March Favorites | 2015

Can you believe it's April already? I have no words to describe how great March was for me. Well ok, let me try. Amazing. Incredible. Life changing. Between my brother turing 24, getting planted at my church even more, seeing a friend perform her music and poetry, nights out downtown with my bff, and weekends spent with friends. March was the best! 

Also, something happened in March that I didn't expect. I decide that I am no longer going to move to Texas. God continues to say, "root yourself" to me over and over. It has been confirmed by an overwhelming sense of peace and by that word "root" showing up everywhere. I am so excited for God to keep moving in my life! It just goes to show that the more faith you put in Him, the more He can move in you [without actually having to move you]. With all of that being said, here's what I loved in March! 

Maybelline Master Conceal [30 light/medium]: I have been using this more as a brightener under my eyes and I like the effect it gives. I do notice that I do have to blend quite a bit to avoid any creasing though.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless: I have a love/hate relationship with this foundation. Sometimes I find that it dries me out and is too matte. Other times I get super oily. The reason it's in my favorites is because of the coverage, it gives amazing coverage! 

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads: Adding these to my skincare routine has added an extra boost of daily exfoliation and toning. They are very gentle and help to remove the excess makeup and dirt from the day. Using this in combination with the serum has helped my skin so much!

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Serum: This serum has been a game changer for my skin. I have been using it for over a month now and have notice my skin getting brighter and scars fading. It's on the pricey side but it's worth it! I have used 2 drops on my face each night for more than a month and have about 1/4 of the bottle still left! A little goes a long way! 

Gap So Pink: One of my go-to Spring scents. I love the floral and citrus notes, it's subtle and not overwhelming. 

Milani Baked Blush [Rose D'Oro]: This color is so gorgeous! I always find myself picking up a new milani baked blush when the seasons change. This is a perfect coral/pink that can be your everyday Spring shade. 

Essie Maximillian Strasse Her: I am aware that this was in my January favorites but it's just too good and I wore it a lot in March. I had to mention it again. This is a must have polish for any Essie fanatic out there! It is the perfect combination of a cool green and grey. Although sometimes on my skin it looks more blue. Whenever I have this on I always get people asking about the color!

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner [Eastend Snob]: This is a great lip liner that is a 'your lips but way way better' shade. For $4.99, you need this in your purse!

Sunday night movie nights are becoming a tradition! It might take us 4 best friends 30 minutes or more to decide what to watch but that is a part of the fun! 

What were some of your March favorites? 

January Favorites | 2015

It's the first favorites post of 2015! January has been a great month for me. I really started off my 2015 with a bang! New direction, new friends, new joy. No better way to start out the new year! Here are a few things I was loving in January.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash: This face wash is so great! My face feels squeaky clean after using this and it has helped calm down any breakouts that start to appear throughout the week. I love the tea tree scent that it has to it, it's not too strong either. This will be repurchased. Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Split End Bandage: I found this on the clearance end cap of Target and thought it was worth a shot. I have been applying it to my ends before I blow it dry. It seems to be helping my ends not look so dry and damaged from the winter air. It also smells really good. EOS Lip Balm in Coconut Milk: This is right up my alley. I love anything coconut scented for anytime of the year. I am a big fan of EOS lip balms and this was a special edition one. It gives great moisture and smells amazing on the lips. NYX HD Concealer [medium]: I picked up this concealer on a whim and have really enjoyed using it on pesky spots that need some covering. I don't use it under my eyes because I found it creased a little bit on me. Lush The Olive Branch Shower Gel: I have loved every lush item that I have purchased in the past and it's no different with this one. Although, I am not too hype on the smell of the mandarin in it but love the moisture from the olive oil that this shower gel gives me. It's perfect for dry winter skin. Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Descanso: This came in my Nars lip set that I got for Christmas. I have been wearing this pencil the most lately. I have branched out to the bolder shades but always find myself coming back to the nudes. It's a 'your lips but better' tea rose colored pencil that fits perfectly in your handbag. Bath & Body Works Sleep Lavender Chamomile Pillow Mist: I have been having some sleeping issues this past month and while in Bath & Body works a sales associate pointed out that their 'sleep' line was on sale. I thought I would give this pillow mist a try. Spray one or two mists on your pillow before laying down and the scent of lemon and chamomile smooths you right into dream land. [not nightmare land...which is what has been happening.]

