Winter Beauty Buys: Skincare

Rounding out the last category of my winter beauty buys is skincare. These 4 products are must haves for skincare during any season, but are really important for me during the winter months.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

I use this cleanser with my Clarisonic, and it foams up really well. It may be just me, but I like to see the suds when I’m washing my face, because it satisfies my question of whether or not it’s working. This cleanser is also gentle enough on my skin and doesn’t dry me out, because we all know, no one wants products to dry their skin out during winter…we have the weather to do that for us already.

Benefit It’s Potent Eye Cream 

Even though I don’t necessarily think I need this product, or see a vast difference from using it day to day, I do think I should continue using it, now that I’m in my mid-twenties. They say you should really focus on your skincare during your twenties because, before you know it, it all goes downhill…and I don’t want that…so fighting those under-eye circles now is what I’m doing!

Mary Kay Satin Hands Fragrance-free Hand Softener 

Winter brings dry hands for me, especially when I used to be a barista. I like this Mary Kay hand softener not only because it doesn’t fight with the smell of my perfume (because it’s fragrance-free), but also because it really does leave my hands moisturized for quite some time after use. And, I only need to use the tiniest amount on my hands.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant 

I know this product was released not too long ago, but I had a coupon for it, so I bought a can. And now I’m addicted. I’m not a fan of the gel deodorants because they seem to get sticky with the slightest amount of sweat, and while I love the powder fresh solid bars, they aren’t the best deodorants to use when wearing a lot of black (which I do). This Dove dry spray dries almost instantly and smells really good. It doesn’t leave any residue, and is easy to use. And, by using the spray, you avoid any possible irritation that can occur when using a deodorant bar, especially after shaving. Wins all around for this product!

That completes my winter beauty buys, but don’t worry…they will be back around in less than a month with spring beauty buys! Get excited! Spring is almost here!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Winter Beauty Buys: Face

To continue my series, this week, I want to share some of my favorites for the face during winter. Really, these products are great year round, but I do particularly love them during the harsh winter weather, and I’ll tell you why!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

I’ve been using this stuff for almost a whole year now, and it is definitely a staple for me. If I travel, my travel size of this comes with me. I have combination skin, but in the winter, my skin gets more dry than usual, and this stuff really does keep those dry patches from forming. It’s also great for sensitive skin, because its fragrance free, and is formulated without any of those harsh chemicals.

Naked Skin Beauty Balm by Urban Decay

I never really thought I needed BB cream, but then I used this stuff and realized how much it really does even out the skin. This stuff also doubles as a primer for foundation, but you can also wear it alone. Also, just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you don’t need to worry about sun protection! This BB cream is SPF 20, so you’re still protecting your face from the rays, even in the frigid air.

NARS Blush in Orgasm

I really love NARS blush, and this one is a perfect color for all seasons. I particularly love it during the winter because it adds a bit of color to my face when I otherwise look ghostly.

Urban Decay Optical Blurring Brush

I just love this brush. It is the perfect synthetic brush for liquid foundations, creams, primers, etc. and allows application without brush streaks. It also really helps blend blush, bronzer, and highlighters into skin for a more natural look, and can be easily cleaned with rubbing alcohol and water. It is also not a brush that sheds, which is one of the best types of brushes you can get!

What are some of your beauty favorites for your face during the winter?

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have January 2015 Subscription Box Review

I received this box on Wednesday, so I’m sorry that I’m just getting around to posting it, but I will say, I have already used 4 of the items from the box. Well, technically 3 items, but I’ll explain that down below! 

The first box that I received from Pop Sugar was in February of 2013, and I will say that throughout the past 2 years, they have done some changes, and one of the changes I really like, is the updated cards they include in the boxes detailing what you’re getting. The piece they include each month about “What inspired us for [insert month here]?” is something I really like…I’m sure most people just overlook that and jump right to what’s in the box, but I thought I’d point it out anyways. :p

Moving along!

Here’s what I received in my box this month.

Jack + Lucy Pom Pom Hat- $32

I will say that I was not overly excited about this item, because I already have a beanie that I wear all the time, so I wasn’t really in need of another one. But I put this one on, and I actually really liked it! Which is why I wore it the day after I got it, because it was surprisingly cute on my small head, even though it’s slouchy and has a pom pom on the end. Hopefully, this holds up over time…last January’s box included some tech gloves from the same brand, and mine started falling apart after maybe 2 weeks of use. (I’m not sure if that was a fluke, or if it happened to a lot of the gloves.)

KeepCup Brew 12-Ounce Reusable Coffee Cup- $26

When I saw spoilers for this box, this was the item I was most excited about. I love travel mugs. It’s a glass mug with a silicone sleeve on it and a spill proof lid. The box also states that it’s barista standard, which is awesome, especially if you already prefer using your own cup vs. the standard paper cups. (I used to be a barista, so really, what they are trying to say, is that this cup fits underneath espresso machines so espresso can be brewed straight into the cup, as opposed to the usual taller, non-see-through, ceramic or plastic reusuable tumbler options.) This is definitely my favorite item in the box, and one of the items I’ve already put to use.

This item also came with a 15% off coupon code for their website.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream- $28

Talk about perfect timing. If you can recall, I love this stuff. I highlighted this brand (including their Ultra Repair Cream) in my September Favorites, and I’m almost out of my current supply of this stuff, so it really just worked out that I received this just before I had to go out and buy more. I really do love this brand, and I’m happy they included it in a box! (This is the 4^th product I’ve used since I got the box on Wednesday, it just literally wasn’t from this container. I’ll be saving this one for when my current one actually runs out.)

