Archives for May 2019

MAY FAVORITES

May 30, 2019

Happy Thursday, friends and welcome back! As you can tell by the title, today we’re gonna be chatting all about my May favorites! I can’t believe we’re already 6 months into the year…where has the time gone?! I have quite a few beauty/fashion favorites; some you’ve seen, others you haven’t. I will list and link everything like always, so without further ado, grab a snack (it’s a long one) and let’s jump right in!

**Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links**

Becca Primer • Jaclyn Hill Palette • IGK Dry Hair & Body Oil • IGK First Class Dry Shampoo

Bare Minerals barePRO Powder • PF Butter Bronzer • OPI Nail Lacquer • Benefit Roller Lash

Laneige Lip Balm • Smashbox Liquid Lipstick • Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick

Fenty Gloss Bomb • ABH Brow Wiz • Tarte Chrome Paint • Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

Tend Skin • St. Tropez Tanner • Coola Tanning Face Serum • Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer

1. Becca First Light Priming Filter – $39: If you struggle with dry, dull skin, this is the best primer around (IMO).

2. Jaclyn Hill Palette – $38: If I had to pick ONE palette to use for the remainder of my days, this would be it. The color story is incredible. The quality and blendability is amazing. The value is unmatched…and honestly, if you’re looking for a palette that can help you create a plethora of looks, this is the one!

3. IGK Dry Hair & Body Oil – $27: I bought this off of a blogger recommendation and have been loving it ever since! If you’re someone who goes a week or so between (hair) washes, this would be a great product to add to your routine. It smells amazing and gives the ends of your hair a much needed refresh!

4. IGK First Class Dry Shampoo – $27: I’ve talked about this dry shampoo before and I’m still loving it. It smells good (not overpowering), adds a little bit of grit and doesn’t leave behind a crazy white cast (though that’s not a deal breaker for me). If you’re in the market for something new, maybe pick up the travel size and give it a go!

5. Bare Minerals barePRO Powder (Sateen) – $31: Despite having dry skin, sometimes I don’t feel like dealing with a liquid foundation, especially when I’m running late (oops). I started using the Bare Minerals pressed powder foundation and have been loving it! It doesn’t accentuate my dry patches, holds up really well during the day and gives a beautiful finish to the skin!

6. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – $15.99: The holy grail of bronzers! It has the perfect undertone and wears beautifully throughout the day; if you haven’t tried this yet, I 1000% recommend it.

7. OPI Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer (Big Red Apple) – $13: You guys know that I typically use KL Polish; however, that brand is no longer a thing/associated with Kathleen (though she’s coming out with something new so hold tight) so instead of using/showing polishes that you can’t get your hands on, I’ve been trying to use some different products. Phew, now that that’s out of the way…over the holiday, I decided to throw on a fun OPI red shade and I have to say, it stayed on my nails for over a week and was super easy to work with! If you’re looking for something a little different, you can find my other OPI favorites HERE, HERE & HERE!

8. Benefit Roller Lash – $25: My favorite mascara hands down. I’ve tried using different brands and formulas but always come back to this.

9. Laneige Lip Balm (Berry) – $15: I picked this up during the Sephora VIB sale and haven’t put it down since. It’s the perfect balm to throw in your purse and go! It’s hydrating, glossy (without being sticky) and has a nice scent/tint to it! If you’ve been on the fence, I literally would recommend anything from Laneige!

10. Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick (Bawse) – $24: In addition to the red nail polish I threw on for the holiday, I decided to be fancy and wear a red lip! I personally used the Julep It’s Whipped lippie in ‘Smooches;’ however, since that brand is no longer being sold at ULTA, I scoured my collection for my second favorite red lipstick so that I could link it here! Smashbox has a great formula; it’s long-wearing, comfortable on the lips and comes in a plethora of colors!

11. Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick (Nude Nuance) – $7.49: Sometimes I just want a standard, bullet-style lipstick and y’all, Maybelline never disappoints. I have a few colors in this line and love them all. They’re super opaque, easy to wear (and reapply) and comfy on the lips!

12. Fenty Gloss Bomb (FU$$Y) – $18: The BEST gloss! Seriously, I have 2 of the 3 shades in the line and can’t wait to snag the last one!

13. ABH Brow Wiz (Medium Brown) – $21: I used to use the Benefit Goof Proof Pencil, and though I still love that one, the ABH Brow Wiz is a better fit for me shade wise! I now understand why everyone stans ABH and their brow products; they’re worth the hype!

14. Tarte Chrome Paint (Frosé) – $22: I’ve talked about these before, but if you’re looking for a super sparkly shade to throw on the lid, THESE. ARE. IT. I have 3 shades and think they are 1000% worth the $$.

15. Tree Hut Sugar Scrub (Sunkissed Sands) – $7.99: If you’ve never tried this brand before, I highly recommend them. Their sugar scrubs are exfoliating without being too rough and smell like a dream; I especially love this one for the summer time!

