greasy.

4. NARS Larger Than Life Eye Liner in Via Veneto - I'm not a big eye liner girl, and I almost never wear it, but when I do, this is my go-to. I tried it for the first time when I was practicing my halloween skull makeup and fell in love. It's super black and creamy and doesn't smudge which is essential in my book. Definitely worth the splurge.

5. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara - I picked this up a while back during the Nordstrom Mascara Madness but hadn't gotten around to using it. It's safe to save I'm in love. This mascara seriously gets the job done. It's super black and gives me length and volume without smudging or transferring to my eyelids. The price-tag makes me hate that I love it, but I can't help myself.

6. Alterna Bamboo Style Ultra Hold Hairspray - I almost never use hairspray, but for the holidays and special occasions I'll add a little to keep my curls in place. This stuff is no joke. It's literally hair superglue and that's why I like it. It keeps everything in place, but doesn't build up or get gross. It leaves my hair a little crunchy but that isn't something that bothers me. 

7. Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation - This foundation is AMAZING. It's full coverage and gives my skin a flawless finish. I don't wear foundation every day but when I do, this has been my go-to. I like to mix in a drop of face oil to thin it out and to add hydration to my dry skin. The color range is pretty good and I think any skin type would love it.

8. Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion - I love bronzers, and this one is no exception. It's buttery and goes on smoothly. I love the shade range and the glow it gives my skin. I've noticed that it goes on more pigmented with synthetic brushes, rather than goat hair (which is often the case for any product). Definitely holy grail status.

9. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - I thought I would love this, and I was right. Tatcha is an amazing company that seems to hit it out of the park every single time. I like using this spray in addition to my regularly Urban Decay 'All Nighter' to add a dewy glow to my skin while also keeping my skin hydrated. This is definitely my favorite on this list. It's become holy grail for sure.

10. Origins Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask - Face masks are my jam. Without them my skin wouldn't be able to survive. I got this one with the hopes that it would be just as good as Origin's charcoal mask, and it is. Whenever I have a blemish, I pop this on, and I notice a huge difference the next day. It's detoxifying without being too drying, which I really appreciate.

Beauty Favorites | August & September 2015

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - This concealer is quite literally sent from the heavens. It's super blendable and doesn't crease under my eyes. I find that even though the formula is light weight, I still get a really good amount of coverage with it. I was in love with the instant-age rewind concealer from Maybelline for so long, and this one has taken its place. A lot of people say this is a dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and I have to agree (except its a third of the price) . I use the shade 10 Light.

Maybelline  Dream Pure BB Cream- Another Maybelline product has stolen my heart these past few months. I am beyond obsessed with this BB Cream and I haven't been using anything else. I mix two shades together, Light/Medium and Medium/Deep, so that when I'm really tan or really pale I have a color to match me. I trie the original formula of this BB cream and hated it. I have really dry skin and it was event oily for me, which is saying something. The BB Pure is a light to medium coverage, but sits not he skin so nicely it feels like nothing is on. It lasts all day on my skin, and I can't get enough. If you're in the market for a new BB cream, definitely check this one out.

Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask -This was one of those sneaky products they stick in the check out line at Sephora to tempt you while you're waiting - and of course it worked. I love Origins as a brand and haven't used a product from them that I haven't been impressed with. This charcoal mask really helps clear up my skin when I have blemish or breakout. I use it about twice a week, and although it does dry out my skin a little, the results are good enough for me not to mind. I got the mini size to try it out before committing to the full size, but I definitely will repurchase the full size.

Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins -This night cream gives me life. I am so obsessed with it. It smells so yummy and leaves me skin feeling super hydrated and soft in the morning. I really enjoy having a moisturizer that is a little thicker for the nighttime because like I said my skin is pretty dry, especially with the weather changing and getting colder. I've noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it, in terms of texture and firmness.

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm - I've always had pretty dark circles under my eyes, eve when I've gotten a ton of sleep, I just seem to be prone to them. I've done a lot of research now hat causes dark circles and a lot of people say that dehydrated skin under the eyes is a major culprit. I decided to check out this overnight eye cream because I'd heard wonderful things about First Aid Beauty as a brand and it seemed to be all of the things I was wanting in an eye cream. This product definitely didn't disappoint. It's extremely thick and hydrating and when I rinse my face in the morning after sleeping I still feel it under my eyes. It has made a huge difference in my dark circles and I definitely recommend it to anyone who suffers from them.

Maybelline "The Colossal Volum' Express" Mascara - I love drugstore mascara. There are a few high end gems I'm a fan of, but I generally recommend sticking to drugstore, because you can get amazing quality for a great price. I decided to try a new one from Maybelline and was really impressed. I got the 'Colossal Volum' Express' in Classic Black and thought that it did a really good job of giving me both volume and length. It also builds really nicely without getting clumpy or flaking off my lashes.

Chanel Chance Eu Tendre - This was an anniversary present from G and I was so happy to finally get my hands on this bad boy. I had been wanting it for a while but didn't ever want to splurge, especially when I had so many other perfumes. This scent is a perfect mixture between sweet and floral and is great for day or nighttime. It's definitely a scent i can see being one of my signatures in the long run and I understand why its so popular. The packaging is gorgeous and it stays on my skin all day long (You did good babe).

Cetaphil Cleanser -I decided to try this because my mom swears by it. It's the only cleanser she uses and she thinks its the end all be all of cleansers. I'm a huge fan of the philosophy purity cleanser and couldn't see myself switching to a cleanser like Cetaphil that didn't foam up. I don't use this to take my makeup off or to cleanse ay the end of the day but I do use it in the morning, and I love it. It's super gentle and hydrating and that's really all I need in the morning. It doesn't strip my skin or leave it feeling dry, and if you have super sensitive skin, this would be perfect for you.

Pureology Precious Oil Shampoo & Conditioner - For years I've only used Pureology shampoo and conditioner. I absolutely love it and have tried almost all of their different lines. I noticed this new one at the beauty supply store a few months back and decided to give it a go because my hair was feeling a little dry. Once again Pureology blew me out of the water with this product. After using it for the past two months I've noticed my hair is softer and more hydrated. I love the scent and would consider this my new favorite line of theirs.

OPI Dont Bossa Nova Me Around - I've been on the hunt for the perfect nude polish and I finally found it. I had this color on my nails and toes for three weeks straight and dint want to take it off. It's the perfect pinky nude with a tan under tone. It's a beautiful color year round and definitely one that's become holy grail in my collection. It's also a major plus that it come in gel formula.

Milani Baked Bronzer in Soleil - Milani has done it again with this amazing bronzer. It's perfect for that super glowy, JLo bronze, and it was the only bronzer I brought with me to the Bahamas. It's really and pigmented and the shimmer isn't too chunky or glittery. While this isn't great for the winter in my opinion, it would be a gorgeous blush year round on deeper skin tones.

Beauty Blender Cleanser Solid -This will change your brush cleaning game. I used to use use dye and scent free laundry detergent and vegetable oil but had heard good things about this solid cleanser. I used this to clean a few of my brushes and could not believe my eyes. It deep cleaned my brushes so quickly without leaving them dry. I'm sure I'll switch between this cleanser and my homemade mixture to clean my brushes because I have so many, but this is seriously an amazing product.

Beauty Favorites | March & April 2015

I cannot believe this year is almost half way over. It is insane the way time has been flying. I didn't have a ton of makeup products these past two months, with school and everything I keep it pretty simple on a day to day basis.That being said, there are always standout products each month. I hope you enjoy learning about all the goodies I've been loving in March and April!

1. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub - I've been searching for a good exfoliant and I stumbled on this little guy when I was in Walgreens. I usually use the Clinique 7-day Scrub, but it's a little on the pricy side and I don't think it makes a drastic difference in my skin. Because of that  I went to drug store hunting for something similar, but more affordable. When I was little my mom used this scrub, but it wasn't formulated to be used on your face, it was solely a body scrub, so when I saw it I was immediately intrigued. It smells sooo good and the exfoliants are nice and rough. I hate exfoliants that don't really get in there and scrub the dead skin way. I have extremely dry skin, so I really appreciate a tough exfoliant that's going to help me get rid of any dry patches. It says it's formulated for sensitive skin, but if you have rosacea or issues with physical sensitivity, I would steer clear of this, and try something with gentler exfoliating beads. For under $8 I was really pleasantly surprised. It's definitely a product I'll repurchase.
2. Brow Bar to Go - This is an oldie but a goodie. Rarely do I wear a full face of makeup, but on the days where I've been going out with friends or on a date with G I've been using this to do my brows and warm up my crease (the darkest shade). It's simple and effective and that's something I really value in a product. It's a little on the pricy side, but considering that it can do more than one thing, I really think it's worth the price. I've also used this to contour my nose before, but let's be real, no one has time for that on a regular basis. Using a powder as opposed to a pencil or pomade in your brows makes it easier to work with. If you're just starting to experiment with makeup, I would definitely recommend starting with powder and trying other products as you become more comfortable.
3. Benefit Gimme Brow - Another oldie but goodie. I never pencil in my brows for class, but I ALWAYS use this. It's perfect for a no-makeup makeup look, which is what I usually go for. It doesn't look too heavy or strange with a semi-bare face, it just brings your brows forward and makes them look neater and more defined. The small fibers adhere to your natural brow hairs to fill in gaps the same way a powder or pomade would. Thunk of this as gel and pencil in one; it fill in gaps and keeps your hairs in place. I have gone threw probably 2 or 3 of these and will never stop buying it. I use the shade dark brown.
4. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - Hourglass is one of my all time favorite makeup brands. I think they have amazing quality products but they're pretty expensive. I've been hearing people rave about this primer for months, but really wasn't into spending $60 on it. I was super excited when I saw it as a 100 point perk at Sephora and immediately took the opportunity to try it out before committing to the full size. Let me just say - the hype is true, this is magic in a bottle. It's a somewhere between a silicone primer and a liquid primer. It doesn't leave the skin feeling sticky, which is something I really like. I don't have unusually large pores but I feel like this does a nice job of filling them in while also giving me a luminous glow - I'm all about channeling my inner JLO. If you're the kind of girl who loves to look lit from within, bite the bullet and get this. I have dry skin, and it works great for me, but I also know girls who are super oily and love it too.
5. OPI Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs. - Nude and neutral polishes are my thing. I am super boring when it comes to nails, and find myself staying within the same color family regardless of the season. This nude polish is to die for. It's the perfect mixture of pink and beige, and doesn't make my hands look washed out. OPI has an amazing color selection when it comes to neutrals, and really all colors. I love the formulation of the polish and find that unlike other lighter neutrals it doesn't look streaky or patchy. I of course follow this with my tried and true Seche Vite top coat.
6. Physicians Formula Bronzer - I picked this up on a whim one day while I was in CVS. I've heard really good things about Physicians Formula as a brand and wanted to try something from their line. I'm a huge fan of bronzers so naturally that was what I gravitated towards. This one was the perfect mixture of glow and shimmer. It didn't have glitter in it, which is something I was worried about, but it did give me a nice glowly sheen. I don't use this to contour, I use it strictly to bronze, and I have to say I like it just as much if not better than some of my high-end bronzers. It reminds me of M.A.C's refined golden bronzer, but it's a little lighter and more luminous. This bronzer apparently enhances your pheromones - I don't know how true that is, but I can say, it smells AMAZING. My roommates have commented on my face smelling good every time we've been getting ready to go anywhere. This has easily become a holy grail product for me and I'm looking forward to trying out other products by Physicians Formula.
7. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum - This was another product I had heard being raved about but wasn't into spending the money without at least trying it before. I was lucky enough to get a sample of it from Sephora. I made a rather large purchase and the lovely lady at the cashier just threw it in the bag. I think it may have been another 100 point perk, but I'm not positive. I haven't tried any other Ole Henriksen products but after this I'm definitely going to. Anyone who knows me knows I hate sugary, sweet smells. I don't want to smell like a cupcake or cotton candy ever - but this smells like an orange creamsicle in the best way. It's a fresh but sweet scent that isn't too over powering. I noticed a HUGE improvement in the elasticity of my skin, in particular the little lines around my eyes. Skin care is something I have no problem splurging on and I will definitely repurchase this in the full size. It would be perfect for someone who is wanting to get into a skin care regimen but doesn't want anything too intense.
8. Cold Pressed Castor Oil - Recently I got a hair cut because I hadn't had one in close to 8 months - I know I'm the worst - BUT I've really been wanting to grow my hair out so I've been on the hunt for tips & tricks to make it grow faster. I did a ton of research online and was looking for ways that were natural and wouldn't cost a fortune. In comes cold pressed castor oil. This stuff is no joke. My hair has easily grown 2 inches a month since I've been using it. I warm it up and mix it with some coconut oil once a week and focus it on my scalp. I always end up putting it through my whole hair, but the idea is to really get it into the roots of your hair. Castor oil is a natural humectant, which means it increases circulation, which aids in air growth. I mix it with coconut oil because the castor oil is really thick and sticky and I felt like it pulled at my hair when I used it alone. The results have been outstanding and if you've been struggling to get your hair to grow I HIGHLY recommend this. I got a huge bottle from Whole foods for less that $10 and I'm not even a quarter of the way through. Make sure if you pick it up that you're getting organic cold-pressed castor oil. You can also put this on your lashes and brows, which I've done before, and it has the same spectacular results.
9. Indian Healing Clay Mask - G got me this for Valentine's day because I not so subtly sent him the amazon link to it   I had seen one of the beauty gurus I follow on Youtube mention it, and she compared it to the GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment, which I really liked, but didn't repurchase since it was super expensive. This mask is INTENSE. The canister says you'll feel your face pulsate and it isn't lying. I mix 1 1/2 tsp. of the powder with a little bit of apple cider vinegar, and I'm not going to lie, it smells pretty bad. You can also mix yours with water, but the apple cider vinegar will help kill bacteria and brighten your complexion. Within 5 minutes I feel my skin get super tight and after 15 minutes, I sometimes worry my forehead will fall off. I know this description isn't the most appealing, but I've never seen my skin look as clear as it has since I've started using this. I use it once a week, and follow it by lathering my face with a facial oil or moisturizing mask. If you have sensitive skin, please don't try this, it will probably be a very painful experience. But if you're interested in a having an intense clearing treatment - go for it. The tub I got is huge and was under $11, so it's definitely a steal.
10. Purlisse Pūr-Protect Daily Moisturizer - I'm really strict about keeping my skin protected from the sun. I love being tan, but I really don't want to damage my skin or get premature wrinkles. I wear sunscreen on my face year round, which may seem strange to some people but I highly recommend it. I got this moisturizer in a subscription box, and I got a full size, which was really exciting. I had never heard of Purlisse or tried any of their products, but this sunscreen/moisturizer is a game changer. I absolutely cannot stand the smell of sunscreen or the oily finish that most of them leave on my skin. This moisturizer leaves my skin feeling clean and doesn't have a harsh sunscreen smell, despite being SPF 30. I do add my normal Clinique moisturizer on top, just because I do have really dry skin, but if you're oily or normal, you could easily just use this and be good to go. I don't notice any difference with how my makeup sits on top of this and have never had a problem with white casts in photos.
11. Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara - I went ahead and picked this guy up during Nordstrom's Mascara Madness this previous summer, but didn't get around to opening it until now. I've never heard anyone talk about it, but I've been a huge fan of the Guerlain products I've tried in the past and was curious so I went ahead and splurged. This is easily one of my all time favorite mascaras. The packaging is gorgeous, and it gives my lashes the most amazing length and volume. The brush looks pretty standard and I didn't expect much when I opened it, but this product is seriously amazing. It does have a perfume scent going on, but it isn't something that bothers me or that lingers. I would definitely repurchase this even though its $30. I usually stick to drugstore mascara just because I feel like there are tons of great ones to chose from, but if you're wanting to treat yourself, definitely try this out. 

Beauty Favorites | June 2014

I can't believe we are half way through the year already, it seems like just yesterday we were in January! While I usually struggle to narrow down my monthly favorites, the summer months are always really low product months for me.  I like to give my skin a break, especially in the heat, and layering on makeup when you're sweating can lead to some nasty breakouts. All that aside, I still have some goodies I've been loving this past month (sorry they're late).

1. Stila Lip Glaze in Apricot - In the summer I don't want to be applying anything too heavy on my lips because I'm usually not doing a 'full face' of makeup. I decided to give this little guys a go for just that reason. It gives you an amazing glossy finish and has the most gorgeous nude/pink color. It's my lip color but better. If you're in the market for an easy to apply lip product for days you just want a little extra something, this is worth a try. I'm definitely going to be trying out more of the lip glazes in the future. 

2. NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray - When I saw this I felt like the heavens were opening up. I've done a good amount of drug store beauty shopping and this was the first setting spray I've ever seen there. I knew I had to get it,and I have to say my expectations weren't that high. I'm a huge fan of the Urban Decay setting sprays, and I have gone through countless bottles of them. That being said, I have used this NYX one every single day since I got it. First of all, its about a 1/4 of the price of the Urban Decay ones, and its much easier to go to CVS on a regular basis than Sephora. But the product inside is really amazing. It keeps my make-up on all day and gives me a great dewy finish that I love. The only down side is that it does have a slight alcohol smell to it, but I haven't noticed any changes in my skin from it. Definitely a must have. 

3.The Body Shop's Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil - When I first got this I was a little hesitant. I know cleansing oils and balms are all the rage, but it seemed strange to me to rub oil on my skin and not break out. Once I tried this baby I was a complete convert. It is weird to rub oil on your face and no matter how much I use it I don't quite get used to it, but it really is a great product. I love the smell and its gentle on my skin while still managing to get all my makeup off. I used to be an avid make-up wipe user but I felt like they were drying out my skin and I was going through them really quickly. I've been using this oil every day for a month and I'm not even a quarter of the way through the bottle.

4. M.A.C. Bronzer in Refined Golden - This is an oldie but a goody. I don't usually like to use super shimmery products like this in the winter because I think they look a little too unnatural, but for the summer though, this is life. I use it to bronze and not to contour because it does have a gold shimmer. The orange/red undertones give your skin the most amazing bronzed goddess look. If you're super fair you probably won't love this product, but if you're slightly tan and even if your a deep olive complexion, you'll love this.

5. Maybelline Baby Lips in Quenched - Having a lip balm in my monthly favorites seems random I know, but it really is important to not only keep your lips hydrated, but protected from the sun. That's why I really love this one, it doesn't make your lips look overly glossy, and it doesn't have a really strong sunscreen smell. They have a bunch of different 'flavors' and colors, but my personal favorite is the clear one.

6. Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate - I'm always searching for a good eye cream, cause no matter how much I sleep, I can't seem to get rid of my dark circles, or at least I wasn't able to until I found this amazing product. I ordered some goodies from Nordstrom and they offered me some free deluxe samples and this was one of them. I was so surprised by how big the jar was that I got and I used it day and night for the entire month. Loving it is bitter sweet though because it does cost a whopping $85. I did completely love it, but I don't think I'll be repurchasing it anytime soon, just because that is much more than I can commit to for an eye cream.  If you are in the market for a high-end eye cream, this is definitely my number one recommendation because it really tightens and brightens the skin under the eyes.

7. Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream - This has been the only thing I've been using as a base on my skin all summer long. It goes on really light and gives a great amount of coverage for being a BB cream and not a foundation. It definitely does have a luminous finish so if you have oily skin or prefer a matte finish I would opt for the oil-free version. It also has SPF 15 which is an absolutely must for these sunny summer months! 

Beauty Favorites | February 2014

Before I get into the beauty products I've been loving this month, I wanted to let you all know that any products I mention can be found on my Luvocracy account for purchase. If you don't know about Luvocracy I would absolutely check it out. It's free to register and when you do you get an automatic 10$ credit, so you're essentially being paid for nothing. My January Beauty favorites are also available on my Luvocracy page, so go explore! Click here for goodies!

P.S. February wasn't a big make-up month for me, it was more about hair and skin care. <3

1. OPI Nail Laquer - 'Big Apple Red' 

I rocked this polish all month long. It's been one of my favorites for a few years now and every time February comes around I fall in love with it all over again. It is the PERFECT red, and to this day I haven't found another polish that even compares. If you don't have this in your collection you absolutely need it. I love it for my toes year round, and when I tell you its the best shade of red ever, I mean it. You only need two coats and you're  ready to go.

2. NuMe Pure Remedy Hair Mask

An one who knows me knows I am a HUGE fan of NuMe hair care products. I think they are absolutely the best and well worth the price. A while back I did a big haul and got a bunch of hair masks because I've been trying to get my hair nice and healthy so I can grow it out. This month I was addicted to this one. First and foremost, they all smell amazing, and they make such a huge difference. My hair is dry from begin colored so many times, and I have noticed such drastic improvement in my split ends, and the texture of my hair - it's incredible. I have fine hair, but I have a lot of it, so it's hard for me to find deep conditioners and masks that don't make it greasy, so when I got my hands on this bad boy I was in love. If you're trying to improve the quality and texture of your hair, seriously just splurge and get this.

3. Bath & Body Works 'Sleep Body Lotion' - Lavender Chamomile 

I have nothing but good things to say about this product. I am a HUGE Lavender fan, I can't get enough. This lotion smells better than anything I have ever experienced in my life. It is the perfect blend of Lavender and Chamomile. I lather myself up with this before bed and don't think I'll ever stop. The scent is just so relaxing and so luxurious. This specific scent is part of the 'Sleep' line at Bed Bath & Body works, and I believe their are either 2 or 3 other ones, so if you don't love Lavender the way I do, there are definitely other options to chose from

4. Bliss Body Butter - Lemon & Sage

This one is definitely a bit of a splurge. Bliss products are so amazing that when I saw this I had to get it. I'm always on the look out for good moisturizers because my skin gets really dry in the winter but is also really sensitive. I got my tube in a kit with 2 other scents and this one was the first one I tried. It was really moisturizing and the scent was just subtle enough where you don't smell like a lemon tree, but you get little hints of it. I think having body butter in a tube is an amazing idea because since my nails are long, dipping my finger into a jar is just a nightmare. Like I said I do have sensitive skin, and my skin was not irritated at all by this product. I highly recommend it.

5. Victoria's Secret Body Mist- Amber Romance

I got this as a present from my boyfriend's family in a set which was absolutely adorable. I have never really used any body products from Victoria's Secret before and was really pleasantly surprised with this one. I love it because it not only smells amazing, but it's low maintenance. its perfect for when you don't want to commit to an actual perfume, but you still want to smell good. I use it almost every single day, either before class or on my way to the gym. The scent lasts a relatively long time considering it's just a  body mist. I would definitely recumbent this to anyone who does want to splurge on perfume but wants to have a nice girly scent on a day to day basis.

6. Essential Elements Candle - Vanilla Sandalwood

At the beginning of the month I came down with a really bad cold and when I was in CVS getting some medicine I saw this baby and had to get it. I am a candle fiend. I love them so much, I quite literally can't live without them. There is constantly one burning in my room. This one smelled so amazing, and was so cheap I couldn't believe it. It's very very similar to the Bed Bath & Body Works one, however, I think it burns a lot quicker. The scent was perfect in that it wasn't over powering, but still made the whole room smell like vanilla goodness.

7. Pantene Overnight Miracle

This is another hair care product I was in love with this month. Like I said, I've been trying to get my hair to grow and be healthy, so on a whim I decided to pick this up at my local CVS. I've always been a fan of Pantene products but I wasn't really expecting any miracles. I was wrong. This little bottle is like nectar from the hair gods. I use two pumps on towel dried hair at night and concentrate in on my ends and move it up towards the roots. It doesn't way my hair down or make it greasy at all. It gives my hair a nice shine, and makes it feel so soft, I can't even believe it. Every girl should try this out, its a serious steal.

8. Urban Decay Naked2 Palette

This is an oldie but a goodie. Everyone and their mother seems to have this palette, and there is a reason- it's AMAZING. Urban Decay shadows are known for their blendability and pigmentation and the ones found in the Naked2 are no different. The array of colors are absolutely perfect for both girls who have huge make-up collections and girls who have small ones. The palette is so versatile, it lets you do so many different looks, day or night. It is a little pricy, but I think it is well worth the investment. The entire month of February I was obsessed. 

Beauty Favorites | January 2014

As January comes to an end, the time has come to tell you all about the amazing beauty products I've been loving this month! 'Monthly Favorite' videos are always my go-to when it comes to getting beauty advice on Youtube, so I thought I'd do my own little version here on my blog. Hopefully from this you can find some new favorites of your own ❤

1. Sephora Bronzing Powder
So once again when I went into Sephora for my huge haul at the beginning of the month I absolutely had to buy this bronzing powder. I initially went in to get the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil bronzer because I had heard so many good things about it. I wasn't really into the fact that it literally smelled like chocolate though. The lovely lady at Sephora recommended this product to me which was SO MUCH CHEAPER, and didn't smell like a candy bar - so of course I snatched it up. It was $17 compared to the $30 the Too Faced one, which makes a big difference. After using it all of this month I am so in love I don't know how I ever lived without it. It's supposed to be a dupe for the Too Faced, but since I haven't used that product all that much I can't really say whether or not that is true. I got the shade 'los cabos' which is a matte medium brown. There were so many options I was overwhelmed, but what I really like about this product was that it wasn't too dark or too light and because it was matte it is perfect for contouring. Like I said, I've been using it all month and I've barely made a dent in it. It is super pigmented and really blendable which is always a plus because you don't want your contour to be super harsh or muddy. Definitely something lighter skin girls should try out, especially in the Winter when you probably aren't as bronzed as you might be in the Summer. Plus, for $17 there's no excuse not to.


2. Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm
In general, I'm not a huge highlighter fanatic. I have a few, but could really just do with one or none at all. HOWEVER, this highlighter is like heaven. The Balm must have used magic fairies to make it because it is that amazing. It is extremely pigmented, and has just the right amount of shine. It feels like I'm never going to run out of it because you literally need the smallest amount to do the job. I use it to highlight the highest parts of my cheek bones and my cupids bow & the finish is phenomenal. If you do not have this product, literally stop reading this and order it right now. It has the perfect amount of nude and honey-hued gold shimmer to it so that it makes you look amazingly highlighted, and not like a disco ball. I got mine off of Amazon for $20, but it retails for $24 on The Balm's website. I really don't need to do a big shpeal on it - it's amazing, you need it in your life, go get it.


3. Clarisonic Mia 2
So I know I'm a little behind the trend but I really just never wanted to break down and invest in a product this pricy, especially since I've never really had problematic skin. However, I did end up getting it at the beginning of the month and I have to say, I am OBSESSED. First and foremost, yes, it is worth the price. Retailing a $150 at Sephora and on the Clarisonic website,  it is understandable why you aren't jumping at the opportunity to buy one, but it will truly change your life. What the Clarisonic does is penetrate deep into your pores to remove the dirt and oil, AND makeup, something your hands can't do. That being said, your skin will get worse before it gets better- do not panic, work through it. This happens because your skin is purging itself of all the impurities, allowing your best skin to shin through.There are five different brush heads available with the device, each for different things and skin types. Each Clarisonic Mia 2 comes with the sensitive brush head on it to start. I decided to buy the deep pore brush head and begin with that because I don't have sensitive skin and I really wanted the Clarisonic to get deep down in there. The brush heads retail for $25 each or 40$ for a pair, and need to be replaced roughly every three months. I decided to get the Mia 2 in the plain white color because I usually get bored of anything too vibrant or colorful after a few months, however, it does come in a variety of colors. Right now on Clarisonic.com they have a new limited edition collection called the 'Festival of Colors' collection, which features 4 different limited edition colors, so I would definitely recommend checking that out if you are a bright color lover. The main differences between the Mia 2 and the first Mia are the shape and speed features. The Mia 2 is smaller and more comfortable to hold and features two speeds, whereas the Mia has only one speed setting. Both are 100% waterproof which is a big plus if you want to use it in the shower and don't want to get electrocuted or anything. The Clarisonic can be used with any facial cleanser you want as long as it isn't an exfoliator (so whichever soap you use for your face is fine, I've been using the Clinique liquid facial soap). The Clarisonic works on a 60 second cycle, and I won't bore you with too many details, but you can go on the Clarisonic website to find out more about it if you do end up getting it. Unless you suffer from cystic acne, I would recommend this product to everyone. You truly do notice a difference in the quality of your skin and it really is worth all the hype. If you can manage to spare the money, go out and get one and try it for yourself. Clarisonic offers a 90-day money back guarantee so you can't really go wrong. And if any of you lovelies do end up getting it, please comment below and let me know if you have any questions and how your liking it.


4. Origins GinZing Eye Cream
I picked up this gem early in the month at Sephora, and you guessed it, I am OBSESSED. It retails for $30 which isn't too bad for an eye cream. I was torn between this one and getting one from Clinique since I already use so many of their products. I decided to go with this one because it really targeted the things I needed. The goal of the cream is to brighten and depuff - which means it will get rid of those pesky dark circles and bags. Because I'm barely 20 I wasn't too worried about getting an anti-aging eye cream just yet, but I had notice some dehydration lines under my eyes and this bad boy cleared those right up. This is the first Origins product I've ever really tried and I have to say I was super impressed. The smallest amount goes such a long way and for the price I think you get a lot of product. It doesn't feel greasy or sticky like a lot of eye creams I've used before and sits really nicely under my makeup. Unlike other eye creams or serums I've used in the past this one is meant for use in the AM, which I think makes sense, because it helps your eyes when you need it, as apposed to having your dark circles and bags vanish in your sleep. On the Origins website it says the product contains Caffeine from Coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and natural optic brighteners. These ingredients are supposed to 'wake up, refreshen and restore radiance to tired eyes.' I genuinely believe this product does everything it claims to. I'm obviously not paid by Origins to give them a good review, so if it wasn't worth the money I would let you guys know. But again, if you can, try this product out and let me know what you think :)



5. Nuance Renewed Radiance Moisturizing Day Cream
So I got like 10 samples of this cream at my local CVS and wasn't expecting much from it, but was once again pleasantly surprised. The Nuance brand is relatively new and was developed by actress Salma Hayek. The brand has literally every beauty product you can think of, from hair care, to make-up, nail polish, facial treatments, body creams - literally everything. The cream has SPF 30 in it but doesn't have that disgusting sunblock scent, which is really nice. Its thick, but doesn't feel like its clogging your pores by any means. It also has a bunch of yummy ingredients in it which are supposed to help the overall tone of your skin over time. Its sold at CVS online and in stores for $16.99 which is pretty reasonable. However, you don't get that much bang for your buck. My skin gets supper dry in the winter so I lather my face with cream like its no ones business - meaning I've gone through it relatively quickly. However, that being said, I've had trouble finding moisturizers that have sun protectant, but don't smell like it. All in all, for a drugstore skin care product, I think it does what it says it well, protects you from the sun, and smells nice and fresh, so its a winner in my book. If any of you have been using any day creams lately that you're in love with or recommend me trying, please let me know in the comments below!


6. L'Oréal True Match Lumi
Another thing I'm super late in trying, but what can you do. I actually picked this up one day on a whim when I got a little beauty happy in CVS. I do have to say it was one of the better impulse buys I've made in my life. I'm in the shade W4 - natural beige, which matches my skin PERFECTLY. L'Oréal really hit the nail on the head with this product. First and foremost, the True Match line has more color diversity than a lot of other lines I've seen at the drugstore which is really nice. Even for me, having 4 colors to choose from is not ideal. The whole idea behind the Lumi is that it is supposed to help improve the look of your skin while you wear it. I don't know any girl who would object to that. The one thing I really love about this product is the luminous finish. You read 'Lumi' in the name and it can either make you think your going to look super shiny or that it probably won't live up to the expectations. The product really gives you the perfectly balanced dewy finish. I have some dry patches on my skin and it didn't cling to them at all. I want to say this is a medium coverage foundation, but can definitely be built up to full if you want to. It was only $12.99 at my CVS and if you love make-up like I do, you know that is a steal for a good foundation. It is sold pretty much everywhere; Walgreens, Ulta, Target, etc. The only skin type that might not be in love with it are my oily skin girls. It is after all a luminous foundation, so if you are super oily, I'd stay away and go for something with more of a matté formula like the Revlon Colorstay Whipped. 


7. NuMe Arganics Argan Oil
Last, but certainly not least is Nume's Arganics Argan Oil. This product is nectar sent down from the hair gods to give us luscious locks. Seriously this product is AMAZING. That being said, it is super pricy. It goes for $59 on the NuME website, but it is worth every penny. Luckily, my wonderful boyfriend managed to snag me two during their huge black Friday sale, so thats how I got my hands on it. Right now NuMe is having a 50% off site-wide sale, including free shipping when you use the code 'justforyou' at checkout, so what better time to pick one up for yourself. I am the type of person who really doesn't mind spending money, but I hate wasting it. That being said I can honestly sit here and tell you that this is a really good investment, especially if you're either trying to to grow out your hair like I am, or you are regularly coloring it. NuMe is also constantly having awesome sales, and when you sign up for their emails you get something like $50 off of your first purchase. I have tried more hair oils that anyone I know, and this is the best of the best. It is moisturizing, but not heavy or greasy - it gets the job done the best way possible. So if you are able to spare the money, or your significant other is able to get it for you for valentine's day, DO IT!


8. Clinique Blushing Blush Powder
Anyone who knows me know my holy grail blush is Nars' Orgasm, but, I decided to switch it up this month and try something new. This blush was actually something I got as part of a gift with purchase ages ago, and I recently stumbled upon so I thought I should use it up before it gets lost again. The shade I've been using is 'Cupid' - a BEAUTIFUL pale, dusty pink. I really decided to use it because since I am a lot lighter than I am in the summer, the pink was just the perfect shade to make me look rosy, but not fake. The picture to the left is not the packaging mine came it, probably because Clinique changes their packaging every five minutes, but nonetheless, its great. In comparison to Orgasm, this one has significantly less sparkle, where the Orgasm has a greater mixture of bronzed gold. This blush would definitely not work for darker skin tones, just because of the fact that it is so sheer and subtle. That being said, if you are suffering from a pale winter like me, this is definitely something you should try. The pigmentation is great, and its extremely blendable and easy to work with. It retails for $21 on the Clinique website, but I think it is definitely worth trying out - who knows, it could be your new favorite blush!