Top 10 of 2016 | Year in Review

Holy cow... where did the year go, you guys?! I know people are loving hating on 2016, but while there were definitely lows, there were a lot of good times, too and I'm not going to poo-poo the whole year. Experiencing lows makes you grateful for the highs, ya know? This year my husband and I went to Hawaii, our son was born, we spent quality time with family and friends, and adjusted to being new parents. It's been a wildly fun ride, and I'm looking forward to 2017 with high hopes.

I always like to cap off the year with my list of stand out products, highlighting the things that I came back to again and again. Not all the products are new, but they're the things I like the most during the year. Check out 2015 and 2014's lists here. 

In no particular order, here are my top 10 beauty products of 2016.


1. Yes to Coconuts Facial Souffle Moisturizer (full review)

This moisturizer was fantastic. I clearly am not the only one who thought so, because it's always sold out at my local Target. It's moisturizing without being greasy and oily, the ingredients are good, and it never broke me out. It has a light coconut fragrance that doesn't smell synthetic. It's affordable and you get a lot of product for the price. Worth checking out!

2. L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation (See Favorites)

 This foundation worked its way up to my top 5 favorite foundations. When applied with a damp beautyblender, it gives full coverage that isn't cakey and it lasts all day long. I wear the lightest shade, Classic Ivory 101, but there are 12 total shades to choose from and they can be found at the drugstore. For under $15, this foundation is one you've got to try if you're a full coverage foundation kind of girl.

3. Covergirl In Full Bloom mascara (see Favorites) 

I did not expect to fall in love with this mascara. I bought it at Big Lots and tried it on a whim, and it was a grower. I realized one day how much I loved the way my lashes looked. They looked full like I was wearing fake lashes, but natural all at the same time. It's cheap and found at the drugstore, and it's really the perfect mascara for those who want drama OR those who want to keep it simple. It's a buildable formula, great for whatever your lash preference may be. 

4. Tarte Tarteist Clay Paint eyeliner (see Full Review)

I'm a bold, matte black eyeliner kind of girl. I don't mess around with natural browns, or funky colors.... I want it black and bold. That's it. I had a feeling that I would love the Tarteist eyeliner when it first came out, and I was right. It's everything I love in an eyeliner. It's easy to work with, dries down bold and matte, and it's super black. It's on the pricier end, but one tube will last you ages. 

5. Benefit Gimme Brow

I can't believe I haven't talked about this on my blog, save for an empties post. This is my go-to foolproof eyebrow product. It's quick, you just brush it on, and it adds volume (fibers) and tint to your lashes. It's faster than drawing them in with a liner, and it looks natural. It's a higher end, pricier product, but I will buy it again and again because it's that good.

6. Milani Brow Shaping Gel

This brow product has become a staple of mine on days when I use brow powder or liner. It's a clear gel that rivals the much beloved Anastasia brow gel. It doesn't make your brows crusty, it just holds them nicely in place. It's affordable and a quality product. 

7. Elizabeth & James Nirvana Bourbon perfume (see Full Review)

Oh lordy lordy, you guys already know my love for all of the Elizabeth & James perfumes. When two new scents were launched this fall, I bought both immediately without ever laying my nose to them, and I regretted nothing. I love both scents, but Nirvana Bourbon I loved just a little bit more. It's smoky, musky, woodsy and sexy. A fabulous autumn evening scent. These perfumes are Sephora exclusives and are relatively affordable for quality, lasting fragrances.

8. beautyblender

The beautyblender totally changed my makeup game. It applies foundation like a dream, removing all cakeyness and blending effortlessly. There are no alternatives that work like the beautyblender, and I have no idea why. There's something unique about the beautyblender, it doesn't soak up all your foundation the way most other sponges do. It stays on the surface and blends it in to your skin. I never thought I'd spend $20 on a freakin' makeup sponge, but I've done it many a time now and I won't be without one. 

9. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation (see Full Review)

I really need to do an updated review of this, but this foundation has made every single yearly favorites. It's my go-to and it works like a charm on my skin. I have heard from others that if you have dry skin, this isn't for you, but I have pretty normal, combo skin that loves this stuff. It has full coverage without looking like I'm wearing tons of foundation. It lasts all day and doesn't rub off when I touch my skin. It costs under $10 and is easily found at any drugstore. I absolutely love it. 

