Best In Beauty 2013: Skincare/Hair/Nails/Fragrance

Ok folks, here is post 1 of 3 coming your way this week. It's my best in beauty 2013. I am going to share all of my favorite products from this past year. Everything I mention I have used, loved, shared with friends, and purchased again. [also if you want to purchase any of these items, the links are provided too].

I thought I would start off with skincare, hair, nails, and fragrance. Remember to comment and tell me what your favorite item(s) in these categories has been this past year. 

1. Lush Eau Roma Water: This toner gets off the extra makeup that your cleanser leaves behind. Plus it leaves your face feeling fresh and squeaky clean. 

2. Lush Vanishing Cream Facial Moisturizer: I know this is a bit expensive but I love it. It looks like a small amount for the price but a small drop can cover your whole face. It smells great and doesn't break me out. 

3. Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Toner: This is a great dupe for bioderma. Put this on a cotton ball and get all your makeup off either before or after you use a cleanser. I like to use this on my eyes too. 

4. Freeman Anti-Stress Mask: This mask is very menthol-y. I think that helps de-stress you while you wear it. It's also as blue as the packaging. 

5. Bliss No 'Zit' Sherlock Cleanser & Toner: This is the best cleanser for someone with acne prone skin. My best friend and I use this and have bought several of them. 

6. Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque: This mask helps tighten up the skin on your face. I notice a slight difference around my eyes after using this mask. You also feel like a robot while wearing it because your face is frozen.
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1. Lush R&B Hair Moisturizer: I use this on the ends of my hair. Since I have it bleached and ombre-ed it is lacking some moisture. This gives it moisture and shine. It also smells really good too. Sidenote: Don't put it on your roots. It will make them greasy. 

2. Macadamia Nourishing Leave-In Cream: This is perfect for the really dry weather months and helps with static. I use this when my hair is wet before I blow it dry. 

3. TreSemme Heat Tamer Leave-In Spray: Everyone who uses heat on their hair needs to use a heat protectant. This is the best one out there! Spray it on your hair while wet and bring on the heat! 

4. Bed Head MegaWhip: First off, this smells like marshmellows. I know, amazing! I like to use this to keep my fly-aways in place at my roots. It doesn't make my roots greasy and tames it all down.
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Essie polishes have been a standout all year. I now have quite the collection. These are my four most worn shades of 2013. I will continue to add to my collection in 2014 too. 

No More Film

Play Date

Mint Candy Apple

Go Overboard

Stella by Stella McCartney: This is my 2013 signature scent. It's a mix between sweet rose and amber. I am not done with my bottle and I also keep a rollerball in my purse. 

September Favorites

Maybelline Fit Foundation Stick: I have 220 Natural Beige. This blends in perfectly with my fading summer tan. It has medium coverage and is so lightweight and smooth. For $5 it's worth trying. I have only used it for a week and I am loving it.

Lush R&B Hair Moisturizer: I bought this a few months ago and have been using it a lot in the past month. It leaves my hair so shiny and it smells amazing!

Biggby Black and Tan Coffee: Halfway through September I ran out of my favorite coffee grounds, sea salt carmel mocha from Herman's Boy in Rockford. Yes, I drive 45 minutes for my coffee grounds. Since I was not making a trip to Rockford for leisure in September I started using Biggby grounds that my brother brought home. Of course, they don't compare to the deliciousness that is Herman's Boy but the black and tan grounds were really good. They definitely stand on their own and have a smooth taste to them.

Chambray Shirts and Vests: Fall fashion is my favorite! I have been using my chambray shirts and layering them under vests or scarves. A good chambray shirt can go with anything. 

Jelly Bellys: For the majority of September I have been on a gluten/dairy free eating plan. I found that jelly bellys are both gluten and dairy free. So after finding that out I went to Costco and bought a mega jar of jelly bellys. The only flavor that I don't care for is the pear one.

Bee's Favorites: June

My June favorites are a huge reflection of the fact that I spent more than half of the month recovering from surgery. Netflix was my best friend and a naked face with a top knot was pretty much my go to look. I rotated nike running shorts throughout the week and had a hoodie on each day. Although it sounds good, after about a week I realized that staying in your room all day and watching movies isn't all it's cracked up to be. 

Sherlock: This BBC series is intense and amazing! My brother told me about it and I saved it to watch while I was recovering. 2 seasons are available on netflix! 

Ikea Fleece Throw: This is the best $1.99 purchase I have made at Ikea. I use this throw everyday. If you go to Ikea, just buy it. Trust me, you will use it. 

Nivea Lip Butter: This stuff is exactly what it says it is, a lip butter. The texture is so smooth and creamy. It hydrates and moisturizes and smells really good. 

Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans: I have a mason jar in my room filled with espresso beans. They are an amazing snack when you need a little jolt and a chocolate fix!

Lush Eau Roma Water: This toner is perfect to refresh your skin during the day. Spray it on your face and use a make-up remover pad to wipe your face clean. It's light and smells so fresh. 

Bee's Favorites: MAY

May is officially over. Here are some of my favorite things from last month. 

Putting my whole itunes library on shuffle! It's one mood swing after another. I discover albums that I never have listened to before that somehow, through the magic of the public library ended up in my itunes. Broadway, folk, soundtracks, hard core rock, to worship music.... it's one big surprise when it's on shuffle!

Lush Blousey Shampoo: I didn't buy a full size of it because it is a little pricey for a shampoo. The sample they gave me was good for two washes. Let me tell you, my hair looked amazing after those two washes! Tons of shine and it kept my frizz under control. If I have $25 laying around taking up space I am going to buy a full pot of blousey. 

Emergen-C ElectroMix Packet: I heard about these from Olivia & Hannah of #myfitspiration. These are perfect for replacing missing electrolytes after a workout or when you're just feeling worn down. I mix it in with a bottle of water and drink it down. *The taste is similar to a sparkling lemon lime soda.

bright nails: I am loving having really bright nails since my skin is starting to get tan again. Essie Tart Deco and Forever 21 Neon Pink are great bright options for the start of summer!

 Boba! I have seen boba lattes but have never tried one. With the expert advice from some friends and google maps I found a boba latte place about 20 minutes away from my house. I got a punch card too, which means I will be back for more. (I got the oreo boba.)

#50MilesInMay: I really loved this challenge. My goal was to run 50 miles in May. I came 9 miles short of my goal. However I know I did at least walk/run/longboard/bike 50 miles in May. I am counting it as a success. Check out my other posts about the challenge!

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Week One Update

Last Week Update

The Book of Esther: I have been reading about Esther lately and remembering what an extraordinary woman she was. I am inspired by her desire to save her people. She was so unselfish that she was willing to die if it saved her people. She knew who she was and never changed from that even though her life was at stake. 

What things were you loving during May?