July Favorites

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over (officially, because of course the hot temps will probably last well into September and October) but I can't say that I'm all that disappointed.  After all, fall is my favorite.  I've already attacked the back to school section at Target like a ninja - sorry to everyone who has to buy school supplies for actual school - which is probably my favorite thing about this time of year.  I've got one more summer thing planned for August, a trip to Cincinnati for a pro tennis tournament, and I'm also hoping to get in a trip to Holiday World to cap off the season.  But for now, I'm all but ready to tie the metaphorical bow around summer and be done with it.  Here's a look at my favorites for the month of July! 

Benefit They're Real! Mascara 

After a stint with drugstore mascaras for a while, I treated myself to They're Real because it's my all time favorite.  There's a reason this stuff is a top seller - it delivers volume, length and separation in one tube, even if the wand is a little intimidating.  And I don't know if they changed the formula, but it seems like this particular package has been easier to remove than before.  Honestly, that just makes me love it even more.

Urban Decay Primer Potion

This was another repurchase after trying out a few different brands.  We truly are creatures of habit because this eyeshadow primer is one I have loved since I first got into makeup.  Urban Decay changed up the packaging and is back to having a doe foot applicator, but this time in a squeezable tube.  It's perfect because once you can't get any product out with the applicator, you can still squeeze out that last little bit.  I've been rocking full eyeshadow looks daily and my makeup looks just as good when I get home as it did when I left in the morning thanks to this stuff.

Beauty Blender Cleanser Solid

If you want your makeup tools to last, you have to take care of them.  I'm sure we are all a little guilty of neglecting our brushes, but nothing is more important than a foundation sponge to clean and maintain.  I love my Beauty Blender and don't want to have to repurchase one every couple months because I'm too lazy to clean it, so that's why I love the solid cleanser.  It works a lot better than other methods I've tried, like baby shampoo, and is super easy to incorporate into my regular routine.

Dove Go Fresh Body Wash

Sometimes you don't need fancy-schmancy body wash because one from the drugstore will work just as well.  I grabbed this two-pack since I finally ran out of my never-ending stock pile that I acquired the last couple of Christmases.  It's great for those mornings when I hit the snooze one too many times, because it really does leave your skin moisturized enough to forgo lotion if necessary.  Anything that will cut down on my morning routine is going to be a lasting favorite in my book.

The Comforter Bubble Bar

I don't think I can truly express my excitement over the fact that I finally have a tub in my apartment again.  Never again will I move somewhere that just has a shower, if only because I can't take bubble baths.  Heck, even if I didn't have a tub I would probably by the Comforter just to be an air freshener and make my bathroom smell delicious.

Kacey Musgraves - Pageant Material

I love love love Kacey Musgraves and her new album Pageant Material has not disappointed me.  She's got just the right amount of sass and lyrics so clever you can't help but smile.  Her music is nothing like any other country artist out there that I've heard, and that's why I am so drawn to it.  If you want fun and cheeky, listen to Biscuits, and if you want to let out all the feels, try Fine.  Basically, you can't go wrong with this album.

Favorite Outfit Post: Lipstick Love

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June Favorites

Another month, another set of favorites.  I don't know about you but this month really flew by, and this time I really mean it.  And with June being the official start of summer, I finally embraced the hot temperatures and bare legs (FYI, summer is my least favorite season to dress for).  What I do love about summer, though, is colorful everything from nails to lips to shoes.  Here's a recap of what rocked my socks in June (and will probably continue to do so into July).

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light

I've actually been able to hang onto my barely-there-but-still-there sun kissed glow from the beach in May, so this powder has been perfect.  I'm not one to dust bronzer all over my face but this is subtle enough that I don't look like a crazy clown with stripes.  It really does give the most gorgeous glow, so I like to use it all over my face.  Think of it as an Instagram filter in real life!

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

You may or may not know that I am a big fan of layering mascaras, and this one in particular has been my go-to for dramatic lashes lately.  I start with a base coat of a regular volumizing formula and then top it off with Roller Lash.  I have never used a lash curler (gasp) so I can't give a comparison in that respect, but I will say that it noticeably curls and separates my lashes with each coat, both of which are very important to a mascara junkie like me!

Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion

You know that a product called an "emulsion" is going to be luxurious, and this one doesn't disappoint.  I got a deluxe sample with some of my Sephora points and I'm so glad I cashed in on this.  The smell alone is enough to make me want to drench myself in it every morning, but thankfully I have enough restraint to not do that.  In all seriousness though, it's a great lotion that leaves your skin feeling moisturized without leaving any residue.  I haven't used it long enough to speak to it's firming capability, but I'll be sure to give an update soon!

