Beach Trip Random Haul

Empties - September 2015

Whats for DInner

Beauty Haul

April Favorites

Some outfit favorites this month!! Let me know some of your favorites!

Sephora VIB Haul

I took part in the Sephora VIB Haul this week. I actually took part more than I should have, but I cannot resist a good sale. I thought I would share some products I purchased. I would love to hear what all of you got in the sale.

First, I bought a full size of the Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil. I had a deluxe sample of this I have been using and I love it. It is a little pricey so I waited to buy it with the sale. I have very dry skin. I mix a couple of drops of this in my face lotion in the morning before applying makeup. It makes my skin so soft and my makeup apply so much smoother.



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I picked up the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, the new Complexion Rescue, and the brush that goes with the Complexion Rescue. I tried the tinted moisturizer yesterday and I love it. It gave my skin a healthy glow. It is light coverage but somehow it evens out my complexion. It did not feel like I was wearing any makeup. I highly recommend this product. The Mineral Veil was a repurchase. I love the finish the powder gives my skin.

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I also purchased the Becca powder in Moonstone. This was my first purchase in this line. It gives the most beautiful highlight to my cheekbones. I have only used it once, but I was very pleased. I would like to try more of the Becca products.

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Next, I purchased the Sugar Balm and Scrub. I have been having a hard time with dry, chapped lips the past few weeks. I spend a lot of time at the ballpark in the spring which causes my lips to get sunburned. I decided I needed to take just as much care of my lips as I do my face. I love the scrub. It makes my lips feel amazing and smells so good. I am also really happy with the lip balm. My only complaint is the price, but I do feel it is worth it.

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I picked up a small hand cream from Soap & Glory because of all the hype I hear about it. I used it once and like it. The smell of it is so good. I do not think it will replace my hand cream from The Body Shop.

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Finally, I picked up my first every YSL product. I purchased the new Tint-in-Oil in Pink About Me (8). I should have never bought this exspensive of a lipstick  because I am in love. The lip gloss goes on like oil then it stains your lips. The applicator fits my lips perfectly. The color last so long even through eating and drinking. I look forward to trying more YSL products in the future even if my wallet will not.

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I hope all of you were able to try some new products. Let me know if you picked up any of the same ones I did.


Monday Musthave - Big Sexy Hairspray

This is my all time favorite hairspray!! It gives enough hold to my thick hair without getting stiff. I have bought numerous cans and will continue to keep this in my collection! Let me know what your favorite hairspray is or if you try this one.

Fashion Friday - Spring Must Haves

1.  Maxi Dresses and Maxi Skirts - Is there anything more comfortable than a maxi dress or skirt? My favorite thing about spring is pulling these out of my closet. They look amazing and can be dressed up or down. 

2. T-Shirt - Everyone needs a classic white t-shirt in their wardrobe for spring. They look great with cutoffs, jeans, or a maxi skirt. 

3. Loose Tanks - I think everyone needs bright loose fitting tanks in their spring wardrobe. They look great with cutoffs , maxi skirts, or jeans.

4.  Denim shorts - Is there anything cuter than cut-offs in the spring. These should be a staple in everyone's spring closet. 

5. Flip Flops and Sandals - I recommend every color of flip flops since you can find them so cheap at places like Old Navy. I also recommend buying a dressier pair of gold, brown, and black sandals.

6.  Chucks - I got my first pair of Converse in my Easter basket 😊. I love them. They will had a pop of color and fun to my spring wardrobe.

7. Gold Jewelry - All of you have got to get some gold accessories this spring. I recommend some large gold hoops and layering pieces. 

8. Big Sunglasses - Go out today and buy a pair of oversized sunglasses. They hide tired makeup free eyes and add so much to your outfit. 

Let me know what your spring essentials are this year.

Monday Must Have - Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover

My Monday Must Have for this week is Mary Kay's Eye Makeup Remover. I have tried so many eye makeup removers from drugstore to high end, but this one is by far the best. It is the type that separates and you shake it up before you use it. The formula is oily but does not leave a greasy feeling to your face. It does not burn my very sensitive eyes and it removes every last bit of eye makeup. One surprising use for the remover is to clean your beauty blender. You will be surprised my the amount of makeup that comes out of the center of the beauty blender. Let me know if you try this product or what eye makeup remover you are loving. The only downside is you cannot buy this product at Sephora or Ulta, but most everyone knows someone who is a Mary Kay salesperson.

March Fashion Favorites

Here are some fashion favorites I had this past month. I am so excited the temperatures are getting warmer and I can trade boots for sandals. If you would like to see daily fashion post follow me on Instagram (link on the blog).

