Products I've Used Up (Jan-March)

 

I always find it very interesting to see what products other people have actually used up and what they really think of them and whether or not they would repurchase.  So here's a look at some of the products I have used up from January until now:

Bath and Body Works Hand Soap and Candle

My husband got me a stocking full of the "Merry Cookie" scent for Christmas and by February I had already used up 2 hand sanitizers, the candle, and the foaming hand soap. I love anything cookie, vanilla, or cupcake scented/flavored and he loaded me up this past Christmas and I can't believe I'm already out of half of the things he got for me. The other soap is the "Love Peach and Joy" scent that we used up in our bathroom. It was a nice fruity/cake scent that was used up quickly.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

As you all know this is one of my all time favorite beauty products. I use this stuff all the time and the tropical coconut scent was an awesome one to try. Can't say enough good things about this dry shampoo and I haven't come across a scent I haven't liked.

Aussie Moist Shampoo

I have a nice little stock pile of this shampoo in my bathroom cabinet thanks to CVS extra car bucks and coupons. This shampoo was great this past winter to keep my hair and scalp moisturized during the very dry season we had. 

Degree Motion Sense Deodorant

This has quickly become my favorite deodorant and I also have a nice stockpile of this thanks to coupons :)

Revlon Colorstay

I used up two concealers and the powder foundation. The concealers are two of my absolute favorite of all time drugstore concealers. They are very comparable to MAC concealer if not better, in my opinion. The liquid I use under my foundation and the solid stick I use over top for touch-ups. This past winter I did not use the powder too much as just a foundation since my skin was extremely dry, that's when I started experimenting with different liquid foundations and found a new favorite from Covergirl which I talked about here. But I did use the rest of this powder as a setting powder and for a little extra coverage or on days when I was feeling super lazy.

CVS Brand Apricot Exfoliating Wipes

These wipes are also an all time favorite of mine and I will continue to re-purchase these time and time again!

I'd love to know what products you've tried out or used up recently and what you think of them :)

 

Corduroy for Spring

 

With the last (hopefully) cold spell we have had before spring is in full bloom, what a better time to wear some of your heavier pieces with a spring twist. One of my favorite pieces from this past winter were these blush corduroy pants from LOFT. A great way to wear your cords for spring is to pair them with a simple t-shirt, light color flats or sandals, denim jacket, and a lightweight scarf. Such a  cute and comfortable way to transition to spring.

My Everyday Makeup Routine

This is my go-to makeup routine on any given day that I have been doing for years. Up until the past few months, I preferably used powder foundations because they worked better for my oily skin and application wise they are just easier. I could make it as light or as full coverage as I wanted to without looking cakey. However this past winter had me with the driest skin I have ever had and powder foundation just wasn't cutting it, so I have been experimenting with some liquid foundations and have found a great foundation for my skin: Almay Clear Complexion Blemish Healing makeup. I really love it and will talk more about it below. So here is everything else I use:

Loreal Derm-Expertise Transformance Skin Perfecting Solution with Vitamin C
I picked this up on sale one day at a discount store and was really intrigued to try it. I use it on my face after I put on my moisturizer and before I put my makeup on, kind of like a primer. It really smooths my skin and gives it this matte-velvety finish and feel to it that makes my makeup look flawless. Since I'm not a big fan of actual makeup primers, this product acts like a primer to me but also helps keep it nourished while my makeup is on.

Almay Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Foundation
This foundation is supposed to help treat your blemishes and help prevent new ones. This foundation is definitely not full covereage, I would say light covereage, however, it is buildable so you can make it as light or as full coverage as you want without the cakey feel to it. It works great for my combination-oily skin and doesn't settle into any of my fine lines around my mouth and eyes. It has helped my blemishes and really feels great on the skin. I love this foundation for everyday because it is quick to apply with my foundation brush and I love the way it looks on my skin.

Revlon Colorstay Concealor
This has been a go-to of mine for years. It covers great and stays on all day. 

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in the Brightening Shade
This stuff is amazing! I use this of course under my eyes but also as additional highlight on my forehead, chin, nose, and cheek bones.

Revlon Colorstay Powder Foundation
This is my favorite powder foundation. I use this to set my foundation to give me a little extra coverage  and on days when I'm really in a rush and don't have time to mess with liquid foundation. When used alone it is light-medium, build-able coverage and has a flawless finish.

Hard Candy Contour Kit (Blush, Bronzer, and Highlight)
This is an all-in-one product for convenience and I love the colors and the finish. 

NYX Eyebrow kit
This eyebrow kit is very quick and easy to use and the color matches perfectly. 

Revlon Color Stay Eye Quad
If you've noticed a pattern, Revlon Colorstay is one of my absolute favorites. These eye quads have so many different color options and I love this one for a natural, everyday look.

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black Brown
I love a nice black brown eyeliner for everyday because brown seems to be too light and black is just too harsh for everyday.

Maybelline Sensational Mascara (use to use Loreal Voluminous Lash in the gold tube)
Love the volume and the staying power of this mascara, it doesn't flake off throughout the day. 

Maybelline Sensational Lipstick in Nearly There and Bare Escentuals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss
These two products have such a nice natural color to them that work for any occasion that make them the perfect go-to everyday lip products for me.

Elf HD Undereye setting powder
This powder really helps my under eye concealor set and prevents settling into my fine lines.

Elf Makeup Setting Spray
Love this stuff! It really helps set everything and helps my makeup last longer while also giving your skin a nice cooling affect.

