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. 

| Instant Artificials |

I love a good shellac mani as much as the next person but it not only weakens my nails but it also weakens my wallet. I found an amazing product that keeps my polish strong and chip free for a week and it only costs $8! I went into Sally's Beauty Supply in search for an OPI polish that I wanted but ended up with this, it's called 'instant artificials'. This is replacing all my base coats and top coats! It is just simply amazing. I did two coats as a base coat and then painted my polish color over it. To finish it off I added one more layer of 'instant artificials' as a top coat. *I waited to make sure every layer was dried before adding another one.* Not only did my polish stay chip free for a week but it also gave it an amazing shine and strength! Another thing that I love about this is you simply remove it with regular nail polish remover. No need for acetone, cotton balls, and foil that you would need to remove that pesky shellac mani. You need this product in your life! Also, your friends need it in their lives, what a perfect stocking stuffer!

| Makin' That List |

It's time to makes those lists and check them twice. I tried going Christmas shopping this past weekend without making a list and found myself going a lil' cray! I am a girl that needs a list. I love buying Christmas presents and blessing my family members and friends. Just in case they are wondering what I would like, I thought I would make a list for them [with convenient clickable links]. Thoughtful... right?

1. A Beautiful Mess Happy Homemade Home 
2. F21 Striped PJ Bottoms 
3. F21 Knit Beanie in Grey
4. Gap Cozy TurtleNeck Sweater in Light Cream
5. Real Techniques Starter Brush Set 
6. True Blue Spa Mini Body Cream 
7. Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish in Porchester Square 
8. Smashbox Mini Full Exposure Palette 

For more ideas click here.

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! 

August & September Favorites 2014

August and September were very interesting months. Life got a little loco for a bit. That being said, I missed my August favorites post. So let's just combine the two shall we? During the past two months the seasons have started to change from summer to autumn and my skin has gone a bit crazy. I also seem to be losing my summer tan at a rapid rate. Despite all of that, I am choosing to embrace autumn with cozy sweaters and ankle booties. Happy October everyone! 

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment has been a life saver in trying to help my skin recover from the craziest end of the summer ever. I slipped off my gluten/dairy free lifestyle for almost 2 weeks and boy did my skin react. After cleaning up my eating again [taco detox anyone?] and using this overnight treatment with salicylic acid every night, my skin is finally back to normal. 

I only have a sample size of the Murad essential c-day moisturizer but I fully intend on purchasing a full size. This leaves my skin feeling so great after a morning or evening cleanse. It layers nicely under makeup and also has an SPF of 30 to block out the UVA/UVB rays. Also, a little goes a long way with this. Simple moisturizing face wash has been my go to for everyday skincare. While I was in Walgreens I was reminded that I needed a new face wash. I wanted something without any harsh chemicals. This face wash is perfect. Also, this doesn't have a fragrance in it which is great because sometimes those scents can really mess with my skin. After using this for a few weeks my skin has not only recovered from the craziness that life has been but it has a fresh new look to it. It's nice to give my skin a break and allow it to recover naturally. 

These two bits of jewelry were purchased on my summer trip to Fort Worth. I wanted a souvenir of my trip and this necklace was perfect. It's do delicate and is the perfect little addition to a basic tee and jeans outfit. Sam Moon has the cutest dainty necklaces. These Kenneth Cole earrings were bought by one of my favorite cousins, Erika. She surprised me at the register and took them from my hand and bought them for me. 

I saw this Physicians Formula Glow Minerals in Bronze on my cousin Erika's birthday board on pinterest and I went to buy it for her only after finding out that her husband already got it for her. I have been loving it, and I am sure Erika has been too. It gives a nice bronze highlight to the cheeks. The shimmer looks a little intense in the packaging but it's not as intense on the skin. Just the perfect amount of shimmer. I have also been using it as an eyeshadow.  