16. Tend Skin Solution – $21: If you have sensitive skin and struggle with razor burn/ingrown hairs, try this! I started noticing that whenever I shaved, I ALWAYS got unsightly razor burn. Couple becoming increasingly desperate with a late night Amazon browsing session, and this is what arrived at my doorstep. I gotta say, it’s a game changer. This legitimately may be the best $21 dollars I have ever spent. I used this the last 2 times I shaved and am happy to report, NO RAZOR BURN (hallelujah). Basically to make a long-story long, if you struggle with razor burn, give this stuff a try!

17. St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse – $44: This is my favorite self-tanner hands down! I leave it on between 3-4 hours, rinse it off and let it continue developing over the next 12 hours! It’s a dream! Pro Tip: IMO, you are the darkest you’re going to be on day 2; so if you have a special event on a Saturday night, I would tan no later than Friday morning!

18. Coola Sunless Tanning Face Serum – $54: Another holy grail product of mine! I use this to bridge the gap between my body and face when I self tan and find that it gives me just enough color without going overboard. While you can apply it straight to the face (daily), I choose to mix a couple of drops in with my moisturizer every 2-3 days for a more subtle glow!

19. Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer Luminous Cream (Medium) – $32.95: After trying (and hating) the Vita Liberata Body Blur, I decided to give this bad boy a go. This is definitely more of a luminous topper rather than a body “makeup;” however, when applied over the top of a self-tan, it’s absolutely stunning. I allow 5-6 minutes for it to completely dry before dressing and haven’t had any issues with it transferring onto my clothes! I think this would be great for vacation, date night or even a fun girls trip!

Straight Leg Distressed Jeans • Drapey V-Neck Tee • Adrielle Layered Necklace • Lace Trim Cami

Cross Band Slippers • Graphic Tee • Fitted Tank • Brown Sandals • Nippies Skin Covers

High-Waist Bandeau Bikini • Reversible Belt • USA Sweatshirt • 50-inch Tripod

1. Straight Leg Distressed Jeans – $49.99: I don’t know if I’ve mentioned these on the blog before, but if I haven’t, I love them! I picked up 2 pairs of straight leg denim from Old Navy a couple of months ago and they are my favorite jeans at the moment! They’re comfy, high-waisted and hit me right at the ankle. If you’re looking for a straight leg jean that isn’t too wide throughout the leg, give these a try! NOTE: They come in reg, tall and petite and run TTS (8).

2. Drapey V-Neck Tee – $15: I love basic tees like this. You can dress them up for the office by adding a blazer or a cardigan, or keep things casual by pairing them with denim cutoffs and a cute pair of sandals! NOTE: Come in multiple colors and fits TTS.

3. Adrielle Layered Necklace – $42: I’ve definitely been more into jewelry recently (thanks to my Rocksbox subscription) and these layered necklaces from Baublebar never disappoint. They go with a variety of outfits and always help add a little extra oomph to my looks!

4. Lace Trim Cami – $39.90: I love these Downtown cami’s from Express. They’re great for the office or even a nice date night out! They come in loads of colors and fit TTS!

5. Cross Band Slippers – $23.99: I bought these off a blogger recommendation (Laura Beverlin) and have been wearing them non-stop (I’m even wearing them now)! I’m a slipper all year long kind of gal, and I think these are the perfect pair for the summer! I love that you can see your pedicure peeking out, and even more than that, I love that they have a hard sole and can be worn outside! They come in 5 colors and fit TTS (I wear a 7.5 and got the 7-8).

6. BlackMyth Graphic Tee – $10.99: I had seen this floating around Amazon (and Instagram) and thought it was super cute, so I decided since it was only $11 bucks, why not pick it up!? It’s definitely higher quality than I was expecting and looks great paired with my straight leg jeans. However, I will say, if you’re wanting it to have a drapey fit, definitely size up!

7. First Layer Fitted Tank – $5: Now I know a lot of brands have these basic first-layer style tanks, but these bad boys from Old Navy are my absolute favorite! They have great length, wash up nicely and never lose their shape! I also love the fact that they’re able to be dressed up or down and are perfect for layering as we transition into the cooler months later in the year! They come in a variety of colors and fit TTS!

8. Make Things Easy Sandals – $24: You guys…how cute are these sandals?! They’re a total Steve Madden dupe and are worth every bit of $24 dollars. I took these on my recent trip to Memphis and wore them every day! They’re comfy, come in a variety of colors and fit TTS! Sidenote: I REALLY wanna snag those leopard ones for my birthday (It’s Monday, June 3rd FYI)!

9. Nippies Skin Covers – $25: Okay ladies, if you’ve been on the hunt for stickies to wear under backless dresses, shirts and tanks, these are the best I’ve found. They come in 3 different shades and 2 different sizes, are seamless and undetectable (in my experience). Honestly, I can’t live without them. NOTE: I’m in the caramel shade.

