Monthly Favorites Archives

August Favorites 2017!

August 31, 2017

Hi everyone!

It’s the last day of August and I’m quickly sharing a few of my favorite items I couldn’t get enough of this month.

Let’s dive right in.

Rhonda Allison Cherry Jubilee Enzyme

I won this product in an Instagram away hosted by a fellow esthetician friend and just like the name implies, this smells (and feels!) like a tart cherry puree. What I love about this (aside from the scent) is that the natural polyphenols provide great antioxidant properties for your skin and the “potent pro-youth value that mimics the strength of lactic acid,” allows for gentle exfoliation. My face looks nice and glowy after using this.

m-61 SuperSoothe E Microdermabrasion Scrub

I found myself at a Bluemercury counter returning an item that unfortunately didn’t work out when this caught my eye. I liked the fact that this contained kaolin clay mixed with natural pumice to help exfoliate and clean pores and it worked well with the hot, humid weather we had. I applied a thin layer over my face, let it sit for about 2 minutes and then rinsed it off with circular motions. Although seaweed and goldenberry are added to provide some moisture, I found it a bit drying, so in my opinion, this is best used for combination/oily skin.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Body Lotion Lavender Eucalyptus

Back in July, I went to Glen Ivy Hot Springs and had such a great experience! I’ll admit that it was a bit hard for me to just relax and not worry about anything but it’s kind of easy to do after a few minutes soaking in a hot spring. 🙂 Anywho, the lotion dispenser had a lavender scented cream and of course I had to buy the bottle. The calming scent of lavender with a burst of eucalyptus does not disappoint and I use this at the end of day to wind down.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Love Lipstick in Raw Sugar

As soon as I got wind that Estee Lauder was launching a new lipstick collection, you better believe I was busy ~~stalking~~ searching which stores would be the first to carry them. Hey, I’m a lippie addict, what do you expect? 😉 After finding them at Ulta, I ended up taking the shade Raw Sugar home with me. Guys, the packaging on these are gorgeously chic and the matte formula is comfortable to wear as long as your lips are smooth and not overly dry. Raw Sugar is a nude apricot shade (see swatch above) and is great for any day, anytime, anywhere. The applicator is a bit difficult to work with at first but it’s easier if you treat the edge like a lip liner and apply it that way.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I’m a big fan of foundations that look more like second skin. This Bobbi Brown foundation does just that. A few drops of this water-based, oil-free formula is enough to cover up my redness and can be built up for medium coverage. My skin looks flawless and I receive a ton of compliments with this one.

First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer

I received this product in one of my Sephora boxes and I will definitely add this to my list of things to buy when the Sephora sale comes in November, if not sooner. Smells like coconut, does not irritate my skin, the texture is so light-weight and addicting, and it has a nice dewy finish that is not overwhelming. My makeup goes on smooth and although it doesn’t keep shine at bay per se, I’m not overly oily either. Very happy with this one.

Living Grace Podcast Episode

The last item that I loved, a non-beauty item, was my podcast interview I did with Kami Lingren from Living Grace Blog. In this episode, we talk about my life in the moments leading up to being diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, the alternative method I discovered to treat IC and much more. If you missed it, you can read and listen to it here.

What did you love in August?

March Favorites 2017!

April 6, 2017

Hi everyone!

I can’t believe we’re in April! Time is just zooming by, isn’t it?

It’s been a while since I posted any favorites on here due to my blogging break but fear not, I have some really great items to share with you today.

Let’s get started. 🙂

Makeup Favorites

Nature Republic Nature Origin Tinted CC SPF 30 PA/++

A few months ago, South Korean cosmetics brand Nature Republic opened at my local mall so of course the ever beauty enthusiast in me had to check it out. With testers for virtually every product and sinks to rinse everything off, the store did not disappoint. After a quick scan of the store, I focused on what I came there for: a CC cream. The sales associate recommended the Nature Origin Tinted CC for my combination skin and I love it. The coverage is sheer but is enough to cover up my redness and it gives my skin a dewy look. The product comes in a pump bottle, making application effortless. The only downside is that the color selection is very limited (maybe 3 shades?) so the color isn’t exactly spot on but it looks great after I add some blush.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

I’ve had this setting powder for a while but I recently started using it again. Sometimes the Nature Republic Tinted CC gives my skin too much of a dewy finish, so I dust a bit of this all over to tone down the shine. It sets my makeup nicely and is undetectable.