10. LaVanila The Healthy Deodorant

I don't use anti-perspirants. I've gone the natural deodorant route, and I've tried so many in the quest to find one that works for me. After much trial, I'm completely decided that LaVanila is the one for me. Every scent I've tried, I loved. Now - be warned - what works for me may not be the miracle for you; natural deodorants are very subjective and what works varies widely from person to person. LaVanila isn't the cheapest natural deodorant, but I often buy them around the holidays when value sets are sold and I get enough to last the year. If you're in the market for a natural deodorant, I'd recommend trying LaVanila.


Cheers to 2017 and I wish you all a very happy 2017!

November Empties | #32

I used up a crap ton of things this past month - to the point where my bag was nearly overflowing. Dang, it feels good to get through my backstock of stuff! Can anyone else relate?!

I love empties posts because they're a super efficient way of knocking out a ton of mini reviews all at once, and heck - once you've used the ENTIRE product, it's safe to say you know whether or not you'd buy it again and why. So, read below for a speed dating style review of everything I finished up in November.

• Dr. Clear Magic Toner (would repurchase) - I got this ages ago in a MEMEBOX, and it was decent. It wasn't anything magical. It's supposed to balance the skin and help combat oil. I don't have really oily skin, but I do think it helped managed the spots that do produce more oil on my face.

• Origins Modern Friction (would not repurchase) - I hated this face scrub. It's creamy and has little scrubby balls in it that just aren't scrubby enough. It burned every time the tiniest bit got on the very outer part of the inside of my nose, and my skin had some weird reaction to it that made my neck itchy for a few minutes after I was out of the shower. Not worth the price. It might work for you, but it is not a face scrub that works for me. 

• Epice Purifying Exfoliant (would repurchase) - On the other side, I adored this face scrub. It had very fine, almost sand-like, exfoliant in it and it made my skin feel so soft and clean after using it. I have no idea if this is mega expensive or not, but I would consider buying a full size in the future. 

• DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew (would repurchase) - I love this moisturizer. It's light but moisturizing and it doesn't break me out. If I'm remembering correctly, a full size of this is stupidly expensive, but I would consider buying it in the future. 

• Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Hand Cream in Be Joyful (would repurchase) - This is such a luxurious hand cream, I'd love to have a big size - especially for winter. The Be Joyful scent was pleasant and not too overpowering. Overall, super nice and worth the couple extra bucks for the brand name.

• Gold Bond Healing Aloe Lotion (would not repurchase) - Wasn't a big fan of this. I used it for my hands and it just felt like it created a layer of lotion on my skin that didn't really do anything. 

• Laura Mercier Body Souffle in Tarte Au Citron (would repurchase) - These body souffles are so decadent and mega-scented. You can't wear perfume over them, which might be a perk if you want to smell good but don't want to layer lotion and perfume. If you like sweet bakery scents, this would be up your alley. It moisturizes really well and left my skin feeling silky smooth. A full size jar ain't cheap though, so keep that in mind if you're watching your wallet. 

Can you tell I'm trying to get through my endless amount of samples?

• Garnier Balancing Daily Exfoliator (would repurchase) - I didn't expect to like this all that much, but it surprised me and I really enjoyed using it. My skin looked brighter and felt really clean after using it. I'd definitely considering purchasing this at some point.
• Biore Charcoal Pore Strips (would not repurchase) - These are shit. They leave sticky black crap all over your nose when you take the strip off. And let's be real - these are actually damaging to your skin. Combat blackheads and clogged pores a different way than Biore strips, people. Not worth it. 

• Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask (would repurchase) - This was a nice mask. It looked like I was inappropriately trying to pull of blackface makeup, but aside from that it felt nice and made my skin feel clean. 

• Yves Rocher Elixer 7.9 (would not repurchase) - Fairly certain this day cream broke me out. Yves Rocher products are really cheap, and I'm sure the cheap ingredients didn't do anything good for my skin.

• Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlighter (would repurchase) - This was a super pretty cream highlighter that gave a natural glow. It looked amazing in both low light and sun light. I'm not usually one to use cream highlighters, but this made me consider changing that about myself. 