10. High-Waisted Bandeau Bikini – $24.99: This is one of the best Amazon swimsuits I have found. It’s comfortable and incredibly flattering, has removable (& adjustable) straps & padding and fits TTS.

11. Leopard Reversible Belt – $29.90: I picked this belt up during one of Express’s 50% sales and have gotten a ton of use out of it. I know $30 bucks might seem a bit steep for a basic skinny leopard belt; however, since it’s reversible, I feel like you’re only paying $15 per belt, so it makes it worth it!

12. USA Sweatshirt – $32: I picked this up from the Pink Lily Boutique website and have been wearing it NON-STOP! If you’ve been around a while, then you know I live for a good red, white and blue moment and this sweatshirt was just the thing I needed! I linked the PLB website above, but since the sweatshirt is sold out, I thought I’d link the one from their Etsy page as well! NOTE: It’s pretty oversized so you could size down.

13. 50-Inch Tripod – $14.99: A few months back I invested in my first ever big girl Cannon camera, and decided it was time to get a tripod to help me take photos for the blog & Instagram when no one is around to help me! This lightweight tripod is under $15 dollars, comes with a bag and is pretty good quality for the price. I wouldn’t recommend taking it out and about when there are 30+ mile per hour winds; but for indoor & around the house kind of shooting, I think it’s perfect!

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So that wraps up everything in my May Favorites! If you made it this far (I know it was a long one), you are my people! I hope you enjoyed this post and had a wonderful month! What were you loving in May?! Anything I just HAVE to try?! Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

XOXO,

NORDSTROM HALF-YEARLY SALE

May 25, 2019

Happy Saturday, friends and welcome back! As you can see, I’m back with my Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale picks! I know you’ve probably seen a billion (okay, that’s dramatic) bloggers already do this, but since I love all things fashion, I decided to do it anyway. I will be sure to include sizing info for every piece listed, so without further ado, let’s jump right in!

**Click the link below to go straight to retailers website**

Levi’s 721 Jeans • Ted Baker Wallet • BLANKNYC Boyfriend Shorts • ASTR Lace Dress

Treasure & Bond Sandals • Nordstrom Faux Fur Throw • Hunter Packable Boots

Sole Society Backpack • Steve Madden Bootie • Leith Ruched Dress • Chelsea28 Tank

Zella Joggers • Tory Burch Double-Wrap Collins Watch • Kate Spade Bucket Bag

Zella Pocket 7/8 Leggings • Adidas Tank • Sam Edelman Yara Sandal

1. Levi’s 721 Ripped Jeans – $88.10: This is the quintessential distressed denim. They’re a true jean (no stretch), but are TTS and fit like a glove. They may feel a little snug when you first put them on but they stretch out in a way that allows you to breathe without looking big or sloppy!

2. Ted Baker Bow Wallet – $95.40: I love Ted Baker handbags and accessories and this wallet is no exception. I love the light shade of purple and find that it fits a slew of stuff! If you’re looking for a quality wallet that will stand the test of time, I think you might like this one.

3. BLANKNYC Boyfriend Denim Shorts – $62.99: I know $63 dollars for a pair of shorts might seem like overkill, but with the way brands are pricing denim shorts these days, it doesn’t seem that bad. I love the medium wash distressed look, and while I would say that they run TTS, I chose to size up to have a little more room in the thigh area.

4. ASTR Lace Midi Dress – $66.75: This is the perfect dress for a spring or summer wedding; the midi length is ultra flattering and it photographs like a dream. I would recommend sizing up AT LEAST one size; If you are bustier I would go up 2 sizes (that’s what I did and it fits like a DREAM).

5. Treasure & Bond Miles Slide – $39.90: These are such fun sandals for summer! They’re easy to throw on with shorts or sun dresses, come in a variety of colors/patterns and fit TTS.

6. Nordstrom Faux Fur Throw – $47.40: I think this would be a great thing to snag and put up for the upcoming Christmas holiday! I think gifting a faux fur throw (or robe) is always a nice cozy gift, you really can’t go wrong!

7. Hunter Packable Waterproof Rain Boot – $89.98: This is another thing I would consider purchasing and putting up for Christmas. I think this is the best time to snag some of those higher priced items and hold on to them until you need them. If my calves were set up in a way to wear these, I would 1000% get them for myself (I’m loving the blue color); however, for now, I will live vicariously through all of you that can fit in these with no problem! According to my friends, they fit TTS; though if you wear a 1/2 size, you will need to size up!

8. Sole Society Destin Backpack – $41.96: I have been loving the backpack trend lately; they’re easy to wear, great for travel and hold a ton of stuff!

