Current Loving

Hi friends! Sorry I haven't been around lately things have been getting busy around here, I'm hoping to post more once things get less hectic.  I wanted pop in and share what products I have been loving lately.

1.) EOS Lip balm in Lemon, a subtle lemon scent that makes a nice change from my minty lip balm rotation.

2.) Bath and Body Works Pocket Bac in Caribbean Escape makes me feel like I'm on vacation. I love that the scent is not hello I just put hand sanitizer on and the pretty scent lasts for a good while.

3.) I have been baking Gina's Baked Breakfast Cookies this last week and a half. I love how they're so easy to make with lots of customizable options. My last batch was Reese's Pb Cup. Plus I can throw these into my purse as a quick snack, winner winner chicken dinner.

4.) Lululemon's Power Purple color. I've been bitten by the purple bug. I want to own everything in Power Purple. So far I have the Cool Racer Back Tank and I want to wear it every day. I'm looking at the Contempo Jacket as my next purchase. ;)

5.) Songza App let's you choose music based on your mood/activities/atmosphere. Such as BBQ, city cruising, lying low on a Sunday afternoon, putting on your party dress, etc. Once you choose your mood then you select a playlist of songs that's been curated by Songza.  I've been a big fan of bedtime selections. Best of all it's free and there's no "on radio" ads or listening limits!

6.) Maxi dresses, have quickly become my favorite summer staple!  I just ordered this is one is from Kiki La Rue today and bought another one from Target the other day.  Yep, not obsessed or anything.

7.)  Katie and I are walking the Color Me Rad 5K this Sunday (if she doesn't give birth yet!)  I am super excited, I've never done any races like this but seems like a ton of fun.

8.) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Nude Lustre.  This is my ideal nude not too light or pinky.  Word on the street is that they're discontinuing this line.  Some think that this gloss is too sticky but I think it has the perfect amount to last a good while.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!

Empties!

There's on a trend on Youtube of beauty vloggers called Empties posts.  Essentially they gather empty containers of products that they have used up and then do a review on them.  Kassie, was the first gal to introduce me to these posts and I think they're a great idea to see what's worth purchasing/re-purchasing and what's not.  I'd also like to expand this into the realm of food.   Let's get started!

First off beauty, from left to bottom:  Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser, Aveeno Nourish + Volumize Shampoo, Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup in Shade 126.

• Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser is my staple face wash.  I have dry to normal skin that's sensitive/allergic to a lot of products.  Even the sensitive skin products do not jive well (i.e. Cetaphil, Aveeno, Philosophy, etc) break me out or give me a rash. I have found that Neutrogena is the only one that doesn't aggravate my skin.  In the summer I switch to their Grapefruit Cleanser to combat with weather related oilness.  I hope they never discontinue this item, I love it!
• I've tried mostly all of the shampoo/conditioners from Aveeno's hair care line.  The only one I don't care for is the Renew because it makes my scalp itchy.  I like the Nourish + Volumize Shampoo and have no complaints with it.  I've been using it for quite awhile so I've moved on to a different shampoo.  But yes I would repurchase it.
• When I first started wearing makeup I used Clinique because it did not irritate my skin.  I would  be still using it if I did not find a drugstore alternative that I love.  (Unfortunately I think that the brand is being discontinued so I may be going back to Clinique after my stash is gone.) I received Clinique's Perfectly Real Compact Makeup as a sample and think it's a great foundation/powder.  This powder is very lightweight with exceptional coverage. You can also build more coverage if need be.  Highly recommend and would repurchase this item when my other drugstore powder runs out.    

Untitled #37 by alatteinspiration featuring a lip gloss

• Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Lotion smells amazing and I have even gotten compliments on the scent.  This lotion is thick and creamy with a touch of gold shimmer to give a subtle glow.  I normally put this on before bed.  However when I woke up the next day I would need put on more.  Maybe my skin is extra dry?  I want to try their Coconut version soon.
• I got a sample with my Naked 2 Palette of UD's Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Naked.  The pros: loved the scent, color and how long it stayed on my lips.  I noticed after having it on my lips for awhile I got this petroleum taste/smell.  Unfortunately this con was a deal breaker for me and I tossed it.

• Celestial Seasonsings Madagascar Vanilla Rooibos Tea.  Love, love this tea!  It's caffeine free and tastes like dessert.  I love to drink this flavor in the fall and winter because it feels so warm and cozy.  

• GT's Organic Raw Kombucha in Ginger is a raw, fermented drink filled with probiotics.  I was a little wary about trying this but it turns out it wasn't that bad.  It took me about 3 or 4 days to drink the whole bottle but I don't mind the taste.  It's a little vinegary but the ginger flavor is pretty good.  I would repurchase this but would not stock up on it.  

Current Beauty Favorites- Jan/Feb Edition

Jan/Feb Favs by alatteinspiration featuring a matte eyeshadow

1. Philosophy's Vanilla Cream Topping lotion.  I am a huge vanilla scent person and I love Philosophy's products because they do not irritate my skin.  Bonus they are paraben free.  This lotion absorbs quickly and hydrates pretty well.  The scent lingers through a few hand washes though it is subtle.  I love smoothing it on before bed I find the scent is comforting and helps me to fall asleep.

2.  EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint. I put this on when I need a pick me up and the packaging is cute.  

3. Bath and Body Works Sensual Amber perfume.  I have owned a bottle for a few years and found that the scent hasn't gone funky on me.  This is a perfect warm winter scent.  

4.  Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Powder Blush in Cherub (which is more pink in real life and not orange like the photo).  I am sad to report that I think this line is being discontinued.  I love her pressed powder.  The quality and the fact that its all natural, paraben free that can be found in drugstore is impressive.  Even my makeup artist was blown away that this was a drugstore find.  

5. Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle.  I think Revlon has a great line of cosmetics and their quality is right up there with brands your find at Sephora.  I didn't like the Lip Butters at first, partially because the one I originally purchased was too light for me.  I also feel that then can be a tad on the dry side at times however the Pink Truffle is a close match to my normal color.  I like putting this on when I need more color and sometimes add a bit of the EOS lip balm under it to give it more moisture.

6.  NYC Nail Polish in Times Square Tangerine Creme.  For .99 cents at Walmart, this polish is a steal.  It has good pigmentation and it stays on without chipping.  I just wish that they had more colors to choose from!

7.  UD Naked 2 Palette.  I know that this has been seen everywhere but I love how all these gorgeous neutral shades are paired in one place.  In attempt to declutter my makeup bag this is my only eyeshadow(s) I have in there.  Highly pigmented and lasts all day.  Before using this my go to neutral eyeshadow was Revlon's Colorstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in Sandstorm which I've had for 5 years and was still going strong.

What are your current beauty favorites?

My Go To Beauty Favorites

1. Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Luminous Pressed Powder- hands down the best drugstore powder.  Goes on silky and smooth and its paraben free so it won't irritate sensitive skin.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Nude Lustre- I've tried the Lip Butters from Revlon but wasn't a fan of its texture.  I like the stickiness of this gloss and Nude Lustre is the perfect nude shade that doesn't wash you out.

3. Maybelline Full n Soft Mascara- this mascara blew me away. It goes on smooth and it thickens and lengthens lashes without the goopy mascara feel.

4. Cargo BeachBlush in Coral Beach- love this I hardly wear pink blush anymore.  Though its close to $30 this blush lasts.  My last one lasted 2.5-3 years and it makes your skin glow.

5. Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Secret Admirer- my new go to dark nail polish.  Love how the glitter makes it stand out in a good way and yet still looks polished.

6. Essie Master Plan Nail Polish-  its a greyish/purplish color which makes it my fav nude color.
7. Philosophy Candy Cane Body Wash- love using it after a good workout.  The peppermint scent makes me feel energized and helps to soothe my sore muscles.

8. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Lotion- the scent is amazing and there are subtle glitter flecks in this lotion that imparts a glowing effect.