March Empties

I have been trying to really stick to my empties challenge and not buy a lot of new products. I have failed a few times but for the most part I am doing well. I am doing better with bath and body products than with makeup. Here are the products I used up in the month of March. I also post products weekly on my Instagram if you would like to follow me there.

First Aid Beauty Cleanser - This cleanser was ok. I did not like it as much as the Purity cleanser from Philosophy. It would not take off a full face of makeup so you will need another cleanser to use as a makeup remover.

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The Body Shop Hand Cream - This is my favorite hand cream. I have a full review here. I have already repurchased and will continue to have this in my collection.



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Nivea Kiss of Shimmer Lip Balm - I enjoyed this lip balm. It is not my favorite but I would repurchase if I could not get my The Body Shop Lip Butter.


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Bath and Body Works Candle - I always have BBW candles in my empties. These are my favorite candles. I love all the scents and would highly recommend. They are also a great price when you combine the 2 for 22 sales with coupons.



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Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play - This is my favorite hairspray of all time. I love this entire line of hair products. I have very thick course hair and this keeps it in place. If you have fine hair it may be too much, but I am sure they have a hairspray for you in their line.

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Smooth Sexy Hair - This is another favorite product from the Sexy Hair line. I have used this for years and am not often without it. I use this when I straighten my hair. It protects your hair from heat while taking away frizz and adding shine.



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Bed Head Moisture Manic Shampoo - I like this shampoo. It smells amazing and leaves my hair feeling clean and soft. I do have another bottle of this, but will try something new when I am finished with it.

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Frizz Ease Hair Spray - I have had multiple bottles of this hairspray and I like it. It is a good dupe for the Big Sexy Hairspray so if you would like to save money I would buy this one. I usually pick this up when I cannot get to the salon or Ulta for the Big Sexy brand. I will continue to repurchase.

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Kirkland Face Wipes - I purchased the Costco Kirkland brand face wipes after hearing a review on YouTube. The reviews were correct they are amazing. These wipes are large and take off my makeup. They do not dry out my skin or burn my eyes. They are also very affordable. I will keep purchasing these and highly recommend them. These wipes can be purchased at Costco I could not find a link online.

The following products were small samples from Sephora. They can all be purchased there. I am just going to tell whether or not I would repurchase since they were small samples I do not feel I can give a full review.

• OleHenrikson Brightening Moisturizer - This was ok would probably not repurchase.
• Deva Curl Ultra Defining Gel - I really liked this and would love to try a full size.
• Glam Glow Cleanser - I loved this and would like a full size. I just wish it was not so expensive.
• Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion - I liked this and would purchase a full size.
• Murad Time Release Retinol - I liked this and would like to purchase a full size.
• Loccitane Hand Cream - I loved this hand cream and would purchase a full size.
• Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Eye Cream - I loved this and plan to purchase when I finish some others.
• Peter Thomas Roth Body Lotion - This was ok. I would not purchase a full size.
• Kate Sommerville Exfolikate -  I have purchased a larger size of this. I really like what the product does, but I do not like the smell.

Let me know some products you all have used recently! Also, if you have any products I need to try I love hearing about new products.

Monday Must Have - Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara

It took me awhile to try the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara. I thought it was just a gimmick to be honest. Then I needed few dollars to use a code on Sephora (we all know how that is) so I added this to my cart. I have to say it is not a gimmick it is amazing. It has the most amazing small brush to get all those hard to reach lashes and it last all day. Let me know if you have tried this or anymore products I should try from Clinique. I have not used the brand in years but think I need to start trying them out again.


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Monday Must Have - The Body Shop Lip Butter

My Monday Must Have this week is The Body Shops lip butters. This is one of my all time favorites for my lips. I keep one of these in my desk at work, in my purse, and in my nightstand. I love all the flavors, but the coconut is my favorite. These feel amazing on your lips and they smell great. They are very hydrating. Let me know what your favorite lip balm is or if you try these from The Body Shop.



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Monday Must Have - Glam Glow

I never thought I would ever buy a mask that cost as much as the Glam Glow mask, but I gave in and I am glad I did. I was really hoping I would not like it because of the price. However, I now believe it is worth it. I have never had a mask actually show results from the first use. My favorite is the SuperMud Clearing Treatment. The mask will make your face so tight and you can actually see junk coming out of your pores. This will cause small breakouts at times because it is clearing out your pores, but this will lessen with regular use. I also love the ThristyMud Mask. I wear this overnight for a deep hydrating treatment. I have very dry skin so this mask really makes my skin feel great. I will continue to buy these masks in the future. Let me know if you have tried these masks and what you think. Also, let me know some other good masks I need to try.