9. Steve Madden Rookie Bootie – $59.96: How stinking cute are these booties?! I think these would work well for both the spring and fall seasons, and can be paired with a variety of outfits. The chunky heel makes them super comfortable and easy to wear, and the cutout at the ankle creates a really flattering silhouette! If you’re looking for a nice tan pair of booties, I would highly recommend these bad boys! NOTE: They run small, size up!

10. Leith Ruched Bodycon Dress – $45: This is the best everyday dress for spring and summer. It’s soft, breathable and has great coverage. It comes in a variety of colors, fits TTS (though I sized up one for a more relaxed but still fitted look) and works well for all of my ladies rocking a summer bump!

11. Chelsea28 Illusion Tank – $29.40: I love tanks like this; they’re great for a casual brunch date with your girlfriends but also transition really well into the office. This features adjustable straps (hallelujah) and fits TTS.

12. Zella Repeat High-Waist Cropped Joggers – $29.49: If you’ve been around a while, then you know how much I love the Zella brand. These joggers are soft, comfortable and hit me right at the ankle with minimal bunching (I’m 5’3). They come in 2 colors (I have both) and fit TTS. NOTE: It is a thinner material, so if you’re looking for a thick jogger, you may want to pass on these.

13. Tory Burch Double-Wrap Collins Watch – $157.50: Swoon, I can’t get over this watch. If you guys have followed me for any length of time, you know I love watches. They’re easy to throw on and instantly add a little extra umph to any outfit! I love contrast of the navy and gold and think this would be a really nice gift for someone special!

14. Kate Spade Bucket Bag – $214.80: In addition to loving the backpack trend, I think bucket bags are super cute! They’re more lightweight than a satchel or a tote, and are super easy to travel with! I love the bright red shade for summer; though if it’s not your cup of tea, it does come in both black and navy.

15. Zella 7/8 Pocket Leggings – 35.40: You knew they would make an appearance! I love these. I love all of the leggings I’ve purchased from Zella. The quality is amazing, they hold up well in the wash and fit TTS (M)!

16. Adidas Sleeveless Tee – $21.99: These are awesome when you just need something casual to throw on and go! They’re great for the gym or random errands on the weekend; they feature a loose comfortable fit and are TTS.

17. Sam Edelman Yaro Sandal – $59.96: How cute are these sandals?! I love that they’re a little different than your typical tan strappy sandals and absolutely adore the glimmer and shine that they have! They would be perfect for a spring/summer wedding or paired with a nice pair of skinny jeans for date night! NOTE: They fit TTS.

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So that wraps up my Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale post; I know it was kind of long so thanks for sticking it out! I hope you enjoyed it and found some shopping inspo (if you were looking for that kind of thing – lol). Are you shopping the sale? Or any sales this weekend?! If so, let me know what you plan on picking up!

Also, in case you missed it; I uploaded a Memorial Day Sales Round-Up with some of my favorite retailers so if you’re out and about or doing a little online shopping over the weekend, you can find all of the sale info in one place!

I hope you guys have a wonderful holiday weekend full of great weather and even better company! If you’re out and about, stay safe and have a wonderful time!

XOXO,

MEMORIAL DAY SALES ROUND-UP

May 24, 2019

Happy Friday, friends and welcome back! With the holiday weekend upon us, I thought I would take a moment to list and share all of the ongoing deals with you guys…you know, in case you find yourself out and about this weekend! Also, in case you missed it, Nordstrom is currently having their half-yearly sale (hallelujah); and while I’m not quite finished curating that post, I AM planning finish and upload that for you guys tomorrow, so stay tuned! As always, I will list, link and update everything below as new sales become available.