Manduka eQua Hand Towel- $16

This is my least favorite thing in the box, however, I’m sure a lot of people are really excited about it. I’m sure I’ll find a way to put it to use though, because it is bigger than I thought it would be. I may even be able to use it as a hair towel!

ToGoSpa EYES- $12.50

I’ve never used anything under my eyes besides cream, so I’m interested to see how these things work for me. They are supposed to reduce puffiness and get rid of unwanted dark circles, and since I am now in my mid-twenties, maybe these things will be a good add-on to my skin routine every now and then. Or maybe my skin will hate them and I’ll never use them again. Either way, I would have never considered trying anything like this if it weren’t for them being in this box.

Skin Jewel Tattoos- $18

I think a lot of subscribers weren’t excited about these, but I’m actually really happy I got them! I’ve seen them be on trend since last summer, and was always eager to try them, but I never wanted to pay the price for them, so I always opted out. I do wonder why they were included in January’s box though, because they definitely seem like something that is more on trend during warmer weather. (They were sponsored by the show Empire, so that really might be the only reason why.)

General Mills Nature Valley Protein Granola- $3.68

I actually really like snacking on granola, and you can’t go wrong with peanut butter and dark chocolate. I also really like that this one is full of protein, because there are some mornings that my breakfast doesn’t contain enough, and I find myself hungry just an hour after eating. I think it’s nice that Pop Sugar sometimes includes items you can find in your local grocery store. That means you get to try them without buying them in the store, and if you like it, than at least you know where to get more!

Overall Thoughts of the January Box:

Overall, I liked this box. I wasn’t over the top in love with it, but it also didn’t have a big ticket item in it. I’m still swooning over the December box, so it’s probably hard to judge this box fairly. I am definitely looking forward to what February’s box has in store, and am really hoping for some sort of candy! 🙂

Value of Box: $136.18

And just so ya know…I am in no way affiliated with Pop Sugar and was not asked to review this box for any sort of compensation, etc.. This review was posted by me simply because I wanted to. If you wish to subscribe to Pop Sugar as well, click here!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

September Favorites

Can you believe September is already over?  I’m honestly surprised it went by so fast!  Since it’s already over, here are a few of my favorite things during the month of September.

First Aid Beauty Fab Faves To Go Kit

This kit contains three of First Aid Beauty’s most popular skincare products in travel sizes. I had never tried this brand before, until the lady at my local Urban Decay counter in Belk told me about how great it was. I bought it at the beginning of August, and I’ve gotta say, I love all three of these products. They have definitely made my face feel and look infinitely better than before I was using these three products, and the ingredients in them are also much better than other skincare products. It’s also great for sensitive skin (which I have)! I bought my kit at Belk, but this kit can also be purchased at Sephora.

Chapel Hill Toffee

I guess I’m just going to continue posting local chocolates in my monthly favorites each month! But really though, I love English toffee, and this toffee is made locally! It’s all natural, gluten free, and contains pecans and dark chocolate, and just 3 other ingredients. If I didn’t stop myself, I could eat the whole box at once. These can be found in the RTP area at Whole Foods.

David & Young Wool Floppy Hat

I was on a mission to find a floppy wool hat for fall that fit my tiny head without making me look silly, like a small child, or shorter than I am already. It took a while, but then I came across this David & Young black floppy wool hat at Uniquities in Cameron Village. I love it so much, and it was more affordable than a lot of other options I had been coming across online! It also comes in a camel color and a light gray as well. It’s definitely already become a staple accessory in my fall wardrobe (which you can see here)!

Boom Chicka Pop! Sweet & Salty Kettlecorn

We can thank Ashley for introducing this to me! I had never heard of it until she showed it to me at Target one night, and once I tried it when I got home, I loved it. I’m not a big popcorn person, but I’ve always loved kettlecorn. This is a great snack and only contains 4 ingredients!

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Cherry

So, not to confuse you, but the color is called cherry…that isn’t the flavor of this lip balm at all (and it comes in many different colors). It’s SPF 15 and provides buildable coverage. It made it into my favorites list this month because my lips have been a bit more chapped than usual, and this product is a great way to add color to chapped lips without emphasizing the fact that you actually have chapped lips (and also while moisturizing)! A great alternative to a classic red lipstick and it stays on for quite some time. The only downside is that I really wish it came in a lipstick shape, rather than a flat top to smooth on your lips…that makes it hard to apply around the philtrum…you know, that divot right under your nose!  If you want to try this product, you can find it at Sephora.

Fjallraven Kanken in Light Dusk

I love this backpack so much! It’s just the right size to fit the contents of my purse + my 15 inch Macbook Pro without getting too heavy. I think it’s the exact size that a backpack should be! Lots of backpacks are too big, which tempts you to put more into them, and that can end up causing back problems! No bueno. But with this one, you can’t shove too much in there.  If you want one like this, you can find them on Amazon.

This was a shorter list than usual, but I’m sure I’ll make up for that in October, because that’s when fall is really in full swing and I’m sure I’ll find a lot that I love then! 😀

So we can all wake up now that September has ended, and welcome in October with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, oversized sweaters, and all things fall!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda