Monthly Must-Haves: March

Did you hear? It snowed today here in Michigan, breaking a record from 1880 with a total of 94.8" of snow this winter. Lovely, right? Yesterday, it was almost 70 degrees in the morning, and today I was pulling out my boots again! When will it ever end?? Just when I was getting exciting about pulling out my favorite springtime beauty products, I'm right back to slathering on facial cream and using hand lotion like it's nobody's business. The forecast for the rest of the week looks less bleak than today, so I'll stay optimistic that I'll be wearing my favorite spring Chloé fragrance soon.

This winter, I tried lots of new products and found some new favorites that will become part of my permanent arsenal. I figured I'd share my most-used products from March. Here's to hoping that April's favorites are more suitable for sunshiny days!

Clarisonic Mia 2: There is absolutely zero exaggeration in me saying that the Clarisonic is a lifesaver. We all hear bloggers and gurus wax poetic about how great a Clarisonic is for your skin, but until you've tried it for yourself, you won't be prepared for how beautiful it makes your skin look and feel. I'll do a separate post on my new love for my Clarisonic, but know that I've been using it every single day!
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Bang: This creamy orangey-red lipstick was my go-to when my face was feeling a little blah. It really brightened up my complexion, wore for a long time, and felt very comfortable on the lips. I like the Revolution formula, and added a few more shades to my collection this month.
Oribe Crème for Style: I kind of have a love/hate relationship with Oribe products. Last year when I was using them, I felt like my hair got really greasy really quickly. It might be because of the fact that my hair is lighter now (meaning a little more texture), but I've been using this cream every day before blowdrying. It keeps my hair nice and sleek, and smells amazing.
Sephora Collection Classic Brow Filler Brush #100 and Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony: It's been an ongoing struggle trying to find the perfect product to fill my brows in with. They look dark in person, but in pictures, you can barely see them (even though I keep them thick). This waxy cream makes my brows look sculpted and deep. Beware, though: a tiny bit goes a loooong way.
essie Nail Color in Forever Yummy: I've been looking for a classic lipstick red polish for some time, but am never satisfied. This is it.
Josie Maran Argan Oil: My skin is super oily, so the idea of putting even more oil on top of it is terrifying. Like I said, it has been a treacherous winter here in Michigan, and my skin was thirsty. I would dab a few drops of this on dry spots and watch them disappear. I am probably alone in this, but I do wish this oil was scented; I feel like a nice, light fragrance would make it feel more luxurious.
Prada Candy L'Eau: I wore the parfum version of this fragrance last winter, and oddly enough, it would make my chest break out every time I would put it on. This version is still sultry but a little lighter, and had no adverse effects on my skin. Did you see that there is now a Floral version of this scent? I might be in fragrance trouble…
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara: I'm not really sure what the point of the hourglass wand is, but the formula is a beautiful inky black that allows me to wear multiple coats without looking clumpy or flakey. A new favorite formula, for sure.

What were some of your beauty necessities last month? Are there any products you're really hoping to try out this spring? Did it snow by you this week? Leave comments, and I'll talk to you all soon! Xx

Christmas Wishes

Just a few of the things I'm coveting this holiday season. Didn't realize it at first, but it looks like there's a definite black and gold theme here! I was lucky enough to receive the items on my list (gift exchange came early this year), and I can't wait to wear my new goods in the new year.

What are some of your Christmas wishes? Any big-ticket items you're hoping for? I hope you all get everything on your list! Xx

Evening Essentials

Packing a clutch for nighttime excursions is quite the task; what I bring with me depends on where I'm going. Weddings, for example, require less baggage than a night on the town (can't remember the last time I did THAT!). Recently, I attended a friend's wedding and made sure to bring these essentials with me. Yes, my lip look requires four products, but more is always more! I don't like to bring too much with me, and honestly, with a clutch this size, it's hard to fit more than a few items inside. I brought a few bobby pins in case my hair didn't feel like holding up, a pick (old habits die hard), license and debit card, cell phone, and an extra pair of earrings (in case I have an accessory change of heart). More than that and I'd be lugging my whole tote with me.

Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Volupte' Lipstick in 002 Sensual Silk

NARS Blush in Luster

MAC Lip Pencil in Subculture 
MAC Pro Longwear Lipglass in Patience Please

MAC Prep + Prime Lip

What are some of your evening essentials? Is your clutch bare-bones, or do you haul it all with you? Leave comments below! Xx

Heaven in a Jar?

Light blue sky, fluffy white clouds, pure bliss; these are the makings of heaven, right? Well, it's no coincidence that this small blue jar from Clinique holds my own personal Utopia. I was never one for night creams. My daily lotion worked just fine for me, and my oily skin certainly didn't need any extra moisture. But as the months grew cold and the air became dry, I noticed some flaky patches around my eyes and mouth. Cue this little bit of heaven! Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer (whew, that's a mouthful) is rich, creamy, and dreamy!

I purchased this cream from Nordstrom for $46.50 USD, which I consider to be a reasonable price for a night cream. When I asked the salesgirl if this product was oil-free, she responded, "nothing is oil-free." Huh? A quick glance at the packaging informed me that this product is indeed oil-free (a necessity for my rather oily skin), and made me raise an eyebrow at the less-than-informed employee. But enough negativity! I've been using this cream for almost three weeks, and the difference is more than noticeable. My skin looks brighter, smoother, and the pre-wrinkles (is that a real term? If not, TM that son of a gun!) on my forehead are much softer. Clinique products have always worked wonders for me, and this little gem is no exception. The box states that this is for "very dry to combination oily" skin, and I truly believe it will suit all skin types. If you're looking for a night cream for the winter months, or need a little more moisture year round, I'd give this a try.

The texture is to die for!

Have you changed your skincare routine to accommodate the winter weather? Have you tried this this heavenly cream? If not, what's your favorite night cream? Leave comments below! Xx

Oh how I've missed you, Pureology!

My hair is fairly simple. Straight, normal texture, but lots of it. Sure, it's frustrating that it won't hold a style past 3 o'clock, but it's my hair and I like it. I've used almost every product line ever: L'Oréal Professionnel, Bumble & bumble, Shu Uemura, you name it. I've found products I like, products I hate, and everything in the middle, but nothing really compares to Pureology. Pureology is a 100% vegan (not that that's something I'm totally concerned about...terrible, I know), sulfate-free line that's all about color care. I used to use Pureology years ago when I worked at my old salon (and before I really knew how to maximize my own hair's potential), and I think I really took it for granted back then. Thankfully, I've been able to get a hold of it recently, and I am so happy I did. Pureology really is an amazing line. I've tried the Hydrate line and I like it, but I prefer to use the Pure Volume shampoo and Essential Repair conditioner every time I wash my hair. It feels sooo luxurious and smells amazing (the conditioner smells like vacation in a bottle). I've recently purchased the Colour Stylist AntiSplit Blowdry cream and the Silk Bodifier. I haven't used the mousse yet (I'll let you know when I do), but the blow-dry cream is simply fabulous. Not too sticky or too oily, and it makes my blowout look sleek and healthy. Pureology is a little bit on the pricier side, but I promise you, it's totally worth it. To find the Pureology collection that's right for your own hair type, check out the website here.

There's really nothing like a good hair day, right? Have you used Pureology before? If not, what line do you prefer? Leave comments below! Happy weekend everyone! Xx

Things I've been obsessed with lately

L'Occitane hand cream - In the winter, my hands get so disgustingly dry that they bleed. Literally. I am 21 years old with the hands of an 80 year old. I tried this cream once, and have been hooked ever since. The fragrance is so nice but not at all overpowering, and it's super thick without being greasy. It's worth every penny.

My Ray-Ban glasses - Every time I wear these in public, I get asked whether they are prescription glasses.  The answer is YES! I just bought Ray-Ban sunglasses and popped the dark lenses out. I feel like they are old-school and classic, but also very stylish. I think I can wear them for a while.

L'oreal Texture Expert Mouse Volupte - I can honestly say I have tried like, 90% of hair products on the market, and while I find some that I like, this one really takes the cake. My hair is weird- I've got a ton of it (making it a real pain to blowdry), but it's really soft and limp, meaning it never holds a style. This mousse makes my hair nice and big.

ASOS.com - This British fashion site has become my new go-to for accessories. Their stuff ranges from 5 to 500 dollars, and you can pick the maximum and minimum prices in your budget. I have found some really cool, affordable pieces on this site, and everything arrives very fast.

Nail polish - I don't know when I became a freak about nail polish, but my addiction has reached gross proportions. Every time a new polish collection comes out, I neeeed to try at least a few different shades. I don't even paint my nails that often! I've got so many, I could open a nail salon. I usually stick to dark polishes (let's be honest, most of them are black tinged with a hint of blue, green, etc.), but I like to try anything.

"My So-Called Life" on Hulu.com - The entire series is available on www.hulu.com right now. I'm not sure if it'll expire or not, but I've definitely been watching it. I totally remember watching it when I was young, but I was only 5 when it originally aired, so honestly, how much did I even understand? Catching up on it now makes it all the more addicting. I want to buy the DVD set!

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation - I always have a problem with my foundation staying on my face. No matter what kind of foundation I use, it comes off about an hour later. I don't know if it's because I touch my face or what, but trying this foundation was a smart idea. It literally stays on all day! It looks very natural on my skin, and for someone who is pretty picky about foundation, this one is a winner.

Rosebud Salve - No words necessary.  Just try it.

Phytomer Hydracontinue Moisturizing Base Skin Cream - Long name, I know. My esthetician recommended this skin cream for me, and I love love love it. It's got a gel-cream texture that isn't too heavy, but moisturizes beautifully, even in the winter. It doesn't irritate my skin, but just soaks right in and feels amazing.

My MAC Pro Palette - I just got one of these recently and I love it. I used to buy individuals of every single color, which was a pain because I was running out of places to keep them. It also became annoying to take a million eyeshadows with me whenever I travelled. This is much more convenient. I have a feeling I'm going to fill up a bunch of these.

Any new obsessions for you?