• Matrix Play Back Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) - I did a blog post on this line from Matrix this summer, and while this was OK, I wouldn't bother getting it again. I have others I like better for less money. 

• Redken Extreme Anti-Snap (would not repurchase) - I like the idea of a product like this - one that helps prevent hair breakage and split ends, but unfortunately it just didn't do anything for me. 

• Pantene Ultimate 10 BB Conditioner (would not repurchase) - I'm not 100% sure, but I think this product weighed my hair down. I only put conditioner in my hair from my ears down, and yet, it seemed like my hair got greasy really fast and was limp and flat when I used this. It's cheap, and you really get what you pay for here. 

• Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Repair Treatment (would repurchase) - This was a nice deep conditioner. I don't have color-treated hair, but I can still use the nourishment that products like this provide. It smelled nice and made my hair feel good. Full review here.

• Sunstar Gum Mint Waxed Floss (would not repurchase) - I keep these little minis from the dentist in my desk at work for desperate flossing needs. This stuff is fine, but it's not the best floss. I wouldn't buy it in a full size.

• Lush Creme Anglaise (would repurchase) - This is my favorite Lush lotion of all time and it's discontinued. I've been nursing this little sample for way too long while I wait for it to someday pop up on the Lush Kitchen site and I can buy a few tubs of it. RIP Creme Anglaise, the most decadent, deliciously-scented, soft-skin-inducing lotion of life. 

• Prada Candy (would not purchase) - This is kind of a cult scent, but it's nothing special and definitely not something I need a full size of. It's very sweet with hints of musk, so it's actually quite mature despite how sweet it is. It doesn't smell bad, but I prefer more unique scents than this. I don't like to smell like every other woman, and this is kind of one of those perfumes.

• Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant Creme (would repurchase) - Long long ago, Bella Organics sent me a sample of their deodorant to test and review. I absolutely adored it (I wasn't paid to say that either!) I bought a 3 pack on Zulily and this was my last of them. This is a natural deodorant that really does mesh well with my body type, keeping me smelling good even on hot and humid days. It is annoying you have to dig it out and apply it with your hands, but it works so well that I'm over that already. The Vanilla Mint is my favorite scent that I've tried. Full review here. 

• Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion (would not repurchase) - Hello old packaging! Can you tell it's time to get rid of this? I did use most of it, but it's time to say goodbye. I know people rant and rave over this stuff, but it's not one of my favorite eyeshadow primers. I've found way better than this, especially for oily eyelids. 

• Pacifica Alight BB Cream (would not repurchase) - This stuff is way too shimmery and light for my taste. I ended up mixing this in with foundation for a glow and it was OK for that purpose, but I most certainly don't need a full size of this.

• Up & Up Latex-Free Foam Wedges (would repurchase) - Let's be real, these are the original BeautyBlender. I still love using these with certain foundations and I always have some on backup. I always get latex-free so I don't smell like a doctor office.

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - You already know I love these. I use them for toner, eye makeup remover, cleaning my brushes, nail polish remover... you name it. I buy them in bulk from Costco so I'm never without a pack when I use a sleeve up. 

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture (would not repurchase) - This is such a throwback product. I used to use this in high school, but have strayed away from it. I just don't like it anymore. It smells like sunscreen and I think it breaks my skin out. 

• Wet n Wild Mega Liner (would repurchase) - This has been a long time favorite of mine, but Wet n Wild went and reformulated and repackaged this product and it just isn't the same, I'm told. I bought a bunch when they got clearanced off the shelves and I'm sadly working my way through them now. 

• Milani Brow Shaping Clear Gel (would repurchase) - This is an awesome drug store brow gel. It has a small brush and applies easily. It'll hold brows in place without making them feel crunchy. I find it comparable to the beloved Anatasia Brow Gel. 

• Dior Diorshow Mascara (would not repurchase) - This was a pretty good little sample. It made my lashes look long and full, and the mascara itself actually smells good (weird, I know) but it's expensive and there was just something about it that I didn't love but I can't put my finger on it.  I wouldn't buy a full size tube.

• Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer in Citron-Eucalyptus (would repurchase) - I like these, especially in spring and summer when I do a lot of walking and I want to give my feet a good scrub. I didn't like this scent as much as their lavender one, but it worked fine and you get way more than 12 washes like it states. 

