September Favorites! || Things I Love

Heyoo!!! How is everyone? Hope all is well in the blogdom today! I know it is way late, but today I am going to be sharing my *drumroll pleaaase* September Favorites! In case you're wondering, I'm currently with my pal Serena rehearsing for our show choir. Woo! We've just sat in Panera rearranging the song "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" by the lovely Ed Sheeran, and it is going well. Anybody know that song?  Okay, enough about restaurant musical endeavors, on to the favorites!

1. Rimmel Wonderlash Lift Me Up Mascara: I LOVE this mascara. Honesty time...I tried it because the packaging caught my eye, and I'm not sure I'll ever turn back. The formula itself goes on very smoothly (without clumps, important) and lasts all day without giving me the urge to start picking it off. The brush is huge, in an hour glass shape that allows you to reach all of your lashes. Recommend!!!! 
2. Sephora Baked Moonshadow Palette: I've been using this palette for a while now, and I think it'll always be a favorite. I am a huge matte fan, but this palette offers all of the shimmers I'd ever want, and I often brush them on over the matte ones from my NYX Dream Catcher Palette and it is just gorgeous.
3. So Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream: because ICE CREAM. (The cookie dough is my favorite)
4. Mason Jar Travel Cups: I'm putting this on here because my water intake has greatly increased in September specifically because I bring one of these with me every where, and for some reason, if I have water in my hand, I'll drink out of it, and with this I don't always have to buy plastic water bottles. Woo!
5. Blue Sky Journals: I have 3 of these now! I'm a bit of a journal whore, and I collect them and always have at least two with me at all times so I can jot down my thoughts. I love the cute designs that come on these, and all of the ones I have are thin and paperback and so easy to throw in my bag. 
6. L'Oreal Collection Privee The Perfect Nudes (JLo): I am so impressed with this! I have tried L'Oreal lip products in the past, and they usually aren't my go-to, but this nudie-pink is so creamy and its perfect for an everyday lipstick, it doesn't look too bold or too sophisticated. I look forward to buying more from this collection!
7. Jonathan Adler Pens: I was given one of these as a gift, and I just love it. Who doesn't love a nice, classy pen with a bright design? I know I do!
8. Pure Leaf Lemon Tea: I am ADDICTED to this. My dad's girlfriend drinks it like its going it out of style, and I've totally joined that party. I have like 12 in my fridge right now.
9. Cover Girl Professional Loose Powder (Transparent Medium): Okay, so I know some people don't think finishing powder is a necessity, or they use sprays, but it is a huge staple for me. I have a few translucent ones, and I have actually found that I love tinted, loose powders. This one is great! The packaging is a bit bulky, but it goes on nicely and you get a lot for the price.
10. "On My Mind" by Ellie Goulding: GUYS. ELLIE GOULDING IS MY QUEEN. THIS SONG IS SO GOOD. GO BUY IT ON iTUNES. RIGHT. NOW.

Pretty journals, pens and THE QUEEN..

Winter Skincare Solutions!

Heyoo!

If you live somewhere cold like I do, its probably becoming a bit chilly in your neck of the woods. And although cold weather means a lot of lovely things, (layers, boots, hats, hot cocoa...squeee!) it also means that we may have to alter our usual beauty routines to fit the dryness that comes with the change in weather.

My facial routine usually consists of washing my face and putting on a spot of moisturizer every morning and night, along with a face mask twice a week. (I will comprise my favorite mask recipes into another post for you guys soon!) This routine keeps my face looking and feeling clean, and so far, that's been good enough for me. But, as it gets colder, I know I'll find myself feeling irritated sooner or later about flaky skin. Here are my tips to keep your skin nice and soft this winter!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! 

This seems like a no brainer, but it really is important to moisturize often and use the product that is going to benefit you the most. For winter months, oil based moisturizers are the best, because the oil will create layers around your skin that will lock in moisture. Not only should you pick a moisturizer with an oil base, make sure it is a base that will not clog your pores, as that can prevent moisture from reaching deep into the skin. I would recommend the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 or the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Moisturizer Lotion with SPF 28. I have had success with both of these moisturizers, and they are both less than $20 at the drugstore! But, for the best results, find the products that work well with your skin type. 

Use sunscreen!

But what? It's winter, why do I need sunscreen? Yes, it is winter, and the glare from that bright, white snow can be very damaging to your skin. You need to protect it! Both of the moisturizers I recommended above already contain SPF, but you should still apply sunscreen to your face and exposed skin before going outside.

Ease up on the masks and peels...

Yes, I know its tragic. I love face masks as much as the next person, and I use them often, but we all really should ease up during the cold months. Peels (and some masks) can strip oils from your skin, something that is not ideal when trying to retain moisture. If you'd like to use masks, make sure they are dedicated to hydration. I recommend the Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask from Freeman Beauty. It smells delicious and is only $4!

Watch the temp of those bubble baths!

Baths are always super refreshing, but maybe soaking in steaming hot water isn't the best idea for winter. The hot water actually breaks down layers of skin, drying it out. Quicker showers in warm water are a much better plan for silky, smooth skin. 

Exfoliate, my friends!

Along with your quick, warm showers, make sure you are exfoliating! Leaving layers of dead skin can clog your pores and make it impossible for your moisturizers and cleansers to do their jobs. For your face, I'd recommend the St. Ives Moisturizing Olive Scrub. It is very creamy and exfoliating, and feels so lovely. For your body, I've found that the J.R. Watkins Sugar and Shea Body Scrub in Lemon Cream is my favorite! This scrub is oil-based and filled with little sugar crystals that feel amazing! (Plus, it is great for the environment and smells so yummy!)

So that's it, lovelies! Take care of your skin this winter! If you have any great products that you are totally digging for winter, leave them in the comments!

Soft skin and body scrubs...