Wet N Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Nudist Peach

I’ve seen these floating around Instagram and my latest trip to CVS include this gem at checkout. At about $5, I found this liquid lipstick to be pretty impressive! It has a mousse-like consistency and glides on very easy on lips. The shade Nudist Peach is very beautiful pink/peach nude shade. After the lipstick sets, it feels like you have nothing on and isn’t uncomfortably drying. I forget I have it on sometimes. Since this shade is light, it’s not too long-lasting, especially when eating, and it does slightly accentuate imperfections on your lips. However, exfoliating lips prior really helps. It’s also really easy to reapply.

Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Gloss

It’s rare these days that I don’t walk out of my house without this in my purse. You can read my rave reviews about this here and here.

Here’s swatches of the Tinted CC and Nudist Peach.

Skincare Favorites

Lush Dream Cream

The same mall trip I made to explore Nature republic also found me at the Lush store. I was excited to try the Dream Cream as I had tested it in the store months prior and really liked it. Infused with ingredients like cocoa butter, olive oil, soothing oat milk and calming rose, lavender and chamomile oils, this has a consistency more similar to a lotion rather than a cream as it’s kind of runny. The smell is very unique- the prominent scents that jump out at me are the oat milk and chamomile blue oil- so it may be a deal breaker for some; I don’t mind it at all. Despite the thinner consistency, this hydrates my body really well and makes a great massage cream as it has a nice slip.

Pore Clearing Cleanser

At the latest UCLA Cosmetic Chemistry class I took, we were given a plastic travel case filled with products to try out, courtesy of YG Laboratories. This cleanser quickly became a favorite as the gentle, sulfate-free formula deep cleans without feeling harsh or drying. Natural salicylic acid from Willow bark as well as tea tree oil make this great for blemish-prone skin. When I start getting a few breakouts, I use this and it helps clear my skin.

Calming Bio Lipid Repair Creme

Another product from YG Laboratories, I almost didn’t try this product as it is pretty thick and is best used for extremely dry and sensitive skin. After using the Pore Clearing Cleanser, I tried this on as a moisturizer and really love it. It contains sea whip and green tea to help calm and soothe redness and is formulated with no fragrance, essential oils, lanolin, parabens or other commonly used sensitizers. I haven’t broken out with this product and my face feels so nice and hydrated in the morning when I wake up.

That’s it for my March favorites.

What were your favorites this month?

October 2016 Favorites!

October 27, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone!

October is coming to a rapid end so here’s some products that have gotten me through with stellar results. Take a look!

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion in C3

Words can’t express how much I really love this cushion BB cream. It provides a natural “my skin but better” look and leaves behind a nice glow that is not overwhelming. One of my go-to products for practically any given day.

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake

Included in the Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks holiday set, I’m pretty obsessed with these lip glosses. With just the right amount of shine, I love the plumping effect of this gloss and they last a pretty good while.

It’s a 10 Miracle Shampoo plus Keratin

Pretty much my holy grail shampoo at the moment! Finding a shampoo that does not make my scalp or skin itchy is painstakingly difficult. This sulfate free, sodium chloride free, paraben free, keratin protein infused shampoo lathers nicely, cleans my hair without feeling harsh, smoothes my curly and often times unruly hair and the best part? No irritation.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Basically the only worthy product included in my Birchbox box this month, I like using this mask in the shower to gently exfoliate my skin. Although it’s compared to a traditional peel, I disagree. I can’t see the levels of willow bark and pomegranate enzymes these have but it doesn’t appear to be too concentrated as I felt no activity once I placed it on. I like this for cooler weather at the moment because it provides hydration without feeling heavy.