• Q-Tips Precision Tips (would repurchase) - I always have these in my vanity drawer. The precision point is nice because you can easily remove stray makeup, an oops with eyeliner, or what have you. 

• Deep Steep Apple Spice Hand Wash (would repurchase) - I love me some Deep Steep hand washes. They're natural and they typically release some good seasonal scents like this one. The Apple Spice scent was perfect for fall. 

• Mrs. Meyers Apple Cider Hand Soap (would repurchase) - I loved this seasonal Mrs. Meyers soap. I also loved the fall colored packaging. I hope they release this again next fall. 

• B&BW Wasabi Apple candle (would repurchase) - This is an older B&BW scent from a couple years back, but it smelled delicious. Let's be clear - I hate wasabi in my food, but the B&BW version mixed with apple was heavenly! 

What have you used up this month? Let me know in the comments! 

February Empties | #23

February wasn't a very exciting month of using things up, and because it was a shorter month, I feel like I don't have much now but I have a WHOLE bunch of stuff that's nearly empty. March will probably be jam packed with goodies. Here's what I used up in February and my two cents on each product. 

• Suave Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion (would repurchase) - This stuff reeks like tanning lotion, but it gives a really nice color and it builds fast. It's also ridiculously cheap. I didn't quite finish this bottle, it expired before self-tanning season, but I'll definitely get some more for summer.

• glonaturals essentials SPF 30 sunscreen (would repurchase) - This is a Vitacost house brand (Vitacost.com is the best website ever with all sorts of healthy and natural products at a better price than in-store). I like this lotion because it isn't super sticky and it kept me from burning.

• Honest Company SPF 30 Sunscreen (would not repurchase) - This stuff is mega greasy. You will look oiled from head to toe. It's fine for a beach day, but it's not something you want to be covered in if you're just headed out to a ball game or something.

• Davines LOVE Conditioner (would repurchase) - This smelled nice and made my hair feel soft. I do know it's kind of a pricey product, but if I saw it for a good price, I'd snatch it up in a full size.

• Equate Latex-Free Applicator Wedges (would repurchase) - Wedges are still my go-to way to put on foundation. I think they help keep acne at bay because they're one time use only. I'll always have a bag of these in my stash.

• Ken Paves Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - These smelled really good, kind of herbal and reminiscent of certain Aveda products. They made my hair so soft and shiny. I'd definitely pick up a full size of these. 

• Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief eye drops (would repurchase) - This spilled all over the bottom of my purse, sadly, but they were good while they lasted. I'm prone to red eyes, so I always keep a bottle of these on hand. 

• Milani Brow Shaping Gel (would repurchase) - This is probably one of my top 3 favorite brow gels. I get it on Amazon for under $10 and it lasts me a solid few months and keeps my eyebrows from being wonky. 

• Dr. Brandt Pores No More pore refiner (would not repurchase) - I've been trying to make my way through the tons of mini primer samples I have, and I started with this one. It does a good job of making your skin look flawless, but I just don't *need* to have it on hand so I wouldn't buy it if I saw it.

• Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste (would repurchase) - I've got a million of these little travel sizes. I like this toothpaste, and I'd purchase it in a full size.

• Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - This stuff works awesome to get tricky waterproof eye makeup off easily. It's cheaper than name brands but works exactly the same. 

• Weleda Oat Replenishing Treatment (would repurchase) - This smelled amazing, very herbal and sort of Aveda-like. It's super thick, like spreading lotion in to your hair, but it leaves hair soft and conditioned. A nice option for a more natural deep conditioner.

• Kiss My Face Triple Action Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - I wasn't a big fan of this toothpaste. It didn't foam up well and it never left my mouth feeling particularly clean. 

• Bella Organics Iced Lemonade deodorant creme (would repurchase) - I did a review on Bella Organics deodorants back in the day, and I ended up buying a 3 pack of the full sizes when they were on Zulily this past summer. I like these natural deodorants a lot. Read the full review for more info. 

• Sephora Organic Cotton facial pads (would not repurchase) - These are overpriced and are far too flimsy. I didn't enjoy using these up and I won't buy them again. 

