Category: Hauls

New Holy Grail Foundation and Concealer

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Hello friends.

After two long years of sweatpants, and Zoom calls, N95s. Of bouts of depression, crazy grow-out, excessive wine and Little Debbies consumption. And being teased with lifting mask mandates and dipping our toes into “regular”, only to have everything come back full force. IT IS TIME. It is time to don a little makeup again. So last weekend I dusted off the ol’ brushes and cried silent tears as I tossed bottle after bottle of expired product into the trash can. Goodbye Naked palette circa 2011. Au revoir Elf camo concealer I used twice pre-pandemic. C’est la vie good friends.

And while hemorrhaging SEVERAL old blush palettes, goopy lip glosses and dried out liquid eyeshadows was a bit depressing, welcoming new and exciting products into the lineup most certainly was not.

It also didn’t hurt that I have accumulated a small arsenal of Sephora gift cards after not wearing much makeup for the last couple of years. I decided to start at the most natural place: foundation. I started scouring TikTok for the latest foundation reviews and was met with so many choices! Should I go drugstore and try the True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, the Elf Camo CC Cream, or the Physicians Formula Butter Believe It? Or luxury – with Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation or Armani Luminous Silk?

I marched into Sephora with my mind made up – I wanted to try the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation! I was color-matched and surprised to discover that I was shade 3N. But then, true to covid fashion – they were sold out of my shade. Online too.

Back home I begrudgingly went. Later that night, I hopped on YouTube and decided to search up one of my all-time favorite, albeit forgotten YouTubers, Wayne Goss. I quickly happened upon this video where he reviews the LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation. As soon as he applied it to his face, I knew I needed it. Dewy, medium coverage, very natural looking and best of all, great for aging skin. I selected the shade MN3 per the site recommendation and then went looking for a concealer. I referred back to Wayne’s channel, scoured around for a newish concealer, and bingo – found the Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream. I went with the shade 02W and also selected a deluxe sample of the Dior Forever Foundation in shade 2N as my freebie.

A few days later, the products came in and within 2-3 days of testing, I knew it was love.

The packaging is gorgeous, especially for a $22 foundation. It comes in a glass bottle with a rose gold lid and has a pump. I found the shade MN3 to be a tad dark for me, but I decided to try it out anyway and possibly exchange for a lighter color if need be.

The concealer was kinda spendy for me ($28) but I figured I would just return it if I was not wowed. SPOILER: I was wowed. The color is perfect and it has a nice flat, doe-foot wand.

Here I am before foundation and concealer, skincare only. DISCLAIMER: I know I look a little worse for the wear. The lovely bruise under my eye came from Clara’s excitement as she sang “Let it Go” and thrust her head backward as I was holding her. The bruise on my forehead I will save for another post. I have no excuses for why my eyebrows are brushed downwards and for that I am ashamed.

And here is the after!

This was one pump and one layer. I opted not to add a second layer to my bruises. I appreciate how incredibly radiant my skin looks and how it doesn’t cover everything perfectly as I am NOT a full-coverage queen. I also think the shade does look a tad dark but I am also kinda living for it. Tell me what you think in the comments.

As for the concealer, HOLY SMOKES is it moisturizing! It almost appears wet, like you’ve smeared Vaseline under the eye, but as a bone-dry babe – give me alllll the moisture! I love looking dewy and hydrated. I did end up setting the under eye area ever so slightly with the Mac x Patrick Starr loose powder and it is just sheer perfection. This concealer does not crease on me and did not dry out on me either.

Overall, I am just floored. I am enjoying these products so much that I have worn makeup several days in a row now. Look at me go! Also, I just saw that LYS Beauty dropped a full-coverage, brightening concealer at Sephora which I might have to order. Am I turning into a makeup junkie again or what?!

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Zeep Bath Summer Haul

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Ohhh Nellie.

If you are not already aware, I like me m’potions. I like ’em from the drugstore, I like ’em from Nordstrom. I love me some BBW and I love me some Dove. I do not discriminate. If it works as intended, feels good on my skin and (most importantly) smells good – well, sign me UP!

It was only a matter of time before I started my love affair with Zeep (pronounced ‘z-āyp). And one could say our relations began with the Malibu Barbie Sugar Whip I got for Mother’s Day. With notes of “exotic island coconut, juicy white pineapple, and sexy sweet pink sugar”, ummm…how could I resist?