**NOTE: I will continue to update this list as new sales become available! Remember to check back frequently!**

**Click the link below to go straight to retailers website**

Abercrombie: 50% off throughout the store. Free Shipping over $75.
Amazon Prime – They have a number of daily deals for Memorial Day. Check their website frequently as new deals become available throughout the day!
American Eagle – 25-60% off pf everything + Free Shipping over $50. BOGO 50% off AE Collection (In-Store Only)
Anthropologie: Extra 40% off sale items + fresh cuts. Up to 30% off furniture, decor and bedding.
Banana Republic: 40% off everything. Free 3-5 day shipping on $100+ with code: BRSHIP 50% off Women’s Tees & Shorts and Mens Polos & Chinos.
Bath & Body Works – $10 off 3-wick candles + $10 off $30 with code: HELLOSUN
Bauble Bar: Up to 50% off + Free Shipping over $25.
Bed, Bath & Beyond – Up to 50% off + Free Shipping over $39.
Belk: Extra 20% off regular & sale items. Up to 70% off doorbusters. Free Shipping over $99.
DICK’S Sporting Goods – Up to 50% off hot deals + Free Shipping over $49.
DSW – BOGO 50% off sports slides + free beach blanket (black or blue) with $49 purchase. Free Shipping over $35.
Express – 40% off + Free Shipping over $50.
Fanatics – Free Shipping over $24 with code: 24SHIP
Forever 21: Extra 30% off sale items with code: EXTRA30. 30% off sport & swim. Free Shipping over $50.
Gap – 40% off everything (no exclusions) with code: READY + Free Shipping over $50.
H&M:
J Crew – Extra 50% off sale items + 40% off everything else with code: WEEKEND
J Crew Factory – 60% off all men & women’s styles. 50% off all kids styles. Extra 50% off all clearance styles. Use code: SUMMERSALE
Kohls – Memorial Day sales starting at $10. Take an extra $10 off $25 with code: SERVICE10. Get $5 dollars Kohl’s cash for every $25 spent. Take an extra 20% off patio, furniture & mattresses with code: SUN20 + Free Shipping over $75.
Levis: 30% off sitewide with code: FUNSUN + Free Shipping over $100.
Loft: 40% off your purchase with code: FINALLY
Macy’s – Extra 20%, 15% or 10% off select departments. 25-40% off swimwear. 60% off hotel bedding. Free Shipping over $75.
Madewell: 20% off dresses and sandals with code: PERFECTMATCH
Mint Julep Boutique – Select styles up to 75% off + Free Shipping. (I love this boutique).
Nordstrom: Up to 50% off during the half-yearly sale! (Post coming soon)!
Old Navy – 50% off tees, tanks, swim, shorts & dresses. Extra 20% off your order (no code needed). Free Shipping over $50. 50% off Jeans (Today – 5/25 only).
Pier 1 Imports – Up to 50% off storewide + Free Shipping on orders over $49 with code: FREESHIP49
Pottery Barn – Buy more, save more. 15% off $100+. 20% off $500. Use code: SAVEMORE
Sephora – Lots of sale goodies from Tarte, UD, Natasha Denona, Becca, etc. Free 3-day shipping over $50.
Target – Up to 30% off patio items. Up to 30% off home items. Free Shipping over $35.
Tory Burch – Up to 40% spring sale.
ULTA – Up to 50% off hot buys.
Wayfair – Up to 70% off Memorial Day clearance. Area rugs $49+. Up to 60% off Backyard goodies. Up to 60% off coffee & end tables. Office furniture $49+. Free Shipping over $49.

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I hope you found this list helpful and are able to take advantage of some of these incredible deals over the holiday weekend!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend (if you have it off) with good weather and great food. If you’re traveling or plan to be on the roads this Memorial Day, please remember to stay safe!

XOXO,

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT-GUIDE

May 6, 2019

Happy Monday, friends and welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready to crush the week ahead. Before we jump into the topic of today’s post, can we talk about the new Shawn Mendes song?! Your girl is hooked (shocker). Also, can we briefly discuss how dreamy he is?! Swoon. Okay moving on. Can you believe that Mother’s Day is right around the corner? – the year is really flying by. With the holiday vastly approaching, I thought now would be a good time to hop on here and share some fun ways you could spoil your mama (or any special lady in your life) and show her a little extra love.

Before we jump in, I want to be clear in saying that I don’t think you have to buy/spend loads of $$ to celebrate your loved ones. A nice handmade card, coupon book, bouquet of flowers or her favorite dinner and a movie are just as good (and special). However, if you’re looking to go out and grab something extra, I have rounded up some special gifts for every mama that will be sure to make her smile!

**Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links**

Clarisonic Mia Prima • Round CZ Drop Earrings • Aquis Luxe Long Hair Towel

YSL Rouge Pur Lipstick • Love Knot Necklace • Carolina Herrera Perfume

Mama Script Ring • Quay My Way Sunnies • Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner

Too Faced Natural Face Palette • Kate Spade NY Marqaux Satchel

Is your sweet mama a beauty/fashion lover?! If so, her favorite perfume, a fancy lipstick (if she’s in to that sort of thing) or a nice leather satchel would be great options. I also love the idea of getting a nice pair of earrings or her favorite type of jewelry; it’s not an every day sort of gift, so if I have the chance, I love picking up a special piece for my special lady! Again, none of these things are necessary, but if you’re in the market for a little something extra, these are some of the items/pieces I tend to reach for!

iRobot Vacuum • Scented Candle • Barefoot Dreams Blanket • Nespresso Machine

Honeydew Jersey Robe • Bamboo Bath Tray • Travel Makeup Case

Bose Earphones • SC Lacie Weekender • Passport Wallet • Apple Watch

Adidas Swift Runs • Syvan Yoga Mat • Ninja Countertop Blender

As you can tell, I tried to touch on a variety of products that would suit different types of mamas! I know not everyone is into makeup/fashion so I tried to pull some other things that might appeal to that special lady in your life! If your mom is more of a homebody, a nice robe and scented candle would be the perfect combo for a relaxing night in! If you’re looking to splurge, you can look into an iRobot vacuum (or any home device she’s been eyeing) or a Barefoot Dreams throw blanket; I know they’re expensive, but y’all, they are soooooo worth it! If she’s not the stay-at-home type and prefers to be out and about, a passport holder or overnight bag might be just the gifts for her! Finally, if your mama is into all things fitness, I love the idea of getting her a new pair of running shoes or a new fitness watch; I feel like it’s something nice that she wouldn’t necessarily buy for herself!