• Q-Tips Precision Tips (would repurchase) - I loooove these Q-tips. The ends are finer so you can easily remove any messed up eyeliner (what I use them for) or  nail polish. They work great.

• Skinfix Ultra Rich Body Butter (would not repurchase) - I used this on my hands at night before bed. I had realllly dry hands through much of this winter and even this stuff couldn't really save them. It would work if you need medium-intense hydration, but it won't give you mega hydration. 

• Lush Let the Good Times Roll cleanser (would repurchase) - This cleanser for face or body, I used it for face, smells like a cookie and has nice natural grit to exfoliate the skin. My husband wasn't a fan, but I definitely am. 

• Flowerbomb perfume (would repurchase) - I have a full size of this but I used this little mini up. This is the perfume I wore on my wedding day, so it has all sorts of good nostalgia tied to it. 

• Marchesa Parfum Dextase (would not repurchase) - This was wayyyy to much for me. It's strong on the hydrangea/floral notes and just isn't my style.

• Thierry Mugler Alien Perfume (would repurchase) - I love this scent so much. It's warm and inviting and really good for the colder months. I got a rollerball size for Christmas so I don't have to keep hoarding these mini samples anymore. 

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know! 

Empties #13

Just to recap from last time - I'm getting even better about not buying things and getting through my stash. This post is proof because I've got a LOT to show you. Of course, I still grab up the things I find on a killer deal, but I can't even tell you the last time I bought something like a new palette! Little victories.....

Here's all the stuff I've finally used up and purged out of my stash. The reason I've continued to do these posts (13 to be exact!) is that once I've finished up a product, I know certainly whether or not I would purchase something again, or whether I think it's worth recommending you try. So, here we go! 

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Spray (would repurchase) - This detangler spray is a Birchbox exclusive, so you can only purchase it at Birchbox.com, but girl -- you need to. This stuff is probably my favorite detangler ever. It really works out those stubborn tangles while providing your hair with a whole mish mash of other benefits like heat protections, shine maximization, UV protection and more! Plus it's paraben and sulfate free. 

Kiss My Face 4 in 1 Moisture Shave in Cool Mint (might repurchase) - This wasn't my favorite shave cream, but it wasn't bad by any means. I like that it's formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, artificial flavors and fragrances, plus it has vegan friendly ingredients, and is cruelty free. My legs are really sensitive and are prone to razor bumps when I shave, and this didn't prevent them from getting itchy after shaving, but I can't hate because of how good the ingredients are. I can handle a little itch until I'm out of the shower.

Paula's Choice Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel (would repurchase) - If you're in to products created using healthy ingredients, Paula's Choice is where it's freaking at. This was a very basic cleanser, formulated with 99% natural ingredients, that left my skin feeling clean without stripping it of natural oils. This cleanser is recommended for babies it's so gentle, as well as people with super sensitive skin and those suffering from eczema. I have neither, but I love a gentle, natural cleanser. A+ product!

Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong Rinse Off Treatment (would not repurchase) - I don't even think this hair treatment is sold anymore. I can see why, because it literally did nothing for my hair. This was about as strengthening and nourishing as a basic conditioner, it was nothing special as a once-a-week treatment. 

Sonia Kashuk Red Promisia Hand Creme (would not repurchase) - Holy smelly, Batman! This stuff is seriously fragranced, smelling strongly of sandalwood, vanilla and jasmine. You could and should bypass perfume if you're going to use this as your daytime lotion or hand creme. I used this at night because it was way too strong and I prefer to use perfume in the daytime and I like my hand cremes to be minimally fragranced. It was hydrating but nothing special. 

Aveda Hand Relief (would repurchase) - On the flip side, this hand creme is one of my holy grails. This version smells like lemon pie and is super duper hydrating. If you have really dry hands, this will be your savior. It makes your hands greasy for a tiny bit but then it soaks in and works moisturizing magic.

Calgon Royal Rendezvouz Velvet Body Cream (would repurchase) - I used this as a body lotion each morning, and it was nice but nothing special. It was lightly hydrating and it smelled fresh, kind of like a shampoo or hair spray. The scent did last for a long time, but I didn't find that it interfered with my perfume. 

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Moisturizer (would repurchase) - I'm a huge fan of Soap & Glory products because literally everything they make smells amazing. The Righteous Butter has a nice feminine scent, characterized by bergamot, peach, vanilla and sandalwood. These body moisturizers are ridiculously hydrating without leaving your skin greasy. Side note, Soap & Glory has been pulled out of Sephora stores and is making a move to Walgreens - hip hip hooray! Hopefully this means prices go down just a smidge (even though they're not bad to begin with)! 

Tom's Aluminum-Free Deodorant in Wild Lavender (would not repurchase) - I got this deodorant in a PinchMe box for free, and I'm glad I didn't purchase it. This stuff irritated my armpits at times, and didn't keep me dry (not that it promises to) or smelling particularly great on warm or stressful days. I've used way better natural deodorants before so I won't be buying this again. 

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner (would repurchase) - I purchased this travel size to take on trips with me, and I got quite a few uses. It made my hair feel soft and it smelled nice. 

Martha Stewart Essentials Hair, Skin & Nails Vitamins (would repurchase) - I always take some form of biotin, primarily to keep my nails strong as I'm prone to brittle, easy-to-break nails, and I got this when it was on sale. These were nice, they did the job, and they're vegetarian capsules which is an added and necessary bonus for me!

Yes to Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask (would repurchase) - Unfortunately this wasn't used up entirely, but it dried out on me and started to smell funky. I liked this mask, it wasn't a godsend, but I do think it helped my skin continue to clear. It's affordable and worth a shot if you have problem skin. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent (would repurchase) - This used to be a holy grail powder for me, but lately I've come to like powders that are truly translucent, and I've found some others that I like more than this. However, if you're an oily skinned gal, this will keep you matte all day, and it costs under $5 which is awesome. 

Finley Grace Wickless Soy Candle in Hot Apple Pie (would not repurchase) - All this is is a solid soy room freshener. It had literally no scent throw so in order to smell it your nose had to be pressed against the freshener. If I didn't have a million wax tarts to use, I'd cut this out and put it in my warmer, but I just don't care enough. 

Lush Lip Scrub in Mint Julips (would repurchase) - Sometimes you just need to exfoliate your lips, especially before putting on a pigmented lipstick. I like these Lush ones because they're made with sugar and (even though it sounds disgusting) you can just lick them off after you scrub your lips. Mint Julips smelled and tasted minty and I enjoyed using it. I bought the Santa's Lip Scrub when this ran out, but I'd get this flavor again.

St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Tanning Mitt (would repurchase) - Nothing much to talk about here. I used this mitt to apply self-tanner and it worked nicely. It didn't rip and it didn't leave me streaky.

Shiseido Facial Cotton (would repurchase) - I've heard everyone and their mom rave about these cotton pads and I always wondered how anyone could be crazy about freaking cotton pads. I wasn't blown away immediately, but after going back to regular cotton rounds, I totally miss using these fancy ones. They're big enough to wipe all my makeup off with a cleanser and they don't fall apart. I'm a fan. 

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - These are the boring regular cotton rounds I was referring to. I got a big box of these at Costco and I have a many more tubes to use. I've gotten more in to micellar waters and I'd like a bigger cotton round to use instead of these small ones, so once these are gone, I'll probably only use these size to remove my eye makeup.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes (would repurchase) - Another Costco purchase, I got three packs of these on a whim. Turns out I really like using them. They have a nice pleasant scent, they're super moist and they get all my makeup off. 

Up & Up Cosmetic Wedges (would repurchase) - Call me old school, but my favorite way to apply my foundation is still a good old cosmetic wedge. I always get latex-free because I hate the smell of latex. I'll continue to buy these.

Nature's Bees Natural & Organic Lip Balm (would repurchase) - I picked this up at the checkout counter of Big Lots one day and then proceeded to fall head over heels in love with this balm. It doesn't have much of a scent, but it's so hydrating and comfortable on the lips. Sadly, Big Lots closed in my town, but I went to one elsewhere and picked up 2 more of these because I can't find them online anywhere! 

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation (would repurchase) - Holy grail foundation. My favorite ever. I did a full review on this here. 

Sally Hansen Dry & Go Drops (would repurchase) - I got these way back in an old Allure Beauty Box and used them, but they aren't really something I would have thought to buy for myself. It sort of felt like oil drops on my nails, and I think it did help speed up the dry time of my nail polish. 

