My Beauty Must Haves

I've recently updated my beauty must haves, and I'm so in love with some of these products that I had to share.  They're a good mix between drugstore finds and more pricier (but so worth it) items.

Face Enhancers:

{1} I love L'Oreal's Infallible Super Slim eyeliner.  It creates the perfect line every time, and I love that the line created isn't fat and too distracting.  It' never skips or smudges, so in one quick move you're eyeliner is set and you're out the door.

{2} I recently discovered MAC's shaping powder (in soft focus).  It is the perfect highlighting powder for my tan skin.  I use it every time I wear my glasses, because it creates a soft glow and doesn't allow my glasses to overshadow my eyes.  Plus it helps give create the illusion that I got 9 hours of sleep the night before.

{3} It's no wonder that Nars Blush in Orgasm is a cult classic.  I love that it's buildable and gives my tan skin that perfect pinkish glow.

Haircare Trifecta:

{4} My stylist used Trilliant by Sebastian on my hair when I chopped it all of, and I love how soft and shinny it made my hair, even days later.  Added bonus, it's really a heat protectant and it smells amazing. 

{5} Klorane's dry shampoo was recommended to me by a friend who can go 5 days without having to wash her hair.  My locks would be greasy and limp after day 3.  This dry shampoo absorbs oil, and doesn't have an offensive odor.  Plus is free of sulfates and parabens, so it's safe for color treated hair. 
{6} My hair loves humidity, me not so much.  To keep the fro in check I use Garnier's anti-humidity hairspray.

Skin Savers:

{7} I am so in love with Cerave SA renewing cream.  My skin is so moisturized and supple without being greasy.  I love that it has ceramides, salicylic acid, and antioxidant vitamin D, all of which have given me such incredibly healthy skin.

{8} Neutrogena's body oil is a classic that keeps my skin so moisturized even in the harsh winters.  I love that it's fast absorbing, and gives my legs that perfect glow.

{9} My latest obsession: Purlisse pur-delicate gentle soy milk cleanser.  This milk cleanser is tough enough to completely remove my mascara, but so gentle.  It's sulfate free, so it wont strip my skin, and the nourishing ingredients leave my skin so soft.  

There you have it, my latest and favorite beauty items.  Are you a fan of any of these too?  Or is there something else you love that I need to try? 

Holiday Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Beauty

Give the gift of beauty this holiday season.  Whether it's under the tree or in her stocking these beauty finds are sure to get you on her nice list.

Shop the Post:
1. Jo Malone English Pear Collection | 2. Bobbi Brown Old Hollywood Eye Palette | 3. La Mer The Hand Treatment | 4.  Dior Lipstick in Diva Ruby Red | 5. Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque  | 6. Diorshow Extase Mascara | 7. Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio Gift Set | 8. Fresh Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask | 9.  Tom Ford Nail Lacquer

January Birchbox

This month's Birchbox was all about refocusing on things that tend to get forgotten over time.  Loving the Frownies eye gels, I can't wait to try them out.

Juicy Couture | Viva La Juicy

MY | Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer

Frownies | Eye Gel

Frownies | Rose Water Hydrator Spray

the Balm Cosmetics | Put a Lid On It

September BirchBox

 A new month means a new BirchBox.  This month's Birchbox featured some fashion forward items.  And included a$25 off any purchase at Madewell coupon, a fall look book, and a free song download from and up and coming artist.

Mighty Leaf Tea | Tea Pouches
Birchbox and Color Club | Custom Nail Polish Collection in Status Update
Twistband | Lace Hairtie
Youngblood | Mineral Primer
Nexxus | Pro-Mend Split End Binding Treatment Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave in Treatment
Benefit | Foamingly Clean Facial Wash and Refined Finish Facial Polish

August Birchbox

Have I mentioned that I love my Birchbox, it's probably the best $10 I spend every month.  Here's a peak at my August BirchBox.