This small, family-owned business based in Wichita, Kansas truly concocts some of the some amazing, cruetly-free, vegan soaps, body care and wax products I’ve tried. I should also state right off the bat, this company has given me exactly nothing. I am just spreading the good word. Very fragrant and clean words. And before I forget, sign up here to get $5 off a purchase of $25 or more (this is a referral link, meaning I get a discount if somebody uses my link).

I placed another order a few weeks ago for a small sampling of items from their summer collection and just had to share this goodness!

I decided to try a smattering of both body care and wax products. And for the first time, I am trying “scoopable” wax for my beloved warmers. They also seem to include a wax sample in every order which is oddly very exciting.

Of course I had to order the Malibu Barbie Body Spray so I could smell like this anytime I want! I am truly addicted and wish they had it in a perfume format so it was a tad longer-lasting. I also love that this spray is safe for to use on your hair!

Next we have the Toes in the Sand Wax Scoop, which as I mentioned, I am stoked to try. This scent is described as, “freshly shucked coconut blended into a rich vanilla crème – you won’t know if you should drink it or ask the pool boy to rub it on your back!” I might have to go back and order this in the body meringue, because they were not lying about wanting to rub this stuff on your back.

I decided I had to try one of their famous body meringues (I mean, meringue?!). I decided to try the Basic Beach scent, which is described as “fresh coconut, creamy vanilla, toasted marshmallow and refreshing sea salt”. Can you tell I love coconut?? This body cream is incredibly thick and contains both mango and shea butter as well as hazelnut oil and aloe vera. While it is a very rich consistency, I do not find it overly greasy or difficult to rub in.

Lastly, we have this single wax melt bar in California Girl, described as “coconut cream, sweet strawberries, toasted marshmallow, and fluffy white cake”. I knew I had to try this when I read the description and oh boy, is this a summer scent! I should have ordered more of this, but alas, there are SO many others I am dying to try.

I should also mention that the wax melt sample they sent in push-pop is absolutely to die for. It is described as “sweet and creamy orange creamsicle mixed with fruity pebbles make an amazing sweet treat”.

Leave me a comment if you go check out their site and tell me what you want to try! And don’t forget to get $5 off with this link if you decide to make a purchase!

Self Care Products Round-Up

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Well we’ve been stuck inside for a year now!

Remember how back in March 2020, we were all like, “Did you hear that this might last until May!?”. Or in June when we were like, “Oh it has to be over by the holidays!”. For me, the cute quarantine-themed songs to the tune of Katy Perry hits are met with a deadpan gaze. The funny covid memes and hopeful quotes are just scribblings, words on a page. I know we’re at the “end” of all this with vaccinations on the uptick and cases decreasing but man has it taken a toll. To say anything else would be a lie.

Several things have pulled us through this. For me, it’s my husband, Grandma Lisa and Aunt Sandi, Liberty Creek Pinot Grigio, my cute daughters and a healthy dose a’self curr.

Today I bring you some new (to me) products that have helped me. Mind, body and soul. Or should I say hair, face and body?

T0112 Sea Salt Serum

I have been using this spray serum for a few weeks now and I think I am in love. This stuff is packed with, you guessed it – sea salt, but also jojoba seed, argan and tamanu oil. The sea salt provides that realistic beachy texture but the oils add a wonderful dose of moisture. I find that SO many sea salt hair products are very drying. This stuff is actually hydrating! What an amazing product.

FactorFive Skincare

I have been using these three mini-sized products for about a month now and am seeing some beautiful results. FactorFive uses ethically derived human stem cells that work to replenish the skin at a cellular level. All of these products are non-scented and apply very nicely to the skin. I have loved using these while I go through the IPL laser treatments. Read more about that here! I feel they have aided the cell turnover process and provided necessary nourishment my skin needs.

Ecoslay Hair Products

Ecoslay is a small, vegan, 100% homemade hair care company with products so fresh, several have to be refrigerated!  You all know I suffer from a dry scalp, and the Peppermint Schnapps hair wash provides a invigorating scalp experience like none other. Next I applied their thick and rich Banana Cream and left it on a solid 5-10 minutes. This stuff seriously coats each strand with a thick layer of moisture and I loved the look and feel of my hair as I rinsed it out.

I have been using the Moonshine Hair & Body Oil on my dry heels and it has really been making a difference!

Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick

I have been using this concentrated eye balm for a couple of months now, once or twice a week. I ordered mine from Sephora but it is available for 15% off on their website! I wanted to try due to the stellar reviews and so far I have noticed a diminished appearance of my crows feet!

La Parea Ecuadorian Rose Candle

You all KNOW I can get down with a candle. They really make a break a day for me. You might also know that I am super fond of anything rose-scented. This candle is probably the truest rose-scented item I have ever encountered. It really does smell like you stuck your face into a bouquet of luscious, fresh roses. The candle burned evenly and the wick performed like a champ. I highly recommend this one, but am anxious to try some their others like Beach Day!

Country Bathhouse Body & Home

YOU GUYS. These are huge, donut-shaped bath bombs that smell like cotton candy!! I am so beyond impressed with both the size and quality of these products.

These bath bombs use a certified organic goats milk soap base, are non-staining and hypo-allergenic. I am totally in love!

They also make a whipped soap + shaving cream in a Love Spell scent that I am dying to try! I MEAN, just look at this stuff:

Maybelline Sky High Mascara 

Finding this mascara was the highlight of my day! It has blown up due to TikTok and I was stoked to try it out. While it definitely is nowhere near the best drugstore mascara out there, it is super lengthening.

Dr. Teal’s Shea Butter & Almond Oil Epsom Salt

Ok guys, this might be my new favorite from Dr. Teal’s. I really love the coconut epsom salts, but this kind was SO wonderfully moisturizing! Also I am obsessed with the scent – very comforting and rich.

All for now – Leave a comment with your favorite self care products!

ThredUp Goody Box Review

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Hello and welcome!

Before I dive in to this review, I feel I owe everyone an explanation of this service and  why I chose to try it out. This is in no way sponsored…I wish.

ThredUp is an online consignment store. Their Goody Box is a subscription service (or you can just purchase a single box, like I did) that works similarly to Stitch Fix, Trunk Club, etc. You take a “style quiz”, pay a $10 styling fee, and they send you some clothes. The $10 fee will apply to any items you end up keeping and return shipping is free. This service appealed to me specifically because it is second hand stuff!

The main reason I wanted to try this is because I am having a major fashion identity crisis. I am an old millennial and like so many of my Y2K sisters and brothers, my closet is filled with things that are somewhat flattering on my body type. IMO the in-fashion styles as of late beg the question, “who can look the ugliest?”. And PLEASE do not take this to mean that I think the youth of today are ugly – I simply feel that the clothes themselves are SO unflattering.

Let’s take these jeans and sock + shoe combination. I mean. It doesn’t even look good on the model.

Or this lewk from Urban Outfitters? It’s as if she is about to pull out a hacky sack and Cranberries CD.

I rest my case.

So back to my crisis – I need to find a way to take the fashions of today (said in a little old lady voice) and make them work for me. I also realized I have not really shopped for clothes since before I had a kid (2018). I decided to try the Goody Box from Thred Up and see what they would come up with for me. Here is what went down:

My box shipped pretty quickly!

I was sent 10 items in total. Each box also includes a pricing sheet:

Here are the items I was sent:

Max Studio Dress – $29.99

Old Navy Dress – $18.99

Dolan Blouse – $20.99

Madewell Jeans – $39.99

Ro & De Blouse – $21.99

Madewell Sweater – $30.99

Lauren Conrad Sweatshirt – $23.99

J.Crew Shirt – $21.99

Vero Moda Jeans – $22.99

Anthropologie Shirt – $29.99

Overall, I really liked everything they sent. I felt they listened to my style quiz answers and sent brands and sizes that were appropriate. Let’s get to the try-on!

*DISCLAIMER – I am not a fashion blogger, nor did I accessorize or dress up these items cutely. I simply put them on straight outta the box.

Ok absolutely just f*#! no.

This dress is really cute but I do not neeeed it.

Really love this blouse. Floral, flowy. So me!

The Madewell jeans fit really great but as you can see, they are cropped and skinny. I am trying to avoid skinny jeans (and a side part) RN.

Forgot to photograph this one during my “shoot”. Cute but I know I wouldn’t wear it very much.

Nice lil sweater but nothing to write home about.

I actually really loved this sweatshirt and the color alot. But I feel like the twist front tops had their moment.

This J.Crew top and Vero Moda jeans are aigghht. The shirt sleeves just were not quite long enough and while I did appreciate the relaxed fit of the jeans, I just did not love them.