Laura Geller Spackle Primer in Bronze (would not repurchase) - I didn't finish this completely, but it's super old, from one of my first Birchboxes. I didn't notice this keeping my makeup put any longer than normal or doing anything wonderful for my skin. 

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in Ivory (would not repurchase) - I don't use this alone, I actually mix it in with my Covergirl 3-in-1 foundation when I want a more natural or dewy look. It's a bit too slippery on me to use this foundation alone. I did a full review of this here. 

StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles (would repurchase) - I have fine lines under my eyes and when I used this, I felt like they were less noticeable. I would totally get this again for upkeep and prevention.  

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner (would repurchase) - This was a nice eyeliner. It had a thin, long tip and was easy to apply. 

Almay Liquid Eyeliner Pen (would not repurchase) - This finished too shiny for my taste, plus the tip was far too thick for my liking. 

Maybelline Great Lash in Clear (would repurchase) - I use this to set my brows. It works like a charm and it's cheaper than many brow gels. 

Sephora Transparent Brow Gel (would not repurchase) - Tried this out on a whim and hated it. It dried sticky and sometimes white. Absolutely awful stuff - I should have read the reviews before buying or I could have saved myself the $5!

OPI Avojuice in Mango (would not repurchase) - Avojuices used to be my favorite lotions, but I've come around and changed my mind. They do a good job at temporarily hydrating my hands, but they don't do any major work. I have other hand creams I prefer more now. 

B&BW PocketBac in Strawberry Hibiscus (would repurchase) - There's always one of these in my empties. I use them before applying my makeup to kill any germs on my hands. This one smelled nice and the packaging is cute! 

Visine Advanced Redness + Irritation Relief (would repurchase) - I'm so prone to having red eyes, and this stuff does the trick to knock redness out. I didn't quite finish these, but they expired and I don't mess around with eye products and expiration dates.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish (would repurchase) - I got this little sample from Sephora and really enjoyed it. It's quite scrubby and feels like sand. It made my skin feel soft and exfoliated. I'm sure a full size is quite pricey, but if I saw it for cheap, I'd consider buying it. 

Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil (would repurchase) - I used this sample as an overnight treatment for my hair, prior to a hair wash day. It smelled really nice and left my hair feeling smooth. 

Cosmedicine Primary Care Multi-Tasking Moisturizer (would repurchase) - This was a fragrance-free, no-nonsense moisturizer with SPF 20. It was lightweight and worked nicely under makeup.

Keomi Skincare Luscious Lavender Soap (would repurchase) - I love these Keomi soaps and the lavender scent smelled really good. It lathered nicely and made my skin feel clean but not stripped. I did a whole review of these soaps here. 

100% Pure Green Apple Nourishing Body Cream (would repurchase) - I used this sample as a hand cream and it worked well. It wasn't greasy, and it smelled just like you'd expect green apples to. I love that this lotion is 100% natural and vegan. 

Vanedo Beauty Friends Pearl Sheet Mask (would repurchase) - For my birthday, my husband got me a set of various Vanedo sheet masks. The pearl mask left my face soft but I didn't notice any major improvements. I just enjoy a good sheet mask for relaxation and pampering. 

Up & Up Luminous White Whitening Wraps (would repurchase) - Stay tuned, I'm going to do a full review on these soon so I don't want to give anything away. :)

Johnson & Johnson Soft Woven Mint Floss (would repurchase) - I love flossing my teeth, and the woven floss is my absolute favorite. It gets every speck of junk out of my teeth and it doesn't hurt.

GUM Butlerweave Mint Waxed Floss (would not repurchase) - I get these little floss samples from the dentist and I keep them in my desk at work for use whenever I need it. It's fine, but again, I prefer the woven kind.

Jason Powersmile Antiplaque & Whitening toothpaste in Powerful Peppermint (would repurchase) - Jason toothpastes are some of my favorite natural toothpastes. They're fluoride-free (google why fluoride is bad for you if you're curious why I prefer toothpastes without it) but they do a really nice job of cleaning my teeth. This flavor was nice and fresh.

