Favorites: 2/2015

How is it March already?  I recently saw an Instagram post with a quote that said it felt like Christmas had just passed and that is exactly how I feel at the moment.  I've been able to try a plethora of new products since the year has started and I grabbed a few that I've consistently reached for during the month.  These are all items that I've tested for 1-2 months, and although that isn't an incredibly long time, I've gotten a good grasp on their performance and can highly recommend them to you all.  Relax and grab a cup of tea, this is going to be a lengthy one! Read on ahead if you're curious as to what I've been loving!




Beauty:

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Black Tea Mascara- I am glad to report that the struggle is not real when finding a good, clean mascara option!  There are plenty non-toxic mascaras out on the market, but I decided to start with 100% Pure's Fruit Pigmented mascara while I was shopping at their store for the first time.  The brush is spiraled and not the rubbery kind(which I detest as it doesn't work well with my lashes).  The formula is a bit on the wet side and the color is intensely black.  I have fine, sparse lashes that are long enough on their own.  I find that after the first 3 applications, the formula was a little less wet and actually worked better with my lashes to create an in-between-dramatic-and-natural look.  One coat gives me a natural, everyday finish but I prefer three coats which gives a dramatic but not overdone look.  This stays on all day and has minimal smudging if it is applied on the bottom lashes.

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner (Nobody's Baby)- I did not like this lip product at first.  The texture of the lipstick was grainy and dry upon initial application.  I wasn't looking for that consistency as I had specifically ordered the Tinted Lip Conditioner for hydrating purposes.  I decided to not give up on the product that everyone was raving about and begrudgingly pulled it out once again to see if I'd like the application any better the second time.  Here's when the start of a beautiful relationship happened.  After I got through the top of the product, the creaminess of the bullet set in and I can now say that this is my favorite my-lips-but-better color.  The first swipe gives a tint of color and it is completely build-able. You can see the lip color in action HERE (second to last picture).

Beautycounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen- I have this in Fair and Light because I couldn't decide on a color match online.  The concealer has a light texture which works well for under the eyes.  I definitely found that I reached more for this concealer in Fair than in Light since I mainly used it for my dark under-eye circles and not for covering up blemishes.  I won't go into too much detail because I'll be posting a few review on the blog soon!

Skincare:

Kypris Antioxidant Dew- I received a sample of this when I placed my order for the Moonlight Catalyst (rave review here). I loved it so much that I've used it up but you can clearly see the consistency in the linked review.  This has been such a great, quick moisturizer in the morning and has helped keep my skin smooth and stress-free.  I'll be purchasing the full size once I run out of my Pai moisturizer.

Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer spf30- Speaking of quick and easy moisturizers, I've been loving this option with spf 30 for my everyday morning routine.  It is extremely light in texture as the name suggests, smells of citrus, and is a great base for makeup.  I am obsessed with how easy it is for me to finish my morning skincare routine after this has entered into my life.

Body:

Balanced Guru Scrub Me- I am not a scrub girl.  I also have not really used that many before receiving this one in my Petit Vour February Box.  I can happily say that I'm a total convert and will be purchasing the full size in the future after I finish this sample!  It is very minty and heavily coffee scented, which comes as no surprise given that it has dry, ground coffee seeds among other things that make up its grainy consistency.  My skin is ridiculously soft and smooth post-scrub.

Well, that's it!  Let me know if you have any questions or any requests for a full and in-depth review of any of my favorites!  Have you tried any of these products and what are your thoughts on them?

Happy March!

Yours,

Vanessa