November Loves and Favorites

Starbucks Red Holiday Cup

Starbucks: your winter specialty drinks have stolen my heart once again.  The Skinny Peppermint Mocha is my absolute favorite, but I have been changing it up every now and then with the Holiday Spice Flat White.  The Peppermint Mocha is perfect for when I am craving something super sweet and chocolate, and the Flat White for when I am in need of something soothing.  The Holiday Spice Flat White is basically Christmas in a cup.  I have yet to try the Gingerbread or Chestnut Praline, but it is only a matter of time.

BH Cosmetics Long Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick

When I received an email a few weeks ago that BH Cosmetics had just released these, I knew I had to try them.  I purchased Muse, a nude pink grey-beige, and Endora, a bright pink.  The formula isn't over-drying on my lips, but I always make sure to exfoliate and moisturize before applying any kind of liquid lipstick.  The texture is similar to Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and the colors are similar to Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick.  I plan on ordering many more when colors come back in stock.

Honeywell Console Humidifier

You may be thinking: what the hell is a humidifier doing on a beauty favorites list?  I have been waking up every morning this fall and winter struggling to breathe through a stuffy nose, and when my nose is stuffy is stays that way all day long, which means I am constantly using tissues and ruining my makeup.  No bueno.  At first I was stunned by the size of this particular humidifier, as don't have a lot of space to work with at the moment.  But the performance and efficiency of this humidifier quickly outweighed this slight inconvenience.  I actually like the size of it now because it holds a lot of water and I do not have to worry about refilling it for a few days at a time.  My bedroom air is more comfortable at night, allowing me to breathe easier, and the makeup I put on my nose in the morning will continue to stay on my face **double thumbs up.***

 

The Time Chamber by Daria Song

The sequel to The Time Garden, a beautifully designed magical story and adult coloring book, The Time Chamber is another outstanding work of ink art by Daria Song. 

The red haired fairy returns again in this book, but this time it is the fairy that is visiting the little girl's land.  Feeling restless, the fairy desires to explore outside her beautiful time garden inside the clock.  The fairy packs beautiful treasures to bring the little girl each time she visits her.  As she explores, the entire world feels enormous in size to the tiny fair, and everything is new and beautiful.

The designs that fill this book illustrate the magical and charming objects the tiny fairy finds so beautiful: tea kettles, dining ware, silver ware, powder boxes, spools of yarn, and more.  The intricate details featured on each page will leave you mesmerized and captivated with the story and it's beauty.

Luxe Beauty Brows Eyebrow Growth Serum*

My brows have consistently remained sparse, thin, and difficult to grow for years now.  A constant reminder of the over-plucking and torture I put them through during middle school and high school.  I was really excited to try out this eyebrow growth serum when Luxe Beauty sent it to me for review because I have never used any type of hair growth serum before (although I have always wanted to try an eyelash serum).  I apply this to my brows every morning before makeup and again every night after I remove my makeup.  After a few weeks I actually have seen a great difference in the growth of my eyebrows.  While they haven't grown in any thicker, they are actually growing, which is an awesome improvement!

 

Where's Karl by Stacey Caldwell

This book illustrates in beautiful detail a "fashion-forward parody" from cover to cover.  Cleverly designed and gorgeously illustrated, the artwork brings to life some of the best known names in the fashion industry.  We follow quirky and interesting characters around the world, to cities like Dubai and New York, and to fashion week in all of the most fabulous locales.

In your search for Karl you will also find a sea of different celebrity, lifestyle and fashion personalities.  Despite the book's title and main character (Karl), the real hilarity lies within the overall portrayal of the fashion industry.  You see Grace Coddington, Naiomi Campbell, Giselle Bunchen, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Anna Wintour, Alexa Chung, Bill Cunningham; the character legend is intense and wonderfully amusing.

This book makes an excellent gift to any style lover in your life or a great addition to your coffee table books.  A must buy for anyone who follows the fashion industry.

 

Micro Pedi Electric Callus Remover*

I had been debating about getting one of these electric pedi devices for months (because what woman doesn't need smoother feet?) when I was sent this from Care Me to review.  This thing works miracles on my feet, no lie.  The pumice roller is gentle but powerful, and much more effective than the Ped Egg that I have been using for years.  I like the fact that is is not battery powered and actually comes with a charger.  You can detach the roller head and hand wash it to clean.  Honestly, I've never seen or felt my feet so smooth and soft before.  This will definitely save me some money from getting pedicures at the spa.

 

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Holiday Gift Guide: My 10 Favorite Beauty Lovers Gift Sets

The beauty lover.  We all have that person on our holiday gift list.  The one that you always see with a Sephora bag, makeup done to the nines, and raving about the new Urban Decay palette.  She knows her own style and can easily spot a pair of brows done with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade in a crowded hall.

Beauty lovers can sometimes be the most difficult to shop for.  While on the one hand they are always seeking the next great product, each individual has different skin and makeup needs. You aren't going to want to purchase a radiant primer for someone that prefers a completely matte complexion.