B&BW Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut candle (would repurchase) - This candle smells divine. My best friend went and bought herself a bunch of these candles after smelling it burning in my house. That's how epic this smell is. You can still buy this in large and small sizes, but I do believe the mason jar size isn't available right now. 

Yankee Candle Pink Blush Candle (would not repurchase) - This wasn't a bad scent, but it just isn't something I need again. It's a floral scent with a hint of powder. 

B&BW Flowering Dogwood Candle (would repurchase) - This is ages old and I don't think B&BW even carries this scent anymore. This smells just like Flowerbomb perfume. It's heavenly. 


Uff da! That's it. Have you tried any of these products? Let me know! 

Styled Wedding Photoshoot | What's On My Face

Photo by Amy Nguyen Photos

A few weeks ago I alluded to doing a styled photoshoot for Amy Nguyen photos - a talented local photographer who took a chance on me and asked if my husband Jake and I wouldn't mind sitting for some photos so she could try out some new poses and pictures. I jumped at the chance because I love her work and Jake and I didn't have any recent professional photos together - and well, let's just say I am in freaking love with what she did. 

Seriously, if you're in southern Minnesota and in need of beautiful photos, Amy is your girl. She is bursting full of talent and I'm convinced she's not capable of taking a bad picture. Go call her right now!!!

Photo by Amy Nguyen Photos

I hadn't ever done my own makeup for a professional photoshoot before, so I was excited to get the chance... and when I saw the photos, I was shocked to find out it didn't look like a 12 year old using makeup for the first time did it. And because that's rather exciting, I thought I'd share what I used to achieve the look. Let me tell you - it's easy peasy. 

• Primer: I started off by using a SPF-free moisturizer (this DDF moisturizer from a past Birchbox -- not pictured) so that no white-cast appeared on my face when photographed. Then to prime my face and erase the sign of visible pores, I used Benefit's Porefessional. I applied this to the areas of my face that have the most unsightly pores, mostly in my T-zone. 

• Foundation & Powder: Using a damp beauty blender, I then applied my holy grail Covergirl 3-in-1 foundation (full review here) all over my face using dabbing motions. The damp beauty blender provides a very natural full-coverage with a dewy glow. To set the foundation, I used my NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Face Powder in Translucent, which is very finely-milled and provides a soft coverage without adding color or looking cakey. It's also super cheap (under $5!) which is awesome if you're on a budget.

• Eyes: I first began by priming my eyes with the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Nude Pink (full review here). It not only makes a good base that holds the shadow all day, but it erases any discoloration or veins that show through in my eye area. I defined my crease using NYX's True Taupe eyeshadow, and then used one of my favorite eyeshdows -Avon's Frothy Mocha, a cream eyeshadow, all over my lid. I created a cat-eye eyeliner look using the Milani Eye-Tech Extreme eyeliner pen in Blackest Black. I used a coat of Tarte's Lights Camera Lashes mascara, and then applied false lashes, and applied one more coat to bind my lashes to the falsies. (Because what's a photoshoot without falsies - am I right?!)

• Cheeks: To define my cheek bones and contour my face, I used one of my favorite bronzers - the Milk Chocolate Soleil bronzer by Too Faced. I used this in the hollows of my cheeks, up around my hair line, and along my jaw line.  To give me a glow from within, I used Covergirl TruBlend Minerals blush in Shimmering Sands. This is more of a pink highlighter than a blush on me, so I used it to highlight. I then applied the NYX Blush in Peach starting on the apples of my cheeks and blending up for a bit of color. 

• Lips: I had to pull out one of my favorite MAC lipsticks for this - it's natural, yet still makes a statement. I'm talking about MAC's Creme de la Femme. Over top, I applied the Bonnebell liplite in Strawberry Parfait.

• Brows: The NYX eyeshadow in True Taupe worked double-duty, as I used it on my eyes, and then again to fill in my brows. This color is perfect for sculpting out the brows while still maintaining a natural look. To seal them, I applied the clear Maybelline Great Lash over top. This is such a simple step but it really pulls together the face to have defined brows.

And wa-lah! That's how you create the look. It's super simple but still holds up to the test of a camera! 

Here's a couple bonus pictures just for fun. And Amy, if you're reading - Thank you SO SO much for these awesome photos!

Photo by Amy Nguyen Photos

Photo by Amy Nguyen Photos