Foundation Brush, Stippling Brush, Bronzer/Blush Brush, Powder Brush

Thursday Fashion Files: Pink Cords!

When shopping in the Fall and Winter I always tend to forget about corduroy. But this year I have been loving my rose colored pair I picked up from Loft after Christmas. They are so comfortable and the rose color has been so lovely this winter. I love pairing them with a nice button down and a sweater with my suede booties. Very classic, comfortable, and mommy friendly!

My outfit

Loft Pink Cords | Loft Navy Sweater | Old Navy Grey Gingham shirt | TJMaxx Suede Booties

Lilly's outfit

Old Navy Jacket | Old Navy Pants | Kohls Shirt | shoes not pictured

Be sure to follow Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom and Jill at Doused in Pink for more fun Thursday style!

A Few of My Favorite Things: February

FASHION

Cream Sweater
This Sweater has been a go-to piece of mine all winter long. It is so comfortable and I love the nice, soft cream color of this one from Target. I wear at least once a week (I'll admit there are some weeks I have worn it twice :-P)

Gold Sneakers
These gold sneakers from Old Navy have been my staple this month. They are so comfortable and go with almost everything I have...not to mention they are gold!

BEAUTY
 
Metallic Nail Polish
(Essie "Buy Me a Cameo")
I have been in love with metallic nail polish this past month. It is such a low maintenance manicure I can do for myself at home at any time really. It doesn't matter if my nails aren't perfectly filed and the perfect length or even if you do the most perfect job applying it, metallic nail polish looks great no matter what. I don't have a lot of time to sit a make my nails perfect so being able to just quickly apply something that is pretty and fun without having to spend a lot of time preparing and perfecting is exactly what I was looking for.



Nexxus Touchable Hold Finishing Mist
 This has been the ultimate hairspray I have been looking for for years. It is so lightweight but really helps keep the style.

 First Aid Beauty Hand Cream and Aquaphor
My skin has been so dry this winter and these two products have literally saved it. The FAB hand cream keeps my skin hydrated without making it greasy. The Aquaphor is a product I have been using on and off for a few years and it really keeps my lips and really dry patches super moisturized.

 Kate Spade Makeup Bag
I scored this beauty from TJMaxx for a steal! I love using this to put my makeup essentials in when I'm running late or on the go and have to apply my makeup on the fly.

ENTERTAINMENT
Music
Ed Sheeran "Thinking Out Loud"
Bruno Mars "Uptown Funk"
Any time these songs come on they always get stuck in my head for the rest of the day, which isn't a bad thing because I really like both of the songs. Lilly loves "uptown funk," she dances and wiggles and laughs every time it comes on...it's so funny!

TV Shows
State of Affairs
How to Get Away with Murder
19 Kids and Counting
Completely obsessed with State of Affairs on NBC and HTGAWM on ABC! They both ended last month and I really hope they bring State of Affairs back because it was so good! HTGAWM is just a jaw dropping hot mess and I love it! I've always been a viewer of 19 Kids and Counting and it started back up again last month. It's just one of those shows I enjoy watching. 


So what were some of your favorite things as of lately?


*Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin*

My Hair Care Routine

Garnier Pure Clean Shampoo

This shampoo is a great shampoo to reset your hair. You know the times when you wash your hair but when you dry it and style it you still feel like there's a lot of past products left in your hair or it doesn't feel super clean and refreshed...well this shampoo is great for really cleaning your hair. I use this once a week to really reset everything and it has worked wonders.

Clear Total Care Shampoo

This line of shampoo and conditioners has been a staple of mine for years!! My hair hasn't been healthier since I started using this years ago. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner

I've been using this stuff on and off since college and it is just always a go-to product of mine that always works. 

Kuikui Oil

 This really tames the frizz, poofiness, and flyaways and protects from humidity.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Treatment

Can't tell you how much I love this stuff. It's an all-in-one product that still works for me. 

Nexxuss Comb Through Touchable Hold Hair Spray

I picked this up in a travel size just to try it out and I have to say this is the ultimate hairspray I have been looking for for a long time! It's light but still holds the style without feeling like I have hairspray on my hair. LOVE IT!

 Here is the hairdryer and flat iron I use. Nothing fancy or special about these...they were both bargain buys at either TJMaxx or Marshalls. I really like the hairdryer but could use a new flat iron...any suggestions on a good one that isn't pricey?

Get Pinspired

 I am always turning to Pinterest for inspiration, recipes, and creative ideas for my family and I love seeing all the creativity floating around. Here are some of my favorite looks from Pinterest that have inspired me the past month in choosing my daily outfit...

 

Cream Cable Knit Sweater and Plaid Shirt
I have been obsessing over this combo all winter long! This sweater has been the ultimate go-to sweater of mine and I love how it looks with a pop of plaid underneath paired with a great jean and good pair of boots!

 

Cargo Jacket and Leopard Scarf
I love this effortless and casual look on the days when I don't really feel like trying but want to be put together (if that makes any sense). It's a combination that I don't have to think about and this was one of my favorite looks from last month. I could wear this combo everyday!

 

I've had a navy and white polka dot blouse from Old Navy in my closet for a while now and only have worn it one other time. I was browsing through pinterest to find some ideas on different ways I could wear it and I loved this image I found with a dark green and camel color. I had a dark evergreen color pair of pants from Walmart and a long camel cardigan from Target that I paired with my blouse and to venture into mixing prints I added my leopard flats from Target to complete the whole look. I think this was my favorite look from the entire month! 

Come follow along with me and see the inspiration on my boards here and I'd love to see what "pinspires" you!