This top was REALLY soft but not $30 soft.

So – I ended up keeping the floral blouse for $20.99 and sent everything else back. I really enjoyed the experience though, and will definitely be ordering more!

For $10 off your first purchase click here to join and order your own Goody Box! Using the link means I also get credit and promise to show more purchases.

Scentsy & Home Fragrance Reviews

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I feel 400 years old writing this.

I mean, look at me. I am a woman writing about candles and wax melts ON HER BLOG. In 2021. Yeah…2009 called. It wants it’s jeans from The Buckle back. But it’s okay because like so many great trends of the 2000’s (hello Juicy suits!), candles, wax other smelly-goods are totally worthy of  this humbling effort.

This also necessitates a briefing on wax melts. First there’s Walmart wax, which offers a very wide variety, with prices ranging from .99  (Mainstays) to the $2 (Scentsantionals, Better Homes & Gardens) all the way up to bougie $4 and $5 bars from Yankee Candle and Woodwick.

I have tried all of these brands and there is definitely a difference. The higher priced waxes simply seem to last longer for me. Meaning, I can leave a Yankee wax melt in my warmer for 2-4 days (switched on for 8-10 hours) whereas the others will only throw for about 1-2.

Then there’s Scentsy, which is direct sales only. Scentsy wax bars tend to last the longest for me, about 3-4 days depending on the scent. They are also the most expensive at $6 a bar, but I have gotten some great deals from my Scentsy dealer Ashlee. Click here if you are interested!

Let’s start with this grouping, before I started ordering from Scentsy.

Yankee Candle Pink Sands – SUCH a nostalgic, holy grail scent for me. If you have never smelled Pink Sands before, get on it. Because it will change your life.

Yankee Candle Warm and Cozy – I thought this was going to be a dupe for marshmallow fireside and womp womp…it isn’t even close. It is woodsy, smoky and musky. Not my favorite.

Better Homes & Gardens Sugared Lavender Twist – I am not a huge lavender person, which is why I decided to try this “sugared” version. I actually did like it in the bathroom, but got a little  tired of it after awhile.

Better Homes & Gardens Vanilla Cookie Crunch – This is SUCH a great vanilla bakery scent. When I first melted this, David walked in the house and said, “Oh my god you are making cookies!” It was that authentic.

Scentsationals Iridescent – This smelled great in the packaging but was such a light performer. Would not repurchase.

And my first Scentsy order! *Notice the samples included here (the scent circle, bath soak and tester cubes). She also gave me extra bars to try for free.

Christmas Cottage – This is a lovely spicy, citrusy scent that is the PERFECT Christmas smell. I gave one to my sister for her birthday.

Silver Bells – I think this is my favorite Scentsy bar so far! It is a mixture of (brace yourself) candy canes, pear, vanilla and caramel. Sounds weird but is SO amazing. And this scent lingers for days.

Breakfast in Bed – This smells like pumpkin and raspberry pastries, cinnamon sugar and vanilla. SO amazing!

I’m Snow Over It – Definitely a winter-berry scent. I love this in the bedroom but it did not perform the best in a larger space.

Amazon Rain – Love this for the bathroom. I mostly get notes of melon , coupled with a soft floral. Very pleasant, soothing and perfect for the bedroom or bathroom.

My latest Scentsy order came with a new Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and this adorable sparkly pen!

This time, I ordered:

Sweet Plum Pastry – I was not sure I liked this when I first smelled this, but it is amazing when warmed. It really smells like a plum tart baking in the oven and there is a slight coconutty finish. I am obsessed.

Cutie Pie Cupcake – This smells like orange dreamsicle cake with fluffy frosting. Makes you want to lick the air.

Dancing Sugar Plums – I am not surprised I love this. Basically, it smells like a rich plum mixed with cinnamon spice. Perfect for the holidays!

Next up are the candles we have tried out:

Bath & Body Works Cereal Marshmallow Bar – This has such a uniquely sweet scent to it. Yes it smells like a Rice Krispie Treat, but I also pick up a limey note. I also just noticed this candle is going for like $50 on eBay. Haha!

Thymes Fraiser Fir – Our Aunt Sandi had this candle going in her bathroom one night in December when we came over for dinner. I was instantly in love! I said “What is that amazing candle!?” and she pulled one out and gave it to me. It is a staple in her house each holiday season and for darn good reason. This is the BEST tree scent I have ever smelled. It is so lovely and if Aunt Sandi likes it, you know it’s good!

