January faves

Here are my current beauty faves this month - - -

1 - Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Crème Brulee. This is my favorite nude lip product out of all that I have tried. Some of the color of my lips still peeks through, as opposed to a true nude that I find completely washes me out. Plus, this formula works for me because the Lip Butters are moisturizing and very wearable.

2 - Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup. Because I have acne prone, oily skin, I have tried what feels like a million concealers to try to find one that doesn't break me out or make my face very oily. This is the best one I have ever found! This contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid and really cuts down on the oiliness. The only thing I don't like about this is the lack of shades. I think there are maybe 5 or 6 shades, if that. Because I am treating acne with prescription creams and face wash on top of using this which contains the Salicylic Acid, sometimes my face does get a little dry, but I just apply oil at night to combat that. Plus, this is buildable and really does a good job at helping cover acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Acne is a cruel cycle lol. I bought this at Macy's for around $25 I believe; making it also the least expensive concealer I've tried. I would not suggest using this around the eye area because of the Salicylic Acid.

3 - Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. This is kind of like a creamy gel that feels amazing. I don't use this everyday because it doesn't have SPF but apply it to dry spots whenever I need a little extra moisture. I love applying this to my neck and décolleté because it  is just so luxurious feeling!

4 - Lorac Take A Brow in Brunette. I bought this at a Sephora in Las Vegas about 6 or 7 years ago and am still using it! It contains two shades of brown, one light and one darker, and a clear stay-put brow wax. I only use the lighter shade because, for me, the darker one is just a little too severe because I am so fair skinned. This little kit has traveled all over the US with me and is a definite makeup staple. When I was home visiting in NY recently, I saw that Ulta now carries it (but not in my store in VA). Yes this is $22 but I can honestly say that I have spent more on much less useful things.

5 - tarte eyelash curler. Just my luck that tarte came out with this adorable pink and purple ikat design eyelash curler right as my old one was on its last leg. I found this at Ulta for $16. It also came with a mini mascara that I always stash away for traveling.

6 - L'Oreal Voluminous Original mascara in black. I was torn about this mascara when I first purchased it but it has definitely grown on me. This makes such an impact that I love to wear it on days when I feel kind of blah. It isn't the smoothest mascara so beware of some clumps, but it delivers on big, notice-me lashes that will open up your eyes and make you feel glamorous.

Rose Gold jewelry

Rose gold became popular in jewelry quite awhile ago but I found that it wasn't really until recently that I've been able to find affordable pieces that didn't look cheap. I find that it still is hard to locate good looking and good priced pieces but I've been slowly able to add some to  my jewelry collection.

 

This is the most expensive out of the rose gold pieces that I own. I purchased this at an Armani Exchange store for around $49. It has a lobster claw clip in the back and is made up of navy blue strings that are partly wrapped in rounded sections of rose gold. I just love the combination of the blue and rose color of this and how unique it is.

 

This is a really simple ring that I picked up from Kohl's on sale for $9.99. The shape is different than any ring I've seen and I really like that it is somewhat adjustable so that I am not locked into wearing it only on one finger.

 

 

 

I often wear pretty large and elaborate necklaces so this one is a refreshing change. It's very delicate and simple looking with a chain that is doubled up and just a single small heart. For the most part this necklace is gold in color but one of the chains is rose gold, giving it that light, elegant touch. I buy a lot of my jewelry from Forever21 and this is no different. This one only cost me $3.80.

 



 

January Faves - non beauty

I thought I would include some other things that are my favorites right now that are not beauty products - - -

1 - Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange candle from Altar'd State. This candle smells so amazing! And it looks great, too. I have to admit that one of my pet peeves is having a well decorated room that you spent all this time and effort on making beautiful and then cheap looking candles mixed in. I am obsessed with candles because I just love how warm and comforting they are. Just the smell from a great candle can change your whole mood. This candle itself is made from a coconut blend wax and is in a beautiful red glass container that I plan on re-using once its finished.

2 - Moleskine lined journals from Target. Target sells these in 2-packs that come in the same color but different shades. So one of these is a darker green like a forest color and the other is more like a jade green. I find these so useful because they aren't bulky so I can carry them anywhere and great quality.

3 - Michael Kors Rain & Stain Repellent from Michael Kors. I've been trying to buy less based on quantity and more on quality. I picked this up with my last Michael Kors purchase and have since been using it on all my other leather purses to ward off stains and dirt and protect from the rain so that they last longer.

4 - Mint with gold polkadots makeup bag from Forever21. I was looking for a makeup bag that was slightly larger than what I had and found this one for less than $5! It keeps everything together and is really cute - I just couldn't deny that deal.

5 - Rebecca Minkoff iPhone 4 case. I love changing up cases and skins on my phone for an instant update. This case is from Nordstrom but be sure to check places online like eBay for some affordable options.

6 - Yogi Raspberry Passion Perfect Energy tea from Wegmans. I try to lay off drinking too much coffee since it sometimes makes me very jittery but I still need some caffeine in my day so I've started trying on different teas that contain caffeine. This tea is 100% natural (I found it in the organic section of Wegmans) and is a combination of Organic Green Tea and Organic Assam Black Tea. Both green and black tea have health benefits that may even help prevent cancer and other health issues which is a wonderful benefit.