Essie Maximillian Strasse Her: This shade is a mix between a grey and light blue. It's a perfect winter shade. I have gotten so many compliments on it and it is the perfect addition to my Essie collection. I can always count on Lily Pebbles for an excellent nail polish recommendation. [Please excuse my Michigan winter hands] 

If you didn't know, I have been documenting my Whole30 journey on instagram [@whole158_withbee] and am 33 days into it already! Eating clean has been a huge favorite of mine this past January!
I am so excited for February and have some goals that I want to accomplish this month. One goal is to read one of the two books that I bought in January. What were some things you were loving in January?
Share them with me!

| Best in Beauty 2014 |

2014 was a pretty fun year in the beauty drawers of Bee. I have discovered some amazing products that I have re-purchased, suggested to friends, and have already told you how much I love. Here's a collection of my favorite beauty products from 2014. Looking forward into 2015 I am going to continue to use some of these products that I love and add a few new ones along the way.

Dermalogica Clear Start Overnight Treatment: I have loved using this when my skin just gets out of control. It is my last step in my skincare routine and it helps calm breakouts and keep my skin balanced. 

Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Facial Wipes: I have bought so many of these wipes during the past year. I love to travel with them. They are also a quick way to take off your makeup and daily grime when you really don't want to go through your whole skincare routine. 

L'Oreal True Match Foundation: This is my go-to drugstore foundation. It gives great build-able coverage and the shade range is amazing! 

E.L.F Eyebrow Kit: I only use the left side [the gel side] of this kit on my brows and you really can't beat the $3 price tag. It helps fill in the sparse spots on my brows and keeps them looking good. 

Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish: I have totally enjoyed each polish from the Essence line. I love the shape of the brush and the price. I wish there were more color options in Ulta but I guess that keeps me from buying too many. 

Organix Coconut Hydrating Oil Mist: This spray has been amazing. When I find my hair getting a little dry and dull, I just spray some of this coconut oil on it and voila! Shine and moisture. Plus it makes my hair smell like it just took a hawaiian vacation. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation: This is my go-to high end foundation. I discovered it during the Fall so technically I haven't used it for very long. I love it though! It's full coverage and literally lasts all day. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser [dark spots]: Honestly any of the instant age rewind concealers are simply the best. I have really enjoyed this one though. It covers some of the hyper-pigmentation on my face that sometimes doesn't get fully covered with foundation. 

Physicians Formula Glow Minerals [bronze pearl]: I bought this during the Summer and have literally used it every day since buying it. It's perfect as a bronzer, blush, and highlighter. If you buy one thing from this list, it should be this! 

L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur [502 soft pink]: I use my Real Techniques stifling brush to apply this and it is such a subtle shade of pink to your cheeks that lasts all day. 

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow [amber rush]: I love these pigments and have bought them for friends and they love them too. Just tap on the shadow, blend it out and bam... gorgeous color on your lids. 

Milani Baked Blush [red vino]: Milani blushes were on my 2013 best in beauty list. I just love them all but have found myself reaching for red vino the most. It gives your cheeks a sun-kissed look and is super build-able if you want more of a sunburnt look. 

Dollar Tree Eyelash Curler: I have said it several times, the dollar tree has a great eyelash curler and I have yet to find one that not only tops the price but tops the curl that I get from it. 

L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara [blackest black | waterproof]: I have purchased 3 of these throughout the year and as much as I love my Miss Manga mascara, I really love the brush on the Telescopic one better. It covers each lash and gives amazing curl and length. 

Mac Lipstick [brave]: Behold my first MAC lipstick ever. I love this shade and love it's name. BRAVE! It's a perfect everyday mauve-y pink. 

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner [trooper]: Hands down the best black liner ever. Looking for the perfect winged eye? You need this in your life. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Liner [zero]: This is my go to liner for the inside of my waterline. I will also use this to tight-line my upper lids too. It doesn't smudge and sticks on all day. The only drawback is, it's sometimes hard to get off. Make sure you have a good eye makeup remover to use at the end of the day. 

Stella | Stella McCarthy Perfume Rollerball: This perfume has been my signature scent for 2014. If you were ever wondering what I was wearing, it was this. Time to move on to Dolce by D&G for my 2015 scent. 

Oahu Coconut Sunset Lotion: I have had this lotion in my purse since the Summer and although it's a summer scent I still love using it in the winter. I love a good coconut lotion. 