If your mom is anything like mine, she will go to the ends of the earth to make sure you are healthy, happy and want for nothing. She is genuine and selfless and loves you through all of your mess. I love that I’m finally able to afford spoiling my mama, because lord knows she’s been spoiling me for the last 31 (almost 32) years and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon! If buying something isn’t in the cards this year, make her a handmade card that highlights all of the reasons you love/are thankful for her and watch her heart explode. These holidays aren’t just about material things, but more about showing love in whatever way you can!

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So that wraps up my Mother’s Day gift-guide post; I hope you were able to find some inspiration and I hope your upcoming Mother’s Day weekend is a happy and healthy one! Do you have any fun plans to shower your mama with love?! If so, leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

XOXO,

APRIL FAVORITES + SEPHORA VIB SALE PICKS

May 2, 2019

Happy Friday Eve, friends and welcome back! I know it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve posted but I’m back with my April Favorites & Sephora VIB Sale Picks. I thought about doing a dedicated post for the Sephora VIB sale, but since every other beauty blogger on the planet did something similar, I thought I’d just sneak it in towards the end of this post! Some of the things mentioned in the VIB section I’ve already tried, and others are in my cart to test out for the first time! So before I go off on a long, drawn-out tangent and ramble on about nothing, let’s hop into the goodies!

**Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links**

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation • Essence Pure Nude Highlighter • Clinique Cleansing Balm

Sol De Janeiro Glow Oil • Ole Henriksen Banana Primer • Eco Tools Powder Brush

St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse • Bum Bum Cream • Dr. Teals Foaming Bath

Fenty Gloss Bomb • IGK First Class Dry Shampoo • Buxom Full-On Lip Cream

Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipstick • Tree Hut Sugar Scrub • OPI Polish

Essie Gel Top Coat • Benefit Gimme-Brow • Coola Sunless Tanning Face Serum

1. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (Yukon/Vienna) – $47: I recently picked this up from Ulta with a 20% off coupon and I’m so glad that I did. It has light to medium (buildable) coverage, sits nicely on the skin and doesn’t emphasize my dry patches (praise the lord). If you’re a dry girl looking for a lightweight natural finish, give this a try!

2. Essence Pure Nude Highlighter – $4.49: If you’re looking for an inexpensive, beautiful highlight; look no further. It gives a natural ‘glowing from within’ finish to the skin and never appears chunky or glittery. For under $5 dollars, it’s a must-have!

3. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – $29.50: I know I’ve talked about this product before but it’s my favorite so I’m going to mention it again. It has a balm-like consistency (hence the name) that takes off makeup (even waterproof mascara) like a champ. It’s fragrance free, doesn’t dry me out and leaves my skin feeling nourished and clean!

4. Sol De Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Oil (Rio Sunset) – $35: This won’t be for everyone, but I really love it. With that being said, I wouldn’t wear this every day; but summertime, by the pool, vacation mode…I’m all about it. It’s not glittery or totally over-the-top (i.e., Fenty Body Lava), but it provides a nice wet(ish) sheen that compliments sun-kissed skin. If I had ONE complaint, it’s that it doesn’t dry down and set as much as I would like it to; however, despite that one gripe, I really enjoy it.

5. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer – $36: This is a newer product for me, but so far, so good! It’s hydrating, soothing and gives my skin a nice subtle glow. I find that it sits nicely under all of my foundations and works well in conjunction with my favorite pore filling primer (HERE).

6. Eco Tools Powder Brush – $8.99: This is one of the softest brushes I’ve ever used…like ever. I don’t know if I would use this to set my face, as I don’t think it would hold enough product to do what I’m looking for; however, I love to use it with my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder to give an all-over luminous finish to the skin!

7. St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse – $44: You guys know that I’m a St. Tropez self-tan kinda gal. I’ve been using the Classic Bronzing Mousse for a couple of years now but decided to give this a try because let’s be honest, sleeping in your self-tanner is annoying. It’s easy to apply, never streaky and fades really nicely (IMO) during the week. I will say, if you plan on trying this out, just know that it continues to develop for about 12 hours after you wash it off; I’m always darker on day 2!

8. Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream – $45: Y’all, I have to be honest, I was super hesitant to try this product; I mean come on, almost fifty dollars on a body cream is a bit excessive…however, here we are. This is a thick and hydrating formula that never leaves me feeling greasy, and smells like a darn dream. And maybe it’s just me, but I really feel like this has helped the firmness and elasticity of my skin. If you’ve been on the fence, maybe pick up the smaller size and give it a go!

9. Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath – $4.89: I know this isn’t what people typically think of when they think of bath products; however, this is probably my favorite liquid bubble bath on the market. I love the eucalyptus/spearmint combo and IMO, I think it has a subtle cologne scent. It’s super bubbly, soothing on the skin and works great for relaxation or muscle recovery!

10. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb (FU$$Y) – $18: You guys, I am obsessed with this gloss; it’s shimmery without being glittery and gives you ultimate shine without being overly sticky. I know nearly $20 dollars on a gloss might seem silly, but I think this 1000% worth the $$. Truth be told, I have all 3 shades and use them regularly!

11. IGK First Class Dry Shampoo – $27: In a not so shocking turn of events, I have included a dry shampoo in a favorites post! Funny story, I tried this by accident. A friend of mine was raving about an IGK dry shampoo she tried (and loved) so I went to order it and thought this was the one she was talking about…turns out, I ordered the wrong one, oops. I like to call it a happy accident because I’m obsessed. It’s my new favorite dry shampoo. It doesn’t leave a white cast, makes my hair feel cleaner while still adding a bit of grit and texture and smells great! If you’ve been on the hunt for a new one to try, pick up the travel size and give a whirl!

12. Buxom Full-On Lip Polish (Nancy) – $21: I think buxom has some of the best plumping glosses on the market. They’re slightly cooling & minty and leave a juicy look to the lips. They look great alone or on top of other lipsticks and never look thick or goopy! I mean come on, what more could you want?!

13. Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipstick (Warm & Fuzzy) – $18: You guys know that I’m not a huge matte lipstick lover; however I find these to be more of a comfort matte and never notice any dryness or separation on the lips when I wear them! They’re opaque, easy to apply (and touch-up) and have a relatively forgiving formula!

14. Tree Hut Sugar Scrub – $7.99: If you’re looking for a great sugar scrub that won’t break the bank, Tree Hut has you covered! This scent takes me directly to the beach and is perfect for prepping my skin for self-tanner! It’s gritty enough to thoroughly exfoliate my skin but not so abrasive that I have to worry about being too rough. At under $10 dollars a tub, I try and keep this stocked all year long!

15. OPI Nail Lacquer (Gelato On My Mind) – $10.50: Though I typically use KL Polish nail lacquer, they are going out of business (don’t worry, Kathleen will be back – Lights Lacquer coming 2019) so I thought I would share a different option that you can actually get your hands on! This blue shade from OPI is perfect for spring and summer, and screams beach vacation to me! It lasts on my nails about a week and takes 2 coats to reach full opacity!

16. Essie Gel Couture Top Coat – $11.50: This has been my go-to top coat for the last 6 months and I don’t see me switching things up any time soon. It’s fast drying, easy to apply and helps my polish last a solid 5-7 days with no chipping!

17. Benefit Gimme Brow – (shade 3) $24: I’ve used a slew of different brow gels over the last few months, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I love the look of a thicker, fluffier brow and find that this works great at achieving that undone but polished look! It lasts all day, never flakes off and comes in a variety of shades; I think this will continue to be my go-to product to set my brows!

18. Coola Sunless Tanning Face Serum – $54: Phew, that price tag always gives me a bit of a heart attack every time I see it; but this is my all-time favorite (and only) way to tan my face. I like to mix 2-3 drops in with my daily moisturizer to give me a gradual, longer lasting all-over glow. My face never reaches the same color as my body when it’s freshly self-tanned, but it certainly helps make up the difference and looks a lot more natural!

Replica Beach Walk • Too Faced Concealer • Marc Jacobs Highliner • Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner

Farsali Skintune Blur • Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation • Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick

Nars Orgasm Lip Tint • Marc Jacobs Lash Primer • Fenty Bronzer • Huda Desert Dusk Palette

PTR Sulfur Mask • Buxom Wanderlust Blush • Hourglass Veil Setting Powder

Hourglass Ambient Powder • Nars Blush • Laneige Lip Mask • Charlotte Tilbury Powder

1. Replica Beach Walk Perfume – $126: I’ve never owned a ‘Replica’ fragrance, but finally have one in the cart that I’m ready to try! I’m always looking for something light and airy in the summertime and have heard great things about this bad boy! If you’re not willing to drop $100+ on the full-size bottle, I totally get it and would recommend snagging the travel size/rollerball option to test it out to make sure you really like it! After all, perfume is a true investment, especially at this price point. I actually think I’m going to pick up the ‘By the Fireplace’ travel size to see if I like it for this upcoming fall/winter season!

2. Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Concealer (Cream Puff & Pearl) – $29: I’ve talked about this before but feel that it’s worth mentioning again. If you have normal/combo/dry skin and have a hard time getting Tarte’s Shape Tape to sit nicely on your under eye area, give this concealer a try. It’s full coverage (IMO), incredibly creamy and looks beautiful on the skin.