Clinique Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush

This blush is one of my favorites for a reason. It provides both a natural look and finish and is perfect when you want to look put together in a jiffy. It blends seamlessly onto skin.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel

Look no further than this product when you need to groom and define your eyebrows stat! Since this has a spoolie like application, a few quick strokes helps fill in sparse gaps and brush them at the same time to save you time.

What are your favorites this month?

Stephanie

September 2016 Favorites!

October 4, 2016

Hi everyone! I apologize for being MIA mid last week but I had some unexpected things to take care of. Originally, my review and swatches of the Morphe 35O palette should have been up last Thursday but I’ll have it up this coming Thursday so stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, we’re in October so let’s get started with a few of my favorite items I have been using.

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

Pumpkin spice is everywhere and it’s found its way into my skincare regimen too! Comprised of pumpkin wine, lactic acid and vitamins, this toner leaves my skin soft with a nice glow. The amazing scent also helps me get my pumpkin fix without adding any calories. 😉

Eminence Pink Grapefruit-C Gel

I picked up this up at ICES last month as I was looking for something that would calm my skin down. This light-weight gel is rich in vitamin C and contains peppermint to clear and heal skin while helping to prevent the appearance of blemishes. I’ve definitely noticed that my skin looks more clearer and though this contains peppermint, it doesn’t sting my skin. I use it during the day underneath my moisturizer and it absorbs fairly quickly.

Sweet Treat Lashes in Cake

I received these lashes courtesy of the Peachy Queen boutique and I love them. From the chic casing to the luxe feel, these tapered and layered silk lashes are soft, easy to apply and look glamorous. With 10 different ‘flavors’, you’re sure to find a style that suits you. Bonus perk, the owner, Aimee, is super nice and helpful.

BH Cosmetics Illuminate by Ashley Tisdale Cream Cheek and Lip Tint in Cabana

Part of my birthday haul a few months back, I’ve been using this blush almost every single day for a quick and effortless look. It’s a gorgeous pink shade that has major lasting power and doesn’t compete with your other makeup shades.

Kat Von D Tatto Liner in Trooper

Included in last month’s Sephora box, this liquid liner has become an HG status along with the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black. It has great pigmentation, glides on smoothly and is long-lasting. *Note: I always wear eye primer.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

We’ve had some extremely warm weather here in So Cal so this light-weight moisturizer was perfect for those days. I used this moisturizer with my foundation to create my own custom made tinted moisturizer.

Here’s a picture of me using the lashes in Cake and the blush in Cabana.

What are some of your favorite items?

Stephanie

August 2016 Favorites!

September 1, 2016

Happy first day of September everyone! It’s time again for my monthly favorites and you’ll notice that most items here are skincare. Well, my skin has been acting up lately and I had to pretty much stop wearing all products until I could try to figure out what the culprit was. I’m thinking I have a slight sensitivity to something in my kickboxing class. These products have been instrumental in keeping my face calm so let’s get to it.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Described as, “flawlessly undetectable like it belongs on your skin, this innovative formula features medium, buildable coverage and a modern matte, natural finish that feels uniquely airy and silky on skin.” On a whim, I decided to pick up this foundation and I absolutely love it. It silky texture melts right into your skin and enhances it in the most natural way. You’ll forget you’re wearing makeup. I haven’t really heard much about this foundation but I highly recommend giving this a go.

PCA Skin CliniCalm 1%

This product contains 1% hydrocortisone to soothe and provide temporary relief of itching and irritation, both of which I’ve been experiencing lately. While the formula is safe to be used for 7 consecutive days, I find I only need to use it for 2 days before my symptoms start to clear up.

PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Not pictured above, I received a few sample packets of this and I have to say I am impressed. This is a universally tinted, water resistant physical sunscreen (Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) that can be used alone or layered under makeup. Since it’s a purely physical sunscreen (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), this has been perfect for my sensitive skin. The coverage is very sheer, so a tiny bit of redness still peeks through but overall, it’s a great product and I’ll be picking this up at the trade show this month.