Maybelline Baby Lips [pink punch]: When I am not wearing my MAC lipstick I will put this on. It's exactly what it's name is, pink punch. It's like you just drank some pink punch and it left some color on your lips. LOVE IT! 

NYX Blemish Control Blotting Paper: I keep these in my purse for long days when I know I might get a little oily. These work like a charm. 

Here's to 2015 and a whole new list of favorites to come. 

Tell me some of your 2014 favorites! I want to hear them. 

November Favorites | 2014

Well folks, November is done. I feel like November might've been the 2nd hardest month for me this year. It started off great with Marching Band State Finals and then it just went a little crazy after that first day. However it did end on a high with a fun Thanksgiving break with family and friends. Here's what I loved during November. 

EOS LipBalm in Vanilla Mint has been on my nightstand all month. I love the subtle mint and vanilla scent and it gives my lips enough moisture to last a night of sleep. I treated myself to an early Christmas present this month and bought a NuMe Curl Jam set during a huge sale that they had. I was in need of a new flat iron, I think the chi I had was at least 10+ years old. I bought this set and am loving the flat iron. I am still getting the hang of the curling rods [my left hand has a nice burn on it]. This 1 inch flat iron is the perfect size to get my curlies straight or to create some waves. An oldie but a goodie, the L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara has been revisited and repurchased this month. I just love the little wand on this mascara. It allows for some serious detailed lash coating. It also keeps my lash curl going all day long. Winter Candy Apple is my favorite winter candle from Bath & Body works. My mom brought me one home from her Thanksgiving Texas trip. I already had the wallflower emptied from earlier in November. I love the scent of apples and orange zest with just the perfect musk on top of it. Go and smell one! 

Ok, I was a little weirded out by this product but am growing to really love it. The Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator is so great to add into your foundation for that extra glow on the skin. For a season of picture taking, this is perfect addition to your makeup routine. I find that it just brings my skin from looking dull to a more alive and brighter. Love this stuff! 

I ran out of my Stella perfume and was wanting a new scent for the winter. After sniffing and sampling a few different options this is the winner, Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana. I wanted a floral scent but also something that didn't smell too mature. This scent is the perfect combo between fresh and floral. 

These two products have been used almost everyday this past month. The L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur Blush in 502 Soft Pink and Wet n Wild 902C Lip Color. These are perfect subtle pigments for winter. I love the blush because the color lasts all day and brings a glow to what can sometimes be some dull looking winter skin. The 902C is pretty much a holy grail product for me. It's only $1.99 and I recently found 2 more of these in bags that I was using during November. For $1.99, it's ok to have multiples of an incredible matte nude lipstick. 

Very random but since I have purchased this La Croix flavor more than once during November I thought I would share my love. Cerise Limón is a subtle cherry/lime sparkling water of amazingness. I will say that I did not like this at first. During my Whole30 journey I started to retrain my body to like new and healthier options and I fell in love with La Croix. Something else I fell in love with is dried pineapple. I purchase this at Harvest Health [West Michigan's version of WholeFoods.] I have purchased multiple bags of dried pineapple for the past couple months. I like to think it's a grown up version of fruit snacks. So yummy! 

Here's one more embarrassing favorite of November, so I was watching TV and as the commercials started to roll, I got up and went to get something from the other room. However, I quickly came back into the living room when I heard this glade commercial. I then did as any good person of this day and age would do, I googled the artist, then YouTube stalked him, then Spotify stalked him and then downloaded this free song from the Glade website. Kevin Ross' voice is goosebump worthy! 

Here's to December and the last month of 2014! What were you loving in November? 

Tell me. I want to know.

October Favorites | 2014

October has been a busy busy month. On top of it, I decided to tackle the Whole30.  I had rehearsal on rehearsal and full weekends of marching band shows. October is one of my favorite months because it's so busy. Knits and boots also have me loving the switch from Summer to Autumn. I also love switching my makeup to more darker matte shadows and a muted berry lip. Also, this past month my cousins and friends at Tree of Life in Texas dropped their first Worship EP! Here are my favorites from October.