The Goodies:
Schick | Hydro Silk Razor
Showstoppers | Designer Fashion Tape
Stila | Stay All Day Foundation, Concealer, & Brush Kit
Juicy Couture | Viva la Juicy La Fleur
DDF | Brightening Cleanser

June BirchBox

It's that time of the month again... Birchbox time.  This month's products all centered around the jet setter.  And who doesn't love travel sized products.  This month's scent selection is by far my favorite and those Cythia Rowley Band-Aids are so much fun!

In this months' Birchbox:
1. Juliette Has A Gun | Not A Perfume:  Holly cow! I am in love with this stuff, a single ambery note that I could wear everyday.
2. Masquelogy | Pore Minimizing Mask: Aimed at visible rescuing pores size while giving your skin some much needed moisture.
3. Melvita | Rose Floral Water: An organic mist meant to refresh your skin, love the delicate rose scent.
4. theBalm cosmetics | Stainiac in Beauty Queen:  A two-in-one lip and cheek stain, with a gel formula
5. Band-Aid | Cynthia Rowley Dress up Band-Aids:  These are so darling, I'm actually considering giving myself a paper cut.

Monday, Monday: May Birchbox

Hope you lovelies had a great weekend.  I finally finished 50 Shades of Grey, it was interesting to say the least and spent a weekend running errands and lounging.  Included in my errands, was finally getting around to opening up my May Birchbox, and I was pleasantly surprised with the Gossip Girl Sunday Brunch theme. 

The Goodies:
Arquiste - Flor y Canto : A fresh blend of sweet blossoms, this white floral scent takes inspiration from an Aztec festival circa 1400.
Caudaile - Hand and Nail Cream: Nothing sets off a glossy new mani like super-soft skin, and this French brand's antioxidant cream definitely delivers.
FusionBeauty- LipFusion Balm: This moisturizing balm has a gentle plumping formula and goes on super smooth.
Ojon - Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner: Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment - exotic ojon and monoi oils work together to smooth and hydrate hair.

Brush Class

Loving these brush basics from The Beauty Department.  I constantly find myself standing in Sephora look at brushes and thinking to myself what is that one for?  Now I finally know the answer!  I think I'll be a little more courages and pick up some of these brushes to play with.


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Winter Skin Savers

Winter always does a number on our skin, and in Chicago where it's winter 6 months out of the year, I always need products that can counteract the harsh winter weather.  Meet my winter skin savers..

Face wash- "we come into this world with all the right instincts. we are full of joy, laughter and wonderment. we grow sunflowers in sunlight, make the wind our friend by flying kites, see dirt as tasty mud pies and celebrate the flames on our birthday cakes by making secret wishes that we know will come true. but there is no greater joy than water and suds. our nature is to be clean from the outside in and the inside out. we are water creatures that aspire to an instant renewal, restoration and revival we feel when we wash away what is old and outmoded to prepare ourselves for our next new brilliant experience. godliness is cleanliness, and cleanliness gives us wings to fly."  
Amen, meet my new face wash- Philosophy Purity Made Simple (the foaming kind).  Smells delicious, removes the make up, and doesn't leave my skin painfully dry, it's a keeper!

Bag Balm  yes it's original use was for animals but this lanolin based lotion is the perfect thing to banish dry, cracked feet.  Slather on liberally, throw on some socks and call it a night, in the morning your feet will thank you.  Not to worry you don't have to hit up your local veterinarian, Bag Balm can be purchased at Walgreen's or your local drugstore.

Kheil's lip balm - Soothes and protects winter lips, add cranberry flavor and you've got a winner.

Look Ma No Hands hand lotion- No more dry winter hands. Formulated with paraffin; olive, avocado and apricot oils; plus antioxidant Vitamin E- this high intensity lotion, absorbs fast and leaves my hands soft all day.  There's one in my purse, one on my desk, and one on my bedside table.

Johnson's Lavender Baby Oil- the perfect thing after a bath, and you'll be drifting off to a peaceful slumber in no time.  Enriched with lavender and chamomile, not only relaxs you, but help replenish your dry winter skin.