September Favorites

DHC Lip Cream
I finally realized fragranced lip balms were only making my chapped lips worse. My lips respond really well to Lanolin - aka Nipple Cream. While you can get a large bottle for under $10, it just isn't ideal to tote around and apply on-the-go. I'm loving this lip cream - or balm, rather. I really appreciate the lipstick-like packaging and no fragrance. It leaves a nice sheen behind; my chapped lips have improved a lot. I hope this works well in the winter, too!

July & August Favorites

It's been a long time since I missed a monthly favorites post! The first week of August was pretty hectic for me; I never got around to sharing my July Favorites. I hope you don't mind this two-in-one! I've been really into minimal makeup lately. I'm sure it's a mixture of the heat and working from home.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care Stick SPF 15
I was looking for a really moisturizing lip balm with SPF to take on my vacation to Florida. This lip balm had glowing reviews. My lips have responded really well to this - probably because it doesn't have any fragrance additives! It doesn't taste or smell great, but I like the moisture it provides.

June Favorites

I discovered a few new-to-me products this month, and I've been really pleased with all of them.

Lancome Juicy Shaker in Piece of Cake
I purchased a few items from Sephora early in the month; this was the only item I ended up keeping. I thought this product was really gimmicky when I first saw it on social media. Not to mention, $22 seemed a bit steep for a glorified Lip Smackers product.

May Favorites

This month, I've been content with minimal makeup - so my favorites are really lacking.

I've been trying to find the perfect brow powder for awhile now. Most shades are always too red and I end up returning them. I discovered the Pixi By Petra Brow Powder Palette at the first of the month and I've been using it almost daily. I've been a huge fan of brow pencils for the longest time but powder looks so much more natural. I especially like how I can mix multiple shades to get the perfect match. Some days, this palette also doubles as an eyeshadow for me.

I've tried out a few highlighters over the past few months, but I always go back to BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Moonstone and wonder why I ever strayed away!

filled in brows & shimmering cheeks,
-Kaitlyn

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April Favorites

Dove Dry Spray Invisible Solid Antiperspirant in Clear Finish 
When I was a teenager, I remember trying a lot of spray-on deodorants. They never dried and I walked around the house with my arms in weird position. Sometimes, I even resorted to using a blow dryer on my armpits so I could put a shirt faster.

March Favorites

Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner
This toner has been on my wishlist for over a year. I saw it was in the Whole Foods Beauty Bag and I was super excited to finally try it out! I like how clean and refreshed it my makes my face feel.

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.

Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick
I raved about this last month. I'm still using this sheer, beautiful berry shade almost daily.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer in Light Sand
Is this product worth the hype? Absolutely! It was one of the most raved about products and out of stock for the longest time. I finally got my hands on one of the new shades. It's nearly a perfect match! Finding a yellow-toned concealer has always been a challenge for me. This concealer is full coverage and finishes beautifully. The size of this is nearly double drugstore wands - which definitely helps justify the higher price.

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.

Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick
I received this in my Sephora Play! Box this month. I was really afraid this was going to be a very dark, vampy shade. But it's actually more of a tinted balm. It's a beautiful berry shade. It's really easy to apply on-the-go. I've been wearing this almost every day since I received it!

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.

ColourPop Smoke n Whistles Cheek Shock Highlighter
I've owned this for awhile but I recently started reaching for it more around the holidays. This highlighter is SO shimmery. It's beautiful but I feel like it's too much for everyday wear. I like wearing it for night outings and special occasions. The texture is really neat - a bouncy cream that dries to a shimmery powder. If you want an extra shimmery highlighter, this is for you!

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.

Chella Tantalizing Taupe Eyebrow Color Pencil
I received this in my Birchbox. I assumed this was a sample - but it's actually full size; the product size is equivalent to ABH Brow Wiz. This taupe color matches me surprisingly well. The tiny, precise point is so easy to work with. I've been reaching for this over NYX Microbrow and ABH Brow Wiz.

CocoLuxe Organic Coconut Oil Squeeze Tube
I went on a cruise the week of Thanksgiving. I knew coconut oil had to come with me, but I had no idea how to safely travel with it. After a quick Google search, I discovered CocoLuxe. I'll admit $11.99 for 3.4oz is a total rip-off; (I'm used to purchasing 16oz for under $9.) The convenience of the squeeze tube and knowing it wasn't going to leak all in my suitcase was totally worth the price. (You can buy it here.)

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.

ColourPop Smoke N Whistles Super Shock Cheek
This formula is so unique - it's sort of bouncy; it's somewhat cream-like but dries to a powder. I really like how shimmery this highlight is. On the downside, the color is slightly too dark for me, I'll probably be back for a few more colors soon.

Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket Mascara
This is hands-down my favorite mascara of all-time. I strayed away from it for awhile (to use up some high-end beauty box samples). Every time I open a new tube, I can't believe I took a break from it.

September Favorites

Favorites posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

August Favorites

Favorites posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

July 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.

ELF Shape & Stay Brow Pencil
I mentioned this back in my March Favorites. I've still been really liking this product and using it almost daily. I've been growing out my brows, so instead of constantly plucking them, I've been relying on this to shape my brows.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator
I've been wanting a cream highlighter for awhile. When I found this in my PO box, I was over the moon. Most highlighters have a pink or orange undertone that doesn't really work for me. Luckily, this one is more of a pearly-yellow. I finally discovered the best way to apply this is just with your fingers; it melts onto the skin and gives a beautiful glow that stays almost all day long. (Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.) 

Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara
I received this in my July Birchbox. "Great, another mascara sample." was my first thought. But come to find out, I really like this mascara. It lengthens and curls, as it claims. If you're a fan of Benefit's Rollerlash, you'll really like this, as well.

Nivea A Kiss of Milk & Honey Lip Balm
In July, I started Invisalign - which means I had to say goodbye to most of my (tinted & glossy) lip products. (The clear trays stain really easily.) I resorted to an oldy but goody - this balm. I went and purchased a few more. This balm is now everywhere I need it: my purse, desk, and nightstand.

Ouai Wave Spray
I received this in my July Sephora Play! box. (For whatever reason, it arrived without a label.) This spray is great - it's lightweight and adds a lot of texture to get the beachy waves look. I really like the fresh scent, as well.

brow wax & wave spray,
-Kaitlyn

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June 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.

Batiste Strength & Shine Dry Shampoo
Target didn't have the Fresh scent that I really liked. So I purchased this scent on a whim; it's equally as good. Batiste shampoos work great at absorbing all oil and don't make your hair weighed down. I don't feel like this product adds loads of shine, as it claims. But I do really like the clean scent and fresh feel.

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium
I tried out Gimme Brow in Light and Dark over a year ago. Dark was too dark; light worked but needed to be a tad bit darker. I'm so glad Benefit finally came out with more shades in all of their brow products! Medium is exactly the shade I've been looking for. I've been very into minimal makeup lately, so this 2-in-1 (tamer & filler) tinted brow gel has been getting a lot of use! (Birchbox sample is photographed - the full size is slightly larger.)

Glossier Cherry Balm Dotcom Salve
I've been using Coconut Balm Dotcom for a few months. Glossier recently released a bunch of new scents, I liked the coconut one so much, I also bought it in cherry. The cherry balm smells like childhood - Lip Smackers. Unlike the coconut one, the cherry balm has slight coloring that gives the lips a beautiful rosy tint.

Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner
I've been having a lot of skin issues lately - like redness, bumps, and acne. A few different YouTubers raved about this. So I decided to give it a try. I've been applying this toner before bed all month and I've noticed my skin evening out again. It makes my skin feel very refreshed and clean.

shiny hair & cherry lips,
-Kaitlyn

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May 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.

Clarins Deodorant 
I never dreamed I would spend $19 on a deodorant, but it was well-worth it! This deodorant works great, smells nice (it reminds me of the plain Olay face lotion), and it doesn't leave any stains or residue in my clothes. 

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser 
I finally made a Glossier order! Firstly, I really like how Glossier is beauty blogger who made her own brand. I like how their products are cruelty-free and made in the USA. I really like how they're all about simplicity and the no-makeup-makeup look. 

I've starting double (triple?) cleansing - I'll get off most of my eye makeup with Bioderma, use some type of makeup wipe, then go over my whole face with this cleanser and water. My face feels so much cleaner. I like how you can use this with OR without water. The name is appropriate - it does feel like a milky-jelly cleanser. 

Glossier Coconut Balm Dot Calm
I do like this product - the primary ingredients are petroleum jelly and lanolin. I feel like you could get similar results with cheaper drugstore products. But I do like the extra oils, cute tube, and coconut scent. I liked this so much I ordered the Cherry scent just days ago. 

NYX Tame & Flame Pomade in Brunette 
My brows aren't doing so well right now; I'm trying really hard to let them grow out. This pomade helps a ton to fill in sparse areas and just look overall more presentable. If you want bolder brows, this gel-like paint is definitely the solution. 

Sinful Colors Vacation Time
I've been wanting a nude-pink-brown-mauve nail polish for awhile. I saw Tom Ford Mink Brule in an ad - it was the color I've been looking for. But I refuse to spend $35 on nail polish. That lead me to hunt for a dupe - I discovered OPI Java Mauve-A was pretty close. The shade had been discontinued and was selling for anywhere from $12 to $25 on eBay and Amazon. ($10 is my limit for OPI.) I was about to give up until I discovered a blog post that stated Sinful Colors Vacation Time was a dupe for Java Mauve-A... I immediately ran to Walgreens to purchase it. It was a lot of research and work, but I'm happy with this mauve shade for only $2! 

coconut lips & mauve nails,
-Kaitlyn 

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April 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.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet
This has been the best moisturizer I've tried to date. It's pricey at $39, but I think it's well worth it - especially if you spend Birchbox points on it. This moisturizer feels and smells so amazing. It's great on my normal-to-dry skin.

L. Erickson Grab & Go Pony Tube 
These ponytail holders are like acceptable (modern day) scrunchies. They keep my thick hair in-place without damaging my hair or leaving major creases. I received my first one in my Birchbox nearly a year ago. I panicked whenever it became a cat toy and decided to finally own more than one.

MAC Whirl Matte Lipstick
I've been eyeing this MAC lipstick for awhile. I gave one away in April, and I got one for myself to celebrate my blog turning six! This brown/mauve/my-lips-but-better shade would work on all skin types. I like applying a light sweep - it's build-able, too! I love the feel and smell of MAC lipsticks. It's been awhile since I've had a fresh tube!

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm
This is an excellent night time lip balm. This balm is very thick - but in a good way. It has a pleasant orange scent. I've already finished one pot in my last empties post. I decided to go ahead and purchase another. My first pot was $19, I'm happy to see the lowered the price to $15. (You can get this 20% off during beauty.com's upcoming Friends & Family sale.)

modern day scrunchies and orange lips,
-Kaitlyn

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March 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.

Spring always motivates me to try more new products and take even better care of my skin. I discovered a few great products this month:

ELF Shape & Stay Wax Brow Pencil
I purchased this on a total whim. I've been using brow gels for the past few years; I've never tried a wax pencil... I was missing out. This twist-up wax pencil is an excellent product for only $2. I'll brush my brows, run the wax pencil over them, then fill them in. I've noticed I'm using a lot less brow product now, too. This wax pencil doesn't necessary glue your brows like the gel; it comfortably keeps them in place.

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Honey Dip
Rock'n'Rose was my HG shade. I grabbed the shade Honey Dip during a Cyber Monday sale. I've been wearing this lip liner all month. It's slightly more natural looking than Rock'n'Rose. All of the Jordana liners are great for under $3. I really like how they're retractable, some higher-end liners still don't have that feature.

Nivea Invisible Roll on Deodorant
(WHY are Nivea deodorants not sold in the USA? I feel a little weird ordering deodorant online.) I really like the Pearl & Beauty deodorant. I decided to try out this one. Clinical deodorants work best for me but I'm really tired of them ruining all of my clothes. I switched to roll-on a few months ago, I find I have to apply it a few times a day but my clothes are in excellent shape - I guess it's a trade-off. This Invisible Black & White Deodorant smells a lot like fresh laundry/Woolite, which I'm definitely a fan of. I don't agree with the 48-hour claim, but I think it's a nice product.

Wet n Wild 1 Step Gel Nail Polish
I've turned into a nail polish snob... I've always thought drugstore nail polishes weren't all that. I prefer to purchase Zoya or OPI. Some Youtubers were raving about these 1 step gel polishes. I was intrigued and decided to give them a try. I purchased Left Marooned and Power Outage for 40% off at Rite Aid. After using them only twice, I really like them. They last just as long as my OPI/Zoya polishes.

Yes to Coconut Body Scrub
I've been on a coconut product kick lately. This scrub is meant to be used on dry skin. (This was a new concept to me; my past scrubs required water.) This scrub is very scratchy in a good way. It rinses away and doesn't leave any residue in the bath tub. My skin was left feeling so clean, soft, and refreshed.

wax pencils & Woolite deodorant,
-Kaitlyn

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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.

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:

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.

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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