I think my friend Michelle is so sick of me talking about how great this mascara is but it really is awesome. Don't be scared by the metallic pink/purple packaging. Also, don't be scared of the wand that bends. I was a little skeptical of those things too. But I have been converted to this funky looking mascara and my lashes are thanking me. The L'Oreal Miss Manga mascara is super dark and gives me some seriously long lasting curly lashes. The bendy wand also allows me to get those pesky lashes on the inner and outer corners that sometimes get missed. If you haven't tried this yet, you need to.

Essie Penny Talk is one of my favorite metallic polishes to wear in the fall. However, I have found that metallic polish definitely needs a top coat on it. Something about the formula makes it crack and chip a lot faster.

Other nail polish favs of the past 2 months were, this purple shade from Wet n Wild 

[213C On a trip/En voyage]. Seriously impressed with Wet n Wild's nail polishes. 

This L'oreal Colour Riche shade in After Hours is a dark dark blue. If you're able to get it perfect on the first coat it's more like a navy. But if you're like me and always need a second coat, it turns into a darker navy. Downside to this one, when you remove it from your nails the blue goes everywhere! 

This album has been looping each day for the past two months. I love that I can hear Steffany's heart behind each song on this album. I also love the story of this album and how God used her and Amanda Cook to work on this together. 'Out of Hiding' has got to be my favorite song.  

On Repeat: 'Closer' by Steffany Frizzell- Gretzinger

This song has been on repeat for the past week. You know how you just happen to re-discover an older song and the lyrics speak directly to the place where you're at in life? Well, that is what happened with this song by Bethel. The words speak right to the core of where God has me right now and how He is working in my life. I have let His love take over my heart and all that is inside of it, the thoughts, emotions, and desires. As I dive deeper into His love for me, God confirms the desires of my heart by showing me what is in His heart. It's a great feeling knowing that what God has placed in your heart is from Him rather than your own thoughts, feelings, or emotions. How great is Your love! 

Your love has ravished my heart

And taken me over, taken me over

And all I want is to be 

With You forever, with You forever

Pull me a little closer

Take me a little deeper

I want to know Your heart

I want to know Your heart

'Cause Your love is so much sweeter

Than anything I've tasted

I want to know Your heart

I want to know Your heart

Whoa, whoa, how great Your love is for me

Whoa, whoa, how great is your love

Pull me a little closer

Take me a little deeper

I want to know Your heart

I want to know Your heart

'Cause Your love is so much sweeter

Than anything I've tasted

I want to know Your heart

I want to know Your heart 

['For the Sake of the World' Bethel Live]

July Favorites 2014

Finally August is here. June flew by and July crept by. Hopefully August will be just the right balance of both. My August is jam packed. Between band camp, vacation, and work starting up in full swing again, it's going to be a busy but very fun month! Here's what I loved in July! 

Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Wipes: I have been needing a good face wipe for the summer months and this has been the best one [so far.] I love to use it just to get my makeup off before a run or when I get home for the day. It is not a facial cleanser substitute! Bonus: the grapefruit scent is amazing.

Miss Manga Voluminous Waterproof Mascara [blackest black]: I decided to try out this L'Oreal mascara and I am really loving it. I have been wanting something that is super black and long lasting. I put it through the rain test, run test, cry test, and wear all day test. It doesn't budge! 

Rimmel Scandaleyes [005 nude]: I know in my last monthly favorites I said I liked using the NYX wonder pencil in my waterline as a 'wake me up' color. But... it started irritating my eyes. It has now been replaced with the scandaleyes kohl liner. Which this one is so much better. No irritation and it glides on a lot smoother. 

Milani Color Statement Lipstick [26 nude creme]: I have been wearing this everyday. It's a ballerina nude with a slight frost to it. It's a perfect hint of color that shows off a nice tan. 

Wet N Wild Balm Stain [129 nudest colony]: Put this over the Milani lipstick and you have a glossy ballerina nude. Both of these together make a great team! However, it's great on its own too! 

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner [trooper]: I have been waiting to purchase this because $18 for a liner seems a little pricey to me but... oh my goodness this liner is worth it! It goes on so perfect and seriously does not budge at all! Officially my holy grail liner! 