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Monday Must Have - Korres Body Butter

This weeks Monday Must Have is Korres Body Butter. This body butter is amazing. I have never owned anything from the Korres line and I bought this again in the Sephora Black Friday sale. This body butter feels great and is not greasy. I have been mainly using it on my hands and feet because my tube is small. I plan on buying the full size so I can use it after I shower. I highly recommend the Jasmine scent it is my favorite. Let me know if you try it or any other Korres products I need to try.

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Monday Must Have - Buxom Lip Gloss

Today's Monday Must Have is Buxom Lip Gloss. I bought my first Buxom lip gloss during the Sephora VIB sale. I bought a kit with six different shades. I enjoy all of the colors but White Russian is my favorite. The lip gloss gives a tingling feeling and a beautiful shine. I highly recommend trying the Buxom line if you have not already. I also recommend buying a kit. The glosses are not full size, but the are large enough to see which colors are your favorite. I warn you to be careful when testing them because you may buy them all.



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Allure Sample Society Box - February

I received my first Allure Sample Society Box in the mail this week. This box contains five deluxe size samples. I love trying new subscription services. I have had Birchbox and Ipsy in the past. I love getting samples of products I would have otherwise never heard of. Lets look at this months box.

The first product in the box I noticed was a Batiste Dry Shampoo in floral and fruity. I have tried this dry shampoo and I really like it. It is not my favorite but I will use this in my travel bag. The full size of this product is $7.

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The next item in the box was a Nails Inc. nail polish in Princes Palace. It is a light blue color with a gray tint. I think it will be really pretty for the spring. I have never heard of this brand so I am excited to try it. The full size price of this product is $9. 

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The next item in the box was StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum. I have never tried this, but I have heard good things about this brand. I did notice however on the website this was in last months box also. I do not like to get the same products two months in a row. The full size of this product is $89.

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Next, there are three Nugg face mask in the box. I have never heard of this brand either, but I love face masks. Each of the masks are wrapped individually. There is a mask for deep cleansing, dry skin, and dull skin. I cannot wait to try them all. The full size of this product is $2.99 each.

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Finally, there was a perfume sample for Chole Love Story. I do not like getting perfume samples in subscription boxes. I feel you get cheated a little bit. I will use it, but would rather have had a more deluxe size sample. The full size of this product is $75 for 1.7oz. 

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Overall I like the Allure Sample Society box. I am not sure if I will get it every month. I am going to try it for awhile. I often switch boxes because I like to try new things. If you would like to purchase this subscription service you can here. Also, to get $5 off your first box use the code 5foryou. Let me know what subscription services you get I may want to try them too.

Monday Must Have - Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

Today's Monday Must Have is Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks. These are amazing. I have the colors bronze and nectar, but would love to try all of them. They give a beautiful highlight to the top of the cheek bones. They also add a glow when used over your blush. The shimmer bricks can also be used as eye shadows. They make a great brow bone highlight. Let me know if you all try these and what you think.


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Monday Must Have - Wet Brush

This weeks Monday Must Have is the Wet Brush. I have been using this brush for about a year, before using this I always detangled my hair with a wide tooth comb. The wet brush works great on my very thick, naturally curly, long hair. I use it when I get out of the shower to detangle. It does a great job without causing breakage. I highly recommend trying this if you have not already. They are a great price and a must have especially if you have long or thick hair. Let me know if you try one.

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January Empties

I have joined with some amazing women on Instagram for a low buy challenge. It is called 365 days of empties and was created by a lady I follow on Instagram named beautyempites (go follow her). The challenge is to use up the products you have instead buying new ones. The empties can include samples and candles or design it to fit your needs. For every product you give yourself a dollar and use this "empties" money to buy new products you are wanting to try. I update my progress frequently on my Instagram page (link on blog), but I will update here monthly.

1. Bath and Body Works Candles - I used up a lot of candles this month because I was out on sick leave. Most of the candles I used were limited edition fall candles. I did use up a Mahogany Teakwood candle which is my favorite. It smells just like the Abercrombie.



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2.  Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation - One of my all time favorite foundations. I had a backup on hand when I used up that one. I have a full review in my 2014 Beauty Favorites.


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3.  Victoria Secret Very Sexy Perfume - If I have a signature scent this would be it. I wore this scent on one of my first dates with my now husband. I wore this scent on our Wedding Day. I have wore this on numerous special and not so special occasions. I have copied the notes from the Victoria Secret site because I am horrible at describing scents. The perfume includes scents of vanilla orchid, sun-drenched clementine and midnight blackberry. I plan to buy this again soon.