 Ardell Individuals [Flare Short Black]: Adding 3 or 4 individuals lashes to each eye has been my favorite lately. It makes me look like I got 8 hours of sleep when I definitely did not get that much. Trust me when I say, I am not the best at this though. Practice makes perfect.
Duo Eyelash Adhesive [Dark Tone]: I've tried a few different ones and this is my favorite lash glue by far. It turns black once it dries and gets hidden by your lashes and liner.
Yankee Candle [Cherries on Snow]: I have successfully burned through this candle this month. The fruit scent isn't overwhelming because it's muted with a fresh hint of almond. I didn't like seeing the word 'snow' so early in the autumn but I got over it.
Honey Crisp Apples: Weird favorite but I seriously think I have eaten my way through 3 dozen honey crisp apples during October. I kept buying them from the grocery store and was paying top dollar. After too much money spent there I finally found some time to head to an orchard and get a bushel for myself at a more reasonable price. YUM!
Hello Breath Spray: Since I can't have my chicle during Whole30, I wanted something I can use to freshen my breath. I found this at the checkout and picked it up. I think the packaging of this supermint breath spray got me at first. Some breath sprays can be nasty and sting your mouth. This one doesn't and is actually refreshing. For sure going to purchase another one for my purse.

Milani Baked Blush [09 Red Vino]: In the autumn I switch out my peachy pink blushes for more of a red berry color. This is the perfect blush for this time of year.  Tap a little on the apples of the cheeks and you're good to go, a little goes a long way. Milani baked blushes were my favorite last year and I feel like they still are. Tarte blushes are in a very close second though.

Wet N Wild EyeShadow Palette [The Naked Truth]: This little palette has been my go to for a darker/evening look. I love the dark coffee brown shade in the middle. I tap a little of the shimmer shadow on the bottom to the center of my lid. To add a little brow highlight I use the cream shadow in the top right. Perfect autumn evening eye.

Laura Mercier EyeShadow Quad [French Vanilla]: I don't know when I got this eyeshadow quad but I have been using it all month. I love the matte brown shade. It's one of those shades that you can use all over the lid and it adds so much dimension.

Maybelline Brow Drama [Deep Brown]: I have been using this everyday all month and LOVE it. It keeps my stray brow hairs in place while filling in the sparse spots. Read more about it here.

CoverGirl Outlast LipColor [621 Natural Blush]: Ok, this took a couple tries to get right but now that I have the hang of it, I love it! First you take the color and apply it to your lips. Let it sit for 60 seconds and then apply the gloss on top. The lip color seriously lasts 24 hours, just apply the gloss throughout the day as needed. Eat an apple, give a kiss, your lip color is not going anywhere.

The Wet Brush: I was roaming Target and was excited when I found this on the shelf. I know it's bad to brush your hair while it's soaking wet but I have to or else my long hair just gets extremely frizzy and the curls are out of control. This brush is amazing. I feel like the amount of random hairs that fall out throughout the day has decreased and my hair feels thicker. This brush is so gentle and detangles so easily after I have washed my hair.

I am one proud cousin! This EP has 5 original tracks of amazing heart felt worship. I love having this playing and feeling like my cousins are right in the room with me. You need this EP: The Loft Project in your life. P.S. Yes, it's on Spotify. Thanks for asking! 

HAPPY NOVEMBER! 

Five things I can't live without [summer makeup edition.]

Mary Kay CC Cream: [I feel like I have gone on and on about this CC cream but the more I use it, the more I love it. It's so lightweight and a little dime size dot will cover your whole face. Will for sure repurchase it again after I have used it all up. Read more here.]
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: [This brush will change your life and the way you apply your makeup. Can't live without it.] 

Mario Badescu Moisturizer: [I have found my holy grail moisturizer. This feels so good on the skin and has not caused any irritation or dryness. I love that it has SPF 17 in it. I use it as a daytime and evening moisturizer. This is only the travel size. It has lasted me 3 months so far, so a little goes a long way with this!]
Carmex: [Not the most glamorous item but if I am going to be outside this will be on my lips. It not only protects your lips from the sun but it gives a nice glossy finish to them.]

^ obviously a very well loved product ^

Nars Cheek Kit: [This is a 3in1 for sure can't live without item for me during the summer. The bronzer and blush are perfect for my summer tan. I love using albatross [the middle blush highlight] as my summer highlighter. It gives such a nice sparkly sheen to wherever you apply it and really brings out your glowing summer skin. They don't currently sell the version I have but here is their current cheek kit.]

What are the 5 makeup items you can't live without this summer? 

I want to know!