Skin Script Green Tea Citrus Cleanser

Most of my cleansers were off limits for a bit and this one was really the only one that didn’t feel irritating. With a blend of antioxidant rich green tea, grape seed extract to counter skin irritations to offset redness and inflammation, and wild cherry bark extract to help soothe skin, this gentle foaming cleans without stripping skin dry.

Caudalie Resveratrol Eye Lifting Balm

Featured in this month’s Play! By Sephora box, this eye cream absorbs quickly into skin and provides a nice brightening effect. Read review here.

Dermalogica After Sun Repair

One of my most cherished items from Dermalogica, this is my holy grail skin saver. I keep it in the fridge and when my skin feels like it’s burning, I apply a generous amount of this to my face and the coolness instantly calms my skin. This product is left on and is formulated with lavender, cucumber, chamomile, yucca and algae extract to restore moisture loss and aid skin recovery.

Stephie Estie Skincare

Another huge favorite this month has to be of course my new business doing skincare. I opened up the first weekend of August and I’m so blessed and thankful to God for this opportunity. It’s a work in progress and pretty stressful but so far a lot of people have been so supportive and I couldn’t ask for more at the moment. 🙂

Note: For the most part, my skin is slowly returning to normal. I notice that once I stop the kickboxing class for a few days, my skin feels better. I’ve participated in other fitness activities where I sweat just as much, but I don’t get a reaction. I’m assuming my skin is either sensitive to the cleaning solutions they use or perhaps the gloves/punching bags. Of course I don’t want to give up the class because I really enjoy it so I’ve found that right after completing my session, I immediately remove my wraps, wash my hands and arms thoroughly with soap and water and then rinse my face with cold water. This process has helped tremendously in reducing irritation/sensitivity.

What are your favorites for August? And, have you experienced any skin reactions when exercising? Share your thoughts below!

Stephanie

July Favorites 2016!

August 2, 2016

Happy Tuesday and second day of August! How was your weekend? If you follow me on Instagram, you got a sneak peek of a new exciting opportunity that’s happening in my life. I’m setting up shop inside a studio and will be offering skin treatments twice a week very soon! I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Those who know me know that it has been a very bumpy road for me in the esthetics arena but here I am and I am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity for me. 🙂

Here’s a picture of the room I’ll be renting.

In other news, July has come and gone which brings us to my monthly favorites post. Ready to see what I’ve loved this month? Keep reading!

Sol de Janeiro Brazillian Bum Bum Cream

I’ve seen this item floating around on Instagram and has been recommended by a few beauty blogger friends so I picked one up while I was at Sephora. A blend of guaraná, nourishing cupuaçu butter and coconut oil helps your body look and feel its smoothest and tightest. I love the coconut smell of this and how it provides skin with intense hydration. The texture of my legs looks a bit smoother so who knows what will happen with continued use.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

I received this last month for my birthday and I absolutely love it. It’s woodsy without being overpowering and perfect for any season if you ask me.

Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne

Along with the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne, I got a sample of the Mimosa and Cardamom one and it smells so delicate and nice. Based on the suggestion that you can layer the fragrances, I blended it with the Wood Sage and Sea Salt and guys, it’s such a great combination. With scents of mimosa, cardamom, tonka bean, sandalwood, heliotrope, Damask rose, it softly mellows out the woodsy aspect of the other cologne if you want a more subtle and sweet version of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt. I highly recommend it.

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer

Featured in my July Play! by Sephora bag, this liquid bronzer is very easy to use and looks natural on my skin tone.

Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara

A sample that came with my July Birchbox, this mascara does not leave my eyelashes clumpy and does a nice job of providing a fan-like effect.