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow [888 iced latte]: I am a huge fan of these packed pigment shadows and thought it was time to pick up another one. Don't be alarmed by the amount of shimmer. You can adjust the shimmer level by either packing more or less product on. I like to use just a little bit of this to brighten up my eyelids on a 'no makeup/makeup' day. 

Benefit Hello Flawless Wow Brightening Makeup [toasted beige]: I received this as a sample around Christmas time and was too pale to use it then. Now that I have some color back in me this has been great. The coverage is perfect for the summer and it really lets your skin breath while brightening it up at the same time. Also, a little product goes a long way! Might be purchasing a full size version down the road. 

Lush [king of skin]: Ok, I have a love/hate relationship with this product. I love the moisture that it gives my skin but it just seems to sit on the surface and not really get absorbed. It can be slippery too. I am going to keep giving it a shot but I probably won't be re-purchasing this any time soon. 

Natural Hair: This month I have really been embracing my natural hair and texture. When my hair is air dried it gets curly and frizzy. I am still searching for something to tame the frizz. God gave me curly hair for a reason, time to let it shine and give it a break from the flat iron. 

Dan In Real Life Soundtrack: I have been playing this soundtrack over and over all month. I love Sondre Lerche's voice and all the tracks that he created for this album. I also love the movie. One of Steve Carell's greatest. [in my opinion]

Ulta Haul [again...whoops]

This Ulta trip was not planned at all. I had my free birthday gift to pick up and honestly just needed to get out of the house. [when you work from home it's very easy to become a hermit.] With my birthday money in hand and an evening to myself I headed off to wander the aisles of Ulta. Here's what I walked out with and what I think about it. 

I have worked with my esthetician to come up with a solid skincare routine and we both agree that the Mario Badescu line is amazing! 

The facial spray is so refreshing. The rosewater in it gives it a light floral scent. I have been using it in the morning and evening after cleansing. I also will spray it on during the day to refresh my makeup. It is very comparable to the Urban Decay setting spray. 

The buffering lotion is used on trouble spots. I just shake it up and tap a drop of the lotion on in the evenings before my moisturizer. In the morning the spot is gone. 

Not your Mother's Kinky Moves: In an effort to wear my hair in it's natural state I am searching for a product that will let my curls do their thing but keep the frizz away. This product first off smells really good. The grape and jasmine are a perfect scent combination. I have used this both on wet hair and on dry hair. It works best for me when I apply it to my air dried curls. It tames the frizz and smooths out the curls. I found if I used it on wet hair and let it air dry that the frizz was worse. 

Not your Mother's Beach Babe: Now with all the texturing spray hype I thought I would try this one. I haven't really used a spray like this before because my hair has enough texture in it already. [yay for being a latina!] I did not like this at all. It made my hair feel really chalky and the scent of the sea salt was not great. I returned it. 

Revlon ColorBurst in Audacious: I saw someone use this and thought it would be something I could be brave enough to wear but... it wasn't. The color was very very orange for my skin tone. And I personally didn't think it was that flattering on me. So, I returned it. I will stick to my nude balms for now. 

Calvin Klein Mascara: This was my free birthday gift. First off, the packaging is just gorgeous. If I had a line of cosmetics I think it would look just like this. Matte black and a glossy white! This mascara isn't anything special. It is a nice dark black pigment but I will stick with my L'Oreal Telescopic for now. Thanks Ulta for the full size product. 

Essence Colour & Go [let's get lost 128]: Here is the real winner of this trip to Ulta! *Here's an Ulta shopping tip-> go with naked fingernails and test out the polishes that you plan on buying.*

There is nothing worse than buying a polish that looks great in the bottle but dries matte instead of glossy! I had painted Essie 'Strut your Stuff' on a fingernail and was debating on purchasing it or not until... I found a great dupe for it from Essence for $1.99! The whole polish line from Essence is amazing! I am slowly building up a collection.