Instead of purchasing several individual products, stick to those amazing gift box sets you will be seeing in every store now thru the beginning of next year.  Without a doubt these are the best buys for your money.  It may seem impersonal, or that you just picked up the first thing you saw when you entered the store, but trust me: your beauty lover is going to love it.

Even better: your beauty lover will know that if what you purchase her does not fit her needs, Sephora always accepts returns and exchanges, even if the product has already been opened.  Basically, you have given her a gift card to Sephora to purchase whatever she would like.

Too Faced Le Grand Chateau

This one I wanted to place first because, let's be honest, this thing is so adorable it makes me giddy.  This little chateau opens up to reveal three separate palettes with a total of 18 eye shadows, two blushes, one bronzer, and a mini Better Than Sex mascara.  EVERY beauty lover will find this set irresistible.

Origins Let Us Glow

Origins is, hands down, one of my favorite skincare brands.  This set features all of my favorites, including the GinZing refreshing skin cleanser, Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb, GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer, and GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream.

Fresh Skincare Affair

Every products I have tried from Fresh has been more amazing than the last.  I use the Fresh Soy Face Cleaner on a daily basis and it has transformed my skin from dull and acne-prone to bright and healthy.  This set comes with the Soy Face Cleanser, Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, Seabury Moisturizing Face Oil, Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream, and Sugar Avdanced Therapy Lip Treatment.

Clinique Holiday Helpers

Clinique was one of the first beauty brands I ever fully trusted.  I have been using their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion for a long time and cannot imagine using anything else for my sensitive skin.  This set features the Skinny Stick in Slimming Black, High Impact Mascara in Black, All About Eyes, Turnaround Revitalizing Treatment Oil, Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, Chubby Stick Lip Balm in Heaping Hazelnut, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, and Take The Day Off Makeup Remover.

Sephora Collection Glitter Happy Brush Set

While the price for this set may be a little high, these elegant brushes in a limited edition rose gold color will be something you show off with pride on your beauty vanity.  This set comes with a  rose gold glitter brush stand and the rose gold metal brushes include a blush brush, pointed foundation brush, blending brush, pointed concealer brush, shadow brush, and lip brush.

Becca Glow On The Go

Becca is known for its beautiful shimmering skin perfectors, and Opal has been one of its bestsellers.  This set comes with a deluxe size Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opral and Shimmering Skin Perfector Opal Spotlight Wand.

 Tory Burch Mini Duo

I have been in love with Tory Burch fragrances for quite some time now.  This set comes with two minis of Tory Burch Eau de Parfum, her signature scent, and Tory Burch Absolu Eau de Parfum, her brand new scent.

Ciate London Mini Mani Month

Sure, this set is "supposed" to be used to count down the holiday season, but the fact that is comes with 24 nail polishes makes it a sweet gift even after the holidays are over.  Includes a nail strengthener treatment, nail illuminator treatment, and an overnight nail mask treatment.

Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Studded Kiss Lip Set

Kat Von D is one of my favorite makeup brands to date.  Everything product she put out is pefection, from her lipsticks to her contour kits to her eyeshadows.  This set includes seven mini lip colors and a full size limited edition shade called Gold Blodded, a red with gold shimmer.

 Buxom Don't Miss A Beat Full-On Lip Polish Collection


Buxom was one of the first high end lip brands I ever tried at Sephora, and I was instantly hooked.  This set features six lip-plumping polishes in sheer and shimmering shades.

 

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Win It! Mario Badescu Facial Spray Giveaway

Hello my amazing readers!

Every month I plan to give away one of my favorite products from the month before.  This can be anything related to beauty, cosmetics, makeup, style, or books.  Just a little thank you for being so freaking amazing!

If you haven't read my October Loves and Favorites post check it out here!

One of my absolute favorite products from last month was the Mario Badescu Facial Spray.  Made with aloe, herbs and rosewater, it leaves my face feeling refreshed, hydrated and moisturized without feeling sticky or oily.  It sets my makeup and keeps it looking fresh all day.  Plus, I love the soft girly scent of powder and flowers.

I am giving away one 8 ounce bottle to a lucky reader!  Keep it for yourself or give it to someone as an awesome holiday gift.  The winner will be chosen at random by Amazon's Giveaway service.

Specifications and Rules

Giveaway end on November 10, 2015 at 11:59 PST.

Only residents 18+ years old in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia will be eligible to enter.  No purchase necessary.

Please read the official Amazon Giveaway rules and FAQs for any questions or concerns.

To Enter

Click HERE to enter and follow the instructions.  The only requirements are that you follow me on Twitter and have an Amazon account for your prize to be shipped to you!

Share this giveaway with others and spread the love!
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Good luck and thank you for being one of my awesome readers!

 

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October Loves and Favorites

I cannot believe another month has gone by and it is already time for my monthly favorites!  I went apple picking, baked apple and pumpkin pies, apple crisp, and drank more Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks that I will admit to.

I discovered and loved each of these products during October.  I found myself seriously changing up my beauty routine and makeup products as the days cooled and my skin became dryer.  Fall and winter are also the months I usually get really into anti-aging/cellulite/wrinkle/everything creams in anticipation of looking fab for next year's warmer weather.