MAC Powder Blush in Melba

Another item from my birthday haul, I’ve been using this blush almost every single day because it just looks so natural and blends in effortlessly.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Shine Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Fairest

The last item on here from my birthday haul, this lipstick is sort of like a MLBB shade that’s just a tad darker. I love using it alone or layered over my ColourPop Echo Park liquid lipstick to create a customized shade that has a little bit more shine and hydration. The magnetic cap is a neat feature.

9Round Kickbox Fitness

At the beginning of this month, I joined 9Round Kickbox Fitness and though I leave looking like a super sweat drenched mess, it’s also a lot of fun. With all that goes on in my life at times, it feels so good to just punch out your frustration. There are no class times which is nice because you can pop in anytime you have 30 minutes to work out and be done or do some extra rounds. Plus the owner, Dan, is very helpful and has modifications available in case you need it, which I do at times.

That’s it for this month! What are your favorites and do you have any advice/suggestions for starting your own business? Let me know in the comments below!

Stephanie

June Favorites 2016!

July 5, 2016

Hi everyone! How was everyone’s weekend? We celebrated the Fourth of July at the Rose Bowl yesterday and I had fun. You can check out a clip of it on my Instagram page here. 🙂

Let’s dive straight into my favorites for the month of June!

Bath and Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Body Lotion

Few scents evoke summer like coconut and this travel sized lotion does a great job. With notes of coconut milk, plumeria, saltwater breeze, pink passionflower and Oahu Dragonfruit, a small application of this will make you dream of Hawaii and provide you a mini escapade throughout your day, whether you’re in Hawaii or at the office.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm

I picked this up on a whim during a trip to Sephora and I’m so glad I did. It’s supposed to reduce puffiness and soothes with goat’s milk and manuka honey. I love the fact that you can just glide it on and feel the cooling effects instantaneously. It does not feel heavy or sticky at all and for an extra cooling boost, I stick it in the fridge for a few minutes before applying.

Cool Classic Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea

One of the samples in my May Birchbox, I have used this up this month and I really liked it. It works well under makeup which is always a plus. You can read more on it here.

Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation

The main foundation I’ve used everyday this month, this, I love how fresh this makes my skin look and I’m constantly receiving compliments with this. Aside from a great skincare routine, this is one of my secret weapons to achieve a radiant complexion.

Lorac Alter Ego Lipgloss in CEO

I’ve circled around these liplosses for a while and after swatching CEO, I had to buy it. This lipgloss creates the illusion of fuller lips with a nice shine and it’s not sticky or heavy. The color to me is like a rosy mauve with a tinge of grey and I love it. Sophisticated with a slight edge, you’ll definitely feel like a CEO.

Laura Gellar New York Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey

A shimmery gold highlighter. Need I say more? Check it out here.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

This industry favorite makeup brush cleaner cleanses, conditions, and deodorizes brushes in one easy step. I’ve had a few makeup gigs this past month and this is by far a must-have in my makeup kit as it also has a quick drying formula and leaves brushes smelling faintly of vanilla.

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

One of my favorite items from my PopSugar this month, these deodorant wipes are so easy to use, you can take them on the go, and most importantly, they are effective.

Top-Bottom: Laura Gellar Gilded Honey and Lorac Alter Ego Lipgloss in CEO

Some swatches. Aren’t they pretty?

What were your favorites this month?

Stephanie

May Favorites 2016!

May 31, 2016

Hi everyone! I hope everyone had a safe weekend.

It’s the last day of May which means I’ll be sharing my favorite products. It’s a smaller batch than last month but still great nevertheless. Let’s get to it! 🙂

Nest Grapefruit Candle

One of my favorite brands for candles, after I finished the Moroccan Amber one, I opted for a more spring-like scent. Made with fine fragrance oils and the highest grade of wax materials, notes of Grapefruit, Lily of the Valley, Coriander Blossom, Green Nuances and Soft Woods quickly fill up the room with zest, sparkling scent.