OPI Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp

This is my quintessential nail color.  Take me to the nail salon and I can walk right up to the wall of polish and pick it out in a second.  Since I'm pretty good at painting my own nails and do so often, I figured it was about time that I buy a bottle to add to my collection.  I rocked this mani in Chicago and it's still going strong 5 days later!

Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny

If you haven't noticed, periwinkle polish is everywhere.  So since I was on the nail painting wagon, I picked up this color as well.  A bikini and shrimp kind of go together, right?  I prefer smaller brush handles just like the Essie one when it comes to painting my own nails, so I actually tend to gravitate more towards their polishes anyway.  Bright colors like this are always fun to throw into the mix every once in a while.  And if you have to keep your fingers pretty conservative for work, this looks just as adorable on your toes!

xoxo,

Amanda

May Favorites

We might as well go ahead and call this post "Beach Essentials" because in keeping with the spirit of vacation, I'm sharing my favorite things from May and they all just so happen to relate back to the beach.  I don't think I can say anything more that I haven't said already about how much I love going to the beach, so let's just get started!

Esther Williams Beach Blanket Bingo Bikini via Modcloth

Back in winter, you know, when you've got a little extra cushion from all of those holiday indulgences, I was already thinking about swimsuits for our trip.  I tried on the ones I already owned and cringed when I saw how they fit.  Since I totally slacked on my plan to get my butt in the gym, I decided the next best thing was to at least purchase swimsuits that I could feel confident in.  When I found the Esther Williams line on Modcloth and started reading the reviews, I knew that they had to be mine.  The retro style is right up my alley and who can resist polka dots?  If you want a little more modest coverage but to still feel like a knockout then I highly suggest these suits!  They are definitely pricey but that's just all the more motivation to take advantage of pool days at my apartment this summer.

Floppy Straw Hat by Target

I'm not a hat person at all, but I am a safe-sun practices type of person.  Think reapplying sunscreen religiously every hour because I will inevitably burn, and a sunburn is not cute.  I found this floppy hat at Target and thought it was perfect for not only the beach and pool, but also any prolonged outdoor activities like going to the park.  Since the brim is pretty wide, it protects your face and neck very well, some of your most delicate skin.  Also, for my girls who color their hair, you don't want to see all of that gorgeous color that you sat in a chair for 3 hours to get fade away from so much sun exposure, am I right?

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

Speaking of safe-sun practices, I usually like to buy a face-specific sunscreen in addition to what I wear on my body because I have pretty sensitive skin and am very prone to breakouts.  I usually go for a drugstore brand like Neutrogena or Aveeno but this time I wanted to try something a little higher end, purely for scientific research purposes, not because I'm addicted to Sephora or anything.  I have to say that this stuff did just what it was supposed to do and I didn't get burnt on my face at all (the rest of me was a different story).  It can be a little thick and leave a white cast if you're not careful, but it's great if you take care to rub it in well. 

Gemma Sandals by Sole Society

I discovered Sole Society how I discover many things these days, through the wonderful world of Instagram.  Seriously, so many of my conversations with friends start with "So I saw this thing in Instagram ... "  Not that it's a bad thing at all!  I had been on the hunt for a new pair of sandals to update my spring and summer wardrobe, and I decided I wanted to get a pair with a horizontal strap across the toes this time as opposed to a t-strap (there has to be a more eloquent way of saying that, but you get the point).  I tried several different ones on from various stores and they were either too big or (usually) too tight.  I don't have super wide feet by any means but they definitely aren't narrow either.  It was a bit of a gamble to buy these online, sight unseen and not being familiar with the brand past their number of Instagram followers, but I went for it and I'm glad I did.  They fit well, though I do need to break them in some because, hello blisters from the first time I wore them.  It's a sacrifice you have to make sometimes, I guess.   

xoxo,

Amanda

April Favorites

It's time for another round of monthly favorites!  Since I typically measure time in months at work anyway, it's actually been kind of fun to sync up the different products that I try with that schedule.  Now that we are fully in the swing of spring, I've pulled out some things that are oldies but goodies as well as some tried and true favorites.  Here's a look at what I've been loving in April!