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4.  Victoria Secret Coconut Passion Lotion - I love any lotion that smells like coconut and this one has a nice warm scent. The Victoria Secret lotions are thick and not greasy. They can at times be strong scented, but I really like them.

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5.  Better Homes and Garden Wax Melts - These wax melts are great for the price. I buy them at Wal-Mart. They have a lot of good scents and most of them have a good throw.

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6.  Brittney Spears Perfume - This was a gift from my nephew when he was about 8 years old. He picked it out himself and was so excited to give it to me. It smelled very good, but my favorite part was how he told me I smelled good every time I wore it.

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7. Seventh Generation Face Wipe - I bought the wipes from Vitacost. They are a more natural brand. They are alright. They are good for wipe swatches off your hands or washing your face in the morning, but not for taking off a full face of make-up. I would not purchase again.


8. Samples - I have used a good amount of samples this month. I am enjoying this no buy challenge because it has encouraged me to use more of my samples. I am going to list the ones I have finished and tell if I would purchase or  not. I do not feel I can give full reviews but I can give my first impression.
     Lacome Visionaire Serum - It felt good on my skin, but I am not sure it is worth the money.
     Bond 9 I love New York - This perfume smelled good, but a little strong. I would not purchase.
     Cruel Itch Defense - I did not like the smell of this lotion. I would not purchase.
     Nieva Cocoa Butter - I really liked this lotion. It smelled so good. I would purchase full size.
     Origins CC Cream - This sample was so small I am not sure about. I would consider buying.
     Jose Maran Oil - I loved this and I would purchase full size.
     Lancôme Crème to Powder - I loved this foundation and would buy a full size.
     Prada Candy Perfume - I like this perfume and my husband recently bought me a full size.
    

Monday Must Have - Ultra Repair Cream

This weeks Monday Must Have is First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream. I bought a small tube of this in the day after Thanksgiving sale at Sephora. I loved it instantly. It feels so good on my face, hands, and feet. The lotion is without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It is also without petroleum and it contains colloidal oatmeal which helps with eczema. I suffer from eczema and I have noticed it has not irritated my skin or caused my eczema to flare up. This lotion does not really have a scent and it does not leave the skin feeling greasy. Let me know if you try it or if you are already using it what you think. I look forward to trying some more products from this brand.

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Fashion Favorites of 2014

I love everything about fashion. I love putting together outfits in new ways. I love adding a new accessory to completely change a look. I love how you can put stilettos with jeans for a night out or flip flops for a day in the mountains. These are a few of my favorites from the year. I could talk about fashion all day I have narrowed it down to a few of my staples.

1. JCrew Factory GiGi Pants. These pants are amazing. They have a fit like a legging, but they are thick like a pant. The look great with tall boots or high heels. I hope to wear them this summer with flats or sandals. I definitely recommend getting a pair of these pants.





2.  Toms. I bought my first pair of Toms this year, then after I got them, I bought my second pair of Toms. I plan in the Spring to buy my third pair of Toms. I love these shoes. They look really cute with skinny jeans or shorts. I tend to wear them a lot with yoga pants on casual days. I also wear them to the baseball field in the spring most weekends.


 

3.  Denim Vest. I finally found a denim vest that I liked this year. I wear them mainly with maxi dresses and sleeveless shirts. I feel they make maxi dress more office appropriate. They also add some style to a sleeveless shirt and khakis. I linked to one on Amazon that is similar to the one I purchased from Old Navy.

 

 

4. Maxi Dress. I wore maxi dresses almost everyday this spring and summer. They are so comfortable and so easy. They can be dressed up with a scarf or jewelry or just worn casual. I am sure everyone loves them as much as I do. I do wish they were not always so long. It is hard to find them to fit me.

 

 

 

4.  Tall Boots. I love my riding boots in the fall and winter. These are not new to my wardrobe, but I do feel they are a fashion favorite of the year. They look great with dresses, skinny jeans, and leggings. I love to wear them with boot socks or leg warmers. They are a must for every wardrobe.

 

 

 

5. Scarves. My must have for every season is scarves. They add something extra to any outfit. I often wearing a t-shirt and jeans with a nice scarf. I also love to wear maxi dresses with a scarf and denim vest or jacket.

 

 

 

6. Stilettos. I could not honor my blog name without having stilettos as a fashion favorite. These have been my favorite since I could walk. There is something about a good pair of stilettos that make you feel good about yourself.  I especially love nude heels.

 

 

 

These are my fashion favorites for 2014. It was hard to narrow it down because I love all fashion so much, but these are my wardrobe must haves. Thanks for reading let me know your must haves.