Renee Rouleau AHA Smoothing Serum 17%

Renee was in town a couple of weeks ago, and she was very kind to let me try out a new lab formulation of the AHA Smoothing Serum 17%. I really like the original one, but this new one feels a bit more hydrating. Instead of 17% glycolic acid, it will have a blend of glycolic acid, lactic acid, 1% salicylic, multifruit acids/extracts and niacinamide. The inclusion of niacinamide is what I feel makes this more hydrating (not heavy) and will help keep skin even-toned.

Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Angelic Nude

This Tarte lipstick is so creamy and smooth to apply and has a hint of peppermint that’s not too overpowering. It has just enough shine to make lips have a subtle glow and although I have to reapply this more frequently than others, with this formula, I don’t mind. It’s also the perfect peachy pink shade for me and as a testament, I pretty much already finished this lipstick.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer

Even though I love my Nars Creamy Radiant concealer, I wanted to try out the It Cosmetics as I’ve heard such great things about it. I can definitely see why people love this one. The formula is highly-pigmented and provides excellent coverage. A little goes a long way with this one. This settled a little bit into some lines but a tiny bit of setting powder helped diffuse it. Overall, this one is a keeper.

Violet Voss Holy Grail Eye Shadow Palette

With a variety of colors and finishes, this palette is perfect to create natural looking makeup all the way to full smokey glam. You can read my full review and see swatches here.

Cuccio Somatology Yoga Mat Sani Spray Cleaner

Cuccio Somatology recently launched a few products to incorporate into your yoga practice and I purchased the Yoga Essentials Kit. I instantly loved this environmentally friendly yoga mat cleaner as it incorporates scents of eucalyptus and aloe vera and smells amazing. I use it not only to clean my yoga mat but all of my exercise equipment to ensure it’s clean and free from bacteria. Plus, the scent is so addictive, you’ll look forward to cleaning your whole house with it.

That’s it for this month. 🙂

What were your favorites?

Stephanie

April Favorites 2016!

April 28, 2016

Hello everyone! We’re a few days shy of the end of April and I’ve got a great collection of items to share so let’s get started!

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare

One of the items I picked up at the Sephora sale, I can’t get over this beautiful shade. If you’re in the market for a great liquid lipstick, pick this one up, if you can find it.

Colour Pop Ultra Satin Lip in Echo Park

If you’re looking for an affordable liquid lipstick, then Colour Pop is your brand. At $6, this warm peachy nude applies smoothly and surprisingly lasts even though it’s not a matte formula. It does come off as it never fully dries and I did find this to be on the drying side but lip balm underneath helps.

The Estee Edit by Estee Lauder The Barest Lip Color in So Bare

A collection I initially dismissed, I’m glad I went back to take a closer look. A lipstick/lip balm hybrid, this feels creamy, hydrating and imparts good pigmentation

Lancome Juicy Shaker in 252 Vanilla Pop

Lancome’s newest take on the original Juicy Tubes, this lip oil is unique. You shake the bottle to mix the lip oils and pigments to create a nice, albeit sheer, wash of color. The applicator is a stubby sponge attached to the cap which feels plush and melts the product onto your lips. This product gets addicting so you have been warned. 😉

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion in C3

I was a fan of the Laneige BB Cushion Compact so I wanted to give this one a try. This does give a nice luminous look to skin that doesn’t feel heavy. I’m not a big fan of the sponge that’s included so I use my beauty blender to apply the product. Overall, I’m happy with this one.

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation #3

I requested a sample of this foundation at the Charlotte Tilbury counter and this one is pretty much perfection. It’s light-weight and provides enough coverage for me where it doesn’t look cakey and covers up my redness. I was worried that this would be to glowy for my combination skin but so far it gives a nice sheen without looking like an oily mess.

Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze and Glow

Another iconic item from Charotte Tilbury, I had to pick up this Film Star Bronze and Glow palette after one of the makeup artists tried it on me. I will say that the Sculpt shade is lighter than expected but it sculpts cheek bones in a not-so-obvious way. It blends in pretty nicely too. The highlighter is also not that obvious looking but adds a subtle ethereal glow.

Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey

I love using this blush as it blends effortlessly and looks great applied over bronzer. It’s not matte and has small shimmer particles but when it’s on me, it looks a bit matte.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer

A perfect shade for sculpting and contouring, I’m only sad I didn’t try this sooner. Love that the color is dark enough to define cheekbones but not overpowering. I use this instead of the CT Sculpt shade when I want more definition.

Renee Rouleau Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

I received this when Renee was in town and I have to say that this did not irritate my sensitive eyes. Sometimes certain makeup remover wipes or formulas sting my eyes but this one was very gentle with no burning feeling. It did well in removing minimal eye makeup but I had to use something more oil based if I had heavier eye makeup.

Skin Script Glycolic Cleanser

I ordered a few samples of these and boy these are very active products. Containing 17% glycolic acid, I use this about twice a week when I’m experiencing some breakouts. It’s also doubling as my beauty blender cleanser as it effectively removes all the gunk that accumulates on it.

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

I’ve been impressed by this hair mask. As soon as I apply this, it leaves my color treated hair softer and smoother feeling.

Govino Go-Anywhere Carafe and Water Glass Set

I know this is missing from the main picture, but I didn’t have it with me at the time. I received this carafe and water glass set in my March PopSugar Must Have Box and since I’ve kept it with me at work, I’ve been staying way more hydrated than I normally do. The carafe is 28 oz and I refill it a few times a day. I also love the fact that it’s easy to store and doesn’t take up too much space as you can place the water glass upside down on top of the carafe.

Please let me know your favorites this month and if you’d want a full review of any of these products!

Stephanie

March Favorites 2016!

March 31, 2016

It’s the end of March guys! Can you believe it? This means it’s time to see what my favorite products of this month were. Let’s get started!

Laneige BB Cushion

I received this sample in a Target Beauty Box and I absolutely love the finish it provides. It’s enough to cover up my redness while still maintaining a natural and satin look. It’s a bit pricey so I’d love to try out the L’Oreal one too and see how it compares.

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer

This product was included in my January Birchbox and while it wasn’t initially my favorite back then, I tried this on when my skin looked a little lackluster and it gave such a pretty glow. I’m still not a fan of the scent, but this is a nice, subtle product to use when you need a bit of a pick me up.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Apple Dumpling

Another Spring 2016 shade that I picked up at the NYX store, I love how pigmented these glosses are as well as inexpensive. You literally can just swipe this on and go as you’ll get opaque coverage with a glossy finish.

Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm

There’s always room for a lip balm and I really love this one. The formula is thick but spreads easily without feeling goopy on the lips. It nourishes skin and helps keep them feeling soft and hydrated.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette

I’m in love with the creamy pigmentation of this formula as well as the neutral colors. For a full review, click here.

Above is a swatch for NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Apple Dumpling.

beautyblender

I purchased this last year and while I used it here and there, it’s been pretty much on the back burner until now. I’ve been using the beautyblender regularly and there’s no cakey foundation here. It really helps to blend everything in.

Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer

I picked this up when I went to the Dermalogica Headquarters and I’m so happy I did. Although I don’t experience much hydration from this, it really smooths out my skin’s surface and helps minimize the appearance of my pores. Definitely provides a smooth canvas to work off of.

Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo

A few weeks ago I dyed my hair and got highlights. I was advised to buy a shampoo that would help prevent a brassy hue and after visiting my local beauty supply store, I found this shampoo. It’s supposed to neutralize brassy/orange tones to maintain lightened or highlighted brown hair. It literally lathers up blue and kind of stains your hands with a blue shade. It reminds me of that scene in Bride Wars where Kate Hudson’s hair turns out blue. Fortunately, this does rinse off clean and after a minute or two, the color washes off from your hands-no need to wrap your hair with a shirt or book an emergency appointment with your hairstylist. So far, so good.

Here’s a picture of my highlighted hair though it’s a bit lighter now.

What are your March favorites?

Stephanie