3. Marc Jacobs Highliner (Glitz Alright) – $25: I have heard loads of people rave about these eyeliners so I’m excited to see what all the hype is about! I went with the soft plum/silver glitter shade; and while I could have gone a more traditional route, I thought I would switch things up and try something a little more fun!

4. Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner (Hush Hush) – $18: I have this lip liner in multiple shades and can’t wait to pick up another! These liners are creamy and easy to apply, super opaque and work well as an all-over lip color. Bonus! – they pair great with the Buxom Full-On Lip Polishes and Lip Creams!

5. Farsali Skintune Blur Primer – $54: This is one of those super pricey items that has been in my cart for a while and I just can’t seem to pull the trigger. I’ve seen so many people use this and have great results, that I think it might be time for me to bite the bullet and give it a go! To make myself feel a little better, I think I’ll grab the mini size just to test it out and see how I like it before committing to the full $54 dollar price tag.

6. Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation (Shell / Ivory)- $46: I cannot wait to finally have this in my collection. I know so many people that use and love this foundation, that I’m just expecting it to work like a dream for me too (fingers crossed).

7. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick (Pillow Talk) – $34: Phew, that’s a high price tag for a lipstick; but it’s such a beautiful nude/mauve shade that I had to have it. It’s not the most long-wearing lipstick I’ve ever worn, but with a lip balm underneath, I find it comfortable on the lips and easy to touch-up.

8. Nars Oil Infused Lip-Tint – $26: I just want to say, I really hate some of the names that Nars uses…Anyways, this is a new product to Sephora and I absolutely love the shade so I decided to give it a try. I’m always looking for something to hydrate the lips and this seems like it will be right up my alley!

9. Marc Jacobs Velvet Lash Primer – $26: You guys know (or maybe you don’t) that I’m a ride or die Lancome Lash Primer girl, but hearing Kathleen (and everyone else) rave about this has made me REALLY want to give this product a try! It’s the same price as my Lancome Cils Booster so I want to see if it compares. Stay tuned, I’ll keep you posted!

10. Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Bronzer (Inda Sun) – $30: This bronzer is absolutely stunning. It’s matte, melts into the skin and has the nicest undertone to contour/bronze with. I was worried that it might pull a little too warm on me but it’s just right! Also, in the summer and when I’m freshly self-tanned, I can use the shade Private Island as it’s incredibly similar in color to Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer!

11. Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette – $65: This is another one of those expensive products that has been sitting in my cart for what feels like decades. The shades are absolutely gorgeous and though I know I would use it, I only have one face and don’t really NEED another eyeshadow palette. I don’t know if I’ll end up picking this up, maybe when I hit pan on a few of my other palettes, I’ll consider making the investment. Do any of you have any Huda palettes?! What are your thoughts?

12. PTR Therapeutic Sulfur Mask – $47: If you’re looking for a mud mask that clears the skin like a dream, this is it! I’ve raved about this product for years and will continue to repurchase!

13. Buxom Wanderlust Blush (Mykonos) – $22: I know these colors look a bit scary in the pan, but I promise they’re stunning when you apply them to the cheeks! They’re buttery soft with a luminous finish and last for hours on the skin!

14. Hourglass Veil Setting Powder – $46: This is another thing I’m excited to add to my collection. All my dry skin gals have raved about the way this makes their skin/makeup look, and with all of the dry-patch issues I’ve been having, I need a win when it comes to powders!

15. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Luminous Light) – $48: Phew, Hourglass knows how to break the bank (send help), am I right?! But this is such a beautiful finishing powder, that I don’t even care. It adds subtle luminosity and creates an almost angelic look to the skin! I use the Eco Tools Powder Brush to apply this to my face and y’all, I look like a dang dream!

16. Nars Blush (Orgasm) – $30: Can I mention again how much I hate these names?! But what an iconic blush shade. The peachy pink hue looks great on a variety of skin-tones, and though you can build it up to have in-your-face color, you can also get a sheer wash of color if you go in with a fluffy brush and a light hand!

17. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – $20: If you have dry lips…or even if you don’t, I think this is worth owning. I use this almost every night and find that it really helps to keep my lips moisturized and healthy!

18. Charlotte Tilbury Airbush Flawless Finish Setting Powder (Fair/Medium) – $45: I feel like I’ve talked about a slew of powders today but I’m really interested in switching things up! When it comes to packaging, CT gets a 10 out of 10 from me; it all looks and feels so luxurious! I don’t have a lot of pressed powders in my collection so I’m pumped to give this pretty little thing a try. I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts!

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So that wraps up my April Favorites and Sephora VIB Sale Picks! I hope you liked this post and found some inspiration if you’re in the market for some new beauty items! What were you loving last month?! Did you/are you shopping the Sephora sale? If so, what’s the thing you’re most excited to try? Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

XOXO,