NYX HD Finishing Powder in Banana

I started using this as my every day highlighting powder when I started to hit pan on my Kat Von D highlighting shades.  The NYX powder isn't as creamy as the Kat Von D and is definitely more sheer, but it sets my concealer beautifully.  I apply this with a setting brush over every place I apply concealer, including under my eyes, my chin, and right above my brows.  I usually apply a little extra and let it sit on my skin while I finish contouring, and then brush off the excess with a fan brush.  The results of this powder are flawless and creaseless and expect your makeup to stay set all day.

NYX Angel Veil Primer

I had been considering purchasing this primer for months, and when I finally did I understood what all the hype is about.  This primer erases every pore on my face and creates a beautiful canvas on which to apply my makeup.  It comes out of the tube white but turns clear when you blend it into the skin.  It leaves a silky soft and smooth finish without leaving your skin and hands feeling oily and greasy. At half the price of my regular high-end primer with the same results, this one is most definitely going to remain a staple in my makeup routine.

Milani Cosmetics Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss

I stopped by the Milani Cosmetics section of my local Walgreens about a week ago and saw that is was stocked with lip glosses in the most beautiful of fall shades.  I only picked up three but I am definitely going back for more.  I grabbed Berry Tempting, a medium berry purple, Bare Secret, a soft tan nude, and Brownberry, a dark sparkling purple.  All three colors are sheer, long lasting, and look stunning on my lips.  They do well by themselves or paired over a lipstick for extra glossiness. 

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

After hearing Carli Bybel rave about this facial spray and keeping in on my Amazon beauty wish list for a couple months, I finally decided to purchase it.  Point blank: it's amazing.  It contains aloe, herbs and rosewater for setting makeup and hydrating your skin and hair.  I have not tried it out of my hair as of yet, but damn does it work great as a facial/makeup setting spray.  It sets my makeup as well as the other high end sprays.  It is light, refreshing, moisturizing, hydrating, and smells amazing.  The scent is fresh and girly, with a just a hint of powder and rose.  At half the price of my favorite Urban Decay All Nighter makeup setting spray, it is a steal.

Oz Naturals Super Youth Eye Gel*

Since my late teens I have been trying every eye gel and cream sold on the market to decrease the appearance of my under eye bags and circles.  Some things have worked, and some things have not; I basically consider myself a product expert when it comes to this area!  I have only been using this eye gel for a couple of weeks to combat the dark circles and puffiness beneath my eyes, and I have already started to see a significant difference.  I've seen a decrease in my dark circles and a significant decrease in puffiness.  

It applies smooth and non greasy and I have been applying this once in the morning and once at night.  Made with plant stem cells, this vegan formula can be used around the eyes, forehead and cheek area, or as an all over the face treatment.  I have not yet used it anywhere else but beneath my eyes, but I am most definitely going to start testing it's anti-aging effects on the center of my brow bone, where an adorable small wrinkle has recently decided to make its presence known.  Time has come to die, little wrinkle.

CSCS Advanced Slimming Cream*

I have had a life long struggle with some small cellulite on the back of my thighs.  When I was a teenager dedicated to ballet and the performing arts, taking eight two-hour classes a week of ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, pilates, and modern dance, I still had cellulite.  Even when I was in my early twenties, going to the gym almost daily, eating healthy, and in the best shape of my life, the cellulite still remained.

I was initially nervous to try this product when I received it and read on the back of the bottle that it may cause a 10-15 minute warming sensation.  I tested a small spot on my arm and didn't have any kind of reaction, so I continued and applied it to the back of my thighs.  The warming sensation lasted at least 20 minutes, but wasn't uncomfortable.  I understood what the warming sensation was doing: decreasing water retention and firming my skin.  I have been using this product for about a week and a half and have already noticed a difference.  My cellulite is much less noticeable, which I fully expect to become less and less as I continue to apply the product. Of course, like every cellulite cream I have ever used, after discontinuing you can fully expect those little dimples to become more noticeable.  However, at least for now with this cream, they are on hiatus.

The Time Garden*

 When one of my friends showed me her "adult" coloring book that she uses for de-stressing, meditation and creativity, I knew I had to get one for myself.

The Time Garden is a beautiful and fanciful coloring book befitting for many ages.  The intricate pen and ink drawings take you on a magical journey through a young girl's dream of detailed night skies, midsummer night trees, clock gears, chocolate factories, fairies and owls.  Each page is filled with fascinating detail and captivating design, able to be customized through each reader's imagination through their own vision of color.

Coloring books are no longer just for children.  More frequently adults have been picking up coloring books as a form of relaxation and meditation.  Gel pens and soft pencils can breathe color into this journey and stimulate creativity.  Each page reveals illustrations that allow for the expansion of the imagination into unique and magical worlds filled with decadent chocolate and fairy tale trees.

Read my full review here.

Let Me Know!

What were some of your most loved products from last month?

 

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Subscribe to my blog on Bloglovin' and I will send you a hand written thank you postcard from Syracuse, NY!

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