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish - This is one of those products you find randomly in your closet or under the cabinet that you completely forgot about and can't remember why you haven't thought to look for it sooner.  In my case, that would be since I moved last summer.  It was still tucked away in a box of beauty products that are basically on the verge of being thrown or given away.  All I can say is thank goodness I saved this one from it's untimely demise.  I use this every couple of days in the shower to exfoliate my body, and with summer right around the corner, this is perfect for getting smooth skin without being too harsh or abrasive, especially if your skin is sensitive like mine.  Much to my dismay, as I went to link this product for you, it looks like Sephora is phasing out carrying the Soap & Glory line.  I did find it on their website though!

Dove Refresh + Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo - This one would be a tried and true favorite for sure.  I love trying new products and different brands, but with dry shampoo it seems like I always end up with Dove.  It smells amazing, doesn't leave any white residue, and most importantly gives me the results I am looking for.  I was tempted to try a new brand during the Sephora sale but I figured why bother if I have something in my arsenal that I know will work.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy - I'm not usually drawn towards corals or warmer shades in general, but this blush is just too beautiful to pass up.  Plus, you can't deny that coral is pretty much synonymous with summer.  I've got beach vacation on the brain, so forgive me if I'm skipping over spring a little too quickly.   

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Fuchsia - Once the weather was consistently warm, I wasted no time in bringing out all of the bright lipsticks!  If I had to pick a favorite, this would probably be it.  The formula is perfect for a gal on the go because it seriously lasts all day long with hardly any need for a touch up.  I love my makeup, but I'm all for no-fuss at the same time so any product that lasts all day is bound to become a favorite of mine.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - I use this under my eyes and I have to say it's amazing quality at a fraction of the price of a higher end comp.  The doe-foot applicator makes it simple to apply and I don't notice any creasing or smudging.  Chelcey used this recently one morning when we were running late for brunch (like when are we ever not) and she had to know what it was because she loved it too.  That's how you know it's a keeper.

xoxo,

Amanda

March Favorites

I know I am going to sound like a broken record by saying this, but how is it that March is over already?!  Don't get me wrong, I am happy that we are closer to warmer days and plenty of sunshine, but I cannot believe that the first quarter of 2015 is in the books (a little accounting humor if you will).  Here are some of my favorite things from this month!

1. Bracelet Stacks - This has been the month of arm parties for me.  As much as I've wanted to buy all the things, I'm taking it slow with building my bracelet collection since it was literally nonexistent before a few weeks ago.  This particular one from Altar'd State has been one of my favorites!  I love it because it's big enough to stand along but also looks great paired with a dainty cuff.

2. Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume - A few years ago this mascara would have been the only thing you would find in my makeup bag.  But then I was bitten by the beauty bug and got the itch to try out new products.  I haven't used it in so long, and this month I was asking myself why?  It does what it says and best of all, it's a rubber brush rather than a bristle one.  I like those best because they really get in between your lashes to build up the volume without getting clumpy.

3. Sephora Formula X The System - Before this month, I couldn't tell you the last time I painted my nails.  Probably around the holidays, if I had to guess.  But I picked up this perfect little package and tried it out.  I love that you get a base coat, top coat, nail cleaner, and you get to choose the color you want!  I hate when sets like this force you into whatever color they chose to include.  Not everyone is going to like the same thing, so the customization is great.  Plus, the product itself worked really well.  I got several days wear before I noticed any chipping, and even then my nails looked good for at least a week.

4. Philosophy Purity Made Simple - There's not a lot to say about this cleanser that I haven't said before, but I wanted to include it because this month I became really aware of just how wonderful this product is.  I ran out of eye makeup remover and used this instead, and it worked just as well without making me feel like I was ripping out all of my eyelashes.  That's usually a problem I run into with oil-based (the kind you have to shake to mix together) removers, and for that reason I steer clear of anything like that.  If you were in a pinch or needed to conserve space when packing, this stuff would definitely do the trick.

5. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner - This is another product that resurfaced after being absent from my beauty routine for a few months.  I go through phases where I do winged liner and March was a month of the cat eye if there ever was one.  Even better, I forgot I had a brand new one stashed away in my drawer, and there is nothing like that first perfect swipe of eyeliner from a fresh applicator.  It's the little things.

6. Nashville - You know how most shows go on hiatus during the holidays?  Well Nashville was no exception.  But when it started back up in February, I was still so wrapped in the Bachelor that I didn't bother to even touch my DVR.  That changed this month, when I held a mini marathon of the latest episodes I needed to catch up on.  I'm 100% hooked on this show again, just in time for them to take another break (wahhh!).  At least I have all of the soundtracks to get me through it!

Favorite Outfit Post - Blue & Blooms

What are some of your favorites from March?

xoxo,

Amanda