Which candles and wax bars should I try next?

Fall Home Decor

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Happy October friends!

Today I am bringing a little fall fun your way and if you think I have had these decorations out since September 1, you would be correct. I personally do not understand the gripe with decorating for holidays too early. Especially in the time of the COVID because wtf else are we going to do? But really, think of it this way:

Baseball season lasts approximately 39048453 days and yet it is considered perfectly normal to attend and watch preseason games. Nobody says anything about that. But I put out my Christmas decor a few weeks before Thanksgiving and people are up in arms?! Sorry that I need more than 30 days basking in the joy of holiday decor! That I would like more than a month to light my Christmas cookie candles and continually adjust the ornaments on the tree. FIGHT ME.

oksorry back to the fall stuff.

DECOR

I really wanted to find a pretty fall garland to put on my fireplace mantel, but everything was SO orangey. Maybe I will try to make something?

I also spray painted fake leaves from Michales to be more my aesthetic.

I recently made the earth-shattering decision on dark blues and pops of mustard yellow in our family room. Check out these prints I nabbed for 50% off at Hobby Lobby.

Also cannot wait to tie this little sucker to something next time we have people over. It smells like those cinnamon pinecones and was only $1 from Trader Joes.

HOME/BODY CARE

Lately I have been buying up all fall hand soaps I can find. Here is one I found at Target, which smells great!

And I had to get this one from Trader Joes as well.

In terms of wax melts, my new preferred home fragrance method – here are three scents I am obsessed with. All purchased from Walmart for $2. If anyone wants a more in-depth review just lemme know!

Also recently tried out this pumpkin spice CBD bathbomb and had myself the coziest lil fall evening ever! Thanks so much to the folks at CBD Living for sending me this and a handful of others to try. This bathbomb smelled amazing and is chalked full of skin-moisturizing oils and of course, 100 mg of CBD. So impressed!!

And lastly, these pumpkin spice “batons” from Trader Joes – so good with coffee you guys.

All for now – happy fall!

CocoOil Review

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Hi friends!

Before I begin, I wanted to say that I hope everyone is safe and sound amid these horrible fires. The smoke is supposed to start clearing in our neck of the woods and I am more than ready for it. An at-home 4th grader, a busy toddler and 2 adults trying to work from home has shown us just how much we appreciate the freaking outdoors. Walking around the block, or through the nature park next to our house after a long day of chaos is such a welcome reprieve. Being totally sequestered inside is the pits, man.

Who feels me?

Luckily for me, the wonderful folks at CocoOil sent me their lineup of products to try out!

I mean, how aesthetically pleasing is this?

While I will be saving some of these products until next summer to take for a proper spin, I have been able to try out a couple items.

CocoOil Ocean Spray

I tried this texturizing coconut and sea salt spray one morning after taking a shower and applying it while my hair was still damp. I used a t-shirt to scrunch it up (thanks TikTok!) and then threw it up in a headband. If you have never tried headband curls, check out this amazingly professional video I made on YouTube where I show you how!

I left the headband curls in for only about 45 minutes, just long enough to let my hair completely dry. Then I took out the headband and BAM.

Not bad for no heat! The CocoOil Ocean Spray totally gave this ‘do the extra umph it needed. It provided amazing, subtle texture and truly made it feel kissed with sea salt. My hair did not feel weighed down (which is the case with so many other sea salt sprays) and best of all, this stuff smells AMAZING. I mean, alllll the beachy vibes.

I am so happy I was able to try out this product because finding a good sea salt spray has been quite the challenge and this one is definitely going into the ol’ lineup! Especially with headband curls.

CocoOil After Sun

A couple of weeks ago, David got a little too much sun on his shoulders and back. I was sad for him, but very pumped to bust out this LIME coconut oil. This stuff also contains aloe vera and smells absolutely delicious. Coconut lime just happens to be one of my favorite scent combinations and this does not disappoint! David said his back immediately felt better, soothed and moisturized.

I also want to mention that CocoOil is a pretty stellar brand. Made in Australia, all the products are organic, fair-trade and cruelty-free. They also make a baby oil with lavender which I may have to order for Miss CJ.

All in all, I am totally impressed with CocoOil! Both of the products we have tried are stellar and smell amazing. I cannot wait to try out the SPF products next summer when we see the sun again – so stay tuned for my thoughts on that!